HONG KONG, 25 March 2022: Mandarin Oriental
Hotel Group has announced a management agreement to rebrand the historic
Shepheard Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.
This will be the group’s first hotel in
Egypt and expands the brand’s portfolio in the Middle East.
Shepheard Hotel first opened its doors in
1841 and remained a landmark in the city. A comprehensive renovation of the
property is already underway and should be completed in 2024, when the property
will reopen as Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo.
Located on the eastern shore of the Nile in
the heart of downtown Cairo, the property will feature 188 rooms, 88 suites and
five restaurants and bars.
The project developer is Al Sharif for
Tourism and Hotels, an Egyptian Closed Joint Stock Company that is a subsidiary
of Al Sharif Group Holding, the Saudi holding group based in Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia, who won the concession to redevelop the site from the Egyptian General
Company for Tourism and Hotels in 2020.
BANGKOK, 25 March 2022: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) backs a plan to establish a Thailand International Air Show” as early as 2025 and hosted at the U-Tapao International Airport south of Pattaya.
TCEB’s feasibility study supported the
resolution adopted at a recent meeting of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)
Policy Committee.
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya.
EEC agreed to designate the Eastern
Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO) to serve as the primary host with
TCEB and the Royal Thai Navy appointed as supporting agencies.
TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na
Ayuthaya confirmed the show’s official unveiling is scheduled for 2023. The
organisers will approach leading aviation players and aircraft manufacturers to
join a pilot edition in 2025, then host the full-scale event in 2027.
Subsequently, the air show will convene every
two years at the U-Tapao International Airport, approximately 45 km south of
Pattaya on the Gulf of Thailand.
Competition
Singapore International Air Show every two
years will be the main competitor in Southeast Asia. The six-day show was
hosted last February and will next convene in February 2024.
India has hosted a biennial air show held
in Bangalore since 1996 and is now one of the largest air shows in the world
and the largest in Asia.
Revenue forecast
According to TCEB’s feasibility study, the
initial investment and support will cover five editions spanning 10 years. TCEB
forecasts the air show could spur the growth of GDP by up to THB4,777 million,
generate 18,760 new jobs and generate tax revenue of THB1,788 million for the
government. Around 75,000 aviation linked visitors should attend the show.
MANILA, 25 March 2022: The Philippines tourism industry is
monitoring the first signs of recovery as international visitors to the country
pass the 100,000 mark in the month since borders reopened.
The Department of Tourism reports data from the One Health Pass (OHP), showed inbound visitor arrivals to the Philippines reached 102,031 as of 16 March. The country reopened its borders on 10 February, well ahead of most Southeast Asian countries.
DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat commented: “We are
happy to see the gradual reopening of our borders finally bearing fruit as
evidenced by the much higher foreign visitor arrivals. This will help safeguard
the industry’s revival, providing more jobs and livelihoods to Filipinos in the
tourism sector”.
Tourists from the US remain the top contributor to tourist
arrivals since its reopening of borders until 16 March with 22,243; followed by
Canada with 4,852; the United Kingdom with 4,386; South Korea with 3,748;
Australia with 3,387; Vietnam with 2,656; Germany with 1,976; and Japan with
1,752.
Last week, the DOT announced that the Philippines would open to fully vaccinated travellers from all countries, as well as the resumption of visa issuances by Philippine embassies starting 1 April to coincide with this development.
Along with the said move, it allowed the submission of
negative laboratory-based antigen test results taken within 24 hours from
departure as an alternate option for arriving passengers, in place of the
initial requirement of a negative result of an RT-PCR test taken 48 hours prior
to departure from the point of origin.
“Our numbers are still far from pre-pandemic levels, but we are optimistic that this will continue to increase amid the sustained decline in Covid-19 cases in the country as well as the ongoing efforts of the Philippine government to improve its healthcare capacity. On the DOT’s part, we shall continue working with the IATF, and our partners in the government and the private sector in coming up with measures that will sustain this growth,” Puyat noted.
KOTA KINABALU, 25 March 2022: The Tourism, Culture, and
Environment Ministry met with captains of industries and enforcement officials
to assess their preparedness and identify potential challenges ahead of opening
borders on 1 April to international visitors.
Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the concerns
focused on airport congestion, inadequate immigration checkpoints in airports,
a designated quarantine centre for positive travellers, and the Covid-19 test
requirement.
In addition, tourism players also suggested the state
government establish a standardised standard operating procedure to facilitate
tourist entry into the state.
They said that having a standardised operating procedure
that differed from the federal ones would add to the confusion and make things
more complicated for tourists.
Joniston, who also chairs Sabah Tourism Board (STB), said the engagement was critical in gathering
feedback from stakeholders to implement adequate preparations before 1 April.
