Travel News Asia - Podcasts from the Travel
Industry, Hospitality and Aviation
Not
everybody has the time to watch a 15 or 20-minute in-depth interview
in video format.
Not only does video drain your mobile's
battery a lot faster than just audio, a lot of the time you cannot just put it down
and listen to what's being said without the phone turning the audio off
when the screen goes dark.
That's why in 2016 we started making
podcasts of all the interviews that we do, and they have proved
very popular.
Links to the corresponding video interviews can
be found in each podcast's description below.
We also publish a RSS Feed of all our podcasts,
and you can read how to use that
here.
If you already know how to use RSS Feeds you can copy the url of the
feed by clicking on the button below:
If you have any
suggestions, ideas, or would like to sponsor our podcasts please do
let us know. Thank you.
Tourism Seychelles - Exclusive Interview with Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary
As of 7 May 2023, Seychelles had already attracted
129,050 visitor arrivals, making its target of 348,000 visitor
arrivals for the whole year seem almost conservative. So how hard
is it to market a destination that many regard as paradise on
Earth? How does a country like Seychelles compare to the other
well known island destinations in the Indian Ocean? How much
harder is to promote travel to a destination when the troubled
national carrier is going through a major transformation? And is
Seychelles really as expensive as many believe, or are there more
affordable places to stay than the 5-star hospitality brands we
all know and love? To answer those questions and many more, Steven
Howard speaks to Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary of Tourism
Seychelles. Please note that as this interview was filmed over the
internet, the audio quality is not of our normal high standard.
Sorry for that. (video)
India's Aviation Market -
Exclusive 4K Video Interview with Roshan Mendis, EVP and CCO of
Sabre Travel Solutions
To learn more about India's aviation market and
what the recent deal
Sabre signed with Air India means to the company, Steven
Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com visited Sabre's office in Richmond,
England to speak with Roshan Mendis, Executive Vice President and
Chief Commercial Officer at Sabre Travel Solutions.
In this exclusive interview we discuss the
aviation sector's development, how an airline decides which routes
to launch when it makes such massive aircraft orders, where India
is in the use and development of NDC as a retail tool, the state
of travel agencies in the country and whether enough is being done
to ensure that there are sufficient qualified personnel to power
the aviation sector's very ambitious growth targets.
We also talk about the Air India deal, what
percentage of Sabre's business comes from India and how Roshan
foresees that growing, whether the company has any plans to expand
further in the country and why there has been such a rapid
recovery in air travel despite the high air fares. All that and
much, much more in the exclusive podcast interview below. (video)
Living With One Eye - Six
Years On by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com
On 23 May 2017 Steven Howard, Founder and Editor of
TravelNewsAsia.com, had an
accident in Roi-Et, Thailand that
ultimately led to him losing his right eye. Six years on, Steven shares what he has learned from living with just one
eye and encourages others in the same position to get in touch
to
share their thoughts and stories. (video)
Running Lights - Lumefit Premium 360° Reflective Vest Review
Weighing just 125 grams, the Lumefit Premium
360° Reflective Vest is not only perfect for those who love to run
and cycle when it is dark, but it is also extremely easy to pack
and makes so little difference to the weight of one's luggage that
it is insignificant. Made of two plastic tubes connected to a central
battery which can be recharged with a micro-USB cable, the vest,
which also has reflective elements on the back and front, is easy
to put on and will fit most people, even if you wear extra clothes
such as a winter coat, as the front closure can slide up and down
the tubes. (video)
Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs
for a Perfect Night's Sleep
It does not matter whether you are travelling
for business, leisure or in your own bed at home, a good night's
sleep helps us all to lead healthier, happier and more productive
lives. That's where Supceat's ear plugs come in. Made of soft
silicone, the ear plugs fit snugly into the ear without protruding
at all, enabling users to sleep on their side without any
discomfort. (video)
Steven Howard Outlines Travel
News Asia's Video and Podcast Plans for 2023
Steven Howard of Travel News Asia outlines the
video and podcast interviews that he will be conducting with
travel industry VIPs, including airlines, airports, hotels, GDS,
NTOs, TMCs and others in 2023. (video)
Amari Watergate Bangkok - Interview with Sukamal Mondal, Area GM
Opened in 1984, the Amari Watergate Bangkok has
proven itself over the years to be a popular and constant provider
of quality accommodation in a vibrant and central district of
Thailand's colourful capital city. The hotel, part of the rapidly
expanding Onyx Hospitality Group, recently completed a major
renovation of its rooms, MICE facilities, lobby and F&B outlets.
