Agoda raises funds for WWF projects

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June 16, 2022

SINGAPORE, 16 June 2022: Global digital travel platform Agoda, launches its Eco Deals programme and partners with WWF-Singapore (World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore) to provide funds for marine habitat restoration initiatives in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Through Agoda Eco Deals, travellers can make a more positive impact with their travel purchase decisions and will be able to choose a wide range of properties that enable them to give back to community initiatives in the destinations they visit.

Agoda’s Sustainable Travel Trends Survey published in 2021 found consumers want to travel more sustainably and that polluted beaches and waterways ranked as the top concern for Filipino tourists; second for Australians, Indonesian, and Malaysians; and third for Singaporeans.

Working in collaboration with WWF, Agoda launched its first Eco Deal campaign on 8 June 2022 with offers and a pledge valid through 8 December 2022. The offers focus on travellers to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Australia.

It allows travellers to select from various holiday accommodation deals that flag a 15% discount. In turn, Agoda donates USD1 for every booking to contribute to the local WWF conservation efforts in restoring marine habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves in Southeast Asia or protecting wildlife affected by floods in Australia.

“In a post-COVID world, people are more aware of their impact on the places and communities they visit when travelling and are actively looking for ways and means to make their ecological footprint smaller. Through Agoda’s Eco Deals initiative, we provide consumers opportunities to ‘give back’ as part of our partners’ and Agoda’s social responsibility commitment,” said Agoda regional vice president Southeast Asia and Oceania Enric Casals. “Many people travel to destinations across Southeast Asia and Australia for the pristine beaches, crystal clear seas and amazing opportunities to dive or snorkel in the coral reefs. But to ensure that these places flourish for future generations to explore, we need to travel more responsibly, starting now. This partnership with WWF will help travellers take steps towards more sustainable travel.”

WWF-Singapore’s CEO R Raghunathan noted: “The ocean is the largest ecosystem on the planet, covering more than 70% of the earth’s surface area. However, many marine ecosystems have been facing existential threats due to human activities, and we must take action now”.

Travellers looking to support this programme can visit https://www.agoda.com/c/EcoDeals to make their bookings or look out for the Eco Deals badge on the app highlighting participating properties.

(Source: Agoda)

Red Elephant appoints Italian sales

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TTR WEEKLY

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June 15, 2022

BANGKOK, 15 June 2022: Red Elephant Reps, a hotel and travel representation company, has strengthened its European sales team with the appointment of a director of sales for Italy.

Saskia Bigai will be responsible for executing sales and marketing strategies throughout Italy to drive growth and provide brand awareness for the company’s clients.

Commenting on the new appointment, Red Elephant Reps chief executive officer Ian Paul Woods said: “Saskia’s expertise in hotel sales and marketing combined with her strong connections in the travel and hospitality industry in Italy will be crucial in helping us to grow even further in the region.”

She has spent the last 23 years in sales and marketing for some of the world’s most distinguished hotel groups and several boutique hotels in the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean. Before this, she worked for tour operators and in the MICE industry.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of the Red Elephant Reps team,” says Bigai, “I look forward to bringing more awareness to our collection of hotels and DMCs through sales and marketing initiatives throughout Italy”.

Hard Rock stands tall on MICE

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TTR WEEKLY

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June 15, 2022

BALI, 15 June 2022: Bali is one-of-a-kind location with stunning scenery, the island has unique cultural experiences, comfortable weather, and world-class facilities for MICE. While the beautiful island attracts visitors from all over the world, it also provides attendees a numerous opportunities to blend business and pleasure in a single trip.

While planning for conference in Bali, accommodation selection is important because you need to find a resort with a convenient location (close to local attractions, malls, and eateries), as well as can provide fun team-building activities, and has good meeting facilities. Hard Rock Hotel Bali – Asia’s first Hard Rock Hotel is a good pick for your next MICE event.

Location

Situated on the iconic Kuta Beach – the hub of Bali’s entertainment and shopping district – you will be spoilt for choices for dining and shopping. The resort is located approximately 15 minutes or two miles from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Stay Like A Rock Star

Music brings everyone together. Hard Rock Hotel Bali is well-known for its unique and upbeat concept that combines the beauty of legendary music with contemporary hospitality services.

