Travel Indochina ‘Excites’ Industry with First Ever Indochina Roadshow

We want to take the Australian industry to the next level and get them to think of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam as three distinct countries but one amazing destination, said Paul Hole, Managing Director, Travel Indochina speaking at a press conference before the start of the company’s first ever Indochina roadshow held last night at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.

[Pictured: Paul Hole, Travel Indochina, believes that 2007 will be a “fantastic year of growth for the diverse region”.]    

More than 270 travel agents and a dozen industry principals – some flying to Australia solely for the innovative function – attended the Sydney event.  Another 180 travel agents are expected to attend the Travel Indochina roadshow being held at the Regent Theatre tonight in Melbourne.

Speaking at the Sydney press conference yesterday, Mr Hole said that he wanted to make agents aware of the new opportunities and vast improvements in infrastructure that have recently come about in the three countries. 

“With the significant increase in air services to Indochina over the last six months alone these destinations are opening up to a whole new market so the timing of this event for our travel agent partners couldn’t be better.” 

“We’re excited about this unique opportunity for our agents to educate themselves to ensure they are well placed to service the increased interest in these fabulous destinations,” said Mr Hole.

There are now luxury spas, boutique eco tourism properties and sophisticated cruises.  The area has so much to offer and so much of it is new, he said.

I think 2007 will be a fantastic year of growth.  Our company has already seen a 60 per cent growth in just the first two months of the year, he added.

Following Mr Hole’s remarks representatives from the three countries in Indochina provided an update on tourism and travel trends.

Speaking on behalf of Cambodia, Anthony Giblin, Senior Product Manager, Travel Indochina, said that the main industries in the 11 million-strong country were garment production and tourism.

In 2006 there were 1.25 million arrivals to Cambodia.  The uncomplicated visa on arrival system has been a bonus for boosting tourism arrivals plus there are many international border checkpoints, he said.   

There’s been a massive improvement in infrastructure in the country over the past 18 months particularly in road works.  While there are frequent air services visitors can also go from Phnom Penh outside Siem Reap by road – a five hours journey – or take a relaxing three night boat trip, he said.

Once in Siem Reap visitors can participate in several new activities including helicopter sightseeing over the Angkor Wat temple complex.  As well, Siem Reap welcomes culinary tourists who can take part in a cooking school. 

Mr Giblin stressed the point that Cambodian food today is like Thai food 500 years ago.  Ancient recipes are used for some of the county’s most interesting traditional dishes, he noted.  

The south coast of Cambodia is the number three destination after Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.  In fact, Kampat is emerging as the ‘in’ destination like Hoi An in Vietnam and Luang Prabang in Laos, he said.

Also in the south, Sihanoukville now has 4 star properties that are attracting more upmarket travellers.  The beautiful destination can cater to visitors seeking the extra level of comfort, he added.

Meanwhile, visits to small towns along the Mekong River also increasing in popularity though they are still not so well known.  French architecture and the Irrawaddy dolphins make the journey to such small outposts very rewarding, he said.

During his remarks Soukaseum Bodhisane, Vice Chairman, Lao National Tourism Administration, said that the cultural heritage, historical sites and natural environment of Laos are among the principal interests for visitors.

[Pictured: Soukaseum Bodhisane, left, Lao National Tourism Administration, anticipates that an increased emphasis on tourism development and infrastructure will increase arrivals from Australia.]

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed an all time record of 1.2 million tourists in 2006 with 22,021 arrivals from Australia.  This puts Australia in number eight position, he said.

There are now 13 international checkpoints where visas can be obtained upon arrival.  Six more checkpoints will soon be opened.

The country has a number of tourism priorities including the strengthening of service standards as well as significant road and airport upgrades, he said.  In addition, there are plans to develop tourist information centres at the district level.

“We also want to train more people in hospitality and develop more tourist festivals,” said Mr Bodhisame who led the first-ever high level tourism delegation from Laos to Australia.

This exclusive report on the Travel Indochina Roadshow continues tomorrow.

Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King, TravelMole’s Travel and Lifestyle Editor