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Airbnb boosts its Thailand bookings

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 8 October 2024: As Thailand’s tourism sees a resurgence and the industry prepares for the upcoming high season in Q4, Airbnb releases Thailand travel data for the first half of this year.

Airbnb data shows an increasing interest among Airbnb guests in travel to Thailand, with combined domestic and international bookings surging over 30% in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023.

Airbnb data shows growth across all travel group sizes, with the most significant growth being in group travel. Airbnb guests travelling as groups to Thailand increased by almost 40% in H1 2024 compared to H1 2023.

“Thailand’s appeal as a world-class tourism destination remains strong amongst Airbnb travellers worldwide. It’s particularly encouraging to see the significant growth in those travelling together as small groups in the first half of the year, as well as more guests staying longer in the country,” said Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Amanpreet Bajaj.

“This continued growth reflects Airbnb guests’ eagerness to explore and experience Thailand – both the established destinations as well as seeking out new experiences in lesser-known destinations. Airbnb will continue to work with industry stakeholders and support the Thai government in driving interest in travel to Thailand amongst Airbnb guests globally and supporting sustainable travel dispersal.”

The top countries of origin of international Airbnb guests travelling to Thailand in H1 2024:

  • USA
  • China
  • Germany
  • Russian Federation
  • UK
  • Korea
  • France
  • Australia
  • Singapore

Notably, Airbnb has strong appeal with legacy markets such as the US and European countries while regional markets such as China, Korea, Australia and Singapore also remain strong.

More people are staying longer

Thailand’s appeal as a destination for long-term visitors isn’t something new — the climate, diversity of places from beaches to mountains to cosmopolitan visitors, delicious cuisine and Thai hospitality all contribute to the steady growth trend.

However, the recent Destination Thailand Visa has been introduced specifically to increase long-term stays amongst remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers. Recognising the appeal of Thailand for digital nomads, Airbnb previously collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to create the ‘Live and Work in Thailand’ digital information guide. In Airbnb’s latest data, there’s a clear trend of more people staying longer in Thailand – in H1 2024, long-term stays by Airbnb guests in Thailand grew over 20% compared to H1 2023.

Top Thai destinations amongst Airbnb guests

Travel habits among international and domestic travellers are similar. In H1 2024, Bangkok was the most booked destination in Thailand by Airbnb guests. For international Airbnb guests, Phuket was the second most booked destination, followed by Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Surat Thani. Thai travellers preferred Pattaya over Phuket.

While the most booked are established destinations, many global travellers seek to explore lesser-known destinations in Thailand. Airbnb search data revealed that the top emerging Thai destinations trending on Airbnb are Mae Hong Son, Trang and Satun.

Traveloka 10.10 Travel Fest

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 8 October 2024: There’s just a week left to book a deal on Traveloka 10.10 Travel Fest for a holiday in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam) and Australia.

The campaign, which offers 50% discounts on a wide range of travel products under the banner of the 10.10 Travel Fest, closes on 13 October. 

The 50% off is valid on flights, hotels, and attractions to popular destinations such as  Phuket or Chiang Mai, as well as international favorites such as Hong Kong, along with Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea and Australia.

Angeles City wins food award

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 8 October 2024: The City of Angeles in Pampanga, Philippines, was named Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination at the World Culinary Awards Gala Ceremony 2024, the Philippines News Agency reported earlier this week.

The award was conferred in a ceremony in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates on 3 October solidifying the city’s status as a rising star in global food tourism.

(Photo courtesy of DOT)

“This prestigious recognition of Angeles City as Asia’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination underscores the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of its local chefs and food artisans,” the news agency quoted Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco’s statement.

“The city’s rich culinary heritage, led by its iconic dishes like sisig, continues to captivate food enthusiasts not only in the Philippines but worldwide, showcasing the power of Filipino cuisine on the global stage.”

Angeles City competed against other renowned food destinations in Asia, including Hanoi, Vietnam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Taipei, Taiwan; and Kyoto, Japan.

The World Culinary Awards, a sister event to the World Travel Awards, recognises and rewards excellence in the culinary industry after a year-long search for the world’s leading culinary brands. 

