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TPB Philippines wins award

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 19 June 2024: The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines was recognised at this year’s GovMedia Conference and Awards 2024 as the recipient of the Philippines Public Sector Initiative of the Year – Tourism award. 

It won recognition for its “outstanding success” in implementing its flagship programmes, specifically the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2023. 

TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles (centre) and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (right) received the award during a ceremony at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco received the award during a ceremony at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

“This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable and innovative tourism practices. I want to thank my team at the Tourism Promotions Board, our private stakeholder partners, and foreign buyers for making PHITEX 2023, the first purely in-person event since the pandemic, a resounding success,” said TPB COO Nograles. “Under the leadership of Tourism Secretary Frasco, we will continue to leverage technology and prioritise sustainability to enhance our tourism promotion efforts and showcase the best of the Philippines and our people to the world.”

Since its inception in 1996, PHITEX has played a vital role in fostering business partnerships and showcasing the finest tourism offerings of the Philippines. The 2023 edition embraced the theme “Tourism Sustainability in the Era of Internet of Things (IoT),” highlighting the country’s digitalisation and sustainability efforts to meet global demands.

PHITEX 2023 successfully hosted 88 buyers from 19 countries worldwide for travel exchange sessions with 164 seller delegates from 119 Philippine companies. The event facilitated 4,063 business meetings, generating a projected revenue of over PHP341.5 million. 

The GovMedia Conference & Awards is a prestigious event that light bulbs outstanding government projects and initiatives in Asia. Last year, TPB’s PHITEX received the National Tourism Initiative of the Year award at the 2023 GovMedia Awards.

ABOUT TPB
An attached agency of the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) exists to market and promote the Philippines domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE destination in strategic partnership with private and public stakeholders.  

Airlines enjoy return to profit

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 19 June 2024: Asia Pacific airlines reported a strong rebound in 2023, following three consecutive years of losses according to preliminary financial performance figures released on 18 June by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). 

Combined net earnings totalled a solid USD8.8 billion for the calendar year on the back of healthy travel demand in both leisure and business sectors regionally and worldwide.

The lifting of the final remaining pandemic-induced travel restrictions facilitated the resurgence of travel demand in 2023, leading to a 130.7% increase in international passenger traffic as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK). Conversely, international air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), saw a 2.8% annual decline, driven by inflationary pressures, a robust US Dollar and consequent downturn in demand for goods.

For the year, Asia Pacific airlines’ operating revenues totalled USD198.1 billion, a 54.8% jump from the USD128.0 billion recorded in 2022. 

Combined passenger revenue more than doubled, by 105.4% to USD151.5 billion, driven by the sturdy growth in passenger demand. However, passenger yields declined by 6.7% to 8.6 cents per RPK, reflecting the steady flight increases. Meanwhile, aggregated cargo revenue fell by 43.3% to USD21 billion in 2023, driven by weakness in trade activity and easing freight rates, as reflected in the 41.7% drop in cargo yields to 33.6 cents per FTK. Despite the decline, average cargo yields remained above pre-pandemic levels.

Meanwhile, operating expenses rose by 30.9% to a combined total of USD182.6 billion in 2023, in tandem with the ramp-up in flight frequencies and restoration of networks. Fuel expenditure rose by 41.5% to USD57.7 billion, partly mitigated by a 20.0% fall in global jet fuel prices to an average of USD113.4 per barrel. The share of fuel expenditure as a percentage of total operating costs increased by 2.4 percentage points to 31.6%. Meanwhile, non-fuel costs increased by 26.5% to USD124.9 billion as a result of higher expenditure on staff as well as landing fees and enroute charges.

AAPA Director General Subhas Menon commented on the financial results: “In 2023, Asia Pacific airlines made a welcome turnaround following three consecutive years of steep losses during the Covid-19 pandemic years. The region’s carriers recorded a significant operating profit margin of 7.8%, compared to the -9.3% posted in 2022. Asian airlines benefitted from the vigorous recovery in passenger demand. While still relatively high compared to historical averages, the oil price declined, alleviating cost pressures stemming from persistent inflation and a robust US Dollar.”

He noted: “The outlook for Asian airlines is generally positive, as demand for air travel globally continues to be strong, complemented by resurgent growth in international air cargo markets. The region’s carriers continue to face numerous challenges, including delayed deployment of additional capacity due to supply chain constraints and persistent cost pressures.”

