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WebBeds promises hotels rate parity

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 March 2023: WebBeds, a global marketplace for the travel trade to book hotels and travel products, launched on the eve of ITB Berlin, 7 March, the first phase of a programme that will reduce rate parity discrepancies to zero.

WebBeds has launched a new online tool for their hotel partners, called “Parity Monitor”, as the first phase of a major initiative within the company to streamline internal processes and improve the speed of resolving parity issues.

This new tool will establish the foundations for future automated solutions, aiming to achieve zero BRG (best rate guarantee) discrepancies through the WebBeds marketplace.

The Parity Monitor tool will initially serve as a global hub where hotels submit parity discrepancies to WebBeds. This new tool will be the front end for the newly streamlined internal processes that will track, monitor, report back and quickly resolve rate discrepancies for hotel partners.

A simple dashboard will consolidate and display the status of any submissions, providing clarity and better management reporting for hotels. WebBeds has created a new centralised team dedicated to resolving parity issues raised via the Parity Monitor.

Future developments of the Parity Monitor will include incorporating technology solutions to prevent parity integrity issues from occurring in the first place, proactive scanning of the market for rate discrepancies, automated identification and rectification of parity issues, enforcing minimum selling price and tracing opaque rates with buyers across all sales channels.

WebBeds CEO Daryl Lee said: “WebBeds is very aware of the frustrations that our hotel partners experience when there are rate parity discrepancies in the market. Hotels want rate parity to be strong and consistent, particularly given the strategic priorities within their business ecosystem. This new tool is just the start of a work programme to develop automated technology solutions to proactively prevent, detect and resolve rate parity issues in real time. Achieving zero rate parity discrepancies is an incredibly challenging goal. Still, we want this aspiration to serve as our “north star” internally, to provide focus and drive excellence from our teams. Anything less than this would fall short of expectations our hotel partners have of us.”

About WebBeds

Launched in 2013, WebBeds aggregates and merchandises accommodation and destination services from travel suppliers, distributing them to a global network of travel trade buyers who sell to the travelling public.

WebBeds operates globally through four geographic regions – Europe, Asia Pacific, MEA (Middle East and Africa) and Americas – with over 1,500 travel professionals working in 120 cities across 50 countries worldwide.

It also operates specialist brands JacTravel DMC and Umrah Holidays International. JacTravel DMC provides tailor-made travel arrangements for offline FIT and groups travelling to the UK, Ireland and key mainland European destinations to the international travel trade. Umrah Holidays International is a pioneer in providing online pilgrimage travel services to travel agencies worldwide. 

Vietnam visitor arrivals start to climb

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TTR WEEKLY
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HANOI, 3 March 2023: Vietnam recorded 933,000 international visitors in February, an increase of 7.1% compared with the previous month, the country’s Tourism Information Technology Centre reported on Wednesday.

Quoting GSO data for January to February 2023, TITC noted the country attracted 1.8 million visitor arrivals during the first two months of the year.

The General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO) serves under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, independent of the tourism ministry and promotional agencies.

Figure 1. International visitors by month in 2022 and 2023 (thousand arrivals)

Source: Compiled from GSO’s data

South Korea remained the largest source market in the first two months, with 560,000 visitor arrivals, followed by the US (148,000). Thailand ranked third with 97,000 arrivals.

In the top 10 markets, Northeast Asia led with South Korea (560,000), Taiwan (90,000), Japan (71,000) and China (71,000). Southeast Asia led with Thailand (97,000); Malaysia (72,000), and Cambodia (70,000).

Figure 2. Top source markets in the first two months of 2023 (thousand arrivals)

Source: Compiled from GSO’s data

2023: February arrivals

In February, there was significant growth in arrivals from markets in Northeast Asia. The notable standouts were South Korea (+16.4% compared to January 2023) and Taiwan (+87.7%).

The Chinese market reached 55,000 arrivals, 40,000 more than the previous month (+246.6%). Arrivals from Laos at 14.400 doubled when compared to the previous month. However, some other markets in Asia recorded much slower growth rates: Japan (+6.4%), and Cambodia (+5.1%).

