Philippine’s Bohol takes action to protect natural heritage
A small resort within Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, a protected area and a UNESCO Global Geopark, has become a national issue exposing the disconnect between preserving national treasures and the complications of local adherence to governance.
Captain’s Peak Resort, which caused a public outcry after it was featured by vlogger Renmark Nisnisan, is now temporarily closed while under investigation on why it is able to build and operate in the unique geological formation. Other resorts within Chocolate Hills are also facing investigation.
Before the resort was closed, it ignored the temporary closure order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in September 2023, and in January this year for not having the environmental compliance certification. It has land ownership documents and has complied with other requirements of the local government.
Lourdes Sultan, president, Bohol Alliance of Travel and Tour Operators (BATTO), commented that Captain’s Peak resort is small and patronised by local Boholanos, and is “not a place where the regular tourists, foreign or domestic, go”.
BATTO’s position amid the furore, Sultan noted, is that it “gets to take a look into similar developments putting emphasis on conservation and sustainability”. She also remarked that “local government units and national government agencies need to be consistent in implementing laws and regulations”.
“We have a bigger responsibility not just bringing quality tourism service but also to ensure that tourism developments that we allow are consistent (with) our vision,” stressed Sultan, adding that BATTO will prioritise sustainability over big developments.
The Department of Tourism, in a statement on March 13, said it “agrees with the Bohol Provincial Government’s position that developments within the Chocolate Hills area are not consistent with its long-term sustainability and should be disallowed”.
“While development is essential for growth and progress, it must be conducted in harmony with environmental and cultural preservation. We urge all parties involved, including government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities, to work together towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices that uphold the integrity of our natural heritage.”
C9 Hotelworks managing director, Bill Barnett, who knows the Philippines like the back of his hands, opined: “Corruption remains a key issue in local municipalities across the country and there is no recognition by the Manila government of a country-wide tourism master plan.
“While the private sector is racing ahead building new hotels, the point is there is no preservation of the areas that will bring tourists to the destinations, so eventually this issue must be addressed at a national level.”
How the issue is being handled and resolved will impact the future of rustic Bohol, currently top on the list for tourists and investors alike, as international tourism shifts to local experiences and authentic places to visit.
Skyscanner reveals travel insights for 3Q2024
Skyscanner’s latest Horizons report shared insights into booking windows, destination choices, and trending destinations across the Asia-Pacific region for the period June to August 2024.
The analysis is based on its Skyscanner Travel Insight Data, which compares traveller behaviour and search trends year-on-year.
Booking windows reflect confidence to plan ahead
At the start of 2024, Skyscanner saw record travel demand, outperforming the global flights market and was the fastest growing metasearch in 2023.
Across the board, travellers are planning further ahead compared to the previous year, marking a return to traditional seasonality in 2024.
Among Asia-Pacific travellers, there is a greater distribution of booking windows compared to other regions but an overall increase in bookings over 30 days (including a 2% jump in the 90+ day segment). Booking windows of two months or more now represent over a third of demand in this region.
Destination choices highlight regional preferences
Asia-Pacific travellers are turning their focus towards intra-regional destinations, with a notable decrease in trips to Europe compared to last year. Seat capacity is returning to the region and many travellers are indicating a desire to swap longhaul trips with short or medium ones, or even domestic trips with an eye on their budget to help keep costs down.
Shorter trip lengths to top destinations
Across all regions, average trip lengths are slightly down or flat year-on-year for many popular destinations.
Well-known European and US destinations are most popular among Asia-Pacific travellers, with Athens experiencing the biggest increase in trip length. “Everywhere” also ranks highly, and Tokyo is the only destination with a single-digit trip length.
Trending destinations
Destinations with the biggest year-on-year increases in search volumes reflect a mix of wanting to explore new places, as well as those with new route connections.
New Delhi, India and China’s Shanghai are experiencing the biggest growth among Asia-Pacific travellers, while Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Victoria, Canada are also trending. Pangkalan Bun in Borneo, Indonesia is the only trending destination with an increase in average trip length.
