PHILIPPINES - Solve Boracay power woes, NAPOCOR told

The Philippine Star, June 4, 2007

BORACAY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) and owners of establishments here are asking the National Power Corp. (NAPOCOR) to promptly address power fluctuations hounding this resort island.
The problem, caused by a damaged underwater power cable, has forced establishment owners to use generators to prevent their stored food from spoiling and to avoid further inconvenience for their local and foreign guests.
Members of the Boracay Foundation Inc. and the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry raised their concerns to Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano during his visit last Saturday.

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ACCOMMODATION - Marriott to launch New Brand - Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott

ASIATravelTips.com, 4 June 2007

Marriott International, Nickelodeon, a unit of Viacom International, MTV Networks, and Miller Global Properties, an international real estate investment and development company, have reached an agreement to co-develop a new lodging resort brand and concept - “Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott,” with 20 potential hotels expected to be under construction by 2020.

The new upscale, self-contained destination resorts will be developed through a collaboration among Nickelodeon, one of the world’s leading entertainment brands for kids, with 35 channels reaching approximately more than 200 million households in 135 countries; Marriott International, which has nearly 2,900 hotels in 68 countries; and Miller Global Properties.

Miller Global will have certain exclusive rights to develop and own the resorts in specified geographic areas, and plans to seed an investment fund that is expected to initially provide $300 million of dedicated development equity capital. All “Nickelodeon Resorts by Marriott” properties will be managed by Marriott.

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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS - Travel Attitudes Towards Asia

Balidiscovery.com, (6/2/2007)

A travel attitude survey conducted among 5,050 respondents from 10 nations has proven revealing on both the perceptions and misperceptions of world travelers towards Indonesia and other Asian destinations. Undertaken in cooperation between the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and VISA, the survey was carried out in February and March 2007 tallying the views of a sample of 500 respondents each from Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Sweden, Britain, U.S.A. and Australia.

The 40-page reports provides insights on the perceptions, prejudices, plans and motivating factors among world travelers as regards Pacific Asia travel.

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BALI -Environmental Warnings Issued to 3 Sanur Hotels

Balidiscovery.com, (6/2/2007)

The Indonesian-language Denpost reports that a task force comprised of the Coordinating Team for the Control of Pollution (TKP2LH), members of the Foundation for Sanur Development (YPS-Yayasan Pembangunan Sanur) the Working Secretariat for the Rescue and Safeguarding of the Environment (SKPPLH)and members of the Sanur village community have issued a two-month deadline to three leading hotels in Sanur to get their environmental record-keeping in order and correct deficiencies in their waste management systems and procedures.Cited for urgent correction at a joint meeting held in Sanur on Thursday, May 31, 2007 were 3 hotels - the Hotel Inna Grand Bali Beach, Bali Hyatt and the Hotel Sanur Beach.

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BALI - Villas Built in Restricted Zone to be Demolished?

Balidiscovery.com, (6/2/2007)

The Indonesian-language BisnisBali warns that the tolerance of the Badung Regency's authorities when it comes to granting licenses to Villas in Bali will have its limits. The Chief of Tourism for the Badung Regency, Made Subawa, told the press that the special team established for the registration of tourism accommodation will not process permits for villas built in Bali's "green zones" or "jalur hijau" where permanent construction of any kind is strictly prohibited.

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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS - Asia Pacific Travel and Entertainment Corporate Card Spend Rose 44% in 2006

ASIATravelTips .com, 31 May 2007

A new global survey commissioned by Visa International and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE Global) and conducted by analyst firm Aberdeen Group has revealed a 44% increase in travel and entertainment spending on corporate cards in Asia Pacific during 2006, compared with 2005. This was twice the average global percentage increase during the same period and equated to an average annual spend of more than US$17,300 on travel and entertainment per company surveyed in Asia Pacific.
The survey, titled “Global Commercial Payment Cards: Cutting Costs and Boosting Control on a Global Stage”, also found that of the companies surveyed in Asia Pacific, 69% have implemented a compulsory policy of corporate card use for travel and entertainment, while 78% were looking at how to expand their card programs to non-travel related expenses.

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AVIATION - Jetstar takes Tiger by tail

Herald Sun, May 29, 2007

QANTAS offshoot Jetstarhas fired its first shot for control of the budget travel market by offering a new bonus system to undercut Virgin Blue and soon-to-launch Tiger Airways.The strategy is based on rewarding loyal Jetstar passengers with vouchers which they can use to offset the cost of future travel.
Under the new arrangement, customers can claim double the difference between the cost of competing fares if they are offered an online fare lower than Jetstar's fare.
Both flights must be on the same day and take off within an hour of the other.
The new reward plan is among a raft of major changes aimed at improving Jetstar's 15 per cent share of domestic travel.
The new strategy, which was outlined to the market last week by Qantas chief executive Geoff Dixon, also involves plans to add a frequent flyer program to Jetstar services next year.

