BWH Hotels has signed The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Vietnam.
Located in the heart of Quy Nhon, the upscale hotel will comprise one tower of a new mixed-use development overlooking the ocean. The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection will feature a full range of premium accommodations and amenities.
The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection will join BWH Hotel’s expanding portfolio of properties in Vietnam
At the hotel’s doorstep are the city’s downtown offices and attractions, as well as easy access to Binh Dinh’s natural and cultural wonders, including Hon Kho Island, Ky Co Beach, Ong Nui Temple, Thap Doi Towers and more. Phu Cat Airport, which is just 30km away, offers regular flights to and from major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The new hotel joins BWH Hotel’s expanding portfolio of hotels and resorts in Vietnam, which currently comprises of five operating properties – Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang, and Caravelle Saigon, a member of the WorldHotels Elite.
In view of the uncertainty related to the on-going situation in Israel, all Cathay Pacific flights to and from Tel Aviv from today up to and including March 28, 2024 will be cancelled.
Affected customers should receive a message from Cathay Pacific – those who have not are advised to check the current status of their booking via Manage Booking or contact the airline’s Customer Care teams.
Cathay Pacific temporarily suspends services between Tel Aviv and Hong Kong
Customers who are booked to travel on Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Tel Aviv up to March 31, 2024 can rebook, reroute or refund their travel without the usual fees.
International tourism is on track to recover almost 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year, according to the latest data from UNWTO.
The newest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer revealed that an estimated 975 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38 per cent on the same months of 2022.
UNWTO predicts that international tourism will recover almost 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by end-2023
The data showed world destinations welcomed 22 per cent more international tourists in 3Q2023 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season; international tourist arrivals hit 91 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter, reaching 92 per cent in July; and overall, tourism recovered 87 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in January-September 2023.
That puts the sector on course to recover almost 90 per cent by the end of the year, and international tourism receipts could reach US$1.4 trillion in 2023, about 93 per cent of the US$1.5 trillion earned by destinations in 2019.
Leading the recovery are the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The Middle East saw arrivals 20 per cent above pre-pandemic levels in the nine months through September 2023, and remains the only world region to surpass 2019 levels this period. Visa facilitation measures, the development of new destinations, investments in new tourism-related projects and the hosting of large events, help underpin this recovery.
Europe welcomed 550 million international tourists over the period, 56 per cent of the global total. That represents 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. The rebound was supported by robust intra-regional demand as well as strong demand from the US.
Africa recovered 92 per cent of pre-pandemic visitors this nine-month period, and arrivals in the Americas reached 88 per cent of 2019 numbers this period.
Asia and the Pacific reached 62 per cent of pre-pandemic levels this period due to slower reopening to international travel. However, performance among sub-regions is mixed, with South Asia recovering 95 per cent of pre-pandemic levels but North-east Asia only about 50 per cent.
UNWTO’s World Tourism Barometer includes more focused data on regions, sub-regions and individual destinations
Strong demand for outbound travel was reported by several large source markets this period, with many exceeding 2019 levels. Germany and the US spent 13 per cent and 11 per cent more respectively on outbound travel than in the same nine months of 2019, while Italy spent 16 per cent more through August.
The sustained recovery is also reflected in the performance of industry indicators. Drawing on data from IATA and STR, the UNWTO Tourism Recovery Tracker details a strong recovery in air passenger numbers and tourist accommodation occupancy levels.
Against this backdrop, international tourism is well on track to fully recover pre-pandemic levels in 2024 despite economic challenges such as high inflation and weaker global output, as well as important geopolitical tensions and conflicts.
UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili shared: “The latest UNWTO data shows that international tourism has almost completely recovered from the unprecedented crisis of Covid-19 with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic arrivals and receipts. This is critical for destinations, businesses, and communities where the sector is a major lifeline.”
Asia is “bouncing back at an impressive rate” and is expected to recover to nearly 80 per cent of 2019 levels by year-end, down by only 22 per cent – this is fuelled by the rise of the live music industry to attract tourism where the average length of stay is three nights.
This and other insights were discussed during the November 28 PATA-ForwardKeys webinar, Charting the course for 2024: Unveiling APAC Travel Trends, with participation from the NTOs of Thailand, Guam and Seoul.
