Outlook Travel - Issue 01

ISSUE 01

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA Travel’s last frontier

NAMIBIA

Otherworldly desert landscapes

EUROPE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS Five festive picks

A GUIDE TO THE

SOLOMON ISLANDS Interview with Graeme Green, a photographer who has travelled the world from Ecuador to Antarctica

EME w w w. a f r i c a o u t l o o k m a g . c o m

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ILEX SOUTH AFRICA

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FUJITSU A Q&A with Mike Foster, Australia & New Zealand CEO

Making an innovative difference in people’s lives

EXPERT EYE

Microsoft’s Ibrahim Youssry discusses finance and AI adoption

TRUSTED TO How the South Africa National Blood Service is meeting the country’s blood-borne needs

SAVE LIVES

CYFIELD GROUP

Maritime

MARIANA ISLANDS

Abound with nature and WW2 history

Marvel

MAZOON DAIRY

A Cypriot stalwart built on a client-first approach to construction

An emblem for Oman’s economic diversification

BUILDING FOR BUCHAREST

SIPA is charting the Solomon Islands’ progressive, transformative maritime course, its two key ports now standing as crucial pillars of the national economy

How One United Properties continues to apply the Midas touch to residential and mixed-use developments across the Romanian capital

Pearl Uzokwe, Director of Governance and Sustainability at Sahara Group, defines the ‘Africa approach’ to sustainability

Rugby World Cup 2019: How Japan is set to gain an economic boost from the six-week showcase

Mobica’s Stefan Marxreiter and Wolfram Ries discuss the ins and outs of the autonomous vehicle market

Sahara Group, defines the ‘Africa approach’ to sustainability Pearl Uzokwe, Director of Governance and Sustainability at

an economic boost from the six-week showcase Rugby World Cup 2019: How Japan is set to gain

the ins and outs of the autonomous vehicle market Mobica’s Stefan Marxreiter and Wolfram Ries discuss

LIVES SAVE TO

across the Romanian capital Midas touch to residential and mixed-use developments How One United Properties continues to apply the

BUCHAREST BUILDING FOR

Tell usMarvel your story, Maritime TRUSTED and we’ll tell the world blood-borne needs is meeting the country’s National Blood Service How the South Africa

and WW2 history Abound with nature

ISLANDS MARIANA

national economy now standing as crucial pillars of the maritime course, its two key ports Islands’ progressive, transformative SIPA is charting the Solomon

to construction on a client-first approach A Cypriot stalwart built

GROUP CYFIELD

diversification Oman’s economic An emblem for

DAIRY MAZOON

finance and AI adoption Youssry discusses Microsoft’s Ibrahim

EXPERT EYE

Africa Outlook, Asia Outlook and Europe & Middle East Outlook are digital and print publications aimed atFUJITSU boardroom and hands-on decision-makers, reaching an audience of more than 800,000 people around the world; spanning the full range of industrial sectors.

Zealand CEO Australia & New Mike Foster, A Q&A with

difference in people’s lives Making an innovative

AFRICA ILEX SOUTH

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EME

With original and exclusive content compiled by our experienced editorial team, we look to promote the latest in engaging news, industry trends and success stories from across the globe.

Your company can join the leading industry heavyweights enjoying the free exposure we provide across both digital and print platforms with a free marketing brochure, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and to help you grow your business.

Visit www.outlookpublishing.com/get-involved for details on how your company can feature for free in one of our upcoming editions.

www.outlookpublishing.com/get-involved

Issue 33

WELCOME ISSUE 01

UP AND AWAY

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA

NAMIBIA

Otherworldly desert landscapes

Travel’s last frontier

EUROPE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS

W

Five festive picks

elcome to the first issue of Outlook Travel, a magazine dedicated to tourism providers, travel insiders and international travellers. In short, anyone interested in travel for business or the business of travel.

A GUIDE TO THE

SOLOMON ISLANDS Interview with Graeme Green, a photographer who has travelled the world from Ecuador to Antarctica

EDITORIAL Editor: Dani Redd dani.redd@outlookpublishing.com Editorial Director: Tom Wadlow tom.wadlow@outlookpublishing.com PRODUCTION Art Director: Stephen Giles steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com Senior Designer: Devon Collins devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com Junior Designer: Matt Loudwell matt.loudwell@outlookpublishing.com BUSINESS Managing Director: Ben Weaver ben.weaver@outlookpublishing.com Sales Director: Nick Norris nick.norris@outlookpublishing.com Operations Director: James Mitchell james.mitchell@outlookpublishing.com TRAVEL GUIDES Director: Joe Palliser joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com Sales Manager: Jordan Levey jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com Sales Manager: Krisha Canlas krisha.canlas@outlookpublishing.com Sales Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin matt.cole-wilkin@outlookpublishing.com ADMINISTRATION Finance Director: Suzanne Welsh suzanne.welsh@outlookpublishing.com Administrative Assistant: Sophia Curran sophia.curran@outlookpublishing.com Office Manager: Daniel George daniel.george@outlookpublishing.com CONTACT Outlook Travel magazine East Wing, Ground Floor, 69-75 Thorpe Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1UA, United Kingdom.

Sales: +44 (0) 1603 959 652 Editorial: +44 (0) 1603 959 657 SUBSCRIPTIONS Tel: +44 (0) 1603 959 657 tom.wadlow@outlookpublishing.com www.outlooktravelmag.com

We have a portfolio of three longstanding business magazines – Africa Outlook, Asia Outlook and EME Outlook – which formerly contained business travel guides to the region’s top destinations. But we received so much interest from potential contributors that we decided to run a standalone publication. Outlook Travel was born.

The weeks up to publication have been exciting ones. We have been working hard to develop inspiring, relevant content and design an upmarket, contemporary layout for the magazine. We’re thrilled with the results, and we hope you are too.

Our first issue is crammed with destination guides for places ranging from the Solomon Islands to Malaysia. They contain one-of-a-kind interviews with tourism boards and convention bureaus, who provide insider insights into the destinations they represent. Meanwhile, our news and events pages will keep you up to date with the latest goings on in the travel industry. A feature on Totally Tailored, a British travel business revolutionising small group tours, is also included.

Alongside more business-oriented content, our first issue also includes original features to inspire avid travellers. Learn where to find the best Christmas markets in Europe. Follow us to the icy shores of the remote Åland Islands to try one of the oldest beers in the world. And marvel over the photography of Graeme Green, a professional photographer we interviewed about his practice.

We’d love to continue the conversation. If you have feedback on our content, or a news item you would like us to include in the next issue, please get in touch. Don’t forget, you can follow us on social media for regular updates.

Twitter: @outlooktravel1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/outlooktravelmagazine Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/showcase/outlook-travel-magazine Facebook: facebook.com/outlooktravelmag

Dani Redd Editor Outlook Travel

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 3

Join in the conversation...

Discover the power of mobile engagement with Outlook Travel magazine’s social media platforms.

Our Instagram feed showcases inspiring photographs of the destinations we cover, as well as featuring shots of our favourite hand-selected hotels.

Meanwhile, our Twitter feed keeps you up-to-date with the latest travel news and provides you with a dedicated network of travel professionals to connect with. You can also find us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

travel magazine Follow us on social media for updates and travel inspiration

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2019 | ISSUE 01

140

122

154

REGULARS 06 NEWS Around the world in seven stories…

08 BEHIND THE LENS An interview with photographer Graeme Green

68 TIFFIN BOX A regular column about Indian Food

110 TRAVEL BUSINESS: TOTALLY TAILORED How to start a tour guiding company from scratch

154 FESTIVALS & EVENTS What, where and how to celebrate

156 INDUSTRY EVENTS

T R AV E L G U I D E S ASIA

16 PHILIPPINES Over 7,000 islands to choose from

122 SEYCHELLES Beyond the beaches

140 NAMIBIA Otherworldly desert landscapes

32 MALAYSIA From ancient rainforests to modern metropolises

48 LAOS

F E AT U R E S

Mountains and monasteries

44 TASTE OF MALAYSIA

58 THAILAND

Michael Edwards discusses Malaysian cuisine

Golden temples and beaches

OCEANIA

70 SOLOMON ISLANDS

Our bi-monthly listing of some of the most important events and conferences in the travel industry

An untouched archipelago in the South Pacific

158 THE LAST STOP

The US-owned island in the South Pacific

Eyrarbakki, a village in South Iceland

AFRICA

88 GUAM

112 CHRISTMAS MARKETS A handpicked list of our top five festive markets

118 THE WORLD’S OLDEST BEER Visiting Stallhagen, a brewery on the Åland Islands

96 PAPUA NEW GUINEA Travel’s last frontier

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NEWS

Around the world in seven stories…

FLIGHTS

C U LT U R A L AT T R A C T I O N S

FASCINATING HOUSE IN HERCULANEUM OPEN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES

EASYJET UNVEILS PLANS TO OPERATE NET ZERO CARBON FLIGHTS

Archaeologists have reopened the House of the Bicentenary in Herculaneum and are allowing select groups access.

Herculaneum – an ancient town destroyed in the same volcanic eruption as Pompeii – has always attracted tourists interested in culture and history. The House of the Bicentenary will be of great interest.

According to Dr Eireann Marshall, Wanderlust’s top History and Culture Guide for 2019, the house was owned

by Petronia Justa, a freed slave whose claim on the house was disputed.

What’s more, she explained: “It is one of the most sumptuous houses in Herculaneum.”

Dr Marshall will be leading tours to the house with Andante Group Travels from 2020.

Low-cost carrier Easyjet is taking major steps to reduce its carbon footprint.

In November the airline announced that it was offsetting all carbon emissions from fuel used on flights through accredited schemes.

It also noted that carbon offsetting was an interim measure while it developed new technologies, such as the development of hybrid and electric planes through work with companies such as Rolls-Royce and Safran.

A spokesperson from the company noted that Easyjet was committed to working with others in aviation to “reinvent and decarbonise the industry”.

H O S P I TA L I T Y

NEW URBAN HOTEL OPENS IN KAMPALA Latitude 0° – a hotel named after its position on the equator – opened its doors on October 1st in Kampala, Uganda. The hotel is the third high quality, “urban cool” offering from Latitude Hotel Group.

Latitude 0° has been developed according to principles of sustainability, which extends to energy use, employing locals and showcasing African artisanship. The interiors have been developed in partnership with ethical art organisation Katandu.

Nicholas Best, Group Commercial Director, said: “The hotel’s elevated position, overlooking both Lake Victoria and the city, makes Latitude 0° the ultimate place to relax and enjoy our individual take on Ugandan hospitality.”

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CRUISES

EVENTS

PHOTO BY SONANCE2

$4.82 BILLION WORTH OF TRAVEL INDUSTRY BUSINESS DEALS SIGNED AT WTM

VIKING CRUISES ANNOUNCES A THREE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BRITISH MUSEUM The award-winning cruise line has partnered with the British Museum, a cultural institution which has permanent collections spanning two million years of human history.

Viking will support the museum financially. It also offers its guests the opportunity to attend private viewings, special exhibitions and behind-thescenes tours at the museum as part of its ‘Privileged Access’ programme.

Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking Cruises UK, said: “We are very proud to be working with the British Museum, the first national public museum in the world, which remains one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK today.”

D O C U M E N TAT I O N

This year’s London WTM (World Travel Market) was attended by almost 50,000 visitors from 182 countries. 1.2 million business meetings were held, which led to a total of $4.82 billion worth of travel industry deals being signed.

One landmark deal, which occurred between Atout France and Easyjet, will see the launch of a €1 million advertising campaign to promote destinations in France.

According to WTM London’s Senior Exhibition Director: “WTM London 2019 was unquestionably a great success. We are delighted to have been able to facilitate the business and creative connections of 50,000 attendees, exhibitors, buyers and media in order to form the future of the travel industry.”

AWA R D S

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER READERS’ AWARDS ANNOUNCED

WEF, CANADIAN AND DUTCH GOVERNMENTS LAUNCH PAPERLESS TRAVEL PILOT PROJECT The World Economic Forum (WEF) has collaborated with the governments of the Netherlands and Canada to launch a pilot project for paperless travel between the two countries.

The platform, known as Traveller Digital Identity (KTDI), has been tested internally and integrated with partner systems.

The first journey is expected to take place early in 2020.

Last week, National Geographic Traveller UK announced the results of its readers’ choice awards. There were 21 category winners in total, encompassing everything from alternative accommodation to individuals who had made an outstanding contribution to travel.

Winners included destinations such as Antarctica and Italy (‘One to Watch’ and ‘Firm Favourite’ categories), and tour operators such as Exodus Travels and Celebrity Cruises (‘Small-Medium Tour Operator’ and ‘Across the Waves’).

Felicity Aston, a polar explorer and first woman to ski across Antarctica, scooped up the National Geographic Traveller’s Special Contribution to Travel Award.

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BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

BEHIND THE LENS An interview with Graeme Green, a professional photographer who has racked up a list of impressive assignments to the world’s most remote places Writer: Dani Redd Photography: Graeme Green

GRAEME GREEN SOUNDS like he has the world’s best job. He is a British photographer and writer with a penchant for remote places and wild landscapes.

For 15 years, he has been travelling the planet, from Cambodia to Antarctica, capturing remarkable images and reporting stories for international newspapers and magazines, including The Sunday Times, BBC, The Guardian, The Sunday Telegraph, National Geographic, Wanderlust, Landscape Photography Magazine and many 8 | Outlook Travel issue 01

other publications.

On his travels, Graeme has passed the time with Amazonian tribes, Tuareg nomads, Bhutanese monks, Namibia’s San bushmen, Venezuelan gauchos, street artists, authors, dissidents, scientists, boxers, musicians and tequila masters. He has visited and photographed some of the world’s most incredible landscapes, from Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans to Antarctica, from Venezuela’s Los Llanos to Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater. His photos help

emphasise the need to protect the natural world, and he often reports on conservation issues such as endangered species and threats to the environment.

Graeme’s adventure travel assignments will inspire envy.

He’s been paragliding with birds of prey in Nepal, cycling across Burma, freediving in Thailand, climbing volcanoes in the Democratic Republic of Congo, surviving on desert islands in Belize, wild camping in Antarctica and motorcycling across Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni.

But it’s not all about adventure. His work also tackles major global issues, including human trafficking, land rights, conflict, poaching, prostitution, child soldiers, violence against transgender communities, conservation, street kids and climate change, telling otherwise ‘invisible’ or unreported stories from remote parts of the world.

Graeme is currently based in Mexico. We caught up with him between assignments to find out more about the challenges and rewards of his practice.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 9

BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

Outlook Travel (OT): What first attracted you to photography?

Graeme Green (GG): I started experimenting with cameras when I was a teenager and started getting more into it when I moved up to Glasgow to study. I’d explore the city’s streets and lochs and mountains, working mainly in black and white. I played in bands at university and used my pictures on album covers, flyers and posters.

Having a camera helps open your eyes, to think about

10 | Outlook Travel issue 01

what you’re seeing and what interests you. Personally, it helps me to engage with a place and get beneath the surface.

Photography’s also very powerful as a window into the world. Like a lot of people, I looked at photos in books or magazines, and they made me want to go to places or to find out more about a culture, a place or a situation.

To spend time making those pictures myself now is very satisfying.

OT: Travel photography is a saturated market. How do you make sure that your photos stand out?

GG: There’s an overwhelming volume of photos in the world now and it’s true that more people have cameras than ever before. But I think the same rules apply that have always applied. You’ve got to be original. Your work has to be high quality. You won’t stand out by churning out photos that look the same as everyone else’s.

You need to find your own original take. That takes a

“WORKING AS A PHOTOGRAPHER ALSO MEANS GETTING TO SEE THE WORLD IN A WAY I COULD NEVER HAVE DONE IF THIS WASN’T MY JOB. I’VE GONE TO INCREDIBLE PLACES IN REMOTE AREAS AND MET PEOPLE FROM CULTURES A WORLD APART FROM MY OWN” lot of work and effort. It takes creativity and thought, and sometimes a lot of patience. It’s good to analyse your own work and think about what’s right and what’s wrong, how you could have approached things differently. I’m very self-critical and always looking at ways I can improve what I do.

It’s also important to think hard about what you’re trying to achieve, whether it’s simply taking a creative, striking photo or if you have a message or story to tell.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 11

HOW I GOT THIS PHOTO > Lions are one of my favourite animals to photograph.

We found four male lions, all brothers, on the move in Naboisho Conservancy in Kenya, a place where big cat populations are doing well. They’re very regal animals, known as the kings of the animal kingdom, and famously good hunters. But the brothers were being very affectionate and gentle, and that’s the side of them I wanted to show. I spent a long time photographing them, getting as low as possible, rather than looking down from above.

I wanted a close-up portrait, to bring out the interaction between the two lions. I also like the details, including the scars on one of the brothers’ muzzles.

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BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

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BEHIND THE LENS INTERVIEW

OT: What’s the most exciting thing about being a travel photographer?

GG: The photography itself is one of the most exciting elements. I’ve always been a creative person. I really enjoy the process and the opportunity to be creative and to push myself.

Working as a photographer also means getting to see the world in a way I could never have done if this wasn’t my job. I’ve gone to incredible places in remote areas and met people from cultures a world apart from my own.

You end up doing some pretty interesting things: sitting around a fireside drinking strange homebrewed booze with a local tribe, exploring the desert with bushmen, handling sharks, riding horses with gauchos…

You learn an incredible amount about the world too.

OT: On the flip side, what are the biggest challenges?

GG: For the last 15 years, I’ve been on the road anywhere between six and 12 months of the year. That can get tiring.

I also spend a lot of time in airports or travelling in rough conditions, and it can feel strange sometimes not really having a solid base.

You need to be adaptable and flexible to do this job.

There are early starts, late nights, long days of bumping

along rocky roads, working in extreme heat or cold. A bed for the night might be the ground of a wooden hut. Getting the pictures you want might mean wading through mud or sand or snow. But you have to do what it takes.

OT: What do you want to achieve with your pictures?

GG: A lot of the time I’m just trying to find my own take on a place and to produce photos I’m satisfied with creatively.

But over the years I’ve worked on telling what I think are important stories. Some people might think of journalism and photography as intrusive or even exploitative, but it’s incredible how many people around the world really want their story to be told. Many people in difficult or dangerous situations are totally ignored.

I’ve talked to human trafficking victims, child soldiers, indigenous people in the Amazon in danger of losing their land, street kids, transgender activists at risk of being attacked and killed. People like that want the world to see them and hear their story, rather than being ‘invisible’.

In some cases, those words and photos might help them or could change the outcome of their situation. That’s been the most satisfying part of my job, and it’s something I plan to concentrate more on.

OT: Do you find that your camera creates distance between the people you meet, or bridges a cultural divide?

GG: It can do both. I don’t like having my photo taken, so I’m always fine when someone else doesn’t want to be photographed.

But a lot of the time a camera helps you to have an encounter with someone that wouldn’t have otherwise happened. It can be a way into people’s lives. People often enjoy being photographed or find it amusing or curious, and it leads to conversations, sometimes just sharing a few jokes, or finding out about their lives. That’s always rewarding.

It makes a big difference how you approach someone.

I don’t go up to people and push the camera in their face.

A smile and pointing at the camera to ask if it’s ok usually works. Photos look better when a person’s relaxed, rather than uncomfortable. It’s even better to spend a bit of time talking to someone first, so they feel like a person, not an object.

OT: You work covers people, wildlife, landscapes and more. Do you have a favourite to focus on?

GG: I’m always excited by the assignment or the place right in front of me. Working with people is always very interesting, finding out about their lives. Photographing wildlife is exciting and fascinating, and you get to spend time in beautiful places, from jungle to ice and snow.

Landscape photography feels calmer than both of those, a chance to slow down and really bring out the beauty of an environment.

I wouldn’t like to give any of them up, and often an assignment means combining all of those – people, place, wildlife, other details – to tell a story.

That said, wildlife photography has dominated the last year, and I’m planning a major wildlife project to work on in 2020.

OT: What’s been the best place you’ve travelled to?

GG: It would be a long list. Different countries stand out for different reasons, such as Tanzania, Uganda or Malaysia for wildlife; Antarctica for the wildlife and unforgettable landscapes. I’ve spent a lot of time in South America, and I really like people and landscapes in places like Chile, Bolivia and Ecuador. People are very friendly in Cambodia and that’s a fascinating country.

I also lived in Scotland for a decade and have spent time since then exploring the Hebrides, which is one of my favourite parts of the world. There’s a lot to be said for appreciating places that are close to home.

OT: Have you been anywhere interesting lately?

