SINGAPORE, 4 July 2024: ONYX Hospitality Group confirms this week the opening of Shama Suasana Johor Bahru, marking the debut of the first Shama hotel and serviced apartment in Malaysia.
This milestone expansion makes Malaysia the first country outside of Thailand to have all three ONYX Hospitality Group brands: Amari, OZO, and Shama.
Shama Suasana Johor Bahru opens with 87 suites ranging from one-bedroom to executive three-bedroom suites in the business district of Johor Bahru located just across the border from Singapore.
As the southernmost city in Malaysia with causeway access to Singapore, it is a bustling hub known for its great value, diverse shopping experiences, and vibrant food scene.
The Rapid Transport System is close by, offering easy access to the border crossing at the causeway between Malaysia and Singapore (customs, immigration, and quarantine checkpoint for cars, buses, and the JB Sentral train station).
SINGAPORE, 4 July 2024: Grand Hyatt Singapore reopens for guests on 10 July 2024 as it unveils the first phase of its multi-year transformation in the iconic Orchard Road district.
The progressive reopening starts with the reimagined 292-room Terrace Wing alongside an enhanced Fitness Centre, a 25-metre lap pool, StraitsKitchen for local ethnic cuisine, and BRIX, a nightlife hotspot.
10|Scotts will operate as Grand Club Lounge until early 2025, and all 16 event spaces will be available for celebrations and events.
The latter part of 2024 will see the Southeast Asian debut of Le Pristine Singapore, in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman, taking over the space formerly occupied by the celebrated mezza9. The popular Martini Bar will return along with classic Italian favourites at Pete’s Place and poolside dining at Oasis. Damai, the hotel’s wellness hub with enhanced holistic well-being experiences, will be ready to welcome guests, too.
When the Grand Wing reopens in early 2025, the hotel will have completed its upgrade with 699 rooms and suites.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 4 July 2024: Marriott International’s Area Vice President for South Korea and the Philippines, Duke Nam, adds Vietnam to his territories.
Duke Nam, Area Vice President – South Korea, Philippines, and Vietnam.
Duke, a Korean national, has spent more than 25 years with Marriott International’s portfolio of brands, including senior leadership roles across Asia Pacific.
The latest addition to his job description comes at a pivotal time, as Marriott International embarks on an extensive growth strategy in Vietnam, where it now operates 23 properties.
By the end of 2024, the company anticipates expanding its nationwide portfolio with more than 50 projects in the development pipeline. This expansion will launch several new brands in the country, including Westin, which debuted recently with The Westin Resort & Spa Cam Ranh. Future brand launches include The Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Executive Apartments and more.
Based in Seoul, South Korea, Duke’s expanded role will see him responsible for over 70 operating properties across 16 brands in South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
SHANGHAI, 4 July 2024: Affluent Chinese female travellers seek more meaningful travel experiences instead of seeing travel as a break to relax or escape.
It is likely seen as an opportunity for enrichment, learning, and personal fulfilment. That is just one of the findings outlined in China’s Women in Charge, the latest industry report presented by global marketing agency FINN Partners in association with ILTM Asia Pacific.
Photo credit: FINN Partners.
According to the UN World Tourism Organisation, China reclaimed its position as the top spender on international travel in 2023, with an expenditure of over USD195 billion, 23% higher than the US in second place. Moreover, six out of 10 Chinese tourists last year were women. Given their increased spending power and economic status, high-net-value Chinese females will continue to profoundly impact luxury travel.
“Debunking the stereotypical image of affluent Chinese females shopping at designer boutiques or dining out with their multi-generational family when travelling, our study reveals affluent Chinese women have a newfound sense of empowerment,” says FINN Partners Associate Vice President of Brand & Market Intelligence Joshua Wang. “Where travel was once a form of conspicuous consumption, it is now a sign of independence”.
