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HBX tracks 2024 travel trends

SINGAPORE, 8 January 2024: Demands on the technology used by holidaymakers and business travellers are accelerating, while the personalised experiences travellers seek continue to advance, says HBX Group in its look forward to 2024 travel trends.

HBX Group, which runs Hotelbeds, forecasts 2024 will be a year of optimism for global tourism despite the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts.

“This is a year of optimism for global tourism, the first fully ‘normal’ year of travel since the turn of the decade,” said HBX Group CEO Nicolas Huss. “While several topics remain evergreen, including a focus on personalisation and sustainability, HBX Group is also anticipating a shift towards wellness and increased demand for new payment options from travellers. At HBX Group, we have reconfigured our organisation to meet the changing hopes of travellers and fully anticipate 2024 will be the year when long-held expectations are realised.”

Last year, front-of-mind topics for global hospitality included “trip stacking”, with many catching up on trips denied during the pandemic and the continued digitalisation of the hotel experience.

New figures from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) highlight the recent growth in travel, revealing that destinations worldwide welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 than in the same period of 2022, reflecting a strong northern hemisphere summer season. 

HBX Group identifies trends that could shape the travel industry in 2024.

Experiential travel

From sports to shopping, booking trips around favourite pastimes will increase in 2024. With the Olympics this summer, expect a surge in travel to Paris, while Euro 2024 will see football fans flock to Germany, and cricket fans will head to the US and Caribbean for the T20 World Cup. 

Retailtainment is also expected to peak this year as consumers book their holidays around must-visit shopping destinations. London, particularly for Chinese travellers, and the US have always been popular, but other destinations, such as  Italy, could share the limelight as consumers invest in their homegrown designers.

Luxury travel 

Luxury travel, including the wellness tourism sector, grows as travellers prioritise achieving a harmonious internal and external balance. Travellers will look for more exclusive experiences built around dining experiences. 

Asia-Pacific rebound

2024 will be the first full year for travel for Asia-Pacific since 2019. This means there’s a lot for tourists to explore in and out of the region. While China will lead the way, Vietnam will see a significant spike in popularity.

Personalisation and automation 

Research among travel agent partners of HBX Group reveals that up to 90% of travellers now seek personalised solutions, catering to a rising demand for tailored and seamless trips. The transformation of HBX Group into a global travel ecosystem player, introducing new product lines to meet the end consumer’s needs as they seek a frictionless end-to-end travel experience, is designed to meet these ambitions. Partners report customers are not just after essential services, such as insurance and financial provisions; they also seek comprehensive travel packages that offer 24/7 customer support and assistance in local languages.

HBX Group will introduce a range of Fintech products this year, including travel insurance, payment solutions, and multi-currency solutions. These products will be embedded into the core business to offer its clients and partners these services across their businesses. The size of these opportunities is already large and growing. For example, the travel insurance sector alone is worth EUR15 billion and is expected to grow to EUR99 billion by 2030, according to Spherical Insights & Consulting research.

KL hosts top Asian dive show

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 January 2023: The 48th International Diving & Resort Travel Expo – Malaysia will take place from 2 to 4 February 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC Convention Centre). 

The event brings together diving enthusiasts, industry professionals, and travel and marine ecology enthusiasts for what is arguably Asia-Pacific’s largest B2B/B2C diving and resort travel expo, which has been rooted in the Asian diving market for over a decade. 

Having a presence in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Okinawa, Taipei, Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and Mumbai, event organiser DRT SHOW delivers 47 international diving expos featuring 2,500 booths annually. It attracts more than 450,000 professional buyers and visitors from 65 countries.

Jason Chong, founder of the International Diving & Resort Travel Expo, comments: “As global tourism undergoes a robust recovery, the diving travel market will continue to thrive. In the coming years, the Asian diving sector will become a significant focus, and DRT, with collective strength, aims to expand the Asian diving market, connecting stakeholders along the industry value chain to accelerate the influence of the Asian diving industry on the international stage.”

Since its establishment in 2009, DRT SHOW Malaysia has presented an exhibitor lineup highlighting diving equipment distributors, dive shops, liveaboard accommodations, resorts, dive training agencies and marine conservation organisations. 

“This is not just an expo but a platform for industry exchange, a collaborative effort to create diving business opportunities,” says Chong

“With its abundant marine resources and coveted dive sites, Malaysia stands out as a prominent destination in the Asian dive market, poised to become a focal point. 

