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Technology tops the travel manager’s agenda

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 August 2022: Business travel and the travel manager’s role changed significantly during the pandemic due to uncertainties and travel disruptions, according to the latest research released by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), supported by FCM.

“The Evolution of Travel Programme Technology” survey explores how technology has impacted the travel manager’s role, the traveller experience, and the travel management company (TMC) business.

During the pandemic, digitalisation and the use of technology accelerated as travellers were driven online, experiencing contactless and touchless travel. But surprisingly, this research now shows that two in five travel managers cite technology as one of their top pain points, highlighting that there is still work to be done in achieving the right balance. As companies return to travel and update their travel policies, many use this opportunity to reassess supplier relationships and technology requirements for the post-Covid environment.

 “The corporate travel manager’s role changed significantly due to the pandemic, elevating the position as companies navigated unprecedented challenges. Given the fast pace of change, technology has played a vital role in ensuring the efficiency of travel programmes,” said GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. “Keeping updated and communicating with travellers has renewed urgency for companies and travel managers looking to their TMCs to advise on innovative ways to manage travel programmes effectively while keeping travellers safe.”

“The rapid pace of technological innovation presents tremendous opportunities for travel managers and managed travel programs as we return to business travel. Travel managers cite technology as the most important factor when selecting a TMC,” said Marcus Eklund, Global Managing Director, FCM. 

“The study also showed that on average, nine in 10 global travel managers say a consistent technology experience is of utmost importance. It’s essential TMCs be at the forefront of technological advancements to advise travel managers and help solve corporate global travel challenges.” 

Survey highlights

  • Technology is the most critical factor when travel managers select a TMC, ahead of costs/fees and account management quality and support. Three in five (59%) travel managers include technology as one of the most important factors when selecting a TMC. However, two in five respondents (42%) include technology as one of the top pain points of their primary TMC.
  • Online booking tools have a dominant role. Almost all travel programmes (96%) use an online booking tool (OBT), the most popular technology component. However, other technology solutions are less frequent, including reporting dashboards, TMC mobile apps, re-shopping tools and single-use virtual payments, to name a few. This suggests many travel managers might primarily associate travel technology almost exclusively with OBTs and thus, might be unaware of other solutions that can create efficiencies and streamline travel programme components.
  • Sustainability and OBT tools. Few travel programmes use their online booking tool to promote sustainability. Fewer than half say their OBT shows carbon emissions in search results (44%) or displays lower emission flights higher in search results (10%). The score for sustainability messaging was just 4%, excluding less sustainable options from search results 2%. However, many travel managers are interested in configuring their OBT to do these things.
  • Widespread interest in chatbots. Seven in 10 travel managers are interested in artificial intelligence-enabled chat. These chatbots can answer travellers’ questions or help them make bookings. Despite the strong interest, chatbots are largely not a reality for most travel programs. Fewer than half say their TMC app includes a chatbot that can answer traveller questions (44%) or help travellers make bookings (29%).
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) transforms reporting. Travel Managers are widely interested in using AI to enhance reporting (87%), data cleansing (82%), personalisation of search results (78%), and auditing of expense reports (62%).
  • Mixed NDC understanding. Travel managers’ understanding of the New Distribution Capability (NDC)is mixed, with many being largely uninitiated with the XML-based data transmission standard. One-third (30 per cent) say they know “some but have more to learn,” while one in five say they know “virtually nothing” or only “a little” about NDC (20% each). While one in five (21%) travel managers report their programme offers NDC content through their TMC/OBT, a third (34%) are unaware if their TMC/OBT offers NDC content – suggesting NDC is not top of mind among many travel managers.

GBTA surveyed from 14 February to 21 March 2022 with responses from 309 travel managers based in the US, Canada, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.

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Aman Group secures investment for global expansion

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 August 2022: Aman Group has secured investments totalling USD900 million from two strategic partners: The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Cain International, a privately held investment firm specialising in real estate.

Through this investment, the company will strengthen its existing portfolio, build its pipeline of Aman and Janu destinations, and acquire and develop additional properties.

From left to right: Aman New York; Vlad Doronin, CEO of Aman Group and Aman Tokyo.

Aman has 34 properties in 20 countries, including 12 Aman Branded Residences, nine more hotels and residences under construction and a pipeline of new destinations in countries such as the United States, Japan, Mexico, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, Aman Real Estate Holdings owns or partly owns 16 of the 34 Aman hotels.

Speaking on the PIF and Cain investments, Aman Group owner, chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin said: “My long-term strategic vision has been to continue to grow the Aman brand in key markets, all with Aman Branded Residences, as well as creating an ultra-luxury ecosystem. The investment from PIF and Cain International is a vote of confidence in my vision and the work the team has done over the last eight years, cementing the brand’s evolution and ability to deliver this vision at pace.”

