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Hong Kong sponsors electric boat races

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 9 January 2024: Electric boat races are heading for Hong Kong under the official Championship Standings “Race to Hong Kong”.

It’s the first-ever UIM E1 World Championship (E1), and its grand finale will be staged in Hong Kong for the first three seasons (2024 to 2026), supported by the Tourism Commission of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). 

Ms Vivian Sum, Commissioner for Tourism (left) and Dr Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of HKTB (right), welcomed Mr Alejandro Agag, Chairman and co-founder of E1 (middle), for bringing the first-ever UIM E1 World Championship to Hong Kong. (CNW Group/Hong Kong Tourism Board).

The E1 Hong Kong Grand Prix — the Hong Kong leg of the UIM E1 World Championship — is an event funded under the 2023-24 Budget to attract mega events with strong visitor appeal and significant tourism promotional effect to take place in Hong Kong.

As the only East Asian city to host this pioneering championship in its inaugural season, Hong Kong will welcome up to 10 teams of pilots from 9 to 10 November 2024 after six international legs in Europe and the Middle East. 

E1 Hong Kong Grand Prix is expected to attract thousands of spectators worldwide to attend in person and experience the ultimate electric boat race on the waters of the picturesque Victoria Harbour in front of the city’s iconic skyline.

Hong Kong SAR Government secretary for culture, sports and tourism Kevin Yeung welcomed E1 to Hong Kong: “We are most excited to see the debut of UIM E1 World Championship in 2024, and are proud that Hong Kong will host the grand finale of the first three seasons of the championship and will be the only East Asian host city of its inaugural season, highlighting Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-renowned events capital and one of the best destinations for tourists around the world.”

E1 chairman and co-founder Alejandro Agag noted: “Hong Kong is the perfect city to host the final race of the first three seasons of E1. We are confident that Hong Kong’s superb facilities and international connectivity will enhance the overall experience for both the racing teams and spectators, lay a solid foundation and build a legacy for E1 as a world-class sports event.”

The UIM E1 World Championship Season 1 will feature seven thrilling races around the world in 2024 in cities such as Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Venice (Italy), Puerto Banús (Spain), Geneva (Switzerland), Monaco, and Rotterdam (Netherlands), culminating in a spectacular final event in Hong Kong. The championship will see up to 10 teams and 20 male and female pilots racing on water in iconic cities and navigating tight and technical circuits behind the wheel of electric E1 race boats. E1’s teams are owned by some of the biggest names in their fields, from Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, Virat Kohli, Didier Drogba and Sergio Pérez in sports to Steve Aoki and Marc Anthony in the world of music and entertainment.

Vietnam gains top-of-mind attention

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TTR WEEKLY
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HANOI, 9 January 2023: Based on Google’s ongoing analysis of global travel demand trends, Vietnam’s tourism demand growth registered 75% in 2023, ranking the country in sixth place worldwide.

Vietnam’s Government Statistic Organisation’s data monitored a positive recovery of international tourist arrivals, reaching 12.6 million, nearly 3.5 times higher than in 2022 and exceeding the target set at the beginning of 2023 by 57%. 

Based on growth demand data, (searches and trip researching) Vietnam ranks above other countries in the ASEAN region, such as Thailand (10), Indonesia (11), Malaysia (12), and the Philippines (14).

The top source market countries fueling the outstanding growth in demand for Vietnam’s tourism included the United States, Australia, Japan, India, Korea, Singapore, England, Germany, Malaysia and Thailand.

Destinations in Vietnam that generated high demand and interest included the two major gateway cities — Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Other strong performers on the demand scale included two famous sea tourism destinations, Danang and Phu Quoc Island, followed by Hoi An, Nha Trang, Dalat, Hue, Phan Thiet, and Dien Bien Phu.

