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RCI names new ship Star of the Seas

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 October 2023: Royal Caribbean International names its second Icon Class ship ‘Star of the Seas’, due to set sail in the summer of 2025.

The newest addition to the RCI lineup was named last week ‘Star of the Seas’, following confirmation that Utopia of the Seas (5668 passengers) will start its commercial sailings in July 2024 and Icon of the Seas, with (5,610 passengers), will embark on its maiden voyage on 27 January 2024. 

Currently under construction in Turku, Finland, the new ship, ‘Star of the Seas’, will have a passenger capacity of 5610 plus 2,350 crew, 20 decks, seven pools, nine whirlpools and six waterslides.

“The idea of combining the best of every type of vacation into one ultimate adventure has created more excitement than ever anticipated, and Star of the Seas will be the next bold answer to the record-breaking consumer demand we’ve seen for nearly a year and counting with Icon of the Seas,” said Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley.

Icon of the Seas set the tone in October 2022 when advance bookings opened, achieving the cruise line’s single largest booking day and highest volume booking week in the brand’s then 53-year history. 

The unprecedented consumer demand sparked Royal Caribbean to release 2025-2026 vacations on Icon of the Seas three months ahead of schedule (January 2024). 

Now Star’s name and details of its debut season in 2025 have been confirmed to mark another step in this new era as the cruise line’s third ship. Most noteworthy, it will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), combining the cleanest-burning marine fuel available to date with a proven lineup of industry-leading environmental programs on board. With applications ranging from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connection, Royal Caribbean’s most sustainable ship will advance parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to introducing a net-zero cruise ship by 2035.

Sarawak presents attractions at Sabre Fair

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TTR WEEKLY
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BRUNEI, 9 October 2023: The Sarawak Tourism Board spotlighted the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of Sarawak, sparking enthusiasm among potential travellers attending the 18th edition of Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) recently.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), along with Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) and Freme Travel, aimed to recharge and strengthen Sarawak’s presence in the Brunei market, foster business collaborations and update on the region’s Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food and Festivals (CANFF) offerings.

“Sarawak Tourism Board aims to create more travel conversions from Brunei, one of Sarawak’s traditional target markets due to its proximity and thriving cross-border tourism between Brunei and Miri. With flights flying directly from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching through Royal Brunei Airlines, we are solidifying our tourism presence here in Brunei and looking to expand on our other multifaceted CANFF and health tourism offerings the region of Sarawak can offer repeat and new travellers from Brunei,” said STB deputy chief executive officer Suriya Charles Buas, who added that many visitors to the fair expressed interest in travelling to Kuching and Mulu.

Regarding tourism recovery for the Brunei market, Suriya Charles Buas explained that there had been significant growth in visitor arrivals after the pandemic, with 848,075 visitor arrivals recorded during January to August 2023, surpassing 2019 levels.

“Sarawak has enjoyed a faster recovery in visitor arrivals from the Brunei market, and STB aims to top our highest visitor arrivals from 2017-2023, which was 1,205,581 in 2017.”

Meanwhile, Borneo Medical Centre (BMC), a leading private healthcare provider in Sarawak, offered a wide range of healthcare services at the fair and special discounts and lucky draw prizes to visitors of the fair. 

“We are excited to participate in the Sabre Travel Fair Brunei 2023 and to have the opportunity to serve the people of Brunei,” said Dr. Kenny Yeap, medical director of Borneo Medical Centre Miri. “We are committed to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare services to our patients, and we believe that participation in this fair is a great way to reach out to our patients and introduce them to our services.”

BMC is MHTC (Malaysian Health Travel Council) member hospital and moving toward MSQH (Malaysian Society for Quality in Health) Accreditation. MSQH is an international accreditation for healthcare organisations, and it is a testament to BMC’s commitment to providing quality healthcare.

Freme Travel, the leading Travel Agency in Brunei Darussalam, offers outbound and inbound tours, leisure travel services and corporate adventure team building.

“Throughout our 52-year journey, Freme Travel has diligently built and maintained a stellar reputation for providing reliable and professional services. As a result, we are widely recognised as the most innovative Travel Agency in Brunei Darussalam. We are very happy to be working with Sarawak Tourism Board in highlighting Sarawak’s many attractions as a premier ecotourism destination, as we offer enticing travel packages that showcase the best of Sarawak,” said Freme Travel managing director Michael Lee.

For more information on Sarawak, log on to www.sarawaktourism.com.

Explore Dubai’s national park

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DUBAI, UAE, 9 October 2023: Visitors to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) can now enjoy an immersive introduction to the UAE’s indigenous flora and fauna, learn about the Reserve, its work to conserve this beautiful but fragile ecosystem, and more, at the new Visitor Centre which opened on 4 October (World Animal Day). 

