The new hotel, branded Uma Punakha, will have just 11 rooms and is the sister lodge of the famous Uma Paro (29 rooms) also under the same hotel chain.

The group plans to open the latest addition in September.

Uma Punakha

Uma Punakha is located on a hillside of Punaka Valley, around 10 km from Paro city.

Punakha is famous for two historical attractions; the Temple of the Divine Madman—a 14th-century fertility temple dedicated to the Tibetan Buddhist Saint Drukpa Kuenley and the Punakha Dzong, a fortress temple and one of the kingdom’s administrative centres where the current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and his bride Jetsun Pema were recently married.

Activities offered by Uma Punakha are cultural sightseeing, white-water rafting, hiking and cycling under supervision of Uma’s qualified English-speaking guides.

COMO Hotels and Resorts is based in Singapore.

ITB opens 7 March against the backdrop of a Eurozone crisis, rising fuel prices and looming war threats in the Middle East.

A severe cold snap if it continues could also disrupt travel across the continent and make it more difficult for visitors attending Europe’s top travel trade show.

Juthaporn Rerngronasa

ITB Berlin 2012 runs 7 to 11 March at Messe Berlin, in the German capital.

This year TAT will lead 112 tourism businesses from Thailand to join the mega trade event.

“We have fewer tourism businesses joining us when compared with last year,” said Ms Juthaporn. “But it doesn’t mean that there are fewer players from Thailand at the event. It is more likely they have spun off to their own booths rather than joining the official TAT pavilion,” she added.

This year, TAT will promote four niche lifestyle markets namely ecotourism, medical & wellness, weddings & honeymoons and golf tourism aiming at the first-visit market.

When asked why the focus on first-time travellers, Ms Juthaporn said: “Even though we gained 20% last year when we look closely at the arrivals, 60% are repeat tourists.”

She said marketing research suggests the TAT needs to attract new visitors to the country and the main pipelines are social marketing media such as facebook or twitter as well as through third person experience using bloggers.

She blamed the low growth rate in the first-visit segment on political turmoil, closure of the airports in 2008, violent demonstrations in the heart of the city until mid- 2010 and more recently floods in the central plains.

New tourists found it difficult to get their head around so many negatives, while repeat visitors were savvy and had a better understanding of the situation in Thailand than what was presented in media reports, she explained.

TAT will also host a Thailand Minimart during the ITB.

“We will introduce this new session for tourism players, 9 and 10 March, with appointments and sales presentations,” said Ms Juthaporn.

The two sessions will attract 55 tourism businesses: 20 companies on 9 March and 35 on 10 March. All the places for this event were booked last month.

Ms Juthaporn said: “ITB is not a pre-appointment show so we wanted to help Thai tourism players to arrange firm appointments and have a more structured presentation than in the past.”

“We have sponsored buyers to fly to the event from Russia, Austria, Turkey, Finland and Poland, but they must attend the Thailand Minimart function in ITB Berlin.”

TAT will charge an extra of Bt5,000 to participate in the Thailand Minimart session. For the ITB Berlin booth, TAT charges Bt80,000 per half table and Bt160,000 for the entire table.

“TAT covers the space fees and booth constructions in the pavilion and space rental for business session for Thai tourism players,” said Ms Juthaporn.

On four niche markets

“We are trying to tap lifestyle markets to gain higher spending,” said Ms Juthaporn.

There are obvious threats such as the European zone crisis but TAT believes up-scale travellers are more robust. They are able to pursue hobbies and sports regardless of economic factors.

The TAT director identified golf, weddings and honeymoons, medical & wellness travel for East Asia, America and Middle East markets.

“We also have a wedding and honeymoon market in Europe, but it’s more likely to be a ceremony on the beach,” she said. “Also, Thailand has recently been voted the third best destination for honeymoons from the Bridal Guide magazine, based in the United States.”

