Marriott International expands positive travel opportunities for guests

May 16, 2022

Marriott International has expanded its Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy programme, from just 15 pilot hotels to nearly 100 hotels and resorts now across more than 50 destinations across Asia-Pacific, providing even more opportunities for travellers to turn their vacations into meaningful travel that connects with local communities and the environment.

According to Bart Buiring, chief sales and marketing officer, APAC, Marriott International, the programme expansion was driven by positive response from hotels and guests.

Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy programme offers meaningful experiences that connect guests with local communities and the environment

“Apart from this, the pandemic has shifted the way people travel – to have a positive impact on countries and to blend working trips with leisure,” he added.

According to the 2022 American Express Travel Global Survey, people are now more intentional about where they spend their money, and impact travel is resonating across all demographics.

Buiring said Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy programme stands out from other similar programmes with the “truly grassroots efforts by our hotels”.

“We asked them to structure their activities on three key pillars – environmental protection, community engagement and marine conservation – and branding all experiences through a loyalty programme in a creative and curative manner,” he said.

Targeting the leisure travel market – families looking for a more meaningful travel experience – and corporate travellers, the foundation of the programme is synonymous with people wanting to reconnect with each other; it also helps connect member guests with local experts and NGOs at the destinations they visit, while promoting and deepening cultural understanding. These experiences are available for non-members as well.

The programme has the support of travel planners, agents and meeting planners, shared Buiring.

At present, Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy programme offers meaningful experiences in many destinations – Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, India, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and the Maldives. Guests can choose to plant mangrove seeds in the forests of Langkawi to restore the wetlands, joining a temple preservation in India to mitigate the destructive effects of sandstorms on its façade, and more.

Fun for the family

By

May 16, 2022

0

Fun in the Australian sun
Escape to the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa in Australia with the JW Family Holiday Package, which includes two night’s accommodation, daily breakfast for two adults and two children (12 years and under) and a choice of complimentary activities.

Snorkel hire is free for those who enjoy the cool waters of the Gold Coast. At the hotel’s JW Garden, kids can learn about herbs or take a gardening class. They can also join sushi-making or pizza-making classes.

Fun for the whole family can be found on a Jetski Safari guided tour, or a behind-the-scenes tour of Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

Valid for stays till July 10, 2022

www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/oolsp-jw-marriott-gold-coast-resort-and-spa/

Imaginative worlds
Underlining Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts’ focus on the family is the Fam.ily by Shangri-La brand, which promises unforgettable experiences for multi-generational families. Arising from this promise is a collection of custom-designed themed family suites that come with well-equipped family pantries that are stocked with every parenting neccessity.

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore as well as Shangri-La Hotel, Qinhuangdao and Shangri-La Hotel, Harbin in China sport these themed family suites. While some themes occur across the three properties, such as Castle, Space, Treetop, Underwater and Safari, the China properties boast their own unique themes.

At Shangri-La Hotel, Qinhuangdao, families with little ones can live in an underwater fantasy world (Mermaid) or enjoy a beachside getaway in an RV (Beach) – all thanks to creative design.

At Shangri-La Hotel, Harbin, Winter Wonderland and Ice House adventures await, both themed around winter fun.

These themed family suites are available year-round.

www.shangri-la.com/en/landing/family-themed-suites/

Endless fun on the sea
A recreation wonderland, Spectrum of the Seas has much to offer. Signature experiences like FlowRider surf simulator and RipCord by iFly create many opportunities for families to bond. Asia’s first virtual reality bungee trampoline adventure, Sky Pad, is also onboard, along with SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea that offers bumper cars, laser tag, fencing, archery and many more activities. There are plenty of dining choices to ensure happy bellies all around.

After dark, catch a movie at Two70, a multi-dimensional theatre with six agile Roboscreens – during the day, this space boasts 270-degree ocean views.

For multigenerational families crusing together, the two-level Ultimate Family Suite is a real treat. It comes with multiple rooms, a slide, musical piano steps, games table, and a cinema that doubles up as a karaoke stage. This massive space is where loved ones can stay and play all day.

