TTO_Marts_2016_1-16page_final

Travel Trade 

OuTbOund 

March 2016 - ISSUE #7 

rade 

Scandinavia 

und 

Iceland tops tourism arrivals 

in Europe 

Airline fuel surcharge: 

Justified or fraud? 

Travel Trade 

OuTbOund 

G lamping - the hot new niche 

Cruises cancel the M editerranean 

and Turkey 

Scandinavia 

Safety hits rock bottom in Thailand

Safety hits rock bottom in Thailand 

Many tourists were killed at the bombing 

at the Erawan Shrine in centre 

of Bangkok last year. 

The World Economic Forum now ranks Thailand 130th 

on a list of 141 nations for safety and security at tourist attractions. 

This means that the security has been lowered since the 

bombing at the Erawan Shrine in the center of Bangkok, 

killing 20 last year. 

That prompted Tourism Ministry now to hold a meeting 

with the Tourist Police and other agencies to set guidelines 

for establishing safety and security measures for tourists. 

Two provinces, namely Krabi and Chiang Mai, will be pilot 

areas where the safety and security measures will be taken. 

The governor of each province will integrate efforts of all 

agencies to solve the problems about tourist safety within 

two months so that other provinces throughout the country 

will follow suit at a later date. 

The authorities are expected to see Thailand rank up on the 

World Economic Forum chart within one year, given the 

stepped-up measures for tourist safety. 

Tourist screening 

At the same time Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha 

has instructed a security unit to screen tourist arrivals rigorously, 

following U.S. warnings of possible terrorism in 

Asia. 

The Prime Minister has told members of the security unit 

to exercise additional screening measures at airports, bus 

stations, and other venues frequented by tourists. Gen 

Prayut said it is important for Thailand to be prepared for 

any eventuality. 

Police arrests 32 foreigners 

over 60 for playing bridge 

Local residents on Thappraya Road in 

South Pattaya thought they were watching 

a scene from a crime movie when 

over 50 officers which included the Military, 

police from Pattaya and Banglamung 

and members of the excise department, 

raided a second floor rented room 

above Altos restaurant. 

They rounded up 26 men and 6 women 

all of which were foreign nationals, all 

over 60 years old and caught in the act 

of playing the popular card game: Bridge. 

Indeed this was the Jomtien & Pattaya 

Bridge Club which had been meeting 

three times a week for the last 15 years or 

Travel Trade 

OuTbOund 

so and even have their own website. 

During the raid the police identified the 

organizer Scandinavia as 74 year old Mr. Jeremy Watson 

originally from the UK, however the 

police were unable to find any money 

in a ‘pot’ or evidence of winners handing 

over money or indeed any gambling 

equipment other than the playing cards 

and a book with the names and scores of 

the players. 

Luckily for the police they were able to 

state that according to an ancient law 

harking back to 1935 of section 8 of the 

Playing Cards Act, no individual is allowed 

to have more than 120 cards at any 

one time in their possession. 

There was considerably more than 120 

cards at the Bridge Club that night as 

each of the eight tables would have at 

least one deck of cards for the four players 

however this didn’t really amount to over 

120 cards per individual, but that didn’t 

seem to matter to the police. 

The police stated that in addition to contravening 

Section 8 of the Playing Cards 

Act of 1935 it became apparent that the 

cards being used by the Bridge Club did 

not have an official government seal on the 

card boxes, which is apparently illegal. 

The games were brought to a halt and all of 

the players were escorted to the local police 

station for further questioning which 

apparently continued for many hours and 

they were only released after each paying 

5000 baht for bail. 

This bust as funny as it seems does bring 

a shadow of doubt for the many Bridge 

Clubs in Thailand and also for those who 

play cards for fun. 

In the meantime the schedule of future 

games for the Jomtien & Pattaya Bridge 

Club have been suspended. 

Travel Trade 

OuTbOund 

Published by: Traveltrademedia.com, Copenhagen, Denmark. CVR DK29314055 

Managing editor: 

Carsten Elsted 

Travel editor: 

Carsten A. Andersen 

Contact: 

editor@ttoscandinavia.com 

Layout: 

Agnese Klavina

6-8 April 2016 

Shanghai • China 

Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center 

of International Sourcing 

The Leading International 

MICE Event In China 

中国首届一指的专业会议 , 奖励旅游 , 会议和展览的商业和交流平台 

With the widest range of destinations from across China and around the World 

汇聚最广范围、最多样化的中国及全球目的地 

Over USD160 Million Procurement 

Value expected as a result of the 

2015 show 

2015 年展会预计将产生超过 1.6 亿 

美元采购价值 

Largest Collection of Chinese and 

International CVBs and other MICE 

suppliers 

最大规模汇聚中国及国际旅游观 

光局以及其他商务会奖旅游行业 

供应商 

Over 80% Exhibitors Expect Orders 

within 1 year after the 2015 show 

超过八成的参展商预期在 2015 年 

展会结束一年内获取订单 

Best of Chinese Procurement 

Demand with 80% Chinese Buyers 

中国买家比例高达 8 成聚集最强大 

的中国购买需求 

Exhibitors 展商 | Buyers 买家 | Media 媒体 

Learn More About Participating 

扫描此二维持码获取招待计划的更多信息 

Hosting Programme For Buyers and Media Available. 

为买家和媒体特设的招待计划现在开始申请。 

Huge Buyer and Media Hosting 

Programme with 400 hosted 

delegates 

400 名特邀买家及媒体享受盛大的 

特邀权益 

“ 我相信 MEET Taiwan 明年还将继 

续参展 IT&CM China 并赞助相关 

专业活动 , 因为我们能够在与 

买家的沟通交流中有所收获。” 

“ We received very interesting leads 

as early as during the fi rst day of 

business appointments.” 

Exhibitor Melia Hotel International, China 

“ 参展商拥有很完善的资料。 

他们了解中国市场 , 了解 

买家的需求。” 

买家湖南途易国际旅行社 , 中国 

“ Since many professionals in 

the MICE and tourism industry 

participate at IT&CM China, I was 

able to make contacts and networks.” 

参展商兼赞助商 MEET Taiwan, 台湾 Ruben Casas, Senior Director of Sales & Joyson Chen, 总经理 

Media Korea Tourism News, Korea 

Lily Su, 总监 

Marketing Asia-Pacifi c 

Kim Eun Kyung, Reporter 

Contact 联络方式 : 

For International Delegates 国际展商 

Email: itcmchina@ttgasia.com | Tel: (65) 6395 7575 

For Chinese Delegates 国内展商 

Email: itcmchina@citsmice.com.cn | Tel: (86-10) 8522 7997 

Supported By 支持单位 : Onsite Technology Partner 展会科技伙伴单位 : 

Offi cial Media 官方媒体 : 

IT&CM China 2016 is proud to be part of the Shanghai Business Events Week. 

2016 中国 ( 上海 ) 国际会奖旅游博览会很荣幸的能作为上海商务活动周的一部分举行。 

Where The MICE Industry Comes Together in Shanghai. An Exciting Week of Business, Education And Networking Events. 

会奖旅游行业精英齐聚上海 , 共同参与为期一周的商务、教育与交流的盛会。

Iceland tops Europe arrivals 

Travel to Europe continues to surge amidst a migration crisis, and safety and security concerns in 2015. 

