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Asia benefits from China’s travel surge

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 January 2023: China’s decision to ditch its zero-Covid policy has triggered a surge in flight bookings, according to the latest data from ForwardKeys. And it’s the intra-regional neighbours in Asia who will reap the benefits the most.

ForwardKeys China Market Analyst, Nan Dai, shared the latest figures in a joint webinar with Dragon Trail International and the consumer sentiment data aligned with the booking trends.

According to the Chinese Traveler Sentiment Report by Dragon Trail International, “more than 60% of survey respondents said they wanted to travel outside of mainland China in 2023. This group expressed high expectations about the freedom of cross-border travel this year. Survey respondents said they were excited to relax and experience the scenery, food, culture, and shopping overseas.”

Immediately upon China’s official announcement about the ease of Covid controls, there was a surge in bookings for domestic flights; Sanya is the hottest destination with the fastest recovery.

“Forward bookings for Chinese New Year are currently 47% behind pre-pandemic levels but already 30% ahead last year,” says Nan Dai optimistically.

The pent-up demand remains high, and in terms of outbound travel, Southeast Asian destinations are most likely to first benefit from the return of Chinese tourists.

“All these destinations have relaxed rules for Chinese travellers. Arrivals from China will not be required to provide test results for Covid-19. Visa waiver to Indonesia, visa-on-arrival to Thailand, Cambodia, and UAE – all make it even easier to travel,” adds Dai.

However, the lack of flight capacity and high fares could be the bottleneck for China’s outbound travel recovery in Q1.

“Current scheduled international flight capacity in Q1 is only at 21% of 2019’s level; and owing to approval requirements for traffic rights and airport slots, it will be difficult for airlines to gear back up very quickly. We can expect a more significant increase when airlines schedule for the next summer season starting from 26 March,” shares Nan Dai.

Dragon Trail Market Research Analyst Yelinuer Kadeerbieke adds: “Our survey results show that while recovery will start gradually in the first six months of 2023, it’s clear that outbound travel will start to pick up in the second half of the year. 42% said they would travel outbound in July and August, with 32% planning an autumn Golden Week getaway outside mainland China.”

The outbound China market is vital in the travel food chain. The return of the sleeping dragon in time for the Lunar New Year with promises for greater growth over the summer period, will be a game changer for the travel sector in 2023.

Learn more about ForwardKeys’ Traveller Statistics, visit https://forwardkeys.com/traveller-statistics

Accor expands in Southeast Asia

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 January 2023: Accor and Ennismore will expand their portfolio with new hotels and resorts opening across Southeast Asia in 2023.

With close to 30 confirmed new properties under 10 brands in nine countries, 2023 marks an important milestone in the two group’s regional development.

Thailand will see the arrival of new hotels and resorts. Ennismore’s TRIBE Bangkok Sukhumvit 39 opening Q2 2023 will mark the debut of the TRIBE brand in Thailand, while the 207-key Novotel Living Bangkok Sukhumvit Legacy (Q2) by Accor will introduce Novotel’s extended-stay concept to the Thai capital’s Sukhumvit district.

The 666-key Ibis Styles Bangkok Twin Towers, destined to be the world’s largest Ibis Style hotel, opens in Q3. Also, in Bangkok, the 178-key Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 60 opens in Q4.

Outside Bangkok, the 234-key Novotel Rayong Star Convention Centre opens Q1 on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. At the same time, the Mercure Rayong Lomtalay Villas & Resort will debut its garden wing, which will include an additional 133 rooms, suites and villas. The 200-room Grand Mercure Resort Ao Nang Krabi opens in Q4.

In Cambodia, the 232-key Novotel Sihanoukville Holiday Resort will open in Q2, while the 253-key Novotel Phnom Penh Boeng Keng Kong in the centre of the Cambodian capital will open in Q2. In Vietnam, the 373-key Pullman Hai Phong opens in Q4.

In Singapore, three new landmark hotels are due to open. The 326-key Pullman Orchard Singapore – Singapore’s first Pullman hotel – will officially launch in February on Orchard Road. Later in Q2, the 342-room Pullman Singapore Hill Street will open, while the 302-key Mondrian Singapore Duxton by Ennismore opens in Q1.

