global e-news for travel, tourism, meetings and incentives, exhibitions & aviation. Founded in 1997

February 2013

● SKI IN GREECE…by Caroline-Artemis Laspas.

● VISITORS TO GERMANY ON THE UP.

● 2017 - CARIBBEAN WORLD’S TOP DESTINATION.

● INTERVIEW: GREEN DISCOVERY, LAOS...by Pamela McCourt Francescone.

● 3.6 BILLION PASSENGERS EXPECTED BY 2016.

● ITE & M.I.C.E. HONG KONG 2013, CHINA.

● LEBANESE TOURIST BOARD LAUNCHES 50 DAYS CAMPAIGN.

● ICE TOURISM…by Caroline-Artemis Laspas.

● KENYA – AUSTRALIA CO-OPERATION.

● EL SALVADOR, PLANNING AHEAD…by Dimitri Laspas.

.

TATW Monthly 2013 © Mekong River, Laos. www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

letter from the publisher

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Welcome to the EXCITING, NEW and IMPROVED February edition of TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD MONTHLY.

January has already been and gone, but February has started off busy with the annual cycle of trade fairs taking place around the world.

As mentioned in our January edition, 2013 sees new themes and changes for TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD MONTHLY; firstly the new

layout of the e-journal and now we can announce the launch of the new viewing format for the e-journal in true electronic magazine style.

This new layout will provide a more sophisticated and prestigious platform for all our advertisers to achieve maximum exposure as well as enable all of our readers, to have a more enjoyable read each month!

This big change for TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD MONTHLY

comes after 16 years in publication, starting with just 35 paper copies to an every growing circulation of over 22,520 recipients today. It has also come from research and demand from readers and advertisers to bring the best visual concept for each edition.

We really hope you enjoy the all new TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD MONTHLY and of course

we welcome your comments and suggestions.

Dimitri Laspas founder & publisher

Macedonia Region, Mount Lai l ia, Greece

SKI in GREECE! beyond the

sea and the islands

by Caroline-Artemis Laspas, editor

Greece may not the first destination you think of when planning to go skiing, but the Greek ski industry is very well established and offers some great ski runs and facilities. In the February edition of Tourism around the World Monthly, we look deeper into this unlikely but spectacular ski destination. By Summer its sun, beaches and ancient temples but in winter it is sun, ski and much

more! Greece is a very mountainous country, with 80% being rugged terrain and making it one of Europe’s most mountainous countries. As a result, skiing is a natural use of the geography with many mountain villages and resorts that welcome up to 500,000 visitors each ski season, which lasts approx. 4 months a year.

Skiing became a popular sport for Greeks mainly in the 1990s, but the first ski centre in the country was opened long before that in 1914 for the Panhellenic Games. It was the Seli Ski Resort on Mount Vermio in northern Greece.

Of course the chance for snowy mountains, with sea views, and ancient temples as an après ski activity makes for a unique holiday experience. Greece is a destination for all year round tourism, but as yet, has not achieved this goal totally, but the foundations are there and always have been.

Another big benefit is the cost of skiing in Greece compared to other places in Europe. On average, a lift passes at some of the smaller Greek resorts will cost UK£8.70-UK£13 (Euro€10- Euro€15) a day. This is due to many resorts being run by the local municipality or local alpine club. There are many competitive holiday packages on offer as well as new features like night skiing at some resorts.

The Pindus Mountain range extends from the northern borders on the west of Greece and runs south down to the Peloponnese to the Gulf of Patras. All long the range there are many traditional villages as well as the country’s highest peak, Mount Olympus at 2,919m high. Also in the mountains that run across the Peloponnese is Mount Taygetus at 2,407m. Both these huge mountains offer 1st rate ski slopes and centres. The Pilio Ski Centre is considered the most stunning in Greece, with its breathtaking surrounding views located between the Aegean Sea and the Pagasetic Gulf which allows you to ski and view the glistening sea below. It welcomes 15,000 skiers a year and another 15,000 who come for the scenery and hiking it offers. The centre was one of the first to be built in Greece and offers good snow coverings.

Thessal ia Region, Pi l io Sk i Centre, Greece

Parnassos is another one of Greece’s leading ski centres, and the closest to Athens (180km away). It is spread across two mountains; Fterolakka and Kellaria. Here the oldest private ski school is run; Pappos-Baldoumis, where many alpine skiers have trained throughout its 30 year operation.

The future development of the ski centres is key to the further success of this niche sector with more variety of facilities and services both on and off the slopes which would include improving the slopes/runs, opening more mountain cafes, having more shopping options, spa centres, etc. indeed the younger winter sport enthusiasts are looking for snowboarding facilities too.

2 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

ww

w.b

mlin

tern

ational.co.u

k

BML

International-UK

marketing & representation company in tourism, convention

bureaus and exhibitions

We Generate… Opportunities

BML International-UK

brings growth to your doorstep!

Region of Central Greece, Mont Parnasos.

SKI in GREECE! beyond the

sea and the islands

by Caroline-Artemis Laspas, editor

In addition the development of tours around scenic areas in special vehicles would be an added attraction for both skiers and non-skiers. The future of the ski sector would offer great economic rewards to the country. One of the biggest challenges for further developing the country’s ski centres is

building new resorts and ski centres while maintaining environmental standards. Ski centres must run without negatively affecting their natural surroundings. In support of such centres, there are many villages with traditional architecture, making charming places to stay. The opportunities during Greece’s winter season need to be harnessed to make the most of them for all concerned. This should also include private sector investment as well as the involvement of the local communities as the mountain areas have amazing potential. Accessibility for holidaymakers is also an important aspect. The Nea Anchialos National Airport, which opened in 1991 has just opened a new 9,000sq.m terminal which sees Air Berlin and Ryan Air land a number of charter flights at the airport.

Mont Kalavr i ta, Peloponnese Region, Greece

Opened in 1978, the Lailias Ski Centre is located outside of Thessaloniki, in north Greece. It is continually improving its facilities, rental equipment as well as chair lifts, as it needs to stay competitive with other European centres. Indeed just across the border are several Bulgarian ski resorts which offer direct competition to

Greece’s northern resorts. Besides skiing, sports enthusiasts can make use of bike paths, rock climbing and ice climbing, 4X4 trails and hiking trails that truly complement the natural beauty of the region. There’s also a children’s mountain camp. Lailias Ski Center is known for its Lang-Lauf slopes authorised by the International Ski Federation. It is considered to be one of the best ski resorts in Greece for competitive sport.

For regular skiers who mainly go to resorts in Switzerland, France, and Italy, Greece is unlikely to have been an option as a ski destination. But as ski resorts in the Balkans begin to appeal to more skiers, ski centres across Greece will attract more international visitors seeking unusual yet beautiful and above all truly unique skiing environments on offer by Skiing ‘Greek’ style!■

10th Anniversary The Year of

Beijing International Tourism Expo 2013 Be There, Don’t Miss It!

3 www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

4 www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

TOURISM NEWS

VISITORS TO GERMANY ON THE UP

With continued dedicated promotions across the UK and Ireland, the German National Tourist Board is seeing great results for its hard work and effort. In the latest reports, overnight stay’s by UK visitors for October 2012 rose by 8.8% compared to October 2011. Indeed, for January to October 2012 inclusive, figures show a rise of 5.1% compared with 2011. With such growth rates, Destination Germany is performing especially well when compared with other travel destinations.

