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Macau’s iconic Hotel Central hotel reopens

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MACAU 2 May 2024: Following an investment of over HKD2 billion for acquisition and restoration, Lek Hang Group announced the soft opening of Hotel Central this week. 

The hotel is located in the heart of Macau and adjacent to iconic attractions such as Ruins of St. Paul’s and The Senado Square. 

Lek Hang Group’s century-old Hotel Central is a landmark of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and part of the neighbourhood of the famous tourist attractions, Ruínas de São Paulo and the Largo do Senado commenced its soft opening on 30 April on the eve of the May Day holiday, 

The 114-room Hotel Central, famous for its Palace restaurant renowned for its traditional dim sum, has undergone a major restoration.

To celebrate the soft opening and welcome the May Day holiday week, the hotel offers a “Glory returns for 100 years” soft opening package priced at MOP788 per night for a two-night stay which includes complimentary breakfast for two at the Palace and complimentary mini-bar access during the stay. The package is bookable for stays until 30 June 30 on the hotel’s official website.

About Lek Hang Group
Established in 1991, Lek Hang Group has diversified into real estate, construction, hotel management, dining, mall operations, and advertising planning.

Hotel Indigo flag flies at the Forestias

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BANGKOK, 2 May 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts expands its Hotel Indigo brand in Thailand through an agreement with international property developer Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC).

The 274-room Hotel Indigo The Forestias Bangkok will open in 2026 at The Forestias, a new integrated 64-hectare mixed-used development on the eastern fringe of Bangkok, a 15-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The hotel will feature a café, lounge, and pool bar, a gym, a swimming pool, and over 6,500 sqm of meeting space for up to 400 people.

Rendering photo – Hotel Indigo The Forestias Bangkok Lobby.

Hotel Indigo The Forestias Bangkok will be located alongside residential and office space, retail, dining, and family entertainment options. The Forestias will also be home to another IHG property, Six Senses The Forestias, an 85-room hotel and a 27-residence development close to a five-hectare forest park.

Hotel Indigo is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle collection along with Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and Vignette Collection. 

Thailand continues to be a strong growth market for IHG, with 39 hotels across nine brands in the country and another 37 properties in the pipeline.

Vietjet plots 25% dividend in 2024

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BANGKOK, 2 May 2024: Vietjet targets 27 million passengers and a 25% dividend payout for 2024, fueled by USD701 million Q1/2024 air transport revenue, the management of Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company confirmed at the Annual General Shareholders Meeting 2024.

In addition to approving the annual business plan for 2024, the shareholders’ meeting endorsed the airline’s objectives, such as sustaining its domestic market share lead and expanding its international flight network.

Vietjet’s board of directors presents good news: A 25% dividend in 2024.

Vietjet has also reported robust business results for  Q1/2024, paving the way for a successful year ahead and a positive outlook.

High growth targets for 2024

Air transport revenue and consolidated revenue should surpass VND59 trillion (USD2.32 billion) and VND65.5 trillion (USD2.57 billion)  increasing by 10% and 12.4%, respectively YoY. Vietjet forecasts it will operate 142,000 flights with more than 27.4 million passengers onboard.

Vietjet’s Board of Directors also approves the 2024 profit distribution plan, in which dividends and advanced dividends will be paid in cash and stock at a maximum ratio of 25%.

Vietjet, based on its lead in domestic market share, expects to maintain stability in the domestic market while expanding its flight network worldwide to new destinations in South Asia, Central Asia, Australia and even Europe.

Q1/2024: outstanding performance and a boost for the entire year

In Q1/2024, Vietjet’s air transport revenue recorded VND17.76 trillion (USD701 million), while after-tax profit stood at VND520 billion (USD20.5 million), increasing by 38% and 209% YoY, respectively. The airline’s consolidated revenue and after-tax profit stood at VND17.79 trillion (USD702.4 million) and VND539 billion (USD21.3 million), respectively, growing by 38% and 212% YoY.

During Q1, Vietjet operated nearly 34,500 flights with more than 6.3 million passengers onboard. The airline’s average load factor rate reached 87%, and the technical reliability rate was 99.6%.

Vietjet’s international passenger transport in Q1/2024 witnessed growth of more than 53% and 61% YoY in terms of flights and passengers, respectively.

