Singapore Tourism Board strikes deals with Traveloka, Alibaba

April 16, 2019

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has struck partnerships with two major players in online travel – Indonesian unicorn startup Traveloka, fresh out of a US$420 million funding round led by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, and China’s Alibaba Group.

Both agreements cover marketing, content and consumer analytics.

With Traveloka, STB announced a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to promote the city as a preferred destination for visitors from across South-east Asia, targeting five major South-east Asian markets – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Keith Tan: more partnerships between STB and major OTAs as travel research and transactions shift online

The MoC, which was signed on the sidelines of the Tourism Industry Conference today, will cover three broad areas: information sharing, marketing campaigns and content generation.

Under the MoC, STB and Traveloka will launch at least 12 marketing campaigns across South-east Asia, and increase the volume of Singapore attractions and activities on Traveloka’s online platforms by 15 per cent. In addition, STB will provide content about Singapore to Traveloka from its Tourism Information and Services Hub.

This cross-sharing of knowledge is expected to generate new insights that will enable both entities to target South-east Asian travellers with more relevant offerings.

Keith Tan, STB’s chief executive, shared that this partnership is “part of (STB’s) overall strategy to better engage visitors from our key markets”.

“As more travel research and transactions shift online, STB will forge new partnerships with major OTAs to better meet the expectations of visitors,” he added.

Yady Guitana, head of global partnership, Traveloka, said: “The online travel market has been increasing exponentially in recent years. We are excited for this partnership as Singapore is one of the top outbound destinations from all of the South-east Asian markets that Traveloka has a strong presence in.”

Prior to this MoC, STB and Traveloka previously collaborated on a campaign in February 2019 to promote Singapore activities and attractions in Indonesia.

STB also revealed that it is in discussions for potential collaborations to promote the new Jewel Changi Airport and events such as the Great Singapore Sale, and Singapore Food Festival in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, reports say the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) is discussing an IPO with Traveloka. If this goes through, the OTA will be the first startup to go public locally.

STB on the same day also signed a three-year MoU with Alibaba Group to drive visitor arrivals and spending. Similar to scope of the MOU includes co-developing joint marketing campaigns and content, collaborating on inbound Chinese travellers analytics and insights and creating more “smart tourism experiences”.

Over the next three years, STB will work with key business units in the Alibaba ecosystem, such as Alipay, Fliggy, Youku, Damai and Alibaba Cloud, to engage Chinese visitors throughout the consumer journey and gain deeper insights into their travelling behaviour.

Ringgit intervention to bring welcome stability: M’sian tourism stakeholders

By S Puvaneswary

April 16, 2019

0

The Malaysian government is considering imposing measures to protect the ringgit, which has been sliding against the dollar, a move seen as beneficial for both inbound and outbound tourism business.

Speaking to University Malaya students recently at a Youths Ask, Tun Answers session, The Star reported the prime minister as having said that “Malaysia cannot allow the market and the ringgit to decline and depreciate further due to attacks by currency speculators”.

Ringgit stability good for business, tourism players say

During the Asian Economic Crisis in 1998, Mahathir, who was then the fourth prime minister of Malaysia, had pegged the ringgit at RM3.8 to the US dollar.

Manfred Kurz, managing director at Diethelm Travel Malaysia, said that pegging the ringgit again would benefit his longhaul inbound business from Europe where forward bookings are at an average of six months, though the company has also received bookings for summer 2020.

He shared: “We quote in US dollars because the ringgit is not tradable outside of Malaysia. We have to estimate and give a buffer on how the ringgit will develop. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. We are tour operators, not bankers.”

“Pegging the ringgit for a period of time will stabilise the currency from fluctuations and it will be easier to work with,” he opined.

Outbound agent, Stephen Thomas, managing director, Topaz Travel & Tours, agreed: “Pegging the ringgit will be good for us outbound players as we don’t have to speculate whether the ringgit will go up or down in six to 12 months time. Medium-haul holidaymakers usually book their tickets six months in advance, and those planning their trips to longhaul destinations, book 12 months or even longer.”

Uzaidi Udanis, president of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association, shared that a weaker ringgit has not resulted in a significant improvement of tourist arrivals over the last few years. He expects that fixing the ringgit would help to stabilise the economy.