European markets continued to maintain positive increases, such as France (+15.3%), England (+5.2%) and Germany (+2.9%).

Figure 3. Increase/decrease of some markets in the first two months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2019 (%)

Source: Compiled from GSO’s data

2023: Arrivals January and February

For the first two months of 2023, visitor arrivals from Cambodia increased by 201% compared to the same period in  2019 (pre-Covid-19). Visits from India increased 129%, Thailand +22%, Singapore +16% and Laos +16%.

The markets delivering visits on par or close to 2019 levels included the US (-7%), Australia (-11%), and Indonesia (-12%). Markets demonstrating a slower recovery included Germany (-23%), Malaysia (-21%), England (-27%), Korea (-27%), and France (-35%).

(Source: Tourism Information Technology Centre; GSO data)

Fireworks brighten Danang’s tourism path

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TTR WEEKLY
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DANANG, 3 March 2023: Danang’s tourism recovery campaign will light up the sky as the city revives the Danang International Fireworks Festival 2023 (DIFF 2023) following a three-year hiatus.

Scheduled for 3 June to 8 July, Danang City People’s Committee joins Sun Group to invite seven international teams to compete with the host team representing Vietnam and Danang. The seven international teams hail from England, Italy, Poland, France, Australia, Canada, and Finland.

Now in its 11th year, the festival adopts the theme “World without distance”. In local promotions, DIFF 2023 presents the campaign tagline “WOW Danang”, derived from the tourism promotion “WOW Vietnam” initiated by Sun Group nationwide.

The fireworks displays will get underway on a floating stage on the Han River as the eight teams take turns presenting a 20-minute fireworks spectacular.

Sun Group commented on the return of DIFF after a three-year pause saying the festival would be an immediate success acting as a “magnet” to attract visitors worldwide to Danang. It’s just one of many festivals planned this year that should crown Danang as Asia’s leading festival destination.

(Source TITC and Sun Group)

Travel buyers set for Himalayan reunion

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TTR WEEKLY
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KATHMANDU, 3 March 2023: The 4th Himalayan Travel Mart will be hosted in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 6 to 9 June 2023, following a three-year pause, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter reports this week

The event is organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture Tourism Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Nepal Airlines, PATA International, and other leading tourism-related.

The first three editions of HTM, held in 2017, 2018, and 2019, attracted global tourism stakeholders and tour operators. It positions Nepal as the gateway to the Himalayas. However, due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers paused the show for three years.

PATA Nepal Chapter chairman Bibhuti Chand Thakur in a press statement issued earlier in the week, emphasised the event’s role in revitalising tourism businesses, boosting travel confidence and supporting Nepal’s post-pandemic recovery initiatives.

He added: “The Covid-19 pandemic devastated the travel and tourism industry, and Nepal suffered massive losses. However, with the much-awaited re-opening of world tourism, we are confident that HTM will represent a significant opportunity to support Nepal’s post-pandemic tourism recovery initiatives and the entire Himalayan region at large.”

Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati has extended a welcome message to delegates from around the world, inviting them to join the HTM 2023 to support Nepal’s post-pandemic tourism recovery initiatives.

He expressed, “We are striding forwards rebuilding the tourism sector, which has been greatly disrupted and has compelled us to embrace changes brought forth by the pandemic and other crises. By sharing our inspiring stories of resilience and ensuring our best efforts on safety concerns as well as strengthening the tourism offerings to win our guests’ confidence, trust and loyalty, we are now gearing up to rebuild the future of tourism.”

Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM) is a business-to-business (B2B) mart that attracts global travel buyers, travel content providers resident in the Himalayan region and neighbours, travel bloggers, influencers and thought leaders.

Global travel buyers from Europe, North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and CIS, Asia, and Gulf countries attend the show.

Himalayan travel content providers from Nepal, India, China (Tibet Autonomous Region), Bhutan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Myanmar rent booth space where they engage in pre-matched appointments with buyers.

