Philippines’ TPB maintains busy events calendar
The Philippines continues to aggressively promote the destination to the international travel trade as part of efforts to maintain visibility amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Rebuilding confidence in the destination is among the key priorities for the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DoT), shared TPB COO Maria Anthonette C Velasco-Allones during a virtual presentation on Tuesday (May 4) at The Great ASEAN Travel Fest 2021 organised by TTG Asia.
To that end, the DoT has developed health and safety guidelines for the tourism sector last year.
Meanwhile, the Covid-19 vaccination programme in the Philippines is ongoing, with tourism frontliners being part of priority workers for vaccination.
As part of tourism recovery efforts, TPB has turned to social media to continue engaging with the international travel trade amid prevailing restrictions on international leisure travel.
The annual Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX), the country’s largest travel trade event, will also return this year in a virtual format for the second time, following its inaugural virtual run last September. Set to be held from September 19 to 23, the travel exchange fair will continue to provide an avenue for Philippine sellers to forge new business connections and update global buyers with the country’s latest tourism offerings.
Come May, the Philippines will be a featured destination in the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Adventure Conference and Travel Mart. TPB will also participate in the Asia Dive Expo in June, ITB Asia in October and ITB Berlin in March 2022, followed by ASEAN Tourism Forum in January 2022.
This October, the Philippines will also host the 2021 World Travel Tourism Council Global Summit, which is expected to attract some 800 delegates.
Malaysia to impose fresh MCO on six Selangor districts
The Malaysian government will place six districts in Selangor under the movement control order (MCO) for 12 days from Thursday (May 6), as the country continues to battle a surge in Covid-19 cases.
The six districts are Hulu Langat, Petaling, Gombak, Klang, Kuala Langat and Sepang. The remaining three districts in the state – Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam and Hulu Selangor – are unaffected and will continue to be under the conditional MCO.
While interstate travel has been banned nationwide including in Selangor ever since MCO 2.0 was announced in January, under the new restrictions, residents in the six districts placed under MCO will also not be allowed to travel inter-district, except for emergencies and work. Dining in and social activities will also not be permitted.
For the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations, households are allowed to receive guests only on the first day, capped at 15 visitors per house at a time to enable physical distancing.
According to senior minister (security cluster), Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the government will soon make an announcement on whether to reinstate the work from home policy in Selangor.
Ahmad Nazri Tashriq, corporate communications manager at Tourism Selangor, shared that in light of the MCO announcement, efforts to promote the state will be halted until restrictions are lifted.
Last month, Tourism Selangor and Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) held a joint workshop to introduce new products that the state had to offer, and guide MITA travel agent members on how to weave these products into their itineraries.
Centara names Wayne Duberly as area GM
Centara Hotels & Resorts has appointed Wayne Duberly as area general manager of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, and Centara Sonrisa Residences & Suites Sriracha.
The British national started his career with Centara Hotels & Resorts as general manager in 2011 at Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi, before he was transferred to helm the Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak in 2013.
In 2015, he moved to Centara Karon Beach Resort Phuket as area general manager, where he also oversaw operations for both Centara Kata Beach Resort Phuket and Waterfront Suites Phuket by Centara.
Grand Lapa Macau rebrands as Artyzen property, readies specials for June
Grand Lapa Macau will roll out a collection of new experiences for families and couples this summer as it unveils its new brand, Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau.
The events in June will embody Artyzen’s ethos of Art, Culture and Emotional Wisdom as well as convey the iconic heritage hotel’s Portuguese connection through its “Boa Vida” programme – which means “enjoying the good life” in Portuguese.
As a historically-poignant establishment within the destination, Artyzen Grand Lapa will kick off June with a Summer Celebration Campaign. This will be followed by the launch of a Family Package that includes a Mom and Child special spa treatment, a kids’ arts and crafts session, kids amenities package, kids care, culinary school for kids, and more.