To learn more about the changes, Steven Howard of
TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Sukamal Mondal, the hotel's GM
and Area General Manager in charge of six hotels for Onyx
Hospitality. In this exclusive interview, filmed on 9 November
2022, Khun Sukamal tells us more about the property, the
renovation and neighbourhood. (video)
Bangkok Riverside Fest 2023 - Interview with Frederic Kolde
After a three-year hiatus, Minor Hotels has
confirmed that the Bangkok Riverside Fest will next take place in 2023.
To learn more about the fun filled three-day event scheduled for 3
to 5 February 2023, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com speaks
with Frederic Kolde the new Resort Manager at the much-loved
Anantara Riverside Resort Bangkok. (video)
Latest Business Travel Trends
in Asia Pacific - Interview with Brett Thorstad, Sabre
As COVID19-related travel restrictions and
requirements ease around the world, international air travel is
gradually beginning to recover. However, with so many of us now
used to making online video calls with business colleagues,
customers, family and friends, how have business trips - which
involve a lot of planning, costs and time - been affected, and
what trends is one of the world's most important travel industry
engines, Sabre, currently seeing? Please note that Steven's audio
in this podcast had to be added after the event due to a technical
glitch with the video. (video)
Airports, Biometrics and
Travel - Interview with Sumesh Patel, SITA President -
Asia Pacific
Exclusive interview with Sumesh Patel, SITA
President - Asia Pacific, about Thailand's plans to improve the
travel experience at a number of airports in the country, how
biometrics are changing the travel experience in the region and
how the company is embracing new technology to make air travel as
seamless as possible. (video)
Papai Cici, Miss Malaysia @
Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand
Originally from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, Papai Cici
has travelled to Pattaya, Thailand to take part in Miss
International Queen 2022 as Miss Malaysia. (video)
Javiera Arnillas Cartagena,
Miss Peru @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya,
Thailand
I do not envy the very difficult decisions that the judges of Miss International Queen 2022 are going to have to make in the Grand Finals on Saturday, 25 June. For example, I defy anyone to not be extremely impressed with Javiera Arnillas Cartagena, Miss Peru. Extremely well spoken, highly educated and with a very obvious and determined passion to achieve her goals, no matter the challenges she will face along the way. Oh, and as if that were not enough already, she's gorgeous too! (video)
Fuschia Anne Ravena, Miss
Philippines @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya,
Thailand
Not many people have left me uncertain of what to say during an interview, but Fuschia Anne Ravena, taking part in Miss International Queen as Miss Philippines, certainly succeeded! Originally from Cebu, one of my favourite beach destinations in the world, Fuschia
Anne tells us not only about why she is taking part in MIQ 2022 in
Pattaya, but also about the gender reassignment surgery, commonly
known as SRS, that she will have after the Grand Finals take place
on Saturday, 25 June. In this interview, she tells us more about
that decision, how it makes her feel and why she has chosen
Thailand as the place to have the surgery done. (video)
Fabu Olmedo, Miss Paraguay @
Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand
Having travelled all the way to Pattaya, Thailand from Asuncion in Paraguay, Fabu Olmedo
is taking part in Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) as Miss
Paraguay, the first contestant from the country since the event's
inauguration over 16 years ago. (video)
Minladar Engmany, Miss Laos @
Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand
Minladar Engmany, Miss Laos at Miss
International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) has travelled from the
beautiful city of Vientiane to take part in the beauty pageant in
Pattaya, Thailand. (video)
Sofía Salomón, Miss
Venezuela @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya,
Thailand
