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Asia/Singapore Monday, 22nd December 2025
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Page 409

South-east Asia shows love for Hong Kong as second largest inbound market now

By Karen Yue
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Arrivals from South-east Asia have performed strongly for Hong Kong in the short months following the latter’s full reopening to travel and tourism in February this year.

The region contributed 971,000 visitors between January and July 2023, representing six per cent of total arrivals (16.4 million) to Hong Kong. The top performing markets are the Philippines (36 per cent), Thailand (23 per cent), Singapore (18 per cent), Indonesia (12 per cent) and Malaysia (11 per cent).

HKTB has lined up a series of events for the coming months, including Wine and Dine Festival 2023 in October, and Christmas light-ups and New Year countdown party in December; Winterfest 2022 pictured

As a result, the region is now Hong Kong’s second largest source market after China.

There were 13 million arrivals from China during the same seven-month period.

Speaking to TTG Asia, Martin Gwee, director, South-east Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said: “January and February were slow for us, as our borders were not fully reopened then, but once the last barriers were lifted, South-east Asian travellers came back very quickly from March.”

He said the Philippines “has proven to be a strong market”, with July arrivals – 70,637 – ­surpassing that of July 2019. He shared that trade partners in the Philippines said many Filipinos made Hong Kong their first post-lockdown overseas holiday destination.

For Indonesians and Filipinos, new attractions and experiences as well as shopping in Hong Kong were top draws; for the Singapore and Malaysia markets, local food and pop culture were hot favourites; for Thais, Hong Kong’s temples and fortune-paying tours were priorities.

Vietnam at the moment is a developing marketing for HKTB, so travellers are attracted to “everything Hong Kong has to offer, as all experiences are fresh to them”, shared Gwee.

Gwee believes that HKTB’s Hello Hong Kong campaign is instrumental in reigniting South-east Asians’ interest in the destination.

The campaign, launched with the full reopening of Hong Kong, is fronted by three legendary pop icons – Aaron Kwok, Sammi Cheng and Kelly Chen. One of the commercials showed Kwok dancing his way through different locations in Hong Kong, Chen swivelling excitedly in an eatery and serving up a multitude of favourite local fares, and Cheng jogging down a trail. In another commercial, Kwok addressed the audience, saying that Hong Kong’s food and shopping attractions await along with many other points of appeal.

When asked if these pop icons resonated with the non-Chinese-speaking Asian markets too, Gwee said Hong Kong’s pop culture has a strong grip across the region.

He said: “The campaign is well received in the other South-east Asian markets. The three pop artistes, in particular Aaron, are familiar faces with both the older and younger generation in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. In fact, TVB (Hong Kong-based broadcasting company) dramas from a decade ago are still popular with the Vietnamese audience today. During our recent trade engagement trip to Indonesia, many agents asked about Andy Lau and Tony Leung (other popular Hong Kong entertainment personalities).

“The campaign reinforced the cultural closeness of Hong Kong and South-east Asia, and made it easier for us to get back into the minds of travellers from this region.”

The star-studded Hello Hong Kong campaign will soon be updated with a new set of content, revealed Gwee. Storylines will play up aspects of Hong Kong that will appeal to a younger audience, with a focus on culinary, entertainment, great outdoors and culture. Hong Kong’s night life will also be promoted. The updated campaign visuals will roll out end-September.

The youthful and vibrant face of Hong Kong can expect more limelight when HKTB hosts a reunion of 30 Hong Kong Super Fans from South-east Asia this October, during which they will partake in the destination’s Wine & Dine festival and Halloween parties. These participants are popular content creators and celebrities who are strong advocates of Hong Kong as a tourist destination.

Updated short-term rental regulations in Thailand a boon to small, unique operators

By Alastair Newport
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The recent announcement in the Royal Gazette regarding the Thai government’s plans to update Ministerial Regulations regarding the operation of short-term rentals (STR) has proved a popular one.

At the end of August, the existing criteria for the definition of ‘non-hotel accommodation’ was changed from a maximum capacity of 20 guests and four rooms to no more than 30 guests and eight rooms.

The revised short-term rentals regulations recognise the value of smaller accommodation providers, say trade players

The amendment acknowledges the unique status and increasing popularity of different types of accommodation, including tents, treehouses and floating homes, alongside traditional hotel and homestay options. The updated legislation is designed to recognise these types of businesses and create a pathway for smaller accommodation providers to be registered.

Mich Goh, Airbnb’s head of public policy for South-east Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, believes that new rules will be a boon to business and noted the potential knock-on effect for second-city tourism in Thailand.

