SINGAPORE, 13 December 2022: INFINI Travel Information, the exclusive Sabre GDS distribution partner in Japan, and Sabre Corporation, a software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, announced a new, multi-year GDS agreement with AirTrip International Corp.
The deal will see AirTrip International capitalising on Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS) as part of its strategy to spur the growth of its outbound business with advanced technology.
Using Sabre’s rich GDS content, including NDC offers, and Sabre’s Bargain Finder Max API, AirTrip International can expand its content regime while creating compelling offers for its customers.
Bargain Finder Max utilises Sabre’s proprietary shopping algorithm and a broad array of rich content to deliver optimal itinerary offers in seconds. This will enable AirTrip International to create customised booking experiences for travellers by tailoring search results for the most relevant fares based on itinerary preferences.
“As travel agencies look to secure a competitive edge amid continuing recovery, they need a technology partner with the stability and resources to continue investing in advanced and new technology solutions,” said Sabre Travel Solutions vice president agency sales, Asia Pacific Brett Thorstad.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 13 December 2022: World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2023 Global Summit will be hosted in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, making it the first time the prestigious event will visit Africa.
Rwanda, the home of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, will showcase the power of sustainable tourism to protect biodiversity and create thriving communities.
The decision to meet in Rwanda next year was confirmed at WTTC’s Global Summit held last week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The global tourism Global Summit attracted more than 3,000 delegates from 85 countries in addition to 250 media delegates.
During the event, WTTC and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism launched the Environmental & Social Research (ESR).
This groundbreaking new data details the climate footprint of the global Travel & Tourism sector, covering 185 countries across all regions, and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
WTTC also launched its Cities Economic Impact Report (EIR). Sponsored by Visa, the report shows cities remain the powerhouses of global tourism and will drive the recovery of the sector and economies worldwide.
YANGON, 13 December 2023: Myanmar Airways International is promoting familiarisation (FAM) trips targeting overseas travel agents and so-called social influencers.
The airline hopes to convince overseas tour operators and media (social influencers) to return to Myanmar to check out the “country’s culture, people, arts and travel sights”.
It’s a hard sell, considering the military overthrew the democratically elected government on 1 February 2021 and imprisoned thousands of its citizens without trial. Since the military coup, the country has descended into chaos, and its tourism industry faces ruin.
In response last month, MAI organised familiarisation trips for travel agents based in Vietnam and Thailand in collaboration with the Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF) and Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MTM). In addition to visiting Yangon, the agents checked out the travel scene in Bagan and Mandalay.
“Visiting Bagan was an eye-opening and wonderful experience,” said Tran Viet Phuong, described as an “opinion leader from Vietnam”.
Myanmar Airways International’s chief commercial officer Tanes Kumar commented on renewed promotions: “These activities are part of our initiatives to promote the tourism growth of Myanmar. Hence, we will continue to work with progressive partners in Myanmar’s travel & tourism sector to push our direct flights and position Myanmar as a key regional destination.”
Last week the country relaxed Covid-19 RDT testing measures for travellers to Myanmar arriving on international commercial flights. Travellers need only show the vaccination record card to confirm they are fully vaccinated to enter the country.
“Recent years have been challenging for Myanmar’s tourism industry, but there is still great hope and positivity, and these FAM trips will showcase a diverse collection of authentic experiences in Myanmar to travel agents encouraging them to develop attractive packages for the Myanmar market,” said Myanmar Tourism Marketing chairman Myo Thwin.
Despite the positive spin, most countries have issued travel advisories that clearly warn citizens not to travel to Myanmar, which makes obtaining adequate travel insurance coverage difficult for those who intend to visit the country.
Travel agents may enjoy a free, fully hosted trip to the country, but they still need to convince their clients to book a Myanmar trip. The chances of reviving tourism will remain slim unless the military junta returns to its barracks, reinstates the democratically elected government and frees protestors imprisoned without trial ( many of whom worked in tourism).
