SINGAPORE 29 August 2023: Expedia Group released its latest research and first-party data gathered during Q2 2023, showing strong traveller enthusiasm.
Building on its recently released ‘Path to Purchase’ report, Q2 data shows search window changes and the impact of events on travel. Interest in long-haul destinations outside of home regions also rose in popularity.
Photo credit; Expedia Travel Insights 2023/Q3.
For the second quarter of 2023, the research and data showed that traveller enthusiasm remains strong, with the return of seasonal trends like quick trips tied to events and spring and summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. Long-haul destinations outside of home regions also rose in popularity, indicating that international travel demand continues to grow.
Report highlights
Expedia data shows the strongest search growth coming from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
Travellers are planning for the short term, following seasonal trends.
Long-haul destinations are on the rise, with an increase in North American travellers searching for destinations in Asia and Europe.\
Large-scale live sporting events driving strong travel search increases around the world. 24% of travellers are initially inspired to take a trip because of a specific event or celebration.
LANGKAWI, 29 August 2023: Langkawi’s famous cycle stage race, which helped put the island on the tourism map since the race was established in 1996, will once more roll along Malaysia’s highways for eight days from 23 to 30 September, following the pandemic pause.
Le Tour de Langkawi has delivered the Asian version of the famous French stage race since former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir convinced the Le Tour de France brand in 1996 to put Malaysia on the world sporting and tourism map by establishing the first major cycle race with international teams participating.
Since then, the race has usually been flagged off in Langkawi for multiple stages, including racing significant landmarks such as Genting Highlands and Dataran Merdeka. The Union Cycliste Internationale now sanctions the race as a ProSeries under UCI’s three-tier race structure and is among the biggest races in Asia.
Due to the famous Le Tour de France branding links, the race regularly attracts top teams worldwide and national teams from European and Asian countries and worked marvels for Langkawi’s holiday island image, opening the door to sports event hosting on a broader scale.
The return of the famous cycle race this September under Brand Langkawi has been welcomed following a Covid pandemic pause that derailed the hosting of LTdL 2020.
A popular sport that has become a lifestyle amongst Malaysians, the 24th edition slogan – Sports Unite, Cycling Contributes – seeks to emphasise the importance of unity via the sport of cycling. It is much more than just a cycle race.
“The theme defines and promotes the people and masses to “ride together’ regardless of their ideologies, race and background in the spirit of unity and camaraderie. It is about creating Passion, Excitement, Unity and a sense of Pride in participating in yet another renowned international event,” the organisers stressed in a statement released by Tourism Malaysia.
BANGKOK, 29 August 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts launches its newest package experience, Enriched Journeys, as part of its ongoing 40th Anniversary Wave of Celebrations. This exclusive offer is available worldwide at Centara Reserve and Centara Grand properties, inviting guests to enjoy unforgettable stays overflowing with personalised moments and experiences.
Until 20 December 2023, travellers can indulge in luxury with the Enriched Journeys packages, carefully curated to provide an extraordinary stay at Centara’s top-tier properties. Whether seeking a serene beach escape in the Maldives, a tranquil Thai island paradise, or exploring vibrant cities like Bangkok, Osaka, and beyond, guests are assured a stay that exudes Centara’s signature hospitality and world-class service.
Centara Hotels & Resorts presents an array of exclusive privileges to guests who book and stay within the promotional period to commemorate four decades of excellence in the hospitality industry. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with an exquisite in-room champagne setup, setting the tone for a memorable stay.
Guests at Centara Grand properties will delight in a tantalising dinner for two, a delectable affair that includes decadent truffles and caviar. At the same time, those staying at Centara Reserve Samui will indulge in a private barbecue dinner for two, offering a fusion of flavours in an idyllic setting.
