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AirAsia boosts China and India flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 November 2023: AirAsia announced Monday a significant increase in services between China-Malaysia and India-Malaysia, totalling an impressive 230 weekly flights starting in the first quarter of 2024, with up to 5.2 million seats per year.

The significant increase in capacity via AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) comes in response to the anticipated surge in travel demand following the Malaysian government’s announcement of a 30-day visa-free entry for travellers from China and India into Malaysia starting 1 December 2023. 

The announcement also coincides with the recent announcement of easing travel restrictions for Malaysians visiting China effective 1 December 2023.

Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said: “The 30-day visa-free entry for the citizens of China and India will surely provide a welcome boost for Malaysia’s tourism and economy ahead of the upcoming peak travel season while boosting economic bonds between these great nations.”

As the largest foreign low-cost carrier in China, both AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) fly 17 routes into the country with a total of 156 flights weekly AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) fly from Kuala Lumpur to Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Kunming, Guilin), Nanning, Shantou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. AirAsia Malaysia (AK) also flies from Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, Wuhan, and Johor Bahru to Guangzhou.

Both airlines have also increased frequencies to nine routes into India with 74 flights weekly. AirAsia Malaysia (AK) flies from Kuala Lumpur to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Cochin, Hyderabad, Chennai, Trichy, and Trivandrum – a new destination starting in February 2024. AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) flies from Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi and Amritsar.

Recently, the China Embassy in Malaysia also announced that citizens holding ordinary passports who enter China for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes can enjoy visa-free travel for up to 15 days from 1 December 2023 until 30 November 2024.

Amari Vientiane to open in 2024

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 28 November 2023: ONYX Hospitality Group has signed a management deal for a second Amari property in Vientiane, Laos, complementing Amari Vang Vieng, which opened in March 2018. 

The latest signing occurred in mid-November at the Vientiane office of joint-venture lead partner Tang Chareon Group for the 248-room Amari Vientiane, scheduled to open in the Lao PDR capital during 2024.

Photo credit: Onyx. Amari Vientiane.

The property will have a rooftop executive lounge, a speciality rooftop restaurant, a rooftop bar, fitness centre and banqueting facilities, including a ballroom and meeting rooms. Amari Vientiane occupies a central Mekong Riverside location at the junction of Quai Fa Ngum and Khun Bu Lom roads, a short stroll to the city’s famous ‘night market street’ and  Chao Anouvong Park. Vientiane’s other top city centre attractions, including the Patuxay Victory Monument, Lao National Museum and Wat Si Saket, are easily accessible on foot or by tuk-tuk. The hotel is located 4.8 km from Wattay International Airport. 

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to expand its portfolio of hotels, resorts and serviced apartments across Southeast Asia. It targets 50 properties under its management by 2025. Earlier this year, it signed a contract to manage Amari Raaya Maldives and another for Amari Colombo in Sri Lanka, due to open in late 2024. It manages properties under the brands Amari, OZO, and Shama.

MarketHub plots where travel is heading

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 November 2023: MarketHub Asia by Hotelbeds 2023 hosted in Bangkok sparked in-depth discussions among industry leaders on the future trajectory of the tourism sector under the theme “Where Next?”.

Amidst substantial disruptions in the tourism sector, Hotelbeds reveals the following essential insights from its MarketHub Asia event.

Projected Workforce Expansion

The global tourism sector is projected to generate a staggering 110 million new jobs in the coming decade, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, with the Asia-Pacific region poised to contribute nearly 70% of these opportunities due to an expanding job market.

The Traveller of Tomorrow

Travel agencies reveal that up to 90% of consumers seek personalised solutions, catering to a rising demand for individualised and seamlessly tailored experiences. Hotelbeds reports that these end customers are not just after essential services such as insurance and financial provisions; they seek comprehensive travel packages that offer 24/7 customer support.

Addressing environmental impact becomes a primary focus in the tourism sector, driving the prominence of sustainable travel practices. With 70% of travellers anticipating more eco-conscious offerings, the momentum for environmentally-friendly travel intensifies.

Emotion is the New Brand Standard

A significant shift in young consumers’ preferences is evident, with approximately 60% of Millennials and Gen Zs prioritising superior services over price, seeking experiences that create lasting memories during their trips. This changing sentiment and the accompanying high expectations are driving the need for innovative business models. 