“A practical guideline is needed as we prepare for
opening the national border to serve tourists better and avoid burdening them
with obstacles they may encounter upon arrival in the state.
“The Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is
Sabah’s most important entry point. Therefore, all stakeholders must express
their concerns and points of view so that we can find early solutions to
problems that are likely to arise,” he said.
The Ministry has forwarded all suggestions to the Covid-19
Command Centre for further deliberation before handing them over to the
National Security Council.
Joniston added regular engagement would be carried out from
time to time to improve the current situation and quality of service.
Also present were Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Sr
Mohd Yusrie Abdullah, Deputy Permanent Secretary II Mary Malangking, STB chief
executive officer Noredah Othman, STB chief financial officer Julinus Jeffery
Jimit, STB chief marketing officer Tay
Shu Lan, and KKIA customs as well as immigration representatives.
Tourism players in attendance were MATTA president Datuk Tan
Kok Liang, MAH Sabah Chapter chairman Hafizan Wong, SATTA president Datuk
Winston Liaw, MyBHA Sabah Chapter
chairman James Ong, Sabah Tourists Association Tonny Chew, and Sabah Tourist
Guides Association Grace Leong, among others.
Visit the Sabah Tourism website for more information.
SINGAPORE, 25 March 2022: Travellers will soon be able to
access precise flight CO2 emission information to gauge their carbon footprint,
according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
This week IATA announced the launch of the IATA Recommended
Practice Per-Passenger CO2 Calculation Methodology that uses verified airline
operational data to provide the most accurate calculation methodology for the
industry to quantify CO2 emissions per passenger for a specific flight.
Photo Credit: IATA
As travellers, corporate travel managers, and travel agents
are increasingly demanding precise flight CO2 emission information, an accurate
and standardised calculation methodology is critical, IATA said in a media
statement.
“Airlines have worked together through IATA to develop an
accurate and transparent methodology using verified airline operational data.
This provides the most accurate CO2 calculation for organisations and
individuals to make informed choices about flying sustainably. This includes
decisions on investing in voluntary carbon offsetting or sustainable aviation
fuel (SAF) use,” said IATA’s director-general Willie Walsh.
IATA’s Methodology takes into account the following factors:
Guidance on fuel measurement,
aligned with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International
Aviation (CORSIA);
Clearly defined scope to calculate
CO2 emissions in relation to airlines’ flying activities;
Guidance on non-CO2 related
emissions and Radiative Forcing Index (RFI)
Weight-based calculation
principle: allocation of CO2 emission by passenger and belly cargo;
Guidance on passenger weight,
using actual and standard weight;
Emissions Factor for conversion of
jet fuel consumption to CO2, fully aligned with CORSIA;
Cabin class weighting and
multipliers to reflect different cabin configurations of airlines;
Guidance on SAF and carbon offsets
as part of the CO2 calculation.
“The plethora of carbon calculation methodologies with
varying results creates confusion and dents consumer confidence. Aviation is
committed to achieving net-zero by 2050,” said Walsh.
” By creating an accepted industry standard for
calculating aviation’s carbon emissions, we are putting in place essential
support to achieve this goal. The IATA Passenger CO2 Calculation Methodology is
the most authoritative tool, and it is ready for airlines, travel agents, and
passengers to adopt”.
Both properties have announced special rates for the Thai
New Year festive period that include breakfast for two adults and two children.
The offer gives a THB600 dining credit per night, while youngsters under 12 eat
free from the kid’s menu and stay free when sharing a room with parents.
There’s also free WiFi, early check-in from 1000 and late check-out until 1600.
Guests choosing Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort can enjoy
access to non-motorised water sports, family and kids’ activities, and free gym
access. Prices for Songkran at Outrigger Khao Lak start at THB2999 net per
night for a 40 sqm Deluxe Garden Balcony room, rising to THB5499 for a 73 sqm
pool villa, with five room type options in between.
At Outrigger Surin Beach Resort in Phuket, guests have the
option of using daily access to the Blue Tree Water Park instead of their
THB600 dining credit each day. For Songkran at Outrigger Surin, rates start at
THB2999 net, which includes an upgrade to a 40 sqm Surin Studio Room. The
second option is an upgrade to the 70sqm Grand Surin Suite for THB3499. The top
option is an upgrade to a 50sqm Plunge Pool Suite for THB3999 per night.
Both properties are SHA Plus Certified and are part of
Outrigger’s Clean Commitment.
Outrigger Area general manager for Thailand Tony Pedroni
said: “For guests who are not sure which property to go for at Songkran and
beyond, I would say Outrigger Surin Beach has a boutique resort feel,
exceptional dining at Nalu Bar & Grill and is centrally located for a
variety of Phuket experiences.
