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?"

>>Full article

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.”

>>Full article

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.

>>Full article

PHILIPPINES - Need for "central" tourist spot seen

The Freeman 11/06/2006

Despite the influx of tourists coming to Cebu, there is a still need to identify and develop a specific tourist site where foreign visitors can shop and dine in style for it to be comparable with popular international tourist destinations like Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong, said a tourism executive.

Robert Lim Joseph, member of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies, recently said Cebu has a lot to offer for foreign tourists but for it to be effectively marketed, it should have a particular tourist area for shopping and dining.

"We should not try to package Cebu as a foreign tourist destination where everything is cheap, as Cebu can really compete with the likes of Sentosa of Singapore, Ocean Park of Hong Kong and Phuket, Thailand," he added.

While Cebu has an edge due to its international airport serving direct international flights, Joseph said there is need for it to make foreign tourists to spend more, adding that luring these tourists would mean additional income because they have the capacity to spend in dollars.

Cebu Vice-Gov. Gregorio Sanchez agreed with the need to come up with an exact spot not only for a well-known commercial tourist site but likewise, for an investment area as well. The vice-governor said tourism is a major thrust under the administration of Gov. Gwen Garcia as one major infrastructure project, which is the transaxial highway, will also be a main tourism attraction.

Sanchez declared the transaxial highway that is expected to cost between P3 billion to P4 billion will help spur economic development faster in the countryside as the major thoroughfare connects from the southern tip to the northernmost part of Cebu.

>>Full article

DEVELOPMENTS - Asia welcomes plans for delayed `Iron Silk Road'

AFP, SEOUL, Nov 06, 2006, Page 11

Asian transport ministers meeting in South Korea this week will take a major step towards making a decades-old dream a reality -- integrating the entire continent into a single rail network.

Transport ministers and officials from 43 countries will gather in the port city of Busan starting today for this year's ministerial conference on transport organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

The highlight of the six-day conference will be Friday's signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) -- more poetically known as the "Iron Silk Road."

The 81,000km network, first mooted by the UN in 1960, would link capitals, ports and industrial hubs across 28 Asian countries all the way to Europe.

`COMMITMENT'

By signing, Asian states will "demonstrate their commitment to working together" on the mammoth project, said Barry Cable, director of UNESCAP's Transport and Tourism Division.

"We expect this will trigger new development in the railway sector both in terms of increasing capacity and in terms of increasing connectivity," he said.

Cable said such an international commitment would make it easier for countries to attract finance for railways from international banks.

"The agreement lays a framework for coordinated development of internationally important rail routes," UNESCAP chief Kim Hak-su said in a statement.

>>Full article

BALI - Where the Bali Hell are You?

Balidiscovery.com (11/4/2006)

A small group of Bali hotel and travel operators recently produced a tongue–in-cheek video advertisement to draw attention to their growing frustration with the Australian market's prolonged recalcitrance to return to Bali for their holidays.

Seeking to launch a low-cost Bali awareness campaign, the Little Bali Hotel & Resort Company (LBHRC) tore a page out of the controversial Australian Tourist Commissions "Where the Bloody Hell are You" campaign and created an amateur-quality video narrated by a traditionally dressed Balinese on a walking tour of Bali asking where the Australian tourists had gone?

>>Full article

BALI - Call for a Halt to More Golf Courses in Bali

Balidiscovery.com (11/4/2006)

The Saturday, November 4, 2006 edition of the Indonesian language Bali Post carried the headline story: "Stop the Development of Golf Courses in Bali."

The article, quoting Sri Budhi, the Dean of the Economics Faculty of Bali's Udayana University, suggests that Bali will only suffer both economically and environmentally from the development of additional golf courses on the Island. According to Professor Budhi, seen from a profit-loss perspective, Bali loses much more than it gains from more golf courses. More golf courses will put added strain on Bali's already limited water resources in the creation of a facility only enjoyed by a minority in the elite economic classes of society. From a carrying capacity standpoint, the construction of more golf courses usurps Bali's very limited supplies of water and land, while placing added strain on an already over-burdened traffic grid.

>>Full article

BALI - Resignations at Bali Tourism Board

Balidiscovery.com (11/4/2006)

Five members of the supervisory body charged with monitoring the financial accountability of the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) resigned on Wednesday, November 1, 2006.

As reported onbalidiscovery.com [Bali Tourism Board Under Attack], the BTB has been criticized for a lack of communication and transparency with the stakeholder organizations that comprise the tourism promotion body.

According to a report published in the Indonesian language Bali Post, the five members who resigned en masse from BTB are: I Gusti Agung Prana, Hadi Taryoto. John Ketut Pantja, Cok Putra and I Gusti Bagus Yudhara. In resigning, the five stated they were no longer prepared to share responsibility for decision made by BTB.

The resignation was tendered at an internal meeting held in Denpasar last week at which the leadership of BTB was criticized by the five who resigned the organization. Also joining the chorus of criticism leveled at BTB's leadership were Yos WK Amerta, the Bali head of the Water Sports Association (Gahawisri) and Rudy Antara of Bali Village.

Quoted in the Bali Post, John Ketut Pantja complained: "I speak frankly. The Chairman of the BTB cannot operate independently. If everything's fine, then why are members of the Supervisory Body resigning? The Chairman must correct himself."

In a separate press conference, the Chairman of BTB Bagus Sudibya insisted that he had clarified all the various problems surrounding Bali's recovery funds. Moreover, he reminded everyone that the Secretary General of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Hengky Hermanto, had attended the just completed meeting with stakeholders in order to clearly explain the funding issues which are, in the end, controlled by the Central Government.

>>Full article

CHINA - to come heavily on unauthorized tourism at nature reserves

eTN Asia, 3-11-2006

The drive to protect its famous monuments and nature reserves continues to get stronger and stronger in China.

Following the recent decision to pass its first set of laws against vandalizing the country’s legendary Great Wall, China has now stepped up protection of its state-level nature reserves to crack down on activities such as film shooting and unauthorized tourism, according to a new regulation.

“The maintenance and management of state-level nature reserves should be evaluated by a State Council-authorized committee at least every five years,” as per the regulation, which will come into effect from December onwards. The regulation pertaining to the Great Wall is also going to applicable from December with those found violating the laws to be fined as much as 500,000 yuan ($63,300).

It is being felt that some of the local governments waiver nature reserve protection in favour of economic development.

“If dereliction of duty, unapproved changes of the reserve area or unauthorized tourism are found at state-level natural reserves, the reserves will be officially warned or even revoked of their state-level status and related officials will be punished,” said Zhou Shengxian, director of the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA). “If the reserves lose their state-level status, they can not apply for it again for five years.”

>>Full article

SINGAPORE - Budget Terminal Sees Encouraging Growth

eTN, 1-11-2006

In the first six months since it opened for scheduled flight operations in March 2006, Singapore's Budget Terminal (BT) has seen an impressive 97 per cent increase in flights, 46 per cent increase in passenger numbers, 33 per cent more city links and added a second airline.

