BANGKOK, 3 March 2023: Celebrating March’s double day with a big saving, Thai Vietjet launches ‘3.3 Hot Deals’ promotion, offering special fares starting from THB 633 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for travel on the airline’s domestic network.
The promotional fares are open for bookings up to midnight on 5 March. So not much warning if you miss the airline’s Facebook page alerts. Still, the travel period runs from 15 March to 31 October 2023 (not inclusive of public holidays, and terms and conditions apply).
The special fare applies to Thai Vietjet’s entire domestic flight network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani and cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai.
Note the airline suspended direct flights from Chiang Rai to Phuket, a decision that prompts pleas from the airline’s Facebook fans to ask when it will return. It cut the route during the peak of the high season last November. As the season is now nearly over for the northern destination, it is unlikely the airline will reinstate direct flights anytime soon.
The 3.3 promotional fares are available on all other distribution channels, including the airline’s website and its Facebook account. You can also book through a travel agency either online or in person.
VIENTIANE, 3 March 2023: Lao Airline confirms a 30 March start-up date for its new flight Vientiane – Danang direct service from the Lao capital to central Vietnam.
Updating its Facebook page on Thursday, the airline announced twice-weekly direct flights on Thursday and Saturday would start 30 March. An earlier promotion in late February flagged the route as “coming soon”.
It’s a vital air link for Lao tourism as it connects the Lao capital to Danang, a gateway city for international tourists visiting World Heritage destinations and beach resorts in the central coastal region of Vietnam. Danang is popular with Asian travellers from China, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.
Lao Airlines rolls out an all-in return fare of LAK4,810,000 (USD285) for the twice-weekly flights (Thursday and Sunday). Bookings are open. A check of the airline’s website Thursday suggested demand is high. The promo fare category had already sold out on the 30 March outbound sector, raising the roundtrip fare quote to USD319, combining promo and silver fare categories out on 30 March and back on 9 April.
Pre Covid-19 pandemic, the airline served the Danang route making a transit stop in Pakse, using an ATR72-600 aircraft. It announced it would cut out the Pakse stop and fly direct from Vientiane Danang just weeks before the two-year Covid-19 lockdown grounded all international flights. The new direct service Vientiane – Danang uses a 180-seat A320 for the one-hour 15-minute flight.
MANILA, 2 March 2023: As travellers worldwide continue to quench their post-pandemic wanderlust, the Philippines is set to reintroduce itself as a world-class tourist destination at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB Berlin), 7 to 9 March 2023 in the Germain capital.
The Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB), in line with the initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central and Frankfurt offices, will promote the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse to over 160,000 visitors expected to attend the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fair.
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles will lead the Philippine delegation in spotlighting the country’s tourism developments and product offerings.
Home to world-renowned natural wonders like the Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, the rice terraces in Banaue, and award-winning islands and beaches in Bohol, Cebu, Boracay and Palawan, the Philippines is replete with attractions that make it the destination to visit this 2023.
With 7,641 islands that bear various other hidden gems, the Philippines garnered global recognition and accolades, including the World’s Leading Dive and Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction and the Destination of the Year Award, among others.
The Philippines booth at ITB Berlin 2023 will feature the country’s rich culture and sustainable tourism. Colourful Filipino weaving tradition through the artistic works of T’nalak weaver Myrna Pula of South Cotabato and Yakan Weaver and Entrepreneur Angelita Pichay Ilul of Zamboanga will also be highlighted.
Visitors to the ITB will taste Philippine coffee and chocolates through Kape de Filipina, a brand offering products meticulously grown by farmers and communities in the Philippines. In addition, guests of the Philippine-hosted cocktail reception on 8 March will be treated to traditional Filipino cuisine by Ayan, a Filipino street food restaurant based in Berlin.
A Philippine delegation of 26 tourism stakeholders from the private sector will be joining the annual premiere travel convention. The list includes:
Airtrav Philippines, Araw Hospitality Inc, Amorita Resort, Annset Holidays Inc, Baron Travel Corporation, Batanes Wakay Travel and Tours, Blue Horizons Travel & Tours Inc, Bohol Beach Club, Chroma Hospitality Inc (Crimson Hotels & Resorts), Club Agutaya Inc, CTPH lifestyle & Travel Services, Divaishnavi International Inc, El Nido Resorts, Evasion Tropicale Travel and Tours, GI Philippines Corp, Intas Destination Management Inc, Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc, MyTRIPS Travel and Tours, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Rajah Tour Philippines, Sharp Travel Service, Sarah Lea Travel and Tours, The Funny Lion, Total Exhibit & Expo Solutions Inc, Travelexperts Inc, Travelite Travel and Tours Co, and the Philippine Retirement Authority.