All 418 guestrooms are well-designed: modern, stylish, and with beautiful touches of Balinese details. The stunning mosaicked patterns of rock icons that adorn the walls of the rooms, make the perfect backdrop for an Instagram selfie. The rooms are equipped with espresso coffee machine and BOSE Bluetooth speakers that can connect to your mobile devices so you can enjoy your playlists.

Rooms featuring either one king or two queen beds, fitted with pillow-top mattresses and Sleep Like a Rock® bedding that is designed for guests to relax and recharge.

Of course, no Hard Rock experience is complete without music. For that, you can enjoy the hotel’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® programme, which consists of “TRACKS®”, “PICKS®”, and “WAX®”. “TRACKS®” lets you download songs from the iTunes store to create a personalised soundtrack for an unforgettable holiday. “PICKS®” helps you live out your rock star dreams by letting you check out a Fender guitar, amplifier and earphones to jam in the room. If you do not know how to play the guitar, you can even learn by watching TV programmes that are available on the hotel channel.

Splashing Good Time

Take a dip in the biggest free-form swimming pool in Bali! Not to miss the unique sand island – it is a sunbathing paradise that also function as the stage for outdoor performances and volleyball matches.

There is no shortage of pool activities, as the team of rock agent organise a variety of activities and games, from water volleyball to balloon races. This will keep your group entertained while building strong teamwork.

Memorabilia Tour

More than 500 pieces of memorabilia from both local and international artists adorn the hotel’s walls and spaces, showcasing incredible pieces of music history and setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to join the complimentary tour during your stay!

Centerstage

The Centerstage is a multi-purpose lobby bar located in the heart of the hotel. With live band performing nightly on a raised stage above the bar, the energy here is tremendous and you will feel like you’re in a live concert.

Watch video https://www.instagram.com/p/CWftpp8AR_6/

Meet Like A Rock Star

The Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s expansive indoor/outdoor meeting and event space is infused with unique, contemporary, music-inspired design and cutting-edge technology.

The team at Hard Rock Hotel Bali gives an amplified service and amazing experiences for any occasion, from intimate private meetings to spectacular events!

Your group will be treated like rock stars! Imagine this – welcome live band performance upon arrival, rockin’ team activities, group photo at guitar monument, Hard Rock’s merchandise as a welcome amenity, Centerstage VIP access, poolside private lunch or dinner events on Sand Island! You will be spoilt for choices.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Team Building

There are numerous music-themed activities and interactive entertainment options at Hard Rock Hotel Bali that are suited for any conference, event, or group size. Your team will feel like rock stars while bonding over their favourite music. They can form a rock band, learn to play instruments, and then record their own music track in the Boom Box Recording Studio.

Balinese Cooking Class

Interested in knowing more about local cuisine? You can organize cooking classes for your group. In just a few hours, you will learn about Balinese spices and what goes into the heart and soul of Balinese cooking.

Indeed, Bali is an excellent location for your next meeting or business retreat! If you’re planning future corporate retreats, get in touch with Hard Rock Hotel Bal to find out more.

This article is brought to you by Hpaper Online – a travel publication by HPL Hotels & Resorts. For more travel guides, subscribe to Hpaper Online for more, and you will receive exclusive discounts just for email subscribers.

(Your Stories: Hard Rock Hotel Bali)

TourismPHL gives farm tourism a nudge

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TTR WEEKLY

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June 15, 2022

MANILA, 15 June 2022: Tourism Philippines presents a promotion for farm visits encouraging visitors and tour operators to experience a new take on sustainable farm tourism.

The Telegram promotion invites travellers to watch a video of a farm destination in Panabo, Davao del Norte that offers both farming and entertainment.

Here, tourists get to have fun in their theme park and learn about aquaculture and other farming techniques through sustainable infrastructures.

Check out the first featured farm in Mindanao and discover ‘naturetainment’ in Agriya. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/CG4_KqzFlUA

#FutureFarms #ItsMoreFunWithYou #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines

CX reports May performance gains

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TTR WEEKLY

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June 15, 2022

HONG KONG, 15 June 2022: Cathay Pacific saw passenger gains in May 2022 when compared with the same month last year, lifting the airline’s load factor by 33.7 percentage points to 60.5%, according to the airline’s traffic figures released Tuesday.

In a media statement, the airline said the May 2022 traffic figures started to reflect the positive impact of government changes to travel restrictions and quarantine requirements.

Cathay Pacific carried 57,982 passengers during May 2022, an increase of 141.5% compared to May 2021 but a 98% decrease compared to the pre-pandemic level in May 2019. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 164.4% year-on-year but were down 97.1% versus May 2019.

