Indonesia promotes tourism offerings in metaverse

August 22, 2022

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and Magnus Digital Indonesia, an ad-tech marketing consultant and part of the Volare Advertising Network, have developed a metaverse channel to promote Indonesia’s offerings.

WonderVerse Indonesia aims to promote the beauty and uniqueness of Indonesia to the rest of the world as well as to encourage tourism and creative economy players to promote their products digitally.

The MoU signing for WonderVerse Indonesia

Minister of tourism and creative economy, Sandiaga Uno, said: “We are currently in a transitioning period where digitalisation becomes the driving force behind transformation and new platforms that will boost tourism promotion. We are finding ways to accelerate technology development as metaverse is a place where we can conduct activities interactively.”

WonderVerse Indonesia is divided into four parts called “lands”, with more lands to be added in the future.

The Lobby is where visitors can interact with endemic animals, and enjoy digital galleries containing works by Indonesian artists, and a wide screen showcasing a variety of upcoming excitements. WonderFun Land showcases traditional games, performances and entertainment; WonderGoods Land is an online marketplace; while WonderReal Land allows visitors to directly purchase flight tickets, hotels, and accommodation in the top five destinations they want to go to for their holiday.

“WonderVerse Indonesia can become a (source) of information and provide great benefits for Indonesia in terms of digital, travel, and the creative economy,” opined Hendra Liman, CEO, Magnus Digital Indonesia.

WonderVerse Indonesia is accessible from anywhere through its desktop site, with future plans for virtual reality (VR), creating opportunities for the tourism industry and the creative economy to reach the younger generation.

Tourism Malaysia woos Thailand with roadshow

By TTG Asia

August 22, 2022

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Tourism Malaysia ran its first post-lockdown sales mission last week to two major cities in Thailand, Songkhla and Bangkok to instil confidence among Thais to visit Malaysia again, and to provide a platform for the trade community to rebuild business.

Minister of tourism, arts & culture, Nancy Shukri led the group which comprised members of Malaysia-based airlines, travel agents, hoteliers, and product owners.

From left: Malaysia’s Nancy Shukri and Thailand’s Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn

Nancy said: “We are delighted to have Thai travellers experience our newly developed and latest attractions, including our outdoor theme park in the highlands – the newly-opened Genting SkyWorld – and the magnificent Merdeka 118 Tower in Kuala Lumpur, currently standing as the world’s second-tallest building.”

Thailand remains one of Malaysia’s essential short-haul markets, and is one of the top four origin markets for the destination since its reopening.

In 2019, Malaysia welcomed 1,884,306 arrivals from Thailand, with almost 70 per cent of Thai tourists being repeat travellers.

Europe gets most hits with eager Singapore travellers

By Jeeheng Yew

August 22, 2022

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Europe’s early move to reopen its borders for leisure travel with minimal restrictions has left a deep imprint in the minds of many holiday-starved Singapore residents, paving the way for the region to emerge a hot favourite this year, observed outbound consultants in the city-state.

Outbound agency Super Travels told TTG Asia that bookings obtained so far this year for Europe have returned to 80 per cent of 2019 levels.

More Singaporeans are travelling to Europe now that it has reopened its borders for leisure travel with minimal restrictions; Munich’s Marienplatz Town Hall and Frauenkirche pictured

Huijuan Lim, co-founder of Wondergolander, a bespoke luxury travel agency specialising in longhaul destinations, said customers “like to feel free of Covid-related restrictions” – a freedom that Europe has offered ahead of other Asian destinations.

Most of Wondergolander’s clients have elected Europe for their next holiday, and have requested for customised itineraries.

For many Singapore residents, taking a longhaul trip may also be a momentous decision. Jess Yap, founder of Intriq Journey, a luxury tailor-made travel expert, shared that there are more requests for such trips compared to short-haul ones. “For them, it could be their first trip post-Covid, so they are excited and want to travel farther and (for a) longer (duration),” she added.

Jeremiah Wong, spokesperson for Chan Brothers Travel, rejects the idea that “longhaul destinations fare better than short-haul ones, or vice versa”, saying that popular destinations now were already a hit pre-Covid. Hot favourites then and now include Europe, Japan, South Korea and Australia.

