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Lufthansa Group return to Tel Aviv in January

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TTR WEEKLY
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Lufthansa Group Fahnen LAC

SINGAPORE, 18 December 2023: Lufthansa Group Airlines plans to resume flights to Tel Aviv starting 8 January 8, 2024, with 20 flights weekly.

Meanwhile, flights to Beirut (Lebanon) resumed on 15 December. Both the Tel Aviv and Beirut flights by the group airlines will use A320s.

Lufthansa Group Fahnen LAC

In the first phase, Lufthansa Airlines will initially offer four weekly flights from Frankfurt to Tel Aviv and three weekly flights from Munich. 

Austrian Airlines is planning eight weekly connections and SWISS five weekly flights. This will give the  Lufthansa Group airlines 20 weekly connections to and from Tel Aviv, corresponding to around 30% of the regular flight schedule. 

This flight schedule offers convenient transfer connections from Israel to North America via the Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna and Zurich hubs. The schedule will be published on Monday, 18 December, when bookings will open for all flights.

Lufthansa Group Airlines suspended its scheduled flights to and from Tel Aviv on 9 October 2023. The flights to Beirut (Lebanon), which have also been suspended, were resumed last week by Lufthansa, SWISS and Eurowings.

Phuket attracts talent migration

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 18 December 2023: Global economic recovery have prompted soaring inbound migration to Phuket, creating one of Asia’s most dynamic and diverse international communities, according to C9 Hotelworks’ latest comprehensive investment report on the Phuket economy. 

“With a fast-moving tourism and property market, we are now witnessing a rapid diversification of the economy into areas such as international education, health and wellness, retail, and marine industries,” said C9 Hotelworks’ managing director Bill Barnett.

The report covers key island economic data, including tourism, hotels, real estate, key demand generators, and infrastructure. It features key metrics and looks at the potential shift in Phuket’s development.

Phuket has experienced a remarkably sustained tourism growth trajectory over the past 40 years. Since the emergence of Asia’s tiger economies in the 1980s, its strategic geographic location and the rise of Thailand as one of the world’s major tourism destinations have created a strong service sector.

The island’s tourism journey has continued, starting with budget travellers and European snowbirds escaping the winter and onwards to market maturity. Throughout this time, Phuket witnessed the birth of iconic tropical pool resorts and was the starting point for two global luxury brands: Aman Resorts and Banyan Tree.

Within close proximity to two of Asia’s leading financial markets, Hong Kong and Singapore, Phuket’s hotel, tourism, and real estate sectors have accumulated considerable direct foreign investment over the years. Its strong and successful track record has continued to attract Thai institutional capital and overseas private equity, family offices, and publicly listed investors.

Moving through the global pandemic, the Phuket Sandbox was the starting point for Thailand’s international reopening, and Phuket was the first Southeast Asian resort market to welcome global visitors. Covid-19 also led to a boom in the island’s luxury real estate sector, as domestic and foreign high-net-worth buyers opted for a new lifestyle.
“We conclude that the island is entering a noteworthy new era of development that will create a platform for one of the region’s most desirable international destinations,” said Barnett.

To download and read The Phuket Report – Economy In Transition CLICK

Hahn Air reports a full recovery

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 18 December 2023. Hahn Air reports it is back on a successful business track as a leading provider of ticketing services for travel agents, having integrated 23 new airlines into its partner network.

The global system is headquartered in Germany, services the ticketing requirements of 350 carriers, and supplies more than 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets that can process bookings for flights of Hahn Air’s partners through their Global Distribution Systems (GDS).  

“We are very pleased with this year’s business results”, reports Hahn Air CEO Kirsten Rehmann: “It is fantastic to see the travel industry finally recovering, with ticket sales reaching almost 2019 levels. Now, we are looking forward to next year, which will mark the 25th anniversary of our ticketing business.”

Eleven airlines entered an interline agreement with Hahn Air, while twelve partners expanded their distribution reach with one of Hahn Air’s sister companies, Hahn Air Systems and Hahn Air Technologies. 

Travel agents can book and ticket all partners by choosing Hahn Air as the validating carrier. For the interline partners, this includes markets where the airlines are not participating in local settlement systems (BSPs or ARC), do not grant ticketing authority, or do not accept the preferred payment method. 