The airline launched 15 new international and domestic routes during Q1, lifting its operating routes to 140. The latest additions comprised the launch of the following services: Phu Quoc – Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City – Chengdu/Xi’an, Ho Chi Minh City – Vientiane, Hanoi – Hiroshima and Ho Chi Min City – Sydney/Melbourne.

As of 31 March  2024, Vietjet’s total assets mounted more than VND85.82 trillion (USD3.38 billion). The company’s debt-to-equity ratio was 1.9, while the liquidity ratio was 1.3, both within an acceptable range in the aviation industry.

AirAsia Cambodia starts domestic flights

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PHNOM PENH, 2 May 2024: AirAsia announced Wednesday the inception of its seventh airline, AirAsia Cambodia (flight code KT), marking a significant step forward in the country’s aviation landscape and strengthening aviation links in ASEAN.

AirAsia Cambodia will start operations on Thursday, 2 May 2024, following its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) handover on Wednesday. It will first serve domestic destinations and then expand to fly various international routes during Q3 2024.

From left to right: Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia; His Excellency Dr Mao Havannall, the Minister in Charge of State Secretariat of Civil Aviation; and Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, at the commemoration ceremony of AirAsia Cambodia in Phnom Penh on Wednesday.

With an initial fleet of two Airbus A320s, the airline will operate from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), connecting travellers to  Siem Reap and Sihanoukville in Cambodia and beyond through Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok hubs.

The start of the new airline represents an important milestone for the AirAsia Group as it recently announced its “ONE Airline” strategy. AirAsia Cambodia is now well-positioned to become a formidable force in low-cost air travel across the country and beyond, leveraging the group’s core strength to drive customer and operational excellence for sustained growth and profitability.

Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said: “Today is a historic day for AirAsia as we open a new chapter in Cambodia … a country with huge economic potential given its strategic location within the ASEAN region. Cambodia’s economic growth trajectory and increasing integration into the global economy position it as a key player in the region’s development landscape.”

“As AirAsia Cambodia prepares for takeoff, we are excited to leverage these opportunities to a broader ecosystem across our Capital A lines of business. From our digital businesses, such as online booking app AirAsia MOVE to fintech BigPay, logistics Teleport, and Capital A Aviation Services Group, including our MRO service provider Asia Digital Engineering, we look forward to integrating a wide range of services that will strengthen our capabilities of offering unrivalled services to the ASEAN community.”

AirAsia Cambodia CEO Vissoth Nam said: “AirAsia Cambodia is a testament to Cambodian ingenuity and dedication, tailored to serve the needs of our people above and beyond mere transportation. With our roots firmly planted in the country’s soil, we are committed to uplifting communities, empowering entrepreneurs, and fostering economic growth with a multiplier effect.

“The enhanced air connectivity has also contributed to the steady growth of the ASEAN tourism industry at an annual average rate of almost 10% in the last decade. As AirAsia Cambodia joins the fray, we are poised to expand on this growth further, unlocking new experiences and opportunities for millions of Cambodians.”

As a group, AirAsia serves six routes into Cambodia from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, carrying 1.3 million passengers to the kingdom. AirAsia Cambodia will announce international destinations in the next quarter after carefully assessing demand and market dynamics.

Sarawak hosts tourism resilience training

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 1 May 2024: The Pacific Asia Travel Association expands its Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) Programme with Sarawak, Malaysia, hosting the four-day training sessions in Sarawak, Malaysia, from 20 to 25 May. 

The TDR Programme, launched in 2021, assists destinations in the region to recover from the Covid-19 crisis and proactively prepare for future challenges. 

“Tourism holds immense significance for Malaysia, particularly for culturally and environmentally diverse destinations like Sarawak. Adherence to sustainable tourism practices is no longer enough to safeguard this heritage for future generations and sustainably nurture tourism’s growth and benefits within the region,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. 

“Our destinations must be robust to withstand crises and adapt to navigate evolving landscapes seamlessly. We are delighted that Sarawak has joined us on this journey towards building resilience.”

While tourism revenue and the number of International Visitor Arrivals have traditionally been considered primary indicators of tourism success, the industry must adopt a more holistic approach and mindset. Factors such as the quality of visitor experience, length of stay, daily expenditure, residents’ well-being, and the conservation of natural and cultural assets hold far greater significance as signs of progress and prosperity for destinations.

