SYDNEY, 26 June 2025: A new era of visibility and consumer trust has begun for ATIA-accredited businesses with the launch of TravelTick, the national directory showcasing accredited travel professionals across Australia.
Developed to drive consumer enquiries directly to accredited members, TravelTick (www.traveltick.com.au) presents only ATIA-accredited businesses. It highlights their credibility, showcases their services and specialisations, and makes it easier than ever for Australians to book with confidence.
Photo credit: ATIA.
With over 120,000 consumers visiting ATIA’s platforms in the past year, the demand for trusted travel providers is clear, ATIA said in a press statement.
TravelTick answers this call, enabling consumers to search, discover, review and enquire with accredited operators who have met Australia’s leading travel business standards.
All accredited businesses have been pre-loaded into the directory, and members are now invited to update their profiles with images, descriptions, niche specialisations and service information. A step-by-step tutorial is available via the Members Centre at atia.travel.
TravelTick is the latest milestone in ATIA’s work to raise consumer awareness, enhance member value, and emphasise the importance of booking with an ATIA-accredited business.
ATIA CEO Dean Long commented: “TravelTick gives the industry and searching consumers what they’ve been asking for — a simple, trusted way to find qualified travel professionals. We know that making it easier to find an accredited agent or tour operator is what our members want us to do.
“This is about positioning our members as the most credible, consumer-ready providers in the market. In light of recent non-accredited businesses entering insolvency, it has never been more important to make it easier for people to find our members.
“We’re continuing to deliver practical tools that connect travellers to accredited businesses, grow enquiries, and elevate the industry as a whole. We have a planned, progressive rollout of new features that will make this a leading source of information for the trade and consumers.”
About ATIA www.atia.travel The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s AUD69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs.
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 June 2025: Airlines based in the Asia Pacific are reporting continued growth in international passenger demand, supported by robust leisure traffic across the region, according to preliminary May 2025 traffic figures released Thursday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).
Air cargo markets also posted further gains, although the pace of growth moderated due to weaker export activity from key manufacturing economies.
The region’s carriers registered a 10.4% year-over-year increase in international passengers carried, reaching a combined total of 31.2 million for the month. In revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) terms, demand rose by 11.3%, surpassing the 9.5% expansion in available seat capacity. Consequently, the average international passenger load factor increased by 1.3 percentage points to 80.7%.
Meanwhile, international air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by 3% year-on-year in May. Weaker export volumes on the US-China route, partly due to the removal of tax-free exemptions for low-value goods, were offset by increased shipments to other markets. Offered freight capacity rose by 1.3% year-on-year, resulting in a one percentage point increase in the average international freight load factor to 62.8% for the month.
Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said: “Air travel demand in the Asia Pacific region continued to see sustained growth on the back of strong leisure and business traffic.
“Overall, during the first five months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 158 million international passengers, a 12% increase over the same period the previous year. In the air cargo markets, international freight demand registered 4.5% growth, supported by front-loading of shipments and rerouting of goods to other gateways amidst mounting economic headwinds.”
Looking ahead, Menon noted: “Continued improvements in air connectivity are expected to support growth in travel demand. Nevertheless, Asia Pacific carriers face an increasingly challenging operating environment shaped by rising trade and geopolitical tensions, persistent supply chain constraints, and more frequent overflight diversions due to airspace closures in conflict zones. Additionally, fuel prices may remain volatile if the Middle East conflict persists.
“Meanwhile, air cargo markets are expected to come under pressure from weakening export orders, although shifts in trade routes could help mitigate some of the impact. Overall, the region’s carriers are well-placed to adapt to evolving market conditions, supported by strong regional economies that are expanding in tandem with their aviation markets.”
ABU DHABI, 27 June 2025: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has begun operating its Airbus A380 on daily flights to Toronto, boosting capacity by 31% and marking a new chapter in the airline’s long-standing commitment to Canada ahead of its 20th anniversary.
Etihad’s A380 was welcomed with a water-cannon salute at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Tuesday, 24 June.
Photo credit: Etihad.
The upgraded service introduces Etihad’s flagship A380 aircraft to Canadian skies for the first time. This includes the airline’s award-winning First Apartments and the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, The Residence, offering an exceptional flying experience for guests on the route between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada.