The positive outlook of the BT was revealed today by Mr Raymond Lim, Singapore's Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, at an event to mark the terminal's official opening. The positive growth of the BT is testimony that the terminal's business model of keeping operational costs low for airlines is bearing fruit. When the BT commenced operations on 26 March 2006, it had one airline - Tiger Airways - operating 124 weekly flights to 12 cities. Tiger Airways has since launched a substantial number of new flights and expanded its network.

Five months later in August, the BT welcomed its second airline, Cebu Pacific, a Philippines-based low cost carrier. Today, the total number of flights at the BT has almost doubled to 244 weekly scheduled flights, of which 222 flights are operated by Tiger Airways and the remaining 22 flights by Cebu Pacific. The BT's city links have increased by 33 per cent to 16 cities namely Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Cebu, Manila, Clark, Macau, Guangzhou, Haikou, Shenzhen, Darwin and Padang.

>>Full article

HONG KONG - Visitor Arrivals for September 2006

Asiatraveltips.com, 1 November 2006

Hong Kong’s visitor arrivals in September 2006 was 1,830,189 million, which is 2.4% more than in the same month in 2005. Cumulative arrivals for the first nine months of 2006 now stand at 18,571,976, a 9.5% increase compared with the previous year.More than 1.10 million arrivals (60.3% of the total) in September stayed in Hong Kong for at least one night, with the remainder of over 725,000 (39.7%) classified as same-day in-town visitors. This takes the cumulative January-September total for overnight visitors to more than 11.65 million (62.7%), while over 6.92 million (37.3%) left on the day of arrival.Arrivals from key regional source markets were as follows:

- Mainland China: 930,532 visitors (a 0.6% increase)
- Taiwan: 166,143 (-2.9%)
- South and Southeast Asia: 188,642 (9.5%)
- North Asia: 168,761 (2%)
- Europe, Africa and the Middle East: 151,650 (8.8%)
- The Americas: 120,522 (2%), and
- Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific: 61,949 (6.4%).

Visitors from Mainland China represented 50.8% of the September arrivals. Of these, 427,026 travelled under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), 45.9% of the Mainland total, and 14.9% more than in the same month last year.

September 2006 Arrivals by Markets

>>Full article

THAILAND - famous Tuk-tuk traverses borders, to adorn foreign streets

eTN Asia, 1-11-2006

Tuk-tuk, considered to be a symbol of Thai ingenuity, continues to be in the news at home and abroad.

The three-wheeled motorized vehicle, a popular mode of transport, is traversing borders as it sustains in demand in some of the developed countries.

“London has its black cabs, Venice its gondolas and Bangkok its tuk-tuks, but Thailand’s iconic three-wheeled taxis are going global as foreigners scramble to pick up a piece of Thai culture. The smoke-belching motorized rickshaws can now be seen plying Britain’s seaside towns, Canada’s golf courses and Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, and manufacturers have seen a surge in global sales and recognition,” AFP reported.

The report refers to comments from Anuwat Yuteeraprapa, owner of Expertise, a tuk-tuk manufacturer which exports 95 percent of its vehicles abroad. “They are really cute and unique,” says Yuteeraprapa, whose company exports the vehicle to the United States, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Britain and elsewhere in Europe. “Tourists come to Thailand and they know the beaches, temples and tuk-tuks. It has become a big symbol of Thailand.”

The vehicle is a modification of a Japanese delivery vehicle popular in the country during the 1960s. Tuk-tuks are adorned and painted in the many different ways and colors. The colorful tuk-tuk has in fact become a tourist attraction in itself because of its novelty.

>>Full article

MARIANA ISLANDS - gets aggressive with Korean market

eTN, 1-11-2006

Mariana Visitors Authority (MVA) on Tuesday confirmed its various marketing tie-up promotions, PR activities, and campaigns showcasing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to Korean travelers have produced positive results. MVA said it recorded a 24 percent increase in arrivals attributed to its aggressive marketing efforts.

MVA executives headed by managing director Perry John P. Tenorio and marketing manager Wayne Pangelinan, along with YT Park, MVA Korea representative, were in Seoul, Korea for yet more promotional activity to expand the islands awareness to travel agents, according to MVA. “MVA made courtesy visits and conducted a Marianas Workshop speaking directly to travel agents providing updates about the destination and the products available,” a release from MVA stated.

A visit to Asiana Airlines was also part of the trio’s itinerary while in Korea, as well as courtesy visits to major travel agencies. Representatives from Hana Tour, Mode Tour and Tourmall met with MVA to discuss other opportunities to market the islands more attractively for Korean consumers, according to the MVA release. “The travel agents visited by MVA have representative offices in Saipan that cater to their guest and provide the highest quality of service for the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota,” it stated.

>>Full article

PHILIPPINES - Camiguin pushes for expansion of airport

Manila standard today, 30 Oct 2006

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin—Investments in this province’s tourism industry is expected to get a big boost once the national government fulfills its plan to expand the airport here, Gov. Pedro Romualdo said over the weekend.

While the industry is already doing well in terms of domestic tourism, Romualdo said they also want to entice foreign visitors and investors to the island but this island-province’s accessibility to Metro Manila is the major factor why tourists opt to go to nearer destinations, like Boracay Island, Batangas, Palawan, Bohol and Cebu, among others.

“That’s because tourists want direct flights,” he told Standard Today in an interview, adding that the Camiguin Airport only has a 1.50-km runway which cannot accommodate commercial airplanes, like those of the Philippine Airlines.

He said tourists coming from Metro Manila area and other nearby provinces have to take a ferry boat ride from Balingoan in Cagayan de Oro City, which could last for four hours before reaching Camiguin Island.

Romualdo related that when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited the island last Oct. 19, she promised to help it expand to 2-km airstrip so it could accommodate bigger planes.

“We can reclaim land or go inward for the additional runway,” said the governor, who served as congressman of the island-province from 1987 to 1998. “We are working hard to develop and promote Camiguin Island as the best destination for tourists.”

He said Camiguin’s selling point is that the island-province practically has everything, waterfalls, hot springs, mountains and white sand beaches, among others.

>>Full article

NEW ZEALAND - Plan to restore Wanganui’s “beating heart” announced in NZ

eTN Asia/Pacific, 31-10-2006

New Zealand’s Wanganui region, located on the lower west coast of the North Island, south of Taranaki and the Taupo and Ruapehu regions, is set to have an $85 million makeover, in a bid to establish the city as a cultural center.

Wanganui area is known for maori culture, heritage, Wanganui National Park and river adventures. The region takes its name from the city of Wanganui, which rests on the banks of the spectacular Wanganui River.

According to local media, the initiative is aimed at restoring Wanganui’s “beating heart.” Mayor Michael Laws has introduced the Heart of Wanganui project, which includes moving the library, a substantial redesign of the Region Museum and a new building linking the Sarjeant Gallery and Alexander Library. The big project would form a ‘beating heart for the city,’” he reportedly said, confirming Wanganui as a cultural center, luring tourists and attracting people to live.

