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Virtual Vio Travel goes live

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BANGKOK, 31 August 2022: The travel industry’s newest B2B wholesaler, Vio Travel, claims it is the first virtual Destination Management Company in the Asia-Pacific, designed for travel agents, wholesalers, and retailers globally.

Defined by its first-class software application and booking engine, Vio Travel simplifies itinerary management with an easy-to-use data-driven dashboard to create a customer’s dream holiday in minutes. 

Co-founders Michael Lynden-Bell and Dominik Schaufler have hand-picked a collection of the best travel experiences, accommodation, private villas, and travel packages across the Asia-Pacific, offering the region’s most competitive rates.

In a media release Vio Travel says it is “a one-stop shop offering a wide selection of travel products accessible through a single dashboard. The technology behind the platform is second to none. Vio Travel makes itinerary management simple for complex trip planning, a short trip itinerary, or a multi-day, multi-location package.”

The start-up company will prioritise local suppliers and allow users to create packages by combining different suppliers into one itinerary. Bookings can be amended, managed, and cancelled through the account portal.

In addition, Vio Travel’s white label formatting allows agents to forward proposals to clients directly from the platform, branded with the travel agency’s logo.

Vio co-founder Dominik Schaufler said: “We contract directly with hundreds of hand-picked local suppliers that meet our service standards. Likewise, we promote those suppliers to our global partner network … which means lower prices for the customer and greater margins for agents”.

“Vio Travel is service-oriented at its core with reliable 24/7 customer support that can assist with any request or concern before, during, and after the sale,” co-founder Michael Lynden-Bell commented.

“We see this as a crucial offering as the travel industry emerges from a devastating few years, while consumer confidence slowly rebuilds”.

The travel firm will cover 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, offering more than 1,500 directly contracted tour options and over 400 tour and transfer suppliers. Vio Travel will maintain offices in Bangkok, Sydney, and Hong Kong. 

It is already booking guests for holidays in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

To find out more, visit www.vio.travel, or email an enquiry to [email protected].

Agoda and GSTC sponsor hotel training

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SINGAPORE, 1 September 2022: Agoda is partnering with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to support hotels develop sustainable tourism practices.

The Singapore-headquartered digital travel platform launches the partnership with GSTC in Singapore by sponsoring 50 Singapore hotel professionals to attend a “Sustainable Hotels” course that will equip them with the knowledge and skills to accelerate their sustainability transformation.

Agoda vice president of global partner services Jamil Liyana said: “We are confident this course will go some way to help speed up the hotels’ adoption of the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap. Agoda is constantly looking for ways to collaborate with public and private organisations to raise awareness of sustainable tourism and help our customers and partners make more sustainable choices. And as is Agoda’s culture, we will test and measure the success of this initiative as we look to explore similar programs in other key markets.”

Agoda and GSTC’s sustainable tourism course aims to support hotel participants on their journey to meet their sustainability targets through in-depth content provided by GSTC.

The GSTC Criteria presents a study course in global standards for sustainable travel and tourism. It includes best practices from destinations, tour operators and accommodation providers worldwide. The course will enable hotel professionals to understand the intent and indicators of the GSTC Criteria and prepare individuals to develop and implement viable and actionable sustainable tourism policies and practices for their organisation or the destination they serve.

After completing the course, participants will receive a certificate of training completion from the GSTC featuring both the GSTC and Agoda logos. They will be eligible to take an optional official exam to receive the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism. Training through the course and the optional certificate would also contribute to the staff engagement criteria in the GSTC Criteria for Hotels.

Commenting on the partnership, Singapore Hotels Association president Kwee Wei Lin noted: “Agoda’s partnership with GSTC will support Singapore’s hotel industry in realising our target to achieve internationally recognised hotel sustainability certification. The course will not only build sustainability capabilities within each organisation but also support hotels with a structured framework to implement greener practices.”

