SINGAPORE: Jetstar Asia launched direct service from Singapore to Krabi on 7 June 2024, flying Airbus A320s on the route.
Flight 3K573 departed from Changi Airport Terminal 4, establishing a new direct route to Krabi, which is becoming increasingly popular with Singaporeans as an alternative beach holiday to Phuket. Krabi airport is around 100 km from Phuket’s island’s airport, which is fast reaching full capacity for flight slots.
The Singapore low-cost carrier now serves the Singapore – Krabi route with six weekly flights amounting to around 60,000 low fares between Singapore and the popular holiday destination annually.
The split schedule means three weekly services take off from Singapore in the morning and land in Krabi less than two hours later, giving travellers a whole day to enjoy the stunning holiday hotspot. For those travelling from Europe and Australia, there are three convenient evening flights each week, providing excellent connectivity for those wanting to visit Krabi via Singapore.
Krabi is renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, as well as an abundance of recreational activities, including hot springs, wildlife sanctuaries and limestone cliffs that attract rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world.
Jetstar Asia CEO, John Simeone, said this was the first of three exciting routes Jetstar Asia was launching in June as they continue to expand their network.
“Thailand remains incredibly popular with our customers so it’s great to add beautiful Krabi to our network alongside Bangkok and Phuket,” Simeone said. “And with the choice of morning or evening services, it’s not just Singaporeans who are excited about this new Jetstar route as those travelling from Australia can enjoy seamless connectivity through Singapore on our Jetstar Airways’ (JQ) services from Melbourne and Perth.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 June 2024: AirAsia’s Free* Seats campaign returns with 10 million promotional seats as part of the airline’s efforts to support tourism and reignite economies across Southeast Asia.
The fare deals apply to flights to domestic and international destinations, enabling travellers to explore Danang, Pattaya, Medan, Guwahati, Siem Reap, and more for free, effectively driving tourists to these areas. This is on top of domestic destinations in Malaysia like Kuching, Penang, Langkawi, and Alor Setar, where holidaymakers and travellers can head to exciting places and savour local delicacies while supporting the tourism industry and local economies.
For those who wish to fly beyond ASEAN and explore medium-haul destinations, AirAsia’s Big Sale is offering special fares on AirAsia X to experience Taipei, Xi’an, Perth, Almaty, Tokyo, Seoul, and more. Low fares start from as low as MYR279** all-in one-way.
AirAsia Group Chief Commercial Officer Paul Carroll said: “The AirAsia Free* Seats campaign aims to fulfil our promise of delivering the best value for our guests while enhancing travel connectivity across the region with our extensive network. This initiative is a powerful driver of regional economic growth and contributes towards revitalising tourism sectors as countries catch up on post-pandemic growth opportunities.
“This year, ASEAN tourism is expected to see a significant rebound, with Malaysia targeting 27.3 million foreign tourists and ASEAN anticipating over 100 million tourist arrivals. By facilitating affordable travel, we help local businesses – from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and retail shops – thrive amid recovering global travel demands. As we enter the second half of the year, we look forward to generating a positive economic ripple effect across various sectors through this campaign, contributing to the overall growth and resilience of the regional tourism industry.”
The AirAsia Free* Seats campaign is available until 16 June 2024 only on airasia.com or the AirAsia MOVE app (formerly airasia Superapp) for travel from 2 September 2024 until 8 October 2025.
*The Free Seat is only applicable for the base fare, excluding airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. All-in fare starts from MYR29 one-way (Domestic) and MYR60 one-way (International).
**All-in one-way fares start from MYR279 and are inclusive of airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Other terms and conditions apply.
BANGKOK, 10 June 2024: The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Dubai & Middle East Office highlights challenges and opportunities for Thai tourism suppliers to capture the lucrative Saudi Arabian market.
Last year, after Thailand and Saudi Arabia resumed diplomatic ties in 2022, TAT saw 180,000 tourist arrivals from the market following a series of marketing initiatives to introduce Thailand as a travel destination.
This year, TAT’s Dubai & Middle East Office introduced 12 Saudi Arabian travel buyers to Thai travel suppliers at the Thailand Travel Mart+ 2024. They were part of a delegation of 25 buyers from the Middle East market, including Oman, Bahrain, and the UAE, who came to explore Thai travel products to boost travel, especially in the upcoming travel seasons in July and August.
Saudi Arabia is seen as a promising market with an average length of stay of around 12 to 14 days and high spending, with an average of THB90,000 per person per trip, compared to the international spending average of THB50,000 per person per trip.
