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WTTC speaks out on Ukraine crisis

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TTR WEEKLY
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LONDON, 22 March 2022: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) addressed EU Tourism Ministers confirming the tourism private sector’s solidarity with the people of Ukraine at a closed high-level meeting in Dijon last week.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson praised European Ministers for their resolve and solidarity with the people of Ukraine. WTTC was present to highlight the importance of the recovery of tourism for Europe, creating employment for 24 million in the EU.

Julia Simpson.

During this landmark event, Simpson said: “WTTC and its members stand with the people of Ukraine. First and foremost, this is a humanitarian disaster and an economic one. We have all witnessed the shocking scenes on our TV screens, and our hearts go out to the innocent victims.”

“After almost two years without international travel, the loss of businesses and millions of jobs, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“If restrictions continue to be removed, the sector could employ almost 24 million people across the EU and contribute some EUR1.3 trillion to the region’s economy this year.

“As Presidency of the Council of the European Union, France is in a unique position to make a real difference. Europe’s recovery is at a critical juncture. We need to keep the economy open and restore unrestricted travel.”

Simpson also highlighted the importance of a sustainable recovery and addressed the role EU ministers can play in reducing carbon emissions by 25 million tons of carbon a year.

“Aviation is making great strides in sustainability, but it needs urgent support. For 20 years, airlines have been promised a Single European Sky allowing planes to fly on the shortest routes. Today planes zig-zag across Europe burning extra fuel. The time for talking is over. If the EU is to meet its sustainability targets, it must act.”

Sarawak destinations win clean city status

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 22 March 2022: Miri, Kuching and Sibu were honoured recently as clean tourist cities after receiving the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard 2022-2024 Award at the national level from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

The winners showed outstanding ASEAN Tourism Standard compliance that guides destinations to provide high-quality and excellent service delivery for tourists.

The Miri City Council (MCC), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) were among the seven local authorities in Malaysia which won the national award.

STB’s chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said, “This award is a testament to the efforts taken by the various stakeholders in Sarawak to transform and improve our cities, not only to enhance the quality of tourism but also to ensure we become more sustainable, responsible and cleaner. We believe this recognition further instils confidence in travellers in choosing Sarawak as their destination.”

“Research also shows that a rising number of travellers want to tread lightly. The modern tourist wants to give back to the countries and communities they visit and reduce their impact on the environment. Our goal is to continue driving campaigns and initiatives that underlines the role of the traveller in amplifying the potential of tourism while avoiding damage on the environment, traditions, culture, heritage and local communities.”

“On that front, we remain committed to the Responsible Tourism pledge that was taken in November 2021 by STB and industry players, which focuses on 3Es – Environmental Protection, Empowering Communities through Education, and Economic Viability and Impact.”

Sarawak is not only a state that is recognised for its natural wonders and ethnic diversity, but also for its culinary treasures and its cleanliness which provides an authentic Sarawakian experience to those visiting the state, making it a preferred destination for travellers worldwide.

“For Sarawakians and non-Sarawakians residing in Sarawak with work permits, this is the right time to discover our state, for double the deal, double the fun via Sia Sitok Sarawak (SSS) 3.0 and Sia Sitok Sarawak Accommodation (SSSA) 2.0. There are over 88 exciting packages for tours and activities throughout Sarawak, which includes day trips and multi-day trips. Currently, all the packages are selling well, so book your once in a lifetime adventure before it’s sold out!”

The booking period for both the campaigns deals ends on 30 April 2022, while the travelling period expires 31 May 2022.

For more information about Sarawak, log on to Sarawak Tourism Board’s website at https://sarawaktourism.com or visit www.siasitok.sarawaktourism.com for more information on Sia Sitok Sarawak and Sia Sitok Sarawak Accommodation.

(Your Stories: STB)

Hong Kong airport reports February traffic gains

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 22 March 2022: Hong Kong International Airport handled 86,000 passengers in February a year-on-year increase of 80.2%, but passenger volume remained significantly lower than the pre-pandemic level recorded in 2019.

Cargo volume and flight movements recorded 272,000 tonnes and 8,330, respectively in February, representing decreases of 12.2% and 1.9% compared to the same month in 2021.

Cargo throughput declined due to flight reductions following the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Exports and trans-shipments were affected most significantly, declining by double digits compared to the same month last year. Overall cargo to and from North America experienced the most significant decrease during the month.

Departure passengers to Mainland China and Southeast Asia experienced the most significant increases during the month, while transfer/transit passenger volume underperformed due to tightened restrictions.

On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger and cargo volume increased by 2.6% and 8.5% to 1.4 million and 5 million tonnes, respectively. Flight movements rose by 12.4% to 145,285.

Meanwhile, AAHK received the Gold Award in the “Best Innovation for Future Enterprise” category at the Star Awards 2021 organised by the Communications Association of Hong Kong (CAHK).

