BANGKOK, 24 September 2024: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, which opens in Thailand’s capital this November, has hired six seasoned hospitality experts for its management team.
The 260-room Ritz Carlton, managed by Marriott International Luxury Group, overlooks the city’s Lumpini Park.
From left to right: Lewis Quinn, Leon Chan, Tina Liu, Evelyne Hahang, Clément Larre, Glen Cooper.
The newly appointed General Manager, Tina Liu, has 24 years of experience with Marriott. Fluent in Thai, Liu was recognised as Asia Pacific’s first female General Manager for Marriott’s W Hotels.
The Ritz Carlton Bangkok named Lewis Quinn its hotel manager. His 15-plus-year hospitality career has taken him to Switzerland, the US, Singapore, the Maldives, and Thailand.
Evelyne Hahang joins as the hotel’s Director of Rooms and brings with her 15 years in hospitality in the UK, France, Australia, and Thailand.
Leon Chan joins the management team as the Director of Sales & Marketing. Singaporean-born Chan has 15 years of experience in hospitality sales and business development at hotels in Singapore and Hong Kong. He joins Ritz Carlton Bangkok from a previous position in China.
Clément Larre joins as the Director of F&B, and the appointment of executive chef goes to Chef Glen Cooper.
HONG KONG, 24 September 2024: Asia’s first blind-box-style tour, organised by AirAsia and Hong Kong-based CLS Holiday, took off from Hong Kong last Friday. Twenty guests were on the surprise ‘No Clue Escape’ journey to the Indian Ocean island paradise of the Maldives, with a short stopover in Kuala Lumpur.
AirAsia and CLS Holiday announced the ‘No Clue Escape’ last month, inviting guests to sign up for the surprise trip without revealing the actual destination.
The group only discovered their mystery destination after they boarded AirAsia flight AK139 from Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur.
AirAsia created special blind boxes and unique souvenirs as teasers for each guest on the special flight. he ‘No Clue Escape’ group departed from Hong Kong International Airport at 1155 on an AirAsia flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia before connecting to their final destination the Maldives.
Throughout their five-day stay in the Maldives, guests stayed at Bandos Maldives.
Through the “No Clue Escape” campaign, AirAsia aims to enhance awareness amongst travellers in Hong Kong for the airline brand and its extensive network across Asia and the Pacific. Travellers can access up to 130 destinations in the AirAsia network. Hong Kong is connected to all of AirAsia’s key hubs, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Manila, and soon Jakarta, from which guests can connect to destinations across Asia, Australia, and Africa.
The ‘No Clue Escape’ tour marks CLS Holiday’s inaugural partnership venture with AirAsia. The mystery package costs HKD4,888 (including tax) and covers return airfares, 20kg of luggage, meals, accommodation, and local transportation.
CLS Holiday is a new venture by Flyagain Travel Limited and part of the renowned travel website Flyagain.la.
The AirAsia Hong Kong to Maldives flight is a FlyThru service with a seamless connection in Kuala Lumpur. The Fly-Thru is an AirAsia service that conveniently connects passengers’ flights from one AirAsia flight to another without the hassle of collecting bags at the transit hub. It is also available at selected transit stations.
AirAsia currently operates direct flights in Hong Kong/Macau to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Bangkok (Don Mueang), Chiang Mai and Manila, and will soon launch its first flights to Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia this October, marking the first low-cost carrier providing direct services between Hong Kong and Indonesia.
SINGAPORE, 24 September 2024: Agilysys Inc, a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions and services, released the findings of its 2024 APAC Hospitality Impact Study last week.
The survey questioned 1,000 travellers from Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore unveiling critical insights into guest preferences and spending habits, highlighting substantial opportunities for revenue growth in the hospitality sector.
The study reveals that 68% of APAC travellers would increase their hotel spending for personalised experiences, with 73% willing to pay up to 30% more for room upgrades when offered post-booking. Additionally, 66% of respondents would likely spend more if wait times were reduced across all hotel experiences, and 68% would increase spending when a robust loyalty programme is in place.
The research uncovered a significant “rebooking paradox” in the APAC market: despite high satisfaction levels (86%) and perceived value for money (61%), only 37% of travellers choose to return to hotels they’ve previously enjoyed.
