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Travel Trade
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November 2017 - ISSUE #24
Travel trends from Asia
rade
Scandinavia
und
Upcoming arctic cruises
India inviting Scandinavia
Hotel loyalty
Travel Trade
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Scandinavia

Meet Africa
Massai Cultural Village
A cute lioness
24 African and Indian Ocean Island organisations are participating
in the 10 th Annual Spotlight on Africa and Indian Ocean
Islands roadshow from November 20-24 visiting Aarhus, Copenhagen,
Oslo and Stockholm.
“Spotlight roadshows have become an event on the Nordics travel
trade calendar, and this year will be no exception. We are bringing
a really interesting selection of exhibitors to Scandinavia this
year,” says Derek Houston of Houston Travel Marketing Services.
“The “Unique Selling point” of Spotlight has always been that we
are promoting the whole of Africa and Indian Ocean islands…
not just one country. This has really made it worthwhile for Tour
operators and travel agents to attend.
This year we have 24 Exhibitors promoting Namibia, South Africa,
Botswana, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Madagascar,
Seychelles, Rwanda and Uganda. Air France/KLM, Kenya Airways
and Condor will also exhibit”.
SPOTLIGHT 2017 PROGRAMME
MONDAY 20 NOVEMBER AARHUS
16h00 - Late afternoon & evening Workshop at Scandic City Hotel
TUESDAY 21 NOVEMBER - COPENHAGEN
16h00 - Late afternoon & evening Workshop in at Tivoli Hotel
and Conference Center
WEDNESDAY 22 NOVEMBER - OSLO
16h00 - Late afternoon & evening Workshop Scandic Solli
FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER - STOCKHOLM
09h30-13h30 -Morning workshop in Stockholm at Stockholm
Quality Hotel Globe
Travel trade can register online and entrance is complimentary
AARHUS
For the first time in its ten year history, Spotlight will also be held
in Aarhus on Monday November 20 th
“According Travel Trade to Derek Houston Organiser of Spotlight on Africa
there is an increasing demand from Jutland residents to travel to
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Eastern and Southern Africa. We have therefore been persuaded
by Scandinavia
our partners Scandinavia to arrange a special Africa Workshop
for the Jutland Travel Trade.“
The workshop will be held at Scandic City Centre Aarhus from
16h00-20h00 on Monday November 20 th .
This year we have a very diverse selection of exhibitors from Namibia,
as the Namibia Tourist Board, Classic Safari Camps of
Namibia and Matiti Safaris. Madagascar will be represented by
Le Voyageur Tour operators and Madagascar Explorer DMC.
South Africa will be promoted by African Pride Tours from Cape
Town, Lalibela Game Reserve in The Eastern Cape, Open Tour Africa
from Mpumalanga as well as Pearls of Limpopo Safari lodges.
Matiti Safaris, African Pride Tours And Open Tours Africa also
offer programmes to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Pearls of
Limpopo represents a game lodge in the Okavango Delta Botswana.
EAST AFRICA
Moving to East Africa Scandinavian Travel trade will be able to
meet a wide selection of DMC’s, resorts and safari lodges. Silverbird
Travel Plus from Nairobi will be flying the Kenyan flag enthusiastically,
selling Kenyan coastal resorts, as well as all the wonderful
safari options Kenya is famous for.
Tour operators and Agents wanting to know more about Tanzania
will find an amazing selection of companies. Tanzania National
Parks who manage 20 Tanzanian parks including the world famous
Serengeti Reserve, Mount Kilmanjaro National Park and a
number of parks in the interesting Southern circuit of Tanzania.
Migada Tours and Safaris from Arusha offer safari packages to all
the game reserves as well as Kilmanjaro Climbing. The beautiful
unspoilt town of Pangani on the Swahili coast is represented by Kijongo
Bay Beach resort.
ZANZIBAR is a popular destination for Scandinavian visitors and
Spotlight visitors will meet Tulia Zanzibar beach Resort as well As
Paradise & Wilderness who own four beach resorts on the island.
Zantours and Safina Tours offer some exotic excursions on Zanzibar
and Pemba. Zantours are also well known for their special
Swahili weddings Packages.
Paradise & Wilderness also operate a number of lodges, camps and
glamping (luxury camping) in Selous, Manyara and Serengeti.
For Leisure and Incentive programmes to the Seychelles the agents
will be able to meet with Creole Travel services one of the leading
DMC’s on the islands.
Uganda and Rwanda Gorilla treks and other options are offered
by Silverbird Travel Plus who has operations in four East African
countries.
Ethiopia and its very interesting tourism attractions will be promoted
by Pathfinder Tour from Addis Ababa.
Travel Trade
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Published by: Traveltrademedia.com, Copenhagen, Denmark. CVR DK29314055
Managing editor:
Carsten Elsted
Travel editor:
Carsten A. Andersen
Contact:
editor@ttoscandinavia.com
Layout:
Agnese Klavina

