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Mekong programme selects 10 tourism startups for accelerator, market access support

By TTG Asia
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2018 MIST Bootcamp conference, which took place in Ho Chi Minh City on May 21, 2018

The Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism (MIST) – which features a startup accelerator and a separate market access programme – will support 10 innovative travel and hospitality companies this year.

Launched two years ago, the innovation programme aims to identify and support high-growth travel and hospitality businesses that have potential to contribute positively to local communities, economies, and the environment. It is jointly supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Australian government and six-government Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MCTO).

2018 MIST Bootcamp conference, which took place in Ho Chi Minh City on May 21, 2018

Five local entrepreneurs from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam earned spots in the MIST Startup Accelerator programme, which teaches business fundamentals to early-stage travel and hospitality startups.

The five startups are: BambooLao (Laos), which produces reusable bamboo straws; Ecohost (Vietnam), which aims to improve local homestay management and activities; Go Explore (Vietnam), which organises “workation” programmes aimed at international and domestic remote workers; Sidesbag (Cambodia), which enables airline passengers to purchase luggage allowance from fellow travellers; and VDEs (Vietnam), which connects event planners with event venues.

The Startup Accelerator finalists will reconvene in October, concurrent with ITB Asia in Singapore, to compete for innovation grants up to US$10,000.

MIST has also selected five companies to join its Market Access programme, which invites innovators from around the world to solve tourism and hospitality industry challenges in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The programme helps innovators clear market entry obstacles, form local partnerships and secure financing for proof-of-concept pilots.

The five companies chosen are: Adventoro, a bookable directory of bucket-list worthy activities including whitewater rafting, jungle treks and diving excursions; DidaTravel Technology, which offers backend technology for hotel booking, providing real-time inventory and rates; hereO, creator of the heroO GPS watch for kids, and offers plug-and-play IoT technology; Moneybay, which provides a digital cross-border currency exchange platform; and Monkey Theory, which offers branded sporting events.

“There is no doubt that technology is rapidly transforming travel. The trick is to harness and accelerate innovative business models that also positively transform lives, communities and the natural environment,” said Jens Thraenhart, executive director of MCTO.

“MIST has received more than 350 applications from all over the world, demonstrating the GMS’ dynamism as a destination and its attractiveness to innovators,” added Dominic Mellor, senior investment advisor for the ADB.

Exo Travel announces trio of appointments

By TTG Asia
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(From left) De Martimprey, Madin and Salsini

Exo Travel has recently made three new appointments, naming Sara Salsini as Malaysia general manager, Harold de Martimprey as Cambodia general manager and Nichole Madin as sales manager, Australasia.

Salsini will head the Exo team in Malaysia, backed by her substantial experience in the travel industry in roles spanning operations and sales to product development. Previously Asian Trails’ Malaysia general manager, she has called the country home for more than seven years.

(From left) De Martimprey, Madin and Salsini

De Martimprey joins Exo Travel from his most recent position as Hanuman Travel Cambodia general manager. Having first stepped foot in Cambodia in 2009, he has worked with community-based ecotourism initiatives and a number of tour operators that help to hone his specialities in ecotourism and responsible travel.

Madin, in her new role, will be supporting Exo’s trade partners across Australia and New Zealand. Her tourism career spans 25 years, having spent time in wholesale and retail travel companies, airlines, hotels and DMCs. Madin was most recently the director of sales and marketing for Trails of Indochina in Australia and New Zealand.

WebBeds treats M’sian agents to official movie premiere

By TTG Asia
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Scene from The Accidental Detective 2: In Action, an action-comedy sequel starring Kwon Sang-woo, Sung Dong-il and Lee Kwang-soo
Scene from The Accidental Detective 2: In Action, an action-comedy sequel starring Kwon Sang-woo, Sung Dong-il and Lee Kwang-soo

The WebBeds Asia Pacific team is taking its Malaysian travel agency partners to the movies, in partnership with Korean entertainment company CJ Entertainment and Malaysian film distributor ATriNaga.

Through this tie-up, WebBeds’ clients in Malaysia can win an exclusive invitation to the official premiere of Korean box office hit The Accidental Detective 2: In Action, taking place July 10, 21.00 at TGV Cinemas, Sunway Pyramid.

To enter the contest and stand to win a pair of tickets, visit www.webbedsapac.com/blog/2018/06/malaysia-exclusive. The competition is open to all WebBeds travel agency clients in Malaysia. Entries close on July 5.

New platform launched to sell Thailand tours and activities to Indian tourists

By TTG Asia
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ToastTicket a response to post-demonetisation India and FIT trend

Thai Destination, which operates in the Indian outbound market, has launched ToastTicket.com to respond to India’s move towards a cashless society and the global trend towards independent travel.

