INDIA - Kerala surprises itself with overwhelming response from foreign tourists

eTN Asia, 11-22-2006

The number of tourists flocking to Kerala has taken everyone by surprise.

“An unprecedented 31 per cent growth in tourism traffic is seen in Kerala in the past year. Planeloads of tourist arrive each week, and even though some of them have already been to Kerala, they have returned for more of `God’s own country’,” reported a national broadcaster. “In fact, more than the aggressive media campaigns by the Kerala government, it's the state's reputation that has spread by the word of mouth as a cost-effective tourist destination.”

Foreign tourist arrivals in the country have registered an increase of 9.3 percent in September 2006 when compared to last year. The number of tourists arriving in India in September this year was 2,76,118, while in the last year, it was 2,52,625. So far 30,61,446 foreign tourists have visited India since January this year, as compared to 27,06,977 during the same period last year.

>>Full article

CHINA - Will Beijing beat London’s Underground as the longest subway system?

eTN Asia, 11-22-2006

China’s capital city Beijing is planning a 561 kilometer-long subway by 2020, replacing London’s Underground as the longest subway system in the world, according to a recently completed construction plan for the capital city’s public transportation offerings.

It is being shared that the city is spending some $40 billion to improve infrastructure including road and rail links for the Olympics. Beijing is also considering building six underground highways running north-south and east-west to lighten pressure on its overburdened ring roads, the Xinhua news agency added, though some experts have opposed the plan due to safety concerns.

As per the plan, the project would stretch to the subway network to 19 lines where it will reach all major corners of China’s capital city. China Daily shared that each of the system’s current four lines carries 1.5 million people every day. The publication says the expansion plan is still subject to government approval, but if adopted it calls for three lines to be completed in time for the 2008 Olympics.

>>Full article

PALAWAN - Hagedorn is serious on medical tourism realization in Puerto Princesa

(PNA) PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Nov. 8 2006

Mayor Edward Hagedorn is taking a bold step towards the realization of medical tourism in the city.

Hagedorn foresees that medical tourism could generate enough revenue for the city as well for the country because a growing number of patients worldwide are traveling to get cheaper medical treatments.

Hagedorn, also the country’s anti-jueteng czar, had submitted this week P200 million proposed budget for the construction of world-class tourism hospital here next year.

The P200 million is the bulk of the city government's 2007 proposed budget which amounts to P1.438 billion.

The creation of a tourism hospital is a long-time dream for Puerto Princesans to help boost tourism and earn revenues for the city government from dollar-paying foreigners.

Hagedorn said he wants to finish the infrastructure projects first as preparation for the massive influx of tourists in the city.

Department of Health (DOH) viewed the medical tourism could generate enough revenue for the country to improve overall health care for the poor and make available expensive advanced medical equipment.

>>Full article

BALI - running on empty — even cup day

Theage.com.au, November 19, 2006

ON JALAN LEGIAN in Kuta, Bali, the site where the Sari Club once stood is fenced off from the footpath by tall black pickets. Propped against this barrier are several large, parched wreaths, probably put there on the four-year anniversary of the bombing about a month ago. Attached to the fence are poems and photographs, curling and faded under the sun. Across the road, the site of Paddy's Bar is shielded by a high, blue, corrugated iron fence.

Both sites are unoccupied dustbowls, the pale earth churned and rocky. A taxi driver tells my sister and me that, according to Balinese tradition, nothing can be built on the land until the first crops have been harvested from banana trees planted at each site. Only with the harvest is the land healed and renewed.

There is a new Paddy's Bar, standing a short distance from where the original one stood. At its entrance hangs a banner reading, in charming awkward English: "Live the World Without Violence." We never see the place busy.

>>Full article

CHINA - cites Philippines as top tourist location

Manila Standard Today, 21-11-2006

CHINA has cited the Philippines as one of the top 10 rising travel destinations and a top place for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, an official said yesterday.


CHINA has cited the Philippines as one of the top 10 rising travel destinations and a top place for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, an official said yesterday. China made the citation on Nov. 16 during its International Travel Mart, according to Arlene Alipio, head of the tourism department’s China team. She said her team was targeting China in a big way because 30 percent of its one billion population were outbound travelers. “Imagine getting just 1 percent of that 30 percent,” she said. One percent of 30 percent of one billion is three million—the tourism department’s target for foreign visitors this year. The number of Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines reached only 32,000 two years ago but rose to 100,000 in 2005. The department estimates that the Philippines will attract 152,000 Chinese this year.

>>Full article

HAWAII - Airline CEO Ornstein makes many see red

Honolulu Advertiser, 21-11-2006

In an industry known for mavericks, Jonathan Ornstein stands out. Since he launched the new interisland airline go! less than six months ago, Ornstein has been sued by his two major competitors, been praised by consumers and received hate mail from rival pilots.

The 49-year-old chief executive officer of Mesa Air Group is brash and outspoken — not always the most admired traits for CEOs operating in Hawai'i. But as long as Ornstein keeps flying people between islands for $39, he is likely to find plenty of support in the state. "He is one of those love-him-or-hate-'em kind of guys," said Scott Hamilton, founder of the aviation consulting firm Leeham Co. in Issaquah, Wash. "John is an extraordinarily controversial individual." As a stockbroker nearly 20 years ago, Ornstein had his license suspended for alleged unauthorized trading. Ornstein says that mistake taught him the value of second chances, and he has made the most of his.

>>Full article

AUSTRALIA - Aboriginal tourism targets Europe

The Australian, 21-11-2006

BRITISH and European tourists to Australia will be encouraged to get a taste of Aboriginal culture after a report revealed fewer than one in five visitors arrive in the country seeking an "indigenous experience".

Aden Ridgeway, the former senator who now heads the Indigenous Tourism Australia agency, will lead an Aboriginal tourism roadshow to Britain and Europe in February. An Indigenous Tourism report to be released today reveals that having an "indigenous experience" - such as visiting an Aboriginal art gallery or seeing Aboriginal dance - was a major factor for just 18 per cent of visitors in their decision to come to Australia in the March quarter this year. Fifty three per cent of visitors said having an indigenous experience was of little or no influence in their decision. Germans, at 38 per cent, and Americans, at 30 per cent, were the most interested in tasting Aboriginal culture.

>>Full article

AUSTRALIA - Gold Coast airport's numbers soar

The Gold Coast Bulletin, 18 Nov 2006

INDY and the school holidays have combined to push the Gold Coast Airport to record heights.

The airport has broken its monthly record for domestic passengers, while recording its second-highest figure for all passengers.

There were 324,730 domestic passengers through the airport in October, 2306 more than the previous record, set in January.

Overall, there were 340,264 passenger movements through the airport in October, about 11,000 higher than the same time in 2005.

The passenger movements record is 352,393, also set in January.

Queensland Airports managing director Dennis Chant attributed the October result to the combination of Indy and the school holidays.

The company also owns the smaller Townsville and Mt Isa airports and the combined throughput for all three in October -- 475,698 passengers -- was also a record, breaking the previous mark of 457,045 set in January.

>>Full article

BALI - hopes to be back on its feet by next year

Zeenews.com, Nov 20 2006

The Indonesian tourist island of Bali is hoping to recover completely by next year from terror attacks that have adversely affected its tourism industry.

"Bali is (just) 18 per cent behind the normal situation and, if nothing happens, hopefully we will completely recover next year," Bali Tourism Board Chairman Bagus Sudibya told Bernama here.

Tourist hotspots in the island have witnessed a number of suicide bombings in recent years, resulting in dwindling number of foreign visitors.

At least 26 people were killed at two resort spots packed with tourists on Jimbaran Bay and the bar and shopping hub of Kuta in bomb blasts in October 2, 2005.

Earlier, in October 12, 2002, more than 200 people were killed -- mostly foreign tourists -- in Kuta when a blast occurred in a crowded nightclub.

