ITE HCMC 2009 - Ho Chi Minh City Hosts the largest Travel show in Vietnam

The Largest Travel show connecting Cambodia Laos & Vietnam as a Single Destination - ITE HCMC 2009

ITE HCMC 2009, the fifth edition of the International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest travel trade show kicked off in style at the Phu Tho Exhibition. The three day event from 01-03 October 2009 was the most happening event in the HCMC. A colorful opening ceremony was opened by Deputy Chairwoman of the HCM City People's Committee, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong, Deputy Minister of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Sports Mr. Tran Chien Thang, Cambodia's Tourism Minister Dr. Thong Khon, and Vice Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration Mr. Soukaseum Bodhisane.

"In addition to annual activities like the exhibition and buyers-sellers meeting, this year there is also an International Conference on Tourism Investment in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam and a Tourism Alliance Award to encourage tourism agencies to improve their services," Ms. Hong said.

As an economic locomotive, HCM city had taken several initiatives to promote the country's tourism sector, she said, announcing the HCM City – 100 interesting things and "One day in a five star hotel" programmes. On the back of these efforts, the HCM city Tourism industry has recorded significant growth, sustaining its leading position in the Vietnamese tourism industry.

Following the success of previous years, ITE HCMC 2009 has adopted the theme "Three Countries, One Destination". The subject of regional tourism cooperation was reinforced as the ministers outlined the ‘Three Countries – One Destination, or ‘3CODe’ strategy. A key element of this strategy, the ministers revealed, was the implementation of a single visa policy. Other pledges made included the development of infrastructure across the region, increased knowledge sharing, and the development of combined tourism products. Also addressing the conference was Dr. Thong Khon, Cambodia. Tourism Minister and Mr. Soukaseum Bodhisane, Vice Chairman of the Laos National Tourism Administration

The 3 day event was attended by more than 14000 visitors, including 4,939 trade visitors 9,303 public visitors and by bringing together 300 international buyers and sellers from 28 countries. Running for the fifth year, ITE attracted participants from as far as Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, UAE, USA and beyond Despite a slowdown in the global tourism industry, the ITE HCMC 2009 international buyers programme attracted buyers from many new markets.

ITE HCMC is a very important travel trade event that showcases the latest regional tourism products and services to international buyers and travel professionals, said Dr. Thong Khon, Cambodia Tourism Minister about the event.

Ms Yulia Sapunova (Trans Tour East) a buyer from Russia, said; “I met many interesting companies from the three countries at the event and would be looking to promote tours to Nha Trang. ITE HCMC is a good example of Vietnamese hospitality.”

Mr. Sanjeev Aery from Eternity Travel & Tour Pvt Ltd, stated; “Indian tourists are increasingly looking for newer, exciting destinations like Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Mr. Mohan Dharan from Journey Asia Promotions and Ms. Tan Yee Ping from World Express from Singapore said their clients are always looking for newer destinations for MICE market and they find Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as a very exciting upcoming destination and market for their clients.

At the Ministerial Media Conference held after the Opening ceremony, Mr. So Mara, Secretary of State, Cambodia Tourism, called for setting up a website, publishing a magazine or distributing a DVD with images from the three countries to promote the "Three Countries, One Destination" concept finalized a few years ago.

A day before the exhibition, on 30 September, buyers and sellers met at the Majestic Hotel. During the course of the two day meeting schedule more than 2,000 appointments were completed. An event filled day included the speed dating session that was very well received by sellers and buyers alike. A buyers’ seminar programme about Vietnam’s tourist attractions was also organized. The ITE HCMC 2009 International Buyers and Media programme was supported by major hotel partners like Caravelle Hotel (www.caravellehotel.com), Majestic Hotel, Continental Hotel, Rex Hotel and Airline partners such as Vietnam Airlines (www.vietnamairlines.com), Singapore Airlines and the Philippines Airlines. The whole event for ground handling operations and tour was supported by Saigon Tourist. To round off the event a gala reception was hosted by the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.

As a part of the 5th anniversary celebration for ITE HCMC, the inaugural Tourism Investment Conference (TIC), Tourism Alliance Awards (TAA) and the ITE HCMC 2009 Friendship Golf Tournament were also organized. The TAA held on 01 Oct 2009 was graced by special dignitaries representing all three countries including Mr. Pak Sokhom, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia, Mr. Soukaseum Bodhisane, Vice Chairman, Lao National Tourism Administration, Lao and Mr. Tran Chien Thang, Vice Minister, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam, who presented the awards for their respective countries. The new ITE HCMC logo was also unveiled at the TAA reception with much fanfare. The new look represents a rapidly emerging ITE HCMC that is both modern and forward looking, yet maintains its cultural essence. “The fifth ITE HCMC in 2009 is more professional and better arranged than ever before. In addition, TAA (Tourism Alliance Awards) is a big plus for the event.” Said Kettasone Sundara, Director of Tourism Marketing, Lao National Tourism Administration.

The TIC 2009 held at the New World Hotel from 30 Sep – 01 Oct was attended by more than 100 delegates, which included dignitaries, VIP’s, the heads from the different provinces showcasing the tourism investment opportunities available, as well as many leading hotel owners and developers in the hospitality industry. The golf event took place at the prestigious Long Thanh Golf Club on Tuesday 29 September, providing some exciting action and excellent stroke play. The tournament was sponsored by Vu Hoang Ha Group and a host of others companies.

On 02 Oct, the buyers and media personnel departed for post show tours to some of the region’s top tourism destinations, including Nha Trang, Bin Thuan province and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, as well as destinations in Cambodia and Laos. On the last two days Miss ITE HCMC 2009 Ms. Nguyen Minh Ngoc Tram drew the winners of the ITE Grand Lucky Draw, prizes included the including a Royal Caribbean cruise and stays at Anantara Phuket, Parkroyal Saigon and Parkroyal Yangon, portable sound bug speakers by Feonic, and Vietnam Airlines tickets.

ITE HCMC will be back in Ho Chi Minh City from 23-25 Sep 2010.

Post Tour to Nha Trang - A Marvelous Experience of one of the Vietnams Exotic Beach Destination

Located along a magnificent bay on the South China Sea, the coastal town of Nha Trang is Vietnam's most popular beach and party destination. Formerly a sleepy fishing town mainly frequented by backpackers, the city now boasts luxurious five star beach resorts catering to an upscale market. Turquoise waters and palm fringed white sandy beaches combined with excellent diving opportunities, trendy bars, and fantastically fresh seafood makes Nha Trang an easy choice for a fun filled beach vacation.

Nha Trang is 1, 280 km from Hanoi, 448 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 630 km from Hue, 105 km from Phan Rang, 260 km from Phan Thiet, and 620 km from Can Tho.

Nha Trang is home to many famous beautiful spots and landscapes and is a major tourist center in the country. Typical landscapes and beautiful sites in Nha Trang are Ponagar Tower Temples, Chong Rocks, Do Islet, Yen Islands, Noi Island, Ngoai Island, Mieu Island, Tre Island, Tam Island, Mun Island, Lao Island, Thị Island, Lo River, Tien Beach, Ngoc Thao isle, La-San Hill, Bao Dai Villas, Long Son Pagoda, the White Buddha Statue, Tri Nguyen Aquarium, the Water Palace, Da Hang Pagoda, etc.

