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Outrigger’s cyber sale unlocks holidays

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 16 November 2023: OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has unveiled its 2023 cyber sale. The sale offers up to 40% off resort and hotel rates. The special prices allow travellers to experience barefoot luxury and unparalleled hospitality across OUTRIGGER’s beachfront resorts in the Maldives, Thailand, Mauritius, Fiji and Hawaii.

The limited-time offers will be available from 22 November to 4 December 2023.

Thailand’s Enchanting Splendour on Display

OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels in Thailand give access to a realm where secluded charm meets ecotourism adventures, unbeatable Thai food and world-class hospitality. Guests can save up to 35% on stays at OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort and OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort, with complimentary daily breakfast and cocktails.

At OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort, adventurers can enjoy discounts up to 35% off room rates, with complimentary breakfast and exclusive bonuses via the cyber sale.

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.

Experience Private Island Paradise in The Maldives 

Guests can plunge into heavenly clear turquoise waters at OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort. Award-winning service, contemporary accommodations, excellent dining and access to a marine wonderland make this a true barefoot luxury bucket list retreat.

OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort guests can save up to 50% off rates and receive complimentary breakfast, premium dining experiences and value-added bonuses.

Ultimate Relaxation and Rejuvenation in Mauritius

Located in the western Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers beautiful beaches, a wonderful ecotourism hinterland and a scintillating culinary culture. OUTRIGGER Mauritius Beach Resort offers savings of up to 35% off with complimentary breakfast, dinner and more.

Achieve Your Bucket-List Getaway in Fiji 

Fiji offers idyllic beaches, pristine ecosystems and a culture of heartfelt hospitality that connects with guests like no other destination.

OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort offers discounts up to 35% off when booking six nights or more, with a Family Cultural Pass included. At Castaway Island, Fiji, guests can enjoy discounted rates of up to 50% off on stays of three nights or more. The advice is to come hungry, as the deal includes a full board meal plan with the freshest Fijian cuisine.

There are many additional cyber sale offerings for OUTRIGGER’s numerous Hawaii properties. These are also available on OUTRIGGER.com.

OUTRIGGER, EVP and chief commercial officer Sean Dee said that the cyber sale allows travellers to lock in their next memorable family vacation, romantic retreat, solo adventure or bucket-list trip at the “best rates of the year”.

“The Cyber Sale is an enduring annual tradition for OUTRIGGER, a testament to our steadfast commitment to providing exceptional value to our esteemed guests,” said Dee.To take advantage of all DISCOVERY perks, travellers can learn more and join at www.outrigger.com/discovery.

Global travel M&A surpasses pre-Covid levels

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUMBAI, 16 November 2023: France-based travel investment bank Cambon Partners and India-based travel research company VIDEC have published the industry’s first tracker covering mergers and acquisitions in travel globally, providing critical insights around industry multiples and deal valuations.

Photo credit Cambon Partners. Cambon Partners’ team is composed of some 40 investment bankers.

Highlights from the tracker 

During the decade from 2014 to the 3Q 2023, a total of 1,758 travel companies were sold.

The total value of the 382 deals where valuations are available reaches USD212 billion.

Europe (42%) and North America (38%) remain the hotbed of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity during the decade-long period.

Post-pandemic M&A activity is picking up: since 2022, 423 companies changed hands compared to 389 during 2018-3Q19. 

Commenting on the data Cambon Partners travel lead and partner Morgann Lesné said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of The Travel M&A Database in partnership with VIDEC, whose expertise in emerging markets is unparalleled. The insights from the database suggest Europe to be the most active region for M&A in travel, with 212 deals (2022–3Q23) as compared to 154 deals pre-pandemic (2018–3Q19). Among categories, hospitality is the most trending category, with 149 deals compared to 125 deals in the pre-pandemic period. Technology has taken centre stage, with deals for software and SAAS providers growing to 107 deals against 65. Over time, the database will proffer exhaustive coverage around valuations and multiples and serve as the definitive guidebook for dealmaking in the global travel marketplace.”

VIDEC CEO and co-founder Virendra Jain commented: “While it was all about topline and exponential growth, significant sanity has prevailed post-pandemic with an impetus on profitability and sustainability. The B2B category is a natural beneficiary of this trend, with 151 deals rising to 219 deals post-pandemic. Along similar lines, corporate travel has emerged as the season’s flavour, with deals doubling to 25 post-pandemic. We are pleased to partner with the industry’s leading travel M&A investment bank to provide this valuable resource to our sector.”