Goh said: “We (Airbnb) are very pleased to see the Thai government recognising a diverse range of Thai tourism entrepreneurs as part of the country’s reopening efforts. The updated regulation marks a positive step in the right direction, and will help more tourism entrepreneurs and smaller accommodation providers benefit from the global travel rebound.

“They will further help drive travel to secondary destinations and support a more inclusive travel recovery across the country, which we have strongly advocated for in our initiatives with the Ministry of Interior and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.”

Goh also noted how the updated criteria reflect modern travel trends, “In addition to supporting local entrepreneurs, the new regulations also reflect how travellers’ preferences and behaviours have changed. Post-pandemic, travellers are staying longer, exploring more off-the-beaten-path destinations and seeking new travel experiences.”

Manosit Jaengjob, chairman of the Small Hotels Subcommittee, Tourism Council of Thailand, agrees.

“The updated Ministerial Regulations are an important step forward for Thailand’s travel accommodation sector and a much-needed change. While both large and small travel accommodation contribute to the economy, our smaller operators often provide an authentic Thai face and experience for guests,” said Manosit.

Manosit added: “It’s encouraging that the importance of smaller operators has been recognised and that we have more appropriate sector-specific rules. The new regulations will enable more small operators, local communities and families to derive income from Thailand’s tourism and spread the benefits to nearby neighbourhoods.”

However, Udom Srimahachota, vice-president of the Thailand Hotel Association’s western chapter, has sounded the alarm on potential tax evasion stemming from the revised STR regulations.

Udom told the Bangkok Post that the new regulations would exempt more properties from operating under the same rules as registered hotels. Instead of adding value to government coffers, this arrangement could lead to a potential loss of 20 per cent in income for the travel sector.

Citing an example, Udom said registered hotels would have to pay a hefty land and building tax, while non-hotel accommodation operators would get away with a second household rate.

He argued that unscrupulous developers would take advantage of the updated regulations to reduce their tax burden illegally.

New Regala brand finds good positioning straddling business and leisure

By Karen Yue
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Regala Skycity Hotel in Hong Kong’s transforming Lantau Island is helping parent company, Regal Hotels International, to cater to a growing segment of travellers who blend leisure and business and also expect wellness and sustainable features as part of their stay experience.

While the five-star 1,208-key hotel was officially opened in late-2021, it went on to support the government’s hotel quarantine programme for almost a year and has only just begun its first year with normal commercial operations, following Hong Kong’s full reopening to tourists this February.

Regala Skycity Hotel offers an assortment of wellness, entertainment and event facilities on top of its prime location on Lantau Island

The recent months have brought healthy business for Regala Skycity Hotel, shared Dora Liu, vice president-sales, with Regal Hotels International.

Liu told TTG Asia that the hotel’s location – as an airport hotel supporting Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), directly connected to AsiaWorld-Expo convention and exhibition centre, and a 15-minute drive to Hong Kong Disneyland – has allowed it to acquire an average occupancy rate of over 80 per cent.

Since the start of the year, Regala Skycity Hotel has seen a stronger showing from transit guests than event guests, as “it takes time for mega events to return to a destination”. Its transit guests are made up of travellers stopping over at HKIA as well as from China who would cross the Hong Kong-Zhuhai Macao Bridge to access more international flights out of HKIA.

However, Liu expects the business events and transit guest mix to even out starting 2024, as business, leisure and sporting events pick up speed in the coming months.

“The strong advantage of Regala Skycity Hotel is that it is not your traditional airport hotel. It has 1,208 rooms and suites, many with a patio so that guests can exercise in private while taking in fresh air; a very nice swimming pool, gardens (as well as jogging track and outdoor gym on the Sky Deck); five game rooms that will appeal to all ages; three restaurants; themed rooms for families; and a selection of event venues.

“We also offer packages that combine room and access to top attractions, allowing the hotel to encourage guests to head out and appreciate Hong Kong as a destination,” said Liu.

She said the family- and fun-focused aspects of the hotel ensure that guests will have a memorable stay, even for just one night in transit.

“These facilities also attract locals, who enjoy the hotel for staycations,” she added.

As for its sustainability pitch, the hotel is awarded Silver EarthCheck Certification and Beam Plus Gold Cetification.

This unique work and play, rest and recharge positioning taken by Regala Skycity Hotel also avoids cannibalism with the long-established sister hotel Regal Airport Hotel in Chek Lap Kok, explained Liu. Furthermore, it occupies a sweet spot between the top-end Regal collection and the select-service iclub Hotels collection.

