South Asia Tourism Development Plan

According to the latest news from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, five South Asian countries will deepen their co-operation to promote their unique tourism market of culture and nature-based destinations.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $2-million grant to promote sustained dialogue among the governments of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to develop an updated sub-regional tourism plan, streamline cross-border tourist movements, formulate and implement a marketing campaign, and build the capacities to protect and manage the sub-regional heritage and tourism growth.

South Asia is one of the poorest regions of the world. However, it has rich and diverse natural and cultural heritage areas as well as major Buddhist sites, making it a Buddhist heartland.

The ADB grant will be sourced from the Regional Co-operation and Integration Fund under ADB’s Regional Co-operation and Integration Financing Partnership Facility. The five governments will contribute $400,000 to cover the costs of counterpart staff, accommodation and facilities to be used during the two-year period to complete the project.

"The region has tremendous potential for developing tourism that can be used to expand economic opportunities, generate employment, and raise incomes, particularly for the sub-region’s poor," said Guelfer Cezayirli, principal urban development specialist at ADB’s South Asia Department.

The objective of an integrated tourism plan is to link the complementary tourism attractions found in each country that otherwise might not be sufficient to attract a high level of tourist arrivals if promoted as individual destinations.

Will a replica of India’s Taj Mahal in Bangladesh also draw tourists?

Tourists from around the world can now opt for which Taj Mahal to visit: the original in India, or its replica in Bangladesh.

After work started in 2003, a life-size replica structure of the original Taj Mahal, located 30km northeast of Dhaka, is now almost ready to open its doors to tourists.

"Everyone dreams about seeing the Taj Mahal, but very few Bangladeshis can make the trip because they are poor and it's too expensive for them," said wealthy benefactor/filmmaker Ahsanullah Moni, describing his reason for pouring US$58 million of his money into his "dream" project. "I hope it will be as big a draw to local and foreign tourists as the original."

Moni made six trips to India after first being inspired by the beauty of the original Taj Mahal in 1980. Not disclosing whether he was also inspired by a woman in his life, like the inspiration behind the original Taj Mahal, he set about to follow his dream to replicate the original Taj Mahal.

After hiring specialist architects, he sent them to India to get the exact measurements of the original building. He again turned to India, bringing in six Indian construction technicians to oversee the building works.

Relating the specifications he wanted in his own building, Moni added, "I used the same marble and stone." Marble and granite was imported from Italy, diamonds from Belgium." He also used 160kg of bronze for the dome in his desire to replicate the original Taj.

But unlike Shah Jehan, who built the original Taj, Moni is living in the modern age and is not shy to admit it. "We used machinery, otherwise it would have taken 20 years and 22,000 workers to complete it. I took less time."

Yet to be fully completed, work is currently going on to complete the surrounding grounds and ponds.

Moghul emperor Shah Jehan took over two decades to build the original Taj Mahal in the 17th century. Millions of visitors are drawn to India drawn by the fame of the Taj Mahal in Agra, built in memory of his beloved second wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during giving birth.

Malaysian tourism takes firm grip on MICE market with Myceb

As economies around the world disintegrates and business confidence hit by the economic slowdown, Malaysia's tourism industry is re-imaging its products mix.

Malaysian tourism's aim to cement itself in the meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) market has resulted to a new program called "Myceb (Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau). At the launching, Najib Razak, chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Tourism, said, "Myceb will be Malaysia's one-stop center to co-ordinate the needs of exhibition organizers who want to bring their programs and activities to Malaysia."

In pursuit of its objectives, the new bureau will have the cooperation of other relevant government agencies to draw up "attractive customized incentives" in its efforts to attract MICE organizers from around the world.

Najib said the country cannot "insulate" tourism from what is happening to the world economy, further adding emphasis will nevertheless be given to the MICE sector of the industry. "The government will embark on an aggressive marketing campaign to promote tourism despite the adverse world economic conditions."

Emphasizing the government's intent following the latest move, Rosly Selamant, an experienced industry marketing man who has been tapped to head the new bureau, said: "It's a giant step for Malaysian tourism. Despite the small budget compared to what Singapore and Thailand is spending in the market, we will strive to bring more cohesion, create more impact and synergy in the MICE market."

Despite its small share of total visitor arrivals, the MICE market has been seen as a lucrative market due to its higher per-ca pita expenditure.

In its sector market report among member countries, the Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) said event buyers look for "innovative, high quality products, offering an authentic experience in a well-managed environment" and are willing to pay if the product is right. "Higher yields associated with business event clients make the sector attractive to suppliers such as hotels."

Malaysia will have to wind its way through established competitors, from near-neighbors Singapore and Thailand as "working" models. Other competitors in Asia range from Macau, Hong Kong to Sri Lanka, India and Australia in Asia Pacific.

Brussels-based Union of International Associations ranks Singapore as the top convention city in Asia for the 19th consecutive year, and the fifth in the world for the third consecutive year.

Claiming a 70 percent success rate, it is ready to spend "big" to attract high "profile" events. Its success in hosting the IMF - World Bank forums in September 2006, together brought an estimated 15,000 delegates to Singapore.

Long seen as a strong regional hub for health and medical tourism, it holds more than 350 medical-related conferences between 1990-2001, attracting over 175,000 participants.

Thailand will provide strong competition due to its history of hosting the annual IT&CMA ( Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia ) event, one of Asia's most important gatherings of buyers and sellers of MICE products and services.

Its post-conference tours to neighbouring ASEAN countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam is another big puller, in addition to its appeal as an affordable shopping destination.

The establishment of its high-profile Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau has helped the private sector improve the quality of their bids, public relations and marketing, MICE experts say. "With no further negative political news coverage, we are well positioned to tap into this growing market and drum up demand for our products and services, " said David Barret from Diethelm Events

"The goal is to make each show bigger and better every year," said Khun Benjawan, president of Thailand's Trade Exhibition Association. "Business travelers often return to the country later in the year to pursue deals initiated at the exhibition. Unlike meetings, incentives and congress which are unlikely to return to the same destination after 5 -10 years, exhibitions return to the same location every year once set."

Claiming to have Asia's largest exhibition and convention center, Thailand is also home to the UNCC (United Nations Conference Center), built to UN standards, and having one of the best translation facilities in the country. "Thailand is attracting these events because of a surge in convention and convention space, and the increased competition to fill it."

The 91st Lions Clubs International Convention in June 2008, boasting itself as the world's largest convention, brought an estimated 30,000 delegates during its five days of activities. Thailand also claims to have a big cost advantage, estimated by industry experts up to 30 percent, over rivals Singapore and Hong Kong.

Australia's strength in infrastructure and meeting facilities has been responsible for its MICE industry to target decision makers of business incentive travel and corporate meetings. Most of its success in attracting almost half a million business visitors yearly comes from attracting Asians from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and Malaysia.

With its tagline "Choose Australia - Your Best Business Partner," it has managed to attract direct selling, insurance, pharmaceutical and IT companies from Asia, USA and Europe.

According to the International Congress and Convention Association, Australia is second to the USA for the number of meetings per country in 2002.

Malaysian tourism started its "big" push into MICE by positioning itself as the region's premier MICE destination in a partnership between Tourism Malaysia and the country's MICE suppliers.

At the launching of its "Meet and Experience" campaign in September, 2002 Malaysia guaranteed "special offers and prices" for specific products and services over a period of time to attract organizers planning to hold meetings in the country.

During its Global Meet 2002 held in Kuala Lumpur, the show attracted 107 buyers from Europe, UK, Australasia, North America, Chinas, the Middles East, Africa and the ASEAN states. "We want to lower dependence on the big boys who dictate terms," opined a seller.

"The government's move has been a long time coming," said Dr Nor Ain, a senior lecturer from UiTM, one of the country's leading hospitality and tourism schools, as well as a committee member of tourism related IMT-GT regional grouping.

