LAOS is planning to build a cultural tourism site in Borikhamxay province, central Laos within the next two years, but tour operators are less than enthused about the new development.
According to the Vientiane Times, a 13,487m2 memorial park for revolutionary leader Sisomphone Lorvanxay will be built at a cost of more than US$2.2 million. The development will include open play areas, a memorial plinth, artificial cave, waterfall, museum, library and an administration building among other facilities.
Speaking to TTG Asia e-Daily, Laurent Granier, general manager of Laos Mood Travel, commented: “Its geographical locations means visitors cross overland to reach the next province of Khammouane and Kong Lor Cave. But this is an expensive option, especially for FITs.
“Central provinces of Laos are tough to sell with European tour operators. They imply long (and rather costly) trips with little choice of international standard accommodation,” he added.
Destination Asia’s group product director, Niels Steeman, said: “I do not believe that this project will boost tourism from the (Western) markets we deal with. The area is little known as a tourism area outside of the backpackers and adventure tourism sector. The infrastructure, including international hotels, just is not there yet.”
However, Natalia Kortchouganova, regional operation director of Asia World Travel, which has offices across Asia, said: “I would question whether a ‘culture park’ would capture the attention of Western tourists. Within Asian travellers though, including Thailand, Vietnam and China, the idea of such a park keeps within their interests.”
AYALA Land and subsidiary Ten Knots Group have broken ground on their Lio resort development in El Nido in Palawan, which has been positioned as an ecologically sustainable tourism destination.
The 100-hectare project is located in Barangay Villa Libertad, El Nido, Palawan, within Bacuit Bay on northern Palawan Province’s west coast, facing the beach on one side and mountains on the other.
In the first phase of development, a township consisting of bed and breakfasts, resorts, shops, and dining establishments will come up on a site of 25 hectares.
Lio will feature hotels, resorts, tourism and commercial establishments, and residential communities blending with El Nido’s natural landscape when completed.
According to Ayala Land president, Antonino T Aquino, Lio is Ayala’s “first venture into tourism estate development and is the first master-planned ecotourism estate in the Philippines”.
He also said that Lio, “unlike other tourism destinations in the country, the entire property is planned, constructed and managed by one developer with sustainability in mind”.
AyalaLand Hotels and Resorts president, Junie Jalandoni, also added: “Lio will further support the thriving tourism industry in the country, and generate employment and livelihood opportunities for the local community. The development will surely boost El Nido’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination.”
As competition gets fiercer, Asia’s integrated resorts pull out all the stops to ensure the crowds keep coming.
Resorts World Sentosa By Paige Lee Pei Qi
Since opening in January 2010, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has constantly added new attractions to lure new and repeat visitors alike.
According to Tessa Er, vice president of resort marketing, RWS’ anchor attractions – Universal Studios Singapore and Marine Life Park – registered growth in visitor numbers in 2013.
Marine Life Park, which introduced new experiences including dolphin interaction programmes, welcomed more than three million visitors last year, she revealed.
To complement the interactive Trickeye Museum slated to open by mid-2014, RWS is developing a Korean cluster at the waterfront stretch, which will include more Korean F&B and fashion outlets.
In order to continue garnering “top-of-mind recall” for both new and repeat visitors, RWS will roll out key campaigns quarterly in 2014 to raise brand awareness across its key markets, as well as more signature events.
For example, Er said the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore will be enhanced to “scare more local and regional fans” in its fourth installment.
“Our Marine Explorer tours and Ocean Dreams sleepover programmes at the SEA Aquarium have been very popular with families,” she said.
“Riding on this trend of fun learning, the Marine Life Park will also roll out more educational activities to enhance visitors’ experience at our attractions.”
Source: Resorts World Sentosa
To further tap the FIT segment, Er said: “We will also be enhancing our online and mobile platforms, as well as extending our partnership with travel portals, to provide easier access and targeted deals for our guests.”
What’s newSet to open in RWS by mid-year, the 800m2 Trickeye Museum will comprise six theme zones featuring 80 3D paintings and optical illusion masterpieces, allowing guests to not just view the paintings but walk into them and become part of the masterpiece. The Singapore outpost will also feature unique aspects such as the city’s thriving ecosystem of nature and wildlife.
Marina Bay Sands By Paige Lee Pei Qi
Source: Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is beefing up its shopping and entertainment offerings to fortify its standing as a premier lifestyle destination in Singapore.
