Two recent international events have not only boosted international arrivals to Indonesia but also lifted the country’s destination image, opined Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy.
The Bali International Air Show (BIAS) 2024 on September 18 to 21 attracted 5,300 visitors, surpassing targets. International visitors made up 15 to 20 per cent of the total.
Bali International Air Show 2024 had more attendees than projected (Photo by Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment)
Nia Niscaya, senior advisor, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, said BIAS had a significant impact on the country’s tourism revenue.
While Jakarta had hosted successful international airshows in the past, Sandiaga believes that Bali’s natural drawing power had contributed to the success of BIAS. As such, the next BIAS will also be held on the island.
The other successful international event was the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia (MotoGP Mandalika) 2024, which took place from September 27 to 29.
Lalu Kusnawan, chairman of the regional management board of the Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association West Nusa Tenggara chapter, shared that the occupancy rate of hotels around the race circuit hit 95 per cent, “thanks to race team members”, while properties in the Mataram area did 80 per cent.
The race attracted more than 102,929 spectators, prompting Sandiaga to regard the event as “an effective momentum for the promotion of Wonderful Indonesia”.
The Wonderful Indonesia brand was shown prominently throughout media broadcasts of MotoGP Mandalika 2024, reaching than 200 countries.
Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair (WITF) 2024’s debut edition in Jakarta last week brought together 150 local sellers and 225 buyers from across the country and overseas, as well as some 2,000 walk-ins, resulting in about 5,000 scheduled appointment sessions over three days.
The event, supported by Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, was the first B2B travel market of the Association of the Indonesian Tourism Businesses (GIPI), whose membership comprises 36 tourism-related associations in the country.
The first Wonderful Indonesia Tourism Fair was held in Jakarta
Inspired by the success of the inaugural edition, Budi Tirtawisata, steering committee chairman said subsequent shows would be “better and bigger”. There are plans to hold WITF every October in Jakarta – it will return from October 8 to 10 in 2025.
Haryadi Sukamdani, GIPI chairman, said “buyers are confident on the Indonesia as a destination”, as interest in WITF ran high even though only 18 per cent of total buyers in attendance was fully hosted.
Haryadi also highlighted that many buyers were new to Indonesia and keen to promoting destinations beyond Bali. These buyers were building their local partner network.
Nur Hidajat, owner and director of Warna Indonesia Tour and Travel, East Java said new buyers meant new opportunities for him. He commented that buyers he met during WITF had “detailed questions and discussions”, and were “seriously interested” in nature and adventure programmes.
“In fact, one of them plans on trying our programme in his next visit to Indonesia,” Hidajat said.
Besides a strong buyer profile, WITF also boasted a wide variety of products and services. Tour operators, hotels, regional tourism offices, recreational parks, an entertainment company, the state-owned railway company, live-aboard services and technology service providers were among the spread of sellers.
At the pavilion taken by the Association of the Indonesian Recreational Parks were a number of theme park representatives, including Taman Safari Indonesia’s Java and Bali safari parks;15 theme parks and shopping outlets belonging to Jatim Park Group; Orchid Forest Cikole, West Java; and Saung Mang Udjo Bandung.
White Horse Group, Sumber Alam Group and Blue Bird Group also participated in the fair to showcase their tour buses as well as taxi and car rental services.
Kai, the Indonesia Railway Company, showed off its luxury Dining on Train, a special wagon set up as a fine-dining venue for 16 people who will tuck into a three-course meals during a train ride.
Tourism villages also enjoyed the spotlight with the support of BCA Bank, which had taken up a booth for representatives.
Overseas buyers had good things to say about WITF, particularly how the variety of tourism products and services featured were able to help them build programmes for customers who have already been to established Indonesian destinations.
Flora He, product and operation supervisor at GZL International Travel Service, Guangzhou, China, needed nature and cultural ideas for customers who now hoped to explore Yogyakarta, Komodo National Park, Java and Sumatera.
Muhammad Ashraf, director of Urdham Tours and Travels, Lahore, Pakistan, was in search of adventure, nightlife and shopping destinations for his corporate groups.
Quizzed on how delegates wanted the show to improve, buyers and sellers told TTG Asia they hoped for a better appointment scheduling system and guidance for delegates unfamiliar with the B2B appointment format.
BP Tan of GypsetXperiences, Malaysia suggested that the organising committee could hire a consultant to help with B2B appointment management.
Meliá Koh Samui in Thailand and Meliá Ho Tram in Vietnam have taken huge strides in their food waste reduction with the help of AI technology provided through the Lumitics Insight system.