Moreover, the Enriched Journeys offer aims to rejuvenate the body and spirit with a spa experience for two at the award-winning SPA Cenvaree. Guests can experience a range of pampering treatments that promise ultimate comfort and relaxation. The Wave of Celebrations: Enriched Journeys promotion also includes round-trip hotel transfers at all participating properties, except Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, to ensure a seamless and hassle-free journey.
To secure this exclusive offer, guests can book between now and 20 December 2023 at participating Centara Reserve and Centara Grand properties. Privileges are available for two-person stays per room and may vary by location.
SINGAPORE, 29 August 2023: Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) returns from 8 to 17 September 2023 with precinct parties at four locations and a suite of race-themed lifestyle experiences across the city.
Catering to all ages and interests, GPSS complements the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023 experience and encourages locals and visitors to explore everything Singapore offers.
Photo credit: STB. Licence to Feast.
“The Grand Prix Season Singapore is back for its 14th edition, revving up more excitement and festivities across Singapore for an action-packed 10-day period. The curated line-up of offerings across multiple facets such as dining, entertainment and retail showcase the best of Singapore’s lifestyle experiences, which locals and visitors can enjoy,” said Singapore Tourism Board executive director of sports and wellness Ong Ling Lee.
Themed ‘Circuit of Festivity’, this year’s precinct parties promise unique race-themed offerings at four different yet interconnected locations. Feel the buzz of the race season at Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, Kampong Gelam and Sentosa – each with distinctive and extensive programming, allowing visitors to spend more time exploring each location’s offerings in depth.
Presented by local artist Brandon Tay, Revolutions: The GPSS Immersive Experience – a high-tech light and sound show that tells the GPSS story in tribute to the people, achievements, and aspirations of our vibrant city – anchors the GPSS experience at Orchard Road. The eclectic Orchard Pit Shops: GPSS Lifestyle Bazaar will keep shoppers busy with over 24 stalls offering local artisanal products, food and beverage, music and art installations, while a retail haven greets shoppers with limited-edition merchandise curated exclusively for GPSS at Design Orchard.
Clarke Quay comes to life with its distinctive day-to-night entertainment, from the retail pop-up stalls at CQ Street Market to GPSS Fitness Fest feat. Les Mills is a one-of-a-kind training experience for fitness fans combined with music, lights and the latest fitness innovations. Motorsports enthusiasts and racing gamers can compete in the adrenaline-filled Teleios Race Sims Grand Slam, an e-motorsport league, for the GPSS Sims Championship title. At OutDrive GP, fans can meet Formula 1 and Formula 2 racing drivers, including Nico Hülkenberg, and watch them race against top local sim racing drivers. Music aficionados can look forward to Asia’s premier independent music festival, Music Matters Live, featuring Nathan Hartono, Benjamin Kheng, Sezairi, and some 30 acts from 12 countries.
Tradition meets modernity at Kampong Gelam. Adding to the festive vibes, Culturally Singapore will appeal to all ages, with multi-cultural performances promising a visual feast. For a satisfying culinary experience, visitors can head to the GPSS Food Park for a delectable mix of local and international cuisines and savour the smoky flavours at Hot-Pit Stop: Grills & BBQ. Singaporean artist Wilfred Cheah shares his creations through Singapore Stories: Miniatures of the Past, where arts and crafts are elevated with his miniature recreations of local scenes and places from the past. At the same time, Haji Lane Blockbuster offers two music zones for music fans to dance the night away.
After its debut in the GPSS precinct parties last year, Sentosa is back with island-exclusive experiences targeted at families and beach lovers. Stretching across Siloso Beach, the Siloso Beachwalk Bazaar promises a dining and shopping extravaganza alongside roving acts and other entertaining pitstops. Celebrating Singapore’s most iconic culinary delights, including the internationally renowned Chilli Crab, the GPSS Beach Feastable will be a major draw for both locals and visitors, with some 20 gourmet booths and al-fresco beachside seating. Timeless Rides: An Era of Vintage & Classic Cars, a display of rare cars specially put together for GPSS, will delight automobile enthusiasts. Visitors can also catch the timeless rides as they parade around Sentosa on 8 September.
