Travnews. NATAS elects new Executive Committee at 35 th AGM Exclusive Interview: Exploring Bhutan. Rediscovering the wonders of Singapore

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1 Travnews Official Newsletter of NATAS MAY-JUL 2014 ISSUE 32 NATAS elects new Executive Committee at 35 th AGM Exclusive Interview: New NATAS President Mr Devinder Ohri Exploring Bhutan The Land of the Thunder Dragon Rediscovering the wonders of Singapore

2 QUALITY. RELIABILITY. REPUTATION. SERVICE. A clear signal of credibility, reliability and quality service amongst travel professionals, the NATAS Accreditation framework is set to boost the recognition and reputation of true travel professionals nationwide. So be sure to look for NATAS-accredited staff for service excellence when you plan your next trip. BASED ON THEIR LEVEL OF COMPETENCY, TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS CAN BE ACCREDITED WITH THE STATUS THAT ACCURATELY REFLECT THEIR SERVICE STANDARDS, EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONALISM: (ATA) Accredited Travel Associate (ATP) Accredited Travel Professional (SATP) Senior Accredited Travel Professional Partners: A+B Edu Tours and Travel Pte Ltd Airserve Marine Travel Pte Ltd Air Sino-Euro Associates Travel Pte Ltd Apple Vacations Singapore Pte Ltd Carlson Wagonlit Singapore Pte Ltd Chan s World Holidays Pte Ltd CTC Travel Diners World Travel Pte Ltd Dynasty Travel International Pte Ltd FCm Singapore Pte Ltd Giamso International Tours Pte Ltd Global Travel Pte Ltd Hong Thai Travel Services (S) Pte Ltd ITT Global Learning Pte Ltd New Shan Travel Service Pte Ltd Pac-West Travel (S) Pte Ltd Ramesh Travel Service SingExpress Travel Pte Ltd Star Cruise Travel Service Pte Ltd Star Holiday Mart Pte Ltd Tour East Singapore (1996) Pte Ltd WTS Travel & Tours Pte Ltd SUPPORTED BY: 02 May - Jul 2014 Learn more about the NATAS Accreditation framework at

3 Contents To subscribe, please send an with your name, designation and company to For comments and feedback, please To download a soft copy of Travnews, please visit the NATAS media centre at Home/MediaCenter.aspx?subid=9 If you would like to advertise in Travnews, please send an to travnews@natas.travel, and refer to the rates below: Advertisement Size Members Rate Non-Members Rate Full Back Page Half Back Page Full Inside Front/ Back Page Half Inside Front/ Back Page Full Inside Page Half Inside Page Inside Quarter Page NATAS Events New NATAS President charts direction for the Association NATAS 35th AGM and Annual Dinner Forging new and stronger relationships at the NATAS Inbound Networking Event NATAS Outbound Networking Event 2014 Identifying and grooming future leaders at the NATAS HRM Seminar 2014 Enhancing Local Interest in Hokkaido Members Site Visit Join our Singapore Pavilion at CITM 2014 in November! Food for Thought Bintan Resorts collaborates with Changi Airport to welcome visitors Featured Destination 18 Bhutan The Association s Pick Getting up close and personal with Zachary Liang Young Travel Professional Getting to know Paramjit Kaur Accredited Travel Associate Rates are correct as of June 2014 and are subject to change Editorial Team Chief Editor Patricia Auyeong (patricia.auyeong@natas.travel) Editor/Advertising Sales & Sponsorship Alvin Lim (alvin.lim@natas.travel) Word on the Street 12 Rediscovering Singapore s sights and sounds Safari Gate, enhancing tourists wildlife experience Association Updates 22 Contact Details Update Membership Update Calendar of Events Say Hello to Our New Members! NATAS Travnews is the official publication of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore and copies of Travnews are not for sale. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is not allowed. Articles published in NATAS Travnews are the opinion of the authors. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of NATAS or the Publisher. National Association of Travel Agents Singapore 120 Lower Delta Road, #03-16 Cendex Centre Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) info@natas.travel Website: MCI (P) 125/03/2014 Date of Expiry: 26/03/2015 Designed by Prime Creatif Pte Ltd Industry players collaborate to boost tourism to Singapore VietJet spreads its wings to Singapore JNTO welcomes its 10 millionth visitor! Deks Air Group appointed General Sales Agent for Hunnu Air CAG Updates Tips for succession planning May - Jul

