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TMCs make gains in China’s business travel market

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TTR WEEKLY
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SHANGHAI, 9 June 2022: Trip.com Group’s corporate travel arm, Trip.Biz, has released a white paper delving into the trends defining the reviving corporate travel management sector in mainland China and the marked shift to using travel management companies (TMCs).

The Trip.Biz white paper summarises the recovery of corporate travel according to the latest industry data, focusing on China – the world’s largest corporate travel market.

Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) data shows that China led the world in business travel spending in 2021, after a 38% decline in 2020. As the domestic market recovered, in 2021, China’s business travel spending saw a growth rate of 31.7%, more than double the global growth rate.

The paper shows that 16.3% more companies in China worked with a travel management company) in 2021 compared to 2020, rising by 24.6% in first-tier cities in China such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

According to GBTA forecasts, China’s business travel market is expected to recover and surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2024, with total business travel spending exceeding USD400 billion.

Trip.com Group 2021 earnings data reflects the strong recovery momentum in China’s business travel market. It showed hotel bookings on Trip.Biz grew by nearly triple digits in the fourth quarter and full year of 2021 compared to the same period in 2019.

Accordingly, Trip.com Group increased its corporate travel supply chain investment by 86%, product technology investment by 86% and service efficiency by 110% compared to 2019.

Trip.Biz currently provides travel management services to 13,000 large enterprises and 620,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, among which over 300 are Fortune 500 companies and over 10,000 are Sino-foreign joint venture businesses.

Trip.Biz, as a Trip.com Group brand, is implementing a global growth strategy based on the group’s “Local Focus, Global Vision” approach. Core to this strategy is the efficiency, product selection, service quality and services available on the Trip.Biz app.

“The biggest industry change brought on by the pandemic is the recognition by customers of the true value of TMC offerings. Specifically, the convenience and flexibility of booking, changing and refunding, a one-stop booking experience for all products worldwide, a global travel guarantee and SOS services, and 24/7 multilingual customer support. These are precisely the areas in which online TMCs like Trip.Biz specialise,” commented Trip.Biz chief executive officer Steven Zhang.

“We are actively expanding our overseas service network through partnerships to enable our customers to efficiently connect to our local and global business travel products through the Trip.Biz app anytime, anywhere in the world. We deliver efficiency and choice, offering competitive prices and the highest global service standards, allowing travellers to enjoy a world-class business travel experience.”

Trip.Biz’s international business growth plan aims to build on existing client needs, initially focusing on regional growth across North and Southeast Asia and supporting business clients expanding in the region and globally.

To download the Trip.Biz 2021-2022 Corporate Travel White Paper in full, contact: [email protected].

(Source: Trip.com Group)

Air Astana taps TripAdmit

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 June 2022: Air Astana has appointed TripAdmit to provide tours and activities content as the airline unveils its latest service for web customers.

Air Astana, which operates over 40 domestic and international routes, will be using TripAdmit’s white-label solution, enabling passengers to select and book from a range of experiences, tours, and activities available in their chosen destination.

This new service is the latest initiative by Air Astana as the airline explores opportunities to maximise ancillary revenue and improve the customer booking experience. TripAdmit’s booking software and AI technology for personalised segmentation will provide customers with a range of experiences available worldwide. Air Astana is the latest carrier to join TripAdmit’s global airline partnership programme.

Air Astana VP Marketing & Sales Adel Dauletbek said: “We are focused on improving the customer experience from booking a flight to their final destination and beyond. TripAdmit helps Air Astana to do that. The booking solution will enable us to extend our ancillary services by providing an exciting range of tours and activities. I am confident our customers will enjoy the new functionality and be inspired by the content that the TripAdmit partnership programme can provide.”

When booking a flight, links to the Air Astana tours and experiences page show what’s available for the customer’s destination. They will be able to search for further information and make a booking.

TripAdmit director of travel partnerships Carl Cromie added: “As people start travelling once again, the demand for tours and experiences is growing. Air Astana is now very well positioned to explore the opportunities provided by this sector, and we are excited to be working with them.”