Sudibya said authorities on the island have embarked on several measures to regain the confidence of tourists.

He said the Governor of Bali has instructed every hotel on the island to include the intake of security personnel in their operating cost.

>>Full article

SINGAPORE - Body blow to sex tourism

Todayonline.com, November 20, 2006

IT WAS mooted just two weeks ago, but already the call for tougher laws against child-sex predators is beginning to pay off.

Just two weeks after the Government proposed sweeping changes to the Penal Code — including targeting those who sexually exploit minors overseas — tour and ferry operators saw a 15-per-cent drop in ticket sales to Batam.

The largest ferry operator in Singapore and the region — Penguin Ferry Services — said that while group bookings in the last weekend remained at typical levels, individual bookings have dropped by about 70 passengers.

Restaurants in the red-light district in Batam — the haunt for Singaporean men looking for cheap sex with girls as young as 14 — say their profit margin has also dipped by nearly 50 per cent.

This development comes after the Singapore Government said it would give greater protection to children who fall victim to sexual exploitation, backed by tough punishments.

>>Full article

AVIATION - Mosphil Aero Takes Off With Zamboanga-Sandakan Flight

Bernama, Nov 17 2006

Following its test flight in late August, Mosphil Aero Incorporated finally took off with its first commercial flight from Zamboanga to Sandakan, Sabah, and back on Nov 12.

The flight, which was launched to encourage more domestic and international air links, as well as trade and tourism in the East Asean Growth Area (EAGA), seeks to support the high passenger traffic from Zamboanga to Sandakan.

The Zamboanga-Sandakan flight draws on the two cities' trade ties, which dates back to the 18th century.

Mosphil's 90-minute flight offers an alternative to the 14-hour travel sustained by the SRN Fast Seacraft and Alesson Shipping Lines.

"This is also a cheaper (flight) option to the Kota Kinabalu-Clark (Pampanga)-Manila-Zamboanga route that I had to take before," said Eddy Lim, a Malaysian businessman from Kota Kinabalu who took the airline's first commercial flight from Zamboanga to Sandakan.

"With my old route, I had to spend for my hotel fare in Manila. It's now easier to go to Zamboanga. It saves me time," said Lim, who has been going to Zamboanga for 12 years now.

Lim buys and sells golf clubs, spare parts and grocery items.

Glenn Lamela, Mosphil's sales and marketing director, said besides offering a more convenient trip for passengers to and from Zamboanga and Sandakan, the airline's 48-seater Russian-made Antonov 24 aircraft also offers cargo services for at least five tonnes of cargo.

>>Full article

PENANG - Forest reserves to beconverted into state parks

Sun2surf.com, (Nov 15, 2006)

The conversion of the two permanent forest reserves in Bukit Panchor in Nibong Tebal and Pulau Jerejak into state parks is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

The two reserves, with a total area of 445 ha and 295 ha respectively, are part of 16 permanent forest reserves in the state totalling 6,000 ha.

State tourism development and environmental committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the process of converting the usage of the land is in progress and expected to be completed before June.

"This process includes making amendments to the State Forestry Enactment and will also need the green light from the National Forestry Board," he said after officiating at a forest variety awareness programme for school children.

BALI - Garuda Does an About Face on Bali Hub Debate

Balidiscovery.com, (11/19/2006)

In a move that suggests "unexpected turbulence" signs are now lit inside Garuda Indonesia's Board Room, the Airline's President Director, Emirsyah Satar, labeled as a "misperception" reports that the Indonesian National Carrier was set to stop direct flights from Australia and Japan to Bali.

Pants on Fire?

Plans to stop direct flights to Bali, as reported on balidiscovery.com, have been front page news in the Bali press and regional travel industry publications for several weeks, prompting urgent visits to the Airline's CEO by the Minister of Culture and Tourism and a broad spectrum of political leaders from across Bali. That the Airline has remained silent for weeks in the face of the avalanche of criticism prompted by the planned termination of direct international flights to Bali suggests claims by Satar that earlier reports were "merely misunderstandings" are lacking in both candor and veracity.

Speaking to the press in Jakarta on Monday, November 13, 2006, Satar announced that Garuda Indonesia will continue with direct international flights to Bali.

>>Full article

BALI - Air Paradise to Fly Again in March 2007

Balidiscovery.com, (11/19/2006)

The Indonesian language Bali Post reported last week that plans are afoot to re-launch Air Paradise (API) in March 2007.

Closing abruptly in November 2005, just one month after the second Bali terrorist bombing, API's departure left numerous passengers temporarily stranded in Bali and a multitude of advance ticket purchasers holding worthless tickets.

Speaking to the Bali Post,, an API Director, Putu Oka Semadi, said that a number of facts supported the decision to restart the grounded carrier. First, according to Semadi, there is a moral responsibility that API has to Bali's tourism industry. Second, the continuing high demand for Bali as an international travel destination. And, thirdly, the financial circumstances of the Airline are now conducive to a re-launch. Semadi said that API "still exists" and that permits and licenses to operate the carrier remain valid with weekly reports being filed by API to the Director General of Civil Aviation.

>>Full article

BALI - Construction of Bali Tsunami Warning Towers Underway

Balidiscovery.com, (11/19/2006)

Formal construction has commenced on Bali's tsunami early warning system with the erection of warning stations in six locations along the South Island's most popular beach fronts.

The location of the six early warning centers, each equipped with massive sirens connected to an international wave and seismic sensing system, are:

• Sanur Beach in front of the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel.

• Kedongan Beach near Jimbaran

• Within the Nusa Dua Complex operated by the Bali Tourism Development Corporation

• Tanjung Benoa Beach

• Kuta Beach

• Seminyak Beach in front of Double Six.

Each warning station is made of reinforced concrete measuring 5 x 5 meters housing monitoring equipment and supporting a siren weighing 300-400 kilograms suspended atop a 15 meter high tower.

>>Full article

BALI - Disappearing Jungles

Balidiscovery.com,11/19/2006)

According to a report in Tempo Interaktif, 10,000 hectares of a total 130,686 hectare of jungle land has been lost to farming over the past several decades.

"Much jungle land has been converted to growing bananas, grass, cocoa, flowers, coffee and vanilla," explained the Head of Bali's forestry Department, Made Sulendra.

According to Sulendra, the conversion of jungle lands results in a lessened soil fertility and the loss of these lands as areas of water retention. The forestry expert blames this unfortunate situation on the lack of clarity in Bali land use and zoning planning (RTRW).

>>Full article

CHINA - inbound tourism remains on right track

eTN Asia, 11-16-2006

Even as China takes series of initiatives to strengthen its tourism culture, it has stacked up impressive figures when it comes to the overall performance of the tourism industry.

China received 92.2 million overseas tourists in the first nine months of the year, up 2.86 percent on the same period in 2005, the China National Tourism Administration shared.

Revenue from overseas tourists totaled US$23.03 billion during the same period, indicating a growth of 5.63 percent. Of the total 16.1 million were foreign nationals and the rest from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

Arrivals of overseas tourists totaled 10.4 million in September, a rise of 5.56 percent. As in September, the Republic of Korea was the largest source of foreign tourists for China, with 334,169 arrivals. It was followed by Japan, Russia and the United States. China is now ranked fourth in the world in terms of overseas tourist arrivals, as per the information available.

The World Tourism Organization has predicted that China will become the No. 1 tourist destination and the fourth largest source of tourists by 2020.

As part of preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the local government has already launched a campaign to correct and standardize the use of English. Keen on taking care of `Chinglish,’ China has initiated a new campaign to clamp down on bad English in the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

>>Full article

MONGOLIA - More from Mongolia

TTGasia, Nov 10 - 16, 2006 / No.1501

IT is ironic the only place where the word ‘luxury’ is associated with accommodation in Mongolia is in tourist ger (tented) camps.

