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Qatar Stopover breaks record

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DOHA, Qatar, 10 February 2025: Discover Qatar, the destination management arm of Qatar Airways Group, welcomed 10,000 stopover visitors in a single month for the first time since the Qatar Stopover Programme’s relaunch in August 2021. 

In January 2025, the programme recorded more than 10,500 visitors, compared to 6,651 in January 2024. The number of visitors in the stopover programme increased by an impressive 165% from April 2024 to January 2025, compared to the same timeframe in the previous year.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

The programme has also driven a growth in hotel bookings, with over 100,000 room nights sold this year — doubling the figures from the previous year. Qatar Airways Holidays is driving this success as the largest contributor to the programme’s sales, delivering over a third of all bookings, and leveraging the marketing strength of Qatar Airways around the globe.

Stopovers are also proving popular with Qatar Airways frequent flyers. Twenty per cent of customers use the popular loyalty currency Avios to pay for their bookings, and logged-in Privilege Club members earn Avios and Qpoints with every transaction.

The growth of the Stopover programme has been attributed to a combination of financial support from Visit Qatar coupled with strong demand from key source markets, driven by strong marketing campaigns from the Qatar Airways teams in Doha and in outstations across the globe. Leading global source markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. The stopover programme has also received significant support from the travel trade, with strong contributions coming from Australia, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand, showcasing its wide-ranging appeal to both leisure and business travellers.

About Stopover
Discover Qatar’s Stopover programme offers a range of packages designed for travellers transiting through Doha with layovers of 12 to 96 hours. The packages start from USD14 for standard hotels. 

Korean Air reports record revenue

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SINGAPORE, 10 February 2025: Korean Air reports a record-high revenue of KRW16.1166 trillion (USD10.9637 billion) in 2024, with an operating profit of KRW 1.9946 trillion (USD1.3229 billion).

In Q4 2024, operating profit grew 159% year-on-year and net profit returned to profitability.

Photo credit: Korean Air.

The airline’s Q4 2024 passenger business revenue totalled KRW2.3746 trillion, a 3% decline year-on-year due to the ongoing recovery in global supply chains. Despite the seasonal off-peak period, the airline maintained stable profitability by strategically adjusting capacity to meet strong winter tourism demand and enhancing premium-class service to improve load factors.

For Q1 2025, Korean Air aims to maximise revenue in passenger operations by maintaining capacity on high-demand routes and expanding charter flights, driven by sustained long-haul demand and anticipated recovery in the Chinese market. 

Commenting on the outlook In 2025, Korean Air said it “anticipates uncertainties in the business environment due to shifts in the global political landscape. However, the airline remains committed to strengthening its competitiveness as a leading global carrier by strategically preparing for its integration with Asiana Airlines.”

Resorts World Cruises renames third ship

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 10 February 2025: Resorts World Cruises has confirmed its third cruise ship, Star Scorpio, will be renamed Star Voyager when it commences deployment on 26 March 2025 following a refit in Singapore.

Star Voyager will start her journey by exploring more of Southeast Asia until 21 July 2025, with Singapore as her primary homeport and Jakarta, Melaka, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City as her dual homeports.

Photo credit Resorts World Cruises.

Passengers can embark on the Star Voyager from any of these homeport cities on selected dates, including during the local school holiday periods, with the option to sail between cities and more popular destinations like Medan, Pulau Redang and Samui Island.

Singapore Departures from 26 March until 21 July 2025.

The Star Voyager will depart from the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) Terminal to offer 10 roundtrip sailings for the six-day / five-night Melaka-Jakarta Cruises (26 March to 15 April and 11 June to 1 July), as well as five sailings for the six-day / five-night Bangkok-Samui Cruises (20 April to 10 May). 

In addition, Star Voyager will sail five-day / four-night Samui-Pulau Redang cruises (15 to 23 May) with three sailings, the four-day / three-night Melaka-Medan Cruises (27 May to 8 June) with five sailings.
The six-day / five-night Melaka-Ho Chi Minh Cruises (6 to 21 July) has four sailings.

Jakarta Departures are scheduled from 29 March to 13 April / 14 to 29 June 2025.
During the Hari Raya festive season and the Indonesian school holidays, passengers can conveniently embark on the Star Voyager from Jakarta (via Tanjong Priok Port). The ship will depart Jakarta from 29 March until 13 April and from 14 until 29 June 2025 to offer eight roundtrip cruises for six-day / five-night Singapore-Melaka Cruises. Sales for Star Voyager have already opened.

PATA Summit: Early bird registration opens

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 7 February 2025: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) have announced the theme for the PATA Annual Summit 2025, “Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future”.

