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Oceania Cruises lines up seven new 2025 summer sailings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 September 2023: Oceania Cruises, a culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has confirmed seven new summer sailings to French Polynesia and Hawaii on board the 670-guest boutique hotel-style Regatta in 2025.

Reservations will open on 4 October 2023. The new cruises will visit French Polynesia and Hawaii during August, September and October 2025.

New summer sailings in 2025

Polynesian Dreams: 15 days from Honolulu to Papeete aboard Regatta, visiting Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Lahaina, Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Papeete. Departs 1 August and 15 September 2025, which offers the itinerary in reverse.

Tahitian Legends: 10 days from Papeete to Papeete aboard Regatta, visiting Papeete, Moorea, Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Bora Bora and Raiatea. Departs 16 and 26 August and 5 September 2025.

Divine Pacific Oases: 15 days from Honolulu to Papeete aboard Regatta, visiting Honolulu, Nawiliwili, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Nuku Hiva, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Papeete. Departs 30 September 2025. 

Song of Polynesia: 18 days from Papeete to Los Angeles aboard Regatta, visiting Papeete, Moorea, Rangiroa, Nuku Hiva, Hilo, Lahaina, Honolulu, Nawiliwili and Los Angeles. Departs 15 October 2025.

Carrying just 670 guests, Regatta provides a small ship luxury experience, with just 340 suites and staterooms, nearly 70% of which feature private verandas. 

Trip.com drives train travel with Renfe

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TTR WEEKLY
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Photo: dirigentesdigital.com

SHANGHAI, 28 September 2023: Trip.com Group has joined forces with Renfe, the Spanish rail operator, to offer travellers a more sustainable way to explore the beauty of Spain through its extensive train network. 

As international travel rebounds, with a particular resurgence in Asian and Chinese markets, Spain remains a top favourite among globetrotters. The collaboration is set to provide these global travellers with a comfortable and immersive way to experience the rich tapestry of Spain through Renfe’s train services, which travellers can access through Trip.com and Ctrip.

Trip.com Group commercial director of the international train department Alvaro Ungurean expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying: “Spain’s incredible tourism offerings, which encompass a diverse range of destinations, a wealth of historical heritage, vibrant culture and art, exceptional gastronomy, and renowned wine tourism, align perfectly with Trip.com Group’s commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences. We are excited to place Spain at the forefront of our train travel initiatives, and we anticipate rapid growth in our collaboration with Renfe.”

Renfe, which covers the largest number of destinations and operates the most extensive high-speed rail infrastructure within Spain, also holds the distinction of being the first certified green energy buyer in the country. Trip.com Group promotes sustainable travel and claims, and the partnership reinforces its efforts to deliver eco-friendly travel.

Based on Trip.com Group’s recent data, search volume for flights and accommodations to Spain rose by 6% and 3% in August this year, compared to July, underscoring the positive uptick in global travel demand.

Jin Jiang joins WTTC’s sustainability scheme

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TTR WEEKLY
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SHANGHAI, 28 September 2023: The World Travel & Tourism Council welcomes China’s hospitality group, Jin Jiang, to the WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative, further solidifying China’s commitment to sustainable tourism. 

The announcement came during the first visit of WTTC president & CEO Julia Simpson to China, where she met Jin Jiang International president Simon Zhangin in Shanghai.

The Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative was developed responding to a resounding call from leading global hotel brands. It establishes essential sustainability criteria that all accommodation providers, including hotels, guest houses, and tourist residences, must meet as a minimum standard, regardless of size.

Sustainability is an urgent global concern, and this initiative is a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable and inclusive future in the hospitality sector. Destinations, industry associations, travel agencies, and investors endorsing this initiative are heeding the worldwide call for responsible and equitable development in the field of hospitality.

Jin Jiang, a key player in China’s hospitality industry with more than 10,000 hotels, acknowledges that sustainability is not just an option but a fundamental aspect of delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. 

As part of its sustainability efforts, Jin Jiang has undertaken various initiatives, including reducing energy and water consumption, minimising waste, and implementing eco-friendly practices across its properties. The company’s dedication to sustainability reflects its role as a responsible corporate citizen in China’s thriving tourism sector, setting an example for others to follow.

The ongoing progress of the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative in China, including the significant efforts of key stakeholders such as SGS, reflects the growing commitment to sustainability within the country’s hospitality sector.

SGS, renowned for its expertise in inspection, testing, and certification services, has been pivotal in verifying and validating the sustainability endeavours of hospitality providers, including leading entities such as Jin Jiang.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “We are thrilled to welcome Jin Jiang as a partner in our Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative. Sustainability is of paramount importance for China and its travellers. 

