Philippines DoT shifts gear as arrival numbers fall short

August 14, 2015

Credit: 123rf

THE Philippines Department of Tourism (DoT) is focusing on revving up tourism revenue as arrival targets no longer seem achievable.

Arrival numbers were originally targeted at 10 million by 2016, but have since been downscaled to 5.5 million this year and 6.5 million by next year. Despite this, the DoT still expects to meet tourism revenue goals of more than US$6 billion by 2016.

The change in strategy comes as tourism receipt numbers are at an all-time high of US$2.1 billion based on January-May figures, with tourists spending more at $1,200 on average. They are also staying longer, averaging around 10 to 11 days.

Calling it a “paradigm shift”, Domingo Ramon Enerio III, COO of DoT’s marketing arm, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), said the emphasis is “on foreign exchange earnings, not just on the physical numbers; more on the income side and how we can get more tourists to spend more”.

Thomas Cook acquires Kuoni units in India, Hong Kong

By TTG Asia

August 13, 2015

THOMAS Cook India has signed an agreement to acquire Kuoni Group’s travel businesses in India and Hong Kong for an estimated US$84.2 million, as party of its strategy to beef up its global travel portfolio.

Thomas Cook India will run Kuoni’s businesses in India and Hong Kong independently and take on the 1,800 employees in both locations.

With the acquisition, travel brands like SOTC and SITA will come under the umbrella of Thomas Cook, which has just acquired Sri Lanka-based DMC Luxe Asia.

Prem Watsa, chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings, the controlling shareholder of Thomas Cook India, said: “Our acquisition of Kuoni’s tour operating and retailing businesses in India and Hong Kong as well as the Indian inbound business reaffirms our belief in the country’s market potential, as also our strategic intent to explore viable geographies, including the larger Asia opportunity,” he added.

Peter Meier, CEO, Kuoni Group, said: “With the sale of the tour operating activities in India and Hong Kong, we have completed the sale of the outbound business. I’m very pleased that we found forward-looking solutions for the units in India and Hong Kong.”

Kuoni has announced earlier this year that it was seeking buyers for its outbound units.

Tech-tethered travellers no longer ‘switch off’ while abroad

By TTG Asia

August 13, 2015

Credit: 123rf

RESEARCHERS from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University have found that the daily use of smartphones has made it difficult for travellers to unplug from their devices.

In the study, researchers conducted interviews with frequent travellers from the US to determine the extent to which smartphone use spills over from everyday life when travelling abroad.

They found that most interviewees would wake up to alarms set on smartphones, then proceed to browse the news, connect to social networks, read email, listen to music, check the weather, do shopping online or browse the Internet on their phones.

A majority of the interviewees indicate that smartphones “were more or less part of their life”. According to the findings, uses during travel largely originated from the interviewees’ daily lives “because of habits and social norms and obligations”.

They noted that the interviewees feel socially obligated to stay connected during trips because they are so used to constant communication. Hence, “routines and habits were carried to the context of travel”, the researchers explain.

The study concludes that because of the advance in technology, friends, families and colleagues are all just a simple swipe away. This makes it very difficult to truly “switch off” while on vacation.

They add, however, that this connectedness is a universally positive experience as they allow people to maintain social ties back home, thus feeling less isolated.

Utility apps also afford greater convenience when travelling while entertainment options allow travellers to indulge in being themselves.

India broadens e-Tourist Visa scheme to more countries, airports

By Imran Khan

August 13, 2015

FOLLOWING the recent inclusion of China, India will be extending its e-Tourist Visa (ETV) initiative to 36 more countries, bringing the total number of countries under the scheme to 113.

New to the list are Malaysia and Taiwan as well as important European source markets like the UK, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden, among others.

The Indian government is also rolling out the ETV facility at seven more airports – Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Gaya, Jaipur, Lucknow, Trichy and Varanasi. With this addition, 16 designated airports in India will offer ETV services.

Sarab Jit Singh, senior vice president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, said: “We are trying to convince the government to increase the validity of ETVs from 30 days to 60 days…and increase the 30-day advance booking for ETVs from the present 30 days to six months.”