GG: I worked in Ruaha National Park in Tanzania last year,

“GETTING THE PICTURES YOU WANT MIGHT MEAN WADING THROUGH MUD OR SAND OR SNOW. BUT YOU HAVE TO DO WHAT IT TAKES” which isn’t well-known, but it’s one of the best places in the world for lions, leopards, elephants and lots of other creatures, from brightly coloured lizards to endemic birds.

I’ve also spent a lot of the last few years in Mexico. It’s a huge country and there’s so much to see in terms of diverse landscapes, cultures, festivals, animals and birds.

The more you get to explore and understand a country, with or without a camera, the more you realise how different it is than the often-limited preconceptions you might have from the news.

One of the greatest things about being a travel photographer is getting to see the world first-hand and to make your own mind up.

I also get to drink a lot of mezcal in Mexico, which is always a good thing.

For more on Graeme’s work, see Graeme-green.com.

Prints are also available.

Follow him on Instagram @graemegreen Outlook Travel issue 01 | 15

T

he Philippines is a Southeast Asian nation consisting of 7,641 islands. It’s renowned for its pristine white sand beaches, emerald rice terraces and dramatic volcanic landscapes.

With so many islands to choose from, the Philippines caters to the tastes of many different tourists.

Adventurous travellers will enjoy playing at being 16 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Robinson Crusoe somewhere along Palawan’s deserted coastline or ascending the rugged peaks of the Sierra Madre mountains. Those who’re all about the beaches should head to the Visayas, where there are plenty of opportunities to island hop. Throughout the archipelago, surfing, diving and kitesurfing are popular activities.

Luzon is the largest and most populous island, home

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDE

S

at in the estuary of the Tagus River, Philippines is the westernmost capital city in continental Europe and serves as Portugal’s chief port, largest and capital city, and commercial, political and tourist centre.

It was once considered by Europeans to be the furthest edge of the known world before it became basecamp for the renowned Portuguese explorers of the 15th and 16th centuries, Vasco da Gama being the most well-known.

The city is defined geographically by seven hillsides which overlook the river, these vantage points being a highlight for anybody’s visit. Much of the architecture is defined by a huge earthquake that destroyed much of Philippines in 1755, the rebuilding exercise that followed providing the template of what stands today.

As well as being scenically spectacular, Philippines is a crucial economic centre and lies on a strategic sea route. Its port is bustling with activity, handling a large proportion of the trade between Portugal and neighbouring Spain.

The city is also culturally one of the country’s most important hubs. Despite making up just three percent of Portugal’s landmass, the metropolitan area is home to more than a quarter of the nation’s population, owed much to the surge in migration from rural areas in the 1970s when industrial activity took off.

The 7,641 islands of the Philippines are a patchwork of different cultures, renowned for their smouldering volcanoes, white sand beaches and emerald rice terraces Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Krisha Canlas

to the sprawling capital Manila. However, even here you’ll find remote, mist-shrouded towns, volcanic mountains to climb and the lesser-explored Bicol region, renowned for its spicy food.

The islands consist of a patchwork of different cultures, having originally been populated by competing tribes.

Thanks to their sea-trade connections, the islands saw

migrants arrive from China, Japan, India and other Asian countries. Three hundred years of Spanish rule introduced Catholicism into the area. Now, Filipino culture is a blend of these different countries and traditions, making it a fascinating place to visit. Whether you enjoy active holidays or simply lounging on the beach, the Philippines will captivate you with its dramatic beauty.

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H O T E L A N D R E S TA U R A N T A S S O C I AT I O N O F T H E P H I L I P P I N E S THE HOTEL AND Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) aims to take the lead role as the single voice organisation representing the Philippine private business sector in the hotel and restaurant industry.

It is comprised of several sectors, representing the many facets of the country’s tourism industry: the hotel sector; the restaurant sector; suppliers and academe.

Representing so many different organisations and businesses has its challenges. We sat down with Eugene Yap, President of HRAP, to discuss the association’s core activities, difficulties and goals.

Outlook Travel (OT): Can you tell me about the history of the association?

Eugene Yap (EY): Back in 1951, the Philippines barely had a tourism industry. The nation had only one thing in mind – recovery from the war.

Amidst the rebuilding, there were 18 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Now, almost seven decades later, the association is a fully-fledged organisation representing the interests and concerns of the hotel and restaurant industry for the entirety of the Philippines.

Eugene Yap only four hotels in Manila. There were no plush restaurants, just unpretentious family eateries. The only tourists were journalists and photographers, chronicling the bombed-out rubble of Corregidor and Intramuros.

The hotel owners struggled with issues such as employee theft, breakages and losses. Deciding to take a common stand, they founded the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) in 1951, and officially registered the organisation with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It was reincorporated for another 50 years in 2001.

OT: Have there been any challenges for the association, either when it was initially incorporated, or today?

EY: We started when the Philippines’ economy was still recovering from the war. This was a challenge, but even so, the association’s members banded together to upgrade their management skills and services, and to keep up with trends abroad.

The country had begun to reap the rewards of these industry-wide innovations when the economy started to pick up. When tourists began to arrive in ever-increasing numbers, more five-star hotels were built.

These days our challenges are different. We have a problem with

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PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDE

the swift turnover of skilled labour, due to increasing competition from other industries. Many hospitality business owners struggle to hire and retain staff.

Small businesses also struggle to keep up with technology-driven innovations and changing guest expectations. Competition by shared space providers is also disruptive, as many are not bound by the same rules and regulations as traditional establishments, making it easy for them to undercut pricing.

However, despite these difficulties, the warmth and friendship of Filipino hospitality never diminishes.

OT: What are HRAP’s key visions and goals?

EY: Aside from being the single voice representing the Filipino hospitality industry, we also want to promote unity and cooperation both within and beyond the industry. We desire to encourage and foster high ethical standards in business, resulting in fair and honest competition. We also provide industry representation in matters of government regulatory policies and laws affecting the industry.

Another goal is to undertake programmes and projects that will upgrade and professionalise the industry – something that may, ultimately, prevent high staff turnover.

OT: What are HRAP’s core activities?

EY: We have general membership meetings every quarter, allowing members to network with each other.

There are also sectoral meetings, which address specific issues faced by individual sectors in the industry.

HRAP has a commitment to training and education. In 1995, we collaborated with Singapore Hotel Association Training and Education Centre (SHATEC) to offer training and management programmes.

We concern ourselves with all issues affecting the hotel and restaurant industry, including but not limited to environment, governmental liaison, ethics, health, legislation, finance and more. As the umbrella organisation of the hospitality industry, we actively participate through consultancy and position papers.

OT: Are there any products in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

EY: We hope to revive a project known as Chefs on Parade next year. It’s our flagship culinary competition project,

20 | Outlook Travel issue 01

The warmth and friendship of Filipino hospitality never diminishes which encourages and nurtures talented chefs and culinary artists to seek improvement in their craft and become world-class experts.

This flagship project is also inspiring other competitions by independent culinary organisations, helping create a dynamic, flourishing culinary scene in the Philippines.

Recently, we conducted a digital marketing workshop for our members through SHATEC and have lined up several modules for next year. This is to keep our members up to date with current global technologies.

OT: Lastly, do you feel optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in the Philippines?

EY: With the current infrastructure of the government almost in place, hotels are now able to provide the country with more employment opportunities and create a better playing field for all the stakeholders in the industry.

The fact is, as long as there are people who invest in this country, who are willing to put up structures and invest in the hotel and restaurant industry, the only way to go is up.

THE PHILIPPINES’

TOP THREE UNESCO W O R L D H E R I TA G E S I T E S THE PHILIPPINES BOASTS six UNESCO-designated sites – three natural and three cultural – and a further 26 on its tentative list.

UNESCO chooses sites according to their cultural, historical or scientific significance, and they then become protected spaces. There are no shortage of stunning natural sites or cultural attractions in the Philippines, but these three places constitute the islands’ most iconic landmarks.

BAROQUE CHURCHES OF THE PHILIPPINES These four Baroque Churches – variously located in Manila, Santa Maria, Paoay and Miagao – were designated as a UNESCO site in 1993, thanks to their influence on architectural design in the Philippines. They were conceived of by Spanish missionaries, who wanted to build churches inspired by the architecture of their homeland.

However, since they weren’t trained in architecture or engineering, they

22 | Outlook Travel issue 01

had to rely on residents and Chinese migrants, who gave the Spanish designs an Asian twist.

The churches’ final designs were shaped by limited access to materials, and a need to rebuild after natural disasters such as earthquakes, leading to shorter churches with wide bases and buttresses – a style now known as Earthquake Baroque.

Inside, the churches are elaborately decorated, with biblical scenes incorporating island iconography such as palm fronds, or saints dressed in traditional Filipino attire.

THE IFUGAO RICE TERRACES These dramatic, emerald coloured rice terraces hug the steep contours of the Philippine Cordillera mountains, providing a breath-taking site. There are five clusters, located across four municipalities, each with slightly different patterns. For 2,000 years, they have been maintained by the Ifugao ethnic group, and have been passed on from generation to generation.

UNESCO states: “The Ifugao Rice Terraces epitomise the absolute blending of the physical, socio-cultural, economic, religious and political environment. Indeed, it is a living cultural landscape of unparalleled beauty.”

PUERTO-PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK This park is a protected conservation area, renowned for its different types of forest, and a karst landscape of sinkholes, caves, springs and mountains. What elevates it to UNESCO status, however, is its 8.2-kilometre-long underground river. This subterranean river system is important because it flows directly into the sea, making it a significant global phenomenon.

The cavern that houses the river is characterised by dramatic, eye-catching rock formations. As well as being a UNESCO site, it was also designated one of the “New7Wonders of Nature” in 2011. Unsurprisingly, taking a boat tour down the river is a popular tourist activity. However, despite its popularity, the park is excellently well-preserved.

Bacau Bay Resort Coron opened its magnificent doors to the public in March of 2019. Since then, this new slice of paradise has gained immense popularity as top luxury resort in the Philippines. Bacau Bay Resort Coron offers guests a sophisticated experience and an abundance of places to visit, shop, dine, and unwind.

Situated just 30 minutes away from the Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga Island, this 1.5 hectare resort bids travellers a marvellous holiday adventure.

Guests have the chance to explore wonders of the Philippines’ last frontier, and discover several beautiful sites at their own privacy, nestled nearby mangroves. The resort was built with a medley of modern luxury and contemporary feel, dwelling with details and elements that capture Filipino hospitality at its best.

- SLEEP Rest from a whole day wander at Bacau Bay Coron’s luxurious rooms. The resort boasts 64 Deluxe Rooms, 15 Premier Suites, and a Presidential Suite with the coziest beds. It also melds the feel of a modern luxury room with a hint of contemporary sensibilities. Rooms range from 32sqm to 144sqm, each room has a balcony extension where guests can lounge as they watch the Coron’s beautiful sunset.

- EAT Satiate your appetite with the best cuisine at Bacau Bay Resort Coron’s Amihan Restaurant where dishes are masterfully prepared by skillful chefs.

Guests are treated to a distinct dining experience with the restaurant’s array of international delicacies and well- loved local dishes. Pugon Café takes you straight to Italy overwhelming your taste bud with Italian dishes while enjoying the view of the resort’s mangroves and man-made beach. To cap off the night, guests can swing by at the Isla Pool Bar or at Serena Pier Bar while bonding with friends over delicious cocktails.

- DO Guests will never run out things to do in Bacau Bay Resort Coron! With its exclusive pier, island hopping has never been easier. Guests also have the exclusive access to a secluded portion of Paca Island, an extension of Bacau Bay Resort’s offers to its guests. For those who would like to take it easy and stay at the resort for a day, activity areas where guests can enjoy sungka (mancala), table tennis, badminton, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more, are incorporated within the resort’s 1.5 hectares of open green space and majestic mangrove plantation. While, for guests who would like to maximize their rest and relaxation period, they may go to the resort’s Alon Spa which offers a wide variety of massages and body scrubs.

For more information about Bacau Bay Resort Coron, visit: www.bacaubayresortcoron.com or email at reservations@bacaubaycoron.com

PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDE

IN FOCUS

MANILA

MANILA IS THE Philippines’ capital – a megacity with a greater metropolitan population edging towards 13 million. At first glance, the city is an overwhelming sprawl of malls, skyscrapers and congested roads. But look a little more closely and you’ll find a whole host of hidden gems, from crumbling ruins to hip new art galleries.

To delve deeper into the city’s

Spanish colonial past, head to Manila’s historic centre, the remnants of a walled city known as Intramuros.

Fort Santiago is a landmark bearing traces of the city’s troubled history – it was occupied by the British in the 16th century and used as a prison and torture chamber by the Japanese during World War II. You’ll find heritage churches and art galleries here as well.

If you’re getting hungry, check out Binodo – the oldest Chinatown in the world. The winding streets are home to hundreds of hole-in-the-wall restaurants serving mouth-watering Asian cuisine.

Manila has plenty of bars, museums and other landmarks for you to explore. There’s never a dull moment in this energetic city.

Come home to the

Best location in Manila Whether staying for business for leisure, the Makati Diamond Residences is ideally located in the heart of the Philippines’ business district, with easy access to many multinational corporations, shopping, dining and entertainment destinations.

410 guestrooms • 1,500 square meters of function room space • 24 hour restaurant and gym • Indoor lap pool • Club Lounge

MAKATI DIAMOND RESIDENCES

118 Legazpi Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City 1229 Philippines Trunk Lines +632 5317 0999 or +632 8878 9699 • www.makatidiamond.com Makati Diamond Residences

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS EAT: F O R H O M E - CO O K E D I TA L I A N S O U L F O O D… F O R B U D G E T T R AV E L L E R S …

Mama Lou’s is a business born out of a family kitchen in Las Pinas. It has now become Mama Lou’s Group, comprising two Italian concepts— Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen and Nonna’s Pasta & Pizzeria.

At the branches of both restaurants you can expect home-cooked Italian soul food, such as pasta vongole and pepperoni pizza.

F O R E AST M E E TS W E ST F I N E D I N I N G …

Blackbird at the Nielson Tower F O R F I L I P I N O F L AVO U R S …

Rural Kitchen of Liliw

SLEEP: F O R A N AT U R A L OAS I S N E A R CO R O N …

Bacau Bay Resort Coron is an upmarket resort, nestled in amongst the mangroves. You can expect luxurious accommodation and facilities, including a lavish spa and a lagoon-like outdoor pool. The resort also has its own private pier and dive school, so you can explore local attractions both across and under the water.

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F O R A N E XC LU S I V E B E AC H F R O N T LO C AT I O N …

Crimson Resort and Bar Boracay has an enviable location on a pristine white sand beach. It has a minimalist design – venues such as the Pavilion have glass doors and walls, offering panoramic views of sea and sky. Guests stay in luxurious accommodation – we especially recommend the villas, which have their own private plunge pools.

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS F O R E L E VAT E D B U S I N E SS T R AV E L …

Makati Diamond Residences is a chic hotel located in Manila’s Central Business District. The F O410 R Bluxury UDGE guest T T Rrooms AV E Lhave L E RaSmodern … design and amenities, including a fully equipped kitchenette.

Guests can enjoy an elevated hotel experience with the hotel’s 24-hour gym, an indoor lap pool and a restaurant serving American-inspired cuisine.

A business centre and function rooms are available to hire.

F O R M O U N TA I N TO P LUXU RY… Sierra Pines Baguio Hotel is our top pick for Baguio, located in spacious, forested grounds in a quiet city suburb. The hotel offers deluxe rooms and fantastic facilities, including a spa and wellness centre, and a gallery displaying works by Filipino artists. You’ll love dining in the onsite steak house, or tucking into Filipino comfort food at the airy Atrium Lobby Café.

F O R ST Y L E A N D CO N V E N I E N C E …

Mella Hotel is located in Las Pinas, mere minutes from Manila’s international airport. Both business travellers and families will love the stylish and comfortable rooms, the lavish spa and the outdoor swimming pool. The hotel can cater to a variety of events, thanks to its tech-enabled meeting rooms and conference halls.

DO: F O R S C U B A D I V I N G I N C E B U… Kontiki Divers F O R P L AY I N G AT B E I N G A M E R M A I D… Philippines Mermaid Swimming Academy F O R L E A R N I N G H OW TO CO O K F I L I P I N O F O O D… El Kusina El Nido 28 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Discover Local

Contact Details C5 Extension, Global South, Las Piñas City, Metro Manila, Philippines 1742 Tel (+ 632 ) 8882 – 8181 mellahotel.com

VULCAN POINT A tiny island in the middle of a large lake in the middle of a volcano, located on the island of Luzon

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

BARRACUDA LAKE A shimmering turquoise lagoon, where underwater temperatures can rise to 38˚C

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PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND THE PHILIPPINES IS a popular tourist destination, with frequent international flight connections. The largest airport is Ninoy Aquino International Airport near Manila, which handled 42 million passengers in 2017. More than 30 airlines offer direct flights to destinations ranging from Hong Kong to New York.

Air Asia, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are the three largest domestic carriers, offering scheduled flights to destinations across the archipelago. The islands are also linked by a network of ferry routes, ranging from multi-decked passenger ferries to “bangkas” – small, motorised outriggers.

Get around cities using metered taxis or use local jeepneys – jeeps left behind after World War II, customised with religious art, neon-coloured paintings and colourful headlights.

CADLAO ISLAND A gorgeous island renowned for its white sand beaches and coral gardens

PHOTO BY BY MITHRIL CLOUD AT ENGLISH WIKIPEDIA, CC BY-SA 3.0

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 31

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

M A L AYS I A Malaysia is a melting pot with a unique culture, a world-renowned food scene and a spectacular landscape of islands, ancient rainforest and mountains Writer: Dani Redd Project Manager: Joe Palliser

T

here are many reasons why Malaysia is a tourist favourite.

For a start, there’s the landscape. Imagine 878 islands, ringed with white sand beaches leading down to translucent waters. Vibrant coral reefs lie just offshore, home to a profusion of marine life. Inland are ancient rainforests, the shaded canopy seemingly impenetrable.

Take a guided walk to learn about this habitat’s astonishing biodiversity.

You might even catch sight of a tapir, or a silver-leafed monkey swimming through the jungle canopy.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also relish tackling some of region’s towering granite mountains or exploring the intricate networks of limestone caves.

Then, there’s the culture. Malaysia

is a melting point of Malay, Indian, Chinese and aboriginal groups (Orang Asli). There’s a packed calendar of religious festivals, including Wesak, or Buddha’s birthday, celebrated with processions of flowers and candles.

Cities such as Melaka and Georgetown boast fascinating heritage districts where you can experience this fascinating fusion for yourself. Make sure you take time out to try Malaysia’s delicious cuisine, which reflects its multicultural population.

Of course, Malaysia has a modern side too. It can be found in the malls, skyscrapers and fine dining restaurants in larger cities, such as the capital Kuala Lumpur.

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

M A L AY S I A C O N V E N T I O N & EXHIBITION BUREAU MALAYSIA HAS AN ambitious goal: to grow the amount of business events delegate arrivals from five to eight percent of all tourist arrivals.

This translates to 2.9 million business tourist arrivals by 2020. The organisation driving the growth of the business travel industry is Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, which was set up by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in 2009.

We interviewed Datuk Zulkefli Haji Sharif, CEO of Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), about the organisation’s achievements and goals.

Outlook Travel (OT): Can you firstly talk me through the origins of the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, how it came about, and its initial vision?

34 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Datuk Zulkefli Haji Sharif (DS): The Malaysian government aspires to become the business events hub of the region, in line with its Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 – a goal of moving towards a sustainably developed country, with equitable growth across all levels of incomes, regions and supply chains.

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCeb) was set

up to drive the growth of the events industry. It aspires to position the country as one of the top five destinations in Asia Pacific for international meetings. It specialises in securing, supporting and maximising yield for all international corporate meetings, incentive travel, association conventions and trade exhibition events in Malaysia. It assists organisations with the bidding process, fosters government and industry collaborations, and provides event support.

OT: Since inception, how has the organisation developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

DS: In December 2016, MyCEB mapped the way forward for Malaysia

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

in business events with the launch of ‘Malaysia’s Business Events Roadmap: Charting Malaysia’s Journey to 2020 and Beyond’. In helping to power Malaysia’s knowledge and creative economy, the business events roadmap lays the groundwork, sets up and manages platforms for collaboration and supports the development of strong local hosts.

MyCEB hosts a flagship event called Malaysia Business Events Week (MBEW), aiming to continuously raise the bar of industry professionalism.