According to Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor: “As partners in progress, the Sarawak Tourism Board is proud to join hands with PATA in the Tourism Destination Resilience Programme to equip our stakeholders with the tools necessary to anticipate, respond to, and recover from various challenges. From crisis management and risk assessment to sustainable tourism practices and community engagement, these capacity-building efforts will empower individuals and organisations across Sarawak to contribute effectively to our collective resilience.

Sharzede adds: “By investing in the development of our human capital, we not only enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of Sarawak’s tourism industry but also foster a culture of collaboration and resilience that will endure for years to come. Together with PATA, we are excited to embark on this transformative journey towards a more resilient and prosperous future for Sarawak.”

Sarawak is a popular Southeast Asian destination, welcoming nearly 4 million domestic, regional and international visitors in 2023. Tourists are attracted by its unique natural beauty, vibrant culture and numerous adventure activities, including jungle trekking and wildlife watching. Tourism has long been a significant economic driver for Sarawak, significantly impacting the state’s economy and society. Sarawak has been deeply committed to implementing sustainable policies and practices to mitigate tourism’s negative impacts on the environment and local communities. 

However, sustainability alone is not sufficient. Since the onset of the pandemic, PATA has been advocating that for true sustainability to be achieved, destinations must first build resilience. Efforts towards heritage protection, biodiversity conservation or poverty alleviation risk being undermined in the face of international economic or health crises, as exemplified by Covid-19. Climate change and its related consequences also pose significant risks to all destinations, predominantly coastal and island territories such as Sarawak.

In Sarawak, the four-day training will take place in Kuching from 20 to 25 May, targeting tourism government officials and decision-makers during the first two days of training and tourism SMEs on the last two days. 

Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) capacity-building programmes have been hosted by several destinations since 2021. For more details, visit https://src.pata.org/

TDR Training of Trainers for National Tourism Organisations: December 2021 – Manila, Hanoi, Phnom Penh and Bandung, Indonesia.

TDR Training Destination Management Organisations: February-April 2022 – Siquijor, the Philippines; Hoi An, Vietnam; Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Bogor, Indonesia.

TDR Finance and Digital Skills Training for Tourism SMEs: July-September 2023 – Laguna, the Philippines; Hoi An, Vietnam; Siem Reap, Cambodia; and Jakarta, Indonesia.
For more information on the destination Sarawak, visit www.sarawaktourism.com

Are hotels ready to dump harmful chemicals?

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 1 May 2024: Diversey Hygiene (Thailand) and the Executive Housekeeper Association of Thailand (EHAT) have joined forces to advance better sustainable practices in Thailand’s hotel sector.

Many relatively harmful chemicals from hotel and resort wastewater pipes are still being deposited in the surrounding ecosystems. Many of Thailand’s hotels still use detergents that are not biodegradable or non-environmentally friendly, such as alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs). APEOs (CAS 9016-45-9) are endocrine disruptors that interfere with estrogen levels in aquatic settings receiving wastewater. They have been banned in the European Union and several other countries around the globe.

“If it’s not good for Amsterdam, why is it good for Bangkok? If it’s not good for Geneva, it shouldn’t be good for Krabi or anywhere,” said Dr Stefan Phang [pictured], Solenis’s Director of Sustainability and Creating Shared Value. He addressed media, housekeepers and students at a sustainable housekeeper industry briefing on 27 April 2024 in Bangkok.

Diversey (a Solenis company) and the Executive Housekeeper Association of Thailand argued for better sustainable practices in Thailand and beyond.

The objective, said Diversey speakers, was not just to comply with regulations in mature markets such as the EU, USA, Australia, and Japan but to go further to help the environment and gain a competitive advantage.

The way ahead for Thailand’s hotel housekeeping sector is to embrace green products and international environmental certifications, use less plastic, and adopt automation and digitisation for more accurate measurements, speakers said.

EHAT and Diversey explained that the housekeeper support sector is full of innovation, such as cleaning without chemicals using diamond dust.

Supported by EHAT, Diversey has launched additional technical innovations that include community support and environmental elements. For example, Diversey is encouraging the recycling of hotel soaps with its Soap For Hope initiative. It also converts end-of-life hotel linens into cloth bags, dolls, and face masks in its Linens For Life programme.

Other innovations include CoffeeBriques, which recycles spent coffee grounds into coffee charcoal briquettes for cooking fuel. In addition, the company has the technology to transform plastic waste into construction materials as a substitute for stone, sand, or gravel, such as for badminton courts and roads, under its PlasticShreds initiative.