Due to the family-oriented lifestyle, Middle Eastern travellers often travel in family groups with parents, children, and sometimes even nannies. With a population of over 30 million, TAT estimates 10 million are in the high purchasing power bracket.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand Director of the Dubai & Middle East Office, Chaiwat Tamthai, TAT aims to tap key sectors, including Gen X, 40 years old and above, who have the purchasing power and time for travel, and Generation Y, known as Millennials, who are working age and seek work-life balance.
“Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya are recognised among travellers from the Middle East as favourable destinations for entertainment and shopping. Joining the TTM+ 2024 in Phang-Nga Province this year is a great opportunity to showcase secondary cities, especially beach resort destinations like Khao Lak,” he said.
The market seeks luxury resorts, particularly those with pool villas. Theme parks, water parks, zoos, and aquariums could further attract Middle Eastern tourists particularly interested in family-friendly activities.
This year, TAT aims to attract 900,000 tourists from the Middle East market, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, and Oman, excluding Israel. While the agency aims to expand its presence in the Saudi Arabian market, the primary challenge lies in the limited flight capacity, mainly operated by Middle Eastern carriers.
In high season, there are approximately seven weekly flights to Bangkok, including direct flights from Jeddah and Jeddah via Riyadh to Bangkok. In low season, there are around three to four flights per week.
“Having airlines expand capacity is key to supporting the marketing approach. We are working closely with leading tour operators and major air carriers in the Middle East, leveraging the network these carriers offer. We are also looking for opportunities to work with new carriers, which could include Thailand as a destination. We also hope to see Thailand-based carriers operate on these routes, which would benefit joint marketing approaches,” said Chaiwat.
On 19 August, TAT will bring travel agents from the Middle East to Bangkok to attend the Middle East Trade Meeting (MTM) followed by a visit to Krabi on 21 August. Meanwhile, Thailand’s travel content providers can join a TAT roadshow to Riyadh in September 2024. Next year, the post-Arabian Travel Market 2025 Roadshow will tour Jeddah and Riyadh.
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Marketing Manager – MEA, Dubai & Middle East Office Hatsanai Chaisri added: “The Middle East market still relies heavily on bookings from travel agents, with around 50% of bookings made through them. Regular sales calls are crucial to capture this market, as the frontline staff who may not be familiar with Thai products would introduce established international brands to ensure they can meet the standard requirements. The market also tends to follow their favourite influencers, which could be an alternative product promotion approach.”
GURUGRAM, India, 10 June 2024: Air India has announced it will start nonstop services between Bengaluru and London Gatwick (LGW) on 18 August 2024, making Bengaluru the fifth Indian city to be connected to the UK’s second-largest airport.
The service will further strengthen Air India’s presence in the UK and reinforce the strong economic and cultural links between India and the UK.
Air India will operate five weekly flights between Bengaluru and London Gatwick, bringing the total number of flights to and from London Gatwick to 17 weekly.
Air India currently connects four other Indian cities to London Gatwick: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi. The airline additionally operates 31 weekly flights to London Heathrow and six weekly flights to and from Birmingham.
The airline will use its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the route. It features 18 flat beds in business class and 238 spacious seats in economy.
“We are delighted to offer our guests convenient, nonstop flights between Bengaluru and London Gatwick. This new route caters to the growing demand for travel between these two important business and leisure destinations and strengthens our commitment to expanding our global network,” said Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson.
All times are local. (+1) denotes next-day arrival.
Bookings for the flights opened on 7 June for all channels, including Air India’s official website, its mobile app, and authorised travel agents and partners.
Bengaluru Flights
Bengaluru is known as the “Silicon Valley of India” and is a major information technology and biotechnology centre. Flights connect workers, executives, and investors to this economic powerhouse.
It’s also a major city in South India, serving as a hub for flights to other regional destinations and a gateway to exploring other parts of the country. Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is a primary aviation gateway to South India. It is well-connected to domestic and international destinations, facilitating business travel and tourism.
SINGAPORE, 6 June 2024: Disjointed approaches to payments result in operational inefficiencies and lost revenues for airlines, according to a study released today by CellPoint Digital, a leader in digital payment solutions for the airline industry.
The report, Payments Come of Age: A Global Study of Airlines and Their Payment Technology Needs and Challenges, offers a first-of-its-kind analysis of airlines’ payment challenges, their approaches to payment optimisation, and the technology that can help them achieve it.
Overcoming Limited Payment Options
Based on a survey of 151 airline professionals worldwide, the research pinpoints specific challenges, including the limited availability of alternative payment methods (APMs) and regional payment options. Only 11% of surveyed airlines report being able to accept newer APMs like open banking and account-to-account payments. This limits their ability to expand and meet the payment expectations of travellers in crucial markets like Southeast Asia, where APMs are increasingly used for travel purchases.
