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DOT kicks off ‘Be My Guest’ project in Dubai

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MANILA, 12 December 2023: The Philippines Department of Tourism launched the ‘Bisita, Be My Guest’ (BBMG) Programme in Dubai last week. 

It encourages Filipinos to be tourism ambassadors and offers them a chance to win valuable prizes. The Dubai launch marked the programme’s sixth international launch, following Tokyo, Japan, Berlin, Germany, Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, and London earlier this year.

Photo credit: DOT. Be My Guest Launch in Dubai last week.

The DOT statement explained that the BBMG aims to showcase the Philippines as a premier tourist destination and inspire Filipinos to share the country’s beauty with the world.”

In Dubai, the programme taps the potential of having more than 700,000 Filipinos residing in the Emirates who can present the Philippines’ tourism story through word-of-mouth recommendations.

A collaborative effort between the DOT, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB), the BBMG programme encourage Filipinos, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Overseas Filipinos (OFs), to be tourism ambassadors and invite their friends and family to the Philippines with the chance to win grand raffle prizes.

Among the prizes up for grabs are a house and lot from AyalaLand, condominium units from Megaworld Corporation and SMDC, shopping sprees from Rustan’s and SM Supermalls, and holiday packages to select destinations, inclusive of round-trip flights from Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air.

(Source: DOT Philippines)

Last minute with Pandaw

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SINGAPORE, 12 December 2023: Pandaw’s 2023/24 sailing season is in full force as Asia’s river cruise specialist welcomes many returning Pandaw members and first-timers aboard the distinctive vessels that explore rivers in Southeast Asia and India.

Looking ahead to 2024, occupancy remains high, and Pandaw reports the majority of preferred staterooms are already booked. However, a few cabins remain available for last-minute bookers, with the river ship operator offering incentives.

Last-minute bookers can enjoy complimentary drinks packages or package upgrades for members when they book an expedition of seven or more nights sailing before July 2024. You can take advantage of this special offer when you book a qualifying expedition by noting ‘last min drinks’ alongside your booking reference. Once the deposit has been paid, the complementary drinks package will be added. 

With limited cabins remaining across all destinations for early 2024, book today to benefit from this offer and join Pandaw for an adventure on the rivers of Asia.  

To book, visit pandaw.com, email [email protected]

Discover more about Pandaw

Indonesia to review visa-free list

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BALI, 12 December 2023: Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno is pressing for the inclusion of another 20 nationalities on the country’s visa-free entry list, with China and India as the top priorities, along with Australia.

According to a report by Bali Update, the Minister’s recommendation on extending the visa-free stay list formed part of a video uploaded to the YouTube Channel of the Indonesian State Secretariat. 

The 20 countries recommended for free visitor visas to Indonesia are:
Australia
China (PRC)
India
South Korea
USA
UK
France
Germany
Qatar
United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
The Netherlands
Japan
Russia
Taiwan
New Zealand
Italy
Spain
Plus, two unspecified Middle Eastern Countries

In addition, nine ASEAN member nations are already on the list for visa-free visits for up to 15 days.

The National Statistic Agency (BPS) reported last week that from January to October 2023, the country welcomed 9,942,004 international visitors, an increase of 124.30% over the same 10 months in 2022.

Vistara Airlines stands to benefit if Indian citizens gain visa-free entry to Indonesia. On 1 December, the airline inaugurated daily, nonstop flights between Delhi and Bali, a move welcomed by the island’s airport authority. 

The inaugural flight, operated on Vistara’s A321LR aircraft, took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, at 0030 on 1 December 2023 and arrived at Denpasar International Airport, Bali (DPS) at 1105. 

Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan said: “Bali is one of the most coveted holiday havens for travellers in India, and we are excited to be the only airline currently to launch direct connectivity between Delhi and Bali. 

“Given the close commercial and cultural ties India and Indonesia share, Bali has also rapidly grown to be a key destination for corporate travel and MICE.”

ADB’s funding lands in Luang Prabang

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MANILA, 12 December 2023: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD35 million concessional loan and a USD10 million grant for the Urban Environment Improvement Investment Project to help support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development in Luang Prabang City in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). 

Luang Prabang City is northern Lao PDR’s primary transport and tourism hub, with a fast-growing urban core situated at the junction of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. 