Determined to make their mark on the industry, 54% of high-valued Chinese females intend to increase their leisure travel over the next three years, while over 60% intend to spend more on travel, including hotels and accommodation. In detailing how Chinese women use their economic and social influence on the travel industry, the comprehensive China’s Women in Charge report reveals five key takeaways.
1. Redefining Luxury
Luxury is no longer associated with acquiring material possessions. As the report reveals, the definition of luxury has shifted from external validation to self-fulfilment. 63% of respondents define it as enjoying total privacy or “me time,” while 50% interpret it as things or experiences that evoke joy.
2. Travel to Enrich, not Escape
For China’s female luxury tourists, the benefits of travel go beyond escaping daily routines or family obligations. Instead, they view travel as an opportunity to challenge themselves or learn new skills. An overwhelming 99% believe that travel brings profound joy, and over 99% see it as essential to expanding their horizons.
3. The Need for Niche
While most Chinese tourists travel familiar routes, almost 90% of female travellers are attracted to niche destinations for their natural beauty and landscapes. As an expression of individuality and nonconformity, 66% are drawn to unsung destinations that offer unique local experiences. In comparison, 58% are willing to veer off the beaten path to visit destinations of cultural or historical significance.
4. Seeking Solo
While multi-generation travel remains a mainstay of Chinese outbound tourism, there is a growing trend for solo travel, particularly among female travellers. Solo travel illustrates their independence and cultivates a sense of self-empowerment. Regardless of their marital status, over 80% of respondents said they were equally comfortable travelling alone as with a spouse or partner. Interestingly, 73% of married respondents said they will likely increase their solo travel in the coming years. For those with children, 46% plan to travel without or travel less with their children.
Responding to the growing number of solo tourists, 31% of female travellers prefer accommodation designed specifically for women.
5. Rising Self-Influence
Women are overwhelmingly in control of travel plans. Empowered by financial autonomy and the rising demand for solo travel, 82% of women say their opinions matter more than before when arranging future travel. While they may be influenced by partners (60%), this demographic is less likely to be swayed by celebrities and social media influencers (10%) or advertisements (9%).
Older affluent female travellers favour travel advisors, trusting their insights and seeking guidance from experts when curating bespoke travel experiences, while younger affluent female travellers are more open to celebrities, influencers, and travel bloggers for inspiration.
“This in-depth study offers insights into the changing priorities, spending habits and motivations of China’s upwardly mobile female travellers,” said FINN Partners Managing Partner for China Jenny Lo.
“As this growing demographic continues to reshape the luxury travel industry, we hope this report will help destinations, hospitality groups, travel brands, and companies anticipate the evolving needs of this sought-after market segment.”
China’s Women in Charge report also provides an in-depth analysis of other areas of interest, including the factors that drive female travellers’ passion for travel, the importance of sustainability, and female travellers’ expectations of hotel brands and guest services.
The China’s Women in Charge report is based on a 20-minute survey of 800 high-value Chinese female travellers from 26 April to 15 May 2024. For those aged 25 and above, 74% of the respondents earned an annual income of over USD96,000, and 71% had at least USD700,000 in personal assets. To ensure a broad overview of opinions, respondents are from 12 cities with the highest GDPs in China in 2023, including the tier-one cities Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
SINGAPORE, 4 JULY 2024: Air Astana will increase flights between Kazakhstan and China following agreements reached at the meeting of the China-Central Asia Aviation Co-operation group held in Xi’an, China last month.
At the meetings in late June, Designated carriers from Kazakhstan received approval to operate up to 52 passenger flights per week during the current summer season, with the figure increasing to up to 62 flights per week starting from the 2025 summer season.
In addition to existing destinations in China, Kazakh carriers are now allowed to operate flights to Guangzhou, China’s third-largest city and largest commercial hub. Designated airlines also received the right to operate unlimited flights to Sanya, Haikou, and Qionghai on Hainan Island using the fifth, sixth, and seventh freedom rights.
Kazakhstan is among the few countries in the world, along with the US and several European countries, that have rights to operate flights to China using fifth freedom rights. Kazakh airlines have also received permission to operate cargo flights to China without restrictions on quantity and direction.
