6.3.2019 TTG Show Daily ITB Berlin 4
In the spotlight
Linking Mauritius to the world
Codesharing and trade collaboration are key strategies for Air Mauritius in maintaining a competitive edge,
the airline’s vice president communications and corporate affairs, Prem Sewpaul, tells Paige Lee Pei Qi
What is Air Mauritius doing to court the
European market?
We offer longhaul direct flights which
have helped Air Mauritius to stay com-
petitive over the years. We currently op-
erate two daily direct flights to our Paris
Charles de Gaulle hub with our partner
Air France, from where we offer 40 code-
share destinations. We also operate mul-
tiple frequencies to Amsterdam, our sec-
ond hub in Europe, which connects to 50
codeshare destinations.
Additionally we have maintained a
presence in London Heathrow and Ge-
neva. Air Mauritius offers its best product
in the European market, which is mainly
served by the Airbus A350-900 equipped
with state-of-the-art facilities.
Which are the latest connections that
will appeal to the European market?
Air Mauritius flies to 22 direct destina-
tions in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and
the Indian Ocean.
These include hubs at key locations that
we operate in collaboration with airline
partners. Our partner at Paris Charles de
Gaulle and Amsterdam is the Air France-
KLM group. In addition to the codeshare
destinations, we have comprehensive in-
terline agreements with several European
carriers to offer an even broader range of
options.
What new connections are on Air Mau-
ritius’ network expansion radar?
We are planning seasonal operations to
Milan and Seoul in November 2019.
fective sales and distribution.
These initiatives complement our own
efforts to enhance our presence in emerg-
ing sales channels like the digital media.
We also maintain close partnerships with
local partners including the tourism office
to improve market reach and exposure.
What are the key challenges in attract-
ing the European market, and how is
Air Mauritius overcoming that?
Demand has been under pressure in key
markets in Europe over the last two dec-
ades. There has been economic volatility,
and Mauritius has had to face competi-
tion from destinations that are cheaper
and nearer to Europe. The European mar-
kets are also highly seasonal.
To overcome the challenges, we offer
competitive prices. We have also de-
ployed an improved product with
our new generation aircraft. The
service offering on ground and
inflight has also improved.
Air Mauritius works in
close collaboration with
trade partners for more ef-
A millennial approach
Santika Indonesia Hotels & Resorts’ general manager of corpo-
rate business development and marketing communication, L
Sudarsana, tells Paige Lee Pei Qi why the group’s new hospital-
ity concept will appeal to a new generation of travellers
What new product from Santika
will appeal to the European mar-
ket?
We have introduced Kampi Hotels
in 2018, a new hospitality concept
targeting young and dynamic souls
with a crafted hospitality experi-
ence. We are also keen to showcase
our newest property under The
Royal Collection, The Kayana
in Lombok, which offers
32 villas with magnificent
views of Malimbu Beach. international chains. However,
we are confident that we will be
seen as one of the best choices
for accommodation as we are
very committed to introducing
an authentic Indonesian touch
and value to our guests.
Which source markets
from Europe are ex-
pected to do well for
Santika in 2019?
Mostly Germany, Po-
land and Holland. We
are targeting Europe-
an millennials. We have
introduced
Kampi Hotels, a
new hospitality
concept targeting
young and
dynamic souls
with a crafted
hospitality
experience.
As a homegrown ho-
tel group from Indo-
nesia, how does San-
tika stand out amid
greater
competition
and grow your European
market share?
It is a challenge for us as a lo-
cal brand to stand out from
Demand has been
under pressure
in key markets in
Europe over the last
two decades. There
has been economic
volatility, and
Mauritius had to face
competition from
destinations that are
cheaper and nearer
to Europe.
Building
up a new
haven
Pramana Experience’s
director, I Nyoman
Sudirga Yusa, shines
light on the hotel
management
company’s latest
luxury retreat in Bali. By Paige Lee Pei Qi
What is Pramana Experience
doing to court the European
market?
We have been joining travel
shows in Europe over the last
five years. This helps us a lot
as we are able to showcase our
brand and also enter into the
European market.
Which new products from
Pramana will appeal to the
European market?
Our newly launched five-star
resort, The Kayon Jungle Resort,
will highly appeal to the Europe-
ans. It is located at Bresela Vil-
lage, which is approximately 25
minutes away from Ubud. The
resort is designed for travellers
who are looking for a luxuri-
ous nature retreat. One of the
resort’s key highlights is the
three-level terraced swimming
pool that resembles the famous
Tegalalang rice terrace.
What are the key challenges in
attracting the European mar-
ket, and how is Pramana over-
coming that?
As a new property brand, it can
be hard to showcase our brand.
That is why we are participat-
ing in such travel shows to raise
awareness about the company.