The Post Tour to Nha Trang was coordinated by VNAT along with Saigon Tourist Holding Company ( www.saigontourist.net ) accompanied by their Representative Ms. Tran Vo Hien Thuan and the Accommodation Service was provided by the Premier Beach Resort Hotel Yasaka Saigon Hotel & Spa, Nha Trang (www.yasanhatrang.com). The Director of the Tourism promotion Information Center of Nha Trang Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh along with Hon Tam Resort Eco Green Island Resort General Manager Mr. Dilan De Silva and his team hosted a gala dinner at Hon Tam Resort to the International Buyers and Media. The resort is huge and an eye catching exotic luxury destination of Nha Trang. For more details about the Hon Tam Resort, please check www.hontamresort.com

Some of the other leading exotic hotels at Nga Trang are:
Novotel Nha Trang: www.novotel-nhatrang.com
Sunrise Nha Trang: www.sunrisenhatrang.com
Evason Ana Mandara: www.sixsenses.com/evason
Six Senses Hideaway: www.sixsenses.com/six-senses-hideaways

5th International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City, 2009 (ITE HCMC 2009)
ITE HCMC 2009, regarded as Vietnam’s Largest Travel Event, has been an annual show since 2005. In 2008, it was conferred the status of Vietnam’s only travel trade event by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam. Held at the Phu Tho Exhibition Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, ITE HCMC 2009 launches “Three Countries One Destination” concept (3CODe) – the three countries being Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. ITE HCMC 2009 is organized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (DCST), the Vietnam Trade Fair & Advertising Joint Stock Company (VINEXAD) and IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd (IIR). ITE HCMC 2009 is supported by the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and co-supported by the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia and Laos National Tourism Administration.

IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd (www.iirx.com.sg / www.informa.com)
IIR established since 1973, is part of the Informa Plc, with over 150 offices in more than 45 countries, employing over 9,500 staff around the world, Informa Group produces over 12,000 events and training courses, 45,000 book titles, 2,000 subscription-based information services including academic journals, magazines, newsletters, real-time information and news services, unparalleled performance improvement solutions, and hundreds of exceptional brands in 70 countries.

The Inaugural Tourism Alliance Awards (Cambodia, Lao, Vietnam) - ITE HCMC2009

The first Tourism Alliance Awards (TAA 2009) took place on 1 October 2009 at the Phu Tho Exhibition Centre, Room 45. The event, which was co-organized by Vietnam Tourism Association, Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, Cambodia Hotel Association, Lao Association of Travel Agents and IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd and supported by Vietnam National Administration of Tourism; Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia and Lao National Tourism Administration, marked a significant milestone that represented the commitment on the part of Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam to strive for service excellence in their tourism and hospitality industries.

The inaugural event was graced by special dignitaries representing all three countries. They included Mr. Pak Sokhom, Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia, Mr. Soukaseum Bodhisane, Vice Chairman, Lao National Tourism Administration, Lao and Mr. Tran Chien Thang, Vice Minister, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam, who presented the awards for their respective countries. Mr. Tran Chien Thang, who was also the Special Guest of Honor at the TAA 2009, gave a speech at the event highlighting that the recognition of the brightest tourism stars in the three countries through the TAA 2009 would serve as an encouragement for the tourism industry professionals in Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam to achieve service quality excellence within the tourism industry. Ms Rosalind Ng, Managing Director (Asia) of IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd, which was part of the organizing committee, gave a speech on thanking the co-organizers, official supporters, winners, judges and all participants. She also gave a special note of thanks on behalf of the organizers to Mr. La Quoc Khanh for his and the Department of Tourism Ho Chi Minh City’s invaluable assistance in making the TAA 2009 possible.

All categories were awarded after a rigorous examination by an internationally recognized panel of judges, which consists of Mr. Michel Van Der Hoeven, Senior Vice President Development, Minor International PCL, Mr. Stephen Morton, General Manager and Managing Editor of e-Travel Blackboard, Mr. Michael Loh, Founder, CEO, Editorial Director, AGELESS & Spa Asia, Singapore, President of International Medical Spa Association – Asia Pacific and President of Day Spa Association – Asia Pacific, Mr. Bill Barnett, Managing Director, C9 Hotelworks Company Limited, Mr. Marc Kramer, Director, HVS Global Hospitality Services, Ms. Sue Francis, Director, Interline Reservation Service, Mr. Kai Marcus Schröter, CEO of HTM Management Consultancy, Mr. Nigel Sharman, Chief Executive Officer of TCK Group and Mr. Amit Gilboa, writer of the book “Off the Rails in Phnom Penh”.

These are the quotes from some of our winners of the Tourism Alliance Awards 2009:

“We are so delighted to receive the Domestic Airline of the Year (Vietnam) and International Airline of the Year (Vietnam) awards at the Tourism Alliance Awards. This shows that the effort of Vietnam Airlines has been acknowledged and highly appreciated by the customers. With these awards, we will do our best to improve our products and services to better meet our customers’ demands in the future.”

Mr. Cao Anh Son, General Manager Sales & Marketing, Southern Regional Office of Vietnam Airlines, a double award winner at the Tourism Alliance Awards 2009 “We are of course very proud and delighted to receive these awards. The most pleasing thing however is that it gives our associates a reason to walk a little taller in their shoes. They can be proud of the hotel they work for and they can feel rewarded for their hard work and effort”, Mr. Dietmar Kielnhofer, General Manager, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Winner of the Spa Operator of the Year (Vietnam) and Luxury Hotel of the Year (Vietnam).

"We are absolutely delighted that Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa has won the Resort Hotel of the year (Vietnam) category despite facing very stiff competition from a stellar cast of established resorts in Vietnam. This news is welcome respite for our staff in Hoi An, as they faced trying times in recent days with the resort and entire area affected by Typhoon Ketsana", Ms. Irene Wong, Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa, Winner of the Resort Hotel of the Year (Vietnam).

In total, more than 100 nominations were received for the 10 categories at the TAA. The second TAA will be happening next year alongside with ITE HCMC 2010 in September 2010.

APPENDIX 1: LIST OF TAA 2009 WINNERS

TOURISM ALLIANCE AWARDS (Cambodia)
Restaurant of the Year (Cambodia) - Nest Angkor Bar
Outbound Travel Operator of the Year (Cambodia) - Asia Explorer Travel- Cambodia
Inbound Travel Operator of the Year (Cambodia) - Intrepid Cambodia Ltd
Resort Hotel of the Year (Cambodia) - The Pavilion

TOURISM ALLIANCE AWARDS (Laos)
Restaurant of the Year (Laos) - Joma Bakery Café
Inbound Travel Operator of the Year (Laos) - Viengchampa Tour
Business Hotel of the Year (Laos) - Don Chan Palace, Hotel & Convention
Resort Hotel of the Year (Laos) - Rivertime Resort and Ecolodge
Luxury Hotel of the Year (Laos) - Lao Plaza Hotel

TOURISM ALLIANCE AWARDS (Vietnam)
Domestic Airline of the Year (Vietnam) - Vietnam Airlines
International Airline of the Year (Vietnam) - Vietnam Airlines
Restaurant of the Year (Vietnam) - Orientica Seafood Restaurant & Bar
Spa Operator of the Year (Vietnam) - Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers
Outbound Travel Operator of the Year (Vietnam) - Vietnam Travel & Transport Service Company
Inbound Travel Operator of the Year (Vietnam) - Saigon Tourist Travel Service Co.
Business Hotel of the Year (Vietnam) - Caravelle Hotel
Resort Hotel of the Year (Vietnam) - Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort
Luxury Hotel of the Year (Vietnam) - Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

Tourism Investment Conference 2009 Attracts Key Stakeholders From Cambodia-Lao-Vietnam

The inaugural Tourism Investment Conference (TIC) 2009, organized by the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, HCMC Dept of Culture, Sports and Tourism and IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd, kicked off on 30 September 2009, with the unveiling of a series of Tourism Master Plans and Investment Opportunities from Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam. “We are glad to host delegates from across the region in Vietnam, to discuss important aspects related to investing in tourism projects in the three countries,” stated Mr. Nguyen Xuan Trung, Deputy Head of FIA (Foreign Investment Agency), Vietnam Ministry of Planning & Investment. Currently, there are 10,747 ongoing tourism projects in the Vietnam valued at USD170 billion, contributing a total of 1.5 million jobs in the process.

The TIC 2009 brought together top-level government delegates and tourism experts from Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam to share the abundant investment opportunities with regional and international investors. Adopting the theme, 3CODe or “3 Countries One Destination”, TIC 2009 presented the three countries as a dynamic tourism cluster aimed at realizing the full potential of their collective tourism assets. “The Tourism Investment Conference is a step forward in the joint promotion of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam as a single destination for tourism” said Mr. So Mara, Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism Cambodia. Mr. Sounh Manivong, Director General, Planning and Cooperation Department, Lao National Tourism Administration also reiterated this statement “The Tourism Investment Conference brings together key stakeholders from the region to discuss tourism investment and development opportunities in the region”.