Luang Prabang City is northern Lao PDR’s major transport and tourism hub, with a fast-growing urban core situated at the junction of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. Photo: ADB.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 1995 included its compact historic precinct and surrounding landscape. Since then, developing much-needed solid waste management and wastewater treatment facilities, urban roads and footpaths, and public greenspace has not kept pace with skyrocketing demand—causing environmental degradation and diminishing livability. 

“Luang Prabang’s precious heritage and the livelihoods it supports are increasingly threatened by unplanned urban development, climate change, and disasters that disproportionately affect women and vulnerable groups,” said ADB country director for Lao PDR Sonomi Tanaka. “Better urban infrastructure, environmental management, and tourism services together with gender-responsive integrated urban planning and management are needed to help raise the quality of life in Luang Prabang and make it more resilient to shocks.”    

Innovative project components include home, community, and training facility-based childcare pilots for recipients of higher education and vocational training scholarships that will be offered to female officials employed in the water supply, sanitation, public works, and tourism sectors. The project will establish a women-led creative industries business development network and prepare the Lao PDR’s first creative city strategy and action plan. Women will also be trained to manage smart infrastructure solutions following the Luang Prabang Integrated and Smart Urban Strategy, prepared under the ADB-administered ASEAN–Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund.  

Capacity development to support tariff reforms, strengthen financial management, facilitate private sector investment, and improve disaster preparedness and response will complement the project’s infrastructure investments. The project will benefit 104,500 residents and 1.3 million annual visitors by 2031.

(Source: ADB)

Amadeus tracks festive season trends

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SINGAPORE, 12 December 2023: Amadeus data reveals Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand are the top hotel destinations for Christmas and New Year’s travel, according to booking data insights from Amadeus.

The dominant trend showing up in the global distribution system’s forward-looking market insights indicated Los Cabos, Cape Town, and Phuket top the travellers’ favourites list.

Photo credit: Amadeus

Amadeus’ Demand360®+  data up until 27 November 2023 showed global hotel occupancy for Christmas and New Year’s weeks is already at 23%. This is up 10 % from the same time last year. Globally, occupancy levels this festive season are trending ahead of 2022, reflecting a return of confidence in travel and a desire for warmer climates in some of the leading destinations.

According to hotel occupancy, the top destinations globally are: 

  1. Los Cabos, Mexico 77%
  2. Cape Town, South Africa, 71%
  3. Phuket, Thailand 69%
  4. Cancun, Mexico 69%
  5. Honolulu, Hawaii 64%
  6. Tokyo, Japan 61%
  7. Maldives 59%
  8. Sydney, Australia 58%
  9. Taipei, Taiwan 58%
  10. Kahului, Hawaii 57%

The top destinations in APAC are:

  1. Phuket 69%
  2. Tokyo 61%
  3. Maldives 59%
  4. Sydney 58%
  5. Bali 51%
  6. Bangkok 51%
  7. Osaka 50%
  8. Melbourne 47%
  9. Mumbai 44% 
  10. Singapore 42%

Sydney has seen an increase of 29% over 2022, as it sits higher on the list for this year. Osaka has also seen an increase in demand, up 16% compared with 2022.

During this festive season, travellers prioritise sun, nature, gastronomy, and culture, contributing to high occupancy levels across APAC and LATAM. Compared to last year, APAC is trending 8% higher, EMEA 7%, LATAM 4%, and NORAM is on par with 2022. Los Cabos, the top market, has seen a 16% increase in bookings since 2022.

The data also reveals travellers still book accommodations close to their intended travel dates. Booking lead times remain short as 56% of travellers worldwide make hotel reservations within a week of their trip, up 4% compared with 2022. 

“Christmas and New Year’s is a busy time for hoteliers, and we see increased popularity in the APAC and LATAM regions as travellers look to book getaways,” said Amadeus regional vice president of hospitality, Asia Pacific Edward Wright. “Having access to comprehensive, forward-looking business intelligence data is important because it allows hoteliers to identify booking patterns and revenue opportunities so they can still drive last-minute demand while ensuring their property is staffed and ready to provide a great guest experience”.

The data is based on insight from Amadeus’ Demand360+ business intelligence as of 27 November for the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, 24 December 2023 -6 January 2024

About Amadeus
A global travel technology company, the company’s software and technology powers the global travel and tourism industry, including airlines, booking search engines, travel agencies, hotels, and the world’s top travel brands.

