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Early bookers catch cheap fares

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 April 2024: The clock is ticking for travellers to lock in summer travel plans, and according to the Expedia Summer Travel Outlook, released Tuesday, searches for northern summer trips are up year-over-year for flights and lodging.(1)

Focusing on North American travellers, the Expedia Summer Travel Outlook shows that searches for summer trips for flights and lodging are up year-over-year, and the window is open now to save on summer airfare. Top destinations that lure US travellers include major cities like New York and London and beach destinations like Cancun and Honolulu.

France is also a summer hotspot as Paris and surrounding areas prepare to host a major global sports event in late July. Expedia’s data reveals a massive surge in searches for accommodations during these dates in cities including Yvelines (+520%), Lyon (+310%) and Marseille (+200%).(2)

To help travellers plan for what’s shaping up to be a busy summer travel season, Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook identifies the best times to book flights to secure a bargain fare.   

Book summer flights 21 to 60 days out. Last year, travellers booking during this window saved around 15% for domestic and international travel.(3) 

North American travellers departing on a Monday (international flights) or Tuesday (domestic flights) save around 15% compared to those that departed on Thursday and Friday.(3)

Fly during mid-to-late August 

It’s less busy and can yield savings of up to USD265 on roundtrip tickets compared to the last week of June when average fares peak.(3)

The Fourth of July holiday falls on Thursday, and the week leading up to the holiday is expected to be the busiest time to fly this summer. (3)

“The cheat sheet is easy this year — book one to two months out and save around 15%, whether you’re taking the family to the beach in Florida or summering in Paris,” says Expedia Head of Group Brands Public Relations Melanie Fish.

Read the full Expedia Summer Travel Outlook here, which includes top destinations and tips for saving on airfare and hotels.

Data Sources: 

(1) Based on Expedia.com flight or lodging searches for travel from 20 May to 6 September 2024, as of 4 March 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.  

(2) Based on Expedia.com lodging searches for travel during July 26 – 11 August, 2024, compared to same dates in 2023. 

(3) Based on Expedia flight demand for travel during May, June, July, August and September 2023 compared to the same time frame in 2022.  

(SOURCE: Expedia)

Lufthansa Allegris takes off 1 May

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 April 2024: Lufthansa Allegris, the new travel experience exclusive to long-haul routes, will take to the skies on 1 May. 

The first Airbus A350 fitted with Allegris cabin features will fly from Munich to the Canadian metropolis of Vancouver. The second destination is Toronto, which will be served alternately with Vancouver on selected flights in the first few months. 

As more A350s enter service, the Allegris product will also be available on summer flights to Chicago (US) and Montreal (Canada).

For the first time, travellers can view a seat map for all Allegris flights from 1 May in the familiar booking channels with all special Allegris seats, such as the five options in business class. A photo gallery with additional information on the various options gives travellers a detailed picture of product benefits.  

Guests who booked these flights will be notified of their “upgrade” to the new cabin. Seat reservations in Business Class are free of charge during the first few months and can be made and changed conveniently via the familiar booking channels. Passengers can see whether a flight is equipped with the Allegris product three weeks before departure.

What is Lufthansa Allegris?

Lufthansa Allegris is a new travel experience offered by Lufthansa on long-haul routes. It promises a more personalised flying experience with a focus on passenger comfort and individuality.

Variety of Seating Options: Allegris offers a wider range of seating options across all travel classes, from Economy to First Class.

Enhanced Seat Design: The new “Allegris” seat offers more legroom, a better recline, and an adjustable footrest without affecting passengers in the next row.

Improved Amenities: In premium classes, passengers can expect travel amenity kits made of sustainable materials.

IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 heads for Bangkok

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 18 April 2024: The world’s amusement makers will gather in Bangkok for their annual conference and expo to network and discuss the attractions industry’s latest trends, consumer preferences, and tech advances.

IAAPA, the leading global association for amusement facilities and attractions is hosting the IAAPA Expo Asia 2024, 27 to 30 May at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.

Photo credit: IAAPA.

Adopting the theme “Shape Your Evolution at IAAPA Expo Asia Evolve your business into a leading market player”, the event should attract around 1,000 exhibitors for the expo and around 300 delegates for the expo’s education sessions. 

About IAAPA

IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions. Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centres, zoos, aquariums, science centres, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers and suppliers.