Travel to Europe continues to surge 

amidst a migration crisis, and safety and 

security concerns in 2015. 

According to latest European Travel 

Commission’s “European Tourism 2015 - 

Trends & Prospects”, 2015 marked the 6th 

consecutive year of above-average growth 

for the most visited region in the world. 

“Prospects for 2016 remain optimistic 

with growth expected to increase by 3%,” 

said Eduardo Santander, Executive Director 

of ETC. 

Growth spread across the majority of 

European countries, buoyed by Iceland 

(+30%), Romania (+17%) and Slovakia 

(+16%). Montenegro (+15.5%) and Ireland 

(+14%) recorded a substantial increase fuelled 

by the strong demand from key European 

source markets. Portugal, Croatia 

(both +10%) and Greece (+8%) also enjoyed 

sustained growth. Croatia, particularly, 

benefited from their on-going efforts 

to extend the pre- and post-summer period, 

while Greece owes its performance to 

improving flight connections and to the 

flow of tourists avoiding competing destinations 

perceived at risk of terrorist attacks. 

Exceptions to the overall trend were Bulgaria, 

Turkey (both -1%), Estonia (-3%) 

and Finland (-5%) which all saw a decline 

from the previous year attributable to the 

fall in arrivals from Russia. Montenegro 

was the only European destination that 

enjoyed growth from the Russian market 

(+6.4% overnights). 

Travel demand from key intra-European 

markets continues to thrive within Europe 

despite presage of tighter border controls 

within the Schengen area. Growth 

from UK and Germany is in line with positive 

economic trends whereas increased 

demand from France and Italy is resulting 

from the strong appetite for traditional 

summer destinations. 

In the US, the upswing of the economy, a 

strong US Dollar, and the ever-growing 

consumer confidence contribute to the 

appeal of Europe as a holiday destination. 

The United States[i] accounts for 5% of total 

arrivals (25.7million) to Europe with 

further growth expected (+6% annual average) 

towards 2020. The majority of European 

destinations also reported growth, 

+30% Chinese arrivals to Europe, what 

suggests that the economic slowdown in 

China failed to deter tourists’ enthusiasm 

to travel internationally. 

Skogafoss is one of the attractive places in Iceland. 

A Day on 

the Danube 

‘A Day on the Danube’ is the title of 

the brand new image brochure all 

about the Danube and is the topic 

of this year’s presentation under 

the slogan of Danube@ITB. It stands 

for the wide range of activities and 

attractions that the Danube region 

offers as a tourism destination. At 

ITB Berlin 2016 the countries on the 

Danube will be exhibiting their cultural, 

nature and adventure tourism 

products, with a focus on biking and 

cruises on the river. At the ITB Berlin 

Convention, at the Danube Forum, 

high-ranking figures will discuss 

the opportunities and challenges under 

the heading of ‘Living the future 

on the Danube’. A free tour organised 

by an expert on the Danube will 

also provide trade visitors with indepth 

information about tourism in 

the regions bordering Europe’s second-longest 

river. 

Lufthansa Releases Universal 

Passenger Check-In 

LH has launched a new service called AirlineCheckins 

that allows passengers can 

check in on any airline from a central 

point. Users will be able to check in online 

at over 100 airlines at different airports 

around the world. The featured carriers 

have yet to be announced at this stage 

of the release, but they are said to be “large 

and medium-sized airlines.” 

The system is also set to include a section 

for preferences, allowing passengers to 

specify whether they would prefer a seat at 

the front or rear of an aircraft, aisle or window 

seat, and other seating arrangements. 

LIH wrote on the FAQ section of their website: 

“The online check-in process is identical 

to the face-to-face discussion at the airline’s 

check-in desk at the airport, but it has 

the benefit of allowing you to go directly 

to security when you arrive at the airport, 

then head straight to your gate, where you 

scan your previously issued boarding pass 

at the appropriate checkpoint or show your 

pass to the relevant employee.” 

4 

>> Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

Glamping - the a hot new niche 

An increasing number of travelers in Southeast Asia are being attracted to a soaring new supply of tented 

accommodation in emerging destinations, according to a new report from Thai-based consulting firm C9. 

Data from C9’s Tented Accommodation 

Market 2016 shows 29 properties in the region 

offering international standard products, 

consisting of 14 standalone tent-only 

resorts and 15 hybrid operations. Thailand 

and Indonesia are prime movers in the region. 

Noting the rising influence of “glamping,” 

C9 Hotelworks Managing Director 

Bill Barnett said, “sleeping in tents can be 

traced back to prehistoric times and the 

dawn of humankind, which makes them 

the world’s second accommodation innovation 

hot on the heels of the cave. Link in 

the earliest tourists, or as they were known 

as ‘nomads,’ and the intrinsic link between 

tents and travel is crystal clear.” 

Barnett added that when tracing back the 

roots of most of Asia’s resort and cultural 

destinations, backpackers were the earliest 

first movers into these locations. “Today we 

have key travel disruptors such as low-cost 

airline carriers, flashpackers, millennials 

and a rising tide of tourists looking for authentic 

and local experience that go beyond 

four walls,” he added. 

C9’s report is quick to point out an influx 

of new luxury slanted tents in the pipeline 

such as the upcoming Rosewood in Luang 

Prabang Laos. Designed by Bill Bensley, 

Barnett said there is a huge buzz about this 

product in the travel industry. Bensley is 

well known in tent circles for his landmark 

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle 

in Thailand. He is not the only “starchitect” 

who has embraced tents, with another 

notable being Jean-Michel Gathy, who created 

Amanwana on the nature reserve island 

of Moyo in Indonesia. 

Viewing locations of resorts in the report, 

those in forests top the chart, followed 

somewhat distantly by beaches. Cultural 

destinations and river settings rank in 

as well. Price wise in a broad market-wide 

snapshot the average median rack rate 

across the entire market is US$270. One 

surprising outcome of C9’s research is that 

21% of the properties are in the midscale 

segment and 13% are entry-level products. 

“We are seeing a broader range of traditional 

investors coming on-stream in newer 

destinations,” Barnett said. “Favorable 

development cost, short build times and ultimately 

a drive by customers who are looking 

for more authentic holidays are key motivating 

factors.” 

Hilton first to give cash discounts 

to loyalty members to avoid OTA´s 

Hilton Worldwide has announced that 

Hilton HHonors members can now receive 

an exclusive discount on room rates 

by booking directly through its brand 

websites, Hilton HHonors mobile app 

and reservation call centers, or through 

preferred corporate travel partners and 

approved travel agents. This guaranteed 

discount is available at more than 4,500 

hotels around the world. 

Hilton’s new “Stop Clicking Around” 

marketing campaign – the largest ever 

launched in the company’s 97 year history 

– will also emphasize the other benefits 

of booking direct and being an HHonors 

member. These benefits include HHonors 

Points that can be used for free room 

nights, free Wi-Fi, and the ability to checkin, 

choose your own room from a digital 

floor plan and use a Digital Key all via the 

HHonors mobile app on a smartphone. In 

addition, when HHonors members book 

direct with Hilton, hotels are able to provide 

more personalized and memorable experiences 

for each stay. 

