Asia’s leading DMC credits new authentic tourism experiences for increased sales growth    DTH Travel, formerly Diethelm Travel, reported a significant sales boom in 2023, after the launch of their new brand, more than doubling their sales figures compared to 2022 and exceeding their targets by over 25%. The positive growth continues into 2024, with January sales figures showing a nearly 40% increase for the same month in 2023.   “This period of huge growth is testament to our rebrand to DTH Travel last year which has clearly defined who we are to our trade partners. Refining our product and re-positioning ourselves as pioneers of authentic travel experiences has had a very positive impact on sales because we can meet the growing demand, drawing on our team's outstanding local experience, knowledge and community connections” said Stephan Roemer, CEO of DTH Travel.   DTH Travel has identified their top selling destinations as the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Interest in Japan continues to grow steadily and to cater for this, DTH is making preparations to open a new office in Japan in 2024. They also note increased curiosity about China again; the last country in the region to reopen fully after the pandemic, it is finally back on travellers’ radars.   DTH also reports that demand for authentic travel products is trending; those that offer opportunities for travellers to have more intimate and personal interactions with their chosen destinations.   “Recognising this, we are focusing on developing and delivering even more sustainably focused experiences that highlight the unique aspects of our top selling destinations. We are proud of the new tours we’ve created for 2024, that ensure surprising adventures and heartwarming experiences for both first time and repeat visitors” added Roemer.   Encouraging travellers to make small steps and reduce carbon footprint where possible, DTH has created a NEW 11-day Laos Explorer tour which has reimagined how to navigate the country through various forms of public and private transportation. They have also introduced a NEW ‘slow travel’ 9-day Cycling Holiday in North Vietnam, a unique tour that allows active individuals of all ages to explore the remote mountains of North Vietnam on 2 wheels, each day offering a new scenic backdrop, a new host community, and opportunities to interact with the locals.   DTH have also curated new tours very much focused on CSR, local guides, cultural exchanges and homestays for sale through the trade.   In Sri Lanka, a visit to Kayanwala Pahala Wewa village, where time stands still amidst serene landscapes, sees tourists immerse themselves in traditional rural ways of life interacting with friendly villagers to learn about their customs and traditions.   In Malaysia, there are several new community based, eco-edutourism itineraries that provide a raw cultural immersion with a homestay in remote villages. The ‘Ngepuh Hide it Out’ tour is a great way of doing a nature trip guided by the local community.   In Cambodia, the ‘2 Faces of Life Walking Tour’ supports education for underprivileged children, combining a visit to the foundation to interact with the class and help them learn English by speaking with tourists before walking the quiet backstreets of shanty villages in Phnom Penh. Similarly, their Lotus Farm Tour in Siem Reap reveals the manufacturing practices of eco-friendly textiles while providing jobs to vulnerable women.   Distinctive tours like these are setting DTH Travel apart highlighting their commitment to CSR and socio-economic values as a brand.   DTH’s most popular tours have also been reimagined, designed for travellers to experience even the most popular countries, such as Thailand, through new eyes. For example, the ‘Thai-lights’ tour includes 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites (Ayutthaya, the Ancient Town of Si Tep, and Sukhothai). Thai culture is brought to life through interactive workshops such as traditional ceremonial drum-making and creating natural cosmetics using age-old techniques passed down through generations. Authentic Thai food is brought to life through a traditional vegetarian lunch with a Karen hill tribe village.   With an inspiring lineup of new tours on sale, that truly shine a light on cultural heritage, DTH Travel is proud to offer an exciting and dynamic portfolio of tours to the trade, confident they can continue to help meet the demands of consumers evolving sustainable and more authentic travel preferences, genuinely providing unique experiences whilst supporting destinations for the better.   The DTH Travel team, with representatives from 10 destinations across Asia, will be at ITB Berlin if you would like to find out more. Contact David Carlaw, Director of Sales.

  DTH Travel, a 66-year-old Thai tourism company, specializes in the FIT and MICE markets across 13 Southeast Asian destinations. Despite the pandemic, the company maintains a stable staff with an average loyalty of 14 years, says Stephan Roemer,  DTH CEO. Under new ownership since 2022, the company underwent a rebranding, focusing on tour reinvention to meet evolving travel demands. They also implemented a state-of-the-art IT system to enhance services. With over 300 permanent staff across 13 countries, DTH Travel is a B2B company targeting travel agents and tour operators. Their rebranded website, DTH, serves as a platform for clients to explore services and make contact.  

Asia DMC Diethelm Travel has seen booking numbers soar pass pre-Covid levels by more than 50%. The DMC reached a pivotal sales milestone earlier this year, welcomed two new regional General Manager's to the team and launched new products. Last month it won seven awards at this year's World Travel Awards. Stephan Roemer, CEO said: "This year's wins are testament to the company's ongoing growth.” “As of July the business had exceeded its 2019 booking numbers, by more than 50%. This accomplishment showcases the company's resilience." Under the guidance a new management team, Diethelm Travel has taken a new strategic direction. It has been focusing on Asia holiday product development and diversification. "Encounters and authentic experiences are now the top priority." added Roemer. The DMC has introduced new Asia tours and dynamic packaging options, making it easier for partners to package travel experiences for customers. In Thailand, the new collection offers hands-on experiences with a focus on the true culture, rhythm and spirit of Thai life, says Bangkok office head, Stefan Bruns. "For us, sustainable travel is a promise, not just a slogan: you can see that in our new tours," Bruns said. Vietnam is also at the forefront of Diethelm's product development. Diethelm has reimagined a classic nine-day tour adding in more local experience touch points with communities. A new motorcycle tour to Vietnam's first rum distillery, just south of Hoi An, offers guests the chance to meet local farmers. Diethelm Travel will present various new Asia holiday products at WTM 2023 and updating partners on key news and developments. They will be at stand S9-124 with the General Managers from the Philippines, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Diethelm Travel is a destination management company specialising in tailor-made travel with offices in 3 Asian countries.