“Outrigger Khao Lak is a bigger, more self-contained resort,
surrounded by nature, a bit quieter and perhaps more suitable for families with
kids,” he said.
Outside the peak demand Songkran period 11 to 17 April,
Outrigger is adding even more value by giving THB500 off the above rates per
night for stays from now until 30 June 2022.
In Khao Lak, a 90-minute drive north of Phuket airport, the 158-key Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort sits on Bang Sak Beach, a long stretch of fine sand coastline with uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea. The property’s room portfolio includes 12 suites and villas. There are two restaurants, a bar, an expansive pool with ocean views, massage cabanas, and a new kids’ club and fitness centre. Popular local activities include elephant trekking, canoeing, forest and waterfall discoveries.
ABOUT OUTRIGGER SURIN BEACH RESORT IN PHUKET
In Phuket, 30-minutes south of the international airport, the Outrigger Surin Beach Resort is an elegant 60-room boutique property on the edge of the powder-white sands of Surin Beach, within walking distance of an array of dining, shopping and entertainment venues. The resort features a surf-inspired restaurant and bar, two swimming pools, fitness studio and spa. Half of the rooms are in higher categories, including spacious plunge-pool and two-level suites.
BANGKOK, 24 March 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces the much-anticipated reopening of Centara Karon Resort Phuket on 1 April 2022.
Located a short walk from Karon Beach, Centara Karon Resort
Phuket is widely acclaimed as one of Thailand’s best family resorts.
Consistently ranked as one of Tripadvisor’s Best Family Hotels, it provides the
ultimate in family entertainment, but it is also a perfect relaxation and play
space for couples, groups and solo travellers.
The resort offers a comprehensive range of facilities
including three swimming pool areas with separate children’s pools, waterfalls
and waterslides. SPA Cenvaree offers rejuvenating treatments for singles and
couples and features steam rooms and Jacuzzi spas. Youngsters have their own
supervised Kids’ Club, Camp Safari, and a hangout zone for teenagers, E-Zone.
Centara Karon Resort also offers an exciting choice for all
tastes, including Thai, Asian and international cuisines, along with themed
dinners in the evenings at Lotus Restaurant. Azure enjoys a beautiful setting
beside the Lagoon pool and serves modern Italian favourites, while The Mix
transforms from a coffee corner during the day into an evening lounge bar with
great music, live sports, cocktails and refreshments.
Fully vaccinated travellers arriving from overseas can enjoy a Test & Go quarantine-free visit to Thailand following the government policy of a negative RT-PCR test result on the day of arrival. Guests travelling to Phuket are required to book an RT-PCR test directly via https://tp.consular.go.th when applying for a Thailand Pass.
Guests enjoy peace of mind when staying with Centara Hotels & Resorts as the group continues to follow strict safety protocols and adhere to certified health and hygiene procedures with the comprehensive Centara Complete Care programme across all its properties.
Test & Go packages at Centara Karon Resort Phuket start from THB 4,380++ per person per night in a Deluxe Pool View Room, inclusive of secure transfer from Phuket International Airport to the resort and roundtrip transfers to the medical centre for RT-PCR testing on arrival.
TOKYO, 24 March 2022: The Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) embarks on marketing and promotional efforts in Japan just a month after reopening to international leisure travellers.
Philippines Department of Tourism (PDOT) Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat meets with Japanese travel agents at Imperial Hotel Tokyo to present the Philippines as a safe travel destination in the new normal.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat led the Philippine
delegation to Japan to promote the country as a safe travel destination in the
new normal.
Japan has consistently been the Philippines’ fourth-biggest tourism source market pre-pandemic. In 2019, the country recorded 682,788 tourists from Japan. Since the country’s reopening last 10 February, the Philippines welcomed 2,125 leisure travellers from Japan as of 20 March 2022.
Puyat met with Japanese travel agents, tour operators,
tourism organisations, English studies operators, economic federations, and
Japanese media from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
Some notable participants included STWorld, Japan
Association of Travel Agents, JTB Corp, Japan Travel and Tourism Association,
Hankyu Travel International, Kansai
Economic Federation and the Japan Philippine Tourism Council.
The tourism chief highlighted, among others, the country’s
low Covidd-19 cases, the high vaccination rate of tourism workers, compliance
with global safety and hygiene protocols, and simplified entry requirements and
processes.
She assured Japanese tourism stakeholders that the DOT would
continue to provide marketing support, including that of chartered flights to
the Philippines.
Puyat also introduced a programme to entice fully vaccinated
Japanese travellers who have yet to receive their booster jabs by providing
Covid-19 vaccine booster shots at popular tourist destinations in the country.
