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Sojern and Cloudbeds ink partnership

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TTR WEEKLY
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LONDON, 6 November 2024: Sojern, a leading digital travel marketing platform and Cloudbeds, the premier hospitality management software platform, announced a new partnership on Wednesday, the opening day of the World Travel Market in London.

This strategic partnership means that Sojern’s built-for-travel digital marketing and guest experience solutions are fully integrated with Cloudbeds’ system and deliver industry-leading accuracy and tracking capabilities. Sojern’s commission-based travel advertising helps hoteliers increase direct bookings while paying only after the guest’s stay.

Additionally, Sojern’s multi-property capable guest experience tools, tailored and adjusted to the powerful features of both platforms, deliver enhanced customer segmentation and marketing capabilities, driving loyalty and return business.

“At Sojern, we’re always looking to deepen our partner ecosystem to bring new and innovative tools to our clients worldwide,” said Sojern VP of Guest Engagement Platform Baskar Manivannan.

“We’ve built the most robust digital marketing and guest experience solutions specifically for the travel industry, so it was only natural that we would partner with Cloudbeds to give our customers access to their industry-leading property management system.”

“Cloudbeds and Sojern have joined forces to solve some of the biggest challenges facing hoteliers today,” said Sebastien Leitner, VP of Partnerships at Cloudbeds. “Together, we’re offering a seamless solution that integrates flexible, demand-driven advertising across digital, social, and direct booking channels, powered by Cloudbeds’ Booking Engine and Sojern’s end-to-end tracking for superior accuracy. Our collaboration also delivers multi-property guest experience tools tailored to both platforms, allowing hotels to refine customer segmentation and boost loyalty through personalised marketing. This partnership is designed to streamline operations and drive meaningful guest engagement at every step of the journey.”

About Sojern
Founded in 2007, Sojern is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with teams in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

About Cloudbeds
Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has been named a top PMS, Hotel Management System and Channel Manager (2021-2024) by Hotel Tech Report.

HK closes in on opening date for 3RS

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 6 November 2024: The Three-runway System (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is targeted to be commissioned on 28 November 2024.  

After the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) acquires the aerodrome licence and the 3RS is commissioned, all three runways will operate under the 3RS.

AAHK targets to obtain the aerodrome licence in November 2024, covering the operation of the existing South Runway and North Runway, the reconfigured Centre Runway, the associated taxiways and supporting facilities.

After the new North Runway was officially commissioned in November 2022, HKIA has continued to operate with two runways, with the Centre Runway temporarily closed in tandem for reconfiguration. 

The reconfiguration works include re-levelling the runway pavement to tie in with connecting taxiways, constructing new runway entry and exit taxiways, and building new wrap-around taxiways at both ends of the runway.

With the successful completion of flight checks at the Centre Runway this September, AAHK continues to advance the preparatory work for the commissioning of the 3RS, including an aircraft crash and rescue exercise on the Centre Runway undertaken on 15 October 2024.

As for 3RS passenger facilities, AAHK will start preparing with business partners to commission the expanded Terminal 2 in phases from the end of 2025 onwards. Preparatory work includes the on-site preparation for various passenger services and leasing of retail and service outlets, among other things.

The Three-runway System (3RS) at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is a major infrastructure project designed to expand the airport’s capacity to handle increasing air traffic demand.

Here are the expected outcomes of the 3RS   

Passenger Capacity: The 3RS will significantly increase HKIA’s passenger capacity, allowing it to handle up to 120 million passengers per year by 2035.   

Cargo Capacity: The airport’s cargo handling capacity will also be expanded to 10 million tonnes annually.   

Improved Runway Utilisation: The additional runway will optimise runway utilisation, reducing delays and improving overall operational efficiency.

Streamlined Passenger Experience: New terminal facilities and streamlined processes will enhance the passenger experience, making travel through HKIA more convenient and comfortable.

Attracting More Airlines and Routes: The increased capacity and improved facilities will attract more airlines to operate at HKIA, offering passengers a wider range of destinations and flight options.

Team boost at Atlas Ocean Voyages

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 6 November 2024: Atlas Ocean Voyages begins its 2024-2025 Antarctica season, featuring three vessels — each staffed with an expanded team of 17 seasoned polar expedition guides led by expert expedition leaders. 

