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Diamond Princess extends Japan sailings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 31 May 2024: Princess Cruises will extend the number of itineraries in Japan during the 2025-26 season, and bookings are already open. 

The Japan-built Diamond Princess will feature an expanded Japan season showcasing the region’s breathtaking Mount Fuji, Kyoto before continuing to Singapore and Southeast Asia.

With a new fall 2025 season, Princess is offering 11 new voyages ranging in length from nine to 22 days. The voyages visit 25 destinations throughout the Land of the Rising Sun and make stops in Korea and Taiwan. 

Highlights of the Japan season 

  • 13-day Circle Japan Fall Foliage sailing occurs during the beautiful autumn leaves season.
  • Nine-day Circle Japan voyage, a circumnavigation of the country with stops at Nagasaki, Akita and Sakaiminato.
  • Nine-day Southern Islands departures to the southernmost part of Japan and the lush islands of Okinawa and Ishigaki.
  • 10-day Kyushu & Korea cruise, which sails these large islands of Japan, including visits to Hiroshima, Osaka (for Kyoto) and Shimizu (for Mount Fuji)

Southeast Asia season

Following her extended Japan season, Diamond Princess will sail to Singapore on a 12-day Southeast Asia & Japan cruise featuring Taipei (Keelung) and Hong Kong to kick off three roundtrip Singapore sailings from December 2025 to February 2026.

They include:

  • 14-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruise includes calls to Phuket, Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My).
  • A 16-day departure from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam includes a call to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a gateway to Hanoi.
  • A 14-day Southeast Asia & Japan sailing from Singapore back to Tokyo (Yokohama) with late-night stays in Hong Kong and Shimizu (for Mount Fuji) closes the season.

Diamond Princess
Built in Japan, the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess offers an experience tailored to the region. Guests enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at Kai Sushi, sip Japanese-inspired cocktails created by mixologist Rob Floyd, and enjoy folkloric shows, regional entertainment, and Japanese holiday celebrations.

More Indians take a break in Thailand

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 31 May 2024: New data from Airbnb reveals that between 2022 and 2023, Bookings in Thailand by Indian guests on Airbnb increased more than 60% between 2022 and 2023*.

There was also a noticeable surge of interest during the recent Holi and Easter long weekends when Indian guests’ searches for stays in Thailand increased by more than 200 %.**

Photo credit: Airbnb.

According to provisional data from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, India is the fifth largest source market for Thailand holiday bookings. Most of the credit goes to the government’s visa-free policy, which will continue until at least 11 November 2024 under the present concession. Based on the latest Thai Cabinet resolution announced earlier this week, it will almost certainly become a permanent concession beyond the November end date.

This surge in travel interest on Airbnb may be driven by India’s changing demographics and a new, more travel-inclined younger generation. Gen Z and Millennial Indian guests accounted for 80% of bookings in 2023*. 

India has the highest population of Gen Zs and Millennials in the world, so it’s not surprising that youth is also at the heart of Airbnb’s traction in India.

Thailand’s city and beach destinations made up the top five most booked destinations by Indian guests on Airbnb:***

  • Bangkok
  • Phuket
  • Chiang Mai
  • Krabi
  • Samui

The desire for beach and city getaways is also seen in stays chosen by Indian guests – the most booked Airbnb Categories in Thailand by Indian guests were Pool, Tropical, Near a beach, Near a national park and Iconic city.***

Based on Airbnb bookings by Indian guests, duo and solo travellers were the largest traveller types, while small groups (three to five people) and medium-sized groups (plus five) were the fastest growing, increasing by approximately 67% and 68% year-on-year, respectively* in 2023.

“Travellers from India on Airbnb continue to show their love for Thailand with a growing interest in exploring destinations nationwide. In addition to some of Thailand’s top destinations, we see Indian guests also exploring lesser-known areas and supporting a more inclusive tourism in Thailand that spreads economic opportunities to more people in more places, not just big cities,” said Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan Amanpreet Bajaj.

