Tourism Malaysia unveils interactive e-brochures as part of digital push
Tourism Malaysia has rolled out five new interactive brochures and travel guides, in a rebranding of the agency’s digital travel brochures.
Dubbed Interactive Digital Brochures, they can be accessed via Tourism Malaysia’s recently-revamped microsite, ebrochures.malaysia.travel.
Tourism, arts and culture minister Nancy Shukri said that the interactive brochures “gives new life to digital brochures in pdf format, which previously could only be downloaded and printed”.
Initially, five popular Tourism Malaysia digital brochures have been uploaded on the site, namely, Malaysia Travel Guide, Kuala Lumpur the Dazzling Capital City, Langkawi the Jewel of Kedah, Islands and Beaches, and Adventures with Nature. More interactive brochures will be uploaded in time, Nancy said at the launch on April 20.
The all-new digital versions incorporate interactive multimedia elements such as text, audio, graphics, animation and video.
The site is user-friendly and more responsive, thus, making it easier for the public to access the brochure via mobile devices, tablets and laptops. Additionally, the contents of the digital brochures can be easily shared through various apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and even email.
Nancy revealed: “The launch of Interactive Digital Brochures is in line with efforts to intensify the digitisation of tourism to revitalise the tourism industry, as outlined under the National Tourism Policy (DPN) 2020-2030.
“This site utilises Google Maps links to help tourists and tour operators to plan trips, choose suitable accommodations and find out (surrounding) facilities such as petrol stations, restaurants, parking facilities and hospitals.”
Bangkok Airways operating at 30% capacity, targets domestic tourists
Bangkok Airways is currently operating at only a third of its full capacity on domestic routes, as border curbs continue to hamper air travel recovery.
Of its fleet of 39, the airline is currently flying only 13 aircraft – six airbuses, and seven ATR72-600s – some on scheduled flights, and others on chartered flights.
Operating at such low capacities has impacted the airline’s revenue. At the end of November 2020, Bangkok Airways announced a total revenue of 903 million baht (US$28.7 million) for its operating results in 3Q2020, a decrease of 86.5 per cent year-on-year with net losses of 1,585.1 million baht.
Komkrit Ngamwongwirot, director of key account and ancillary product, Bangkok Airways, said that the airline’s sole focus is on domestic passengers for the time being.
“Similarly to other peers in the industry, we’ve had to shift our focus to domestic. So the message and the media have changed. Thais use a lot of social media, so instead of focusing on the traditional media which also costs more, we use a lot of social media as a medium to communicate with customers at the moment,” he shared.
Bangkok Airways used to heavily advertise its international routes – which was a major source of income for the airline pre-Covid, as it flew to 10 other countries in East Asia – and had earlier this year planned to resume international routes in 4Q2021. However, due to Thailand’s worsening third Covid-19 wave coupled with a lack of clarity from the government on a timeline for reopening to international flights, the airline has shelved plans for resuming international flights indefinitely.
“In the short-term, I see some consolidation of airlines post-Covid because of the financial issues,” Komkrit predicted. “In the medium-term, we see technology playing a big part for airlines. We’re moving to digital, API, contactless and biometric technologies. Also, new city pairs (may emerge for) airlines; instead of flying into big cities, hub and spoke, I foresee that in the future, airlines may be looking at smaller city pairs.”
As Thailand’s current third wave of Covid-19 is expected to intensify further, Bangkok Airways has announced that it will postpone the inauguration of its new flight route between Bangkok to Mae Sot until October 17, 2021.
As of April 22, the airline also reported that three routes will be temporarily suspended as follows: the Phuket to Hat Yai route from April 23 to October 30, 2021; and the Bangkok to Sukhothai and Bangkok to Trat routes during the entire month of May 2021.
Singapore further tightens border measures for travellers from India
Singapore will ban all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to India within the last 14 days from setting foot into or transiting through the country from Friday (April 23), 23.59.
This applies to travellers who have obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press release on Thursday (April 22).
In addition, all travellers with recent travel history to India who have yet to complete their 14-day stay-home notice (SHN) by April 22, 23.59, will need to complete their additional seven-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities, instead of their place of residence, according to the release.
They will undergo Covid-19 PCR tests on-arrival, on day 14 of their SHN, and another test before the end of their 21-day SHN period.