Last November, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) and Beckham Ventures entered into a partnership which will see former footballer and fashion icon David Beckham consulting on the development of dining, retail and leisure concepts at MBS.
Details of the partnership remain scarce, although LVS is expecting to cash in on Beckham’s immense popularity in Asia to promote both Singapore and Macau properties.
MBS has recorded a “positive momentum and growth” in the retail segment, according to John Mims, senior vice president of worldwide sales and resort marketing Asia, Las Vegas Sands Corp.
“With growing interest and demand from premium luxury brands to expand their presence at The Shoppes at MBS, we will see many luxury duplex stores being completed in 2014,” he added. “Many of these brands, such as Bulgari, Cartier, Dior, Miu Miu and Versace, will have their largest stores in Singapore at The Shoppes upon completion.”
Meanwhile, MBS continues to look out for headlining entertainment acts. In March, a free live simulcast of The Rolling Stones concert was projected in high definition on a 14m-wide LED screen at the Event Plaza as part of MBS’ open-to-public music festival.
Upcoming shows include the multi-million-dollar musical production Grease and live theatrical performance Tap Dogs.
Mims said: “We will conduct direct surveys and marketing research to understand the regional market dynamics as well as what our guests want to see, whether (it is) a Broadway musical, an intimate concert or a global headlining act,” he said.
What’s newPremium luxury brands like Bulgari, Cartier, Dior, Miu Miu and Versace will expand their presence at The Shoppes at MBS, with many duplex stores being completed this year. Renowned shows such as Grease and Tap Dogs have also been lined up.
Hong Kong Disneyland By Prudence Lui
A stream of attractions at Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) over the last few years has helped it to stay popular, as has strong trade marketing programmes.
According to HKDL vice president of sales and distribution marketing, Terruce Wang, the three new themed areas launched over the past 18 months – Toy Story Land (2011), Grizzly Gulch (2012) and Mystic Point (2013) – have enabled the destination to build “more fun, memorable and comprehensive experiences” for repeat visitors and diverse age groups.
With increasing number of FITs opting for more packed itineraries and shorter stays, HKDL has bolstered its exposure through partnerships with OTAs and airlines to reach out to these fragmented segments.
Wang added: “We have designed more diversified travel products, for example, travel packages consisting of flight tickets and accommodation in the resort’s themed hotel, and special discount on admission tickets for designated boarding pass-holders, to meet the needs of FITs from different parts of the world.”
On the industry front, HKDL runs regular updates on the destination’s latest developments, in addition to webinars, exclusive preview days and in-market trade briefings.
He added: “We also work closely with our travel trade partners to diversify our products with creative special offers such as themed packages and offerings, F&B and merchandise discount coupons. Moreover, in-market trade briefings were staged across major cities in Asia-Pacific, using the ‘edutaining’ approach of education and entertainment to convey the essence of fun in the new experiences, which helped in encouraging trade partners to develop creative travel products.”
More satellite offices in China have also been set up and liaison representatives appointed in key overseas markets to ensure timely and effective communication with the trade.
Between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013, the number of visitors for HKDL’s fiscal year hit 7.4 million. Overall hotel occupancy climbed to a record 94 per cent and guest spending also reached a new high with a six per cent year-on-year increase.
What’s new A new night parade called Disney Paint the Night will debut later this year, while upcoming initiatives include HKDL’s 10th anniversary celebration in 2015, the launch of a new Iron Man atrraction in 2016 and a 750-room resort-style hotel in 2017, which will boost the resort’s room inventory by 75 per cent to 1,750.
Ocean Park Hong Kong By Prudence Lui
With visitor attendance projected to reach 8.5 million by 2020, Ocean Park Hong Kong has planned several new attractions in 2014 and a 495-key hotel in 2016, following the completion of a HK$5.5 billion (US$0.7 billion) redevelopment and expansion programme in mid-2012.
Recent themed debuts include The Rainforest, Thrill Mountain and Polar Adventure, which have raised the park’s number of attractions from 35 to over 80. Upcoming attractions in 2014 include a new shark aquarium and a koala exhibition, while a new water park will debut in 2017.
