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Moon cakes inspire VistaJet

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG 24 August 2022: With the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival starting next month, the world’s leading business jet aircraft operator VistaJet is partnering with some of the world’s leading hotels and tour operators to create five distinctive travel experiences to celebrate the full-moon festival.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated in Chinese culture. Similar holidays are celebrated in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and other East and Southeast Asia countries. This year the full moon festival falls on 10 September.

In Pursuit of the Moon Queen

In Southeast Asia, VistaJet curates a tour, “In Pursuit of the Moon Queen”, where you will fly from Kuala Lumpur – on board one of VistaJet’s super-premium business jets to the far eastern Indonesian city of Ambon: the gateway to some of the most amazing, secluded and beautiful parts of Indonesia.

From Ambon, guests will board a superyacht and explore the Spice Islands in search of Yoisi, the Moon Queen in Javanese mythology, and then explore Raja Ampat, an archipelago of tiny jungle islands within a beautiful and diverse marine ecosystem. The trip ends in Sumatra, where guests can participate in a project to protect the last majestic tigers of Sumatra in a private conservation area in the Sumatran rain forest.

VistaJet claims to be the first and only global business aviation company to present five distinctive full moon experiences in 2022. The other four highlight China, Greece, the Lost City of the Incas and the Tsukimi cultural experience in Japan. 

Moonlight Staycations in China: The House Collective

To celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, VistaJet offers a series of luxurious staycations with The House Collective, a group of refined, highly individual properties (The Opposite House in Beijing, The Upper House in Hong Kong, The Temple House in Chengdu and The Middle House in Shanghai).

Mooncakes are a signature delicacy of the annual festival. The House Collective will curate mooncake pairing experiences tailored to the preferences of VistaJet members. It will include a cocktail masterclass experience with the mixologist from Salisterra at The Upper House. Other highlights of the tour include the Michelin-starred restaurant at The Opposite House in Beijing, Chengdu Panda Base and culture tours with The Temple House, along with an intimate sanctuary at The Middle House in the heart of Shanghai.

Full Moon Adventures with Ariodante The Oracles in Greece

Billed a “magical and thrilling adventure under the auspice of Selena, the goddess of the moon,” history blends with Greek mythology.

This two-week trip, by land and sea across the Greek regions of Epirus, Peloponnese and Attica, enables VistaJet members to walk in the footsteps of the Greek gods, heroes and historical figures like Homer Pythia, the priestess of Delphi, Aristotle. Alongside archaeologists, historians and artists, visit places not accessible to the public, museums, historical sites, and even see the gates to the underworld.

Through exclusive visits and private gastronomic experiences, guests share an incredible journey ending with a private artistic performance in a UNESCO site where ancient Greek and Chinese poetry and divination come together under the full moon. Key destinations include Athens, Ioannina, Corfu, Nafplion, Porto-Heli and Epidaurus.

Lost City of the Incas

It’s an invitation to embark on an awe-inspiring adventure to discover the Inca civilisation, the largest empire in pre-Columbian America, from the origins of their empire to their annihilation by the Spanish conquistadors in 1572. During this three-week journey in search of the Lost City of the Incas, VistaJet members will discover the civilisation from which the Incas descended, the remains of the empire and other incredible sites, including the rainbow mountain, the mummies of Arequipa, the condors of Colca Valley and the mysterious Nazca lines. Other exciting activities include flying over the Sacred Valley of the Incas in a hot air balloon, diving into Lake Titicaca, accessing secretive historical places, and sharing an extraordinary display of Chinese lanterns in Machu Pichu under the full moon with your family.

Key destinations include La Paz, Tiwanaku, Lake Titicaca (island of the sun and island of the moon), Raqchi Archaeological Park, Vinicuna, Sacred Valley (Aguas Calientes, Moray, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Cusco), Arequipa, Colca Valley, Nazca, Vilcabamba and Lima.

A Refined Tsukimi in Japan

During Tsukimi in Japan, family and friends gather under the full moon with seasonal food and sake as offerings to the moon, traditionally as a prayer for a good harvest. VistaJet’s version of Tsukimi brings members to Japan, following the moon’s phases to create refined Kaisekis (traditional Japanese multi-course dinner) at every step. The trip will culminate in an extraordinary private ceremony to the full moon held in one of Japan’s most beautiful temples with an unseen dance and taiko performance.

