Cambodia Well Prepared for ASEAN TOURISM FORUM (ATF) 2011

In a way to get well-prepared for the upcoming Cambodia 30th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF 2011), the Cambodian government and other key stakeholders met on August 31st, 2010 at Naga World, Phnom Penh, in the country's capital to discuss things to be done by then.

Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of ATF 2011 Inter- Ministerial Organizing Committee Sok An presided over the official launching of ATF 2011 and new websites of the Ministry of Tourism, www.tourismcambodia.org.

Excellency Sok An said that the 2011 ATF is a great event for the ASEAN, ASEAN+3 (India, Australia and Russia) and other partners to have more exchange and help to promote the development of tourism industry.

He said the theme of the 30th ATF is "ASEAN - A World of Wonders and Diversity", which reflects ASEAN's rich regional culture, abundant natural resources and high quality services in the tourism industry.

Sok An pointed out that the 30th ATF 2011 will also help Cambodia to promote its tourism industry.

Excellency Dr. Thong Khon, minister of tourism said at the forum that as planned the 30th ATF 2011 will be held at the newly built Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia from January 15 to 21, 2011.

He said alongside with the ATF 2011, there will be travel exchange (TRAVEX) which will give the venue for the ASEAN's package toursellers and potential buyers from the region and the world, and friendship golf tournament for ASEAN Tourism Ministers and senior officials, organized and sponsored by international television network (CNN).

Dr. Thong Khon said "Cambodia is proud to host ATF for the second time, which proves the development in all sectors in Cambodia, particularly infrastructure development, potential cultural and historical tourism, and abundant natural resources, together with the nature smiles of Cambodian people, deserved to be recognized as Cambodia-Kingdom of Wonder".

Cambodia first hosted ATF in 2003.
Dr. Thong Khon said during the ATF 2011, there will be a platform for TRAVEX exhibition consisting 420 stands. Currently, 302 stands have been booked by domestic and international companies (sellers) and there are 477 buyers from the region and the world.

He added that"ATF will be the greatest opportunities for both buyers and sellers to enhance business communication, operation and networking in a closely and friendly manner."

Over 1,600 delegates which include 400 international buyers and 100 international media are expected to take part and cover the event.

The statistics provided by Ministry of Tourism showed that in seven months of 2010, there were 1,423,505 foreign tourists visited the country. The number showed a significant increase of 13.85 percent compared to the same period in 2009.

Meanwhile, Dr. Thong Khan said that preliminary estimate predicts that Cambodia will receive around 2.4 million tourist arrivals in 2010. an increase of approximately 12 percent.

For more information about ATF Cambodia 2011, pls check http://www.atfcambodia.com/

Only 30 days to go....ITE HCMC 2010 – The Largest Travel Event in Vietnam

The Mekong trio of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos both jointly as well as individually are planning and embarking on dynamic strategies and solutions, to develop and promote tourism growth. With the ambitious Tourism Master Plans, policies and vision backed by robust investment initiatives in infrastructure and facilities, tourism development and growth in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam is entering a new era.

International Travel Expo at Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2010) provides you the platform to exchange growing business for inbound and outbound travel opportunities in Cambodia, Laos & Vietnam.

ITE HCMC an annual show since 2005, is Vietnam’s largest travel event serving one of the key travel and tourism market in the region. It is the only travel trade platform that offers an opportunity for tourism businesses in ASEAN countries to meet selected buyers from around the world. In addition to suppliers of diverse travel products in the three countries ITE HCMC also brings regional tourism operators and NTO’s to promote out bound travel in the growing Vietnam market.’

It is also an ideal platform for international buyers to gather the latest information on tourism offerings, establish new business contacts and learn about the latest ASEAN tourism trends and developments when Vietnam will be the Chairman of ASEAN. Specially, this is a common promotional channel for Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam – 3 Countries One Destination (3CODe) to promote itself.

A visit to ITE HCMC also offers all participants a golden opportunity to uncover the hidden charms within Vietnam as well as the opportunity to visit Cambodia and Laos through pre and post tour arrangements. ITE HCMC 2010 will be held from September 30th to October 2nd, 2010 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

For more information on how to participate, logon to www.itehcmc.com or please contact:
Mr. Cheah Wai Hong
IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd
Email: WaiHong.Cheah@iirx.vn

International and Chinese industry players to ride on next MICE wave at IT&CM China 2011

Show receives strong support from both past and new exhibitors

Early indications signal a healthy outlook for China’s 2011 MICE market. Chinese and International MICE suppliers confident of surging market demand have committed to exhibiting at IT&CM (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings) China 2011, China’s leading international MICE trade event, as early as one year in advance.