Supporting the high score, Vietnam won prestigious international awards. In 2023, the World Travel Awards named Vietnam in 19 top award categories worldwide and 54 top award categories in Asia. In particular, Vietnam was honoured as “The World’s Leading Heritage Destination” for the 4th time and “Asia’s Leading Destination” for the 5th consecutive time. Additionally, many attractive destinations in Vietnam, such as Ha Long, Ha Noi, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh and Phu Quoc gained recommendations from influencers, media agencies and international travel websites.

Source: Google Destination Insights

Since 15 August 2023, Vietnam granted e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories, offering them a 90-day stay with multiple entities within the stay period.

Also, since 15 August 2023, citizens of 13 countries have enjoyed unilateral visa exemption from 15 days to 45 days, regardless of passport type and entry purpose. The international community welcomed this open policy and is considered an important driver in promoting the growth of international tourist visits.

It is forecast that in 2024, based on results achieved recently, Vietnam’s tourism industry will achieve its goal to welcome 17 to 18 million international visitor arrivals.

(SOURCE: Tourism Information Technology Centre)

SriLankan boosts fleet

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, India, 9 January 2024: SriLankan Airlines has added a newly leased Airbus A320 aircraft to the fleet, bumping up its total aircraft count to 22.  

Leased for six years, the aircraft arrived from Malaysia, and after customisation and rebranding in Colombo, the inaugural flight to the Maldives took place on 29 December 2023.

The A320 aircraft is now deployed on the airline’s short to medium-haul routes covering the Indian subcontinent, Asia, and the Middle East. It has a cabin configuration of 12 business class seats and 138 economy Class seats. SriLankan Airlines has 12 narrow-bodied aircraft and 10 wide-bodied aircraft in its fleet.

2023 was a challenging year for SriLankan and the whole industry due to shortages of available aircraft and engines and supply chain issues extending maintenance times. This led to a reduction in flights. However, the latest aircraft deployment will boost fleet strength in the coming weeks. 

During this month SriLankan adds an A330-200 wet-leased from Air Belgium. Fitted out with 22 business class and 240 economy class seats, it will serve routes from Colombo to Frankfurt, Dhaka and Dubai. A second aircraft from Air Belgium is due to join the fleet by the end of January. 

SriLankan Airlines maintains direct operations between Colombo and 36 cities in 21 countries and is a member of the oneworld Alliance.

AirAsia X set to acquire Capital A’s aviation business

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 9 January 2024: AirAsia X (AAX) confirmed Monday that it has entered into a non-binding letter of acceptance with Capital A for the proposed acquisitions of its aviation businesses, namely AirAsia Berhad and AirAsia Aviation Group Limited. 

The strategic move will position AAX as the overarching regional aviation provider for all short and medium-haul routes under the AirAsia brand name. 

The acquisition should provide advantages, including a strengthened market position, increased operational efficiency, and ultimately driving cost savings and enhanced financial performance.

The decision to combine the airline businesses through these acquisitions leverages AAX’s robust recovery trajectory after its upliftment from the Practice Note 17 (PN17) status in November 2023.

AirAsia X Chairman, Dato’ Fam Lee Ee said: “These strategic acquisitions are pivotal milestones in AAX’s post-PN17 revival strategy, bolstering our financial stability and enhancing our market positioning. The consolidation under the AirAsia brand as a one-listed entity reflects our commitment to capitalise on our regained strength and market confidence to deliver a unified and unparalleled travel experience for our guests and significant value for our shareholders.

“Leveraging the strengths of all airlines under the AirAsia brand, we are poised to create a pure-play entity that propels us forward. The synergy created through these strategic acquisitions represents more than just a financial consolidation; it symbolises our role as a trailblazer in shaping the future of the aviation industry. The future holds immense potential, and we are excited to embark on this transformative journey.”

The detailed announcement on the Proposed Acquisitions, including their effects on various financial metrics, is expected to be announced in due course, subject to the definitive share sale and purchase agreement and its completion.

(SOURCE: AirAsia)

Tokyo takes top spot for New Year revelry

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 January 2024: Tokyo edged out Bangkok to take the crown as Asia’s top five booked destinations to welcome the New Year, based on bookings made on the digital travel platform Agoda.

