Connectivity arms race heats up as TripAdvisor and Booking Holdings seize tour tech firms

April 24, 2018

tripadvisor-boston — TripAdvisor and Booking Holdings have each acquired software providers for tours and activities bookings

Competition is revving up in the tours technology space as online giants TripAdvisor and Booking Holdings respectively acquired Bokun and FareHarbor to expand beyond their core offerings.

The acquisition of Bokun, an Iceland-based business management software for tours, attractions and experiences suppliers, will enable TripAdvisor to expand its offering by “providing suppliers with technical solutions”.

TripAdvisor and Booking Holdings have each acquired software providers for tours and activities bookings

Dermot Halpin, president, TripAdvisor Experiences and Rentals, commented in a statement: “Our opportunity in this space is enormous. We’re committed to taking the experiences sector far beyond its current online penetration of just 20 per cent, and Bokun will play a critical role in this mission.”

TripAdvisor will slash the pricing of Bokun’s product from its monthly subscriptions of €100 (US$122) to “a fraction of a per cent per booking” in the near term, making it far under the industry standard of five to six per cent, it revealed in the press release.

This latest move will signify “a new phase” for TripAdvisor as its seeks to grow beyond our core offering as a distribution channel, Halpin remarked, adding that Bokun is expected to simplify distribution for suppliers and dramatically improve the shopping experience for travellers.

Bokun will remain based in Iceland, with immediate plans to expand the team. Terms of the acquisition are not disclosed.

Meanwhile, TripAdvisor’s latest move reflects similar aspirations of Booking Holdings, which last Thursday announced the acquisition of Denver-based activities and experiences booking software provider FareHarbor.

“Today travel is fueled by technology, yet the local experiences and attractions marketplace is still largely offline,” said Gillian Tans, CEO of Booking.com in a statement.

“We see an immense opportunity to leverage this technology to bring more local experiences online, benefitting the entire global travel ecosystem for both consumers and local businesses by allowing them to connect instantly through a seamless digital experience,” she added.

FareHarbor will operate as an independent business within the company, and its senior management team will report into the Booking.com leadership team.

The acquisition has been approved by FareHarbor’s board of directors and stockholders and is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to satisfaction of closing conditions.

Sharjah goes after Muslim tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia

By Rohit Kaul

April 24, 2018

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sharjah1 — Number of Malaysian and Indonesian visitors to Sharjah still small despite the countries' large Muslim populations

Already seeing strong growth in tourist arrivals from China and India, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is now setting its sights on expansion into new Asian markets like Malaysia and Indonesia as it looks to attract 10 million international tourists by 2021.

Speaking to TTG Asia at the Arabian Travel Market 2018, SCTDA chairman Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, said: “We are looking at ways to reach out to Malaysians and Indonesians from where at present we are attracting a small number of tourist arrivals. There is a lot of potential that these two markets offer, considering their sizeable Muslim populations. We will promote Sharjah by showcasing our rich Islamic culture in Malaysia and Indonesia.”

Number of Malaysian and Indonesian visitors to Sharjah still small despite the countries’ large Muslim populations

SCTDA is currently gathering market intelligence on Malaysia and Indonesia in its development of a promotion and marketing strategy targeting these two markets. It is also shortlisting major outbound travel agencies in both countries to work with to boost tourist arrivals.

Welcoming the NTO’s pitch for new markets, Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO of Sharjah-based Cozmo Travel, said: “There is a lot of infrastructure development going on in Sharjah for the purpose of tourism development. Markets like Dubai are already seeing a growth in tourist groups coming from Indonesia, so there is a good opportunity for Sharjah also to attract these travellers.”

Meanwhile, key Asian source markets, India and China, posted strong growth last year. In 2017, the emirate recorded 138,000 and 126,000 hotel guests from India and China, marking growths of 32 per cent and 54 per cent respectively from the previous year.

“Tourists from both India and China are looking for experiential travel. They are being drawn to our tradition and heritage. We expect the numbers from both these markets will continue to grow strongly this year as well,” said Al Midfa.

Why contextual marketing matters in today’s travel world

By Pamela Chow

April 24, 2018

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mutli-channel-communications — Experts stress importance of crafting content according to platform used

Experts stress the importance of crafting content according to platform used

The travel consumer of today demands personal and frictionless interaction across multiple media channels, and this is a primary concern industry players are urging their colleagues to take heed.

“Travellers expect personal interaction regardless of device and channel, but it has to be contextual. They expect every channel to work frictionlessly,” observed Rita Marini, head of GTM marketing, APJ & GC, SAP Hybris, at Digital Travel APAC last week.

Contextual marketing, a buzzword at the conference, refers to interactions with customers tailored according to the platform of use, as well as the data accrued from the customer’s behaviour on the platform.

Today’s consumers expect ‘frictionless’ experience across different channels

For example, KLM uses contextual communication within its app – powered by Nexmo – to gain intelligence on the user’s behaviour within the app before contacting customer service, in order to better aid the customer. KLM’s customer service is also integrated into its omnichannel platforms, such as in-app chats or SMS.