She believes that the Regala brand has the potential of growing beyond Hong Kong. Regal Hotels International currently has six Regal hotels and six iClub Hotels in Hong Kong, as well as four Regal properties in China’s Dezhou, Shanghai and Xi’an. The company is developing a boutique product in London, which could open in 2024; the brand has yet to be determined.

Philippine traditional agents see customers shifting back from OTAs

By Rosa Ocampo
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Traditional travel agencies (TTAs) in the Philippines are welcoming a changing customer landscape that is no longer dominated by online travel agencies (OTAs), with the core reason being the comfort of having human assistance in a complex travel environment.

Dorothy Lauron-Aytona, president and general manager of Skynet Travel Corp., told TTG Asia: “Travellers appreciate that there’s a warm body to inform them, reply to their questions, and troubleshoot for them.”

Philippines travellers are relying more on traditional travel agents

She added: “When destinations were opening up after the lockdown, travellers who booked with OTAs did not know where to go and who to talk to (for) refunds for cancelled and overbooked flights as well as changes in visa processing and entry requirements for various countries.”

Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) president, Fe Abling-Yu added that as the pandemic has proven, people serving the people-oriented travel and tourism cannot be taken out of the equation.

Abling-Yu said “groups can never be online as they have requirements different from leisure travellers and some of these requirements cannot be met by the hotel.

“They have to pass through TTAs because we have to cater to their other needs, ancillary services like transport, tours and negotiating with hotels for room rates,” said Abling-Yu.

Bluewater Resorts director of sales and marketing, Margie Munsayac, recalled how hotels “had a very big percentage of online bookings” as they emerged from the pandemic, but that was only because offline operators were not back in business yet.

Even OTAs are realising the value of travel agencies and tour operators, and have started dealing with the latter within their B2B platform. “Now, OTAs have a strong B2B because they have to find other sources of income,” Munsayac said.

In a previous interview, Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) president, Loleth So, had estimated that 90 per cent of hotel bookings go through travel agencies and 10 per cent go directly to hotels.

“That’s why travel agencies or tour operator business are critical to accommodation. We have very limited resources in the hotel, but with a travel agency partner we can reach more,” So noted.

So said the channels that travellers book through are changing even as travel agencies are evolving, with OTAs, consortia, DMCs and others added to the list. A number of TTAs now have their own online platform.

Outdoor lodging operators welcome new trade association

By Anne Somanas
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Owners and stakeholders in the outdoor lodging and glamping sector have come together to form the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA), aimed at playing a pivotal role in guiding, promoting, and structuring the burgeoning industry in the region.

This announcement was made at the recent Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism (PHIST).

Outdoor lodging and glamping operators form association to professionalise the increasingly important travel niche (photo by PHIST 2023)

Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks and a founding member of APOLA, outlined the association’s mission. “APOLA’s mission will be to help define the standards for the region, raise awareness, develop an accounting system for project financing, and educate the industry about the advantages of this lower-impact, sustainable hospitality model,” he shared.

The establishment of APOLA comes in response to the surging popularity of outdoor lodging and glamping, fuelled by changing consumer preferences for experiential travel and a desire to connect more closely with nature. The Asia-Pacific region, known for its pristine locations and cultural richness, has witnessed significant growth in this sector. However, it currently lacks comprehensive regulations, general standards, or guidelines.

APOLA aims to become a repository of best practices, offering support to public and private entities seeking to establish standards for outdoor lodgings. Its primary goal is to assist members in providing safe, exceptional, and unforgettable guest experiences while advocating for sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.

Paul Dean, principal at Dean & Associates international resort development consultancy, emphasised the need for industry collaboration.

“Our immediate priority is to reach out to regional developers and operators to bring them onboard so that our new platform can become a repository of industry knowledge for the Asia-Pacific region,” he stated.

APOLA has already begun engaging with prospective members from diverse locations, from Nepal to Australia, to ensure comprehensive representation of the Asia-Pacific region.

More details on the association will be provided in the coming weeks. APOLA’s next meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2024, during the Thailand Tourism Forum.

Air France-KLM Group, Etihad Airways deepen partnership

By TTG Asia
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Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming at enhancing their collaboration opportunities across passenger operations, loyalty programmes, talent development, and maintenance.

The companies are looking to expand their codeshare and interline agreements initiated in 2012, subject to regulatory approvals. As a first step, more than 40 new routes covering destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Australia have been made available for booking upon the signing, for travel as early as the winter 2023 season.

