Minor Hotels bring NH Collection to Asia

March 9, 2022

NH Collection Hotels will debut in Asia with the opening of NH Collection Chiang Mai Ping River in Thailand come 2023.

The new-build will be integrated into nature and the surrounding riverside landscape. Set across two low-rise buildings are 79 rooms and suites, some with private swimming pools, as well as shared guests facilities such as a swimming pool and deck, a multipurpose space combining a restaurant, café, art space and bar, and a fitness centre.

NH Collection Chiang Mai Ping River will be the first NH Collection property in Asia

The resort will sit across the river from the temple-filled Old City, where guests can explore other dining options and visit the trendy art galleries and craft shops.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of parent company, Minor Hotels, said: “Every NH Collection experience is based on our promise to connect guests with the city’s soul, so getting the destination right was extremely important for our first NH Collection property in Asia.

“Together with our partner Osmo Ping River, we look forward to giving the city of Chiang Mai a truly standout property that will speak of its standing as Thailand’s centre of creativity.”

NH Collection Chiang Mai Ping River will be the first NH Collection property outside of Europe and Latin America.

UNWTO to vote on suspending Russia’s membership

By TTG Asia

March 9, 2022

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Diplomatic,Relations,Between,Ukraine,And,Russia.,Flag,Of,The,Two — diplomatic relations between Ukraine and russia.

The UNWTO Executive Council will convene an Extraordinary UNWTO General Assembly to consider the suspension of Russia’s membership on the basis of the latter’s invasion of Ukraine.

On March 8, at the request of several UNWTO members, the Executive Council met in Madrid amid ongoing global concern and condemnation for the unilateral actions of the Russian Federation.

Russia’s attack on Ukraine goes against the United Nations Charter, says UNWTO chief

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said in a press statement: “War is never a solution! Not now, and not ever. But it is evident that not everybody is committed to this ideal.”

He added: “For this reason, UNWTO – and me as the voice of the organisation – must be loud and clear: if you are a member, then you commit to our rules. And you must embrace our values. So, when members go against our goals, there must be consequences.”

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is inconsistent with the United Nations Charter and contravenes the fundamental aim of the UNWTO as enshrined in Article 3 of its Statutes, which states the “promotion and development of tourism with a view to contributing to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity and universal respect for, and observance of, human rights”, as the fundamental principles of the organisation.

As such, the UNWTO General Assembly alone has the sovereign responsibility to decide on the suspension of membership of any member state that goes against the Statutes.

UNWTO expressed its commitment to back the resolution of the UN General Assembly and the vote of the UN Human Rights Council demanding that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders”, reaffirming the paramount importance of the UN Charter in the promotion of law among nations.

James Thurlby elected to lead Skal International Bangkok

By TTG Asia

March 9, 2022

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James Thurlby, digital marketing manager of Move Ahead Media, has been elected president of Skål International Bangkok following the Annual General Meeting on March 8.

Skål International Bangkok, one of 300 Skål clubs worldwide, has a membership of 62 tourism industry leaders.

Thurlby has set a goal to grow Skål International Bangkok into one of the top five largest in the world during his two-year term.

Other committee members elected on March 8 include Marvin Bemand as vice president, Arrissra Limpisthien as vice president for women in leadership, Michael Bamberg as secretary, John Neutze as treasurer, Scott Smith as Young Skål director, Kanokros Wongvekin as PR director, Pichai Visutriratana as events director, and Tim Waterhouse as auditor.

Malaysia’s April 1 reopening marks proper tourism restart

By S Puvaneswary

March 9, 2022

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Malaysia will finally reopen to international tourists on April 1, with no quarantine on arrival for fully vaccinated travellers.

In making the announcement on March 8, prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob detailed that these travellers must still undergo an RT-PCR test two days prior to travel and an RTK antigen test within 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia.

Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Malaysia without quarantine from April 1

Entry requirements for travellers who are not fully vaccinated will be announced today by the Health Ministry, while Standard Operating Procedures for land and sea entry points will be updated soon.

The move to reopen international borders were in line with the country’s Transitioning to Endemicity phase on April 1.

Malaysia’s travel players welcome the decision.

KL Tan, president, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), said it was a crucial step for the tourism industry.

He said: “We can finally start rebuilding the tourism sector and contribute to the country’s economic recovery. With a firm date, the industry can now begin its marketing and promotion activities.”

He said it made sense to reopen the country’s borders while maintaining updated Standard Operating Procedures to ensure public health and safety.

Sri Ganesh Michiel, deputy president, Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association, said the reopening would not immediately revive the hospitality and tourism industry; it would take a long time to rebuild the confidence of travellers to vacation in Malaysia.

And as overseas travel will soon be more accessible to Malaysian residents, Yap Lip Seng, CEO of Malaysian Association of Hotels, said domestic travel promotions must be intensified while activities targeting overseas markets are reignited.

