Vol. 07 | N o: 11. Nov embe
- Jaisalmer Desert Festival
r 2011
CAMBODIA
JAPAN
MAURITIUS
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
CHINA
KENYA
PHILIPPINES
UNITED KINGDOM
HOLYLAND TOURS
MACAU
SINGAPORE
U.S.A
HONG KONG
MALAYSIA
SRI LANKA
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MALDIVES
THAILAND
COMBO TOURS
contents november 06 DESERT FESTIVAL JAISALMER Start Date :
05-Feb-2012
End Date :
07-Feb-2012
Venue :
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
City :
Jaisalmer
Country :
India
State :
Rajasthan
10 10
10
Hong Kong achieves record visitor arrivals In August, visitor arrivals from mainland China grew by 23% year-on-year to exceed 2.91 million, making it the highest-ever mainland arrival figure for a single
08
month.
TTG China Launches Travel Industry Breaking News Service for the Greater China Region Full Suite of Online Products Offered, Including Revamped Website and Digital Version of Publication
Property of the month
20
Ideas Manzil, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
Intimate,
stylishly
decorated 5-suite heritage
guest-
house located on a quiet road in the backstreets Dhaka’s
of
Gulshan
neighbourhood, where most of the foreign embassies and development agencies have ...
Tourism Asia | November 2011
3
contents november 16
Ha Long Bay’s World Wonder bid receives a boost
22
Asia Pacific visitor arrivals rise again International visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific region increased 6% year-on-year in August 2011, according to the latest data
26 14
Nishorgo Nirob Eco-Cottage UN helps boost tourism in least developed countries The UNWTO has joined with eight of the world’s Least
from the Pacific Asia Travel Association
Developed Countries (LDCs) to assess their tourism
(PATA). The growth rate marks a slight slow-
development needs.
down compared to the 7% increase seen in July 2011, but South and Southeast Asia continued to demonstrate strong doubledigit growth.
12
China, India hold key to travel industry growth Malaysia's first luxury wellness retreat, The Banjaran is
24
World Travel Awards Celebrates Success of Asian Tourism in Bangkok
slated to open its doors at historic Tambun, Perak.
“To become the recipient of a regional World Travel Award is indeed recognition of our staffs dedication to service and of Dusit Thani Bangkok which continues to remain a preferred hotel in Asia” - Alex Willats 4
Tourism Asia | November 2011
From the editor’s desk Managing Editor
:
Sreekumara Menon
India is probably the ultimate destination of
Group Editor
:
Janeesh Jalaluddin
all kinds of pilgrims following any faith
Executive Editor
:
Kriebel George
around the world. The great religions like
Photo Editor
:
Madhu Menon
Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Christi-
Art Editor
:
Dileep
anity and Sikhism are the integral part of
Senior Correspondent :
Subhash Ghosh
Indian culture and heritage whose values
Senior Sub Editor
:
Anish Kumar
and
Editorial Team
:
Anu S
soil and the sky of India.
