FIFA World Cup Boosts South African Tourism

The 2010 FIFA World Cup has led to an increase in visitors to South Africa. According to the South African Department of Home Affairs, 682,317 foreigners entered into the country between 1 June and 21 June 2010 – compared to the arrival of 541,065 during the same period last year. Apart from visitors from neighbouring countries, the largest number of foreign arrivals is from the UK, USA, Germany, Australia, France, Netherlands and Argentina. The 2010 FIFA World Cup has seen an increase in visitors from new countries, namely the Latin American nations such as Mexico and Brazil. Occupancy rates of South African hotels have increased, with 65 to 70 % occupancy rates in Johannesburg and almost 85 % in Cape Town and Durban. The event is expected to generate more than US$4 billion for the South African economy.

In 2009, global tourism decreased by 4% decrease but South Africa managed a 3.7 per cent increase. Foreign arrivals to South Africa grew annually by an average rate of 5.3% from 6 million in 2000 to 10 million in 2009. Over 70% of tourist arrivals were from Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. Residents from overseas countries constituted 26.9% of tourist arrivals.

Domestic tourism registers impressive growth

Despite economic recession, Indian domestic tourism registered an impressive growth of more than 15% in 2009. Data compiled by the Tourism Ministry suggested that the number of domestic tourist visits to the states and Union Territories (UTs) was 650 million as compared to 563 million in 2008 and 527 million in 2007. With 157.5 million travellers, Andhra Pradesh topped the list of states followed by Uttar Pradesh (134.8 million) and Tamil Nadu (115.8).The number of domestic tourist visits registered an increase of 15.5% over 2008 as compared to increase of 6.9% in 2008 over 2007.

Other states in the top ten list included Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Gujarat and the contribution of these states was about 88% to the total domestic tourist visits in 2009.

During 2009, the number of foreign tourist visits to the states and UTs was 13.7 million as compared to 14.1 million in 2008 and 13.3 million in 2007.The top ten states in terms of number of foreign tourist visits during 2009 were Tamil Nadu with 2.37 million, closely followed by Maharashtra and Delhi with 2 and 1.96 million respectively.Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh also figured in the top ten list in terms of foreign tourist visits.

Asia Pacific: Travel Up By 10% For Q1 2010

According to PATA, travel demand in Asia Pacific registered a 10% increase in Q1 2010, from the same quarter in 2009.

International visitor arrivals to South Asia grew by 17% year-on-year in the first quarter. Arrival growth was very strong for Nepal (+30%), the Maldives (+21%) and Bhutan (+57%) during the first three months of 2010.

Southeast Asia reported strong growth with a collective gain of 16% year-on-year in the first quarter. This was boosted by double-digit growth in international arrivals to Cambodia (+10%), Indonesia (+15%), Myanmar (+39%), Singapore (+20%), Thailand (+28%) and Vietnam (+36%).

Within Northeast Asia, China (PRC) posted a 4% increase in international arrivals with the sub-region as a whole, growing by 8% year-on-year for the period. This strong sub-regional performance was also supported by the SARs of Hong Kong (+17%) and Macau (+12%), Chinese Taipei (+28%) and Japan (+29%). Korea (ROK) however, recorded a 1% decline in arrivals in the first quarter of the year.

International arrivals to the Pacific grew by 6% during the first quarter of 2010, dominated by a 6% increase in visitor numbers to Australia and New Zealand.

US Inbound: 31 Percent Increase Expected In 2014

International arrivals to US will reach 72 million, an increase of 31 percent from 2009 through 2014. The largest increases in visitor volume in 2010 will be from Brazil (22%), China (22%), Korea (18%), Argentina (13%), Australia (12%), and India (12%).

In North America, arrivals to US from Canada and Mexico are each forecast to increase by seven percent in 2010, and to grow by 26 and 35 percent, respectively, from 2009 to 2014. Arrivals from Europe will be 17 percent higher in 2014 than the 2009 total. Higher growth is forecast for Sweden (+8%), Italy (+7%), the Netherlands (+6%), and Switzerland (+6%). Asia is projected to generate 49 percent increase from 2009 to 2014. while Oceania is expected to post a 51 percent growth in visitors during the same period. South America will generate more than 4.3 million visitors, a 58 percent increase in 2014 compared to 2009. Brazil, the largest source market in the region, is expected to increase 22 percent in 2010 and produce a record 1.09 million visitors.

Corporate Meeting Bookings: 15 Percent Increase Expected

Meeting planners expect to book 15 percent more meetings in 2010 compared with 2009 according to a survey conducted by Ypartnership LLC. Fewer meeting planners are expecting budget cuts, and nine of every 10 say they do not expect to have to cancel meetings. Mid-scale hotels are likely to benefit, because the interest in booking luxury hotels was down again in 2010.