Emirates Group’s executive vice president of facilities, projects management & group procurement, Ali Mubarak Al Soori said: “We are pleased to enhance the experience of visitors to the DDCR and help promote awareness of habitat conservation and the achievements of the Reserve. With the busy winter season coming, we look forward to welcoming guests to the visitor centre and fostering in them an appreciation for Dubai’s wildlife and nature.”

The DDCR Visitor Centre features carefully curated content from the Reserve’s conservation experts in five distinct areas.

  • The reception hall is an inviting open space that welcomes visitors into the centre, where a massive wall and stretch ceiling photography highlights the Arabian Oryx in their natural habitat. An interactive kiosk enables visitors to explore a map of the Reserve and discover where elusive wildlife like the Arabian Fox have been spotted.
  • The cultural hall showcases the DDCR’s key milestones from its inception in 1999 as the pioneer for protected areas in the UAE to its current standing as a successful model for habitat conservation, managed tourism, and education and scientific research. Cultural elements closely linked to the UAE’s desert heritage – like falconry, date farming and camel farming are also featured as part of the DDCR’s history in this hall.
  • The AV hall is a “mini cinema” where visitors can watch a short, beautifully produced feature film to get an overview of the Reserve.
  • Dispelling the misconception that deserts are barren, the habitat hall features the diverse indigenous flora and fauna of the Reserve via true-to-life 3D-printed models, holographic displays, interactive kiosks, and push-button devices which play the melodies of the various bird species found inside the DDCR. There are also real-life specimens on display for keen nature enthusiasts.
  • Providing a whole new perspective on nightlife in Dubai, a dome display using cutting-edge technology in the nocturnal hall provides an immersive showcase of the nocturnal wildlife inhabitants of the DDCR.

Enabling visitors to self-explore the exhibits, life-size replicas of the Arabian Hare placed throughout the centre provide pre-recorded audio explanations and Oryx hoofprints on the ground guide visitors on their journey from one hall to the next. After touring the halls, visitors can try wildlife spotting for real or simply enjoy magnificent views of the open desert from an elevated viewing platform.

Initially, the DDCR Visitor Centre will focus on school groups and visitors arriving as part of safari experiences booked via one of the Reserve’s approved tour operators – Arabian Adventures, Sand Sherpa, Travco, 57 Heritage, Nara Desert Escapes, and Platinum Heritage. Walk-in visitors may also enjoy the exhibits in the centre for a nominal entry fee of AED 35 for Adults and AED 25 for children.

About the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR)

The DDCR is the UAE’s first national park, spanning an area of 225 square kilometres, roughly 5% of the total land area of Dubai.

The Emirates Group has invested more than AED 28 million in the Reserve to fund and support the conservation of the natural desert landscape and its indigenous fauna and flora.

For more information: www.ddcr.org

Sabre sponsors STEM labs in India

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 October 2023: Sabre Corporation, a software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, is working to improve education standards and future career opportunities for students in some of India’s most deprived areas by creating new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) labs. 

Along with not-for-profit United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), Sabre supports STEM labs in six government-run schools in Chikkaballapur, rural Karnataka, near Bengaluru. 

Many of the schools are based in what is classed as underprivileged areas, and Sabre’s contribution will improve the education of around 1,600 students from 26 villages every year. 

Around 1,000 are from a girls-only school, supporting the drive to encourage more women to enter technology fields. The labs will make complex subjects and concepts easier to understand while opening up new learning and career paths.   

Sabre’s pioneering capability centre in India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, plays a major role in developing industry-leading solutions for the travel business and provides a strong IT backbone for Sabre’s global operations. It is a workplace where agile transformation based on lean start-up thinking is built daily, and the teams in Bengaluru support airlines, hotels, travel agencies, travel management companies, and other travel companies across the country.  

The new STEM labs will take learning beyond textbooks and into first-hand, practical experiences, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical mindsets while encouraging students to improve communication skills through teamwork. 

Bedonline introduces AI tools

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 October 2023: Bedsonline has launched a new web portal that will revolutionise the travel industry by providing tailored recommendations to travel agents that best suit customer needs.

Powered by artificial intelligence, the portal guides travel agents to offer a personalised experience based on targeted data collected through real-time customer interactions while helping them to grow their business by showing destinations, hotels, and experiences booked in their local market and adapted to the individual needs of the end customer.

“Insights allows travel agents to seize any opportunities and create a truly tailored experience for their customers,” said Bedsonline managing director Bertrand Sava. “The AI-utilisation allows interaction while the real-time data ensures they are providing the most accurate availability and options, ensuring they can make the most of every enquiry.”

This new platform, rolled out globally following a successful pilot programme, guides travel agents through the search and booking process to provide their clients with the best travel options.

