Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Home Blog Page 190

Skytrax names top airports

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 22 April 2024: Seven Asian airports featured in the top 20 rankings of Skytrax’s World Airport Awards 2024, released on 17 April. Singapore Changi Airport landed in second place (first in 2023), with Doha Hamad  International taking the crown in the latest listing. 

Image credit: Skytrax. Doha Hamad  International take the crown in the latest listing.

The 2023 Airport of the Year and 12-times previous winner, Singapore Changi Airport, was also named Best Airport in Asia and the World’s Best Airport Immigration Service.

Hamad International Airport was officially crowned the World’s Best Airport 2024 during a ceremony at the World Airport Awards, Passenger Terminal EXPO in Frankfurt. Hamad International Airport also won awards for the World’s Best Airport Shopping and the Best Airport in the Middle East.

Asian stars shine in the top 20

Seoul Incheon was named third on the prestigious annual listing, followed by Tokyo Haneda (4th) and Tokyo Narita (5th).

Hong Kong rose dramatically from the 33rd spot in 2023 to the 11 spot. Centrair Nagoya gained the 6th spot followed by Kansai (18th)

Third in the ranking, Seoul Incheon Airport was also named the World’s Most Family Friendly Airport for 2024.

Other highlights from the 2024 ceremony included Tokyo Narita Airport being recognised for customer service, as they were named the World’s Best Airport Staff and Best Airport Staff in Asia. 

In Japan, New Chitose Airport was voted the World’s Most Improved Airport after a much-improved performance in the global survey and across many of the category sections. Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya, won the World’s Best Regional Airport award, and Kansai International Airport was recognised for the World’s Best Airport Baggage Delivery.

Other notable achievers from Asia included Jakarta, which rose from 43rd place in 2023 to 28 in the 2024 list that charts the performance of 100 airports worldwide. Berlin Brandenburg Airport managed to slip into the list in 100th place.

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, lauded by the Thai government as Southeast Asia’s leading aviation hub, managed a 58th ranking, a 10-place improvement on its 68th ranking in the 2023 results but still well off the pace required to join the top 20.

Community-based tourism goes to market

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KOTA KINABALU, 19 April 2024: The Sabah Community-Based Tourism Fair will move offshore to convene in Putrajaya, Malaysia’s political capital, for the first time ever in a bid to expand its market reach beyond Sabah state. 

First reported by the Borneo Post, the online news report confirmed the event will be scheduled this October at the IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, 

Photo credit: Sabah Tourism. Kapaladan Waterfall, located in Kota Belud.

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai told the Borneo Post it was “time for local community-based operators to venture out of their comfort zone and venture to bigger markets.”

Last year, the 5th edition of the  Sabah Community Based Tourism Fair 2023 took place at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall in November. 

The sixth edition of the three-day event will go to Putrajaya with a delegation of around 40 community-based tourism operators who will reach out to travel consumers with Sabah’s latest CBT travel content that reflects the rich tapestry of rural tourism and the diverse cultural heritage that defines Borneo island.

This event, organised by the Sabah Tourism Board and Federation of Rural Tourism Association Sabah (FeRTAS), aims to boost rural tourism and showcase diverse cultural experiences.

For more information on community-based tourism in Sabah, visit www.sabahtourism.com. 

Philippines over the moon with ITB sales

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

MANILA, 19 April 2024: The Philippines generated 322 sales leads and projected revenue of PHP489,129,353.80 million during last month’s Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2024, the country’s Tourism Promotion Board reports this week in its latest market update.

Commenting on the ITB held over three days during the first week of March, TPB said the sales performance marked “a big leap of over 50% when compared to last year’s negotiated sales revenue, which reached PHP271.5 Million.

Photo credit: TPB. Philippines delegation at the ITB Berlin.

The ITB delegation, led by the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, comprised 60 delegates from destination management companies and tour operators.

“The Philippines’ success at ITB Berlin reflects the shared tourism governance between the government and the private sector, whose direction and dedication are focused on expanding tourism development and promotions for our award-winning and emerging destinations,” DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

“By highlighting our country’s strengths and natural beauty, introducing the depth and breadth of our history, heritage, and culture, and introducing unique and meaningful Philippine Experiences across our Regions, the Philippines promises unforgettable journeys made even more memorable by the love and warmth of the Filipino people. We are grateful for the overwhelmingly positive global response to our country’s sustainable tourism efforts, and we are committed to ensuring that the world will continue to Love the Philippines.” 

