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Australian agents call for urgent reform

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TTR WEEKLY
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SYDNEY, 25 September 2023: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) pressed for urgent reform during a briefing session with the Senate Committee Inquiry into Australia’s Bilateral Air Service Agreements.

ATIA’s submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry highlighted the critical flaws in the existing system, where decisions often lack a comprehensive understanding of their impact on passengers. The need for reform is glaring, as it is crucial that all stakeholders, not just airlines, have a direct say in determining supply and demand.

It also raised some unintended effects of the New Distribution Capability (NDC) on Australian consumers. NDC’s adoption has allowed airlines to assume the role of sole price makers, enabling them to enhance profit margins on their most affordable products without market competition pressure. 

“This transformation has resulted in notable consequences that have serious ramifications for Australian consumers and the agents who support them,” AITA claimed in its submission.

ATIA CEO Dean Long commented: “The Senate Committee Inquiry offers a pivotal opportunity to address the issues that have long plagued Australia’s aviation industry and air ticket distribution landscape, with ATIA taking the lead in this fight for our members and the broader travel industry.

“The current system determining which airlines can operate in and out of Australia was established in 1944. This system was designed to protect the interests of national carriers, which were largely government-owned at that stage. While times have changed, the system has not.”

“Despite ATIA’s members selling a staggering 10 million tickets, amounting to a total value of AUD14 billion over the past 12 months until August, the Department of Transport fails to consider their perspective when deciding which bilateral aviation agreements to approve.”

“There is a critical and compelling need to redefine national interest in decision-making. ATIA’s submission highlights the critical flaws in the existing system where decisions are made without a comprehensive understanding of their impact on passengers.”

“Our submission also highlights the detrimental effects of the New Distribution Capability on Australian consumers.”

“We are seeing the current application of NDC translate into limited choices for Australian consumers and businesses, increased airfares, and a further reduction in competition within the air ticket distribution market.”

“We have a good relationship with our airline partners and look forward to working further with them on NDC’s adoption to address these issues for Australian consumers and the agents who support them.”

About ATIA

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s AUD69 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.

Asia Pacific business travel rebounds

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 September 2023: Business travel in Asia Pacific is forecast for significant growth for 2023 and beyond after challenging years due to the pandemic, according to the latest  GBTA outlook data and insights.

With travel spending gaining 41% to USD567 billion this year, rising to USD800 billion by 2027. China’s reopening and robust domestic demand will be a big catalyst for the growth. Solid rebound is also anticipated in Japan, South Korea, and Australia​, along with the return of international business travel, which is anticipated to boost Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia​.

Additionally, today’s business traveller in APAC may spend less per business trip but may index higher on food, beverage, and hotel expenses and the desire for more premium options and blended (or “bleisure”) travel than their fellow corporate travellers in other global regions.

These are some of the outcomes for APAC regional forecasts and trends from the 2023 GBTA Business Travel Outlook™ (BTI) unveiled onstage at last week’s GBTA APAC Conference in Singapore by GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. 

The BTI annual report offers a comprehensive overview of business travel spending and growth across 72 countries and 44 industries and highlights the global business travel spending forecast and key trends for 2023-2027. Additionally, for 2023, the BTI also incorporates insights from a survey of 4,700 business travellers across five global regions, including APAC, who reported their preferences, behaviours, spending habits, and the average business trip cost now.

“The growth and opportunities ahead in the APAC business travel sector are reflected in our regional spending forecast but could also be seen by the tremendous response and engagement this week among the delegates and partners attending our sold-out GBTA conference, the second event we’ve held in APAC,” said Catherine Logan, GBTA Regional Senior Vice President for EMEA and APAC. “We are grateful for all who made it possible, including our newly formed GBTA APAC Advisory Board, conference presenters, sponsors, volunteers, and the APAC business travel community.”

The GBTA APAC Conference 2023 was held at the Shangri-La Singapore, September 19-20. It was co-located for the first time with the Worldwide ERC Global Mobility Summit, providing all delegates unparalleled opportunities to learn and network across both conferences.

More than 600 attendees came together, including 400+ GBTA event delegates and over 120 travel buyers from 17 countries, to network, gain insights from industry experts, and engage in peer-to-peer education. 

“What a great turnout at the GBTA APAC Conference in Singapore with exceptional networking, inspiring content and energised engaged delegates. We are thrilled the conference has been so well received and look forward to continuing to grow GBTA’s presence in APAC,” said Peter Koh, Chairperson GBTA APAC Advisory Board.​​​​​​​

The two-day conference featured insightful Main Stage speakers, buyer/supplier roundtables and “The Big Idea” innovation workshop session focused on artificial intelligence. Education sessions featured timely topics from across the business travel ecosystem, including business traveller engagement, measuring the environmental impact of travel programs, the resiliency of travel and meetings in Asia, managing risk, and negotiating rates in the current NDC environment.​​​​​​​

GBTA also announced it will host its third APAC Conference in Singapore from 13 to 14 May 2024. ​​​​​​​

Qingdao Airlines flies to Bangkok

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 September 2023: China’s Qingdao Airlines has opened a new direct route from Yichang Sanxia Airport (YIH) to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). 