Delta flies between Munich and New York

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 April 2024: Delta Airlines is flying the Munich – New York route three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday as passenger demand for flights to the US from Germany grows.

Delta Airlines adds connections between the Big Apple and Munich, as well as its flights to Atlanta and Detroit. 

Photo credit: Munich Airport.

At JFK, Delta Airlines operates a hub in Terminal 4 that connects flights to cities in the US, the Caribbean, and South America.

The new flights will be operated with a Boeing 767-300/400, fitted with the latest generation of seats. In addition to 156 economy seats, there are also 22 in DeltaOne (business class), 20 seats in Premium Economy Class, and 28 in ComfortPlus Class, an Economy seating arrangement with more legroom. 

Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers commented: “We are delighted that Delta Airlines is adding New York as a new destination… This means three airlines are now taking off from Munich Airport with a total of 24* weekly departures to the two New York airports, John F Kennedy and Newark. This brings Bavaria and the US East Coast even closer together – good news for business travellers and tourism.”

*Lufthansa flies daily from Munich to New York JFK and also daily to Newark (EWR) 14 flights. United flies daily from Munich to Newark (EWR). Delta flies three times weekly from Munich to New York JFK. Total Munich – New Your 24 flights weekly. Clarification 18 April 2024.

IndiGo expands domestic routes

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 April 2024: IndiGo will start daily direct flights between the Indian capital, Delhi and Jharsuguda, Odisha, effective 15 May to bolster regional connectivity.

The new domestic route will provide a direct gateway between the emerging industrial centre of Jharsuguda in Odisha state and Delhi, the capital of India. 

Photo credit: IndiGo.

IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said: “We are pleased to announce direct connectivity between Jharsuguda and Delhi. As an emerging industrial hub in Odisha, Jharsuguda holds immense potential for business and trade, and these new flights will unlock newer opportunities in the region.

This will not only promote interstate connectivity and regional accessibility but also serve as a gateway to a plethora of domestic and international destinations through our vast network.”

Jharsuguda is located in the western part of the Indian state of Odisha. Known for its thriving industrial sector, Jharsuguda is a hub for power plants, manufacturing, and mineral resources. Embodying a mix of industrial growth and environmental serenity, the city is also blessed with several scenic locations and tourist attractions, such as the nearby Hirakud Dam and Reservoir, Koilighughar waterfall, Ram Chandi Temple, Jhadeswar Temple, Pikolgughar Stream, Guja Pahad, Ulapgarh Hill forts, and Babadera cave.

Flight schedule:

New flight to Abu Dhabi

Meanwhile, the airline confirmed it will commence daily direct flights between Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Chandigarh, India, effective 15 May. The airline said the new route will further strengthen IndiGo’s international connectivity, with daily nonstop flights providing seamless connectivity between India and the UAE.

Flight schedule:

Phuket wellness community opens 2025

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 17 April 2024: Clinique La Prairie has teamed up with Montara Hospitality Group to develop a new Health Resort by Clinique La Prairie at Tri Vananda, due to open in 2025. 

In the partnership announcement, Montara Hospitality Group says it is on track to become one of the biggest players in the wellness industry with its newest development, Tri Vananda, a purpose-built wellness community in Phuket, Thailand, that emphasises functional and integrative medicine, nutrition, cognitive health, and mindfulness. 

Tri Vananda Phuket.

With 30 biophilic-designed residential units currently under construction, the Thai group has signed a deal with Clinique La Prairie to operate the 40-villa resort. The first phase will open in 2025 and will eventually feature 70 villas. Tri Vananda will adopt a sustainable, nature-centric design featuring renewable energy facilities and a tiered wetland filtration system.

Clinique La Prairie, founded in 1931, is a pioneer in longevity and has since become world-renowned for its holistic and scientifically grounded approach to preventative ageing. 

With medical care as one of the four pillars of its holistic approach, Clinique La Prairie combines medical testing, expert consultations and medical therapies in all its programmes, offering personalised care, science-driven treatments and long-term support to its clientele. With a luxury flagship in Montreux, Switzerland, featuring 35 rooms and suites, the Swiss brand has expanded to operate satellite sites – known as Longevity Hubs by Clinique La Prairie – around the world, in Madrid, Bangkok, Doha, Taipei and most recently, Dubai. The Health Resort by Clinique La Prairie at Tri Vananda, Phuket, will be the first resort of its kind in Southeast Asia.