(Source: Amadeus)

Thai Vietjet boosts China flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 12 December 2023: Expanding its wings to China, Thai Vietjet launched two new routes from Bangkok to Shanghai and Hangzhou last week.

In a press statement, the airline said it was responding to the temporary tourist visa exemption scheme for passport holders of the People’s Republic of China. 

The services were launched to both Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The two new routes are served by A320 aircraft.

“With the launch of two new services to Shanghai and Hangzhou, Thai Vietjet enhances connectivity between Thailand and China. We are proud to mark another great milestone,” said Thia Vietjet CEO Woranate Laprabang. 

The Bangkok-Shanghai route operates with daily flights, while the Bangkok–Hangzhou route starts with four weekly services every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Langkawi Medan roadshow reaches agents

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 10 December 2023: LADA’s Business to Business (B2B) Indonesia Langkawi Roadshow in Medan last week was declared a success, having recruited 24 of the island’s tourism industry entrepreneurs who met with 80 travel agencies based in Medan.

Held last week to drum up travel bookings from Medan ahead of the upcoming direct flights scheduled to fly to Langkawi Q1, 2024, the sales mission consisted of 13 travel agencies, five travel products, five hotels and one international association. The B2B sales sessions were held at the Hotel Santika Premier Dyandra & Convention, Medan.

Reaching 80 travel agencies from Medan Team Langkawi raised the profile of the island’s attractions and paved the way to boost bookings in 2024. The B2B mission was a collaboration of LADA with Tourism Malaysia Medan, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition (Myceb) and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of North Sumatra, Indonesia.

http://www.naturallylangkawi.my/

Music festival opens in Vijayawada

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, 10 December 2023: India’s Ministry of Tourism is hosting a three-day musical festival, ‘Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam’ in Vijayawada City on the banks of River Krishna from 10 to 12 December.

Vijayawada, formerly known as Bezawada, is the second-largest city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, located on the banks of the Krishna River. The city is home to the important Hindu shrine of Kanaka Durga Temple (Wikipedia).

The musical festival is co-organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi and State Government of Andhra Pradesh, according to the Press Information Bureau of India report.

The Ministry of Tourism strives to innovate and diversify niche tourism content through festivals, which has resulted in significant efforts to promote tangible and intangible heritage and lesser-known tourist attractions. The Krishnaveni Sangeeta Neeranjam musical festival aims to celebrate the rich heritage of classical music and help revive the focus on Harikatha and Namasankeerthana traditions.

Besides showcasing classical musical traditions, the festival promotes regional cuisine, handicrafts, community spiritual heritage, and eco-tourism.

During the two-day festival, handicraft artisans showcase Kalamkari painting, Kondapalli wooden toys, Banjara embroidery, and handloom weavers display how they create the intricate designs and fabrics of the famed Mangalagiri, Uppada and Pochampally sarees.

Over 21 renowned artists perform recitals alongside music college students from Andhra Pradesh and surrounding states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka across four venues. The concerts are at three venues (Vijayawada at Durga Gha, Banks of River Krishna, Tummalapalli Kalakshetram and Kanak Durga Temple). Plus, the Handicraft and Handloom exhibition and the food festival are hosted at Punnami Ghat, Berhm Park, Vijayawada. 

Airlines flying to Vijayawada

Currently, four airlines are flying to Vijayawada. Most flights to Vijayawada are operated by IndiGo followed by Alliance Air (Flight Connections).

A comprehensive website details the region’s musical traditions, crafts, cuisine and tourism attractions and the eminent artists and composers participating in the event. For more information visit https://krishnavenimusicfest.com.  

Additionally,  the region’s temples, forts, and monuments will also be highlighted during the festival, focusing on the lesser-known destinations of Veerabhadra Swamy Temple at Lepakshi, Gandikota Fort, the ruins of Amravati Stupa and the four-storey Rock cut Hindu temple at Undavalli.

Recently, ‘Garba of Gujarat’ has been inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity by UNESCO under the provisions of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Earlier, Shantiniketan in West Bengal and Hoysala Temples in Karnataka were inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

(Source: Ministry Tourism India – PIB)

DOT Philippines spotlights creative tourism

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 8 December 2023: The Department of Tourism Philippines hosted the three-day inaugural edition of the Philippine Creative Tourism Congress (PCTC) at the Orange Project Hall in the Bacolod City Art District from 6 to 8 December. 

