RCG monitors progress in reducing emissions

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April 26, 2023

SINGAPORE, 26 April 2023: Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) released its ‘15^th annual Seastainability Report’ on Monday, providing an update on its corporate responsibility strategy and performance across its three wholly owned brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises.

2022 marked a watershed moment in the company’s advancement of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts. Defining events include the 30th anniversary of the company’s first environmental programme, Save the Waves, and the first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, published with the ‘2022 Seastainability Report’.

The targets and strategies laid out in the annual report highlight Royal Caribbean Group’s progress to reduce emissions and promote the safety and well-being of its guests and employees, including its commitments to sustainable tourism, protecting the oceans it sails and inspiring and empowering the communities it visits.

Report Highlights – Asia Pacific

“Surrender Your Shell” initiative, a collaboration between Royal Caribbean Group’s Australian team, WWF Australia and the Australian Museum Research Institute. As part of the initiative, the Australian government changed the federal policy for six months, allowing Australians to send historically purchased tortoiseshell products to WWF Australia without the risk of prosecution. This information helped create a “ShellBank” database to identify vulnerable turtle populations and partner with local communities, governments and the tourism industry on turtle protection initiatives.
As part of the Blue Green Promise to protect oceans, Royal Caribbean Group partnered with WWF to help protect and gather information on local whale sharks in the Philippines. Travellers worldwide can go to the small town of Donsol in the Philippines to see these endangered species. Since the start of the programme, the ocean region surrounding Donsol has been protected by new regulations, helping protect the whale shark population. Tourism has flourished, boosting the economy and quality of life for locals.
Renewing its partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and committing an additional USD5 million to preserve ocean health

Royal Caribbean Group is building on a robust portfolio of technologies that improve energy efficiency, water treatment, and waste management; it has worked to introduce environmentally friendly ships that move the company closer to achieving Destinations Net Zero, the company’s vision for net zero emissions by 2050.

Visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/sustainability to dive deeper into Royal Caribbean Group’s 2022 ‘Seastainability Report’.

(Source: Royal Caribbean Group)

Relive Asia’s golden age of pop culture

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 26, 2023

HONG KONG, 26 April 2023: Hong Kong has one of the most influential pop cultures among Asian cities, especially its pervasive Cantopop and movies from the 1980s to the 1990s, which gave birth to many superstars who were well-known internationally.

The timeless influence of those masterpieces can still be found in the pop culture of Hong Kong and even the rest of Asia.

The first-ever “Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival”, launched in April, presents over 20 events scheduled throughout the rest of the year. An array of experiences await visitors to relive the golden age of Hong Kong superstars, including Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui, who reigned in the music and movie industries.

Here are recommended experiences for visitors to savour and reminisce about the old days, paying tribute to the legends.

Passing on the Legend with a Brand New Interpretation
Miss You Much Leslie Exhibition

To commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the passing of Leslie Cheung (“Gor-gor”) this year, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum has organised an exhibition with Cheung’s close friends Florence Chan, William Chang and Wing Shya as guest curators. The exhibition presents Cheung’s legendary achievements in music and film and his influence on popular culture.

Movie Tram – Tales Told by Cinematic Storytellers
** Tickets available online for registration

A quintessential Hong Kong symbol on the move, the tram is a vessel of the city’s unique scenery and memories, making it an ideal backdrop for many Hong Kong movies. The Festival will present “Movie Tram” tours, in which the participants will take a walking tour around film locations in Central & Western District before hopping onto a tram, where famous filmmakers, including Stanley Kwan and Kearen Pang, will share behind-the-scenes stories and inspirations for cinematic creativity, uncovering the gems of the city’s moving pictures.

In the Mood for Qipao – A Showcase of the Flourishing Era of Hong Kong Cinema
Cinderella and Her Qipao Exhibition

The qipao (cheongsam) is a fashion symbol of Chinese culture and a key styling element for female leads in many Hong Kong movies. This exhibition, organised by the Hong Kong Film Archive, with over 30 qipaos from a selection of films spanning different eras will be on display, recreating the cultural landscapes of the past with pieces worn by iconic actresses such as Maggie Cheung and Brigitte Lin.

