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TripAdmit streamlines tipping for guides

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 June 2024: TripAdmit has launched the TipDirect App, a cutting-edge mobile app designed to streamline tipping and reviews for tour guides.

TipDirect has already achieved significant success, providing a digital solution for tour guides across Europe and North America to collect tips and reviews in person at the end of each tour. Introducing the TipDirect App adds another powerful tool for guides, enhancing their ability to receive tips and feedback seamlessly.

Carrying cash is becoming less common in an increasingly cashless society. TipDirect addresses this by providing a convenient, cashless solution for tipping. Tour guides can now effortlessly receive tips from customers via their mobile devices. Customers can make instant payments directly to the tour guide’s designated bank account by simply scanning a unique QR code. This process is fast, secure, and transparent for both the guest and the guide.

The TipDirect App offers a comprehensive user dashboard where guides can update their profiles in real time. The app’s payment functionality meticulously records all earnings and recent transactions, presenting income trends in an easy-to-understand format. This ensures that guides can manage their finances efficiently and transparently.

One of the standout features for guides of TipDirect is its instant payout system. Guides receive real-time payments when the transaction is made, ensuring immediate access to their earnings. This feature enhances tour guides’ financial security and convenience.

On review generation, TipDirect is the first to market with its AI-assisted review capability. Using OpenAI’s ChatGPT, guests can write their reviews independently or with AI assistance. This enhances the review process and provides valuable insights for guides and operators.

Beyond improving the in-tour tipping and review process, TipDirect offers several other benefits. The platform and app include features for tour upselling, allowing activity providers to promote additional tours and boost sales. Additionally, the social connect feature helps enhance social media presence by engaging with guests who have already shown interest in the services.

TripAdmit, Co-founder and CEO John Maguire commented: “We are excited to introduce the TipDirect App. The app is intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring that guides receive tip payments immediately upon transaction completion. In our cashless world, we are dedicated to supporting tour guides who rely on tips for their invaluable services.”

TripAdmit’s TipDirect App is set to transform the tipping landscape for tour guides. It offers a modern, efficient, and secure solution that aligns with today’s cashless trends. Tour guides can now enhance their service quality and financial transparency, improving their overall service and customer satisfaction.

He added: “Our development team has created a powerful app that ensures mobile tipping is as fast as cash, but far more convenient and secure. TipDirect will enhance the overall traveller experience while maximising earning potential for tour guides, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional experiences for their customers.”

For more information about the TipDirect App, visit https://tip.direct/app/

New Lapland flights in the winter

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 June 2024: British Airways has added Lapland to its list and checked it twice as it prepares to launch new flights to Santa Claus’s home region this winter.

With the launch of new twice-weekly flights from London Gatwick on 3 December 2024, British Airways is making it easier than ever to reach Ivalo, home to Finland’s most northerly airport.

Photo credit: British Airways.

Ivalo, a charming village on the Ivalo River in Lapland, is a winter wonderland located in the Arctic Circle. It beckons visitors from across the globe, especially during the winter months, to revel in the magic of cold weather and Christmas activities. Serving as a gateway to Saariselkä, a resort village that allures winter sports enthusiasts with its array of activities, from skiing and snowmobile safaris to toboggan rides and snowshoeing, Ivalo promises a unique and unforgettable winter experience.

Those who’d like to deliver their Christmas lists in person to Saint Nick can meet him at the Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä. Ivalo’s remote location also offers spectacular views of the northern lights.

BA Euroflyer, British Airways’ short-haul subsidiary based at London Gatwick’s South Terminal, will operate the flights. Customers can take skiing or snowboarding equipment as part of their checked baggage if the bag is within 190 x 75 x 65cm.

Ivalo joins Tromsø in Norway, which was announced last week as a new route to join the winter schedule from London Heathrow this December.

Return flights are available now from UKP345 and will run twice a week until 14 February 2025.

Cebu Pacific STB promote fly-cruise holidays

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 18 June 2024: Cebu Pacific, a leading low-cost airline in the Philippines, has strengthened its partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board following a recent increase in flights from Clark to the Lion City. 