The increased capacity responds to strong demand for travel between the UAE and Canada, particularly across business, leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segments.
Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De said: “We are proud to introduce the A380 and offer guests flying between Abu Dhabi and Canada an extraordinary new travel experience with Etihad. Toronto has been a cornerstone of our North American network since 2005 when we became the first Gulf region airline to operate flights to Canada. The introduction of our flagship aircraft on this route reflects our deep commitment to the Canadian market.”
Etihad’s A380 features 486 seats across four cabins, including:
The Residence: A private three-room suite with a living room, bedroom and an ensuite bathroom with a shower. First Apartments: Nine fully enclosed suites with personal space, 80-inch lie-flat beds and a separate ottoman seat. Business Studios: 70 lie-flat seats with aisle access, premium dining and exclusive access to The Lobby, a serviced lounge in the sky. Economy Smart Seats: 405 seats with fixed-wing headrests and adjustable support, including 68 extra legroom seats.
Abu Dhabi Stopover
Guests flying to or from Canada via Abu Dhabi can also take advantage of Etihad’s stopover programme, which provides a complimentary one- or two-night hotel stay in Abu Dhabi for passengers with connecting flights through the city.
The stopover is included in your flight ticket, with no extra charges for the hotel, and is an exclusive offer for travellers flying with Etihad Airways. The Etihad Airways boarding pass also acts as an Abu Dhabi Pass, offering discounts at attractions and dining experiences.
BANGKOK, 26 June 2025: WorldHotels, part of BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality network, has continued to expand its presence in Vietnam with the signing of Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences, a spectacular new luxury project that becomes the inaugural WorldHotels™ Residences in Ho Chi Minh City.
Unveiled in a prestigious event at the Phu Long Pavilion, this remarkable new development will feature a collection of 74 villas and 424 apartment units, all featuring stylish, contemporary interiors and equipped with five-star amenities for discerning residents.
Photo: BWH.
Nestled on Nguyen Huu Tho Boulevard in the verdant southern corridor of Ho Chi Minh City, Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences will be surrounded by thoughtfully designed green spaces, meandering waterways, and international facilities such as schools, hospitals, retail malls and financial services.
Opening in 2026, this striking new landmark will redefine luxury living by offering an exceptional suite of hotel-style amenities. Residents will enjoy a full-service experience, including a welcoming reception and concierge desk, round-the-clock security, personalised housekeeping, laundry services, private catering, chauffeured transportation, pet care, technical maintenance, and indulgent in-home spa and wellness treatments.
As part of the development’s signature “Lux-Well” lifestyle philosophy, residents can also unwind at the serene Onsen Clubhouse — a tranquil retreat designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
In addition, all villa owners will receive Platinum membership in BWH Hotels’ global loyalty program, unlocking a world of benefits and privileges at properties worldwide.
BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin, comments: “We are proud to bring WorldHotels’ renowned standards of world-class hospitality to Essensia Sky and Parkway Saigon WorldHotels Residences – an imposing new development in an up-and-coming district of Ho Chi Minh City. Every resident will be treated with the same care and distinction as a VIP guest, enjoying a thoughtfully curated lifestyle that reflects the highest levels of comfort, service, and excellence.”
This latest signing marks the continued expansion of WorldHotels Residences in Vietnam, following the 2024 debut of Noble Crystal Tay Ho WorldHotels Residences in Hanoi. As demand for premium-branded residences rises across the country and the region, BWH Hotels remains committed to expanding its presence in Vietnam’s most vibrant and rapidly developing locations.
About WorldHotels WorldHotels is a privately held hotel soft brand within the BWHHotels global enterprise. Founded by independent hoteliers dedicated to the art of hospitality, WorldHotels offers one of the finest portfolios of independent hotels and resorts worldwide, expertly curated to inspire unique, life-enriching experiences that connect people and places. WorldHotels comprises four unique collections, each with its own personality and style, appealing to the needs of today’s traveller. The collections include WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Crafted and WorldHotels Distinctive. Visit: WorldHotels.com.
KUCHING, 26 June 2025: The 28th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 concluded after an uplifting and unifying weekend inspired by this year’s theme, ‘Connections: One Earth, One Love’.