With the long-term goal of securing increased arrivals, receipts, and investments for the country, TPB annually participates in the ITB Berlin, which allows the Philippine travel trade to network with relevant decision-makers from new and existing tourism markets across Europe, America, and Asia.
The Philippine participation in the event also aims to strengthen the country’s global tourism branding campaign through partnership opportunities with various tourism stakeholders, including tour operators, online travel agencies, new online distribution platforms, travel websites and communities, journalists, and influencers, among others.
About TPB
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism, whose mandate is to promote the Philippines, domestically and internationally, as a leisure, MICE, and investment destination. The agency fulfils its mandate through organising, participating, or supporting tourism consumer or trade events; expanding media partnerships and advertising; continuing content development and distribution programs; creating thematic and strategic consumer activations domestically and abroad; facilitating familiarisation tours for buyers, location scouts, and diplomatic corps members; and engaging its TPB membership programme.
DUBAI, UAE, 2 March 2023: Some of the world’s most loved and well-known aviation brands set up shop at the Emirates Aviation University campus recently to give students a chance to talk about careers.
The third edition of the Careers Fair included the likes of the Emirates Group, flydubai, Air Arabia, Airbus, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd, Lufthansa Technik, Thales, CAE Inc., Royal Aircraft Maintenance, Roeder CSC FZCO, Sky One FZE, Falcon Aviation Services and dnata Logistics.
Around 400 recent graduates and senior university students visited the different stalls at the Careers Fair. They grabbed the chance to meet these companies and discover the world of work in aviation.
Emirates Aviation University (EAU) vice-chancellor Dr Ahmad Al Ali; said: “We have a sharp focus on bringing industry and academia together. Our careers fair is a major platform for companies, our graduates and current students to connect and network. It opens up a world of opportunities, knowledge, practical info and advice on the different careers in aviation and other industries.
“Our students can leverage these opportunities and advice throughout their lives. This is our first careers fair after the pandemic, and the interest among our students and aviation partners was at an all-time high.”
At its 32nd graduation ceremony held recently, EAU introduced more than 474 highly qualified graduates, representing 56 nationalities, to the workforce.
The university has played a major role in meeting the increased demand for skilled and professional aviation specialists regionally and globally. EAU has also helped companies train and develop employees to be at the forefront of trends, technology and transformative forces.
Since its founding in 1991, EAU has become the leading educational institution for aviation studies in the region. The university offers a wide spectrum of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes. It has grown phenomenally in the last three decades, especially across its facilities, faculties, learning resources and global accreditations, most recently from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education UK. EAU offers a six-month internship programme with the Emirates Group for students with extraordinary academic performance.
BANGKOK, 2 March 2023: Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (CENTEL) declared its highest Q4/2022 net profit of THB498 million as a result of reopening countries, entering the high season, and the festive season.
Results were released earlier this week by Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited CFO & VP of Finance and Administration Gun Srisompong that showed the company’s Q4/2022 revenue peaked at THB5,502 million representing an increase of 47%.
The company’s portfolio includes 92 hotels and 1,580 quick-service restaurant outlets (QSR).
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was THB1,531 million, an increase of 57% for Q4/2022. An EBITDA margin of 28% represented an increase compared to last year, indicating a significant recovery of the hotel business year-on-year, particularly the outstanding performance of hotels in key tourist destinations. The company reported a Q42022 net profit of THB498 million, with a growth of 228% YoY.
During the financial year 2022 (Jan to Dec), the company achieved total revenues of THB18,216 million, an increase of 57%, and an earning before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation EBITDA of THB4,411 million, an increase of 120 YoY. The net profit was THB398 million, or a growth of 123% (compared to a net loss of 1,734 million in 2021).
2022: Hotel business
The occupancy rate (OCC) increased from 19% to 52%, and the average room rate (ARR) improved by 7% YoY to THB 4,791, which resulted in the RevPar being increased by 193% YoY to THB 2,486.
The company’s hotel business achieved total revenues of THB6,541 million, an increase of 180 YoY. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was THB1,796million (2021: loss of THB494 million), a growth of 464%, and %EBITDA margin was 27, an improvement compared to the same period last year (2021: -21.
The net loss for the company’s hotel business sector was THB161 million, representing a decrease in the 2021 net loss of THB1,945 million, or an improvement of 92%. The strong performance recovery in 2022 was due to the significant comeback of five-star and luxury hotels located in tourist attractions, particularly in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Samui.
