Vol. 08 | No: 10. Oct 2012
contents october
08 IS LOW COST AIRLINES BUSINESS POSSIBLE IN INDIA? India is one of the top destinations of travelers from all over the world. This is because of the country’s rich culture, amazing delicacies and creative tradition and culture. Over the past six to seven years, many low
Wares for sale in Batu Ferringhi
cost carriers attempted to flatter the Indian flyer with single digit fare rates.
12 Marriott provides a touch of home for Chinese travellers
10
TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDONESIA – NOT ONLY BALI!
14 Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel
Hyderabad Banjara Hills Opens
Tourism Asia | October 2012
3
contents october
16
New website start-up targets US medical tourists
24
INIMITABLE HISTORY AND INFLUENTIAL CULTURE
A NEW website start-up, medisherpa.com, targets US medi-
Aside from its legendary beaches, stunning vistas,
cal tourists with a database of pre-screened medical institu-
vibrant nightlife and wide array of delectable
tions and clinicians i in Asia.
delights Jamaica is also celebrated for
its rich
culture.
26 New heritage hotel in the pipeline for Sentosa
18 Mumbai to Host 28th IATO Annual Convention, to Address ‘Challenging Times’
20 SLOVENIA
Green. Active. Healthy.
4
28 Foreign airlines can now tap on China market using GDS
30 India, Philippines to enhance cooperation in tourism sector
Tourism Asia | October 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 | October 2012
07
News & Events
IS LOW COST AIRLINES BUSINESS POSSIBLE IN INDIA? India is one of the top destinations of travelers from all over the world. This is because of the country’s rich culture, amazing delicacies and creative tradition and culture. Over the past six to seven years, many low cost carriers attempted to flatter the Indian flyer with single digit fare rates. However, many people have heard from conferences and media briefings that there is no such thing as low-cost fare when it comes to India. As
an
explanation,
the
statement
meant to communicate that India does not have the infrastructure to make low cost airline models possible. Therefore, low cost fares are not real. The lowcost part was actually still high in cost for the airline concerned. Until today, this serves everyone true. One of the biggest complaint was that India does not even have just a single low cost airport. For example, if a traveler is to fly from Milan to London via Ryanair which is a low cost airline in Dublin, he won’t be boarding the flight at Malpensa or Heathrow, instead, he will be at the low cost Milan’s Bergamo airport to London Stansted which has basic facilities, internet access plus a prayer
room.
The
two
mentioned
airports are operating in low costs. Their main marketing strategy is to look at all possible angles and how they can cut costs on each one. Thus, their tickets are cheap but the quality of flights and commodities are not jeopardized.
08
Just last week, the shortage of low cost
Bangkok and Kathmandu from Delhi.
airports were once again attributed to
While Spicejet flies to Kathmandu from
India, this time, it was by the operators
Delhi and is on its way to booking
of IndiGo and Spice Jet. These two
flights from Delhi to Dubai.
companies
have
asked
government’s
affirmation
the
regarding
The least that the government could
their decision to move away from
do is to make sure that these airlines
Delhi’s T3 to domestic terminal 1D.
are not being forced to operate in
There
sudden
terminals which are too expensive. A
change is because both companies
PTI report stated that the estimate
could not afford the higher cost of
overhead charges to operations that
operations in T3. Obviously, there was
low cost airlines like IndiGo and Spice-
no reason to say no. Why should low
Jet from terminals like T3 are roughly
cost carriers operate in higher cost
300 per cent more than domestic
operation terminals?
operations. In addition to this, they
reason
behind
this
have no choice but to park in 2 differIndiGo has about 24 per cent market
ent places along side engineering
share and is the largest LCC in the
facilities and ground handling staff.
Indian market as of the latest updates.
Synergy will also come into play if
Furthermore, SpiceJet has a market
operations are made possible in just
share of 18.5. IndiGo has an average of
one location. The end outcome –
8 flights per week going to various
passengers will be satisfied because of
places in Asia like Singapore, Dubai,
lower fare rates.
