INDONESIA - A Critical Over-Supply of Hotel Rooms in Bali

Balidiscovery.com, (1/27/2007)

Tempo Interaktif reports that Bali currently has a severe over-supply of hotel rooms contributing to increasingly unhealthy competition among the Island's hotels.

The Chairman of the Bali Tourism Board (BTB), Bagus Sudibya, told Tempo that average occupancies stand at only 30%, covering an estimated 52,000 hotel rooms used by the 3,000-4,000 tourist who arrive from overseas every day and stay for only 4-5 days.

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BALI - The Battle for Europe

Balidiscovery.com, (1/26/2007)

In balidiscovery.com's continuing look at foreign tourist arrivals for 2006, this installment of Bali by the Numbers examines European arrivals to the Island over a 6 year period 2001-2006.The Six-Year Perspective: A Very Different EuropeJust how dramatically the European arrival numbers of changed over the past 6 years is underlined in the chart shown on balidiscovery.com

Overall European arrivals in 2006 to Bali have declined -18.14% from what they were in 2001.
Although still the top producing country in Europe, the U.K. totals have declined -46.04% since the 2001 – a situation that reflects Garuda Indonesia's cessation of London flights.

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SINGAPORE - Hotel Investment Market Sets New Record in 2006

ASIATravelTips.com, 26 January 2007

The Singapore hotel investment market set a new record in 2006 with seven hotel-related transactions in excess of Sin$1.5 billion. In addition, five sites, including the commercial/hotel Collyer Quay site, were sold for more than Sin$470 million under the Government Land Sales Program last year.
Mr. Scott Hetherington, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels’ Managing Director in Asia, commented, “Singapore is undoubtedly one of the ‘hottest’ hotel investment markets in Asia Pacific last year. The upturn in hotel trading performance has simultaneously attracted intense interest in Singapore hotel assets and enticed some hotel owners to capitalise on the aggressive investor market. 2006 has been an exceptional year for Singapore’s hotel investmen market.”

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UAE - 136bn in Abu Dhabi projects may overtake Dubai, Doha

AME Info, 25-1-2007

By the end of this decade Abu Dhabi is likely to overtake its neighbors Dubai and Doha as the biggest construction market in the Gulf. Between this year and the end of the decade the UAE capital will invest $22 billion in oil and gas projects designed to keep the emirate among the leading global energy producers.United Arab Emirates: Wednesday, January 24 - 2007 at 14:39 Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development & Investment Company is overseeing the development of Saadiyat Island. According to new figures from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry GDP for the emirate will reach $159 billion by 2010 with the share of non-oil activities rising from $44 billion to $72 billion. Investment totals are huge with $136 billion targeted for construction and building, $55 billion for tourism, $9.5 billion for water and electricity and $33 billion for industry.

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THAILAND - After reduction in tourism target, operators in Thailand reveal critical issues

eTN Asia, 25-1-2007

Travel operators want the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) to solve four major problems.
Even as the Tourism Authority of Thailand has reduced its 2008 tourist arrival target from 20 million to 16 million in order to tap “quality travelers” and to avoid the “cheap-destination trap”, travel operators want the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) to solve four major problems.The operators feel such issues are currently major issues that could hamper both international and domestic tourism.The operators are reportedly seeking action over entrance fees for national parks, promotion of the troubled deep South, negative publicity and domestic marketing. the problems had been brought to the attention of Pornsiri Manoharn, governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

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AVIATION - Asian Aviation Must Face Up To Low Cost Challenge

ASIATravelTips .com, 24 January 2007

Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Executive Chairman, Peter Harbison, warned on Tuesday, that Asia’s major incumbent carriers risk becoming irrelevant, or even face extinction, if they fail to grasp the changes in the market occurring due to LCCs.
Opening the Low Cost Airline Congress in Singapore, Mr Harbison said, “The aviation world will never be the same. Any new entrant must be low cost and any existing airline not heeding this message will become an ex-airline. We haven’t yet seen a major international airline shut down in this region – although Ansett Australia’s collapse was contributed to by the entry of LCCs domestically – but it will happen.”

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THAILAND - Tuk Tuk drivers protested about the one way traffic system in Patong

Thaisnews, January 2007

Tuk Tuk drivers on Sunday afternoon staged a rally against the new one way system, demanding that the authority revoke the system. They cited reasons that the new system caused more traffic congestion, instead of solving it, was more dangerous for pedestrians and that it consumed more fuel for them to go around the one way system. The rally followed the authority’s attempt to resolve traffic in the area which began on January 15th. In the evening more than 300 of them drove out along the beach road and caused traffic congestion. Yesterday morning the Phuket Vice Governor Tri Akkaradecha held a meeting with all parties concerned and reached a conclusion. They included a public hearing session which opens for all stakeholders to participate.

>>Full article + video

THAILAND - Tourism in Krabi especially Phi Phi Islands

Thaisnews, january 2007

The overall occupancy rate in the Andaman coastal province of Krabi for this high season stands at approximately 80%, according to Napasorn Kakhai, chief of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Krabi office. With its airport recently upgraded to international status, at least 7 airlines operate their scheduled services there, bringing in domestic and international travelers. They also include charter flights from Europe. The tourist province has a total of 12,000 rooms for accommodation with 2,000 located on the world renowned island of Phi Phi. Noppasorn points out that while the accomodation on the island is fully booked from the New Year period up until the Chinese New Year in February, other tourist locations like Ao Nang or Lanta Island still have accomodation available. Focusing on Phi Phi, Napasorn said the interesting new market is the Russian group of tourists who travel by charter flight from Phuket, stay for a couple of nights and then go on to Phi Phi.

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THAILAND - Tourism and Property Investment Surge Drives Phuket's Economy to New Highs

ASIATravelTips.com, 17 January 2007

Thailand’s tropical paradise island Phuket continues to out-perform its Asian rivals in the intense competition for tourists who demand luxury accommodation managed by some of the world’s most prominent hotel organisations.
This in turn, has spurred substantial levels of investor interest in the destination’s every-growing property market and higher than ever interest from international hotel management companies searching from new projects along the Andaman coastline.
Tourist arrivals in Phuket reached 4.7 million in 2006, which in turn produced tourism-related spending of US$1.7 billion, up 87% from 2005, according to research from the Kasikorn Bank’s Research Centre. This year Phuket is predicted to welcome 5.2 million tourists who will spend US$2 billion during their time on the island.

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BALI - India to have new cultural center in Bali

ANTARA News, January 22, 2007

India will have a new cultural center on Bali Island as the Bali provincial administration has provided a 629-square-meter plot of land for the purpose.The Bali administration�s commitment to provide the land was stated in an agreement signed by Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Navrekha Sharma and Bali Governor Dewa Beratha here on Monday.The sound bilateral relations between Indonesia and India could be improved further in the future, the ambassador said in her remarks."The cooperation which could be further intensified includes tourism, culture and education," Ambassador Navrekha Sharma said after the signing of the agreement.The Indian cultural center in Bali will be the second in Indonesia, the first being located in Jakarta.

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CHINA - CapitaLand aims to bring integrated resort concepts to mainland China

Channelnewsasia.com, 16 January 2007

Having lost out twice on building the integrated resorts in Singapore, property developer CapitaLand is setting its sights on bringing integrated resort concepts to mainland China. And it says it may use ideas from its Singapore concepts in its Chinese proposal, albeit without the casino element which is not allowed in China. Still, the proposals will need the green light from Chinese authorities. CapitaLand says it's keen to grow its integrated leisure, entertainment and conventions business. It's looking at large scale projects in Indochina, China and India, but will not restrict its investments to projects with a gaming or casino component.

