Vol. 08 | No: 2. February 2012
contents february 08 ATF 2012
ended in high note
29
Wares for sale in Batu Ferringhi
MALAYSIA - EGuide
10 PATA hosts Hub City Forum
12 FAITH TOURISM:
ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES Faith tourism may seem a minor branch of the industry, yet numbers suggest it is one of the most expansive segments which have significant potential.
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
• Le Tour De Langkawi
• Pasir Gudang International
Kite Festival
Langkawi Island
Pasir Gudang, Johor
Cherating Beach, Pahang
• National Craft Day
MARCH
APRIL
• Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix
• Sabah Fest
Kuala Lumpur
Nationwide
Sabah
• Malaysia GP Sale
Nationwide
14 Partner country Egypt at ITB Berlin Grand
opening
ceremony on 6 March 2012
-
cultural
numerous events
with
typical national attractions at the world’s largest show
travel -
trade
interactive
communication
via
Facebook and Twitter
Tourism Asia | February 2012
3
contents february
26
GAsia-Pacific Tourism Poised to Record 6 percent Growth for 2011 Growth into the South Asia was supported by a strong
20
The Leading International MICE Event In ChinaTimeless
22
AirAsia X records highest overall load factor and 45% revenue growth in 2011
performance out of Europe backed up with continued strong expansion out of China and India says PATA report
Bisikan Bayu Beach Š Tourism Malaysia
16
ITB Media Day: the meeting place for journalists and bloggers Vietnam has launched a new tourism slogan, Vietnam – Timeless Charm, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
24
India promotes Health Tourism at the Gujarat Travel Mart The second edition of the Gujarat Travel Mart started with opening ceremony on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 in Ahmadabad, India.
4
Tourism Asia | February 2012
CAMBODIA
JAPAN
MAURITIUS
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
CHINA
KENYA
PHILIPPINES
UNITED KINGDOM
HOLYLAND TOURS
MACAU
SINGAPORE
U.S.A
HONG KONG
MALAYSIA
SRI LANKA
VIETNAM
INDIA
MALDIVES
THAILAND
COMBO TOURS
From the editor’s desk Managing Editor
:
Sreekumara Menon
India has been known for mainly inbound
Group Editor
:
Janeesh Jalaluddin
movement for years but slowly it is also turn-
Executive Editor
:
Kriebel George
ing out to be a fabulous outbound source
Photo Editor
:
Madhu Menon
market. The growing demand and increasing
Art Editor
:
Dileep
no. of people wanting to travel outside India
Senior Correspondent :
Subhash Ghosh
has shot up tremendously in the last few
Senior Sub Editor
:
Anish Kumar
year.
Editorial Team
:
Anu S
:
Viji V S
Marketing
:
Suresh Kumar S
Legal Advisor
:
Adv. Preeja K S
Financial Controller
:
Abhilash S P
Representatives
Indians have been known as globe trotters mainly seeking jobs or exploring avenues to do business for ages, ever since the air connectivity across the continents became a reality. But this trend has changed and has now added momentum with the Indians traveling out of their home country for pilgrimage, leisure and pleasure.
North India
:
Vinod Chandana
East India
:
Gagan Sarangi
Today there is a great demand for destinations like Malaysia,
West India
:
S K Singh
Singapore, Thailand Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and many
Bahrain
:
Shine G Nair
European countries, thanks to the low cost carriers like Air Asia,
Bangalore
:
Bhagvan Din Kumar
Tiger Airways, Cebu Pacific Airways. There are no official figures
Bhubaneshwar
:
Gagan Sarangi
available as yet to gauge the volume but going by the big sharks
Chennai
:
Balachandar
in the trade and the visible advertising spends it is something
Dubai
:
Shinu
that cannot be ignored.
New Delhi
:
Annie Chacko
Philippines
:
Cynthia Lim
Pune
NTO‘s or National Tourist Organizations of many countries have
:
S K Singh
Qatar
realized India’s potential and slowly making a beeline to impress
:
Aneena Jacob
Singapore
the country men. Tour operators in other countries have also
:
Ajith Menon
Srilanka
realized the potential business that can be generated from India
:
Prebuddha
Thailand
and are now constantly seen making marketing calls in India.