About Cambon Partners

The Paris-based investment banking firm specialising in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate financing announced a strategic partnership with Mumbai-based VIDEC to foster Cambon Partner’s global expansion and deep industry thought leadership. 

The partnership is part of Cambon Partners’ move to become the foremost investment bank in global travel technology and distribution. A big part of this mandate is tapping into the strategically significant, high-growth emerging markets in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.    

About VIDEC

Founded in 2016, VIDEC is a boutique research, consulting, and M&A advisory company with a singular domain focus on the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. VIDEC actively helps companies looking to acquire and exit with its commercial due diligence, industry and consumer research, thought leadership, and buy and sell-side advisory services.

Amex posts its trending destinations

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 November 2023: American Express Travel released its annual Trending Destinations list for 2024 Wednesday, featuring the 10 must-visit vacation spots based on global American Express Card Member travel bookings and recommendations from Amex Travel’s team of 6,000 expert Travel Consultants. 

This year’s list – 2024 Trending Destinations: Off the Beaten Path – goes beyond the traditional, well-known vacation spots to uncover hidden gems and new experiences that travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen-Z, are looking for.

Photo credit: American Express

Porto Cervo, Italy; San Miguel De Allende, Mexico; Udaipur, India; and Zermatt, Switzerland are among the top places to visit.

“People are looking for new experiences and to immerse themselves in the local culture when they travel,” said  President of American Express Travel president Audrey Hendley. “Whether you crave a new adventure or just want to beat the crowds, this list is a great place for every type of traveller to find their next vacation destination. Through our Travel Consultants’ expertise and extensive knowledge, we can help find the perfect place to stay, the fastest way to get there, and the best local activities to create an incredible trip.”

Full list of the Top Trending Destinations for 2024

Instead of the popular Blue Mountains of New South Wales, consider the Adelaide Hills, Australia, with its charming villages and bustling culinary scene for your Australian rural retreat.

If you love the history and energy of Istanbul, Bodrum, Turkey, is home to beaches on the sparkling blue Aegean, bustling bazaars, fresh seafood, and active nightlife.

Pastel-hued Porto Cervo, Italy, on the island of Sardinia, is a more exclusive alternative to the iconic Amalfi Coast that still gives visitors celebrity glamour and mouth-watering cuisine.

The sparkling seas, friendly locals and historic culture of St Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean make it the perfect destination for those who love the laid-back vibes and white-sand beaches of St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Travellers who love to ski in Sapporo can head farther afield to Niseko, Japan, on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, for an equally unforgettable winter sports experience.

Those who flock to Mexico’s Riviera Maya for its beautiful scenery and vibrant food and culture will find a similarly colourful and stimulating urban experience by travelling inland to San Miguel de Allende.

Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a similar blend of American Southwest culture, history, and natural beauty as the popular Sedona.

The Maldives have come to symbolise the exclusive end-of-the-earth beach vacation. The Seychelles offer a similar paradise, along with expansive biodiversity and multicultural vibrancy.

Udaipur, India, an uber-romantic city of lakes and palaces, is a great alternative to Agra, home to the Taj Mahal.

For those who love skiing, the Dolomites, picturesque Zermatt, Switzerland, offers a similar, charming feel.

American Express Travel’s Travel Consultants have identified the best places to explore, eat, and stay for each destination so that travellers can get a taste of the local culture, including seeing koalas in the wild in Adelaide Hills, shopping for Turkish towels at the bazaars in Bodrum; and visiting a museum devoted to ceremonial masks in San Miguel de Allende.

For more information visit: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/discover/get-inspired/trending-destinations

Methodology:
American Express Travel’s 2024 Trending Destinations are selected based on global American Express Card Member bookings through American Express Travel, looking at year-over-year travel growth between 2019 and 2023.

Hotelbeds adds stays at Barceló resorts

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 November 2023: Hotelbeds, part of HBX Group, entered a partnership with Barceló Hotel Group earlier this month.

The strategic distribution agreement increases Hotelbeds’ accommodation portfolio while also extending Barceló Hotels & Resorts’ brand in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, opening up new possibilities for travellers.

The collaboration adds 130 Barceló hotels in 15 countries into the Hotelbeds Preferred Portfolio, and Hotelbeds will, in return, enhance the distribution reach for these properties, which spans more than 170 markets and encompasses more than 71,000 travel buyers, resulting in a number of benefits, including increased revenue streams in underpenetrated market segments.

As the flagship brand of Barceló Hotel Group, Barceló Hotels & Resorts encompasses a global collection of hotels and resorts, including urban properties, beachfront getaways and all-inclusive destinations.

