Qatar Airways’ first Doha-Krabi flight was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute when the Airbus A330-200 aircraft touched down in the southern Thai province earlier this week.
The four-times weekly service to Krabi commenced on December 6, adding to Qatar Airways’ existing Bangkok and Phuket connections in Thailand.
John O’Sullivan
Managing director, Tourism Australia
Without question, it’s a relaxed summer break by an Australian coast, some place that is an easy drive or flight away from home. There’s nothing like taking long walks along the beach, swimming, reading a good book and enjoying some of Australia’s exceptional food and wine in a relaxed and pristine natural environment.
Being in Australia means I am spoilt for choice in terms of destinations offering world-class coastal experiences!
Anthony Lau
Executive director, Hong Kong Tourism Board
I like to explore a destination like a local. A place equipped with a sophisticated transport network and a variety of transport options connecting my point of arrival to any in-town destination (will give me) a worry-free vacation.
As a frequent solo traveller, I put much value on a destination’s convenience and safety as I would be exploring local scenes on my own. I would prefer a place filled with contrasting and mixed experiences, where I can enjoy the urban comforts and discover the green outdoors without having to travel more than an hour.
Mary Wan Mering
Acting chief executive officer corporate services division, Sarawak Tourism Board
For my year-end holiday in Mount Fuji, I have sorted out my flight and accommodation six months ahead as this is also the peak outbound travel season for Malaysia and many other countries.
I wish there will be no queues at the airport or any flight delay and turbulence, but I know this is beyond my control.
What I can do is ensure I bring my power bank and mobile Wi-Fi along so I can still communicate with family and friends while on holiday.
Etsuko Kawasaki
Executive director, Japan Convention Bureau, Japan National Tourism Organization
I wish for a one-stop app for unfamiliar destinations where it is difficult to browse for conveniently located hotels. The app could show a hotel’s distance from
major venues, landmarks and train stations nearby as well as the price of rooms and best transport options from the airport.
At the airport, I would like to receive a map so that I won’t have to worry about the lack of Wi-Fi connection. The best maps would feature street names, hotels, landmarks, train stations, tourist information centres, hospitals and police stations, as well as emergency contacts and useful websites. A multilingual phone service for emergencies would also be wonderful.
Yuthasak Supasorn
Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand
I love to visit Thailand’s beach resort towns like Hua Hin for a great getaway within easy access from Bangkok. The destination offers a range of leisure experiences, from simple to ultimate ones.
My wish is to spend relaxing moments with my family, enjoying fine dining, (visiting) vineyards and enjoying and the cool breeze as the sun sets on the beach. With no need to step out of the resort, I can be in private tranquility while indulging in services like a spa and massage. Also, I will visit a local market at night to sample tasty street food and buy hand-made products.
Swati Kale
General manager, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation
I thoroughly research a destination before going there, looking up the best tourist spots and restaurants for local specialties, among other information. This gives me an idea of what to expect, where to go and any dangers or risks that I should be aware of.
It is also imperative to have a flexible itinerary to cater for unplanned activities like catching a few hours of sleep at the beach or exploring hidden streets. I always set a collective goal for my family trips because everyone has different preferences. These help to keep my vacation memorable and, most importantly, stress-free.
Paddy Withana
Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism
A worry-free holiday should improve the physiological well-being of travellers. From a Sri Lankan perspective, this is exactly what this country is able to offer. Apart from being a value-for-money destination, Sri Lanka has no epidemic or major infectious diseases, great year-round weather and an abundance of natural attractions. And now Sri Lanka has an even bigger advantage of peace, calm and tranquility.
This article was first published in TTG Asia December 2016 issue. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
William Costley
Hilton Hotels & Resorts is exploring opportunities in Sri Lanka while stepping up efforts to cater to a growing Chinese clientele, according to a senior Hilton official.
During a visit to Colombo last week, Hilton’s vice president for South-east Asia and India, William Costley, spoke of plans to increase the chain’s presence in the country beyond the existing 382-room, 29-year-old Hilton Colombo.
This comes on the back of Sri Lanka announcing its ambitions to increase arrivals from 1.7 million to five million by 2020 and to inject an additional 50-60,000 rooms to the country’s current inventory of 32,000 registered rooms.
Costley said the group is considering locations in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Dambulla, as well as resorts in the south including Yala wildlife safaris and possibly Jaffna.