Passenger load factor increased by 33.7 percentage points to 60.5%, while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), increased by 16.8% year-on-year, but decreased by 96% compared with May 2019 levels. In the first five months of 2022, the number of passengers carried increased by 59.1% against a 48.5% decrease in capacity and a 49.3% increase in RPKs, as compared to the same period for 2021.

Travel

Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Ronald Lam commented: “The introduction of further adjustments to travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in Hong Kong from 1 May was a welcome development, although our business during the month remained constrained.

“We increased our passenger flight capacity by 78% compared with April, but we still only operated about 4% of our pre-pandemic levels. Traffic volume in RPK increased 94% month on month, which was driven primarily by long-haul flights. As a result, the overall load factor reached 60.5%.

“The additional passenger flight capacity we mounted in May provided better connectivity for our transit passengers, particularly those travelling from the Chinese Mainland to long-haul destinations such as the US, Europe and Australia. Demand for inbound flights to Hong Kong saw substantial growth, driven by pent-up demand from North America, the UK and Europe. We also resumed flights to India last month with services to Delhi and Mumbai. On the other hand, we continued to operate limited frequencies into the Chinese Mainland to comply with ongoing capacity restrictions.”

Outlook

“The first quarter of 2022 saw travel restrictions and quarantine requirements tightening as Hong Kong continued to fight against COVID-19. Such measures have restricted our ability to operate beyond only a fraction of our passenger services and have significantly reduced our cargo capacity.

“However, with the recent adjustments to travel restrictions and quarantine requirements, we have been able to resume more flight capacity in the second quarter. Given a strong underlying cargo performance coupled with our cost-management measures implemented over the past two years, our consolidated losses in the first half of 2022, while substantial, are expected to be lower than the consolidated losses reported in the first half of 2021.”

“Earlier this month, the Hong Kong SAR Government agreed to extend the drawdown period of the HKD7.8 billion loan facility for 12 months to 8 June 2023. The further extension of the drawdown period is greatly appreciated and will provide us with the flexibility to manage our liquidity position.

“Looking ahead to June and beyond, as travel demand continues to improve over the coming months, we will increase passenger flight capacity as much as is practicable under the confines of ongoing restrictions. Cathay Pacific started the year operating flights to 29 destinations, and we target to double that by the end of the year. As of June, we are already halfway towards reaching this target, with 45 destinations resumed.

“We will be keeping a close eye on the opening up of travel activities in nearby countries, such as Japan and South Korea, and will look to operate flights to capture potential demand wherever possible. We also expect transit traffic to improve and become more diversified, particularly between the UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as North America and Southeast Asia.”

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

PATA positive on tourism outlook

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TTR WEEKLY

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June 15, 2022

BANGKOK, 15 June 2022: Based on regional recovery trends in the Asia Pacific, destinations will amass step-wise annual increases from 2022 to 2024, according to the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s latest forecast.

PATA released its latest quarterly forecast on Tuesday based on international visitor arrivals data provided by 39 Asia-Pacific destinations up to 6 May 2022.

International visitor arrival recovery rates (above the 2019 baseline level) for visitors to and across the Asia Pacific should reach between 25 to 48% of the volume last received in 2019, with the numbers reflecting the range of potential outcomes from severe to mild scenarios.

The travel association argues that this is a solid improvement over the 16 to 18% range of 2021 – the trough year for most Asia Pacific destinations – and heralds the beginning of a continued growth trend to 2024.

Foreign arrivals to and across the Asia Pacific are still projected to reach parity with the 2019 position (medium scenario) or be well above it (mild scenario) by 2024. Even so, the severe scenario reminds us that a possibility still exists for conditions to deteriorate once again. PATA identifies multiple influencing factors, including the ongoing pandemic continually evolving, the Ukraine/Russia crisis, escalating jet fuel prices, limited air capacity and routes, and industry-wide staff shortages.

While predicting annual growth for each of the 39 destinations covered between 2022 and 2024, there will be some variations.

At the individual destination level, recovery rates will vary broadly in 2022 and should range from less than 15% to almost 99%. In 2024, they range from 86% to 120%. The latest projections indicate the Asia Pacific will reach an IVA count in 2024 of 510 to 832 million, depending on which scenario plays out.

Similar variations are apparent across the source market regions relevant to the Asia Pacific. In general, the trend is towards the same inbound structure of 2024, at least under the medium scenario.

As PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera observes: “While a positive turning point is predicted to occur in 2022 for all the 39 Asia Pacific destinations covered in these updated forecasts, many market variables are currently influencing travel, and significant challenges still lay ahead. She cited the threat of emerging strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to escalating jet fuel prices, the spectre of rising inflation to the current geopolitical conflicts. These variables remain concerns in the face of pent-up global demand to reconnect and travel.”

CWT launches China service hub

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TTR WEEKLY

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June 15, 2022

SINGAPORE, 15 June 2022: The CWT, a leading business travel management platform, has launched a new bilingual service centre that will offer companies 24/7 travel assistance in English and Mandarin.

This is in response to growing demand from Chinese multinationals that require a convenient and consistent corporate travel experience for their employees based outside China.

The service centre, located in Singapore, consists of a team of travel counsellors who are fluent in both languages and have received special training in Chinese culture and traveller preferences.

Companies that sign up for this service will have access to 24/7 assistance for their employees’ travel arrangements, including flight, ground transport and hotel bookings, as well as on-trip support in the event of trip disruptions such as flight delays and cancellations.

“We have seen a swift resumption in travel by our Chinese clients’ overseas employees, as countries around the world have relaxed restrictions,” said CWT general manager China Albert Zhong. “In the case of certain companies, executives are already travelling as much—or even more—than they were pre-pandemic times.”

One of China’s biggest technology companies became the first customer to use the service in May. CWT has several other large Chinese multinational clients that have expressed interest and are expected to subscribe to the service later this year.

CWT established its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Singapore in 1996.

Scoot returns to Japan

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TTR WEEKLY

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June 15, 2022

SINGAPORE, 15 June 2022: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), has launched ticket sales for nonstop flights from Singapore to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan.

The launch marks Scoot’s first nonstop service to Tokyo. Until the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020, Scoot operated flights to Tokyo with a stop in Taipei or Bangkok. The new service will fly daily from the airline’s home base in Singapore

Scoot resumes daily nonstop flights to Osaka after a two-year gap. On both routes, the airline will use its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Lead-in fares for the Singapore – Tokyo (Narita) and Singapore – Osaka routes start from SGD263 and SGD296 (taxes inclusive, one way).

As Japan kickstarts its first phase of reopening, travel agents in Singapore are monitoring an uptick in bookings for holidays in Japan.

TOKYO

Singapore – Tokyo (Narita)
From 1 August – 29 October 2022
Flight Number	Frequency	Departure	Arrival	Fleet
TR 808	Daily	0110	0855	B787-9

Tokyo (Narita) – Singapore
From 1 August – 29 October 2022
Flight Number	Frequency	Departure	Arrival	Fleet
TR 809	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday	1000	1630	B787-9
TR 809	Sunday	1000	1620	B787-9

OSAKA

Singapore – Osaka
From 1 September – 29 October 2022
Flight Number	Frequency	Departure	Arrival	Fleet
TR 818	Daily	0625	1410	B787-8

Osaka – Singapore
From 1 September – 29 October 2022
Flight Number	Frequency	Departure	Arrival	Fleet
TR 819	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday	1515	2110	B787-8
TR 819	Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday	1515	2130	B787-8

RWMF revives famous workshop sessions

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TTR WEEKLY

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June 14, 2022

KUCHING, 14 June 2022: Festival-goers at the iconic Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2022 will enjoy an array of exciting daytime activities around the event’s venue at Sarawak Cultural Village will reflect on the festival’s 25-year journey.

The RWMF will bring diverse, talented musicians from different disciplines together under unifying themes to showcase, jam and create unique music in the setting of the Sarawak Cultural Village. Through these sessions of intertwining contemporary and traditional music, the legacy of RWMF is built and preserved to keep world music alive for years to come.

The daytime ‘workshops’, which are a prelude and complement the night concerts at the iconic event, feature fun and educational activities with various themes that encompass the elements of dance, music, story-telling, musical instruments and even a session designed especially for the children to learn on culture and heritage.

Among the highlights of the workshops is the family-friendly Kiddies Club where young children will have the opportunity to learn and play with traditional instruments such as the sape’, the Malay kompang and many others. As RWMF celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, this workshop is a reflection on how important it is to pass on the rich musical heritage of Sarawak to the next generation.