Business and Technology agility crucial for Hotel business

Guest experience, globalization, brand value and speed to market are the four key drivers transforming the future of hotels according to a report commissioned by Amadeus.

The report titled Invent the Future: the New Normal for Hotels in 2010 and Beyond, argues that changes in the last decade are creating a new environment in which hotels need to do more with less if they are to secure growth and competitive differentiation in 2010 and beyond. The future belongs to hotel brands that develop competitive advantages using technology to drive operational efficiency, time-to-market speed and higher guest satisfaction.

Hotels need to fundamentally assess their commercial strategy and consider all aspects of their business afresh. The dramatic convergence of market trends, structural changes in the sector and technology developments offer hotels the opportunity to reinvent how they do business. The hotels which will thrive in this new era will be those that demonstrate both business and technology agility.

The top 10 cities for International Association Meetings in 2009

1. Vienna (160 meetings)

2. Barcelona (135 meetings)

3. Paris (131 meeting)

4. Berlin (129 meetings)

5. Singapore (119 meetings)

6. Copenhagen (103 meetings)

7. Stockholm (102 meetings)

8. Amsterdam (98 meetings)

9. Lisbon (98 meetings)

10. Beijing (96 meetings)

Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) 2010

Committed to presenting the highest quality of exhibitors, buyers and visitors from around the world, BITE 2010 packs in an enormous showcase of tourism destinations and attractions as well as travel-related goods and services to set you at full throttle in the Chinese tourism market. In its 7th edition, the Bite 2010 boasts and occupancy of 33,000 sqm of gross area at the new venue, China International Exhibition Center (CIEC).

Exhibitors’ and Visitors’ Profile

• Airlines

• Art & Heritage Centres

• Attractions

• Car and Limousine Services

• Credit Cards and Facilities Providers

• Cultural Venues

• Cruise/ Ferry Services

• Destinations

• Golf Courses • Holiday Camps

• Hotels and Restaurants

• National Travel Organisations

• Tourist Associations

• Pubs and Entertainment Outlets

• Health Spas and Beach Resorts

• Theatres

• Tour Operators

• Travel Agencies

• Technology/Reservations Systems

• Travel Goods and Others

• MICE Destinations and Facilities

Contact:

International Enquiries outside China

Conference & Exhibition Management Services Pte Ltd

1 Maritime Square, #09-43 HarbourFront Centre,

Singapore 099253

Tel: (65) 62788666, Fax: (65) 62784077

Email: info@cems.com.sg

Contact Person

Exhibition:

Mr. Daniel Shi (daniel@cems.com.sg )

Ms. Lily Ng (lilyng@cems.com.sg )

Marketing Communication:

Ms. Trina Teo (trina@cems.com.sg)

Hosted Buyer Programme:

Ms. Cheryl Koh (cheryl@cems.com.sg)

International Enquiries in China

CEMS (Beijing) Conference & Exhibition Co., Ltd

Block B, Rm B-609 Yong He Plaza, No. 28 Andingmen Esat Street, Dongcheng District

Beijing 100007, China

Tel: (86) 10 84476820, Fax: (86) 10 84476822

Contact Person

Exhibition:

Ms. Helen Yang ( helen@cems.com.sg / helen@cemschina.com.cn )

The top 10 countries for International Association Meetings in 2009:

1. United States (595 meetings)

2. Germany (458 meetings)

3. Spain (360 meetings)

4. Italy (350 meetings)

5. United Kingdom (345 meetings)

6. France (341 meetings)

7. Brazil (293 meetings)

8. Japan (257 meetings)

9. China (245 meetings)

10. Austria (236 meetings)

Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM) 2010

Asia Luxury Travel Market (ALTM) brings together the world's most sought after destinations, ultra-luxurious accommodation, elite transportation and unique travel experiences, showcased for the most discerning Asian luxury travel buyer.

ALTM is a 'by invitation only' event, offering luxury travel providers the opportunity to reach Asia Pacific's VIP Buyers through its unrivalled Pre-Scheduled and Online Diary Appointment programme of up to 69 one-to-one meetings and extensive networking opportunities.

