PATA, Sanya collaborate on tourism development
PATA and the Sanya Tourism Board signed an MoU on August 27 to collaborate on tourism research, capacity development, and tourism development within Sanya and the broader Hainan region, among other activities.
One of the key components in the partnership is to co-host the Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event over three years, including 2024. The debut edition is set for September 4 and 5 at the Hyatt Regency Sanya Tianli Bay. It will bring together thought leaders from tropical coastal and island resort destinations.
Sanya Tourism Board director general Albert Yip emphasised that the event will feature many noteworthy destinations, among them Thailand’s Phuket and Samui, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Mauritius.
“PATA is an influential platform for tourism. This collaboration kickstarts a unique event for Sanya, which is also particularly meaningful for other coastal cities. (We) share challenges, such as generating traffic and travel community integration. We aim to learn from each other on how we can do better,” Yip stated.
PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid said: “PATA’s first collaboration with the Sanya Tourism Board is an important occasion. The partnership seeks to redefine tourism marketing in tropical coastal cities. By sharing insights between cities and promoting Sanya as a premier destination, we aim to set new benchmarks for tourism marketing strategies in coastal destinations.”
According to Yip, the event will help Sanya establish the Tropical Coastal Cities Tourism Alliance, which aims to connect tropical coastal cities worldwide and allow for the exchange of best practices and solutions among coastal cities.
It will also highlight Sanya’s recent shift towards international tourism development and efforts to boost consumption levels and establish the Sanya International Tourism Consumption Center. These improvements are part of the Sanya Plan for Building an International Tourism Resort (2022-2035).
Yip underscored Sanya’s positive destination reputation, as it has been recognised twice by the New York Times as one of the most popular destinations and ranked first in China in terms of yacht registration numbers.
He said the city’s main draws are its “exceptional natural ecology” and a well-established culture of Chinese traditional medicine that benefits wellness tourism.
Future leaders debate AI’s role in travel personalisation
At the PATA Youth Symposium 2024 on August 27 at Dusit Thani College, the impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it is shifting the landscape of the travel and hospitality industries were key topics of discussion.
Sonal Patel, vice president of APAC at Quantcast and a PATA Gold award winner, emphasised in her keynote the transformative power of data and AI, highlighting its role in personalising consumer experiences.
Patel, drawing parallels to the film Minority Report, discussed how AI is evolving from basic segmentation to hyper-segmentation, allowing marketers to connect with their ideal audience in real-time. She predicted that by 2028, virtual reality would revolutionise travel, with autonomous travel planning becoming a reality by 2030.
TTG Asia also surveyed students on their perspectives regarding AI’s impact on the travel and hospitality sectors.
Their feedback revealed the many angles from which hyper-personalisation from AI could be considered – from cultural nuances to birthday wishes, and from enhancing connectivity in crises to alleviating burden on operators.
Mimi and Min, third-year tourism business and event management students from Mae Fah Luang University, highlighted AI’s critical role in addressing unplanned infrastructure gaps during crises.
They noted that AI’s capabilities are especially valuable in promoting connectivity and managing disruptions, drawing from experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In the past, we chose travel packages and destinations through traditional means (such as in-person interactions) with tour operators. Post-pandemic, we’ve increasingly relied on online agents due to restrictions on travel. This shift has significantly improved how we promote tourism destinations,” Mimi explained.
Min added that “without AI, we’re going to struggle a lot” when facing future disruptions and uncertainties.
Linh Nhan Aung, a foreign student from Bangkok University International, noted AI’s role in making travel more accessible and efficient.
He pointed out: “AI can help travellers follow automatically-generated plans, alleviating the burden on tour operators. It also aids in providing cultural insights to avoid faux pas.”
Linh further illustrated AI’s potential in helping travellers to integrate cultural nuances: “AI can be very useful for understanding cultural specifics. For instance, if you’re travelling to China and want to avoid cultural misunderstandings, AI can offer insights. AI could also aid travellers with integrating cultural preferences into their bookings during travels away from their home countries, such as the Chinese preference to avoid corner rooms in hotels due to inauspiciousness.”
While appreciating AI’s efficiency and potential for personalisation, students like Coco – a hospitality management student from Dusit Thani College – underscored the irreplaceable value of human interaction, which extends to all generations.
Sharing a simple, yet meaningful example, she asked: “Do you really want AI to sing you a happy birthday song? Or do you want the staff to sing it to you?“
Resorts World Cruises elevates experiences with Balcony Class privileges
Cruise passengers can soon experience a new world of special privileges and comfort with Resorts World Cruises’ Balcony Class, commencing from September 1 for Genting Dream and November 1 for Resorts World One.
