Asia Pacific airlines post best improvements but conditions remain “extremely challenging”

Cost relief measures remain in place but will be scaled back as economy recovers

A new travel website, SoutheastAsia.org, which made its debut at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held in Brunei last month, will serve as the anchor for a new destination marketing campaign for Southeast Asia.

Suppliers going direct to customers through the Internet and competition from online travel agents are among the top concerns of travel agents in Asia Pacific, including those in Singapore.

Hotels in Singapore have proven that they have what it takes to go green, with 16 of them picking up the ASEAN Green Hotel Award for 2010. These 16 hotels are also the recipients of the inaugural Local Green Hotel Award 2009, which was organised by the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA).

P@SSPORT kicks off 2010 by picking three key trends that will shape the way the travel industry markets itself to the changing customer. The first trend? Getting serious about social media. P@SSPORT takes you into the growing world of social media and why you should care about it.

From being able to search by reviews and sentiments, to conducting more in-depth searches and how social media is influencing search behaviour, the search space is the one to watch in the digital channel in 2010. P@SSPORT reports.

Another trend to watch in 2010 is the emergence of the Amateur-Expert Traveller, as tipped by Amadeus.

It’s easy to be seduced by new digital channels, but the sales function must be up there in its rightful place in your toolbox, Accor’s marketing chief Ray Stone tells P@SSPORT.

Tony Davis, President and Group Chief Executive of Tiger Airways, says that intra-Asian tourism is about to undergo a major shift and Singapore can expect a major influx.

A new initiative launched by Google in December could change the way visitors experience Singapore.

Volumes will be back in 2010 but yields will be slower to recover, says APAC President David Brett.

P@SSPORT asks a few industry members to share their wishes for 2010.

Travel and tourism companies need to step up their drive to recruit young and fresh talent into the industry, especially in Singapore, which will enter the new year facing its most serious labour crunch to date.

P@SSPORT interviews two relative newbies to the travel and tourism industry, to find out how they landed that first job and their plans for the future.

Asia’s top bloggers recognised at Nuffnang awards.

Singapore Expo is packing in even more value with its packages for organisers of Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE).

Whenever one travels, the quality of the trip is not decided by its arrival, duration or departure, but the sum total of the experience. This doesn’t only apply when in transit, but as soon as a prospective traveller or customer walks into an agency, picks up the phone or logs onto a travel agency website.

This was the key message which emerged from WIT, or Web In Travel 2009, which took place last month in partnership with ITB Asia

Customers will still be led by price and will search for value

New global survey also reveals Asia Pacific airlines’ focus on revenue management and striking the right multi-channel distribution mix

Singaporeans born on 3 December between the years 1959 and 1989 are the stars in the National Heritage Board (NHB)’s latest project

A new travel and lifestyle portal highlights the best that Asian cities have to offer

For Singapore’s newest shopping mall, ION Orchard, a grand opening isn’t just a one-day affair

WIT-Web In Travel, ITB Asia’s partner event, is shaping up to be the biggest, most diverse and highest-level gathering of travel industry professionals in the marketing, distributing and technology space in Asia Pacific.

Roshan Mendis, new chief of ZUJI, is intent on winning in the game of online travel in Asia Pacific. He tells P@SSPORT why, and how he intends to win.

Travel agents need to build trust, embrace technology and adopt online tactics to survive in the changing marketplace.

Singapore’s two integrated resorts are taking shape and P@ssport reports the progress of these developments and what you can expect come 2010.

The new Asia chief, Mr Greg O’Neil, wants BCD Travel to be seen as a strong local and regional player with a global footprint rather than a global player who happens to have a regional office in Singapore.

Hotels in Singapore are approaching the upcoming 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX with realistic expectations.

In this continuing series of CEO interviews in P@SSPORT, we ask Giovanni Angelini, a retired hotelier with 45 years in the business, for his insights on the hospitality industry and views of Singapore’s future competitiveness.

Dining in Singapore has never been more fun! Instead of a regular visit to a fancy restaurant, you now have the option of dining hundreds of metres above ground, or with wildlife at night. P@SSPORT picks two very unique dining experiences that will leave you satisfied.

Enter Sentosa these days and you can be sure that something massive is taking shape on the island. The anticipation is building up for the opening of Resorts World at Sentosa.

If a high level of productivity is important to businesses, it is even more so during an economic downturn, when businesses may have fewer employees doing the same or even more amount of work than usual.

The continuing build up of people taking to the internet, and the continuing search for value in a downturn are factors that are helping the online travel segment to stay buoyant despite the challenging market conditions.

The three hotel towers of Marina Bay Sands™ have been topped out. P@SSPORT catches up with Mr Nigel Roberts, President of Marina Bay Sands™ on the progress of a project that will transform our city’s skyline.

The Singapore Institute of Management has been hosting overseas business students over the past five years as part of their Global Education’s Asian Business Study Abroad programme. Earlier this year, the institution launched its outbound programme which enables Singapore students to go abroad and learn about businesses overseas.

Despite the economic downturn affecting airlines’ fares and revenues, some carriers are bucking the trend and providing more options to visitors to our region.

Travel agents who can stay optimistic, develop niche markets, focus on customer relationships and minimise errors in ticketing will be well positioned to ride out the current challenging times.

Hotel numbers may be hit, but some hoteliers are going after opportunities they say still exist in the current climate and, in so doing, are adding to the diverse hotel landscape in Singapore. P@SSPORT talks four General Managers of four new hotels each of which offers a distinctive concept, location and experience.

How do you build a brand in a world where everyone owns a part of your story? P@SSPORT reports from a panel discussion at the Asia Luxury Travel Market which took place in Shanghai in June 2009.

It’s just over a month to the 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX, and the excitement is building up.

More than any other segment, the luxury travel market has been hardest hit by the global economic meltdown. It was therefore inevitable that delegates attending the Asia Luxury Travel Market in Shanghai last month would spend time examining their businesses and what luxury travel would look like post-recession.

The emergence and strengthening of online travel distribution in all markets have intensified competition faced by traditional agencies. Ever improving telecommunications infrastructures across the world, from Singapore to China, from India to South Africa, have overcome physical barriers of distance and access, giving consumers greater direct reach to information and services through the wired or mobile internet.

Despite the depressed investment climate in hospitality, at least two leading investors picked Singapore as their top choice to put their money in.

Two global surveys show Asia Pacific spas most optimistic and trends veer towards preventative health and wellness.

It was interesting to hear the words “Internet” and “revenue management” pop up several times during the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) - Southeast Asia Update held in Singapore in May.

The first batch of hospitality students have graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) - Singapore campus.

Asia’s premier people management and leadership development conference, the Singapore Human Capital Summit, will be held from 29 - 30 September 2009 at the Raffles City Convention Centre.

Amid the global economic crisis, the search for sustainable and cost-effective water management solutions has become even more important and this year’s Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) rose to the occasion.

Singapore won Best Turnaround Destination and Singapore Cruise Centre won Best Turnaround Port Operations and Most Efficient Terminal Operator in the recent Dreamworld Cruise Destination 2008 Awards. P@SSPORT catches up with Mr Cheong Teow Cheng, President, Singapore Cruise Centre, for his take on the wins and the latest trends in the cruise business.

Times might be tough, but they haven't dampened people's appetite for travel, a new survey by CNN International has shown.

For any tourism career to flourish, what's needed is a good attitude, passion and a determination to succeed.

Communication is the biggest challenge companies face in employee engagement, a Human Resource Roundtable in Singapore heard recently.

Want to tap into the Chinese online travel market? Well, the good news is, the numbers are huge.

What do silver surfers want? Here are some tips from George Booth who says this generation, which was born in a recession and "knows we will get out of this one", is amongst the hardiest of travellers.

Mr Kliff Ang first got the idea to set up a company specialising in accessible tours when he was approached by his friend, Dennis Kweh, to sponsor his Adventure200 Challenge.

