SINGAPORE, 5 January 2023: Part of Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, names Manish Dayya as the property’s new general manager.
Dayya brings with him over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. He joined Accor in 2013, and most recently, he headed up the management team of Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and the Hyderabad International Convention Centre as the complex general manager.
Sofitel Mumbai BKC is located in the city’s central business district – the Bandra Kurla Complex, offering 302 rooms and suites and meeting spaces.
MANILA, 5 January 2023: Visitor arrivals exceeded the 1.7 million target reaching 2.65 million international visitor trips at the close of 2022.
The arrivals translated to PHP208.96 billion or USD3.68 billion in tourism revenues, a substantial 2,465.75% increase from 2021, according to a news briefing by the Department of Tourism on Monday.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) calculated that since the country reopened its borders to all travellers in February until the end of the year, international visitor arrivals and returning Filipinos tipped the 2.65 million mark – 628,445 were returning Filipinos, while the bulk of 2.02 million tourists came from top markets US (505,089), South Korea (428,014), Australia (137,974), Canada (121,413), UK (101,034), Japan (99,557), Singapore (53,448), India (51,542), Malaysia (46,805) and China (39,627).
DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said the tourism sector’s growth clearly showed the hard work of the entire industry to recover from the unprecedented crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Philippines News Agency.
“We welcome 2023 with gratitude and excitement for Philippine tourism to bounce back stronger than ever. We shall welcome with warmth and that distinct Filipino smile visitors from all over the world as they visit our award-winning beaches, experience the richness of our culture, and enjoy our world-renowned Filipino brand of service excellence,” she concluded.
SINGAPORE, 5 January 2023: British Airways has announced a new daily flight from London Heathrow to Florence, Italy, for Summer 2023.
Starting on 26 April 2023, the new flight will operate daily from London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at 0750 on an A320Neo aircraft.
Known for its Renaissance art scene, architectural masterpieces and Tuscan fare, Florence is in central Italy, near Bologna and Pisa for those looking to explore further afield.
Florence will be one of 11 Italian cities served by British Airways from London Heathrow in Summer 2023, including Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples.
The London Heathrow to Florence flight joins new routes starting in the Summer 2023 season, such as London Gatwick to Aruba and Guyana, and London Heathrow to Cincinnati, Ohio.
Return flights are on sale from London Heathrow to Florence, starting from UKP114. British Airways Holidays also offers two nights with breakfast at the 4 Palazzo Lorenzo Hotel Boutique from UKP279pp, travelling on selected dates in May 2023. The offer includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport and a 23kg luggage allowance. Bookings must be made by 31 January 2023.
SINGAPORE, 5 January 2023: Holland America Line is adding several new itineraries for the 2024 season that combine regions, increasing voyages of 14 days or longer, and adding new departure ports in Northern Europe.
From April to November, new itineraries – ranging from seven to 35 days – will be offered on two of the line’s Pinnacle Class ships, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam, along with Oosterdam and Zuiderdam.
Rotterdam, Netherlands, is a new homeport for many Holland America Line European cruises in 2024.
The four Holland America Line ships will cover the entire region on voyages designed for cultural immersion. Nine overnight ports and 33 late-night departure cities provide more time ashore while the ships explore the Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands, French and Spanish rivieras, Israel, Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including Iceland, Greenland and Norway.
NORTHERN EUROPE
The ship Rotterdam returns to its namesake city with new sailings roundtrip from Rotterdam in 2024.
New seven-day cruises to Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
New seven- or 14-day itineraries to Norway and Scotland.
New 14-day cruises to England, Scotland, Ireland and Belgium.
New 14-day itinerary to Norway, Scotland and Iceland.
Seven-day Norwegian Fjords.
In May, Zuiderdam sails a 14-day Northern Europe cruise that explores Norway, Germany, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, followed by a 21-day “Ultimate Viking Explorer” journey around Iceland, Greenland and Scotland, both roundtrip from Ijmuiden.
The popular “Voyage of the Vikings” returns in 2024 aboard Zuiderdam. Departing on 20 July, the 35-day adventure sails roundtrip from Boston and calls at ports in Maine, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Norway. The itinerary also is offered in 17- and 18-day segments from Boston to Rotterdam or from Rotterdam to Boston.
