Discovery travel channel hits air after Alive's exit

<p>SINGAPORE: Discovery Networks Asia has launched its third pay-TV </p><p>channel - Discovery Travel & Adventure - to capitalise on interest in </p><p>travel and to reach a younger audience of 18 to 44 year olds. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Citing an Asia Market Intelligence report it had commissioned, Discovery </p><p>said the travel market in the regional travel market was worth USdollars </p><p>500 million. Its director of marketing and communications, Kevin Dickie, </p><p>said there was demand for a full-time travel channel as "people in the </p><p>region don't have confidence in travel agents". He added: "They still </p><p>book holidays through agents but when researching their holiday people </p><p>turn to other sources for information." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>He said the move is a natural brand extension, as Discovery is about </p><p>providing knowledge and information in an entertaining way. With Alive </p><p>Networks' demise (media May 25), Dickie said the new venture now had no </p><p>direct competitor. Discovery has spoken to online travel companies about </p><p>developing a web presence. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>New Zealand pay-TV operator Saturn is the first to broadcast the </p><p>channel. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The response from Discovery's other pay-TV service has been extremely </p><p>positive, said Dickie, adding that Discovery is confident it will have </p><p>region-wide coverage by Christmas. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>