Along the journey, guests will discover the three classical Japanese arts of refinement (kadō — the way of flowers, kōdō — the way of fragrance, and chadō — the way of tea) in iconic private locations such as Imperial Villa, an ancient temple, and the home of a distinguished art collector. Discover Japanese calligraphy on the floor elevated into pure art with one of the most renowned Japanese calligraphy artists and enjoy a refined saké tasting with the Geishas in Kyoto.

This is a sophisticated 10-day-long voyage through Japan’s ancient traditions, history, philosophy and arts. A one-of-a-kind voyage links the origins of Japan by meeting with the country’s oldest tribe, the Ainu people. Guests explore the ruins of Asuka (the Imperial capital from 538 to 710 AD) and sites such as Engaku-Ji, Eikando and Toshogu.

For more details, visit https://www.vistajet.com/privateworld/.

(Your Stories: VistaJet)

AirAsia rolls out travel fest deals

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 August 2022: AirAsia Super App introduces its ‘Super Travel Fest’, promising price deals from more than 700 partner airlines worldwide and more than 700,000 hotels.

Flight bookings are open for just three days, on 23 to 25 August for the latest promotions that focuses on hotel deals in destinations across Southeast Asia.

AirAsia Super App chief commercial officer Tan Mai Yin

The AirAsia Super App provides top-rated hotel deals for travellers across Southeast Asia, such as Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi,  Bali, Phuket and Boracay. Prices start at THB799 per night throughout the promotion, available for bookings for just one hour daily (1100 to 1200) from 23 to 25 August.

AirAsia Super App chief commercial officer Tan Mai Yin said: ” As a leading provider of hotel reservations and travel services, We are ready to make every promotion of SUPER Travel Fest unique for customers. And this time, the highlight is a special hotel booking deal on hotels in ASEAN such as Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Bali, Phuket and Boracay. We also have more than 700,000 hotels worldwide that you can book through the AirAsia Super App. We work closely with airline and hotel partners to drive tourism back on track. “

PG goes double daily to Krabi

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 August 2022: Bangkok Airways doubles flights to twice daily on the Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Krabi route effective 1 September.

Going double daily on the route to Krabi, a popular beach destination in South Thailand, is a response to the increase in international bookings for travel to Thailand’s beach resorts, mainly from Southeast Asia and India. Still, the airline reports bookings are also improving from the UK and the Middle East.

The new timetable shows the airline has added a later afternoon flight to Krabi, returning to Bangkok late evening in time to connect with flights to the Middle East and Europe.

Bangkok to Krabi

Flight PG261 departs Bangkok at 0815 and arrives in Krabi at 0940.
Flight PG263 departs Bangkok at 1745 and arrives in Krabi at 1910.

Krabi to Bangkok

Flight PG262 departs Krabi at 1040 and arrives in Bangkok at 1210.
Flight PG264 departs Krabi at 2000 and arrives in Bangkok at 2130.

Bangkok Airways is quoting a roundtrip fare of THB3,010 or THB1,360 one-way. Flights use an Airbus A329.

In its latest passenger advisory posted on 19 August, the airline warns passengers travelling with only one-way tickets they could be denied entry at the destination without further explanation. Check-in counters for all PG flights open one hour and 30 minutes before departure. The airline says it must verify necessary documents to comply with the control measures that remain in place for Covid-19 at each entry point.

Technology tops the travel manager’s agenda

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 August 2022: Business travel and the travel manager’s role changed significantly during the pandemic due to uncertainties and travel disruptions, according to the latest research released by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), supported by FCM.

“The Evolution of Travel Programme Technology” survey explores how technology has impacted the travel manager’s role, the traveller experience, and the travel management company (TMC) business.

During the pandemic, digitalisation and the use of technology accelerated as travellers were driven online, experiencing contactless and touchless travel. But surprisingly, this research now shows that two in five travel managers cite technology as one of their top pain points, highlighting that there is still work to be done in achieving the right balance. As companies return to travel and update their travel policies, many use this opportunity to reassess supplier relationships and technology requirements for the post-Covid environment.

