JAKARTA, 4 August 2023: Tourism Malaysia embarked on a sales mission to Indonesia this week, visiting three major cities, Jakarta, Medan and Balikpapan, to present the latest tourism products and packages.
From 30 July to 5 August, Malaysian and Indonesian tourism industry players met for a series of business-to-business sessions in collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). Key players in the sales mission included the Sarawak Tourism Board, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Sepang International Circuit (SIC), representatives of the Malaysian company My Second Home (MM2H), the Malaysian Homestay Entrepreneurs Association, 15 tourism companies, three product operators, six hotel operators and the Batik Air airline.
The sales mission to Jakarta saw the launch of the Sepang MotoGP campaign that presented travel packages focusing on motorsport action at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to specialised outbound travel agents in the Indonesian capital.
Sepang MotoGP package prices start at MYR1,717 (IDR5,900,000) for a two-day, one-night trip or MYR2,328 (IDR7,200,000) for four nights. Last year, TX Travel, a partner of Tourism Malaysia since 2018, successfully sold 1,500 motorsports tour packages to Indonesian fans. The Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia will be hosted at the Sepang circuit from 10 to 12 November.
In addition to B2B sessions, the sales mission hosted a dinner party attended by representatives of Indonesia’s travel associations, such as the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (ASTINDO), the Association of Indonesian Travel Companies (ASITA) and the Association of Indonesian Tourism Actors (ASPPI).
The tourism sales mission to Indonesia began in Balikpapan before the Malaysian delegation left for Jakarta and was followed by a meeting with industry players in Medan.
Tourism Malaysia director genera Dato Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar described the sales mission as very significant as Indonesia remains one of the most important markets for the tourism sector in Malaysia.
“In 2022, Malaysia recorded 1.481 million tourists from Indonesia, the second highest after Singapore. This position is consistent with present arrival trends for 2023, as we have welcomed 704,147 Indonesian tourists during the first quarter of this year,” he concluded.
MANILA, 4 August 2023: The 2023 Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) is set to take place from 1 to 3 September at the SMX Convention Centre in Pasay City.
With ASEAN integration on the agenda, the travel mart will also present tour packages focusing on Southeast Asian countries that enjoy easy airline access from the Philippines, such as Bali, Siem Reap, and Ho Chi Minh.
In a press launch on Thursday, Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Fe Abling-Yu was quoted by the Philippines News Agency saying: “This year’s travel fair would focus on promoting popular and emerging tourist destinations in the country.”
The annual event, now in its 34th edition, attracts around 300 exhibitors from 17 regions of the Philippines, including hotels, resorts, travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism offices.
PHILTOA is optimistic that footfall at the travel show will exceed last year’s count of 60,000 visitors.
Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Nograles, in the same event, recognised the role of events such as PTM in boosting economic growth, according to the PNA report.
“The PTM has unlocked the potential of our globally acclaimed and emerging destinations, providing greater investment and business opportunities for our tourism stakeholders,” she said.
“The TPB is fully committed to innovating and expanding our tourism portfolio, making travelling more exciting, inclusive and sustainable for both locals and tourists alike,” she added.
PTM has strong backing from the Department of Tourism and the TPB.
HANOI, 4 August 2023: The first direct charter flight linking Seoul, Korea and Hue in central Vietnam landed last week, welcomed by tourism and local government leaders at a ceremony hosted by Hue’s Phu Bai International Airport.
Vietjet operated the first-ever charter between the two cities, using an A321 aircraft that arrived on 1 August with 151 passengers, according to the Tourism Information Technology Center (TITC) report.
Representatives of the Hue Department of Tourism welcome Korean visitors (Photo credit: baothuathienhue.vn).
Passengers had purchased a three-night stay in Hue, including hotel stay, sightseeing and airfare from selected Seoul-based tour operators collaborating with Vietjet’s charter sales department.
Some members of the first tour group booked a round of golf at the Laguna Lang Co Resort and participated in an exchange tournament with members from the local Thua Thien Hue Golf Club.
Based on the outcome of the first charter flight, Vietjet is considering follow-up charters from Korea to Thua Thien Hue. Vietjet’s Seoul-Hue charter is the second international route operated by Vietjet to Terminal T2, Phu Bai International Airport, the other being a similar flight operated from Kunming (China) and Hue that took place earlier in the year.