Tourism Asia | October 2012
News & Views
TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDONESIA – NOT ONLY BALI! Minister of the Indonesian Tourism Creative Economy Mari Elka Pangestu said that a shift in the perceptions of people from all over the globe regarding Indonesia must be changed. The said perceptions are mainly due to terrorism and tsunamis as repeatedly reported in international news. The news zeroed in on Bali which is the main tourism point of the country as Jakarta globe reported Friday. Mrs. Pangestu said that pushing more positive news about Indonesia will surely promote tourism. The poor global perception regarding Indonesia is on top of its lack of infrastructure is what is hindering tourists from foreign countries to consider the country as a great vacation sport. She even noted that when you search for Indonesia in Google, you will see its flag, the Garude and the Borobudor Temple. Comparisons on this point of view was made with Cambodi which when searched on Google has many images that will drive foreign tourism towards it such as the renowned Hindi temple complex. The ministry aims to gain 10 million tourists by 2014 but all the stated facts just seems to make it impossible. Minister Pangetsu has an annual goal of at least 1 million foreign tourists each year. 2011’s numbers showed 7.6 million and hopefully 2012 will reach 8 million. By the time the calendar hits 2014, Mrs. Pangetsu is hoping for 10 million which is “still half of Malaysia’s foreign tourists.”
Tourism Asia | October 2012
Furthermore, the minister wants to make sure that people visiting are quality tourists. Indonesia wants tourists to stay longer and spend more time in the country if possible. The tourism sector created an income of 8.6 billion US dollars last year which is 13 percent increase from the previous year. Pangetsu then hopes that it reaches 9.5 billion this year and 11 billion US dollars by 2014. The minister added that the tourism sector, the domestic sector in specific, is growing as proven by the 125 million tourists that generated 15 trillion Rupiah or around 1.6 billion US dollar for 2011.
The branding “Wonderful Indonesia” does not seem to help again, because of the lack in infrastructure and connectivity. In addition to that, direct flights to possibly great tourism destinations are still lacking. What makes matters worse is the fact that the airports and seaports were overcapacity.
The minister is solid on her decision on promoting tourism. She stresses on the fact that Indonesia is so much more than Bali. In fact, there are 80 more destinations in Indonesia that they are sure foreign tourists will enjoy. Among them is Lake Toba in North Sumara, Bunaken Island and Komodo islands.
The ministry has divided the tourism destinations into seven categories: Sports tourism (diving, golf ); eco tourism; cruise ship tourism; spa and medical tourism; culture and heritage tourism; culinary and shopping tourism; and MICE (meeting, incentives, conferences and events) tourism.
The help of the Public Works Ministry is highly needed along with the State Enterprises Ministry and the Transportation Ministry. With these three departments hand in hand, improvements can be done.
10
News & Views
Marriott provides a touch of home for Chinese travellers MARRIOTT International unveiled yesterday its Li Yu welcome programme that features a suite of amenities and services tailor-made for Chinese outbound travellers. Li Yu, which means “serve with courtesy” in Mandarin, will be rolled out across all JW Marriott, Renaissance, Marriott and Courtyard hotels in Asia by early next year, as well as select international hotels in key gateway cities. “Chinese travellers are visiting international markets in record numbers, and China will be the largest source of outbound travellers worldwide in the coming years,” said Simon Cooper, president & managing director, Marriott International, Asia.
they will be well taken care of and welcomed at our hotels in key gateway cities globally,” he added.
