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AirAsia X flies to Almaty

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KUALA LUMPUR, 15 March 2024: AirAsia X (AAX) launched a direct flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Thursday, marking its debut in Central Asia.

This historic milestone marks AAX as the first Southeast Asian airline to establish a direct air link to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s commercial and cultural epicentre. 

The introduction of the route highlights AAX’s commitment to expanding its network strategically and provides convenient access to emerging markets while catering to the growing demand for seamless and affordable travel between Southeast Asia and Central Asia.

The inaugural flight using an A300-300 aircraft took off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) with 283 passengers following a celebration led by YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia,  Bulat Sugurbayev, Kazakhstan Ambassador to Malaysia, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A; Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X and other dignitaries and industry partners.

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail commented: “The launch of our direct flight to Almaty marks a significant leap forward for AirAsia X as we venture to the heart of Central Asia. We are confident that our entry into the Kazakh market will not only enhance tourism between both countries but also foster closer ties regionally as we can connect the people in the largest country in Central Asia to 130 destinations from Kuala Lumpur.”

AAX flies four weekly services to Almaty, offering more than 95,000 seats annually and competitive fares from MYR599 or USD169 all-in* one-way. The promotional fares are available for booking made until 21 March 2024 for the travel period ending 17 June 2025 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app, previously known as ‘airasia Superapp’.

*The promotional all-in fares quoted are for one-way travel, including taxes, fuel surcharge, and other relevant fees. Other terms and conditions apply.

China Eastern taps travel rush

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SINGAPORE, 15 March 2024: China’s 2024 Spring Festival travel rush lasted some 40 days and officially closed on 5 March, after delivering a business bonanza according to statistics released by China Eastern Airlines Group

The parent airline, China Eastern Airlines, and subsidiaries — Shanghai Airlines and China United Airlines — operated 106,800 passenger flights, transporting nearly 16.5 million passengers, with an average load factor exceeding 82%.

According to statistics released by China Eastern Airlines, the airline carried an average of more than 412,400 passengers daily during the Spring Festival travel rush. The peak period occurred from 14 to 16 February, during which the daily passenger volume exceeded 480,000 for each of those three days.

As the largest home-based airline in Shanghai, China Eastern Airlines facilitated over 44,000 arriving and departing flights at the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport during the Spring Festival travel rush. The airline served over 6.85 million passengers, including more than 530,000 transit passengers and over 4,000 unaccompanied minors.

China’s outbound travel boomed during the Spring Festival, and favourable factors, such as the implementation of visa-free policies, sparked a surge in bookings on flights to Southeast Asia, the most popular region for China’s travellers, followed by Italy. In particular, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand saw a large influx of passengers after introducing visa-free policies.

In the first two months of this year, China Eastern Airlines flights to Malaysia had an average load factor of 82.7%. Meanwhile, the passenger volume on flights between China and Italy increased by 62% year-over-year.

China Eastern Airlines continues to capitalize on the popularity of Southeast Asian destinations in the lead-up to the Easter holiday season, which starts on 29 March. The airline introduces daily flights from Kunming to Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, starting on 16 March.

Flight MU9629 will depart Kunming (KMG) at 1725 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2140.
Flight MU9630 will depart Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2240 and arrive in Kunming (KMG) at 0155 (plus a day)

A 180-seat A320 flies the route daily with a flight time of four hours and five minutes. The roundtrip fare starts at USD535.

MAVCOM gives and takes on PSC tax

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 15 March 2024: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) announced 12 March revisions to the Passenger Service Charges (PSC) effective from 1 June 2024 to 31 December 2026. 

MAVCOM, in its announcement introducing the revised rates, said they were “designed to support the aviation sector’s recovery and adaptability in the post-Covid-19 pandemic environment.” 

Table 1 indicates the newly revised PSC rates set by MAVCOM payable by passengers departing from and transferring through Malaysia. The rates include a charge for providing security services at airports.

The following are the main highlights of the revised rates.

Domestic PSC 
The domestic PSC remains unchanged at MYR11 except for Senai International Airport (JHB), which increases to MYR16.