The report also reveals that airline professionals believe they need to improve prominent areas of the passenger experience, like boarding (44%), customer support (40%), and check-in (39%), to remain competitive in this challenging environment. Crew scheduling (28%) and in-flight operations (27%) were other areas cited as requiring improvement.
‘Payments Come of Age’ analyses airlines’ payment-specific challenges and how professionals in different airline departments perceive those challenges. Revenue managers are more concerned than other airline professionals about a lack of flexible payment options (25% vs 21% survey average) and the inability to transact in passengers’ preferred currency (25% vs 23%). By validating the concerns of their internal payment experts and adopting comprehensive payment strategies such as Payment Orchestration, airlines can leverage optimised, streamlined payment processes to reduce costs, increase revenue, expand to new markets and improve the passenger experience.
CellPoint Digital CEO Kristian Gjerding comments: “Payment efficiency is as crucial as expanding route networks regarding airlines’ financial health. The evolution of payment processes towards Payment Orchestration proves that payments have come of age, unlocking profitability for airlines prepared to invest in innovation. By prioritising forward-looking payment strategies, airlines can deliver seamless booking and travel experiences for passengers, driving booking volume.”
Payment Challenges are Pervasive
The Payments Come of Age report also explores region-specific airline payment dynamics. For example, as LatAm emerges as a critical market for many global carriers, transaction success and payment efficiency are necessary for airlines to capitalise on the region’s potential.
As such, airlines serving Latin America are investing in instalment payment capabilities at a greater rate (35%) in 2025 than their European and Asian counterparts, responding to the demand for ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ features in the LatAm market. Across the LatAm market, existing airline PSPs often lack local reach and comprehensive alternative payment method (APM) support, leading to lower transaction acceptance and revenue loss. Airlines can overcome this by investing in comprehensive payment strategies and offering their finance professionals a seat at the table.
Profit Protection
Airline margins remain vulnerable even as carriers post record total profits. IATA predicts that net profit margin industry-wide will be 2.7% in 2024, a slim 0.1% increase over 2023, despite projected revenue growth of 7.6%. Increasing operational efficiency is the only way for airlines to drive bottom-line growth. Payments represent a significant opportunity– the industry spends over USD20 billion on payment costs, or about 3% of airlines’ total revenue and 78% of the industry’s net profit. Efficient payment processes, including Payment Orchestration, can help airlines boost conversions in direct and indirect sales channels at lower transaction costs, directly impacting profitability.
About CellPoint Digital CellPoint Digital is a fintech leader whose main solution is a Payment Orchestration Platform that optimises digital payment transactions from cards or alternative payment methods. CellPoint Digital has offices in Copenhagen, Dallas, Dubai, London, Miami, Pune, and Singapore. Visit www.cellpointdigital.com to learn more.
SINGAPORE, 7 June 2024: Oneworld, a leading global airline alliance, has announced that Fiji Airways will become its 15th full-member airline.
Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji, has achieved a valuable presence in the oneworld alliance for the past five years as a oneworld connect partner.
It has now developed cooperative links with all OneWorld member airlines, paving the way to a more seamless integration as a full OneWorld member. Fiji Airways’ transition to full membership will commence immediately and be completed within a year.
Oneworld CEO Nat Pieper said: “We welcome them as our 15th full-member airline in the oneworld alliance. Fiji Airways is already part of the oneworld family, as we have had a highly successful relationship since the airline joined as a oneworld connect partner five years ago. With its tremendous growth, award-winning product and services, and acceleration of connections with all oneworld member airlines, Fiji Airways will strengthen our position as the premier airline alliance for international global travellers.”
Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen added: “As a full member airline, we are excited to enhance the travel experience for oneworld alliance frequent flyers, offering greater accessibility to Fiji and the South Pacific, and ensuring seamless connections and memorable journeys for Fiji Airways customers across the alliance network.”
Fiji Airways, with its hub at Nadi International Airport, serves 26 destinations in 15 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs at Sydney, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Fiji Link, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiji Airways, will become an affiliate airline of oneworld and extend the alliance’s network even further by bringing its domestic flights to Suva, Nadi, Labasa, Taveuni and Kadavu; as well as regionally to the Pacific Island nations of Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Fiji Airways carried 2.2 million passengers in 2023, offering 2.8 million seats across its network. It has a fleet of 21 aircraft, including Airbus A350s, Airbus A330s, and Boeing 737s.
2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the oneworld alliance, founded in 1999 by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. Later this year, Oman Air will become the 14th member airline of the alliance, joining Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines.