As organizers of an average of two tourism related conference a year, she said the bureau has given Malaysian tourism and conference organizers a "shot in the arm."

Despite plans to embark on an aggressive marketing campaign, Malaysian tourism is lowering its projections to "around" 18 million visitors in the coming year, after admitting visitor numbers have fallen short by around 500,000 visitors in 2008 from the projected 22.5 million. "We'll most probably see around 18 million visitors. Between 1996-1997 there was a drop of up to 13 percent, related to security, health and economic issues," added Najib.

Malaysian tourism takes firm grip on MICE market with Myceb

As economies around the world disintegrates and business confidence hit by the economic slowdown, Malaysia's tourism industry is re-imaging its products mix.

Malaysian tourism's aim to cement itself in the meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) market has resulted to a new program called "Myceb (Malaysian Convention and Exhibition Bureau). At the launching, Najib Razak, chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Tourism, said, "Myceb will be Malaysia's one-stop center to co-ordinate the needs of exhibition organizers who want to bring their programs and activities to Malaysia."

In pursuit of its objectives, the new bureau will have the cooperation of other relevant government agencies to draw up "attractive customized incentives" in its efforts to attract MICE organizers from around the world.

Najib said the country cannot "insulate" tourism from what is happening to the world economy, further adding emphasis will nevertheless be given to the MICE sector of the industry. "The government will embark on an aggressive marketing campaign to promote tourism despite the adverse world economic conditions."

Emphasizing the government's intent following the latest move, Rosly Selamant, an experienced industry marketing man who has been tapped to head the new bureau, said: "It's a giant step for Malaysian tourism. Despite the small budget compared to what Singapore and Thailand is spending in the market, we will strive to bring more cohesion, create more impact and synergy in the MICE market."

Despite its small share of total visitor arrivals, the MICE market has been seen as a lucrative market due to its higher per-ca pita expenditure.

In its sector market report among member countries, the Pacific Area Travel Association (PATA) said event buyers look for "innovative, high quality products, offering an authentic experience in a well-managed environment" and are willing to pay if the product is right. "Higher yields associated with business event clients make the sector attractive to suppliers such as hotels."

Malaysia will have to wind its way through established competitors, from near-neighbors Singapore and Thailand as "working" models. Other competitors in Asia range from Macau, Hong Kong to Sri Lanka, India and Australia in Asia Pacific.

Brussels-based Union of International Associations ranks Singapore as the top convention city in Asia for the 19th consecutive year, and the fifth in the world for the third consecutive year.

Claiming a 70 percent success rate, it is ready to spend "big" to attract high "profile" events. Its success in hosting the IMF - World Bank forums in September 2006, together brought an estimated 15,000 delegates to Singapore.

Long seen as a strong regional hub for health and medical tourism, it holds more than 350 medical-related conferences between 1990-2001, attracting over 175,000 participants.

Thailand will provide strong competition due to its history of hosting the annual IT&CMA ( Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia ) event, one of Asia's most important gatherings of buyers and sellers of MICE products and services.

Its post-conference tours to neighbouring ASEAN countries of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam is another big puller, in addition to its appeal as an affordable shopping destination.

The establishment of its high-profile Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau has helped the private sector improve the quality of their bids, public relations and marketing, MICE experts say. "With no further negative political news coverage, we are well positioned to tap into this growing market and drum up demand for our products and services, " said David Barret from Diethelm Events

"The goal is to make each show bigger and better every year," said Khun Benjawan, president of Thailand's Trade Exhibition Association. "Business travelers often return to the country later in the year to pursue deals initiated at the exhibition. Unlike meetings, incentives and congress which are unlikely to return to the same destination after 5 -10 years, exhibitions return to the same location every year once set."

Claiming to have Asia's largest exhibition and convention center, Thailand is also home to the UNCC (United Nations Conference Center), built to UN standards, and having one of the best translation facilities in the country. "Thailand is attracting these events because of a surge in convention and convention space, and the increased competition to fill it."

The 91st Lions Clubs International Convention in June 2008, boasting itself as the world's largest convention, brought an estimated 30,000 delegates during its five days of activities. Thailand also claims to have a big cost advantage, estimated by industry experts up to 30 percent, over rivals Singapore and Hong Kong.

Australia's strength in infrastructure and meeting facilities has been responsible for its MICE industry to target decision makers of business incentive travel and corporate meetings. Most of its success in attracting almost half a million business visitors yearly comes from attracting Asians from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and Malaysia.

With its tagline "Choose Australia - Your Best Business Partner," it has managed to attract direct selling, insurance, pharmaceutical and IT companies from Asia, USA and Europe.

According to the International Congress and Convention Association, Australia is second to the USA for the number of meetings per country in 2002.

Malaysian tourism started its "big" push into MICE by positioning itself as the region's premier MICE destination in a partnership between Tourism Malaysia and the country's MICE suppliers.

At the launching of its "Meet and Experience" campaign in September, 2002 Malaysia guaranteed "special offers and prices" for specific products and services over a period of time to attract organizers planning to hold meetings in the country.

During its Global Meet 2002 held in Kuala Lumpur, the show attracted 107 buyers from Europe, UK, Australasia, North America, Chinas, the Middles East, Africa and the ASEAN states. "We want to lower dependence on the big boys who dictate terms," opined a seller.

"The government's move has been a long time coming," said Dr Nor Ain, a senior lecturer from UiTM, one of the country's leading hospitality and tourism schools, as well as a committee member of tourism related IMT-GT regional grouping.

As organizers of an average of two tourism related conference a year, she said the bureau has given Malaysian tourism and conference organizers a "shot in the arm."

Despite plans to embark on an aggressive marketing campaign, Malaysian tourism is lowering its projections to "around" 18 million visitors in the coming year, after admitting visitor numbers have fallen short by around 500,000 visitors in 2008 from the projected 22.5 million. "We'll most probably see around 18 million visitors. Between 1996-1997 there was a drop of up to 13 percent, related to security, health and economic issues," added Najib.

Honeymooning in Krabi, Thailand

Krabi has long been one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in Thailand... The brand new luxurious Amari Vogue Resort located on pristine Tub Kaek Beach, offers an idyllic setting for honeymooners. Perfect for celebrating new vows or rekindling old flames, amidst the beautiful surroundings of a verdant tropical forest and a warm sandy beach, romance is definitely in the air!

On the Andaman coast, Krabi, with an endless supply of idyllic places to explore, offers an abundance of activities for relaxing, getting fit, staying healthy or indulging. Truly an incredible experience!

The charm of the region is undeniably magnificent and very distinctive. Seen from the shore, small and large islands are dotted along the horizon, just waiting to be explored. Krabi has more than 130 islands, including the famous Phi Phi islands. Picture beautiful long white sandy beaches…

Popular activities around Krabi and to the nearby islands are boat trips, canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling or scuba diving, for which the region is renowned. There are also numerous waterfalls and caves to discover, as well as beautiful rock formations. For more vigourous exertion, there is rockclimbing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, skydiving and much more...

If shopping is more your style, then there’s nothing to complain about, as there’s always time for a shopping spree. There are a number of both local and international shops by the beaches and in the town.