The country of 2.8 million people will see close to 500,000 visitors this year, and yet it still does not have an international five-star hotel. But with an increasing number of business and leisure travellers flocking to the region to enjoy (or exploit) the relatively unspoiled landscape, there are signs things are about to change.

Established in the early 1960s, the Ulaanbaatar Hotel was the first star-rated hotel in Mongolia, and is now battling to become the first local hotel to claim the Chinese government’s coveted five-star rating. It recently added cable TV, broadband Internet, limousine services and a Presidential Suite – the only one of its kind in Mongolia. Simultaneous upgrades are being completed on its sister property, the UB Hotel Golf, located 68km from town in Terelj National Park. The 220 existing hotels aside, for several years the Mongolian government has been encouraging international chains to open in Ulaanbaatar. And in January 2005 they seemed to make a breakthrough when Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts announced it would open a 190-room hotel as part of a commercial, retail and entertainment complex near Ulaanbaatar’s main Sukhbaatar Square in 2007.

But later in 2005, Shangri-La pulled out of the deal due to protracted disputes over ownership. The project has now been scaled down to an office complex, according to local media.

>>Full article

MARKETS - Asia on their minds

TTGasia, Nov 17 - 23, 2006 / No.1502

UK tour operators say the region will be a hotbed of holiday activity next year

NO surprises as to what is hot in the market for 2007 as Indochina continues to feature strongly in brochures of UK tour operators next year.

With more people recognising the value for money in Asia and choosing to go upmarket, more luxury products are also being offered.

China had a good year in 2006 and this upward trend is expected to continue in 2007.

Kuoni Travel product manager, Mr Darren Lancaster, said: “We expect double-digit growth for Indochina, especially Vietnam and Cambodia.

“The draw is in the number of good hotel products, culture and beach destinations.

“The biggest challenge is accessibility. If Vietnam Airlines can put in a direct service, more travellers will be open to Vietnam and the rest of Indochina will follow.

“All UK operators are going to see growth in business to China predominantly from first-time clients. The demand is definitely there and it is up to us to service the market with new and fresh products.

“For India, travellers are mainly repeat visitors or adventurous first-timers. Taj tours remain a popular option with more clients asking for customised itineraries. Kerala is doing exceptionally well. We have contracted directly with suppliers in 2007 and have some great offers.

“The challenge for India is high rates and availability.”

>>Full article

SINGAPORE - Treat new niche holistically

TTGasia, Nov 17 - 23, 2006 / No.1502

IMITATION, they say, is the sincerest form of flattery and many countries want to follow in Singapore’s footsteps for the success it has achieved in setting high standards for areas such as education, public housing, technology, etc.

In the past, Japan and Switzerland used to be Singapore’s benchmarks and some would say it has surpassed its role models in some fields.

Singapore, for example, has done extremely well in tourism, attracting almost 10 million visitors last year, and the trade here would argue it has more to offer than the other two destinations; and award-winning Singapore Airlines and Singapore Changi Airport are not just local icons, but recognised internationally.

Now, Singapore wants to add medical tourism to its list of targets. But with more governments and countries recognising the importance of the tourism dollar and the high revenue medical tourists bring – as they are willing to pay for good medical treatment and stay for extended periods – more countries are jumping onto, or have jumped onto the medical tourism bandwagon. We don’t have to look far as Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines are also touting themselves as equally good destinations to seek medical treatment, with one big advantage. Cost in those South-east Asian countries are relatively cheaper.

Now add to the list countries such as Dubai, South Korea and even South Africa, which are moving with 20-20 vision in search of medical tourists.

>>Full article

TAIWAN - A vision for Taiwan

TTGasia, Nov 17 - 23, 2006 / No.1502

Taiwan Tourism Bureau director-general, Hsu Wen Cheng, shares his strategic plans with John Westbrook.

What is your vision for Taiwan’s tourism industry in the coming year?

Our vision is to turn Taiwan into one of Asia’s top travel destinations.

Taiwan certainly has significant potential for tourism development. We have an abundance of natural and cultural resources, a reputation among international travellers as a friendly and hospitable people, warm weather and excellent infrastructure.

Over the past three years, we have achieved impressive results through the combined efforts of the central and local governments under the Doubling Tourists Arrival Plan.

We have developed and improved tour routes, established travel service networks, rolled out international promotions and advertising campaigns and created an even more visitor-friendly travel environment.

Which areas are not being tapped or are unexplored?

Taiwan has 264 mountains rising more than 3,000m high, including East Asia’s highest peak, Yushan (Mt Jade) at 3,952m, canyons, rugged coasts, golden beaches, volcanic terrain and hotsprings.

In terms of culture, Taiwan has been enriched by Austronesian, Chinese and Japanese influences.

The potential for cultural tourism in Taiwan could be more fully realised by incorporating these cultural assets in packaged tours or by developing new sites and creating distinctive products.

Please outline Taiwan’s international tourism marketing strategy for 2007

>>Full article

SINGAPORE - Cruise champion

TTGasia, Nov 17 - 23, 2006 / No.1502

THE Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which said in May it wanted to attract 1.5 million cruise passengers annually and have 10 cruise ships homeport here by 2015, says it will work on three “priority areas” to make it the top cruise destination in Asia.

STB director cluster development (sightseeing and cruise), Mr Chang Chee Pey, told TTG Asia: “In September, we started preliminary technical studies on the cruise terminal site in Marina South. Building this terminal is our top priority.”

Its completion date would depend on the development model. “We hope to make a decision by early 2007.

“There are two possibilities. One is a dedicated terminal catering only to cruise ships. The other is a mixed-use development with hotels and retail shops, making it a destination in itself.”

Mr Chang said Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) at HarbourFront “will reach its maximum capacity soon. With new cruise ship deployments to Singapore, we have had to juggle schedules to accommodate them all. The SCC is unable to handle large ships. Queen Mary 2, when it calls on Singapore next year, will have to dock at a container port.” SCC was built in 1991 and upgraded in 1998 at a cost of about S$23 million (US$14.7 million).

Another priority is to raise awareness of Asia as a cruising destination among cruise lines and consumers.

Mr Chang said: “The competition is not among Asian countries. As a region, we are competing against other regions such as the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.”

>>Full article

DUBAI - City gets even livelier

TTGasia, Nov 17 - 23, 2006 / No.1502

DUBAI is keeping itself in the news by announcing more mega projects, while those just completed or are nearing completion create additional buzz for the city.

Take the opening of Ski Dubai last year – no media could resist reporting on the uncanny idea of skiing in the desert. Or last May’s announcement of Bawadi by Dubai ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Amktoum, just before the opening of Arabian Travel Market where hundreds of travel buyers were present.

If you have not read about Bawadi, it is the world’s largest hospitality and tourism development. Located in Dubailand, it will have 31 hotels offering 29,200 rooms – the longest strip of hotels in the world spread over 10km. If your clients fancy staying in a 6,500-room hotel, Bawadi will have it in the Asia-Asia, which Dubai bills as the world’s largest hotel.

When completed in 10 years, Bawadi will double the number of available rooms in Dubai, which last year stood at 28,610, and is expected to absorb a forecast 15 million visitors by then, compared with just above six million last year. It will be developed and managed by Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding.

All the publicity Dubai gets – orchestrated or otherwise – has one effect: people perceive Dubai as exciting. But is it as exciting as it is perceived to be?

Do buy

To the oft-asked question “What does one do in Dubai?”, shopping is the answer, according to a recent survey of 850 tourists and residents conducted by Dr Heiko Schmid, University of Heidelberg. But as Dubai evolves and new projects open, the breadth and depth of the tourism product is set to improve. This is followed by beach recreation, nightlife, organised desert safaris and visits to historical sights.