4 NATAS Events New NATAS President charts direction for the Association At the recent NATAS 35th Annual General Meeting, Mr Devinder Ohri, Director of G. C. Nanda & Sons Pte Ltd, was elected as NATAS President for the term 2014/2016. Travnews gets in touch with Mr Ohri to find out more about his plans for the Association during his term. The travel agent industry is at a critical juncture and it is my belief that action is needed to keep the industry and its players relevant in modern society, where there are now more stakeholders and distribution channels than ever before, on top of a more informed, more tech-savvy and much more demanding and discerning consumer base. As an Association, NATAS needs to stay abreast of the changing landscape around us. Our vision remains as relevant as it has always been: NATAS will continue to aim to be a world-class association that leads and shapes the travel industry, and I believe we have already achieved this on a local and regional level it is time for us to look towards the global arena. We live in a borderless world now one that is connected by the Internet. The fundamental nature of our businesses needs to be re-evaluated to see if it is still viable, and members must be equipped with the necessary skills to stay relevant. Our government has gone to great lengths to sign Free-Trade Agreements with various other countries and trading blocks. These have impacted all local businesses in one way or another. New laws have been brought into play within our industry, from the protection of intellectual property rights to anti-competition laws and personal data protection laws. The Association and Secretariat have to be trained and understand how these affect our members. There are new entities we need to interact with, lobby or simply engage, ranging from the Competition Commission of Singapore to IDA, besides the obvious and more traditional regulatory authorities like STB and IATA. Singapore is a hub for travel by air we now have more direct & frequent connections to various destinations than ever before, with newly opened links to both existing and previously untapped destinations like the African continent, China, South America, and Central Asia, and these links are serviced by both highquality legacy airlines as well as budget airlines. Many of the new direct link destinations were once considered inaccessible and too expensive for the average traveller, but this is no longer the case. The whole world is now at the fingertips of each Singaporean traveller and it is my belief that the biannual NATAS travel fairs will remain relevant as a launch pad to new, exotic destinations and at more affordable prices. The travel fairs stand as a testament to the resilience, creativity and flexibility of the travel agent industry, and a hallmark of the spirit of both travel and entrepreneurship, and we must continue to support and uphold this image. Singapore is now a hub for travel by sea as well, with considerable infrastructure investments having been made in new and upgraded cruise facilities. Many of the world s leading cruise lines are basing their world-class vessels here and operating to regional destinations. Similarly Singapore is increasingly becoming a major port-of-call for world-renowned vessels of all types. With the introduction of cruises, the two Integrated Resorts and unique world-class events, which already have tremendous loyal followings, such as F1, our inbound and surface transport fleet operators have received a boost in new demand for their services, whether it be for busloads of tourists on shore excursions or VIPs requiring private chauffeured transportation attending unique events. In keeping with these developments the quality of our equipment used for surface transportation will need to be upgraded in-line with our newfound status of a world class destination with first world infrastructure, facilities and service delivery standards. As the new President of NATAS, my aim is to lead my Executive Committee to make decisions for the betterment of the Association we will continue to help represent all members interests, whether it is in the local or global arena. NATAS has always been, and must remain, a democratic Association wherein every member is equal, regardless of size. At the end of the day, we must also remember that each of us, big or small, is in the same boat. If the boat floats and continues to sail, 04 May - Jul 2014

5 NATAS Events I strongly believe that the process of self-renewal within the Association is very important there must always be a new generation of leaders ready to come in and take over. As part of my Executive Committee s plans, we will be actively looking for talent within the industry to bring into our subcommittees and eventually into key positions in the Executive Committee. It should be noted that this does not simply happen by itself each team of leaders must groom their own successors and create a continuous cycle of bringing in young talents who can provide fresh and new perspectives, while drawing on the advice and expertise of the old guard. we all thrive; and if this boat capsizes because as an industry we become irrelevant, then no matter big or small, we all sink together! As we move forward, I will be bringing the Association towards greater transparency members will be more informed of how the Association is performing through constant communication via channels such as the NATAS newsletter, circulars and perhaps even blog posts and live-feeds. The individual chairmen will be tasked to champion their portfolios and convey the developments within their respective areas. Change is always upon us, and it will be the challenge for the new Executive Committee to implement new ideas to bring the Association and our members forward by leveraging on the technologies already available to us in our daily lives. Mr Devinder Ohri NATAS President Ten years ago, when I decided to take on the Presidency, my main task was to build bridges and create greater bonds with our major partners in the travel industry. Together with the Executive Committee (Exco) and the dedicated Secretariat team led by Robert Khoo, we managed to enhance our relationships with our Travel Partners including various airlines. Staying faithful to our vision, I also worked to enhance NATAS s reputation within ASEANTA and FATA. Thanks to my elevation to the UFTAA Presidency, which I consider a career highlight, NATAS has not only become recognised by more than 103 countries worldwide, but our rapport with IATA has also improved significantly thanks to greater mutual respect and cooperation. This would never have been possible without the backing of various Exco members and the NATAS Secretariat, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for their unwavering support. I am looking forward to further contribute as the Immediate Past President and would like to wish our new president, Devinder Ohri, and his team even greater success in their new term. Mr William Tan Immediate Past President May - Jul

6 NATAS Events NATAS 35 TH AGM NATAS 2014 AGM marked a momentous occasion in the organisation s history. The meeting on 23 May 2014 not only signified NATAS s 35th anniversary, but also the first time in many years that the leadership positions in the NATAS Executive Committee have been contested. NATAS members gathered in the afternoon to discuss the Association s concerns and bear witness to the election process. Ordinary Members were called to exercise their voting rights upon two matters the election of the new Executive Committee for the term 2014/2016, and the election of Mr Robert Khoo into the Association s distinguished list of Honorary Life Members. There was overwhelming support for Mr Khoo s election and the motion was passed, making him the Association s 5th Honorary Life Member. The offices of President, Deputy President and Chairman Outbound were contested by the following nominees: OFFICE OF PRESIDENT Mr Devinder Ohri Director G C NANDA & SONS PTE LTD Mr Casey Wee Senior Vice President STAR VACATIONS PTE LTD OFFICE OF DEPUTY PRESIDENT Mr Chung Kek Yoong Managing Director PACIFIC ARENA PTE LTD Mr Casey Wee Senior Vice President STAR VACATIONS PTE LTD OFFICE OF CHAIRMAN OUTBOUND Ms Kay Swee Pin Managing Director SINO-AMERICA TOURS CORPORATION PTE LTD Ms Susan Teng Executive Director GREEN ISLAND TOURS (S) PTE LTD Each nominee was given the opportunity to address the audience present and deliver their campaign message, following which a secret ballot was conducted, with the vote counting conducted and witnessed by the NATAS Secretariat, the Acting CEO of NATAS, Ms Patricia Auyeong, the nominees, and four volunteers from the audience. Mr Devinder Ohri was elected into the office of President, Mr Chung Kek Yoong into the office of Deputy President and Ms Kay Swee Pin into the office of Chairman Outbound. The other members of the EXCO, term 2012/2014, were re-elected for the new term, with the exception of Mr Allen Tsang, who stepped down from the post of Deputy President and was elected into the office of Honorary Treasurer. NATAS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2014/2016 Mr Devinder Ohri President Mr Chung Kek Yoong Deputy President Mr Ram Samtani Secretary-General Mr Allen Tsang Honorary Treasurer Ms Judy Lum Chairman Inbound Ms Kay Swee Pin Chairman Outbound Mr Albert Ho Chairman Air Transport Mr Chew Chong Choon Chairman Surface Transport Mr Ang Eu Khoon Chairman Information Technology Ms Fiona Lim Chairman Manpower & Training Ms Ong Ling Lee STB Representative 06 May - Jul 2014