L
T H I
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Unlock the feeling

India
The new Ambassador of India Ajit Gupte (right) together
with Air India Manager in Denmark, Divya Gauba.
Ajit Gupte, the new Ambassador to Denmark, is very interested
in strengthening the cultural link between India and Denmark
especially through tourism.
“We will find ways together with Air India to promote tourism
to India and see great variety of attractions India has to offer.
The Delhi-Agra-Jaipur triangle trip is one of the most popular
circuits for travelers. With a number of historical monuments
and temples, the circuit is worth a visit at least once in a lifetime.
And right now it is the festival season. A big plus.”
Indian Tourism and Air India is also prepared to send production
welcomes
Nordic tourists
India is very interested in attracting
more tourists from the Nordic
and Baltic countries. Air India has
started operating flights from New
Delhi to Copenhagen to encourage
more two-way traffic.
and sales staff from the travel agents and tour operators on famtrips
to different Indian states, but also Trip bound Travel Mart
Events in India, where the Nordic travel trade can meet the
incoming counterparts of the India travel trade.
Ambassador Ajit Gupte added that “We will give the Nordic
travel trade an opportunity of seeing for themselves the wonders
of our country, but also get business appointments with hotels
etc., is they are planning a round trip or sunny holidays.”
Both Air India and India Tourism from Amsterdam, which
covers the Nordic and Baltic Area, will be present at the PATA
long haul event in Aarhus and Copenhagen in beginning of
November.
Ajit Gupte: “India government has introduced the e-Tourist
Visa (eTV) in April 2017 and it is valid for all Nordic and Baltic
countries. The tourists will now be entitled to stay in the country
for up to 120 days and enjoy double-entry benefits.
This entitles visitors to explore neighboring countries before
returning to India within a specified time. What is more, the
window for application to the e-Visa scheme has been increased
from 30 days to 120 days.
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>> Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

COLOURS AND FESTIVALS
Rajasthan is filled with colours and festivals like the four day
‘Vedaaranya Heritage Arts and Healing Festival’ (VHAH)
The festival is took place at Ramgarh Shekhawati in Sikar
district, near Churu. In order to create awareness about reviving
the heritage spaces, some spectacular shows and a number of
activities have been planned throughout the festival.
The launch of VHAH Fest is an opportunity for healing and
resurgence of our living heritage. The underlying objective is
creative, social and economic development of the local artistes of
Ramgarh Shekhawati region.
On day 1 there will be an inaugural function in the morning. In
evening there will be a Vedic solo performance ‘Satyam Shivam
Sundaram’ by renowned artiste Ms. Geeta Chandran. It will
be followed by a performance by maestros Pandit Rajan-Sajan
Mishra.
On Day 2 there will be interactive sessions – “The Healing
Power of Mantra” by Shruti Nada Poddar, the ‘Genius of Indian
Scientific Heritage’ by Maths Genius, Prof C.K. Raju; Master
Classes will be taken on ‘Gems From Our Spiritual Heritage’
by Member of Parliament, Mr. Dinesh Trivedi; ‘Meditation
for Concentration’ by Mr. Aditya Ahluwalia and ‘Ramgarh Ke
Deewaron Ki Kahaniyan’ by Guru Shovana Narayan on stories
painted as frescoes on Ramgarh Shekhawati Walls. The evening
will witness a classical folk music performance by Maestro Pandit
Chhanulal Mishra, followed by the Folk dancers Manganiyaars
and Langas with the Kalbeliya dancers.
Day 3 will begin with Ramgarh Shekhawati Heritage walk. It will
be followed by Master classes on ‘Ramgarh Ke Chhatriyon Ki
Kahaniyan’ by Guru Shovana Narayan explaining stories from
heritage painted on Chhatris of Ramgarh Shekhawati; ‘How to
make our lives healthy & Do It Yourself for Personal Protection’
by Healthy Building Innovator and Pioneer, Mr. Ajay Poddar and
‘Tabla master class’ by eminent artiste, Shri. Tansen Shrivastava.
A classical and semi-classical music performance will then
be rendered by music icon, Ms. Shubha Mudgal. It will later
befollowed by a theatrical performance ‘Natya Katha: Krishna’
by Padma Vibhushan, Dr. Sonal Mansingh.
The last day of the festival (9 December), will witness a Valedictory
Session and presentation of certificates. It will be followed by the
Vedic Chanting in the morning along with the Vote of thanks.
Apart from the various interactive sessions, master classes and
cultural performances - ‘VHAH Festival Mela’ will also be held
during the festival at Ramchandraji Poddar Johad. For this,
the registration is free and no entrance fee will be charged for
the general public for the Vedaaranya Festival Mela. A number
of stalls on heritage cuisine, heritage artefacts, blue pottery,
Shekhawati furniture, traditional dresses and traditional
herbal medicine etc. will be put up for the tourists and visitors.
Apart from this, there will be plethora of activities like heritage
restoration, Ayurvedic medicine making, Mehndi applying,
Khaat weaving, traditional games and sports, pottery and
textile workshop among others.
Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

Crystal Cruises will not be sending Crystal Serenity along
the Northwest Passage in 2019, and in the future, the route
may be taken by another, smaller vessel.
Crystal Serenity first made the voyage in 2016 and last month
finished her second.
"We will be returning to the Northwest
Passage at a future date with our new
expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, which
will be a polar-class vessel," Crystal
Cruises spokeswoman Susan Robison
told Alaska Dispatch News.
Crystal Endeavor will be the world’s first
purpose-built Polar Code-compliant
megayacht. Measuring 600 feet (183
meters) long, the 25,000 gross ton
newbuild with 100 guest suites is claimed
to be the largest and most spacious
megayacht afloat. With a PC6 Polar Class
designation, she will will be able to cruise
in polar regions during the summer and
autumn in medium “first year ice which
may include old ice inclusions.” Delivery
is expected in August 2018.
Crystal Endeavor will be able to carry
about 200 passengers, significantly
less than Crystal Serenity's 1,000. The
company said that a smaller vessel would
be give more itinerary flexibility, as it is
hard to get a bigger ship into some areas.
During the planning stages for Crystal
Serenity's first voyage, the line faced
criticism over their plan to use such a
large vessel. Concerns were raised about
the potential for accidents, effluent
release and the ability of the small local
population and limited infrastructure to
deal with the influx of tourists.
Crystal also faced industry concerns
about the safety of using a non-ice-class
cruise ship. Crystal Serenity sailed from
Alaska, through the Canadian Arctic to
Greenland and then New York, the first
large luxury cruise vessel to navigate
the route, with the vessel maneuvering
through 900 miles of waterways lined
with glaciers and fjords north of mainland
Canada. As a precaution, the vessel was
fitted with ice navigation equipment.
She was also accompanied by an escort
vessel, the Antarctic research ship Ernest
Shackleton.
The 2016 Crystal Serenity voyage sold
out quickly, but her 2017 cruise was
only 80-90 percent full. At 32 days, the
Northwest Passage cruise is one of the
longest offered by Crystal. It’s also one
of the most expensive, with fares ranging
from around $20,000 to over $120,000
per person.
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>> Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