He said: “If the ringgit weakens further, it can result in higher cost of hotel and tour operator services, which depend on imported food and equipment to run recreational activities and transportation.”

Yesterday, Bernama reported that the ringgit was trading higher against the US dollar in early trading on better demand as market sentiment towards the ringgit was lifted by news on the revival of the East Coast Rail Link project.

The ringgit traded at 4.10 against the US dollar, down from 4.11 against the US dollar on Friday.

Oyo gets into bed with Hotelbeds

By TTG Asia

April 16, 2019

0

Hotelbeds and Oyo Hotels & Homes have announced a strategic global distribution partnership, giving the Indian hotel giant its first deal with a bedbank.

The partnership provides Oyo with access to more than 60,000 travel buying intermediaries on the Hotelbeds platform, including tour operators, airline websites, points redemption programmes and loyalty plans from more than 140 source markets.

(From left) Oyo’s Abhinav Sinha, Hotelbeds’ Mark Redmond, and Oyo’s Maninder Gulati

Meanwhile, Hotelbeds’ clients will have access to Oyo’s portfolio of more than 18,000 franchised and leased hotels and over 10,000 homes and villas, across 10 countries – India, China, Malaysia, Nepal, the UK, the UAE, Indonesia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.

The deal covers both wholesale and retail distribution via Hotelbeds and Bedsonline.

Mark Redmond, head of global chains at Hotelbeds, commented: “Oyo Hotels & Homes is one of the most talked about hotel brands currently and is massively shaking up the entire sector. While they currently have an impressive 515,000 rooms, they’re set to increase up to one million by the end of the year and we’re looking forward to helping them find incremental and higher-yielding bookings for many of those rooms”.

SuperStar Virgo’s transformation into Explorer Dream now complete

By Pamela Chow

April 16, 2019

0

Thatcher-Brown,-Dream-Cruises-&-Crystal-Cruises-Asia — Brown: one of the ship's key roles is to address new Chinese markets

Following a US$56 million overhaul that spans on-board facilities and cabin interiors, Dream Cruises christened its newest vessel, the Explorer Dream, in Shanghai last Thursday.

The vessel – formerly the SuperStar Virgo of sister brand Star Cruises – now features 928 staterooms, including Dream Cruises’ signature ship-within-a-ship luxury commune The Palace.

Brown: one of the ship’s key roles is to address new Chinese markets

Also on board is a collection of entertainment spaces such as an arcade, games and virtual reality lounge ESC Experience Lab, the Zodiac Theatre and, the Palm Court bar and observatory.

Dining options include Asian restaurant Blue Lagoon, Seafood Grill by celebrity chef Mark Best, Mozzarella Ristorante & Pizzeria, as well as Umi Uma Sushi & Teppanyaki.

Explorer Dream will sail out of its homeport in Shanghai and Tianjin to Japan, Hong Kong and Vietnam. In October this year, the ship will cruise from Sydney and Auckland.

Thatcher Brown, president of Dream Cruises and managing director Crystal Cruises Asia, told TTG Asia that one of Explorer Dream’s “core strategic roles” is to “address new markets” emerging in China.

“We need to build awareness, excitement and loyalty in the Shanghai market right away. Bringing the rail-cruise, fly-cruise and regional driving markets into Shanghai is our first priority,” he elaborated.

Brown admitted that while cruising is increasingly popular in Asia, the industry can benefit from even greater awareness and education about the different products in the market.

At the christening ceremony, Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines, announced that Explorer Dream will chart the course for the company’s future expansion by sailing to new destinations and unlocking new markets around the globe.

Wellness hospitality pioneer in Vietnam keeps the ball rolling with more openings

By Marissa Carruthers

April 16, 2019

0

Vietnam-based Fusion hotel group is adding to the country’s burgeoning wellness hospitality market with plans to open more properties.

Since 2008, Fusion has introduced upscale resorts to emerging destinations in Vietnam, becoming the first wellness brand to invest in then-rising locations such as Phu Quoc, Cam Ranh and Danang.

To date, it employs 1,800 employees, including 300 spa therapists, across its six resorts and hotels that span a range of brands.