Aside from the tabletop appointments of Philippine sellers, various activations such as the fitting of traditional Filipino costumes by fashion designer Avel Bacudio and the native instruments showcased by the Kalumon Performing Ensemble were conducted to attract visitors to the Philippine pavilion. Filipino food with a twist was also served by Chef Bulawan Callanta, the owner of AYAN – Filipino Streetfood Berlin, and drinks concocted by flair bartender champion Dennis Barrela Adiuba.

“I am incredibly proud of our Philippine sellers who exceeded all expectations. Being a part of such a dedicated and talented delegation is an absolute privilege. The enthusiasm and performances showcased during the event mirror the outstanding experience one can expect when visiting the Philippines – distinct, captivating, and unforgettable,” expressed TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

The Philippines also scored big at the Green Destinations Story Awards, with Poblacion Beach of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, winning second place in the “Thriving Communities” category alongside Kazakhstan’s Katon Kagarai taking third and Brazil’s Tibau Do Sul in first. The ceremony was held on the second day of ITB Berlin with Sipalay Mayor Maria Gina Lizares, Negros Occidental’s 6th District Representative Mercedes Alvarez-Lansang, and City Tourism Officer Jerick Lacson on hand to receive the award.  

“Sipalay City’s transformation into a thriving natural seaside habitat for sea turtles and mangroves is truly inspiring,” stated COO Nograles. “While we value the economic benefits of tourism, it is crucial to prioritise sustainable initiatives,” continued Nograles. “We must ensure that our actions today benefit not only our economy but also our environment.”

This year’s ITB Berlin saw an increase in visitors with almost 100,000 participants, including 5500 exhibitors from 170 countries. ITB Berlin 2025 will take place from 4 to 6 March 2025.

ABOUT TPB
An attached agency of the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is dedicated to promoting the Philippines both domestically and internationally as a world-class tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination. TPB collaborates closely with private and public stakeholders to provide an exceptional, high-value experience for visitors, contributing significantly to increased tourist arrivals, receipts, and investments in the country. For more information, visit www.tpb.gov.ph. 

(SOURCE: TPB)

Tourist taxes in Europe on the rise

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 18 April 2024: Holidaymakers have been warned their trips abroad will cost more this year as countries across Europe look set to increase tourist taxes.

Travel insurance experts at Quotezone.co.uk have researched the tourist fees for Europe’s most popular countries.

Image Credit – Shutterstock.

Many countries have raised their fees for tourists this year, with visitors to Paris paying up to €14.95 a night and a 5% charge on room fees in Berlin.

Venice has introduced a trial for visitors to pay a €5 entry fee to the city during daytime hours, including additional costs for anyone staying in the city overnight.

Manchester has introduced a tourist tax of £1 per night for visitors, successfully funding street maintenance. 

Tourists are being encouraged to recognise and budget for additional costs ahead of their spring and summer trips to make sure there are no surprises when it’s time to pay credit card charges.

Travel insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk, Tiffany Mealiff said: “The new and increasing tourist fees across Europe allow cities to fund measures to attract more holidaymakers, support the local infrastructure and businesses and prevent damage from overtourism.

“If you’re taking a trip to any city in Europe this year, you must be aware of the potential additional costs to your holiday – which are often not obvious beforehand and normally due for payment when you check out of your accommodation. Tourism taxes range anywhere between less than EUR1 and almost EUR15 and can be charged per person per night.

“Many fees are based on the hotel rating or the type of accommodation, and charges vary from city to city depending on whether individuals are charged each night or for the whole trip.

“A recent Quotezone survey showed that 45% of respondents don’t plan for hidden or additional expenses on holiday, so it’s important to check before you travel to avoid surprises.”

Here are the tourist tax charges to watch out for in popular European destinations:

  1. Venice 

Tourists visiting Venice for the day must pay a EUR5 entry fee to enter the city between 0830 and 1600. The scheme is currently going through a trial period, but it is expected to come fully into force in 2025. Anyone staying overnight in Venice on holiday is charged a fee between EUR1 and 5 within the accommodation price.

  1. Manchester  

The UK city introduced a GBP1 per room, per night tourist tax across 73 hotels to fund improvement measures and attract more tourists. Within a year, the scheme raised over GBP2 million to pay for street cleaning and marketing campaigns.