Starting at the cruise terminal, Balcony Class guests will have access and the convenience to check-in at dedicated counters. Upon returning and disembarking, Balcony Class guests will also receive priority for their luggage to be checked-out with express delivery off the ship to the cruise terminal.
Other onboard privileges include a complimentary welcome drink per guest to be redeemed at designated onboard venues; complimentary Beverage Onboard Credits amounting to SG$50 (US$38) per night per cabin; complimentary Tea and Coffee set with full amenities in the cabin; complimentary Wi-Fi for two devices per cabin per cruise; special designated seating zone for live stage performances at the Zodiac Theatre; priority bookings for various onboard venues and entertainment; and special discounts for selected onboard offerings and at souvenir mart.
Resorts World Cruises’ Balcony Class are popular as guests enjoy their own private step-out balcony, premium amenities, and the choice of inter-connecting Balcony Class accommodations for families and larger groups.
At present, Genting Dream departs Singapore thrice a week on two- and three-night cruises to Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang or Melaka), Penang and Phuket. For those embarking from Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang), there are the three- and four-night cruises to Singapore and Penang.
Starting November 18, guests can embark from Melaka for the One-Way Melaka-Singapore-Penang-Kuala Lumpur Cruise. Guests can also choose to embark Resorts World One from Keelung to enjoy the two-night High Seas Weekend Getaway Cruise and the five-night cruises to the Kyushu region and Okinawa Island in Japan. Guests can explore the Gulf with the Resorts World One set to homeport in Dubai from November 1, offering three weekly departures with a series of two- and three-night cruises to Sir Bani Yas in Abu Dhabi, Doha in Qatar, as well as to Khasab and Muscat in Oman. For a longer cruise vacation, guests can combine any of the itineraries to make a four-, five- or seven-night cruise.
“At Resorts World Cruises, we constantly strive to innovate and provide offerings to enhance our guests experiences onboard our ships. As such, we are excited to introduce our Balcony Class across our fleet with a series of new and exclusive privileges for their cruising pleasure, which will bring our guests’ comfort and enjoyment to new heights,” said Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises.
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs two hotels in Vietnam’s Quang Binh
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) marks its entry into the Quang Binh province of Vietnam with a two-hotel deal with Hai Thanh Hung Investment Joint Stock Company and Vietnam Royal Investment and Construction Co. (VRIC) in Quang Binh province, home to many famed attractions including Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site with one of the largest karst regions globally.
The 68-villa voco Quang Binh Resort joins voco Ma Belle Danang in Vietnam next year, while the 232-room Crowne Plaza Quang Binh City Centre opens in late 2025.
Crowne Plaza Quang Binh City Centre will be situated within Royal Landmark, a mixed-used development that includes a commercial centre. It is a 15-minute drive from Dong Hoi Airport and a 45-minute flight from Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and will also be within easy reach of Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Facilities will include four restaurants and bars, meeting spaces, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, kids’ club, and an executive lounge.
voco Quang Binh Resort will offer travellers a private beach with sea views and facilities such as two restaurants and bars, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, kids’ club, spa and resort centre.
Chris Anklin, senior director, development, South East Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “It is wonderful to be expanding into Quang Binh – an exciting new destination for IHG in Vietnam. We continue to grow in Vietnam and will more than double our size in the next few years to more than 40 hotels across the country.
“This destination debut will strengthen the presence of our brand portfolio in Vietnam, offering stay experiences for every type of traveller.”
Thang Hoang, CEO of Hai Thanh Hung Investment Joint Stock Company and VRIC, said: “Quang Binh has traditionally been a domestic-led destination with a great opportunity for growth. The entry of voco hotels and Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts in Quang Binh will elevate the attraction of the destination for travellers to stay and explore its many wonders.”
Experience the thrill of F1 Singapore Grand Prix with Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels in Singapore has rolled out a collection of stay packages offering exclusive savings, bonus reward points and special perks for racing enthusiasts as they gear up for the 18th race of the Formula 1 season in Singapore from September 20 to 22.
Valid until September 30, the Elevate your Stay in Singapore package includes two nights or more in a premium room or suite, daily breakfast for two adults and two children (under 12 years old), and hotel credits based on the hotel category.
Marriott Bonvoy members can earn up to 5,000 bonus points when booking a stay in central Singapore with Courtyard Singapore Novena, where guests have easy access to the Orchard Road shopping belt, CBD, and Gardens by the Bay.
Over at Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, a special stay package includes breakfast for two, while Sheraton Towers Singapore offers additional savings of up to 10 per cent off on advance bookings, with flexibility to change stay dates up to 14 days prior to arrival.
Those seeking wellness options nearby the race action can stay at The Westin Singapore which includes wellness perks such as gear lending, guided runs and yoga.