:
Tae
All communications to: Tourism Asia Ground Floor, ‘Tower House’, Convent Road Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India Phone: +91 471 2470660, Fax: +91 471 2470660
Email: news@tourismasiaonline.info website: www.tourismasiaonline.info
Improved connectivity and increasing no. of middle class people with upscale incomes have lead to this sudden blast in nos. Indians habit to splurge in shopping wherever they go makes our tourists a very big source market. The trend is really encouraging and this is bound to scale up more in the years to come.
Regd Office: ‘Sreeji Nivas’ , Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram
Edited and Published by: Sreekumara Menon
Are we seeing a momentous shift in the Indian’s taste and travel patterns - the answer is a definite yes.
For Advertisements: marketing@tourismasiaonline.info The news and Advertisements published herein have been collected from various source, which are considered to be reliable. Readers are however requested to verify the facts before making business decisions using the same. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. Copyright 2010
V.Sreekumara Menon Editor & Publisher editor@tourismasiaonline.info +91 9447798108
Tourism Asia | February 2012
7
News & Views
ATF 2012 ended in high note
THE ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2012 travex featured over 1,400 delegates to the newly constructed Golden Kawanua Exhibition Hall in Manado, Indonesia from January 13-15. Close to 1,000 exhibitors, 390 buyers and more than 100 media representatives participated in the event. The exhibitor delegation featured some 438 booths represented by 390 companies and properties across the 10 ASEAN countries. Indonesia and Thailand form the two largest national contingents with 112 and 92 exhibition booths respectively. Corporate exhibitors also participated in a big way, contributing some 65 exhibition booths.
cent of buyers will hail from Asia-Pacific, followed by 37.6 per cent from Europe. Meanwhile, this year ’s ASEAN Tourism Conference (ATC), themed ‘ASEAN Goes Green’, saw speakers from the industry shared the latest insights on ASEAN’s efforts towards sustainable and ecoconscious tourism. This year ’s ATF also introduced its new branding, “Southeast Asia -- Feel the Warmth,” for the first time. A four-year marketing plan was outlined at the event, and will be backed by a budget of $160,000. Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor Asia and South Pacific
Sansern Ngaorungsi said the plan was to pool common products and activities. Minister Pangestu said that preparations towards ASEAN as a single destination are showing significant development, though the “Free Visa” policy among member nations still needs to be addressed and a prompt solution is necessary. Cambodia and Myanmar have yet to confirm. The minister added that the heads of ASEAN member governments had, in principle, agreed to common visas for non-ASEAN visitors and free visas for the residents of ASEAN nations. Laos will host ATF 2013 next year.
ATF 2012 saw buyer participation from four new countries: Bulgaria, Egypt, Kuwait and New Zealand. Forty-eight per
Tourism Asia | February 2012
8
News & Views
PATA
hosts Hub City Forum Pacific Asia Travel Association will host a PATA Hub City Forum- in Bangkok, next Monday, under the theme “2012: Navigating the headwinds” with tourism executives in Thailand and the Mekong Sub-region as guest speakers. The forum will be held 30 January, from 1200 to 1600 at Landmark Hotel Bangkok. PATA says the forum will suit those who want to maximise developments in transportation, manpower, hospitality and capacity building, as well as discuss future trends.