“Our customers don’t need to worry about 

sorting through a dizzying array of websites, 

enduring hundreds of clicks and 

wasting hours of time. They can be assured 

that booking a room directly with 

us at any of our hotels doesn’t require extensive 

searching and price checking to 

find the best prices online,” said Geraldine 

Calpin, chief marketing officer at 

Hilton Worldwide. 

“Last year, 57 billion Hilton HHonors 

Points – or more than 1.6 million free 

nights – went unearned because guests 

booked their stay through a third party,” 

said Mark Weinstein, global head of 

Customer Engagement, Loyalty and Partnerships 

at Hilton Worldwide. “There is 

a huge misconception that third parties 

always offer lower prices for our hotel 

rooms, which is simply not true.” 

All Hilton HHonors members who book 

directly through Hilton can save time and 

money, and gain instant access to the benefits 

they care about most: 

• Exclusive discount: Members of the 

Hilton HHonors loyalty program can 

now take advantage of an exclusive discount 

that can’t be found anywhere else, 

as long as they book directly through Hilton, 

at more than 4,500 hotels around the 

world. 

• Instant benefits: Hilton HHonors is free 

to join and offers instant benefits to all 

members, such as free Wi-Fi, popular digital 

tools like digital check-in with room 

selection and Digital Key, and the ability 

to earn and redeem Points for free nights. 

• Unforgettable, exclusive experiences: 

Booking direct opens the door to exclusive 

events, like Live Nation concerts or 

private dining experiences. 

• Loyalty rewarded with more personalized 

service: HHonors members who 

book direct can better share their preferences 

with the hotel for a stay tailored to 

their requests. 

To launch the “Stop Clicking Around” 

campaign, Hilton Worldwide enlisted the 

help of Fold7, a London-based marketing 

and advertising agency. 

Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

“Many refugees 

at the resort can be a problem” 

“At Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, our primary concern is to 

ensure the safety and security of our guests and crew. Due to recent events in Turkey, we are suspending 

all calls to the country through 2016 across all NCLH brands. We will continue to closely monitor 

the situation and make future itinerary adjustments as appropriate. We have begun the process of 

informing guests booked on the affected cruises of the itinerary changes and will update the respective 

brand websites with revised voyage information.” 

“We don’t warn 

our guests against 

taking a cruise in the 

Mediterranean,”says 

Jacob Kock Plinius, 

head of the RCCL in 

Denmark. 

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of many 

cruise lines, which will either cancel 

or alter sailing in the Mediterranean 

and Turkey. Norwegians cancellations 

in Turkey affect about 32 routings. 

It comes after the deadly suicide attack 

in the heart of Istanbul. 

On Jan. 12, a suicide bomber believed 

to be linked to the Islamic State killed 

10 people, predominantly German 

tourists, and injured several others in 

an attack near the Blue Mosque, a popular 

tourist attraction. 

Several cruise lines canceled calls in 

Turkey following the attack. Crystal 

canceled Turkish calls on two cruises 

this spring in favor of Greece, and 

MSC Cruises said its Magnifica, with 

departures from Venice, will no longer 

make weekly calls at Istanbul and 

Izmir but will stop at Athens and 

Mykonos instead. 

German market leader Aida Cruises 

said it has cancelled Eastern Mediterranean 

cruises on the Aida Stella this 

summer after “several thousand” customers 

said they wanted to change to 

alternative destinations. Instead, the 

vessel will take over the seven-day 

cruises of the Aida Aura starting in 

Palma de Mallorca from April 30 to 

October 22, while the latter vessel will 

offer extra cruises from German ports 

to Northern Europe destinations. 

Cruise passengers represent about 1% 

Aida Cruises said it has cancelled Eastern Mediterranean cruises on the Aida Stella this summer after “several 

thousand” customers said they wanted to change to alternative destinations. 

of Turkey’s total visitors. In 2015 Turkey 

welcomed about 41 million travelers 

and that of those travelers, approximately 

400,000 were cruise 

passengers. 

RCCL 

“RCCL (Royal Caribbean) has not 

changed the shipping lanes in the 

Mediterranean or canceled Istanbul 

because of the current terrorism risk. 

It takes a lot to change a route. It is a 

giant puzzle that has to come together 

so the timetable fits the previous port 

and the subsequent ports. 

We don’t warn our guests against taking 

a cruise in the Mediterranean. But 

if there is a heightened risk, then we 

inform our guests that they should not 

visit places with many people, when 

they are ashore. 

RCCLs security department at our 

headquarters in Miami keeps constant 

the situation in the Mediterranean under 

observation, should there be a new 

development, “says Jacob Kock Plinius, 

head of the RCCL in Denmark, 

which covers shipping lines Royal Caribbean 

Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises 

and Azamara Club Cruises. 

“As for the refugees, there has been 

little change for our smallest line 

Azamara Club Cruises 

Here Azamara Club Cruises canceled 

calls on Lesbos, where there are many 

refugees not to give guests an unpleasant 

experience. RCCL only want to give 

guests the best experience on board as 

well as on land, and if suddenly there 

are many refugees at the resort, it can 

be a problem and guests may feel uncomfortable 

“says Jacob Kock Plinius. 

6 


2016 List of World’s Top 300 

Festivals announced 

Fest300 announced today its annual list of the 300 most highly regarded 

festivals from around the globe. Making this year’s list were returning 

favorites Glastonbury (Pilton, UK), Diwali (India), and Envision (Costa 

Rica), as well as list newcomers Electric Zoo (New York, USA) and Cape 

Town International Jazz Fest (South Africa). 

“Fest300 was created to inspire cultural 

curiosity and to encourage people to 

attend new festivals around the world,” 

says Fest300 Creative Director Eamon 

Armstrong. “We have since evolved into 

the online destination uniting the global 

community of attendees, artists and 

festival producers through thought-leading 

editorial and awe-inspiring video and 

photography. We believe that this year’s 

expertly curated list, including crowdsourced 

recommendations from our international 

audience, brings to life the 

vibrant experience unique to each festival 

for both the practical and aspirational 

festival-goer.” 

“It’s clear that our mission of showcasing 

festivals to inspire the culturally curious 

adventurer in all of us is right for 

its time,” states Fest300 co-founder Chip 

Conley. “This is a movement, and an economically 

important one at that. According 

to Nielsen, a staggering 32 million 

people attend at least one music festival 

in the U.S. each year. Those attendees 

travel over 900 miles on average. And 

over 10 million U.S. music festival attendees 

visit more than one festival each 

year. Those are big numbers for the travel 

and entertainment sectors, and also the 

wider economy.” 

Fest300 team reviewed over 1,000 revered 

festivals to curate the final list. This 

year, Fest300’s list is 53% music-focused 

with 25% growth in electronic music, 

which went from 18% of the list in 2015 

to 22% in 2016. Per the site’s tradition, 30 

festivals previously included on the annual 

list were removed, and the final 30 

festivals were selected by festivalgoers via 

crowdsourcing campaign, Fest300’s Best 

Fest Quest, held in November. 

Airline fuel surcharge: Justified or fraud? 

