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Tripadvisor names top beaches

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 February 2022: Tripadvisor announced Wednesday the second of its annual Travellers’ Choice® Awards for 2022, the Best of the Best Beaches.

The importance of beach holidays is reflected in a  recent Tripadvisor sponsored survey that revealed  32% of travellers globally would take a beach trip in 2022. 

Radhanagar Beach.

The number one beach worldwide determined by travellers this year is Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. With over 7,200 reviews to date (90% of which are 5-bubble), the Caribbean paradise has travellers raving about its white sand and crystal clear water.

India retrains crown in Asia

This year, India still retains the crown of being home to Asia’s most loved beach, but travellers have crowned a brand new winner for 2022: Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island, India. The award-winning beach is also ranked as the sixth-best beach in the world! This year, India also had the most winners on the ‘best beaches in Asia’ list, including Cavelossim Beach (#4), Agonda Beach (#5), Varca Beach (#8) and Benaulim Beach (#10). 

The only other Asian beach making it to the World list is Yonaha Maehama Beach in Miyakojima, Japan which came in at No. 25.

 Top 10 Beaches in Asia for 2022

  1. Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, India
  2. Yonaha Maehama Beach – Miyakojima, Japan
  3. Railay Beach – Krabi, Thailand
  4. Cavelossim Beach – Goa, India
  5. Agonda Beach – Goa, India
  6. Nai Harn Beach – Phuket, Thailand
  7. Haeundae Beach – Busan, South Korea
  8. Varca Beach – Goa, India
  9. Karon Beach – Phuket, Thailand
  10. Benaulim Beach – Goa, India

Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2022

  1. Grace Bay Beach – Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
  2. Varadero Beach – Varadero, Cuba
  3. Turquoise Bay – Exmouth, Australia
  4. Quarta Praia – Morro de Sao Paulo, Brazil
  5. Eagle Beach – Palm – Eagle Beach, Aruba
  6. Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, India
  7. Baía do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
  8. Trunk Bay Beach – Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands
  9. Baía dos Golfinhos – Praia da Pipa, Brazil
  10. Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy

“The list has something for everyone because it was determined by the millions of different travellers all over the world reviewing their favourite beaches on Tripadvisor throughout 2021. Although last year was still far from ‘normal,’ these are the beaches travellers visited and loved more than any others,” said Tripadvisor VP global media business Christine Maguire.

You can check out the winners across all subcategories here: www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches.

(Source: Tripadvisor)

Cathay adopts Sabre fares solution

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 23 February 2022 : Sabre Corporation, a software and technology provider that powers the travel industry, announced Monday a new agreement with Cathay Pacific Airways to upgrade fare management and drive revenue recovery.

The Hong Kong-based carrier will adopt Sabre’s AirVision Fares Manager and complementary Fares Optimiser solutions to monitor and manage fares.

Sabre’s AirVision Fares Manager and Fares Optimizer bring together integrated end-to-end automation and intelligence to fares management by incorporating publicly available competitor fare benchmarking and automating fare rule adjustments, empowering analysts to make astute pricing decisions in an effort to drive incremental revenue opportunities.

“It’s essential to be able to mine real-time market data to respond dynamically to market conditions while taking into account customer segmentation, demand, willingness to pay and competition,” said Cathay Pacific general manager, revenue management Navin Chellaram. “As the industry looks to recovery, we want to ensure we move forward with the right technology partner to modernise our fares management model, enhance our business processes and offer our customers the right fares every time.”

Airlines mull a return to Bali

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TTR WEEKLY
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DENPASAR, Bali, 23 February 2022: Bali’s steps to recovery begin with three foreign airlines indicating they will launch flights to Indonesia’s top holiday destination.

It’s a far cry from the pre-Covid times when more than 30 airlines served the destination daily. Still, officials told the local news channel Bali Sun they were “so happy to hear that these three international airlines plan to resume their regular flights to Bali.”

They will join Garuda that started a flight from Tokyo to Bali and Singapore Airlines. Foreign airlines are awarded discounts on airport and landing fees to encourage them to resume services to Bali. However, as Garuda is home-based in Indonesia, it failed to secure the discounts on international flights from Tokyo earlier this month, according to travel industry experts who posted on their Facebook pages.

Jetstar Airways, Scoot and KLM Royal Dutch are prepared to start scheduled flights in early March, landing at Bali Ngurah Rai Airport from Australia and Singapore. Airport officials called it a ” positive sign that will generate trust from foreign visitors who want to start travelling to the island again”.