MAVCOM said in its official announcement on its website that the domestic PSC was “retained to ensure affordability and spur local travel,” adding that it recognised the crucial role of domestic air travel in connecting Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah and Sarawak. 

PSC at KLIA1
All passengers will pay MYR73 instead of the tiered tax levels for ASEAN and beyond-ASEAN travel. Currently, passengers flying to ASEAN destinations pay a PSC of MYR35, (increases 1 June by MYR38 to MYR73) while those embarking on flights to non-ASEAN destinations continue to pay MYR73.

PSC at KLIA2 
For KLIA Terminal 2 and other airports, which predominantly cater to short-haul flights, the international PSC is set at MYR50, lower than the MYR73 charged at KLIA1. However, the MYR35 tax deal on travel within ASEAN will be replaced by the MYR50 PSC — one price for all. 

MAVCOM justified the differences between KLIA1 and KLIA2, saying factors influencing the decision include the higher price elasticity associated with short-haul routes, purchasing behaviours favouring low-cost carrier models, and a more price-sensitive demographic compared to passengers at KUL Terminal 1.”

Single unified International PSC
With the new PSC rates, the ASEAN and beyond ASEAN PSC have been unified into a single international PSC of MY73 for KUL Terminal 1 and MY50 for KUL Terminal 2, as well as other airports. 
The PSC domestic transfer fee stands at MYR7 and for international transfers MYR29 (KLIA2) and MYR42 (KLIA1). 

PSC at other airports 
MAVCOM allowed other airports that are not operated by subsidiaries of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) [Malaysia Airports (Sepang) Sdn. Bhd. and Malaysia Airports Sdn. Bhd.], namely JHB, Kerteh Airport (KTE), and Tanjung Manis Airport (TGC), to propose tariffs to the Commission. 

This allowance is based on a market power assessment conducted by the Commission, which determined that these airports either lack market power or the capability to exercise it. Both KTE and TGC have opted to adopt the rates recommended by the Commission. Meanwhile, JHB has opted to implement a separate rate structure, with the approved rates outlined in Table 2.

(Source: MAVCOM)

Emirates sponsors Wimbledon

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BANGKOK, 14 March 2024: Emirates scores its fourth “Grand Slam” as the airline announces a multi-year partnership with one of the most prestigious tennis events in the world: The Championships, Wimbledon.

As the Official Airline Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon, Emirates will take the world of tennis to new heights with exciting on-ground activities. The Championships will take place from 1 to 14 July 2024 at The All England Lawn Tennis Club. The airline is now a proud partner of all four Grand Slam tournaments in tennis.

Official Airline Partner Wimbledon

Through the partnership, Emirates will enjoy a wide range of benefits, including on-court branding in Centre Court and No1 Court; on-site activations to engage with tennis fans; marketing, digital, and social media rights; hospitality tickets; and an opportunity for the airline to join the popular ‘Wimbleworld’ on the metaverse platform, Roblox, with Emirates’ branded tennis courts and obstacle courses.

Championing “Force for Good” initiatives

Emirates and Wimbledon will also join forces to support social impact initiatives across the UK. Under the partnership, a multimillion-pound “Force for Good” fund will be created to support and promote initiatives that positively impact society and support local communities. Further details on this fund will be announced later this year.

Proud sponsor of four Grand Slams

Emirates has been the official airline of the ATP Tour since 2013 and has been a premier partner since 2016. The airline’s portfolio includes some of the most high-profile events on the ATP and WTA tours. In addition to all four Grand Slam tournaments, comprising the US Open (since 2012), Roland-Garros (since 2013), Australian Open (since 2015), and The Championships, Wimbledon (announced 2024). The airline also supports 60 other tournaments across the year. Emirates has also supported the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships since its inception in 1993.

The airline’s sponsorship portfolio also includes other top global sports, such as golf, horse racing, and sailing. In the UK, the airline sponsors Arsenal, the Emirates FA Cup, the Lancashire Cricket Club, and Emirates Old Trafford.
For more information on flights and to make a booking visit www.emirates.com.