Mr. Klaus Lohmann, GNTO.

The number of trips made by Europeans to Germany in the first 8 months of 2012 rose by 7%, whereas the total number of trips they made abroad over the same period rose by just 2%. Germany lies in 2nd place behind Spain for European travellers as a destination. Visitors from the UK are a highly important source market, ranked with Switzerland and the Netherlands in the top 3. Growth is expected to continue into 2013 with more celebrations for Germany; including the 200th anniversary of Wagner’s birth, plus ‘Barrier-free’ travel and the150th anniversary of the death of the Brothers Grimm. Klaus Lohmann, Director of the German National Tourist Office UK & Ireland commented: “Whether you’re a Bowie fan, a Wagner enthusiast or are travelling to Germany for the first time, Germany offers you almost limitless opportunities for an enjoyable stay whatever your age or interests.”

DISCOVER DRESDEN IN 2013

The famous composer, Richard Wagner lived and worked the longest in the beautiful city of Dresden and in 2013 sees the 200th anniversary of the composer. Wagner celebrated his first successes and prepared all his later works in the city, which is a great reason to discover Dresden in

Dresden, Germany

the footsteps of the great composer and the city's vivid musical present. It is not only the city’s musical history that is well worth exploring, this year the city’s motto is ‘Dresden. Where opera never ends’ refers not only to the rich musical life, but also to its scenic city shape embedded in beautiful surroundings and the rich museum landscape, which is going to be extended by new museums and exhibitions.

GDANSK CONVENTION BUREAU BACK IN SCANDINAVIA

Poland Convention Bureau together with its Partners, the Gdansk Convention Bureau and Katowice CVB have presented Poland as the conference destination ‘Polska. Move your imagination’ to a select gathering in Gothenburg. The event was held during Meeting Industry Week (Motes Industry Veckan 2013). Approx. 20 invited guests, including associations, companies and agencies representatives from Swedish business meeting industry participates. To date, Gdańsk Convention Bureau has successfully cooperated with Poland Convention Bureau, via roadshows in Frankfurt, Paris, London and Brussels.

HAITI - AMERICAS SAFEST DESTINATION

Haiti is one of the safest destinations, not just in the Caribbean, but throughout the Americas. In 2012 Haiti's violent death rate of 6.9 out of every hundred thousand Haitians is among the lowest rates in the Americas, and the same as Long Beach, California. This is mainly attributable to a strong focus on the strengthening and modernisation of its security forces. Among other high impact measures, the government of Haiti kept its pledge to increase the size of its National Police by 50%, allowing them to fight crime more effectively. In addition Police force is counting on innovative technologies to track down criminals. The Haitian National Police's has a very positive image compared to security institutions throughout Latin America, which are seen as weak, corrupt or inefficient. Haitian citizens are generally more concerned with economic issues such as the cost of living, than with crime. Haiti is experiencing a huge increase in the number of foreign visitors with 46% more US tourists in 2011 than in 2010. Haiti was succeeded in establishing a welcoming political and economic climate, benefiting all areas including tourism.

VANCOUVER NAMED TOP CANADIAN DESTINATION BY U.S. TRAVEL AGENTS

For the 10th year in a row, travel trade publication Travel Weekly has voted Vancouver the best destination in Canada. Each year, the magazine invites its readership of accredited U.S. travel agents to take part in the Readers Choice Awards. Votes are cast for national and international travel suppliers that include destinations, airlines, tour operators, cruises and theme parks, with winners considered to represent the best the industry has to offer.

NEW CRUISE PORT FOR PANAMA

The Panama government has given the go ahead for a new cruise port to be constructed on the Pacific Ocean. The chosen site is the present location of the Balboa Yacht Club. The investment project, which the government wishes to tender out to a private investor, is expected to cost UK£19, (Euro€22) million. The new port would allow for new routes to depart from Panama. Two possible routes are to go north to Mexico and one south to Colombia or even as far as Chile. In 2011-2012, 200 cruise ships with more than 220,000 passengers crossed the Panama Canal, but less than 40% made a stop on the Pacific. The new port terminal hopes to change that trend. AFRICA IS WORLD’S 2ND FASTEST ECONOMY

Africa has been confirmed as the worlds 2nd fastest growing economy after expanding 5% a year in the past 2 years, well above the global average, and Africa’s GDP is on track to grow by 5.3% in 2013. The continents economic success will continue with more infrastructure development as a key driver. It has also been agreed to create 3 of the 5 required economic regions creating a free trade area of more than half a billion people.

5 www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

TOURISM NEWS

2017 - CARIBBEAN, WORLD’S TOP DESTINATION

The Caribbean Tourism Association (CTO) is aiming for the Caribbean to become the world’s No.1 tourism destination by 2017. The regional marketing strategy of the CTO will be fully implemented to this aim. It is however essential that the Caribbean tourism industry receives support from governments and people to aid this goal. With much to offer, the region will also engage heavily with the cruise industry which is critical in achieving the aim as well as maintaining close communications for the further development of the aviation sector in the region.

DISCOVER THE BRITISH ISLES WITH SWAN HELLENIC

During the summer of 2013, Swan Hellenic will circumnavigate the British Isles in association with the National Trust. Departing from historic Portsmouth, passengers on board the Realms of the British Isles cruise have the chance to visit a total of 7 National Trust properties including the Victorian Lanhydrock House (Cornwall) and the Norman ruins of Corfe Castle (Dorset), accompanied by National Trust Guest Speakers who will bring each destination further to life. The 15-day Realms of the British Isles cruise departs from Portsmouth and calls at Port of Tyne (England), Scrabster (Scotland), Ullapool, Tobermory (Scotland) overnight, Bangor (Northern Ireland), Anglesey (Wales), St. Peter Port (Guernsey), Isles of Scilly, Fowey and Portland, before returning to Portsmouth.

KENYA – AUSTRALIA CO-OPERATION

Kenyan travel company Charleston Travel has partnered with Australian publicly listed travel company FCm Travel Solution in a bid to provide Kenyans more solutions and options. The partnership with allow Charleston offer its clients a wider range of seamless solutions in all countries where the Australian company is represented. Kenyan travel companies have continuously sought to partner with international companies in a bid to offer a wider range of services and seamless travel solutions. FCm Travel was launched in 2004 following the merger of different travel companies that had established themselves in the industry. The company boasts a global network extending more than 75 countries.

Islands of Scil ly, UK

STUTTGART CONVENTION BUREAU PREFERRED PARTNER OF THE GERMAN CONVENTION BUREAU

Throughout 2013 the Stuttgart Convention Bureau (SCB) is a Preferred Partner of the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. which will further boost the Stuttgart Region's profile as a leading congress and meeting destination. Following Stuttgart's successful candidature, the partnership is scheduled to continue for 2 years. The GCB is responsible for representing and marketing Germany on a national and international level as a destination for conventions, meetings, events and incentives. Last year the Convention Bureau was restructured under the umbrella of the Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH: along with 7 strategic partners it set itself the goal of promoting the Region even more strongly as an attractive destination for conventions and meetings. Within the framework of the partnership, the SCB will profit from target-focused marketing and communication measures as well as from specific offers for sales promotion.

