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VTL scheme prompts 204% spike in enquiries for TTC
The Travel Corporation (TTC) has seen a sharp increase in interest for travel to vaccinated travel lane (VTL) destinations from 2021 until next year, with a 204 per cent increase in enquiries, and a 30 per cent successful conversion rate to confirmed bookings.
Nicholas Lim, Asia CEO of TTC, said: “The gradual expansion of the VTL scheme brings a renewed sense of hope to the beleaguered travel and tourism industry. In the recent weeks, some of these destinations have experienced a rise in the number of cases or have abruptly gone into lockdowns, but what our figures demonstrate is that Singapore travellers are very much willing to travel again.”
Among hundreds of available itineraries, travellers from Singapore are increasingly interested in Trafalgar’s Spanish Wonder (Madrid and Barcelona), German Christmas Markets and Swiss Delight itineraries, leaning towards seven to 10-day trip durations.
TTC has also witnessed an increase in uptake for 2022 travels, particularly during spring (April and May) and autumn (September).
Travellers are also hopeful to travel in non-VTL destinations, with 2022 bookings to Portugal, Turkey and Scandinavian countries.
The desire to travel also cuts across all ages. TTC reported that guests come from a variety of backgrounds, from couples below 60s to small groups such as families with children who are looking into June and December trips, and friends who want to travel together in Central Europe.
Older couples are also looking into the Uniworld River Cruises itineraries, while couples and friends aged between 40s to 60s are booking on coach brands.
World Dream opens Singapore sailings to international travellers
Dream Cruises has opened sailings aboard its World Dream ship to non-residents in Singapore and international travellers for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, in accordance with the latest guidelines by the local authorities.
This development follows the launch of vaccinated travel lanes by the city-state, allowing quarantine-free entry for fully vaccinated travellers from selected countries.
In a statement, Dream Cruises called the move “a new milestone” for the cruise line “that will help to fuel the recovery of the cruise industry in Singapore and regionally”.
All embarking guests will need to be fully vaccinated and undergo a pre-boarding antigen rapid test at the cruise terminal and present a negative test result for Covid-19.
“World Dream has carried over 200,000 guests since cruising resumed in Singapore on November 6, 2020 and celebrated its first anniversary earlier this month,” said Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises.
“With cruise bookings now open to non-residents in Singapore and international travellers, it is indeed fantastic news, as we have been working hard towards this goal with the demonstration of safe cruises over the past year.”
“Our progression to the next phase of cruising is timely and we are highly optimistic that demand will continue to rise with the contribution of the fly-cruise segment.“
Going from good to great
Brought to you by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)
Stability in pandemic controls through most parts of 2021 has allowed Macao to shine as a tourist destination, with numerous fresh activities and events keeping visitors engaged and enthralled all year round.
Furthermore, without having to put prolonged brakes on travel and tourism within the destination, Macao has the benefit of experience to perfect the art of welcoming and caring for her visitors in the safest possible ways.
A fulfilling year in review
The year 2021 has seen Macao kicking off a series of “tourism+” initiatives that sought to raise the competitiveness of the destination’s tourism industry and facilitate collaboration between tourism, business events and other emerging industries such as e-commerce and creative sectors. For travellers, these “tourism+” initiatives have translated to enhanced experiences.
From Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2021 to the 68th Macau Grand Prix, the Asian destination has been a lively hub of impressive festivals, with extensive activities around the main event to entertain residents and visitors alike.
This month’s highlight is the popular Macao Light Festival, which returns this year with the theme, Travellers from Mars. From December 4, 2021 to January 2, 2022, landmarks in areas such as Taipa, Nam Van District and Praia do Manduco District will tell the tale of how our Martian friends discover tourism, culture, science, leisure, gastronomy, environmental protection and more through projection mapping and light installations.
Visual treats continue with Light up Macao Drone Gala, where some 300 drones take to the evening sky above Nam Van Lake every weekend to put on visually stunning performances led by talented teams from mainland China.
Demonstrating the value of tourism as a vehicle to leave a positive legacy on the destination’s community, Macao’s Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Department launched the Distinctive Shops Programme in 2021 to uplift local small- and medium-sized restaurants, eateries and retailers.
Conducted in collaboration with district-based business associations, the Distinctive Shops Programme handpicks outstanding enterprises and provides them with various forms of assistance to enable them to sharpen their business acumen and raise their competitiveness, which ultimately give domestic and foreign customers an extraordinary destination experience.