A year after opening, the Singapore Flyer, which celebrated its first anniversary on April 9, 2009, has welcomed 1.9 million to enjoy the world's greatest view.

Economic challenges notwithstanding, Wildlife Reserves Singapore remains focused on its goal of being an "ecological-intelligent organisation", says its CEO Ms Fanny Lai.

"Promotion benefits all," says one while another says it sends wrong signal. P@SSPORT reports.

Beyond the bottom line it's even more important for businesses to keep an eye on customer satisfaction during challenging times.

The five top-rated companies in the recently-released 2008 Customer Satisfaction Index of Singapore (CSISG) are elated by their showing in the survey, the second to be conducted by the Institute of Service Excellence of the Singapore Management University and the Singapore Workforce Development Agency.

In the last two months, two new hotels have opened in Singapore, each promising a different proposition.

Ms Chong Phit Lian, chief executive of Jetstar Asia, is someone who tends to see the sunnier side of life, much like her airline’s signature orange.

Meet the man behind the World Gourmet Summit who, after 13 years, is still going strong. In fact, one could argue that he's going even stronger in tough times. Peter Knipp is a man who loves a good challenge. P@SSPORT catches up with him.

You could call the current soft market conditions a nirvana for online sites such as Wotif.com.

WIT-Web In Travel and ITB Asia, the B2B tourism trade show to be held in Singapore from 21-23 October, will expand on their partnership for 2009.

It's hard to beat the green options offered by National Parks Singapore (NParks) if you are looking for a venue for events.

It's not about working harder, but working smarter and thinking differently in times of crisis. P@SSPORT speaks to three companies that are changing the way they work in these challenging times.

Plus, more predictions from the ITB World Travel Trends Update.

Their country may be in the grips of a recession but there's one thing the Germans will not give up – their holidays. And that was the silver lining that kept suppliers from Asia optimistic about the German market for 2009 and beyond.

Singapore hoteliers at ITB Berlin expressed the need to be more united to hold on to their rate structure and not allow it to collapse.

Businesses must ask what new markets and customers will emerge from this downturn, says sales and marketing experts.

Everyday you watch it grow. Everyday it takes more shape in Singapore's skyline.

If you're looking to make an impact in the online travel space this year, here's how. P@SSPORT asks a few industry experts for their take on how you can maximise your online travel distribution.

If you're looking to make an impact in the online travel space this year, here's how. P@SSPORT asks a few industry experts for their take on how you can maximise your online travel distribution.

Tune Hotels proves how doing things differently can be a successful business model.

Hoteliers, hit by the downturn in corporate travel, have welcomed the Singapore Tourism Board’s BOOST (Building On Opportunities to Strengthen Tourism) initiatives.

Hotels woo the prudent corporate traveller

Net Trans, a Norwegian-based company that recovers unpaid hotel commissions on behalf of travel agencies, has set up a sales and marketing office in Singapore.

Global travel management companies (TMCs) based in Singapore are seeing similar trends of austerity and frugality developing among their corporate customers.

Marina Bay Sands™ and Resorts World at Sentosa shine at AIME

Two of Asia’s leading Global Distribution System (GDS) companies remain upbeat on their outlook for the region, with both forecasting single-digit declines for 2009.

Key industry players share their action plans to ride out the slowdown

Airlines, hotels urged to work with travel agents and tour operators

Crisis unites, it is said, and with food & beverage (F&B) takings impacted by the slowdown in the economy, trade associations in the sector are working closely together with government agencies and unions to map out the best way to ride out the downturn.

For the third year running, Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) Professional Development is bringing back the magic of Disney to Singapore.

A viable source of wealthy travellers

Mr Philip Ho, General Manager-Singapore of ZUJI/Travelocity, sees three opportunities for Singapore’s inbound tourism.

Two new hotels will open in Singapore over the next two months. P@SSPORT reports.

P@SSPORT asked a selection of travel personalities to share their (sometimes quirky) thoughts for 2009.

Robert Bailey, President & CEO, Abacus International shares the key opportunities for 2009, as well as the top trends to watch and his priorities for his organisation.

Ritz-Carlton, Gallery, Conrad and Carlton – winners on the frontline

President of the Association of Room Division Executives (ARDE), Alphonso Conceicao, shares the association's plans for 2009 and tips on how to get the best out of frontline employees.

Singapore ranked fourth in Euromonitor's 2007 city ranking which shows Asian cities catching up with London; while car and train travel is fast overtaking low cost flights in Europe, two major reports show.

With business efficiency being the mantra of 2009, P@SSPORT asked Abacus International Vice-President Agency Marketing Mr Brett Henry to share some technology cost-savings tips with travel agencies.

But exhibitions sector faces challenges in 2009, says Euromonitor

Expansion of Air Hub Development Fund is one more example of Changi's practical partnership

Recovery fund, public relations, marketing campaign and super deals – all part of the plan to revive its tourism fortunes

In challenging times, is training often the first thing to be cut? P@SSPORT talks to a few Singapore hoteliers on what they will be doing about staff training and customer service.

With a challenging year looming ahead, travel leaders say that it is even more critical for companies to focus on staff training, motivation and retention, as this has a direct impact on customer service.

As the year winds to an end, P@SSPORT takes a look at travel forecasts to find out what’s in store for the Singapore tourism industry.

Europe recorded a growth of three percent in both number of trips and foreign overnight volume in the first eight months of 2008, according to IPK International, which produces the World Travel Monitor report.

Despite the grim economic conditions, Carbon Forum Asia 2008, held in Singapore last month, exceeded expectations, attracting more than 300 delegates who came together to discuss key issues in the regional carbon market.

From this December, cruise enthusiasts will be able to cruise out of Singapore to Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket and Langkawi when the Royal Caribbean International's Legend of the Seas returns to Singapore this month.

The global economic slowdown has put renewed focus on intra-Asian travel and travel suppliers must better understand the current mood of the Asian traveler, their changing psyche and, increasingly, how they are behaving online. P@SSPORT reports.

The pressure was on the inaugural ITB Asia to deliver. There was the weight of the brand behind it which brought with it high expectations. Then there was the timing, taking place as it was in the midst of a slowdown.

TUI Travel PLC, one of the world's largest tour operators and now with a presence in Asia through its acquisition of Pacific World, sees huge growth opportunities in Asia and Russia.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) was named Airline of the Year and Changi Airport International Airport of the Year in the prestigious Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Awards of Excellence 2008, held in conjunction with its fifth annual Asia Aviation Outlook summit held in Singapore from 30 to 31 October 2008.

For the first time in its 145-year history, Monte Carlo SBM, which runs Monte Carlo's most distinctive assets including a string of luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and casinos, is seriously looking east for new customers and is opening an office in Asia.

In the August 2008 survey conducted by HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International) Asia Pacific, people and technology surfaced as the main preoccupations of hoteliers in Singapore.

Is it efficiency? Is it fun? Is it service? What differentiates Singapore as a business events destination and how should it further differentiate itself? A panel takes on the question. P@SSPORT reports on the answers.

Leading travel management company, BCD Travel, is set on an expansion path in Asia Pacific and will be making sizeable investments in technology as well as acquisitions in key corporate markets.

For the first time, The Contender, the Emmy-award winning television reality series, is being filmed outside the United States, in Singapore, where its crew spent most of September filming.

The Singapore Stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009 has just sailed off to a great start with the signing by UBS as the title sponsor of the first and only Southeast Asian stopover for the race.

The public relations and communications industry is facing challenges PR legend and guru, Mr Al Golin, never dreamt about when he began his career as a field press representative with MGM Studios in 1951.

Dr Martin Buck, the man in charge of putting together the inaugural Asian edition of ITB, recounts the lessons learnt and what customers can expect from the first event opening in Singapore this month.

Manpower challenges, the changing competitive landscape and the consumer-driven experience economy are what's keeping Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Asia Pacific's membership awake at night, according to a survey done by the sales and marketing association of hospitality professionals.