  • The user can adapt the interactive page according to their preferences and business, as well as a more attractive web design.
  • Presents relevant information with a simple and easy-to-use visual design to each travel agent.
  • Identifies which destinations and markets have more opportunities for accelerated and efficient business growth.
  • Enables travel agents to explore these new opportunities and manage recommendations through the platform’s save and modify resources.
  • Works with advanced AI technology, this booking engine and marketing tool offers personalised options where the travel agent can know using real data why those destinations, experiences and hotels represent their best opportunity on the lowest to highest scale.

Hilton expands in Sri Lanka

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 9 October 2023: Hilton has opened the Hilton Yala Resort, marking Hilton’s third flagship-branded property in Sri Lanka. 

Located just outside Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park, the resort provides an elevated escape for guests seeking adventure and relaxation, with a vast view that overlooks the Indian Ocean. 

“We are delighted to welcome Hilton Yala Resort to our expanding portfolio across Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia,” said Hilton area vice president and head of Southeast Asia, Alexandra Murray. “Through the resort’s immersive and rewarding experiences, which beautifully showcases Yala’s natural wonders, we are confident it will be a haven for guests looking to fully connect with nature, enabling them to embark on a journey of self-discovery like no other.”

The property features just 42 rooms, suites, and villas. Ground-floor rooms have their own private pools measuring eight to 16 square metres> Rooms on higher floors have private hot tubs.

Protecting Yala’s biodiversity and environmental sustainability is central to Hilton Yala Resort’s ethos. Hilton is working with local partners to advance efforts to preserve and protect local habitats and biodiversity as part of their destination stewardship efforts. An onsite animal research programme has also been initiated under the support of microgrant funding provided by the  Hilton Global Foundation, equipping rangers with the latest wildlife information, technology and necessary tools to understand and protect indigenous species. This research will collaborate with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) Small Cat Advisory, Leopard Diary and the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) to better inform local conservation efforts. 

At the heart of the resort is the outdoor pool, which blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The resort also features a fully equipped gym and a state-of-the-art spa beside the main building, providing relaxing treatments in a beautifully designed space.                           

Hilton Yala Resort is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 22 distinct hotel brands. To celebrate the resort’s opening, Hilton Honors members will receive 10,000 bonus points with a minimum stay of three nights booked until 1 December 2023, when booking directly with Hilton.

Passenger demand recovery continues in August

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SINGAPORE 9 October 2023: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports a strong post-pandemic passenger traffic trend continued in August.

Total traffic in August 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose 28.4% compared to August 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 95.7% of pre-COVID levels.

Domestic traffic for August rose 25.4% versus August 2022 and was 9.2% above the August 2019 results. This is largely driven by Chinese domestic demand.

International traffic climbed 30.4% compared to the same month a year ago. All markets saw double-digit percentage gains year on year. International RPKs reached 88.5% of August 2019 levels.

“Demand for air travel performed well in August. For the year to date, international traffic has increased by 50% versus last year and ticket sales data show international bookings strengthening for travel in the last part of the year,” said IATA’s director-general Willie Walsh

 World August 2023 (% year-on-year)
 share1 RPKASKPLF (%-pt)2PLF (level)3
TOTAL MARKET100.0% 28.4%24.9%2.3%84.6%
  Africa2.1% 24.8%24.3%0.3%76.4%
  Asia Pacific22.1% 73.4%57.7%7.4%82.2%
  Europe30.8% 11.6%10.2%1.1%87.6%
  Latin America6.4% 17.6%14.5%2.2%85.1%
  Middle East9.8% 26.4%21.6%3.2%83.0%
  North America28.8% 12.6%13.0%-0.3%85.8%
1% of industry RPKs in 2022 2Change in load factor 3Load factor level

International Passenger Markets

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 98.5% increase in August 2023 traffic compared to August 2022, continuing to lead the regions. Capacity climbed 85.5%, and the load factor increased by 5.5 percentage points to 84.2%.

European carriers’ August traffic rose 13.6% versus August 2022. Capacity increased 12.3%, and load factor edged up 1.1 percentage points to 86.8%.

Middle Eastern airlines posted a 27.3% increase in August traffic compared to a year ago. Capacity rose 22.7%, and load factor climbed 3.0 percentage points to 83.1%.

North American carriers had an 18.6% traffic rise in August 2023 versus the 2022 period. Capacity increased by 17.5%, and load factor improved by 0.8 percentage points to 87.7%, the highest among the regions for a third consecutive month.

Latin American airlines’ traffic rose 26.4% compared to the same month in 2022. August capacity climbed 23.8%, and the load factor rose 1.7 percentage points to 86.1%.

African airlines saw a 26.1% traffic increase in August 2023 versus a year ago. August capacity was up 25.5%, and the load factor rose 0.4 percentage points to 76.2%.

