And the winners of TTG Travel Awards 2017 are…

October 3, 2017

Eighty-two travel industry luminaries were recognised at the 28^th TTG Travel Awards gala held in Bangkok last Thursday.

Among them were 18 new awardees including Mandara Spa and Sands Expo and Convention Centre Marina Bay Sands, which clinched the honour of Best Spa Operator and Best Convention & Exhibition Centre respectively.

TTG’s Raini Hamdi, Darren Ng, Indonesian tourism minister Arief Yahya and TTG’s Karen Yue at the awards

Others taking home the Hermes trophy for the first time included American Airlines Group, Hainan Airlines Holding, The Siam, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, and Oneday Korea Tours and Travel.

These made up the 52 winners across Travel Supplier and Travel Agency categories voted in by the travel trade, comprising readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTG India, TTGmice, TTG BTmice, TTG China, TTGassociations and TTG Asia Luxury.

Meanwhile, Outstanding Achievement Award recipients handpicked by TTG’s editorial team were Peter Bellew, CEO of Malaysia Airlines Berhad, as Travel Personality of the Year; Indonesia as Destination of the Year; Thomas Cook India Group as Travel Entrepreneur of the Year; Tourism Authority of Thailand for Best Travel Marketing Effort; and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas as Most Sustainable Travel Company.

The night also saw comeback performance from Air New Zealand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Dusit Thani Manila – which respectively reclaimed awards for Best Pacific Airline, Best Hotel Representation Company and Best City Hotel – Manila.

Returning awardees also included Ramada Singapore At Zhongshan Park (Best Mid-Range Hotel), Ibis (Best Budget Hotel Brand), Cathay Pacific Airways (Best Airline – Business Class), JTB Corp (Best Travel Agency – Japan) and Chan Brothers Travel (Best Travel Agency – Singapore).

Defending winners comprise the majority of the award recipients, counting industry players such as AccorHotels (Best Global Hotel Chain), Frasers Hospitality (Best Serviced Residence Operator), Best Western International (Best Mid-Range Hotel Brand), Royal Caribbean Cruises (Best Cruise Operator) and Phoenix Tours International (Best Travel Agency – Chinese Taipei).

And making the TTG Travel Hall of Fame were leaders of their respective classes, including Singapore Airlines and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau. View the 15 luminaries here.

TTG Asia Travel Trade Publishing congratulates all our winners and extends a heartfelt thank you to all voters. Voting for the 2018 awards will commence in mid-April 2018. More information on the TTG Travel Awards can be found at: awards.ttgasia.com

AirAsia one step closer to China JV

By TTG Asia

October 3, 2017

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AirAsia, which is raring to set up a joint venture budget airline in China, has entered into a non-binding term sheet with China Everbright Group and two Singapore-based companies, Plato Capital and Oxley Capital, towards that end.

Signed on September 25, the term sheet confirmed the parties’ interest in the joint venture, with a validity period of up to 12 months for discussions and negiotiatons leading up to a definitive agreement.

AirAsia, Everbright and Henan Government Working Group had on May 14 signed an MoU to establish a LCC in China, portions of which have also been included in the new term sheet.

The agreement outlined intentions to incorporate a joint venture to be known as AirAsia (China) to operate a low-cost aviation business based in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province in central China.

Plans were also for AirAsia (China) to invest in aviation infrastructure, including a dedicated LCC terminal at Zhengzhou airport and an aviation academy to train pilots, crew and engineers, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities to service aircraft.

AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes, said that the China venture represents “the final piece of the AirAsia puzzle”, closing the loop on all major territories in Asia-Pacific.

Shinhwa Theme Park ready to roll

By TTG Asia

October 3, 2017

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A theme park in the Jeju Shinhwa World integrated resort has opened its doors to guests.

Shinhwa Theme Park is developed in collaboration with South Korean animation company TUBAn, based on its 3D animated characters such as Larva, Wingle Bear, Buck and Oscar.

(Middle four, from left) Chinese consul general Feng Chun Tai, Landing International’s Yang Zhihui, Jeju vice governor Jeon Seong-Tae, Jeju Free International City Development Center’s Lee Kwang-Hee, with others at the opening ceremony

It comprises three themed zones – Larva’s Adventure Village, Oscar’s New World and Rotary Park – offering 15 rides and attractions, themed exhibits and live performances.

The 250ha integrated resort park been opening in phases, including the launch of the full-serviced resort condominium Somerset Jeju Shinhwa World last April.

Scheduled for opening in November are Landing Resort, M.I.C.E facilities and YG Town, operated by YG Entertainment, featuring a bowling club and cafe with design input from Korean pop celebrity G-Dragon.

Jeju Shinhwa World targets an official launch in December, when other facilities including a Marriott resort, restaurants and food streets, retail mall and foreigners-only casino are scheduled to open.

Azamara’s latest Pursuit to set it on new courses

By TTG Asia

October 3, 2017

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Azamara Club Cruises, the upmarket cruise line subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises, will take delivery of a sister ship to the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest in March 2018.

The Azamara Pursuit, being comparable in size to her sister ships, will be able to visit ports not reachable by larger ships, according to an Azamara statement.

Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, added that the new addition would open up itinerary options to new parts of the world and help answer demand in the industry.

Information about deployment and itineraries for Azamara Pursuit will be available later this month.

M’sian agents unfazed by N.Korea travel ban

By S Puvaneswary

October 3, 2017

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malaysia-north-korea — Travel to North Korea banned until further notice

Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has banned all its citizens from travelling to North Korea until further notice citing “the escalation of tensions in the Korean Peninsula and related developments arising from missile tests”.

The ban was announced on the ministry’s website on September 28, days before the high-profile trial over the fatal poisoning of Kim Jong-Nam, the half-brother of North Korea’s ruler, at the Malaysia supreme court. Following the alleged assassination last year, Malaysian citizens were advised to avoid travel to the already estranged country.

Malaysians banned from travelling to North Korea banned until further notice

Commenting on the ban, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president, KL Tan, said: “Few Malaysians are affected by the travel ban as trade between North Korea and Malaysia is minimal.

“Malaysians travelling overseas for holidays are not affected as few would take the unnecessary risks of venturing into hotspots. Also it is the duty of all travel agents to exercise due care and skill to place the safety of travellers above all else.”

Outbound agent, Desmond Lee, group managing director, Apple Vacations & Conventions, agreed that North Korea is not a popular destination for holiday makers from Malaysia.

There are also no direct flights between Malaysia and North Korea.

GTA sweetens deal for agents with triple the G-shop points

By TTG Asia

October 3, 2017

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B2B travel distributor GTA is tripling loyalty programme points for travel agent members booking with preferred hotel partners under its Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) and Hotel Partnership Program (HPP).

Rewards under the G-Shop loyalty programme cover a selection of electronics, dining and shopping vouchers. And with electronic gift cards making up 60 per cent of redemptions last year, GTA stated it intends to continue expanding on variety to meet growing demands.

“More suppliers are placing priority on rate parity where they seek consistent rates on all distribution channels. Therefore, it is crucial for online B2B wholesalers like GTA to have an effective loyalty programme in order to reward travel consultants for their proactive efforts,” commented Tatsuo Masumoto, GTA’s head of sales for Japan.

GTA has collaborated with over 550 partners worldwide to offer the three-times bonus deal on G-Shop points. To start earning bonus points, agents need only to register on G-Shop.

[Sponsored Post] Sokha Hotels & Resorts is hosting the Grand Opening of its latest venture in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s largest luxury resort.

By TTG Asia

October 2, 2017

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On October 2, Sokha Siem Resort & Convention Center and Sokha Palace Siem Reap Hotel will officially open to a host distinguished guests and media, both national and regional.

Dedicated to bringing a new international hospitality experience to the city, guests will be granted privileged access to the two properties, which collectively add an additional 1,242 rooms, suites and villas, additional nine F&B outlets offering an appetizing fusion of cuisines from across the globe, and marvel at the well-equipped Convention Center and its 2,190sqm Grand Ballroom, the largest in Siem Reap.

“We are very excited to extend our services in Siem Reap with the five-star Sokha Siem Resort & Convention Center and adjacent four-star Sokha Palace Siem Reap.” said Ms. Thanet Kun, Regional Director of Sales “Along with Sokha Angkor Resort which opened in 2006, we now have more than 1,500 rooms available daily to support the booming tourism to Angkor Wat”.

We’re confident that the extensive addition of rooms will provide both guests and the community with a vibrant hospitality experience locally and internationally that they’ll value.”

Regional General Manager Mr. Ingo Raeuber added: “Our Grand Opening offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy Sokha’s world-class hospitality in our latest world-class offerings. It is a privilege to be able to share the start of a new exciting chapter in Sokha Hotel & Resort’s journey.”

Located at the gateway to Angkor Wat, next to the Angkor Archaeological Park Ticket Center, the resort has easy access to Siem Reap’s other popular tourist attractions, including Siem Reap Night Market, vibrant Pub Street and the Angkor Tourist & Cultural Complex.

Additional facilities to complete the exquisite experience include a fitness center, luxurious spa, a kids’ pool, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi, hot and cold pool, and a Kids’ Club to keep children entertained.

For: Sales Enquiries, Please contact
Ms Thanet Kun – Regional Director of Sales
Mobile: (+855) 96 616 1888
Telephone: (+855) 63961999
Email: rdossr@sokhahotels.com

For: Media Enquiries, Please contact
Ms. Bunnich Samrith – Marketing Manager

SOKHA HOTELS & RESORTS, Corporate Sales & Marketing Office

Mobile: (+855) 97 561 6104

Telephone: (+855) 23 998 075

Email: nickie.samrith@sokhahotels.com

[Sponsored Post] Soak In The Autumn Air With AVIS

By TTG Asia

October 2, 2017

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Autumn is the season where the air gets crisp and the leaves start to turn into beautiful hues of copper. A time when one finds crunchy leaves underfoot, dazzling colours and cooler temperatures, offering perfect conditions for road-trippers looking to pull over and stretch their legs on an autumnal hike.