Other than reducing total costs of travel, corporate customers cited traveler satisfaction and traveler safety and security as their number two and three programme objectives for 2008 in the BCD Travel "Insight On Corporate Travel" survey.

According to top business prosfessionals, the humble biscuit plays an integral role in influencing company directors, entrepreneurs and budget holders at boardroom meetings.

There is no doubt that of all the nightspots in Singapore, Clarke Quay ranks among the most visited by foreign visitors.

Singapore River Cruises & Leisure, which runs the popular Bumboat Cruises, hopes that the development of the Singapore River Festival will lead to a "more colourful, lively and vibrant" waterway like the bustling trading port Singapore River used to be.

You would expect Chong Phit Lian, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jetstar Asia, not to be so chirpy and cheerful when you meet her. After all, high fuel prices are expected to hurt low cost airlines like hers the most because their key to survival is, well, keeping costs low.

Anyone who has used the new Terminal 3 at Changi Airport cannot help but be impressed by the facility and the promise it holds for the bright future of Singapore as a travel and transportation hub.

To celebrate the official opening of Changi Airport Terminal 3, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has organised a 66-day "Terminal 3 Celebration" shopping promotion that will run up to September 28.

Meet June Lee, 50, and Mohamed Hassan, 50, who are both with the service crew at American restaurant, Billy Bombers.

In an attempt to rejuvenate itself and change the image that it's a "retired men's" club, and in recognition of the talent crunch facing Singapore's hotel industry, the Skal Club of Singapore has launched the Paul Armstrong Scholarship.

In current times when good talent is hard to find and keep, companies need to do more than keep employees motivated and committed. They also need to keep them engaged and that means letting employees know what they have to do, and having them aligned with the company's vision.

Sell-out ITB Asia will have strong focus on travel distribution and technology

In the dynamic world of entertainment, where new clubs pop up and disappear faster than you can say "hip", longevity is a rare commodity.

Following the critical success of its debut in 2006, the Singapore Biennale, Singapore's premier international contemporary visual arts event, returns for its second season from 11 September to 16 November 2008, as part of the Singapore GP Season. Organised by the National Arts Council (NAC), the Singapore Biennale 2008 (SB2008) will feature works of more than 50 artists and art collectives...

Since it opened in 2007, the Link Hotel has been quietly making waves, running occupancies of above 78%. At 288 rooms, it calls itself Singapore's largest boutique hotel. Its location in the heartland district of Tiong Bahru area also gives it a special air of being in an oasis of heritage amid a modern city. It was also the first conversion of a public housing project, built in the 1950s, into a commercial hotel. P@SSPORT reports.

What gives Singapore its unique character is also what makes its food unique and special. No one understands that better than its very own street food guru, Mr KF Seetoh, who won the Special Recognition Award in the Singapore Tourism Board's Tourism Awards 2008.

Which regional destinations do travellers in the Asia Pacific region most want to visit?

Amadeus, the travel technology solutions provider, and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) have released results of a report titled "Upwardly Mobile", which revealed that mobile technology is set to transform the entire travel experience for business travellers, improving their access to information and services.

The inaugural ITB Asia, taking place from 22 to 24 October 2008 in Singapore, has signed partnerships with three specialist travel trade events that will give delegates the chance to attend all four events in just one trip to Singapore.

It is a sign of the maturing of Singapore as a destination that it now offers accommodation choices of all types to cater to all kinds of travellers, said Mr Scott Hetherington, Managing Director Asia, Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Hotels.

Each year, hundreds of places scramble to be placed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), knowing that a listing will bring with it international recognition as well as a platform to build local awareness and pride in a historic or natural site.

The General Manager of Scarlet Hotel, which bagged the Best Accommodation Experience - Superior award at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2008, is a man who believes in continuous learning and education. Recently, Mr Fong Kah Seng became the first Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) Scholarship recipient to study at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Singapore's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

Hoteliers in Singapore are beginning to see a slight softening in demand in the corporate sector and all are keeping a watchful eye on the situation to see how the next couple of months will play out.

A new survey finds that American business travellers want hotels that allow them to multi-task as much as they do at home. With the rapid pace of technology adoption by consumers and the blurring of work and home lives in the global workplace, the new survey also has relevance for the Asian market. P@SSPORT reports.

The findings are as mixed as the weather forecast when it comes to determining the impact on the corporate travel market from the litany of woes afflicting major economies around the world.

The good news for travel agents is that with the current crisis in fuel prices, airlines are no longer preoccupied with distribution costs the same way they were four to five years ago.

At that time, airlines were realigning their distribution strategy to go for more direct channels, leading many to sound the death knell for travel agents and...

With airlines facing one of their most challenging periods ever, Changi Airport took time out to recognise those that have carried the most passengers and cargo through its terminals, as well as airlines that achieved the highest year-on-year growth in passenger and cargo throughput.

Sabre's watcher of airline trends, Mr Gordon Locke, shares his vision of the airline industry with P@SSPORT in a wide-ranging interview that covers the move from price to choice, and the evolution of pure low cost to hybrid.

Mr Gordon Locke sees a future where there will be less stratification of airline models and consumers will find it easier to choose which airline they want to fly...

Two global carriers reported stronger than expected results for the full year ended 31 March 2008, on the back of higher air fares and still strong demand. But warning signs loom. Amid all these, a new airline model is emerging. P@SSPORT reports.

To compete for the consumer dollar, many low cost carriers (LCCs) have added characteristics of full service carriers. This, in turn, has led to the emergence of a new set of players - the "hybrid" carriers.

According to a global study by the Sabre Airline Solutions of 540 airline, 59% of the123 self-nominated Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) had added enough complexity...

Business travellers in the region continued to pay more to fly in the first quarter of 2008, as revealed by the latest American Express Asia Pacific Business Travel Monitor which reported that business class air fares jumped four percent in the first quarter of the year.

Passengers using Changi Airport will have a new area to amuse and entertain themselves while waiting for their flights.

The one-stop integrated entertainment zone – the Entertainment Deck – is located on the third level of Terminal 2's Departure Transit Mall. It features a free LAN gaming room, Xbox® 360 and Playstation® 3 game consoles, cosy music corners...

How do Singapore hotels fare when it comes to service at the frontline? In a recent service audit conducted by IFH® Asia Pacific for the Association of Rooms Division Executives - Best Front Office Award and Best Concierge Award competition, Singapore hotels demonstrated their flair for "First Impressions". Mr Lucas Peng, Managing Director, IFH® Asia Pacific, prepared this report.

The Regent Singapore, a Four Seasons Hotel, has become the first hotel in Singapore to receive the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)'s Green Mark Award (Gold Plus).

The award recognises the hotel's efforts in promoting environmental awareness through energy and water savings, waste reduction and the adoption of green...

A new report shows a healthy and thriving travel agency market in the US while in Asia, leading players continue to invest in the channel.

For several years now, some people have been saying that travel agents are dinosaurs, destined for extinction.

Travel agents throughout Asia are reporting a growth in electronic travel, that is, e-ticketing and the Internet, according to the newly-released Asia Pacific Retail Travel Agent Benchmarking Survey by Travelport GDS (Global Distribution System).

Mr Tan Beng Huat joined the Ritz-Carlton Hotel as a housekeeping attendant when he was 61 years old. Now at age 72, he continues to be proactive, energetic and is regularly complimented by hotel guests for his "magical touch" and good service. For his dedication and contributions, he was recognised as Ritz-Carlton's 5-star Employee of the Quarter, and as a May Day Model Worker 2007.

To stay ahead of competition, hotels need to focus on their service level and the people who deliver it.

At The Fullerton, which won Best Accommodation Experience – Deluxe, in the Singapore Tourism Awards in March this year, General Manager, Mr Louis Sailer...

Jurong Lake District is to be transformed into a unique lakeside destination for business and leisure under a new development announced by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

15 April 2008 marks the official opening of the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel to date.

With over 3,000 invited guests and members of public, Guest-of- Honour Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officiated this milestone as he struck the drum, which initiated a dazzling laser and fireworks display.