“This project will have recreational, cultural and financial ramifications in Wanganui for the next 50 years. It’s about spending a small amount of money and getting an exponential return,” he said, adding that a public referendum would be held by June to determine which one of seven revamp designs would be followed and the public vote would decide which, if any, projects went ahead and in what order.

>>Full article

CHINA - world heritage site to get international airport

eTN Asia, 31-10-2006

The Chinese government is to build an international airport in Dunhuang, located in northeast China’s Gansu province, to accommodate the increasing number of overseas tourists.province has grown by 30 percent annually.

Official figures from the local tourist administration office revealed that a total of 71,000

The number of overseas visitors coming to see the ancient Buddhist cave paintings in the international tourists have passed through the airport up to September this year. In 2006, a total of 78,000 international tourists passed through the airport.

More than 60 percent of the international tourists are from Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia, where Buddhism is a major religion.

Dunhuang airport, opened in 1982 and expanded in 2002, can currently handle 300,000 passengers.

Hainan Airlines group president Chen Fang, whose airline is based in the southernmost island of Hainan, indicated his support for the expansion project, and interest to further tap into Dunhuang's potential as a tourist destination, especially during the slack winter and early spring seasons.

>>Full article

ABU DHABI - the next Gulf property boom?

Ameinfo.com, October 30 - 2006

Dubai and Doha have the tower cranes today but with $100 billion worth of new development projects now in hand, Abu Dhabi is the boom of tomorrow. Indeed, the boom of its neighbors has distracted attention from the start of a property boom in the UAE's capital city which also has the highest per capita income in the world. But the stage is set for explosive growth and major investment opportunities.

>>Full article

SINGAPORE - Mining the final frontier

mediacorp.com.sg, October 31, 2006

The sky's the limit for tourism profits should Singapore house its own spaceport

EXCITEMENT over billion-dollar deals being worked out between Singapore and the fast-developing United Arab Emirates rose to stratospheric heights, so to speak, over a proposal to launch a new tourism venture — that of sending well-heeled passengers on space flights from a terminal near Changi Airport.

.

While it might not muster the much-hyped glamour of 40-year-old Iranian-American business executive Anousheh Ansari's recent flight into outer space, for which she paid a whopping US$20 million ($31 million), passengers taking off from Spaceport Singapore in three years' time can experience an exhilarating sub-orbital ride close to 100km above the earth, for a more affordable $100,000 or so.

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"The sub-orbital space transportation two-stage system named Explorer is now being built in Russia and will have the capacity to transport up to five people to space at a time," the managing director of Spaceport Singapore, Mr Michael J Lyon, told Today, after delivering a paper on the project at a UAE-Asia investment forum, organised alongside Global Entrepolis @ Singapore 2006.

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The commercial possibilities of space tourism are enormous and the market potential for sub-orbital spaceflights alone is estimated at US$1 billion annually, said industry sources. And the project will provide a big boost to Singapore tourism, helping to draw visitors eager for the ride of a lifetime.

Funds were being raised for the US$115-million project — which has a development partner in the Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), one of the states in the UAE — and an advisory board that includes Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, said Mr Lyon.
.Approval is being sought from Singapore's civil aviation authorities for the project, but Mr Lyon is already looking to the future, when spaceports set up in RAK and the United States could well reduce flying time between Singapore and New York to just one-and-a-half hours.

>>Full article

QUEENSLAND - Delegates to spend up big at convention

Townsvillebulletin.news.com.au, 30 oct 2006

ABOUT 400 national and international convention delegates are expected to spend $1 million when they stay in Townsville this week.

Palmer St will be at the frontline of what is one of the most lucrative conventions the city has seen. The five-day Ecotourism Australia International conference, to be held at the Southbank Hotel, has attracted 300 delegates who are also tipped to visit Magnetic Island and Charters Towers and other ecotourism destinations as part of the event.

Townsville Enterprise Convention Bureau manager Dawn Combs estimated they would spend more than $900,000.

At the weekend, 100 members of the Australasian Society of Cardiovascular Perfusionists met for a convention at Jupiters Hotel and Casino.

Perfusionists operate the heart-lung machines during heart surgery.

Ms Combs said a conservative figure of more than $4 million had been injected into the region through Townsville Convention Bureau bid wins alone this year.

That includes delegates' expenditure on accommodation, shopping, transport, restaurants and cafes, domestic airfares, entertainment and tours.

"Research shows most delegates will return to holiday to a place they have been for business," she said.

"The rest of the population will absolutely benefit.

"There should be a spike in taxi fares and they will go to the mall to shop and visit pubs and restaurants."

Ms Combs said the bureau had hosted five familiarisation tours to Townsville for potential groups of convention organisers and professional conference organisers.

Townsville Enterprise estimates international delegates spend about $637 a day, national delegates spent $420, state delegates $363, and regional delegates $100 a day.

The ecotourism conference will bring expert speakers from the Asia Pacific region in a bid to tackle issues surrounding the ecotourism industry.

>>Full article

ACCOMMODATION - Growing a real estate success with Grove Gardens

ScandAsia.com, 2006-10-25

For those keen on property in Southeast Asia, it is probably hard to find a developer originating from Scandinavia with more experience than Swedish Lars Ydmark of Tri-Asia, a Phuket-based management company within the hospitality business and more recently a developer on the real estate market.
Well-known among Scandinavians for Jiva Resort and Spa, 2006 has also seen the finalization of Tri-Asia’s first real estate, Grove Gardens, on Phuket’s east coast. Nearly all units were sold by then on this housing estate which puts the individual in the centre.
“The minimalist design allows the individual to design their own home with the flair they want, without any extra cost and having to change the existing plan. You can compare it with a hotel in that everything looks the same. However the interior will be individual. We don’t force them anything complicated that they might like or not like, so they have the possibility of continuing to develop by them selves,” Lars, who did not become a developer over night, explains.
Having opened twelve hotels up to now for the likes of Sheraton, Shangri-La, Accor, and for himself, Lars knows the process in and out from inception to completion.
Having started out in the Asia-Pasific region on Fiji in 1990, he established the Thailand-based firm with this Thai wife in 1999, after a few worthwhile years working for Novotel and Amanpuri respectively.
“If not for the first years employed as a GM and the knowledge I gained from opening three hotels in Thailand, then I would not have been just as successful today. That was a very good entrance to start running one’s own business,” says Lars with appreciation.
Also, this was a very fruitful period within tourism as the Asian financial crisis made Southeast Asia a real bargain for visitors.
“During my three years with Accor we had nothing less than 90 per cent occupancy and could increase the prices every year.”
Tri-Asia initially took care of some hotel management contracts in Southern Thailand before embarking on the challenge of building their own hotel Jiva, a business venture that came to be both very trying and another essential learning experience. As Jiva opened in 2002, the invasion of Iraq, the Bali bombing, and all the rest of it, followed with the tsunami on top of everything.
But since 2005 business caught up significantly, while the property sector really never saw any downward trend at all.
Lars brought along the constructor of his own house and the subcontractors from Jiva to Grove Gardens. It is difficult to find people and good subcontractors, especially when you are a small business.
“There are many accepting large projects without having the organization enabling them to deliver. So they have breakdowns and go bankrupt,” says Lars who has learned the hard way.