BANGKOK, 4 January 2023: SAIJAI, a digital homecare platform, has launched SAIJAI Hospitality Staffing, enabling workers to navigate a return to the hotel industry by offering flexible working hours and terms.
Thailand’s hospitality industry struggles to find workers to fill the 1.45 million jobs lost during the pandemic, with many unwilling to return to the sector under previous working conditions.
SAIJAI launched during the Covid crisis, was founded by 28-year-old Viona Zhang to address the challenge for those seeking flexible working arrangements such as part-time or work-from-home options.
“Covid accelerated what was going to happen anyway, as the country has been steadily shifting into a Western-style economy over the past decade. But it has also resulted in a perfect storm with rising inflation and a spiralling number of workers who are needed – but who are not attracted to service-type jobs.”
Thailand has 20 million informal workers, according to the country’s National Statistics Office (NSO), a segment which accounts for nearly half of the nation’s total workforce. This sector was the backbone of a hospitality industry now in recovery mode – but lacking in staffing.
SAIJAI responds by creating SAIJAI Hospitality Staffing which taps into its base of service workers from a hotel, tourism or restaurant background.
Zhang adds: “There were 1.45 million Thai hospitality workers, according to the Tourism Council of Thailand, who lost their jobs during the pandemic. Many are unwilling or unable to return full-time to the sector. Still, our online platform can enable service workers to manage their schedules, meet family or educational time constraints and offer them a better future.”
About SAIJAI
SAIJAI is a Thai-based country-wide digital homecare marketplace that tackles the problem of finding reliable part-time service partners. It is also introducing a new product SAIJAI Hospitality which connects hotels, resorts, property management companies and restaurants to part-time workers.
Bill Barnett of C9 Hotelworks and Michael Kenner, who heads Digital Broker Ventures (DBV), support and invest in the project.
SINGAPORE, 3 January 2023: Trip.com Group data shows China’s outbound flight bookings surging for the upcoming Lunar New Year, which extends at least one week from Sunday, 22 January and heralds the arrival of the Year of the Rabbit.
Less than two weeks after China officially abolishes its quarantine restrictions for inbound visitors on 8 January 2023, the country will celebrate its traditional Lunar New Year holiday. Chinese travellers can once more embark on overseas leisure trips.
Trip.com Group’s latest booking data reveals that searches for trips during the national holiday to hot spots have grown significantly to Japan, Thailand, South Korea, the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and the UK. Searches for package tour products during the Lunar New Year break also soared six-fold.
On 27 December alone, Trip.com Group recorded a staggering 254% increase in mainland China’s outbound flight bookings compared to a day earlier.
Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand led the booking surge as the most popular destinations for air travellers after almost three years of the border closure.
Singapore was the fastest-growing of all the destinations, with flight bookings leaping six-fold, followed by an average 400% jump in airline ticket orders for the other four destinations. Moreover, bookings for long-haul flights to the United Kingdom, the US and Australia also grew.
Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hangzhou claimed the top five places as the most popular cities of departure in light of online searches for outbound flights. Meanwhile, the booming demand for international travel is further mirrored by a spike in interest among overseas tourists looking to visit China.
Trip.com Group data also shows that bookings for inbound flights to China on 27 December rocketed 412%. Australia, Germany, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong topped the list as the largest sources of inbound travellers.
Reissuing passports for business and tourism
China’s National Immigration Administration confirmed that effective 8 January 2023, it will handle Chinese citizens’ applications for ordinary passports for tourism and resume permit issuance for mainland residents to visit Hong Kong for tourism and business purposes.
China announced on 26 December that the management of Covid-19 would be downgraded to a Class B infection from 8 January 2023, which includes removing the requirement for nucleic acid tests and quarantine for international arrivals from the same date.
In addition, the National Immigration Administration will also resume the acceptance and approval of Chinese citizens’ applications for ordinary passports for tourism and overseas visits.
Mainland Chinese tourists were an important part of the travel landscape before the pandemic, having made 155 million outbound trips and spent more than USD130 billion overseas in 2019.