(Source: PNA)

IndiGo expands domestic network

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, India, 8 October 2024: IndiGo unveils a new route connecting Pune and Bhopal to promote tourism and foster business interactions between the destinations. 

Starting 27 October, the routes will operate daily, enhancing connectivity and offering greater convenience to travellers across these regions.

Additionally, IndiGo is set to increase flights on the Pune-Indore, Pune-Chennai, and PuneRaipur routes starting 27 October  2024, just in time for the festive season. 

These flights will make it convenient for passengers to travel to and from Pune and create exciting opportunities to explore new destinations across India.

Pune-Bhopal timetable

IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said: “We are pleased to announce the launch of daily direct flights between Bhopal and Pune starting 27 October. This new route shall offer convenient timings

and enhance seamless regional connectivity. As a leader in India’s aviation, we remain committed to addressing growing demand, especially during the festive season, by introducing new routes to cater to business as well as leisure traffic.”

Pune: Education and IT city

Pune, is a vibrant city in Maharashtra renowned for its educational institutions and rich cultural heritage. With a blend of modernity and tradition, Pune offers beautiful parks, historical sites, and a thriving culinary scene. 

The city is also a hub for IT and business, attracting professionals nationwide. Pune is known as a major hub for the automotive industry in India.

It is home to several leading automobile manufacturers and a vast network of ancillary industries. The city’s strong industrial base, skilled workforce, and proximity to key markets make it a vital centre for automotive production and innovation.

Bhopal: History and natural beauty

Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is famed for its unique combination of history and natural beauty.

Known as the “City of Lakes,” it boasts picturesque water bodies and lush gardens. Bhopal is rich in cultural diversity, featuring stunning architecture like the Taj-ul-Masajid and the Bharat Bhavan, making it a fascinating destination for history and art enthusiasts.

Minor hotels rebrands Maldivian resort

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 8 October 2024: Minor Hotels, in partnership with a private equity fund supervised by Ares Management, announces the upcoming rebranding of Reethi Beach Resort as NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort. 

After an extensive renovation, the 129-key resort will reopen in Q4 2025 on an island in Hanifaru Bay within the Baa Atoll. Just a 35-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport in Male, the resort offers easy access to the atoll’s unspoiled beauty, home to manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and abundant marine life.

Reethi Beach Resort will remain open until 25 April 2025, after which it will close for six months to undergo its transformation into NH Collection. 

NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort will offer a mix of on-land and overwater villas and 10 food and beverage outlets, including all-day dining venues, speciality restaurants, and bars. 

The resort will also offer diverse water activities in the Baa Atoll and its house reefs, including diving, snorkelling, fishing, and water sports. On land, guests can unwind at the spa, lounge by the pools, or stay active with tennis, badminton and squash courts, plus a fully equipped fitness centre.

For over 25 years, Reethi Beach Resort has been a sanctuary of tranquillity in the Baa Atoll, offering guests an authentic Maldivian retreat.

AirAsia set to fly to Nairobi

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TTR WEEKLY
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NAIROBI, 4 October 2024: AirAsia X (AAX) has announced a strategic collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board to enhance connectivity between Asia and Africa.

The Route Marketing Collaboration coincides with the upcoming launch of AAX’s new direct flights connecting Kuala Lumpur to Nairobi. Four weekly flights will commence on 15 November 2024.

Photo Caption: (L-R) Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X; HE Ruzaimi Mohamad, High Commissioner Permanent Representative of Malaysia to UNEP and UN Habitat; June Chepkemei, CEO of Kenya Tourism Board at the signing ceremony between AirAsia X and Kenya Tourism Board for its Route Marketing Collaboration at the Magical Kenya Expo 2024 held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The collaboration between AAX and the Kenya Tourism Board includes joint promotional activities, coordinated marketing campaigns, and collaborative efforts to enhance travel experiences. It aims to leverage the strengths of both organisations to attract more tourists and stimulate economic growth in both countries.

The East African Community (EAC) region aims to attract over 14 million international tourists annually by 2025, with Nairobi positioned as a major hub in its tourism strategy. The new flights will enhance Nairobi’s profile as a gateway to regional and international travel, driving economic benefits and promoting cultural exchange.

