Sri Lanka gears up to launch global tourism campaign
The Sri Lankan government is preparing to launch a tourism promotion campaign in key source markets in coming weeks ahead of the forthcoming winter season.
The campaign costing 270 million rupees (US$1.3 million) was recently approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
According to industry officials, the campaign involves three initiatives: television commercials globally; public relations and digital marketing initiatives in France and a social media campaign in the Middle East; and tourism and trade promotion campaigns in the UK, Germany and India.
India is Sri Lanka’s main source market, while the UK, Germany, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Russia have emerged as other key markets this year.
“Given the delay in rolling out the global communication campaign as the appointment of the firms via competitive bidding process is time-consuming, the strategic programme will be initiated as a short-term plan to revive the Covid-hit tourism industry,” reported the Daily FT newspaper. “In this context, the Cabinet has also approved a reduction in the number of days for the usual bidding process, from 42 days to 14 days.”
The industry has been pushing for a global promotion campaign across all media to boost tourism, but this has been delayed for a number of reasons over the years, including the Easter Sunday bomb attacks on hotels and churches in 2019 which decimated tourist arrivals. The plan hit another setback with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
In addition, a change in the government in late 2019 further exacerbated the proposed global promotion campaign which has been in the works for the past five years.
The announcement on the upcoming launch of the global campaign has been welcomed by the industry. “I hope and pray every day that the marketing campaign and the communication campaign will be launched soon. If that does not happen, we will continue to get low-spending tourists into the country,” Hiran Cooray, a veteran hotelier and president of the state-run Sri Lanka Tourism Advisory Committee, told a recent public forum.
Sri Lanka shut its borders in March 2020 when Covid-19 hit. Since reopening to tourism in January, the country has recorded 60,695 tourist arrivals in the 10 months through October – a sharp drop compared to the 507,311 arrivals in the three months (January-March) of 2020.
New Zealand sets border reopening date
New Zealand has unveiled a plan to reopen its borders to international visitors from April 30, in a gradual easing of pandemic border restrictions that have been in place since March 2020.
The South Pacific country has imposed some of the world’s tightest Covid-19 restrictions, which has helped to limit the spread of the virus.
Outlining the country’s staged reopening plan on Wednesday (November 24), Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins said: “A phased approach to reconnecting with the world is the safest approach to ensure risk is carefully managed. This reduces any potential impacts on vulnerable communities and the New Zealand health system.”
Fully vaccinated foreign travellers will be allowed to enter the country from April 30, and will have to self-isolate for seven days on arrival, said Hipkins.
Vaccinated New Zealanders and residence visa holders in neighbouring Australia can travel to New Zealand from January 16, while New Zealanders and residence visa holders in all other countries will be allowed to enter from February 13.
All travellers must show proof of being fully vaccinated as well as a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test result. They will have to self-isolate for seven days, and will be tested for Covid-19 upon arrival.
New Zealand has recorded just over 10,000 Covid-19 cases and 40 deaths since the start of the pandemic – far fewer than most comparable countries.
SIA unveils new flight pass offering for customers
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has rolled out Flight Pass, a new product that will allow customers to make advance purchases of discounted bundles of flight tickets that can be used against future bookings.
Launched in collaboration with US-based Optiontown, Flight Pass will initially be offered on SIA services between Singapore and France, Italy, South Korea, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK.
This includes the quarantine-free vaccinated travel lane flights from these destinations to Singapore, if their trip starts from Singapore. Flight Pass will be progressively expanded to other points in the SIA network.
In a statement, SIA said the key feature of Flight Pass is its “flexibility”. Customers may lock in discounted air fares for multiple flights, and decide on their travel dates at their convenience, subject to seat availability. The travel can be customised based on parameters such as destinations, the number of flights, the travel period, and fare type.
Buyers can also share the tickets in each Flight Pass bundle with anyone, allowing travellers to enjoy cost savings by pooling together their travel.
Customers may purchase and manage their passes via SIA’s Flight Pass website at singaporeair.optiontown.com.
Anantara appoints several new GMs across multiple locations
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has made four new general manager appointments at resorts in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Qatar and the UAE.
Erik Billgren is now the general manager at Anantara Mui Ne Resort in Vietnam. The Swedish national brings with him over a decade of hospitality experience and property management of luxury hotels, resorts and residences in Vietnam.