Langham Place, Mongkok becomes Cordis, Hong Kong in relaunch

By TTG Asia

August 13, 2015

LANGHAM Hospitality Group will introduce its first property under its new upscale Cordis brand when Langham Place, Mongkok, Hong Kong is rebranded to Cordis, Hong Kong on August 26.

The recently renovated Cordis, Hong Kong will offer 664 guest rooms with a choice of 19 room types, ranging from a 26m2 superior room to the 158m2 chairman suite. All rooms are outfitted with bathtubs.

Other room facilities include a coffeemaker and a 3G-enabled smartphone with unlimited local and international calls to Australia, China, Singapore, the UK and the US, along with 3G data connectivity and Wi-Fi tethering anywhere in the city.

Amenities in the hotel include a rooftop swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness studio, spa and 24-hour room service.

For F&B options, there is Ming Court, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant; Alibi, a European-inspired shared-plates restaurant and bar; The Place, an international buffet restaurant; and The Backyard, an al fresco terrace lounge.

There are also 16 meeting and events spaces equipped with projectors and portable touchscreens. The main ballroom also features a high-definition LED screen.

M&C adds Liverpool’s Beatles-themed hotel to portfolio

By TTG Asia

August 13, 2015

Credit: Millennium & Copthorne Hotels

MILLENNIUM & Copthorne Hotels (M&C) has agreed to acquire the Hard Days Night Hotel in the UK for 13.8 million British pounds (US$21.5 million). Completion of the acquisition is expected by August 19, 2015.

Established in 2008, the property is the only Beatles-inspired hotel in the world and is located in Liverpool’s Cavern Quarter. The hotel has 110 guest rooms and suites, including the aptly-named McCartney and Lennon suites.

The hotel houses several bars and restaurants, including the flagship Blake, as well as facilities for conferences, meetings and weddings. It also features exclusive Beatles artworks by world renowned artists, which are prominently displayed throughout the hotel.

Credits: Millennium & Copthorne Hotels

Kwek Leng Beng, chairman of M&C, said: “This unique acquisition, which will be supported by M&C’s existing management infrastructure, further expands the group’s hotel portfolio to one of the leading leisure and business destinations in the UK.”

Following the acquisition, the Hard Days Night Hotel will mark M&C’s 24th property within the UK and Europe.

Surf’s up for Tourism Australia’s beach marketing push in China

By Prudence Lui

August 13, 2015

COME 2016, Tourism Australia will kick off the A$34.2 million (US$24.8 million) Aquatic and Coastal campaign to complement its current Restaurant Australia initiative, and China will be one of the NTO’s focus markets.

Andrew Hogg, Tourism Australia’s regional general manager for Greater China, said: “The Restaurant Australia campaign yielded great success. Last year, Hong Kong recorded a three per cent growth and a repeat visitation rate of 66 per cent. It’s our 10th largest inbound market. Moreover, the China market surged 22 per cent and rose to become our second biggest market.

“The new campaign helps to raise the profile of our aquatic and coastal assets as people seldom search this information online. Details will be announced when we roll it out in early 2016. For sure, programmes like the great nature walk at Bondi Panorama or Great Ocean Road in the state of Victoria will be included.”

According to Tourism Australia’s research, tropical islands and beaches are ranked the most important natural environments for Chinese tourists and about 72 per cent of tourism expenditure come from travellers who include an aquatic or coastal activity in their trip.

[SPONSORED POST] Is your competitor exhibiting at ATF 2016?

By TTG Asia

August 13, 2015

CLOSE to 50 per cent of the assigned booth space at ATF 2016 – the longest running annual ASEAN Leisure Travel Trade Event – has been booked.

From the valuable business generation prospects to the unparalleled reach to 400 validated, qualified global buyers, the reasons for travel suppliers to be in Manila, Philippines from January 20 to 22 are diverse.