The signing ceremony took place at the Air France-KLM Group’s headquarters in Paris, France in the presence of Etihad Airways’s Arik De (left) and Air France-KLM’s Angus Clarke

The MoU also proposes the ability for frequent flyers of both Flying Blue and Etihad Guest to earn and redeem miles with Air France, KLM, and Etihad. The airlines will also explore terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access and ground handling, among other initiatives.

Etihad currently operates daily flights to both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol from Abu Dhabi international airport.

Air France will start operating daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi International Airport from October 29, 2023.

Angus Clarke, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Air France-KLM Group, said: “This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world. The attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination and a hub, powered by Etihad’s large footprint spanning South and South-east Asia, as well as Australia, brings significant richness to this partnership. This moment marks our shared commitment to providing seamless, premium, customer-centric travel experiences to our shared global customer base.”

Arik De, chief revenue officer at Etihad Airways, added: “This MoU builds on our existing partnership by exploring deeper network enhancements as we offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris, and leveraging the extensive AF-KL network to Europe and beyond. It reaffirms Etihad’s intent to bolster Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth as we look forward to welcoming more guests to our home enjoying better travel benefits and enhanced customer experiences along the way.”

Uzbekistan adds Malaysians to its tourism goals

By S Puvaneswary
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Uzbekistan is aiming to triple Malaysian arrivals from almost 4,500 in 2019 to 12,000 by this year-end, and has established various strategies, including leveraging Uzbekistan Airways, trade partnerships, and intensified consumer campaigns, to reach its goals.

Ravshan Usmanov, ambassador of Uzbekistan to Malaysia, underscored the pivotal role of Uzbekistan Airways in this endeavour. He said the airline had resumed flights from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur on November 1, 2022, offering twice-weekly services, and will add a third service from October 30. Departures from Kuala Lumpur are scheduled for Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Uzbekistan led six inbound agents to MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur to promote the destination to Malaysians

Uzbekistan Airways is presently the sole Central Asian carrier offering regular services to Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian passport holders enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to Uzbekistan, making the destination an excellent starting point for exploring other Central Asian destinations.

Ravshan said Uzbekistan remains a relatively new destination for many Malaysian travellers and outbound travel agents. Located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan has always charmed travellers from all over the world. Throughout centuries it was a melting pot of cultures and civilisations. World-famous pre-Islamic, Islamic and Buddhist shrines as well as modern tourism infrastructure in the cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Termez and Tashkent hold the potential of attracting tourists from various ethnic backgrounds from Malaysia.

To raise awareness of the destination, the embassy is planning a fam trip for outbound travel agents and invited media in conjunction with the Tashkent International Tourism Forum, a B2B2C travel mart taking place from November 15 to 17.

Recently, Uzbekistan had a pavilion at the MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur, during which six inbound agents from the country worked to create stronger brand awareness. It also invested in billboard advertisements in high-traffic areas of Kuala Lumpur and produced television documentaries highlighting Uzbekistan’s food, culture, and Islamic heritage.

Tagaeva Madina, founder of Another Travel, an inbound agent from Uzbekistan, shared that her company has primarily been catering to Muslim travellers from Malaysia interested in exploring the Islamic heritage and culture. However, at the recent MATTA Fair, she diversified her reach to the non-Muslim market, highlighting Uzbekistan’s historical and architectural monuments, as well as its appeal to food enthusiasts.

Western Australia launches Muslim Guide for travellers

By TTG Asia
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Tourism Western Australia (TWA) has launched a new Muslim Travel Guide, comprising listings and introduction to Halal eateries, mosques, and accessible Muslim-friendly spaces and facilities, to make it easier for Muslims to explore the vast state.

Available in both English and Malay, the guide also showcases Western Australia’s natural attractions, expansive fringing coral reefs, rich Aboriginal culture, and thriving food scene. A wealth of comprehensive information, including travel guidelines ranging from arrivals to driving and public transportatiom, can be found within too.

Tourism Western Australia’s new Muslim guide will help with travel planning

TWA country manager for Singapore and Malaysia, Ava Ang, said of the new initiative: “Western Australia is a diverse and inclusive state that offers a warm welcome for the growing number of Muslim travellers in the region. We know that Muslims need to plan their trips carefully, so this guide was designed to take the hard work out and provide an easy reference tool that addresses their particular preferences and needs, while also inspiring them to explore the wonders of the state.”

The resource will prove invaluable not only to Muslim travellers but also to non-Muslims who are planning their trip to Western Australia.

Artotel, Absolute in alliance to deepen reach in Asia

By Mimi Hudoyo
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Indonesia-based hospitality management company Artotel Group has established a strategic alliance with Thailand’s Absolute Hotel Services to mutually venture into fresh markets and destinations. The alliance will amplify their respective brand reach and foster an exchange of expertise and innovation.