Sofía Salomón, Miss Venezuela, has so much positive energy that it is hard not to be pleasantly intoxicated with her very obvious joy for life. She has travelled a very, very long way with friends and family to take part in Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand. (video)
Patricia Jane Bustillo, Miss
Canada @ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya,
Thailand
Air Canada will soon launch its first direct, non-stop flights between Canada and South East Asia, with
flights from Vancouver to Bangkok, certainly making the journey for future contestants of Miss International Queen so much easier. Sadly for Patricia Jane Bustillo
taking part in the Miss International Queen transgender beauty
pageant in Pattaya, Thailand as Miss Canada, she had to travel the
long way to get here. (video)
Aëla Chanel, Miss France
@ Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya, Thailand
Aëla Chanel is not only representing France
at Miss International Queen 2022 (MIQ2022) in Pattaya as Miss
France, but she is also the only contestant from the whole of
Europe this year. (video)
Siam@Siam Design Hotel
Pattaya - Interview with Clive Nagington, Hotel Manager
The Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya is one of
those quirky, trendy hotels that aims to break away from the
cookie-cutter design mould of a lot of branded hotels to deliver
something refreshingly different. To learn more about the
property, how forward bookings have been affected by Thailand's
gradual reopening to tourists and what plans the hotel has for the
future, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Clive
Nagington, Hotel Manager, on 22 June 2022. (video)
How Winning Miss
International Queen 2020 Changed My Life - Interview with
Valentina Fluchaire
Exclusive video interview with Valentina
Fluchaire, the winner of Miss International Queen 2020. In this
interview, filmed on 22 June ahead of the MIQ 2022 Grand Finals in
Pattaya, Valentina tells us how her life has changed since winning
Miss International Queen in 2020 and what advice should would give
to anyone thinking of taking part in future. (video)
Miss International Queen 2022
- Interview with Alisa Phanthusak, MD of Tiffany's Show Pattaya
Miss International Queen has become the largest
and most well known international transgender beauty pageant in
the world. Held annually at Tiffany's Show Pattaya, the event
attracts contestants from all over the world - including even
South America, which is not a quick, nor easy journey to make.
Khun Alisa Phanthusak, MD of Tiffany's Show Pattaya, tells us more
about what she has planned for Miss International Queen 2022 in
this exclusive video interview conducted on 16 June 2022. (video)
Family Fun in Jomtien,
Pattaya - Interview with Dmitry Chernyshev, GM of Mövenpick Siam
Hotel
The Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na Jomtien Pattaya is
one resort that has certainly succeeded in creating a
fantastically fun and safe environment for children, and their
parents, to enjoy. To learn more about the hotel, how it has been
impacted by COVID19 and what plans are in store for the future,
Dmitry Chernyshev, General Manager of Mövenpick Siam Hotel Na
Jomtien Pattaya speaks to Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsa.com in
this exclusive video interview on 11 June 2022. (video)
Is Siam Seaplane Ready for
Take Off? Interview with Dennis Keller, Chief Business Officer
Siam Seaplane was hoping to have taken off by
now, flying tourists and business people around the Kingdom of
Thailand with routes and services that other airlines do not
offer. Dennis Keller, Siam Seaplane's Chief Business Officer, was
at the Thailand Yacht Show in Jomtien, Pattaya from 9-12 June 2022 to
showcase the company and services it plans to offer once it has
received all the necessary regulatory licenses and approvals. (video)
New CEO at Pattana Sports
Resort in Chonburi, Thailand - Interview with Bodintorn
Juangroongruangkit
Khun Bodintorn 'Birdy' Juangroongruangkit
recently took over Pattana Sports Resort as CEO and a new Managing
Director - Supakit Uasamphanchai - has been appointed to lead the
property. To learn more about these changes, Steven Howard of
TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Khun Birdy on 9 June to ask him
about his vision and plans for the future. (video)