Scoot starts flights to Chitose

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 August 2022: Scoot will start flying to Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan (gateway to Sapporo) on 2 November from Singapore, offering six flights weekly; three direct and three via Taipei.

Chitose is home to the largest airport in Hokkaido, New Chitose Airport, which is the closest airport to Sapporo.

The airline will offer three direct flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with an outbound flight time from Singapore of seven hours and 30 minutes using a Boeing Dreamliner 787-800. The starting one-way fare of USD412.

Direct flights depart Singapore at 0240 and arrive in Chitose at 1110. The direct return flight departs Chitose at 1240 and arrives in Singapore at 2013. Flight time is eight hours and 40 minutes.

In addition,  Scoot will offer three flights a week to Chitose with a stop in Taipei (Taiwan) on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Flight time is 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Sabah and Penang cross-promote destinations

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TTR WEEKLY
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GEORGE TOWN, Penang 23 August 2022: Sabah and Penang are embarking on a cross-promotion of their tourism attractions through a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) signed last Saturday.

Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Noredah Othman and Penang Global Tourism (PGT) CEO  Ooi Chok Yan led the signing ceremony.

(From R-L) Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Noredah Othman, Yeoh Soon Hin, and Ooi Chok Yan exchanging ideas after the signing of Memorandum of Collaboration between Sabah Tourism Board and Penang Global Tourism.

STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, and his PGT counterpart Yeoh Soon Hin, witnessed the signing ceremony, which came after the two chairmen discussed cooperation during a meeting held in December last year.

Both Joniston and Yeoh described the MoC as momentous, noting that the two states share a similar commitment to the positive impact that tourism might have on the people and the economies of their respective states and the nation.

The goals of the MoC between Sabah and Penang include, among other things, improving flight connectivity between the two states and facilitating the engagement of key parties concerning the development of products and tourism.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Yeoh in Penang last year, and we explored the possibility of establishing a Friendship city relationship between our two cities. We met again in Sabah and discussed how important it was to collaborate.

“I do think that this MoC is the first step to help us realise our friendship initiatives through tourism, and hopefully, it will lead to a similar collaboration with other states,” said Joniston, who is also Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.

He also suggested that the Sabah Tourism Board and Penang Tourism Global establish a key performance indicator to assess the efficacy of their partnership and make adjustments as needed to realise their goals.

Yeoh, who is also Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace), expressed optimism that the partnership with the Sabah Tourism Board would help to boost the economies of both states and make them more resilient in the face of future challenges.

“We anticipate increasing the number of visitors to Malaysia by sharing tourism ideas and creating dual destination packages for domestic and international markets.

“The key to tourism success is breaking down siloed approaches. To succeed, we must work together, and this important partnership is a step to achieve our common goals,” Yeoh explained.

For more information on Sabah visit www.sabahtourism.com

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Japanese agents and media visit Malaysia

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 23 August 2022: Following Malaysia Airlines’ first direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo last week, Tourism Malaysia is hosting Japanese travel trade partners and media on a familiarisation trip promoting Malaysia as a safe holiday destination.

Nine travel agents and media visited the country flown in by Malaysia Airlines for a four-day, three-night stay in Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Penang.

The FAM Trip was also co-hosted by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Holiday Villa Resort Langkawi, Megawater Sport, ParkRoyal Collection Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Penang and Penang Global Tourism.

Travel agents and media had the chance to experience the mangrove tour at the award-winning Kubang Badak Biogeotrail in Langkawi – the island’s newest ecotourism product recognised for its high geological diversity and early settlement history dating back to the 18th century. Apart from riding jet-ski for the island hopping tour, participants were also treated to a cooking demonstration at Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas before immersing themselves in a robust conservation and sustainability programme initiated by The Datai Langkawi.

Besides Putrajaya sightseeing, several attractions in Kuala Lumpur were also highlighted, including Saloma Bridge, Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, FRIM’s Forest Skywalk, Kwai Chai Hong and LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre – the first regional and largest retail facilities operated by Mitsui Fudosan in Southeast Asia.

Other activities included George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site inspection and a guided tour to Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, Escape Theme Park, and The Habitat Penang Hill to explore the myriad of flora and fauna and the 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island from its highest viewing point.

In welcoming participants during a special dinner, Tourism Malaysia, director general Dato’ Zainuddin Abdul Wahab said: “Japan remains one of Malaysia’s top 10 international tourists generating markets before the pandemic. In 2019, Malaysia welcomed 424,694 arrivals from Japan, and 70 per cent of Japanese tourists came to Malaysia for holidays.

