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The official ITB daily | 12 March 2011
Issue
4
Thai triumph
A positive 2010 has given Thailand
something to smile about. 3
Rio-ver the moon
Brazil goes nuts as it prepares to
host two mega-sporting events. 4
Fiesta Mexicana
All song and dance as tourists
flood back to Mexico. Great guns:
The US is
dishing out
the dollars
to boost
tourism.
Quake rocks Japan
New York and Orlando both set for 50 million visitors
US tourism – yes we can!
With up to $200 million in marketing funds burning a hole in their pockets,
American travel chiefs are confident of turning a good 2010 into a fantastic 2011
sar a m acefield
T
he US tourism industry is back with
a bang as rising arrivals and a surge
in marketing funds promise to make
it one of the most popular destinations on
the planet. Last year proved a crucial
turning point in the country’s recovery as
tourists flocked to the land of Uncle Sam in
greater numbers.
This year marks the launch of a new
tourism promotional fund that will channel huge sums into promoting “Destination USA” to the world. US Travel Association president and chief executive Roger
Dow claimed the funding of up to $200
million will propel the country into what
he termed the “top league”. Overseas arrivals rose two per cent in 2010 to reach a
total of 25.7 million.
“I think we are going to be up about 2.5
per cent this year, with spend rising by up
to six per cent,” said Dow. “The wild card
is what is going on in the Middle East and
the price of oil.”
Last year, the German market increased
nearly three per cent to 1.7 million, and
Dow predicted that it will hit 1.85 million
in 2011. However, economic woes in the
UK took their toll, reducing the number of
British visitors by 200,000 to 3.7 million.
But the UK is a rare black spot in an
otherwise optimistic picture for USA
7
tourism. American exhibitors said the
mood at this year’s ITB is more buoyant
than ever. “There is a lot of enthusiasm
and optimism. People are feeling bullish,”
said Christopher Heywood, NYC & Company vice-president of public relations.
Having attracted 48.7 million visitors
last year, New York hopes to hit 50 million
in 2012, but it may be beaten by Orlando.
The Florida theme park capital is confident
of becoming the first US destination to
welcome 50 million visitors in a single
year, helped by the magical draw of a
Harry Potter attraction at the Universal
theme park, which opened in 2010. fvw
Hall 2.1
Nations bordering the Pacific went
on tsunami alert yesterday after a
devastating earthquake hit Japan. At
least 1,000 people were reported
killed as a massive wave swept over
the country’s north-east coast.
Flights were cancelled at Tokyo’s
Narita airport. Following the 8.9
magnitude quake, said to be the
most powerful ever to hit Japan,
warnings were issued to potentially
affected nations and islands in the
Pacific Rim, including Australia, New
Zealand and the US state of Hawaii.
However, they were lifted for most
of the region later in the day. sm
See you next year! After four ITB Dailies
it’s time for the fvw team to head home
after another great week in Berlin.
A weekend of unbelievable. A lifetime of unforgettable.
Emirates Palace Hotel
Visit a world that exists beyond the imagination.
Where every wish is granted.
Every dream, indulged.
And every day is filled with exquisite luxury.
Here time is forgotten. Splendour is found.
In a place where extraordinary moments are born.
And you think you’ve seen it all?
Abu Dhabi. Travellers welcome.
Recommended as a Top 10 destination to visit by
Frommer’s and Lonely Planet travel guides. Visit us at Hall 22b, Stand No. 210.
daily 3
Tourism authority unveils Bangkok Stopover campaign
Editorial
Triumphant Thais
turn it around
Sales rocket in final quarter of 2010 after political
protests cause a mid-year decline
Paul Needham
fvw ITB Daily
English editor
Dear ITB visitor
Long-haul destinations have got off to an excellent start
in 2011. Whether North or South America, Asia or Africa,
most countries recovered well in 2010 and enjoyed
rising visitor figures. Good growth can be expected this
year too thanks to better economic conditions in most
major outbound markets. The main cloud on the
horizon is the rising oil price, which is being driven up
by uncertainty about the Middle East situation. If fuel
costs rise dramatically, this could put a brake on growth
for some destinations. Increasingly punitive departure
taxes in some European countries are not helping
either. However, most international trade visitors can
return home from ITB feeling confident about their
business prospects for the rest of the year.
