Tourism Asia Online by Tourism Asia Online

Vol. 08 | No: 5. May 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

contents may

08 ATM 2012 highlights Middle East, North Africa resilience DESPITE events of the Arab Spring and economic uncertainty in key European markets, there is a bright future ahead for tourism in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a consensus of delegates at

Wares for sale in Batu Ferringhi

the inaugural UNWTO and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) industry forum on Monday.

12 Scoot serves up Bangkok surprise

GTMC Singapore seals joint venture with Vitours

16 Domestic Tourism a “Shock Ab-

sorber” To Cushion Against “External Shocks”

Tourism Asia | May 2012

contents may 18 Hotel boom in Asia/Pacfic

Qatar Airways Becomes Member Of Key Global Industry Body Covering MICE Sector

Qatar Airways has become a member of ICCA, the leading international industry body promoting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.

Cambodia woos Chinese tourism

Gaming show time in Macau

SAT wants to see India as an established market by 2013

JNTO to open office in Indonesia by next year

Hotel Prices Rise in European Cities

Tourism Asia | May 2012

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 | March 2012

News & Views

ATM 2012 highlights Middle East, North Africa resilience

DESPITE events of the Arab Spring and economic uncertainty in key European markets, there is a bright future ahead for tourism in the Middle East and North Africa, according to a consensus of delegates at the inaugural UNWTO and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) industry forum on Monday. Speaking at the forum, which is slated to become an annual affair, UNWTO secretary-general, Taleb Rifai, called the Middle East & North Africa region a “tourism success story in the first decade of the 21st century”, with the majority of markets registering a strong rebound following the challenges of the past year.

Tourism Asia | May 2012

“We are very impressed by the rate of recovery of some of the most affected countries in the region. Countries that were directly affected, like Egypt, Tunisia, Syria and Yemen, saw a downturn of 80-85 per cent as political events unfolded, but minimised their losses considerably in 2011, closing the year down by 25-30 per cent,” he said. This year ’s ATM, which takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 30 to May 3, features representatives from 87 countries, and 54 national tourism organisations participating as exhibitors.

The event saw a 46-per cent rise in visitor pre-registrations and 213-per cent increase in travel consultant registrations, compared to last year ’s edition. Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, which organised ATM 2012, said: “The record figures we’re receiving for this year ’s event reflects the region’s positive approach to the tourism sector as a major economic driver.” “Eighteen months on from the Arab Spring, we have seen a significant jump in interest from within the Gulf Cooperation Council States, which is confirmed by the positive pre-show figures we have seen across the board.” 8

News & Events

GTMC Singapore seals joint venture with Vitours SINGAPORE-headquartered GTMC Travel, which specialises in global wholesale of outbound travel products and regional in-bound ground operations, has entered into a joint venture with Vitours, one of the leading tour operators in Vietnam. The joint venture allows GTMC’s global network of travel consultant partners to book inbound and outbound travel packages to and from Vietnam directly through GTMC’s office in Saigon, effective May 1, 2012. “The association with Vitours will help our large network of travel (consultants) to confidently service the growing demand for travel into Vietnam,” said GTMC Travel CEO, Samson Tan. Cao Tri Dung, managing director, Vitours said: “We look forward to serving more guests from around the world and delivering a high-quality travel experience.” In addition to its joint venture with Vitours, GTMC also has subsidiaries in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong and mainland China.

Tourism Asia | May 2011

News & Events

Scoot serves up Bangkok surprise

Scoot, Singapore Airlinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; budget subsidiary will fly the short haul route to Bangkok from 5 July adding even more stress on a cut-throat sector served by Thai AirAsia, Jetstar as well as its own subsidiary Tiger Airways. Introduction of a Bangkok service came as a surprise, as it was not mentioned on the intended destinations list. Scoot was pitching at medium and long haul routes from Singapore namely Australia, New Zealand, China, India. Europe and even the US at a stretch. This strategy is reflected in its fleet choice of mid to long-range wide-bodied B777-200s (32 business seats and 370 economy seats).

give passengers more choices. Thai AirAsia and Tiger Airways operate five daily services, while Jetstar offers two. Fullservice carriers, Singapore Airlines fly five daily flights; Thai Airways International, four to five flights daily and Cathay Pacific Airways, a single daily service. But a Scoot fare comes cheap and there are some incentives that might persuade travellers to move from a competing budget airline.

