Report: Ian McIntosh at World Travel Market in London.

by Ian Mcintosh - Travel Agent Update - on location in London

Philippines stand was as creative as it was impressive

Red was the dominant colour at this year's event as thousands of buyers and sellers proudly displayed a poppy on their lapel to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Great War.

Further proof of the impact this event will have on tourism in Europe next year started at the entrance where every delegate was handed a copy of the 24 page broadsheet style Flanders Fields Post. The fields still bear the scars of the battles, the post says "War cemeteries, memorials, museums, bunkers and trenches are silent witness to an atrocious past and in order to commemorate the centenary Flanders will host a wide variety of exhibitions, events and special re-enactments. More details, flandersfields1408.com

The Gallipoli Peninsula takes the number one spot for regions in Lonely Planet's Best In Travel 2015, highlighting the region as a must-see for the coming year in time for the centenary. According to a spokesman for the Turkish ministry of culture and tourism:  The Gallipoli story gives us a powerful connection with the British, Australians and New Zealanders. There will be events throughout next year to remember Gallipoli but the pinnacle will take place on March and April.

Issues on the unofficial list included the plunging Aussie dollar, Ebola and Middle East unrest. It seems it is too early to estimate how business to Europe will be affected in 2015 but it was generally agreed that Australian travellers are very nervous. Growth in traffic to Europe via Asia rather than the Middle East might well be one result of that concern, I have been told.

According to Martyn Paterson, MD of Outdoor Travel Pty Ltd, based in Bright Victoria, the Ebola crisis is spreading fear amongst the European and UK travel industry with Americans already cancelling travel plans. On a happier note he reported a surprising increase in interest in cycling tours. "The future in travel is cycling and we have helped make that happen over the recent years," he added.

As always loads of reports were issued - the WTM Global Trends findings backing Martyn and pointing out that cycling is rivalling golf for the leisure time of middle aged men.

Other trends included:

Wearable electronics will become an important tool for always connected consumers to receive notifications and make bookings.

Travel and tourism continues to prosper with arrivals reaching a record 1.1 billion in 2013, up by 5.1 per cent. The growth this year is tipped to be 4.7 per cent.

Eating with locals is a travel idea rocketing in popularity in Europe as consumers search for more authentic experiences. eatwith.com which pairs travellers with cooks started in Spain and Israel and expanded to 21 cities in 12 months. See also Bookalokal.

In-destination services including meals are forecast to be one of the fastest growing areas in the industry in the next five years. Priceline bought Open Table and TripAdvisor grabbed La Fourchette, a European online restaurant res service.

The number of trips taken to the Middle East rose by 4.4 percent in 2013 and this trend is set to continue in the few remaining pockets of calm, mostly in the Gulf countries. Violence elsewhere is stifling performance.

In Asia growth continues to be driven by China where Wechat now has 440 million active users who can if they wish book travel.

Rail is the fastest growing sector in online travel in India and the Government is constantly improving the infrastructure for consumers and agents alike. Have a look at the IRCTC website.

Finally, the annual global survey of WTM exhibitors and buyers found that nearly one on five admitted their business had been affected by peer to peer websites. Accommodation sites in particular are gaining traction with UK consumers.


NEWS IN BRIEF

KLIA2 - Malaysia's new generation low cost hub

by Ian Mcintosh - Travel Agent Update - on location in Bangkok

Flying into LCCT, Malaysia's old domestic airport, was the biggest downside of using one of the region's best budget airlines, AirAsia.

Primitive was a kind word for LCCT - millions of passengers each year had to cram into tiny departure areas and then walk it seemed sometimes forever in the heat or rain to get to the aircraft. The final feat was clambering up swaying stairs.

All of that changed dramatically on May 2 when the budget carrier plus Malindo Air, Cebu Pacific, Tiger and Lion Air moved into KLIA2 - a new generation hub which is part of the existing international airport complex. We are talking big here - 80 jet bridges, the capacity to handle 45 million passengers a year, a shopping mall housing 225 retail outlets.