More GPSS 2023 highlights
A Project of Art in the Night Race
Organised by the Dino Zoli Foundation, this recycled art exhibition invited art institutions and artists to transform floodlights that once illuminated the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix street circuit. Having been replaced by more environmentally-friendly LED track lights, these floodlights are given a new lease of life as they are transformed into captivating pieces displayed at The Arts House.
Amber Lounge
The most exclusive and glamorous post-race weekend afterparty returns to Singapore this season, where guests can expect live performances by international music artists. Party-goers will stand a chance to meet F1 drivers and celebrity guests while enjoying Amber Lounge’s enthralling entertainment concept with theatrical cabaret and cirque-themed performances.
Licence to Feast
Foodies can expect a whirlwind exploration of diverse cuisines with an extensive brunch and all-day race-themed specials from 8 unique establishments across 1-Group – 1-Altitude Coast, 1-Arden, 1-Atico, Monti, The Alkaff Mansion, The Garage, The Riverhouse, and The Summerhouse.
MANILA, 29 August 2023: AirAsia Philippines shares some essential tips for local and foreign travellers as the peak season for holidays in Asia is fast approaching.
AirAsia Philippines head of communications and public affairs Steve Dailisan said: As part of our efforts to enhance our customers’ peace of mind, we provide tips to help each customer better prepare.”
Photo credit: AirAsia. How to be travel savvy when packing bags.
Hacks for hassle-free travel
Best for your carry-on: Valuables like money and jewellery should always be kept close. These items are susceptible to damage and sometimes attract unwanted attention – so keep the bling on board and add these to your carry-on!
Important papers like your passport, travel documents, boarding passes, and IDs are also best kept in your handcarry. Losing these items can disrupt your journey, or worse, identity theft. Keep them within arm’s reach always.
Electronics and gadgets like laptops, tablets, and cameras should also be placed in your hand carry. Don’t forget they have delicate and often fragile components.
Medications such as prescription medicines, medical devices, and any other health-related items should also be kept in your hand luggage. Having immediate access to these in emergencies and ensuring your well-being is essential.
Check-in baggage: Once the red-and-white counters accept checked-in baggage, it is turned over to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) for added security inspections. While these are essential, guests should remember that baggage may be opened and inspected by the OTS before being cleared to fly.
Prohibited items are commonly returned to the check-in counters, which may sometimes cause delays. To ensure a safe and hassle-free trip, the following items should not be in your check-in baggage: Corrosive substances such as flammable and hazardous materials, mechanical tools, explosives, and the like. Additionally, batteries and power banks are strictly prohibited from being stored inside check-in baggage and should be kept in your carry-on.
BANGKOK, 29 August 2023: Winners of the 2023 PATA Gold Awards have been announced by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
This year’s awards recognised the achievements of 23 separate organisations and individuals, including the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Galaxy Entertainment Group, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Incheon Tourism Organization, Jeju Tourism Organization, Kerala Tourism, Korea Tourism Organization, MGM China, Nepal Tourism Board, Sabah Tourism Board, Sands China Limited, Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, SriLankan Airlines, SOTC Travel Ltd, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Fiji, and TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd.
The 2023 PATA Gold Award Presentation hosted by MGTO will take place in New Delhi, India, on Thursday, 5 October, during PATA Travel Mart 2023.
Under the guidance of PATA headquarters, 22 independent judges worldwide selected the winners of the 21 Gold Awards and two Grand Title Winners.
The PATA Grand Title Winners were presented to outstanding entries in two principal categories: Marketing and Sustainability and Social Responsibility.
MGM China received the PATA Gold Award 2023 Grand Title in Marketing for its “Turning A Traditional Cultural Symbol Into A Marketing Catalyst” campaign. Ten years ago, MGM launched the Lion IP brand strategy with the first Lion Dance Championship, leveraging the lion dance – an internationally recognised Lingnan culture icon — and turning this local cultural symbol into a long-term brand engagement strategy.