The event provides a platform for stakeholders to come, create and connect while debating issues that impact the future growth and sustainability of the business events industry in Malaysia.

As well as their flagship event, MyCEB has becoming increasingly successful in attracting business events to Malaysia. In 2018, the country hosted and supported a total of 300 significant business events, often drawing record attendances. One of the largest was the 9th World Urban Forum, which had more than 24,000

delegates in attendance. These events contributed an estimated $590 million to the economy.

From inception to 2018, MyCeb has secured more than 1,110 international events, generating more than $2 billion.

OT: How would you say Malaysia has developed in recent years as a tourism and business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

DS: Malaysia’s achievements in the business events industry to date attests to the strength of the collaborative effort and commitment of its industry partners. This includes the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and various government agencies, local host associations and key bidding partners, such as Sarawak Convention Bureau.

These concerted efforts are complemented by a vibrant mix of exotic cultural, natural, historical, geographical and gastronomical offerings in one destination.

MBEW panel session with panelists YBhg Datuk Dr Raj Abdul Karim, Malaysian Council for Child Welfare; Prof.

Dr. Nordin Bin Yahaya, Director of Higher Education Leadership Academy, Ministry of Education Malaysia; Puan Maimunah Kadir, Secretary, National Committee of WLIC 2018 & Past President, Librarians Association of Malaysia; Miss Norliza Hashim, Chief Executive Officer of Urbanice Malaysia and moderate by Angeline Van Den Broecke, Director of Global Business Development & Marketing, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 36 | Outlook Travel issue 01

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Malaysia?

DS: Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia and enjoying year-round sunny tropical weather, Malaysia presents an unparalleled experience – business, education, thought leadership and unique adventures.

Malaysia’s multicultural appeal, lush rainforests, idyllic islands, intriguing UNESCO World Heritage sites, warm Asian hospitality, luxury resorts and hotels are an amazing experience.

OT: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

DS: Malaysia has world-renowned attractions that make a trip here immeasurably rewarding. The Petronas Twin Towers, located in Kuala Lumpur, were declared the tallest buildings in the world when they were completed in 1988. This

design wonder is joined at the 41st and 42nd floors by a 58-metre long double-decker Sky Bridge. It’s a must visit in Kuala Lumpur.

One of the most popular tourist destinations is Langkawi, one of Malaysia’s most popular islands.

This is the place to go for unspoiled beaches and to trek in mountains carpeted in rainforest. Pentai Centang is the most popular beach and has a great nightlife scene.

Meanwhile, if you enjoy getting out and about in nature, head to Cameron Highlands. Located at almost 2,000 metres above sea level, Cameron

Fun activities and sessions taking place at MBEW

offers visitors a moderate climate with daytime temperatures averaging around 25˚C (dropping to 18˚C at night). It provides a cool, scenic escape for city dwellers.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Malaysia at present? How are you responding to these trends?

DS: Technology has reshaped Malaysia’s travel behaviour. Around the world, young people are more inclined to travel as part of their lifestyle. During the early 2000s, the world became more mobile and globalised for many, and tourists became much more savvy, due to the availability of the internet and social media.

Contemporary travellers have the opportunity to review a great variety of packages available on the web before choosing the tourism products that meet their needs, preferences and expectations. Mobile

applications greatly facilitate booking and reservation by reducing friction in surveying and purchasing tour or online tickets. These are the kind of topics that get addressed in our meetings and sharing sessions.

OT: How do you see Malaysia developing as a tourism destination over the next year to two years?

DS: Malaysia is developing rapidly as a tourism destination and this will continue in the future. One reason for this is its excellent value for money – accommodation, transportation and food are relatively cheap and competitively priced. According to World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitive Index 2018, Malaysia is ranked the eighth most price-competitive country in the world.

Malaysia will continue to appeal to travelers, thanks to its multi-racial and multi-linguistic diversity. However, with many inhabitants highly proficient in English, delegates and visitors

will be able to interact conveniently with the locals.

OT: Are there any plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?

DS: Malaysia plans to build a third airport, KLIA3, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in five years’ time, as the existing main terminal and KLIA2 are nearing their capacity. KLIA and KLIA2 have a combined capacity of 75 million passengers and handled 59 million passengers last year.

We also have some fantastic events in the pipeline. One of the largest is the Congress of the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology in 2021, which will welcome 4,500 delegates.

We have every reason to be optimistic about the future.

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau MyCEBSA@myceb.com.my Outlook Travel issue 01 | 37

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

IN FOCUS

KUALA LUMPUR BOTH MULTICULTURAL AND modern, Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s intriguing capital. It’s known for its futuristic skyscrapers, such as the Petronas Twin Towers, and the even taller The Exchange 106, which is 445 metres tall. The city has some of the largest malls in Asia – vast complexes filled with shops, gyms, prayer rooms and food courts – and a cutting-edge

Kuala Lumpur presents a blend of historical and modern architecture

contemporary design scene.

In this city, a drive towards modernity sits alongside a reverence for ancient cultures. Kuala Lumpur is full of historical and religious sites, such as Hindu shrines, mosques and Buddhist temples. The gorgeous Islamic Arts Museum has an impressive collection of the world’s most fabulous Islamic textiles,

jewellery and scale models of famous buildings.

Then, of course, there’s the food.

Kuala Lumpur is bursting at the seams with hawker centres and street food markets. But it also has a huge variety of high-end restaurants, serving both innovative and traditional takes on Malaysian and other Asian cuisines.

Choose from 7 different room categories, 4 food & beverage outlets, 17 meeting rooms, spacious conferences and exhibitions hall for weddings and events.

Reflective pools, spa pods and host to other facilities lift this amazing property that is unmatched in KLIA / Putrajaya / Nilai area.

Reservations Call +603 8661 8661 or email hotel.klia.reservations@movenpick.com

movenpick.com/klia

EAT: F O R S O M E O F T H E WO R L D ’ S B E ST ST R E E T F O O D… Red Garden Food Paradise F O R T H A I C U I S I N E I N R A I N F O R E ST F OSRUB RU RD OG UE NTD ITNRG AV S… ELLERS… The Terrace at Tamarind Springs F O R F R E N C H F I N E D I N I N G W I T H AS I A N I N F LU E N C E S …

Cilantro Restaurant and Wine Bar F O R U P S C A L E M A L AY C U I S I N E …

Bijan Bar & Restaurant

SLEEP: F O R LO F T- I N S P I R E D ACCO M M O DAT I O N W I T H S E A V I E WS …

Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS F O R H E R I TAG E S U I T E S W I T H R I V E R V I E WS …

Casa del Rio Melaka F O R CO N T E M P O R A RY C H I C …

Movenpick Hotel and Convention Centre is a contemporary hotel with Islamic design influences, located a mere 10-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Stay in one of the 333 stylish rooms and enjoy the luxurious facilities on offer, from the conference centre to the onsite spa and swimming pool. There are six restaurants, serving Malaysian and global cuisine.

FOR AN URBAN-INSPIRED BOUTIQUE H OT E L …

Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral F O R U R B A N LUXU RY… Sunway Putra Hotel is a five-star hotel, located in Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit. Stay in one of 650 luxury air-conditioned rooms, swim in the outdoor pool or relax in the lounge bar. Another accommodation option is the Sunway Velocity Hotel, connected to Sunway Mall and Kuala Lumpur’s MRT station network. The hotel boasts an express café and a rooftop infinity hotel, amongst many other attractions.

DO: F O R TAST I N G M A L AYS I A N C U I S I N E …

Food Tours Malaysia F O R A J U M P W I T H A V I E W… Skydive Langkawi F O R L I M E STO N E C AV E S A N D H I N D U SHRINES… Batu Caves F O R R I V E R C R U I S E S S U R R O U N D E D BY FIREFLIES… Asni Tours and Travels

40 | Outlook Travel issue 01

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Your Gateway to Historic Melaka Located by the idyllic Melaka River, Casa del Rio Melaka Hotel is your gateway into this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the old-world charm, vibrant food culture and bazaar style of Jonker Street all within walking distance.

Book your stay at www.casadelrio-melaka.com today and embark on a historic and culinary journey.

88, Jalan Kota Laksamana, 75200, Melaka, Malaysia Tel +606 289 6888 Fax +606 289 6999 reservation@casadelrio-melaka.com

casadelrio-melaka.com The Boutique Collection by HPL Hotels & Resorts THE LAKEHOUSE Cameron Highlands, Malaysia CASA DEL MAR Langkawi, Malaysia CASA DEL RIO Melaka, Malaysia THE BOATHOUSE Phuket, Thailand

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 41

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S MOUNT KINABALU The tallest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea, Mount Kinabalu towers at 4,095 metres. The sheer, granite peaks are often veiled in cloud, but on a clear day you can see the glacier at the summit.

GEORGETOWN Penang’s capital is a fascinating fusion of east meets west; a UNESCO-designated heritage site that’s renowned for being the food capital of Malaysia. Tuck into a bowl of wan tan me, a dish of barbecue park, noodles, sweet soy sauce and fried won tons – Anthony Bourdain declared it to be delicious!

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MULU NATIONAL PARK This is Malaysia’s largest national park, encompassing 528.6 square kilometres of primeval rainforest, its skyline dominated by three dramatic mountains. Underneath these forested slopes is one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world.

MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre (MECC) complex covers more than 80,000 gross sqm at MATRADE’s 24-storey architectural icon with a unique archway design through the building and is one of the best venue for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions with emphasis on Trade-Centric events.

MECC under the new management of Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. promises a new experience with better customer service and excellent value for money for our clients.

We are committed to ensure the success of your events with the assistance of our team of dedicated and experienced staff. We offer flexibility and creativity in our products and services to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the international meetings industry.

We would be pleased to be of service to your organisation – big and small; and look forward to hosting your esteemed event at our venue.

Contact us for a non-obligatory quote for your upcoming event.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre Level 3, East Wing, Menara MATRADE Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel +603-6203 7032 | mecc@qube.com.my http://mecc.matrade.gov.my

OVER 60 AIRLINES, including low-cost carriers, provide direct access from Malaysia to more than 100 destinations worldwide. The network of the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, spans six continents and includes many domestic airports. There are several international airports, such as Penang and Langkawi, but Kaula Lumpur is the main gateway into the region. It’s a 30-minute train journey from airport to city centre by high speed rail.

The country has an excellent transport infrastructure, with fantastic roads and efficient railways.

Hire a car or take an air-conditioned bus for long distances. Kuala Lumpur has a metro (known as a rapid transit system), making it easy to get around.

It’s also possible to explore using a taxi or trishaw.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 43

A TA S T E O F M A L AY S I A From steaming bowls of Indian-influenced curry laksa to Chinese-inspired bah kut teh, Malaysia’s cuisine reflects its multicultural heritage Writer: Michael Edwards

MALAYSIAN FOOD REFLECTS both the country’s multicultural heritage and distinct local ingredients. It’s the world’s ultimate fusion cuisine – not just east meets west but north meets south. Chinese, India, Sumatran and Thai influences fuse into Malaysian cooking. So, what dish best defines Malaysia?

Perhaps a bowl of curry laksa contains the very DNA of Malaysian cuisine. This noodle soup features fish and prawns from Malaysia’s elongated coast, which is warmed by the Andaman Sea. Chicken too. Stop at a rural village of kampong houses with long, sloping roofs and you’ll find countless chickens clucking around, soon to be oven ready. The soup is spiced according to southern Indian traditions, with turmeric, fenugreek and cumin. Meanwhile, the noodles, luxuriating in the thick yellow laksa soup, were probably introduced by Chinese immigrants.

As well as pulling together flavours from across Asia, curry laksa also represents Malaysia’s social diversity.

A bowl of laksa is Malaysia’s zinging, unpretentious street food, simply ladled out from a cauldron on a battered van. Or moving upmarket, in a restaurant with dark-wood colonial elegance, the laksa may be served in a fine china dish, accompanied by spicy sambol and yet more sliced chilis.

44 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Even the most patriotic of Malaysians would be hard-pressed to identify a distinctive national dish.

Some make a case for beef rendang, slow-cooked overnight from a complex recipe including red chilies, lemongrass, galangal, star anise, kaffir lime leaves, asam kandis and more.

The slow-cooking process produces a dryish, aromatic dish mainly served with rice or roti. Rendang – often eaten by Muslims at weddings or at Eid-al-Fitr, the feast following Ramadan – symbolises patience, sincerity and wisdom. Yet food historians argue that rendang, journeying from India via Sumatra, did not arrive in Malaysia until the 1900s.

Another Malaysian favourite dish, the “rojak”, sums up a nation that, as a colloquial translation says, is “a right mixture”. A rojak is a mixture of fruits and vegetables – and sometimes fried bean curd or hard-boiled eggs – often served with a spicy, palm sugar dressing. It’s a dish that reflects multi-ethnic, multi-religious Malaysia.

Even teh tarik, “pulled tea”, Malaysia’s national drink, appears elsewhere throughout Southeast Asia. Order a cup of teh tarik and you will witness performance art – the tea is poured from one jug on high to another to cool, aerate and froth.

Originally, the condensed milk and heaped teaspoons of sugar were

A TASTE OF MALAYSIA FEATURE

added to provide energy for those labouring hard.

No discussion of Malaysian food would be complete without mention of the controversial durian. It’s the foul-smelling fruit that divides families and is banned in public places; Malaysia’s marmite. Most durians are now commercially farmed but the durian hunter, Asia’s version of the truffle seeker, still searches for wild fruit. These connoisseurs shake and sniff the fruit knowingly in their quest for the finest specimens, which may fetch up to 250 ringits (around $60.) It’s a creamy fruit which crosses

boundaries. Served as a sambol with fermented shrimp paste and sliced chilli, it’s savoury. Dished up with ice cream, it’s a dessert.

Rice, the staple of so many meals, must feature in any discussion of Malaysian food. Paddy fields, with

white egrets symbiotically picking flies off the back of water buffalo, are found around the islands. Rice is a black and white issue. Pearly grains are eaten with curries, while bubur pulut hitam is a sweet porridge made with black sticky rice.

‘MALAYSIAN FOOD TELLS THE STORY OF THE COUNTRY. IN THE NORTH THERE’S A DISTINCTIVE THAI INFLUENCE OF NOODLES, KAFFIR LEAVES AND LEMONGRASS IN THE FRAGRANT RICE THAT YOU TEND TO FIND AS YOU MOVE CLOSER TOWARDS THAILAND’

Nasi kerabu is a type of nasi ulam, popular Malay rice dish. The blue in the rice is from the petals of butterflypea flowers Back in the 15th century, Melaka, some 120 miles south of Kuala Lumpur, was on one of the world’s great trade and spice routes. Chinese settlers married into Malay society to create Pernanakan cuisine. Bah Kut Teh, losing something in translation as meat-bone tea, is a classic 46 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Pernanakan stew of pork ribs spiced with cinnamon, cloves, fennel garlic and star anise.

In summary, Malaysian food tells the story of the country.

In the north there’s a distinctive Thai influence of noodles, kaffir leaves and lemongrass in the fragrant

rice that you tend to find as you move closer towards Thailand.

Further south, you’ll find dishes influenced by southern Indian traditions – curries flavoured with curry leaves and tempered spices, eaten with a flatbread called roti canai – developed after thousands

A TASTE OF MALAYSIA FEATURE

Nasi lemak kukus is a traditional malaysian spicy rice dish, fresh cooked with hot steam. Served with belacan, ikan bilis, acar, peanuts and cucumber

Flame grilled, sizzling chicken satay of Indian labourers were brought in by the British to work on rubber plantations.

Ultimately, Malaysian food represents the nation’s diversity. Whether it’s a snatched snack of chicken nasi goreng, a slice of durian on the go or restaurant fine dining, it draws on

the heritage of many cultures. It’s no exaggeration to say that Malaysian food is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan and exciting cuisines; a diverse “rojak” which can’t be encapsulated in just one dish.

BIO: Michael Edwards had his first travel piece published by The Independent in 1986. Since retiring from teaching in 2015 he has travelled extensively and writes across many titles.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 47

L AO S

With its luscious landscapes, Frenchaccented towns and timeworn ruins, the Southeast Asian country of Laos really is a world apart Writer: Dani Redd Project Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin

L

aos is an intriguing, evocative Southeast Asian country that will captivate you from the get-go. The verdant landscape shimmers in different shades of green, from the emerald tea plantations to the lime-green paddy fields. The northern highland regions are characterised by forested mountains and mist-shrouded crags.

In the south you’ll find the landlocked ‘Four Thousand

48 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Islands’ archipelago – also known as Si Phan Don – on the vast waters of the Mekong River.

The country appeals to nature enthusiasts. Trek into remote forests in search of the indigenous white-handed gibbon. Go trekking, rafting and mountain biking or visit Nam Ha National Protect Area, home to elephants, tigers and leopards.

LAOS TRAVEL GUIDE

Patuxai Monument In Vientiane was built between 1957-1968 with funds that had been donated by the US to expand the airport in Laos, so they could use it as a base during the Vietnam War

But there’s more to Laos than its landscapes. It also has a rich, multi-faceted culture. You’ll love exploring its cities, infused with French elegance (after being colonised in the 19th century) and populated by the lichen-encrusted ruins of ancient Buddhist temples. Go with a local guide to visit the Akha and Hmong hill tribes of the north, who live in villages of thatched bamboo houses. Or if you’re in search

of luxury, head to a traditional Laotian spa, where you can indulge with a herbal steam sauna or a massage with aromatic lemongrass oil.

Laos has a magnetic quality that captivates travellers, whether they’re looking for adventure, luxury, or a bit of both.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 49

Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple) in Luang Prabang, Laos. Xieng Thong temple is one of the most important Laos monasteries

FOCUS ON

LUANG PRABANG LAOS’ ANCIENT ROYAL capital, Luang Prabang, is the sort of city travellers dream of. It’s steeped in ancient history, boasts fantastic river views and a wealth of cultural attractions. Early in the morning, hundreds of saffron-robed monks glide through the quiet streets, chanting and receiving alms. The domed roofs and gilded prows of their wats (temples) rise above the streets.

There’s so much to do here that people often end up staying longer than expected. Rent a bike and explore the lanes and byways of the 50 | Outlook Travel issue 01

city’s historic district, which are lined with French-style buildings. There are plenty of boutique hotels where you can really experience the city’s colonial architecture.

Explore one of the city’s 33 temples – Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most popular. Head to one of the spas for a massage or steam sauna.

For a taste of local culture, check out the bustling night market in the city centre. You’ll find hundreds of small stalls selling handicrafts and clothes, as well as buffet spreads of Laotian cuisine.

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LAOS TRAVEL GUIDE

FOCUS ON

E COTO U R I S M SINCE OPENING TO tourists in 1989, Laos – or the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, as it’s officially known – has been keen to position itself as an ecotourism destination. After all, the country boasts a low population density and a rich, extensive network of ecosystems, from ancient forest to limestone caves.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges.

Deforestation in Laos was a major environmental concern during the 1950s. Back then, forest covered around 70 percent of the land area – by the 1990s, it was down to 47 percent.

The government realised the importance of conserving the forest and established a network of 20 National Protected Areas (NPA).

It also imposed a ban on logging and began planting more trees.

Although illegal logging is still widespread, the government’s efforts resulted in a return to 50 percent tree cover in 2015; a figure projected to increase.

The Lao National Tourism Administration, related government 52 | Outlook Travel issue 01

agencies and private stakeholders are working in concert to put forth the country’s National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan. It aims to decrease environmental and cultural impacts, increase awareness of ethnic groups and biodiversity, and prevent over-tourism while ensuring local communities benefit economically.

One of the country’s most well-known ecotourism projects is The Gibbon Experience, a tourism-based conservation project in the Bokeo Forest. The initiative employs local people to build treehouses and ziplines high in the trees, where locals and foreigners can observe the forest. They also conduct forest patrols and a reforestation planting programme – around 100,000 saplings come out of its dedicated tree nursery every year.

The Gibbon Experience was the first project of kind in 1996. Now there are many more like it. To discover more ecotourism initiatives in Laos, visit www.ecotourismlaos.com

Waterfall at Bolaven Plateau during the rainy season

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The Elephant Restaurant F O R AU T H E N T I C LO C A L D I S H E S …

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The Gibbon Experience F O R H I G H - E N D U R B A N STAYS …

Crowne Plaza Vientiane is one of the finest hotels in the capital. It boasts 198 spacious and stylish guest rooms, decorated in accents of blue and yellow. The hotel has four dining and entertainment venues, including Mosaic, which offers a high-end version of market-style dining. Facilities include a luxury spa and outdoor infinity pool.