Scheduled to take place at the CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel İstanbul from 21 to 23 April 2025, the Summit will explore timeless principles that have shaped perspectives on culture, community, and conservation. It will provide a stage for industry leaders to discuss how these insights can be applied to tackle current challenges and seize new opportunities. The theme also highlights Türkiye’s unique duality, where its rich heritage is preserved while progressing towards a sustainable future.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid stated: “The PATA Annual Summit is a premier thought leadership event that brings together global players in the tourism industry to explore trends and address critical issues shaping the future of tourism. We take pride in uniting diverse stakeholders — from public and private sectors to industry experts and young professionals — to foster meaningful, high-level discussions that drive the industry’s evolution.”

He added: “Set against the backdrop of Istanbul, Türkiye, a city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage, the Summit provides an ideal platform for global dialogue. This dynamic setting underscores the mission to inspire collaboration and innovation in tourism development. Delegates from around the world can engage in critical conversations, exchange insights, and contribute to advancing an ever-evolving global tourism landscape. We look forward to welcoming participants to this landmark event and to collectively shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for the tourism industry.”

TGA Acting General Manager Sinan Seha Türkseven said: “We are thrilled to host the PATA Annual Summit 2025, a key event that will bring tourism specialists together to share valuable insights, network, and exchange ideas. We feel that it is quite significant that the focus of this year’s Summit will be cultural heritage and sustainability. 

This year’s Summit will provide a great experience to its attendees, as they will experience our country’s rich cultural heritage. With 21 ancient sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List and 79 on the Tentative List, Türkiye is home to many historical heritage sites. In addition, Türkiye has the second-highest number of items registered on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, with its enlisted 31 cultural values. This wealth of humanity’s treasures and natural beauty also gives us the responsibility to safeguard this heritage. In this context, we strive to set the world an example as the first country to sign an agreement with the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) to develop a national sustainable tourism program.

We look forward to having the PATA delegates in İstanbul, a city rich in history and culture, to witness these firsthand and enjoy their time at the ideal venue for this global meeting.’

Turkish Airlines, a global leader in connectivity with a network spanning over 120 destinations, is the Official Airline Partner for the event. The airline will offer exclusive flight ticket discounts to delegates.

In line with the theme Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future, the Summit will feature a comprehensive programme, the PATA Executive Board & Board meetings, PATA Policy Forum, Honours Committee Meeting, PATA Life Members Get-Together, Government, Education & Industry Roundtables, Chapter Meeting, Youth Symposium, Ask the PATA Experts sessions, a one-and-a-half-day conference and plenty of networking opportunities. The PATA Annual General Meeting (AGM), where the Association conducts official business and ratifies election results for the PATA Board and Executive Board members, will be a key event element.

Furthermore, PAS 2025 will feature a range of curated destination experiences organised by TGA. Delegates can participate in an Immersive Off-Site Destination Experience on the first day; the programme offers a refreshing change of scenery from the conference setting. After the Summit, complimentary half-day tours will be available, inviting delegates to explore İstanbul’s rich cultural heritage and iconic attractions, including the Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Topkapı Palace. Self-paying pre- and post-event tours to other destinations in Türkiye, such as Antalya, İzmir and Cappadocia, will also be available. Registration for these programmes is open.

Early bird registration for PAS 2025 is open and will remain available until 17 February 2025.

(Source: PATA). Visit www.PATA.org

Bargain fares at Kuching travel fair 

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 7 February 2025: AirAsia offers fare bargains on domestic and international routes at the upcoming Travel Fair at Vivacity Megamall, Kuching, from 8 to 9 February 2025. 

The deals are valid for travel from 22 February to 30 November 2025.

The AirAsia Travel Fair promises travel deals on flights from Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia. It showcases 10% and 20% discounts on domestic and international routes and up to 25% off international Fly-Thru flights from Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuala Lumpur. Up to 33% off Santan meals and up to an impressive 50% discount on pre-booked checked-in baggage fees are also available. 

In addition, travellers can win free flights during the fair’s special ‘Happy Hour’. The travel fair is curated for travel enthusiasts looking for budget-friendly adventures and family getaways. 
For more information on Sarawak, visit Sarawak Tourism Board

CTM expands footprint to Colombia

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TTR WEEKLY
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SYDNEY, 7 February 2025: Corporate Travel Management (CTM) welcomes Colombian corporate travel and events management agency Trafalgar Tours to the CTM global network, extending servicing capabilities in South America.