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DEVELOPMENTS - Move over MICE, here come the SMERFs!

Express travel world, january 2007

The dominant segment of Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) in Asia and South East Asia is facing competition from another fast emerging segment of those travelling for social, military, education, religious and fraternity reasons. These travellers, billed as SMERFs, are a hardy and growing bunch offering vast untapped potential for this region's developing and recovering travel markets according to a recent study by Abacus International.
The SMERFs (no relation to their cuddly namesakes of television fame) are the resilient groups travelling to and around Asia in their millions for social, military, education or religious reasons, or as part of fraternity groups such as alumni, workplace re-unions or special interest groups. They don't mind even gathering in non-peak times if it will help keep the costs down.

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THAILAND - Phuket a Haven for Investors

Phuket, Thailand (PRWEB) June 1, 2006

These days, visitors to Phuket cannot help but notice the number of premium property projects being marketed on the island. Developers on this tourist hotspot are going all out to woo buyers with projects running the gamut from luxury villas to upmarket Phuket resort condominiums with ultramodern facades and interior design.Post-tsunami, Phuket’s property market is enjoying a boom fuelled by rising demand from expatriates. Real estate consultants say foreign investors from Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe and the Mediterranean form the bulk of buyers who are snapping up properties across the island.Property on Phuket has always been sought after, owing to its status as a top resort destination in Southeast Asia. About the size of Singapore, the 570 sq km island attracts tourists and investors with its striking natural beauty, unique brand of Thai hospitality and cost of living that is lower than other markets in the region such as Hong Kong and Singapore.“[Phuket] distinguishes itself by its unique blend of safety, unrivalled hospitality, and the degree of sophistication of its economy and property market. It is a fully serviced island with first-class facilities, very accessible from anywhere in the region, thanks to its international airport, and benefits from a fantastic natural environment,” notes David Simister, chairman of CB Richard Ellis Thailand.It’s not just luxury villas that are being snapped op on Phuket. Consultants say the island is enjoying strong demand across the entire spectrum of properties available. Supply has also evolved to fit all budgets, from US$70,000 ($1 approx US$ 0.64) to above US$ 7 million.Where are these investors coming from? Analysts say demand has historically been from cosmopolitan Hong Kong and Singaporean residents, as well as western expatriates living in the region. That profile, however is changing. "We are now seeing an increasing number of high net worth individuals coming from areas such as China, and expect to see more and more buyers from Europe as Mediterranean resort prices continue to rise and people realise that Phuket can offer a very good value-for-money exotic lifestyle,” says Simister.Potential buyers on Phuket invariably look for ocean-view properties, which are highly sought-after because of limited supply. These fast-selling developments include Trisara, which consists of exclusive US$ 2.6 million to US$ 5.3 million ocean-view and ocean-front villas on 1,300 to 2,900 sq.m. land plots adjoining an eponymous six-star hotel. Another sought-after development is The Heights, with 200 to 415 sq.m. sea-view condominium units priced from US$ 400,000 to US$ 950,000. Both projects sold half the units released within months of launching.While buyers previously looked to projects on the traditionally popular west coast of the island. Phuket’s south and east coast are steadily gaining prominence as an alternative, as a result of the exhaustion of prime land in the west coast. A high-end project with prices lower than that on the west coast is Supalai on Ao Por, which offers three-and four-bedroom villas with sea views for less than 20 million baht. Just 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, the area is less crowed and located near amenities such as golf courses and marinas. Such properties represent much better value for money, with higher capital-appreciation prospects as the area develops.While consultants say Phuket’s property rental market is still in its infancy and most investors buy for owner-occupation, properties can offer healthy yields depending on their type, location and furnishings. Simister of CB Richard Ellis estimates that yields for an actively managed property can range from 6% to 12% a year, based on 100 nights’ occupancy. He adds that rental returns usually reach their full potential once the property and development it is in are fully completed and have been in operation for high seasons.CB Richard Ellis is more bullish. Simister says, “Far from being a bubble, the high level of real estate activity seen on the island is only the beginning. Phuket is in the early stages of a long-term growth curve. The market has only one way to go, which is up, in terms of volume of sales, and range and sophistication of properties and facilities offered.”

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THAILAND - Pattaya upbeat as arrivals surge

The Nation, 19 January 2007

Despite a turbulent 2006, with loud street protests, a military coup and New Year bombings in Bangkok, nothing has stopped the waves of tourists filling up Pattaya's rooms, say authorities in the travel and real-estate sectors.The numbers speak for themselves for this beach town, says Royal Cliff Resort general manager Alexander Haeusler."From January to September 2006, there were 2.8 million foreign tourists registered as visiting Pattaya, up from 2.4 million in the same period in 2005," he says, quoting a survey compiled recently by local hospitality sources.But while the future looks upbeat for the 1,120-room resort, considered the undisputed leader in luxury hotels for the Eastern Seaboard, Haeusler expects some short-term challenges that could prove volatile if hotel properties are not prepared."I was here during the 1997 financial crisis and saw it unfold before my eyes," says Hauesler, who was then resident manager of the Amari Airport Hotel."The current climate may turn out a bit turbulent also but, over the long term, it will be much better."On the global front, he warns, much is also changing in the landscape of the travel business.Pattaya's own numbers show sharp demographic changes. While 10 years ago, British and Western Europeans made up a major slice of the pie, Russian and East European visitors today form the bulk of arrivals.British arrivals have fallen 10.5 per cent, dropping to 204,000 visitors from 229,000 in 2005 during the nine-month period.Meanwhile, Russian figures were 292,000 during the same period, up 35 per cent from 215,000 the previous year.Haeusler, an Austrian with several years of experience in the Middle East and Asia, says it is vital to note the changes, for example the rise of other groups such as those from India.In the three quarters to September of last year, 162,000 visitors arrived from India, jumping 62 per cent from 108,000 in 2005."Many of our guests from India are prepared to pay higher room rates for superior rooms and services," he says. The Royal Cliff has recently opened an authentic Indian restaurant to cater for this rising tide of wealthy subcontinental visitors.Five years ago, there would probably be less pressure to adapt to the changing environment.Equally telling is the rising number of local visitors. Contrary to conventional beliefs that locals do not spend much, Pattaya tourism authorities say the average Thai spends about Bt2,200 per day, compared to foreigners who spend Bt2,900.CB Richard Ellis chairman David Simister says that regardless of the troubles and tribulations facing the Thai hospitality and real-estate sector, foreigners continue to flock to the Kingdom.While it is true they are staying a little shorter than usual - the average stay now being 2.9 days as opposed to 3.2 days the previous year, Pattaya is still doing much better than most of its rivals abroad.Simister says over the long run, visitors who take a strong liking to resort towns such as Pattaya, Phuket and Hua Hin are most likely to buy holiday homes. Despite the difficulties in buying procedures - and leasehold agreements are somewhat short when compared with elsewhere - foreigners are still keen to come here.The baffling situation has made Thailand the "envy of its neighbours", says Simister, who adds that countries like Singapore and Malaysia do offer more attractive packages. "But foreigners are just not as enthusiastic about them."For global investors such as Dubai-based Istithmar Hotels and Kuwait's IFA Hotels, that observation has convinced them to invest here.They each recently bought a 24-per-cent stake in Raimon Land, which plans to make one of its two tall towers in the Northpoint estate in North Pattaya a five-star hotel.It is unclear which of the two Gulf giants will run the hotel, says a Raimon Land executive, but the project now has the tacit backing of strong Gulf governments.There were 124,000 Middle Eastern visitors in the first three quarters of last year, up 81 per cent year on year from 68,000, says Haeusler.What such trends suggest is quite clear, he adds. Top hotels must take note of who is coming and going.The new groups - including China, with 330,000 visitors to Pattaya, up from 166,000 the previous year - will eventually shape the beach town's future development.