Credit: TTG Asia

Confirmed exhibitor Shirlena Tan, regional director of sales & marketing from Furama Hotels International enthused: “ATF delivers buyers that reach discerning business travellers and fun-loving leisure travellers alike. This is a platform that enables us to showcase our three brands – Furama, FuramaXclusive and FX Hotels as excellent choices for their consideration.”

Noor M Ismail, head, sales & marketing of Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel, Malaysia is looking forward to promoting his expanded product portfolio that includes personalised golf tours, sports events packages, gourmet packages and cycling tours.

The confirmed exhibitor remarked: “Our bi-annual Worldwide Brochure 2016/2017 is ready and this consists of more than 30 improved packages covering Malaysia, Borneo and Singapore. On top of that, our B2B online platform has become more aggressive in offering dynamic rates and availability.”

Click here to see who else is already on board or book a booth now before the early bird promotion ends on September 15, 2015.

For more information about exhibiting, email atfsellers@ttgasia.com or visit www.atfphilippines.com/Exhibitor.php.

Jack Chua chosen as new GM of Park Regis

By TTG Asia

August 13, 2015

STAYWELL Hospitality Group has appointed Jack Chua as general manager of Park Regis Singapore.

In his new role, Chua will be responsible for the hotel’s strategic growth, strengthening of the brand’s presence and to promote guest satisfaction.

Credit: Park Regis Singapore

Prior to his appointment, Chua was the executive assistant manager at Grand Copthorne Waterfront.

He brings with him 30 years of hospitality experience, possessing knowledge in sales, marketing and F&B departments in various hotels including stints at M Hotel, Royal Plaza on Scotts, Goodwood Park, Hyatt Regency and Swissotel Merchant Court, Singapore.

Magic carpet or rollercoaster ride

By Paige Lee Pei Qi

August 13, 2015

Harry Potter, Hello Kitty and Mickey Mouse have found homes in Asia as the region’s growing middle class fuels a boom in theme park attractions. Will the burgeoning range of options boast theme park attendance or lead to consumer fatigue?

SINGAPORE By Paige Lee Pei Qi

Often a highlight in travel itineraries for Singaporeans, theme parks appeal to all age groups and families in particular, as they bring out the inner child in everyone and offer the experience of escaping into another world.

Moreover, the fun atmosphere in theme parks is itself a source of entertainment. The plethora of ride options also cater accordingly to an individual’s appetite for adventure, offering something for everyone.

Travel consultants will often design theme parks within the programmes, especially in destinations with Disneyland or Universal Studios like Japan and Hong Kong. The upcoming theme parks in Asia are expected to help consultants provide more variety in their itineraries and further boost interest into the destination.

Singaporean travellers typically do not mind paying the admission fees for theme parks, which is just a small additional charge compared with the cost of the entire holiday.

Theme parks across the world are constantly reinventing themselves by rolling out new attractions and capitalising on current trends to draw new and repeat travellers.

An example is the Frozen Ever After ride, which will debut at Walt Disney World in Orlando in 2016. Leveraging the popular animation film Frozen, this new attraction will feature a snow-filled boat ride that will take visitors straight into a winter wonderland.

The following people were interviewed for this article: Marshall Ooi, director, Nam Ho Travel; Clifford Neo, managing director, Dynasty Travel; Anthony Chan, group managing director, Chan Brothers Travel Singapore; Shannon Hee, marketing and communications manager, ASA Holidays; and Sylvia Tan, vice-president of marketing and public relations, CTC Travel

MALAYSIA By S Puvaneswary

As competition intensify in Asia, the use of iconic figures and movies such as Harry Potter, Transformers and Shrek in theme parks appeal to Malaysian travellers as they are able to identify with these characters.

While popular tourist magnets, theme parks are not the sole attraction for holidaymakers when picking a destination. Trade players believe that a destination’s overall offerings is more important than the theme park and that a new park built in an out-of-the way location without supporting tourism infrastructure will not attract Malaysians.

Outbound travel consultants in Malaysia also urge theme park operators overseas to provide training and marketing support for them to better promote and divert traffic to theme parks. To capture the interest of the Muslim market, consultants also need to know if there are halal-certified food outlets within the theme park.