faiths
are
mingled
with
the
air,
:
Viji V S
Marketing
:
Suresh Kumar S
Legal Advisor
India is the land of gods and diverse religions where lies the
:
Adv. Preeja K S
Financial Controller
serenity of its heritage. India is dotted with pilgrimages. Great
:
Abhilash S P
religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism have originated on the Indian soil. Over 80% of India's population practices
Representatives North India
:
Vinod Chandana
East India
:
Gagan Sarangi
West India
:
S K Singh
Bahrain
:
Shine G Nair
Bangalore
:
Bhagvan Din Kumar
Bhubaneshwar
:
Gagan Sarangi
Chennai
:
Balachandar
Dubai
:
Shinu
New Delhi
:
Annie Chacko
Philippines
:
Cynthia Lim
Pune
:
S K Singh
Qatar
:
Aneena Jacob
Singapore
:
Ajith Menon
Srilanka
:
Prebuddha
Thailand
:
Tae
All communications to: Tourism Asia Ground Floor, ‘Tower House’, Convent Road Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India Phone: +91 471 2470660, Fax: +91 471 2470660
Hinduism, the ancient indigenous religion of India which has a wide variety of forms and expressions. Muslims constitute about 10% of the Indian population. Other significant religious groups in India include Jains, and Christians. Buddhism is almost extinct in the land of its birth, but many exiled Tibetan Buddhists now make their home in India, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama. India's famed spirituality has made it a popular destination for spiritually-inclined travelers.. There are a number of Tour operators in the country that offer various pilgrimage tour packages to tourists. These operators also arrange for the stay, the food and other comforts for the pilgrimage. Any pilgrimage tour in India is sure to make you feel elated. These pilgrimage tours are sure to provide the tourists with peace and tranquility. Pilgrimage tourism as a business has also become big in India in the recent times. There is no denying to the fact that Indians are religious and religion is a part of their life. The boom in the
Email: news@tourismasiaonline.info website: www.tourismasiaonline.info
travel industry has helped tourists to visit these pilgrimage
Regd Office:
world are being attracted to India for its pilgrimage destina-
‘Sreeji Nivas’ , Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram
spots often. A lot of people from across different parts of the tions.
Edited and Published by: Sreekumara Menon 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
Tourism Asia | November 2011
V.Sreekumara Menon Editor & Publisher editor@tourismasiaonline.info +91 9447798108
5
News & Events
DESERT FESTIVAL JAISALMER Start Date :
05-Feb-2012 End Date :
Venue :
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
City :
Jaisalmer
Country :
07-Feb-2012 India
State : Rajasthan
Organizer
Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, Jaipur, India
The Desert Festival is an annual event
During the festival, the desert folks
organized
city,
sing and dance eloquently to the
Jaisalmer. This three days festival is
triumphs and the tragedies of the land.
held in the month of February. It is
Other major celebrations of the Desert
organized in association with the
Festival of Rajasthan include the tradi-
Rajasthan
Development
tional gymnasts, mystical snake charm-
Corporation, Jaisalmer. Desert Festival
ers, entertaining puppet shows and
represents
colourful
captivating folk music recitals. The
Rajasthani folk culture and concludes
desert festival is also a musical extrava-
on the day of Poornima.
ganza where musicians and the
in
the
beautiful
Tourism the
rich
and
renowned artists participate. Along with this, a number of competitions are held in the festival like
the
turban
competition, moustaches tion,
etc.
tying
longest competiEven
the
camels take part in a number
of
including
camel
events, polo
and camel dance. Not only the Jaisalmer fort but the whole Jaisalmer city brims with excitement during the Desert Festival.
6
Tourism Asia | November 2011
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Honeymoon Packages
Luxury Packages
Family Holidays
Standard Packages
23 Hotline: +91 9447798108, +91 9847771229
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Tower House, Convent Road, Thiruvananthapuram 695001, Kerala, India. Phone: +91 9349336702, +91 471 2470660 Email: mail@chalukyatours.com www.keralatrips.in
News & Events
TTG China Launches Travel Industry Breaking News Service for the Greater China Region HONG KONG, October 27, 2011 - TTG Asia Media has launched TTG China e-Daily, a free daily breaking-news e-mail service for travel professionals in the Greater China region. The Chineselanguage e-mail service allows travel professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the travel, hotel, airline, and transportation industries. Published by the editorial team behind TTG China, the first travel agent newspaper for Chinese-speaking industry professionals in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, the TTG China e-Daily will be sent to over 30,000 travel professionals throughout the Greater China region free-of-charge, daily, from Monday to Friday. Each e-mail will provide short summaries of the breaking travel news stories of the day, with links to the www.ttgchina.com website for subscribers to read the stories in-full. Chinese-speaking travel professionals are invited to subscribe to the TTG China e-Daily at www.ttgchina.com. A contest that rewards one lucky TTG China e-Daily subscriber every month from November 2011 till February 2012 is also underway. Prizes include 2-night stays at the following Hong Kong-based hotels: Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui, Hotel ICON, Le Meridien Cyberport and The Mira.