Introducing this direct route will also play a crucial role by offering Kenyan travellers convenient Fly-Thru access to Asia’s leading destinations through Kuala Lumpur. Moreover, in alignment with Malaysia’s upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, this new route will bolster Malaysia’s appeal as a premier travel destination offering diverse experiences. Kuala Lumpur will serve as a key gateway for tourists from Nairobi, granting them direct access to Malaysia’s vibrant attractions, including its cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes, and thriving culinary scene.

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said: “We are excited to launch our new direct route to Nairobi next month. This is a major milestone in our mission to connect Asia with Africa and opens up a world of travel possibilities between the two continents. Our Route Marketing Collaboration with the Kenya Tourism Board demonstrates our commitment to expanding travel opportunities and boosting tourism. This new route will be crucial to Kenya’s tourism growth and create new connections for travellers. For our other key routes, such as Australia and China, Nairobi will now be easily accessible, offering new adventures in Africa and enhanced travel options via Kuala Lumpur. This route not only strengthens our global network but also supports the tourism goals of both Kenya and Malaysia.”

Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei added: “The Asia Pacific region is a key source market for Kenya. The region saw over 320,000 travellers into the country in 2023, with India, China and Japan among the top drivers of visitor arrivals. Through this collaboration, we aim to ensure that we have more tourists coming from Malaysia and other regional destinations to Kenya.”

In line with AAX’s commitment to working closely with local partners, the airline has partnered with Magical Aviation Services, its Official General Sales Agent (GSA) in Nairobi. The airline has also opened its first sales office in Nairobi.

Emirates backs Asia Rugby

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 7 October 2024: Emirates has recently announced its continued commitment to grow the sport of rugby and expand its reach into new, untapped markets by serving as the Title Sponsor of Asia Rugby.

The new multi-year partnership allows the airline to enable Asia Rugby to invest in stage 7s and 15s series tournaments and Asia Rugby Championships, with participation from 36 countries in Asia.

As part of the agreement, the airline will be the title sponsor across Asia Rugby competitions and tournaments, including the Asia Rugby Men’s and Women’s Championships, the Asia Rugby Sevens Series and age-grade competitions cutting across several age groups. These tournaments offer a pathway to premier regional and global competitions such as the Rugby World Cup, Rugby World Cup Sevens, the Olympic Games, Asian Games as well as the HSBC SVNS Series and the World Rugby Sevens Challenger.

The airline’s iconic ‘Fly Better’ branding will appear on match official jerseys, match balls, support staff bibs, post pads, and stadium branding, among other benefits, for 21 different tournaments over the span of three years.

Asia Rugby, the regional association of World Rugby, is based in Dubai and represents 36 member unions across the continent, including China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, to name a few. The association organises a mix of Sevens and Fifteens competitions for both men and women across different age groups, including U18s and U20s.

With Asia home to 60% of the world’s population and 80% of its youth, the potential to cultivate a new generation of players and enrich the pipeline of talent and love for the game through a strong fanbase in local communities is in line with Emirates’ shared objective with Asia Rugby to empower athletes from the ground up.

Emirates can be found at the centre of the action at almost every international rugby match. Globally, Emirates has been sponsoring the Rugby World Cup (RWC) since 2007 and, in 2011, became RWC’s worldwide partner, further cementing the airline as one of the world’s biggest rugby supporters. The airline also sponsors the jerseys of World Rugby’s Match Officials, who take them to the field in their Emirates ‘Fly Better’ kits. Emirates’ strong rugby partnerships also extend to the South African Emirates Lions and their home venue, Emirates Airline Park.

Last October, Emirates also renewed its support for the UAE Rugby Federation (UAERF) as title and jersey sponsor of the UAE national 15s and 7s teams (men’s and women’s), including the all-Emirati Shaheen and Al Maha teams, and as the federation’s official airline until the end of 2026.

For more on Emirates sponsorships, visit https://www.emirates.com/english/about-us/our-communities/sponsorship/
For more information on flights and to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.