Krabi is no longer just the domain of the adventure seeking backpacker. Luxurious comfort can be found at Amari Vogue Resort, located on pristine Tub Kaek Beach. Surrounded by verdant forest and caressed by sea breezes, the resort provides 5-star accommodation with 57 exclusive guestrooms and suites. www.amari.com/vogue

Top 10 Things to Do in Krabi

Krabi is a destination much favoured for its striking natural beauty. With an abundance of beautiful beaches, islands, waterfalls and other wonderful manmade attractions, there are numerous activities to enjoy. For a brief or longer stay, visitors to Krabi should not miss out on the top ten things to do, recommended by Amari Vogue Resort:

1. Rent a long tail boat and take some packed lunchboxes along, to explore the surreal beauty of Hong Island, named after its hollowed out shape. The ‘Hong’ (meaning ‘room’) is in the middle of the island, formed by limestone rocks.
2. Kayak to Ao Thalene, a peaceful lush mangrove, where the delicate balance of nature is perfectly maintained – simply an amazing sight to see!
3. Visit Railey – one of Thailand’s most sought-after beaches – with its stunning limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, including the Princess Cave Beach. Railey is ideal for lazing on the beach or getting active with some rockclimbing.
4. Discover the secret jungle lagoon in Khao Pra Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary. Enter through lush green jungle, to find a glistening emerald lagoon on the other side…
5. Go jungle trekking, where extreme excitement awaits! Adventure seekers delight in various trails, such as Khao Phanom Bencha and Kao Pra Bang Khram.
6. Make a day of scuba diving and snorkelling. The underwater world of the Krabi province is a must-see, especially the popular spot of the Phi Phi Islands.
7. Watch the sunset by the beach, while enjoying delicious cuisine – simple but extraordinary! Tub Kaek Beach provides and idyllic setting, with a backdrop of small islands dotted along the horizon, while the sun gleams and glitters across the water in brilliant colour.
8. Try out elephant trekking – there are many ways to explore the spectacular natural environment of Krabi, but being on the back of an elephant is an unforgettable experience!
9. Visit the Tiger Cave Temple, a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for meditation. There are two passages, 1200 steps up to the hilltop, where the striking view is worth the sweating! And 130 steps up to the monks’ cottages.
10. Be pampered and massages at Sivara Spa. Surrounded by water pools and natural beauty, caressed by cool breezes, enjoy the expert healing touch of trained therapists, as body, mind and soul are rejuvenated and relaxed – you deserve it after all that activity!

For more info on Krabi visit
http://www.tourismthailand.org/destination-guide/krabi-81-1-1.html

Weddings in Thailand

Thailand will really captivate your imagination; it is both a wonderful place to get married, a unique country to experience for your honeymoon and the perfect place to celebrate any romantic occasion or special family get-together.

Prepare to be fascinated by the many faces that Thailand has to offer: temples and other cultural treasures, tropical rainforests, where you can trek on an elephant, beautiful islands and sandy beaches. The capital, Bangkok, is a huge, thriving metropolis and one of the world's most vibrant cities. It has fabulous nightlife, shopping and every type of restaurant imaginable.

The islands are perhaps the most romantic part of Thailand. The largest, Phuket, is a fascinating mix of influences; Portuguese, Thai and Chinese, and is covered with forested hills, cliffs and beaches. For palm-fringed beaches, look no further than Koh Samui, with its stunning natural beauty. Krabi is another ideal destination for honeymooners, with beautiful beaches, charming cliffs, unspoilt offshore islands and verdant forests, with caves and waterfalls. Lush, green and mountainous, Koh Chang has a multitude of natural treasures, which visitors can explore. Pattaya is much loved, well-known beach destination on the mainland, with a great combination of city and beach life. Northern Thailand is also a truly special experience, with breathtaking countryside, a unique culture and plenty of opportunities for purchasing locally produced handicrafts.
Thailand is also famous for pampering its guests and has a tradition for relaxing and therapeutic Thai massage and spa treatments.
Traditional Thai Wedding Ceremonies

According to tradition, the religious wedding ceremony is often held at home. Monks are brought to the bride's house where the ceremony takes place and the bride and groom kneel on the floor, in front of the monks.

The traditional wedding ceremonies include the following, which are incorporated into all wedding packages:

On the morning of the wedding, guests and friends meet at the groom's house (your hotel room) carrying artistically arranged trays of fruits and delicacies. They then proceed to the bride's house with dancing and long drums to signify their joyful agreement to the union. Traditionally, the crowd escorting the groom prevents the groom from entering the bride's house, until he has paid a suitable amount of money. At Amari Hotels and Resorts, staff act as the family and join the parade around the hotel grounds.

Blessing
A blessing by local monks where the couple are joined over their shoulders by a thread, originating from a statue of Buddha, then passing through the hands of all the monks. The bride and groom light a candle and 3 incense sticks together - one for Lord Buddha, one for his teachings and one for the monks. The monks conduct the blessing with chanting and prayers, which last about 45 minutes. At some of the resorts, this is conducted in a nearby temple.
Pook Meu
An individual blessing called Pook Meu by the most respected or senior guest, where the kneeling couple rest their arms on large pillows and have their wrists tied with white cotton thread symbolizing happiness, prosperity and healthy children. This ritual involves family members and close friends only. For guests who do not bring family, several members of the hotel staff are present to offer best wishes.
Rod Nam Sang
A communal blessing by all present called Rod Nam Sang, with the seated garlanded couple linked by a thread wound around their heads with their hands in front, as if in prayer. Guests, starting with the most senior, pour lustral water from a conch shell (Sang) over their outstretched hands. The water runs into beautiful silver bowls filled with fragrant blossoms and lotus petals. This is generally considered to be the most beautiful and moving part of a Thai wedding.

http://www.weddings-thailand.com/

Phuket One of the best honeymoon destination

Most couples seeking the perfect honeymoon destination want an idyllic and romantic location, with privacy, plenty of fine food and wines, good weather and beautiful natural surroundings.

Phuket Island scores high on this ‘honeymoon wish list’ in all these areas.

Blessed with a tropical climate with year-round balmy temperatures and numerous easily accessible beautiful beaches, it truly offers newly-weds the perfect location to relax after the bustle of the wedding celebration at home and soak up some sun.

Food and wine lovers will be happy to learn there are plenty of world-class restaurants available throughout the island. While price levels in general are much lower than at home one doesn’t have to compromise on quality. Phuket’s restaurants offer traditional Thai food, fish, succulent lobster, seafood and international fare that easily match the highest standards of excellence, freshness and originality.

Phuket is long known as the ‘Pearl of the Andaman Sea’, driving around the island one comes across spots of breathtaking beauty. Famous with many visitors is Promthep Cape, in the very south of Phuket, were the sunsets are of legendary beauty. Viewpoints such as the small and big viewpoints in Kata are popular spots to admire the beaches laid-out in picture perfect style.

Beyond the beaches there are numerous attractions for active couples to explore. Snorkelling and scuba-diving in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea are a favourite pastime; dive shops offer fully accredited dive courses and recreational scuba-diving day trips.

For those with shopping high on their list of things to do, various shopping centres such as Central Festival, Jung Ceylon and Ocean present a treasure trove of must-have finds, often at bargain prices. The more adventurous might want to seek out open-air markets located all-over the island and join the local population in their favourite activity. Near Central Festival, one of the largest markets is held on weekends in the cooler evening hours. It assures a delightful exploration of exotic items and an abundance of low-priced fashionable shirts, shorts and other wares.

What can be more romantic than spending a honeymoon on this amazing island? A choice of chic boutique hotels and secluded luxury villas with private pools caters to couples seeking privacy during their honeymoon.

A prime recent addition to the available pool villas in Phuket are the Dolphin Pool Villas, part of famous Kata Beach landmark, Mom Tri’s Boathouse. Literally steps away from the beach, the villas have been designed by Thai artist and Harvard educated architect Mom Tri, with romantic couples in mind. A large living space with private terrace, generous bath tub overlooking the Andaman Sea and private butler service guarantee a leisurely stay in a luxury environment.

Couples who just want to lazy about, can stay in-house and let themselves be pampered with a traditional two hour Thai massage or organic beauty treatment by skilled therapists. At boutique hotel Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, the secluded Spa Royale even has private treatment rooms for couples. The spacious and luxurious pool villas have romantic sea views overlooking Kata Noi Bay.

An ideal location for couples new and old, Phuket has a diverse range of activities for everyone whether on their honeymoon or celebrating a wedding anniversary.

Philippines offers eco-friendly resorts and activities

MANILA, Philippines - In an effort to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly travel options, the Philippines (www.experiencephilippines.ph) offers environmental tips, socio-cultural activities and a selection of hotels and resorts ideal for the eco-friendly traveler.