Now in its 28th edition, RWMF continues to evolve beyond music, offering an immersive journey that bridges continents, cultures, and communities through rhythm, sustainability, and shared humanity.
Siberian sensation Otyken electrifies the RWMF 2025 stage with a powerful fusion of Indigenous sound and modern beats. (Photo credit: APAC Now).
Held at the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village against the backdrop of Mount Santubong, the festival welcomed a record turnout of world music fans from 20 to 22 June. Over 200 musicians from 20 countries participated this year, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary music that spanned from West African percussion to Māori soul, Indigenous chants, and modern fusion.
The headline performance by Otyken was a standout moment on the opening day, entrancing the crowd with a powerful blend of Siberian Indigenous vocals, throat singing, and modern electronic fusion. Thailand’s The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band brought their signature psychedelic Molam groove to the stage. At the same time, Sarawak’s own Meruked added emotional depth with their evocative blend of Bornean heritage and post-rock soundscapes.
“This year’s theme, ‘Connections: One Earth, One Love’, was more than a slogan — it is our call to action,” said Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor. “We are not just gathering for music, we are here to celebrate unity, honour the Earth, and amplify the message of sustainability through cultural exchange. The world needs connection now more than ever.”
Day one also marked the closing of the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) 2025, during which youth leaders from across the region participated in sustainability workshops, cultural dialogues, and creative exchanges. The transition from RAYS to RWMF underlined the continuity between young voices and global rhythms – a powerful connection that defines the festival’s spirit.
RWMF 2025 has established itself as a beacon of environmental stewardship. Building on its previous achievements, the festival reaffirmed its commitment to planting 10,000 trees by 2027, with a portion of every ticket going towards reforestation programmes. Single-use plastics are banned on-site, and visitors are encouraged to refill, reuse, and recycle through clearly marked Eco Stations and water stations.
Supported by an array of dedicated sponsors and partners, the festival united music lovers, environmental advocates, and changemakers in a shared mission of connection, conservation, and celebration.
Leading the way are Diamond Sponsors and Official Airline Partners, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, alongside Official Broadcast Partner, TVS. Platinum Sponsors include AmBank Group (Official Banking Partner), Proton, Cuckoo, Plaza Merdeka, The Waterfront Hotel, and Carlsberg.
Adding to the celebration were the Gold Sponsor and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Partner, Pepsi, and Silver Sponsors, plus Rip Curl (Official Apparel), MyCar (E-Hailing Partner), Sarawak Energy, and SD Guthrie International (Sustainability Partners). Trienekens and Cats FM also supported the festival, the latter as the event’s media partner.
SINGAPORE, 26 June 2025: Resorts World Sentosa confirms that ticket sales have opened for the Singapore Oceanarium, which will officially welcome the public on 24 July 2025, following an official closed-door opening ceremony on 23 July 2025.
Singapore Oceanarium will present a season of opening celebrations featuring activities by distinguished local talents, encompassing hands-on workshops, installations and presentations designed for visitors of all ages to discover their role in ocean stewardship.
Photo credit: Singapore Oceanarium, Resorts World Sentosa.
A highlight of the opening is the Research and Learning Week, taking place from 25 to 27 July 2025 in the Singapore Oceanarium’s dedicated Research and Learning Centre. Curated for individuals interested in ocean stewardship, the programme features a range of expert-led talks, hands-on workshops, and curated installations — delivered by both institutional partners and in-house specialists — that showcase ongoing research and advance ocean literacy.
Among the featured showcases is the Living Oceans Exhibition, an insightful look at the diversity and beauty of our blue planet. Presented in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), this showcase features specimens from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and research posters from the RWS-NUS Living Laboratory partnership. Together, they underscore the rich biodiversity of marine ecosystems and highlight the importance of protecting our shared ocean heritage.
Ties That Bind, a compelling photo gallery by internationally acclaimed Singaporean photographers Toh Xing Jie and Michael Aw, takes centre stage at the oceanarium. Situated within the Spirit of Exploration zone, the installation is part of the SG60 National Day celebrations, showcasing their passion for the ocean and efforts to inspire greater awareness and action for marine conservation.
Launching on 23 July 2025, the Singapore Oceanarium mobile app unlocks an entirely new level of interactivity for guests. With augmented and virtual reality features, users can dive deeper into the marine experience, purchase tickets, participate in volunteer activities and access exclusive content to enrich their visit.
