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AirAsia introduces trial flights to China

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BANGKOK, 4 July 2022: AirAsia Thailand (flight code FD) will launch direct flights to China and Hong Kong from its Bangkok Don Mueang airport hub starting 7 August.

Initially, the low-cost airline will fly a weekly service but hopes to increase flights to twice a week in September and three times weekly in October.

Promotional fares start at around THB2,990 one-way for members for travel up to 8 December 2022 booked through the AirAsia Super App.

A pilot roundtrip flight between Bangkok Don Mueang and Guangzhou is scheduled for 13 July, with tickets to Thailand available on the AirAsia Super App. The flight is being carried out to demonstrate the carrier’s readiness to serve routes to and from China as soon as China announces the country’s official reopening for outbound leisure travel.

AirAsia Thailand chief executive officer Santisuk Klongchaiya stated: “These two initial routes provide us with an opportunity to welcome visitors to Thailand. With restrictions further relaxed in Thailand, we have been marketing heavily in China and Hong Kong to tap these tourism markets.”

Travelers to Hong Kong are required to undergo screening procedures. Arriving travellers must be fully vaccinated. They must produce a Covid-19 test result and are required to undergo quarantine. The Don Mueang-Guangzhou flight will be subject to a policy by the China government, which has allotted a limited entry quota to Thai airlines.

So far, China has offered no indications as to when it will reopen outbound tourism. However, industry pundits claim the reopening could be as early as the Chinese New Year holiday season in late January or February 2023. Travel to and from China is strictly controlled and mainly limited to essential business travel.

Radisson targets a century

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 1 July 2022: Radisson Hotel Group outlined this week ambitious plans to expand its portfolio by adding 100 hotels and resorts in Thailand by 2025.

Growth plans for Thailand are part of the group’s wider expansion strategy, which targets the growth of its current portfolio of 400 properties to over 2,000 hotels and resorts in operation and development by 2025. 

Radisson Hotel Group currently manages six properties in Thailand, with four hotels currently operating in Bangkok and two more in the pipeline in Phuket and Pattaya.

Adding 100 properties to the Thailand portfolio by 2025 will require an aggressive drive to secure new properties through mergers and acquisitions and master license agreements.

The group hopes to leverage its collection of industry-leading brands, including Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu and Radisson, while tapping growing segments such as resorts and serviced apartments, with a focus on key business and leisure destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.

The group will also capitalise on its alliance with its shareholder Jin Jiang International and affiliates to accelerate its expansion in select markets across the Asia Pacific. In Thailand, the group has secured rights to develop and operate 7 Days, a premium economy brand and Metropolo, through individual master license agreements with affiliates of Jin Jiang.

Radisson Hotel Group’s commitment to supporting the future of travel and hospitality in Thailand is reinforced by launching a dedicated business unit in Bangkok, which gives its Thai partners access to a team of on-the-ground experts.

“Radisson Hotel Group is poised and fully committed to the future of travel and hospitality in Thailand. We look forward to working with all our partners to build a bright future in this captivating country,” said Radisson Hotel Group president, Asia Pacific, Katerina Giannouka.

The Thai government estimates that the country will attract over 7 million international visitors in 2022 compared to just 40 million in 2019.

In the long term, the return of Chinese visitors to Thailand will play a major role in the success of Radisson Hotel Group and Thailand as a whole. Prior to the pandemic, Chinese nationals accounted for more than a quarter of the country’s total visitor arrivals. When outbound tourism from China eventually resumes, Thailand will be one of the first countries to benefit. Radisson Hotel Group’s alliance with Jin Jiang International will offer unprecedented access to this hugely important market, including Chinese language booking channels, digital payments, and access to over 182 million loyalty programme members.

Philippines: Domestic travel a lifesaver

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 1 July 2022: Despite the pandemic, domestic tourism soared in 2021 by 38.6% to just over 37 million, according to the Department of Tourism data released earlier this week.

The DOT and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) presented encouraging industry figures in the 2021 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) and Tourism Statistics Online Dissemination forum held on  Tuesday.

According to the PTSA report, domestic tourism totalled 37,279,282 trips in 2021, a 38.16% growth compared to the 26,982,233 trips in 2020. Figures confirmed the importance of domestic travel in the Philippines at a time when lockdowns virtually shut down international travel to the country.