Macao’s tourism and hospitality stakeholders have also maintained their spirit of innovation, rolling out fresh attractions to satiate wanderlust amid the pandemic. Some of the new products that have hit the marketplace include Barra Pier and the scenic Barra-Coloane Ferry Route; the upgraded Macao Grand Prix Museum; the Lisboeta Macau integrated resort, which is opening progressively and now offers unique attractions such as GoAirborne Macau and Zipcity Macau; and Grand Lisboa Palace Resort.
The way forward
For travel agents and planners, Macao is a destination partner that continues to inspire confidence and forward-thinking ideas. Besides working more closely with the travel trade on tourism recovery projects and strategic development in 2022 for expanding tourism source markets, supporting the development of key tourism sectors and strengthening regional cooperation with Hengqin and the Greater Bay Area.
Travel agents and planners will also benefit from destination promotion support offered through the ever-growing star appeal of Macao tourism mascot, MAK MAK, as well as regular MAK MAK themed events – all of which can be woven into the creation of their own tourism activities.
In addition, new tourism products and services can be listed on MGTO’s new Macao Full of Fun – Smart Trip Planner to keep travellers well informed.
As the Year of the Tiger approaches, travel agents and planners will discover even more exciting events in February to weave into their new Macao itineraries. Lunar New Year celebrations will include parades, a fireworks extravaganza, performances led by local and mainland Chinese troupes, and fancy float exhibitions.
Macao will not only shine on the leisure front, as the destination’s 2022 business events calendar will feature high profile gatherings such as the 10th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo and the Global Tourism Economy Forum.
For more travel updates and inspirations, follow Mak Mak Macao (on Instagram), Stopover Macao (on Facebook), and Macao Moments (on Twitter), or visit the Macao Government Tourism Office website.
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Here are 10 destinations in Asia Pacific to consider:
This lakeside retreat in Ho Chi Minh City offers 342 lavish rooms, where its bathroom fixtures are clad in swanky 24-karat-gold. The use of 24-karat-gold has also extended to the rooftop infinity pool, while other recreational facilities include a gym, 24/7 casino, and spa. The dazzling property on the shores of Giang Vo Lake also offers four F&B options, and is a short stroll from the vibrant Old Quarter and its charming colonial architecture.
Nestled in Cam Ranh Peninsula and steps from Long Beach, the property lines the 17th and 18th holes of a Greg Norman-designed golf course which overlooks Bai Dai Beach. There are a total of 327 guestrooms, ranging from the Deluxe Room up to the luxurious four-bedroom villa with a private pool. There are also five F&B options, including Vietnamese restaurant Xue, and whiskey room Quba.
The first internationally-branded hotel in Phuket’s Nai Harn area, the contemporary resort-style property screams vacation. There are 353 rooms and suites available, 77 of which offer direct access to one of the property’s large swimmable lagoon. Other recreational amenities include a swim-up bar, kids club, spa, and fitness centre. Nai Harn beach is also a short stroll away.
Standing proudly on the waterfront of Jeju Island near the bustling downtown area, this resort affords panoramic ocean views. Make a splash in their indoor or outdoor pools, relax in the hot tub and steam room, or venture out to explore attractions such as the Sangumburi Crater and Hamdeok Seobong Beach.
Be privy to a Singaporean food experience at New Ubin Seafood Zhongshan Park or unwind with a cocktail at Heritage Bar & Lounge when visiting the city-state. Singapore’s first hotel-by-the-park development also features a gym, 30-metre pool, business centre, as well as meeting and banquet facilities.
The 257-key modern hotel stands within easy reach from the trendy Bukit Bintang district – which boasts a theme park and large shopping mall – and a 15-minute drive to top attractions such as the Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC. Aside from two F&B venues onsite, other amenities include a gym and meeting space.
Located a 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur in the Bandar Baru Klang area stands the Wyndham Acmar Klang. The gateway to Port Klang, facilities here include an outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, and four F&B venues. Should you need to mix pleasure with some business, meeting amenities include a business centre, and 11 function rooms.
Surrounded by the lush tropical landscapes of Bali’s eastern coast, the hotel stands in close proximity to the black sand beaches of Lepang Beach. This resort has 222 rooms suites and private pool villas that can comfortably sleep two to four guests, perfect for family groups. Here, guests can unwind at the gym, book a massage at the Tirta Spa, or join in a session on the Yoga Deck.
Attached to Yuelai International Convention Center, this property is perfect for bleisure guests. There are 390 rooms within, all of which feature panoramic views of mountains. Amenities include four F&B options, a fitness center, heated indoor swimming pool, yoga room, and day spa. For a friendly game of golf with business associates, the nearby Chongqing International Golf Club sports a challenging, hilly terrain along with restaurants and a gym.