Yap hopes that airlines would be incentivised to mount more services into Malaysia in support of inbound traffic recovery.

Sweet treats this Easter at Mövenpick Hotels

By TTG Asia

March 9, 2022

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Newly-opened Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer and Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, Tasmania are embracing their Swiss brand heritage to bring chocolatey treats to guests this Easter.

The culinary team at Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer is partnering with Melbourne’s Kenny Lover’s ice cream chefs to give their iconic Mövenpick Ice Cream Parfait an Easter twist.

Celebrate Easter with Chocology packages at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart

Featuring Kenny Lover’s custom blend hot cross bun ice cream topped with an array of chocolate eggs and rabbits, this Easter parfait will be available for the whole of April during the hotel’s Chocolate Hour from 13.30 to 16.30 daily.

At Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, celebrate with the range of Chocology packages during high tea at Tesoro Restaurant during the month of April. Little Sweet Treats packages are available for guests aged 12 years and under.

Reservations for Chocology packages are required.

India’s resumption of scheduled flights to boost summer business

By Rohit Kaul

March 9, 2022

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india-gate-new-delhi — More than double the visa processing fee for Malaysian tourists to India

Days after the Indian government said it would continue to suspend scheduled international flights to and from India until further notice, an about-turn decision has been made to reinstate international air access from March 27.

The decision is welcomed by India’s tourism stakeholders who have been pleading with the government to resume scheduled international flight operations in the country.

Resumption of scheduled international flights to and from India sparks hopes of a summer business revival

Sanjay Razdan, joint secretary, Indian Association of Tour Operators as well as director, Razdan Holidays, said the move “sends a positive message in the international markets that India is ready for international tourism”.

Gaurav Bhatia, executive director, Bird Group, said: “The announcement to resume scheduled international passenger services comes at the right time. The pandemic situation has improved in India as well as globally.”

He expects the resumption of international flights to positively impact India’s aviation companies as well as hotels. Passengers planning their international travel ahead of the summer peak season can expect to see high airfares cooling off, now that seat supply will improve.

The removal of the scheduled international flight ban comes just before the summer holidays in India, between April to June.

However, Ajay Prakash, president, Travel Agents Federation of India, warned that the Indian rupee’s significant depreciation would make overseas travel more expensive and shape outbound demand.

“Hopefully, the air capacity increase can bring down international airfares to more realistic levels to even things out,” he said, adding that there is “tremendous pent-up demand” for travel among Indian residents.

Emirates, Sri Lanka Tourism join hands to drive tourism recovery

By TTG Asia

March 9, 2022

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Emirates has signed an MoU with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau that reaffirms the airline’s commitment to reviving tourism business for the destination.

Both entities will conduct joint activities such as tradeshows, trade fam trips, exhibitions, and workshops.

(From left) Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s Kimarli Fernando and Emirates’ Ahmed Khoory

Ahmed Khoory, senior vice president, commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean at Emirates, said: “Sri Lanka remains a very key market in Emirates’ global network and the agreement signed today underscores our unwavering commitment to the country. We launched operations to Colombo more than 35 years ago, and our partnership continues to grow from strength to strength. We look forward to exploring mutually beneficial initiatives that will help revive the nation’s trade and tourism sectors, and provide Emirates with an opportunity to serve market demand.”

Kimarli Fernando, chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said the partnership was “crucial for us to explore and capitalise opportunities that emerge and to open up many beautiful avenues to establish brand awareness and perceived quality in the global tourism market”.

Since reopening borders to international tourists in February 2021, Sri Lanka has welcomed more than 80,000 passengers to Colombo onboard Emirates flights. The top inbound markets include the UAE, Italy, the UK and Germany.

The airline currently operates 28 weekly flights to Colombo and is the only international carrier to serve the country with First Class services.

Carnival Corporation removes Russia from cruise itineraries

By TTG Asia

March 8, 2022

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Carnival Corporation’s range of cruise lines have or will skip Russian ports going forward, in light of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

Some of Carnival’s cruise lines that had previously featured ports in Russia include Princess Cruises, Holland American Line, Seabourn and AIDA Cruises.

Carnival Corporation’s range of cruise lines will replace Russia’s St. Petersburg port with alternative destinations

Princess Cruises will replace St. Petersburg on 24 cruises with Stockholm, Sweden (overnight call); Visby, Sweden, and Gdansk (Gdynia), Poland.

Holland America Line is altering six itineraries that were originally scheduled to call at Russian ports, to now call at Baltic ports such as Riga, Latvia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; Visby, Sweden; and Stockholm, Sweden. One cruise that was scheduled to visit Vladivostok, Russia, will instead visit Busan, South Korea.

Seabourn is also modifying six itineraries on Seabourn Ovation, with details to come soon.

AIDA Cruises will adjust the itineraries of four ships sailing in summer 2022 to stop at Riga, Latvia; Copenhagen, Denmark; Oslo, Norway; or Visby, Sweden instead.