Bali hosts Asia Skål’s annual congress

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TTR WEEKLY
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BALI, Indonesia, 3 March 2023: Skål Asia confirms its annual Asia Congress will convene in Bali from 1 to 4 June 2023 at the five-star Merusaka Nusa Dua.

The event will kick off with an evening welcome cocktail party on Friday, 1 June, followed by a full-day congress season on Saturday, 2 June, which includes a networking lunch and dinner.

On Sunday, 3 June, delegates will attend a half-day congress session followed by a tour and a grand gala dinner to wind up the Bali congress.

For delegates who fancy extending their stay, pre and post-congress accommodation options are available at the Merusaka Hotel, starting at USD135 net per night.

“We are thrilled to be hosting the Skål Asia International Congress at Merusaka Hotel in Bali,” said the hotel’s general manager Ian McDonald Cameron. “Our beautiful property offers the perfect setting for members to come together, network, and learn about the latest trends in the tourism industry.”

Skål Asia is an international organisation of travel and tourism professionals with a mission statement to promote tourism while fostering goodwill and friendship among members.

The Asia Congress is an annual event that brings together industry leaders, travel professionals, and tourism organisations to share insights, discuss trends, and collaborate on ideas that can help promote tourism. It returns to the busy Asian travel trade calendar after a two-year hiatus.

“We are excited to bring the Skål Asia Congress to Bali,” said Skål Asia acting president Keethi Jayaweera. “Bali is a popular destination for travellers, and we look forward to showcasing the island’s beauty to our members while allowing them to connect with fellow professionals in the industry.”

(Source: Andrew Wood, A&P Media)

Centara inks deal with KrisFlyer Rewards

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 3 March 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Singapore Airlines to offer its loyalty programme members the opportunity to convert their CentaraThe1 points to KrisFlyer miles.

Enhancing the CentaraThe1 loyalty programme benefits, this partnership will allow members to transfer 5,000 CentaraThe1 points in exchange for 300 KrisFlyer miles.

Caption: Biren Poh, General Manager of Singapore Airlines in Thailand (centre left); Tom Thrussell, VP – Brand, Marketing & Digital of Centara Hotels & Resorts (centre right).

As a new or existing member of the KrisFlyer rewards programme, members can accumulate miles faster and use them to purchase flight tickets or upgrades, shop on KrisShop or book travel experiences on Pelago, among many other exciting rewards.

“It is a privilege to announce our partnership with Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer rewards program and to be able to offer KrisFlyer members this exclusive opportunity through our CentaraThe1 programme. This also supports our mission to continually enrich our loyalty program by providing a broader range of sought-after benefits to our own members. As the tourism and hotel industry regains its pre-pandemic foothold, we encourage travellers to explore the world again and experience the signature warmth and hospitality at the heart of every Centara stay,” said  Centara Hotels & Resorts VP – Brand, Marketing & Digital Tom Thrussell.

As an added perk to this offer, members will receive double KrisFlyer miles for transactions completed from 1 to 30 April 2023. This means that for every 5,000 CentaraThe1 points transferred, members will receive 600 KrisFlyer miles.

We are delighted to partner with Centara Hotels & Resorts to bring Thai-inspired experiences to our members. With Centara, we have a shared commitment to offer members more ways to earn rewards and to fulfil their travel aspirations faster,” said Singapore Airlines general manager – Thailand, Biren Poh.

Travellers not members of Centara’s loyalty programme can sign up for free in less than a minute and immediately start earning points and enjoy benefits, such as 15% off the best available public hotel and resort rates when booking directly. To take advantage of all CentaraThe1 membership privileges, sign-up or login to www.CentaraThe1.com.

Under the Centara x Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer promotion, members must exchange CentaraThe1 points for KrisFlyer miles via the CentaraThe1 rewards platform at centara1card.com/krisflyer. In addition, members are required to provide their valid KrisFlyer membership number to Centara when completing the transfer.