Air Astana currently operates scheduled daily flights from Almaty to Beijing, from Astana to Beijing three times a week, and from Almaty to Urumqi in western China five times a week.
DOHA Qatar, 4 JULY 2024: Qatar Airways Group reported the strongest financial performance in its 27-year history, announcing record profits of QAR6.1 billion (USD1.7 billion) in its Annual Report for the 2023/24 financial year, released Tuesday.
The multiple award-winning airline group reported historic net profits of QAR6.1 billion (USD1.7 billion) during the 2023/24 fiscal year, with total revenue of QAR81 billion (USD22.2 billion). This represents an increase of QAR4.7 billion (US$1.3 billion) – up 6% compared to last year.
The Group generated a strong EBITDA margin of 24% at QAR19.1 billion (USD5.2 billion), around QAR1.2 billion (USD0.3 billion) higher than the previous year. This reflects the business’s continued focus on customer experience, innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability, resulting in streamlined, agile, and fit-for-purpose operations across all areas.
This has created a strong platform for the future of the Group’s airline business, which carried more than 40 million passengers during the 2023/24 fiscal year, an increase of 26% over the previous year.
As a result, passenger revenue increased by 19%, with a capacity increase of 21% driven by the airline’s highest-ever load factor of 83%, offering a sustainable upsurge in market share.
Qatar Airways’ network grew to more than 170 destinations in 2023/24, adding Al Ula, Neom and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia; Lyon and Toulouse, France; Medan, Indonesia; and Trabzon, Turkey throughout the year.
This is in addition to the resumption of operations to 14 destinations, including Bahrain, Bahrain; Birmingham, UK; Beijing, Chengdu and Chongqing, China; Davao, Philippines; Tokyo Haneda and Osaka, Japan; Marrakesh, Morocco; Nice, France; Penang, Malaysia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE; and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.
KUCHING 3 July 2024: Following a record-breaking three nights of music concerts, the Rainforest World Music Festival organisers confirmed the event will return for its 28th edition from 20 to 22 June 2025.
The dates were already locked down during this year’s concert nights, 28 to 30 June, that welcomed a record 26,000 attendees, the Borneo Post Online reported on Monday.
The 27th edition of Sarawak’s globally renowned Rainforest World Music Festival was hosted at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) in the Santubong Peninsula near Kuching, its home since 1998.
Borneo Post Online quoted Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah as saying: “This year, RWMF has welcomed over 26,000 attendees.”
The minister hinted that the final tally could reach as high as 30,000 over the three nights, an all-time record that would beat even the peak years before the Covid-19 pandemic.
If Sarawak’s tourism leaders needed confirmation that Covid is now history, the event gave it to them. The outstanding footfall for the three nights of concerts and all the events on the sidelines that make up the RWMF surpassed the highest peak ever achieved in the event’s history.
The minister was joined by STB chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau and STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor at the RWMF official press conference on the second evening.
RWMF is recognised as the pioneer music event that puts World Music on the map in Southeast Asia with its three-day line-up of outstanding musical performances, workshops, cultural displays and celebrations of Malaysian cuisine.
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2024: Emirates has unveiled the first cities on its network to be served with its newest Boeing 777 cabin interiors.
The airline plans to introduce its refurbished B777s to Geneva, Tokyo Haneda, and Brussels, offering customers more opportunities to experience the airline’s signature Premium Economy on this aircraft and, for the first time, Emirates’ next-generation Business Class seats, set in a new 1-2-1 configuration.
Emirates flights on the refreshed Boeing 777 to Geneva, Tokyo Haneda and Brussels go on sale today and can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App or via travel agents.
Emirates Airline Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “With the addition of the newly retrofitted Boeing 777s to our fleet, we’re capturing the opportunity to introduce our highly acclaimed products like Premium Economy to more cities already served by this aircraft type in our network, in addition to more seating variety in four classes.”
