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Resort World Cruises sails to Sanya

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 26 September 2023: Resorts World Cruises commenced its maiden voyage on Sunday from Hong Kong to Sanya onboard the Resorts World One cruise ship. 

It marked the start of the two and three-night Sanya cruises from Hong Kong, which depart twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays, respectively, every fortnight. With cruise fares starting at HKD1,200 per guest based on twin sharing, vacationers can hop on a Resorts World One cruise with ease to one of Hainan’s best go-to destinations. Sanya is renowned for its spectacular stretches of coastlines, picturesque sceneries, unique seafood delicacies, and rich culture that keep travellers coming back.

The Resorts World One homeports in Hong Kong.

In conjunction with the Resorts World One inaugural sailing to Sanya, a special celebratory event was held on the ship before she departed from Hong Kong last Sunday. Signalling the start of her cruises to Sanya, the official ceremony was attended and officiated by Li Zhongguang, deputy director-general department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports of Hainan, together with Hong Kong’s secretary for culture, sports and tourism (Acting) bureau, Lau Chun JP. They were joined by Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises. 

 “Today’s inaugural sailing from Hong Kong to Sanya marks a new chapter for our company and our ship as we continue to innovate new itineraries with popular destinations that will boost the regional tourism sector and provide exciting choices for travellers. On behalf of Resorts World Cruises, we thank the Governor of Hainan, Sanya Tourism Board and Hong Kong Culture, Sports and Tourism for their presence and support today,” said Mr. Michael Goh, President of Resorts World Cruises.

With Hong Kong’s highly connected network of flights, land and high-speed transportation, sea and ferry links with Mainland China and internationally, overseas travellers and mainland Chinese residents, especially from the Greater Bay Area, will have easy access to board the Resorts World One. International travellers from countries that are listed under Hainan’s “59 Visa Free Entry Eligible Countries” do not need to apply for a Chinese visa when cruising from Hong Kong to Sanya, subject to terms and conditions. Besides that, vacationers can also expand their holiday experience to stay and explore Hong Kong pre and post-cruise, enjoying the best of both worlds in Hong Kong and Sanya, famous duty-free hubs.

Arival names Spotlight winners

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 26 September 2023: Arival, a global leader in the tours and activities industry, and TourReview, an online reputation management platform for operators of tours, activities and attractions, have announced the finalists for their first ever Arival and TourReview Spotlight Awards. 

The launch comes ahead of the Arival 360 event in Orlando from 9 to 12 October, which will see hundreds of leaders from the industry gather to address the emerging trends shaping the experiences sector.

The Arival and TourReview Spotlight Awards spotlight the in-destination companies that are going above and beyond for their customers. Powered by TourReview’s Business Intelligence and AI  platform, finalists are selected based on data aggregated from millions of customer reviews across seven major online travel agencies (OTAs) and websites, including Expedia, GetYourGuide, Google, Klook, Tiqets, Tripadvisor (excluding duplicate reviews also on Viator), and Viator. The platform then produces an independent and impartial data analysis highlighting top-rated companies.

“It’s fantastic to see so many companies across the industry consistently wowing their customers,” said Arival CEO and co-founder Douglas Quinby. “Tours and experience companies have a unique opportunity to get close to their customers, giving them experiences that they’ll remember for years to come; it’s clear that so many brands are investing the time and care in understanding what their customers really want. I’m proud that we can give these companies a new platform that recognises their outstanding contribution to the industry.”

The awards are split into the following five categories, which are each further broken down into small, medium and large-sized operators:

  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Culinary Tours & Experiences (all food and drink experiences)
  • Adventure Tours & Activities
  • Visitor Attractions (amusement parks, museums, observation decks, landmarks and monuments, zoos and aquariums) 
  • Day Tours & Excursions

The winners will be announced during a special Happy Hour event at the Arival TourReview Spotlight Awards Ceremony at Arival 360 | Orlando, on 10 October 2023.

Langkawi wins ACI airport award

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 26 September 2023: Malaysia’s Langkawi International Airport (LGK) won the Best Airport in Asia-Pacific Award for the 2 to 5 million passengers per annum category at the ACI Global Customer Experience Summit 2023 in Incheon, Korea, earlier this month. 

This is the airport’s second win in a row in the ACI Awards, which are sponsored by Amadeus, a global distribution system and software specialist for airlines and travel companies.

Photo credit: LADA.