>>Full article

SABAH - Cash Supports Gov't Proposal To "Clean Up" Pulau Gaya

Bernama, KOTA KINABALU, Oct 27

The Consumers Association of Sabah (Cash) has expressed its full support for the government's proposal to "clean up" Pulau Gaya and turn it into a scenic tourist destination.

However, its president, Datuk Patrick Sindu, said the government should first evict all illegal squatters on the island before embarking on the project.

"We are aware that there are locals or original inhabitants living on Pulau Gaya. But there are also reports of the existence of illegal squatters.

"If it is true, then these illegals should be evicted without compensation or not be placed to a new settlement...the government must be fair on this matter because illegal local settlers were evicted just like that from the Paitan Forest Reserve," he told Bernama today.

He was commenting on Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat's statement yesterday that there was a programme to upgrade facilities on Pulau Gaya for the benefit of genuine Malaysians living there.

>>Full article

BUSINESS WIRE, October 30, 2006

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE:HLT) today announced the latest milestone in its expansion effort for the upscale, full-service Doubletree^® hotel collection in the burgeoning China market. The Company has signed a multi-year agreement with Tianjin Automobile Industrial Group Company, one of China's largest automobile manufacturers, to manage an upscale, 360-room hotel in Tianjin, China's fourth largest city. The Doubletree by Hilton™ Hotel Tianjin is anticipated to open in this world-class city in late 2007.

The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tianjin will be located in the heart of this thriving business and tourism centre, 14 km from the Tianjin Binhai International Airport. Developer Tianjin Automobile will refurbish and redesign a 25-storey office building to house the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tianjin, as well as a shopping centre.

Amenities and services at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Tianjin will include 2,500 square meters (26,900 square feet) of meeting and ballroom function space and state-of-the-art business centre facilities. The hotel will feature a variety of food and beverage outlets, including all-day dining facilities, to cater for in-house guests and local banqueting events. Room and suite sizes will range from 30 to 90 square meters (320 to 950 square feet) and the hotel will feature a fitness centre.

>>Full article

AUSTRALIA - Drawing visitors

News.com.au, October 29, 2006

CULTURAL attractions such as Brisbane's new Millennium Arts Gallery, opening in December, should be a welcome boost in Queensland's bid to attract more tourists from China.

The Gallery of Modern Art's first exhibition will be the 5th Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art.

As the only major exhibition in the world that focuses exclusively on the contemporary art of Asia, Australia and the Pacific, it is expected to attract much interest from international visitors.

The opening will come only weeks after Austrade hosted a Celebrate Australia event in Shanghai promoting Aussie entertainment and travel.

Austrade chief economist Tim Harcourt said rising disposable income in the Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou regions has resulted in more cashed-up urban Chinese coming to Australia.

"The average expenditure by Chinese visitors is greater than their American, British or other East Asian counterparts," Mr Harcourt said.

He also expected China would soon start to play the role that Japan once did as a major source of tourists for Australia.

And cultural activities are on the list of half of all international visitors to Australia, according to latest research by Tourism Research Australia.

Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey said it was heartening that art gallery and other events were popular among younger travellers, especially those in the 15 to 34 age group.

The research showed art galleries and museums attracted 56 per cent of international visitors, while one in four attended a theatre, concert or performance event.

"Whether it's visiting a festival, art gallery or historic building, or experiencing Aboriginal art, craft and cultural displays, these tourists deliver huge opportunities for Australia," Ms Bailey said.

>>Full article

THAILAND - 'Harmful' tourism plans face scrutiny

Bangkokpost.com, October 26, 2006

Tourism development projects under the Designated Area for Sustainable Development (Dasta) would be revised as they tend to cause immense ecological impact in national parks across the country, the Natural Resources and Environment Minister Kasem Snidvongs said yesterday.

''The idea to turn protected forest into tourism sites is seriously wrong,'' Mr Kasem said, referring to Dasta's tourism development projects, most of which are located in national parks. Speaking at a meeting with around 20 environmental experts and green groups, the minister said revision of Dasta's projects was one of the priority tasks he planned to work on during his tenure. The Dasta, a public organisation established by the Thaksin Shinawatra administration in 2004, has pushed several controversial schemes, such as Koh Chang tourism development projects in Trat province and the Chiang Mai Night Safari. Mr Kasem also accepted for consideration the activists' proposal to transfer supervision of the 1.5-billion-baht Chiang Mai Night Safari to the government's Zoological Park Organisation (ZPO) for better management.

Surapon Duangkhae, secretary-general of the Wildlife Fund Thailand, urged the minister to look into the night safari project, which is plagued with corruption allegations and reports of poor animal welfare. Mr Surapon said transferring the zoo park to the ZPO would improve the project's transparency. In a petition to the minister, the environmentalists called on the minister to scrap projects initiated by the deposed Thai Rak Thai government that in their view would cause a severe environmental and social impact, including the water grid project, the seafood bank, elephant exports, and selling of high-grade timber grown in the Forestry Industry Organisation's forest plantation.

They also urged the minister to consider the impact of controversial bills, such as those concerning water resources and community forests, before sending them to cabinet and the National Legislative Assembly for consideration.

>>Full article

VIETNAM - Tourist insurance – a big market waiting

VNECONOMY, 30/10/2006

Most foreign tourists already bought insurance in their countries prior to their travel to Vietnam.
In November this year, the local tourist insurance market will welcome the participation of AAA Insurance Joint Stock Company. As estimated by the Ministry of Finance, there’s a lot of room for growth in the tourist insurance market. In 2005, a mere 2% of nearly 1 million of outbound tourists buy travel insurance.
However, the figure is expected to rise in the coming time due to the implementation of the tourism law, which provides a provision on compulsory travel insurance and thus bolsters the development of the insurance market. In addition, improved living conditions will result in higher demands for traveling abroad.
A mere 25% of tourists buy insurance
At present, a mere 25% of tourists buy travel insurance. The ratio of outbound tourists buying insurance is more modest. The reason is simply that travelers themselves are not aware of its necessity. Also, travel insurance packages haven’t satisfied their needs.
Regarding local tourists, the sale of travel insurance at site depends on supports of provincial tourism services and other tourism administrative agencies. Besides, the sale of travel insurance is mostly arranged via a travel firm.
However, companies don’t want to spend too much on insurance which makes their tour prices higher and less attractive to tourists. And as stated above, travelers’ needs and awareness of necessity of tourist insurance are quite low.
Also, few foreign tourists and outbound tourists buy travel insurance on a voluntary basis, since currently there’s no obligation on this. Most foreign tourists already bought insurance in their countries prior to their travel to Vietnam.
Low confidence of foreign tourists in local services in general and in insurance services in particular has limited their spending on travel insurance packages offered by local firms. When traveling with tour operators, guests will ask them to buy insurance but while traveling independently, most don’t want to spend on this.