2023 forecast
Although the recovery path in the hospitality industry became clearer, including the positive return of Chinese travellers, earlier than expected there are challenges facing the hotel industry in 2023. Monitoring and managing costs remain crucial, including food materials cost, energy and wages. Rises in commercial bank interest rates are a factor. Still, the company plans to “mitigate the impact of cost-push inflation”, such as continually negotiating with suppliers, finding alternative sources for raw materials, installation of solar panels and saving energy devices to decrease energy costs and principal prepayment of a USD loan to reduce the impact of the interest rate hike.
“The business growth for this year will drive by the hotel and food businesses. The hotels in Thailand will continue the recovery driven by an increase in international tourist arrivals and partial growth from a low base in the first half of 2022. The five-star and Centara Reserve brands in Bangkok and key tourist destinations will be key growth drivers.
“For hotels in the Maldives, the performance is expected to improve compared to the last year because of adjustment to marketing strategy in accordance with the current situation.
Additionally, in 2023, the revenue growth will come from the newly owned hotel (inorganic growth). The company recognises the operating performance of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka since 1 July 2023.”
Overall, the expected average occupancy rate (including joint ventures) is 65% – 72%, and RevPar improves by 30% – 37% YoY to THB 3,250 to 3,400. The growth of RevPar will come from increases in both occupancy and average room rate, particularly from the average room rate of the overseas hotels in Dubai and Japan, where the average room rate (ARR) is normally higher than the ARR of the Thailand portfolio.
Apart from driving business growth as targeted, the company also pays attention to environmental and social issues.
The company is committed to a 2050 net zero greenhouse gas emissions. For the first 10 years, the long-term plan for 2020-2029 is to reduce 20% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2029 through effective energy and water use and waste management.
As of 31 December, 2022, the company had hotels under management in a total of 92 hotels (19,348 rooms); with 50 hotels (10,406 rooms) already in operation together with other 42 hotels (8,942 rooms) still under development. Of the 50 hotels already in operation, 19 hotels (5,051 rooms) are owned and operated by the company, with the other 31 hotels (5,355 rooms) being operated under the Company’s Hotel Management Agreements.
As for the Food Business, the company has 1,580 QSR outlets, as follows: 1. KFC (319 outlets), 2. Mister Donut (469), 3.Ootoya (47), 4. Auntie Anne’s (209), 5. Pepper Lunch (51), 6. Chabuton Ramen (17), 7. Cold Stone Creamery (16), 8. Yoshinoya (31), 9. The Terrace (7), 10. Tenya (12), 11. Katsuya (60), 12. Aroi Dee (30), 13. Arigato (185) 14. Kowlune (1), and 15. Grab Kitchen by Every Food (18) 16. Salad Factory (30) 17. Brown Café (11) 18. Café Amazon – Vietnam (18) 19. Som Tum Nua (5) 20. Shinkanzen Sushi (44)
HONG KONG, 2 March 2023: Following a total remake by the renowned architect Chi Wing Lo, Regent Hong Kong opens reservations, but there is no clarity on when the doors will open to the first paying guests when browsing IHG websites.
IHG hinted last month that Regent Hong Kong could reopen for guests this June, following extensive renovations that started two years ago, according to the website Upgrade Points. UP noted in its latest business travel update, “the exact number of rooms and suites the Regent will offer is unclear. However, we have some details about the room offerings, including a Classic Harbourview Room with views of the iconic Victoria Harbour.”
Photo credit: Regent Hotels.
Room details for six categories are easy to source, and the IHG website already has a Regent Hong Kong booking page quoting rates. For example, a King Premium Daybed room stay costs HKD5,500, excluding the 10% service charge. However, popular online travel agencies are not fielding rates or booking dates for the property.
Regent Hotels publicity says reservations are open, but we need some customer reviews to indicate travellers have indeed crossed the threshold and enjoyed their stay at the hotel’s prime location in Tsim Sha Tsui on the edge of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour.
Commenting on the transformation and the return of an iconic brand, Ch Wing Lo explains: “My vision for the hotel was to provide a sanctuary rather than simply a place to stay. I wanted my design to embody the spirit of The Regent and provide a sense of peace, serenity, and balance amidst the bustling metropolis.”
Originally branded The Regent when it opened in Hong Kong in 1980, it rebranded to InterContinental Hong Kong on 1 June 2001 under a management contract. Later in 2018, IHG Hotels & Resorts bought a 51% majority stake in Regent Hotels for USD39 million. In 2020, IHG closed the 497-room Regent Hong Kong for extensive remodelling and scheduled a reopening to once more fly the Regent flag later this year.
