Northstar

TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA O F F I C I A L D A I L I E S www.travelweekly-asia.com 25 26 October 2017 BY LEE XIN HUI //////From The Conference Grounds By Bing J Jaleco Vinitee Mishra, global travel manager, Utopia Global, Inc "Automation for the industry is good because lots of people lack the time to call someone for information. The ITB Asia crowd is from many different countries which is great. I can see the industry growing from one level to the next." C onnectivity will be the growth driver for the Philippines' MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions) sector as the destination pushes on with its tourism infrastructure development programme. Aileen C. Clemente, chairman and president of Rajah Travel Corp., presented the prospects for the Philippine MICE industry during the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS) yesterday at ITB Asia. "Connectivity in the Philippines is growing with 11 international airports now in operation. Affordability and accessibility are key," Clemente said. The increase in the number of international gateways, and the expansion and upgrading of bigger ones like NAIA, Clark, Mactan-Cebu, and Davao, have put key MICE markets within a travel time of between two and four hours. Roadmap for growth Clemente said this enhances the competitiveness of the Philippines as a MICE destination. She also added that the industry is now getting the much- needed backing from the Philippine government. "MICE is a priority market for the Philippines. PACEOS, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Board of Investments (BOI) are crafting a MICE roadmap to address key issues and concerns," Clemente said. The Philippines' BOI is putting funding for the crafting of the roadmap, a blueprint for calibrating related programmes by different agencies. The investments board is also prodded by the growth of business travel in the country since 2016. The roadmap will also cover other issues like manpower development, infrastructure enhancement, and other concerns that have a long-term impact on MICE development in the Philippines. The DOT says the MICE industry was identified as a priority, and would be key in the drive to hit 12 million visitor arrivals by 2022. FOR PHILIPPINES, IT'S ALL ABOUT CONNECTIONS If all you've heard about Rwanda is the reference "Africa's red dot", it is time to learn more, says Khassim Bizimungu, emerging markets specialist, tourism department, tourism marketing division, Rwanda Development Board. "Whatever you can find in Africa, you can get in Rwanda. We're talking about safaris with the big five (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhinos, buffalo) , as well as the mountain gorillas," said Bizimungu. He elaborated that gorilla trekking in the Virunga-Bwindi region (straddling Rwanda, Congo and Uganda) is the flagship experience for travellers to Rwanda; the chance to view this endangered species – its population numbers at 880 – from as near as seven meters away is once-in-a-lifetime. Just like Singapore, Rwanda also offers peace of mind for travellers. Last year, it was ranked as the ninth safest destination in the world by the World Economic Forum (Singapore was ranked sixth). While Rwanda's top market is currently the US, Asia represents an emerging market, which explains why it has chosen to debut at ITB Asia this year. "In 2017, we have seen a 20% increase in bookings, particularly from small family groups from Hong Kong and Singapore," said Jacqui Sebageni, managing director, Thousand Hills Africa, who has worked with Country Holidays Singapore, Lightfoot Travel and A2A Safaris. China and Japan are also growing source markets. Interest from the Indian market has also increased, according to Sajid Siddiquee, director, Gilpin Tours and Travel Management (India) Pvt. Ltd., a buyer at ITB Asia. He said, "Indians prefer new destinations and want a different experience. Connectivity is also good, now that direct flights [on Rwandan Airways] between Mumbai and Kigali have launched in April." Currently, citizens from Hong Kong, Philippines and Singapore do not require a visa to get to Rwanda. RWANDA PROMISES AFRICA'S BIG FIVE (PLUS ONE) Shalika Padmasiri, operations executive, Thambili Island "It's my first time at ITB Asia, but our company has been here four times. The best thing is we can meet all our suppliers in person and get the best rates, as well as the exposure." Jan Tanner, director, Earth Wanderer Ltd. "It's been interesting, busy and a little chaotic, but in a good way. So far, it's been a good variety of delegates." Caitrin Moh, senior MICE manager, Korea Tourism Organization "We aim to promote Korea as one of the best MICE destinations in the region. We've many exciting and unique programmes and activities available throughout the year, for all ages and for varying interests." Meddy Djojoadisoeprapto, managing director, Corporate Room Deal "This is the first time our company is at ITB Asia. It's very beneficial for us to be here because I get to meet a lot of hotels and promote it to our corporate clients in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore." Jacqui Sebageni, managing director, Thousand Hills Africa

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