Reflecting on the recently concluded NATAS Holidays 2022 travel fair in Singapore, Wong said most customers already have their preferred destinations in mind, and had directly enquired about them at the consumer travel fair.

With greater disposable savings, travellers are willing to spend more on their trips. In the case of Chan Brothers, packages have been upgraded with higher quality elements such as higher-end hotels and travel insurance with Covid-19 protection to reassure travellers.

In comparison with Europe, some travel consultants told TTG Asia that demand for Asian destinations has returned at a slower pace, especially since destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia had only gradually reopened their borders and eased regulations for international travellers in recent months. The lack of regional flight capacity, resulting in higher ticket prices, is another possible reason for the slower recovery.

William Huang, marketing manager with Super Travels, said bookings for Asian destinations are at 65 per cent of 2019.

He said: “The biggest challenge for regional travel is that some Asian destinations still have travel restrictions in place, like Taiwan and Hong Kong which require on-arrival quarantine, and South Korea which requires on-arrival PCR tests. The one Asian destination that has picked up the most for us is Vietnam, and I believe it is because the country has removed all its travel restrictions.”

Interest in Japan has also intensified, fuelled by the country’s reopening to guided tours since June 10.

Yap said travellers to Japan now could experience the destination without the usual hordes of tourists in popular cities like Kyoto. — Additional reporting by Karen Yue

Philippine tourism chief proposes adoption of national tourism recovery strategies for Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia

August 22, 2022

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Philippine tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco proposed at the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting last week that some of the tourism recovery strategies taken by the Philippine government could be magnified and adapted on a larger scale in the Asia-Pacific region.

Suitable strategies are that that sought to increase connectivity, travel convenience, equal opportunities, and sustainable tourism.

Frasco shed light on the Philippines’ strategies to introduce improvements to infrastructure and transportation during the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Tourism Ministerial Meeting

To increase connectivity with APEC Member Economies and the rest of the world, Frasco shed light on the Philippines’ strategies to introduce improvements to infrastructure and transportation in order to provide an enhanced and affordable experience for visitors.

She also disclosed the country’s plans to partner with airlines and airports in the reinstatement of flights and development of new routes in order to restore affordable and competitive rates for international and domestic travel.

With digitalisation of information and booking services enhancement forming part of the major strategies to enhance end-to-end connectivity in the country, the tourism authority is also studying the development of a tourist life cycle app that will connect tourists to various tourism elements and facilitate intelligence data monitoring.

Another area ripe of adaptation is vaccine interoperability for a more convenient travel experience across APEC Member Economies.

“The Philippines is one with the tourism industry in supporting steps being undertaken to continue to open up our borders and facilitate seamless travel across destinations and economies in order to spur economic activity and people-to-people connectivity,” she said.

“Convenience may be spurred to ensure the uniformity of protocols and the interoperability of vaccine certificates across economies, as well as the development and updating of travel applications to make travel and destination information readily available,” she added.

Frasco also urged the creation of equal opportunities and sustainable tourism for all.

She said: “With new market preferences emerging for more sustainable tourism products, there is now an opportunity for new tourism destinations and products to be developed, paving the way for more multi-dimensional tourism experiences that are immersive and reflective of the unique cultures of the various economies in APEC.

“The equalisation of opportunities across underdeveloped destinations among APEC Member Economies is critical to spread economic opportunities to ensure that no one is left behind as we reboot and restart the travel and tourism industry,” she noted.

Recognising tourism’s propensity to have an adverse impact on local communities and the environment if progress was without regulation, Frasco pushed for the prioritisation of sustainable tourism practices, and coordination between APEC economies, as well as national and local governments.

“Since we’ve all envisioned the long-term success of the tourism industry, sustainable tourism paired with effective local and national governance and coordination spells the way forward. It is for this reason that we advocate for a close collaboration between APEC economies as well as national and local governments to prolong the life cycle of a tourist destination. Sustainable tourism policies need to be integrated within a wider economic, social, and environmental policy consideration within an overall sustainable development framework,” she said.

“We must therefore look at the basic elements of sustainable development as a guide post in the revival and continued recovery of the tourism industry across our economies,” she added.