ALASKA - DENALI NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTER

A new Visitor Centre is planned to help ease the growing crowds at Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve in the nearby Denali State Park. The 325,240-acre Denali State Park is not as famous as the National Park, which is home to America’s highest peak, Mount McKinley (20,320 ft). The advantages of the visitor centre being located in the State Park is that the entrance to the park is approx. 100 miles closer to Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, than the entrance to the national park, making the visitor centre more accessible. The park also offers activities such as nature trails, scenic viewpoints and trails to and around the lake. Alaska State Parks expect the project would bring about 230,600 more tourists per year to Denali State Park, which on average gets about 325,000 annual visitors at present. While the visitor centre will be built in the Denali State Park, near Lake 1787, the development of lodging and food services would be build on private land opposite the park.

CARIBBEAN HOTELS REQUEST REGIONAL HEADS OF GOVERNMENT SUMMIT ON TOURISM

The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Board of Directors has called on the Caribbean Heads of Government to attend a regional summit on tourism within this year. The last Heads of Government Summit was held in 2001. CHTA and the Caribbean hotel industry requested the Summit meeting in order to address a variety of issues impacting tourism in the region. If the Caribbean is to remain the world's leading warm weather tourism destination, CHTA believes that Governments, the Caribbean Tourism

Organisation, the leadership of the industry and industry partners need to develop jointly and as a matter of urgency, a strategic approach that provides sustainable long term growth in the Caribbean tourism economy. The summit would discuss all major aspects of tourism including airlift, travel facilitation, marketing, visitor security, human resource development, the environment, and new ways to encourage GDP growth through a common approach to the problems facing the industry.

CYPRUS TOURISM LAUNCHES NEW UK MEDIA CAMPAIGN

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation has begun 2013 with a new advertising campaign covering TV, radio and taxi promotions across the UK. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation’s campaign features the slogan ‘Cyprus in Your Heart’, showcasing the island’s diversity from ancient cities to rural villages, beaches to mountains, gourmet delicacies to holistic retreats, an offering that continues to draw British visitors year-on-year. 6 www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

TOURISM NEWS

BARBADOS SEES GROWTH IN YACHT MARKET

Barbados has invested approx UK£1.25, (Euro€1.50) million in upgrading the infrastructure of the inner basin of Bridgetown’s Careenage in a bid to develop yachting as a niche market for the country’s tourism sector. Substantial work has taken place over the past 2 years with enough buoys to berth 40 yachts, and plans for more in the outer careenage. The plan for the outer careenage would accommodate approx.50 vessels. The swing bridge would be lifted 4 times a day to facilitate the passage of yachts into the Inner Basin of the Careenage. Barbados is joining Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis and Antigua as Caribbean nations developing the yacht sector.

AZAMARA JOURNEY-NEW LOOK

Azamara Journey, the 2nd of Azamara Club Cruises’ twin boutique ships to undergo refurbishment, has completed its new look. Now complete with a refresh of all public spaces and staterooms and an elegant new ‘Azamara Blue’ exterior hull, continues its Asia season with a

13-night Indonesia voyage round-trip from Singapore. With its newly refreshed ships, the cruise line that sails to exciting destinations around the world that larger ships are unable to reach is poised to break away from its category. Azamara Club Cruises features longer stays and more overnights in port to present up-market travellers the opportunity for night touring. Paired with the new inclusive AzAmazing Evening on every voyage, starting with each ship’s Europe 2013 season, Azamara Club Cruises is delivering to guests bespoke travel experiences that showcase the nightlife of some of the world’s most intriguing destinations.

VISITBRITAIN TARGETS THE RUSSIAN MARKET

VisitBritain and a tourism business delegation went to Russia to promote the UK with the aim to increase by 75% Russian visitors by 2020. The Destination Britain trade mission will see 50 British organisations taking part, the largest ever group of tourism businesses to visit one of the key BRIC nations; an indication of the great potential of the Russian market. Over 210,000 Russians visited Britain in 2011, spending an average UK£1,450, (Euro€1,685) per person; almost 3 times the average global. Arrivals from January-September in 2013 grew by 3%. The research found that Russians ranked Britain in the top 5 destinations for culture and tourism.

MK TAXI NEW SERVICE FOR KYOTO BUSINESS TRAVELLERS

While visiting Kyoto on business, you can now have meetings while travelling on the road following the launch of a fleet of new taxi's run by MK Taxi. 10 ‘A Team’ style executive vehicles, have been especially fitted out exclusively for MK Taxi, and are targetted at high profile executives who need to conduct business meetings while travelling. Each minibus accommodates 7 people facing each other and there are curtains separating the driver from guests for privacy. The vehicles also have a TV screen which can be connected to a computer for presentations and videos. In addition, the taxis can carry the luggage of the 7 passengers too.

NEW TOURISM DIRECTOR FOR ST HELENA

The St Helena Tourist Board has appointed Cathy Alberts as director of tourism for the island. Ms. Alberts has considerable experience in the tourism and leisure industry, especially in the markets of the UK and Europe. She will conduct meetings with key industry players across the tourism and economic development programmes to further develop St. Helena’s tourism offering. Located 1,500 miles north-west of Cape Town, St Helena offers stunning natural beauty and a rich history, best known as the place of Napoleon’s exile■

7 www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

8 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

khone Pha Pheng Waterfall , Laos

Interview With… Mr. Inthy Deuansavan president of…Green Discovery

Laos, one of Asia’s most enigmatic countries, is opening up to mainstream tourism. Pamela McCourt Francescone talked to Inthy Deuansavan, about the many challenges facing tourism and his pioneering role in adventure and eco-tourism in Laos. When did Green Discovery start.

I started Green Discovery 12 years ago. As a student I used to go camping and trekking, something that not many people did back then. My first business was the Khop Chai Deu Restaurant here in Vientiane where 90% of the clients were, and still are, foreigners. I could not understand what brought them to Laos. Thailand has its beaches and Cambodia has Angkor Wat, then I discovered they were coming and returning to Laos for its nature. At that time Lao only had heritage tourism in Luang Prabang and nobody was providing nature activities.

So how did you start?

I asked the tourist authorities for a permit but was told that adventure tourism was too dangerous. So I opened a second restaurant in Vang Vieng and began to provide adventure activities, starting with tubing which is very safe, then adding kayaking. There was a trekking eco-tourism project backed by the New Zealand government in Samnua in Huapha province and they asked me to bring our river activities up there. So I learned how this kind of tourism must be developed, along sustainable lines and involving local communities. Now we have 7 offices in Laos working with both travel agencies and walk-in customers.

The Mekong River, Vientiane, Laos

Where do you see Green Discovery in the next 5-10 years. What comes next? We are still learning, for example now about 40% of our business is online. Most of our customers are from Germany, Scandinavia and the UK, but also Australia and the United States. In Asia we are now working with Singapore, thanks also the new direct flights, and our next markets will be China and Japan.

And new products?

Our first zip-line went in a year and a half ago in Pak Song in Champassak province in a protected area, a coffee plantation with hundreds of waterfalls. It is a unique location.

Do you get support from the government?

