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Summer worries: Travel delays and high fares

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 29 June 2023: With the northern hemisphere summer travel rush around the corner, travel concerns around delayed flights, surging airfares, and congestion in the airport are not putting travellers off air travel.

Preliminary findings from the 2023 SITA Passenger IT Insights released Wednesday revealed that 32% of passengers cited anxiety about cancellations when booking their next flight.

Photo credit: SITA

Nearly two out of 10 passengers surveyed cited concerns about congestion in the airport and pointed to high airfares. This was fueled by experience, where 56% of respondents said they had experienced delays or cancellations, and 48% had long airport queues.

Yet travellers intend to fly more than ever. On average, passengers expect to take 4.7 flights this year compared to 4.2 flights in 2019. This was driven mainly by frequent flyers. Those planning more than 10 flights in 2023 have increased from 6% of passengers in 2019 to 10% this year.

SITA CEO David Lavorel said: “It is encouraging for our industry that passengers want to travel and want to travel better in light of some of the challenges airports and airlines have experienced with congestion in the past year. We cannot dismiss that the overall air travel experience is essential to passengers’ decision-making. With passengers indicating a clear intention to travel more this year, the industry is well advised to address their concerns, deploying, for example, increased automation.”

Lavorel highlighted that earlier research from SITA indicated that airport and airline CIOs were taking this seriously by pushing digital transformation. The industry’s IT spending is projected to continue its steady year-on-year growth trend since 2020 to support digitalisation and automation. Last year, airline and airport IT spending rose to USD37 billion and USD6.8 billion, respectively.

SITA surveyed over 6,000 passengers across 27 countries in April of this year as part of the 2023 SITA Passenger IT Insights. The full report will be released on 5 September 2023.

About SITA

SITA is the air transport industry’s IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel.

With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of connected aircraft to customers of 17,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel.

WTTC hires former PATA CEO

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 29 June 2023: World Travel & Tourism Council CEO Julia Simpson has appointed former PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera as managing director of Asia-Pacific and senior advisor to the CEO, according to a WTTC social media post on Wednesday.

Simpson said: “We are delighted to welcome Liz Ortiguera to the WTTC Team. Liz will support WTTC on its regional focus for Asia-Pacific as Managing Director of Asia-Pacific and senior advisor to the CEO. Liz has a wealth of experience working for PATA and American Express.”

Photo credit: WTTC CEO  Simpson (left) recruits Liz Ortiguera.

Ortiguera responded, saying she was excited to join Julia and the team at WTTC.

“The future of travel is driven by the growth in Asia-Pacific, and global collaboration is needed to ensure the destinations are developed, accessible and appreciated sustainably.”

Following a one-year 10-month stint as the CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, headquartered in Bangkok, Ortiguera resigned on 27 February 2023, just days before the PATA chair, directors of the board and management team were due to travel to Berlin to reinstate the association’s presence at the annual ITB Berlin trade show after more than a two-year pause.

She has worked for PATA for one year and 10 months of a three-year contract signed with the US-registered non-profit organisation in May 2021. Before that, she held a corporate executive position at American Express based in Singapore.

She had the distinction of being PATA’s first Asian female CEO in the organisation’s 72-year history. PATA has yet to appoint a replacement.

New aviation hub planned for Chongqing

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TTR WEEKLY
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BEIJING, 28 June 2023: Yubei District of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality will embark on the construction of a new airport that will be part of a world-class airport cluster covering Chengdu and Chongqing.

Once completed, the new airport will accommodate 70 to 80 million passengers, supplementing the current Chongqing airport capacity. It will be an essential component of Chongqing aviation and function as a regional passenger and cargo hub. At the same time, the Jiangbei International Airport will continue to be the core airport of Chongqing, focusing on establishing more international routes. Construction will begin soon on the passenger terminal building, cargo terminal, support facilities, and three runways capable of handling A380s. The airport should open in 2029.

Located in the Yubei District, the Chongqing Airport Economic Demonstration Zone has been in the planning stage since October 2016, billed as one of the first two-national airport hubs and economic demonstration zones, covering an area of 147.48 square kilometres.

China’s Civil Aviation Administration recently confirmed the approval of the new airport’s location in Southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality in  Zhengxing, Bishan District.

The new airport will be part of the Western (Chongqing) Science City and the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle targeted to become an industrial hub for sci-tech innovation and manufacturing. It is part of the government’s plan to develop a world-class airport group in the region, including the expansion of Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, the expansion of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, and the construction of new airports in Ya’an and Neijiang of Sichuan Province.

