Two Pacific travel associations join hands

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April 26, 2023

BANGKOK, 26 April 2023: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) to promote and strengthen shared interests between the two organisations in the areas of market access, innovative events, membership and communications.

PATA chair Peter Semone noted that PATA was thrilled to partner with SPTO in implementing these exciting development opportunities to encourage advocacy marketing and communication, insightful market research, and innovative events for its member organisations.

“PATA is looking forward to further connecting with SPTO on areas of cooperation for travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. This connection will provide more opportunities to host international events, share market insights and enable us to promote the Pacific region to a globally connected audience. Keeping the P in PATA is imperative to us,” said Semone.

In his response to the MoU signing, SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker highlighted the potential to establish important public-private partnerships, to strengthen the development of the travel and tourism industry in Asia and the Pacific.

“We welcome this partnership with PATA as it aligns with the innovative partnerships component of SPTO’S Strategic Plan 2020-2024.

“We welcome this partnership with PATA as it aligns with the innovative partnerships component of SPTO’S Strategic Plan 2020-2024. Our two organisations have a wealth of diverse membership and wider stakeholders. We recognise this partnership as an opportunity to unite our stakeholders and resources to revitalise our progress towards the sustainable growth of travel and tourism in Asia and the Pacific”, he concluded.

About PATA

Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that catalyses the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices. Visit www.PATA.org.

About SPTO

Established in 1983 as the Tourism Council of the South Pacific, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the mandated organisation representing Tourism in the region. Its 21 Government members are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna, and the People’s Republic of China. Visit SPTO here.

(Source: Pacific Asia Travel Association)

Ascott rides travel rebound

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 26, 2023

SINGAPORE, 26 April 2023: The Ascott Limited, a lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment, announced Tuesday it plans to open 70 properties across fast-growing markets in Asia Pacific and Europe in 2023.

Ascott recognises the need to address emerging trends in today’s post-pandemic travel landscape, marked by evolving traveller demands and renewed appetites for fresh experiences.

Ascott’s managing director for brand & marketing, Tan Bee Leng said: “Riding on the recovery of international travel, Ascott opened more than 45 properties in 2022. This year, we will see our highest-ever property openings, launching close to 13,500 units across 70 properties.

“This strong pipeline of property openings spans all brands. It will support the continued rebound in travel and tourism spending, bolstered by the relaxation of travel restrictions and the normalisation of flights to pre-pandemic levels. Traveller expectations and preferences are shifting alongside this upward growth trajectory,” she concluded.

Seeking to define global living with stay experiences tailored to the preferences of different traveller segments, Ascott has today established a diversified brand portfolio that bears a strong foothold in catering to the emergence of new travel patterns today.

Lyf

This year, the group’s lyf brand will see seven new properties in Austria, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. It includes the opening of lyf Riverside Bangkok, lyf Raja Chulan Kuala Lumpur, lyf Malate Manila and lyf Cebu City.

Citadines

Citadines, Ascott’s fastest-growing brand, will see 21 new additions to its portfolio this year, including Citadines Harbour Front Yokohama, a 242-room property conveniently located near Haneda International Airport, the gateway to the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as Citadines Walker North Sydney, Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu and Citadines Gatot Subroto Jakarta. Continued growth in Europe is further expected with the opening of Citadines Canal Amsterdam and Citadines Danube Vienna.

Somerset

Alongside the global travel rebound, Ascott will open 11 Somerset properties this year. Openings include properties in China such as Somerset Tangzhen Shanghai, Somerset Star River Minhang Shanghai, Somerset Taihu New City CBD Wuxi, Somerset Fengdong Xi’an, Somerset Changxin Hefei and Somerset Chayuan Chongqing. Other properties include Somerset Asia Afrika Bandung and Somerset Kencana Jakarta in Indonesia, Somerset Gorordo Cebu and Somerset Valero Makati in the Philippines and Somerset Schonbrunn Vienna in Austria.

Oakwood

Following Ascott’s strategic acquisition of Oakwood in July 2022, the brand will see continued growth with two new openings this year – Oakwood Suites Chongli in China and Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Benoa Bali in Indonesia.

