Seven predictions for travel in 2024

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October 20, 2023

SINGAPORE, 20 October 2023: In a surprising twist, travel, once an escape from reality, is now the essence of life, according to Booking.com.

The travel booking platform released its yearly Travel Predictions research Wednesday that shows travel is life in 2024, with four in five Singapore-based travellers (82%) revealing that they feel more alive than ever when they are on vacation.

Photo credit: Bookintg.com. Cool-cationers

That’s because over half (64%) think they are the best version of themselves on holiday. And with artificial intelligence (AI) on the rise, travellers are increasingly plugging into tech to do the grunt work, freeing them up to spark more soul-stirring experiences.

Here are Booking.com’s seven predictions for travel in 2024, based on research among more than 27,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories, including Singapore, combined with its insights as a leading digital travel platform:

1. Reboot Retreaters

Amid an ever-hectic world, travellers are booking trips to bring themselves back to the life they truly want again. For example, the new era of sleep tourism welcomes sleep concierges and cutting-edge tech to serve the 67% of Singapore-based travellers who want to travel in 2024 to focus solely on uninterrupted shut-eye.

For those used to sleeping solo, 40% would even carve out time for a matchmaking holiday to find a spark with a new partner or lover, while more than a third (34%) would focus on a heartbreak holiday to get over an ex. Of those still rocking a relationship, a quarter (24%) has prioritised deepening the human connection with their partner through travel in 2024.

Not forgetting parents: surprisingly, they seek solace on completely solo holidays, with the majority (55%) planning to travel alone in 2024, dropping the kids and their partners to prioritise their vitality.

2. Surrender Seekers

In 2024, travellers want to surrender themselves to the element of surprise and venture into uncharted territory on vacation, with over half (54%) of Singapore-based travellers keen to book a surprise trip where everything down to the destination is unknown until arrival. These surrender seekers are truly embracing the art of letting go, with the majority (55%) preferring to have no plans set in stone before travelling in 2024 – and even seeking to travel with strangers (28%).

The travel industry is responding fast with tech-enabled flexible services, giving travellers the option to cancel, change plans, and buy now, pay later at the press of a button. The explosion of AI, which has already seen the launch of Booking.com’s AI Trip planner, is going mainstream in 2024, with over half of Singapore-based travellers (53%) placing trust in AI to plan a trip for them.

3. A La Carte Affluencers

Fueled by the cost of living crisis, travellers in 2024 will employ money-saving hacks to cut costs yet level up vacations with ‘à la carte’ luxuries, with the help of their travel partner in crime, AI. In fact, a majority (62%) of Singapore-based travellers will want insights and tips from AI when on vacation to upgrade experiences with suggested ancillaries and deals.

Additionally, over half (60%) of Singapore-based travellers plan to pick destinations in 2024 where the cost of living is less expensive than their hometown, while many (46%) will be willing to pay for day passes to use the amenities in a five-star hotel rather than staying there.

4. Culinary Excavators

The food archaeologists of 2024 will dig deep into the roots of food on vacation to unearth new culinary treasures, with 72% of Singapore-based travellers more interested in learning about the origins of a destination’s ‘must-eat’ delicacies than they were in the past. Four in five (80%) also want to try indigenous cuisines in 2024.

Foodies in 2024 are also set to be experientialists, with nearly half (49%) wanting an immersive ‘phygital’ food experience enhanced by VR or AR. Think mood-altering lighting, paired fragrances and sensual soundscapes that enhance the traces of foodways past.

5. Mindful Aesthetes

Gone are the days when comfort and exceptional design were solely associated with extravagance, with a growing movement of accommodation providers presenting aesthetically pleasing responses to environmental challenges. These discerning travellers will hunt down jaw-dropping architecture that has environmental features at its heart, with over half (56%) looking for accommodation that has wow-factor sustainability innovation. In comparison, 70% want to see the outside brought indoors.

In exchange for contributing to conservation efforts, the majority are interested in sustainable travel apps where they can unlock rewards (57%), such as experiences with locals in off-the-beaten-path areas (55%) or visiting remote locations that tourists otherwise have limited access to (50%).

6. Cool-cationers

Heat has officially had its vacay heyday, with temperatures at record-breaking levels. The majority (56%) of Singapore-based travellers report that climate change will impact how they plan their vacation in 2024, while 67% share that as temperatures soar close to home, they will use their vacation to cool down elsewhere.

