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Amadeus partners with South East Travel

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TAIPEI, 17 October 2023: South East Travel, a leading travel agency in Taiwan, is working with travel technology provider Amadeus to grow its footprint in Taiwan and across the Asia Pacific. 

It has signed a strategic partnership to enable South East Travel to implement a New Distribution Capability (NDC) and Master Pricer Instant Search to enhance its retailing capabilities.

South East Travel air ticketing GM Joe Huang said: “This partnership will enhance our operational efficiency and our commitment to providing the best possible customer experience at South East Travel. I firmly believe that our combined expertise and resources will drive future growth and solidify our position as a leading travel agency and an important step forward in our technology modernization journey.”

The partnership will empower South East Travel to provide NDC-sourced content available on the Amadeus Travel Platform using the Amadeus Travel API to its customers in Asia Pacific. 

Amadeus executive vice president & managing director, Asia Pacific Javier Laforgue noted: “This multi-year agreement is a testament to both the strength of our partnership and South East Travel’s commitment to laying the foundation for modern retailing. We look forward to supporting its growth and helping deliver content and services at the right touchpoints in its travellers’ journeys.”

The big shift from planes to trains

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Beautiful railway station with modern high speed red commuter train with motion blur effect at colorful sunset in Nuremberg, Germany. Railroad with vintage toning

SINGAPORE, 17 October 2023: With France introducing domestic flight bans where there’s a rail alternative and major European airlines like Air France, KLM and Lufthansa supporting the shift, what does this mean for the wider travel industry?  

How can travel sellers and B2B distributors support and tap into this important climate initiative? Experts from across the travel value chain provide insights.  

There’s a business opportunity for airlines in the rail boom, says Alice Ferrari, from aviation technology provider Kyte: “The shift to rail doesn’t mean airlines need to lose out,” she tells us. “Airlines like KLM have already figured out that there’s a business opportunity for forward-thinking carriers. Airlines should look at intermodality – offering multiple forms of transport for the traveller’s total journey – offering people public transport options for part or all of their routes. Airlines should also look to partner with rail companies to buy and sell rail seats and consider this another ancillary revenue. As intermodal transport becomes increasingly important for consumers, travel companies, including airlines and rail carriers, need to be equipped for plug and play with multiple travel apps and itinerary planning tools.”   

However, there are several practical barriers to the shift to rail. Spencer Hanlon from global real-time payments platform Nium comments that “many booking systems and third parties are not properly set up to manage the B2B payment with rail providers automatically, or even at all. Add the complexity of rail ticket booking, many different providers and schedules, not to mention the potential for cancellations or rebookings, and the industry may not be ready to take rail bookings en masse right now – we need to work together to solve these challenges fast to tap into the growing demand for rail.” 

Emilie Dumont, managing director at Digitrips, the owner of leading French multi-product travel platform MisterFly, sees rail continuing to gain over air on short-haul routes: “I truly believe that rail is and will continue to develop as an alternative to air for any route that can be covered in less than four hours by train. “The improvement of high-speed trains will also help in the coming years. The train is convenient – stations are inside cities, there are no security queues, and travellers can arrive at the station as little as ten minutes before departure, enjoying comfort and wifi when onboard. The main issue I see is carbon calculations – the methodology used is a little behind air… However, I see this improving. We also plan to enhance our rail offering in 2024, providing our B2B clients with train-inclusive travel solutions.”

As a final thought, Andres Fabris of Traxo, a global provider of real-time corporate travel data capture, identifies a significant obstacle to reserving train tickets. 

Fabris observes: “The complicated nature of rail bookings, combined with insufficient options in standard corporate booking systems or via Travel Management Companies (TMCs), leads many business travellers to bypass official booking channels. This challenge creates a visibility gap for travel managers responsible for duty of care. It discourages the promotion of rail travel—despite its substantial benefits for reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Capture technology like ours, capable of capturing rail bookings regardless of where they are booked, becomes crucial for motivating corporations to embrace train travel.”