Meliá Koh Samui implemented the Lumitics Insight system in June 2024, allowing it to track all food waste created by F&B operations. From a baseline, adjustments were made and the hotel has now seen a 40 per cent reduction in leftovers.
Meliá Koh Samui has achieved a 40 per cent reduction in leftovers since June this year
The team is now monitoring its buffet and making adjustments according to data. For example, when the guest base is heavily European, the hotel lightens Asian dishes in the buffet. Where possible, repurposing food has also been an important part of food waste management efforts.
The culinary team at Meliá Ho Tram has recently established a baseline and is now working on an action plan to emulate the success at Meliá Koh Samui. The Insight device has been implemented at Sasa restaurant, with the intention to track leftovers from the breakfast buffet.
“The implementation of this new food waste system is one of a number of tools our properties are using to ensure food waste is kept to a minimum,” said Igancio Martin, managing director for Melia Hotels International in the Asia-Pacific region.
The recently concluded Hospitality Japan Conference in Tokyo explored a wide range of topics valuable to the hotel investment landscape in Japan, such as capital markets, debt, equity structures and risk management while also addressing the investment challenges posed by the country’s ageing population, the urban-rural investment divide and inflationary pressures that affect decision-making.
With the theme, Reshaping the Future, the two-day event from October 8 and 9 was held as part of Hospitality Asia Media’s Hospitality Asia Event Series across the Asia-Pacific region. It attracted approximately 70 speakers and representatives from 200 companies, who attended three summits on the themes of hotel investment, hotel design and hotel revenue. The event was also attended by some 350 people from sectors ranging from finance, real estate, sustainability and academia.
Hospitality Japan Conference featured three summits on the themes of hotel investment, hotel design and hotel revenue
Speakers at the Hotel Design Summit discussed the evolution of Japanese hotel design including the integration of traditional aesthetics with modern trends and cutting-edge conveniences. They noted the need to implement sustainable and intelligent technologies in hotel construction, while sourcing and utilising eco-friendly materials and overcoming urban space constraints.
Tackling labour shortages and rising operational costs in Japan’s hospitality sector were the core issues at the Hotel Revenue Summit. Panellists explored the topics of operations optimisation, guest experience, revenue management and hotel distribution, emphasising the use of advanced technologies for enhancing guest experience, dynamic pricing strategies and optimising distribution channels.
Other on-site activities included business matching and networking held throughout the two days.
Routes World, which brings together decision-makers from airlines, airports and destinations to define the world’s air route networks, is heading to Hong Kong from September 24 to 26, 2025. It will be hosted by the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), with the support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and held at AsiaWorld-Expo.
Routes World’s host city choice is timely, as HKIA has witnessed strong passenger growth in 2024. In August, the hub handled 4.92 million passengers and 31,605 flight movements, representing year-on-year increases of 23 per cent and 26.1 per cent, respectively.
Bahrain International Airport, host of Routes World 2024, hands over the hosting responsibilities of the event to Hong Kong International Airport for the 2025 edition
Significant infrastructure investments will see the airport handle over 120 million passengers annually by 2035.
HKIA is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, boasting an extensive global network. Over 120 airlines connect HKIA to approximately 220 destinations worldwide, including around 50 destinations in China. Since 2010, HKIA has also held the title of being the world’s busiest cargo airport.
It is also transforming into an Airport City through extensive development across core passenger and cargo services, multimodal regional connectivity, retail, hospitality, conference and exhibitions, entertainment, marina, and office facilities.
Steven Small, director of Routes, said: “With half the world’s population within a five-hour flight, Hong Kong is where East-meets-West. To strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub, and to cater for the city’s long-term air traffic demand, HKIA is developing into a three-runway system which is due to be completed at the end of this year. Routes World 2025 will be the perfect platform for HKIA to showcase this investment.”
Vivian Cheung, acting CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong, said: “Routes World 2025 will provide unparalleled opportunities for industry professionals to come together, witness firsthand the various advancements at HKIA, and experience the unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures that define our city.”
Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, Japan
The 308-key Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda has opened in Japan, offering a new stay option close to JR Osaka station and within the new Grand Green Osaka mixed-use development. Guests can maintain their wellness regime at the 24-hour fitness centre, explore the surrounds on Canopy’s bicycles for free, and enjoy meals and refreshments at a variety of F&B outlets onsite.
The hotel also offers a selection of pet-friendly rooms.
TUI Blue Maduzi Bangkok
TUI Blue Maduzi Bangkok, Thailand
The Thai capital has welcomed the first TUI Blue branded property in Thailand. TUI Blue features 41 stylish rooms, a range of amenities including a bar, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa.
