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Oceania: Summer small ship sailings

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SINGAPORE, 3 March 2025: Oceania Cruises offers summer voyages to Canada, New England, and Iceland, featuring small-group shore excursions and onboard cooking school experiences. 

Two of the line’s small ships, 1,250-guest Marina and 670-guest Insignia, will sail itineraries from 11 to 19 days.

Photo Credit: Oceania Cruises. 1250 passenger ship Marina.

Marina is Oceania Cruises’ first custom-built ship. It features an onboard cooking school, which offers guests the chance to hone new skills, savour dishes from destinations they visit, and learn how food connects people and places. 

Insignia offers the charm of a smaller ship sailing to smaller ports of call, such as Eskifjördur, Iceland.

2025 Season Highlights

Marina

Scottish & Nordic Voyager: 30 June 30 – 11 July, 11 days from London to Reykjavik.
Vikings & Bon Vivant: 11 July – 27 July, 16 days from Reykjavik to Montreal. 
Far North Explorer: 27 July – 12 August, 16 days from Montreal to Reykjavik.
Northern Vistas: 12 August – 24 August, 12 days from Reykjavik to London.

Insignia

Subarctic Scenes: 6 August – 25 August, 19 days from New York to Reykjavik.

OTAs boost their attraction bookings

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SINGAPORE, 3 March 2025: Visitor attractions have seen a dramatic shift in distribution, with online travel agencies (OTAs) more than doubling their share of bookings since 2019.  

New research released by Arival, the leading research authority and community for the tours, activities, and attractions sector, reveals that OTAs now deliver 18% of all attraction bookings globally from less than 10% before the pandemic.

The upcoming Arival 360 takes place in Valencia from 28 to 30 April.

Arival’s new research, ‘The State of Visitor Attractions’, delves into the big changes in distribution, ticketing technology, operations and marketing sweeping across the sector. Ticket distribution for visitor attractions – cultural sites and monuments, museums, zoos and aquariums, observation decks and amusement parks – has changed dramatically over the past five years.

“Visitor attractions have long been key drivers of tourism, the very reason to visit a place,” said Arival CEO and Founder Douglas Quinby. “Travelers demand to see the great sites is boundless, but the availability of tickets and the travel industry’s technical ability to access them are not. The big online travel experiences marketplaces recognize this, and they’ve made significant investments to be able to offer attraction tickets, in some cases despite – rather than in partnership with – the attractions themselves. Much work remains to be done to connect attractions to the global travel distribution ecosystem.”

Arival’s report, based on a survey of nearly 700 visitor attractions worldwide, reveals that despite the growth of OTAs and attraction websites, offline ticket sales remain the largest point of sale. Technology remains a limiting factor. One in three attractions fail to use a modern online ticketing system and lack online connectivity to reseller partners.  

Findings from the report will be explored in more detail at the upcoming Arival 360 event in Valencia, taking place from April 28-30 at the Valencia Conference Centre. This must-attend European gathering, previously held in Berlin, will bring together creators and sellers of tours, activities, experiences, and attractions to learn, connect, and grow their businesses. 

About the report
The Global Operator Landscape (3rd Edition): The State of Visitor Attractions is based on a survey of nearly 700 attractions worldwide and conducted in partnership with GetYourGuide, The Catalan Tourism Board, Expain, Rezgo, TripWorks and Viator. This research provides a comprehensive view of the state and structure of visitor attractions worldwide. It covers key industry trends in market structure and firmographics, sales and distribution, technology, marketing and product development.

GDS Index strengthens third-party data

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BARCELONA, 3 March 2025: The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement), headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, has unveiled the 2025 GDS-Index*, a performance improvement programme to assess and accelerate the progress of a destination’s regenerative journey.  

This year’s index criteria feature key refinements designed to improve accuracy, streamline assessments, and more keenly support destinations in their sustainability journey. The latest updates integrate third-party data sets, refine evaluation criteria, and align certification requirements with evolving industry standards. 

Photo credit: GDS-Index. GDS-Movement

The annual review, guided by destination input, a dedicated Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and other interested parties, ensures that the index remains a robust and transparent improvement programme. The 2025 updates introduce minimal refinements while maintaining the integrity of the assessment framework.  

