HONG KONG, 4 September 2024: HK Express Airways will resume direct flights between Hong Kong and Hiroshima, Japan, starting 1 November 2024, with three direct flights weekly.
Hiroshima (HIJ) will become the airline’s second destination in Japan after Takamatsu served from its home base in Hong Kong.
To celebrate the relaunch of the Hiroshima route, HK Express sold its lowest fare at HKD318.
Hiroshima is located southwest of Honshu, facing the Seto Inland Sea in the south. It is renowned for its natural attractions, such as mountains and hot springs. Visitors can trek through the dense forests and discover quaint towns like Onomichi and Tomonoura, visit golden beaches or visit the iconic Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima, which has a floating red gate on the sea.
Popular outdoor activities include hiking, cycling, ocean sports, and skiing. In addition to its natural wonders, Hiroshima is home to a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage site: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Beyond its strong cultural heritage, Hiroshima is also renowned for its savoury local cuisine, which includes specialities such as Hiroshima oysters, okonomiyaki and saltwater eel.
Remembered most as the first target of the World War II atomic bomb attacks against Japan, there is no denying Hiroshima’s place in history, and Peace Memorial Park is a must when looking to understand the wartime disaster that overtook the city’s residents.
However, this resilient city by the bay quickly picked itself up after the earth-shattering attack of 1945, and today, Hiroshima is filled with the same exuberant lifestyle found in other modern Japanese cities.
The cityscape charms visitors with world heritage shrines and temples, peaceful riverfront parks and gardens, many museums, shopping and dining districts, and even nearby hot springs, where visitors can relax in the beauty of an open-air mountain setting.
Events and festivals are held throughout the year. Flower and cherry blossom festivals in the spring and the viewing of colourful leaves in the autumn are just some of the most popular annual occasions.
OSAKA, Japan, 4 September 2024: Peach Aviation’s CEO Kazunari Ohashi announced last week that ANA’s low-cost airline would commence flights to Singapore this December.
The airline will launch daily flights on the Osaka Kansai-Singapore route on 4 December using an Airbus A321LR aircraft. This will be its second medium-haul international route introduced from Osaka following the launch of services to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi in 2023.
Photo credit: Peach Aviation.
Ohashi commented: “We are very pleased to launch the Osaka – Singapore route, our second medium-haul international route and the first for a Japanese airline in 14 years.”
Flight schedule 4 December 2024 to 29 March 2025
Hot on the heels of the new flight announcement, Singapore’s EU Holidays confirmed 31 August its appointment as the airline’s General Sales Agency in Singapore.
ANA’s Peach will face tough competition on the Singapore – Osaka route currently served by Singapore Airlines and Scoot, using Boeing Dreamliner 787s configured with 337 seats (SQ) and 375 seats (Scoot). Singapore Airlines schedules 21 direct flights weekly on the route, while Scoot serves it daily. The average roundtrip fare on the route this year is USD540.
About Peach Peach Aviation Limited is a Japanese low-cost airline with its head office in Tajiri, Osaka Prefecture. The airline is part of the All Nippon Airways (ANA) Group. Peach is based at seven airports: New-Chitose, Sendai, Narita, Chubu, Kansai, Fukuoka, and Naha. It operates 27 domestic routes and 12 international routes with a fleet of 36 aircraft.
SINGAPORE, 4 September 2024: Hotel management agreements are increasing in duration, and while management fees have decreased in the past five years, sales and marketing fees have increased across Asia Pacific.
These are some of the findings of the Hotel Management Contract Survey 2024, commissioned and published jointly by JLL and Baker McKenzie. They show that the initial term of HMAs increased by four years on average since 2005 to reach 17.4 years in 2024. However, regional operators generally have a shorter term and an appetite for more flexibility.
The 2024 Hotel Management Contract Survey represents the most comprehensive study in the Asia Pacific, comprising approximately 400 hotel management agreements (HMAs) analysed over the past 20 years. This year’s survey also included 145 hotel management contracts signed specifically between 2018 and 2023, the largest sample yet in Asia Pacific, to contribute to the 20-year study.