More than 50 per cent of all visitors are repeats.

>>Full article

LANGKAWI - Green rewards sink in

TTGasia, Nov 17 - 23, 2006 / No.1502

LANGKAWI – Resorts are realising the benefits of putting in place environmentally friendly practices, which not just result in reducing gross operating costs but also attract a growing number of environmentally conscious travellers.

Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi general manager, Mr Arnold Esmond, said initially costs went up by 11 per cent due to the cost of buying and putting in place eco-friendly initiatives, but year-to year operational costs have reduced by about six per cent.

“About 60 per cent of our eco-friendly ideas come from our guests.”

The 136-room hotel experiences an average room occupancy of 69 per cent annually.

It is ISO14001 certified and has a strong buy local policy.

It also supports the fishing villagers nearby to diversify their income by giving rent-free space within its large compound so they can set up food and clothing stalls.

ALiLA Manggis Bali general manager, Mr Jork Bosselaar, said based on his experience, environmental awareness was more prevalent among European tourists.

“Environmental consciousness will be the future of leisure travel. If you don’t take care of your destination, tourists will go elsewhere.

“They are also conscious of the impact their stay will make on the environment and the local economy.”

>>Full article

SINGAPORE - Medical pulse races

TTGasia, Nov 17 - 23, 2006 / No.1502

SINGAPORE – With more countries having their scalpels ready to slice the lucrative medical travel pie, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Singapore travel agents are being forced to sharpen theirs, to protect a market that has been growing well since 2002.

Perhaps the most serious competition Singapore – and Thailand, which has also made inroads into the market – faces is from Dubai, whose Dubai Healthcare City (DHC) entered its second phase of development in June.

DHC aims to become “a regional centre for medical excellence...enriched by international healthcare providers” such as the renowned Harvard Medical School. Launched in 2002, DHC is about 1.8 million square metres and is targeted to be fully operational in 2010. The infrastructure cost is around US$1.8 billion. It will have medical facilities, a wellness centre, hotels and shopping centres. With medical travellers from the Middle East to Singapore growing at double-digit rates, there are concerns DHC will siphon off this traffic.

Singapore saw a 17 per cent increase to 374,000 medical travellers in 2005. According to STB Singapore Medicine director, Dr Jason Yap, the majority of visitors were from Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. “We are seeing rapid, in some cases, double digit or better, growth from the Middle East, Greater China (China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mongolia), Indochina, South Asia and even from North America and Europe,” he said.

Besides aiming for high-end clients requiring specialised care, STB is actively pursuing new markets through activities such as attending medical conferences and exhibitions.

>>Full article

PHILIPPINES - Asia's Top Choice to Learn English

The Seoul Times, November 20, 2006

Philippine Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace H. Durano returned home on Nov.10, 2006 after winding up his successful three-day visit here as the head of a high-powered Philippine delegation to the 5th Philippine Hotels, Resort Road Show in three major cities in South Korea.

Sponsored by Philippine Airlines and organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), the roadshow ran from November 5 to 10 and also covered the key provincial cities of Pusan and Daegu, not to mention Seoul,

The annual event was among the highly-successful components of the DOT's marketing campaign in Korea, which is now the largest Asian market for Philippine tourism, averaging approximately 45,000 Korean tourists a month.

>>Full article

PHILIPPINES - Philippine Airlines steps up its game

By Nelson Alcantara l Special to eTN, 11-16-2006

Beaming with pride of Philippine Airlines’ achievements at the recently held World Travel Market in London was the vice president for the airline’s marketing support, Felix J. Cruz. And why not, Asia’s first airline recently posted earnings of profit of $28.7 million on revenues of $1.24 billion for its fiscal year that ended last March 31, 2006.

So what’s next for Philippines’ flag carrier? Cruz said the airline will be the sole carrier to offer business-class service on domestic routes with the launching of the flag carrier’s brand-new single-aisle fleet.

The first of the fleet’s 20 Airbus aircraft, an A319-100, was unveiled last month by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in ceremonies at the main hangar of Lufthansa Technik Philippines in Pasay City.

That event marked the formal introduction of the A319, the first of 20 brand-new units belonging to the A320 family of single-aisle jets that will be delivered to PAL over the next six years.

Philippine Airlines said the package, costing upwards of $840 million, comprises a firm order for nine A320-200 aircraft plus options for five more A320s, all acquired from Airbus. In addition, PAL will lease two brand-new A320s and four A319s from GE Commercial Aviation Services, the world’s largest aircraft lessor.

>>Full article

THAILAND - Mixing up the holiday home market

Property-report.com, Nov 2006

Imagine a vacation home that caters to desires for space and resort-style luxuries – private dining, personal spa treatments, butlers, boat charters and bottles of champagne. Imagine traveling to exotic locales to spend a month in a hassle-free house. Then imagine guaranteed returns on your investment, flexibility and brand-name association.

The allure is undeniable, and it has led to a rising trend in mixed-use residences, developments that incorporate more than one type of accommodation – a hotel and serviced apartments or a hotel and vacation club.

The establishment in of these properties began back in the late 1980s, with the launch of the Amanpuri in Phuket. Laguna entered the fold soon after with villas and apartments, and the Banyan Tree, the Sheraton and the Allamanda Vacation Club have since boosted the trend.

The reasons for the rise in mixed-use residences are varied; lifestyle changes, desire for travel and improvements in communication among them.

“People like the idea of owning property in a number of attractive locations as well as the ability to choose from outright ownership and full-time residency to fractional ownership or even points-based vacation clubs,” said Daniel Collins of Infinity Hotel & Management Group, the managers of Tamarind Hills in Phuket. “The choices allow for various levels of financial commitment and return and offer options on owner usage.”

>>Full article

FIJI - New developments planned for Nausori, Fiji

Property-report.com, Oct 06

The rural town of Nausori, just outside the Fijian capital of Suva, is likely to be the next "happening" town in Fiji, said caretaker Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

With the new Rewa Bridge almost complete, the town is now looking towards the upgrading of Nausori Airport, which could see Boeing 737 planes landing.

One prominent Fiji hotel group has taken the lead and is planning on building a multi-million dollar development at Davuilevu, comprising a 50-room hotel with conference and entertainment facilities plus shops and residential lots.

As part of a master plan for the improvement of Fiji’s two largest airports,a large amount of development capital has been allocated to Nausori Airport that will go to projects for completion this year, Qarase said early this month.

These include major improvements to the terminal building, a new state-of-art control tower, and a runaway extension allowing heavier take off and landing loads.

>>Full article

VIETNAM - WTO’s access - Pros and cons of Vietnam tourism

Nhandan.com.vn, November 8, 2006

Over the past years, the tourism sector has made strong development and gradually integrated into the global tourism development process. The position of the Vietnamese tourism has been confirmed and raised.

In the implementation of the strategy to develop tourism and the national action programme on tourism, Vietnam has invested thousands of billions of dong (Vietnamese currency), VND 2,146 billion for the past five years, in tourism infrastructure in key destinations and attracted more than 190 foreign direct investment projects in tourism with a total capital of US $4.64 billion.

Hundreds of new luxury hotels and resorts have been built. The number of hotel rooms and tourism products that have met the standards to serve international tourists has risen. The work to promote tourism and train human resources has been boosted. These factors lead to the fact that the number of international tourists travelling to Vietnam is increasing and reached 3.43 million in 2005.

The Tourism Law has been completed and gone into effect and issued many instruction documents, creating a clearer legal environment in tourism business activities. In the renovation process and international integration, the force of tourism businessmen has also developed and adapted themselves gradually with new mechanisms.