The Airports Council International (ACI) annual Customer Experience Global Summit successfully concluded in Incheon, Republic of Korea, attracting 500 delegates, including government officials, airport and aviation executives, and customer experience experts.

During the summit’s gala dinner, 144 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards were presented to 75 airports recognising airport excellence in customer experience worldwide based on data from ASQ’s renowned departures and arrivals surveys.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been confirmed as the host of the ACI Customer Experience Global Summit from 24 to 26 September 2024 in Atlanta, USA.

The ASQ is cited as one of the world’s leading airport customer experience measurement and benchmarking programmes. Compared to other programs in the aviation industry, it is based on live research via surveys gathered at the airport—direct from the traveller—rating their satisfaction on the day of travel.

From over 465,000 surveys collected in 2022, 144 awards have been won by 75 airports worldwide, breaking down into various awards categories, including the perennial Best Airports by Size (passengers per year) and region.

For more information visit https://www.lada.gov.my/en/

https://naturallylangkawi.my/

About ACI

Airports Council International (ACI), is the trade association of the world’s airports. ACI serves 712 members, operating 1925 airports in 171 countries.

Discover Sarawak’s national parks

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 26 September 2023: Sarawak is blessed with more than 124,450 square kilometres of mountainous scapes and forestry, offering amazing opportunities to explore national parks for travellers who would like to enjoy a relaxed retreat and make the most of their time with nature during their time in Sarawak.

The land of hornbills hosts one of the four Malaysian UNESCO heritage sites, Gunung Mulu National Park in Miri. One highly recommended activity is the boat ride through the Clearwater Cave and the Deer Cave of the approximately 60-million-year-old park. 

As the most studied tropical area in the world, which is incredibly wealthy in biodiversity, visitors encounter Sarawak’s iconic bat exodus and other incredible flora and fauna around the area. This park also houses The Sarawak Chamber, the largest known cave chamber in the world. With the hot weather, we suggest travellers consider dividing their exploration over two to three days. The various accommodations available within the vicinity make it extremely convenient for guests to make reservations, with options ranging from a five-star hotel to authentic longhouse experiences offered by the locals.

Niah National Park

Another park you can trek through in Miri is Niah National Park, which has been labelled as one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. This national park was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site on 30 January 2023, with the results expected to be announced in 2024. This park has the backstory of being the regional birthplace of civilisation and the discovery site for the most dated human remains in Southeast Asia. When you visit this treasured heritage, be sure to allocate some time for the Niah Cave Complex to see ancient artefacts preserved for over 50,000 years and the evolution of the relationship between humans and its lush rainforest. You would also get close-up views of cave paintings and the archaic wooden boat-shaped coffins Niah’s prehistoric inhabitants left behind.

Sarawak Delta Geo Park

If you are touring through the southwest regions of Sarawak, take a chance to roam through the Sarawak Delta Geo Park, the sixth national Geopark under the National Geopark Development Programme. The alluring nature of this Geopark sees it under consideration to receive a nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 2025. You will surely be entertained as the park has attractions spanning Kuching, Siburan, Bau and Padawan. There is no need to rush as you observe the various architectural heritage, musical instruments, weapons and food that Sarawak’s current multicultural society has nurtured. Have a small road trip around the grounds of the Geopark to attractions such as gushing waterfalls, wildlife centres, mountains, caves and beaches. Visitors can also anticipate the sightings of Bornean endemic creatures such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys and fairy rock geckos at some of these stops.

You will find countless destinations around the Geopark, but here is a list we believe you should include in your route. For locations such as beaches, waterfalls and chances of encountering the seasonal bloom of the Rafflesia, you should visit Santubong National Park, Kubah National Park and Gunung Gading National Park. If you have the intention to have animals as your main focus, there are several wildlife centres spread out around the Geopark, such as Matang Wildlife Centre, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Talang Satang National Park, and Borneo Happy Farm. You can also visit educational centres such as the museums of Sarawak Cultural Village and Borneo Tribe Village or Borneo Cultures Museum, the second largest museum in Southeast Asia. However, if you are looking for a one-stop for all of these features, our best recommendation would be the Bako National Park.

Sarawak has much to offer, especially for those who find comfort amongst serene nature. The state consistently preserves and sustains natural habitats of national importance and value. You can lend a hand now in the mission to protect the unique flora and fauna of Sarawak by helping Niah National Park reach its petition goal at https://campaign.niahnationalpark.my/ or discover other national parks around the state at https://sarawaktourism.com/. 