The Couples Package will also debut, offering wine and dine specials at Café Bela Vista, Wine Tasting by Artyzen, UNESCO Guided Walk, art gallery tour, and special offers on spa and wellness programmes.
“We are thrilled to begin a new chapter where we bring exciting artistic and cultural elements to the hotel. We aim to be loved by guests for the relaxing resort facilities, for the personal touches and graciousness we provide, all delivered with genuine passion. We introduce a landmark, celebratory concept this summer to welcome our dearly-beloved guests in our rebranding journey,” said Rutger Verschuren, area vice president, Macau operations of Artyzen Hospitality Group and general manager of Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau.
Singapore further tightens movement restrictions, stops short of lockdown
Capacity at public facilities and social gatherings in Singapore will be reduced between May 8 and 30 alongside closures of high-risk facilities such as indoor fitness facilities as the city-state further tightens Covid-19 safety measures to counter a rising trend in community infections.
Only five people will be allowed to gather this month, reduced from previous groups of eight. This will impact group dining at F&B outlets.
Operating capacity will be reduced from 65 per cent to 50 per cent at museums and public libraries, while companies must ensure that no more than 50 per cent of employees are at the workplace at any time, down from the current 75 per cent allowed capacity.
To minimise the likelihood of large cluster formations, the Singapore Ministry of Health will cut event sizes and require pre-event testing for events of certain sizes. This will impact live performances, pilots of B2B events as well as social and religious events.
Pre-event testing will be required for solemnisation celebrations involving more than 50 attendees. Wedding receptions may also proceed with up to 250 attendees in total for the entire event, in zones or timeslots of up to 50 attendees each.
Tour groups will also be capped at 20 participants, down from 50.
Co-chair of Singapore’s Covid-19 multi-ministry task force, Lawrence Wong, said at a press conference on May 4 that while the latest measures were not a lockdown, he did not rule out the possibility of taking such a tough measure should the situation worsen.
“If new unlinked cases continue to emerge in the coming days and weeks, then certainly, we will not hesitate to take even more stringent measures, even the possibility of having to enter another circuit breaker (lockdown) down the road,” he said.
Banyan Tree’s stewardship programme to fund eight NGO projects
Banyan Tree Global Foundation (BTGF), the sustainability arm of Banyan Tree Group, will award its first round of funding for eight NGOs with projects that benefit local communities and natural environments in countries where Banyan Tree hotels and resorts are located.
Funding will come from the Greater Good Grants (GGG), launched last year to support external organisations. The GGG comes on top of other grants Banyan Tree Group has been providing as part of its social responsibility commitment.
According to a press statement, financing conservation initiatives and cultural heritage projects has become all the more crucial, as economic hardships arising from the pandemic have resulted in reduced funding. It cited a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature that found at least 22 countries have rolled back protection of natural areas, some of which contain the world’s most valuable ecosystems.
“We have a track record of providing grants to over 150 partner organisations in the past. In our pursuit of creating an ecosystem of greater good, we have created the Greater Good Grants to offer even more support. Building partnerships has always been important to us as a Group, as we believe it is the key to making a greater impact,” said Steve Newman, assistant vice president, group sustainability director and coordinating director of BTGF.
The eight qualified NGOs were selected for their projects that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) and Banyan Tree Group’s core ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People”.
The selected projects will benefit Borneo’s rainforests; Gunung Leuser National Park and Mahakam Delta in Indonesia; Bach Ma National Park and Thua Thien Hue province in Vietnam; and Anlung Pring Wetlands in Cambodia. The other two successful submissions fall under Health & Protection – a water sanitation project in Bumi Indah village, Indonesia, as well as women empowerment workshops in Phuket, Thailand.
To ensure effectiveness in the long run, each project is based on its demonstrated need and urgency; leverage of local, regional and national partnerships to deliver measurable impact; and scalability with clear evaluations of success.