Ascott

The Ascott brand, which will be refreshed during the second quarter of 2023, most recently opened Ascott Dadonghai Bay Sanya in January 2023. Further addition of new properties in China this year include Ascott Pazhou Guangzhou and Ascott China Central Place Suzhou.

Crest Collection

Earlier this year, Ascott announced the expansion of The Crest Collection brand to Asia, in key destinations like Singapore and Hanoi, Vietnam. The Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore is one of the brand’s flagships in Asia and is set to open by the end of 2023.

HARRIS

With wellness tourism expected to grow by around 21% annually through 2025,[3] Ascott will expand its lifestyle brand, HARRIS, across Southeast Asia. HARRIS will make its first debut outside of Indonesia later this year with the opening of HARRIS Sunshine Penang in Malaysia.

Smog and dams a threat to tourism?

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 26, 2023

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, 26 April 2023: As the Mekong Tourism Forum’s business sessions get underway today, we asked the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office executive director Suvimol Dee Thanasarakij if delegates and representatives of the six member countries (Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand) will discuss regional challenges that threaten tourism.

One of the pressing issues is the annual smog crisis which causes Air Quality Index levels to hit the hazardous zone score threatening the health, well-being and tourism economies of North Thailand, Central and North Laos and North Myanmar. Will the tourism leaders of the Greater Mekong Sub-region and tourism industry represented by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office make their voice heard to introduce genuine sustainability that ensures economic well-being and health safety? Or will they watch the region’s communities and economies suffer a substantial shrinking of the annual tourism season caused by months of wildfires and commercial arson that destroys natural forests?

Developing new dam projects on the Mekong River that are now threatening river cruises and the livelihoods of riverside communities is another issue. There are concerns that iconic river cruises will ultimately disappear. Tour operators warn that Mekong River cruises are already being dramatically cut back as navigating the Mekong River in China, Laos, and Thailand becomes more difficult. Will the lineup of 16 dams (in the pipeline and already operating) ultimately destroy the river’s tourism appeal?

Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office executive director Suvimol Thanasarakij (Dee) comments on these core issues.

On the impact of smog and wildfires?

A: “The Government of Mekong Countries are aware of the impact of smog issues on people’s lives and tourism. To keep the tourists as safe as possible, tourism authorities make public announcements regularly, suggesting which spots should be avoided and which spots are ok to visit. In the meantime, the government authorities are discussing the transboundary haze issue with their neighbouring countries at a high level. At Mekong Tourism Forum, the environmental issues impacting tourism will be addressed under our theme “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalisation.”

On the impact of dams on Mekong communities?

A: “The governments of the Mekong region, through the Mekong River Commission, have recently issued the “Vientiane Declaration” to reiterate the region’s commitment to cooperate and safeguard the river. While the countries see the economic benefits gained from large water infrastructure projects, addressing the growing risks and trade-offs is urgent. The Declaration calls for intensified cooperation among government sectors, partners and stakeholders to seek innovative solutions. Also, last year the new guidelines for hydropower dam design were launched to maximise the potential benefits of hydropower and other water-related development projects while minimising the significant harmful impact on the environment and the lives of Mekong people.

“At the Mekong Tourism Forum 2023, the conversation will be around the theme “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalisation”. Of course, sustainable development to save the environment through innovative digitalisation is part of the rethinking of tourism, which will be reflected in the forum talks. Apart from that, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) publishes web articles featuring the voices and thoughts of sustainability tourism leaders or role models from the public and private sectors in the Mekong Region on a bi-monthly basis. We do this to share their best practices, to inspire others and to recognise their great effort. MTCO also releases monthly newsletters, which capture sustainable development initiatives from the countries and issues around this region. The newsletters are available on our website www.mekongtourism.org.”

On relations with the NGO Destination Mekong

A: “Destination Mekong and MTCO, since the beginning, are two separate organisations, but we are great partners. MTCO runs our programmes, such as the Mekong Tourism Forum (conference, interactive panel discussions, sustainable tourism exhibit, disbursed tourism exhibit and post tours highlighting sustainable tourism practice), social media campaign #MekongPostcard, monthly newsletter and web content highlighting sustainable tourism thought leaders.