Air Astana operates a fleet of 34 western aircraft serving over 40 domestic and international routes from its base in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

About TripAdmit

TripAdmit’s technology connects activity providers with travellers and distribution partners, which include airlines, online travel agents, hotels and campsites representing 50,000 experiences in more than 100 countries.

Thailand’s TTM is back in business

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 9 June 2022: Thailand’s annual travel show, Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+), opened on Wednesday on Phuket Island after a two-year pause caused by Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

The first round of lockdowns skittled plans to stage the in-person TTM in Phuket in June 2020. Then extensive travel restrictions and complicated entry rules made it impractical to produce an in-person show in Phuket in 2021.

Yesterday’s opening ceremony was an emotional affair for the Tourism Authority of Thailand, which has been battling to revive tourism with mixed results due to Covid-19 restrictions. The show acts as a bellwether promising a substantial revival in tourist arrivals during the second half of the year to deliver up to 10 million visitors. 

TAT is clinging to its well-travelled campaign tagline ‘Amazing Thailand’ and optimistically extends the slogan to include ‘Visit Thailand Year 2022 – 2023: Amazing New Chapters’. It delivers a marketing message that focuses on taking the country’s tourism to new heights of responsible and sustainable tourism goals.

Hosted at the Angsana Laguna Phuket, in Phuket, until 10 June, the TTM has registered 264 sellers and 276 buyers from 45 countries. Around 90 domestic and international media are also attending the event. Of the 264 sellers, there are 229 hotels, 13 tour companies, four entertainment venues, and three health and wellness operators.

Meanwhile, 45.7% of the international buyers joining TTM+ are first-time visitors and those who cannot still find their way to Phuket can still check out the virtual component of the show. No overseas buyers are attending from China as the country’s outbound tour market remains closed.

Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, officially declared the show open on Wednesday, followed by a TTM Talk themed “Global Tourism: Shapeshifting to the New Chapter.”

Keynote presentations

Rahimah Abdulrahim, director of public policy for Southeast Asia at Meta, presented’ Metaverse Possibility of Tourism Industry and Beyond’.

Mich Goh, head of public policy, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and India, Airbnb, presented ‘Driving Inclusive Tourism Recovery in Thailand with Airbnb’.

David Boehm, co-founder and chairman of Miskawaan Health Group, presented ‘The Future Trends of Health and Wellness Tourism’.

Two full days of buyer/seller appointments follow on 9 and 10 June, along with networking lunches and a networking dinner on Thursday hosted by the Phuket Tourist Association.

First held in 2001, the annual TTM remained in Bangkok until it moved to Chiang Mai in 2016  and 2017, Pattaya in 2018 and 2019.

Commenting on the most recent changes in entry rules that came into effect 1 June, Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn said: “Thailand celebrates its full opening for tourism with entry requirements further eased on 1 June. This year’s edition of the TTM+ presents an excellent opportunity for buyers and sellers to come together and build on existing business relationships and forge new ones.”

Due to travel restrictions, Thailand welcomed 428,000 overseas visitors in 2021. Arrivals increased to 1.3 million from January to May 2022. TAT forecasts 500,000 visitors per month from June to September and 1 million visitors from October to December. That would give the country 6.3 million visitors for the entire year, a drop in the ocean compared with the 39 million visits recorded in 2019.

Genting Dream starts new sailings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 June 2022: Resorts World Cruises confirms Genting Dream will sail from Singapore to international destinations, from 1 July 2022 onwards.

These include sailings to the Bintan and Batam islands in Indonesia, as well as to Kuala Lumpur and Malacca (via Port Dickson) and Penang in Malaysia. Genting Dream is undergoing final preparations for her inaugural cruise from her homeport in Singapore on 15 June 2022.

Resorts World Cruises will be the first cruise line to resume cruising from Singapore to Indonesia with the two-night Bintan and Batam weekend getaway cruise starting 1 July and subsequently departing every Friday.

On 3 July 2022, Genting Dream will sail from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and Malacca (via Port Dickson) and Penang in Malaysia.

“We will continue to include more popular destinations to Phuket and Krabi in Thailand and North Bali in Indonesia from October 2022”, said Resorts World Cruises president Michael Goh.