Motor Field Thailand - Interview with Khun Sutiwas Chaisrivichiean, Group Managing Director
Khun Sutiwas Chaisrivichiean, Group Managing
Director of Motor Field Group (Thailand) was exhibiting at the
Thailand Yacht Show 2022 at Ocean Marina in Jomtien, Pattaya. To learn more about
his company, products and how sailing is changing in Thailand, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com
interviewed Khun Sutiwas on 9 June. (video)
Jetboard Thailand Interview with Marilin Poonsiri at Thailand Yacht Show 2022 in Jomtien, Pattaya
Marilin Poonsiri was a busy lady at the Thailand
Yacht Show 2022 at Ocean Marina in Jomtien, Pattaya. Not only was
she demonstrating the Jetboard out on the water but she was also
one of the exhibitors. To learn more about the company, the
electronic surfboard and boats they sell in Thailand, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com
interviewed Marilin on 10 June. (video)
iAqua Adventures Interview with Nick Murphy at Thailand Yacht Show 2022 in Jomtien, Pattaya
iAqua Adventures is a family run business which
was exhibiting at the Thailand Yacht Show 2022 at Ocean Marina in
Jomtien, Pattaya. To learn more about the company and the exciting
sea scooters they distribute in the country, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com
interviewed Nick Murphy on 10 June. (video)
Sport and Fitness Training at
Pattana Sports Resort in Chonburi, Thailand - Interview with Craig
Wood
With more and more people trying to lead
healthier, more active lifestyles, the concept of a sports resort
where you can stay and not only enjoy the fresh air and scenery,
but also improve your favourite activity's techniques is certainly
one that is likely to grow in popularity. In this exclusive
interview, filmed on 8 June 2022, Craig Wood, Director of Sports
at Pattana Sports Resort in Chonburi, Thailand, explains what
sports training the property offers, how it works, what facilities
it has and how it plans to expand its sport training-related
business. (video)
What Does Simpson Marine Have
Planned for the Thailand Yacht Show 2022 in Pattaya?
With the Thailand Yacht Show 2022 taking place
in Pattaya for the first time from 9-12 June, Steven Howard of
TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Howard Prime, Country Manager -
Thailand at Simpson Marine, to ask him what plans the company has
for the yacht show.
Note: This interview was conducted
over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Thailand Yacht Show Pattaya
2022 - Interview with Andy Treadwell, CEO of Verventia
While the Pattaya Boat Show, organised by Ocean
Marina, is no more, the attractive venue in Jomtien will host the Thailand
Yacht Show from 9-12 June 2022. Being organised by Verventia,
Steven Howard sat down with Andy Treadwell, Verventia's CEO, to
ask him about the event which will comprise of two components with
Pattaya taking place next week, and the second part scheduled for
Phuket later in the year.
Note: This interview was conducted
over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Google Cloud, AI, NDC and
More - Airline Retailing Interview with Darren Rickey, Sabre
Exclusive video interview with Darren Rickey,
Senior Vice President of Airline Global Sales and Accounts at
Sabre. In this interview, filmed over the internet on 18 May 2022,
Darren tells us more about how Sabre is using Google Cloud to
improve its airline solutions, why the company chose to work with
Google Cloud rather than another provider, at what stage the
migration is at and when Sabre expects its migration to the Cloud
to be complete. We also discuss, NDC, LCCs, machine learning, AI
and the future of airline distribution.
Note: This interview was conducted
over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Travel Industry Interview
with Kurt Ekert, President of Sabre
As many countries gradually begin to scrap or
reduce travel restrictions and testing requirements put in place
to curb the spread of the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the travel
industry is becoming more and more optimistic that recovery is
finally within reach. To learn more about what is currently happening
within the travel industry, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia
speaks with
Sabre's President, Kurt Ekert, who officially
joined the company from CWT on 3 January 2022.