CEB renewed its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Singapore Tourism Board earlier this month, just days before it increased flights on the Clark – Singapore route from three weekly to daily.

Photo credit: Cebu Pacific.

The latest version of the bilateral MoU will focus on promoting “Fly, Stay, and Cruise” holidays that feature destinations in the Philippines and use Singapore as a homeport for international cruise lines. 

The Philippines was Singapore’s 6th largest source market for tourism last year, with nearly 700,000 tourist arrivals, an 81% increase from 2022. 

“We are very grateful for this renewed partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. This collaboration not only aligns with Cebu Pacific’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable flights but also contributes significantly to bolstering Singapore’s tourism industry by attracting more visitors from the Philippines, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting economic growth,” said CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Candice Iyog

CEB currently flies to and from Singapore from several gateway destinations in the Philippines (Manila, Cebu and Clark). Most recently it increased flights from three weekly to daily on the Clark-Singapore-Clark route effective 1 June.

“The Philippines continues to be an important market for Singapore Tourism Board, with strong recovery in visitor numbers after the pandemic,” said Singapore Tourism Board Executive Director for Southeast Asia Terrence Voon. “Through our new partnership, we will give Filipinos more reasons to visit Singapore by leveraging our position as a regional hub for world-class cruise ships, as well as our vibrant year-round calendar of live events.”

CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

The Philippines News Agency quoted CEB Communications Specialist Roxanne Gochuico saying: “The Clark-Singapore route is one of the routes that we launched when CEB restarted its Clark hub in April 2023. Although flights change depending on the demand and aircraft availability, the Clark-Singapore flight continues to operate due to consistent demand among travellers.” 

Malaysia Airlines flies to Chiang Mai

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 June 2024: Malaysia Airlines promotes the magic of Chiang Mai, announcing via a Facebook video that it will fly to the northern Thai city from its home base, Kuala Lumpur, on 15 August.

Promotions got underway this week almost exclusively on Facebook with a compelling video and sales pitch. Still, details of introductory fares on the new route and holiday options are not jumping off the airline’s website pages. Searching for a promotional fare on its website has yet to trigger any price magic for a trip to Chiang Mai.

Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines.

After a long pause of around four years, the airline resumes flights between Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Mai five times a week on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday using a Boeing 737-800. Flight time is two hours and 50 minutes.

Flight MH772 departs Kuala Lumpur at 1150 and arrives in Chiang Mai at 1340.
Flight MH773 departs Chiang Mai at 1440 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1845.

Competition will be harsh on the route as AirAsia flies daily, departing Kuala Lumpur at 1505 using a 180-seat A320. Google Flights quotes a roundtrip fare of USD132, while it quotes a roundtrip fare of USD173 on Malaysia Airlines. 

Until now, with just AirAsia serving the route, the average roundtrip fare is around USD 140.

Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines.

Thai AirAsia taps fifth freedom rights

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 18 June 2024: Thai AirAsia has exercised its fifth freedom rights to carry out an inaugural flight that departed Bangkok (Don Mueang), stopped in Taiwan to pick up passengers, and then completed its journey to Japan. 

Route 1 Don Mueang-Taipei-Okinawa: The daily flight makes a transit stop in Taipei” departing Bangkok (Don Mueang) at 0725 and arriving in Taipei at 1220, picking up passengers and then departing at 1330 to arrive in Okinawa at 1555 daily

Route 2 Don Mueang-Kaohsiung-Tokyo: The flight makes a transit stop in Kaohsiung departing Bangkok (Don Mueang) at 0245  to arrive in Kaohsiung at 0715, picking up passengers and then departing at 0800 hrs to arrive in Tokyo (Narita) at 1255 four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya noted that after introducing flights with transit stops using the Fifth Freedom right, Thai AirAsia has added more flight opportunities to Japan’s Tokyo and Osaka. 