Initially, Genting Dream will visit multiple destinations in Malaysia from Singapore, starting with the three-night Kuala Lumpur and Malacca (via Port Dickson)-Penang Cruise departing Sundays from 3 July 2022 onwards and subsequently the two-night Kuala Lumpur and Malacca (via Port Dickson) Cruise departing Wednesdays.

At Port Dickson, guests can explore the town’s hidden gems, including its famous beaches buzzing with fun-filled activities, local tourist spots and more. Alternatively, from Port Dickson, guests can join the shore excursions to the historic state and UNESCO city of Malacca, famous for its unique Baba and Nyonya heritage and delicious delicacies. They can also visit Kuala Lumpur for a shopping spree at iconic landmarks.

Sailing northward cruises will make Penang a port of call, a destination famed for its food and well-known UNESCO World Heritage site that features Malaysia’s best restored traditional architecture, trade and arts.

Emirates and Airlink codeshare flies

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE 8 June 2022: Emirates and Airlink have officially activated their codeshare partnership.

The Emirates and Airlink partnership makes it easier for customers to create their ideal itinerary and benefit from seamless connections and a single booking reference across eight domestic South African cities via the airline’s gateways, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Travel itineraries can now be booked on emirates.com, with travel agents and online travel agents (OTAs). Tickets booked from June 2022 are available for travel immediately.

Emirates customers can now book a wide range of additional flights, including eight destinations from Johannesburg, five destinations from Cape Town and one point from Durban. Examples of new route options include Bloemfontein, Hoedspruit, Port Elizabeth, Kimberley, George, and East London.

Emirates currently offers double-daily flights to Dubai from Johannesburg, daily flights to Dubai from Cape Town and five weekly flights to and from Durban. The airline is also driving more connectivity options that provide value through a better experience for its customers.

With the revival of its South African Airways partnership, as well as its codeshare agreement with Airlink, and interlines with Cemair and FlySafair, the airline has expanded its reach to 79 regional points in southern Africa.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Outrigger presents a luxury Maui experience

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 8 June 2022: Outrigger Hospitality Group’s luxury vacation property, Honua Kai Resort & Spa, located between the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains in Hawaii, has unveiled an exclusive land, sea and sky experience for discerning travellers.

The Royal Collection Luxury Experience allows guests to discover the magic of Maui on a private charter catamaran and helicopter tour, with premium ground transfers to each of the activities. Guests come back to one of the Royal Collection suites, each with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a private barbecue grill on the balcony.

“After a day of exploring the natural beauty of the island by private helicopter and luxury catamaran, the deluxe three-bedroom suites at Honua Kai Resort & Spa are an idyllic way to convene, relax and enjoy a spectacular vacation experience,” said Outrigger’s senior vice president, global sales Chris Riccardi.

For the last 11 years, the Outrigger-managed units at Honua Kai Resort & Spa have been American Automobile Association Four-Diamond recipients. The property is heralded for its premium grounds, extensive amenities and top-notch hospitality.

Travellers looking for epic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences can enjoy all that Maui has to offer when booking their stay in the Royal Collection Suites. Guests can expect bucket-list-worthy tours of Maui, amenities and plenty of photo opportunities.

The Royal Collection Luxury Experience includes:

Chauffeured transfers in style: Guests travel first-class from the Honua Kai Resort & Spa by premium ground transportation services, ensuring that everyone arrives refreshed and ready to explore.

Bird’s eye view helicopter ride: The Maui Spectacular Experience features the most magnificent views of West Maui valleys, rainforest and waterfalls, with the flight operated by renowned Blue Hawaiian Helicopter. As a bonus, travellers land in a remote location at Ulupalakua Ranch, on the slopes of Mt. Haleakalā, to experience natural Hawaii in all its glory.

A wind-in-your-sails catamaran trip: Travellers can kick off their sandals and relax on a 2.5-hour sailing charter. When visiting between December and March, lucky guests can spot majestic humpback whales performing acrobatics and breaching in the ‘Au‘au channel.