Probably as big as Thailand's gateway airport, Suvarnabhumi, it was supposed to open three years ago but delays and safely issues ended that dream.

Despite all of the glitz and glamour, AirAsia is not happy mainly because the equipment it now has to use including the air bridges and check-in systems has bumped up its costs by about 10 per cent. The extra costs are passed on as a KLIA2 fee of according to the Bangkok Post. We don't want a grand facility a spokesperson for the airline was quoted as saying in Thailand's leading newspaper.

"We want a simple but efficient terminal with safe operations that delivers the costs and convenience which our customers want."

I understand his point, particularly the carrier's frustration at not being able to use the res and check-in system it has developed and perfected over a decade of its existence.

However I think KLIA2 will give AirAsia a new edge. I for one can't wait to explore the world's newest mega airport.

Thailand: "Everything back to normal" says TAT director

by Ian Mcintosh - Travel Agent Update - on location in Bangkok

"Everything back to normal" : Mrs Jamnong Junnapiya

"Everything is back to normal in Thailand and we are going to work three times harder to make sure tourists get that message," says Mrs Jamnong Junnapiya, executive director South East Asia, Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Speaking in Bangkok at the Thailand Tourism Mart, she said business from Australia was only slightly down - with a small number of travellers deferring travel rather than cancelling following the coup.

We are also facing a strong Australian dollar and competition from the American market, she said.

New trends appealing to the Australian market include Thai Boxing schools and cooking schools plus the old favourites of shopping, golf, medical and romance. The numbers arriving for weddings or even just a romantic anniversary continues to grow.

"As well the Thai people are so welcoming and friendly," she added.

To encourage tourists back, a record 15000 establishments in 7 cities will participate in the Amazing Grand Sale 2014 between June 15 and August 15, making it the biggest ever.

A special website has been developed to assist shoppers at www.thailandshoppingparadise.com

They will enjoy up to 80% discounts at department stores, shops, spas and hotels. There will also be lucky draw prizes offering a trip for two to the kingdom.

Also announced was a contest for both amateur and professional photographers, writers and videographers. The TAT newsroom Contest 2014 will offer cash awards of more than 200,000 baht for winning entries that showcase Thai tourist destinations. More details visit www.tatnews.org

It was also announced today that two of Thailand's best known properties have been voted highly by TripAdvisor. Under the banner of "Asia's top 25 hotels with exceptional service" the properties are The Palace Luxury BotiqueVillas on Ko Tao, Surat Thani and the Oriental Kwai Resort in Kanchanaburi. The latter is a small resort located in a little village on the bank of the River Kwai.

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Protesters brought Suvarnabhumi Airport to a standstill with this protest in 2008.

 Life is mostly back to normal in Bangkok - if chaos is normal. The problems being experienced by MAS and Thailand were underscored by my flight from Kuala Lumpur. The plane was all but empty and the usual lengthy passport lines at the airport had vanished. Great for me - but this country relies on tourism. Around 25 million people, Australia's entire population, pay a visit to the tiny kingdom each year so you can imagine how many people the industry employs. Already the junta has lifted the curfew in Pattaya, Koh Samui and Phuket to boost tourism numbers. Opposition to the junta has been very passive - symbolised by a three fingered salute borrowed from the film The Hunger Games. Of slight concern is a story in The Bangkok Post today saying that future protest rallies will be held "in areas with many foreign tourists." As well, the paper reported messages circulating on Facebook indicated protesters might hold a rally at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday. Hopefully not - that is the day I return.

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One of the little intrigues following the coup in Thailand is the whereabouts of red shirt leader Jakrapob Penkair. While everything seems calm following the military takeover, it seems Penkair has revealed plans to establish a government in exile. He fled the country in 2009 after political riots against the Government. There seems little point in the plan however. The junta has made it clear that elections will be held in or around 12 months time.

