Busan woos Singapore travel partners for Asia-Pacific comeback

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August 3, 2022

Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) has made a move on critical source market Singapore close on the heels of Jeju Air’s resumption of Busan-Singapore flights in end June, through a B2B event to drive momentum for its promotional efforts.

Hosted in late-July, the Busan-Singapore Travel Connect 2022 was held under the slogan, Explore the real Busan. Participation costs for Busan tourism partners were subsidised by the Busan Tourism Business Support Center.

The Busan-Singapore Travel Connect 2022 was held in late-July to promote the city as a destination to visit; Huinnyeoul Culture Village at Janglim Harbor pictured

To forge a strong comeback, BTO will provide marketing support for overseas tourism-related industries and continue to promote Busan tourism in cooperation with airlines and OTAs which target FIT and group travellers, according to CEO Lee Jung Sil.

Other marketing efforts have leveraged the popularity of Hallyu (Korean Wave) by spotlighting Busan in productions such as Netflix’s 2021 military-drama, D.P. and SBS’s 2020 romantic-fantasy The King: Eternal Monarch.

Selected as Korea International Tourism City for the year 2021-2025, Busan City and BTO have also been upgrading its infrastructure and facilities for the past two years to the tune of a 150 billion won (US$114.5 million) investment to better cater to visitors.

New to the port city is Lotte World Adventure Busan, which opened in March 2022. Meanwhile, Haeundae Blueline Park has come up as a top attraction in Busan.

After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus, renowned international festivals – Busan International Film Festival and Busan One Asia Festival – are ready to welcome fans back.

Eager to win the bid for World Expo 2030, Busan has enlisted K-pop biggest export, boyband BTS, as ambassadors to stage the Global Busan Concert.

To attract more tourists, plans for a second international airport are also in discussion.

PATA publishes food and plastic waste management guidelines for tourism businesses

By TTG Asia

August 3, 2022

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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has published the Food and Plastic Waste Reduction Standard for Tourism Businesses as part of its commitment to the European Union (EU)-funded TourLink project, under the EU SWITCH-ASIA Programme.

In collaboration with members of the Thai-EU tourism supply chain, PATA developed a series of capacity-building initiatives that promote best practices for sustainable tourism growth, with new standards, toolkits and training that empower Thai tourism professionals to embrace sustainability in their operations as the industry recovers from the pandemic.

The Food and Plastic Waste Reduction Standard for Tourism Businesses acts as a guide for all tourism businesses, professionals and communities to reduce food waste and plastic waste in their operations

PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera said: “PATA is focused on supporting the industry recovery with tangible in-market projects that can demonstrate practical, responsible and sustainable solutions. Our goal is to develop and share business models that combine sustainability with profitability. Creating strong sustainability development plans brings businesses a competitive advantage in addressing a growing consumer interest and global need.”

TourLink aims to drive Thai tour operators and suppliers – from hotels to transport companies and activity providers – towards sustainability, to achieve common standards for sustainability in the industry to transform Thailand into a leading sustainable tourism destination.

TourLink’s project manager Peter Richards said: “Strengthening tourism and hospitality businesses’ sustainability will help the sector become more resilient in the face of future crises, save critical resources and boost overall morale as we prepare for a greener tourism reopening.”

The standards act as a guide for all tourism businesses, professionals and communities to reduce food waste and plastic waste in their operations, and were developed through extensive research on food and plastic waste reduction strategies in tourism and consultations with experts and partner organisations.

Fernanda Rodak, PATA project coordinator of sustainability and social responsibility and lead author, added: “The standards can be applied as a checklist, a step-by-step guide as well as a training tool for waste prevention in the tourism and hospitality sector.”

Underpinned by the circular economy framework and the hierarchy of waste reduction strategies, the document encompasses best practices across the industry on sustainability management and tools and resources for practitioners to advance their food and plastic waste reduction efforts.

Tripseed makes Thailand travel accessible and inclusive for all

By TTG Asia

August 3, 2022

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Tripseed is revolutionising how people can explore Thailand by launching a range of accessible travel programmes and experiences, including specially-designed and exclusive tours tailored for the elderly and travellers with disabilities.

“We are committed to growing travel in a direction that is open and welcoming for everyone,” said Tripseed founder Ewan Cluckie. “Tripseed has always been about breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities.”

Tripseed aims to make travel inclusive for all with a range of accessible travel programmes and experiences tailored for the elderly and travellers with disabilities

Tripseed’s offerings for accessible travel in Thailand goes beyond the accommodation being wheelchair-friendly – they also evaluate everything from ramp inclinations, availability of grab bars, manoeuvrability clearance and many other important aspects. Agents and partners are advised on the most suitable travel options based on the level of assistance required.

“It’s important for us to give Tripseed’s partners a first-mover advantage to repay the trust and support they have given to us so far, and so we’ll be making all of our accessibility information, training and consultation available to them privately during our initial launch period, before making more details publicly available at a later date” added Cluckie.

Tripseed is also offering specialised guides that are trained in American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL) and Thai Sign Language (TSL & MSTSL), as well as guides trained to assist with other audio-visual impairments.

