Tourists urged to support tsunami-hit destinations

NEW figures indicate that some tsunami-affected destinations are in the tourism doldrums more than seven months after the December 26 tsunami.

The figures are contained in a post-tsunami update jointly published by Visa International Asia Pacific and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

They reveal that the Thai resort of Phuket is still struggling to recover from the after-effects of the tsunami, with arrivals down 40% and spending down 30%.

The current update shows that total air arrivals into Phuket were down by 42% in the first half of the year, with international direct air arrivals down 67.2%.

International spending by international Visa cardholders in Phuket fell by as much as 65% four weeks after the tsunami struck on December 26, last year.

Spending briefly recovered for a few weeks in March before dropping again, with average declines of between 20 and 40% through until the end of July.

International arrivals to the Maldives are down 46% year-on-year. Spending in the Maldives plummeted by as much as 50% in January and February, improving steadily through to July, but still down, year-on-year by about 10%.

"As at June this year, weekly scheduled seat capacity to Phuket for instance had dropped almost 18% and at least four carriers have stopped flying the route.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) statistics show an upward trend in arrivals in comparison to the previous year. "This is attributed to good marketing campaign, special and the faith tourists have on the destination," an official of the SLTB said.

The update paints a brighter picture for Sri Lanka, where spending began to recover in May and the year-on-year growth rate has since hovered around 10%. Total arrivals are also on the upswing, although there are still declines in occupancy rates in areas such as Galle.

PATA President and CEO, Peter de Jong said it was time for travellers and the travel industry to rally behind the destinations.

"Jong urged regional airlines to ensure there was sufficient air capacity, and attractively priced airfares, to encourage consumers to return.

Visa International Executive Vice President, South and Southeast Asia, James Murray said he fully supported PATA's call for action, saying the latest figures were further demonstration of the importance of tourism to the economies of Asia Pacific.

(Courtesy: pata communications)

Induruwa Resort offers packages

THE Induruwa Beach Resort is promoting special packages for locals for the forthcoming season.

According to Group General Manager of the Hotel Ranjith Balalsuriya the demand from locals to the hotel are on the increase.

"This is because of the location of the hotel and the facilities we provide," he said. The star class hotel located 40 miles from Colombo offers 90 luxurious rooms, including six suites.

With their very own private balcony and terrace, all rooms have its own view of the sea with air conditioning, I.D.D facilities, Star TV and Mini Fridge. All rooms have hot/cold water with attached toilet/bath.

The fresh water pool, side bar, the beach bar or the roof -top restaurant bar and the modern gymnasium, water sports and 24 hour room service, Calypso Band and Folklore Music too are some of the other attractions of the hotel.

Induruwa Beach Hotel also includes a health club, sauna, billiards, table tennis, darts and carrom.

The hotel is owned and operated by Ocean View Ltd, and their sister hotel is Villa Ocean View hotel Wadduwa which has 142 rooms and six suites.

Qatar first middle East country to host World Tourism Day

THE State of Qatar will host this year's World Tourism Day on the 27th of September. Celebrations will include Qatar's first National Tourism Conference and a series of accompanying events, announced Qatar Tourism Authority.

Qatar will take this opportunity to evaluate its remarkable achievements in establishing itself as a tourism destination and important player in international travel.

At the same time it will commence a new era of public-private partnership in tourism, especially in light of ambitious plans for the forthcoming period, including infrastructure associated with the new airport and organization of events such as the Asian Games in 2006.

World Tourism Day (WTD) is celebrated worldwide every 27th September. The World Tourism Organization (WTO) General Assembly at its 15th session in Beijing, China (2003), designated Qatar to be the first WTD host country in the Middle East.

"It (WTD) will be a day of a special importance for our country," said the Chairman of the Qatar Tourism Authority Akbar Al Baker.

The theme of this year's WTD is "Travel and Transport: From the Imagination of Jules Verne to 21st Century Reality".

Speakers at the National Tourism Conference will include the WTO Secretary-General Francesco Frangialli and representatives of Qatar's hotel industry, travel agencies and other segments.

"We expect an enriching conference, which will facilitate an important dialogue between the private and the public sectors." Main partner of the event will be Qatar Airways.

Several accompanying events will highlight the importance of tourism among the local population. "We shall convey a clear message that tourism, if developed and managed in a sustainable manner will benefit our culture, environment, economy and enhance the positive image of Qatar in the world," the QTA Chairman. Akbar Al Baker underscored.

Target goes to Myanmar again

THE second tour of Myanmar for 2005, organised by Target Travels (Pvt) Ltd will take place from September 26 to October 2 with all the luxury frills and 4 domestic flights, namely Yangon, Bagan, Bagan/Mandalay, Mandalay/Heho, Heho/Yangon.

The places of visits include the world famous Shwedagon Chethiya (The Buddha's Hair Relics), Sule Pagoda, Shwezigon (Frontal Bone of the Buddha). Bagan (City with million Pagodas). Mandalay, Amarapura (You can participate giving alms (Dana) to more than 1,000 Monks and novices at one place), Pindaya Caves, Bago and the new addition of Kyitiyo Golden Rock Temple which a person may think will fall of any moment. This could be the highlight of the tour.

Luxury hotels, meals, site visits and luxury air conditioned coach with English speaking (Lady) guide are included in a package.

More details could be obtained on [email protected].

Travel to play bigger role in school curriculum

A new travel organisation, the Tourism Promotion Organization for Asia-Pacific Cities - known simply as TPO - will focus on promoting overseas trips by the millions of schoolchildren in its member cities.

TPO, which is devoted to linking the tourism potential of Asia-Pacific cities, approved the proposal at its 2nd General Assembly in Fukuoka last week. Other approved plans include the creation of a discount card scheme and the development of a travel agency network among member cities.

Overseas trips to gain better insights into history, culture and heritage are part of the school curriculum in Japan and South Korea, where governments provide financial support to help keep the travel prices low and ensure that they are accessible for students of families from all income groups.

The two countries, which are the major financial and administrative supporters of TPO, now want to encourage the expansion of this scheme throughout the Asia-Pacific.

The TPO resolution says that encouraging schoolchildren to travel will create a whole new generation of future travellers as well as leaders with a much wider and enlightened perspective of the world around them.

From a business standpoint, it will help generate additional revenue streams for inbound and outbound tour operators, plus airlines, two- and three-star hotels, museums, arts and culture galleries, and many more travel & tourism products.