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AirAsia expands Malaysia flights

SEPANG Malaysia, 27 September 2024: AirAsia will boost Malaysia’s domestic travel network by adding 2,000 weekly flights and 150,000 seats across 40 key routes by the end of the year. 

Timed to meet the growing demand for year-end travel, the expansion will provide more flight options and flexibility for local and regional guests, connecting them to diverse and vibrant destinations across Malaysia. This move emphasises AirAsia’s commitment to improving connectivity and ensuring travel remains accessible and affordable for Malaysians.

Photo Caption: (From Left): Amanda Woo, Group Head of Commercial at AirAsia, and Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, Managing Director of AirAsia Malaysia, during the press conference for the AirAsia Domestic Domination launch at the Atrium, RedQ.

As a result of this expansion, AirAsia’s market share is expected to increase to 64 per cent, reinforcing its leading position in the Malaysian aviation sector. By balancing its market leadership with a dedication to maintaining high customer experience standards, the airline aims to continue delivering exceptional service while navigating broader industry dynamics.

AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director, Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “As the people’s airline, our commitment has always been to serve Malaysians by offering great value, choice, and convenient travel options, and this domestic boost reflects that mission. As we expand our domestic operations with a total of 1.7 million seats available for booking by December 2024, we are not just meeting the travel needs of Malaysians – we are also opening doors for regional travellers to explore and experience Malaysia’s unique destinations, cultural heartlands, and world-famous cuisines.”

AirAsia is also introducing AirAsia Plus, which offers added value to guests flying to and from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). The AirAsia Plus fare includes 7kg cabin baggage, 20kg checked baggage, seat selection, inflight meal/snack, and Baggage and On-Time Guarantee (OTG) insurance, providing a comprehensive and convenient travel solution available for booking starting 8 October 2024 for the travel period from 9 October 2024.

“This is part of our broader effort to offer more to our guests without compromising on affordability. AirAsia Plus is designed with our guests’ needs in mind, ensuring they get the most out of their journey with us. It is not just about extra services, it is about delivering a better travel experience that our guests can rely on,” added Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra.

AirAsia offers promotional fares from MYR49 all-in* one way for all domestic flights available for booking until 29 September 2024 exclusively on the app or website for the travel period between 28 October 2024 and 15 February 2025.

**All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Other terms and conditions apply.

Chinese tourists explore beyond capitals

SHANGHAI, 27 September 2024: As millions of Chinese travellers prepare for the upcoming Golden Week holiday, 1 to 7 October, Trip.com Group’s latest data reveals notable travel flows for the last major travel period of 2024. 

Already, Trip.com is witnessing hotel bookings peak in arrivals on 1 October — the day the holiday commences — with the average length of stays over seven days, as workers enjoy a 10-day break by taking just two days off. Total booking growth for stays has also grown year-on-year.

High-quality, mid-tier stays thrive

Regarding travel costs, the top outbound destinations (Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, the UK, and the US) have all seen a significant drop in average air ticket prices (including taxes). Travellers increasingly seek high-quality, mid-tier accommodation types. However, in Europe, year-on-year growth of five-star hotel bookings was almost three times higher than in Asia-Pacific.

Long-haul travel on the rise

A significant shift towards long-haul destinations can be seen this year, with Australia, the United States, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain topping the list of most sought-after long-haul destinations by Chinese travellers. Long-haul flights have seen an increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

European destinations like the UK, Spain, Germany, and Italy are seeing significantly more extended stays, surpassing 10 to 14 days.

Trip.com says more than 30% of Chinese travellers heading for Europe choose multi-destination itineraries, while nearly 80% of Chinese travellers in Asia Pacific opt for single-destination trips.

Additionally, travellers plan further in advance, with visa applications submitted an average of 68 days before the holiday — 29 days earlier than last year. The top countries for National Day visa applications include Japan, South Korea, Australia, the US, Vietnam, New Zealand, the UK, France, and Spain.

Lesser known destinations spark travel flows

With overtourism being one of the challenges for key destinations worldwide, Chinese travellers have increasingly been drawn to quieter, off-the-beaten-path locations this Golden Week, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Europe regions. 

Japanese cities off the main circuit of Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto, like Yokohama, Takayama and Ito, showed three-digit booking growth, underscoring this trend. Additionally, nature and wellness tourism saw a rise, with Phu Quoc Islands in Vietnam and the hot spring town of Higashiizu in Japan becoming popular for their scenic landscapes and wellness experiences.

European destinations such as Granada and Seville also captured significant attention, with bookings rising 260% and 144%, respectively, reflecting a desire for greater cultural and historical immersion beyond key capitals.