The new Hahn Air partners 2023 are: 
(Available under their own two-letter-code)

  • Air Connect (KS), Romania (GDS: Amadeus, Sabre)
  • Air Tanzania (TC), Tanzania (GDS: Abacus, Amadeus, Galileo, Infini, Sabre, Travelsky)
  • Air Transat (TS), Canada (GDS: Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, Worldspan, Travelport)
  • Air Premia (YP), South Korea (GDS: Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, Abacus)
  • Braathens Regional Airlines (TF), Sweden (GDS: Amadeus, Apollo, Galileo, Sabre, Worldspan)
  • Geo Sky (D4), Georgia (GDS: Amadeus, Sabre, Abacus)
  • SKYhigh Dominicana (DO), Dominican Republic (GDS: Amadeus) 
  • SpiceJet (SG), India (GDS: Amadeus, Sabre)
  • TAAG Angola Airlines (DT), Angola (GDS: Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre)
  • Qanot Sharq (HH), Uzbekistan (GDS: Abacus, Infini, Sabre)
  • Zambia Airways (ZN), Zambia (GDS: Amadeus, Galileo)

About Hahn Air
Hahn Air is a German scheduled and executive charter airline. Since 1999, it has offered indirect distribution services to other airlines and thus provides ticketing solutions to 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets. With more than 20 years of experience, the company has established itself as the market leader. Today, Hahn Air’s partner network encompasses more than 350 partner airlines.
Hahn Air offers its distribution services exclusively to transportation companies and ticketing solutions to travel agents only. Hahn Air is 100% owned by the Hahn Air Group, an international corporation based in Dreieich near Frankfurt, Germany.

MITEC tops the awards charts

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 15 December 2023: Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) took the coveted World’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre 2023 award at the recent World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2023 in Dubai. 

MITEC Head of Marketing & Sales, Cemone Chua, and Senior Food & Beverage Manager Mohan Vasanthathevan received the award MITEC was nominated alongside 18 major players in the international business events industry, including past winners of the WTA, such as Las Vegas Convention Centre, ExCeL London, Qatar National Convention Centre, Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Convention Centre Dublin, 

Photo credit: MITEC.

MITEC became the first Malaysian purpose-built venue for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and lifestyle events to win a WTA World Award since the inception of the award in 1993. MITEC is Malaysia’s only venue to win the WTA World and WTA Asia Awards for Leading Meetings and Conference Centre in the same year.

With 52,000 sqm of exhibition and convention space, MITEC is the largest trade and exhibition centre in Malaysia. 2023 has been the busiest year for the centre since its reopening post Covid-19, hosting over 160 events with over 3 million visitors in 2023. participants.

The exchange of goods, services, and ideas within this dynamic environment stimulates economic activity, fostering collaboration and business development.

Since its opening in 2017, MITEC has contributed an estimated RM1 billion in economic impact to Malaysia.” in demand for skilled professionals, creating jobs that span event management, hospitality,

Sarawak to host 2024 Crafts Expo

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING 15 December 2024: Sarawak will host the ASIACRAFT Expo & Conference 6 to 8 December 2024 at the Borneo Convention Centre, in Kuching. 

Organisers of the show and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak, announced details of the 2024 event at a press conference earlier this week, saying the objective is to become Malaysia’s Premier International Craft and Creative Industry event. 

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

In the long run, the expo will support the craft industry and expand markets worldwide through digital transformation through online channels.

Chairing the ASIACRAFT 2024 Organising Committee is YB Datuk Snowdan anak Lawan, Deputy Minister (Creative Industry and Performing Arts), Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

“In addition to the opening up of new markets and assisting the craft and creative arts industry in adopting digital technologies, including ‘onboarding’ e-commerce platforms, ASIACRAFT 2024 will incorporate both B2B and B2C elements to provide exhibitors the opportunity to meet both trade buyers and sell to consumers,” the deputy minister explained.

YB Datuk Snowdan cautioned that promoting crafts and the creative industry depends on the adoption of digital tools to reach worldwide markets, prompting the committee to adopt the 2024 Expo theme: “Transformation of the Craft and Creative Industry in the Digital Economy”.

ASIACRAFT 2024 Expo and Conference, which is expected to attract 200 exhibiting companies from Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand, will highlight Sarawak’s rich heritage of traditional crafts, arts and housewares and promote its products in the international markets.

