Tuesday, April 29, 2025
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MATTA: Monopoly hurts tourism busienss

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 5 April 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) hails the ending of the Puspakom* monopoly as a vital step in transforming the tourism sector and congratulates YB Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport, for the “decisive move”.

The industry has long been plagued by inefficiencies related to the licensing of tourism vehicles, which has greatly impacted the industry and caused hardship and frustration amongst tourism vehicle operators.

This significant development marks a new era in the transportation industry, promising numerous benefits for stakeholders and consumers. MATTA recommended the following actions.

Improved Services and Benefits: The entry of various enterprises into the inspection services market marks a paradigm change that promotes healthy competition. More competition will result in a wider variety of service options, increased service quality and shorter wait times.

Improved Efficiency: The availability of multiple inspection providers will encourage service providers to streamline operations and provide timely, efficient service.

Innovation: New entrants to the market may bring greater innovation and technologies that will transform the inspection process, making it faster, more accurate, and more user-friendly. Embracing cutting-edge technologies would speed up inspections and increase overall customer satisfaction.

However, strict regulatory monitoring is essential to maintaining compliance with industry standards and safety regulations. With the expansion of inspection service providers, modernised regulatory frameworks are required to ensure the integrity and dependability of inspections. Government oversight will be critical in ensuring a level playing field and sustaining industry best practices.

“By liberalising such essential services, the Minister has taken the right step in helping transform the tourism industry and perhaps many others for the better. MATTA has also submitted many proposals over the years to the Ministry designed to ensure our tourism industry remains competitive, and we hope that the Minister will be able to address some of these very shortly,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

“In light of this bold move, we are also hoping that the Ministry of Finance and the Royal Malaysian Customs will look into the issue of the high insurance premiums for tourism vehicle operators and the lack of luxury vehicle permits for tourism, which puts us at a disadvantage when positioning Malaysia as a luxury tourism destination,” he added.

*Puspakom, appointed by the government in 1994, undertakes all mandatory inspections of commercial and private vehicles.
Puspakom’s monopoly on commercial vehicle inspection services expires on 31 August 2025. It will continue to offer inspections for 15 years from 1 September 2024 but bids will be opened to allow competing services ending the monopoly.

Norwegian summer flights to Spain

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUNICH Germany, 9 April 2024: The Scandinavian low-cost airline Norwegian is expanding its flights from Munich effective this week. 

In addition to its three Scandinavian destinations of Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen served from Munich it has resumed flights to Alicante and Malaga in Spain effective 1 April. 

The airline suspended the flights during the Covid pandemic.

Under the airline code D8, Norwegian Air Sweden – one of several subsidiaries of the Norwegian Group – will offer a late-morning flight every Monday and Friday to the Spanish port city of Alicante, known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, narrow streets and colourful houses.

Picasso’s birthplace, Malaga, is famed for its miles of beaches and warm climate—two reasons why it is very popular with German vacationers. Flights to the city in Andalusia depart Munich at 1040 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

In addition to these Spanish destinations, Norwegian serves Oslo five times a week, Copenhagen three times a week, and Stockholm twice a week from Munich.

Emirates readies for Eid al Fitr celebrations

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 5 April 2024: Marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al Fitr is expected to begin on 10 April, and Emirates will honour the occasion with an array of regional flavours onboard, traditional Eid dishes in the lounges, and new Arabic movies and TV series on ice.

Eid flavours onboard Emirates

From 10 to 13 April, economy-class customers departing Dubai will be treated to the flavoursome favourites of Eid, including chicken biryani with crunchy fried onions, raisins, and cashew nuts or tender lamb kibbeh labanieh with vermicelli rice and rich laban sauce. Eid-themed desserts include a halwa brownie with cardamom sauce and chocolate mousse topped with batheeth crumble.

Premium economy and business class customers can sample traditional chicken mashwi el jeder, with a spiced sauce, chickpea hashwa and ghee rice tossed with potatoes, or savour a fish matfy in a spiced tomato sauce and indulgent butter rice. Desserts include a fragrant pistachio and hibiscus namoura with raspberry curd or a luscious vanilla and rose mousse cake.

First-class customers can experience crafted dishes like hammour matfy, in Emirati style spiced tomato sauce with basmati rice, or braised beef short ribs machbouse with fragrant rice and a local spice blend, or succulent lamb kebabs marinating in spicy tomato butter. Eid desserts include vanilla and rose mousse cake with pistachio anglaise and fresh berries or a warm orange blondie served with white chocolate and vanilla cream tart drizzled in caramel sauce. All passengers will also receive a mini treat with their meal wishing them ‘Eid Mubarak,’ a sweet pumpkin Asseda, with an additional almond apricot tart for premium economy, business and first-class customers.   