Effective 20 September, the daily Airbus 320neo (flight QW6191) departs YIH at 1040 and arrives in Bangkok DMK at 1230. The return flight QW6192 departs Bangkok DMK at 1330 and arrives in YIH at 1800. 

Photo credit: AOTGA

Qingdao Airlines has assigned Thai Airports Ground Services (AOTGA) the contract for ground handlight services at Don Mueang Airport.

HKIA picks up two awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 25 September 2023: As air traffic at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) continued to expand in August 2023, the airport was voted “Asia’s Leading Airport 2023” and “China’s Leading Airport 2023” in the 30th World Travel Awards. 

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) chief operating 0fficer Vivian Cheung commented: “We are honoured that HKIA has been named ‘Asia’s Leading Airport’ and ‘China’s Leading Airport’ this year in the World Travel Awards. We have introduced various new facilities, services and technologies to give passengers a brand-new airport experience.

HKIA has been named ‘Asia’s Leading Airport’ and ‘China’s Leading Airport’ this year in the World Travel Awards.

It is most encouraging to learn that travellers and industry experts worldwide acknowledge and appreciate our efforts through their votes.”

The World Travel Awards celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries and are recognised globally as the hallmark of industry achievement. Winners are selected by travel industry specialists and passengers from around the world. HKIA was named “China’s Leading Airport” for the second year. It was also voted “Asia’s Leading Airport” in 2020 and 2021.

In August 2023, HKIA handled about 4.0 million passengers, up 5% compared to July 2023. The daily average passenger number rose towards 130,000, representing a recovery to about 66% of the pre-pandemic level. Flight movements and cargo throughput experienced month-on-month increases of 4.3% and 1.7%, respectively, to 25,055 movements and 367,000 tonnes.

Passenger traffic in August was 7.3 times higher than the low base in the same month last year, while flight movements increased by 1.2 times. Mainland China and Japan recorded the most significant increases in traffic to and from Southeast Asia. 

Cargo throughput increased by 8.5% year-on-year, with a 20.5% surge in export volume compared to the same month last year. Traffic to and from key trading regions in the Middle East, Europe and North America saw the most significant increases.

Over the first eight months of the year, HKIA handled 24.4 million passengers, more than 13 times higher than the low base recorded over the same period in 2022. The airport handled 167,895 flight movements, representing 97.4% year-on-year growth. Cargo volume decreased slightly by 2.6% year-on-year to over 2.7 million tonnes.

On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume at HKIA posted a remarkable 11-fold year-on-year increase to 28.3 million, while flight movements jumped by 55.7% to 221,585. Cargo throughput saw a decrease of 11.8% to 4.1 million tonnes.

Italy’s tourism minister visits Trip.com HQ

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TTR WEEKLY
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SHANGHAI, 25 September 2023: Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun welcomed Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, and her delegation at the group’s office in Shanghai. 

The Santanchè delegation included Erika Guerri, Head of Cabinet, Tiziana D’Angelo, Consul General of the Republic of Italy in Shanghai and Ivana Jelenic, CEO of ENIT.

(Fifth from left) Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun, welcomed the Italian delegation, led by Italy’s Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè (fifth from right), at the Trip.com Group headquarters in Shanghai. 

Sun and her team hosted Santanchè and her delegation to a tour of the group’s HQ premises and engaged in a discussion which focused on travel and tourism and women’s empowerment, among other topics. 

During the discussion, Sun also highlighted Trip.com Group’s strengths, including technology, content marketing and customer service, and ways to deepen cooperation between both sides.

Santanchè commented: “The meeting with Sun and her team offered many interesting ideas, both on present and future perspectives of collaboration between Italy and China, as well as an overview of the methods of promoting Italy to an audience of high-spending users.”

Ms Sun said: “It is our honour and privilege to welcome and host Minister Daniela Santanchè and her delegation. It was a great discussion during which we shared our group’s initiatives to promote destinations in Europe, including Italy, to high-spending tourists who are seeking quality tourism experiences. We also appreciate the opportunity to share insights and exchange views with the minister on potential growth opportunities and challenges. My colleagues and I are excited to strengthen our collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism to position Italy as a destination of choice.”

Trip.com Group’s recent data shows that search volumes and bookings of travel products related to Italy have been increasing. Flight search volume to Italy rose by 363% in August 2023, as compared to the previous year, while accommodation bookings during the same period increased by 283%.

