Northstar

www.travelweekly-asia.com 22 | ITB ASIA Official Dailies news "Leisure travel is no longer a luxury item confined to the western world - it is a necessity demanded by growing, affluent middle classes." gLEnn dE SoUZA "Whatever suits you, honey, but i quite fancy Bora Bora." The mood might be subdued in some parts of the world but fair to say many in the travel industry in Asia believe the region has the unique products, the people and the outstanding destinations to jump most hurdles. Mark Simmons, outrigger Resorts VP sales and marketing, Asia-Pacific is someone who believes the cup is half full rather than half empty. He says Asia is looking at a "generally positive" 2015. "Political influences in Asia seem to have improved. Continued stability in 2015 will benefit inbound and outbound markets across our properties and source markets." Simmons points to air access and the growth of LCCs to be a major driver of business next year. "if there is a concern, it is Russia/ CiS which is an important source market for our properties in South East Asia." Simmons says key markets in Asia Pacific in 2015 for the upper scale resort sector will see continued growth from China and Australia in particular, "which is where we have increased our sales and marketing resources this year". From Europe, outrigger sees positives from the Uk. "key sectors across outrigger's portfolio are FiT leisure, family travel and a return to improved business levels in the MiCE market," Simmons says. Country to watch in 2015? Mark Simmons: "China will continue to be the fastest growing source market in the region." glenn de Souza, vice president international operations, Best Western, says, "considering all the challenges the world has had to cope with in recent years, it is remarkable that the travel industry has just kept on growing". "Leisure travel is no longer a luxury item confined to the western world - it is a necessity demanded by growing, affluent middle classes across the globe, including Asia," de Souza says. "And the continued growth in demand for corporate travel shows that, despite all the recent technological advances, there is no substitute for face-to-face contact. Continued FroM page 1. "We may see some setbacks along the way, both predictable and unforeseen, but i believe the travel and hospitality industries will continue to grow in 2015 and beyond. "We will add our first ever hotel in Bhutan next year, following on from our debut in Sri Lanka in 2014." Country to watch in 2015? Glenn de Souza: "Indonesia. The rise of a huge middle class in Indonesia will be something to behold." Sheryl Lim, insight vacations regional director, Asia, expects insight's business will do better in 2015, especially with the introduction of new travel destinations such as Croatia, Channel islands, Bulgaria and Serbia. "people's aspirations to travel and see new places will continue to rise," she says. "Besides Singapore and Malaysia being the predominant markets from Asia, philippines, indonesia, Hong kong and india will be our opportunities for more growth." Country to watch in 2015? Sheryl Lim: "Philippines because of the stability of the government and growth in the economy and the rise of the middle class families." Wendy Wu Tours managing director in Australia, Alan Alcock, says all the signs for 2015 are that Asia will attract strong interest. "The declining (Aussie) dollar plays into this, but also geo-political factors are important," he says. "geographically, the interest in Asia will be destinations around the edges, such as Sri Lanka, Japan, Myanmar, philippines and Maldives. "There will be interest in cultural touring, especially in Sri Lanka, Japan and Myanmar, but unique beach destinations will also prevail in places such as the Maldives and the philippines. Country to watch in 2015? Alan Alcock: "Philippines. Long ignored due to a misplaced reputation, the Philippines is emerging again with some of the most beautiful and world- class resorts. This is one destination that is set to be a holiday spot of choice for sun seekers wanting to get away from the mass market." Carmen Lam, vice president, sales and marketing, Asia Pacific, for FRHi Hotels & Resorts said the hotel company is expecting business to be better in 2015. "on the geo-political front, the economies of Southeast Asia, including the philippines, indonesia and Singapore, are still going strong. "While we saw much unrest in Thailand this year, the situation there has since stabilised. in China, with the government austerity drive in place, we have developed alternative revenue streams and managed our operations for the new norm. "Within FRHi, there is much to look forward too as well. We have three hotels opening in indonesia – Raffles Jakarta, Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali and Fairmont Jakarta. "Following the completion of a multi-million dollar renovation at Fairmont Singapore, we are running at full inventory again, but with beautiful, newly styled rooms. "in China, two hotels which we opened in end-2013, Raffles Hainan and Fairmont nanjing, are ramping up and fast gaining traction." Lam said FRHi is keeping a close eye on sectors such as family travel, multi-generational travel, the luxury segment of leisure travel, and weddings. Country to watch in 2015? Carmen Lam: Indonesia, because of the election of President Joko Widodo, the "man of the people", and we have three hotels opening there in the first quarter." Clockwise from top: glenn de Souza, Best Western vice president, international operations, Asia & The Middle East; Carmen Lam, vice president, Sales & Marketing, FRHi Hotel and Resort, Asia Pacific; Mark Simmons, outrigger Resorts vp sales and marketing, Asia-Pacific. ASiA oUTLook: iT'S Looking good FoR 2015

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