This effect taps into the expected rise of travel that takes the edge off the heat, with approximately one in three (29%) showing interest in water-centric vacations in 2024. Mindful water immersion will quickly become the next mainstream version of meditation, where this fresh form of feel-alive wellness travel will see floating yoga, water sound baths and snow meditation surge, as well as a boom in ice therapy retreats, underwater hotels and mermania.

7. (Alter) Ego Enthusiasts

In 2024, travellers will feel more alive by creating their epic alter egos on vacation, with more than a third (42%) of Singapore-based travellers making up stories about their real lives to people they meet on their travels.

These alter ego enthusiasts love the thrill of embodying a 2.0 version of themselves and go to great lengths to reimagine their best self, with close to three-quarters (73%) enjoying the anonymity of travel and the chance to recreate themselves. Well over half (64%) of Singapore-based travellers feel ‘main character energy’ on their travels, with these performers empowered to be the stars of their own lives.

Booking.com managing director Asia-Pacific Laura Houldsworth

comments: “Our 2024 travel predictions reflect the idea that travel is not a means to escape life but a catalyst to live our best lives. From thrilling adventures in a new destination to feeling the pulse of a new culture and every experience in between, travel allows us to become the best version of ourselves.”

For more information about Booking.com’s 2024 Travel Predictions, visit LINK.

Trip.com sales make Thai smiles

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October 20, 2023

SINGAPORE, 20 October 2023: Global travel service provider Trip.com Group and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to cooperate to boost travel to Thailand.

The collaboration aims to promote Thailand as the premier travel hotspot for tourists from the Chinese mainland.

Srettha Thavisin (centre), Prime Minister of Thailand; Thapanee Kiatphaibool (5th from right), Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Amanda Wang (4th from right), Vice President, Global Destinations, Trip.com Group.

Trip.com Group vice president of global destinations Amanda Wang and the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool

signed the LOI in Beijing, China. It was part of an official visit by a high-level delegation to China led by Thailand’s Srettha Thavisin

Wang said: “Thailand has consistently captivated the hearts of travellers from the Chinese mainland, establishing itself as an irresistible destination. With the recent introduction of visa-free travel to Thailand, we foresee this trend of travel to Thailand continuing, and look forward to working closely with TAT to bring more tourists to the Land of Smiles.”

Thapanee added: “The signing of this Letter of Intent signifies a new phase of comprehensive cooperation in promoting Thai tourism in the Chinese market.

“The Tourism Authority of Thailand will use this as a framework to continue our close collaboration and make every effort to ensure the safety and security of tourists travelling to Thailand. We will also organise promotional activities to attract more tourists from mainland China to Thailand, promoting the high-quality development of our tourism sector.”

The LOI signed between the two parties will augment existing partnerships and harness the insights of Trip.com Group on Chinese travellers.

It will entail knowledge and information sharing, joint promotional activities, and establishing formal communication channels for regular bilateral tourism updates. It formalises an established and fruitful working relationship between the two parties, a notable recent example being January’s Thailand edition of the Group’s “Super World Trip” series of livestreams.

The three-hour livestream session targeting the outbound mainland Chinese audience recorded sales of more than 20,000 room nights, amounting to a Gross Merchandise Value of over RMB40 million, featuring almost 60 products, including attractions, tickets and staycation packages at hotels across Thailand.

Thailand was one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists during the recent Golden Week holidays, with outbound travel volume to Thailand at over 11 times the 2022 volume for the same period.

Compared to this year’s May Day holidays, volume was up by 27.6%. After the announcement of visa-free travel for Chinese travellers last month, searches for Thai destinations across Trip.com Group’s platforms soared by 800%.

BWH adds Asian properties in global expansion

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October 19, 2023

SYDNEY, 19 October 2023: BWH Hotels continued to expand its 19 distinctive brands throughout the third quarter of 2023, adding new properties in Asia, Europe, North America and South America.

It offers travellers an increased presence of BWH Hotels properties in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, France, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, the US and Vietnam.

“We are delighted to offer even more accommodations for travellers to choose from as they prepare for upcoming fall travel,” said BWH Hotels president and chief executive officer Larry Cuculic. “We continue strategically growing our global presence, thoughtfully adding ideal properties in key locations worldwide. Our new properties serve every type of traveller, from road trippers to world adventurers — the range of BWH Hotels’ properties is endless.”

