HONOLULU, 7 October 2022: Outrigger Hospitality Group announced the appointment of Angela Murphy as vice president of sales for the Americas.
Murphy will work closely with the commercial strategy stakeholders to develop key sales strategies for the brand’s Waikiki Collection, Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa and other Hawaii properties. She will collaborate with other corporate sales leaders to provide leadership and support for property sales strategy, planning and execution of the company’s portfolio of branded, managed, and third-party franchise properties with an emphasis on the core Hawaii-owned assets in Waikiki and Kona.
Angela Murphy
Murphy will also drive strategy and process refinement in the growing groups and wedding market segments; lead the Outrigger Expert Advisor and Outrigger Business Connection programmes; serve as overall Delphi and Hubspot champion; and lead the company services sales and North America independent contractor network.
She was most recently a global director of sales and marketing consultant for a portfolio of contracted clients in New York, Northern California, Portland and international destinations.
Before consulting, she was co-founder of non-profit Food For Change; area director of sales & marketing for Proper Hospitality and also Viceroy Hotels and Resorts; global director of sales & marketing for One&Only / Kerzner International in Australia and the USA; and Key Account Director for IHG in Australia, USA and the UK.
Murphy holds a Bachelor of Business in management from Griffith University and an honours certificate in international travel and tourism from Advanced Careers College, both institutions in Australia.
HONG KONG, 7 October 2022: Hong Kong will give away 500,000 airline tickets worth HKD2 billion million once the remaining Covid-19 restrictions.
First reported by the BBC, inbound and outbound travellers will be eligible to pick up the free tickets through the Airports Authority of Hong Kong, possibly in early 2023 or as soon as the remaining Covid-19 rules phase out.
Hong Kong scrapped hotel quarantine restrictions on 26 September and pre-departure flight tests. However, health surveillance measures remain prohibiting access to restaurants, entertainment spots, and events for the first two days. PCR tests are still required on day two, day four and day six during the self-surveillance phase when travellers monitor themselves for possible infection
Last month, Hong Kong’s government said it would no longer require people arriving in the city to go into hotel quarantine or show a negative Covid test before boarding flights to Hong Kong.
The BBC quoted the Hong Kong Tourism Board executive director Dane Cheng saying that the free tickets, purchased to support Hong Kong airlines during the pandemic, will be “distributed next year to inbound and outbound travellers by the territory’s airport authority.
“Once the government announces it will remove all Covid-19 restrictions for inbound travellers, we’ll roll out the advertising campaigns for the free air tickets,” Cheng confirmed.
Airlines serving Hong Kong have been struggling to recover flight schedules, with Cathay Pacific expecting to run just a third of its pre-pandemic passenger capacity by the end of the year.
The carrier last month welcomed the removal of hotel quarantine for arriving passengers as helping to boost sentiment for travel, adding that it was “fully committed to rebuilding the connectivity of the Hong Kong aviation hub”.
Originally the 500,000 ticket purchase was part of a financial rescue scheme to aid the territory’s airlines, approved in April 2020. At the time, Secretary for Transport & Housing Frank Chan noted that due to the shutdown of international traffic during the Covid-19 pandemic, Hong Kong International Airport was down to 1% of its capacity.
Today, aviation experts say Hong Kong’s airport runs at 18% of the passenger traffic that passed through the airport in the pre-Covid-19 era. Around 45 airlines serve the airport, down by 50%. A typical regional route, Hong Kong – Bangkok, is currently served by 14 weekly flights down from 63 before Covid.
Under the 2020 aid package, the Airport Authority purchased 500,000 air tickets from Hong Kong Airlines, Hong Kong Express and Cathay Pacific to provide airlines with cash flow during the pandemic.
DUBAI, UAE, 6 October 2022: Emirates has announced new appointments to its commercial team in the Middle East, Far East, West Asia and Europe to support the airline’s efforts in rebuilding its global network.
This latest move will see 11 seasoned UAE Nationals positioned in vital markets where they will lead the airline’s commercial operations and bring their skills and experience to drive growth and develop new strategies. In addition, they will be responsible for strengthening Emirates’ partnerships and footprint in their assigned markets.
Emirates chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim commented: “As we accelerate the recovery of our operations and channel our collective energies towards rebuilding the aviation ecosystem, we must create opportunities for our talented managers to utilise their capabilities, experiences and leadership skills to the fullest. The commercial outstation program is in line with the strategy advocated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, that reaffirms our commitment to nurturing Emiratis by providing them opportunities to advance their careers and eventually become future leaders. I’m proud of our UAE Nationals who support our business and represent the airline in some of its most strategic markets, and I look forward to seeing the new team create innovative prospects in their new roles.”