This includes Fusion Resorts with an all-spa exclusive service; Fusion Suites located in urban centres; and Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a sprawling project in Hue that takes in a five- and three-star resort.

Fusion’s COO, Atilla Erda, said of the group’s strategy: “Fusion saw the growing trend in wellness-inspired hospitality was not being developed in Vietnam as it was in other markets. Although there were resorts and hotels with spa services and facilities, these tended to be additional paid-for options rather than inclusive in the room price.”

Later this year, a Fusion Suites is slated to open the gateway to the emerging beach destination in the seaside city of Vung Tau in southern Vietnam. And a third property in Danang is underway.

Next year, it will launch its Fusions Originals brand with Darwin in Ho Chi Minh City. Inspired by leading scientists, artists and inventors, Fusion Originals aim to reflect the history of their namesakes in fresh and creative ways.

The group is also gearing up for the launch of Fusion Resort Quang Binh next year.

Erda said: “We have placed our focus in the right place – on Vietnam – and have chosen our ventures carefully.  Fusion has invested heavily in local manpower and knowledge. This has meant we have been able to enter specific locations that have not previously been on the map.”

Erda adds that offering inclusive spa treatments and services such as its breakfast anywhere, anytime has proved to be a “strong differentiating factor from others also operating in high-end hospitality”.

Having captured Vietnam’s wellness market, Fusion plans to continue pushing the country’s potential, planting it firmly on the regional wellness map.

Said Erda: “In the short term, we want to further develop the retreat market, refining and redefining what the idea of the wellness concept really is, taking it to exciting new levels with fresh destinations and original services.”

Singapore Flyer to unearth new Time Capsule

By TTG Asia

April 16, 2019

0

In the fourth quarter of 2019, Singapore Flyer will unveil the Time Capsule, a key part of its multi-year rejuvenation plans.

The new attraction will follow the launch of another update to the attraction last year, a multimedia in-capsule experience named Flyer 360+.

The Time Capsule at Singapore Flyer

1 of 2

Premised on the Singapore story, the Time Capsule offers a multisensory experience of the Singapore story from 700 years ago to the present, as well as a glimpse of the future.

The Singapore Flyer shared in a statement that the Time Capsule will present highlights of the nation’s inspiring moments, as well as well-known Singapore legends using immersive media. Its interactive environment will feature projection mapping, holographic technology and interactive multi-touch screens.

Ringo Leung, general manager of the Singapore Flyer, said this new component represents the first milestone in the attraction’s commitment to be an active part of the development of Singapore’s Marina Bay area in the years to come.

UNESCO ‘closely monitoring’ situation in aftermath of Notre Dame fire

By TTG Asia

April 16, 2019

0

Notre_Dame_on_fire_15042019-1_(cropped) — The culturally and historically significant landmark in Paris damaged in a fire that raged on for hours on Monday night

A fire broke out at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Monday and ravaged the UNESCO World Heritage Site for hours.

The massive fire toppled the cathedral’s iconic spire, collapsed its roof and threatened the centuries-old art and architecture inside. However, both towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral are relatively intact, Laurent Nunez, secretary to the interior minister, stated hours after the fire.

The culturally and historically significant landmark in Paris damaged in a fire that raged on for hours on Monday night

The cause of the fire is still undetermined, but officials have referred to the incident as “involuntary”.

As world leader’s show solidarity with Parisians, UNESCO’s director general Audrey Azoulay said on social media: “Deep emotion in the face of this dramatic fire at the cathedral, inscribed as a (World Heritage site) in 1991.

“UNESCO is closely monitoring the situation and is standing by France’s side to safeguard and restore this invaluable heritage.”

No deaths were reported, but at least one firefighter was injured.

Singapore’s latest crown Jewel wants to outdo other airports in experiences

By Rachel AJ Lee

April 15, 2019

0

View-of-Shiseido-Forest-Valley-and-HSBC-Rain-Vortex-from-the-South-Viewing-Deck — View of Shiseido Forest Valley and HSBC Rain Vortex from the South Viewing Deck

Airports in Asia are constantly in a race to outdo one another in the area of experiences – just look to Singapore’s Changi airport, which seeks to incorporate the functional as well as experiential aspects of airport design.