Zeynep Mutlu Bigalı, head of destination partnerships: “Our latest Horizon insights reveal a travel landscape that is both familiar and evolving. While traditional seasonality is returning and popular destinations remain in demand, travellers are also seeking value and exploring options closer-to-home. Across Skyscanner’s platforms we have seen incredible demand at the start of the year, and we expect this to continue as we head into the summer, especially in regions such as North Asia.”
New travel app to enhance experience for travellers to South Korea
InterparkTriple has unveiled Triple Korea, a mobile app that makes travel around South Korea both easier and more fun for visitors by providing free-of-charge information and features right from the preparation stage through to the actual visit.
To encourage independent travel, the app offers real-time support for personalised travel and cultural experiences when visiting South Korea. It recommends personalised travel itineraries and shares useful travel information such as major tourist attractions, restaurants, and events. When users add a location to their itinerary, the app provides guidance on travel routes, travel times, and fare information. Moreover, users can also easily purchase tours, tickets, transportation, and activities within the app.
Other app highlights include the real-time ‘Attractions Near Me’ feature, which makes suggestions on nearby tourist spots, restaurants, cafés, and events based on the user’s location. With real-time updates, users can explore suitable activity suggestions that adapt to unexpected changes such as the weather.
Triple Korea also has a navigation function that offers directions for both public transportation use as well as walking routes, and even provides optimised routes for various modes of transportation.
InterparkTriple offers a vast array of products ranging from flights, accommodations, and packages to performance arts and tickets. Through its platform tailored for international travellers, Interpark Global, InterparkTriple has been offering booking services for Korean concert tickets as well as Play&Stay packages that combine concert tickets with accommodation, contributing to expanding global interest in Korean cultural content.
The Ozone Group Phuket, Wyndham unveil new Bang Tao property in Thailand
The Ozone Group Phuket and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts are set to introduce The Ozone Signature, A Registry Collection Hotel in Bang Tao – Cherngtalay, in Phuket, Thailand come March 2027.
The project, which encompasses both a luxury condominium and a luxury hotel, is a joint effort between the two companies through a strategic franchise agreement signed on March 15, 2024. It also marks the debut of Wyndham’s 16th brand in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Ozone Signature, A Registry Collection Hotel will offer 118 rooms ranging from deluxe rooms to presidential suites, with amenities such as a swimming pool, pool bar, spa, fitness centre, meeting rooms, and dining options. The property is a five-minute journey from Bang Tao Beach and in close proximity to premier golf courses and community malls like Boat Avenue and Central Porto De Phuket.
Juta Theansukont and Atthithan Theansukont, board of directors of The Ozone Group Phuket, commented: “This collaboration signifies our joint effort to enhance hospitality standards and, importantly, to generate valuable job opportunities and support the economic advancement of Phuket. Together, our focus remains on providing exceptional experiences for our guests while also nurturing sustainable prosperity within the local community.”
“Thailand has been and will continue to serve as a vital growth catalyst for Wyndham in the years ahead, particularly with the ongoing resurgence of its tourism sector. We are extremely proud to have entered this significant partnership with The Ozone Group Phuket, marking the debut of the distinctive Registry Collection brand in the Asia Pacific region,” said Eudo Chan, senior director of development, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia-Pacific.
Ennismore, Dubai Holding to bring Delano brand to Dubai
Ennismore has joined forces with Dubai Holding to bring its Delano brand to the UAE, with Delano Dubai opening later this year at the waterfront destination Bluewaters Dubai.
The new luxury resort will feature 251 guestrooms, including 84 suites, some with private pools, culinary and mixology experiences, an ocean-front swimming pool, and four distinctive F&B concepts.
First launched in 1995 in Miami, the US, Ennismore has partnered with Cain International to drive forward the global expansion of the Delano brand and reopen Delano Miami Beach.