“Destination Mekong has been actively taking part in past Mekong Tourism Forum over recent years and at this week’s MTF as a speaker and sustainable tourism exhibit, while the MTCO takes part in some Destination Mekong activities, and we are looking to expand collaboration to support future projects.”

Photo credit: CNN. Helicopters deployed to douse wildfires in Laos and Thailand earlier this month.

See CNN post:

https://headtopics.com/us/smoke-from-forest-fires-blankets-northern-thailand-in-thick-pollution-cnn-37630285

Link to Stimson graphic Mekong mainstream dams

Mekong Mainstream Dams

Why the UN’s High Seas Treaty matters

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April 25, 2023

SINGAPORE, 25 April 2023: The new High Seas Treaty is a critical step in the right direction for our oceans and the planet, according to the latest blog from Travelyst, the not-for-profit sustainable travel organisation set up by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex.

“It has taken nearly 20 years, but finally, there has been an agreement. Last month, United Nations member states agreed on the world’s first High Seas Treaty, which will enforce the pledge to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030 made at the UN Biodiversity Conference last December, a seismic shift towards safeguarding and regenerating our vital marine ecosystems.

“The treaty provides a legal framework to establish vast marine protected areas (MPAs) on the high seas – areas of the ocean that lie out of any single nation’s jurisdiction representing around two-thirds of the oceans – and equitably and sustainably share its genetic resources.

“Only 1.2% of these legally-defined ‘international waters’ are protected. That means that any marine life outside those areas is at risk from overfishing, shipping traffic, and exploration such as deep-sea mining, not to mention climate change.

“The importance of our oceans, which cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, can’t be underestimated: they produce half the oxygen we breathe, represent 95% of the Earth’s biosphere and are our largest carbon sink. The stark truth, however, is that much has already been disastrously overexploited.

“While the High Seas Treaty is a huge step in the right direction, what happens next – ratification by all signatory countries, followed by the hard work of implementation – is what matters. To secure healthy oceans for the next generation, we need a collaborative effort to protect our waters by governments, international bodies, industry and travellers.

“You can keep up with developments and updates with The High Seas Alliance’s Treaty Tracker, and The World Ocean Day website also features a range of resources, including a social media toolkit.”

For the full report, visit https://travalyst.org/blog/why-the-high-seas-treaty-matters/?mc_cid=be70b7f30a&mc_eid=aa184fe7de

(Source: Travelyst)

Travalyst partners include Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, Skyscanner, Travelport, Trip.com Group, Tripadvisor and Visa. They are part of a global network of changemakers, working together in a supportive, pre-competitive collaboration to create viable, visible sustainability solutions – and change the travel industry for good.

Tourism faces labour shortage fears

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 25, 2023

MIRI, Sarawak 25 April 2023: One of the biggest challenges facing the hospitality industry in Sarawak post-Covid-19 is the shortage of skilled labour, a recent roundtable discussion hosted by Curtin University concluded.

Held on the sidelines of the Bornewo SGD Summit in Miri, Sarawak’s deputy minister for tourism, creative industry and performing arts, Datuk Sebastian Ting led a group of expert panellists.

Curtin University. Datuk Ting, flanked by Teo (left) and Zins, share insights during the roundtable discussion.

“Tourism is one of the major economic sectors in Sarawak’s post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, and initiatives have been and are currently being undertaken to address this issue towards a resilient tourism economy,” he told the summit delegates.

These initiatives, he said, include policies and financial incentives by the Sarawak government to local tourism industry players, such as the disbursement of Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) 1.0 to 9.0, with a total expenditure of MYR6.7 billion.

“Considering the increase of visitor arrivals at over 320% this year compared to the same period in 2022, tourism recovery is possible. Therefore, stakeholders and the young people in Sarawak must have faith in our tourism industry,” he remarked.

The roundtable discussion was facilitated by Professor Andreas Zins, Dean of the Faculty of Business of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia). He opened the discussion by highlighting the PCDS 2030’s projection of annual growth in tourism demand of 7 to 8% to reach pre-Covid levels by 2025.