One is more user friendly booking categories. They are: Fly (seat only with carry-on luggage); FlyBag (seat with 15 kg checked baggage); FlyBagEat (seat with 15 kg checked baggage and a meal) and ScootBiz (premium class with 38-inch seat, 20 kg baggage, up to two complimentary meals, priority boarding and check-in, in-flight entertainment, in-seat power and

Critics will say it was an opportunist move to tap the popular Bangkok with a daily evening flight departing Singapore at 1725 and returning from Bangkok at 2000. But the airline will be stretched to make it work as competitors serving the route 12

Tourism Asia | May 2012

News & Events comfort kit if travel overnight). Extra charges apply for seat assignment, wider seat, exit-row seat, additional checked baggage allowance, sports gear, meals, iPad in-flight entertainment and amenity kit. On the Bangkok-Singapore route, during the introductory period, all-in roundtrip fares start from Bt3,363, Fly fare; Bt3,963, FlyBag; Bt4,803,FlyBagEat and Bt10,123, ScootBiz. If the passenger only requires a checked baggage allowance on one leg of the trip, they can buy a Fly fare and 15 kg of checked baggage, Bt375 per sector, instead of paying the FlyBag fee. Passengers can buy up to 40 kg of checked baggage on top of any fare.

Looking at the fares quoted by other low-cost carriers, Thai AirAsia sells the route from Bt6,330; Jetstar, from Bt4,590 and Tiger Airways, Bt5,680 (seat with hand-carry luggage only).

of Bt8,400 per seat if two persons travel together and Bt9,150 for an individual and the seat is comparable to what ScootBiz offers.

Scoot passengers should recognise the late arrival in Singapore means surcharges on taxi fares and by the time you check in the downtown room at S$500 a night it will be almost time to get up for breakfast.

THAIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 52nd Anniversary promotion quotes Bt9,475 up until 30 September and Bt11,330, outside of the promotional period. Cathay Pacific sells at Bt8,690 for its afternoon flight departing Bangkok at 1145 and returning from Singapore at 1335. Scoot will kick off services, 4 June, with a Singapore-Sydney service (daily) and on 12 June, Singapore-Gold Coast (five weekly); then on 5 July, Bangkok and in August, Tianjin in China.

Comparing fares with full-service carriers, the ScootBiz fare of Bt10,123 is more expensive. Singapore Airlines sells a fare

All fares are inclusive of taxes and surcharges and subject to change due to availability and currency fluctuations.

The fares of these carriers can be cheaper during promotional campaigns or the traditional teasers when they sell a basement fare without telling us the deal is limited to just a few seats.

Tourism Asia | May 2012

News & Views

Domestic Tourism a “Shock Absorber” To Cushion Against “External Shocks” If foreign tourism has been hit by

whose livelihoods depend on the

repeated “external shocks” over the

industry.”

last decade, domestic tourism has become a “shock absorber” to help

“In terms of volume, domestic tourism

cushion the impact, according to a

is estimated to be around 200 m in

landmark study to be released this

India alone, while in Indonesia and Sri

week.

Lanka, the domestic tourism markets have sustained the tourism industry

The Study on Domestic Tourism Across

during a period of stagnation of inter-

the Asia-Pacific is to be one of the

national visitors.”

highlights of a UN World Tourism Organisation caucus for East Asia,

The study cites the example of China

South Asia and Pacific to be held in Chiang Mai, May 3-5. The study is to be

higher than what was known before

finalised later this year but preliminary

the studies were commissioned.” The report notes that Asian tourism

The report covers the domestic tour-

has survived economic difficulties as

ism sector in Australia, Bhutan, China,

well as natural and man-made calami-

India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea,

ties such as Severe Acute Respiratory

Malaysia,

Zealand,

Syndrome (SARS), Avian and Human

Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thai-

Influenza Outbreaks (AHI), the Tsunami

land, and Vietnam.

of 2004, and terrorism.