Marketing budget trebled after 7.2 per cent visitor increase last year
Canada targets German holidaymakers
Canada is spending big on the German
market to boost visitor figures again this
year. In 2010, arrivals from Germany were
up 7.2 per cent to 332,000. “And 2011 will
be even better,” predicted a confident
Charles McKee, vice-president of the
Canadian Tourism Commission.
Positive factors include increased
marketing, a stronger German economy
and the Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Tourism chiefs have decided to focus their
spending on the country’s major source
markets. The budget for Germany has
been trebled, in part with funds taken
from the US market, McKee said. Canada
also plans to launch a new training
programme for German travel agents. pn
Hall 2.1, Stand 391
Strong Thais: 2010 ended 12 per cent higher than 2009, and the country is optimistic
about returning even better figures this year.
SAR A M ACEFIELD
T
hailand has plenty to smile about
as it starts 2011. Last year’s political
protests have been put well and
truly behind it after the tourist industry
staged a remarkable comeback in the
final months of 2010 to end on a high.
Despite a fall in demand from April to
September, tourists returned in strength
in the last three months of the year,
pushing arrivals up to 15.8 million, a 12
per cent rise over 2009. The recovery has
given the Tourism Authority of Thailand
confidence to predict another increase
this year to 16 million visitors.
TAT hopes two new campaigns will
stimulate further growth. A Bangkok
Stopover promotion, revealed at ITB this
week, aims to tap the 3.4 million passengers who pass through the city’s airport
each year on their way to other destinations. “We want to encourage people to
stop in Bangkok for a few days,” said TAT
Maldives tees up “floating golf”
Visitors could be playing one of the most unusual rounds in the world if a plan
being worked on by the Indian Ocean atoll nation comes to fruition
photo: Digital Vision
T
Water feature: The Maldives has leased
five lagoons near Male to a Dutch
company to create a unique golf course.
fvwdaily ITB 12.3.2011
ourists could be golfing on the
Maldives if a plan hatched by the
Indian Ocean country’s new
tourism minister takes off. Sceptics
might quip that golfers would be teeing off on one atoll and sinking their
putts on the next, but Mariym Zulfa
insists she is serious. Five lagoons
around the capital, Male, have been
leased to a Dutch firm which aims to
turn the “floating golf courses” project
into reality by 2013.
Another idea dreamed up by the
minister, who took up her post five
months ago, is for an international
beach games tournament. This has
been organised for September and will
be staged across several islands. In
addition, an angling competition will
take place in November.
More conventionally, several new
hotels will open on the Maldives this
year. The Six Senses Laamu will welcome guests from 2 April. The Per
Aquum Retreats & Resort Niyama on
the Dhaalu atoll could follow in October, and an Amari hotel is scheduled to
open on the Addu atoll in late 2011.
The Maldives saw strong growth last
year, with a 20.7 per cent rise to
792,000 international arrivals. Germany is the fourth-largest market for
the island nation behind China, the UK
and Italy. Last year, German visitor
numbers rose by 8,000 to 77,000. PN
Hall 5.2a, Stand 107
governor Suraphon Svetasreni. “This is a
good appetiser marketing campaign,
encouraging people to come back for the
main course of a holiday later.”
As part of the promotion, which launches officially in Europe next month,
TAT will offer discount vouchers for city
experiences. This week, TAT also
unveiled a link with Eva Air to attract
more European families as part of an
Amazing Thailand – Amazing Family
promotion. The deal includes special
child fares and free places for infants between May and October.
