ASIA 3-5 20/10/09 11:18 Page 54
knowledge asia
ttglive.com
Winter breaks
Long-haul breaks to Asia are currently being marketed as cheaper alternatives to European getaways
capacity is still expected to have increased by
about 6,000 rooms by the end of this year,
Asia looks to
and resorts such as Laguna Phuket (pictured)
are pressing ahead with expansion plans and
new openings.
It means a vast array of special offers at
just about every hotel. Promotions include
UK for sales
free extra nights, free meals, and free
accommodation for children.
Sample price: One week’s bed and breakfast at
the three-star Patong Beach Hotel costs from
£285 with Qantas Holidays. The price includes
Resorts in Asia are trying hard to attract UK holidaymakers airport transfers but not UK flights.
looking for a winter beach break. Howard Carr rounds
■
qantasholidays.co.uk/agents
up some old favourites, and some newcomers
Khao Lak
This “hideaway” resort was one of Thailand’s
H
ead east, young man. That’s “Anything that is not open by this month fastest-growing destinations before the 2004
the advice from the Post Office, has not been considered for brochure inclu- tsunami. Now it is making a comeback.
whose latest Long Haul Holiday sion. I think planned December openings Andrea Loddo , Hayes & Jarvis product and
Report claims that the Far East will be pushed back into 2010 and openings contracts manager for the Far East, describes
offers “unbeatable value” for this winter. planned for next March will end up as being it as “pretty unbeatable” in winter.
The survey highlights Thailand as the in mid-summer.” “It has unspoilt beaches and is away from
long-haul destination where spending the madness of Phuket,” he says.
money is likely to go furthest. Bali and Phuket “It is close to the Similan Islands for scuba
Malaysia are close contenders. This winter promises bargains galore for diving and Khao Sok for wildlife-spotting
The Post Office says all three holiday holidaymakers to Thailand. and jungle trips.”
spots are “significantly cheaper” than any Hayes & Jarvis, for example, estimates that Loddo recommends La Flora Resort for
of Europe’s winter sun options. package prices are up to 25% lower than a beach lovers.
And while all three destinations boast a year ago. He explains: “It is right on the beach and
variety of established beach resorts, there are Some of the most tempting holiday deals is a well-priced smaller, boutique-type
plenty of up-and-coming alternatives in the are likely to be on the island of Phuket, property.”
Far East for your clients to consider too. where hoteliers are anxious to halt a dra- Sample price: One week’s bed and breakfast at
However, one Far East specialist has warned matic decline in occupancy levels. The La Flora costs £1,175 with Hayes & Jarvis from
that the global crisis could delay new resort average occupancy rate last winter was Heathrow on November 18.
openings scheduled for this winter. just 60% – 20 percentage points down on ■
hayesandjarvis.com
“I have been conservative in the selection the previous year.
of new hotels for 2010,” says David Kevan, While the brakes have been put on much Bali
Western & Oriental group head of product of Phuket’s latest tourism development An increase in Bali bookings means several
and purchasing. because of economic woes, the island’s hotel operators are looking beyond
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54 23.10.2009
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