E X P E R I E N C E U N I Q U E LUXU RY. . .

The SUITES at Savan Resorts is the luxurious resorts and entertainment which located in Savannakhet, LAO PDR, 10 minutes from Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge 2, across Mukdahan province, Thailand. The resorts concept is the finest unique and personalize service served to VIP guest. It is hidden in the land of greenish garden, waterfall and golf yard where you would find the luxurious and fascinate Asian service manners.

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LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

THE PLAIN OF JARS Hundreds of large, 2,000-year-old stone jars are scattered in varying locations around the town of Phonsavan. How, or why, they got there is a mystery – the most popular explanation is that they are funerary urns. ‘Site 1’ has the largest concentration of stone jars.

WAT PHU A magnificent 6th century Khmer temple, built against the dramatic backdrop of Phu Pasak. As you walk around the courtyards and pavilions, you’ll really get a sense of the past.

56 | Outlook Travel issue 01

LAOS TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND LAOS HAS FOUR international airports, the largest of which is Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. Airlines such as Air Asia operate flights to nearby regional countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. Most flights from destinations further afield will reach Laos via a connection through Bangkok.

Travellers can get around Laos by air or road. Domestic carriers such as Lao Airlines operate scheduled flights between major tourist destinations, such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Private air-conditioned buses travel long distances between cities. Bicycle and motorcycle hire is a popular mode of transport, although road conditions in rural areas can be poor.

Within the cities, you’ll find tuk tuks and sŏrngtăaou (minibuses or large three-wheeled taxis) to help you explore the city. Private taxis can also be chartered for the day.

Wattay International Airport

NAM HA NATIONAL PARK This protected national park covers an area of 2,224 square kilometres, consisting of dense rainforest, remote villages and mountains. It’s a popular eco-tourism destination, renowned for its guided treks and opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 57

THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE

THAILAND This Southeast Asian country is a perennial favourite, thanks to an intoxicating combination of beautiful beaches, world-renowned cuisine and incredible temple complexes Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

K

nown as the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand is a friendly country that welcomed 38.27 million tourists to its shores last year.

There are plenty of reasons why this Southeast Asian destination is so popular.

For a start, there’s the beaches. In the south, Thailand’s two coastlines stretch for miles, populated by swathes of icing-sugar soft sand, the bays speckled with dramatic limestone formations. Thailand is also home to 1,430 islands, ranging from full moon party spots like Koh Pha Ngan to the more off the beaten track Similan Islands, a national marine park popular with scuba divers.

Then, there’s the food. Thailand’s noodles, stir fries and curries are beloved around the

world, characterised by the fragrant taste of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and tulsi. Every town is bursting at the seams with floating markets, street food stalls and high-end restaurants where you can try delicious local dishes.

Thailand’s rich spiritual heritage also attracts tourists. Golden temples and larger-than-life Buddha statues can be found across the country. Visitors can experience colourful religious festivals in the northeast of the country or explore the underground cave shrines in Kanchanaburi and Phetchaburi.

Despite Thailand’s popularity, it’s easy to find a quiet corner to relax, be it on a deserted island or an eco-retreat in the craggy mountains north of Chiang Mai.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

THAILAND INCENTIVE AND CONVENTION A S S O C I AT I O N THE THAILAND INCENTIVE and Convention Association (TICA) was established in 1984 as a joint effort between the government’s Tourism Authority of Thailand, the national carrier, Thai Airways International, and 43 private sector organisations from the supply side of the business events industry. Since 2004, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has assumed the support role for the organisation. TICA’s vision: to promote Thailand as a destination of choice for business events, and to build the capacity to service them.

TICA focusses its efforts and resources in several key areas. It hosts and coordinates familiarisation visits and incentive-related activities. It also develops educational and training programs, helping to raise awareness of organising MICE events. Finally, it promotes and markets Thailand as a destination for business tourism.

We sat down with Sumate 60 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Sudasna, President of TICA, to find out more about the organisation.

Outlook Travel (OT): What are your organisation’s current goals?

Sumate Sudasna (SS): The goal is still to place and retain Thailand as a top of mind destination for business events. We also aim to help businesses and organisations seeking comprehensive information on the world-class infrastructure, services and hospitality Thailand has to offer.

OT: Where do you think are the best places to hold a conference in Thailand?

SS: Depending on the requirements of each event, there are destinations with varying readiness in terms of infrastructure, facilities, attractions and value chain. Bangkok is able to accommodate all sizes while Chiang Mai and Phuket are equipped for small and medium size events.

A lot of our hotels have world-class facilities and are equipped with the technology to accommodate MICE events. We have some of the biggest and best convention and exhibition centres in Asia. Phothalai Leisure Park, a 25-minute drive from Bangkok’s International Airport, is widely regarded as a new MICE benchmark for Thailand. Its 10 large function rooms are surrounded by fountains, waterfalls and pools.

OT: Are there any interesting projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

SS: The government are aiming to enhance the economy of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) through foreign direct investment (FDI) and decentralising growth. Meanwhile, TCEB is helping drive economic corridor projects by supporting conferences that can be used as a platform to enhance trade with other countries.

THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE

OT: What challenges does your organisation face?

SS: MICE tourism and events are constantly evolving, demanding ever greater levels of event service. The challenge comes with developing knowledge, talent and experience to keep up with this growth. We hold regular training events to help people in the industry. Recent events have included ‘Banquet Operation Excellence’, ‘Communication for the Business Events Industry’ and ‘How to Overcome Objections in the MICE Industry.’

However, if you want to engage more with Thai culture, I recommend selecting a community in a rural location to visit. Spend time among the locals, learn about their lifestyle, local arts, crafts and any indigenous qualities.

OT: Finally, are you optimistic about the future of business tourism in Thailand?

SS: We are very confident that business events will continue to prosper in Thailand. Ours is one of a few destinations able to accommodate all segments of business-related events,

be they meetings, conventions, incentives or exhibitions and events.

We believe that the years ahead are a great time to take advantage of Thailand’s unique position as the gateway to ASEAN. Thailand is well on its way to becoming a leading MICE destination, not just in Asia but across the globe. With a combination of professionalism and readiness – responding to customers’ needs and helping them reach their objectives in organising business events – we are showing the world that we are open for business. We have the whole package right here.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in Thailand and how are you utilising them?

SS: Community-based tourism, immersive experiences and gastronomic discoveries are becoming increasingly popular. We’re also aware of the changing face of business tourism, and the importance of tuning your event to the needs of Generation X and Y professionals. The industry is well-aware of the trends and our attributes and are promoting them among their respective clientele.

Generation Y (20-35 year olds) are attracted by opportunities to increase their knowledge and skills – they appreciate tailor-made advice and opportunities for co-creations.

OT: What places would you recommend visiting in Thailand?

SS: Begin your trip in metropolitan Bangkok, then travel north to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, cities renowned for their cultural attractions and dramatic mountain scenery. Finally, end your trip by relaxing on a beach or visiting one of our spectacular islands – Phuket, Samui and Krabi are all popular.

OT: If you had 48 hours in Thailand, how would you spend it?

SS: Many people would choose to remain in Bangkok or relax on a beach.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 61

THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE

IN FOCUS

B A N G KO K BANGKOK IS AN energetic, multicultural city that adventurous travellers will love exploring. It’s a city where cultures and traditions collide – air-conditioned mega malls sit alongside tuckedaway-temples, and street food markets can be found near fine-dining restaurants.

Banglamphu is one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, where timeworn riverside mansions line winding lanes. It’s best known for Khao San Road, a backpacker’s paradise jammed with 62 | Outlook Travel issue 01

lively bars, budget hostels and street food stalls.

To discover the Bangkok of old, take a boat trip down one of the khlongs (small canals) that bisect

the city. You’ll drift past old bridges, crooked houses and locals with floating wooden shophouses.

The city has plenty of intriguing cultural attractions to explore.

Visit Wat Pho, an ornate sprawling temple complex housing the city’s largest reclining Buddha statue. For something more offbeat, head to the Siriraj Medical Museum. Housed in the world’s largest hospital, it’s a cornucopia of pathological, forensic and anatomical specimens and exhibits.

Whatever your interests, there’s something in the city for you.

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LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S MU KO ANG THONG MARINE NATIONAL PARK A pristine archipelago of 42 small, jungle-covered islands in the Gulf of Thailand, which inspired Alex Garland’s cult novel The Beach. Take a speedboat tour of the park, or snorkel through its colourful coral gardens. Limited rustic accommodation is available at Ko Wua Ta Lap.

TALAD RODFAI RATCHADA (TRAIN STATION MARKET) WAT PHRA THAT DOI SUTHEP This towering, gilded temple was built in 1386, allegedly to hold a piece of bone from Buddha’s shoulder. The temple is located at the summit of Doi Suthep, a mountain near Chiang Mai, and offers fantastic views of the city and natural surroundings. It can be accessed by ascending 306 steps or taking a cable car to the top. Get there early to avoid the crowds.

66 | Outlook Travel issue 01

One of Bangkok’s biggest and brightest outdoor markets.

Thousands of stalls sell curios, knick-knacks and clothes. Grab a snack of seafood, barbecue pork or even fried insects from one of the food stalls, washed down with a beer from one of the bars in a converted VW van.

THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND THAILAND HAS SIX major international airports. By far the busiest is Suvarnabhumi Airport, which flies to 165 destinations in 54 countries.

It’s easy and affordable to get around Thailand by air. Air Asia, Nok Air and Bangkok Airways fly to all the major destinations, including Krabi, Phuket and Chiang Mai. The country also has an extensive network of long-distance buses. If in doubt, take a BKS bus – a reliable, government-subsidised operator.

There’s also a railway network – trains are slow, but scenic. Thailand also has an extensive water transport system. Travel between islands or down canals on a long-tail boat.

Getting around Bangkok is easy – the Skytrain and MRT Subway connect to major landmarks across the city. In smaller cities, hail a ‘tuk tuk’ or rickshaw taxi to get around.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 67

THE TIFFIN BOX REGULAR

THE TIFFIN B OX Dani Redd’s regular column about Indian food

A FEW YEARS ago, as we headed home from a trip to Lesvos, my Indian partner was stopped at immigration.

He was told his visa was only valid for academic purposes, not travel. As we took the bus to the car park in the pouring rain, he told me it was time for him to go home.

Four weeks later we touched down in Bangalore, south India.

Bangalore is a sprawling megacity of 12 million. Construction sites sprouted everywhere like mushrooms, and the air rang with the shrill whine of drills and stonecutters. On the first day, we went for a walk to stretch our legs. At the end of the street was a main road – no lanes, just hundreds of rickshaws, buses, two-wheelers and cars forcing their

way into every available inch of space.

It took me months to cross that road alone.

Bikram tried to combat my misery in the best way possible – by introducing me to different foods. He picked up some chicken tikka from Bangalore Club. It’s one of many colonial clubs across India – spacious, pastel-hued buildings where the British could drink tea and whisky, away from the hubbub of the city.

These days, the clientele consists mainly of upper-class Indians.

Bangalore Club has a couple of claims to fame. One is that Winston Churchill visited and never paid his bill, which is framed on the wall. Another is that they do pretty good kebabs.

I looked down at the foil container.

Inside were pieces of chicken thighs stained lurid orange, charcoaled at the edges. They were accompanied by a small Styrofoam pot of smooth green chutney and some diced raw onions.

‘They look spicy,’ I said. ​‘Trust me – they’re fine,’ Bikram replied. ​Famous last words. I picked one up and bit into succulent, smoky meat accompanied by a hefty kick of chili.

Kebabs are a popular starter in India. Like me, they arrived in the country from somewhere else.

First introduced to India by Afghan migrants, they were refined by the Mughal Emperors, who ruled India between the 16th and 18th centuries and favoured softer, more extravagantly spiced meats. They cooked kebabs in tandoors – clay ovens heated by a charcoal fire – a method

‘AT THE END OF THE STREET WAS A MAIN ROAD – NO LANES, JUST HUNDREDS OF RICKSHAWS, BUSES, TWO-WHEELERS AND CARS FORCING THEIR WAY INTO EVERY AVAILABLE INCH OF SPACE. IT TOOK ME MONTHS TO CROSS THAT ROAD ALONE’ 68 | Outlook Travel issue 01

still used in India today.

However, kebabs first originated in Turkey, when soldiers skewered meat on swords and roasted it over an open fire.

You could say that kebabs are a warrior’s food. But as I tucked into the chicken tikka, I couldn’t have felt any less like a warrior. My mouth burned; my nose ran. Draining my glass of water didn’t help. My eyes began watering. And then these turned into real tears; frustration that I couldn’t do something as basic as cross a road, that my spice tolerance was too low to stomach everyday foods. I sniffed pitifully.

“What just happened?” Bikram asked, looking at me in surprise.

In the months, then years, that followed, I got used to eating food that made my nose run and my eyes water. I learned that drinking water only spread the capsaicin (the spicy compound in chili) around my mouth.

But dairy has an enzyme which helps break down the capsaicin, so I’d often order a lassi – a yoghurt-based drink – with my meals.

Slowly but surely, my spice tolerance improved.

Bikram and I developed a Sunday ritual of going for a swim at Bangalore Club, followed by lunch under the shamiana – a large canopy on the lawn. We always started off our meal with a plate of chicken tikka, which had, over time, become my favourite starter.

When I returned to the UK a few months ago, I was excited to eat the food I hadn’t been able to get hold of in India, like creamy fish pie and roast chicken with crispy, salted skin. But I soon found myself becoming bored with it. Dishes I used to love tasted blander than I remembered. It felt as if the food was missing something. It took me a while to work out what.

Then I realised: chili.

SOLOMON ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

S O LO M O N ISLANDS This untrodden archipelago in the South Pacific is the place to go for diving, trekking, and relaxing on footprint-free beaches Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

I

f you dream of travelling to an untouched paradise, head to the Solomon Islands. It’s an archipelago of 992 small islands scattered across the South Pacific, east of Papua New Guinea and stretching to Vanuatu in the west.

Imagine iridescent seas, deserted white-sand beaches and dramatic sunset skies.

The archipelago is popular with honeymooners, thanks to its idyllic atmosphere, but it also attracts adventure travellers keen to explore the archipelago’s most farflung corners. The most intrepid attempt to scale Mount Pomonaseu, the highest point in the Solomon Islands.

Many more take advantage of the islands’ unrivalled diving opportunities, exploring an underwater world of translucent seas and over 900 different species of coral, while surfers seek out the uncrowded waves and beach breaks

on offer across the archipelago.

But the islands haven’t always been peaceful. The island of Guadalcanal was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, which raged for six months and cost more than 30,000 lives. The landscape is littered with war artefacts, from rusted tanks in the jungle to foxholes used to shelter beleaguered, heavily outnumbered US Marines. The seafloor is strewn with submerged aircrafts and shipwrecks from the conflict, many of which are easily accessible dive sites.

The Solomon Islands is a diverse archipelago of different tribes and nationalities, where almost a hundred languages are spoken. Visit this fascinating region to uncover the local customs, or ‘kastoms,’ as they’re known on the islands.

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SOLOMON ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

FOCUSSING ON

S U S TA I N A B L E DEVELOPMENT

FOR DECADES, THE economy of the Solomon Islands has been dependent on agriculture, forestry and mining, which account for around 40 percent of GDP. However, the Solomon Islands are vulnerable to climate change. Since the 1950s there has been an increase in sea temperature of between 0.12 – 0.18 degrees centigrade a decade. This, coupled with sea level rise, threatens agricultural production and fishing.

So, what is the solution? The Solomon Islands is working with the Australian Government on strategies to become more resilient. They continue to survey vulnerable habitats, assess change, and measure water quality. They are also investing in early warning systems and climate change adaptation systems.

Meanwhile, the government is highly

74 | Outlook Travel issue 01

aware of the importance of developing sustainably. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is deeply involved in policy planning. Organisations such as Tourism Solomons help promote responsible ecotourism initiatives such as the conversation area of Tetepare Island and Titiru Eco-Lodge, which is built in harmony with nature.

As the CEO of Tourism Solomons, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto says, “introducing this type of responsible tourism product that conserves our pristine environment, while helping to improve the welfare of the local people, is very much the way forward for this destination”.

He also points out that increased revenue from tourism will help support the economy. That hope is well placed in 2019 with the destination on track for an expected $0.7 billion in foreign

exchange earnings. “This will greatly assist the country in addressing the issues of economic and sustainable development and support social change such as mitigating urban drift by local youth,” Tuamoto adds.

Despite the country’s challenges, tourism’s boost to the economy – and the government’s awareness of developing sustainably – provides hope for the future.

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Automatic bank teller (ATM) Arrival/Departure Transfers 24-hour Reception Daily Housekeeping Room Service Laundry & Ironing Services Free & Secure Car Parking Non-Smoking Rooms

Massage Parlour

24-hour Patrolling Security

Foreign Currency Exchange

Doctor/Nurse On Call

SOLOMON ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

TO U R I S M SOLOMONS AS THE NATIONAL tourist office, Tourism Solomons is playing a key role in achieving this target, helping promote and market the Solomon Islands around the world.

We spoke to the CEO of Tourism Solomons, Josefa ‘Jo’ Taumoto, about the organisation’s goals and vision for the future.

The Solomon Islands government has set an ambitious target for the tourism sector to achieve by 2025: to attract 60,000 annual visitors to its shores, netting the economy one billion SBD ($120 million)

Outlook Travel (OT): What are your key focus areas and objectives as an organisation?

Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto (JT): We have several focus areas. For a start, we serve as the primary source of Solomon Islands tourism-related research, marketing, training and resource materials. We also provide marketing and promotional support to organisations in the Solomon Islands tourism sector. It’s also important to help forge partnerships and investment between public and private sector stakeholders.

One of our most fundamental 76 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto objectives is to act as ‘brand champion’ for the Solomon Islands regions, championing the unique, distinctive elements of our archipelago both nationally and worldwide.

OT: How do you market a region as diverse as the Solomon Islands?

JT: We realised that if the Solomon Islands was ever going to achieve its targeted $1 billion in tourism-related earnings within the next five to seven years, then a total transformation of the way the destination is positioned on the international stage was required to act as a catalyst.

So, we came up with a new brand slogan for our destination: Solomons Is.” “Is” becomes a simple statement with an intentional double meaning – it is both an abbreviation of islands and a verb, “is”.

The beauty of this new brand is it allows us to attach the “Solomons Is.” tagline to just about anything – be that an emotion, an action, a noun or adjective – and we can also readily combine it to target specific demographics such as honeymooners, families or adventure travellers.

ns m lo o S el v ra T l a n a lc a d a u G

Guadalcanal Travel Solomons (GTS) is a 35-year-old Solomon Island travel agency company based in the capital city, Honiara. We have 7x Solomon Island travel consultants and 1x Solomon Island cruise/tour consultant that manage our customers’ travel needs from door-to-door as well as tours for tourists visiting the Hapi Isles. Our consultants are supported by a finance team of 4x Solomon Islanders whom manage the back office of the business ensuring that the business continues to run smoothly.

With decades of travel industry experience collectively, our knowledgeable team can service your travel needs. Our services include, but not limited to, flights from/to any global destination, accommodation, car hire, visas, group bookings, and tours and activities. We are the GSA for the 6x airline operators operating in the Solomon Islands: Qantas whom we have had long and fruitful relationships with, Solomon Airlines, Fiji Airways, Air Niugini, Virgin and Nauru Airlines. We also can access airlines and flights around the world with an airfare distribution and ticketing services provider, as well as partner with an Australian travel agency.

Whether you’re a tourist or living locally, our experienced professional team can provide advice about activities and services available to explore the Solomon Islands rich history and culture. From snorkeling or diving on the many WWII wrecks scattered through the islands, experiencing the Melanesian culture or relaxing on the beach enjoying the crystal-clear waters, GTS can assist with the right experience for you.

GTS prides itself on being a diverse Solomon Island travel agency and providing a much-needed service to the Solomon Islands as well as to visitors from overseas.

P.O Box 114 Honiara City Center Building Mendana Avenue Email: gtstravel@gts.com.sb Phone: 22586/22587

SOLOMON ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

As examples, Solomons Is. Adventure; Solomons Is. Romance.

The brand gives us flexibility with an unlimited life cycle. It also allows every visitor to target or tag their own travel experience, making it uniquely theirs and uniquely Solomon Islands.

OT: How do you see Solomon Islands developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years?

JT: We believe that the Solomon Islands is a spectacular, exotic and multicultural destination for business travellers. The availability of international-standard conference facilities, and the country’s warm hospitality, offer the perfect mix for an international business event. Honiara, the capital, is well-positioned to be a MICE hub in the South Pacific.