7 NATAS Events NATAS 35 TH ANNUAL DINNER MasterCard Worldwide acknowledges and congratulates the top MasterCard travel agency awardees for NATAS Travel The following companies received their awards at NATAS 35th Gala Dinner on 23 May The prizes were presented by Ms Quek Puay Cheng, Vice President Key Account Management, Singapore, MasterCard Worldwide. Over 250 members and guests came together for a sensational night at NATAS s 35th Annual Dinner, which brought everyone back in time to the 1980s, with retro music, fashions and snacks taking the centre stage for the evening! In celebration of the Association s 35th anniversary, the past presidents of NATAS were invited to grace the occasion, and they led the audience in a rousing cheer to the Association after a poignant champagne-popping ceremony. Mr Dev Ohri also took the opportunity to introduce his new Executive Committee to the members and guests. Guests were regaled with classic hits by the singer, Rob Collins, and were treated to an amusing skit put on by Pamela Ooi of the Dim Sum Dollies. And it wasn t just about sitting back and enjoying the performances guests were also invited up on stage by the talented emcee, Justin Misson, to participate in a variety of games that had the audience doubled over in boisterous laughter. NATAS presented tokens of appreciation to MasterCard Worldwide, AIG Asia Pacific and Changi Airport Group thanking them for their invaluable support over the years. CATEGORY I WINNER ($1000) Farmosa Holiday Tour(S) Pte Ltd RUNNER UP ($1000) Chan Brothers Express Pte Ltd CATEGORY II WINNER ($2000) New Shan Travel Service Pte Ltd RUNNER UP ($1000) Nam Ho Travel Service (S) Pte Ltd CATEGORY III WINNER ($3000) EU Holidays Pte Ltd RUNNER UP ($1000) Sino-America Tours Corporation Pte Ltd CATEGORY IV WINNER ($4000) Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd RUNNER UP ($1000) Air Sino-Euro Associates Travel Pte Ltd May - Jul

8 NATAS Events Forging new and stronger relationships at the NATAS Inbound Networking Event It was an afternoon to remember as members of the NATAS Inbound Committee gathered for the NATAS Inbound Networking Session Held at the Diamond Jewel Box, Mount Faber, the hi-tea event saw attendees from inbound travel agents, hoteliers, tourist attractions and airlines coming together for a relaxing afternoon spent fostering relationships and establishing new partnerships. Ms Judy Lum, the NATAS Inbound Committee Chairman, opened the networking session with a speech that reiterated the committee s commitment to regularly initiate activities that would promote interaction and engagement between other organisations and partners within the trade. She highlighted the main aims of the networking session, which centred on allowing attendees to voice their issues, renew and forge new partnerships with one another as well as encourage NATAS travel agents to participate in industry events. Attendees were then invited to proceed to the Spuds and Aprons Garden to hang bells of happiness, which had been given out during registration. Although meant to mirror the hanging of love locks at various locations around the world as symbols of a couple s love, NATAS hoped this meaningful ritual would bring great fortune and business to Singapore s travel industry. After a group photo to capture the event, attendees were presented with an exciting line-up of new activities and attractions. Kicking off the product updates was Mr Wayne Lim, Vice President, Operations of Kidzania Singapore, who introduced the unique indoor educational and entertainment centre for children, explaining the one-of-a-kind concept of the centre. Ms Joyce Siew, Assistant Vice President Sales of Themed Attractions Malaysia, then followed by sharing three up-and-coming exciting attractions the Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, The Little Big Club and LAT s Place which are slated to open in Nusajaya Johor. Taking the stage next were Mr Adrian Chue, Director, Marketing and Business Development, and Ms Patricia de la Motte, Director and Head Curator, who gave a presentation on the Fort Canning Centre for the Arts and the much-anticipated Singapore Pinacotheque de Paris. The last speaker of the session was Mr Hoe Teck Wei, Vice President, Travel and Leisure Sales of Resorts World Sentosa, who offered attendees a glimpse of what s new at the integrated resort. With the last of the product updates, attendees were free to mingle and network with each other as they snacked on delicious finger food. In all, it was a pleasant and fruitful networking session that has added impetus to the relationships between trade partners. 08 May - Jul 2014

9 NATAS Events NATAS Outbound Networking Event 2014 The NATAS Outbound Committee held its annual networking event as part of the Association s efforts to provide members with a platform to build partnerships and renew relationships with national tourist organisations (NTOs) and Embassy partners in Singapore. In her opening address, NATAS Outbound Committee Chairman Ms Susan Teng highlighted NATAS efforts in engaging its partners and stakeholders in the travel industry, which includes collaborating with NTOs to provide product development opportunities to feature destination updates such as Australia, China, South Africa and Uzbekistan, among others. She also accentuated NATAS close cooperation with its partners in raising the expertise of the local travel industry through seminars including GDS product updates and airline product briefings. Apart from forging closer relationships, this event allowed attendees to gain a better understanding of the potential cyber risks in modern society and the corrective methods to mitigate such threats through a presentation by Ms Emily Poh, Head of Financial Lines, AIG Asia Pacific the official Travel Insurance Partner of NATAS. The event ended with a Lucky Draw featuring prizes worth over $1000 in Robinsons Shopping Vouchers, sponsored by AIG Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. Of the 10 lucky winners, Ms Elena Csiky, Deputy Head of Mission of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Embassy, received the top prize of $300 worth of vouchers. To encourage more industry collaboration, Ms Shirlene Ng, Sales Manager of Carnival PLC, provided updates on its cruise offerings and presented the many ways that travel agents can collaborate with Princess Cruises to tap into the growth potential of the cruise industry. May - Jul