The PATA Gold Award 2023 Grand Title in Sustainability and Social Responsibility was awarded to Waterbom Bali, Indonesia, for its innovative ‘Karmic Returns’ program. The renowned waterpark, located in Bali, Indonesia, is at the forefront of sustainability practices. Since becoming the first waterpark to achieve carbon neutrality in 2017, Waterbom has set ambitious goals to become the world’s leading sustainable waterpark, focusing on waste, water, and energy reduction.
Open to both PATA and non-PATA members, this year’s awards attracted a total of 108 entries from travel and tourism organisations and individuals from around the globe.
PATA Grand Title Winners 2023 Marketing Turning A Traditional Cultural Symbol Into A Marketing Catalyst MGM China, China Sustainability and Social Responsibility Karmic Returns Waterbom Bali, Indonesia PATA Gold Award Winners 2023 – Marketing Marketing Campaign (National – Asia) Through the lens of GenZ Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR Marketing Campaign (National – Pacific) Where Happiness Comes Naturally Tourism Fiji, Fiji Marketing Campaign (State and city – Global) Pack Up for Kerala Kerala Tourism, India Marketing – Carrier Around the Island SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Marketing – Hospitality Melco Style x B. Duck @ Studio City Melco, Macao, China Marketing – Industry Kick-starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian travellers SOTC Travel Ltd, India Digital Marketing Campaign Incheon smart tourism project Incheon Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK) Printed Marketing Campaign Korea Unique Venue Promotion Project Korea Tourism Organization, Korea (ROK) Travel Video Catching Sabah Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia Travel Photograph A Valley in Bloom Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand Destination Article Hiking in Australia’s Healing Lands Rachel Lees, Australia Business Article Fancy Feasts TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd, Singapore PATA Gold Award Winners 2023 – Sustainability & Social Responsibility Climate Change Initiative Galaxy Entertainment Group Environmental and Sustainability Practices Galaxy Entertainment Group, Macao, China Corporate and Social Responsibility Beacon of Sustainability Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, Thailand Community-Based Tourism Kareum Stay Community-Based Tourism Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration – DASTA, Thailand Heritage Rejuvenating and Appreciating MGM China, China Human Capital Development Initiative Sands Retail Academy – “Ticket To A Lifestyle Journey” Sands China Limited, Macao, China Tourism Destination Resilience (Asia Pacific) Alabao Bay Secret Land Reappearance Plan Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Chinese Taipei Tourism for All Leofoo Senior Travel Service Leofoo Tourism Group, Chinese Taipei Women Empowerment Initiative Sustainability and Social Responsibility Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal.
MANILA, 29 August 2023: The Philippines’ annual month-long September Online Sale will recruit around 80 hotels and resorts offering holiday deals at 19 destinations across the Philippines discounted by as much as 70%
The sale is hosted by the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA), from 1 to 30 September. First started in 2020, the event supported the hospitality industry during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now a firm favourite on the annual sales calendar.
Photo credit: HSMA (Hotel Sales and Marketing Association. International) https://hsma.org.ph/
Reporting on online sales, the Philippines News Agency reported sales reached PHP14.1 million after selling 1,752 vouchers of hotel rooms and food packages during 2020, but that doubled the following year to PHP29.6 million.
The HSMA said it targets to surpass last year’s sales, which generated PHP36.8 million worth of vouchers.
The offers are categorised under destinations and regions such as Metro Manila, Clark, Baguio, Boracay, Cebu, Bohol and Palawan.
THIMPHU, Bhutan, 29 August 2023: In a statement forwarded to TTRW Monday, the Royal Government of Bhutan confirmed that “incentives and policy measures to boost its tourism sector” are being introduced, including a 50% reduction on its tourism levy, known as the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF).
Bhutan’s government statement underscored the commitment to high-value, low-volume tourism while reducing the SDF to USD100 per person per night (down from USD 200 per person per night). The new, lower levy will be valid until September 2027.