Dragon Trail International reports that visa services for foreigners travelling to China are on the list to resume, but no firm dates have been announced. As of late December 2022, foreigners could apply for visas to enter China for business or family reunions, study, or work. Holders of APEC business travel cards can also enter China without a new visa. Before the summer of 2022, entry into the country was only permitted for foreign residents with work permits. From 8 January 2023, China’s visa-free transit policies for foreigners will be re-implemented.
Outbound
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism suspended the sale of outbound group travel packages on 27 January 2020. As of 28 December 2022, there have been no announcements on lifting the ban, but Dragon Trail International said changes are imminent, possibly in time for the Lunar New Year.
(Source: Trip.com Group and Dragon Trail International)
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 January 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) opposes calls for Malaysia to tighten entry rules for Chinese, saying “certain parties are overreacting to the news China will resume outbound travel starting 8 January.
“Outright calls to shut our borders to Chinese travellers at this very early stage are irrational and irresponsible,” said MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang. “Since the reopening of our borders in early 2022, our country has been making steady, positive progress towards recovery and any knee-jerk reaction to re-introduce restrictions without proper planning risks undoing all that we have achieved,”
MATTA President Datuk KL Tan During (photo by Ismail Che Rus)
He added: “MATTA has complete faith in the Ministry of Health Malaysia to manage Chinese arrivals just as they have done with other travellers from all over the world. The government’s decision should balance the health and well-being of the people and Malaysia’s reputation as a safe destination and the economic ramifications of its policies in this matter. It must also benchmark with current global practices while considering its capacity and limitations rather than bow to lobbyist groups”.
Data from Tourism Malaysia indicates that 3.1 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia in 2019, making it the country’s third-largest source market for international arrivals. Initial estimates suggest that 1.2 million Chinese will travel to Malaysia in 2023, which is expected to generate approximately MYR3.6 billion in tourism receipts.
“Bear in mind that Chinese travellers won’t arrive all at once,” said Tan. “It will allow the government to monitor and manage the situation as it develops. To that end, the national travel association will provide feedback to help the government tackle and manage this process as it unfolds”.
BANGKOK, 3 January 2023: The recent THB1.5-billion expansion of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa’s new luxury facilities puts Khao Lak on the map as an aspiring MICE destination.
Sporting a new JW Grand Ballroom, the property has increased its venue capacity to 1,000 delegates opening the door to medium to large-scale corporate events. It promises to raise Khao Lak’s profile in important incentive and business event sectors.
The new JW Grand Ballroom was officially launched last October as part of the five-star beachfront resort’s expansion and complete renovation. The 758-square-metre venue, fully equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, can be divided into three separate spaces for more intimate events, while the pre-function area can also host corporate-style exhibitions.
Located in Phang Nga province, about 80 km north of Phuket, Khao Lak has been long established as a leisure destination, especially for European and Scandinavian travellers. The tourist area is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, Takua Pa old town, and National Parks, as well as its proximity to the Similan Islands, a popular destination for diving and snorkelling.
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa general manager Abhimanyu Singh believes the new JW Grand Ballroom will offer fresh and innovative experiences for corporate groups, opening up a new frontier for South Thailand’s thriving MICE sector.
“With the new event space, the integrated resort estimates its group customers will grow from 20% to 25-30% next year, he explained.
“For Khao Lak to be promoted as a destination for MICE, the destination needs up its game, and from Marriott’s perspective, we definitely use our distribution and network across the world, and we are also working closely with our corporate teams to promote Khao Lak across distribution platforms, showcasing the destination in both MICE and leisure perspectives.”
Although Khao Lak may face challenges in terms of MICE infrastructure that includes options for activities to do outside for every kind of group, Abhimanyu is confident the destination can amplify its strengths and uniqueness for people to consider Khao Lak.
“Khao Lak can be a specialised MICE destination catering to guests looking for certain experiences, and then we’ll be the best. And given the low number of hotels, in terms of supply, it would be more than enough for most hotels to benefit from this segment. We can start with small wins first, and when things start to really expand, for example -when the new Phang Nga airport comes up, Khao Lak can be positioned among the top MICE destinations.