In addition to plenary sessions that provided a clearer understanding of creative tourism and its various outcomes, the congress attracted more than 100 participants from Members of the Philippine House of Representatives, the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC), local government units, public and private sectors with interest in Creative Tourism, and various DOT regional offices.

Photo credit: DOT. Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco opens Creative Tourism Congress.

In her keynote address, Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted the first Philippine Creative Congress aligns with the administration’s vision for the tourism sector to play an invaluable role in the promotion of the Filipino brand. 

Quoting President Ferdinand Bongbong Marco Jr, she added: “It is time to welcome the rest of the world with an enhanced Filipino brand that is unique, attractive and creative.”

Secretary Frasco stressed the law’s relevance that solidified the country’s creative industries.
“The recently enacted Republic Act 11904, known as the Philippine Creative Industries Act of 2022 (PCIDA), stands as a beacon for fostering the creative industries. Mandating the safeguards and fortifying the rights and capacities of creative firms, creators, and stakeholders in the country, the law also advocates establishing the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council (PCIDC).” 

The first Philippines Creative Tourism Congress 2023 was hosted by the Department of Tourism Office of Product and Market Development (DOT-OPMD) with support from the DOT Region VI office. DOT positioned the congress as a transformative event “aimed at shaping a new perspective of tourism in the Philippines.”

The DOT chief hailed ‘Creative Tourism’ as the catalyst for a new era in travel, is an innovative approach involving tourists and local communities in crafting unique and immersive travel experiences – a concept centred on co-creation.

The PCTC 2023 represents a cornerstone in the DOT’s commitment to amplifying the cultural richness and creative prowess of the Philippines on the global stage. It marks the initiation of a journey toward sustainable and inclusive tourism, encapsulating the essence of collaboration and innovation.

Other institutions that supported the facilitation of the Congress include the City of Bacolod, the Negros Occidental Provincial Government, and the Slow Food Community of Negros. 

The PCTC is a collaborative effort between the DOT and the Creative Tourism Network (CTN), a non-profit organisation dedicated to showcasing destinations that leverage creative tourism.

Dusit’s golden spire returns

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 8 December 2023: Dusit Thani Public Company Limited, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has officially topped off the newly built structure that stands on the same prime plot as the original property, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 to 2019

In good company: The reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok is part of Dusit Central Park, a landmark USD1.37 billion mixed-use development that will also feature ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200 sq m Roof Park.

It signals another big stride towards the return of its renowned flagship hotel – Dusit Thani Bangkok. The reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok is scheduled to open in the second half of 2024 as part of Dusit Central Park, a landmark USD1.37 billion mixed-use development opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of the Thai capital. 

This highly anticipated project will also comprise ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200 sq m Roof Park. These components are expected to open gradually in 2025 and 2026.

Comprising 257 guestrooms, one of the largest ballrooms in Bangkok, and a wide range of innovative dining, wellness, and meeting facilities, the new 39-storey Dusit Thani Bangkok represents a contemporary transformation of the original hotel and is designed to elevate Dusit’s standing on the world stage while redefining its heritage through a modern lens.

The signature golden spire is back

As part of its design, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok integrates signature elements from the original property that were removed and preserved for use as part of the new building. This includes the signature golden spire, which was returned as part of the new property’s topping-off ceremony – and now stands once again as a beacon of luxury for discerning travellers worldwide. 

The original spire will be housed within a new, larger golden spire. A mini exhibition space located directly under this structure will serve as a permanent museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the original hotel. Guests and visitors can expect to find interactive exhibits detailing the storied legacy of the property, sweeping views of the adjacent Lumpini Park, and numerous photo opportunities against the backdrop of the original spire. 

Executives mark the occasion: The official topping-off ceremony was attended by key senior figures from DUSIT. (From left): Gilles Cretallaz, COO, DUSIT; Siradej Donavanik, VP – Global Development, DUSIT; Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, DUSIT; Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Executive Committee, DUSIT; La-Ead Kovavisaruch, Chief Investment Officer, DUSIT, and CEO, Vimarn Suriya Company Limited; Natapa Sriyuksiri, VP – Creative Strategy and Design, DUSIT; and Adrian Rudin, Managing Director, Dusit Thani Bangkok

The original property’s signature golden spire was returned as part of the new hotel’s topping-off ceremony.
For more information, please visit Dusit-international.com

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