Live entertainment fuels bookings

Live entertainment is pivotal in travel trends this season, with key concerts and events in the Asia-Pacific region happening during the October holiday. Moreover, over 75% of tourists visiting the APAC region are millennials, who have shown strong interest in events and concerts.

Around the holiday period, popular K-pop artists such as Taemin and Taeyang will captivate audiences in Hong Kong, alongside international acts such as John Legend and Ne-Yo. In Bangkok, the girl group Aespa is a draw, while in South Korea, Busan’s Festival Shiwol blends entertainment, culture, and business in a massive event that is expected to draw 450,000 visitors.

In Singapore, hotels within 3km of concert venues have experienced a 214% increase in unique views compared to those farther away, as tourists seek proximity to venues such as Singapore Indoor Stadium, Gateway Theatre, and Capitol Theatre, where major concerts are scheduled.

Cross-border surge in inbound tourism

The growth rate of inbound tourism has also been encouraging, with an increase in bookings. Nine out of 10 of the top outbound destinations were also the top inbound source markets, highlighting the two-way nature between outbound and inbound tourism for China.

This year, Thailand and Singapore, both offering mutual visa exemptions with China, ranked third and fifth respectively in inbound tourism.

About Trip.com Group
Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world. Its mission is “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world.” 

Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com

Booking.com: Family travel picks up momentum

SINGAPORE, 27 September 2024: Findings from Booking.com’s recently unveiled Gen.Voyage Research Report indicate that intergenerational travel is picking up across Asia Pacific (APAC). 

“Each generation brings its flair to leisure trips — Gen Zs typically crave adventure, Millennials seek spa indulgence, and Gen X and Baby Boomers lean toward sightseeing,” Booking.com explains. “Yet, one thing unites them all: the belief in intergenerational travel as a chance to reconnect with the entire family and create lasting memories rings true for 47% of travellers across APAC and 52% of Singaporeans.”

Singapore and three destinations in Bali, Indonesia — Seminyak Bali, Kuta Bali and Nusa Dua — rank fourth, seventh and 10th on the Top 10 Destinations list. For the Trending Destinations, Japan’s Urayasu, India’s Ayodhya and Bali’s Uluwatu rank first, second and third.

Booking.com says, “It spotlights top and trending destinations offering family-friendly accommodations and activities everyone can participate in for the ultimate family getaway.”

*Based on search volume between Jan 1 and Mar 31, 2024 for stays between Apr 1 and Dec 31, 2024 on Booking.com.

**Based on year-on-year search volume changes between Jan 1 and Mar 31, 2024 for stays between Apr 1 and Dec 31, 2024 on Booking.com, for cities with more than 500 searches in 2023.

Himalayan Bank partners Alipay+ in Nepal

SINGAPORE, 27 September 2024: Alipay+, a cross-border mobile payment solution operated by Ant International, has enabled more than 10 additional payment partners in Nepal by collaborating with local acquiring partner Himalayan Bank. 

Alipay+ will be accepted at more than 25,000 local merchants, allowing travellers from 10 countries and regions to enjoy a cashless experience as they travel across Nepal simply by scanning the MOCO Unified QR Code. Alipay – an Alipay+ partner – for Chinese travellers, has been available since 2019.

Representatives from Nepal Rastra Bank, Nepal Tourism Board, Himalayan Bank, FOCUSONE Payment Solutions and Alipay+ celebrate the launch of Alipay+ in Nepal.

Effective September 2024, 12 Alipay+ partner payment apps are accepted in Nepal: Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR), Tinaba (Italy), MPay (Macao SAR), MyPB by Public Bank Berhad (Malaysia), Hipay (Mongolia), GCash (the Philippines), Changi Pay and OCBC Digital (Singapore), Naver Pay and Toss Pay (South Korea), and TrueMoney (Thailand). More payment apps will be progressively added.

According to the Nepal Tourism Board, tourist arrivals saw an 8.3% increase in August 2024, with over 720,000 visitors in the first eight months of the year. Data from Alipay, an Alipay+ partner, indicates a threefold increase in transactions by Chinese tourists between January and August 2024 compared to the same period last year. Additionally, Chinese travellers from Thailand, South Korea, and Italy are among the top inbound visitors to Nepal.

Ant International Country Manager for Thailand, South Asia & Indochina, Sittipong Kittiprapapong: “Through our partnership with Himalayan Bank and MOCO Unified QR Code, we are enabling local businesses to benefit from tourism growth and we’re committed to continually enhancing the travel experience and increasing merchant visibility.”

Himalayan Bank merchants accepting the MOCO Unified QR Code include a wide range of travel scenarios including retail, F&B and attractions, ensuring ease of travel for users of Alipay+ payment partners, no matter what they choose to do in Nepal. 

