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Centara World Masters Golf returns to Hua Hin

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 16 February 2022: After two years without international travel, Golfasian confirms the return to Hua Hin of the 7th Centara World Masters Golf Championship from 8 to 14 May 2022.

The popular golfing event will play out on the greens and fairways of Black Mountain and Banyan courses with spectators and players staying at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin.

Confirmation of the dates for the May tournament followed the government’s decision to resume the Test & Go scheme, 1 February. It allows quarantine free entry to Thailand for fully vaccinated travellers. The Test & Go Thailand Pass can be applied for up to 60 days in advance or a minimum of seven days before travel dates. 

Travellers are required to obtain travel insurance with coverage of no less than USD50,000. They must also book a hotel and PCR Test on arrival and again on day five of their stay.

Registration & Event Details can be found on the official Centara World Masters Golf Championship website.

For complete event information, visit www.thailandworldmasters.com.

Or visit www.thailandworldmasters.com. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centaraworldmastersgolfchampionship

(Your Stories: Centara)

Singapore Airshow back in business

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 February 2022: Singapore Airshow 2022 was officially opened Tuesday by Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen and Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, S Iswaran, at the Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore.

The biennial event takes place until 18 February 2022 at the Changi Exhibition Centre, with more than 13,000 trade attendees and almost 600 participating companies from more than 39 countries and regions. More than 70% of the top 20 global aerospace companies worldwide are attending.

“We are heartened by the support and participation of the most influential aerospace and defence companies worldwide. Their presence displays the industry’s resilience and confidence for blue skies ahead,” said Leck Chet Lam, managing director, Experia, organiser of Singapore Airshow 2022. “The stage is set for strategic conversations, exchange of ideas and significant partnerships that will catalyse the recovery of the industry in Asia.”

Lunar New Year’s rates recover

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BEIJING, 16 February 2022: China’s hotel industry surpassed its 2019 comparable in Lunar New Year average daily rate (ADR) even with substantially lower occupancy, according to preliminary data from STR.

The country’s ADR reached CNY766.95 during this year’s holiday period (31 January to 6 February), 9.6% higher than the pre-pandemic comparable from the festival period in 2019 (CNY699.47).

“More significant recovery of ADR aligns with our expectations for this year’s Lunar New Year period, with overall rates driven by the upper classes,” said STR’s regional manager for North Asia, Christine Liu. “Historically, Lunar New Year has depressed demand in the tier 1 markets, with most travellers visiting family or vacationing to suburban or rural areas. This year is obviously unique with the Beijing Olympics and continued Covid restrictions around the country.”

Dates Occupancy ADR RevPAR
31 Jan-6 Feb. 2022 31.6% CNY766.95 CNY242.46
11-17 Feb. 2021 29.7% CNY635.55 CNY188.60
4-10 Feb. 2019 58.0% CNY699.47 CNY405.83

On Wednesday, 2 February, the market’s ADR peaked at CNY830.21. Daily occupancy in the market sat in the 30% range for most of the holiday period, then rose to as high as 36.6% on Friday, 4 February. That was up from the comparable day in 2021 (34.5%) but substantially below 2019 (71.4%).

(Source: STR)

Norwegian Cruise Line opens Asian trade portal

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 15 February 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line, an innovator in global cruise travel with a 55-year history of breaking boundaries, is inviting agents to click and explore Norwegian Central Asia, a dedicated trade portal to help travel partners in Asia learn about and market NCL holidays simply and seamlessly.

By logging in to Norwegian Central, partners gain direct single log-in access to NCL’s award-winning travel agent training platform, NCL University (NCLU). The knowledge hub provides in-depth course content covering NCL’s fleet of innovative ships – including the all-new Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva vessels – as well as itinerary insights and destinations to which the Cruise Line sails. Valued travel partners can also unlock reduced rates of up to 30% off their own NCL cruise as part of the reduced rate learning incentive program, which awards the completion of different levels of NCLU course modules.