“We want our Chinese guests to know that
Marriott's Li Yu hospitality experience kicks off the moment a Chinese customer makes a booking – guests will receive their reservation confirmation letter or email in Mandarin. Upon arrival at the hotel, a Mandarinspeaking hotel associate will greet the guests, and assign auspicious room and floor numbers containing the numerals “6” or “8”. With regards to in-room amenities, a variety of Chinese programmes will be featured on television, and guests will have a choice of Chinese-language newspapers. Chinese tea will be provided as a complimentary beverage selection, while Chinese cuisine will be featured extensively in restaurants and on in-room dining menus
12
Tourism Asia | October 2012
News & Views
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills Opens
C
arlson Rezidor’s first Radisson Blu hotel in Hyderabad Banjara Hills opens. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills to the portfolio, Carlson Rezidor has 54 operational hotels in India. “Carlson Rezidor has been achieving remarkable growth in India. Our current portfolio of close to 100 operating and pipeline hotels places us in a strong position in maintaining our leadership position as the largest international hotel group in India. We will continue to boost our presence in key cities in north and south India to cater to the growing domestic travel,” said Simon C Barlow, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills has 142 rooms and 13 suites. It is close to the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and the Hyderabad International Convention Centre. With the scenic Banjara Hills as a backdrop, the hotel is minutes from the center of Hyderabad’s commercial hub. The hotel is ideal as a meeting place with its 3,500 square feet of function space that can
accommodate up to 350 guests. All guests can enjoy complimentary broadband access in the hotel and in the hotel’s limousines. To rest and relax, guests can make use of the business class lounge and its library, a gym, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool. Food and beverage options include Bar 41 Lobby Lounge and Bar, Movida Tapas Bar and Lounge, Radisson Blu Plaza-Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills pool. Chill – an all-day dining restaurant and a outstanding hotel in Hyderabad,” said K.B. contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant, Holy Kachru, executive vice president, South Basil. In addition, the hotel will be Asia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. “We chose to partner with Carlson introducing India’s first Dilmah Tea Bar, showcasing more than 26 varieties of its Rezidor as it is the number one international finest tea flavors as well as a range of tea- hotel operator in India and has a solid track record of managing successful hotels. infused beverages. “Carlson Rezidor’s first class Radisson Carlson Rezidor is our hotel partner of Blu hotel brand enjoys recognition for its choice and we are happy to be working upscale appeal and we expect it to enjoy with their team of dedicated professionals, continued growth in India. Not only is the who are as passionate about delivering Radisson Blu brand capable of delivering world-class hospitality as we are,” said B S a great guest experience, it also delivers Sahney, Chairman of DAAJ hotels & Resorts, great returns for our owners. We are which owns Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel confident that the hotel will be an Hyderabad Banjara Hills.
Radisson Blue Establishes Presence in Nagpur, Central India
C
arlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, announced the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel Nagpur in India. This is the first Radisson Blu hotel to be established in Nagpur, the largest city in central India. Radisson Blu Hotel Nagpur is Carlson Rezidor’s 53rd hotel in India. “Carlson Rezidor has been operating in India for 14 years and it has been growing from strength to strength in this emerging economy. By 2015, we will have 100 operating hotels in India which reinforces our position as the largest international hotel operator in India based on the number of hotels. Our success in this market is in part due to the strong relationship that we have with hotel owners. We have just signed a strategic partnership with Bestech Hospitalities to develop our Park Inn by Radisson brand in north and central India, and the newly
Tourism Asia | October 2012
opened Radisson Blu Hotel Nagpur will be the fifth property that we are managing for Bestech,” said Simon C. Barlow, president, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Asia Pacific. Radisson Blu Hotel Nagpur has over 10,000 square feet of event space, which can accommodate up to 1,000 people. Recreational facilities include a spa, a fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options such as Ethyl Bar and Lounge, Cakewalk Tea lounge and Pastry Shop, The Creative Kitchen, Ni Hao and Indya Oye. To celebrate Radisson Blu Hotel Nagpur’s opening, the hotel is offering a special Grand Opening package starting from INR 3,999/-. This offer is valid until October 31, 2012. For more information or booking enquiries, please visit: www.radissonblu.com/ hotel-nagpur Toll-free : 1 800 1800 333
Sofitel Hotels in Asia Pacific Launch Travel Trade Promotion
Sofitel Hotels in Asia Pacific launched a new selection of industry and preferred partner rates for bookings and stays until 31 December 2012. Sofitel’s exclusive rate offer is available to eligible industry partners, conference planners and travel consultants. “Our special rates provide an opportunity for industry friends to experience the world of Sofitel luxury and take the chance to pamper themselves by a good night’s sleep sinking into a sublime MyBed for a personal encounter with the Sofitel brand,” said Vice President of Sales, Pricing, Distribution and Revenue Management for Sofitel Asia Pacific, Stephane Laguette. “Travellers can choose from amazing locations like Bora Bora and Beijing or exciting new hotel offerings such as the Sofitel So Bangkok, Sofitel Mumbai BKC and Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour in New Zealand. Whether you prefer the city or the sea, our destinations are as diverse as our individual guests might be.” Travel industry partners can book to stay at the Sofitel of their choice through either Sofitel’s Host Programme or Partner Programme for themselves, friends or family.