Properties joining the Asian portfolio include:

· Alhambra Hotel & Convention, BW Signature Collection (Tasikmalaya, Indonesia)

· Best Western Plus Metro Clark (Angeles City, Philippines)

· Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang (Nha Trang, Vietnam)

· SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Cebu City (Cebu City, Philippines)

· The Sanctuary Resort Pattaya, BW Signature Collection (Pattaya, Thailand)

· Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, WorldHotels Distinctive (Tokyo, Japan)

“It is exciting to see our global expansion continue as we grow our presence in key markets and cities,” said BWH Hotels president of international operations and WorldHotels Ron Pohl. “Seeing the growth in our WorldHotels portfolio is particularly exciting – we continue adding exciting and unique properties, such as the Daxton Hotel in Michigan and the Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport in Tokyo. This speaks volumes to our evolving brand and the connections we establish as we inspire travellers worldwide.”

About BWH Hotels

BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels. The global network boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide under 19 brands.

Inflight care goes the extra mile

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October 19, 2023

DUBAI UAE, 19 Oct 2023: Working with local schools, autism groups and key stakeholders, Emirates and Dubai International Airport (DXB) are focused on improving the travel experience for neurodivergent passengers, facilitating ‘travel rehearsals’ where children can practice their journey through the airport and onboard aircraft, as well as working directly with families to delight superfans like Humza, age 11, on his first flight with Emirates.

Humza Dabab recently flew from Melbourne to Dubai with his mother and two siblings and was treated to a VIP experience from Emirates – his favourite airline. This was his first flight with Emirates, though his parents advised that he is already very familiar with all facets of Emirates through his studies – from the aircraft to the inflight entertainment ice, the cabin crew uniform and the safety video. Humza bought his own safety belt to simulate and act out the safety advisory, to which he has memorised all the words and has a collection of Emirates aircraft models to practice the take-off and landing experience. Humza’s mother, Lamees said ‘The plane is Humza’s happy place. The destination is not even the most exciting part of the journey, I can wholeheartedly say it is the plane ride itself. He is so excited to be finally travelling with Emirates.’

Humza is autistic, and being on time is crucial for his particular needs. The potential of running late or missing the flight would cause significant anxiety, which must be alleviated in advance. Emirates and Dubai International Airport employees are trained and prepared for these requests. They can facilitate priority boarding for neurodivergent passengers, referred to as People of Determination in the UAE, and offer a support system in the airport for customers who declare their additional needs.

Emirates has also been working closely with Dubai Airports to facilitate travel rehearsals for neurodiverse children, including students from the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education. These rehearsals form part of the accessible and inclusive travel programme developed by Dubai Airports and Emirates, designed to help customers familiarise themselves with the airport environment, its people and processes before travel. Family members and therapists accompany the students through the airport and aircraft to simulate an authentic travel experience, including the physical artefacts and processes that passengers undergo on the day of travel, like boarding passes and security screening. The practice process helps the families gain confidence in managing the experience while enabling Emirates and Dubai Airports to improve services for passengers with additional needs constantly.

Emirates supports neurodivergent passengers and People of Determination in the following ways.

Emirates Employee Training

More than 29,000 cabin crew and ground staff globally have completed Emirates ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities training. The online course was first launched in 2022 and covers a range of topics from the UAE National Policy for People of Determination, recognising autism, practical tips on how to assist passengers with hidden disabilities, responding with empathy, and information on the official support systems to help passengers in the airport.

Before Travel

Information in advance

Emirates supports passengers with hidden disabilities by providing as much information in advance as possible so that families can plan, rehearse, and be reassured about their upcoming travel. Passengers can check the Accessible Travel page on Emirates.com for information and contact their Emirates local office with queries.

Free Seat Selection and Bulkhead Seat for autistic passengers and companions

Passengers who declare a hidden disability will be facilitated as much as possible in the complimentary selection of suitable seats, for example, the bulkhead seats at the front and middle of the aircraft for both the autistic passenger and their companion. This can be requested via Emirates local office.