In addition, the company has announced a brand-new selection of experiences designed to deliver uncompromising accessible variations of top-selling tours, such as a daytime city tour of Bangkok, or an evening street food experience in a fully-electric Tuk-Tuk that has been specially outfitted with a built-in wheelchair ramp and wheelchair restraint system, a first in the industry. Tripseed has also ensured that the tour routes are accessible so that travellers are not met with difficult sidewalks to navigate at each stop.

Other experiences include a snorkelling or diving experience alongside a Dive Master fully certified by Disabled Divers International, and a private tour of the botanical gardens in an accessible vehicle. More experiences will be made available exclusively through Tripseed and their international travel trade partners.

Tripseed has also prioritised additional development on their website, making the company the first and only Thailand-ground operator that meets ADA compliance standards.

Norwegian Cruise Line takes delivery of Norwegian Prima

By TTG Asia

August 3, 2022

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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) marked a corporate milestone on August 1 when it took delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Prima, in Venice.

Designed to accommodate 3,300 guests, Norwegian Prima is said to boast a number of firsts. It offers more space per guest than any other new ships, and has the most expansive accommodation and suites in its competitive set as well as highest staff-to-guest ration compared to any new premium or contemporary ship.

Norwegian Prima will commence her eight-day inaugural voyage in Reykjavik on August 27

The ship will commence her eight-day inaugural voyage in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik on August 27 before embarking on more journeys through Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords, Bermuda and Caribbean seas.

Harry Sommer, president and CEO of NCL, said in a press statement that the delivery ushered in “a thrilling new era in cruising”.

“(Norwegian Prima) is a true testament to our Guest First philosophy as well as our commitment to deliver unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations,” Sommer added.

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt to debut in India

By TTG Asia

August 3, 2022

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation (Hyatt) is debuting The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in India with the signing of a management agreement for Bhopal’s Noor-Us-Sabah Palace.

One of Bhopal’s oldest and most sought-after hotels, Noor-Us-Sabah Palace will undergo extensive refurbishment to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand as a 60-room heritage hotel. It is expected to open in 2025.

The Noor-Us-Sabah Palace will undergo extensive refurbishment to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand

Dhruva Rathore, vice president of development, India & South West Asia, Hyatt, said: “Bhopal’s history and the Noor-Us-Sabah Palace’s rich Nawabi heritage makes it a perfect addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio. This collection of independent hotels has seen great momentum across the globe, as each property invites guests to experience distinct culture and history, and we look forward to expanding The Unbound Collection by Hyatt footprint throughout the sub-continent.”

Spreading across 7.28 hectares, the hotel was originally built as a royal residence in the 1920s by Bhopal’s former ruler, Begum Sultan Jehan before it was converted into a hotel in 1998.

Situated in one of Bhopal’s most affluent neighbourhoods, the hotel will be completely renovated to bring alive the history and legacy of the Nawab’s royal residence, and will provide a unique location for weddings and events, in addition to catering to premium business and leisure travellers.

Sikandar Hafiz Khan, chairman of Reliable Group, which owns Noor-Us-Sabah Palace, said: “This association with Hyatt will help us set a new benchmark in India for luxury and an unmatched guest experience, and will be instrumental in spotlighting Bhopal as one of the premier tourist destinations with unmatched accommodation for travellers from within and beyond India.”

Earn, eat and enjoy at Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse

By TTG Asia

August 3, 2022

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Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse has a new promotion offering travellers the chance to earn, eat, and enjoy their vacation in Bangkok, Thailand.

Explore Bangkok’s cultural attractions, as well as shopping experiences and boat trips along the Chao Praya River – all only a few minutes away from the hotel. There is the option to top up the day with authentic Thai cuisine at Praya Kitchen or savour Cantonese cuisine at Yào Restaurant while enjoying the view of Bangkok.

Earn, eat and enjoy a vacation in Bangkok with Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse

The promotion includes a one-night accommodation, daily breakfast for two, up to 1,000 baht (US$27) of hotel daily credit, while earning up to 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus points.

Valid for bookings made from now until September 30 for stays before December 31.

For more information, visit Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse.

Parkroyal on Beach Road appoints new GM

By TTG Asia

August 3, 2022

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Kung Teong Wah has been appointed general manager of Parkroyal on Beach Road.

Amassing 30 years of experience in Asia and Singapore’s hospitality scene, Kung was a cluster general manager with Millennium Hotels and Resorts prior to joining Parkroyal on Beach Road.

Having started his career as a chef, Kung has since received many accolades throughout the course of his career.

He is also a board member of the e2i Employment & Employability Institute and chairman of the Institute for Technical Education (ITE) Hospitality Advisory Board Committee.

Rosewood Hong Kong appoints new DOSM

By TTG Asia

August 2, 2022

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Rosewood Hong Kong has named Angus Pitkethley as its new director of sales and marketing.

The Australian will be responsible for implementing sales and marketing strategies for both hotel and residences operations, including managing their overall sales and distribution strategies, marketing programmes, annual budgets and revenue generation.

Pitkethley brings more than 27 years of experience in global hotel sales and marketing to his new role, along with accolades achieved in his hospitality career.