Singapore’s further tightening of border measures for travellers from India comes following a surge in Covid-19 cases in the South Asian country. In addition, a new Covid-19 cluster was detected among its migrant worker community earlier this week.
While MOH said that there is no evidence that the recent cases at the Westlite Woodlands Dormitory are linked to the new virus strain from India, it said that the stricter border controls are to guard against the risks of any potential “leaks” from newly arriving workers from India, which could cause another wave of infection in the dormitories. It also cited reinfection risks among recovered workers as the reason for the tightening of measures.
With the emergence of new Covid-19 variants, MOH said that it will closely monitor for reinfection of recovered cases, and is reviewing the country’s border measures for recovered travellers. It added that imported cases suspected of reinfection will be isolated and undergo repeat Covid-19 PCR tests to ensure prompt detection.
The multi-ministry taskforce has been closely monitoring the global Covid-19 situation, “especially given the rapidly deteriorating situation in India”, said MOH.
Buying intentions stay strong for South-east Asia destinations
• Buyers say clients are ready to travel as soon as restrictions are lifted
• Vaccination of travellers has helped to boost travel confidence
• Destination research has started; clean and safe destinations are preferred
Although current international arrivals into South-east Asia are still severely marred by a volatile pandemic situation and travel restrictions, regional and international travel trade buyers have begun working on travel programmes in the region for a possible roll-out later this year.
Walter L Keats, president of US-based Asia Pacific Travel, expects travel to South-east Asia to be possible as early as November 2021 and that demand will continue through March 2022 – the typical winter travel season when Americans escape the cold at home.
His confidence is built upon the ongoing vaccination programme in the US and president Joe Biden’s goal to vaccinate all willing residents by July 4, 2021.
“This will unleash a wave of pent up demand for travel by these Americans,” Keats projected, but added that for outbound travel to be possible, destinations and airlines must agree on acceptable vaccination passports.
While waiting for an encouraging travel landscape to materialise, Keats has started to study the South-east Asian marketplace so as to help with travel programming.
Keats is among more than 150 regional and international travel trade buyers that have registered for Great ASEAN Travel Fest 2021, an online travel trade event focusing on promoting South-east Asian destinations and supporting players working towards business recovery. The event is happening on May 4 and 5, 2021. Participation numbers are expected to climb as registration remains open.
Sharing the same confidence is Zaim Muhammad, representative of Dubai-based Travel Counsellor, who expects the UAE’s successful vaccination programme to spur outbound travel confidence.
Zaim believes that South-east Asia, a popular region among UAE travellers pre-pandemic, will continue to charm once international borders reopen.
Melody Palomares, president of MAVP Travel & Tours in the Philippines and president/founder of the United Travel Agencies and Operators Association, has also started to research into South-east Asian destinations with the potential to welcome her incentive groups. Clients have expressed intentions to “push through with their incentive trips once borders are open”.
New and safe destinations with a track record of low Covid-19 infection numbers are desired, shared Palomares.
Traveller health and safety as priority is a prime criteria echoed by several Great ASEAN Travel Fest 2021 buyers who spoke to TTG Asia.
Keats said vaccinated American travellers would be confident of travelling even to destinations without a majority vaccinated population, as long as health and safety protocols are in place, such as safe distancing and masking requirements.
Palomares added that outdoor attractions and activities, such as national parks, would be most attractive for her clients looking for social distance assurance. Destinations that offer contact-less screening technology at airports, hotels, restaurants and attractions would also be stand-out options.
As travel planning begins, buyers underline the importance of regular and detailed communications from destination marketers and sellers, particularly in relaying information on Covid-19 travel and activity regulations, new products and services in existing and emerging tourist destinations, and the availability of flexible booking arrangements.
Slow recovery for now
International air arrival numbers into South-east Asia for the period of January 1 to April 15, 2021 have stayed low, according to ForwardKeys’ Air Ticket Data, reaching only five per cent of pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Researchers at the intelligence firm are not surprised, given the different pandemic situations among ASEAN member countries. They noted that Singapore, whose government has been successful in controlling caseloads, implementing a nation-wide vaccination programme, moving forward with travel bubbles, and establishing safe meeting zones for business travellers like the Connect@Changi facility, is seeing international arrivals recovering to six per cent of 2019 levels.
Domestic air arrivals within the individual South-east Asian countries look brighter, with Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines having clawed their way to 17 per cent, 20 per cent and 24 per cent of 2019 levels, respectively.