Book with ‘DPNA code’ for extra support

A DPNA is an airline industry code for special service request (SSR) for a ‘passenger with intellectual or developmental disability’. The DPNA code can be applied to a booking made in person, via telephone or by a travel agent. It is applied once the hidden disability is declared so that the passenger will be supported throughout their journey with assistance from trained staff.

Study the ‘Autism Friendly Guide’ to Dubai International Airport

Emirates has collaborated with Dubai International Airport on a comprehensive pre-travel planning tool for passengers with hidden disabilities. The Autism Friendly Guide to Dubai International Airport provides a step-by-step explanation and images of every part of the journey through the airport to boarding and details what services are available.

Pre-order meals

Some passengers may need a special meal onboard if they have a sensory sensitivity. This can be ordered a minimum of 24 hours in advance on www.Emirates.com or on the Emirates app. There are options to order gluten-free meals, bland meals, vegetarian and diabetic meals available. For Kids Meals, families travelling with an autistic passenger may contact the Emirates local office with their request in advance.

Pre-plan what to watch on ice via Emirates app

Download the Emirates app, and before a flight, passengers can spend time planning and pre-selecting their favourite movies, TV shows or music playlists. Once the passenger has boarded, their personally curated playlist can be synced immediately to ice, saving time and enabling them to settle into the flight quicker with the comfort of their familiar content.

Arrival to airport

Complimentary parking for 2 hours

People of Determination receive complimentary parking in all terminals in Dubai International Airport for 2 hours. People of Determination taxis can also be booked via Dubai Taxi on their toll-free number 80088088.

Collect the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities. Emirates and Dubai International Airport staff with Sunflower pins are easily identifiable and specially trained to assist travellers with hidden disabilities. Passengers are encouraged to declare their hidden disability to these staff and collect a Sunflower Lanyard to wear, allowing for support throughout the airport journey. The sunflower lanyard can be collected from the information desk in Departures, Terminal 3 and from dedicated, easily identifiable collection points in Terminals 1 and 2.

Autism Friendly Route

The Autism Friendly Route through Dubai International Airport ensures that People of Determination journey through the airport with a dedicated route. It includes access to priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security and boarding and can be availed when wearing the sunflower lanyard. Specially trained staff equipped to support People of Determination will be easily identifiable wearing sunflower pins, allowing for increased visibility, communication and support throughout the airport journey.

Priority boarding or board last if preferred

People who have declared their hidden disabilities to Emirates staff will be facilitated in boarding the aircraft first if they choose, or last if this is more convenient.

Emirates Inflight Experience

Families with children are seated together

Emirates makes every effort to seat families with children together, and passengers who have declared their hidden disability will be seated beside their companion or guardian.

Noise cancelling earphones

Passengers with an aural sensory need in First and Business Class will have access to noise‑cancelling headphones to block out ambient cabin sounds.

Light Sensitivity

If the customer, child or family member informs the Emirates cabin crew about light sensitivity, the cabin crew can turn off the passenger’s individual light, close the window blind after take-off, and explain that the cabin lights will be dimmed as soon as the meal services are completed.

Get busy with puzzles in Fly with Me magazine

Young children onboard who need a screen break or distraction can request a copy of the Emirates ‘Fly with Me’ activity pack, with its own pack of non-toxic colouring pencils featuring kid-friendly world maps, puzzles, drawing tutorials, colouring pages, educational activities about Dubai and protecting the environment.

Choose preferred entertainment on ice

Passengers enjoying an Emirates flight can pass the time in a world-class entertainment library with more than 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment, up to 2000 movies and 1,500 hours of TV, as well as music, podcasts and audiobooks across 40 languages. Ice also has up to 100 video games, which can be played by two players in different seats if the game is multiplayer.

To improve the travel experience for neurodiverse passengers or People of Determination, Emirates collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including Dubai Airports, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Customs, Dubai Police, Dubai Autism Centre and Dubai Economy and Tourism.
(Source: Emirates www.emirates.com)

Sabah tourism calls for inclusive rural tourism

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October 19, 2023

KOTA KINABALU, 19 October 2023: Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has put forward a proposal to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) on the importance of emphasising rural community tourism during the 44^th UNWTO Affiliate Members Plenary Session hosted in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Speaking at the Plenary Session here on Monday, 16 October, he stressed the necessity of encompassing all community segments in global tourism discussions and development.

