In the news this week: Abu Dhabi trending for Asian travellers, Hilton’s new Japanese lanaguage website, Europe tourism on the rise, TripAdvisor’s new commercial director for APAC.
Abu Dhabi a hot spot for Asian travellers
Abu Dhabi’s hot with Asian travellers
Abu Dhabi is now one of the hottest new destinations to trend in Asia. Travel agents across the region have been booking more flights to this desert metropolis than ever before, generating a 73% spike in volumes just in Q1 this year, according to Abacus.
This has catapulted the Emirate into the top 50 destinations of the world, picked by agents at over 20,000 Asia Pacific locations, no small feat with Dubai just 90 minutes away.
Indonesia’s numbers have doubled year-on-year, as volumes from Jakarta rival Abacus bookings on Hong Kong-Sydney and Shanghai-Singapore routes. India, with Mumbai three hours’ flying time, has also soared 48%, while affluent South Koreans are heading over in higher numbers too. Seoul to Abu Dhabi has lifted 22%, with Kuala Lumpur and Manila also sending 20% and 18% more passengers, respectively.
Abacus CEO & President Robert Bailey said, “The Emirate has made tourism an investment priority, with Etihad Airways literally clearing a path to our region. In fact, the carrier was recently first to ticket with Abacus in China.”
For these reasons Abacus has chosen Yas Island with its own F1 race track for Abacus International Conference (#AIC2014) from October 14-17, which will be attended by 500 representatives from the region’s top travel brands.
“We’re talking about the big themes in travel and the factors determining success. Abu Dhabi provides ample inspiration,” added Bailey.
Positive growth for tourism in Europe
8 countries contribute to Europe’s tourism growth
In 2013 international arrivals to Europe grew by 5.4%, which marks a continuation of the positive growth trend of the past four years., with the majority of travellers coming from Germany and the UK. This was revealed in a sturdy by the European Travel Commission (ETC), which examined the market impact of foreign tourists in Europe from various European and non-European source markets.
According to the repor, nearly 50% of all international arrivals in Europe came from only eight countries in 2013. As in previous years Germany was the largest source market, contributing to 14% of all international arrivals in Europe, ahead of the UK (9%). Russia is third with a market share of 6%. In view of the current political situation however, it remains to be seen whether it will retain that position in 2014.
France occupied fourth spot, ahead of the Netherlands and of sixth-placed Italy. The seventh position sees the first extra-European market, the USA, whose share of international arrivals grew substantially in 2013.
Within the individual source markets there are marked differences in growth. Russia, up by 13% in 2013 compared to the previous year, is a much more dynamic market than other intra-regional markets. The UK and German markets generate large volumes of international arrivals, but reported a comparatively modest growth. These markets are forecast to remain big players until 2016.
Last year arrivals from Germany, the largest source market, rose by only 1.5%. In the medium and long term the Chinese market is also expected to expand. In 2013 China’s share of international arrivals in Europe was only 1.3%. However, its market grew by 23%.
The study forecasts that from 2013 to 2016 international arrivals to Europe will grow by some 3.8%. Besides Germany and the UK, the USA is also likely to play an important role. Around 27% of all foreign visitors are forecast to come from these three countries.
The study also revealed noticeable differences between northern and southern Europe. Whereas western European countries are visited mainly by tourists from the same source markets, northern Europe countries can expect to receive more travellers from the USA. Over the next few years the majority of visitors to southern Europe are forecast to come from the UK, Germany and France.
Dr. Martin Buck, director of Travel & Logistics at Messe Berlin, said, “Europe’s success as a travel destination is set to continue. It is an attractive destination that fascinates Europeans and overseas visitors alike. However, Russia’s role on the European market for international arrivals will depend on future political developments.”
Hilton’s new website for Japanese travellers
Hilton’s new Japanese language website
Hilton Worldwide has launched a new website Japanese travellers, following a test-run in August. The revamped site not only covers Hilton Worldwide properties in Japan, but also provides detailed information on more than 100 of the most popular hotels with Japanese travellers globally, enabling visitors to research top travel destinations, compare prices, book directly in Japanese, and more.
Travellers can explore top travel destinations worldwide and choose from a list of participating hotels from Hilton Worldwide’s portfolio of distinct brands including: Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Embassy Suites Hotels. The site includes details of dining and promotions catering to Japanese preferences, as well as special promotional offers.
The site offers the Hilton Best Rates Guarantee, with conversion to Yen for increased convenience for Japanese travellers. Members of Hilton HHonors, the guest loyalty program of Hilton Worldwide, can earn Hilton HHonors points for completed hotel stays booked on the Japanese language site.
Timothy Soper, Hilton Worldwide vice president, operations for Japan, Korea and Micronesia, said, “Japan remains equally important globally to Hilton Worldwide for both inbound and outbound markets, and we are committed to having the best possible services available to support our Japanese guests. The new site significantly improves usability, strengthens our connection with Japanese travellers and enriches their experience with us
Angie Vaux is TripAdvisor commercial director for APAC
Angie Vaux
Travel site, TripAdvisor, has appointed Angie Vaux as commercial director, APAC, TripAdvisor for Business. She will play a key role in growing the company’s presence in the Asia Pacific overseeing its regional sales team and delivering on the company’s commitment to help hotels and B&Bs attract more travellers and succeed in the online marketplace.
Prior to joining TripAdvisor, Vaux held a variety of sales and marketing leadership positions in the technology industry. She was most recently SAP’s senior director, business unit head, South East Asia. Prior to this, she also served as SAP’s Asia Pacific director for education inside sales.
Vaux began her career in London after graduating with a joint honours bachelor’s degree in European Business as well as French and German from Swansea University in Wales, United Kingdom. In 2005, she relocated to Asia and has spent the last nine years living and working in Singapore and Sydney.
She is based in TripAdvisor’s Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore.
