Khiri Travel Myanmar will be restructuring after its joint venture partner in Myanmar, Edwin Briels, decided to exit the partnership after nine years.
Since 2011, Khiri Travel Myanmar has been a joint venture between Briels, Aung Min Thein and Khiri Travel. Khiri Travel in Myanmar will now adjust internally, while continuing to provide a full range of DMC services in the country.
Khiri Travel Myanmar to undergo restructuring following Edwin Briels’ exit from the partnership
Briels said that Covid was the catalyst for the decision. “I want to continue telling unique stories of Myanmar and creating experiences with niche products such as Lalay Lodge, biking adventures and others,” he said.
Prior to Covid, Khiri Travel Myanmar had more than 30 staff and handled over 3,000 visitors in 2019.
Khiri Travel CEO Herman Hoven said that the company would ensure that any bookings tour operators and clients have with Khiri will be fulfilled, or postponed due to Covid without cost penalty, if needed.
“Khiri Travel Myanmar is very much open, ready and looking forward to once again delivering signature Myanmar experiences to travellers when international travel returns,” said Hoven, adding that the DMC will continue to work with Briels on ad-hoc projects.
Any queries can be sent to Hoven or sales.myanmar@Khiri.com.
Thailand is unlikely to reopen its borders to international leisure visitors this year, predicted a deputy governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Speaking at a webinar hosted by Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and TravelMole, Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, deputy governor for international marketing at TAT, said that there has been no talk of or timeline issued for reopening the country to inbound or outbound leisure travel during weekly Covid-19 national meetings.
Thailand’s tourism players eye inbound tourism plan, in lieu of travel bubbles, to prop up tourism; tourists wearing face masks while visiting Wat Ratchabophit in Bangkok, Thailand pictured
He added that as part of the government’s “very, very cautious” approach to reopening borders, he does not expect Thailand to welcome leisure visitors until 2021.
Noted Ayudhya: “I see no signal from the government that the country will open this year. That’s putting lot of pressure on the tourism industry. The Christmas period, usually the high season, is in jeopardy and I’m looking horribly even to Chinese New Year in February, which is an iffy proposition at best now. Unfortunately, this is not a rosy picture.”
He added that discussions over creating travel bubbles have also been halted. Said Ayudhya: “Last month, there was talk about forming travel bubbles. That talk has not continued so far because of outbreaks in many of the countries we were hoping to get tourists from, unfortunately, including Vietnam.”
However, the list of groups allowed into Thailand under strict measures has been expanded from diplomats, UN officials, as well as business people and investors who have an agreement with the government to include film crews and exhibition personnel.
This is only applicable to visitors from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China and Hong Kong. Every arrival must spend 14 days in quarantine.
Thailand will also open up to select countries for medical tourism.
Ayudhya added plans are being mooted for when safe bubbles can be formed for leisure travel, with a proposal that all visitors spend a minimum of 30 days in the country. This would be in designated areas – probably islands, such as Koh Samui or Phuket.
“Currently, this is not moving forward as the government is taking a wait-and-see attitude. They want to see how the current groups of foreigners, such as film crews and diplomats, do first. There is still a lot of nervousness,” he said.
With uncertainties surrounding the reopening of borders to international travel, Thai tourism operators are proposing a new inbound tourism plan, called Safe and Sealed, to replace travel bubbles, reported the Bangkok Post.
The scheme is designed to help tourism businesses tide through and avoid layoffs this year, should Thai borders remain shut to international visitors.
During a joint meeting of the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the private sector chaired by tourism minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, tourism-related groups proposed to allow tourists to enter Thailand in 4Q, said the report. As compared to the travel bubble scheme, the plan envisages safer, more flexible screening procedures for many countries, it added.
Under the plan, explained Vichit, only visitors from cities with a record of zero infections for at least a 30-day window will be selected, and they will be able to travel and stay in designated hotels and provinces. Other safety protocols will include a Covid-free certificate 72 hours before flights, as well as insurance and swab tests.
The report also quoted Vichit Prakobgosol, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, as saying that although Thailand has started allowing entry for certain group of foreigners, the tally will be below 100,000, which is inadequate to buoy the tourism industry.
The new inbound plan is expected to draw at least 500,000 tourists to Thailand and generate 50 billion baht in revenue, according to the report.
TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn said Phiphat will forward the proposal to related organisations, said the report. According to Yuthasak, the tourism sector employed four million workers pre-Covid, but with businesses having zero revenue over the past six months, unemployment in the sector could grow to 2.5 million.