The Philippines has adopted eco-tourism as an important aspect of their economic development plan. Palawan, the second largest province in the Philippines (in land area), has become the prime eco-tourism destination of the county and the new "buzz" among the green travel community. Tourism not only helps to raise the standard of living for the remote island's scarce population, but also reinforces programs that protect the environment. In response, tourists walk away with a memorable vacation, as well as the satisfaction that they are contributing to making the Earth a greener place to live.

Packaging tourism that is a spin-off from the traditional definitions, Bohol's eco-tourism has made it a model for the country. It is home to the tarsier, the world's smallest monkey, and to an enigmatic geological formation, the Chocolate Hills. Its coral reefs are home to enchanting varieties of marine life. Wetlands, caves and forests dot its terrain, while mangroves and palms grow abundantly in its coasts and swamps.

The ecotourism program has clear aims: to put in place mechanisms that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially equitable; accelerate development for the benefit of local communities; and spread tourism benefits to rural areas in terms of employment generation and improve the standard of living.

WHERE TO STAY
Following is a list of hotels and resorts throughout the Philippines which offer eco-conscious vacationers the opportunity to explore the marvels of the region while doing their part in respecting and restoring Mother Nature.

El Nido Resorts, Palawan
Lagen and Miniloc Island Resorts of El Nido Resorts believe in recognizing natural resources through responsible tourism. The resorts also work closely with the local community in the prevention of illegal fishing, promotion of coastal clean-ups, environmental education campaigns, monitoring of snorkeling sites and dive sites, and installation and maintenance of mooring buoys.

Club Noah Isabelle, Apulit Island, Palawan
Club Noah Isabelle is located on the island of Apulit on the northeastern coast of Palawan. Situated in a cove surrounded by a large marine reef, Club Noah Isabelle has been designed to be a model-case for eco-tourism. With administrative authority over a one mile radius of the island, Club Noah has slowly brought the reefs of Isabelle back to life. The presence of the white breasted eagle, grey reef egrets, and kingfisher attest to the abundance of fish in the water.

Bohol Bee Farm
The Bohol Bee Farm is a secret cherished and kept by visitors. Hidden, safe, and unexploited, it is a sanctuary where one can escape from the complexities and trappings of modern life. The farm has evolved into a popular tropical retreat, encouraging agricultural development through organic farming and introducing an alternative and sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature. Almost everything at the resort - from the food to the furniture - is made on premises.

The Philippines is what those "I-can't-wait-to-tell-you" vacation experiences are all about. Offering a great diversity of appeals, the 7,107 island archipelago boasts some of the most extensive eco-tourism offerings of any destination.

ECO-FRIENDLY PURSUITS
Following is a list of various activities for vacationers throughout the region:

WHALE SHARKS
One of the big reasons for heading to the peaceful village of Donsol in Southwest Luzon, is an opportunity to rendezvous with whale sharks measuring from 18 to 35 feet in length and weighing some 20 tons. Locally known as "butanding," whale sharks are considered to be the largest fish in the world's seas. Part of the beauty of this adventure is the opportunity to interact with the creatures in their natural environment instead of man-made captive areas. The best time for divers or snorkelers to swim alongside these gentle creatures (or to watch them from small boats) is from November to May.

BIRD WATCHING
If bird-watching is on the vacation agenda, the national bird of the Philippines, the Philippine Eagle, will surely impress (as will the rest of the country's unique bird life). The rare Philippine Eagle is said to be the world's largest, and those lucky enough to venture to the Philippines for a first-hand encounter will remember it as one of the most breathtaking experiences of their lives.

MOUSE DEER
When it comes to thinking "small," the Philippines offers special interest as well. The smallest hoofed mammal on the face of the earth - the mouse deer (locally known as Pilandok) - can be seen on Balabac Island, south of Palawan, standing a mere 15.7 inches at shoulder level.

TARSIER
The scenic and lush oval island of Bohol is the comfortable residence of the Philippine tarsier - the smallest primate in the world. Aside from fitting in the palm of one's hand, the Philippines tarsier is also the oldest surviving member of the primate group at an awesome 45 million years old. An endangered species, the tarsier can be found in several areas within the Philippines, but the most common encounters are on the island of Bohol.

PISIDUM
Beneath the surface of the warm and inviting waters of the Philippines one can find Pisidum, the world's tiniest shell, less than a millimeter in length (the country is a seashell lover's delight with some 12,000 species), and the world's shortest freshwater fish - the colorless and nearly transparent dwarf pygmy goby (males have an average length of only .3 inches).

ARCIHIPELAGO
Vacationers who come to the Philippines will also discover that the archipelago is home to 488 of the 500 known coral species in the world including seahorses, five distinct species of marine turtles (the Green Turtle, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Olive Ridley, and Loggerhead), and seven of the world's eight known species of giant clams.

CHOCOLATE HILLS
Aside from the tarsier, Bohol boasts a wide range of enticing tourist attractions including the dome-shaped Chocolate Hills - 1,268 hills rising 98-394 feet above the surrounding plateau, reaching as far as the eyes can see. The uniformly-shaped hills dry to a crispy brown in March resembling miles of oversized Hershey Kisses.

TAAL VOLCANO
Vacationers will not want to miss the chance to see the picture-postcard island of Taal, known to have the world's smallest active volcano. Taal Volcano is an island on a lake about 30 miles south of Manila. Most notably, the volcano contains a lake of its own within its center known as Crater Lake. What makes this volcano even more novel is the tiny island inside Crater Lake - Vulcan Point - which is an island within a lake on an island within a lake on an island.

CAMIGUIN ISLAND
Camiguin Island, a volcanic island in the Bohol Sea, where waterfalls create both hot and cold springs, is often referred to as the Philippines' Garden of Eden.

SUBIC BAY
Subic Bay, located two hours northwest of Manila, offers rich wildlife with distinctive species of birds, bats, monkeys and butterflies. Journey through the Subic Forest Watershed Reserves where the local monkeys are known to be extremely friendly in their interactions with visitors. At Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp, natives offer instruction on how to drink from a water vine, make fire out of bamboo shavings and twigs, cook in a bamboo steamer, and eat on a bamboo plate under a century-old tree.

MOUNT PINATUBO
Mount Pinatubo, also in Luzon, is notable in history as the second largest volcanic eruption in the 20th century, back in 1991. Spa facilities make use of hot springs and volcanic ash for their treatments, which results in a very soothing, mineral-rich experience.

PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK
Palawan's Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is the longest in the world. Visitors can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site's cavernous interior and various rock formations via outrigger boats through the underground river. Although only one third of the river's length of more than five miles is navigable, it emerges into a crystal-clear lagoon, where visitors can continue their exploration of the park by leisurely hiking the Monkey Trail lined with 40,000 tropical flora and fauna.

IFUGAO RICE TERRACES
The Ifugao Rice Terraces in Banaue, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an agro-architectural marvel. Travelers will be in awe of the extensive natural irrigation system the indigenous Ifugao rice farmers were able to accomplish by hand more than 2,000 years ago.

Thai crisis may cause $100 mln of loss to Cambodian Tourism

PHNOM PENH - The tourism industry of Cambodia will see a loss of 100 million U.S. dollars this year, if the current chaos in Thailand can't be reversed in three months, Cambodian media on Tuesday quoted minister as saying.

The Thai capital is a regional hub, from where tourists can enter Cambodia, so the situation there can have direct impact over the tourism industry here, Cambodian Tourism Minister Thon Khong told Chinese-language newspaper the Commercial News.

About 1,500 passengers come to Cambodia through Bangkok everyday, making up 30 percent of all daily entry of visitors into the kingdom, he said.

"Each of them is expected to spend 770 dollars per day in the country," he said.

When times were stable, 10 to 12 flights shuttle between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Bangkok, but the crisis in the neighboring country has stopped the boom and will lead to loss to Cambodia for sure, he added.