Emirates ramps up Seoul flights

DUBAI UAE, 8 January 2024: Emirates reinforces its commitment to South Korea by ramping up operations in Seoul with three additional weekly flights starting 19 February 2024.    

The new flights will operate as EK324/ EK325 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, Emirates’ flight EK324 will depart Dubai at 0445hrs, landing in Seoul Incheon International Airport at 1805hrs. The return flight EK325 will depart Seoul at 2200hrs, arriving in Dubai at 0315hrs the following day.    

Emirates’ additional services will increase flight capacity between Dubai and Seoul by more than 1,000 additional seats per week, helping to alleviate the suppressed demand for international travel to one of the most popular East Asian destinations and supporting South Korea’s inbound and outbound tourism. The airline’s ramped-up operations will further serve the need for adding more flights between UAE and Korea, in line with the strong bilateral relations between the two nations. 

Through the three weekly Boeing 777 flights, Emirates will provide 45 tonnes of additional cargo capacity between Dubai and Seoul, boosting the trade and economic ties between South Korea and the UAE as well as through Dubai and beyond to more global destinations in Emirates’ network, further contributing to Korea’s economy and facilitating convenient air connectivity for the Republic’s imports and exports.  

Emirates launched services to Seoul in 2005 and operates a daily Airbus A380 service from Dubai. With the additional services, the airline will serve Seoul with 10 weekly flights operated by a mix of its signature Airbus A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, guaranteeing more flexibility and choice for its customers to and from Dubai, as well as beyond to its global network of over 130 destinations. 

Travellers flying with Emirates can enjoy the best experience in the sky with an unmatched culinary experience, regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Customers can relax with up to 6,500 channels of carefully curated global entertainment content, including Korean movies, TV shows, music and more with ‘ice’, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.

For more information or to book tickets, travellers can visit www.emirates.com

Langkawi gains international flights

LANGKAWI, 8 January 2024: Langkawi welcomes 2024 with more airlines planning flights to the northern Malaysia island, including a brand new service from Dubai.

Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, launches daily flights to Langkawi via Penang in Malaysia starting 10 February  2024 using a Boeing 737. This marks the first direct connection between Langkawi and the United Arab Emirates, offering convenient travel options via Dubai’s aviation hub. Flydubai FZ1603 is also a codeshare flight with Emirates EK2369.

AirAsia Indonesian has announced it will start the first-ever direct flights from Kualanamu, Medan, Indonesia, to Langkawi starting 2 March 2024, providing a more convenient transfer by lopping off hours of airline travel when flying via Kuala Lumpur. The airline has yet to confirm frequencies, but it is understood it will start with four-weekly flights of a daily service.

This new direct route will significantly reduce travel time between Medan and Langkawi, making it much more convenient for tourists and business travellers. 

Malaysia Airlines expanded its services to Langkawi from its Kuala Lumpur home base during the last quarter of 2023.

On the Singapore to Langkawi route, AirAsia offers a daily direct service departing Changi Airport at 1045 (AK732). In addition, the airline provides a three-week service departing Singaporre at 1245 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. (AK1717).

Singapore Airlines’ low-cost airline, Scoot, flies between Singapore and Langkawi, offering seven weekly services. TR475 departs Singapore at 0830 on Wednesday and Friday; TR477 departs Singapore at 1210 on Tuesday and Sunday; and TR479 departs Singapore at 1555 on Monday, Friday and Sunday.

Charter flights 

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has convinced ITAKA, Poland’s biggest tour operator, to initiate a charter flight series between Warsaw and Langkawi Island in northern Malaysia starting in early 2024 using a Boeing 787 with 294 seats. ITAKA headquartered in Opole has a sales and operations office in  Warsaw and a chain of retail travel shops across Poland.

Direct domestic flight to Langkawi

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Langkawi (LGK): This is undoubtedly the most frequently served domestic route to Langkawi. Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia both offer five daily flights, while Malindo Air flies twice daily.

Penang (PEN) to Langkawi (LGK): Penang is a convenient starting point for flights to Langkawi for residents in northern Malaysia or tourists flying in from regional cities such as Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Hong Kong. Air Asia offers 16 weekly flights on the route using A320. Daily flights depart Penang at 0920. Four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday depart at 1400. Other Air Asia flights depart at 1620 (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and at 2010 (Friday and Sunday).