Sarawak launches tourism awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, Sarawak, 14 March 2024: The Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak officially launched the Quick Facts Book 2023, the Calendar of Events (COE) 2024, the 9th Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (2019-2023), and the Official Website at an event hosted 11 March.

The launch ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak and the Minister for Youth, Sport, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, at the Sheraton Hotel, Kuching, in conjunction with the State Tourism Steering Committee (STSC) Meeting 2024.

Photo credit: Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak.

The meeting and the launching ceremony were also attended by Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts, YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board, YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Residents and Heads of State and Federal Government Departments.

The Sarawak Tourism Quick Facts Book is produced as an annual compilation of all facts, figures, and information from various sources that show the performance of Sarawak Tourism throughout the year 2023. 

Meanwhile, in the Calendar of Tourism Events 2024 (CoE2024), this year features 88 events across Sarawak, including our iconic events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival, the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Race, the Kuching Marathon, and the Borneo Jazz Festival.

The Sarawak Hornbill Tourism Awards (SHTA) are a platform to recognise excellence and innovation in the tourism industry. The 9th SHTA, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak in partnership with the Sarawak Tourism Federation, will recognise outstanding achievements and contributions within the Sarawak tourism sector from 2019 to 2023.

The event will feature eight main award categories and 28 sub-categories, with new categories introduced, including Spa and Wellness, Education and Medical Tourism, SMM2H, Best Community-Based Tourism Initiative, and Special Award for Sustainability.

The 9th SHTA official website will provide comprehensive information and resources and be a valuable hub for industry professionals, potential nominees, and stakeholders to engage with the awards programme.

The dedicated website will showcase the background & history of SHTA as well as the past winners’s information. The latest award information, which includes the nomination process, criteria, and nomination form, can be accessed online at https://shta.com.my/

All individuals and organisations from all corners of the tourism industry are encouraged to nominate themselves or others for the present and new categories. The nomination period will begin on 25 March and end on 30 April 2024, and nomination forms can be submitted online or offline. The winner of the 9th SHTA received prize money, a trophy, media recognition, and an awards certificate.

For more information on Sarawak, visit www.sarawaktourism.com.

American Express reveals 2024 travel trends

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 March 2024: Travellers are more likely to spend the same amount of money or more on travel this year, according to the latest 2024 Global Travel Trends Report1 released by American Express this week.  

The report, based on survey data from travellers in the US, Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Mexico, and the UK, highlights the inspiration and trends driving global travel bookings this year. It finds that 84% of respondents plan to spend more or the same amount of money on travel in 2024 compared to last year. 

Additionally, 77% of respondents care more about having the right travel experience than about the cost of the trip. 

Four trends driving booking decisions

  • For the Love of the Game: Sports fans are planning trips around athletic events, whether it involves a favourite sport, a beloved team, or an international multi-sport competition
    • 67% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents (compared to 58% of all respondents) are interested in travelling for sporting events in 2024 
    • 58% of respondents who are travelling for sports in 2024 will do so for soccer, basketball or Formula 1 racing  
    • New York, Miami and Paris are the top destinations respondents are planning to travel to for sporting events this summer
  • Planning Big: Major, expedition-style adventures, like a trip to the Galapagos Islands or trekking with the gorillas, deliver the transformative experiences that travellers seek.
    • 65% of respondents are more interested in taking a major trip in 2024 than in previous years. 
    • 72% of respondents would rather save money for a major trip than spend it on going out with friends, and more than half plan on saving between six months and two years for a major trip. 
    • 58% of Millennial and Gen Z respondents want a travel agent or trusted advisor to help them book a major trip this year.
    • 55% of respondents planning a major trip would consider visiting multiple countries in a region.
  • Going Solo: Travellers take trips alone, embracing the ease of planning and the ability to tailor itineraries to fit their needs.
    • 76% of Millennials and Gen Z respondents (compared to 69% of all respondents) say they plan to take a solo trip in 2024. 
    • 74% of male and 63% of female respondents say they will plan a solo trip in 2024.
    • 66% of respondents planning solo travel are planning a trip tailored to treat themselves.
    • 60% of respondents planning on travelling solo this year intend to take two or more solo trips.  
  • On a Whim: With so much of life structured and scheduled, people seek flexibility in their travel plans, leaving room for spontaneity.  
    • 78% of respondents say that spontaneous trips appeal to them. 
    • 77% of Millennials and Gen Z have booked a last-minute trip before, compared to 65% of Gen X and 52% of Baby Boomers.
    • 68% of respondents agree they like to leave unplanned time in their trip to experience local culture/activities .
    • 57% of respondents prefer booking a last-minute getaway to a nearby destination rather than somewhere far away.