Tourism Asia | December 2010
Full Suite of Online Products Offered, Including Revamped Website and Digital Version of Publication To complement the launch of the TTG China e-Daily, TTG Asia Media has revamped the TTG China website (www.ttgchina.com) to serve as the onestop Chinese-language travel trade news destination online. The TTG China website includes business relevant sections such as:
communication and exchange within the industry. • CASE STUDY: Useful summaries and analyses of the benefits gained and challenges faced in staging industry events and both large and small-scale exhibitions. • TOP STORIES: The tourism industry’s
• VIEWPOINT: Professional viewpoints from the industry/s leading managers provide incisive analysis on the travel industry/s developments, market situations and future trends. • TOURISM DATA: Statistics linked to the development and research of the tourism industry serve as a useful reference for R&D and strategy-development for professionals in all fields. • AGENT TALK: An online exchange of ideas on hot topics offers a platform for
latest news allows industry personnel to keep abreast of market conditions and development opportunities. • HOT MOVES AND HOT JOBS: The latest personnel changes and top positions within the tourism industry ensure travel professionals don't miss out on any career opportunities. • HOT DEALS: Industry suppliers offer special promotions and packages exclusively for travel professionals
8
News & Events
About TTG Asia Media
Darren Ng, managing director of TTG Asia Media, said: ITTG China e-Daily and the revamped TTG China website offer travel professionals in the Greater China region the relevant information they need to make key business decisions both domestically and abroad." The travel industry can now enjoy timely and reliable travel updates on a daily basis from the most soughtÂŹ after Chinese-language travel news title in the region." From November, existing and new readers of the monthly TTG China print publication can access the magazine on-thego with TTG China DIGITAL. This electronic flip-book version of the print edition will be accessible on online, desktop and mobile platforms.
About TTG China Launched in 1998, TTG China is the most established travel agent news paper for Chinese speaking industry professionals in China, Hong Kong,Taiwan and Macau. This leading business resource for dedicated news and reports on the Chinese travel industry, reaches out to a loyal readership base of more than 13,000 monthly. The TTG China online products (www.ttgchina.com, TTG China e-Daily and TTG China DIGITAL) complement its monthly print publication, delivering the latest updates on the Chinese travel trade 24/7. Visit www .ttgchina.com for more information.
TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd is the leading publisher and organizer of events in travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. Its publications and trade shows provide the best access and solutions to marketing travel and tourism in AsiaPacific. Visit www .ttgasiamedia.com for more information.
News & Views
Hong Kong achieves record visitor arrivals In August, visitor arrivals from mainland China grew by 23% yearon-year to exceed 2.91 million, making it the highest-ever mainland arrival figure for a single month. Visitor arrivals to Hong Kong exceeded four million for the first time in August, setting a new monthly record for the city. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that arrivals in August reached 4.07 million, a year-on-year growth of 17.7%. In the first eight months of 2011, arrivals amounted to 27.24 million - a 16.2% increase compared to the same period last year. Commenting on the new single-month record, HKTB Chairman, James Tien said; “We are encouraged by the tourism performance in August. Summer has always been a peak season for travel among short-haul visitors. Following a
historic high of 3.8 million arrivals in July, this is the second month in a row that arrivals set a new monthly record. “Overall, during the summer period from June to August, we welcomed a total of 10,940,371 arrivals, 18.8% more than the corresponding period last year. Both mainland China and Southeast Asia achieved outstanding performance, mainly because of the favourable economic climate and appreciation of currencies in these markets. In addition, the local travel trade also proactively launched timely promotions to make the best of the business opportunities arising from the peak travel season.