The Royal Collection Suites offer premium amenities in modern, spacious settings to provide accommodations for luxury travel enthusiasts. Every suite in the collection includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large lanai (balcony) with a barbecue. The full kitchen and living room space provide opportunities for families and friends to connect and then retreat to the comfort of their room.

The four distinct suite options include:

King Kamehameha Suite: Fit for a king, and totalling more than 278 sqm, this suite provides panoramic views of the ocean and a comfortable outdoor living space overlooking swimming pools and Duke’s Beach House.

Luana Garden Villas: Luana, or “Happiness” is embodied in these townhouse-style villas offering guests their private garden oasis. Each villa offers more than 185 sqm of interior living and 46 sqm of outdoor space with a private garage and entryway.

Ali’i Suite: Named after the traditional nobility of the Hawaiian islands, this suite is 250 sqm, with indoor and outdoor space offering partial ocean views overlooking a pool, Duke’s Beach House and exquisitely landscaped grounds.

Pi’ilani Suite: Translating to “Ascent to Heaven,” these suites are located on higher floors, where guests can enjoy 306 sqm of indoor and outdoor space overlooking the inner courtyard and pools with sweeping ocean views.

The new Royal Collection Luxury Experience entails a five-night stay, with rates starting at US$2,799 (£2232/€2619) per night. This includes a private helicopter tour, customised catamaran experience and roundtrip transportation for up to six people.

To reserve the exclusive Royal Collection Luxury Experience, call +1 855 707-2585, email [email protected] or contact your preferred wholesale partner.

(Your Stories: Outrigger Hospitality Group)

Penang Bridge race makes a comeback

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TTR WEEKLY
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GEORGETOWN Penang, 8 June 2022: The Penang Bridge International Marathon organisers have recruited a tourism association to support promotions and offer travel packages across Malaysia for registered marathon runners.

They signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association on Tuesday to support long-term the island’s famous international marathon and sell travel packages, including participation in the event.

‘Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM)’ returns with a physical 42 km run after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 lockdown and travel restrictions.

PBIM chairman YB Yeoh Soon Hin, who is also the Penang State executive councillor for tourism and creative economy, signed the MOU along with Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association Penang Chapter chair Edwin Tan.

The 2022’s edition of PBIM will take place on 11 December 2022, following the same route since its founding in 1984 to celebrate the opening of the Penang Bridge.

“For the past two years, PBIM adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic and turned virtual. While the initiative proved a tremendous success, we are delighted we can bring back the physical marathon,” he said.

He forecasts the 2022 event will cater to 25,000 registered runners.

“Participants will once again be able to run through one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic bridges in a display of strength and unity that celebrates Penang’s resilience amid the global pandemic,” he added.

Apart from omitting the 5km fun run for better crowd control, the other race categories remain unchanged, comprising the full marathon (42km), half marathon (21km) and 10km run (open/junior).

The Penang Bridge International Marathon or Penang Bridge Marathon is an annual marathon event held at Penang Bridge in Penang, Malaysia, since 1984. It is organised by the Penang State Tourism Development office and fully supported by the Penang State Government. It is known as the biggest run in the country.

MGallery opens in Hong Kong

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 8 June 2022: The MGallery Hotel Collection opened its first hotel in Hong Kong on 1 June, the 206 room Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery.

Positioned as an eco-friendly urban resort hotel styled after a modern manor house in Tung Chung, Lantau Island, the Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery takes its name from the historic silver mines of Hong Kong’s Lantau Island.

“The Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery, raises the bar for sustainably responsible travel and positive hospitality,” said Accor Greater China Chief Executive Officer Gary Rosen. “Hong Kong is an ideal fit for this new flagship hotel, welcoming domestic and international guests to experience MGallery’s Memorable Moments.”

The new MGallery property is located within the Citygate mixed-use commercial complex, a five-minute commute from Hong Kong International Airport and a 30-minute drive from the city centre.

Guests can enjoy an outdoor garden within the hotel featuring winding paths, a stylish 25-metre swimming pool, lawns, and a well-equipped fitness area.

Twelve signature suites surround the garden, featuring outdoor terraces, each with its own private outdoor plunge pool or private outdoor heated Jacuzzi overlooking the hills of Lantau.