Aerial view of Puka beach in Boracay Island, Western Visayas, Philippines.

But the 2021 performance remained well off the 2019 tally that delivered 122.1 million domestic trips.

Domestic travellers headed for the National Capital Region (1,973,851), followed by  Calabarzon (1,953,419), and Central Luzon (1,905,758).

“The DOT attributes the resurgence of domestic tourism to the collaborative efforts of the national and local government units to standardize health and safety protocols, reinforced by the active participation of tourism stakeholders from the private sector. This, and the Department’s aggressive campaign on domestic tourism carried out with our regional offices, and with the help of local tourism offices across the country, restored Filipinos’ confidence to travel,” explained DOT Branding and Marketing Communications Assistant Secretary Howard Lance Uyking.

Meanwhile, the report estimated tourism employed 4.9 million individuals in 2021, 4.6% higher than the 4.7 million employed in 2020. Tourism contributed 11.1% to the total employment of the country.

DOT noted the decline in foreign visitor arrivals as Philippine borders remained closed last year. The country recorded 163,879 visitors from January to December 2021, a decline of 88.95% from 2020 arrivals of 1,482,535.

The USA dominated the top visitor markets of the country with 39,326 arrivals. Japan, which ranked fourth in 2020, claimed the second spot with 15,024 arrivals. China followed in third place with 9,674 arrivals. India (7,202) rose to fourth place with Canada (6,781) in the fifth spot, while Korea, the country’s top source market for many years, fell to 6th place with 6,456 arrivals.

Turkey and the United Kingdom ranked 7th and 8th, respectively, with each contributing more than 4,000 arrivals. Completing the top 10 markets are Middle East countries, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, with more than 2,000 arrivals each.

Manila, as the country’s main gateway through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, maintained the lion’s share of the total air arrivals with 142,448 or 86.92%. Mactan-Cebu International Airport followed, receiving 11,119 visitors (6.78%), and the Clark International Airport with 9,964 (6.08%) arrivals.

Visitor spending or tourist receipts generated in 2021 recorded an estimated PHP8.49 Billion, a decrease of 89.67% from the visitor receipts of PHP82.24 Billion recorded in the previous year.

Tourist spending averaged PHP7,000 a day in the Philippines and stayed for an average of 10.58 nights.

Embark with NCL premieres 1 July

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 July 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 55-year history of breaking boundaries, announced Thursday the next season of its visual storytelling platform, “EMBARK with NCL,” with the first episode, “Caribbean Adventures,” premiering Friday, 1 July 2022 at 0800 SGT at www.ncl.com/embark and on Facebook.

Following its successful first season, which garnered nearly three million views and showcased the NCL’s fierce resiliency as it returned to cruising after a 500-day pause, this second season will focus on the high-calibre offerings onboard and ashore, as well as the most guest-favoured destinations, beginning with the Caribbean. In addition, American television personality and world traveller Zay Harding will bring viewers along this season as the host of EMBARK, chronicling his cruise adventures around the globe.

“EMBARK with NCL allows us to visually showcase the incredible experiences we offer across our dynamic fleet, as well as the unforgettable vacation moments awaiting our guests at some of the most bucket-list-worthy destinations around the world,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “This season, our guests will be able to discover, or rediscover, some of their favourite places and get a sneak peek into the future of NCL with episodes dedicated to our next best-in-class ship, Norwegian Prima.”

In season two, guests will have a front-row seat to the onboard experience and the over 300 incredible destinations visited by NCL each year.

“What’s most exciting about this new season is the relevancy of the content to travellers who may not be familiar with cruising,” said Christine Da Silva, SVP of Branding and Communications of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Season one provided us with an opportunity to connect with loyal guests, as well as those who know us and missed being at sea with us. Season two is all about the experience … about the food, entertainment, and the incredible places we visit. We’re happy to bring all of the benefits and joy of cruising to anyone who wants to see the world.”