It is designed for leisure and relaxation while offering guests convenient access to restaurants, shopping centers and popular attractions. Asok BTS station and Sukhumvit MRT lines are a four-minute walk away, while Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and Benjakitti Park are 100m across the road.
Radisson Red Danang
Radisson Red Danang, Vietnam Radisson Red Danang has debuted on Vietnam’s central coast. The upper-upscale hotel features 153 rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, steam room, sauna, heated jet pool, well-equipped fitness centre, and four F&B outlets.
It welcomes corporate events with its Meeting Hub on the third floor.
The property is ideal for guests planning on taking in the sun, sea and sand at My Khe Beach and as a base to explore the Marble Mountains and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Hoi An Ancient Town.
Kai Okuhida
Kai Okuhida, Japan Opened on September 5, Kai Okuhida in Okuhida-Onsengo, Gifu Prefecture, Japan invites guests to wake up to a scenic mountain hot spring and relax in a traditional Hida-designed inn.
The unique outdoor architecture of Kai Okuhida comprises two accommodation buildings, a bathhouse, and an annex building which are connected by a courtyard, a crossroad, and an alley space. Guests can enjoy the fresh mountain air while wearing Japanese sandals as they walk to the foot baths located throughout the premises.
The property offers 49 keys, 28 of which are rooms with outdoor hot springs.
The location is a base for some of Japan’s most famous mountain sightseeing spots: Hida Takayama and UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go as well as Kamikochi, Norikura, and Shinhotaka.
Guests are served a kaiseki dinner featuring the prefecture’s signature Hida beef, one of the leading brands of local wagyu that is favoured for its tender meat and high-quality fat content.
Alma Resort in Vietnam has introduced a romantic package replete with a private candle-lit dinner for two on the beach, floating breakfast, and a couple’s massage.
Enjoy a romantic candle-lit dinner for two on the beach at Alma Resort
With rates starting at US$170 net per night, the Alma Amore package includes a VIP welcome with sparkling wine and local artisanal chocolate-dipped fruits, daily international breakfast for two, daily sunset cocktails at Beach Bar, and a nightly turndown service with romantic surprises. Couples staying at a pavilion with its own private pool will also enjoy a floating breakfast.
Other highlights include a 60-minute couple’s spa massage, a romantic candle-lit dinner for two on the beach, and a Vietnamese cooking class for minimum stays of two nights, three nights and four nights respectively.
Other Alma Amore perks include round-trip airport transfers, late check-out, and access to daily wellness activities, the fitness centre and sports facilities.
The Alma Amore package is valid for stays until March 2025.
Silversea is developing a hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile – the southernmost city on Earth – to create an experience for guests to explore the rugged landscape of Antarctica.
Scheduled to complete by the end of 2025, the new 150-room hotel – built in partnership with a consortium of Chilean investors – will allow guests to enjoy Silversea’s personalised service and hospitality throughout their voyage.
At the ground-breaking ceremony of Silversea’s hotel in Puerto Williams, which will be completed by end-2025
The start of construction was celebrated at a ground-breaking ceremony where the partners were joined by Chilean government representatives and key stakeholders.
Overlooking the Beagle Channel and surrounded by forest, the hotel will feature views of the water and snow-capped Patagonian mountains. Amenities will include an expansive restaurant ideal for group gatherings, bar and lounge, fitness centre and gift shop showcasing handicrafts and art by local artisans.
In addition, Silversea will work with stakeholders to create opportunities for economic growth while preserving the unique cultural heritage and minimising environmental impact in the area.
The only cruise line that homeports from Puerto Williams during the Antarctica season, its Silver Endeavour, Silver Wind and Silver Cloud ships will offer a diverse range of six- to 20-day Antarctic voyages. Silversea guests embarking on its Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise programme will skip the Drake Passage and fly directly to Puerto Williams from Santiago, Chile’s capital city, where they can start their expedition, which is led by a team of specialists who are experts in their field.
“This new hotel allows us to offer an unmatched Antarctic expedition that further enhances our diverse portfolio of world-class vacations across our brands,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Partnering with our experienced teams in Chile, we are providing guests with a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most breath-taking and remote destinations that advances our promise to deliver a lifetime of vacations.”
Silversea president Bert Hernandez added: “This development not only differentiates us from other polar expeditions but also reaffirms our commitment to innovation and excellence as Silversea continues to set the standard in experiential luxury travel.”
For the first time in Australia, the 24th WTTC Global Summit opened in Perth, announcing new records and initiative – including groundbreaking reports on Oceania’s tourism potential and insights into indigenous tourism.