Thailand is stepping up its core Amazing Thailand campaign after adding the
tagline Always Amazes You to emphasise
the varied experiences the country offers
compared with other holiday destinations. It is also building on its green
credentials. This week, TAT launched its
first Green Awards for the German marfvw
ket at ITB.
Hall 26b, Stand 221
24 properties opening in 2011
New York hoteliers
spread their wings
A spate of hotel openings outside New
York’s midtown Manhattan tourist
hub is helping to open more of the Big
Apple to visitors. It may be the city
that never sleeps, but travellers
needing some shut-eye will soon be
able to choose from properties in
SoHo, Brooklyn, Queens and Harlem,
which is gaining its first new hotel
since 1967. New York’s 86,000 existing
hotel rooms will be bolstered by 24
additional properties in total this year.
September marks the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 World Trade Center
atrocity. Following commemorative
ceremonies on the 11th, a memorial to
those who died will be unveiled the
following day. sM
Hall 2.1, Stand 411
4 daily
Brazil trains hard
for big sports days
More Mecca hotels
Billions of dollars pumped into infrastructure
ahead of 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics
B
razil is kicking off a new
campaign to target niche
markets, and gearing up to
host two sporting mega-events
over the next few years.
The country is investing heavily
in infrastructure for the FIFA World
Cup in 2014 and Olympic Games
in 2016. It will spend $4 billion
alone on improving local transport
in 12 cities, and has pumped cash
into upgrading accommodation.
“We have enough hotels and are
now renovating and re-designing
the stadiums,” said Mário Moysés,
new president of the Brazil Tourist
Board (Embratur).
A new marketing campaign is
being developed to promote the
country’s diversity. “We want to
show the different faces of Brazil” said Moysés. “Many tourists
only think of Rio or the Iguazú
Falls, but the country has much
more to offer.”
The campaign will highlight
adventure trips, culture, cuisine
and sport, as well as the many different regions. Eco-tourism and
adventure travel in particular are
in the spotlight at ITB this year.
Brazil also wants to establish
itself as a leading destination for
gay tourists and has teamed up
with the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. Specific
products and services will be developed for this fast-growing market
segment. “Gay tourism is hugely
important for Brazil,” said Moysés.
In all, Brazil aims to grow last
year’s figure of 5.5 million foreign
tourists to eight million in 2014
and then higher still to ten million
by 2020. Embratur wants to stimulate sales from traditional markets
such as the UK and Germany, and
win more business from Scandinavia and South America. Last year,
tourist spending in Brazil rose 11.6
pn
per cent to $5.9 billion. On the cards:
Brazil is
selling diversity at
ITB this year,
ranging from
sport to specialist
gay holidays.
Hall 1.1, Stand 203
Three upmarket hotels directly
overlooking the Grand Mosque in
Mecca are opening to meet strong
peak-season demand in the city.
The 858-room, 76-storey Makkah
Clock Royal Tower, with a giant
40-metre clock showing “Mecca
Time”, and the 209-suite Raffles
Makkah Palace opened last year.
A 1,570-room Swissotel Makkah
will follow this summer. “There
were not enough rooms in the
past. These hotels solve a major
capacity problem,” said Khaled
Yamak, business development
director for all three properties.
Hall 22b, Stand 200a
Steigenberger adds
Steigenberger Hotels is set to
open 12 new hotels in Germany,
Austria and Switzerland between
now and 2013. The openings
include two properties in Bremen
and one at the new Berlin Brandenburg International airport.
Hall 9, Stand 218
Vietnam looks up
Pushing the
boat out:
Cruise
revenues
jumped
7.2 per cent
last year.
Research reveals bookings topped 1.6 million for 2010
German cruise market steams ahead
The German cruise market continued
to expand last year but average prices
dropped, according to the annual
market survey by the German Travel
Association (DRV). The research
revealed that a total of 1.6 million
Germans booked an ocean or river
cruise in 2010.