The study estimates that domestic

During such times, the study says,

tourism contributions, in comparison

“tourism in general and domestic tour-

with international visitor contributions,

ism in particular has acted as a ‘shock

are as high as 60% of the total tourism

absorber,’

income. It steers clear from providing

impacts of the above crises.

New

cushioning

the

negative

“Domestic

has

systems and calculations which “make

reserve on which Asian destinations

it very difficult to give exact figures

such as Indonesia and Sri Lanka have

that are reliable and comparable.”

relied to protect their product, espe-

been

the

cially accommodation, from disuse and It adds, “Suffice to say, the value and

deterioration.

contribution of domestic tourism to

domestic tourism helps to maintain

the various economies studied is much

and provide employment to the people

the

representing

million persons, of which domestic tourism accounts for 40 million. It notes how China decided on a policy of boosting consumption to ward off the

impact

the

recent

global

economic downturn. That, in turn, providing various incentives and placing it on a priority list in policy and planning. The aim was not solely economic but social as well, since the rural urban balance was being threatened with sluggish growth.”

ties in methodology and accounting

workforce,

“gave impetus to domestic tourism by

more detailed numbers due to disparitourism

generated by tourism is 7.7% of the entire

findings will be unveiled at the event.

Mongolia,

where direct and indirect employment

same

time,

Although these measures exist in the various Asia and Pacific countries in varying degrees the ultimate contribution of the study is for the destinations to learn from each other’s experiences.

Tourism Asia | May 2012

News & Views

Hotel boom in Asia/Pacfic India and Vietnam top the latest STR Global update on hotel room expansion in the Asia/ Pacific region that identifies 1,602 hotels representing 366,775 rooms in the development pipeline. The STR report covers expansion up until March indicating India led the field for room growth, up 35%, if all 60,845 rooms under construction open on time. Vietnam was second with a room growth of 27.2% representing 10,830 rooms due to open. Other countries that showed significant growth were: the Philippines (+23.9% with 8,805 rooms); Indonesia (+22.4% with 25,156 rooms) and China (+14.8% with 203,216 rooms). India is now the spotlight for major hotel chains like Accor that have accelerated expansion in the country. It should give the French-owned group 90 hotels by the end of 2015, which will present the opportunity to overtake Carlson as the marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader in India, Carlson.

Currently, Accor has 15 hotels in India, where it has been expanding mostly through joint ventures with local partners. Highlighted key transaction specifically in Southeast Asia include Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which will opens its first Hyatt brand in Cambodia, next year, through an affiliation with Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap. But it will require the hotel to undergo a complete renovation to become the Park Hyatt Siem Reap. The hotel will close for renovations this June and should reopen in the first quarter of 2013 with a much higher rate structure. The Hotel de la Paix Siem Reap opened in 1957 and features 107 rooms. Another key opening is linked to Hilton Worldwide, which announced an agreement with property owners, Hoan Kiem Tourism & Trading Company Limited, to brand and manage a 86-room hotel currently under construction. It will become the first Hilton Garden Inn in Hanoi, once it opens in the second half of this year, the hotel will be the second Hilton branded property in Vietnam.

Tourism Asia | May 2012

News & Events

Cambodia woos Chinese tourism Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism hopes to attract more Chinese travellers to the country to reach 1 million trips by 2020. Tourism Minister, Thong Khon, said China is now one of Cambodia’s key tourism markets and a priority for the tourism industry. “We expect 500,000 Chinese tourists to Cambodia in 2015 and 1 million by 2020,” he told local media late last week. He added: “China has vast potential, with 1.3 billion people and Chinese are rich.”

But some so-called tourist visits are more likely to be Chinese investors checking out opportunities to buy land, build and run businesses. While a boom in Chinese travel and business investments will benefit the economy overall it could have a damaging impact on the country’s heritage sites and weaken its commitment to sustainable tourism principles. To achieve its ambitious 1 million target, Cambodia will continue to encourage more direct flight from cities in China. “We will also encourage owners of hotels,