Asia is a tech leader

Asia is 10 years ahead in technology, and consumers demand new travel products, including those in Fintech. The audience also heard that embracing technology, including artificial intelligence and augmented reality, is essential to ensure data quality.

“MarketHub Asia assembled trailblazers from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to explore the future of travel,” said HBX Group chief commercial officer Carlos Munoz. “Under the theme ‘Where Next?’, we delved into the future of tourism amidst significant disruptions, unearthing pivotal insights that will chart the industry’s trajectory for years to come.”

(Source: Markethub Asia – HBX Group).

IHG sets foot on Koh Chang beach

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 28 November 2023: IHG Hotels & Resorts extends its partnership with Dinso Resort Co Ltd, one year from Dinso Resort & Villas Phuket, Vignette Collection successfully converting to IHG’s system.

Opening in 2024, the 166-room Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang, Vignette Collection joins Dinso Resort & Villas Phuket, Vignette Collection and Sindhorn Midtown Bangkok, Vignette Collection to represent a trio of Thai properties featured by IHG’s first collection brand.

Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang, Vignette Collection rebrands from the former Emerald Resort Koh Chang to enter IHG’s system in 2024 following extensive renovation and closure since February 2023.

A popular destination for domestic travellers, Chang is Thailand’s third largest island and a five-hour, 20-minute drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (320 km), followed by a 30-minute ferry ride. 

Popularly known as Elephant Island because of its shape, it is famed for the Koh Chang Marine National Park. It comprises dozens of unspoiled islands with snorkelling, diving opportunities, and pristine beaches against a rainforest backdrop.

Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang, Vignette Collection is a beachfront property on Klong Prao Beach on the island’s eastern coast.

It joins the global Vignette Collection portfolio in 2024, alongside Convent Square Lisbon and Casa da Companhia in Porto, Portugal, Yours Truly DC in the US, Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley in Australia, Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok in Thailand and Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort. There are 18 hotels in the brand’s pipeline, and IHG targets 100 hotels by 2031*.

(*30 September 2023 figures).

Jetstar Asia takes off to Osaka

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 November 2023: Jetstar Asia is relaunching five weekly flights from Singapore to Osaka via Manila after a three-year pause.

Using an A320 aircraft with 180 seats, the first flight departed at 0200 on 24 November from Singapore, flying to Manila, where it made a short stop before departing for Osaka at 0655. 

The airline is scheduling daily from 30 December to meet pent-up demand for the popular service during the festive holiday season.

Jetstar Asia CEO Barathan Pasupathi said the return to Japan was an important milestone as the low-fare airline continued to grow its extensive Asian network.

“Osaka is an exciting destination for travellers from Singapore and the Philippines, and this route demonstrates our commitment to providing more low-fare options for our customers across Asia.”

Known as the food capital of Japan, Osaka is also famous for its nightlife, architecture, and history.

China opens visa-free door

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 November: China will expand its visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries (five in Europe plus Malaysia) starting 1 December. 

Implemented on a trial basis until 30 November 2024, the provision applies to citizens from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. The policy will be implemented on a trial basis. Visa-free entry is available to ordinary passport holders from the six countries visiting China for business, leisure, and transit. The stay is limited to 15 days. 

“Inbound tourism is where new opportunities lie,” says Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group.

A Trip.com Group advisory said the move should promote the recovery of the Chinese inbound tourism market. During the first 10 months of 2023, Trip.com said it had recorded a four-digit growth in visitor numbers compared to the same period in 2022. This equates to more than 60% of pre-pandemic levels. 

Data showed that Malaysia and Germany were leading among China’s top 10 sources markets for inbound tourism. Trip.com Group noted that pageviews focusing on flights from Malaysia to China jumped by 48.69% on 24 November, compared to the same day a week earlier.

Long-haul inbound travel to China also shows signs of recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Booking increases are evident elsewhere. For instance, European bookings to China saw a remarkable increase of 663.0% compared to 2022 and a significant growth of 28.9% compared to 2019.

Compared with the rapid recovery of domestic and outbound tourism, the recovery of inbound tourism is relatively slower. According to a report by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, inbound tours received by national travel agencies in the first half of 2023 totalled 477,800, while in the first half of 2019, the tally stood at 8,561,600.

However, inbound tourism is where new opportunities lie, according to Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun.

“China’s inbound tourism has huge potential, and if it rises to the international median of 1.5% of GDP, it will bring at least RMB1,310 billion in growth earnings.”

