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Deals on Staybridge Suites in Bangkok

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 28 August 2023: The new Staybridge Suites properties in Bangkok’s Thonglor and Sukhumvit 24 areas have launched ‘book early and save’ campaigns for stays up to 31 October 2023

Staybridge Suites Bangkok Sukhumvit released an ‘Early Bird Escape’ offer starting at THB2,912++ per night. The rate includes breakfast for two, free drinks and snacks at The Social Hour, access to sauna, fitness centre, pool and Japanese onsen. There is a free shuttle to and from the BTS Phrom Phong Skytrain station. Bookings earn IHG One Rewards nights and points. The Early Bird Escape is bookable until 23 October for travel until 31 October 2023. Booking and information.

Located in Sukhumvit 24, the property is ideally located for quick access to Phrom Phong BTS Station, the Emquartier and Emporium malls, Samitivej Hospital and many overseas embassies, plus varied dining and nightlife options.

Staybridge Suites Bangkok Thonglor also introduced the ‘Book Early, Save More’ promotion. At only THB2,645++ per night, the rate includes breakfast for two, complimentary drinks and snacks at The Social Hour, free access to Japanese onsen, sauna, fitness centre and pool, shuttle service to the BTS Thonglor Skytrain station and eligibility for IHG One Rewards nights and points.
The promotion can be booked until 23 October for travel until 31 October 2023. Booking and information.

Indigo flies to Hong Kong

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 August 2023: Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo will resume daily flights on the Delhi – Hong Kong route starting 5 October, offering a daily service using an A321 neo aircraft.

The daily flight 6E1707 will depart Delhi at 0520 and arrive in Hong Kong at 1300
The return flight 6E1708 will depart Hong Kong at 1555 and arrive in Delhi at 1950.

Photo credit: Indigo

Indigo Airlines head of global sales Vinay Malhotra announced the new Hong Kong service at the same time as confirming daily direct flights between Varanasi – Khajuraho in addition to introducing one-stop connectivity between Delhi-Khajuraho via Varanasi.

Commencing operations from 10 October 2023, the routes will significantly bolster connectivity and accessibility and further strengthen IndiGo’s vision of connecting people with places by providing them with seamless travel experiences, he explained.

Sky Angkor returns to Don Mueang

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 28 August 2023: Sky Angkor Airlines, Cambodia‘s low-cost airline, resumed twice-daily flights from Phnom Penh to Bangkok DMK on 25 August after a four-month pause. 

Flying an A320, the airline is serving the Phnom Penh to Bangkok Don Mueang route  with twice daily flights in addition to its three daily services from the Cambodian capital to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK).

The early morning flight ZA670 departs Phnom Penh at 0705 and arrives in Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport at 0820. The other daily flight departs Phnom Penh in the evening at 1845 and arrives in DMK at 2000. 

Sky Angkor Airlines hired Thai Airports Ground Services Ltd for ground handling services at Don Mueang International Airport. 

Tourism Malaysia on a mission in India

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 August 2023: Tourism Malaysia completed its second roadshow to India on 26 August, a two-week-long mission that kicked off Amritsar followed by sales and networking sessions in Lucknow, Nagpur, Pune, Goa, and Coachin.

Headed by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, the roadshow consisted of 45 local organisations comprising hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners, visa consultants, Malaysia-based airlines, and representatives from state tourism boards.

It Followed its first successful roadshow to five major cities in India that took place from 30 January to 7 February 2023, as well as its participation in the recent South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2023 and Travel Wedding Show in Udaipur, Tourism Malaysia aims.

The two-week-long roadshow featured networking programmes, including business-to-business (B2B) sessions and seminars focused on niche segments such as weddings, golf, filming, and shopping. In addition, the roadshow presented the Visit Malaysia Year, scheduled to take place in 2026.

This year, Malaysia targets 16.1 million international tourist arrivals with MYR49.3 billion in tourism receipts. India remains among the top countries contributing tourist arrivals to Malaysia. In 2022, Malaysia welcomed 324,548 Indian tourists, while in the first quarter of 2023, Malaysia received as many as 164,566 Indian tourists compared to 13,370 in the same period last year.