In the A380 onboard lounge, a selection of Emirati pastries and Arabic coffee awaits. Customers can also help themselves to a decadent slice of pistachio cake with cream cheese or aromatic saffron and cardamom cake.

Emirates Lounges serve Eid favourites

In the Emirates, Lounges of Dubai on 10 April, first-class customers can explore a wide selection of options, including Arabic coffee, jallab and kamarruddin juice, hot and cold Arabic mezzeh, lamb ouzi or Arabic mixed grill followed by sweet treats of kunafa, kathayef and bassbousa. In business class lounges, there will be classic chicken khabsa and a range of tempting desserts available throughout the day like date mammoul, baklava pecan rolls and saffron bassbousa. Emirates first and business class guests are invited to the old-fashioned ice cream cart in the lounge to enjoy homemade Baklava and Arabic coffee ice cream, made especially for Eid celebrations.

Entertainment for Eid on Emirates ice

Various entertaining content will be available on the award-winning ice for those travelling over Eid al Fitr, from up to 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment and more than 2000 movies worldwide. This includes more than 100 Arabic films, including new releases – Amakor, El Saf El Akheer and Al Masafa Sefr, and up to 285 Hollywood movies with Arabic subtitles, including new releases Napoleon, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Wish, Ferrari and Killers of the Flower Moon. There are 46 channels of Arabic TV series, including Chef Bel Beit, Lo’bat Al Hayah and series from  Shahid including Batn El Hout, Seeb Wa Ana Aseeb and El Ghareeb. Emirates customers can also enjoy 15 Arabic podcasts and audiobooks, The Holy Qur’an, and more than 500 channels of Arabic music, including pop, classics, Khaleeji, Maghrebi and Arabic fusion.
For flight information and to make a booking visit www.emirates.com.

Paying bills in China just got easier

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TTR WEEKLY
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BEIJING, 5 April 2024: CWT has introduced a new end-to-end central payment solution for hotel bookings in China.

Developed in partnership with corporate payments specialist AirPlus, the solution is integrated into the myCWT platform. It works for both self-service bookings made using the myCWT web and mobile apps and for travel counsellor-assisted bookings. 

It also covers all types of hotel content, including CWT business rates and client-negotiated rates, non-GDS content sourced via aggregators, and CWT’s direct API connections with hotels.

When a traveller books a hotel, their company’s payment information is captured when booking to cover the room rate and deposit. The traveller doesn’t need to provide a credit card at check-in, make any payment at check-out, or keep track of invoices from their stay to get reimbursed by their company. The company receives a consolidated monthly statement for all their travellers’ bookings, with a single, itemised invoice that facilitates easy VAT reclaim and expense management. 

“This new solution will address several major pain points for our customers,” said CWT General Manager China Albert Zhong. “The adoption of corporate credit cards and virtual cards in China is relatively low compared to many other markets worldwide. Business travellers here usually first pay for travel expenses out of pocket and then submit tax invoices for all these expenses to get reimbursed. A central payments solution not only creates a much better experience for travellers, it can also help companies gain greater control over their spending, increase policy compliance, improve hotel attachment rates, reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions, and streamline invoice reconciliation.”

CWT already offers central payments for air and rail bookings in China. An energy company and another company from the life sciences sector are the first customers that have signed up to use central payments for their hotel bookings. In the three months since making the switch, they have already seen their hotel attachment rates improve by 50 to 60%, while the use of their corporate negotiated hotel rates has climbed by around 20%

How do airlines cut back on inflight SUPS?

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 5 April 2024: Have you ever wondered what airlines are doing to reduce single-use plastics handed out to passengers on flights? 

Cathay counts SUPs, saying it distributed 7.7 items per passenger per flight in 2019 and targets reducing SUP rubbish to 1.5 items by 2025.

That is just one of Cathay’s practical targets in its 2023 Sustainability Report released this week.

Introducing the report’s key highlights, the airline says it is taking important strides towards establishing itself as a sustainability leader. 

Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam comments: “Sustainability is inherent in Cathay’s purpose — to move people forward in life. We understand that achieving this purpose sustainably and responsibly for current and future generations requires collective efforts… We aim to lead by example and reach new heights in building a more sustainable future.