The government supports us as it recognises our good practices. The government has green tourism policies, but the National Tourism Administration is not always able to comply as the energy and mining industries often have conflicting interests.

What would you ask the government for?

Zoning. Dam projects brings in a lot of money. But potentially tourism can employ more people. And with proper zoning we can do our job, and let the others get on with theirs.

Are there associations that help tourism?

Yes, the Lao Association of Travel Agents and the Lao Hotel and Restaurant Association. I am a member of both and we make proposals to the Laos Tourism Administration and the government, and once a year our president meets personally with the Prime Minister to present our case.

What do you think of Laos’s potential as the ‘new’ Costa Rica.

The problem is a lot of people think in the short-term, as in the case of the mining and dam projects. Tourism takes time, but I believe it is our best bet. We don’t have beaches or an Angkor Wat, but we can become the centre of green tourism in Asia. This can be our winning card and luckily there are many people, including myself, who believe in this■

9 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

AVIATION NEWS

3.6 BILLION PASSENGERS EXPECTED BY 2016

The International Air Transport Association forecasts that airlines are expected to welcome some 3.6 billion passengers in 2016. That is about 800 million more than the 2.8 billion passengers carried by airlines in 2011. Passenger growth numbers will expand by an average of 5.3% per annum between 2012 and 2016. The 28.5% increase in passenger numbers over the forecast period will see almost 500 million new passengers travelling on domestic routes and 331 million new passengers on international services. International freight volumes will grow at 3%p.a. to a total of 34.5 million tonnes in 2016. That is 4.8 million more tonnes of air cargo than the 29.6 million tonnes carried in 2011. Growing air transport links generate jobs and underpin economic growth in all economies, despite the current financial crisis. Globally, aviation supports some 57 million jobs and UK£1.4, (Euro€1.6) trillion in economic activity. The emerging economies of Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Middle East will see the strongest passenger growth, led with routes within or connected to China, which are expected to account for 193 million of the 831 million new passengers over the forecast period (159 million on domestic routes and 34 million travelling internationally). Passenger growth within the Asia-Pacific region (domestic and international) is expected to add around 380 million passengers over the forecast period. Until 2016, the USA will continue to be the largest single market for domestic passengers (710.2 million). In the same year, passengers on international routes connected to the United States will total 223 million, making it the largest single market for international travel. Due to the maturity of the USA market, growth rates of 2.6% for domestic and 4.3% for international travel will be below the international average of 5.3% for international travel and 5.2% for domestic traffic.

JAMAICA WELCOMES 1st

FLIGHT FROM RUSSIA

Russia’s Transaero Airlinesrs made its inaugural trip to Jamaica at the beginning of the year. The flight was met by Jamaican Tourism Minister and other officials. The new flight route opens up a new gateway to a new market for Jamaica that will allow thousands of Russian nationals to enjoy a Jamaican vacation. Jamaica is very optimistic about the Russian market and hopes it will provide

Changi Airport International Airport, Singapore

significant returns, as the minimum stay by visitors from the market is 10 nights, twice the average stay of visitors from traditional markets. Transaero flies to 40 countries on 130 routes and has hubs in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. They operate flights between Moscow and Belorussia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. They also operate flights out of other countries, such as Austria, Cyprus and Greece. The airline will be operating these charter flights (to Jamaica), in partnership with tour operator, Biblio Globus. SINGAPORE CHANGI AIRPORT GETS RECORD VISITORS

Singapore Changi Airport saw its busiest month ever in December 2012 with over 5 million passenger movements; a 1st in the airport’s 31-year history. Passenger traffic for 2012 totalled 51.2 million, up 10% over all of 2011. Flights grew 7.6% to 324,700 while cargo volumes declined 3.2% to 1.81 million tonnes. From 2013 Changi Airport handles more than 6,500 weekly scheduled flights with 110 airlines connecting Singapore to 240 cities in 60 countries around the world. In 2012, passenger traffic between Singapore and Europe grew 7.5%.

BRITISH AIRWAYS 13 TOP DESTINATIONS FOR 2013

British Airways has produced its top 13 destinations to visit in 2013 following an online survey. In 2013 it is definitely all flights east to Asia with it natural pristine beauty, charm and culture. New York, Australia Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro and Dubai were in the list. Croatia in the Adriatic Sea, with the capital Dubrovnik was also high on the list. Vietnam has become one of the most popular destinations and continues to grow in demand with British Airways operating flights to Hong Kong, with connecting flights to Ho Chi Minh City using OneWorld partner Cathy Pacific. Holidays in Dominican Republic are emerging as a must too. Other destinations on British Airway's hot list include Derry in Northern Ireland and Las Vegas while Tbilisi in Georgia, San Diego in California, holidays in Cape Town and Alicante.

FASTJET- FLY540 LICENCE WITHDRAWN

Five Forty Aviation who owns the Fly540 brand, has asked FastJet subsidiaries across the region to repaint their aircraft and remove branded merchandise from sales offices after failing to comply with conditions stated in the licence agreement. FastJet subsidiaries in Angola, Ghana and Tanzania failed to comply within the time limit, including payment of UK£5.9, (Euro€5.7) million in licensing fees. The subsidiaries subsequently lost their aviation licence. FastJet was set up last year after Lonrho Aviation transferred 49% of its ownership in Fly540 to London-listed firm Rubicon. The company’s plan was to build on the Fly540 brand and market position in Kenya, Tanzania, Angola and Ghana to launch a budget carrier in Africa.

2012 - PASSENGER RECORD FOR AIR ARABIA

Air Arabia has had a record 5,301,484 passengers during 2012, a 13% rise compared to the previous year. The growth in numbers is due to the airline’s network strategy with the launch of flights from its hub in Sharjah to Kazan, Taif, Salalah, Ufa, Odessa, Erbil, Astanaa, Basra and Rostov. In addition the airline increased in frequencies to Moscow, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Doha, Kuwait, Najaf, Karachi, Peshawar and Delhi. Air Arabia has also expanded its hubs in Morocco and Egypt, reaching a global network of 82 cities. In 2012 the airline received 6 new aircraft; part of its order for 44 aircraft, to be completed by 2016, which will over double the size of Air Arabia’s fleet.

NEW DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Vancouver is to offer 2 new flight services for 2013. Lufthansa will launch a daily, non-stop route from Munich to Vancouver. The additional flights will complement the service between Vancouver and Frankfurt, with the hope of visitor numbers increasing by approx. 15,000. The 2nd service is from Delta Airlines’ with a daily, non-stop service from Vancouver to New York, adding to the present flights offered by Air Canada and Cathay Pacific between Vancouver International Airport and John F. Kennedy Airport. The route is expected to increase cruise ship passengers numbers with the Port of Vancouver expecting a 20% increase in the number of sailings out of Vancouver■

10 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS WORLD

September 2013

The China Guilin International Tourism Expo (CGITE) in its 4th edition is the

leading business and leisure travel exhibition in Guangxi.

A one stop business hub for international tourism stakeholders to tap into China’s booming tourism market, to foster new business relationships as well as to strengthen existing partnerships.

-Explore Southern China’s Booming Tourism Market.

-Network with local tourism organisations.

-Sell destinations and tourism to local buyers.