ASIACRAFT 2024 will present B2B and B2C channels during the three-day event, firstly for business and trade visitors, on Friday, 6 December.  Consumers and international visitors will join the event on 7 and 8 December to buy handicrafts or to appreciate the artistic and creative works of artisans demonstrating their skills during the show.

For more information, visit www.asiacraftexpo.com 

For information on Sarawak visit www.sarawaktourism.com 

Pets are lapping up Centara hospitality

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 15 December 2023: Central Pattana, a global real estate developer, together with Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Thailand, are introducing a pet-friendly initiative that removes a weight restriction on pets.

The new initiative applies to their Korat, Ubon, Udon, and soon-to-be-open Ayutthaya hotels while also launching pet-friendly cafés and restaurants at these same properties in Thailand’s Northeast and North Bangkok regions.

Kevin Deydier De Pierrefeu, Centara area general manager overseeing Centara Udon, Ubon and Korat, expressed enthusiasm: “We’re thrilled to become a part of the pet parent community. As a devoted pet owner myself, I understand the boundless affection we hold for our furry companions. By eliminating weight restrictions, we lead as the first hotels in Thailand’s Northeast and North Bangkok regions to wholeheartedly support pet owners, championing our belief that companionship transcends weight or breed. Our mission is seamless travel for all pet owners and their beloved fur babies, allowing guests to experience Thailand’s exotic beauty with the ones they love”.

Centara will introduce a minimal surcharge of THB500 per one pet or THB600 per two pets per night, with a maximum of two pets per room across all four Centara hotels in Korat, Ubon, Udon and the upcoming Ayutthaya location, with the goal enabling pet owners to relish their holidays, free from concerns or cost-prohibitive fees.

Each property also launches indoor and outdoor pet-friendly cafés and restaurants, warmly welcoming local pet owners. Menus specially crafted for animals, featuring the Best Friend’s Beef Bowl, Grilled Chicken & Liver Pasta, Cheese, and Tuna Sweetcorn Mayo with Butter have also been introduced.

Centara Hotels & Resorts

SIA and Marriott brush up benefits

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 December 2023: Marriott International and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have improved member benefits, including a status match and a fast track to obtain a higher elite status. 

The latest improvements, in addition to the two-way points and miles transfer benefits for members of both programmes that kicked in during January 2023, allow eligible members to convert their Marriott Bonvoy points to KrisFlyer miles and vice versa.

The latest benefits 

• Status Match: Members can enjoy elite status matches according to the elite tiers of both programmes. Solitaire PPS Club, PPS Club, and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members will receive a status match to Marriott Bonvoy Gold. In contrast, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador members will receive a KrisFlyer Elite Silver tier status match.

Marriott Bonvoy Elite status benefits may include room upgrades, late check-outs, bonus points and welcome gifts. KrisFlyer Elite status benefits may include bonus miles, complimentary seat selection for customers flying with Singapore Airlines, complimentary lounge access, priority check-in and boarding and additional baggage allowance.

• Accelerated Pathways to higher tiers: Eligible Marriott Bonvoy members can accelerate the upgrade of their KrisFlyer membership to higher tiers by completing two to four flights with SIA within six months. Similarly, eligible KrisFlyer members can achieve accelerated status matches with Marriott Bonvoy by staying three to 10 nights at any participating Marriott Bonvoy hotel for six months.

● Access to Exclusive Promotions: Marriott Bonvoy and KrisFlyer will periodically launch campaigns where members can earn miles and points through their hotel stay and flights.

Korean Air bags more awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 December 2023: Korean Air won Best Airline Cuisine in Global Traveler’s 2023 Tested Reader Survey awards while taking the top honours for its business class seat design and its loyalty programme. 

The airline also placed second for Best Airline for International First Class and Best First-Class Seat Design; third for Best Airline for Flight Attendants and Best Airport Staff/Gate Agents; and fifth for Best Airline for Onboard Service, Best Airline for Flight Attendant Uniforms; Best Airline Cabin Cleanliness, Best Frequent-Flyer Elite-Level Program, Best Corporate Program for Business Travelers, Best Airline in North Asia and Best Trans-Pacific Airline.

Global Traveler is a monthly luxury travel magazine based in the US that conducts an annual online and offline survey that asks subscribers to vote for the best companies in various travel-related categories.

