JAKARTA, 1 March 2024: Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Tourism and Creative Economy is resuming promotions in India following its return to the South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) hosted in New Delhi in mid-February.
Presenting the latest Wonderful Indonesia to India’s travel market on the sidelines of SATTE Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno touched on the importance of India’s outbound travel market, noting that Indian travellers to Indonesia reached 606.439 in 2023, with a growth of 125.8% from the previous year. India ranks the 6th top outbound travel market for tourists visiting Indonesia, while in Bali, Indian visitors ranked the second highest in 2023.
Bali is now top of mind for Indian outbound tourists. Still, promotions this year in the Indian market will focus on five “super priority destinations beyond Bali such as Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, and Likupang.
The marketing focus will also shift to present Indian travel agents opportunities to sell niche market travel such as weddings, honeymoons, family, and MICE travel.
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 March 2024: Asia Pacific Airlines enjoyed a solid start to 2024 with positive passenger traffic trends during January, according to preliminary traffic figures released Thursday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA)
Overall, the region’s airlines carried 27.0 million international passengers in January, a 49.4% increase from the previous period in 2023.
Traffic recovered to reach 82% of 2019 pre-Covid levels. As measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand rose by 48.3% year-on-year, reflecting robust regional travel demand. Available seat capacity expanded by 51.3% year-on-year, while the international passenger load factor fell by 1.6 percentage points to an average of 79.9% for the month.
Meanwhile, January saw a continuation of growth in air cargo markets, propelled by demand related to the festive Lunar New Year season. International air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), recorded a strong 22.5% year-on-year increase for the month, extending the rebound seen in the last quarter of 2023. Nevertheless, growth in offered freight capacity continued to outpace demand, driven by the ongoing recovery in belly-hold capacities of international passenger operations. For the month, offered freight capacity rose 25.8% year-on-year, leading to a 1.6 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 57.5%.
Commenting on the results, AAPA director general Subhas Menon said: “The year started positively for Asia Pacific airlines, as both international air passenger and cargo markets saw robust growth, supported by the Lunar New Year festive period timing. A rise in leisure travellers boosted travel demand, while cargo markets benefitted from heightened demand for air shipments ahead of the festive period.”
Looking ahead, he noted: “The upcoming year looks broadly positive for Asian carriers, given the renewed optimism on the global economic outlook. However, as capacity restoration progresses, airlines face intensifying competition. In addition, the cost environment remains challenging, as inflationary pressures remain amid ongoing supply chain issues. Nevertheless, airlines remain proactive in seeking new growth opportunities while maintaining the highest safety and customer service standards.”
LANGKAWI, 1 March 2024: Tourism Malaysia hosted Routes Asia 2024’s Networking Evening at Resorts World Langkawi, pledging to support airlines with matching grants to establish more direct flights to Malaysia.
As a milestone for the country’s MICE segment, Routes Asia 2024 sets a precedent as Malaysia prepares to host next year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025, followed by Visit Malaysia Year in 2026.
Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia.
These important events will lead to a surge in tourist arrivals over the next three years. Tourism Malaysia has introduced matching grants awarded to airlines that are prepared to invest and introduce new direct and charter routes to attract more flights between important source market countries and Malaysia.
“Tourism Malaysia is eager to collaborate with international airlines and tourism agencies to enhance air accessibility, frequency, and seat capacity to Malaysia via the International and Charter Flight Matching Grant (GSPC). We truly look forward to having more carriers designate Malaysia as their preferred destination,” said Tourism Malaysia director-general Manoharan Periasamy
As the host country of the 20th edition of Routes Asia, Langkawi Island in northern Malaysia welcomed close to 1,000 airline and airport industry executives from 60 countries for the three-day event that concluded on 29 February. Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Tourism Malaysia co-hosted the three-day event in collaboration with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA).
Malaysia recorded 20.1 million international tourist arrivals and MYR71.3 billion in tourist receipts in 2023. This year, Malaysia aims to woo 27.3 million arrivals with MYR102.7 billion in tourism revenue.
SINGAPORE, 1 March 2024: A celebration is underway as Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess sets sail on 28 February on the cruise ship’s maiden voyage from Rome.
The new 177,882-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess, tagged “the next-level Love Boat”, introduces an innovative new ship platform designed exclusively for the world’s most iconic cruise brand.