In Colombo, the group is looking at the possibility of a smaller hotel under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand.
The Hilton Colombo has undergone an extensive renovation project over the past 18 months, adding a new Chinese restaurant to cater to its growing Chinese clientele.
After much deliberation and pressure from the trade, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DoT) has confirmed that it will retain the It’s more fun in the Philippines campaign slogan.
In an interview with TTG Asia, tourism secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo revealed that she had initially thought of changing the slogan as a Nielsen study showed that despite a catchy tagline and high recall factor, It’s more fun in the Philippines did not translate into tourist numbers.
But UNWTO director general Taleb Rifai convinced her not to change the tourism slogan but improve upon it to reflect the country’s warm service and hospitality.
The decision to keep the current slogan has been well received among the trade.
Welcoming Teo’s decision, the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) – which earlier produced a position paper against a new campaign slogan – said that the existing slogan has yet to achieve its full potential.
Philtoa’s president Cesar Cruz cited various factors, from inadequate tourism offerings to lacking infrastructure, as possible reasons contributing to the slogan’s low conversion rate earlier.
Rajah Tours’ president, Jojo Clemente, said: “It’s very hard to find a replacement slogan that encapsulates and captures what the destination and the people are all about… You have to give it a lot of time to get a good replacement.”
Clemente added that the private sector will make a concerted effort next year to support the slogan.
Silver Muse
Silversea Cruises has appointed Guangzhou-based hotel company Plateno Group to market and sell its cruises throughout China, Hong Kong and Macau.
This move comes as the luxury cruise line steps up its global expansion, with China identified as a key source market and destination for the development of the Silversea brand, according to Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, executive chairman of Silversea Cruises.
As an exclusive partner, Plateno will also be responsible for the development of the Silversea brand image among the varied Chinese markets.
Meanwhile, the line will continue to honour all existing travel agreements with agents in the region.
Silversea has recently announced its largest-ever fleet-wide refurbishment plan, launch of Silver Muse in April 2017 and the conversion of Silver Cloud into an ice-class expedition vessel by the end of 2017.
Le Méridien Shanghai, Minhang
Located in Hongqiao Hub, this Mariott property features 240 guestrooms and suites anchored by the Le Meridien Hub – the brand’s reimagination of a traditional hotel lobby. On-site facilities include four restaurants, a spa, fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool and a kids’ club. The hotel has over 2,500m2 of event space, including the Fei Long Hall and the Powerlong Ballroom – the highest ballroom in the Minhang District with views of Qibao Old Town.
Hilton Bali Resort
Perched atop a 40m-high cliff in Nusa Dua, Bali, the 11.3ha resort boasts 389 guestrooms with private balconies, as well as 19 villas offering a private plunge pool, butler service and a separate living area. Recreational amenities include four interconnecting swimming pools, a spa, sand lagoon, kids’ club with playgrounds, three indoor tennis courts and six dining spaces. The resort boasts 8,470m2 of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including two conference centres each with a pillarless ballroom that can accommodate 1,500 guests, and nine meeting rooms.
Radisson Blu Coimbatore
The first Radisson Blu hotel in Coimbatore, the second largest city in Tamil Nadu state, has opened on Avinashi Road. The property offers 135 rooms and suites, and amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, an Indian restaurant, business centre, swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Meeting facilties include an 873m2 banquet hall that has the option of an additional pre-function area and lawn.
Akyra Thonglor Bangkok
This second property to open under the akyra brand is located in Bangkok’s Thonglor neighbourhood, offering 120 units in studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom suites. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, an executive lounge, meeting spaces, a 24/7 fitness centre, rooftop swimming pool and restaurant. There is also a complimentary shuttle service to the nearby Thong Lo BTS station.
Aloft Taipei Beitou
Set to open in January 2017, the second Aloft hotel in Taiwan’s hot spring area will feature 292 loft-inspired rooms and suites. Located a five-minute walk to two MRT stations, the property offers free Wi-Fi, three meeting spaces and three F&B options – the signature W Xyz(Sm) Bar for cocktails and snacks, the American-style eatery Nook, as well as self-service gourmet pantry Re:fuel By Aloft(SM).