  1. Barcelona

A recent increase in the existing tourist fee means that visitors now pay EUR3.25 for those staying in official accommodation. This has risen from EUR2.75.

  1. Lisbon

The Portuguese capital charges EUR2 for every night tourists stay, but this applies to a maximum of seven nights per person.

  1. Athens

Tourist tax in Athens varies depending on the hotel category and the time of year. The Greek government introduced the Climate Crisis Resilience Fee, which charges tourists between EUR0.50 and 10 per room per night.

  1. Dubrovnik 

From April to September, visitors to Dubrovnik must pay EUR2.65 per person per night. The Croatian government has temporarily reduced this fee to EUR1.86 for the rest of this year.

  1. Paris

The French government charges visitors a tourist tax depending on their accommodation type. The most expensive charge is EUR14.95 for stays in palaces. The lowest tax is EUR0.65 at one or two-star campsites per person per night. Those staying in a typical four-star hotel are charged around EUR8.

  1. Prague 

The tourist tax on visitors to Prague has increased from CZK21 to 50 each day (EUR0.82 to 1.97 based on current rates). The tax has been used to compensate for the costs associated with tourism and increase the city’s overall income.

  1. Budapest 

Tourists staying in Budapest are charged an additional 4% each night, based on the room’s price. Hungary only enforces a tourist fee in the capital city.

  1. Berlin

Berlin has recently increased its city tax. Tourists must now pay 5% of the room price, excluding VAT and service fees.

(Source: Quotezone.co.uk)

AirAsia revives BKK-HDY service

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 19 April 2024: AirAsia will reintroduce daily flights on 1 July from Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi to Hat Yai, a popular city in South Thailand close to Malaysia.

Booking opened on 17 April for flights starting 1 July 2024 on the route BKK-HDY. The airline already flies eight times daily to Hat Yai from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

Hat Yai, a popular destination for Thai travellers, gets a new daily flight from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi in addition to flights from Don Mueang.

The promotional fare on the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi—Hat Yai route starts at THB1,000 one-way. Bookings can be made via AirAsia MOVE until 17 May 2024 for travel from 1 July 2024.

Thai AirAsia Head of Commercial Tansita Akraritpirom highlighted that Hat Yai, known for its commerce, night markets, and food streets, is a popular destination year-round. With a consistently high load factor, the Don Mueang – Hat Yai route has seen an average passenger load of 95% throughout 2023.

Thai Vietjet presents Family Power Pack

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 19 April 2024: Thai Vietjet is promoting its ‘Family Power Pack’ offer for travel on the airline’s domestic network and flights to Japan.

The family packs are available for purchase until 31 May 2024, with the travel period running from 1 June 2024 to 1 June 2027 (excludes travel on public holidays).

Thai Vietjet offers air pass options for travel within its domestic (excluding cross-country routes) and Japan network, valid for three years. 

For domestic travel, there are four package options: Four flight passes priced at THB9,900, six for THB12,900, 12 for THB 23,900, and 24 for THB41,900. 

There are two package options for flights to Japan: Four flight passes for THB44,000 and six for THB60,000. 

Packs are on offer to travellers with a ‘ Fun Member’ account. Once you have that, you can redeem a prepaid air pass from the pack for a THB0 fare (excluding taxes, fees, and add-on services, with conditions applied) for either a round trip or one-way ticket.

The packs are valid for travel from 1 June, 2024, to 1 June, 2027 (excluding public holidays). Passengers can book a flight at least three hours before departure at www.vietjetair.com. ‘Family Power Packs can only be used to claim air tickets for passengers whose last names match the last name specified when purchasing. 

‘Family Power Pack’ is valid for Thai Vietjet’s domestic flight network (except cross-country routes), comprising routes from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani, as well as Japan network, including flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Fukuoka and Chiang Mai to Osaka. The promotional packs can be purchased through the airline’s website, mobile app, and Facebook by clicking the “Booking” tab. Payment can be made with ‘True Money Wallet’ and international debit/credit cards.

Oceania Cruises sells 2025-2026 sailings

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 19 April 2024: Oceania Cruises is promoting its 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection, available for preview online and open for sale on 18 April 2024.

The new collection includes 135 itineraries that span 329 ports and visit five continents on voyages ranging from seven to 180 days, including Vista’s debut Around The World Voyage. 