Key Enhancements

Integration of third-party data: New partnerships with BeCause and Murmuration bring externally validated data into the index, improving efficiency and reducing the obligation to destinations. BeCause will provide verified sustainability certification data for hotels, while Murmuration will supply satellite data for five key environmental indicators: Renewable Energy (EN-7), Particle Pollution 2.5 (EN-12), Particle Pollution 10 (EN-13), Bike Paths (EN-16), and Green Areas (EN-19). 

Clearer certification requirements: The 2025 GDS-Index aligns with certifications that are Travalyst-compliant or GSTC-accredited, ensuring greater consistency in sustainability credentials. From 2026, certifications accepted by the GDS-Index will have to be accredited and adhere to stricter standards to maintain credibility and transparency. 

Streamlined process: Minor refinements to 14 criteria have simplified responses, integrated third-party data, and improved clarity, making the benchmarking process easier and more valuable for destinations. 

Redesigned criteria – accessibility and short-term rental – Updates reflect a more inclusive approach to public transport and public spaces’ accessibility, as well as improved evaluation of short-term tourism rental management, acknowledging diverse destination contexts. 

Enhanced transparency: The GDS-Index remains committed to consultation with the TAC and stakeholder engagement, reinforcing trust and ensuring the methodology aligns more with emerging global sustainability standards. 

Commenting on the 2025 updates, GDS-Movement CEO Guy Bigwood stated: “The 2025 GDS-Index strengthens our commitment to delivering greater value for destination management organisations. By integrating trusted third-party data from BeCause and Murmuration, we reduce administration, save time, and improve accuracy. These refinements ensure that the GDS-Index is more meaningful, insightful, and better aligned with emerging industry needs, driving real progress towards more regenerative and resilient destination management in an increasingly unsettled world.” 

Looking ahead, the 2026 GDS-Index will undergo a definitive review to align with the upcoming EU Green Claims Directive, expected to take effect in September 2026. The review process, beginning in April 2026, will be led by the GDS-Movement in collaboration with the TAC and in consultation with participating destinations to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements. 

Download the updated GDS-Index Methodology, with 76 criteria, here. 

*ABOUT THE GLOBAL DESTINATION SUSTAINABILITY INDEX (GDS-Index) 
The GDS-Index is a trusted performance improvement programme to assess and accelerate the progress of a destination’s regenerative journey. It measures, benchmarks, and enhances the sustainability strategies, action plans, and initiatives of more than 100 destination management organisations, municipal authorities, and their tourism supply chains.  

Co-founded in 2016 by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), IMEX Group, and MCI, the GDS-Index offers an unparalleled resource for visitors, DMOs, municipalities, and event planners looking for destinations that offer vetted and verified sustainability performance.  

CBS reality show lands in Hong Kong

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HONG KONG, 3 March 2025: CBS’s Emmy Award-winning reality competition series The Amazing Race is set to debut in Hong Kong on 5 March, bringing viewers an action-packed adventure through one of the world’s most dynamic and visually stunning cities. 

The upcoming season will showcase Hong Kong’s breathtaking skyline, rich cultural heritage and electrifying urban landscape as contestants navigate the city’s fast-paced environment in a race to win the USD1 million dollar prize.

The Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan and a traditional Chinese opera singer greet contestants at the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong. Photo Credit Kit Karzen CBS.

“Hong Kong is delighted to host the season premiere of one of the most successful reality competition series in television history as they race worldwide.”

The Amazing Race will incorporate a series of challenges exclusive to Hong Kong, highlighting its blend of East and West. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats, cheering on their favourite teams as they sprint and navigate challenges while testing their endurance and their relationships with their teammates. 

Dubbed the “season of surprises,” season 37 features its most enormous cast in history, adding new twists and challenges like the “Fork in the Road,” where teams must choose which direction and route they will take to the Pit Stop, which could lead to significant consequences or advantages.

“Hong Kong is delighted to host the season premiere of one of the most successful reality competition series in television history as they race worldwide,” said Hong Kong Tourism Board Executive Director Dane Cheng. “The destination will play a starring role, and we can’t wait for viewers at home to follow along on their journey to uncover Hong Kong’s diverse offerings—from stunning greenery views to rich cultural traditions. The city will test contestants’ strategic thinking, teamwork and adaptability, as Hong Kong is known for its rapid pace, innovative spirit and unparalleled energy with surprises at every turn.”