Vietjet executives said the airline would coordinate with the province and Phu Bai International Airport to organise more flights to push tourism to Hue.
SINGAPORE, 3 August 2023: With solo cruising on the rise, luxury and ultra-luxury cruise retailer Panache Cruises advises solo travellers on making the most of their cruise holiday.
As the popularity of solo cruising continues to rise, cruise lines are responding to demand by fitting more single cabins to new and existing ships, making cruise holidays more accessible for solo travellers.
Photo Credit: Pexels.
Whether new to solo travelling or an experienced adventurer, cruising offers safety, abundant amenities, flexibility, and a stress-free break to enjoy alone or with fellow cruisers.
Embarking on a solo trip can be daunting for many, so putting your trust in a luxury cruise line is the best way to ensure your trip will be smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Advice includes choosing a smaller luxury line, making the most of group excursions, choosing flexible dining options and making the most of the ship’s amenities.
People wishing to cruise on their own should also look out for special itineraries where the dreaded ‘single supplements are waived or kept to an absolute minimum. This enables solo travellers to stay in a twin or double cabin on their own for the price of a single cabin.
Panache Cruises founder and managing director James Cole said: “We have seen that solo and single cruises bookings have boomed since Covid, with travellers looking for new ways to explore the world alone.
“Solo travelling can be daunting for many, with safety concerns and what could go wrong when booking alone.
“Choosing a smaller, luxury line ship is always advantageous, especially when booking a solo trip. The smaller the ship, the more at-home guests will feel. With fewer passengers, the staff and crew will quickly adapt to your wants and needs to ensure your trip is as pleasant as possible.
“Small things can go wrong when travelling alone, but cruising takes away a lot of the stress and pressure of booking a trip, allowing you to visit off-the-beaten-track destinations.
“When in port, avoid wandering off alone and getting lost or failing to make it back in time to the ship for the departure time. By joining a group excursion organised by the cruise line, they guarantee that the ship will wait for you should something happen which makes you late. These can be a great way to make new friends and explore safely in a guided group.”
More tips for solo cruising
Planning
Choosing a smaller, luxury cruise ship with fewer passengers is often preferable for solo cruisers. These ships cater to a few hundred guests instead of a mass market resort with thousands of passengers. Fewer passengers mean a higher guest-to-crew ratio, making you feel more cared for while on board. The camaraderie between guests is also much greater on a small ship, as you will become more familiar with the same faces around the ship.
Excursions
Unlike mainstream cruise lines, many shore excursions are included in the standard fare when cruising with luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines, which is great for ‘new to cruise’ customers. Nonetheless, it is still essential to research and book in advance. Making the most of your cruise line’s portfolio of excursions is a great way to explore new destinations with newfound friends.
Group excursions can be the best way to stay safe when travelling alone. Guided tours can help you explore beautiful destinations without being concerned about where you are or how to return to the ship.
Make the most of the amenities
Luxury and ultra-luxury ships offer some of the most exclusive and indulgent passenger facilities. Travelling solo allows you to personalise your trip and make the most of amenities that suit you best.
Enjoy top-of-the-range spa/fitness facilities, gourmet cooking classes, shopping in boutique stores or gambling in the casino. Many luxury cruise lines will also provide art classes, lecture programmes with a range of specialist subjects and a full entertainment program. Those seeking a quieter venue can retreat to the ship’s library (commonly found on cruise lines such as Oceania Cruises).
Dining options
Some cruise lines ask passengers to choose early or late seating times for dinner and ask them to eat at the same table with the same people each night. Solo cruisers should instead opt for cruise lines with open seating and flexible timing so you can either dine solo or make impromptu plans with passengers you meet in the daytime. Never feel obliged to sit at the same table with the same people every night; ask the Maître d’ if you can change your table and sitting time. The buffet restaurants on board will always be free-seated and offer total flexibility.
SINGAPORE, 3 August 2023: Purposeful shopping is the dominant loyalty driver, more than price, for younger generational consumers, according to new research from American Express conducted in the UK.
Gen Z and Millennial shoppers continue to prioritise retailers’ reputation and brand credentials when choosing where to spend, even when facing a challenging economic and high inflation environment.
Photo credit: American Express.
Their parents’ generation is far more price-motivated regarding loyalty.
The study of 2,000 UK shoppers explored the current drivers of brand loyalty and how retailers can attract and keep customers in the current landscape.