More than 90 sailings feature overnight stays, allowing guests to immerse themselves in ports of call as diverse as Panama City, Bali, and Melbourne, plus new overnight destinations including Willemstad, Curacao; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Port Louis, Mauritius.

Travellers seeking to explore more of the world can choose from 40 Grand Voyages that afford epic journeys across distinct regions and multiple continents. These Grand Voyages explore the wonders of Asia, the stunning topography of the Oceania region, vibrant African cities, tropical Caribbean island retreats, and South America’s dramatic terrain.

Visitors wanting to focus on a specific region of the world choose itineraries to discover the South American continent’s dramatic landscapes, make exotic visits to Japan and Southeast Asia, and have adventures through Australia and New Zealand.

2025-26 Tropics and Exotics Collection Highlights — Asia and Oceania 

Asia Odysseys: Experience Asia’s unique icons, cultural traditions and incredible landscapes with a broader array of sailings in the region than ever before. Regatta focuses on Japan and Southeast Asia, many with multiple overnight stays ranging from 12 to 16 days, while Riviera offers five additional voyages in these regions. Sirena’s exotic lineup of 10- to 24-day sailings explores the diverse locales of Southeast Asia and Japan, with select voyages featuring India and China.

Oceania Discoveries: Riviera’s 14 to 22-day sailings in the Oceania region bring to life the spectacular topography, remote islands, and isolated beauty of Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. The finale is an adventurous Bering Sea crossing to Alaska.

Vista’s First Around the World Journey:  Experience an Oceania Cruises first as Vista becomes the ultimate home at sea for an epic 2026 sojourn that explores South America for nearly six weeks before discovering jewels across Australia, the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, continuing onwards to spend a memorable month in Europe.

Vietnam Airlines increases Dien Bien flights

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HANOI, 19 April 2024: To mark Vietnam’s 70th Anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, Vietnam Airlines will operate three daily flights from Hanoi to Dien Bien from 3 to 8 May 2024.

Flights to the Dien Bien Phu will nearly double compared to the regular flight schedule during the week of celebrations. 

Photo credit: TITC and Vietnam National Tourism Authority.

Vietnam’s  Tourism Information Technology Centre reported this week that the additional flights will meet the surge in travel bookings and support Dien Bien province’s event organisation. All flights are operated by Airbus A321 aircraft.

Vietnam Airlines is also the official transportation sponsor of the Visit Vietnam Year – Dien Bien 2024 under the theme “Glory of Dien Bien Phu – Timeless Experience.”  The Visit Vietnam Year celebration linked to Dien Bien Phu is an important cultural, economic, and social event associated with the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (7 May 1954).

The Dien Bien Phu Victory was a major turning point in the First Indochina War. The Vietnamese forces, led by General Vo Nguyen Giap, defeated the French colonial army at Dien Bien Phu, a strategically important valley in northwestern Vietnam. The victory significantly impacted the war’s course and ultimately led to the French withdrawal from Vietnam.

Vietnam will hold several special events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

Military Parade: The highlight of the celebrations will be a large military parade on 7 May 2024 in Dien Bien Phu province. Over 12,000 personnel, including the army, air force, and peacekeeping forces, will participate. The parade will feature tanks, military vehicles, and fighter jet flyovers.

Special Music Show: A grand musical programme has been organised for 6 May in Dien Bien Phu City. Nearly 1000 professional and local artists performed, commemorating the victory through music and dance.

In addition to these major events, other commemorative activities, such as exhibitions and educational programmes, will be held throughout Vietnam to remember the significance of the Dien Bien Phu Victory.

(SOURCE: Tourism Information Technology Centre)

WTTC sings the praise of AI

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 19 April 2024: New reports from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Microsoft highlight the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping the future of travel and tourism.

The final two reports of a series on Artificial Intelligence from WTTC, “Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI): Overview of AI Risks, Safety & Governance” and “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,” underscore a commitment to a digital future that prioritises safety, ethical considerations, and responsible AI adoption.

Launched during the global tourism body’s participation at the UN General Assembly in New York, these reports mark significant milestones in WTTC’s mission to promote innovation and excellence in customer experiences through AI’s safe and trustworthy integration.

“Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)” delves into the potential risks associated with AI deployment and offers strategies for establishing frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness.