(Source: belverapartners.com, Roman Townsend. https://belverapartners.com/)

Top citation for Banyan Tree Spa Macau

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TTR WEEKLY
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MACAU, 17 October 2023: Banyan Tree Spa Macau, part of Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort, has been honoured as “Macau’s Best Resort Spa 2023” at the World Spa Awards

It follows the resort’s recent recognition as the “Grand Jury Award” recipient at the “SpaChina Wellness & Spa Awards 2023” hosted by the Asian luxury spa publication SpaChina.

Award-winning ways at the Banyan Tree Spa Macau.

The World Spa Awards and the  SpaChina Wellness & Spa Awards 2023 are benchmarks in the global and Asian spa and wellness industry. Spa experts, operators, and enthusiasts evaluate and select winners worldwide. 

Banyan Tree Macau general manager Joanne Chan commented: “We are honoured to receive the awards and the recognition from ‘World Spa Awards’ and SpaChina. All the therapists at Banyan Tree Spa Macau have received professional training at the Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand, where they have mastered the art of Thai massage.”

Banyan Tree Spa Macau is located on the second and 31st floors of Banyan Tree Macau, featuring 21 double therapy suites. 

Skyscanner releases new AI tool

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 October 2023: Skyscanner has launched a new search discovery tool powered by generative AI called “Dream and Discover with AI”.

Initially, the tool launched in beta across Australia, India, and Singapore to test traveller behaviour when using AI for trip planning, with other markets set to follow.

Powered by Open AI’s Chat GPT technology, travellers can ask open-ended statements and questions such as “Best cities for cultural tours” or “What are some hidden gems in Europe?”. It also includes a variety of prompts ranging from “short flights next weekend” to “Foodie city breaks”. The tool will then generate travel ideas, recommendations, and three destination suggestions with links to the best flight options for each.

Unlike other generative AI travel tools and chatbots, imagery is combined with detailed destination descriptions to highlight the unique characteristics of each suggestion. Upon deciding on a destination, travellers are taken straight into Skyscanner’s flight search funnel to choose their flight.

Skyscanner chief product officer Piero Sierra commented: “Generative AI is such an exciting technology that we as a travel industry are only just beginning to apply. 56% of travellers are coming to Skyscanner for inspiration, so with this beta launch, we are looking to understand how it might help travellers in the discovery phases of the travel planning journey, and importantly how they engage with the technology versus existing tools. This is one of many experiments we are running to see how generative AI can be incorporated into the core Skyscanner proposition – helping travellers plan and book their trip easily and confidently – in the future.”

The tool is powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT product, using ‘large language model’ (LLM) technology based on historical data from the internet from 2021, plus a natural language technology to allow travellers to interact with the LLM using free text. 

AirAsia’s ‘free seat’ offer is back

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 17 October 2023: AirAsia reinforces its commitment to stimulate the Malaysian tourism industry in 2024 with its signature FREE* Seat initiative.

It invites travellers to discover the best of Malaysia and fly to Penang, Langkawi, Alor Setar, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu and more from MYR25* all-in one-way and uncover ASEAN gems, such as Bali, Krabi, Phnom Penh, Phu Quoc and Bangkok from MYR 80* all-in one-way. 

Photo credit: AirAsia.

AirAsia X offers flights to the Gold Coast, Australia, Busan, Taipei and Beijing from MYR269* all-in one-way in economy. Flights are available for booking starting today until 25 October 2023, with the travel period between 4 March 2024 and 12 February 2025.

AirAsia Aviation Group Limited CEO  Bo Lingam said: “Earlier this year, we launched our first FREE* Seats campaign with 5 million seats. Since then, we have flown more than 37 million travellers across the region from March until the first week of October.

“We aim to have all of our 204 aircraft back by the end of this year, and we will continue to robustly grow our network with new routes and reinstate routes across ASEAN and beyond.”

