Continued lockdown dampens Philippines’ bid to revive tourism

June 16, 2020

Philippines’ hopes to jumpstart domestic tourism have been set back as the government reverts Cebu City back to enhanced general quarantine (ECQ), and extends the general community quarantine (GCQ) over Metro Manila – both until June 30 – as coronavirus surges.

In announcing the continued quarantine on June 15, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases said that the Covid-19 situation in metro Manila has not improved, while Cebu City has seen a surge in coronavirus cases under the relaxed GCQ.

Philippines’ Cebu City goes back into enhanced general quarantine after spike in coronavirus cases; aerial view of Fuente Osmena in Cebu City, Philippines pictured

The Philippines has the second highest number of Covid-19 infections in South-east Asia, breaching 26,000 cases, with 490 new cases on Monday, centred in Cebu City and metro Manila.

Besides metro Manila, also under GCQ are Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Quezon in Luzon; Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Negros Oriental in the Visayas; and Davao City and Zamboanga City in Mindanao. Other areas have been downgraded into modified government community quarantine (MGCQ) – the lowest phase of quarantine where certain amount of tourism is allowed.

Elsewhere, Covid-19-free Boracay has started welcoming tourists again from Tuesday, but limited to locals from the Western Visayas region of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Guimaras. Mandatory are the wearing of face masks, temperature checks and other safety protocols that were already approved by the Department of Tourism and the local government unit in the island.

Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is mulling setting up “travel bubbles” or travel corridors in reopening tourism destinations with no or low Covid-19 cases to certain countries, citing the possibilities for Boracay, Bohol and Palawan.

Tourism Congress of the Philippines president Jojo Clemente said the “travel bubble” concept is being looked at from all angles, including risks in access points.

“It will take a while, but there’s no harm in preparing for it now,” he said, pointing out that most countries right now are still discouraging travel and have imposed a mandatory 14-day quarantine on incoming travellers.

As part of preparations to jumpstart domestic tourism, local carriers have been allowed to open limited commercial flights in at least eight airports while strict guidelines and protocols have been set for hotels, restaurants, and transport, with hotels allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity; restaurants, 30 per cent; and buses and coasters, 50 per cent.

Partial dine-in operations of restaurants have resumed in GCQ areas since Monday. Meanwhile, salad bars and buffets, in-house play areas, libraries, karaoke machines and ancillary leisure facilities are still banned from operating.

As part of health protocols, DOT-accredited restaurants are allowed to operate at only 50 per cent capacity, and must ensure that diners fill out health declaration forms, monitor employees’ temperatures, and provide staff with personal food safety apparel and training, and annual check-ups.

Preferred Hotel Group acquires Beyond Green Travel

By TTG Asia

June 16, 2020

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Preferred Hotel Group – which manages global travel and hospitality brands including Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels Worldwide, and PHG Consulting – has acquired Beyond Green Travel to ramp up its sustainability efforts.

Beyond Green Travel provides sustainable tourism services and consulting for destinations such as Bhutan and Colombia, as well as companies such as The Travel Corporation and National Geographic Travel. Beyond Green Travel is founded by ecotourism pioneer and global sustainability expert Costas Christ, who remains president.

Preferred Hotel Group acquires Beyond Green Travel to increase focus on sustainability

The acquisition expands the suite of destination stewardship services offered by Beyond Green Travel, via a partnership with PHG Consulting, Preferred’s global travel and tourism marketing and consulting agency. Similarly, current and potential clients of PHG Consulting can tap into Beyond Green Travel’s sustainable tourism expertise.

Member hotels represented within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide brands can also directly engage Beyond Green Travel to advance their sustainability initiatives in a variety of ways, ranging from establishing community projects and partnerships to conducting property sustainability audits, and delivering sustainable tourism staff training, among others.

Beyond Green Travel will also help guide the initiatives rolled out by Preferred’s corporate social responsibility programme.

Finalised on February 4, 2020, this is the first acquisition by the Ueberroth Family since they purchased Preferred Hotel Group in March 2004.

“As we look ahead to the future of travel, particularly during this period of economic recovery, we believe more than ever that the time is now to take sustainable tourism to the next level,” said its CEO Lindsey Ueberroth.

“Working alongside Costas and his team, we are excited to create a sustainable tourism platform that will enable our brand promise of ‘Believe in Travel’ to help our destination and hospitality clients infuse genuine, holistic, and inspiring sustainability best practices into their daily operations and overall ethos.”