The Curtin University report quoted him saying the tourism sector in Sarawak would need 17,500 more employees every year to sustain this growth. Even in the unlikely event, all the unemployed in Sarawak joined the tourism sector, the labour market would run dry within just a few years.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), meanwhile, reported a labour shortfall in August 2022, where one out of 15 openings in the US (one out of six in the accommodation sector) and one out of nine in the European Union (one out of three in the travel sector and one out of five in the transportation sector) could not be filled.

Zins also noted that other Curtin campuses in Australia, Singapore and Mauritius reported similar problems in their countries.

He said that many hospitality workers were not keen to return to their old jobs following Covid-19, and there were multiple reasons for this, though not all were exclusively due to the pandemic. They included concerns about low salaries, inflexible working hours and conditions, discrimination of women, lack of training opportunities and further education, age discrimination, and a bad image of the entire industry.

Speaking on the labour shortage faced by the hospitality sector in Sarawak, Malaysia Association of Hotels Sarawak Chapter president John Teo said that 150,000 official migrant workers and another estimated 150,000 unofficial workers left the state during and after the pandemic, compounding the labour situation. In addition, many Sarawakians are still registered as state residents while working either in West Malaysia or abroad.

Teo remarked that many workers seemed to be flocking to Kalimantan, where Indonesia is building its new capital, due to attractive salaries, which are said to be twice or three times higher than what is being offered in Sarawak.

“Hence, the official statistics might deliver a distorted picture. A new challenge is the fierce labour drain towards Kalimantan, where job opportunities appear highly attractive with salaries twice or three times more than what is offered in Sarawak,” he said

Curtin Malaysia invites more proactive and meaningful dialogue among tourism stakeholders. Zins announced that roundtable discussions would continue this year.

“We are striving to deliver better and more sustainable solutions for the government and the tourism sector. Creating more attractive jobs for more people and ensuring that the visitor economy does not fall beyond 12 per cent of Sarawak’s GDP will be our focus,” he concluded.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or Tik-Tok.

(Source: Curtin University Malaysia)

Expedia releases summer travel forecast

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 25, 2023

SINGAPORE, 25 April 2023: Expedia has released its Summer Travel Forecast, providing key insights to help Americans plan and save on their summer vacations.

According to Expedia data, flight searches are up 25% overall for June through August compared to last year, and interest is up triple digits for international destinations across Europe and Asia. In addition, average ticket prices dip USD125 from their peak in early July to August. *Based on Expedia flight demand as 1 April 1, 2023, for travel from June to August

“This summer, travellers are ready to dust off their passports and embrace jet lag as they set off overseas,” says Expedia Group head of brands public relations Melanie Fish. “The data shows the sweet spot for saving on summer airfare is right around the corner, but these days you can actually guarantee you’re getting a great deal by tracking flights on the Expedia app or adding Price Drop Protection to your flight, which automatically refunds you if the price drops after you book.”

Summer Destination Trends

While US travellers are returning in droves to popular destinations, including New York and Cancun, the biggest year-over-year increases are for longer-haul destinations, including Auckland, Hong Kong and Osaka. Despite average flight ticket prices sitting higher than last summer, strong demand trends indicate travellers are ready to make the most of their summer vacations.

Top five International

1. Cancun
2. London
3. Rome
4. Punta Cana
5. Paris

Trending destinations

1. Auckland, New Zealand
2. Hong Kong
3. Osaka, Japan
4. Danang, Vietnam
5. Hanoi, Vietnam

Since reopening its borders last fall, Japan continues to see incredible interest and is one of the fastest-growing international destinations year-to-date for US travellers. Flight searches for summer are up triple digits compared to the same period last year for Osaka (+592%), Tokyo (+290%) and Kyoto (+265%).

To save on airfares, travel during late August and avoid holiday weekends. Average ticket prices drop by USD125 compared to the peak in early July. Meanwhile, the 4 July holiday is the busiest and most expensive summer weekend for air travel. ATPs for the holiday weekend are 12% higher than average for the month.

According to Expedia’s 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report, departing before 1500 cuts your chance of flight cancellation in half, so take the early flight.

Demand is high, and airlines are still operating fewer flights than pre-pandemic. That means full flights are expected this summer, so arrive at the airport early and give yourself plenty of time to get through security.

