Langkawi unveils new tagline

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September 8, 2022

LANGKAWI, 8 September 2022: Langkawi Development Authority unveiled its new domestic slogan ‘Langkawi Best Wey’ * with a supporting video during last week’s MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur. (Report updated 12 September; see footnote).

LADA’s chief executive officer YBrs Tuan Nasaruddin bin Abdul Muttalib, led the launch ceremony held at the Putra World Trade Centre. More than 30,000 visitors toured the three-day fair checking holiday options, with Langkawi as the fair’s signature destination.

LADA chief executive officer YBrs Tuan Nasaruddin bin Abdul Muttalib presided over the official “Best Wey” launch.

The brand new three-minute video posted on LADA’s YouTube account takes its cue from the tagline introducing authentic travel experiences that make the island destination one of the most popular among both domestic and international visitors. The video pans over pristine beaches to share glimpses of countless adventure options, natural attractions and party venues.

In the video’s introduction, LADA says the new tagline, “Langkawi Best Wey”, truly captures the essence of the island.

LADA calls ‘Langkawi Best Wey’ the “latest, fashionable tagline selected to promote Langkawi as it aligns with modern times and targets the younger generation. The more dynamic and catchy tagline will appeal to the Gen Zs and Millennials’ wanderlust spirit and entice them to visit beautiful Langkawi.”

It doesn’t tell you how the creative branding team conjured up the word “Wey”. Is it a magical Malay word that hasn’t made it to the dictionaries? The closest English dictionaries come to casting light on its meaning is a reference to a redundant weight measure used in the British empire colonial era.

It leaves us speculating that Wey is freshly minted ‘cool’ slang coined by Generation Z influencers to charm Malaysia’s independently wealthy youngsters. LADA has us guessing. Perhaps that is the intention of the slogan – wind us up with a Wey until we shout Wow.

That leaves us with a passing mention from LADA during the recent MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur during the launch of the new tagline. “This more dynamic and interesting slogan will hopefully raise the travelling spirit among Gen Z and Millennials to visit Langkawi.”

They may well travel in their droves to find out just what “Best Wey” is all about. It’s tempting and possibly even a tease. Still, at the moment of discovery, when they check out Langkawi’s beaches and outstanding beauty, Millennials are likely to declare a resounding Wow at the top of their voices! Then Langkawi will say ‘Wey’ works.

* Editor’s note: We reckon ‘Wey’ possibly means Buddy (internet slang).

12 September 2020 Update: LADA responded with an explanation: “Basically, Wey is just a local word, local slang to show the greatest feeling when someone is satisfied with the product or service. It is common in Malaysia to use local (dialect) words; Langkawi Best Wey…means ‘really the best’ in this domestic campaign.”

More information: https://naturallylangkawi.my/

US retains top spot in WTTC report

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TTR WEEKLY

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September 8, 2022

SINGAPORE, 8 September 2022: The latest World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Economic Trends Report reveals the US remains the world’s biggest and most powerful travel & tourism market.

Its top ranking was reaffirmed, despite suffering long and damaging travel restrictions, which did little to halt the spread of Covid-19 and only resulted in serious economic losses.

However, while it retained its number one position, the US travel & tourism sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy fell by USD700 billion in 2019, to just under USD1.3 trillion last year.

Research by Oxford Economics for WTTC shows no change in the top three countries – with China second and Germany third.

But the rankings are illusionary as the top economies bolstered their numbers through domestic travel while international visitor numbers plummeted. The US fell from its pre-pandemic top position in the international travel-spend rankings. But despite the challenges of the past two years, the new report from the global tourism body shows business travel is on the road to recovery.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Our report shows the resilience of the Travel & Tourism sector, despite the impact of travel restrictions around the world which failed to halt the spread of the virus.

“Despite a challenging macro environment, Travel & Tourism has bounced back. The world, with some exceptions, is travelling again. And we are seeing a resurgence in business travel. Over the next 10 years, Travel & Tourism growth will outstrip the global economy.”

WTTC’s data reveals that regarding the Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to GDP, China held onto its second position, with more than USD814 billion. At the same time, Germany remained the third biggest travel & tourism sector in the world, contributing USD251 billion to the German economy.