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THAILAND - TAT firmly focused on quality tourism

The Nation, January 22, 2007

The Tourism Authori-ty of Thailand is slashing the 2008 tourist-arrival target from 20 million to 16 million as the country reverses its tactics. Mass markets will be avoided as the TAT pursues "quality travellers" to avoid the "cheap-destination trap".
TAT's newly appointed governor Pornsiri Manoharn said the original target was too high and did not match the goal of becoming a leading world destination in terms of quality tourism.
"We have seen clear signs that we can move up, reflected through hotel room rates which have increased despite unfavourable factors," she said in an exclusive interview four days after she was signed up as the new governor.

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MALAYSIA - Banker gives Sabah top marks

Dailyexpressnews, 21 January, 2007

Tuaran: The AmBank Group is prepared to extend more facilities to cater to the anticipated big economic growth in Sabah with the catalyst being the tourism sector.
Its Chairman, Tan Sri Azman Hashim (pic), said Sabah's economic potential was big "especially with its huge natural resources". "I am personally impressed particularly with the tourism sector. You can see the hotels are fully occupied, so are the flights," he said after officiating at the AmBank Group Region 7 Family Day 2007 at Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort, here, Saturday.
Such development, he said, was favourable for the banking institution to offer more facilities and improve its services to be more efficient to its customers.
He had earlier stated that AmBank Group had completed several initiatives in Sabah including branch remodelling, strengthening and integrating backroom processes, restructuring of business units and an increase in customer service specialisation as well as cross selling activities.

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MALAYSIA - CM wants full exploitation of Sarawaks' eco-tourism

Thestar.com.my, January 16, 2007

KUCHING: Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud wants tourism players to help tap the full potential of Sarawak’s eco-tourism products.
He said these unique products, which made the Land of the Hornbills different from the peninsula, were mostly found in rural areas.
“It is in the rural areas where nature is at its best, where cultural practice is well-preserved and where there are a lots of animals and plants to show to tourists,” he added before presenting Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Appreciation Awards 2006 to the winners at Crowne Plaza Riverside Hotel here on Monday night.
Sarawak Tourism Federation, which hosts the annual event to give recognition to outstanding tourism players, received 368 entries - the highest so far.

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MALAYSIA - Medical Tourism shows promising future

PressZoom, 23 january 2007

Signs of continuous growth are being shown by the Malaysian medical tourism industry for the last couple of years. And, this was apparent with a 10% growth in the number of foreigners seeking medical treatment in the country during 2004-2005. Teng Chang Yeow – Chairman of State Tourism Development & Environment Committee, made this information public. Although foreign patients have been flocking towards Malaysia since 1997, but official recording of the figures was started only two years ago. About 110,000 foreigners were reported to have been seeking treatment in the country during the year 2006 alone, whereas the number was 100,000 in previous year ( 2005 ). This puts Malaysia ahead of Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur as most preferred destinations for medical tourism across the globe, added Yeow.

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DEVELOPMENTS - New bridge brings swell of Thai tourists

VietNamNet Bridge, 19/01/2007

The new Second Friendship, Bridge linking Thailand and Laos has provided for a swell of tourists entering Vietnam on the Trans-Asia Highway.
The new bridge across the Mekong River has connected the central coast of Vietnam with Thailand via the Trans-Asia Highway, which runs from central Vietnam through Laos and Thailand to Myanmar.

Between 1999-2003, only 1,300 Thai visitors crossed into Vietnam at the highway's Lao Bao border gate in the central province of Quang Tri.
But thanks to the bridge's opening on December 20, more than 1,500 Thai tourists entered Vietnam via Lao Bao on the first day of the new year (January 1, 2007), according to the provincial tourism authority.
Recent policies to waive visas between Thailand, Laos and Vietnam have also supported the boom.

The bridge is part of the Trans-Asia highway or the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) initiative which aims to boost trade, tourism and transportation along the highway.

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DEVELOPMENTS - On the road to increasing China-India tourism

China Daily, 2007-01-18

Having successfully launched several new initiatives and achieved many more milestones, including a visit to India by President Hu Jintao in 2006 (designated the Year of China-India Friendship), the two sides have designated 2007 as the Year of China-India Friendship through Tourism.

As is well-known worldwide, the boom in the tourism industry (including all the inflow and outflow of travelers and their spending power) remains a major driver and one of the most dependable indicators of high-level social development.
A tourism boom comes only with sustained economic growth accompanied by infrastructure development and the creation of jobs in new sectors and regions.

Especially in the case of China and India, the tourism boom is expected to facilitate peace and friendship by raising mutual awareness and enhancing mutual stakes. This also contributes to sustaining both countries' internal stability and long-run development.

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SINGAPORE - Asia's mini-Monaco by 2015?

Channelnewsasia.com, 19 january 2007

SINGAPORE: By the time the Sentosa Cove land parcels are fully sold by the year-end, slices of Singapore's Southern Islands could be up for sale to the world's richest men looking for a mini-Monaco in Asia. According to documents obtained by TODAY from a Singapore Tourism Board (STB) presentation, the tourism body is planning to launch a Request For Concepts (RFC) for the cluster of seven islands by the first quarter of this year, and a Request For Proposals by the second quarter of the year. The Southern Islands resort and residential development should be completed by 2015, in line with Singapore's tourism vision to develop the southern waterfront into a lifestyle resort attraction.

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INDONESIA - Losses Narrow at Garuda

Balidiscovery.com, (1/20/2007)

Bisnis Indonesia reports that Garuda Indonesia has allocated US$20 million for severance packages in an effort to cut the Airline’s payroll by 900 employees.The Financial Director of Garuda, Alex Maneklaran, said the decision to trim staff is part of an overall restructuring made possible by a recent US$105 million cash injection from the Government. Maneklaran said that internal reviews had demonstrated a 15% inefficiency in terms of the Airline's production capacity. "Thus, if 15% of our total staff of 5,600 are terminated, the total firings will be around 900," he explained.

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BALI - Top 4 Markets Remain Soft

Balidiscovery.com, (1/20/2007)

As reported on balidiscovery.com, [Bali Ends Year Down Only -9.09%], total foreign tourist arrivals to Bali ended the year 2006 at 1,260,317. Despite a shortfall against arrivals in 2005, Bali arrivals built strength on long-haul markets from the Americas and Europe and while business from its four largest source markets of Japan, Australia, Taiwan and South Korea remained sluggish. Japan, Australia, Taiwan & South KoreaThe illustration presented on balidiscovery.com shows the impact of the terrorist acts in October of 2002 and 2005 on arrivals from Bali's four largest source markets.Worthy of note, however, is that with the exception of Australia and Taiwan, recovery in the year immediately following each terrorist incident operated on a higher plane in 2006 than was the case in 2003.

