SINGAPORE, 29 March 2024: Carnival Corporation announced earlier this week an agreement with Meyer Werft shipyard for a fifth Excel-class cruise ship that will sail under the Carnival Cruise Line brand, following its delivery set for 2028.
In mid-February Carnival Corporation had announced the first newbuild order placed in five years with news that a fourth Excel-class ship would join the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in Spring 2027.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel Class Ships.
This announcement confirms the corporation’s 11th Excel-class ship across four brands and the fifth under the Carnival Cruise Line flag.
This fifth Excel-class ship will be built on the same platform as its sisters, with the 180,000-ton ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and designed to carry over 6,400 guests and 1,800 crew.
“Carnival Cruise Line continues to perform at an outstanding level, and we are focused on adding capacity across the company where it aligns with demand and our position in the marketplace,” said Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein. “This measured capacity growth strategy will result in our adding one to two ships per year beginning in 2027, and we will be identifying additional fleet plans over the coming months for our cruise lines to meet capacity demand and improve execution across all aspects of our operation, with the benefit of yielding a higher return on invested capital,” Weinstein concluded.
The latest order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed later this year.
BANGKOK, 29 March 2024: Airbnb launched its first-ever Creative Guide to Bangkok earlier this week, spotlighting Bangkok’s creative landscapes, vibrant neighbourhoods, and local tastemakers.
In line with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) goals to support creative tourism, the guide is curated with local insights from prominent Thai tastemakers and Airbnb Superhosts. It showcases the four neighbourhoods of Talat Noi, Wang Doem, Talat Phlu and Kudi Chin.
Photo credit: ARBNB. Airbnb general manager for Southeast Asia, India Hong Kong and Taiwan, Amanpreet Bajaj.
From street art and local markets to architecture and food, Airbnb’s Creative Guide to Bangkok features the latest creative hangouts, local eats, authentic stays and must-see places. Published in English, Chinese and Thai, the guide will be distributed across Asia-Pacific, including in Thailand’s key travel corridors of China and India, to drum up travel excitement ahead of Songkran.
New data from Airbnb reveals that Thailand was the most visited destination in Southeast Asia by Airbnb guests worldwide in 2023*. Nights booked grew by approximately 60% year-on-year, with the US ranked as the top country of origin for guests worldwide, followed by China, Germany, the UK, and South Korea.*
The capital city remains Thailand’s top destination for Airbnb bookings in 2023 for both international and domestic guests*. Group travel amongst Airbnb guests in Thailand in 2023 increased by almost 80% year-on-year, while solo travel increased by 52% in the same period*.
Airbnb is also seeing a spike in travellers from China and India — two of Thailand’s largest travel markets. Thailand ranked #1 in the top outbound search destinations for Airbnb guests from China during the recent winter season.** Searches by Indian guests on Airbnb for the upcoming Holi and Easter long weekends increased over 200% year-on-year.***
Speaking at the launch, Bangkok’s Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon said: “On behalf of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), we’re excited to see Airbnb shining a light on Bangkok’s lesser-known creative neighbourhoods to travellers around the world, especially ahead of Thailand’s biggest festival Songkran.
“Bangkok offers a rich tapestry of cultural and historical attractions, many of which remain undiscovered. In 2022, we launched the 20 Creative Neighborhoods initiative to increase awareness of these diverse communities, each with their local hawkers, shops, galleries, canals and temples. We hope Airbnb’s Creative Guide to Bangkok will inspire more visitors to these unique neighbourhoods, connect with locals and discover what makes each one so special.”
Airbnb general manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Amanpreet Bajaj added: “Airbnb guests differ from the traditional traveller; they want to explore new places and are keen to immerse themselves in the communities they stay and visit. From the historic area of Wang Doem to the vibrant local markets of Talat Phlu and Kudi Chin and the cultural heritage sites in Talat Noi, Airbnb’s Creative Guide to Bangkok will introduce our guests to the wonders of these unique, lesser-known neighbourhoods. Aligned with the government’s vision, we aim to continue driving a more local, creative and immersive form of travel that will help Thailand become the world’s top homestay destination.”
*Based on internal Airbnb data for 2023. **Based on Airbnb mainland China users’ search data from 1 January 2023 to 30 September 2023 for winter outbound stays with check-in dates between 22 December 2023 and 29 February 2024. ***Based on India users’ search data for the Holi and Easter long weekend with check-in dates between 23 March – 31 March 2024, compared with the same period last year.
SINGAPORE, 29 March 2024: Jetstar Asia (3K) has announced a new route, offering seasonal direct flights between Singapore and Broome, Western Australia, It’s the first airline to fly to Western Australia’s world-renowned Kimberley region from Singapore.
