Hot sellers

December 14, 2012

The TTG Asia team asked buyers near and far which destinations are flying off the shelves and what they have their bets on for next year

For 2012, our bestselling destination was Europe, in particular Italy and Switzerland, due to the attractive airfares offered by Emirates and Etihad Airways via the Middle East, which also facilitated popular, two-night stopovers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Nepal should sell well in 2013. It is a beautiful place to visit, with its mountain ranges, natural attractions and local culture. AirAsia X and Malaysia Airlines launched direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kathmandu earlier this year.
Lina Tsen, manager, Ibanika Tours & Travel, Malaysia

Thailand was our top seller for 2012 and it will still probably be for 2013. We just started selling it this year, and we already see that the culture, cuisine and climate are extremely attractive to South Korean travellers. Thailand is also relatively cheap, with good deals found in places such as Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok. The volume is especially high for leisure travellers.
Edmond de Fontenay, CEO, Evasion, South Korea

Vietnam is up 20 per cent so far this year on 2011 bookings, making it our fastest-selling destination. Singaporeans flock to Vietnam for its culture and food, and let’s not forget, the shopping.

It’s hard to tell which destination will do well in 2013 given the uncertainty in the global economy. My bet is that countries in Indochina, including Vietnam and Myanmar, will continue to grow, as more Singaporeans yearn for adventure.
Jimmy Sim, product development director, Dorison Travel, Singapore

We sold Finland really well, and sales for the Northern Lights itineraries have tripled this year. Having done the traditional West Europe circuit, Singaporeans are now looking for alternative destinations.

Based on what we’ve seen, there is a strong chance Spain will be our bestseller for 2013. Spain is number one for one reason alone – its cuisine. Andalucia is a popular region for self-drive holidays for Singaporeans because of its scenery.
Rufus Tan, head of media and marketing, Quotient TravelPlanner, Singapore

This year, destinations like Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan have done quite well. These places are very accessible because of the availability of direct flights, a good choice of hotels and decent service standards.

For 2013, I have seen good growth for Thailand, where rates are low. I think South Korea will emerge stronger, while Japan is definitely recovering and the country is holding more promotions than before.
Kevin Cheong, supervisor – meetings & incentives, BCD Travel, Hong Kong

We send almost 35,000-40,000 travellers annually to Singapore/Malaysia/Thailand, and they will continue to be the biggest destinations for us. These are nearby, weekend destinations for Indian travellers. They are what I call over-the-counter destinations. Indians like the shopping and theme parks there, plus pricing is cheap. Cruise holidays are also getting very popular, resulting in travellers coming back to Singapore again and again. There are also no language or food problems.
Raghuvinder Singh, director, D Paul’s Travel & Tours, India

For this year, it has to be a tie between India and Thailand. It was the Year of India in Canada in 2011, so there was a huge campaign and that motivated people to visit India. We also get a lot of FITs and small groups going to Thailand, which is easy to sell because it’s the gateway to South-east Asia and has beautiful beaches.

There is growing interest in Myanmar because of news reports on how it has opened its doors. I am also thinking of increasing the number of yoga trips I do for Bhutan, which has been growing in popularity due to word of mouth. Travellers can also access it via India or Thailand.
Bernard Bacle, director, Club Aventure Voyages, Canada

The extensive international media attention alongside new and increased air routes mean Myanmar is the latest hot seller. Myanmar often exceeds clients’ expectations, so when they return home from their vacations, they provide extremely excellent feedback of their trips and the word spreads. Hopefully the country will grow with improved infrastructure and hotel development. Myanmar will continue to be popular in 2013, followed by growing interest in Indonesia and Japan, which is already back on the travel radar.
Maeve Nolan, product & operations manager, Backyard Travel, Thailand

Myanmar. Many people have shown interest to travel to this country since sanctions were lifted in 2010. We have seen a 40 per cent year-on-year increase in demand this year. Interest will remain high next year and we expect group tours to Myanmar to do better as compared to the FIT segment, as the country has become more expensive over the past year.
Neill Prothero, product manager – Far East, Cox & Kings, UK

Hong Kong is a hot seller, as Filipinos like going there for shopping in places such as Mong Kok, as well as to visit theme parks. Singapore has taken away some traffic with its new attractions, but still cannot overtake Hong Kong. Another upcoming destination is South Korea because of religious reasons. The Philippines is a Catholic country, and there is interest in South Korea’s Our Lady of Naju. The destination is also good for shopping.
William Po, director of marketing, Wonder Resort Travel Centre, Philippines

This article was first published in TTG Asia, December 14, 2012, on page 6. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.