Based on the significance of TIC 2009, the conference was attended by more than 100 delegates, which included dignitaries, VIP, the heads from the different provinces showcasing the tourism investment opportunities available, as well as many leading hotel owners and developers in the hospitality industry. “We are delighted to present the inaugural Tourism Investment Conference (TIC) held in conjunction with our tourism exhibition ITE HCMC 2009. The TIC conference is an opportune time for regional and international investors to explore and evaluate potential tourism real estate investment opportunities in Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam”, said Ms. Rosalind Ng, Managing Director (Asia), IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd.

The conference was sponsored by notable brands in Tourism Real Estate in Indochina involved in existing and upcoming tourism projects in the region, namely Anantara Resort & Spa, Asian Coast Development Ltd, Ho Tram Project Company Ltd, Minor International and Royal Caribbean International. Overall, the TIC 2009 was well received by both investors and the governments of the Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam alike. Said Mr. Michel van der Hoeven, Senior Vice President Development, Minor International PCL, Parent Company of the International Luxury Hotel Brand, Anantara, which has resorts in Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives and the Middle East, “For us, the event was a great networking opportunity to both meet our existing contacts in a single event, as well as to expand on our network.” To reiterate their continued commitment towards the development of the Tourism industry in Cambodia, Lao and Vietnam, the organizers have announced that the second TIC would be taking place in September 2010.

TIC 2010 is poised to present an exhaustive list of the various tourism investment opportunities available in the different provinces within the three countries. It will also serve as an information platform to provide in-depth insights into the mechanics and intricacies on investing in the 3 countries. Lastly, the conference will also serve to provide an update with regards to the 3 Countries One Destination Master plan, which was discussed at great length in TIC 2009.

For more information on TIC 2009 and TIC 2010, visit the conference’s website regularly for the latest updates. www.itehcmc.com/TIC

IT&CMA 2009 opens with grand "Feast on Asia" Ceremony

During October 6-8, 2009, the annual Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) is back in Bangkok at the centrally located Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World. "2009 marks the 17th year of IT&CMA (Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia) and 12th staging of CTW (Corporate Travel World) Asia-Pacific, themed ‘Feast on Asia!’. Delegates will savour a banquet of inspiring products and services, dream destinations, spiced-up activities and enriching conferences, underscoring the status of this highly anticipated 2009 Double bill (two shows in one location) as Asia-Pacific’s premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and Corporate Travel event" was the opening remark of Darren Ng, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media, organizers of IT&CMA and CTW 2009.

At the official press conference, according to Mr. Darren Ng, revealed that a total of 2,127 delegates have pre-registered for IT&CMA and CTW 2009, and also 435 Buyers and Corporate Travel Managers/Planners from 40 countries are hosted, comprising of 330 MICE planners/buyers and 105 Corporate Travel Managers. This is a 28 per cent increase compared to last year. Joining IT&CMA for the first time are buyers from new markets - Brunei, Jordan, Qatar, Romania, Tunisia and Ukraine. India’s presence is particularly strong this year with the largest contingent of 48 buyers and 30 corporate travel managers. On the exhibition front, a total of 265 companies and organisations from 33 countries from Asia-Pacific, USA, Europe, South America and Africa are exhibiting. Additionally, some 35 media organisatons will support the show.

Furthermore, Ms Malinee Kitaphanich, Director of Meetings & Incentives, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), announced that her organisation will host some 150 delegates after the show to visit Chiang Mai, Koh Chang, Hua Hin and Koh Samui. These four destinations not only showcase Thailand's popular tourist destinations, but also are the four potential MICE destinations of the kingdom. Actually, a 15% decline of the MICE market during the last year must be recovered.

Finally, Mr. Krittaphon Chantalitanon, Thai's Director, Area Thailand, Indochina and Myanmar, talked about the introduction of non-stop flights to Varanasi and Bodhgaya in India, as well as increasing frequencies on the routes to Brisbane, Oslo, Los Angles and Moscow.

Later this evening, IT&CMA opens with grand "Feast on Thailand" ceremony at the Royal Paragon Hall inside Siam Paragon, where TCEB will host all delegates accordingly. The reception will prove Thailand's ability to host international meeting and incentive events, featuring year-round festivals and all the entertainment.
By Travel Media Consultant: Mr. Reinhard Hohler

IT&CMA 2009 in Bangkok highlighted Asia's leading MICE destinations

During this year's IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific travel trade exhibition held at Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World on October 7 and 8, Asia's leading MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention, Exhibition) destinations were highlighted in style and all the exhibitors were busy to catch up with their appointments.

Most of the hosted delegates (international buyers and media) had a short way to come, as the official hotels were nearby, such as the fully-booked Centara Grand at Central World, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt Erawan, Holiday Inn Bangkok and Intercontinental. For the international media, the following press briefings were obligatory to attend and the respective presentations offered an overview of the present state-of-the-art of the most progressive MICE destinations:

1. Brunei Darussalam: As an "Abode of Peace" Brunei is blessed with not just its tropical climate and pristine rainforests, but also with its strategic position as the gateway to Borneo, an island, which it shares with Malaysia's Sabah and Sarawak as well as Indonesia's Kalimantan Provinces. With a population size of just 400.000 people, Brunei is a constitutional Malay Islamic sultanate, embracing more than 600 years of history. Matchless hospitality and oil-rich opulence abound. Brunei recorded 225.757 foreign tourist arrivals in 2008 by air, mostly flying in with Royal Brunei Airlines from London, Dubai and Asian destinations. More than 2.500 hotel rooms make Brunei a perfect choice for MICE tourism. The luxurious 532-room Empire Hotel & Country Club with its own championship golf course is Brunei's premier five-star resort. A newly completed conference hall accommodates up to 3.000 guests.

The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, offers a lot of tourist attractions, including the newly opened Kampong Ayer Culture and Tourism Gallery. In fact, Brunei will host the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum on January 21-28, 2010. For further information, please go to: www.bruneitourism.travel

2. Sri Lanka: Following the recent dawn of peace, the paradise island's tourism planners have declared 2011 as "Visit Sri Lanka Year" as the number of tourist arrivals will increase sharply beyond the 500.000 tourists visiting Sri Lanka annually. Also, the scenic east-coast will open up, so that Sri Lanka offers beyond beaches culture, nature and adventure. The MICE industry plays a key role in the overall tourism development and brings in an average 13% of the total number of visitors. Colombo, Kandy, and Negombo are the favourite location sites.

The national Sri Lankan Airlines flies to 44 destinations, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Rome, as well as Milan in Europe. The Sri Lankan Convention Bureau is a national tourism organisation, which functions under the Ministry of Tourism, and is
responsible for the development and promotion of MICE tourism. It works with the help of 40 qualified members consisting of conference organisers, destination management companies, exhibition centres, city hotels and resorts, and tour operators. Sri Lanka is a new MICE destination and most of all value for money. For further information, please go to: www.visitsrilanka.net

3. Japan: Japan held some 247 international meetings in 2008 and is ranked as the top Asian MICE destination as defined by the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA). With its two international airports, Narita and Haneda, Tokyo is the hub of activities, as Japan is wooing international delegates with government incentives and new properties, such as the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo, St. Regis in Osaka, Sheraton in Okinawa, and the Westin in Yokohama. Also, the 1300 years anniversary of Nara is approaching and there will be a "Visit Japan Year" in 2010. For further information, please go to: www.jnto.go.jp

4. Thailand: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) launched "Thailand Maximise" to encourage a 10-15% growth in terms of meeting and incentive visitors by 2010. The strategy is designed to highlight the value for money, variety of choices and Thai's unique way of courtesy as core magnets. With the newest privilege packages "Max Value, Max Rewards, and Max Bonus" conference organisers and travel managers can enjoy optimal privileges until September 2010. In 2008, Thailand attracted 727.723 MICE travellers. In 2009, TCEB has foreseen that Thai MICE will bring in and estimated number of 500.000 MICE travellers.