“Travelers are focused on creating the right itineraries and building memories, whether that means booking a trip to see a favourite sports team compete or taking a once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise,” says American Express Travel president Audrey Hendley. “Our Global Travel Trends Report sheds light on what drives global travel bookings and inspires where to go next.” 
The full American Express Travel 2024 Global Travel Trends Report can be viewed here. 

Leisure Hotels Group opens resort in Goa

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, India, 14 March 2024: Leisure Hotels Group, a resort chain in North India and the largest in the state of Uttarakhand, has launched its newest venture, Bedzzz Xclusiv, Morjim, Goa.

It follows the introduction of Bedzzz in Rishikesh and Varanasi and opened its doors to its first guests on 6 March. Rates at the resort start at INR2,550.

Leisure Hotels Group director Vibhas Prasad expressed his enthusiasm: “The addition of Bedzzz Xclusiv, Morjim, Goa marks a significant milestone in our pan-India expansion journey.”

Situated steps away from  Morjim Beach and close to the banks of the Chapora River, Bedzzz Xclusiv, Morjim Goa, features 27 rooms, each with private balconies offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. 

Morjim Beach: Morjim’s main attraction is its namesake beach. It’s known for its golden sands, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Unlike some more crowded beaches in North Goa, Morjim offers a more peaceful and relaxing experience.

Turtle Watching: Morjim Beach is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles, making it a popular spot for turtle watching. The turtles come ashore between November and March to lay their eggs. For those interested in witnessing this natural wonder, several responsible tour operators can take you on a guided night walk.

Chapora Fort: Located on a hilltop overlooking Vagator Beach, Chapora Fort is a 17th-century Portuguese fort that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The fort played a significant role in the battles between the Portuguese and the Marathas.

Ashwem Beach: A short drive from Morjim, Ashwem Beach is another beautiful and pristine beach. It’s known for its black sand dunes and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and yoga.

Chapora River: The Chapora River, which meets the Arabian Sea at Vagator Beach, is a great place to go kayaking or take a boat trip. Walking along its banks, you can enjoy the river’s scenic beauty.

About Leisure Hotels Group

Leisure Hotels Group is a luxury resort chain in North India and the largest across the state of Uttarakhand. Since its foundation in 1989, the group has expanded its resort portfolio in Uttarakhand to 28 scenic locations. Uttarakhand state is in northern India crossed by the Himalayas and known for its Hindu pilgrimage sites. Rishikesh, a major centre for yoga study, was made famous by the Beatles’ 1968 visit (Wikipedia).

IATA cargo event convenes in Hong Kong

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 14 March 2024: Hong Kong hosted the International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Cargo Symposium (WCS) for the first time, the largest annual event for the global air cargo industry. 

The three-day event, held from 12 to 14 March, attracted more than 1,900 delegates worldwide to Hong Kong, and some 50 international exhibitors showcased the latest developments in the global air cargo industry.

Photo credit: HKIA.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the busiest cargo hub in the world, is the symposium’s host airport, while Cathay Cargo was the event’s host airline. 

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has been working closely with IATA and airport partners to bring the event to Hong Kong. The event demonstrates the post-pandemic recovery of Hong Kong’s aviation industry and strong growth prospects in both cargo and passenger business.

Themed “Driving Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” the event held at AsiaWorld-Expo focused on the different aspects of the global cargo industry, covering technology and innovation, security and customs, cargo operations, and sustainability. 