The Business Travel Coalition (BTC) 

today urged US Secretary of Transportation 

Anthony Foxx to launch a thorough 

and in-depth investigation with 

respect to the airline industry’s continued 

assessment of often-sizeable fuel 

surcharges on many itineraries in violation 

of DOT’s clear “Additional Guidance 

on Airfare/Air Tour Price Advertisements” 

of February 21, 2012. Some 

airlines flout the express admonitions of 

DOT in its Guidance by deceptively renaming 

these fuel surcharges as “carrier 

imposed charges.” 

“As DOT will be well aware, oil prices 

have plummeted some 70 percent 

since June of 2014 while most U.S. airlines 

have left their often outsized fuel 

surcharges in place. We believe that the 

continued, widespread imposition of 

these substantial, add-on fuel surcharges 

in the face of plummeting jet fuel 

prices cannot be justified. This practice, 

therefore, constitutes an unfair and 

deceptive act or practice and an unfair 

method of competition in violation of 

49 U.S.C. §41712. Further, these pervasive 

violations of §41712 inflict massive 

overcharges on consumers,” stated BTC 

founder Kevin Mitchell in the letter to 

Secretary Foxx. 

The Coalition urged DOT in its investigation 

to hold the airlines assessing fuel 

surcharges, by any term or language, to 

account -- by requiring them to substantiate 

on a route-by-route basis that 

the fuel surcharges do indeed reflect the 

actual costs of fuel per passenger over 

some baseline amount. 


Optimistic ATF opening In Manila 

“95 percent of the goals we had with the Strategic Plan for Asia 20-2016 have been reached. 

Now we look forward to 2025 with the next strategic plan. Here I expect that within five 

years there will be a common visa throughout Asia and a surge of cruises. “ 

An optimistic Ramon Jimenez Jr., Secretary 

of Tourism, Philippines, could as host 

welcome ATF 16 (Asia Tourism Forum) in 

Manila, Philippines. 

One of the biggest travel fairs in Asia organized 

by TTG in Singapore with 2,620 delegates 

from across ASEAN, international 

buyers and media also from Scandinavia, 

and about 1,000 volunteers. As well as the 

participation of tourism ministers from 

10 Asian countries plus tourism ministers 

from China, Japan, South Korea and India. 

ATF is held in a different country in Asia 

every year. Next year ATF is in Singapore 

and then Thailand. 

“Ankor Wat will be developed,” says Thoura Lor, 

Director Marketing & Promotion, Cambodia to 

Morten Andersen, Manager, Rejsespecialisten, 

Denmark. 

Cambodia did not quite reach the goal the 

tourist destination country had set for 2015. 

Cambodia received 4.8 million tourists, 

where the goal was five million. By 2020 

Cambodia hopes to reach eight million 

tourists and the locomotive to reach the 

Angkor Wat is the locomotive 

goal is Ankor Wat. 

Ankor Wat are Cambodia’s main tourist 

attraction, and Ankor Wat has been much 

bigger since researchers from The University 

of Sydney’s with airborne laser scanning 

technology discovered, that the Angkor 

Wat complex was much larger than 

expected, had more components than earlier 

envisaged, and was bounded on its 

south side by a unique and massive structure. 

“This structure, with dimensions of more 

than 1500m × 600m, is the most striking 

discovery associated with Angkor Wat 

to date,” said Professor Fletcher, from 

the University. Angkor Wat, constructed 

around 1150, remains the biggest religious 

complex on Earth with 162 ha. It attracts 

two million tourists a year and takes pride 

of place on Cambodia’s flag. 

“Ankor Wat will be developed with new 

five star hotels, better shopping, better 

tour guides and greater experiences. 

Guests shall stay longer and spend more 

money. Cambodia must have more tourists, 

and Ankor Wat should be the locomotive, 

“says Thoura Lor, Director Marketing 

& Promotion, Cambodia. 

“But there will also be several new international 

airports, and airports in Phnom 

Penh, Siem Reap and Sihannoukville has 

been extended so that they can take more 

guests in 2016. 

Cooperation with Thailand will be extended 

include a high speed train between 

Bangkok and Phnom Penh and several 

new beaches will be presented to the tourists, 

“says Thoura Lor to Morten Andersen, 

Manager, Rejsespecialisten, Denmark. 

“ATF this year had a slightly lower quality. 

There are plenty of hotels, but I miss 

variation, more educational, more ecotourism 

etc. 

“But I have met a lot of local Filipinos with 

exciting destinations,” said Morten Andersen, 

who was on his fourth ATF. 

The hotel room is like a nest 

“It’s a trend that guests want privacy and 

their own swimming pool. And that we 

have given them. At the same time, we have 

made the rooms as a nest, with muted colors 

and a kind of Scandinavian design. “ 

Eam-on Likit-ittiruks, president, Andakira 

Group, will March 10 open a fivestar 

Crest Resort & Pool Villa hotel at Tri- 

Trang Beach two kilometers from Patong 

on Phuket. 

The hotel is especially because out of the 

144 rooms 34 rooms have private swimming 

pool and private life, so guests can 

be completely for themselves. About 90 

percent of the rooms have nature and 

ocean views. 

The rooms are 44 to 100 sqm, the price is 

150-700 US Dollars. 

Eam-on Likit-ittiruks, which owns the hotels, 

started with a single hotel. Crest Resort 

& Pool Villa will be her sixth hotel. 

“I think Crest Resort & Pool Villa is one 

of Thailand hotels who have most private 

pools. The rooms are built like a nest, and 

the meaning is that you feel you return to 

nature. 

I hope to get a contract with tour operators 

in Scandinavia, “says Eam-on Likit-ittiruks 

which here shows Egle Jaugiene, 

Managing Director, Baltic Travel Group, 

Vilnius Lithuania, the new hotel. 

It was Egle Jaugienes first ATF. 

Eam-on Likit-ittiruks, president, Andakira 

Group shows Egle Jaugiene, Managing 

Director, Baltic Travel Group, Vilnius 

Lithuania, the new hotel on Phuket, Thailand. 

8 


Malaysia rides 

on family fun 

Adelyn Chan, Senior Manager, MAPS, tells Heldur Allese, Chairman, Estonia, 

that the new Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) in Ipoh, Perak, is 

expected to be completed and open in March or April this year. 

The theme park industry has witnessed rapid international expansion 

in the last decade. On top of that, tourism experts have predicted 

that Asia will be the world’s next leading international theme 

park market. With that in mind, Malaysia is riding the wave with 

several new theme park developments to become the leading family 

destination within the Southeast Asia region. 

Currently, Malaysia is home to 16 theme and water parks, with 10 

more being reported to be opening in the next few years. 

To the south, one can already find Legoland Malaysia in Johor, the 

first Legoland in all of Asia (opened in 15 Sept 2012). It houses more 

than 40 rides, shows and attractions and has since expanded to include 

a water park and hotel. 

LEGOLAND Water Park opened 21 Oct 2013, largest in the world 

and the first in Asia and LEGOLAND Hotel, opened 29 Nov 2012 

also Asia’s first. 

Puteri Habour Indoor Theme Park Opened 26 Oct 2012 and Sanrio 

Hello Kitty Town was the first in the world outside of Japan 

In Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, vacationers can head over to Sunway 

Lagoon. A multipark attraction, with over 80 attractions for 

both adults and children. Guest can go to five different park such 

as Wildlife, Scream, Water, Amusement, and Extreme Park, featuring 

a petting zoo, the world’s largest man-made surf beach, and the 

world’s largest water ride, the Vuvuzela. 