Asia is expected to recover to nearly 80 per cent of 2019 levels by year-end, as discussed during the PATA-ForwardKeys webinar on November 28
Nancy Dai, insights expert, ForwardKeys, attributed the region’s recovery to the implementation of enhanced safety and health measures during the pandemic, high demand for VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travel, the impact of effective marketing campaigns and incentives, and a shift towards unique experiences and sustainable travel.
In 2024, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be targeting premium, quality travellers, expected to spend more and stay longer, according to Titiporn Manenate, executive director, Americas Region Department.
Mark Manglona, senior marketing manager, North America, Pacific and New Markets, Guam Visitor Bureau (GVB), shared that South Korea and Japan were the destination’s main source markets.
GVB would be cooperating with its airline partners to address capacity needs, working with key opinion leaders to attract visitors from new markets such as Singapore and Malaysia, and are also looking at secondary travellers in segments such as schools, sports, and long-stay seniors.
For Seoul Tourism Organization, Jamie Lee, assistant manager, Global Team 1, said there was growing emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism, and best practices were discussed and shared at the November 16 and 17 Seoul Sustainable Tourism Conference 2023.
On Asia-Pacific destinations likely to see a surge in 2024, Dai named India, Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan due to enhanced air capacity and fleet expansion, various incentives, family appeal and weak currency.
Challenges include connectivity and staffing still not back to pre-pandemic levels as well as ongoing conflict in Europe and the Middle East, but the traveller profile that was emerging – longer stay, booking in advance and booking premium – presented an “exciting opportunity”, she commented.
Dai also said that Chinese New Year 2024 would be the first year after China’s reopening, and that the eight-day public holiday bodes well for Seoul, the leading destination based on available seats.
In addition, with easier visa access and application times cut from two months to one week, Italy, France and Germany have emerged as popular destinations among the Chinese.
Tourism players, including the biggest operator of hotels in Sri Lanka, have urged the government to fast-track a much-delayed global marketing campaign to adequately compete with rival markets and boost arrivals.
Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s biggest foreign exchange earners, was affected badly by terrorist attacks on three top Colombo hotels in 2019 followed by the closure of the airport during the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis in 2022. Arrivals in 2018 was a record 2.3 million, dropping drastically in the next few years, with this year’s target at 1.5 million.
Tourism players in Sri Lanka are urging the government to fast-track a much-delayed global marketing campaign in order to boost inbound tourism to the country; Colombo, Sri Lanka, pictured
There is a need for a well-executed global marketing blitz to woo tourists and elevate Sri Lanka’s position in the global tourism market, said Krishan Balendra, chairman of John Keells Holdings which has a string of hotels under the Cinnamon brand in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Speaking last week at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce’s Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2023, Balendra expressed regret over Sri Lanka’s failure to launch a comprehensive global tourism campaign in the aftermath of the war, identifying it as a substantial missed opportunity to invigorate the industry.
“The industry has been requesting a global campaign since the end of the war (Sri Lanka’s internal ethnic conflict which ended in 2009) akin to those executed by Malaysia and India. Unfortunately, we haven’t managed to implement one in over 10 years,” he told the meeting, stressing the importance of more promotions in India, Sri Lanka’s biggest source market.
Balendra referred to the active promotion of tourism destinations by countries like Thailand, Malaysia and China, with Indian citizens, adding that there was a lack of visibility for Sri Lanka in comparison.
Local authorities have been painfully trying to launch the 1.45 billion rupee-worth (US$5 million) global marketing campaign over the next 12 months, targeting markets such as the UK, Germany, France, Italy, India, Ukraine, Russia, West Asia, Scandinavia, South Korea, Japan and Australia since July this year. However, it has been delayed due to procurement procedures, call for tenders and other bureaucratic issues. A tourism tagline titled You will come back for more was launched at trade shows in France and the UK in the past few months.
At the same chamber event last week, president Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the need to attract high-spending tourists who would spend a minimum of US$500 per day, compared to little over US$100 now, adding that the target for arrivals should reach five million in the next few years.