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Langkawi to host PATA Travel Mart
Langkawi is the venue for PATA Travel
Mart 2018 (PTM 2018) with this signature
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
event being hosted by Tourism Malaysia
and Langkawi Development Authority.
Dr. Hardy said, “Tourism Malaysia and
Langkawi Development Authority have
been a valuable PATA member and partner
since 1959 and we look forward to the
opportunity of showcasing the culture,
heritage and beauty of Langkawi.
Delegates to PTM 2018 will experience
one of Asia’s most remarkable and attractive
destinations.” Tourism Malaysia
Director General, Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad
Taiyab said: “Malaysia is proud
and honoured to be given the opportunity
to host another PATA event again, this
Five unforgettable
experiences in
Langkawi include:
1 Take in the stunning view from
the Skybridge
For a breathtaking experience, the Langkawi
Skybridge is world-class. Clinging
to a 700 metre high mountain ridge, the
125 metre long pedestrian bridge offers incredible
views of the Andaman Sea.
2 Do absolutely nothing at all…
Home to warm waters and gorgeous
beaches, Langkawi is the perfect destination
if you're looking for lazy days, and a
holiday far away from the bustling pace of
daily life. Many of the resorts in Langkawi
are set on private beach fronts, but you can
also head to Pantai Cenang Beach, which
time in the beautiful island of Langkawi.
We are pleased to be co-hosts of PATA
Travel Mart 2018 with Langkawi Development
Authority and look forward to
welcoming all PATA members to Malaysia
for a fruitful and memorable meeting
and networking session.”
Langkawi, described as the ‘Isle of Legends’
and ‘Jewel of Kedah’, is one of the
world’s great paradise island getaways.
A magnet for international eco-tourism,
Langkawi was designated a Global Geopark
by UNESCO. It is home to numerous
tourist attractions and luxury hotels, yet it
also retains its ‘old Malaysia’ charm. Langkawi
is the main island in an archipelago
of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea situated
off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Part of the Malaysian state of Kedah, it lies
south of Thailand and east of Indonesian
Sumatra.
PATA Travel Mart is Asia-Pacific’s premier
travel trade show featuring unparalleled
networking and contracting opportunities
to help travel and tourism
organisations access decision makers,
meet new clients, expand their networks,
establish new relationships and consolidate
existing business partnerships.
According to Dato’ Haji Azizan Noordin,
CEO Langkawi Development Authority:
“PTM 2018 is a much awaited tourism
event to be organised in Malaysia especially
in Langkawi. It is a great honour for Langkawi
Development Authority and Langkawi
tourism industry players to jointly host
this prestigious event with Tourism Malaysia.
PTM will further promote Langkawi as
an international resort island destination.”
is the liveliest beach in Langkawi, and
popular with locals and travellers alike.
On Langkawi's beaches, you can go sailing,
kayaking, power boating, or snorkelling
to discover the stunning sea life.
3 Pampering pleasures
Langkawi is home to some of the world's
most beautiful spas. After a hard day spent
sight-seeing, swimming, or sunbathing,
unwind with a spa treatment. In Pantai
Cenang (the main strip of Langkawi)
you'll find a range of spas specialising in
different massage techniques.
However if you want to truly spoil yourself
head to one of Langkawi's resorts for
a truly decadant treatment. Top picks include:
Four Seasons, Langkawi, Mandra
Spa, Datai Langkawi and Botanical Spa,
The Andaman, Langkawi
4 Take a cruise around the islands
Lada chief executive officer Datuk Azizan
Noordin said that the event would be an
impetus to propel Langkawi to the next
level of tourism development.
“Since we need to push Langkawi to the
next level, we collaborated with Tourism
Malaysia and the Tourism and Culture
Ministry to bid for PATA Travel Mart
2018, and we got it.”
He said the event was tentatively scheduled
for three consecutive days from Sept
12, 2018 at the Mahsuri International Exhibition
Centre (MIEC), the venue of the
biennial Langkawi International Maritime
and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition.
“We foresee that about 3,000 people will
be coming to the Travel Mart, including
exhibitors, buyers, media, government
representatives, and from the PATA Secretariat,”
he added.
Azizan said a number of forums would
be held during the Travel Mart, featuring
speakers from around the world, including
Malaysia who would make presentations
on Langkawi as a geopark destination,
as well as other tourism attractions
in the country.
LADA also plans to organise the PATA
ASEAN Inter-Chapter conference, scheduled
end of July, which would involve
60 delegates from all ASEAN countries
to forge better networking ahead of the
PATA Travel Mart next year.
"I've seen that those who have hosted PATA
events would eventually enjoy good (publicity
and promotional) coverage internationally,
getting support schemes to build
up new products and financial support for
specific tourism projects,” he added.
Island cruises are a great way to relax and
take in the breathtaking scenery of Langkawi.
A round trip around Dayang Bunting
and Beras Basah Island takes about
four hours, with boats departing daily
from Pantai Cenang Beach.
For the luxury traveller, you can also charter
your own private yacht, where you can
indulge in a sumptuous champagne picnic
lunch, or a sunset cruise with cocktails,
from Langkawi's Yacht Club.
5 Book a day trip to Pulau Payar
Marine Park
Snorkelling and scuba diving in the clear
waters of Palau Payar Marine Park marine
sanctuary is a favourite holiday activity
for Aussie travellers. About an hour away
by speedboat, or 45 mins by catamaran, at
Pulau Payar Marine Park you'll find an array
of bright, vibrant coloured corals.
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>> Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