AAHK was awarded for its innovative approach in providing a shared infrastructure at HKIA that supports a private-enterprise 5G network and infrastructure for mobile operators to provide public 5G service.

Sabah welcomes ultra trail marathon

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TTR WEEKLY
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TUARAN, Sabah, 22 March 2022: Running enthusiasts flocked to the picturesque Kiulu countryside to participate in the much-anticipated two-day Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon (BUTM) last week.

The first day of the marathon race saw 345 people competing in two categories over distances of 100 and 50 km. On the second day, the 30 km and 9 km races covered routes through Kiulu villages, along the river, and through forested terrain trails.

  • Datuk Joniston Bangkuai greets international participants at the Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon in Kiulu.

State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai flagged off races.

This year’s BUTM attracted 700 Malaysian and international runners between the ages of 10 and 65, with young marathoners permitted to compete in the 9 km category race.

One of the first-time participants was Holly Anderson from the US, who came with two friends from England and Sweden. Residents of Kuala Lumpur, took part in the 50 km challenge.

“We have joined a couple of races, but this is our first time joining BUTM and taking part in a race in Sabah.

“I visited the state in December last year and found Sabah to be an interesting destination. I’m glad to be back, and this time, I have the opportunity to explore Kiulu through this race. It’s a lovely rural area, and the atmosphere is quite peaceful,” she said.

The ultra-trail marathon event also drew a group of 11 running buddies from Penang. They also signed up for the 50 km race.

For Felix Tan, a first-time marathon runner, it was the encouragement of his friends that spurred him on to sign up.

“We are not just here to join a race. I’ve heard about the beautiful scenery of Kiulu, and being here, I get to experience the fresh air and nature myself,” said the Penangite.

Meanwhile, Joniston stated that Sabah has the potential to be a venue for international sporting race events based on previous organizations that drew a large number of foreign participants.

Certain sporting events, he added, can be held in the countryside to benefit rural communities and boost rural tourism.

“For instance, Kiulu is a destination of choice for adventure seekers because it serves as a hub for eco-adventure activities.

“Kiulu had previously hosted a variety of adventure challenges, including running, mountain biking, and traditional sports. With that said, we will look into reviving the Kiulu 4M Challenge,” he said.

The 4M Challenge focuses on the traditional Kadazandusun sporting games, namely ‘manangkus’ (running), ‘mamangkar’ (bamboo rafting), ‘manampatau’ (swimming with the aid of bamboo pole), and ‘mamarampanau‘ (walking on bamboo stilt).

In the past, the event had attracted locals and foreign tourists into Kiulu. It was last held 10 years ago.

Joniston said promoting traditional sporting games is one way to encourage people to visit rural destinations, allowing them to experience activities of the indigenous people and learn their culture up close.

With the reopening of the international border soon and the revival of tourism activities, he added Sabah needs to offer unique products and events that pique the interest of foreign tourists.

For more information visit:
https://www.sabahtourism.com/?locale=en

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

MATTA Fair is back

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 22 March 2022: Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents is bringing back its travel fair 9 to 10 April after a two-year break.

MATTA officially announced the return of its consumer travel fair last week at a press conference noting that entrance will be limited to fully vaccinated visitors who will have to wear masks during their visits to the travel exhibition.

Around 15,000 consumers are expected to attend mainly to grab travel bargains and cheap airfares. The Ramadan fasting month starts 1 April which could have an impact on the fair’s footfall

The show is hosted biannually in the Spring and Autumn, targetting Malaysian outbound travellers keen to book overseas holiday bargains and snatch up cheap airfares or cruise packages. The next national MATTA Fair will be scheduled from 2 to 4 September in Kuala Lumpur.

MATTA Fair will run from 0900 to 1900 on the 9th and 10th April at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

 Meanwhile, MATTA says the reopening of borders starting 1 April is a crucial step for the tourism industry.

“We can finally start rebuilding the tourism sector and contributing to Malaysia’s economic recovery,” said MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang.

Malaysia has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, with close to 80% of the total population fully vaccinated, and of these, 99% are fully vaccinated, adults. More than half of the population have already received their third dose.

“It makes sense to open our borders while maintaining updated SOPs to ensure public health safety.”

International border closures and restrictions have resulted in Malaysia losing about MYR90 billion in tourism receipts in 2020, increasing in 2021 to MYR165 billion.

Pune airport expands

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, 22 March 2022: Airports Authority of India is financing the expansion of Pune Airport with a brand new terminal scheduled to open by August 2023.

In its latest update, AAI confirmed the new terminal would extend Pune Airport’s total terminal floor space to 7,50,000 sq ft and increase its handling capacity to 16 million passengers per annum.

The existing terminal building has the capacity to handle 7 million passengers per annum.