“As we gather here in this beautiful country, it’s evident that embracing sustainable tourism practices is crucial for preserving our planet and delivering exceptional experiences to travellers.

“This initiative empowers hotels to make sustainable choices while meeting the evolving expectations of travellers. It’s about driving positive change, and Jin Jiang’s commitment is a testament to their dedication to creating a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.”

Jin Jiang Hotels chairman, Simon Zhang said: “As the pioneering supporter of WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics and the driving force behind its implementation in China, Jin Jiang Hospitality is steadfast in its commitment to high-quality development, viewing sustainability as the pathway forward, with ESG principles serving as our guiding foundation. Our dedication to this mission is unwavering, as we firmly believe the time for action is now.”

Since its launch in April 2022, the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative has garnered support from thousands of registered hotels worldwide, including renowned hotel groups such as Melia, Radisson, Accor, Louvre, and Meninger.

Incorporating insights from Greenview and extensive consultations with stakeholders, including 11 global hotel brands, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and industry bodies like GSTC, Travalyst, Booking.com, and SHA, the initiative addresses three fundamental areas:

Measuring and reducing energy and water consumption, waste, and carbon emissions;
Implementing crucial environmental protection measures;
Making positive contributions to the communities where these establishments are located.

Cruises boost GHA loyalty points

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 28 September 2023: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), a grouping of independent hotel brands, is taking its loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, to the high seas after entering a landmark partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Regent), a luxury cruise line, based in Miami, Florida.

This exclusive agreement marks the first time a cruise line has partnered with GHA, bringing together two leading luxury brands in the travel sector.

GHA DISCOVERY members, with access to 800 hotels, operated by 40 hotel brands in 100 countries, are rewarded with the programme’s currency; DISCOVERY Dollar, equal to USD1.

Through this exclusive partnership, the programme’s 24 million members will now earn D$ when reserving a voyage with Regent. They will be able to redeem benefits in any GHA hotel.

“We are the perfect match, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises being the world’s leading luxury cruise line, offering itineraries that connect key cities across the globe, and GHA DISCOVERY uniting the world’s largest collection of luxury hotel brands, with some of the best hotels in the world in those same destinations,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. 

Partnership benefits 

For every Regent booking made by a GHA DISCOVERY member, guests will be rewarded:

Between D$750 and D$2,500 for every Regent cruise reservation made, which can be spent at any GHA hotel or resort worldwide, valid for 12 months.

Fast-track upgrade to GHA DISCOVERY Titanium status, valid for over 12 months, offering benefits such as double room upgrades, special amenities, early check-in, and late checkout at GHA hotels and resorts worldwide.

On-board welcome gift of premium chocolates and Champagne with any Regent voyage reserved by a GHA DISCOVERY member.

Jail term for illegal travel agent

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 September 2023: The Singapore Tourism Board reported this week that State Courts had handed out a prison sentence on an individual who had conducted unlicensed travel agent activities in 2019.

The STB statement concluded that Singaporean national Rasman Bin Saridin (alias Rasman) has been convicted in the State Courts for carrying on the business of a travel agent without a valid travel agent licence in contravention of Section 6(1) of the Travel Agents Act. 

He was also convicted of offences under the Penal Code. Rasman faced 22 charges and was convicted and sentenced on five charges. He will serve a sentence of 11 months and two weeks imprisonment for contravening the Travel Agents Act and offences under the Penal Code and Bankruptcy Act. 

The remaining 17 charges were taken into consideration for the purpose of sentencing.

STB’s action goes back to a complaint from a consumer in November 2019 that an Umrah travel package he paid for had not been fulfilled. 

Investigations revealed that Rasman had conducted unlicensed travel agent activities in 2019, during which he sold religious Umrah travel packages affecting 56 individuals and collected payments amounting to more than SGD79,000. STB also established that Rasman failed to fulfil the Umrah trips, having already collected payments.

STB’s media statement concluded it “takes a serious view of those who engage in unlicensed travel agent activities and will not hesitate to take action to protect consumers’ interests and uphold the reputation of Singapore’s tourism sector.”

Under Section 6(2) of the Travel Agents Act, any person found guilty of carrying on the business of a travel agent without a valid travel agent licence faces a maximum fine of SGD25,000 and/or up to two years imprisonment.

“The public is advised to exercise due diligence when making travel arrangements, such as only purchasing their travel packages from licensed travel agents and purchasing travel insurance to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances. 

For the latest list of licensed travel agents in Singapore.