FOCUSONE Payment Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a FinTech company in Nepal, facilitates QR payment services for Himalayan Bank and other acquiring banks in Nepal. FOCUSONE’s product, MOCO Unified QR Code is Nepal’s first cross-border, cross currency unified QR payment option that has been accepting payments from Alipay since 2019.

Himalayan Bank CEO Ashok SJB Rana said: “Partnering with Alipay+, we can integrate multiple e-wallets and banking apps, enhancing the scope of cross-border payments and simplifying payments for inbound travellers and more than 25,000 merchants who accept the MOCO Unified QR.”

In addition to Himalayan Bank’s merchants, Alipay+ will gradually expand to more merchants through its local partners. In May 2024, Alipay+ and Nepal Clearing House Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enable Alipay+ payment partners to be accepted through NEPALPAY QR.

Introduced by Ant International in 2020, Alipay+ now connects over 90 million merchants in 66 countries and regions to 1.6 billion consumer accounts across over 30 e-wallets and bank apps.

Centara signs Varivana Resort Koh Phangan

BANGKOK, 27 September 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, and Varivana Resort Koh Phangan Company Limited have signed a Hotel Management Agreement for Varivana Resort Koh Phangan. 

This agreement marks Centara’s debut property on the island and highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to expansion in the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Varivana Resort Koh Phangan, a 39-key boutique property, commenced operations under Centara’s management on 16 September. The resort opened its doors in January 2020 and has already garnered acclaim for its distinctive loft-style design and commitment to providing an exceptional guest experience.

“We are thrilled to welcome Varivana Resort Koh Phangan into our portfolio,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat.

“This property’s unique design and dedication to quality align perfectly with our vision to offer diverse and memorable experiences to our guests. Koh Phangan’s rising popularity as a leisure and workation destination makes this an exciting addition to our collection.”

Varivana Resort Koh Phangan Company Limited’s owner, Hongnapa Lawanangkul, stated: “Partnering with Centara Hotels & Resorts marks an exciting new chapter for Varivana Resort. We believe this collaboration will further elevate our unique offering and introduce more travellers to the exceptional experience our tropical hideaway provides on this beautiful island.”

Drawing inspiration from its name, with “Vari” meaning sea and “Vana” meaning mountain, Varivana Resort Koh Phangan embodies a harmonious blend of nature and modern comfort. As “the place where the mountains meet the sea,” this serene retreat offers guests panoramic views of the lush landscape and the glistening waters of the Gulf of Thailand, a 28-metre rooftop saltwater infinity pool, a rejuvenating spa, and stunning restaurant and bar. With easy access to Thong Sala Pier and an array of island adventures such as cycling, snorkelling, island-hopping excursions, and the world-famous Full Moon party, Varivana Resort masterfully blends privacy and relaxation with the thrill of local exploration.

For more information, visit Centara’s website at https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/

Hong Kong braces for Golden Week travel surge

HONG KONG, 27 September 2024: Hong Kong’s Immigration Department estimates 10.03 million passengers will pass through the territory’s land, sea, and air checkpoints during the Golden Week Holiday, festive season from 28 September to 7 October.

In consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection, the department added that it estimates around 8.54 million passengers will transit through land boundary control points.

Photo credit: News.gov.HK

The Golden Week Holiday officially gets underway on 1 October, when outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will peak at around 523,000 to 632,000.

Passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point is expected to reach a daily average of about 208,000 passengers, while the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point are forecast to handle around 185,000 and 118,000 passengers, respectively.

To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the department has minimised leave for frontline officers to deploy and operate extra clearance counters and kiosks. 

Apart from setting up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point with Police, Customs and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation to closely monitor passenger conditions, the department will establish close communication with Mainland authorities.

Travellers are advised to plan in advance and avoid making their journeys during busy times. They can check the expected busy times at boundary control points on the department’s website and find the estimated waiting times at all land boundary control points via its app.

HK third in finance hub ranking

Meanwhile, News.Gov.HK reported this week that Hong Kong has been ranked third in the Global Financial Centres Index GFCI 36 Report, published on Tuesday by the UK’s Z/Yen and the Shenzhen-based China Development Institute. The report is published biannually in March and September.

The territory improved its ranking from fourth place in the March version of the index. The city also ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region. Its rating rose by eight points, the largest improvement among the top five financial centres.

GFCI 36 Results — Leading Centres

“New York leads the index, with London second. Hong Kong has overtaken Singapore (4th) to regain the third position. San Francisco remains at number five, with Chicago and Los Angeles overtaking Shanghai to place sixth and seventh, with Shanghai now in eighth position. Shenzhen and Frankfurt complete the top 10.”