*Domestic: all-in one-way fare from MYR25. International: all-in one-way fare from MYR80. Includes airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees.

Fast way to fly to the beach

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 16 October 2023: Thai Air Asia will reduce direct flights from four to twice weekly between Chiang Mai, the gateway city to North Thailand and the beach resort town of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand.

From Chiang Mai, the new schedule switches to two weekly flights (Friday and Sunday), starting 30 October. The one-way is around USD78.40 (THB2,846), including fees and tax.

Photo credit: AirAsia

The low-cost airline slotted four weekly flights (FD3900) from the northern city on 29 September. Flights depart Chiang Mai at 1415 and arrive in Hua Hin at 1535 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The return flight FD3901 departs Hua Hin at 1605 and arrives in Chiang Mai at 1720. It’s probably the fastest flight time between an urban city and a beach, clocked at one hour and four minutes using an A320.

However, the latest information from independent booking channels indicates the airline will reduce flights to twice weekly on Friday and Sunday starting 30 October. The twice-weekly flights will continue in the winter schedule until the end of March 2024. Flight FD3900, effective 30 October, will depart Chiang Mai at 1020 and arrive in Hua Hin at 1140. The return flight (FD3901) will depart Hua Hin at 1540 and arrive in Chiang Mai at 1710.

Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 16 October 2023: A new study reveals that Harbour City is the most Instagrammable shopping destination in Hong Kong.

Cross-border shopping platform Ubuy analysed the number of Instagram hashtags for shopping destinations in Hong Kong to find the most Insta-worthy. Hashtags for the shopping destinations were included if they contained a sufficient proportion of posts related to the shopping areas of each destination.

1. Harbour City – 322,407 Instagram posts

Harbour City is the most Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping destination, with 322,407 Instagram posts that include its hashtags. Located on the north shore of Victoria Harbour, Harbour City is Hong Kong’s largest shopping mall, providing a wide variety of shops, restaurants, entertainment, and even an ocean liner terminal. Its prime location offers sweeping views of the Hong Kong skyline and the sea.

2. D2 Place – 182,652 Instagram posts

D2 Place is the second most Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping destination, with 182,652 Instagram posts featuring its hashtag. D2 Place is spread over two nearby locations in West Kowloon, offering a chic and vibrant destination to shop, eat, and socialise. The complex is a redeveloped industrial area with fashion boutiques, creative markets, and a sky garden.

3. K11 MUSEA – 147,536 Instagram posts

The third most Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping destination is K11 Musea, with 147,536 Instagram posts. Situated on the harbourfront, the shopping centre is designed to offer an immersive experience for visitors. Its striking façade of flowing greenery draped over glass and concrete, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, gives visitors every opportunity to find that perfect picture.

4. Langham Place – 64,278 Instagram posts

With 64,278 Instagram posts using its hashtag, Langham Place is the fourth most Instagrammable shopping destination in Hong Kong. Located in the heart of Mongkok, Langham Place gives visitors a plethora of shops, restaurants, and other entertainment to experience. It also provides direct access to the area’s only five-star hotel. 

5. The Mills – 63,508 Instagram posts

The fifth most Instagrammable Hong Kong shopping destination is The Mills, with 63,508 Instagram posts using its hashtag. Found in Tsuen Wan, The Mills is a former textile mill converted into a shopping, arts, and cultural centre and offers a selection of shops and restaurants to explore. 

6. Festival Walk – 50,202 Instagram posts

At sixth is Festival Walk, with 50,202 Instagram posts featuring its hashtag. Festival Walk is a shopping mall in Kowloon Tong that offers shops, restaurants, a cinema, and an ice skating rink. 

7. Hysan Place – 48,961 Instagram posts

Sitting seventh is Hysan Place, with 48,961 Instagram posts including its hashtag. Found in Causeway Bay, Hysan Place provides visitors with various shops and restaurants to browse, as well as a rooftop urban farm.

