Vietjet adds five new domestic routes

June 16, 2020

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.

Govt handouts, slashed hotel rates to jumpstart Thai domestic tourism

By Anne Somanas

June 15, 2020

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Despite spending power curtailed by lockdowns and weak market confidence, Thai domestic travellers have shown a clear propensity for prepaid hotel bookings, nearby holidays and Airbnb stays.

Attempts by Thai hospitality players to increase cash flow with reduced room rates, coupled with a string of domestic travel stimuli planned by the local government, promise to add to the impetus.

Hotels like Twinpalms Phuket (above) are trying to woo back local tourists by offering free room stays for a minimum spend on F&B credits

Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks, said in an online statement that Thai hotels are being inundated with a “storm of direct email, social media and even phone calls for pre-paid hotel stays,” which he attributes to pent-up demand from travellers “who have missed their holidays and trips and now want to splash out.”

Barnett described many Thai hotels as being stuck in a tight spot and needing cash flow, so much so that they are waiving room fees and charging for meals alone. He cited the case of Twinpalms Phuket, which is now offering a free stay promotion, with a minimum stay of two nights, for a minimum daily spend of 2,000++ (US$64++) baht per person, per day on F&B credits.

“Now that the hotels are allowed to open, they cannot get social security to subsidise their staff, so they have to (obtain) income as they’re stuck with having their staff back (at) work,” Barnett said.

In July, the Thai government hopes to stimulate 100 million domestic trips by offering a 3,000 baht subsidy on five million hotel rooms. A 40 per cent discount on airline tickets will also be offered to Thai tourists next month under a 20 billion baht scheme to rejuvenate local tourism.

Soho Hospitality CEO Rohit Sachdev said: “Domestic demand will definitely be constrained due to weakened spending power but the government is attempting to stimulate spending by providing tourism incentives in the form of cash handouts, and the hospitality industry will probably follow with the support of additional programmes from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

“It will kick off with the planned Songkran holidays in July. I expect hotels and resorts to offer reduced room rates and attractive full board packages as incentives to drive consumer demand.”

During phase three of the country’s reopening, which allows limited inter-provincial travel, Thais had already begun travelling to other parts of the country “in droves”, to the point local officials were propelled to threaten re-closure, reported The Bangkok Post.

As Thailand enters phase four on June 15, the curfew will be lifted and most businesses will be allowed to reopen, except bars, pubs and soapy massages. Phuket airport will also reopen its gates, after a nearly three-month-long hiatus.

Erwin van der Veen, general manager at SALA Hospitality Group, shared in a LinkedIn post that he has seen Samui’s available inventory fully booked for weekends in June, with “quite respectable occupancies on weekdays” – all from Thai nationals and expats. Calling it an encouraging sign, he said: “All we have to do is make great offers, stay positive, communicate well and operate responsibly.”

He also noted that “July OVS bookings appear to be holding from mid-July onwards,” indicating that perhaps travellers are anxiously waiting for government travel approvals.

In a recent blog post, Barnett encouraged Thai hotels to think beyond the cash flow, and focus on their long-term relationships with customers so that they wouldn’t just show up for “one-night stands” and then disappear.

Philippine resort keeps busy with new organic farm

By Rosa Ocampo

June 15, 2020

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A resort in Panglao, Bohol is utilising the pandemic-induced downtime, where tourism has been at zero since mid-March, to innovate by having its staff build an organic farm which is already benefiting the local community.

South Farm provides guests of the neighbouring South Palms Resort Panglao and North Zen Villas with a local agriculture experience within a resort landscape, laden with farm-to-table meals; a rustic camp; educational and festive activities; hand-made, recycled materials; among others.

Workers at South Farm in Panglao making drums out of recycled materials

But the owner, hailing from an agricultural heritage, wants to do more so that the farm will be the core for future expansion into a “community hub farm”, said Ken Hawkins, Topo Design Studio’s horticultural consultant, in a Farm to Table Hotels virtual event organised by Delivering Asia Communications.

The organic farm has wide species and varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices for its sister resorts, and several outside outlets requiring volume and quality. It even has utility plants like abaca whose fiber is popular among weavers, and expansion plans include having satellite farms for certain crops like coffee.

Furry animals were introduced, and there’s a plan to start breeding goats, and with the help of the locals, to produce milk and cheese.

Topo Design Studio designer, Drew Anderson, said the farm is big on recycling to the point where it started recycling and upscaling old machinery and other derelicts to create kids’ play and fun attractions.

While exploring water retention plans, they discovered pink limestone on the property, which are now used in pavements and walls extending to the resorts, Anderson said.

Hawkins said that in researching the history, culture and capabilities of the area, they discovered “little surprising elements” like the “lost forms of local art and craft searching for an audience”.

He added that they are reviving traditional food production in Bohol, such as salt-making, which has specific processes. Currently, only one family in the province is in that business, making sugar from coconut, local cakes called torta, and more.

They’re also reviving the long tradition of pottery that has fallen into neglect in the fairly poor area, with only one ageing lady practising the craft occasionally now.

They have discovered local artisans, sculptural artists and painters who can help revive traditional art and craft, while passing on their knowledge by training the youth.

However, the shuttering of tourism in Bohol since the onslaught of the pandemic has halted all these activities at South Farm. With the resort staff left idle, they were taught new skills and moved to work at the farm, according to Anderson. The restaurant supervisor is now a wood artist; the room attendant, a farmer; and the lifeguard, a welder and carpenter.