All incoming travellers to S’pore subject to Covid tests

By TTG Asia

June 16, 2020

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Lau-Pau-Sat — Quiet Lau Pa Sat food court in Singapore with less tourists during the pandemic of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Singapore will begin phase two of its reopening plans on June 19, allowing retail businesses to reopen their physical outlets, while dining in at F&B outlets and social gatherings of up to five people will also resume.

For F&B dine-in, there must not be more than five persons per table, and tables must be spaced one metre apart, announced the country’s Covid-19 multi-ministry task force on Monday.

As Singapore enters phase two of its post circuit-breaker, dine-in at F&B outlets will be allowed once more; quiet Lau Pa Sat food court in Singapore during the pandemic

The decision comes three weeks after circuit breaker measures were eased and Singapore began its first phase of reopening. During this period, local infection figures hovered below 500, with single-digit local community cases and the majority located in foreign worker dormitories.

The Ministry of Health said in a statement: “Community infection rates have remained generally stable, despite the increase in workplace activity in Phase 1 of reopening. The incidence of cases in migrant worker dormitories has also declined, and there are no new large clusters emerging.”

While travel restrictions remain for short-term visitors, with exception made for those coming in under “fast lane” arrangements, Singapore has announced new measures for travellers entering Singapore starting from June 18.

All travellers entering Singapore will be subject to a Covid-19 test, for which they must foot the bill. Those entering Singapore from selected countries may serve their stay-home notices (SHN) at home, instead of dedicated facilities. These rules apply to travellers who have been in Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, mainland China, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam in the last 14 consecutive days prior to their entry. The compulsory Covid-19 test will be carried out a few days before the end of their SHN. They will be told of their appointment slot and venue via SMS.

Non-Singaporeans or permanent residents entering Singapore will serve and pay for their SHN at dedicated facilities like hotels.

A Covid-19 test can cost up to S$200 (US$144), while a 14-day stay at a dedicated SHN facility will cost S$2,000.

As more public activities resume, the country will progressively set up regional screening centres to boost its contact tracing efforts and alleviate the “inevitable” rise in cases after phase two, said health minister Gan Kim Yong, a co-chair of the multi-ministry task force.

In the next phase of reopening, the country can expect social, cultural, religious and business gatherings to resume, albeit in limited sizes to prevent outbreak in large clusters.

Phuket hotels get Covid-ready

By TTG Asia

June 16, 2020

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The Phuket Hotels Association (PHA) has partnered Hotel Resilient, a certification body on disaster risk management, to launch the COVID-READY Certification scheme, designed to assess the Covid-19 preparedness of the island’s hotels and to guide them to safely reopen.

In the wake of the pandemic, Trevor Girard, director of standards and accreditation at Hotel Resilient, and his team of risk specialists, have evaluated the scientific evidence, international guidelines and industry best practices to set new standards that cover all aspects of a hotel’s Covid-19 prevention and response strategy.

Third from left: Phuket Hotels Association’s Anthony Lark, Phuket governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, and Phuket vice governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai launch the COVID-READY Certification scheme, a new initiative to help hotels prepare to resume operations with enhanced hygiene practices

Anthony Lark, president, PHA, said: “Member hotels can obtain this internationally recognised certification, which will showcase Phuket as a safe destination and provide reassurance that hotels are working together to ensure the protection of their guests, staff and the community. Health and safety has never been more important than now, as we prepare to reopen our doors.”

The Hotel Resilient COVID-READY Certification scheme is aligned with the the body’s global standards on disaster risk management. Besides hygiene and safety, it addresses systemic and procedural changes to minimise risk as well as various crisis management aspects, such as response planning, business continuity, and crisis communication relating to Covid-19.

These new standards are supported by a user-friendly audit and task management software that allows hotels to prioritise areas where action is needed to enhance their level of Covid-19 preparedness.

In addition, interactive e-learning courses are available on the platform, bringing hotel staff up to speed on the current Covid-19 situation, and guiding them on how to prevent transmission or respond to an infection.

Hotel Resilient CEO Bijan Khazai said: “The COVID-READY Certification scheme will make Phuket one of the first tourism destinations in the world to take a proactive approach to safety and hygiene preparedness, based on world-class standards. Once all 70 plus PHA’s member properties are audited and certified, it will provide a safer environment for visitors, hotel staff and the Phuket community.”