AirAsia to fly Singapore-Hat Yai route

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 November 2023: AirAsia Thailand introduced Wednesday a new direct flight from Singapore to Hat Yai, set to take off on 1 February 2024. 

Starting 15 November 2023, travellers could start booking flights to explore the largest city of the Songkhla province in Thailand.

AirAsia Thailand’s head of commercial Tansita Akrarittipirom said: “The introduction of the new route will establish an important connection between the economic hub of Southern Thailand and Singapore, one of the most prominent Asean’s port cities. This is also an opportunity for Thailand to attract more tourists from the Lion City, as Singaporeans can now fly directly to Hat Yai without the need to transit in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, allowing them to save even more. The new route launch also presents opportunities for boosting local tourism and economies.”

Hat Yai is a major city in the southern region of Thailand situated in Songkhla province and a hub for trade and travel. Known for its lively culture and vibrancy, Hat Yai boasts notable attractions such as the Kim Yong Market and Asean Night Bazaar, drawing visitors from across Southeast Asia. Beyond the shopping havens, tourists can immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Songkhla Old Town, take in panoramic vistas from the Hat Yai Cable Car, explore the unique biodiversity at the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, or experience the excitement of the iconic Golden Mermaid statue adorning Samila Beach.

In celebration of the new route launch, AirAsia offers promotional fares from as low as SGD88 all-in* one way. Bookings are open for the promotional fare until 3 December 2023 for travel from 1 February 2024 to 31 March 2024.

Flight schedule from Singapore (SIN) to Hat Yai (HDY):

*The all-in fare is for one-way travel only, including airport tax, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Other terms and conditions apply.

Klook and STB power-up campaigns

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 November 2023: Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Klook, Asia’s leading travel and experiences platform, are scaling up efforts to drive inbound travel to Singapore, jointly investing over SGD2 million in marketing initiatives as part of their partnership.

Launched on 15 November, the marketing and tactical partnership between STB and Klook in Southeast Asia will focus on digital content powered by Klook’s network of Klook Kreators (micro and nano content creators and affiliates) to drive engagement and conversion.

The latest initiative builds on a two-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) signed in April 2023.

Singapore’s tourism industry has seen continued recovery, with more than 11 million visitor arrivals as of 31 October 2023, and Klook’s recent Travel Pulse survey showed that 1 in 3 Millennial and Gen Z travellers in Southeast Asia are looking to travel within the region, indicating a healthy appetite for exploration and discovery closer to home.

Klook general manager of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore Sarah Wan said: “Singapore has been a key destination leading travel recovery within Southeast Asia, and we’re excited to partner with STB again. We aim to inspire travellers by highlighting how Singapore makes unexpected, diverse and unique experiences possible. The resurgence of global events has fuelled higher travel demand, which will be an area we’re doubling down on. Our deep understanding of the next generation of travellers driving social travel will also guide these new efforts in showcasing the best of what Singapore can offer.”

STB executive director, Southeast Asia Terrence Voon added: “We are delighted to team up with Klook to strengthen Singapore’s position as a compelling travel destination and leading events hub in Southeast Asia. Our new initiatives aim to drive tourism recovery and highlight distinctive experiences that make each journey to Singapore memorable. They will also complement STB’s new Made in Singapore campaign, which showcases how our city transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.”

Klook’s Travel Pulse survey also indicates that 87% of travellers in Southeast Asia are willing to spend on distinctive experiences during their holidays. 

Launched in October 2023, the Live in Singapore – Epic Events in the Lion City campaign features family, culture, sports, and entertainment events that showcase the richness of Singapore’s events scene. 

These include theatrical musicals, concerts, Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium, Jumptopia, ZoukOut, and Singapore Comic Con. 

For upcoming theatrical musicals in Singapore, Klook users can look forward to front-row seats sold exclusively on Klook for Matilda and tickets for Hamilton, where Klook was also the priority presale partner.

To complement the robust line-up of events, Klook is introducing product bundles to enhance the overall experience and facilitate further discovery of Singapore by offering activities, accommodation, and transportation options in its multi-vertical bundles.

Another Klook’s Travel Pulse Survey finding shows that 97% of Millennials and Gen Z travellers in Southeast Asia rely on social media to find travel inspiration and holiday recommendations, making this an important platform for discovery. 

(Source: Klook)

Oceania revises its 2024 Med cruises

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 November 2023: Oceania Cruises has revised its 2024 Mediterranean schedule to replace sightseeing visits in Israel, Egypt, and Jordan with more ports of call in the Mediterranean, specifically the Greek islands. 

The 42 revised itineraries range from 10 to 58 days and concentrate on the Mediterranean’s so-called ‘best-loved ports’.   

