Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 94)

NEWS IMPACT Eye on Pacific/Asia WHEN I SAT DOWN with the Honorable Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, the minister of tourism of Malaysia, it soon became obvious there was one thing that was uppermost in his mind: misperceptions about Malaysia due to its predominantly Muslim population. “Our arrivals figures from the U.S. were higher prior to 2001,” says Mansor. “We are a Muslim country, but a peace-loving one. We don’t Experience (put CLIA’s experience to work for you) Mansor (left) with Mark Rogers believe in terrorism.” Mansor went on to explain that there is no terrorist activity in Malaysia. “Malaysia received 174,000 visitors from the U.S. last year,” he says. “We’re not happy when we compare that figure with Thailand, which receives triple the amount of visitors from the U.S., and Singapore, which doubles our figure.” In a bid to battle misperceptions, look for Malaysia to dramatically increase the number of fam trips to the country, from 2,400 in 2007 to 5,000 in 2008. “These will be offered to travel agents and media professionals, as well as VIPs,” says the minister. “We are also fostering joint promotions with Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam.” Korean Air Launches Slick Ad Campaign During a visit with John E. Jackson III, director of passenger marketing and sales for Americas, American Regional Headquarters, Korean Air, to discuss the carrier’s recent rollout ceremony and pending orders of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, I saw the new ad campaign for Korean Air—the one that is causing a media ripple throughout the industry. The 30-second spots are in heavy rotation on all the cable news channels and run counter to what you’d expect from the carrier, having an ultra-chill lounge tone and runway model attitude. Korean Air is planning a special event in L.A. at the Sofitel Los Angeles Beverly Hills, at which the spots will be projected on huge outdoor screens. —MARK ROGERS For over 30 years, CLIA has worked closely with our members to maximize their sales potential. This commitment has prompted over 16,000 agencies and 24 cruise lines to join our ranks. When you join CLIA you’ll get the recognition you deserve as a cruising expert from both member cruise lines and consumers, the sales training and certification you want and the tools you need to succeed and profit. For complete information about CLIA membership, visit www.cruising.org or call 754-224-2200. CONNECTING YOU For more information on Maylaysia, Korea, and all of Pacific Asia, visit www.travelagentcentral. com/pacasia. 94 | TravelAgent October 1, 2007 http://www.cruising.org http://www.cruising.org http://www.travelagentcentral.com/pacasia http://www.travelagentcentral.com/pacasia

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

Online Now From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Caribbena: Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico, an Unspoiled Retreat Carribbean Deals Mexico: Insider Tips: Hotels, Dining and Shopping in Cancun Mexico Deals Las Vegas: Tell Clients About Day Trips Into the Great Outdoors Europe: Budapest: Off-Season Promotions Pacific/Asia: Korea Expands its Offerings Seoul Primer: All the Info You Need For a Smooth Trip Pacific/Asia Deals Hawaii: Captivating Kauai: Enhanced Resorts, Natural Beauty Cruises: Building Revenue with Themed Cruises Cruise Deals Hotels: London: The Lanesborough’s New Guest Rooms Tours: Gutsy Women Travel’s New Morocco Itinerary Tour Deals Spas: Escape to Tranquility: Three Spa Havens Spa Deals Cover Story: Donna Flora Agent Profile Podcasts Offer a New Way to Give Your Clients Added Value Car Rental Navigation 101: Shift Profits into High Gear with These Tips Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Cruise: Commission Cutting, Hurricanes Pitch Colombia, Impress Your Clients Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism New Alaska Products for Families In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

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