Yubei District, as a major economic and industrial region of Chongqing, is the frontier of opening-up and innovative development and the hot land for investment in Chongqing. In recent years, guided by the strategy of building a manufacturing town and a smart city, Yubei is set to optimise innovation further, provide a solid guarantee for enterprises, and improve the business environment.

In 2022, the automobile and electronics industries in Yubei District achieved an output value of RMB109.2 billion and RMB176.4 billion, respectively, both accounting for a quarter of Chongqing, making Yubei an important automobile manufacturing base, intelligent terminal production base and export base in Chongqing. In the same year, the total import and export volume in Yubei District was RMB192.34 billion, and the actual used foreign direct investment (FDI) was USD281 million.

(Source: PRNewswire and Chongqing International Communication Center for Culture and Tourism.)

Ecotourism tops the Sarawak agenda

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 28 June 2023: Sarawak doubled down on its overarching responsible tourism strategy in a closing message to delegates who attended last week’s PATA Destination Experience Forum and Mart 2023.

Sarawak highlighted its progress in developing ecotourism, gastronomy tourism, and adventure travel content during the event stressing a tourism policy that presents the destination as the preferred ecotourism destination in the region.

Photo credit: Sarawak Tourism Board.

Sarawak Tourism Board  CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor commented after the forum: “I am happy that all delegates had an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with Sarawak’s tourism industry stakeholders as well as from around the region to understand more about the importance of adopting sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, recycling, and responsible resource consumption, to minimise the negative environmental footprint of tourism while enhancing the overall visitor experience”.

Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB).

Climate action strategies that destinations can embrace topped the forum’s agenda, along with critical topics that focused on adopting a more precise direction to embrace the new era of travel with greater responsibility and convert their plans into action.

Themed “Sustainability in Action”, the PATA forum attracted more than 270 tourism thought leaders from 28 destinations worldwide. It was organised with destination partners, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts of Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and the Sarawak Convention Bureau.

Visit www.sarawaktourism.com

Latin music star blesses Norwegian Viva

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 June  2023: Norwegian Cruise Line announced this week that GRAMMY® nominated and five-time Latin GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter, musician and producer, Luis Fonsi, will serve as the godfather of its newest ship, Norwegian Viva, the second ship of the brand’s groundbreaking Prima Class.

This November, the ship will be officially blessed in Miami before homeporting in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Best known for his extensive list of radio hits, including the award-winning, global Latin GRAMMY Award-winning and chart-topping hit, “Despacito,” which was featured on Billboard’s “Hot Latin Song” list for a record-breaking 56 consecutive weeks, Puerto Rican-born Fonsi will fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Viva at the 28 November 2023 christening ceremony in Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Latin music icon Luis Fonsi to the NCL family as Godfather of Norwegian Viva and to join us as we christen our newest ship,” said Norwegian Cruise Line president David Herrera.

“Diverse cultures, including Latin culture and music, deeply influence our APAC markets. As a native Puerto Rican, who is also based in Miami, he brings people together from around the world with his energy, positivity and music, making him the perfect complement to the vibrant energy of Norwegian Viva. We cannot wait for him to join us as we celebrate this milestone moment later this year.”

After completing its christening voyage, Norwegian Viva will be the newest ship to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, upon arrival on 15 December 2023. It will offer a variety of seven-day Caribbean voyages through April 2024 with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St John’s, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, before returning for a summer season of cruises to Europe from Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; and Rome (Civitavecchia) and Venice (Trieste), Italy.

Norwegian Viva is the second of six vessels in the company’s groundbreaking Prima Class and sister ship to the award-winning Norwegian Prima.

For more information about the company’s award-winning 18-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries or to book a cruise, please get in touch with a travel professional, call Hong Kong on +852 800 901 951 and Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com

Duff joins Vakkaru Maldives

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TTR WEEKLY
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VAKKARU Maldives, 28 June 2023: Vakkaru Maldives welcomes hospitality veteran Patrick Duff as resort manager marking a new chapter for the resort’s quest to deliver luxury service and experiences.

A highly respected hospitality professional, Duff’s international track record includes roles in 14 countries with well-known brands such as the Starwood Luxury Collection, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Shangri-La and Sukhothai Bangkok.

Most recently, he served as director of operations for Accor Resorts and Hotels in Phuket, Thailand.

In his new role at Vakkaru Maldives, Duff will oversee the overall operations and work closely with all departments.