The forum will open with a 20-minute presentation by Thai Airways International president Piyasvasti Amranand, on ‘2012: Navigating the Headwinds’ followed by a 15-minute speech by Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Suraphon Svestasreni on ‘Lessons learned and Challenges Ahead’. The forum organisers have invited panelists: • Asian Development Bank, social sector specialist, Steven Schipani • Myanmar Tourism Board, tourism consultant, Daw Kyi Kyi Aye • Khiri Travel CEO, Willem Niemeijer • Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas director, electronic distribution, Damien Pfirsch • Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, executive director, Mason Florence
Tourism Asia | February 2012
• Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, chief technical advisor Peter Semone • LT Project Management, managing director Peter Meacock • Assumption University programme director, John Barnes
Topics are described as capacity building, development pipeline in greater Mekong sub region, manpower, and the impact of ASEAN Economic Cooperation (AEC) 2015 PATA expects 120 delegates to pay the Bt700 registration fee, which will be shared between PATA head office and the PATA chapter. Non-members pay Bt850, and Bt500 for students. In addition, a small gr0up of so-called VIP members (PATA) will be invited to a dinner hosted by PATA CEO, Martin Craigs, using his substantial expense budget. Mr Craigs is celebrating the rather obscure 101st anniversary described as the first aircraft flight to Bangkok, January 1911. He has not verified if that was for a land aircraft or sea plane. 10
News & Events
FAITH TOURISM: ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES Faith tourism may seem a minor branch of the industry, yet numbers suggest it is one of the most expansive segments which have significant potential.
Thus, faith-based tourism has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the industry, being only overcome by adventure tourism.
Visiting religious sites has long been a priority for believers; no matter what religion, those truly devoted are ready to travel thousands of miles to pay homage to a place or area significant to their faith. In fact, large groups of travelers plan their religious holidays way in advance to make sure their experience is perfect.
There are a number of key religious hotspots which attract the most faith tourists. Tourism agencies worldwide have been monitoring this developing trend and many have already launched special packages which feature many places of interest and deliver a complete deal to potential clients.
Such packages present a challenge for tour operators, considering the number of places which a themed religious tour need to include. Buddhist religion lures visitors to many Asian countries ranging from Nepal, and India to Japan, while Christians are attracted to countries in the Middle East, Europe or the Americas. Among the most popular religious destinations are the so-called Bible lands or places, which follow the history of Christianity in Egypt, Jordan, Israel, etc. Visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth is only the very basis of such a religious tour. Lourdes in France is perhaps the largest pilgrimage place which annually draws millions of visitors, mainly Catholics. Yet France offers much more to faith travelers including the famous Parisian cathedrals such as Chartres and Notre Dame, or the Mont St. Michel abbey that dates back to 11th century. Latin America as well as the U.S. present a variety of mission trails and those keen on Christian roots will enjoy travelling through Greece or Italy, and even Scotland and Ireland.
Tourism Asia | February 2012
12
Nesw & Views
Partner country Egypt at ITB Berlin Grand opening ceremony on 6 March 2012 – numerous cultural events with typical national attractions at the world’s largest travel trade show – interactive communication via Facebook and Twitter
tional travel industry’s leading think
will occupy close to 2,000 square
tank, discussion will focus on the Arab
metres of floor space in Hall 23,
Spring and its impact on tourism.
making it one of the largest exhibitors at the show. Visitors to the hall can
Hisham Zaazou, Senior Assistant Min-
experience the diversity of Egypt’s holi-
ister of Tourism: “As the partner coun-
day regions, including the Nile Delta,
try of ITB Berlin 2012 Egypt is highly
Red Sea, desert landscapes, oases and
enthusiastic and committed. This is a
the Mediterranean coast. At a bazaar
milestone for our tourism industry and
they can also purchase the country’s
signals continuity for our strongest
handicrafts, sample regional speciali-
branch of industry in these times of
ties, or enjoy a musical foretaste of
political change.“
Egypt with atmospheric live music and folk presentations. Badawy, one of the
The question as to what the future
country’s best known chefs, will be
In March 2012 Egypt, the partner coun-
holds for the tourism industry in the
cooking dishes at the Brandenburg
try of ITB Berlin, will have a wide-
Arab countries will be debated at the
Restaurant in Hall 24.