Recognising the importance of providing attractions “culturally relevant” to targeted markets, Ocean Park has weaved Hong Kong’s cultural heritage with Old Hong Kong – an attraction featuring typical street scenes from the 1950s to 1970s – and taken reference from local fables and ghost stories to create characters and offerings during Halloween, pointed out the park’s sales director, Rosalind Siu.
To drive higher attendance, Ocean Park has installed Wi-Fi on site, and rolled out a virtual guided tour, promotions and instant feeds on social network platforms. It is also establishing more digital payment methods.
Although China’s new tourism law implemented last October has led to a 30 per cent drop in group business in 4Q2013 compared with the same period in 2012, Siu maintained that targeted marketing campaigns have enabled Ocean Park to attract more FITs and locals.
To engage the trade, Ocean Park is participating in major travel fairs and trade shows in key source markets, and also works closely with tour operators in China and South-east Asia to develop packages for outbound tourists.
“From time to time, we organise outreach programmes for both large and small-scale travel (consultants) and media overseas to promote our big five events and new attractions. We also offer site visits and guided tours for the trade to keep them updated on the latest changes in the park,” said Siu.
In the 2012-13 fiscal year (ended June 30, 2013), attendance exceeded 7.7 million, up nine per cent from previous year while 2013 attendance rose one per cent to 7.5 million.
What’s new Shark Mystique is due to open in mid-2014, followed by Adventures in Australia (Koala exhibit) by the end of this year. The 495-room Ocean Hotel and Tai Shue Wan Waterpark are scheduled to launch in 2017.
Cotai Strip ResortsMacao By Caroline Boey
Source: Cotai Strip Resorts Macao
Like the diversification drive within Macau’s tourism industry, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is also stepping up on non-gaming developments as part of its growth strategy.
“Important growth (has been) achieved in non-gaming operations such as hotel, retail and entertainment offerings,” noted Fanny Chan, director of destination marketing of Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, which comprises Sands Macao, The Venetian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Sands Cotai Central.
“The company’s fundamental multi-tiered integrated resort development strategy, which features convention, exhibition, hotel, retail and entertainment offerings, helped drive 17.4 million visits in 4Q2013 to our properties, including more than eight million visitors to The Venetian Macao alone,” she added.For the whole year, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao welcomed nearly 63 million visitors.
Two major developments, the 3,000-key Parisian Macao and the 700-key St Regis Tower, are currently under construction and targeted for completion in late-2015.
To keep its entertainment value high, A-list celebrities and pop stars such as Rihanna and Justin Bieber as well as boxing legend Manny Pacquiao have been brought in, while upcoming acts include The Rolling Stones and Stacey Kent.
Among the new marketing ideas is DreamWorks Gang Private Party, a fun setting for corporate events and special occasions of any size, following last year’s debut of the DreamWorks Experience offering breakfast and interaction opportunities with DreamWorks characters.
“We constantly work with our trade partners to provide them with (information on) upcoming events and hotel packages as well as different marketing materials. They are actively passing the information on to their clients through cooperative advertising, their websites and social media platforms,” she added. A series of B2B tradeshows and B2C consumer shows in overseas markets have also been planned this year.
What’s new The DreamWorks Experience includes Shrekfast – a buffet breakfast experience where guests can interact with DreamWorks characters – and DreamWorks All Star Parade. The 3,000-room Parisian Macao and the 700-room St Regis Tower are two major developments targeted for completion in late-2015.
Sunway Lagoon By S Puvaneswary
As one of the oldest amusement parks in Asia, the 21-year-old Sunway Lagoon is no stranger to competition.
“When (Sunway Lagoon) first opened (in 1993), we had no competitors in the city. Today, our competition is from other theme parks in South-east Asia, (with) destinations like Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines made accessible with cheap airfares from LCCs,” commented Bill Holman, consultant director of Sunway Lagoon. “The Internet is our other challenge as everybody can surf to see what new attractions are available at theme parks elsewhere.”
The destination currently offers attractions ranging from an interactive zoo featuring small animals to adrenaline-pumping activities like paintball shooting and bungee jumping and a water theme park with one of the world’s largest surf pools.
Holman looks to the 2015 debut of Nickelodeon Land – the first such theme park in South-east Asia – featuring water-based attractions and live shows as a “game changer” for Sunway Lagoon, as the new concept will appeal to a younger crowd aged two to 15.
Besides attracting an increasing number of corporate events, Sunway Lagoon’s leisure share has “increased exponentially”, growing 10 per cent last year from 2012 and posting a 26 per cent year-on-year increase in January 2014, he shared.