Firefly offers 10 weekly flights using Boeing 737-800. Daily flights depart at 1630 and on three days (Monday, Saturday and Sunday) at 1610.

Subang, Kuala Lumpur (SZB) to Langkawi (LGK): Subang Airport, primarily serving smaller airlines and regional flights, offers direct connections to Langkawi. Firefly operates twice daily flights on the route departing 1000 and 1320 using ATR72s with 70 seats. Flight time is one hour and 15 minutes.

Johor Bahru (JHB) to Langkawi (LGK): This southern gateway to Langkawi serves travellers from Singapore and southern Malaysia. While there are fewer options than other routes, AirAsia offers four weekly direct flights, departing at 1515 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

LADA (Langkawi Development Authority) website: https://www.lada.gov.my/en/

Seabourn upgrades WI-Fi connectivity

SINGAPORE, 8 January 2024: Seabourn, an expedition cruise specialist, offers the latest Wi-Fi connectivity following the installation of SpaceX’s Starlink across its fleet. 

The upgraded technology promises Seabourn’s guests faster and more reliable Wi-Fi wherever Starlink’s services are available*.

Photo credit: Seabourn

Starlink is now available on Seabourn’s two new purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, as well as its ocean ships, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation.

Seabourn’s fleet sails expedition cruises in Antarctica, the Arctic, the South Pacific, the Kimberley region in Australia, and the legendary Northwest Passage aboard Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit. They may also explore marquee destinations and boutique ports in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Alaska.

*Starlink’s geographical scope

As of January 2024, Starlink provides internet access to the most inhabited places on Earth, including North America, Europe, Asia and parts of South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Certain remote areas, such as polar regions and off-the-beaten-track islands, lack consistent coverage due to limited satellite visibility. SpaceX aims to provide near-global coverage by the end of 2024.
(For more on high-speed internet and  WI-Fi coverage, visit the Starlink website: https://www.starlink.com/)

Bali introduces tourism tax

SINGAPORE, 8 January 2024: All foreign tourists must pay an IDR 150,000 International Tourism Levy (approximately USD13) when entering Bali via the airport or seaports starting on Valentine’s Day, 14 February.

Bali Sun recommends that travellers pay the fee via the Love Bali App before they travel to avoid congestion at payment counters at the ports of entry.

Payment can also be processed at designated booths in Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, with the process taking around 30 seconds per passenger. Around 2 million visitors are expected to pay the levy during 2024 based on estimated travel arrivals to Bali in 2022.

The levy will help protect Bali’s culture and nature through funding environmental conservation and waste management projects and programmes designed to preserve local culture and support artistic communities. Part of the funds will also be used to improve tourism infrastructure and facilities.

Bali Sun’s latest update advises visitors “that the most effective way for tourists to pay the fee will be online, before arrival in Bali via the Love Bali website and smartphone app”. 

The daily online news channel added that “the site and application have been up and running for years but until now have largely been underused and little-known resources to tourists. 

“Once tourists have downloaded the Love Bali app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or opened up lovebali.baliprov.go.id, the next step is to enter personal details and choose the payment method. Most tourists will make a simple online card payment. 

“Once paid, the tourism levy voucher will be emailed, and tourists must keep the voucher on hand on their smartphones to scan at the checkpoint at Bali Airport or seaports.”

(Source: Bali Sun, Love Bali, Wonderful Indonesia)

Philippines sets 2024 tourist target

MANILA, 8 January 2024: The Philippines Department of Tourism has set the 2024 tourist arrival target at 7.7 million international visitors, about 500,000 short of the country’s pre-pandemic count of 8.2 million.

The Philippines News Agency quoted Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco saying: “As we look ahead to 2024, our commitment to the transformation of Philippine tourism is unwavering. Guided by our National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, we are poised for a thriving tourism landscape, evident in surpassing our targets in international and domestic arrivals and receipts, fostering economic prosperity and further job creation for our people”. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Earlier, the DOT confirmed the country welcomed 5,450,557 international visitors in 2023, surpassing the 4.8 million target set by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) for the entire year.

The DOT report confirmed that 91.80% or 5,003,475 visitors were foreigners, while the remaining 447,082 were overseas Filipinos visiting the homeland.

During 2023, the country generated an estimated PHP482.54 billion in international tourism revenue, more than double the receipts it recorded in 2022.

More than a quarter (1,439,336 visitors) came from South Korea, the traditional top source market for international visitors.