The fleet consists of the World Navigator, launched in 2021, the World Traveller, launched in 2022; and the World Voyager, launched in 2023.

Photo credit: Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Each vessel’s team comprises of specialists — including naturalists, geologists, marine biologists, and historians— who enrich the journey through engaging lectures, guided Zodiac landings, and onshore hikes. 

Their insights and personal interactions foster genuine connections with guests, creating a memorable, immersive experience enhanced by the attentive shipboard staff.

“This season, we’re excited to expand the team even further with additional experts on each expedition,” said Atlas Ocean Voyages. President and CEO James Rodriguez. “Their knowledge and dedication help us deliver the immersive, top-quality experience our guests expect both on board and ashore, ensuring each polar expedition is truly exceptional.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Polar Expeditions to Antarctica offer guests a seamless and enriching adventure, starting with a pre-expedition hotel night stay and private charter jet service from Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas. Each expedition includes a cultural immersion tour — Tierra del Fuego with lunch from Ushuaia or a Taste of Chile with dinner from Punta Arenas — along with the thrilling Polar Plunge, a complimentary parka, and an eco-friendly water bottle. Optional experiences like overnight camping ashore in Antarctica and kayaking excursions are also available for those seeking additional adventure. While limited space remains this season, a selection of expeditions offers a 10% bonus savings.

About Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages is the yacht expedition brand of Mystic Invest Holding. Stylish and intimate expedition yachts featuring less than 100 suites and staterooms offering five-star comfort, from luxurious accommodations and an all-inclusive onboard experience to in-depth excursions. 

Fares include a cultural immersion tour, open bars aboard the ship, craft beers, speciality coffees and smoothies, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, an in-room coffee bar, prepaid gratuities, and complimentary emergency medical evacuation insurance. 
For information and reservations, visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com.

Jazeera Airways posts strong 3Q results

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 6 November 2024: Jazeera Airways announced on Monday strong financial results for the third quarter of 2024, achieving a net profit of KWD11.6 million and posting a 66.1% increase compared to the same period last year. 

Group operating revenue also grew, reaching KWD64.6 million, reflecting a 5.7% increase.

Fueled by strong summer travel demand, passenger traffic grew to 1.4 million, representing a 1.8% increase from 3Q 2023, with load factors at 80.6%. The increased passenger numbers and passenger mix led to a 5.8% revenue increase at Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5).

Jazeera Airways’ performance for the nine months of 2024 demonstrates continued momentum, with operating revenues climbing 2.9% to KWD163.5 million. EBIT rose by 14.5% to KWD20.7 million, while passenger traffic for the nine months reached 3.7 million, a 3.9% increase, with a load factor of 78.1%.

Jazeera Airways, Chairman Marwan Boodai said: ” Our results for the third quarter of this year reflect our unwavering commitment to enhancing connectivity through Kuwait’s air hub and supporting the local economy. By expanding our network and transforming our service offerings, we are ensuring sustained growth for Jazeera Airways, contributing to the broader Kuwait aviation story, and making travel more affordable and accessible. We are excited about the future as we continue on this growth trajectory, connecting more destinations and providing valuable services that benefit our passengers and the community.”

Third Quarter 2024 – Operational Review

Jazeera Airways concluded the third quarter of 2024 with one of the busiest summers on record, achieving significant milestones in both passenger numbers and flights handled. In early July, the airline expanded its fleet to 24 aircraft with the addition of a new plane, enhancing its capacity to meet the rising travel demand. Jazeera’s On-Time Performance (OTP) also grew from 65% in 3Q 2023 to 80% in 3Q 2024. 

Despite facing geopolitical challenges and a major global IT outage, Jazeera Airways maintained its focus on safety and operational excellence, successfully navigating these hurdles to deliver reliable service to its passengers.

Outlook for 2024

Starting this winter, Jazeera Airways is operating year-round flights to Larnaca and Sharm El Sheikh. The airline has also restarted flights to Ahmedabad and Thiruvananthapuram and will soon connect with Bhairahawa. 

