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American Express reveals 2024 travel trends

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 March 2024: Travellers are more likely to spend the same amount of money or more on travel this year, according to the latest 2024 Global Travel Trends Report1 released by American Express this week.  

The report, based on survey data from travellers in the US, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, and the UK, highlights the inspiration and trends driving global travel bookings this year. It finds that 84% of respondents plan to spend more or the same amount of money on travel in 2024 compared to last year. 

Additionally, 77% of respondents care more about having the right travel experience than about the cost of the trip. 

Four trends driving booking decisions

  • For the Love of the Game: Sports fans are planning trips around athletic events, whether it involves a favourite sport, a beloved team, or an international multi-sport competition
    • 67% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents (compared to 58% of all respondents) are interested in travelling for sporting events in 2024 
    • 58% of respondents who are travelling for sports in 2024 will do so for soccer, basketball or Formula 1 racing  
    • New York, Miami and Paris are the top destinations respondents are planning to travel to for sporting events this summer
  • Planning Big: Major, expedition-style adventures, like a trip to the Galapagos Islands or trekking with the gorillas, deliver the transformative experiences that travellers seek.
    • 65% of respondents are more interested in taking a major trip in 2024 than in previous years. 
    • 72% of respondents would rather save money for a major trip than spend it on going out with friends, and more than half plan on saving between six months and two years for a major trip. 
    • 58% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents want a travel agent or trusted advisor to help them book a major trip this year.
    • 55% of respondents planning a major trip would consider visiting multiple countries in a region.
  • Going Solo: Travellers take trips alone, embracing the ease of planning and the ability to tailor itineraries to fit their needs.
    • 76% of Millennials and Gen Z respondents (compared to 69% of all respondents) say they plan to take a solo trip in 2024. 
    • 74% of male and 63% of female respondents say they will plan a solo trip in 2024.
    • 66% of respondents planning solo travel are planning a trip tailored to treat themselves.
    • 60% of respondents planning on travelling solo this year intend to take two or more solo trips.  
  • On a Whim: With so much of life structured and scheduled, people seek flexibility in their travel plans, leaving room for spontaneity.  
    • 78% of respondents say that spontaneous trips appeal to them. 
    • 77% of Millennials and Gen Z have booked a last-minute trip before, compared to 65% of Gen X and 52% of Baby Boomers.
    • 68% of respondents agree they like to leave unplanned time in their trip to experience local culture/activities .
    • 57% of respondents prefer booking a last-minute getaway to a nearby destination rather than somewhere far away.

“Travelers are focused on creating the right itineraries and building memories, whether that means booking a trip to see a favourite sports team compete or taking a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise,” says American Express Travel president Audrey Hendley. “Our Global Travel Trends Report sheds light on what drives global travel bookings and inspires where to go next.” 
The full American Express Travel 2024 Global Travel Trends Report can be viewed here. 

Leisure Hotels Group opens resort in Goa

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, India, 14 March 2024: Leisure Hotels Group, a resort chain in North India and the largest in the state of Uttarakhand, has launched its newest venture, Bedzzz Xclusiv, Morjim, Goa.

It follows the introduction of Bedzzz in Rishikesh and Varanasi and opened its doors to its first guests on 6 March. Rates at the resort start at INR2,550.

Leisure Hotels Group director Vibhas Prasad expressed his enthusiasm: “The addition of Bedzzz Xclusiv, Morjim, Goa marks a significant milestone in our pan-India expansion journey.”

Situated steps away from  Morjim Beach and close to the banks of the Chapora River, Bedzzz Xclusiv, Morjim Goa, features 27 rooms, each with private balconies offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. 

Morjim Beach: Morjim’s main attraction is its namesake beach. It’s known for its golden sands, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Unlike some more crowded beaches in North Goa, Morjim offers a more peaceful and relaxing experience.

Turtle Watching: Morjim Beach is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles, making it a popular spot for turtle watching. The turtles come ashore between November and March to lay their eggs. For those interested in witnessing this natural wonder, several responsible tour operators can take you on a guided night walk.

Chapora Fort: Located on a hilltop overlooking Vagator Beach, Chapora Fort is a 17th-century Portuguese fort that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The fort played a significant role in the battles between the Portuguese and the Marathas.

Ashwem Beach: A short drive from Morjim, Ashwem Beach is another beautiful and pristine beach. It’s known for its black sand dunes and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and yoga.

Chapora River: The Chapora River, which meets the Arabian Sea at Vagator Beach, is a great place to go kayaking or take a boat trip. Walking along its banks, you can enjoy the river’s scenic beauty.