Challenges

When asked about what are the challenges for Thai tourism, Ms Juthaporn answered: “The uncertain economy in Europe.”

“There are still strong market where the economy is stable. Switzerland and Scandinavia still have strong economies,” she added.

This year, TAT will also hold a post ITB field trip to Poland and Czech Republic with around 40 tourism businesses joining the trip.

On a marketing strategy, she concluded TAT will strengthen the Thailand brand through the campaign “ Amazing Thailand,” while expanding into quality markets (four niche markets) to strengthen yield.

The association tallied 261,441 international trips requiring meet-and-greet services at Suvarnnabhumi Airport in January up from 243,971 in the same month last year.

ATTA released its latest data, Monday, based on fees member agencies pay to the airport to provide a meet-and-greet service for international clients.

China continued as the strongest market with 66,927 trips in the first month of the year. It represented an increase of 69.18% over 39,560 trips in the same month in 2011.

The second top market was Russia supplying 61,655 trips, up 17.78% from 52,346 trips.

But India, in third place with 15,371 trips, saw a decline of 12.06% compared to 17,478 trips in the same month last year.

Korea followed in fourth place with 15,046 trips, down 28.22% from 20,962 trips. Japan was fifth with 9,415 trips down 44.59% compared to 16,993 in the first month last year.

The next top five suppliers in January 2012 were: Germany (8,302; -15.03%); Vietnam (7,834; +165.74%); UK (6,245; +7.88%); France (6,076; +16.33%); and Hong Kong (5,817; +101.77%).

The key factor contributing to declines in certain Asian markets was the United States warning of a possible terrorist threat in Bangkok 13 to 15 January.

Top 10 source markets for ATTA agents in January at Suvarnabhumi Airport

However, despite warnings triggered off by the US, 13 January, the country’s travel agency association reported trips by American citizens grew by more than 26% in January.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said the ministry met with ambassadors of more than 40 countries, 3 February to brief them on security in the country.

The US issued the initial warning prompting 19 nations to follow with cautions on travelling to Bangkok.

None of the warnings were identified as red alerts that recommend travellers to postpone travel, but they did point to potential threats in Bangkok and the need to be watchful or stay away from crowded places.

Mr Sihasak added: “More stringent security measures have been implemented to restore confidence in the country at all levels. Visitor safety is being taken seriously.”

The nine countries still recommending caution when visiting Bangkok are: the United Kingdom; Australia; Austria; Taiwan, South Korea; Italy; Japan; Romania and Canada.

Ten countries that revoked the alert earlier than the US included China, Israel, Greece, Germany, France, Norway, Brazil, Netherlands and Denmark.

“Japan,  a top  market, is waiting official confirmation from Thailand on the security status before it will revoke its warning,” Mr Sihasak explained.

He urged the remaining countries to review their alerts based on the current situation in Thailand and the Thai government’s handling of the matter.

“We know Australia is preparing to revoke the alert, while the UK has made it clear that it will not change the warning as it is informing citizens of potential threats.”

However,  there are signs that tourism is making a fast recovery, while travel executives said the more damaging factor was last year’s floods in terms of revenue lost to the industry.

Association of Thai Travel Agents, which collects data from its members who handle international tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport, reported there were declines in clients requiring meet-and-greet services at the airport  after 13 January.

ATTA identifies decline in business from 10 countries in January

In contrast, the United States warning alert had no impact on ATTA member business. Travel agents serviced 2,599 trips from the US in first month of the year up 26.47% from 2,055 trips in the same month last year.

China remained strong improving of 69.18% to 66,927 trips compared to 39,560 trips in 2010.

Scoot will begin flying from mid-2012 with a fleet of four Boeing B777-200s bought from parent company Singapore Airlines in a challenge to Australian carriers Qantas and Jetstar.

“Scoot’s all about offering great value, fun and a unique attitude, ‘Scootitude’,” the airline’s chief executive Campbell Wilson said on the Gold Coast as he announced the new destination.