14
News & Views
New website start-up targets US medical tourists in South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa by the end of the year. The company is also working with partners to develop packages for medical tourists. Plans are also in the works to build the site's Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) category to expand its appeal to the Singaporean, Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese markets, and to link the site to hotel and airline booking engines. Medisherpa.com will be free to users, with revenue deriving mainly from display advertisements on the website, and a tiered membership scheme for healthcare professionals who want to be listed on the site. A NEW website start-up, medisherpa.com, targets US medical tourists with a database of pre-screened medical institutions and clinicians i in Asia. Currently running on a beta version, the website is scheduled to officially launch on Oct 31.
website currently features over 300,000 medical institutions and professionals from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Australia. Ruggles hopes to seal similar arrangements with leading healthcare providers
To date, the website has received approximately 20,000 unique visitors a month, a figure expected to increase five-fold in the coming months as the start-up firm's online marketing campaigns unroll
Michael Ruggles, co-founder of Singapore-based medisherpa.com said: "There is no denying that the medical tourism market in Asia is seeing unprecedented market growth. We are building a platform to facilitate this influx of medical travellers and there is no better place to do that from than the citystate of Singapore that serves as the gatekeeper to a region synonymous with world-class healthcare, all at low treatment costs." Targeted chiefly at North Americans, the
Tourism Asia | October 2012
16
News & Views TRADE SHOWS / FESTIVALS
Mumbai to Host 28th IATO Annual Convention, to Address ‘Challenging Times’ Moving Forward in Challenging Times – Together – How very appropriate theme. “We believe that as an industry we need to stop chasing yesterday’s questions, for in doing that we will miss tomorrow’s answers. The world we live in is going through major economic transformations and those changes are touching each and every one of us in the tourism industry. Where we get our business from is changing. Who is giving us business is changing. When we get our business is changing. We wanted to be in a city that exemplifies the spirit of a vibrant and progressive India. We wanted to showcase a destination that could show us the future of how we can market our products,” shared Subhash Goyal, President, IATO. And no other city demonstrates all this better than Mumbai. This year’s convention promises to be different from the past. “We will have a greater focus on interactivity,
Tourism Asia | october 2012
on learning and on building skills. You will see a greater attention being paid to how you can grow your business and to learning about new products across the country. That is why this year’s theme is very apt – “Moving Forward in Challenging Times – Together”, for we believe that we as a collective industry
will overcome all the challenges thrown up by the global turbulence and we will emerge stronger and better,” said Rajeev Kohli, Vice President, IATO, who is also the Convention Chairman for this year’s convention. There are also some great post trips planned across the state from September 2, onwards.
18
News & Views Logarska valley
(Archive: Slovenian Tourist Board; Photo by: Tomo Jesenicnik)
SLOVENIA Green. Active. Healthy. Slovenia acts as an inspiration for many seekers of the sort of active lifestyle that ensures good health and wellbeing. Wherever you turn, everything is green. Wherever you go, expect a rapidly changing landscape that has few rivals anywhere in the world. In addition, Slovenia is laced throughout with rivers, making it among the richest European countries per capita in this regard.
Slovenia: Green with Extraordinary Stocks of Natural Water
To a majority of Slovenia’s visitors the options for outdoor activity represent a genuine discovery in the most diverse, but always unmistakeably green, landscapes. Slovenia is a green country. With forest expanses, the luxury of pure waters, the preservation of extraordinary biotic diversity and the commitment to sustainable tourism, it is destined to remain the green gem of Europe. Offering wonderful possibilities for sports and recreation, it has been a desirable destination for
Tourism Asia | October 2012
hikers, cyclists and lovers of various water sports for decades. In terms of the quantity of river water per capita, Slovenia is among the richest European countries. Picturesque mountain streams, intermittent natural sources and mighty waterfalls are to found throughout the land. Many of these sources are easily accessible via marked paths; the emerald Soca and beautiful Savinja present particular highlights. The forests, which slowly give way to snow-covered peaks above Bled, reflect beautifully in the water of the lake - often considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Active in Slovenia. Where?