“Our new marketing strategy is to encourage visitors to take photos and videos using their smartphones as these will be posted on social media channels. It is free advertising for us,” Holman added.
At the same time, Sunway Lagoon is examining new avenues such as more TV and digital-based advertising in its major markets to support travel consultants, in addition to hosting regular fam trips for the trade and attending major travel and tourism fairs within Asia.
What’s new Sunway Lagoon recently opened Tiger Land while the Wildlife Park is currently being upgraded to exhibit more endangered animals. A high dive show will be performed thrice daily at the Giant Surf Pool area from May 1, and Cleopatra’s Adventure will be introduced in the Scream Park attraction in 2H2014. Nickelodeon Land will debut in 1Q2015.
Legoland Malaysia Resort By S Puvaneswary
Source: Legoland Malaysia Resort
Legoland Malaysia Resort hopes to woo more international visitors, having transformed last year from a theme park into a resort and with several upcoming attractions on the way.
Mark Germyn, general manager of Legoland Malaysia Resort, said: “Since the opening of the Legoland Hotel in November 2013, we are seeing visitor growth not just from our resident market (Johor and Singapore) and local domestic tourist market (Klang Valley) but an increase in the number of international tourists.”
To attract more foreign visitors, Legoland will train its sights on its two key international markets, Indonesia and Hong Kong. “In Q2, we will organise roadshows and ground events in Indonesia to drive stronger tourist visits. In Hong Kong, we will continue to do both B2B and B2C marketing,” Germyn shared.
However, Germyn also acknowledged that the biggest challenge in attracting families in Malaysia and Singapore – the park’s two biggest resident markets – lies in their preference for travel during school holidays. “Thanks to good response from Indonesia, Hong Kong and other Asian countries, we are also busy when there are no school holidays in Malaysia and Singapore,” he added.
Other initiatives to boost leisure visitation include an Annual Pass – a particularly value-for-money programme for the local market, according to Germyn – plus F&B promotions and Lego-building activities on a monthly basis.
Besides roadshows, trade missions, fam trips and media engagement to keep the industry abreast of the park’s developments, Legoland also offers incentives to trade partners and works closely with tourism offices and airlines to create attractive packages.
What’s new This month will see the opening of Lego Legends of Chima Miniland – which comes less than a year after the launch of the Legends of Chima Movie at the 4D Cinema. This will be followed by the Q4 debut of Lego Star Wars Miniland, a fully air-conditioned indoor attraction featuring all the six Star Wars films and over 2,000 Lego models.
Bukit Gambang Resort City By S Puvaneswary
Visitor attendance at Bukit Gambang Resort City (BGRC) has been on the ascent in recent years, with the number of visitors to its Water Park steadily rising from 521,000 in 2011 to 610,000 in 2012 and 646,000 in 2013, according to head of marketing, Nasiruddin Nasrun.
At the same time, average visitor revenue has also seen a corresponding increase, growing from RM27 (US$8.20) in 2010 to RM32 in 2011 and RM35.40 last year.
The addition of the 868-room Arabian Bay Resort in October 2012 boosted inventory to 1,866 rooms, while the Safari Park is the latest of BGRC’s theme parks to open in September 2013.
For 2014, the resort will focus on promoting the new safari park and improving its services. “Opening up new attractions doesn’t guarantee visitors will come if there are no promotions being done,” said Nasiruddin. “We are now looking at promoting our resort to foreign visitors, especially those from the Middle East, China, Singapore and Indonesia.”
BGRC’s location on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia poses a challenge in marketing to leisure visitors, as domestic visitors, especially those residing in Klang Valley, have to be convinced that the resort is “less than a three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur”, Nasiruddin explained. Foreign visitors also need to be persuaded that it “is as attractive as traditional destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi”.
Urging travel agencies to sell beyond the usual hotspots, she added: “They should be brave enough to take bold steps in promoting new destinations as this will also increase the (range of) destinations and attractions that they can offer to their clients.”
In addition to conducting trade fam trips and working with the tourism authorities to enhance its presence in the industry, BGRC has also engaged a Dubai-based marketing representative to promote the resort to agencies in the Middle East. Besides participating in ATF, it will also be present at ATM and other B2B travel fairs targeting the Chinese market.