Note: This interview was conducted
over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Austrian Wine in Thailand
2022 - Interview with Günther Sucher, Commercial Counsellor
Austria holds an annual wine tasting event in
Bangkok to promote the different varieties available to hotels,
importers, restaurants and others in the hospitality industry. In
2022, that event will take place at the SO/ Bangkok hotel on 22
February. To learn more about this year's Austrian Wine Tasting
event, Steven Howard of Travel News Asia speaks to Günther Sucher,
the Austrian Commercial Counsellor for Thailand. Note: This interview was conducted
over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Travel Risk, COVID19 and
Gopass Global - Interview with Mark Radford, Founder and CEO
Travel risk analysis is not a new concept, there
are many well established and successful companies around the
world that evaluate the different risks associated with travel,
especially within the corporate world. So how does Gopass Global
differ, why was it established, what plans for growth does it have
for the future, and in which markets is the company concentrating
its efforts? Listen to this exclusive interview with Mark Radford,
Gopass Global's Founder and CEO, to learn more. Note: This interview was conducted
over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
The Langham, Jakarta -
Exclusive Interview with Gaylord Lamy, GM
The Langham, Jakarta - Indonesia's newest 5-star
luxury hotel and Langham's first in South East Asia. Exclusive
interview with Gaylord Lamy, Hotel General Manager. Note: This interview was conducted
over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
How's Business in Cambodia?
Exclusive Interview with Richard Dusome, MD of Dara Hotels
How has COVID19 impacted the hotel and tourism
industry in Cambodia? Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com
interviews Richard Dusome, Managing Director of Dara Hotels, to
ask him about some of the important tourism-related infrastructure
projects in Cambodia, how Dara Hotels has been impacted by the
pandemic, whether the company has used the downtime to invest in
properties, what the development pipeline is like now, and and
what plans the company has for the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022 which
is currently scheduled to take place in Sihanoukville in January. Note: This interview was conducted
over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
How's Business in Koh Samui,
Thailand? Exclusive Interview with Adrian Pulido, GM of the Hyatt
Regency
How's business in Koh Samui, Thailand? Exclusive
interview with Adrian Pulido, General Manager of the Hyatt Regency
Koh Samui. Note: This interview was conducted
over the internet, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Airline Network Planning in
2021 and Beyond - Interview with Cem Tanyel, Sabre
Exclusive interview with Cem Tanyel, Chief
Services Officer at Sabre Travel Solutions, to discuss Sabre's
latest whitepaper - The Art & Science of Airline Network Planning
to Ramp up for Recovery - as the airline industry gradually turns
its attention to longer term planning once more, and away from the
short-term operational focus that was necessary earlier in the
pandemic. Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
How's Business in Laos?
Interview with Hotelier, Duangmala Phommavong
In this interview, filmed via Skype on 1 July,
Duangmala Phommavong, hotelier and MD of EXO Travel Laos, gives us
an insight into what is happening in the beautiful landlocked
country of Laos, what she has done with the two hotels - Villa
Maly and Parasol Blanc - that she owns in Luang Prabang, and what
role the growing middle class in the country have played in
helping to build domestic tourism. All that and much, much more in
the video and podcast.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Promoting Hua Hin Airport and
Prachuap Khiri Khan to Regional Markets
Exclusive interview with John Laroche, CEO of
Phoenix Aviation, the company chosen to market Hua Hin
International Airport (HHQ), Hua Hin (หัวหิน), Prachuap Khiri Khan
(ประจวบคีรีขันธ์), Cha-Am (ชะอำ) and Petchaburi (เพชรบุรี), to
those living in Thailand as well as regional travellers and
businesses.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
NDC and Sabre Travel
Solutions Interview with Kathy Morgan, VP Offer Sourcing
NDC (New Distribution Capability) has been
described as 'an important enabler of Sabre’s vision for
personalized travel'. But what exactly is NDC, and what role does
Sabre play in its development and future growth? Those are just
two of the questions that Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com asks
Kathy Morgan, Vice President - Offer Sourcing at Sabre Travel
Solutions.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Elephant (ช้าง) Conservation and Tourism in Thailand - Interview with John Roberts
During the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group's (MeTAG)
inaugural Experts Call on 10 March 2021, John Roberts, Director of
the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation in Thailand, said he
was concerned that in the rush to restart tourism, the hospitality
industry may forget lessons learned from when nature was given a
chance to rejuvenate away from mass tourism. In this interview we
discuss that, jungle bubbles, how COVID19 has affected GTAEF's
work and much more.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
IATA Travel Pass - Interview
with Vinoop Goel
The IATA Travel Pass will help to reduce the
risk of fake COVID19 test / vaccine certificates being used to
travel, and eventually lead to a contactless travel experience.