An engineering marvel, Sun Princess officially started its inaugural cruise season with a 10-day Grand Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Rome, taking guests to Naples, Italy; Crete, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey (for Ephesus); Athens, Greece; Sicily, Italy; Mallorca, Spain; and Barcelona.
Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues, including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini.
Sun Princess offers an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and diverse accommodations. More than 1,500 cabins have balcony views, and Sun Princess’ re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation.
The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea
Sun Princess presents 30 restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences.
Spellbound by The Magic Castle: Blending the captivating world of magic with culinary art and mixology create an innovative dining experience steeped in magic and adventure.
Kai Sushi by Makoto: Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa, brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions.
Love by Britto: A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto.
The Butcher’s Block by Dario: A new speciality pop-up restaurant from the world’s most famous butcher, Dario Cecchini, guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini’s signature cuts.
The Catch by Rudi: An exceptional dinner concept from Chef Rudi Sodamin showcases delectable treasures from the sea.
Entertainment & Retail Space
The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theatre at sea, offering original productions. At night, The Dome astonishes audiences with acrobatic Cirque Éloize performances while the Piazza dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall.
Sun Princess also features the cruise line’s largest casino, two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with over 200 premium brands.
The first-ever family activity zone, Park19, offers multi-generational fun from the top deck. Within decks 19, 20 and 21, guests can experience everything from the Sea Breeze, a glider ride that offers panoramic views of the ocean and breathtaking ports of call, to the Coastal Climb, an engaging climbing structure where guests can enjoy the views.
HONG KONG, 1 March 2024: Once Resorts World One’s seasonal homeport deployment in Southeast Asia ends on 3 July, when the cruise ship will sail back to Hong Kong to commence its new summer homeport deployment from 12 July to 6 October 2024.
Resorts World Cruises will offer a variety of cruises from its Hong Kong homeport.
Eight six-day/five-night Okinawa Cruises departing Sundays to Naha and either Miyakojima or Ishigaki in Okinawa, Japan;
Five six-day/five-night Vietnam cruises to Hanoi (Halong Bay) and Danang with a port of call at Sanya in China.
Three-day/two-night weekend cruises departing Hong Kong on Fridays for those seeking that short getaway on the open seas.
“Resorts World One will have an exciting deployment these coming months, as she will leave Hong Kong for Southeast Asia at the end of May 2024. However, Hong Kong remains an important cruise hub, and we are delighted that Resorts World One will return in early July to launch its new season itineraries for vacationers departing from Hong Kong,” Resorts World Cruises president Michael Goh.
SINGAPORE, 1 March 2024: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2023 Annual Safety Report for global aviation this week, with several parameters showing “best-ever” results.
Aviation continues to make progress on safety. There were no hull losses or fatal accidents involving passenger jet aircraft in 2023. However, there was a single fatal accident involving a turboprop aircraft, resulting in 72 fatalities. There were 37 million aircraft movements in 2023 (jet and turboprop), an increase of 17% on the previous year.
Photo credit: IATA.
Report highlights
The all-accident rate was 0.80 per million sectors in 2023 (one accident for every 1.26 million flights), an improvement from 1.30 in 2022 and the lowest rate in over a decade. This rate outperformed the five-year (2019-2023) rolling average of 1.19 (an average of one accident for every 880,293 flights).
The fatality risk improved to 0.03 in 2023 from 0.11 in 2022 and 0.11 for the five years, 2019-2023. At this level of safety, on average, a person would have to travel by air every day for 103,239 years to experience a fatal accident.
IATA member airlines and IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registered airlines experienced no fatal accidents in 2023.
A single fatal accident occurred in 2023 on a turboprop aircraft, resulting in 72 fatalities. That was reduced from five fatal accidents in 2022 and an improvement on the five-year average (2019-2023) of five.