Domestic air travel recovery within Vietnam is most outstanding, having surpassed 2019 levels at 120 per cent. The country has escaped relatively unscathed from the pandemic, compared to her neighbours in the region. Domestic flights were resumed and lockdowns lifted in mid-April 2020, allowing tourism recovery to begin from mid-May. Between January 1 and April 11, 2021, domestic air arrivals in Vietnam recorded a 20 per cent increase compared to 2019 levels.
Despite a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in summer, domestic travel picked up steam from 4Q2020 when infections were contained.
Jameson Wong, ForwardKeys’ Asia-Pacific director, told TTG Asia that “the path to recovery in Asia-Pacific will be gradual, fragile and full of unexpected twists as the vaccination drive increases consumer trust, yet a lot depends on the pace of the rollout and new cases of Covid-19”.
James Cook University to lead discussion on value of luxury tourism
James Cook University’s (JCU) Singapore Tourism Studies Group and Singapore Business School have partnered Boutique Lifestyle Leaders Association (BLLA) to lead exchanges between industry and academic institutions for the integration of intellectual ideas and professional practice, with the first panel on April 30 focusing on the role of luxury tourism in industry recovery.
Daniel Andre Langer, principal of Equite, will kick off the morning session with a presentation on the Survey of Luxury Travelers & Covid 19, and a discussion will follow with industry leaders – Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts; Gabor L Vida, managing director of Rosewood Washington DC; Kelly Bricker, director of parks, recreation, and tourism, The University of Utah; Randy Durband, CEO of Global Sustainable Tourism Council; and Karen Yue, group editor of TTG Asia Media.
Panellists will examine current luxury tourism demand and trends, and discuss the possibility of this niche segment being the solution to a sustainable tourism industry recovery.
It will be moderated by Frances Kiradjian, founder and chair of BLLA.
The panel discussion, from 08.00 to 09.15 Singapore time, is free to attend, and registration can be made here.
Bangkok hotels turned into “hospitels” amid virus spike
A crop of hotels in Bangkok have been converted into “hospitels” – makeshift hospitals to accommodate Covid-19 patients – following the recent surge in infections after the Songkran festival.
Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), said the “hospitel” idea was initiated by THA, Ministry of Public Health and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to deal with the shortage of beds at government and private hospitals.
The move is aimed at accommodating local Covid-19 patients, unlike the government’s alternative state quarantine (ASQ) programme which is designed for arriving foreign visitors to serve their mandatory self-isolation at government-accredited hotels.
The latest Covid-19 spike comes after locals travelled across the country to celebrate the major national Songkran holidays from April 12-15, with Bangkok recording the most number of infections among the provinces.
Local media reported that at least nine hotel operators in Bangkok have turned their guestrooms into “hospitels”, including Malaysia Hotel (100 beds), Ozone Hotel @ Samyan (40 beds), Rattanakosin Hotel (150 beds), Indra Regent Hotel (455 beds), Sinsiri Ramintra Hotel (69 beds), Chiva Hotel (75 beds), Synsiri Hotel (52 beds), and Cheer Hotel (200 beds).
It has also been reported that a few more hotels are awaiting approval to join the scheme within this week. Prior to that, their properties will be accessed to evaluate if they meet the medical requirements, and they must also receive permission from their neighbours.
Staff at hotels turned into “hospitels” will receive mentorship and guidance from medical frontliners at public and private hospitals such as Phyathai Hospital, Paolo Hospital, and BDMS Group of hospitals.
Meanwhile, UHG Group, a hotel and real-estate developer which operates many mid-scale hotels, is offering beds and amenities to be used at field hospitals in Bangkok.
Correction: The original post had used a photo of Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, which is erroneous. Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is not part of the “hospitel” programme; Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit is. A correction has been made.
KKday offers staycation bundles with Disney PJs
Staycationers who book a stay at Fairmont Singapore or Fullerton Hotel Singapore via KKday are in for a sweet treat, as the online travel platform has partnered The Elly Store to offer guests exclusive staycation bundles that come complete with Disney pyjamas set.Fairmont SingaporeFairmont Singapore
Guests who make bookings for stays at Fairmont Singapore or Fullerton Hotel Singapore from April 22 to June 30, 2021 will receive an Elly Store’s Disney Tsum Tsum Pyjamas Set worth S$246++ (US$185++).
Two exclusive family staycation bundle packages are available at Fairmont Singapore.