 

Thailand: Forward bookings, insurance concern agents

by Ian Mcintosh - Travel Agent Update - on location in Bangkok

Ian Garritt, director of Venture Holidays

According to Ian Garritt, director of Venture Holidays, business from Australia to Thailand had been slipping for months before the latest political upheaval. We have received very few cancellations following the recent establishment by the military of the National Council for Peace and Order Mr Garritt said - but forward bookings are weak.

"As most insurance policies do not cover events like the overthrow of a government, booked travellers have few options."   A resident of Thailand, Mr Garritt said life quickly returned to normal in the capital.

Bookings to Bali are also down for us but the stats show traffic from Australia is actually up, Mr Garritt added. "This is probably due to the growth in online bookings. The airlines are increasingly pushing flight and accommodation deals," he added.

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Coup Coverage

Thai tourism authorities are looking at the idea of underwriting travel insurance policies. It seems this has been done before to reassure visitors all is well. The problem is particularly relevant to the luxury hotel and MICE segments of the market - companies are not prepared to accept any risk of any sort at a corporate level. Australians not covered at the coup have either travelled or delayed their trip - but new bookings are down and the insurance issue is obviously a key factor.

SKAL founding father, Roy King, celebrates 90th birthday

Report from Ian Mcintosh, Travel Agent Update

This month’s SKAL luncheon in Adelaide celebrated the 90th birthday of the club’s founding father, Roy King.
As president Mark Liebelt pointed out: “Today ladies and gentlemen sees you celebrating history. It’s not too often clubs can
share their 52nd birthday with the founding president, so I think we are
indeed very lucky.”
Together with his brother Brian who was also at the celebration, Roy set up King’s Travel in Adelaide that grew rapidly to become a major force in the travel industry. Kings Travel firsts included pioneering overseas package holidays from Australia. The company put destinations like Fiji on the map.
Their pioneering work lives on today through a second company, Venture Holidays. Roy told the gathering that the club was formed in 1961with interstate guests John Minehan from Qantas, Alex Applebaun (TEAL) Percy Bell (TWA) and George Stockdale (Matson Line). Foundation members included Perc Pollnitz (SA Gov Tourist Bureau) Reg Rechner (TAA) Ridgeway Newland (Elder Smith) Mick Connelly (Airlines of SA) and Reg Johns (Ansett).
We drank to the SKAL toast for the first time 63 years ago and after dinner ‘passed the port.’ Roy said – “being very careful not to allow the decanter to touch the table which was a big no no according to Mick Connelly.
Roy’s career in travel began in 1946 when he joined his father, Len King, in a new enterprise – Kangaroo Island Tourist Office.
Brother Brian joined in 1948. The office eventually moved to
King William Street and became Kings Travel and Kings Holidays, selling both Domestic and International Holidays.
In 1963 Kings Travel moved to 30 Currie Street and continued expansion with offices in all mainland Australian states, and offices in Tokyo, Los Angeles, and an operating company in Fiji.
Roy is a life member of Adelaide SKAL, The Australian Federation of Travel Agents and the Lions Club of Adelaide.
As sprightly and bright as ever, Roy pointed out while cutting his birthday cake with lovely wife Violet that he still enjoyed attending SKAL and was looking forward to sharing his 100th birthday cake.

WTM: Exploding home rental industry set to undermine accommodation sector

by Ian Mcintosh in London

World Travel Market in London kicked off with the usual report highlighting latest trends uncovered after surveying 2000 holidaymakers and industry execs. Most surprising was the news that the decision by mums and dads to rent the spare room for extra cash has reached the stage where it could undermine the entire accommodation industry.  With more than 10 million nights booked in 192 countries, Airbnb is now the world leader in travel rentals. Experience comfort and hospitality of locals from ₤49/day, the site explains. Have a look at https://www.airbnb.co.uk/‎

The good news is that optimism is taking off in the travel industry with 9 out of 10 senior execs saying prospects for 2014 look promising. The only real downer is taxes. Years ago the British Government latched on to a wonderful little cash cow called air passenger duty (APD) which started out at five quid and now is as much as 300 – with more increases mooted for 2014. This three tiered tax is biting hard, with travellers beginning to avoid long haul flights. The industry is hoping it will be reduced but the Government is currently raking in two billion pounds – so don't hold your breath folks. The survey showed 39 per cent of UK holidaymakers will only consider short haul holidays following the rise expected next year.