2017 marks the 25th
IT&CMA and 20th
CTW Asia-Pacific.
Established in 1993
and 1998 respectively,
both events have
been co-locating
since 2004, offering
its delegates an
unparalleled platform
to do business, learn
and network.
Networking
The new TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun
Na Ayuthaya together with managing director
TTG Asia Darren Ng at the opening of
IT&CMA.
This year there were 807 exhibitors from 299 exhibiting
companies from besides local Thai companies, also companies
from Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia,
Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore,
South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, USA and
Vietnam.
Invited were 438 buyers of which 44 % is international and
56 % Asia-Pacific and what is more important 65 % were new
buyers.
Darren Ng, CEO of TTG Asia, who started and manage the
show: “It is very important to have the correct ratio between
buyers and sellers, which this year was 2:1. It is also important
that we have two-third of the buyers to be new buyers. Why
else should the sellers and exhibitors return.”
The event is also keen on that the delegates get to learn
something beyong the interaction with other delegates. There
werer 50 speakers from 12 countries and a lot of socalled
campfire-session, where a panel took. on special subjects.
Networking functions
Sponsored engagement activities remained in demand across
IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2017 with more exclusively
branded sessions.
26 captive networking functions will take place over the course
of the event, encompassing hosted luncheons, networking
cocktails, media briefings, destination presentations,
technology showcases, pre-show retreats & tours, and postshow
FAM trips.
Networking has gone further beyond the show to engage
buyers through the three day pre-show CTW pow-wow that
happened at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park as well
as an end year FAM trip by Osaka Convention & Tourism
Bureau, with priority hosting consideration given to IT&CMA
buyers.
IT&CMA also commenced, seeing a 43% growth in booth
space take up by both destination and corporate suppliers. The
impressive congregation of Asia-Pacific Convention Visitor
Bureaus (CVBs) and National Tourism Organisations (NTOs)
continue to headline no other MICE event in the Asia-Pacific,
with added rousing support from cruise and hotel clusters.
CTW Asia-Pacific adds to the IT&CMA line-up, with its
continued co-location with the Knowledge Hub in the hall,
allowing closer interaction and business exchange.
First-time Association buyer Agostino Barrasso, Congress
Manager for the European Society for Radiotherapy &
Oncology (ESTRO) had commended the dedicated Association
Day Forums:
“Having been to similar tradeshows, I am happy to have seen
IT&CMA particularly because they have an associationfocused
segment that is relevant to me and speaks on topics
that are very specific to my scope of work. I made a lot of
valuable contacts through networking and appointments, so
I am definitely looking forward to coming back again next
year.”
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>> Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