The new Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) in Ipoh, Perak is 

expected to be completed and open in March or April this year. 

Attractions will be based on characters from DreamWorks Studios, 

with 40 attractions, including live-action stunt shows, rides, 

themed food and Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, Asia’s first Nickelodeon-themed 

attraction. 

The 20th Century Fox theme park in Genting Highlands will be 

opened in 2017. The park is to feature 25 movie-inspired rides and 

attractions based on Fox films such as ‘Aliens vs. Predator’, ‘Ice Age’ 

and ‘Planet of the Apes’. 

New man on the bridge 

“We need to change the perception of 

Thailand as a cheap country. We must 

give our tourists from Scandinavia better 

quality. We need to provide more content, 

more activity and more value for money, 

without raising prices, “says Yuthasak Supasorn, 

Governor of (TAT), Tourism Authority 

of Thailand. 

Yuthasak Supasorn, 49, is the new man in 

charge of tourism in Thailand, in collaboration 

with Tourism Minister Kobkarn 

Wattanavrangkul. 

Yuthasak Supasorn beat eight other candidates 

for the job as Governor as he first 

outsider to take the top post at TAT since 

the agency was established 55 years ago. 

Tourism authorities had been forecasting 

30 million arrivals for 2015 but the target 

appeared to be in jeopardy after the 

Erawan shrine bombings in August, when 

20 people including seven foreigners were 

killed in the heart of Bangkok. Year-onyear 

growth in arrivals slowed to 8% in 

September and stalled at 1% in October 

before resuming a brisk double-digit pace. 

Thailand attracted a total of 29,881,091 

foreign tourists in 2015, an increase of 

20.4% from the 24.81 million who visited 

in 2014. European arrivals declined 8.6% 

overall to 5.63 million, including a 45% 

drop from Russia 

From Scandinavia came: 

Sweden................................ 322.000 

Denmark ..............................159.000 

Norway................................. 135.000 

Finland ..................................135.000 

“Tourism is the key driver for the Thai 

economy, which is in the doldrums. Tourism 

is the only engine that is driving our 

economy, so I would like to keep that momentum 

going. In 2016 we will focus on 

the revenue generated by tourists rather 

than the numbers of tourists. To help 

us generate income we will be promoting 

Thailand as a quality leisure destination. 

In this way, we will be focusing on quality 

tourists, who stay longer and spend 

more, and discover lesser known tourist 

spots within the country” says Yuthasak 

Supasorn. 

Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, Tourism 

Authority of Thailand, is the new chief of 

Thailand’s tourism. 

His long term goal includes tourism sustainability. 

“Sustaining tourism is equivalent 

to sustaining our environment and 

offering local communities a future to 

look toward. “ 

“TAT has previously had plans to make 

offices elsewhere in Scandinavia than in 

Stockholm?” 

“It will not be the case. I am satisfied with 

the office in Stockholm. If they need more 

help in Stockholm they will get it,”says 

Yuthasak Supasorn. 


Conferences in Sarawak witnessed attendance of 15,830 delegates in 2015. 

Scandinavian hotel honored 

with environmental award 

Sarawak host 

to international 

conference every 

week of 2015 

Malaysia stepped-up in global recognition 

through 52 internationally-acclaimed conferences, 

hosted in Sarawak, “the Land of 

the Hornbills.” 

The conferences witnessed attendance of 

15,830 delegates. They also comprise a majority 

of the 59 conferences won by Sarawak 

Convention Bureau (SCB). 

Chairman of SCB, Dato’ Sri Dr Leo Michael 

Toyad said, “The bureau has been consistent 

and fervent in pursuing and winning conferences 

that do not merely reap monetary 

gains, but international acclaim and benefits 

to the community as well as the nation. 

We closed 2015’s chapter and enter 2016 

with much anticipation, knowing that the 

team will strive to elevate the state’s business 

events industry in the international arena 

through quality events,” says Dato’ Sri Dr 

Leo Michael Toyad, Chairman of SCB. 

In review of 2015, Managing Director of 

SCB, Mike Cannon said, “The wealth of 

knowledge gained from the international 

conferences is tremendous – it can be converted 

into skillsets that propel the nation 

through knowledge sharing, capacity building 

and technological advances.” 

On the subject of up-skilling talents, Cannon 

commented: “Conferences such as the XXIII 

Asian and Oceania Congress of Obstetrics 

and Gynecology, the Conference for Process 

Integration, Modelling & Optimisation for 

Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction 2015, 

and International Conference of the International 

Vocational Education and Training 

Association offer the latest in trends, research 

and education. We can harness the essence 

from other fields to empower the people to 

strive forward in this fast-developing state.” 

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is one of 89 hotels 

in Asia who have complied with the new ASEAN 

Green Hotel Standard to promote sustainable 

tourism practices in the region. 

“The hotel’s environmental policy and programmes 

are detailed in the in-room directory 

and guests are encouraged to participate 

in the programmes. 

Recycling bins are placed in some public 

guest areas to encourage guests to recycle. 

Being a green hotel means that the guests 

and customers can have an assurance that 

they are staying in an accommodation. That 

is responsible and actively participating in 

the improvement of the environment, and 

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is proud to 

be one. 

Evidently, the number of travelers who prefer 

to stay in green hotels is also rising,” so says 

Christian Hassing, Denmark, General Manager 

at Mandarin Oriental in Singapore. 

Mandarin Oriental was one of 89 hotels who 

for the first time at an ATF (Asia Tourism 

Forum) was awarded “Awards for environmentally 

friendly hotels.” 

ATF 16 was held in Manila, the Philippines, 

and 10 tourism ministers from Asia recognized 

the 89 hotels environmental efforts. 

The 10 tourism ministers wrote in their report 

from the ATF in Manila: 

“Through the ASEAN Green Hotel Award 

Ceremony, the Ministers were pleased to 

note that 89 hotels in the region have complied 

with the new ASEAN Green Hotel 

Standard to promote sustainable tourism 

practices in the region through adoption of 

environmental-friendly and energy conservation 

initiatives in their establishments in 

line with ASEAN tourism initiative on 

Tourism and Climate Change Monitoring 

System and Work Plan.” 

“What have you done to get a green hotel? 

“The journey to becoming a green hotel 

starts with full commitments by the top 

management of the hotel. Spearheaded by 

the Hotel Manager, the hotel has a Corporate 

Responsibility Committee (CRC), consisting 

of department heads and colleagues. 

The committee meets regularly every month 

to review environmental data and performance, 

discuss inspection and audit findings, 

brainstorm new initiatives, conduct 

stakeholders’ engagement, champion community 

activities and explore sustainable 

sourcing. Environmental targets on energy, 

emissions, water and waste are established 

and monitored in the meeting,” says Christian 

Hassing to TTO Scandinavia. 

“Adopting the motto “Doing More for a Sustainable 

Future” plans and initiatives covering 

the entire environmental spectrum of 

energy, water, waste, chemicals and noise 

controls were developed and implemented. 

