Tourism sector targets high-income earners

(VOV) - One of the relatively important solutions to developing the Vietnam tourism sector in the current period is to shift its direction, emphasizing a preference for boosting high-spending markets.

Government officials made the statement at a press conference held in Hanoi on May 19, stating that a concurrent de-emphasis of lower spending markets would result in an overall benefit and more profitable tourism sector.

According to statistics, a Russian tourist in Vietnam often spends around US$2,200-US$2.500 on average, even up to US$4,000 in some high-spending segments. Visitors from Western Europe, Australia and North America customarily spend below US$2,000 each.

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) General Director Nguyen Van Tuan, said that these are the high-spending markets that we should focus on in the future.

Tuan added that the market shift means that the sector will turn to traditional and high-spending markets namely Russia, Japan and the Republic of Korea which have established fine political relations with Vietnam as well as Western European, North American and Australian markets.

Meanwhile, although the ASEAN market has lower spending demands, travel activities are very easy with the presence of low-cost air routes. In addition, Vietnam's demand stimulus package can also increase expenditures, the quality and efficiency of the tourism sector.

Tuan emphasized that the sector will strengthen activities to stimulate demands for domestic tourism for higher growth in the coming time. Effective solutions will focus on enhancing connectivity among businesses, travel agents, hotels, restaurants and airlines to offer preferential service packages to local tourists. 

Luxury Travel Co., Ltd

A La Carte – A New Hotel Concept In Vietnam

Mid-June 2014, Da Nang will be the home of a new hotel concept in Vietnam called A La Carte. Inspired by the phrase “a la carte” which means “according to the menu” in French, the idea of an ‘a la carte’ hotel concept was born to offer guests choice and flexibility.

Located directly on Da Nang’s Beach Boulevard, A La Carte Da Nang boasts 202 apartments (of different sizes, with own kitchenette and ocean views), various F&B outlets and Vietnam’s very first rooftop infinity pool.

A La Carte Da Nang means 5* facilities without the upmarket price: the rate is room only and all else is up to the guests’ needs and wants! Guests can choose from a creative and fun list of add-ons and thus pay only for what they truly want. Our optional add-ons range from bathroom amenities, breakfast, i-pads and pillow menu to kids toys’ baskets, PlayStation games baskets, DIY meals’ baskets and many more.

According to Joel Bourke, General Manager of A La Carte: "A La Carte Da Nang Beach is truly all about choice.”  The idea of offering a wide selection of 'add-ons' or a menu of options allows guests to personalize their stay and create their perfect holiday package. Every guest is different so we want to give guests the flexibility to go for and spend their holiday budget on what really matters to them. And we make the process fun!”

A La Carte will open mid June 2014 and welcome its very first guests at the following address: Corner of Vo Nguyen Giap – Duong Dinh Nghe, Son Tra District, Da Nang City.

A La Carte – The choice is yours

Courtesy of ETB Travel News
http://asia.etbnews.com/205766/la-carte-new-hotel-concept-vietnam/

Bali Adventure Tours - "A must do!!! Excellent experience!"

A condition of our trip to Bali from our teenage daughters was to go to an Elephant camp, we did alot of reviewing prior to our trip and Elephant safari park was the stand out.
During the second week of our trip we chose to book online using their app, simple and 15% discount given, includes transfers, elephant ride, lunch and museum etc.
We were picked up from our hotel in Sanur around 8am, Our driver Roger was prompt and very friendly, chatting throughout our drive up to and back from Ubud.
Upon arrival we collected our tickets (due to booking online) a staff member then greeted us showed us where to go, at your own pace. I need to stress this would have to be the most relaxing tour we've ever done, just about everything is done when you're ready, it's like a well oiled machine- your name is called for the ride if you're not there/ready they just take the next one no problem.

We walked the beautiful pathway and took photos of the fish and nature, heading down to the Elephant area. Whilst waiting to be called for the Elephant ride we feed and interacted with multiple elephants, including the baby elephant Dawn. The ride itself is extremely calming taking in the nature and surroundings of the park. The lunch has a good variety and plenty to have, drinks aren't included in the package, but aren't that expensive.

The elephant show goes for about 15 minutes. You're able to continue interacting with the elephant's throughout the day. You can also view and purchase photos that were taken on the Elephant, the cost is very reasonable.
The elephant museum is very informative, the shop is reasonably priced, my daughter bought a beautiful s/s elephant ring cost was under $25aus
We saw 2 elephant's chained up, this only done whilst away from their keeper, otherwise they would roam free and anything could happen!
The age range we saw here was fantastic, from little bubs to the elderly.

We had a fantastic time, the entire day was a joy, my husband and I have been to elephant camps before in Thailand and absolutely loved it, but Elephant safari park exceeded anything we had done before, the whole set up of the park was fantastic.
I would highly recommend anyone travelling to Bali to visit Elephant Safari Park, we are already looking at returning next year for my husbands 50th, and maybe staying a night or 2 in their lodges.