Mt Kinabalu Climbathon returns

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TTR WEEKLY
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KINABALU PARK, 7 October 2024: After a seven-year pause, the Mt Kinabalu International Climbatho returned for its 31st edition on Sunday, 6 October, at Kinabalu Park, featuring a remarkable lineup of 206 elite runners. 

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Deputy Permanent Secretary Madam Mary Malangking flagged off the early morning dash to the 4,095-metre-high summit.

This year’s summit race comprised three categories: 74 Elite Men, 60 Elite Women, and 72 Men Veterans. Among the participants were seasoned athletes from Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam, many with impressive track records in previous Climbathons and other notable races.

The Climbathon’s participant list was predominantly Malaysian, featuring 155 individuals from all 13 states. Sabah led with the most participants at 84, followed by 33 from Selangor, 13 from Kuala Lumpur, five from Perak, and four from Negeri Sembilan. Additionally, there were three participants each from Johor, Pahang, and Sarawak, while Kelantan and Terengganu had two participants each. Lastly, one participant each hailed from Melaka, Penang, and Labuan.

Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit commented: “It’s incredible to witness the enthusiasm surrounding the return of our Climbathon after seven years. We received an overwhelming response and are thrilled to announce that participants from 17 countries joined us for the 31st Climbathon 2024.”

He further highlighted the diversity of participants: “We welcomed solo participants from Australia, China, Great Britain, Hungary, Peru, Poland, Sweden, the USA, and Vietnam, along with three from France, four from the Philippines, seven from Indonesia and Singapore, and 16 from our neighbouring country, Brunei Darussalam.”

This year, the distance was extended to 26 km from the previous 21 km.

The prize pool comprised MYR8,000 for the three main category winners: men’s Elite, Women’s Elite, and Men’s Veteran. The second and third-placed winners received MYR6,000  and MYR4,000, respectively. Additional cash prizes were awarded to the fourth through 10th-place finishers.

Participants competed for these prizes by tackling the breathtaking challenge of climbing Mount Kinabalu, ranked among Southeast Asia’s highest mountains. 

On 24 May 2023, Sabah was awarded the title of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark, making Malaysia the third country in the world to achieve the triple crown status from UNESCO.

Julinus added, “With this declaration, Sabah became the third location in the world, after China and Korea, to attain the prestigious triple crown status. Sabah’s two other UNESCO crowns include Kinabalu Park, recognised as a World Heritage Site on 2 December 2000, and the UNESCO Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, recognised on 12 June 2014.”

The 31st Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon 2024 was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah (KePKAS), Sabah Tourism Board, Sabah Parks, and Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. It was proudly supported by Tourism Malaysia and organised by Hello Sabah Events. 

Sponsorship partners 

● Official Hotel Partner: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Perkasa Hotels.

● Official Drink Partner: Tritonic Isotonic Drink, K2 Drinking Water.

● Official Transport Partner: Borneo Excursions.

● Official Media Partner: KupiKupi FM.

● Official Apparel Partner: K2 Life Water.

Other sponsorships included Airdry Microfiber Sdn Bhd, Zeak, and FUGA.

For more information on Sabah tourism visit https://sabahtourism.com/ 

Hop Inns to expand in Asia

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 7 October 2024: Hop Inn, a budget hotel chain operating in Thailand, the Philippines, and Japan, is developing a new strategy to expand its reach in Asia. 

The Thai budget hotel chain has over 70 properties with over 7,000 rooms across three countries. Developed and operated by Erawan Hop Inn Co Ltd, a subsidiary of The Erawan Group Public Company Limited, Hop Inn will speed up its expansion in Thailand, the Philippines, and Japan. It targets an average annual revenue growth rate (CAGR) of over 15% and aims to become the number one budget hotel network in the Asia-Pacific by 2030.

The group’s hotel Investment president Pichanun Boonpromgul, commented: “This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hop Inn…We have set an ambitious goal for 2030 to become the best-budget hotel network in the Asia-Pacific region. 