Tokyo, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, and Osaka led the field as the top five destinations gaining the most attention and New Year bookings.

Once again, Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, topped the list as the most popular destination to celebrate ‘Ōmisoka’ (New Year’s Eve), followed by Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital city known for its spectacular fireworks display along the Chao Phraya River. Despite the cancellation of the fireworks display at KLCC Park, Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, secured the third spot.

This year, Taipei, with its famous Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve Countdown, followed in fourth, ensured the entire top four was unchanged compared to last year’s festivities, according to Agoda’s bookings. 

Osaka, known for its lively street parties and traditional bellringing ceremonies, rose from 8th to 5th and replaced Pattaya in Thailand, which dropped to the 7th spot.

Agoda chief executive officer Omri Morgenshtern shared the news: “This New Year’s Eve, Japan’s popularity for domestic and international travellers continued, with not just Tokyo featuring in the top five destinations but Osaka too. People’s desire to travel and learn about new cultures reflects the wide array of experiences people seek when celebrating the year’s end. From Tokyo’s traditional bellringing to Bangkok’s stunning riverside fireworks, each city offered unique ways to welcome the new year.”

Agoda’s platform connects travellers to 3.9 million hotels and holiday properties worldwide and offers flights and travel activities.

The ranking is based on check-ins between 29 and 31 December 2023 on the Agoda platform.

(SOURCE Agoda)

HBX tracks 2024 travel trends

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 8 January 2024: Demands on the technology used by holidaymakers and business travellers are accelerating, while the personalised experiences travellers seek continue to advance, says HBX Group in its look forward to 2024 travel trends.

HBX Group, which runs Hotelbeds, forecasts 2024 will be a year of optimism for global tourism despite the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts.

“This is a year of optimism for global tourism, the first fully ‘normal’ year of travel since the turn of the decade,” said HBX Group CEO Nicolas Huss. “While several topics remain evergreen, including a focus on personalisation and sustainability, HBX Group is also anticipating a shift towards wellness and increased demand for new payment options from travellers. At HBX Group, we have reconfigured our organisation to meet the changing hopes of travellers and fully anticipate 2024 will be the year when long-held expectations are realised.”

Last year, front-of-mind topics for global hospitality included “trip stacking”, with many catching up on trips denied during the pandemic and the continued digitalisation of the hotel experience.

New figures from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) highlight the recent growth in travel, revealing that destinations worldwide welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 than in the same period of 2022, reflecting a strong northern hemisphere summer season. 

HBX Group identifies trends that could shape the travel industry in 2024.

Experiential travel

From sports to shopping, booking trips around favourite pastimes will increase in 2024. With the Olympics this summer, expect a surge in travel to Paris, while Euro 2024 will see football fans flock to Germany, and cricket fans will head to the US and Caribbean for the T20 World Cup. 

Retailtainment is also expected to peak this year as consumers book their holidays around must-visit shopping destinations. London, particularly for Chinese travellers, and the US have always been popular, but other destinations, such as  Italy, could share the limelight as consumers invest in their homegrown designers.

Luxury travel 

Luxury travel, including the wellness tourism sector, grows as travellers prioritise achieving a harmonious internal and external balance. Travellers will look for more exclusive experiences built around dining experiences. 

Asia-Pacific rebound

2024 will be the first full year for travel for Asia-Pacific since 2019. This means there’s a lot for tourists to explore in and out of the region. While China will lead the way, Vietnam will see a significant spike in popularity.

Personalisation and automation 

Research among travel agent partners of HBX Group reveals that up to 90% of travellers now seek personalised solutions, catering to a rising demand for tailored and seamless trips. The transformation of HBX Group into a global travel ecosystem player, introducing new product lines to meet the end consumer’s needs as they seek a frictionless end-to-end travel experience, is designed to meet these ambitions. Partners report customers are not just after essential services, such as insurance and financial provisions; they also seek comprehensive travel packages that offer 24/7 customer support and assistance in local languages.