While the outlook for the rest of the year is positive, it is also contingent on the geopolitical situation in the region. By sustaining the current momentum, Jazeera Airways is set to expand further and transform the business in the coming future. 

About Jazeera Airways
Jazeera Airways KSC is a Kuwaiti low-cost airline with its head office at Kuwait International Airport in Al Farwaniyah Governorate, Kuwait. It operates scheduled services in the Middle East, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Europe.

Bayan Group bullish on Phuket sales

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 6 November 2024: Banyan Group Residence remains bullish on high-end residential property in Phuket, as annual residential sales increased 300% from USD65 to 70 million per year pre-Covid to over USD200 million per year in 2024.

The group has announced plans to develop a further USD1 billion worth of luxury residential real estate in Phuket over the next two to three years, as demand for quality homes on the island remains high from diverse international markets. Over the next 5-10 years this could extend to USD4.5 billion or more.

Banyan Group, led by Singaporean entrepreneur Ho Kwong Ping (KP Ho), is famous for its pioneering Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts luxury hospitality brand which just celebrated its 30th anniversary as well for being a strong driving force in the development of Phuket as a tourism destination.

Its iconic 3.5 sq km Laguna Phuket integrated resort now draws over 1 million visitors a year and comprises eight world-class hotels and resorts, an award-winning golf course, shops, spas, medical facilities, and even its own international pre-school kindergarten, in addition to 3,000 private homes.

In addition to Laguna Phuket, the company also announced another ambitious development earlier this year; Laguna Lakelands, a one square km site of lush jungle and scenic lagoons connected by 15 km of nature trails adjacent to Laguna Phuket. This will eventually be home to another 5,000 or so private residences.

As Banyan Group has seen the sales of its private residences in Phuket soar since the end of the Covid slowdown, the company is launching eight new residential projects within both Laguna Phuket and Laguna Lakelands in 2024 – with a total development value of USD425 million. These include Lakeview Residences and Skypark Elara Residences at Laguna Lakelands, as well as some prime beachfront projects within Laguna Phuket such as Garrya Residences Phuket, Beach Terraces at Laguna Phuket and Laguna Beach Residences Bayside.

“We’re seeing a huge demand for new homes in Phuket due to a whole range of factors from trends such as urban flight, work from home, geopolitical issues and simply the fact that Phuket has become a great place to live with world-class international schools and hospitals and all the benefits of a year-round tropical lifestyle,” said Banyan Group founder and Executive Chairman KP Ho. 

“High-quality property is still significantly cheaper in Phuket than in most buyer source markets like Hong Kong, Singapore or Europe, which is also an important factor,” he said. 

Phuket’s strategic location — within five or six hours of over 40% of the world’s population — its attractive year-round climate, and the growing number of world-class international schools and hospitals are also part of its growing attraction.

Up to 2024, around 3,000 residential units have been built in Laguna Phuket, with another 700 now under development. Over the next five to 10 years, a further 10,000 units are envisaged for Laguna Phuket and Laguna Lakelands.  

GBA adds Yonago to flight network

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 6 November 2024: Greater Bay Airlines launched its inaugural flight to Yonago in Japan from its home base Hong Kong last week.

The low-cost airline already flies to two destinations in Japan — Osaka and Tokyo using its fleet of eight Boeing 737-9s. Across Asia, the airline serves Taipei, Seoul, Bangkok, Manila, and Haikou in China’s Hainan province.

Toripy, the mascot of Tottori Prefecture, joined GBA’s new flight to Yonago, Japan.

The Tottori Prefectural Government hosted a welcome ceremony at Yonago Kitaro Airport upon arrival of Greater Bay Airlines’ inaugural flight.

Greater Bay Airlines CEO Liza Ng told the delegation of travel agents and influencers attending the inaugural flight ceremony that the airline will fly the route to Yonago thrice weekly.

“Japan is an important market for GBA, and we are very excited to introduce our third destination, Yonago, in addition to Tokyo and Osaka,” said Ng. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Tottori Prefectural Government for their tremendous support to GBA.” 

The airline recently confirmed it will add two more destinations in Japan, Tokushima and Sendai, scheduled for launch later in November and December 2024.