Accor’s growth in Indonesia will gather pace in 2023 with the launch of multiple new hotels, including the 224-key Ibis New Yogyakarta International Airport in Q1) and 189-key Novotel New Yogyakarta Airport Kulon Progo (Q3) in Yogyakarta, the 150-key Mercure Pangkalan Bun (Q3) in Central Kalimantan, the 158-key ibis Palembang Sanggar (Q4) in South Sumatra and the 335-key Grand Mercure Lampung (Q4). Two Swiss-inspired Mövenpick properties, the 413-key Mövenpick Bintan Lagoon Resort and 253-key Mövenpick Jakarta Pecenongan will open in Q4.

In Malaysia, the 161-key Ibis PJCC Petaling Jaya and the 172-key Mercure Miri City Centre are both due to open their doors by the middle of 2023. Finally, Japan will welcome the 363-key Mercure Hotel Tokyo Haneda Airport (Q4) at one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs.

In 2022, Accor and Ennismore signed a combined 30 hotels representing 8,700 keys across eight countries in Southeast Asia. These hotels will be operated under 15 brands within all segments, from economy to luxury.

China lifts last travel restrictions

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TTR WEEKLY
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BEIJING, 24 January 2023: China will revive the country’s outbound group travel services starting 6 February, according to a circular released Friday by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and reported by Xinhua news service.

The ministry statement posted on its website describes a pilot programme that allows travel agencies to open outbound group travel for Chinese citizens to 20 nations.

The 20 nations: Thailand; Indonesia; Cambodia; Maldives; Sri Lanka; the Philippines; Malaysia; Singapore; Laos; the United Arab Emirates, Egypt; Kenya; South Africa; Russia; Switzerland; Hungary; New Zealand; Fiji; Cuba and Argentina.

In Southeast Asia, Vietnam and Myanmar are not included, and in Asia, India is absent from the list.

According to Xinhua, relevant airline ticket and hotel booking services will also be resumed. Although outbound tour groups can resume on 6 February, the logistics involved in setting up the tours will need to be revisited. Tour operators handling Chinese tour groups say it could take up to three weeks to renegotiate hotel contracts and reinstate bus transfers and sightseeing tours with new prices. Chinese tour operators usually block and buy seats on scheduled charter flights and then build package quotes covering airfare, hotels, transfers and sightseeing. The charter flight operators will need to reapply for traffic rights and secure deals with Chinese tour operators to buy seat allotments. It all takes time. 

China’s outbound group travel market was halted in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the China Daily report, data from Trip.com, a major tourism service supplier in China, showed that just half an hour after the ministry announcement, the search volume for outbound flight tickets and overseas hotels reached a three-year high on the company’s search engine. Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Thailand were among the most popular destinations.

Travel agencies and online travel companies are now preparing product launches, publicity and negotiating contracts for hotels, attractions and land content with local suppliers.

(Source: Xinhua and China Daily)

Centara renews Chang Island resort contract

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 23 January 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has confirmed the signing of a new contract agreement by Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts along with Vorachai Lerdpraiwan and Suparerk  Sooranggura, owners of Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort, to continue managing this popular beachfront destination.

Located on  Klong Prao Beach along Koh Chang’s west coast, Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort sets the scene for a picture-perfect island holiday. The resort offers easy access to boating, island hopping, diving and snorkelling, the island’s lush mountainous terrain, forest paths, waterfalls, a fishing village and more.

At the resort, verdant gardens open up to the Gulf of Thailand, providing guests plenty of rest and relaxation, as well as adventure and family fun with multiple pools, including one facing the ocean, a children’s pool with waterslides and Jacuzzi, a spa, supervised Kids’ Club, and beachfront dining options. After a day of discovery, guests can unwind in island-inspired rooms and private tropical cabanas that complete the island life experience.

Koh Chang is easily accessible year-round by ferry from Laem Ngop Pier in Trat. From the ferry pier on the island, it takes a 25-minute car transfer to reach Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort.