“The change was made given the important role of the tourism sector in generating employment; earning foreign exchange; realising the potential for spillover benefits for ancillary industries; boosting overall economic growth; and funding important environmental, social and infrastructure projects,” the government statement explained.
New incentives and measures
1. A 50% reduction will be granted on the prevailing SDF of USD200 for US Dollar-paying guests visiting Bhutan. The effective SDF with the discount will be USD100 per person per night for US dollar-paying tourists.
2. A 50% reduction on the SDF will be granted on the rates applied to children aged between 6 and 12 years for US dollar-paying children visiting as tourists. The effective SDF with the discount for children will be USD50 per person per night for US dollar-paying tourists. Children who have not turned six can visit Bhutan without paying any SDF.
3. The 24-hour SDF waiver for tourists staying in the border towns remains valid.
The above incentives are effective from Friday, 1 September 2023 and shall remain effective for four years until 31 August 2027.
Any guests who have already paid the SDF for their upcoming visit to Bhutan are eligible for refunds on any excess SDF amounts paid.
Commenting on the incentives, Bhutan’s Department of Tourism director-general Dorji Dhradhul said: “While the global community continues to heal from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, the conflict persisting in Europe, and the challenges related to the cost of living that are impacting important markets for us, we have listened to the voices of our valued guests, as well as our colleagues in the industry and our global travel partners.
“As a result, we have decided to temporarily lower our Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) to revitalise our tourism sector. We acknowledge the necessity of embracing change and occasionally refining our policies and strategies to match prevailing market conditions better. The lower SDF represents an excellent opportunity for more people to visit our beautiful kingdom in the future, which will benefit our people and the many projects that the SDF funds.”
Bhutan started welcoming foreign tourists in 1974, and guests to Bhutan have always been required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee as part of Bhutan’s ‘High Value, Low Volume’ tourism policy. Funds from the SDF go to the government exchequer and are invested in a range of projects designed to support Bhutan’s preservation and progress and ensure that Bhutan avoids becoming a mass tourism destination. The projects funded by the SDF include the provision of free healthcare and education for all Bhutanese, a range of sustainability and conservation projects, cultural preservation programmes, infrastructure upgrades and youth development programmes.
Since January 2023, Bhutan has welcomed 60,000 guests (including USD and INR paying tourists), which matches what was forecasted for 2023 arrivals. Bhutan’s main source markets are India, the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, Malaysia, France, Singapore, Vietnam and China. Bhutan’s tourism is expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels in 2025.
Last June, Bhutan announced other incentives designed to help stimulate the tourism sector. These have now been revoked with the introduction of the new 50% incentive.
SINGAPORE, 28 August 2023: A Reuters report on Saturday confirmed Bhutan will slash its daily USD200 sustainable development fee in half to USD100 starting 1 September.
The government announced the change in response to requests from hotels and travel companies that said hiking the fee from USD65 to USD200 a year ago had almost crippled business.
Photo credit: Department of Tourism Bhutan
Under the new rule, children 5 to 11 years old will be charged USD50 daily.
Bhutan’s “Sustainable Development Fee” was supposed to offset the carbon generated by visitors, but it also helped cap visitor arrivals. However, travel industry sources raising the fee last September to USD200 was a step too far for a fragile travel industry fight to recover from the three-year Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Reuters, the USD100 per night comes into effect in September and should remain in place for four years, according to a government statement last Friday.
Bhutan opened to tourists in 1974 when it received 300 visitors. The number soared to 315,600 in 2019, up 15.1% from a year earlier, official data showed.
Bhutan’s director general of the Department of Tourism, Dorji Dhradhul told Reuters that halving the fee would boost arrivals in the September-December peak tourist period.
Dhradhul noted: “More than 56,000 tourists have visited Bhutan since January, but about 42,000 were Indian nationals, who only have to pay a fee of 1,200 Indian rupees (YSD14.5) daily.”
