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Vistara kick offs points transfer fest

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TTR WEEKLY
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NEW DELHI, 8 March 2023: Vistara, a joint venture of Tata group and Singapore Airlines, has announced its annual Points Transfer Fest for members of its frequent flyer programme – Club Vistara (CV).

The fest is open until 31 March enabling Club Vistara members to earn 30% bonus CV Points, up to 150,000 CV points (per transaction per eligible Points Transfer Partner), on a minimum transfer of 2,000 CV Points. Members who transfer their bank/hotel reward points from the eligible Points Transfer Partners to CV Points will be eligible for the bonus points.

The Points Transfer Fest 2023 rewards Vistara’s loyal customers who have supported the airline’s growth over its eight-year-long journey.

To put the scope of the points transfer fest in perspective, with 150,000 CV Points, a member can get nine one-way Delhi-Dubai Economy Class tickets or five one-way Delhi-London Economy Class tickets.

Additionally, if the Club Vistara members transfer reward points from two or more eligible bank partners, the transfer of reward points to CV points under this offer will be reflected separately for each transaction in the member’s account. The top 10 members with the highest CV Points transferred until 31 March 2023 will get a Vistara Purple Ticket worth INR 10,000 each, valid for six months, and one weekly raffle draw winner will get a Vistara Purple Ticket worth INR 1,000.

Club Vistara’s 10 eligible Points Transfer Partners include American Express Membership Rewards®, Axis eDGE Rewards, Club ITC Green Points Program, HDFC Rewards Program, HSBC Rewards Program, IndusInd Bank Rewards Program, Standard Chartered UAE 360° Rewards Program, YES BANK Credit Card Rewards, FAB Miles Program and AU Bank Rewardz. T&Cs Apply.

Club Vistara offers four tiers of membership – CV Base, CV Silver, CV Gold, and CV Platinum. Club Vistara members can also earn and redeem CV Points when travelling on partner airlines such as Air Canada, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines and Lufthansa.  

Vietnam opens cruise terminal

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TTR WEEKLY
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HANOI, 8 March 2023: Van Don’s Ao Tien Cruise Terminal, a passenger port serving tourist ferries visiting the islands and attractions in Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay, officially opened on 1 March 2023.

The cruise terminal covers an area of nearly 30 hectares, built at the cost of VND610 billion and financed by Mai Quyen Tourism Company Limited.

The passenger terminal has a usable area of ​​8,000m2, designed to serve a maximum of 2,600,000 passengers annually from now until 2025. The terminal will be expanded in 2025 to accommodate up to 3,200,000 passengers annually, looking forward to 2030.

The wharf comprises five berths, which are 20m wide and 150m long to accommodate vessels up to 300 seats and three smaller berths for yachts. There is anchorage for up to 150 tourist boats that offer Halong Bay overnight and day cruises.

MATTA partners with Czech tour operators

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TTR WEEKLY
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PRAGUE, 8 March 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents of the Czech Republic (ACCKA) in Prague to strengthen business cooperation between Malaysian and Czech Republic tourism industry players.

The MOU was signed by MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang and ACCKA president  Roman Skrabanek. It was witnessed by the Malaysian Charge d’ Affaires to the Czech Republic, Puan Farashima Aini Mohd Ali. The objective is to establish Malaysia as a prominent travel destination for Czech tourists.

“The core narrative of this MOU will result in more collaboration between tourism entrepreneurs between both countries whilst increasing awareness of Malaysia as an ideal travel destination globally,” said Farashima.

“The tremendous potential of the Czech Republic’s outbound market to Malaysia is the result of the country’s fast-expanding economy. The number of Czech tourists visiting Malaysia has increased over the past several years. MATTA is looking into every opportunity to expand into new, high-growth potential markets,” said Tan Kok Liang.

“More than 60% of Czech residents travel abroad annually, accounting for 5.1 million vacations (minimum stay of four nights) in 2019. There has been a huge increase in luxury and long-haul outbound travel. During the winter (October to March), most Czech travellers prefer the beach and sunny destinations. In addition to shopping, sightseeing, scuba diving, and soft adventure, they are captivated by culture, tradition and cuisine. This MOU is a logical, mutually advantageous next step for both of our associations,” said Roman Skrabanek.

Both associations have committed to working together to boost tourism to and from both countries in expanding connections between Malaysian and Czech tourism entrepreneurs through the development of synergistic business strategies, communication and the exchange of information, organising meetings between association members, as well as assisting and participating in exhibitions, international trade fairs.

