SINGAPORE, 13 December 2023: Collinson, owner and operator of Priority Pass, announced Monday it will add two new lounges in Narita Airport to Priority Pass’ network through a collaboration with Japanese airport service provider IASS Co Ltd.
The agreement comes as part of Collinson’s ongoing expansion of airport lounges and travel experiences within its Asia Pacific network. Between January and September 2023, 13 new airport lounges and travel experiences have been added to the Priority Pass network in Japan, giving the group 20 outlets. Additionally, in the first three quarters of this year (from January to October 2023), Collinson grew its Asia Pacific portfolio of airport lounges and travel experiences by over 30%.
Collinson’s network has 550 airport lounges in the Asia Pacific and over 1,500 worldwide.
SINGAPORE, 13 December 2023: Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has announced the establishment of an ‘AI Centre of Excellence,’ a new global division focusing on promoting, adopting, and integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the company’s corporate divisions.
The ‘AI Centre of Excellence’ will harness the power of AI to revolutionise FCTG’s flagship business travel divisions, Corporate Traveller and FCM, by enriching customer experiences, boosting employee productivity and more.
Adrian Lopez.
As part of the launch, Adrian Lopez will step into a newly created role as Head of AI for Corporate, where he will lead a dedicated team of technical experts responsible for laying out the shared corporate vision for AI within the organisation. He most recently served as Global Chief Technology Officer for FCM Digital.
Lopez and his team will overall AI strategy for FCTG’s corporate brands and ensure the company maximises the potential around generative AI, while doing so effectively, responsibly, and in alignment with its business objectives.
The specialised team will implement best practices and provide research, support, and training around AI, with a focus on improving efficiency and driving value to new and existing clients. They will look to find ways to integrate the technology into the operations of the company’s business travel divisions, Corporate Traveller and FCM.
With the ‘AI Centre of Excellence debut,’ FCTG will aim to strengthen the relationship between the human workforce and hands-on AI applications. The incredible automation and machine learning that AI offers will prove to be a perfect complement to the personal touch and natural intuition of the human mind.
Furthermore, FCTG will leverage AI to enhance productivity and improve workflow optimisation, allowing its teams to focus on priority initiatives and more creative-driven projects.
A travel technology pioneer, Lopez has over a decade of industry experience. In 2014, he co-founded the corporate travel tool SAM, a mobile AI-powered app that operates as a 24/7 virtual travel assistant, helping business travellers easily manage their trips.
FCTG made an initial investment in Sam in 2017, followed by a full acquisition in 2019. After the ownership transition, Lopez officially joined the FCTG team, where he helped oversee the integration of Sam’s capabilities while leading the development of the new FCM Platform.
About Flight Centre Travel Group The Flight Centre Travel Group is one of the world’s largest travel retailers and corporate travel managers. The company, headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, has a company-owned leisure and corporate travel business in dozens of countries, spanning Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Europe, the UK, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Asia.
SINGAPORE, 13 December 2023: Jakarta hotels recorded their highest occupancy and revenue per available room (RevPAR) since November 2011 and November 2013, respectively, according to preliminary data from CoStar.
CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
Photo credit: CoStar.
November 2023 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy: 79.8% (+10.9%) Average daily rate (ADR): IDR1,030,269.24 (+10.4%) Revenue per available room (RevPAR): IDR822,163.52 (+22.5%)
Jakarta hosted several events that helped performance last month, including a Coldplay concert and IndoBuildTech Expo.
Daily data shows the highest occupancy levels occurred on Wednesday, 15 November (92.7%), the night of the Coldplay concert, closely followed by Thursday, 16 November (89.1%). Jakarta’s occupancy levels remained above 70% for all but three days during the month.
For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 December 2023: Wrapping up the year 2023, airasia MOVE reveals traveller trends across the region, with ‘value’ emerging as the most crucial factor determining its app users’ preferences and loyalty.
“The traveller trends we have observed throughout the year is in line with airasia MOVE’s commitment to creating an inclusive and affordable travel ecosystem for everyone,” said airasia MOVE chief executive officer, Nadia Omer. “ By understanding user behaviours, we’re further motivated to continue innovating and enhancing AirAsia MOVE in the coming year and creating a community that elevates user travel experiences while simultaneously offering the best value accessible for everyone on one convenient platform.”
Photo credit: AirAsia. Movers and shakers are trending.
The final week of each month marks the peak period for flight bookings.
Based on users’ transaction behaviours on Airasia MOVE, peak days for flight bookings for airlines of all categories available on the app are towards payday and the month’s final week.
Among the top destinations booked throughout 2023 are Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Thailand, and Manila in the Philippines, with over 30% of app users searching for those destinations combined.
Currently, airasia MOVE offers flights from AirAsia and 700 other carriers globally with notable names such as Turkish Airlines, Etihad, ANA, KLM, Air Arabia, Air New Zealand, Citilink, Bangkok Airways, Royal Brunei, Vietnam Airlines and Jeju Air.