Pack light and take a carry-on. That way, there’s less chance your luggage gets lost in delays or cancellations.

Check your passport expiration date and ensure it’s valid for at least six months past your travel dates.

Meanwhile, Expedia.com research shows travellers are ready to enjoy the hustle and bustle of cities and experience urban vibes. Among the world’s cultural capitals are cities rich with unforgettable experiences and celebrations.

Global data reveals must-see cultural capitals

1. Edinburgh, Scotland
2. Lisbon, Portugal
3. Tokyo, Japan
4. Dublin, Ireland
5. New York, USA
6. Sydney, Australia
7. Dubai, UAE
8. Montreal, Canada
9. Munich, Germany
10. Bangkok, Thailand

Set-Jetters turn to TV tourism

Adventure-seekers are turning to captivating TV locales for their next-big-trip inspiration. Two-thirds of global travellers have considered, and 39% have booked trips to destinations after seeing them on streamed shows or movies. Advice from friends and family topped streaming services by only 2% as the most influential source of travel inspiration.*

Top TV-inspired destinations

• Sweeping landscapes from famous fantasy thrillers inspire New Zealand adventures, though hobbit and elf sightings are unlikely.

• Travelers are ready to make their formal entrances into British society as historical TV dramas increase interest in Great Britain and its host of stately homes.

• Stunning resort sets, minus questionable hotel managers, have people eager to see Hawaii.

• Lively cosmopolitan scenes are inspiring trips to Paris and New York. Budding romances with beautiful locals are optional.

Follow Expedia on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.

(Source: Expedia)

JW Marriott opens in Xian

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April 25, 2023

HONG KONG, 25 April 2023: JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, announced the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an this week.

Guests staying at the hotel can explore six UNESCO World Heritage cultural and historic sites in the ancient city of Xi’an.

“We are thrilled to debut JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an and expand the JW brand portfolio into a destination where history and culture combine with a forward-looking modernity,” said JW Marriott vice president and global brand leader Bruce Rohr.

“True to its brand DNA, JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an bears the legacy of our founder J. Willard Marriott and creates a tranquil, luxury space that offers many paths to well-being, where guests can nourish their souls while they explore one of China’s great ancient capitals.”

The group appointed Philip Kang as the general manager of JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an, who noted: “We look forward to welcoming our guests to explore and discover beautiful Xi’an, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals with its fascinating blend of timeless culture.”

JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an is located in the central business district of the Xi’an Economic and Technological Development Zone, as well as a host of popular attractions such as the Daming Palace National Heritage Park and the Ancient City Wall. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Terracotta Warriors site is a 40km drive from the hotel and is easily accessible from the city centre. The Xi’an North Railway Station and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport are both approximately a thirty-minute drive away.

The hotel features 333 rooms, including 13 suites located on the 25th to 37th floors. From the hotel lobby on the 38th floor, guests can enjoy panoramic views over the Qin Ling Mountains, known as the “dragon’s vein of China.”

S Hotels & Resorts names Samui GM

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April 25, 2023

SAMUI ISLAND, 25 April 2023: Santiburi Koh Samui, S Hotels & Resorts on Samui’s north shore, has announced the appointment of Giulio Stix as its new general manager.

He joins the resort having almost two decades of experience in luxury hotels and resorts in Europe and Asia.

His career in hospitality began in Milan in 2004 when he became a sales and marketing trainee with Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. He then joined Belmond, the luxury travel company that operates world-class hotels, resorts, cruises and trains – including the legendary Orient Express. He spent 12 years with the company, rising to the senior position of area director of group sales for Southern Europe.

He worked for Minor Hotels, based in Bangkok, overseeing the group’s Anantara-branded residences across Asia before moving to a design company in his native Italy.

“As Thailand’s tourism industry returns to full strength, this is an exciting time to join the team. I look forward to guiding Santiburi Koh Samui into a prosperous future,” commented Stix.

Arival Activate event back in Bangkok

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 25, 2023

BANGKOK, 25 April 2023: Travel experiences in the Asia Pacific are in demand once more as the region reopens to regional and long-haul travel, according to new research from Arival, released ahead of its Arival Activate event in Bangkok.