For more information on Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/ckc.

(Your Stories: Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Emirates bundles Dubai attractions

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 20 January 2023: Emirates is promoting an offer highlighting new experiences in Dubai; complimentary passes to three of the city’s most popular attractions.

The deal is valid when booking a return ticket to or stopping over in Dubai, using code EKDXB23 until 29 January 2023.

The offer is available on bookings made on emirates.com, via the Emirates Call centre, or participating travel agents, for travel until 31 March 2023

New travel experiences

  • At the Top, Burj Khalifa: Admire the skyline of Dubai amidst the clouds at the top of the world’s tallest building, The Burj Khalifa, and take in the panoramic views of the entire city, from its pristine beaches to the glamourous Dubai Marina. Elevate your experience and enjoy a cup of coffee with a delicious breakfast pastry at the top of the world from Level 125.
  • The Dubai Fountains Boardwalk Experience: A floating platform located at the stunning Dubai Fountain, the Boardwalk allows visitors to catch Burj Khalifa’s famous water, music, and light spectacles from just metres away. Lose yourself in over 1,000 hypnotising water displays across the 30-acre Burj lake.
  • The Yellow Boats Atlantis Blast Tour: Take in the sights and sounds of Dubai on a thrilling 45-minute experience through the Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah, and around Atlantis the Palm. Feast your eyes upon the awe-inspiring landscapes and learn more about the architectural history and stories of Dubai from an experienced guide, all whilst soaking in the sunny rays and deep cultural history of the region.

Check out the views from At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountains Boardwalk Experience, and a 45-minute Yellow Boats Atlantis Blast Tour

Explore more of Dubai

With Emirates, there is something for every traveller when visiting Dubai, particularly for those looking for a little winter sun. From sun-soaked beaches and heritage activities to world-class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of experiences.

My Emirates Winter Pass: Customers flying to or through Dubai can simply show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to hundreds of retail, leisure, and dining outlets, as well as famous attractions and luxury spas, to enjoy fantastic discounts throughout Dubai and the UAE. To see all My Emirates Pass offers, please visit www.emirates.com/myemiratespass.

Skywards partners: Members of Emirates’ award-winning loyalty programme, Skywards, can earn Miles on everyday spending at retail outlets in the UAE, and redeem these Miles for reward tickets, upgrades, as well as tickets for concerts and sports events. Learn more about Emirates Skywards here:https://www.emirates.com/SG/english/skywards/. 

For more information, visit emirates.com. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Office, via travel agents or online travel agents.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Royal Caribbean adds Asia sailings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 January 2023: With almost all of its limited 12-night sailings sold out, Royal Caribbean has added two 12-night sailings between Singapore and Tokyo, Japan, on Spectrum of the Seas in 2023.

Prices start from SGD1500 for the two sailings that visit various destinations in Japan, Hong Kong, and Vietnam.

The new 12-night sailings will depart from Singapore and Tokyo, Japan, on 19 September 2023 and 1 October 2023. Destinations unique to the new itineraries include Hue/Danang in Vietnam and Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Okinawa and Ishigaki in Japan.

Oceania offers anniversary deals

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TTR WEEKLY
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The Oceania Marina in Sydney Harbour, March 2013

SINGAPORE, 23 January 2023: Oceania Cruises, a culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has launched a limited-time 20th Anniversary Sale.

To mark the milestone, the cruise line offers Shipboard Credit valued at USD800 per stateroom or suite bookings on 110 voyages across seven ships sailing to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Alaska, and Asia. The 20th Anniversary Sale is open for bookings until 1 March 2023. Oceania Cruises also offers guests reduced 50% deposits until 28 February 2023 for early bird travellers on stateroom or suite bookings.

Asia Pacific voyages in the Anniversary Sale

ISLANDS TO INDOCHINA

15 days | Singapore to Bangkok

Riviera | Departs 28 January 2024

USD800 Shipboard Credit Per Stateroom or Suite

The cruises feature overnight stays in historic Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and Bangkok, Thailand. It also visits Borneo, Puerto Princesa and the Sultanate of Brunei. The 15-day voyage also stops in Coron and Manila in the Philippines, as well as iconic Hue (Chan May) and Nha Trang in Vietnam.