BANGKOK, 28 August 2023: Airports in the Asia Pacific are grappling with a surge in passengers in the post-Covid era while striving to enhance operational efficiency and passenger processing technology to meet the demand for a seamless travel experience in the next decade.
SITA president Asia Pacific Sumesh Patel highlighted the challenges during an interview with TTRW last week, noting the aviation industry’s recovery was outpacing earlier predictions that claimed full pre-pandemic levels would not return until 2024 or 2025. As of last month, global passenger numbers have already reached an impressive 92% of pre-Covid levels, thanks to the rapid resurgence of air travel.
Passenger traffic rebounds
“Asia Pacific, particularly in China and India, the rebound has been most striking, with domestic passenger numbers surpassing those of 2019. Although the recovery has been slower compared to Europe and the Americas because the governments were not fully open, he believes that Asia Pacific is going to lead the way forward for years ahead, not only in terms of passenger growth but also in terms of the number of aircraft and the number of new airports being built,” said Sumesh.
According to the SITA survey, on average, passengers expect to take 4.7 flights this year compared to 4.2 flights in 2019, while those planning more than 10 flights in 2023 have increased from 6% of passengers in 2019 to 10% this year.
Airports harness the latest technology
With rising air travel in Asia Pacific, Sumesh sees the business performance at major hubs remaining robust. Although smaller hubs may emerge, the gateway hubs will continue to be vital in delivering connectivity and services. Meanwhile, with current major hubs facing challenges from capacity constraints, there is a growing effort to harness technology to enhance passenger processing and operational efficiency. Technologies that enhance the passenger experience include biometrics and automation, self-service, and digital travel enhancements. This encompasses cloud computing, business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and data analytics for operations.
“We observed that 96% of the airlines and 93% of airports expect their IT spending to stay the same or increase in 2023 compared to the previous year.
“Globally, we see the same trend; investments are rising. However, the challenge in the Asia Pacific will be much larger as it will involve substantial expansion. Asia is set to lead global growth in passenger numbers, aircraft acquisitions, and new airport builds.
“Looking ahead, we anticipate that Asia will be more open and eager to embrace new technology. This is because they face a positive challenge: rapid growth. The growth is expected to be so fast that they will have no choice but to deploy more technology to manage it effectively.”
Over the next decade, Sumesh highlighted critical trends poised to reshape the travel industry, compelling airports and airlines to adapt to evolving demands.
Digital travel experience
“Looking ahead, there’s a notable shift, especially among Gen Z and millennial travellers. They prefer a highly digital travel experience, doing tasks like biometric registration before arriving at the airport, skipping documents, and giving them more control.
“In contrast, senior travellers now travel 10% more than before Covid and have different needs. With their growing numbers and increased spending, we need solutions tailored for them, including better wheelchair services, improved airport signage, and easier access to amenities like restaurants and shops.”
Urban Air Mobility
Sumesh also sees the need for seamless multimodal travel, where unified processing and verification points create a fluid end-to-end journey across land, sea, and air. The challenge is to offer comprehensive intermodal door-to-door services, making connected travel a reality by combining air and rail, air and cruise or even air and hotels. He also anticipates Urban Air Mobility (UAM) becoming more widely available, with major airports easing road transport congestion to and from the airport and enabling a faster alternative for passengers.
In the long term, achieving a net zero target is another area where technology will play a role. SITA is focusing on working with airlines and airports to meet their goal by 2025. Technologies like AI can empower them with the details and data needed to make more sustainable choices and reduce their carbon footprint.
SITA recently held the Asia Pacific Air Transport IT Summit on 22-23 August in Bangkok, joined by 160 senior leaders within the aviation industry.
“We have a longstanding 75-year partnership with airlines and airports. This event isn’t just about showcasing SITA’s technology and community collaboration. We focus on learning from each other, understanding future challenges, and sharing our technology investments and plans with our stakeholders,” Sumesh concluded.