For more information visit STB’s TRUST website https://trust.stb.gov.sg. 

Silver Palm Wellness elevates direct bookings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 27 September 2023: Trip Affiliates Network has signed an agreement with Silver Palm Wellness Bangkok to deliver real-time data on hotel room availability and dynamic and static rates to traditionally offline contractors — travel agencies, wholesalers and corporate travel intermediaries.

Recognised as a trusted brand name in wellness and medical tourism, SPW provides a one-stop full-service wellness centre affiliated with CH9 Hospital and enjoys the full resources and expertise of the Chularat Hospital Group in Thailand.

SPW will use TA Network’s proprietary system to broaden its online distribution channels and efficiently increase direct bookings with its preferred agents, wholesalers and corporates.

SPW general manager Nopphong Duangchan said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the TA Network ecosystem and to embrace their innovative hotel B2B direct booking solution. This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, as it empowers us to elevate our direct booking capabilities and connect with a wider audience.”

The TA Network platform is designed to leverage technology solutions adopted by hotels to facilitate their direct connectivity and automate their inventory management processes with their traditional offline contractors, which would otherwise require both parties to update their booking inventory & retrieve booking confirmations manually. This also eliminates overbooking/underbooking issues associated with room allotments and potential human errors in manually maintaining hotel contracts.

TA Network regional director of partnerships and growth Thomas Wong said: “We are delighted to add SPW to our growing ecosystem of hotels and channel clients regionally seeking to increase their direct booking partnerships. Our hotel clients also benefit from our integrated suite of value-added services like e-voucher management and digital payment, which further broaden their direct booking capabilities with their customers”.

TA Network supports over 300 hotels across 15 countries to increase their direct bookings with travel agents, wholesalers & corporates.

About Trip Affiliates Network

Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Indonesia and Thailand, Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) provides FIT/group inbound & outbound turnkey solutions & add-on direct supplier connectivity services for travel agents, wholesalers & hotels. 

Air Canada buys Dreamliners

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 27 September 2023: Air Canada has placed a firm order with Boeing for 18 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft, with deliveries of the new aircraft scheduled to begin in Q4 2025, with the last aircraft scheduled for delivery in Q1 2027.  

They will replace older, less efficient wide-body aircraft in the Air Canada fleet. The agreement also includes options for another 12 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, which will provide flexibility for growth to meet future customer demand.  

Air Canada has placed a firm order with The Boeing Company for 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft. (CNW Group/Air Canada).

Air Canada currently operates 30 787-9 and eight 787-8 versions of the Dreamliner, with two more 787-9 aircraft scheduled for delivery from a previous order. The 787-10 is the largest model of the Dreamliner family and can carry more than 330 customers depending on the seat configuration. According to Boeing, the 787-10 has up to 25 per cent lower fuel emissions per seat than the aircraft it replaces.

Fleet Renewal

The acquisition of the new aircraft is part of an ongoing fleet renewal programme at Air Canada, with the airline continuing to take delivery of new Airbus A220 aircraft, as well as plans to acquire 28 extra-long range (XLR) versions of the Airbus A321neo aircraft, also beginning in 2025. In addition, as previously announced, Air Canada has finalised a purchase agreement for 30 ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft under development by Heart Aerospace due to enter service in 2028.

The Boeing 787-10 aircraft order announced with Boeing today substitutes a previously announced agreement to purchase two Boeing 777 freighter aircraft, and, as a result, Air Canada will no longer take delivery of the two freighters. Air Canada currently operates approximately 240 aircraft in its mainline and Air Canada Rouge fleet.

Saudi Arabia hosts World Tourism Day

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 27 September 2023: More than 500 government officials and tourism industry experts representing 120 countries will attend the annual World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 27 to 28 September. 

Now in its 43rd year, the special day will see the tourism industry leaders do what they do best: talk about tourism at every opportunity while amassing grossly enlarged carbon footprints.

The breadth of high-level speakers showcases the collective impetus across the industry to celebrate the sector’s successes while exploring solutions to its most pressing challenges. 

Most of the speakers are part of a global circuit of talking globetrotters who have accumulated an inexcusable carbon footprint that far exceeds the value of what they are saying, mainly as it is repetitive and largely irrelevant to those struggling to keep their travel and hospitality enterprises above the breakeven benchmark.