Tourism is one of the pillar industries of Cambodia. Over two million foreign tourist arrivals are expected this year according to the government's original plan, but the number has been scaled down by almost a quarter recently due to the global financial crisis.

AirAsia Celebrates First Flight To India

The leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, AirAsia today celebrated the inaugural flight from Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), India to Kuala Lumpur in a true Southern Indian spirit to depict the first route launched by AirAsia to India. Barely a month after opening the sale for the route, AirAsia has already recorded an overwhelming 100 percent load from 1st – 18th December 2008 for the flights from Kuala Lumpur to Trichy with an amazing average of over 80 percent load factor both ways. The low-cost carrier currently serves the route with direct daily flights Trichy departing from LCC Terminal, Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia’s spanking 180-seater Airbus A320.

The joyous ceremony was graced by H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner for India in Malaysia joined by Dato’ Seri Tony Fernandes, GCEO of AirAsia, Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, Deputy Group CEO of AirAsia and Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial of AirAsia.

Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia Berhad said “We are extremely proud of the soaring load factor for this new route. We have created new demands for the market and are very proud to service an underserved sector. The continuous strength of this network will allow AirAsia to rapidly drive growth, perhaps even ramping-up more frequencies in the future so that our guests can continue to enjoy our revolutionary low fares. Our guests can benefit from our network where we have over 3,000 weekly flights from our extensive network in the region, encompassing over 108 routes in Asia, including the ones served by AirAsia X, our long-haul affiliate to Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne, Australia and Hangzhou, China. Taking our steps further into the global market, AirAsia X has also announced flights to London which will commence in March 2009.”

“We truly hope that with this new service, the people from Trichy and its neighboring regions will have access to more low-cost alternatives to international routes and additional destinations from Kuala Lumpur where AirAsia champion. Furthermore, there is a huge population of Indians in Malaysia who descended from South India and with our extremely affordable fares will enable them to trace back their family roots, renew family ties, and perform pilgrimage or travel for holiday purposes”

H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner for India in Malaysia commented “AirAsia has revolutionized air travel with its low fares and made flying affordable for everyone. We are confident that AirAsia will not only assist us in boosting bilateral agreement, the local tourism industry and economy but also opening up our market. We are excited and are certainly looking forward for AirAsia to launch other routes from the various points in India in the future.”

Tiruchirapalli, situated on the banks of the river Cauvery is the fourth largest city in Tamil Nadu. The most famous land mark of this bustling town is the Rockfort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. The city is a thriving commercial centre in Tamil Nadu and is famous for artificial diamonds, cigars, handloom cloth, glass bangles and wooden and clay toys.

Flight Schedule KUALA LUMPUR – TIRUCHIRAPPALLI
Flight No Departure Arrival Departure/ Arrival Frequency
AK 231 Kuala Lumpur Tiruchirappalli 7:40 / 8:55 Daily
AK 232 Tiruchirappalli Kuala Lumpur 9:25 / 15:40 Daily

Brunei tourism helps to raise standards of tour guides in Brunei

After two weeks each of intensive training, 39 tourism professionals received, during a ceremony officiated by YM Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid bin Hj Mohd Jaafar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and Deputy Chairman of the Brunei Tourism Board, a certificate of participation for having attended the hands-on training course for tour guides delivered by two qualified British trainers from the World Federation of Tour Guide Associations.

As the persons with whom the majority of tourists have the most contact with when visiting Brunei, tour guides play a crucial role as “ambassadors” of sorts to foreign visitors, as they are the ones explaining to tourists about the culture, history, nature, way of life, society, and institutions of Brunei.

It is, therefore, important that tour guides should be equipped not only with the correct information, but also the correct techniques to deliver such information, as this would provide both a pleasant and informative experience to the tourists. Satisfied tourists are the best way to promote a destination, as word of mouth publicity is by far the most important element influencing the decision by tourists to visit a particular destination.

Though a satisfying experience of Brunei involves also a number of other elements, such as quality of service in hotels, restaurants, shops, and taxis, the quality of welcome by immigration and custom officials, the friendliness of people in general, and the quality and diversity of tourism products and attractions, which are everyone’s concern, it is often the quality of the guiding services that will be the most memorable element in a tourist’s holiday.

With Brunei still being in the learning curve in regards to its fast-growing tourism industry, which has seen an increase of over 40 percent in tourist arrivals this year, as well as a growing number of cruise ships calling on Muara port, Brunei Tourism and the Brunei Association of Travel Agents were concerned that the level and quality of guiding services in Brunei was not of the desired standards compared to neighboring destinations.

To address this, after consultation with members of the travel agents’ association and after a process of selection among several proposals, it was decided to appoint the world’s leading authority in tour guide training, the UK and Cyprus based World Federation of Tour Guide Associations (WFTGA), a non-profit organization affiliated with the United Nations World Tourism Organization representing tour guide associations from over 50 countries on 4 continents and with a vast experience in delivering tour guide training courses around the world through highly-qualified trainers who are themselves practicing guides in their respective countries.

For the hands-on training course, which is a short but intensive course focusing on guiding techniques, skills enhancement, and communication, two trainers from the United Kingdom, Mrs. Iris Barry and Mrs. Mary Kemp Clarke came to Brunei to deliver two courses over a four-week period, with each course ending with a written and practical assessment, in which trainees had to demonstrate skills and knowledge in a bus tour around the capital city, walking tour of downtown Bandar, and museum tour at the Brunei Museum.

The lead trainer, Mrs. Iris Barry, is an active Blue Badge tourist guide in Scotland, England, and Wales with 22 years of experience in the field, as well as a certified trainer with years of experience training tour guides around the world and with a number of tourism-related degrees, in addition to being a trained archaeologist and published author on the subject of South American pre-history.

Assisting her in delivering the course was Mrs. Mary Kemp Clarke, also a Blue Badge guide in Scotland with many years of experience in both guiding and training internationally, as well as being an archaeology and Spanish language graduate, among many other qualifications and honorary positions in several associations.

With such eminently-qualified trainers, the objective of this course was to improve the skills and techniques of the guides by learning from best practitioners. Those guides who will pass the assessment, which will be finalized by year end by the WFTGA Training Committee in the UK, will then receive an accreditation badge endorsed by Brunei Tourism and the WFTGA and recognized by the Brunei Association of Travel Agents. This will be a first step towards future implementation of a compulsory licensing system needed to regulate the profession, as well as the quality of the guides who must take care of visitors to Brunei in a professional, competent, and regulated manner.

In order to train and accredit the majority of practicing guides in Brunei, Brunei Tourism will call again on the WFTGA to conduct more Hands-on Training courses in the near future.

For more on the WFTGA and its activities, and on the benefits of setting up a tourist guide association, the WFTGA website at: www.wtfga.org can be consulted.

Vietnam's first privately-owned airline launched

HANOI, Vietnam — Vietnam's first privately-owned airline began flights Tuesday, aiming to tap rising demand for air travel in the fast-growing Southeast Asian nation.

Indochina Airlines, owned by a group of Vietnamese businessmen, is operating four daily flights between the southern commercial center of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, said company spokeswoman Nguyen Thi Thanh Quyen.

The company, chaired by Ha Hung Dung, a well-known Vietnamese pop music composer and businessman, also offers two flights daily between Ho Chi Minh City and the central coastal city of Danang.

"The launch of our airlines aims to meet growing air travel demand in Vietnam and will offer more choices for customers," she said.

Indochina Airlines is the third airline to offer domestic flights in Vietnam, joining national carrier Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific, a partnership between a state-owned carrier and Australia's Qantas, which holds an 18 percent stake.

Indochina Airlines has registered capital of $12 million, Quyen said, and is leasing two 174-seat Boeing 737-800s.

In the next two or three years, the company hopes to add flights to the resort city of Nha Trang and the ancient capital of Hue, as well as countries in the region.