“This year, Hop Inn Japan opened four locations in Tokyo and Kyoto, while the Philippines now operates 10 branches on three major islands. To enhance Hop Inn’s capabilities and prepare for a long-term investment plan, the Board of Directors of The Erawan Group PCL have set an action plan through to 2030. We have a strategic partner, Lapis Hospitality Pte Ltd, managed by Lombard Asia, which has invested 16.09% in Hop Inn, equivalent to THB700 million. We anticipate filing the company for listing on the Thai stock exchange in 2027, aiming for an initial public offering (IPO) to support our long-term expansion plan,” Pichanun explained.

Additionally, 95% of the brand’s hotels are newly built, ensuring uniformity in design and service standards. Annually, more than 2.5 million customers stay at Hop Inn properties. 

About Hop Inn
Erawan Hop Inn Company Limited, a subsidiary of The Erawan Group Public Company Limited, currently operates budget hotels with 57 properties in Thailand, 10 in the Philippines, and four in Japan.

Travel is quality time for families

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 October 2024: New research from Booking.com suggests almost one in two (48%) travellers based in Asia Pacific (APAC) plan to embark on intergenerational travel with their families in the next 12 months. 

47% view these trips as a chance to bond and create shared memories, 39% appreciate the chance to spend time with family they don’t see often, and 34% enjoy a diverse mix of activities that cater to the entire family. 

By examining this growing trend, Booking.com has identified key trends shaping the future of intergenerational travel in APAC.

Plan like a pro with tech

AI is no longer a buzzword but a handy tool that can significantly aid family trip planning, especially when differing interests and preferences across generations are in conflict. From providing travel inspiration to crafting a personalised itinerary, AI-enabled tools like Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner (now live in Australia and New Zealand in APAC) can help streamline the planning process while accommodating everyone’s needs. 

61% of families plan to use AI tools for travel in 2024. Booking.com’s research also found that Millennials (48%) lead intergenerational travel planning.

Finding the perfect stay

When it comes to choosing the perfect accommodation, APAC families’ main priorities rest on affordability (41%), proximity to attractions (29%) and availability of on-site F&B establishments (27%). Gen Xs, Millennials, and Baby Boomers are more likely to recognise these considerations. Across cultures, accommodation preferences vary significantly. Travellers from New Zealand and India tend to opt for multi-bedroom suites or villas that allow them to stay together in one spacious setting. In contrast, Japanese and Chinese travellers gravitate towards smaller rooms where functionality and cosiness take centre stage over sheer size. 

The secret to generational harmony

Across APAC, younger travellers thrive on action and adventure, seeking out thrilling experiences that get their adrenaline pumping. In contrast, older travellers gravitate towards cultural and leisure pursuits, savouring the rich history and relaxing moments a destination offers. With such varied preferences, how can travel providers design a trip that satisfies everyone? The answer lies in having a flexible itinerary that allows travellers to opt in or out of activities depending on their interests and energy levels. For instance, group tours that incorporate checkpoints for individual experiences and moments of togetherness. Skip-the-line passes are also great options to reduce waiting time, allowing families to pack a wider range of activities in their day.

Smart travel extras

As with all group travels, the logistics can get complex, particularly regarding the health and well-being of family members across different generations. Research reveals that safety and health considerations impact one-third (30%) of all APAC travellers. As a result, families turn to on-demand services such as travel nannies, baby/child-sitting services at accommodations, and on-site medical support, and they are actively weaving these into their travel plans. These additions offer peace of mind when away from home, allowing families to focus on creating cherished moments. In 2024, 37% of families will consider allocating travel budgets for a travel nanny, especially in destinations like India, Hong Kong and Thailand. For travel providers, providing clear and up-to-date information is critical to helping travellers assess their options and perfect every detail before departure.

Social media magic

In today’s digital age, social media platforms are now a source of inspiration for intergenerational families looking to nail down the perfect destination for their next trip. Aside from browsing stunning landscapes and quirky attractions, the tools available on social media platforms such as Pinterest boards and Instagram collections can help families organise travel ideas and encourage collaborative planning. This shared digital space provides a unique opportunity for travel providers to tap on, for example, through curated content that could include destination guides, activity recommendations and even travel hacks.

As the intergenerational travel agenda grows in APAC, these trends highlight a shift towards more inclusive, flexible and personalised travel experiences as families come together to redefine what it means to embark on a journey together. 

(Source: Booking.com trends and tips)

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