Asia/Pacific

“Seven Asia/Pacific centres feature in the world’s top 20, and the average rating for this region is down 0.56%. The region’s ranking was relatively stable, although Sydney, Nanjing, and Tianjin fell 10 places or more. Kuala Lumpur was the only centre in the Asia/Pacific region that improved more than 10 places in GFCI 36.” (Source:https://www.longfinance.net/publications/long-finance-reports/the-global-financial-centres-index-36/

News.Gov.HK said the “report affirms Hong Kong’s status and strengths as a leading global financial centre, highlighting that its scores were among the highest for the business environment, human capital, infrastructure, and reputational and general competitiveness.”

Centara teams up with beauty brand

BANGKOK, 26 September 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has inked a strategic partnership with L’Oréal Groupe in Thailand, a beauty and cosmetics company. 

This exciting new collaboration brings together two major brands to deliver exclusive benefits and unique experiences for their shared customer base, extending beyond exceptional products to genuinely unforgettable moments.

Kanawat Isaranuwatchai, Head of E-Commerce, L’Oréal Groupe in Thailand; ada Sarttarasathit, Chief Digital & Marketing Officer, L’Oréal Groupe in Thailand; Tom Thrussell, Vice President – Brand, Marketing & Digital at Centara Hotels & Resorts; Rattanawadee Nimnual, Corporate Director of Social Media.

The partnership started with the “Beauty Duo” digital marketing campaign in August. This limited-edition initiative offered customers the exceptional opportunity to either savour an exquisite afternoon tea set at Centara Hotels or win a luxury stay at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. 

This campaign served as a launchpad for future collaborations, embodying L’Oréal’s commitment to creating moments of joy that complement our dedication to quality beauty products. Both companies are dedicated to exploring new avenues to enhance customer experiences across Centara’s six distinct hotel brands and over 10 world-renowned beauty players under L’Oréal Groupe in Thailand.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with L’Oréal Groupe in Thailand, a collaboration that will pave the way for innovative guest experiences, rewards programmes, and exclusive product offerings. We look forward to working closely with the L’Oréal team to explore new opportunities that will bring even more value and benefits to our customers in the future,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Vice President – Brand, Marketing & Digital Tom Thrussell.

This is the latest in a series of successful collaborations for Centara Hotels & Resorts, following strategic alignments with major brands like Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Build-A-Bear, TrueDtac, and Mastercard. It further solidifies the hotel group’s reputation for innovative partnerships that enhance customer experiences and deliver added value. Centara Hotels & Resorts and L’Oréal Groupe in Thailand will work closely to provide personalised services and innovative campaigns for their customers. Both companies are excited by the immense potential of this partnership and invite customers to stay tuned for more unique offerings on the horizon.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resort, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/
For more information about L’Oréal Groupe in Thailand, visit www.lorealthailand.com

New Kerala combo cruises in India

SINGAPORE, 26 September 2024: Following the launch of Pandaw’s latest expedition along the backwaters of Kerala, the Asian river cruise specialist is creating two new combination cruises that add Kerala expeditions to its existing Ganges & Brahmaputra adventures. 

Exploring the far extremes of India, from the North-East Assam region to South-West Kerala, this combo cruise takes you 3,000 km on two distinct small ship river expeditions in the lesser-visited parts of the country. 

Combining Pandaw’s popular expedition along the wild Brahmaputra River with our newest itinerary sailing the backwaters of Kerala, embark on a remarkable adventure with Pandaw.

The two 15-night and 22-night combos will allow travellers to explore even more of this fascinating and diverse country in comfort and style aboard Pandaw’s small river vessels.

With inclusive domestic flight and a one-night hotel in Kochi between cruises, Pandaw’s popular river cruises take the hassle out of planning your lifetime trip to India. 

Kerala backwaters refer to the network of rivers, lakes, and canals that run along the coast of Kerala, India, known for its houseboats and its maze of waterways. Panadaw explored and created a signature river cruise to explore the backwaters and see the local wildlife. 

Here are some of the signature attractions when exploring Kerala backwaters. 

Kochi

The fascinating boat trip begins in Kochi following a flight from Guwahati. Guests transfer to Maradu Port and board RV Kochi Pandaw. An orientation land tour of Kochi, the state capital on the Malabar Coast, follows with visits to Fort Kochi, St Louis’s church, the Jewish settlement with its old Paradesi synagogue, museums, the Shiva temple and the city’s markets. 