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AUSTRALIA - tourism waits for influx from LCC service

eTN Asia/Pacific, 18-1-2007

Tourism Western Australia plans to increase its promotion in Singapore in the coming months to encourage tourists to visit Western Australia following the introduction of the second Singapore-based Tiger Airways flights into Australia via Perth.
Offering up to 70,000 seats a year for its low cost Singapore-Perth flights, the Tiger Airways service starting in March will price its return tickets below A$300, inclusive of taxes and charges.
Initially offering four flights a week, it will be increased to daily flights permanently in November, in addition to special flights during peak holiday periods.
"Seats are now on sale for bookings," said Tiger Airways CEO Tony Davis at the official announcement in Perth. "We are proud to be the only Asian low cost carrier to link Perth with Southeast Asia presently."

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THAILAND - Tourism and Property Investment Surge Drives Phuket's Economy to New Highs

ASIATravelTips.com, 17 January 2007

Thailand’s tropical paradise island Phuket continues to out-perform its Asian rivals in the intense competition for tourists who demand luxury accommodation managed by some of the world’s most prominent hotel organisations.
This in turn, has spurred substantial levels of investor interest in the destination’s every-growing property market and higher than ever interest from international hotel management companies searching from new projects along the Andaman coastline.
Tourist arrivals in Phuket reached 4.7 million in 2006, which in turn produced tourism-related spending of US$1.7 billion, up 87% from 2005, according to research from the Kasikorn Bank’s Research Centre. This year Phuket is predicted to welcome 5.2 million tourists who will spend US$2 billion during their time on the island.

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CAMBODIA - reopens coastal town's airport in hopes of boosting tourism

International Herald Tribune, january 15th, 2007

The airport at Sihanoukville, Cambodia's main coastal city, reopened Monday after renovations, with hopes high that it will further spur travel and the country's burgeoning tourism industry.
A Soviet-made Antonov-24 plane belonging to a locally owned airline company landed at the Sihanoukville airport following an opening ceremony, said Norinda Khek, spokesman for Societe Concessionnaire des Aeroports, or SCA, a subsidiary of the French construction group Vinci.

He said the plane flew from Siem Reap province, Cambodia's main tourist hub, and that it carried 11 passengers, who were airline staff flying on the promotional trip. It was the first landing at the airport in the last three years, he added. The airport, located about 185 kilometers (115 miles) southwest of the capital Phnom Penh, is expected to serve as the first air link between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap, the home to famed Angkor temples, said deputy tourism minister Thong Khon.

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DEVELOPMENTS - Asian development bank chief meets with regional groups

Malaysia Sun, 12th January, 2007

ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda Friday participated in the summit meetings of two Asian subregional economic cooperation groups.The head of the Asian Development Bank offered continued support for the groups to reduce poverty and promote growth. Mr. Kuroda met with government leaders at the 3rd Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, which was chaired by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines, as well as at the 2nd Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit, chaired by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of the Republic of Indonesia.

The ADB President praised the progress made in both initiatives. The subregional cooperation being developed though BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT is an important building block within the ASEAN region, Mr. Kuroda said. They are building momentum towards regional integration and development.

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VIETNAM - Da Nang: ‘Five No’s’, ‘Three Have’s’, and now you’ve got it

VNECONOMY, 15/01/2007

Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam (Vietnam Economics Time) spoke to Tran Van Minh, Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, about the city’s progress towards development and economic integration.
How would you assess Da Nang’s progress in socio-economic development?
Da Nang is in a convenient strategic position for economic and international trade development. Located at the centre of the country, the city has an important role to play in terms of commerce and transportation. It is viewed as a main gateway to the East Sea from the Central Highlands and central provinces and Mekong region countries along the East-West economic corridor.
Da Nang has become a main point on the central heritage road and has major potential for tourism development.
In the past few years, the infrastructure of the city has been quickly developed, changing the city’s aspect. Applying flexible State policies, Da Nang has succeeded in planning and restructuring the city.

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DEVELOPMENTS - Cebu Summit: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand pen joint development pact

Bangkokpost.com, january 13 2007

CEBU, Jan 13 - The leaders of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand agreed here to further boost their economies and strengthen infrastructure linkages among the three nations when they met Friday for the 2nd Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand Growth Triangle Summit -- the IMT-GT Summit.Meeting in this southern Philippines city in the context of a wider Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, according to Thai government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp, five major issues were addressed in the pact.Agreeing to implement a five-year plan, beginning this year and continuing through 2011, Mr. Yongyuth said the road map includes trade and investment promotion in which IMT-GT plazas will be set up to develop border towns and ports, promotion of agriculture and tourism, and support for strengthening basic infrastructure and information technology including four highway projects.

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BRUNEI - Flotilla Of Tourists Coming To Brunei

Bruneidirect.com, january 15 2007

Bandar Seri Begawan - The New Year is beginning with the arrival of a "fleet" of tourists to the Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures.
Last week, the ocean-liner "The Coastal Marine" stopped by for a day bringing about 700 tourists who managed to visit several places of interest, including a half-day city tour, and the tropical rainforest in Temburong.
Today, the cruise ship "Spirit of Adventure" is coming to Brunei from Kota Kinabalu with about 180 tourists. The cruise ship will dock in Brunei for 10 hours before heading off to Nhatrang Port in Vietnam.
Another cruise ship "Artemis" from the United Kingdom is scheduled to dock at Muara Port on January 18, this time bringing in a total of 1,700 passengers and crew. According to the shipping manager of Jasra Harrison, the passengers onboard comprise Americans, British, Europeans and Australians.

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VIETNAM - Phu Quoc island becomes focus of ecotourism

Thanhniennews.com, january 12 2007

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung signed a decision earlier this week which envisages the 561 sq.km island attracting two to three million tourists a year by then.
It will have 3,500 hotel rooms by 2010 – 3.5 times last year’s number – with a third of them of 3-5 star standard.
By 2015 the number of rooms will go up to 8,200, and by 2020 to 18,000. The proportion of rooms of 3 to 5-star quality will also steadily rise.
The island will have 16 tourism complexes offering diving, rowing, fishing, watersports, shopping, golf, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events), and horse and dog racing.
The local government has been instructed to channel investment in the next three years into infrastructure development.
The island has a coastline of 150 km and is about an hour’s flight from Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

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DEVELOPMENTS - Nation hails ASEAN push for co-operation

Vietnam news, 17-1-2007

CEBU— Viet Nam welcomes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) decision to intensify co-operation and speed up regional integration to keep up with global developments, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.
Addressing the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines on Saturday, the Vietnamese Prime Minister emphasised the importance of building the ASEAN Charter for the bloc’s future development.
He said the ASEAN Charter should take into account fundamental principles and common values and standards to harmonise national and regional interests in order to work out a dynamic, effective and flexible model that reflects ASEAN’s special characteristics.

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BALI - Beachside Restaurant at Popular Candi Dasa Resort Draws Protests from Locals and Legislators

Balidiscovery.com, (1/14/2007)

Local lawmakers in the Karangasem area of Bali are calling for the dismantling and removal of the Garpu Restaurant located at the Rama Candidasa Resort & Spa, claiming the restaurant violates set back rules dictating minimum distance between the shoreline and permanent building structures.