HBX Group will introduce a range of Fintech products this year, including travel insurance, payment solutions, and multi-currency solutions. These products will be embedded into the core business to offer its clients and partners these services across their businesses. The size of these opportunities is already large and growing. For example, the travel insurance sector alone is worth EUR15 billion and is expected to grow to EUR99 billion by 2030, according to Spherical Insights & Consulting research.

KL hosts top Asian dive show

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 January 2023: The 48th International Diving & Resort Travel Expo – Malaysia will take place from 2 to 4 February 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC Convention Centre). 

The event brings together diving enthusiasts, industry professionals, and travel and marine ecology enthusiasts for what is arguably Asia-Pacific’s largest B2B/B2C diving and resort travel expo, which has been rooted in the Asian diving market for over a decade. 

Having a presence in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Okinawa, Taipei, Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Mumbai, event organiser DRT SHOW delivers 47 international diving expos featuring 2,500 booths annually. It attracts more than 450,000 professional buyers and visitors from 65 countries.

Jason Chong, founder of the International Diving & Resort Travel Expo, comments: “As global tourism undergoes a robust recovery, the diving travel market will continue to thrive. In the coming years, the Asian diving sector will become a significant focus, and DRT, with collective strength, aims to expand the Asian diving market, connecting stakeholders along the industry value chain to accelerate the influence of the Asian diving industry on the international stage.”

Since its establishment in 2009, DRT SHOW Malaysia has presented an exhibitor lineup highlighting diving equipment distributors, dive shops, liveaboard accommodations, resorts, dive training agencies and marine conservation organisations. 

“This is not just an expo but a platform for industry exchange, a collaborative effort to create diving business opportunities,” says Chong

“With its abundant marine resources and coveted dive sites, Malaysia stands out as a prominent destination in the Asian dive market, poised to become a focal point. 

Emirates ramps up Seoul flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 8 January 2024: Emirates reinforces its commitment to South Korea by ramping up operations in Seoul with three additional weekly flights starting 19 February 2024.    

The new flights will operate as EK324/ EK325 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, Emirates’ flight EK324 will depart Dubai at 0445hrs, landing in Seoul Incheon International Airport at 1805hrs. The return flight EK325 will depart Seoul at 2200hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0315hrs the following day.    

Emirates’ additional services will increase flight capacity between Dubai and Seoul by more than 1,000 additional seats per week, helping to alleviate the suppressed demand for international travel to one of the most popular East Asian destinations and supporting South Korea’s inbound and outbound tourism. The airline’s ramped-up operations will further serve the need for adding more flights between UAE and Korea, in line with the strong bilateral relations between the two nations. 

Through the three weekly Boeing 777 flights, Emirates will provide 45 tonnes of additional cargo capacity between Dubai and Seoul, boosting the trade and economic ties between South Korea and the UAE as well as through Dubai and beyond to more global destinations in Emirates’ network, further contributing to Korea’s economy and facilitating convenient air connectivity for the Republic’s imports and exports.  

Emirates launched services to Seoul in 2005 and operates a daily Airbus A380 service from Dubai. With the additional services, the airline will serve Seoul with 10 weekly flights operated by a mix of its signature Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, guaranteeing more flexibility and choice for its customers to and from Dubai, as well as beyond to its global network of over 130 destinations. 

Travellers flying with Emirates can enjoy the best experience in the sky with an unmatched culinary experience, regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Customers can relax with up to 6,500 channels of carefully curated global entertainment content, including Korean movies, TV shows, music and more with ‘ice’, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.

For more information or to book tickets, travellers can visit www.emirates.com

Langkawi gains international flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 8 January 2024: Langkawi welcomes 2024 with more airlines planning flights to the northern Malaysia island, including a brand new service from Dubai.

Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, launches daily flights to Langkawi via Penang in Malaysia starting 10 February  2024 using a Boeing 737. This marks the first direct connection between Langkawi and the United Arab Emirates, offering convenient travel options via Dubai’s aviation hub. Flydubai FZ1603 is also a codeshare flight with Emirates EK2369.