Furthermore, Solomon Airlines’ decision to commence a direct service between Munda Airport and Brisbane in June – a flight which takes three hours – will hopefully be a catalyst for increased international visitation. We hope that this will, in the process, attract major investment in infrastructure which the country desperately needs.

OT: Are there any projects in the pipeline you’d like to discuss with us?

JT: Something which represents a major windfall for the country’s tourism aspirations is the Solomon Islands’ hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games. The potential this offers for employment is huge, with required new infrastructure, roads, sporting facilities, new hotel development and related tourism infrastructure projects. Improved infrastructure will also help develop a lucrative MICE industry.

Solomon Islands Discovery Cruises, a project launched in 2018, is expanding its itineraries. Small cruise ships will take tourists to remote villages and the region’s amazing coral pastures.

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“THE COUNTRY HAS ALWAYS BEEN OFF THE BEATEN TRACK. THIS GIVES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE SOLOMON ISLANDS TO CLAIM CHARACTERISTICS SETTING IT APART FROM ITS SOUTH PACIFIC NEIGHBOURS...”

Having a dedicated niche adventure programme, operated by a local company, will give tourists a unique insight into our culture, history and environment – a huge build on our existing tourism product.

factor. Until we have at least 700 quality rooms available, our industry will continue to be constrained and hopes of reaching the one billion SBD target set by the government will be difficult to achieve.

OT: What challenges does the tourism industry in the Solomon Islands face?

OT: Finally, what sets Solomon Islands apart from other destinations in the South Pacific?

JT: One of the biggest challenges of sustaining tourism growth is making sure that our infrastructure can support increased tourist traffic into the country.

Now, we only have 360 quality rooms and that is a constraining

JT: The country has always been off the beaten track. This gives the opportunity for the Solomon Islands to claim characteristics setting it apart from its South Pacific neighbours: uncongested, unspoilt and unlimited adventure to name but a few.

GETTING THERE FIVE AIRLINES PROVIDE flights into Honiara: Solomon Airlines (a codeshare partner of Qantas), Virgin Australia, Fiji Airways, Air Niugini and Air Vanuatu. Solomon Airlines flies between Honiara and Brisbane six days a week. They’ve also recently

introduced a new direct flight between Brisbane and Munda. It’s also possible to fly from Honiara to other tourist destinations in the Solomons.

You can travel around the islands by taxi, although it’s more common to take a boat. Charter a dinghy or

hop onto a passenger boat. The MV 360 Flyer/Discovery operates regular services between Honiara, Tulagi and Auki.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 79

IN FOCUS

HONIARA AROUND 10 PERCENT of the islands’ population live in the bustling capital of Honiara. Although the city operates as a gateway into the more secluded parts of the Solomon Islands, it’s worth stopping to check out the sights.

Get a taste of local culture at the lively Central Market, where producers from across the islands come to sell their fruit, vegetables and daily catch of fish. You’ll also find local crafts on sale.

To learn more about the country’s culture, check out the small National Museum, which has displays on traditional dances, body ornamentation and archaeological findings.

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The capital is rapidly transforming into a popular MICE hub in the South Pacific. It has a lot to offer business travellers, including high end hotels and conference facilities. There is a good food scene in the city, ranging from upmarket restaurants to barbecued street-food.

SOLOMON ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

LONDON PARIS

VANCOUVER

FRANKFURT

SAN FRANCISCO

TOKYO TAIPEI

DUBAI

NEW YORK DALLAS

LOS ANGELES

HONG KONG MANILA KUALA LUMPUR

Choiseul Bay

TARAWA

SINGAPORE

PORT MORESBY

Darwin

Perth

SOLOMON ISLANDS MUNDA HONIARA

Kagau Ramata

Suavanao

Santa Isabel Fera

Gizo Munda

New Georgia

Seghe

VILA BRISBANE SYDNEY AUCKLAND

Canberra Melbourne Hobart

NADI

Auki Atoifi

HONIARA

Cairns Townsville

Adelaide

Choiseul

Ballalae

Mono

Guadalcanal Bellona

Malaita

Afutara Marau

Arona Kirakira

San Cristobel Santa Ana

Santa Cruz

Rennell

Wellington Christchurch Queenstown

Legend

Codeshare with Qantas Qantas Domestic/International Interline Flying to the Solomon Islands is easy with five weekly flights from International Partner Airline Brisbane and twice weekly from Nadi. And now we fly direct from Interline with Air New Zealand Brisbane to Munda in our Western Province – one of the world’s most Codeshare with Fiji Airlines beautiful dive sites. Dive at Munda or other pristine locations for Interline with Fiji Airlines amazing corals and WWll wrecks. Take a trekking or fishing adventure.

Codeshare with Air Niugini Discover our friendly island culture soon. Visit flysolomons.com Domestic island connections Fly Solomons International services A theme park designed by Nature

Outlook Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s award-winning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 81

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS Our handpicked recommendations for the best hotels, restaurants, activities and more.

SLEEP FOFROB RUBUDGET DGET TRAVEL TRAVEL L ER L ER S…S… Maringe Lagoon Lodges F O R BEACHFRONT ST YL E… Pacific Casino Hotel offers 142 spacious, air-conditioned rooms with sweeping ocean views. It’s a great place to relax – soak up the sun by the pool or treat yourself to a massage. But there’s plenty to entertain guests too, including a large casino with blackjack, poker and roulette tables; a restaurant and the lively Canoe Bar. F O R SOUTH PACIFI C SOP HI ST I C AT I ON …

Coral Sea Resort & Casino is the Solomon Islands’ first five-star resort, and a stay here comes highly recommended. The resort is in Honiara’s CBD, nestled in tropical gardens with views of the ocean. Stay in spacious suites or the opulent Coral Sea villas, which have a media hub, a kitchenette and a private jacuzzi. Relax by the outdoor pool. Treat yourself to a meal with friends at Haydn’s Steakhouse, or a romantic dinner at Harry’s Landing. If you want to explore further afield, the resort has a luxury boat which can be chartered for everything from fishing trips to sunset cruises.

F O R OCEA N FRON T LUXU RY… Heritage Park Hotel

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SOLOMON ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

RAIDERS HOTEL & DIVE EXPLORE • DISCOVER • RELAX • TULAGI • SOLOMON ISLANDS

DO: F O R DIVIN G TRIP S… Dive Munda F O R UNIQUE CULTURA L EXC U R SI ON S… Go West Tours F O R B E SP OKE TRAVE L TOU R S… Guadalcanal Travel Solomons will help you streamline your trip to the Solomon Islands. Its staff can arrange accommodation, car hires, tours and activities for personal and corporate travellers, individuals and large groups. With over 100 years of travel industry experience, and knowledge of the area, they can provide unique insights into local culture and activities.

EAT: F O R UP MARKET ASIA N ST R EET F OOD… The Boardwalk F O R L AIDBACK SNAC KS… Bamboo Bar Café F O R AU THENTIC IN D I A N C U I SI N E… The Taj Mahal

FLY: Solomon Airlines Virgin Australia

• REEF & WRECK DIVING • ACCOMMODATION • BAR & DINING • SNORKLING • HIKING & MORE Located one hour from Honiara, on the waterfront of the historic Tulagi Harbour, Solomon Islands

Office: +677 32070 Mobile: +677 7494185 / 7938017 raidershotel@solomon.com.sb www.raidershotel.com

Zipolo Habu Resort was established 1989 and is located on a private island in the beautiful Vona vona lagoon near Munda, in the western provinces of the Solomon Islands. Serviced by a weekly flight direct from Brisbane, a quick 3 hour flight will have you landed in this slice of paradise.

If you enjoy fishing, snorkeling and diving, exploring an untouched paradise, or simply want to kick back and relax, this is the place for you.

CONTACT US: zipolo@solomon.com.sb

www.zipolohabu.co.sb

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 83

THE MOST UNUSUAL SOLOMON ISLANDS From an island of skulls to the island where President Kennedy was once marooned, here are the archipelago’s most unique offerings.

THERE ARE 992 Solomon Islands, each with their own unique characteristics, customs and stories. Most visitors stick to the largest islands in the archipelago, such as Guadalcanal. But if you venture further afield, you’re sure to have some fascinating adventures.

Charter a boat and head to these four unusual islands.

SKULL ISLAND If you’re interested in delving deeper into the islands’ grisly head-hunting past, take the 30-minute boat ride from Munda to this islet on Vonavona Lagoon. This is where warriors bought the heads of the enemies they vanquished – now the skulls line the shores. There’s also a triangular-shaped shrine that holds skulls of Rendovan chiefs, dating back hundreds of years. The last chief, a Christian, was buried here in the 1920s with his head intact.

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SOLOMON ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

KENNEDY OR ‘PLUM PUDDING’ ISLAND This idyllic tropical island was referred to colloquially by locals as Plum Pudding Island. However, after American President JFK was marooned on the island during World War II, it was renamed. While at war in the South Pacific, a Japanese destroyer ploughed into Kennedy’s PT-109 boat, slicing it in half. He and his men had to swim through the darkness for four hours. They were eventually washed ashore onto Plum Pudding island and were later rescued by islanders.

These days, the island is a popular spot for daytrips – tourists snorkel in its bays and hold barbecues on its shores.

SAVO ISLAND Savo Island has an active volcano and bubbling hot springs.

The heat of the ground has traditionally attracted megapodes – black birds that use the warm environment to keep their eggs incubated. They arrive at dawn, lay their eggs in the volcanic soil, and then fly away.

Unfortunately, such inattention has meant that local villagers have traditionally dug up eggs as a source of food and income. Now, only one egg-laying field remains. However, it’s still worth visiting the island for its deserted beaches, or to trek up to the crater of the volcano.

Outlook Creative Services

Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.

TETEPARE ISLAND Known as ‘the last wild island’, Tetepare is the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific. It’s a rugged island, cloaked in rainforest and fringed with coral reefs. There are many stories attempting to explain why the island has been abandoned for 150 years, ranging from fears of head-hunting to curses.

Whatever the reason, it’s gloriously untouched.

And its landowners want to keep it that way. They have rejected logging offers and protect and manage the island as a conservation area. It’s world-renowned for its dazzling profusion of flora and fauna, including the endangered leatherback turtle.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 85

LANDMARK DIVE SITES TWIN TUNNELS One of the world’s best reef dive sites, consisting of two 120-metre long lava tubes, covered in a multitude of different coral species.

There’s a profusion of marine life here, including pygmy seahorses, moray eels and shoals of colourful fish.

WHITE BEACH Once the site of a World War II American supply base, departing troops threw everything into the sea. This created an artificial reef formed of tractors, jeeps, and bulldozers; all now encrusted with colourful corals.

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SOLOMON ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

DEVIL’S HIGHWAY This is one of the few places in the world where you can dive with a colony of manta rays, ranging in size from 3-5 metres.

They use this shallow reef as a feeding place. You’re likely to spot other pelagics, such as sharks, here too.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 87

GUAM TRAVEL GUIDE

G UA M With its fantastic food culture and untouched beaches, the small island of Guam is one to add to the bucket list Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

C

hances are, you haven’t considered a trip to Guam. This US-owned island in the West Pacific is better known for its American army bases than as a holiday destination. However, travel to this small island and you’ll discover a wealth of geographical and cultural attractions.

A former Spanish colony, Guam still bears traces of its colonial past. Take a road trip across the southern parts of the island and you’ll discover tiny hilltop towns, such as Umatac, populated with Spanish-built churches and forts.

And then, of course, there’s the beaches, where powdery white sand is lapped by the translucent waters of the Pacific. The most popular tourist area is around Tumon Bay, where you’ll find a host of resorts clustered around a wide sweep of sand.

US travellers will discover a lot that’s familiar to them – malls, fast food outlets and even US post boxes. But the island’s population is comprised of around 40 percent indigenous Chamorro people, Filipinos, Pacific Islanders, Asians and whites. This multiculturalism has affected many areas of life, especially the island’s food culture. Try a local dish of red rice or Guam-style barbecue, where the meat is marinated in soy sauce, vinegar and onions.

IN FOCUS

DEDEDO WITH A POPULATION of around 45,000, Dededo is Guam’s most populous town – the capital, Hagåtña, has 1,100 inhabitants. Dededo is in the northern part of the island, within easy distance of the coast.

Once a sleepy farming community, it’s now an important commercial and residential centre with plenty of attractions close to hand.

If you like to shop, head to Micronesia Mall – the largest on the island. For a taste of local flavour, hit up the Guam Farmers Market, where

90 | Outlook Travel issue 01

THE FACTS: Languages:

Chamorro, English

Area:

561 km2

Population:

164,300

GDP:

$5.859 billion

Currency:

US $

Time zone:

Chamorro standard time

Dialling code: +1 Climate:

Tropical

you’ll find stalls selling fresh produce, handicrafts and delicious barbecue.

You’ll find plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and hotels for a comfortable stay here.

A string of beaches runs along the outskirts of the town. One of them is Mushroom Rock Hilaan Beach, named after the mushroom-shaped limestone formations in the bay. It’s a quiet, picturesque beach that’s great for swimming. Another nearby beach is located at Ritidian Point, a national wildlife refuge.

GUAM TRAVEL GUIDE

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 91

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS Et lat volupta alitatio dolupta tibusani unt modit

unt volessed quae eribus et vel initin reiciae simaior sinulluptat que pore voluptat – Lonely Planet

E AT: F OFROB D GCEATLTFRLAV E LU LR ER S… RULO AVO S… Terry’s Local Comfort Food FOR DELICIOUS BARBECUE… Core BBQ and Seafood Restaurant F O R JA PA N E S E C U I S I N E …

Fuji Ichiban Ramen Guam

SLEEP:

DO: F O R F I R E DA N C I N G S H OW A N D UNLIMITED BBQ… TaoTao Tasi Dinner Show

F O R LUXU R I O U S B E AC H G E TAWAYS …

Hilton Guam Resort and Spa FOR THAI GRANDEUR… Dusit Thani Guam Resort F O R TOTA L R E L AXAT I O N …

Guam Reef Hotel

CO M M U N I C AT E : F O R H ASS L E - F R E E H O L I DAY CO M M U N I C AT I O N …

DoCoMo Pacific is Guam’s total telecommunications and internet provider. It’s responsible for setting up free Wi-Fi hotspots across the island, and for introducing an advanced 4G LTE service in 2012. It offers a great ‘visitor sim + wifi’ plan, which includes unlimited local calls and SMS, allowing you stressfree communication.

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FOR JUNGLE RIVER CRUISES… Valley of the Latte Adventure Park F O R O B S E RV I N G D O L P H I N S …

Alupang Beach Club F O R S C U B A D I V I N G A DV E N T U R E S …

Guam Ocean Adventures

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Roaming + VOLTE ROAMING*

Go to docomopacific.com or scan the QR Code to find out more or visit any ABC Store *VoLTE roaming in Guam is only available with select providers.

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S TWO LOVERS POINT This lookout point, atop a 125-metre high limestone cliff, commands the best views on the island. It gets its name after the two star-crossed Chamorro warriors who allegedly jumped to their death here.

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

HAPUTO BEACH An ecological preserve comprising 252 acres of coral reef, limestone forest, and a beautiful, footprint-free beach, preserved and maintained by the US military. The reserve was once the site of an ancient Chamorro village – you can still see the ruins in the undergrowth.

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GUAM TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND GUAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT is the largest airport in the country, serviced by several airlines, including United Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air. It flies to 35 international destinations, including 11 in Japan – there are no direct flights from Europe. Most hotels in Guam offer free airport pickup.

The island is small, with a good road network – the best way around it is to rent a car. There are plenty of car rental providers near the airport, and in the tourist hotspot of Tumon. Taxis are also available, and the Guam Regional Transport Authority operates buses along nine scheduled routes.

GUAM PACIFIC WAR MUSEUM If you’re interested in World War II History, this museum is a must-visit. You’ll find informative displays about Guam’s role in the war, memorabilia and even a selection of World War II vehicles.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 95

PA P UA N E W GUINEA With its sublime landscapes, intriguing indigenous cultures and off-the-beaten track feel, Papua New Guinea truly is a destination for intrepid adventurers Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Matt Cole-Wilkin

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL GUIDE

P

apua New Guinea is one of the world’s final travel frontiers; a place where you really can go off the beaten track. It’s located on the eastern half of the world’s second largest island, New Guinea. Although it’s only separated from mainland Australia by a narrow strait, it feels like a world apart.

The country is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse in the world, with over 800 indigenous languages: a quarter of the

world’s spoken tongues. Papua New Guinea has a fascinating tribal culture, renowned for their colourful body painting – a fascinating visual language that differs from region to region.

Another of the destination’s selling points is its biodiversity. Intrepid travellers will love exploring its remote, cloud-shrouded mountains, forested valleys, smouldering volcanoes and untouched beaches.

But it’s not all about tribal culture

and remote landscapes. In Papua New Guinea you’ll also discover some amazing dive sites and upmarket eco-lodges. You might even spot one of the colourful birds of paradise that the island is renowned for. Meanwhile, the capital Port Moresby has an abundance of bars, restaurants and hotels to greet you when you return from adventures in the country’s far-flung corners.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL GUIDE

IN FOCUS

PORT MORESBY PORT MORESBY, THE islands’ capital, is a city of contrasts. You’ll find glitzy districts and shanty towns, high-end restaurants and street markets. It’s worth staying a couple of days to uncover the city’s hidden gems.

The city hugs the coast, facing the cobalt waters of the Gulf of Papua, and is surrounded by forested hills.

Charter a boat from Port Moresby harbour and head out across the water to explore. Port Moresby Harbour Cruise & Boat Charters can even arrange for you to have business

meetings and corporate away days on board.

Waigani is one of the city’s most upmarket districts, where you’ll find most government buildings and embassies, as well as upmarket hotels and restaurants. The National Museum and Art Gallery is one of the district’s top attractions, providing a fantastic insight into Papua New Guinea’s culture through displays of masks, totems and body adornments.

Also worth checking out is Port Moresby National Park, a calm oasis of jungle canopies and exotic plants.

‘WAIGANI IS ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST UPMARKET DISTRICTS, WHERE YOU’LL FIND MOST GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS AND EMBASSIES, AS WELL AS UPMARKET HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS’

Luxury Adventures in Papua New Guinea Encounter one of the world’s most fascinating countries and cultures in incomparable Abercrombie & Kent style and safety on a journey through remote, breathtaking Papua New Guinea.

Snorkel amid schools of tropical fish, explore the rainforests, waterfalls and birds-ofparadise of the highlands, and share the Karawari River waterways with local boatmen.

Visit traditional villages and learn about ways of life still untouched by the modern world.

See more at abercrombiekent.com.au or call +61 3 9536 1805 to learn more.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL GUIDE

PA P U A N E W G U I N E A’ S

MOST COLOURFUL F E S T I VA L S PAPUA NEW GUINEA is renowned for its ethnic diversity, with around 840 different indigenous groups. Each have their own traditions and rituals. Although they might have fallen out of everyday use, they are often revived in annual festivals; colourful spectacles which tourists are invited to observe respectfully.

Here are five of Papua New Guinea’s most fascinating festivals.

from their village by a rival tribe and hid in the mud by the river. When their enemies saw their grey bodies, they mistook them for ghosts and ran away.

GOROKA SHOW

HAGEN SHOW

If you only have time to attend one festival in Papua New Guinea, then head to the Goroka Show. It’s the country’s oldest and largest cultural festival, held during the annual Independence Day celebrations.

More than a hundred tribes participate in the spectacle, performing extraordinary ‘sing-sings’ – a local term encompassing traditional songs and ritual performances.

One of the most well-known groups are the Mudmen of Asaro, who wear grotesque clay masks and are smeared head-to-toe in grey mud as they perform warlike dances.

According to legend, the tradition began after they were chased away

Another well-known festival is the Hagen Show, which welcomes around 70 different indigenous groups to showcase their unique cultural traditions. You’ll be blown away by the size and scale of the performances, some of which feature up to 1,000 participants. Arrive early and you’ll even be able to watch the dress rehearsals and the groups getting into costume.

Keep an eye out for the famed Huli Wigmen, characterised by their ornate wigs and red and ochrepainted faces. The Huli believe only the hair of unmarried men can be used to make wigs. Adolescent Huli boys are sent to live in isolated communities, to learn more about

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WHERE: Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province WHEN: 19th – 20th September 2020 WEB: www.pngtours.com/goroka_ festivals_2020

their role in society. Their hair is taken care of through various rituals – for example, by being wet with holy water – and is slowly formed into an umbrella shape with a bamboo band. After 18 months, it’s woven into a ceremonial wig, adorned with ornaments and birds of paradise feathers.