“2023 safety performance continues to demonstrate that flying is the safest mode of transport. Aviation places its highest priority on safety, and that shows in its 2023 performance. Jet operations saw no hull losses or fatalities. 2023 also saw the lowest fatality risk and ‘all accident’ rate on record. A single fatal turboprop accident with 72 fatalities, however, reminds us that we can never take safety for granted. Two high-profile accidents in the first month of 2024 show that, even if flying is among the safest activities a person can do, there is always room to improve. This is what we have done throughout our history. And we will continue to make flying ever safer,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
Regional Safety Performance
The 2023 all-accident rate improved compared to 2022 for all regions except North America and Asia Pacific. No regions experienced a jet hull loss in 2023. Asia-Pacific recorded a fatal turboprop hull loss, a loss-of-control accident in Nepal in January 2023, with 72 fatalities. Consequently, all regions except Asia-Pacific recorded a fatality risk of zero in 2023.
North America: The all-accident rate rose from 0.53 per million sectors in 2022 to 1.14 in 2023 but remained better than its 5-year average for the region of 1.21. The largest proportion of accidents in 2023 were related to landing gear collapses.
Asia-Pacific: The all-accident rate increased from 0.56 per million sectors in 2022 to 0.78 in 2023 but was better than the 5-year average for the region of 1.06. The fatality risk rate per million sectors rose for Asia-Pacific operators from 0.00 in 2022 to 0.16, owing to the fatal accident in Nepal in January 2023, which was due to loss of control in flight.
Africa: The all-accident rate improved from 10.88 per million sectors in 2022 to 6.38 in 2023, better than the five-year average of 7.11. In 2023, there were no fatalities. This region has had no jet hull losses or fatal accidents since 2020. Additionally, 2023 marked the fifth occurrence of Africa reporting zero fatal turboprop accidents, with the first instance recorded in 2015. Under the Focus Africa initiative, IATA introduced CASIP to enhance aviation safety in Africa. CASIP efforts continue to partner with states to increase the implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) as well as AFI Regional Aviation Safety Plan for Effective Implementation (EI) of ICAO ISARPs have increased the minimum SARPs implementation threshold to 75% or greater (from 60%). Only 12 of Africa’s 54 states meet this new threshold, indicating the need for significant improvements.
Middle East and North Africa: The all-accident rate improved from 1.30 accidents per million sectors in 2022 to 1.16 in 2023 and was also better than its 5-year average of 0.96. While no accidents were related to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, it has emerged as a critical area of concern in the region.
Commonwealth of Independent States: The all-accident rate improved from 2.16 accidents per million sectors in 2022 to 1.09 in 2023. This rate is better than the region’s 5-year average of 3.19 accidents per million sectors. (CIS sectors may undergo larger revisions than normal once actual flown sectors become available. This will affect accident rate as well as fatality risk calculation.)
Europe: The all-accident rate improved from 0.98 per million sectors in 2022 to 0.48 accidents in 2023. This rate is better than the region’s 5-year average of 0.77 accidents per million sectors. The region has had a fatality risk of zero since 2018. The largest proportion of accidents were related to landing gear collapses.
North Asia: The all-accident rate improved from 0.45 accidents per million sectors in 2022 to 0.00 in 2023. This was better than the region’s 5-year average of 0.16 accidents per million sectors. The fatality risk rate improved from 0.23 in 2022 to 0.00 in 2023.
Latin America and Caribbean: In 2023, the region reversed an increase in accidents from the previous year. The all-accident rate per million sectors improved from 4.47 in 2022 to 0.37 in 2023, better than the 5-year average of 1.91.
BANGKOK, 29 February 2024: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has announced that it will officially reopen its iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel in September 2024.
Situated in the exact prime location as the original property, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 to 2019, this highly anticipated, reimagined version of Dusit’s luxury flagship hotel promises to deliver a fresh take on its predecessor’s esteemed heritage and once again stand as a beacon of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality for discerning travellers from all around the world.
To meet the demands of modern guests, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel has been meticulously reconstructed to offer an opulent accommodation experience, elevating the already high standards established by the original property. With fewer rooms (257 versus the original’s 517), the newly built 39-storey hotel offers ample space for guests, including deluxe rooms and elegant suites exquisitely crafted by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm, André Fu Studio, starting at an impressive 50 sq m.
Envisaged by Architects 49 International Limited and OMA Asia Hong Kong Limited, a division of the esteemed Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to architecture and urban planning, the hotel’s distinctive architecture and thoughtful layout further elevate the sense of space. A singular corridor floorplan ensures every room faces the green expanse of Lumpini Park, with guests enjoying uninterrupted scenic views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. This unique design feature, complemented by elegantly designed window seating, seamlessly blends the tranquillity of nature with the modern luxury within.