These initiatives include replacement of 

traditional lighting to energy-saving LED 

lighting, upgrade of the water cisterns from 

single to dual flush, and recycling of a myriad 

of materials from paper, plastics, glass, 

cans, to soaps, lamps and cooking oil. 

Another important aspect was the engagement 

of stakeholders (colleagues, guests, 

suppliers and the local community) in the 

hotel’s environmental programmes and activities. 

For example, guests were encouraged 

to play a role in the hotel’s environmental 

programme by reusing linens and towels. 

Messages are printed on recycled “Caring 

for the Environment” cards and guests are 

requested to place them on their pillow tops, 

should they prefer to have a daily change 

of sheets. Various colleagues’ engagement, 

training and awareness programmes are in 

place at the hotel to support the advancement 

of a ‘Green Culture’, including annual 

Sustainability Awareness training, a dedicated 

Sustainability Notice Board and TV 

screen, incentive programme for innovative 

ideas and Green Events. The hotel’s long 

term vision is to develop a ‘Green Culture’ 

where 3R principles for energy, water and 

waste management is a way of life and internalized 

by the colleagues.” 

10 


Presidential Suite 

of 1,200 sq.m. 

Five-star hotel Manila, is in the process of building the Philippines 

and one of Asia’s largest presidential suites. 

The suite is 1,200 sqm with private indoor pool, bulletproof glass, 

private elevator and all modern amenities. 

The Presidential Suite is scheduled for completion later this year. 

It will be located on the 18 floor of the new building of hotel Manila, 

which has 500 rooms and is known as one of the best hotels 

in the Philippines. 

“We expect the new presidential suite will be the biggest in the 

Philippines. We would like to offer it to prime ministers and presidents 

who are on state visits and business leaders. The price will 

be around 14,000 US Dollars per. night, “says Gerhard Doll, resident 

manager, Hotel Manila. 

“It is possible to reach the target of five mil. 

tourists in 2016-17.” says Eric R. Sinnaya, 

Managing Director, Morahols, Langkawi 

The Malaysia resort island of Langkawi in 

2015 had a tourism record with 3.2 million. 

guests against 2.6 million in 2014. 

“The reason is that Langkawi is completely 

tax-free and that it is very cheap to be both 

on the island and shop. In addition, 45 percent 

are guests who return again and again, 

”says Eric R. Sinnaya, Managing Director, 

‘Feel the warmth’ 

‘Feel the warmth’ emphasize the warmth of south-east Asia’s 

hospitality and also references the region’s year-round warm waters. 

New record in Langkawi 

Morahols, Langkawi, and Chairman Malaysian 

Nature Society and council member 

Malaysian Tourism Council. 

“Langkawi now has about 100 hotel and 

9,000 rooms. During the next two to three 

years Langkawi will have 11.000-12.000 

hotel rooms. It is then possible to reach the 

target of five mil. tourists in 2016-17. 

That’s fine, we get more guests to Langkawi. 

But we must also be prepared to receive 

them and have the facilities for it. 

Langkawi has much to offer including 

Gunung Mat Cincang, one of the most famous 

mountains situated in Langkawi. 

Having a height of 850 m, this mountain is 

the second highest in Langkawi and it features 

amazing views of the island. 

Gunung Mat Cincang is home to Langkawi’s 

cable car that’s able to carry passengers 

In the end of this year the new presidential suite of 1,200 sq m will be ready. 

Price about 14,000 US Dollars per. night. 

700m above sea level. The views from the 

top are just spectacular. 

Gunung Mat Cincang is known as one of 

the oldest rock formations in the world, 

dating for 550 million years. Mount Everest 

is 62 million years old. 

As a result, Gunung Mat Cincang belongs 

to the UNESCO World Heritage Geopark 

in Langkawi, says Eric R. Sinnaya. 

There is reason to smile on 

Langkawi. Tourist record 

was beaten in 2015 

A new joint logo for cruises in south-east Asia was presented at ATF 16 in 

Manila. It bears the tagline, ‘Feel the warmth’ 

It is helping ASEAN taking another step towards establishing itself as a 

cruise destination... 

Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia Secretary General, Dr. Ong 

Hong Peng, believes now is a perfect time to launch an ASEAN cruise 

brand. 

The brand will be unveiled to the international cruise industry in March 

when ASEAN member states come together to promote cruising in Seatrade 

Cruise Global conference and tradeshow in Miami, Florida, USA. 

The brand emphasizes the warmth of south-east Asia’s hospitality – similar 

to that of the ASEAN tourism brand – and also references the region’s yearround 

warm waters, which make it ideal for cruising. 

The idea for a unified regional brand was proposed by Singapore in its role 

as the ASEAN lead co-ordinator for cruise development. 

“The launch of the cruise Southeast Asia brand reiterates our region’s commitment 

to band together and harnesses the growth potential of the cruise 

industry,” says Lionel Yeo, chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board. 


Conferences in Sarawak witnessed attendance of 

15,830 delegates in 2015. 

Positive air travel 

outlook in 2016 

“The outlook in Asia Pacific for air travel 

markets in 2016 remains broadly positive, 

although there are some significant risk factors 

to consider, including increased uncertainty 

over the regional economic outlook. 

Asian airlines are closely monitoring market 

developments, whilst continuing to invest 

in future growth opportunities.” 

So says Andrew Herdman, Director General, 

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines 

(AAPA) after traffic figures for the full calendar 

year 2015 showed growth in both 

international air passenger and air cargo 

markets. 

For the year under review, the region’s airlines 

recorded a robust 7.9% increase in the 

number of international passengers carried 

to an aggregate total of 276.3 million, boosted 

by lower oil prices leading to the widespread 

availability of competitive airfares. 

The average international passenger load 

factor increased by 1.4 percentage points to 

78.4% for the year, after accounting for an 

Philippines will open 

office in Copenhagen 

“We will like SAS 

to fly again to the 

Philippines,” says 

Philippine 

Minister of 

Tourism Ramon 

R. Jimenez, Jr. 

“The Scandinavian market is very interesting 

for us. Not so much because of the number 

of tourists from Scandinavia, but more 

because of the desire for travel and adventure 

as guests from Scandinavia have. 

We can learn a lot from them 

So we would like to be more visible in Scandinavia. 

We currently have an office in 

Stockholm. But we will also open an office 

in Copenhagen. Hopefully this year. 

It should not be our own office, but a GSA, 

“says Philippine Minister of Tourism Ramon 

R. Jimenez, Jr to TTO Scandinavia at 

ATF in Manila. 

“We believe that the Philippines is a destination 

of great interest in Asia and as such 

stimulate international tourism to live an 

experience in it. With “Country Tourism 

Plan National Development 2011-2016,” 

which proved to be an effective planning 

and an implementation mechanism for the 

development of tourism, we moved to our 

goal prior to the identification of the product 

and its improvement. Through this direction, 

we are ready to achieve the country’s 

goals,” says Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. 

“Which are the events in 2016 that will be 

included in the promotion plan?” 

“In addition to special incentives present in 

our campaign “Visit the Philippines again 

in 2016” (VPA 2016), the Department of 

Tourism of the Philippines and Tourism 

Promotion Board, we have spent in various 

events/attractions program for all types of 

tourists and travelers, such as the ASEAN 

tourism Forum 2016, Routes Asia 2016, 

Manila Madrid Fusion 2016, Championship 

Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific, MTV Music 

Evolution 2016, among many others.” 

