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AirAsia expands air links to India

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 17 November 2023: AirAsia remains committed to connecting India to the world as the airline continues its robust presence in the Indian aviation landscape, linking millions of Indian travellers to an extensive network of 130 destinations across Asia and the Asia Pacific.

AirAsia now operates a strong network servicing 10 international routes directly from India to Malaysia and Thailand with 104 flights weekly from short-haul airlines AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) and AirAsia Thailand (flight code FD). 

Photo credit: AirAsia

Medium haul affiliate airline AirAsia X Malaysia (flight code D7) also provides two direct routes from New Delhi and Amritsar to Kuala Lumpur with eight flights weekly. The continued growth in AirAsia services to India ensures a comprehensive and seamless travel experience for AirAsia’s guests across India to the widest low-cost network in Asia. 

Leveraging its Fly-Thru connectivity, where AirAsia passengers can fly from India to Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and other destinations with one seamless booking, the airline is transforming the way its guests experience international travel, making overseas exploration more accessible and affordable.

AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam commented: “India has always been a key market for AirAsia and following recent changes to our operations in the country, we remain committed to serving the market. We have flown a remarkable 1.6 million guests from India between January and November this year, showcasing the enduring strength of our great value fares and connectivity.

“As we continue to strengthen our presence in India, we are excited to announce our expansion plans, including the launch of a new route to Thiruvananthapuram soon. We are dedicated to making international travel from India not only accessible but also affordable for everyone.”

AirAsia head of regional commercial (India), Manoj Dharmani, added: “AirAsia remains deeply committed to India, and while we no longer operate domestic flights, our guests should rest assured that India remains at the core of our operations. Over the years, we have witnessed tremendous growth, connecting countless cities and regions in India to the world, and we are proud to share that AirAsia now serves 11 destinations in India. Our expansion in India has resulted in 104 weekly flights, making us a vital and reliable link between India and the globe. We look forward to serving the Indian market with the commitment to further enhancing connectivity and accessibility for our guests across the country.”

Discover the world with AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad and more from just MYR309, all in one way for the travel period until 30 September 2024. Promotional fares are available for booking on the website and AirAsia Superapp until 26 November 2023.

Vietnam Airlines joins AAPA ranks

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 17 November 2023: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) confirmed earlier this week Vietnam Airlines, the national airline of Vietnam, has joined the aviation association with immediate effect.

As a member of the AAPA, Vietnam Airlines will participate in the Association’s meetings and joint activities. Through this, the airline can stay updated and exchange information about the trends in the aviation industry while also receiving in-depth insights, forecasts, and advice from top experts in the region and the world.

Photo credit: Vietnam Airlines

AAPA director general Subhas Menon said: “It is an honour for AAPA to welcome Vietnam Airlines into our ranks. Vietnam Airlines has been a renowned international carrier for years, playing a crucial role in developing Vietnam’s economy and its aviation industry. The airline will add significant weight to AAPA as the voice of airlines in the Asia Pacific region.”

Vietnam Airlines CEO Le Hong Ha added: “Through our membership in AAPA, Vietnam Airlines will enhance its operational efficiency within the Asia-Pacific region and elevate Vietnam national airline’s global reputation. Vietnam Airlines will also have the opportunity to contribute valuable viewpoints and perspectives from the airline and the broader Vietnamese aviation industry on important regional issues. Moreover, AAPA membership will facilitate collaboration between Vietnam Airlines and leading Asian airlines, delivering even more exceptional products and services to passengers worldwide.”

Vietnam Airlines

Established on 27 May 1995, Vietnam Airlines is the national airline of Vietnam and a key player in Vietnam’s aviation and regional transportation. Vietnam Airlines offers air transportation services on nearly 100 domestic and international routes. With a modern fleet of over 100 aircraft, Vietnam Airlines is the first airline in the Asia-Pacific region to operate both the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, the next-generation aircraft.