According to respondents, the length of HMAs does differ by market. In the Maldives and Japan, at 26 and 23 years, respectively, there are more luxury hotel developments, and owners prefer to lock in brands for longer. Furthermore, practice in Australia is more tailored to shorter agreements, with an average of 15 years, as owners prefer shorter terms and unencumbered asset sales.
One factor influencing the duration of HMAs is the increase in the fee makeup. According to the survey, the average base fee in contracts has declined to 1.6% of revenue from 1.7%. Incentive fees are increasingly based on a sliding scale based on performance against gross operating profit thresholds.
“In most markets, we have seen hotel management fees come down and increasingly, fees are linked to results against agreed performance thresholds, which creates additional incentives for operators to perform. An optimally negotiated management agreement aligns the interest of the hotel owner with the operator through rewarding outperformance,” says JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific Senior Managing Director Head of Advisory & Asset Management, Xander Nijnens.
Despite a decline in management fees, the survey affirmed that sales and marketing fees have increased. Compared to previous years, a higher proportion of operators charge sales and marketing fees of 3% or more of either Rooms Revenue or Total Revenue.
“There has been clear progress on curtailing management fees, but increases in sales and marketing, programme fees, and variable hotel costs are increasingly offsetting these drops. From our interactions with the market, these fees tend to be seen as mandatory, less transparent, and less straightforward to compare across brands, causing some concern with owners,” says Nijnens.
Furthermore, a significant shift observed in the past 20 years is the inclusion of performance termination provisions in management contracts, with 93% of contracts now including this clause. These tend to be based on two performance tests: against revenue per average room (RevPAR) performance of a competitive set and gross operating profit (GOP) performance against budget, generally over two consecutive years.
GURUGRAM India, 3 September 2024: Air India has introduced its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the Delhi-London Heathrow route. The twice-daily service is the first deployment of the airline’s ‘new Air India’ experience on long-haul flights, representing a milestone in the airline’s transformation programme.
Air India’s A350 cabin includes a fresh three-class configuration offering full-flat beds in business class, a new premium economy experience, and the latest-generation seats in economy class. All guests enjoy the latest-generation inflight entertainment system offering more than 3000 hours of entertainment content, which will shortly be complemented by onboard Wi-Fi*.
Guests in business and premium economy will also enjoy updated amenity kits exclusively designed by Ferragamo and TUMI, as well as Air India’s new soft product – Vista Verve – with new chinaware, tableware, glassware and bedding. Completing the experience, the flight and cabin crew will don, for the first time, their new Manish Malhotra-designed uniforms.
Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson said: “The deployment of the flagship A350s on the Delhi-London Heathrow route marks a significant milestone for Air India. It demonstrates Air India’s commitment to elevating the travel experience of our guests to truly world-class standards and to going beyond just meeting customer expectations as we continue to grow and renew our fleet.”
Air India’s A350 aircraft features 28 private suites with full-flat beds in business, 24 seats in a dedicated premium economy cabin offering extra legroom and other enhancements, and 264 spacious seats in Economy.
All seats on the A350 have the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens, which offer more than 3000 hours of entertainment content from around the world in 13 international and eight Indian regional languages. Air India started inducting the A350s earlier this year, which have since operated flights within India and on short-haul international routes. The A350-900 will replace the currently deployed Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on 14 of 17 weekly flights. As a result, an additional 336 seats will be available on the Delhi-London Heathrow route each week.
SINGAPORE, 3 September 2024: Hotel Nikko Kaohsiung will open on 1 November, with reservation channels active since 2 September for the first Nikko-branded hotel in southern Taiwan.
The hotel is situated in the Asia New Bay of Kaohsiung City and enjoys a prime location near MRT and Light Rail stations. It is just a 25-minute drive from Kaohsiung International Airport and a 1.5-hour journey from Taipei on a high-speed train.