Carnival Cruise Line and P&O Cruises UK are also adjusting their Baltic sailings.

In a statement issued by Carnival Corporation, a Costa Cruises spokesperson said the company was “following with great concern what is happening in the heart of Europe, and we hope that the pressure of the international community will soon restore peace”.

Costa has taken actions to reassure and assist Ukrainian crew members and guests who are aboard, and will continue to monitor the situation and “amend itineraries as necessary following guidance from authorities”.

Indonesia implements new entry rules for travellers

By Mimi Hudoyo

March 8, 2022

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Tourist-in-Bali — More outbound travellers from emerging markets are choosing Indonesia as a holiday destination; tourist in Bali pictured

Indonesia has opened the Bali, Batam and Bintan borders under the quarantine-free trial programme and granted Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) for 23 countries as of March 7 for all inbound visitors travelling by air and sea.

Eligible travellers have to be fully vaccinated or have taken a booster 14 days before arrival, with the certificates verified by the country’s official Covid-19 digital contact tracing app, PeduliLindungi. Travellers are also required to have Covid-19 insurance with a minimum coverage of US$25,000.

Indonesia has opened the Bali, Batam and Bintan borders under the quarantine-free trial programme for tourists

Upon arrival, travellers have to show proof of a negative PCR test result obtained prior to departure to Bali, and a paid booking at any CHSE (Clean, Health, Safety, and Environment) certified hotels in Bali with a minimum stay of four days.

They must take another PCR test and wait for the result at their hotels. Should a positive result emerge, the traveller must self-isolate in the hotel or be admitted to a hospital if he/she is elderly or have comorbidity.

This process also applies for Batam and Bintan arrivals.

Visitors must take another test on day three, whether or not they intend to travel out of the island to other parts of Indonesia. Prior to this latest entry requirement, travellers were not allowed to travel beyond Bali.

The VoA facilities are granted to all ASEAN member countries as well as Australia, the US, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Qatar, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Turkey and the UAE, with a tariff of 500,000 rupiah (US$36) per person, valid for 30 days, with an extension up to another 30 days.

The rest of the world can now apply directly online for the e-visa without having to go through a travel agency sponsor in Indonesia.

Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy said that as the government transitions into an endemic state, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and other related agencies are also preparing for a new economic era – one that is “digital and health-based” and will ensure achievement of “quality human resources” and job creation across “tourism and creative village levels”.

Vietnam’s impending reopening inspires recovery hopes

By Marissa Carruthers

March 8, 2022

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Visa waivers and eased entry for vaccinated travellers will place Vietnam ahead of her neighbours when she reopens to international visitors on March 15, claim industry players.

While details of entry requirements are still to be confirmed, tourism players have welcomed the move.

Vietnam will reopen to international visitors on March 15

Alexander Leven, general manager, Asian Trails Vietnam, said: “(Recovery) really depends on the safety measures that will be implemented. At the moment there are talks of 24-hour quarantine and Covid tests upon arrival – these would definitely prevent many tourists from coming to Vietnam.”

Pre-pandemic, Vietnam had visa waivers in place with 13 countries. The Ministry of Health has lodged an application for them to be reinstated, which is currently awaiting approval. Travel agents say this is crucial for Vietnam to remain competitive.

Jeff Redl, managing director, Diethelm Travel Vietnam, believes that Vietnam has the chance for a successful tourism comeback by implementing the easiest Covid-19 rules and protocols in the region.

He said: “If authorities could agree to open borders without any kind of restriction, we will definitely see a boom in demand. Also, we need urgent clarifications with regards to the visa policy.”

Pham Ha, CEO and founder of Lux Travel DMC, remains doubtful about Vietnam’s short-term inbound recovery, as there is “no hope” for mass tourism from China, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taipei.

However, he predicts the western market will start to resurface from May and June.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s reopening announcement has triggered market interest and response.

Lux Travel has received re-bookings from Germany, Spain and France, while Diethelm has reported “an important increase in demand”, especially from France, the UK and Nordic countries.

Redl said: “We are now getting several inquiries on a daily basis and from different source markets. It’s surprising to see how international travellers are eager to plan a trip to Vietnam.”

Leven observes continued regional and longhaul demand for Vietnam, and told TTG Asia that Western European operators are keen to start selling Vietnam as soon as possible.

Minor Hotels bring NH Collection to Asia

UNWTO to vote on suspending Russia’s membership

James Thurlby elected to lead Skal International Bangkok

Malaysia’s April 1 reopening marks proper tourism restart

Sweet treats this Easter at Mövenpick Hotels

India’s resumption of scheduled flights to boost summer business

Emirates, Sri Lanka Tourism join hands to drive tourism recovery

Carnival Corporation removes Russia from cruise itineraries

Indonesia implements new entry rules for travellers

Vietnam’s impending reopening inspires recovery hopes

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