Commercial team changes effective 1 November
Thani Al Ansari: currently Manager Kuwait and Iraq, will become Manager Ireland.
Khalid Al Zarooni: currently Manager Greece and Albania, will become Manager Kuwait and Iraq.
Ibrahim Ghanim: currently Manager Egypt and Libya, will become Manager Greece and Albania.
Abdalla Al Zamani: currently Manager Indonesia, will become Manager Egypt and Libya.
Mohammad Al Attar: currently Manager Malaysia, will become Manager Indonesia.
Saeed Mubarak: currently Manager Tunis, will become Manager Malaysia.
Almurr Al Marri: currently Commercial Support Manager in India, will become Manager Tunis.
Mohammed Alwahedi: currently Manager Vietnam, will become Manager Thailand.
Marwan Al Marri: currently District Manager Riyadh, will become Manager Vietnam.
Wahid Albalooshi: currently Regional Manager Pakistan, will become District Manager Riyadh.
Salem Al Mana: currently Commercial Support Manager in Indonesia, will become Regional Manager Pakistan.
Vikram Arora: currently Country Manager in Afghanistan, will become Commercial Business Analysis Manager, based in Dubai.
MANILA, 6 October 2022: The Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), welcomes Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles as its new chief operating officer, effective 4 October.
A recognised entrepreneur in the local fashion and retail industry, Nograles is the owner and proprietor of Kaayo Modern Mindanao, a clothing and accessories brand showcasing a curated collection of traditional weaves created by artisan women in Mindanao.
Marga Nograles takes the oath of office in the presence of Philippines Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (right).
“Kaayo Modern Mindanao has been my passion project, my heart, and my soul. It was not easy to make this decision, but now, given the opportunity to bring more of the Philippines to the world, I have stepped down as creative director of Kaayo and taken on my new role – for the country. I am deeply honoured to have been appointed chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board Philippines,” said TPB COO Nograles.
Having championed sustainable livelihood programmes that uplift women and local artisans in Mindanao, Marga Nograles commits to forging meaningful partnerships, embracing responsible and sustainable tourism programmes, and supporting stakeholders under the seven-point agenda of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
Nograles will lead TPB to implement strategic domestic and international marketing and promotional efforts to revitalise the Philippine tourism industry as a sustainable, dynamic, world-class tourism, MICE and investment destination.
JOHOR BAHRU, 6 October 2022: Malaysia’s Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong confirmed earlier this week the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) had approved 12 additional direct flights from Malaysia to China, increasing frequencies from three to 15 per week.
And as travel demand soars, promising speedy recovery for Southeast Asian destinations, Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture revised its target to 9.2 million tourists this year.
One of the tourist cards of Johor Bahru, Country Garden’s Forest City, says it is ready to welcome the influx of tourists, particularly from Asia and China, given the forecasts China will reopen outbound travel in mid-January 2022 to coincide with the Chinese New Year holiday season.
With tourism recovery in Malaysia underway, all Forest City projects are up and running again. For example, Forest City Water Park has opened with programmes including Surf n Slide, Water Fun Challenge and a Water Maze.
Forest City has first-class hotels, including the Forest City Golf Hotel and the Forest City Marina Hotel have reopened, along with two world-class courses, the Jack Nicklaus Legacy Golf Course and the Liang Guo Kun Classic Golf Course.
HANOI, 6 October 2022: Ahead of the Mekong Tourism Forum in Quang Nam, Central Vietnam, 12-13 October, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Doan Van Viet, outlines the vision and latest tourism priorities for his country.
Deputy minister of culture, sports and tourism Doan Van Viet.
Q: What are your targets for Vietnam tourism in 2022?
A: In the last “normal” year, 2019, we attracted over 18 million foreign visitors. China, South Korea, and Japan are traditionally our biggest markets. We have the ambitious target of attracting five million foreign tourists in 2022, up from almost zero in 2021 due to Covid-19. In the first eight months of 2022, we welcomed over 1.2 million international tourists. Besides the international market, Viet Nam’s tourism industry aim was to serve 60 million domestic tourists by the end of 2022. However, domestic visitors exceeded the target, reaching 79.8 million. Domestic tourism is forecast to recover in 2022 fully.
Q: Is there a new emphasis or focus in Vietnam’s 2022-23 tourism promotion campaigns?
A: We completely re-opened the door for tourism from 15 March 2022. without any entry conditions required. We promote communication to attract international tourists to Vietnam with the campaign “Live fully in Vietnam”. The Vietnam tourism marketing plan 2022 – 2023 is to bring an image of a safe, friendly and hospitable Vietnam to the world. We focus on smart and sustainable tourism development followed by green and responsible travel.
Q: What role does Quang Nam province play in Vietnam’s tourism marketing plans?