This season, guests are invited to discover the majestic islands of Hawaii when Harding sets sail aboard NCL’s Pride of America, the only ship to offer roundtrip inter-island voyages from Honolulu. They will also witness NCL’s culinary champions battle it out in the kitchen in the “Great Cruise Cookoff” episode for a chance to have their creations featured aboard the highly anticipated Norwegian Prima. In the “Evolution of Innovation” episode, guests will celebrate the brand’s storied history as well as glimpse its future as it prepares to launch its next class of ships. In the season finale, Harding travels to Reykjavik, Iceland, to attend the event of the season, the Christening of Norwegian Prima. He will bring viewers along for this history-making celebration, where godmother Katy Perry will not only fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Prima, but where she will perform during the Christening ceremony before the new ship sets sail on its inaugural voyages.

To watch the first episode of the new EMBARK with NCL season, “Caribbean Adventures,” tune in on 1 July 2022, 0800 SGT at www.ncl.com/embark or Facebook. Additional premiere dates are forthcoming.

For more information on EMBARK with NCL or to watch the complete collection, visit www.ncl.com/embark.  

For more information about NCL’s award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call Hong Kong on +852 2165 6000 and Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com.

MH privileges extend to Firefly

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 July 2022: Malaysia Airlines is extending its MHflypass Malaysia and MHshuttle privileges to Firefly’s passengers on selected domestic routes.

The new MHflypass Malaysia offering complements Malaysia Airlines’ existing cover. It adds greater flexibility and convenience by providing a fixed-rate pass to a broader domestic destination and the option to travel via direct Firefly flights to and from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Petaling Jaya.

MHshuttle and Business Shuttle are available on Malaysia Airlines and Firefly flights, only on direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. These fares can be purchased via all Malaysia Airlines and Firefly appointed travel agents and Malaysia Airlines and Firefly ticket offices.

Meanwhile, MHshuttle will benefit customers, especially those commuting frequently between Singapore and Malaysia. They will have the option to fly between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Changi International Airport on Malaysia Airlines or from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport to Seletar Airport on Firefly.

Firefly recently resumed its twice-daily flights to Seletar Airport, suspended since March 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysia Airlines’ chief marketing and customer experience officer Lau Yin May said: “The expansion of MHflypass to MH-Firefly codeshare flights like Firefly accommodates the surge in passengers demand… We hope that frequent travellers who wish to make up for two years of lost travel opportunities can book with confidence and secure their seats for flights even during peak season. As for MHshuttle, extending the offerings to Firefly flights on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route adds new departure and arrival points in response to the rapidly increasing demand.”

Bikers play a role in reviving tourism

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA 1 JULY 2022: The Philippines’ Tourism Promotions Board is gearing up promotions to raise the pace of motorcycle tourism by recruiting the country’s biking communities.

The TPB, in partnership with the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Manila Chapter, gathered motorcycle riders and enthusiasts to rally at Maurban, Quezon last week for responsible motorcycle riding while also advocating environmental stewardship by raising funds for the tree planting and eco-park development projects with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In November 2021, TPB and the Department of Tourism (DOT), launched the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) programme to stimulate domestic tourism and capitalize on the country’s scenic views and stunning landscapes that can be explored on popular motorbike club rides.

To date, TPB and several DOT regional offices are building PMT circuits as a new set of tourism products aimed at targeting millions of motorcycle enthusiasts and riders worldwide.

“We continue to push the limits to create new ways to enjoy safe travel because we know that travelling and adventure give us purpose and new perspectives. The success of the PMT programme exemplifies the demand for exploring the country on two wheels and presenting an alternative way of travelling to entice the public to discover more of the Philippines’ interesting culture, sites, cuisines and other tourism products,” said TPB COO Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones.

The very first PH Ride with a Purpose event by HOG Manila Chapter attracted more than 2,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts last week who gathered for a rally to support responsible motorcycle riding and highlight Quezon province as an adventure and culinary tourism destination.

The event provided an opportunity to promote Quezon as a tourist destination for fun and safe motorcycle riding, with diverse tourist attractions such as heritage churches, burgeoning farm attractions, pristine beaches and a wide array of cuisines and delicacies. The province also highlighted its farm-to-table experience.