Last month, Italian actress and Oscar winner Sophia Loren lent glamour and glitz at the inaugural BikeAsia 2008, the first international exhibition on bicycle, motorcycle, accessories and components in South-east Asia.

Single-day walkabout tickets are now available for the 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix.

The single-day passes are for walkabout tickets and are priced at S$38 for Friday (26 September 2008), S$58 for Saturday (27 September 2008) and S$108 for Sunday (26 September 2008).

Singapore-based interTouch, which was renamed DoCoMo interTouch this month by its parent company NTT DoCoMo, is poised to expand on the back of its recent acquisition of MagiNet.

It has been the biggest lament of airlines about the Global Distribution System (GDS)'s travel agents platform - the inability to differentiate themselves through branding on the system.

Not that she lived in the era then but Professor Judy Siguaw, Dean of the Cornell Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management (CNI) in Singapore, believes that the current boom in the regional tourism industry could be likened to the Californian gold rush - the period when prospectors dreamt of finding that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

It is a sign of the times that the most oft-asked question of Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) is not how it will fill its six hotels (1,800 rooms) or find customers for its attractions, but where it will find its staff.

Banff-born Mr Ian Wilson is the man running the new Fairmont in Singapore and leading the development charge for North America's largest luxury hotel company in Asia. He talks to P@SSPORT about the reflagging of Raffles The Plaza and shares his views on the Singapore, and regional, hotel scene.

The new International Cruise Terminal at Marina South, which is capable of taking the world's biggest ships, will bolster Singapore's status as the cruising hub of Asia.

"What is happening in Singapore? Why are the hotels so bullish? What segments of the industry are buying up the hotel rooms?" These are the frequently asked questions that Ms Judy Lum, Managing Director of Tour East Singapore, faced when she was at the ITB Berlin recently at the Singapore booth.

You could say Mr Don Birch who stepped down as President & CEO of Abacus International this month, is leaving on a high note, after six years of helming the region's leading Global Distribution System (GDS) and that his timing could not be better.

From the new Accor Asia Pacific's office on the 37th level of Raffles City Tower, you can pretty much see most of the cityscape of Singapore.

A few hundred travel industry CEOs will gather in Bangkok from 29 to 30 April 2008 to address climate change, which PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) has identified as the most critical issue facing travel and tourism.

In an interview with Compass, PATA's magazine, Dr RK Pachauri, 2007 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who will deliver the keynote address at the PATA CEO Challenge, called on the travel and tourism industry to anticipate and act on issues before they are legislated against.

European tour operators are starting to accept and get used to the new rate structures in Singapore, said Mr Patrick Fiat, General Manager of the Royal Plaza on Scotts, who attended ITB Berlin.

Uniquely Singapore Award - National E-Card Competition

The National E-Card Competition, which won the Uniquely Singapore Award, is a "unique learning experience" as it exposes students not only to new technologies but also encourages them to learn about Singapore.

He's the man who's been credited with the successful turnaround of the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong BirdPark.

Under his four-year term as Executive Chairman of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), Mr Robert Kwan helped steer the group, which brought the three parks under one umbrella, into profit as well as embarked on several new initiatives.

Three stars were given recognition - a foodie who is passionate about local makan scene, a devotee to Singapore's rich history and heritage, and an enthusiast who supports STB's marketing and promotional efforts in South Korea.

Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year: Madam Lin Deng Li, Chairman, Golden Travel Services

She started Golden Travel Services (GTS) in 1976. It was then a small operation offering only outbound tours to China mainly because her mother was in China and she wanted to visit her while leading tours to the mainland. She also wanted to...

New Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year - Ms Florence Tan, Director and Mr Soh Kim Teck, Managing Director, Country City Investment Pte Ltd

A few years ago, Dempsey Hill was the place Singaporeans went to for a spot of curry and a bit of furniture shopping. Only a handful knew of the one or two bars there that offered a quiet respite from the urban jungle - a place to chill with...

From a hotel guest relations officer to spa therapist to a taxi driver, P@ssport speaks to the eight Best Tourism Hosts who serve from their hearts.

James Chadwick, a resident in Singapore for the last decade, was among the first folks to take a ride on the Singapore Flyer when it did its inaugural spins for business executives and lovers last month. The Head of Strategy Asia Pacific for Mindshare shares his experience with P@SSPORT readers.

Initiative takes the "hotel towel" programme one step further

Accor, which just moved its Asia Pacific headquarters from Sydney to Singapore, is going big on green initiatives.

On 22 April 2008, the group which operates brands such as Sofitel, Pullman...

You could be forgiven for thinking that National Day had come early to Singapore.

On 21 February 2008, Thursday, at 7.00pm, the Padang was a sea of red and cheer when the news came that Singapore had won the bid to host the inaugural Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2010.

Even from downtown Singapore, you could hear the constant roar of jets - only this time, it sounded different from the routine daily aircraft movements at Changi.

Not only were the roars of jet engines more frequent, even after scheduled flights had to be re-timed for a couple of days while the show was on, they also sounded...

Even as spirits soared at the start of the Singapore Air Show with news of mega deals being sealed, the civil aviation industry received a mixed report card from aviation leaders.

The German travel market is continuing to see a strong shift from offline to online bookings.

Mr Jens Uwe Parkitny, Managing Director of Expedia, Germany, told P@SSPORT that the online travel market grew approximately 25% in 2007 compared with...

The School of Media & Info-Communications Technology (SMIT) at Singapore Polytechnic has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) with a professional body, the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) Asia Chapter to jointly launch a Certificate in Hospitality Information Technology (HIT) programme for IT and Hospitality professionals.

The Royal Plaza on Scotts, Singapore, is seeing its investment in the online channel pay off, not only in terms of recognition but also revenue.

The independently-managed hotel launched its website in November 2006 following a major renovation, repositioning and rebranding exercise. It won a Web Marketing Award from the global hospitality sales and marketing organisation...

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), which operates InterContinental Hotel in Singapore and is due to open Crowne Plaza at Changi in May this year, reported a record year in 2007, with Asia Pacific as the star performing region.

Even as the ASEAN tourism industry met in Bangkok in late January, with each ASEAN destination announcing buoyant tourism figures, stock markets around the world took a tumble.

While the Singapore Flyer will only open to the public on 1 March 2008, it is preparing for its first commercial "flight" on 11 February 2008, the first of its three-day special Inaugural Flight package for corporate clients.

Just as inbound tourist arrivals into Singapore hit new highs last year, passenger traffic at Singapore Changi Airport also surged to record levels.

Passenger traffic hit an all-time high of 36.7 million in 2007, representing a 4.8% growth over 2006.

Both events to be held together at Suntec City in October 2008

ITB Asia and WIT-Web In Travel have agreed to join forces in an agreement that will see Asia's leading travel distribution and marketing conference held in conjunction with The Trade Show for the Asian Travel market, taking place in Singapore.

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore has received the certificate of approval from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance for its compliance with the International Organisation for Standardisation 14001 (ISO 14001), the first of its kind to be conferred upon a Singapore-based hotel.

In a report released in January 2008 by American Express Consulting, a division within Global Commercial Card, the emergence of several new trends that will have an impact on a corporation's ability to manage its hotel spend has been highlighted.

A new breed of consumer, new forms of distribution and new business models are factors that are driving change in travel and tourism, said Mr Michael Ball, CEO of WORLDHOTELS at the group's annual conference held in the region last month.

ASEAN award the latest in a series of accolades for its environmental initiatives

The ASEAN Green Hotel Award marks the second time the Grand Hyatt Singapore has been recognised in the ASEAN arena for its environmental actions.

A total of 10 hotels from Singapore received the ASEAN Green Hotel Awards handed out for the first time at the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Bangkok from 18 to 26 January 2008.