Out of Thin Air: Hong Kong Film Arts & Costumes Exhibition

The Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the Hong Kong Film Arts Association will jointly present the exhibition. By displaying iconic costumes, props, sets, paraphernalia and workshop scenes, the exhibition will take visitors behind the scenes to explore the nature of Hong Kong’s film culture and the highly adaptable professionalism and creative inclusiveness of the film industry workers.

More riveting activities will debut soon. Make these experiences part of your itinerary and embark on a distinctive pop culture journey in the footsteps of legendary Hong Kong superstars.

For more information about the “Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival”, please visit https://www.pcf.gov.hk/en/.

(Source: HKTB – Businesswire)

GBTA study tackles climate impact

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 26, 2023

SINGAPORE, 26 April 2023: As companies strive to reduce their carbon footprint, they are implementing strategies to decarbonise employee travel.

But which practices effectively drive change and ultimately empower organisations to continue leveraging business travel while reducing their climate impact?

A new benchmarking study released Monday, “Managing Emissions From Business Travel Programs: Overview of Corporate Best Practices,” sheds light on how companies decarbonise their travel programmes.

Compiled by the GBTA Foundation, the report provides a valuable snapshot of companies that are mitigating their business travel emissions.

Released during Earth Month, the study examines which measures are most effective in reducing the climate impact of Scope 3 emissions from business travel and key considerations for implementation and success.

“One of the biggest challenges for achieving more sustainable business travel is knowing how to build the path and the program to get there. We went to companies and leaders in sustainability to bring forth best practices and insights that can help any company seeking to travel greener and better,” said GBTA Foundation managing director Delphine Millot.

Millot added that tackling Scope 3.6 emissions needs to be a joint effort across the entire global business travel value chain and relies on common ownership and shared responsibility between the suppliers and users of travel services.

The report lays the building blocks for companies to create a more climate-conscious travel programme – from starting with measures requiring less effort and funding to advancing with more ambitious strategies, activities, and outcomes.

Developing a sustainable travel programme involves a combination of measures at different levels and working with various stakeholders.

The report outlines measures across four critical categories: travel decisions, emissions tracking, supplier engagement, and decarbonisation.

Additionally, it provides a toolbox of action areas to efficiently reduce emissions while aligning to organisation budgets, available time, company culture, and other factors.

Six key points for success in reducing business travel emissions

Lowering the impact of business travel on the environment is an iterative process. The report identifies commonalities among interviewees, emphasising the integral elements necessary to reduce emissions from business travel effectively:

No One Size Fits All: Evaluate needs and return on investment before drawing from the toolbox.
Make a Demand Signal: Corporate travel managers have a key role in signalling a growing demand for greener travel options.
Start Today: Strive to improve emissions data − but don’t let perfection halt progress.
Go “Glocal”: Global strategies should be localised to consider infrastructure and cultural differences.
Future Proof: Combine quick wins with longer-term investments.
Collaboration is Key: Sustainability is a shared effort between corporate travel managers, procurement, sustainability, and employee travellers.

Additional topics covered in the report include integrating climate considerations into corporate travel policies, measuring travel program emissions, greening the procurement process, and navigating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) opportunities toward decarbonising air travel.

Methodology

The report’s benchmarking methodology consisted of interviews with a dozen sustainability leaders from global companies that rely on business travel to conduct their business successfully. Participants included the GBTA Foundation’s Sustainability Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) members, collaborating with the GBTA Sustainability Leadership Council (SLC).

Visit the GBTA Foundation to download the full benchmark report

About the GBTA Foundation 

The GBTA Foundation is the non-profit, cause-led arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s business travel and meetings trade organisation serving 7,600+ members. GBTAFoundation.org.

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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TTR WEEKLY

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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.”

RCG monitors progress in reducing emissions

Relive Asia’s golden age of pop culture

GBTA study tackles climate impact

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

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