10
Tourism Asia | November 2011
News & Events
China, India hold key to travel industry growth
China and India will account for more than 150 million outbound tourists by 2020, and the travel trade needs to target these markets effectively if they are to fully capitalise on the huge opportunity. This was the key message of the ‘Get Insights, Build Your Business’ workshop held yesterday at the PATA Travel Mart 2011 in New Delhi. John Koldowski (pictured), Director of PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre, led the session, citing data confirming how the two markets are already burgeoning. According to Koldowski, the number of Indian (+12.9%) and Chinese (+18.1%) visitors to Asia Pacific destinations both experienced double-digit growth in the first half of 2011. This far exceeded the overall 5% rise in arrivals to Asia Pacific in the same period. China’s outbound growth was especially apparent in South and Southeast Asia, at 58.0% and 44.2% respectively. Indian arrivals to neighbouring South Asian nations jumped 47.5%. He warned however, that tourism operators and destinations wanting to target China and Indian tourists need to realise the regional differences within these countries. “No way can you consider India and China as homogenous markets; they differ 12
dramatically. Each state or province has GDP power equivalent to whole nations,” Koldowski said. Adding fuel to the statistical fire, Surekha
Poddar, Executive Director of Consumer Research for Nielsen India, noted the growing affluence and confidence among Indian consumers. Citing data from a recent Nielsen survey, Ms Poddar revealed that India now ranks number one in global consumer confidence indices, with a rating of 126 compared to the global 89. In terms of spending priorities, travel now ranks second among Indian consumers at 34%, compared to the global average of 32%. Most notably, only 7% of Indian consumers now claim to have “no spare cash”, compared to the global 16%. In China this figure is even more impressive, with only
3% of consumers claiming to have no disposable income. The online sector was clearly a strong driving force behind the rise in travel among Indian and Chinese consumers. In India, while 60% of travellers still get their information from their local travel agent, 57% also now use an internet search engine and 45% use an online travel agent (OTA). While agent bookings have also increased, bookings via OTAs have seen a larger growth in percentage terms. In China, it is notable that while the majority of travellers research their travel plans online, the majority still return to their travel agent to book their trip. The online theme was continued by Jens Thraenhart, President and co-founder of China-based Dragon Trail, who noted that companies and destinations need to target Chinese social media sites and develop multi-media strategies in order to gain a greater share of Chinese travellers. While social media is a global trend, Thraenhart said it was especially prevalent in China, where affluent consumers are on average 20 years younger than those in the western world.
Tourism Asia | November 2011
News & Events
UN helps boost tourism in least developed countries The UNWTO has joined with eight of the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to assess their tourism development needs. The UN Steering Committee on Tourism for Development (SCTD), held in Switzerland, joined with tourism, finance and trade ministries from Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, Comoros, Lesotho, Maldives, Sao Tome and Principe and Uganda, to learn how to better work together to maximise the countries’ tourism potential and identify funding sources. “Tourism is one of the few economic sectors through which LDCs have managed to increase their participation in the global economy,” said UNWTO Executive Director, Márcio Favilla. “The multiplier effect of tourism is also particularly effective in the LDCs, where
International tourist arrivals in the world’s 48 LDCs grew from six million in 2000 to more than 17 million in 2010, while international tourism receipts climbed from US$3 billion to in excess of US$10 billion.
- allowed the countries to learn more about how to best access the EIF mechanism to develop their tourism strategies and action plans, as well as leveraging human and financial resources.
The UN workshop, organised with the support of the Secretariat of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) - a programme specifically designed for LDCs
It is now expected that the LDCs will be able to prepare project proposals by the end of 2011, for approval and endorsement by mid-2012.
tourism expenditure generates additional flows of revenue and consumption for other branches of the economy such as agriculture, local fisheries, handicrafts and the furniture and construction industries.” 14
Tourism Asia | November 2011
News & Views
Ha Long Bay’s World Wonder bid receives a boost Vietnamese people will have the chance to vote for Ha Long Bay as a new World Wonder through a TV programme to be broadcast live on October 29. The live programme will be concurrently aired on Vietnam Television’s Channel 1 (VTV1) linking four places: Ha Long Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, the capital city of Hanoi, the former imperial city of Hue in the central region and Ho Chi Minh City. Famous figures, including pop stars, will vote for the bay and deliver messages calling on audiences to take part in the vote. Ha Long Bay has been twice recognised as a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The programme will help promote the image of the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay and Vietnam as well, said Nguyen Van Tinh, head of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) at a press briefing in Hanoi on October 19.