SINGAPORE, 7 June 2024: Amadeus and Accor expand their partnership, with the global hotel group adopting Amadeus’ Central Reservation System (ACRS) for its properties worldwide.
Accor Chief Digital Officer Alix Boulnois and Amadeus President, Hospitality Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter negotiated the partnership extension, which empowers Accor to draw on Amadeus’ cloud-based technology to boost revenues and maximise distribution strategies.
Sébastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO, Accor (left), shakes hands with Luis Maroto, President and CEO, Amadeus.
Implementing Amadeus’ Central Reservation System will not only empower Accor’s hoteliers to leverage the established ACRS product but will also unlock new capabilities. These include enhanced flexibility, seamless integration with emerging technologies, and simplified daily operations. These advancements will enable hotels to meet the evolving needs of guests better, ensuring Accor remains at the forefront of the hospitality industry.
ACRS incorporates sophisticated features like room views, styles, and bedding preferences. Accor’s sales teams can elevate the sales process to a holistic guest experience.
Accor Chief Digital Officer Alix Boulnois and Amadeus President, Hospitality Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter negotiated the partnership details.
SINGAPORE, 7 June 2024: Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry, confirmed earlier this week that it has renewed its longstanding agreement with Singapore Airlines.
Through the latest agreement, Singapore Airlines will continue to leverage Schedule Manager and Slot Manager from Sabre’s Network Planning & Optimisation technology suite, reinforcing its commitment to operational efficiency, choice and reliability for its passengers.
Sabre Slot Manager, the industry’s most widely used system for managing slots at busy airports worldwide, is a key tool that enables carriers to identify and secure slots required for future schedules. This system also minimises the chances of losing valuable historic slots. On the other hand, Schedule Manager is a powerful tool that empowers airlines to create and execute robust, accurate, and feasible operating schedules across their networks. These tools will continue to be instrumental in Singapore Airlines’ operations, providing a powerful way to boost revenue and gain a competitive advantage.
“Without the right slots and schedules, it’s impossible to fly routes that are both profitable for airlines and meet evolving passenger demand,” said Sabre Vice President Travel Solutions Airline Sales and Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific Rakesh Narayanan. “We’re pleased and proud to renew this valued and longstanding collaboration with Singapore Airlines so they can continue to benefit from advanced network planning capabilities, enabling them to optimise their flight schedules, maximise resource allocation, and deliver superior service to their customers.”
KHAO LAK, Phang-Nga Thailand, 7 June 2024: Sustainability plays a crucial role in the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s strategy to position Thailand as a high-value, high-quality destination.
TAT is monitoring a substantial shift in the tourism landscape towards millennials, young generations, and individuals who have grown up with the online world. According to its research, TAT concludes that today’s travellers, even in main markets such as China, are highly conscious of sustainability and environmental impact.
TAT calls on suppliers to embrace sustainable practices, not only for their enterprises but also for a better and more sustainable tourism industry.
At the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024, held in Khao Lak, Phang-Nga Province, TAT introduced its new communication concept, ‘Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End’ which TAT focuses on delivering meaningful travel experiences that would create a lifetime memory. Highlights range from luxury, wellness, soft adventure, and sustainable tourism.
TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya stated that sellers offering products at the event this year have been incredibly supportive of the sustainability initiative.
The event attracted 430 booths of quality sellers nationwide, including 46 exhibitors who won the Thailand Tourism Awards 2023. There were 360 hotels and resorts, 34 tour operators, 18 entertainment venues and attractions, eight transportation companies and carriers, and 10 other companies, such as online travel platforms, shopping malls, golf clubs, and vineyards.
“Joining the event, these sellers must prove to TAT that they have at least one programme in place to reduce waste, become more eco-friendly, or use less water. We’re bringing together all these practitioners of a greener tourism industry. We’re asking them to show us what they’re doing — it doesn’t have to be everything. We need to see that they’re taking some action, and then we’ll welcome them into our community of sellers.
“Every single event we organise now has to be 100% focused on sustainability, and that’s the way we go,” Chattan concluded.
Meanwhile, TAT Executive Director of the East Asia Region, Chuwit Sirivajjakul, commented on the buyer turnout saying that even in major East Asia travel markets (China in particular) they are prioritising sustainability.
“Today’s travellers, particularly millennials, young generations, and the ‘new gen’ raised on digital experiences, prioritise sustainability and meaningful engagement with destinations.
“They are particularly interested in activities like marine freediving, which minimises carbon dioxide and nitrogen emissions that can harm the ocean ecosystems. On land, the focus has shifted from ‘check-the-box’ sightseeing to slow-living experiences. Travellers seek deeper connections with local cultures, support local businesses, and give back to the community. This includes volunteering at elephant sanctuaries, cooking and bathing elephants, or supporting sick elephants.”
