Booking.com launches online tool for travel agents

November 10, 2016

The Priceline Group has unveiled Booking.com for Travel Agents, an online solution designed specifically for agents to book and manage accommodation reservations for their clients.

It features tools including a central integrated dashboard, customisable tabs, reporting functions, client monitoring as well as analytics such as earnings over time.

The solution is an extension of the company’s existing Affiliate Partner Programme and leverages technology and infrastructure being developed for Booking.com for Business, its corporate travel management tool.

“We’ve seen increasing numbers of travel agents using Booking.com to manage bookings for their customers. We’re pleased to now offer professional travel agents a platform and a programme that has been created just for them,” said Bryan Batista, senior director of global partnerships at Booking.com.

“We’re excited to continue innovating the platform, and are committed to adding even more useful features and functionality for them over the coming months.”

What will Trump’s victory mean for tourism to the US?

By Sophie Griffiths

November 10, 2016

The world might be in shock – or delight – upon waking up to the news that Donald Trump has become US president, but it seems the news could put a bit of a damper on the country’s tourism appeal.

Research from Travelzoo suggests more than one million UK travellers could be set to reconsider the US as a holiday destination following Trump’s win.

The move follows a strong year for the US as a UK tourist destination, with the latest figures revealing a three per cent rise in British tourists to the country for the first four months of 2016.

However after news emerged that the Republican nominee had won the US election, Travelzoo said it was forecasting an “unstable 2017 for US tourism, with one million UK travellers set to reconsider the country as a holiday destination”.

Read the full story here.

Japanese travellers favour Taiwan’s Gaomei Wetland in Autumn

By Julian Ryall

November 10, 2016

Gaomei Wetland Preservation Area. Courtesy: http://eng.taichung.gov.tw/

The Gaomei Wetland Preservation Area in the Qingshui District of Taiwan has emerged as the most likely place for Japanese tourists to visit during the autumn season, according to a survey conducted by agency HIS.

Germany’s Schloss Neuschwanstein castle took second place in the poll, followed by the maple trees of Canada coming in third. England’s Lake District and the Czech Republic town of Cesky Krumlov claimed the fourth and fifth spots respectively.

According to Kana Usami from HIS’ headquarters sales strategy office, the popularity of the Gaomei Wetlands is thanks to its proximity to Japan, as well as due to the reputation of a similar site in South America.

“The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is the largest salt flat in the world, covering more than 10km2. But it is too far for most Japanese travellers,” said Usami. “The fact that there is very similar scenery in Taiwan – and which is obviously much closer to Japan – led to a lot of votes for the Gaomei Wetlands.”

Usami added that he hopes to promote areas that are less well-known among Japanese travellers.

“When Japanese people visit Taiwan, they go to Taipei for sightseeing. But there are a lot of attractive spots outside the capital so we want to use the top ten list to propose new places for people to visit,” she explained.

50 crossborder travel tours unveiled for ASEAN@50

By TTG Asia

November 10, 2016

The Visit ASEAN@50 Golden Celebration 2017 campaign is gaining a surge in momentum with 50 South-east Asian crossborder travel products revealed to showcase the region’s diversity and promote multi-destination travel within the ASEAN bloc.

Fifty tours, ranging from two to 26 nights in duration, have been created by leading tour operators and cruise lines in South-east Asia to entice travellers to visit the region for the first time, as well as encourage repeat visits.

Trips include a 8D/7N tour to Bagan, Inle, Pattaya and Bangkok; a 13D/12N cruise from Singapore to Yangon; a 6D/5N tour from Bali to Kuala Lumpur and the Genting Highlands; a 4D/3N tour from Brunei to Miri in Sarawak; a 12D/11N Coastal Paths tour from Myanmar to Thailand; and a 12D/11N Wellness and Nature trip to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ipoh, Penang and Langkawi, and many more.

The aim is for the tours to contribute to raising international tourism arrivals to the region from 109 million in 2015 to 121 million by 2017.

The private sector is also playing its part with AirAsia pledging to support the year-long campaign. The airline will implement a multimedia awareness campaign across all its operating markets and include the Visit ASEAN@50 logo in multiple marketing activities.