Victoria’s High Country in Australia has launched a new campaign where visitors ‘sign’ a secret pact online to get access to the wonders of High Country, which have been a well-kept secret among locals, up till now.
The new You Didn’t Hear It From Me campaign invites visitors to ‘sign’ the High Country Secret Pact and unlock the best of what the High Country has to offer, with exclusive insights, responsible exploration, and an unmatched connection with local providers – yet helping to preserve the secrets of the region.
The latest campaign introduces local favourites such as the Tasting Pod experience at Swiftcrest Distillery, pictured
To showcase the region’s best kept secrets, Tourism North East (TNE) scoured the High Country for locals to share their favourite hidden gems. Drawing inspiration from local insights, TNE created their inaugural short film that offers viewers a glimpse into its hidden wonders while emphasising the unique opportunity offered to those who wish to explore the road less travelled.
Bess Nolan-Cook, CEO of TNE said: “We know the High Country locals enjoy connecting with new people and showcasing the beauty of the region. However, they’re concerned their favourite spots will be overrun with tourists who are just there for (Instagram-shots).
“We chose to craft the short film You Didn’t Hear It From Me because some things, especially the breath-taking allure of the Victorian High Country, defy description – they demand to be seen, felt, and experienced.”
Steve Dimopoulos, minister for tourism, sport and major events, remarked: “Our beautiful High Country is a must-see tourist destination in Victoria, and we want to bring more visitors to the region which gives a boost to the local economy. This campaign will help bring more visitors to venture off the beaten track and explore the hidden gems of the High Country region.’’
The iconic Sydney Fish Market in Australia has embarked on a major transformation valued at A$750 million (US$497 million), with works covering the market itself and surrounding bays.
The reimagined Sydney Fish Market is set to open in late-2024, and is expected to be the “most significant building by the harbour since the Sydney Opera House” for the destination.
The reimagined Sydney Fish Market is set to open in late-2024
Post-transformation, the purpose-built, operational fish market will also be a major culinary attraction. Its distinctive wave-shaped and scale-patterned roof will pay homage to the fishing industry, while simultaneously collecting rainwater for use. The amphitheatre staircases and the foreshore promenade will wrap over the working wharf, allowing visitors a glimpse into the market’s operations.
Sydney Fish Market plans to activate the world-class site through an ongoing calendar of events, engaging and educational activations, and vibrant tourism experiences.
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is transforming into a winter wonderland with a spectacle of lights this Christmas season as well as special dining events.
Drawing inspiration from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, this year’s festive theme, A Waltz of the Lights, is animated with over a million sparkling lights and candles with a 15m-tall Christmas tree and an army of nutcrackers.
Christmas is in the air at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Throughout the Christmas and New Year season, there will be dining specials featured at the hotel’s French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu, Le Club Bar, angelina, and the newly-renovated modern Vietnamese restaurant Spice Garden.
Enjoy four special Christmas Eve dinners and a Sunday Brunch on December 24, with prices ranging from three million to 5.2 million dong (US$123 to US$214).
Then on Christmas Day, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will host brunch and a series of dinners at its restaurants, ranging in price from 2.8 million to 4.5 million dong.
For New Year’s Eve, there will be gala dinners and countdown parties to usher in 2024, while on New Year’s Day, the hotel’s culinary team helps kick off the New Year with a special brunch and an exclusive New Year’s Day family barbecue.
In addition, there is an exclusive festive spa treatment at Le Spa du Metropole, such as a 1.5-hour Thai foot massage and made-to-order facial. Also, traditional festive hampers featuring homemade and imported gourmet products are available for purchase.
Accor Plus members receive a 10 per cent discount for all events.
Artotel Group rolled out plans to achieve its goal as a prominent Indonesian hotel company at the Artotel Group Leaders Summit (AGLS) 2023 in Yogyakarta last week.
The summit was held for the first time since the company acquired Kyriad, Dafam and Maxone brands to join the group’s Artotel and Rooms Inc brands, and was attended by 150 internal leaders.
Artotel Group aims to strengthen its branding by adopting a transformational mindset for the company
Eduard Pangkerego, chief operating officer, Artotel Group, acknowledged stiffer “competition in the hospitality industry” even as the company sought to become “a leader in our own country”.