For the full programme for the nightly concerts and the details of the daytime workshops at the RWMF Friday 17 June, Saturday 18 June and Sunday 19 June visit: https://rwmf.net/our-programme/

Rainforest World Music Festival 2022

The Rainforest World Music Festival-themed “Legendary Rainforest Celebration” will be held from 17 to 19 June 2022, adopting a hybrid format this year with the physical concert at Sarawak Cultural Village while viewers can also Livestream it from their homes via an online viewing platform. Visit www.rwmf.net for more information and to purchase tickets.

RWMF will feature a host of international performers from Canada, India, USA, Finland, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Madagascar, Ukraine, China, Bhutan and Seoul, among others, while showcasing a string of Malaysia’s own talents such as Alena Murang, At Adau from Sarawak, Bamboo Woods from Sabah, Bourbon Lassi from Kuala Lumpur and many more.

Festival-goers can choose from the different ticket categories at pre-sale prices – Adult 1-Day Pass (RM165), Adult 3-Day Pass (RM405), Child 1-Day Pass (RM85), Child 3-Day Pass (RM195) and 1-Day Family Package Pass- 2 Adult and 2 Children (RM440). The virtual tickets are priced at RM25 per one-hour block.

Borneo Jazz 2022

Meanwhile, themed “Jazz in The Jungle”, the 17^th edition of Borneo Jazz will be held from 24 to 26 June 2022 in Coco Cabana, Miri in a hybrid format for the first time to reach out to the greater jazz-loving community worldwide. Performers from a host of countries, namely Singapore, Japan, France, Switzerland, USA, and Hungary, not to mention the best names in Malaysian jazz will be showcasing their talent in Jazz music. For more information on the festival or to purchase a ticket, visit jazzborneo.com.

For the general category, 1-Day Pass is priced at MYR128 per ticket, 2-Day Pass is RM228 per ticket and 3-Day Pass is MYR338 per ticket. As for students and senior citizens, 1-Day Pass is priced at MYR88 per ticket, 2-Day Pass is RM128 per ticket and 3-Day Pass is MYR188 per ticket. For virtual viewing, tickets are priced at MYR25 per one-hour block.

Tourism associations sign MOU

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TTR WEEKLY

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June 14, 2022

SINGAPORE, 14 June 2022: Two travel and tourism organisations will collaborate to advance the careers of African women in the travel and hospitality sector in Africa.

The World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH) and The African Association of Women in Tourism and Hospitality (AAWTH) will implement training and advance their complementary agendas, as defined in a new memorandum of understanding signed by the two associations, on 10 June 2022.

*From left: Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu, Daphne Spencer and Nigel Fell.*

CEO of WTACH, Nigel Fell, said: “Africa has extraordinary potential as both a culture and heritage destination and a vibrant outbound source market, so the timing is right to enhance opportunities for enterprising African women seeking to make a positive difference in tourism across the continent.”

WTACH will be supported in that agenda by the co-founders and senior members of AAWTH, all of whom have set up successful tourism businesses or held senior positions in leading travel companies in Africa and the US.

AAWTH campaigns for four policy changes by African governments.

Tourism taxation funds to be used in research and sustainability.
Lending cost waivers and tax breaks for indigenous investors, especially women.

Funding for education and career advancement programmes for women.
Secure, flexible, and accommodating work environments for women to rise up through organisations.

Both WTACH and AAWTH want an inclusive future for the tourism industry in Africa. This includes setting basic standards of job qualification within the tourism and hospitality sector.

“We will work with WTACH on training, empowerment and setting professional standards,” said the CEO of Hospitality Amplified and AAWTH co-founder, Daphne Spencer, who is from Ghana.

AAWTH chair and founding board and Chair of Women in Hospitality, Nigeria, Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu added: “Empowerment and inclusivity are crucial to helping African women get ahead — whether they want to be a barista, in the boardroom, or start their own company.”

Based in Sydney, Australia, World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage seeks to establish clear goals, objectives and strategies for the protection of cultural heritage through responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Working in collaboration with public, private and specialist academic sector organisations. WTACH was established in 2018 by Chris Flynn, a former Pacific region director at the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

Agoda raises funds for WWF projects

Red Elephant appoints Italian sales

Hard Rock stands tall on MICE

TourismPHL gives farm tourism a nudge

CX reports May performance gains

PATA positive on tourism outlook

CWT launches China service hub

Scoot returns to Japan

RWMF revives famous workshop sessions

Tourism associations sign MOU

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