The budget carrier will also promote its ASEAN Pass, which allows guests to purchase flights at fixed rates, to encourage travellers to explore its network of more than 100 routes across the region.

Meanwhile, Mastercard will embark on a travel campaign and will work with tourism partners and the global Priceless Cities programme to promote travel to consumers across different countries.

Visit ASEAN@50 will be officially launched at the ASEAN Tourism Forum to be held in Singapore on January 18, 2017, and will run until December 31, 2017.

[SPONSORED POST] More than 100 associations to tackle impact of digital disruption at Associations Summit 4

By TTG Asia

November 9, 2016

Leaders of international associations and more than 100 association professionals here and abroad are slated to gather at the fourth annual summit of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) on November 23 and 24 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

PCAAE, dubbed as the “association of associations” in the country, was set up in November 2013 to cater to the needs of association board members and professional association managers.

The Associations Summit 4 (AS4), anchored on the theme Race to Innovation: Winning in the Age of Disruption, will tackle the burning issue of digital disruption and how it is turning the world on its head. Distinguished speakers and thought leaders from here and abroad will share insights on best practices in association and membership organisation governance, leadership and management, as well as the opportunities and threats for associations in a world of increasingly digitalisation.

Speakers flying to Manila for the event include John Peacock, general manager of Associations Forum Australia; Maria Tong, China representative of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE); and Jeffers Miruka, president of the African Society of Association Executives.

John H Graham IV, ASAE president & CEO, will also join via live video.

“Through AS4, we hope to help associations think strategically about their future, particularly in light of digital disruptions affecting their sources of revenue, profile, and missions. We also invite associations to seize the social and professional development opportunities available from networking in an intimate setting with fellow members of the association community,” said PCAAE president and CEO, Octavio Peralta.

Aside from the various educational tracks during the event, the summit will also shine the spotlight on outstanding associations and association board members and professionals through the Ang SUSI Awards that will be presented during the formal gala dinner and awards night on November 23 at the PICC.

Recognition will be given in six categories: helping the environment, empowering people, serving communities, enhancing trade and industry, developing technology solutions, and for being agents of change.

There will also be two individual awards: the Association Board Member of the Year and the Association Executive of the Year.

Supporting the event are the Tourism Promotions Board, PICC, the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific, ASAE, the Center for International Private Enterprise, Turkish Airlines, Asian Carmakers Corporation/BMW, COL Financial Philippines, e-Copy Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, PACEOS, Via Mare, Writers Edge, Philippine Retailers Association, CFA Society of the Philippines, Avanza, Stars & Events, Tasteful Catering, Commerce Asia Inc., K Signs & Designs, Tatstone Systems Inc., Philippine Franchise Association, Classic Travelhaus, Manny O Wines, MICE Japan, TTGassociations of TTG Asia Media of Singapore, with ABS-CBN News Channel and BusinessMirror as media partners.

Speakers and panelists from the Philippines include: Armando Bartolome, chairman, Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc.; Bienvenido Policarpio, president, Dale Carnegie Training Philippines; Jess Rebustillos, president, People Management Association of the Philippines; Ed Mapa Jr., founder, Institute of Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines; Anne Ducanes, president, Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines; Nick Fontanilla, trustee, Institute for Solidarity in Asia; Joel Josol and Robin Uy, Entrepreneur Solutions Architects, Hewlett-Packard Philippines; Emily A Abrera, chairperson, Cultural Center of the Philippines; Jos Ortega, chairman & CEO, Havas Media Ortega; Marvin Fausto, president, IFE Management Advisers, Inc. and COL Financial Fund Expert; Albert Budahhim, Chief Integration Officer, IPG Mediabrands Philippines; Gerry Constantino, director, Projects & Sector Advocacy, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines; Jing Lagandaon, president, Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers & Suppliers, Inc.; and Sheila Samonte-Pesayco, president & Chief Operating Officer, Writers Edge.

For registration and other enquiries on AS4, contact Enrique Florencio, ADFIAP Secretariat, at telephone number +632 8161672 or e-mail inquiries@adfiap.org.

Also check out the website, www.pcaae.org, or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pcaae).