Changi Airport’s new terminal to be green and pandemic-ready

By TTG Asia

August 22, 2022

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Having paused its plans for Terminal 5 for two years due to Covid-19, Changi Airport’s new terminal is now being designed with lessons from the pandemic and is scheduled to be completed by the mid-2030s.

Terminal 5’s design has been improved to be more resilient, with the ability to operate more safely and flexibly during a pandemic. Such considerations include the flexibility to operate as smaller sub-terminals when needed, like converting spaces in the airport into testing areas or for segregating high-risk passengers.

Terminal 5 is scheduled to be completed by the mid-2030s

There will be special provisions deployed within Singapore’s new terminal to reduce the transmission of diseases, such as contactless systems at passenger touch points, and enhanced ventilation systems that can be activated during a pandemic to increase the use of fresh air and minimise the mixing of air.

With the aim of being energy-efficient and reduce its carbon footprint, Terminal 5 will incorporate solar panels, smart building management systems, as well as district cooling combined with thermal energy storage. The new terminal will be certified as a Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy Building by the Building and Construction Authority once completed.

The building will also be ready for viable alternative fuels, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel, and for the provision of fixed ground power and cooling for aircraft parked at the gates.

In addition, a new business and lifestyle destination will be built next to the new terminal, and will be called Changi East Urban District. Set within landscaped public spaces, it will have offices, smart work centres, flexible conference rooms and halls, hotels and serviced apartments.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya debuts new family highlight

By TTG Asia

August 22, 2022

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The Lost World Adventure Land has opened at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, elevating the family holiday experience at the property.

Nestled against the jungle waterpark at the resort, the latest addition features new rides like the SkyRider aerial course and a choice of two obstacle courses in the air with SkyTrail.

The SkyRider aerial course is one of the attractions at The Lost World Adventure Land

There is also an outdoor play area boasting an expansive three-level playground complete with slides, trampolines, raft game with a moving raft, playground tower, and a digging pit for excavating dinosaur bones.

Parents have a designated area to observe as their children play. There are also dedicated playground supervisors to keep the children safe.

In the indoor zone, activities are aplenty to keep the little ones occupied: arts and crafts; a soft-play kids’ cinema; wooden toys and giant soft building blocks; and even baking classes at the cooking studio.

There is even a Kids’ Café that serves drinks, ice cream and snacks, and the Zulu Family Lounge for guests travelling with children under the age of 15.

“The addition of a new family themed attraction further amplifies our resort’s appeal to travellers of all ages,” said Wayne Duberly, area general manager, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.

Guests can purchase days passes for The Lost World Adventure Land on the resort’s website.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to pioneer luxury hospitality in Pyeongtaek

By TTG Asia

August 22, 2022

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InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will be the first global hotel brand in the Gyeonggi Province city with the launch of InterContinental Pyeongtaek, slated to open in 2025.

In partnership with Seraphim Development, the 244-room InterContinental Pyeongtaek is part of the city’s future expansion plans, and will cater to tourists and business travellers, as well as guests of the nearby US military base, Camp Humphreys.

InterContinental Pyeongtaek will cater to both leisure and business travellers

Centrally situated on the Korean Peninsula near a major port, the hotel is easily accessible by sea, express train, and car, and will integrate with the mixed-use development International Market Place. It is also close to the Pyeongtaek Special Tourism Area and Naeri Cultural Park.

As the fourth InterContinental hotel in Korea, the new property will comprise restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool and event spaces.

Experience a World of “Firsts” with NCL’s First in Class Vessel, Norwegian Prima

By TTG

August 22, 2022

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Norwegian Prima is the first major cruise ship to be christened in Iceland

Brought to you by Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the global innovator in cruise travel, breaks the mould with the launch of the first ship in its ground-breaking new Prima Class — the line’s first new class of ships in nearly 10 years.

Norwegian Prima is the first of six ships to be delivered through 2027. A ship full of firsts – from the first three-level racetrack at sea to the brand’s first upmarket open-air food hall – Norwegian Prima also boasts the most outdoor deck space of any new ship in her competitive set.

With capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy, her exhilarating itineraries and ground-breaking onboard experiences, such as show-stopping entertainment, global culinary experiences and indulgent relaxation, redefine what’s possible at sea.

As the first major cruise ship to be christened in Iceland, Norwegian Prima embarks on her inaugural voyage on 27 August from the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, with world-class superstar Katy Perry serving as Godmother.