>>Full article

THAILAND - Interview - new Tourism and Sports Minister, Suwit Yodmani

Thaisnews.com, Nov 2006

Our interview is with the new Tourism and Sports Minister, Suwit Yodmani, who was previously the Executive Director, and now Senior Advisor, of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). Last month he was appointed by the Prime Minister to the interim cabinet, in this important position for the local tourism industry, and last week he came to Phuket to witness the opening of the international volleyball tournament at Karon beach. We asked him there first if his new role and job was challenging so far:

>>Watch video

INDIA - Singapore to play important role in setting up of Nalanda Uni in India

Channel NewsAsia, 13 November 2006

SINGAPORE: The Indian government plans to revive one of its biggest universities in ancient times and is seeking Singapore's help to do so.

Once a renowned centre for Buddhist scholarship from the 5th till 12th Century, the Nalanda University now lies in ruin.

Buddhist pilgrimages are gaining popularity, and interest in visiting holy sites in India is likely to increase.

The Indian government is gearing up to meet this increase by channelling over US$1b to promote its Buddhist circuits.

Central to its plans is the development of a new 600-acre Nalanda University at the Indian state of Bihar.

In a video link address, India's President Abdul Kalam set his vision for the university as a centre for learning and promotion of peace.

Indian officials said the challenges ahead include curriculum planning and the availability of resources.

They hope to establish an international consortium to get the project going, and could use Singapore's help.

>>Full article

MALAYSIA - Is this spiritual resort for real?

New Straits Times, 14 Nov 2006

JOHOR BARU: Mystery surrounds a religious group which wants to build a multi-billion ringgit "spiritual tourism centre" in Kota Tinggi.

However, state authorities are completely in the dark about the project, which has become a major talking point among the Chinese community here.

In full-colour advertisements placed in several newspapers on Saturday, the project developer — Yong Aun Holdings Sdn Bhd — said the project, called "Ao Mi Shan" (Enchanting Resort), would be built on a 113ha site next year.

Its centrepiece will be a towering statue of the Chinese deity, Kuan Yin.

The company has appointed Tokong Nam Hai in Pulai and the Tokong Ban Sin in Selangor as its southern and northern region co-ordinators.

According to the advertisements, the development will showcase the cultures of religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity.

The plan includes the construction of resort bungalows and cultural villages.

But checks with the Kota Tinggi district council, the Kota Tinggi land office and various other government departments and agencies about the project drew a blank.

Apparently, no building plans have been submitted by the developer.

>>Full article

PENANG - keen to have theme parks

Thestar.com.my, November 8, 2006

PENANG is keen on two proposals from international investors for an adventure-themed park in Pulau Jerejak and a water-themed park in Teluk Kum-bar.

State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said the proposals reflected investor confidence in the state.

“We have to come out with ideas on how best to position ourselves when Singapore’s two casinos open in 2008.

“Penang can have two theme parks as there is no conflict of themes. They will just result in more tourism products in the state,” he told a press con- ference after opening the Penang Tourism Seminar 2006 yesterday.

Teng said he met the investors separately for preliminary discussions of the proposals last month.

He said the proposed theme for Pulau Jerejak was an eco-friendly adventure park designed with a storyline related to the history of Penang.

>>Full article

THAILAND - The Pattaya Business and Tourism Club meet in Naklua

Pattayacitynews.net, 8th November 2006

The Pattaya Business and Tourism Association held their monthly meeting at the Green Park Resort in Naklua. Khun Ronagit, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, chaired the meeting which was attended by Police Colonel Itipon, the Chief of Pattaya’s Immigration Bureau, Police Colonel Nopadon, the Chief of Banglamung Police, Police Captain Chirawat from the Tourist Police and members of the association. The meeting once again voiced its concerns over the apparent increase in criminal activities in the Pattaya and Banglamung areas and this time, spoke directly to the authorities responsible for suppressing crime who promised that over the high season months police patrols and covert operations will be increased around the area to ensure that tourists feel safe.

>>Full article

DEVELOPMENTS - Illicit and State-Sanctioned Gambling Explode Across East Asia

worldpoliticswatch.com, 13 Nov 2006

BANGKOK, Thailand -- Gambling is illegal in China, but Macau, the special administrative enclave on the coast of Guangdong province, is this year expected to outstrip the United States' Las Vegas Strip with casino revenue turnover of about $7 billion.

The explosive growth of casino gambling in the tiny former Portuguese colony is yet another staggering statistic that illustrates the story of China's breakneck development.

Macau has been transformed in a few short years from a relatively sleepy, rather quaint oddity on the South China Sea into a brash waterfront of ugly, modern casino "resorts" that smother the old colonial architecture so carefully restored by Portugal before the handover to China in 1999.

By the end of this year, Macau is expected to have attracted almost 20 million "tourists," an official Chinese euphemism for gamblers. The enclave was swamped with 18.7 million last year, most all of them from across the Guangdong border.

But Macau's transformation is merely the biggest example of a trend across East Asia, where the barely suppressed gambling desires of the region are being increasingly met by a combination of illegal and legal casinos

>>Full article

THAILAND - The next boom?

Bangkokpost.com, November 13, 2006

It may be overshadowed by Thailand's more famous resorts, but Krabi is no less attractive with many arguing that it is in fact more appealing _ and poised for a real-estate boom of sorts.

CB Richard Ellis chairman David Simister expects 2007 to be the first big year for Krabi's property market with chances of capital appreciation being very high.

A good example of interesting developments to watch is Koh Jum Estates, a boutique project offering plots on an island with west coast sunset views and a truly white sand beach. No developer on Phuket can claim to have offered anything similar in years since all the prime sites have been taken.

Even so, Mr Simister remains confident in the Phuket market's long-term prosperity. "There is going to be an upgrading of stock in Phuket, there is going to be the launch of branded properties with more professional developers, but I believe that the market now is Phangnga and Krabi, and it probably stretches from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak. Khao Lak is obviously still suffering [since the 2004 tsunami] but there are people with residential projects there.

"The criteria are accessibility and the specifics of the sites, which is very much the view _ and there is an awful lot of spectacular scenery in this area."

>>Full article

SABAH - Mystery clearing at scenic bay

New Straits Times, 9 nov 2006

KOTA KINABALU: Controversy has been swirling around Pulau Gaya’s famed Police Bay for more than a month.

According to tour operators and visitors, tractors and excavators have been clearing hills and felling trees on the scenic north side of the island. But nobody seems to know what is going on.

The New Straits Times was told that the land, together with another area on Malohom bay on the north-eastern side of the island, have been privatised and earmarked for development.

Pulau Gaya, the largest of five islands, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug, were gazetted as a Marine Park in 1974.

Under the administration of Sabah Parks, and under the Parks Enactment 2002, no development is allowed on the islands without approval and an Environmental Impact Assessment.

Recently, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said there had been a proposal to develop the island as a tourist destination but he had not yet received a full report.

The state government had said upgrading works would be carried out to improve the standard of living for the island’s inhabitants. No official announcement has been made about the development of resorts on the island.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Karim Bujang said he did not know about the construction on the bay, and Sabah Parks declined to comment.

>>Full article

MALAYSIA - Bridge a catalyst for growth

thestar.com.my, 13 November 2006

NIBONGTEBAL: The RM3bil second Penang Bridge will serve as a catalyst for development at the northern corridor and also position the state as a northern hub for sea and air connections.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Penang International Airport and the Penang Port would be upgraded to support the second Penang Bridge as a gateway to the northern corridor so as to enhance and promote the economic growth of the neighbouring states.

“With the second bridge, activities at the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas and the Penang Port will increase manifold in terms of export and import business,” said Abdullah at the ground-breaking ceremony of the second bridge in Batu Kawan yesterday.

“There is no need to build more airports or ports. We will use what is already there, but it (current infrastructures) should be upgraded,” he said.

>>Full article

VIETNAM - Businessmen boost industries with tourism

Vietnam News, (12-11-2006)

Vietnamese travel companies are vital to the increasing number of local businesspeople leaving the country as well as the influx of foreign visitors inspired by Viet Nam’s integration.