The Parisian Macao’s Eiffel Tower

By Prudence Lui

November 9, 2016

Prudence Lui finds a sense of joie de vivre at The Parisian Macao, whose iconic Eiffel Tower replica illuminates the city with its resplendent exterior and family-friendly offerings

What
The Macau Eiffel Tower, which debuted together with The Parisian Macao in September, is the last piece of the jigsaw that completes American developer Sheldon Adelson’s grand dream for Macau. At 37 storeys, it’s a half-scale replica of the world-famous icon in Paris and makes up one of the integrated resort’s (IR) various family-friendly attractions.

Meanwhile, The Parisian Macao is a 3,000-room French style integrated resort (IR) with MICE capabilities, alongside non-gaming attractions for leisure and family travellers. Smaller in scale than its sister Venetian Macao next door, The Parisian Macao radiates an elegant French ambience, with rich tones evoking Louis XVI’s beloved Palace of Versailles in the design of the reception and concierge area, as well as at the grand casino entrance.

The Parisian Macao

Why
An open-air bridge on the seventh floor connects the hotel block to the tower, but the lack of shelter exposes the link to the elements and visitors might find it troublesome to access the tower on hot or rainy days.

A 40-second elevator ride sends visitors up to the observation deck on the 37th storey, which is the only spot on the Cotai Strip to offer panoramic views of the surrounding Macau Peninsula and views of the neighbouring Chinese city of Hengqin in Zhuhai.

The 37^th storey deck can accommodate a maximum capacity of only 90 people, and with only two elevators guests may have to queue on busy days. Moreover, there is no time limit on how long preceding groups can spend on the deck.

The Parisian Macao Eiffel Tower

How
Don’t miss the nightly light show with music that happens every 20 minutes from 19.20 to midnight. Other good fun for kids includes the 2,000m₂ Qube Kingdom, which features both indoor and outdoor play areas such as a carousel and castle-themed climbing space with slides, and Aqua World on Level 6. The mini water park has a pool and three water slides.

For MICE groups, the 5,200m² Parisian-themed meeting venues on Level 5 can accommodate various-sized groups from 20 participants for teambuilding events and gala dinners for 2,600 guests. Also located on the same floor is the 1,200-seat Parisian Theatre, built for Vegas-style shows.

The meeting facility is strategically linked to Hall E of the Venetian Macao’s meeting space via a covered walkway, enabling event planners to leverage facilities available at the two properties.

Verdict
The Parisian Macao’s Eiffel Tower offers a brand-new experience for both business and leisure visitors. I’ll give two thumbs up for the spectacular view from the 37^th storey observation deck.

Contact details
Tel: (853) 2882 8833
Website: www.parisianmacao.com
Opening hours
Daily 10.00 to 22.00
Entrance fees
Prices start at MOP$68 (US$8.50) for children and MOP$98 for adults

AccorHotels to buy stake in German boutique chain

By TTG Asia

November 9, 2016

25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin

AccorHotels is acquiring a 30 per cent stake in 25hours Hotels with a view to accelerate the global expansion of the Hamburg-based boutique chain.

Explaining the move, Sébastien Bazin, chairman & CEO of AccorHotels said the group saw the appeal of design-oriented boutique hotels that serve as a “workplace for urban nomads and an ideal starting point for outings into key cities”.

“Through this partnership, AccorHotels is investing further in one of the fastest growing segments in the industry and enriching its offer to achieve scale in this segment,” he added.

On how the move will help the brand take root globally, Christoph Hoffmann, CEO of 25hours, said: “Loyal partners have supported our growth in the German-speaking market for the past ten years and we now also have the opportunity to conquer the world with a global partner.”

To that same end, 25hours also intends to expand its internal development structures and establish a creative laboratory to better build on its successes.

International travel growth rises at slower pace

By TTG Asia

November 9, 2016

The number of international tourists rose four per cent to 956 million in the first three quarters of this year compared to the same period in 2015, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer.

The growth rate has moderated compared to previous years due to setback caused by major negative events, noted the study.

“Tourism is one of the most resilient and fastest-growing economic sectors but it is also very sensitive to risks, both actual and perceived,” said UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai, attributing the slower growth to the events.