“As a pioneer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), we continue to lead the charge in accelerating collaboration and deployment of SAF within Asia. We are also dedicated to transitioning towards circular solutions by setting a clear roadmap for reducing single-use plastics (SUP) and waste. Meanwhile, in line with our longstanding commitment to positively contributing to Hong Kong society, we are proud to engage in many community initiatives with our primary focus on youth development.”

Highlights from the 2023 report

Committing to near-term climate improvements: Building upon its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Cathay set a new near-term target to improve its carbon intensity by 12% from the 2019 level by 2030. Cathay’s focus remains on accelerating SAF use, modernising its fleet and driving operational improvements to achieve this goal.

Accelerating SAF: SAF remains the most important lever for achieving Cathay’s new carbon intensity target and net-zero operations in the long run. In addition to driving further development of the SAF supply chain in the region and conducting its first overseas SAF uplift on commercial flights, Cathay has expanded its Corporate SAF Programme by establishing partnerships with new corporate clients and a non-governmental organisation.

A more sustainable use of resources: Cathay Pacific sets a new target to decrease passenger-facing single-use plastic products (SUPS) from an average of 7.7 items per passenger in 2019 to 1.5 pieces by 2025. Additionally, Cathay Pacific aims to reduce cabin waste by 30% from the 2019 baseline by 2030. 

These will be achieved by incorporating circular economy principles into its product and service design, selecting more sustainable or recycled materials upstream, and channelling used items back for recycling or repurposing.

Revitalising the Hong Kong community: Cathay successfully rejuvenated the Cathay Volunteer Team and engaged in various youth-centric programmes aligned with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme, including the popular Cathay Community Flight and Aviation Exploration Days.

Full details of Cathay’s performance and commitments to sustainable development are available in its 2023 Sustainability Report, available here.

Avalon Alegria sets sail in Portugal

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 April 2024: Surrounded by beautiful hillside vineyards in Pinhão, Portugal, Avalon Waterways christened its 15th Suite Ship during the Easter week. 

Avalon Alegria, one of Europe’s most sustainable vessels afloat, will sail Portugal’s Douro River. 

The new 262-foot, 102-passenger Avalon Alegria has 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites. It is the first ‘suite ship’ from Avalon Waterways to set sail in Portugal, designed to sail the Douro River. 

The Avalon Alegria joins a fleet of Suite Ships sailing iconic rivers in Europe and Southeast Asia. Her first guests embarked on a themed cruise titled “Vida Portugal Cruise; Vineyards & Villages.” sailing the River Douro earlier this week.

Waterways president Pam Hoffee points to Avalon’s signature features: “its boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites and the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising.

“A Panorama Suite is the highlight on all of the Suite Ships of Avalon, along with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open 11 feet wide in Europe and 14 feet wide in Southeast Asia … wider than any other balconies in the industry.

“We’ve waited a long time for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust holiday portfolio, and that day has finally arrived,” said Hoffee at the start of the Easter week’s launch cruise.

FlyArystan gains its wings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 April 2024: Air Astana confirmed this week its low-cost airline brand, FlyArystan, has been granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK).

Air Astana Joint Stock Company, including its subsidiary FlyArystan, is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions in terms of revenue and fleet size.

The AOC issued on 1 April 2024 follows the AAK’s extensive audit and examination process to demonstrate FlyArystan’s adherence to domestic aviation legislation and international operational standards. 

Since its launch in 2019, FlyArystan has operated under the Air Astana AOC. Under its own AOC, FlyArystan can align operations more effectively with its low-cost carrier model and pursue additional growth opportunities. FlyArystan remains a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Air Astana Group.

Operationally, having its own AOC will enable FlyArystan to obtain its own IATA code, allowing it to expand distribution globally and partner with other airlines.

Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster said: “Since its launch five years ago, FlyArystan has grown into the market leader in Kazakhstan while stimulating the market, providing 3.6 million passengers with low-cost air travel in 2023 and expanding the fleet from four to 18 aircraft, with a further six to be delivered in 2024. This makes it the right time for FlyArystan to obtain its operator certificate, reflecting the airline’s increased size and operational complexity. It provides the regulatory framework for FlyArystan to continue to grow while pursuing opportunities for international expansion.”

About Air Astana Group

Air Astana Group operates a fleet of 50 aircraft split between Air Astana, its full-service airline that operated its inaugural flight in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019. 