About Leisure Hotels Group

Leisure Hotels Group is a luxury resort chain in North India and the largest across the state of Uttarakhand. Since its foundation in 1989, the group has expanded its resort portfolio in Uttarakhand to 28 scenic locations. Uttarakhand state is in northern India crossed by the Himalayas and known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites. Rishikesh, a major centre for yoga study, was made famous by the Beatles’ 1968 visit (Wikipedia).

IATA cargo event convenes in Hong Kong

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 14 March 2024: Hong Kong hosted the International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Cargo Symposium (WCS) for the first time, the largest annual event for the global air cargo industry. 

The three-day event, held from 12 to 14 March, attracted more than 1,900 delegates worldwide to Hong Kong, and some 50 international exhibitors showcased the latest developments in the global air cargo industry.

Photo credit: HKIA.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the busiest cargo hub in the world, is the symposium’s host airport, while Cathay Cargo was the event’s host airline. 

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has been working closely with IATA and airport partners to bring the event to Hong Kong. The event demonstrates the post-pandemic recovery of Hong Kong’s aviation industry and strong growth prospects in both cargo and passenger business.

Themed “Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” the event held at AsiaWorld-Expo focused on the different aspects of the global cargo industry, covering technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations, and sustainability. 

“Hong Kong’s strategic location in Asia, coupled with its world-class infrastructure and status as a global logistics hub, makes it the perfect backdrop for this year’s event. Air cargo’s success matters. Over the next few days, digitalisation, safety and sustainability will be top of mind for the industry’s leaders,” said IATA director general Willie Walsh.

The WCS is an annual global air cargo industry meeting that brings together airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers, and regulators to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities. The meeting includes plenary sessions, specialised streams, workshops, and executive summits.

DOT Philippines and Austria plan tourism MoU

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 14 March 2024: The Philippines intends to strengthen tourism ties with Austria through a bilateral M0U to capture more visitors from this emerging European source market.

Philippines Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco visited Vienna, Austria, last week to meet Austria’s state secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler to discuss ways to promote tourism between the two nations through an MoU.

Photo credit: DOTP. Tourism secretary Frasco (left) and Austria’s state secretary Kraus-Winkler during their discussions in Vienna on 7 March.

Secretary Frasco noted the huge opportunity in the Austrian market, citing the impressive 89% recovery rate in visitor arrivals from Austria to the Philippines in 2023. 

During the meeting in Vienna, Secretary Frasco reiterated the Philippines’ intent to establish a Memorandum of Tourism Cooperation with Austria to mutually grow tourism between the two countries and exchange best practices in culture, heritage, and retirement schemes.

“Following our discussions in Manila last year, we wish to reiterate the Philippines’ interest in signing a Memorandum of Tourism Cooperation to formalise our efforts to benchmark best tourism practices on sustainable tourism, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and further enhance frameworks on human capital development, among other things,” said Secretary Frasco.

“We acknowledge the opportunity to strengthen the market; we also wish to maximise the opportunity to educate and inform Austrians about our tourism products in the Philippines, which are of great interest to Europeans, including our beaches, dive sites, adventure offerings, and experiential travel across our islands and among our diverse communities,” said Secretary Frasco.

According to Secretary Kraus-Winkler, the largest employment sectors for Filipinos in Austria “are in tourism and care,” with almost a quarter of the Filipino diaspora in Austria currently working in the tourism sector. It was suggested a “working holiday programme” should be included in the Memorandum of Understanding.

“Tourism generally benefits from working holiday programmes, as young people can gain experience in tourism worldwide. Experience has shown that young people often also want to explore the country where they are working and go on vacation during their stay of up to one year. We are looking forward to the talks on the rapid implementation of a working holiday program, as we were recently able to conclude with the US,” said Secretary Kraus-Winkler.

The ‘workation’ programme targets people aged 18 to 30 who want to broaden their understanding of other countries and cultures. Foreign language skills are an important aspect of a successful start to working life abroad.

The discussions between the two tourism leaders also tackled sustainability and the pivotal role of digitalisation in tourism.

(Source: DOT)

Taylor Swift tour a boon for Aussie hotels

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TTR WEEKLY
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Taylor Swift . Photo: Graham Denholm/TAS24/Getty

SINGAPORE, 14 March 2024: Boosted by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the hotel industries in both Sydney and Melbourne posted their highest average daily rate (ADR) for any month on record, according to February preliminary data from CoStar. 