Everything is easily accessible from the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana. It is only 50 kilometres away from the
splendours of the Karst with its luxurious underground caves and the very special traditions of the Lipica stud farm. In another direction, it is only two hours drive to the natural and ethnographic peculiarities of the Pannonia basin and vineyard hills in the country’s east. On your way there, spend some time in Ptuj, the country’s most historic city, or in Maribor, it’s second largest which is a European Capital of Culture in 2012. The rapidly changing terrain offers many recreational options. Arguably the Karst only appears in all its true glory when observed from the back of a horse, Maribor when seen from a river raft, and Ptuj from the picturesque golf courses. A large part of Slovenia is designated as protected. Fantastic experiences are possible even on the edges of Triglav National Park, one of the oldest such parks in Europe, or on the edge of Solcavsko with the Logarska dolina Landscape Park. Both regions have been awarded European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) status.
20
News & Views Ptuj, the ancient town of Slovenia.
Krizna cave is one of the numerous wonders of slovenian underground.
(Archive: Slovenian Tourist Board; Photo by: Matej Vranic)
Soca, the emerald river .
(Archive: Slovenian Tourist Board; Photo by: Tomo Jesenicnik)
Slovenia is the Land of Health
Along the coast, relax and regain your strength thanks to the Mediterranean climate and the riches of the Adriatic Sea or, alternatively, revive your spirit in one of the many spa and wellness centres throughout the country. The basis for our spas, which offer medical prevention, remedial and numerous attractive alternative programmes for the preservation of wellbeing, is the abundance of natural thermal springs.
Tourism Asia | October 2012
Green Facts (Archive: Slovenian Tourist Board; Photo by: Matej Vranic)
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.
(Archive: Slovenian Tourist Board; Photo by: Matej Vranic)
• With around 60% of its surface covered in forest, Slovenia is the second most forested country in Europe. • A full 36% of Slovenia’s surface area is included in the Natura 2000 network. • A fifth of Slovenia’s coastline is protected area. • In quantity of river water per inhabitant, Slovenia is one of the richest countries in Europe. • Its more than 22,000 animal and plant species rank Slovenia among the most nature-wealthy countries in Europe. • Drinking water in Slovenia is among the purest in Europe and even in the world. • In this country, virgin forest can be found just 60 kilometres from the capital city, Ljubljana.
22
News & Views 5 Must Visit Museums And Galleries In Jamaica
INIMITABLEHISTORYAND INFLUENTIALCULTURE
Aside from its legendary beaches, stunning vistas, vibrant nightlife and wide array of Harmony Hall, Ocho Rios delectable delights Jamaica is also celebrated for its rich culture. The island has numerous repositories of artistic treasures that display everything from exuberant folk art, prints, Arts Exhibition and Competition. The NGJ paintings, and sculptures to Bob Marley’s famous music studio – there’s no better way tooffers a range of educational services, immerse yourself in Jamaican culture than on a visit to one of the many museums and including guided tours, lectures and panel galleries. For the traveler interested in seeing this side of the island, here is a list of 5 Mustdiscussions, and children’s art programmes Visit Museums and Galleries in Jamaica: and also operates a gift shop and coffee shop. Fort Charles Maritime Museum, Port Royal
The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ), Kingston
Bob Marley Museum The King of Reggae music and still to this day the most influential musician to come out of Jamaica is the legend, Bob Marley and a trip to Kingston is not complete without a visit to Bob Marley Museum. The museum is located on the site of the legendary musician’s home, which he purchased in 1975. This house, featuring 19th-century architecture, was Marley’s home until his death in 1981. It was converted into a museum six years later by his wife, Mrs Rita Marley. Brilliant red, green and yellow colours decorate the exterior of the creaky wooden house on 56 Hope Road where the museum is located. The main museum displays the life and achievements of this phenomenal musician through artifacts, memorabilia, numerous writings, photographs and other headturning mementos. The property also features a well-equipped 80-seat theatre, a photographic gallery, and a gift shop selling T-shirts, posters and CDs and other Bob Marley memorabilia as well as items from Jamaica. You can also tickle your palate with sumptuous meals from the Legend Cafe. The venue allows you to see every aspect of the life of the legend.
captivating historical sites still standing and during the late 17th century was one of the largest towns in the English colonies. The marvelous Fort Charles Maritime Museum now stands in the courtyard the old British naval headquarters tracing Jamaica’s relationship with the sea from the time of the indigenous Tainos to the development of Jamaican maritime history. It contains a miscellany of things nautical from the heyday of the Royal Navy including a scale model of the fort and models of ships of past eras. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm daily.