“The Thai government’s extension of the visa waiver for citizens of both countries will further support and drive inbound tourism. There is a strong appetite for Thailand amongst Indian travellers, and we will continue to support Thailand’s tourism initiatives and help to make Thailand top of mind amongst Indian travellers.”

*Based on India users’ booking data for 2023 vs 2022, Gen Z guests are age 18 to 29, and Millenial guests are age 30 to 39.

**Based on India users’ search data for the Holi and Easter long weekend with check-in dates between 23 March and 31 March 2024, compared with last year’s period.

***Based on India users’ booking data for 2023.

Malaysia steps up sales at ITB China

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TTR WEEKLY
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SHANGHAI, 31 May 2024: Tourism Malaysia led a delegation to ITB China 2024, hosted in Shanghai from 27 to 29 May, to promote Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination to tourism players in China.

The Malaysian delegation was headed by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, together with Tourism Malaysia’s Director General Manoharan Periasamy.

The Tourism Malaysia delegation at the 4th edition of ITB China 2024 was strengthened by tourism partners from Penang Global Tourism and other states such as Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Perak, totalling 37 organisations. They comprised 15 hotels and resorts, eight tour operators, five state tourism agencies, two tourism associations, two product owners and one airline.

Commenting on the participation, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said, “Malaysia’s participation at ITB China for this year marks our commitment and sincerity to strengthen cooperation and deepen tourism and cultural exchanges through people-to-people exchanges, especially in the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.”

Penang Global Tourism CEO Ooi Chok Yan commented on Penang’s presence at the show: “China is one of Penang’s most important markets, and it has always been one of the top three countries in Penang. It is crucial to keep the publicity momentum going to draw more travellers to Penang Island.” 

China remains one of the top market sources for Malaysia and contributed 1,474,114 arrivals to the country last year compared to 212,603 Chinese tourists in 2022. 

Malaysia is currently targeting to receive 27.3 million international tourist arrivals with MYR102.7 billion in tourism receipts, with 5 million arrivals targeted to be from the Chinese market.

Tourism Malaysia continues to intensify promotions alongside travel agents and airlines through its overseas offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. China-based airlines such as Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Xiamen Air have resumed services to Malaysia, almost reaching pre-Covid-pandemic levels. There are currently 368 flights per week between China and Malaysia.

Honouring Muslim-friendly tourism

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TTR WEEKLY
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Singapore, 31 May 2024: The Halal In Travel Awards 2024, a celebration held at the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, marked the culmination of the 4th Halal In Travel Global Summit. This annual event acknowledges the remarkable achievements and innovations in the Muslim-friendly travel sector. It underscores the global impact of destinations, service providers, and marketing campaigns that have exhibited exceptional dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the Muslim travel market.

Recognising Excellence Across Four Key Categories

The awards honoured 14 outstanding recipients across four distinct categories, each representing excellence in Muslim-friendly tourism.

Photo credit: Royal Brunei. Muslim-Friendly Airline of The Year: Royal Brunei Airlines.

Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) Awards

These awards celebrate destinations ranked high in the GMTI 2024, having gone above and beyond to create a welcoming and accommodating environment for Muslim travellers. The 2024 honorees are:

  • Top Muslim-friendly Destination of The Year: Malaysia – Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and inclusive tourism infrastructure, Malaysia offers Muslim visitors a seamless and enriching travel experience.
  • Top Muslim-friendly Destination of The Year: Indonesia – Indonesia’s diverse cultural landscape and robust halal tourism initiatives have positioned it as a top destination for Muslim travellers seeking both adventure and spirituality.
  • 3rd Top Muslim-friendly Destination of The Year: Saudi Arabia – As the heart of Islamic heritage, Saudi Arabia remains a beacon for Muslim travellers, continually enhancing its offerings to ensure a fulfilling pilgrimage and travel experience.
  • Top Destination of The Year (non-OIC): Singapore – Singapore’s vibrant multicultural environment and commitment to halal-friendly amenities make it a prime destination for Muslim travellers worldwide.