The US followed with 903,299 tourists (16.57%). Japan supplied 305,580 (5.61%), Australia supplied 266,551 (4.89%), and China supplied 263,836 (4.84%).

Frasco said the 2023 visitor receipts also show that the tourism industry is “recovering faster than expected.”

The country’s 2023 international tourism receipts grew by 124.87% compared with the PHP214.58 billion estimated visitor receipts from 2022. Before the pandemic in 2019, the DOT recorded PHP482.15 billion in international tourism receipts.

(Source: PNA)

Vietnam monitors 2023 recovery

HANOI, 8 January 2024: Vietnam’s tourist arrivals for 2023 peaked at 12.6 million, 3.5 times higher than recorded in 2022, the Tourism Information Technology Center reported last week.

Based on independent data compiled by the General Statistics Office, international tourist arrivals steadily increased. Each of the last six months of 2023 gained over 1 million visitor arrivals, while December peaked at 1.37 million.

Data and graph from General Statistics Office.

Korea top source market

Korea was the top source market in 2023, with nearly 3.6 million arrivals (28% of all visitors). In second place, Chinese visits reached 1.7 million. Korea and China accounted for 42% of international visitor arrivals to Vietnam. In third place, Taiwan generated 851,000 arrivals, the US 717,000 (4th); and Japan 590,000 (5th).

Thailand supplied  489,000 visitors (6th); Malaysia 470,000 (7th); Cambodia (402,000 (8th); India 392,000 (9th); Australia 390,000 (10th).

The top source markets in Europe were the UK, 253,000; France, 215,000; and Germany, 200,000.

Compared with 2019 trends, Russia and the UK dropped off the top 10 source markets list, replaced by Cambodia and India.

Some large markets showed strong recovery trends, such as the US (96%), Korea (84%), Taiwan (92%), Thailand (96%), and Indonesia (99%). Some Southeast Asian markets are even higher than levels recorded before the pandemic — Cambodia (176%); Laos (122%); Singapore (106%). In South Asia, the Indian market also had an impressive recovery (231%).

Optimistic signals also came from the main markets in Europe: Spain recovered 91%, Germany 88%, the UK 80%, and France 75%.

Traditionally, China, the top source market, performed below expectations, reaching a 30% recovery rate. Before the pandemic, the Chinese market accounted for nearly 1/3 of the total number of international visitors to Vietnam. The Russian market only reached 19% compared to 2019. Another important market, Japan, reached 62% of pre-pandemic levels.

(Source: Data compiled by General Statistics Office; Tourism Information Technology Centre.)

Dusit opens in Phatthalung

BANGKOK, 5 January 2024: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, continues its domestic expansion with the soft opening of Dusit Princess Phatthalung.

It’s the 15th Dusit-branded property in the kingdom and its first in the country’s deep south. 

Comprising 132 spacious rooms and suites spanning up to 79 sq m, the ‘resort-in-the-city’ themed four-star hotel aims to raise the bar for leisure and business stays in Phatthalung, an up-and-coming southern destination known for its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, just a one-hour drive from Trang Airport and a one-hour and forty-minute drive from Hat Yai International Airport.

Thoughtfully designed to reflect its stunning natural surroundings and the intricate woven cattail handicrafts – known locally as Krajood – for which the area is famed, Dusit Princess Phatthalung offers a serene inner-city oasis and a wide range of family-friendly facilities. 

They include a large, sculptured swimming pool with adjoining children’s pool and open spaces for Yoga and Muay Thai classes, nature-inspired activities, and regular events showcasing the handiwork of local artisans. A state-of-the-art ballroom accommodating up to 300 guests ensures the resort can cater to small and large-scale gatherings. 

The resort also features a speciality restaurant, Chi Chiao, which celebrates local culinary traditions with refined interpretations of Thai-Chinese street food classics. Pan-fried rice noodles with crispy sea bass in gravy, Classic honey marinade char siu pork, Hainanese chicken rice, and Clay pot pork ribs bak kut are some of the delicious options. Meanwhile, Dusit’s signature Dusit Gourmet serves premium teas and coffee, invigorating juices and smoothies, fresh-baked treats, and an array of international favourites in a cosy setting overlooking the resort’s pond. Both dining venues spotlight locally sourced ingredients, including organic sangyod brown rice from nearby farms.