Claire Chiang, co-founder & senior vice president of Banyan Tree Holdings and chairperson of BTGF, said: “2020 provided some respite from the long-term threat of global warming, but it also highlighted the need to repair our planet, and develop a more substantial, science-based roadmap towards a sustainable future. We may be in the business of hospitality, but we are intrinsically dependent on the intangibles of nature, culture and heritage. The stewardship of biodiversity, culture and livelihood is our duty.”
The 2022 round of GGG may call for submissions for specific underserved SDGs, and the next round of submissions will officially open in June 2021.
Travellers’ optimism returns: Booking.com study
A study by Booking.com, conducted with 28,000 travellers across 28 countries and territories, has found that the appetite to explore the world remains undiminished and after months of restrictions, and that travellers are finally starting to see light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to the roll-out of vaccines and the development of other break-through medical advances in the battle against Covid-19.
Travellers’ optimism returns as vaccines fuel hope
Despite knowing that the pandemic finish line has not been reached just yet, two thirds of global travellers (66%) feel more hopeful about traveling in 2021 due to the unwavering commitment of the scientific and medical communities and the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines. The same number of global travelers (66%) state that not being able to travel extensively in 2020 has made them yearn for travel even more in 2021.
The trust in vaccines runs deep, with over half (59%) of global travellers stating that they will not travel internationally until they have been vaccinated, which rises to 68% among those 55+ years old, while 55% of global travellers will only travel to countries that have implemented vaccination programmes. But there still is some hesitation, with two fifths (41%) remaining sceptical as to whether a vaccine will truly help make travel safer.
Travel wins in post pandemic priorities
Despite feeling mostly optimistic, global travellers acknowledge that not being able to travel in 2020 like they used to in previous years has had a significant effect on their well-being, with 48% reporting a negative impact on their mental health and 47% having felt imprisoned in their own home due to travel restrictions.
64% say travel is more important to them now than it was before the pandemic. So much so that almost three quarters (71%) of travellers would even go so far as stating that they would rather go on a vacation in 2021 than find true love. Meanwhile 66% would prioritise travelling over success at work, preferring to go on vacation than get promoted.
Over half (53%) of travellers have used the increased time at home to plan future travel while almost half (45%) have banked more vacation days, so are excited about the potential of taking longer vacations in 2021. When dreaming about their next vacation, six in ten (61%) feel confident that they will be able to hit the beach by summer 2021, and 23% say a relaxing beach or spa trip will be the first type of trip when it is safe to do so . After an exhausting year only 6% will book an active trip and just 5% say a city break is a priority.
A joint effort for a common goal
To help travellers safely rediscover the destinations they long for, there appears to be a consensus that governments, travellers and the wider travel ecosystem need to work together.
Following the impact that Covid-19 has had on the travel industry, 95% of global travellers think the industry needs to be supported to get back on its feet. Two thirds (66%) believe that government financial stimuli are now needed to help travel’s recovery and over half (56%) worry that the industry will not survive unless it is supported with government grants. In terms of more practical regulations, 72% state that wider access to pre-travel Covid-19 testing is needed, and 70% say that governments should collaborate with travel associations and providers to set more consistent standards.
Back to travel
While 70%** of Booking.com’s accommodation partners surveyed are cautiously optimistic about the future of their business, they share travellers’ mindset that the industry needs support, as the majority of them would like to see governments do more in the future to support the travel industry during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. Three key areas that need to be addressed, according to properties of all types and sizes, are more consistent international standards when it comes to travel advice and rules, speeding up vaccine roll-out programmes and wider access to pre-travel Covid-19 testing.
But with 62%** of accommodation providers expecting to see an increase in interest for travel for 2021, they continue to do their part to ensure travellers feel safe, with almost 70%** having increased health & safety measures and improved cleaning processes.
Accommodation providers are not the only ones willing to roll up their sleeves, with 60% of global travellers willing to accept only being able to travel if they could prove they have been vaccinated. Meanwhile 73% would accept having to wear a face mask when traveling, with 64% going as far as supporting a ‘no mask no travel’ ban (unless exempt). Two thirds (66%) would be willing to only travel in small groups of two to six people.