The top locations for business events are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin & Cha-Am, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Pattaya, and last not least, Phuket. Interesting to note is that Airports of Thailand (AOT) Public Company Limited had its own press briefing in the morning of October 8. For further information, please go to: www.tceb.or.th

5. Taiwan: The Island off the Chinese mainland introduced itself as an island of infinitive variety, namely variety in art, cuisine, scenery, religion, and festivals. Thus, Taiwan touches your heart and in the same time offers amazing sightseeing spots, such as the world's tallest building Taipei 101, the Love River in Kaoshiung, The National Palace Museum, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan Mountain, Yushan Jade Mountain, Kenting Beach, and the marble Taroko Gorge.

In a wealth of business opportunities, the Howard Hotels chain offers a winning combination of professional services, elegant accommodation, and outstanding MICE facilities. For further information, please go to: www.taiwan.net.tw

6. Macau: In the first six months of 2009, there were 730 MICE events in Macau attracting 211.287 participants. As a Special Administration Region of the People's Republic of China and, like Hong Kong, Macau benefits from the policy of "one country, two systems" and is a gateway destination for doing business with China. Macau is small and compact, only 29.2 square km.

Furthermore, Macau has Asia's largest fully integrated convention and exhibition venue - the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel with 108 meeting rooms and 3.000 hotel rooms - to stage large scale MICE events under one roof. Also, Macau is cost competitive and as a "World Heritage Site" offers an interesting blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures, luxurious resorts and entertainment without ends. Thus, the Macau Business Tourism Centre (MBTC) was established in 2006 as a division of the Macau Government Tourist Office to help develop and position Macau as a premier MICE destination within Asia. At the moment until the end of the year, there is a strategic MICE market stimulation program. For further information, please contact Ms Virginia Lei by e-mail: virginialei@macautourism.gov.mo

Finally, international buyers and media enjoyed the social functions for networking, such as an executive lunch hosted by TCEB as well as a hosted dinner by the Seoul Tourism Organisation from South Korea on October 7. One of the highlights of the whole show was the hosted late-night function by TTG and the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, where an exclusive invitation allowed all IT&CMA 2009 delegates to attend a "Back to College Party" at the hotel's Campus. The hotel's Campus is an innovative new meetings and events concept, best described as a learning and social centre.

On October 8, IT&CMA closed on a high note with the "Sticky Awards" presentation and luncheon within the exhibition grounds and annual "TTG Travel Awards" dinner at the World Ballroom of the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World. Needless to say that the next IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific under the theme "Redefining M.I.C.E in Asia" will be held in Bangkok at the same place again on October 5-7, 2010.

By Travel Media Consultant, Reinhard Hohler

AirAsia, Tony Fernandes Named Travel Industry's Best

For the third time, AirAsia was named the Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier by TTG, Asia Pacific’s leading travel news publisher. AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes was also named TTG’s Travel Personality of the Year.

AirAsia was unanimously named Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice and TTG-BTmice who cast 43,000 votes in a poll held from June to August this year. The award reflects the airline’s popularity among travel trade insiders and the traveling public.

AirAsia received the award for being the best in service, network and schedules; in dealings with travel agents for reservations, confirmations and commission payments; and in sales and marketing team professionalism. AirAsia won the same award in 2005 and 2008.

Meanwhile, TTG’s editorial board named Tony the Travel Personality of the Year for being the “most outstanding individual for taking proactive steps to develop the travel industry and for demonstrating innovation in his field.” Tony has led the airline in revolutionizing air travel and popularizing low fares that now allow everyone to fly.

The awards were conferred on AirAsia and Tony during the 20th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2009 Ceremony & Gala Dinner in Bangkok on October 8. Almost 700 travel industry professionals attended the event.

“The awards are bestowed each year upon excellent organizations of the travel trade within the Asia Pacific region that have shown strong commitment towards service excellence,” said TTG.

Tony said, “AirAsia’s award reflects our commitment to growing tourism in the region. While other airlines are contracting, AirAsia is expanding, believing that it is vitally important for Asia to receive as much support as it can get for the sustenance of its economies, including through growth in tourism. We have championed tourism in Asia by offering flights that are truly accessible to everyone.”

“AirAsia has always made smart travel choices available to everyone through innovative campaigns launched on airasia.com and other media. We have worked closely and harmoniously with the other players in the travel industry, always striving to raise the bar in service and product quality,” Tony added.

In receiving his Travel Personality of the Year award, Tony cited the contributions of his staff in the growth of the airline. Tony attributed his success in running AirAsia to the 6,500-strong AirAsians who have helped the airline fulfill its slogan of Now everyone can fly. Tony’s camaraderie with his staff and his practice of working hands-on in all of the airline’s departments is well known in the industry.

“My staff has provided the backbone for AirAsia’s successful operations. They are the ones who inspire me and who have enabled AirAsia to grow as big and as fast as it has. Through teamwork, we have turned AirAsia into the best in the industry and opened more destinations to serve and benefit even more communities. I am here today because of my colleagues’ passion, hard work, determination and focus,” he said.

AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline and Asia’s largest, has so far flown more than 75 million guests across its 113 routes to almost 60 destinations in all 10 ASEAN countries, China, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. AirAsia also, through its low-cost long-haul affiliate AirAsia X, connects to Australia, northern China, Taiwan, Europe and the Middle East. AirAsia has a fleet of almost 80 aircraft. The airline has ordered 175 Airbus A320 aircraft, with an additional 50 on option, to support its expansion. These aircraft are being delivered through 2014.

The airline has invested millions of dollars in quality improvement measures that include the running of its world-class training center, the AirAsia Academy. Technology is integrated in operations across the airline’s entire network to improve operational efficiency, and training programs are in place to ensure high quality service.

The Entire ITB Asia On Your Mobile Phone – Free of Charge

Visitors to this year’s ITB Asia can download a free guide to the show on their mobile phones. The first ITB Asia Mobile Guide offers the entire show at one’s fingertips, including a list of exhibitors, a floor plan and information on press conferences and sightseeing in Singapore. The ITB Asia Mobile Guide, provided by GIATA & TOURIAS, will make it easy for ITB Asia visitors to find their way around the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The ITB Asia Mobile Guide also contains the programme of WIT-Web in Travel 2009, a list of ITB Asia events, presentations and receptions.

At the end of each show day, the ITB Asia Mobile Guide can be used to find the best way around town offering ideas on where to enjoy Singapore’s nightlife. Restaurants and bars can be accessed along with tourist information, plus details about key attractions in the city. This clever system can be easily downloaded onto many commonly available mobile phones at www.itb-asia.com/mobile

The ITB Asia Mobile Guide will also be available as an internet based version to display additional features such as detailed hall plans, shortly before the show commences on 21 October 2009 at itb-asia.mobi

The technology is based on a system used by TOURIAS tips&deals, a travel guide for mobile phones. The system was developed by the Germany-based provider of tourism services Champignon Media, and GIATA, a leading content provider for the tourism sector.

Tourism 2023 – Towards A Sustainable Travel And Tourism Industry

Towards a Sustainable Travel and Tourism Industry Leading players in UK tourism pledged today to create a strong and profitable industry for the future, which benefits tourist destinations and protects the environment. Founding partners ABTA, British Airways, Carnival UK, The Co-operative Travel, The Travel Foundation, Thomas Cook and TUI Travel, announced their commitment at the launch of Tourism 2023 at The Travel Convention in Barcelona.

Together the partners carry approximately 45 million passengers every year. Tourism 2023, coordinated by sustainable development charity Forum for the Future and supported by Defra, is a collaborative project to help the UK outbound travel and tourism industry to anticipate and plan for its future. It sets out a clear vision of a profitable and successful future supported by an effective industry strategy. The founding partners together with Advantage Travel Centres and Sunvil Holidays, have signed up to the vision committing themselves to creating a sustainable industry by 2023 which benefits people and the environment.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “It is vital that the travel and tourism industry meets the challenges that an international industry faces if we want to have a successful and profitable future. By working together we can come up with practical and innovative solutions to these challenges, which make sound commercial sense. Tourism 2023 sets out the destination, and the direction we must follow to get there.”