“I applaud this milestone achievement between both organisations, and the Malaysian Embassy here in the Czech Republic will proudly support this initiative,” concluded Farashima.

STB launches SingapoRewards

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 8 March 2023: The Singapore Tourism Board has launched SingapoRewards, a new programme offering complimentary Singapore experiences for international visitors.

This programme will run through 2023 and allow visitors to try one of nearly 40 new or “off-the-beaten-path” experiences in Singapore for free.

Starting 7 March 2023, eligible short-term visitors to Singapore can redeem a free experience from a specially selected list of SingapoRewards activities. Many of these experiences will showcase less well-known places of interest or provide access to unique, exclusive experiences. These experiences will offer new perspectives of Singapore – even to returning visitors. Redemptions and bookings can be made on the VisitSingapore app or the SingapoRewards microsite.

Singapore Tourism Board chief executive officer Keith Tan said: “Tourism has returned strongly to Singapore since our borders reopened last year. As more international travellers return, we want to enhance their experience of Singapore by introducing them to hidden gems unique to our country. By focusing on innovative experiences, SingapoRewards provides a platform for local businesses to launch and test new products and offerings. I invite all visitors to explore our city’s diverse offerings through SingapoRewards, and to share their positive experience with others.”

A better way to holiday in Singapore

SingapoRewards was successfully piloted from Oct 2022 to March 2023 in Australia, India and Indonesia. With the full global launch, visitors can look forward to different activities to suit their interests and itineraries. These are curated across various precincts and categories:

• Novelty and excitement: Explore picturesque precincts through unique tours such as Historical Singapore Bike Tours and Bugis, Waterloo and Kampong Gelam Instagram Walking Tour.

• Food and dining: Savour local culinary delights on board the Singapore River Dining Cruise as you explore the island city’s history or discover the origins of Singapore Dry Gin at the Brass Lion Distillery Tour.

• Sustainability: Enjoy eco-friendly activities such as the Pleated Bag Making Workshop, learn about aquatic husbandry and conservation at S.E.A. Aquarium + Behind The Panel Guided Tour, or take an inside look at one of the world’s best airports through the Jewel Connection: Changi Airport & Jewel Changi Walking Tour.

 • Wellness: Find an oasis of calm at the Singapore Flora Heritage Room Diffuser Workshop or get a refreshing workout at the Aqua Spinning Workout Class.

Monster Day Tours founder Suen Tat Yam commented: “We designed The Jewel Connection: Changi Airport & Jewel Changi Walking Tour to offer a rare insider look at one of the world’s best airports.

“Since the SingapoRewards campaign was piloted in October 2022, we’ve received such positive feedback on the tour that we can’t wait to roll it out to more visitors.”

Brass Lion Distillery founder Jamie Koh shared: ” Brass Lion Distillery is Singapore’s first full-fledged micro-distillery producing premium handcrafted spirits. Brass Lion is proud to welcome international visitors into our home. With our Distillery Tour, participants can take a behind-the-scenes look at our process and enjoy a guided-tasting flight of our flagship gins. Brass Lion aspires to put Singapore on the map for gin lovers, so we appreciate the opportunity to share our approach to gin-making and introduce travellers from all over the world to our uniquely Singaporean spirits.”

Sabah welcomes tourists from China

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU: Sabah welcomes 140 travellers from Guangzhou on 2 March when the first direct flight from China since the pandemic landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

The AirAsia flight was welcomed by Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai was on hand to greet them.

Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai was on hand to greet the Chinese passengers on the flight from Guangzhou.

He was accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Sr. Mohd Yusrie Abdullah; Chinese Consul General in Kota Kinabalu Huang Shifang; and STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman.

A day later, on 3 March, AirAsia introduced a second route from Shenzhen, China, to KKIA.

Sabah had anticipated the arrival of Chinese visitors much earlier this year, but a holdup in issuing passports to Chinese citizens delayed the resumption of flights.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman and several senior officers were present at the welcoming ceremony.

“We are thrilled to have Chinese visitors back, and we hope our industry players will continue to provide exceptional hospitality services to our guests,” said Joniston, adding that China is a key and important market for Sabah.

Sabah anticipates more Chinese tourists will visit the state in the coming months as more direct flights from several cities in China resume. Before the pandemic, China was Sabah’s leading international visitor source, with 598,566 Chinese visitors recorded in 2019.

Visit: www.sabahtourism.com

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Emirates and PAL ink interline deal

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, Philippines, 7 March 2023: Emirates and Philippine Airlines have signed an interline agreement to boost connectivity for passengers of both air carriers to new points on each other’s networks via Manila and Dubai, using a single ticket and one baggage policy.