10 NATAS Events Identifying and grooming future leaders at the NATAS HRM Seminar 2014 As an extremely customer-centric industry, the travel sector is one that relies heavily on human capital. But with Singapore grappling with the manpower crunch, travel organisations need to know how they can identify, hire and groom the right people to lead the industry. On 3 April 2014, NATAS organised its annual Human Resource Management (HRM) Seminar 2014 at ITE College Central to address those questions. With the theme Succession Planning: Identifying and Preparing Future Leaders, the event provided a platform for organisations to hear from various professionals, subject matter experts and industry veterans as they shared their insights, know-how and experience on hiring, retaining and grooming the right people. The seminar featured a line-up of high-profile speakers, including keynote speaker Mr Thomas Wai, Director, Asia-Pacific Office, Talent Plus; Ms Elly Tang, Business Development Consultant, Talent Plus; Dr Robin Yap, Nonexecutive Chairman, The Travel Corporation (2011) Pte Ltd; and Mr Hassan Bin Kassim, Manager of the Travel Agent Industry at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Opening the event and setting the tone for the seminar was Ms Fiona Lim, Chairman of NATAS Manpower and Training Committee Board, who delivered the welcome address, giving an overview of the manpower issues the industry is facing and thanking the invited guests for their time. Mr Thomas Wai then took the stage to deliver his keynote speech, drawing from his experience as a human capital and leadership advisor to discuss the techniques organisations can use to identify successors within their business. Ms Elly Tang followed by dispensing secrets and tips on how to source for the right talent. After a short break for refreshments, attendees were treated to an insightful talk by Dr Robin Yap, who shared his personal experience in talent retention and succession planning within his organisation. Mr Hassan then presented the available funding schemes that travel agencies can tap into for talent development. As the seminar wound to a close, NATAS Accreditation certificates were given out to outstanding individuals and companies in recognition of their efforts and high quality of service. All in all, it was an enriching and rewarding seminar for the participants. 10 May - Jul 2014

11 NATAS Events Enhancing local interest in Hokkaido A delegation from Hokkaido met NATAS Outbound Committee members on 14 April 2014 to understand the potential of the Singapore outbound market for Hokkaido and to discuss the usage of low-cost carriers (LCCs) for direct flights from Hokkaido to Singapore. With plans to build an integrated resort (IR) on the island, the delegation sought to learn how the IRs in Singapore were faring economically. This meeting also allowed NATAS to promote its annual travel fairs. Hokkaido is a top tourist destination among Singaporeans, drawn to its trademark hospitality and natural splendour, with many repeat travellers embarking on Free & Easy trips, particularly during the July/August and November/December periods. To maximise Hokkaido s attractiveness to tourists, NATAS suggested promoting niche tours catered to special interests like food, shopping, culture and Korean dramas, which often feature Hokkaido. MEMBERS SITE VISIT The AMOY 76 Telok Ayer Street Singapore Date of Visit: 28 March 2014 Situated in the historically rich Telok Ayer Street, the AMOY was once the landing site of Chinese immigrants who arrived by boat to seek better fortunes and a better life in the Far East. Relive the experiences of our forefathers in a comfortable setting coupled with the convenience of modern technology in this uniquely Asianinfluenced boutique hotel. Join our Singapore Pavilion at CITM 2014 in November! NATAS and CAG will be organising a Singapore Pavilion at the China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2014, to be held from November 2014 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai, China. As the largest professional travel show in Asia, CITM has drawn the attention of people in the tourism industry worldwide. Participants come from all sectors of the travel industry, including international and domestic tourist organisations, travel agencies, hotels, airlines and related travel companies. Booth space in the Singapore Pavilion is selling out fast! To register your participation, kindly contact Dymples Leong or Julia Chang at /148, or send an to ia@natas.travel. May - Jul

12 Word on the Street REDISCOVERING SINGAPORE S SIGHTS AND SOUNDS To commemorate 50 years of tourism development and promotion in Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) launched its second wave of events and activities under the three-phased plan of Tourism50. Themed Rediscover, the second phase, which runs from April October, is designed to encourage local residents to re-experience the tourism sights and sounds of Singapore. As part of this initiative, local tourism enterprises in the arts, attractions, cruise and sports industries have collaborated to offer many enjoyable events and activities to attract local residents. These include carnival-style events, behind-the-scenes tours, sports-oriented events and activities, and art, heritage and architecture talks and guided tours. During this phase, famous local attractions, including Sentosa Island, Forest Adventure, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer and Wild Wild Wet, are also offering promotions such as free admission and special discounts to encourage Singaporeans to visit and spend more quality time with their families and friends. Through this initiative, STB hopes to encourage locals to reacquaint themselves with the familiar attractions and create new memories with their loved ones. STB also hopes that these programmes will help to build a better understanding and appreciation of the work and passion of the tourism workforce. With a wide array of fun and exciting programmes, Rediscover is sure to offer something for everyone. SAFARI GATE ENHANCING TOURISTS WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE Visitors to Singapore s world-renowned wildlife parks can now enjoy an enhanced tourist experience when they start their journey through the newly launched Safari Gate, at either Suntec or the Singapore Flyer. Tourists who enter the Safari Gate will find themselves in the immersive world of Singapore s wildlife, with beautiful rainforest-themed interiors created by landscape architects from the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS). A unique tourism offering by DUCK & HiPPO and the WRS, the Safari Gate eases visitors access to wildlife parks such as Night Safari, River Safari and the Singapore Zoo by providing seamless and convenient transition from the City to the parks. We are moving a step beyond our parks boundaries to enhance the 12 May - Jul 2014