Clockwise from top left: Samson Tan; Anthony Wong (centre); Richard Tobin; Andrew Carroll; Hamish Keith; Larry Lo and Thilak Weerasinghe
Hamish Keith, group managing director, Exo Travel, Thailand
I am a keen cyclist and enjoy touring and racing. Given my work responsibilities and travel schedule, it is not easy to stay in shape, especially for racing, so I try and use every business trip opportunity to get out on a bicycle.
I try to avoid the hotel gym and usually find a way to rent or borrow a bike when travelling, even when visiting major cities. This not only helps me to stay in shape but also ensures that I experience far more of the destination than what a regular business traveller would see. – Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
Anthony Wong, group managing director, Asian Overland Services Tourism & Hospitality Group, Malaysia
My favourite activity is being out in nature. I like to go trekking and canoeing. I am always prepared for emergencies and carry a small first aid kit, water, compass, machete and lighter. I make it a point never to go trekking in the jungle after 4pm. I also keep fit by exercising regularly. – S Puvaneswary
Larry Lo, CEO, Westminster Travel, Hong Kong
Skiing represents the greatest and most exciting enjoyment for me. Once we begin to ski above the beginner level and venture to the advanced slopes, safety is certainly of paramount importance to all – whether it is taking a line through the trees, dropping off a cliff, testing the speed limit on an empty brake or simply making sweet power turns.
Ski safety is really a matter of personal choice. Skiers are normally advised to do warm-up exercises and use proper ski equipment. A helmet and goggles are a must and skiers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
Regardless of how risky skiing is, the allure of conquering the slope is an incredible attraction. – Prudence Lui
Neng Publico, manager, Covenant Travel and Tours, Philippines
As a woman who at times travels alone, being informed is my biggest weapon. But as unreliable websites are rampant, I’m careful that I read only the credible websites and travel advisories from official sources. I also plan my trips well, up to pre-arranging transportation and accommodation.
Another caveat: Don’t call attention to yourself and dress appropriately. You’re an easy target if you’re alone in a small street reading a map and keep asking passers-by for directions. – Rosa Ocampo
Thilak Weerasinghe, chairman/founder of Lanka Sportreizen, Sri Lanka
I do a lot of mountain climbing, hiking, walking and biking when on overseas travels, visiting peaks in Germany and Switzerland, boating in the Netherlands and engaging in water sports, diving and wind surfing in the Maldives.
In fact, it was my pet sport – wind surfing – that got me into tourism. I love nature and the environment and make use of precious time during overseas travels to appreciate nature.
As a safety precaution, mountain treks that take up a whole day should be pre-planned and accompanied by a team. It’s also important to have the right shoes and clothes and an emergency kit that includes an oxygen unit. – Feizal Samath
Richard Tobin, chief, Setouchi Tourism Authority, Japan
When I am on business I try to stick to my routine by waking up an hour early and exercising in my hotel room. I tend to do body weight exercises like sit-ups, push-ups and squats. I also stretch every morning.
Walking is another important part of my routine and is a great way to learn about my surroundings while staying healthy! Going for walks in the morning keeps me away from all of the hustle and bustle of nightlife, and allows me to learn about the area. – Kathryn Wortley
Praveen Chugh, managing director, Business Travels India
My favourite hobby is hiking as it is a good way to remain fit and active. Generally, I prefer a day hike in the scenic countryside.
Depending on the terrain, I usually wear hiking boots and carry water and food, a map, sunglasses, a first aid kit and rainproof gear. An insect repellent also comes in handy.
To be safe, I usually hike in a group with a professional hiker and ideally a doctor as well. I also follow the news to keep abreast of the latest happening across the globe. – Rohit Kaul
Andrew Carroll, global head of sales and marketing, Exotic Voyages, Cambodia
Being an avid golfer, I always look at finding some spare time during a business trip to play a round of golf on a new course.
However, this does bring some concerns – after a long flight, jetlag and all that ensues from travel, the body is far from prepared for strenuous activity.
With this considered and also to clear my mind, I bring my yoga mat with me on my travels. Thirty minutes of yoga each morning allows my body and mind to recover. – Marissa Carruthers
Samson Tan, CEO, GTMC Travel, Singapore
I enjoy playing my favourite sports like golf and water polo. Typically I will also take a jog or brisk walk around the hotel vicinity. To keep myself safe, I make sure to wear proper walking shoes and stay aware of my surroundings. – Paige Lee Pei Qi
This article was first published in TTG Asia December 2016 issue. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group has appointed Benny Chung as general manager for Parkroyal on Kitchener Road.