White Mountains, USA

Promising a visual treat, new England in the USA is renowned for its beautiful fall landscapes. one of new England’s most beautiful drives is along the scenic Kancamagus Highway. Take a pit-stop in the White Mountains, lace up your walking boots and take a hike through the hills to see autumn at its most vibrant, where the trees are full of vivid maple leaves.

Loire Valley, France

If you thought that the Loire Valley in France couldn’t get any more picturesque, think again! The season sees the rolling vineyards put on their annual autumnal display of colours as the vines transform from green to fiery red. After driving past charming chateaux, take a stroll along the tracks and trails that criss-cross the vineyards and watch the grapes being harvested.

Jeju Island, South Korea

Closer to home in Asia is Jeju island in South Korea, designated as one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature. With numerous attractions all over the island, self-drive is one of the best ways to tour this destination. Popular routes include the 1131 highway that connects the 2 major cities of the island – Jeju City and Seogwipo City; the 1132 highway, which circles the island and promises a spectacular coastal drive; and the 1139 highway with a stunning view of southern Jeju – all of which lead to the start of different hiking trails.

As the temperature cools and the days dim in this season, the air becomes magical, making it a lovely time for a road trip to see the amazing autumnal colours shine in their seasonal glory.

Tourism gets a lot, lot more clout in Qatar

By TTG Asia

October 2, 2017

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qatar-doha — Visitors holding valid residence permits or visas from the mentioned countries may apply

The Qatari government is creating a new National Tourism Council in place of the current Qatar Tourism Authority, giving the tourism sector a lot more clout than ever before.

The council will report to a board of high-level representatives that will be chaired by no less than the Prime Minister himself, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, who is also the country’s interior minister.

Qatar Tourism Authority will become the National Tourism Council

The board will guide the overall development of and monitor tourism’s performance, and ensure cross-sector collaboration. It will also oversee three new entities that will be charged with developing large-scale tourism products and experiences, promoting the destination internationally, and consolidating the efforts of existing stakeholders in the business events sub-sector.

The move was announced as part of the launch of the “next chapter” of Qatar’s National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030.

Said Hassan Al Ibrahim, chief tourism development officer at Qatar Tourism Authority: “The tourism sector is unique in its reliance on many ancillary sectors to succeed. Recognising the importance of close coordination, the Qatari government has endorsed a new governance structure that will empower the sector and help us work together to achieve greater results.”

He added that by putting new policies and structures in place, the new tourism blueprint aims to further develop important sector enablers, such as a supportive regulatory framework for tourism establishments, enhancing the ease of doing business in the sector, and additional visa facilitation measures.

Setting a target of 5.6 million visitors annually by 2023, double that seen in 2016, and a 73 per cent hotel occupancy rate, the strategy outlines Qatar’s destination positioning for the next five years, and guides the development of products, services, and experiences to support this.

The plan, for instance, identifies six geographic zones across the country, each tied to tourism themes based on the area’s geographic characteristics and natural assets. Local and international investors will be invited to develop tourism products and services in each geographic zone.

There are also plans to expand Qatar’s global network of tourism promotion offices; add programmes that facilitate interactions and shared experiences between Qatar’s residents and guests; as well as create tourism experience units in all relevant public and private sector entities.

The next five years is also expected to see intensified efforts to ensure that a visitor-friendly infrastructure, both physical and digital, is in place. In addition, training programmes will be developed and provided to all government and private sector employees in tourist-facing jobs.

Looking farther ahead, the strategy aims to have increased tourism’s direct contribution to Qatar’s GDP from QAR19.8 billion (US$5.3 billion) in 2016 to QAR41.3 billion, representing a direct contribution to the GDP of 3.8 per cent (compared to 3.5 per cent in 2016).

Jeju Air invests in Air Black Box Asia Pacific

By TTG Asia

October 2, 2017

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Air-Black-Box-Copy — Air Black Box APAC welcomes new investor

Jeju Air, one of the founding members of the Value Alliance, has made an investment in Air Black Box Asia Pacific, the technology solution that enables the LCC members to connect and cooperate on seat inventory and ancillary sales.

Air Black Box APAC welcomes new investor

This gives the South Korean airline a seat on Air Black Box Asia Pacific’s board, which will now comprise 10 members – including Scoot Tigerair, ANA Holdings, Nok Air, Cebu Air and VaultPAD Ventures – and an independent chairperson.

Value Alliance expects Jeju Air’s investment to solidify its position as the major LCC network in Asia-Pacific, as the grouping continues to offer interlining opportunities for its LCC members.

And the winners of TTG Travel Awards 2017 are…

AirAsia one step closer to China JV

Shinhwa Theme Park ready to roll

Azamara’s latest Pursuit to set it on new courses

M’sian agents unfazed by N.Korea travel ban

GTA sweetens deal for agents with triple the G-shop points

[Sponsored Post] Sokha Hotels & Resorts is hosting the Grand Opening of its latest venture in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s largest luxury resort.

[Sponsored Post] Soak In The Autumn Air With AVIS

White Mountains, USA

Loire Valley, France

Jeju Island, South Korea

Tourism gets a lot, lot more clout in Qatar

Jeju Air invests in Air Black Box Asia Pacific

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