A: It plays an increasingly important role in our tourism cluster strategy. Quang Nam, together with Danang, Thua Thien Hue, will be one of the clusters in Central Viet Nam. The national tourism year 2022 was chosen to be held in Quang Nam with the theme of a ‘green destination’ because of its potential. Thanks to its natural resources and wonderful coastline, it is already a visitor-friendly destination. It offers a vibrant culinary scene, cultural attractions, and history, especially Hoi An ancient town. For tourists seeking a sustainable travel experience where you can learn and appreciate nature, Quang Nam is home to productive farms, handicraft villages, rivers, mountains, and unspoiled natural attractions.
Q: Which new tourism-related infrastructure projects will improve the tourism sector in Vietnam?
A: We have a lot going on, much of it guided by the Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy to 2030. The strategy clearly defines our goal of developing modern and holistic infrastructure, especially transport infrastructure in tourism clusters, national tourist sites and areas with tourism potential. We are taking an inclusive approach to tourism infrastructure development, focusing not only on international-class tourism destinations, such as Hoi An, Sapa, Ha Long, Danang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc but also on secondary tourism destinations, especially ones with the potential to connect to regional tourism networks. Regarding Greater Mekong Subregion cooperation, for the last 20 years, Vietnam has participated in four regional tourism infrastructure development projects sponsored by the Asian Development Bank. The latest is the Second GMS Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth Project. These projects were designed to improve the accessibility to secondary tourism destinations in provinces along GMS economic corridors and to enhance the environmental conditions and urban infrastructure for tourism development.
Q: What does Vietnam Tourism hope will be the positive outcomes from the 2022 Mekong Tourism Forum?
A: There are three outcomes we would like. First, to strengthen linkages between the leaders of the GMS tourism industry, with the aim of rapidly recovering the tourism industry in a sustainable, resilient and comprehensive way, to promote the region’s tourism as a common destination. Second, to introduce the city of Hoi An, voted as one of the 25 best cities in the world; also, to introduce Quang Nam in Central Vietnam as an ideal destination for green and sustainable tourism, rich in cultural values, full of amenities of a top-class beach resort. Third, the Forum demonstrates the recovery of the tourism industry and the return of sellers and buyers in the region after a period of travel freeze. Our aim is to promote the rapid recovery of international tourism and create sustainable tourism supply and demand.
Q: What message do you have for tourism leaders and delegates attending the Forum?
A: We should focus on practical goals that make the travel and tourism industry better for the benefit of our populations. My message is, “Let’s act together for sustainable tourism growth.” I hope all delegates arrive in a positive state of mind to listen, learn and return home motivated to “Rebuild Tourism, Rebound with Resilience” – the theme of the 2022 Mekong Tourism Forum.
ABOUT THE MEKONG TOURISM FORUM
First held in 1996, the Mekong Tourism Forum is an annual government-led event dedicated to the tourism industry in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The event provides a cooperative platform for travel and tourism stakeholders to discuss regional tourism development, along with the marketing and promotion of travel to, from, and within the GMS. It presents an inclusive, interactive, and results-oriented opportunity to encourage public- and private-sector participation in promoting the GMS as a single destination. Visit: https://mekongtourismforum.org/about-mtf-2/
MANILA, 6 October 2022: Travel consumers packed the aisles of the 33rd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), the first major travel fair in the country since Covid-19 restrictions were eased last February.
Photo credit: PHILTOA.
Promoting domestic and outbound travel packages, the fair convened at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City, from 30 September to 2 October, with a record turnout of 300 exhibitors representing destinations, hotels, airlines and cruises. Travel consumers snatched up 50% discounts on holidays and flights.
Organiser Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) has yet to release a sales report on the outcome of the fair. However, the Business Mirror quoted Philippines Air Asia spokesperson Steve Dailisan claiming the low-cost airline had sold around 3,000 sector fares, around 1,000 higher than forecast for the three-day show.
Top selling overseas destinations included Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok and Bali. On domestic routes, the most popular destinations were Caticlan, Tagbilaran, Cebu, Puerto Princesa and Tacloban.
The event covered four halls of the convention centre, prompting the organiser, Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), to conclude the travel mart was “99% full”.
After more than two years of strict travel protocols and lockdowns, PHILTOA Trustee Cecille May Kimpo told the Philippines News Agency consumers were engaging in “revenge travel.”
“Most of the travel restrictions have eased up, and we also have the new president Bongbong Marcos advising us that there will be no lockdown anymore,” she said.
Pre-pandemic, the annual PTM generated a footfall of around 50,000 travel consumer sales, reaching turnovers that exceeded PHP60 million.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the Department of Tourism (DOT) would strengthen efforts to fast-track the sector’s recovery and continue increasing the product portfolio available to local and foreign tourists.
