A DELAY in payment of airport charges by Kingfisher Airlines and Air India, coupled with accumulated losses and interest payments, may force Delhi International Airport (DIAL) to further increase fees at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

DIAL has requested a 774 per cent hike in airport charges to stem the bleeding, but India’s Airport Economic Regulatory Authority has so far only approved a 334 per cent increase from April 2012, which has yet to be implemented.

In addition, DIAL has proposed introducing a user development fee, to be levied on all airlines using New Delhi airport. An international passenger is likely to pay US$28; a domestic traveller, US$12; and a transit passenger, US$16.

Several airlines have protested against the move and have warned that they may be forced to establish alternative hubs in the region.

Kamal Hingorani, senior vice president, SpiceJet said: “Any increase at this stage could be hugely detrimental, as any levy will be passed on to the customer and would make flight costs untenable. Most airlines would have to stop flying to or through Delhi, and that would reduce footfalls at Delhi airport.”

Air India’s arrears are US$90 million, while Kingfisher Airlines owes US$15 million to DIAL.

ACCOR unveiled its first combo property in India with the opening of Novotel Bengaluru Techpark and ibis Bengaluru Techpark. Both properties are co-located.

“The hotel is a fine example of the new generation of Novotel, and together with the attached Ibis is a symbol of Accor’s progress in India. It is a cost-effective model as all back-up resources like stores, supplies, kitchen, etc are shared,” said Denis Hennequin, chairman & CEO, Accor.

New Delhi-based Arrivals Air Services director, Rajan Sehgal, said: “The combo properties will provide good options to our corporate clients, as they can now accommodate their higher management in a upper mid-scale hotel brand like Novotel and lower management in a economical brand like Ibis, while ensuring that everyone stays at the same place.”

The chain is developing two more combos at Old Mahabalipuram Road in Chennai, which will also see the integration of Novotel and Ibis brands.

Elsewhere, the hotel chain is also planning to develop three properties in a single site at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, with a combination of Pullman, Novotel and Ibis brands.

Reporting by Divya Kaul

TRAVELPORT has launched in Asia-Pacific Journey Reporter, a new web-based reporting solution that allows TMCs to keep tabs on travellers.

Operating in real time via a secure login, Journey Reporter helps Travelport-connected travel consultants to track and monitor the location of business travellers around the world. Reports are run instantly from the GDS, and the tool can capture flight, hotel and car hire information regardless of the ticketing status. It is also able to identify multiple travellers booked on the same journey.

Linda Kelly-Smith, head of solutions and support, Asia-Pacific, Travelport, said: “Companies have peace of mind knowing they have traveller information at their fingertips, whilst also enhancing their service offering by presenting a value-add to their customers.”

The tool has been introduced in Europe and the Middle East.

TOURISM Malaysia and the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) have signed an MoU to attract one million Japanese tourists to Malaysia by 2014, a move that may help to reverse the trend of dwindling numbers from the market.

The destination development strategy is currently in its initial stage, according to JATA deputy chairman Takashi Sasaki. “We will place our efforts on expanding tourism exchange programmes, encouraging mutual understanding and improving relations between Japan and Malaysia,” he said.

“This is our first programme to attract one million Japanese tourists to Malaysia. If successful, it will be a big milestone for the Malaysian tourism industry,” said Chong Yoke Har, deputy director general (marketing) of Tourism Malaysia.

Sasaki described the targeted figure as achievable, although this was met with caution by the trade. With 386,974 Japanese arrivals to Malaysia in 2011 – a seven per cent decrease from 2010 – the target reflects a 158 per cent increase in arrivals in three years, or about a 50 per cent year-on-year rise in arrivals from this year.

Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel assistant manager Asian market, Hoong Keat, said: “This will be a very challenging target.

“Our interaction with travel experts in Tokyo shows that interest among Japanese in Malaysia is declining. Currently, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and China are the preferred destinations.”

Reporting by N. Nithiyananthan

PORT of Lost Wonder (POLW) is Sentosa’s latest attraction catering to a younger crowd, as Palawan Beach undergoes a rejuvenation that will transform the area into a family entertainment zone.

Opened last Saturday, POLW spans 6,117m2 and features a pirate ship water-play area, picnic decks, outdoor play areas for toddlers, F&B and retail outlets as well as indoor and outdoor activities organised by a special crew. It is designed for children aged three to 10.

“Today, many of the attractions along our beaches are tailored for older children, teenagers and adults. The opening of POLW marks the first step in our plan to reinforce Palawan Beach’s status as a must-visit destination for parents with young children.

“By opening a supervised water-play zone by the beach but away from the open sea, we are encouraging children to have wonderful adventures in a safe, gated environment,” said Mike Barclay, CEO, Sentosa Development Corporation.

Palawan Beach has been earmarked as a family entertainment zone, and an indoor Family Entertainment Centre will also be built.

The opening of POLW marks the start of Sentosa’s 40th anniversary celebrations, which will see four months of activities, programmes and promotions from May to September.

SILKAIR will introduce thrice-weekly services to Hanoi starting June 5, 2012.

Subject to government approval, the new flights will be operated using Airbus A319/320 aircraft.

Together with Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) daily services, both airlines will offer a total of 10 round-trip services a week to Vietnam’s capital.

Meanwhile, SIA’s thrice-daily Singapore-London services will be operated using only Airbus A380 aircraft from June 1, 2012.

Currently, two of the services are operated with the A380, while one is operated with the Boeing 777-300ER.

The switch to the larger A380 will increase seat capacity on the route by 17 per cent a day.

HKR International’s Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong resort on Lantau Island is scheduled to open later this year.

Located 30 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport, the property will feature 325 sea-facing rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, and an outdoor terrace offering cocktails and light refreshments.

MICE facilities will encompass 1,300m2 of floorspace, including a 700m2 pillar-free ballroom, and several smaller breakout rooms and function areas.

Leisure amenities will include a seaside chapel, perfect for couples and wedding planners with its idyllic waterfront setting, and a Spa Botanica providing nine treatment rooms with sea views.