PATA confirms 2024 summit venue

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 17 November 2023: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) confirms the Macao Government Tourism Office has won the bid to host the PATA Annual Summit 2024. 

The 2024 Summit will be supported by SJM Resorts and held from 15 to 17 May 2024 at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macao. 

Photo credit: PATA.

The programme, which comprises plenary sessions, breakout sessions, the PATA Executive Board and full board meetings, and the Annual General Meeting, will provide a platform for PATA’s public and private sector members, PATA Chapters and PATA Youth worldwide to discuss the challenges, issues and opportunities facing the industry as it looks towards the responsible and sustainable growth, value, and quality of tourism in the region.

“All of us at PATA are excited to be returning to Macau for the PATA Annual Summit 2024 and receive first-hand updates about the significant developments in the destination since having previously organised successful PATA Travel Marts in 2010 and 2017, as well as the PATA Annual Conference in 2005,” said PATA chair Peter Semone. “The Macao Government Tourism Office has been a strong partner of PATA since 1958 and our major sponsor for the PATA Gold Awards for the past 28 consecutive years. Next year’s event provides Macao with the perfect opportunity to showcase their destination and the Greater Bay Area to all delegates.”

Macao Government Tourism Office director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes commented: “It is an honour for Macao to host the PATA Annual Summit 2024. PATA holds a special place in the heart of our tourism industry, and we are happy to be once again granted the opportunity to welcome delegates from near and far to meet in our city. Especially as this will be the first PATA event we host after the pandemic, allowing us to showcase to participants the current dynamic change in our destination towards more diversification for a memorable meeting in Macao.”

For more information, visit www.PATA.org/pata-annual-summit-2024

Carnival sets dates for Australia sailings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 November 2023: Carnival Cruise Line opened new 2025-26 cruises from its Australian homeports of Sydney and Brisbane earlier this week. 

The new cruise options include sailings to Fiji and New Zealand on Carnival Splendor, as well as sailings to Fiji and Papua New Guinea on Carnival Luminosa, along with several Great Barrier Reef cruises on both ships.

Cruises from Sydney on Carnival Splendor

From Sydney, Carnival Splendor will offer itineraries, with cruise options spanning from three to 12 days to destinations across Australia – including the Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Island, Tasmania and a Melbourne Cup cruise, as well as international destinations such as Fiji, South Pacific islands and New Zealand. 

Cruises from Brisbane on Carnival Luminosa

From Brisbane, Carnival Luminosa will sail to popular destinations like Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. Cruise durations are from three to 11 days.  

Emirates signs off on Boeing order

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 16 November 2023: Emirates signed off on a significant order for 95 additional wide-body aircraft during this week’s Dubai Airshow, taking its total order book to 295 aircraft.

Already the world’s biggest operator of wide-body passenger aircraft, Emirates has committed to additional Boeing 777-9s, 777-8s, and 787s, worth USD52 billion, to power its growth plans, maintain a modern, efficient fleet, and deliver the best flying experience to its customers.

In the presence of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Deputy Ruler of Dubai and HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; the orders were signed by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group; with Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes; and Larry Culp, Chairman and CEO for GE, and CEO of GE Aerospace.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “From day one, Emirates’ business model has been to operate modern and efficient wide-body aircraft capable of carrying large numbers of travellers comfortably and safely over long distances to and via Dubai. Today’s aircraft orders reflect that strategy.

“These additional aircraft will enable Emirates to connect even more cities, supporting the Dubai economic agenda D33 set out by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to add 400 cities to Dubai’s foreign trade map over the next decade. By the early 2030s, we expect the Emirates fleet to be around 350-strong, connecting Dubai to even more cities worldwide.”

Emirates’ Boeing order

Emirates, already the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, has signed firm orders for 55 additional 777-9s and 35 777-8s. This takes the airline’s 777-X order book to 205 units.

Emirates also confirmed an order of 202 GE9X engines to power the additional 777X aircraft ordered today, taking its total GE9X engine order to 460 units.

