Tag Archives: Asia

Insight Vacations, brought in India by Signature Tours, has launched its new 2018 Europe Premium Escorted Journeys collection featuring 70 Insight Experiences, 100 guided vacations, and four styles of distinctive journeys. Included are eight new European Discovery Journeys as well as Regional Journeys, Country Roads and Easy Pace, different travel styles to match varying preferences. Evon Ler, President, Insight Vacations, Asia says, “Guests who have travelled with Insight Vacations know about our outstanding Insight Difference since it has been our personal mission for 40 years to create magical experiences for travellers. We are proud of our team of passionate travel directors and colleagues who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we deliver authentic experiences that make holidays memorable. Our Insight Experiences are a curated collection of memories-in-the-making by connecting our guests with locals, unique activities and expert insights to bring each destination to life.” Ler was in India recently to launch the new itineraries. The eight new 2018 European Discoveries range from 9 to 19 days, each offering experiences to Europe’s popular destinations. These itineraries visit 12 countries.

Hanneli Slabber, Regional General Manager, Asia, Australasia and Middle East, South African Tourism, has been honoured with the DDP Game Changer award. An industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality sector, she served as the Country Head of South African Tourism for the India market. Her in-depth knowledge of South Africa’s beautiful landscape and the right kind of destination packaging has led to the creation of many global marketing campaigns, which helped boost travel numbers to South Africa. Slabber began her career in the hotel industry before moving to sales & marketing. With experiences in both inbound and outbound companies, she then moved to South African Tourism.

Agents can now book holidays from October 2017 to April 2018 with Trafalgar offering confirmed departures for autumn, winter and spring 2017-18. Nicholas Lim, Trafalgar’s President-Asia, says, “With Diwali coming up and the year-end Christmas holiday season just around the corner, we believe that this will give our agents and the trade all the confidence and peace of mind when their clients decide on a Trafalgar European holiday with their loved ones.  In a world that is constantly in flux and a notoriously late booking market here in Asia, this 100% Definite Departure guarantee presents a golden opportunity to all agents who are now able capitalise on all selling opportunities as far out as April.  With an overall 98% independent guests satisfaction rating and a high 52 per cent repeat business annually, we believe we have the product that the trade can rely on.”

Absolute Hotel Services Group (AHS) has announced a cooperation between AHS and Vienna House, Austria’s largest hotel group, to expand their related brands in Asia and Europe. Vienna House currently owns and/or managed 36 properties throughout Europe. AHS India plans to introduce this new brand in India soon. The new corporation between AHS and Vienna House will be beneficial for both hotel groups with the expansion of AHS’ U Hotels and Resorts brand into the European market via AHS Europe office in Vienna, Austria while also expanding the Vienna House brand in Asia under the auspices of Vienna House Asia. Jonathan Wigley, CEO, AHS, says, “In Vienna House I can think of no better a partner to introduce our U properties into Europe as their reputation precedes them for an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction and authentic hospitality, which is exactly what we at AHS are looking for to spearhead our expansion westwards.” CEO of Vienna House, Rupert Simoner adds, “Having Absolute Hotel Services as our partner in Asia is a genuinely exciting time for us as now we have the strong background and unwavering support of an already well-established and respected company to bring the Vienna House experience to a whole new market in Asia

The global leader in guided holidays Trafalgar, is delving deeper into Asia with the introduction of three new destinations — India, Sri Lanka and Laos. Travelling in groups of up to just 26 guests, each journey offers clients an in-depth and intimate exploration into this part of the world where modern meets ancient. Boasting nine new itineraries and three new destinations, Trafalgar’s Asia 2017 programme features an expanded range of Mini Stays to provide agents with options to sell Asia’s most exciting urban centres to clients looking for an immersive city experience. The new 13-day Leisurely Rajasthan with Mumbai is Trafalgar’s first itinerary exploring the riches of India with stays in vibrant cities such as Jaipur and Mumbai and the chance to see how #TrafalgarCares is helping Delhi’s street children through its support of the Salaam Baalak Trust. Trafalgar will also be heading across the Palk Strait on the new 11-day Wonders of Sri Lanka. From learning how Ceylon tea is made to rehabilitating orphaned elephants with #TrafalgarCares, there is no better way to explore this tropical island. The bite-size South East Asian gem of Laos completes the trio of new destinations and features on the 11-day Secrets of Cambodia with Laos. Learn about the exceptional work being done at the ‘Lao Friends Hospital for Children’ with #TrafalgarCares and immerse in local customs at a family hosted dinner in beautiful Luang Prabang.