Phuket: Even breakfast shouts WOW - Tripadvisor trials subscriber model - TTR Weekly
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VOL 44 • ISSUE 06 • 8-14 March 2021 NEWS FOR ASIA’S TRAVEL PLANNERS NEWS UPDATES at www.ttrweekly.com Phuket: Even breakfast shouts WOW. Tripadvisor trials Emirates fares and Dreaming of travel subscriber model. free stays. and ready to book.
8-14 March 2021
Tripadvisor trials
subscriber model
Tripadvisor Plus enables subscribers can book competition and increase by Tripadvisor Plus
hotels to participate di- them. Hotels continue bookings at a lower cost subscribers, ensuring
rectly in a travel member- post rates for both than traditional channels. those rates are not
ship programme for the Tripadvisor browsers The programme is free widely available on the
first time with zero fees. open internet, thereby
preserving a hotel’s rate
Tripadvisor announced integrity.
Monday a new paid By participating directly
membership programme in the programme,
for travellers branded Tripadvisor Plus hotels
Tripadvisor Plus that get full access to all of
allows hotels and B&B the customer information
to post deals with zero from each reservation.
commissions and no up- “Tripadvisor Plus is a
front fees. game-changer for both
Following a trial run in travellers and hoteliers,”
the US, the Tripadvisor said Tripadvisor chief
Plus rollout in the Asia commercial officer Kanika
Pacific region will begin in and Tripadvisor Plus for hotels to join, with no Soni. “Travellers get to
stages later in the year. subscribers. upfront costs and zero enjoy special perks and
Travellers will pay an According to commission rates, which discounts – and hotels
annual fee of USD99 Tripadvisor’s sale pitch, could save up to 30% per have a brand new way to
to join Tripadvisor Plus hotels and B&Bs can booking on commission attract valuable guests
that unlocks insider expand their visibility fees while significantly while avoiding hefty third-
savings, personal service, and reach “a ready-to- reducing third party costs. party commissions.”
benefits and perks (such book, high spend traveller Tripadvisor is counting A beta version of
as a free bottle of wine audience by participating on them passing on some Tripadvisor Plus launched
upon check-in, room directly in Tripadvisor of those savings to guests in December 2020 to a
upgrades when available Plus”. via discounts and perks. small slice of Tripadvisor’s
or spa credits). The deals Hotels receive special Discounted room rates traffic in the US and will
badged ‘Tripadvisor badging and increased available via Tripadvisor soon become available
Plus’ are visible to all visibility on the Tripadvisor Plus can only be viewed to all US travellers with
Tripadvisor browsers, platform, helping them by Tripadvisor members additional markets to
but only Tripadvisor plus to stand out from the and can only be booked follow later.
Follow us on:
TTR Weekly is a controlled circulation newspaper for the travel industry specialising in Thailand and the Mekong region. Published every Wednesday, alternatively in
English, the publication is distributed free to travel agents. Available on subscription outside this qualifying category. Published by Ross Publishing Ltd.
Managing editor: Don Ross: donr@ttrweekly.com
EDITORIAL: news@rossttr.com MARKETING: sales@ttrweekly.com PRODUCTION:
Editor: Don Ross Content editor: Danai Stephen Ross Creative director: Danai Stephen Ross
Publishing director: Lars Magnusson Graphics: Suradej Chatsomsiri,
Kamolapat Sriveriwan
Ross Publishing Ltd. 92/347 Moo 2, Lak Hok, Muang, Pathumtanee 12000 Tel: 66(0) 896 882 289.
Email: ttrw@ttrweekly.com Website: www.ttrweekly.com
8-14 March 2021
Emirates fares and free
stays
Special deals on Emirates fares and since last July. It was one of the set of measures at every step of
complimentary stays in Dubai. world’s first cities to obtain Safe the customer journey. For more
Travels stamp from the World Travel information on these measures and
Emirates offers special fares and and Tourism Council (WTTC) – which the services available on each flight,
free additional 10 kg baggage endorses Dubai’s comprehensive visit: www.emirates.com/yoursafety
allowance and even complimentary and effective measures to ensure
stays in Dubai to kickstart travel guest health and safety. PCR Testing
bookings To make travel planning easier,
Passengers travelling to Dubai Flexibility and assurance Emirates has partnered with
will also receive up to three Customers who purchase an medical groups in Thailand to
complimentary nights at the five- Emirates ticket for travel on or extend special rates on Covid-19
star JW Marriott Marquis Dubai before 30 September 2021 enjoy PCR tests. Emirates passengers
from 15 March to 30 June 2021*. generous rebooking terms and will benefit from a discounted
options if they have to change rate at select hospitals simply by
their travel plans. Customers have presenting their flight booking
options to change their travel dates from the airline. Partner medical
or extend their ticket validity for groups include Bangkok Hospital,
two years. Bangpakok9 International Hospital,
Bumrungrad Hospital, Kasemrad
Travel with confidence Hospital Prachachuen, Phyathai1
All Emirates customers can travel Hospital, Phyathai2 Hospital,
with confidence and peace of mind Piyavate Hospital, Princ Hospital
The airline is also bundling fares Suvarnabhumi Hospital, Sukumvit
with flexible booking options and with the airline industry’s first,
multi-risk travel insurance and Hospital, and VFS Thailand. Tests
free multi-risk travel insurance with should be taken not more than 96
Covid-19 cover. Covid-19 cover. This cover is offered
by Emirates on all tickets purchased hours before the flight.