The Bali Sun reported KLM Royal Dutch plans to fly the Singapore-Denpasar route four times weekly as an extension of its service from Amsterdam to Singapore.

Jetstar Airways intends to resume its Denpasar-Singapore, Denpasar-Sydney and Denpasar-Melbourne routes with three flights weekly. Scoot will fly the  Singapore-Denpasar route also with three flights per week.

“We hope that the number of international flights to Bali gradually increases and that this will positively affect the economy,” Fahmi concluded. Since Garuda and Singapore Airlines resumed their international flights to Bali in early February 2022, Bali Airport has recorded 639 passengers.

(Source; Bali Sun and Facebook)

Radisson closed 2021 on a high note

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 23 February 2022: Radisson Hotel Group added 137 new hotels to its portfolio in 2021 to reach 191 operational hotels, with China playing a pivotal role in the expansion.

In partnership with Jin Jiang International and its subsidiaries, the Group signed 122 new hotels and resorts in China, covering four brands in the market.

The Group also signed 15 hotels in key markets in the region, such as Australia and India.

Radisson Hotel Group’s core brands expanded their footprint with the signing of Radisson Collection Hotel, Yangtze Shanghai. Six upscale Radisson and upper-upscale Radisson Blu properties were signed in China and India, including Radisson Hotel, Beijing Daxing Airport, Radisson Blu Hotel Changyuan and Radisson Blu Resort & Spa New Gurugram. In the upper-midscale sector, four new Park Inn by Radisson hotels were added in India, located in Vellore, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Jharkhand.

Radisson Individuals, a category described as a “soft brand” (affiliated properties), continue to attract independent hotels and small chains seeking global representation and awareness while retaining their independence and flexibility.

The brand expanded into new destinations across India, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, with four properties added to the portfolio. This includes the Grand Papua Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.

Radisson Collection made its debut in the Asia Pacific with the opening of five fantastic properties in China, located in Shanghai, Nanjing and Wuxi. Other key openings included Radisson Blu Resort Vishakhapatnam, Radisson Hotel Tianjin Aqua City, Park Plaza Beijing, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, The Oasis Mussoorie, a member of Radisson Individuals, and Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali, which marked this cutting-edge concept’s first operational hotel in India. Radisson Hotel Group’s Asia Pacific portfolio now totals 365 properties – 191 operational and 174 under development.

Hong Kong scuttles Scoot flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 23 February 2022: Scoot has halted seat sales on its flights to Hong Kong until 7 March following a flight ban after passengers disembarking in Hong Kong tested positive for Covid 19 last week.

Singapore Airlines’ low-cost carrier became the latest airline to have its flights banned for two weeks following KLM Royal Dutch Airlines currently banned by  Hong Kong’s Department of Health until 6 March.

The loss of the Scoot flight is a blow for Hong Kong and Singapore. Both are keen to revive business travel between the two aviation hubs.

Bloomberg said the move severs one of the last air links between the two Asian financial hubs. The route was one of the busiest in the world before the pandemic hit.

A check of Scoot’s website shows the earliest booking date is now 7 March. Scoot was operating a daily service.

The ban comes after Hong Kong authorities blocked Singapore Airlines from flying to the city for two weeks from 16 February after too many passengers tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival.

Cathay flew just one service to and from Singapore in February and will fly just one next month, on 19 March, according to its website. Before the pandemic struck, the two hubs mustered more than 250 monthly flights.

Centara rolls out Digital Guest Solution

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 23 February 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces a partnership with True Digital Solutions, True Group’s fully-integrated digital solutions provider.

The partnership allows Centara to usher in a new era of hospitality with the latest touchless technologies to create an extraordinary experience for guests.

The Digital Guest Solution, a digital solution operating on one of the digital platforms for service-related business, True Hospitality Platform, is implemented in five Centara hotels and resorts in Thailand to offer a more convenient approach for guests looking to use a hotel’s services. Without the need to download any applications, guests can scan an Intelligent QR Code via their personal mobile phone or tablet to enjoy services at their fingertips, such as ordering in-room service, booking a spa appointment, or requesting housekeeping.

At Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, Centara is also adopting trailblazing hospitality technology in the form of True 5G Robo-serve in its restaurant. The powerful 5G cloud-intelligent robot can perform tasks autonomously, including delivering food, welcoming guests and interacting with customers, increasing the speed of services and building customer trust and confidence.