Passenger air travel to and from Vietnam has grown between 13 and 17 percent annually in recent years, according to Vietnam's Civil Aviation Administration.

Thai Buddhist Wedding Ceremony

These vary depending upon which region you marry. Plus most weddings performed by visitors to Thailand will be atleast themed with the Buddhist ceremonies. The ceremony will take place inside a monastery - due to Buddhist believes the monks are not allowed to do the full ceremony outdoors but a blessing ceremony after is possible. You will require to be be wearing traditional Thai dress.

Traditional Thai Wedding Ceremony & Thai theme Wedding Ceremony

Again, these vary depending upon which region you marry. Traditional Thai Wedding Ceremony offering a superbly romantic wedding ceremony.

The wedding proper begins with the groom, accompanied by the celebrant, leading the colorful "Long Drum Parade" across the garden or beach to where the vows will take place. Before the altar, the groom is joined by the bride. Dressed in a traditional, close-fitting, brightly colored Thai silk outfit she has been hidden nearby. The celebrant then addresses the bride and groom, and guests. To the traditional Thai music, the couple solemnly pronounces their vows and exchange rings. The cake is cut and champagne toasts (that can be accompanied by fireworks) are made. Invited Monks chant prayers of health, happiness and prosperity for the wedding couples� marriage. In return, the couple present the monks with alms and food. The bride and groom then kneel together, and a holy string is draped from one persons head to the other, forming a circle and connecting the couple. This symbolizes their spiritual union. Flower garlands are presented and powder is placed on the forehead. They then Wai by clasping their palms together in the traditional prayer-like gesture while one by one the guests pour a conch shell full of sacred water over the couple's hands while saying a blessing for good luck. Gifts of either envelopes containing money, or presents that have been placed in a basket beforehand are now checked by the bride's mother. The ceremony is completed with the newlyweds planting a "Love Tree" at as a gesture life of love.

Church weddings & western style civil wedding ceremonies are also popular. Often after a church wedding a Thai style blessing in arranged. Western style civil marriage ceremonies are often used for beach weddings in Thailand.
Wedding in Thailand has never been easier.

South Korea Joins Lucrative Practice of Inviting Medical Tourists to Its Hospitals

SEOUL, South Korea — In this city’s Apgujeong district, famous for its high-end boutiques and plastic surgeons, tourist buses unload Chinese and Japanese visitors looking for a nip and tuck as part of their packaged tour.

On the resort island of Jeju, the government is building Health Care Town, a 370-acre complex of medical clinics and upscale apartments surrounded by 18-hole golf courses and scenic beaches, to lure foreigners in need of medical care.

West of Seoul, on the muddy beaches of Inchon where American troops splashed ashore 58 years ago to fight in the Korean War, a new steel-and-glass town is rising to attract foreign visitors, including medical tourists.

South Korea has joined Thailand, Singapore, India and other Asian nations in the lucrative business of medical tourism. Heart bypasses, spinal surgery, hip-joint replacements, cosmetic surgery — procedures that may cost tens of thousands of dollars in the United States — can often be done for one-third or even one-tenth of the cost in Asia, with much shorter waiting times and by specialists often trained in the West.

Americans fleeing the high cost of medicine at home have spurred the trend. Last year, 750,000 Americans sought cheaper treatment abroad, a figure projected to reach 6 million by 2010, according to a recent study by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, a consultancy. Asian nations are also wooing wealthy Middle Eastern patients who have found it more difficult to get a visa to enter the United States since the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The number of foreigners coming to South Korea for medical care is still a fraction of those getting treatment in India, Thailand and Singapore, industry officials said. But clinics and the South Korean government are trying hard to attract these tourists, who not only bring in money for cash-strapped hospitals but also help the economy by staying on to shop and sightsee after their procedure is over.

The government has revised immigration rules to allow foreign patients and their families to get long-term medical visas and altered laws to permit local hospitals to form joint ventures with foreign hospitals in some cases.

When Hassan and Fatima Al-Abdulla of Qatar arrived in Seoul in October, they found a car and an English-speaking nurse waiting at the airport.

Soon they were checking into the Wooridul Spine Hospital so Ms. Abdulla could have surgery for her chronic back and leg pain.

Mr. Abdulla found his wife’s hospital room — furnished with a television, broadband Internet access, private bathroom, sofas and an extra bed — so comfortable that he decided to stay with her rather than go to a hotel.

Ms. Abdulla had all her pre-surgical tests the day she arrived. The next day, she was on an operating table.

“I feel very good,” she said five days after her surgery. “I can walk and shop now.”

Mr. Abdulla said he and his wife were now eager to visit the stores and museums in Seoul, “probably spending more on shopping than in the medical center.”

Wooridul Spine Hospital said it expected to draw about 1,000 foreign patients and $1 million in revenue from their treatments in 2008, its third year of wooing foreigners. It said its patients hailed from 47 countries, with about a third from the United States.

Wooridul plans to build a hospital branch, apartments, a concert hall and an art museum on the Jeju Island as part of its medical tourism offerings, in addition to the golf course it has already built, said Lee Mi-jeong, a Wooridul spokeswoman.

“We believe this is a major future industry for our island,” said Kim Kyung-taeg, head of the government-run Jeju Development Center. “The town will specialize in medical checkups, long-term convalescence and procedures Korean doctors do well and cheaply, such as plastic surgery and dentistry.”

No government records are available on how many medical tourists come to South Korea. But a survey of 29 hospitals showed that they treated 38,822 uninsured foreign patients — excluding certain categories like long-term Korean expatriates — between January and August, compared with 15,680 in 2007, according to the government-financed Korea Health Industry Development Institute.

It said 25 percent of those patients were from the United States, and 10 percent each were from China and Japan.

Medical fees are strictly controlled by the government as part of a national health insurance program, but hospitals like Wooridul can negotiate fees with foreign patients without interference from insurance authorities.

Gregory Kellstrom, a civilian forklift operator at the American military base in Seoul, decided to go to Wooridul recently to get spinal scans and medication for his back and hip problems instead of returning to the United States.

“For me personally, this is not about money,” said Mr. Kellstrom, 42, who paid out of his own pocket but planned to apply for reimbursement from his American insurer.

“In the States, it will probably take easily six months just to get the treatment I have here in one day,” he said.

Baialinova Dariakul, 49, the wife of a wealthy businessman in Kyrgyzstan, said she came to Wooridul for treatment for her spinal tumor because it was unavailable at home. Fumiko Yamada, 75, a Tokyo resident who recently had a back operation at Wooridul, said she would have had to wait years to get an appointment with a leading Japanese surgeon who performs the same operation.

Some Koreans fear that social inequality will grow if medical resources and skilled workers migrate from public health care to better-paying jobs that cater to foreigners, said Dr. Yoon Dae-hyun, a psychiatrist at the Healthcare System Gangnam Center at Seoul National University Hospital. But he added that the effort to attract foreigners could inspire more local hospitals to upgrade their services.

“There isn’t much of a gap anymore between the good hospitals in Asia and the United States,” he said.

His center plans to open a marketing office in Los Angeles, and hopes to attract medical tourists from the pool of two million Korean-Americans. Foreigners who can document Korean ancestry can qualify for the South Korean national health insurance.

Sally Im, a Korean-American from Honolulu, recently traveled to Wooridul for back surgery. After her husband paid two months’ worth of premiums — about $90 — on their arrival, a portion of Ms. Im’s medical bill was covered by the South Korean government. The couple ended up spending $3,200, rather than the $30,000 that her operation would have cost in the United States, Wooridul said.

Not everyone in South Korea is happy about such arrangements, fearing that ethnic Koreans from abroad could become a drag on the national insurance coffers. There is talk of limiting benefits to long-term residents.

The Ims, meanwhile, were happy that they had an alternative to the American medical system.