What’s new The addition of the 868-room Arabian Bay Resort in October 2012 and the opening of the Bukit Gambang Safari Park in September 2013, which has five regions such as Wild Savannah and Night Jungle. Sprawled across approximately 100 football fields, up to 420 species of animals can be found in its rainforest.
Resorts World Genting By S Puvaneswary
Despite the three-year closure of its Outdoor Theme Park since September 2013, Resorts World Genting (RWG) is still raking in strong business, according to the resort’s spokesperson.
During Lunar New Year, visitor headcount to the park was about 150,000 on the first day, similar to previous years’ attendance figure during the same period.
The resort kicked off the year with the Transformers’ 30th Anniversary Exhibition and International Buskers Festival. Although the much-anticipated Twentieth Century Fox World theme park is set for a 2016 opening, guests would still get to participate in related activities and meet iconic mascots in the coming months. Other new developments this year include an additional 1,300 rooms at the First World Hotel.
Meanwhile, there will be attractive offers of shows, rooms, F&B and indoor theme park tickets, plus concerts at the Arena of Stars with artistes scheduled to perform every week.
“Today’s holidaymakers are well travelled and have higher expectations. Bringing in an international brand such as Twentieth Century Fox and developing the world’s first theme park (of its kind) in Malaysia would offer tourists an exciting experience and new perspective when choosing a venue for their holiday,” said RWG’s spokesperson, who added that the resort would also be introducing a new cable car system as well as more retail, F&B and accommodation offerings when the park opens.
Travel agencies remain an important conduit in spurring continuous growth in room sales and tourist arrivals for the resort, which is working closely with Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau on roadshows and tradeshows overseas to reach its target markets.
What’s new Further upgrading of hotel rooms and additional 1,300 rooms at First World Hotel. There will also be activities centred around Twentieth Century Fox World, which is scheduled to open its first theme park globally at RWG in 2016.
Resorts World Manila By Rosa Ocampo
While Resorts World Manila (RWM) has not introduced new attractions of late, it is keeping a strong marketing and promotion focus on the non-gaming sector.
RWM has recreated Filipinos’ love for fiestas by frequently hosting feasts, parades and revelry, including a month-long Christmas celebration, to bring in more visitors “regardless of niche markets”, said Martin Paz, vice president for marketing communications.
To sate Filipinos’ love for beauty pageants, RWM has staged the Miss Resorts World Manila beauty contest and hosted several beauty pageants. Reality shows and contests are also crowd pullers. A membership card was also recently introduced to non-gamers, allowing cardholders to earn and use points for purchases, discounts and freebies.
“They’re bringing the leisure and events markets not just from Manila but from provincial clientele as well,” observed John Paul Cabalza, president, Philippine Travel Agencies Association. “You also see small associations and groups from, say, Visayas, holding their events at RWM.”
“We have contracted rates for their hotels,” said Marjorie Aquino, inbound sales and marketing manager, Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, adding that RWM has built up good rapport with the trade.
These marketing and promotions, which include an extensive social media campaign, have reduced the perception that RWM is a costly place, drawing attention to its three hotels for budget, mid-range and upscale travellers. It has also rolled out a staycation programme for families at its all-suite Maxims Hotel.
What’s new The expansion of Marriott Hotel Manila – featuring a new wing with 228 guestrooms and a three-storey convention centre – and Maxims Hotel’s 170 additional suites are due to complete by 2015. Hilton and Sheraton hotels, each with 350 guestrooms, as well as Belmont Luxury Hotel and Savoy Hotel with 500 rooms combined, are expected to come online in the next three years.
Solaire Resort & Casino By Rosa Ocampo
Solaire Resort & Casino, the first of four integrated resorts at the Entertainment City along Manila Bay, has just marked its first year anniversary.
However, the destination has faced some hurdles in attracting the leisure market as its major non-gaming leisure facilities – a 1,800-pax theatre, a high-end retail area and more F&B outlets – will be launched only within this year. While it has the usual line-up of concerts, boxing matches and shows, most events are now held in its Grand Ballroom.
In addition, Solaire’s reputation as an expensive destination also makes it a challenge to find the right formula while working with the trade.
Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) president, John Paul Cabalza, noted that Solaire has an open door to events and works with travel agencies by offering contracted rates.
According to Bill Barnett, managing director of hotel and hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks, Solaire has shifted to MICE and corporate clientele because it is unable to attract foreign gaming guests.