To learn more about the Centara x Singapore Airlines offer, visit https://centara1card.com/krisflyer/

www.centarahotelsresorts.com

ThaiViet sells 3.3 fare deals

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 3 March  2023: Celebrating March’s double day with a big saving, Thai Vietjet launches ‘3.3 Hot Deals’ promotion, offering special fares starting from THB 633 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for travel on the airline’s domestic network.

The promotional fares are open for bookings up to midnight on 5 March. So not much warning if you miss the airline’s Facebook page alerts. Still, the travel period runs from 15 March to 31 October 2023 (not inclusive of public holidays, and terms and conditions apply).

The special fare applies to Thai Vietjet’s entire domestic flight network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani and cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai.

Note the airline suspended direct flights from Chiang Rai to Phuket, a decision that prompts pleas from the airline’s Facebook fans to ask when it will return. It cut the route during the peak of the high season last November. As the season is now nearly over for the northern destination, it is unlikely the airline will reinstate direct flights anytime soon.

The 3.3 promotional fares are available on all other distribution channels, including the airline’s website and its Facebook account. You can also book through a travel agency either online or in person. 

Lao Airlines sets Danang launch date

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TTR WEEKLY
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VIENTIANE, 3 March 2023: Lao Airline confirms a 30 March start-up date for its new flight Vientiane – Danang direct service from the Lao capital to central Vietnam.

Updating its Facebook page on Thursday, the airline announced twice-weekly direct flights on Thursday and Saturday would start 30 March. An earlier promotion in late February flagged the route as “coming soon”.

It’s a vital air link for Lao tourism as it connects the Lao capital to Danang, a gateway city for international tourists visiting World Heritage destinations and beach resorts in the central coastal region of Vietnam. Danang is popular with Asian travellers from China, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan.

Lao Airlines rolls out an all-in return fare of LAK4,810,000 (USD285) for the twice-weekly flights (Thursday and Sunday). Bookings are open. A check of the airline’s website Thursday suggested demand is high. The promo fare category had already sold out on the 30 March outbound sector, raising the roundtrip fare quote to USD319, combining promo and silver fare categories out on 30 March and back on 9 April.

Pre Covid-19 pandemic, the airline served the Danang route making a transit stop in Pakse, using an ATR72-600 aircraft. It announced it would cut out the Pakse stop and fly direct from Vientiane Danang just weeks before the two-year Covid-19 lockdown grounded all international flights. The new direct service Vientiane – Danang uses a 180-seat A320 for the one-hour 15-minute flight.

Flight schedule

Vientiane – Danang

QV317 Thursday and Sunday

Vientiane – Danang

 0945 – 1100

QV318 Thursday and Sunday

Danang – Vientiane

1200 -1315

Philippines on track for ITB promotion

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 2 March 2023: As travellers worldwide continue to quench their post-pandemic wanderlust, the Philippines is set to reintroduce itself as a world-class tourist destination at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB Berlin), 7 to 9 March 2023 in the Germain capital. 

The Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB), in line with the initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central and Frankfurt offices, will promote the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse to over 160,000 visitors expected to attend the world’s largest travel and tourism trade fair.

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles will lead the Philippine delegation in spotlighting the country’s tourism developments and product offerings.

Home to world-renowned natural wonders like the Subterranean River National Park in Palawan, the rice terraces in Banaue, and award-winning islands and beaches in Bohol, Cebu, Boracay and Palawan, the Philippines is replete with attractions that make it the destination to visit this 2023.

With 7,641 islands that bear various other hidden gems, the Philippines garnered global recognition and accolades, including the World’s Leading Dive and Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction and the Destination of the Year Award, among others.

The Philippines booth at ITB Berlin 2023 will feature the country’s rich culture and sustainable tourism. Colourful Filipino weaving tradition through the artistic works of T’nalak weaver Myrna Pula of South Cotabato and Yakan Weaver and Entrepreneur Angelita Pichay Ilul of Zamboanga will also be highlighted.