The CGITE series is a part of Conference & Exhibition Management Services’ (CEMS) travel & tourism portfolio. This event is organised by The People’s Government of Guilin, China Guangxi Tourism Administration and Guangxi International Expositions Bureau; Co-organised by The Guilin Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Guilin Municipal Tourism Bureau and Conference & Exhibition Management Services (CEMS). Join us now at CGITE 2013

China Guilin International Tourism Expo

Visit:

www.cems.com.sg organiser

or

www.bmlinternational.co.uk regional sales representative

ITE & MICE Hong Kong, China

ITE & MICE ORGANISER TO CO-OPERATE WITH WEDDING MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ON HONEYMOONING AND OVERSEAS WEDDING (HOW)

TKS Exhibition Services Ltd., organiser of the Hong Kong International Travel Expo and MICE Business & Travel Expo (ITE & MICE), has announced the co-operation with The Hong Kong Wedding Management Association (HKWMA) on the theme of HOW - Honeymooning and Overseas Wedding in ITE & MICE 2013! From HKWMA, around 55,000 wedding couples in Hong Kong and 10 million weddings in mainland China respectively contribute in each year spending of UK£1.3, (Euro€1.5) billion and RMB100 billion to the economy. In addition each wedding couple from Hong Kong spent, on average in 2011, UK£2.8, (Euro€3.2) thousands on honeymooning, up 18% over 2010. Many international destinations popular for wedding and honeymooning and related service providers are regular exhibitors of the Travel Expo, and the HOW theme was first launched in ITE & MICE 2012 with excellent reviews. From 70,000 public visitors, 16% were interested in HOW! On the HOW theme, there were info stand, trade and public seminars, related activities like auctions and lucky draw etc in ITE & MICE 2012, which drew 665 international exhibitors from 54 countries and regions, and over 12,000 trade visitors with 27% from mainland China and abroad. Established in 2006, HKWMA has over 2,000 members from related sectors such as wedding and travel planner, hotel, ceremony, catering, photography and jewellery etc. The Association has a service centre in Shanghai, and alliance members in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, United States, South Africa and United Kingdom. HKWMA provides trends to wedding magazines and media in Hong Kong and China, and professional accredited education programme for the industry. 5th EDITION OF CULTOURFAIR IN GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

The 5th edition of CULTOURFAIR, International Cultural Travel Fair, will take place in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico from 2-4 October 2013, sponsored by Guadalajara’s Convention Bureau. Guadalajara has already been twice the sponsoring venue of another GSAR Marketing’s event, since they hosted MITM Americas in 2000 and 2005, so they are aware of the benefits and big promotion that the fair brings to the destination. Being Mexico’s 2nd important city, Guadalajara is a perfect venue for CULTOURFAIR, not only because of its cultural richness known worldwide, but also because it is easily reachable from many cities in the world. Last CULTOURFAIR notarized evaluation made by the exhibiting companies, noticed the quality of its attending buyers and as an ideal forum to seek and obtain potential business. This is an assurance that the next edition in Guadalajara will be a success as well.

TRAVEL ZOOM 2013

The 3rd Travel Zoom, International Conference on Strategic and Creative Marketing in Tourism, will take place from 26-27 March in Bled, Slovenia. The conference programme has been created to ensure that there are many opportunities for delegates to interact and share ideas on various topics related to marketing in tourism. They will be able to learn from the experts in the business, engage and network with the best travel marketing developers, gain new ideas and create products for their customers, attend workshops, discuss the hot topics in small groups and exchange ideas with leaders in travel business. The conference will end with round table ‘Sports tourism - Marketing Challenge of Tourist Destination’. Experts in sports and tourism will discuss marketing challenges and opportunities of major sports events and will ask the question ‘Has Slovenia and the entire region have been making the most of its potential and how it could benefit even more?’ Registration is on-line. Deadline for registration: 10 February 2013! www.travel-zoom.si

11 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS WORLD

SEA TOURISM GROWTH: HUGE POTENTIAL FOR GREEK ECONOMY 2ND POSIDONIA SEA TOURISM FORUM ATTRACTS STRONG INTERNATIONAL INTEREST

The Greek cruising and yachting sectors have the combined potential to create more than 40,000 new jobs, according to a recent study undertaken by the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping. The full roll out of the home-porting policy for cruise lines alone can add to the Greek economy annual revenues in excess of €1 billion. On a European level this is well illustrated in the words of MSC Cruises’ CEO Pierfrancesco Vago, Vice-Chairman of the European Cruise Council and speaker at the 1st Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, “We keep repeating the impressive numbers of the economic impact in 2011 alone: €36.7 billion worth of goods and services generated; over 6 million passengers; UK£3 (Euro€3.5) billion spent by passengers and crew during visits to the 250 port cities that welcome cruise ships year-round. And last, but certainly not least, more than 315,000 jobs created across Europe: which, considering the eye-watering levels of unemployment in other sectors, is quite a remarkable result”. The special interest for cruising and its growth potential in our region is further evidenced by the arrival of new brands in the region, including FTI Cruises in 2012, Disney Cruises and Paul Gauguin Cruises in 2013 as well as the new ships coming online this year for operation in the Mediterranean. “Greece’s unique 16,000km coastline, the country’s 1,200 islands and 4,800 islets as well as the mild climate are nature’s gifts to Greece, yet the vast potential of these treasures and their contribution to the national economy remains largely untapped due to the absence of a strategic framework to attract investments conducive to the development of a quality and holistic sea tourism product. But this seems to be changing now,” said Theodore Vokos, Project Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A., the event’s organisers. The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, which will be held in Athens on May 28-29, has already attracted strong interest from major international cruise and yachting companies. They will vie for the attention of the industry’s regional decision makers who will converge to the Greek capital for 2 days of discussions and debates on the

ITB-Asia, Singapore

sector’s growth challenge for Greece, Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Major cruise lines Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Silversea, Costa Crociere, Celebrity Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises and Louis Cruises have already committed their presence at the event which additionally has the support of CLIA - Europe and MedCruise. A new feature of this year’s Forum will be an Exhibition designed to enable industry suppliers to showcase their services and products. Exhibitors include ports, destinations, hotels, airlines, tourist service providers, technical support companies, sector publishers, new technologies, yacht managers and brokers, yacht interiors specialists and marinas. Senior industry officials agree that initiatives such as the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum can help attract attention to the region’s sea tourism industry and that the arrival of major international and regional marina developers and operators Camper & Nicholsons Marinas and D-Marine Investments Holding with investments in Greek marinas are indications of a more robust future. According to George Gratsos, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, “Yachting already creates 40,000 direct and indirect jobs for the Greek economy. A friendlier business environment and the development of new marinas with a capacity for 10,000 more yachts than hosted at present would create an additional 30,000 jobs“. “The recent spate of foreign direct investment in Greek marinas can be the catalyst for more transactional activity in the near future which can resuscitate the Greek yachting sector, thereby reviving a dormant market full of potential and promise,” said Theodore Vokos, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A. The organisers of the event are upbeat about its contribution to the sectors’ long-term prospects: “As a result of the lively debate that took place in the first Forum, a number of high profile policy changes were announced by the Greek Government including the new legal framework for cruise vessel home porting with the lifting of cabotage restrictions and investment incentives which helped funnel foreign funds into Greek yachting infrastructure projects,” said Vokos. Of vital importance for Greece to be successful in its quest to further develop all forms of sea tourism is the parallel development of the sector in Turkey, the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean in general. It is the greater region’s importance for the global tourism industry that will ensure long term and sustainable growth in the future. Strong international interest has already been expressed both for the conference and the exhibition.