Guests with valid admission tickets can enjoy priority lane access to enter the oceanarium and unlock free access to Pier Adventure (worth SGD10, valid till 31 August 2025), simply by downloading the app and creating an account.
Tickets to Singapore Oceanarium are now available for purchase at www.singaporeoceanarium.com.
SINGAPORE, 26 June 2025: A record-breaking 142,000 millionaires are projected to relocate internationally this year, with the UK expected to see the largest net outflow of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) by any country since international investment migration advisory firm Henley & Partners and global wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth began tracking millionaire migration 10 years ago.
According to the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025 published on Tuesday, the UK is forecast to lose a staggering -16,500 millionaires in 2025 — more than double the anticipated –7,800 net outflow from China, ranked 2nd this year after topping the millionaire-loser leaderboard every year over the past decade.
Photo credit: Henley & Partners.
In stark contrast, the UAE retains its crown as the world’s leading wealth magnet, with a record net inflow of +9,800 relocating millionaires expected this year — over 2,000 more than the US in 2nd place. +7,500 new wealthy migrants are expected to make America home by year-end.
Henley & Partners CEO Dr Juerg Steffen says this sharp divergence highlights the rising influence of strategic wealth migration on global economic power shifts.
“2025 marks a pivotal moment. For the first time in a decade of tracking, a European country leads the world in millionaire outflows. This isn’t just about changes to the tax regime. It reflects a deepening perception among the wealthy that greater opportunity, freedom, and stability lie elsewhere. The long-term implications for Europe and the UK’s economic competitiveness and investment appeal are significant.”
Europe’s wealth hubs in retreat — and reinvention
The UK is not alone in its struggles. For the first time, EU heavyweights France, Spain, and Germany are expected to see net HNWI losses in 2025 — with projected net outflows of –800, –500, and –400 millionaires, respectively.
Ireland (–100), Norway (–150), and Sweden (–50) are also beginning to see significant wealth losses, with many affluent Europeans relocating to more investor-friendly hubs on the continent.
Key beneficiaries of this trend are Switzerland, set to attract a net gain of +3,000 migrating millionaires this year, while Italy, Portugal, and Greece are also forecast to see record inflows of +3,600, +1,400 and +1,200, respectively — driven by favourable tax regimes, lifestyle appeal, and active investment migration programs. Southern Europe is fast emerging as a new centre of gravity for wealth migration in the region, with Monaco (+200) remaining popular, especially among ultra- HNWIs from the UK, Africa, and the Middle East.
Europe’s smaller markets are also gaining strong momentum. Montenegro (+150) tops global millionaire growth over the past decade with a remarkable 124% increase in resident millionaires, driven in part by its citizenship by investment programme (operational from 2019 to 2022), low taxes, Adriatic coastline, and EU accession prospects. Malta (+500) follows with 87% growth, though its trajectory may be impacted by April’s European Court of Justice ruling against its citizenship by naturalisation process. Latvia is also on the rise, with 70% millionaire growth between 2014 and 2024 and a projected net inflow of another +100 HNWIs this year.
Global winners: Where the wealth is heading
Outside of Europe, strong demand from the UK, India, Russia, Southeast Asia, and Africa, facilitated by attractive golden visa options, has reinforced the UAE’s position as the world’s most sought-after wealth haven (+9,800). Saudi Arabia is the biggest riser on this year’s inbound list, projected to see a net inflow of +2,400 new millionaires in 2025, with the kingdom benefiting from a surge in returning nationals and international investors settling in Riyadh and Jeddah.
Traditional destinations such as Singapore (+1,600), Australia (+1,000), Canada (+1,000), and New Zealand (+150) appear to be losing their appeal for wealthy entrepreneurs, with their lowest net inflows on record provisionally expected in 2025.
Thailand a new safe haven
Thailand (+450) is rapidly emerging as Southeast Asia’s new safe haven, with Bangkok positioning itself as a key rival to Singapore. Thailand’s capital is increasingly favoured by HNWIs from China, Vietnam, and South Korea, drawn by its international schools, growing financial services sector, and high-end real estate offerings.