Among them is the ultra-luxurious Pangu 7-star Hotel Beijing, which boasts stunning views of the Water Cube, Bird’s Nest and sprawling Olympic Park. Mr Jeffery Qiao, Panghu’s Director of MICE, said: “As an up-market independent boutique hotel with many unique selling points, we are looking to impress IT&CM China’s international delegation of professional meeting planners, event organisers, destination management companies and international travel agencies. Hence, we are excited about our upcoming participation at IT&CM China 2011.” This will be Pangu’s first showcase at IT&CM China.

Other Chinese exhibitors who are already on board include Dragon Delight International Tours Ltd, Samantha Resort & Spa, Chime Long Hotel, Gloria Hotels & Resorts and China Travel Hong Kong (Zhuhai) Ocean Spring Co., Ltd.

No stranger to exhibiting at IT&CM China, international chain Sol Melia Hotels & Resorts will be back to take part in the 2011 show. Ms Sharon Lee, Area Vice President Sales Asia Pacific - Meliá Brand, enthused about her satisfaction with this year’s 2010 event: “We were delighted at the wide selection of international and Chinese MICE buyers’ attending the show. It was a good platform to promote our newly opened Gran Melia Hotel in Shanghai. We also had the opportunity to organize many site inspections for buyers and media before and after the IT&CM China 2010 show. Publicity was also very good!”

Ms Lee added, “Serious MICE professionals should be at IT&CM China 2011 to get updates on new hotels and destination offerings. We appreciate the compact appointment schedule as we are able to meet more buyers. With a wide selection of international and Chinese MICE buyers attending the show, we feel that it is a good platform to promote our Sol Melia Hotels in the Asia Pacific.”

Other international exhibitors who are also looking to benefit from the 2011 event include Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong, TeamBuilding, Kempinski Hotels and WorldHotels.

According to the show organisers, China continues to gain momentum as a global MICE destination hotspot, especially after the staging of this year’s World Expo in Shanghai. The international and domestic buzz has spilled over to IT&CM China 2011, adding to strong support drawn from industry players. Last year’s IT&CM China 2010 was attended by some 2,000 participants including 230 exhibiting companies, 300 buyers from 37 countries, and some 100 international and local media.

Commented Mr Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, “Compared to the same time last year, IT&CM China 2011 has secured 4 times more booth space bookings. We are positive that the 2011 event will prove to be an even bigger sell-out success. Thanks to our strong buyers hosting programme, we have also attracted considerable new and loyal buyer registrations from across the world, even at this early stage.”

Sylvia Phua, Chief Executive Officer of MP International, said, “IT&CM China 2011 will once again present exciting business, learning and networking opportunities that transcend geographical borders, with buyers and sellers from around the world. We hope to draw more Chinese MICE players to take part in the exhibition as the MICE sector grows from strength to strength in China.”

The show organisers will be selecting 300 key Chinese and international MICE buyers for business discussions with exhibitors. Besides the many business meetings and social events, participants can look forward to attending the IT&CM China 2011 keynote address, educational seminars on a wide range of topics.

IT&CM China 2011 will be held from April 13 to 15 next year at ShanghaiMart Expo. The 2011 theme is “Leading China’s Next MICE Wave”. The event is organised by TTG Asia Media and MP International. It has the support of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, Shanghai Tourism Trade Association, Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association, International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, Pacific Asia Travel Association, International Congress & Convention Association, Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) China and SITE Hong Kong Chapter. More information is available at www.itcmchina.com
ORGANISERS
About TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd
TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd is the region’s leading travel and tourism business information and access provider, with a wide range of media products including publications, exhibitions, database management and the Internet. It is also a leading organiser and event manager of travel tradeshows in Asia, including IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia), CTW (Corporate Travel World) Asia-Pacific, IT&CM China and ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 1998, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011. It also publishes four titles targeted at distinct sectors of the travel trade: TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice and TTG-BTmiceChina. For more information on TTG Asia Media, visit www.ttgasiamedia.com

About MP International
Established in 1987, MP International specialises in organising exhibitions, conferences and special events. The group has organised and managed some 300 national, regional and international events, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2009 Leaders’ Week. It is a leading international organiser of trade exhibitions, including ITMA and ITMA Asia.