Then, in the afternoon, the Pandaw river boat sails from Maradu Port to a village of coir weavers and shell harvesters, where guests glimpse the many indigenous techniques of local fishing using small-scale Chinese nets and fish traps.

Thannermekkom Bund

The Syrian Village in Kerala showcases traditional Syrian Christian culture and heritage with its distinctive architecture, historic churches, and local customs. 

In the afternoon, the ship visits Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, followed by the Craft Museum, which showcases Kerala’s rich artisanal heritage. 

Nattakam

Here, the Munroe lighthouse, built in 1885, guides ships with its striking beacon, offering a glimpse of the rich maritime history and breathtaking vistas of the Arabian Sea and surrounding landscapes.

Kavalam

At this fishing village, guests can explore canals and traditional Kerala life, picturesque waterways, bustling fishing activities, and authentic village charm.

Kettuvalom 

Here, guests visit a boatyard, where traditional wooden boat-building skills are still employed to craft wooden planks into decking using coir, cotton, and natural resin.

Allapphuza (Alleppey) 

The Alleppay Harbour is a bustling hub of Kerala’s backwater network with traditional houseboats and fishing activities. This lively port offers a glimpse into the local maritime culture and the scenic beauty of the region’s interconnected waterways.

The Mighty Brahmaputra & Kerala Backwaters
GUWAHATI – KOCHI
15 nights
FROM USD8,989

For more details, visit
https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/the-mighty-brahmaputra-kerala-backwaters?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kerala-combo-cruises-destination

Accor boosts brands in Singapore

SINGAPORE, 26 Singapore 2024: Accor continues its strong growth trajectory in Singapore with the signing of two new-build properties with three hotel brands set to open by 2027 with its longstanding partners, Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited, both owned by Koh Wee Meng. 

The landmark agreement will introduce Mövenpick Singapore, the largest Mövenpick hotel in the Asia Pacific, the first Mövenpick Living in Singapore, and a Handwritten Collection branded hotel situated alongside the city-state’s famed and culturally rich Waterloo Street.

From left to right: Chris Cho, Vice President Development, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, Korea and Maldives, Accor; Andrew Langdon, Chief Development Officer, Asia, Accor; Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Asia, Accor; Koh Wee Meng, Chairman of Fragrance Group Limited, Ko Lee Meng, CEO of Global Premium Hotels Limited, and Christy Liu Xiaojing, CFO of Global Premium Hotels Limited.

These new signings reaffirm Accor’s position as the preferred partner for hotel owners across Asia’s premium, midscale, and economy (PM&E) segments. As the region’s leading operator in these categories, Accor is committed to driving value and business performance through its extensive expertise and platforms.

Located near the central business district at Hoe Chiang Road, Mövenpick Singapore will be the largest Mövenpick hotel in Asia Pacific, featuring approximately 808 keys. The same building will house Mövenpick Living Singapore, a 37-key property.

In late 2025, Waterloo Street, renowned for local arts and culture in the heart of Singapore’s civic centre, will welcome a new hotel under the Handwritten Collection brand. The 502-key follows the successful launch of Hotel Faber Park Singapore – Handwritten Collection in late 2023.

Accor has a longstanding strategic partnership with Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited. It operates 17 hotels in Singapore, five in Australia, and 3 in the United Kingdom under brands such as MGallery, Mövenpick, Novotel, Mercure, Handwritten Collection, ibis Styles, and ibis budget brands.

Accor currently operates 35 hotels across 13 brands in Singapore, including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Mondrian, Swissôtel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, Handwritten Collection, ibis, ibis Styles, and ibis budget.

HXB Group launches Marketing Suite

SINGAPORE, 26 September 2024: HBX Group, a leading global B2B travel technology company, announces Wednesday the launch of its Marketing Suite, a combination of marketing services designed to drive growth in the travel space. 

With this launch, HBX Group aspires to become a primary retail media network within the travel industry, serving as a point of reference for hotels, DMOs, airlines, mobility providers and any business seeking to engage with travellers and travel distributors.

HBX Group Marketing Suite is composed of two key solutions: Travel Media Solutions and a Digital Marketing Agency.

HBX Group’s Travel Media Solutions offers a suite of complete advertising products in an extensive network of hard-to-reach digital spaces, with the potential to reach over 50.000 travel agencies and 3.500 tour operators across 65 countries, as well as travellers from over 100 booking websites and strategic partners. 

These advertising solutions include digital banners on B2B and B2C websites, social media marketing, bespoke newsletters, email sponsorships, and landing pages.

The Digital Marketing Agency is focused on tailor-made strategies developed by expert travel marketers to accelerate business growth within the B2C audience. Services include B2C digital campaign management, marketing advisory, insights, creative services and brand management.