The project will enhance capacity and add world-class facilities and reduce congestion during peak hours.

AAI is underwriting the construction of the new terminal building at a cost of INR475 crores  (USD62,403,505).

More than 55% of the work has been completed, and construction of the new building will likely be completed by August 2023.

Once completed, the airport will have 10 passenger boarding bridges, 72 check-in counters and an in-line baggage handling system.

The addition of a new airport terminal is part of a broader project to upgrade infrastructure and transport facilities in Pune City, which is an expanding hub for education, research & development, IT and the car industry.

Pune International Airport at Lohagaon is credited with being one of the busiest airports in India. Operated by the Airports Authority of India, it has domestic flights to all major Indian cities and direct international flights to Dubai. The airport is around 149 km southeast of Mumbai.

Jetstar Asia adds VTL flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 March 2022: Jetstar Asia will operate Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) flights to Singapore from Penang, Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Denpasar, expanding Jetstar’s VTL services to 13 destinations.

Seat sales for the new VTL services have already opened.

With Vietnam, Malaysia and Bali now allowing quarantine-free entry for vaccinated travellers, customers can enjoy two-way quarantine-free travel from Singapore to these destinations.

Jetstar Asia’s CEO, Bara Pasupathi, said this was another exciting step forward as Singapore reopens and makes international travel more accessible.

“With the gradual and safe easing of quarantine requirements, combined with replacing PCR tests with the less-costly ART, we are slowly removing the barriers to international travel, which in turn is helping restore consumer confidence,” Pasupathi explained.

“We’re confident the safe relaxation of border measures, combined with our incredibly low fares, will ensure international travel will once again be back on our customers’ radars.”

To celebrate the return of two-way quarantine-free travel between Singapore and Penang, Denpasar, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, Jetstar Asia has special one-way fares at Jetstar.com starting from:

• Singapore to Penang from SGD76 (three flights weekly starting 29 March).

• Singapore to Denpasar from SGD103 (three flights weekly starting 27 March.)

• Singapore to Ho Chi Minh from SGD105 ( five flights weekly starting 27 March.)

• Singapore to Danang from SGD143 ( Two flights weekly starting 10 April.)

In line with local government requirements, only fully vaccinated passengers (exemptions apply to passengers 12 years and below) who meet all the necessary VTL conditions can travel on designated VTL flights.

Customers who book a Jetstar Asia (3K) flight on jetstar.com before 30 April 2022 for travel before 31 August 2023, will be given one ‘fee free’ date change as part of Jetstar’s Fly Flexible policy#.

• Transfer and transit passengers are not allowed to travel on designated VTL services between Singapore and Malaysia (Penang and Kuala Lumpur).

• Travelers are encouraged to check entry and departure requirements for each destination and are reminded that restrictions may apply, including vaccinations, testing and other requirements.

Full list of VTL services  

https://www.jetstar.com/sg/en/travel-alerts#Vaccinated%20Travel%20Lanes

Thailand to dump pre-flight PCR test

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 21 March 2022: Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved on Friday the lifting of the pre-travel testing requirement for international arrivals starting 1 April.

It is part of a four-phase plan that will further ease travel rules before downgrading the  Covid-19 pandemic to the status of an endemic disease by July this year.

According to TAT’s Newsroom, the latest revision is scheduled to be introduced on 1 April once announced in the Royal Thai Government Gazette.  For more details, visit www.tatnews.org 

Eligible travellers

International arrivals under any of the current three entry schemes – Test & Go, Sandbox, and Alternative Quarantine (AQ) – will be allowed to enter Thailand without the need to show proof of a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of their airline departure.

For the full statement and details, click here. 

Pop icon to launch Norwegian Prima

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 21 March 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, announced Friday that world-famous pop icon and “American Idol” judge Katy Perry would serve as the godmother to its record-breaking and innovative newest ship, Norwegian Prima, debuting August 2022.

As godmother, Perry will not only fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Prima, the first of six vessels in the Prima Class, but she will perform during the christening ceremony before Norwegian Prima sets sail on its inaugural voyages from Reykjavík, Iceland, where the vessel will be the first major cruise ship christened in the Icelandic capital. To commemorate this exciting partnership and celebrate other entertainment headliners that will be featured on Norwegian Prima, NCL has also specially curated a celebratory Spotify playlist.

A vital and familiar element of any ship launch and dating back centuries, the highly regarded tradition of appointing a ship’s godmother is a fundamental nautical custom during which the selected godmother officiates a ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle on the ship’s bow to bid the vessel and its travellers’ good fortune.

“We are so excited to welcome Katy Perry, a one-of-a-kind artist and worldwide sensation, as godmother of Norwegian Prima,” said Harry Sommer, President and CEO of NCL. “We are so incredibly proud that she will be part of the Norwegian Cruise Line family and look forward to launching our beautiful, innovative ship with her in August.”