The first package for two adults and one kid (S$370++) includes a one-night stay at the Fairmont Singapore, breakfast for two adults and one child, one king-sized bed or two double beds, an Elly Store Disney Tsum Tsum family set of pyjamas (valued at S$187), and a complimentary rollaway bed for children (under 12 years old).
The second package for two adults and two kids (S$420++) includes a one-night stay at the Fairmont Singapore, breakfast for two adults and two children, one king-sized bed or two double beds, an Elly Store Disney Tsum Tsum family set of pyjamas (valued at S$246), a complimentary rollaway bed for children (under 12 years old), and a one-time entry to Kiztopia for three hours of play across the various zones (two Adult and two Kid tickets).
Book online here.
Two exclusive family staycation bundle packages are available at Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
The first package for two adults and one kid (from S$470++) includes a one-night stay at the Heritage Room, breakfast for two adults and one child below six years old (breakfast charge at S$26 per child per day for those aged 6-11 years old), a S$100 dining credit at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, one king-sized bed or two double beds, an Elly Store Disney Tsum Tsum family set of pyjamas (valued at S$187), and a complimentary rollaway bed for children (under 11 years old).
The second package for two adults and two kids (from S$515++) includes a one-night stay at the Heritage Room, breakfast for two adults and two children below six years old (breakfast charge at S$26 per child per day for those aged 6-11 years old), a S$100 dining credit at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, one king-sized bed or two double beds, an Elly Store Disney Tsum Tsum family set of pyjamas (valued at S$246), and a complimentary rollaway bed for children (under 11 years old).
Book online here.
WA Hospitality’s first Cambodia hotel slated for 2022 opening
Malaysian-based WA Hospitality will be making its foray into Sihanoukville with the opening of the 300-key Won Majestic Casino Hotel & Resort Cambodia come 1Q2022.
Located steps from the picturesque Sokha beach, the property will feature luxury suites and studio rooms, a swimming pool, gym, three restaurants, guest lounge and a casino.
WA Hospitality had been awarded the management contract to manage the hotel by Cambodian real-estate developer Won Majestic, which has vast experience in the casino business in the region.
Singapore, Hong Kong delays travel bubble announcement
Singapore and Hong Kong have called off an announcement planned for Thursday (April 22) on an air travel bubble between the two cities.
It is not clear why the announcement has been delayed, and a new date has not been set, Bloomberg reported, quoting people familiar with the matter. The report also quoted a source as saying that the cancellation was initiated by the Singapore authorities.
Media reports had earlier reported that Singapore and Hong Kong were finalising the details of the travel bubble, which will exempt travellers from quarantine. Sources had told the South China Morning Post that the Singapore-Hong Kong delayed travel bubble is on track for a mid-May launch, despite the emergence of new virus variants.
The development comes as Singapore faces a new Covid-19 cluster among its migrant worker community that is linked to an imported case.
Location
Meliá Koh Samui is located only 15 minutes from the airport on Choeng Mon Beach, a series of bays on the northeastern tip of the island, close to Chaweng. The property is more upscale than the neighbouring Big Buddha beach, and while its pristine white sands are a tranquil home for a few other three- to five-star resorts, the beach is very quiet for guests.
Rooms
Dotting the property are iconic 100-year-old teakwood barges, a throwback to Thailand’s maritime heritage when golden teakwood barges sailed the Chao Phraya River with their cargoes, mainly rice. In the 1990s, when Samui had reached its peak as a tourist destination, the antique barges were bought and towed to Choeng Mon Beach and transformed into the Imperial Boat House Samui resort, before it was renovated and reopened as Meliá Koh Samui in January 2020.
During the renovation, all the barges were meticulously restored and transformed into the unique Level Boat Suites, of which there are several sizes to woo honeymooners. Several layouts are on offer, but most boast two stories – a cozy bedroom on the upper floor, with a wooden staircase taking guests to the lower level where they will find an atmospheric living room space decorated with oars and boat paddles and ethnic fabrics. Some suites open to balconies, while others offer lagoon pool access.
Meliá Koh Samui also offers Deluxe Rooms, Premium Rooms, Family Suites and a Presidential Suite. There are also Premium Pool Access Rooms with a generous balcony and sunbed from which guests can conveniently dive into the resort’s pool loop for a swim. Altogether, there are 159 rooms and 41 suites (34 barge suites).