restaurants and tourism resorts to use three languages — Khmer, English and Chinese — in billboards, or promotional leaflets or brochures,” the minister said. Meanwhile, Tourism Ministry’s Marketing and Promotion Department director, So Visothy, said Cambodia welcomed 2.88 million international tourists in 2011, up 15% year-on-year. Of the figure, 247,197 were Chinese, up 39.2%. “We believe the target is within reach because the country is politically stable and there is plenty of tourism potential. Diplomatic ties between Cambodia and China are excellent, too.” There are challenges according to Mr So who recognised there are limited direct flights from key Chinese cities, promotions are weak and Cambodia’s tourism products and services have so far not met Chinese consumer demands. “The ministry will try to encourage airlines and tour agencies to offer competitive prices to Chinese tourists as well as improve Chinese language skills especially tour guides. In 2011, Chinese market was placed third in tourism volume, following Vietnam (614,090; +19.4%) and South Korea (342,810; +18.3%). Vietnam shares borders with Cambodia and overland travel between the country is booming mainly a mix of trade and short sightseeing tours. But earnings are low as is the case with travel from other neighbouring countries such as Thailand (mainly casino visits) and Laos (trade visits).

Tourism Asia | May 2012

News & Views

Gaming show time in Macau

Casino industry leaders gathered in the world’s gambling capital of Macau, Tuesday, for the Global Gaming Expo Asia, a three-day feast of gambling innovations at the glitzy Venetian hotel. No expense or kitschy extravagance has been spared for the largest gaming event in Asia, show casing the industry’s latest products, services and technologies. The casino business has boomed in Asia, and especially in the former Portuguese colony of Macau, over the past 10 years but this year ’s expo is taking place amid fears of a glut of gaming tables across the region. Gaming revenue growth in Macau has fallen from the stunning highs of the past two years, and the city’s casino operators have watched their companies’ shares tumble on the Hong Kong stock exchange since the end of April. Macau relies almost entirely on gambling to keep its economy and tourism industry afloat. Standard & Poor ’s ratings agency last week warned of “medium-term risks” for Asia-Pacific gaming companies, notably those in Macau and Singapore, from billions of dollars in new casino supply proposed over the next five years.

Tourism Asia | mAY 2012

It asked whether the Chinese gambling market could fill the huge integrated resorts — all-in-one playgrounds of casinos, hotels and luxury retail space — that are earmarked for construction from Macau to Manila Bay. Earnings growth would moderate over the next 12 months, while remaining “robust”, the agency said. “Given this backdrop, and despite continuing global economic uncertainty, all rated casino operators operating in the region have a stable or positive outlook,” it said. US gaming mogul Steve Wynn announced this month he had received the go-ahead to build a new casino in Macau, adding to the 265,000 square feet (24,619 square metres) of gaming space his local unit Wynn Macau already owns. In late April, Macau’s Galaxy Entertainment Group announced its intention to build the HK$16 billion (US$2.1 billion) second phase of its Galaxy Macau integrated resort, ramping up competition in the city. Economic growth in China eased to 8.1% in the first quarter from 9.7% a year earlier, hit by falling domestic demand and Europe’s debt woes.

But Hong Kong-based analyst Aaron Fischer, head of gaming research at CLSA brokerage, believes the new casinos planned for Asia will drive demand to new heights. “Referencing to Las Vegas shows that the gaming industry is a supply-driven industry in which new casino opening is needed to drive increased critical mass into the casinos,” he wrote in a report released last week. There are five integrated resorts on Macau’s glittering Cotai Strip — which has boomed since the city liberalised its gaming industry in 2002 — and that number should more than double over the next decade, he said. “Given the market size and growth and the long window before the next opening we believe Macau could absorb multiple openings within a narrow time frame,” Fischer said. “Despite slowing growth, we believe Macau gaming stocks will rise 65% in the next 12 months and this is attractive compared to the average upside for (the) Asian consumer sector of 16%.” Analysts said gaming stocks listed in Hong Kong had been hit by profit-taking and a more general sell-off in perceived higher-risk assets over the past two months. Shares in Galaxy Entertainment, Wynn Macau and Sands China have each fallen about 20 percent since the end of April, in a broadly weaker market. Six firms are licensed to operate casinos in Macau, which was handed back to Beijing in 1999 and enjoys freedoms not allowed on the mainland. It is the only place in China where casinos are legal.