“We met a good doctor and had good surgery,” said Ms. Im’s husband, Stan. “We feel very lucky.”
Source: nytimes

India turning affordable, quality option for medical tourists

BANGALORE - India is soon growing to be a popular medical destination following the availability of health care facilities that matched international standards but offered it at a fraction of the cost abroad.

The estimated international medical tourist arrivals to India was 4,50,000 as against Singapore's 4,20,000 and over a million in Thailand, said Vishal Bali, CEO, Wockhardt.

Nearly 13 hospitals in India had been JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited. JCI was the US-based quality assessor that awards accreditation to hospitals outside US.

The Deloitte Study on medical tourist estimates that 750,000 Americans travelled abroad for health care in 2007 and the number is estimated to increase to six million by 2010.

The study estimates that the Global market for Medical tourism tobe currently at 60 billion dollars.

The growing cost of healthcare in the US, the high premium to be paid is leaving a lot of American out of the insurance cordon. Nearly 70 million US citizens were underinsured or not insured. In comparison health care cost in India was nearly just a fraction of the cost incurred in the US.

A cardiac surgery, which would cost 9000 USD, in India would cost around 75,000 to 100,000 USD in the US. A spine surgery costing around 8000 to 9000 USD in India could cost around 65,000 USD while a joint replacement in India would have a patient paying up around 8500 USD while it would cost around 55,000 to 65,000 USD in the states, says Bali.

Even with the travel to India and stay cost involved, patients would still end up paying much less if they chose India as an option to undergo treatment, he said which was leading to more US patients looking to India.

South Korea invites tourists to its hospitals

SEOUL, South Korea — In this city's Apgujeong district, famous for its high-end boutiques and plastic surgeons, tourist buses unload Chinese and Japanese visitors looking for a nip and tuck as part of their packaged tour.

On the resort island of Jeju, the government is building Health Care Town, a 370-acre complex of medical clinics and upscale apartments, with 18-hole golf courses and scenic beaches, to lure foreigners in need of medical care.

West of Seoul, on the muddy beaches of Inchon where American troops splashed ashore 58 years ago to fight in the Korean War, a new steel-and-glass town is rising to attract foreign visitors, including medical tourists.

South Korea has joined Thailand, Singapore, India and other Asian nations in the lucrative business of medical tourism. Heart bypasses, spinal surgery, hip-joint replacements, cosmetic surgery — procedures that may cost tens of thousands of dollars in the United States — can often be done for one-third or even one-tenth of the cost in Asia, with much shorter waiting times and by specialists often trained in the West.

Americans fleeing the high cost of medicine at home have spurred the trend. Last year, 750,000 Americans sought cheaper treatment abroad, a figure projected to reach 6 million by 2010, according to a recent study by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, a consultancy. Asian nations are also wooing wealthy Middle Eastern patients who have found it more difficult to get visas to enter the United States since the 2001 terrorist attacks.

The number of foreigners coming to South Korea for medical care is still a fraction of those getting treatment in India, Thailand and Singapore, industry officials said. But clinics and the South Korean government are trying hard to attract these tourists, who not only bring in money for cash-strapped hospitals but also help the economy by staying on to shop and sightsee after their procedures are over.

The government has revised immigration rules to allow foreign patients and their families to get long-term medical visas and has altered laws to permit local hospitals to form joint ventures with foreign hospitals in some cases.

Philippines Tourism focuses on Asian Neighbors

Despite the global economic slowdown, tourism officials remain confident that the local industry will be resilient as marketing efforts continue to mine specific markets.

The tourism department cited the recently concluded International Tourismus Borse (ITB) in Singapore, the largest travel trade show in Asia, where the Philippines was among the top sellers for tourism products, including the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) and leisure segments.

"Our presence in this inaugural ITB in Asia is significant, as we maintain our mark in the Asian region, where a huge growth potential is certain," Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said in a statement.

Peter Long, chief executive of TUI Travel PLC, a leading European leisure travel company in Europe, said another 600 to 700 million people are expected to travel from and within Asia over the next five years.

The tourism department said it will take advantage of this growth.

"The focus on Asian travel buyers and sellers is timely, as there are many opportunities to be tapped with the emergence of the middle-class in China and India, as well as other source markets in the region," Durano stressed.

Rica Bueno, tourism head for Team Asia Pacific, said the department has positioned the Philippines as a destination of choice in Asia, with a strong emphasis on leisure and incentive travel.

Eduardo Jarque, Jr., undersecretary for tourism planning and promotions, also noted the growth in the incentive travel for the Indian market, and English and Secondary Language training for the Korean market.

"Career women from Southeast Asia are looking for places where they can unwind. Our beaches and spas are among the best,” Jarque said.

Tourist arrivals from the Asia Pacific region accounted for 18 percent of total inbound traffic in the first half of 2008.

The introduction of specialized products on incentive and adventure attracted more visitors from Australia, which grew by 12 percent in the first semester of the year. Hong Kong has been revived with the introduction of new products and tapping new trade channels.

The ASEAN region accounted for a 7.5 percent share of total arrivals, according to a mid-year report.
Souce: abs-cbnews

Internet presence essential for destination marketers as more Indians source travel information online

With over half of Indian travelers using the Internet to search for information about destinations aboard, travel operators and tourist bodies need an effective online presence if they are to capture India's early adopters and increasingly-affluent travelers, according to the latest India Outbound Travel Monitor conducted by The Nielsen Company in partnership with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

The survey shows that, while traditional media such as newspapers and magazines remain the primary source for travel advertising and information for many, the Internet has become a popular advertising channel - drawing greater attention among Indian outbound travelers. The online platform is also gaining in popularity among travelers from India's smaller cities.

“The convenience of comparing prices and easy access to more detailed information makes the Internet a popular go-to source for travelers," said Vatsala Pant, associate director - client service, The Nielsen Company, India. “An effective online presence ensures optimal deployment of marketing strategies, yet a standard online advertising may not be enough to capture the attention of increasingly technology-savvy Indian travelers.

Oliver Martin, associate director, Strategic Intelligence Centre, PATA, said, “It is critical for marketers to establish an early presence online, as well as developing an effective engagement model with their target travelers long before they start actively planning their trips."

Conducted using face-to-face interviews with a fully-structured questionnaire during July - August 2008, the Nielsen India Outbound Travel Monitor is a nationwide study surveying 2,000 male and female consumers aged 18+ who have traveled outside India in the last 12 months and stayed at least two nights away from home. The Monitor studies traveler behavior, attitudes, and opinions about traveling and provides insight into decision making processes, information sourcing, booking choices, accommodation, and more.

While the majority continues to turn to conventional channels - travel agents and tour operators - for their travel arrangements, Indian outbound travelers (12 percent) are increasingly booking their travel online. “India's outbound travel market is recognized as one of the key emerging sources of tourism for the world, and as Internet penetration and adoption of the web as a commercial channel increases, so will online travel bookings," added Pant.
According to Nielsen, Nepal, Singapore, and Thailand are the most popular destinations for online bookings among Indian travelers. “It would seem that, for many, face to face interaction with a bricks-and-mortar travel agent is still preferred to the ease of booking over the internet. Relationships established with travel agents and the trust that has been built with an offline entity over the years win out over the fear of the unseen or unknown," said Vatsala Pant.

Jayashree Janardhanan The Nielsen Company India Email: Jayashree.janardhanan@nielsen.com Tel: +91 22 6663 2825 or +91 983 395 2084 Oliver Martin PATA Email: Oliver@pata.org Tel: +66 2 658 2000 or +66 81 908 8638

AirAsia is Top Brand from Emerging Markets

AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, has been recognized as the ‘top brand to watch’ in the UK Trade & Investment’s New World Brands annual report. AirAsia is the only South East Asian company to make the list of top ten brands from emerging markets across Brazil, Russia, India and China.

New World Brands, which was produced in co-operation with the Economist Intelligence Unit, examines many of the world’s fastest-growing and most innovative companies from emerging markets. AirAsia is ranked above other successful companies such as Chery Automobile, Haier, Marcopolo, Reliance, and Springs Global.