“Our research uncovers a clear message: APAC travellers are willing to spend more for tailored, efficient, and memorable experiences,” said Agilysys VP and Managing Director APAC Tony Marshall. “Hotels that fail to offer personalised guest experiences are leaving substantial revenue on the table.”
The study identified several key factors driving increased spending among APAC travellers. Staff interactions play a crucial role, with 46% of respondents valuing staff who go the extra mile, 41% appreciating personalised activity recommendations, and 30% being influenced by staff recalling previous conversations. Personalised touches also have a significant impact, as 40% of guests value being given their favourite room, 28% are likely to spend more when restaurant staff remember their preferences and 57% respond positively to small surprises like pillow chocolates.
The 2024 APAC Hospitality Impact Study emphasises the need to shift from traditional Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) metrics to a more holistic Revenue Per Available Guest (RevPAG) approach. This transition allows hotels to capture the full spectrum of guest spending and tailor their offerings accordingly.
“To maximise profitability, hoteliers must leverage advanced Property Management Systems that provide real-time, data-driven insights into guest preferences,” Marshall added. “By adopting a RevPAG focus, hotels can unlock hidden revenue streams, enhance guest satisfaction, and foster long-term loyalty in the competitive APAC market.”
The study offers a roadmap for hoteliers to enhance their guest experiences, increase revenue, and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving APAC hospitality landscape.
Agilysys exclusively delivers state-of-the-art software solutions and services that help organisations achieve high return hospitality by maximising Return on Experience (ROE) through interactions that make ‘personal’ profitable.
MANILA, 24 September 2024: Cebu Pacific took delivery of another A320neo last week, its 11th aircraft for the year, as part of its commitment to expanding its network.
The 180-seat, fuel-efficient A320neo will be deployed on new routes starting in October, including flights from Davao to Hong Kong and Puerto Princea.
“We’re thrilled to welcome another aircraft to our growing fleet. This delivery supports our commitment to making air travel more accessible,” said CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao.
Airbus NEOs are the latest-generation aircraft that burn 15% less fuel per flight and produce less noise than the previous generation. The reduction in fuel consumption leads to a corresponding decrease in aircraft carbon emissions.
CEB operates nine Airbus 330s, 40 Airbus 320s, 22 Airbus 321s, and 15 ATR turboprop aircraft.
Meanwhile, the low-cost airline gained recognition for its corporate governance leadership by receiving Three Golden Arrows from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).
This marks the third time CEB was recognised alongside other top publicly listed Philippine companies for exemplary compliance with government regulations.
The prestigious Golden Arrow award is based on the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) and the Corporate Governance Scorecard (CGS), which assess companies across key governance pillars, including board responsibility, transparency, and shareholder protection.
“We are deeply honored by this recognition,” said CEB General Counsel Anne Romadine Tieng. “For millions of Filipinos who trust us with their travel, this award reflects our commitment to not only offering accessible and affordable flights but also maintaining the highest standards of corporate integrity and transparency.”
CEB’s achievement of Three Golden Arrows is a notable improvement from last year’s Two Golden Arrows. According to the ICD, the airline performed exceptionally well compared to other transport sector organisations across several key governance areas, such as shareholder rights protection, stakeholder engagement, transparency, board responsibilities, and governance standards.
SINGAPORE UAE, 24 September 2024: Etihad Airways flew 1.7 million passengers and achieved an average load factor of 89% across the month, reflecting a robust performance during the summer holiday season, the airline reported in its August 2024 traffic statistics released last week.
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves commented on the results:
“Our passenger numbers in August increased significantly compared to last year, demonstrating our continued growth momentum.
“Year-to-date, we have welcomed 12 million passengers, an increase of 36% compared to the previous year. As of August 2024, our rolling 12-month passenger count reached more than 17 million, almost 70% higher than the full year 2022.
The airline reported a healthy passenger load factor of 89% for August 2024, even though it had expanded capacity compared to 2023.
“This robust performance, particularly during the holiday period, underscores the growing preference for Etihad among travellers,” the CEO reported.