8. Hollywood Road – 44,412 Instagram posts

With 44,412 Instagram posts that include its hashtags, Hollywood Road is the eighth most Instagrammable. Running between Central and Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island, Hollywood Road is renowned for its selection of shops offering antiques and art, in addition to historic landmarks like the Man Mo Temple.

9. 1881 Heritage – 43,500 Instagram posts

In ninth is 1881 Heritage, with 43,500 Instagram posts that include its hashtags. 1881 Heritage is a repurposed 19th-century police building, formerly the Marine Police Headquarters. Located in the heart of Tsim Tsa Shui, the open-air mall offers shops, restaurants, bars, and a Heritage Hall describing the site’s history.

10. New Town Plaza – 36,006 Instagram posts

Rounding out the top ten is New Town Plaza, with 36,006 Instagram posts that include its hashtags. Located in the centre of Sha Tin, New Town Plaza offers various shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including Snoopy’s World, a Peanuts-themed outdoor playground.

A spokesperson for Ubuy commented: “Hong Kong is world-renowned as a centre of commerce, culture, and tourism, and its selection of shopping destinations speaks to this shining reputation. Everything from bustling street markets to modern shopping malls has something for every taste, especially for those who like to show what they get up to on Instagram.

“Harbour City ranks as the top shopping destination for Instagram users, and it’s easy to see why. Situated alongside Victoria Harbour, Harbour City is Hong Kong’s biggest shopping mall with a wide variety of shops, food, and entertainment. It provides stunning cityscape views too, ideal for getting those perfect Instagram snaps.”

(Source: Instagram; https://www.ubuy.hk)

Emirates gives Apples to cabin crew

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 16 Oct 2023: Emirates has launched a new strategy called ‘One Device’ leveraging Apple products, whereby all 20,000 Emirates cabin crew receive iPhone 13 or iPad Air configured with custom Emirates apps to improve and streamline passenger service onboard, as well as enhancing the overall crew experience.

Emirates has invested more than AED32 million in the initiative and began giving out Apple devices one year ago. Today, more than 7,000 Emirates crew members use iPhones across 450 daily flights in the global network. In the coming months, an additional 5,000 cabin crew will receive iPhone and iPad featuring new apps and features that build on the successful deployment.

Emirates in-house Service Delivery and IT teams conducted an extensive user research campaign with cabin crew before designing and building a range of native, custom-built apps to revamp the cabin crew’s user experience and ensure passengers receive the world-class service experience expected from Emirates. Feedback to date shows that Apple products are empowering cabin crew to feel better prepared at work and enabling them to offer highly personalised service to passengers.

Custom-built applications include an app to improve the inflight meal order-taking process in Business Class, ensuring swift and precise service and allowing cabin crew to see each passenger’s profile and Skywards status. Another app ensures cabin crew can access up-to-the-minute roster and flight information, view seat changes and upgrades, and an overview of which cabin crew are onboard. By providing a 360-degree view of passengers, Emirates cabin crew can access critical real-time information and are equipped with the tools they need to perform at their best, personalising each customer’s experience to an unprecedented degree, even providing information such as dining and drinks preferences and onboard loungewear sizes – if used on prior flights.

The One Device initiative also enhances cabin crew performance and safety standards by ensuring they can access 24/7 support globally, including a team of specially trained experts at the Emirates Dubai hub and via Apple Support. Enhancing safety onboard, cabin crew can check official processes anytime via remotely updated operational manuals and use One Device as a platform for continuous education through micro-learning. Emirates Cabin Crew are permitted to use the iPhone for personal use, and their private data is protected.  

Apple products support the demanding operating environment of Emirates cabin crew with many functionalities, including fast charging, an extended battery life, lightweight design, and premium build quality. Additionally, Apple’s industry-leading security protects customer and cabin crew information, protecting both the guest and employee’s privacy by leveraging the security built into the device, authenticating user identity with secure Face ID, and removing the flight information once the journey is completed.