In March 2022, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) jointly launched the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap, setting out clear sustainability goals for hotels as part of Singapore’s ambition to become a top sustainable urban destination. These include a target for at least 60% of Singapore’s hotel room stock to achieve internationally recognised hotel sustainability certification by 2025 and to commence tracking emissions by 2023. The move by Agoda to help hotels meet the requirements for sustainability certification is welcomed by both SHA and STB.

The GSTC and Agoda course is a flexible learning online course of four 90 min sessions over four weeks. The course runs from 6 October to  3 November 2022.

Emirates’ reaches out to tennis fans

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 1 September 2022: For the 11th consecutive year, Emirates returns as the Official Airline of the US Open Tennis Championships, 29 August to 11 September. 

Emirates continues to use its global reach to bring tennis fans closer to the game, serving world-class tennis action at the Grand Slam tournament.

Emirates’ ongoing partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the high-profile annual sporting event goes back to 2012. The airline’s portfolio of tennis sponsorships also includes three of the four Grand Slams in addition to 60 other tournaments throughout the year in partnership with the ATP, including the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Miami Open and BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in the US.

“Emirates has proudly supported the US Open for over a decade, born out of our commitment to connect people around the globe through a shared passion for sports. The US Open is one of the most highly-anticipated events on the global sports calendar, and we are thrilled to be the Official Airline that brings worldwide audiences together to enjoy the game,” said Emirates’ divisional vice president, USA and Canada, Essa Sulaiman Ahmad.

“As part of our ‘Fly Better’ brand promise, we continuously strive to delight our customers with a premium experience that is second to none, both inflight and at the tournament. We look forward to being part of the excitement and reaching tennis enthusiasts in the US and worldwide,” he added.

The Emirates suite, an all-time favourite amongst celebrities and invited guests attending the event, promises to encapsulate the airline’s sought-after and premium hospitality experience. Guests can enjoy champagne and whiskey tasting while savouring a selection of delightful global dishes.

  • All ticket holders can visit Emirates Sports Cafe, located on the west side of the South Plaza, and enjoy the cafe’s relaxed ambience whilst enjoying the tournament.
  • Visitors can stop by the Emirates booth and experience the comfort of the Premium Economy seats on display. Guests can also enter for the chance to win an Emirates seat cushion.
  • To add to the excitement, tennis spectators can look forward to the Emirates Ball Flight post-match ceremony to collect a ball signed by their favourite tennis player. Emirates cabin crew and the winning player will take to the court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to hit three autographed tennis balls into the stands, following all matches up until the end of the quarter-finals.
  • In partnership with broadcaster PIX 11 and the show “NY Living”, Emirates will be hosting a giveawaywith 60 US Open tickets up for grabs, providing lucky tennis fans with the opportunity to enjoy the courtside experience. Fans can take part in the competition from 8 to 11 September via its website or its social pages.  

Experience the tennis action from home

  • Emirates is pulling out all stops to ensure that fans enjoying the games from afar will experience the thrill of the tournament. Emirates will deliver the excitement directly to fans via its social media platforms.
  • The Mixer, a virtual talk show organised by the USTA and broadcast live from the Emirates suite, will provide an insider’s view into the suite life, celebrities attending, dining and refreshments, and travel inspiration.
  • US Open will post daily videos featuring the ‘Play of the Day’ presented by Emirates and capturing the best moments from the matches under #EmiratesFlyBetterMoments

Emirates currently offers services to 12 US gateways, including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

For more information, visit www.emirates.com.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Asia’s chefs head for the Philippines

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 1 September 2022: The Philippines has won the bid to host the WORLDCHEFS Asian Presidents Forum 2023 through a collaboration between the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines and the LTB Philippines Chefs Association.

World Association of Chefs Society continental director for Asia Chef Willment Leong made the official announcement during the Philippine Culinary Cup awarding ceremony at SMX Convention Centre held last month.