“ Malaysia will participate in the upcoming Tourism Expo Japan 2022 in Tokyo this September to attract more tourist arrivals from this market,” he told the media.

(Source: Bernama)

AirAsia Thailand flies to Fukuoka

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 23 August 2022: AirAsia Thailand (FD) will launch direct flights to Japan for the first time on 12 October, introducing direct flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Fukuoka, the largest city on the Japanese island of Kyushu.

The low-fare AirAsia route will fly three times weekly (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) from 12 to 28 October 2022 before increasing to four flights weekly (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) starting 30 October. A 236-seat Airbus A321 will fly the route.

AirAsia is launching the new route with promotional fares for BIG members from THB4,888 THB each way and THB4,928 THB for non-members.

The discounts are on offer until 28 August 2022 for travel from 12 October 2022 to 23 March 2023. Pre-book 20kg of checked baggage during the promotional period and gain an additional 30kg free when booking on the AirAsia Super App.

AirAsia Thailand Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya stated: “Japan is a top leisure favourite destination for Thai travellers, and many of them are planning to visit the country as soon as it reopens to tourism. Acknowledging this opportunity, AirAsia Thailand decided to introduce Fukuoka as its first destination in Japan, presenting travellers with a new and different take on the nation through a city known for being welcoming and budget-friendly.”

“Fukuoka might not be the first city that comes to mind for people thinking of visiting Japan, but anyone who experiences it is sure to be deeply impressed. Our flights to the city begin just in time for autumn when the weather begins to cool, and the trees change colour with the stunning sakura blooms, a favourite time for Thais getting ready to celebrate the end of the year,” Santisuk said. 

View requirements for travelling to Japan at www.mofa.go.jp/ca/cp/page22e_000925.html

Central Group acquires Selfridges

By
Andrew Wood
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BANGKOK, 23 August 2022: Central Group and Signa Holding announced Monday they had completed the acquisition of Selfridges from the Canadian Weston Family.

The Central Group, controlled by the billionaire Chirathivat family, is the largest department store chain operating for over 75 years in Thailand. With the acquisition of the British luxury store chain Selfridges, Central and Signa aim to become a major global player in the department store sector. This transaction has created one of the world’s leading luxury department store groups, with a presence in eight European countries and flagship stores in the cities’ most sought-after locations, mainly the iconic Selfridges department store.

The iconic Selfridges Oxford Street is considered one of the UK capital’s premier shopping destinations in the heart of London, which occupies an entire city block.

In December 2021, Thailand’s largest department store owner, Central Group, was just days away from closing a UKP4 billion (USD4.76 billion) acquisition of Selfridges stores in the UK. The Weston family owned Selfridges for almost 20 years (2003), acquiring the brand for UKP598 million.

Selfridges Group’s portfolio includes stores under four brands in three countries, including the flagship department store Selfridges in London, England. The integration will also include Selfridges Group’s e-commerce platforms, which draw over 30 million online visitors monthly and ship to over 130 countries worldwide.

Central and Signa’s combined existing portfolio of 22 department stores and two new stores to open soon in Dusseldorf and Vienna. The current holdings comprise Rinascente in Italy and Illum in Denmark (wholly owned by Central Group) KaDeWe, Oberpollinger, Alsterhaus in Germany, and Globus in Switzerland, which Central Group and Signa Holding jointly own. Central Group, owned by the billionaire Chirathivat family, has had a presence in Europe since 2011. Last year, the joint venture bought Swiss luxury department store Globus and other real estate assets for USD1 billion.

Central executive chairman and chief executive officer Tos Chirathivat and Signa Holding chairman of the executive board Dieter Berninghaus will be the new co-chairs of the group.

In February 2022, Central Retail announced it would spread USD3 billion across its operations in Thailand, Vietnam and Italy. Central Retail has 23 Central department stores in Thailand and 40 under the mid-range Robinson brand, making it the country’s biggest chain of its kind. Central Retail has 3,641 branded stores (Sept 2021), including supermarkets, hypermarkets, sportswear, stationery, electronics and office products.

(Report by Andrew Wood, CEO A&P Media)

Thai Vietjet to fly to Phu Quoc

By
TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 23 August 2022: Thai Vietjet announces its new international services from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) to Phu Quoc in Vietnam, starting on 12 October.

“We are delighted to connect travellers with one more top travel destination of Vietnam – Phu Quoc providing Thai people more opportunities and flexible choices to travel to Vietnam, as well as welcoming Vietnamese tourists to Thailand.

“Since tourism is on its track to returning to the pre-pandemic level, we strongly believe that the service between the two destinations would help facilitate the region’s growing travel demand and stimulate the trade recovery of both countries, particularly the international tourism industry and aviation business,” said Thai Vietjet chief executive officer Woranate Laprabang.