According to the recent Global Wellness Institute report, wellness real estate is one of the fastest-growing sectors in wellness and is forecasted to surge in the next five years from USD398 billion in 2022 to USD887.5 billion in 2027.

“Thailand has a longstanding reputation for its world-class holistic wellness and health retreats. Our partnership with Montara Hospitality Group at Tri Vananda allows us to offer something new for a discerning clientele to experience, redefining the luxury wellness industry in Asia,” said Clinique La Prairie CEO Simone Gibertoni.

Once development is completed, Tri Vananda will include a medical centre with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, an active movement centre with an Olympic-size swimming pool, a wellness restaurant for personalised nutrition, a holistic well-being centre, and a mindfulness centre house “Manorah” Grand Hall-inspired by the local Thai heritage dance performance. The first five private villas showcase the two, three and four-bedroom options for prospective buyers. 

About Montara Hospitality
Montara Hospitality Group was established by the Pattamasaevi family, the original shareholders and developers of the Trisara on Phuket Island. The group also owns one MICHELIN-starred PRU and MICHELIN Green Star JAMPA, MICHELIN recommendation Seafood at Trisara, plus the Thai restaurant Praya Dining in Bangkok. Learn more at www.montarahospitality.com 

About Clinique La Prairie
Founded in 1931 by Professor Niehans, a pioneer in longevity, Clinique La Prairie has, over the years, established an international reputation as a world-renowned health destination in Clarens-Montreux, Switzerland. Guests stay in one of 35 luxury rooms and suites with stunning views of the Alps and Lake Geneva. Longevity Hubs by Clinique La Prairie are open in Madrid, Bangkok, Doha, Taipei and Dubai). Full-fledged Health Resorts by Clinique La Prairie are due to open in Anji, China, in 2024, Tri Vananda in Phuket, Thailand, in 2025 and Amaala, Saudi Arabia, in 2026.

Clinique La Prairie in Clarens-Montreux, Switzerland.

For more information, visit: www.cliniquelaprairie.com 

Breakfast celebration Malaysian style

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: Tourism Malaysia showcased the Malaysian breakfast culture, featuring a variety of dishes that reflect its multicultural society at Malaysia Travel Escapade 2024, held in Singapore at Suntec City Mall from 12 to 14 April 2024.

Malaysian breakfast is an integral part of the country’s culinary heritage. From the fragrant nasi lemak to irresistible roti canai and teh tarik, visitors are welcome to sample some of the most iconic and typical breakfast spread at the dedicated breakfast corner, where visitors can experience the sights, smells, and tastes of delectable flavours.

Apart from live teh tarik demonstrations and food tastings, Tourism Malaysia will also spotlight one of the most popular Chinese herbal soups, chi kut teh – a decent alternative to bak kut teh, which has been gazetted as a national heritage dish.

Tourism Malaysia Singapore deputy director Mohana Murni Shanmugam stated: “We are thrilled to showcase Malaysian breakfast culture and give visitors a taste of authentic Malaysia’s culinary delights. Though similar to Singapore’s, we believe the Malaysian breakfast culture is still culturally unique and becoming part and parcel of Malaysia’s heritage, deserving recognition and promotion as we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”

“Last year, the Malaysian government submitted a nomination for Malaysian breakfast culture to be inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.”

In addition to the breakfast corner and information booth, Tourism Malaysia also showcases Sarawak’s local products and traditional spa services provided by the Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA) at Malaysia Travel Escapade 2024.

Malaysia aims to welcome 27.3 million international tourists in 2024, generating MYR102.7 billion in tourism receipts. In 2023, Singapore ranked as the top source of tourist-generating markets, contributing significantly to the 8.3 million arrivals. The forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 has set a target of 35.6 million foreign tourist arrivals, with a target receipt of MYR147.1 billion.

Sabre grows its APAC support team

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: Sabre Corporation, a software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, confirms Rajiv Bhatia’s joining the group to advance its growth strategy in Asia Pacific.

Bhatia, formerly of Bird Group, joins as executive director of APAC market expansion and will be instrumental in further expanding Sabre’s footprint in key growth markets, including India, one of the world’s fastest-growing travel marketplaces. 