“The fleet has grown to 95 aircraft, up from 79 in the same period last year. The addition of 16 new aircraft in the past year is a result of the ambition and commitment of the entire company, working together to achieve this in exceptional time while consistently delivering a load factor exceeding 86%.”
In August, the airline introduced its last two of the six A321neos due for delivery in 2024 to the fleet and is now flying to 10 more destinations compared to August last year.
“This expansion enhances our network and supports Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub and a major destination for tourists worldwide,” he concluded.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 24 September 2024: Vietjet has opened ticket sales for a new direct route linking Danang in central Vietnam and Ahmedabad (India).
Flights on the new route connecting Danang and Ahmedabad will start on 22 October 2024, increasing Vietjet’s routes between Vietnam and India to eight with 60 flights per week.
Flights from Danang to Ahmedabad depart every Wednesday and Saturday at 1910 (local time) and arrive at 2325.
Flights from Danang to Ahmedabad depart every Wednesday and Saturday at 1910 (local time) and arrive at 2325. Return flights from Ahmedabad to Danang operate every Thursday and Sunday, departing at 0025 and arriving at Danang International Airport at 0655 AM (local time).
Vietjet’s website and mobile app offer promotional fares starting from zero VND and various special offers for passengers and tourists until the launch date, 22 October.
Vietjet also offers up to 30% off Business and SkyBoss tickets with benefits such as priority check-in and airport lounge access.
Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, India’s westernmost state, is a charming mix of ancient and modern architecture. It features landmarks such as Bhadra Fort, Swaminarayan Temple, and Hathee Singh Jain Temple, attracting countless visitors. Meanwhile, Indian travellers will have the opportunity to visit Da Nang, Vietnam’s most livable city, and explore the cultural heritage of Central Vietnam, from Danang to Hoi An and Hue, enjoying stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and unique cultural and culinary experiences in this hospitable country.
SINGAPORE, 23 September 2024: AirAsia embarks on a new chapter in its partnership with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus to advance research into aviation sustainability initiatives that lower carbon emissions in the ASEAN region.
In a Memorandum of Understanding between their sustainability divisions, AirAsia and Airbus will collaborate to explore decentralised production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using alternative feedstock and technologies in Southeast Asia.
The research-based partnership aims to identify opportunities to support the onward commercial development of promising projects to expand SAF supply in the region.
The MoU also set forth conditions for jointly investigating advanced measures to improve air traffic management (ATM) and reduce CO2 emissions, leveraging AirAsia’s industry-leading fuel efficiency programme and Airbus’ pioneering role as a global leader in aeronautics, space, and related services.
The organisations will identify applicable solutions developed as part of the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) Project* and assess their suitability for adaptation to ASEAN skies.
Capital A Chief Sustainability Officer, Yap Mun Ching said: “AirAsia will be a key partner of Airbus in ASEAN to test the feasibility of SAF output developed using alternative feedstock and technologies, as well as ground-breaking ATM initiatives supported by Airbus’ innovation teams. As a regional carrier based in five ASEAN countries, we bring unparalleled operational experience to complement Airbus’ technological expertise. The partnership establishes a foundation upon which to build joint projects at multiple levels that address the broad needs of improving the sector’s environmental performance.”
Yap said the partnership directly addresses the aviation sector’s prerogative to invest in and scale up in-sector solutions critical to decarbonising the industry. Besides improving efficiency and adopting SAF, she said upgrading AirAsia’s fleet to the most fuel-efficient models is a key pathway to achieving net zero by 2050.
AirAsia deployed its brand-new A321neo aircraft in June, and the airline will receive five more aircraft in the fourth quarter of the year for entry into service in Malaysia and Thailand.
AirAsia currently holds an order for 361 units of the A321 model to meet its fleet growth and replacement needs. By 2035, aircraft upgrades are expected to reduce AirAsia’s CO2 emissions by up to 10% compared to its 2019 baseline. Operational efficiencies and SAF are expected to deliver another 15% reduction as the airline group charts its pathway towards net zero by 2050.
In 2023, AirAsia avoided emitting 130,000 tonnes of CO2 from its narrowbody regional network by implementing over 20 operational efficiency measures, equivalent to the impact of more than 2 million trees planted**. These measures contributed to a reduction in fuel costs of USD40 million and over USD388,000 in shadow carbon costs.