Discover why Norwegian Prima is hitting all the right notes for Asian travellers and has become NCL’s most in-demand ship yet.

STUNNING DESTINATIONS

It’s time to encourage clients to tick off their bucket-list. Iconic itineraries in Northern Europe aboard Norwegian Prima will showcase the ethereal beauty of Iceland – land of fire of ice – and the dramatic fjords of Norway, with departures from London (Southampton), UK; Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, The Netherlands or Reykjavik, Iceland.

Sailing in 2022 and 2023, each voyage will immerse travellers in a world of rich culture, vast natural beauty and cosmopolitan cities.

EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR LIVING

Norwegian Prima boasts the largest outdoor deck space of any comparable new ship, allowing guests to feel more connected with the great outdoors and the sea than ever before.

Travellers can take a stroll around the expansive Ocean Boulevard and discover a range of unique spaces, including The Concourse, an outdoor sculpture garden that features an art wall designed by famed artist David Harber and six installations designed by Alexander Krivosheiw. The seven sculptures, valued at over USD$2 million, offer stunning effects that change as the sun sets – the ultimate selfie-spot.

Infinity Beach features two infinity pools, one located on each side of the ship to take in the vastness of the ocean while soaking in the open air, while two Oceanwalk glass bridges allow guests to feel as if they are walking on air over the water.

DELECTABLE DINING

Featuring nine brand-new dining and beverage concepts, from sushi to succulent steaks, fine French fare and traditional Italian, Norwegian Prima is elevating dining at sea.

Indulge Food Hall is the line’s first ever open-air gourmet food hall, where travellers can take their tastebuds on a global tour with 11 different casual dining options to choose from. Think authentic Indian, a tapas food truck, a seaside rotisserie and delectable desserts.

Also making its debut on Norwegian Prima is speciality restaurant Palomar, where guests can enjoy a taste of high-end Mediterranean cuisine, featuring mouth-watering dishes made with simple yet sophisticated ingredients. Meanwhile returning favourites include Onda by Scarpetta, showcasing rich and bold Italian flavours, as well as NCL’s signature steakhouse, Cagneys.

And after a long day of adventure, Norwegian Prima serves up sustainably focused libations at Metropolitan Bar. Sip and savour the bar’s signature cocktail, the Primadonna, crafted using surplus banana peels and Flor De Cana rum produced with 100% renewable energy. NCL’s first sustainably-focused bar boasts zero-waste cocktails, sustainably sourced spirits and over 20 biodynamic wines produced using organic farming methods.

ELEVATED EXPERIENCES

With a myriad of thrilling activities, Norwegian Prima promises fun for the young and young-at-heart. Adrenaline junkies will love Prima Speedway, the first three-level go-kart race track at sea, featuring 14 nail-biting turns and allowing 15 drivers to race at speeds of more than 50km/h.

But for the ultimate rush, guests can take their pick of plunging 10-storey slides – The Drop, hailed as the “world’s first free-fall dry slide” and The Rush, a duelling duo of slides for those with a competitive streak.

Go high-tech at The Galaxy Pavillion, a virtual wonderland and indoor gaming complex offering guests 14 different attractions. The first-at-sea TopGolf Swing Suite is powered by Full Swing golf simulator technology used by PGA Tour pros, allowing guests to join the big leagues with world-renowned golf courses and multiplayer games.

If you are looking to beat the heat, look no further than Norwegian Prima’s Aqua Park or Main Pool to have a splashing good time. Keep an eye out for NCL’s first Tidal Wave water slide, where guests can ride an innertube with gushing waves.

When it’s time to get away, Vibe Beach Club is the place to be, serving up hip and healthy cocktails in an adults-only oasis that features two infinity hot tubs.

A SPA FOR ALL THE SENSES

Get set for an indulgent pampering experience at the Mandara Spa. With eight thermal spa offerings available, Norwegian Prima boasts the first-ever charcoal sauna on a cruise ship. Inspired by Japanese and Korean wellness practices, the sauna utilises a rejuvenating heat system with a charcoal layer to effectively boost circulation, metabolism, toxin removal and treat muscle tension.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
NCL’s travel agent portal Norwegian Central Asia features an extensive toolbox of Prima Class information and marketing materials to support agent partners. Email NCL to register for access.