The post-Olympic Games scene in the UK is the cause of more celebration because capacity to London has increased - bucking what happened in cities like Sydney and Beijing.

Looking at the aviation scene almost half of the execs surveyed believe London will lose its position as a major global hub even if capacity is increased. While debate continues over a third runway at Heathrow, airports like Dubai continue to expand and astonishing new projects are in the air like Turkey's decision to complete a six runway airport by 2017 making it the biggest in the world.

On a personal note I have just visited Turkey and judging by the huge crowds waiting to get through immigration and the complete lack of assistance to English speaking travellers (we needed a visa) they have a very, very  long way to go. The other aviation topic discussed was the introduction of a no frills business class. It seems Jazeera Airways, a budget carrier based in Kuwait, is leading the way in this regard – but let's face it British Airways and Cathay Pacific have offered premium economy for years. Even so, we were told 87 per cent of travel execs say no-frills business class will be adopted globally.

Asia is next tourism hotspot with China number one followed by Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia.

All of you guide book lovers will be interested to know that six out of 10 holidaymakers still use a guidebook while on holiday and 43 per cent use social media to contact home while on holiday. It seems phone roaming charges have annoyed Europeans as much as Australians – so much so there is talk these charges will soon be banned within EU countries. The might of Trip Advisor was highlighted in the survey with 27 per cent of holidaymakers saying they trusted recommendations from this source over suggestions from their own family.

It seems Brits are increasingly taking kids away after school holidays to get a better rate – despite a 60 quid fine. And it is not just a problem in the UK. A journalist said the issue is being taken so seriously in Norway that students lose points on their grade card.

Finally a bit of fun: "Who would you like to sit next to you on your next flight"? Half of those surveyed wanted to sit next to Kate Middleton and baby George. The other half, William, was not as popular along with Victoria Beckham. She rated 10 per cent while David was right up there on 26.

Ian McIntosh is Australia's Travel Tutor.



Image: The Australian stand at World Travel Market

Australian Travel Agent Update: Special report on Thialand - Destination Iraq - Flight Report: Cathay Pacific + more

IN THIS ISSUE

SHOPPERS:
Exploring luxury UAE malls in hot pants and skimpy tops could soon face on the spot fines

THE GOOD OIL:
Max Najar is sick and tired of having to deal with ineffective sales reps.

THAILAND UPDATE:
With 25 million visitors expected this year, has the time come for an open immigration policy? A 9 page special report.

DESTINATION IRAQ:
"We were charmed by the Kurdish locals while sipping tea, sampling the local eats and taking photos of these shy but friendly folk," says Jessica Steele.

FLIGHT REPORT:
We take a look at Cathay Pacific’s latest offerings including its new premium economy class. Is it worth the money?

HUA HIN:
Forget the increasingly overcrowded, brash, noisy Thai beach resorts. Peaceful Hua Hin beckons with its upmarket resorts and laid back style.

PLUS:
We review four hotels - The Regal Airport Hong Kong; Let’s Sea Resort Hua Hin; Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok and the Holiday Inn Express Bangkok.