One-third (33%) of 18-34-year-olds (including the Gen Z and Millennial age cohort) said they are more loyal to brands with a positive corporate reputation and values that align with their own, compared to just one in seven shoppers over 55.
As further evidence of their commitment to purposeful shopping, Gen Z and Millennial shoppers were also the most likely to donate their points or cashback earned from loyalty programmes to charitable causes.
The research reveals a distinct ‘loyalty divide’, highlighting the differences in generational attitudes on what increases loyalty towards a retailer.
While an attractive price tag was cited as a loyalty driver for the vast majority (86%) of those over 55, Gen Z and Millennial shoppers were the least likely generational group to consider price as a loyalty driver (49%).
The older generation is less tolerant of poor customer service, too, with almost two-thirds (63%) of shoppers over 55 confirming a poor in-store experience would make them less loyal, compared to under one-third (29%) of younger shoppers.s
The research did reveal some common ground between younger and older generations. A similar proportion of 18-34-year-olds and over 55’s (64% and 54% respectively) said the cost of living pressures meant they are now considering using a loyalty scheme for the first time to help save money. The data revealed that shoppers in both groups signed up for an average of four loyalty schemes.
Opinium Research conducted the research amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults between 9 to 12 May, 2023.
DUBAI, UAE, 1 August 2023: After setting new industry benchmarks in Premium Economy travel, Emirates is celebrating a banner first year of full-service operations with the highly popular cabin class.
Over 160,000 customers have traded up to fly in Emirates Premium Economy since it was introduced in August 2022, with strong demand momentum forecasted in the coming months. The airline is providing travellers more opportunities to experience its highly-acclaimed Premium Economy product, which is currently available on flights to 11 cities, with the list growing to 13 cities by the end of the year, as more retrofitted aircraft with refreshed cabins roll into scheduled service.
Since Emirates debuted its Premium Economy Class, customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, with demand exceeding expectations and bookings growing month on month, demonstrating its appeal to a broad range of traveller segments who want to try out its understated luxury and meticulously elevated experience at great value. Nearly half of the customers flying in Emirates Premium Economy are solo travellers venturing off for holidays, while couples and families constitute the other half. More than 60% of customers who booked to fly in Premium Economy in the last year were also loyal Emirates Skywards members and regular customers of the airline.
Emirates currently flies its A380s with the latest Premium Economy cabins to London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York JFK, Houston, San Francisco and Dubai, with flights regularly registering full seat loads in Premium Economy. The airline plans to make Premium Economy available to customers flying to/from Mumbai and Bengaluru from 29 October, and additional cities will be announced soon. Emirates currently operates 20 aircraft fitted with Premium Economy, 14 of which were retrofitted in-house by the Emirates Engineering team in Dubai over the course of the last nine months.
Since August 2022, the airline has operated close to 4,500 flights with Premium Economy, traversing more than 36 million kilometres around the globe. On those flights, over 192,000 meals from its carefully curated menus which include the finest ingredients, were served to customers who enjoyed regionally inspired, generously portioned dishes. Unique touches include indulgent desserts garnished with edible gold leaf, among other signature offerings. Premium Economy menus are updated every month to ensure a diversity of flavours and dishes, especially for well-travelled customers. Over 126,000 pieces of chocolates were served to round off meals for Premium Economy customers. Emirates also served 6,700 kilograms of mixed nuts and 8,650 litres of complimentary fresh lemon and mint juices in Premium Economy. The airline’s robust beverage selection in Premium Economy includes a global exclusive for Emirates customers, Australian sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2016, and a unique white and red wine choice.
The airline’s philosophy to constantly innovate and redefine service excellence through the introduction of Premium Economy has earned it numerous top placings and accolades in the cabin category at the 2023 Skytrax Awards, Business Traveller Awards, Airline Ratings Excellence Awards, and 2022 Business Traveller Middle East awards.
In May, Emirates launched a global campaign with Academy Award-winning actor and philanthropist Penelope Cruz, featuring her enjoying the spacious seats in Premium Economy. The airline has also provided a glimpse of its Premium Economy offering through guided tours of the new cabin class to media and influencers, trade partners, airport, tourism and government officials across cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Singapore, New York JFK and San Francisco.