The Tourism 2023 Vision is based on six principles: protecting the environment; developing employees; providing customers with mainstream sustainable products; ensuring that destinations benefit from tourism; innovating to create sustainable transport and resorts; and developing a business which is environmentally, socially and financially sustainable. The vision and strategy have been developed in response to four detailed scenarios which explore critical uncertainties facing the UK outbound industry such as the impact of growing domestic demand, climate change, resource scarcity, legislation, and increasing travel from emerging economies. Vivid details bring the world of each scenario to life and are designed to provoke debate.

-Will mass tourism see overcrowded destinations herding visitors from attraction to attraction on timed tickets?

-Will technological breakthroughs see virtual travel replace disappointing real life experiences?

-Will there be new types of fuel, or aircraft design, or even a return of the airship?

The founding partners commissioned the scenarios to help the industry imagine and plan for its future. More than 100 people with expertise in different facets of the industry – including business leaders, academics, legislators, campaigners and commentators – have helped develop the scenarios, vision and strategy. The partners hope that the project will also catalyse action within the wider UK outbound industry to tackle the challenges it faces. They are inviting other organisations to sign up to the vision and take part in the work which will help shape the future of tourism.

Mike Greenacre, Managing Director, The Co-operative Travel, said: ‘We are delighted to be part of Tourism 2023, developing with other leading businesses a sustainable vision and strategy for the future. Tourism 2023 shows that the Industry can work together to meet some of the toughest challenges that the sector has to face over the next 15 years.’

Dermot Blastland, Managing Director, TUI Travel UK & Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to be joining other leading operators in signing up to the Tourism 2023 Vision. We hope that through combining our efforts we can take our collective sustainability commitment to the next level, setting industry-wide goals on issues that cannot be tackled by individual tour operators alone.”

Dan Norris, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment said: ‘It’s great to see these organisations coming together to declare their commitment to Tourism 2023 and working to reduce their environmental impact and I hope others will join them. I look forward to seeing their vision turn into real actions and create a low-carbon industry.’

Stephanie Draper, Director, Forum for the Future, said: “The founders recognise that the best way to create a commercially sustainable future is to take their social and environmental responsibilities to the heart of their businesses. Their commitment to the Tourism 2023 Vision shows the way to the rest of the industry in the UK and worldwide.”

India set for China influx

The first fixed tour series from China to India have taken off with the recent signing of an agreement between Trail Blazer Tours India (TBI) and Golden Bridge Travel Services for the weekly departures.

India Tourism director – Beijing, Shoeb Samad, said the Indian High Commission in China had agreed to expedite issuance of visas for tour participants in four days. TBI itineraries for the Chinese market range from six days (Buddhist circuit) to 10 to 12 days (Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur).

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corp has also introduced its Buddhist Circuit Special Train, Mahaparinirvan Express, to the Chinese market.

The two-year-old tourist train offers a seven-day journey through Indian sites associated with the life of Gautama Siddharta Buddha.

The company’s deputy general manager tourism Arun Srivastava said: “In the first two years, we consolidated our presence in our primary markets of Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. Now we are looking at China and have appointed a GSA in the market.”

Srivastava believed China would eventually account for 50 per cent of the train’s passengers.

Samad was hopeful new products such as these would boost India’s appeal among Chinese travellers. India opened a dedicated tourism office in China last year, even though it received ADS status in 2003. Chinese arrivals to India more than doubled in the last four years, hitting 100,000 in 2008, making China the 12th largest tourist source for India.

But Samad admitted the economic meltdown have cropped this year’s growth targets and hoped to maintain arrivals at 2008 levels.

“There has been a decline in the number of visas issued. Before, 35 per cent of visas were issued from Guangzhou.”
source: ttgasia

Thailand - Land of Dhamma...Land of Gold

Thailand is a Buddhist country, a nation that reveres and upholds the Dhamma — the collected teachings of Buddhism. These are considered to be precious, like gold. Like the metal, this set of beliefs is regarded as an eternal symbol of brightness and prosperity. Thais think of their country as a land illuminated by the Buddhist religion.

Buddhism first came to mainland Southeast Asia around the eighth century, and has thus been a part of the culture for well over a thousand years — evidence of how deeply Thais have come to embrace their religion.

Given this long history, visitors coming to Thailand can expect to find Buddhist temples, or wat, throughout the country, and Buddha images in all of them. Each image is revered as a depiction of the Lord Buddha. The images exist in many different styles and postures, and have been made from a variety of materials. Some large images are made from concrete; others are cast in bronze or gold, or carved from sandstone or even wood.

The different attitudes, or mudra, seen in Buddha images are meant to express ideas connected with the Dhamma the Lord Buddha spread, or with specific events from his life. Artisans who fashioned them in so many different forms wanted to have these ideas disseminated to all places and through all time. They felt that the images would endure for many centuries because no one would think of harming or destroying them. If they were made of valuable materials, people in future generations would maintain them carefully to ensure that they didn’t deteriorate or disappear.

It was also thought that creating a Buddha image to perpetuate reverence for the Lord Buddha and his teachings earned a great deal of Buddhist merit. If a group of people worked together to make the image, in their next incarnation they would meet again. This traditional belief has endured unchanged down the centuries.

In the past, the project of carving or casting a Buddha image was usually initiated and sponsored by a monarch, a member of the nobility, or a high-level civil servant, although prominent and wealthy people sometimes commissioned them, too. The first step was to locate an artisan – either a sculptor or an expert at casting images in metal — who would propose a design and work plan to the commissioner of the project. Once approved, it would be announced generally and a schedule set out.

If the image was to be made in concrete, volunteers would come to offer their services. Sand had to be transported from river banks and limestone brought in, baked and pounded to make plaster. The fire-treated lime would be pounded and sifted to obtain the finest powder.

Animal skins were boiled and reduced to make glue that would be mixed with the sand to bind it together. Then there were the sculptors, who would form these materials into the image.

When a metal image was to be cast, an announcement was made and local people would donate metal objects to be melted down. Most contributed household items like trays, bowls, sets of implements for preparing betel, chains or belts made of brass or silver.

Since different kinds of metal, some heavier then others, were melted down together, cast images often exhibited mottled surfaces, with streaks of different colour showing. This was not a problem, because the finished image was usually covered with dark lacquer and gold leaf applied.

Local donors also supplied the gold for the leaf. The gold rings, ornaments and belts they contributed were melted down and cast into ingots, which were then flattened and beaten out into gold leaf only a few microns thick.

Creating sandstone images required volunteer workers to quarry the stone from the mountains and bring it in by oxcart or elephant to the site where the sculptors would shape it. The sculptors and other artisans involved in creating a Buddha image had to strictly observe Buddhist precepts and be mindful of the Dhamma during the entire time that they were working on the project. Many things were off limits to them: no meat or alcohol could be consumed, and sexual activity was also forbidden.

There were also special kinds of Buddha images that were traditional in the North, the Northeast (Isan) and in Laos. Since the Thai North and Isan were densely forested with many different kinds and sizes of trees available, wood was a popular material for making images in these regions.

If the image was to be large, the procedure was the same as in other parts of the country. The woodcarver who was to create it would go into the forest to find a tree of the type and size he wanted and then bring it back to work on.

In earlier times, Buddha images were often carved in sandalwood, which has a beautiful colour and fragrance. Old documents refer to a famous sandalwood image that once existed in Lampang Province, but it disappeared centuries ago and nowadays no one knows what it looked like. About 20 years ago, it was reported that the image had been found in a small temple in Tak Province, but examiners who went to authenticate this concluded that it was not the same one.

There are also small wooden Buddha images that were made by villagers themselves, who intended them to be placed in temples on the base of the main image. They believed that when visitors to the temple worshipped the additional gathered images, merit was bestowed on those who had created them.

People usually carved wooden images at about the New Year, or when they were ill. Most villagers were not skilled woodcarvers but fashioned carvings to the best of their ability. For that reason most of them have distorted proportions, with short bodies or long, pointed heads. The facial features may be out of balance as well. Many such homemade images therefore have the appearance of naive or folk art. Those who made them also liked to paint them white and yellow, and write their name on the base in their local dialect. These images were always quite small, never more than eight or ten inches high.