“Over the years, the national government, in partnership with private entities, invested heavily in improving Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE)-related infrastructure across the country. And with this, we are more than ready to host the Worldchefs Asian Presidents Forum next year. This will also be a great opportunity to position the Philippines as the culinary centre of excellence in Asia,” said TPB COO Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones.

The Worldchefs Asian Presidents Forum is a three-day event that aims to foster camaraderie among chefs in the Asia Pacific region with programmes such as presentation of the latest gastronomical trends, knowledge-sharing on sustainability practices and culinary education sessions.

The forum will bring together 30 delegates from different Asia Pacific chefs associations and another 3000 attendees, including professional chefs participating in the programmes, competitions and exhibits.

TPB. WORLDCHEFS 2023 event was confirmed during the World Food Expo last month.

The Philippine MICE sector is reviving business activities and hopes to quickly rebuild event bookings to match pre-pandemic 2019, a peak year for hosting conferences and exhibitions. As countries regain confidence in business travel, the country has bolstered its MICE readiness efforts and government programmes to ensure authentic travel experiences for event organisers and business travellers.

The TPB’s participation in the bid is part of the agency’s ongoing  ‘Partnerships as Pathways’ strategy that aims to strengthen partnerships with key industry players and to open up more avenues for the Philippines to host bigger international meetings and exhibitions in the future.

For more information on TPB, visit https://www.tpb.gov.ph/.

(Source: TPB)

Changi ready to reopen Terminal 4

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 September 2022: Changi Airport Group will reopen Terminal 4 (T4) for passengers starting on 13 September, Changi Aiport Group confirmed on Tuesday.

In its media release, CAG said T4’s reopening would ensure that the air hub can meet the increasing demand for air travel as the year-end travel peak approaches.

Since May, CAG has been conducting operational readiness trials with airlines and airport partners to ensure the smooth restart of operations in T4. With a capacity of 16 million passengers per annum and 21 contact gates, the reopening of T$ will support airlines’ plans to launch more flights.

The first flight to arrive at T4 on 13 September will be Cathay Pacific CX739 from Hong Hong with a scheduled arrival time of 1505. The first departure flight at T4 will be CX716 to Hong Kong with a scheduled departure time of 1800. Check-in facilities will open at 1400 on that day. Passengers flying on Korean Air KE646 to Seoul (Incheon) scheduled to depart on 13 September at 0110 should note that the flight will depart from Terminal 1.

Opened in 2017, T4 is Changi’s newest terminal with a high degree of automation throughout the airport journey from check-in to boarding, enabling passengers to check in at their convenience and for airlines to benefit from productivity gains. It won the President’s Design Award Singapore for its innovative redesign of the airport experience.

Connections to and from T4

Free shuttle bus services on both the landside and airside will provide a connection between T4 and the other terminals for passengers and visitors. Airside shuttles will ply at every 10  to 13-minute intervals, 24/7. For landside shuttles, for most of the day (06:00 to midnight), there will be direct shuttles to both Terminals 1 (T1) and 3 (T3) every six to nine minutes. Travellers and visitors wishing to take the MRT should use the T3 landside service. During the lull hours (midnight to 06:00), the landside shuttle will run in a loop service between T3, T1 and T4 on a reduced frequency. Other public transport options, such as taxis, private-hire vehicles and public buses (service numbers 24, 34, 36 and 110) are available too. Arriving passengers can also head for the Ground Transport Concierge in the Arrival Hall to book seven-seater vehicles for larger groups.

Hong Kong airport monitors green endeavours

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG,1 September 2022: Airport Authority Hong Kong released its Sustainability Report 2021/22 on Wednesday, outlining the sustainability performance of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in the fiscal year ending 31 March 2022 and its roadmap to becoming the world’s greenest airport.

The report marks 10 years of sustainability reporting for AAHK, demonstrating its commitment to building resilience and enhancing the disclosures and transparency of HKIA as an international aviation hub.