Muslim-Friendly Service Provider Awards

Recognising the paramount importance of catering to the specific needs of the Muslim community, these awards celebrate establishments that have excelled in providing exceptional and tailor-made services for Muslim travellers. This year’s distinguished awardees include:

  • Muslim-Friendly Hotel of The Year: Fairmont Singapore – Renowned for its luxurious accommodations and exceptional halal-certified dining options, Fairmont Singapore sets the standard for Muslim-friendly hospitality. [Insert a quote from a representative of Fairmont Singapore expressing their gratitude for the recognition.]
  • Muslim-Friendly Beach Resort of The Year: Adin Beach Hotel – This exquisite resort offers a unique blend of relaxation and halal-friendly amenities, ensuring a memorable stay for Muslim guests.
  • Muslim-Friendly Convention & Exhibition Centre of The Year: Movenpick Hotel and Convention Center KLIA – With state-of-the-art facilities and a solid commitment to halal services, this convention centre is a leader in hosting international events for the Muslim community.
  • Muslim-Friendly Tour Operator of The Year: Taiwan Learning Trip – Known for its culturally immersive tours and halal-friendly services, Taiwan Learning Trip offers unparalleled travel experiences for Muslim tourists.
  • Muslim-Friendly Airline of The Year: Royal Brunei Airlines – Royal Brunei Airlines excels in providing top-notch services that cater specifically to the needs of Muslim travellers, ensuring a comfortable and respectful journey.

HalalTrip Travelers Choice Awards

These awards highlight destinations that offer enriching and authentic halal-friendly travel experiences, enhancing the overall journey for Muslim travellers:

  • Islamic Heritage Destination of The Year: Bukhara – Bukhara, with its profound historical and cultural significance, offers travellers an immersive experience into the heart of Islamic heritage.
  • Halal Travel Marketing Campaign of The Year: Andalusia – Turespana’s innovative marketing campaign for Andalucia has successfully highlighted its rich Islamic history and halal-friendly attractions, drawing Muslim travellers from around the globe.
  • Most Diverse Halal Dining City of The Year: Singapore – Known for its diverse culinary scene, Singapore offers an array of halal dining options, making it a gastronomic paradise for Muslim food enthusiasts.

Halal Travel Personalities of the Year

These awards honour individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing halal travel, recognising their dedication and influence in the industry:

  • Halal Travel Influencer of The Year: Ikuto Hongu (@navito_halal) – Through engaging content and authentic experiences, Ikuto Hongu has become a trusted voice and influential figure in the halal travel community.
  • Halal Travel Tour Guide of The Year: Fayrouz Holliday-October – Known for her deep knowledge and passionate storytelling, Fayrouz Holliday-October provides exceptional guided tours highlighting various destinations’ rich Islamic heritage.
  • Halal Travel Scholar of The Year: Dr Mohamed Battour – Dr Battour’s scholarly contributions to the field of halal travel have provided valuable insights and advancements, influencing the industry’s growth and development.

CrescentRating & HalalTrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen commented: “The Halal In Travel Awards is not just about recognition, it’s about inspiring more destinations and service providers to cater to the needs of Muslim travellers. This year’s awardees are not just winners, they are pioneers, demonstrating a commitment to creating inclusive and innovative travel experiences for the global Muslim community. Their dedication not only enhances the travel experience for Muslim tourists but also sets a high standard for the industry. This begins a journey towards a more inclusive and diverse travel industry.”

About CrescentRating 
CrescentRating (Crescentrating Pte Ltd) is the leading Halal travel and tourism authority. The company uses insights, industry intelligence, lifestyle, behaviour, and research on the needs of Muslim travellers to deliver authoritative guidance on all aspects of halal travel to organisations across the globe. Founded in 2008, CrescentRating services are used by every tier of the tourism industry, from government bodies and tourism agencies to hospitality service providers, to serve the needs of the Muslim traveller better.

SalamAir readies for Delhi flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 31 May 2024: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost airline, confirms it will launch twice weekly flights to its newest destination, Delhi, India, starting 2 July 2024.

SalamAir will operate twice-weekly flights from its home base of Muscat to Delhi on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Flights will use an Airbus A320 and take three hours and 10 minutes.