Launching on 25 June 2024, the Singapore low-cost carrier will operate two return flights weekly during Broome’s dry season, offering direct access to the Kimberley region with its unrivalled natural beauty, stunning beaches and incredible wildlife, making it a sought–after destination for travellers.
Photo credit: Jetstar Asia.
Travellers flying to Broome can immerse themselves in its iconic attractions, from the renowned Cable Beach to the rugged Kimberley wilderness.
Jetstar’s low fares will provide customers from Australia’s North West a direct link to Singapore, the multi-cultural city known for its famous landmarks, food and shopping, as well as seamless connectivity to Jetstar’s extensive network out of Changi International Airport to Bangkok, Bali, and Okinawa.
Jetstar Asia CEO John Simeone noted that as Jetstar Asia prepares to celebrate its 20th birthday later this year, he is delighted to announce flights to Broome.
“Just over four hours away from Singapore, Broome is an amazing destination for those looking for a holiday of a lifetime,” Simeone said. “This new route, combined with our low fares, underscores our commitment to providing customers with a diverse range of destinations and incredible travel experiences.”
Western Australian Deputy Premier and Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti said Thursday’s announcement marked a significant leap forward in expanding WA’s aviation capacity through an entirely new gateway into the state.
“We are very excited to provide international visitors with direct access to Western Australia’s stunning Kimberley region,” Saffioti said.
To celebrate the launch, Jetstar Asia is offering special one-way fares from Singapore to Broome from SGD125, and from Broome to Singapore for just AUD145, available on jetstar.com Thursday 1000 (SGT).
Club Jetstar members can enjoy exclusive access to even lower fares from just SGD115 (Singapore to Broome) or AUD135 (Broome to Singapore) one-way.
MUMBAI, 29 March 2024: Air India will deploy its third A350 to fly the busy Mumbai-Delhi route starting 1 April 2024.
Air India took delivery of its first A350-900 aircraft in December 2023, followed by the second in January 2024 and the third on 16 March. These aircraft will boost services on the Mumbai-Delh corridor to double daily flights.
Photo credit: Air India.
Flight schedule 10 April 2024
AI864 departs BOM at 0700 and arrives DEL at 0915. Daily A350-900. AI865 departs DEL at 1045 and arrives BOM at 1250. Daily A350-900.
AI687 departs BOM at 1600 and arrives DEL at 1830. Daily flights A350-900. AI805 departs DEL at 2000 and arrives BOM at 2225. Daily flights A350-900.
The three aircraft also fly between Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
Meanwhile, local media reports say Air India will begin flights from Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam as early as this May. The proposed route is not detailed on the airline’s website or social media channels, but it does appear on advance schedules posted by independent flight information sources. According to an advance schedule posted online last week, Air India intends to fly a daily Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City service using an A320neo starting 1 May.
Provisional timetable DEL-SGN
AI388 will depart DEL at 1415 and arrive SGN at 2055. AI389 will depart SGN at 2250 and arrive DEL at 0140.
However, reservations have yet to open on the Air India website or on independent booking websites such as Trip.com and Skyscanner.
A check of Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City flights during May on Skyscanner shows that only Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines offer direct flights. Vietjet flies four weekly flights on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday using an A321. Vietnam Airlines flies the route three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday using an A330. The average roundtrip fare on the route is USD350.
KUCHING Sarawak, 28 March 2024: Sarawak’s largest ecotourism attraction, Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort, will soft open during August and September on a 69-acre farm property in Tarat, Serian, 53 km from the state capital Kuching.
Once fully operational, the farm-stay and resort experience will target family and business group visitors through promotional links and leads sourced by Business Events Sarawak, which is already promoting the new attractions on its Facebook page.
Photo credit: Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort.
Business Events Sarawak is a non-profit organisation fully backed and funded by the Sarawak State Government. Its goal is to connect meeting planners with the right connections and resources to plan and organise meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions.
Facilities at the Borneo Emurau Farm and Resort will include meeting space in a 500-person ballroom plus an outdoor meeting hall with a capacity for 200 participants joining corporate meetings, team-building events, or incentive groups.
The farm property will have 26 chalets with lake views, 12 longhouse-style guestrooms, campsite accommodation, and a caravan park. In addition, the resort will feature two restaurants (halal and western/international) plus a coffee shop.