The rebranded hotel is equipped with a total of 278 high-quality and elegant guestrooms and suites. Rooms are decorated with ink and wash style combined with modern design, full of Jiangnan charm and oriental flavour. It is located in Fenhu Lake, an ancient lake with history that can be traced back to 770BC.
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Sri Lanka bans travellers from six countries in Africa
Following in the footsteps of many other countries, Sri Lanka has placed an entry ban on travellers from six African countries with reported Omicron variant infections.
Travellers with a 14-day history of travel to those countries will also be prohibited from entry.
National carrier SriLankan Airlines has affirmed its continued operations to Kenya, which has so far not been affected by the new variant.
Despite the cautious footing, local health officials said they were not changing the guidelines for travellers from other countries. Currently, fully-vaccinated visitors to Sri Lanka need to present a PCR test taken 72 hours before departure, and are not subject to any tests on arrival.
Maintenance of current health guidelines is an assurance for the Sri Lankan tourism community, which has been jittery over possible business recovery disruptions as a result of Omicron.
On November 30, tourism minister Prasanna Ranatunga urged the industry not to panic, and assured them that current proactive measures were adequate to mitigate risk posed by travellers from other parts of the world.
“Europe and the Middle East have promptly banned entries from these six countries. These two regions are popular gateways for passengers or transit passengers to Sri Lanka. Therefore, (along with Sri Lanka’s entry ban on travellers from affected African countries) there is no need to overreact to the situation,” Ranatunga told the Daily Financial Times.
On Monday, Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators issued a joint statement urging the authorities to not alter current health protocols, so as to avoid endangering the beleaguered Sri Lankan tourism industry and negatively impacting the national economy.
East Nusa Tenggara makes a beeline for domestic markets
Recognising the power of the domestic travel market in enabling business recovery, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) tourism stakeholders conducted their first local sales mission to Bali, Bandung and Jakarta this month.
Rocky Pekujawang, the head of NTT Tourism Promotion Board (BPPD), said the sales missions to Jakarta and Bali also helped to reignite international tourist demand, as both cities are gateways for foreign travellers.
“There are now three airlines offering direct flights from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo,” said Rocky.
BPPD offered adventure and outdoor activities, such as hiking, trekking, and snorkelling, as well as packages that would enable travellers to experience a mix of activities. Prices start from 7.8 million rupiah (US$548) per pax. A 4D3N programme by Flobamor Tours, for example, entices travellers to set sail on a Phinisi ship to visit Kelor island for snorkelling and Padar island for hiking.
Rocky shared that BPPD is also in talks with the NTT chapter of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) for potential collaboration on camper van packages.
Abed Frans, chairman of NTT chapter of ASITA, said camper van travel suited the characteristics of tourist destinations in NTT.
He added that his association and the Java Overland community recently hit the road in camper vans, driving from Maumere to Labuan Bajo, to test the feasibility of the package.
If all goes to plan, the camper van packages will launch in June 2022, with departures from Kupang for a Timor Island trip and Tambolaka for Sumba Island trip.
From Tambolaka in Southwest Sumba regency, for example, travellers can explore Waingapu and visit various natural attractions, such as Savana Hiliwuku Hill – known among the locals as Teletubbies Hill.
Semarang regency on track towards tourism goals
The regency of Semarang in Indonesia’s Central Java province has intensified infrastructure development and established fresh private investment opportunities in an effort to compete with neighbouring Semarang City as a tourist destination.
Semarang is one of the supporting clusters of the Borobudur Super Priority Destination Development together with Yogyakarta and Solo, which is dubbed Joglosemar.
Semarang regent Ngesti Nugraha provided development updates at the 14th anniversary dinner of the Jakarta Travel Media Grouping (HAM) in Semarang last week.
At present, the Solo-Semarang section of the new Semarang-Solo-Yogyakarta toll roads has been completed, while the Semarang-Yogyakarta section is in progress.
Gedong Songo Temple complex, a group of 9th century Hindu temples, has been repaved and given a new platform for flower markets and parking spaces. A traditional market in Bandungan has been relocated to clear traffic congestion on the way to the temple complex, and a park is under construction on the former market site.
The Rawa Pening lake has been cleared of water hyacinth and tourist attractions have been built in the area. Today, Bukit Cinta is one of the popular spots for families and young visitors to enjoy water activities, such as boating and fishing.
Kampoeng Kopi Banaran, a resort set amid a Dutch colonial coffee plantation, will be upgraded and expanded to better appeal to travellers.
Ngesti revealed that two strategic areas, sized between 10 and 11 hectares, in Bandungan and Tengeran area on the Solo-Semarang main road are earmarked for tourism development by investors.