Travelport improves flight emission counters

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 September 2023: The days of dubious conflicting emission estimates for flights are numbered as a more consistent accurate counter gains acceptance.

Earlier this week, Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for content suppliers worldwide, launched more transparent carbon dioxide (CO2) emission estimates for flights saying it would end ambiguity and confusion for travellers.

It uses the publicly accessible Travel Impact Model (TIM), which Google developed in partnership with the Travalyst coalition. This new feature is the first of Travelport’s roll-out of offerings to help agents, travel managers, and travellers make more eco-conscious choices when planning and booking trips.

“Agents, corporate and leisure travellers want to feel more confident in making better travel decisions that put environmental impact as a top priority,” said Travelport chief product and technology officer Tom Kershaw.

“Agents and travellers are seeing different carbon emissions scores and rankings for the exact same flight options when searching them in different channels. As an industry, adopting a free, publicly accessible data framework will allow us all to be more consistent in how travel options are displayed and scored based on factors like carbon emissions, environmental certifications, or waste initiatives.”

Travel retailers using Travelport can easily compare CO2 estimates generated by the TIM per flight, per passenger, across carriers, at the point of sale based on factors such as the type of aircraft, seat configuration, distance of the flight, load factors and more. 

These enhanced TIM carbon emission estimates for air segments can be accessed via Smartpoint, Trip Quote and the Travelport API Suite in the Flight Service Information Display and In-Flight Search Response views. The TIM was developed by Google, in partnership with the Travalyst coalition, an independent not-for-profit organisation of which Travelport is a member.

“Travelport joined the Travalyst coalition in 2022 to help drive the standardisation and scale of environmentally conscious travel information across travel platforms,” Kershaw continued. “By adopting the Travel Impact Model and using this data methodology for flight emission estimates displayed on agents’ screens, we’re able to align with all of the major global travel platforms to provide more transparency and eliminate confusion with inconsistent rankings across platforms.”

Emirates and SriLankan sign interline partnership

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 September 2023: Emirates and SriLankan Airlines have signed a reciprocal interline agreement to boost connectivity for passengers of both airlines. 

The partnership will enable access to new points on each other’s networks via Colombo and Dubai, utilising a single ticket and enjoying the convenience of baggage transfers.

Tickets are now on sale for travel effective immediately as the interline partnership unlocks 15 regional destinations operated by SriLankan Airlines via Colombo for Emirates’ passengers to choose from. 

The interline network includes two new Indian destinations, Madurai and Tiruchirapally, in addition to Gan Island in the Maldives, for customers to travel seamlessly on a single ticket while enjoying the convenience of a generous baggage policy and hassle-free baggage check-through to the final destination. Far East and South Asian destinations also include Cochin, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Malé, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Jakarta, Guangzhou, Seoul and Tokyo.  

SriLankan Airlines’ passengers are also set to benefit from access to Emirates’ global network and connect to 15 cities operated by Emirates beyond Dubai. The interline network includes points across the Middle East, Africa, Russia and the US. SriLankan’s customers will enjoy a premium travel experience and partnership benefits while flying on Emirates to Bahrain, Amman, Dammam, Medina, Cairo, Muscat, Nairobi, Moscow, Tel Aviv, and a host of US cities including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Franciso, Chicago, Boston and Houston.*

Travel itineraries can be booked immediately on emirates.com, srilankan.com and preferred online and offline travel agencies.

 Emirates’ chief commercial officer Adnan Kazimm said: “We are pleased to activate an interline partnership with SriLankan and provide our customers with more choice and access to additional destinations to suit their travel plans. This partnership enables customers to seamlessly fly to unique destinations in India and the Maldives via Colombo. We look forward to further developing our cooperation in the near future and enhancing benefits that customers can enjoy when travelling with Emirates and SriLankan on one ticket.”

Sri Lanka continues to be an important part of the Emirates network, spanning almost 140 destinations. Emirates launched its services to Sri Lanka in 1986 and since then has carried more than 11 million passengers to and from Colombo. 

The airline currently provides two direct daily flights to Colombo, utilising the Boeing 777-300ER, and an additional daily service via Malé, providing customers the flexibility to choose flights and enjoy the convenience of minimal connection times. It is the only international carrier to serve the country with first-class services – offering passengers world-class products and superior comfort in the air and on-ground. 

For more information, visit www.emirates.com

* Travellers flying to destinations in the US on Emirates and SriLankan interline tickets must clear their baggage with US Customs at the first point of entry in the country. 

Sarawak hosts Indonesia roadshow

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 22 September 2023: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) is stepping up its efforts to make Sarawak a tourism destination of choice for the Indonesian market through its participation in a promotional tour to Jakarta, Balikpapan and Banjarmasin.

The promotional mission that concluded earlier this week was organised by the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), Tourism Malaysia Jakarta, and the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA and ASITINDO).