ASTOUNDING AUSTRALASIA

24 days | Singapore to Auckland

Regatta | Departs 14 November 2024

US$800 Shipboard Credit Per Stateroom or Suite

The cruise features Southeast Asia, Australia’s northern coast and New Zealand’s North Island. There are overnight stays in Bali, Sydney and Auckland, plus visits to Jakarta, Bali (Benoa) and the tropical rainforest of Cairns, before crossing the Tasman to discover New Zealand’s North Island.

SUMPTUOUS ARABIA

10 days | Abu Dhabi to Mumbai

Riviera | Departs 29 December 2023

USD600 Shipboard Credit Per Stateroom or Suite

Vistara taps DB train network

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 January 2023: Vistara, a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines, has entered into an interline partnership with WorldTicket (W2), part of the 777 Travel Tech group and the only authorised distributor for Europe’s largest railway operator, Deutsche Bahn.

The partnership enables Vistara to offer multimodal itineraries to its customers, allowing them to seamlessly book air and rail travel throughout Germany and other European cities on a single itinerary. Vistara becomes the only Indian carrier to offer the service for travellers to and from India.

Vistara customers can now connect from any of the 16,000 train stations in Germany to Frankfurt Airport and fly Vistara to Delhi, and vice versa.

In addition to train stations across Germany, Vistara customers can also travel to and from Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium), and Zurich or Basel (Switzerland) on Deutsche Bahn’s extensive network.

Powered by W2’s GDS aggregation technology, Deutsche Bahn’s Rail&Fly product enables these flexible multimodal travel options for passengers. In addition, Deutsche Bahn’s Interline and Codeshare products with scheduled high-speed rail services create an eco-friendly transit option for European travellers.

Vistara chief commercial officer Deepak Rajawat said: “ This partnership aims at making the travel experience of our customers simpler and seamless as they go beyond Frankfurt to other parts of Germany and Europe on a single itinerary.”

“We are excited to be working with Vistara”, said WorldTicket vice president of commercial business development Peer Winter. “With the multimodal interlining partnership in place, Vistara can offer a richer experience to its passengers while increasing ancillary revenue opportunities and encouraging brand loyalty.”

The flight segment of the customer’s journey is being operated and marketed under Vistara’s ‘UK’ IATA designator code; the train segment is operated by Deutsche Bahn and marketed by WorldTicket (W2 IATA designator code).

From the customer’s perspective, they will book a single itinerary that includes flight and rail reservations and only needs to check in separately for each segment. Once passengers arrive at Frankfurt (FRA), they can clear immigration, collect their bags and proceed to the railway station at Frankfurt Airport to board their train.

“The partnership also offers Vistara and its customers unprecedented access to Europe’s largest economy, which serves as a global travel destination and a gateway to the world. We look forward to continuing to partner with Vistara as we work to expand options for travellers across the globe,” added Winter.

Study shows shift to sustainable travel

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TTR WEEKLY
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MADRID, 23 January 2023: A major new report by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group, together with Deloitte, reveals a heightened appetite for sustainable tourism amongst consumers, with 69% of travellers actively seeking sustainable travel options1.

In the follow-up report, WTTC joined forces again with global travel service provider Trip.com Group and its major consumer brands Trip.com, Ctrip and Skyscanner, with additional data sourced from Deloitte to analyse the trends that shaped the Travel & Tourism sector last year and will continue to do so in 2023.

The report “A world in motion: shifting consumer travel trends in 2022 and beyond” shows that sustainability is a key element of the travel agenda, with travellers eager to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable tourism.

According to a survey part of the report, three-quarters of travellers consider travelling more sustainably in the future (1), and nearly 60% have chosen more sustainable travel options in the last couple of years (1).

Another survey also found that around three-quarters of high-end travellers are willing to pay extra to make their trips more sustainable (2).

Last year, following more than two years of travel disruption, travellers made clear their wanderlust is very much alive, with a 109% increase of international overnight arrivals, compared to 2021.