“We are delighted to have Patrick Duff join our team,” explains Vakkaru Maldives general manager Iain McCormack. “His exceptional experience, vision, and passion for hospitality will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to our resort. We look forward to witnessing his positive impact on our operations and guest experiences.”

AirAsia champions ‘doing more with less’

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TTR WEEKLY
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SEPANG, 28 June 2023: AirAsia opened a new chapter in its efforts to drive industry engagement and spark greater collaboration by hosting its inaugural Sustainability Day, themed ‘Doing More with Less’.

Led by Capital A Chief Sustainability Officer Yap Mun Ching, the event saw in-depth exchanges on topics that address AirAsia’s pathways to decarbonisation, as well as challenges and opportunities in the implementation of these strategies.

Photo Caption: AirAsia hosts its first Sustainability Day at RedQ, led by Yap Mun Ching, Chief Sustainability Officer at Capital A.

The line-up of speakers, comprising AirAsia technical heads and subject matter experts, tackled topics including how AirAsia is factoring ESG considerations into the deployment of its fleet assets, prospects in switching to greener biofuels, opportunities for ESG financing and managing talent to meet its future growth needs.

Capital A chief sustainability officer Yap Mun Ching said: “Today marks the first time we are bringing all our key stakeholders from government officials, regulators, financial institutions, aviation analysts, business partners and the media, to advance their understanding of the intricacies of aviation sustainability. As we rebuild our business post-pandemic, we are broadening and deepening our sustainability agenda by incorporating robust ESG practices into our strategic priorities so that we recover stronger and better.

“Since aviation is a hard-to-abate sector, decarbonisation in aviation requires collaborative efforts from airlines and all industry stakeholders to achieve our goal of reaching net zero by 2050. With daily reminders in the media that the world is likely to reach an environmental tipping point earlier than expected, this calls for immediate action by all parties to realise and make accessible the solutions that airlines need to reduce their carbon emissions.”

In sharing AirAsia’s net zero plan, Yap continued: “All airlines are faced with four pathways to decarbonise, namely to upgrade their fleet, implement green operating procedures, switch to biofuels and offset remaining emissions. AirAsia’s top priorities are in upgrading its fleet to the A321neo, widely acknowledged as the most fuel-efficient aircraft on the market today, and in expanding and deepening its industry-leading fuel-efficiency programme.

“Whether we are using fossil fuels or biofuels, what should precede this question is whether we are using more than is necessary. AirAsia’s fuel efficiency programme is one of the best if not the best in the world. Even as we explore new solutions, we cannot lose sight of our strength which has enabled us to achieve among the lowest cost and emissions per seat in the industry,” she said.

AirAsia currently has 362 new A321neo aircraft on order, which will be delivered between 2024 and 2035. According to AirAsia Senior Manager of Flight Operations Projects, Development & Efficiency Jonathan Sanjay, since 2015, the airline has saved over USD130 million in fuel consumption while avoiding the associated CO2 emissions. AirAsia is also exploring options to introduce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its fuel mix before 2025.

AirAsia also launched its Guide to Aviation Sustainability, a handbook of aviation sustainability terms to make more accessible common concepts associated with the subject. The handbook also highlights outcomes from AirAsia’s own implementation of some of the measures listed. Publication of the booklet was supported by AirAsia’s business partners, namely Avolon, Honeywell, Mirus Aircraft Seating, PETRONAS, Shell Aviation and SITA.

More information on AirAsia’s Sustainability achievements, goals and targets are available in the Capital A Sustainability Report 2022

Insta360 spotlights Langkawi

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 28 June 2023: Tourism Malaysia teamed up with Insta360, a camera that allows us to share great moments in 360 degrees, as another exemplary initiative to promote Malaysia – Langkawi to the world.

The recently concluded 360Malaysia – Langkawi Adventure saw the two entities working together to revive the tourism industry, particularly in Langkawi, with the participation of 15 best key creators across the Insta360 creators in Asia Pacific for a six-day five-night experience.

“This partnership is a fantastic way to celebrate Langkawi’s natural beauty and cultural heritage with immersive 360 videos,” said Insta360 vice president of marketing Max Richter.

“Insta360’s innovative action cameras are the perfect way to share new perspectives of the island in creative and immersive ways. We hope this partnership will encourage visitors to explore Langkawi and its diverse environment.”

Throughout the 360Malaysia event, the creators explored the island with their Insta360 cameras, ready to film its natural beauty, wildlife, and rich history. With lush rainforests and pristine beaches, the creators captured what makes this island unique.