Vietjet adds five new domestic routes

By TTG Asia

June 16, 2020

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Ubon_Ratchathani — Ubon Ratchathani is one of the four major cities of Isan

Thailand’s Vietjet has expanded its domestic network, adding five new direct flights from the capital Bangkok to Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surat Thani.

Ubon Ratchathani (pictured) is in the south-east of the Isan region of Thailand

Recently, Vietjet has also increased its Vietnam domestic flight network to 53 routes, with eight new routes connecting Hanoi with Dong Hoi (Quang Binh province); Hai Phong with Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh province); Vinh (Nghe An province) with Phu Quoc; Danang with Phu Quoc, Da Lat (Lam Dong province), Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak province), Vinh and Thanh Hoa. These new routes will commence operations from June 18, 2020.

Currently, Vietjet is operating flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, and Udon Thani.

Operation schedule of new Thai domestic routes:

Ready for a reset

By Mimi Hudoyo

June 16, 2020

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Indonesia tourism stakeholders are taking steps to resume business in the new normal, as president Joko Widodo shared a welcome decision to gradually allow businesses to reopen and for his people to learn to live with Covid-19.

Without a vaccine, Cleanliness, Health and Safety (CHS) will become an important focus for travellers when considering a trip, opined Wishnutama Kusubandio, Indonesia minister of tourism and creative economy.

“We are working hard to formulate a protocol to speed up the recovery of tourism in the country,” he added.

Bali will pilot the new CHS protocol before it is rolled out across Indonesia, according to the minister.

Nia Niscaya, deputy of marketing with the Tourism and Creative Economy Board, projected that attraction capacity would be impacted by social distancing concerns and requirements.

“(One of the) new challenges for tourist destinations is therefore to rearrange the flow and determine the capacity allowed for attractions and supporting facilities,” she said.

At press time, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MOTCE) is working with the Ministry of Health and related agencies to finalise new standard operating procedures (SOP) and certification for the industry.

The new SOP is part of the tourism authority’s three-phase recovery plan.

The emergency response phase will last until June 2020, and thereafter the recovery phase will take over from July to December. The normalising phase is expected to set in by January 2021.

“The communications strategy that we have been using during the emergency response period focuses on education and campaigns related to Covid-19 through our social media platforms. In addition, we have been providing market updates for industry players in Indonesia and overseas through webinars,” shared Nia.

These updates, which contain information on destinations and products as well as CHS measures, are being communicated through Visit Indonesia Tourism Officers (VITOs) in places such as France, Germany and China.

Content is tailored to specific markets, pointed out Nia.

Citing an example, she said that while Bali is a major destination for the Australian market, buyers that have requested for more updates on lesser known areas such as West and North Bali and even Banyuwangi, a destination in East Java which is gaining popularity among international travellers to Indonesia.

When asked to paint a picture of how tourism recovery would look for Indonsia, Nia said domestic travel would return before the regional and international markets.

Bali, Yogyakarta and Riau Islands would likely see the initial wave of returning tourists. As such, they will be promoted by the tourism authority in the first stage of recovery efforts.

Nia said: “Bali is obviously on top of travellers’ mind and will be the biggest contributor of arrivals to Indonesia. (Bali will also catch the first group of returning tourists because it) has managed to curb (the spread of Covid-19) cases earlier than the rest of the country.”

Besides Bali, Yogyakarta is a favourite among domestic travellers while Riau Islands is a hit with Singapore and Malaysian markets, explained Nia.

During the recovery phase, the MOTCE will run activities such as joint promotions with travel companies and airlines, and familiarisation trips highlighting the readiness of destinations in the new normal.

Destinations and tourist attractions are eager to respond to the government’s call for preparation.

Yanuar Bramuda, head of Banyuwangi Tourism and Culture Office, said in a webinar: “We have established the Nursing Tourism Programme, a collaboration between the Banyuwangi Regency government and the National Nurses Association in 2019, before this outbreak. The programme does not only take care of travellers who fall sick during their visit but also develop Banyuwangi as a healthy destination (defined as having a clean environment, hygienic facilities and healthy food products).”

The Recreational Park Management of Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko Temples (TWC) has started implementing health protocol since March, according to Hetty Herawati, its director of marketing.

The parks are currently closed but Hetty said the management has come up with SOPs that will kick in once the government lifts the compulsory closure.

The SOPs will include a cap on visitor numbers, temperature checks and provision of hand sanitisers around the temple complex.

“During the closure we have installed more signs in several languages to convey self-distancing reminders in restaurants and at sales counters,” Hetty added.

