ITB Asia 2017 Key
ITB Asia 2017 Key Conference Speakers Jane Sun CEO Ctrip.com International, Ltd Tony Menezes Vice President, Industrial and Distribution Sectors IBM Asia Pacific Rob Torres Managing Director of Advertising and Marketing Google Ike Anand Vice President, Strategy and Business Development Expedia group Min Yoon Founder & CEO Tidesquare Buhdy Bok President Carnival Asia Sean Treacy Managing Director, Asia Pacific Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd Eugene Tan General Manager CTM Singapore Maunik Thacker Senior Vice President – Marketing Marina Bay Sands Pte. Ltd. Rom E. Hendler Founder and Managing Partner InnoVel Jeannette Ho Vice President, Raffles Brand & Strategic Relationships AccorHotels Luxury Division
Hotel & Tourism SMARTreport #34 2017 Spring Edition 19 In The Field with evelyne gaudin THE “INSIDE LINE” ON WHAT’S HOT IN THE FIELD OF TRAVEL ADVICE PART 3 PRIVATE ISLAND RESORTS AND NATURAL WONDERS TRENDING DESTINATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO REALLY GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL Since 1989, Evelyne Gaudin has been impassioned with travel – working in every aspect of the industry – in airlines, hotels, cruises, TO and advisory roles, with a desire to “always deliver the best experience”. In this feature, she reveals her top tips for private island resorts and natural wonders of the world. On Private Island Resorts… What we are primarily seeing in the US is that the Maldives has really taken over a lot of the romantic island destinations market share, in spite of the distance and the fact that it is expensive. Why ? Because It’s new, it’s trendy, it’s beautiful, and the service is impeccable. The request have grown and continue to do so. A number of people like that because it gives them “bragging rights”. For the honeymoon market, which is a big market for private island resorts, the Maldives have definitely taken market share from a lot of other destinations. In the Maldives, we can find some absolutely exquisite resorts, surpassing anything we’ve seen in the past. They took the example of French Polynesia with the over-water bungalows, and they’ve taken it ten steps further. The Six Senses resort is one worth mentioning, but another favourite is the Gili Lankanfuschi, which is an absolute delight. These two have really taken over the high-end market. On Natural Wonders… The Great Barrier Reef remains one of the top ones on people’s bucket lists, especially for people who like diving. But a destination that is really in demand is Antarctica. The Arctic and PATAGONIA AND CHILE ARE OTHER FAVOURITES, AS PEOPLE INCREASINGLY SEEK PLACES “OFF THE BEATEN TRACK”. Iceland are also growing very fast. The hike in demand for Iceland is so great that prices have gone up 50% in one year. It’s extremely easy to get there, very friendly. Even though they don’t have 5-star properties, everyone wants to go to Iceland. Many want to see the aurora borealis, meaning they have to go in winter time. Alaska is less “hip”, so everyone wants to go to Iceland, and even Finland or the top end of Norway. New programmes are being launched, including a new cruise that circumnavigates Iceland. The Blue Lagoon is a big attraction. Then there’s snowmobile treks, icetrekking, ice-grotto visits and exploring, jeep safaris… the choice is amazing. People go there for the nature; they don’t go for museums, restaurants or luxury hotels. Patagonia and Chile are other favourites, as people increasingly seek places “off the beaten track”. Patagonia is easy to get to, the beauty is out of this world, and it’s easy for trekking as the altitude is not a problem, as opposed to places like Nepal, which is extraordinary, but due to the altitude and remoteness, it’s not for everyone. Of course, a great choice can be to combine a visit to Patagonia, travelling down to Ushuaia, followed by a tour of Antarctica SEE YOU AGAIN IN THE NEXT EDITION