For more information on NCL, visit www.ncl.com or call Hong Kong +852 2165 6000 | Southeast Asia: +65 3165 1680.

Cross Hotels & Resorts signs two new properties in Thailand

By TTG Asia

August 19, 2022

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Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed two new hotel management agreements in Thailand with Evergreen Hospitality.

The 78-key Away Bangkok Sukhumvit and the 70-room Cross Vibe South Pattaya will join the Cross portfolio, which presently comprises more than 26 hotels under five distinct brands – Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen and Cross Collection – in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan.

Away Bangkok Sukhumvit sits close to leading business, entertainment and shopping centres, and is a short walk to Phrom Phong BTS station. Cross Vibe South Pattaya is just minutes from Pattaya’s famed beach, providing guests with easy access to the city’s dining, entertainment and retail zones.

Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts said the company shares similar values of sustainability, responsibility and eco-awareness with Evergreen Hospitality.

Intra-Asia travel sees strong post-lockdown resurgence: Expedia

By Rachel AJ Lee

August 19, 2022

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Although Japan has not set a date for its border reopening, its cities of Tokyo, Osako, and Hokkaido are trending in searches for the year-end holidays, especially among Singapore travellers.

Aside from Japan, Expedia reported that in 1H2022, destinations like Bangkok, Bali and Singapore trended month-on-month.

Trends shaping travel for the Asia-Pacific region were shared during Expedia’s media dialogue on Aug 17

The online travel company observed a 470 per cent spike in inbound travel demand for South-east Asia between 1H2021 and 1H2022.

Expedia also noted that six out of the top 10 source markets for South-east Asian destinations were from Asia – Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, and Indonesia – underscoring strong intra-Asia travel intentions.

These data points, as well as current travel trends, were shared at Expedia’s Wednesday media dialogue on trends shaping travel for the Asia-Pacific region.

Expedia’s vice president of market management, Asia Pacific, Michael Dykes, said: “When Japan opens, it will really help (Asia-Pacific). We saw it from Australia when it first reopened. Domestic travel was tops, but when South-east Asia opened up, suddenly all the Australians were travelling throughout the region. When Japan reopens, it is going to help all of Asia, because there’s going to be another big wave of travel in and out.”

For example, according to Expedia data, Indonesia and Thailand took first and second spot in the top five destination ranking for Australians in 1H2022. When compared to 1H2019, demand for the two South-east Asian countries was 10 times short.

Dykes added that the “attractiveness of Japan has not dimmed”, with travellers from Singapore particularly enjoying the cuisine, varied destinations from Hokkaido’s ski destinations to Okinawa’s beach resorts, and ease of getting around.

James Marshall, vice president, global air account management, Expedia Group, said: “There is a lot of speculation that by the end of the year, Japan will be open – although there’s nothing official. Yet, carriers like Singapore Airlines (Scoot) continue to add capacity and flights.”

To give travellers more flexibility in the event of Covid-related issues, Dykes pointed out that the OTA has worked with suppliers and made 70 per cent of Expedia’s rates fully-refundable within conditions.

When asked what the travel forecast is for 2023, Marshall told TTG Asia he is optimistic that the sector will continue on its upwards recovery trajectory.

Aside from helping to accelerate technology in the travel space, Covid has also resulted in pent-up travel demand and catalysed purchase intent – something that Marshall believes will allow demand for travel and experiences to take precedence over material goods at least for the next six months.

However, Marshall cautioned that there will continue to be travel hiccups due to resource shortage, surging fuel prices, and a looming recession.

Indonesia promotes tourism offerings in metaverse

Tourism Malaysia woos Thailand with roadshow

Europe gets most hits with eager Singapore travellers

Philippine tourism chief proposes adoption of national tourism recovery strategies for Asia-Pacific

Changi Airport’s new terminal to be green and pandemic-ready

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya debuts new family highlight

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to pioneer luxury hospitality in Pyeongtaek

Experience a World of “Firsts” with NCL’s First in Class Vessel, Norwegian Prima

Cross Hotels & Resorts signs two new properties in Thailand

Intra-Asia travel sees strong post-lockdown resurgence: Expedia

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