Additional reporting from Xinyi Liang-Pholsena, Hannah Koh, Linda Haden and Brian Higgs

Weather report

By Raini Hamdi

December 14, 2012

“Batten down the hatches to be ready for some stormy weather (in 2013), but don’t forget to pack the swimmers as there will be some sunshine as well!”

“The year ahead will be a little cloudy and potentially stormy, but with good chances of sunny spells sprinkled throughout the year.”

“I believe I will still see enough sunny skies next year with the ongoing growth in the hospitality business.”

Michael Issenberg, chairman & COO, Accor Asia-Pacific, Singapore

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?The Mirvac transaction, where we added 43 hotels in Australia and New Zealand.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Unpredictable.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Batten down the hatches to be ready for some stormy weather, but don’t forget to pack the swimmers as there will be some sunshine as well!

Chanin Donavanik, CEO, Dusit International, Thailand

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
The opening of Dusit Thani Maldives marked the continuing expansion of the Dusit International brand. We expect Dusit Thani Maldives to also make a significant contribution to the local economy particularly in hospitality industry education through Dusit Thani College. We also signed a hotel management agreement with property owners Tanota Partners for an upcoming Dusit Thani Guam, which is located in the island’s prime commercial and tourist precinct.

In 2013, we will be ready for five hotel openings in Guam, New Delhi, Abu Dhabi, Pasadena (US) and Hainan.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
I believe I will still see enough sunny skies next year with the ongoing growth in the hospitality business. Despite the effect of the current cloudy economic problems in European countries, we see that while some markets show little or no growth, others such as China clearly have enormous potential for both outbound and inbound tourism.

In Asia, tourism in most countries continues to increase, with RevPAR for example, growing at a fast pace. Medical tourism also continues to grow, particularly in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and India. A sharp increase is also being seen in longhaul clients.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
I have a great team that always helps to achieve business success, thanks to its commitment and dedication. We are already achieving a presence in new regional and international markets but there is still much more to be done.

My philosophy is to follow a strategy of innovation without losing sight of our founding principles – service and welcoming, sunny Thai hospitality.

At the same time, I strongly believe that developing people is fundamental to the success of any organisation, especially in light of the upcoming ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

Iqbal Jumabhoy, managing director & CEO, SilverNeedle Hospitality, Singapore

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
We acquired a major asset in Brisbane, the Chifley at Lennons, for A$57million (US$60 million).

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Sunny with rainy spells.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Raincoats and waterproof character!

Choe Peng Sum, CEO, Frasers Hospitality, Singapore

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
We launched Capri by Fraser, then followed it up with the opening of Capri by Fraser, Changi City/Singapore in September. We managed to cut through the traditional perception of what a hotel or serviced residence is supposed to be. We dared to take a step sideways. Potential partners, supporters and friends of Fraser have given us the thumbs up for this urban-inspired, design-led brand, aimed squarely at the e-generation. It’s big deal for me when the whole team comes together to produce something all of us are proud of.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
A little cloudy and potentially stormy, but with good chances of sunny spells sprinkled throughout the year.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Grey suits and raincoats could be part of our daily wardrobe, but along with that, these same raincoats can be peeled off adroitly to reveal more colourful reversible sides, with fashionable zippers which could change the entire look of the sombre rainy day staple. In short we will tamper caution with dexterity so as to seize the opportunities when they present themselves.

Bernold O Schroeder, CEO, Jin Jiang International Hotel Management, China

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Putting a new international team together. Most of the leadership team are highly-motivated PRC nationals with an international background. Building a new headquarters with new owner- and consumer-friendly service platforms. Changing the sales and marketing structure, including a five million-member strong loyalty programme. Signing 15 new management contracts and opening eight hotels. And our financials are good – in an often over-supplied market, this is big deal for me and the credit goes to a great team.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Mainly sunny in this part of the world. The industry here (in China) has become very flexible, there is overall enough demand and everyone knows what to do when there is some intermittent rain or scattered showers.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Don’t overreact and think it’s a typhoon when it is actually only drizzling. This can be avoided with regular monitoring of the weather forecast, having a finger on the pulse and having a grassroot management that focuses on the execution. As management, we review and plan for all scenarios, from sunshine to rain to special scenarios like poor visibility.