Harmony Hall, Ocho Rios Located 4 miles (6.4 km) from Ocho Rios on the main road to Oracabessa and Port Antonio, renovated historical architecture meets modern fine art in this gallery-cumrestaurant at Harmony Hall. Built in the mid-19th century as a Methodist manse it is one of Jamaica’s most beautiful buildings. Opened in 1981 after a year’s restoration, it has since received international acclaim as an art and craft gallery. There are regular exhibitions during the winter season, featuring the works of Jamaica’s finest painters and sculptors, and over 100 artists and crafts people are represented. The gift shop includes a range of prints, ceramics, books, fragrances and the ever-popular Annabella Boxes. All are welcome to browse, relax and enjoy the atmosphere or the award-winning cuisine at Toscanini’s authentic Italian restaurant., ensuring a tranquil, hassle-free experience. The gallery is open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and admission is free.
The National Gallery of Jamaica, Kingston The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ) is the island’s premier art collection. It is located on 12 Ocean Boulevard, a commercial and cultural center on the Kingston harbour. Established in 1974, it is the oldest and largest public art gallery in the Anglophone Caribbean. It has a comprehensive collection of early, modern and contemporary art from Jamaica along with smaller Caribbean and international holdings. The NGJ also has an active exhibition programme, which includes retrospectives of work by major Jamaican artists, thematic exhibitions, guest-curated exhibitions, touring exhibitions that originate outside of the island, and, its two recurrent national exhibitions, the National Biennial and the annual National Visual
Institute of Jamaica, Kingston Located at 10-16 East Street Kingston the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ) is the storehouse of Jamaica’s natural history. Established in 1879 by then Governor, Sir Anthony Musgrave the IOJ was the first organisation of its kind in the Caribbean. Over the years it has developed into the most significant cultural, artistic and scientific organisation in Jamaica. The IOJ’s mandate is “For the encouragement of literature, science and art in Jamaica.” Among the items on display are fauna and flora indigenous to the island. The IOJ is open to the public between 8:30AM to 5:00PM Mondays to Thursdays and up to 4:00PM on Fridays, with a minimal entry fee. Once you leave, you'll never lose the lasting influence of Jamaica's multifaceted culture.
Fort Charles Maritime Museum, Port Royal Once known as the ‘Wickedest City on Earth,’ Jamaica’s famed Port Royal is undoubtedly one of the island’s most
Tourism Asia | October 2012
24
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
News & Events
New heritage hotel in the pipeline for Sentosa SINGAPORE’S Sentosa will welcome a new heritage hotel by 2015, as the Sentosa
Development
Corporation
(SDC) has earmarked a 4.2-hectare area for hotel development. Sitting
between
Amara
Sanctuary
Resort Sentosa and Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, the former British military barracks – including six blocks and a parade square – can potentially house up to 550 rooms. SDC will put up a public tender later this month, and the successful bidder will be able to lease the site for 60 years. SDC CEO, Mike Barclay, said: “Previously, we looked at transforming the site into a restaurant and lifestyle quarter along the lines of Dempsey, but
have already expressed interest in the
Sentosa will boast 14 hotels with a
according to food operators, it would
project.
total inventory of 3,134 rooms after W
have been difficult to achieve this due
Singapore - Sentosa Cove opens this
to space constraints. We also looked at
He added: “We are not looking for a
month (TTG Asia e-Daily, June 7, 2012),
retail (options) but decided against it,
specific class of hotel, but for a devel-
followed by the Mövenpick Hotel’s new
as the area is just too remote.
oper who would restore the heritage
Heritage Wing in November (TTG Asia
buildings on the site sympathetically,
e-Daily, August 3, 2012).