ranging programme of events to offer
ITB Berlin Convention. On 7 March
the international trade visitors and the
2012 from 4.15 to 5.30 p.m. the topic
A colourful Egyptian carnival proces-
general public attending the world’s
for discussion will be “The Arab rebel-
sion will be taking place in the various
largest travel trade show. During the
lion: an Arab Spring or tourism ice
halls on every day of the fair. An
show, which takes place from 7 to 11
age?“. Experts on the Arab region
impressive performance of traditional
March 2012, visitors to Hall 23a will be
including Prof. Dr. Volker Perthes,
Tanoura dancing, which involves an
able to find out more about Egypt’s
Humboldt-Universität Berlin and Freie
artistic display of dancers’ skirts, awaits
culture and history as well as tourism
Universität Berlin, director of Stiftung
visitors to Hall 4.1. Samaa, a group of
to this country. Among those perform-
Wissenschaft und Politik and Dietmar
Islamic and Coptic singers, blends
ing at the opening ceremony on Tues-
Gunz, CEO FTI Group, will put forward
different
day, 6 March 2012 in the International
scenarios and provide orientation.
sounds, expressing peace among faiths
Congress Center ICC Berlin will be
religious
beliefs
with
its
and Egypt’s uniformity as a nation. On
members of the Cairo Opera House. At
Egypt has been at ITB Berlin ever since
9 March, at 3.30 p.m., book lovers can
the ITB Berlin Convention, the interna
the show’s launch in 1966. In 2012 it
draw inspiration from the ITB Book
Tourism Asia | February 2012
14
Nesw & Views Awards which will take place in the hall
From 7 February to 4 March 2012
hosting Egypt’s displays. Travel calen-
various promotional activities involving
dars, travel guides and travelogues
this
covering the country’s entire range of
customers visiting the store of the
attractions
public’s
outdoor equipment supplier Globe-
enthusiasm for Egypt. On 11 March
trotter in Berlin-Steglitz. Competitions
2012 at the closing ceremony of ITB
with prizes, videos, music and informa-
Berlin, Egypt will put on an artistic
tion on Egypt as well as a lecture by the
performance with The Festival of the
travel agency DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen
Delphic Games.
will bring Egypt’s magic to the German
will
whet
the
year’s
partner
country
await
capital. The ankh project is yet another of the
Social networking sites offer numerous
numerous trade fair and marketing
opportunities for those interested in
measures which this year’s partner
finding out more about Egypt at the
country has launched. This ancient
show or at home. Here, they can
symbol signifying eternal life forms
contact Egyptian internet users, chat
part of the “We are Egypt“ logo and
live with people in Egypt, or exchange
represents Egypt’s visual signature as
views via Facebook or Twitter, for
the partner country of ITB Berlin 2012.
example. Additional information on
Visitors to Berlin will be able to see
Egypt
twenty different ankh sculptures by
www.egypt.travel or on Facebook at
Egyptian artists throughout the city.
www.facebook.com/AegyptenFans.
is
available
from
About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention ITB Berlin 2012 will be taking place from Wednesday, 7 to Sunday, 11 March, and from Wednesday to Friday will be open to trade visitors only. Parallel with the trade show, the ITB Berlin Convention, the largest travel industry event of its kind in the world, will be held from Wednesday, 7 to Friday, 9 March 2012. Additional information
is
available
convention.com.
ITB
at
www.itb-
Berlin
is
the
global travel industry’s leading trade show. In 2011 a total of 11,163 companies from 188 countries displayed their products
and
services
to
170,000
visitors, who included 110,791 trade visitors.
Tourism Asia | February 2012
15
News & Events
ITB Media Day: the meeting place for journalists and bloggers Open press conference of ITB Berlin on 6 March 2012 – followed by further press conferences with exhibitors – a major networking event for bloggers
Organizer
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Jaipur, India
This year the media world is already
large number of events and discussion
and the challenges facing the world’s
gathering in Berlin from 6 March 2012.
rounds
Exhibition
travel industry. This will be followed by
On the eve of ITB Berlin, for the first
Grounds, will round off the ITB Media
a press conference with the Hungarian
time, the world’s leading travel trade
Day.