According to MoCST Minister Hoang Tuan Anh, the voting campaign is entering the
Vietnam Holidays
final stage. New7Wonders will announce the final results of voting around the world on November 11, 2011. He quoted New7Wonders as saying Ha Long Bay has received a relatively high number of votes compared to other nominees. Vietnamese people can vote for Ha Long Bay
by
logging
www.new7wonders.com
and
on Facebook
and using the SMS service. The voting will be closed at 11.11am (GMT) on November 11, 2011.
16
Tourism Asia | November 2011
Travel Writer
TRAVEL WRITER of the Month Indu grew up in Bangalore, studied Economic Honours, but spent more time writing birthday cards with personalized gags than writing economics assignments. A gold medal in journalism landed her a job at Deccan Herald, but the Chief Reporter politely but firmly suggested she join an ad agency, after seeing her excessive use of exaggeration. A few months later, Indu joined JWT--and never left for 29 years! After heading the Creative Department in Chennai, she recently quit to pursue a passion travel - particularly because annual leave came around only once a year. Having been brought up on a diet of Mad Magazines since the age of 8, humour and satire reading/writing is a favourite. Indu wrote a light-hearted monthly column “Meanwhile” for the Sunday Express, Chennai, with over 40 pieces published. She is now a
regular writer for The Sunday Hindu and Travel Plus, both being large English dailies in India. She particularly likes anecdotal travel stories. She also contributes to leading advertising magazines - usually on the lighter side of the advertising life. Indu has bungee-jumped at Bali, white-water rafted in the Ganges, seen the inside of the Pyramid at Egypt, danced like Zorba the Greek
in Crete, and is constantly looking for the next big adventure…Meanwhile, she's dreaming of publishing her unfinished book on the perils of belonging to the exciting, eccentric world of advertising. As a writer and reviewer with Travel To Care, she has explored the palace trail from Jodhpur to Udaipur in Rajasthan, stayed at quaint little homestays in Coorg, and watched glorious sunsets from hideaways along the South Kerala Coast.
18
Tourism Asia | November 2011
Property of the month
Ideas Manzil Dhaka, Bangladesh
Intimate,
stylishly decorated 5-suite heritage guesthouse
located on a quiet road in the backstreets of Dhaka’s Gulshan neighbourhood, where most of the foreign embassies and development agencies have ...
Reviewed by Mikey Leung
property. In essence, Ison has created an experience that could be called true Bangladeshi hospitality. The guesthouse is best suited for those who are seeking an authentic experi-
Ideas Manzil is the brainchild of owner Barry Ison, a long time foreign resident of Bangladesh and indeed, this end of South Asia. Originally born and raised in Darjeeling, Ison has long had a passion for the culture and history of Bengal, and is now one of the few foreign hospitality business owners in Bangladesh, which is probably why the property is so unique. The Manzil (Arabic term for house) is an intimate heritage guesthouse situated in a quiet corner of Dhaka’s Gulshan neighbourhood, where many of the foreign missions and development agencies are based. With five guest rooms, an upstairs roof terrace, a restaurant and handicrafts boutique, Ison is indeed offering everything that a responsible traveller could want in a single, accessible package.
ence of Bangladesh and a taste of its old world charms, and so historians, culture vultures and a professional traveller would appreciate this place more than young adventure seekers. It’s a good place to base yourself if you’re a visiting development worker or business person, or are a short-term tourist to Dhaka and want to see how local upper class people live in a supposedly ‘poverty stricken’ country.