Tours, activities and attractions – travel’s third-largest and fastest-growing sector – will reach USD67 billion in 2024 and surpass the pre-pandemic peak to reach USD75 billion in 2025, according to The Outlook for Experiences 2019-2025 research.

“The Asia Pacific region has borne the worst of the pandemic, with a broad regional shutdown in cross-border travel well beyond other parts of the world,” said Arival CEO Douglas Quinby. “But demand for travel in the region is accelerating as many borders have reopened, encouraging travellers to return. As we saw when other regions reopened, travellers put experiences first in travel planning and spending. The challenge now will be for the global industry to prepare for the rapid influx of demand across the Asia Pacific.”

Online bookings will surpass 30% of all tours, activities and attractions booking worldwide in 2025, up from 17% in 2019, according to Arival research. However, online booking volume across Asia will more than triple during the same period as younger travellers shape travel’s rebound. Online marketplaces and mobile-ready operators across the region will be best positioned to benefit.

“The large, experience-hungry cohort of Gen-Z and millennial travellers in Asia are putting experiences first, and they are willing to pay for it,” said Arival’s Quinby. “But operators must be ready. This means more small-group, immersive experiences that get travellers off the beaten. And it must all be discoverable and bookable on mobile, with plenty of Instagram- and TikTok-worthy moments.”

The Arival Activate event takes place in Bangkok from 12 to 14 June and is expected to bring together hundreds of tours, activities and experiences professionals from across the region.

Why attend Arival Activate

Arival Activate is an event designed for the Asian experiences industry, including suppliers and operators of tours, activities, and attractions.

This year’s primary focus is aiding businesses in navigating their post-pandemic recovery through targeted sessions on digital strategies, networking and connecting with leading distributors and OTAs in the APAC region.

There will be dedicated sessions on connectivity, channel management, dynamic pricing, generative chat, super apps, the guest experience, the future of distribution, sustainable tourism, and culinary travel trends.

More information about the event can be found here.

GT Travel builds luxury travel content

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April 25, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 April 2023: GT Travel partners with the Paris Global Elite Chinese Association (International Institute of Well-Being, IIWB) and SKEMA Business School in France to offer outbound high-end travel experiences focusing on France.

GT Travel was established in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2013, focusing on developing high-end personalised travel services to overseas destinations. The strategic cooperation agreement with the Paris-based association will build a platform for cultivating outstanding Chinese talent and promoting cultural and high-end art tours.

GT Travel: A New Luxurious Travel Experience (Photo: Business Wire)

The travel firm is headquartered in the South Mansha MSC Multimedia Super Corridor, with strong support from the Malaysian government, which enables innovative digital technology to transform the traditional tourism model into high-end, niche boutique content.

GT Travel Sdn Bhd claims access to quality tourism resources in more than 20 countries worldwide, offering customised tourism, social, and business activities for high-end clients, making it a necessary choice for international business people and celebrities to expand their personal careers and social circles through tourism.

Developed by GT Travel, the Golden Lock Travel project creates an “immersive” travel experience allowing tourists to break away from the role of “onlookers” and the check-in-style travel process to experience the destination from a ‘local’ residency perspective.

It offers visitors a travel experience focusing on the host’s place of residence, friends, and leisure activities. It allows guests to immerse themselves in the local community to enjoy a more profound travel experience.

The Golden Lock Travel project has launched six travel routes spanning three continents, including three routes in North America, two in Malaysia, and one in Italy, catering to various travel needs. Golden Lock Travel has also formed an industry alliance with “Luxury Living Art Museum” and signed an industry cooperation agreement with 17 cities where the first batch of “Luxury Living Art Museum Flagship Stores” are located and connected with global luxury projects.

(Source: Businesswire)

GT Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd

https://gtraveller2020.com/wzsy

Two Pacific travel associations join hands

Ascott rides travel rebound

Smog and dams a threat to tourism?

Why the UN’s High Seas Treaty matters

Tourism faces labour shortage fears

Expedia releases summer travel forecast

JW Marriott opens in Xian

S Hotels & Resorts names Samui GM

Arival Activate event back in Bangkok

GT Travel builds luxury travel content

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