Since it opened in 1970, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok boasted one of the city’s largest, most elegant ballrooms. The new version of the hotel continues this tradition with expansive banqueting and meeting facilities spanning over 5,000 sq m. This includes one of the largest grand ballrooms in Bangkok, with a high ceiling, a panoramic view of Lumpini Park, and a diverse selection of meeting spaces for small to large-scale events.
The hotel will soon announce an exciting line-up of food and beverage outlets, including elevated dining experiences created by renowned chefs and a stylish multi-level rooftop bar.
Reflecting Dusit’s commitment to holistic well-being, Dusit’s signature wellness concept, Devarana Wellness, will also introduce a unique urban sanctuary concept designed to offer bespoke wellness experiences for guests, visitors, and locals alike. Full details of the hotel’s wellness offerings and exciting culinary concepts will be revealed closer to its reopening date.
As part of its design, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok proudly integrates signature elements from the original property that were thoughtfully removed and preserved for use as part of the new building. This includes the original property’s signature golden spire, recently returned as part of the new property’s topping-off ceremony, and precious artworks by renowned local artists. The original property’s distinctive, handcrafted teakwood décor and various historical ornaments have also been incorporated into the new build.
Suphajee Suthumpun.
“The new Dusit Thani Bangkok is more than just a hotel; it’s a testament to our commitment to evolving with the times and leveraging our heritage to create unforgettable experiences for the future,” said Dusit International Group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun.
“By blending tradition with innovation, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok has been carefully designed to surprise and delight long-time fans of the original hotel and new generations of travellers alike. This reimagined landmark also serves as a blueprint for exciting new services and experiences across Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.”
Dusit Thani Bangkok managing director Adrian Rudin added: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to spearhead the return of this legendary hotel in the heart of Bangkok. For nearly five decades, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok stood as a cornerstone of the community, crafting cherished moments and unforgettable memories for countless guests. This is a new chapter, where heritage seamlessly blends with modernity, ensuring every guest encounters the extraordinary.”
The new Dusit Thani Bangkok is located at the heart of Dusit Central Park, a landmark THB46 billion mixed-use development also comprising ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200 sq m Roof Park. These additional components are expected to open gradually in 2025.
Bookings for the new Dusit Thani Bangkok will open 1 May 2024 on dusit.com, allowing early-bird bookers to be the first to experience the new property when it opens in September.
To stay updated on the hotel’s debut, sign up for Dusit Gold through dusit.com/signup
LANGKAWI Malaysia, 29 February 2024: Asia’s aviation and airline executives are meeting this week in Langkawi as the Langkawi Development Authority pulls out all the stops to make Routes Asia 2024 a milestone event for Malaysia’s premier tourism island.
In a statement welcoming 1,000 delegates, LADA described the high-powered event that brings airline and airport executives together to forge new air links as “a momentous event that will put this wonderful island on the world tourism map.”
Routes Asia 2024 opened on Tuesday at the island’s Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), giving Team Langkawi a unique opportunity to showcase the island’s expertise in hosting major events. The show continues through Thursday, 29 February.
Routes Asia 2024 was inaugurated by the honourable YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia.
Approximately 1,000 delegates from 60 nations are engaging in around 3,500 appointments over the three days of no-nonsense business discussions that will result in more direct air links between countries in Asi and building seamless connectivity for travellers. To that end, top executives involved in flight schedules from 110 airlines are engaged in serious business talks with their key counterparts representing 170 airports and destinations. On the sidelines of the business appointments, 30 industry experts are participating in a conference.
For Routes Asia, the primary goal is to grow air services in the Asia Pacific region. However, the business sessions also underscore the vast potential to expand air links from hub cities in Asia to Langkawi based on incentives offered by the destination and airport authorities. LADA comes to the business sessions with attractive incentives to support airlines ready to launch direct services to the island.
“Routes Asia stands tall as a credible engagement platform for airlines, tourism authorities, government agencies and aviation-related organisations in the region to convene, exchange information and discuss strategies concerning the expansion of air service networks.”
Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and its strategic partners Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Tourism Malaysia’s winning bid to host Routes Asia 2024 was announced by the organiser Informa Markets during the 2022 event held in Danang, Vietnam. In 2025, the event will be hosted by Perth, Australia.