Flight OV727 departs Muscat at 0025 and arrives in Delhi at 0645.
Flight OV748 departs Delhi at 0745 and arrives in Muscat at 0925.

Roundtrip fare is approximately OMR128.

Delhi, the capital of India, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and modern infrastructure. As a key economic and political hub, Delhi offers a unique blend of ancient monuments, such as the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb, and contemporary attractions, including shopping malls, markets, and a thriving culinary scene.

“We are thrilled to add Delhi to our growing list of destinations in India,” said SalamAir acting CEO Captain Ahmed Al Shidhani. “Delhi is a city of great historical significance and economic vitality, making it an ideal addition to our network. We look forward to offering our passengers to and from the opportunity to explore this dynamic city, and we will remain committed to providing a high-quality travel experience at competitive prices.”

SalamAir fleet comprises seven 212-seat A321neo aircraft and six 180-seat A320s.

Vistara boosts flights to Europe

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 31 May 2024: Vistara has confirmed in timetable updates it will increase flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Frankfurt and Paris ahead of the peak summer season for travel to Europe.

Photo credit: Vistara.

Delhi-Frankfurt

According to OAG timetable data, effective 19 June, the Indian airline will increase flights on the Delhi-Frankfurt route from six to daily flights using its Boeing Dreamliner 787-9.

Flight UK025 will depart Delhi at 1250 and arrive in Frankfurt at 1820.
Flight UK026 will depart Frankfurt at 2020 and arrive in Delhi at 0755 (plus a day).

Delhi-Paris

On the Delhi-Paris route, the airline will increase flights from five to daily starting 18 June. 

Flight UK021 will depart Delhi at 1405 and arrive in Paris (CDG) at 2010.
Flight UK022 will depart Paris at 2225 and arrive in Delhi at 1005 (plus a day).

Mumbai-Frankfurt

On the Mumbai-Frankfurt route, the airline will increase flights from six to daily effective 17 June 2024

Flight UK027 will depart Mumbai at 1200 and arrive in Frankfurt at 1730.
Flight UK028 will depart Frankfurt at 2020 and arrive in Mumbai at 0755 (plus a day).

Mumbai-Paris

Vistara will increase flights from five to daily on the Mumbai-Paris route effective 16 June.

Flight UK023 departs Mumbai at 1320 and arrives in Paris (CDG) at 1930.
Flight UK024 departs Paris at 2130 and arrives in Mumbai at 0950 (plus a day).

All the flights to Europe use Boeing 787-9 aircraft.

Inflight entertainment: F1 and HBO shows

Meanwhile, Vistara became the first Indian airline to offer F1 content on its inflight entertainment systems, effective mid-May. The airline has enhanced its inflight entertainment (IFE) offerings by adding Formula 1 content and HBO shows. HBO® programming includes over 108 hours of content, featuring over 100 TV shows across various genres. 

Vistara’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo offer advanced wireless connectivity powered by Panasonic Avionics, enabling seamless internet access on Wi-Fi-enabled devices.  

BWH extends its Middle East footprint

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TTR WEEKLY
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SYDNEY, 30 May 2024: BWH Hotels announces plans to significantly expand its portfolio in the Middle East in 2024 and beyond. 

On the heels of a successful appearance at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, which saw BWH execute signings of brand-new management deals in Saudi Arabia, BWH will soon bring eight new hotels and one new branded residence in the region into its portfolio of brands, with other development prospects in the works. 

BWH execute signings of brand-new management deals in Saudi Arabia.

BWH is demonstrating its commitment to growth in the Middle East with these new signings and associated management agreements. The new additions will feature its “core” brands and several boutique and extended stay brands. The new hotel signings include:

o   Best Western® at Taysir Hotel Makkah (150 rooms)

o   Best Western Plus® at Taysir Hotel Makkah (150 rooms)

o   Best Western Premier® at Taysir Hotel Makkah (150 rooms)

o   BW Signature Collection® Jeddah (48 rooms)

o   Best Western Makarim Palace Rabigh (91 rooms)

o   Shades, Aiden® by Best Western (120 rooms)

o   Executive Residency by Best Western®, Al Shafa Hotel Jeddah (200 rooms)

o   Best Western Kindah Hotel Makkah (420 rooms)

o   Best Western Plus Madinah Hotel (560 rooms)

The Executive Residency by Best Western, Al Shafa Hotel Jeddah, the Best Western Kindah Hotel Makkah, and the Best Western Plus Madinah Hotel reflect significant milestones for the brand as they will be directly managed by BWH. 