Win a trip for 2 to Manila:
Check out details of new on-line workshops designed to help you sell the Philippines at www.morefuninthephilippines.com.au

DOWNLOAD ISSUE NOW BY CLICKING HERE

Copyright (C) 2013 McIntosh Communications All rights reserved

Cathay Pacific Business and Premium Economy review

Business class seating (file image)

Publisher Ian McIntosh recently experienced Cathay Pacific’s award winning business class and premium economy on a trip to Bangkok via Hong Kong. He reports:

While an increasing number of airlines believe big is better, at least one premium carrier is working hard at upgrading standards of comfort and service on its existing fleet, particularly for economy passengers.
Cathay Pacific for instance is progressively overhauling cabins in its fleet of mostly A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft and introduced its award winning new business class plus premium economy to the Australian market as a priority. The Adelaide-Hong Kong leg is operated by a completely refurbished A330 – it felt like I was walking into a brand new plane with its soft blue and green colour schemes.

Premium economy seats (file image)

The first leg of my trip was in premium economy and I would have to say I was quite intrigued by this new class. Firstly, the seats. I had visions that they might have been refurbished business seats – but no, they are a new design. Initially you wonder what all the song and dance is about - it takes a while to realise just how much better this cabin is than economy. However I digress. The first plus of flying aboard an A330 is the configuration. In economy it is 2,4,2 – much preferable for a couple to the 3,4,3 configuration used on say Emirates 777. In premium it is 2,3,2 – lots more space.

Premium economy meal offering (file image)

Premium pax were offered a drink and hot towel before CX105 departed Adelaide on time at 11.30am. The captain’s announcements were loud and clear and the animated safety demo video excellent. The entertainment system offers a reasonable selection of first run movies and is simple enough to use if you are an experienced traveller – but the lady across from me was not. Pity there is not a quick video to point out the basics. There were delicious petits four served on the first leg to Melbourne.

After reboarding (I used the business line) we were offered drinks with champagne in the mix. Great! Newspapers are at the front door – there is no delivery on-board. At 2pm economy style menus were delivered – offering a mains choice of curry prawns or mushroom and ricotta cannelloni. Lunch arrived on an economy tray - I always hold out little hope for airline food – but the prawn dish was visually appealing and delicious - even the rice was still soft and fluffy. Top marks to the Melbourne kitchen. It was about this time that I really began to appreciate the premium experience – not for the food, or the wine which is rather sadly served in plastic cups, -or even the excellent service - but the cabin itself. Closed off from economy and business, you are in a quiet, relaxing little section that only accommodates 28 people. Considering it only costs about 50 per cent more than a regulation economy fare I think it is value for that reason alone.

Refreshments before landing included a Panini which arrived in a foil pack you needed the jaws of death to open. Mostly thick bread with a smear of sauce it proved the only dining disappointment.
The only other slight hitch was the lack of immigration cards on board.
We arrived in Hong Kong 10 minutes early refreshed and ready to go.

Veteran travel and business reporter, Ian McIntosh, publishes Travel Agent Update

TAT: Too many people coming to Thailand

by Ian Mcintosh - Travel Agent Update

Thailand's major tourist destinations are bursting at the seams.

Tourists flock ashore at the remote Similan Islands, off the coast from Phuket.
(R Eime)

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand's deputy governor, Sansern Ngaorungsi, "Too many people came last year." Hard to believe as it may seem, Australia's entire population is tipped to crowd into the tiny Kingdom this year - more than 22 million people. Singled out as a real problem spot is Phuket which has a long history of pollution problems, particularly in the very seawater visitors love to frolick in.

Acknowledging the problem at a press conference at the Thailand Travel Mart, he said one answer was to fine tune the marketing effort to concentrate more on middle and upper income travellers.
That way we should make the same or more money out of less people, he added.

Visitors to the UNESCO listed Khao Yai forest complex
enjoy great scenery and wildlife experiences (R Eime)

New areas will also be promoted including Khanom and Khao Yai National Park with its wine, excellent hotels and close proximity to Bangkok.

Visitor arrivals to Thailand in January-March surged to a record 6,828,718 fuelled by a dramatic growth of 93 per cent in arrivals from China which might well be a major part of the problem.

It is widely accepted in the tourism industry that groups from China are not just difficult to handle - they just don't spend.