Sharan Pasricha, founder and co-CEO of Ennismore, shared: “We are thrilled to be bringing the iconic Delano to the forefront of global hospitality again, with a new home in Dubai – marking a major milestone in the brand’s journey.
“From its origins in Miami, a bustling social hub, to the new global hub of extraordinary experiences, Dubai, Delano is set to introduce a new level of luxury, discernment and vibrant energy to the city as our debut property in the region. We look forward to sharing more exciting details about Delano Dubai over the coming months.”
Amit Kaushal, group CEO, Dubai Holding, said: “Together with the recent opening of Banyan Tree Dubai, we are proud to mark another milestone in the evolution of Bluewaters Dubai as a luxury lifestyle destination. Our collaboration with market leaders like Ennismore and Banyan Group will continue to focus on welcoming new brands to Dubai and further enrich the city’s vibrant hospitality landscape.”
Sendai Airport-Yamagata bus service resumes for sakura season
The Yamagata Prefectural Government will resume direct bus services between Sendai Airport and Yamagata Prefecture for the upcoming cherry blossom season, allowing greater ease of access to famed sakura-viewing spots.
Services will be operated by Yamako Bus Co. and Shonai Kotsu Co., of which the latter will also resume direct bus services between Sendai Airport and Shonai (Sakata city) in the north-eastern Japanese prefecture of Yamagata.
The direct bus services will allow travellers entering Japan through Sendai Airport to enjoy trips to Yamagata Prefecture, which is home to many famous cherry blossom-viewing spots, during the cherry blossom season from early to late April. Popular spots include Kajo Park, Eboshiyama Park, and Hiyoriyama Park.
More information can be found on the Yamagata Prefecture website.
Hong Kong Airlines to resume Hong Kong-Saipan flights
Hong Kong Airlines is reinstating its direct service to Saipan, which will fly twice weekly between Hong Kong and Saipan International Airports.
Operated on the Airbus A330 aircraft, the airline will fly from Hong Kong to Saipan every Thursday and Sunday, with the return services on every Monday and Friday.
TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts announces new commercial team members
TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts has appointed three professionals to their Commercial Team in the Asia region – Stefan Wolf as the head of commercial Asia, Wook Sung as regional sales & marketing director for South-east Asia, and Janny Tu as regional director sales & marketing for Greater China.
Wolf brings a wealth of expertise in revenue management and hospitality operations to his new role, having worked with renowned hotel brands, and successfully implementing revenue management strategies across various regions.
Wook has held key positions in leading hotel brands, and his experience in sales and marketing will be instrumental in expanding TUI Blue’s presence and customer base in the South-east Asia region.
Tu’s experience in business, distribution connectivity, revenue management, and operations, as well as her extensive knowledge of both domestic and international markets, will help drive customer acquisition and enhance brand awareness in Greater China.
Ready to welcome all
Tourist arrivals to Malaysia are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, buoyed by enhanced air connectivity and a simplified entry process for tourists from the top two medium-haul markets in terms of arrivals, China and India.
Musa Yusof, the deputy director-general (promotion) of Tourism Malaysia, shared this optimistic outlook during a tourism forum in Kuala Lumpur in December 2023. He anticipates that tourist arrivals for the current year will exceed the previous record of 26.1 million set in 2019.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China, the Malaysian government has implemented a 30-day visa-free entry for Chinese nationals.
This initiative has been extended to Indian nationals as well, with the aim of fostering increased tourism and economic development within the country. The visa-free entry for both Chinese and Indian nationals will be in effect until December 31, 2024.
Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s minister of tourism, arts, and culture, emphasised the importance of the visa exemption for Chinese and Indian tourists, the top two medium-haul markets for Malaysia, in stimulating industry growth and recovery.
He said: “Indirectly, this will be able to boost the economy of tourism-related industries such as hospitality, retail, transport, tours and so forth.”
Airlines connecting Malaysia with China and India have also announced increased services – China Eastern Airlines will commence new services between Nanjing and Kuching from June 24 with three weekly flights, and introduce daily flights from Shanghai to Penang from July 24.