To date, the TPB has successfully organized ride events in Calabarzon, Central Luzon and Bicol regions in close coordination with DOT regional offices. The recently concluded #ExcitingBicol PMT Ride was held simultaneously in the provinces of Albay (Mayon 360 Ride), Sorsogon (Countryside Ride), Camarines Sur (Naga City Ride). It culminated in Catanduanes for the Happy Island 360 Ride that covered 11 municipalities and highlighted the province-wide celebration of this year’s Abaca Festival.

TPB has strengthened its partnership with Breakfast Ride Community, Vespa Club of the Philippines, Mindanao Confederation of Big Bike Clubs (MCBBC), Oriental Mindoro Motorcycle Riders Club (OMMRC) Inc., Honda XADV Owners Club, and Adventure Team Philippines by supporting its ride events, activities, and advocacies.

“We are confident that through these initiated and supported activities, we were able and will continue to, even more, regain the confidence of the public to travel domestically for the sustained recovery of the tourism industry,” COO Allones added.

Last week’s event focused on Quezon Province as an adventure and culinary tourism destination. To know more about the programme, check out the following Facebook links.

#PhilippineMotorcycleTourism

#itsmorefunwithyou

#itsmorefuninthephilippines

Watch the video on the Philippines’ events and MICE business https://youtu.be/_7E57f7a3Sg

(Your Stories: TPB)

Centara unlocks travel with a 40% off deal

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 1 July 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, offers travellers the chance to enjoy huge savings of 40% with the latest Flash Sale from 1 to 4July 2022.

For four days only, guests have the chance to book their next holiday in a choice of 37 hotels and resorts across Thailand, Vietnam and Maldives.

The Centara Travel Unlocked Flash Sale comes at a time as Thailand relaxes entry rules for travellers arriving from overseas. Effective 1 July 2022, foreign visitors will only need to show proof of vaccination or negative RT-PCR or certified ATK test results taken within 72 hours of travel.

Travellers no longer have to apply for the Thailand Pass or buy a USD10,000 health insurance package that was previously required. However, it is recommended that visitors ensure they have adequate travel and health insurance cover to be on the safe side.

Travellers have a choice of 13 beach and urban destinations across Thailand, including Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Trat, Koh Chang, Rayong, Chiang Mai, Mae Sot, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, and Bangkok.

Families can also discover an Explorer’s Playground-themed entertainment resort in southern Vietnam with an adventure-themed water play area complete with slides, lazy river, cliff-jumping rock and pool.

Guests can also enjoy a tropical escape to the Maldives, where they can explore the beauty of the island nation from the family-friendly Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa with experiences including Scuba diving adventures, sunset cruise, as well as whale shark or manta snorkelling excursions. For travellers seeking the ultimate island serenity, the exquisite adults-only Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa in the North Malé Atoll is The Place to Be.

The Centara Travel Unlocked Flash Sale takes place from 1st – 4th July 2022.

To book or learn more about Centara Travel Unlocked Flash Sale, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/travel-unlocked-flash-sale

Lao Airline’s shares up for sale

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TTR WEEKLY
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VIENTIANE, 1 July 2022: Moves are afoot for the Lao government to off-load 49% of its shares in Lao Airlines to stem mounting losses, according to a Smart Aviation Asia Pacific report.

It quoted local news sources quoting the country’s prime minister Phankham Viphavanh, telling the National Assembly that nearly all “state-owned enterprises are losing money and, rather than helping to drive the economy, they are proving to be a heavy burden on the government which has to subsidise these businesses.”

The government plans to retain at least a 51% stake in flag carrier Lao Airlines, but the immediate challenge is to find private investors willing to buy a 49% stake in the loss-ridden airline. It’s not a new journey for the airline. Over the years, it has entered into various partnerships with foreign airlines, some including equity that failed to turn around the national airline’s performance.

 It is doubtful that private investors would take a minority stake in the airline without having complete control over the management and financial policy. Lao Airlines is a state-owned enterprise under the Lao PDR’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Earlier this month, the airline resumed international services, with the Luang Prabang-Bangkok route one of the first to be reactivated on 17 June. It flies the route three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, departing Luang Prabang at 1000 and arriving in Bangkok at 1200. The airline’s booking website offers a starting return fare of USD276.

Club Med brands ski resort in Hokkaido

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 June 2022: Club Med announced this week the newest addition to its resort portfolio in Hokkaido, Japan, due to open this December.