Spectrum of the Seas sails from home port Singapore on cruises to nowhere, and will commence regional sailing to several Asian ports of call from October 2022.

www.royalcaribbean.com.sg/

Natural draws
Children are invited to connect with nature in Phu Quoc, Vietnam. The island’s native tranquillity, unspoiled landscapes and pristine coastlines allow visitors to appreciate nature at its best.

The Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay lies secluded on the island’s idyllic north-western coast, where guests have many opportunities to engage in a range of daily recreational pursuits, such as beach games as well as yoga and art classes.

The hotel’s Tribe Kid Club tranforms little ones into wildlife adventurers in a small, nurturing day camp that offers experiential activities for children of all ages. The itinerary includes indoor and outdoor adventure play and a range of creative and enriching activities.

https://phuquoc.crowneplaza.com/resort/

Get bouncy
From now till July 3, 2022, Singapore’s iconic horticultural attraction, Gardens By The Bay, is home to a massive bouncy castle experience.

Jumptopia: Wonder Garden, occupying the Bayfront Pavilion, features eight unique play concepts occupying 799m² of space. Children can look forward to conquering garden-themed bouncy castles, while parents capture photo memories to share with family and friends. Enjoy yummy bites by Kith Café after a good exercise. Choices for souvenirs are aplenty.

Jumptopia: Wonder Garden is open daily, with five sessions at 10.00, 12.00, 14.00, 16.00, and 18.00.

www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/jumptopia.html

Buzzing side of the Maldives
The Maldives is not just for romance, as the new Siyam Water World theme park clearly shows. Located within the Siyam World resort, the floating water park offers a thrilling adventure for all ages and activity levels with slides, water trampolines, climbing walls, rafts and more.

Beyond Siyam Water World, accommodation at the resort is fun too. Beach villas come with a personal pool, and some even boast their own water slide that goes right into the ocean.

Guests can enjoy a mini bar that is replenished once daily, a 24-hour sports/snacks bar, four restaurants to choose from, themed F&B events, and more.

Children aged four to 11 can join the Kidz World club and enjoy complimentary wellness activities like the Kids Asana yoga classes, or Zumbini. Teenagers also get their own Not for Kidz adult-free hang-out area.

www.sunsiyam.com/siyam-world/

To infinity and beyond!
Toy Story Hotel is Tokyo Disney Resort’s fifth Disney-themed accommodation and the first moderate-class resort, making it a great choice for families with young children.

The hotel lobby boasts a colourful, toy-filled space with a jigsaw puzzle-inspired floor and a board game-designed ceiling.

Guestrooms are inspired by the look of Andy’s bedroom in the very first Toy Story film, with pyjamas provided for adults and children upon request. The washroom comes with a step stool for little ones, while a crib can be booked during reservations.

Other family-friendly amenities at the hotel include children menus in restaurants and a nursing room.

www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/hotel/dh/family.html

Activities under one roof
Anantara Desaru Coast in Malaysia is perfect for active families, where everyone can spend the day playing beach volleyball, building sandcastles, trying out seasonal water sports, or going on cycling trails around the countryside and along the coast on complimentary bicycles.

For thrill seekers, the Adventure Waterpark boasts rides and slides for all ages and adrenaline levels.

Explore beyond the resort with curated tours, such as the Johor Bahru Old Town Foodie Tour to sample famous baked goods and food; the Belungkor Mangrove Eco Tour; or the Desaru Fruit Farm where there is also a petting zoo.

Parents desiring some personal time can check their little ones into the Layang Layang Kids Club, where pizza-making, cookie-making, T-shirt painting and games await. Older children can chill at the Luncur Ombak Teens Club with video games, movies, pinball machines, table tennis, fubball and more.

www.anantara.com/en/desaru-coast/leisure

Little ones come first
Pan Pacific Singapore has rolled out two themed family suites on the higher floor of the hotel. These suites come with separate sleeping zones for parents in the main bedroom, and a jungle-themed room for their little ones that is furnished with an inflatable rocking hippo, a teepee and a treehouse bunk bed that sleeps two children.