To support the travel industry more directly, 17% of global travellers plan to use travel credits / vouchers from cancelled trips instead of requesting a refund and the same number will buy vouchers for family and friends for them to use when it is safe to travel again. Meanwhile 31% plan to choose less frequented destinations and 27% want to book independent accommodations or accommodations in or near their hometown to support local businesses (20%).
Arjan Dijk, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Booking.com commented: “Booking.com remains optimistic that at some point in the not-so-distant future, everyone may once again be able to travel and experience the world together. As we start to see a light at the end of the tunnel, we remain committed to supporting everyone on their journey to getting back to travel, as it’s safe to do so, working together with all those in the travel industry to ensure its recovery for a better, brighter future. And with our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, when the time is right to discover the places, cultures and experiences we’ve all been dreaming of, we will make sure you can find them on Booking.com.”
**Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of Booking.com accommodation partners. In total 3,491 respondents across 20 countries and territories were polled (including 86 in Australia, 85 in Austria, 177 in Brazil, 12 in China, 212 in Croatia, 395 in France, 296 in Germany, 136 in Greece, 109 in India, 69 in Indonesia, 492 in Italy, 79 in Japan, 55 in Mexico, 120 in Poland, 96 in Portugal, 197 in Russia, 353 in Spain, 65 in Thailand, 218 in UK and 241 in US). Respondents completed an online survey in February 2021.
Anantara completes vaccination of staff across Southern Thailand
All qualified employees across five Anantara five resorts on the Thai islands of Koh Samui and Phuket have been inoculated against Covid-19 in a vaccination drive led by Anantara Hotels and Resorts, local government and health authorities.
The drive is part of the hotel brand’s commitment to safeguarding visiting guests against infections. Each of the five resorts in Southern Thailand – Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Anantara Phuket Suites & Villas – also has a Guest Guardian on site to oversee health and safety standards by ensuring that a series of rigid brand health and safety guidelines are met and surpassed at all times.
The primary initiatives were driven by the adoption of new technology, such as digital check-in/check-outs, digital concierge services, UVC lights and HEPA-grade air purifiers, all in compliance with the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation.
“We have been working very closely with the local government and health authorities to ensure the vaccine is available to all hospitality workers at our resorts in Koh Samui and Phuket not only to curb the spread of Covid-19 but also to reassure travellers of our focus on guests’ health and well-being,” said Thomas B Meier, senior vice president of Minor Hotels, Asia.
“Thailand’s islands will be key destinations set to re-open to international travellers and they can now travel with the understanding that all measures have been taken to make their holiday as safe as possible at our resorts,” Meier added in a press statement.
Several Anantara resorts in Thailand offer Alternative State Quarantine packages, which are developed in partnership with respected international hospitals. Upon completion of the quarantine requirements, guests are free to travel onward to their preferred Anantara resort in Koh Samui, Phuket or other locations across Thailand.
Urban Resort Concepts to expand portfolio in China, Japan
Hong Kong-based Urban Resort Concepts (URC) is leveraging on Chinese demand for luxury hotel and resort experiences to “selectively grow its portfolio with owners” beyond the region.
The hotel management, technical services, master planning, hospitality advisory and consultancy services company has projects in various stages of development in Moganshan, Shenzhen and Pudong Shanghai in China; and in Kyoto and Tokyo in Japan.
URC’s portfolio now comprises The PuLi Hotel and Spa, Shanghai (opened in 2009), The PuXuan Hotel and Spa, Beijing (2019) and The RuMa Hotel and Residences, Kuala Lumpur (2018).
Luxury hospitality leader, Mark DeCocinis, recently appointed as CEO to helm the expansion, said “there was an opportunity” to be in “destinations across the world where our guests would like us to be”.