13 Word on the Street Industry players collaborate to boost tourism to Singapore With the aim of attracting more visitors from key source markets to Singapore, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have embarked on a strategic partnership that entails a global marketing collaboration. This cooperation, which lasts until 30 June 2015, targets a wide array of leisure, cruise and business visitors from Australia, China, Germany, India, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The partners will also jointly invest in the co-development of new products, offering SIA customers an exclusive and customised experience based on their interests. In 2013, SIA and STB collaborated to enhance the Singapore Stopover Holiday (SSH) package, a pre-cursor to the new global partnership, incorporating features that make the package more appealing to European travellers who are particularly attracted by Singapore s unique cultural mix and lush greenery. To showcase Singapore s cultural diversity, this specially curated SSH package included visits to the Asian Civilisation Museum and Peranakan Museum. Since its launch, the improved SSH package has received a double-digit growth in bookings as compared to the same period in the previous year, proving the value of the partnership between SIA and STB. Through this new collaboration, SIA and STB are well placed to further improve Singapore s position as a preferred destination for leisure, business and cruises. transport touch-point for our visitors, said Mr Lee Meng Tat, Chief Executive Officer, WRS. Welcoming the initiative, Mr James Heng, Chief Duckie of DUCK & HiPPO, added: The Safari Gate puts control back into the hands of the visitors. This new feature allows visitors the flexibility to start their tour at any time, with hourly Rhino coach departures from the city to the parks from 8:30 am and the last returning bus at 10:30 pm, enabling tourists to choose from over 10 trips per day. Visitors are able to plan their park visit prior to their arrival with the on-board entertainment, which gives interesting insights into each park. Through this mobility, visitors are free to tour the country at their own pace and fully enjoy their time at the wildlife parks without having to worry about specific itinerary or fixed time departure. With all these great features, the 45-minute Rhino coach to Mandai is no longer a mundane bus ride, but a prelude to a wild adventure! May - Jul

14 Word on the Street VietJet spreads its wings to Singapore Come 23 May 2014, travellers looking to visit Vietnam will be able to fly direct with VietJet as it launches its new international flight route between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, marking the airline s inaugural entry into the Singapore market. The Ho Chi Minh City Singapore route will initially operate seven round-trip flights per week, but is set to increase the frequency to 14 round-trips weekly in the near future to meet increasing demand. Flight Schedule Daily Daily From To Departure Tan Son Nhat International Airport Changi Airport Changi Airport Tan Son Nhat International Airport 8:50 am (local time) 12:40 am (local time) Flight Duration 1 hour 50 minutes 1 hour 50 minutes With the tagline Enjoy Flying with Smiles, VietJet promises to offer passengers great discounts and daily promotions that are guaranteed to put a smile on their faces. Besides fantastic deals, the airline will also be giving lucky travellers a number of amazing and valuable gifts from 23 May 23 June Passengers can look forward to winning free air tickets, Visa cards with one million Vietnam Dong credit and more! Speaking at the official press conference, Mr Lu u Đú c Khánh, VietJet s Managing Director, shared his thoughts on the new link saying: We are witnessing a strong and increasing need for business trips, tourism and family visits between Singapore and Vietnam. This is also a great entry to the Asia Pacific market, especially for tourists to connect to this part of the world. Therefore, VietJet has carefully chosen Singapore as its next destination and we will bring Flight of Smiles to Singapore. VietJet currently operates 24 local and international routes and has plans in the pipeline to expand its routes in the Asia Pacific region as well as to engage in joint ventures with other regional airline partners. 14 May - Jul 2014

15 Word on the Street JNTO welcomes its 10 millionth visitor! With its unique culture, gastronomical delights and breathtaking scenery, it s no wonder that Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travellers around the world. The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) is proud to announce that it has achieved its 2013 goal of 10 million visitors, with Singapore holding the highest record of arrivals to Japan. In celebration of this momentous occasion, the JNTO and Embassy of Japan (Singapore) held an awards ceremony to honour industry partners that have demonstrated steadfast support and made remarkable contributions towards boosting Japan s tourism. Amongst the nominees was Singapore Airlines, which was awarded the prestigious JNTO President award for its exemplary commitment to the Japan tourism market within the Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia region. This distinguished nomination comes after a consensus of all 14 of JNTO s worldwide offices and is awarded to only five organisations. NATAS would like to extend our congratulations to JNTO and Singapore Airlines! Deks Air Group appointed General Sales Agent for Hunnu Air To announce the appointment of its Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam office as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Hunnu Air, Deks Air Group hosted a hightea launch event in Singapore on 13 March The function introduced the airline s new expansion and growth policies and was graced by dignitaries and executives from Singapore and Mongolia. As Mongolia s largest private airline and the nation s only carrier serving domestic and major international destinations, Hunnu Air currently operates flights to seven local provinces and occasional charter flights to Southeast Asian countries. With the upcoming planned routes, the airline will enhance Mongolia s connectivity to major air hubs around the world, significantly boosting its tourism industry. Besides launching its first long-haul scheduled service to Paris in the summer of 2014, Hunnu Air is also looking to open new routes to regional countries such as Singapore. EX HUB IN SERVICE FLIGHT NO SIN - HKG HKG - ULN ULN - HKG HKG - SIN D 1,3,5 1,3,5 D CX 710 MR 886 MR 885 CX 711 EX HUB IN SERVICE FLIGHT NO SIN - BKK BKK - ULN ULN - BKK BKK - SIN D 1,5 4,7 D CX 712 MR 022 MR 021 CX 713 TIMING (LCT) DEPARTURE ARRIVAL TIMING (LCT) DEPARTURE ARRIVAL JOURNEY 3:50 hours 4:35 hours 4:25 hours 3:50 hours JOURNEY 2:15 hours 6:00 hours 6:00 hours 2:15 hours May - Jul