ALTM 2010 Programme of Events

Monday 14 June

09.00	Registration opens
16.00 - 18.00	ALTM Ultratravel Forum Venue: Shanghai Centre Theatre (access via the Portman Ritz-Carlton) Open to all ALTM badge holders
18.00	Registration closes
18.00 - 19.00	ALTM Post Forum Cocktail Venue: Shanghai Centre Theatre (access via The Portman Ritz-Carlton) Open to all ALTM Conference attendees

Tuesday 15 June

09.30	ALTM Opens
10.00 - 13.00	Pre-Scheduled Appointments
13.00 - 14.00	Networking, Online Diary & Lunch Appointments
14.00 - 18.00	Pre-Scheduled Appointments
18.00	ALTM Closes
19.30 - 23.00	ALTM Official Welcome Party in partnership with Hyatt Hotels Venue: The Hyatt on the Bund (Open to all ALTM badge holders)

Wednesday 16 June

09.30	ALTM Opens
10.00 - 13.00	Pre-Scheduled Appointments
13.00 - 14.00	Networking, Online Diary & Lunch Appointments
14.00 - 18.00	Pre-Scheduled Appointments
19.00 - 22.00	ALTM Club Night at M1NT, sponsored by Kyoto City
18.00	ALTM Closes

Thursday 17 June

09.30	ALTM Opens
10.00 - 13.00	Pre-Scheduled Appointments
13.00 - 14.00	Networking, Online Diary & Lunch Appointments
14.00 - 17.00	Pre-Scheduled Appointments
17.00	ALTM Closes

US Hotel Chains Step Up Expansion Efforts In Europe

Major US hotel chains Four Seasons Hotels Inc., Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. and Marriott International Inc. are stepping up expansion efforts in Europe. In the US, they already control about 70 percent of the market, according to Smith Travel Research Inc.

Four Seasons, based in Toronto, has 14 hotels in Europe and another seven slated to open in the next three to five years. Starwood had 159 European hotels at the end of 2009 and 20 in the pipeline. Marriott expects to double its 40,000 rooms in Europe by 2015 with such brands as the Ritz-Carlton and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts. Hyatt Hotels Corp., the chain controlled by Chicago’s Pritzker family, expects to have a higher percentage of rooms abroad than in the US within a decade. Blackstone Group LP’s Hilton Worldwide operates about 184 hotels across Europe. It had 18 openings in the past year, which included takeovers of independent hotels and franchise agreements.

For more news click on the following link

http://www.starktourism.com/global_news.html

European Cruise Pax Rise 12%

Almost 4.95 million passengers across Europe took a cruise holiday in 2009; up 12% over 2008.

The UK is the largest contributor with 1.53 million passengers, representing 31.5% of the market. Germany is second with 1.02 million passengers and 21% of the market. Italy, the third largest cruise market in Europe, saw a 16% increase to 790,000 passengers while Spain showed a 26% increase to 627,000 passengers.

The Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands continue to be the most popular destinations with 2.8 million passengers visiting the regions in 2009 – a market share of 57%.
Northern Europe had a 20% increase in the number of cruise visitors (884,000) while the Caribbean and the rest of the world accounted for an increase of 19% over the previous year (1.23 million).

For more news click on

http://www.starktourism.com/global_news.html

Asia Pacific: One in four will travel

One in four consumers in Asia Pacific will take a vacation in the next six months, based on the latest findings from a MasterCard survey. Intraregional travel continues to be popular among consumers who plan to spend on travel in the next six months in Asia Pacific (86%)

Among the Asia Pacific markets, Hong Kong (56%), Singapore (48%) and New Zealand (40%) have the highest number who will travel abroad in the next six months. Top five destinations for Asia Pacific travelers are Japan (24%), Australia (20%), China (20%), Hong Kong (17%) and the United States (17%).

Visit us at

http://www.starktourism.com/global_news.html

France Woos Mid East High Net Worth Travellers

France, the world’s leading destination for travel and tourism, which attracted more than 74 million tourists in 2009, is focusing on high-net worth travellers from the Middle East and Near East. Visitors from the region currently are just over 725,000 according to the state-owned French tourism body Atout France. While 2008 was a very good year for tourist arrivals to France, there was a drop of six per cent in the first half of 2009 from the Middle East.

Travellers from the Middle East and Near East are high contributors to the tourism revenue of France. But they account for just two per cent of the country’s total tourist arrivals. The average stay of tourists from the region is 11 days which is among the longest of all travellers to France. Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) dominate the share of outbound travellers from the Middle and Near East with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait contributing the highest numbers.

'Flash Selling' Drives Leisure Travel Sales

Flash selling or the blasting of time-sensitive offers to targeted prospects via email emerged as a low-cost alternative to other forms of business development. This technique is used by a growing number of travel service suppliers in the current market environment. Flash sales feature offers that arrive unexpectedly and require an immediate response to book the featured promotional fare or rate. The technique started in the airline business to liquidate unsold inventory on selected routes. Hotel companies also used the technique to pump up occupancy on otherwise slow dates. Meta search engines are flash selling complete vacation packages.

World’s Top Tourism Spenders 2009

Ranking
	Country
1.	Germany
2.	United States
3.	United Kingdom
4.	China
5.	France
6.	Italy
7.	Japan
8.	Canada
9.	Russian Federation
10.	Netherlands