For more information, visit Marriott Bonvoy.
Nozo Hotel Furano offers self-drive tours around Hokkaido
Travellers looking to explore the countryside of Hokkaido can check out Nozo Hotel’s recommendation of self-drive exploration tours this autumn.
Nozo Hotel is the first international hotel in the scenic rural area, with a multilingual team on hand to guide guests as they explore the idyllic and picturesque area famous for its rolling landscapes of colourful flowers, green fields, autumn leaves and lakes.
With ample car parking space for every guest to park their own vehicle, the hotel can also help facilitate local car rentals. Those who prefer to enjoy the Hokkaido countryside through scenic guided cycling tours can check the hotel’s partnership with specialist operator Cycle Japan as well.
Some fun itineraries that Nozo Hotel Furano has curated include white water rafting in the rapids of the Sorachi River, canoeing in more gentle waters, river fishing and barbeque, hiking at Daisetsuzan National Park, visiting famous flower fields, photoshoots at the Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirahige Waterfall, night sky watching from a cosy tent, and more.
For culinary experiences, Furano is a great place participate in vegetable picking followed by farm-to-table cooking experience, fruit picking, and cheese/butter/ice cream-making, at one of the local Furano cheese factories.
Other local activities include visiting beeswax candle-making workshops, making jam with fresh local ingredients, visiting the local Furano wineries for wine tasting, or visiting the Furano Music Box Museum or Glass Forest to out glass blowing.
Guests who stay at Nozo Hotel can book directly through the hotel to experience these local activities.
From now to November 1, guests booking directly via the hotel’s website for a three-night stay, for the period between now and November 30, will receive 20 per cent off the regular price if they book 30 days in advance.
For more information, visit Nozo Hotel.
US luxury travel to India surges but infrastructure challenges hinder full potential
While the luxury inbound business from the US to India is growing strongly, there is a need to address challenges restricting the growth of demand, according to industry stakeholders.
Vikram Madhok, managing director of Abercrombie & Kent India, noted that the American outbound travellers have shown strong resilience, even amid concerns about the US economy.
“The market is buoyant post the pandemic and travellers are not averse to spending top dollar when they travel. As a company, we are seeing a large number of luxury travellers from the US visiting India. In terms of overall luxury outbound business from the US, India features in third position for us as a company. It’s all looking good,” shared Madhok while talking to TTG Asia on the sidelines of the Indo-US Tourism & Hospitality Summit organised by Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi last week.
Ventours International Travel, which specialises in private plane charter tours to India, also reported strong demand from the US, with about 75 per cent of its business originating from American travellers. However, Vivian Peres, director of Ventours, pointed out operational issues at Indian airports that are impeding further growth in the charter segment. For instance, limited parking space at airports like Agra has led to complex logistical challenges.
He explained: “For example, we have a charter coming to Jaipur, where guests stay for two nights. They also need to visit Agra to see the Taj Mahal. Now there is no parking space available at Agra airport because IndiGo is also operating in the city. So, we have to rework our timing to drop the passengers in Agra and the aircraft goes back to Jaipur and comes back again when the IndiGo flight leaves in the afternoon.
“While there is an e-visa facility for travellers visiting India, if someone is coming on a charter flight to Agra, we have to land the aircraft in Lucknow or Varanasi for customs and immigration – (this) takes about three hours. After that, you leave for Agra. Such challenges are restricting much more charter business for the country,” added Peres.
Ragini Chopra, executive vice president of corporate affairs at InterGlobe Enterprises, added that India could benefit from a more aggressive marketing approach in the US. She suggested: “The Indian government needs to hire a local destination marketing agency in the US to drive up the numbers of inbound arrivals.”
AirAsia dons new livery showcasing Singapore attractions
AirAsia, together with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Gardens by the Bay and Mandai Wildlife Group, have unveiled the Love, Singapore aircraft livery as part of a joint campaign to promote inbound travel to Singapore from visitors in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
This Airbus A320 aircraft livery features a special design showcasing Singapore’s iconic attractions, including Gardens by the Bay and Mandai Wildlife Group’s wildlife parks such as Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise, alongside Merli, Singapore’s brand character inspired by the Merlion.
AirAsia currently operates a total of 10 direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, Langkawi, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Jakarta, Bali, Bangkok, and Phuket to Singapore.
Pan Pacific Hotels Group adds Gurney Bay hotel to portfolio
Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) will open its fourth hotel in South-east Asia with the addition of Gurney Bay Hotel, A Parkroyal Hotel in Malaysia.
The group will take over the operations of the existing hotel and embark on a phased soft renovation from September 1.