16 Word on the Street CAG Updates As a leading air hub, Singapore Changi Airport continues to provide seamless connectivity to major global airports. On 29 April 2014, Changi Airport Group (CAG) organised the ninth Changi Airlines Awards to celebrate the strong partnership of airlines operating at Changi Airport and their contribution towards the growth and development of Singapore s vibrant and world-class air hub. Held at the Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore, the awards show honoured Changi Airport s top airline partners with 24 awards across six categories. China Eastern Airlines was recognised for its significant contribution to grow and boost its services between China and Singapore, garnering the prestigious Partner of the Year award. The number of travellers served by China Eastern Airlines has increased at a compounded annual growth rate of over 10 per cent in the past five years, with more than 650,000 passengers in Regional airlines, including Tigerair Singapore, Malaysia Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Jet Airways (India) Limited, Emirates, British Airways and United Airlines, also received awards for registering the strongest passenger traffic growth at Changi Airport. Highlighting CAG s mission for continuous improvement, Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of CAG, said that the development of Changi East and near-term projects such as Terminal 4 (T4) epitomises CAG s belief in the strong fundamentals of the air hub. CAG is also proud to announce that Cathay Pacific will move its operation to the new T4 when it opens in The first airline to confirm its move, Cathay s passengers will get to take delight in an enhanced travel experience and enjoy fast and seamless travel initiatives terminal-wide. These include self-check-in counters, exciting and attractive retail and F&B offerings as well as an expanded dedicated lounge specially designed for its premium passengers. In collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Princess Cruises, CAG has also launched an initiative aimed at growing Asia s fly-cruise segment and promoting demand for cruise holidays from Singapore. This multi-million dollar collaboration commenced last month with a series of marketing campaigns promoting Princess Cruises sailings not just in Asia, but also further afield in Australia, United Kingdom and the United States. The Asian countries earmarked are China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan. With strong partnerships, and new and upcoming developments, Changi Airport looks set for a brighter future ahead! 16 May - Jul 2014

17 Word on the Street / Food for Thought Tips for succession planning In his keynote speech at the recent NATAS HRM Seminar 2014, Mr Thomas Wai, Director of Talent Plus, discussed the issues faced by organisations in successfully identifying a successor. He shared insights on the importance of succession planning and stressed the significance of using an objective assessment of characteristics that go beyond learned interview skills as well as recognising the suitability of the interviewee in the planning of future strategies. The attendees were surprised to hear of the interview process adopted by Mr Wai at Talent Plus, who prefers to conduct telephonic interviews rather than in-person or via Skype. Calling it blind science, Mr Wai stated that this method helps him to overcome the halo effect, where an interviewee s overall impression influences how he feels and thinks about the ability of the individual. World-class organisations adopt a scientific, validated and objective system to assess their candidates when they are determining whether they can be a fit for the company, said Mr Wai. They use instruments to provide a valid data point to assist their decisions, but they still need to make such important decisions themselves. While it is true that some heads of businesses can accurately determine who should be hired based on gut feel, organisations focused on sustainable and long-term growth understand the importance of adopting a scientific system to assist in their selection processes. Through this talk, attendees gained a better understanding of working out a seamless succession plan that goes beyond the interview. Bintan Resorts collaborates with Changi Airport to welcome visitors Travellers from China to Singapore now have even more reason to visit the idyllic shores of nearby Bintan! To increase the appeal of Bintan as a twin destination with Singapore and further boost the rapidly expanding tourist market in both islands, Changi Airport has stepped up as a gateway into Bintan Resorts through a unique collaboration. Under this special joint initiative, every visitor travelling to Bintan from China will receive a $20 Transit Rewards@Changi shopping voucher upon check-out from any resort in the island between May to July These vouchers can then be used at participating outlets within Changi Airport upon the visitors departure. Hurry to enjoy this amazing offer and book your tickets to Bintan today! May - Jul

18 Featured Destination BHUTAN Land of the Thunder Dragon For the true traveller who loves exploring virgin territory with breathtaking natural beauty, the Kingdom of Bhutan or Druk Yul (Land of the thunder dragon) is a paradise that awaits you. Featuring stunning landscapes, majestic snow-laden mountains and glaciers, sparkling waterfalls and crystal blue lakes, Bhutan truly presents nature at its best. With 70 per cent of its land covered by forests that are home to a great variety of rare plants and wildlife species, it s no wonder that the Land of the Thunder Dragon is famed as one of the ten hotspots of biodiversity in the world. Bask in the beauty of nature Nature lovers will marvel at the rich flora of the Kingdom, which consists of over 5,500 species of vascular plants, magnolias, orchids and rare herbs, as well as the delightful blue poppy that is Bhutan s national flower. But it is not only Bhutan s flora that will capture your heart. The kingdom also boasts an impressive array of wildlife with varied mammals of over 165 species, many of them endemic to Bhutan. Catch sight of tigers, elephants, golden langurs, water buffaloes, blue sheep, rhesus monkeys, yaks and varieties of butterflies, and keep your eyes peeled for the Takin the national animal of Bhutan. Then head to the high Himalayas, domain of the snow leopards, for a glimpse of these majestic creatures. Home to over 620 bird species, the country is also a bird watcher s paradise. Look out for native birds such as the palas osprey, the black necked crane and the hornbill. 18 May - Jul 2014

