FEATURE MALAYSIA, SINGAPORE, BRUNEI From the Front Line
HAMISH KAUMAYA DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING SUNSET FARAWAY HOLIDAYS “Because of the problems in Thailand, Malaysia’s definitely taken market share
this year – we’ve seen a 35% growth in bookings. Tanjung Rhu on Langkawi is our biggest seller. Borneo’s another big riser, and we’re introducing two- or three-day add- ons for people who want to see the orang-utans.”
highlight the diversity of the destination in terms of personal travel experiences. The bigger news, however, lies in the recent openings of Resorts World Sentosa (playing home to, among other things, a Universal Studios theme park) and Marina Bay Sands, a large- scale casino resort with a 55-storey high 'Sky Park’. In Malaysia, the most high-profile recent openings are The Danna, a five- star resort located close to the airport on the west coast of Langkawi, and the Golden Palm Tree, which has opened its doors on the newly developed Sepang Goldcoast. It offers visitors almost 400 over-
water villas. Among various agent promotions for the SE Asia region, Sunset Faraway Holidays will be offering double reward points on holidays sold to Singapore and Malaysia to coincide with its new brochure in October.
TOURISM TALK ABDUL RAUF ABU HASSAN DIRECTOR UK & IRELAND, TOURISM MALAYSIA “Last year from the UK we had just over 435,000 visitors – that was 15% up on the year
before – and by the end of 2010 we’re expecting that figure to have risen by between five and eight per cent. We’re looking at 470,000 at least. I think the appeal has definitely been that Malaysia is a value-for-money destination. "Right now there are lots of attractive
prices an offers in the marketplace from airlines and tour operators. We’re going to be continuing our promotional work at the same time – we had a large presence at the Chelsea Flower Show this year, and we’ll be doing that again in 2011.”
BEV PRIDMORE PRODUCT & CONTRACTS MANAGER HAYES & JARVIS
“Malaysia was doing well anyway, but has had a really good pick-up since the
problems in Thailand. Borneo is very big for us at the moment – the Shangri La Rasa Ria in Sabah is one of our top sellers. And we’re expecting more family interest in Singapore with the opening of the resorts there – there’s so much new product out there.”
DAVID CARLAW HEAD OF FARAWAY PRODUCT PREMIER HOLIDAYS
“Brunei is an excellent and interesting add-on to any Borneo holiday, particularly for repeat
visitors to the Far East who want to experience something different. The half-day sightseeing trip we offer taking in Brunei’s main city and surrounds gives a good insight into how the country has developed so rapidly after discovering oil. The five- star Empire Hotel and Country Club is a best seller for us.”
BETH ALCORN PRODUCT & MARKETING MANAGER EMIRATES TOURS UK
“Malaysia is growing in popularity. It's perfect for twin-centre breaks which offer visitors
something entirely different in each location. For example, Borneo perfectly complements a twin-centre stay with the time in Kuala Lumpur. We’re seeing more interest in the Singapore to Bangkok Eastern and Oriental Express train too.”
www.sellinglonghaul.com • September 2010 33
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