The hotel has also carved out a special indoor play area for resident guests. Urban Jungle Village keeps little ones busy with seven activity zones where they can learn as they play.

For a more experiential stay, guests can add on a picnic set, available from 11.00 to 18.00, and a campfire set from 18.00 to 21.00. The sets come with delicious kid-friendly food and drinks, as well as a plush toy souvenir. These are priced from S$59 (US$43) per child.

www.panpacific.com/ppsin-urban-jungle

Dine with the dinos
The Jurassic World Dominion Dining Adventure is the latest offering at Universal Studios Singapore. It features a four-course meal themed around the diets of dinosaurs from the upcoming Jurassic World Dominion movie, along with special effects and prehistoric meet-and-greets.

The 2.5-hour dining experience combines storytelling and special effects life-size dinosaur appearances. After dinner, get up close with Velociraptor Blue and the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex for a photograph.

The Jurassic World Dominion Dining Adventure is available on select dates in May to August, from 18.30 to 21.00. Prices are at S$248 per adult and S$188 per child, inclusive of a one-day ticket to the park and a Universal Express Unlimited Pass.

www.rwsentosa.com/JurassicWorld

Indonesian players put pressure on government to axe PCR tests

By Kurniawan Ulung

May 13, 2022

0

Indonesian tour operators are demanding the removal of pre-departure PCR test requirements to facilitate arrivals recovery and improve the country’s competitiveness against her neighbours.

Jongki Adiyasa, executive director of Ina Leisure Tour and Travel, questioned the government’s requirement for the test when countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia have scrapped it. Most people in Java and Bali have also been fully vaccinated.

Wahjono: the removal of the PCR test could help fully-vaccinated travellers access Indonesia at reduced cost

Adiyasa said clients have complained that PCR tests in other countries were costly and hard to secure as they were no longer mandatory.

Adjie Wahjono, operations manager of Aneka Kartika Tours, urged his government to follow the footsteps of other countries in removing pre-departure PCR test requirements to prevent escalated cost of travel to Indonesia.

He explained: “Filipino travellers, for example, need to spend US$50 for a PCR test to fly to Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia. That money could have been better spent on one- or two-night stays in budget hotels.”

Test prices differ across countries, rising as high as US$72 in Singapore and US$120 in the UK.

Ricky Setiawanto, director of business development of Panorama Destination, is worried that the PCR test barrier will dampen longhaul summer peak travel performance. The pandemic has severely impacted the spending power of the longhaul market, specifically Europe, while airfares have risen significantly. While a flight from Paris to Bali used to cost US$1,000 or less, now it is US$1,500 to US$1,800.

The added cost of a compulsory pre-departure PCR test will cause Indonesia to lose the market to other destinations that have “scrapped all pandemic restrictions”.

TTG Asia online news bulletin takes Vesak Day break

By TTG Asia

May 13, 2022

0

TTG Asia online news bulletin will take a break for the Vesak Day public holiday on Monday, May 16.

News will resume on May 17.

Here’s wishing all our Buddhist readers a happy Vesak Day!

Tough year still, but China tourism players are not giving up

By Caroline Boey

May 13, 2022

0

China’s pivot to domestic travel in the last two years provided a lifeline as her borders closed and outbound tourism dried up, but the country’s zero-Covid strategy is crushing the industry grappling with the sudden lockdown of cities and scant government support.

Still, all is not lost as industry players see opportunities even if 2022 is likely to be a write-off.

Domestic tourism’s poster child status, however, has not been without obstacles; there have been restrictions on advertising tours, airlines having to adhere to Covid-19 rules and cancel flights, and tours being stopped on short notice as was the case for the May Day holiday and the outbreak in the capital.

At press time, Shanghai was still in lockdown, Beijing was undergoing mass testing and infections were detected in Guangzhou.