The brand-new complex features 260 rooms, including 63 Nikko Club rooms and seven suite rooms, five restaurants, and over 450 sqm of banquet and meeting space. The restaurants will specialise in Chinese, Japanese, and international cuisine. Other facilities include a swimming pool, gym, public baths, and sauna, all of which offer breathtaking views of the port city.
Loyalty programme members will be offered reduced room rates starting at TWD4,700 for a one-night stay in a classic room, including buffet breakfast for two persons. This offer is valid for reservations made until 31 October 2024 for stays between 1 November 2024 and 28 February 2025.
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 September 2024: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, through its agency Tourism Malaysia, rolled out the red carpet at the weekend to welcome 200 incentive participants from China.
Organised by Beijing Jingdong Century Trading Co Ltd. (JD.COM), the incentive group will tour Malaysia for the week ending 5 September 2024.
JD.COM is one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms, linking its customers to various commodities. In addition, JD.com provides services related to the tourism sector through its website, including accommodations, airline reservations, and vacation packages. The incentive group, consisting of JD.COM’s front line of top-performing personnel, is visiting Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, commented: “We are honoured to welcome JD.COM’s incentive group to Malaysia. This visit strengthens our ties with China and allows us to showcase our diverse tourism offerings. We are confident that their experience here will highlight why Malaysia is a top destination for both leisure and business travellers.”
The introduction of visa-free entry for Chinese travellers, effective 1 December 2023 until 31 December 2026, has spurred bookings to Malaysia from China. As of June 2024, Malaysia has welcomed 1,449,711 arrivals from China, an impressive 190.8% increase compared to 2023, which saw 498,540 arrivals.
Tourism Malaysia is intensifying its promotional efforts in preparation for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to attract 35.6 million international tourists and generate MYR147.1 billion in tourism revenue.
MANADO, 3 September 2024: AirAsia today celebrates the maiden flight from Kota Kinabalu to Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi and the second largest city in Indonesia’s Sulawesi island.
Operated by AirAsia Malaysia ( AK), the flight departed Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 0850 and landed at Sam Ratulangi International Airport at 1100 local time.
Flight AK1797 was given the customary water cannon salute on arrival in Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Manado, North Sulawesi.
This new route reaffirms AirAsia Group’s commitment to providing more travel options from Kota Kinabalu, its second-largest hub in Malaysia for both domestic and international destinations, with 30 routes and 387 flights weekly.
BANGKOK, 3 September 2024: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) recognised six PATA Chapters and three Student Chapters for their commitment to advancing the travel and tourism industry at the PATA Power of Networking session, held in Bangkok last Thursday, 29 August.
The 2024 PATA Face of the Future award and certificates of recognition were also formally presented to the winners at the gathering.
PATA Chair Peter Semone and CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid presenting awards to PATA Chapters and PATA Student Chapters. See below for complete name lists.
During the event, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid reflected on the purpose of the PATA Chapter & Student Chapter Awards, stating: “These awards were established to honour the unwavering commitment of our Chapters and Student Chapters in advancing the travel and tourism industry. They also highlight the vital role these groups play in organising impactful training programmes and business development events across the globe, all while carrying forward PATA’s mission to foster meaningful partnerships that enhance the value, quality, and sustainable growth of travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region.”
The Spirit of PATA Award was presented to the PATA India Chapter for consistently embodying the Association’s mission and values for over five consecutive years. Runeep Sangha, Executive Director of the Chapter, alongside Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and San Jeet, a member of the PATA Executive Board, accepted the award on the Chapter’s behalf.
Three chapters win Awards of Excellence:
PATA Nepal Chapter, represented by Chairman Khem Lakai, CEO Suresh Singh Budal, and General Secretary Narendra Bhatta.
PATA Thailand Chapter, represented by Chairperson Ben Montgomery, Pacific Leisure & TCC Group Managing Director Watana Limnararat, and Dusit Thani College International Programmes Dean Simon Lloyd.
PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, represented by Chairperson Aung Zwe Wint.
The Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals Award was presented to the PATA Malaysia Chapter for its remarkable support of young tourism professionals and educational institutions over the past year. Jonathan Low, a member of the Chapter’s Executive Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the Chapter.