The Group provides scheduled, point-to-point and transit, short-haul and long-haul air travel and cargo on domestic, regional and international routes across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Middle East, India and Europe.

Korean Air opts for long-range A350s

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 5 April 2024: Korean Air has become a new customer for the A350 aircraft family following the signature of a firm order with Airbus for 33 aircraft. 

The order covers 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s.

Offering the longest range of any aircraft, the A350 will be able to operate any of the airline’s current intercontinental routes with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft. The additional range of the A350 will also enable the carrier to evaluate new long-haul destinations.

“The A350’s exceptional range, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort make it a great fit for our global network,” said Korean Air Chief Safety and Operating Officer and EVPJason Yoo. “We are confident that introducing the A350 to our fleet will drive operational efficiencies and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers.”

The A350 Family is firmly established as the world’s long-range leader, with passenger versions able to fly up to 9,700 nm/18,000 km nonstop. Powered by the latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the airframe uses 70% advanced materials such as composites, titanium, and modern aluminium alloys to create a lighter and more cost-efficient aircraft. This results in an average reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of around 25% compared with similar-sized previous-generation aircraft.

At the end of February, the A350 Family had won 1,240 orders from 59 customers worldwide.

Destination Explore taps TA Network

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 April 2024: Malaysian tour operator Destination Explore announced on Wednesday a partnership with Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) as it combines advanced digital solutions with regional destination management services. 

This latest collaboration aims to revolutionise Destination Explore’s customer experience by offering a comprehensive range of travel products and services, including hotels, tours, packages, and ground transfers.

Destination Explore is a travel agency based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

TA Network offers cutting-edge digital solution services and enterprise software delivery expertise, complementing Destination Explore’s regional destination management services. Together, they offer a powerful combination of travel technology and operational knowledge.

The partnership provides Destination Explore access to TA Network’s affordable digital solutions, including digital payments, scalable channel distribution, online supplier connectivity, and operations automation. 

Destination Explore can expand its wholesale business by integrating online travel channels with TA Network, tapping into new markets and revenue streams.

Destination Explore founder Ganneesh Ramaa highlights the benefits of boosting direct bookings with hotel affiliates and accessing accommodations using TA Network’s B2B direct booking capabilities. 

Ramaa emphasises the ability to deliver value-added goods to partners and clients, fostering closer engagement with hotels.

TA Network Regional Director of Partnerships and Growth Thomas Wong underscores the platform’s interoperability and extensive reporting capabilities, facilitating the customisation and launch of Destination Explore’s online platform. He emphasises the seamless integration of travel products and services, enabling Destination Explore to meet customer demands efficiently and open new revenue streams without extensive engineering work.

About Destination Explore
Destination Explore is a travel agency specialising in destinations in Southeast Asia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it serves travel clients worldwide. www.destination-explaore.com 

About Trip Affiliates Network
Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, Trip Affiliates Network provides FIT/group inbound and outbound turnkey solutions and add-on direct supplier connectivity services for travel agents, wholesalers and hotels. High-end platforms include integrated booking systems for flights, hotels, activities and transfers, plus dynamic packages and digital payment solutions

www.tripaffiliates.com 

Etihad flies to four US cities

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TTR WEEKLY
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ABU DHABI, 5 April 22024: Etihad Airways touched down for the first time in Boston on Sunday, 31 March, marking the introduction of direct services between Abu Dhabi and the US east coast city.

The new direct flights operate four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The aircraft is configured with 28 Business Studios and 262 Economy Smart seats, which feature the latest entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity.

“We are thrilled to inaugurate flights to Boston, further extending our reach across the US and enhancing connectivity for travellers,” said Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves.

“This new route not only brings the allure of Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the American Northeast but also signifies our commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences and fostering global connections.

“The new route is timed to offer convenient links to our growing network for corporate business travellers and leisure guests connecting to destinations across the Middle East and our 11 routes across India.”

“Massport is pleased to welcome Etihad Airways to Boston Logan International Airport with their new flight to Abu Dhabi,” said Massport Interim CEO and Aviation Director Ed Freni. “This route provides a key connection between Boston and the UAE, and New Englanders now have even more options when planning a trip to the Middle East and beyond.”

Boston is Etihad’s fourth US destination, joining Chicago, New York, and Washington. The airline also flies to Toronto, Canada. It partners with JetBlue to offer connections to US and Canadian cities from Etihad’s five North American gateway destinations. 

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