“We are facing international big boys who have established their presence here,” he noted, adding that attention must also be paid to changes in market segments and the business ecosystem.
“What we need to do is to strengthen our brands and be different from the rest,” he remarked.
Eduard shared that the group could tap into the growing quiet luxury segment, where high-end travellers look for an understated elegant stay without an overt display of wealth.
As such, Artotel Group has adopted a transformational mindset for the company, which sets out to provide lifestyle experiences to guests instead of just being a product provider. The company also aims to change its mindset from property ownership to owning customer relationships, from becoming a leading company to an industry’s trendsetter, and from highlighting Indonesia’s Arts to showcasing Indonesia’s creative economy.
“When (the founders) started the company in 2012, the Artotel brand highlighted arts; now we are focusing on creative economy,” he said, adding that hotel general managers and managers have to challenge their teams’ creativity and “do things differently”.
He said: “I’m not talking about doing things out of the box but having fun in the box, doing new things within our (core businesses).”
Each Artotel Group portfolio gets personified “to define each brand’s style, character and what it offers”.
Artotel Group’s brand personification is the Creator, which signifies being innovative in doing things; the Artotel brand is the Explorer – observing, finding and doing new thing; Dafam brand is the Localist; Maxone is the Jester, built for fun-loving and playful travellers; Kyriad is the Voyager, where the stay is part of the journey; Rooms Inc is the Collaborator, which features a community hub to connect guests while blending technology and lifestyle.
Elaborating on the future of the Dafam brand, Eduard said it would be exported to Saudi Arabia, where the group is finalising three management contracts with the Kingdom, with a total of 2,000 rooms.
Erastus Radjimin, founder and CEO of Artotel Group, further shared that apart from the Saudi properties, the company is working on leads to bring its brands overseas, in destinations like Bangkok, Laos, and Malaysia. The goal is to have over 160 hotels by 2026.
Now, its portfolio comprises 104 properties with more than 100,000 keys in 36 cities across Indonesia. There are 43 hotels in the pipeline, all located in 28 cities across Indonesia and set to open between 2024 and 2025.
The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DoT) has announced that the country has breached its target of 4.8 million international visitor arrivals before year end.
Tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco made the announcement during the DoT’s first Philippine Golf Tourism Summit held at Grand Hyatt Manila on November 28.
Panellists in discussion at the first Philippine Golf Tourism Summit
As of November 27, the country has registered a total of 4,822,530 visitors who visited the country, with foreign tourists comprising the bulk of arrivals at 4,430,725, while the remaining 391,805 are returning overseas Filipinos.
Specifically, South Korea remains the country’s top source market for foreign arrivals which brought in 1,271,602 tourists, followed by the US with 797,181, Japan with 272,735, China with 242,107, and Australia with 225,464.
Frasco shared: “Tourism continues to drive growth and provide income and jobs nationwide. With the implementation of the National Tourism Development Plan 2023 to 2028 approved by President Marcos, we are beginning to see the merits of our strategies towards increasing connectivity, convenience, and equality in tourism development and promotions, as well as the invaluable partnership of our tourism stakeholders in the private sector.”
She attributed the achievement to the liberalisation of visa policies, the building of tourist rest areas, the establishment of the first ever multi-platform tourist call centre, the construction of tourism roads, the development of cruise, education, medical, gastronomy, and sports tourism, expansion of dive tourism, and heritage and cultural tourism caravans and all other initiatives that have been lobbied by the DoT to attract visitors.
The DoT is also positioning the Philippines as a global hub for sports tourism, including golf.
Currently, the country has over 100 golf courses spread across Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Santa Barbara Golf Course in Iloilo Province, one of the oldest golf courses in Asia.
“Golf tourism represents a promising frontier for the Philippines and this summit highlights our proactive approach in understanding, nurturing, listening to the golf tourism industry and developing this niche as part of our tourism industry portfolio,” added Frasco.
“We are hopeful that this first Philippine Golf Tourism Summit can be a catalyst and serve as a platform to gather insights, recommendations, and concerns, paving the way for informed decisions and strategies as well as a unified national government tourism policy towards golf tourism that can be aligned with our local government units all over the country.”