“Consequently, for this particular site, a
while adhering to the conservation
hotel makes a lot of sense because on
guidelines laid out by the Urban Rede-
Other developments planned include
both sides of it there are already hotels
velopment Authority.”
an 860m cableway to transport 1,600
that
integrate
heritage
buildings
passengers hourly from the Merlion
alongside new builds. It fits in perfectly
Plaza to Siloso Point and new pedes-
with our strategy of clustering,” he
trian walkways linking the Sentosa
added.
Boardwalk to the beach.
T S Low, deputy CEO of SDC, told TTG Asia e-Daily that several hospitality chains and boutique hotel operators
26
Tourism Asia | October 2012
News & Views
Foreign airlines can now tap on China market using GDS A change in the Civil Aviation Administration
of
China
Reservation
(CAAC)
System
Computerised
(CRS)
regulation
means that for the first time, foreign airlines will have the choice of using global distribution systems to distribute air fare to travel agents in China. However, airlines in China will not have this option. The new regulation sets in on October 1, 2012. Speaking about the market opening, David Brett, president, Amadeus Asia Pacific said, “The new regulations are an important
step
in
bringing
positive
change to the current travel landscape in
rental companies, 50+ cruise and ferry lines, 24+ insurance provider groups. Ama-
China. The regulations will enable a new
deus provides IT to 142 airlines around the world, including 75 per cent of oneworld,
technology infrastructure that will allow
64 per cent of Star Alliance and 53 per cent of Skyteam airlines. This includes provid-
for a more dynamic travel booking market
ing e-commerce technologies that power the international websites of Chinese
with more travel products on offer that
airlines such as Air China, China Southern and Hainan Airlines.
will greatly benefit the Chinese travel industry and Chinese travellers.�
Its entry into the Chinese travel industry will enable travel agents to adopt cutting edge technology that will eliminate the need to memorise lengthy commands for
Amadeus provides access to over 420
booking flights and will help to ensure booking quality by issuing point-to-point
bookable airlines, 110,000+ hotels, 30 car
market and GDS fare tickets.
28
Tourism Asia | October 2012
News & Views
India, Philippines to enhance cooperation in tourism sector A second meeting of the Joint Working Group on Tourism Cooperation was held on Saturday between India and Philippines. The Indian delegation was led by R.H. Khwaja, Union Secretary for Tourism and the Philippines delegation by Maria Victoria V. Jasmin, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Philippines.
tour operators and destination managers of the two countries was stressed upon.
It was decided in the meeting that both the countries will identify areas for working together and explore new opportunities in the Tourism Sector especially in the field of Research and Development, Education and Training, Promotion and Marketing and destination development and management.
Both the countries agreed that growing opportunities in tourism sector should be showcased to attract investments from the private stake-holders of the two countries. It was also agreed to assist each others’ country in carrying out promotion and marketing activities to increase the tourist traffic between the two. They will also continue to participate in travel fares held in each country, as-well-as regional events such as ASEAN Tourism Forum to showcase its diverse tourism products and destinations as-well-as allow private sector to interact and network with their counter
Both sides gave an overview of the Tourism Sector in their respective countries and re-emphasised on its potential for employment generation and economic growth. It was also agreed that increased in the tourist traffic between the two countries could strengthen the bilateral relations.
It was agreed that the tourism stakeholders from two sides may meet at regular intervals for exchange of views to promote two-way traffic between the two countries.
parts. In his welcome address Khwaja said, "The meeting would be useful in enhancing tourism cooperation between the twocountries. This meeting will take tourism cooperation between the two countries to the next level and will produce concrete results." Maria in her address appreciated the friendly relations between the two countries and emphasised upon the importance of pursuing a closer relationship based on the emerging potential in the tourism sector in the two countries. An agreement on tourism cooperation was signed between India and the Philippines on February 04, 2006. The first meeting of the Joint Working Group set up in this regard was held on July 04, 2008 in Manila. The third meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held next year in the Philippines.
Views for establishing mechanism to encourage exchange of information and data related to tourist arrivals and tourism resources to understand the dynamics of tourism sector in each others’ country were also exchanged. It was also agreed to continue to exchange tourism data and information at regular intervals. India and the Philippines emphasised upon the need of exchange of visits of tour operators, media persons related to tourism and opinion makers to promote tourism between the two countries. The importance of interaction between the
Tourism Asia | October 2012
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