Currently, there are 158 flights with 30,032 seats offered weekly between India and Malaysia through Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, AirAsia and IndiGo. Indian tourists can now apply for Malaysia’s eVISA Multiple Entry Visa (MEV) via https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my/evisa/evisa.jsp. 

Air Japan starts with Bangkok flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 28 August 2023: Air Japan, the low-cost airline subsidiary of All Nippon Airways (ANA), announced last week that it has chosen Bangkok as its first international destination from its home base in Narita, Tokyo.

The airline hosted the Thai media at a launch event to confirm the new service starting on 9 February 2024 with six flights weekly every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Photo credit: Air Japan: Air Japan meets Thai media.

Flight schedule

Narita Tokyo to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
NQ1 will depart Narita at 1755 and arrive in Bangkok at 2315. 

Bangkok to Narita Tokyo
NQ2 will depart at 0015 and arrive in Narita, Tokyo at 0810. 

The flights will use a  Boeing Dreamliner 787-900 with a one-way fare starting at JPY15,500.

Earlier this year, ANA announced that Air Japan will operate as a low-cost medium-haul carrier servicing flights to and from Southeast Asia starting in February 2024. Bangkok will be the launch destination.

Finnair adopts Avios loyalty currency

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 August 2023: Finnair is revamping its Finnair Plus loyalty programme in early 2024, switching to Avios loyalty currency based on spend rather than flights flown and distance covered.  

Once Finnair adopts Avios in 2024 as its new loyalty currency, members can collect and use loyalty currency across partner airlines. This includes when they shop online with thousands of leading brands via shopping.ba.com and with IAG Loyalty’s growing list of partners around the world that range from BP, Nectar, and Uber in the UK, Areas airport retail, and Cabify in Spain and Bilt in the US.  

Photo credit: Finnair. https://www.finnair.com/en/finnair-plus/avios

Avios is the loyalty currency used by Finnair’s oneworld partners’ loyalty programmes – British Airways Executive Club, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, and Iberia Plus.  

Starting this autumn, airlines that adopted Avios loyalty currency are tying customers’ mileage earnings to how much money they spend instead of how far they fly. The changes kick in from mid-October. Finnair follows at a yet-to-be-announced date in early 2024,

Award points will be converted to Avios with a 3:2 ratio, and the purchasing power of the current points remains unchanged – Avios prices are also updated with the same 3:2 ratio.  

Members can move from one tier to another based on the money spent on Finnair’s flights and travel extras. Tier limits will be revised to reflect the switch to Avios and the new spend-based earn of tier points. 

Collecting tier points and loyalty currency on partner flights will continue to be based on the travel class, booking class, and distance flown. However, they will collect based on miles, not kilometres flown. 

Finnair’s Chief Commercial Officer Ole Orvér said: “2024 marks the start of a new era with our loyalty programme, with new benefits and improved options for our members to use their earned Avios – both within Finnair and IAG Loyalty’s partner network.“ 

“The move to a spend-based programme rewards customers directly for their spending, just like many retail loyalty programmes do. These moves allow us to leverage the full potential of our loyalty programme and make it attractive to a wider audience.” 

The programme will feature new benefits to enable members to receive extra rewards, such as additional upgrade benefits, when reaching certain point limits within their existing tier. 

As part of the changes, Finnair will also increase the number of award seats – the most popular award among members – and guarantee at least four award seats on Finnair flights within Europe and eight on Finnair long-haul flights. 

Finnair is investing in new lounge premises on the Schengen side of Helsinki Airport, Finnair’s home hub, featuring a dedicated area for top-tier members. 

The Finnair Plus loyalty programme has over 4 million members worldwide and was first launched in 1992. 

About Avios  

Avios is the global loyalty currency of the British Airways Executive Club, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, Iberia Plus, Aer Lingus AerClub and Vueling Club. More than 35 million members are worldwide, collecting more than 3000 Avios every second. 