Also accessible via Norwegian Central is NCL’s Marketing Headquarters, which allows agents to easily create their own marketing materials for selling NCL from an extensive toolbox of flyers, banners, videos, pre-prepared social media posts and more.

In addition, Norwegian Central features access to up-to-the-minute NCL news via the Cruise Line’s exclusive Partners First Asia Facebook group, as well as updates about upcoming webinars and events.

“This portal allows agents in Asia to capitalise on the upturn in international travel in 2022 with tools and resources developed specifically for them, all located conveniently in one place,” said Braydon Holland, NCL’s Senior Sales Director Asia. “Whether they’re looking to upskill, create compelling marketing materials or connect with the latest brand news, agents in Asia can log in for a simple and seamless one-stop-shop experience. It’s all part of our Partners First philosophy, which puts supporting our travel partners at the heart of all we do.”

For more information: https://www.ncl.com

(Your Stories: NCL)

Beer giant drops Myanmar brewery business

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TTR WEEKLY
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YANGON, 15 February 2022: Justice For Myanmar welcomes the announcement of brewery giant Kirin Holdings to withdraw from their business with the Myanmar military conglomerate Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL).

Kirin Holdings has two joint ventures with MEHL: Myanmar Brewery Limited and Mandalay Brewery Limited.

MEHL directly finances the Myanmar military and top generals, including the coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Justice For Myanmar alleges that MEHL shareholders consist of military units directly responsible for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

After a mass boycott of Myanmar Beer, Kirin shortly after the 1 February coup 1Q 2021 sales plummeted 46%.

Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung said: “We welcome Kirin’s decision to finally move to end their business with MEHL (and for) listening to the voice of Myanmar people. Millions have joined the boycott of Myanmar Beer, and this shows that collective action can disrupt the military cartel”.

Calls have been renewed for all other businesses that continue to maintain ties with the military junt, including Daiwa House, Eneos Holdings and Yokogawa Bridge Corp, to follow Kirin Holdings’ example.

So far, international hotel groups that have management or joint venture contracts with military-linked companies have remained silent on their activities in Myanmar.

See the JFM explainer on MEHL here.
See Kirin Holdings’ withdrawal announcement here.

Year of the Tiger: APAC tourism returns

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 February 2022: Skyscanner’s Travel Insight data reveals positive momentum and strong uplifts in international demand to APAC, following the recent relaxation of border restrictions in many of the region’s countries.

International bookings* in January to Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines are up, showing strong signs of pent-up demand.

Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines have seen recent surges in demand as some of the latest countries to relax restrictions on foreign visitors.

Countries such as Thailand and Singapore have seen sustained demand after relaxing restrictions in Q4 2021 but also see month on month increases as a positive sign for returning traveller confidence.

Demand to Australia is also high following the border announcement last week.

Vietnam +299% MoM vs December
Top inbound origins:

  • USA
  • Germany
  • Australia
  • UK
  • Japan

Indonesia +98% MoM vs December, Bali (+104% MoM) and Jakarta (+88% MoM)
Top inbound origins:

  • UK
  • Netherlands
  • France
  • Germany
  • Spain

Malaysia +67% MoM vs December
Top inbound origins:

  • UK
  • Singapore
  • Australia
  • Netherlands
  • Germany

Philippines +48% MoM vs December
Top inbound origins:

  • UK
  • UAE
  • USA
  • Germany
  • Saudi Arabia

Thailand +28% MoM vs December
Top inbound origins:

  • UK
  • Germany
  • Israel
  • Russia
  • Netherlands

Singapore +19% MoM vs December
Top inbound origins:

  • UK
  • Germany
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • India

Australia +199% (7 February vs 6 February)
Top inbound origins:

  • UK
  • India
  • Germany
  • Ireland

“The latest border re-opening announcements in the Asia Pacific alongside easing of some restrictions at the beginning of the year have resulted in positive travel demand, providing a boost to the industry during a crucial period for seasonal travel,” commented Skyscanner senior regional director for Asia Pacific Paul Whiteway.