The flight schedule of GBA’s new Hong Kong – Yonago service is as follows:

The low-cost airline based in Hong Kong, GBA commenced scheduled service in July 2022. 

Emirates ramps up flights to Africa

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TTR WEEKLY
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Sea of cloud

DUBAI, UAE, 5 November 2024: Emirates has further bolstered its presence across Africa, with the introduction of additional flights to Entebbe, Uganda; Addis Abba in Ethiopia; and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Since the inaugural flight into Africa with Cairo as its first destination in 1986, Emirates has progressively grown its presence on the continent and now serves 20 passenger and cargo gateways, boosting Africa’s connectivity and air transport market development.  

Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “Africa has long been a priority region for Emirates, and we will deepen our strategic focus of expansion and continued investment on the continent as an important anchor for our future network. The introduction of frequencies to our existing points in Uganda, South Africa and Ethiopia helps support the region’s growth and provide critical links using Dubai as a key gateway to emerging economies across Asia and the Middle East.

“Over the last 30 years, Emirates has played a pivotal role in the development of the region’s aviation and tourism sectors, not just through scaling our operations but by establishing strategic partnerships with local governments, tourism boards and likeminded airline partners across the travel ecosystem, to nurture the industry and realise its untapped potential.”

Increasing frequencies to maximise connectivity

Emirates ramped up operations between Dubai and Uganda from five weekly flights to a daily service, last week. Operated via a Boeing 777-300ER, the additional flight will add 718 seats to and from Dubai-Entebbe every week, connecting to popular onward destinations from Dubai, such as Canada, the US, India and the UK, to name a few. As the only airline offering First Class in and out of Entebbe, the additional flights will enable more passengers to experience Emirates’ unrivalled experience with luxurious touches, a premium gastronomic selection of dishes and fine beverages, and one of the biggest screens in the sky.

The move builds on Emirates two-decade long commitment to Uganda, a vibrant gem on the airline’s vast global network and up-and-coming tourism destination. At the 2024 Arabian Travel Market, Emirates signed an MoU with the Uganda Tourism Board to encourage a diverse range of international travellers to experience the destination’s abundance of natural, cultural and adventure attractions. The additional frequency will further support this as Uganda continues to invest in building its tourism proposition.

Ringing in the new year, Emirates will also increase frequency in Ethiopia, with a daily flight connecting Dubai and Addis Abba from 1 January 2025. Visitor numbers to Ethiopia continue to grow, guided by the vision to make Ethiopia one of Africa’s top five tourist destinations by 2025. By boosting its flight frequencies, Emirates will provide more convenient access, particularly for travellers from the Middle East and the Far East.

This will be swiftly followed by the fourth daily flight to Johannesburg, which, from 1 March 2025, will introduce a morning slot to and from South Africa’s largest and busiest international airport. The additional flight brings Emirates’ operations back to pre-pandemic levels, with 49 weekly flights into South Africa, one of Africa’s most in-demand destinations.

Once the additional frequencies are activated, Emirates will provide 161 weekly flights between African destinations and Dubai.

Tickets can be booked now on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

Travel by train in Thailand

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 5 November 2024: The Tourism Authority of Thailand, in partnership with the State Railway of Thailand, has launched the E-Guidebook #MyRailJourney, designed to inspire eco-friendly travel experiences by rail. 

The digital guidebook targets environmentally conscious travellers and kicks off with two popular train routes: Bangkok to Phetchaburi and Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Last week, the initiative was introduced at a KTC Touch event in Bangkok, supported by strategic partners including KTC, Netflix, and Airbnb, to promote sustainable travel and enrich Thailand’s tourism landscape.

A new guidebook on train travel reaches out to Thais, but an English version is in the pipeline to spread the word to foreign train fans.

TAT’s Director of Tourism Products, Eurblarpo Sriphirom, emphasised that train travel aligns with TAT’s sustainable tourism goals. With over 120 years of history in Thailand, rail travel produces lower carbon emissions than cars or planes, providing an eco-friendly and culturally rich travel experience. 