“As tourism continues to gain momentum in this region, our team is taking notice,” said BWH Vice President of International Operations EMEA Wytze Van den Berg. “It is important for us to grow all aspects of the brand across chain scales, from value-driven offerings and boutique options to WorldHotels’ upper upscale selections. These announcements are also exciting as BWH Hotels is pleased to be directly managing three of these properties, the first of many to come for the brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is an exciting time of growth in the region, and we are positioning our brand as an important driver in its hospitality expansion.”

Several signings occurred at Media One Hotel in Dubai, part of the WorldHotelsTM Crafted collection. Situated in dynamic Media City, Media One Hotel Dubai has joined the WorldHotels Crafted collection, highlighting the property’s modern and eclectic design. WorldHotels Crafted properties go beyond the ordinary, curating personalised experiences in a creative, fun, and immersive way, making Media One Hotel Dubai an ideal fit for this unique collection. This edgy and stylish property appeals to business and leisure travellers and represents the first WorldHotels Crafted property in the Middle East.

For more information on WorldHotels visit: https://www.worldhotels.com/content/luxury-hotels/en_US.html 
For more information on BWH Hotel Group visit: https://www.bwhhotels.com/content/bwh-hotels/en_US.html

About BWH Hotel Group
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

(SOURCE: BWH)

Summer deals with My Emirates Pass

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 30 May 2024: Emirates is bringing back its popular My Emirates Pass, valid until 30 September 2024, to ensure customers have the summer of a lifetime in Dubai via a range of exclusive offers.

My Emirates Pass allows Emirates passengers flying to, through or back to Dubai to use their boarding pass to unlock hundreds of deals and discounts at retail, leisure and dining outlets, as well as famous attractions and luxury spas across the Dubai and the UAE. From adrenaline fuelled adventures to unmissable shopping opportunities, there is something for everyone.

It couldn’t be easier for passengers to make the most of these exclusive offers. Simply present a physical or digital boarding pass and a valid form of identification at participating venues to access the deals and discounts.

If you checked in online and downloaded your mobile boarding pass to the Emirates App or Wallet, remember to screenshot it to present at participating venues as it will disappear from your apps once you’ve landed.

To enjoy summer in Dubai for less, see all My Emirates Pass offers by visiting www.emirates.com/myemiratespass.

Emirates currently operates 35 weekly flights from Bangkok to Dubai and 14 from Phuket to Dubai. 

For more information, visit emirates.com/th. Tickets can be purchased at emirates.com/th, through the Emirates Sales Office, or through online travel agents.

*Full terms and conditions can be found here: https://www.emirates.com/english/special-offers/four-experiences-to-remember-terms-and-conditions/

Airline bookings to Europe soar

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 May 2024: Summer travel to Europe is heading for a robust recovery as airline bookings surge, according to intelligence provider ForwardKeys.

In its latest market research released this week, ForwardKeys predicts a total return to pre-pandemic travel levels, but with notable shifts in traveller preferences.

ForwardKeys Director of Intelligence and Marketing Olivier Ponti commented: “Overall, the picture is positive for destinations worldwide looking to attract lucrative European tourism over the coming years. With the disruption to demand and bookings caused by the Covid-19 pandemic now firmly in the past, the 2024 summer season looks likely to set a new benchmark for European travel both within the region and beyond.” 

London Most Searched Destination Amidst Paris Olympics Buzz

An analysis of flight searches from January to April 2024 shows London (5% share of flight searches for travel to Europe) benefits from the greatest relative increase in the share of searches for travel in summer 2024 (+1.9 percentage points), driven by the collateral excitement of the Paris Olympics, with readily available transport links to the French capital. 