The Premium Economy roll-out is a core component of the airline’s multi-billion-dollar retrofit programme, which will see the interior upgrade on 67 Emirates A380 cabins and 53 Boeing 777 cabins. By the end of the programme, over 4,000 Premium Economy seats will be installed, along with over 700 First Class suites and 5,000 Business Class seats refurbished with the latest interiors.
BANGKOK, 3 August 2023: S Hotels and Resorts PCL confirms its latest resort project SO/ Maldives, will open in November as the third resort at Crossroads Maldives, a project currently under development on nine islands in the Maldives.
S Hotels & Resorts owns the USD 60 million joint venture project, which is being developed in partnership with Wai Eco World Developer (WEWD). It marks the birth of the SO/ Hotels & Resorts brand, which will be introduced to the Maldives and form part of the Ennismore Collection lifestyle brands.
SO/ Maldives is a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé’s Velana International Airport. The new resort features a collection of beachfront and over-water pool villas ranging from 120 to 330 square metres in size. SO/ Maldives joins two existing resorts at Crossroads Maldives: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
SINGAPORE, 3 August 2023: Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is expanding its fleet with new Airbus A321neo aircraft as the airline aims to add 20 more A321s to its fleet by 2026.
The A321neo aircraft is part of the A320 family with seating for 180 to 220 passengers in a typical two-class interior layout and delivers superior fuel performance decreasing fuel burn and C0@ by 20% per cent decrease in fuel burning and Co2 emissions.
Photo credit: Saudia
Saudia CEO Ibrahim Koshy said: “We are excited to expand our fleet with the new Airbus A321neo aircraft. Our priority is to offer the best guest experience possible and to bring the world to Saudi Arabia. We will continue to purchase state-of-the-art aircraft from the world’s top manufacturers to deliver on that promise.”
The fleet expansion comes under the Saudi Aviation Strategy objectives, which aim to turn Saudi Arabia into a leader in the global industry as the country aims to generate 330 million visits by 2030 (including religious pilgrimages).
MELBOURNE, 3 August 2023: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre announced this week the launch of its new website, the first step towards developing an omnichannel customer experience.
Built-in partnership with design and innovation agency AKQA’s Melbourne team, the new MCEC website provides a seamless and engaging experience, offering improved accessibility and a first-hand look into the venue’s spaces.
One of the standout features is the introduction of 360-degree virtual tours filmed by SmartView Media, a leading Matterport 3D Virtual Tour provider in Australia.
Supported by Tourism Australia’s Business Events Advance Programme, the virtual tours showcase MCEC’s state-of-the-art facilities and spaces to customers from around Australia and the world. With 20% of current website users from overseas, the tours will enable customers and visitors to explore MCEC’s spaces virtually.
Using simple navigation, customers can now understand the venue’s layout and capabilities, enhancing their event planning experience. More spaces will be added to the virtual tours in the coming months, eventually showcasing all 35 room types available to book at MCEC.
MCEC’s Head of Marketing, Liz Kozmevski said: “The website is the first touchpoint for our customers and visitors, and we wanted it to reflect the exceptional experiences they receive inside our venue.”
In addition to the virtual tours, the new website offers a wealth of information and resources to help customers plan their events. It showcases the best of Melbourne, inspiring visitors and organisers who have their eye on the city for their next event.
Visit the new MCEC website and embark on a virtual tour of the venue’s remarkable spaces at www.mcec.com.au
BANGKOK, 3 August 2023: Global Hotel Alliance, an alliance of independent hotel brands including Thailand’s Minor Hotels, inked a landmark partnership between GHA and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Its the first time a cruise line has partnered with GHA, which means that loyalty programme members totalling 24 million can tap the additional benefit of earning Discovery Dollars by reserving a voyage with Regent and will be able to redeem points in any GHA hotel, including the 530 properties operated by Minor Hotels.
Photo credit: A&P Media.
The loyalty programme, GHA Discovery, now extends to the high seas after entering a landmark partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruise, a leading luxury cruise line based in Miami, Florida.
The 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, who access 800 hotels, resorts and palaces operated by 40 hotel brands in 100 countries, are rewarded with the programme’s rewards currency, Discovery Dollars (D$1 equal to USD1).
Through this partnership, loyalty members can tap the additional benefit of earning D$ when reserving a voyage with Regent and will be able to redeem those benefits in any GHA hotel.
GHA Discovery members who reserve a Regent cruise will also be fast-tracked to GHA Discovery Titanium status, which benefits GHA hotels and resorts worldwide.