The UK slipped dramatically from fifth place in 2019 to ninth in 2021, with a contribution of just over USD157 billion, the biggest faller of the top 10 countries. In terms of international traveller spending, France, which before the pandemic struck was in fourth place, overtook Spain, China, and the US to grab first place. China was in second place before the pandemic but fell dramatically to 11th in 2021. Its borders remain closed.

Across the Asia Pacific, major travel & tourism markets such as Thailand and Japan saw huge losses in international spending, which resulted in both markets – in fifth and eighth place respectively before the pandemic – falling out of the top 20 altogether in 2021.

According to WTTC’s predictions, worldwide business travel is expected to grow more than 41% this year. For the next 10 years, it predicts business travel could grow an average of 5.5% annually and may return faster in the Asia-Pacific region.

WTTC predicts that by 2032, China could overtake the US to become the world’s biggest travel & tourism market. The research shows China’s travel & tourism sector’s contribution to GDP could reach USD3.9 trillion by 2032, making it the world’s most powerful travel & tourism market. India could leapfrog Germany to reach the third place with a projected value of USD457 billion.

To read the report in full, please click here.

(Source: WTTC)

Gerry the Goose ‘Fly Better’ campaign

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TTR WEEKLY

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September 8, 2022

DUBAI, UAE, 8 September 2022: Following in the footsteps of iconic film and TV personalities Jennifer Aniston, Chris Hemsworth and Jeremy Clarkson, Emirates’ latest brand ambassador, Gerry the Goose, is inviting customers to take a gander at the benefits and services of the world’s largest international airline, and choose to ‘Fly Better’.

From September, the global ad campaign will be in full flight across the world, reminding customers that Emirates provides an ‘impeccable’ travel experience on board with award-winning in-flight entertainment, world-class cabin crew, regionally inspired cuisine and acclaimed beverages. To complement the ‘best-in sky’ offering, Emirates also offers an impressive on-ground experience– through a myriad of online and home check-in options, chauffeur-driven airport transfers and outstanding lounges.

The campaign storyline follows Gerry as he ruffles feathers by deciding to Fly Better aboard a comfortable and sophisticated Emirates Premium Economy cabin, while his migrating bird-brethren are in ‘fowl humour’ after a long and tiring flight by the wing. Gerry is spotted smugly bypassing his counterparts as they fly outside the plane window while he indulges in a delicious meal and reclines in his spacious seat to enjoy ‘The Goose, The Bad and The Ugly’ movie on his 13.3″ personal entertainment screen.

‘In terms of the qualities and profile we look for in our brand ambassadors – we are spreading our wings,’ said SVP of Marketing & Brand at Emirates, Richard Billington. ‘Gerry is a savvy traveller who knows what he wants and where he wants to go- but he’s adamant he’ll do it in style, with luxury and comfort as a priority. Having witnessed his seamless travel experience, we are confident that next time his friends will choose to Fly Better.’

Gerry the Goose Bio

Gerry’s career began at Emirates Headquarters in Dubai, where the concept of his journey was ideated and he began to take flight. Then on to Untold Studios in London, where initial 3D models of geese were brought to life via Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). The CGI and filming process took 14 weeks and involved a talented team finessing every feather along with lighting and texture while ensuring carefully created movements brought the character to life. This included time to animate Gerry’s friends, a shoot in London to capture the nature scenes, and a shoot on board Emirates’ aircraft in Dubai.

Relatively new to the acting scene, Gerry cites his career highlight so far as being featured in the Emirates TV ad campaign. The ad runs in 25 countries for one month following its launch on 30 August.

Throughout filming, Gerry collaborated with British voiceover talent Michael Cronin to capture the dulcet tones of an experienced nature documentarist.

Gerry’s species heritage is the Canadian goose (Branta canadensis), large wild geese with black heads and necks, white cheeks, white under the chin, and a brown body. They are native to the arctic and temperate regions of North America and found during migration across the Atlantic in northern Europe.

More information: www.emirates.com

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Hotelbeds hires Asia Pacific VP

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September 8, 2022

SINGAPORE, 8 September 2022: As Asia Pacific nations reopen borders, Hotelbeds announce the appointment of Pippa Williamson as its new VP commercial for APAC.