Travellers who book return
economy class tickets to Dubai on or from 1 December 2020, at no
from 8 to 28 March 2021 for cost to customers. My Emirates Pass
travel between 15 March and In addition to Covid-19 The exclusive offer that turns the
30 June 2021 are eligible for a medical cover, the airline also Emirates boarding pass into a
complimentary two-night stay at the provides provisions for personal membership card is also back and
JW Marriot Marquis; while business accidents during travel, winter has been extended this year, giving
class and first-class passengers who sports cover, loss of personal customers even more chances to
book flights during the same period belongings, and trip disruptions explore UAE for less. Emirates’
can enjoy three complimentary due to unexpected air space customers flying to and through
nights’ visit from the day of arrival. closure, travel recommendations or Dubai from now to 30 September
Promotional return fares to advisories, similar to other multi- 2021 can take advantage of the
Dubai start from THB14,999 in risk travel insurance products. Some exclusive offers by simply presenting
economy class, THB34,999 in limitations and exclusions apply — their Emirates boarding pass and a
business class and THB79,999 in policy details and more information valid form of identification at any
first class. Emirates also adds 10kg here. of the participating outlets. The
free baggage to the allowance when offer includes discounts in over
travelling back to Thailand from Health and safety 300 restaurants across the country
Dubai, leaving even more room for Customers can look forward and in over 35 spas in world-class
shopping. to a safe and stress-free travel hotels. It also unlocks offers at many
Emirates has gradually restarted experience as Emirates has tourist attractions, including Atlantis
operations across its network as prioritised customer health and Aquaventure and At the Top Burj
travel restrictions eased in Dubai safety with a comprehensive Khalifa. Visit www.emirates.com/th.
8-14 March 2021
Phuket: Even breakfast
shouts WOW
When you wake up in Phuket in is the preferred way to kick start MuuWaan (caramelized pork),
your favourite hotel, surprise your- the day. Kanom Jeen is said to have would be perfect accompaniments
self and step out to explore break- its origins in the heritage cuisine of to help absorb the fiery taste of
fast like a true islander. Mon people. Today, the Thai style Gaeng Tai Pla.
rice noodles dish is an everyday Some local people prefer to
Forget your hotel breakfast buffet; meal enjoyed in different parts of enjoy Kanom Jeen with a mix of
experiment and explore your dining Thailand with diverse local recipes. curries. Some like to eat Kanom
options in Phuket, starting with the Local Kanoom Jeen shops in Jeen with HorMok (steamed curry
morning pick-me-up meal. Phuket offer choices of “Gaeng”
You’ll find that Thailand’s largest or curry to go to accompany the
island off the Andaman Sea coast is Kanom Jeen. Most of these curries
not only a beach paradise but also deliver authentic flavours with no
a food paradise, and the food fun compromise on taste.
starts at sunrise. Top choices for locals include
You can experience local cuisine Kanoom Jeen Nam Ya Pu or Nam
that delivers exotic and distinctive YaPla (rice noodles with crab or
flavours, with an authentic taste fish curry) and Kanom JeenGaeng
that reflects the multicultural Tai Pla, a traditional southern Thai
background of the southern tourist curry made with fermented fish fish custard), deep-fried fish cakes,
island. entrails and a salty sauce. The deep-fried chicken, or Patongo
First, check if you’re prepared for burning sensation from spices in (deep-fried dough stick).
a tingle of heat with the pleasure Gaeng Tai Pla, might feel more like For those who are not quite
– hot and spicy flavours to satisfy a punch in the mouth, but it adds sure about stepping out of their
your appetite. Spicy Kanom Jeen depth and character to the locals’ comfort zone, ‘Siew Boi’ or Dim
for breakfast may sound like a bold favourite recipe. But for those Sum breakfast might be a safer
idea for visitors, but for Phuket who hesitate, side dishes such as culinary option to taste Phuket’s
locals, the extra-hot-and-spicy dish fresh vegetables, boiled eggs, or local experience. Dim Sum shops in
8-14 March 2021
Phuket are part of the local’s daily
life and a venue to enjoy morning
coffee council for locals.
Some of the original Dim Sum
shops in Phuket have been in
business for a century or more.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety
of steamed dim sum menus that
deliver Chinese Hokkien culinary
heritage flavours. Dim Sum sauce at
these local Dim Sum places offers
mixed flavours of sour, sweet, and
a bit of spicy taste, making Phuket’s
Dim Sum meal a unique experience.