>>Full article

INDONESIA - The Pied Piper of MICE

Balidiscovery.com, (10/29/2006)

As reported on balidiscovery.com, Indonesia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, [Minister Wacik to Establish a Directorate of MICE],recently announced his intention to establish MICE Directorate in order to promote and encourage inbound conference, convention and exhibition business Indonesia.

Following the announcement by the Minister, the Chairman of the Bali Chapter of the Indonesia Congress and Convention Association (INACCA), Ida Bagus Lolelc, said the Government’s plan to create a MICE Directorate was a good idea, although the timing was late. In comments made by Lolec to the Indonesian language Bali Post, Lolec suggested the proper timing for the new government department was following the first terrorist attack in 2002 in order to address the numerous travel warnings and advisories that have devastated Indonesia's international inbound MICE market.

Lolec hopes the soon-to-be-established MICE Directorate will establish a priority of tasks, giving emphasis to inter-departmental efforts with the National Police and the Minister of Political Affairs and Security (POLKAM) to coordinate an international lobbying effort to downgrade the current cautionary travel warnings and travel advisories.

>>Full article

BALI - BTB's Lambasted for a Lack of Financial Transparency and Poor Communication with Bali Travel Stakeholders.

Balidiscovery.com, (10/30/2006)

A series of articles in the Indonesian language Bali Post have cast the Bali Tourism Board (BTB) in a negative light, suggesting the private sector promotion initiative group is badly managed, unresponsive and guilty of malfeasance in how it is handling the Rp. 67 billion (approximately US$7.3 million) in funds allocated for the recovery of Bali's tourism industry,

The BTB's Supervisory Board (Badan Pengawas) charged with internal supervision of the organization's finances has reportedly sent two letters to the BTB outlining complaints of a lack of transparency in how fund are handled.

The BTB's Supervisory Board - drawn from the leadership of BTB's stakeholder organization and comprised of I Gusti Yudhara, Hadi Taryoto, John Ketut Pantja, I Gusti Agung Prana and Cok Putra are reported by the Bali Post are calling for a complete accounting of Bali tourism recovery funds from the BTB Chairman Bagus Sudibya.

Local press coverage has called into question Rp. 1 billion in funds (approximately US$106,400) supposedly allocated for the Bali Tourism Festival. Meanwhile, the Society of Indonesian Professional Conference Organizers (SIPCO), who claim they were appointed to run the Bali Tourism Festival, say thay have received no funds which have reportedly been diverted to a company owned by the BTB Chairman.

>>Full article

INDIA - considers tourism development as National Priority Activity

eTN Asia, 29-10-2006

Major policy initiatives such as liberalization in aviation sector; pricing policy for aviation turbine fuel which influences internal airfares, tourist police etc highlight the diligence with which India has approached development of tourism industry in the last few years.India is positioning tourism as a major engine of economic growth and to harness its direct and multiplier effects for employment and poverty eradication in an environmentally sustainable manner.

This is the objective of the existing Tourism Policy of the Indian government, according to Minister of Tourism and Culture, Ambika Soni.

Soni underlined that tourism is a priority sector because, among others, it is able to maximize the productivity of India’s natural, human, cultural and technical resources; it is labour intensive and cottage or small industry based providing employment; it is capable of being primarily focused on rural areas with appropriate and relatively low cost programmes and it has extensive forward and backward economic linkages that build overall income and employment, especially for women and youth.

India’s share in world tourism, which was 0.37 percent during 2001 end, is likely to increase to 0.53 percent during 2006, Soni said. The Minister added further that as per the estimates, on an average, about 3.1 million additional jobs per year have been created directly and in-directly in the tourism sector in the last four years.

While the foreign tourist arrivals are expected to witness a growth of 78 percent in 2006 over 2001 (last five years), growth in the foreign exchange earnings is expected to be of the order of 122 percent during this period.

>>Full article

PHILIPPINES - retirement villages set to become hotspot for tourists

eTN Asia, 29-10-2006

International chains such as Hyatt Group and Hilton Group are soon expected to finalize their investments in Philippines’ retirement sector.Retirement villages as a concept is gaining momentum in Philippines. Such villages are being referred as the next tourism hotspot and a major potential source of steady dollar inflows.

Baguio City, Clark, Subic, Tagaytay, Cebu and Davao have been identified as key locations for retirement communities. There are properties being offered by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp., Philippine Tourism Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Bases Conversion Development Authority, Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System and other government agencies.

It is being acknowledged that senior officials of the US-based hotel operators Hyatt Group and Hilton Group will visit the Philippines by year-end or early next year to scout for possible investment opportunities in the retirement sector.

Edgardo Aglipay, chairman of the Philippine Retirement Authority, according to Manila Standard Today, said the two groups would look at fields of cooperation with the agency.

>>Full article

HAWAII - What's new on Oahu

eTN, 29-10-2006

OAHU – The Island of Oahu, known as the Heart of Hawaii, sets the rhythm of the islands and leads by example with new improvements, changes and additions on an ongoing basis.

Below is a glimpse of what’s new on Oahu: Hotels & Resorts The island of Oahu has fabulous hotels and resorts for people of all ages and budgets. Oahu’s hotels are constantly updating and adding an array of activities and packages that are sure to make any trip to Oahu unforgettable. · The Aqua Waikiki Wave completed a $7 million transformation, which concluded October 1, 2006. The hotel includes 247 spacious guest rooms featuring 1920’s artwork and free wireless Internet. · Aqua Hotels & Resorts recently welcomed the Hawaii Polo Inn and the Island Colony to its family of now 10 properties. The Hawaii Polo Inn will undergo a $2 million renovation and will change its name to Hotel Equus when the renovations are completed in mid-December. · Trump International Hotel and Tower will include 460 luxury hotel-condominium units, four stories of parking and 6,500 square feet of dining and retail space. The 38-story tower will also include a library, wine cellar, lobby car, café, outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace with ocean views, indoor and outdoor dining areas, private fitness center and spa, and ocean views. Construction is set to begin 2007, with completion set for early 2009. · ResortQuest Hawaii has completed a $380,000 room renovation at Aston Honolulu Prince hotel. All 119 guest rooms were redecorated in island inspired décor and have new bedspreads, carpets, drapes, and paintwork.

>>Full article

DUBAI - focuses on clearing misconceptions about Islam through mosque tourism

eTN, 27-10-2006

Dubai has taken an initiative to quash qualms about Islam through a religious tourism initiative.Dubai is news for an uncommon tourism initiative, related to eradicating misconceptions about Islam, especially that the religion condones violence.
Dubai’s leader, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is funding mosque tours for Western visitors.