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VIETNAM - National airlines, travel watchdog team tie up to boost tourism

thanhniennews.com, May 28, 2007

Vietnam Airlines pledged to take the initiative in tourism promotion activities by the industry and as well support cargo goods and tourist delegations organized by VNAT.
The handshake deal also targets to market Vietnam tourism in and out of the country via market research, public media-based advertisement, participation in international tourism affairs and organization of Vietnamese events abroad with the particular focus on potential markets.
In the shorter-run, the unlisted carrier will provide free-of-charge transport service of publications related to the country’s tourism to Vietnamese embassies in Russia, France, Germany, Japan and China.

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CAMBODIA - replaces tourism minister for further sector development

People's Daily Online, May 17, 2007

Cambodian National Assembly here on Thursday approved the appointment of former secretary of state Thong Kon to replace Lay Prohas as tourism minister for further development of the sector.
During the assembly, 84 voted for, eight against, nine invalid and six in abstention for the team of Thong Kon as minister from the major ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and Nhiek Kim Chhon as secretary of state, namely deputy minister, from the co- ruling Funcinpec Party, said President Heng Samrin.
Only 107 of the 123 parliamentarians attended the vote, he added.
Hun Sen said upon the approval that the reshuffle was made to address some irregularities at the ministry to strive for further development of the mushrooming industry.
"We want to reform to achieve development and reduce poverty and the tourism sector is expected to contribute to the economic growth in large scale," he told reporters.

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BALI - A Look at January-April Arrivals to Bali 2000-2007

Balidiscovery.com, (5/27/2007)

As reported on balidiscovery.com, total foreign arrivals during the first four months of 2007 totaled 472,082 - representing an improvement of +38.38% over the same four months in 2006 and the strongest start to any year on record. Bali's Top 4 Source Markets and the PRCThe graphics presented in this installment of Bali by the Numbers examining Bali's top four source markets for the first four months of each year from 2000 - 2007 show:

Japanese arrival figures have recovered completely improving +57.53% in the first for months of 2007 (107,254) as compared to the same period in 2006. Japanese arrivals during the opening months of 2007 performed at near-record levels.•

Australia arrival numbers, while improving +56.65% for January-April 2007 as compared to 2006, still lag some -35.49% behind the first four months of 2005.

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BALI - Despite Record Setting Foreign Tourist Arrival Numbers, Many Businesses Complain that Business is Bad

Balidiscovery.com, (5/26/2007)

While the Bali-based survey suggested an average overall length-of-stay (LOS) of 9.87 days, this figure is down markedly from the 11.71 day LOS recorded just a few years ago. That the actual length of stay may be even lower is suggested by the overwhelming preponderance of Bali visitors who opt for a 7-day visa-on-arrival as opposed to the next alternative of a 30-day visa. This is consistent with other results from the survey which show that North Asian and East Asian visitors are staying on the Island for only 6.83 days while ASEAN visitors spend an even shorter period of 5.10 days in Bali. Overall, 55.20% of all visitors to Bali stay for less than 7 days.Spending LessWhile regional airlines championing "Now Everyone Can Fly" have largely lived up to that promise, the amount of money left in Bali by regional travelers on perhaps their first trip abroad is much less than more seasoned travelers of yesteryear. One local hotelier said that requests for three or four people sharing a single room are increasingly common and these customers leave the hotel to purchase their meals from local street vendors or dine on food items purchased from local supermarkets.

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BALI - Developers In Over Their Heads?

Balidiscovery.com, (5/27/2007)

A controversial suite development planned by PT Bali Unicorn (BUC), located on the seaside near Canggu at a local estuary, has caused vehement protests by local citizens who claim the developer violated property lines, zoning rules and desecrated a sacred area reserved for prayer and ceremonies. Large protests by thousands of local Balinese from surrounding villages eventually caused the Government to call a halt to ground work for the project and issue an order demanding the developer rebuild and restore the damaged shoreline and bottom lands of the delta.

The project, owned by the same parties who have developed the Discovery Mall Complex in South Kuta, saw contractors using heavy earth-moving equipment to reclaim land by filling in natural lagoons for the construction of suites and supporting structures. Fearing floods and the disturbance of areas held sacred by the Balinese, thousands descended on the project in April threatening sterner action if the project was not immediately halted.

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INDONESIA - Transportation & Cleanliness are Fundamental to Bali

Balidiscovery.com, (5/26/2007)

Indonesia's former Minister of Culture and Tourism, I Gede Ardika, has labeled transportation as one of the most fundamental challenges facing Bali tourism in the future. Speaking to the Indonesian-language Nusa Bali, Ardika described Bali's current transportation system as "stagnant." Ardika explained, "Bali must develop rapid mass transportation – such as electric trains, an expansion of the airport and the development of an international cruise port."