Centara Hotels & Resorts deputy CEO, Markland Blaiklock said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with such a prominent player in the technology segment as True Digital Group in a partnership which will be a game-changer in the hospitality business. At Centara, we are always looking for new approaches to enhance our services and create a better experience for our guests, and we believe these innovations fit perfectly with the demands of the new generation of travellers.”

True 5G Robo-serve uses sensor navigation to help the robot avoid obstacles with intelligent mobility and complete tasks autonomously. Combined with the Digital Guest Solution platform, which also offers accurate insight to allow Centara to better understand guest behaviours, these innovations will play important roles to transform operational functions in today’s hospitality landscape.

The Digital Guest Solution from True Digital Solutions is available for guests to experience at Centara resorts across Thailand, including:

Centara Grand at Central World;
Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao;
Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya;
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin;
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.

For more information, please visit https://www.truedigital.com/industry-based-solution or https://www.facebook.com/truedigitalso/

EU sanctions Myanmar military enterprises

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 February 2022: The European Union (EU) on Monday imposed sanctions on Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) and on crony companies that could indirectly impact a hotel project in Yangon, Justice for Myanmar reported.

MOGE is the junta’s biggest single source of revenue, responsible for financing its terror campaign, the JFM statement alleged.

The move comes after TotalEnergies, Chevron, Petronas, Mitsubishi Corporation and Woodside announced plans to exit from their investments in Myanmar.

The EU has also imposed sanctions on the state-owned Mining Enterprise, individual members of the Myanmar military junta and the so-called crony conglomerates International Group of Entrepreneurs (IGE) and Htoo Group of Companies, FFM reported.

Describing itself as a “group of covert activists,” JFM noted that the “EU sanctions against IGE should send a strong message to POSCO International and Lotte Hotels & Resorts, which continue to partner with IGE in the Lotte Hotel project, on land leased from the Office of the Quartermaster General.”

Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung said: “We welcome this new round of EU sanctions. The designation of MOGE is a historic win for grassroots activism throughout Myanmar and worldwide, after over a year of campaigning to stop oil and gas revenue flowing to the terrorist military junta. 

“Sanctions on MOGE are essential to deny the junta the funds it needs to finance its increasing and intensifying violent attacks against civilians, which amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity,” the JFM statement read.

“EU sanctions send a strong signal that the Myanmar junta cannot continue business as usual, but it is not enough. Other governments, including the US and Japan, must now follow with sanctions on MOGE, other military-controlled businesses and their significant associates.”

(Source: Justice For Myanmar)

Emirates’ security chief honoured

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE 23 February 2022: Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, divisional senior vice president of Emirates Group Security and chief executive officer at Transguard Group, has been recognised with the International Leader Award at the Intersec Awards, at the largest international trade show for security and safety organised by Messe Frankfurt.

Dr Al Hashimi was acknowledged for his contribution and commitment to the growth of the Aviation Security Industry.

The International Leader Award is handed out every year to political figures, C-level executives or military personnel who have spearheaded a company or team throughout the year, showing strong leadership skills and guidance.

This is the sixth accolade that Dr Al Hashimi has been awarded over the course of the last year, which includes the Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum (MRM) Award in three categories for Transguard Cash, the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award – SKEA Gold for Emirates Group Security and the Dubai Quality Award – DQA Gold for Emirates Transguard.

Dr Abdulla commented on being recognised for the International Leader Award, saying: “I sincerely feel that the work we’re doing brings value to countries and communities. It helps to keep people safe, and that has been a key driver in my motivation to keep doing better. I am thankful that I have a good team behind me in our pursuit of continuous improvement and excellence.”

He started his career as a police officer in 1989 and, since then, has taken on a number of roles and responsibilities in both the Dubai government and government-owned companies. He has been integral in the inception and development of Emirates Group Security and currently holds the role of Divisional Senior Vice President. He was also instrumental in the formation of Transguard Group and was appointed as the organisation’s chief executive officer by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Security plays a crucial role across numerous aspects of the business, which is what encouraged Dr Abdulla to choose and excel in this particular career.

“Security is a vital enabler of business success, from market access and regulatory requirements to the smooth running of operations to its influence on customer experience and brand reputation. Therefore, it cannot be reactive. It must be a strategic core function with appropriate levels of investment in technologies, capabilities and people.”