According to AP, the ultimate goal is defusing strains between Muslims and Christians that rose after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, and the war in Iraq. Through the initiative, it is being hoped that tourists can spread understanding of Muslims in their home countries.

As per the information available, the tours of Jumeirah Mosque have grown over a decade from irregular gatherings of a dozen people to five-times-weekly tours of a hundred or more. Now, the government-linked center wants to expand inside the United Arab Emirates and beyond with an eye on the more than one million Westerners, mostly Europeans, who visit every year, added AP report. The center is also expanding tours to seven more mosques in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, capital of the Emirates.

>>Full article

MACAU - Has Macau toppled Las Vegas as the world’s top gambling destination?

eTN Asia, 27-10-2006

Macau appears to have overtaken the famous Las Vegas Strip as the world's top gambling destination.In a major disclosure, it is being acknowledged that Macau has become the world’s top gambling destination. The latest earnings figures from the southern Chinese territory showed it had probably topped Las Vegas.
Macau is set to earn $6.8bn (£3.6bn) in casino revenues in 2006 compared with Las Vegas' $6.6bn, say leisure industry consultants Globalysis.

According to AFP, by the estimates of leading Vegas-based leisure industry consultancy Globalysis, “Macau is just ahead of the cluster of casinos on Nevada’s most famous boulevard.”

“Yep, the recent numbers look like our estimate for 2006 will come in line -- currently, the monthly run rate for Las Vegas would put it at an annualised revenue rate of 6.6 billion dollars, approximately,” Globalysis’ partner Jonathin Galaviz reportedly said. “At Macau’s current month run rate, it now exceeds that of the Las Vegas strip by about 20 million dollars, so it looks.”

“Gambling earnings have boomed in Macau since 2001 when the government ended tycoon Stanley Ho’s 40-year monopoly on casinos in the city and allowed foreign operators to move in. The result has been a sudden rush of up to 25 billion dollars of mostly American cash into the once-moribund century-old local industry. Growth has been fuelled by a similarly explosive rise in tourism from China, following the relaxation of travel restrictions from the mainland in the wake of the former Portuguese enclave's reversion to Chinese rule in 1999,” the report added.

>>Full article

HONG KONG - keen on developing a regional cruise hub positioning

eTN, 27-10-2006

Hong Kong is gearing up to buildd a 2.4 bln hkd cruise ship terminal at the former Kai Tak airport site.Making an emphatic statement about making Hong Kong a regional cruise hub, the government of HK has shared that it will focus on the development of a new cruise terminal at Kai Tak. Its first berth is slated to open by 2012.

Secretary for Economic Development and Labour Stephen Ip says Hong Kong needs an additional berth between 2009 and 2015, and one to two more berths beyond 2015 to capture the growth of the regional cruise market. New cruise terminal facilities could bolster Hong Kong’s coffers by up to $2.2 billion a year by 2020, and offer almost 11,000 jobs. Ip said the six suggestions received in last year’s study on whether there are feasible locations other than Kai Tak, could not meet the Government's requirements in full.

“It has always been the Government’s intention to develop new cruise terminal facilities at Kai Tak, as it is the only site within Victoria Harbour with the capability to offer two or more alongside berths without reclamation. The outcome of the Kai Tak Planning Review Stage 3 Public Consultation indicated general support for the development of cruise terminal facilities at Kai Tak,” Ip said.

“As the market cannot provide a better and faster suggestion than Kai Tak, the Government will focus on the development of a new cruise terminal at Kai Tak, and expedite the development process, with a view to completing the first berth by 2012,” he added.

>>Full article

INDIA - Buoyed by increment in foreign tourists, Andaman steadily develops news sites

eTN Asia, 25-10-2006

Eyeing eco-tourists as well as Bollywood filmmakers, the administration in India’s Andaman archipelago has decided to strengthen its infrastructure by developing 50 new sites for tourists. The destination attracted 50,000 tourists in the first seven months of this year.

The development confirms Andaman’s aggressive plans. Recently, it was shared that India is to open 15 islands in the remote Andaman archipelago, developing a total of 50 new sites in the northern cluster of islands, 1,200 kilometers off mainland India.

“These sites have been selected so that environmentally-sensitive hotels and beach resorts can be set up under our tourism plan,” Andaman’s Tourism chief Dharam Pal had said. As per the information available, only 36 of the more than 500 islands in the archipelago, closer to Indonesia than India, are inhabited.

The decision will not mean opening new islands.

Tourism Secretary Dharam Pal told the BBC: “These sites have been selected so that environmentally-sensitive hotels and beach resorts can be set up under our tourism plan. In the first phase, tenders will be invited for a few of these sites. Then depending on the response, the other sites will be opened to domestic and perhaps even overseas bidders.” He said the virgin sites would be leased through auctions to private investors, once the federal government approved them.

>>Full article

DEVELOPMENTS - CAN THE “REAL BALI” BE SAVED?

TRAVEL IMPACT NEWSWIRE -- Edition 68 -- Wednesday, 25 October 2006

by Alistair Speirs [Managing Director, Indo Multi Media, Indonesia]

For those of you visiting Bali for the first time, welcome and enjoy yourselves to the absolute maximum! Bali is a marvelous place to have a holiday and I certainly don’t want to scare you off. We need more visitors to come and enjoy the beauty of this magical island. And you will!

But, and there always is a ‘but’ isn’t there, Bali ain’t what it used to be, and is in danger of changing from the “Bali we want it to be” if we are not very, very careful.

Bali, in the minds of millions of tourists and armchair tourists around the world, is the epitome of tropical, exotic travel, where beautiful native girls dance to the hypnotic pounding of gongs in temples and palaces surrounded by lush terraces of paddy fields, and palm trees wave in the gentle breezes as the sunset cocktails are sipped. Idyllic indeed!

The reality is that while that aspect is still (just) available, an absolute army of developers, traders, retailers, restauranters and industrialists are doing everything they can to dig up pristine Bali while still using the exotic Bali image they are destroying to sell their wares! And it’s happening quickly.

Just 25 years ago Bali was still the green, lush island that we (or at least I) want it to be. Now it’s disappearing behind a mass of billboards, shop houses, high rise malls, villa developments (with 20m high walls), and it seems we are powerless to stop it. Why?

It appears that even at the highest levels there is no connection between the preservation (never mind protection, enhancement, and improvement) of the tourism product and the every day unplanned development that continues unabated.

Bali, after two sad and meaningless bombings, has lost much of its appeal in the tourist markets of the world and arrivals are at a very low ebb. Does that mean the authorities take a long hard look at what the island has become and start to put things right? It seems not. The building of ‘rukos’ (shop houses) continues unabated, the proliferation of incredibly unsightly billboards accelerates, the destruction of beautiful farmland for ‘un-necessary’ housing rockets forward, and roads are pushed into fields and immediately lined with low quality buildings (which should be zoned off into industrial estates).