“The DOT is developing new regional tourism surveys highlighting nature-based tourism, MICE tourism, food and gastronomy, our heritage and culture, health and wellness and the arts,” she said.
BANGKOK, 6 October 2022: Thai Airways International hosted a networking conference last week under the theme “THAI Networking – INDIA”, attended by local travel and cargo agencies.
THAI Director of Sales Korakot Chatasingha led the networking conference with representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of South Asia, the Middle East and African Affairs, India Thai Chamber of Commerce, Department of International Trade Promotion and the Ministry of Commerce.
THAI presented its Winter Traffic Programme 2022-2023 featuring more flights on routes to India during the 75th anniversary year of Thai – Indian diplomatic relations.
Flights on the Bangkok – Hyderabad route will resume on 30 October and to Kolkata on 1 January 2023. In addition, the network will gain more flights later this month. New Delhi will have 22 flights and Mumbai 11 flights. Daily flights will be reintroduced to Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Hyderabad. The airline will offer 61 weekly flights from Bangkok to six destinations in India.
THAI will rely on THAI Smile Airways to deliver domestic connecting flights for Indian travellers on arrival at TG’s home base at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok.
THAI also introduced new marketing strategies, products and services, and business updates to build cooperation with key online travel agencies to improve revenue generation.
SINGAPORE, 6 October 2022: Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Have Halal, Will Travel (HHWT), an Asia-wide travel and lifestyle platform for Muslims, has launched “Together At The Table 2022”, presenting a series of halal dining experiences in Singapore.
From now until 23 October 2022, Together At The Table 2022 lines multiple activities centred around halal food. Visitors can choose from various activities, including masterclasses, curated dining experiences, and food tours to cultural precincts.
During the event, participants will be able to experience curated dining experiences that introduce forgotten and uncommon Nusantara ingredients, which will be revealed during the curated dining session.
Participants can also level up their culinary skills by joining three different masterclasses: either during a knowledge-sharing session about choosing beef cuts with The Meatery, a premium halal butcher; a session making fresh pasta with Tipo, a pasta café, or through a mocktail tutorial with Picanhas, a halal steakhouse.
Participants can uncover halal food options in four of Singapore’s cultural precincts – Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam, and Katong-Joo Chiat – on Tribes, a social commerce platform by HHWT. The platform is designed to enable Muslims worldwide to discover destinations and get recommendations from the communities on where to stay, what to do, where to eat, what to buy, and how to get there.
Have Halal, Will Travel (HHWT) enables Muslims to explore the world without compromising their faith by working with world-leading brands to create engaging content and activities such as halal food guides and in-depth itineraries for Muslim travellers.
With Singapore’s halal industry on the rise, the number of halal premises has risen over the past decade. The country is primed to ride the wave of booming global demand for halal products and services.
Visit Tribes to check out the dining experiences and masterclasses offered during the festival.
Have Halal, Will Travel (HHWT) is the largest travel and lifestyle platform for Muslims in Asia, with a reach of 10 million monthly through its media platforms. We enable Muslims to explore the world without compromising their faith. It works with world-leading brands such as Visa International, Singapore Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organization, Qatar Airways, KLM, Scoot and AirAsia.
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, 5 October 2022: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) continues to resume services to Indonesia by adding flights to Banda Aceh, Padang and Pekanbaru from Kuala Lumpur since 1 October 2022.
In addition, the airline will launch flights from Penang to Denpasar in Bali starting on 20 October this year.
In celebration of the service resumption to Indonesia, AirAsia welcomed flight AK421 from Kuala Lumpur to Banda Aceh on Monday with a delegation led by Dato’ Abdul Aziz Bakar, Non-Executive Director of Capital A.
AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said: “Indonesia is a core market for AirAsia, and we are thrilled to be back, launching four new routes such as these with additional eight weekly flights, on top of six existing routes delivering a total of 66 flights weekly to Indonesia airports this month.
“We are also very thankful for the strong support from the government of Indonesia and the provincial governments of Aceh, West Sumatra and Riau for their assistance in reopening these routes.
“We are excited to reconnect these cities to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, bringing tourists from Malaysia, reconnecting families, and serving business travel.”
Flights for Kuala Lumpur-Banda Aceh, Kuala Lumpur-Padang, Kuala Lumpur-Pekanbaru and Penang-Bali are now available for booking starting from MYR189 all-in-one way on the AirAsia Super App and online travel agents (OTAs).
AirAsia Malaysia now flies 10 routes to Indonesia. From Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Makassar, Yogyakarta, Padang, Pekanbaru and Banda Aceh, as well as from Penang to Jakarta and Bali with plans to increase services to existing and new destinations in line with strong demand in the future.