Unlike Resorts World Manila and City of Dreams Manila, as a freestanding integrated resort operator without foreign connections, Solaire lacks the advantage of having the “database of existing regional clients who have credit lines which can be extended to their Philippine properties”, Barnett posited.
What’s new Solaire expects to launch within 2014 an additional 300 suites, a Broadway-style theatre for up to 1,800 pax, a retail area housing up to 35 luxury brands, another 3,000 parking spaces, a night club and more restaurants.
In tandem with the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, the tourism sector is on track to implement the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (MRA-TP) by the end of next year.
Conceived to facilitate the mobility of employment for skilled tourism labour within the region, the MRA-TP allows qualified tourism professionals from ASEAN member states to apply for jobs in other ASEAN member countries.
Setting up standards
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy’s Resource Development Agency chairman, I Gede Pitana, explained that member countries agreed to certify professionals using ASEAN toolboxes (training manuals) when the MRA-TP was signed in 2009.
However, of six identified labour divisions, only the training toolbox for housekeeping has been completed and its master assessors and master trainers
trained last year. Tool boxes for front office, F&B, food production, tour operators and travel agencies are due to be finalised this year.
“If we waited for all the toolboxes to be ready to start certifying, it would have been unlikely that we would achieve the targets set for 2015, therefore, a second mechanism was set up,” said Pitana.
“The ASEAN Tourism Professional Monitoring Committee (ATPMC) then came up with the idea of establishing a regional secretariat for ASEAN tourism professionals, which is a pool of master trainers and master assessors,” he added.
During the 17th ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting in Kuching in January, the ministers adopted the terms of reference for the establishment of a regional secretariat in Indonesia to facilitate the implementation of the MRA-TP in 2015.
As each member country has developed and applied its own competency standard, certificates issued by individual countries will be assessed against the ASEAN standard.
Other new training projects and activities this year include developing the ASEAN Tourism Professional Registration System, training ASEAN master trainers and master assessors for front office and F&B services as well as the pilot project for housekeeping under the MRA.
Restrictions apply
Although the MRA-TP seeks to foster “free movement”, job seekers cannot simply pick an opening in another country and apply for it.
Souhn Manivong, director general of tourism development department at Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism – who also represents Laos as the chair of ATPMC – said: “The qualified talents need to register themselves with the ASEAN Professional Registration System, and companies in the member countries who need certain talents can look at the list and invite (candidates).
“So the movement of professionals is by invitation,” he said, adding that once the match is made, the rules and regulations of the host country apply.
Try Chhiv, deputy director general of tourism at Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism and secretariat director at the National Committee for Tourism Professionals, added: “(ASEAN) applies a matching system, so not everyone can just come and work in Cambodia. On the other hand, we also have our own laws (limiting) the number of foreign workers – this will balance domestic and regional manpower.”
Souhn estimates some 2,000 ASEAN tourism professionals will possess ASEAN-recognised certificates by the end of 2015.
Job fight or flight?
The MRA will bring both pros and cons to a country, noted deputy director of department of international cooperation & ASEAN, Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, Hoy Phireak. “It is good because we need to fill the gaps (in the country), and (Cambodians) can also get regional exposure and come back to share their experience,” he said.
Aung Myat Kyaw, chairman of the Union of Myanmar Travel Association, agreed: “Some are concerned that job opportunities will be taken by foreigners, but (others) see the entry of foreign professionals as a chance to learn the expertise of others.”
According to Daniel Corpuz, undersecretary for tourism planning and promotions at Philippines’ Department of Tourism, an average of 25,000 Filipinos graduate from hospitality and tourism-related programmes each year, enough to fill the country’s growing need for talents.
However, Dennis Law, former managing director of Star Holiday Mart Singapore and now executive officer and general manager of global inbound business, JTB Asia-Pacific, foresees significant movements of labour, especially from less developed economies, resulting in a loss of skilled manpower for some countries.
Singapore is likely to attract “all brains”, Law said, adding that few Singaporeans want to work in the service industry. However, this might put a strain on the country’s infrastructure and create social problems, he opined.
More concerned about the readiness of the Indonesian workforce, Indonesia Hotel and Restaurant Association chairman, Yanti Sukamdani, said: “On one hand, I will be happy to see Indonesian talents getting a job in other countries as it will lift the image of the country.