Chuwit added, “Even traditionally golf-centric markets like Japan and Korea are witnessing a shift. Travellers now seek eco-friendly golf courses that prioritise environmental responsibility. Post-Covid, tourists are quite attentive to the environment and travel in detail, rather than superficially as before.
This shift is not just a trend. As humans, we all have a responsibility to protect our planet. Tourists are increasingly aware of this. Hence, old and new businesses must adapt to cater to these markets.”
According to TAT, the agency’s initiatives to promote responsible travel practices include the Thailand Tourism Awards and the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), rated with a STAR certification and CF-Hotels.
KHAO LAK, Phang-Nga, Thailand, 7 June 2024: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) highlighted its latest marketing communication concept, Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End, during the Thailand Product Update business session for buyers and media attending the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024.
TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications Nithee Seeprae led the session, saying, “Our latest concept underscores our ongoing promotion of meaningful travel experiences in Thailand with an enhanced effort to instil unforgettable stories. We aim to inspire travellers to become storytellers, share their lasting memories, and motivate others to seek out their own memorable stories in Thailand.”
TAT highlighted the new marketing communication concept and showcased Thailand’s diverse tourism offerings, focusing on delivering meaningful travel experiences that would create a lifetime memory. Highlights ranged from luxury to wellness to soft adventure to sustainable tourism.
Your Luxury Stories Never End
A holiday in Phuket and Phang-Nga can be elevated with a stay at the pool villas, treehouse villas, or even a private island. Be mesmerised by a world of culinary delights, from authentic local specialities to Michelin-starred restaurants.
In Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, luxury journeys explore nature and culture. These include travelling on a pontoon along the Mekong River to spend time in a luxury tented camp or boutique hotel, exploring the beauty of Lanna’s heritage by visiting temples, or relaxing the mind and body at award-winning spas.
Your Wellness Stories Never End
Immerse in a variety of health and wellness offerings at La Vita Sana Khao Lak, Phang-Nga, or rejuvenate at Thailand’s Top Wellness Retreats such as RAKxa Wellness & Medical Retreat in Samut Prakan or THANN Wellness Destination in Ayutthaya. Both offer integrative wellness programmes.
Your Soft Adventure Stories Never End
Travellers who crave unlimited challenges may look to Phang-Nga for many kinds of water sports, including surfing at Memories Beach and diving at famous diving spots like Similan Island. They can also opt for forest walking at famous routes like Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai and exploring the nature cave at Lam Khlong Ngu National Park in Kanchanaburi.
Sustainable Tourism
“Sustainability plays a crucial role in our strategy to position Thailand as a high-value and sustainable destination. Our initiatives to promote responsible travel practices include the Thailand Tourism Awards and the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), rated with a STAR certification and CF-Hotels,” Nithee explained.
Some of the high-quality and sustainable products and services guaranteed by TAT initiatives have included:
Wareerak Hot Spring and Wellness in Krabi – recipient of the Silver Award for Health and Wellness in the Thailand Tourism Awards 2023 and a 5-STAR certification. The retreat that nestles in a tropical forest offers the healing traditions of hydrotherapy, Thai wellness and holistic wellness.
Siam Bayshore Resort Pattaya, Chon Buri – recipient of the Gold Award for Accommodation in the Thailand Tourism Awards 2023 and 5-STAR certification, and a participant of the CF-Hotels initiative. The resort boasts the architectural Art Deco style that seamlessly blends Thai cultural elements with the surrounding greenery.
Mekin Farm, Khon Kaen – recipient of a 5-STAR certification. Visitors can explore the organic farm’s sustainable practices, experience farm stay, and join DIY workshops and eco-printing with local materials.
World-Class Event Hub
The government promotes Thailand as a centre of world-class events, leveraging the host country’s status for various upcoming global events. These include the Summer Sonic Bangkok, from 24 to 25 August; OR Thailand Grand Prix (Moto GP), from 25 to 27 October in Buri Ram; Loi Krathong Festival on 15 November; Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 in November; and Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2024 on 1 December.
Thailand’s Tourism Health Check
Last year, Thailand recorded over 28 million international arrivals and a revenue of THB1.2 trillion. The top five markets were Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia.
This year, from 1 January to 31 May, Thailand welcomed over 14.76 million international visitors, generating more than THB682 billion in revenue. China, Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea are the top five markets.
TAT has set an overall tourism revenue target of THB3 trillion for this year — THB1.92 trillion from 35 million international arrivals and THB1.08 trillion from 200 million domestic trips.