Highlights of this year’s edition

  • AAHK received an inaugural rating of 74 out of 100 for its environmental, social and governance performance from Standard & Poor Global Ratings (S&P), reflecting what S&P describes as AAHK’s “good capabilities to address its moderate yet growing environmental and social exposure, and focus on maintaining its capacity to navigate potential disruptions”.
  • HKIA Decarbonisation Roadmap to 2035 was developed to provide an overarching framework for the combined carbon reduction efforts of AAHK and its business partners to deliver a 55% reduction in absolute emissions across the airport by 2035 against a 2018 baseline as a midpoint target to achieve Net Zero Carbon in 2050.
  • AAHK launched a new Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan while continuing to report on its strategy and efforts for climate change risk mitigation and resilience in its second Task Force on Climate-related Finance Disclosures (TCFD) Statement, with strengthened disclosures on sustainability governance structure.
  • Green Airport Design and Construction Strategy offers a consistent approach for embedding green design principles and sustainable construction techniques in projects undertaken by AAHK and its partners.
  • Hong Kong International Aviation Academy’s new campus came into service to support the development of the industry.
  • A Sustainable Finance Transactions Annual Report was incorporated in the report for the first time, providing details on the use of proceeds and the estimated impacts of AAHK’s inaugural green bond issued in January 2022.
  • The Sustainability Report 2021/22 explicitly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through a comprehensive mapping exercise for the first time.

The Sustainability Report 2021/22 is available at: https://www.hongkongairport.com/iwov-resources/file/sustainability/sustainability-report/AA_Sustainability_Report_202122_ENG.pdf

Thailand extends stays to revive tourism

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 1 September 2022: Travellers from countries on the visa exemption list will get a 45-day stay in Thailand starting 1 October, up from the present 30-day stay.

Travellers eligible for Thailand’s Visa on Arrival will be given a 30-day stay up from the current 15-day concession. Both stay privileges run from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s latest press release on 31 August to revive tourist arrivals.

Countries on the visa exemption list

During the six months, the length of stay per time will be extended from 30 to 45 days for passport holders of the following countries or territories who are eligible to enter Thailand under the tourist visa exemption scheme.

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UAE, UK, Ukraine, and the USA. 

Visa on Arrival nationalities

From October 2022 to March 2023, the length of stay per trip will be extended from 15 to 30 days for passport holders of the following countries or territories eligible for a Visa-On-Arrival.

Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu. 

Other stay option

In addition, passport holders of the following countries or territories can enter Thailand without a visa under specific bilateral agreements.

Cambodia (14 days), Myanmar (14 days), Hong Kong (30 days), Lao PDR. (30 days), Macau (30 days), Mongolia (30 days), Russia (30 days and VOA), Vietnam (30 days), Argentina (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Chile (90 days), Korea (ROK) (90 days), and Peru (90 days).

Thailand welcomes travellers from all countries who can show proof of either a certificate of vaccination or, for unvaccinated individuals, a negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result within 72 hours of travel. These can be in print or digital format. Random checks will be made on arrivals at Thailand’s international airports or land border checkpoints.

Information on the location and contact number of Royal Thai Embassies and Consulate-Generals can be found at www.thaiembassy.org.

To apply online, visitors should check their eligibility at the official website of the Thailand Electronic Visa at www.thaievisa.go.th.

(Source: TAT)

Nobu signs deal with Asset World

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TTR WEEKLY
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NEW YORK, 31 August 2022: Nobu Hospitality and Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited, a real estate group in Thailand, have signed an exclusive Thailand-wide development.

The partnership gets underway with two new projects in Bangkok; Nobu Hotel Bangkok and Nobu Empire Restaurant, developed by Asset World Corporation.

As part of the development agreement, the two partners have committed to an exclusive collaboration to establish multiple Nobu Hotels and restaurants in Thailand. 

The Nobu restaurant will occupy the top floor and rooftop of the Empire Tower, the iconic mixed-use development in downtown Bangkok. The location of the signed Nobu Hotel in Bangkok will be announced soon.