Nadia added: “We always ensure that we provide the best value to our app users, and they are able to get that with our iconic monthly promos such as the Superapp Super Sale. Exclusively available until 17 December, the Super Sale offers international flight deals at 20% off and 30% off for hotels worldwide and airport rides from MYR54 one way.
Travellers prefer best-value accommodation
74% of airasia MOVE users chose hotels ranging from MYR250 to 400, with Resorts World Group, Ibis and Fave Hotel being some of the top selections of travellers regionally. Interestingly, most hotel bookings were made approximately 30 days before arrival, while flight bookings were made much earlier.
2.3 billion points redeemed in 2023
Airasia MOVE users often take advantage of the benefits from the loyalty programme. Trends among airasia MOVE users indicate a 40% increase in membership in 2023 compared to 2022. Overall, members have redeemed up to 2.3 billion Airasia points to transact across the whole ecosystem across Airasia MOVE.
MANILA, 12 December 2023: The Philippines Department of Tourism launched the ‘Bisita, Be My Guest’ (BBMG) Programme in Dubai last week.
It encourages Filipinos to be tourism ambassadors and offers them a chance to win valuable prizes. The Dubai launch marked the programme’s sixth international launch, following Tokyo, Japan, Berlin, Germany, Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, and London earlier this year.
Photo credit: DOT. Be My Guest Launch in Dubai last week.
The DOT statement explained that the BBMG aims to showcase the Philippines as a premier tourist destination and inspire Filipinos to share the country’s beauty with the world.”
In Dubai, the programme taps the potential of having more than 700,000 Filipinos residing in the Emirates who can present the Philippines’ tourism story through word-of-mouth recommendations.
A collaborative effort between the DOT, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB), the BBMG programme encourage Filipinos, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Overseas Filipinos (OFs), to be tourism ambassadors and invite their friends and family to the Philippines with the chance to win grand raffle prizes.
Among the prizes up for grabs are a house and lot from AyalaLand, condominium units from Megaworld Corporation and SMDC, shopping sprees from Rustan’s and SM Supermalls, and holiday packages to select destinations, inclusive of round-trip flights from Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air.
SINGAPORE, 12 December 2023: Pandaw’s 2023/24 sailing season is in full force as Asia’s river cruise specialist welcomes many returning Pandaw members and first-timers aboard the distinctive vessels that explore rivers in Southeast Asia and India.
Looking ahead to 2024, occupancy remains high, and Pandaw reports the majority of preferred staterooms are already booked. However, a few cabins remain available for last-minute bookers, with the river ship operator offering incentives.
Last-minute bookers can enjoy complimentary drinks packages or package upgrades for members when they book an expedition of seven or more nights sailing before July 2024. You can take advantage of this special offer when you book a qualifying expedition by noting ‘last min drinks’ alongside your booking reference. Once the deposit has been paid, the complementary drinks package will be added.
With limited cabins remaining across all destinations for early 2024, book today to benefit from this offer and join Pandaw for an adventure on the rivers of Asia.
BALI, 12 December 2023: Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno is pressing for the inclusion of another 20 nationalities on the country’s visa-free entry list, with China and India as the top priorities, along with Australia.
According to a report by Bali Update, the Minister’s recommendation on extending the visa-free stay list formed part of a video uploaded to the YouTube Channel of the Indonesian State Secretariat.
The 20 countries recommended for free visitor visas to Indonesia are: Australia China (PRC) India South Korea USA UK France Germany Qatar United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia The Netherlands Japan Russia Taiwan New Zealand Italy Spain Plus, two unspecified Middle Eastern Countries
In addition, nine ASEAN member nations are already on the list for visa-free visits for up to 15 days.
The National Statistic Agency (BPS) reported last week that from January to October 2023, the country welcomed 9,942,004 international visitors, an increase of 124.30% over the same 10 months in 2022.
Vistara Airlines stands to benefit if Indian citizens gain visa-free entry to Indonesia. On 1 December, the airline inaugurated daily, nonstop flights between Delhi and Bali, a move welcomed by the island’s airport authority.
The inaugural flight, operated on Vistara’s A321LR aircraft, took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, at 0030 on 1 December 2023 and arrived at Denpasar International Airport, Bali (DPS) at 1105.
Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan said: “Bali is one of the most coveted holiday havens for travellers in India, and we are excited to be the only airline currently to launch direct connectivity between Delhi and Bali.
“Given the close commercial and cultural ties India and Indonesia share, Bali has also rapidly grown to be a key destination for corporate travel and MICE.”
MANILA, 12 December 2023: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD35 million concessional loan and a USD10 million grant for the Urban Environment Improvement Investment Project to help support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development in Luang Prabang City in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
Luang Prabang City is northern Lao PDR’s primary transport and tourism hub, with a fast-growing urban core situated at the junction of the Mekong and Khan Rivers.