STB chairman Joniston Bangkuai addressing the 44th UNWTO Affiliate Members Plenary Session in conjunction with the 25th UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

“I propose placing a particular emphasis on rural community tourism to ensure inclusion of all community segments, particularly in developing countries, in UNWTO’s tourism development and promotion agendas,” Joniston stated.

“In Sabah, Malaysia, we have been vigorously advocating for rural tourism to empower rural communities to benefit from tourism, not just urban areas.”

He added: “This approach serves as, not just, an alternative income source for the rural population and a catalyst for fostering cooperation within these communities to develop tourism within their area, but also generate awareness on the need to protect the environment.”

Joniston led a delegation of STB board members and management staff to the 25th UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, a city in southeastern Uzbekistan.

The Plenary Session was officiated by UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and presided over by Affiliate Members chairperson Mar de Miguel.

It is the top governing body for Affiliate Members, providing a robust framework to debate the state of affiliate membership, analyse UNWTO’s Programme of Work, and share ideas for future projects.

During this session, Joniston highlighted that Sabah is one of three destinations worldwide to boast a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) triple crown site.

This status was conferred following the declaration of Kinabalu National Geopark as The Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark on 24 May, this year.

Kinabalu Park holds two additional UNESCO “crowns”: World Heritage Site (declared on 2 December 2000) and UNESCO Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve (proclaimed on 12 June 2014).

Other locations with this prestigious UNESCO triple crown status are Jeju Island in Korea and Shennongjia in China.

“This UN recognition is significant, and I believe UNWTO should intervene to explore how it can support us.”It’s a recognition we should capitalise on to promote tourism on a global scale,” Joniston concluded.

https://sabahtourism.com

Cambodia’s Riel on Changi’s Forex board

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October 19, 2023

SINGAPORE, 19 October 2023: Travelex, a foreign exchange brand, has partnered with the National Bank of Cambodia to start trading Cambodia’s national currency, the Khmer Riel (KHR), at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Travelex will initially be trading Riel at Terminals 2 and 3 of Changi, a major aviation hub in Asia and gateway to Cambodia. Both Cambodia Angkor Air and Cambodia Airways fly routes from Changi to airports in Cambodia.

Customers will be able to both buy and sell Cambodian Riel at Changi in exchange for a global set of currencies.

Travelex’s investment in the Khmer Riel and its decision to trade the currency in one of Asia’s most prominent financial hubs represents a key development for the currency.

In recent years, the Cambodian central bank has been working to promote the Riel to improve monetary policy and ensure sustained economic growth and stability. Earlier this year, the National Bank of Cambodia also announced an expansion of the Riel’s use in international markets by connecting the bank’s blockchain-based Bakong payment system to other central banks and major commercial payment system providers following a successful payment system integration with Thailand.

The announcement also comes just weeks after the National Bank of Cambodia and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly create a Financial Transparency Corridor initiative, which aims to establish digital infrastructure to facilitate trade and cross-border related financial services between SMEs in Singapore and Cambodia.

Travelex Asia commercial director Dragon Wang commented: “Providing Riel at Changi will, first and foremost, afford travellers travelling to and from Cambodia greater convenience in exchanging Riel than ever before. We are also proud to play our part in Cambodia’s journey in raising the Riel’s impact and availability.”

About Travelex

Founded in 1976 and headquartered in the UK, Travelex offers the entire value chain of foreign exchange services. It has more than 1,100 stores and 900 ATMs in over 20 countries.

Okinawa welcomes Resort World One

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October 19, 2023

HONG KONG, 19 October 2023: Resorts World Cruises continued its expansion of new itineraries this week with Resorts World One’s inaugural five-night cruise from Hong Kong to Okinawa, which includes Naha and Miyakojima.

Departing from Hong Kong on 15 October, Resorts World One visited Naha and Miyakojima on 17 and 18 October. From here on, the cruise will depart monthly on selected Sundays.

Delegates from Resorts World Cruises and the Okinawa and Naha authorities attended a special event on the Resorts World One to celebrate the ship’s maiden arrival in Naha, Okinawa.

Okinawa is an all-time favourite destination for many travellers, and Resorts World One offers cruise fares starting from HKD3,520 per guest based on twin sharing for the trip.

A special welcome event was held in Naha to commemorate the milestone to celebrate Resorts World One’s first arrival into the capital city of Okinawa.