Macao to flick the festive light switch

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TTR WEEKLY
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MACAO, 28 November 2023: Festive season lights switch on 2 December 2023 and will illuminate landmarks and streets until 25 February 2024

Organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office in collaboration with the six integrated resorts, “Light up Macao 2023”, the spectacular light displays adopt the theme “Dazzling Wonderland.”

The enchanting light arts will illuminate the city starting at 1900 daily at the Macao Peninsula, Taipa and Coloane.

Announcing details of “Light up Macao 2023” at a press conference last week, MGTO director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said the spectacular displays would span across a series of major festivities, such as the Anniversary of the Establishment of the Macao SAR, Winter Solstice, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Renri and Chinese Lantern Festival.

Lasting for almost three months, the festive lights will dazzle at 34 locations across seven districts as follows: Central District, Praia do Manduco District, Nam Van District, Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior (NAPE), Northern District, Taipa and Coloane. There will be 36 light installations, 20 interactive installations and three mapping show venues. 

Light up themes

“Light up Macao 2023” will adopt different subthemes such as “Blooming Splendour” at Central District, “Light Up! Porto-A-Ma” at Praia do Manduco District, “Dancing Butterflies and Blooming Wonders” at Nam Van District, “Travel Around the Universe” at NAPE, “Joyful Journey” at Northern District, “Fantasy Fairyland” in Taipa and “Coloane Ambassadors” in Coloane. Residents and visitors can experience the Dazzling Wonderland in Macao. The installations will be on from 1900 to 2200.

SIX integrated resort enterprises in Macao will design and coordinate the installations in different districts. They are SJM Resorts for the central district, MGM for Praia do Manduco district, Wynn Resorts (Macau) for Nam Van district, Galaxy Entertainment Group for NAPE, Melco Resorts & Entertainment for Taipa and Sands China for Coloane.

Qatar extends FIFA partnership

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TTR WEEKLY
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DOHA, 27 November 2023: Qatar Airway has renewed a longstanding partnership with FIFA until 2030 as the association’s Global Airline Partner. 

Through a dedicated Qatar Airways booking platform, it opens the door for football fans to buy exclusive travel packages, including match tickets, flights, and accommodation for specific FIFA tournaments.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer (right) and FIFA president Gianni Infantino (left) sign off on the FIFA partnership.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer joined FIFA president Gianni Infantino for the signing ceremony on last week’s first FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 anniversary.

The agreement will cover significant FIFA tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup 26, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, and the FIFA World Cup 2030, as well as all youth men’s and women’s tournaments, commencing with the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Donation appeal for Myanmar’s medical clinics

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 27 November 2023: Pandaw Cruises has completed the transfer of its funded medical clinics to local community organisations in Myanmar to streamline funding while urgently appealing for donations as a “full-blown civil war rages in Myanmar.”

Cruise passengers have supported the Pandaw Clinics for the last 15 years, with seven clinics in the Bagan area alone. The specialist river ship cruise operator, which traces its roots back to Myanmar, started the transfer of the medical clinics to local communities a year ago as the ongoing civil war raging through Myanmar made it almost impossible to get funds into the country while contacting local trustees became more precarious.

Seven clinics have survived and thrived under the administration of a Buddhist organisation, including a central clinic on the grounds of a large monastic estate just outside New Bagan. Due to its Buddhist status, the clinics have enjoyed protection from government interference. 

Pandaw reports that the religious organisation has now taken over the management and fundraising from local sources to keep the clinics operational. 

“The clinics are, we are glad to say, well managed and well-funded, and to hand them over to local control is a happy outcome,” Pandaw Cruises said in a recent press statement.

However, to maintain fundraising efforts for the medical clinics, Pandaw Cruises has formed an association with a Dutch and UK-registered charity called MAM (Medical Action Myanmar) to distribute donations made by Pandaw’s cruise guests since the 2021 military coup. MAM remains the prime channel for forwarding funds to the medical clinics that Pandaw Cruises supports. 

About MAM

MAM was established in 2009 with a clinic in a Yangon slum and since then has expanded to 18 clinics that last year provided 350,000 consultations, mainly in remote communities and urban slums. Each treatment costs an average of USD2.50, which includes diagnosis, treatment and medication. 