19 Featured Destination Embrace the local heritage Besides its natural beauty, Bhutan is becoming increasingly known for its pure practice of Mahayana Buddhism in the Tantric form. A spiritual nation, the kingdom s history is characterised by religious landmarks and the influence of religion is highly visible in the everyday lives of the lay population. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institutions, prayer flags and prayer wheels dot the countryside. Even the Bhutanese language and literature, the arts and crafts, ceremonies and events, and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from religious teachings. With such devotion, its little surprise that the Buddhist world regards the kingdom with special importance as the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism. Among the most vivid manifestations of Bhutan s unique cultural heritage are the chham or mask dances performed at local temples, monasteries and dzongs during the annual Tsechus or religious festivals, which are held all over Bhutan according to the lunar calendar. The Bhutanese consider the very act of watching sacred mask dances a spiritual experience that can help one acquire merit and liberation from worldly attachments. It also provides spectators with an opportunity to reaffirm their devotion and commitment to lead virtuous lives. Bask in the symbolism of the performance as the dancers, adorned in rich robes of silk and brocade and wearing masks representing that of saints and sages, protective deities, legendary personages, and animal forms, dance to the ritual music of instruments like cymbals, drums, large and small horns, conches and bells. Tshechus and Dromchoes also provide a joyful occasion for social gatherings and renewing friendships. Locals can be seen attending the festivals in their best attire and jewellery, most of which are worn only once a year during the tsechus. The largest and most important tshechus happen during spring and fall in Thimphu, Paro and Bumthang. Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. The combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty is visible in the country s infrastructure, from the massive monastic fortresses to houses and bridges. Traditional shapes, colours and patterns on the walls, doors and windows, put Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own. While the national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, the locals also speak more than 18 dialects across the country. English is taught in schools and is widely spoken in the urban areas of the kingdom. Accommodation and Transport Unlike Western countries, hotels in Bhutan have no star ratings. However, the country s standard hotels, lodges and guesthouses are comfortable and cosy, and well-heated during the winter. All hotel rooms are decorated with traditional Bhutanese paintings and fitted with clean Westernstyle bathrooms with running hot and cold water. The hotels restaurants not only serve traditional Bhutanese fare, but also that of many other cuisines customised to diverse palates. With its untouched culture, pristine ecology and wildlife, and unparalleled scenic beauty of its majestic peaks and lush valleys, Bhutan is still, in many ways, a magical kingdom of the past. So come discover this vibrant and culturally rich land of the thunder dragon! May - Jul

20 The Association s Pick Getting up close and personal with ZACHARY LIANG YOUNG TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL We pick the brains of Zachary Liang of Qatar Airways, and find out his thoughts on the travel industry. Zachary s secret to success - Learning is a never-ending process How/why did you get into the travel industry? Travel is the enabler to global trade whether in tourism or commerce. For this reason, I ve always had a keen interest both in the travel business and in the act of travelling. What is your best travel memory? I ve had so many thrilling experiences, it s hard to name my favourite. Tbilisi in Georgia transported me into a whole different world where visitors to this land are seen literally as gifts from god. But I guess my best travel memory would be surviving the 2013 Bohol earthquake. What were some of the challenges you faced as a Young Travel Professional (YTP)? People tend to underestimate what young professionals can do, which makes them not very receptive to our ideas and suggestions. Some of the veterans judge us solely on our level of experience, but what they do not realise is that many YTPs bring with them different perspectives and knowledge that could contribute to the industry. What is the secret to success for YTPs? For me, it s to always bear in mind that learning is a never-ending process. To excel in this challenging industry, we must remember the importance of openmindedness, perseverance and, above all, delivering quality service. Also, we need to network and connect so as to progress together as a whole. What are some of the essential tools of the trade or business practices that YTPs should familiarise themselves with? Travel geography is important. With so many new travel destinations popping up on the map, YTPs need to know exactly where different cities are located. Beyond that, they need to be able to dispense travel tips and stay up to date on current affairs and major happenings in each country. Only by having the knowledge themselves, will they be able to advise travellers. Do you see any trends in the industry that YTPs should be aware of? Indonesia is fast becoming a global player with its significant investments made in tourism and trade by the various industry stakeholders including airlines and hotels, so this is one area that we should be exploring. How have you been involved with the NATAS Youth Committee (NYC)/NATAS Youth Kakis (NYK) so far? What are the benefits? In this fast evolving business, market intelligence is key. As such, it has always been my purpose to stay connected with fellow NATAS members as well as people from the trade to keep myself abreast with developments in the industry. Through NYK events and activities, I am given the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with other members my age. 20 May - Jul 2014

21 The Association s Pick Getting to know PARAMJIT KAUR ACCREDITED TRAVEL ASSOCIATE The NATAS Accreditation serves to recognise tourism professionals for their high standards of professionalism and level of commitment. In this issue, we speak to Ms Paramjit Kaur (Simmy), who specialises in Counter Sales at Star Cruises Pte Ltd. She now holds the distinguished title of a NATAS Accredited Travel Associate. Motivated by her love of travelling, Simmy has been working in the cruise tourism industry for over five years and has grown from strength to strength since she first entered the industry. It was a challenge initially for her to learn the ropes of the industry as she had not been exposed to the cruise industry prior. Nevertheless, through her grit and determination, Simmy managed to gain the skill sets she needed and soon became familiar with the industry. What I especially love about the job now is being able to meet different types of customers and the satisfaction I get from customers sharing their pleasant experiences with Star Cruises, she explains. On being accredited, Simmy believes that it is a great accomplishment and a significant milestone in her career and feels that it acts as a benchmark of excellence. Now bitten by the learning bug, Simmy confirms her motivation: The accreditation has already given me many opportunities to grow so that I can meet the demands of the ever-changing trends in the cruise industry. I want to supplement my credentials further given the opportunity. Simmy s secret to success - Through her grit and determination, Simmy managed to gain the skill sets she needed and soon became familiar with the industry Seeing the accreditation as a seal of distinction, Simmy advises more professionals like her to gain such world-class accreditation. May - Jul