“Direct access to one of the world’s premier air hubs for Queensland and north New South Wales, and to one of the world’s best holiday destinations for Singapore,” added Wilson, who turned up in a wetsuit and carrying a surfboard.

While Scoot is a wholly-owned Singapore Airlines subsidiary, it is independently managed and will focus on the medium and long-haul budget segment.

The carrier will offer fares about 40% lower than the traditional airlines and will target the young, the adventurous, and those that wish to save money, Wilson said.

It also plans to fly to China and have 14 planes by 2016, with longer-term destinations including India, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

© 1994-2012 Agence France-Presse

Flight disruptions were limited on Monday, the first day of a four-day action against restrictions on the right to strike, but there were a number of last-minute cancellations and delays.

At Paris’ Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, officials said airlines had preventively cancelled 10% of flights scheduled for Monday.

An AFP reporter at Charles de Gaulle, a global aviation hub, said a number of flights were also cancelled at the last minute, including Air France flights to Geneva, Hamburg, Naples, Istanbul and Rio.

Budget airline easyJet also cancelled five morning departures.

The leading French carrier said it managed to fly 85% of its long-haul flights and 75% of short- and medium-haul flights on Monday.

“As staff are not obliged to inform in advance of their intention to strike, and to limit disruption caused by last-minute cancellations, on 7 February Air France expects to operate over 50% of long-haul flights,” it said in a statement.da

It added that it expected to fly 70% of short and medium-haul flights on Tuesday, including those operated by its regional subsidiaries.

Air France urged customers to postpone their travel to after the strike finishes, and sent out more than 25,000 emails and mobile phone text messages to clients warning them their flight had been cancelled or delayed.

Regional airports were also hit by delays and cancelations.

Aviation workers including pilots, flight attendants and ground staff voted on Friday to launch a nationwide strike from 6 to 9 February.

The unions are protesting a draft law that will require aviation workers to individually give 48 hours notice prior to striking, saying this limits labour rights.

The bill was approved by France’s lower house last month and is being debated in the Senate.

Labour leaders vowed the strike would pick up steam, with Yves Deshayes, the head of the SNPL pilots’ union, saying “the mobilisation will reach a crescendo” in the coming days.

The union said half of Air France pilots were on strike.

The airline did not provide information on the percentage of employees participating in the strike.

Hundreds of activists rallied in support of the strike at Charles de Gaulle and Orly on Monday.

Transport Minister Thierry Mariani said the government would not go back on the bill, which he said was aimed at protecting “passengers’ rights”.

“We will go all the way. This is necessary and that is something the French people understand,” he said on RTL radio.

© 1994-2012 Agence France-Presse

The 114-room hotel opened in the 80s at a site on Khunlum Prapas Road in downtown Mae Hong Son, but like all of the town’s hotels, it fell on hard times.

According to a reliable source, the property never fully recovered from the 2008 to 2010 political crisis that cut into traditional tour group business.

Mae Hong Son hotels live in the shadow of Pai a small resort town some 100 km east of the provincial capital on the highway to Chiang Mai. In contrast to the provincial town, Pai gained a reputation as a chic destination for young Thais to enjoy a “winter-style” holiday mainly through promotions by fashion magazines and popular TV shows.

Guests who were booked  the Rooks property are being transferred to Sawasdee Place Mae Hong Son (44 rooms) under the same ownership as well as another property in Chang Island, Koh Chang Resort and Spa.

The Sawasdee Place Mae Hong Son is a serviced-apartment located on the same road.

For further information and booking, contact 662 277 5256 or visit http://www.sawasdeemaehongson.com/.

In the Mekong Region section of the report excluded data from Myanmar and Cambodia as the information base was too small.

Bangkok showed a slight improvements in both occupancy and ADR with occupancy closing at 64%, up 20.75% (53% in 2010) and ADR at US$97, up 5.43% (US$92 in 2010).