The rest of the staff are acquiring new skills at the farm, like learning how to paint, which they will put to use at the resort, once the lockdown eases, Anderson said.

Hoteliers split on Sri Lanka’s strict protocols for tourists

By Feizal Samath

June 15, 2020

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Sri Lanka’s decision to impose stringent Covid-19 testing protocols when it reopens its doors to foreign tourists on August 1 has divided local tourism industry stakeholders.

Some industry players, who declined to be named, are up in arms over the stringent Covid-19 testing protocols. The chairman of a local hotel chain said: “At this rate, tourists would prefer to stay home than come to Sri Lanka.”

Tourism players fear that stringent health protocols may deter foreign visitors to Sri Lanka

However, the heads of two key associations representing hotels and travel agents said such testing protocols are necessary to maintain Sri Lanka’s success in countering Covid-19. The country has seen 1,880 confirmed cases as at June 13, with a death toll of 11.

Sanath Ukwatte, president of The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, said that those stringent measures help curtail pandemic spread. “The best-case scenario would be no restrictions imposed on tourists. However, we need to respect the health authorities who are doing their utmost to contain this imported disease,” he said.

He projected tourist numbers to be low in the first few months, and urged authorities to revise those protocols as foreign arrivals gradually tick back upwards “three to four months after reopening”.

Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators president Mahen Kariyawasam told TTG Asia that authorities had altered an earlier proposal to impose a visa fee on arriving tourists from US$100 to US$35, after they raised concerns that the high visa fee might deter visitors.

Earlier on, the US$35 visa fee was abolished after the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, to instead allow free-visa entry in a bid to revive the hammered tourism sector. But the authorities had initially planned to increase visa fee rates to US$100, as Sri Lanka had lost millions of dollars last year in revenue following the promulgation of the visa-free arrival scheme.

However, on top of the reinstated US$35 visa fee, arriving tourists will now also have to fork out up to US$65 for Covid-19 tests, depending on the length of their stay.

As per tourism guidelines issued on June 5, travellers need to stay for a minimum five nights and should reside in certified accommodation providers (hotels) which will be listed on the Sri Lanka Tourism website. Details of their hotel bookings are required for the online visa application.

Visitors are required to take a Covid-19 swab test on arrival at the airport, but need not serve quarantine unless symptoms are detected, the guidelines said. However, they would have to stay in the airport until test results are out within four to five hours.

The guidelines also state that a second test will be done four to five days after arrival by a mobile unit in coordination with the certified accommodation provider. Travellers staying for more than 10 days will be required to take a third test during their stay.

Asked whether the enforcement of multiple tests would be a deterrent to visit the country, Kariyawasam said that other countries are imposing compulsory quarantine periods on arriving travellers, whereas in Sri Lanka, visitors are allowed to check into their hotel after testing negative for Covid-19 upon arrival.

“For the first few months, I think we would attract visitors from the Asian region, as there are very few inquiries from Europe,” he said, adding that the European traffic is expected to pick up by early next year. While India and China are Sri Lanka’s main inbound sources, Europe is the largest regional source.

Cambodia draws ire for steep Covid-19 charges on foreign arrivals

By Marissa Carruthers

June 15, 2020

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Fears have been raised among tourism players that a stringent set of Covid-19 testing fees for foreigners arriving in Cambodia will deter incoming visitors and hamper the country’s road to recovery.

On Thursday, the government announced all international arrivals must leave a US$3,000 upfront deposit in either cash or through a credit card to cover the costs of any coronavirus testing. Of that sum, US$165 will go towards paying for a Covid-19 test at a facility close to the airport, as well as one night’s accommodation and food while waiting for results.

Travellers to Cambodia will have to fork out a US$3,000 deposit for the costs of any potential Covid-19 testing

If anyone on the plane arriving into the country tests positive, all passengers will be forced into a 14-day quarantine at a cost of up to US$1,276. If an individual tests positive, up to US$3,550 will be charged for 14 days treatment and quarantine.

This is in addition to previous rules that state foreigners must have US$50,000 health insurance and a Covid-19 negative certificate taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

Nick Ray, Hanuman Travel product director, said the DMC has started receiving a few high-end and business bookings for the end of 2020 going into 2021. With no date given on when the new measures will be reviewed, he fears the fees will now put people off considering Cambodia.

Said Ray: “This is almost a tourist ban in all but name. The interest (for Cambodia) is here, but if you’re looking at booking a holiday in South-east Asia in the future, then you (are going to) look at the restrictions and bans currently in place. This is off-putting. We need a timeline.”

Virginie Kury, general manager at Asian Trails Cambodia, added the move also hampers Cambodia’s ability to compete with other South-east Asian destinations for visitors, especially longhaul bookings.

She noted: “Other countries, such as Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, are focusing on putting in place very clear health and safety measures. They will be the first places longhaul travellers will consider. These charges bring an extra challenge.”

On May 20, Cambodia lifted travel restrictions imposed in late March on the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Iran.

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

Govt handouts, slashed hotel rates to jumpstart Thai domestic tourism

Philippine resort keeps busy with new organic farm

Hoteliers split on Sri Lanka’s strict protocols for tourists

Cambodia draws ire for steep Covid-19 charges on foreign arrivals

Tried and Tested

Knai Bang Chatt by Kep West

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