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 March 2023: Travellers can grab discounts of up to 45% off Malaysia Airlines’ fares on domestic and international routes as the airline brings back its annual travel fair (MATF) that runs up to midnight on 8 March.
Discounted fares of up to 45% off are valid for travel up to 30 November 2023. The fare discounts are not applicable for flights to Brisbane, Doha, and China.
In addition to discounted prices, customers can enjoy 15% off on add-ons such as seat selection, extra baggage, value bundles (standard seat and 10kg extra baggage), and premium bundles (extra legroom seat and Golden Lounge access). Enrich members can also earn 50% Bonus Enrich Points when they book during this promotion period.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) chief executive officer of airlines Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “We want to make the passenger journey seamless with great deals and unique delivery of our Malaysian Hospitality service. The Malaysia Airlines Travel Fair is the perfect opportunity for customers to plan their next trip and take advantage of exclusive deals on our extensive global network.”
Sample deals include MYR99 one-way fare to destinations in Peninsular Malaysia and beyond to Sabah and Sarawak (MYR169 and MYR119) using the airline’s economy lite fare options. The fares include a seven kg cabin luggage allowance, complimentary snacks, meals, and in-flight entertainment.
During the travel fair, customers can take advantage of discounts and promotions on international flights such as Sydney, with fares starting at MYR2,999 roundtrip in economy class. Fares on the London route start at MYR3,299 roundtrip in economy class.
In Asia, the discounts extend to Seoul, with fares starting at MYR 2,199 all-in return flying economy class. Fares to Tokyo start at MYR2,849 roundtrip.
Destinations
All-in one-wayEconomy Lite from (MYR)
All-in one-wayBusiness Class from (MYR)
Peninsular Malaysia
99
429
Within Sabah Sarawak
99
429
Sarawak
119
799
Sabah
169
899
Destinations
All-in one-wayEconomy Basic from (MYR)
All-in one-wayBusiness Class from (MYR)
Medan
249
799
Singapore
279
1,199
Between Kuching and Singapore
299
1,199
Phuket
309
1,099
Ho Chi Minh City
339
1,109
Phnom Penh
359
1,129
Bangkok
369
1,119
Yangon
379
1,199
Surabaya
399
1,219
Jakarta
429
1,149
Hanoi
429
1,229
Bali
499
1,299
Manila
539
1,859
Destinations
All-in one-wayEconomy Basic from (MYR)
All-in one-wayBusiness Class from (MYR)
Medan
249
799
Singapore
279
1,199
Between Kuching and Singapore
299
1,199
Phuket
309
1,099
Ho Chi Minh City
339
1,109
Phnom Penh
359
1,129
Bangkok
369
1,119
Yangon
379
1,199
Surabaya
399
1,219
Jakarta
429
1,149
Hanoi
429
1,229
Bali
499
1,299
Manila
539
1,859
Destinations
All-in ReturnEconomy Basic from (MYR)
All-in ReturnBusiness Class from (MYR)
MANILA, 2 March 2023: Cebu Pacific embarks on expanding its Cebu hub by adding three routes from Mactan Cebu International Airport to Hong Kong and Narita Tokyo, plus a domestic flight to Naga.
“We are excited to operate new routes from our second largest base, Cebu, as we mark our 27th anniversary in March. This aligns with our commitment to make air travel more affordable and accessible to our customers,” said Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial Officer Xander Lao
The airline will resume daily flights from Cebu to Hong Kong beginning 26 March. CEB 5J 240 will depart from MCIA at 0605 and arrive in Hong Kong at 0855. The return flight, 5J 241, will fly from Hong Kong International Airport at 0940 and arrive in Cebu at 1235.
From 1 May, CEB will restart its daily flights from Cebu to Narita. CEB 5J 5062 will depart from MCIA at 0220 and arrive in Narita, Tokyo, at 0810. The return flight 5J 5063 will depart Narita at 0855 and arrive in Cebu at 1320.
On the domestic front, starting 26 March 26, CEB will fly from Cebu to Naga four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), making it the only carrier to operate flights directly between the two destinations. DG6316 will depart from MCIA at 1200 and arrive in Naga at 1345, while the return flight, DG 6137, will leave Naga Airport at 1405 and arrive in Cebu at 1550.
With three additional routes, CEB will have direct flights to 23 domestic and four international destinations from Cebu.