Bintan Lagoon Resort (BLR), the largest integrated resort in Bintan Regency, Riau Islands has decided to cease operations, after sustaining losses over the past two years.
The resort’s financial woes were worsened due to the impact from Covid-19, with CNBC Indonesia indicating that the property had filed for bankruptcy.
Bintan Lagoon Resort stops operations after 26 years
The written closure plan was submitted to the Bintan Regency Employment Agency on July 31, 2020.
Indra Hidayat, head of Bintan Employment Agency, was quoted by Indonesia’s Antara News Agency as saying that his party has dispatched a team to review BLR’s closure plan. “We also provide guidelines on matters that need to be fulfilled by BLR in order to close their business,” he added.
Some 500 staff will lose their jobs with the closure. Indra shared that he would oversee the process of layoffs for BLR employees, especially in ensuring the company fulfil its contractual obligations to employees in accordance with applicable labour laws.
TTG Asia did not receive a response from BLR by press time.
Edit: The original posting overlooked an attribution to CNBC Indonesia for the bankruptcy report.
Singapore is at the top of the list of travel destinations for people living in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines when it comes to post-lockdown travel, according to a new global study.
These destinations also have considerable pent-up demand for travel. Out of the five, Indians are the most eager to travel internationally in the next 12 months (77 per cent), followed by Thais (70 per cent), Indonesians (60 per cent), Hong Kongers (47 per cent), and Filipinos (46 per cent).
Singapore emerges as top choice for travellers from India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines
Jointly conducted by social research agency Blackbox Research, data provider Dynata, and language partner Language Connect, Unravel Travel: Fear & Possibilities in a Post Coronavirus (Covid-19) World examined the sentiments, preferences, and expectations of more than 10,000 people across 17 countries regarding travel in a post-Covid-19 world.
The study also found that Singaporeans are keen for the local travel industry to find its footing again. An overwhelming 93 per cent of Singaporeans recognise that tourism is a major industry and contributor to the local economy, with more than half (67 per cent) believing that the country is well-prepared to reopen tourism and leisure activities. More than half (57 per cent) are also comfortable with tourism boards, including their own, promoting their countries amid a pandemic.
On a more global level, the study revealed that one in five will look to avoid business travel in the next 12 months, spelling a challenge for Singapore’s plans to progressively resume essential business travel for executives.
Saurabh Sardana, COO of Blackbox Research, said that both regional interest and citizen sentiment towards restarting local tourism have been encouraging, but establishing traveller’s trust in health and safety protocols is key.
He elaborated: “People across Asia have the most pent-up demand to travel, and Singapore is well-placed to tap into that opportunity given its strategic location as the region’s travel hub. As Asia’s business hub as well, Singapore’s immediate focus on appealing to business travellers by working to establish green lane arrangements with a number of countries will help kickstart the industry.
“However, with concerns on health and safety as well as the increasing prevalence of digital tools replacing in-person business meetings, our study found that a significant percentage of people globally are deterred from business travel.
“With the number of cases in control now, Singapore is well-placed to cut through the fear and noise around pandemic travel, and drive home the safety narrative for its local tourism assets. This includes assurances on health checks during key stages of their itinerary, as well as ensuring that the required safety standards and precautions are in place.”
Singapore also has strong domestic appeal, with 78 per cent of Singaporeans keen to support local travel attractions in the next 12 months.
Sardana said: “Despite being a small island state that does not offer locals different states and regions to explore, our survey demonstrated that Singaporeans’ impression of domestic travel is still relatively robust. Singapore is committed to appeal to local consumers, as demonstrated by its S$45 million (US$32.5 million) SingapoRediscovers campaign, and its offerings are also well-placed to capture the domestic market.
“The next stage will be to further grow the way domestic tourism is perceived by locals, based on a greater understanding of local preferences, sentiments, and expectations.”
China-based Trip.com Group has entered into a strategic partnership with AirAsia’s travel and lifestyle e-commerce platform, AirAsia.com, that will allow users of both digital platforms access to a wider range of product and service offerings.
Under the partnership, both companies will collaborate on a range of popular products and services available on both digital platforms, including cooperation in the areas of transit information for connecting flights, as well as membership benefits and product marketing, so as to deliver an enhanced and streamlined experience for travellers.