In the mornings, when the monks made their rounds, villagers placed these images in the alms’ bowls together with food. When the monks returned to the temple, they would place the images at the base of the image in the viharn (main image hall), as the donors had intended. Fifty years ago, there were tens of thousands of wooden images in all sizes in Chiang Dao Cave in a district of Chiang Mai. This was a place where monks often went to meditate, but today they have all disappeared.

In Thailand there are a number of especially highly revered Buddha images. The first and most famous of them is the Phra Kaeow Morokot, or Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaeow, a temple also known as Wat Phra Srisatdaram. This image has a very long and involved history and a special significance for many different Thai ethnic communities.

It was originally hidden in a stupa in Chiang Rai Province. When that structure was struck by lightning in 1436 AD, the damage to its exterior revealed the presence of the image. The lightning also dislodged some of the concrete in which it was encased, and it could be seen that another, smaller one, made of green jade, was secreted inside.

The King of Chiang Mai wanted to transfer it to Chiang Mai, but when the elephant that was transporting it refused to go beyond Lampang the image was kept in that city, where it remained for 32 years. It was subsequently taken to Chiang Mai, where it stayed for the next 84 years.

At that time, Chiang Mai had a ruler whose Lao father had just died. The son had to go to the Lao capital of Luang Prabang to ascend his new throne, and the Emerald Buddha accompanied him. It remained in Luang Prabang for 12 years, after which it was taken to Vientiane, where it was kept for 214 years. The image’s final journey took place in 1767 AD when it was brought to Bangkok before the construction of the Rattanakosin Island area of the new capital, where it is still kept today.

The Emerald Buddha is an example of the power antiquity can have over the mind. Its great age and remarkable beauty have inspired a desire in rulers of every period to acquire the image and preserve it as one of the treasures of their realm.

Another of the most important of Thailand’s Buddha images is Phra Srisakkayamuni, which is housed at Wat Suthat Thepwararam in Bangkok. It was once kept at Wat Mahathat in Sukhothai, where it had been made during an era when the kingdom was flourishing. In 1807 AD, many centuries after the decline of Sukhothai, when the capital in Bangkok was only newly established, it was believed that every Thai city should have a kaenmueang, or center, which should also be its highest point. This lofty central point would be emblematic of the city’s strength and assure its long and prosperous existence.

Wat Suthat Thepwararam was built as the highest structure in Bangkok, and the Phra Srisakkatamuni image was brought from Sukhothai to be housed there. It was transported by boat via the Chao Phraya River and brought ashore at the pier called Tha Chang (near today’s Thammasat University). There it was set on log rollers and gradually moved to the temple. Many people helped in the arduous work of getting it to its new location.

Today the Phra Srisakkatamuni image is set at a great height inside the temple. Visitors have to bend their heads far back to see it. This positioning of the image as the kaenmueang is believed to guarantee a long and powerful future for Bangkok. The fact that the image was brought from a once-mighty kingdom to another is also seen as a guarantee that its new home will endure longer than its earlier one.

These are a few of the beliefs and historical facts concerning Buddhism in Thailand, and especially the Buddha images that are among its most eloquent symbols. They continue to give focus to a religion and a philosophy that will support and inspire the country for ages to come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Suthon Sukphisit
A former staff member of the Bangkok Post Outlook section, Suthon Sukphisit has written articles on Thailand’s art and culture and on topics related to Thai society, history, archaeology, architecture, environment and education. He now spends his leisure time pursuing another topic in which he is well-versed: food and cuisine.

Tourism Campaign for Cambodia suspended

Television advertising not ready to go on air, says Ministry of Tourism, as analysts warn travel industry remains sluggish

THE Ministry of Tourism has suspended plans to air television advertising spots in key Asian markets next month, saying it had not given itself enough time to produce the advertisements.

Tourism Minister Thong Khon said the campaign would instead be launched “some time next year”.

“We cannot run them on time this year because we need more time to be well-prepared for the campaign,” he said.

The spots were due to air in China, South Korea and Japan, three of Cambodia’s most important tourist source countries. Arrivals from all three countries have plummeted since late last year in the wake of the global economic slowdown.

The ministry was talking to television networks in all three countries to persuade them to run travel programmes focused on Cambodia in the interim, Thong Khon said.

Arrivals from South Korea, which used to be the top source of visitors to the Kingdom, have fallen 31.23 percent in the first eight months of the year to 123,729, Ministry of Tourism figures released last month showed. Japanese visitors fell 14.05 percent over the same period to 77,305 while arrivals from China fell 10.24 percent to 70,135.

The fall in visitors from these countries was offset by a 43.66 percent rise in arrivals from Vietnam to 172,171 and a 126.29 percent rise in arrivals from Laos, boosting the number of visitors from Cambodia’s northern neighbour from 27,161 to 61,462. Overall visitor numbers rose 1.37 percent to 1,422,003 as a result during the first eight months compared to last year, the figures showed.

Underlying downturn

However, International Monetary Fund resident representative John Nelmes told a lunch hosted by the Australian Business Association of Cambodia on Friday that the gain in overland arrivals was a poor substitute for a double-digit decline in air arrivals, with tourists from across the frontier usually expected to spend less and stay for a much shorter time.

The ministry’s latest figures showed a 13 percent slide in air arrivals in the first eight months of 2009 year-on-year, whereas land arrivals were up 20.54 percent.

Nelmes’ warning of a near-term contraction in the tourism sector followed the visit last month of an IMF delegation from Washington that predicted a 2.75 percent contraction in the economy this year, dragged down by poor performance in the tourism, garment export and construction sectors.

Ho Vandy, co-chairman of the Government-Private Sector Forum’s tourism working group, said the private sector for a long time had been pushing the government to air the commercials.

“When we promote our tourism industry ... especially if our promotion is in their [local] languages, it means we are doing the right thing for our tourism sector,” he said.

The government should also look at a private-sector proposal to offer visa exemptions and find other ways to facilitate entry into the Kingdom, he added.

Thong Khon declined to say how much the campaign would cost. The ministry spent around US$340,000 in July last year on a series of “Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder” commercials appearing on US-based network CNN.

Thailand - Unseen Sacred Sites

source: tatnews.org

Vietnam's Iconic Caravelle Hotel Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Famous base for war correspondents transformed into luxury 5-star WORLDHOTELS affiliate

WORLDHOTELS Deluxe Collection affiliate the Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City has celebrated its 50th anniversary as a colonial icon in Vietnam.

The 5-star landmark which was a legendary base for Vietnam War correspondents in Lam Son Square marked the milestone with a memorable party including a reminiscent speech from renowned journalist Peter Arnett, a Pulitzer-prize winner.

The Opera Room ballroom was transformed into a replica of the former Rue Catinat (now Dong Khoi Street) as it looked in the 1960s whilst the flagship restaurant Reflections created a special 'Champs-ษlys้es' menu of French cuisine for which it was famed in the 1960s and 1970s.

During the war, the award-winning Caravelle Hotel was just across the street from the former National Press Centre of South Vietnam, where the foreign press gathered daily for official briefings known derisively as the 'Five O'clock Follies'. A number of major news organisations including both CBS News and ABC News kept bureaus in the hotel and its famous rooftop Saigon Saigon Bar served as the unofficial press club.

"The Caravelle was something of a beacon for foreign press, which is why it made sense for us to ask Peter Arnett along for the anniversary celebration," said John Gardner, General Manager of the Caravelle Hotel.

"Fifty years ago, we opened and immediately set the standard as the most memorable, most talked-about hospitality experience in Saigon. You could say the exact same thing about this hotel today."

The Caravelle today stands as a beacon of restoration after its dramatic comeback in 1998 just as Vietnam was in the midst of doi moi, or economic renovation. The refurbishment of the original 10-storey building was complemented by a new 24-storey tower.

While the hotel soared to new heights, Ho Chi Minh City asserted itself as one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities.

The hotel plans to celebrate its storied history with a book detailing guests stories and experiences and the ups and downs of its history through the 1960s and 1970s.