News & Views

SAT wants to see India as an established market by 2013 Bullish over the growth in inbound arrivals from India to South Africa, South African Tourism has renewed their thrusts on the Indian market. The objective is to develop India as an established market. "We witnessed strong growth from India in 2011 and registered a 26.2 per cent increase in Indian arrivals at 90,367 compared to 71,587 in 2010. Our target is to cross the 100,000 figure for tourist arrivals from India in 2012. Such increase in arriv-

China) holds the key to important emerging markets. This has already been demon-

als will enable us to stop using the

strated through an agreement to foster closer integration in the tourism sector by the

'Emerging Market' tag for India, which will

BRICS countries when they met in New Dehli earlier this year, he said.

are hopeful achieving by 2012 end or 2013," Thulani Nzima, CEO, South African

Explaining more on the marketing strategy, he said that SAT will continue to focus on

Tourism (SAT), said at INDABA 2012

protecting their leadership in wildlife and adventure, which will be supported by

during a brief on the performance of the

lifestyle offering and welcoming people. "Asian and Australian travellers want a varied

Australasia market. According to him, SAT

and exciting combination of experiences that are easy to do and offer something for

conducted a thorough analysis of the

everyone. We need to move away from single purpose angles that portray only one

Indian market, to capitalise even further

or two experiences e.g. wildlife or adventure.".

on the 26 per cent growth it recorded there in 2011.

Organised during May 12-15 at ICC, Durban, INDABA 2012 witnessed the presence of over 1,500 confirmed exhibitors from different verticals of travel and tourism industry,

Highlighting the promotional strategy

around 200 hosted buyers and over 700 media. The theme of the INDABA 2012 was

adopted for India, Nzima said, "We have

'Shaping our future together'.

partnered with private sector partners including sportsperson Jonty Rhodes, Le Quartier Franรงaise, Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours and Legacy Hotels to strengthen destination South Africa's campaign in India. Moreover, we released a special travel guide on South Africa, authored by Jonty Rhodes, and building on India's love for cricket, we hosted a familiarisation tour with Dr Ali Bacher,". Ensuring future growth, he said that the emerging political relationship with the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and 24

Tourism Asia | May 2012

News & Views

China) holds the key to important emerging markets. This has already been demon-

als will enable us to stop using the

strated through an agreement to foster closer integration in the tourism sector by the

'Emerging Market' tag for India, which will

BRICS countries when they met in New Dehli earlier this year, he said.

are hopeful achieving by 2012 end or 2013," Thulani Nzima, CEO, South African

Explaining more on the marketing strategy, he said that SAT will continue to focus on

Tourism (SAT), said at INDABA 2012

protecting their leadership in wildlife and adventure, which will be supported by

during a brief on the performance of the

lifestyle offering and welcoming people. "Asian and Australian travellers want a varied

Australasia market. According to him, SAT

and exciting combination of experiences that are easy to do and offer something for

conducted a thorough analysis of the

everyone. We need to move away from single purpose angles that portray only one

Indian market, to capitalise even further

or two experiences e.g. wildlife or adventure.".

on the 26 per cent growth it recorded there in 2011.

Organised during May 12-15 at ICC, Durban, INDABA 2012 witnessed the presence of over 1,500 confirmed exhibitors from different verticals of travel and tourism industry,

Highlighting the promotional strategy

around 200 hosted buyers and over 700 media. The theme of the INDABA 2012 was

adopted for India, Nzima said, "We have

'Shaping our future together'.

Tourism Asia | May 2012

Nesw & Views

Qatar Airways Becomes Member Of Key Global Industry Body Covering MICE Sector Qatar Airways has become a member of ICCA, the leading international industry body promoting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. Membership of ICCA – International

America and South America flying a

As part of its bid to venture further into

modern fleet of more than 100 aircraft.

the MICE business, the Doha-based airline has been actively involved in

With a network that is growing at a

promoting Qatar as an international

phenomenal rate, MICE operators will

MICE destination. Qatar Airways works

have a wider choice of destinations to

closely with its inbound destination

choose from as the airline not only

management arm Discover Qatar to

introduces

also

promote the airline’s Doha hub, as well

greater

as the hospitality business in Qatar as a

provides

new

routes,

delegates

with

but

flexibility with increased frequency.

year round market.