AirAsia currently flies to more than 60 destinations and boasts the lowest operating cost of any carrier worldwide. The airline has optimised costs by operating a faster turnaround time, improving aircraft utilization and crew efficiency, and providing a pay-per-use passenger service, all of which results in savings which are passed back to consumers in the form of low fares.

Dato’ Sri Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO, said: “This is a great achievement for AirAsia to be recognized as a top new world brand and reflects our hard work and pioneering attitude to make air travel an affordable reality for everyone across Asia. We always focused on being a global brand and the investment is now beginning to reap the rewards.”

According to the report, leading brands from emerging markets are “shaking up industries” and challenging conventional business wisdom while benchmarking themselves against global standards.

Tony Fernandes added: “Despite the current challenging market conditions, AirAsia is still going strong. We have successful joint ventures in Thailand and Indonesia, as well as AirAsia X, the low-cost, long-haul subsidiary of AirAsia. Our fleet in Malaysia has been fully upgraded with the more modern Airbus A320s. We are vigilant in our efforts to maintain AirAsia’s notoriously low fares, and our disciplined low-cost model sets a global standard for airline efficiency.”

AirAsia was also recently ranked Top 5 among Asia Pacific’s airline brands, ahead of Malaysia Airlines and Qantas, among others, in the Top 1000 Brands 2008 survey conducted by TNS for Hong Kong-based Media magazine.

Philippines: Tourists targeted for condos

Manila, Philippines - The government is working with property developers to sell condominium units as second homes for foreign tourists in a bid to boost repeat visits, the Tourism department said in a statement yesterday.

"What we are doing is opening up new marketsin Australia, Korea, Japan and Chinafor the developers, while we are broadening and deepening the market base of tourism," Tourism Sec. Joseph H. Durano said in a phone interview yesterday.

"The reason we are concentrating on Asia Pacific is because they [make up most of] our repeat visitors. It’s easier to convince them to take the next step and own a second home," Mr. Durano said, adding that tourists who own second homes also stay longer.

To do so, the Tourism department is providing information on property developments in the country, particularly those near tourist attractions, through Web sites, advertisements, and investment shows abroad. The department counts big name developers like Ayala Land, Inc., Fil-Estate Corp., Megaworld Corp., SM Development Corp. as among its partners for this campaign.

While the Constitution prohibits foreigners from owning land in the Philippines, foreigners may own condominium units, Mr. Durano noted.

Bangkok and Chiang Mai ranked best cities of Asia by leading US travel magazine

BANGKOK, Thailand — Bangkok and Chiang Mai have been rated as the Best Cities of Asia 2008 from American readers of Condé Nast Traveler, a US leading travel and lifestyle magazine. The readers voted Bangkok as Best City of Asia with an overall score of 82.8%, followed by Chiang Mai (81.2%).

The award was conferred at the Readers Choice Awards 2008 Ceremony and Gala Dinner held at the New York Public Library, New York City, USA on October 15, 2008. It was accepted on behalf of the entire Thai travel and tourism industry by Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, which has an audience of 3.1 million and readership of 32,633, were polled on the basis of first-hand experience of their world-wide holidays.

For 20 years, it has conducted an annual readers’ choice survey to rank best cities, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and resorts wordwide and honor them with the World’s Best award.

Criterion scores for the best cities, which represent the percentage of respondents rating a candidate excellent were averaged to determine the final score-atmosphere/ambience, culture/sites, friendliness, lodging, restaurants, and shopping.

Other high-level rankings attained by Thai products services in Readers’ Choice Awards 2008 included Phuket and Samui, which were respectively ranked 3rd and 6th on the list of Top 10 Islands in Asia. Thai Airways International was ranked 7th on the list of Top 25 airlines.

On the list of Top 100 Asia Hotels, fourteen were in Thailand as follows:

Peninsula Bangkok - Ranked 4
Oriental Bangkok - Ranked 6
Shangri-La Bangkok - Ranked 7
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai - Ranked 23
Sukhothai, Bangkok - Ranked 27
Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, Bangkok - Ranked 28
Intercontinental Bangkok - Ranked 31
Four Seasons Bangkok - Ranked 41
Shangri-La Chiang Mai - Ranked 48
J W Marriott Bangkok - Ranked 62
Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok - Ranked 76
Plaza Athenee Bangkok - Ranked 80
Conrad Bangkok - Ranked 89
Pan Pacific Bangkok - Ranked 100

On the list of Top 25 Asia Resorts, ten were in Thailand as follows:

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle - Ranked 1
Four Seasons Chiang Mai - Ranked 8
The Jedi Chiang Mai - Ranked 13
J W Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa - Ranked 14
Rayawadee Krabi - Ranked 15
Four Seasons Samui Island - Ranked 17
Amanpuri Phuket - Ranked 18
Banyan Tree Phuket - Ranked 19
Sofitel Poki Tara Krabi - Ranked 21
Anantara Golden Triangle - Ranked 24

For more information, please visit:
http://tourismthailand.org/news/release-content-1255.html

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Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo in Makassar, Indonesia

Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) is held in Makassar, South Sulawesi, for the second time after 2006. During October 14-17, 2008 international buyers from all over the world meet local sellers of tourism products from many islands and provinces in Indonesia at the newly built Celebes Convention Centre (CCC).

Makassar is a fascinating new tourist destination on the island of Sulawesi and is served by eight domestic airlines from the capital Jakarta. From Makassar, domestic flights expand to all the eastern parts of Indonesia. Also, for international flights, Makassar is nowadays connected with Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur by AirAsia on a daily basis.

Toraja Land is up till now the preferred tourist attraction to visit in South Sulawesi with an average of 65% of tourists from overseas. By taking this momentum , it was announced during the opening press conference on October 15 by Mr. Ana Saing, Head of South Sulawesi Culture & Tourism Office, that in the context of "Visit Indonesia Year 2008" there will be the launching of "Lovely December in Toraja Land" offering a 50% discount on all tourism packages.

This activity is assigned to push tourism development of South Sulawesi higher and to make South Sulawesi as "centrepoint" of Indonesia through tourism.

In a pre-show excursion tour on October 14, registered delegates were driven to the impressive Fort Rotterdam in Makassar and to the scenic Bantimurung Waterfall, which is some 60km away from the city.

Lombok announced to be host of TIME 2009

It was also announced that the next Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) in 2009 or "Pasarwisata Indonesia" will be held on the island of Lombok, which is not far away from the better-known tourist destination of Bali.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB), Mr. Pontjo Sutowo, had already assured this year's delegates during the opening ceremony in Makassar that ever since its first conduct of TIME in 1994 at Jakarta, TIME has been held to project the positive image of Indonesia and promote the Indonesian tourism industry in the international market.

Staging its 16th year of conduct in 2009 at Mataram, Lombok, TIME will definitely continue this tradition to speed up the development of the Indonesian tourism industry accordingly. As Makassar in Sulawesi this year, Lombok will offer visiting delegates a sound infrastructure and easy access via its new international airport. A post-tour is already planned to explore the nearby island of Sumbawa.

During a press conference, Chairperson of TIME2008 Steering Committee, Mrs. Meity Robot, said that TIME2008 is attended by 104 buyers from 21 countries, 108 sellers from 16 provinces of Indonesia occupying 86 booths, and 15 international travel writers from 9 countries. The event features mostly marine tourism products as well as new emerging MICE facilities in Indonesia.

All in all, the conduct of TIME2008 in Makassar has proven successful as a result of the good co-operation among the organising entities despite of the few numbers of buyers and sellers. This was reported during the closing press conference by Mrs. Meity Robot, Steering Committee Chairperson of TIME2008. Despite the current global financial crisis and the ongoing ban of the EU countries towards the airlines of Indonesia, TIME2008 has booked an estimated transaction of some US$ 15.2 million.

By : Reinhard Hohler