The ToastTicket.com platform helps travellers plan their trips to Thailand by browsing and booking tickets for activities and attractions such as waterparks and performances.

ToastTicket a response to post-demonetisation India and FIT trend

The platform also offers a special selection of day and multi-day tour packages to destinations like Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Designed by Singapore travel technology firm Smart Travel Global, the web application allows travellers to access information on activities and adjust their travel plans and itineraries, with options to cancel the booking within 24 hours and to instantly make payment via smartphones.

Natwalai Niankhao, CEO of Thai Destination and Smart Travel Global PTE, is confident of the continued growth of Indian outbound travel, which numbered 20 million in 2017. Of these, seven per cent travelled to Thailand.

While the Indian market is still “not popular for travel business operators” in the destination, Thai Destination said in a statement that it expects the technology, worth nearly 10 million baht (US$303,301) in investments, to enhance the company’s fully integrated travel services and eventually triple the total revenue.

Natwalai said: “We have been operating in the Indian market for more than nine years, so we understand the needs and behaviours of Indian consumers. Moreover, Thailand remains one of the top destinations for Indian travellers and there is tremendous room to grow more.”

Radisson, Hainan Airlines launch loyalty programme partnership

By TTG Asia
0

Radisson Hotel Group and Hainan Airlines, both part of the HNA Group family of brands, are deepening their relationship with a new loyalty programme partnership.

To kick off this partnership, members of Radisson Rewards, the global rewards programme from Radisson Hotel Group, will be able to redeem their points for flights with Hainan Airlines and nine other carriers under the Fortune Wings Club frequent flyer programme.

Radisson Hotel Dakar Diamniadio, Senegal

Radisson Rewards members will now be able to exchange Radisson Rewards points for Fortune Wings points. Moreover, Fortune Wing Club members who are guests at Radisson Hotel Group’s global collection of 1,100+ properties can redeem their earned Radisson Rewards points for free flights on Hainan partner airlines, free room nights, gift cards and more.

Under the loyalty partnership, 10 Radisson Rewards points are equivalent to one Fortune Wings point, with the minimum redemption being 2,000 Radisson Rewards points, which converts to 200 Fortune Wings points.

The partnership will be promoted via both companies’ marketing and social media channels, including WeChat and Weibo.

Jambuluwuk Oceano Seminyak Hotel Bali

By TTG Asia
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Deluxe Premier room
Deluxe Premier room

Location
The six-storey, 138-key hotel is located on Jalan Petitenget, an area lined with some of Bali’s most famous restaurants and bars, spas and chic boutiques.

Rooms
There are six room categories. I stayed in a 40m2 Deluxe Premier room, which was one of the few in its category with direct pool access. The full-length glass windows and doors leading to the swimming pool area afforded a full view of the hotel’s garden and waterfall as well.

The room’s layout – with a mini living room and working corner – made me feel at home. There are also two TV sets, and guests can enjoy screentime from the sofa or in bed. The artistic décor offer guests a sense of place that they are in Bali.

F&B
The Clubhouse is located on the hotel’s rooftop, and offers both a breakfast buffet, and a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. The Clubhouse also serves artisan coffee featuring local brews from Aceh, Toraja, Bali and Sumatra.

The breakfast spread has a good mix of Indonesian and international dishes. The beef soto – flavourful beef vermicelli soup served piping hot – was my favourite among the Indonesian dishes.

During lunch, I tried Jambuluwuk’s signature Sego Luwuk, a set dish comprising coconut rice, beef rendang, and sautéed papaya leaves and clams in sambal sauce. Small in package but big in taste, this scrumptious dish filled me up.

Besides The Clubhouse, the hotel has two other F&B venues. In the lobby is the Croustille Artisan Bakery selling cupcakes, croissants and Danish pastries.

Next door is Frestro & Bar. The restaurant’s menu is international, and focuses on organic products from local farms. My dinner of coffee wood smoked quail was delicious. I could taste the smoky flavour at first bite, and the stuffing was so savoury and juicy at the same time.

Rooftop pool

Facilities
Besides the swimming pool on the ground floor, the hotel has another pool on the rooftop with a deck and sunbathing area. Also on the rooftop is a gym and spa. Other facilities include a lounge, kid’s club, and two meeting spaces which can hold up to 120 pax theatre-style.

Service
Generally great. My check-in process was speedy, and the hotel staff are friendly and efficient.

When I had a problem with my TV set, the technician came very quickly to fix the remote. When I needed to dress a small cut, housekeeping brought me a band aid, Betadine, and cotton in a blitz.