(Source: Sarawak Tourism Board)

Holiday Inn leads IHG brands

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 26 September 2023: Half of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ hotel signings in Southeast Asia this year have been with the Holiday Inn brand family, comprising Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express, highlighting its enduring appeal for owners and guests across the region.

Announcements in 2023 focused on Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach, Holiday Inn Resort Pattaya, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bangkok Asoke and Holiday Inn Express Bali Sunset Road, while the opening of the first Holiday Inn Express & Suites property in Singapore – situated in Novena – has grown its estate to 95 open and pipeline hotels.

The Holiday Inn brand family continues to grow, generating around half of its global openings in 2022. It accounts for nearly 70% of its total estate. 

The group is developing more Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express & Suites properties. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena, which opened in May 2023, is the first in Singapore, while the first Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel will open in Thailand at Bangkok Central Pier soon ahead of the Holiday Inn & Suites in Vientiane Laos due to open in 2024.

Across Southeast Asia, 28 Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts properties have opened, and 26 are in the pipeline. Also, in the region, IHG has 22 Holiday Inn Express properties and 14 in the pipeline. 

Agents call for broader Covid inquiry

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TTR WEEKLY
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SYDNEY, 26 September 2023: Considered one of the hardest hit sectors in Australia’s economy, the travel sector supports the Australian Human Rights Commission’s call for a broadening of the inquiry’s terms to include the impact of Covid lockdowns, international travel bans and border closures.

In a media statement released last week, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) said it was including a call in submissions for the review to look at the substantial issues in Austrade’s handling of the distribution of Consumer Travel Support Grant funds of AUD270 Million.

Australia’s travel agents and businesses experienced massive revenue falls of 95% plus on the closure of Australia’s international border on 20 March 2020

Travel businesses suffered with no income due to the international travel shutdown, chasing AUD10 Billion in credits and refunds on behalf of their customers

A third of the workforce, 15,000 jobs, were lost while the complexity of chasing refunds was massively increased

The constant opening and shutting of state borders further added a significant burden, the ATIA statement concluded.

Travel is still recovering. ATIA’s submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry into Bilateral Air Service Agreements noted that international fares are still massively elevated. Flights from Sydney, for example, are still up to 99% higher than pre-Covid, due to a lack of competition and capacity.

ATIA CEO Dean Long commented: “The terms of the inquiry are a good starting point, but we ask that the government expand the terms of reference to consider the biggest source of impact on our sector – border closures and lockdowns.”

“Australia deserves a unified national approach, and the review, in looking at what worked and what didn’t, needs to look at those decisions that had the most significant impact on people’s lives, which was the restriction of movement. That needs to be front and centre of any review.

“Speak to any travel agent or business still operating today. They have a war story about the multiple complex problems in Austrade’s management of the Consumer Travel Support Grant funds from design to implementation. The process for so many of our members was frustrating, and the approach was unsuitable and not fit for purpose. Austrade has done a review but hasn’t released it. That needs to be considered by this review as there’s no doubt that there are lessons to be learnt from the processes and approach adopted by the government of the day and the department at the time.”

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s $69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs. 92% of ATIA members are small businesses, with women making up 72% of the workforce.

More flights start on the BKK – CAN route

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 26 September 2023: China Eastern Airline resumes flights from Guangzhou (CAN) to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport starting 27 September, following a one-year pause since 10 October 2022.

The airline scheduled daily flights using a Boeing 737 with eight first-class seats and 159 in the economy-class cabin. Flight MU2077 will depart Guangzhou at 2305 and arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 0115. The return flight MU2078 will depart Bangkok at 0340 and arrive in Guangzhou at 0740.

Photo credit: China Eastern Facebook post.

Kenya Airlines schedules three weekly flights from Bangkok to Guangzhou starting 27 November using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Flights are scheduled to depart on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. KQ886 will depart Bangkok at 1440 and arrive in Guangzhou at 1835. The return flight KQ887 will depart Guangzhou at 2140 and arrive in Bangkok at 2335.

Airlines serving the Bangkok -Guangzhou route ( 27 September)

Chart credit FlightFrom.

The average roundtrip fare on the route is USD460, but fares will reduce to around USD161 by November, down from the peak USD1,221 recorded in July, a peak travel month.