With extensive experience in the travel space, Rajiv brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to Sabre’s dynamic, customer-centric team. He began his career working for Gulf Air and Thai Airways International. Most recently, he was chief commercial officer of Bird Group’s India GDS business, where he served for 16 years.

“With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, we’re confident Rajiv will help us to accelerate growth in India and other key markets across the wider APAC region,” said Sabre’s Vice President, Agency Sales & Airline Distribution, Asia Pacific Brett Thorstad. “We are focused on fostering strategic partnerships and delivering exceptional value to our customers, and Rajiv shares this vision. Our partners will benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Hotel construction slows globally

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: The Americas is the only world region that showed a year-over-year increase in pipeline activity at the end of the first quarter, according to March 2024 data from CoStar. 

CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics for property markets.

March 2024 (% change in comparison with March 2023)

Europe

  • In construction: 172,499 rooms (-6.8%)
  • Final Planning: 99,744 rooms (-25.3%)
  • Planning: 160,404 rooms (+3.1%)
  • Total Under Contract: 432,647 rooms (-8.8%)

Among countries in the region, Germany (28,500) led in construction activity, closely followed by the UK (28,423). 

Asia Pacific

  • In construction: 502,610 rooms (+5.6%)
  • Final Planning: 109,926 rooms (+5.6%)
  • Planning: 289,041 rooms (-11.0%)
  • Total Under Contract: 901,577 rooms (-0.4%)

China leads the Asia Pacific region in total rooms in construction (315,145), followed by Vietnam (37,113).

Middle East & Africa

  • In construction: 110,783 rooms (-7.3%)
  • Final Planning: 36,173 rooms (-20.9%)
  • Planning: 81,316 rooms (-3.3%)
  • Total Under Contract: 228,272 rooms (-8.5%)

Most of the region’s pipeline activity is focused in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia (42,464) and the United Arab Emirates (19,046) have the most rooms in construction.

Americas

  • In construction: 205,998 rooms (+4.1%)
  • Final Planning: 296,374 rooms (+6.8%)
  • Planning: 378,628 rooms (+36.0%)
  • Total Under Contract: 881,000 rooms (+16.9%)

The US (156,525) holds the majority of the construction rooms in the region. After US, Mexico (13,335), Canada (7,603), and Brazil (5,799) show the highest number of rooms in construction.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com

About CoStar Group
CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. Founded in 1987, CoStar Group is headquartered in Washington DC and maintains offices in the US, Europe, Canada, and Asia.

Singapore creates Dream Sphere for Expo 2025

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: Singapore’s Pavilion at next year’s Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025, will present a compelling representation of the nation’s innovative, sustainable, and resilient qualities.

With ‘Where Dreams Take Shape’ as the tagline, the Singapore Pavilion or ‘The Dream Sphere’, aims to inspire visitors to explore the infinite possibilities of dreams and to shape the future with the city-state. The Pavilion will delight visitors with interactive multimedia and art installations featuring Singapore artists. 

Photo credit: STB. Singapore Pavilion theme: Where Dreams Take Shape.

Singapore’s Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Singapore Pavilion, His Excellency Ong Eng Chuan, said: “Singapore and Japan enjoy robust and multifaceted ties. The strength of these ties is evident in Singapore’s strong support for the Expo 2025 Osaka, including being the first country to begin construction on our pavilion. As we approach the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore in 2026, Singapore’s presence at the Expo 2025 Osaka will reinforce our strong bilateral ties and benefit both our countries. I hope our friends in Japan and around the world will enjoy experiencing the Singapore Pavilion.” 

Led by the Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore’s participation at Expo 2025 on Yumeshima Island, near Osaka, presents an opportunity to share the nation’s story. 

Carrie Kwik, Executive Director, World Expo and Special Project, STB, said: “Singapore’s participation at Expo 2025 in Osaka serves as an important platform for Singapore enterprises and talents to be profiled on a global stage and a chance for companies to enhance their brand visibility and engage potential business partners. We are proud to bring Singapore to Osaka and aim to have Singapore business missions visiting Japan to network and promote collaboration between Singapore companies and Japanese guests at our Singapore Pavilion.”

Themed ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors over 184 days. Expo 2025 Osaka will be Japan’s third Expo. It hosted the Osaka Expo in 1970 and Aichi Expo in 2005.

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