Until now, from Canggu to Jimbaran, from Sanur to Nusa Dua, there is hardly a visible trace of ‘Bali’: only buildings, workshops, showrooms, factories, billboards, and offices. All of them ‘businesses’ that depend on having a dynamic, desired tourism product called Bali!

Yet there are regulations, which I believe still exist, that say every building must reflect Balinese culture and tradition, that no building should be higher than a coconut tree, and that all buildings and developments should respect Balinese traditions and community needs first. This simply is not being enforced at all and in my opinion presents more danger to the future of Bali tourism than the threat of terrorism ever will.

There are millions of sea, sand and sun, fun, food, and frolic destinations around the world, cheaper and closer to main markets and with little to distinguish them except the price and the temperature. This is not what Bali should be, but as we watch and do nothing that’s what it is turning into—quickly.

Bali is, and must always be, a place where tradition should take precedence over development, where culture must take the nod over shopping, where nature must win over malls, where gamelan gets the license not discos, where not one more square meter of productive, beautiful paddy field is turned into villas.

If not, we’ll be sitting here in 10 years time with a million villas, all of them bought by people “looking for Bali” and finding nothing but fast food, malls, traffic jams, discos, restaurants, more shops, more offices and more motorbikes than they left behind in the ‘industrialized’ west.

Does anyone care? I hope so, and that as millions of dollars are being spent to lure people back to Bali, equal amounts of money –or at least energy– can be spent preserving the beauty, tradition, culture and heritage of this marvelous and irreplaceable island. Because once it’s gone, we won’t get it back.

AUSTRALIA - What’s is in direct competition with domestic tourism in Australia?

eTN Asia, 25-10-2006

Australia is trying to understand the reasons behind the decline in the number of domestic overnight trips.Tourism industry in Australia is getting adversely affected as bigger mortgage payments were swallowing an increasing share of the household budget, according to Tourism Research Australia.

The consumers are opting to spend disposable income on high-tech TVs, computers and phones, renovating their homes or upgrading their cars. The study showed nationally the number of domestic overnight trips was down by seven percent, but the number of Australians heading overseas had risen by seven percent.

“What that research also shows is that while individual prosperity levels have been increasing, people are spending more of their own discretionary budgets on the things like plasma TVs and computers etc,” said Federal Tourism Minister Fran Bailey. The Minister says more research will be done to find why the pattern has emerged and how it can be addressed and reasons Australians are spending more money on plasma TVs and super sound systems than on domestic holidays will be the focus of a $200,000 Federal Government study.

“If we are going to be successful in our domestic tourism we have to address why consumer spending patterns have changed,” she said.

“A high proportion of spending on these items is considered discretionary and in direct competition with spending on domestic tourism,” the report An Assessment of the Australian Domestic Tourism Market said. “Stronger increases in spending on these items compared to domestic tourism suggests a shift in popularity away from domestic tourism.”

>>Full article

VIETNAM - gets support from Japan to boost its tourism

eTN Asia, 25-10-2006

Following the formation of the Vietnamese – Japanese Tourism Cooperation Committee, responsible for promoting the cooperation between the two countries in the field of tourism, last year, the two nations are working upon plans to provide fillip to tourism industry in Vietnam.Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) is diligently working on its plans to increase the number of Japanese tourists coming to Vietnam to 500,000 in 2007.

According to VNAT’s statistics, Japan has been consistently among the top five markets which provide the largest number of tourists for Vietnam. In 2002, 275,000 Japanese tourists arrived in Vietnam accounting for 10.5 percent of the total number of international tourists coming to the country. However in 2003, as affected by SARS, the number saw a downfall to only 208,800 visitors. With the facilitation of visa exemptions, the number of Japanese tourists increased to 267,210 in 2004, 338,509 in 2005 and during the first eight months of 2006 the number reached 234,973.

The development comes at a stage when Vietnamese and Japanese leaders of tourism agreed to further intensify cooperation in tourism as written in a joint-declaration made before.

In the latest round of talks, according to Mme Vo Thi Thang, general director, VNAT, the administration has urged its Japanese counterpart to upgrade current Japanese websites on Vietnam tourism together with launching more websites in Japanese language to advertise Vietnam’s tourism in Japan.

>>Full article

INDONESIA - to promote Badung tourism in Eastern Europe

eTN, 25-10-2006

Unfazed by inadequacy of funds for promotion of tourism, Indonesia is keen on utilizing its existing resources to establish link with potential tourists.

Indonesia has shared its plans to promote Badung district’s tourism industry among East European tourists as one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia.

Indonesian Ambassador to Slovakia Lutfi Rauf said, “Bali is still one of Indonesia’s main tourist destinations because of its nature and cultural diversity. After all, we will continue to promote it abroad, including in Slovakia.”

Badung would be the only district in Bali to be appointed as the icon of tourism promotion in Slovakia as it had many tourist destinations rich in cultural diversity.

Among the tourist destinations in the district are the Ayun Park, the Monkey Park of Sangeh, Uluwatu, Air Terjun Nungnung and Kuta Beach.

>>Full article

MALAYSIA - hopes to reap benefits of its tourism sales missions to China and India

eTN Asia, 25-10-2006

Malaysia is looking at expanding its tourism ties with India and China.

Even as it continues the positive trend of registering more than one million visitors per month, Malaysia is aggressively targeting expansion of tourist base from Asia’s most populous nations India and China. In order to capitalize on opportunities in two source markets, Malaysia has recently taken series of initiatives including sales mission to both the countries. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, YB Dato’ Donald Lim, headed the sales mission to China recently. The delegation was scheduled to visit Zhengzhou (Henan province) and Jinan, Yantai and Qingdao (Shandong province) to strengthen the presence of Malaysia in the China market. The other main objectives are to publicize the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 events; to develop the market and promote Malaysia as an enjoyable holiday destination to Chinese tourists; to update the Chinese travel trade industry on new tourism products, packages and attractions; and to provide the Malaysian private sector with a platform to enhance their networking with the respective Chinese counterparts. Among other developments, the SE Asian nation is also planning to set up more Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) offices in the Northeast region to attract more Chinese to visit Malaysia next year.

>>Full article

INDIA - Tourists see life on wrong side of track

Telegraph London, 25-10-2006

For 200 rupees ($6), boys who once survived on their wits living rough on the platforms of New Delhi's railway station are offering visitors a taste of life as a street urchin. From running with pickpocket gangs to scavenging for scraps on arriving trains and dodging blows from the police, foreign tourists are spared no detail of life on the other side of the tracks.

The guides, who are organised by a charity for railway children, the Salaam Baalak Trust, take their paying guests to all the nooks and crannies of a station.