Jawa Timur Park Group, which manages several theme parks in Batu, East Java, has also used the downtime to develop new rides and adding areas for washing and hand sanitising.

Yokka Rismadora, Jawa Timur Park Group’s spokesperson, told TTG Asia that there was a silver lining in the quiet business period – Batu Secret Zoo, Eco Green Park and Predator Fun Park welcomed several new babies from rare animal species.

But before the park gates can reopen, Jawa Timur Park Group is bringing visions of its premises and animal residents to travellers though virtual tours on social media platforms.

Unchartered waters

By Feizal Samath

June 16, 2020

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Billed as the first integrated resort in a country traditionally known for its one-resort-per-island tourism product, the Crossroads Maldives opened its first phase last September.

Located in the Kaafu Atoll, the project which will eventually span nine islands is said to be a 20-minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport, Malé.

Even with just the first phase completed, the Crossroads Maldives already has a host of offerings: two resorts; a massive leisure, retail, and entertainment space called the Marina @ Crossroads; and spa and wellness centre Lèn Be Well.

Currently, accommodation within the project comprises the 178-key Hard Rock Resorts Maldives and the 198-key SAii Lagoon Maldives. Guests at the two resorts have direct access to The Marina @ Crossroads.

Housed within the 11,000m² leisure and entertainment zone is a watersports and dive centre, 12 F&B outlets, and the Koimala & Maalimi’s Junior Beach Club and Camp for families. Guests can dock their private vessels at the yacht marina, which has 30 berths.

Other highlights include the Maldives Discovery Centre, where guests can find out about local heritage, and a Marine Discovery Centre.

Sharfraz Fazley, managing director, Viluxur Holidays, who has recommended Crossroads Maldives to clients, said the development has “completely transformed” the Maldives’ tourism product.

From a destination for dive enthusiasts, honeymooners and couples, the Maldives is now a place for families, group travel with friends, and even shopping, shared Fazley.

In fact, the Marina @ Crossroads had not only attracted visitors, but also affluent Maldivians, making it a shopping destination in itself, according to the manager of a DMC, who declined to be named.

It was not all smooth-sailing, however, when the Crossroads Maldives first opened. “It took a little time and (there were) some hiccups… but there has been tremendous interest since then,” said Dharshan Munidasa, owner of three restaurants at the Marina @ Crossroads.

While occupancy at the project’s two resorts was high between December and mid-January, it later fell through to April, shared Munidasa.

Late-January was the point where the potential impact of the pandemic began to sink in worldwide. China, where cases were first reported, was the Maldives’ largest source market between 2015 and 2018.

Nevertheless, Dillip Rajakariar, CEO, Minor Hotels Group – who oversees multiple properties in the Maldives – is confident that the country’s tourism can recover by leveraging on pent-up demand.

Rajakariar cautioned, however, that the industry “(needs) to be prepared for six to 12 months of slow recovery” after borders reopen. He called for more government support for the hospitality sector.

Uniworld adds new course for travel advisors

By TTG Asia

June 15, 2020

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Uniworld University, the agent training programme of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, has launched its latest course detailing what Uniworld has in store for 2021.

Travel advisors will learn the specifics of Uniworld’s updates for 2021, including a new rail itinerary and more dates for the popular new Peruvian Amazon itineraries, as well as the new health and sanitation protocols that will go into effect as soon as Uniworld resumes cruising.

Uniworld’s 2021 offerings include the Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration onboard the Aria Amazon (above)

Highlights for 2021 include Uniworld’s partnership with The Golden Eagle Danube Express to launch Cruise and Rail itineraries, debuting July 30, 2021. The luxury train trip will complement a cruise on the revamped S.S. La Venezia. The itineraries include Milan, Venice and The Swiss Alps, and will have pre- and post-cruise options: two nights in Lugano and Lake Como that includes accommodations, tours, and all transportation.

Debuting on April 30, 2021, the Classic Germany & Amsterdam itinerary will sail for eight days from Amsterdam to Nuremberg on the River Princess. This itinerary will include active offshore excursions like a treetop hike at Steigerwald Nature Reserve in Bamberg, and a hike to Festund Marienberg, perched on a hilltop high above the city of Würzburg.

The Rhine, Main & Danube Discovery itinerary, a 15-day sailing from Amsterdam to Vienna on the River Princess, will debut April 30, 2021. Guests will cruise along the most scenic parts of the three rivers and take part in sampling local specialities, from crisp Rieslings to brandy spiked Rüdesheimer coffee. This will be a combination of the Authentic Danube and Classic Germany & Amsterdam itineraries.