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

Melbourne

February 2024 (year-over-year % change)\
Occupancy: 78.1% (+8.5%)
Average daily rate (ADR): AUD244.80 (+11.4%)
Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AUD191.18 (+20.9%)
Melbourne’s daily occupancy levels remained above the 70.0% mark throughout the month except for six days. The market posted its highest occupancy and ADR levels on Saturday, 17 February, at 91.8% and AUD459.10, respectively. 

Sydney

February 2024 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy: 86.5% (+5.9%)
Average daily rate (ADR): AUD329.05 (+16.4%)
Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AUD284.47 (+23.2%)
Sydney hosted four Taylor Swift concerts between 23-26 February, which pushed daily ADR levels as high as AUD527.52 on Saturday, 24 February. 

While the highest daily occupancy level for the month was reported outside of the Eras Tour dates on Tuesday, 20 February (93.6%), occupancy during the four days reached as high as 92.9% on the second day of her tour.

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

Vietnam Airlines to fly to Munich

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUNICH Germany, 14 March 2024: Vietnam Airlines will introduce direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Munich starting in October, Munich Airport authorities confirmed earlier this week.

Vietnam’s national airline will launch two weekly flights on Friday and Sunday from Hanoi to Munich on 2 October. A weekly Monday flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Munich will start on 2 December.

Photo credit: Munich Airport.

Flights from Ho Chi Minh City will increase to twice weekly (Monday and Wednesday) on 4 December. 

It marks the first direct route between Munich and cities in Vietnam, boosting both leisure and business travel between the two countries.

Bookings for direct flights during the northern hemisphere winter timetable, which starts in October and ends 31 March 2025, have already opened on the airline’s website and through independent online travel agency channels. Skyscanner quotes a Hanoi-Munich roundtrip fare starting at USD1,203 for flights in December. On the Ho Chi Minh City-Munich route, the fare is slightly cheaper at USD1195 during December.

The airline will use a Boeing B787-9 for new flights to Munich, configured with business class, premium economy, and economy class cabins on the two routes.

HAN – MUC (Fri and Sun) 

Flight VN035 will depart Hanoi (HAN) at 2350 and arrive in Munich (MUC) at 0605 (plus a day)
Flight VN034 will depart Munich (MUC) at 1355 and arrive in Hanoi (HAN) at 0615 (plus a day).

SGN – MUC (Mon and Wed)

Flight VN033 will depart Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 2350  and arrive in Munich (MUC) at 0620 (plus a day).
Flight VN032 will depart Munich (MUC) at 1230 and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 0535 (plus a day).

Munich becomes the fourth European destination in the Vietnam Airlines route network, alongside Frankfurt, London Heathrow, and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

“The new routes will expand our range of Asian connections and reinforce Munich Airport’s position as one of the leading aviation hubs in Europe. We are confident that these new direct flights will be very well received by our passengers and help to enhance economic relations and cultural exchange between Bavaria and Vietnam,” said Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers.

Vietnam has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in Southeast Asia, and including the two routes also highlights the importance of German-Vietnamese economic relations and the relevance of Vietnam as one of the most important travel destinations in Southeast Asia for the German and Bavarian markets. Numerous research and educational partnerships exist between Bavarian and Vietnamese universities, and Bavarian companies have made significant investments in Vietnam.

SalamAir restarts flights to summer destinations

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 13 March 2024: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost airline based in Muscat, will restart flights to two of its most sought-after summer destinations, Baku in Azerbaijan and Almaty in Kazakhstan.

The airline served the two destinations during the summer of 2023 and has confirmed that, due to travel demand, flights will restart for the summer peak months. 

Last year saw unprecedented demand for Baku and Almaty, with travellers seeking unique and vibrant experiences. The decision to restart services to these destinations is a testament to their popularity and a response to the consistently high seat factor of 85% and 87% recorded last year. 

“We are thrilled to announce the reopening of Baku and Almaty due to popular demand,” said SalamAir acting CEO Ahmed Al Shidhani. “The overwhelming response from our customers last year has motivated us to bring back these fantastic summer destinations. We are confident that travellers will continue to be captivated by the unique experiences Baku and Almaty offer.”

SalamAir will schedule two flights weekly starting 16 June to Baku and 18 June to Almaty. 

About Almaty 
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. As the largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty seamlessly blends modernity with tradition, boasting vibrant markets, ornate mosques, and bustling city squares. From exploring the historic Zenkov Cathedral to indulging in traditional Kazakh cuisine at local eateries, Almaty offers many experiences for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in Central Asian charm. 