Kin Qin, deputy general manager of 25-year-old Century Holiday International Travel Group, remains positive even though 2022 is turning out to the most challenging since the start of the pandemic.

Qin, who joined the company after graduating from hospitality industry studies some 16 years ago, is determined to stay despite the setbacks; most travel businesses have had to cut headcount, fend for themselves, and scour for opportunities to stay afloat.

For Century Holiday, the opening up of countries in South-east Asia, where it has offices in Singapore, Malaysia and Bali, is a welcome development as it can start bringing European and North American tourists back to the region.

According to the director of a boutique travel agency that specialises in tailor-made China programmes for the Western market, in particular North America, the short- and medium-term is “not promising”.

The Shanghai-based director told TTG Asia: “People in China support the zero-Covid policy. SMEs will have to wait it out, be creative and innovative.”

The agency, which has offices in Shanghai and Beijing, was tapping the expatriate market and Western-educated returnee Chinese in the last two years.

The director continued: “Domestic travel is now totally impossible. April-May is peak period and business is down 90 per cent compared to last year. Even if people can travel, they are not willing.”

Although the last few years have been “unpredictable and stressful”, he is hopeful the industry will improve by the end of 2022, but remains concerned that when business is back to normal, China could be facing a lack of “skilled tourism people” who left to join other industries or moved back to their hometowns for cheaper cost of living, and may not return.

When asked about the impact of China’s zero-Covid policy on outbound travel, a veteran overseas industry observer, commented: “With the change to vaccinate older folks and using mRNA boosters for everybody from January 2022 to fight the new Omicron variant, outbound travel could start again from now.

“But as long as China keeps to a zero-Covid strategy, no outbound tourism is possible. Most host destinations will not open their borders even if China would allow Chinese to travel abroad.”

He said neighbouring destinations like South-east Asia and Nepal have been impacted, but Hong Kong suffered the most, while Macau enjoyed a windfall being the only destination which could be visited with no quarantine upon returning to China.

The industry observer continued: “As I see it, the pandemic has to be brought under control and economic growth restarted before China’s borders will open.

“With the rest of the world having brought Covid-19 infections down – to AIDS virus infection levels – there will be no fear to travel abroad and the industry could see a big China outbound wave either from October 2022, optimistically, or from Chinese New Year 2023, which is more likely.”

The industry observer advised: “Prepare now for the new demand and expectations of Chinese visitors in post-pandemic times. Embark on internal marketing in targeted destinations so that host communities are not afraid of Chinese visitors.

“To me, the Chinese government is missing a golden opportunity to help end the Russia-Ukraine conflict and develop a much improved image as peacemaker. Continuing to sit on the fence and appearing to be neutral is not helping to warm people’s heart.”

He said such an approach would make Chinese visitors less welcome overseas, while discourage foreigners from visiting China.

Shanghai-based Alexander Glos, CEO, China i2i Group, who has worked and lived in the financial centre for 12 years – and another five in Beijing – said his city’s political leaders have acknowledged it needs to fix the missteps, not usual in China.

Glos, too, fears China could lose a lot of talented people, as “everyone is figuring out what to do and where to go next”.

For Glos and i2i Group, which provides B2B and B2C tourism-related services to international and domestic clients, “China is not going away as household consumer spending is the fastest growing and it will be larger than the US by 2030″.

“China is a tremendous wealth generator not just for billionaire entreprenuers, but also for small businesses,” he pointed out.

“If you are a consumer company, the only place to be is China. That is not going to change. What has changed is demand for high-end international premium and luxury travel and shopping patterns have shifted domestically,” he said.

China has used travel as a “trading tool” and Glos sees the possibility of outbound travel, with a cap on numbers, to “safe” destinations suddenly opening up.

“It will happen by the end of this year – travel bubbles and corridors to countries that will benefit China politically and economically, and the flights will be sold out,” Glos projected.

According to him, demand in the first phase will be for high-end FIT trips to places like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali in Indonesia and Cambodia.

So when China does open up and it will, industry players and stakeholders will have to move fast.