* * * *
The atmosphere of the guesthouse speaks of an old world hospitality not easily found amongst the modern tileand-concrete hotels and guesthouses of the rest of Gulshan. Corridors are decorated with hand-carved Mughal doorways; Bangladeshi art and photography is displayed prominently around the 20
Tourism Asia | November 2011
News & Events
Asia Pacific visitor arrivals rise again
A A A A A
S S S S S
I I I I I
A A A A A
International visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific region increased 6% year-on-year in August 2011, according to the latest data from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The growth rate marks a slight slowdown compared to the 7% increase seen in July 2011, but South and Southeast Asia continued to demonstrate strong double-digit growth. In August, travel to Southeast Asia grew 15%, up from 11% in July. Thailand (+35%), Vietnam (+29%), Cambodia (+21%), Singapore (+18%) and the Philippines (+11%) all reported stronger international arrivals growth in August compared to July. Growth for Myanmar and Indonesia however, was lower than the previous month. South Asia was the second fastest growing sub-region in August 2011. With the exception of India, which saw a 5% increase in arrivals, South Asian across-the-board
visitor arrivals into Northeast Asian
A few Asia Pacific destinations are
double-digit growth. Arrivals to India
destinations has been changing in the
facing
remained significant in volume terms
past few years, with Hong Kong, South
numbers of visitors.� For the first eight
however, with the country welcoming
Korea and Taiwan gaining at the
months of 2011, South Asia has seen a
an additional 20,000 visitors in August
expense of China and Japan.
14% increase in international visitors,
2011 compared to August 2010.
Arrivals
region
while Southeast Asia experienced a
Northeast Asia registered a year-on-
remained level in August following
12% rise. Northeast Asia and the
year increase in arrivals of 4% during
three consecutive months of contrac-
Pacific grew by 4% and 1% respectively.
August. This set a new monthly arrivals
tion, although the key markets of
record for the sub-region, reaching an
Australia and New Zealand achieved
inbound volume of more than 20
growth of 3% and 5% respectively. The
million international visitors in a single
overall result however, was impacted
month.
by a 4% decline in visitors to Hawaii.
Nonetheless, China saw a minor drop
Bill Calderwood, PATA’s interim CEO,
of 1% and Japan struggled with a 32%
said; “International arrivals momentum
decline in international arrivals during
into the Asia Pacific region continues
the month, as the negative impact of
to hold at a relatively strong rate. Many
the 11 March disasters continued. PATA
destinations are performing above that
noted that the share of international
6% aggregate average.
nations
22
achieved
into
the
Pacific
difficulties
with
contracting
Tourism Asia | November 2011
Awards & Achievements
World Travel Awards Celebrates Success of Asian Tourism in Bangkok
Asia’s role in leading the global travel and
tourism
recovery
has
been
acknowledged at a gala ceremony hosted by World Travel Awards in Bangkok. VIPs, senior tourism leaders, captains of industry and international media travelled from over 30 nations across the region to attend the WTA Asia &
“To become the recipient of a regional World Travel Award is indeed recognition of our staffs dedication to service and of Dusit Thani Bangkok which continues to remain a preferred hotel in Asia” - Alex Willats
Australasia Ceremony 2011 at Dusit
It was also an evening of travel triumph
Thani Bangkok.
for Australasia. Among the big winners
Malaysia Airlines overcame stiff com-
were Air New Zealand, which was voted
petition from Cathay Pacific, Singapore
“Australasia’s Leading Airline”,
World Travel Awards president Graham
Airlines, Japan Airlines, Thai Airways and Air China to collect “Asia’s Leading Airline”. Meanwhile India saw off the likes of Bali, Korea and Sri Lanka to win “Asia’s Leading Destination”; while Trident Gurgaon was voted “Asia’s Leading Hotel”. Korean Air was voted “Asia’s Leading Airline First Class” and the new super luxury hotel Oberoi Gurgaon collected
Cooke
underlined
the
incredible
“Asia’s Leading Luxury Hotel”.
strength of the region’s travel and
Thailand, which played host to WTA for
Bora Bora, French Polynesia named
tourism economy.
the first time, enjoyed a large slice of
“Australasia’s Leading Destination” and
He said: “Asia is powering the global
the evening’s honours, reflecting its
Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, which
travel
growing role as a travel and tourism
picked up “Australasia’s Leading Hotel”.
tonight’s winners represent the very
hub of Asia.