From its previous order of 115 units, the first 777-9 is expected to join Emirates’ fleet in 2025. Today’s additional orders mean Emirates will induct new 777-9s to its fleet until 2035.

With this latest order, Emirates is also set to be one of the launch customers of the 777-8 passenger variant, with first deliveries expected in 2030.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today’s order cements that position. We’ve been closely involved in the 777 programmes since its start-up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft. The 777 has been central to Emirates’ fleet and network strategy of connecting cities on all continents non-stop to Dubai. We are pleased to extend our relationship with Boeing and look forward to the first 777-9 joining our fleet in 2025.”

The 777 remains the backbone of Emirates’ operations, capable of missions of up to 18 hours that enable the airline to connect Dubai non-stop to cities on six continents. The new 777-9s and 777-8s will replace Emirates’ retiring 777 aircraft and provision for the airline’s future growth plans.

Emirates has also updated its previous order of 30 Boeing 787-9s, increasing its commitment to 35 Dreamliners comprising 15 Boeing 787-10s and 20 Boeing 787-8s.
For bookings and more information on the airline, visit www.emirates.com.

Outrigger’s cyber sale unlocks holidays

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 16 November 2023: OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has unveiled its 2023 cyber sale. The sale offers up to 40% off resort and hotel rates. The special prices allow travellers to experience barefoot luxury and unparalleled hospitality across OUTRIGGER’s beachfront resorts in the Maldives, Thailand, Mauritius, Fiji and Hawaii.

The limited-time offers will be available from 22 November to 4 December 2023.

Thailand’s Enchanting Splendour on Display

OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels in Thailand give access to a realm where secluded charm meets ecotourism adventures, unbeatable Thai food and world-class hospitality. Guests can save up to 35% on stays at OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort and OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort, with complimentary daily breakfast and cocktails.

At OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort, adventurers can enjoy discounts up to 35% off room rates, with complimentary breakfast and exclusive bonuses via the cyber sale.

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.

Experience Private Island Paradise in The Maldives 

Guests can plunge into heavenly clear turquoise waters at OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort. Award-winning service, contemporary accommodations, excellent dining and access to a marine wonderland make this a true barefoot luxury bucket list retreat.

OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort guests can save up to 50% off rates and receive complimentary breakfast, premium dining experiences and value-added bonuses.

Ultimate Relaxation and Rejuvenation in Mauritius

Located in the western Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers beautiful beaches, a wonderful ecotourism hinterland and a scintillating culinary culture. OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort offers savings of up to 35% off with complimentary breakfast, dinner and more.

Achieve Your Bucket-List Getaway in Fiji 

Fiji offers idyllic beaches, pristine ecosystems and a culture of heartfelt hospitality that connects with guests like no other destination.

OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort offers discounts up to 35% off when booking six nights or more, with a Family Cultural Pass included. At Castaway Island, Fiji, guests can enjoy discounted rates of up to 50% off on stays of three nights or more. The advice is to come hungry, as the deal includes a full board meal plan with the freshest Fijian cuisine.

There are many additional cyber sale offerings for OUTRIGGER’s numerous Hawaii properties. These are also available on OUTRIGGER.com.

OUTRIGGER, EVP and chief commercial officer Sean Dee said that the cyber sale allows travellers to lock in their next memorable family vacation, romantic retreat, solo adventure or bucket-list trip at the “best rates of the year”.

“The Cyber Sale is an enduring annual tradition for OUTRIGGER, a testament to our steadfast commitment to providing exceptional value to our esteemed guests,” said Dee.To take advantage of all DISCOVERY perks, travellers can learn more and join at www.outrigger.com/discovery.

Global travel M&A surpasses pre-Covid levels

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUMBAI, 16 November 2023: France-based travel investment bank Cambon Partners and India-based travel research company VIDEC have published the industry’s first tracker covering mergers and acquisitions in travel globally, providing critical insights around industry multiples and deal valuations.