“These initiatives not only help hotels reduce landfill waste but also enable vulnerable communities to earn a modest but sustainable income,” Phang explained. He demonstrated these projects to EHAT members at the 27 April 2024 event.

Diversey said its objective was to innovate new environmentally friendly cleaning solutions to deliver effective, high-quality, and sustainable industry outcomes in Thailand.

Once that is done, hotels can achieve international sustainability certifications such as those issued by Green Globe, Green Key, EarthCheck, and the Hospitality Sustainability Basics global standards. Tour operators in the EU and other affluent source markets are more likely to demand these certifications when sending tourists to Thailand’s hotels.

Ampika Methip, President of the Executive Housekeeper Association of Thailand, told the meeting: “We need hotels to use greener products and manage their waste better by reducing, reusing, and recycling and banning single-use plastic.”

“We only have one world, and we have to do our share,” said Karel Van Gorp, Solenis’ Vice President of Marketing for Emerging Markets.

(SOURCE: Diversey, a Solenis company, and the Executive Housekeeper Association of Thailand.)

Qatar’s Sama 2.0 knows all the answers

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TTR WEEKLY
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DOHA Qatar, 1 May 2024: Qatar Airways will offer visitors to the Arabian Travel Mart, 6 to 9 May, the chance to meet its AI-powered digital human cabin crew, Sama 2.0.

Aligning with ATM’s 31st edition theme of ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, Qatar will invite industry experts and travel partners to engage with Sama 2.0 – the second generation of the world’s first AI-powered digital crew.

By answering questions in real-time, Sama 2.0 is the future of service and hospitality in the travel and tourism industry. It assists travellers in designing curated travel experiences and empowers them to find answers related to Qatar Airways FAQs, destinations and support tips.

To ensure seamless interaction with Sama, customers and passengers can chat with her through QVerse, Qatar Airways’ immersive digital platform, or conveniently via the Qatar Airways app.

During the four-day event, Qatar Airways will also unveil its brand-new exhibition pavilion at Hall no. 2 ME1450. The event is the premier international travel and tourism event in the Middle East, attracting both inbound and outbound tourism professionals. 

The stand will feature a multi-sensory pod that offers a fully immersive dive into the exceptional luxury and comfort of the award-winning Qsuite. This will allow visitors to experience first-hand the revolutionary innovation and technological advancements that set Qatar Airways apart in the travel and tourism sector.

Additionally, visitors can roam the airline’s Qverse via a Virtual Reality (VR) experience to explore the cabin interior of Qatar Airways’ aircraft, including the award-winning Business Class — Qsuite and the Economy Class cabin. They will also be able to navigate Hamad International Airport (HIA), the ‘World’s Best Airport’ as voted by Skytrax in 2024, along with Al Safwa First Class Lounge and Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge.

Sama 2.0. and the Qatar Airways team will assist guests and trade partners at ATM Dubai, Dubai World Trade Center, Hall No 2 ME1450, from 6 to 9 May 2024.

Etihad’s A380 says Bonjour to Paris

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TTR WEEKLY
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ABU DHABI, 1 May 2024: Etihad Airways will start flying its A380 double-decker to Paris CDG on 1 November 2024, following the introduction of a daily A380 flight on the route to New York last April.

The airline’s A380s were grounded for three years until July 2023, when A380 flights returned to London.

Effective 1 November, the French capital becomes the third major city to have daily A380 flights after London and New York.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “The introduction of the A380 on the Abu Dhabi – Paris route enriches leisure and corporate travel. It underscores Etihad’s commitment to facilitating business connections and travel to Abu Dhabi and beyond. Our state-of-the-art cabins and bespoke amenities ensure business travellers can work, relax, and arrive refreshed. Features like The Lobby Lounge and Business Studios create an ideal environment for productivity and comfort.”

The A380 delivers enhanced cabin features. 

Economy class
Economy class includes 68 seats offering four inches more legroom and 337 smart seats featuring Etihad’s fixed-wing headrests and large pillows.

Business Studios 
Studios on business class feature 70 private spots on the upper deck, complemented by The Lobby lounge area. Each Business Studio has premium amenities designed with Armani/Casa and WiFi connectivity, ensuring a productive and luxurious travel experience.

First class
The apartments are luxurious, with nine private spaces, designer tableware, leather chairs, and a big ottoman bed. First-class guests also receive personal amenities and can enjoy an exclusive shower room.