Increasing numbers of Vietnamese businesspeople are becoming business-tourists by booking foreign tours with popular tourism companies to exploit and promote business opportunities abroad. The increase is attributed to new opportunities brought about by Viet Nam’s World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Ha Noi next week.

HCM City travel agencies have reported a recent surge in foreign tour bookings to Asian countries by Vietnamese conducting business research and seeking investment partners. The rush reportedly began late last month when Viet Nam finished multilateral WTO negotiations.

>>Full article

DEVELOPMENTS - ASEAN nations finally agree on action plan to fight haze

eTN Asia, 13-11-2006

The member states from the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) met in Cebu, Philippines following a call for a special session and have agreed on a more coordinated and streamlined action plan to tackle the annual forest fires that have been originating from Indonesia.

Environment ministers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei, which comprise the most affected by the yearly recurring smog, have agreed on the Regional Action Plan (RAP) as a long-term plan, offering Indonesia's farmers alternative ways of land clearing.

Said Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Singapore's environment minister, "We are looking at the programs at the local level where we adopt one of the fire-prone districts, and the regional level."

Despite adoption of the plan, the delegates agreed there is no “quick fix” to the problem and it will be some time before the region sees its effectiveness.

"Since we are now solidly together, this heralds a more promising future," said Rahmat Witoelar, Indonesian environment minister. "We are watching closely potential spontaneous burnings in the uninhabited areas."

Witoelar added that 90 percent of the land and forest fires on Sumatra and Borneo islands have been extinguished. "But the fires could flare up in early 2007 should El Nino conditions intensify."

Under the action plan, Indonesia's farming community will be offered alternative ways of land clearing and rehabilitating its vast areas of dry peat land, the source of forest fires during the Indonesian dry season.

>>Full article

HAWAII - Tourism industry a good place for conservation

eTN, 13-11-2006

Tourists gobble a sizable portion of Kaua‘i’s resources, but businesses can take steps to reduce the strain on the island environment, industry leaders said at the Greening Kaua‘i’s Visitor Industry conference last week.

For example the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa converts 670 gallons of cooking oil to biodiesel each month, said Doug Sears, general manager. The Sheraton Kaua‘i cut its power bill by investing in a combined heat and power co-generator, energy technology that reduces consumption and saves the resort thousands of dollars each month, said Ed Fiegler, project manager of Starwood Vacation Ownership Pacific’s Princeville property. “There is a lot of business opportunity in doing things differently,” said Ivo Martinac, director of Environmental Sustainability in Tourism at the School of Travel Industry Management of the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. “It’s not an obstacle. It’s not something we need to overcome.” But despite long-term financial incentives and the promise of good will, many businesses in the industry are not signing on to green initiatives, leaders said. “One of the myths we’ve got to do away with: It is expensive to be green,” said David Simmons, professor of Tourism, Environment, Society and Design at Lincoln University in New Zealand.

>>Full article

AVIATION - CEO Panel: three LCCs, three different models

eTN,(Singapore: 10 November 2006)

In the third CEO Panel at Outlook 2007, three chief executives from Southeast Asian low cost carriers outlined the distinctly unique applications of the LCC model they are using to pursue profits.

Chong Phit Lian, CEO of Jetstar Asia, explained the Singapore-based carrier’s model maximises its Qantas links by focusing on connectivity, a departure from strict low cost orthodoxy. Ms Chong, whose carrier this month took delivery of its tenth A320, noted that Jetstar Asia focuses on higher-yielding business traffic by operating out of the Changi’s main terminal, operating longer routes into the main airports in regional business hubs and by making connectivity – both with Qantas and other Jetstar operations – a big part of its offerings. In contrast, Tony Davis, Chief Executive of Singapore’s other LCC, Tiger Airways, noted the airline represents the “pure” application of the low cost model.

>>Full article

CHINA - Cashing 2008 Beijing Olympics

eTN, 13-11-2006

China is setting the stage to welcome tourists for 2008 Beijing Olympics. Huge amounts are invested in the infrastructure to meet the international standards.

NEW DELHI, INDIA, November 12, 2006 - 2008 Beijing Olympics are infusing in the city hopes of record revenue generation by its hotels during the games. The city is expecting a huge influx of tourists to witness the event. Thus, the occupancy rates are also anticipated to soar high during the games. The hotel industry has already started the preparations to improve the quality of service. Deputy director of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Tourism, Xiong Yumai, said that the hospitality industry in Beijing has seen a rapid growth in last two years and the same pace will continue during and after the Olympics. Occupancy rates in Beijing are already high. Five-star hotels, even if they charge $150 per day, are registering highest daily revenue. High-end hotels have an occupancy rate of 75.3%. Vice chairman of China Tourism Hotel Association, Stephen C.T. Hsu said that the growth of market is positive and promising. He added that as the 2008 Olympics are approaching, more domestic and international tourists would come to Beijing. The city is expecting around 500,000 foreign and 1 million domestic tourists in 2008. RNCOS’recent market research report “China Tourism Industry: New Opportunities for Growth (2007)” states that the Chinese government will invest excessively in the infrastructure development before the Olympic games.

>>Full article

BALI - Flight Curtailments May Increase Bad Debt

Balidiscovery.com, (11/12/2006)

The Indonesian language Bisnis Bali reports that Garuda's plans to stop direct international flights to Bali may cause tourism transportation operators to default on their bank loans.

The Owner of Serasi Transport, Made Kondra, told Bisnis Bali that the cessation of direct overseas flights by Garuda "will cause businesspeople operating the tourism sector to fail in making repayments to the bank." He described how the policy of the National Carrier will affect the two largest inbound market sources of tourists for Bali and render current recovery efforts useless.

Kodra, who is also a member of the Regional Parliament, called on Garuda to review its decision to stop direct flights to Bali, especially in light of indications that tourism recovery efforts are beginning to bear fruit, with arrival numbers showing improvement over recent months.

>>Full article

BALI - In the End it's All About Welcome and Access

Balidiscovery.com, (11/12/2006)

Having just returned from World Travel Mart (WTM) in London, it seems increasingly clear that ambitious plans to accelerate steadily improving arrival totals from the U.K. and European markets will be stymied by the continuing lack of air seats from those markets to Bali.

Garuda's complete and utter retreat from Europe has resulted in not only fewer Bali-bound seats but also a lower presence overall in the European marketplace. Where Bali was once a destination in its own right ex-Europe, it has now become little more than a secondary "extension stop" on a holiday to another competing destination in the region.

This lack of seats operating to Bali means that the hotels and tour operators from Bali who invested heavily in participating at WTM would have found it problematic to address any genuine enquiry for a large group conference or incentive actively considering Bali as a destination. In the absence of more flights to Bali, the island will remain marginalized in its effort to seek the more lucrative group and conference markets from Europe.

>>Full article

MALAYSIA - Early Visit Malaysia Year arrivals become illegal immigrants

eTN, 11-09-2006

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (eTN) -- Almost 3,000 early visitors under the VMY 2006 visa-on-arrival (VOA) program have now become illegal immigrants after overstaying their visas.

Under the newly-introduced VOA program, introduced by the Malaysian government in September this year, visitors from 24 countries are allowed entry by just producing their passport and paying RM100 (US$25) for a one-month visitor's visa in the country.

"They have taken advantage of our kindness by overstaying, and refusing to leave," said Home Affairs Minister Radzi Ahnmad. "It is difficult to trace them, but we will hunt for those who have abused and flouted their entry permits."

Adding to the problem, according to the minister, newly arrived illegal immigrants are able to blend in easily into the present Malaysian racial mix of Malays, Chinese and Indians.

Most of the latest addition to the country's illegal immigrants list are from traditional sources India, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nepal and African countries.