*SESAR is the technological pillar of the EU’s Single European Skies initiative, which aims to modernise Europe’s air and ground ATM infrastructure and procedures to enhance safety, cost-efficiency, and environmental performance. Sincehan EUR2 billion has been committed to the development phase of SESAR’s ambitious goals.
**United States Environmental Protection Agency, ‘Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator – Calculations and References: Number of urban tree seedlings grown for 10 years’.
HONG KONG, 23 September 2024: Cathay Pacific flew 2,068,979 passengers in August, an increase of 15.9% compared with August 2023. This is the second consecutive month the airline exceeded the 2 million passenger mark.
The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 15.9% year-on-year. Passenger load factor decreased by 2.9 percentage points to 85.2%, while available seat kilometres (ASKs) increased by 19.8% year-on-year. In the first eight months of 2024, the number of passengers carried increased by 29.9% to a total of 14,736,805, against a 36.1% increase in ASKs and a 29.2% increase in RPKs, as compared with the same period for 2023.
The airline carried 124,236 tonnes of cargo in August 2024, an increase of 6.3% compared with August 2023. The month’s cargo revenue tonne kilometres (RFTKs) decreased 0.9% year-on-year. The cargo load factor decreased by 1.7 percentage points to 57.1%, while available cargo tonne kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 2.1% year-on-year. In the first eight months of 2024, the tonnage increased by 9.8% to 970,498 tonnes, against an 8.8% increase in AFTKs and a 3.2% increase in RFTKs, compared with the same period for 2023.
Travel
Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “August marks the second half of the traditional summer travel peak. The strong demand we saw in July continued in August, with more than 2 million passengers carried for the second month in a row. We also set a new single-day post-pandemic record on 10 August, carrying almost 75,000 passengers.
“Leisure travel demand from Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area was strong throughout August, with short-haul destinations being particularly popular. The beginning of the month also saw the resumption of our flights serving Ningbo, which were well received by our customers in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and India.”
Cargo
Lau noted cargo demand remained stable in August, continuing the trend of the past months, with tonnage 6% above August last year.
“We observed an uptick in demand towards the end of the month, in line with expectations as we look ahead to the traditional year-end peak.”
Outlook
“As National Day approaches, travel demand from the Chinese Mainland for the upcoming ‘golden week’ holiday period is looking promising. Destinations in Southeast Asia are among the most popular, with Japan and South Korea also seeing strong customer interest,” Lau explained.
“In terms of new destinations, the airline is looking forward to launching our new passenger flights to and from Riyadh in Saudi Arabia at the end of October, which will enhance the network in the Middle East and strengthen Hong Kong’s connectivity with this important region.
Additionally, HK Express recently announced it will launch services to Hiroshima in November and Phu Quoc in December.
BANGKOK, 23 September 2024: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Saigontourist Group, one of Vietnam’s largest multi-service travel corporations, to drive tourism development in Thailand and Vietnam through strategic promotions, enhanced services, and the creation of tourism products.
Under the terms of the MOU, Dusit International and Saigontourist Group will share technical expertise, experience, and best practices to help elevate the quality and effectiveness of tourism services in both countries. The two companies will also explore opportunities for joint hotel development and promote each other’s tourism offerings at major events, festivals, and travel fairs.
The signing ceremony at the New World Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The MOU was signed by Truong Duc Hung, General Director of Saigontourist Group (fourth from left), and Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer of Dusit International (fifth from right).
Thailand remains a significant source market for Vietnam’s tourism industry. Saigontourist Group’s expansive portfolio of hotels, resorts, entertainment venues, and conference facilities across Vietnam welcomes thousands of Thai visitors annually. Likewise, Thailand is a popular destination for Vietnamese travellers. In 2023 and the first half of 2024, Saigontourist Travel Service Company arranged trips for approximately 15,400 Vietnamese tourists to experience Thailand’s top destinations, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, where Dusit Hotels and Resorts has a strong presence.
Alongside its fast-growing portfolio of global hotels and resorts, Dusit is also a key player in hospitality education, with Dusit Thani College, The Food School, and Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School developing top talent for Dusit Hotels and Resorts and the industry at large. Leveraging this, Dusit International and Saigontourist Group will seek to coordinate efforts in education and training for tourism operations to ensure their respective workforces remain at the forefront of industry standards.