Resort attractions Largest outdoor aviary in Sarawak Swiftlet house Water theme park and playground Animal park and wildlife centre Glass bridge freshwater aquarium Empurau hatchery and farm Tilapia pond Fertigation farm Large crops and fruit farm Aquaponics farm Plant nursery Fishing site BBQ zones Lookout tower
DUBAI, UAE, 28 March 2024: In tandem with the recent International Women’s Day, Emirates Group has launched its own Gender Balance Council to represent all its female employees, create a knowledge-sharing platform, and advance the cause of gender balance.
The council’s agenda includes mentorship programmes, professional development workshops, outreach, and events that champion women in the workforce. A key focus will be supporting the Group’s existing commitments, including the UAE Gender Balance Council pledge, the NOORA network, UN Global Compact principles, and IATA’s 25×2025.
The key initiatives that showcase the Group’s commitment to achieving gender balance and women’s empowerment include:
UAE Gender Balance Council pledge: signed in January 2023 to achieve 30% women in the workforce and increase female representation in middle to senior management by 2025.
NOORA, Aurora 50: signed a two-year partnership with Aurora50 and is one of the co-founders of NOORA, a network of women from diverse professional backgrounds who support like-minded, ambitious individuals.
UN Global Compact (UNGC): In April 2023, Emirates and dnata joined UNGC and reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Four women employees represent the Group in in the UNGC’s Target Gender Equality accelerator programme.
IATA 25×2025– dnata signedthis initiative in 2021 and have rolled out a range of programmes – from career development workshops and mentoring to maternity coaching for return to work, a mum’s support group and more.
The Emirates Airline Foundation supports the IIMPACT Girls Education Project, which is dedicated to transforming the lives of women, families, and communities in India’s most remote and rural areas by empowering girls through education.
IIMPACT educates girls in over 1,100 villages in 11 states of India and now has more than 4,200 girls enrolled at its learning centres. The Foundation fully funds the operating expenses of Saint Rita de Cassia Orphanage, which houses more than 96 orphaned four to 12-year-old abandoned girls in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
For more information on the airline and for bookings visit www.emirates.com
MANILA, 28 March 2024: The Philippines’ Tourism Promotions Board launched a recruitment drive for its TPB Membership Programme last week that includes participation in the Travel Philippines app.
Last year concluded with the TPB having 859 travel-related members throughout the Philippines. The intention is to recruit industry players from all travel segments, and one of the benefits is inclusion in the Travel Philippines app.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
Under the country’s Tourism Act of 2009, TPB can open its membership ranks to entities, groups, and individuals in the travel trade, congresses, and conventions.
During last week’s membership drive event that attracted 350 travel industry players, TPB COO Marga Nograles commented: “In my short time with TPB, I’ve seen that you are truly the core of our tourism industry. We have so much potential to transform the Philippines into a global tourism leader, and this vision is only achievable through our collective effort.”
TPB’s work plan for the year is to enhance its membership programme so members prosper in the digital age, by learning how to leverage market intelligence through a series of modules.
One key benefit ensures members are listed in the Travel Philippines app. Members will be featured in the app’s directory and the destinations tab, making it easier for travellers to reach them when planning a trip to the Philippines.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco gave a keynote address at the event to show her support for TPB’s Enhanced Membership Programme. She emphasised that the inclusion of TPB members in the Travel Philippines app is a significant milestone for the tourism industry, as it increases connectivity between tourists and local tourism enterprises.
“The app gives new and existing markets access to information about TPB members. In other words, wherever you may be in the world, you can simply open your phone and access information directly linking tourists to your companies,” stated Secretary Frasco.
PHUKET, 28 March 2024: Phuket has seen an unprecedented invasion of international buyers, transforming the island into the world’s largest leisure-branded residential real estate market.
The supply of branded properties has now eclipsed a staggering USD 2.3 billion (THB80 billion) and is expected to grow further, according to new data from hospitality consulting group C9 Hotelworks.
C9 Hotelworks Managing Director, Bill Barnett.
One of the most compelling storylines of Phuket’s economic shift from a tourism-dependent economy into a property giant is the blurring of lines between hospitality and real estate. A key example is Phuket’s largest developer, Laguna Phuket, which has undergone a massive change in focus from hotels to branded real estate.
Earlier this year, Singaporean tourism icon KP Ho’s Banyan Group announced that an adjacent land bank to their Laguna Phuket integrated resort would be developed into a USD2 billion lifestyle-led branded real estate offering.
Ho’s longer-term strategy has changed from a hotel-led strategy with the Banyan Tree brand at the forefront to a multi-brand strategy that has witnessed the chain’s renaming and created a property-led growth trajectory.