CEB is set to restore 100% of its pre-Covid network and capacity by the end of March. It flies to 34 domestic destinations and is set to reinstate all 25 international destinations in the year’s first quarter.
SINGAPORE, 2 March 2023: Singapore has been certified as a sustainable destination based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)’s Destination Criteria after being the first to apply the certification process on a country level.
It reflects Singapore’s efforts and commitment to becoming a sustainable urban destination.
The GSTC Criteria are the global standards for sustainable travel and tourism. Singapore was certified based on performance in four categories: sustainable management; socio-economic sustainability; cultural sustainability; and environmental sustainability.
Singapore’s achievement reflects the commitment towards the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and aligns with the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) Tourism Sustainability Strategy. The Tourism Sustainability Strategy was launched in 2022 and set out actionable strategies for the tourism industry so that Singapore can become a sustainable urban destination.
Singapore’s certification follows similar achievements by key tourism partners such as Sentosa Development Corporation, Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands Singapore, which had also achieved certification based on the relevant GSTC Criteria.
Singapore Tourism Board chief executive Keith Tan said: “We are proud to receive this certification, which reflects Singapore’s commitment to the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and becoming a City in Nature, where large experiences come with a small footprint. Being certified is just the beginning of our journey. Tourism businesses must do more to internalise sustainability as part of their offerings to contribute to making Singapore greener and more liveable. Our vision is to become one of the world’s most sustainable urban destinations, and we now know we are on the right track.”
STB will continue to engage its partners, build on the destination’s existing strengths and ramp up efforts in areas of improvement. These are the highlights of Singapore’s sustainability performance across the four pillars:
Sustainable management
Singapore is implementing multi-year strategies and action plans on sustainable management, such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Announced in 2021, the Green Plan charts Singapore’s ambitions and targets over the next ten years, strengthens its commitments under the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement, and positions the country to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Socio-economic Sustainability
Singapore also demonstrated efforts to maximise tourism’s social and economic benefits for locals. These include supporting and spotlighting local entrepreneurs, providing a safe and secure working environment, a user-friendly built environment, supporting career opportunities and training in tourism.
Cultural Sustainability
Singapore has various initiatives to conserve and enhance its tangible and intangible heritage. For example, there are legislation and conservation guidelines to protect more than 7,200 conserved buildings, entire historic districts, and national monuments.
Environmental sustainability
Singapore has implemented various measures to enhance greenery, strengthen ecological connectivity between green spaces, and conserve biodiversity. For example, the OneMillionTrees movement, launched in 2020, aims to plant 1 million additional trees across Singapore by 2030.
The country also charts concrete targets and demonstrates real-world sustainability applications to manage its scarce resources. Singapore enhanced its international climate commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. It has committed to greening 80% of buildings by Gross Floor Area by 2030 and has already done so for over half of its buildings.
PHNOM PENH, 1 March 2023: The 2023 Mekong Tourism Forum hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and co-organised by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, will convene from 25 to 27 April in Sihanoukville city, the capital of Preah Sihanouk province on the southern coast of Cambodia.
The forum has adopted the theme “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalisation”, encouraging tourism leaders and private sector representatives to rethink post-Covid tourism in the six member countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The six-member countries are China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
MTF venue, Sihanoukville, the gateway to Preah Sihanouk province, and H.E. Mr Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism for Cambodia.
The conference programme has been designed to address job creation, gender equality, food safety and hygiene, digital transformation and a more geographically dispersed tourism approach so that the benefits of the travel industry spread beyond over-touristed hotspots.
According to the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the forum’s agenda on 26 April will focus on five discussion topics.
Rethinking tourism puts people and the planet first.
Developing local food production networks.
Using new digital technology to boost tourism startups.
Improving training so that tourism workers have the skills to adapt.
Advancing equality of opportunity and fair treatment for women in the tourism industry.
“The post-Covid-19 tourism landscape now provides clear opportunities for us to take stock and rethink tourism for the better,” said Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism for Cambodia Thong Khon.
Pacific Asia Travel Association chairman Peter Semone will lead an expert panel debate on advancing human capital. He will also keynote the forum at the opening session.
Asian Development Bank’s Veronica Mendizabal Jaffre will lead a panel session on women’s empowerment in tourism in the region that will focus on fair treatment for women in the private and public tourism sectors.
An estimated 150 international delegates are expected to attend the MTF 2023, free to join for travel industry leaders.
Registration is available through the new Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office website at www.mekongtourism.org. Registration will close on 18 April or when places are fully booked, whichever comes first.