Quoted in the Indonesian-language DenPost, the Chairman of Commission II of the Regional People's Consultative Assembly (DPRD), Gede Dana, complained: "Whatever the reason, the presence of the Garpu Restaurant clearly violates regional law. Because of this, we have urged the (legislature's) executive to take strong action and dismantle the building as well as impose sanctions on the management of Rama Candidasa Resort & Spa."

>>Full article

BALI - Three Sites Proposed for World Heritage Status

Balidiscovery.com, (1/14/2007)

The Jakarta Post reports that three Bali sites have been formally proposed to the United Nation's Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for world heritage status.New Bali Sites ProposedNow in consideration to be listed as outstanding historical and natural areas worthy of special preservation efforts are:

▪ The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces of West Bali
▪ Pura Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi
▪ The Tukad Pakerisan River in Gianyar Regency.

The three sites are under critical review from a team of international experts with a final announcement of new World Heritage Sites expected in June 2007.

>>Full article

BALI - Ends Year Down Only -9.09%

Balidiscovery.com, (1/14/2007)

Preliminary arrival figures for 2006 show that tourist visitors continue to build strength despite lingering gaps from the Island's two largest markets of Australia and Japan.December ArrivalsDecember foreign arrivals to Bali totaled 122,848, up +61.90% from the same month in 2005 when arrivals were still tumbling following a terror attack of just two months before. Compared to a more representative December of 2004 (125,525), the latest December's performance was only down -2.13%.Such a strong performance in the absence of normal flows of Australian and Japanese visitors indicate Bali is managing to diversify its arrivals over time.

Total Arrivals 2000-2006Similarly, total arrivals for 2006 ended at 1,260,317 – a figure down only -9.09% from 2005 (1,386,449) and down -13.57% as compared to 2004 (1,458.309).Seeking to compare apples with apples, it should be noted that total arrivals for 2006 are up +26.91% when compared to total arrivals in 2003 (993,029) - the other recent year in which the island was recovering from a previous October's terror attack.

>>Full article

AUSTRALIA - looks at optimal way of managing visitors from India and China

eTN Asia/Pacific, 12-1-2007

The government in Australia has assured the local and state government bodies regarding capturing and coping with future emerging international tourism markets, offering its commitment to develop the relationship between the three tiers of government in order to adequately handle a predicted influx of tourists from China and India during the next few decades.
The National Tourism Emerging Markets Strategy (NTEMS) group assessed the long-term demand from China and Indian markets, and made recommendations on how best to manage visitors from these regions.
As per the information available, the adopted recommendations focused predominantly on branding, an awareness of travel trends, and a need for more in-depth market research to increase understanding of potential visitor demand from these emerging giants.
As part of the recommendations Australia will soon open its first tourism office in India to seize on opportunities on offer from this key market.

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ACCOMMODATION - IHG signs contract to Manage New Hotel under Crowne Plaza Brand in Danang, Vietnam

ASIATravelTips .com, 11 January 2007

InterContinental Hotels Group has signed an agreement to manage a new-build, 500-room hotel under its Crowne Plaza brand in Danang, Vietnam. Developed by Hoangdat Silver Shores Exceptional International Entertainment Joint Venture Company, the Crowne Plaza Danang is slated to open in early 2009.
Situated along the prime beachfront district of Ngu Hanh Son, the Crowne Plaza Danang will be 15 minutes south of Danang International Airport and the city centre. The US$ 52 million development will have panoramic views of China Beach and enjoy easy access to UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites, including the Marble Mountains, My Son Valley, Vietnam’s former Imperial City of Hue and Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

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THAILAND - exudes confidence

eTN Asia, 10-1-2007

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Dr. Suwit Yodmanee has confirmed the government’s national targets for 2007 of 14.8 million foreign tourists and 82 million Thai tourists, with earnings of 547,500 million baht and 377,800 million baht, respectively.
The development is significant considering the fact that the New Year’s Eve explosions in and around Bangkok are being tipped to adversely affect the numbers of travelers to the country. Following six explosions in the evening of December 31, 2006, in Bangkok, there were two subsequent explosions in downtown Bangkok shortly before midnight.
According to local media, Dr. Suwit announced the targets at a meeting of about 280 government and private sector representatives from the 14 southern provinces.

>>Full article

BALI - Community achieves wonders in Tirtagangga fest

The jakarta post, 11-1-2007

The Tirtagangga water garden was built for the people by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Agung Ketut, in 1946.
Geredeg touched on the value of festivals such as Tirtagangga 1 in Bali's tourism recovery drive.
"Not less important is the recovery, or developing, of an appreciation of art and culture in communities and also strengthening the identity of our local culture as part of the nation's fundamental base," he stressed. "We need to develop and maintain that culture which may attract local and overseas tourists."
Geredeg added that the festival was a credit to the local community that had come together to create the first Festival Tirtagangga, which is to be held annually.

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MALDIVES - Waving or drowning?

Financialexpress.com, January 07, 2007

The boom has ridden out the tsunami, which seemed at the time to threaten the entire industry. Nearly a quarter of the resorts had to suspend operations. Occupancy rates for 2005 fell to 64% from 2004’s 84%, but by last year had recovered. For hoteliers, the Maldives must indeed seem like paradise. One, recently transferred from Fiji, is still rubbing his hands in glee at the margins available on selling drinks. Mr Didi, however, insists that things are not as good as they look. High prices are largely a result of transport costs: “We make nothing in the Maldives except fish.”
Lonely Planet
That is why tourism makes up a big chunk of the Maldives economy—about one-third of GDP. This share will almost certainly rise. A further 53 resorts are at different stages of planning and approval. Malcontents still grumble that the potential is being squandered. Mohammed Latheef, an opposition leader, says the Maldives should be comparing its wealth with, say, Singapore’s rather than India’s.

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CAMBODIA - Tourism Helps Revive Cambodia From The Ravages Of War

Jan 8 2007 (Bernama)

The first sight of Angkor Wat, a magnificent Hindu temple made of stone blocks and intricate stone carvings, leaves visitors awestruck.More astounding is the fact that the ancient temple has withstood the test of time since the 9th century.A 14-member delegation from Malaysia led by Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai visited the temple during the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 (VMY07) campaign in Cambodia recently.Located in the Siem Reap district, about 308km to the north of the capital city of Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was once the flourishing Hindu empire of the Khmer people under King Jayavarman II.The temple structure based on Khmer and Hindu architecture took 30 years to complete and was once the Khmer people's cradle of civilisation.But the glorious distant past of the Indochina nation is overshadowed by a more recent dark past. The atrocities during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979 under Pol Pot saw the annihilation of up to 1.7 million people or 21 percent of the nation's population then.

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DEVELOPMENTS - Pacific in 2007: THE WINNERS AND LOSERS

Islandsbusiness.com, 9-1-2007

The big trends all have positive and negative potentials and the changes will be seen as good or bad depending on one's point of view. Overall, however, the winnings look to be on the side of foreign interests and the losses to be heaviest among indigenous Pacific Islanders. We assume there are no major calamities this year-and no major windfalls.First, independence will shrink a little further. External involvement in the Pacific Islands is increasing. The big international organisations controlled by the major powers led by USA (World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Trade Organisation, G8, OECD, etc) are all pushing for changes that will lead to more external control of Pacific Islands governments, economies, commerce and people. More of the big decisions are being made from abroad, though often presented as local decisions.