“Skyscanner’s flight data analysis shows increased international travel bookings to key destinations in the region and strong signs of sustained momentum. The re-opening of Australia’s border to international visitors this week is another huge milestone for the tourism industry, and our early analysis reveals that many travellers across the globe are already planning their trips for the immediate future.”

He concluded: “From Skyscanner’s global footprint, we’ve seen that when restrictions do ease, travellers react and are willing to adapt to new measures to be able to travel internationally again. Over the coming weeks, we will see markets react to the news, airlines announcing new schedules and building capacity to allow the return of international travel at scale. Travel providers acknowledge that it’s in their best interest to make travel accessible and they will likely continue to offer good value and flexibility in order to meet growing demand and remain competitive. Coupling this with reassurance and further clarity on the latest restrictions and travel requirements will be the key to maintaining momentum and rebuilding traveller confidence.”

* Based on redirects – a proxy for a booking. This is when Skyscanner sends a traveller to a travel provider to book a flight. Volumes analysed for return, international economy flights for travel in 2022 from all countries using redirect data from Jan 2022 comparing MoM volumes to Dec 2021, analysed on 7 February. For Australia, analysis is based on daily redirects on 7 February 2022, compared to 6 February.

Radisson opens Pondicherry Bay

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 15 February 2022: Radisson Hotel Group announced Monday the opening of Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay in the coastal fishing village of Arikamedu in Pondicherry, India.

Situated between a lagoon and the Bay of Bengal, the hotel will target business, leisure, and MICE travellers. This opening makes Radisson the first international hotel brand to operate in the union territory of Pondicherry – which is increasingly becoming an item on the must-visit list for Indian travellers.

“2021 was a milestone year for us at Radisson Hotel Group as we successfully opened our 100th hotel in India. With the onset of 2022, we continue our ambitious five-year expansion plan as we add Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay to our portfolio…We look forward to strengthening our footprint in India by introducing hotels and resorts that offer an elevated guest experience with a significant focus on design and architecture,” said Radisson Hotel Group managing director and vice president operations, South Asia Zubin Saxena.

Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay is conveniently located within a 20-minute drive from Pondicherry’s train and bus stations. Pondicherry’s domestic airport is 11 km from the property, while Chennai International Airport is 150 km by road. 

The resort features chalets and private villas across five categories, including chalet with balcony – garden view, chalet with balcony – lagoon view, chalet with verandah – garden view, chalet with verandah – lagoon view and villa with private pool.

The hotel group named Alexander Vajaravel as the general manager at Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay.

Oceania Cruises launches upgrade sale

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 February 2022: Oceania Cruises, a culinary and destination-focused cruise line, is launching its Exclusive Upgrade Sale from 17 to 23 February for bookings on selected itineraries in 2022 and 2023.

Guests can enjoy a four-category stateroom upgrade at no additional cost when booking one of the 38 destination sailings traversing the Mediterranean, Baltic, northern Europe and the French Riviera, as well as locales throughout the Caribbean and Alaska.

Travellers can also take advantage of Oceania Cruises’ Reduced 50% Deposits, which is available until 31 March 2022, for even greater flexibility when booking their next cruise holiday. A preview of applicable sailings was posted on online 14 February, before bookings officially open for sale on 17 February 2022.

The Exclusive Upgrade Sale allows guests to enjoy complimentary category upgrades. This includes the Penthouse Suite, which can be enjoyed for the same price as a Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom for a limited time.

Voyages aboard Nautica and Regatta

Nautica resumes sailing on 1 April 2022, while Regatta returns to sail three new Tahiti itineraries. The debut of Nautica and the re-start of Regatta herald the completion of a USD100 million plus rebuild of the brand’s four 684-guest Regatta class ships and the brand’s full return to service, with all six ships sailing worldwide.

Exclusive upgrade sale itinerary highlights

Turkish & Hellenic Gems – Athens to Istanbul – 4 to 11 May 2022. Mediterranean Vintages – Barcelona to Lisbon – 3 to 13 October 2022.
Icons of Greece & Italy – Rome to Athens – 4 to 11 May 2023.
Baltic Marvels – Copenhagen to Stockholm – 14 to 21 June 2023.