Rising fuel prices as well as the shock waves emanating from the US economy could well have an impact on travel and tourism worldwide. But is Asia sufficiently insulated to be spared the worst of it? P@SSPORT reports from a travel conference that just ended in Singapore.

Since its launch last year at Changi Airport, JetQuay has been earning positive feedback from customers who have used its services.

Trend analyst Mr Michael Tchong, who spoke at Web In Travel (WIT) Conference in Singapore recently and used its services, said: "I believe JetQuay represents...

P@SSPORT was there to watch the filming of CNN Future Summit: Saving Planet Earth. Here's a report of the live debate.

With the environment being the word on everyone's lips in 2007, it was fitting...

They also need to offer better training to retain talent. P@SSPORT reports on the manpower scene in Singapore's travel agency sector.

Singapore's travel agency sector is facing increasing manpower demand and the travel agency community needs to address this urgently or risk slipping service...

Nearly all hoteliers, surveyed in a poll conducted jointly by ZUJI/Travelocity Preferred Programme and Web In Travel (WIT), said the Internet had made their lives better.

Only 2.7% said the Internet had made their lives worse in the survey conducted just prior to the WIT conference which took place in Singapore on 29 and 30...

Low cost airlines will continue to drive growth in the travel industry, says Mr Richard Quest, presenter of CNN's Business Traveller.

In an interview with P@SSPORT, Mr Quest, who was in Singapore to film the CNN Future Summit: Saving Planet Earth programme, said that just as low cost...

Given that the airline industry is usually regarded as the head that wags the travel and tourism tail, it is always prudent to keep an eye on what's going on in the aviation sector.

And with the arrival of 2008, the signs are not that promising with pundits predicting a period of turbulence for the world's airlines.

If you are in the MICE sector, you need to rethink what business you are in and who your competitors are. P@SSPORT reports on what Mr Richard Ireland, Singapore-based CEO of Terrapinn, has to say as he urges players to approach the industry with "A Whole New Mind".

Companies that wish to entertain their clientele at one of the most prestigious events on the Singapore calendar, the inaugural FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, can now purchase the corporate hospitality suites.

Come 9 January 2008, Changi Airport, consistently rated one of the world's best airports, will have its brand new Terminal 3 open for operations.

At a cost of S$1.75 billion, the Terminal 3 will add a capacity of 22 million passengers a year, bringing the total capacity of Changi Airport to 70 million passengers.

The Singapore Zoo was one of the two zoos in Asia which were mentioned in an article by Forbes Magazine, listing "The World's Best Zoos".

The article, titled "From San Diego to Singapore, animals on parade", which appeared on 5 November 2007, says the Singapore Zoo "presents a unique approach to wildlife".

If you have clients interested in Greek mythology or the story of Buddhism, tell them about two special exhibitions being held in Singapore up to March next year.

For the first time, classical Greek masterpieces from the renowned Louvre museum are being presented in Southeast Asia. From 9 December 2007 to 16 March 2008...

Always wanted to know about "The Singapore Story" but never had a chance?

The good news is there is now a new tour, entitled "The Singapore Story Tour" that will take visitors on a four-hour journey into the heart of "The Singapore Story" - the first time a guided tour will so comprehensively share the history of...

Is silver the new gold? A new event which will focus on the silver market and to be held in Singapore from 10 to 13 January next year believes so.

Studies show that Asia will age fastest in the world; presenting a potentially large and affluent consumer market in the coming years. The inaugural Silver Industry Conference & Exhibition (SICEX) 2008, which will be held at the Suntec City...

To meet the growing manpower needs of the tourism sector in Singapore, Nanyang Polytechnic's (NYP) School of Business Management (SBM) has developed and launched a Specialist Diploma in Hospitality and Resort Management.

The programme is designed to prepare individuals for challenging careers in the booming tourism sector, and it offers a comprehensive curriculum that touches...

Singapore's MICE sector is sizzling - which is why more meetings and events are headed the city's way, said a panel discussion at the Asia Connect seminar.

The seminar, organised by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's (HSMAI) Asia Pacific chapter, was held in Singapore in October.

Even when the basics are in place for Singapore to thrive well in trade exhibitions, helped in large part by the strong economy, it needs to carve out its place clearly and it must face up to "lurking dangers" in the region.

As Singapore-based brands expand overseas, they bring a little of the Singapore spirit with them and with that, fresh marketing opportunities and the opening up of new market segments. P@SSPORT looks at how homegrown brands are helping to promote Destination Singapore as they travel beyond the island.

One of Singapore's most anticipated attractions, the Singapore Flyer, is making a pitch for the corporate market with attractive packages and membership offers.

Every day, a little bit more of the big wheel takes shape, and every day, we draw a little closer to the opening of one of Singapore's most anticipated attractions, the Singapore Flyer.

Travel agents wanting to compete in the online marketplace can now tap into a number of tools which will help them manage client relationships and provide better service to their customers.

Abacus International is one company setting out to equip agents with these...

Singapore-based Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts has won the Hotel and Lodging Standard of Excellence for its portal, panpacific.com, at the 2007 WebAwards, the leading worldwide Internet competition for website development.

The international WebAward Competition recognises web development efforts by the best websites in 96 industries. Panpacific.com won in the hotel and lodging...

In July, founders of IgoUgo, who sold their business to Sabre in 2006, set up an online travel video website, www.tripfilms.com. With the tagline, "travel inspired", the site provides user generated videos of "authentic travel experiences" from around the world.

There's a new technology that anyone working in the Business Travel and MICE sector should be aware of - and it's called "telepresence". Much more than an improved version of video conferencing, it may actually get companies asking whether it is really necessary for their executives to travel as often as they do. P@SSPORT experienced the new technology at the Cisco office in Singapore...

With effect from 1 November 2007, persons who move into or out of Singapore physical currency or bearer negotiable instruments (CBNI) exceeding S$30,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency) will be required to give a report by filling up a form and submitting it to the authorities.

Mr John Quelch, Senior Dean of the Harvard Business School, shared tips on how to build a global brand at the Global Brand Forum in Singapore held in August this year.

1. Be synonymous with one word

"Why did Google become the most valuable brand in the world?" Mr Quelch asked. Because it has an ambitious mission - to organise the world's information. With...

Green travel is hot and Asia stands a good chance of capturing a share of the fast growing eco-tourism market, with Singapore well-positioned to take part in the growth.

The Airbus 380 heralds a new beginning in airline segmentation as major carriers go even more upscale and a new model, the long-haul, low cost, emerges.

While the Airbus 380 (A380) is being hailed as the world's biggest jumbo jet, its entry into the skies is actually accelerating an interesting trend going on in the Asia Pacific aviation scene - the chase for the premium traveller.

Cool trends, hot debates and burning issues will dominate the agenda at Wired In Travel (WIT), a leading travel distribution and marketing event, being held in Singapore on 29 and 30 November.

Leading the stellar line-up of speakers is California-based trend guru of Ubercool...

At a time when the hospitality, resort and tourism sectors in Singapore are set for growth, Nanyang Polytechnic is offering a Specialist Diploma in Hospitality and Resort Management commencing 12 November.

The programme is designed to prepare individuals for challenging careers in...

A leading Singapore corporate travel specialist, Safe2Travel, has opened a virtual travel agency in the virtual world of Second Life (www.secondlife.com).

Safe2Travel, 166.241.25, Zafiros, Second Life was unveiled at the Abacus International Conference in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia as part of a collaboration between the agency and the Global Distribution System.

The growth in green travel could mean more than just monetary profits for Asian travel suppliers - it could bring with it an increased environmental awareness in the region and, with this, new challenges for the tourism industry.

President and CEO of Abacus International, Mr Don Birch, sees the growing band of green travellers, along with the specialist travel suppliers that serve them...

At least, as far as the inaugural Singapore Business Events Awards is concerned whose gold-themed awards dinner was graced by the who's who of the Business Travel and MICE* industry in Singapore and the region. P@SSPORT salutes the winners in this special edition.