22 Association Updates NATAS Executive Committee 2014/2016 Mr Devinder Ohri President Mr Chung Kek Yoong Deputy President Mr Ram Samtani Secretary-General Mr Allen Tsang Honorary Treasurer Ms Judy Lum Chairman Inbound Ms Kay Swee Pin Chairman Outbound Mr Albert Ho Chairman Air Transport Mr Chew Chong Choon Chairman Surface Transport Mr Ang Eu Khoon Chairman Information Technology Ms Fiona Lim Chairman Manpower & Training Ms Ong Ling Lee STB Representative NATAS Secretariat Patricia Auyeong Acting CEO Anita Tan Chief Operating Officer Wendy Tan Senior Manager (Events) Julia Chang Senior Manager (Industry) Nicholas Yap Manager (Industry) Judy Kueh Manager (Finance) Gladys Cheng Assistant Manager (Admin & Membership) Magdalene Lim Assistant Manager (Events) Jeffrey Yeo Assistant Manager (Events) Amy Kong Assistant Manager (Industry) Alvin Lim Executive (Marketing & Communications) Leong Suying Executive (Industry) Hong Binghui Executive (Industry) Tan Hui Qin Officer (Industry) CONTACT DETAILS UPDATE Ascend Radiance Travel Pte Ltd 101A Upper Cross Street #08-10 People s Park Centre Singapore Tel (65) Fax (65) artravel@singnet.com.sg WISHING A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS! NATAS welcomes the following companies as new members. Aveson Travel Pte Ltd Founded in July 2005, Aveson Travel Pte Ltd deals in outbound travel and the ticketing business, primarily targeting individual travellers embarking on exotic and lucrative trips, and mediumsized corporate groups. Edutravel Pte Ltd Edutravel Pte Ltd is an STB-licensed travel agency that specialises in organising educational tours, learning journeys and other enrichment programmes targeting the Asia-Pacific market. With plans to increase its outbound offerings, Edutravel is looking to explore other exotic Southeast Asian destinations such as Bintan, Malaysia as part of its joint-destination packages. Singapore Letto Travel Services Pte Ltd Formerly the Asia-Pacific Economy & Culture Exchange Centre, Singapore Letto Travel Services Pte Ltd has over eight years of professional training experience in the China market, offering a unique training and travel experience to leisure groups from China. Switzerland Tourism Switzerland Tourism has a long-standing tradition of promoting the wonders of Switzerland, bringing the joys of Swissness to the rest of the world. With a strong presence in 27 countries, backed by 240 employees, Switzerland Tourism is well equipped to endorse Switzerland as the holiday, travel and conference destination of choice. Vacation Planners Pte Ltd Established in April 1986, Vacation Planners Pte Ltd specialises in organising comprehensive tailor-made inbound tours for individuals, groups and organisations, working closely with local attractions, transportation service providers and world-renowned hotels to provide its clients the best of Singapore hospitality. CALENDAR OF EVENTS 11 jun aug Familiarisation Trip to J8 Hotel 8 Townshend Road NATAS Holidays 2014 Singapore EXPO Halls 4, 5 & 6A MEMBERSHIP The following new members were approved: TBA The total number of NATAS members as at 3 June members. Ordinary Members: 347 members Associate Members: 79 members Honorary Life Members: 5 members Familiarisation Trip to Sofitel So Singapore 35 Robinson Road Company Classification Approval Date Vacation Planners Pte Ltd OM (IB, OB & AT) 28/03/2014 Switzerland Tourism AM 21/04/2014 Aveson Travel Pte Ltd OM (OB & AT) 07/05/2014 Singapore Letto Travel Services Pte Ltd OM (IB & OB) 28/05/2014 Edutravel Pte Ltd OM (IB & AT) 29/05/ May - Jul 2014

23 TMIS COURSE CALENDAR >> Register Now! Certificate Programmes National Continuing Education and Training Institute (NCI) For Tourism Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) Course Commencement Date WSQ Dual Certificate in Tour & Travel Services and Attractions Full Time 1 Sep 2014 WSQ Dual Certificate in Tour & Travel Services and Attractions Part Time 3 Sep 2014 WSQ Certificate in Hotel & Accommodation Services (Front Office) Full Time 7 Aug 2014 Certificate in Housekeeping Full Time 7 Aug 2014 Certificate in Attractions Full Time 1 Sep 2014 Certificate in Attractions Part Time 3 Sep 2014 Certificate in Tour and Travel Services Full Time 1 Sep 2014 Certificate in Tour and Travel Services Part Time 3 Sep 2014 Diploma Programmes Course Commencement Date WSQ Diploma in Tourism Full Time 7 Jul, 1 Aug 2014 WSQ Diploma in Tourism Part Time 27 Jun 2014 WSQ Diploma in Tourism (Hospitality Management) Full Time 26 Jun, 15 Jul 2014 WSQ Diploma in Tourism (Hospitality Management) Part Time 20 Jun 2014 PDC Diploma Managing Travel Agency 24 Jun, 19 Aug 2014 Creative Marketing 1 Jul, 26 Aug 2014 Develop Your Service Team 15 Jul, 9 Sep 2014 Hire the Right Staff 29 Jul, 16 Sep 2014 Appraising Your Staff 10 Jun, 5 Aug 2014 Service Excellence for Professionals 17 Jun, 12 Aug 2014 Skills Advancement Pack Tour Operator Certification 24 Jun, 15 Jul 2014 Tourism Ambassador 22 Jul, 9 Sep 2014 Basic Hosting Certification 17 Jun, 16 Jul 2014 Tour & Travel/Attractions 15 Jul 2014 Other Programmes Course Commencement Date WSQ Tourist Guide Programme (English) Part Time 30 Jun 2014 WSQ Tourist Guide Programme (Chinese) Part Time 15 Jul, 28 Aug 2014 WSQ Tourist Guide Programme (Chinese) Full Time 30 Jun 2014 NATAS Professional Tour Leading Programme (English) Full Time 23 Jun 2014 NATAS Professional Tour Leading Programme (English) Part Time 25 Jun 2014 NATAS Professional Tour Leading Programme (Chinese) Full Time 24 Jun 2014 ^ SDF available for company-sponsored applicants who are Singaporeans and PRs. Terms and conditions apply. * Applicable to Singaporeans and PRs only. Terms and conditions apply. Please note: All applications should reach TMIS 14 days before the commencement date. Information is correct at time of printing A member of info@tmis.edu.sg 11 Eunos Road 8 #05-02 Lifelong Learning Institute Singapore

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