Marc Dardenne, CEO, Patina Hotels & Resorts, Singapore

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
It was the introduction of Patina Hotels and Resorts, our new luxury hospitality collection, to the global luxury hospitality market. The response to the new brand has been tremendous – we are busy developing our flagship property, due to open 2014 in Singapore, as well as working on an exciting project pipeline of hotels in Asia and the Middle East.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
I am an optimist and always see the glass half full. I don’t deny that there are some clouds in the sky, especially over the US and Europe, but I think Asia is the place to be and Singapore is in a better position to weather the storm than other parts of the world.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
We are focused on developing our flagship property; introducing new breakthrough ideas and key service differentiators that will set us apart in the luxury hospitality market when we open our hotel in 2014. We are also working with like-minded partners to continue developing our pipeline of hotel projects that we feel will be able to take full advantage of the upswing in business when the global economy eventually recovers.

Loh Lik Peng, founder & CEO, Unlisted Collection, Singapore

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Ha ha hmmm…bought a hotel site in Sydney that will be converted into a 60-room boutique hotel and three restaurants. An exciting development, and it’s big deal for me (monetary and expansion-wise) moving into Sydney for the first time.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Rain clouds and the occasional heavy shower with brighter conditions later in the day.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
We’ve been distributing raincoats in the last few years but remarkably they have proved to be less useful that my initial forecasts, at least in the places we’re operating in, so 2013 could be the year we’re finally going to use them. I hope the rainstorms are sharp but very short!

MPS Puri, founder and CEO, Nira Hotels & Resorts, UK

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Managed to create two new F&B concepts that will launch next year. Also, acquired a project in Thailand that we have been waiting for for quite some time.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Unpredictable.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Everyone has two sets of clothes, one for rain, one for shine.

Allen Law, CEO, Park Hotel Group, Singapore

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Being named Best Regional Chain at the TTG Asia Travel Awards 2012 and securing Park Hotel Group’s first two hotel management contracts were definitely the highlights for this year. The results are strong testaments of our efforts and recognition of Park Hotel Group’s management capabilities.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Generally sunny in Asia.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
We always pack clothing for all seasons, but will certainly stock up on ice cream and sun-tanning lotion for 2013.

Jason Peck, CEO, Furama Hotels International, Singapore

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
The biggest deal or achievement was the TTG Travel Award for Furama RiverFront, our flagship hotel, as Best Mid-Range Hotel for the fourth year running. It gives us satisfaction to get such recognition from the trade.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
The European debt crisis will have some effect on our business. But Asia is strong, and we are an Asian brand. With a positive mindset, we will still be heading towards a good year ahead.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
We are all prepared and mentally set for the positive challenge.

Peter Henley, CEO, Amari Hotels & Resorts, Thailand

What’s the biggest deal you made this year, or what to you was big deal?
Our deal with the BBC to bring Dancing with the Stars here (Thailand) as an exclusive sponsor to raise awareness of Amari in the Thai market and give life to our Colours and Rhythms tagline.

Describe 2013 in climatic conditions.
Watery sun with dark clouds rumbling in the distance.

How are you preparing yourself and your team for it?
Equip everyone with sunblock and Amari umbrellas as well.

This article was first published in TTG Asia, December 14, 2012, on page 4. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.

Centara Hotels offers “Life’s A Beach” holiday package

By TTG Asia

December 14, 2012

Centara Hotels & Resorts is offering a value-added beach holiday package at selected resorts that includes the option of three or five nights accommodation along with a number of benefits. The “Life’s a Beach” package is available at Centara properties in Krabi, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Koh Chang and Trat.

Valid from now through to March 31, 2013, the cost of the package varies according to the property, room type and the season, but always includes daily buffet breakfast, a 60-minute massage or spa treatment for two, complimentary roundtrip airport transfers, welcome cocktails, and a beach bag as a practical souvenir.

All rates are subject to 10 per cent service charge and seven per cent prevailing government tax.

All packages are on the basis of two adults sharing, with up to two children under the age of 12 years sharing their parents’ room.

An extra bed is available in the room for either an adult or child at extra charge which includes breakfast.

The package is not applicable to group reservations and reservations for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions.