“At this stage, everything we do to promote the destination allows us to establish a niche. We see markets for MICE groups, especially those who want a meaningful experience or break away from the standard three-day agenda. Also, groups with a high-rated budget will appreciate the ballroom offers a big opportunity.”
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa offers activities designed to meet holistic and sustainable expectations that MICE clients have, from nourishing culinary workshops and tasting sessions in the JW Garden to coffee breaks themed like a Thai floating market.
“Coming up in Q1 2023, we will also open a marine conservation centre where visitors can participate in a shark release activity as part of our CSR efforts to protect the marine ecosystems around us,” the GM commented.
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa director of sales Oliver Lawrence Wells noted: “Our goal is to become the number one luxury MICE destination in South of Thailand. The key to achieving that is our ballroom. Only two or three competing locations in Phuket can cater to large-scale events. Also, not only for the larger groups, we have spaces, such as our villas, where smaller groups can also connect. You can be 10 people, have an amazing barnstorming session, a CEO getaway in a luxury or private villa, or have a thousand people in our ballroom or anything in between.”
Following the 18-month renovation, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa now offers an expanded inventory of 420 rooms, suites and villas, 11 restaurants and bars, world-class leisure facilities including Southeast Asia’s longest swimming pool, signature experiences and world-class meeting venues, all set along the golden shores of the Andaman Sea.
The resort features over 9,300 square meters of indoor and outdoor event meeting space, including seven function rooms, ranging from the compact 12-guest Griffin Boardroom to the expansive 810-delegate JW Grand Ballroom. Creative set-ups and personalised activities can also be arranged in the resort’s outdoor spaces, including the Infinity Lawn and the soft, sandy beach. These natural amphitheatres create idyllic options for outdoor events, from cocktail receptions to beachfront dinners.
Highlights for event planners
• A fully integrated MICE destination in the south of Thailand with 420 rooms plus 52 two-bedroom JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, a collection of 11 F&B outlets ranging from traditional Thai cuisines, a brand-new ballroom, indoor and outdoor event meeting spaces for any group size.
• Culinary workshops and tasting sessions, spa workshops, beach trash workshop with an artist, and the JW Garden with farm experience.
• Natural locations to experience a stunning sunset providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor and beach events.
• Authentic culinary tour, Takua Pa old town, and the Little Amazon tour – a boat trip along Khlong Sangne to explore the lush green rainforest and observe diverse animals and bird species.
• Phuket International Airport is a one-hour commute from the resort in mainland Phang Nga province.
KOTA KINABALU, 3 January 2023: Jin Air, a South Korean airline, is now serving the Busan to Kinabalu route following the recent inaugural flight.
Flight LJ065 landed at Sabah’s international airport at 2350 on 23 December and was greeted with a water cannon arch. All 180 passengers received a traditional welcome at the arrival gate to commemorate the occasion.
Jin Air is now flying from Busan to Kota Kinabalu daily. Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, with the largest seaport in the country.
Jin Air CEO Park Byung-Ryool said: “It is a great honour to serve more passengers to Kota Kinabalu from Korea. On behalf of Jin Air, I would like to highly applaud every one of you who helped us realise the launch of this new route from Busan, especially the authorities and Sabah Tourism Board.”
In April 2022, Sabah Tourism Board, led by YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Puan Noredah Othman, visited Seoul to meet with airline operators and top agents to discuss the return of direct flights between South Korea and Sabah.
Sabah Tourism Board’s chief executive director Puan Noredah Othman said, “We are happy to see that we are once again connected with Busan, and now through Jin Air. In the preliminary report I received, it is very encouraging to hear that the average load factor of all the Korean flights that have flown to Kota Kinabalu from Seoul is more than 70%. I believe this suggests that the route is showing a good start for the participating airlines.”
Pre-pandemic, Kota Kinabalu was connected with three cities in South Korea, namely Seoul, Busan and Muan. Previously the Busan-Kota Kinabalu route was serviced by Air Busan and Eastar Jet.