Photo credit Cambon Partners. Cambon Partners’ team is composed of some 40 investment bankers.

Highlights from the tracker 

During the decade from 2014 to the 3Q 2023, a total of 1,758 travel companies were sold.

The total value of the 382 deals where valuations are available reaches USD212 billion.

Europe (42%) and North America (38%) remain the hotbed of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity during the decade-long period.

Post-pandemic M&A activity is picking up: since 2022, 423 companies changed hands compared to 389 during 2018-3Q19. 

Commenting on the data Cambon Partners travel lead and partner Morgann Lesné said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of The Travel M&A Database in partnership with VIDEC, whose expertise in emerging markets is unparalleled. The insights from the database suggest Europe to be the most active region for M&A in travel, with 212 deals (2022–3Q23) as compared to 154 deals pre-pandemic (2018–3Q19). Among categories, hospitality is the most trending category, with 149 deals compared to 125 deals in the pre-pandemic period. Technology has taken centre stage, with deals for software and SAAS providers growing to 107 deals against 65. Over time, the database will proffer exhaustive coverage around valuations and multiples and serve as the definitive guidebook for dealmaking in the global travel marketplace.”

VIDEC CEO and co-founder Virendra Jain commented: “While it was all about topline and exponential growth, significant sanity has prevailed post-pandemic with an impetus on profitability and sustainability. The B2B category is a natural beneficiary of this trend, with 151 deals rising to 219 deals post-pandemic. Along similar lines, corporate travel has emerged as the season’s flavour, with deals doubling to 25 post-pandemic. We are pleased to partner with the industry’s leading travel M&A investment bank to provide this valuable resource to our sector.”

About Cambon Partners

The Paris-based investment banking firm specialising in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate financing announced a strategic partnership with Mumbai-based VIDEC to foster Cambon Partner’s global expansion and deep industry thought leadership. 

The partnership is part of Cambon Partners’ move to become the foremost investment bank in global travel technology and distribution. A big part of this mandate is tapping into the strategically significant, high-growth emerging markets in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.    

About VIDEC

Founded in 2016, VIDEC is a boutique research, consulting, and M&A advisory company with a singular domain focus on the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. VIDEC actively helps companies looking to acquire and exit with its commercial due diligence, industry and consumer research, thought leadership, and buy and sell-side advisory services.

Amex posts its trending destinations

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 November 2023: American Express Travel released its annual Trending Destinations list for 2024 Wednesday, featuring the 10 must-visit vacation spots based on global American Express Card Member travel bookings and recommendations from Amex Travel’s team of 6,000 expert Travel Consultants. 

This year’s list – 2024 Trending Destinations: Off the Beaten Path – goes beyond the traditional, well-known vacation spots to uncover hidden gems and new experiences that travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen-Z, are looking for.

Photo credit: American Express

Porto Cervo, Italy; San Miguel De Allende, Mexico; Udaipur, India; and Zermatt, Switzerland are among the top places to visit.

“People are looking for new experiences and to immerse themselves in the local culture when they travel,” said  President of American Express Travel president Audrey Hendley. “Whether you crave a new adventure or just want to beat the crowds, this list is a great place for every type of traveller to find their next vacation destination. Through our Travel Consultants’ expertise and extensive knowledge, we can help find the perfect place to stay, the fastest way to get there, and the best local activities to create an incredible trip.”

Full list of the Top Trending Destinations for 2024

Instead of the popular Blue Mountains of New South Wales, consider the Adelaide Hills, Australia, with its charming villages and bustling culinary scene for your Australian rural retreat.

If you love the history and energy of Istanbul, Bodrum, Turkey, is home to beaches on the sparkling blue Aegean, bustling bazaars, fresh seafood, and active nightlife.

Pastel-hued Porto Cervo, Italy, on the island of Sardinia, is a more exclusive alternative to the iconic Amalfi Coast that still gives visitors celebrity glamour and mouth-watering cuisine.