Having a contextual strategy makes it “easier (for companies) to track which channels, countries and markets are most receptive to the campaign, so (they) can reassign marketing dollars effectively”, advised Francisco Kattan, head of platform marketing, Nexmo.

This can prove more challenging when it comes to distributing marketing content across different source markets, which may pose language differences and cultural preferences.

Dyson Yu, vice president, digital marketing & e-commerce, Wynn Resorts, recommended: “To target different markets, (the content must) stay relevant to the platform being used – whether it’s WeChat, Facebook, Instagram, Line or Kakaotalk – and (the company must) determine the primary channels for their target markets.

“Also, companies should not literally translate content across channels. Instead, you should totally rewrite and recreate content that is more relatable to different audiences,” Yu said.

UAE’s Emaar Hospitality Group has Asia on its expansion radar

By Rohit Kaul

April 24, 2018

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Olivier_Harnisch,_CEO,_Emaar_Hospitality_Group_-_Photo_High_Res — Emaar will enter India mainly though management agreements

UAE-based Emaar Hospitality Group is looking to enter key Asian markets including India and China as part of its expansion plans.

“We are looking to expand into new international markets by leveraging our brand recognition. India and China both are major source markets for us. Though there are no projects that we can announce in these markets yet, we are looking at possibilities in major cities in these two countries,” said Olivier Harnisch, Emaar Hospitality Group’s CEO, speaking on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai.

Emaar will enter India mainly though management agreements

For India and China, Harnisch sees good opportunity to develop Emaar’s three brands, namely the premium luxury Address Hotels + Resorts, upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels and Resorts; and contemporary midscale Rove Hotels.

In particular, he is excited about the prospects of Rove Hotels in the Indian market.

“We are looking to enter the Indian market through a joint venture or a management contract. In fact, a lot of hotels in our development pipeline will be managed. Our focus will be on management contracts going ahead,” shared Harnisch.

The group recently announced its foray into the Maldives with the Address Madivaru Maldives Resort, a 75,000m2 property with a dedicated spa island and water sports island, scheduled to open in 2020.

At present, Emaar Hospitality Group has 12 operational hotels in the UAE, and three serviced residences operational in Dubai. Globally, the group has 36 projects in the pipeline.

Thailand gets its first UNESCO Geopark in Satun

By TTG Asia

April 24, 2018

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Satun,-Thailand — Satun Geopark known for abundance of fossil species

UNESCO has designated about half of Satun province as Thailand’s first Global Geopark for its renowned natural beauty and geological significance.

Satun UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the Satun province of southern Thailand, comprising four districts (Thungwa, La-ngu, Manang, and part of Mueang Satun) including two national parks and one wildlife sanctuary. Altitudes reach up to 732m, with mountains and foothills characterising the eastern and northern areas, while beaches and coastal islands dominate the Andaman Sea part of the Geopark.

Satun Geopark is known for its abundance of fossil species

The UNESCO website describes the Satun Geopark area as “a peaceful place with renowned natural beauty”, renowned for its abundance and high diversity of fossil species as well as for the oldest succession of fossils.

Prasat Hin Panyod, characterised by a spectacular pinnacle karst landscape, including a stunning sea cave and hidden lagoon that can be visited by kayak, is singled out as the most important geosite.

Yuthasak Supasorn, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governer, said in a statement: “UNESCO designation is a great honour that can only help ensure sustainable tourism growth, which the TAT feels is definitely something worth supporting and celebrating.”

In total, the UNESCO executive board in Paris endorsed 13 new sites worldwide as new UNESCO Global Geoparks, eight of which are in Asia including Cao Bang (Vietnam), Izu Peninsula (Japan) and Rinjani Lombok (Indonesia).

The full list can be found here.

New Yotel to land at upcoming Istanbul airport

By TTG Asia

April 24, 2018

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The hotel will be the Yotel’s largest airport hotel

London-based hotel group Yotel has announced plans to open a hotel with both airside and landside access in the forthcoming Istanbul New Airport (INA).

The hotel will feature a total of 451 rooms in two zones, one airside (102 rooms) and one landside (349 rooms). Both parts of the hotel will feature Yotel’s signature Club Lounge concept with smart vending, co-working and relaxing areas, wellness centres and planted glazed atriums.

In addition, the landside zone will include a restaurant, bar and 24/7 gym. There will also be flexible meeting spaces with seamless technology available.

The new Yotel will feature 451 guestrooms

At press time, date of completion has yet to be announced.

Yotel’s first investment in Turkey will also be its largest airport hotel. The company currently operates four airport hotels under the Yotelair brand in London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle airports.

Meanwhile INA, scheduled to open on October 29 this year, will replace Ataturk Airport when it opens in October 2018. The capacity of INA will be expanded up to 200 million people once all four phases are completed and will have a total of six runways and three terminals.

Hainan offers 30-day visa-free access for 59 countries

By TTG Asia

April 24, 2018

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Hainan will from May 1 offer 30-day visa-free access to 59 countries including Russia, Britain, France, Germany and the US, a move that is expected to bolster tourism to China’s southernmost province.