In addition, MAM supports 2,300 community health workers, many in inaccessible areas, who provided 1.6 million consultations last year. It is best known for its motorbike doctors who undertake dangerous journeys over mountain passes across raging rivers in the Himalayas. For more information on MAM: https://mam.org.mm/ 

On future funding raising

“From our Pandaw Charity Fund, we have been able to financially assist MAM in its invaluable work, mainly through financing the purchase of vital drugs prescribed for free.

“Currently, with a full-blown civil war raging, not just in the hill areas but in the Irrawaddy and Chindwin valleys, with fighting just a few miles from Bagan, humanitarian assistance has become more critical than ever. 

“As populations are displaced by the movement of armies and the destruction of villages and small towns from the air, there is a refugee crisis with many people thrown into makeshift camps with little sanitation, food or medical care. 

“Never more than now is there a need to help the people of Burma, and we believe that MAM is probably the most direct and efficient way of doing this,” Pandaw’s management stated.

For more information on making a donation, visit https://www.paypal.com/gb/fundraiser/charity/3616052

Royal Cliff racks up more silverware

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TTR WEEKLY
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PATTAYA, 27 November 2023: Royal Cliff Hotels Group tallies its achievements, a remarkable milestone of over 280 prestigious awards and still counting.

Its recent triumph at the World Luxury Hotel Awards is a testament to Royal Cliff’s enduring legacy of excellence in the hospitality landscape. 

Photo Caption: Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of Royal Cliff Hotels Group (2nd from left), together with Vankamon Athikomkhunchai, Marketing and PR Manager of Royal Cliff Hotels Group (left), Chaiyanan Boonyachalayont, Senior Deputy Resident Manager of Royal Cliff Beach Hotel (2nd from right) and Natrada Pongpaew, Deputy Resident manager of Royal Wing Suites and Spa (right) celebrates the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

The award, a symbol of luxury and recognition of world-class service standards, acknowledges the magical resort for its outstanding sports & wellness resort and popular family beach destination. 

“We are immensely honoured to receive such distinguished recognition, especially as it represents our long-standing tradition of excellence,” stated  Royal Cliff Hotels Group CEO Vitanart Vathanakul. “Surpassing this milestone of over 280 awards is a reflection of our dedication to capturing the hearts of every guest. This award is dedicated to our remarkable team, who have been the cornerstone of our success,” Vitanart continued. 

The World Luxury Hotel Awards is an esteemed global organisation providing luxury hotels with recognition for their world-class facilities and service excellence provided to guests. The awards are a celebrated achievement for the luxury hotel industry, offering international recognition as voted by guests, travellers, and industry players.

“We wish to congratulate all our winners. Travelers today increasingly value experiences over possessions and are willing to invest in unique, authentic, and immersive travel experiences. Guests can enjoy this with the unwavering commitment of dedicated staff. We congratulate the 2023 winners, who have worked hard and tirelessly to be successful in a very competitive industry,” said the World Luxury Awards executive manager, Jana Stoman.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group has been at the forefront of the hospitality industry, consistently raising the bar for luxury and innovation. The latest award adds to a growing list of accolades that underscore Royal Cliff’s unique offerings, from its bespoke services to its luxurious accommodations and culinary delights. The Group’s philosophy of delivering exceptional experiences is woven into the fabric of its operations, and this recognition from the World Luxury Hotel Awards further cements its position as a leader in the industry.

The Royal Cliff Hotels Group, a multi-award-winning Thai hospitality brand established in 1973, stands as a unique destination in a spectacular location with panoramic ocean views. Together with the Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall (PEACH), it is heralded as one of Asia’s leading resort convention spots, offering an all-in-one convention solution to cater to various meeting needs. Esteemed industry leaders have lauded the venue, recognising it as a forerunner in Thailand’s MICE sector. It has over 23,500 sqm of event space and boasts state-of-the-art amenities, impeccable services, and advanced technical support. It is ideal for hosting events ranging from international conferences and exhibitions to product launches and banquets. This timeless luxury destination is considered a leading Asian venue for magical vacations, business events, sports and wellness. The hotel has steadfastly committed to its employees throughout its history, ensuring no one has been laid off. The owners and board of directors emphasise the significance of staff well-being and fostering a positive company culture.

For a deeper dive into the offerings of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and the Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall (PEACH), you can explore www.royalcliff.com and www.peachthailand.com. Social media official accounts: Facebook.com/royalcliff 

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