Tokyo dethrones Bangkok as top CNY destination for Asians

February 13, 2018

tokyo-shibuya — Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka made top 10

Tokyo has come out tops in a ranking of Chinese New Year (CNY) destinations for Asian travellers in 2018, overtaking Bangkok which has held the title for the last two years, according to agoda.

Other destinations that slipped down the rankings include Singapore and Chiang Mai, which respectively fell from third place in 2016 to eighth this year, and seventh to 12^th.

Japan took three of the top 10 spots, with Kyoto making an entry for the first time and Osaka moving up from ninth place in 2016 to third this year.

Although Tokyo is attracting the most travellers from across Asia, agoda’s booking data showed 70 per cent of Japanese choosing to go overseas for CNY, with Bangkok, Seoul and Pattaya their top overseas picks. Those choosing to travel locally are heading to Tokyo, Osaka and Okinawa.

Singaporeans favour nearby South-east Asian destinations, which make up eight of the top 10 destinations year on year. Batam Island, Bangkok and Johor Bahru have held the top three spots for CNY travel since 2016. Tokyo ranks seventh for Singaporeans, followed by Taipei in eighth place.

Looking at Malaysians travelling this CNY, agoda noted a marked preference for celebrating in their own backyard, with eight out of the top 10 hot spots domestic destinations. Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Penang have held the top three spots since 2016.Thailand is the only foreign country to make the top 10 in 2018, with Bangkok and Hat Yai coming in fourth and fifth respectively.

Similarly, a majority of Indonesians (65 per cent) opt for holidays at home. The top three domestic destinations this year are Bandung, Bali and Yogyakarta. For those seeking adventure off-shore Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Tokyo are the top international destinations.

Meanwhile, for mainland Chinese travellers, Hong Kong wrestles back the top spot from Bangkok which slipped to third place in the market this CNY. Thailand’s popularity among Chinese travellers is notable, with three destinations – Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket – making an appearance in the market’s top five.

What’s new at Disney Parks around the world

By TTG Asia

February 13, 2018

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Image_HKDL_Marvel_Attraction_1 — Artist impression of new Marvel attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland (photo credit: Disney, Marvel)

Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar magic abound as Disney Parks and Resorts announces new attractions around the world at the D23 Expo Japan 2018.

After the Iron Man Experience was launched in Hong Kong Disneyland, it was yesterday announced that an entire Marvel-themed area is now on its way to the park. Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Bob Chapek, revealed that the second new Marvel attraction will invite guests to “team up with Ant-Man and The Wasp to fight Arnim Zola and his army of Hydra swarm bots”.

Artist impression of new Marvel attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland (photo credit: Disney, Marvel)

More larger-than-life superhero adventures await, with Chapek sharing that the Marvel Super Hero universe will come to Paris’ Walt Disney Studios Park, and the existing Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be reimagined featuring Iron Man and Avengers.

Fans in Japan also got a peek into one of the rooms that will open at Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel in 2020, while buzz builds around Star-Lord and his fellow Guardians of the Galaxy making their way to Epcot.

In Japan, Tokyo Disney Resort is looking forward to its biggest expansion since the opening of Tokyo DisneySea. The first-ever attraction inspired by Big Hero 6 will launch at Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland, and a Beauty and the Beast-themed area will be added to Fantasyland.

The Fantasyland expansion will also include the first full-scale, live entertainment theatre at Tokyo Disneyland, while Toontown will see a new design studio where guests can meet Minnie Mouse. At Tokyo DisneySea, guests will soon be able to experience a version of Soarin’, one of the most popular attractions across all Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

More details on the hyped Star Wars-themed hotel concept have also been revealed. The hotel will combine a luxury resort with an authentic Star Wars story at Walt Disney World Resort, and Chapek yesterday announced this will be connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney has also dubbed 2018 the “Year of Pixar” at Disney parks, with Toy Story Land opening at Shanghai Disney Resort in April, and at Walt Disney World Resort this summer.

Disney announced yesterday that Pixar Pier will open at Disney California Adventure on June 23, including the Incredicoaster and a future attraction themed to Disney•Pixar’s Inside Out. Fans also learned that a new Incredibles float will join Paint the Night this June. The popular parade returns to the Disneyland Resort – this time to Disney California Adventure – when Pixar Fest launches on April 13.

Just in time for the 20^th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, a new, family-friendly show will debut April 22, featuring Russell and Dug from Disney•Pixar’s Up, as they discover species of birds from around the world.