A member of the Pico group, MP International is headquartered in Singapore with a global footprint across Asia and Europe. MP’s success with various partners is a testimony of its ability to identify opportunities and maximise the rewards for win-win partnerships. For more information on MP International, visit www.mpinetwork.com

MEDIA CONTACTS:
International: TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd
Cheryl Tan (Ms)
Marketing Manager
1 Science Park Road, #04-07, The Capricorn
Singapore Science Park II, Singapore 117528
Tel: (65) 6395 7502. Fax: (65) 6536 0896
Email: cheryl.tan@ttgasia.com ; itcmchina@ttgasia.com
Website: www.itcmchina.com
China: MP International (Shanghai) Pte Ltd
Cherry Ye (Ms)
Assistant Director
Floor 11E, Jinming Building No 8 South Zunyi Road, Shanghai
200336 China
Tel: (86) 21 6295 9990 Fax: (86) 21 6270 6030
Email: cherryye@mpinetwork.com
Website: www.mpinetwork.com

LOMBOK, WEST NUSA TENGGARA WELCOMES TOURISM INDONESIA MART & EXPO- TIME 2010

After successfully hosting the Indonesian annual travel mart, Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) or ‘Pasar Wisata Indonesia’ last year, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara once again will be host of this year’s Indonesia’s annual travel mart Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) or Pasar Wisata Indonesia. This Indonesian premier tourism event will be held on 12 – 15 October 2010 at Santosa Villas & Resort Lombok. Entering its 16th years of conduct, TIME is organized by the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB) and supported by entire tourism components in Indonesia.

The Chairwoman and Steering Committee of TIME 2010, Meity Robot, said the conduct of TIME also supports the government program of “Visit Indonesia Year” which continued this year, as TIME is aimed at promoting Indonesia as tourist destination in international market and at the same time raise the country image as one of global travel destinations.

“TIME is the only international travel mart in Indonesia with business to business concept. The event is a meeting place for those who sell tourism products and services in Indonesia (seller) to international market (buyer). TIME has been listed in the calendar of international travel mart together with ITB Berlin, WTM London, Arabian Travel Mart (ATM), PATA Travel Mart, and so on. TIME 2010 will present all tourist destinations, including popular travel destinations, tourism objects, new product development,” Meity continued.

“The shifting of TIME to Lombok for two consecutive years, i.e. 2009 and this year, is aimed at promoting Lombok and West Nusa Tenggara to the international market and speeding up the development and improvement of infrastructure, tourism facilities and tourism attractions in the region, so that at the end the destination could establish itself as one of global travel destinations. Moreover, with the completion of new international airport expected to be ready this year, it will attract more tourist arrivals to the island and speed up the improvement of infrastructure and encourage more investors to the region to develop new hotels as well as tourism attractions,” Meity went on.

At the press time with Local Organizing Committee of TIME 2010 consisting of West Tenggara Culture & Tourism Office and Lombok Sumbawa Promo, it was stated that the conduct of TIME in Lombok was the initial international l promotional effort or as a kick off towards the success of “Visit Lombok Sumbawa 2012” and this year Lombok is ready to once again host TIME as the event is supported by the provincial government and its tourism industry.

Lombok is located just east of Bali. The island is only 20 minutes by flight from Bali, with Selaparang International Airport. The island possesses various tourism potentials which could attract international market, from nature, i.e. mountain, sea, land) to culture and art. Presently, Lombok has almost 3500 hotel rooms with international standard. In terms of accessibility, Lombok is flown directly from Singapore by Silk Air, and from Kuala Lumpur via Surabaya by Merpati Nusantara, as well as frequent flights from Jakarta by Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, and from Denpasar by Merpati Nusantara.

Held last year in Lombok, TIME 2009 was successfully attracted total attendants of 127 Buyers from 25 countries, with top five Buyers consist of Korea, India & Malaysia, Indonesia, USA, and the Netherlands as Top Five Buyers. TIME 2009 was also attracting a total of 250 delegates of Sellers from 97 companies of Indonesia occupying 84 booths at the Exhibition. Sellers came from 15 provinces dominated by West Nusa Tenggara, Jakarta, Bali, Central Java, and East Kalimantan as top five Sellers. The percentage of Sellers based on industry was Hotel, Resort & Spa (75%), NTO (10%), Tour Operator/Travel Agent (7%), Adventure/Activity Holiday (3%), Airline (1.5%), and Others (Hotel Management, Tourism Board, Tourism Organization & Travel Portal (8.5%). Amidst current global financial crisis, TIME 2009 booked an estimated of transaction of USD 17.48 million, or increasing 15% from the previous TIME held in Makassar, South Sulawesi in 2008. “The number of buyers attending TIME for seven consecutive years have been relatively steady since these are potential buyers which sell Indonesian tourism products and services in their markets respectively,” Meity concluded.

TIME 2010 is supported by the travel and tourism industry in Indonesia, namely Ministry of Culture & Tourism, the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara Culture & Tourism Office, Lombok Sumbawa Promo, Garuda Indonesia as Official Airlines, other supporting airlines , Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA), Board of Airline Representatives Indonesia (BARINDO), Association of Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA), Indonesia Hotels and Restaurant Association (PHRI), Indonesian Conference and Convention Association (INCCA), Pacto Convex as the event organizer, supported by national and international media.