Hong Kong (SAR China) (+800) is starting to see steady inflows from the rest of Asia following a challenging period of political uncertainty. Many top-earning executives from fast-growing hi-tech companies in Shenzhen are now basing themselves in the city-state. Likewise, Japan (+600) is seeing a higher HNWI influx, particularly from China, due to its relative security and political stability.
Central American and Caribbean jurisdictions — including Costa Rica (+350), Panama (+300), the Cayman Islands (+200), and Bermuda (+50) — are all set to attract record numbers of wealthy migrants to their shores, and three African nations — Morocco (+100), Mauritius (+100), and the Seychelles (+50) — make it onto the inbound millionaire migration rankings for 2025.
Global losers: Where the wealth is leaving
Since the 2016 Brexit vote, the UK has shifted from being a net magnet for millionaires to a net exporter, with a record –16,500 HNWIs expected to leave in 2025. The latest surge is driven in part by sweeping tax reforms. The October 2024 budget introduced sharp hikes in capital gains and inheritance taxes, while new rules targeting non-domiciled residents and family wealth structures — enacted by the former Conservative government — came into effect in April, sparking what some are calling a “WEXIT” (wealth exit). Affluent individuals are relocating to tax-friendly jurisdictions such as the UAE, Monaco, and Malta, as well as to lifestyle havens including Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland. Many high-earning execs are settling in the expanding wealth hubs of Dubai, Florida, Milan, St. Julian’s, Lisbon, the Athenian Riviera, Zug, and Lugano.
In Asia, South Korea is expected to see significant net outflows of HNWIs in 2025 (–2,400), more than double last year’s figure, following a period of economic and political turbulence. Vietnam (–300) is also beginning to see a worrying uptick in millionaire departures, and Pakistan (–100) continues to lose millionaires to the UAE. Taiwan (–100) presents a mixed picture: while its tech-driven economy remains robust with +65% millionaire growth over the past decade, growing tensions with China and a lack of luxury real estate options appear to be unsettling some of its wealthiest residents.
Despite ongoing instability in the Middle East, Israel is expected to show relatively modest outflows (–350), primarily to the US, while Lebanon (–200) faces concerning losses, with many wealthy individuals relocating to Cyprus, Greece, and the UAE. Iran (–200) is also losing HNWIs to the UAE.
BRICS bounces back bar Brazil
In Latin America, Brazil (–1,200) and Colombia (–150) are both expected to see sizeable wealth drains, with popular destinations for departing millionaires being the US (especially Florida), Portugal, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, and Panama.
Among other BRICS nations, China (–7,800), India (–3,500), Russia (–1,500), and South Africa (–250) are all on track to record their lowest net millionaire losses since Covid. Outflows from India and South Africa are being offset in part by the return of HNWIs from the UK, while in China, the booming tech hubs of Shenzhen and Hangzhou — as well as rapid growth in the entertainment and hospitality sectors — are encouraging more affluent Chinese to stay.
About Henley & Partners Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment. Each year, hundreds of wealthy individuals and their advisors rely on our expertise and experience in this area. The firm’s highly qualified professionals work together as one team in over 60 offices worldwide.
PHUKET, 26 June 2025: Branded Residences in Asia climb to a historic high of USD30.7 billion, with Thailand leading by market share, according to C9 Hotelworks’ latest report.
Notably, Vietnam is forecasted to lead Asia, with one in four branded residence units, marking the region’s largest pipeline, according to data from the newly released Asia Hotel Branded Residences Market Review 2025.
C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett.
The active pipeline of branded residences in Asia available for sale is valued at USD30.7 billion, comprising 38,893 units across 178 projects. Thailand holds 18% of the market share, leading the region, followed by the Philippines with 12% and South Korea at 11%. There are an additional 28,460 units across 105 projects of future supply that have yet to be released for sale, with Vietnam accounting for 41% of this total.
Over the past five years (2021-2025), the market has expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 10%. The majority of the active pipeline comprises co-located branded residences with a hotel, accounting for 57% of the supply.
However, C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett noted that “mixed-use developments and standalone branded residences are gaining traction,” representing 24% and 19%, respectively.
“Geographically, the active pipeline is concentrated in urban destinations, which account for 53% of the market, with key cities including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila. Resort destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya, and Da Nang comprise the remaining 47%.”