WHERE: Mount Hagen, Western Highlands WHEN: 15th – 16th August 2020 WEB: www.pngcultureadventures. com/mt-hagen-cultural-show

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL GUIDE

SEPIK CROCODILE FESTIVAL The Sepik River is home to some of the world’s crocodile populations.

The crocodile holds huge cultural significance for the Sepik people – to them, it is a sacred animal symbolising strength, power and manhood.

Some communities still hold ceremonial skin-cutting rituals, where male initiates have scars cut into their skin resembling the back of a crocodile.

The festival was started in 2007 to promote tourism and conservation in the region, and to showcase the unique relationship the people of

FRANGIPANI FESTIVAL If you’re looking for a quieter festival with more of a community feel, we recommend heading to the Frangipani Festival. It celebrates the rebirth of the coastal town of Rabaul, decimated after several devastating volcanic eruptions in 1994. The festival is named after the fragrant frangipani flower, the town’s signature bloom – said to be the first plant to grow in the ashes.

The festival is a day-long affair featuring sing-sings, concerts, fireworks, a canoe race in the harbour and ceremonial fire dances. It’s worth looking out for the Tolai whip dancers, where decorated young men receive choreographed lashes – a display of male initiation and strength.

WHERE: Rabual, East New Britain WHEN: 18th – 20th September 2020 WEB: www.papuanewguinea.travel/ frangipani-festival-rabaul

MASK FESTIVAL This extravaganza is a cultural tribute to the Tolai, Baining and Pomio peoples of East New Britain. It celebrates Papua New Guinea’s symbolic masks, which have traditionally been used in storytelling and dance performances.

Each mask showcases a different story, and those donning them are said to adopt their ancestor’s spiritual powers.

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The first day of the festival begins with a dawn performance known as the Kinavai. It showcases the arrival of the Tolai clan, disguised as Tubuan and Duk-Duk spirits in ceremonial masks. Later in the day, the Baining fire-dancers perform mesmerising dances, as they plunge gracefully through bonfires.

WHERE: Rabual, East New Britain WHEN: 8th – 10th July 2020 WEB: www.pngcultureadventures. com/rabaul-mask-festival

East Sepik have with crocodiles. Singsing groups from different villages perform dances about their way of life. You’ll catch sight of people who have participated in the skin-cutting ritual, and people dancing with baby crocodiles attached to their chests.

WHERE: Ambunti, East Sepik Province WHEN: 6th – 7th August 2020 WEB: www.facebook.com/events

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS EAT: F OFROB D GTEHTET LL RN S …D I S H E S …

RUAU NRTAV I C EI N DEI A Courtyard Restaurant at Shady Rest F I N E D I N I N G W I T H E AST E R N A N D W E ST E R N I N F LU E N C E S …

Rapala Restaurant F O R TAST Y AS I A N C U I S I N E …

Fusion Bistro

SLEEP: F O R E CO -TO U R I S M A DV E N T U R E S …

Kumul Lodge F O R FA N TAST I C V I E WS …

Ulumani-Treetops Rainforest Resort F O R R E D E F I N I N G U R B A N LUXU RY… The Sanctuary Hotel Resort and Spa, located in one of Port Moresby’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, is the ultimate urban escape. An outdoor pool is nestled amid tropical gardens, where you’ll also find a small bird sanctuary. Add in the luxurious rooms, relaxing spa and Simple & Healthy restaurant, and you’ll never want to leave.

DO: F O R TO U R S I N PA P UA N E W G U I N E A’ S H I G H L A N DS …

PNG Highlands Adventures F O R LUXU RY W I L D E R N E SS VAC AT I O N S …

Abercombie and Kent is a well-respected international travel organisation, which offers several tours to Papua New Guinea. You’ll witness intriguing cultural traditions, see dazzling bird life and visit remote villages on a small group tour. And you’ll do so in the utmost luxury, with someone to handle your baggage, and opportunities for breakfast in bed and hand-picked accommodation.

FOR BOUTIQUE SOFT ADVENTURE TOURS… Ecotourism Melanesia F O R R I V E R E X P LO R AT I O N …

Sepik Adventure Tours F O R PA P UA N E W G U I N E A’ S O N LY T H E M E PA R K …

Adventure Park, located in the capital of Port Moresby, is the place for a fun-filled day out. You’ll find themed fairground rides here, including a Ferris wheel and water slides. The park is renowned for its exotic flora and fauna, which includes rare orchids, the dazzling Ragianna bird-of-paradise and saltwater crocodiles, which are fed every afternoon at 3pm.

FLY: F O R PA P UA N E W G U I N E A’ S N AT I O N A L CARRIER Air Niuguini 104 | Outlook Travel issue 01

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL GUIDE

Papua New Guinea

MADE EASY See the Land of the Unexpected with PNG’s “can do” tour operator.

• Wide range of independent touring packages • Sign-up escorted group tours • Customized special-interest itineraries • Focus on soft adventure, culture, wildlife & photography tours, remote village trekking • Extensions to Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji etc • 20 years’ experience, Port Moresby based • Travel agent friendly

Find us on em.com.pg|ecotourism.melanesia@gmail.com

Air Niugini www.airniugini.com.pg

Please call 180 3444 for more information Outlook Travel issue 01 | 105

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL GUIDE

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

KOKODA TRACK This 96-kilometre-long track is one of the world’s most challenging and spectacular hiking tracks, a single foot thoroughfare penetrating deep into the Owen Stanley Range. In 1942 it was the site of a bloody World War II battle between Japanese and Allied forces.

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL GUIDE

Welcome to Papua New Guinea...

PNG Highlands Adventures

The land of Different Million Journeys...

Discover and Experience ...

Based in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea since 2008.

We are specialized in Trekking Adventures, Birding tours to Kumul Lodge, Birding to Rondon, Cultural Festivals, Diving, Bird Watching and White Water Rafting. Our specialized products are in Tari wilderness, Mt Hagen Festival, Kumul Lodge bird watching, Mt Wilheam Trek, Goroka Festival,Madang Cultural & Diving, Sepik River Safari, Crocodile Festival, Port Moresby, Rabaul Mask Festival, Tufi Diving and Kavieng cultural and Diving tours.

For Reservations, please contact: Email: pnghighlandsadventures@gmail.com Email: info@pnghighlandsadventuretours.com Phone: +67570468746 / +67572397966 www.pnghighlandsadventuretours.com

MUSCHU ISLAND One of Papua New Guinea’s best-kept secrets, Muschu Island boasts palm-tree fringed beaches and translucent waters perfect for scuba diving.

ASARO VILLAGE This village is renowned for the Asaro mudmen – warriors who traditionally covered themselves in grey mud and wore oversized ceramic masks to scare enemies in battle. Today’s inhabitants will re-create the scene for tourists.

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND PAPUA NEW GUINEA is easily reached by airplane. The main airport, at Port Moresby, is well-connected to three Australian cities – Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney – and Asian destinations such as Manila and Hong Kong. The main flight carriers are Air Niugini, Airlines PNG and Qantas.

Air travel is also the best way to get around the islands, as the isolated, scattered village settlements aren’t always well-connected by road.

Papua New Guinea has 21 paved runways and 562 airports – needless to say, domestic airlines such as Air Niugini serve many towns across the islands.

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Another way to travel is to charter a fishing boat or dinghy and explore the islands by water. Shorter distances by road can be navigated

by PMV (Public Motor Vehicles) – normally open trucks or minivans.

Women are advised against travelling solo on PMVs. A lot of tourists book guided tours of Papua New Guinea – either through an international operator or a local guide on arrival – which means that their transport is taken care of by their tour operator. This comes highly recommended if you are unused to wilderness travel or have a short window of time to see the country.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRAVEL GUIDE

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Snorkelling, birdwatching and nature tours are also featured activities.

Secluded bures or plantation house rooms are nestled along the beachfront and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Dive sites in Kimbe Bay are visited from the resort on covered, specially designed day boats.

FOR YOUR COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE ROOMS: • Premier rooms • Standard rooms • Twin share rooms • Budget Twin Share rooms (Common facilities) • 1 Bedsitter (kitchen facilities) • Conference Hire • Restaurant (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

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BOOK NOW FOR RESERVATIONS Top Town, Vee street next to coronation drive PO Box 1918, Lae, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea Ph (675)4790411/12 | Fax (675)4790416 | Mob (675) 70506660 Email reservations@lti.com.pg

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 109

TRAVEL BUSINESS TOTALLY TAILORED TOURS

T R AV E L B U S I N E S S

T O TA L LY TA I L O R E D TO U R S IN 2010, WHEN Charley Harrison started work as a tour guide in London, it was to help finance a career in stand-up comedy. But she rapidly became passionate about her new job.

“I guess I just liked the attention,” she jokes. “And I loved being able to show visitors around a city that I love.”

Over the next six years Charley held a variety of tour guiding jobs: working on open-top London buses, leading tours around Europe for teenagers, and even showing visitors around the BBC. But although she enjoyed her work, she felt as if there was a lot of unexplored potential in the market.

“Whenever I was guiding for other people, I always felt it could be done better,” she explains.

“An employer would tell you to recommend a pub because it was the best place in London. Then you’d find out it was a chain pub, and that they were getting commission for mentioning it.”

“We employ ex-Queen’s guards, ex-soldiers, excabbies, magicians, quidditch players and academics.

We’re proud of the diversity of our guides” And so in 2016 Charley started her own company, Totally Tailored Tours, which runs bespoke private tours in London and Edinburgh.

In the early days, she was the only employer, largely reliant on growth through word of mouth.

Initially, she worked with a lot of American families.

“They were really supportive, coming from a culture that really values entrepreneurship. They recommended me to their friends and that gave me confidence,” she explains.

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In her first year of business, Charley led 135 tours. Soon she was leading a range of specialist tours across London, showcasing everything from the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods to its imperial history. Between January and November 2019, Totally Tailored organised 332 tours. Now, Charley has three full-time employees and several part-time guides. Totally Tailored has also won three industry awards. This success in London led Charley to set up a branch of Totally Tailored in Edinburgh a few months ago.

“Our client base just continues to expand and diversify. We now do a lot of work with corporates and business leaders. For example, we just worked with Unilever, taking the company’s managers on a Tailored Tour.

Another client has been the American Defence and Trial Attorneys. We hired out the Houses of Parliament for them and did a private tour, followed by dinner. Our executive offering is very high-end.”

So what explains Totally Tailored’s success? ​Charley says her marketing strategy has never been aggressive. ​“We believe that healthy SEO and word of mouth is the way to go for a business like ours. ​“We invested heavily in SEO at the start of our business. So that means our name comes up whenever someone googles “private guide London” or “private guide Edinburgh.” Then a potential customer will cross-check our reviews on TripAdvisor.” ​Considering that Totally Tailored has received more than 250 five-star reviews across Google and TripAdvisor, this simple strategy allows it to attract new clientele easily. ​Charley believes that the guides she employs have been central to the company’s success. ​“We put the guide at the centre of everything we do, and we choose our employees very carefully.

Quite a lot of them are stand up comics. They make the best tour guides, because tours are all about timing, and so is comedy. They also know how to improvise, and even how to deal with a heckler.

TRAVEL BUSINESS TOTALLY TAILORED TOURS

​“The best guides are those who really listen to their guests, so the tour is totally tailored to their group. There’s no point telling someone who’s only interested in the reformation about Harry Potter, or vice versa.” ​The diversity of the company’s tour guides allows Totally Tailored to run specialist tours, led by experts and enthusiasts in their field. As a result, the company really can tailor a tour to any requirement, just as its name suggests. ​“Once we had a customer who wanted a tour in London about 17th century Dutch seafaring attempts,” she recalls. “He wasn’t Dutch – we never really got to the bottom of why he was interested in it – but we have a guide who runs tours on imperial history, who did some research to make it happen.” ​Charley believes that drawing upon the expertise of her staff has been key to the company’s success. ​“I think a lot of small tour companies stay small because they’re quite protective of their work – they don’t trust anyone to lead the tours in the way they want it done. ​“But I’ve learned that if you allow others to take responsibility and ownership within the company, you can grow to the point you didn’t think was possible.”

Totally Tailored has ambitious plans for expansion in the future. However, Charley has realised that in her industry, there’s no substitute for lived,

Charley Harrison, CEO of Totally Tailored, treating her clients to afternoon tea

local knowledge of a place.

“Initially I thought I would move to different cities, bringing the Totally Tailored Tours model with me. But now I’ve realised it’s better to partner with other tour companies in different locations – those who have the same values, owner-guides who believe in curated experiences.”

Totally Tailored is currently in discussion with tour companies in Rome and Paris, as well as a concierge company in New York, about the best ways to partner.

All in all, the future looks bright for Totally Tailored Tours. The company is testament to the fact that with an excellent product, and a little creativity, an idea can be transformed into a successful business.

IF YOU’VE TRAVELLED to London frequently for business, and would like to explore beyond the city’s most popular landmarks, Charley has some recommendations: “Head to Borough Market – it’s my favourite place in London – where you can browse the food stalls and grab a hot chocolate. Then walk further into Borough, to the Red Cross Garden. It’s a beautiful little oasis designed by Octavia Hill, a woman known as the “Mother of Social Work”. After that, head to my favourite pub, The Gladstone Arms. To reach it, you’ll walk down some beautiful streets, right out of a Charles Dickens novel. You’re so close to the Shard, but it feels like a million miles away.”

WEB: www.totallytailored.com WHATSAPP: 0044 7498 036 295

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 111

EUROPE’S

CHRISTMAS MARKETS From the opulent to the unusual, this is our handpicked list of the best festive markets in Europe

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EUROPE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS FEATURE

EVERY WINTER, A Baltic chill descends over Northern Europe. Days shorten and nights lengthen – north of the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t rise at all. But Christmas markets provide a blaze of festive colour amid the winter darkness. Rows of softly illuminated stalls sell decorations, handicrafts and other gifts. The spicy aroma of glühwein mingles with the smell of roasting almonds and grilled sausages. The air rings with the sound of Christmas carols and music from fairground carousels.

Christmas markets have been around for hundreds of years. In 1296, Emperor Albrecht of Vienna granted shopkeepers the right to hold a short Dezembermarkt (December Market), where townspeople could stock up on supplies, namely meat, to last them through the winter.

Before long, open-air winter street markets began to spring up in other locations across Europe, with people selling a wider variety of purchases, including handmade cakes and other goods.

One of the first Christmas markets was held in 1310, in Munich. It was known as Nikolausdult, as it was associated with St Nicholas, a bishop with a reputation for helping the poor and giving gifts – the precursor to Santa Klaus. After the Protestant Reformation, the markets became associated with the Christkindl (Christ child). A key reformer, Martin Luther, inadvertently gave Christmas markets a boost by suggesting that Christ’s birthday was a better time to give gifts than on other religious holidays. This sparked a tradition of gift-giving, and Christmas markets started selling the decorations, gifts and sweet treats that they still do today.

These days, there are thousands of Christmas markets to choose from. We’ve narrowed down this seemingly inexhaustible list to five fantastic picks.

WHERE THE FIRST DEZEMBERMARKT WAS HELD… Although the oldest Christmas market in Europe is disputed, many people cite Vienna as the place where winter markets originated. The Vienna Christmas Dream Market is held every year in Rathausplatz, Vienna’s main square, which is surrounded by ornate buildings such as the city hall.

Over 152 stalls sell sweet treats, hot glühwein, food, gifts and seasonal decorations. The adjacent Rathauspark sets up an annual open-air ice-skating rink, and the surrounding trees are decorated with coloured lights. This includes the “Herzerlbaum”, a maple-leaved plane tree adorned with 200 glowing hearts.

WHERE: 1010 Wien, Rathausplatz, Vienna, Austria WHEN: 15th November – 26th December WEB: www.wienerweihnachtstraum.at Outlook Travel issue 01 | 113

THE HIGHEST IN EUROPE… Mount Pilatus Christmas Market in Switzerland is held at an altitude of 2,132 metres. To get there, visitors must take the world’s steepest cog-wheel railway up to the top of the mountain – a journey which takes around half an hour.

You’ll be rewarded by panoramic views of snow-dusted Alps and frozen lakes.

And, of course, there’s the market itself. With 40 stalls selling Christmas treats and gifts, it’s one of the smallest on the list, but the view more than makes up for it. Unlike many markets, it’s only open for a few days in November – start planning your trip for next year!

WHERE: Pilatus-Bahnen, Schlossweg 1, 6010 Kriens, Switzerland WHEN: 15th – 17th November WEB: www.pilatus.ch 114 | Outlook Travel issue 01

EUROPE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS FEATURE

THE ONE THAT FLOATS… Every Advent, in the German town of Vilshofen, the promenade along the River Danube is transformed into Vilshofen Christkindlmarkt. Stands along the promenade sell handmade items from Bavaria, Austria, Hungary and Slovenia. But there are also stalls on a Wurm & Köck river cruiser, known as “City of Linz”, which floats on the water.

The market is accompanied by a programme of events ranging from folk music concerts to a nativity play. As well as its floating market, Vilshofen also displays the largest wooden crib nativity scene in the world. There’s also a nine-metre high mulled-wine pyramid. Prost!

WHERE: Vilshofen an der Donau, Stadtpfarrkirche St. Johannes der Täufer, Germany WHEN: 29th November – 1st December, 6th – 8th December and 13th – 15th December WEB: www.vilshofen.de

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 115

THE ONE UNDERGROUND… Valkenburg is known as Holland’s City of Christmas. From mid-November to early January it becomes a winter wonderland, with Christmas parades, concerts, art displays and nativity scenes. The star attraction is the Valkenburg Caves Christmas Market – the oldest, largest and most-visited underground Christmas market in Europe.

Every nook and cranny is transformed by fairy lights, brightly lit stalls and Christmas installations. Wander from cave to cave, taking in the different sights. In the MergelRijk Cave is a miniaturised Christmas village, with thousands of figurines and moving attractions. Meanwhile, the Wilhelmina Cave exhibits sculptures by artists from around the world. It’s no surprise that Valkenburg Caves Christmas Market has been nominated for Europe’s Best Christmas Market 2020.

WHERE: Cauberg 4, 6301 BT Valkenburg, Netherlands WHEN: 15th November – 29th December (closed Christmas Day) WEB: www.kerstmarktgemeentegrot.nl 116 | Outlook Travel issue 01

EUROPE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS FEATURE

THE ONE IN THE GERMAN CASTLE… The Royal Christmas Market, Germany, is held in Hohenzollern Castle, a fairytale construction of moats and spires, located on a scenic hilltop. The castle is the ancestral seat of the Prussian Royal family. Sometimes its current owner, Prince Georg Friedrich, makes an appearance at the market to sign autographs and take photographs.

Thanks to its romantic setting, the Royal Christmas Market is considered one of the most beautiful in Germany. The courtyard and gardens are lined with stalls, and there are also some inside. Browse for Christmas gifts under vaulted ceilings and gilded frescos. There’s also the chance to explore the castle’s cellar and treasure room.

WHERE: 72379 Burg Hohenzollern, Germany WHEN: 29th November – 1st December, 6th – 8th December WEB: www.burg-hohenzollern.com

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 117

STALLHAGEN BREWERY ÅLAND

TA S T I N G O N E O F T H E W O R L D ’ S

OLDEST BEERS Stallhagen is a brewery and gastropub on the Åland Islands, dedicated to championing traditional ingredients and recipes while embracing modern processes

IT WAS A long way to travel for a pint.

I flew from the United Kingdom to Stockholm, then took a seven-hour ferry journey to the Åland Islands, an archipelago of 6,700 granite islands scattered across the sea between Finland and Finland. In the pastel-hued capital of Mariehamn I boarded a local bus. It wound past dense glades of pine trees and red wooden houses with snow-carpeted roofs, before dropping me off at a deserted hotel in the small hamlet of Godby.

I had come all this way to taste one of the oldest beers in the world.

Back in 2010, several divers discovered a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea surrounding the Åland Islands. Thanks to its treacherously shallow waters and hidden, low-lying granite islets, the area is notorious for shipwrecks. But this one was different – it contained unexpected treasures. Spices, olives, preserved fruits, and best of all, almost two hundred bottles of champagne, which experts estimated had been bottled in 1839 or 1840.

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Stallhagen is the Åland Islands’ oldest and largest brewery. It’s located in Godby, a 20-minute drive from the capital of Mariehamn

While bringing up the haul from the wreck, one of the divers, Christian Ekström, discovered five smaller bottles. When he reached the surface one of them cracked, and he tasted the liquid that leaked onto his hands. It was beer.