Pandaw visits the dolphins

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 August 2023: Pandaw, a river cruise specialist in Asia, is offering guests an opportunity to view the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Cambodia’s Kratie province as part of a post-tour tagged on to the  Classic Mekong seven-day cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. 

A two-night overland post-tour will be a firm favourite as reports confirm the dolphin population in Kampi district near Kratie has stabilised in recent years due to the efforts of the Cambodian government, environmental organisations and local communities.

In a preview of its upcoming winter sailings focusing on the Mekong River in southern Vietnam and Cambodia, Pandaw is promoting a trip to view the dolphins that can be tagged to the end of the seven-day Classic Mekong River Cruise. Depending on the water level in the Mekong River, the trip to Kratie is either by the Pandaw cruise boat (Sep to Oct) or tour bus during the remainder of the season.

Pandaw reports that introducing sustainable tourism increases awareness and support for conservation efforts to ensure the increase in the dolphin population grows and is sustainable once again. 

Pandaw collaborates with local communities in Cambodia’s Kratie province to offer travellers a chance to witness the dolphins in their natural environment and contribute to their preservation. 

“During the high-water months of September and October, our low-draft vessels will take advantage of the water levels and sail up to Kratie, the only overnight passenger vessel to do so, and bookings are still open for sailings during September and October 2023,” Pandaw said in an email statement.

For those looking to travel later in the season, Pandaw offers an overland option, including two nights’ accommodation and a full-day trip to the dolphin grounds that can be added pre or post-cruise.

Check out the details: Krattie and Dolphin Post Tour

Classic Mekong Cruise: Saigon to Siem Reap / 7 nights / From USD3,393pp

For more information on the Classic Mekong Cruise.

To book visit pandaw.com or contact [email protected].

(Source: Pandaw)

WTTC tracks tourism investment trends

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 August 2023: The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2023 Global Trends Report, released earlier this week, identifies an encouraging resurgence in Travel & Tourism investment, overcoming pandemic setbacks and signalling a strong return to growth.

From 2010 to 2019, investment grew steadily at 4.3% CAGR, growing from USD754.6BN in 2010 to USD1.1TN in 2019, or 4.5% of all economy-wide investments. Covid-19 hit hard, leading to a 24% decline in 2020 and a further 8% in 2021.

2022: a turning point

Spurred by the global pent-up demand, Travel & Tourism investment surged to USD856 billion, up 11.1% from the previous year. Although this was 22.5% short of 2019 levels, it was still 53% higher in 2022 than in 2000.

In regions like Asia-Pacific and Africa, 2022 investment was 161% higher than in 2000, while Europe and the Middle East have shown more restrained growth. The pandemic has undone much of the significant growth in these regions in the last two decades.

Nevertheless, Travel & Tourism investment in these regions in 2022 stayed above the levels seen in 2000.

The US leads the top 10n markets in terms of absolute investment in the sector in 2022 with USD213 billion, showing a sector ready to thrive once again. China trails with a USD146 billion investment in 2022, with Saudi Arabia rounding out the top three with a total investment of USD42 billion in the same year.

Island destinations lead the top spots for Travel & Tourism investment as a total percentage share of their economies in 2022. The US Virgin Islands lead the way, channelling 35% of total economic investment into Travel & Tourism, followed closely by Antigua & Barbuda at 34% and Aruba at almost 32%.

Private investment in new aircraft, hotels, and car fleets is essential for boosting the sector’s capacity. Public investment complements this growth, and the combined investments create a powerful synergy. The ripple effect is more jobs, bigger economies, and stronger communities.

WTTC president & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Investment in Travel & Tourism is not just a numbers game; it is the heartbeat of global connectivity and economic revival. Despite the setbacks from the pandemic, 2022’s growth is a promising sign of what’s to come.

“Investment in Travel & Tourism is integral to the world’s recovery and growth. The sector’s resilience and potential for innovation continue to drive us forward. We remain confident, yet vigilant, in our pursuit of a brighter, more connected global future.”