“We are excited to expand our itineraries with Okinawa as our new destination for our five-night cruises aboard the Resorts World One from Hong Kong. Okinawa has so much to offer, and we look forward to visiting beyond Naha and Miyakojima shortly,” said Resorts World Cruises president Michael Goh.

Batik Air starts Dubai flights in November

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October 19, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 October 2023: Batik Air will launch direct daily flights to Dubai from Kuala Lumpur on 11 November 2023, signalling a commitment to expand its network to tap the growing demand for travel between Malaysia and the Middle East.

The new flight to Dubai marks the second destination in the Middle East, following the recent launch of flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August.

The airline will fly the KUL – DBX route daily until 1 February 2024, when it will cut back frequency to four times weekly.

To celebrate the launch of the Kuala Lumpur – Dubai route, Batik Air is offering roundtrip promotional fares as low as MYR2,249 for economy class and MYR4,999 for business class.

This flight will operate using a Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with 12 business class and 150 economy class seats.

Daily flight schedule

OD713 departs KUL at 2305 and arrives at DXB 0225 plus one day.
OD714 departs DXB at 0405 and arrives at KUL 1535 7M8 D

Meanwhile, Batik Air has confirmed it will introduce three weekly flights to Istanbul Türkiye from its base in Kuala Lumpur starting on 9 February 2024 using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

According to advance timetables, flight OD723 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 1650 and arrive in Istanbul at 2245 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The return flight OD724 will depart Istanbul at 0005 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 1555 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

PG adds flights to Mae Hong Son

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October 19, 2023

BANGKOK, 19 October 2023 Bangkok Airways will add flights between Lampang (LPT) and Mae Hong Son (HGN) from three to five weekly flights starting 29 October ahead of North Thailand’s peak season.

The privately owned airline started flights on the Mae Hong Son to Lampang route on 3 August after Nok Air discontinued the only airline service to the far northwest town surrounded by mountain ridges bordering Myanmar.

The increase in flights is a response to growing travel demand as the rainy season ends and cooler weather settles over northern Thailand. The cool season brings crowds of domestic tourists who head for Mae Hong Son province to chill out in Pai, a small mountain valley resort village halfway on the winding road between Chiang Mai and the provincial town of Mae Hong Son.

Effective 29 October, Bangkok Airways will fly to Mae Hong Son from Lampang, a town 90 km south of Chiang Mai, on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday using the 70-seat ATR72-600 aircraft. The flights originate at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, with a 30-minute stop in Lampang before flying to Mae Hong Son. Flight time is 40 minutes, with the lowest fare quoted at around THB1,500 one-way.

Previously, the airline served the route on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is adding flights on Sunday and Saturday.

New flight schedule

PG205 departs Lampang at 1410 and arrives in Mae Hong Son at 1500.
PG206 departs Mae Hong Son at 1530 and arrives in Lampang at 1610
DAYS: SUN/MON/WED/FRI/SAT

Movie and TV locations inspire travel

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October 19, 2023

SINGAPORE, 19 October 2023: Singapore travellers are inspired by film and entertainment, with more than eight out of 10 choosing destinations based on a movie or TV show, according to Skyscanner’s ‘Travel Trends: Redefining Value through Experience in 2024 Report.

Photo credit: Skyscanner tracks where Singaporeans travel.

Blending proprietary flights and hotel data based on millions of searches with an annual consumer behaviour study, Skyscanner reveals 2024’s hottest travel vibes and types and the top 10 trending and best-value destinations.

Insights* reveal close to half (41%) of the respondents rate the overall ‘vibe’ of a destination as important when choosing where to go in 2024. Among four key travel vibes, set-jetting topped the charts in Singapore, with travellers wanting to slot themselves into their favourite show locations, embodying ‘Main Character Energy’.

Since 2001, the Korean Wave hit Singapore, K-drama and continues to hold a special place in Singapore travellers’ hearts.

Claiming the top spot in the destination list that Singaporeans are inspired to visit in 2024 is Jeju, South Korea, as depicted in a South Korean TV series, Our Blues.

This is followed by Christchurch, New Zealand, where ‘Lord of the Rings’ was filmed, and Paris, France, as seen in ‘Emily in Paris’.

Aside from Main Character Energy, the value of experiences is powering several other trends and travel vibes for 2024.