Viewers must wait until 5 March to see which iconic spots the teams will race through, including legendary sites like Victoria Harbour, flanked by one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers.

The Amazing Race airs on CBS on 5 March 5 (9:30-11:00 PM, ET/PT), and streams on Paramount+*.

For more information on Hong Kong, please visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

About The Amazing Race
The Amazing Race is a multiple Emmy Award-winning reality series hosted by Emmy Award-nominated host Phil Keoghan, where two teams embark on a trek around the world. At every destination, each team must compete in a series of mental and physical challenges, and only when the tasks are completed will they learn of their next location. Teams that are the farthest behind will gradually be eliminated as the contest progresses, with the first team to arrive at the final destination winning The Amazing Race and the USD1 million prize.

*Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.

ATIA welcomes Qatar’s investment in Virgin Australia

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SYDNEY, 3 March 2025: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) welcomes the Federal Government’s approval of Qatar Airways’ 25% stake in Virgin Australia. This will enhance airline competition and create new opportunities for Australian travel agents and advisors.

The increased competition on international routes means more reasons for travellers to use travel agencies and advisors to secure the best value flights, particularly for long-haul travel to Europe.

Photo credit: Qatar Airway.

“This is great news for Australians who want more choice and more competitive fares when travelling internationally, with greater choices on flights to Europe. More competition in the skies drives innovation, better pricing and improved travel services,” said ATIA CEO Dean Long. “It also increases the potential for more investment to drive domestic competition.

“This decision strengthens the role of travel agents and advisors in delivering value to consumers. For agencies, greater competition means more reasons for travellers to use agencies and their travel advisors to find the best value.”

“For our land supply members, greater competition and more competitive fares free up more of the budget for travellers to spend more on experiencing destinations through touring.”

Virgin Australia flies to Qatar

Qatar Airways Group’s minority 25% investment in Virgin Australia has now received Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval following the Federal Treasurer’s announcement last week. This follows the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) Draft Determination earlier in February, indicating its intention to authorise the airlines’ integrated alliance, with final approval expected in March or April 2025. 

Virgin Australia now awaits a decision from the International Air Services Commission (IASC) on what is an uncontested allocation of air rights for services between Australia and Qatar, due to commence in June.

Subject to IASC approval, Virgin Australia will return to long-haul flying in June 2025, with flights from Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth to Doha. 

Flights from Melbourne to Doha are scheduled to commence in December 2025. These flights will be operated utilising aircraft wet-leased from Qatar Airways. 

Virgin Australia’s new Doha flights will connect to Qatar Airways’ global network, including more than 100 new connecting itineraries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

AAV clinches core profit closes Covid chapter

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BANGKOK, 3 March 2025: Asia Aviation Public Company Limited (AAV), the sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia Company Limited (TAA), has delivered a strong financial performance for the fourth quarter ended 31 December 2024 (4Q2024), reinforcing its growth momentum and operational resilience as travel demand continues to be on an uptrend.

Revenue from sales and services stood at THB13,226 million, an increase of 6% year-on-year. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) amounted to THB3,396 million, a 7% increase YoY. Core profit, which excluded losses from foreign exchange, was recorded at THB1,454 million, a 40% increase YoY. Total passenger traffic reached 5.5 million, representing an 8% growth YoY, with a passenger load factor of 89%.

For the full financial year ended 31 December 2024 (FY2024), AAV reported revenue from sales and services of THB49,436 million, a 20% increase compared to the previous year. EBITDA was recorded at THB10,171 million, a 43% increase YoY. Notably, the core profit marked its first positive result since the pandemic, at THB3,007 million, signalling the end of the Covid pandemic and a return to growth. 

Total passenger traffic for FY2024 was 20.8 million, a 10% increase compared to the previous year, with a passenger load factor of 91%, reflecting continued high travel demand, particularly in the domestic market. The full-year passenger mix was 63% domestic and 37% international. The fleet expanded to 60 aircraft by year-end, following the addition of four new planes.

Moving forward

The company remains focused on accelerating growth despite ongoing challenges by leveraging its service excellence and modern fleet. It targets a mid-teens percentage YoY revenue increase in sales and services, supported by adding six Airbus A321neo aircraft, bringing its fleet to 66 aircraft by year-end.

With a strong commitment to reinforcing its market leadership, the company aims to consistently boost its domestic market share above 40%, driven by network expansion from its Suvarnabhumi base. 

