VOYAGES Indigenous Tourism Australia, which operates the Ayers Rock Resort in Northern Territory, is making an unprecedented push to grow its Asian client base with a week-long line-up of roadshows in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Guangzhou and Shanghai.

Speaking to local travel experts at its inaugural roadshow in Singapore yesterday, Voyages’ executive general manager for sales and marketing, Ray Stone, said: “In the last two years, we’ve noticed a steady growth in visitors from Asia to Ayers Rock Resort. China, in particular, has become more significant, alongside Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore.

“Between July and October this year, the number of Chinese roomnights grew by a dramatic 79 per cent over the same period in 2011, albeit from a smaller base of 3,000 to 4,000 visitors. In contrast, we have about 10,000 visitors from the UK per annum.”

While the UK, Germany, France, the US and Japan remain the resort’s primary sources of international guests, Stone emphasised the need to actively target emerging markets in Asia.

“However, considering that we are not a mass market product, we are looking to target Asians who have been to Australia before but are now looking for something different and unique. Essentially, we are keen to attract individuals who are keen to explore the spirituality, art and culture associated with Ayers Rock and the surrounding region,” said Stone.

To encourage Asians to visit Ayers Rock and the resort, the destination needs to develop an identity that resonates with Asian travellers, he pointed out.

“We are trying to achieve this on a rather limited budget, and as such, have chosen to focus on educating and forging partnerships with travel experts and on generating publicity through the web and social media platforms.”

Ayers Rock Resort consists of six accommodation options, including the ultra-luxurious Longitude 131˚ tents; the newly refurbished five-star Sails in the Dessert; four-star Desert Gardens Hotel; Emu Walk Apartments; economy Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge; and Ayers Rock Campground, which houses a maximum of 2,000 people.

SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir, in collaboration with Changi Airport Group, have launched a special offer for Indian passengers transiting at the airport.

Previously available to passengers from the Gulf area, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, the Changi Dollar Voucher (CDV) promotion is now extended to Indian passengers transiting in Singapore on SIA and SilkAir flights.

Worth S$20 (US$16.30) each, the CDV is availalable for one-time use at all retail outlets in the transit areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3 as well as the Ambassador Transit Lounges in Terminals 2 and 3 for a one-time redemption for three hours. Lounge usage includes showers with toiletries, light refreshments, Wi-Fi and non-alcoholic beverages.

Valid for tickets issued in India for the two airlines, the CDVs are available at all information counters at Changi till March 31, 2014.

Rakesh Ramnani, director, Vensimals World Travel, said: “Free usage of the Ambassador Transit Lounge is a big plus for longhaul passengers going to Australia, the US’ west coast and Japan. Even for shorthaul transit, a S$20 freebie adds to the feel-good factor of the flier who will feel an affinity to Singapore Airlines and SilkAir.”

Adding to the transit offer at Changi Airport, the one-night complimentary stay in Singapore being offered by Royal Caribbean Cruises is already creating waves of excitement among Indian cruise enthusiasts prior to the imminent holiday season.

KRIS International Traveltours is set to launch three charters from Kuala Lumpur to Christmas Island in December.

Operated by Malaysia Airlines, the charters will leave Kuala Lumpur on December 22, 26 and 29, while the return leg is on December 26, 29 and January 1.

Kris International Traveltours general manager, KT Foo, told TTG Asia e-Daily: “We first mounted the exclusive scheduled charter flights to Christmas Island way back in 1997. It’s an opportune time now to revisit and rediscover Christmas Island and to see the Red Crab Migration.

“Many Malaysians perceive Australia as being a very expensive holiday destination. We wish to change their mindset through our affordably priced charters. If these charters prove successful, we hope to do similar charters during the Chinese New Year period as well.”

Kris International Traveltours has developed four five-day/four-night packages for its December 22 departure, namely an all-inclusive four-wheel drive island adventure package from RM3,688 (US$1207), a honeymoon package, a game fishing package as well as a four-wheel drive island adventure and scuba diving package.