Tracking the change of investment sentiment from hospitality to mixed-use projects, C9 Hotelworks’ Managing Director Bill Barnett says: “Post-pandemic we have seen a flood of Thai-listed real estate groups return to Phuket, spurred by an accentuated return to trading of the resort market and stabilisation of tourism. Added motivation for developers is the soaring demand created by an influx of affluent overseas and domestic property buyers relocating to the island or viewing an investment in branded property as a safe haven.”
Some brands that have entered the market recently include The Standard in Bangtao. This area has been the epicentre of growth in the last year, including announcements by leading Bangkok developer Sansiri and Dubai-funded green-space real estate play Gardens of Eden, spread over 73 rai (29 acres) of ocean-facing land.
Turning the page, Phuket’s tourism market in 2023 was all about higher room rates, which, for most hotel owners, grew their bottom lines. Market-wide hotel performance data from STR shows that compared last year to the high-water years of 2018 and 2019, average room rates reflected higher occupancy by 20-30%. Despite lower occupancy with muted Chinese demand by 2-10%, hotels experienced a net profit growth.
C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett adds: “This is not about the island changing, but how the larger world is undergoing unprecedented volatility coupled with the islands’ growing attraction as an international community.
The appetite for branded residences reflects a notable change in buyer values, and we expect not only more hospitality affiliations but also a significant new addition of non-hotel brands, such as those from the fashion, automotive, and restaurant sectors. Phuket, with its record-setting resort-grade branded residences property supply, now stands side by side with urban best-in-class destinations Miami and Dubai as billion-dollar marketplaces.”
To download C9 Hotelworks Phuket Branded Residence Market Review CLICK
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 March 2024: Preliminary February 2024 traffic figures released Wednesday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) show strong growth in both international air passenger and air cargo demand.
Passenger markets were boosted by a surge in leisure travel during the Lunar New Year festive period, while air cargo demand grew as a result of business and e-commerce activity.
In aggregate, 27 million international passengers were carried by Asia Pacific airlines in February, a 56.7% increase from the 17.3 million recorded in the same month last year. Traffic reached 89.2% of 2019 levels. In revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, demand rose by 54.4% year-on-year, reflecting the relative strength of regional routes. Available seat capacity expanded by 53.1%, leading to a marginal 0.7 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 81.6% for the month.
With inflation levels moderating, rising demand spurred renewed vigour in the global manufacturing sector, supporting further growth in air cargo markets. As a result, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increased by 10.2% year-on-year in February. Offered freight capacity expanded by a robust 20.8%, primarily from growth in belly-hold space. Consequently, the average international freight load factor fell by 5.5 percentage points to 57.3% for the month.
Commenting on the results, AAPA director general Subhas Menon said: “During the first two months of the year, Asian carriers saw continued robust growth in international passenger markets, with 54 million passengers carried, an increase of 53% compared with the corresponding period in the previous year. The strong demand came on the back of ongoing network expansion by carriers, with load factors at levels seen before the pandemic.”
“The same period saw a 16% increase in international air cargo demand, progressing the recovery recorded since the last quarter of 2023. Healthy growth in e-commerce transactions fuelled a demand for speedier air transport. There were also indications of a modal shift from sea to air due to the Red Sea crisis.”
Looking ahead, Menon concluded: “The upturn in global economic activity and rise in business confidence levels augurs well for air cargo markets in the coming months. Correspondingly, the demand outlook for international travel is positive based on forward booking trends. The region’s carriers remain nimble and proactive in exploring new avenues of growth while tackling numerous challenges, including rising operational costs and stiff competition.”
SINGAPORE, 28 March 2024: Qantas and Jetstar are gearing up for almost 4 million customers to travel across its domestic and international network on almost 36,000 flights throughout Easter and the proceeding four-week school holidays period.
More than 670,000 customers will fly over the Easter long weekend from 29 March to 1 April alone, almost a 10% increase on the 2023 Easter holidays. Easter Thursday is the busiest day, with more than 150,000 customers travelling across the Qantas Group.
Photo credit: Qantas Group. Easter goodies for Qantas flyers.
Popular overseas destinations for holidaymakers include Auckland, Singapore, Bali, and Tokyo. In Australia, the top choices are the Gold Coast, Hobart, and Cairns.
Up to 15 Qantas and Jetstar aircraft on standby as ‘operational spares’ providing extra buffer in the event of disruptions.
Easter surprises
Between Friday, 29 March and Monday 1 April, customers travelling across the Qantas network can expect Easter surprises during their airport, onboard and lounge experience. Also, at these airports, customers should also be on the lookout for Easter themed photo booths.