“No destination is immune to risks. We need to increase cooperation in addressing these global threats, namely those related to safety and security. And we need to make tourism an integral part of emergency planning and response,” he added.

Regionally, the Asia-Pacific led growth across the world, with international arrivals up nine per cent through September. Europe saw the slowest growth at twp per cent, with solid double-digit growths in destinations such as Spain, Hungary and Portugal offset by declines in France, Belgium and Turkey.

The UNWTO Confidence Index indicates that tourism prospects remain positive for the remaining quarter of 2016.

Thailand’s tourism revenue to exceed projections despite setbacks

By Chadamas Chinmaneevong

November 9, 2016

Tourists in a tuk tuk in Bangkok

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports expects 2016 tourism income will reach 2.48 trillion baht (US$71 billion), an amount higher than the previous projection of 2.4 trillion baht.

Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, minister of tourism and sports, said that this is thanks to strong performance in the first nine months of this year.

International markets were a key driver and generated around 1.62 trillion baht with 32.4 million arrivals. Meanwhile, domestic travel generated income of 859 billion baht, an increase of 7 per cent from last year, albeit lower than the projected 8 per cent rise.

In October, Thailand’s tourism started to experience a noticeable downtrend. The zero-dollar tour clampdown has significantly affected the industry that month with Chinese arrivals in Thailand seeing a massive 47 per cent year-on-year plunge to 108,090 visitors.

The passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on October 13 was also a drag on tourism. Total international arrivals at Bangkok’s two airports dropped 25 per cent year-on-year to 252,903 visitors in the month.

This is likely to affect arrivals in the last quarter. Still, Kobkarn is confident tourism revenue will increase by 1.28 per cent to 609.6 billion baht in the period, which is Thailand’s high season.

Catalonia targets two million visitors from APAC by 2020

By Rachel AJ Lee

November 9, 2016

The Catalonia region in Spain is aiming to attract two million visitors from the Asia-Pacific by 2020.

David Miro, Catalan Tourist Board’s Asia-Pacific regional director, told TTG Asia: “We are targeting Japan first as it is our most mature market and is currently sending more tourists to Catalonia than any other Asian country. This is followed by China then South Korea – where its tourists to Catalonia has increased by 65 per cent over the past few years.”

To do this, promotional campaigns will be rolled out across Asia. For the coming year, there are plans afoot to conduct social media promotions and the Catalan Tourist Board will be running more press trips for bloggers all over Asia-Pacific to raise awareness, as well as creating a wine and gastronomy showroom in Tokyo.

Miro added: “We are also republishing our digital guide in Korean and Japanese. The itineraries in the English guide will be updated as well. We also plan to conduct workshops – alongside Catalan companies – in Japan and South Korea for local tour operators.”

The Asia-Pacific market has grown exponentially over the past few years and is currently responsible for 20 per cent of all international expenditure in Catalunya. In 2015, the total number of Asia-Pacific visitors was 1.2 million, while 2016 is on track to receive 1.5 million visitors by the end of the year.

Since 2012, the Singapore-based Catalan Tourist Board has represented Catalonia as a tourist destination to markets in the Asia-Pacific such as South Korea, Japan, all South-east Asian countries, and India. The Chinese markets (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) are handled by another office in Beijing.

When asked if new air links are coming to Asia, Miro said that the Catalan Tourist Board has high hopes for a year-round direct flight from Seoul to Barcelona, considering that the route is already serviced by a seasonal chartered flight between April and July, and October and November.

The current lack of direct flights from Asia however, is attributed to the policy of prioritising Madrid Airport links as stipulated by AENA, Spain’s Air Navigation Authority.

He lamented: “There are a few airlines that want to fly direct to Barcelona from Japan, India, and Hong Kong, but they have ended up flying to Madrid (due to the policy).”

However, all is not lost as Barcelona will be hosting the World Route Development Forum in September, and Miro is hopeful that the forum will allow the 3,000 delegates to explore Barcelona’s airport facilities and experience Catalonia.

He opines that this will help pave the way for more direct flights between Asia’s capitals and Barcelona in the near future.