UNPARALLELED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AT 20TH IT&CMA AND 15TH CTW ASIA PACIFIC

The 20th anniversary of IT&CMA and 15th anniversary of CTW Asia-Pacific, was held from 2-4 October 2012, for business, education and networking opportunities by attendees in the industry. Held across 5,800 sqm of exhibition space, it featured

some 16,500 business appointments between 325 Exhibiting Companies and 497 M.I.C.E Buyers and Corporate Travel Managers. This year, a whopping 63% of all buyers were new participants at the event. This has positively impacted business generation at the event with more than 85% of exhibitors expecting orders up to UK£478, (Euro€556) thousands in value, 6 to

12 months after the event. Attending buyers and corporate travel managers also expressed their satisfaction with the show, with 90% of them rating IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2012 a top quality exhibition. Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia-Pacific has also attracted interest from exhibitors around the world. More than 90% of attending delegates have pledged to return to the show in 2013, effectively consolidating the event’s position as an effective business and networking platform. IT&CM Asia and CTW 2013 will take place from 1-3 October in Bangkok, Thailand.

12 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

11 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

EXHIBITIONS WORLD

THE ASEAN CONNECTION IS THE FUTURE TO TOURISM

The 32nd Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) took place in Laos’ capital city, Vientiane from 18-24 January at the Lao International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC). The ATF Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), the longest-running annual Asean leisure travel trade event, presented the largest delegation of Asean sellers and saw 495 booths, 989 sellers from 10 Asean member countries, meet with 469 buyers from 56 countries across the globe. In addition, 150 journalists and media, including 92 from outside Laos attended from 33 countries to cover the event. During the event, meetings of officials from Asean National Tourism Organisations and their counterparts from Asean partners as well as meetings of the 4 Asean associations; the Asean Tourism Association, Federation of Asean Travel Association, the Asean Airlines Association, and the Asean Hotel and Restaurant Association took place. Other formal meetings included the Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Tourism, Asean Senior Officials Meeting+3 (China, Japan and Republic of Korea), Asean+India, Asean+Russia, Meeting of Asean Tourism Ministers, the 12th Meeting of Asean Tourism Ministers+3, and the 5th Asean+India Meeting. All the meetings agreed and endorsed the Vientiane Action Programme, aiming to develop and promote Asean tourism towards a new international standard, ensure sustainability and preserve the environment and safety in keeping with the slogan ‘Asean Hand in Hand Conquering Our Future’ and in particular realise the goal of the ‘Asean Community’ by the end of 2015. Attendees at the ATF were entertained with cultural shows illustrating the traditions of the many ethnic groups in Laos. They also learnt about the various natural, cultural and historical tourism sites in Laos, particularly those in Vientiane. Post show tours highlighted the Luang Prabang and Champassak provinces. This is the 2nd time that Laos has hosted the ATF, the 1st time 10 years ago. Laos participated with an impressive 23 stands, several stands highlighted the key attractions of the nation including 2 World Heritage Sites - Luang Prabang and Vat Phou Champassak, as well as the ‘Siphandone’ (4,000 Islands)

area, Khonephapheng waterfall and much more. Laos is an attractive destination renowned for its natural unspoilt beauty, friendly people, and colourful culture. In 2011, tourist arrivals in Laos the 2.7 million in 2011 and to more than 3 million in 2012. The tourism industry in the Asean continues has continued to grow with overseas visitors to the Asean region reaching 73.7 million in 2010 and rising to 81.2 million in 2011. The rest of Asia makes up the next largest source market with a share of 28%. This union of 10 nations is vital to building the ‘Asean Community’, which aims to market the region as one tourist destination. Within this plan, that covers not only tourism, but also consolidating the regions infrastructure, which includes upgrading the highway network in Myanmar and Laos; the rail route between Singapore and Kunming in China to be completed, as well as parts of the rail link between Thailand and Cambodia and from Cambodia to Vietnam. Aviation is another key sector for the development of the ‘Asean Community’ with the aim of an open sky initiative to turn Asean into a single aviation market. Other areas of co-operation include institutions and people to people connections, as well as looking at visa waivers and exemptions for citizens in order to make it easier and less bureaucratic to travel within and to the region. Laos is playing its part too with its aim to become a major tourism destination for the region and globally. To progress this, it is to start building a UK£4.5, (Euro€5.2) billion high-speed railway from Vientiane to the Laos-China border; a major section of the future trans-Asean railway network. The project is due for completion by 2018 and will help bring foreign investment to Laos and improve and increase trade to and from the country. So far the Asean countries, with a combined population of 600 million people (and growing) and each with their own socio-economic differences and challenges, have made huge progress with many economic, social and political initiatives that have already made the region one of the fastest developing regions in the world. It is therefore clear that the annual gathering that is the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF) is an ideal global platform to promote tourism in the region as a whole, and Asean as a single travel destination full of varied and unique cultures and offering a huge number of travel destinations. The ATF also sees the vital exchange of ideas, reviews industry trends and developments and helps to further build and accelerate the growth of tourism in the Asean region; a region which represents 7-8% of the world tourism market. With another highly successful ATF, work has already begun on the 33rd ATF 2014, which will take place in Malaysia.

ITB BERLIN 2013: HIGH DEMAND FROM THE MIDDLE EAST, ASIA AND SOUTH AMERICA

Worldwide demand for floor space at ITB Berlin is high, no more so than from exhibitors representing Arab and Asian countries and South America. The Travel Technology Hall (Hall 6.1) is already full too. At the eTravelWorld experts will be giving lectures and workshops debating the latest social media and mobile travel services topics. Despite the economic difficulties around the world ITB Berlin is a place where the global trade industry can still do good business. The high level of demand from emerging destinations such as Asia and South America and the growth of popular markets such as Travel Technology are proof of how stable the global travel industry is. Indonesia, the partner country of ITB Berlin 2013. This year the ITB Berlin Convention is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with numerous leading experts holding lectures and discussions. The show’s Convention & Culture Partner is Azerbaijan, which is also showcasing the beauty of the Silk Road. This year marks the 2nd time that ITB Berlin, together with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is highlighting developments on the famous Silk Road. At the ITB Berlin Convention sustainable tourism, climate change and water shortages are among the topics at this year’s CSR Day. ITB Berlin 2013 will see a wide range of destinations with all of the nations in South America represented. Newcomers to ITB Berlin 2013 include South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Arab countries such as Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Morocco, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Libya have already booked their pavilions. Iraq occupies an even larger stand than last year. Yemen is back after an absence from ITB Berlin. Asian countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and China are represented on larger stands. Destinations such as Nepal and Bhutan are becoming increasingly popular. After a number of years hosting their own stands Australia and New Zealand are combining again to present a joint display in 2013. Travel Technology has become a boom market at ITB Berlin. Newcomers and regular exhibitors in the Mobile Travel and Social Media sections are presenting their innovations and new products too this year. At this year’s eTravelWorld experts are again debating industry topics. Due to the high number of bookings, hotel portals are also exhibiting this year. Corporate social responsibility has been a major theme at ITB Berlin for many years. One of the most important events at ITB Berlin is the CSR Day, which forms part of the ITB Convention. Focus on the Danube region; 7 of the 10 countries bordering the Danube are joining forces at ITB Berlin with a common goal in mind, that of drawing visitors’ attention to this region. Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and Serbia are providing information on the various aspects and diversity of this tourism region which shares many national borders■

14 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

MENA NEWS Middle East and North Africa

LEBANESE TOURIST BOARD LAUNCHES 50 DAYS CAMPAIGN

The Lebanese Ministry of Tourism has launched a special campaign to revive tourism in the country.