“We will develop and expand the roads leading to the locations and ease permits for potential investors,” he added.
Guests of the event welcomed the news, but pointed out areas for improvement to enable the regency to fulfil her tourism goals.
Bondan Marutohenging, chairman of Semarang Regional Parliament, said the Semarang regency would require hotels and event venues to extend the average length of stay of visitors, which would then grow tourism revenue.
Tourism is currently the second biggest revenue generator for the regency, only after land and building taxes.
Without enough hotels, travellers will continue to visit the regency for attractions but stay overnight in Semarang City where accommodation options are plenty, remarked Bondan.
Dewi Pramuningsih, head of Semarang Regency Tourism Office, regarded tourism promotions as key, and suggested that the destination leverage events such as Gedongsongo Festival, which showcases traditional performances and creative industry exhibition. The 2021 festival was held last week.
Attractions in the regency are doing their part to raise the destination’s profile. Kampoeng Kopi Banaran, for instance, will launch three national events in 2022, shared general manager Frina Bonita.
“We will launch the first music concert in the middle of the coffee plantation, titled Dynamic Fest, in June. That will be followed by the Black Market Festival during the coffee picking season in August. We will close the year with the first Indonesia International Motor Show,” she disclosed.
Singapore tightens border measures
Travellers entering Singapore will face stricter rules from 23.59 on December 2 as the city-state attempts to buffer against the spread of the new Omicron variant.
The Straits Times reported that while no Omicron cases have been detected locally, the Ministry of Health said the pre-emptive measures are needed for Singapore to assess the implications of the new variant. Such measures will also help to reduce the risk of importation of the virus.
Under the new requirements, air travellers arriving on the quarantine-free Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme must undergo supervised, self-administered antigen rapid tests at a Quick Test Centre on days three and seven of their arrival.
Previously, such travellers would only need to take a Covid-19 swab test prior to their departure for Singapore, and upon arrival.
All air travellers entering, transferring or transiting through Singapore must also have tested negative in a pre-departure test within two days of leaving for Singapore.
Third, all travellers must take a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on arrival. This will affect non-VTL travellers entering Singapore who are not from Hong Kong, Macau, China and Taiwan.
These tightened restrictions will be in place for four weeks, and are subjected to review and possible extension.
This announcement follows on the heels of the government’s decision to indefinitely postpone planned VTLs for Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
SIA, Garuda Indonesia deepen partnership
Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will expand their wide-ranging commercial partnership to provide customers with additional options and an enhanced travel experience.
The agreement was inked by Garuda Indonesia president and CEO Irfan Setiaputra and SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong on November 26, 2021, coinciding with the launch of a quarantine-free Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Indonesia and Singapore on November 29, 2021.
The scope of the collaboration includes the potential alignment of frequent flyer programmes, joint marketing activities, and initiatives to promote inbound tourism into Indonesia, subject to regulatory approval. Both partners are also committed to finding new growth opportunities in the air freight segment, as well as cooperation in maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities.
Garuda Indonesia and SIA reactivated their air connectivity partnership
arrangement between Singapore and Bali, Jakarta, and Surabaya on October 1, 2021. Garuda Indonesia commenced flights network connectivity on SIA’s services to London on the same day, and will codeshare on SIA’s flights to Mumbai from January 1, 2022, subject to regulatory approval.
Airbnb has launched the Discover the Travel Revolution initiative which provides Singaporeans with a limited-time offer of S$50 (US$37) off any Airbnb stay listed by its partners via airbnb.com/travelrevo.
A minimum booking spend of S$150 is required, and each user can redeem the coupon code only once.
The initiative aims to encourage Singaporeans to embark on local workations and staycations, as well as to help Singapore’s tourism sector capitalise on the digital nomad trend.
Participating partners include Far East Organisation, Ascott Group, Hmlet and ST Signature. Guests can select from a range of hotels and serviced apartments listed on Airbnb, including Ascott Orchard Singapore, Hmlet Cantonment, lyf Funan Singapore, Parkroyal Serviced Suites, KeSa House, Wanderlust Hotel, and ST Residences Novena.
Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb general manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said: “The world is undergoing a revolution in how we live and work, and this increasing desire among travellers for flexible travel has created exciting new opportunities for Singapore’s tourism sector.
“As a global destination for professionals and business travellers, Singapore is uniquely positioned for both short and longer-term stays, especially for digital nomads looking to anchor themselves in an exciting destination for months at a time. This new initiative will not only encourage Singaporeans to explore their own backyard in creative new ways, but also help the city hone its offering to digital nomads from around the world.”