AirAsia Indonesian has announced it will start the first-ever direct flights from Kualanamu, Medan, Indonesia, to Langkawi starting 2 March 2024, providing a more convenient transfer by lopping off hours of airline travel when flying via Kuala Lumpur. The airline has yet to confirm frequencies, but it is understood it will start with four-weekly flights of a daily service.

This new direct route will significantly reduce travel time between Medan and Langkawi, making it much more convenient for tourists and business travellers. 

Malaysia Airlines expanded its services to Langkawi from its Kuala Lumpur home base during the last quarter of 2023.

On the Singapore to Langkawi route, AirAsia offers a daily direct service departing Changi Airport at 1045 (AK732). In addition, the airline provides a three-week service departing Singaporre at 1245 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. (AK1717).

Singapore Airlines’ low-cost airline, Scoot, flies between Singapore and Langkawi, offering seven weekly services. TR475 departs Singapore at 0830 on Wednesday and Friday; TR477 departs Singapore at 1210 on Tuesday and Sunday; and TR479 departs Singapore at 1555 on Monday, Friday and Sunday.

Charter flights 

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has convinced ITAKA, Poland’s biggest tour operator, to initiate a charter flight series between Warsaw and Langkawi Island in northern Malaysia starting in early 2024 using a Boeing 787 with 294 seats. ITAKA headquartered in Opole has a sales and operations office in  Warsaw and a chain of retail travel shops across Poland.

Direct domestic flight to Langkawi

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Langkawi (LGK): This is undoubtedly the most frequently served domestic route to Langkawi. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia both offer five daily flights, while Malindo Air flies twice daily.

Penang (PEN) to Langkawi (LGK): Penang is a convenient starting point for flights to Langkawi for residents in northern Malaysia or tourists flying in from regional cities such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Hong Kong. Air Asia offers 16 weekly flights on the route using A320. Daily flights depart Penang at 0920. Four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday depart at 1400. Other Air Asia flights depart at 1620 (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and at 2010 (Friday and Sunday).

Firefly offers 10 weekly flights using Boeing 737-800. Daily flights depart at 1630 and on three days (Monday, Saturday and Sunday) at 1610.

Subang, Kuala Lumpur (SZB) to Langkawi (LGK): Subang Airport, primarily serving smaller airlines and regional flights, offers direct connections to Langkawi. Firefly operates twice daily flights on the route departing 1000 and 1320 using ATR72s with 70 seats. Flight time is one hour and 15 minutes.

Johor Bahru (JHB) to Langkawi (LGK): This southern gateway to Langkawi serves travellers from Singapore and southern Malaysia. While there are fewer options than other routes, AirAsia offers four weekly direct flights, departing at 1515 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

LADA (Langkawi Development Authority) website: https://www.lada.gov.my/en/

Seabourn upgrades WI-Fi connectivity

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 8 January 2024: Seabourn, an expedition cruise specialist, offers the latest Wi-Fi connectivity following the installation of SpaceX’s Starlink across its fleet. 

The upgraded technology promises Seabourn’s guests faster and more reliable Wi-Fi wherever Starlink’s services are available*.

Photo credit: Seabourn

Starlink is now available on Seabourn’s two new purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, as well as its ocean ships, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation.

Seabourn’s fleet sails expedition cruises in Antarctica, the Arctic, the South Pacific, the Kimberley region in Australia, and the legendary Northwest Passage aboard Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. They may also explore marquee destinations and boutique ports in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Alaska.

*Starlink’s geographical scope

As of January 2024, Starlink provides internet access to the most inhabited places on Earth, including North America, Europe, Asia and parts of South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Certain remote areas, such as polar regions and off-the-beaten-track islands, lack consistent coverage due to limited satellite visibility. SpaceX aims to provide near-global coverage by the end of 2024.
(For more on high-speed internet and  WI-Fi coverage, visit the Starlink website: https://www.starlink.com/)

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