“The first flight took place on 15 June, and the airline thanks all the airports, tourism bodies, and supporting agencies that aided in promoting Thai AirAsia’s Fifth Freedom routes in Taiwan (Taipei and Kaohsiung) and Japan (Tokyo and Osaka), leading to the strong response they received. Connections between Taiwan and Japan were particularly well received, indicating high demand in the market.

“Carrying out stop overs to receive additional passengers is a new challenge for AirAsia, but it has provided more opportunities to connect with a wider customer base in both Japan and Taiwan. We inaugurated Don Mueang-Taipei-Okinawa and Don Mueang-Kaohsiung-Tokyo today and received a very satisfactory response.” Santisuk concluded.  

AirAsia staged a welcoming ceremony for the inaugural flight of the Kaohsiung – Tokyo route, presenting passengers with certificates and souvenirs during a ceremony at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. 

Jetstar Asia resumes flights to Clark

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 June 2024: Sunday morning, 16 June, marked the resumption of Jetstar Asia’s (3K) services to Clark International Airport in the Philippines, as flight 3K775 took off at 0740 from Singapore’s Changi Airport.

The low-cost carrier’s fleet of Airbus A320s will operate four return services each week, increasing to five return services from 18 October 2024 to meet increasing demand, offering more than 90,000 low-fare seats between the two destinations next year.

This popular destination, north of Manila, is a key destination for tourists, business travellers, and those visiting family and friends.

Renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, Clark offers various attractions and experiences. Visitors can spend the day exploring, shopping, and enjoying vibrant local cuisine and warm hospitality.

Jetstar Asia’s COO, Geoffrey Lui said this route reinforced Jetstar Asia’s commitment to making the region more accessible.

“Clark serves as an important hub for both business and leisure travellers, and we are excited to offer more travel options for our customers,” Lui said.

“With so many reasons to visit Clark, our crew and our passengers have been looking forward to our return to this popular destination, so it’s great to add Clark back to our network,” he concluded.

Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp President and CEO and manager and operator of Clark International Airport, Noel Manankil, shared his enthusiasm about the resumption.

“This eagerly anticipated event is not just a moment of celebration, but a showcase of the history of the relationship between Clark International Airport and Jetstar Asia.”

Centara Life Samui launches opening offer

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 17 June 2024: To celebrate the upcoming opening of its newest hotel in Koh Samui, Centara Hotels & Resorts is offering an introductory offer for Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui. 

Set to welcome guests from 15 August 2024, this contemporary island getaway delivers seamless stays with exceptional value for all.

Conveniently located just 6.5 km from Samui International Airport and steps from Lamai Beach, this 61-key resort embodies the Centara Life brand DNA, with a focus on elevating the essentials through flexible travel, daily delights, and prioritising signature experiences across four core pillars – Life Essentials, Life Surprises, Life Flexibility, and Life Connectivity.

From an outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness centre to complimentary on-site parking, a tuk-tuk service to the beach, and an all-day dining restaurant with the added perk of serving breakfast until 1600 guests have the flexibility of choosing what they need, whenever they need it, for an unforgettable escape.

Modern rooms offer a fresh and stylish retreat, thoughtfully designed with soothing earth tones and a chic loft style. Choose from Deluxe, Premier Loft, or Family Suite accommodations, each offering the added flexibility of a daybed to comfortably accommodate 3-4 persons without the need for an extra bed. Select rooms feature separate living and dining areas, along with balconies to soak in the serene tropical surroundings.

To celebrate its opening, Centara Life Samui is offering celebratory room rates, including complimentary food and drinks credit of THB250 per day, daily breakfast for two persons, early check-in and late check-out, as well as a 15% on-top discount for CentaraThe1 members. Not a member? Sign up for free in less than a minute at www.centarathe1.com.

This introductory offer runs from now to 30 September 2024 for stays from 15 August until 20 December 2024. For more information and reservations, visit: www.centarahotelsresorts.com/csa

Emirates flies to Bogotá daily

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 17 June 2024: Emirates has started its highly-anticipated services to the Colombian capital of Bogotá, expanding the airline’s South American network to four destinations and reaching 19 points across the Americas.