This will enable Japanese tourists to go back to Japan without having to
quarantine.
“Like other tourism ministries, the Philippines Department
of Tourism exhausted all possible efforts to revive the industry, primarily to
restore jobs and rebuild revenue streams. Now, we are glad to see the fruits of
our labour after nearly two years of preparations to push for the recovery of
the sector,” she said in a media statement.
She emphasised that the Philippines is by far the first country in Southeast Asia to have the simplest travel process with no quarantines nor testing upon arrival.
“We are aware that the pandemic is still here, and
health should always be the priority. We strive to balance public safety and
economic recovery by crafting policies that safeguard our citizen’s well-being
as well as revive the tourism sector,” she stressed.
Puyat also met with the DOT’s counterpart, the Japan
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MOLIT), to discuss the
resumption of two-way tourism traffic between the two countries.
“The Philippines and Japan share a common goal for the
tourism sector, that of promoting our respective destinations and thereby
contributing meaningfully to the growth of our nations’ economies.”, said
Puyat
The tourism chief took the opportunity to invite Japanese tourism players to the much-anticipated World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit, which will be held in Manila, the Philippines, for the first time from 20 to 22 April.
The upcoming Philippine-hosted WTTC Summit will “open
discussions between industry stakeholders, organisations, and governments to
support economic recovery by restarting travel and tourism and attracting
investments centred on the safe and secure reopening of the industry,” she
disclosed.
The tourism chief earlier said that such hosting is an
advantage to the Philippines, as it is a way to showcase what the country could
offer more in the global arena in terms of boosting investments.
“Through this event, we aim to stimulate discussions on how
to solve the social, environmental, and economic challenges faced by the global
travel and tourism industry. Likewise, we aim to increase the public’s
appreciation for the travel and tourism industry’s role as a driver of economic
growth, livelihoods and employment, and sustainable development,” she said.
JAKARTA, 24 March 2022: Best Western Hotels & Resorts opens sales for the Best Western Batang Garing, a midscale hotel in Palangka Raya, the capital and largest city in Central Kalimantan.
Located in the city centre, the transfer from the hotel to Tjilik Riwut Airport takes just 15 minutes by car. The airport is also home to an aviation school run by Lion Air. Annually, the airport serves around 800,000 mostly domestic passengers.
Palangka Raya is the capital and largest city of the
Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan situated between the Kahayan and the
Sabangau rivers on the island of Borneo. The city has a population of 293,500.
The launch of the 133-room Best Western Batang Garing marks the latest phase of Best Western’s expansion in Indonesia. At present, the company operates 18 properties across the country, comprising 10 Best Western, three Best Western Plus and five Best Western Premier branded hotels.
NEW YORK, 24 March 2022: People are looking forward to
making more trips than last year and planning to spend more or the same on
travel in 2022 compared to a typical pre-pandemic year, according to the latest
American Express Travel: 2022 Global Travel Trends Report.
Released on Tuesday, the report is based on data from the
US, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India and the UK.
It shows consumers are travelling to see the people and
places they love, celebrate important life events, embark on wish list trips,
experience in-person events, and to seek greater wellness and self-care.
In Q4 2021, global Card Member bookings made through
American Express Travel were up 24% compared to 2019 and have continued to
strengthen in 2022.
“The pandemic has made all of us, including travellers, assess
what is truly important,” said American
Express Travel president Audrey Hendley. “The Global Travel Trends Report shows
that tourists are making up for lost time and being thoughtful about who they
travel with, the places they visit, the brands they support, and how they spend
their money as the travel industry moves forward.”
Top insights from the 2022 Global Travel Trends Report¹
The world is ready to travel: 74% of respondents agree they are willing to book a trip for 2022 even if they might have to cancel or modify it later¹. This is up from 56% last year².
Spending on travel is outpacing pre-pandemic levels: 86% of consumers expect to spend more or the same on travel in 2022 compared to a typical pre-pandemic year¹.
Tourists want to travel more frequently: 62% of respondents plan on taking 2-4 trips in 2022, and 76% of respondents agree they plan to travel more with family in 2022 than they did in 2021.
Tourists are seeking out brands that prioritize supporting local communities: 81% of respondents want to visit destinations where they can immerse themselves in the local culture and want the money they spend while travelling to go back to the local community.
Dream destinations are becoming a reality: 55% of respondents want to book a once-in-a-lifetime vacation this year, especially true for Millennials (67%) and Gen Z (65%).
As entertainment returns, trips tied to in-person events make a comeback: 56% of respondents stated they held off on travelling for major entertainment events last year but have plans to return to these types of events this year.
The complete American Express Travel: 2022 Global Travel Trends Report can be found here.