Roland Jegge, Vice President Asia Pacific for WORLDHOTELS, said: "Today, the Caravelle ranks as one of the country's most prestigious hotels. Its rooftop bar is one of Saigon's most popular, as it was during the war, enjoying a surge of popularity as one of the premier rooftop bars anywhere."

The Caravelle offers 335 rooms, 31 of which are suites. All rooms are a minimum of 38 square metres, and offer river or city views, as well as broadband Internet, satellite TV and climate control. The city's leading five-star hotel also features a health club and beauty centre.

The hotel has also completely revamped its ground-floor dining venue, Nineteen, which ranks today as one of the city's most chic and elaborate buffets. The ever-changing views of Lam Son Square and the Saigon River are a delight, and it's all within an easy seven kilometre transfer from Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

PATA Travel Mart 2009 Opens for Business in Hangzhou, China

Asia Pacific's best travel contracting and networking show.

For the past 32 years, PATA has combined an in-depth seller understanding with expert buyer selection to create unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.

PTM 2009 presented new products and experiences, including topical workshops, business forums, along with a complete schedule of business appointments.

The city of Hangzhou welcomed more than 1,000 buyers, sellers and media at the opening of this year’s PATA Travel Mart.

PATA Chairman Phornsiri Manoharn presided over the official opening ceremony at the World Trade Center on Wednesday, which was supported by an impressive list of VIPs and distinguished guests.

PATA CEO Greg Duffell; Zhang Jiang-ting – Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou; CNTA vice chairman Du Jiang; Hangzhou Mayor Cai Qi; Zhejiang Tourism Administration Director Zhao Jin-yong; and Mrs. Zhang Chun-zhi – Managing Director, Marketing for Air China also took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The impressive guest list included James Bule, Vanuatu’s Minister for Trade and Tourism, Fineasi Funaki, Minister for Tourism in Tonga and Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, Lao PDR.

Industry and Media delegates (including 591 Sellers from 38 destinations and 305 Buyers from 51 source markets) attended this year's event which opened on Wednesday (23 September). Markets promoting at PTM for the first time include Spain and Korea (DPR).

“With China now ranked as the fifth strongest source market globally by UNWTO (when measured by tourism-related expenditure) there's no doubt that we're in the right country at the right time this year,” said PATA Chairman Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn.

“PATA Travel Mart was launched in 1978 in Manila. Every year the travel and tourism industry uses the event for fact-finding, research, networking and contracting.

“The value of business conducted at our Travel Marts since 1978 must now run into many hundreds of millions of dollars,” she added.

Hangzhou Tourism Commission Director Li Hong said, “It is my great honour to welcome PATA to the city of Hangzhou for PATA Travel Mart 2009.

“Tourism is a pillar industry for the city of Hangzhou with some 400,000 people employed directly in travel and tourism.”

Mr. Li Hong told journalists that Hangzhou was striving to raise the bar on the quality of its tourist attractions, hotels and other amenities.

“Although we have received the honour of ‘best city in China’ from the CNTA and the UNWTO we recognise that there is still work to be done to compete with international cities such as, for example, Paris and Barcelona,” he said.

World Tourism Day 2009: "Tourism – Celebrating Diversity"

World Tourism Day, celebrated annually on September 27, will be taking place this year in Accra, Ghana. As part of the official celebrations, UNWTO will collaborate with the host country to organize a Think Tank around the 2009 theme "Tourism: Celebrating Diversity."

This will be World Tourism Day’s 30th anniversary and presents an opportunity to highlight the wealth of cultural and natural diversity across the globe, as well as the role of sustainable tourism in preserving this diversity. Diversity has long been the driving force behind tourism which in turn has become an engine for socio-economic development, poverty alleviation, and international understanding. As world leaders come together to tackle the challenges of climate change and the economic crisis, diversity will continue to drive tourism, engendering international cooperation, and ensuring sustainable development.

Following the successful experience of previous World Tourism Day celebrations, UNWTO is organizing with the host, Ghana, a Think Tank based on the World Tourism Day Theme: "Tourism: Celebrating Diversity." Bringing together leading public and private tourism stakeholders, as well as members of the media and UNWTO representatives, the Think Tank promises to be instrumental in raising awareness of the significance of diversity and sustainable tourism.

The Think Tank will:

• Highlight tourism’s capacity to maintain diversity in the face of globalization
• Outline how tourism can enhance cultural and environmental diversity
• Consider the role of tourism in engendering international cooperation

The main purpose of World Tourism Day is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political, and economic values.
Source: unwto

UNWTO: Support Tourism, Support Your Economy

As world leaders meet to discuss a sustainable way out of the current economic crisis, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has issued a reminder claiming that many governments and decision makers still have some way to go before they recognize tourism as a sector that can be a relevant factor of the economic recovery.

Raising the profile of tourism in both the political and public perception is a critical element in increasing awareness of the sector’s economic potential as an efficient provider of employment and the way forward to the “Green Economy,” UNWTO said yesterday.

According to UNWTO, close to one billion international tourist arrivals per year generate millions of jobs. Travel and tourism is one of the few sectors that cuts across the economy mobilizing employment, investment and sustainable development opportunities for emerging economies.

“We are weathering the storm,” said UNWTO assistant secretary general Geoffrey Lipman. According to him, the global economic downturn has taken its toll on international tourism.

However, he also said that the industry is resisting the worst that the deterioration of the marketplace is delivering. Lipman said: “We will come back, stronger than we have been before, different than we have been as a sector, and those people who are understanding how to do this with us collectively, they will do it better.”

Source: unwto

Cambodia, Philippines to launch direct flights

Cambodia and the Philippines, two members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday towards allowing direct flights between the two countries, Phnom Penh Post reported, quoting an official of Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.

“The MoU opens our skies to direct flights from the Philippines. This will be good for our tourism sector," said SSCA Cabinet Chief Long Chheng.

He said that the Philippines’ proposal would open seven weekly flights from Manila to Phnom Penh, 14 flights a week from Clark to Phnom Penh, plus 14 weekly flights to the capital from elsewhere in the Philippines.

“We have not reached a decision on their request yet because we still have to review the possible routes,” said Long Chheng. “I hope that both governments will reach an Air Service Agreement by the end of the year.”

So far in 2009, Cambodia has signed four agreements on direct flights: with Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and now the Philippines. Feasibility studies leading up to the pact have been jointly conducted by Cambodia and the Philippines since 2007.

Kong Sophearak, director general of statistics for the Tourism Ministry, said that his ministry had long been advocating the much-awaited deal as part of a broad effort to draw larger numbers of tourists from regional countries to Cambodia.

“Recently we’ve seen the number of tourists visiting our country from the Philippines increase year on year,” Kong Sophearak said, adding that since both countries are ASEAN members, their citizens do not require visas.

MoU to boost Cambodia, Thailand Tourism & Trade

Cambodia and Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding on the exchange of traffic rights Thursday in an effort to boost trade and tourism links between the two countries, the Phnom Penh Post reported.

The agreement, which was signed by Cambodia’s Minister of Public Works and Transport Tram Iv Tek and Virachai Virameteekul, a minister attached to the Thai prime minister’s office, will allow a daily quota of trucks to cross the border without having to unload cargo and reload to a second truck on the other side.

Forty trucks from each side would initially be allowed to cross daily, but the quota is expected to be raised progressively.

It was signed on the sidelines of the Second Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Economic Corridors Forum in Phnom Penh, a meeting of ministers from the six countries through which the Mekong River flows.

Arjun Goswami, head of the Southeast Asia Regional Cooperation Group for the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which brokered the deal, said it was an important step in boosting trade between the two ASEAN neighbours.

Tourism Alliance Awards 2009

Last call for entries to the Inaugural Tourism Alliance Awards For Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam

Tourism service providers have just a week left to enter the Inaugural Tourism Alliance Awards conceptualized to celebrate the brightest tourism stars in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (CLV). Entries to The Inaugural Tourism Alliance awards close on 31st August 2009 and tourism service providers in the three countries are invited to participate in the awards for the following ten categories.