Built at a cost of S$1.7 billion (US$1.3 billion), the long-awaited Jewel Changi Airport – which will officially opens its doors come Wednesday – has its sights set in enhancing the airport experience for visitors and transit passengers, on top of being a lifestyle destination for locals.

Jewel Changi Airport

1 of 6

Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the 135,700m² complex is a multifaceted indoor destination that includes attractions such as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, lush greenery, shopping and dining concepts, as well as accommodation facilities.

Jayson Goh, managing director airport operations management, Changi Airport Group, shared: “Many airports around the world are going beyond providing an efficient service for passengers. Experience now is the (buzzword). Many airports are trying to enhance the experience for passengers, regardless of whether they are arriving, departing or visiting.

“Jewel will be a clear example of how Changi Airport is moving quickly in this area. When Terminal 4 opened last year, it had many experiential elements for passengers.”

From a tour around Jewel Changi Airport, TTG Asia observes that stores have embodied the meaning of experiential, inviting customers in to experience its brand story and spend a longer time within.

For instance, lifestyle stores such as Foot Locker opened a dedicated women’s section on its second floor, complete with sofas, magazine rack, and a pop-up nail bar. At Muji, the Japanese retail company opened an 88-seater café, inviting customers to shop, dine and linger.

“Data has told us that passengers are spending longer when transiting through airports, which is the reason why there’s a need to increase to support them and provide a comfortable, stress-free environment during their transit,” said Goh.

That is why Jewel has gone beyond duty-free shopping, napping pods and quiet rest areas for transit passengers, and is “plugging the gap” for those who have a transit time of five hours or more, as well as travellers that have to check out of their hotel room early but are only departing at night.

Goh noted: “Look at Jewel’s amenities. We have a cinema where passengers can catch a movie, or take can stroll along the Forest Valley. If you’re awake on a different timezone, there are now (a list of) things to do.”

While general operating hours of Jewel are from 10.00 to 22.00, certain tenants like Burger & Lobster and A&W remain open into the early hours of the morning.

In addition to its amenities, green elements occupy a total area of 21,000m² within the development. Jewel’s piece de resistance is the 40m-tall HSBC Rain Vortex – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall – that is surrounded by the Shiseido Forest Valley. Play attractions include the Manulife Sky Nets, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze and Discovery Slides, all of which will open later in June.

Also located within the Jewel development is YotelAir Singapore Changi Airport, an airport hotel offering flexible accommodation options ranging from four hours up to overnight stays for its 130 cabins, for those that would prefer a respite from their long journeys.

“Next time these passengers need to transit through Asia and need to choose a transit airport, (all of our airport offerings may compel) them to choose Changi Airport,” he opined.

Meanwhile, airport facilities at Jewel include an early check-in facility (up to 24 hours) for flights, and paid baggage storage service. A total of 26 airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Japan Airlines – representing 60 per cent of departing flights at Changi – offer early check-in options for passengers.

In line with the growth of Singapore as a regional cruise centre, Jewel also houses the 150-seat Changi Lounge complete with refreshments, showers and business facilities. The lounge will also provide pre-arranged transfers for passengers with connections to cruise and ferry services, where the end-to-end service will see passengers’ luggage delivered from the arrival flight to their departing vessel.

Jean Hung, CEO of Jewel Changi Airport Development, concluded: “The vision for Jewel Changi Airport is to be a destination where ‘The World meets Singapore, and Singapore meets the World’. Jewel is more than just an airport, it’s a lifestyle destination.”

Indonesia steps up pursuit of Muslim travellers

By Kurniawan Ulung

April 15, 2019

0

muslim-traveller-tebing-keraton_bandung_west-java — Muslim traveller at Tebing Keraton, West Java

Sixteen destinations in Indonesia – from Aceh to South Sulawesi – have shown a stronger commitment to developing Muslim-friendly tourism as the country seeks to double the number of Muslim travellers from last year.

At the Wonderful Indonesia Halal Tourism Meeting and Conference 2019 in Jakarta on April 9, representatives from 16 cities and provinces signed MoUs with Ni Wayan Giri Adnyani (Giri), the deputy of industry development, Indonesia Ministry of Tourism.