“Notwithstanding, Asia Pacific airlines remain nimble and proactive, seeking to open new routes and meet customer demand. Improving cost efficiency and profitability, as well as keeping the focus on safety standards and sustainability targets, are ongoing priorities.”

AirAsia reinstates flights to Pattaya

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 June 2024: AirAsia resumed flights from Kuala Lumpur to Pattaya on Monday, bringing the airline’s direct routes to nine that depart Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang to Thai destinations.

The inaugural flight departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) on 17 June at 1120 and landed at U-tapao-Rayong–Pattaya International Airport at 1205. The airline serves the route with three weekly flights on Monday, Friday and Sunday using an A320 with 180 seats. Roundtrip fares start at around USD80.

Flight AK840 departs Kuala Lumpur at 1120 and arrives in U-tapao (UTP) at 1205.
Flight AK851 departs U-tapao (UTP) at 1235  and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1530.

Flight AK840 was welcomed by a water cannon salute on arrival at the airport located around 30 km south of the coastal city of Pattaya. Guests were warmly received by AirAsia staff and representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Pattaya.

From its hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang, the airline flies to Bangkok (Don Mueang International Airport), Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport), Krabi, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Hat Yai.

Ethiopian flies to Gudina Tumsa Airport

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 June 2024: Ethiopian Airlines, home-based in Addis Ababa, launches its thrice weekly flights to Nekemte’s Gudina

Tumsa Airport while celebrating the inauguration of the airport airfield and passenger access projects in the airport.

Nekemte is a market city and separate woreda in western Ethiopia, located in the East Welega Zone of the Oromia Region.

Ethiopian Airlines new flights to Gudina Tumsa Airport

Addis Ababa (ADD) to Nekemte (NEK): Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays
Nekemte (NEK) to Addis Ababa (ADD): Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays

Regarding the inaugural, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said: “We celebrate the completion of the new Gudina Tumsa Airport project and the commencement of our new service. This project is part of our vision to expand our

domestic destinations nationwide with a firm determination to strengthen regional connectivity. And we are pleased to witness the completion of yet another aviation facility project and service commencement.”

The Gudina Tumsa Airport project cost ETB1.1 billion, including a new airfield, access road to the airport, watch towers, temporary terminal, and other facilities. Construction of the permanent terminal will commence in the coming budget year. 

The runway is designed for Boing 737-800 Max aircraft type, while the apron can park two B737-800 Max or four Q-400 aircraft at any one time.

Realising its vision to expand its domestic networks to 31 from the current 23 by 2035, Ethiopian has already begun constructing and upgrading domestic airports and aviation facilities to offer more extended and advanced flight services.

The newly completed airport facility is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ goal of advancing the socio-economic and cultural interrelation between Ethiopian cities and beyond.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport Termina I, Axum Yohannes IV Airport, Jinka Airport Terminal, and Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport are some of the projects inaugurated, and others are set to be completed soon.

About Ethiopian
Ethiopian Airlines Group commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network, operating the youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Ethiopian’s fleet category consists of Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900 and De Havilland Q400.

Ethiopian is also pursuing multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY in Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines and in Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways. 

Having achieved its strategic plan (Vision 2025) ahead of time, Ethiopian is currently implementing a 15-year strategic plan, Vision 2035, that will see it become one of the top 20 most competitive and leading aviation groups in the world. 

TripAdmit streamlines tipping for guides

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 June 2024: TripAdmit has launched the TipDirect App, a cutting-edge mobile app designed to streamline tipping and reviews for tour guides.

TipDirect has already achieved significant success, providing a digital solution for tour guides across Europe and North America to collect tips and reviews in person at the end of each tour. Introducing the TipDirect App adds another powerful tool for guides, enhancing their ability to receive tips and feedback seamlessly.

Carrying cash is becoming less common in an increasingly cashless society. TipDirect addresses this by providing a convenient, cashless solution for tipping. Tour guides can now effortlessly receive tips from customers via their mobile devices. Customers can make instant payments directly to the tour guide’s designated bank account by simply scanning a unique QR code. This process is fast, secure, and transparent for both the guest and the guide.

The TipDirect App offers a comprehensive user dashboard where guides can update their profiles in real time. The app’s payment functionality meticulously records all earnings and recent transactions, presenting income trends in an easy-to-understand format. This ensures that guides can manage their finances efficiently and transparently.

One of the standout features for guides of TipDirect is its instant payout system. Guides receive real-time payments when the transaction is made, ensuring immediate access to their earnings. This feature enhances tour guides’ financial security and convenience.