“On the other hand, we will see competition at home. We see more and more international investment coming, and it is natural that (foreign companies) want to bring in their talents to ensure business is running (well) and profitably,” she added.
Rakyat Travel Malaysia’s general manager, Adam Kamal, pointed out that not all companies will employ foreigners. “It will depend on whether (companies) need an expertise that cannot be found locally, and they also need to consider the remuneration for foreigners,” he said.
Overseas talents are not necessarily more expensive than hiring locals though, Yanti commented. “The Indonesian labour unions keep asking for an increase in regional minimum wages. If competent foreign workers are more economical, can the Indonesian talents compete with them?”
This article was first published in TTG Asia, March 28, 2014 on page 2. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
PROMINENT hotelier Edmond Ip has been appointed vice-chairman of Artyzen Hospitality Group and brings with him high-end hotel concept Zitan.
Ip has spent 40 years in the hotel industry in a range of senior executive and development roles for the biggest hotel groups in the world. This includes Hyatt International, InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton Worldwide and Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.
His Zitan concept will be developed as Artyzen Hospitality Group’s high-end brand, with an essence stemming from Chinese culture and hospitality. It was inspired by the Four Nobles Ones, flowers representing four virtues prized by the Chinese.
Said Ip: “We look to Chinese history and cultural influences to create a brand that will provide discerning guests, with an experience based on Chinese characteristics but in a contemporary manner.”
“Working in unison with owners, artists and designers, we want to create a product that will always be the first one, because each Zitan will be original.”
HAI Au Aviation will kick off its seaplane service with the launch of a Hanoi-Ha Long Bay route on August 1 this year, targeted at high-end travellers.
A second Ho Chi Minh City-Phan Thiet-Nha Trang will commence in December when it takes delivery of its third seaplane.
Flights can be booked from a selection of 25-, 30- or 40-minute flights, with prices varying accordingly between US$250-$350 per person. Private charter flights are US$2,200 to US$3,300 per pax for the same times.
Hai Au will begin operations with two seaplanes but expects to have six in three years’ time. The planes will be flown by pilots of American, Canadian and Australian nationalities, and can seat 12 passenger each flight.
Do Quang Hai, commercial director of Hai Au Aviation, said: “Our main market will be inbound, high-end tourists, golfers, corporate groups, Vietnamese and local expats. The feedback we have gathered from our market research is very good and shows high-end travellers have been waiting for seaplane flights in Vietnam for a long time.”
However, Robert Tan, director of business development for Lac Hong Voyages, felt the prices were “quite high”.
“Is there a market for it? I don’t think so,” he commented.
Thien Minh Tourism JSC (TMG) whose portfolio include Victoria Hotels & Resorts and Buffalo Tours, has an 89 per cent share in Hai Au Aviation, with the remaining 11 per cent going to Vietnam-based Focus Travel.
OVER half of Asia-Pacific travel industry professionals received a pay increase in the last 12 months, indicating tourism businesses see good prospects, according to a newly released report.
This is according to ACI HR Solutions’ 2014 Asia Pacific Travel and Hospitality Industry Salary Survey that was officially launched at the Singapore Tourism Board’s office this week.
Average salaries in Singapore grew 16.1 per cent, followed by Thailand with 11.5 per cent and China with 9.8 per cent. However, actual highest average salaries still went to Macau (US$106,800) and Australia (US$81,939), while Malaysia took the lowest average salary again (US$37,418). The report also noted that male respondents’ salaries were 12 per cent higher than females’.
The growing importance of career progression in employee satisfaction was also highlighted. Some 71 per cent said that career progression was either “extremely important” or “very important”. On the other end of the spectrum, only three per cent said career progression was unimportant.
Currently, 34 per cent of employees feel that their jobs provided “excellent” or “good” opportunities for career progression, compared to 28 per cent in 2013. Respondents who felt their jobs offered “poor” or “zero” career progression opportunities fell to 22 per cent from 35 per cent in 2013.
Andrew Chan, founder and CEO of ACI, said: “2013 proved to be an excellent year for international tourism, which showed a remarkable capacity to adjust to changing market conditions, fuelling growth and job creation across the region, despite the lingering economic and geopolitical changes.”
On the improved statistics reported in the study, Chan said that the improved economic outlook had likely allowed companies to expand and give existing staff new opportunities.