For the remaining departures, the company is offering two all-inclusive packages from RM3,488, namely a four-wheel drive island adventure as well as a four-wheel drive island adventure and honeymoon package, with optional activities such as golfing, bird watching and snorkelling.

Furthermore, the charter services also paves the way for more Australian inbound tourists to Malaysia in December, which coincides with the country’s year-end Mega Shopping Carnival, Foo pointed out. The company has tied up with an Australian outbound consultant for these charter operations.

THE 434-key Conrad Seoul will open its doors in the Yeouido financial district on November 12, marking the brand’s entry into South Korea.

“Hilton Worldwide continues to expand our presence in Korea and the Conrad Seoul is an outstanding addition to our growing portfolio of Conrad Hotels in Asia-Pacific and to our expanding footprint in Korea,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

“We are confident that this stunning property will be a great fit for the sophisticated and design-focused International Finance Centre Seoul (IFC Seoul) and will successfully cater to the ever increasing number of global, affluent travellers to this popular city destination,” added Rinck.

The 38-storey hotel will occupy one of four towers in IFC Seoul, with a luxury shopping mall and the Yeouido subway station located in its immediate vicinity.

While boasting expansive interiors measuring upwards of 48m2, each hotel room is implemented with Apple-based technology, which offer an all-in-one multimedia hub and a Mac computer. A key design of the hotel is the 40m spiral staircase connecting the first floor to the fifth.

Dining outlets include 37 Grill and Bar restaurant on the 37th floor, which offers 360-degree views of the city; an Italian restaurant, Atrio; and Zest, a three-meal restaurant with show-cooking stations and buffet islands. Its recreational facilities include a fitness club, a swimming pool, a golf driving range and a spa.

Conrad Seoul features 2,608m2 of meeting and banquet space across three floors, including two ballrooms seating up to 400 guests and 800 guests respectively as well as an 11 meeting rooms.

HOTELS in Ngwe Saung beach are now in the midst of reopening or revamping their premises ahead of the 2013 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

Five hotels that have been temporarily closed since 2006 – including Rainbow View Hotel, Hotel ACE, Asia World Hotel, Shwe Kayu and Shwe Thazin – will reopen to meet the expected room shortage during the SEA Games, while several other hotels have embarked on upgrading and expansion projects, the spokesperson added.

Ngwe Saung Zone Hotelier Association has already earmarked eight hotels to accommodate competitors participating in the yacht races that will be held at the beach during December 2013 as part of the games.

The existing 17 hotels at Ngwe Saung have a total inventory of more than 700 rooms. The ministry plans to add four more hotels in 2013, which will push the total number to more than 840 rooms if all 21 hotels can be opened next year.

Ngwe Saung welcomed more than 37,000 visitors, both from Myanmar and abroad, during the peak season last year, and hoteliers expect a higher number this season.

BEST Western International (BWI) has ramped up its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first hotel in Bahrain.

The upscale Best Western Plus The Olive marks BWI’s latest expansion effort in the Gulf region, which follows the company’s debut in Saudi Arabia and the launch of the first Best Western Plus hotel in the region, plus its first-ever properties in Kuwait, Muscat and Riyadh earlier this year.

“The launch of our Best Western Plus brand in Bahrain marks another exciting stage in our Middle East expansion strategy,” said Glenn de Souza, BWI’s vice president international operations – Asia & the Middle East. “The Gulf region is one of the hottest hotel markets in the world today, and Bahrain is a key part of this.”

Located in the Juffair district of the capital, Manama, The Best Western Plus The Olive offers 250 guest rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars and high-quality mattresses, pillows and cotton linen. Complimentary Internet access is available in all rooms and public areas.

In terms of dining, the Vesuvio restaurant offers fine Italian cuisine, while Mantraa serves up modern Indian dishes plus daily breakfast. Other facilities include the Bhuvana Spa, a business centre, a gym, an outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour room service.

Best Western currently operates five hotels in the Middle East region, which are expected to increase to 23 by 2015, incorporating all three Best Western brands – midscale Best Western, upscale Best Western Plus and luxury Best Western Premier.