>>Full article

CHINA - Travel to China becomes mainstream

eTN, 10-25-2006

Upmarket travel, eco-tourism and cultural tours are part of growing trend of travel to China

London, UK - Oct 24, 2006 With increasing exposure of China in international media due to high profile events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 World Expo, travelling to China is no longer restricted to standard itineraries visiting Beijing,Xian,Shanghai. In the past, most tourists have not ventured further afield due to concerns of infrastrucutre, language and food. large state owned tour operators have provided a standard product to all tourists. This is now changing, and the WTM-ChinaContact conference on bilateral tourism relations with China 'China...the future of Travel' will bring together experts to show how travel is shifting into niche products and theme travel, led by pioneering local initiatives combined with the experience of international tour companies. From independent travel off the beaten track to luxury cruising, from culinary trips to extreme sports - China has it all. Getting the word out was always the challenge, as well as ensuring a consistent quality and good service. The conference at WTM (6th November 2006) features speakers who have went beyond the standard travel experience to offer something unique. They will share their experience with the delegates and discuss China's future as the number one tourist destination in the world. Expert speakers on tourism to China Torstein Hagen, CEO of Viking River Cruises, has experienced the growth in demand for upmarket travel in China from the West. He will be talking to the conference about the challenges of marketing China and maintaining high standards at all times. Albert Ng, CEO of Wild China will explain how off the beaten track tourism can flourish in China. Mark Eadie of ERM China will talk about the great challenges of protecting natural and cultural heritage while using tourism to benefit rural areas. Peter Wong, chairman of MK Corporation has built eco resorts throughout China that maintain the balance between human development and environmental protection. Also featured are Ray Hole and David Anderson who will share their experience of working with Chinese counterparts to enhance heritage tourism, visitor experience and attraction management. Harold Goodwin and Costas Christ, leading figures in the field of responsible tourism, will be discussing the need to develop tourism both within China and between China and the rest of the world, in a responsible and sustainable manner. Tourism officials from China's tourism boards will also address the conference and take questions about their work to attract more European visitors. They include the chairman of the Tourism Administration of Guangzhou municipality, officials from Shanghai and other destinations in China.

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PHILIPPINES - Tourism Assembly to explore WV's tourism development priorities

Thenewstoday, October 20, 2006, Iloilo City

The tourism potentials of Western Visayas will be like an open book showcasing a colorful and unique destination attractions on October 23-29, 2006.

Director Edwin Trompeta of the Department of Tourism (DOT) here said in a PIA interview that the activity is in line with the government's development and investment plan for the country in recognition to the tourism industry's role as one of the major engines for socio-economic development.

“Our focus is domestic tourism but we have to ensure that our local destinations are in synch with the promotional thrust of the national government."

It may be recalled that during the SONA of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Central Philippines super region was declared as the tourism hub of the country. Central Philippines super region comprises Regions V (Bicol Region), VI (Western Visayas, VII (Central Visayas) and VIII, plus the provinces of Palawan and Romblon.

Director Trompeta said that the WV Tourism Assembly which will be participated by the six provinces of Region VI will be held at the SM City Activity Center, here with the theme focusing on “Sustaining Domestic Tourism: Turning Ideas Into Action."

“To be able to sustain domestic tourism, specially with the local government units spearheading the promotions and marketing, we are actually in search for ideas and while there are many who are involved in the tourism industry there are also many ideas available and we would like to get those ideas, identify them, discuss these ideas, resolve them and get to agree on some basic initiatives that could help propel the industry forward,"Trompeta said.

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CAMBODIA - e-visa will increase Cambodia tourist arrivals but Middle East still excluded

Travel Daily News, oct 24 2006

The decision of Cambodia to launch e-visa will facilitate the tourism arrivals in the country.

Cambodia e-Visa was officially launched on the 17th April 2006, as a solution to the problem many tourists and business travellers faced to obtaining visa to enter Cambodia. The previous status made it difficult for tourists to enter the country with obvious impact on Cambodia`s tourism revenues so the concern of the Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was primarly to facilitate the process for people obtaining their visa. TravelDailyNews International asked Mr David Ng e-Visa Consultant in the Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation why did Cambodia take this decision: “Cambodia having Angkor Wat as one of The Seven Forgotten Wonders of Medevial Mind contribute as a major source of revenue to the country. Thousand of tourists visit Angkor Wat every month and yet there are still tourist that finds it difficult in obtaining Cambodia Visa. One of the method to increase tourist visiting Cambodia is by making Tourist Visa easily obtainable,” said Mr. Ng. Asking about the benefits for Cambodia Tourism from the launching of e-visa Mr Ng said, “We believe with electronic visa (e-Visa) it will help increase Cambodia Tourism industry by giving tourist a hassle-free and convenient method of applying visa compared to the conventional method.

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THAILAND - Vegetarian Festival boosts Phuket’s tourism with active bookings

Thaisnews.com, 10-24-2006

17 shrines across the island of Phuket are organizing the annual Vegetarian Festival during October 21st to October 30th. All of them also join hands for a special procession and gathering on October 23rd in honor of His Majesty the King's 60th Anniversary of His Accession to the Throne. During a press conference, Anchalee Vanit Theppabutra, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation, calls for participants to wear yellow on October 23rd. She also points out that the event has been listed in the Tourism Authority of Thailand's calendar of events.

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CHINA - Cities Link for Tourism along Silk Road

CRI, 10-17-2006

The Silk Road winding through northwestern China has always been a major attraction to tourists from home and aboard. To emphasize its significance, this year's Dunhuang Culture and Tourism Festival concluded on Sunday with an agreement by 18 tourist cities along this ancient trade route on co-operation and the future development of regional tourism.

According to the "Joint Pronouncement on Regional Tourism Development along the Silk Road," the 18 cities will strengthen mutual communication and exchanges and make cooperative efforts in promoting "reliable tourism" and "barrier-less tourism" aimed at attracting and facilitating tourists to the region.

The city of Dunhuang in Qinghai province, where the world-famous Dunhuang Grottoes are located, has also signed agreements with 14 cities to play each other's promotional video programs at scenic spots.

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SINGAPORE - to promote land transport system

Vietnamnetbridge, 24/10/2006

Singapore's Transport Minister Raymond Lim announced Monday that his country will develop a new roadmap to articulate and guide the key land transport developments over the next 10 to 15 years.

Lim said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) would make a comprehensive review of the public transport by the end of 2007. This is a follow up to the white paper on land transport, which is the government's blueprint for a world-class road and rail system released in 1996, Lim said. Buying and using a car come at a price in Singapore but the car population grew by some 10 percent between 1997 and 2004. There are about 780,000 vehicles on Singapore's streets and most of them are used intensively - with the daily number of trips increasing by 23 percent. In contrast, the proportion of trips taken on public transport dipped from 67 percent to 63 percent over the same period. "For a start, we will have to reverse the trend of declining public transport modal share, and over time, we aim to raise it," said Lim. He added that "Our focus would be on the morning peak period, where we target to increase the public transport model share of 63 percent to at least 70 percent over the next 10 to 15 years."

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