Bali Adventure Tours

RP Marketing

0172 681 6400

rpmarketg@aol.com

Trans Niugini Tours launch Lake Murray Lodge, Papua New Guinea

Trans Niugini Tours is pleased to announce the launch of their newest  Lake Murray Lodge  and are now accepting bookings.  Nestled amongst the trees on Boboa Island in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea, the Lodge has 12 rooms with twin/double beds and a large veranda overlooking the lake. The main lodge, with a wrap around veranda and water views on three sides house a dining room, bar, lounge and reception area. In keeping with their eco-friendly philosophy the entire lodge operation is solar powered. The lodge operates comfortable "river-trucks" for touring around the lake. Lake Murray Lodge can also be combined with the other wilderness lodges of Papua New Guinea in Ambua Lodge, Karawari Lodge, Sepik Spirit, Rondon Ridge, Bensbach Wildlife Lodge and Malolo Plantation Lodge. Culture - Villages can be visited where one can experience the unique culture of the Lake Murray area. Birding - The Western Province is home to over 50% of Papua New Guinea's total bird population and Lake Murray is one of the best bird watching areas in the province.  Fishing - Lake Murray is known for its Black Bass and Barramundi. The sport fishing is catch and release.  "Nessie" - There has been reported sightings of its own "Nessie" in the Lake, believed to be a relative of the Theropod dinosaur family. For more information please contact: Richard Parks RP Marketing 0172 681 6400 rpmarketg@aol.com

Klia 2 New Generation Hub

We invite you to step into our world with the arrival of the New Terminal at KL International Airport - klia2.

KLIA2 is the new low-cost carrier terminal set to serve 45 million airport users. The brand new airport’s innovative new offerings and state-of-the-art facilities, passengers and visitors will enjoy a fresh shopping, dining and services experience.

Destined to be a global benchmark, KLIA2  embodies the concept of the ‘Next Generation Hub’ that will ease connectivity between full service carriers and low cost carriers. It will be the only dedicated mega terminal in the world that caters for the fast growing low carrier industry in this region.

With the size, KLIA2 is the world’s largest purpose-built terminal for LCC’s.  KLIA2 will cover an area of 257,000sqm and will be able to handle 45 million annual passengers. It will feature 68 contact stands and eight remote stands, and will be served by a 4km runway with provision for A380 operations.

KLIA2 will feature a multi-modal transportation hub for buses, taxis, and Express Rail Link (ERL) train to provide connectivity for passengers and also for the public. There is also talk of a possible KTM Train link nearby making it easy to get here.

HOW TO GET TO KLIA2 AIRPORT

There are few ways to get to KLIA2 Airport.

• KLIA Ekspress/ KLIA Transit
• By Taxi
• By Bus
• By Flight

The easiest way is by using KLIA Ekspres which connect direct from KL Sentral Transportation Hub.  A trip to KLIA2 from KL Sentral costs the same as a ride to KLIA: RM35 one-way.  Passengers in transit from KLIA can also take ERL’s service, with a one-way inter-terminal transfer between the two terminals priced at RM2 for adults and RM1 for children.

HOW TO GET TO KLIA2 FROM KLIA

KLIA2 is located less than 2 kilometres away from KLIA, and is connected to KLIA via ERL’s high-speed train, creating a highly touted feature of seamless connectivity between full service and low-cost airlines.

KLIA2 PARKING RATE

KLIA2  hosts a 8-storey car park that directly adjoins the Main Terminal, and accommodates over 6,000 vehicles.   The car park is fully gated. Security personnel operates 24 hours, enabling travelers to park their vehicles overnight – or over several days – with complete peace of mind.

KLIA2 Parking Rate (for Cars) 

• 1 – 3 hours : RM4/hour
• 4 – 9 hours : RM3/hour
• > 10 hours : RM2/hour
• Maximum : RM46/day

KLIA2 Parking Rate (for Motorcycles)

•  Per entry : RM1/day

KLIA2 Parking Rate (Valet Parking)

• First 2 hours : RM15
• For the next 1 hour : RM5

Trip Advisor - Bali Adventure tours

Bali Adventure Tours· 

A recent trip adviser review of our new rafting operation:

“Amazing value, professional set-up, top points to this organisation”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2014

These people know how to run a business. Rave review is a no-brainer for this joint - here's why:

- Pick-up bang on time from hotel
- Great facilities when you arrive - locker room, nice showers, plenty of friendly staff helping direct you
- We had an awesome, smiley and super friendly guide named Desu. Never once lobbied for a tip or anything, and unfortunately all of our gear was left in the locker so we actually didn't get a chance to give him anything, which we felt a bit bad about. But you'll never be made to feel as though you need to spend anything more than the ticket price
- The steps descending to the river (and yes there are a lot of them, so get ready for a workout) are a masterpiece - loads of thought and work has gone into this operation, all the equipment is top-notch
- You literally spend about two hours on the water - it's awesome fun. As you go down the river and see all of the other company's guest hobbling down overgrown, narrow steps with cheaper gear, you'll feel a bit of pity for them and thank the stars that you picked these guys. But I don't want to sound harsh, I guess you get what you pay for and not everything's affordable for everyone - all of the tour companies were good sports, we splashed all the other boats as we went past them and spirits were high between all those using the river
- The river is stunning - absolutely beautiful scenery the whole way
- Aside from an orgasmic local smoked duck experience elsewhere (which I'm not going to review on Tripadvisor, too good to publicise), my wife reckons the complementary buffet lunch after the rafting was the best on the trip. Top marks to these guys for this, as it would have been easy to just shovel some slop on a plate and fulfil the obligation, but rather they've got a great dining area attended by lovely staff with excellent food and dessert - really well thought out.

Nothing to knock about this adventure. Should be rated higher in my opinion.