Trip.com’s partnership with AirAsia.com aims to deliver a streamlined experience for travellers
The cooperation aims to spur greater demand for international travel by providing travellers with an end-to-end product offering, from flights to hotels, airport transfers, and activities. Trip.com Group’s premium members will also be able to enjoy upgraded privileges on AirAsia flights when they book on Trip.com Group platforms.
AirAsia Group CEO, Tony Fernandes, called the airline’s partnership with Trip.com Group “timely” and added that it “demonstrates our commitment and confidence in the China market, more so during this challenging Covid-19 environment, where we remain optimistic for borders to be reopened in the near future”.
Trip.com Group CEO, Jane Sun, said: “With the pandemic gradually being brought under control, we’re seeing a recovery in travel demand across the Asia-Pacific region. Already, we’ve seen accommodation volume in a number of key regional markets virtually recover to pre-pandemic volumes, while air ticketing volumes continue to make a strong recovery.
“With demand gradually increasing, and flight routes continuing to resume, we look forward to working with AirAsia to prepare the travel industry for a triumphant revival, and deliver a superior experience to travellers.”
Radisson Collection will arrive in China for the first time next year, with the opening of a low-rise resort in Nanjing, as part of a new integrated tourism complex in the Jiangsu Horticultural Exposition Park.
Scheduled to launch in 2Q2021, Radisson Collection Resort, Nanjing will feature 151 rooms and suites, ranging from 43 to 336m2.
Radisson Collection Resort, Nanjing will launch in 2Q2021
Resort facilities will include a fitness centre, swimming pool and spa, two restaurants offering authentic local and international cuisine, and a lobby lounge serving up daytime and evening refreshments. For corporate and social events, the resort will boast four meeting venues spanning 790m2.
Located in the Tangshan area of Nanjing, a tourist area famous for its mountains and hot springs, Jiangsu Horticultural Exposition Park will become the permanent home of the Horticultural Exposition of Jiangsu Province, which is one of Asia’s leading gardening and landscaping events.
Upon completion, the 6.9km2 park will comprise boutique gardens, exhibition halls and waterside pavilions. It will also embrace smart technology, such as 5G connectivity, biometrics and driverless cars.
Mobile-first entertainment marketplace Headout has launched the Safe Experience badge verifying that attractions have adhered to WHO safety standards, in a bid to build trust and ensure traveller wellbeing.
This comes as the Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a seismic shift in travellers’ demands, with higher hygiene standards, touchless services, and enhanced safety protocols topping the wishlist of travellers.
Attractions like BridgeClimb Sydney have been awarded the Safe Experience badge by Headout
Headout has awarded the Safe Badge to more than 1,900 experiences across 25 countries, including several in the Asia-Pacific region such as Universal Studios Singapore, Siam Park City in Bangkok, Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, BridgeClimb Sydney, Melbourne Zoo, Phuket Simon Cabaret, and RamaYana Water Park in Pattaya.
Safe Experiences on Headout are displayed to users on a real-time basis. “Today, safety and trust are the need of the hour to get back to the world as we knew it. With Safe Experiences, we have pioneered a massive data project to ensure our users get accurate and updated information on safety measures around the world,” said Varun Khona, CEO and co-founder of Headout.
Before accrediting the Safe Badge, Headout approbates five safety protocols that ensure traveller safety from multiple touchpoints. These include contactless entry and exit, minimal touch services and the mandate of online tickets; mandatory mask-wearing, temperature checks, and social distancing measures; capacity restrictions and time-slotted entry; sanitation, disinfection, and deep cleaning practices on-site, including sanitisation of audio guides and transfer vehicles; as well as staff trained as per WHO guidelines.
Accor has raised A$404,000 (US$291,000) to support bushfire affected people and communities across Australia, through its Accor Bushfire Disaster Relief Appeal.
The money was raised globally between January and March 2020, through Accor’s dedicated Gofundraise platform as well as guest fundraising initiatives across Accor Australia’s properties and corporate offices.
Accor Bushfire Disaster Relief Appeal brings vital aid to fire affected communities
The funds were divided among the following charities to aid the Australian bushfire relief effort: Humanitarian Relief (Australian Red Cross): A$100,000; Firefighters (NSW RFS, VIC CFA and SA CFS): A$154,000; Animal Welfare (Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife): A$75,000; and Environment (Greening Australia): A$75,000.
In addition, Accor also provided emergency accommodation and catering for members of the community, firefighters and their families.
Simon McGrath, COO of Accor Pacific, commented: “We hope these donations will enable each charity to source and distribute support and supplies, when and where they are most needed.