Flydubai to fly daily to Penang and Langkawi

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 26 September 2023: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, announced the launch of a daily service to Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia. The carrier becomes the first to connect popular destinations with flights from the UAE and the first to operate flights to Langkawi from the Middle East.

Flights to Penang International Airport (PEN) and Langkawi International Airport (LGK) will start on 10 February 2024. Flights will land in Penang and, after a short transit stop, extend to Langkawi Island.

Photo credit: Flydubai.

Flydubai chief executive officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “Flights from the UAE to these popular holiday destinations are vital for tourism and business connectivity. These destinations in Malaysia offer cultural diversity, leisure activities and investment opportunities. Our new flights will be popular for passengers from the UAE and the GCC and the European markets.”

With the launch of flights to Langkawi and Penang, Flydubai expands its footprint in Southeast Asia to four destinations, including its operations to Krabi and Pattaya in Thailand.

Flydubai will deploy its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on the Malaysian routes, featuring lie-flat seats in business class.

Langkawi is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and stunning geological formations. Visitors can enjoy activities such as island hopping, cable car rides to the Sky Bridge and exploring the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. The duty-free status of the island also makes it a shopping haven.

Penang, often called the “Pearl of the Orient,” offers a rich cultural tapestry, blending Chinese, Malay, Indian and British influences. Its UNESCO-listed George Town is renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant street art and street food.

Flydubai recently confirmed operations to three new destinations. Its daily service to Cairo commences on 28 October, Poznan, its third destination in Poland, starts on 29 October, and Mombasa is scheduled to join its growing network from 17 January 2024.

Flight details

Starting from 10 February 2024, flights will operate daily from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) to Penang International Airport (PEN) and Langkawi International Airport (LGK).

Return business class fares from DXB to PEN start from AED11,000, and economy class fares start from AED2,700.

Return business class fares from DXB to LGK start from AED11,000, and economy class fares start from AED3,500.

TAT governor attends GTEF in Macau

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 September 2023: Tourism Authority of Thailand’s governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool says she will work closely with Chinese tourism authorities, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the UNWTO, hinting she intends to strengthen relations with regional tourism leaders.

Following her attendance at the Global Tourism Economic Forum in Macau last week, she commented on her Facebook page: “My visit to Macau is in line with my “Partnership 360” policy to strengthen the Thai tourism industry across both the demand and supply sides through efficient cooperation with all potential stakeholders worldwide. 

“Today has been another productive and stimulating day at the Macau’s Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF). I heard some very visionary and informative speeches on the role of tourism in helping the post-COVID recovery. I came away with high confidence in a bright future.”

Thapanee is one of the most proactive social media users among the region’s tourism leaders. She uses social media platforms to reach out to tourism partners and update followers directly with her comments and reports on her activities almost as they happen.

“I also plan to work closely with the Chinese tourism authorities and the UN World Tourism Organisation and Pacific Asia Travel Association to facilitate the economic revival.

“The opening of the People’s Republic of China after 1,000-day travel restrictions sends hope to the global tourism economy by building bridges between China and the world. The GTEF event is a source of insights on China’s critical role in the global travel economy and its role in driving sustainability.”

Centara cranks up the management team

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 September 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Thailand, has recently announced strategic leadership changes within the organisation to reinforce its commitment to delivering the highest service standards across all its brands across Thailand and overseas.

As part of Centara’s goal of becoming a top 100 global hotel operator by 2027, the company has made the following internal personnel movements. 

• Robert Maurer-Loeffler, general manager of Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World, has been promoted to vice president of operations for Centara Grand properties in Thailand.

• David Martens has been promoted to senior director of operations for Centara properties and also assumes the position of general manager of Centara Karon Resort Phuket. 

• Wuthisak Pichayagan, general manager of Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, takes on additional responsibilities as director of operations for all Central Pattana hotel properties in Thailand. 

• Sebastien Scheeg, general manager of Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, expands his scope with promotion to Director of Operations for all Middle East and Maldives properties.

• Chaiphun Thongsuthum has been appointed general manager of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.

• Bernd Rudigier has been appointed as general manager of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket 

“Congratulations to each of our team members for their remarkable accomplishments. At Centara, our success is driven by the dedication of our people, and we take immense pride in cultivating an environment where individuals evolve and grow within our organisation,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts executive vice president of human resources, Siriwan Wangthamrong. “As we continue on our journey to becoming a leading global hotel operator, we remain committed to creating the best possible workplace for our employees.”

For more information visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/ 

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