“My favourite way to vacation with my family is on the water. Every morning that you wake up, you get to experience an incredible new view,” said Katy Perry. “I love that I get to christen her with my good vibrations, and I’m so excited for this new, beautiful, high-end, high-tech ship to take the seas and provide once-in-a-lifetime vacations for so many families.”

Norwegian Prima is the company’s most in-demand vessel ever launched, delivering world-class service, thoughtful design, unforgettable itineraries, and an unrivalled guest experience.

While onboard, guests can escape to Ocean Boulevard, featuring multiple infinity pools and Oceanwalk glass bridges with breathtaking ocean and destination views, visit Indulge, the Brand’s first-ever upscale international dining open-air marketplace or relax on The Concourse, featuring an outdoor sculpture garden boasting “Instagrammable” installations by famed artists David Harber and Alexander Krivosheiw. Designed by the master architects at Piero Lissoni, the ship’s revamped luxurious centralised suite complex, The Haven By Norwegian, will feature 107 staterooms spanning eight decks with a stunning new infinity pool overlooking the ship’s wake and a new outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room. Most recently, NCL unveiled its remaining culinary and beverage offerings available on Norwegian Prima and Viva, including the Brand’s first sustainably-focused lounge, The Metropolitan and its ultra-upscale Mediterranean seafood speciality restaurant Palomar.

Launching August 2022, Norwegian Prima will offer inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from Southampton, England; Amsterdam; and Reykjavík, Iceland beginning 12 August; Bermuda sailings from New York City beginning 6 October; and Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas and Miami beginning 27 October. 

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

About Katy Perry

Katy Perry has racked up a cumulative 50 billion streams alongside worldwide sales of over 48 million adjusted albums and 135 million tracks. She boasts an impressive 40 million + monthly listeners on Spotify with over 20 million followers on the platform. Her 2019 single, “Never Really Over,” off her latest album SMILE, is certified PLATINUM and was the biggest streaming launch of Katy’s musical career.

(Your Stories: NCL)

Myanmar reopens to tourists

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TTR WEEKLY
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YANGON, 21 March 2022: Myanmar will reopen to international tourists 17 April, the junta government announced at the weekend after a two-year shut-down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

AFP was the first news agency to report the junta’s announcement that lacked details on visa entry rules or the airlines intending to serve Yangon’s international airport.

Myanmar first closed the country in March 2020 to international tourists to tackle a surge in Covid-19 cases. However, since 1 February 2021, when a military coup swept aside the country’s legitimate government, Myanmar has descended into chaos and civil unrest, which has seen more than 1,600 civilians killed and an estimated 11,000 arrested and imprisoned.

The military junta announced that international tourists effective 17 April can enter the country, but official websites, including immigration and the country tourism ministry, have yet to clarify the visa requirements or whether the eVisa and visa-on-arrival facilities will be reinstated.

There are no details on which airlines will serve Yangon’s international airport that is currently open only to repatriation flights for Myanmar citizens and those entering the country on official business with the junta.

As of 17 April, entry will be limited to just fully vaccinated travellers who must undergo two PCR tests during a week-long quarantine in Yangon on arrival.

Airline booking websites that offered up to 30 foreign flights to Yangon daily from cities around Asia pre-Covid-19  flagged travel suspension notices for flights throughout April suggesting no commercial scheduled flights are in the pipeline.

It is too early to identify airlines that might consider flying to Yangon, with the exception of Myanmar Airways International, which continues to offer repatriation flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur to Yangon. Thai Airways International flies ad hoc services from Bangkok.

Earlier in the year, Myanmar’s Ministry of Immigration posted a notice on its website that said the ban on international travel and the issue of visas would continue until 31 March 2022.

Even if Myanmar opens a visa-on-arrival or eVisa facility for international tourists, travel firms are not optimistic they will see any bookings. There are strong sentiments against visiting the country. Travellers will be wary of the security risks and are likely to support a boycott of the country. As long as a military junta that usurped power from a democratically appointed government runs the country travellers will go elsewhere.

Just last week, the Burma Campaign UK added 28 companies from 12 countries to its “Dirty List”, accused of feathering the nest of the military junta through commercial ventures. There are 116 companies on the Dirty List. It has added eight companies from Japan, eight from Vietnam, three from the US and one each from Russia, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, China, Canada, UAE, Turkey and Thailand.

Myanmar Airways International confirms that it will operate repatriation services to 10 destinations in Asia and Dubai UAE during April through its own or codeshare flights with airline partners. The flights are for Myanmar citizens and residents seeking to leave the country.

It notes in Facebook posts that for passengers leaving Myanmar, they must make a booking six working days before departure, in line with the requirement from the Myanmar authorities. All passengers must present a mandatory PCR test negative result not more than 72 hours before their departure.

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