Muslim traveller at Tebing Keraton, West Java

These destinations are West and Central Java, Yogyakarta, Greater Malang, South Sulawesi, Tanjung Pinang, Pekanbaru, Bandung (City, Regency and West Bandung) and Cianjur. They joined five destinations which have been named Muslim-friendly earlier, Lombok, Aceh, Riau, Jakarta and West Sumatera.

Giri said that the government’s target was to attract five million Muslim foreign tourists this year, up by 48 per cent from 2.6 million last year.

Stoking confidence are increased promotions, the implementation of the Indonesia Muslim Travel Index (IMTI) for the second time this year, and the country clinching top spot as the world’s best halal tourist destination in the 2019 Mastercard-CrescentRating’s Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI).

In Indonesia, Lombok was named the best Muslim-friendly tourist destination in the IMTI followed by Aceh, Riau and Riau Islands, Jakarta and West Sumatra.

Lombok has been “very committed” to prioritising the Muslim market. “They have done a lot of work in term of educating people in the industry. They also have done outreach programmes to promote Muslim-friendly tourist destinations,” explained Fazal Bahardeen, the CEO of CrescentRating and HalalTrip, which released the index.

He said that his company made the assessment in July and December last year and January this year with three key measures, namely access, environment and service. Access comprises visa requirements, air connectivity, transport infrastructure, and communication. The environment indicator is a measurement of safety and culture, while service relates to halal food and Muslim-friendly hotel and airports.

Bahardeen said that he had seen a lot of improvement in infrastructure in Indonesia, which resulted in better connectivity. He hoped that the top position that Indonesia already got would motivate the government and business players in the tourism industry to stay consistent in developing its Muslim-friendly tourist destinations across the archipelago.

HPL acquires Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa

By Feizal Samath

April 15, 2019

0

Weligama-Bay-Marriott-Resort-&-Spa — Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

Singapore-based Hotel Properties’ (HPL) wholly-owned subsidiary HPL Properties (West Asia) (HPLPWA) has acquired 100 per cent of a five-star Marriott hotel from its Sri Lankan owner for US$22.6 million.

HPLPWA bought the 198-key Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa, located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, from Sri Lanka’s East West Properties and Asia 2000 Investment.

This marks HPL’s second purchase in the Sri Lankan leisure market in less than a year, after it acquired a 94.7 per cent stake in the 35-key Tangalle Bay Hotel owned by Sri Lanka’s Tangalle Bay Hotels for 385 million Sri Lankan rupees (US$2.2 million) in August 2018.

HPL says it has interest in 32 hotels under hospitality brands such as Four Seasons, Hilton International, Como Hotels, InterContinental Hotels Group and Six Senses Hotels.

In addition, the group also manages its own portfolio of hotels under established brands such as Hard Rock Hotels and Concorde Hotels & Resorts. Including Sri Lanka, the group owns hotels, resorts and shopping galleries in 13 countries namely Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Vanuatu, Bhutan, Tanzania, South Africa, Vietnam, the US, and UK.

HPL investment was welcomed by members of the local industry interviewed, who believe that big, global names entering the Sri Lankan leisure space will increase the country’s profile internationally.

“It is a welcome development to have such big names in the industry here. It would also help in marketing the destination because HPL will do its own international marketing,” said Mahen Kariyawasam, managing director of Andrews Travels and past president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators.

Singapore Tourism Board strikes deals with Traveloka, Alibaba

Ringgit intervention to bring welcome stability: M’sian tourism stakeholders

Oyo gets into bed with Hotelbeds

SuperStar Virgo’s transformation into Explorer Dream now complete

Wellness hospitality pioneer in Vietnam keeps the ball rolling with more openings

Singapore Flyer to unearth new Time Capsule

UNESCO ‘closely monitoring’ situation in aftermath of Notre Dame fire

Singapore’s latest crown Jewel wants to outdo other airports in experiences

Indonesia steps up pursuit of Muslim travellers

HPL acquires Weligama Bay Marriott Resort and Spa

Tried and Tested

Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

What to Buy Now

All aboard for a heritage train experience