Photo credit: Oceania.

Sample 2024 Mediterranean Itineraries

21 April: 10 days from Valletta to Trieste aboard Vista
Sails the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic seas with visits to Valletta, Heraklion, Athens, Dubrovnik and Venice. 

13 May: 24 days from Dubai to Barcelona aboard Insignia
Highlights Athens, Valletta, Dubrovnik, Rome and Barcelona, and the Santorini, Capri and Monte Carlo resorts. 

14 May: 15 days from Dubai to Trieste aboard Riviera
Cruises the Arabian, Red, Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. Highlights include Argostoli and Corfu in Greece, Montenegro, Dubrovnik, and Split, Croatia. 

18 May: 14 days from Barcelona to Rome aboard Marina
Visits Barcelona, Athens, and Rome, plus the resorts of Palma de Mallorca, Corfu, Santorini and Sorrento, the gateway to Capri.

21 May: 11 days from Rome to Trieste aboard Vista
The cruise visits mainland ports in Italy, Greece, and Croatia. Also explores the islands of Sicily, Malta, Corfu, and Montenegro.  

29 May: 12 days from Trieste to Barcelona aboard Rivier
This new itinerary features ports along the Dalmatian Coast, Montenegro, Corfu, Malta and Sicily islands, Pompeii, Rome, Florence, and St Tropez. 

1 June: 11 days from Trieste to Athens aboard Vista
From Trieste, the ship heads for the Adriatic coastal resorts of Zadar, Dubrovnik, Kotor, and Bari before visiting ports in Turkey and Greece. 

7 July: 10 days from Athens to Istanbul aboard Riviera
The itinerary highlights historic sites in Greece and Turkey, including UNESCO-protected Ephesus and the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, plus Crete. 

24 July: 10 days from Athens to Barcelona aboard Riviera
This voyage visits Athens, Rome, Florence, and Barcelona, as well as Greek islands, Sicily and resorts along the Amalfi Coast and French Riviera.

13 August: 12 days from Rome to Rome aboard Riviera
The cruise explores Rome, Athens and Pompeii, plus the Amalfi Coast and the Mediterranean islands of Malta, Mykonos, Santorini, Sicily and Crete. 

28 September: 10 days from Athens to Istanbul aboard Riviera
This cruise combines the Croatian city of Dubrovnik and remote Kotor with Mykonos and Santorini, Athens, Crete, and Ephesus.

2 October: 14 days from Barcelona to Valletta aboard Marina
Explores the Mediterranean and Aegean seas with visits to Barcelona, Florence, Rome, and Dubrovnik, the resorts of Toulon, Portofino and Capri, and the islands of  Corsica, Sicily, Corfu, and Malta. 

16 October: 10 days from Valletta to Rome aboard Marina
The islands of Malta, Montenegro, Corfu and Sicily are the historical attractions, plus the itinerary features Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia; Katakolon, Greece; and Bari, Naples and Rome, Italy. 

20 October: 10 days from Athens to Rome aboard Vista
Athens, Gythoin, Argostoli and Corfu in Greece, the Dalmatian coastal treasures of Kotor and Dubrovnik, and the island of Malta are complemented by calls at Messina, Salerno and Rome in Italy. 

30 October: 12 days from Rome to Athens aboard Vista
Visits Mykonos and Corfu in Greece, Montenegro, legendary Sicily, and Malta. Calls in at Rome, Cinque Terre, Toulon, Dubrovnik and Athens. 

11 November: 9 days from Athens to Rome aboard Vista
The cruise visits Athens, Gythion and Argostoli in Greece, the islands of Montenegro, Malta and Sicily, plus Dubrovnik, Salerno and Rome.  

24 November: 18 days from Istanbul to Dubai aboard Riviera
Sails from Istanbul for Mykonos, Athens, the walled city of Dubrovnik, and the lesser-known resorts of Kotor and Argostoli. 

Emirates leads airshow parade

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 15 November 2023: Flying the flag for UAE aviation, the stunning opening flypast at Dubai Airshow 2023 on 13 November showcased the nation’s capabilities, with Emirates headlining the commercial aerial formation.

The iconic Emirates A380, the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft, was first in the aerial formation, followed by the UAE’s air display team, Al Fursan, flying in V formation and trailed by their signature red, green and black smoke trails. An Emirates Boeing 777 was next in formation, followed by an Etihad Airbus 350, an Air Arabia Airbus 320 and a flydubai Boeing 737, soaring through the skies and delighting spectators and passionate aviation enthusiasts.