DeCocinis noted: ““We are experiencing a strong recovery in China and I am optimistic we will see continued growth through the rest of this year.
“China is leading the recovery and as intra-regional travel rises, we will see Asia-Pacific recover in the short-term and from 2022, global recovery.
“Our long-term vision is to create handcrafted destination properties whose unique artistry is appreciated and value appreciates, in alignment with owners who have acquired prime real estate in the best locations.”
URC could reach 20 to 25 properties in key destinations around the world in the next 10 years, he opined.
DeCocinis continued: “An Urban Resort Concepts property with or without a residences component, creates synergies for a real estate developer. This immediately adds tremendous value through our luxury branding and services.
“From our philosophy and approach to service, location and the creation of each property, we are crafting a category which has no direct competition.
“What defines the ultra-luxury experience at Urban Resort Concepts is an affinity with being relaxed at home, evoking a tranquil sense of zen through detailed design which allows you the freedom to express your true self, even when the outside world seeks to impose.”
The IATA has called on governments to ensure that Covid-19 testing be kept affordable as well as timely, widely available and effective, in order to facilitate an efficient restart of international travel.
With many states imposing inbound requirements for PCR testing, the availability of affordable options everywhere is critical for a travel recovery, said the airline body.
An IATA sampling of costs for PCR tests (the test most frequently required by governments) in 16 countries showed wide variations by markets and within markets.
The 16 markets were Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Thailand, the UK, the US, and Vietnam. Not all these markets require PCR testing.
Of the markets surveyed, only France complied with the WHO recommendation for the state to bear the cost of testing for travellers.
Of the 15 markets where there is a cost for PCR testing to the individual, the average minimum cost for testing was US$90, while the average maximum cost for testing was US$208.
Even taking the average of the low-end costs, adding PCR testing to average airfares would dramatically increase the cost of flying for individuals, noted IATA.
Pre-crisis, the average one-way airline ticket, including taxes and charges, cost US$200 (2019 data). A US$90 PCR test raises the cost by 45 per cent to US$290. Add another test on arrival and the one-way cost would leap by 90 per cent to US$380. Assuming that two tests are needed in each direction, the average cost for an individual return-trip could balloon from US$400 to US$760.
The impact of the costs of Covid-19 testing on family travel would be even more severe. Based on average ticket prices (US$200) and average low-end PCR testing (US$90) twice each way, a journey for four that would have cost US$1,600 pre-Covid, could nearly double to US$3,040 – with US$1440 being testing costs.
“As travel restrictions are lifted in domestic markets, we are seeing strong demand. The same can be expected in international markets. But that could be perilously compromised by testing costs – particularly PCR testing,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.
“Raising the cost of any product this significantly will stifle demand. The impact will be greatest for short-haul trips (up to 1,100 km); with average fares of US$105, the tests will cost more than the flight. That’s not what you want to propose to travellers as we emerge from this crisis. Testing costs must be better managed. That’s critical if governments want to save tourism and transport jobs; and avoid limiting travel freedoms to the wealthy.”
IATA further highlighted that the WHO’s International Health Regulations stipulate that states should not charge for testing or vaccination required for travel, or for the issuance of certificates.
The WHO COVID Emergency Committee recently reiterated this position, calling on governments to reduce the financial burden on international travellers of complying with testing requirements and any other public health measures implemented by countries.
Many states are ignoring their international treaty obligations, putting a travel recovery in jeopardy and risking millions of livelihoods. High testing costs also incentivise the market for fake certificates.
“Testing costs should not stand between people and their freedom to travel. The best solution is for the costs to be borne by governments. It’s their responsibility under WHO guidelines. We must not let the cost of testing – particularly PCR testing – limit the freedom to travel to the rich or those able to be vaccinated,” said Walsh.
“A successful restart of travel means so much to people – from personal job security to business opportunities and the need to see family and friends. Governments must act quickly to ensure that testing costs don’t stall a travel recovery.”