The Singaporean was most recently general manger at Langham Place Xiamen, after a transfer there from the former Eaton Luxe Nanqiao in Shanghai.
Chung started his career in the hospitality industry at the former Hyatt Regency Singapore. His initial roles were in sales and marketing, and he assumed his first general manager role in 2008 at the Holiday Inn Hefei Downtown, China.
Asian inbound travel agents recount the biggest disruptors to their business this year and share the learning points from these crises and unexpected situations
HONG KONG
Jenny May
Managing director
Destination Management Company
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
We had a few cancellations from Europe-based travellers who were concerned about the terrorist attacks in their part of the world and decided to stay home. The situation seems to have improved and they are resuming their travel plans for next year.
In Hong Kong, there is growing political unrest and the Chinese New Year riots in Mongkok caused a few cancellations.
The few typhoons we had also caused flight delays and cancellations. I think the Observatory shouldn’t have been as cautious in predicting the path and strength of them so it all happened at the last minute. Fortunately the airlines were cooperative and helpful in rebooking flights.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
You can definitely not take safety for granted, as you never know what will happen next. Keeping up to date with world events and their likely effects on Hong Kong and making sure overseas clients know exactly what is happening is all we can do.
If there is further political unrest in Hong Kong, we will make sure our clients are aware of this and advise them to postpone their travel here.
The same applies to the weather. If a typhoon is likely to affect Hong Kong, we will let them know well in advance, provided the Observatory lets us know well in advance! – Prudence Lui
PHILIPINES
Angel Ramos Bognot
President and managing director
Afro Asian Travel
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
The biggest disruption this year were the cancelled flight departures and arrivals due to typhoons, which in turn affected clients’ travel arrangements.
As the ground operator, we lost everything, from ground arrangements to hotel bookings as these services have already been paid for in advance.
A typhoon is a natural calamity and is normally considered pre-sold, but it also depends on the decision of the supplier and our relationship with them. If a client requests for a refund, it will be difficult on our part as we are at the mercy of the supplier. Another challenge arises when a client requests to extend his/her booking due to flight cancellations.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
Safety must never be taken for granted. We advise clients to have travel insurance so that they can recover losses from flight delays or cancellations.
As for the contract between the supplier and ground operator, it should be reviewed to tackle the issue of force majeure and come to an agreement that’s win-win for both parties.
Potential danger and threats lurk anywhere in the world so a safety warning should always be a part of the travel itinerary. The government has a big role in protecting the rights and safety of travellers, and should update travel warnings in destinations that need it and identify destinations that are safer than the rest. – Rosa Ocampo
INDIA
Louis D’Souza
Executive director
Tamarind Global
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest disruptors was the political unrest in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This sort of situation psychologically impacts travel to the region even after stability returns.
How we handled the situation was two-pronged. For clients already travelling, we made sure someone with authority and knowledge of the region reached out to them and assured them that they were in safe hands and would be able to travel back home safely. They were given regular updates on both the unfolding situation on ground and the progress of their travel plans.
It is also important to partner with local agencies that are experts in the region and who are able to prioritise mobilisation of logistics for your clients and respond to their concerns and ensure their safety quickly.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
No place is a safe haven anymore. The best one can do is to try and be a step ahead, anticipate situations and be prepared for them.
We give our guests as detailed a plan as we can so they know what to expect and what they might encounter in the normal course of events. A guest services manager will also meet clients and hand over a kit containing contact details of people they can reach out to in case of emergency.
Many of the vehicles in our fleet are fitted with GPS devices and have panic buttons to ensure guests that if they have any concerns they will have help at hand. – Rohit Kaul
SINGAPORE
Fred Seow
CEO
TAcentre.com
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
We have not experienced anything major like a world war or an epidemic. But this year we can see that there are many new leaderships around the world that will result in changes in the economic order. These will definitely impact businesses and livelihoods, so we have to be ready for such disruptions and be prepared for any shake-up in business.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
Everyone is aware that Singapore is a very safe and easy destination to travel to and people will generally “let their guard down”. Generally, I think that we can publicise more emergency numbers, apart from the Singapore Police Force’s number. This will help people, especially tourists, to know which numbers to call should they need an ambulance or if they are lost and need directions. – Paige Lee Pei Qi
MACAU
Bruno Simões
Executive director
smallWORLD Experience
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
Although we were not affected by typhoons this year, a thick fog in February 2016 affected the departure of many delegates attending the IEEE 802 conference.