Event Excellence Awards - Corporate Meeting of the Year: Accor Asia General Managers Conference 2006, Novotel Clarke Quay

Innovation and animation were the key elements behind the Accor Asia General Managers Conference 2006, themed "Textures of Asia". It was these two features which were responsible for Novotel Clarke Quay winning the Corporate Meeting...

Event Excellence Awards - Convention of the Year: 12th Asian-Australasian Congress of Anaesthesiologists, Singapore Society of Anaesthesiologists

It expected 800 delegates, but it got a whopping 1,500. Looking back, Clinical Associate Professor Chan Yew Meng, who accepted the Convention of the Year...

Event Excellence Awards - Exhibition of the Year: Food&Hotel Asia 2006, Singapore Exhibition Services

If you are in the food and hospitality business, chances are you would have heard of Food&Hotel Asia. Owned and operated by Singapore Exhibition Services, the biennial four-day event anchored in Singapore is the largest international food...

Suppliers Excellence Awards - Business Event Venue Excellence: Suntec Singapore

Industry Achievement Awards - Most Innovative Marketing: Joint Marketing Alliance Initiative, Suntec Singapore

Winning two out of the seven Business Events awards was sweet victory indeed...

Suppliers Excellence Awards - Service Partner Excellence of the Year: Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd

Its focus on partnership paid off for Kingsmen Exhibits which won the Service Partner Excellence Award

Industry Achievement Awards - Most Innovative Marketing: Joint Marketing Alliance Initiative, Suntec Singapore

The Joint Marketing Alliance, headed by Suntec Singapore, was an integrated campaign which ran from June 2005 throughout the whole of 2006.

Individual Award - Business Event Ambassador: Dr Choo Teck Chuan, FDI Programme Director, FDI World Dental Federation, for his contributions to bringing in the 2009 FDI World Dental Congress to Singapore

When he accepted the award for Business Event Ambassador, Dr Choo Teck Chuan described himself as a "simple dentist".

Women travellers are emerging as a market force to be reckoned with. Who are they and what makes them tick? P@SSPORT gets under the skin of this new, feminine force.

Look around you on most flights today and chances are you will spot more than a handful of women around you.

Mr Michael Roche of Lushington Entertainments recalls two acts which played to sell-out crowds with exclusive performances in Singapore - Damien Rice and the double act of Travis and Coldplay. "That was pretty unique," he said.

Often though, the boss of the entertainment company that has been bringing in acts to Singapore since 1990, says the typical concert tour takes in Bangkok...

Since time immemorial, the hotel concierge has been your Mr Fix-It. Remember the concierge in "Pretty Woman" who made Julia Roberts' dreams come true?

Okay, in real life, he may not be able to find you true love but if you want seats to the hottest concerts or reservations for the trendiest restaurant in town or even a dog to keep you company, the concierge was the man or woman to call.

Mr Bentley Williams, author of "Wow! Giving Your Customers The Wow! Experience To Grow Your Business", will be conducting a two-day interactive seminar in Singapore on 30 and 31 August.

Organised by Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the event, at the Singapore Marriott Hotel...

Asia-Pacific's leading travel facilitator, Abacus International, says it and its airline partners are on track to meet e-ticketing deadlines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Last month, the IATA extended its deadline for electronic ticketing (ET) readiness to 31 May 2008, citing concern among airlines in India and Africa that they...

Cruising in Singapore is picking up speed. Hot on the heels of Silversea Cruises setting up its Asian office in Singapore, two other major cruise lines have made further forays into the region.

Costa Crociere, which made initial dips into Asian waters last year, has announced plans to use Singapore as a key base and has formed a global strategic marketing...

Prepare yourself for 13 days of world-class arts performances, lifestyle activities and wellness events when the Singapore Sun Festival comes to town from 18 to 30 October.

The first Asian country to host the internationally recognised festival that celebrates the "art of living well", Singapore will be the third continent and...

Sleeping beauty on the road

• 48% of women use extra pillows while in a hotel room (39% men).
• 15% of women vary their beauty routine while on the road compared to 8% of men, with 22% of women spending less time and 16% wearing more makeup.

Climate change and carbon emissions have become the hot topics driving the travel and tourism industry. They could change the way we fly, operate our hotels and take travellers around. P@SSPORT reports.

At every conference, be it the World Travel & Tourism Summit in Portugal or the...

Mr Giovanni Angelini, CEO and managing director of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, who was also on the Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels' conference panel, said the hotel industry has not done a good enough job of addressing the climate change issue.

As a first step, he said he had asked his hotels to set targets to reduce energy consumption by 12%. "I don't know if this is the right thing, but we have to...

It's a bullish market out there for hotel investments and Singapore is emerging as the darling for investors in a capital-rich environment.

The outlook couldn't be more bullish. The hotel industry is awash with capital looking for homes. The economies in Asia are booming, fuelled mainly by China and, to a lesser degree, India.

Even as it welcomes the 11 millionth visitor to the Night Safari, the Wildlife Reserves is adding a new attraction called Splash Safari to the Singapore Zoo.

Madam Hing Siew Ling, a 37-year old housewife from Malaysia and her family were the lucky visitors following the countdown that started in April when visitors...

Travellers in Singapore are becoming more comfortable with making online travel purchases, according to ZUJI in its first quarter Online Travel Report.

The report, which tracks online travel trends for flight, hotel and other bookings every quarter on all ZUJI sites across Asia Pacific, revealed an all time high for online travel purchases on ZUJI Singapore - 87% of travel bookings made on...

The Singapore Zoo has collaborated with National Geographic WILD to further conservation education and awareness. This time, the Zoo is highlighting the plight of sea lions losing their habitat to marine pollution throughout the world.

Ms Fanny Lai, Executive Director of Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, said:...

Energy-reducing initiatives started in 2000 have saved the Grand Hyatt Singapore about $1.1 million a year in energy costs.

This year, it is continuing its efforts with a list of new "green" projects and initiatives.

Now that Changi's Terminal 3 has set an opening date - 9 January, 2008 - all eyes are on what the spanking new facility will offer that will set it apart from its competitors in the region.

That it will be bigger and better than Terminal 1 or 2 is a given. At 380,000sqm, it is bigger than Terminal 2's 358,000sqm and Terminal 1's 280,000sqm.

The Middle East is booming and everyone's out there wooing the Middle Eastern traveller, as seen at the recent Arabian Travel Market. And Singapore is getting its bite of the pie.

As the economies in the Middle East boom, so do prospects for outbound travel and from the participation at the 14th ATM this year, it is clear the Middle East is in...

Accor Asia Pacific, the region's largest hotel group, is moving its headquarters from Sydney to Singapore, to look after its rapidly expanding network in the region better.

The group, which has more than 100 projects underway in the region, has been based in Sydney since the early 1990s, and also maintains a regional office in...

Accor Asia Pacific will develop the largest Ibis hotel in Asia Pacific, indeed the largest outside Paris, in Singapore.

Ibis Bencoolen Street is the group's first new-build development in Singapore, costing S$145 million, and is being developed in partnership with LaSalle Investment Management. Land for the hotel is being leased from Singapore's Urban...

More halal dining options and other facilities and services to make Singapore a friendlier destination to travellers from the Middle East…

These were the top items mentioned by some of the industry partners taking part in the Singapore pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), when asked what else the destination could do to attract the Middle Eastern customer.

One of the biggest takeaways for hoteliers attending the STB Tourism Industry Conference on 14 May was, even with the two Integrated Resorts (IRs) Singapore would still be short of rooms.

"We have been worried that with the addition of 4,300 rooms, we would have an...

While Singapore can learn from the Las Vegas experience, Dr Andy Nazarechuk, Dean of the University of Nevada Las Vegas (Singapore), said it was also setting its own style and benchmarks in its tourism development.

Asked by P@SSPORT what Singapore could learn from Las Vegas, the Dean who runs the William F Harrah College of Hotel Administration in Singapore said: "Singapore...