On review generation, TipDirect is the first to market with its AI-assisted review capability. Using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, guests can write their reviews independently or with AI assistance. This enhances the review process and provides valuable insights for guides and operators.

Beyond improving the in-tour tipping and review process, TipDirect offers several other benefits. The platform and app include features for tour upselling, allowing activity providers to promote additional tours and boost sales. Additionally, the social connect feature helps enhance social media presence by engaging with guests who have already shown interest in the services.

TripAdmit, Co-founder and CEO John Maguire commented: “We are excited to introduce the TipDirect App. The app is intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring that guides receive tip payments immediately upon transaction completion. In our cashless world, we are dedicated to supporting tour guides who rely on tips for their invaluable services.”

TripAdmit’s TipDirect App is set to transform the tipping landscape for tour guides. It offers a modern, efficient, and secure solution that aligns with today’s cashless trends. Tour guides can now enhance their service quality and financial transparency, improving their overall service and customer satisfaction.

He added: “Our development team has created a powerful app that ensures mobile tipping is as fast as cash, but far more convenient and secure. TipDirect will enhance the overall traveller experience while maximising earning potential for tour guides, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional experiences for their customers.”

For more information about the TipDirect App, visit https://tip.direct/app/

New Lapland flights in the winter

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 June 2024: British Airways has added Lapland to its list and checked it twice as it prepares to launch new flights to Santa Claus’s home region this winter.

With the launch of new twice-weekly flights from London Gatwick on 3 December 2024, British Airways is making it easier than ever to reach Ivalo, home to Finland’s most northerly airport.

Photo credit: British Airways.

Ivalo, a charming village on the Ivalo River in Lapland, is a winter wonderland located in the Arctic Circle. It beckons visitors from across the globe, especially during the winter months, to revel in the magic of cold weather and Christmas activities. Serving as a gateway to Saariselkä, a resort village that allures winter sports enthusiasts with its array of activities, from skiing and snowmobile safaris to toboggan rides and snowshoeing, Ivalo promises a unique and unforgettable winter experience.

Those who’d like to deliver their Christmas lists in person to Saint Nick can meet him at the Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä. Ivalo’s remote location also offers spectacular views of the northern lights.

BA Euroflyer, British Airways’ short-haul subsidiary based at London Gatwick’s South Terminal, will operate the flights. Customers can take skiing or snowboarding equipment as part of their checked baggage if the bag is within 190 x 75 x 65cm.

Ivalo joins Tromsø in Norway, which was announced last week as a new route to join the winter schedule from London Heathrow this December.

Return flights are available now from UKP345 and will run twice a week until 14 February 2025.

Cebu Pacific STB promote fly-cruise holidays

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 18 June 2024: Cebu Pacific, a leading low-cost airline in the Philippines, has strengthened its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board following a recent increase in flights from Clark to the Lion City. 

CEB renewed its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Singapore Tourism Board earlier this month, just days before it increased flights on the Clark – Singapore route from three weekly to daily.

Photo credit: Cebu Pacific.

The latest version of the bilateral MoU will focus on promoting “Fly, Stay, and Cruise” holidays that feature destinations in the Philippines and use Singapore as a homeport for international cruise lines. 

The Philippines was Singapore’s 6th largest source market for tourism last year, with nearly 700,000 tourist arrivals, an 81% increase from 2022. 

“We are very grateful for this renewed partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. This collaboration not only aligns with Cebu Pacific’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable flights but also contributes significantly to bolstering Singapore’s tourism industry by attracting more visitors from the Philippines, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting economic growth,” said CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog

CEB currently flies to and from Singapore from several gateway destinations in the Philippines (Manila, Cebu and Clark). Most recently it increased flights from three weekly to daily on the Clark-Singapore-Clark route effective 1 June.

“The Philippines continues to be an important market for Singapore Tourism Board, with strong recovery in visitor numbers after the pandemic,” said Singapore Tourism Board Executive Director for Southeast Asia Terrence Voon. “Through our new partnership, we will give Filipinos more reasons to visit Singapore by leveraging our position as a regional hub for world-class cruise ships, as well as our vibrant year-round calendar of live events.”

CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

The Philippines News Agency quoted CEB Communications Specialist Roxanne Gochuico saying: “The Clark-Singapore route is one of the routes that we launched when CEB restarted its Clark hub in April 2023. Although flights change depending on the demand and aircraft availability, the Clark-Singapore flight continues to operate due to consistent demand among travellers.” 