“Hong Kong’s strategic location in Asia, coupled with its world-class infrastructure and status as a global logistics hub, makes it the perfect backdrop for this year’s event. Air cargo’s success matters. Over the next few days, digitalisation, safety and sustainability will be top of mind for the industry’s leaders,” said IATA director general Willie Walsh.

The WCS is an annual global air cargo industry meeting that brings together airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers, and regulators to discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities. The meeting includes plenary sessions, specialised streams, workshops, and executive summits.

DOT Philippines and Austria plan tourism MoU

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MANILA, 14 March 2024: The Philippines intends to strengthen tourism ties with Austria through a bilateral M0U to capture more visitors from this emerging European source market.

Philippines Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco visited Vienna, Austria, last week to meet Austria’s state secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler to discuss ways to promote tourism between the two nations through an MoU.

Photo credit: DOTP. Tourism secretary Frasco (left) and Austria’s state secretary Kraus-Winkler during their discussions in Vienna on 7 March.

Secretary Frasco noted the huge opportunity in the Austrian market, citing the impressive 89% recovery rate in visitor arrivals from Austria to the Philippines in 2023. 

During the meeting in Vienna, Secretary Frasco reiterated the Philippines’ intent to establish a Memorandum of Tourism Cooperation with Austria to mutually grow tourism between the two countries and exchange best practices in culture, heritage, and retirement schemes.

“Following our discussions in Manila last year, we wish to reiterate the Philippines’ interest in signing a Memorandum of Tourism Cooperation to formalise our efforts to benchmark best tourism practices on sustainable tourism, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and further enhance frameworks on human capital development, among other things,” said Secretary Frasco.

“We acknowledge the opportunity to strengthen the market; we also wish to maximise the opportunity to educate and inform Austrians about our tourism products in the Philippines, which are of great interest to Europeans, including our beaches, dive sites, adventure offerings, and experiential travel across our islands and among our diverse communities,” said Secretary Frasco.

According to Secretary Kraus-Winkler, the largest employment sectors for Filipinos in Austria “are in tourism and care,” with almost a quarter of the Filipino diaspora in Austria currently working in the tourism sector. It was suggested a “working holiday programme” should be included in the Memorandum of Understanding.

“Tourism generally benefits from working holiday programmes, as young people can gain experience in tourism worldwide. Experience has shown that young people often also want to explore the country where they are working and go on vacation during their stay of up to one year. We are looking forward to the talks on the rapid implementation of a working holiday program, as we were recently able to conclude with the US,” said Secretary Kraus-Winkler.

The ‘workation’ programme targets people aged 18 to 30 who want to broaden their understanding of other countries and cultures. Foreign language skills are an important aspect of a successful start to working life abroad.

The discussions between the two tourism leaders also tackled sustainability and the pivotal role of digitalisation in tourism.

(Source: DOT)

Taylor Swift tour a boon for Aussie hotels

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TTR WEEKLY
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Taylor Swift . Photo: Graham Denholm/TAS24/Getty

SINGAPORE, 14 March 2024: Boosted by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the hotel industries in both Sydney and Melbourne posted their highest average daily rate (ADR) for any month on record, according to February preliminary data from CoStar. 

CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. 

Melbourne

February 2024 (year-over-year % change)\
Occupancy: 78.1% (+8.5%)
Average daily rate (ADR): AUD244.80 (+11.4%)
Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AUD191.18 (+20.9%)
Melbourne’s daily occupancy levels remained above the 70.0% mark throughout the month except for six days. The market posted its highest occupancy and ADR levels on Saturday, 17 February, at 91.8% and AUD459.10, respectively. 

Sydney

February 2024 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy: 86.5% (+5.9%)
Average daily rate (ADR): AUD329.05 (+16.4%)
Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AUD284.47 (+23.2%)
Sydney hosted four Taylor Swift concerts between 23-26 February, which pushed daily ADR levels as high as AUD527.52 on Saturday, 24 February. 

While the highest daily occupancy level for the month was reported outside of the Eras Tour dates on Tuesday, 20 February (93.6%), occupancy during the four days reached as high as 92.9% on the second day of her tour.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com

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