He began his career in 2005 as International management trainee – assistant F&B manager for Life Heritage Resort, and Swiss-Belhotel Golden Sands Resort in Hoi An, Vietnam. Between 2006 and 2010, he was promoted to F&B manager, then assistant resort manager, and ultimately general manager for Life Heritage Resort, Hoi An, which is now known as Anantara Hoi An Resort.
Staying in Vietnam, in 2012 he joined The Ocean Resort, VinaCapital, Da Nang, as general manager/property manager. Between 2010 and 2020, he was also the owner/director of Waterfront Restaurant & Bar in Da Nang. Prior to joining Anantara, Billgren worked as hotel manager, New World Hoiana Hotel & Residences, Hoi An.
Over in Sri Lanka, João Corte-Real joins as cluster general manager overseeing Anantara Kalutara Resort and its neighbouring and sister property Avani Kalutara Resort.
The seasoned hotelier started his career in hospitality in 1996 with ENATUR – Pousadas de Portugal, a government enterprise for small luxury, traditional or historical hotels, and has since held senior management positions with Lisboa Regency Chiado Hotel and Tróia Resort in Portugal, as well as Hotel Timor in Dili, the capital of East Timor.
Corte-Real then joined Anantara in 2015 as general manager at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort in Thailand. Prior to that, he was based in his native Portugal working with sister brand Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, where he was cluster general manager at Tivoli Palácio de Seteais and Tivoli Sintra Hotel. In May 2018, he moved to Brazil as general manager, Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo Hotel.
Over in the Middle East, Gauderic Harang rejoins Anantara – from Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman – to oversee the three Anantara Sir Bani Yas Resorts in the UAE as the new general manager.
Harang’s career began in France at Plaza Athénée Paris, followed by several other positions in his native France. In 2013 he relocated to Thailand to join Swissôtel Resort Phuket, before moving to Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Canada, both positions as director of operations.
In 2016, he joined Anantara taking the position of resident manager for Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli and Naladhu Private Island in the Maldives, stepping up as acting general manager before moving back to Thailand as resort manager at Anantara Golden Triangle.
Lastly, Mohammed Wazir has been appointed as General Manager at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Bringing over 17 years of hospitality experience to the role, Mohammed moves to Qatar from his most recent position as general manager at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara in Oman.
His hospitality experience began in the UK with Millennium Hotels before he moved to Malta with Corinthia Hotels. With Corinthia Hotels, Wazir spent time working in properties in Russia, North Africa, the UK and Eastern Europe.
Wazir’s journey with Anantara began in 2015 at this same island property in Doha where he held the position of hotel manager. He then moved to Thailand as Hotel Manager at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
New hotels: Hotel Kith Darling Harbour, Four Points By Sheraton Desaru, and more
Hotel Kith Darling Harbour, Australia
MetroResidences, a Singapore-headquartered hospitality management company, has launched Hotel Kith Darling Harbour in Sydney, marking the debut of the group’s expansion in Australia. The 60-room boutique hotel offers an experience that sets itself apart from the cookie-cutter formula. Guests are provided the option to customise their stay – from selecting a preferred check-in method (online or in-person) and submitting special room or amenities requests, to receiving a personalised Sydney itinerary recommendation prior to arrival. In addition, the property offers a contactless mobile check-in. Guests will receive a secure digital key through their email, enabling them to access their room with their mobile devices.
Four Points By Sheraton Desaru, Malaysia
Located in the heart of Desaru town, the 311-key Four Points by Sheraton Desaru is about a 50-minute drive from the Senai International Airport in Johor Bahru. All guestrooms offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspaces, and private balconies; while the Family Room also showcases a play tent and personalised welcome amenities for kids.
The property features the brand’s new signature dining concept, The Mesh, an all-day dining space that enables guests to dine, work and socialise. The Mesh Restaurant features Malaysian flavours fused with classic and modern international favourites. There is also a lounge and bar area where guests can enjoy an artisan coffee or a coffee-based cocktail. For beer lovers, the hotel offers Best Brews, which is part of Four Points’ signature craft beer programme that offers local craft beer on tap.
Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and children’s playground. For meetings and social gatherings, the hotel offers 12,000m² of flexible indoor meeting space. The pillarless Wave Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests, while the Breeze Junior Ballroom can seat up to 300 guests. For more intimate events, the poolside venue can host up to 150 guests, ideal for weddings.
Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer, Australia
Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer marks Accor’s second Mövenpick Hotel in Australia. The 172-room property forms the six-level podium of the 78-storey Premier Tower development at the meeting point of Melbourne’s Spencer and Bourke Streets in the CBD. Each guestroom and suite features premium linens and blackout curtains, as well as modern bathrooms with a rain shower. The hotel is home to two gastronomic venues – Miss Mi restaurant and bar brings diners on an exotic taste journey through Asia, while a dedicated Mövenpick Café serves the brand’s signature ice cream alongside barista-made coffee and local artisan chocolates. A dedicated recreation floor features a 25m swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and gym.
akyra Manor Chiang Mai, Thailand
Singapore-based developer Manor Group and Akaryn Hotel Group have completed an expansion of akyra Manor Chiang Mai, the urban retreat nestled in the Nimmanhaemin quarter of the cultural city. Unveiled this month, the new Manor North & South wing will more than double the room count at akyra Manor Chiang Mai, as 32 new Deluxe Rooms complement the existing 23 Premier Suites and seven Manor Suites. The wing comprises two low-rise, four-storey buildings, which are defined by an open-plan layout and plenty of natural light. Each Deluxe Room features 30m² of living space, bathroom with rain shower, and premium amenities.
Singapore-Malaysia land VTL to launch on November 29
Singapore and Malaysia will launch a land vaccinated travel lane (VTL) across the Causeway from next Monday (November 29).
The land VTL will be rolled out “in a safe and calibrated manner”, said Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Wednesday.
In the first phase, travellers will have to use designated VTL buses. The scheme will be open to citizens, permanent residents or long-term pass holders of the country that they are entering. This is to give priority for those who have been working in either country to visit their families, said PMO.
Singapore prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, said: “Malaysia is Singapore’s closest neighbour and the two countries share deep and warm relations. The Causeway was one of the busiest land borders in the world before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted our cross-border activities. The launch of the VTL (Land) is a big step towards reconnecting our people and economies, and will further enhance our bilateral relationship.”
PMO said that the land VTL will be progressively expanded to include more travellers, including general travellers, depending on the public health situation in both countries. Singapore and Malaysia will also work towards restoring quarantine-free travel between the two countries through Tuas Second Link.
This latest development follows the announcement of the VTL between Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport, also to launch on November 29.
GHM promotes Clement Koh to EVP sales marketing
General Hotel Management (GHM) has appointed Clement Koh to be the group’s inaugural executive vice president for sales and marketing.
In this newly-created role, Koh will continue to oversee GHM’s strategic expansion of its collection of luxury properties, as well as brand development campaigns and new commercial initiatives to support the company’s growth momentum.
A veteran commercial and branding professional, Koh offers a wealth of expertise acquired over three decades of luxury hospitality management, including senior leadership positions at Mandarin Oriental Group in Hong Kong and Minor International in Thailand.
He previously served as GHM’s vice president of sales of marketing and presided over corporate strategic, branding and communications efforts. In 2013, Koh assumed additional responsibilities in shaping the group’s business development strategy as senior vice president. He also played a key role in enhancing the content curation capabilities and best practices for GHM’s hotels and resorts.
Up, up and away
Following on from Thailand’s Sandbox reopening schemes in 2H2021, the Kingdom has moved on to welcome fully vaccinated tourists without quarantine requirements since November 1.
Thailand’s unrestricted welcome will be offered initially to at least 10 low-risk countries, including the UK, Singapore, Germany, China, and the US. This will build up towards January 2022, when Thailand fully reopens her borders to international travellers.
Furthermore, negotiations are underway for two-way travel bubbles with neighbouring countries to speed up intra-regional travel recovery.
Sharing details of the intended travel bubbles in October, Thailand’s minister of tourism and sports, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said that many international tourists are keen to visit places outside of the designated Sandbox areas, but are deterred by prevailing quarantine requirements.
As a first step, the Thai government is negotiating with Cambodia to reopen Trat province in eastern Thailand and Cambodia’s Koh Kong island. The deal is expected to be finalised within the final quarter of this year.
Authorities are also in discussion to link Malaysia’s Langkawi Island with Koh Lipe Island in southern Thailand, and with Laos for a similar arrangement.