Championing the sports tourism movement

By Karen Yue

May 13, 2022

0

Singapore has clear ambitions for sports tourism, having put HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, HSBC Women’s World Championship and F1 on the annual calendar, but there are other destinations in Asia that are also setting themselves up as sports events destinations. How can Sport Singapore (SportSG) support Singapore’s sports tourism ambition?
The events calendar that we aspire for the participation or enjoyment of local sports fans are a natural draw for tourism as well. We thus work closely with the Singapore Tourism Board to not only curate the events portfolio, but also the fringe activities that provide a total experience in and around the venue. Singapore’s vibrancy and energy promises that there will never be a dull moment!

Singaporeans, like tourists, attend sport events that they believe will provide them a not-to-be-missed opportunity to see the stars and enjoy good quality sporting action. At SportSG, we seek to create such opportunities through a range of mass participation to world-class spectator events.

For example, we work with our partner Ironman Asia to enhance the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) race experience from year to year. That includes a great race expo, improved routes and atmosphere, inspiring elite participation, and engaging workshops. This has not only made it a must-attend event for runners in Singapore, but has also attracted growing international participation with each edition.

The pandemic did not see the SCSM come to a standstill. The races incorporated virtual and augmented reality components for the first time in 2020, and again in 2021, even when physical participation was reintroduced.

Through the SCSM’s Virtual Running Club, overseas runners could choose from a selection of virtual routes that took them through iconic sights of Singapore, such as Little India and Orchard Road, as they ran the race. Local runners were also able to participate at several SportSG sport centres that set up a network of official race treadmills.

In the same spirit, SportSG continued to work with event promoters and rights holders through the last two years to stage events in Singapore, notwithstanding the tough Covid restrictions on movement and travel. It has given our partners the confidence and assurance that we are committed to supporting the industry, that we have the capabilities and ability to adapt to and be agile under prevailing circumstances, and that we are emerging with a strong innovation mindset.

SportSG also capitalised on the downturn caused by the pandemic by offering a generous Innovation Grant to support the deployment of technology solutions for hybrid events, fan engagements, and more. The focus on engaging event experiences continues unabated as we emerge from the pandemic.

Finally, it is important to highlight that SportSG continues to be on the lookout for marquee events that have the potential to engage new fans, new athletes, and new commercial opportunities. One recent example is our bid for the World Athletics Championships 2025. Singapore25 represents a unique opportunity to host one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and advance the sport of athletics into an untapped region. The legacy for participation here and the sport industry is expected to be very significant.

These are all major sporting events. Is SportSG also positioning Singapore as a desirable hub for smaller, local and regional events?
Local and regional events are important to Singapore’s sport development, giving our athletes opportunities to build competitive experience. They also give spectators a variety of platforms to support and cheer on Team Singapore on home ground. This is complemented by a comprehensive calendar of local leagues and competitions that focus on pathway development and recreational sport. They are an integral part of the formula in keeping Singaporeans participating, competing, and cheering.

The pandemic had set back many of these events. So, at the earliest opportunity in December 2020, we worked on a pilot to bring spectators back to the Singapore Premier League matches, learning and calibrating from the experience.

Since taking that first step, regional events have made a strong comeback. Between December 2021 and March 2022, Singapore hosted the AFF Suzuki Cup in December 2021, SEA Pencak Silat Championships in February 2022, and FAS Tri-Nations Series in March 2022. While Covid restrictions were still in place, we also encouraged modified leagues and competitions for our youth to fuel their interests.

Is SportSG also looking at attracting global sporting associations to be located or headquartered in Singapore, to encourage even more sports-related events and meetings to be hosted here? What progress is SportSG making in this effort?
The presence of global sporting associations in Singapore is a welcomed addition to the sporting ecosystem. Their activities would include international meetings and conferences, sport events, and sport development programmes. These benefit local administrators, officials, coaches and athletes; and in many instances open up employment opportunities that would upskill the local workforce, and position Singapore well as a regional hub.