The beer, it soon turned out, was 170 years old, which at that time made it the oldest ever discovered.

As it so happened, Ekström ran a small gastropub and brewery known as Stallhagen. Once he’d tried the beers, he was determined to reproduce the recipe.

After securing the rights to develop the beer, Stallhagen contacted the Leuven Institute for Beer Research, in Belgium, and asked them to reverse-engineer the beer. The result: Historic Beer 1843, one of Stallhagen’s bestselling beers, and the one I had come all this way to try.

I was picked up from my hotel in Godby by Wennstrom, the current CEO of the gastropub and brewery.

“Thanks for the lift,” I said. ​“That’s alright. The weather is bad this time of year.” ​It was an understatement. The previous evening the temperature had plummeted to -15˚C, and the water in the bays had frozen over. Outside, it was still bone-numbingly cold. ​“Most people come here during summer, right?”

I asked. ​“Yes. For the sailing and the beaches. Lots of businesses shut over the winter. We try and persuade more restaurants and hotels to stay open. Then there will be more for the tourists to do in the off-season.” ​As we drove, Jan told me a little bit more about himself. His father’s family was from the islands. ​“There are five generations of Wennströms

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 119

STALLHAGEN BREWERY ÅLAND

buried in the cemetery of Vårdö,” he explained. ​Jan was born in Helsinki but spent his summers in the old family estate on the islands. After gaining degrees in both business and law, he spent twenty years living and working abroad. In 2010 he was working for a hotel and resort in New York, when he heard by chance that Stallhagen was looking for a CEO and put in a call. ​“The rest is history,” he said.

Jan turned off the main road and we travelled down a straight track towards the gastropub. On either side of us, snowbound fields unfolded under wide, darkening skies. ​“Stallhagen means stable pasture. This is where the Swedish King once kept his cattle,” Jan explained. ​We pulled up outside the gastropub. ​“Look, there’s a lake down there,” Jan said, gesturing at an ice-covered expanse of water.

“And there’s the stage next to it, where we have concerts in the summer.” ​I looked at the bandstand buried under several feet of snow, and shivered. ​Jan introduced me to the Pub Manager, Johanna, a smiling woman who’d been born in the Åland Islands, and the three of us crunched back down the path towards the brewery.

“We make all of our beer on site. And we adhere to a slow-brewing philosophy,” Jan explained.

“That means we give the beer the time it needs to brew, and we take care to use quality materials.” ​Upstairs, we looked down through the viewing window at the fermenting tanks on the brewery floor. ​“At one sitting we can produce 7,500 litres of beer,” Jan explained. “When the brewery first started in 2004, we were producing 20,000 litres of beer a year. Now it’s closer to a million litres, although we plan to expand to 1.5 million for 2020.” ​“Where do you sell the beer?” I asked.

“We use ingredients from the islands to make all our beers. Our most popular, Honey Beer, is made with locally-sourced honey”

Below right: The interior of Stallhagen Gastropub Below left: A traditional, red-painted boat house

​“Mainly locally – the islands, mainland Finland and Finland. But we’re also starting to export to Japan and Belgium.” ​Jan proceeded to explain the brewing process to me. In its most basic terms, malted grain is added to hot water in a process called mash conversion, which breaks starch down into sugars. The mash is then lautered – a process which removes a sweet liquid known as wort – boiled, has hops added, and is fermented and cooled.

“We use ingredients from the islands to make all our beers. Our most popular, Honey Beer, is made with locally-sourced honey. All the leftover grain from our brewing we give to the farmer down the road. He uses it as cattle feed. It’s not alcoholic, of course,” Jan explained. ​“And then we use the farmer’s beef in the gastropub,” Johanna added. “We follow the New Nordic Kitchen Manifesto – seasonal, local and sustainable.” ​After checking out the brewery, we headed back to the warm, wood-panelled interior of the gastropub. From where we were sitting, it was possible to see through a window into the kitchen, where several chefs were hard at work. ​“They’re preparing food for our beer and tapas tastings later. Would you like to try some?”

Johanna asked. ​I’d only had lunch an hour ago but was far too greedy to refuse.

​Unfortunately for me, the tapas came in pretty large portions. ​Snow drifted past the windows as I tucked into a plate of homemade sausages, served with potatoes and an orange sauce made with locally grown sea buckthorn berries. ​“These sausages are our speciality. They are homemade, using beef from the cattle that eat the brewery’s leftover grain,” Johanna explained.

The sausages were delicious, especially when paired with a Stallhagen US Red Ale, a fresh-tasting copper-coloured ale. ​Afterwards, I was treated to a second pairing; Twist & Shout (a seasonal, coffee-flavoured stout) served with an Åland pancake, a sweet speciality several inches thick. ​“Some people make it with semolina, but we prefer to use rice,” Johanna explained. “You normally have the pancake with coffee, which is why we serve it with this stout.” ​Indeed, the bitter nutty notes of the beer paired perfectly with the sweetness of the pancake. ​Finally, I had a chance to try what I had come all the way here for: Historic Beer 1843. ​Jan set an elegant green bottle down in front of me, corked and stoppered like a champagne bottle. ​“People see it as a special occasion beer. They order it when they’re celebrating,” he explained, alluding to the bottle’s appearance. ​I poured some into a glass. It was a pale amber colour. I had been expecting something much darker and thicker. The glass felt cold against my

One of the top attractions near Stallhagen is Kastelholm, a Swedish-built medieval castle.

It’s located in the village of Sund, 8.5 kilometres from Stallhagen

hands as I lifted it to my lips. The taste was surprisingly subtle and refined. ​“It’s not at all how I expected,” I said, taken aback. ​“People are often surprised by the taste.

They don’t connect it with the story. It’s almost modern,” Jan said. “But they didn’t use hops to brew beer back then, which is why it has a light taste.” ​It had never occurred to me that I might have preconceived ideas about what constituted a traditional or a contemporary taste. But it was true – I associated adjectives such as ‘light’, ‘crisp’ and ‘zingy’ with contemporary food and drink. The oldest beer in the world wouldn’t be out of place with today’s light, low-alcohol lagers. ​Once I was stuffed full of food and beer, Jan drove me back through to my hotel. The snow was an eerie blue colour in the fading light, the pine trees stark silhouettes against the snow. It was strange to think that one of the most technologically advanced craft breweries in Europe was located in such a remote place. But Stallhagen wasn’t just a brewery that embraced modern processes - it also championed the islands’ ingredients and history.

Tomorrow, I’d be taking a two-and-a-half-hour ferry to Kökar, a remote island in the outer archipelago. I’d be there for the next month, battling against wind and snow to explore the island. ​It was going to be a long journey. ​I was glad I had stopped for some refreshment on the way.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 121

SEYCHELLES TRAVEL GUIDE

S E YC H E L L E S Most people visit this archipelago in the Indian Ocean for the beaches, but it has much more to offer than that Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Jordan Levey

D

escribing the Seychelles, it’s easy to veer into cliché. These picture-perfect islands are blessed with white sand beaches lapped by translucent water, fringed with palm trees and interesting rock formations. The dramatic sunsets, laidback atmosphere and a wide range of luxury accommodation make them a popular spot for honeymooners.

The Seychelles consists of 115 islands and some small islets, located

in the Indian Ocean at a crossroads between Asia and Africa. Most of the action is concentrated around the three major islands: Mahé, La Digue and Praslin. Mahé is the largest and most populous; home to the capital, Victoria, and transport hub to the rest of the islands. La Digue is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the archipelago. Praslin, meanwhile, is home to the idyllic Vallée de Mai nature reserve.

But there’s more to the Seychelles

than just the beaches. Trek through the granite mountains and lush rainforests of the Morne Seychellois National Park. Try some of the island’s traditional Creole dishes at a local restaurant. Or if you’re a nature lover, head to Bird Island to observe its population of fairy terns and common noddies, as well as the giant Aldabra tortoises endemic to the archipelago. You’ll be bowled over by what the Seychelles has to offer.

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SEYCHELLES TRAVEL GUIDE

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

S E YC H E L L E S TO U R I S M B OA R D THE SEYCHELLES TOURISM Board was established in 2006, evolving from its predecessor the Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority in an attempt to streamline operations, both locally and abroad, to better assist in the marketing of Seychelles as a desirable island tourism destination.

Its efforts appear highly successful. The Seychelles was recently runner-up for ‘Favourite Emerging Overseas Country’ in the ninth edition of the Condé Nast Traveller. We caught up with Sherin Francis, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, to discuss how the organisation markets the Seychelles as a desirable island destination.

Outlook Travel (OT): How do you market the Seychelles as a destination?

Sherin Francis (SF): There is no one126 | Outlook Travel issue 01

Sherin Francis size-fits-all method for marketing Seychelles. Each market is different and requires special treatment, which is why we have representatives in those markets who can inform us about trends and market-specific considerations which need to be kept in mind. We then, in conjunction with our local ground handlers, formulate targeted strategies to win market share.

OT: How do you promote off-season travel?

SF: This is done by encouraging the local trade and where possible, the

airlines, to come up with competitive prices to encourage people to travel at a particular time. We also look at organising events at these times to further attract visitors.

OT: Are there any interesting projects in the pipeline you wish to highlight?

SF: There is always something going on in Seychelles tourism – we are closing in on our second international MCB Staysure Tour Golf Competition as we speak. We also have our participation in the 2020 Wold Expo in Dubai to take care of, which is a considerable undertaking considering the size of the expo – it’s a sixmonth-long event expected to attract 11 million foreign visitors.

In 2020 we also have our own celebration, for the 250th anniversary of the settlement of the Seychelles Islands. This celebration will see the

integration of the cultural dimension of our way of life with other tourism offerings – we want to bring it more to the fore.

OT: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit the Seychelles?

SF: Because Seychelles offers grand diversity in terms of its topography, ethnicity and culture. It has a broad range of tourism offerings such as diving, swimming, snorkelling, horse-riding, zip lining, walks and trails, spa and wellness holidays, sport fishing, sailing and cruising, golf and so much more. It also enjoys a pretty special climate – a year-round summer – and requires no visa!

OT: What are some of the most unique landmarks on the archipelago?

SF: Each island has its own character and story to tell. On Mahé, there are

more than 65 beaches and the lion’s share of tourism services, as well as great sailing, fishing and walks and trails. On Praslin it would have to be the Vallée de Mai where the world’s largest nut, the coco de mer, grows in a hidden valley. Meanwhile on La Digue you can look forward to an oldworld island lifestyle and one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.

OT: What trends are transforming the tourism industry in the Seychelles and how are you utilising them?

SF: New digital platforms are exploding onto the scene every day.

We are committed to the digital arena and to making the very most of it via hosting workshops for our trade partners, ploughing resources into creating new video and other content and using apps to advertise our attributes. We pride ourselves on

staying ahead of the curve.

OT: What challenges does the tourist industry in the Seychelles face?

SF: The same as the rest of the planet: the need to strike a balance between the need to develop and yet conserve what we have; combat the fallout from global warming; ensure we are always refreshing our tourism offerings and remaining faithful to our sustainability goals.

OT: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in the Seychelles?

SF: Yes, I am. That is not to say we don’t live in daunting times, but I do believe in the quality of our product and in our determination to make the best of them.

Seychelles Tourism Board info@seychelles.travel Outlook Travel issue 01 | 127

IN FOCUS

V I C TO R I A MOST TOURISTS VISITING the Seychelles head straight to their beachfront resorts. But we recommend taking time out to visit the islands’ capital, Victoria. Streets of colourful stone and wooden houses are nestled around an azure bay, against a backdrop of granite mountains. In this picturesque town, you’ll find much to entertain you.

If you’re interested in the islands’ flora and fauna, take a trip to the Natural History Museum or stroll through the botanical gardens, which boast a spice grove and a pen of giant tortoises. And no trip to Victoria would be complete without a visit to the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, where local produce is displayed 128 | Outlook Travel issue 01

alongside artwork and handicrafts.

Thanks to its oceanfront setting, it’s easy to access the Seychelles’ other locations from Victoria. There are frequent high-speed ferries to Praslin and La Digue. Or, if you’re sticking around, why not take a sunset cruise around the small islands lying just offshore?

Port of Victoria, recreational and commercial moorage around Hodoul Island

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130 | Outlook Travel issue 01

F O R U N I Q U E V I N TAG E ACCO M M O DAT I O N …

La Digue Island Lodge offers unique accommodation set in 17.51 acres of lush green gardens, with its own private beach. Stay in individual wooden chalets or the iconic Yellow House, a colonial property that’s been declared a national monument.

The hotel has a luxury spa and several restaurants, including Marmit, which serves a global menu with local ingredients.

Welcome to your home on our Island Paradise.

La Digue Island Lodge is one of the most unique and vintage establishments of Seychelles- surrounded by lush green environment and a private stretch of Beach.

The hotel is a time-honored establishment with its iconic Yellow House which dates back to the 1900’sthat transcends the Island’s tradition and way of life.

Enjoy the distinctive La Digue Island Lodge experiencerelax, unwind and indulge in our authentic Creole atmosphere. With sweeping views across the bay and Islands beyond it is an ideal setting to while away the day.

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OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS Et lat volupta alitatio dolupta tibusani unt modit unt volessed quae eribus et vel initin reiciae simaior sinulluptat que pore voluptat – Lonely Planet

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Relax by the clifftop pool or soak up the sun on the private beach. Visit the spa for a beauty treatment or head to Bounty Restaurant for an innovative menu inspired by authentic Creole-Seychellois dishes.

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132 | Outlook Travel issue 01

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SEYCHELLES TRAVEL GUIDE

PRASLIN: THE GARDEN OF EDEN? With its untouched forest and suggestive palm seeds, could Praslin really be the paradise mentioned in the bible?

IN 1881, GENERAL Charles Gordon set sail for a little-known archipelago off the East African coast.

He returned with a theory: “The Garden of Eden is at or near Seychelles. I could even put it at Praslin, a small isle 20 miles north of Mahé.” The site in question was an intensely forested valley, known as Vallée de Mai. So why did Gordon think he’d found Eden?

Stepping into the Vallée de Mai, one has the impression of entering a natural world that has been untouched for thousands of years. Prehistoric trees stretch upwards to impressive heights. The densely forested canopy is stippled with different shades of green. Small wonder that Gordon, in the face of such abundance, thought he had found Paradise.

But the main reason behind Gordon’s claim was his sighting of the coco de mer palm tree. When he first encountered one of these mysterious palms, he thought he had stumbled upon the Tree of Knowledge.

The rare coco de mer is renowned

134 | Outlook Travel issue 01

for its giant, suggestive seeds, which bear a resemblance to human reproductive organs. The “male” seeds have an elongated shape, while the “female” seeds are often compared to a voluptuous woman’s behind. Understandably, they have been treasured for their aphrodisiac qualities for hundreds of years.

Coco de mer seeds are the largest and heaviest in the world, reaching weights up to 30 kilos. The only place in the world where they grow naturally is Praslin and the neighbouring island of Curieuse – the heaviest concentration is in the Vallée de Mai. Whether or not you believe

Gordon’s claim, the paradisiacal qualities of the Vallée de Mai can’t be overstated.

The government has taken measures to ensure it remains unspoilt. The Vallée de Mai became a UNESCO-designated area in 1983 and is protected and maintained by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. The coco de mer seeds are strictly guarded by park rangers and their sale is strictly regulated – both tourists and locals need a permit to buy them.

Anyone caught stealing a seed faces up to five years in prison.

Despite these strict measures, it’s still possible for tourists to visit the park. You can take a free guided tour or a paid small group tour. Despite the park’s small size, it’s worth having a guide, as they can tell you more about the indigenous flora and fauna.

Look out for the rare black parrots, unique to the islands as they only nest in coco de mer trees.

To plan a visit to Vallée de Mai, visit the Seychelles Islands Foundation website.

The Vallée de Mai virgin forest on Praslin Island, Seychelles

PHOTO: CC BY-SA 3.0

Praslin Airport is situated on Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles archipelago. Daily flight services from Mahe island to Praslin operate from 5am

Coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica, Lodoicea) is a double coconut and is endemic to the islands of Praslin and Curieuse in the Seychelles

PHOTO BY BJØRN CHRISTIAN TØRRISSEN

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 135

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S ANSE MARRON If you want to get off the beaten track, visit this spectacular beach, only accessed by a two-kilometre hike from Anse Source d’Argent. It’s a great swimming spot, as imposing boulders create a natural, crystal-clear pool.

WHERE: La Digue, south coast

SEYCHELLES TRAVEL GUIDE

Savoy Resort & Spa, a unique combination of experiences and delightful service for long lasting memories The Savoy Resort & Spa is ideally nestled on Beau Vallon, the most popular beach on the island thanks to its calm, crystal clear waters and coral reefs. With a focus on first class facilities and superlative customer care, the Savoy Resort & Spa is the perfect oasis for enjoying what the Seychelles Islands has to offer.

The 163 large and luxuriously light and airy guestrooms and suites boast king-size beds with private balconies and glorious views of the garden or the Indian Ocean. With a choice of eateries to suit every palate, the Savoy Resort & Spa offers all day dining and specialty restaurants for your indulgence in authentic dishes.

The Savoy Resort & Spa offers the ultimate wellness experience with its unique 5000 sq.m haven of tranquility and state-of-theart fitness centre. From Yoga & Pilate classes to body scrubs using Seychelles’ purifying white sands, the Savoy Spa takes rejuvenation possibilities to the next level.

For Reservations:

+2484392000

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Outlook Travel issue 01 | 137

PHOTO BY SERGE MARIZY

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

ANSE LAZIO A regular contender on lists of the world’s best beaches, Anse Lazio is a sweep of white sand bordered with palm and takamaka trees, with a beachside restaurant offering food and refreshments.

WHERE: Praslin, north coast

138 | Outlook Travel issue 01

SEYCHELLES TRAVEL GUIDE

GETTING THERE AND AROUND THE SEYCHELLES’ ONLY international airport is located on Mahé, about eight kilometres from Victoria. It offers direct flights to a handful of destinations across Africa, Europe and Asia with carriers such as British Airways, Air France and Emirates. Meanwhile, Air Seychelles offers regular flights between Mahé and Praslin – other islands can be reached by helicopter.

It’s easy to travel around islands such as Mahé and Praslin on the extensive network of public buses. On smaller islands, tourists get around on foot or by bicycle. There are frequent ferry and catamaran services between Mahé, Praslin and la Digue, but to reach smaller islands you’ll need to charter a boat or book a tour.

ANSE VICTORIN, FRÉGATE Rent a private villa on Frégate Island, and you’ll get a chance to visit Anse Victorin, voted ‘the world’s best beach’ by The Times.

You’ll normally have the place to yourself – relax on one of the loungers or go on a snorkelling excursion.

PHOTO BY PATRICK JOUBERT / SEYCHELLES NEWS AGENCY

WHERE: Frégate Island Private, north coast

Mahe International Airport, Seychelles PHOTO: BY GERARD LAROSE, SEYCHELLES TOURISM BOARD

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 139

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

NAMIBIA Namibia is a country of rugged, otherworldly landscapes; a desert realm with a complex history and culturally diverse inhabitants Writer: Dani Redd | Project Manager: Joe Palliser

N

amibia is known for its sparse, otherworldly landscapes. It gets its name from the Namib, the world’s oldest desert; a sparse, windswept region extending 1,900 kilometres down Africa’s Atlantic coast. The desert is characterised by its red dunes, which plunge down towards the ocean at Sandwich Harbour and Skeleton Coast. It’s also known for its white clay and salt pans, such as Deadvlei, where there are hundreds of ossified trees.

Another scenic spot in the desert is Moon Landscape, named after its eerie, pockmarked topography.

But sightseeing in Namibia isn’t just about deserts.

Inland you’ll find the green-gold grasslands of the Kalahari, and rugged mountains such as the Brandberg, Spitzkoppe and Damaraland.

Tourists flock to Namibia to experience its remote corners. Hot air ballooning, sand boarding and offroad quad bike excursions are all popular activities.

When it comes to safaris, Namibia offers some unrivalled experiences – head to Etosha National Park to see big cats, elephants and black rhinos.

Namibia has a fascinating history. It was inhabited as early as 25,000 BC, with tribes such as Ovambo and Herero gradually migrating into the country. In the “Scramble for Africa” Namibia became a German colony, known as German South West Africa, in 1884. After over a century of bloody battles, Namibia finally gained independence in 1990. These days it’s a country rich in historical attractions and cultural diversity; a country with plenty of stories to tell.