Malaysia Airlines flies to Chiang Mai

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 June 2024: Malaysia Airlines promotes the magic of Chiang Mai, announcing via a Facebook video that it will fly to the northern Thai city from its home base, Kuala Lumpur, on 15 August.

Promotions got underway this week almost exclusively on Facebook with a compelling video and sales pitch. Still, details of introductory fares on the new route and holiday options are not jumping off the airline’s website pages. Searching for a promotional fare on its website has yet to trigger any price magic for a trip to Chiang Mai.

Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines.

After a long pause of around four years, the airline resumes flights between Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Mai five times a week on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday using a Boeing 737-800. Flight time is two hours and 50 minutes.

Flight MH772 departs Kuala Lumpur at 1150 and arrives in Chiang Mai at 1340.
Flight MH773 departs Chiang Mai at 1440 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1845.

Competition will be harsh on the route as AirAsia flies daily, departing Kuala Lumpur at 1505 using a 180-seat A320. Google Flights quotes a roundtrip fare of USD132, while it quotes a roundtrip fare of USD173 on Malaysia Airlines. 

Until now, with just AirAsia serving the route, the average roundtrip fare is around USD 140.

Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines.

Thai AirAsia taps fifth freedom rights

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 18 June 2024: Thai AirAsia has exercised its fifth freedom rights to carry out an inaugural flight that departed Bangkok (Don Mueang), stopped in Taiwan to pick up passengers, and then completed its journey to Japan. 

Route 1 Don Mueang-Taipei-Okinawa: The daily flight makes a transit stop in Taipei” departing Bangkok (Don Mueang) at 0725 and arriving in Taipei at 1220, picking up passengers and then departing at 1330 to arrive in Okinawa at 1555 daily

Route 2 Don Mueang-Kaohsiung-Tokyo: The flight makes a transit stop in Kaohsiung departing Bangkok (Don Mueang) at 0245  to arrive in Kaohsiung at 0715, picking up passengers and then departing at 0800 hrs to arrive in Tokyo (Narita) at 1255 four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya noted that after introducing flights with transit stops using the Fifth Freedom right, Thai AirAsia has added more flight opportunities to Japan’s Tokyo and Osaka. 

“The first flight took place on 15 June, and the airline thanks all the airports, tourism bodies, and supporting agencies that aided in promoting Thai AirAsia’s Fifth Freedom routes in Taiwan (Taipei and Kaohsiung) and Japan (Tokyo and Osaka), leading to the strong response they received. Connections between Taiwan and Japan were particularly well received, indicating high demand in the market.

“Carrying out stop overs to receive additional passengers is a new challenge for AirAsia, but it has provided more opportunities to connect with a wider customer base in both Japan and Taiwan. We inaugurated Don Mueang-Taipei-Okinawa and Don Mueang-Kaohsiung-Tokyo today and received a very satisfactory response.” Santisuk concluded.  

AirAsia staged a welcoming ceremony for the inaugural flight of the Kaohsiung – Tokyo route, presenting passengers with certificates and souvenirs during a ceremony at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. 

Jetstar Asia resumes flights to Clark

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 June 2024: Sunday morning, 16 June, marked the resumption of Jetstar Asia’s (3K) services to Clark International Airport in the Philippines, as flight 3K775 took off at 0740 from Singapore’s Changi Airport.

The low-cost carrier’s fleet of Airbus A320s will operate four return services each week, increasing to five return services from 18 October 2024 to meet increasing demand, offering more than 90,000 low-fare seats between the two destinations next year.

This popular destination, north of Manila, is a key destination for tourists, business travellers, and those visiting family and friends.

Renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, Clark offers various attractions and experiences. Visitors can spend the day exploring, shopping, and enjoying vibrant local cuisine and warm hospitality.

Jetstar Asia’s COO, Geoffrey Lui said this route reinforced Jetstar Asia’s commitment to making the region more accessible.

“Clark serves as an important hub for both business and leisure travellers, and we are excited to offer more travel options for our customers,” Lui said.

“With so many reasons to visit Clark, our crew and our passengers have been looking forward to our return to this popular destination, so it’s great to add Clark back to our network,” he concluded.

Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp President and CEO and manager and operator of Clark International Airport, Noel Manankil, shared his enthusiasm about the resumption.

“This eagerly anticipated event is not just a moment of celebration, but a showcase of the history of the relationship between Clark International Airport and Jetstar Asia.”

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