Tourism Malaysia’s director-general, Ammar Abd Ghapar, revealed in January that the board is engaged in discussions with various Chinese airlines to institute direct flights linking smaller provinces or “second-tier cities” in both China and Malaysia.
This initiative aims to enable travellers from less prominent regions in China to easily visit Malaysia, eliminating the necessity to journey to major airports and consequently reducing travel time.
AirAsia will also increase capacity on its flights between China-Malaysia and India-Malaysia to 230 weekly flights starting from 1Q2024, with up to 5.2 million seats per year.
AirAsia Malaysia recently inaugurated a new service between Kuala Lumpur and Thiruvananthapuram on February 21 with four weekly flights and it will soon launch new services from Kuala Lumpur to Jaipur from April 21 with four weekly departures.
On May 1, AirAsia will launch a new direct route connecting Kuala Lumpur with Ahmedabad with four weekly flights, which will serve as AirAsia’s first step into the state of Gujarat from Malaysia, further cementing its foothold in South Asia.
Additionally, the airline has outlined plans to progressively enhance the frequency of its current services linking Kuala Lumpur with Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
Wong Hon Wai, Penang state minister for tourism and creative economy at the seventh edition of the Penang Roadshow to India 2024 that was held in Chennai in January, said that discussions were in progress between the state government and an Indian airline for direct flights between Chennai and Penang.
AirAsia Aviation Group CEO, Tharumalingam Kanagalingam, shared: “India has always been one of our biggest markets and we are thrilled to enhance our connectivity to the country at this opportune time following the government’s recent announcement of visa-free entry for Indian nationals to Malaysia.”
As air travel continues to rebound, two major international airports are gearing up for the anticipated increase in passenger arrivals in the coming years.
The expansion of the Penang International Airport terminal building is set to commence this September. The project is expected to take 48 months to complete. Upon its conclusion, the expanded terminal will have the capacity to accommodate 12 million passengers per annum from the current maximum capacity of 6.5 million.
In addition, Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, the country’s primary gateway, is set to undergo a comprehensive three-year renovation starting next year when the terminal capacity reaches 90 per cent.
This initiative aims to address operational challenges and enhance facilities. Iskandar Mizal Mahmood, the managing director of Malaysia Airports Holdings, has outlined areas in need of improvements and these include self-baggage drop-offs, a redesign of check-in counters, implementation of new aerotrain and baggage handling systems, and the introduction of new F&B outlets and lounges.
Malaysia Airlines has teamed up with KidZania Singapore, an interactive children’s edutainment park that combines inspiration, fun and learning through ultra-realistic role-playing experiences, for a three-year-long collaboration as the official airline partner for the educational entertainment hotspot.
The partnership will enable Malaysia Airlines to reach out to the next generation of aviation enthusiasts in a unique and immersive setting, with programmes that will introduce children to various aspects of aviation, such as piloting, cabin crew responsibilities, and ground handling.
KidZania Singapore, which fully reopens in early 2Q2024, is a part of the global edutainment brand, KidZania, that provides a safe, unique, and interactive environment where children can explore and learn essential life skills through over 100 role-playing activities.
Malaysia Airlines will also extend its loyalty programme, Enrich, to children aged two to 12 years old via Enrich Junior, allowing them to enjoy a myriad of travel benefits and lifestyle privileges.
Commenting on the partnership, founder and executive chairman of Sim Leisure Group, Sim Choo Kheng, said: “This alliance complements our commitment to offering children holistic, engaging and experiential learning sessions. The integration of Malaysia Airlines into our Eduplay city will offer children insights into the aviation world, shaping their understanding of the industry and nurturing their interests.”
“By sharing insights and empowering children to pursue their passions, we are committed to challenging stereotypes within the aviation industry and encouraging exploration of diverse job roles, fostering inclusivity and diversity from an early age,” shared Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, CEO, airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group.