Gig tripping: 60% of Singapore travellers would fly to catch their favourite artist live in another country, with 46% willing to fly short haul and 14% saying they’d fly long haul. Around 28% of Singapore travellers plan to attend a gig or music concert abroad in 2024.

Budget bougie foodies: Eating and trying local authentic cuisine is the most popular activity for 54% of Singapore travellers. The report shows that that 30% of respondents have booked a destination to visit a specific restaurant. Osaka, nicknamed ‘the kitchen of Japan’, tops Skyscanner’s global list for foodies on a budget in 2024, and is the top trending destination amongst Singapore travellers.

Destination Zzzz: Sleeping ranks high on the Singaporean travellers’ main activities for their next holiday (23%), ranking above water sports (22%), wildlife spotting (19%) and snow sports (18%). This trend will likely continue as 39% of Singapore travellers attest to enjoying better sleep on holiday, likely due to the therapeutic escape a vacation offers.

With the thirst for experiences driving changes in consumers’ lifestyles today, Skyscanner identifies emerging traveller types in 2024.

Analogue adventurers: In an age of always-on and constant hype, Gen Zs are tending back towards old-school analogue adventures that ditch the digital device in favour of how it used to be done. One in five (19%) Singapore travellers aged 18 to 24 now bring a Polaroid camera on holiday.

Celebration vacationers: Singapore travellers are increasingly looking to celebrate big milestones in style. Two in three (64%) travellers have taken a group trip to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. However, the issue of cost often throws a spanner in the works – one in two (48%) said that agreeing on the expected costs of the trip is their primary hurdle when planning group trips, followed by knowing how or where to communicate with their group (43%).

Luxe-for-less seekers: To kick off their trip in style, 23% of Singapore travellers plan to upgrade their flight to business or first class in 2024, while 25% plan to purchase airport lounge access. However, five-star luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

Top Trending and Best Value Destinations

In the 2024 report, Singaporeans’ love for Japan continues to blossom, with the top two trending cities being foodie havens Osaka and the beautifully serene Fukuoka in first and second place.

Bustling Taipei rounds out the list of top trending destinations in third place. On the other hand, Indonesia came out top overall, securing the highest three spots for the Best Value Destinations category with Yogyakarta, Jakarta and Praya.

While Skyscanner sees 2024 as the year of redefining value through experience in travel, results find that Singaporeans grapple with the challenge of switching off while on vacation. Despite 89% of respondents acknowledging the importance of disconnecting during a trip, 34% report checking their work emails, with 23% even admitting they are searching for a new job during their overseas vacation.

Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destination Expert Cyndi Hui shares: “Singaporeans have shown themselves to be inspired travellers, driven by a strong desire to go where their imagination takes them. That said, we also see that the demands of modern life too often prevent us from committing ourselves to the present.
“In 2024, we hope to help Singaporeans prioritise themselves, including fully embracing the many opportunities and experiences of travelling. With its suite of traveller-first tools, Skyscanner provides fuss-free travel planning, allowing you to live in the moment, free of distractions.”

The list of useful Skyscanner travel planning tools includes ‘Everywhere’ search, ‘Whole Month View’, and ‘Price Alerts’.

• Try a New Destination: Skyscanner offers travellers a ‘Everywhere’ search opportunity to ensure you can find the best available possibilities for your trip, based on your travel dates, all ranked by price.

• Be Flexible With Dates: Skyscanner’s ‘whole month’ search tool lets you see cheap flights immediately and pick the right deal. Consider travelling a day before or a day after your original departure dates. Flying on less popular days of the week is always cheaper.

• Be Price Smart: Setting up price alerts will ensure you’re the first to know as prices drop with any additional discounts or added supply. You can mark a flight you’re interested in, and Skyscanner will email you whenever a price drops.

Check out the full ‘Travel Trends: Redefining value through experience in 2024’ report.

*Research conducted with OnePoll in August 2023 with samples of 1,000 Singapore respondents.

Seven predictions for travel in 2024

Trip.com sales make Thai smiles

BWH adds Asian properties in global expansion

Inflight care goes the extra mile

Sabah tourism calls for inclusive rural tourism

Cambodia’s Riel on Changi’s Forex board

Okinawa welcomes Resort World One

Batik Air starts Dubai flights in November

PG adds flights to Mae Hong Son

Movie and TV locations inspire travel

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latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.