Under this partnership, Artotel Group will extend its international presence by introducing Otelart properties, its signature global identity, to Thailand and Laos. These properties will operate under the licensure of Absolute Hotel Services.

Artotel Group’s Erastus Radjimin (fourth from left) and Absolute Hotel Services’s Karan Kaul (third from right) celebrate the partnership

At the same time, Absolute Hotel Services, which has several hotels in Bali, will introduce its U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, and Eastin Grand Hotels brands to multiple destinations across Indonesia.

Jonathan Wigley, founder & CEO of Absolute Hotel Services, said in a media statement: “This collaboration is a testament to the synergy between complementary brands, operating in complementary markets, sharing a parallel DNA and company culture. Together, we are poised to create unparalleled guest experiences that seamlessly blend innovation, culture, and luxury.”

Erastus Radjimin, founder & CEO of Artotel Group, told TTG Asia that Thailand’s tourism industry is big and the market is “very competitive”, so an expansion into the country requires a “trusted and seasoned partner” like. Absolute Hotel Services.

For Absolute Hotel Services, Erastus said Artotel Group will be the strong local partner to help it navigate its expansion into the rest of Indonesia.

Erastus also shed light on the Otelart brand, saying that it will be similar to Artotel but with F&B outlets outsourced to experienced local players. While brand positioning is similar, rates will differ and be “in accordance with local market prices”.

When asked why Thailand and Laos are central for Otelart’s expansion, Erastus said: “There are business opportunities for us in these markets which are still growing. In Thailand, there is a gap in the boutique design hotel segment. Although Thailand has a lot of hotels, there are not many art-inspired design properties. Secondly, both countries are very rich in culture, so it is a lot easier for us to take the values of the arts when we design a hotel.”

Borobudur Temple sets new regulations for visitors

By Tiara Maharani
0

Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko, the state-owned company that manages the temples, has set new regulations for visitors looking to explore the archeological site of Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia.

The new regulations include limited tickets for sale, pre-set visiting sessions, and a sale period of no more than a week ahead of the intended visit. These are aligned with the Indonesian government’s policy of imposing stricter visitor controls at the temple, with no more than 1,200 people allowed each day or 150 per session.

Borobudur Temple trials new ticketing regulations; photo by Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy

From hereon, tickets are only sold online and open for sale seven days before the intended visit; a maximum of 10 tickets may be purchased in a single transaction.

Visitors can choose from one of eight hour-long sessions, between 09.00 and 17.00.

Jamaludin Mawardi, general manager of the Borobudur Unit of TWC Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko, said visitors are welcome to purchase an additional session for longer visits, and can do so with the help of a guide and subject to ticket availability.

He said the new regulations are being tested until October, and improvements will continue to be made.

“There will be a special landing page for tour operators on the website, including a special quota plan for ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies) Yogyakarta members using voucher codes,” Jamaludin added.

Indonesian travel trade players welcome the new regulations, especially as the sole online sales channel will remove ticket brokers, and are offering ideas for system improvements.

Monas Tjahjono, managing director of Monas Tours & Travel Surabaya, said TWC should make the sale of tickets transparent, so that visitors to the site can see the number of tickets available for sale in real time. This is important since tickets are very quickly snapped up, as soon as the online purchase slot is opened.

The temple’s online ticketing system could also take a leaf out of airlines’ book, where sales are open every day throughout the year and which allows visitors to see ahead tickets that are available for sale.

She then urges TWC to reduce website downtime.

Meanwhile, Trianto Sunarjati, director at Travel Help Indonesia, opined that the reservation system needs to be separated for the public and travel operators, so that the latter could purchase more tickets for tour groups.

However, ASITA vice chairman Budijanto Ardiansjah voiced concerns for the sudden regulations change “in the middle of the year, during the high season”.

As group bookings have been confirmed since last year, travellers worry if they would still be allowed into Borobudur Temple, while tour operators are concerned about cost increment and affected earnings.

Budijanto hopes that destinations or attractions that are the main tourist draws, such as Borobudur Temple, will consult tourism industry players when making decisions.

“Keep in mind that tourism is a future business, where business obtained today is the result of last year’s actions,” he stated.

Budijanto also suggested a dual online and offline ticketing system during the trial period, to allow tour operators to try for tickets manually should they fail to secure online tickets.

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Hilton teams up with Explora Journeys to expand loyalty programme to luxury ocean voyages
TTG Asia | Cross Hotels to develop Bali Uluwatu Resort
TTG Asia | Diamond Princess begins Singapore homeporting season