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VIETNAM - Tapping coastal tourism, the right way

Thanhniennews, January 3, 2007

The enormous potential for tourism of Vietnam’s over 3,200 kilometers of coastline has remained mostly untapped with the coastal provinces’ major earnings coming from seafood, transportation, and crude oil and gas.
Yet it has been said that many sites along the coastline, such as Vung Tau, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet, and Ha Long, are not less, or even more, attractive than those well known in other Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand’s Pattaya, Phuket, Ko-samui, or Indonesia’s Bali.
Increasingly aware of that, many Vietnamese coastal provinces have considered developing tourist sector their top priority, expecting it to be the motive force to boost the whole economy.
The need to diversify coastal tourism has grown with Vietnam’s recent admission to the World Trade Organization.

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VIETNAM - Rapid development of HCM City’s tourism

Vietnam net bridge, 05/01/2007

The number of tourists from Russia to the city increased most quickly and stably (an increase of 54%); China ranked behind with 38%, the Republic of Korea (30%), and Singapore (27%). The Russians who visited Vietnam were mainly MICE tourists. The domestic arrivals to the city also rose quickly, reaching 3.8 million (about 23% higher than 2005).When the country’s position has been raised high and the economic growth rate has remained high for years, Ho Chi Minh City has gradually become an attractive, safe and friendly destination. Land arrivals tend to rise after the trans-Asia highway was upgraded and caravan tours were promoted.The city has founded a force to protect tourists for the firm time, a pilot model of the country, which gains appreciation from travel firms and tourists. Tourism promotion in the country and abroad has regularly been paid attention to.

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INDONESIA - Branding Bali

Balidiscovery.com, (1/8/2007)

At special dinner on Friday, December 29, 2006, held for leading Bali tourism figures hosted by the Governor of Bali at his official residence, the launch of a one-year branding exercise for Bali was introduced by the blue-ribbon team of marketing and branding experts.Taking inspiration from the successful branding campaigns conducted by India, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand - the Bali Branding Team has begun a series of intensive interviews with tourism stakeholders and players from key markets to obtain insights and consensus that will eventually result in an effective branding for Bali. Speaking to the Indonesian-language Tempo Interaktif, Gede Nurjaya, the Chief of the Bali Tourism Authority, said, "We intend to accommodate all the needs of Bali tourism."

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INDONESIA - 19 More Countries Proposed for Visa-on-Arrival

Balidicovery.com, (1/6/2007)

The Indonesian Department of Culture and Tourism has recommended to the Department of Justice and Human Rights that the nationals of 19 countries be added to the list of 52 nations already eligible to obtain a visa-on-arrival (VOA) upon landing in the Country. Currently citizens from 52 countries holding a passport with at least six month's remaining validity can pay US$10 for a 7-day VOA or US$25 for a 30-day VOA upon entering Indonesia.

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BALI - Crackdown on Unlicensed Tourist Transportation

Balidiscovery.com, (1/6/2007)

Numerous unlicensed busses, van and sedans transporting tourists across the island are fueling calls by the Bali Association of Tourist Transport (PAWIBA) for a tough crackdown on gypsy transportation providers.Despite current regulations which require all tourism transportation to display supplemental license tags - know locally as izin pariwisata, many vehicles operate without the required tags making the offending vehicles liable to possible fines and immediate impoundment when discovered transporting tourists illegally.

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MACAU - predicted to resemble “Vegas on steroids” in 10 years

eTN Asia, 4-1-2007

After receiving its record-breaking 20 millionth visitor in December last year, Macau has set its sights on bigger achievements.
The head of the Macau government, Edmund Ho, has termed 2007 as “the year of the progressive integration in the territory of the tourism. leisure, conventions and exhibitions industries.”
Ho also said that the integration of these industries, “is the first sign of the conversion of the predominant economic sector contributing to the expansion of the consumer market and the revitalization of some traditional areas of activity and the emergence of new opportunities.”
“The tourism sector, as part of the cultural industry with intrinsic competitive advantages, will have greater growth, and so we believe that this year is crucial for the appropriate diversification of our economy,” Ho said.
In the year 2000 and 2001, Macau’s visitor arrivals experienced breakthroughs of 9 million and 10 million respectively. Seven years after the establishment of the Macau SAR, the number doubled to 20 million.

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AVIATION - 2007: The markets to watch

eTN, 3-1-2007

Vietnam and Saudi Arabia are the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation’s ‘markets to watch’ in 2007, as both are expected to undergo rapid development and change. "Flag carriers of both countries are on the runway to privatisation, while low cost entry will stimulate strong rates of traffic growth over the next 12 months," according to the Centre's Executive Chairman, Peter Harbison. Vietnam’s Pacific Airlines is restructuring and relaunching as an LCC in Feb-07 offering both domestic and international services. "It is a response to rising competition from Southeast Asian LCCs, including Tiger Airways and AirAsia, which are targeting Vietnam as a major growth market," stated Mr Harbison. Vietnam's aviation sector is expanding rapidly, handling 4.9 million domestic and international passengers and 80,400 tonnes of freight in the first eight months of 2006, up 13.1% and 14.4% year-on-year, respectively.Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's aviation market is poised for significant change in 2007 as the Kingdom's first LCCs launch services. It follows a decision 18 months ago by the Supreme Economic Council to end the 60-year monopoly on domestic air services held by Saudi Arabian Airlines.

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AUSTRALIA - hopes to address “shonky” tourism

eTN Asia/Pacific, 2-1-2007

A tourism research has revealed that many Asian tourists were unhappy with their experiences on guided tours to Australia, according to the Herald Sun.
While the vast majority of foreign tourists enjoy their stay, the survey revealed some 280,000 a year left with “unhappy” memories of their Australian holiday.
Tourists on guided tours complained they were forced to spend too much time shopping for poor quality goods at highly inflated prices, and that tourists complained they feel ripped-off with the high-pressure tactics.
Complaints by tourists center mostly on poor service, rudeness and dishonesty by front-line service providers. "Bus drivers are the biggest culprits," Tourism Australia said.
Tourists also complained of being charged top rates for poor-quality rooms. "The hostel looked nothing like the pictures on the Internet, or brand new as advertised,” a group of tourists from Ireland complained.

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INDIA - Hospitality Lawyer — Why we’re building hotels in India like crazy!

Hospitalitynet.org, 28 December 2006

In a number of articles on , www.HotelLawBlog.com I have talked about the exploding international hotel markets, including Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Spain, Italy, London Saudi Arabia, Dubai and China — but particularly INDIA. Why are we building hotels in India? Why are all of the brands and operators trying to stake out territory in India?
It’s not hard to figure out. On December 23, 2006, the Los Angeles Times ran an article by Henry Chu that summed it up pretty well. The headline read: “India, a boom that's bursting at the seams.” The explosive growth in India is what has everyone scrambling to feed this hungry market.

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MALAYSIA - warms to foreign airlines

Financialexpress.com, DECEMBER 27 2007

Malaysia is keen to let low cost carriers, including Singapore's Tiger Airways, fly in to help kick off its biggest-ever tourism drive next year, a minister said on Wednesday.
Malaysia's cabinet is currently debating opening the skies to Tiger Airways and if approved, the airline's entry will end the stranglehold the national carries have over the lucrative Malaysia-Singapore air routes and signals a warming of often testy bilateral ties.