Visitors to the ITB will taste Philippine coffee and chocolates through Kape de Filipina, a brand offering products meticulously grown by farmers and communities in the Philippines. In addition, guests of the Philippine-hosted cocktail reception on 8 March will be treated to traditional Filipino cuisine by Ayan, a Filipino street food restaurant based in Berlin.

A Philippine delegation of 26 tourism stakeholders from the private sector will be joining the annual premiere travel convention. The list includes:

Airtrav Philippines, Araw Hospitality Inc, Amorita Resort, Annset Holidays Inc, Baron Travel Corporation, Batanes Wakay Travel and Tours, Blue Horizons Travel & Tours Inc, Bohol Beach Club, Chroma Hospitality Inc (Crimson Hotels & Resorts), Club Agutaya Inc, CTPH lifestyle & Travel Services, Divaishnavi International Inc, El Nido Resorts, Evasion Tropicale Travel and Tours, GI Philippines Corp, Intas Destination Management Inc, Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc, MyTRIPS Travel and Tours,  Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Rajah Tour Philippines, Sharp Travel Service, Sarah Lea Travel and Tours, The Funny Lion, Total Exhibit & Expo Solutions Inc, Travelexperts Inc, Travelite Travel and Tours Co, and the Philippine Retirement Authority.

With the long-term goal of securing increased arrivals, receipts, and investments for the country, TPB annually participates in the ITB Berlin, which allows the Philippine travel trade to network with relevant decision-makers from new and existing tourism markets across Europe, America, and Asia.

The Philippine participation in the event also aims to strengthen the country’s global tourism branding campaign through partnership opportunities with various tourism stakeholders, including tour operators, online travel agencies, new online distribution platforms, travel websites and communities, journalists, and influencers, among others.

 

About TPB

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism, whose mandate is to promote the Philippines, domestically and internationally, as a leisure, MICE, and investment destination. The agency fulfils its mandate through organising, participating, or supporting tourism consumer or trade events; expanding media partnerships and advertising; continuing content development and distribution programs; creating thematic and strategic consumer activations domestically and abroad; facilitating familiarisation tours for buyers, location scouts, and diplomatic corps members; and engaging its TPB membership programme.

For more information on TPB visit, https://www.tpb.gov.ph/

(Your Stories: TPB)

Emirates connects students to careers

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 2 March 2023: Some of the world’s most loved and well-known aviation brands set up shop at the Emirates Aviation University campus recently to give students a chance to talk about careers.

The third edition of the Careers Fair included the likes of the Emirates Group, flydubai, Air Arabia, Airbus, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd, Lufthansa Technik, Thales, CAE Inc., Royal Aircraft Maintenance, Roeder CSC FZCO, Sky One FZE, Falcon Aviation Services and dnata Logistics.

Around 400 recent graduates and senior university students visited the different stalls at the Careers Fair. They grabbed the chance to meet these companies and discover the world of work in aviation.

Emirates Aviation University (EAU) vice-chancellor Dr Ahmad Al Ali; said: “We have a sharp focus on bringing industry and academia together. Our careers fair is a major platform for companies, our graduates and current students to connect and network. It opens up a world of opportunities, knowledge, practical info and advice on the different careers in aviation and other industries.

“Our students can leverage these opportunities and advice throughout their lives. This is our first careers fair after the pandemic, and the interest among our students and aviation partners was at an all-time high.”

At its 32nd graduation ceremony held recently, EAU introduced more than 474 highly qualified graduates, representing 56 nationalities, to the workforce.

The university has played a major role in meeting the increased demand for skilled and professional aviation specialists regionally and globally. EAU has also helped companies train and develop employees to be at the forefront of trends, technology and transformative forces.

Since its founding in 1991, EAU has become the leading educational institution for aviation studies in the region. The university offers a wide spectrum of undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes. It has grown phenomenally in the last three decades, especially across its facilities, faculties, learning resources and global accreditations, most recently from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education UK. EAU offers a six-month internship programme with the Emirates Group for students with extraordinary academic performance.

Visit https://www.eau.ac.ae/en , www.emirates.com

(Your Stories: Emirates)

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