Congress and Convention Association – will benefit the airline in promoting its business in Qatar and as a global carrier flying MICE traffic to destinations around the world. Today’s announcement comes as Qatar Airways prepares to take part in the world’s leading meetings, events and exhibitions trade show, IMEX, taking place in Frankfurt from May 22 – 24. The award-winning airline currently operates to over 100 key business and leisure

destinations

across

Europe,

Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North

Tourism Asia | May 2012

News & Views

JNTO to open office in Indonesia by next year JAPAN National Tourism Organization (JNTO) will open an office in Indonesia by next year, its third in the region after Singapore and Thailand. This year, JNTO added Indonesia, along with Vietnam and the Philippines, to its list of priority markets.

Indonesia is increasingly being seen as According to Motonari Adachi, executive

part of the next wave of emerging

director of JNTO Singapore office, the

markets after BRIC, which analysts have

tourism bureau had already started the

coined as VISTA (Vietnam, Indonesia,

process of setting up the office in Jakarta,

South Africa, Turkey and Argentina).

but had not yet decided if it should report to Singapore or Japan.

Apart from leisure travel, Indonesia's MICE market is also strong for Japan.

Currently, the Indonesia market is being overseen informally by JNTO's Singapore

Toptour Corp's manager-global market-

office, which also looks after Malaysia

ing & sales, Streamlines Shinjuku Branch,

and India. Its Bangkok office looks after

Hisaki Maruyama, interviewed at IMEX in

the Philippines and Vietnam, apart from

Frankfurt last week, said: "We used to

Thailand.

have incentives from Europe from Japanese automobile companies in Europe;

A full office in India is also under consid-

now

eration, Adachi said.

anymore. In contrast, the Japanese com-

can't

find

such

incentives

panies in Indonesia are seeing that their During the first three months of the year,

automobile production cannot catch up

the Indonesian market grew 28.3 per cent

with demand.

to 13,479 visitors, compared with the same period in 2010 (pre-earthquake).

"Indonesia has very good potential because its economic condition is good

With a stable and booming economy, 28

and its (political situation) is stable.â&#x20AC;?

Tourism Asia | May 2012

News & Events

Hotel Prices Rise in European Cities For the month of May, hotels in some premier countries have begun to raise their overnight rates because of the heavy influx of tourists. This is a telling sign that vacation season at its peak. Furthermore, popular countries and cities have been at the forefront of raising their rates to visiting tourists. In Paris alone, the French capital has increased hotel overnight rates by 24 percent. From the month of February, the rates began to gradually rise up from a steady 156 euro average price. Until the current month, May, the overnight rates fetch a whopping average of 194 euros per night in various hotels. An indication that hotels are being fully booked and that it's quite

there are many who wish to see and

It is well known that the major cities in

these times.

explore these countries. It should be a

Europe are top travel destinations all

favor to them that they be made aware

year round. It should be duly noted

This is not to say that the French capi-

of the various price ranges. This year is

that these prices are not expected to

lower any time soon. During this peak

difficult to get a late booking during

tal is the only one raising its overnight deals. In various European cities, much like London, it is very much harder to book overnight hotels with good deals. Since the hotels have increased prices by so much as 36 percent since January. This

season, tourist activities are the essenexception however, because in 2011

tial requirements for making a living in

the general price averages increased

hotels.

only by 8 and 11 percent in Paris and London.

The Trivago Hotel Price Index lists down the top 50 cities and their

Other European cities have also joined

respective prices. Visiting foreigners as

the sway of price increase. Rome and

well as domestic tourists should do

Barcelona have cheaper prices, but are

well to check out and compare prices.

euros.

already steadily growing at an average

In order to have the best possible

of 171 and 159 euros respectively.

experience, there should also be an

Tourists should think twice before trav-

Whereas the capitals are the ones

equal amount of rest. This means

vastly visited, Italy and the Catalan

resting in the hotel with the best

Metropolis in Barcelona are sharply

possible deal.

May, London hotels are adamant in keeping prices at a high, averaging 212

elling to these popular yet expensive cities. It has been a general trend that

growing their prices.

Tourism Asia | May 2012