ASA justifies membership fee hike with inflation adjustments, better programmes

By Karen Yue

December 14, 2012

THE Association of Singapore Attractions (ASA) is planning to beef up its member programmes from next year on, as it moves to raise membership fees.

From 2013, entrance fees for Ordinary and Associate members will double to S$1,200 (US$983). Ordinary and Associate members will also have to fork out S$800 and S$1,200 respectively for an annual membership next year, up from the current S$600 for both.

According to a statement from ASA, Ordinary membership fee and entrance fees have not increased since 1996, while Associate membership fee was raised in 2006 from S$380 to S$600.

The statement pointed out that the rate of inflation over the past 16 years has made “running the association based on the (current) membership fees untenable”.

Speaking to TTG Asia e-Daily in an interview, ASA chairman Kevin Cheong said the membership increment would come with improved programmes and benefits.

“We have been tweaking its programmes over the past two to three years to bring more value to its members. Our master classes for members, conducted with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency over the past two years, have seen growing interest and we intend to continue offering such programmes in the coming years,” said Cheong.

ASA’s first master class in 2011, led by Tom Mehrmann, chief executive of Ocean Park Corp, saw 90 people in attendance. A session conducted in early 2012 by Bob Rogers, founder and chairman of BRC Imagination Arts, drew 130 attendees. The most recent master class, which focused on Generation Y travel consumption and buying behaviour, was attended by 160 industry players.

The association is also looking to “continually create market intelligence” for its members and “acquire greater independence by having its own staff”.

He explained: “The association’s staffing is now being outsourced and dependent on volunteers. With a full-time staff, ASA can do more and provide greater value to its members.”

“And we want to do even more in 2013. We are talking to the Singapore Tourism Board to establish a productivity standard, and with Spring Singapore (a government agency that promotes the country’s economic growth and productivity) to create an industry-wide service standard,” said Cheong.

“There are now international names in Singapore’s (attractions) industry, such as Universal Studios, so it is important that ASA brings everyone else on par with the global standard. Only with this can Singapore’s attraction owners compete on the global playing field. And with higher standards, foreign investment in Singapore’s attractions landscape will be more viable.”

Suntec signs Penang deal as AEG goes over the moon with Darling

By Raini Hamdi

December 13, 2012

SUNTEC International on Tuesday inked the deal to design, market and operate the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), about the same time AEG Ogden went over the moon for winning the bid to operate the new International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney at Darling Harbour.

Suntec was in the running for ICC Sydney but pulled out to focus on the US$147 million modernisation plan of its own centre in Singapore, which would re-open on May 1. Arun Madhok, CEO, Suntec Singapore and Suntec International, said: “We did not submit the bid, although we remained closed to the consortium in giving them advice and views. I was of the opinion it was best to focus the time and effort on ours.”

Suntec was part of Australia’s Plenary Group/Brookfield Multiplex consortium while AEG Ogden is in the Destination Sydney consortium which will now develop the new integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment precinct at Darling Harbour.
Madhok said Suntec International was not taking a back seat. “It was just (the timing of) this particular project. We intend to grow the Suntec brand.”

For its latest deal, a subsidiary, Suntec Penang, has been set up. PWCC, developed by IJM Land, is part of The Light’s commercial precinct, “an integrated, world-standard infrastructure” waterfront project that aims to redefine Penang, said IJM Corp’s group CEO and managing director, The Kean Ming.

Conceptualised by Larry Oltmanns, its centrepiece is a 10,000m² column-free multipurpose hall that can be subdivide or used as a single space for exhibitions, conventions, corporate events and private functions. It can be converted into a 9,000-seat arena for world-class concerts that can be held in Penang for the first time.

PWCC is expected to open in early 2017. “There are 14 top known convention centres in Malaysia but none of them are located in Penang,” said Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng during the signing ceremony last Tuesday.

– Read more in Penang’s new light, TTGmice, February/March 2013

Indonesia guns for health tourism

By Mimi Hudoyo

December 13, 2012

INDONESIA’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and Ministry of Public Works have signed an agreement for cooperation in developing the country’s health tourism sector.

Under the agreement, both ministries will work hand-in-hand with hospitals, spas and health-related associations to form the Indonesia Wellness and Health Tourism (IWHT) working team.

Bali, Jakarta, Manado and Makassar have been chosen as kick off points for the new initiative.