In early February, Thai AirAsia launched two new domestic routes – Suvarnabhumi-Udon Thani and Suvarnabhumi-Khon Kaen—bringing its total Suvarnabhumi network to six routes. Further international expansion is planned throughout the year, including direct flights from Thailand and the strategic utilisation of Fifth Freedom rights. With these initiatives, the company aims to serve 23 to 24 million passengers in 2025, setting a new record.

2025 Tropical Cities Tourism Event heads for Sanya

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BANGKOK, 28 February 2025: Sanya Tourism Board (STB) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), have whittled down the date options for the 2025 Tropical Coastal Cities Tourism Event to the first or second week of November 2025.

Sanya Tourism Board will continue to host the second edition following the event’s inaugural launch in 2024, which was backed by the PATA Travel Association. Finalised dates and a conference theme should be announced shortly.

Photo credit: Sanya Tourism Board.

The event will bring together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from tropical coastal destinations to exchange insights and foster collaboration in tourism development, sustainability, and cultural exchange. 

Sanya Tourism Board reports that a key highlight will be the establishment of the Tropical Island Tourism Alliance (TITA), a new platform aimed at promoting cooperation among tropical coastal destinations.

The annual event is a by-product of a collaboration between PATA and the Sanya Tourism Board, signed last year and valid for three years, to develop tourism in tropical coastal cities through innovative international tourism marketing strategies that support local communities and champion sustainable development. 

Key event features

  • Insight-sharing sessions.   
  • One-on-one meetings with tourism enterprises.   
  • Local cultural performances.  
  • Business Matching.

The aim of the 2025 event is to establish a charter for the Tropical Coastal Cities Tourism Alliance.

Collaboration

The event is organised by the Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, TV and Sports of Sanya City and Sanya Tourism Board and supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).   

The partnership between the Sanya Tourism Board and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) involves a multi-year collaboration which kicks off with the annual co-hosting of the Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event for an initial three years, 2024 to 2026. 

Goals

To boost tourism consumption.
To establish Sanya as an international tourism hub.
To allow for the exchange of best practices and solutions among coastal cities.   

To find the most up-to-date information regarding the 2025 event, keep an eye on the websites:
The Sanya Tourism Board: https://www.visitsanya.com/en/
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA): https://www.visitsanya.com/en/ 

The three-year collaboration sees the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) partnering with the Sanya Tourism Board to focus on sustainable tourism growth in Hainan and other Asia Pacific tropical islands. 

During last year’s partnership launch, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “On behalf of the association, I am pleased to solidify our collaboration with Sanya. We can elevate tropical islands and coastal destinations as premier travel hubs by joining forces.

“PATA is dedicated to helping these destinations worldwide uncover their unique strengths and create more meaningful travel experiences that attract international visitors while preserving their rich cultural heritage and protecting their extraordinary natural resources.

“Sanya, as the most representative tropical coastal city in China – it has rich tourism resources and unique geographical advantages – is one of PATA’s important cooperative partners for future development.”

The 2024 Tropical Coastal City Tourism Event convened last September was themed ‘The Next Wave: Shaping the Future of Tourism Marketing in Tropical Coastal Cities’. 

AirAsia offers fixed fares for Hari Raya

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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 February 2025: AirAsia is providing fixed low-cost fares for Hari Raya Aidilfitri*** with more than 16,000 seats up for grabs on over 90 late-night flights between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.

From 28 March 2025 to 5 April 2025, travellers can enjoy fixed fares at MYR328* one-way between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, or Miri, as well as between Johor Bahru and Kuching and Sibu. Meanwhile, flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, or Tawau and Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu are available at MYR388* one-way.

These promotional fares are available for booking starting today until 5 April 2025 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.

In addition to more than 90 late-night flights at fixed fares on 10 routes between Peninsular and East Malaysia, AirAsia also operates 287 weekly flights at regular fares to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan to support the government’s festive season initiative.

Malaysia’s  Minister of Transport YB Loke Siew Fook said: “The government remains committed to ensuring that air travel remains affordable and accessible for all Malaysians. Initiatives such as the MYR499** ceiling fare subsidy and the FLYsiswa programme are part of our continued efforts to ease the financial burden of travellers, particularly students commuting between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. 