Beirut, Lebanon

The 50% for 50 days campaign is aimed at attracting visitors from 13 different countries including the GCC, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Iraq, the UK, Germany, Russia, Ukraine and Latin America including Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela to Lebanon. The campaign which began on January 8, 2013 is due to run until February 28, 2013. During these 50 days tourists can expect to receive discounts on airfares, hotels, car rentals, private cars and a host of special packages in restaurants and shops. The Ministry of Tourism is working alongside Middle East Airlines who are due to offer special packages on air fare tickets in addition to hotel accommodation.

QATAR PLANS NEW HISTORICAL TOURISM ATTRACTION

Qatar plans to revive a previous popular region; Al-Shamal municipality by turning it into an historical tourist attraction. Once a popular location for Qataris to live, the area became overshadowed by Doha when oil and gas were discovered. Al Shamal municipality is 4 times the size of Doha with a population of just 7,975 residents, compared to 796,947 in Doha. Located 100km north of Doha, Al Shamal will be home to a 45,330-seat stadium as part of preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and in a bid to boost its image.

MÖVENPICK HOTELS & RESORTS LAUNCHES ITS 5th

PROPERTY IN DUBAI

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has opened its 5th hotel, the Mövenpick Apartments The Square Dubai, the 1st international hotel company in the city’s Al Mamzar area of Deira. With 180 superior and deluxe rooms, as well as 1 and 2 bedroom hotel apartment suites, the property is in close to the Al Mamzar Beach Park and other landmarks. It is also within easy reach of Dubai International Airport, Dubai Creek, Sharjah, the airport free zone, port and trading centres. With already 4 Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts properties in operation in Dubai the new property will further complement the company’s strategic reach in the city and in the area of Deira. The company is also looking to expand within the Emirate and a 6th hotel in Jumeirah Lake Towers is also expected to open during 2013. The hotel is ideal for families, executive travellers and long-stay guests. The property has attained the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) classification as ‘Deluxe Hotel Apartments’, the highest standard of hotel apartments in Dubai■ 15 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

ICE Tourism

by Caroline-Artemis Laspas, editor

The earth is a small place these days and there are not many places that are untouched by tourism. One frontier which is proving to be a fascinating tourism destination is the North Pole and in particular, the Barneo Ice Camp. You will not find any tourist shops, restaurants, or places to get a tan here!

First started in 2002, the project was sponsored by the Russian Geographic Society and operates a short season of a month, usually April. Due the constant moving ice on the Arctic Ocean, Barneo has to be rebuilt from scratch each year by a team who arrive by skydiving from a plane onto the chosen ice field in order to start clearing the snow to create the runway. Following their exit from the plane, all supplies and equipment is parachute-dropped from the plane, including a tractor! This is the main difference between this and other projects in the Antarctic. Here, at the end of every season all the equipment is removed from the ice. During its time on the moving ice sheet, the camp moves approx 7km a day! During the month, the camp will host 500 tourists, adventurers and scientists, etc.

adventurers and scientists, etc. The ice runway is approx 1200m long by 60m wide and must withstand the regular landings and take offs of a 30 ton aircraft. Once landed, the plane never turns off its engines for fear that the freezing -40 temperatures could prevent the engines from starting up again. Camp Barneo is the tourism hub in the region for the month of April! Depending on the location of the airfield each year, excursions to the actual North Pole can be done on skis, by dog sled, or by helicopter. It has become a place where many people realise their dreams like skydiving onto the North Pole, playing ice golf, running the North Pole Marathon, hot-air ballooning, exploring the icy underwater of the sea and even getting married. A group of Japanese tourists paid UK£25,000, (Euro€29,470) each for a luxury artic vacation which would base them at the Barneo ice camp and then see them helicopter onto the North Pole. The camp itself comprises rigid famed heated tents, two mess tents one for the team and one for visitors which is connected to the kitchen tent. The visitors have access 24 hours a day to the mess tent. The accommodation tents can sleep up to 12 people with access to bio-toilets, but an outdoor wipe-down with snow if the closest to a shower! There is also a medical tent. Due to the extreme weather conditions, there are two helicopters on permanent stand-by. It is not only tourists who are increasingly taking up spaces in the camp; Barneo is an independent floating laboratory for the study of the climate in the Arctic. This is a one of a growing number of extreme ice tourism experiences on offer. In Jukkasjarvi, in Northern Sweden, each winter a hotel is carved from snow and blocks of frozen water from the River Torne. The room temperature is between -5 to -8 degrees C, while outside it is -20. Reindeer skins, and sleeping bags suitable for subzero temperatures are provided to keep guests warm. The hotel operates from January and by April has literally melted away! With expansion into some of the last frontiers of our planet in the name of tourism this has led to concerns over the impact it has on these unique and extreme environments. With the aim to lessen this in areas like the Artic, the Arctic Council and the Northern Forum set up a project ‘The Sustainable Model for Arctic Regional Tourism’ (SMART) to assist the Arctic tourist industry as it developed in the region. The project comprises of 6 key factors: to

Jukkasjarvi Hotel, Sweden

support the local economy; operate environmentally friendly; support the conservation of local nature; respect and involve the local community; ensures quality and safety in all business operations and; educates visitors about local nature and culture. In addition to this, there are plans to establish a ‘benchmark label’ for tour operators in the Arctic.

At the other end of the world in Antartica, 37,000 people visited the region in 2009-2010. All activities in Antarctica are regulated by the Antarctic Treaty, which was established in 1959 by 12 countries whose scientists had been active in and around Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-58. It now has 50 members. The main purpose of the Antarctic Treaty is to ensure ‘in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord’. Tourism Companies are required by the Antarctic Treaty to have a permit to visit Antarctica and the tourism industry in the region is mainly managed through the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which began in 1991 with 7 private tour operators. Now with over 100 member companies their collective aim is to advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private travel to the Antarctic. The final frontiers of the planet Earth and beyond are attracting more and more people from all over the world, with different reasons for wanting to be there! Tourism offers experiences to these final frontiers and there is no shortage in demand for those willing to pay for such adventures! ■

16 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

Asia NEWS

November 2013

The Chengdu International Travel Fair (CITF) 2013 is the 1st mega-scale tourism exhibition in western China. With strong governmental support from the Chengdu Municipal Tourism Administration and the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Exposition.