 “The corporate travel manager’s role changed significantly due to the pandemic, elevating the position as companies navigated unprecedented challenges. Given the fast pace of change, technology has played a vital role in ensuring the efficiency of travel programmes,” said GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. “Keeping updated and communicating with travellers has renewed urgency for companies and travel managers looking to their TMCs to advise on innovative ways to manage travel programmes effectively while keeping travellers safe.”

“The rapid pace of technological innovation presents tremendous opportunities for travel managers and managed travel programs as we return to business travel. Travel managers cite technology as the most important factor when selecting a TMC,” said Marcus Eklund, Global Managing Director, FCM. 

“The study also showed that on average, nine in 10 global travel managers say a consistent technology experience is of utmost importance. It’s essential TMCs be at the forefront of technological advancements to advise travel managers and help solve corporate global travel challenges.” 

Survey highlights

  • Technology is the most critical factor when travel managers select a TMC, ahead of costs/fees and account management quality and support. Three in five (59%) travel managers include technology as one of the most important factors when selecting a TMC. However, two in five respondents (42%) include technology as one of the top pain points of their primary TMC.
  • Online booking tools have a dominant role. Almost all travel programmes (96%) use an online booking tool (OBT), the most popular technology component. However, other technology solutions are less frequent, including reporting dashboards, TMC mobile apps, re-shopping tools and single-use virtual payments, to name a few. This suggests many travel managers might primarily associate travel technology almost exclusively with OBTs and thus, might be unaware of other solutions that can create efficiencies and streamline travel programme components.
  • Sustainability and OBT tools. Few travel programmes use their online booking tool to promote sustainability. Fewer than half say their OBT shows carbon emissions in search results (44%) or displays lower emission flights higher in search results (10%). The score for sustainability messaging was just 4%, excluding less sustainable options from search results 2%. However, many travel managers are interested in configuring their OBT to do these things.
  • Widespread interest in chatbots. Seven in 10 travel managers are interested in artificial intelligence-enabled chat. These chatbots can answer travellers’ questions or help them make bookings. Despite the strong interest, chatbots are largely not a reality for most travel programs. Fewer than half say their TMC app includes a chatbot that can answer traveller questions (44%) or help travellers make bookings (29%).
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) transforms reporting. Travel Managers are widely interested in using AI to enhance reporting (87%), data cleansing (82%), personalisation of search results (78%), and auditing of expense reports (62%).
  • Mixed NDC understanding. Travel managers’ understanding of the New Distribution Capability (NDC)is mixed, with many being largely uninitiated with the XML-based data transmission standard. One-third (30 per cent) say they know “some but have more to learn,” while one in five say they know “virtually nothing” or only “a little” about NDC (20% each). While one in five (21%) travel managers report their programme offers NDC content through their TMC/OBT, a third (34%) are unaware if their TMC/OBT offers NDC content – suggesting NDC is not top of mind among many travel managers.

GBTA surveyed from 14 February to 21 March 2022 with responses from 309 travel managers based in the US, Canada, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.

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Aman Group secures investment for global expansion

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 August 2022: Aman Group has secured investments totalling USD900 million from two strategic partners: The Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Cain International, a privately held investment firm specialising in real estate.

Through this investment, the company will strengthen its existing portfolio, build its pipeline of Aman and Janu destinations, and acquire and develop additional properties.

From left to right: Aman New York; Vlad Doronin, CEO of Aman Group and Aman Tokyo.

Aman has 34 properties in 20 countries, including 12 Aman Branded Residences, nine more hotels and residences under construction and a pipeline of new destinations in countries such as the United States, Japan, Mexico, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, Aman Real Estate Holdings owns or partly owns 16 of the 34 Aman hotels.

Speaking on the PIF and Cain investments, Aman Group owner, chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin said: “My long-term strategic vision has been to continue to grow the Aman brand in key markets, all with Aman Branded Residences, as well as creating an ultra-luxury ecosystem. The investment from PIF and Cain International is a vote of confidence in my vision and the work the team has done over the last eight years, cementing the brand’s evolution and ability to deliver this vision at pace.”

Scoot starts flights to Chitose

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 August 2022: Scoot will start flying to Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan (gateway to Sapporo) on 2 November from Singapore, offering six flights weekly; three direct and three via Taipei.