We always recommend conference organisers to provide a help desk staffed by local people who know the destination well to help with common situations – not to mention its value in times of unexpected situations!
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
Macau is extremely safe and therefore we tend to take safety for granted. That said, Macau’s stability and safety is one of our selling points. – Prudence Lui
MALAYSIA
Saini Vermeulen
Executive director
Within Earth Holidays
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
Malaysia Airlines had a number of flight retimings to Sabah that we were only notified at the very last minute. Luckily, we had all the emergency numbers on hand to inform the various parties involved and rescheduled the itineraries accordingly.
A lesson learnt was to ensure that we have the contact numbers of suppliers on hand for any eventuality.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
Safety can never be taken for granted. You must ensure that you have the SOP on hand and disseminate the correct information to your clients and their overseas agents.
The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents has always been proactive in providing real-time information to members. Following terrorist threats in the past, the Malaysian government had put in place more police and army personnel to give people the confidence that it was prepared and had an action plan to cope with emergencies. – S Puvaneswary
CAMBODIA
Pierre-André Romano
General manager
Exo Travel Cambodia
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
There were no major events but a couple of demonstrations, which we managed to avoid and modify itineraries accordingly.
More disruptive were Cambodia Angkor Air’s flight cancellations, retiming and delays, largely due to the last-minute notice given, if any. We gathered the major DMCs and raised this issue with the Ministry of Tourism, a co-partner with Vietnam Airlines in this joint-venture airline.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
Safety is an issue in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, not of the physical danger kind but mainly bag snatching cases.
However, this is not only an issue with our clients; some invited travel agents were also victims of bag snatching during an inspection trip, and it gave a terrible image of the city.
We gathered the main DMCs and met with the Ministry of Tourism to fix the problem. There are now more lights in tourist areas and more tourist police in Phnom Penh. We have seen a real improvement from the second semester, but still had a few cases. – Marissa Carruthers
VIETNAM
Jeff Redl
Managing director
Diethelm Travel
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
Tropical storms and hurricanes brought down trees and caused vehicles to overturn, causing disruption to roads and railways. The Halong Bay authorities also stopped all cruises one day before the storm’s arrival and ships were asked to arrive back in port in the morning.
Our clients’ safety is our top priority. We always monitor the situation closely and provide clients and agents with updates, as well as assist in making adjustments to clients’ travel plans.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
Safety is never granted despite having more rules and regulations, infrastructure improvements and personal training.
It is our duty to ensure that all our operations are running smoothly, and take immediate and appropriate actions to solve unexpected issues.
Vietnam could have, like in Europe, several independent organisations that monitor and ensure that all players are following the same standards and provide appropriate levels of training. – Marissa Carruthers
THAILAND
Mingkwan Metmowlee
Managing director
Image D’Asia S.A.
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
The global economic downturn has affected the purchasing power of travellers worldwide. Each country also has its own problems such as the weak rouble in Russia and terrorism in France.
I reduce risk by expanding business to new markets in Asian countries. I work with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to develop new products and join tradeshows to look out for new potential markets in this region.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
Safety is a priority for travellers. To achieve this, the Ministry of Tourism & Sports should work more closely with the Association of Travel Agents and related tourism organisations to develop an international standard for existing and new attractions.
In the past, many negative incidents have damaged the kingdom’s image as a tourism destination. Therefore, the government should rebrand Thailand’s image and take measures to ensure tourist safety. – Chadamas Chinmaneevong
JAPAN
Cameron Stadin
Global sales representative
Global Sales Explorer
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
The Kumamoto earthquake (in April) has affected travel in Kyushu quite a bit this year.
I thought things would return to normal quickly, but enquiries are still down. Even though word is being spread that Kyushu is safe and recovering, travellers are still wary. I’ve tried offering new courses and products, but I haven’t had much of a response.
Other inbound companies in Kyushu seem to be having difficulties too, so perhaps the only thing we can do is wait it out.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
I feel very safe living and travelling in Kagoshima. Sakurajima, the active volcano in Kagoshima, is well monitored by scientists, so there would be plenty of warning if something were to happen.