Even before the ink was dry, the travel trade in Singapore was buzzing with excitement over the deal that would see Singapore host a leg of the Formula One 2008 World Championship race series in September or October 2008.

Hailed as the first Formula One street race in the ASEAN region, as well as the first ever night-time event in F1's history, the agreement had been eagerly...

The Middle East is fast becoming one of the key markets tourism industry players are targeting. Below are some fast facts to help you decide if this is the market for you:

Among the world's top 10 exhibition companies, Messe Berlin brought in the big guns to announce its plans to launch ITB Asia in 2008. They shared the confidence they feel in Singapore as a staging venue and their optimistic outlook of the growth potential for tourism in the region.

ITB Asia is set for October 22 to 24, 2008. It is clear the Germans mean business.

Is there room for another travel trade fair in Asia?

That's the main question being asked as Messe Berlin, organisers of the world's largest travel trade event, ITB Berlin, rolls out its plans for ITB Asia.

Asia remains the destination many travellers want to visit next, according to a survey by Visa International and PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association).

The 'Asia Travel Intentions Survey' reported that of those intending international travel in the next two years, 52% were considering Asia as their next travel destination. This is a 9% increase on the previous year's survey results and an...

They are dubbed the "Google" of travel. What they do is enable travellers to search on one site the various airfares and rates options available, and then link them directly to supplier websites where the transactions are made.

It is said that after all that the average online travel consumer compares prices from at least three websites before making a purchase decision.

Underscoring its interest in the Asian cruising market, luxury cruise operator, Silversea Cruises, opened its Asia regional office in Singapore this month.

"The opening of our sales office in Singapore further marks Silversea's commitment to the burgeoning Asian cruise market," said Mr Steve Odell, Senior Vice...

It's one of the latest trends wafting through the global travel industry - people making their decisions at the last minute to travel and booking within days, sometimes on the day itself, of travel.

From Japan to Germany to the US to Singapore, the last minute trend, which surfaced a few years ago, has been driven largely by technology, the Internet...

While the trend towards making last minute bookings remains strong, ZUJI, the Asia-based travel portal, says it is detecting a slow turning of the tide on its site.

ZUJI's Online Travel Report for the last quarter of 2006 showed that consistently around one-fifth of travellers book their international flights within seven days of travel. Of that group, one percent book the flight the day before travel.

What does a Uniquely Singapore brand of service mean? P@SSPORT asks a few hoteliers for their opinions, as well as their views on what would be needed for this goal to be realised.

To Mr Thierry Douin, General Manager of Shangri-La Hotel, which was awarded Best Accommodation Experience - Deluxe Hotel, developing a Uniquely Singapore...

Mr Philip Ng, recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism, puts the transformation of Sentosa down to "right timing" and the "fortuitous coming together of all the right ingredients that allowed us to create the environment for Singapore's most important tourism asset to shine".

The words one associates with Michael Ma are "cool", "hip" and "trendy". As founder of the IndoChine Group of Bars and Restaurants, he has pretty much redefined lifestyle dining in Singapore.

Awards are also not new to the 39-year-old Laotian whose family emigrated to Australia in 1976.

Alexander Hascher, New Entrepreneur of the Year, believes you either have what it takes to be an entrepreneur or you don't. So what does it take? He shares the VENUE story as well as his opinions on what makes entrepreneurs tick.

When you walk into VENUE (Asia) in Club Street, you feel like you're walking into a Balinese house. It's all wood and tropical. However, the leather-like cushions on...

Three special recognition awards were given one - recognised a group's contribution to medical travel, one honoured an individual who's poured passion into building up the exhibitions business for Singapore and the third singled out a pioneer in the Indian outbound travel market.

From a taxi driver who's got the perfect four-hour itinerary to a tour guide who handles tough journalists to a spa therapist who believes in the power of healing, the stars of Singapore tourism share their personal stories with P@SSPORT.

As intra-Asian travel continues to boom, fuelled by giants such as China and India and soaking up supply across the region, it could be easy to lose sight of longer haul markets such as Europe.

Consider this: Of the top 10 markets to Singapore last year, only one from Europe - and some might argue it is not even part of the continent - made a showing.

Anyone interested in the European leisure market should heed the merger announced on March 19 between Hanover-based TUI and UK's First Choice, two of the continent's biggest travel companies.

The deal will create TUI Travel, a group that will have sales of €17.6 billion (US$23.4 billion) a year and some 27 million customers in 20 countries.

The gloves are off as destinations around the world, from Dubai to Macau to Singapore, raise the stakes in the chase for the lucrative meetings and events dollar.

Ensuring it stays ahead of the pack, Singapore has been unveiling its new arsenal of attractions at various trade shows around the world - fresh products that...

The growth in low cost travel, the move by consumers to online channels and the search for authentic experience will be the key drivers that will shape travel patterns in years to come.

These are the highlights contained in the recently-released World Travel Trends...

Singapore was ranked as among the most attractive environments for developing travel and tourism business, according to the first ranking of its kind: the 2007 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Past award recipients attest to this - winning the World Gourmet Summit (WGS) Awards of Excellence can fast-track your career and help your business in the highly competitive field of food & beverage.

And this year, 17 individuals will be handpicked to win the total of 14 Singapore awards and three regional awards at the WGS Awards Luncheon on 21 April.

In many ways, Singapore is the ideal destination for senior travellers. It's safe, clean and green image earns it bonus points for a market that is looking for peace of mind and a sense of security when they travel.

Yet within its compact size is a diversity of offerings that offers up plenty of things to see and do for this market segment - be it relaxing by the sea at...

According to Nino Rota who wrote the song, "What is a youth?", a youth is impetuous fire and a maid, ice and desire.

In tourism though, a youth is defined in more specific terms. He or she is aged from 15 to 30, they account for between 25-30% of all international travel today...

Some people might think it strange that Singapore was chosen as the venue for Wildlife Asia, the first conference and exhibition on wildlife film-making and wildlife conservation in the region.

After all, the landscaped city state does not come naturally to mind when you...

Leading European hotel brand, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is making its long-awaited expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. With one resort under its belt in Phuket - it rebranded a 350-room hotel on Karon Beach - the group has announced a new resort development on Sentosa, Singapore.

Its current focus on Asia-Pacific comes at a time when the group feels it has...

The Mövenpick Treasure Resort on Sentosa, slated to open at the end of 2008, is being undertaken with a management agreement with Maxz Universal Development Group.

"It is an honour for us to start the New Year with such an exceptional project and to have found a strong partner in Maxz Universal Development Group," said Mr...

When you walk into the African Wetlands exhibit at the Jurong BirdPark, the first thing that greets you is the full sense of place.

Beyond the birds - the shoebill and saddlebill storks - which remain the stars of the show, you feel like you're walking into a slice of the African wetlands. Native grass and plants surrounded by lots of water in which fish and frogs thrive, give the...

A unique opportunity is being offered to architects around the world to conceptualise the new National Art Gallery in Singapore.

The Singapore Ministry for Information, Communications and the Arts (Mica) has launched an Architectural Design Competition for local and international...

The International Kadampa Buddhist Festival 2007, to be held in Singapore, from 3 to 10 October, promises "A Blissful Journey" for delegates, 5,000 of whom are expected to attend daily.

This is the first time the event is being held in Asia and Gen Keisang Wangchog, the Resident Teacher of the Singapore-based Odiyana Buddhist Meditation Society...

Are travellers motivated in their hotel choices by spas? And what do they want from their spa experiences? P@SSPORT presents a summary of findings from Intelligent Spas on what travellers from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore prefer.

First the big picture. Nearly half of all spa visitors said they were likely to book...

Dr Steven Tucker, Medical Director of the newly-established West Clinic Excellence Cancer Center in Singapore, welcomes the growing spotlight on medical travel. He tells P@SSPORT why.

The increased attention on medical travel globally can do only one thing as far as Dr Steven Tucker is concerned - it will help raise standards throughout the...