I also enjoyed the spa service, where I indulged in a head and shoulder massage, as well as a manicure and pedicure.

Verdict
A cosy and well designed hotel, with a great location and facilities to boot.

No. of rooms 138
Rates From US$90
Contact details
Tel: (62) 877 800 40080 or (62) 812 399 9969
Email: rsv.seminyak@jambuluwuk.com

Finally, Thailand comes out of closet and rolls out carpet for LGBT travellers

By Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
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Thailand wants to be 'model' destination for LGBT+ tourism

Long perceived as a top destination for LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual plus) travellers in Asia, Thailand has quietly been pursuing this niche market segment but it is only this year that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is openly coming out to target the pink dollar.

Such is the interest that TAT is now giving to the niche sector that it has spearheaded the first LGBT+ Travel Symposium: Thailand in Bangkok, in addition to being the presenting LGBT partner at ITB Berlin 2018 earlier this year.

Thailand wants to be a model destination for LGBT+ tourism

The LGBT+ Travel Symposium: Thailand was a two-day networking and educational event that took place at So Sofitel Bangkok on June 29-30, bringing together 55 LGBT+ travel buyers and media from around the world to meet with the Thai travel trade to exchange insights on the best practices in sales, marketing and operations to reach the LGBT+ market worldwide.

Speaking at the LGBT+ Travel Symposium last Friday, Srisuda Wanapinyosak, TAT’s deputy governor of Europe, Middle East, Asia and the America’s Marketing Group, said: “We have been watching the LGBT+ segment with great interest in the last decade. Our aim is to see exponential growth in Thailand as a LGBT+ destination, and we hope to be a model for this segment.”

Encouraging inclusive tourism is a key etho of the TAT, as Thailand is regarded by the LGBT community as a “safe, tolerant and respectful” destination, Srisuda pointed out. “Our mission is to position Thailand as a preferred destination to experience diversity.

TAT’s Srisuda Wanapinyosak (in pink dress; front row) and PATA’s Mario Hardy (far left) pose with speakers and participants at the symposium

“We are proud that LGBT travellers can stay anywhere in Thailand with a complete peace of mind. Our kingdom is open to every possible shade under the rainbow,” she added, a reference to the TAT’s latest Open to the New Shades campaign, which encourages all types of travellers to discover the diversity in experiences in Thailand.

There’s an economic incentive to this niche segment, of course. Underscoring the importance of this lucrative segment to Thailand, Uwern Jong, editor-in-chief of luxury travel magazine for gay people OutThere and LGBT+ travel ambassador for the TAT, stated: “The total global value of LGBT+ travel is reported at US$200 billion dollars; it grows at an average of eight per cent year-on-year when mainstream travel grows at just 3.8 per cent. LGBT+ people made an estimated 81 million journeys last year.

“Demographically, they earn 22 per cent more than their straight counterparts and on average they spend 55 per cent more on travel, so it’s easy to see that the LGBT+ sector makes a dynamic and influential contribution to the global economy – and it is crucial (as a market) for Thailand,” Jong stressed.

According to Peter Jordan, founder of tourism market intelligence provider Gen C Traveller, the LGBT+ tourism market is not only seeing “increasing visibility”, it is also seeing “increased diversification in products, destinations and events”.

More organisations are starting to take an interest in the LGBT+ sector as a result, which is apparent in UNWTO’s Global Report on LGBT Tourism developed in collaboration with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), for which Jordan has been commissioned as author for the first two editions.

He believes these reports not only mark “a true milestone” for global tourism but also “demonstrates recognition and credibility for the LGBT+ market at the highest level of tourism policymaking”, he added. Soon to be released is the new European Travel Commission and IGLTA joint research Handbook on LGBTQ Tourism in Europe.

The LGBT+ sector is also of interest to PATA, which had entered into an organisational partnership with IGLTA since 2015, shared the organisation’s chief executive Mario Hardy.

But despite a significant shift in societal attitudes towards greater acceptance of LGBT+ people in the last decade, Hardy recognises that this remains “a sensitive topic” and is even taboo in some parts of Asia.

“There is still a lot of work to be done,” he reminded, urging travel sellers to display greater inclusivity and respect to LGBT+ travellers. Simple gestures such as doing away with ‘his & hers‘ slippers or having gender-neutral bathrooms will go a long way in making this group of travellers feel welcomed.

Sabre makes Abdul Iyer regional director of SE Asia

By TTG Asia
0

Sabre Corporation has appointed Abdul Iyer as regional director, South-east Asia.