No checks for Singaporeans connecting at Schiphol

By TTG Asia

February 13, 2018

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schiphol-airport-amsterdam — Singaporeans transiting at Schiphol Airport, and soon more airports in Europe, will not be required to clear security checks

As part of the first One Stop Security (OSS) arrangement between Europe and an Asian nation, Singaporeans will no longer have to go through security checks when transiting at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, reports the Singapore’s Straits Times.

Under OSS, passengers, their checked luggage and hand-carry items will not be screened at the point of transit.

Singaporeans transiting at Schiphol Airport, and soon more airports in Europe, will not be required to clear security checks

The plan is to progressively add other airports such as London and Frankfurt to the scheme, according to the Straits Times.

Singapore’s Ministry of Transport signed the arrangement with the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport of European Commission (EC DG-MOVE) on the sidelines of the Singapore Airshow last week.

Apart from facilitating transit for passengers and improving efficiency for airlines, MOT said the move also “affirms the commitment between Singapore and the European Commission to strengthen international co-operation (and) enhance civil aviation security as well as passenger, airline and airport facilitation in line with relevant international standards”.

AMEX GBT makes move on Hogg Robinson Group

By TTG Asia

February 13, 2018

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Global travel management company American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has announced that it will acquire Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) PLC, a global B2B services company specialising in travel management.

The combined acquisition is expected to accelerate growth by utilising complementary footprints and solutions to provide additional benefits to clients; combine two advanced travel technology and development platforms to create better products and services to serve clients and travellers; deliver synergies through cost savings and scale benefits; and maximise efficiencies across the business.

The combined American Express Global Business Travel and Hogg Robinson Group would create a powerhouse in corporate travel

Doug Anderson, CEO of American Express GBT, said in a statement: “The complementary geographical footprints of each company will improve the global scale and reach of our business, enabling us to achieve efficiencies across a best-in-class platform and accelerate growth. The technology roadmaps of each business provide a powerful platform from which to drive future innovation.

“We will deliver a superior client and traveller experience through fully-integrated travel management solutions, including booking and expense management products.”

The acquisition is conditioned on receipt of antitrust and other regulatory approvals and is expected to close in 2Q2018.

Miki Travel shows appreciation to agents

By TTG Asia

February 13, 2018

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Miki_Travel_Photo_4 — Miki Travel executives with Philippine agents

Miki Travel’s Asia Division last week organised a party in Manila for Philippine travel agents and awarded its outstanding partners in outbound travel to Europe. The Japan-based DMC also presented a lifetime achievement award to Adam’s Express Travel president and founder, Mamerto Banatin, for his contribution in tapping tours to Europe.

Miki Travel executives with Philippine agents

Oliver Dudler heads two Raffles hotels in Cambodia

By TTG Asia

February 13, 2018

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Raffles Cambodia has appointed Oliver Dudler as cluster general manager of the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap.

Prior to joining Raffles Cambodia, Dudler was with Raffles & Fairmont Makati Manila.

The Swiss national brings with him over 20 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. Previous appointments include management roles with The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Beijing and The Peninsula Manila.

Myanmar jubilant as Asian arrivals swell

By Marissa Carruthers

February 12, 2018

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inle-lake-local-with-thanaka — Uptrend in part due to visa relaxation policies

After seeing a staggering 109 per cent increase in visitors from Asia in 2017 over 2016, Myanmar has pledged to pump up its marketing efforts in the region going ahead.

Myanmar minister of hotels and tourism, Ohn Maung, said a visa waiver that has been in place for almost a year to the majority of South-east Asian citizens has led to a 13 per cent year-on-year increase in arrivals from the nations at Yangon International Airport.

Uptrend in part due to visa relaxation policies

Vietnam arrivals saw the largest increase at 75 per cent, followed by the Philippines (+62 per cent) and Singapore (+20 per cent). China and Thailand remained the top source markets, contributing more than 230,000 and 140,000 visitors respectively in 2017.

Ohn flagged up target markets such as Japan, China, India and South-east Asian countries. “We see these are the markets the growth is coming from at the moment,” he expained.

Thomas Carnevale, managing director of Asia Trails Tour Myanmar, noted a rise in enquiries to the country from the Asian market, especially with short stays and last-minute trips.

He also noted a jump in the number of Asian customers following the company on social media channels, with the main markets being the Philippines, Indonesia and Indochina region.

Cinn Tan, chief sales and marketing officer of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, which operates Pan Pacific Yangon, Parkroyal Yangon and Parkroyal Nay Pyi Taw, said Asia as a market is becoming increasingly important, with a rise in Thais taking annual pilgrimages to the country’s temples. More Indians and Chinese are visiting Myanmar to explore business opportunities.