Despite the improvements, Bangkok was still the third lowest and second lowest in the region in terms of occupancy and ADR in the region.

The top performers in occupancy last year were Singapore which closed at 85%, up 2.4% from 83% in 2010, followed by Seoul and Sydney at 83% and Tokyo 74%.

Singapore was also the top occupancy performer in 2010.

Shanghai returned the lowest occupancy at 57%, down by 13.63% from 66%, followed by Mumbai (63%) and Delhi, Hanoi and Bangkok shared the third lowest occupancy of 64%.

The top ADR performer in the Asia/ Pacific region was Hong Kong, which closed the year with US$243, up 22.27% from US$198 in 2010. The second and third top ADR performer was Singapore (US$232) and Sydney US$192.

Hong Kong was also the top ADR performer for the region in 2010.

Jakarta scored the lowest ADR in 2011 at US$90, up 16.88% from US$77 in 2010. The second and third lowest ADR achievers were Bangkok (US$97) and Beijing (US$101).

IHG has taken over the management of Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort that has 79 rooms .

Accor was linked to a new Ibis Hua Hin, in Prachuab Khiri Khan Province, located on Khao Takiab beach with 200 rooms.

Both properties open with discount rates. Ibis Hua Hin sells at Bt1,080 a night for a standard room and Bt1,580 a night for a family room.

IHG Samui Baan Taling Ngam sells at Bt6,500 a night for an ocean view room, The promotion is available until this 15 July. Rates are subject to surcharges and taxes.

More attractive rates for both hotels can be sourced on the popular booking sites, Agoda and Asia Web Direct.

Accor plans to add eight hotels to Thailand to its inventory, while IHG has not released details of properties in its contractual pipeline.

Association of Thai Travel Agents president, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, told TTR Weekly that the categories and breakdown for tourist arrivals needed to be improved.

“I don’t want to comment on collection itself because the tourism ministry has a duty to build the country’s image and that is a factor when collecting data,” he said.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn

“Whatever we recommend the result as we know will be the same.”

But he touched on the controversy saying the ministry should be mindful that it has a responsibility to support the industry and to achieve that classification and data interpretation should be clear to strengthen travel agency marketing plans and strategy.

“The private needs the department to divide tourist arrivals into categories to gain a real tourism business figure rather than just counting all the people who pass through the border checkpoints as is the case now.”

There is has been consistent criticism of the ministry’s ability to deliver credible and accurate tourism data and so far ministry officials have declined to comment.

Some of the categories that travel agencies would like to see in the data fields includes FIT, group tours, VFRs, business, investment, meeting and incentive as well as niche market travellers such as weddings where one of the partners is Thai.

Maiyarat Pheerayakoses

Association of Domestic Travel president, Maiyarat Pheerayakoses, said the tourism department’s data is limited in scope and needs to be upgraded.

“The tourism department collects tourist data according to theory, while we need detailed information that can be used to supplement the data supplied by Thai Hotel Association and Association of Thai Travel Agents that run their own accurate research.”

Association leaders admit there is a gap between the tourism department’s figures and the reality in the business market.

“Although tour operators need to use the tourism department’s data to make marketing plans, we still need in-depth data that gives us background on the real tourists not every person who crosses borders,” Ms Maiyarat said.

Tourism Council of Thailand president Piyaman Tejapaibul admitted there is a lot of controversy over tourism data, but the TCT still “respects the tourism department criteria” based on United Nation World Tourism Organisation guidelines.

Piyaman Tejapaibul

“I think tourist arrivals data collected can be trusted because the ministry is using the same company, Excellent Business Management Company Limited, that worked for the Tourism Authority of Thailand before the transfer of responsibilities in 2008.”

TCT president added: “If there are adjustments in the tourism collecting data method it has to comply with Ministry of Interior law.”

The council says it has set up a committee to work with the tourism department to check the accuracy of data as well finds way to build creditability with the private sector.