According to the report, last year, consumers were willing to stretch their budget for their holiday plans, with 86% of travellers planning on spending the same amount or more on international travel than in 20193, with U.S. tourists leading the list as big spenders4.

But 2023 is looking even better in terms of travellers’ spend. Despite concerns about inflation and the global cost-of-living crisis, nearly a third (31%) of travellers said they intend to spend more on international travel this year than in 20223.

Additionally, according to Deloitte’s ‘Global State of the Consumer Tracker’, last year, more than half (53%) of global consumers surveyed during the summer said they plan to stay in a hotel over the following three months4.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Sustainability is top of travellers’ agenda, and consumers highlight the value they put on protecting nature and travelling responsibly.”

Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun added: “I’m optimistic about the positive momentum for the global resumption and growth of travel in 2023, primarily driven by mainland Chinese consumers, which will help accelerate worldwide recovery and development.”

Other findings  in the report

 2022 sun and sea package holiday sales are estimated to be up 75% compared to the previous year (5).

 Last year during the summer, international arrivals in European sun and beach destinations were just 15% below 2019 levels (6).

 According to WTTC’s recent ‘Cities Economic Impact Research’, in 2022, visits to major cities are expected to see a 58% year-on-year increase, less than 14% below 2019 levels.

 Luxury holidays will prove particularly popular, with sales of luxury hotels expected to reach $92 billion by 2025 compared to USD76 billion in 2019 (5).

 In a survey, nearly 60% of travellers said they were either already paying to offset their carbon emissions or considering it if the price was right (1).

To access more information and read the report, visit https://wttc.org/consumer- trends.  

Sources                   

1 Trip.com
2 Virtuoso
3 Skyscanner
4 Deloitte
5 Euromonitor6 ForwardKeys

Kempinski renames famous Bangkok bar

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 January 2023: Luxury hotel chain Kempinski has renamed its bar carrying the name of Hindu deity Hanuman in its Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok after Hindus protested, calling it “highly inappropriate”.

Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok general manager Richard Schestak apologised in an email dated 20 January 2023 addressed to Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest.

He wrote: “…on behalf of the Siam Kempinski Hotel and Kempinski Group, I would like to express my most sincere apologies for any offence caused… it was never our intention to cause any upset to anyone in the Hindu community… We have changed the bar’s name and removed any reference to Hanuman to avoid any confusion or potential upset…please accept our deepest regrets…”.

Its “Hanuman Bar” is now called “1897 Lounge”. A martini concoction of Hanuman Bar called “Hanumantini”, which included vodka has also been renamed “1897TINI”.

Zed, the president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, located in Nevada (USA), suggested that Kempinski and other hotel chains should send their senior executives for training in religious and cultural sensitivity to understand the feelings of customers and communities better.

Zed said that Lord Hanuman was highly revered in Hinduism and was meant to be “worshipped in temples or home shrines, not for selling liquor and beef. Inappropriate usage of sacred Hindu deities, concepts, symbols, or icons for mercantile greed or other agendas was not okay, as it hurt the devotees.”

According to Zed, Kempinski, which claimed to adopt “people-centred principles”, should have shown more maturity when naming a bar.

“Luxury hotels should not be in the business of religious appropriation, sacrilege, and ridiculing entire communities. It was deeply trivialising of the immensely venerated Lord Hanuman.”

Hinduism is considered the oldest and third largest religion worldwide, with about 1.2 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought, and it should not be taken frivolously. Symbols of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be mishandled,  Zed noted.

The menu of “Hanuman Bar” at Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok includes wagyu beef tartare, grilled beef, Angus beef burger, beef ragout, beef khao pad; besides various kinds of vodka, gin, tequila, whisky, rum, liqueurs, beer, brandy, etc.

Headquartered in Geneva and Munich, Kempinski has a portfolio of around 81 hotels worldwide and claims to be “Europe’s oldest luxury hotel company.” Bernold Schroeder is the chief executive officer.

For more information on Rajan Zed visit his website

http://www.rajanzed.org/about/rajan-zed/

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