The Residence
The pinnacle of comfort is The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, The Residence features a private living room, bedroom, and ensuite bathroom, complete with a shower at 40,000 feet.

Paris flight schedule
Flight EY031 departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0240 and arrives in Paris (CDG) at 0730.
Flight EY032 departs Paris (CDG) at 0945 and arrives in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 1925.

AAPA signals March passenger traffic growth

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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 May 2024: Preliminary March 2024 traffic figures released Tuesday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed the continuation of robust growth in both international air passenger and air cargo demand, which is in line with a steady expansion in global economic activity.

The region’s carriers carried 28.2 million international passengers in March, a 37.5% increase from the 20.5 million recorded in the same month last year. Traffic averaged 86.8% of 2019 volumes. As measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand rose by 38.6% year-on-year, with available seat capacity increasing in equal measure. As a result, the international passenger load factor, at 82.0%, remained unchanged from the previous corresponding month.

In March, manufacturing orders ramped up, driving an uptick in trade activity. The export rise, partly propelled by the dynamic e-commerce sector, bolstered air cargo markets. This led to a 15.3% year-on-year increase in international air cargo demand in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) for the month. The average international air freight load factor edged 0.5 percentage points lower to 62.7% in March after accounting for a 16.2% expansion in offered freight capacity.

Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, commented on the results: “March saw another healthy expansion in both passenger and cargo markets, culminating in a strong first quarter performance for 2024. For the three months, Asian airlines registered a 47% year-on-year increase in the number of passengers carried, fuelled by a surge in demand for leisure and business travel. Additionally, international air cargo traffic witnessed a solid 16% year-on-year increase during the same period, signalling that the full recovery of the Asia Pacific airline industry is well within sight.”

Looking ahead, he noted: “The potential alleviation of interest rates and inflationary pressures are expected to stimulate spending, thereby driving further growth in air travel and cargo markets in the upcoming months.”

He concluded: “However, the airline operating environment is challenging today, marked by international conflicts, extreme weather events and supply chain issues that increase cost pressures on carriers due to re-routings, flight diversions and disruptions. Nevertheless, the Asia Pacific airline industry is steadily growing, steadfastly focused on enhancing air connectivity and customers’ travel experience.”

AirAsia adds two destinations in India

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 May 2024: AirAsia announced another historic milestone in its expansion journey to India, launching two new routes to the famed cities of Kozhikode and Guwahati. 

This marks the airline’s 14th and 15th routes to the country, adding to its rapidly growing network in West Asia. The new flight services are set to take off on 1 August 2024 with a thrice-weekly frequency.  

Kozhikode and Guwahati, each with their own unique charm, are waiting to be explored. From the bustling spice markets and exquisite Malabar cuisine of Kozhikode to the breathtaking Brahmaputra River and sacred religious sites of Guwahati, these cities offer a deeply-rooted blend of culture and gastronomy that will captivate every traveller. 

Kozhikode, sometimes called Calicut, is a picturesque city in Kerala state in south India, famed for its bustling spice markets, exquisite Malabar cuisine, and ancient buildings. Thanks to its steadfast commitment to harnessing culture and creativity, it is also the first UNESCO-designated city of literature in India. Visitors to the city will be treated to the world-famous hospitality of Kerala, as well as stunning sunsets and panoramic sights. 

Guwahati, situated in northeast India in Assam, is surrounded by natural scenic spots and breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River. The city is also home to sacred religious sites, namely the Kamakhya, Umananda and Hajo temples. 

To celebrate this milestone in true AirAsia style, the airline offers free* seats from Kuala Lumpur to Kozhikode and Guwahati with starting fares of just MYR201*and from INR4,132* from the two cities to Kuala Lumpur, enabling guests to explore both countries affordably. 

Book from now until 5 May 2024 for travel between 1 August 2024 to 17 June 2025. 

Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia, Paul Caroll said: “We are accelerating in India, one of AirAsia’s biggest markets, with two brand new routes to these renowned destinations. Both Kozhikode and Guwahati boast immense tourism potential, each offering its own unique charm. AirAsia is the sole airline in Malaysia, providing affordable direct connectivity to these cities, enabling travellers to explore them conveniently.”

Flight schedule from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Kozhikode (CCJ) & Guwahati (GUA): 

*International: all-in one-way fare from MYR 201 & INR 4,132, Includes airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Subject to government approval. T&C apply.

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