As well, the consultants also agreed that the weak ringgit is currently putting a damper on outbound travel demand. Some industry members expect travel demand and visits to theme parks to continue falling until the ringgit strengthens.

On the other hand, as theme parks are still a draw for families with children below 15, such packages continue to sell well during school holidays.

The following people were interviewed for the article: Hamzah Rahmat, director, Bestar Travel Centre; Cooper Huang, CEO, Malaysian Harmony Tours & Travel Adam Kamal, CEO, Rakyat Travel; Abdul Rahman Mohamed, deputy general manager – channel management, Mayflower Acme Tours; and John Chan, business consultant, Kris International Traveltours

INDONESIA By Mimi Hudoyo

Theme parks are a big draw for Indonesian holidaymakers, especially among families with young children and teenagers. During school holidays, up to 90 per cent of travellers are families and the majority of them take up holiday packages inclusive of theme parks.

Many parents prioritise the interests of their children to visit theme parks during holidays; however, a theme park session is just one of the many activities in the travel package, which also include culinary experiences, shopping and sightseeing.

While entry fees to theme parks may be high, Indonesians are willing to pay for the experience, attracted by the rides, well-known characters and technology which offer them different experiences.

Furthermore, new theme parks in a destination or new attractions in an existing park offer the opportunity to attract travellers, both first-timers and repeats.

An example would be Universal Studio Japan’s The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – many Indonesian families are flocking to the park even though they may have visited the destination before, therefore highlighting the need for existing theme parks to constantly come up with new attractions.

Theme parks also have the potential to attract new travellers to a destination. Legoland in Johor Bahru, for example, has become a popular destination not only for travellers from Jakarta, but also other Indonesian cities like Surabaya, Bandung and Medan.

Likewise, Indonesian travel companies have started including Pattaya in family packages since the opening of Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark in the city.

The following people were interviewed for the article: Yongky Yanwintarko, managing director, Sun Tour Surabaya; Rery Sankyo, vice president leisure operations, Panorama Tours Indonesia; Dharmawan Rahardja, owner, Genta Tour Jakarta; Yento Chen, CEO, Destination Tour; and Yekti Suradji, president director, Kencana Tour

THE PHILIPPINES By Rosa Ocampo

As the Philippines still does not boast attractions the likes of Disneyland and Universal Studios, Filipino travellers still have to head overseas to get a dose of theme park fun.

Shopping and sightseeing are must-dos for Filipinos during their holidays overseas, with food, culture and theme parks also high up on the agenda, especially for families travelling with kids.

Filipino travellers are also willing to pay for entry to theme parks which they regard as “special”, even if the costs are high.

To remedy the issue of costly entrance fees for walk-in tourists, theme parks have partnered with travel agencies in the Philippines to offer special rates incorporated in the tour package price.

There are also special passes combining two or more theme parks, like Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and The Little Big Club in Johor Bahru or Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo’s Disneyland and DisneySea.

Visa rules also play a role in determining an attraction’s appeal. For instance, theme parks in Hong Kong and Singapore, which offer visa-free entry to Filipino visitors, are often deemed more accessible than those in Japan and South Korea.

For many Filipinos, however, the novelty of visiting a theme park is increasingly replaced by a been-there, done-that sentiment as the existing theme parks in Asia are perceived as offering similar rides and attractions.

A growing number of travellers are also opting for activities like adventure travel and destinations off the beaten track during their holidays.

The following people were interviewed for this article: Jaison Yang, general manager, Travel Warehouse; Simon Ang, managing director-operations, Celebrate Life Travel & Leisure; Kat Cruz, team leader, meetings and events, American Express Transnational; Arwin De Castro, outbound supervisor, Mango Tours; Arvill Masalta, assistant supervisor, Rajah Travel; and Kristine Mariano, sales and marketing supervisor, Amkor Travel and Tours

This article was first published in TTG Asia, August 7, 2015 issue, on page 16. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe

Additional reporting from S Puvaneswary, Mimi Hudoyo, and Rosa Ocampo