Prior to his new role, he was director of sales and marketing at Park Hyatt New York.

Japan outbound sales climbs as overseas travel warnings scale down

By Kathryn Wortley

August 2, 2022

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Japan’s outbound market is continuing to recover, with a recent uptake in departures and improving consumer sentiment as the government continues to ease overseas travel warnings.

Since the government lowered its travel advisory for 34 countries and nations, including South Korea, China and India, in June, bookings and enquiries for those destinations have been on the rise, according to a leading Japanese outbound travel agency that declined to be named.

Japan’s outbound market continues to recover as the government eases overseas travel warnings

Under the advisory, residents are no longer asked to refrain from non-essential trips to those destinations, which is boosting consumer confidence, said the representative.

At the same time, the Foreign Ministry also lowered its travel advisory for more than 10 European countries, including France, Germany and Italy, bringing the total number of nations classed as Level 1 (the lowest category on the four-point scale) to 70, up from 36 at the end of May.

This ongoing easing comes alongside growing outbound sales. June 2022 marked the third consecutive month that more than 100,000 pax from Japan went overseas, with 171,013 pax travelling, equating to 88.7 per cent of that of June 2019.

This increase in outbound demand is being felt nationwide, according to a spokesperson of a leading regional travel agency who could not be named.

Indeed, international flights departing from Japan’s six main airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo) totalled 3,853 in June 2022, up 58.8 per cent year-on-year, according to air travel intelligence, Official Airline Guide.

The top destination for Japanese travellers was the US (38,665 pax, including 7,167 pax visiting Hawaii), followed by Thailand (11,164 pax). Singapore also fared well, with 6,320 pax, while South Korea and Taiwan equated to 3,701 visits and 1,670 visits, respectively.

Consumers are set to travel more, according to a spokesperson of JTB, Japan’s largest travel agency.

In an April 2022 poll by JTB Research Institute, 10.6 per cent of respondents expressed intent to travel abroad within a year. Interest was highest among men and women in their 20s (21 per cent).

Some 6.6 per cent of respondents said they would travel abroad from April 2023.

Indonesia’s new entry tariff to islands riles up tourism players

By Dhini Oktavianti

August 2, 2022

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The tourism industry in Labuan Bajo and Manggarai Barat Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has declared a month-long strike to protest the government’s decision to implement a new entry tariff to the Komodo and Padar Islands of 3.75 million rupiah (US$250).

When announcing the strike, Rafael Taher, the coordinator of Tourism Businesses and Individual Tourism Workers of Manggarai Barat Regency, where Labuan Bajo is part of, said: “We have agreed to stop all tourism services in the islands within the (Komodo) National Park and in all tourist destinations in Manggarai Barat Regency from August 1 to 31, 2022.”

Indonesia is limiting the number of travellers as well as implementing a new tariff for Komodo and Padar Islands; Komodo National Park pictured

He also declared that anyone who breaks the agreement will bear the social sanction.

The move was taken after the government disregarded the numerous appeals and protests against the new tariff announced last month.

The government is determined to implement a new tariff for Komodo and Padar Islands, two major islands within the national park, from 200,000 rupiah per entry to 3.75 million rupiah for conservation reasons. The new tariff, effective August 1, is valid for multiple entries in a year.

The government has also limited the number of travellers to both islands to 200,000 per year.

Responding to the industry’s move, Indonesia’s minister of tourism and creative economy, Sandiaga Uno, called on the tourism and creative economic stakeholders in Labuan Bajo to discuss the solutions to tourism and creative economic issues.

He explained that while conservation and adhering to carrying capacity was crucial for the national park, the government also had to ensure that the economy in the area grows, particularly in the tourism and creative economic sector. He emphasised that the new tariff applied only to Komodo and Pandar islands, and not the whole national park area.

Sandiaga said: “Travellers who want to see Komodo can go to Rinca Island – the entry fee here remains the same. There are (also) other attractions that we have upgraded and developed for visitors in Labuan Bajo.

“There are the picturesque beaches that the area is famous for – the Kampung Ujung Waterfront area (which is newly developed), Labuan Bajo Marina, Batu Cermin Cave, Waecicu Beach (and) Rangko Cave – for travellers to visit.”

He added that travellers who have booked and paid for their trip before August 1 are given time to visit both islands up to the end of the year.

To allow conservation efforts and economic development to work coherently, Sandiaga said his office would accommodate the industry’s aspirations and input from the community by involving them in cross-institutional forums with the Ministry of Forestry and Environment and the NTT provincial government.

“Let’s sit together, find a solution and make sure that no negative impact will take place,” he said.

Busan woos Singapore travel partners for Asia-Pacific comeback

PATA publishes food and plastic waste management guidelines for tourism businesses

Tripseed makes Thailand travel accessible and inclusive for all

Norwegian Cruise Line takes delivery of Norwegian Prima

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt to debut in India

Earn, eat and enjoy at Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse

Parkroyal on Beach Road appoints new GM

Rosewood Hong Kong appoints new DOSM

Japan outbound sales climbs as overseas travel warnings scale down

Indonesia’s new entry tariff to islands riles up tourism players

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