>>Full article

MALAYSIA - rail tracks adds to SKRL project

eTN Asia, 11-09-2006

ASEAN looking to China for assistance to build next stretch covering 257km.
KUNMING, China (eTN): The ASEAN-led Singapore to Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) has taken another step with the addition of used rail tracks donated by Malaysia.

Cambodia will start lying the rail tracks in early 2007, and on completion of the line in 2009 it will link Poipet to Sisophon.

The stretch will enable travelers to journey by train all the way through from Singapore to Phnom Penh, via the SKRL route in eastern Cambodia.

"The tracks, to be delivered in six batches, have arrived in the Thai-Cambodia border town of Aranyaprathet," chairman Chan Kong Choy, Malaysian transport minister told transport and rail authorities from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and ASEAN Secretariat who attended the 8th Working Group meeting here.

The SKRL, added Chan, will seek assistance from China to complete the next connection between Phnom Penh-Loc Ninh covering a distance of 257km inside Cambodia, eventually linking the line to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

"Funding to lay the tracks for the additional 48km Poipet-Siophon link will come from the US$72 million loan granted by the Asian Development Bank to Cambodia."

A part of the money will also be used to rehabilitate the Phnom-Penh-Sihanoukville connection.

>>Full article

AUSTRALIA - Tourism Victoria appeals for urgent action to save industry

eTN Asia/Pacific, 11-08-2006

Tourism Alliance Victoria (TAV) has made an appeal for urgent action to help its tourism industry, which is facing difficult times during the current drought.

The TAV is appealing to the winning party in the coming November elections to expand the Sustaining Your Tourism Business (SYTB) program, introduced during the last drought in 2004.

Under the program, the government provides aid in the form of training, support materials and mentoring to help tourism operators achieve long-term sustainability.

"We are seeking assistance from the state government to support tourism businesses to work through the downturn directly linked to the present drought," said Nicholas Hunt, chief executive of TAV.

Hunt said the drought is hurting many tourism operators, particularly in regional areas.

Areas seeing a downturn in tourism include Gippsland, the Grampians, as well as towns in central Victoria and along the Murray River.

"The drought-stricken areas are getting fewer tourists, who have the perception since there is no water there is nothing for them to do or see."

Hunt points out the government's success when it supported the agricultural sector by refocusing farm businesses and creating new markets. "The government can do the same for regional tourism."

Training workshops under the SYTB program in 2004 has been found to benefit up to 93 percent of participants, while up to 82 percent found mentoring help them improve their businesses.

>>Full article

AUSTRALIA - considers hosing the Great Barrier Reef

eTN Pacific, 11-07-2006

Australian marine scientists have proposed 'hosing down' the Australian Great Barrier Reef to protect the corals from being damaged as a result of climate change.

Speaking at the recent Ecotourism Australia Conference, Andrew Skeat, executive director of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, said the proposal involves watering the ocean surface at peak heat times to avoid coral bleaching, which is caused by higher than average water temperatures linked with global climate change, and when organisms which make up corals die leaving behind white limestone skeleton.

Under the proposal, a fine spray of seawater will be pumped onto the reef to break up the ocean water, cooling the corals.

"Climate changes will eventually affect the way tourism is operated on the Great Barrier Reef," said Skeat. "Tourism operators have to make adjustments."

A tourism working group established in 2004 to prepare for climate change on the reef found the proposal is effective in reducing radiation and coral bleaching.

It also considered permanently placing sunshades over some areas of the reef. The sunshade, currently being developed in Queensland, would be held in place by floating pontoons, according to marine researchers.

The group also proposed a more flexible proposal of site-based operations, moving to different parts of the reef which are showing significant coral bleaching effects.

"The damaged areas have to be given a rest while marine ecosystems around the world are at risk from climate change," said Skeat. "It is not an ecological scale solution to climate change."

Fran Bailey, Australian tourism minister said in a radio interview, the government is concerned as the reef alone employs about 33,000 workers in Australia's US$4.5 billion tourism industry.

>>Full article

SABAH - Karambunai sees better days ahead

Theegdgedaily.com, 01-11-2006

Karambunai Corp Bhd is optimistic of generating stronger earnings and cash flow in the coming years in anticipation of increasing take-up at its Nexus Resort Karambunai and Nexus Residence Karambunai from the continuous growth in the Sabah tourism industry.

Its chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir said tourist arrivals in Sabah had increased by 26% for the first half of the year, compared with the previous corresponding period.

He said the Sabah Tourism Board expected tourist arrivals at the state to increase to four million by 2010 from 1.8 million in 2005.

Karambunai president and chief executive officer Tan Sri Dr Chen Lip Keong said the occupancy rate at Nexus Resort averaged at 80%, while the average room rate had increased to about RM280 from RM170 previously.

He said 119 units of the 125 villas in the first phase of its Nexus Residence project, and priced at an average RM1 million had been taken up, and it would launch another 118 units in London next week, targeting the foreign buyers.

>>Full article

SARAWAK - FAX explains reasons for flight delays to Mulu

Friday November 3, 2006

KUCHING: The flight disruptions on Fly Asian Xpress’ (FAX) Mulu service were due to technical reasons, weather and poor visibility.

A total of 37 flights were delayed between Aug 1, when FAX commenced operations, and Oct 31, of which 17 were delayed by more than 15 minutes.

The longest delay was one hour.

“The primary reasons for the delays beyond 15 minutes were technical factors, weather and poor visibility caused by the haze, or a combination of these factors. The safety of passengers remains paramount to FAX,” the airline said in a statement.

In addition, there have been five flight cancellations, including three last month.

In the event of cancellations, especially on the Mulu sector, FAX said it would provide overnight accommodation at no extra cost for its passengers until the next available flight.

>>Full article

SABAH - Bigger gong promo planned

Dailyexpress.com.my, 02 November, 2006

MATUNGGONG: Promotion of the annual Matunggong Gong Festival will be intensified next year, especially among tourists, said Assemblywoman Jornah Mozihim.

The Assistant Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister attributed lack of publicity to the lukewarm response for the two-day festival held in Kampung Sumangkap at the sub-district new township about 42km from Kudat.

Met after launching the festival on Tuesday, Jornah was asked on the small number of people coming to the festival, which was held in commemoration of the full eclipse of the sun that was also the longest in history on Oct. 24, 1995.

It was originally held at the new township field on Oct. 24, 2002 as Matunggong Cultural Festival but a year later was changed to Matunggong Gong Festival, while the venue was moved to the present site.

"I have spoken to all the relevant quarters that next year we want to intensify the promotion and publicity for the event. We want to get the involvement of tour agencies.

"Perhaps, they are not even aware of the event today," she said.

Jornah also wanted the exhibition to involve more kampung folk displaying their products rather than the various government agencies.

"I think its time we do away with such exhibition and instead focus on promoting the local people and their produce (in this respect) gongs," she said.

Jornah said efforts were also being made to collaborate with the Sabah State Library to document the Rungus community traditional heritage such as the Tangon or folk stories, which she felt are priceless form of art belonging to the community.