Recent progress in travel and tourism recovery has sparked optimism among Thailand’s trade players, with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expressing confidence that a host of activities to be rolled out nationwide would help return Thailand to her position among the world’s most desirable tourist destinations.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said focus now would be on promoting destinations that ready and safe for visitors, in a bid to rebuild travellers’ confidence, as well as to establish high-value tourism products and services, such as those promising luxurious experiences, health and wellness attention, sports activities and community-based exposures.
TAT’s areas of focus are in line with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ pledge to develop high-end tourism so as to attract bigger spenders.
Sisdivachr Cheewaratanaporn, managing director of Quality Express Tour, told TTG Asia that Thailand’s reopening announcements have been well received by important source markets.
Although citizens of China, Japan and Hong Kong are still banned from travelling abroad, Sisdivachr said interest from consumers there is promising.
“Tourists in many countries want to travel to Thailand,” he said, adding that Indian travellers are ready to descend on Thailand once entry restrictions are relaxed.
Also, European tourists are likely to be among the first groups to return to Thailand during the year-end season and in 1Q2022.
He shared that his agency has started working with overseas agents to sell packages, and have received “fairly good feedback”.
Luzi Matzig, chairman of Asian Trails Group, said the reopening of Thailand to vaccinated visitors will restore confidence from international markets, especially in Europe, which are crucial to the country’s tourism recovery.
Some 70 per cent of the European Union’s adult population has been fully vaccinated and allowed to travel overseas. However, travellers want the Thai government to waive the need for certificate of entry application in order to ease travel, he said.
Matzig is currently working with agents in Europe to prepare tours, and the response has been “very positive”.
Supawan Tanomkieatipume, managing director of the Twin Towers Hotel Bangkok, said room enquiries have spiked while many hotels in the capital and in major tourist destinations have been receiving calls from potential clients looking to rent spaces to run year-end events.
Maldives’ minimum wage move brings joy to tourism industry
Tourism operators in the Maldives have hailed the government’s enforcement of a minimum wage for local workers across all industries and sectors, a move which would significantly benefit workers in the tourism sector.
Tourism is the country’s biggest foreign exchange earning industry with close to 50,000 workers across more than 150 resorts, of which nearly 50 per cent are locals. The minimum wage decision, being enforced for the first time in the Maldives, would come into effect from January 2022.
“This is a very welcome move. It’s a good win for the tourism industry,” said Abdulla Ghiyas, past president of the Maldives Association of Travel & Tour Operators, who was among stakeholders including government agencies that decided on the move.
He said the government has worked with the respective stakeholders for the past 2.5 years on this scheme, which has been categorised into small, medium and large businesses.
Mauroof Zakir, general secretary of the Tourism Employees Association of the Maldives, a trade union, said the minimum wage for tourism workers has been set at 8,000 Maldivian rufiyaa – equivalent to US$519 – monthly.
“We had requested for US$600 but we are happy with this remarkable achievement,” he said, adding that the minimum wage for tourism workers will exclude service charge and overtime pay.
Zakir, who was also part of the negotiating team of stakeholders, said that although there will be a two-year moratorium on the implementation of the minimum wage for foreign employees, he hoped that resorts would also implement the scheme for their foreign staff from January.
Destination Gold Coast’s Board of Directors has appointed Adrienne Readings as chair of the tourism body, following the step-down announcement of Paul Donovan, who held the position for 17 years.
Readings will be working closely with the Board and the team at Destination Gold Coast to represent the interests of Gold Coast’s 4,400 tourism businesses and the 35,000 people employed by the sector. She has served on the Board of Destination Gold Coast for 17 years and formerly acted as vice chair.
In total, she possesses more than 30 years’ experience in business events, tourism management and hospitality.
Readings is also the general manager of Australia’s largest regional convention centre, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), the first woman to be appointed general manager of an Australian convention centre.
In her role at GCCEC, Readings successfully identified and developed commercial opportunities for the Gold Coast and oversaw the delivery of billions of dollars of economic impact to the region.
Readings said in a press statement: “The next two years is all about our city’s recovery and creating a blueprint for future success to attract more visitors, more often and to grow expenditure for the Gold Coast.
“It has been a heartbreaking 18 months for our industry, but I see so much opportunity ahead of us with the return of interstate visitors in a matter of weeks and eventually international markets, a future pipeline of A$179 million (US$129 million) in business events opportunity for the city as well as working with peers to strengthen the future of the region through new infrastructure, development and city connectivity.”