Singaporeans who aspire to work abroad in the global sport ecosystem would then also find that the referrals and experience gained here would give them a leg up.

Given our stage of development as a regional sport hub, SportSG is in discussions with several parties on the prospects and opportunities to partner and collaborate on these fronts.

Is SportSG encouraging or facilitating the development of more sports facilities across Singapore that will cater to future sports events demand and possibilities? Or is the massive Singapore Sports Hub enough at this point?
The objectives behind sport facilities development in Singapore go beyond the facilitation of events. Like a balanced portfolio of sporting events, well-designed facilities are essential to cater to the wide range of sporting interests and to provide access and opportunity to a lifetime participation in sport.

The Sports Facilities Master Plan (SFMP) is a key foundation of our Vision 2030 sport master plan. The four tiers in the portfolio of facilities range from international competition-grade venues to free-to-play neighbourhood sport parks. In particular, the five regional sport hubs will complement the Singapore Sports Hub when hosting major games. These regional hubs and various other specialised facilities will also cater to the needs of national training centres for Team Singapore.

A key tenet of the SFMP is to match urban planning parameters for housing development and land-use optimisation. The latter includes opening all school sport facilities for community use on the weekends.

Carnival Corporation names new president and CEO

By TTG Asia

May 13, 2022

0

With effect from August 1, 2022, Josh Weinstein, the current chief operating officer, will assume the role of president and CEO of Carnival Corporation.

A 20-year veteran of Carnival Corporation, Weinstein has served in various senior-level roles. In his most recent post, Weinstein oversaw all major operational functions including global maritime, global ports and destinations, global sourcing, global IT and global auditing.

During this time, Weinstein also oversaw Carnival UK, the operating company for P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard, which he previously managed directly for three years as president.

Meanwhile, Arnold Donald, the current president and CEO of Carnival Corporation, will be appointed vice chair and member of the boards of directors. During his nine-year tenure as CEO, he led the company to record results (pre-pandemic), achieving the company’s highest profits in its history.

SIA’s Leslie Thng helms Scoot

By TTG Asia

May 13, 2022

0

Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced Leslie Thng as the new CEO of Scoot, replacing Campbell Wilson effective June 16, 2022.

Currently the senior vice president sales and marketing, Thng has been with the SIA Group for 23 years. Prior to this role, Thng was CEO of Vistara, SIA’s Indian joint venture with Tata Sons, between October 2017 and December 2021.

Thng has also served as chief commercial officer of Scoot from May 2016 to October 2017, and chief executive of SIA’s regional carrier SilkAir between August 2012 and May 2016.

Wilson was the founding CEO of Scoot between 2011 to 2016, in his first stint with the airline when it was a longhaul LCC, prior to its merger with Tigerair. Having joined SIA since 1996, Wilson has also run SIA’s overseas operations in Canada, Hong Kong, and Japan. He will join Air India as its new CEO.

Build mode on

By S Puvaneswary

May 13, 2022

0

There is one thing on the mind of Tourism Malaysia and the country’s travel trade right now, and it is to rebuild the tourism industry that had suffered two tough years.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is working closely with Tourism Malaysia on this critical task. The immediate plan after the reopening of the country’s borders on April 1 was to jointly organise a sales mission to India, from April 18 to 29 covering six cities, namely New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai.

India is Malaysia’s second largest medium-haul market, after China; Batu Caves pictured

MATTA’s vice president inbound and domestic, Ganneesh Ramaa, told TTG Asia: “Our first physical sales mission (post-lockdown) was an important one, as the Indian market has traditionally been our second largest medium-haul market after China. We wish to make Malaysia the top-of-mind destination for Indian travellers and regain market share post pandemic; to rebuild the momentum and look forward to the Indian summer peak travel season from mid-May to the first week of June.”

Throughout the sales mission, Malaysia representatives highlighted the health and hygiene measures taken by hotels, food establishments, convention centres, as well as tours and transportation operators.