The industry’s elit travelled from over
cream of our industry.
Home-grown winners included Bang-
30 countries across Asia and Austral-
“The burgeoning middle classes in
kok Airways (Asia’s Leading Regional
asia to attend the glittering gala
markets such as India, China and
Airline); Six Senses Hideaway, Samui
ceremony. The raft of media in atten-
Malaysia are fuelling a surge in intra-
(“Asia’s Leading Honeymoon Resort”);
dance included CNN, Thailand Tatler,
Asia travel.
and Bangkok (“Asia’s Leading Meetings
Bangkok Post, National Geographic
“We expect this growth to continue for
& Conference Destination”).
Traveller and Lonely Planet.
at least the next decade, making the
24
and
tourism
recovery,
and
Tourism Asia | November 2011
Awards & Achievements future very bright indeed for Asia’s
world.
The event partners were Dusit Thani
luxury hospitality sector.
The Asia & Australasia Ceremony
Bangkok, Tourism Authority of Thai-
“Thailand, in particular, is reaping the
marks the fourth leg of World Travel
land, Thailand Convention & Exhibition
rewards of the changes sweeping
Awards 2011 Grand Tour, and follows
Bureau, BBC World News and WeClick-
across the region thanks to its culture,
the legs in Dubai, UAE; Antalya, Turkey;
Media,
amazing
and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt; while
included eTurboNews, Breaking Travel
facilities.”
Montego Bay, Jamaica will play host to
News, Trav Talk and Travel Daily News.
The famed Dusit Thani Bangkok played
the final heat on October 29th.
host to the ceremony.
The regional winners will then progress
For a full list of winners at World Travel
For 41 years, the 517-room five-star
to the Grand Final at the end of the
Awards
property has served as a social and
year.
Ceremony visit the official website.
beaches
and
world-class
and
2011
the
Asia
media
&
partners
Australasia
business landmark in Thai capital. Alex Willats, acting general manager, Dusit Thani Bangkok, said: “It was a marvellous honour for Dusit Thani to play host to this blue riband event in Asia and the opportunity to showcase our unique Thai hospitality to the
25
World Travel Awards rewards excellence in tourism from across the region
Tourism Asia | November 2011
News & Events
Nishorgo Nirob Eco-Cottage Meet Mr. Shamsul Hoque. The enterprising villager from Srimongol was one of the fortunate few chosen to open an eco-cottage on his property by the Nishorgo Support Project, a USAID (American aid agency) initiative that was trying to create tourism opportunities in the vicinity of the few forests Bangladesh still has. After receiving training from staff of the Radisson and getting a start up loan to build a nice bathroom and a rustic bamboo cottage, he began receiving guests in early 2008. His first cottage was situated in his backyard lemon grove and overlooked a small stream – a really pleasant place to dip one’s feet (or more) and to watch the sunset. Today his little village business has been so successful that they’ve already begun expanding. By the time you read this, things will have likely changed. Shamsul built another two cottages already, one made entirely of concrete and another with mixed construction materials, and such was the demand for his accommodation in this scenic and hilly part of Bangladesh.
Surrounded by nearby tea fields, the Srimongol area has plenty of eco-friendly tourism potential, to best of which would be cycling or walking around in the tea
gardens. The nearby Lawachara National Park itself is about a 45 minute walk away, where you can try to spot the very rare, very beautiful and much endangered Hoolock Gibbon. By maintaining a locally-produced product and style of hospitality, Shamsul is already capitalising on the eco-tourism potential of his region. The only danger here is that his property becomes irresponsible by virtue of its popularity and his own desire to make more money. There is already a hint of this in that his newest buildings use corrugated tin for the rooftop and concrete foundations, where as his bamboo cottage was built on stilts and uses bamboo throughout except in the bathroom.
* * * *
Tourism Asia | November 2011
26