To download and read C9 Hotelworks Asia Branded Residences Market Review 2025 CLICK
BANGKOK, 26 June 2025: Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA) has named Loy Joon How, General Manager of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co Ltd, as its new president, effective this June.
Founded in 1997 by a group of exhibition industry professional pioneers, TEA leads the exhibition sector, lobbying with government agencies and promoting bids to secure the hosting of international exhibitions in Thailand.
Loy Joon How, General Manager of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co Ltd, was named the new TEA president, effective this June.
TEA members, who are mostly heads of exhibition companies in Bangkok and key cities in Thailand, such as Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand and Khon Kaen in Northeast Thailand, are clustered into four core groups: Organisers, venues, service providers, and freight forwarders.
Loy has over 40 years of professional experience in the exhibition industry, including 18 years in Thailand with IMPACT. He takes over the leadership of TEA, replacing outgoing TEA President Panittha Buri, who headed the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre.
Over the last two years, Loy has served on TEA’s Executive Committee as its Vice President. Upon taking the helm of TEA, Loy pledged to “develop, direct, and bring economic growth through seeking new business opportunities, creating events and networking activities, solidifying international marketing efforts, and, more importantly, advocating policies to upgrade the exhibition industry.”
HANGZHOU, China, 26 June 2025: Fliggy, a leading online travel services platform and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group, concluded its ‘618 summer promotion’ with a 25% year-on-year (YoY) increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) for promotional items.
This year’s campaign saw a surge in consumer engagement, marked by approximately 30% more transacting users and an impressive 45% YoY increase in GMV for reserved items, solidifying the 618 event as a pivotal period for both travellers and merchants.
During the promotion period, a record number of over 6 million travel products were sold, ranging from date-specific travel options to popular “Buy Now, Plan Later” offerings such as multi-trip flight passes, multi-use car rental passes, hotel packages, theme park tickets, and leisure activity bundles.
To capture early summer demand, travel merchants leveraged Fliggy’s refined marketing strategies – including flash sales and live streaming – which proved instrumental in driving significant growth. Over 30% of participating merchants doubled their GMV YoY, while the number of brands with sales exceeding RMB10 million and RMB1 million also saw substantial increases.
Strong demand for calendar-based bookings
Fixed-date travel products, particularly hotel calendar-rate bookings, saw robust demand during this period. Fliggy hosted multiple flash sales featuring prominent hospitality brands such as Marriott, Hilton, and Banyan Tree, alongside major domestic hotel groups, including Wanda and Narada. This approach effectively enhanced member engagement, resulting in a 58% YoY increase in total room nights booked. One flash sale alone generated an additional 597 room nights for a single property.
Live streaming fuels transaction
Live stream commerce played an increasingly vital role in this year’s campaign. Fliggy expanded its official livestream channels across various social media platforms, with promotional placements more than doubling YoY. This strategy not only boosted sales but also enabled merchants to build customer connections through brand appeal and unique offerings, rather than relying solely on price competition.
The use of cross-channel live streams contributed to a remarkable 130% YoY increase in GMV generated through this medium. These sessions, hosted by either professional e-commerce live streamers or travel influencers, provided valuable travel and hotel tips and insights into niche travel trends, deeply engaging with experience-seeking consumers. The average order value (AOV) during the 618 promotion approached RMB5,000 per transaction, demonstrating customers’ willingness to invest in memorable travel experiences.
Top travel destinations
Domestically, the most popular destinations included Hainan, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Beijing, Yunnan, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Sichuan, with the fastest growth observed in central and western regions such as Shanxi, Hubei, Henan, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang.
For outbound travel, Japan, South Korea, the Maldives, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and the US topped the list. Notably, long-haul destinations beyond a four-hour flight radius from China, including Fiji, Spain, the UAE, Switzerland, and Germany, also saw significant momentum.
Travellers from Zhejiang, Guangdong, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Beijing led the way in summer travel planning, underscoring strong demand from China’s key economic hubs.
About Fliggy Fliggy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group, is one of the leading online travel platforms in China. Fliggy places a strong emphasis on innovation in its products and services, catering to the increasingly personalised and diversified needs of consumers in both China and overseas markets.