CTM’s global agency network expansion and concentration of the LATAM region with the addition of Trafalgar Tours is a valuable addition to CTM’s expanding network, CTM Vice President of Agency Partnerships Programme Rafael Gonzalez explains

“Trafalgar Tours will enhance CTM’s service offering to provide exceptional local support for our customer’s specific requirements in Colombia. Their expertise and knowledge of local market dynamics align with our strategy of delivering best-in-class solutions to our customers.”

Trafalgar Tours is an established agency in the Colombian market that manages corporate travel, MICE, and tailor-made travel.

Headquartered in Australia, CTM  provides local service solutions to customers of all sizes worldwide. The global agency network, part of the CTM Group, is a global network of independent corporate travel and meetings management agencies providing service expertise across approximately 100 countries.

Air Astana joins IATA CO2 connect project

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 February 2025: Air Astana, home-based in Kazakhstan, has set a new benchmark for sustainability in the region by becoming the first carrier in Central Asia and CIS to participate in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) CO2 Connect initiative.

The CO2 Connect project measures emissions by collecting accurate, route-specific data based on airline operational information. 

Photo credit: Air Astana.

Air Astana has joined 50 other airlines that are already participating in IATA CO2 Connect. It will provide actual operational data to enhance the accuracy of CO2 emissions calculations, contributing to the industry’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050.

“Aviation’s future relies on collective efforts to address climate challenges. As a member of IATA CO2 Connect, we are proud to collaborate with global airlines to drive meaningful change,” said Air Astana CEO Peter Foster.

Air Astana’s participation in IATA CO2 Connect underscores the airline’s determination to drive environmental progress in aviation regionally and globally. Air Astana continues implementing innovative practices, enhancing transparency, and contributing to the collective responsibility for a sustainable future in the aviation industry.

UN Tourism opens Best Tourism Villages awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 February 2025: UN Tourism has opened applications for the 2025 edition of its Best Tourism Villages initiative. 

Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has gained global recognition. Across the previous four editions, UN Tourism received more than 800 applications from over 100 countries. 

Photo credit: UN Tourism. Best Tourism Villages 2025 video clip.

Today, the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages Network includes 254 members worldwide. Over 180 villages have been recognised as Best Tourism Villages, and 70 have participated in the Upgrade Programme, representing almost 60 countries across five world regions.

The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism catalyses opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili commented: “The Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism celebrates rural destinations where tourism catalyses opportunity, cultural preservation, and sustainable growth. By harnessing their unique assets, these villages create opportunities for economic growth, safeguard local traditions, and promote a better quality of life for their communities. We are eager to welcome those villages that represent the role of rural tourism as a transformative force for good.”

Best Tourism Villages 2025 applications open

UN Tourism member states can submit up to eight candidate villages through their respective National Tourism Administrations (NTAs).

Applications will close on 19 May 2025. The villages recognised as Best Tourism Villages 2025 will be announced in the third quarter of the year, coincidentally with a UN Tourism event.

An external Advisory Board comprising global experts will evaluate applications based on nine key areas:

  • Cultural and Natural Resources;
  • Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources;
  • Economic Sustainability;
  • Social Sustainability;
  • Environmental Sustainability;
  • Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration;
  • Governance and Prioritisation of Tourism;
  • Infrastructure and Connectivity;
  • Health, Safety, and Security;
  • Advancing Rural Development through Tourism.

Best Tourism Villages standouts

Recognition as Best Tourism Villages: The recognition highlights rural tourism destinations that excel in preserving cultural and natural heritage, community-based values, and sustainability practices. The evaluation is based on their performance across nine areas spanning economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

The Upgrade Programme: Provides targeted support to villages that do not fully meet recognition criteria. These villages benefit from tailored guidance to bridge gaps and enhance their offerings.

The Best Tourism Villages Network: Serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among recognised villages and those in the Upgrade Programme. The Network organises capacity-building initiatives to foster connections across sectors.

The initiative is part of the Tourism for Rural Development Programme by UN Tourism.

Alipay taps Lunar New Year travel surge

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TTR WEEKLY
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HANGZHOU, 7 February 2025: During the 2025 Chinese New Year holiday season, Alipay recorded a significant increase in China’s outbound and inbound travel spending.

Photo credit: Alipay. Shopping malls in Malaysia welcome Chinese tourists with special Alipay discounts.

Spending standouts

• Alipay transactions made by outbound Chinese travellers across the 90 million-strong Alipay+ global merchants network increased by 30% y-o-y. The top destinations for Chinese travellers were Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, and South Korea, showing the highest growth rate in total Alipay spending. 

• China inbound travel spending via Alipay surged by 150% y-o-y in the first five days of the Chinese New Year (CNY) holiday. The number of inbound travellers using their 13 home e-wallets supported by the Alipay+ solution nearly doubled y-o-y during the first four days of the holiday.