More men are visiting spas and having their say as to what they want and expect from a spa experience, according to a recent survey by Intelligent Spas. And apparently, more men like to be naked (54%) when taking a spa treatment.

The survey also unearthed the following findings about the male psyche when it comes to spa visits.

On 23 and 24 February, Orchard Road will burst into a riot of colours and sounds as the Chingay 2007 Parade, held in conjunction with the Lunar New Year, takes to the streets.

This year, organisers, the People's Association (PA), in collaboration with several private sector companies will bring in overseas artistes including master...

On 8 December, one of Singapore's venerable institutions reclaimed its place in the country's tourism landscape, a bold reinvention of its former self.

With its reinvention, which followed three years of extensive redevelopment work, the National Museum aims to be a lifestyle centre that is relevant and alluring to modern-day visitors.

There was a time when the only way to get to Sentosa was by ferry and cable car. Then came the causeway-bridge, which opened in 1992, and visitors were able to drive directly onto the island.

Today, getting to Sentosa has become even easier with the opening of the new $140-million Sentosa Express last month.

Suntec City has launched the Suntec Visitor Card (SVC), and more than 2,000 delegates who attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held at the centre were the first to try it out.

Specially prepared for travellers visiting both Suntec City and Singapore, the SVC comes with a 10% discount (regular price items) at more than 80 participating...

And the winner is Genting International. P@SSPORT shares the views of the chairman of the company that will build Resorts World at Sentosa, and what it means for Singapore tourism.

Most people would have fallen off their chair or screamed or yelled or something, but it wouldn't have been in keeping with the style of Mr Lim Kok Thay.

What are the trends to watch in 2007? P@SSPORT asked a selection of tourism industry leaders for their top three.

The Internet, airlines and China are the three things to watch as the tourism industry in Asia/Pacific kicks off another year.

Tour operators contracting for Singapore at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2007 in Singapore this month can expect a bullish lot of hoteliers determined to push through rate increases for the new year.

Encouraged by a sterling 2006 in which occupancies and average rates hit record highs for the city state's hotels, Singapore hoteliers are predicting a continuing...

What trends are driving the outbound markets in Australia and India? P@SSPORT catches up with two major tour operators in these two key markets as buyers from all over the world gather in Singapore for the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF).

Creative Holidays, one of Australia's major wholesalers, ended 2006 on a high note and its Managing Director Mr Justin Montgomery is predicting "stronger travel...

Singapore, home to ZUJI Asia/Pacific headquarters, is often used as a test-case for new technologies and marketing plans that the company rolls out across its other travel sites.

Said Scott Blume, ZUJI's Chief Executive Officer: "Singapore is a fantastic place to be based personally. The geographic access to Asia, the technology...

Overseas tour operators promoting Singapore have welcomed the development of Resorts World at Sentosa, saying that it will enhance Singapore's appeal to the family market.

Mr Richard Willis, Chairman of Sky Travel China, part of the Kuoni Group in Asia...

Singapore ended the year on a high. Not only did it receive its nine millionth visitor in December, it also received a Christmas present in the shape of a mega resort-cum-theme park on Sentosa Island.

While the news that Genting/Star Cruises had won the bid to build the Integrated Resort in Singapore did not surprise analysts who had predicted its triumph over...

Dynamic packaging is hailed as the "killer application" that could trigger accelerated growth in online sales of leisure travel packages.

It enables customers to create their own packages rather than purchase pre-packaged tours, and has significant ramifications for the way leisure travel will...

What's at Resorts World at Sentosa? P@SSPORT shares the hard facts.

Resorts World, with a total investment of S$5.2 billion and covering 343,000 sqm, will open by 2010.

The online travel landscape came under the microscope at Wired Travel Asia, a travel distribution and marketing conference held in Singapore late October. What's making the news? P@SSPORT shares the highlights.

First the good news. Online travel is growing and set to boom further as broadband access spreads throughout Asia and consumers become savvier on...

Fear is irrational. Birds are misunderstood. Dr Wong Hon Mun shatters some misperceptions we have of our feathered friends. Just go to the Jurong BirdPark for some immersion and interaction and you will understand.

The first thing Dr Wong Hon Mun, Executive Director of Jurong BirdPark, wants to say is: Singapore is free of bird flu. So perish any concern you may have that by...

Trip Advisor recently released results of a global survey it did on 4,000 travellers to find out their likes and dislikes, and what they get up to while on vacation. Read on and get to know your customers.

Pining for Pine Trees : 43% of travellers are likely to go hiking, up from 24% one year ago, while 39% intend to take up adventure activities...

The spread of Asian investments and the growth of Asian brands will be the story of the year in 2007 in the hospitality industry.

Robert Broadfoot of the Political Economic & Risk Consultancy (PERC) predicted a dramatic escalation in Asian investments outside their home countries due to two factors – bulging foreign exchange reserves and limited domestic growth...

Singapore Airlines unveiled its new cabin products in October which it says will put back the romance into travel.

"These innovations will set the new direction for the Singapore Airlines product and service offering and redefine what even the most frequent traveller has come to expect of premium air travel," said Mr Bey Soo Khiang, Senior Executive Vice...

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), My Switzerland and Visit Britain were cited as three tourist boards that have adapted well to the changing tourism marketing landscape by destination marketing expert Roger Carter.

“They are doing the right things,” said Mr Carter, managing director of UK-based TEAM Tourism Consulting.

A new study by American Express sheds light on the affluent space in Asia and what drives wealthy people to do what they do. It reveals insights into lifestyle attitudes, behaviours and expectations.

As Asian economies prosper, so do its people. Premium affluent customers are the biggest growing segment in the region, according to Peter Kapoor...

In Singapore, talk-value is the new luxury; in Hong Kong, flashiness is out and subtlety is in while in India, "I've made it" is the new clarion cry.

American Express discovered five insights "Inside the Affluent Space" in Singapore.

The Dubai-based Jumeirah Group has set its sights on Singapore as it steps up its expansion drive. And its senior vice president for Asia Pacific believes Dubai and Singapore can learn from each other.

The rapidly-expanding Jumeirah Group is keen to plant its flag in Singapore.

The continued growth of low cost carriers and the dominance of China on the tourism landscape are just two trends that will come under the spotlight at the CAPA Aviation Outlook Summit in Singapore in early November.

Trends to watch in Asia Pacific aviation in the next 12 months...

VivoCity, a new lifestyle and entertainment space, has opened in Singapore. It promises something for everyone.

VivoCity is part of the sprawling 24-hectare HarbourFront precinct and will tap on tourist attractions, commercial centres and residential properties nearby.

The Singapore Flyer will transform the Singapore tourism experience, says the man who is building the Iconic Viewing Platform (IVP).

The S$200 million Singapore Flyer will put Singapore on the same stage as world cities such as Paris with its Eiffel Tower and London with its London Eye.

Since the British Airways' London Eye opened on 8 March this year, it has welcomed over 22 million people and won over 65 awards for outstanding engineering, design and business achievements.

Mr Joel Bryon of the London Eye's press office told P@SSPORT, "It was definitely a 'go' from the beginning."

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which operates three hotels in Singapore, has welcomed the Singapore government's recent move to release more land for hotel development and says it is planning at least eight more properties within five years.

Tony South, the group's senior vice president for development and asset...

While visitor arrivals in the first half of this year grew 11.8% over the same period last year, it seems not everyone is reaping the benefits.

Mr Allen Tsang, Chairman of the Inbound Committee for the National Association of Travel Agents (NATAS), called it a 'tough time' for inbound travel agents, despite the 4.7 million visitors Singapore received from January to June this year.

Capella Hotels and Resorts' entry into Sentosa is seen as yet another lifting of the bar for the Singapore tourism industry.

Last month, Millenia Hotel Private Limited, an associate company of the Pontiac Land Group, owner of the The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, Conrad Centennial Singapore and The Regent Singapore, announced that it had chosen the company...