About Myanmar Tourism Marketing
Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MTM) is a privately funded, not-for-profit organisation that aims to promote Myanmar as a sustainable tourism destination.
PHNOM PENH, 13 December 2022: AirAsia Aviation Group Limited, the aviation arm of Capital A Berhad, signed a joint venture agreement last week with Sivilai Asia to establish AirAsia Cambodia.
The new airline will cement AirAsia’s brand in Cambodia and Indochina, providing AirAsia with greater access to its domestic market and, most importantly, connecting it to the international markets across ASEAN, North Asia and beyond.
Establishing a new low-cost airline in Cambodia will allow AAAGL to build network connectivity and further reduce operational costs. Subject to obtaining the relevant regulatory approvals, the JV should be up and running in late 2023.
The JV was signed by Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes and Sivilai Asia director Vissoth Nam witnessed by Cambodia’s Minister in Charge of State Secretariat of Civil Aviation Mao Havannal.
Fernandes said: “Cambodia is the fifth ASEAN country where we are continuing our march of being the region’s number one mover of people and cargo. 2022 was about restarting our airline to pre-Covid levels. That machine is in place and will be completed by the second quarter of 2023. The second half of 2023 will be when we focus on our continued efforts in growth.
“We are confident of profitability in the first year. Cambodia is a market that is familiar to us and where we have the infrastructure in place. That’s why all our future airlines will be based in ASEAN. As this is an area we know well and can derive quick profitability and connect our very large network to the main points of Cambodia, namely Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
Pre-pandemic, AirAsia operated 90 weekly flights from Malaysia and Thailand and is currently flying about 49 weekly flights to Cambodia.
AAAGL operates five routes to Cambodia from Kuala Lumpur to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, from Penang to Phnom Penh (starting 23 January 2023) and Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Since entering the Cambodian market in 2005, AirAsia has carried over 10 million guests to and from Cambodia.
SINGAPORE, 13 December 2022: Jetstar Asia has announced it will operate seven extra return services between Singapore and three key destinations – Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Bangkok – to meet the rising travel demand during the 2023 Lunar New Year holidays.
These flights will supplement Jetstar Asia’s scheduled services from 13 to 29 January 2023.
Add-ons to the schedule
• An increase of five services between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, upping the frequency.
to 26 return services a week.
• An increase of one additional service between Singapore and Penang, increasing frequency to nine return services a week.
• An increase in one additional service between Singapore and Bangkok, increasing frequency to 15 return services a week.
Southeast Asian countries observe the Lunar New Year with public holidays on 22 and 23 January 2023. It makes for a busy peak period requiring travellers to book flights early.
PATTAYA, Thailand, 9 December 2022: The AssetWise Tennis Masters Championship attracted more than 200 top-level tennis players hosted at the Fitz Club – Racquets, Health and Fitness, part of the Royal Cliff Group.
Sponsored by the AssetWise Public Company Limited and Carabao Group Public Company Limited, the tournament’s six days of non-stop tennis action featured singles, doubles and mixed doubles for players aged 35 years and over.
The popular event continues to promote Pattaya and Thailand as outstanding sports destinations, especially for tennis enthusiasts.
The ITF MT-700 tournament is one of the most prestigious and coveted events on the ITF Seniors circuit held in Thailand. Vitanart Vathanakul, the CEO of Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Daniel Rajsky and Jiri Cermak, the tournament directors, lead the annual event’s organising team. The event has cemented Pattaya as a major destination for tennis tournaments.
Highlights of the tournament included the Men’s 40+ Singles Finals between Indians Narendra Singh Choudhary and Aditya Khanna. Both displayed astonishing tennis prowess. Aditya Khanna emerged as the victor, clinching victory in a gripping match. Another nail-biter was the match between Simon Rapoport of Israel and Francois De Maisoncelle of France in the Men’s 65+ Singles Finals, where the former prevailed. The highly entertaining match lasted over five hours. Thailand was also well-represented in the event with Sakchai Kovapitukted and Krit Yongkasikij, who fought their way to ultimately win the Men’s 55+ Doubles Finals. Many of the participants were returning veterans of the game, along with new faces who travelled all from their home countries.