BANGKOK 3 January 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts invites European holidaymakers to escape the cold winter weather and soaring energy prices with an extended vacation in some of Asia’s dreamiest destinations. The “Linger for Longer” promotion allows everybody to get away from it all and start 2023 in the best possible way, with a choice of world-class resorts in Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and UAE.
Available for bookings and stays from now until 20 December 2023, “Linger for Longer” offers a 35% discount for long-stay vacations, including free accommodation for up to two children and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the holiday. Rates start from just THB 640++ per night, and best of all, spending time away from home helps to keep down the gas and electricity bills.
Krabi, Thailand With its breathtaking sandy beaches, idyllic islands, soaring limestone cliffs, and pure turquoise seas, the southern province of Krabi is home to some of Thailand’s most iconic scenery. Within this dazzling destination, travellers can immerse their senses in rich Thai heritage, with sublime spa treatments, long-tail boat excursions, snorkelling trips, authentic cuisine and much more, all blessed with a warm, tropical climate and enchanting culture.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi is an exclusive upper-upscale retreat in a private sandy cove and accessible only by boat. Stay in a choice of luxurious rooms, suites and villas, including options with private pools and Jacuzzis, dine by the beach, cool off in lagoon pools, or soothe your senses at Spa Cenvaree. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB5,268++.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi is set in a private sandy cove overlooking the Andaman Sea.
Mui Ne, Vietnam Perfectly positioned on Vietnam’s sun-soaked southeast coast, just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne is blessed with sandy beaches, fishing villages and fresh seafood. Couples, friends and families can also enjoy exciting water sports such as kite surfing, sailing, paddle boarding and surfing, while the desert-like red and white sand dunes are extraordinary settings for adrenaline-fueled entertainment, such as quad biking and sand boarding.
Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is an “Explorer’s Playground” themed resort centred around a dramatic water park, complete with a sailing ship, lazy river, pools and slides. With 984 rooms and pool villas, fantastic family facilities, multiple restaurants and separate spas for parents and kids, this is an inspiring destination for all ages. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB2,947++.
Maldives Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a fantastic family option. Set on a pristine island in the South Ari Atoll, parents and kids can stay in beachfront and overwater villas, dine at six restaurants, bars and lounges, or enjoy water sports and activities such as tennis, kayaking, snorkelling and more. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB12,047++. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa is an exquisite adults-only island retreat in the North Malé Atoll featuring beautiful beachfront and over-water villas, seven sensational restaurants and bars, exhilarating water sports, scuba diving, ocean excursions and soothing therapies at SPA Cenvaree, plus an E-Zone and Chill Lounge. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB15,031++.
Dubai, UAE Dubai is one of the world’s most spectacular destinations, filled with an unparalleled array of activities and experiences, from the world’s biggest shopping malls and tallest buildings to exhilarating theme parks, exceptional restaurants and much more. Away from the buzz of the city centre, yet still easily accessible – only 15km from the airport – the Deira Islands set the stage for breathtaking beachfront adventures and heavenly family holidays.
Discover a five-star family paradise in the Indian Ocean at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives.
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is inspired by mythical Thai and Arabian adventures. The water park features lagoon pools, waterslides, a lazy river, a rope climbing course and more, and wooden walkways lead to the golden beach and Arabian Gulf. Kids will also love a candy-themed kids’ spa and a unique sweet-themed wellness zone. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB 3,131++.
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is perfect for families, with spacious rooms, spectacular views and bunk beds for children.
Bentota, Sri Lanka Discover warm and heartfelt Sri Lankan hospitality with Centara. This enchanting teardrop-shaped island promises the perfect blend of natural beauty and beachfront bliss, with stunning sandy beaches, cultural sites and lush jungles. Nestled on the country’s serene southwest coast, just a short distance from Colombo, Bentota offers a wealth of attractions and activities, including the Bentota River and lagoon, coral-rich dive sites and ancient temples.
Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka is uniquely situated between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean and accessible only by boat across a lagoon. Ideal for couples and families alike, this stylish sanctuary offers a beach-facing pool, spa, fitness centre, restaurants and bars, all set amid swaying palms and lush mangroves. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB 2,726++. For more information and to “Linger for Longer” in Asia this winter with Centara, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/linger-for-longer.