“When will there be direct flights from 

Scandinavia to the Philippines? 

“That we will like very, very much. The fastest 

flight now is with Turkish Airlines. In 

the old days SAS flew to Manila. 

I hope governments will get a deal, so SAS 

again can fly to Manila, or perhaps another 

airline from Scandinavia,”says Ramon 

R. Jimenez, Jr. 

”It’s more fun in 

the Philippines.” 

Philippines hopes 

that their slogan 

can help to get 

more tourists from 

Scandinavia. 

8.2% increase in demand in revenue passenger 

kilometre (RPK) terms and a measured 

6.3% expansion in available seat capacity. 

“The region’s carriers enjoyed a year of 

strong growth in international passenger 

numbers, up 7.9% for 2015, and well ahead 

of the 4.9% increase recorded the year before. 

Long haul travel markets prospered 

on the back of an improvement in economic 

conditions in selected advanced economies. 

In addition, Asian regional travel 

demand grew solidly, despite slowing 

economic growth and regional currency 

weakness,” says Andrew Herdman. 

Four new 

routes 

this year 

Komkrit Ngamwongwirot, Ragional Manager 

and Kanypat Srisupinanon, Business Consultant, 

with Bankok Airways four new routes in 2016. 

“An airline must constantly evolve.” 

So says Komkrit Ngamwongwirot, Ragional 

Manager, South East Asia, Bangkok 

Airways after the airline this year 

will open four new routes from Bangkok 

to Da Nang, Phu Quoc and Bagan 

and from Samui to Guangzhou. 

“We should like to open 2 to 4 new 

routes every year. New routes are not 

confirmed for next year, but we are 

looking at Hanoi, Djarkarta, Delhi, Bali 

and several routes to China, “says Komkrit 

Ngamwongwirot. 

12 


Jakup Sverri Kass, CEA of Vagar Airport, Maria Samson 

from incoming agency Make.fo and Per Levring, nordic sales 

manager Atlantic Airways in Herning. 

Greece put four 

places on top in 2016 

VisitGreece, the national tourism organization 

of Greece, har put three activities 

on top for the visitors in 2016. 

Stavroula Skaltsi, director of the tourism 

office in Stockholm: 

“We have especially put focus on four 

very special attractions in 2016, which 

we also present here in Herning at our 

booth at the Danish Travel Show: 

Patricia O´Connell and Klara Morio from Malta Tourism at 

Danish Travel Show in Herning. 

Airport lower pax-fee 

Vagar Airport in the Faroe Islands has just lowered the passangerfee 11 per 

cent to 165 DKK. 

Jakub Sverri Kass, CEO of the airport: 

«The new airport is a success, and we have no need to build up any big money. 

Instead we have given in total more than two million DKK to support lower 

flight prices, both to our community but also to support the tourism in the 

islands. We hope all will be happy with the initiative.» 

At the same time Atlantic Airways has changed the system of the in-flight 

service. In the future pax will have to pay for drinks and food on the flights 

to and from the islands. This have also been used to cut flight prices. 

At the same time the Hotel Foroya comoagnies, who run the restaurant at 

the airport, will offer some kind of Grab and Fly package for the pax to pick 

up at the airport. 

Atlantic Airways has just made a code-share agrrement with Finnair, so the 

fravel from at to Asia from the Faroe Islands are made easier. The ticket now 

starts at Vagar and the luggage can be checked in all the way. 

• live an extraordinary agricultural experience 

in Vamos and Milia villages on the 

island of Crete. 

• visit Samothrace’s impressive geophysical 

formations known as Vathres. 

• savour delicious veggie dishes served all 

over Greece. 

• explore the wild nature of Grevena and the 

numerous activities you can enjoy there. 

Malta secure 

Stavroula Skaltsi, director, Pia Klitten Sørensen, PR and 

Alaxandra Sarantii, also Greece-office in Stockholm. 

Many airlines are stepping up the amount of flights to Malta. 

People are picking this island to feel secure in the Mediterranean 

area. 

SAS will start soon on regular basis from Copenhagen and Stockholm 

and also Finnair starts from Helsinki 3 times a week and 4 

times during summer. 

Norwegian flies from Oslo from May. 

Folkeferie, which is the largest tour operator on Malta, will have 

charter flights from both Billund and CPH. 

Patricia O´Connell, head of Malta Tourism in the Nordic Area, is 

happy with the new flights: 

“From the Nordic region we have an increase of more than 8 % compared 

to last year and with the new routes, I am confident, we will 

grow even more in 2016.” 


Möten & 

Events - 

an exciting 

meeting place 

The fair Möten & Events 2016 is Nordic’s largest and 

most business-driven trade show within the meetingand 

event industry. During two inspiring days (24-25 

February 2016) at Kista Mässan, Stockholm did those 

that book and organizes meetings, events and business 

travel get the latest news and trends in the industry. 

Over 100 local and national suppliers showed up 

their products and ideas and thousands of buyers and 

purchasers of events and conferences for companies 

of all sizes and industries did attend. The seminar 

program of this year’s event attracted a lot of people 

and among the speakers were Andreas Carlsson, 

Michael Dahlen, Petra Mede, Mia Törnblom, 

Björn Starrin and Frida Boisen. 

Two new conventioncenters is going to open in Poland 

this year, one in Lublin and one in Torun. On the trade 

fair to talk about what’s going on in Poland was Pawel 

Jurczak, Poland Concept, Aneta Książek, Poland Convention 

Bureau, Katarzyna Janik, Krakow Convention 

Bureau, Izabela Berry, Mazurkas Travel and Natalia Kulec-Gren, 

Krakow Convention Bureau. 

In the stand that did belong to Åland participated Fia Karlsson, 

Silverskär, Sofia Sahlström, Käringsund Resort & Conference, Maria 

Mäntylä, Alandica Kultur & Kongress and Bitte Islander, Havs- 

Vidden. 

Nira Fischer and Göran Nilervall from Israel Government 

Tourist Office have a lot of events going on, both 

in Israel as in Stockholm, one is taking place close to the 

Royal Castle during the Eurovision Song Contest that is 

held in May. 

VisitDenmark was on site and Line Christensen from Comvell and 

Birger Flinthagen, Business Events Denmark was the ones to talk 

to regarding MICE in Denmark. 

14 


Best alliance in wine 

oneworld is once again selected as the best 

airline alliance for the wines served inflight 

by its member airlines for the seventh 

year in a row. 

They include airberlin, American Airlines, 

British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, 

Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN Airlines, TAM 

Awards 

to BT 

Three awards from OAG arrived in Riga 

for the Latvian airline airBaltic. OAG 

has ranked the Latvian airline airBaltic 

No 1 globally in punctuality in 2015, and 

awarded airBaltic in three categories – the 

world’s most punctual airline, the most on 

time airline in the EMEA region and the 

first in mainline category. 

Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar 

Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines and 

SriLankan Airlines, and around 30 affiliates. 

The Cellars in the Sky Awards, now in their 

30th year, are run by Business Traveller, the 

multi-national magazine group, in association 

with the International Wine Challenge. 

