Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Home Blog Page 192

54th MATTA Fair spurs travel sales

By
TTR WEEKLY
-
Nigel Wong.

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 April 2024: The recent MATTA Fair attracted more than 170,000 visitors and generated more than MYR230 million in sales over the three-day fair, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel  Agents (MATTA) reported at the weekend.

In a post-event assessment of the 54th edition of the MATTA Fair held from 22 to 24 March 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur the national travel agency association said the fair covered a total of 39,000 sqm of exhibition space booked by 278 exhibitors which included 12 National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) and eight State Tourism Organizations (STOs) – an indication that the Malaysian tour and travel industry remains vibrant and is expected to grow.

Domestic sales turnover amounted to more than MYR 31 million, indicating massive growth potential in domestic tourism, which has seen significant growth post-Covid.

“We implemented a strategic plan to alleviate traffic congestion, which was a concern during the previous travel fair,” said MATTA Presidnet Nigel Wong. “Through the provision of shuttle services from key transportation hubs like MITEC’s vicinity, KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall, we reduced traffic-related complaints by an impressive 65%. The positive response to this initiative from fairgoers demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach in ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience for visitors,” 

Wong noted that MATTA actively collaborated with RapidKL to augment the transportation options available to fairgoers. As part of these efforts, there will be a substantial increase in buses in service, significantly reducing the waiting time intervals for attendees. This initiative has encouraged visitors and exhibitors to take public transportation or park their cars at Sunway Putra Mall and KL Sentral for future MATTA Fairs.

“Our sincere appreciation goes out to DYTM Tuanku Raja Muda Perlis for contributing to the success of our opening ceremony by his distinguished attendance. “The leadership demonstrated by His Royal Highness Tuanku Raja Muda Perlis and the team from Perlis Economic Planning Division, Perlis State Park, Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia and Perlis Agriculture Department, working together with private sector stakeholders like MATTA, is proof that smart partnerships like these are key to promoting destinations in a new and fresh way, ” says Wong.

“The success of MATTA Fair March 2024 is a significant milestone, signalling that the tourism industry is in the last stages of recovery and is geared towards rapid growth over the next few years,” he added.

During the show, China secured the top spot among the top 10 most popular destinations, with Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Turkiye, Vietnam, Taiwan, Switzerland, Italy and the UK following closely. 

For domestic tourism, consumers preferred packages from Selangor, Sabah, Terengganu, Pahang, Kedah and Penang mainly due to the logistic considerations and diverse attractions. Data also revealed that travel packages from over 67 international destinations across North America, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia were in demand during the fair.

MATTA Fair provides a platform where travel enthusiasts can obtain firsthand information from licensed travel agents and tour operators, plan their dream vacations, and take advantage of exclusive deals, all under one roof.

“We remain committed to promoting and nurturing Malaysia’s tourism sector; this travel fair is more than just an event; it is an important catalyst for the industry’s growth. The outstanding results of the MATTA Fair March 2024 inspire us to continue working persistently to generate chances, foster innovation, and give unforgettable experiences to travellers,” Wong concluded.

The next MATTA Fair is scheduled to take place at MITEC Kuala Lumpur from 6 to 8 September 2024.

Air Canada boosts summer flights

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 22 April 2024: In addition to new enhanced international routes to Singapore, Madrid, Stockholm, Osaka and Seoul, Air Canada’s Summer 2024 international capacity is growing by 30% into Asia-Pacific and 25% to key leisure destinations in Southern Europe compared to last Summer.

Across the Pacific, Air Canada continues to build its Vancouver hub as the gateway to the Pacific. The carrier recently started year-round service to Singapore from Vancouver and will increase capacity to Hong Kong, Osaka and Seoul. On the East Coast, the airline is excited to begin seasonal service from Toronto to Osaka and increase capacity to Tokyo. At the same time, Air Canada will begin seasonal service to Seoul from Montreal, complementing Tokyo’s enhanced capacity.

Flight options are increasing across Europe and Asia this summer, along with a choice of 120 destinations in North America (CNW Group/Air Canada)

“We continue to see strong demand for southern European destinations and have increased capacity for countries such as Italy, Greece, and especially Spain for this summer,” said Air Canada Executive Vice President, Revenue and Network Planning Mark Galardo.

Air Canada is” also focused on strategically expanding its Pacific hub in Vancouver. We are thrilled to have launched service in Singapore earlier this month and increased service to Hong Kong and Japan.” 

Within North America, Air Canada’s domestic and trans-border network will expand to 120 destinations this summer, with the addition of Tulum, Mexico, and Charleston, South Carolina.

Air Canada’s Atlantic schedule will provide the most nonstop service between Canada and Europe of any carrier. Air Canada is launching new direct routes from Montreal and Toronto to Stockholm and will increase frequencies to Rome and Athens. From Montreal, the airline will also launch year-round service to Madrid, increase flights to Paris to up to three times daily during the summer peak, and restore service to Lyon. From Toronto, service will increase to Copenhagen and commence in Edinburgh and Brussels earlier in the season.

In North America, new routes will be offered from Toronto and Montreal to Tulum, from Toronto to Charleston, and from Montreal to St. Louis, Austin and New Orleans. Within Canada, Ottawa-Calgary and Halifax-Vancouver flights will resume, and there will be frequency or capacity increases, including between Toronto and Saskatoon, Regina, Victoria, Sydney and Gander, as well as between Montreal and Regina, Saskatoon, Victoria, Edmonton, Moncton, Fredericton and Deer Lake. 

Firefly switches flights to BKK

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

PENANG, 22 April 2024: Firefly, a low-cost airline based in Malaysia, announced at the weekend that it will shift its Bangkok flights to Suvarnabhumi from Don Mueang Airport effective 1 May. 

All flights to Bangkok will land and take off at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) from the Penang International Airport (PEN).

Firefly’s latest travel deals but flagged fare has add-ons.

Advance timetable information shows the airline will serve Bangkok with daily flights using a Boeing 737-800

Flight FY3620 will depart Penang (PEN) at 2010  and arrive in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 2100.
Flight FY3621 will depart Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 2200 and arrive in Penang (PEN) at 0050 (plus a day).

A subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), Firefly launched flights from Penang International Airport (PEN) to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok last November, serving the route initially with five weekly flights and increasing to daily in early 2024 during the peak travel season to Thailand. 

Fares on the PEN-DMK route are very competitive. AirAsia schedules 17 flights weekly, and Thai Lion Air offers three weekly flights every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. THAI flies double daily between BKK and PEN and will compete with Firefly effective 1 May.

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.

1...191192193...601Page 192 of 601

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.