Korea hosts the largest
number of international
conferences in the world.
Mun, Jong-Keon, manager Incheon Tourism
Organization Mice, with an assistant at the
booth, selling the MICE EXPO of Korea.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s
(TAT) is launching the ‘Amazing Thailand
Tourism Year 2018‘ on 1 November
to support the government’s national
tourism development plan highlighting
a busy calendar of international events.
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister General
Tanasak Patimapragorn said:
“The Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018
shows how important tourism promotion
is to the Royal Thai Government’s national
agenda. The emphasis is on inclusive
tourism, based on the government’s
12th National Economic and Social
Development Plan and 2nd National
Tourism Development Plan that
maintains a balance between the economy,
environment and benefits for Thai society.
The Amazing Thailand Tourism Year
2018 once again gives the country another
outstanding opportunity to showcase its
capabilities during many large events the
Kingdom will host in 2017 and 2018.”
Thailand events calendar schedule for
2017 and 2018 includes:
– International Fleet Review will be
New MICE EXPO
Mun, Jong-Keon, manager Incheon Tourism Organization Mice: “This is the reason
for us to host “Korea MICE EXPO 2018-2022” in Incheon in Korea. The Expo is both
operated and sponsored by the Koream government and Korean IT companies are
able to participate as both sellers and buyers like Samsung, Hyundai, LG etc:”
The result of the expo is growing year by year. Last year there was 259 buyers from
28 countries, 298 sellers and no less than 4,832 business meetings and a total of
2,857 delegates.
The Expo takes places 14-15 June, 20189 in Incheon in Korea.
“We call Incheon the city closest to the world, because the city is connected to
189 countries around the world. From Incheon Airport to the event venue Songdo
Convensia international convention center, take only about 20 minytes and from
Incheon to the capital Seoul takes less than one hour.”
Thailand full of events
H.E. General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Deputy Prime
Minister of Thailand (Middle); H.E. Mrs. Kobkarn
Wattanavrangkul, Minister of Tourism and Sports (4th
from left); Mr. Kalin Sarasin, Chairman of the Board of
TAT (3rd from left); Pol.Maj.Gen.Prasert Ngernyuang,
Commander of Tourist police Division 1, Tourist police
Bureau. (2nd from left); Mr. Asdang Khumkomgo, Executive
Vice President of Airport of Thailand (AOT) (1st from left);
Mr.Pongpanu Svetarundra, Permanent Secretary Ministry
of Tourism and Sports (4th from right); Admiral Itthikom
Bhamarasuta – Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime
Minister (3rd from right); Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT
Governor (2nd from right); Mr.Ittirith Kinglake, President
of the Tourism Council of Thailand (1st from right).
hosted by the Royal Thai Navy to mark ASEAN’s 50thanniversary since its founding. Over
40 modern warships and 10,000 crew members from 30 countries are expected to join the
historic fleet display on Pattaya Bay from 13 to 22 November, 2017.
– Air Race 1 World Cup Thailand 2017 is scheduled from 17 to 19 November, 2017, at
the U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport. It will be the only international air
race where multiple heats are flown at the same time.
– 4th UNWTO World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism is scheduled for May 2018 and
will help support the TAT’s gastronomy tourism efforts by promoting Thai food and the
country’s culinary potential on a global stage.
– MotoGP World Championship superbike races are coming to Thailand’s Buri Ram’s
Chang International Circuit starting from October 2018 after recently signing a three-year
contract with MotoGP owner Dorna Sports.
Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor said that these events will reinforce the perception
of Thailand as a good host venue.
Mr. Yuthasak said “Amazing Thailand is the country’s most enduring and award-winning
tourism promotion. It highlights many new, exciting international events plus cultural
elements that make the Thai tourism offering so appealing.”
TAT’s competition for an Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 visual identity (logo)
received 168 entries with seven selections shortlisted. The winning design features an
‘infinity’ motif that captures the spirit of the Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018. The
design combines many iconic Thai symbols associated with the country’s unique cultural
heritage including elephants and the Royal Barge.
The Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018 promotion will focus on seven distinct
categories. These include: Sports Tourism, Gastronomy Tourism, Maritime Tourism,
Wedding and Honeymoon Tourism, Medical and Wellness Tourism, Community-based
Tourism and Leisure Destinations.
Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

New Singapore
hub fly-cruise
Genting Dream as the only cruise ship with permission to fireworks on board.
Dream Cruises is Asia’s luxury cruise line that aims to redefine vacation travel
with a transformational journey at sea. The two luxury cruise ships, Genting
Dream and World Dream, one of them with homeport Singapore Genting Dream
is featuring the comfort of authentic Asian hospitality combined with only the
finest experiences from around the world.
Alan Hoffery, Nordic sales manager Singapore Airlines:
“With our two routes to Singapore from Copenhagen and
Stockholm, we can fulfill any agent or tour operator`s dream of
making Singapore the hub of cruises. Dream Cruises will plus
the capacity of cruises out of Singapore with 20 %. And Singapore
Airlines schedule will make it possible to arrive according
to the cruise or spend a few days in Singapore.”
Dream Cruises to Homeport “Genting Dream” Year-Round in
Singapore from 3 December 2017.
This marks a first for Singapore to host a brand-new and largescale
151,300-tonne cruise ship year-round.
Genting Dream is a floating, luxurious integrated resort, designed
in a bespoke fashion for the Asian market.
The ship will soon be a Singapore and ASEAN icon, calling at
more than 10 ports in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand
and Vietnam during 2018.
“We are truly excited to deploy Genting Dream in Singapore,
a popular and well developed travel hub for the Asian region
with an excellent cruise and tourism infrastructure. Singapore’s
prime geographic location also makes it the ideal homeport
Genting Dream to cruise to popular as well as new ASE-
AN destinations,” said Michael Goh, International sales SVP of
Dream Cruises. “We are pleased to support Singapore’s steadfast
commitment to the tourism industry, as we cater to a growing
number of sophisticated European fly-cruise vacationers.”
Singapore will open up new ports-of-call for Genting Dream
guests to experience the tropical and urban attractions in the
most exciting Asian destinations, namely Indonesia, Malaysia,
Thailand and Vietnam.
Beginning 3rd December to the end of March, Dream Cruises
will offer appealing range of 2 Nights week-end cruises and alternating
5 Nights Sunday cruises from Singapore to destinations
in the Straits of Malacca and in the Java Seas. The 5 night
Straits of Malacca Cruise will feature the popular Kuala Lumpur-Penang-Phuket
itinerary to the launch of a brand new and
highly anticipated 5 night cruise in the Java Sea to Surabaya and
North Bali.
Passengers can combine the Straits of Malacca and Java Sea
cruises for a 12-night cruise experience, with the option of
spending the weekend in between either onboard the ship or in
a hotel in Singapore.
From April to October 2018, new itineraries will offer new des-
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>> Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