About Baku
Situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku beckons with its blend of ancient history and modern sophistication. As the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, Baku boasts a skyline adorned with futuristic skyscrapers juxtaposed against historic landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Old City. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Icherisheher to discover centuries-old palaces, mosques, and caravanserais, or immerse yourself in the city’s thriving arts scene at the iconic Heydar Aliyev Centre. 

Centara unlocks Urban Escape

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 13 March 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces its latest promotion, Urban Escape: Unlock 33% Savings in Bangkok. This enticing offer allows guests to enjoy this remarkable discount for stays of 3 or more consecutive nights when booking Flexible rates at any of Centara’s five exceptional properties in the City of Angels.

The promotion is valid for bookings made until 3 March 2024, with a travelling period ending on 30 June 2024. Guests have the flexibility to choose from an array of hotels, including Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok, Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre Chaeng Watthana, and Centara Life Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon.

From the vibrant streets of downtown to the serene temples of Old Town, Bangkok delivers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, shopping, and adventure. With this offer, visitors can explore the diversity of this metropolis while immersing themselves in the world-class service and hospitality for which Centara is known.

In addition to the significant 33% savings, guests can also delight in a myriad of accommodation options and complimentary stays for up to 2 children under the age of 12, making this offer an ideal option for families as well as business and leisure travellers looking to discover the wonders of Bangkok.

For more information and to book your Urban Escape, please visit: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/urban-escape

Booking.com honours Royal Cliff Group

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TTR WEEKLY
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PATTAYA, 13 March 2024: The Royal Cliff Hotels Group announces that its four hotels – Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, Royal Cliff Beach Terrace, Royal Grand Hotel, and Royal Wing Suites and Spa – have clinched top honours at the prestigious Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2024. 

The accolade is a testament to the Royal Cliff team’s unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled guest experiences. Earning a remarkable review top score of 9/10, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group stands out as a beacon of excellence in hospitality. Based on the average of all guest reviews worldwide, the review score reflects the consistently high quality and excellence that define the Royal Cliff experience offered to each guest. 

The Traveller Review Awards are a way for Booking.com to give recognition to accommodation and transportation providers who consistently exceed guest expectations, offering an indicator to other customers of the high-quality experience they can expect when booking. These awards help travellers identify and book properties and services with a proven track record of excellent hospitality. The scorings are based on over 308 million verified customer reviews on Booking.com.  

Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels that charm travellers from all corners of the world. Guests can unlock magical experiences with Royal Cliff’s curated promotions and packages at the ultimate luxury destination. Exceptional holidays can be directly booked at a Royal Cliff Group with a “guaranteed best rate” and exclusive value-added extras to elevate the hotel stay.

To secure a premium experience, visit www.royalcliff.com, call reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext: 2732, or email [email protected].

Sentosa Sensoryscape soft opens

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 13 March 2024: Sentosa Island confirmed the soft opening of Sentosa Sensoryscape, a ridge-to-reef landmark connecting guests from Resorts World Sentosa in the north to Sentosa’s beaches in the south, will take place on Thursday, 14 May.

The immersive, multi-sensory attraction is the first milestone of the Sentosa-Brani Master Plan that expands the thoroughfare’s capacity and offers guests an inspiring experience as they explore Sentosa. 

At the heart of Sentosa, Sensoryscape is a 350-metre-long connector across 30,000 square metres. It invites guests to explore various gardens, nature, architecture, and technology, making it more than just a passage for respite and wayfinding. It comprises sensory gardens: Lookout Loop, Tactile Trellis, Scented Sphere, Symphony Streams, Palate Playground, and Glow Garden. Each is enriched with immersive and audio-visual experiences that push the boundaries of traditional park design. 

Visitors can look forward to an enchanting day-to-night experience supercharged by fascinating digital light art and augmented reality. The entire space encourages guests to slow down, unwind, and rediscover within a tranquil precinct.

Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) chief executive officer Thien Kwee Eng said: “This thoughtfully designed and welcoming green connector right at the heart of Sentosa will inspire our guests. We look forward to welcoming guests from Singapore and worldwide to Sensoryscape, where a walk in Sentosa will never be the same again.”

Signature architecture 

Designed by Serie + Multiply, Sensoryscape transcends conventional architectural and landscape design boundaries. Its sensory gardens, framed by three intricate diagrid structures, harmoniously connect guests with the surrounding nature. The basket-inspired woven structures of the sensory gardens enclose guests within, inviting them to appreciate the curated landscape in their view while also allowing for quiet, contemplative moments.

Sentosa Sensoryscape will open daily to the public from Thursday, 14 March 2024, with the ImagiNite experience starting nightly from 1950.

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