SYDNEY, 29 February 2024: Flight Centre Travel Group achieved an AUD106 million underlying profit before tax (PBT) for the half year to 31 December 2023.
The leisure business’s AUD60 million underlying PBT exceeded pre-pandemic levels and was: • Circa 30-times the AUD2 million FY23 first half (1H) result; • Double the AUD30 million FY19 1H underlying PBT.
Underlying corporate PBT increased 53% to AUD93 million during another period of healthy, organic growth and ahead of the Productive Operations initiative’s benefits being realised.
Total transaction value (TTV) increased 15% to AUD11.3 billion, delivering FCTG’s second-strongest start to a year (behind only the FY20 1H).
Corporate TTV increased 16.8% to a record AUD5.9 billion as the business again achieved new sales milestones and comfortably outpaced the broader corporate travel sector’s recovery.
Leisure TTV increased 18% to AUD5.2 billion, with scale benefits achieved across a diverse mass market, including luxury, complementary, and independent brand ranges.
FCM managing director Asia Bertrand Saillet commented: “Asia has continued to outperform, with a significant 44% increase in revenue, fuelled by strong performance across Southeast Asia, India, and the re-opening of China.
Our strategic decisions to consolidate and focus on our core business offerings, investments in technology, and leveraging Global Business Solutions to increase automation, operational efficiencies, and productivity have contributed to our success.
With new account wins and strong customer retention rates of 98 per cent, FCM Travel has become the preferred travel management company providing business travellers with a ‘Glocal’ travel experience.”
Flight Centre Travel Group global corporate CEO Chris Galanty noted: “Our corporate businesses have had a strong start to H1 of FY24 globally, contributing 52% of Flight Centre Travel Group’s total transaction value, with our proven organic growth model again delivering record overall sales.
“We’ve also achieved new milestones in the four geographic regions of Australia and New Zealand, the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
“These record results, built on high customer retention rates and large volumes of new account wins, were achieved in a sector that has only recovered to circa 70% of pre-Covid transaction volume levels, pointing to our healthy market-share growth.
“At the end of January 2024, our corporate brands had secured new accounts with projected annual spends of circa AUD1.3 billion, with FCM Travel typically winning customers from competitors and Corporate Traveller securing a mix of unmanaged and smaller, managed accounts.”
HONG KONG, 29 February 2024: Marriott International announced Tuesday the expansion of travel benefits in its award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, through a collaboration with Cathay’s Membership programme.
Eligible members will access both programmes’ membership benefits through limited status match offers and accelerated points earning via seamless two-way conversion between Miles and Points.
The strengthened partnership provides Marriott International access to Cathay’s extensive membership base, surpassing 11 million members globally. The airline members are connected with an unparalleled portfolio of nearly 8,800 hotels and resorts globally, which span over 30 leading brands from Marriott Bonvoy.
As of Wednesday, 28 February, Marriott Bonvoy and Cathay members can enjoy many benefits and privileges, such as hotel stay redemptions, two-way points transfer, and enhanced flight and travel package experiences.
Reciprocal benefits
Elevating two-way points conversion: Marriott Bonvoy Points can be mutually exchanged with Asia Miles from Cathay to unlock more exclusive member privileges. With the 2-way conversion programme, three Marriott Bonvoy points can be converted to one Asia Mile, and two Asia Miles can become one Marriott Bonvoy point. Marriott Bonvoy members can transfer their Points to Miles and redeem flight tickets, extra baggage, priority seats, and other travel experiences when they travel with Cathay Pacific.
Limited Time Offer – Fast track to accelerated status upgrades: The partnership enables members to upgrade their status through accelerated and discounted pathways for a limited time. Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members can accelerate to Cathay Silver or Gold status, depending on their membership tier. Meanwhile, Cathay Silver, Gold, and Diamond members can accelerate to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status.
Limited Time Offer – Status matching: Members will have the chance to status match their Marriott Bonvoy and Cathay membership tiers and expand their access to exclusive benefits and offers. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum/Titanium/Ambassador Elite members will be matched to the Cathay Silver membership tier, subject to a limited quota. Cathay Silver/Gold/Diamond members can enjoy equivalent Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