The property’s travel desk curates signature experiences such as private helicopter tours above Lantau; hiking adventures in Tai O; or excursions to nearby tourist attractions such as the world-famous Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Accor named Guillaume Gallas, as the complex general manager for the Silveri Hong Kong – MGallery and Novotel Citygate Hong Kong.

MATTA stages holiday bazaar in KL

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 8 June 2022: Malaysia’s travel companies are looking forward to participating in a major consumer travel event, Bazaar MATTA, organised by the country’s Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel  Agents.

Designed to drive bookings to domestic destinations, the event scheduled for 18 to 19 June in Kuala Lumpur will be packed to the rafters with travel deals for land and air transport as well as accommodation. Bazaar MATTA flies the flag for domestic travel, which is right now helping to keep thousands of resorts, hotels and homestays open and counting an improvement in cash income. The show will be hosted at the Sunway Velocity Mall in Kuala Lumpur from 1000 to 2200 on 18 and 19 June. Bazaar MATTA’s lead sponsors are Sabah, Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines.

MATTA is promoting the event to revive domestic travel but has an eye on international travel markets such as Singapore, Australia and Europe in the long run. But the priority since international borders reopened on 1 April is to boost domestic travel to put cash in the pockets of small to medium-sized travel operators.

MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang told the New Straits Times earlier this week he expects travel arrivals to Malaysia to hit 5 million this year. Source markets such as India and Singapore will play a big part in boosting arrivals during the second half of 2022. According to Tourism Malaysia, the first four months of 2022 delivered 1 million visitors, with around 600,000 travelling from Singapore.

Key source markets looking forward to Q4 are India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia and Europe. Indonesia and Thailand will emerge too as strong supply markets by the fourth quarter.

Airbnb revenue to the rescue

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 8 June 2022: Airbnb is releasing the first results from its latest survey* of hosts and guests worldwide, focusing on its findings from Thailand.

Hosts surveyed in Thailand, who used the platform last year, provided insights into how Airbnb hosts are using their income in a time of soaring inflation, emerging as key contributors to the local economy, and building strong people connections.

Mitigating Rising Costs with Hosting

As external forces pushed inflation higher around the world last year, income earned through hosting became essential for navigating higher prices for hosts in Thailand.

In response to a question about why they host their space on Airbnb:

  • Almost 35%t of hosts surveyed in Thailand said one of the reasons they host is to earn money to help cover the rising cost of living;
  • Nearly a third said they host to earn money to make ends meet;
  • Over half said they host to earn extra spending money;
  • Almost half said they host to earn money to grow their business.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the Food Price Index steadily increased last year, up to an all-time high in March 2022**. Against the backdrop of higher prices for everyday goods, nearly 45% of Thai hosts surveyed said they use the income earned through hosting to buy food and other necessities that have become more expensive. In Thailand, most hosts surveyed stated that they use the money earned through hosting to improve their homes.

Hosts surveyed also indicated that they expect that income earned through hosting will become more critical. Over 45% say they expect to become more reliant on host income in 12 months.

In addition, to revenue from guests and their local spending, Thai hosts surveyed contribute to Thailand’s tourism income.

Almost two-thirds of those surveyed say that they hire support staff such as professional cleaners.

Hosts also like to share recommendations with guests about restaurants and cafes (85%), outdoor sites and activities (two thirds), lesser-known areas and places to visit (60%), and shops and boutiques (almost half), amongst others.

In fact, more than three-quarters of Thai hosts surveyed recommended places to visit in and around their Airbnb neighbourhood to guests.

People to People Connection – Hosting to meet people from different cultures.

Almost 35% of hosts surveyed in Thailand are hosting on Airbnb to meet people worldwide. Nearly one-third of the hosts surveyed want to connect with people from different countries to learn about their culture and share more about Thai culture.

*Based on a survey of 87,070 Airbnb listings booked between 1 June 2021 and 31 December 2021. All additional host-centric survey data in this report originates from this survey.

**https://www.fao.org/worldfoodsituation/foodpricesindex/en

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