This is the fifth time this tournament has been held at Fitz Club – Racquets, Health and Fitness, one of the most iconic sports venues in Pattaya and Thailand. This cutting-edge luxury sports centre has been frequented by top ATP players and sports stars worldwide. It is in a highly accessible location and has the facilities to hold a world-class event including ample seating areas for the spectators.
KOTA KINABALU, 9 December: Sabah is stepping up efforts to lure Indian tourists, given they represent the fastest-growing outbound market post-Covid.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the state’s tourism industry was overly dependent on Chinese visitors before the pandemic and that it must now diversify its customer base.
“Sabah is recognised for its nature-based tourism, but we also offer upscale products and one-of-a-kind travel experiences that appeal to visitors from India. They are big spenders, so we want to draw them in.
“Over 6,000 Indian visitors came to Sabah pre-pandemic in 2019, showing a clear interest in visiting the region. While the number is modest, it is still quite promising,” he explained. “Be assured that the Sabah Tourism Board is actively pursuing the Indian market, and we hope to see a steady increase in arrival in the coming year.
He reassured the travel industry that direct airline links between India and Sabah would be established in the future once there was a rise in holiday bookings from Indian visitors. At present, Indian travellers must fly to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and connect with onward flights to Kota Kinabalu. However, as the market grows, airlines will be encouraged to establish direct flights from key Indian cities.
On Wednesday, Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, hosted a dinner for the India Market Tour Agents of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).
AsianWorld Holidays Sdn Bhd director George Kandiah led the delegation on their familiarisation trip to Sabah. Also in attendance at the dinner were MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang and representatives from AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), and Batik Air.
On current flight frequency, Joniston said there are 163 weekly connecting flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu available via MAS, Air Asia, and Batik Air.
He also mentioned that 3,247 tourists from India had arrived in the state between January and October this year.
On Tuesday, India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, B Nagabhushana Reddy, paid a courtesy call on Joniston. They exchanged views on potential cooperation and tourism development.
In the meeting, Reddy mentioned the need to work with popular destinations because Indians travel widely and in great numbers throughout the world.
He stated that about 700,000 Indian tourists visited Malaysia in 2019, and the fact that a portion of them flew to Sabah demonstrates that Indian tourists are already making plans to experience the country’s unique destinations.
SINGAPORE, 9 December 2022: AXA Partners, an insurance firm, has inked an exclusive global partnership with Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Group, covering the Singapore and Vietnam markets.
As part of the deal, MS&AD Insurance Group’s MSIG will collaborate with AXA Partners to underwrite Scoot’s travel insurance for customers purchasing travel insurance on flights from Singapore and Vietnam.
In a survey conducted by insuretech Ancileo, in collaboration with MSIG Singapore, it is revealed that travellers in Singapore are most motivated by price when evaluating travel insurance plans, with 35% of respondents stating that they are open to purchasing in-path travel insurance.
According to survey findings, travel is also expected to pick up further, with three in five saying they plan to take a trip shortly. Driven by the survey findings, MSIG has tailored the airline’s branded ‘Scootsuranc’e to meet the needs of active travellers who place high importance on essential trip protection in the light of post-pandemic travel.
Scootsurance offers over 30 travel insurance benefits. They include a choice of a return-trip insurance plan. Customers are compensated if they need to cancel before or mid-way through trips, including the loss of Frequent Flyer Points of up to SGD500 if they have booked the flight tickets with points.
Scootsurance can be purchased as an add-on when customers book their flights on the Scoot website.
KrisFlyer loyalty members gain a special benefit of up to SGD50,000 for inflight personal accident protection, cover for fraudulent transactions on their credit cards and hospital cash pay-out.