According to Mari Elka Pangestu, minister of tourism and creative economy, IWHT will collaborate with hospitals that have worked with spas to create a year-long brand awareness campaign and rope in Indonesia’s embassies in other countries to promote health tourism.

Health minister, Nafsiah Mboi, expects the promotion of health tourism facilities in the country to generate stronger revenue from international travellers and encourage locals to seek treatments at home.

She estimated that Indonesians spend up to US$1.4 billion annually on medical tourism overseas.

Concurring with Mboi, Pangestu said: “Moreover, Indonesia has traditional healthcare and medicine, which can attract international tourists. But there are still many things we need to do to develop health tourism here.”

International tourism hits one billion mark

By TTG Asia

December 13, 2012

ONE billion tourists travelled the world in 2012, setting a new record for international tourism, according to UNWTO.

The agency noted that the one-billionth tourist had arrived today, although the destination of arrival was unknown.

Despite global economic uncertainty, international tourism continued to grow in 2012, eventually gaining a traffic figure that cements tourism’s position as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, accounting for nine per cent of global GDP and up to eight per cent of total exports of the world’s Least Developed Countries.

In light of this, UNWTO launched the One Billion Tourists: One Billion Opportunities campaign to celebrate the milestone, showing tourists that respecting local culture, preserving heritage or buying local goods when travelling can make a big difference.

As part of the campaign, the public was asked to vote for the travel tip that would have the greatest benefit for the people and places they visit and to pledge to follow that tip when travelling.

Fraser Place Melbourne opens to strong occupancy

By TTG Asia

December 13, 2012

THE 112-unit Fraser Place Melbourne, which soft opened in July and celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, has reported a robust occupancy of more than 82 per cent.

Located in Melbourne’s entertainment quarter and near the city’s financial district, the new property offers spacious studio residences with integrated living, dining and kitchen areas. Residents are given access to a gym and Apple Mac workstations in the lounge.

According to a press statement from Frasers Hospitality, Fraser Place Melbourne is well placed to cater to an increasing demand for quality accommodation in a city that is expected to see international tourism grow at an average rate of 5.4 per cent until 2014.

The property’s opening is in line with Frasers Hospitality’s move to strengthen its presence in Australia, where it soft opened the luxurious 236-unit Fraser Suites Perth in October. The company’s third property in the country is Fraser Suites Sydney.

Choe Peng Sum, Frasers Hospitality CEO, said: “As one of the more robust economies in the current global market, Australia – with its well diversified economy boosted by the strength of its service and resource industries – offers tremendous potential for Frasers.

“The country is expected to see an increase in international traveller stays by an average annual rate of 3.8 per cent up till 2014, driving a demand for premium-serviced residences, which is in line with our growth strategy to establish a strong foothold in Australia’s key cities.”

JacTravel expands into Hong Kong

By TTG Asia

December 13, 2012

UK-BASED wholesale tour operator, JacTravel, has appointed Abba Lee to lead its new office in Hong Kong.

Lee joins from Hotelbeds, where he managed the transition from Pacific World upon acquisition and was responsible for establishing the company as the predominant wholesaler in Hong Kong and the Greater China region.

At JacTravel, Lee will be responsible for the company’s planned product expansion in Asia. Based in Hong Kong, he will have a team of five to help grow the breadth and depth of JacTravel’s inventory in the Far East.

Since 2009, JacTravel has increased its sales in Asia by 319 per cent to over eight million pounds (US$12.9 million), while its client base has grown by more than 20 new clients in the past year.

Lee’s appointment and the opening of a local office will help JacTravel to rapidly deliver its growth aspirations for the region, which are to triple present revenues. The region has grown to over 350 directly contracted hotels in key locations, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in the past year.

Lee envisions building the company’s locally sourced inventory to more than 1,500 hand-picked properties within the coming year.

Rosewood Beijing appoints David Campbell as director of sales and marketing

By TTG Asia

December 13, 2012

David Campbell has been appointed director of sales and marketing in Rosewood Beijing, joining the executive committee led by Marc Brugger.

Campbell has worked in Asia for more than 16 years and has a background in opening new hotels. Prior to joining Rosewood Beijing, he held the role of pre- and post-opening director of sales and marketing for various hotels including Twelve at Hengshan in Shanghai, The Peninsula Shanghai, The St. Regis Singapore and The Westin Bund Centre Shanghai. A native Canadian, Campbell speaks English, Mandarin and Spanish.