“As we work hand in hand with industry partners like AirAsia, our priority remains the well-being of the people by ensuring fair and reasonable airfares. AirAsia’s fixed-fare initiative for Hari Raya is a crucial step in making travel more inclusive, allowing more Malaysians to reunite with their loved ones without financial strain. This government and airline industry collaboration reflects our shared mission to serve the people, particularly during peak travel seasons.”

For more information, visit: AirAsia 

Guests travelling this festive season are encouraged to self-check in using the AirAsia MOVE app, which is available as early as 14 days before the departure date, and use the e-Boarding Pass to board the flight. Guests are also advised to arrive at least three hours before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights to clear all travel formalities during this peak period.

*Promotional fixed fares quoted are for one-way travel, including passenger service charges, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Valid for selected flights only. T&C apply.

**Flights with base fares that cost less than RM499 will be sold at the current fare. Fares are non-refundable and subject to other terms and conditions. The government’s subsidy for purchases of one-way economy class tickets of over RM499 from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan is applicable four days before Hari Raya.

***Eid al-Fitr › Malaysia  
Evening of Sun, 30 March, 2025 to Tue, 1 April, 2025
Public holiday: Mon, 31 March 2025 – Tue, 1 April 2025

Meliá signs resort on Phu Quoc

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HO CHI MINH CITY, 28 February 2025: Meliá Hotels International is adding a new hotel to its pipeline through an agreement with local real estate developer CityLand Group. 

The two companies signed a hospitality management agreement on 20 February 2025 for a new five-star Meliá resort on the popular tropical island of Phu Quoc off Vietnam’s southern coast.

Meliá Phu Quoc Forest Bay will open in 2028 on a northern beach on the island. This will be the third Meliá property on Vietnam’s largest island, joining Meliá Vinpearl Phu Quoc in the northwest and SOL by Meliá Phu Quoc in the southern part of Phu Quoc. The new partnership is Meliá’s first with CityLand Group, a leading real estate developer in Vietnam.

Meliá Hotels International has expanded rapidly in Vietnam in the last three years, with 20 operational hotels and six in the pipeline.

Located on a 700-metre shoreline, Meliá Phu Quoc Forest Bay will cover a 21-hectare site in the Bai Thom master plan district—one of the most promising areas in northern Phu Quoc. The total planned area is 173 hectares. 

The project will be developed in two phases. Phase one (expected to open in 2028) involves the launch of approximately 128 luxury villas and 130 hotel rooms. Phase two (expected to be completed in 2030) will add approximately 108 villas, bringing the total room count to 773.

HBX drives Turkish Airlines Holidays

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SINGAPORE, 28 February 2025: HBX Group, an independent B2B travel technology marketplace, and PerfectStay, a travel company specialising in travel packaging technology, announce the strategic partnership with Turkish Airlines that has curated the launch of Turkish Airlines Holidays.

Turkish Airlines passengers will now have access to HBX Group’s extensive global inventory of hotels, experiences, and transfers, powered by PerfectStay’s dynamic packaging technology, allowing travellers to conveniently book customised travel packages tailored to their preferences. 

Passengers will have the best price guaranteed and bundled package benefits for holiday packages in over 60 countries and 200 destinations, including tailor-made holiday and tour programmes.

With Turkish Airlines being one of the largest and most influential airlines in the world, covering the largest global network of international flights, this collaboration is a significant milestone in the HBX Group’s strategic focus on airlines and loyalty programmes, a key segment that accounted for 13% of total transaction value (TTV) of HBX Group’s accommodation segment in 2024. Turkish Airlines Holidays also will announce its entry into the US market in the coming months.

HBX Group’s Nicolas Huss said: “Today’s travellers expect a seamless and connected booking experience. With this in mind, we are proud to embark on this strategic partnership with Turkish Airlines to launch Turkish Airlines Holidays. Through this collaboration, passengers can now enhance their journeys by combining flights with our extensive global inventory of accommodations, transfers and experiences, powered by PerfectStay’s advanced packaging technology, to create the ideal getaway. As a company dedicated to connecting global travel, we are thrilled about this opportunity and eager to shape the future of travel together.”

Turkish Airlines Chief Executive Officer Bilal Ekşi added: “We are excited to launch Turkish Airlines Holidays globally. Offering the convenience of booking an entire trip on a single platform, Turkish Airlines Holidays will redefine how travellers plan and experience their holidays.”

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