The rollout of One Device has been supported by an in-person experience zone at Emirates Headquarters in Dubai, a 24/7 one-stop-shop for cabin crew to query hardware and operating software issues, access Emirates application support, fulfil their device accessory needs and more.

For more information on the airline’s services and for bookings, visit www.emirates.com. 

Centara’s citation for spectacular reef

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TTR WEEKLY
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Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives Diving

BANGKOK, 16 October 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is proud to announce that Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives has received second place in the ‘Best House Reef in the Maldives’ category at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023. 

This prestigious recognition reaffirms the resort’s commitment to providing guests with exceptional marine and hospitality experiences, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers and holidaymakers worldwide.

Nestled within the captivating South Ari Atoll, declared a Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) by the Maldivian government in 2009, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a tropical haven that promises awe-inspiring underwater excursions and breathtaking views of the surrounding turquoise waters.

At the heart of this aquatic sanctuary lies the award-winning house reef, teeming with an amazing array of marine life. Divers and snorkellers alike have the unique opportunity to witness diverse schools of small and large pelagic fish species thriving amidst coral-rich depths, including one of the area’s magnificent gentle giants, ‘Fernando’.

For those seeking exhilarating experiences below the waves, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa offers accredited Maldivian dive masters who lead explorations to renowned dive sites, including a historic shipwreck just minutes away. The resort’s PADI Dive & Experience Course Centre caters to divers of all levels with comprehensive learning programmes and certification opportunities.

Beyond the captivating marine life, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is a paradise for water sports and activities, from windsurfing and parasailing to water skiing and wakeboarding. Guests will never forget an adrenaline-pumping turn on an inflatable banana boat, or taking leisurely pedalos and kayak rides in the stunning lagoon.

This award-winning resort is also home to serene accommodations seamlessly blending in with the surrounding natural beauty. From Duplex Beach Villas to Premier Overwater Villas, each design complements the stunning environment, making every stay a true immersion. Relaxation continues with rejuvenating wellness experiences at Spa Cenvaree, including soothing massage treatments and beachfront yoga.

Culinary delights also abound with a curated selection of dining establishments, from authentic Thai cuisine at Suan Bua to dreamy Italian creations at Azzuri Mare. Aqua Bar offers classic cocktails and sunset views, while The Club provides an exclusive experience within the resort.

Experience the magic of the Maldives at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, where authenticity meets marine marvels. For more information, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cirm

Malaysia Truly Asia Golf tees off

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TTR WEEKLY
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PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, 16 October 2023: Malaysia is set to host the prestigious Malaysia Truly Asia Tourism Golf Challenge 2023, a premier golf tournament that attracts 200 domestic and ASEAN players. 

Organised in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Tourism Malaysia, this grand event will take place at the renowned Saujana Golf & Country Club (SGCC) in Shah Alam on 25 October 2023.

With more than 40 esteemed organisations as strategic partners, the primary objectives of this tournament are to strengthen collaborations within Malaysia’s travel industry and attract local and international golf enthusiasts to promote Malaysia as the ultimate holiday destination and thus contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.

“The Malaysia Truly Asia Tourism Golf Challenge 2023 promises to be a unique experience, merging the thrill of golf with the charm of our local culture and landscapes. The tournament will unfold in three distinct sessions, each designed to offer a comprehensive view of what makes Malaysia truly special,” said Datuk Musa H Yusof, chairman of Koperasi Kakitangan Kementerian Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Malaysia Berhad (KOPPEMA) – the event’s organiser.

Malaysia boasts a rich golfing heritage, with over 200 golf courses spanning private and public venues since the 1990s. According to the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA), there are an average of 968 registered golfers for each golf club in Malaysia, with approximately 138,000 to 158,000 golfers across the country.

Check out the Malaysia Truly Asia Tourism Golf Challenge 2023 Facebook or Instagram page at https://www.facebook.com/mtatgc23 or https://www.instagram.com/mtatgc2023/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D. 

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