Tourist Board at Empore Ost which
on
the
Berlin
show will be devoting this day entirely
starts at 11.30 a.m. Afterwards, the
to the media. Events will feature the
On 6 March at 10 a.m. the opening
Japanese Tourist Board will report on
opening press conference of ITB Berlin
press conference of ITB Berlin will kick
all the latest news for travellers to
and further press conferences with
off events at the Palais am Funkturm,
Japan at an event in the central area of
individual
event
where the organisers of ITB Berlin will
the ground floor, starting at 1 p.m. At
welcoming bloggers from Germany
provide information on bookings and
2.30 p.m. ruf, a tour operator which
and abroad, who this year will find a
exhibitor numbers as well as trends
organises
exhibitors.
An
accompanied
travel
for
children, young people and young adults, will talk about developments
in
the
market for young travellers
as
well
as
the
company’s thirtieth anniversary. Towards the end of the afternoon the focus will be on bloggers. From 5 p.m.,
Travel
Massive
@ITB Berlin will welcome bloggers
from
around
the world at the Palais am
Funkturm.
Berlin
the
networking Travel
At
ITB
global initiative
Massive
is
organised by
16
Tourism Asia | February 2012
News & Events pocketvillage.de and sponsored by
Jordan. Michael Buller, chairman of
visitBerlin. Bloggers will be able to
Verband
exchange views with the management
(VIR), will moderate the debate. During
of ITB Berlin and representatives of
the afternoon the third ITB Media
startups and tour operators in a
Summit will address the following
relaxed atmosphere.
issues:
Internet-Reisevertrieb
”How
are
travel
e.V.
bloggers,
corporate bloggers and travel technolA variety of events for bloggers and
ogy bloggers changing the traditional
anyone interested in blogging are also
media landscape?“. Dirk Rogl, deputy
scheduled to take place during ITB
editor-in-chief of the business maga-
Berlin. The New Media Summit at the
zine fvw, will moderate the event.
eTravel World in Hall 7.1c, a special
Among those taking part will be Ange-
event for bloggers, will take place on
lika Schwaff, press spokeswoman of
Thursday, 8 March at 10.30 a.m. On
germanwings, a travel blogger and
Friday, 9 March at 11.30 a.m., taking as
former travel journalist, and Sebastian
their slogan ”New kids on the blog –
Heinzel, CEO and corporate blogger,
how destinations can succeed in the
tripwolf.com, who will be discussing
blogosphere“, tourist boards and blog-
the transition from an electronic diary
gers will be discussing in what way and
to a professional internet medium (Hall
to what degree travel bloggers can
7.1b, London Room, 2.45 to 4 p.m.).
successfully
market
destinations.
Taking part in the discussion will be
This year ITB Berlin has created a
Reine Gammoh of Visit Jordan and
special button that reads “for blog-
blogger Keith Jenkins, who have jointly
gers“, to make finding one’s way
realised the iAmbassador project for
around the show as easy as possible.
18
An overview of all the main events are listed at www.itb-berlin.com/Blogger. Dr. Martin Buck, director of the Competence Center Travel & Logistics, is delighted
that
bloggers
have
expressed such keen interest in the travel show: ”In recent years bloggers’ interest in ITB Berlin has risen sharply. We note the industry is also very keen to strike up partnerships with bloggers and eager to make contact. ITB Berlin, the leading platform of the international travel industry, is the ideal venue for this.“
Tourism Asia | February 2012
News & Views
The Leading International MICE Event In ChinaTimeless IT&CM CHINA 2012 to be held in April IT&CM China 2012 will be held from April 17 to 19 at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. The 2012 theme is “Advancing MICE and Business Minds”. This is the 6th instalment of the international MICE event that seeks to “Promote China to the World and the World to China”. In 2011, the event attracted more than 2,000 delegates from 43 countries. It is the only event that features a good mix of International and Chinese exhibitors as well as a dedicated team to deliver some 400 buyers with a 50%-50% mix of International and Chinese buyers. Since 2007, IT&CM China has established
The event is organised by TTG Events, a business group of TTG Asia Media, CITS Inter-
itself as China’s leading international
national M.I.C.E – a wholly-owned subsidiary of CITS (China International Travel
Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and
Service) and MP International. It has the support of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism
Exhibitions (MICE) business, education
Administration, Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association, Australian
and networking event, dedicated to “Pro-
Society of Association Executives, Canadian Society of Association Executives, Global
moting China to the World and the World
Business Travel Association, International Congress & Convention Association, Inter-
to China”. Bringing together Chinese and
national Association of Professional Congress Organisers, Pacific Asia Travel Associa-
International MICE exhibitors and buyers
tion and Society of Incentive Travel Executives China.