Chitose is home to the largest airport in Hokkaido, New Chitose Airport, which is the closest airport to Sapporo.

The airline will offer three direct flights on Monday, Wednesday and Friday with an outbound flight time from Singapore of seven hours and 30 minutes using a Boeing Dreamliner 787-800. The starting one-way fare of USD412.

Direct flights depart Singapore at 0240 and arrive in Chitose at 1110. The direct return flight departs Chitose at 1240 and arrives in Singapore at 2013. Flight time is eight hours and 40 minutes.

In addition,  Scoot will offer three flights a week to Chitose with a stop in Taipei (Taiwan) on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Flight time is 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Sabah and Penang cross-promote destinations

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TTR WEEKLY
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GEORGE TOWN, Penang 23 August 2022: Sabah and Penang are embarking on a cross-promotion of their tourism attractions through a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) signed last Saturday.

Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Noredah Othman and Penang Global Tourism (PGT) CEO  Ooi Chok Yan led the signing ceremony.

(From R-L) Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Noredah Othman, Yeoh Soon Hin, and Ooi Chok Yan exchanging ideas after the signing of Memorandum of Collaboration between Sabah Tourism Board and Penang Global Tourism.

STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, and his PGT counterpart Yeoh Soon Hin, witnessed the signing ceremony, which came after the two chairmen discussed cooperation during a meeting held in December last year.

Both Joniston and Yeoh described the MoC as momentous, noting that the two states share a similar commitment to the positive impact that tourism might have on the people and the economies of their respective states and the nation.

The goals of the MoC between Sabah and Penang include, among other things, improving flight connectivity between the two states and facilitating the engagement of key parties concerning the development of products and tourism.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Yeoh in Penang last year, and we explored the possibility of establishing a Friendship city relationship between our two cities. We met again in Sabah and discussed how important it was to collaborate.

“I do think that this MoC is the first step to help us realise our friendship initiatives through tourism, and hopefully, it will lead to a similar collaboration with other states,” said Joniston, who is also Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.

He also suggested that the Sabah Tourism Board and Penang Tourism Global establish a key performance indicator to assess the efficacy of their partnership and make adjustments as needed to realise their goals.

Yeoh, who is also Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace), expressed optimism that the partnership with the Sabah Tourism Board would help to boost the economies of both states and make them more resilient in the face of future challenges.

“We anticipate increasing the number of visitors to Malaysia by sharing tourism ideas and creating dual destination packages for domestic and international markets.

“The key to tourism success is breaking down siloed approaches. To succeed, we must work together, and this important partnership is a step to achieve our common goals,” Yeoh explained.

For more information on Sabah visit www.sabahtourism.com

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Japanese agents and media visit Malaysia

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 23 August 2022: Following Malaysia Airlines’ first direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo last week, Tourism Malaysia is hosting Japanese travel trade partners and media on a familiarisation trip promoting Malaysia as a safe holiday destination.

Nine travel agents and media visited the country flown in by Malaysia Airlines for a four-day, three-night stay in Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Penang.

The FAM Trip was also co-hosted by the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Holiday Villa Resort Langkawi, Megawater Sport, ParkRoyal Collection Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Penang and Penang Global Tourism.

Travel agents and media had the chance to experience the mangrove tour at the award-winning Kubang Badak Biogeotrail in Langkawi – the island’s newest ecotourism product recognised for its high geological diversity and early settlement history dating back to the 18th century. Apart from riding jet-ski for the island hopping tour, participants were also treated to a cooking demonstration at Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas before immersing themselves in a robust conservation and sustainability programme initiated by The Datai Langkawi.

Besides Putrajaya sightseeing, several attractions in Kuala Lumpur were also highlighted, including Saloma Bridge, Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, FRIM’s Forest Skywalk, Kwai Chai Hong and LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre – the first regional and largest retail facilities operated by Mitsui Fudosan in Southeast Asia.

Other activities included George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site inspection and a guided tour to Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, Escape Theme Park, and The Habitat Penang Hill to explore the myriad of flora and fauna and the 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island from its highest viewing point.

In welcoming participants during a special dinner, Tourism Malaysia, director general Dato’ Zainuddin Abdul Wahab said: “Japan remains one of Malaysia’s top 10 international tourists generating markets before the pandemic. In 2019, Malaysia welcomed 424,694 arrivals from Japan, and 70 per cent of Japanese tourists came to Malaysia for holidays.