Soaring over the Dubai World Central (DWC) runway, the Emirates A380 flew at an altitude of just 100 meters, which is almost equal to the wingspan of the legendary double-decker jet. The Emirates Boeing 777 followed at an altitude of 160 meters. Both aircraft carried Emirates’ new signature livery, providing an in-motion view of the modern and dynamic branding.

A fleet of military aircraft and helicopters also joined the formation.

Teams across the aviation ecosystem coordinated the aerial display. The Flight Operations team overseeing the Emirates part of the aerial display included Captain Michael Schreiber, the airline’s Chief Pilot of Technical Operations, and Captain Khalid Akram, Deputy Chief Pilot of Boeing. At the head of the formation flying the A380 were Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri, Captain Chris Gauchi and Captain Khalid Binsultan, while Captain Dave Kilian, Captain Ali Almarzooqi and Captain Ali Alyafei, commanded the Boeing 777.

The impressive aerial feat follows months of thorough and cross-functional planning between stakeholders, including multiple teams at Emirates and the other UAE carriers, the UAE Ministry of Defence, UAE Military, Emirates pilots, Flight Operation Managers and Air Traffic Controllers working together with the Dubai Air Show Flying Control Committee and both aviation authorities (DCAA and GCAA). 

The Dubai Airshow is open until the evening of 17 November.

For bookings and airline information, visit www.emirates.com. 

Pandaw creates a combo adventure

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 November 2023: Pandaw introduces its latest combo adventure this week, a 21-night one-off river cruise that embarks on a journey along all navigable stretches of the Mekong River in October 2024.

The 21-night expedition is a grand tour of Indochina, covering Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand and is only possible thanks to Pandaw’s ultra-shallow draft vessels. 

The distinctive river ship cruise delivers the rich culture, history and nature of Indochina in one all-encompassing river adventure, which includes flights and accommodation between cruises. 

Sailing in October 2024, this one-off special departure delivers an exclusive Pandaw in-depth exploration of the Mekong River from South to North. It combines two 10-night Mekong expeditions through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The four-country expedition sails all of the navigable stretches. Guests who join the cruise will learn about how one river supports a vast and diverse group of peoples and cultures as locally crafted Pandaw vessels navigate one of Asia’s mighty river systems.

This combo cruise includes a flight from Saigon to Vientiane and a one-night stay in Vientiane between cruises covered in the price.

The Full Mekong, Four Country 21-Night Combo Cruise
SIEM REAP – CHIANG KHONG
21 nights
FROM USD9,596.00

Book your place today by visiting pandaw.com or contacting Pandaw at [email protected].

For full details of the combination cruise.

Thai AirAsia reports Q3 results

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 15 November 2023: Asia Aviation Plc, the sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia, announces its operational results for the third quarter of 2023 with total revenue reaching THB9,898.7 million, increasing 102% year-on-year (YoY) while controlling operational costs effectively. 

Excluding fuel costs, the company’s cost per unit (CASK ex-fuel) decreased by 33% from the same period last year. EBITDA for the period was positive at THB389.1 million, bouncing from a loss of THB601.3 million the previous year. 

Depreciation of the Thai baht towards the end of the quarter resulted in an unrealised loss from exchange rates of THB813.5 million, mostly an accounting loss with no impact on the company’s liquidity. Overall, the company saw a loss in the quarter of THB1,694.7 million, significantly improving from a loss of THB4,050.2 million in the same period last year.

“Thai AirAsia continued to perform robustly compared to the same quarter last year despite being significantly impacted by fuel costs, which rose 61% YoY and 19% QoQ, partly due to a hike in the fuel excise tax for domestic flights. Coupled with the Thai Baht that considerably weakened during the period, these two uncontrollable factors have directly affected earnings for the quarter,” said Asia Aviation Plc and Thai AirAsia chief executive officer Santisuk Klongchaiya.

“Despite the loss this quarter, the company will experience improved performance in the last quarter when we enter the high travel season. The last quarter will also benefit from state policies supporting tourism, such as visa-free schemes for visitors from China, Kazakhstan, India and Taiwan, and more efforts to bolster confidence in Thai tourism. Greater clarity in an appropriate fuel excise tax is also expected soon.”

As for its 2023 targets, the company remains confident it will carry 20 million passengers for the full year, having flown 13.8 million guests in the first nine months. This is on top of an average load factor of 87%, a 90% t on-time performance rate with 50 aircraft out of its 54 fleet in operation by the year’s end. For 4Q2023, Thai AirAsia will adjust its strategy and increase domestic flights by 20% from the previous quarter while adding international routes to Gaya, Guwahati and Ahmedabad in India and Shantou in China to capitalise on international travel growth opportunities.

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