The categories are, Restaurant of the Year, Domestic Airlines of the Year, International Airlines of the Year, Outbound Travel Operator of the Year, Inbound Travel Operator of the Year, Spa Operator of the Year, Luxury Hotel of the Year, Business Hotel of the Year, Budget Hotel of the Year and lastly, Resort Hotel of the Year.

“This is a great opportunity for organizations to be recognized as a successful company with service excellence and to benchmark against other top tourism service providers. We’re encouraging all travel and tourism businesses to get their entries in fast.” said Ms Rosalind Ng, Managing Director of IIR Exhibitions.

The inaugural Tourism Alliance Awards was announced to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City 2009 (ITE HCMC 2009). It is co-organised by IIR Exhibitions, Vietnam Tourism Association, Cambodian Association of Travel Agents, Cambodia Hotel Association and Laos Association of Travel Agents. The inaugural TAA is also supported by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia, and Laos National Tourism Administration.

To enter The Inaugural Tourism Alliance Awards and to have an opportunity to showcase your brand and service excellence to peers, industry leaders, potential collaborators or partners, entrants must submit their nominations online at www.itehcmc.com/taa.

After the closing date on 31st August 2009, a panel of highly experienced industry professionals (local and international) as well as representatives from the three tourism associations will review all submissions. The esteemed panel of judges includes Mr. Bill Barnett, Mr. Michael Loh, Mr. Nigel Sharman, Mr. Stephen Morton, Ms. Sue Francis and Mr. Amit Gilboa. Detailed information and judges’ profile can be found at www.itehcmc.com/taa.

Winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner to be held at the New World Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, 1st October 2009. To book your seats at this gala event and network with industry peers and professionals for only USD 65, please contact Mr James Chen at james.chen@iirx.com.sg for more information on special corporate packages for table bookings.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Mr A Singh
Asst. Marketing Manager
Tel: 6319 2668
Email: Amarpal.singh@iirx.com.sg

5th International Travel Expo, Ho Chi Minh City, 2009 (ITE HCMC 2009)
(www.itehcmc.com)
ITE HCMC 2009, regarded as Vietnam’s foremost tourism trade event, has been an annual show since 2005. In 2008, it was conferred the status of Vietnam’s only travel trade event by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam. Held at the Phu Tho Exhibition Centre, Ho Chi Minh City, ITE HCMC 2009 launches “Three Countries One Destination” concept (3CODe) – the three countries being Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. ITE HCMC 2009 is organized by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (DCST), the Vietnam Trade Fair & Advertising Joint Stock Company (VINEXAD) and IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd (IIR). ITE HCMC 2009 is supported by the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and co-supported by the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia and Laos National Tourism.

IIR Exhibitions Pte Ltd (www.iirx.com.sg / www.informa.com)
IIR established since 1973, is part of the Informa Plc, with over 150 offices in more than 45 countries, employing over 9,500 staff around the world, Informa Group produces over 12,000 events and training courses, 45,000 book titles, 2,000 subscription-based information services including academic journals, magazines, newsletters, real-time information and news services, unparalleled performance improvement solutions, and hundreds of exceptional brands in 70 countries.

Annexure 1 - Judges’ Profiles
Mr. Stephen Morton
Online travel entrepreneur, Stephen Morton has enjoyed an illustrious career within the travel industry which has spanned over three decades. Stephen began his career in 1976 working in a family owned travel business, before moving to Melbourne to set up a business for travel outlets for a Sydney based credit union.

After eight short months, Stephen was promoted to General Manager and transferred to Sydney where he was responsible for over 20 travel outlets. Five years following the move, Stephen began to work in a series of retail travel and corporate travel agencies. The travel industry veteran has also worked with various travel wholesalers, airlines and airfare consolidation companies. In 1996, Stephen joined the multi-faceted company, Agents Support Systems and his innovative thinking has lead the company to move all of its travel industry products and services online.

In February 2001, Stephen founded the travel industry newsletter, e-Travel Blackboard (eTB) and under his direction, it has become Australia’s number one daily travel news email. Following on from this success, Stephen has launched eTB editions in New Zealand, Asia, the Americas and he also expanded into the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Events) with ETBMICE news. Stephen has also lectured in travel and tourism for private training colleges throughout Australia.

Mr. Michael Loh
Michael Loh is the founder of the leading and hugely renown SpaAsia publication, Wellness Summit, Crystal Awards and the advent lifestyle trend of the New Economy Order (NEO) consumers - AGELESS.

Michael is known for his relentless passion for the well-being of the spa and wellness industry. He is constantly coaxing the industry to achieve excellence. Michael’s instinctive and creative flair is complemented by the years he has spent observing and learning from the industry as it progressed from its infancy to its present state that has now led the industry to the threshold of a transition that will inevitably see it converging with the greater domain of health, specifically breakthrough health which among many disciplines include intelligent ageing. He is passionate and dedicated to the mission of empowering, inspiring and educating others to embark on their own personal journeys to achieve a lifestyle of wellness.

He read Architecture and Urban Planning at Oxford Brookes University but has been involved in fields quite diversified. Before venturing into the spa and wellness industry, Michael devoted his talent to Branding Strategy, Marketing Consultancy, Stills and Motion Production/ Direction, as well as Market Intelligence.

His latest venture is the promoting of the ‘conscious living lifestyle’ & ‘conscious dining’ through Ageless Republic a web portal, that is poised to be a one-stop hub where conscious consumer can be empowered with the knowledge & tools to maintain a sustainable wellness lifestyle and optimum health through state of-the-art health risk assessment technologies and health management tools. Michael advocates to Personalized Well-Care.

Mr. Bill Barnett
Bill Barnett is the Founder and Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks, a leading hospitality consulting firm specializing in the Asia Pacific region, based in Phuket, Thailand. With over 23 years of ''on the ground'' experience within key and developing markets, he has considerable experience and the relevant background to draw from.

He has his own popular property column in a leading tourism and property based newspaper, Phuket Gazette, and has made appearances on CNBC, BBC, CNN and in regional news and financial publications. His popular blog, ThePhuketInsider.com, is the authoritative source of all Phuket hotel and real estate issues and trends.

Ms Sue Francis
Sue had 18 great years with Qantas in promotions, sales and marketing, and product management. In 1983 she took her first business challenge and opened up what was to become a very successful GSA company in New Zealand, which later extended into Australia. She had extensive airline management, product, sales and marketing experience as the Regional and Pacific Manager for Ansett Australia, East West Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Air Europe, Hilton Hotels worldwide, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Holland America Line, Northern Territory Tourist Commission, amongst others.

Her leadership skills have seen her as the only New Zealander and 1 of 3 Australians to be World Chairman of the prestigious International Federation of Women's Travel Organisations, amongst other travel organisation presidencies she has held. Interline Reservation Service, established 14 years ago, is Australia’s leading specialist travel agency for travel industry employees, which facilitates discounted travel for both the employee’s benefit and suppliers’ distressed inventory.

Mr. Nigel Sharman
Chief Executive Officer of TCK Group, is an experienced hotelier with over 20 years experience in Asia & Europe. He's operated and managed international branded hotels and private hotels, in both city centre & resort locations. His hotel experience has given him skills in project management with over 10 hotel openings, asset management, and the development of revenue & sales management systems.

Nigel has a Bachelors Degree in Hotel Management and a Masters of Business Administration. His broad area of expertise covers marketing, finance, and, operations. Though no longer operating hotels Nigel maintains a genuine passion for consistently delivering excellence.

Nigel is from the UK and now lives in HCMC with his Vietnamese wife and their 2 children. Nigel is committed to aid the development of Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality industries.

Mr. Amit Gilboa
Amit Gilboa has been in Asia since 1995, living consecutively in Viet Nam, Cambodia, Thailand and Singapore. He speaks Vietnamese, Khmer and Thai as well as Mandarin, appearing on Singapore’s Chinese-language programme Guo Ji Jiao Yi Suo (It’s a Small World). Amit is most famous as the author of the controversial travel book “Off the Rails in Phnom Penh”, an insider look at some aspects of Cambodia you won’t find in travel brochures. Amit is currently based in Singapore and does performances and corporate workshops around SE Asia.