Club Med Kiroro, Hokkaido, will be a takeover and combination of two existing properties to create one integrated snow resort with two distinctive buildings, located just a three-minute buggy ride or a short gondola ride apart.

Previously branded ‘The Kiroro’, the property was voted the best ski resort in Japan in the World Ski Awards 2021. Now it is re-branding under the Club Med flag.

Henri Giscard d’Estaing, President of Club Med, announces its Newest Resort in Kiroro Japan.

Conducted in two phases, Club Med Kiroro Peak will open this December, followed by Club Med Kiroro Grand in 2023. With the opening of both buildings, Club Med Kiroro will offer close to 400 rooms supported by more than 450 GOs (Gentil Organisateurs) and GEs (Gentil Employees) during the peak winter season.

Guests can make a reservation for Club Med Kiroro Peak starting 1 August. Club Med has three other resorts in Japan — Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido, Club Med Sahoro in Hokkaido and Club Med Kabira Ishigaki in Okinawa.

“With the resort’s accessibility, panoramic mountain views, quality powder snow in the winter and close to travel hotspots like Otaru coastal town, there are endless opportunities to create a constant stream of activities all year round,” said Club Med president  Henri Giscard d’Estaing. “As we continue to invest and grow in our ski leadership to double our mountain capacity in Asia by 2023, we are excited to include another property in Japan.”

Club Med Kiroro, Hokkaido, claims the finest powder snow in the world produced by the combination of Siberian winds meeting the cold waters of Hokkaido Island. It has the most snowfall at 21m annually on average, more than anywhere else in the country.

Located a 90-minute drive from the New Chitose Airport and easily accessible by train to Otaru Chikko Station, the ski-in-ski-out resort offers snow enthusiasts direct access to 23 courses for all skill levels, from beginners to elite skiers.

Emirates hands incentives to SMEs

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 30 June 2022:  To mark the United Nation’s Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day, 27 June, and the vital role these enterprises play in post-pandemic recovery, Emirates is offering MSMEs an attractive incentive for new members who enrol into the Emirates Business Rewards programme.

Eligible businesses worldwide who sign up for a first-time account anytime until 10 July 2022 will receive a joining bonus of 10,000 Emirates Business Reward Points – the equivalent of one Economy Class return ticket between most destinations in the Middle East, Africa/WAIO and Dubai, a city that offers world-leading support programmes and infrastructure for entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Emirates’ offer aims to support MSMEs and recognise the integral part they play in sustainable development and the global economy and communities.

There are currently more than 30000 micro, small and medium-sized businesses participating in the Emirates Business Rewards programme, taking advantage of a wealth of benefits, including easy enrolment, accessible earning and redemptions, and flexibility and upgrade opportunities – even on last-minute bookings.

With a goal of ‘making business travel seamless’, Emirates Business Rewards enables organisations to earn points on business travel, which can be spent on future flights and upgrades on any Emirates flight, in any class, subject to availability.

Organisations are eligible to earn points whenever their employees or guest travellers fly on Emirates, which can then be spent on dynamic reward flights and upgrades. Individuals can earn Skywards Miles on the same flight if they are Emirates Skywards members. There’s no limit to how many employees can join the programme, and no minimum spend is needed. Emirates Business Rewards is free to join and can offer a significant return to budget-conscious MSMEs.

Often called ‘the backbone of our economies’, formal and informal MSMEs make up over 90% of all global firms and account, on average, for 70% of total employment and 50% of GDP. They are key actors in achieving a green recovery.

Emirates has a long track record of supporting small and medium-sized businesses, not only via its Business Rewards programme but also through its procurement of products and services across the business. Hundreds of small and medium-sized companies in a range of industries from around the world have benefitted from showcasing their products to a global travel audience with Emirates, boosting their growth plans. These products include items such as sustainable in-flight amenity kits, boutique luxury spa products, single-origin teas and artisan food products. In the UAE, Emirates prioritises SMEs as part of its tender process and is actively committed to working with government stakeholders like Dubai SMEs in identifying businesses and evaluating the performance of active suppliers regularly.

For more information on Emirates Business Rewards and to enrol in the programme, visit: https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/business-rewards/.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

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