According to Dr Abdulla, success in the aviation security function is dependent not only on having excellent systems and the right human factors but also on great partnerships across the public and private sector ecosystem. Aviation security also operates in a dynamic environment and is complex due to its global nature and ever-evolving threats, both in the physical and the digital world.

Visit: www.emirates.com

(Your Stories: Emirates)

AirAsia Super App slashes ex-KL fares

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 22 February 2022: AirAsia offers a 30% discount on all AirAsia Malaysia flights (code AK) from now until 27 February, which can be booked by clicking ‘Flights’ on the AirAsia Super App.

In support of efforts to further boost domestic travel and in preparation for the imminent reopening of international borders, the promotion is available for the travel period from 28 February to 30 September 2022.

AirAsia Super App users can use this opportunity to make domestic holiday plans to popular destinations such as Langkawi, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Phuket and many more via the widest network in Malaysia with 45 domestic routes. Super App users can also pay with their AirAsia points by clicking on the option during checkout.

Passengers can also enjoy 10% off on AirAsia X Malaysia (flight code D7) flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney from now until 27 February for the travel period from 21 February to 22 March 2022.

There are also discounts of up to 50% when booking fares and hotels in a single transaction.

Travellers seeking accommodation deals outside of the airfare offer can also enjoy a 20% discount on any hotels booked on the AirAsia Super App until 27 February 2022.

Sabah marks International Tourist Guide Day

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 22 February 2022: Sabah tourism industry is reaching out to visitors providing them with a safe, entertaining, and high-quality travel experience through tourist guiding, it announced during celebrations of International Tourist Guide Day on Monday.

To remain relevant in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) has worked with Sabah Tourist Guides Association (STGA) to reinvent travel tours and experiences aimed at both local markets and broader audiences via the Internet.

This effort also includes providing local tourist guides with STB-sponsored Online Guided Tour (OGT) courses, which started in October last year, that will allow them to become proficient in leading virtual tours.

While travel information is readily available online, STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman believes tourist guiding is still necessary to give travellers a better understanding of places, people, and culture.

“The tourism industry has been hit hard by the pandemic. However, even in the absence of tourists, we must continue to look ahead and innovate to keep tourism activity going, and this is impossible without the assistance of our professional tour guides.

“As there are still restrictions on travel, Online Guided Tour (courses) are the best way to show the world what Sabah has to offer. Therefore, local guides are and have always been the perfect advocates for our tourism because they are remarkable storytellers with the ability to attract tourists to visit Sabah,” she said.

Noredah added collaboration in the ongoing virtual tour demonstrated the importance of their role in promoting Sabah by conveying stories about many topics like history, World War II, traditional plants, wildlife, and even ancient stone monuments, among others.

“As we celebrate International Tourist Guide Day 2022, Sabah Tourism expresses gratitude to local tour guides for their unending dedication and contribution to tourism promotion. At STB, we are always ready to support our guides and STGA.”

Such supports include backing STGA in recent bidding to host the 2024 World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations Convention.

Although lost to Italy with a mere four votes, STGA nonetheless has managed to put Sabah on the world tourism map.

Sabah has around 1,200 licensed tourist guides with 650 STGA members.

STGA president Grace Leong said tourist guides are instrumental in promoting tourism, stressing their commentaries or narration of destinations are critical in providing information to tourists while on a guiding assignment.

“In Sabah, our tourism is based mainly on Eco-Tourism. Without a tourist guide, tourists will not understand or have minimal knowledge of the destinations visited, including plants, wildlife, and culture.

“Tourist guides are indeed indispensable in Sabah tourism package…In collaboration with STB, the association has conducted virtual walking tours and the ongoing OGTs on Facebook.

“This will aid in promoting Sabah as the destination of choice globally. The OGTs have drawn thousands of viewers since the programme started on 21 January this year.

Additionally, she added STGA is helping to connect tourist guides with various online platforms to enable them to earn an income through OGTs and supplement this with in-person guiding when tourism doors reopen.

 “Yes, we are resilient. While many of our tour guides are now working full-time or part-time in other jobs, we are still waiting for our international border to reopen once the pandemic has passed,” said Grace.

In conjunction with the International Tourist Guide Day on Monday (21 February), STB and STGA are also collaborating with the University Malaysia Sabah on an online webinar focusing on “Recovery and Growth of Tourism: The Role of Tourist Guides.”

Visit the STB website: http://www.sabahtourism.com

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

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