ATF 2011 Phnom Penh exceeds already all of our forecasts in terms of success

Interview with Mr. SO MARA, State Secretary, Cambodia Ministry of Tourism

Cambodia will play host to the ASEAN Travel Forum next January for the second time in its history. Phnom Penh is getting ready to provide a memorable welcome to all delegates as explained by His Excellency So Mara, Secretary of State, Cambodia Ministry of Tourism.

How does the preparation of the ASEAN Travel Forum (ATF) look?

I am very pleased to say that we can already see all the signs of success even before we started to send the invitation to hosted buyers and media. We first thought that we would get 350 sellers. We then planned to have 400 sellers, but now we already received more than 480 requests. We have now to find solutions to accommodate all the requests and look at ways to expand the exhibition area to welcome more sellers. We are now in discussion with the Organizing Committee, as well as with the owners of Diamond Island Convention & Exhibition Center, ATF['s] main venue for the mart. For the buyers and media, we expect to host 400 buyers and 100 media. And we already received over 860 registrations. We might increase now the total number of hosted buyers with the deadline for final approval being set up for the first week of November.

What will the Ministry in Phnom Penh do to welcome ATF delegates?

We want to give a lasting memory to delegates about Cambodia’s traditional sense of welcome. We already blocked 1,500 rooms in Phnom Penh for the event with new prestigious venues including the brand new Sofitel Phnom Penh or Diamond Island Convention & Exhibition Center. All official meetings with ASEAN Ministers of tourism + 5 [China, India, Korea, Japan, and Russia] as well as with the tourism representatives from Saudi Arabia and UAE, will be hosted in the brand new Council of Ministers building, which is equipped with the latest high-tech facilities. This will be the first time that such meetings will take place in an official government’s building. Among the highlights, all ministers will receive a courtesy call from our Prime Minister and be granted an audience with our King. For all delegates, we prepare a lot of surprises, including the presence of world-famous VIPs and stars.

What do you expect from the ATF in terms of image benefits?

We first expect to show that Cambodia is fully back on the world tourism stage and that it is a must-see destination along [with] all other ASEAN countries. ATF gives us the opportunity to show that Cambodia is today at peace and a safe destination, thanks to strong political stability under the current government. We hope also to highlight that Cambodia offers a great diversity of holiday opportunities. Beyond the iconic temples of Angkor, which remains our country’s “signature,” the Kingdom of Cambodia is also a premier destination for beach tourism or eco-tourism.

How far has Cambodia tourism come this year?

We are likely to reach a new record in tourist arrivals. In 2009, we recorded a moderate growth of 1.7 percent to 2.16 million travelers. Until August of this year, total arrivals are up by 14.6 percent. We now forecast 2.42 million travelers for 2010 and estimate that tourist arrivals should reach 2.75 million in 2011. A very positive trend is Siem Reap. After two years of stagnation, international arrivals at Siem Reap airport were up by almost 17 percent from January to August 2010.

Do you try to diversify Cambodia's image by promoting new destinations?

Our three main destinations for visitors are Siem Reap/Angkor temples, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville in the south. However, we want to create a new icon along our coastal area as we believe that we have some of the best pristine beaches in Southeast Asia. We indeed look to qualify one of our beaches as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. We want also to put more emphasis on eco-tourism, especially in the northeastern provinces of our country where rare animals and endangered flora species can still be discovered and observed. There are also other secondary destinations we want to push up such as Kep/Kampot as a beach resort destination or Preah Vihar temple for cultural tourism. We just completed a road to the temple, making it an easy destination, only two hours away from Siem Reap.
Source: etn

New Air France Service Phnom Penh - Paris Starting 27th March 2011

Air France is pleased to inform that the French flag carrier will begin operating a new service between Phnom Penh and Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

Starting 27th March 2011, the three weekly flights between Phnom Penh and Paris will be operated via Bangkok by Airbus A340-300 equipped with 275 seats and three classes (30 seats in Business Class, 21 in Premium Voyageur, and 224 in Voyageur-Economy), and subsequently by Boeing 777-200 equipped with 309 seats.

Flight schedules between Phnom Penh and Paris have been designed to offer convenient connections via Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport to/from other cities worldwide:

Phnom Penh – Paris (in local time):
Flight number AF273, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Departing at 20.15, arriving in Bangkok at 21.30
Departing to Paris on same day at 22.55, arriving at 06.10 the following day
Paris – Phnom Penh (in local time):
Flight number AF274, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Departing at 19.30, arriving in Bangkok at 11.50 the following day
Departing to Phnom Penh on same day at 13.20, arriving at 14.35

Customers can start booking and buy this new service from now on.