“We are pleased to partner with AXA Partners to provide customised travel insurance plans for Scoot passengers so that they can fly with peace of mind. As travel picks up, we look forward to extending the partnership to more markets in Asia,” says MSIG Asia Pte Ltd CEO Clemens Philippi.
Scoot vice president of planning, e-commerce & distribution, Rachel Tan, says: “As international travel continues to pick up pace after a hiatus, there is no better time for Scoot to reiterate our commitment to providing customers with seamless and fuss-free travels through our partnership with MSIG and AXA Partners.”
Today, Scoot serves 57 destinations out of 71 in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe served in 2019 before Covid-19 lockdowns.
About MSIG Insurance MSIG is a subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co Ltd and a member of the MS&AD Insurance Group – one of the largest general insurance groups in the world with a presence in 50 countries. Headquartered in Japan, MS&AD is among the world’s top non-life insurance groups based on gross revenue.
BANGKOK, 9 December 2022: Thai Airways International has resumed flights from the Thai capital to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, responding to a surge in holiday bookings featuring Hokkaido.
Passengers on the inaugural flight, 8 December, were presented with souvenirs by HE Singtong Lapisatepun, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan. Also present at the event were THAI management and local media.
THAI operates a daily flight from Bangkok to Sapporo (until 30 April 2023). TG670 departs from Bangkok at 2355 and arrives in Sapporo at 0820 (local time). TG671 departs from Sapporo at 1000 (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 1550. The flight time outbound to Sapporo is six hours and 30 minutes, while the return leg is seven hours and 50 minutes.
Skyscanner quotes a fare of THB59,260 return on THAI. That’s using the online travel agency Trip.com. It’s steep, considering Thai AirAsiaX quotes a fare of THB26,666 return. Google Flights has not been updated to show the THAI flights.
Thais enjoy visa exemption when visiting Japan for up to 30 days. Since October, Japan has been one of the most popular destinations alongside South Korea and Taiwan.
Currently, THAI operates 56 weekly flights to six destinations in Japan – Tokyo (Narita/Haneda), Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Sapporo.
SINGAPORE, 9 December 2022: With international flights resuming, the great travel reboot has seen nearly 6.5 million new travel itineraries created on the Tripadvisor platform in 2022.
Looking back at the year, Tripadvisor research found that ‘Relax and Rejuvenate’ was the main trip purpose for 50% of travellers globally. The most popular search terms were ‘Beach’ with 4.8 million searches, ‘Resort’ with 3.2 million searches and ‘Spa’ searched 1.7 million times.
Travellers were extra adventurous this year – looking to do something wild, wonderful and out of the ordinary to escape their daily routines. Some travellers aren’t afraid of anything. This year saw bookings for 1,636 shark-diving experiences, 16,563 ziplining tours and 47,015 ghost & vampire tour tickets sold.
This year, Tripadvisor saw over 16 million five-bubble reviews written, 22 million helpful votes given and 387,000 forum threads created.
Travellers loved the big cities. Tripadvisor saw over 11 million traveller searches for Bangkok, more than 43 million interested in London, and 20 million looking up Las Vegas.
Travellers were keen to share their best and worst moments along the way: 18 million new photos were uploaded to Tripadvisor this year, capturing moments big and small
The review and booking platform claims 35.7 million new travel buddies joined the Tripadvisor community. Close to 400 million travellers visit Tripadvisor every month.
Methodology
The data cited was gathered and analysed from two key sources:
A Tripadvisor Consumer Sentiment Survey, based on data drawn from an online survey of over 2,700 consumers, was conducted between 27 September 2022 through 6 October 2022 across six countries – the US, UK, Australia, Italy, Singapore and Japan.
Site behavioural data sourced from first-party traffic data on the Tripadvisor platform gathered during the week commencing 1 November 2022 for travel between 1 January through 1 November 2022.