Countries included in the list include Russia, Britain, France, Germany and the US.

The government aim swants to attract more international tourists and nurture the tourism industry; Hainan, Sanya pictured

Under the new policy, group or individual tourists can visit Hainan visa-free and stay up to 30 days provided they book their tour through travel agencies.

The province has implemented a 15-day visa waiver policy for group visitors from 21 countries since 2000, and added another five countries to the list in 2010.

Last year, Hainan received nearly 320,000 tourists from the 26 countries with visa-free access, 3.5 times the number recorded in 2016. Tourists from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, South Korea and Russia accounted for more than 90 per cent of the total.

Meanwhile, more direct flights are being planned to countries with visa-free access. Hainan already has 57 international flights to countries including Germany, Malaysia and Thailand, with plans for at least 16 new overseas routes this year. It aims to have at least 100 overseas routes by 2020.

Cathay flights can now be directly booked on Skyscanner

By TTG Asia

April 24, 2018

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Cathay-Skyscanner — The new integration means that both airlines become the first Hong Kong-based carriers to be able to sell tickets directly within Skyscanner,

Cathay Pacific Group has signed on to Skyscanner’s Direct Booking Platform, which will enable Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon to sell tickets directly within the travel metasearch site across both web and mobile channels.

This makes it easier for travellers to research, choose and immediately book itineraries within Skyscanner without having to redirect to supplier sites.

Both airlines become the first Hong Kong-based carriers to be able to sell tickets directly within Skyscanner

The first phase of the roll-out is complete and is available to Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon customers and Skyscanner users in 40 markets, including Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, the UK and US.

Hilton Manila makes key appointments ahead of opening

By TTG Asia

April 23, 2018

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Hilton Manila has rounded off its management team by appointing veteran hotelier Simon McGrath as general manager, in time for the brand’s return to the Philippines in 3Q2018.

McGrath was previously general manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru.

Joining McGrath are Joanne Gomez, director of business development in charge of sales and marketing. She was previously general manager of Ascott Makati.

The 357-key Hilton Manila will be located within the Resorts World Manila complex.

Bintan Resorts turns attention to domestic market for growth

By Mimi Hudoyo

April 23, 2018

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Crystal-Lagoon-activities — Activities such as flyboarding can be done in the Crystal Lagoon

Bintan Resorts, which has traditionally relied on Singapore and its hub status for arrivals, is now playing up its beach destinations and ability to host large family and corporate groups to attract more travellers from Indonesia’s domestic market.

This was revealed at a sales mission that Bintan Resorts organised last Friday, which marked the start of the company’s major marketing activities this year across six cities in Indonesia (Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Batam and Medan). A new destination video showcasing the best of Bintan Island was also unveiled.

Crystal Lagoon, one of the Bintan’s newest attractions, can be a draw for domestic travellers

Donny Tan, manager marketing, Bintan Resorts International, said: “We realised that Indonesians enjoy beach resorts now. Ten years ago, we did not see Indonesians travelling to places like Raja Ampat or Belitung. Now, they go to these places. We have a big market here at home, so why not tap into it?”

Tan believes that with latest developments such as the Crystal Lagoon – the biggest recreational seawater body in South-east Asia – Bintan has much to offer to the domestic market.

Other new attractions that opened in 1Q2018 include Rumah Imaji, a trick-eye museum with more than 50 optical illusions of the Riau Islands’ culture and heritage; and Food Gram, a F&B outlet in Plaza Lagoi shopping centre.

As for Tom Panggabean, sales manager of Banyan Tree Angsana and Cassia, the Indonesian market, mainly the corporate sector, makes up around five per cent for the resort. “We are now opening ourselves to the leisure, family and FIT markets, too, apart from growing our existing corporate market,” he said.

“We believe that our new Cassia Bintan, which has a serviced apartment concept, suits the Indonesian market well,” he added. “They like to travel together (with friends or families) and share a room, enjoy cooking their own meals, and it is the most affordable (compared to Laguna Bintan’s Banyan Tree and Angsana).”

Dylis Low, sales manager of Treasure Bay Bintan, which also participated at the Bintan Resorts sales missions, shared that current Indonesian visitors to Bintan mainly hail from nearby Tanjung Pinang and Batam, and they head to the island for attractions such as The Chill Cove @ Treasure Bay Bintan and Crystal Lagoon on the weekends.

“However, we want to grab the markets from other cities in Indonesia like Jakarta. The resort has ongoing marketing campaigns to reach out to the Indonesian corporate groups, families and adult travellers,” Low added.

Connectivity arms race heats up as TripAdvisor and Booking Holdings seize tour tech firms

Sharjah goes after Muslim tourists from Malaysia and Indonesia

Why contextual marketing matters in today’s travel world

UAE’s Emaar Hospitality Group has Asia on its expansion radar

Thailand gets its first UNESCO Geopark in Satun

New Yotel to land at upcoming Istanbul airport

Hainan offers 30-day visa-free access for 59 countries

Cathay flights can now be directly booked on Skyscanner

Hilton Manila makes key appointments ahead of opening

Bintan Resorts turns attention to domestic market for growth

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