With a focus on ecotourism, art, and culture, the creators experienced various activities such as island hopping, sunset cruises, water sports, and planting mangroves at the scenic Kubang Badak River, all of which tourists can enjoy in picturesque Langkawi.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Dato Dr Ammar Bin Abd Ghapar said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Insta360 to showcase the breathtaking beauty of Langkawi to the world. Through immersive 360-degree videos, we aim to highlight the island’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. By leveraging innovative technologies, such as Insta360 cameras, we can capture and share captivating experiences to attract more visitors to Langkawi, thereby boosting its tourism economy.”

Langkawi’s strategic location as a duty-free island and its proximity to other popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia position it as a critical player in the region’s tourism industry. The collaboration with Insta360 aims to capitalise on these advantages and establish Langkawi as a premier destination.

Malaysia forecasts 23.5 million international tourist arrivals and MYR76.8 billion in tourism receipts by 2025. With careful planning and ongoing efforts, there is a strong belief in Malaysia’s hopeful revival and growth of tourism.

Spicejet upgrades Hahn Air pact

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 June 2023: SpiceJet recently signed an interline agreement with Hahn Air, a German airline and global distribution services provider.

Since 2016, SpiceJet has been available under Hahn Air’s H1 code in all major Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) but with the new interline agreement, the airline’s fares and booking platform will be operational under its SG code in the Amadeus GDS.

Photo credit: SpiceJet

Travel agents worldwide can issue SpiceJet flights on the insolvency-safe HR-169 ticket by choosing Hahn Air as the validating carrier. In addition, travel agents using the Amadeus GDS can combine SpiceJet’s flights with other Hahn Air partners’ flights on a single ticket.

SpiceJet is an Indian low-cost carrier headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. The airline serves various destinations in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. In 2022, SpiceJet earned several accolades, including Safety Performer of the Year by DIAL and Wings India Aviation Innovation Award 2022. Its fleet comprises 27 Boeing and eight DHC Q400 aircraft.

“We are proud to extend our partnership with SpiceJet”, said Hahn Air vice president of agency distribution Kimberley Long. “We are excited to give the travel agent community various options to access this carrier, even in markets where SpiceJet does not grant ticketing authority for SG or where the airline is not a member of the local BSP or ARC.”

SpiceJet chief commercial officer Shilpa Bhatia added: “The interline agreement with Hahn Air and the strong distribution network of 350 airlines will benefit SpiceJet to increase its global reach under its own SG code.”

For more information about SpiceJet and other Hahn Air partners, visit www.hahnair.com/partner-carriers.

About Hahn Air

Hahn Air is a German scheduled and executive charter airline. Since 1999 it has offered indirect distribution services to other airlines and thus provides ticketing solutions to 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets. 

Hahn Air is 100% owned by the Hahn Air Group, an international corporation based in Dreieich near Frankfurt, Germany. The fleet of Hahn Air Lines operates out of the airports of Dusseldorf and Frankfurt Egelsbach. The group has offices worldwide, including Minneapolis, Montevideo, Casablanca, New Delhi, Manila and Johannesburg.

Pelago presents Miles Rush Week

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 June 2023: Pelago, a travel experience platform under the Singapore Airlines Group, will launch a new quarterly rewards programme titled “Miles Rush Week”.

The exclusive programme designed for KrisFlyer members allows them to accelerate mileage accumulation and enjoy thousands of travel activities worldwide via the Pelago platform.

Photo credit: Pelago.

The programme’s first installation will take place from 28 June to 4 July 2023. This exclusive link offers KrisFlyer members, who are new Pelago users, 25 bonus miles per SGD1 spent (capped at 2,500 miles). The bonus miles will be credited to their accounts upon completing the activity by 30 November 2023.

No matter where travellers are going, whether it’s cooling off from the summer heat at Bali’s renowned Waterbom theme park, enjoying an exciting experience at Universal Studios Japan, or having a blast at Pelago’s Silent Disco Full Moon Party atop SkyPark Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands, they can benefit through the Pelago programme.

Starting from 28 June, Pelago will triple its always-on miles earn rate to 3 miles per SGD1 spent on all eligible transactions for new and existing users. KrisFlyer members can indulge in travel activities such as tours and day trips, adventures, exquisite dining experiences, iconic attractions and landmarks, and more while accumulating miles.

About Pelago

Launched in 2021, Pelago is a travel experience platform by Singapore Airlines that connects flying passengers to at-destination experiences.

As a part of the Singapore Airlines family, travellers can earn or use their miles on every booking on Pelago. For more information, visit www.pelago.co.

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