Outbound travel: Visa-free and long-haul travel destinations saw a surge in Alipay spending while Chinese tourists sought local experiences 

Global Alipay+ merchants have joined Alipay in an exclusive CNY campaign to lure travellers during the country’s longest national holiday. Between 28 and 30 January, transactions made by Alipay users in overseas destinations increased by 30% compared to last year’s Lunar New Year holiday season.

Shopping malls in Malaysia welcome Chinese tourists with special Alipay discounts.

Friendlier visa policies in major destinations bring substantive impact. In Singapore, total spending via Alipay rose by 56% year-on-year, making it the most popular destination. Japan also emerged as a favoured spot, with a 40% increase in Alipay spending, driven by eased visa policies and a weakened yen. Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, and South Korea ranked among the top five destinations.

Long-haul travel rebounded: Alipay users made 30% more European transactions over CNY 2024. In addition to traditionally popular destinations like the UK, France, and Italy, emerging destinations such as Switzerland, Austria, and Turkey also saw a notable rise in number of transactions. 

Inbound travel: Visa-Free policies and new payment options drew international travellers to China to experience CNY traditions

With China’s recent visa-free policy updates, Alipay has launched new campaigns to double the number of Chinese merchants accepting payments with international card-enabled Alipay accounts and 13 overseas e-wallets. 

Between 28 January and 1 February, travellers spent 150% more using Alipay at merchants across the Chinese mainland in 2024. Spending from visa-free origins rose by 200% year-on-year. 

During the first four days of the CNY holiday, overseas e-wallet users making payments in China increased by 94% year-on-year. AlipayHK users topped the list, followed by Malaysia’s Touch ’n Go e-Wallet, Macao SAR’s MPay, Kazakhstan’s Kaspi.kz, and Thailand’s TrueMoney.

About Alipay
As the world becomes increasingly digital, Alipay has evolved from a trusted e-wallet into an all-in-one digital platform for daily services, connecting over one billion consumers to over 80 million merchants across China. 

Moscow Tourism ramps up promotions in India

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TTR WEEKLY
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NEW DELHI, 7 February 2025: The Moscow City Tourism Committee is targeting India’s travel agency community to boost tourism to the Russian capital.

A high-powered travel delegation from Moscow Tourism attended the B2B travel show OTM Mumbai from 30 to 31 January and then it travelled to New Delhi to host a prestigious gala dinner for 170 key partners, including prominent trade associations like TIA, OTOAI, NIMA, business event agencies, government officials and media.

Moscow Gala Dinner in New Delhi.

In a press statement, Moscow Tourism described its mission as “strengthening the bonds between India and the Russian capital.”

“The gala dinner event highlighted the growing collaboration in tourism and business sectors, underscoring Moscow’s commitment to enhancing ties with India’s outbound tourism market. This initiative aligns with Moscow’s strategic focus on the MICE sector, aiming to position the city as a premier destination for Indian business and leisure travellers.”

Distinguished delegates included Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai; Dr Elena Remizova, Head of Rossotrudnichestvo in India and Director of the Russian House in New Delhi; and Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee.

Kozlov addressed the travel trade audience, emphasising India’s significance as a top focus market and highlighting the growing popularity of the hassle-free eVisa among Indian travellers, noting a 1.4-fold increase in 2024 compared to 2023 with over 61,000 visits in the first nine months. 

Evgeny Kozlov, First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee welcomes India’s travel trade leaders to the gala dinner in New Delhi.

The First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow and Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee commented: “Moscow is a modern capital of business tourism, boasting world-class infrastructure, including cutting-edge congress and exhibition venues, over 22,000 dining establishments, and advanced technological services. The Moscow City Tourism Committee reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth of India’s MICE industry and enhancing our bilateral relationship through continued engagements and partnerships.”

OTOAI president Himanshu Patil noted: “Moscow is a safe and culturally rich destination. With the simplified visa process, we expect a significant rise in travel interest from India to Moscow. We anticipate 2025 to be a successful year for India’s outbound travel market to this vibrant city, and at OTOAI, we look forward to fostering collaboration and supporting its growth.”

The Moscow City Tourism Committee is the executive body of the Russian capital that implements city policy on the development and regulation of tourism and hospitality. With a strategic focus on branding Moscow as a premier tourist destination both domestically and globally. 

In 2023, Moscow attracted 2.3 million foreign tourists, predominantly from key markets like India, China, CIS countries, and the Middle East. 

The Russian capital organises business missions to strengthen international ties and showcases its tourism potential at industry exhibitions. It has launched legislative initiatives, events and image projects aimed at foreign tourists, such as the Moscow MICE Ambassadors programme in India.

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