in one dynamic marketplace, IT&CM China is the platform for international and
More information is available at www.itcmchina.com.
leading Chinese players in the MICE industry to explore business opportunities on all fronts – inbound, outbound and domestic. Delegates to the 3-day event receive the best return on their investment in business, education and networking through structured business appointments,
exhibition
showcase,
seminar
sessions, official networking functions and tours.
20
Tourism Asia | February 2012
News & Views
AirAsia X records highest overall load factor and 45% revenue growth in 2011
AirAsia X continued its growth trajectory in the fourth quarter of 2011, carrying 0.64 million passengers, an increase of 7.3% over the same quarter in 2010, with the same aircraft fleet of 9 Airbus A330s and 2 Airbus A340s. This brings its total passengers carried in 2011 to 2.5 million (up 31.5% from 1.9 million passengers in 2010), and its highest ever full year load factor of 80.1% (up 3.6 percentagepoints from 2010). This was achieved despite a challenging year with natural disasters in Christchurch and Japan, and floods in Queensland that slowed down demand on affected routes. In terms of passenger traffic, AirAsia X grew by 12.3% to 3.6 billion RevenuePassenger Kms (RPKs) for Q4-2011, and
Tourism Asia | February 2012
finishing the full year at 14.1 billion RPKs, a 36.2% growth from 2010. Total capacity for Q4-2011 grew by 12.2% to 4.4 billion Available-Seat-Kms (ASKs), resulting in a load factor of 82%, and 17.6 billion ASKs for 2011, a 30.0% year-on-year growth.
route network strategy to focus on building a stronger presence in its core markets. The plan will see AirAsia X increase our flight frequencies on existing routes and look at expanding our network further across Asia Pacific.”
Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of AirAsia X commented, “AirAsia X was able to achieve positive load factor growth and average fare growth at the same time, on all of its routes that it has operated for at least a full year. With both load factor and average fares growing positively, we were able to achieve a total Revenue of RM1.9 billion in 2011, a 45% growth over 2010. This demonstrates the resilience of the low-cost long-haul model, and underpins AirAsia X’s recently announced 2012
Cargo operations continues to be strong, with AirAsia X carrying 8,474 tonnes of freight in the fourth quarter and 35,016 tonnes for the year, registering a 31.6% growth from a year ago. Operationally, even with its high aircraft utilisation model, AirAsia X has been able to produce industry-leading engineering reliability and capping the year with an on-time performance rate of 88% of departures within 15 minutes. 22
News & Views
India promotes Health Tourism at the Gujarat Travel Mart The second edition of the Gujarat Travel Mart started with opening ceremony on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 in Ahmadabad, India. There are several exhibitors from the Indian Hospital sector and the Holistic medicine industry that are marketing their products. The Indian Ministry of Tourism recently announced that India's Medical Tourism market is growing at an annual rate of 25 per cent and is expected to become a USD two-billion business segment by 2012. Last year 200,000 patients came to India for medical treatment. The Indian Ministry of Tourism also announced that US$6.5 billion is in the pipeline for the Medical Tourism industry in the country that offers medical facilities using the latest technologies and having
significant cost savings advantages compared to other countries. Medical treatment costs in India are lower by at least 60-80% when compared to similar procedures in North America and the UK. The costs in India are one- fifth of that of Singapore and half of that of Thailand. Hosted buyers and media visited touristical places of the region before the event started.