The airline announced this week it has revamped its wine programme with the guidance of a renowned international sommelier Marc Almert, and has introduced more than 50 new wines to its extensive collection. In addition, the carrier has upgraded its in-flight entertainment system with an expansive library of video and audio selections.

Korean Air continues to be recognised worldwide for its efforts to enhance customer service. This year, the airline was also awarded a Skytrax 5-star airline rating for the second consecutive time, an APEX 5-star global airline rating for the seventh consecutive year, and named Best Business and First Class Airline in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

AirAsia offers India fare bargains

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 15 December 2023: AirAsia celebrates the recent announcement of visa-free travel from India to Malaysia by announcing special promotional fares for a limited time on routes between the two countries.

Following the Malaysian government’s recent announcement, Indian citizens can now enjoy visa-free travel to Malaysia, a groundbreaking initiative that will spur demand for travel to Malaysia. 

Photo Caption: (From left) Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group; Deputy High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, Ms Subhashini and Riad Asmat, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia at the press conference of the celebration of visa-free entry from India to Malaysia today.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in fostering stronger ties between the two nations, and to commemorate this, AirAsia announced steps to boost inter-country travel with a new route launch to Thiruvananthapuram (starting 21 February 2024) and special fares between Malaysia and India. 

This is in addition to AirAsia’s announcement of a significant increase in services between Malaysia and India, totalling an impressive 69 weekly flights starting in the first quarter of 2024, with up to 1.5 million seats per year.

Until 24 December 2024, travellers can book flights to seven destinations in South India within AirAsia’s network for a very special promotional price. Fly to Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and soon Thiruvananthapuram for MYR189* all in one way. Travellers from India visiting Malaysia can fly directly to and from Kuala Lumpur from any of these routes for just INR4,999*. The Travel period commences immediately and ends on 30 September 2024. 

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said: “The 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens to Malaysia is undoubtedly one of the year’s highlightsyear’s highlights for us at AirAsia. We have always strived to enhance the regional connectivity between India and Malaysia ever since we launched our very first route to India in 2008. For this, we extend our humblest gratitude to the Malaysian government for this significant decision that will surely boost our local tourism and foster better cultural exchange.

AirAsia offers eight routes directly from India to Malaysia in both northern and southern cities  ‒ Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata via its short-haul airline AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) and to New Delhi and Amritsar via medium haul affiliate airline AirAsia X (flight code D7). 

In February 2024, AirAsia will commence flights to Thiruvananthapuram in the southern state of Kerala, making it the second direct route to the state after Kochi. 

*Promotional all-in fares quoted are for one-way travel, inclusive of taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges, and other relevant fees. Other terms and conditions apply.

The Philippines’ comeback gains pace

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 15 December 2023: Philippines tourism passed the country’s post-Covid targets, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) reporting this week that visitor arrivals surpassed 5 million for year-to-date 12 December.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco commented on the performance: “As one the last countries in ASEAN to open up to tourism (post-Covid), I am happy to report that as of 12 December, we have breached the 5 million mark in terms of international visitors contributing an impressive PHP439.50 billion in receipts.”

Photo credit: DOT Philippines.

Sshe presented the data and tourism outlook last Tuesday during the Department’s Presentation of Accomplishments at the Dusit Thani Manila.

For the year to date ending 12 December, the Philippines welcomed 5,069,752 international visitors. Of that total, 4,658,123 or 91.88%, were foreign tourists, while the remaining 411,629 or 8.12%, were overseas Filipinos.

South Korea topped the chart as the Philippines’ top source market with 1,341,029 arrivals, followed by the US with 836,694; Japan with 285,655; China with 252,171; and Australia with 238,487. 

Meanwhile, Canada landed in sixth place with 206,571, followed by Taiwan with 186,140, the UK with 141,516, Singapore with 140,633, and Malaysia with 92,383.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) World Tourism Barometer, the Asia Pacific region’s average recovery rate is 62% from January to September. The Philippines’ recovery rate was 65.54% from January to September 2023.

Regarding visitor receipts, Secretary Frasco shared that the country is “recovering faster than expected”, with PHP458 billion in visitor receipts from January to November this year, or already 95.85% of 2019 figures. 

Meanwhile, tourism created 5.35 million jobs from 2.6 million visitor arrivals in 2022, or 11 for every 100 Filipinos.

(Source: DOT Philippines)

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