“As a member of Travel Safe Alliance Malaysia, MATTA’s operations has been certified by Bureau Veritas to meet stringent health and safety protocols, so (Indian partners) can be assured that their clients’ stay in Malaysia will be safe, pleasant and enjoyable,” said Ganneesh.

Besides India, Europe is also on the radar. Both agencies are working on marketing and sales strategies to attract more Europeans to Malaysia. This includes participating in B2B travel tradeshows such as IFTM Top Resa in Paris in September, The Luxury Travel Fair in London this November, and FITUR 2023 in Madrid.

Ganneesh revealed that MATTA was planning to go on sales missions to Eastern Europe this year, covering Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Romania.

“Our aim is to regain market share by showcasing our varied and diverse attractions, such as islands and beaches, gastronomy, culture and lifestyle. Attending the B2B travel shows and organising sales missions to Eastern Europe is an opportunity to enhance awareness of Malaysia’s diverse attractions, forge relationships with travel trade partners, and make Malaysia a top-of-mind destination.”

The Finance Ministry has allocated a special RM5 million (US$1.2 million) tourism fund for this year, channelled through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture with Tourism Malaysia appointed as executor.

The fund, named Gamelan Malaysia, is a matching grant that works on the basis of reimbursable financial assistance whereby eligible companies may claim 50 per cent of the actual cost of their promotional project, up to a ceiling of RM200,000.

Meanwhile, national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, aims to gradually increase its frequencies and network to achieve around 70 per cent of its pre-Covid 19 capacity by end of this year.

A source said the carrier is currently seeing higher demand from India, which is its signature route, as well as from the UK and Australia into Malaysia.

It has, so far, increased frequencies on its flagship Kuala Lumpur-London route to 11 times weekly, and will return to double daily services from July 1.

For 2022, Malaysia is targeting two million international tourists and total receipts exceeding RM6.8 billion.

Malaysia goes for young Middle Easterns

By Marissa Carruthers

May 12, 2022

0

Malaysia is eyeing the Middle Eastern market and has launched a string of products to lure the younger generation.

At the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Malaysian minister of tourism and arts, Nancy Shukri, said: “The last three years have given us plenty of time to think about what we want to do and this region is very important to us. We have come up with new itineraries and offerings to cater to this market.”

Nancy: it’s also time for us to promote more and entice a new target group – the younger generation

Pre-pandemic, in 2019, Malaysia welcomed 397,726 visitors from the Middle East and North Africa region – Saudi Arabia was the top source market with 121,444 tourists.

Nancy said traditionally Malaysia was a popular destination for families from the Gulf Cooperation Council, especially during the summer holidays, where they mainly visited the island of Langkawi. However, campaigns now are urging the region’s younger generation to explore other parts of the country.

She said: “We’re now trying to get tourists closer to our nature. It’s also time for us to promote more and entice a new target group – the younger generation. We have lots of exciting new offerings for them.”

In addition to promoting halal spas and accommodation, Tourism Malaysia is developing a series of cross-country motorhome and caravan tours. A series of glamping activities are also being rolled out, such as staying amid Malaysia’s orchards which bloom during the summer months.

To help stimulate arrivals from the region, Tourism Malaysia plans to lure more airlines from the Middle East to its airports this year. During ATM, Tourism Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with Emirates to promote tourism and boost traffic to Malaysia from key markets across the airline’s network.

Emirates also plans to organise familiarisation trips with major tourism and media to come and experience Malaysia.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ chief commercial officer, said: “The MoC builds on the successful relationship we have with Malaysia, and underscores its significance as a key market in Emirates’ global network.”

Marriott International expands positive travel opportunities for guests

Fun for the family

Indonesian players put pressure on government to axe PCR tests

TTG Asia online news bulletin takes Vesak Day break

Tough year still, but China tourism players are not giving up

Championing the sports tourism movement

Carnival Corporation names new president and CEO

SIA’s Leslie Thng helms Scoot

Build mode on

Malaysia goes for young Middle Easterns

Tried and Tested

Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

What to Buy Now

New hotels: Andaz One Bangkok, Okinawa Harborview Hotel and more