Air France KLM General Manager for Mekong, Mr Luc Delaplace outlines:
“By resuming flights between Phnom Penh and Paris, Air France not only demonstrates its confidence in the economic potential of Cambodia, but also its determination to further develop strong regional presence in Mekong, like in Thailand and Vietnam.

Thus, Air France becomes the only network carrier operating between Cambodia and Europe.”

Media Contacts:
Regional: Mrs Nahathai Pungtongdee
Napungtongdee@airfrance.fr
+66 (0)2 680 9692

AF Head Office: AF Communication Department
corporate.airfrance.com
+33(0)1 41 56 56 00

International tourist numbers to Indonesia are growing

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago with a population of over 230 people. Its natural beauty and cultural wealth spread within its 17,508 islands hold limitless appeal and is a heaven for international tourists. Looking at results for the first seven months of 2010, remarkable growth rates were achieved in markets such as Australia, Middle East and China, but Indonesia’s biggest incoming markets remain Singapore and Malaysia. Altogether, the country is looking to get some seven million international tourists this year.

During the official press conference at IT&CMA 2010 event in Bangkok on October 6, Mr. Sapta Nirwandar, Director General for Marketing, Ministry of Culture & Tourism, revealed that there is a Visit Year fever not ready to recede over the coming years. Thus, not only the island of Batam has launched its Visit Year 2010, but also the island group of Bangka Belitung. On Borneo Island, both provinces of South Kalimantan and West Kalimantan are organizing a Visit Year to attract more travelers. Already in planning for 2011 are a Visit Central Java and Visit Year of Makassar in South Sulawesi followed by a Visit Year of Lombok-Sumbawa in 2012.

Interesting to note is that the Ministry of Culture & Tourism has turned 2010 into a Visit Museum Year by hoping to make these places of knowledge and culture more attractive to international tourists. Certainly, one of the most interesting museums in Indonesia is the National Museum in Jakarta with its outstanding art collection.

Other important museums in Jakarta are located around Fatahillah Square such as the Museum of History, the Wayang Puppets Museum or the Maritime Museum. Also, there is the Komodo Museum located at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Indonesia’s cultural theme park near the capital.

Across the islands, other interesting museums not to be missed are Le Mayeur Museum in Ubud and the National Museum in Denpasar in Bali, the Batik Museum in Yogjakarta, Botanical Museum in Bogor Botanical Garden, as well as the Peranakan Museum in Medan on Sumatra Island. The Fort Rotterdam Museum in Makassar on Sulawesi Island owns a priceless collection of porcelain ware.

For further information, please go to: www.museum.indonesia.net

The annual Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) was successfully held in Lombok on October 12-15, 2010 and offered delegates Indonesia under one roof.

The event featured most of Indonesia’s tourist attractions and is the best and most effective means for buyers from all over the world to experience and understand the ultimate diversity of Indonesia, which is home to some 480 ethnic groups that live harmoniously together. Next year, TIME will be in Manado, North Sulawesi.

To maximize its huge tourism potential, Indonesia has continuously upgraded the tourist, transportation and telecommunication infrastructures and facilities. Especially in all MICE destinations, meeting and exhibition venues as well as accommodation facilities and services rank as one of the best in the world. These MICE destinations offer maximum prime space, latest technology and manpower support. With the setting up of the government body of an ambitious MICE Directorate in 2007, meetings and incentives players worldwide can also look forward to a government that is pro-active in supporting MICE events. The top 10 MICE destinations are:

1. Jakarta: The dynamic capital has a total of 920,327 square meters of meeting and exhibition space, huge shopping malls, 32,552 hotel rooms and 2,011 restaurants. The city has a population of 9 million people and is well known for its historical places, cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife.
2. Bali: The magical island is one of the most exotic and diverse destinations in the world with an impressive range of international standard meeting facilities. Bali has 53,000 hotel rooms and a variation of conference venues, such as in Nusa Dua, Kuta or Sanur.
3. Yogjakarta: As a city of tradition and culture, Yogjakarta is re-known for its traditional and modern arts. Today, the friendliness of the people and its brilliant cultural and natural attractions, just to name the Sultan’s palace, Buddhist and Hindu monuments, create an inspiring environment for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions.
4. Surakarta (better known as Solo): The place is home of many classic sites and is located close to the famous Prambanan temples. Mountain volcanoes decorate the city panorama and tourists can enjoy some colorful festivals all year round.
5. Surabaya: The industrial city has all the MICE facilities needed plus an extra Javanese touch. All top hotels can handle big events and have experienced multi-skilled and multi-lingual staff to ensure everything runs well.
6. Medan: Considering its importance as an administrative and financial center in the north of Sumatra, not to mention the nearby scenic Lake Toba, Medan equips itself with modern convention facilities, infrastructure and international standard accommodation in a bid to attract MICE visitors.
7. Padang & Bukittingi: West Sumatra is one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia. Due to its scenic wealth and rich cultural heritage and a combination of idyllic surroundings and growing facilities and infrastructure, Padang & Bukittingi are becoming the perfect locations for both leisure and business trips as well as an attractive MICE destination.
8. Batam: Given its strategic location near to Singapore and rich natural beauty, the island is also transforming itself into as sophisticated recreation ground for international tourists. Batam now turns its attention to improving its infrastructure, convention facilities and supporting services to become Indonesia’s next attractive MICE destination.
9. Makassar: As an important and busy port town in South Sulawesi, Makassar is well versed with the art of welcoming visitors. Moreover, enjoying rapid physical developments in terms of infrastructure and facilities, Makassar is now more than ready to take on the role as a MICE destination and has a lot to offer to international tourists.
10. Manado: As the provincial capital of North Sulawesi, Manado is a bustling picture-perfect seaside city with its glimpses of emerald hills and the azure blue ocean. With a new international standard convention facility built in 2009, Manado will become very quickly the new MICE destination in Indonesia.
By Media Travel Consultant, Reinhard Hohler

Redefining M.I.C.E. in Asia - IT&CMA 2010

IT&CMA and CTW 2010 Delivers Quality Buyers, Travel Managers and a Wider Selection of MICE Sellers

Under the theme "Redefining M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) the 18th Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and the 13th Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia Pacific has been successfully held again at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Thailand during October 5-7, 2010.

Some 483 buyers from 54 countries met 780 exhibitors at the show, which was useful to showcase the important potential of a booming MICE market in Thailand and beyond. Altogether, there were 2340 registered delegates at the annual event proving to the world that you still can believe in Thailand in the wake of sometime of political upheavals.

The double-bill got the greatest co-operation and support from TTG Asia Media from Singapore and Thai Airways International (TG), which celebrates its 50th year’s anniversary of its founding as the national airline of the Kingdom of Thailand this year.

It was up to Mr. Akapol Sorasuchart, President, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, to introduce the flagship organization of TCEB with its new logo of "Believe in Thailand." In 2010 alone, some 628,653 foreign visitors are expected to come to Thailand for MICE events, which equals to more than 400 conventions and exhibitions been hold and these will generate an estimated 45,560 million baht income for the country.

There were seven officials hotels and ten supporting hotels such as the Centara Grand, Intercontinental, Grand Hyatt Erawan and the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok among others to host some 142 international media delegates from 35 countries.

Also, the opening ceremony called "Thailand...The Living Art Gallery" was hosted by TCEB at the centrally located Plaza Athenee Bangkok Hotel. Two late night functions were held in the Conrad Bangkok and the Shangri-La Hotel. Outstanding was the hosted networking dinner by the Seoul Tourism Organization "Seoul on the Move: Sound & Flavor" on October 6 in the evening at the World Ballroom of the Centara Grand Hotel.

Pre-show activities on October 4 were offered to the delegates, who explored Bangkok on an afternoon half-day tour by having an option to cycle around Bangkok, visiting the famous flower market, the Dusit Zoo, or enjoying Wat Po together with the nearby traditional Medical and Massage School.

Well attended media briefings were given by the Airports of Thailand (AOT), Egypt Tourism Office, TCEB, and the newly established Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB), comprising the China National Tourist Office, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organization, Macau Government Tourist Office, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation and Singapore Tourism Board. Other media briefings were held by the National Business Travel Association (NBTA) and Indonesia Tourism Board.

Visiting the exhibition hall, I came across the following new travel products worth keeping in mind for the future (in alphabetical order):

- Arosa Travel Service, Bangkok, Thailand
- Bintan Lagoon Resort, Singapore
- Dusit Thani Hotel, Manila, Philippines
- Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nikko Bali Resort and Spa, Bali, Indonesia
- Phuket Jet Tour, Phuket, Thailand
- Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16, Macau, China
- Sri Lankan Airlines, Bangkok Office, Thailand
- Sutera Harbour Resort & Spa, Sabah, Malaysia
- The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Brunei

The last day of the show saw the 9th Sticky Awards Lunch and the TTG Travel Awards in the evening, which was by invitation only. Post-tours for the delegates were offered to Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Chiang Rai.
By: Reinhard Hohler, Media Travel Consultant