Additional itineraries has been added for the recently launched Peruvian Amazon sailings for 2021, in response to high demand. On the 15-day Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration, guests will spend seven nights onboard the Aria Amazon, dine on five-star cuisine sourced fresh from the rainforest, and stay in one of just 16 suites onboard, each with floor-to-ceiling windows.

The completion of this 15-30 minute course is required for advisors to continue qualifying for Uniworld River Cruise Specialist benefits. After completing the course, graduates can enjoy special travel advisor rates discounted up to 60 per cent and a river cruise specialist email badge.

Travel advisors can access all courses from Litmos, the educational platform from TTC Agent Academy, which now offers a mobile app, SAP Litmos, to be used on phones or iPads. Once downloaded, advisors must enter thetravelcorporation.litmos.com. Advisors can also earn continuing education credits with Uniworld University through CLIA and The Travel Institute.

TAT gives a leg up to Phuket tourism

By TTG Asia

June 15, 2020

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, in cooperation with the public and private sector partners, has launched the Phuket Great Time website to promote the region’s tourism offerings.

TAT Phuket Office director Napasorn Kakai said the Phuket Great Time project is aimed at helping legally-registered local tourism operators to promote their tourism products and services for free via the phuketgreattime.com website.

TAT Phuket Office aims to promote the city’s tourism offerings via a new online website

The online marketplace, which will be activated on June 15, will feature special deals and packages pushed out by local tourism operators to attract target markets, especially during the green season.

In addition, tourists will be offered cash vouchers, discounts, gift vouchers and souvenirs when they book tourism activities via the website from June 15 to September 30, 2020.

Currently, over 80 accommodation establishments, travel companies, restaurants and tourism-related businesses have registered their products and services with the website.

Pandemic spurs Japan tourism players to innovate

By Kathryn Wortley

June 15, 2020

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Japan’s tourism sellers are adapting their marketiang strategies and boosting customer care to court visitors as the country starts to reopen for travel.

Activities range from moving products online to introducing deals and greater flexibility in bookings.

True Japan Tours has pushed out a series of online experiences, including an origami and furoshiki cloth wrapping workshop taught by a licensed instructor (above)

Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo has launched The Boutique, a website selling food, beauty products, bedding and other luxury items from the brand. The campaign is designed to keep the hotel front of mind until customers feel ready to book again.

“Our services bring a flavour of the Shangri-La Tokyo to customers at home, as ‘home time’ continues in Japan,” said Chieko Tashiro, its director of communications, adding that they will “help Shangri-La Tokyo to be the hotel of choice, even a year after the return to normal life in Japan.”

True Japan Tours has also moved online to offer virtual workshops, tours and cultural experiences, following the suspension of its country-wide tours for FIT, groups and MICE over Covid-19 fears. Delivered via Zoom, its sushi-making workshop is 1,750 yen (US$16), while its origami session costs 1,125 yen.

Also thinking longer-term is InsideJapan Tours, which sends its contacts its Stay Inside Japan newsletter, packed with interesting titbits about Japan. Harry Sargant, the company’s marketing manager for Australia, said the newsletter keeps clients “informed and entertained.”

The company is also conducting surveys to gauge customer sentiment on travel and assess when and how it should re-promote its offerings.

“We want to get a sense of the marketplace, to understand what expectations of customers would be and what reassurances they need (to) get bookings over the line,” he told TTG Asia.

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is among hotels tempting customers with offers. Under its campaign, Blooming Tokyo 2021, visitors can stay at its leafy surrounds until August 31, 2021 at 35 per cent off, if reservations are made 90 days in advance by June 30, 2021.

Park Hotel Tokyo, meanwhile, has changed its cancellation policy to provide “maximum flexibility”. Any individual reservations booked through June 30, 2020 can be cancelled at no charge, one day prior to the scheduled arrival day.

Elsewhere, Okuka Nikko Hotels has launched J-Smart Advance, allowing guests to receive mileage credit on their JMB/JAL Card during check-in.

Continued lockdown dampens Philippines’ bid to revive tourism

Preferred Hotel Group acquires Beyond Green Travel

All incoming travellers to S’pore subject to Covid tests

Phuket hotels get Covid-ready

Vietjet adds five new domestic routes

Ready for a reset

Unchartered waters

Uniworld adds new course for travel advisors

TAT gives a leg up to Phuket tourism

Pandemic spurs Japan tourism players to innovate

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