"We would like Tiger Airways to come in as fast as possible to some destinations, especially East Malaysia and the east coast of peninsular Malaysia," Tourism Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said in an interview.
"We are also pushing for more low-cost carriers to fly to Malaysia. We are trying to persuade some of the Indian airlines, Air Sahara and Kingfisher," said the 56-year-old businessman-turned-politician.

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BALI - Paying Proper Attention to Bali's Domestic Visitor

Balidiscovery.com, (12/29/2006)

Jero Wacik, Indonesia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, warned local hotels in Bali do what is necessary to eliminate any differences in service standards extended to domestic tourists as opposed to foreign visitors to their properties.The Minister, speaking at the Tri Hita Kirana Tourism Awards and quoted in the Indonesian-language Bisnis Bali, said, "many hotels in Bali still provide different standards of service to domestic and foreign visitors." Urging the elimination of such practices, the Minister said good relations with the domestic market in Bali must be preserved.

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INDONESIA - The Difference Between Self-Interest and Selfishness

Balidiscovery.com, (12/30/2006)

As a rule of thumb, travelers prefer direct flights to their holiday destinations. Barring that, their overwhelming preference is to arrive at their destination using only one airline with a minimum of intermediate stops. Similarly, on the short-to-medium haul routes from the increasingly import Asia-Pacific markets holidaymakers insist on the quickest and most-direct route to Bali, particularly when a stay on the island is for only for a very short 4 or 5 nights.On a recent Bali "road show" to the People's Republic of China, led by the Chairman of the Bali Chapter of the Association of Tour and Travel Agents (ASITA), Al Purwa, the familiar explanation of "more air access" was the standard response when the Balinese delegation ask what could be done to tap into the huge pool of outbound travel from China. Also during the China trip, proven partners in developing Bali tourism, such as Singapore Airlines (SIA), renewed their pledge to support to Bali in helping to grow Bali-bound traffic via their world-wide network, including mainland China.

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SRI LANKA - Tourism to drive Sri Lanka's economic growth

eTN Asia, 27-12-2006

Sri Lanka is to start work on its newest tourism product—the Kalpitiya Lagoon, which is located on the northwest coast, according to latest reports from the island.
Announcing the government's decision, Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) chairman Udaya Nanayakkara said, "We have received the green light from the government to embark on the project."
The government said the project will consist of an 18-hole golf course, yacht marina, helipad, cable cars and up market accommodation with up to 3,000 rooms and is being seen as drive economic growth towards the country's tsunami recovery plans.
To be developed over 5,000 acres within a new tourist zone, the Kalpitiya Dutch Bay Island Project will be funded through the Embarkation Levy, imposed on travelers to fund development costs in the industry.
The project is expected to be completed in the next three years.

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VIETNAM - Tourism must be coordinated

Vietnam net bridge, 22/12/2006

According to Mr. Richmond Mayo - Smith, a tourism expert at the Consultants for Sponsors for Vietnam, Vietnam is currently receiving only 3 million international tourists / year, while the number for Thailand is 13 million and Malaysia, 11 million.
Mr. John Kodsowski, CEO of the Pacific Asian Tourism Association (PATA), said, “Vietnamese tourism has not developed because Vietnam’s tourism is not a strong brand name. Tourism products and services are still poor.” But most importantly, Vietnam hasn’t mobilised all resources to develop its tourism.
Experiences of foreign countries
A sustainable tourism publicity programme which co-ordinates all resources makes up a successful tourism development model. Mr. Kodsowski cited as proof the programme "Visit Thailand 1987" that succeeded in doubling the number of visitors to Thailand in the 1986-1988 period, and provided the basis for the annual growth of 2% over the subsequent 10 years.

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MALAYSIA - Penang’s new tourist spots

thestar.com.my, Friday December 22, 2006

PENANG will come up with several new tourist spots to attract local and foreign tourists in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007.
State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow said they included a reptile farm, a collection of bamboo trees, an xylarium and a museum displaying wood samples.
The first phase of the 2ha reptile farm, Desa Flora and Fauna, in Teluk Bahang would be open by June next year, he said.
He said it was a joint venture between the Forestry Depart-ment and the owner of Penang Orchid, Hibiscus and Reptile Farm in Bukit Jambul.

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INFRASTRUCTURE - Locals give new bridge lukewarm welcome

Bangkokpost.com, Wednesday December 20, 2006

Mukdahan _ Despite being planned as a commercial link, the second Mekong bridge linking Thailand and Laos is receiving only a lukewarm welcome from local people, who do not expect any immediate benefits. They welcomed this symbolic and significant part of the East-West Corridor, but said it would be a few years before the 2.6 billion-baht-bridge began to yield concrete benefits.
Setthayuti Krailassiri, 29, managing director of the 150-room Ploy Palace Hotel built in downtown Mukdahan about 12 years ago, will be among the first to gain.
He and his colleagues did not begin to fully enjoy their investment until the Asian Development Bank-financed rehabilitation of the 250km Road 9 connecting Laos and Vietnam was completed in October last year. This coincided with the popularity of the Thai TV soap opera Hoi An: I Love You, which was set in Vietnam. Mr Setthayuti said many Thais travelled to Vietnam by land and as a result discovered more of Mukdahan's tourist attractions.

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VIETNAM - Hanoi’s great river of life

Vietnam net brigde, 25/12/2006

A little more than a decade ago the Vietnamese capital Hanoi remained mired in that picturesque but stagnating past-isolated from global economic and political progress and exploding global tourism, a place where a few visiting businessmen, diplomats, and journalists found it virtually impossible to find a hotel or a restaurant worthy of name.
In the intervening years Hanoi has undergone a metamorphosis. There is a new airport, highways, bridges, high-rise hotels and apartment blocks and sophisticated restaurants. More than four million well-heeled European, American, and Japanese tourists now visit each year. The streets are clogged with autos and tens of thousands of motorcycles spewing clouds of fumes into the fetid sky.

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THAILAND - Phi Phi island still struggling

Bangkokpost.com, Monday December 25, 2006

Koh Phi Phi _ It seems, at a quick glance, that this paradise island in Krabi province has made a remarkable recovery. Tourists are returning, with resorts, guesthouses, restaurants, internet cafes, convenience stores, bars and vendors lining the road at Ao Ton Sai, the front bay of Phi Phi Don island.
But for most local people and business operators, the island's rehabilitation is proceeding at a slow pace.
''Phi Phi should have recovered faster and better given that two years have gone by and the natural resources that remained.
''But we've lost so many opportunities, because the government was not sincere about helping us,'' complained Natthawut Kaenthong, coordinator of a joint rescue operation for small entrepreneurs and tsunami victims on the island.
The attempts by the previous government to put Koh Phi Phi under the Designated Area for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta), with the proposed plan to develop the island into a high-end tourism destination, had faced strong opposition from local residents and stalled the rehabilitation process.