tinations in the South China Sea and the
Java Sea, giving passengers another new
reason to cruise.
She is well poised to cater the inbound
fly-cruise market.
Dream Cruises guests who embark on
Genting Dream in Singapore will not
only experience the cultural attractions
of nearby Southeast Asia destinations,
but they will also enjoy a new “integrated
resort” experience at sea with the luxurious
comforts, thrilling shows and numerous
dining options. The ultimate in
luxury at sea is redefined at the Dream
Palace, which offers a “ship within a ship”
experience featuring highly personalised
European-style butler service. The two
duplex Garden Penthouses are the epitome
of elegance and amongst the largest at
sea. Dream Palace features an exclusive
pool and sundeck for all its guests in the
142 suites inclusive of fine dining in your
private restaurant and exclusive gym. All
designed for a discreet and exclusive vacation
experience.
Expect an array of inspirational on board
experiences designed to cater to our
guests’ preferences and interests. Signature
experiences include comprehensive
Dreamscape educational and enrichment
program; Crystal Life health and
wellness facilities offering largest Asian
reflexology spa at sea; dedicated personal
shopper for 1,100 square meters of duty
free shops, a six slide waterpark, ropes
course with “far-out” zip line for families
and group team building, the world’s first
Johnnie Walker House at sea, the world’s
first Penfolds flagship Wine Vault at sea,
and celebrity chef Mark Best restaurant.
Genting Dream also welcomes small to
mid-sized, high-end groups with dedicated
services and facilities such as private
board rooms and real-time language
translation capability (up to 3 languages)
in the Zodiac theatre for 400 guests.
The vision of Dream Cruises to be a distinctively
Asian at heart and international
in spirit cruise brand will be heralded
in the banner year of 2017 when the
two cruise ships of Genting Dream and
World Dream will both be deployed in
key Asia home and destination ports.
Genting Hong Kong, Dream Cruises
parent company, has led the development
of an ongoing commitment to the
Asia cruise industry by introducing Star
Cruises in Singapore 23 years ago. Genting
Cruises with the two brands – Dream
Cruises and Star Cruises - will offer the
largest cruise capacity days in Singapore
and Asia by the end of 2017.
Michael Goh, senior vice president international sales, Dream Cruises, telling the
media about the two new luxury cruise ships.
Genting dream
cruise it ineraries
Departing from Singapore from
3 December 2017 – 25 March 2018
2 Nights Weekend Cruise (Every Friday)
5 Nights Singapore-Kuala Lumpur-
Penang-Phuket Cruise (Every Sunday on
Odd Week)
5 Nights Singapore-Surabaya-North Bali
Cruise (Every Sunday on Even Week)
12 Night Cruise combining the above
3 cruises with the alternative of a land
hotel instead of the weekend cruise.
Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

Finnair to
a Japan
summer
destination
Fukuoka is a popular MICE destination from Europe with
easy access via Helsinki, says Yoko Yamaguchi from
Fukuoka Cenvention & Visitor Bureau.
Finnair flies direct to Fukuoka several times a week from Helsinki
Airport, but from being a whole year route it is now only during the
summer season. Finnair flies direct from Helsinki to Fukuoka from
26 April to 25 October 2018.
Situated on the northern shore of
Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is one
of the largest cities in Japan. The
multicultural metropolis offers rich
history, architecture, art, shopping and
delicious cuisine, attracting millions of
visitors each year. Fukuoka has been a
trade hub and a key point of exchange
between Japan and mainland Asia
ever since the 7th century. The city
was originally two separate towns,
Fukuoka and Hakata, which merged
together in 1889 to form the modern
city that exists today.
Fukuoka is located in a region with
hot, humid summers and mild winters.
In the Kyushu area the clients can
discover many beautiful islands and
towns perfect for relaxing getaways.
BEPPU – About two hours’ drive to the east from Fukuoka is Beppu, one of Japan’s
most famous destinations for ‘onsen,’ or hot springs. In the area you can find a wide
variety of baths and springs to relax in.
NAGASAKI – South of Fukuoka is the prefecture of Nagasaki, another popular
holiday destination. Nagasaki has been influenced by many different cultures
during its colourful history, which is visible in the area’s food, architecture and
cultural offering.
IKI ISLAND – Just off the coast of Kyushu and easily accessible by ferry lies Iki
Island, a beautiful green oasis with hot springs and white-sand beaches. Enjoy a
breather in the island’s slow pace of life.
KAGOSHIMA – Several hours’ drive south from Fukuoka on the southern tip of
Kyushu is Kagoshima. The area is a volcanic tropical paradise with hiking trails
criss-crossing the slopes of live volcanoes.
YAKUSHIMA ISLAND – A half-day ferry ride or short flight away from Kagoshima
lies Yakushima Island, a UNESCO nature preserve with giant cedar trees and
excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling.
14
>> Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