The recent launch of services to Emirates’ latest destination was celebrated at El Dorado International Airport with a cake-cutting ceremony and symbolic gift exchange commemorated the occasion in the presence of a delegation of VIPs including His Excellency Luis Miguel Merlano Hoyos, Colombian Ambassador to the UAE; His Excellency Mohamed Alshamsi, UAE Ambassador to Colombia: Sergio Paris Mendoza, Director General of Aeronáutica Civil de Colombia; and Natali Leal, OPAIN General Manager.

The daily service via Miami is operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft, which will offer premium passenger services on its daily services to Bogotá. Emirates also became the first airline to offer first-class services on the popular route between Miami and Bogotá.

Emirates showcases its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which features eight first-class private suites, 42 lie-flat seats in business class, and 304 spacious seats in economy class.

Emirates’ EVP Passenger Sales and Country Management Nabil Sultan said: “The addition of Bogotá to our network reinforces our deep commitment to South America and expanding our reach in this important continent. Bogotá’s status as a key leisure and business destination makes it a gateway we have long wanted to serve, and the new flights will become a conduit to enhance trade flows, improve market access and open pathways for investment across several sectors between Colombia and the UAE. We are also excited to provide our premium services between Miami and Bogotá and to introduce a first-class offering for the first time ever on this popular route.”

Emirates’ daily flight EK213 departs Dubai at 0215 and arrives in Miami at 1005. The flight then departs Miami at 1205, arriving in Bogotá at 1455. Emirates’ return flight EK214 leaves Bogotá at 1719 and arrives in Miami at 2215. The flight then departs Miami at 0045 the next day, arriving in Dubai at 2300. All times are local.Tickets to Bogotá can be booked on emirates.com or the Emirates App.

WEGO promotes summer travel in Spain

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 17 June 2024: Wego, an online travel marketplace specialising in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announces its partnership with the Spain Tourism Office for the summer campaign under the theme “Vibrant Summers of Spain.”

The initiative invites travellers to delve into Spain’s rich culture and stunning landscapes, including its picturesque islands.

Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer of Wego and Daniel Rosado, Director of Spain Tourism GCC.

“This campaign not only showcases the diverse offerings of Spain during its most vibrant season but also strengthens the bond between Wego and Spain Tourism Office’, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences,” said Wego chief business officer Mamoun Hmedan.

Spain Tourism GCC Director Daniel Rosado noted: “Summer in Spain will delight Middle Eastern travellers with its perfect blend of leisure activities, attractive lifestyle, and massive heritage.”

Travellers get to explore must-visit destinations such as Seville, Granada, and Valencia. From charming boutique hotels to luxurious resorts and traditional Spanish villas, unique accommodations provide a true taste of Spain’s welcoming spirit. Curated experiences offer a deeper connection to the local culture, including flamenco dancing classes in Seville, tapas tours in Madrid, and private yacht trips around the Balearic Islands.

Wego provides award-winning travel search websites and top-ranked mobile apps for travellers living in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. Wego harnesses powerful yet simple-to-use technology that automates the process of searching and comparing results from hundreds of airlines, hotels, and online travel agency websites.

Wego was founded in 2005 and is dual headquartered in Dubai and Singapore, with regional operations in Bangalore, Riyadh, Cairo, Lahore, and Kuala Lumpur.

Discover Airlines wins German Brand Awards 2024

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 June 2024: Less than a year after its launch, Discover Airlines won two German Brand Awards in the main category, Excellence in Brand Strategy & Creation, during a ceremony in Berlin last Thursday. 

The German Brand Awards annually honour strong and successful brand management in Germany. 

The leisure airline was presented with the German Brand Award in the main category “Excellence in Brand Strategy & Creation” in two sub-categories; “B2C Brand Strategy” and “Brand Strategy of the Year”.

The leisure airline, previously known under the Eurowings Discover brand, presented its new brand identity to travellers on 5 September 2023. Part of the Lufthansa Group, Discover Airlines, the leisure travel from its Frankfurt and Munich hubs. It currently operates a fleet of 27 aircraft and employs around 2,000 people.

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