But where does the IATA Travel Pass app begin and end? That's just
one of the many questions Steven Howard asks Vinoop Goel, IATA's
Regional Director Airports and External Relations - Asia Pacific,
in this exclusive interview.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
How's Business in Pattaya,
Thailand? Interview with MD of Tiffany's Show
How's business in Pattaya, Thailand? Exclusive
interview with the Managing Director of Tiffany's Show Pattaya,
Khun Alisa Phanthusak. In this interview, Khun Alisa tells us
about the difficulties Miss Tiffany's has faced since having to
close just a few weeks after hosting the Miss International Queen
2020 Grand Finals in March, how closure has impacted the employees
and what plans the company has for Miss International Queen 2021.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Zoom, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Hyatt Regency Bangkok
Sukhumvit Launches One Million Baht Promotion
The Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit has launched
a promotion which costs one million Thai Baht. What does the deal
include, who is expected to buy it, and what restrictions are
there? Sammy Carolus, GM of the hotel speaks to Steven Howard of
TravelNewsAsia.com.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Aman Resorts, Hotels and
Residences in Indochina - Interview with Tom Rutherford
Founded by Adrian Zecha in 1988, Aman Resorts,
Hotels and Residences is today one of the most exclusive boutique
luxury hotel brands in the world. So what makes the hotels in
Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam truly unique? How have they
been affected by the ongoing global COVID19 pandemic and which
have done well in attracting domestic market share? Interview with
Tom Rutherford, Regional Director - Indochina.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as good as in the
interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Thailand, COVID19 and
Quarantine - WHO Press Conference on 6 November
The World Health Organisation (WHO) invited H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul (อนุทิน ชาญวีรกูล), Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health, to speak about the Kingdom's remarkable success in controlling the spread of COVID19 at
Friday's virtual press conference. He and Dr. Tanarak Plipat,
Deputy Director General of Thailand's Department of Disease
Control, speak about the country's ongoing battle, the work that
needs to be done and how Thailand is planning to reduce the number
of days that incoming travellers must currently quarantine upon
arrival. (video)
Luxury Yacht Sales and
Charters in Thailand - Interview with Simpson Marine
How has the luxury yacht sector in Thailand -
sales and charters - been affected by the ongoing global COVID19
pandemic? Exclusive interview with Howard Prime, Country Manager -
Thailand, Simpson Marine.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as
good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
How's Business in Myanmar?
Video Interview with Torsten Edens, SVP, Memories Group
How has Myanmar's tourism industry been affected
by the ongoing global COVID19 pandemic, and how has the
Yangon-based Memories Group changed its business model to ensure
it not only stays in business during this difficult time, but also
manages to grow. Interview with Torsten Edens, Senior Vice
President, Memories Group.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as
good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Emerging Travel Trends in
Asia Pacific - Interview with Sabre
Emerging travel trends in Asia Pacific -
interview with Sabre. There is talk of pent up demand for travel,
green shoots of recovery, of vaccines, of travel corridors being
opened, and airlines gradually starting to resume operations. But
is all that just the industry being optimistic, or are people
really ready to travel again? To answer that question, and many,
many more, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com interviewed Mr.
Frank Trampert, Managing Director & Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA
& APAC, Sabre Hospitality Solutions, and Mr. Todd Arthur, Vice
President Agency Sales - Asia Pacific, Sabre Travel Solutions.