Japan in general is very well prepared for all kinds of disasters, so I’ve never felt that I was ever in danger. As for theft and other crimes, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. I have seen people drop an envelope of money in public and have it safely returned. – Kathryn Wortley
SRI LANKA
Mahen Kariyawasam
Managing director
Andrew The Travel Company
What was the biggest disruption to your operations this year and how did you overcome it?
The pull-out by SriLankan Airlines’ direct flights to Paris, Frankfurt and Rome in November was the biggest issue we have been grappling with for the past few months.
We have lost 5,000 seats, and Emirates and Qatar cannot cope with handling a group of 60-70 pax. KLM and Austrian Airlines – which have resumed winter flights – are taking up the shortfall but it’s not enough.
A proper study needs to be done before flights are terminated, especially as Sri Lanka is now trying to increase arrivals. The industry as a whole needs to be consulted for major decisions such as flight withdrawals, which impacts the entire industry beyond the airline itself.
Can you take safety for granted? What safety measures would you like to see implemented in your destination?
Safety is the key to success in every destination. In Sri Lanka, we may be dropping our guard because the war is over and everything is now peaceful.
For example, we need to step up surveillance at airports and tourist areas. We should also revive the Tourist Police force, which was effective and existed many years ago. – Feizal Samath
This article was first published in TTG Asia December 2016 issue. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS
What are the silliest things passengers do that they don’t realise can harm?
Leslie Thng
Chief commercial officer, Scoot and Tigerair
Imagine reaching for a life vest underneath your seat aboard an airplane in the unlikely event of an actual emergency – only to find that there’s none there! Stealing life vests might seem like a joke but really, it’s the silliest crime that people don’t realise could put other passengers’ lives in danger. Some items on board are obviously for guests to keep – you can be my guest when it comes to our in-flight magazines, which I’m sure is more entertaining than reading the aircraft safety card… Oh, and please leave that alone too! – Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
Alexander Lao
Vice president commercial of Cebu Pacific and president of Cebgo
Some people think that a bomb scare joke is funny but it’s not. And if you are on the plane, it is pretty serious. You will go to jail.
Another issue is passengers not heeding local regulators’ call to turn off their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones when on a plane (to avoid the risk of explosion). The US’ Federal Aviation Administration just released an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones on all airplanes in the US; I think we won’t be far behind (Note: Cebu Pacific and Cebgo have since expanded the ban to all their flights). – Rosa Ocampo
Nick Naung Naung
General manager, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, Finnair
Passengers get excited when the plane lands and stand up before the seat belt sign is turned off. Some like to walk around excessively when it is safer for them to be seated with their seat belts fastened. During the flight, some passengers may reach for things they have stowed in the overhead bin. –
S.Puvaneswary
Chapman Fong
General manager, Terminal 1, Airport Authority Hong Kong
Travellers love taking selfies, especially in front of interesting backdrops at Hong Kong International Airport. Popular selfie spots include destination poles at boarding gates and art and culture exhibitions. Many others like to take close-up shots of airplanes. However, sometimes passengers could become so focused on taking photos that they expose themselves to hazards like tripping over or falling on stairs and escalators. Some may miss their flights or end up at the wrong boarding gates. – Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
CRUISES
What are the silliest things passengers do that they don’t realise can harm?
Buhdy Bok,
President, Costa Group Asia
Unexpected severe weather such as typhoons and tropical storms can cause strong winds and huge waves, bringing threat to passengers onboard whilst at sea. Costa Cruises always places the safety of guests and crew members as our top priority and we work closely with related authorities to keep track of potential inclement conditions. Once in a while, if adverse weather does affect our scheduled itinerary, we will need to modify – or even cancel – some port calls to ensure the safety of all our guests. In this regard, we seek guests’ understanding that we only do this in the interest of their safety and would appreciate their utmost cooperation. – S Puvaneswary
Sean Treacy
Managing director, Singapore and South-east Asia, Royal Caribbean Cruises
Fire is probably the biggest concern for any cruise ship, which is why on our fleet, we have tight fire safety measures and regular fire drills – the safety of our guests and crew are our top priority. Activities involving open flame are limited and only conducted with close supervision and with fire extinguishers on standby. Items that generate heat or produce an open flame and that may create a fire hazard e.g. candles, incense, coffee makers, clothes’ irons, travel steamers and hot plates are also prohibited. – Paige Lee Pei Qi
This article was first published in TTG Asia December 2016 issue. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