Emirates passengers gain access to 19 Philippine domestic destinations operated by Philippine Airlines, including Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Cotabato, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo and two Asian regional points via Manila.

Philippine Airlines’ passengers also benefit from access to Emirates’ global network and seamlessly connect to 21 cities operated by Emirates beyond Dubai to European destinations such as London, Rome, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Paris and Kuwait, as well as to Jeddah and other points in the Middle East, Africa and India.

Travel itineraries can be booked on emirates.com, philippineairlines.com, the Emirates and PAL mobile apps, or via both online and offline travel agents.

Emirates’ chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim commented: “The Philippines is one of our strongest consumer markets, and we’re pleased to sign a new interline agreement with the country’s flag carrier. The partnership with Philippine Airlines will help open new links for trade and tourism that will drive more inbound traffic into the market and expand Emirates’ footprint in East Asia. We look forward to serving our partner airline’s customers with additional travel choices to Emirates destinations across the Middle East, Europe and the Americas and to expanding our cooperation with plans to include additional points via Cebu in the coming months.”

Philippine Airlines vice president for ales Bud Britanico commented:  “We are happy to embark on this new interline partnership with Emirates that expands the choices available to Philippine Airlines passengers, who now gain easier access to more destinations across Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa via our flights to Dubai.”

Emirates started operations in Manila in 1990 and has since expanded its network to include Cebu and Clark. The airline serves the Philippines with 25 weekly flights to the three gateways.

Emirates operates its modern Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a mix of three-class and two-class configurations on flights to Manila, Cebu and Clark. On Emirates’ three-class Boeing 777 flights, passengers are offered eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 310 spacious seats in Economy Class. The airline’s two-class Boeing 777 flights offer passengers 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 386 spacious seats in Economy Class. Travellers to and from the Philippines benefit from Emirates’ award-winning service and industry-leading products in the air and on the ground across all classes, with regionally-inspired dishes and complimentary beverages and the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system, which offers up to 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment in over 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, and an extensive musical library along with games, audiobooks and podcasts.

With the addition of its agreement with Philippine Airlines, Emirates takes its interline partners up to 120 air carriers. The airline also has 27 codeshare partners. These partnerships enable Emirates to respond with agility to the dynamic travel industry, meeting the ever-evolving air travel needs of its customer.

About Emirates

From its global hub in Dubai, Emirates serves customers on six continents, providing high-quality air transport services that facilitate tourism and trade. The airline has earned customer recognition for its industry-leading services on the ground and in the sky, delivered by a passionate workforce representing over 160 nations. Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of wide-body Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, offering spacious cabins and iconic inflight features such as its A380 Shower Spa and Onboard Lounge and its ice inflight entertainment system available in all seats across its fleet, which has topped “best in sky” awards for 14 consecutive years. Emirates is committed to environmentally-responsible operations and focuses on three areas: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and protecting wildlife and habitats. 

For more information, visit www.emirates.com.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

MATTA spotlight shines on Taiwan

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 7 March 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents reports Taiwan is on board as Asia’s Featured Destination at the upcoming MATTA Fair, 17 to 19 March.

The 52 edition of the national show will convene at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur and Taiwan Tourism Bureau will occupy 32 booths in MITEC’s international halls (Level 2).

Cynthia Tan Bee Sim (left), VP Outbound MATTA. Abe Chou Shih-Pi, Director, Taiwan Tourism Bureau KL Office.

Taiwan’s tourism delegation will deliver various travel package discounts and bargains to draw bargain hunters and travel aficionados. Taiwan was nominated for the ‘Asia’s Featured Destination award’ over the past four MATTA Fairs, including the MATTA Fair in March 2019, MATTA Fair in March 2017, MATTA Fair in September 2017, and MATTA Fair in September 2018.

Around 530,000 Malaysian visitors visited Taiwan in 2019, more than any other Southeast Asian country. Because 60% of Malaysia’s population is Muslim, Taiwan has the potential to attract a large Muslim demographic. In 2019, there were 382,916 Taiwanese visitors to Malaysia.

MATTA expects that two-way tourist flow between the two nations will increase over time. The significance of this partnership is to facilitate the sharing of travel information and showcase the extraordinary experiences that travellers may have.

The relationship between MATTA Fair and Taiwan Tourism contributes greatly to the latter’s promotional efforts. The expo is an excellent venue for showcasing Taiwan’s culture and breathtaking places to Malaysian tourists.

Entrance to the fair is free. It is open from 1000 to 2100 for three days, Friday to Sunday, 17 to 19 March.