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INDONESIA - Changing Demographics May Change Bali's Character

Balidiscovery.com, (5/26/2007)

A recent article in the Indonesian language Nusa Bali suggests that the increasingly large share of domestic travelers coming to Bali may play a determining role in the future face of the Island. According to the article, domestic travelers, who now represent more than half of all visitors to Bali, are complaining that Bali's tourist objects are becoming "monotonous." The newspaper quoted a visitor from Surabaya, Suryo Pratomo, who was able to purchase a 3 night/4 day package at a local 5 star hotel for his family for only Rp. 5 million (approximately US$ 568). While Pratomo admitted Bali was still a popular location for a family get away, he reflected the opinion of many domestic tourists who eschew traditional Balinese culture in favor of more modern pursuits. "Bali needs family tourism objects such as 'Dunia Fantasi' (editor: a popular amusement park in Jakarta) or 'Disneyland'." he suggested.

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VIETNAM - New rules to lift RE market

Asia Property Report, May 28 2007

A draft regulation to allow foreigners to buy homes in Vietnam, when put into effect, is likely to drive up demand and prices on the high-end property market, according to Ngo Tri Long, deputy director of the Institute for Market and Price Research under the Ministry of Finance.

"The demand for accommodation will rise significantly among foreigners working in Vietnam, especially for luxury homes," said Long, a member of the regulations drafting team.

Do Thi Loan, general secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association, said that the price of a quality home in a good location and with all ownership papers in good legal order will keep rising.

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INDIA - Tamil Nadu gets boost

TTGindia.com, May 20 2007

Tamil Nadu Tourism’s tourism development is on a roll with many public and private sector investments coming up in the state. Government of Tamil Nadu special commissioner, tourism, and Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation chairman and managing director, Mr Sanwat Ram, told TTG India: “The budget for tourism for the financial year is US$10 million.
We plan to focus our investment on infrastructure development and enhancing tourist amenities at the state’s many tourist attractions.” Additionally, the state is spending US$11 million each at Thanjavur, Madhurai and Kanyakumari on infrastructure development. Sound-and-light shows at Thanjavur and Kanyakumari are being constructed at an additional US$3.3 million and US$5.5 million respectively.

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SINGAPORE - Change or be squeezed out

TTGasia.com, May 25 - 31, 2007

STB deputy CEO- International Operations, Mr Quek Swee Kuan, in an interview following an STB industry conference last week, said the message that agents would have to change their business strategy – ie, come up with the right packaging to target the right customer segment – was not blatantly pushed, “however, hopefully they are smart to hear the message and even if they don’t listen, the market forces will tell them”.

He said: “There are those who don’t want to go high-yield, and will continue with the mass market to the extent they can get rooms at the rate the customers are prepared to pay. But the reality is, with the increase in prices, they would have to target different market segments. They run businesses; they will know how to address these changes.”

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REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS - Large Sporting Events Play Important Part in Tourism Development

ASIA Travel Tips .com, 24 May 2007

The 2007 China (Qingdao) International Forum on Tourism & Olympics, hosted by UNWTO and the Chinese National Tourism Administration (CNTA), this week underscored the importance of large sporting events as an increasingly important part of today’s tourism supply and for their potential to foster sustainable development.

The Chairman of CNTA, Shao Qiwei, opened the “pre Olympics” Tourism Conference with a commitment that the 2008 Beijing Games would be fully linked to the progressive tourism strategies of China in which service and quality are key components.

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PHILIPPINES - Resort rates increasing

TTGasia.com, May 18 - 24, 2007

ROOM inventory at Philippine resort destinations is increasing, but meanwhile it is still a sellers’ market.According to the Department of Tourism, Cebu City and Mactan have a total of 8,395 rooms; Boracay, 4,077; and Palawan, 2,428.S

Some 3,000 new rooms are scheduled to open this year alone. Additions over the next two years include the 616-room Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort and Spa in Cebu, the 150-room Microtel Mactan and the 217-room Shangri-La Resort and Spa Boracay.

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AVIATION - Virgin Galactic to name Asian agents

TTGasia, May 18 - 24, 2007

DUBAI – Virgin Galactic will appoint one retail agent each in Hong Kong and Taiwan within the next two months to sell tickets on its SpaceShipOne and hopes to appoint agents in South-east Asia and the rest of Asia by next year. Singapore and India are the next priorities.Head of astronaut sales, Ms Carolyn Wincer, told TTG Asia the commission for agents was up to five per cent. Each ticket is priced at US$200,000.Asked what it took to sell space tickets, Ms Wincer, interviewed in Dubai, where Virgin Galactic has appointed Sharaf Travel to handle sales in the Middle East, said agents must have “a proven database of high net worth individuals, good track record of getting new clients and must be passionate about this industry”.

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