Rich with culture, Phatthalung is regarded as the birthplace of Nang Talung shadow-puppet plays and Nora, a lively and acrobatic form of dance theatre. The tranquil city is also home to numerous ancient monuments and temples and a unique natural landmark – Khao Ok Talu – a distinctive limestone rock formation whose summit offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Among the local gems is the renowned Tai Nod Green Market, a weekend retreat adorned with charming bamboo stalls presenting diverse local delights, from savoury curries and soups to fresh fruits and time-honoured desserts steeped in tradition. The daily Train Station Night Market, with over 200 stalls offering clothing, traditional crafts, and regional delicacies, adds to the city’s vibrancy. Chalerm Phra Kiat Bridge, Thailand’s longest bridge spanning the Wang Tanot River, stands as another notable attraction, providing stunning wetland vistas. 

Guests of Dusit Princess Phatthalung also have convenient access to natural wonders such as the expansive Thale Noi Bird Sanctuary, the largest of its kind in Thailand, and Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park, both just a 40-minute drive away.

“Southern Thailand’s expanding infrastructure, coupled with the emergence of new tourist attractions and business hubs, presents a timely opportunity for Dusit to expand its footprint in the region and introduce our guests to the natural, culinary, and cultural wonders of Phatthalung,” said Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “Alongside welcoming guests with our signature brand of gracious hospitality and wide range of premium facilities, we look forward to positioning the resort as the top choice for unique corporate gatherings and memorable family getaways and actively engaging with the local community to support Phatthalung’s growth and contribute to the overall development of this beautiful destination in the exciting months and years ahead.”

To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Phatthalung is offering a special room package starting at TBH1,500 ++ (TBH1,766 net) per night for a superior room with breakfast for two, complimentary late check-out until 1500, and a 20% discount on dining at Chi Chiao Restaurant. This offer is valid until 31 January 2024.

Dusit’s property portfolio spans 19 countries and comprises 56 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and approximately 240 luxury villas under Elite Havens. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.

Photo credit Google Maps. Phatthalung province, South Thailand.

For more information and reservations, please visit: dusit.com/dusitprincess-phatthalung

Pandaw sails India combo cruise

SINGAPORE, 5 January 2024: River cruise specialist Pandaw is releasing some additional staterooms for a unique combo exploration across India during April 2024. 

Sailing far beyond any passenger craft up the Brahmaputra River to Dibrugarh, the first leg of this special combo will be an in-depth discovery adventure of the Brahmaputra. After flying to Kolkata, our journey will continue down into the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, before sailing through West Bengal along the Hooghly River, ending in Kolkata.

This one-time combo expedition departing this April has limited availability and will not be repeated. The cruise takes guests further up the mighty Brahmaputra than previously offered before embarking on a 10-night Sundarbans and Hooghly expedition highlighting the vast mangrove forest. 

Book a place by visiting pandaw.com, or email [email protected]

The Full Brahmaputra & Sundarbans and Lower Ganges
GUWAHATI – KOLKATA 
21 nights
FROM US$ 15,180 PP

BACKGROUNDER

The Brahmaputra River is a majestic waterway coursing through India and Bangladesh, offering a wealth of attractions for diverse interests. According to the latest findings, the Brahmaputra River’s total and official length is 3,969 km (2,466 mi) from its source in Tibet, China, to its confluence with the Meghna River in Bangladesh.

Exploring nature

Kaziranga National Park: Embark on a jeep safari or elephant ride through this famed wildlife sanctuary, spotting one-horned rhinos, Asian elephants, tigers, and diverse birdlife.

Majuli Island: Explore the world’s largest river island, home to indigenous Mishing communities, vibrant festivals, and serene landscapes.

Brahmaputra River Heritage Centre: The centre presents the rich history and cultural significance of the river through exhibits, artefacts, and interactive displays.

Cultural attractions

Kamakhya Temple: Visit this ancient Hindu temple perched atop Nilachal Hill, dedicated to the powerful Goddess Kamakhya. Be prepared for vibrant rituals and a bustling atmosphere.

Assam Silk Weaving: witness the delicate art of silk weaving in villages along the riverbank and marvel at the exquisite silk garments and handicrafts.

Monasteries and Temples: Explore diverse religious sites like Ahom-era Sivadol (temple), and Tai Phake villages with their distinctive bamboo houses and unique Buddhist traditions.

Festivals: Participate in vibrant festivals like Bihu (Assamese harvest festival) and Durga Puja, experiencing traditional music, dance, and delectable local cuisine.

For full cruise details.