The sparkling seas, friendly locals and historic culture of St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean make it the perfect destination for those who love the laid-back vibes and white-sand beaches of St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Travellers who love to ski in Sapporo can head farther afield to Niseko, Japan, on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, for an equally unforgettable winter sports experience.

Those who flock to Mexico’s Riviera Maya for its beautiful scenery and vibrant food and culture will find a similarly colourful and stimulating urban experience by travelling inland to San Miguel de Allende.

Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a similar blend of American Southwest culture, history, and natural beauty as the popular Sedona.

The Maldives have come to symbolise the exclusive end-of-the-earth beach vacation. The Seychelles offer a similar paradise, along with expansive biodiversity and multicultural vibrancy.

Udaipur, India, an uber-romantic city of lakes and palaces, is a great alternative to Agra, home to the Taj Mahal.

For those who love skiing, the Dolomites, picturesque Zermatt, Switzerland, offers a similar, charming feel.

American Express Travel’s Travel Consultants have identified the best places to explore, eat, and stay for each destination so that travellers can get a taste of the local culture, including seeing koalas in the wild in Adelaide Hills, shopping for Turkish towels at the bazaars in Bodrum; and visiting a museum devoted to ceremonial masks in San Miguel de Allende.

For more information visit: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/discover/get-inspired/trending-destinations

Methodology:
American Express Travel’s 2024 Trending Destinations are selected based on global American Express Card Member bookings through American Express Travel, looking at year-over-year travel growth between 2019 and 2023.

Hotelbeds adds stays at Barceló resorts

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 November 2023: Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, entered a partnership with Barceló Hotel Group earlier this month.

The strategic distribution agreement increases Hotelbeds’ accommodation portfolio while also extending Barceló Hotels & Resorts’ brand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, opening up new possibilities for travellers.

The collaboration adds 130 Barceló hotels in 15 countries into the Hotelbeds Preferred Portfolio, and Hotelbeds will, in return, enhance the distribution reach for these properties, which spans more than 170 markets and encompasses more than 71,000 travel buyers, resulting in a number of benefits, including increased revenue streams in underpenetrated market segments.

As the flagship brand of Barceló Hotel Group, Barceló Hotels & Resorts encompasses a global collection of hotels and resorts, including urban properties, beachfront getaways and all-inclusive destinations.

AirAsia to fly Singapore-Hat Yai route

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 November 2023: AirAsia Thailand introduced Wednesday a new direct flight from Singapore to Hat Yai, set to take off on 1 February 2024. 

Starting 15 November 2023, travellers could start booking flights to explore the largest city of the Songkhla province in Thailand.

AirAsia Thailand’s head of commercial Tansita Akrarittipirom said: “The introduction of the new route will establish an important connection between the economic hub of Southern Thailand and Singapore, one of the most prominent Asean’s port cities. This is also an opportunity for Thailand to attract more tourists from the Lion City, as Singaporeans can now fly directly to Hat Yai without the need to transit in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, allowing them to save even more. The new route launch also presents opportunities for boosting local tourism and economies.”

Hat Yai is a major city in the southern region of Thailand situated in Songkhla province and a hub for trade and travel. Known for its lively culture and vibrancy, Hat Yai boasts notable attractions such as the Kim Yong Market and Asean Night Bazaar, drawing visitors from across Southeast Asia. Beyond the shopping havens, tourists can immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Songkhla Old Town, take in panoramic vistas from the Hat Yai Cable Car, explore the unique biodiversity at the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, or experience the excitement of the iconic Golden Mermaid statue adorning Samila Beach.

In celebration of the new route launch, AirAsia offers promotional fares from as low as SGD88 all-in* one way. Bookings are open for the promotional fare until 3 December 2023 for travel from 1 February 2024 to 31 March 2024.

Flight schedule from Singapore (SIN) to Hat Yai (HDY):

*The all-in fare is for one-way travel only, including airport tax, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Other terms and conditions apply.

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