Desert elephants, or desert-adapted elephants are not a distinct species of elephant but are African bush elephants (Loxodonta africana) that have made their homes in the Namib and Sahara deserts in Africa

THE BUSINESS OF

C O N S E R VAT I O N TOURISM IS BIG business in Namibia. According to projected figures, the Namibian hospitality industry will inject N$26.4 billion into the Namibian economy by 2020, through tourism and other value-added activities. That equates to 11.7 percent of Namibia’s overall GDP and is set to rise in subsequent years.

Namibia attracts visitors thanks to its untouched landscapes. As a result, the country recognises the interconnected nature between conservation, community development and tourism. They have established the innovative National Community-Based Natural Resource Management Program (CBNRM). It’s both a conservation and rural development initiative, aiming at both improving

142 | Outlook Travel issue 01

rural livelihoods and ensuring sustainable use of land and natural resources.

Conservancies are vast, unfenced sanctuaries where wildlife roam free. They cover over 17 percent of Namibia’s geographical area and generate significant income through both public and private initiatives, such as more than 40 joint venture tourism lodges. Money raised allows conservancies to cover their running costs and invest in community development projects. Conservancies employ local people to conduct annual wildlife counts, and as game guards, meaning they become custodians of their local environment. In Namibia, eco-tourism is one of the country’s greatest success stories.

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 143

INTERVIEW

T H E H O S P I TA L I T Y A S S O C I AT I O N O F N A M I B I A THE FOUNDERS OF HAN realised that tourism had an important role to play in the Namibian economy – they aim for national strategic collaboration and to influence decision-making at national level.

We sat down with Gitta Paetzold, CEO of HAN, to discuss the organisation’s vision, challenges and goals.

The Hospitality Association of Namibia, HAN, was founded in 1987 to represent the coordinated interests of the tourism accommodation sector in Namibia

Outlook Travel (OT): What is HAN’s vision as an organisation?

Gitta Paetzold (GP): HAN has made a promise to optimise the full potential of the Namibian Hospitality Industry, delivering unrivalled service to its members while contributing to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector in Namibia.

The HAN vision is to be recognised as the flagship representative body of the Namibian hospitality industry, and to promote and protect the collective interests of its members, while building partnerships.

144 | Outlook Travel issue 01

dation, but we also represent those in tourism publishing, catering, tourism activities and events management.

As a voluntary organisation, HAN can’t claim to be inclusive of the entire industry. But we can proudly state that this association represents the key stakeholders in commercial tourism accommodation, including all major hotel and lodge groups.

OT: What projects will HAN Namibia be focussing on in 2020 and the years that follow?

Gitta Paetzold OT: How has HAN Namibia progressed and developed since it started?

GP: We began with a membership base of a mere 16 establishments, and now represent nearly 400 entities.

These are mainly tourism accommo-

GP: HAN wishes to constantly identify and encourage the development of new exciting tourism products and destinations – “unlocking new horizons”, as it were. This is of importance, as Namibia is lucky to enjoy a high number of annual repeater visits.

For both them and newcomers, we are committed to regularly presenting something new and exciting.

To do this we work with our key

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Old German colonial buildings, Swakopmund

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia, in the country’s central highlands

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

partners and stakeholders, including our Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Namibia Tourism Board, tour operators, activity providers and many more. We firmly believe that “tourism is everyone’s business” – that everyone has a role to play in making Namibia a unique tourist destination.

OT: How does HAN Namibia plan to unlock new horizons and develop tourism infrastructure?

GP: HAN believes that a successful sustainable tourism industry lies not in numbers, but the quality of experience a visitor to this rugged, soulful country can expect. With arrival numbers nearly reaching 1.5 million, HAN is keen to contribute to new route developments, preventing

over-tourism in popular destinations.

2020 presents an exciting new opportunity for Namibia. There is now the opportunity for tourists to access areas once held by the diamond industry – areas that have been inaccessible to the public for decades and kept untouched, pristine. One such example is the Sperrgebiet, an enclosed diamond area.

The Hospitality Association of Namibia is working closely with strategic partners interested in preserving and promoting the extraordinary features of our country’s flora, its pristine environment and inspiring history.

We are “unlocking” the Sperrgebiet – opening up new tourism horizons in a sustainable, environmentally conscious and well-contemplated way. HAN are hosting a huge Tourism

Congress to debate and “unlock” this potential in June 2020 in Lüderitz.

OT: What challenges does HAN Namibia face, and how does it plan to overcome them?

GP: Tourism has been recognised as one of the four key pillars of the Namibian economy, yet it doesn’t enjoy the attention and development it deserves. Tourism necessitates an efficient infrastructure, such as good rail, road and air connectivity alongside telecommunications and global marketing. HAN realises the government have pressing social issues to attend to, and the challenge is to elevate tourism’s position on the national agenda.

A lack of funding and commitment has led HAN to realise the crucial

importance of effective collaboration with both public and private stakeholders. This will optimise Namibia’s chance to become one of Africa’s most desirable travel destinations.

OT: How would you say Namibia has developed in recent years as a tourism destination, and what are the reasons behind its growing appeal?

GP: “We are in it together” has been our mantra for several years – we find synergies and ways to collaborate to keep special areas attractive and accessible for tourists. One example is the Moon Landscape, a very special destination in the Namib Desert, yet increasingly under the focus of the uranium mining industry. We envisage the same will happen in the former mining area, the Sperrgebiet, which

Luderitz

Herero women proudly wearing traditional dress holds huge potential in terms of historical sites, flora and geology, and may attract a whole new type of tourist to this part of southwestern Africa.

It is this collaboration, and the sense of national pride in our history, cultural diversity and the unique features of Namibia that has set us apart from other travel destinations in the region. We believe that by focusing on what sets us apart from our neighbours, rather than competing with what they have to offer, we will develop a successful and growing tourism sector in Namibia.

We are also interested in developing cross-border packages with nations such as Botswana and South Africa, that we share borders and national attractions with.

OT: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

GP: Namibia has an amazing story – one of cultural diversity and intriguing history – and we believe that tourism is the perfect platform to help tell it. A young nation like Namibia has seen companies founded 100 years ago and more – some of whom, such as the Namibia Breweries, are

still excelling. Namibian beer enjoys a special status at home and abroad, due to the principle of sticking to “Reinheitsgebot”; only allowing the best ingredients to be used in the brew.

Good food and drink bring people together, and Namibia has some amazing natural ingredients, such as high-quality meat and oysters.

We produce great alcohol too, including devil’s claw gin, and the creamy liqueur unique to the Erongo Mountains. The food alone is reason to come and get a taste of Namibia.

OT: Why should tourists visit Namibia?

GP: Namibia is unique in its diversity, and a special place for people from all walks of life to explore. It offers a myriad of natural and socio-cultural experiences, leaving lasting memories for local inhabitants, expats and tourists from all walks of life. Namibia has something for everyone, whether your interests lie in history, culture, nature, geology or gourmet experiences.

Coming to Africa for a game viewing safari experience was the reality of yester-year – 2020 and beyond holds many more surprises for visitors to Namibia.

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 147

THE SPERRGEBIET Namibia’s Newest National Park THE SPERRGEBIET (WHICH means ‘forbidden territory’) – also known as Tsau Khaeb National Park – is Namibia’s newest national park, covering around 26,000 km2. It has been closed to the public for almost a century, after diamonds were discovered in the area.

Although this was done to protect the area’s mineral wealth, it also helped conserve the area’s biodiversity. This is important since the area forms part of the Succulent Karoo Biome, a unique ecosystem which

has the highest diversity of succulent flora in the world. Scientists have classified it as one of the world’s top 25 biodiversity hotspots. However, the scenery of dunes and mountains is dramatically stark.

One of the park’s most unique attractions is Kolmanskop ghost town. Once it was a prosperous mining community. But now sand blows through the abandoned houses and slowly erodes the walls. It’s possible to take guided tours of this lonely landscape.

The national government and tourism agencies are devoting 2020 to developing new tourism routes in and around the park, as well as improving infrastructure. These routes will include former mining hubs such as Oranjemund, a town looking to open up to tourism with new hotels and activities.

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Kolmanskop ghost town

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 149

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS E AT: F OFROB DG THTOREAV ESTRS… RUW I NED K ’E S LBLE LOV E D R E STAU R A N T… Joe’s Beer House Joe’s Beerhouse is one of Namibia’s best-known restaurants, and rightfully so. Situated in the heart of Windhoek, it’s renowned for its great atmosphere and sizzling steak house menu, which includes exotic meats such as oryx. It puts on fantastic live music events and offers a shuttle bus service, so you don’t need to worry about having one pint too many.

DO: F O R H OT A I R B A L LO O N S OV E R D E S E R T DUNES… Namib Sky Balloon Safaris F O R SA N D - B OA R D I N G A DV E N T U R E S …

Alter Action Sandboarding F O R B E S P O K E A DV E N T U R E SA FA R I S . . .

Kunene Safaris at Khowarib Lodge

DRINK: F O R CO C KTA I L S A N D C I T Y L I G H TS …

Sky Bar at Hilton Hotel F O R A S H E B E E N -T H E M E D B A R …

Oshebeena Bar at Etosha Safari Lodge FOR TRADITIONAL NAMIBIAN CUISINE… Xwama Cultural Village and Traditional Restaurant F O R A U N I Q U E LO C AT I O N …

The Tug Restaurant FOR LOCAL, FREE-RANGE MEAT PRODUCTS...

MEATCO

SLEEP: F O R S H I PW R E C K E D C A B I N S I N T H E D E S E R T… Shipwreck Lodge F O R U P M A R K E T E CO -TO U R I S M …

Damaraland Camp F O R D E S E R T LUXU RY… Little Kulala 150 | Outlook Travel issue 01

FOR WINE WITH URBAN FLAIR… The Wine Bar & Wine Shop

SCAN AND BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW

So much more than just another restaurant. For people who still dream of a truly great escape. +264 61 232 457 | info@joesbeerhouse.com | www.joesbeerhouse.com

SOSSUSVLEI A vast salt and clay pan surrounded by a landscape of undulating red dunes.

LANDMARK AT T R A C T I O N S

SANDWICH HARBOUR At this deserted harbour, dunes of up to a hundred metres high plunge dramatically down into the ocean.

CAPE CROSS SEAL RESERVE This reserve has a breeding colony of more than 100,000 Cape fur seals.

152 | Outlook Travel issue 01

NAMIBIA TRAVEL GUIDE

“Where true adventure begins” Khowarib Lodge & Safaris offers guests a true outdoor getaway, providing luxury Kunene Accommodation set alongside the Hoanib river and in the beautiful Khowarib Gorge

KHOWARIB LODGE OFFERS: A warm and welcoming atmosphere

Comfortable accommodation

Friendly and helpful staff

Good and plentiful food

Tel/Fax (Office hours) +264 64 402 779 Cell (Lodge direct) +264 81 219 3291 Email reservations@khowarib.com www.khowarib.com

LOCAL PRODUCTS, INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Namibia is proud to be among the SADC countries that export to niche markets. Meatco serves premium market segments as its products are of international standards.

CAffairs@meatco.com.na | www.meatco.com.na

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 153

Our bi-monthly roundup of some of the world’s most intriguing events, from a kite festival to an ice-sculpture extravaganza

HOGMANY WHAT: In Scotland, New Years is known as ‘Hogmany’, and the Scots know how to celebrate it in style.

The epicentre of the festivities is in Edinburgh – last year, 165,994 people attended. Hogmany kicks off on 30th December with a torchlit procession through the streets. On 31st December there are a host of musical offerings, ranging from a ceilidh – a Scottish folk dancing event – to Ibiza-style club anthems. The countdown begins a minute before midnight and once the clock strikes twelve, you’ll be treated to a spectacular firework display.

WHERE: Edinburgh, Scotland UK WHEN: 30th December – 1st January WEB: www.edinburghshogmanay. com

154 | Outlook Travel issue 01

HARBIN ICE AND SNOW FESTIVAL WHAT: The world’s largest snow and ice carnival, this multi-venue event celebrates all things cold. In Zhaolin Park you’ll find an ice festival and ice lantern show, where the larger-than-life designs are lit up at night. Harbin Snow and Ice Amusement World hosts various activities, including snow and ice sculptures, ski fields, ice skating rinks and sleigh rides. Time your visit to coincide with Chinese New Year on the 25th January and enjoy the extra celebrations on offer.

WHERE: Harbin, China WHEN: 20th December – 20th February WEB: www.harbinice.com

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

VENICE CARNIVAL WHAT: Carnival (or Carnevale) is one of Italy’s biggest celebrations, taking place in the days leading up to Lent. Traditionally, Lent involved 40 days of fasting and abstinence – people had to get rid of their rich food and drink, with celebratory feasts, beforehand, which was how Carnevale originated. Today’s Carnevale celebration in Venice lasts for two weeks, and consists of a series of opulent masked balls, shows and parades. While some of the events have a cover charge, there are plenty of free public spectacles, such as street performances and a candle-lit boat parade.

WHERE: Venice, Italy WHEN: 8th – 25th February WEB: www.venice-carnival-italy.com

JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL WHAT: The world’s largest free literary festival (attended by 558,000 people last year), it offers a platform for writers and thinkers to discuss their work. The event has a global focus, with 2020 offering 226 sessions in 27 different languages, including English. Previous notable speakers include Nobel Laureate J.M Coetzee and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. This year’s line-up so far includes Simon Armitage, former UK Poet Laureate, and Jung Chang, who has sold more than 50 million books worldwide.

WHERE: Jaipur, India WHEN: 23rd – 27th January WEB: www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org

INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL WHAT: The Indian state of Gujarat celebrates more than 200 festivals each year. One of the most popular is the International Kite Festival, which brings together master kite makers and flyers from around the globe.

From dawn to dusk the skies are full of kites, ranging from Malaysian waubalang kites to Chinese flying dragons and banner-kites from the USA. Flyers battle with nearby kite flyers by trying to cut their kite strings and bring them down. For the duration of the festival, a dedicated kite market, Patang Bazaar, is set up in the old city.

WHERE: Ahmedabad WHEN: 6th – 14th January WEB: www.ikf.gujarattourism.com Outlook Travel issue 01 | 155

INDUSTRY EVENTS

NDUSTRY EVENTS Our bi-monthly listing of some of the most important events and conferences in the travel industry

AIME The Asia Pacific Incentives Meetings Event is the leading trade fair for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. Taking place over three days, AIME provides a forum for buyers and over 400 exhibitors to connect and do business together. A pre-scheduled appointment system will allow over 14,000 meetings to take place. There are also plenty of knowledge exchange events, workshops and talks from industry experts in a friendly, welcoming environment.

WHERE: Melbourne, Australia WHEN: 18th – 20th February WEB: www.aime.com.au

ADVENTURE TRAVEL SHOW This is the UK’s only dedicated adventure travel exhibition, which brings together specialist travel companies and experts. Now in its 24th year, it’s the place to go for travel planning tips and inspirational advice. There are over 70 free talks from professional photographers, writers, explorers and adventurers, discussing destinations around the world. Specialist seminars by expedition leaders and pioneering adventure magazines such as Wanderlust teach you the skills for planning expeditions and travel writing. There is also an exhibition of 120 adventure travel providers to suit every budget and interest, from volunteering to yacht cruises.

WHERE: London, United Kingdom WHEN: 18th – 19th January 2020 WEB: www.adventureshow.com 156 | Outlook Travel issue 01

WORLD TRAVEL MARKET AFRICA One of the six shows in the WTM portfolio, the event was launched in 2014 to bring the benefits, expertise and opportunities of the global industry to travel professionals in Africa.

Mirrored on WTM’s flagship events, WTM London and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, WTM Africa also delivers a mix of scheduled appointments, networking opportunities, media and evening functions. There will be more than 738 exhibitors and buyers from over 100 different countries, providing attendees with vital content and contacts.

One of the first tourism conferences in the world, FITUR is the leading trade fair for Latin American markets, and a must-visit for tourism professionals.

2019’s event saw 10,487 companies from 165 countries and regions in attendance, as well as 142,642 trade visitors and 110,848 members of the general public. There were also 8,000 journalists at the expo. FITUR is a great forum for promoting brands, presenting new travel offerings, and educating yourself about the latest trends in the industry. It’s also an invaluable networking opportunity.

WHERE: Cape Town, South Africa WHEN: 6th – 8th April 2020 WEB: www.africa.wtm.com

WHERE: Barcelona, Spain WHEN: 22nd – 26th January WEB: www.ifema.es/en/fitur

FITUR

Outlook Travel issue 01 | 157

THE LAST STOP EYRARBAKKI, ICELAND

EYRARBAKKI

THE LAST S T O P.

158 | Outlook Travel issue 01

( P O P U L AT I O N 5 4 0 ) THE SMALL TOWN of Eyrarbakki is located on Iceland’s windswept southern coast. It was once one of Iceland’s most active trading villages but docking in the harbour proved difficult, and its importance diminished. Now Eyrarbakki is known as a ‘museum town’, preserving Icelandic heritage.

Húsið – the House – is one of Iceland’s oldest houses, built in 1765 out of black-painted timber, when most Icelanders lived in turf houses.

Back then, it was one of the most important manors on the island; the centre for art, fashion and European culture. It’s now a heritage museum, with the interiors preserved in their original state. Now visitors can peek inside each room to get a taste of what life in Iceland used to be like – in the drawing room, photographs illustrate the history of the house.

The town has several other museums, including the greenpainted Assistentahús, which is where the owner of the general store lived.

There’s also the Eggjahúsið, where

you’ll find a collection of Icelandic bird’s eggs lovingly collected by a former store manager, Peter Nielsen.

As you walk along the main street, you’ll catch sight of a memorial dedicated to drowned fishermen and those lost at sea – something you’ll see in most Icelandic villages.

Hide from the cold with a visit to Rauða Húsið Restaurant – it’s renowned for serving one of the best lobster bisques on the island.

On either side of Eyrarbakki, beaches of black volcanic sand stretch for miles. For many months of the year, these shores are battered by waves and storms. But occasionally the sun comes out, making the sand gleam like obsidian.

Walk west out of the village and you’ll encounter a sign which reads “Next stop: South Pole, 10,632 miles.”

If you travelled south across the ocean from this point, you wouldn’t reach land until the ice-covered shores of Lyddan Island, in Greater Antarctica.

It’s a long and lonely journey that few would care to take.

travel magazine

Solomon Islands told us their story...

ISSUE 01

w w w. o u t l o o k t r a v e l m a g . c o m

PAPUA NEW GUINEA Travel’s last frontier

NAMIBIA

Otherworldly desert landscapes

EUROPE’S CHRISTMAS MARKETS Five festive picks

A GUIDE TO THE

SOLOMON ISLANDS Interview with Graeme Green, a photographer who has travelled the world from Ecuador to Antarctica

ISLANDS SOLOMON

has travelled the world from Ecuador to Antarctica Interview with Graeme Green, a photographer who

T

he unrelenting demand to travel, both for business and leisure purposes, is showing no signs of slowing up, and for Outlook Publishing, the growing extent to which we are covering this industry across our existing titles has led to the launch of Outlook Travel magazine.

The major component of the publication takes the form of our Outlook Travel Guides, providing executives, avid travellers and our existing 575,000 international subscribers with the ultimate rundown of all the major economic drivers and thriving hubs across the world, with exclusive input from tourism industry associations and stakeholders – the people who know these places the best.

You can join the vast numbers of tourism sector players enjoying the exposure we provide across our digital and print platforms with a range of options, from advertising through to free-of-charge editorials, extensive social media saturation, enhanced B2B networking opportunities, and a readymade forum to attract new investment and increase exposure.

For further information, visit www.outlooktravelmag.com

Now why not tell us yours?

A GUIDE TO THE

Five festive picks

MARKETS CHRISTMAS EUROPE’S

Travel’s last frontier

GUINEA PAPUA NEW

landscapes Otherworldly desert

NAMIBIA

IT’S HIGH TIME BUSINESS MEETS LEISURE

Situated in the heart of Menlyn Maine, The Maslow Time Square is Sun International’s 238-room specialist business hotel. Not only a destination for professionals, but a portal for travellers. Boasting 17 floors that offer everything from business to leisure with tempting eateries, a relaxing business lounge and 13 bespoke conference rooms.

For the perfect balance of business and pleasure, be our guest.

THE MASLOW TIME SQUARE

209 Aramist Avenue, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa Tel: 0860 846 377 / 0860 TIMESQ Central Reservations: +27 11 780 7800 timesquare.reservations@suninternational.com