“The cruise market has been
getting bigger for years and proved
itself a growth driver again in 2010 for
the German tourism market,” said
Sebastian Ahrens, a member of the
DRV cruise committee.
Ocean cruise lines increased their
revenues 7.2 per cent to two billion
euros last year, while passenger
volumes soared 18.9 per cent to 1.2
million. The average cruise price
dropped by 185 euros. River cruises
were also popular, with a 9.3 per cent
rise to 433,000 passengers. The German
ocean cruise market is the secondlargest in Europe. PN
Travel GDP up 4.5 per cent in 2011
Tourism tipped to
create jobs galore
Travel and tourism will contribute an
additional 4.5 per cent to gross global
domestic product in 2011, according to
a forecast published by the World
Travel & Tourism Council. The research,
which was carried out in partnership
with Oxford Economics, said the
sector will create three million new
jobs globally this year.
Worldwide, tourism accounts for
99 million jobs directly and 259 million
indirectly, amounting to 8.9 per cent of
global employment. WTTC president
and CEO David Scowsill expects all
these figures to grow. “Over the next
ten years, travel and tourism’s contribution to GDP is forecast to rise by 4.2
per cent annually to $9.2 trillion,
creating 65 million new jobs,” he said.
“And by 2021, one in ten people on the
planet will be employed as a result of
travel and tourism.”
aC
Vietnam is celebrating excellent
figures for 2010, when foreign
arrivals soared 35 per cent to
5.1 million. France remained the
biggest European source market,
rising 15 per cent to 200,000.
Hall 26a, Stand 122
Berlin airport delay
Visitors flying into Berlin for ITB
next year will still be arriving at
the old Tegel and Schönefeld airports. The new Berlin Brandenburg International airport, which
is set to replace them, has postponed its opening by six months
to June 2012 owing to new safety
measures and delays caused by
the bad weather in winter 2010.
Hall 13, Stand 101
France tucks in
France has created an annual
Festival of French Gastronomy, to
be held every September.
Hall 2.2, Stand 201
6 daily
Ï⁄Ë£\ ã^Ñ
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is a very charming emirate which is
nested on the Hajar Mountains. It offers a colourful
landscape, beautiful beaches and glowing deserts.
This is all mixed with luxurious accommodations and
Arabian hospitality.
Dom Rep starts to put
itself back on track
Visitor numbers are recovering at last, although arrivals
from Europe took a worrying downturn last year
Republican party: The good times are beginning to return to the Dominican Republic, with
construction under way on a luxury resort on the east coast.
T
he Dominican Republic is on the
comeback trail. Visitor numbers
slumped during the economic
downturn of 2008 and 2009 but the
Caribbean nation returned to growth in
2010. Total visitor numbers rose four per
cent to 4.5 million.
European visitor numbers, however,
dropped slightly to 1.1 million. France
and Spain, the two largest European
source markets, slumped, while Italian
visitor numbers dropped by one-third
and the UK was also down.
Germany was the only major European source market to grow. More than
180,000 Germans flew to the country
last year, and there have been doubledigit growth rates for the destination
since last summer.
Undeterred by these mixed trends,
the Dominican Republic is building up
its tourism infrastructure. Tourism association Consejo de Fomento Turístico has
launched 34 projects in which as much
as $3.5 billion will be invested over the
next decade.
The mega-project Cap Cana, a luxury
resort on the popular east coast, is
making progress. Construction is under
way on the self-proclaimed six-star Eden
Roc hotel, which is scheduled to open
this November. The 9,000 sq m complex, owned by Solaya Hotels & Resorts,
will contain 38 suites and 43 rooms.
Each will have a private swimming pool
and wellness area.
The $25 million Eden Roc will
become one of the Leading Hotels of the
World and aims to position itself as “the
Monaco of the Caribbean”, according to
Solaya president Franck Messiah. The
neighbouring holiday villa complex
Sotogrande, covering 52,000 sq m, will
feature 122 units in 13 buildings.