“2024 is a very exciting time for our sector. This year, global travel and tourism in GDP terms is set to surpass the pre-pandemic levels in 2019 and reach a record of US$11.1 trillion,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO.
From left: WTTC’s Julia Simpson and WA’s Rita Saffioti during the opening announcements for the media at WTTC (Photo: Adelaine Ng)
“This incredible growth means the sector now represents 10 per cent of the global economy, and travel and tourism will support 348 million jobs around the world,” she added.
Travel and tourism is also growing faster than its environmental impact, demonstrating that the industry’s growth is becoming cleaner.
“Our sector is proving that we can grow responsibly. We’re decoupling growth from emissions, expanding travel and tourism economically while lowering its environmental footprint,” stated Simpson.
“This is a defining moment, proving that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand in shaping the future of global tourism,” she noted, emphasising that while progress is being made, achieving absolute reductions in greenhouse gases must be significantly accelerated to meet the Paris climate goals.
In 2023, the sector’s dependence on fossil fuels decreased to 88.2 per cent, compared to 90 per cent in 2019. Meanwhile, the share of low-carbon nuclear and renewable sources rose from 5.1 per cent in 2019 to 5.9 per cent in 2023, signalling progress towards sustainable goals.
New data and methodological improvements have also led to a revised estimate of the sector’s 2019 greenhouse gas emissions, now calculated at 7.8 per cent, down from the previous figure of 8.1 per cent.
As the first WTTC Global Summit in both Australia and Perth, it is expected to position Western Australia (WA) as a rising global leader in tourism trade and boost the local WA economy with a projected A$3.8 million (US$2.5 million) in impact.
WA deputy premier, treasurer and minister for transport and tourism, Rita Saffioti, said the state has injected more than A$70 million since the pandemic to support new aviation links, which is seen as crucial for an isolated destination.
“We (also) have a strategy to increase the range of events that we host in this state. We understand that tourists continue to look for new experiences but also, sometimes need that reason to travel.
“Finally, another key point of our strategy, is to support and grow our Aboriginal tourism strategy. We know that tourists from around the world want to be able to experience our original, indigenous culture. So, we have a dedicated plan to make sure WA can continue to support new indigenous and Aboriginal tourism,” added Saffioti.
WTTC senior vice president, Virginia Messina, said Australia’s travel and tourism sector is set to reach record-breaking numbers with a projected economic contribution of more than A$265 billion, according to WTTC data.
“(This) represents about 10 per cent of the Australian economy. It is also set to support 1.6 million jobs, representing nearly 11 per cent of the country’s workforce,” she added.
More details on WTTC’s new initiatives and reports will be revealed during the summit.
Trip.com Group and Zhoushan Municipal Development and Reform Commission have jointly launched the Hello Zhoushan x Trip.com Group Yoyo-themed series to support the economic and cultural enrichment of China’s islands, while elevating Zhoushan’s tourism profile on the global stage.
The collaboration between Trip.com Group and Zhoushan will focus on three key objectives: increasing brand visibility, driving customer traffic, and boosting consumer spending.
The collaboration aims to drive transformative growth and elevate Zhoushan’s tourism landscape; Shengshan Island in Zhoushan, China, pictured
As part of the broader Hello Zhoushan initiative launched in 2023, Zhoushan, a picturesque archipelago in China, has adopted the strategy of “one island, one product, one policy”. This approach aims to boost living standards and enhance community well-being through high-quality tourism development. By blending natural beauty with sustainable practices, Zhoushan seeks to create a distinct cultural tourism experience unique to the islands.
This year marks the second anniversary of this project, and the collaboration will help to strengthen international collaboration and expand its circle of “island friends”.
As the first official “Friend of the Island”, mascot Yoyo leads global partners on a journey to explore the depths of the East China Sea, greeting each island and unveiling a variety of activities – from local cuisine and sports to sea fishing and camping. Other initiatives, like the Zhoushan Island Homestay Practitioner Training Program, will enhance the hospitality services, operational efficiency, and pricing strategies of the island’s tourism – all targeting to broaden the visitor base while increasing tourism-related revenue.
By launching the joint Hello Zhoushan x Trip.com Group Yoyo brand globally, along with a series of online marketing campaigns and offline events like an island food search, the goal is to enhance the visibility of Zhoushan’s island tourism. International travellers can also further discover its offerings through innovative ads on the Trip.com app.
Looking ahead, Trip.com Group plans to leverage resources from the Tourism Industry Alliance and its global partners to bring more corporate brands on board with the Hello Zhoushan initiative. By expanding its network and infusing fresh momentum into Zhoushan’s island tourism, Trip.com Group aims to drive transformative growth and elevate the region’s tourism landscape.