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Ika Nazaruddin, International Media Coordinator - TIME 2010
Pacto Convex Ltd.
Tel: (62-21) 570 5800 Ext. 432 or 571 9973 (direct)
Fax: (62-21) 570 5798
Email: ika_nazar@cbn.net.id
Website: www.pasarwisata.com

Bangkok Airways Planning to Commence Operations in India by 2011

The Bangkok-based full service carrier is planning to commence operations in India by connecting two cities in 2011.

The airline is considering New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai as potential cities for its initial operations.

“We are currently evaluating the feasibility of these four cities and are looking at starting operations in Summer 2011. India has a huge potential for business and leisure travel and we also have the availability of aircraft which allows us to add India to our international network,” Deputy Sales Director of Bangkok Airways, Chulin Kocharoen said.

Bangkok Airways offers private lounge services for both Business and Economy Class passengers at Bangkok, which is usually only offered to Business Class passengers.

All signs point to the Largest and Most Exciting ITE Exhibition ever!

With barely one month to ITE HCMC, the wheels of motion are gaining momentum as it gets closer to the event. Visitors to this year’s can expect to see 150 travel specialists, tour operators & national tourism organizations from some 16 countries and regions at Vietnam’s largest Tourism Event. National group participations from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Macau, India, Taiwan, Cuba and Mexico have already been confirmed their attendance. In addition, within Vietnam itself, more than 10 provinces have confirmed their participation in ITE HCMC 2010. These include An Giang, Binh Thuan, Can Tho, Dong Nai, Hai Phong, Hue, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Quang Ninh, Tien Giang, Vung Tau among others. Visitors should also look out for the ITE HCMC 2010 lucky draw for their chance to win VND10 million each day

The second annual Tourism Alliance Awards (TAA) is also now open for entries till 31 August 2010. The TAA is an event within the ITE HCMC umbrella, designed to recognise the brightest tourism stars in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Winners will be presented their awards at the Vietnam Night dinner on 30 September 2010, held at Rex Hotel.

Among the illustrious panel of judges for the awards are: Mr. Nguyen Viet Anh, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism- Tourism Management, Mr. Nguyen Tri Vien, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism- Hotel Management, Anthony Valeriano, General Manager of e-Travel Blackboard, Bill Barnett, Founder and Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, Marc Kramer, Co-Head for HVS Consulting Asia, Nigel Sharman, Chief Executive Officer of TCK Group and Robert McIntosh, Executive Director CBRE Hotels Asia Pacific.

The Awards available for this year include Airline of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, Spa Operator of the Year, Cruise Operator of the Year, Outbound Travel Operator of the Year, Inbound Travel Operator of the Year, Budget Hotel of the Year, Business Hotel of the Year, Resort Hotel of the Year and Luxury Hotel of the Year.

Amongst the new elements for TAA 2010 are the combination of Domestic and International Airline of the Year categories into the Airline of the Year. Also, new for this year is the Cruise Operator of the Year category. Also, there will be 3 Winners per category, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards (where applicable). Entry submissions are available online at www.itehcmc.com/taa/awardsubmission.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr. James Chen
Marketing Manager
IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd
Tel: +65 6517 6899
Email: james.chen@iirx.com.sg

AirAsia in talks for budget hotel in Brunei

AirAsia is interested to “do more” for its Brunei-based customers, including a possible third flight and a budget hotel in the Sultanate.

AirAsia CEO Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tony Fernandes, told the Borneo Bulletin in an interview, “We’d like to do freedom flights out of Brunei.”

However, he doesn’t think it’s realistic at the moment until “the Brunei government gives us more flexibility”.

He also recommended the nation’s national carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines, to concentrate more on their premium passengers as “not everyone wants to fly AirAsia” taking into consideration that some passengers prefer first class services.

“RBA should focus on that market and allow AirAsia to serve more people and bring more business to the economy,” he said and added that by allowing more flexibility would also encourage economic growth as more tourists would be able to visit the country thanks to cheaper flight fares.

He also said that the award-winning airline will try to provide more connectivity for Brunei and allow more individuals further access to other niche areas such as medical tourism. “If we can, we’ll do a third flight (to Kuala Lumpur) as it makes it more and more easy (for Bruneian customers).”

In addition to the cheap-fare airline, Dato’ Sri (Dr) Tony Fernandes is also the founder of the Tune Hotel that has been established in many countries, the latest being in London. Brunei, he added, will also have a budget hotel “real soon” as the CEO’s marketing team is currently “in discussion” with several parties here in Brunei and added “(We’ll) try to do it for BND$10,” which would be “possible, depending on the cost of the hotel”.

Commenting on Bruneian customers, he said: “I think they’re fantastic,” whilst adding that they have personally shared with him their appreciation of AirAsia and how “it’s made their lives more easier”.

“Sometimes we let them down with long delays etc but they’re very understanding and supportive.

“I’m very appreciative for the support and the genuine warmth we have received from Brunei,” he added.