In his new role, Abdul will oversee business development activities, drive sales and support joint venture market sales initiatives in the Indochina region, including Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

Having joined Sabre in 2008, Abdul has taken on several roles leading consulting, strategic planning and conversion sales. He also led efforts to secure top accounts in South and South-east Asia while spearheading strategic business development for the global travel technology company.

Prior to joining Sabre, Iyer was senior consultant at Ernst & Young and managed projects across multiple industries.

Marked increase in India’s visa fees could deter M’sians from visiting

By S Puvaneswary
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India has hiked the tourist visa fees for Malaysians to RM462.60 (US$156.30) since July 1, leading some trade members to speculate that leisure outbound interest to the destination may suffer.

The fee hike will also come with an increased stay period covered by the multi-entry visa, from the existing six months (at a price of RM194.60) to a year.

Malaysia’s outbound travellers may be more inclined to visit other countries in lieu of visa hike

On June 25, the eVisa fee was also increased from US$50 to US$80, valid for 120 days.

Anand Arun, development director at Anand Travels, said the sudden increase in visa fee caught the travel trade by surprise.

He shared: “It will definitely have an impact on Malaysian families travelling to India during the peak year-end travel period. Sri Lanka and Nepal stand to gain as their visa fees are much cheaper. It costs only RM95 for 15-day single-entry visa to Nepal.”

K Thangavelu, president, Malaysian Indian Tour & Travel Association (MITTA), expects the new visa application fee to deter Malaysians who intend to visit India once for sightseeing and who are not regular visitors.

He added: “Book early and you can get low-cost flights to Indian cities to Tiruchirappalli and Kochi for less than the visa price.”

Together with other travel associations in Malaysia, MITTA plans to meet with the Indian High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur to request for the earlier fee of 194.60 ringgit to be reinstated.

The processing fee was raised to RM457 on April 1, 2017, Thangavelu shared, but after talks between MITTA and the Indian High Commissioner to Kuala Lumpur, the previous fee of RM194.60 was reinstated.

Latest airport closure becomes a litmus test for Bali’s crisis readiness

By Mimi Hudoyo
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Flights starting to resume at Ngurah Rai, but Lombok airport now closed

The Mount Agung eruption that caused the abrupt closure of Ngurah Rai International Airport last Friday was a litmus test for the Balinese travel trade’s readiness in crisis management, as the incident took place as the island was hosting the annual Bali and Beyond Travel Fair (BBTF) 2018.

But it was clearly business as usual for the Balinese travel industry, TTG Asia observed on the BBTF show floor, with buyers and sellers continuing their meetings since morning.

Ngurah Rai International Airport reopened on Friday at around 14.30 and was back in full swing by Saturday

While a couple of the sellers expressed concerns over the impacts on business should the closure persists, several international buyers TTG Asia spoke to played down the ash threat.

Amy Foss, director of Smarago Reizen in The Netherlands, was one unperturbed buyer at BBTF. “ Natural disasters happen and no one can predict them,” she said. “The last time Mount Agung erupted (November 2017) did not dampen the interest of our clients to travel here.”

Rob Haynes, director of Red Tree UK, commented: “I think the travel industry here is used to something like this. They know how to handle the clients, providing the (vital) information but without giving too much to scare them.”

As a travel industry executive, Karine Hosana, owner and manager of Travel Truck France, said she was “personally not concerned” with the airport closure but clients, should they be travelling in Bali when they face such situations, might have more concerns.

What clients need under such circumstances, according to the Balinese operators, are someone to take care of them, give them directions and ease their concerns.

I Made Badra, the regent of Badung – where Ngurah Rai Airport and the major tourist attractions in Bali are located – said: “We have had a standing mitigation procedure if and when a natural disaster takes place, and it has been effected today (last Friday).

“A total of 191 stranded passengers were transported by bus to Surabaya and (by fast boat) to Lombok to catch flights from there. The free transfer includes one meal on the way. We also provide one-night free accommodation with breakfast for stranded passengers staying in Bali.”

Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport was reopened on Friday afternoon at around 14.30 and resumed normal operations by Saturday morning.

The temporary closure sparked the cancellation of 446 flights, comprising 239 domestic and 207 international. Thousands of tourists were stranded on the Indonesian resort island, and Badung Regency estimated a loss of a business volume of 75,000 pax due to the closure.

Additional reporting by Tiara Maharani

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGassociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | UAE skies reopen, impact yet to be seen
TTG Asia | Sands China rolls out second phase of Rua das Estalagens revitalisation programme
TTG Asia | Preferred Hotels & Resorts grows portfolio with 20 properties in 1Q2026