Based in Hong Kong and reporting to Hotelbeds’ SVP commercial, León Herce, Williamson will lead all core commercial activities across the region while growing the relationships with Hotelbeds’ suppliers and clients across APAC.

She holds an impressive track record gained from her extensive career in the APAC hospitality sector, having worked with some of the world’s leading hotel companies like Marriot, Starwood Hotels and, most recently, Shangri-la.

Announcing the appointment, SVP Commercial for Hotelbeds, León Herce said: “Her strong background working in leadership positions across major hotel companies, her impressive experience in the China market, as well as her almost 15 years working in APAC will undoubtedly boost our activities in the region”.

Williamson added: “After the years of uncertainty we have experienced, I believe we have tremendous opportunities ahead of us and now is the time to seize them.”

MATTA Fair deals live on

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September 8, 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 September 2022: Malaysia Airlines and its tour operating arm, MHholidays have extended their MATTA Fair 2022 deals bookable online until 11 September 2022, after the travel fair closed last Sunday.

The travel period remains unchanged, closing at midnight on 12 April 2023.

Malaysia Airlines’ customers can continue to enjoy MATTA Fair discount of up to 45% off airfares to all domestic and selected international destinations. In Asia, the discount applies for bookings to Singapore, Bali, Bangkok, and Phuket, South Asia, specifically Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Dhaka, Colombo, and Kathmandu, as well as East Asia, specifically Seoul. Beyond Asia, they apply on flights to Auckland, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney.

MHholidays offers up to 40% off flights and hotel packages for three-day and two-night stays, starting from MYR369 per person to Langkawi, or explore further from MYR3,969 for a seven-day/six- nights package per person to London. All MHholidays packages include a 35kg baggage allowance, complimentary onboard meals, and free seat selection.

Customers gain access to Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge in KL International Airport. Enrich members of the airline’s travel, and lifestyle loyalty programme will receive a 10% bonus points on economy and business class tickets.

(Source: Malaysia Airlines)

Triple six fares mark Vietjet birthday

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September 7, 2022

BANGKOK 7 September 2022: Commemorating six years of flying Thailand’s skies since 2016, Thai Vietjet launched its ‘6th Anniversary’ promotion, with fares starting from THB 666.

The latest deal applies for travel on the airline’s entire domestic flight network and includes taxes and fees. Bookings opened on 5 September and are due to close at midnight on 10 September. The travel period runs from 10 September 2022 to 31 December 2022.

For international flight networks, a higher starting fare applies, pegged at THB1,666, including taxes and fees for the same booking window. However, the travel period extends to 25 March 2023. The promotional travel periods for both domestic and international. Travel is not allowed on public holidays.

The promotional tickets are applied to Thai Vietjet’s entire domestic flight network in Thailand from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani, cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, together with the flight from Hat Yai to Chiang Rai, as well as the airline’s international flight network to Vietnam, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Fukuoka, Ahmedabad, and Taipei.

Thai Vietjet commenced its first commercial flight services in September 2016, with only three aircraft in the fleet. Within six years, the airline’s fleet serves 30 domestic and international routes carrying over 10 million passengers.

Amex GBT upgrades to Travelport+

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TTR WEEKLY

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September 7, 2022

SINGAPORE, 7 September 2022: Travelport and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) have renewed a multi-year agreement which includes using Travelport’s next-generation selling platform, Travelport+.

Enhancements in Travelport+ are targeted to improve access to content, providing more retailing capabilities and enhancing productivity for travel counsellors.

“We value our relationship with Amex GBT, which has lasted more than 40 years. Deepening our collaboration using Travelport+ will benefit both Amex GBT and its business customers,” said Travelport commercial officer – agency Jason Toothman.

“Combining Amex GBT’s expertise with our modern travel retailing tools will ultimately improve how corporate travel is managed. The introduction of Travelport+ servicing capabilities and retailing improvements will ensure continued focus on delivering customer, traveller and supplier value to Amex GBT’s marketplace.”

End in sight for the coconut monkeys

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September 7, 2022

BANGKOK, 7 September 2022: Samui Island’s monkeys trained to harvest coconuts could be heading for early retirement, according to PETA Asia’s campaign that prompted Thailand’s Department of Agriculture to design and build a coconut harvester tool.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Asia’s senior vice president Jason Baker released a media statement on Tuesday saying the non-government organisation is hopeful that a tool developed by the Department of Agriculture will make the monkeys redundant.