The 2015 awards were presented last night 

at a ceremony in London, following blind 

tastings by a panel of four leading experts of 

hundreds of wines served on longhaul flights 

by 35 airlines from around the world. 

It means oneworld holds both trophies 

presented to mark the quality of the wines 

served in-flight by its member airlines, 

after retaining also the Global Traveler 

Wines on the Wing trophy late last year. 

oneworld is also the current holder of eight 

of the 12 overall “best airline alliance” 

awards presented internationally. 

oneworld’s member airlines also flew high 

in the Cellars in the Sky 2015 awards, taking 

three gold medals, eight silver medals, 

six bronzes and three “highly commended” 

in the 13 airline categories – more 

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of 

airBaltic: “Our customers can rely on a consistently 

punctual service. airBaltic team is 

extremely proud to have been ranked as the 

world’s most punctual airline for the second 

year running. We have history of excelling 

in punctuality, but with around 94 

flights out of 100 arriving on or ahead of 

schedule, we have managed to maintain 

our position at the very top for two years.” 

Minister for the Interior of the Republic of Latvia, 

Acting Minister of Transport Rihards Kozlovskis, 

State Secretary of the Transport Ministry of the 

Republic of Latvia Kaspars Ozoliņš and CEO 

of airBaltic Martin Gauss celebrating the award. 

awards than airlines in both other global 

alliances combined. 

The three gold medallists among oneworld 

member airlines were: 

• British Airways for Best First Class 

White, for its Domaine d’Ardhuy Corton 

Charlemagne 2009, from Burgundy, 

France. The airline also walked away 

with one silver medal. 

• Qatar Airways for Best First Class Fortified/Dessert, 

for its Château d’Yquem 

2008 Sauternes, from Bordeaux, France. 

Qatar Airways also received one silver 

medal, one bronze and one highly commended. 

• Cathay Pacific for Best Presented First 

Class Wine List. The carrier also gained 

two silver medals, one bronze and one 

highly commended. 

Among other oneworld members, American 

Airlines took two silver medals and 

one bronze, Malaysia Airlines received 

one bronze medal, and Qantas took home 

two silver medals, one bronze and a highly 

commended. 

New board of IATA Comets 

in Denmark are chair 

Nancy Justinussen, Atlantic Airways, 

Lars Vinterberg, LIVE Travel, Else Bang, 

Best Western Scandinavia, 

Margit Jensen, MyPlanet & MarcoPolo, 

Anja Lunde , Gouda Rejseforsikring, 

Trine Overgaard, Air Canada, 

Jeanett Wulff Amadeus Scandinavia, 

Søren Alling , Discovery Travel. 


Making sense of the new EU 

Package Travel Directive 

Confused by the new EU Package Travel 

Directive? Not sure what it means 

for you? Hopefully this overview from 

Sophie Arrowsmith, a solicitor at travel 

law specialists Hamlins LLP, will 

help make sense of it all. 

WHAT IS IT? 

The travel market has changed dramatically 

since the original adoption of the current 

Package Travel Directive. Increased use of 

the internet to research and book travel 

means it is now more common for travellers 

to book their flights and hotels etc. 

separately, rather than as a package. The 

new Directive (2015/2302) is EU legislation 

which aims to clarify and modernise the 

scope of travellers’ protection by amending 

current EU consumer protection laws 

and repealing the current Package Travel 

Directive. 

As well as travellers, the new Directive will 

affect all travel organisers and retailers of 

travel services. 

WHAT DOES IT CHANGE? 

The new Directive applies the same rules 

for packages and assisted travel arrangements 

across the EU, providing certainty 

to traders and travellers about their rights 

and obligations irrespective of the national 

law applicable to the contract. The new Directive 

extends the protection of Package 

Travel rules to all consumers who purchase 

travel services for the same trip or holiday. 

This can be done as: 

- Pre-arranged packages: the traditional 

ready-made holidays from a tour operator 

made up of at least two travel service elements: 

transport, accommodation or other 

services, e.g. car rental. 

- Traveller customised packages: the traveller 

makes the selection of travel service 

components, then purchases them from a 

single business. 

- Linked travel arrangements: occurs 

where a traveller who has booked one travel 

service online (e.g. a flight) is invited to 

book another travel service (car, hotel etc.) 

through a targeted link, and makes that 

second booking within 24 hours. 

Business trips arranged by business travel 

management companies will no longer be 

included under the Package Travel rules. 

This increasing of the types of travel arrangements 

for which retailers and operators 

have responsibility to consumer travellers 

will increase the numbers of holidays 

caught. Additionally, the new Directive increases 

those travellers’ rights including: 

- Before travellers enter into any contractual 

commitments, travel organisers and retailers 

must clearly inform each traveller it 

is buying a package and that doing so affords 

the traveller certain rights under the 

new Directive. 

- Traders will be explicitly liable for booking 

errors. 

- Travellers will be able to cancel a booking 

with no termination fee ‘in the event of unavoidable 

and extraordinary circumstances’ 

in ‘its immediate vicinity’. If this happens 

whilst the traveller is on the holiday, 

the travel organisers and retailers bear the 

costs for continued accommodation not 

exceeding three nights. 

- The organiser or retailer must inform the 

traveller of their rights and who is responsible 

if something goes wrong with the holiday. 

- The retailer may be fully liable if something 

goes wrong with the holiday. 

- Travel organisers and retailers must give 

travellers approximate departure and return 

times and an indication of the nature 

of any possible extra costs. 

- Travellers have the right to termination 

in the event additional price increases exceed 

8%. 

WHAT WILL THE IMPACT BE FOR 

AGENTS AND OPERATORS? 

It is obvious these measures will increase 

the risk and cost to travel retailers and operators. 

However, costs may be saved in 

some areas as a result of the new Directive. 

The modernisation of pre-contract information 

requirements means provision 

of the requisite information is no longer 

based exclusively on travel brochures and 

traders will no longer have to reprint brochures 

in the event of a change of information. 

Also, the new Directive purports 

to reduce the administrative burden and 

compliance costs and strengthen mutual 

recognition of insolvency protection. 

From a commercial perspective, the application 

of the same rules across the EU reduces 

obstacles to cross-border trade for 

travel organisers and retailers wishing to 

operate EU-wide, aiming to provide a level 

playing-field in the travel market. 

WHAT SHOULD TRAVEL 

OPERATORS DO? 

Understandably, there is some concern 

these new rules are very open to interpretation, 

and travel organisers and retailers 

could face an increased number of cancellations. 

The Directive will apply from 1 July 2018. 

As holidays tend to be booked six months 

to a year in advance, and advertised even 

earlier, travel organisers and retailers 

should start preparing for compliance with 

their new obligations now. This includes: 

- Keeping fully up to date with guidance 

on the new Directive issued by the government 

and industry bodies such as ABTA. 

- Reviewing the pre-contractual information 

travel organisers and retailers provide 

travellers to ensure all requisite information 

is provided. 

- Review internal procedures for handling 

cancellations and terminations, and the 

provision of information to travellers. 

- Seeking advice regarding appropriate insurance 

to cover new risks. 

16

TTO_Marts_2016_1-16page_final

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