JLL sees hotels sales soar

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 15 February 2022: Thailand saw 23 hotels sold in 2021 with approximately 3,000 keys and a combined transaction value of THB13.2 billion, according to the latest report from property consultant JLL.

It represents an increase of 550% from 2020 and 30% over the 10-year average pre-Covid volume witnessed between 2009-2019. JLL’s report covers sale transactions of investment-grade hotel assets in Bangkok and Thailand’s key leisure markets.

JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group executive vice president, investment sales Asia Chakkrit Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhya said: “In the wake of the pandemic, hotel investment activity in Thailand dipped in 2020 with an investment volume of less than THB2 billion. However, the hotel investment market rebounded strongly last year with sales volume increasing almost six times the volume recorded in 2020.”

“Interest from both local and international investors in Thailand’s hotel market started picking up in the second half of 2021 and has continued to grow. Investors have become more optimistic about the outlook for the country’s tourism market. Increased availability of investment-grade hotel assets offered for sale at more realistic prices is another key factor that has fuelled investor demand,” Chakkrit added.

Findings from JLL show that Thailand’s top three hotel investment destinations in terms on investment volumes last year were Koh Samui, Bangkok and Phuket, representing 44.3%, 24.6% and 11.7% of the countrywide volume respectively.

JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group senior vice president – investment sales, Pimpanga Yomchinda commented: “Generally, Bangkok is the top hotel investment destination in Thailand. But Koh Samui came in the first place last year because the island had more opportunities to offer compared to Bangkok and also saw Thailand’s largest hotel investment deal completed in 2021 on per asset basis.”

JLL’s data reveal that the average value of the 23 hotels sold last year was circa THB500 to 600 million per asset, with only one hotel in Samui sold at a price above THB1 billion, the average hotel transaction size witnessed in Thailand between 2010 and 2020.

Larger discounts on selling prices in resort markets where hotel owners have felt the stronger impact from the tourism market slump was another reason explaining how Koh Samui attracted more hotel investment than Bangkok in 2021.

“Prices of investment-grade hotel assets in Bangkok have held their ground throughout the pandemic period with generally no deep discounts relative to pre-pandemic levels. Over 75% of the transaction volume in the Thai capital city was considered to have only 0 to 5% discount compared to the pre-pandemic level, and the remaining 25% was sold by the Legal Execution Department at a public auction. On the other hand, assets in Phuket and Koh Samui have seen a larger discount,” Pimpanga noted.

JLL expects the momentum in Thailand’s hotel investment market to continue this year.

“We have seen several hotel investment deals that are currently under negotiation in Bangkok and key resort markets, and a number of these deals are worth over THB1 billion. In addition, the ease of travel restrictions across the region and Thailand will facilitate the participation of foreign investors, leading to higher competition for quality assets. For these reasons, we expect 2022 to be another active year for the investment market in Thailand with volume potentially surpassing that of 2021, not to mention that Thailand was the most active market in Southeast Asia in 2021,” Chakkrit concluded.

Best Western rustles up Reward Rush

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 15 February 2022: Best Western Hotels & Resorts is running a Reward Rush campaign that offers loyalty programme members double points on five stays.

Registered loyalty members can earn 20 points instead of the usual 10 per dollar spent during qualifying stays until 8 May. The deal is applicable to any group’s branded properties, regardless of the length of stay or room category. The double points bonus applies to a maximum of five stays following registering on the rewards website and before completing the first stay.

Whether long-standing or newly-enrolled, BWR members can take advantage of the Reward Rush promotion for their next stay worldwide at any Best Western branded property, SureStay Hotel Group properties and participating hotels and resorts under the WorldHotels Collection.

In addition, every BWR member worldwide is eligible for the latest tier extension, valid through 31 March 2023. Accumulated points have no expiry date.

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