“We are delighted to partner with Saigontourist Group to strengthen tourism ties between Thailand and Vietnam,” said Dusit International Chief Operating Officer Gilles Cretallaz. “More than just a business agreement, this strategic alliance is a commitment to fostering mutual growth, cultural exchange, and sustainable development in the tourism sector. Our collaboration will undoubtedly lead to new opportunities and innovations, benefiting both our organisations and the tourism industries of Vietnam and Thailand.”
Saigontourist Group General Director Truong Duc Hung said: “I believe that through close collaboration and leveraging the growth potential of both groups, we will achieve outstanding success in tourism development, thereby contributing to the socio-economic advancement of both Vietnam and Thailand.”
Dusit’s portfolio now includes 301 properties operating across 18 countries, including 57 properties under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 244 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in 2018. Dusit operates Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort Phu Quoc in Vietnam and is set to open Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa in Hanoi next year.
About Dusit Hotels and Resorts
Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts, and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under eight brands (Devarana — Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) in 18 countries worldwide.
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services.
With 49 years of establishment and development, Saigontourist Group is the leading hospitality group in Vietnam. It manages a diverse portfolio of over 100 properties, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, theme parks, hospitality colleges, convention centres, and golf courses, alongside a cable television network.
KUCHING, Sarawak, 23 September 2024: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), in collaboration with Business Events Sarawak, Tourism Malaysia Brunei, Royal Brunei Airlines, and the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), successfully hosted the Brunei, Singapore, and Sarawak Travel Connect Business Networking Session at the Sheraton Hotel Kuching last week.
The event followed a successful halal familiarisation trip and marked a pivotal moment in strengthening regional tourism partnerships and creating new business opportunities between Sarawak and its neighbouring markets.
STB CEO, Puan Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, delivers her opening remarks at the Sarawak Travel Connect Business Networking Session at Sheraton Hotel Kuching.
Both Singapore and Brunei rank among Sarawak’s top five countries of visitor arrivals, underscoring their significance in driving the state’s tourism growth. From January to July 2024, visitor arrivals from Brunei surged by 58%, while Singapore recorded a 32% increase compared to 2019 – both surpassing pre-pandemic years. Travellers from both countries strongly prefer authentic local cuisine, reflecting a growing appetite for genuine cultural experiences.
With many travellers from these markets, Sarawak is positioning itself as an accessible and inclusive halal destination. Hotels in Kuching, particularly in the city’s ‘golden triangle’ — such as Pullman Kuching, Hilton Kuching, The Waterfront Hotel Kuching, and Riverside
Majestic Hotel are halal-certified. This certification reflects Sarawak’s commitment to hygiene and ethical practices that appeal to many travellers.
With halal dining options available throughout the state, these efforts ensure that travellers can confidently explore Sarawak’s rich culinary and cultural diversity, knowing their needs are prioritised with care and integrity. By emphasising inclusivity and accessibility, Sarawak reinforces its reputation as a welcoming and diverse destination that caters to all.
Kuching, Malaysia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, epitomises Sarawak’s blend of cultural heritage and diverse cuisine. Shaped by 34 ethnic groups, the city offers a unique gastronomic journey that mirrors its multicultural essence. Halal-certified hotels and restaurants further enhance this inclusivity, allowing travellers to enjoy Sarawak’s celebrated cuisine fully.
Beyond its culinary appeal, Kuching is also a World Craft City, recognised by the World Crafts Council (WCC) for its intricate beadwork, woodcarving, rattan weaving, and traditional fabric weaving — crafts that tell the story of the land and its people. Visitors can immerse themselves in these authentic cultural experiences, deepening their appreciation of Sarawak’s vibrant heritage.
Sarawak is equally distinguished by its natural wonders, boasting two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Niah National Park and Mulu National Park — making it the first state in Malaysia to achieve this recognition. Complementing these globally acclaimed sites is the Sarawak Delta Geopark, recognised as Malaysia’s sixth national geopark, underscoring the region’s diverse geological and ecological significance.