The Dominican Republic aims to
convince Europeans that it has more to
offer than just beaches. It is promoting
the cultural heritage of Santo Domingo,
“the first city in the New World”, and
hopes to attract music fans to annual
merengue festivals in the capital and
Puerto Plata.
In addition, tourism chiefs are aiming
to develop eco-tourism and activity holidays, while the country’s golf courses
and 11 blue flag beaches are also being
PN
highlighted. Hall 3.1, Stand 109
Lavish development combines beaches, golf and art
Abu Dhabi builds holiday island next door
A new holiday island is taking shape in the
Gulf. Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, 500m from
the main city, is intended to become a
popular destination for beach holidays combined with golf and culture. The first homes
have been completed, along with the 18-hole
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
The 300-room Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel
and Villas will be the first hotel to open on
the island later this year. In November,
Starwood will open the 380-room St Regis
Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi. Mandarin
Oriental, Shangri-La and Rotana are all
building properties on the island as well.
One major feature of the island will be a
Cultural District. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is set
to open in 2013, followed by a Guggenheim
Museum and national museum. PN
Hall 22b, Stand 210
Culture vultures: The new Saadiyat
Island includes a Cultural District.
ITB 12.3.2011 fvwdaily
daily 7
Russian arrivals set to soar
Asia Pacific looks
forward to growth
Foreign visits to Asia Pacific countries
will grow just under seven per cent
over the next three years, according to
figures released at ITB by the Pacific
Asia Travel Association. Some of the
highest growth will result from more
travel within the region. Russia is also
likely to surge as a source market, up
13 per cent annually by 2013.
European visitor numbers will rise
at a slower rate of five to six per cent,
Foreign tourists up four per cent in 2010
Mexico toasts
booking fiesta
Negative stories about drug wars have not
prevented a boom in sales, says minister
Pa u l n e e d h a m
photo: brand x
M
Building for success: Travel to Asia Pacific is
forecast to grow seven per cent annually.
but PATA deputy CEO John Koldowski
stressed that the region remains of
crucial importance to Asia. “Europeans
rate very highly on other more sensitive measures of holiday activity. They
tend to stay much longer than many
other source markets and also tend to
spend more,” he said. aC
Hall 26a, Stand 101
exico is back on the tourism map
in a big way in spite of negative
publicity about drugs wars and
safety fears. The country had a boom year
in 2010 and is looking forward to another
wave of visitors this year.
“All our source markets grew apart from
Cuba,” said tourism minister Gloria Guevara Manzo. The total number of foreign
tourists visiting Mexico rose 4.4 per cent
to 22 million last year.
The land of mariachis and Mayans generated strong growth both from Europe and
South America. The number of Russians
flying to Mexico on holiday doubled last
year, while Spain and Argentina both grew
more than 30 per cent.
Germany, the seventh-largest source
market for Mexico, also did well. The number of Germans visiting the country rose
16 per cent to 163,000. “And 97
per cent of them return,” said
the minister.
Guevara Manzo denied that
the highly publicised “drug
wars” on the US border and in
Mexico City are having any
effect on travel to Mexico. “They
do not impact tourism,” she
said. She added that the distance
Outstanding heritage: Mexico is celebrating its
from the US border to the main
Mayan and colonial past at ITB this year.
tourist regions is enormous.
“When something bad happens
in Madrid, that does not stop
people from travelling to Moscow,” she traditional destinations, such as the Riviera
said, trying to make clear to Europeans just Maya, as well as its colonial heritage and
cultural attractions. New tourist routes
how big the country is.
have been created for the central Mexican
Mexico is spending more to cash in on its colonial cities.
success and has declared 2011 as its Year of
In all, Mexico has invested about $1 bilTourism. The marketing budget has been lion in its tourism infrastructure over the
fvw
increased by 17 per cent to $700 million. last four years.
Hall 1.1, Stand 102
The country will continue to promote its