Future gazing

WTTC forecasts robust 11.5% growth in investment in 2023, amounting to $955BN, with a return to pre-pandemic levels anticipated by 2025. By 2033, WTTC forecasts a promising 6.1% average annual growth globally, with the strongest annualised growth rates projected to be in Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean.

However, the global hike in interest rates creates challenges for future investment. With central banks increasing interest rates to combat rising inflation, the cost of borrowing and products increases.

Higher interest rates could present a risk to future investment in the sector, so the public and private sectors must work together to innovate to ensure the continual strengthening of this vital sector.

To purchase the Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2023 Global Trends Report, please visit wttc.org

(Source: WTTC)

Spectrum of the Seas visits Vietnam

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 August 2023: A celebratory cheer welcomed 4,000 Royal Caribbean guests as they arrived in Phu My, Vietnam, on Spectrum of the Seas’ earlier this week for the first of a series of 12-night cruises in Southeast Asia, highlighting Vietnam’s coastal destinations.

Throughout the 12-night cruise, guests explored top Asian destinations, including Tokyo, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima in Japan, Hong Kong, and Nha Trang in Vietnam. Following the port of call in Phu My, Vietnam, the cruise sailed to Singapore.

Caption: (L-to-R) – Spectrum of the Seas’ Captain Wu Huimin, U.S. Consulate General HCMC Deputy Principal Officer Anne Benjaminson, Vice President and Managing Director, Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International Angie Stephen, Chairman of People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh and Royal Caribbean International Government Relations (Asia), Regional Vice President Wendy Yamazaki at the Welcome Ceremony earlier this week in Phu My.

Royal Caribbean International vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific Angie Stephen, Spectrum of the Seas’ Captain Wu Huimin, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province Nguyen Van Tho, Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh, and the US Consulate General HCMC Deputy Principal Officer Anne Benjaminson exchanged gifts in a welcome ceremony onboard Spectrum of the Seas, after which they were given a tour of the ship.

“Vietnam is a popular travel destination for both Singaporeans as well as our guests from across the world, so we are thrilled to be able to celebrate our sailings to Phu My with key government and cruise industry stakeholders onboard,” said Royal Caribbean International vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific Angie Stephen.

“The onboard event also coincided with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. Guests explored nearby sights, onshore excursions including exploring Buddhist temples, taking in the Bay of Boats and enjoying guided tours of Ho Chi Minh City, which will all offer an economic benefit to the already thriving tourism industry,” she explained. 

(Source: RCI)

All smiles for Russell at Smiling Albino

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 August 2023: Smiling Albino has hired veteran travel specialist Tim Russell as its new head of marketing communications based out of the regional company’s Bangkok office. 

His immediate assignment is to tell Smiling Albino’s stories digitally and in person and shape the company’s marketing tech into a smooth-running machine. 

Photo credit: Smiling Albino. Tim Russell

Originally from the UK, he has been in the tourism industry since the pre-email days of the early 90s and first came to Southeast Asia in 2003 residing in Vietnam, where he founded ‘Come and Go Vietnam’ in 2009. After a decade in Ho Chi Minh City, he moved to Bangkok in 2012 as marketing director of Remote Lands from 2012 to 2015.

Most recently, until June 2023, he worked at Khiri Travel as its group marketing manager and before that for Go Real Asia as its COO.

“My first encounter with Smiling Albino was during the Mekong Tourism Forum in Siem Reap in 2010,” says Russell, who added it “became immediately clear that this wasn’t your typical travel business.”

Now, he is convinced it is more different than he initially thought.
“I look forward to helping shape the company’s future and introducing a different side to Southeast Asia to our guests and agents.”

Smiling Albino founder Daniel Fraser added: “We are delighted to have Tim on board. He gets what Smiling Albino is all about and has the kind of passion for the region – and experiencing it differently – that will help us to tell our story in a compelling, exciting and head-turning way.” 

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