Another local favourite is Roti
with gaeng or curry. The tasty
Muslim Massaman curry, whether
with beef, chicken, or fish, goes very
noodles with red pork, prawns,
squids and vegetables), Bee Hoon
(rice vermicelli with fried shallots),
Lo Ba (deep-fried stewed pig’s head,
ears, tongue and entrails served
with sweet and sour sauce), O-Taw
(fried oyster with flour, taro, and
crispy pork), to name a few.
well with soft and somewhat crispy locals for Phuket’s signature dessert, Phuket is listed among UNESCO’s
Roti. Locals love to add fried eggs as the answer would be “O-Aew”. The City of Gastronomy, and the people
a side dish or a Roti topping. Here, name refers to jelly cubes made of Phuket are proud of their town’s
the locals also have a special code from seeds of the O-Aew plant and culinary heritage and continue to
to order their Roti with fried eggs. If banana starch. O-Aew is served with keep their food history alive and
you go to Roti shops in Phuket and shaved ice and syrup, while locals kicking. The mix of Thai, Chinese,
ask for “2:1”, you will get two pieces prefer to add different toppings to Malay, Indian, and European food
of Roti and one fried egg. The enjoy this O-Aew in different ways. cultures is a significant part of
savoury Roti meal also goes well The original recipe was introduced Phuket’s heritage. Add to the
with Thai milk tea, a refreshingly to Phuket by Hokkien immigrants mix fresh seafood ingredients,
sweet drink. Roti can also be during the tin mining era, dated and you have the perfect blend of
enjoyed as a dessert. For those who back to the mid-19 centuries. dining options that make Phuket
have a sweet tooth, the crunchy Today, O-Aew is among the locals’ a destination for food lovers. To
flatbread topped with sweetened favourite desserts, and it is said follow the trends, see the Michelin
condensed milk and sugar. Locals that, in Thailand, you can only find Guide, check out local food festival
firmly believe it is a sound source this type of dessert in Phuket town. schedules, or simply forego the
of energy to sustain you through a Other local recipes reflect the hotel buffet breakfast and explore
busy day. multicultural background of Phuket Phuket’s old town for a Good
Apart from Roti, if you ask the such as MeeHokkien (stir-fried egg Morning Phuket meal.
8-14 March 2021
Dreaming of travel and
ready to book
American Express 2021 Global Wellness: 78%
Travel Trends Report reveals key of respondents
trends indicating pent-up demand indicate wanting
for travel and a readiness to book to travel in 2021 to
now. relieve the stresses
from 2020.
Strong pent up demand for travel, Culinary Tourism
a readiness to plan future trips and is Here to Stay: 62%
the advent of the digital nomad are of respondents say
the keynotes in the latest American that eating is the
Express Travel: Global Travel Trends top activity they are
Report released Wednesday. interested in doing
The survey covers seven while travelling.
countries – the US, Australia, India, Ready to Book Now: 56% of Luxury Travel: The pandemic
Canada, Mexico, Japan and the UK, respondents said that they miss has changed peoples’ perception
demonstrating that consumers are travelling so much that they are of luxury travel with personalized
looking forward to travelling again willing to book a trip now even if experiences (82%), high cleanliness
and planning for future trips. they might have to cancel it in the standards (81%) and privacy (79%)
future. being the most desirable luxury
Top insights Rise of The Digital Nomad: amenities among respondents1.
54% of respondents said that the 59% indicate that they want to
Strong Pent-Up Demand for Travel: freedom and flexibility of being able use a travel agent to help plan and
87% of people surveyed said that to live and work while travelling customize their next trip, and 80%
the globe are more indicate they are willing to travel to
appealing now than destinations during the offseason so
it was prior to the that it’s less crowded.
pandemic. The surge in ‘Second-City’
Safety is a Destinations: 69% of respondents
Priority: 65% of are interested in visiting lesser-
respondents said known destinations, and American
they plan to travel Express Travel booking data
after they and their reinforces this trend, showing a
family members rise in reservations for second-city
have received destinations.
a vaccine for Backing Local Communities:
COVID-19. 72% of respondents agree that they
Privacy is the are passionate about travelling to
New Ultimate destinations to help boost tourism
having a trip planned in the future Luxury: 75% said experiences that revenue and the local economy.
gives them something to look offer ultimate privacy are becoming Supporting Travel Brands that
forward to, 76% of respondents are a key sought-after feature of luxury Prioritize Diversity & Inclusion:
creating their destination wish list travel. 69% of respondents agree that they
for future travel even though they Increase in Sustainable Travel: want to choose an airline/hotel
might not be able to travel yet and 68% of respondents agree they that values diversity and inclusion
63% of respondents said that they are trying to be more aware of reflecting a diverse customer base.
are saving their credit card points so sustainability-friendly travel brands https://www.americanexpress.com/
they can go on a vacation once they to support. en-us/travel/fine-hotels-resorts/get-
feel comfortable travelling. Travel to Uplift Health & inspired/global-travel-trends
8-14 March 2021
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