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DEVELOPMENTS - Key industry players predict what will make the headlines in the year ahead

TTGasia, Dec 22 - 28, 2006 / No.1505

-China continues to fuel growth
-Philippines’ room worry
-Thailand goes for quality tourists
-India’s room shortage reaches serious level
-Low-cost carriers spread their wings
-Explosive growth in arrivals from new markets China/India/Russia
-Continued growth of low-cost carriers – firstly regional, then longhaul
-Revival of Pattaya as a quality destination
-Paper ticket collector’s item
-Peace will bring tourists back
-Rising hotel rates in Asia and its implications
-Macau goes head-to-head with Hong Kong
-Concerns rise as commissions fall

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AVIATION - SilkAir on firm footing to grow

TTGasia, Dec 15 - 21, 2006 / No.1504

SilkAir, which has just placed an order for at least 20 aircraft, is stronger than before, with a clear positioning and a lean cost base that put it on a firm footing to expand in the next few years, according to CEO, Mr Mike Barclay.This is a far cry from three years ago, when the debut of three low-cost carriers (LCCs) in Singapore threw a spanner in the works, while a fallout in passenger traffic from the Asian tsunami added to the gloom and doom.Instead of dumping the product, SilkAir invested more money in all areas, Mr Barclay said. Cabin interior, catering and staff uniforms were overhauled, customer service training stepped up, and the pro-duct evolved and became more clearly defined, he said.SilkAir also reviewed its cost base and even used good cost-management practices learnt from the LCCs.

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INDIA - Thomas Cook stirs merger fever

TTGasia, Dec 15 - 21, 2006 / No.1504

MUMBAI – Last week’s buyout of Travel Corporation (India), or TCI, by Thomas Cook (India) at US$40.83 million, is a trend observers say will not abate as major players clamour to get a bigger slice of the growing India travel pie.TCI, a leading inbound tour operator in India, will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook after the completion of formalities. TCI director, Mr Jehangir Katgara, said: “Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are strengthening organisations all over the world and India is no exception…the complementary strengths of both companies will leave the group well placed to meet any challenges.” He will continue on the board of TCI to help in the merger. Thomas Cook (India) chairman, Mr Udayan Bose, said: “The TCI acquisition will consolidate our position in the inbound travel segment and help our objective to establish Thomas Cook (India) among the largest players in the country. We will have the advantage of offering two platforms for the increasing inbound tourism the country is witnessing”.

>>Full article

INDONESIA - National Tourism Targets Miss their Mark

Balidiscovery.com, (12/23/2006)

Pundits and number-crunchers at the Department of Culture and Tourism are now predicting that total foreign arrivals to Indonesian will end the year for 2006 at around 4.8 million, far below the over-ambitious targets originally set by the Ministry of Culture of Tourism who had projected at various points in time 6 million, 5.5 million and, finally, 5.25 million foreign tourists to Indonesia for the current year.

However, at 4.8 million visitors Indonesia will only have hit 91% of its own "worst case" scenario for tourism arrivals, producing a shortfall of more than US$1 billion in much needed foreign exchange earnings.

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SYRIA - $1 billion deal to build integrated tourist city

albawaba.com

An agreement to build an integrated tourist city project in al Sabboura area, Damascus countryside, with a cost of $1 billion was signed on Wednesday between the Syrian Ministry of Tourism and the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group.

According to SANA, the project includes building an integrated tourist city on an area of a million square meters. In a statement to reporters, Syria's Minister of Tourism, Saadallah Agha Qalaa, indicated that such project reflects the "big confidence," which the investors have in mind on tourist investment in Syria and the extent of transparency the procedures enjoy as far as investment in tourism is concerned.

Also Wednesday, Syrian businessmen signed a contract for the establishment of al-Sham Holding Company which will invest in mega projects in Syria. It was established with a capital of $ 350 million. Al-Sham Company will focus its investment activities in six strategic sectors - tourism, real estate, industry, transportation, banks, energy and health.

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VIETNAM - to become developed tourism country by 2010

Nhan Dan, 19-12-2006

The National Administration of Tourism has announced its national tourism action programme for the 2006-2010 period with concrete objectives and tasks in order to turn Vietnam into a developed tourism country in the region by the year of 2010.
The general objectives of the action programme are setting a powerful and sustainable development steps for Vietnam tourism, affirming the role of a spearhead economic sector of Vietnam. By 2010, Vietnam will have symmetrical, physical and technical tourism facilities and unique tourism products with Vietnam cultural identities, turning Vietnam into an attractive destination of the global tourism. Concrete objectives Under the action programme, the sustainable growth of the tourism sector in the 2006-2010 period must be ensured so as to increase international arrivals from 10 to 20% each year.

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NEPAL - tourism industry to cash in on SPA-Maoist peace

Dailyindia.com, 19 december 2006

In a bid to promote Nepal's ailing tourism industry, in the post conflict period, a year long event- "Visit Pokhara Year 2007"- formally kicked off in the western town of Pokhara.

"The celebration is being held to cash in on an opportunity brought about by the ongoing peace process," Nepalnews quoted Culture and Tourism Minister Pradeep Gyawali, as saying after inaugurating the event on Monday.

"The government is in the process of unveiling a new Tourism Master Plan and Tourism Policy to boost the industry," he added.

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TIBET - First luxury tourist train to run on Qinghai-Tibet Railway next year

People's Daily Online, 19 december 2006

A luxury tourist train is expected to make debut next year on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway that opened this July, a high-ranking official of the Qinghai Province has said. The train, the first of its kind on the newly-opened railway, will be operated by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway Company in cooperation with foreign tourist agencies, said the official who declined to be named.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway Company is based in Xining, capital of Qinghai in China's remote northwest. The official said the luxury train will be equipped the most advanced equipment in the world and will rival the star-rated hotels in terms of convenience and comfort. Meanwhile, the train will be operated in line with the advanced management modes in the world, the official said.

>>Full article

THAILAND - Conservation bills to be reviewed to restore balance

bangkokpost.com, Sunday December 17, 2006

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is set to review two controversial bills related to forest protection and wildlife conservation. The reviews are in response to concerns raised by conservationists over loopholes in the bills that critics say allow improper use of the country's natural resources.
The bills were drafted last year by the National Park, Wildlife and Forest Conservation Department.
Panas Tassaneyanond, legal adviser to the environment minister, admitted that a large number of clauses in the bills needed to be altered as they contradicted the objectives of conservation, embracing such things as the wildlife trade and the commercial use of national parks.
''I can assure you that the minister will review the bills. He is strongly committed to forest and wildlife conservation and will do his best to keep the natural resources,'' Mr Panas, ex-senator for Tak, said.
Conservation, and not tourism promotion, is the ultimate goal of the laws which are being scrutinised by the ministry before they are forwarded to cabinet for consideration.
Sasin Chalermlarp, deputy secretary-general of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, cast doubt on the clause that allows hotel construction in so-called service zones of national parks.

>>Full article

MALAYSIA - Tourism Ministry Says No To LCCT Expansion Next Year

Bernama.com.my, December 18, 2006

The Tourism Ministry is against Malaysia Airports Bhd's (MAB) proposal to expand and upgrade the KL International Airport's Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) next year.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the proposal was not viable as expanding the terminal next year would complicate things and cause inconvenience to tourists, especially with 2007 declared Visit Malaysia Year.

"The announcement caught me by surprise. We had asked that nothing be done next year. We do not want to make things messy. Obviously if they are going to upgrade the LCCT, things would be a bit messy.

"We are expecting 60,000 to 70,000 tourist arrivals a day next year. Many would be using low-cost carriers and we do not want to make it hard for them when they land," he told a press conference here Monday.

Yesterday, MAB managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Bashir Ahmad announced that expansion work on the LCCT would begin next year.

The construction of the LCCT, costing RM108 million, was completed early last year to cater for 10 million passengers a year. However, the boom in the low-cost carrier business had resulted in overcrowding at the terminal.

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