Luang Prabang City is northern Lao PDR’s major transport and tourism hub, with a fast-growing urban core situated at the junction of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. Photo: ADB.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 1995 included its compact historic precinct and surrounding landscape. Since then, developing much-needed solid waste management and wastewater treatment facilities, urban roads and footpaths, and public greenspace has not kept pace with skyrocketing demand—causing environmental degradation and diminishing livability.
“Luang Prabang’s precious heritage and the livelihoods it supports are increasingly threatened by unplanned urban development, climate change, and disasters that disproportionately affect women and vulnerable groups,” said ADB country director for Lao PDR Sonomi Tanaka. “Better urban infrastructure, environmental management, and tourism services together with gender-responsive integrated urban planning and management are needed to help raise the quality of life in Luang Prabang and make it more resilient to shocks.”
Innovative project components include home, community, and training facility-based childcare pilots for recipients of higher education and vocational training scholarships that will be offered to female officials employed in the water supply, sanitation, public works, and tourism sectors. The project will establish a women-led creative industries business development network and prepare the Lao PDR’s first creative city strategy and action plan. Women will also be trained to manage smart infrastructure solutions following the Luang Prabang Integrated and Smart Urban Strategy, prepared under the ADB-administered ASEAN–Australia Smart Cities Trust Fund.
Capacity development to support tariff reforms, strengthen financial management, facilitate private sector investment, and improve disaster preparedness and response will complement the project’s infrastructure investments. The project will benefit 104,500 residents and 1.3 million annual visitors by 2031.
SINGAPORE, 12 December 2023: Amadeus data reveals Mexico, South Africa, and Thailand are the top hotel destinations for Christmas and New Year’s travel, according to booking data insights from Amadeus.
The dominant trend showing up in the global distribution system’s forward-looking market insights indicated Los Cabos, Cape Town, and Phuket top the travellers’ favourites list.
Photo credit: Amadeus
Amadeus’ Demand360®+ data up until 27 November 2023 showed global hotel occupancy for Christmas and New Year’s weeks is already at 23%. This is up 10 % from the same time last year. Globally, occupancy levels this festive season are trending ahead of 2022, reflecting a return of confidence in travel and a desire for warmer climates in some of the leading destinations.
According to hotel occupancy, the top destinations globally are:
Los Cabos, Mexico 77%
Cape Town, South Africa, 71%
Phuket, Thailand 69%
Cancun, Mexico 69%
Honolulu, Hawaii 64%
Tokyo, Japan 61%
Maldives 59%
Sydney, Australia 58%
Taipei, Taiwan 58%
Kahului, Hawaii 57%
The top destinations in APAC are:
Phuket 69%
Tokyo 61%
Maldives 59%
Sydney 58%
Bali 51%
Bangkok 51%
Osaka 50%
Melbourne 47%
Mumbai 44%
Singapore 42%
Sydney has seen an increase of 29% over 2022, as it sits higher on the list for this year. Osaka has also seen an increase in demand, up 16% compared with 2022.
During this festive season, travellers prioritise sun, nature, gastronomy, and culture, contributing to high occupancy levels across APAC and LATAM. Compared to last year, APAC is trending 8% higher, EMEA 7%, LATAM 4%, and NORAM is on par with 2022. Los Cabos, the top market, has seen a 16% increase in bookings since 2022.
The data also reveals travellers still book accommodations close to their intended travel dates. Booking lead times remain short as 56% of travellers worldwide make hotel reservations within a week of their trip, up 4% compared with 2022.
“Christmas and New Year’s is a busy time for hoteliers, and we see increased popularity in the APAC and LATAM regions as travellers look to book getaways,” said Amadeus regional vice president of hospitality, Asia Pacific Edward Wright. “Having access to comprehensive, forward-looking business intelligence data is important because it allows hoteliers to identify booking patterns and revenue opportunities so they can still drive last-minute demand while ensuring their property is staffed and ready to provide a great guest experience”.
The data is based on insight from Amadeus’ Demand360+ business intelligence as of 27 November for the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, 24 December 2023 -6 January 2024
About Amadeus A global travel technology company, the company’s software and technology powers the global travel and tourism industry, including airlines, booking search engines, travel agencies, hotels, and the world’s top travel brands.
BANGKOK, 12 December 2023: Expanding its wings to China, Thai Vietjet launched two new routes from Bangkok to Shanghai and Hangzhou last week.
In a press statement, the airline said it was responding to the temporary tourist visa exemption scheme for passport holders of the People’s Republic of China.
The services were launched to both Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. The two new routes are served by A320 aircraft.
“With the launch of two new services to Shanghai and Hangzhou, Thai Vietjet enhances connectivity between Thailand and China. We are proud to mark another great milestone,” said Thia Vietjet CEO Woranate Laprabang.
The Bangkok-Shanghai route operates with daily flights, while the Bangkok–Hangzhou route starts with four weekly services every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