The Bottom Line

“Heading into the last quarter of the year, the airline industry is nearly fully recovered to 2019 demand levels. The focus, however, has not been on getting back to a specific number of passengers or flights but rather on meeting the demand by businesses and individuals for connectivity that was artificially suppressed for more than two years. Having seen the economic, social, and personal losses when airlines could not fly during the Covid-19 crisis, this industry is determined to secure a sustainable long-term future by achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. That was evident at the first IATA World Sustainability Symposium, where discussions focused on decarbonising. We know that our customers want a world where they can enjoy the freedom to travel sustainably. This inaugural World Sustainability Symposium was critical in aligning policymakers, the aviation value chain and airlines with the concrete steps needed to deliver. And we will measure progress when we meet again in a year,” said Walsh.

Norwegian welcomes solo cruisers

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 6 October 2023: Norwegian Cruise Line is set to introduce nearly 1,000 dedicated solo staterooms across its 19-ship fleet.  

Beginning this week, NCL will open for sale for the first time three new solo stateroom categories, including Solo Inside, Solo Oceanview and Solo Balcony, for sailings starting 2 January 2024. 

With pricing and availability dependent on the destination and demand, solo travellers can expect to pay less than a traditional double occupancy room. 

Guests who stay in the new solo stateroom categories will also have access to the key card entry-only Studio Lounge, available on select ships, which features a dedicated space to relax, a bar equipped with beer and wine and a variety of snacks served daily.

Solo cruisers can enjoy activities scheduled for single travellers to mix and mingle. With the capacity of solo stateroom categories expanding from nine to 19 ships, single cruisers can visit bucket-list-worthy destinations such as Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand on vessels which historically did not offer solo traveller options lower rates.

The move is in response to a recent surge in the popularity of solo travel, with a growing number of individuals choosing to travel the world solo rather than traditional group travel with friends, family or partners. 

According to a study by Travelport, solo travel made up nearly 18% of global bookings in the travel industry, and Radical Storage reported a 267% increase in online searches for “solo travel” between December 2020 and April 2022. From 2019 to 2022, Norwegian saw increased guests booking accommodations as single occupants in non-studio staterooms.

Centara 40th Wave of Celebrations

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 6 October 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts introduces its latest promotion, “Wave of Celebrations: Discover Bangkok”, inviting travellers to experience the city’s vibrant heart like never before. 

In celebration of Centara’s 40th anniversary, guests who book a minimum three-night stay in Bangkok until 9 November 2023 for stays through 30 November 2023 will enjoy an exclusive 33% discount on their accommodations.

With a wide range of comfortable and elegantly designed rooms and a selection of exceptional hotels spread across the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, this limited-time offer promises an unforgettable stay tailored to the needs of every lifestyle. From solo travellers and corporate professionals to cultural explorers, food enthusiasts, and avid shoppers, Centara is the Place to Be in the City of Angels. Families will also be pleased to know that up to two children under 12 can stay for free when no extra bed is required as part of this enticing promotion.

Whether sampling local street food or savouring the exquisite cuisine at Centara’s world-class bars and restaurants, shopping at famed markets or luxury malls, or diving into Bangkok’s rich heritage and culture with a day of sightseeing, Centara is conveniently located within close proximity to a vast spectrum of experiences in which guests can immerse themselves.

Guests looking to create unforgettable memories and explore this dynamic metropolis are encouraged to take advantage of the exciting “Wave of Celebrations: Discover Bangkok” offer before 9 November 2023. 

For more information, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/discover-bangkok

Sabah secures a future hosting events

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NEW DELHI, 6 October 2023: Sabah’s rise to a highly desired sustainable Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism destination is a testament to its remarkable potential, even in its early stages.

Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman underlined how the state’s dedication to conservation is the cornerstone that positions Sabah as the quintessential business event location committed to sustainability. 

“Sabah is still in its infancy in the business events sector. We are primarily a leisure destination where nature and adventure come alive.

“The steadfast commitment of the Sabah government to conservation aligns seamlessly with our sustainable tourism, earning commendations.

“With the establishment of Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), the horizon broadens as Sabah gears up to host impactful business events,” she remarked during her address on Wednesday. 

Noredah, also an executive board member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), was among the speakers sharing insights on Sustainability in MICE Tourism within the context of Sabah at the PATA Forum.

The forum was held in conjunction with the three-day PATA Travel Mart held from 4 to 6 October at the International Exhibition Convention Centre in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

As a leisure destination driven by sustainability, Noredah affirmed that Sabah eagerly embrace lessons from renowned MICE destinations closer to home, like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, charting its course to conduct business events sustainably.

Furthermore, she emphasised the enriching experience awaiting MICE participants in Sabah, offering a glimpse into the state’s ambitious conservation and preservation tourism initiatives.

Present was Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who led the STB delegates to India. 

In attendance were STB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jimit and Senior Marketing Manager Humphrey Ginibun.
For more information on Sabah visit www.sabahtourism.com

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