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Asia Pacific is powering ahead as one of the most dynamic regions for world tourism in 2010. Outbound travel is increasing at double-digit rates and will end this year well ahead of 2008 levels, thus setting a new record, according to the newly-published ITB World Travel Trends Report from Messe Berlin. The prospects for further growth in 2011 are looking good.

Asia Pacif ic is demonstrating this year that it is one of the engines driving world tourism forwards. In 2009 there was a nine percent drop in outbound trips by Asians due to the impact from the worldwide economic downturn. But the region is more than bouncing back in 2010, the ITB World Travel Trends Repor t found. Asian outbound travel showed strong growth of 15 percent over the fi rst eight months and is expected to end the year showing a 14 percent rise on 2009 (due to comparison with the already

improving Q4 2009 figures). This result will set a new all-time high since volumes are expected to be four percent ahead of the previous record year of 2008.

The booming outbound Asian markets this year are China, South Korea and Malaysia, which are all increasing at more than 20 percent, while Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and India are also growing at double-digit rates, the report from Messe Berlin showed.

“These f igures conf irm the optimism that people were already demonstrating at this year’s ITB Asia in October,” commented Nino Gruettke, executive director ITB Asia. “Prospects are looking good for 2011.” Messe Berlin, which has successfully organised the ITB Berlin for 45 years, launched ITB Asia in 2008 in Singapore through its subsidiary Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd to create a leading trade show for all sectors of the Asia

Worldhotels expands in India

Hotel

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Vol. 10 | 28 December 2010 | www.travelweeklyweb.com | Published by Travel & Meetings Group, Ten Alps Communications Asia Pte Ltd

Feature: New Year WishesThe Indispensable Travel Industry Read

Hotel

Pacifi c travel industry. I n t e rms o f de s t i n a t ions ,

76 percent of Asian trips are to countries within the region, while 13 percent are to Europe and 10 percent to the Americas. This year Asia will increase its market share as a destination for Asian travellers given a 17 percent growth rate, but the Americas (+20 percent) are also proving popular for Asians this year. European inbound from Asia is growing at a more modest eight percent and should reach 10.4 million trips by Asians this year, according to the report.

In comparison to the strong Asian growth, total world outbound t r ave l i s re cove r i ng we l l bu t more moderately this year and is expected to grow seven percent after a four percent decline in 2009. This means that Asia Pacif ic will increase its share of the overall world outbound trave l market this year.

At present Asia accounts for 18 percent of world outbound tourism, compared to 59 percent for Europe but is already ahead of the Americas (17 percent). Given its dynamic growth, the region is expected to continue winning market share in the years to come.

Dynamic Asia heads for new record in 2010

Destinations in Asia like Apulit Island Resort continue to draw Asian travellers.

As we go into 2011, let’s hear from the iwishes for the New Year are

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia: All I want for New Year’s is the breakup of monopolies.

Robert Bailey, President and CEO, Abacus International Pte Ltd: On behalf of Abacus, I take this opportunity to extend best wishes to all for a peaceful and prosperous New Year 2011. The New Year is a time for resolutions, for pledging to make changes and develop opportunities as individuals, as families, as companies and as communities. For the New Year 2011, let us take stock of our past, and at the same time plan for the future.

2010 has been a phenomenal year for the travel industry. Travel has rebounded with renewed consumer confi dence. Social media and mobile are changing the way we market, operate and run our business. Innovation has driven technology to a higher level. Certainly at Abacus, we are excited with the changes that are taking place and look forward to helping the industry tap on these opportunities.

Brett Henry, VP, Marketing and VP, India, Abacus International Pte Ltd: Online and mobile look to be the key drivers for the travel industry in 2011, and thus we need to help our customers understand and adopt technology to make the most of this opportunity for both themselves as well as the end consumer. Business operations have undergone much change these past two years driven by economic demands as well as technological advancements.

2011 is going to be another fantastic year of discovering new challenges and opportunities, and I am personally excited by the solutions and services that Abacus will bring to the market to address them.

As we look forward to another brilliant year for travel, let us also appreciate those that have made 2010 an incredible year. I would like to thank all our customers, partners and the brilliant Abacus teams across the 24 markets for their strong support and faith. Happy New Year and Happy Holidays!

Gaurav Bhushan, senior vice president Development, Accor: For 2011 I am hoping for a few more hours in each day. With strengthened finance markets and buoyant economies throughout the region, Accor Asia Pacifi c is expecting to have a very busy year of expansion in 2011.

Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific – Hilton Worldwide: In 2010, natural calamities, political uncertainties and economic challenges continued to impact the recovery of the hospitality industry. For 2011, I wish that as an industry, we can collectively focus on responsible and sustainable growth, in order to contribute to global prosperity, stability and peace.

Tony Soh, chief corporate officer, The Ascott Limited: As Ascott continues to expand its global network of serviced residences in 2011 and beyond, our wish is that our business growth and success will give us more opportunities to make a meaningful difference wherever we operate, both in supporting underprivileged children in local communities, and embracing environmentally sustainable business practices.

Janet McNab, general manager of the first Four Points by Sheraton hotel in Thailand: My wish for 2011 is to keep a balanced life between work and personal time. I would like to run a half marathon. Keeping fi t and healthy is key for me to stay motivated. As my hotel will have its fi rst year of operation, keeping up the vision and making sure our guests, staff and owners are happy with our performance is a key focus. I am also looking forward to my annual break of a month in Italy. If I achieve these things I will be able to cross some of the items off in my bucket list.

New Year Wishe

www.travelweeklyweb.com 4 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | 27 DECEMBER 2010

Tony Fernandes

Robert Bailey

Cary Gray

Gaurav Bhushan

Roland Jegge

Motonari Adachi

Pieter Idenburg

Simon Barlow

Tony Soh

www.travelweeklyweb.comFEATURE

the industry leaders what their

shes

Lisa Akeroyd, regional director, Asia Pacific Business Solutions, Amadeus:

My new year wish for 2011 is to continue improving on my Personal Best - both in my role at Amadeus, helping customers achieve the best results using our corporate travel technology, as well as in triathlons and surfi ng – my weekend passions.

Roland Jegge, VP Asia Pacifi c, Worldhotels: On a personal front, my wish for 2011 is one for more Peace, Harmony and for greater understanding and tolerance between different peoples and nations. May more Asian countries open up to the world like Myanmar and Bhutan did recently. Professionally, I wish the New Year brings my Team and I as much success as 2010 did!

Cary Gray, GM, W Taipei: To open the W Taipei successfully (and in electrifying hot manner!!).

Personally, there is a wonderful New Year’s wish I believe in and offer! In the New Year, may your right hand always be extended in friendship and love, never in want.”

Andrew Kam, MD, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort: As Hong Kong Disneyland Resort celebrates its 5th anniversary, I wish the coming Year of the Rabbit will bestow everyone with fi ve Chinese blessings – good fortune, prosperity, good health, happiness and great wealth.

Craig Seaward, GM, W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak: It is going to be a big year with the debut of W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak! It has been an exciting journey to spearhead the opening of this much-hyped Retreat. I’m very much looking forward to present magical experiences to our guests and of course, more time with my family.

Edward Liu, PBM, president, AFECA (Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations); SACEOS (Singa-pore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers): As we step into 2011, I pray and wish for more peace and harmony in the world as well as new opportunities for the MICE industry in Singapore and beyond.

Nichlas Maratos, senior director, sales and marketing operations, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Asia Pacifi c: On the business front, I hope that Asia continues to boom, with no major crises or disasters. On the personal front: To exceed my personal goal of visiting at least two new countries each year.

Simon Barlow, president, Carlson Hotels, Asia Pacifi c: 2009 was a challenging year due to the fi nancial crisis. 2010 has seen a positive rebound in Asia Pacifi c, and my wish for the Year of the Rabbit is

www.travelweeklyweb.com 27 DECEMBER 2010 | TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA ■ | 5

continuation of the strong business momentum in the region.

Anthony Chan, group managing director, Chan Brothers: World peace, reduced confl icts, a stable economy and growth that promotes positive travel sentiments and better bottom lines. From a personal perspective, to spend more quality time with the family.

Motonari Adachi, executive director, JNTO Singapore Office: Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) would like to wish you a Blessed and Wonderful New Year. We hope more Singaporeans will discover endless attractions in Japan via the new gateway HANEDA!

Pieter Idenburg, CEO, Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre:

Good Health for everyone. 2010 was an exciting and buoyant year for Suntec Singapore and the MICE industry. May we have many more good years ahead!

Brett Henry

Lisa Akeroyd

Andrew Kam

Craig Seaward

Anthony Chan

Nichlas Maratos

Martin Rinck

Edward Liu

Janet McNab

FEATUREwww.travelweeklyweb.com