From addressing bias and discrimination to ensuring human oversight of AI systems, this report empowers organisations to harness the power of AI responsibly.

In the fourth and final instalment, “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Global Strategies, Policies & Regulations,” WTTC provides a detailed overview of the AI ecosystem across key countries and international organisations.

It shows how policymakers are navigating the AI landscape and shaping regulations and strategies to foster AI innovation while ensuring its ethical and responsible use.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “In a rapidly evolving landscape, AI emerges as a catalyst for positive change. The insights provided in these reports demonstrate that AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a strategic tool that can personalise customer experiences, drive sustainable improvements, and shape the future of Travel & Tourism.

“AI is already being used across our sector with incredible results. Several major hotel groups, including Iberostar, are using AI to monitor and reduce food waste, which recently resulted not only in a 27% cost saving but prevented thousands of kilos of unwanted food going to landfill.”

Microsoft Managing Director Travel Transport & Logistics Industry Julie Shainock said, “We are seeing AI being embraced across the entire travel ecosystem, enhancing the customer and employee experiences and driving more efficiency in operations, but we know we are only at the beginning of the journey.

“We are excited to see what the future holds as AI becomes more widely adopted to automate the more mundane tasks of travel and harness the true spirit of travel to elevate the human experience.”

According to WTTC, AI can revolutionise how businesses in the Travel & Tourism sector operate, offering immense opportunities for growth and innovation.

Both reports underscore the urgent need for Travel and tourism businesses to embrace AI as a strategic priority, invest in talent, and foster collaboration between humans and AI.

But despite the sector’s increasing recognition of AI’s potential, challenges such as AI-skilled workforce shortages in the Travel & Tourism sector persist, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to overcome barriers to adoption.

As AI continues to reshape the world, WTTC remains at the forefront, advocating for safe, ethical, and inclusive AI innovation.

(SOURCE: WTTC)

Marriot teams up with HMI in Japan

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HONG KONG, 18 April 2024: Marriott International and HMI Hotel Group announced Wednesday they have a signed agreement to rebrand seven existing HMI properties in five major cities across Japan to Marriott Hotels and Courtyard by Marriott.

The conversion deal will bring both Marriott brands’ rich legacy and guest-focused experiences to the increasingly sophisticated consumers in Japan and further HMI’s strategic repositioning and revitalising the properties with the latest trends in global hospitality.

“We are pleased to welcome these properties to the fast-expanding portfolio of Marriott International properties across Japan,” said Marriott International President Asia Pacific, excluding China, Rajeev Menon.

“Conversion continues to drive robust growth for the company globally, and we are thrilled to embark on this project with HMI in Japan. As consumer preferences evolve, these properties will have the opportunity to leverage on the strength of affiliation with Marriott’s portfolio of over 8,800 properties worldwide.”

Marriott Hotels properties planned are:

  • Grand Hotel Hamamastu to Hamamatsu Marriott in Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture;
  • Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto to Kyoto Marriott in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture;
  • Hotel Crown Palais Kobe to Kobe Marriott in Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture;
  • Rizzan Seapark Hotel Tancha Bay to Okinawa Marriott Rizzan Resort & Spa in Onna Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture.

Properties planned for Courtyard by Marriott are:

  • Hotel Pearl City Kobe to Courtyard by Marriott Kobe in Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture;
  • Hotel Crown Palais Kokura to Courtyard by Marriott Kokura in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture;
  • Hotel Crown Palais Kitakyushu to Courtyard by Marriott Kitakyushu in Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.

The properties are located in five of Japan’s most popular travel destinations, which welcome millions of visitors each year. 

Hamamatsu is rich in history and culture, with attractions such as the 16th-century Hamamatsu Castle. The city is also renowned as a culinary hotspot. 

As Japan’s former imperial capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is one of the most enchanting cities in Japan. It is home to numerous iconic UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines. 

Kobe is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and unique blend of Eastern and Western influences stemming from its past as a historic port city. 

On Okinawa Island in southern Japan, Onna Village is renowned for its stunning tropical beaches and scenic coastal landscapes. 

Kitakyushu City, in Fukuoka Prefecture, is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and is famous for its many landmarks, such as Kokura Castle, a beautifully preserved feudal-era castle dating back to the 17th century, and the Mojiko Retro District, famous for its Taisho-era architecture and atmosphere.

1...189190191...599Page 190 of 599

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.