“PETA is hopeful that the machine developed by the Department of Agriculture will lead to the retirement of the monkeys. They are captured, chained, and forced to pick coconuts in Thailand’s coconut industry.

“Workers in India and Sri Lanka have been using similar contraptions to climb tall coconut trees even before PETA started our campaign, but anything that the Thai government and the coconut industry can do to replace monkeys is a welcome step in the right direction.

“Suffering monkeys remain an inherent part of Thailand’s coconut industry, and a lot more work needs to be done if the country doesn’t want to see its coconuts shunned in favour of animal-friendly alternatives, as happened with Indonesian palm oil.”

According to a recent Nation Online news, PETA released a report two years ago that pointed the finger at coconut farmers in Thailand, alleging the monkeys were ill-treated.

The Agriculture Department has been designing and building a machine tool to end the practice, and three factories are manufacturing the devices.

(Source: PETA)

Emirates Premium Economy lands in Singapore

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TTR WEEKLY

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September 7, 2022

SINGAPORE, 7 September 2022: Emirates announced Monday plans to debut its newly retrofitted A380s featuring its latest Premium Economy cabins to Singapore on 1 March 2023.

Travellers flying to and from Singapore can now look forward to the luxurious and meticulously customised experience that Premium Economy offers. On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. Emirates’ enhanced A380 with Premium Economy will operate as EK354 and EK355.

Emirates, Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei Rashid Al Ardha said: “Emirates is thrilled to bring Premium Economy to Singapore skies. The premium travel experience that these cabins offer has received a hugely positive response since they were introduced in other markets. Customers loved the quality, comfort, and thoughtful touches we made to enhance their in-flight experience. We are committed to offering our passengers the distinct Emirates experience whenever they fly with us and will continue innovating to provide customer-centric, future-forward inflight experiences.”

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Taiwan reinstates visa-free entry

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TTR WEEKLY

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September 7, 2022

SINGAPORE, 7 September 2022: Effective 12 September, Taiwan will reinstate visa-exempt entry for nationals of the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, countries in Europe, and what it describes as “diplomatic allies”.

Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center issued the new visa ruling on 5 September, saying it was in line with “international trends that balance the needs of disease prevention and the promotion of economic and social activities.”

Unlike most Asian countries, Taiwan maintained entry restrictions, but it cut quarantine for arriving travellers from seven to three days in June.

On Tuesday, the Central Epidemic Command Center announced 36,707 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Taiwan. Of the 36,707 new cases, 36,393 were domestic and 314 imported. CECC confirmed 21 deaths. Taiwan has reported more than 5.3 million domestic cases since the beginning of the year, mostly the Omicron variant.

Command centre chief Victor Wang told reporters the three days of quarantine and need for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival would remain for the time being, as well as the current cap on 50,000 arrivals a week. Since 15 August, Taiwan has not required inbound passengers to provide Covid-19 PCR test results within two days of flight schedule time.

Visitors from more than 50 of these countries can stay in Taiwan for up to 90 days, while nationals from ASEAN countries can stay for up to 30 days (currently on the Bureau of Consular Affairs suspended list (see below).

Bureau of Consular Affairs list for visa-exempt entry

Type	Visa-Exempt Entry
Applicable foreign nationals starting from 12 September, 2022	Nationals of the following countries are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Island, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia(effective till 31 March, 2025), Norway, Palau, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tuvalu, the United Kingdom, the United States of America,and Vatican City State. Nationals of the following countries are eligible for the visa exemption program, with a duration of stay of up to 30 days: Belize, Nauru, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia*, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Temporarily Suspending	Chile, Dominican Republic, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, and Russia.

(Source: Reuters and CECC)

Langkawi unveils new tagline

US retains top spot in WTTC report

Gerry the Goose ‘Fly Better’ campaign

Hotelbeds hires Asia Pacific VP

MATTA Fair deals live on

Triple six fares mark Vietjet birthday

Amex GBT upgrades to Travelport+

End in sight for the coconut monkeys

Emirates Premium Economy lands in Singapore

Taiwan reinstates visa-free entry

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