>>Full article

PHILIPPINES - Medical tourism a shot in the arm for the Philippines

Todayonline.com, Tuesday, November 7, 2006

The Philippines earned an estimated 200 million dollars this year from foreign patients seeking affordable medical services, the health department said.
.A quarter million people flew into the country this year for cosmetic surgery, eye treatment or get their dentures fixed, said Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo.
.It is the first year of government efforts to promote the Southeast Asian nation as a "medical tourism" site,
.The program seeks to offer the Philippines as a destination for health care and tourism where patients can go for rest and recreation while recuperating, De Mundo said.
.Low prices of health services and treatment are the main attractions of the Philippines, she told reporters.
.A ceramic denture, for instance, can be had for about 1,000 dollars, compared with 8,000 dollars in the United States, she said.
.Del Mundo said the government expected medical tourism turnover to be between 300 million and 400 million dollars next year, out of a global health care market valued at some three trillion dollars.
.She said the Philippines now ranked just fifth in the business in Asia, with the field also dominated by Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Singapore in that order.
.Del Mundo said the government planned to ramp up the business by accrediting more quality hospitals and health care facilities and banking on Filipinos' "unique" hospitality in taking care of patients. — AFP

The Philippines earned an estimated 200 million dollars this year from foreign patients seeking affordable medical services, the health department said.
.A quarter million people flew into the country this year for cosmetic surgery, eye treatment or get their dentures fixed, said Health Undersecretary Jade del Mundo.
.It is the first year of government efforts to promote the Southeast Asian nation as a "medical tourism" site,
.The program seeks to offer the Philippines as a destination for health care and tourism where patients can go for rest and recreation while recuperating, De Mundo said.
.Low prices of health services and treatment are the main attractions of the Philippines, she told reporters.
.A ceramic denture, for instance, can be had for about 1,000 dollars, compared with 8,000 dollars in the United States, she said.

>>Full article

PHILIPPINES - ‘More work to be done’

www.sunstar.com.ph, Tuesday, November 07, 2006

CEBU’S tourism stakeholders must work harder by upgrading services and improving infrastructure to put Cebu on a higher rank in an international travel magazine survey next year, an industry leader said.

The survey result this year should inspire tourism players to promote Cebu with aggressive marketing and focus efforts on the Cebu brand, Mila Espina, head of the tourism committee of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry told Sun.Star Cebu.

“The news is great and an indicator that Cebu is indeed in the global market already. It implies that Cebu is selling itself as a destination of the Philippines. Cebu makes a great difference,” she said.

The CCCI has been pushing tourism, along with information technology, as the engine of growth of Cebu’s economy.

Cebu was again voted eighth in this year’s top 10 island destinations in the Asia or Indian Ocean region by the Conde Nast’s Traveler Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards for 2006.

Conde Nast Traveller magazine is a premier magazine for people with a passion for travel, adventure, culture and new ideas.

Former governor Lito Osmeña’s marketing strategy of promoting Cebu as an “Island in the Pacific” has proven its effectiveness, said Efren Belarmino, president of Skal International Cebu and general manager of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa.

He said some international tourists until now see Cebu as an island in the Pacific, not an island in the Philippines.

>>Full article

VIETNAM - Measures to attract more European tourists to Vietnam

VNECONOMY, 31/10/2006

To attract more tourists from European countries, Vietnamese travel agents need to improve their professional skills and build long-term marketing strategies and services. The remark was made by Jozef W.M Van Doorn, co-director of the Vietnam Human Resource Development Project at a seminar in Hanoi on October 30. The seminar was held by the Vietnam National Tourism Administration (VNTA) in cooperation with the European Commission to propose measures to lure more tourists from the European market. Nguyen Anh Tuan, an official from the VNTA, said Vietnamese travel agencies have limited access to the European markets due to a lack of information, professional marketing staff and reliable relations with big travel agents. Therefore, the seminar is of great significance to Vietnam tourism. He hoped that it will help promote Vietnam as an international tourism destination for tourists in Germany, the UK and Spain. >>Full article

DEVELOPMENTS - Tourism gaining momentum in China-ASEAN economic cooperation

People's Daily Online/ Xinhua, November 03, 2006

With the exhibition of " Cities of Charm" drawing thousands of visitors at the third China- ASEAN expo in Nanning, tourism is climbing to the top of the China- ASEAN cooperation agenda, a Chinese expert said.

"Tourism plays an ever-important role in the economic development of China and the ASEAN countries, and will act as a roll booster in the establishment of the free trade area," said Gu Xiaosong, vice president of the Academy of Social Sciences in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

According to Gu, the number of cross-border tourists between China and ASEAN countries reached 6.5 million last year. Over 3 million, or one-third of the Chinese outbound tourists made ASEAN countries their first choices to visit, while China received the same number of foreign tourists from ASEAN countries.

In 2005, Thailand, a tourism mecca in southeast Asia, received over 840,000 Chinese visitors, 12 percent up from the previous year, and about 350,000 people from mainland China visited Malaysia.

Other ASEAN countries are also gearing up their efforts to attract Chinese tourists. According to Vietnam's tourism authorities, the country expects to attract as many as 6 million foreign visitors by 2010.

Historical links and geographic proximity have played an important part in boosting the development of tourism between China and ASEAN nations such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar, Gu said.

>>Full article

THAILAND - No letup in pace of Phuket

Bangkokpost.com, November 06, 2006

The announcement of two major investments in Phuket the very week the military coup took place and the huge success of the Barama Bay project clearly show the recent political upheaval has not affected the popular resort island, says Bill Barnett, the managing director of C9 Hotelworks.

Kingdom Hotel Investments, controlled by the billionaire Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, has bought land across the bridge in Phangnga to develop a new hotel and villas. The proposed Raffles Phang Nga Resort and Residences will have 150 rooms and 25 luxury villas and is expected to start operations in 2009. The investment is estimated at US$115 million.

Kingdom Hotel earlier this year made its first investment in Phuket, acquiring the Karon Beach Hotel Phuket and rebranding it as a Movenpick.

Destination Properties Company also acquired Felix Resort, a 125-room beachfront resort on Karon beach, which will also be rebranded with an international name yet to be announced.

Mr Barnett said Barama Bay was probably the hottest project to be introduced in Phuket this year. Developed by TGR Group Asia, it is actually a private island off Phuket's east coast and will have a five-star resort to be managed by the Dubai-based Jumeirah Group. There will be 79 pool villas with prices starting from US$3 million, plus a host of facilities including a 73-berth marina and yacht club.

"I think Barama Bay is unique because everyone is saying. 'How can you top Amanpuri? How can you top Banyan Tree?"' Mr Barnett said, referring to two of the region's most exclusive resort brands.

"But by having a private island you're only a few hundred metres from the mainland. How much more exotic can you get than having your own island?"

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PHUKET - Niran is new governor

Phuket Post, 2006-10-31

by Yong Tirarungroung

Niran Kanlayanamitr, who has been deputy governor of the island for the past five years, has been named Phuket’s new governor by the cabinet. Although the appointment must still receive ministerial and royal blessing, K Niran looks likely to take the post left vacant for the past several weeks following the retirement of his predecessor, Udomsak Uswarangkura.

“My first priority is the economic future of the island. Our main income comes from tourism,” K Niran told a press conference called to announce his appointment. “We had our best year ever before the tsunami and brought in 85 billion baht in income from 4.7 million tourists. In the past two years since the tsunami we have all been working together to bring back the tourists. Now the business operators are happy and the tourist season has arrived. Occupancy rates and bookings are very good.”

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AVIATION - Open Skies - The Good and The Bad

Business Times, Malaysia, November 6 2006

DATUK Tony Fernandes has been one of the most consistent proponents of an open skies policy between Malaysia and Singapore.

The AirAsia chief executive officer, early on in the budget airline’s existence, sought to capture additional rights to fly into the island republic. His latest bid has the Government’s support.

A meeting between Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy and his Singapore counterpart Raymond Lim in August indicated that both governments are favourable to the idea.

Fernandes sees the open skies policy as a means to help turn Malaysia into a regional low-cost carrier (LCC) hub and channel some of the tourist traffic from Changi Airport to the KL International Airport in Sepang (KLIA).

“There are concerns that KLIA will suffer a ‘slow death’ if we open up our skies to Singapore. It is already happening. For years KLIA has been trying, and failed, to position itself as a regional airline hub.

“Malaysia should take advantage of AirAsia’s strength to dominate the region’s LCC business,” Fernandes told Business Times.

And what better time to do it than with Visit Malaysia Year 2007, he added.

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