He added: “Borrowing inspiration from our flagship A380 in every cabin, our Boeing 777 with revamped interiors boast the very best in customer comfort and will feature modern design details and signature cabin finishings, with a new Business Class cabin that provides more privacy for our customers, in addition to other thoughtful touches that underscore our exceptional value proposition. Our investment and intense focus on offering the best possible product across every cabin class also ensures we provide a consistent experience on both the Boeing 777s and A380s.”
The first upgraded Emirates Boeing 777 products will operate on the following services:
· EK 83/84 to and from Geneva from 11 August*
· EK 312/313 to and from Tokyo Haneda from 1 September*
· EK 183/184 to and from Brussels from 11 September*
Starting from 1 July, the first Emirates Boeing 777 will undergo its nose-to-tail cabin interior facelift with the whole process taking approximately two weeks before the aircraft goes back into service.
Plans include refurbishing the First Class cabin and installing 38 new Business Class seats in an updated 1-2-1 seating configuration, 24 of the latest Premium Economy seats, and 256 Economy Class seats.
All Business Class seats on the newly refurbished Boeing 777 focus on personalised privacy and elevated comfort, converting to a comfortable flat bed, with 20.7-inch wide seats pitched up to 44 inches apart. The staggered seating arrangement ensures aisle access for every seat, with direct entry and exit for customers. The seat is accentuated with a touch screen seat controller for in-flight entertainment and seat operation, a personal 23-inch HD screen, one of the biggest in the skies, linked to the airline’s award-winning ice entertainment system, in addition to a personal mini-bar, a large table, and ample stowage for personal devices, charging outlets and much more. The Boeing 777 Business Class cabin will also include a small bar for customers to quickly grab mid-flight snacks and refreshments.
In total, 81 Boeing 777s will be refurbished as part of Emirates’ investment in its retrofit programme, and more destinations to be served with the airline’s latest products will be announced over the course of the next few months. The airline has earmarked 191 aircraft for a full revamp as part of the largest known retrofit programme in the industry, an investment of over US$3 billion to deliver the best products and customer experience in the air.
Emirates currently operates its refurbished A380 aircraft fitted with Premium Economy to New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Singapore, Mumbai, Bangalore, Sao Paulo, Tokyo Narita, Osaka and Dubai.
The airline aims to serve over 36 cities with Premium Economy by February 2025. The A350 will enter its fleet in September of this year, and more refurbished A380s and Boeing 777s will roll into service and fly to more cities in the coming months.
*Aircraft deployments may be advanced if released earlier from refurbishment.
For flight information and to make bookings visit www.emirates.com.
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2024: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the Latin American (LATAM) Travel & Tourism sector could add nearly USD260 billion to the region’s economy and create nearly 8 million new jobs over the next 10 years.
According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in LATAM’, this potential growth depends on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 3.4%, reaching a contribution of nearly USD909.2 billion.
Photo credit: WTTC Latin America report.
The report includes a policy package focused on improving LATAM’s growth based on transport infrastructure, visa facilitation, and tourism marketing.
Travel & Tourism is a powerhouse sector in the region, with a contribution of more than USD629 billion to the region’s economy in 2023, welcoming 86 million international travellers. Last year, the sector was essential for employment, providing livelihoods to more than 24.6 million people, equating to 9% of all the jobs in the region.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “LATAM’s Travel & Tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. It has grown significantly in recent years, contributing immensely to the region’s economy.
“Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in LATAM is significant. It has already seen substantial growth since 2000, and with the right policies, it could unlock an additional USD260 billion in the next decade.
“Countries in the region need better transport infrastructure, simplified visa processes, improved protection for biodiversity and nature, and effective marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this vibrant region.”
VFS Global Founder and CEO Zubin Karkaria said: “We are delighted to partner with WTTC to unlock the immense potential that Travel & Tourism offer in LATAM.