The E-Guidebook #MyRailJourney offers a comprehensive planning tool for travellers to map their journey. It includes train schedules, travel times, and recommended equipment for activities along the way. The guide encourages “slow travel,” allowing tourists to enjoy scenic routes and connect more deeply with destinations.

Adding to the project’s reach, KTC World Travel Service (KTC) actively promotes responsible tourism products like train tickets and electric vehicle rentals. KTC head Patthira Ananchotiphat said the travel company aims to elevate travellers’ experiences by supporting local businesses and promoting lesser-known communities.

Interested travellers can now download the E-Guidebook #MyRailJourney at https://tourismproduct.tourismthailand.org/2024/10/23/rail-journey or contact the TAT hotline at 1672 Travel Buddy for more information. The guidebook is only available in Thai language.

Relaunch of the alltours travel app

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TTR WEEKLY
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LONDON, 5 November 2024: The “my alltours” app is now available in a new version offering a fresher design, an optimised user interface and new innovative features including a new dashboard view that allows easy, convenient navigation.

In cooperation with Deutsche Bahn, alltours is now the only tour operator that offers the download of Rail&Fly tickets directly through a travel app. 

“Our Rail&Fly tickets are very popular. We are therefore delighted that it is now possible to redeem the voucher codes directly in the alltours app and download the tickets. This is a real convenience,” DB Fernverkehr Head of Cooperations Tourism, Airlines and Trade  Christian Henkes explains.

“Our app is already extremely popular with our customers, with a user rate of over 60%, and very successful with an average rating of 4.7 stars. With the new version, we are now offering an even better user experience,” added alltours eCommerce project manager. Alexander Sieb.

The “my alltours” app can be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store .

For 50 years, alltours has stood for high-quality holidays at affordable prices. With around 2 million guests in the 2022/23 financial year, the company is one of the four largest tour operators in Germany and among the top 10 in Europe.

QF introduces Brisbane – Manila flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 November 2024: Qantas customers can now fly from Brisbane to the Philippines in one hop with the Flying Kangaroo’s nonstop flights to Manila. 

The inaugural flight departed Brisbane last Monday (28 October) and will operate four times per week using the airline’s Airbus A330 aircraft. Every year, more than 100,000 seats will be added between Australia and the Philippines. 

Flights operate four times per week using the airline’s Airbus A330.

The route adds to Qantas’ existing direct daily services from Sydney to Manila.

The new flight will also improve connectivity for passengers travelling to the Philippines from New Zealand, with easy connections in both directions from Auckland and Christchurch to Manila via Brisbane.

Qantas has a long history of operations in the Philippines, having first touched down with Lancastrian aircraft in 1947 supporting Australian Government military operations, before introducing Super Constellation passenger services in 1950. The first jet flights between Australia and Manila commenced in 1961 with Boeing 707 services flying from Sydney and forgoing the need of a stopover for the first time.

Today, the airline operates over 300,000 seats between Australia and the Philippines every year and will celebrate 75 years of passenger services between the two countries in 2025.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace commented: “The Philippines is a very strong market for Qantas, and we are pleased to respond to demand for our services with new flights from Brisbane.

“We know many customers travel to Manila via Sydney, so this new direct flight will make it easier and faster for Queenslanders to get to the Philippines in a single hop.

“With a fascinating history and culture, a vast archipelago of over 7,000 islands, and hospitality known worldwide, the Philippines is a fantastic destination for Australians who are thinking about their next getaway.”

The launch follows the recent expansion of the airline’s international network from Brisbane, with new flights to Palau as well as an upgrade of some of its Auckland and Los Angeles services to the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The national carrier also recently commenced services from Brisbane to Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila and has added an extra two flights per week to Singapore.

QF97 Brisbane to Manila operates four times weekly, departing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturdays. Flight time is approximately seven hours and 45 minutes.

Qantas services between Australia and the Philippines are operated by its fleet of Airbus A330 aircraft with 27 business class suites in 1-2-1 configuration, each featuring direct aisle access and converting into a lie-flat bed, and 269 economy seats.

Flight schedule

Flight QF097 departs Brisbane (BNE) at 1915 and arrives in Manila (MNL) at 0100 plus a day.

Flight QF098 departs Manila at 0245 and arrives in Brisbane at 1120.

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