F&B
During Covid times, the resort has been courting the domestic crowd with its lavish F&B offerings, including a very extensive Sunday brunch menu which has created buzz among Samui residents.
Malaysian chef Azizskandar Awang, who joined Melia Koh Samui from the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui, previously won recognition from the Hotelier Awards Asia 2018 and Thailand Tatler.
Together with his team of chefs at the Breeza Beach Restaurant and Bar and Koko Kitchen, he has crafted all the delightful Mediterranean cuisine on offer, such as the Tapas buffet which boasts an entire leg of Iberian ham carved on the spot, paella and other Spanish delights, an eight-course Italian dinner, and an enticing breakfast menu. During breakfast, a delectable charcuterie cart also makes its rounds from table to table.
For those looking to create customised events, the hotel also has a special indoor private dining room suitable for corporate gatherings and meetings, and an outdoor barbeque space on the sand where meals can be served picnic-table style with a pop-up minibar for crafted beachside cocktails.
Facilities
The playful facilities at Meliá Koh Samui very much enhance the resort and add to its appeal.
In keeping with the marine theme, a lagoon pool weaves throughout the resort. It flows past the pool access rooms and barge suites, and through a river pool, ending in a vast two-level infinity pool overshadowed with sweeping palms that makes for a breathtaking panoramic sight against the ocean backdrop. Guests can lounge on the pool floats early on sunny mornings for that mind-blowing Instagrammable shot.
A small water park with a slide, umbrella fountain and pool bar sits in the middle of the resort, promising hours of fun for families and kids. It is located right below the kids’ club, which offers childcare for parents craving some couple time.
In the afternoons, guests can meander down to the cotton candy bar, open between 16.00 to 17.00, for free cotton candy spun right on the spot, which you can enjoy while dangling your feet from the beach-side hammocks as you admire the sunset over the bay beneath the palms.
At YHI Spa, we are placed into the capable hands of Kantima Chompoolad, the resort’s wellness manager. With over 15 years of hospitality and wellness experience, she and her therapists have created treatments coupled with Haarn products, a local Thai aroma and spa brand. Guests can also enjoy a Thai herbal steam pre- or post-treatment, and relax in the luxury of a private treatment room with fully adjustable lighting and sound volumes.
The resort also has 548.9m² of meeting and events space on offer, with the Dok Mui ballroom and six smaller meeting rooms; and a fitness centre.
Not to be forgotten are the brand’s signature Power Lounge, which houses a billiards table and healthy minibar, and the Levels executive lounge, which offers a private breakfast buffet and opens into a large outdoor rooftop event space, the perfect place to down early-evening cocktails while soaking in panoramic views of the glistening Gulf of Thailand.
The Gallery store in the lobby has local products from social businesses on offer, and the massive Boat Bar and dining area in the lobby area (closed during Covid times) adds to the resort’s already vast F&B offerings.
Service
As a guest, I experienced wonderful service from the enthusiastic team and kitchen staff at Meliá Koh Samui who are very passionate about what they do and always happy to share the resort’s story, such as the lore behind the old maritime photos in the lobby, or the meaning behind the names of the meeting rooms, some of which are named after the island’s official flower, a delicate white bloom called Dok Mui.
The resort is a sprawling property, and friendly staff manning golf carts were on call at all times to shorten the time it took me to get around.
The resort has, like other Meliá properties, implemented Stay Safe With Meliá – a safety and hygiene programme audited by Bureau Veritas, a global leader in inspection, certification and testing. Every room is stickered shut after cleaning to ensure non-contamination.
During our stay, we were also treated to a beautiful island-hopping outing in collaboration with Oceana Samui, that included a full-scale multiple course seafood BBQ-grill picnic paired with bubbly champagne and wines on the sands of the nearby Koh Tean island. The resort collaborates with the Oceana Samui tour company to create tailored private group outings.
Verdict
Meliá Koh Samui is a resort that readily draws us in to experience its charms. Be it solo travellers solo, group of friends, families, honeymooners, or small corporate groups, the resort’s cohesive offerings has something to please every demographic.
Number of rooms 159 rooms and 41 suites (30 barge suites)
Rate 6,665 baht nett (US$213; the current opening offer for a Premium Pool Access Room)
Contact details
Tel: +66 77 938 899
Email: reservation.kohsamui@melia.com
Website: www.melia.com/en/hotels/thailand/koh-samui/melia-koh-samui-beach-resort/services.htm