Fifty travel agents from across Hong Kong joined a Cruise Holiday Selling Workshop last week, which gave them detailed insight into the cruise sector’s latest developments and opportunities offered in Asian markets.
The specialist training workshop was jointly organised by Worldwide Cruise Terminals, the Travel Industry Council Hong Kong and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
The agents were also able to take a ship inspection aboard Celebrity Solstice during its inaugural visit to Hong Kong and enjoyed a lunch inside the city’s Kai Tak Terminal.
CLIA Australasia head of international training and development Peter Kollar said the event was designed to help participants boost their cruise knowledge and maximise their selling opportunities.
“Cruising is going through a resurgence worldwide and this means new opportunities for Hong Kong travel agents,” he shared. “Education is the key to benefitting from the growing interest in cruising, and we’ve seen a fantastic level of engagement from Hong Kong travel agents who are keen to stand out as cruise specialists.”
Kollar added that the day’s programme outlined many of the industry’s latest developments, while providing detailed product information and practical sales techniques to help agents match the right cruise to their clients.
The workshop coincides with the opening of CLIA’s 2024 Asian Membership programme, which offers extensive benefits to support travel agents, including CLIA’s education and training opportunities.
He previously served as the general manager of Hilton Adelaide for nearly five years.
Having been with the SkyTeam Alliance carrier for 17 years, Chang will move to Phnom Penh for his new role. He was previously based at the airline’s headquarters in Seoul where he was in charge of marketing for Europe and South-east Asia.
In his new role, he will leverage his extensive experience to further enhance guest experiences and elevate the hotel’s reputation.
As for Sangmookda, he will manage a portfolio of over 30 properties where over a third are expected to open over the next three years. With over two decades of experience in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, he brings with him strong operational and commercial expertise from the past management of large hotel portfolios under leading hotel chains such as Marriott International, Minor Hotels and the former Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Planeterra’s work with the Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant has been recognised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand for its community-based tourism efforts.
Planeterra’s highly effective model of local regeneration empowers small communities around the world to take control of their lives and conserve their environment and traditions through sustainable tourism.
It helped Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant gain public awareness, which used to be elusive despite the villagers’ enthusiasm for travellers and warm hospitality. The few who came would stay only briefly, snapping a quick photo of the area’s main attraction – its elegant suspension bridge – before leaving..
By working with Planeterra to develop its tourism programme, Kao Tep Pitak Community Restaurant was able to incentivise locals by providing them with a reliable income while promoting local entrepreneurs and inculcating a sense of pride and self-esteem among participants.
Planeterra enabled the restaurant’s project to gain traction by providing food and hygiene training, guidance on how to improve the tourism experience, as well as vital funding to complete the construction of a community centre, which first began in 2016. The completed centre includes a communal area, kitchen, dining room, and guest bathrooms.
With Planeterra’s partner, G Adventures, the project has drawn thousands of visitors to the community to sample the Kao Tep Pitak way of life, discover local arts and crafts, sample the incredible cuisine and explore the local landscape.
“We are thrilled to congratulate our esteemed community partners, Kao Tep Pitak, on their well-deserved recognition at the Responsible Thailand Awards 2023,” said Tricia Schers, director, partnerships and development, Planeterra. “Their dedication to community-based tourism exemplifies the positive impact that responsible travel can have on Thailand’s nature, local communities, wildlife, and heritage.”