New family-suites
Thitinun Pitthayachinachote and Woraphan
Imsri, Menam Riverside talking to Jamie Chua,
Singapore about the preferences of the hotel.
Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside, located on the eastern bank of the
legendary Chao Phraya River, has just opened 12 family suites with two bedrooms
and one living room.
Also two bathrooms belong to the new family suite.
Woraphan Imsri, sales manager of the hotel at IT&CMA: “We have a lot of family
guests, who wish two joining rooms. That is the reason now for making it even better
for those families, who might have younger kids and want to have them closer to the
parents.
We also now see climbing numbers of three generation families, who would like this
kind of accommodation.
At the same time the whole family can relax in our pool area.”
The family suites have a rack rate of 10,000 THB (approx. 250 EUR).
Menam Riverside Hotel has more than 60 % of the guests being leisure and 40 % being
MICE and corporate travelers.
There are 22 functions rooms with a capacity to cater 10 to 1,000 delegates and includes
two ballrooms with great river view Thitinun Pitthayachinachote:
“Incorporating the latest audio-visual technology, tailor-made event menus our
function rooms are ideal for any type of event.”
Cambodia to have own travel mart
Cambodia has called on tour operators
and travel agencies to join the Cambodia
Travel Mart (CTM) Exhibition, a tourism
fair that aims to promote Cambodia as a
tourist destination.
Thong Khon, the Minister of Tourism,
has urged tourism associations to
encourage members to set up stands in
the upcoming exhibition, which will be
held this year for the first time.
CTM will take place in Siem Reap from
November 17-19 and will feature special
events such as a golf tournament and
seminars on various travel and tourismrelated
topics.
“With over 200 international companies
from around the world, CTM will be a
great forum for the tourism sector in the
Asia Pacific region,” Mr Khon said.
“This important event is a great
opportunity for local companies to
promote their tourism products to
potential buyers around the world.”
Ho Vandy, the president of World Express
Tour and Travel Company, welcomed the
news of a new tourism fair in the country,
saying that attending CTM is a must for
Cambodian tour operators and travel
agencies.
CTM is an ideal venue for buyers and
sellers to meet and establish business
The new travel fair will be held in Siem Reap, famous for its temples.
relations, he added.
“A few years ago, we had the Angkor International Exhibition, which was held for only
two years, from 2007 to 2008. Ten years later there is a new event in the sector, and this
is great news for the promotion of Cambodia as a travel destination,” Mr Vandy said.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Cambodia Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel
Association, said the new exhibition can play a key role in bringing visitors into the
country.
“It’s very important to join the event. It will show visitors what Cambodia has to offer.
Sadly, many still view the country as a war-torn nation,” he said.
Siem Reap is the top tourist destination in the world, according to rankings in travel
website TripAdvisor.
Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

Important Dates
Here is
to learn
Travel Trade
OUTBOUND
2017
WTM London, Nov 7-9
African Roadshow Aarhus, Nov 20
African Roadshow Copenhagen, Nov 21
African Roadshow Oslo, Nov 22
African Roadshow, Stockholm, Nov 23
African Roadshow, Helsinki, Nov 2
2018
Matka, Jan 18-21
ATF Thailand, Jan 22-26
Icelandair Mid-Atlantic Tradeshow, Jan 25-28
AIME Melbourne, Feb 20-21
PATA Adventure Travel Mart, Abu Dhabi, Feb 21-23
Danish Travel Show, Herning, Feb 23-25
ITB Berlin, March 7-11
IT&CM China, Shanghai, March 20-22
CTW China, Shanghai, March 20-22
Visit Faroe Islands, April 24-26
PATA Travel Mart, Langkawi, Sept 12-14
Vestnorden Travel Mart Iceland, Oct 2-4
The Vestnorden Travel
Awards winners
The Vestnorden Travel Award is the
name of the establised award in the
tourism industry.
The prize has now been presented to
a Greenland, Faroese and Icelandic
tourism individual, company or
association at Vestnorden Travel
Mart, which next year will take place
in Akureyir in Iceland.
The Vestnorden Travel Award has
now been presented for three years.
“It is an honour to present the
award each year to give recognition
to the actors in the West Nordic
region operation in an increasingly
differcult and competitive market.
Everyone has the opportunity to
suggest a person, company or
organization, rooted in tourism. The
criteriafor being chosen are that the
candidates have made an innovative,
responsible and sustainable move”,
says Carsten Elsted, publisher of
the travel trade magazine Travel
Trade Outbound Scandinavia (www.
ttoscandinavia.com), also creator of
the Danish Travel Award almost 20
years ago.
The recipients of the awards receive
a vikingship and a diploma.
Vagar Airport, winner2017
with CEO Jakup Sverri Kass.
AirIcelandConnect,
winner 2017
with CEO Arni
Gunnarsson.
16
>> Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

ColourfulNuuk, winner 2017
with CEO Ulla Lynge and presented by Carsten Elsted,
publisher of Travel Trade Outbound Scandinavia magazine.
Liisi Egede Hegelund, winner 2015
for Inuk Hostels in Greenland.
Siggi
Skarphedisson,
winner 2015 in
Iceland for his
innovative Into
The Glacier.
Captain
Birgir Enni ,
winner 2015
for his ship
Nordlyset in
Faroe Island.
Winners of the Vestnorden Travel
Awards 2016 was from left: Johannes
Jensen, CEO, Gist & Vist, Faroe Islands,
erik Bjerregaard, CEO of Hotel Arctic
in Ilulissat in Greenland, and Arni
Stefansson, manager of Inside the
Volcano in Iceland.
Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