The 2014 Asia Pacific Travel and Hospitality Industry Salary Survey collated responses from more than 800 respondents in nine countries across the Asia-Pacific region, with answers coming from all ranks in the industry.
Singapore-based professionals made up the largest proportion of respondents (37 per cent), followed by China (31 per cent), Hong Kong (17 per cent) and Thailand (four per cent).
RAS Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has appointed Heavens Portfolio as its representative in Hong Kong, China & India to promote the emirate in these markets.
The appointment was effective March 1, 2014.
Steven Rice, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is going from strength to strength as a tourism destination. We are in a fantastic position to attract investment which capitalises on Ras Al Khaimah’s accessibility to Dubai International Airport, its natural attractions of a temperate climate, rugged terrains and mountains, clean beaches and archaeological sites, coastal areas and desert to build the emirate’s tourism sector.
“Looking forward to 2014, Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector has a huge potential for continued growth, building on these strengths and the achievements of 2013.”
An emergent tourism destination in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah’s natural landscape features deserts, mountains and 64km of coastline, allowing tourists to participate in a diverse range of activities from swimming, fishing and golfing to experiencing a traditional Bedouin desert camp or enjoying the water slides at Iceland Water Park.
THOMAS Cook India has rolled out a Fusion Holidays product that combines the price advantage of group rates for fixed departure tours with the freedom for travellers to customise their itineraries.
The aim is to cater to the new market segment of value-conscious customers who demand more choice in travel.
Fusion Holidays itineraries offer a combination of airfare, accommodation in three-star hotels and essential sightseeing. While departure dates and air travel options are fixed, customers can pick all other components from upgraded accommodation and extended stays to add-on sightseeing tours.
Shibani Phadkar, senior vice president & head – leisure travel outbound, products, contracting, operations & tour management, Thomas Cook India, said: “Fusion Holidays brings a unique two-pronged benefit to a new Indian market segment – great value to cater to increasing price sensitivity while respecting the client’s individuality with the flexibility and freedom of personalised options.”
Sajan K Gupta, managing director, Vayu Seva Tours, said: “Indian travellers have always been price-conscious, but since a large number have already travelled once or twice and gained confidence, they now want to be more independent in their choice of activity. Fusion Holidays… (is) a win-win situation.”
Yupha Moonsarn, managing director, Bangkok-based Virgo Virgin Tours, said: “Indian visitors to Thailand are beginning to break the mould by buying flights and hotel nights from tour operators and then shopping for travel add-ons on their own and as per their individual preferences, often diverse, even within a family travelling together.
“Such a new product is meaningful as it would follow a demand pattern set by the customers that the trade has been required to react and adapt to.”
TOURISM New Zealand is devoting its energies to three main markets of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand to grow South-east Asian arrivals, which represent a large section of travellers to New Zealand.
Year-on-year arrivals from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand for the year between February 2013 and 2014 has seen positive growth, with Thailand showing the largest improvement of 22.9 per cent (21,008 arrivals), followed by Singapore at 16.6 per cent (42,800) and Malaysia at 4.8 per cent (29,408).
The NTO wants to further expand arrivals and is aiming to do so by targeting solo/couple travellers and affluent independent travellers, as well as high net worth local and expat residents in Singapore.
MICE is likewise on the agenda, and Tourism New Zealand is gunning for more incentives and conferences from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
In an interview with TTG Asia e-Daily, Mischa Mannix-Opie, regional manager South & South-east Asia for Tourism New Zealand, said: “For Singapore, New Zealand remains a popular destination for those wanting to get away from their cosmopolitan lifestyle and looking to experience nature and amazing landscapes. Furthermore, Singaporeans have the financial means to enjoy premium travel, making them a valuable market for New Zealand over the long-term.
“Malaysian tourists to New Zealand, in general, enjoy the self-drive opportunities offered by New Zealand as a holiday destination. Around half of Malaysian visitors (50.3 per cent) travel outside the main regions. It is also a strong market for incentive travel during peak and off-peak seasons in New Zealand.
“Interest in self-drive holidays has always been strong from Thailand, and Tourism New Zealand is seeing increased preference for campervan holidays.”
Mannix-Opie said lack of capacity during New Zealand’s peak summer period was one of the challenges faced by the destination. Another is strong competition from other longhaul destinations popular with Asian travellers, such as the US and Europe.