Turkish turns a 2022 profit

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 March 2023: Turkish Airlines closed 2022 with USD2.7 billion net profit standing out from its competition thanks to its operational agility, wide flight network and highly skilled workforce it maintained during the pandemic.

It marks its sixth quarter, declaring a net profit despite the difficult operating environment that has persisted since 2020.

Total revenue in 2022 stood at USD18.4 billion, surpassing 2019 by 39%, a record high. Constituting 20% of total income, cargo earnings at USD3.7 billion increased by 120% compared to the same period in 2019.

Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and executive committee, Ahmet Bolat, stated: ” With the responsibility and awareness of being the flag carrier, we stand with our nation just as we did during previous crises. In the aftermath of the earthquakes centred in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February, we utilised our resources to operate over 2,400 flights to transport 433,000 (personnel working in) search and rescue teams and 16 thousand tons of aid materials to the region while evacuating 430,000 people to date.

Turkish Airlines carried around 72 million passengers recording load factors of 85.8% for domestic and 80.1% for international routes. Despite global inflationary pressures, the flag carrier lowered its unit expenses, excluding fuel, by 2% compared to 2019. As a result, EBITAR (earnings before interest, taxes, amortisation and rent) demonstrates the company’s cash generation potential realised USD5.4 billion.

AAPA: Passenger demand strong in January

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 7 March 2023: Preliminary January 2023 traffic figures released last week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed steady growth in international passenger traffic on the back of strong travel demand with the easing of border restrictions, notably in North Asia.

Overall, the region’s airlines carried 17.2 million international passengers in January, more than seven times the volumes recorded in the same month last year, when travel restrictions across the region still dampened demand. Traffic as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) jumped 466.9%, underpinned by robust regional travel demand. Available seat capacity also expanded markedly, but by a comparatively slower 195.0% year-on-year. As a result, the average international passenger load factor increased significantly, by 39.1 percentage points to 81.5% for the month, returning to levels seen only before the onset of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, subdued global economic conditions continued to hold back export markets in January, leading to a significant 20.5% year-on-year decline in international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK). The international freight load factor fell by 9.7 percentage points to an average of 59.2% for the month.

Commenting on the results, AAPA director general Subhas Menon said: “International passenger markets enjoyed a strong start to the year in 2023. Strong demand buoyed by an increase in leisure travellers during the Lunar New Year holidays in the region, saw passengers carried by Asia Pacific carriers in January rise to 52.1% of pre-pandemic traffic levels in 2019.”

“But cargo volumes came under pressure due to multiple headwinds. Higher inflation levels across various economies and the persistently strong US Dollar have added to the price pressures for imported commodities and merchandise in local currency terms.”

Looking ahead, Menon noted: “Notwithstanding the challenges brought on by the global economic uncertainty, growth prospects for passenger markets look positive for the year ahead. The desire to travel remains strong, with the latest forward booking trends pointing to sustained high demand. Nevertheless, cost pressures represent a key challenge to airline financial performance, driven by the elevated fuel prices and inflationary pressures on operating expenditure, including labour and maintenance. Overall, Asia Pacific airlines remain vigilant in striving for cost efficiencies whilst restoring flights in the COVID-19 recovery period.”

(Source: AAPA)

AirAsia X restarts Shanghai flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SEPANG, 7 March 2023: AirAsia X (AAX) has resumed services to Shanghai, China, with four weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur, which commenced on 2 March 2023.

The inaugural post-pandemic flight from Kuala Lumpur departed with an encouraging passenger load. The return flight from Shanghai was almost 373 guests, signalling significant outbound travel demand from the Chinese market.

Amid encouraging demand and easing inbound travel restrictions to China, AAX plans to ramp up capacity and increase the frequency of services to Shanghai with 11 weekly flights by the second quarter this year, akin to its pre-pandemic frequency.

AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail said: “Our first inaugural flight to Shanghai was a decade ago. Today, we are thrilled to be back in China and celebrate the resumption of this historically very popular destination. In addition, we have also restarted our weekly flight to/from Hangzhou recently with a 97% passenger load to Kuala Lumpur.

“China is one of the world’s major economies, and the reopening of flights to China is a positive sign for AAX and the tourism industry in general. As China has only just started to reopen, this is only the beginning of the recovery process. We remain optimistic that travel demand to China will quickly return to pre-pandemic levels shortly.”

Essential travellers to Shanghai can book the flight on AirAsia Super App or airasia.com from MYR799 all-in* one way for economy seats or from MYR2,299 on Premium Flatbed for travel from now until 29 October 2023.

Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Shanghai (PVG):

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