The Best Sustainability Initiative Award was presented to the PATA Malaysia HELP University Student Chapter for its innovative and impactful sustainability projects. Rajesvare Rada, Senior Lecturer at HELP University, accepted the award on behalf of the Chapter.
Recognising its exceptional performance in its inaugural year, the PATA British University Vietnam (BUV) Student Chapter was presented with the Best Newcomer Award. The Chapter’s Chairperson, Chau Anh Luu, accepted the award on stage.
Special Recognition Certificates were awarded to the PATA Maldives Chapter and the PATA New York Chapter for their commitment to promoting responsible travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. Abdulla Ghiyas, President, PATA Maldives Chapter and Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director, PATA New York Chapter received the awards on behalf of their respective chapters.
Photo captions in detail
Top Row, first photo: L/R: San Jeet, Executive Board Member, PATA; Runeep Sangha, Executive Director, PATA India Chapter; and Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Top Row, second photo: L/R: Suresh Singh Budal, CEO, PATA Nepal Chapter; Narendra Bhatta, General Secretary, PATA Nepal Chapter; and Khem Lakai, Chairman, PATA Nepal Chapter
Top Row, third photo: L/R: Ben Montgomery, Chairperson, PATA Thailand Chapter; Watana Limnararat, Managing Director, Pacific Leisure & TCC Group; and Simon Lloyd, Dean, International Programs, Dusit Thani College
Top Row, fourth photo: L/R: Aung Zwe Wint, Chairperson, PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter
Bottom Row, first photo: L/R: Jonathan Low, Executive Committee Member, PATA Malaysia Chapter
Bottom Row, second photo: L/R: Rajesvare Rada, Senior Lecturer, HELP University
Bottom Row, third photo: Chau Anh Luu, Chairperson, PATA British University Vietnam (BUV) Student Chapter
Bottom Row, fourth photo: Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director, PATA New York Chapter Bottom Row, fifth photo: Abdulla Ghiyas, President, PATA Maldives Chapter
MANILA, 3 September 2024: Boracay will experiment with a special beach for Muslim travellers, the Philippines News Agency reports this week, quoting Department of Tourism (DOT) officials who are promoting inclusive tourism on the famous holiday island.
The PNA report suggests authorities will establish a “private cove for Muslim women as part of the Boracay Newcoast project. The site could be open for Muslim female travellers as early as 10 September.
PNA quotes DOT Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, saying: “Some Muslims can swim in public, but other Muslims prefer swimming in a private area… I’m sure those Muslims swimming in public, if they have a choice, (would also prefer that) because at present they don’t have a choice”.
Foreign diplomats based in the Philippines, including the ambassadors of Malaysia and Brunei, first suggested the initiative.
The DOT official suggested a site has already been identified in Boracay Newcoast, a resort area in the northeast region of Boracay that also houses the Savoy, a hotel that recently secured a Halal kitchen certification.
PNA reported that “making the Philippines Muslim-friendly is one of the priority thrusts of the DOT to diversify its tourism products based on the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028.”
BALI, Indonesia 2 September 2024: International travellers arriving in Indonesia must complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass, an electronic health declaration form.
The ruling came into effect on 30 August 2024 for both foreign and Indonesians arriving at international air and land checkpoints, according to an Asian Trails travel update. The form can be accessed at: https://sshp.kemkes.go.id
After completing the form, arrivals will receive a barcode containing their health and travel information. Travellers should save a copy of the barcode to be scanned at airport arrival gates.
Asian Trails recommends travellers complete the form before boarding a flight to ensure a smoother entry. In addition, the update noted that body temperature scans are active at all arrival halls before immigration checks. If a traveller’s temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees Celsius, they will be subject to further health screening.
The procedures have been introduced as a preventative measure to limit the spread of new Mpox variants. If travellers develop disease symptoms within 21 days of arrival, they are advised to seek medical intervention and present their SATUSEHAT barcode.