Note: Due to COVID19, this
interview was conducted over the internet, so the audio quality is not as
good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Airports, Air Travel and
COVID19 - Interview with SITA's President of APAC, Sumesh Patel
With air travel going through its worst crisis
in history, how has SITA been affected and what are airports doing
to make the new air travel experience better for everyone? Those
are just two of the questions that Steven Howard of
TravelNewsAsia.com put to Sumesh Patel, SITA's President for Asia
Pacific. In this interview, conducted over Skype on 16 July,
Sumesh tells us how airports are addressing the challenges they
face due to the ongoing global COVID19 pandemic and how SITA is
helping them to achieve those goals.
Note: Due to COVID19, this
interview was conducted over Skype, so the audio quality is not as
good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
Churning a Dream into Reality
- Interview with CEO of Laos Buffalo Dairy, Susie Martin
In this interview, Susie Martin, CEO of Laos
Buffalo Dairy explains where the idea of a Buffalo Dairy came
from, and how they managed to turn that idea into a reality that
is now looking at exporting over 2 tonnes per month and is in talks
with governments in the region to establish similar farms in those
countries.
Note: Due to COVID19, this
interview was conducted over Skype, so the audio quality is not as
good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
COVID19 Interview with Divisional MD of Belmond Asia Pacific, Iain Langridge
Exclusive interview with Iain Langridge,
Divisional Managing Director of Belmond Asia Pacific. Filmed on 24
June, Iain tells us more Belmond's luxury hotels in Asia, when
they will re-open, how they have been impacted by COVID19, how
Belmond is embracing technology to enhance the guest experience,
and how the company is looking to grow its footprint in the
region. All that and much, much more in this exclusive interview.
Note: Due to COVID19, this
interview was conducted over Skype, so the audio quality is not as
good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
History of Conwy, North Wales
- Interview with Councillor Bill Chapman
Conwy Town in North Wales has long been a
favourite summer destination for those living not only in Wales,
but also with travellers in Ireland, England and Scotland too. To
learn more about the town's fascinating history, Steven Howard of
TravelNewsAsia.com sat down with Conwy Town Councillor and
ex-Mayor, Bill Chapman, to ask him to share some insights into
what makes this historic town so very special. (video)
Saving Elephants in Thailand
and Beyond - Interview with John Roberts of GTAEF
In this exclusive interview, John Roberts gives
us an update on the status of elephants in Thailand, what the
Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) does, as well as
how the year 2019 ended and what they have planned for 2020. John
tells us what Jungle Bubbles are, who is staying in them, how many
elephants people can expect to see, whether they are safe, and how
they plan to expand this rather unusual idea. All that and much,
much more in the interview. (video)
North Wales Tourism -
Interview with Jim Jones, CEO
In this exclusive interview, filmed in February
2020, Jim Jones, CEO of North Wales Tourism, tells us how 2019
ended, how that compares to 2018 and what targets they have for
2020. We discuss visitor arrivals, spending, and why Jim feels
that Conwy has potential as a tourism destination for tourists
from overseas. Jim tells us where the international visitor
arrivals are coming from, why he has spent so much time trying to
build Japan as a key source market, what they are doing to address
language issues, how they use technology to promote the
destination and what it is about North Wales that he believes will
appeal to tourists from Asia. All that and much,
much more in the interview. (video)
Hilton to Open Garden Inn Hotel at Adventure Parc Snowdonia, North Wales
Surf Snowdonia, now called Adventure Parc
Snowdonia, was born in 2008 when an aluminum works with over 100
years of history was purchased and turned into the world's first
inland surf lagoon with a handful of glamping pods for people who
wanted to stay. Since then, the site has expanded enormously and
will soon be home to Hilton's second hotel in Wales, with the
other Hilton being in the capital, Cardiff. (video)
venue cymru in Llandudno,
North Wales, Completes Multi-Million Pound Renovation - What's
Next?