While Asia will be a strong focus, Ohn said they aim to see an increase in Western tourists. This is being achieved through social media campaigns and a series of fam trips.

Short-term rentals threaten survival of budget hotels in Malaysia

By S Puvaneswary

February 12, 2018

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Increased competition from Airbnb is taking a toll on the occupancies of budget hotels in Malaysia, raising concerns over the viability of lower-tier accommodation providers in the formal economy.

Alongside declining arrivals into Malaysia last year, competition from Airbnb, which are not required to pay taxes and comply to government regulations, are reasons why budget hotels have a tough time surviving, Malaysia Budget Hotel Association president PK Leong said.

Budget hotels in Malaysia are doing what they can to keep their head above the water as arrivals dip

He revealed that year-on-year business revenue of the budget hotel sector had dropped by some 20 per cent in 2017 from the preceding year.

At the same time, tourist arrivals into the country declined 2.5 per cent to 21.5 million from January to October 2017.

He said that in reaction to the lack of business, hotels have engaged in price wars.”We are down to the bones, and there is no indication of (the situation) improving in 2018.”

It is increasingly difficult for budget hotels to survive, noted Leong. “In 2012, we needed about 55 per cent average room occupancy to break even,” he said. “Today, we need around 65 to 70 per cent as operating costs have increased. The two biggest costs for hotel operation is salaries and electricity bills.”

To cope, some hotels have had to close 50 per cent of their rooms and retrench employees, he said, adding that some 10 budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur ceased operations last year as they were making losses.

Meanwhile, Emmy Suraya Hussein, general manager at Seri Malaysia Hotel Genting, said hotel occupancy had plunged from 80 per cent when Genting outdoor theme park ceased operations in 2013 to the current levels of between 50 to 60 per cent. “We can still cover operating costs but profits are much lower,” she said.

“Our marketing strategy now is to capitalise on the Genting Premium Outlets (a 10-minute drive from the hotel) that opened last year by creating special weekday packages.”

Russian passenger jet crashes near Moscow

By TTG Asia

February 12, 2018

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A Russian plane carrying 71 people crashed into snowy terrain shortly after take-off from Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, killing all people on board, according to news reports.

Flight 703 was operated by the domestic Saratov Airlines and was headed for Orsk, a city in the Ural mountains near the border with Kazakhstan.

The Antonov An-148 aircraft was carrying 65 passengers, including at least three children, and six crew members, the Russian news agency Interfax said.

There were no survivors, Moscow’s regional transportation prosecutor-general confirmed.

The cause of the crash remains uncertain. Russia’s Investigative Committee said all possible causes of the crash would be considered, including weather conditions as the country has experienced record snowfall in recent weeks.

Marriott expands South Asia footprint with Samhi Hotels

By TTG Asia

February 12, 2018

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Fairfield-by-Marriott-Coimbatore — Fairfield by Marriott Coimbatore, one of the properties currently operational under Samhi

Marriott International has signed a five-hotel conversion deal with Samhi Hotels to grow its upper-midscale tier Fairfield by Marriott brand in India.

The addition of these properties will add a combined total of 583 new rooms in Chennai, Pune, Goa, Delhi and Bengaluru.

Fairfield by Marriott Coimbatore, one of the properties currently operational under Samhi

“With the conversion of these five hotels to Fairfield by Marriott, Samhi Hotels will now have 14 hotels managed by Marriott International across a range of our brands in India as we look at further expanding across the country,” said Paul Foskey, Marriott International’s chief development officer in Asia-Pacific, in a statement.

Neeraj Govil, area vice president, South Asia for Marriott International added: “We (will) continue to focus on growing our portfolio of upper-midscale hotels in India as we foresee immense growth opportunity in this segment, fuelled by an increasing number of travellers opting for hotels positioned in this tier to cater to their business and leisure needs.”

The Fairfield by Marriott brand has nine hotels currently open across India since it debuted in 2013. In addition to 10 operational Fairfield Hotels in South Asia, there are an additional 13 in the pipeline, including these five conversions with Samhi, taking the total count to 23 Fairfield by Marriott hotels in the region.

Tokyo dethrones Bangkok as top CNY destination for Asians

What’s new at Disney Parks around the world

No checks for Singaporeans connecting at Schiphol

AMEX GBT makes move on Hogg Robinson Group

Miki Travel shows appreciation to agents

Oliver Dudler heads two Raffles hotels in Cambodia

Myanmar jubilant as Asian arrivals swell

Short-term rentals threaten survival of budget hotels in Malaysia

Russian passenger jet crashes near Moscow

Marriott expands South Asia footprint with Samhi Hotels

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