The concept of loyalty is endlessly debated,
studied and evaluated—after all, everyone
knows it is cheaper to retain a guest you
already have than it is to convince a new
one to stay at the hotel.
Hotel companies have stepped up to the
challenge by offering loyalty programs,
which offer a variety of perks to keep guests
coming back over and over again. Millions
of travelers belong to these programs
(Hilton Honors has more than 50 million
members alone).
According to the “2016 Bond Loyalty Report,”
loyalty programs are a valuable step to creating
the loyalty that hoteliers are seeking:
▶ 81 percent of consumers are more likely
to continue doing business with brands that
offer loyalty programs
▶ 75 percent of consumers say loyalty
programs are part of their relationship with
brands
▶ 73 percent of loyalty programs members
are more likely to recommend brands with
good loyalty programs
Marriott International already has a wildly
successful loyalty program: Marriott Rewards
typically is ranked one of the top two hotel
loyalty programs in terms of popularity and
the program (combined with Starwood’s
loyalty members) has around 75 million
members.
But the company is taking loyalty to the next
level with its new Club Marriott program,
starting in Hong Kong. The dining loyalty
program integrates three dining loyalty
programs—Club Marriott, Eat Drink &
More, and Star Privilege—into a single paid
membership program. The newly combined
Club Marriott provides members with more
choices and benefits whenever they dine out
in their hometowns or visit one of the 250
participating hotels across 16 brands in 13
countries across the region, with more hotels
joining every month.
Each participating hotel will offer locally
relevant benefits with a focus on showcasing
their innovative dining concepts, and
memorable experiences to position Marriott
hotels as the preferred place where locals will
meet, eat and drink. Renaissance Harbour
View Hotel Hong Kong, Courtyard by
Marriott Shatin Hong Kong, and The Sheraton
Grand Macau, Cotai Central will be the first to
bring to life the newly combined Club Marriott
experience in South China.
In Hong Kong, the other key participating
hotels are JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong,
SkyCity Marriott HotelHong Kong,Le
Méridien Cyberport Hong Kong and
Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong.
"Club Marriott is the most eminent food and
beverage loyalty program of its kind in Asia-
LOYALTY PROGRAMS AT HOTELS?
Participating Club Marriott hotels will offer locally relevant benefits with a focus on
showcasing their innovative dining concepts and memorable experiences.
Pacific—rewarding and recognizing our
guests with great experiences and exclusive
benefits across our new portfolio of brands
under Marriott International," said Ralph
Frehner, VP, food and beverage, Asia-Pacific
for Marriott International. "At its core, we
know great food brings people together in this
region which is why positioning our hotels
as 'the favorite destinations where locals
go to meet, eat and drink' is so compelling
that it has over 200,000 members—and
the number is growing—who are actively
enjoying the program."
"Club Marriott gives us the platform to drive
loyalty that extends even beyond a stay,
via rewarding and recognizing the 'local
member' through exclusive benefits and
memorable experiences across a vast variety
of brands."
In Hong Kong, membership of Club Marriott
gives a flat 30-percent discount off food and
beverage in the city's participating properties
from which the card was purchased. To
reward loyalty, complimentary vouchers to
showcase restaurants, wide array of benefits
for group dining and special offers for special
occasions, and a host of buy-one-get-onefree
offers are also included.
The program includes experiences that
go beyond food and beverage. Members
will receive welcome amenities, significant
rooms discounts, upgrades and spa vouchers
at participating hotels and enjoy birthday
offers as well as access to exclusive events.
Membership is recognized with up to
20-percent off F&B and best available room
rates in over 250 participating hotels in Hong
Kong and Asia-Pacific.
Following the launch in Macau and Hong
Kong, the newly combined Club Marriott
program will be rolled out in Beijing,
Hangzhou, Shanghai, and other cities in
Greater China. The program will also be
rolled out in other key countries in the
Asia Pacific region by the end of December
this year, including Singapore, India,
Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, The
Philippines, Indonesia, Guam, and Thailand.
Marriott isn’t the only company that is
working to attract loyalty through F&B.
A little over a year ago, Shangri-La Hotels
and Resorts announced the launch of The
Table by Golden Circle, a food-and-beverage
loyalty program that offers a range of
benefits to members who dine at Shangri-La
properties.
The Hong Kong-based hotel group, which
operates more than 95 properties and
over 500 restaurants and bars worldwide,
commissioned consumer research in
developing The Table – surveying Golden
Circle members, hotel guests and local
residents on their attitudes towards dining,
restaurant preferences and loyalty.
Among the features of the program:
▶ More rewards: Members can now earn
Golden Circle Award Points by dining and
drinking at the more than 500 restaurants
and bars found in Shangri-La, Hotel Jen,
Kerry and Traders properties globally when
they are non-staying guests.
▶ Instant indulgence: Instant Dining
Rewards allows members to earn and
redeem Golden Circle award points on the
spot – no pre-planning or vouchers required.
▶ Elite rewards: Jade and Diamond level
members receive bonus earnings and
more value on redemptions for dining
transactions.
▶ Sweeter deals: Members receive Golden
Circle Award Points on all qualifying
transactions, including discounts.
18
>> Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

Long-haul dest inat ions
Oeksne Hallen in Copenhagen had
a big travel mart event, done by the
travel magazine Vagabond.
I is a traditional success with mostly
long-haul destinations.
Alan Hoffery, Nordic sales manager Singapore Airlines and David
Rosborg-Larsen, sales supervisor Nyhavn Rejser still have success with
the four first class seats on the route from Singapore to Denmark.
Air India is working hard to learn the Danish travel trade after the new
route between Copenhagen and Dehli, sales rep Almirah Rebutiaco told
Erik Lindholm, sales manager APG Scandinavia and Baltics.
Nancy
Justinussen,
sales &
marketing
executive,
Atlantic
Airways could
tell nabourexhibitor
The Spanish
Tourism
Board, Maria
diaz Conzales,
that the airline
still would fly
people from the
Faroe Islands
to the sun at
Mallorca.
Karin Gert
Nielsen,
Managing
director
Atlantic Link
and Rikke
Malmqvist,
sales
coordinator,
were ready to
tell everyone
at Rejsemessen
in Copenhagen
about the
sunny days
at the Virgin
Islands with a
taste of rhum.
Tunesia won the first prize in the international UNWTO contest between
best videos of the countries ( see www.ttoscandinavia.com) and could
celebrate this at the travel fair in Copenhagen. Meddab Mohamed, Imed
Salah from Tunesia Tourism Board in Stockholm and Moncef Barhoumi,
director of Tunis Rejser in Copenhagen.
Travel Trade OUTBOUND - Scandinavia

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destinations in the US and Canada.
Stopover in Iceland up to seven days without additional airfare.