Paris shows similar popularity (+0.5 percentage points increase), although its share of searches is slightly lower as many visitors to the Games will have planned direct travel further in advance. Istanbul (+0.4 p.p.), Rome (+0.7 p.p.) and Milan (+0.7 p.p.) gain in relative popularity while destinations in Spain, Greece and Portugal (including Athens, Lisbon, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca) lose ground after enjoying great demand in the post-Covid years reflecting shifting preferences among European travellers.

However, some destinations are bucking this trend, including Tenerife (+0.41 p.p.) and Izmir (+0.25 p.p.), witnessing the largest surge in interest among mid-tier destinations. A growing interest in Northern European cities Reykjavik (+0.21pp) and Munich (+0.15pp) reflects the popularity of destinations with cooler summer temperatures among holidaymakers. In Eastern Europe, Tirana (+0.07pp), continues to grow in popularity, building on success in recent years, and is joined by Yerevan (+0.03pp) and Tbilisi (+0.09pp) – popular among both European and Russian tourists due to the combination of natural and cultural heritage available and affordable prices. 

Analysis of forward ticketing data for travel to European city destinations in July and August 2024 reveals a shift in consumer preferences towards nature (+19%) and urban (+14%) destinations over traditional sun and beach destinations (+8%). This is reflected at a subregional level as year-on-year growth in international arrivals to Central/Eastern Europe (+25%), Western Europe (+15%), and Northern Europe (+13%) outstrips that to destinations in Southern Europe (+11%).

European Outbound Travellers Focus on Asian Destinations

Outbound travel from Europe also displays clear trends, with year-on-year growth in intra-European (+14%) and long-haul travel to a diverse range of Asian markets (+16%). Forward ticket data for July and August indicates that European travellers are increasingly choosing to venture further afield to explore the landscapes and cultures of Beijing (+132%) in particular, as well as Osaka (+66%), Bangkok (+21%), Colombo (+21%), and Kuala Lumpur (+14%). These destinations benefit from various factors, including improved connectivity, visa waivers for Europeans entering China, and the favourable Euro to Yen exchange rate. Moderate growth in demand for US markets, such as Chicago (+14%) and Miami (+9%), is also notable.

Airlines declare strong April traffic

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 30 May 2024: April delivered strong demand for international passenger travel, with both business and leisure markets continuing to enjoy robust growth according to preliminary traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines this week.

Overall, 28 million international passengers flew with the region’s carriers in April, representing a 32% increase compared to the same month last year. Traffic averaged 87.3% of 2019 volumes. Demand in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) rose by 33.7% year-on-year, showing growth notably on longer haul routes. Available seat capacity grew by 30.4%, leading to a 2.1 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 81.6%.

Higher demand for consumer and intermediate goods contributed to the ongoing positive momentum in air cargo markets. For the region’s carriers, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), recorded a 13.7% year-on-year growth in April, while offered freight capacity expanded by 14.4%. This led to a marginal 0.4 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 59.9%.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said: “Improving economic sentiment, coupled with high demand on major routes connecting Asia and other regions, including Europe and Southwest Pacific, drove growth in long haul travel markets, while travel demand within the region remained buoyant, underpinned by the easing of visa policies and resilient expansion in the region’s economies. Overall, the number of international passengers carried rose by 51% to 117 million for the year’s first four months.”

Menon added: “During the same period, Asia Pacific airlines also posted an encouraging 15% year-on-year increase in air cargo traffic volumes, with the pick-up in global demand supporting export activity from major manufacturing hubs located in the region, in particular, China.”

Looking to the future, he expressed optimism that positive business and consumer confidence levels were likely to fuel further growth in air passenger and cargo markets in the coming months. However, he also acknowledged the challenges linked to supply chain constraints and higher operating costs. 

Geopolitical tensions were also identified as a potential threat to the industry’s outlook. In response, the region’s carriers are committed to improving operational efficiency, maintaining safety standards, and pursuing sustainable growth.

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