The targeting of airports and aircraft by terrorists is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, a terrorism expert has warned.

Professor Andrew Silke, head of criminology and director of terrorism studies at University of East London, said the tactic was well ingrained and had proved to be an effective shock tactic.

(From left) Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto and Universal’s Mark Woodbury

Two icons of the entertainment world, Universal Parks & Resorts and Nintendo, have formed a partnership to bring Nintendo characters and realms to life.

The plan is to have Nintendo-themed areas in Universal’s three existing theme parks – Universal Studios Japan, Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

These themed environments will offer an immersive experience for guests through a variety of attractions, shops and restaurants, catering to visitors of all ages and gaming experience.

Planning and creative work on these areas is now underway, and will open separately over the next several years. Each Universal theme park will announce details of its specific Nintendo areas in the near future.

Colombo skyline

Industry players are optimistic that tourism in Sri Lanka has growth potential, but its continued success will hinge on political leadership, concluded the first Asia Hotel & Tourism Investment Conference (AHTIC) which took place in Colombo earlier this week.

Data from ForwardKeys showing a 12 per cent growth in visitor arrivals by air during the past year, more than double that achieved by the Asia-Pacific region as a whole. Further information from STR revealed that the country’s hotels had maintained occupancy levels above 66 per cent and lifted ADR to nearly 16,000 Sri Lankan rupees (US$107.12).

And at the recent AHTIC, the Sri Lankan government announced a series of tourism development zones. The president also promised that the next three years, 2017-19, would be designated investment years with special concessions for overseas investors.

A delegation of Chinese investors expressed enthusiasm for opportunities in the destination, seeing potential in its diverse attractions, the current shortage of high-quality properties outside Colombo, the willingness of the government to invest in core infrastructure such as new roads and a British-based legal system.

Also optimistic is WTTC chairman Gerald Lawless, who cited the recent restoration of peace, improved air connectivity and infrastructure investment as some critical factors to the destination’s success for tourism.

However, Roman Scott, chairman of the Calamander Group, raised the concern of Sri Lanka’s proposed lifting of VAT from 11 per cent to 15 per cent and corporation tax to 28 per cent.

In the face of stronger competition from rival countries around the Indian Ocean for foreign investments, Scott, like other industry leaders, urges the Sri Lankan government to effectively brand and promote the destination, prioritise infrastructure development and create a fiscal and regulatory regime that guarantees commercial as well as social and environmental sustainability.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

Following its successful debut this year, Luxury Gold by Insight Vacations will add 15 new itineraries, nine new countries, two new continents and a voluntourism extension in India for its 2017 programme.

The 15 new itineraries include trips to Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Following its successful debut this year, Luxury Gold by Insight Vacations will add 15 new itineraries, nine new countries, two new continents and a voluntourism extension in India for its 2017 programme.

The 15 new itineraries include trips to Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

China-based B2B travel aggregator PKfare.com has entered into a partnership with Amadeus as it sets its sights on international growth.

Under the multi-year agreement, Amadeus will deliver its range of flight content through its Master Pricer solution – which accesses cheapest bookable fares and most convenient itineraries in under a second – for points of sale beyond mainland China and provide hotel content through its Hotel Web Services

As well, PKfare.com will implement the Amadeus B2B Wallet Prepaid solution for automated payments to its overseas suppliers to reduce fraud and improve sales reconciliation.

Commenting on the partnership, Jason Song, CEO and founder of PKfare.com, said: “We’ve grown very quickly in China but recognise that to take our business to the next level, we need to become a global player.

“Our agreement with Amadeus ensures we will do that via the best search technology available, positioning us well to compete on the international stage.”

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Having completed a major refurbishment, Coral Discoverer, the flagship of Australia-based Coral Expeditions, started its inaugural South-east Asian expeditions on November 25, 2016.

The ship’s multi-million-dollar facelift includes the addition of six Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms, the first on any Coral Expeditions vessel. The 20m² rooms now feature double or twin beds, ensuite, a couch, writing desk, as well as indoor-outdoor living spaces and a private balcony

Meanwhile, the remaining 30 staterooms received upgrades to bathroom fixtures, soft furnishings and artwork. Most rooms can be configured to either junior king or twin, and all feature a private ensuite, iPod dock, and Australian toiletries.

The refurbishment has also been extended to common areas such as the dining room, deck lounge and the sun deck. The sun deck has been converted into an undercover deck area complete with a circular bar, alfresco dining area and cabana chairs.

Coral Expeditions’ Asia season features five itineraries exploring small towns and islands normally not accessible by road or large cruise ships in countries such as Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

All Coral Expeditions voyages are inclusive of all meals on board with beer and house wines during lunch and dinner service, off-shore excursions, ground transport and the use of onboard facilities.