Thai Vietjet will operate four flights weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday on the Bangkok – Phu Quoc route with an approximate flight time of one hour and 15 minutes.

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Flight

Number

Origin

Destination

Departure

Arrival

Days of Operation

VZ980

Bangkok

Phu Quoc

09:45

11:00

Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday

VZ981

Phu Quoc

Bangkok

12:00

13:20

To support the new route, the airline has launched its ‘Deluxe Super Sale’, offering deluxe fares starting from THB 2,999 (inclusive of taxes, fees, and surcharges). The special deluxe service includes 20 kg of checked baggage, free seat selection, priority check-in and flexibility with unlimited flight changes at no charge.

It is valid for bookings made from 25 to 31 August 2022, with the travel period starting on 15 September and extending to 25 March, 2023.

Phu Quoc is the largest island located in South Vietnam and up until the Covid-19 lockdown was a top island destination for travellers visiting Southeast Asia alongside Bali and Phuket. Flights to Phu Quoc are now resuming after Vietnam reopened its borders last May.

Thai Vietjet has recently expanded its international flight network to dtourist destinations, including Fukuoka (Japan), Phu Quoc (Vietnam), Taipei, and Ahmedabad (India).

Etihad partners with Rassure

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SYDNEY,  22 August 2022: Etihad has selected Rassure, a revenue rescue service provider based in Sydney, to automate its sales audit process fully.

The airline says the collaboration will boost revenue more than possible through legacy, semi-automated service providers. By recovering revenues with high levels of accuracy in short turnaround times, it should positively impact cash flow. As a special feature, this “out of the box” tool enables Etihad to rerun the audit at will, simulating various “What if” scenarios to inform strategic business decisions.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, technology-based evolution is at the core of our recovery and future development strategy. The RAX platform represents a step-change in discovering lost revenue,” said Etihad Aviation Group  VP of financial reporting & control Kelly Schroeder.

Rassure is a company based out of Sydney that delivers actionable insights to airline executives on distribution, fares and surcharges.

Busan hosts COSPAR 2024

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BUSAN, 22 August 2022: Korea has recently successfully propelled the satellite launch rocket Nuri and the lunar probe Danuri in succession. Based on these achievements, the country is securing a stronger global standing academically and technologically in terms of space science.

Korea is also being recognised for its ability to attract relevant MICE events. In particular, Busan was the venue for not only the 2022 International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly but was also selected as the host city for the 2024 Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). With the world’s largest space science academic events taking place in Busan, it has become possible to not only revitalize its MICE and tourism-related industries but also showcase Busan’s potential as a science and technology hub and MICE city.

IAUGA 2022 Successfully Held in Busan

Source: Busan Tourism Organisation

In 2015, Korea won the honor of hosting the 31st International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly over the candidates of South Africa, Chile, and Canada. After a series of unfortunate delays due to COVID-19, this major scientific event finally took place in Busan.

The theme of this year’s General Assembly, which took place for 10 days and opened on August 2 at BEXCO in Busan, was “Astronomy for All”. It was structured not just as an academic meeting of specialists, but also as a science culture event for the general public. On August 6 and 7, public lectures on “next-generation astronomy” were held at the Busan National Science Museum. On August 9, various experiential activities were held at the BEXCO outdoor plaza, such as the Star Party where participants observed the sun during the day and the stars at night.

By hosting the 31st IAU General Assembly, which become a valuable forum for mutual exchange in the field of astronomy, Busan has clearly engraved itself in the hearts of visitors as a seaside MICE city where bright city life and nature coexist.

Busan Secures Hosting of COSPAR 2024!

Source: Busan Tourism Organisation

Meanwhile, the 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly, the world’s largest symposium on space science, is set to take place in Busan in 2024. This assembly will be held at BEXCO from July 13 to 21, 2024, under the theme of “Team Spirit in Space Research”. In addition to diverse invitational lectures and academic presentations, assorted public events such as the “Space Film Festival” and “Meetings with Space Scientists” are being planned as well. As a part of the preparations to hold this assembly successfully, a team from the Busan Tourism Organization attended the 44th Assembly held in Athens, Greece, last July and networked with key specialists and officials. Hosting COSPAR 2024 will be an excellent opportunity to showcase Busan as a city of science and technology to space researchers and officials around the world, including NASA.

By being selected to host such large-scale space science events, Busan is being acknowledged as a MICE city that possesses the infrastructure and resources to successfully conduct wide-ranging academic exchanges.

For more information, visit https://bto.or.kr/cvbeng/Main.do

or visit: https://bto.or.kr/cvbeng/CMS/Board/Board.do?mCode=MN039&&mode=view&board_seq=2448&

(Your Stories: Busan Tourism Organisation.)

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