The venue cymru in Llandudno, North Wales,
recently completed phase one of a multi-million GBP renovation and
expansion project. In this exclusive interview you will learn what
type of events venue cymru can now handle, what trends they are
seeing, how the international expansion of airports such as
Liverpool, Manchester and Cardiff has helped the business, and
whether there is still more work to be done. (video)
What Does Tourism Mean to Conwy, North Wales?
Interview with Mayor Cyng
Goronwy O Edwards
Exclusive FHD video interview with Mr. Cyng
Goronwy O Edwards, Mayor of Conwy, North Wales. In this interview,
Goronwy tells us about new developments that are happening in the
area, including a new Hilton hotel, how Conwy uses sport to
promote the destination, and why North Wales is fast becoming
known as the adventure capital of Europe. All that and much, much
more in the podcast. (video)
The Quay Hotel and Spa in
Deganwy, North Wales - Interview with GM, Brid Collins
Exclusive interview with Brid Collins, General
Manager of The Quay Hotel and Spa in Deganwy, Conwy, north Wales.
In this interview, filmed at the hotel on 7 February 2020, Brid
tells us more about the hotel and north Wales as tourism
destination. (video)
Farmer Gareth Wyn
Jones Promotes Sustainable Living and Tourism in North Wales
Farmer Gareth Wyn Jones is one of the most
positive, forward thinking and inspirational people I have ever
had the good fortune to meet and interview. I genuinely wish there
were more people like him promoting sustainable living, protecting
heritage and helping create new and sustainable tourism
experiences and initiatives, not just in north Wales - but around
the world. (video)
Welsh Wine from the Gwinllan
Conwy Vineyard - Interview with Colin Bennett
In the county of Conwy in north
Wales, the Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard has seen its business grow
rapidly since it opened in 2016. Today, the vineyard, located in the
hamlet of Llangwstenin, has the
capability of producing up to around 10,000 bottles per year and
this could well increase to 20,000 in the near future. Colin
Bennett explains what wine from the Gwinllan Conwy Vineyard is all
about, and what plans they have for the future. (video)
Making a Difference: Aerobility The British Flying Charity for Disabled People
Aerobility has two simulators, a small fleet of
aircraft, a dedicated and passionate team, and impressive dreams
of expanding the admirable work they do to not only other parts of
the UK, but the world as well. To learn more about Aerobility's
plans for 2020 and beyond, Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com
visited their headquarters at Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire and
sat down with Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mike Miller-Smith MBE. (video)
Did Strength of Thai Baht
Affect Arrivals from UK in 2019? Interview with TAT
Despite the strength of the Thai Baht many
would argue that Thailand still represents excellent value for
money as a destination, and with approximately 39.77 million
people visiting the country in 2019, the numbers seem to suggest
that many agree. So how has the strong Baht, Brexit and other
UK-related issues impacted Thailand's tourism industry? (video)
Thailand Travel Mart (TTM+)
2020 - Interview with Chiravadee Khunsub
Khun Chiravadee Khunsub, Director of the Tourism
Authority of Thailand - UK, Ireland and South Africa tells us
about TAT's plans for the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2020.
Filmed at TAT's office in London on 8 January 2020, Khun
Chiravadee tells us when and where TTM+ 2020 will take place, why
that city was chosen, what the theme will be this year, and how
many buyers and sellers are expected to attend. Khun Chiravadee
tells us how many buyers from the UK will be going and how those
buyers will be chosen, and much, much more. (video)
Celtic Compass and The
Hebridean Creative Retreat - Interview with Sarah Ewing
Sarah Ewing, Founder of Celtic Compass, tells us
how the company has been impacted by COVID19 and why she thinks
that the UK domestic market will be interested in retreats. Sarah
tells us when and where the first, the Hebridean Creative Retreat,
will take place, why numbers have been limited, which hotel they
are working with, and how they will implement the required social
distancing rules and regulations.
Note: This interview was conducted
over Skype, so the audio quality is not as
good as in the interviews pre-COVID19. (video)
All of the
HD videos of the above interviews can
be watched,
here.
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