“Since establishing our presence in LATAM in 2009, we are now the trusted partner of 18 governments, serving 29 cities across 17 countries in the region. VFS Global, with its expertise in visa services and tourism promotion, is committed to playing a pivotal role in harnessing LATAM’s potential. Our involvement can also assist destinations in upskilling the workforce, a crucial component in the tourism sector.
“This comprehensive report serves as a roadmap for stakeholders, including governments and National Tourism Boards, to formulate strategies that unlock the continent’s economic potential, attract crucial investments, and boost inbound arrivals. The region stands to gain significantly from our experience in simplifying cross-border mobility through highly secure, reliable, efficient, and innovative technology solutions.”
This report delves into the historical journey of the Travel & Tourism sector in LATAM. It’s a story of facing challenges head-on, from the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 to the setbacks caused by disease outbreaks and political instability.
Despite all these challenges, the Travel & Tourism sector is on a path to recovery. According to the global body, 2024 is projected to be a record-breaking year, achieving a GDP contribution of more than USD650 billion, as well as the creation of an additional one million jobs, raising the total to 25.7 million.
Opportunities for LATAM
The report underscores a strategic approach to enhance tourism by integrating investments in infrastructure, improving air connectivity, and simplifying visa procedures.
The report highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity and nature through better water management and the use of low-carbon energy.
These efforts aim to attract more tourists while ensuring environmental sustainability. Leveraging digital technologies enhances the travel experience and can optimise marketing strategies supported by data-driven insights. Investing in local people and natural preservation enriches the visitor experience and ensures Travel & Tourism is both sustainable and inclusive.
Finally, ensuring safety measures builds trust and sustains growth in the Travel & Tourism sector. This cohesive strategy aims to strengthen the region’s position as a competitive and appealing destination globally.
These efforts could unlock the potential for environmental preservation, job creation, and economic development in the LATAM Travel & Tourism sector. To access the full report, visit WTTC Research Hub
SYDNEY, 3 July 2024: Following the recent announcement that China has included Australia on its visa-free list, Australian travellers have significantly increased search interest.
Trip.com search data reveals that Australian users have increased their use of China-related keywords by 80%, highlighting their strong interest in this visa-free scheme.
The news late last month also sparked an increase in bookings on Trip.com almost immediately, with a 20% increase in bookings from Australia to China.
From January to May this year, Trip.com has recorded a significant upward trajectory in flight search volumes from Australia to China, with a notable 154% increase in search volumes compared to the same period last year.
Travel to Australia: Strong Interest from APAC
Trip.com has also seen a significant increase in bookings to Australia, particularly from key markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Overall, booking data shows a more than 150% rise in bookings to the destination in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023, with China, Korea, and Japan being the main contributors to this growth.
In order to promote Australia as a destination, Trip.com recently signed a strategic partnership with Tourism Western Australia. This strategic partnership aims to promote Western Australia’s unique and captivating tourism experiences across key Asian markets, including China.
Interest in China on the rise
Interest in China has been increasing globally since the country expanded its unilateral visa-free travel policy, with 14 countries and regions added to the arrangement from November 2023 until the present. In Q1 2024, there was a significant 400% growth in inbound travel to China, driven by the benefits of such visa-free policies.
To encourage travellers from Australia to explore China, Trip.com launched its “One Flight Away to China” campaign. Travellers can take advantage of special product promotions, such as flights, hotels, and attractions. This includes promo codes offering up to AUD200 off flights to China and AUD50 off hotel stays.
Trip.com has introduced several initiatives to make travel to China more convenient for visitors. The Trip.com app features a ‘China Travel Guide’, providing practical information on navigating the country. This includes details on entry requirements, internet access, payment, transportation, and more, accompanied by easy-to-follow tips and explanatory videos.
Besides this, Trip.com has also launched an array of products, including a free Shanghai Express Transit Tour and curated package tours as part of its SUPER CHINA Campaign. It’s also partnering with a leading digital payment platform to help simplify payments for international travellers in China.
