FEATURE FAR EAST CITIES & BEACHES
then factor in the ever-broadening draw of countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines, the number of different potential combinations becomes apparent. For UK tourists it helps that air access to the area is comprehensive. Carriers like EVA Air, Korean Air and Bangkok Airways continue to provide options both into and around the region, while there’s also been the introduction of brand new routes such as Vietnam Airlines’ service between London and Hanoi and Etihad’s service into Chengdu. With high-end accommodation
increasing, meanwhile, destinations that were once the preserve of intrepid backpackers are now becoming more mainstream propositions. The Far East hasn’t been without its
problems, of course. Tragic one-off events like the Japanese tsunami and the flash floods around Bangkok last year have had a marked effect on how some potential visitors view their holiday options. But there have been positive stories too. The colourful nation of Burma, or Myanmar, is now back on the travel radar, for example, while visitor figures to places like Korea and Singapore continue to buck the economic trend. In fact. with the current financial situation, perhaps the biggest selling point for twin-centre breaks is that they can effectively offer multiple holidays in one. Clients will be getting more for their money and agents will be making more margin, so if a fortnight away can incorporate both a pulsating city-break and a relaxing beach stay, it’s an attractive prospect.
What’s New In addition to Vietnam Airlines’ new Gatwick route, Etihad Airways – which recently started flying to Chengdu – has announced plans to commence a Shanghai service in March. Within the region, meanwhile,
Main picture left: The Singapore Flyer. Above, from top: Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands; Ubud, Bali (courtesy H&J); Chiang Mai, Thailand
Singapore Airlines has unveiled its own budget carrier, Scoot, which will fly to cities in Australia and China from next summer, and Thai Airways has its own low-cost brand, Thai Smile Air, due to take to the skies in July. Elsewhere, Air Asia X will end its Gatwick to Kuala Lumpur flights next month. For visitors to East Asia, All Nippon Airlines commenced a Frankfurt- Tokyo service last month, while Korean Air will start an extra three flights a week from the UK to Seoul in April.
Also in Korea, Asiana Airlines has launched a service between Heathrow and Incheon. Meanwhile, Air China has confirmed it will fly to Beijing from Gatwick as well as Heathrow, with four weekly flights from May.
Tourism Talk
CHRIS LEE Trade Marketing Manager, Tourism Authority of Thailand
“We’re expecting 2011 to have been more or less the same as 2010, so around 760,000 visitors from the UK. We’ve been in a situation for a while where without various incidents we would be showing very strong figures. “We’re very confident of a good 2012 because Thailand offers fantastic value for money. Twin centres are hugely beneficial for both agents and clients. If people restrict themselves to just one place they’re missing the diversity.”
EUNICE YEO Area Director for N & W Europe, Singapore Tourism Board
“The latest figures show more than 231,000 people visited from the UK between January and June 2011 – total international visitors were 6.2 million, which was a 15% increase on the same period in 2010. There’s been a wave of new hotels, including ‘flashpacker hostels’, as well as restaurants and shops. Visitors are staying longer than ever before too. 2012 sees the opening of the Gardens by the Bay complex, as well as a new cruise terminal.”
From The Front Line KERRY TOWERS
Far East Product and Purchasing Manager Travel 2
“Asia has always had a strong tradition of providing exceptional value for money and there are some incredible value-for-money offers available across the region at the moment. It puts it way ahead of other long haul destinations. We’re seeing the traditional beach destinations of Thailand continuing to flourish, as well as an increase in passengers to Bali. The new direct Vietnam Airlines service from Gatwick is creating demand too.”
MANUEL MASCARENHAS Managing Director UK, Wendy Wu Tours “We’ve had a very
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