Speakers confirmed for the two-day talk shop

His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization

His Excellency Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia

Her Highness Princess Haifa Bint Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism

Her Excellency Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism of South Africa

Her Excellency Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia

His Excellency Mehmet Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey

Her Excellency Rosa Ana Morillo Rodriguez, Secretary of State, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain

Julia Simpson, CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council

Pansy Ho, Secretary General of the Global Tourism Economy Forum

Captain Ibrahim Koshy, the CEO of Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA)

Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises

Greg Webb, CEO of Travelport

Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso

Ritesh Agarwal, CEO of OYO

UN Secretary-General António Guterre comments: “Tourism is a powerful force for progress and mutual understanding. But this force must be protected and nurtured to deliver its full benefits. On this World Tourism Day, we recognise the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and the planet. So, let us all do more to harness the full potential of sustainable tourism. Because sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for all.” 

WTD 2023 is waving the theme flag “Tourism and Green Investments” to foster global collaboration to examine investment opportunities to strengthen the resilience of the tourism industry and steer the sector towards an investment-led and sustainably focused future. 

The scale of the event being hosted in Riyadh showcases the importance of the Saudi government to the development of the global tourism sector. The Kingdom was elected chair of the executive council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for 2023 and hosted the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Riyadh last year.          

The newest Pullman debuts in Singapore

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 27 September 2023: Pullman Hotels & Resorts, a premium brand part of hospitality player Accor, confirms that Pullman Singapore Hill Street will start welcoming guests from 1 October 2023.

Developed and owned by EL Development Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based real estate company, the new five-star hotel will make its mark as the company’s first foray into hotels under the Pullman brand. 

Centrally located, Pullman Singapore Hill Street will feature 350 rooms offering views of Fort Canning, the hotel’s swimming pool or Marina Bay.

Accor has named Mazen Abilmona, the general manager of Pullman Singapore Hill Street.

In its opening press briefing, Pullman Singapore Hill Street maintains a strong commitment to sustainability and has woven specific features and eco-friendly directives across every aspect of operations. For conscious maintenance, solar panels are installed on the roof to power corridor lights in addition to a programmed irrigation system that ensures efficient water management, releasing precise amounts at determined times to sustain pockets of greenery.

The property stands between Singapore’s commercial districts, entertainment precincts, and cultural hubs and is a five-minute walk to City Hall MRT Interchange.

Pullman Singapore Hill Street is now taking reservations for October 2023 and beyond. Guests can take advantage of a 10% saving on the room during the first two months of operations (valid until 30 November 2023) plus the following perks.

● Complimentary buffet breakfast for two persons daily.

● SGD28 F&B dining credits per room daily that can be utilised across in-house restaurants.

Accor Plus Members are eligible for a 20% savings on room rates based on the best available rates.

● Complimentary buffet breakfast for two persons daily

● SGD28 F&B dining credits per room daily that can be utilised across in-house restaurants.

UNWTO tourism data tracks recovery progress

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 27 September 2023: International tourism continues to recover from the worst crisis in its history as visitor arrivals reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels between January and July 2023, according to the latest data from UNWTO. 

The Middle East, Europe and Africa lead the global sector’s rebound, UNWTO reports.

The latest release of the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer tracks the sector’s recovery over the course of 2023 up to the end of July. 

Barometer standouts

By the end of July, international tourist arrivals reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels.

700 million tourists travelled internationally between January and July 2023, 43% more than in the same months of 2022.

July was the busiest month, with 145 million international travellers recorded, about 20% of the seven-month total.

All world regions enjoyed strong rates of tourism recovery over the first seven months of 2023, driven by demand for international travel from several large source markets:

The Middle East reported the best results in January-July 2023, with arrivals 20% above pre-pandemic levels. The region remains the only one to exceed 2019 levels so far.

Europe, the world’s largest destination region, reached 91% of pre-pandemic levels, supported by robust intra-regional demand and travel from the US.

Africa recovered 92% of pre-crisis visitors this seven-month period, and the Americas 87%, according to available data.

In Asia and the Pacific, recovery accelerated to 61% of pre-pandemic arrival levels after opening many destinations and source markets at the end of 2022 and earlier this year.

Looking ahead

These results show international tourism remains well on track to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Prospects for September-December 2023 point to continued recovery, according to the latest UNWTO Confidence Index, though at a more moderate pace following the peak travel season of June-August. These results will be driven by the still pent-up demand and increased air connectivity, particularly in the  Pacific, where recovery is still subdued.

The reopening of China and other Asian markets and destinations is expected to continue boosting travel both within the region and other parts of the world.

The challenging economic environment continues to be a critical factor in the effective recovery of international tourism in 2023, according to UNWTO’s Panel of Experts.

Persisting inflation and rising oil prices have translated into higher transport and accommodation costs. This could weigh on spending patterns over the remainder of the year, with tourists increasingly seeking value for money, travelling closer to home and making shorter trips.

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