This announcement follows after the launch of Parkroyal Serviced Suites Jakarta in January, Parkroyal A’Famosa Melaka Resort in February and Pan Pacific Jakarta in June.
With views of the Penang coastline, Penang Hills, and George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 368-room hotel is 10 minutes from George Town and is located within the new Gurney Bay lifestyle precinct developed by the Penang State Government as part of its Penang2030 Vision.
The hotel’s facilities include a 220-seater all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and bar, a ballroom which can accommodate up to 550 guests, four meeting rooms, kids’ club, outdoor tennis court, two swimming pools including a kid’s pool, steam and sauna rooms, and a 24/7 gym.
Aligned with the Parkroyal brand’s ethos of All Things Local, Gurney Bay Hotel, A Parkroyal Hotel will offer authentic local experiences within its culturally rich surroundings – from Penang’s renowned street food to the historic charm of its old town.
PPHG CEO Choe Peng Sum commented: “The city-centre Gurney Bay Hotel, A Parkroyal Hotel will complement Parkroyal Penang Resort which is located right at the beach at Batu Ferringhi.
“Both the hotel and resort will benefit from the state’s expansion of Penang International Airport which is set to become the country’s second largest airport. When it is completed in 2028, the new airport will double its current capacity of 6.5 million passengers per year to 12 million passengers per year.”
While some travel and tourism companies have recently put forth subdued business outlook, citing slowing demand and shorter booking lead times from their major US source markets, Malaysian and Indonesian inbound travel players are still basking in brisk business across the remaining months of 2024.
Inbound specialists in Malaysia told TTG Asia that the boost in bookings this year was partly due to tourism-friendly policies, such as visa exemptions for the country’s top two medium-haul source markets – China and India – and the extension of auto-gate facilities at entry points for travellers from 63 countries. The latter benefits travellers from several of Malaysia’s key source markets, such as Singapore, Brunei, South Korea, China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Anthony Wong, managing director of The Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa, reported that RevPAR for 1H2024 increased by 15 per cent year-on-year. Forward bookings for 2H2024 are promising, with occupancies nearing pre-pandemic levels of 2019.
However, high airfares for both domestic and international flights remain a significant stumbling block, reflected Wong.
To grow business, The Frangipani is working to recover bookings from Eastern European and Central Asian markets through collaboration with OTAs and traditional travel agents. Pre-pandemic, these markets were strong for the Malaysian island of Langkawi.
For Essence of Asia Tours & Travel in Malaysia, markets in the Middle East and North Africa region and India subcontinent have contributed strong bookings for 2H2024.
Executive director Arokia Das Anthony said visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, valid for up to 30 days from December 1, 2023 to December 30, 2024, fired up Indian arrivals during the recent summer peak season. Forward bookings for 2H2024 from India, the Middle East and regional South-east Asia markets have also been strong, driven by Tourism Malaysia’s promotions and gradual improvements in air connectivity, especially those linking secondary overseas markets to Malaysia.
Indonesian travel specialists also shared optimism for the coming months.
Major travel company Pacto has reported outstanding performance that is aligned with the surge in air capacity into Indonesia.
Umberto Cadamuro, COO inbound for Pacto, said: “All markets for us were over-performing compared to the previous year, both in arrivals and revenue. Notably, the lion’s share of the business came from GITs.”
He observed that the Indian travel market was back in full swing while good traffic from Italy in 2Q2024 would spill into 2H2024. The Spanish market has, however, been underperforming along with the US East Coast. The latter was likely due to flying concerns over or near the Middle East “given the situation”.
Cadamuro noted that Bali, Yogyakarta and Komodo Island remained popular among travellers, while Sumba, which has good access, new properties and unique culture, could shine next. Sumatra was also regaining popularity.
Hospitality firm Archipelago International said India and Australia markets are its enduring top performers, while China has started to rise in value, surpassing Russia. International guests accounted for 40 to 43 per cent of the company’s total business in 1H2024.
There has also been a “notable increase” in bookings from North America as a result of intensified promotional efforts in the region.
John Flood, CEO of Archipelago International, said the company’s expanding portfolio of hotels overseas is helping to spotlight properties in home base Indonesia.
Besides Bali and Lombok, Archipelago’s properties in Sorong (West Papua), Surabaya, Bandung and Yogyakarta are heating up among holidaymakers. Meanwhile, Jakarta continues to be a key destination for corporate clients.
Flood is confident of good performance the rest of the year, with business from both longhaul and Asian markets. Travellers from North America and Europe would be strong, “driven by ongoing promotional efforts and brand expansion” while robust performance was expected from Australia, India, China, and the Philippines, where the company is expanding its footprint through its Powered by Archipelago connectivity and distribution service. – Additional reporting by Mimi Hudoyo