“The impact of the bushfires was catastrophic in many states across Australia earlier this year. Since then, Covid-19 has become a national priority, however, it’s important we continue to care for those many people and communities impacted by the bushfires across Australia.”
Accor also extended special hotel rates to all firefighters and service providers across Australia to thank them for their courage and bravery.
Singapore-based Banyan Tree Group (BTG) has formed a strategic partnership with KrisShop, Singapore Airlines’ flagship retailer, that will see the hospitality group’s exclusive offerings made available on the e-commerce platform, with multiple other synergies to follow.
KrisShop CCO, Raelene Johnson, said: “As part of our holistic omnichannel approach to become an experiential e-commerce destination for travellers and beyond, we are excited to partner with Banyan Tree across various areas. We have the same purpose-driven values and a love for craft and provenance, and also see that wellbeing and sustainability in all areas of life are increasingly important considerations for our customers.”
Banyan Tree Essentials range is dedicated to wellbeing and sustainability
Banyan Tree said that its signature Essentials aromatherapy and body care products launched on KrisShop.com “to great success”, with sales doubling month-on-month since launch. Containing 95 per cent natural and responsibly-sourced botanical ingredients, the Essentials range has already seen 38 per cent revenue growth in 2020, it added.
In the following months, customers may expect Banyan Tree curated experiences on the site as well, along with other shared campaigns around common destinations.
Ho Renyung, vice president brand HQ of BTG, said: “Expressing a brand today is multidimensional – there are so many different touchpoints, both internally and externally. Aspiring to extend our brand presence in our guests’ lives beyond their stay at our properties, we are delighted to collaborate with KrisShop, an innovative leader that keeps consumer experience at the fore. Together, we hope to champion conscious consumption while inspiring mindfulness and self-care – to rest and live in the moment.”
Singapore is at the top of the list of travel destinations for people living in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines when it comes to post-lockdown travel, according to a new global study.
These destinations also have considerable pent-up demand for travel. Out of the five, Indians are the most eager to travel internationally in the next 12 months (77 per cent), followed by Thais (70 per cent), Indonesians (60 per cent), Hong Kongers (47 per cent), and Filipinos (46 per cent).
Jointly conducted by social research agency Blackbox Research, data provider Dynata, and language partner Language Connect, Unravel Travel: Fear & Possibilities in a Post Coronavirus (Covid-19) World examined the sentiments, preferences, and expectations of more than 10,000 people across 17 countries regarding travel in a post-Covid-19 world.
The study also found that Singaporeans are keen for the local travel industry to find its footing again. An overwhelming 93 per cent of Singaporeans recognise that tourism is a major industry and contributor to the local economy, with more than half (67 per cent) believing that the country is well-prepared to reopen tourism and leisure activities. More than half (57 per cent) are also comfortable with tourism boards, including their own, promoting their countries amid a pandemic.
On a more global level, the study revealed that one in five will look to avoid business travel in the next 12 months, spelling a challenge for Singapore’s plans to progressively resume essential business travel for executives.
Saurabh Sardana, COO of Blackbox Research, said that both regional interest and citizen sentiment towards restarting local tourism have been encouraging, but establishing traveller’s trust in health and safety protocols is key.
He elaborated: “People across Asia have the most pent-up demand to travel, and Singapore is well-placed to tap into that opportunity given its strategic location as the region’s travel hub. As Asia’s business hub as well, Singapore’s immediate focus on appealing to business travellers by working to establish green lane arrangements with a number of countries will help kickstart the industry.
“However, with concerns on health and safety as well as the increasing prevalence of digital tools replacing in-person business meetings, our study found that a significant percentage of people globally are deterred from business travel.
“With the number of cases in control now, Singapore is well-placed to cut through the fear and noise around pandemic travel, and drive home the safety narrative for its local tourism assets. This includes assurances on health checks during key stages of their itinerary, as well as ensuring that the required safety standards and precautions are in place.”
Singapore also has strong domestic appeal, with 78 per cent of Singaporeans keen to support local travel attractions in the next 12 months.
Sardana said: “Despite being a small island state that does not offer locals different states and regions to explore, our survey demonstrated that Singaporeans’ impression of domestic travel is still relatively robust. Singapore is committed to appeal to local consumers, as demonstrated by its S$45 million (US$32.5 million) SingapoRediscovers campaign, and its offerings are also well-placed to capture the domestic market.
“The next stage will be to further grow the way domestic tourism is perceived by locals, based on a greater understanding of local preferences, sentiments, and expectations.”