24
Tourism Asia | February 2012
Nesw & Views
GAsia-Pacific Tourism Poised to Record 6 percent Growth for 2011 Preliminary results released today by
each of the months of October and
Growth into the South Asia was supported by a strong performance out of Europe backed up with continued strong expansion out of China and
November 2011. For the first 11
was supported by a strong perfor-
extent of the flooding - realised a gain
months of the year, South Asia was the
mance out of Europe backed up with
of 8% and a loss of 18% in foreign
star growth performer, followed by
continued strong expansion out of
arrivals during October and November
Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia and the
China and India. Not surprisingly, this
2011 respectively, compared to the
Pacific,
tourism
sub-region is poised to emerge as the
corresponding periods in 2010. This
demand improve albeit at different
fastest growing in the Asia/Pacific
negative effect also continued through
rates of growth. This momentum is
region with a full-year gain expectation
December but at a reduced rate.
expected to continue for the rest of the
of around 11%-12% for 2011.
Thanks to sustained travel demand out
the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) show a collective increase of 6% year-on-year for international arrivals into Asia/Pacific1 destinations during
all
of
which
saw
of China in particular, many reporting
year and paves the way for an expected full-year arrivals gain of 5-6% in 2011,
Southeast Asia recorded a relatively
destinations
above the global growth figure of 4%.
slower close on the year with growth of
double-digit
The overall international visitor arrivals
7% and 3% in October and November
ranging from 43% for Vietnam, 26% for
count to the wider Asia Pacific region –
2011 respectively. A number of factors
Myanmar, 20% for the Philippines to
which includes North America - is
were responsible for this result, most
13% for Indonesia. Overall, growth in
expected to reach around 430 million
particularly the flooding that occurred
international arrivals to Southeast Asia
for 2011.
across many destinations. Thailand,
for calendar year 2011 is expected to
although partially impacted by flood-
be around 11%.
Travel demand to South Asia was particularly strong with growth of 15% for the month of October (year-on-
managed growth
in
to
show
November
ing - and a negative perception of the Bisikan Bayu Beach Š Tourism Malaysia
year), however this momentum stalled a little in November when the aggregate gain fell to 9%. With the exception of India, all reporting destinations within
this
sub-region
showed
outstanding results with double-digit growth during the month of November. A number of destinations in the region set new records for monthly foreign visitor volumes including the Maldives (+22%) and Nepal (+17%) in October and Sri Lanka (+26%) in November. Growth into the sub-region
26
Tourism Asia | February 2012
Events MALAYSIA - EVENTS Colour up your holiday in Malaysia with much joy and excitement, as there is always something to check out every month!
Sabah Fest
Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival
Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix
Colours Of 1Malaysia
Penang International Boat Festival
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
APRIL
• Le Tour De Langkawi
• Pasir Gudang International
• Sabah Fest
Langkawi Island
Cherating Beach, Pahang
Kite Festival
Pasir Gudang, Johor
Sabah
• National Craft Day
Nationwide
MAY • Borneo Jazz
Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Festival
MARCH • Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix
Kuala Lumpur
• Malaysia GP Sale
Nationwide
• Putrajaya International Hot Air
Balloon Fiesta
Putrajaya
Sabah
• Colours Of 1Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
JUNE • 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival
Nationwide
• Penang International
Dragon Boat Festival
Penang
Tourism Asia | February 2012
29
Events MALAYSIA - EVENTS
National Day celebrations
Rainforest World Music Festival
National Day celebrations
Sarawak Bird Race
LIMA
JULY
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
• Kuala Lumpur Festival
• Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race
• Monsoon Cup
• Rainforest World Music Festival
• Malaysia International Gourmet
• Langkawi Birding and Fotofest
Kuala Lumpur
Kuching, Sarawak
• Georgetown Festival
Penang
• Putrajaya Flower and Garden Festival
Putrajaya
AUGUST • National Day
Nationwide
Tourism Asia | February 2012
Kuala Lumpur
Festival
Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Langkawi Island
Nationwide
OCTOBER
DECEMBER
• 1Malaysia Tanglung Tourism Festival
• Malaysia Year-End Sale
• Sarawak Bird Race
• Langkawi International Maritime
Nationwide
Kuching, Sarawak
• Malaysian MotoGP
Nationwide
and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA)
Langkawi Island
Kuala Lumpur
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