Asset World Corporation chief executive officer and president Wallapa Traisorat said: “It’s an honour to sign the development agreement for an exclusive collaboration to develop multiple Nobu Hotels and Restaurants in Thailand.”

Nobu Hospitality CEO Trevor Horwell commented: “It is an honour to partner with Wallapa Traisorat and the powerbase that she has carefully built with Asset World Corp Public Company Limited. Our strategy is to work with regional development partners in Asia who embrace our unique business model and share the same passion for luxury and high-quality products.

(Source: Nobu Hospitality)

Anantara wins USA TODAY award

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 31 August 2022: Anantara Hotels & Resorts has won the award for Best Luxury Hotel Brand in the 2022 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel contest.

The award recognises the brand’s commitment to consistently delivering excellent customer service and staying true to its mission to create memorable travel experiences that combine heartfelt hospitality with the best of each destination.

The 10Best panel shortlisted nominees based on consistency, impeccable service and comfort with 20 brands – including Four Seasons, Kimpton, The Ritz-Carlton and Standard Hotels – in the running. USA TODAY’s readers cast their votes over four weeks, with Anantara securing the coveted prize.

“On behalf of Anantara hotels and resorts worldwide, I would like to thank the USA TODAY experts and readers for recognising our efforts to consistently deliver genuine Thai hospitality, outstanding services and wellness-centric experiences in every destination we are present in,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, owning company of Anantara. “As international travel rebounds, we will stay laser-focused on giving travellers an experience where luxury and authenticity seamlessly combine in every interaction.”

USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company and America’s number one newspaper in print circulation, while USATODAY.com is an award-winning newspaper website. 10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the US and worldwide.

(Source: Anantara)

DOT Philippines and Thailand extend ties

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 31 August 2022: Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco met with her counterpart Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, last week to renew a tourism bilateral agreement.

They met on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM) to discuss various projects to improve bilateral tourism, including English as a Second Language trips and tourist circuits.

DOT. Philippines tourism delegation at APEC meeting.

Secretary Frasco gained the support of Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Phipat Ratchakitprakarn to renew the “Implementing Programme of Cooperation between the Philippines and Thailand in the areas of travel facilitation, research, and development, education and training, tourism initiatives, human capital development and employment generation.

The Philippines and Thailand signed off on the original Implementing Programme of a Tourism Cooperation Agreement for 2017 to 2022 on 21 March 2017.

Regarding renewing the agreement, Thailand’s tourism minister said: “We are delighted already to extend … we see it as a very, very good idea between our two countries. I want to discuss the exchange of tourists. I understand that we have more tourists from the Philippines than Thais going to the Philippines … I want to change this and for our departments to engage in public relations with the Philippines so we can increase Thai tourists going to the Philippines”.

As of 14 August, the Philippines registered 1.2 million visitors; of that total, just 6,401 of the arrivals came from Thailand.

During the meeting, Secretary Frasco also explored the possibility of collaborating with Thailand to boost Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, educational tourism, particularly English as a second language, and food tourism.

Minister Phipat also raised the subject of a tourism circuit combining the Philippines and Thailand for visitors outside Asia.

DOT talks to Thai tourism players

While in Bangkok, Secretary Frasco reached out to tourism stakeholders in Thailand to explore ways to entice more Thai tourists to visit The Philippines by possibly promoting educational tourism, dive holidays, events and expanding airline services.

Discussions focused on developing links between Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines as participants noted the Philippines’ strength in tourism linked to English as Second Language (ESL) tuition.

Tourism leaders and travel agents attending the sessions included the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), Esque Lifestyle & Travel; Jubilee Travel Co Ltd; Dive Potato; SC World Express; Big World Holiday; Worldwide Agency Co Ltd; Abroad Land; Pleione Travel Co Ltd; Supertrips Co Ltd; All Around Trading & Holidays Co Ltd; Kor Pun Gun; Bright Idea; Mango Learning Express; Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air (Thailand); Thai Air Asia; and Siam Tourism Group.

(Source: DOT Philippines)

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