CITF 2013 is dedicated to provide a one-stop platform for all the tourism organisations, tour operators, airlines, tourism destinations, and promote a spectacular array of the hottest and the latest tour packages, destinations, products and services, establish strategic and cooperative relations, explore new business opportunities and expand their professional network base all at once. CITF 2013 Exhibitors Profile: National Tourism Organizations Tour Operators, Travel Agencies, Tourism Destinations, Airlines, Golf Courses, Health and Spas, Hotels and Resorts, Car and Limousine Services, Theme Parks, Tourist Associations and many more. Join us now at CITF 2013

Chengdu International Travel Fair

Visit:

www.cems.com.sg organiser

or

www.bmlinternational.co.uk regional sales representative

Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon, Myanmar.

ASIA TOURISM FORCE

While much of the world is still struggling with the financial crisis, one region remains developing with steady growth; Asia. The region continues to show increases in outbound tourist figures in particular in China and Japan and across the region it is anticipated to see outbound travel grow by 6% during 2013. In 2012 outbound travel in Asia rose by 7%. These figures are supported by the increase in the standard of living in some nations. While almost all Asian nations are doing well, it is China and Japan who provide the greatest number of outbound tourists, both with double figure growth. Indeed China saw an increase of 20% from January-June 2012, while Japan, who had to recover from the earthquake and tsunami, bounced back with 13.7% growth in the first 9 months of 2012. Another nations seeing very healthy growth was South Korea, with a 6.7% increase in outbound travel. Nations such as India, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore grew, but by less than 5%. With the New Year under way, Indonesia and the Philippines expect to exceed 10% growth. Asians are still keen to travel with the prospects for the travel sector in Asia very good for the coming months. While there was a drop in 2011 by Asians feeling the financial crisis affected their travel plans, only 4% felt in 2013 the crisis was a reason to alter travel plans. For 2013, Japanese travellers still expect to travel well with less reporting the financial situation would make them change their plans. Japanese outbound travel is expected to grow by 3% in 2013. Chinese travellers are expected to increase their travel in 2013 by 3% with 49% taking the same number of trips. Outbound travel from China is forecast to grow by 12%. South Korean and Taiwan outbound travel is expected to grow, but remain in the in Southeast Asia region. Hong Kong travellers are keen to discover new destinations but also like to go back to favourite ones in the region.

NEW JAPANESE-STYLE HOTEL TO OPEN IN TOKYO'S FINANCIAL DISTRICT IN 2016

Mitsubishi Estate is to build a new hotel in the financial district in the heart of Tokyo, with the aim to attract foreign business people wishing to experience the charms of Japan. The 18-story hotel will feature Japanese-style tatami-mat flooring in all rooms. A large bathhouse with a natural hot spring will be built on the top floor of the hotel, turning it into a real urban oasis. Close to landmarks such as the Imperial Palace and the Tokyo International Forum, the area around the financial district of the Japanese capital is becoming a fashionable area. It is home to various luxury hotels including the Palace Hotel Tokyo and the Tokyo Station Hotel. The Aman resorts group will open an ‘Aman Tokyo’ in the same district in 2014.

CHINESE RAIL INVESTMENT IN 2013

China plans to spend UK£66.5, (Euro€77.2) billion in 2013 on extending its railway tracks by 5,2000klm, which will be the country's 3rd largest investment in its history. Last year, 1.9 billion passengers were transported on railways across China, up 4.8% from 2011. Cargo transport reached 3.9 billion tons. Railway investment increased heavily in 2009 with the development of high-speed railways. In 2010 the Chinese government invested an additional UK£86, (Euro€100) billion.

WORKING TO PROMOTE TAIWAN M.I.C.E AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT

The Ministry of Economic Affairs' Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Taiwan M.I.C.E Advancement Programme has long aimed to promote the MEET TAIWAN brand overseas. In Taiwan itself, the programme assists in attracting international conferences and exhibitions to Taiwan, and subsidises M.I.C.E activities. BOFT is encouraging Taiwan's M.I.C.E industry to become more mature and robust. Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hsinchu, and Hualien have all made their way onto the ICCA destination rankings. These strong achievements have encouraged local governments to invest in additional resources in the M.I.C.E industry to reap the benefits of the increased business opportunity■

17 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

18 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

EL SALVADOR

planning ahead by Dimitri Laspas, publisher

El Salvador in South America is a country that offers political and economic stability, a rich culture, and a variety of tourism products making it a tourism destination with a large competitive advantage in the region. Tourist arrivals to El Salvador are proof of this with close to 1million visitors annually. The country is well connected with its transport network making it easy to reach all parts of the country to enjoy all aspects of its tourism product.

Santa Ana Volcano, San Salvador .

With many different kinds of beaches, mountains, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, as well as its archaeology, colonial cities, crafts, gastronomy, all make El Salvador the perfect holiday or business destination. The capital city of San Salvador, with its strategic location offers great accessibility for all kinds of events.

El Salvador is wishing to drive its tourism industry forward like never before and has drawn up a National Tourism Plan 2014 to reach its goals. It aim is to improve the welfare of its citizens, value and conserve all its natural resources as well as build for the economy and provide greater employment in the country.

San Salvador Cathedral, El Salvador.

The 2014 National Tourism Plan aims to place El Salvador as one of the 3 main tourist destinations of Central America and the 1st for business and meetings in the Central American Region. It aims to provide tourist services of quality that adapt to the expectations and level of satisfaction of the client; to define and consolidate the image of El Salvador by showing its touristic differences; to sustainable build and development the tourist sector; to work and build on coordinated efforts between private and public sectors; and finally to promote the professionalism and qualification of the human resources within the tourism industry by bringing together the Salvadoran people to help build a strong tourist culture.

The plan objectives also aim to attract 2 million tourists by 2014. Increase tourist arrivals from key markets like; North America up to 45%, Central America up to 40%, European tourists up to 10% and South America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Australian Continent up to 5%. With regards to business and meetings in 2004 this sector represented 21.6% of tourism. The aim is for this figure to rise to 35%+. The 2014 plan also aims to attract 1,000 investments into the tourism industry to include mainly 200 new lodgings with 90% being rated as boutique/echo-lodge/hotels and by increasing the number of hotel rooms to 12,000. In addition the plan highlights the necessity for investment in tourist promotion in order to attract holiday and business travellers to El Salvador.

Key sectors El Salvador wishes to focus on promoting are: MICE, sun and beach, cultural tourism, nature tourism to include volcano tourism, scientific tourism, photographic tourism, agroturismo, ornithological tourism; the cruise sector, surf tourism (many surf tourists and fans are based in the US or Mexico and so due to their geographical proximity are an ideal target market. Finally to attract the sport fishing sector.

El Salvador maybe the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, but it is big in many other ways and tourism is one of them! Make your next destination for business or leisure El Salvador ■

Your global e-news simplified!

Established in 1997, with 35 copies. In 2013 it reaches more than 22,600 International trade professionals across all travel and tourism industries in all 5 continents.

TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD MONTHLY is proud to be the global

media support for many emerging and leading destinations and exhibition organisers and events in travel, tourism and m.i.c.e around the world.

TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD MONTHLY offers many advertising

opportunities to assist in your global marketing campaign.

TOURISM AROUND THE WORLD MONTHLY is just one click away!

www.tourismaroundtheworld.co.uk

19 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk

20 www.tour ismaroundtheworld.co.uk