TYT Dato’ Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin, Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia commented: “This tour or roadshow has helped strengthen the friendship between these two iconic cities, and we welcome tourists to explore the natural beauty of Sarawak, the land of rich cultural heritage and excellent service friendly.” 

Acting chief executive officer of the Sarawak Travel Agency, Yusfida Khalid, said: “Direct promotion between Jakarta, Balikpapan, Banjarmasin and Sarawak is very relevant in encouraging Indonesian tourists to come and visit Sarawak.”

“In addition, the direct connectivity provided by AirAsia facilitates and simplifies the journey of tourists from Indonesia coming to Sarawak to seek health or wellness packages, holidays or recreation, and handicrafts from Sarawak in tourism initiatives in this region,” Yusfida added.

Currently, tourists from Indonesia can enjoy direct flights from Jakarta to Kuching via AirAsia every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Sarawak has recorded rapid growth in visits from Indonesia in the first half of 2023, recording over 200,000 arrivals from all entry points from January to June 2023, compared to over 46,000 in the same time period in 2022.

With upcoming iconic events such as the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (27 to 30 October 2023), the Sarawak Regatta (3 to 5 November 2023), and the New Year’s Eve celebration usually held in Kuching every year, STB is confident of welcoming more from Indonesia to Sarawak to enjoy the best offers at this destination.

For more information visit www.sarawaktourism.com. 

TUI Airline cuts fuel burn

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 September 2023: TUI Airline has fully implemented the SITA OptiClimb solution across all five airlines as part of the group’s sustainability agenda to reduce airline emissions. 

The wider deployment of SITA’s innovative technology follows the success of its partial deployment, saving up to 200 kg of fuel and 600 kg of CO2 per aircraft per day.

Aircraft climb is the most fuel-intensive phase of a flight. SITA OptiClimb® is a predictive analytics solution that uses machine learning to build tail-specific performance models. Fed with 4D weather forecasts and operational flight plan inputs, these models predict fuel burn scenarios. The solution then provides pilots with customised climb speeds and acceleration levels specific to each tail and flight to optimise fuel without compromising flight times.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), fuel represents almost 30% of an airline’s operating costs and is the biggest contributor to aviation emissions. Airlines are adopting innovative digital applications like SITA OptiClimb® to deliver more immediate fuel and emission reductions to complement longer-term strategies like sustainable aviation fuels and fleet renewal.

SITA estimates that if every airline used SITA OptiClimb, it would save approximately 5.6 million tons of carbon annually.

Partially deployed by several TUI airlines in 2022, SITA OptiClimb is now fully deployed across all five airlines in the TUI Group comprising TUI Airways, TUI fly Belgium, TUI fly Germany, TUI fly Netherlands, and TUI fly Nordic. The solution delivered total savings for TUI Airlines of around 4,500 tons of fuel and 14,000 tons of carbon in 2022.

“TUI has committed to 2030 emission reduction targets for its own airlines, cruises, and hotels – emissions from TUI Airline will be reduced by 24%. One of the ways we aim to cut these emissions is through operational measures that improve flight planning and optimise fuel management leveraging innovative technologies like SITA OptiClimb,” said TUI Group chief airline officer Marco Ciomperlik.

About SITA

SITA is an air transport industry IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. 

Laguna Phuket’s Triathlon back in action

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 22 September 2023: Laguna Phuket will host the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, returning for its 29th edition on Sunday, 19 November 2023.

The event is credited with being Asia’s longest-standing triathlon, with race distances comprising a 1.8K swim, a 55K bike ride, and a challenging 12K run. The courses take athletes through the breathtaking tropical landscapes in the Laguna Phuket resort complex and surrounding local communities in the northern part of Phuket Island.

The 29th edition returns with several new features.

Cash prizes for aspiring pros

Laguna Phuket Triathlon is breaking the barriers between amateurs and professionals. All Thai and non-Thai athletes who aspire to compete with the pros can now vie for cash prizes for the first time ever. To join this elite league of competitors, simply select the “Elite Category” during the registration process rather than the age group category.

New pre and post-race experiences

Alongside the official bike practice session and clinic on 17 November 2023, athletes can kickstart their LPT journey with an open water practice swim on Saturday, 18 November 2023, hosted by TriHub at 0700.

Beyond the race day excitement, a series of engaging activities for all participants will unfold, including a relaxing recovery yoga session and a breakfast at the farm-to-table restaurant Open Kitchen to an adrenaline-pumping Muay Thai boxing show. The festivities culminate with the Lifestyle Night Market on Saturday, 18 and 25 of November, in the heart of Laguna Phuket.

Race options encompass the full Individual and Team Triathlon, Sprint Triathlon, and Duathlon. When making reservations, participants can book their stay at any of the seven hotels within the Laguna Phuket group at a special rate using code ‘LTP2023’. 

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