“ Malaysia will participate in the upcoming Tourism Expo Japan 2022 in Tokyo this September to attract more tourist arrivals from this market,” he told the media.

(Source: Bernama)

AirAsia Thailand flies to Fukuoka

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 23 August 2022: AirAsia Thailand (FD) will launch direct flights to Japan for the first time on 12 October, introducing direct flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Fukuoka, the largest city on the Japanese island of Kyushu.

The low-fare AirAsia route will fly three times weekly (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) from 12 to 28 October 2022 before increasing to four flights weekly (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday) starting 30 October. A 236-seat Airbus A321 will fly the route.

AirAsia is launching the new route with promotional fares for BIG members from THB4,888 THB each way and THB4,928 THB for non-members.

The discounts are on offer until 28 August 2022 for travel from 12 October 2022 to 23 March 2023. Pre-book 20kg of checked baggage during the promotional period and gain an additional 30kg free when booking on the AirAsia Super App.

AirAsia Thailand Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya stated: “Japan is a top leisure favourite destination for Thai travellers, and many of them are planning to visit the country as soon as it reopens to tourism. Acknowledging this opportunity, AirAsia Thailand decided to introduce Fukuoka as its first destination in Japan, presenting travellers with a new and different take on the nation through a city known for being welcoming and budget-friendly.”

“Fukuoka might not be the first city that comes to mind for people thinking of visiting Japan, but anyone who experiences it is sure to be deeply impressed. Our flights to the city begin just in time for autumn when the weather begins to cool, and the trees change colour with the stunning sakura blooms, a favourite time for Thais getting ready to celebrate the end of the year,” Santisuk said. 

View requirements for travelling to Japan at www.mofa.go.jp/ca/cp/page22e_000925.html

Central Group acquires Selfridges

By
Andrew Wood
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BANGKOK, 23 August 2022: Central Group and Signa Holding announced Monday they had completed the acquisition of Selfridges from the Canadian Weston Family.

The Central Group, controlled by the billionaire Chirathivat family, is the largest department store chain operating for over 75 years in Thailand. With the acquisition of the British luxury store chain Selfridges, Central and Signa aim to become a major global player in the department store sector. This transaction has created one of the world’s leading luxury department store groups, with a presence in eight European countries and flagship stores in the cities’ most sought-after locations, mainly the iconic Selfridges department store.

The iconic Selfridges Oxford Street is considered one of the UK capital’s premier shopping destinations in the heart of London, which occupies an entire city block.

In December 2021, Thailand’s largest department store owner, Central Group, was just days away from closing a UKP4 billion (USD4.76 billion) acquisition of Selfridges stores in the UK. The Weston family owned Selfridges for almost 20 years (2003), acquiring the brand for UKP598 million.

Selfridges Group’s portfolio includes stores under four brands in three countries, including the flagship department store Selfridges in London, England. The integration will also include Selfridges Group’s e-commerce platforms, which draw over 30 million online visitors monthly and ship to over 130 countries worldwide.

Central and Signa’s combined existing portfolio of 22 department stores and two new stores to open soon in Dusseldorf and Vienna. The current holdings comprise Rinascente in Italy and Illum in Denmark (wholly owned by Central Group) KaDeWe, Oberpollinger, Alsterhaus in Germany, and Globus in Switzerland, which Central Group and Signa Holding jointly own. Central Group, owned by the billionaire Chirathivat family, has had a presence in Europe since 2011. Last year, the joint venture bought Swiss luxury department store Globus and other real estate assets for USD1 billion.

Central executive chairman and chief executive officer Tos Chirathivat and Signa Holding chairman of the executive board Dieter Berninghaus will be the new co-chairs of the group.

In February 2022, Central Retail announced it would spread USD3 billion across its operations in Thailand, Vietnam and Italy. Central Retail has 23 Central department stores in Thailand and 40 under the mid-range Robinson brand, making it the country’s biggest chain of its kind. Central Retail has 3,641 branded stores (Sept 2021), including supermarkets, hypermarkets, sportswear, stationery, electronics and office products.

(Report by Andrew Wood, CEO A&P Media)

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