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Changi claws back passenger traffic

SINGAPORE, 1 August 2022: Singapore Changi Airport handled 2.93 million passenger movements in June 2022, reaching 50.3% of its pre-Covid traffic in June 2019.

Aircraft movements, including landings and takeoffs, totalled 18,400 (58.6% compared to June 2019), while airfreight throughput registered 163,000 tonnes for the month, a 1.4% increase year-on-year.

Quarterly, registered passenger traffic reached 7.33 million from April to June 2022, which is 43.6% of pre-Covid levels and 14 times compared to the same period last year.

Aircraft movements clocked 50,500 in the same period, reaching 53.5% of pre-Covid levels (96.8% year-on-year). Passenger traffic to and from the Americas rebounded strongly to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 7.13%, supported by the addition of flights to Canada since December 2021. Europe, Oceania and South Asia also saw a strong recovery during the quarter, with passenger movements crossing 60% of levels registered during the April-June 2019 quarter.

For the second quarter of the year, airfreight movements totalled 469,000 tonnes, a slight year-on-year decline of 1.4%. Supply chain disruptions arising from Covid-19 lockdowns in China and geopolitical tensions impacted air cargo traffic, particularly during April and May. The quarter’s top five air cargo markets were China, Hong Kong, Australia, the US and Japan.

Changi Airport Group’s managing director for Air Hub Development Lim Ching Kiat said: “We are encouraged by the steady increase in passenger traffic as it is a sign that we are getting back on the trajectory of growth towards pre-pandemic levels. The reopening of Terminal 4 and partial opening of Terminal 2 will give us the capacity to support our airline partners’ efforts in restarting services and launching new routes, which are critical for us to capture post-pandemic air travel demand.”

As of 1 July 2022, 85 airlines operate over 4,400 weekly flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to 130 cities in 46 countries and territories worldwide.

Other highlights

New and Reinstated Services: In the second quarter of 2022, Indonesia AirAsia resumed passenger flights to Bali and Jakarta, while Scoot and AirAsia Berhad reinstated passenger flights to Hat Yai and Kota Kinabalu, respectively. Connectivity with South Korea was also strengthened, with Jeju Air resuming passenger services to Busan and Scoot launching a new service to Jeju.

Changi Airport also welcomed three new passenger airlines –Thai Vietjet (to Bangkok) and Bamboo Airways (to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City) in April, as well as T’way Air (to Seoul) in May.

Earlier this month, Aircalin launched twice-weekly services to Nouméa, the capital of the French Pacific Territory of New Caledonia. Air Premia, which started its Seoul-Singapore Passenger Aircraft for Cargo Conveyance (PACC) operations in December last year, also launched a four-weekly passenger service in mid-July. In the same month, Changi also welcomed a new freighter operator Atlas Air, which operates a weekly Singapore-Narita-Dallas service.

New Restaurants & Stores: Almost all shops in the public areas in Terminals 1 (T1) and 3 (T3) have reopened, and four new F&B brands have commenced operations since April. They are Terrace Chinese Kitchen in T1, Flash Coffee, Husk Nasi Lemak and Matchaya in T3. Krispy Kreme and TP Tea, which used to operate in Terminal 2, started operations in T3 in June. Service provider Coat and Fly, which helps spray passengers’ luggage with self-disinfecting anti-viral coating, has also commenced operations in T3’s Arrival Hall. Two new flower vending machines exist, Cool Petals, in T3’s Departure Hall and Seven Stop at Basement 2.

In the transit areas, more than nine in 10 shops have reopened. Hang Heung has opened a new kiosk at T1 offering premier and traditional Chinese pastries.

At Jewel Changi Airport, F&B outlets that opened in the year’s second quarter include Arteastiq DePatio, Coucou Hotpot‧Brew Tea, Jollibean, Sukiya and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Nine retail outlets have also commenced operations at Jewel – AWHSOME by Hyggerium, Fun Claw, Hush Puppies, kcuts, Lenskart, Sauce Legend, Table Matters, The Digital Gadgets and Oysho.

Nature retreat reopens on 1 August

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BANGKOK, 27 JULY 2022: Anurak Community Lodge, an award-winning ecotourism experience at Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani, has reopened after two years of Covid-related uncertainty.

The 19-unit nature retreat, which won the PATA Grand Award for Sustainability in 2020 and is Travelife Gold certified, officially reopens on 1 August with room enhancements, a refreshed food and beverage menu – including southern ‘jungle’ dinners – and new guest activities, such as hiking the Anurak Trail, cycling, and guest participation in the ecolodge’s ‘Rainforest Rising’ reforestation project.

Guests can pay THB300 (USD8) to plant indigenous tree saplings as part of Anurak’s Rainforest Rising project, which was created by Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration and Research Unit. Khao Sok National Park authorities support the project. The aim is to foster plantlife diversity to encourage pollination and feeding by insects, birds and mammals such as civets and badgers.

For its reopening, Anurak has also signposted the Anurak Trail, a one-kilometre circular hike starting and finishing at the lodge. It takes around 45 minutes to complete and passes massive fig trees, bamboo and vine groves. The path enters a small cave and finishes with a walk through coffee and rubber plantations.

AAPA: Robust growth in air passengers

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 July 2022: Asia Pacific airlines report robust growth in international passenger demand, as an increased willingness to fly continues to drive leisure and corporate travel recovery, according to June traffic figures released Tuesday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

International passengers rose more than six-fold year-on-year to a combined 9 million in June, bringing demand to 28.3% of the corresponding pre-pandemic month in 2019. As measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand rose by a robust 509.3%, significantly outpacing the 139.5% expansion in available seat capacity. As a result, the average international passenger load factor jumped by 46.7 percentage points to reach a new pandemic high of 76.9%.

By contrast, the slowing of international trade flows, amid a globally worsening inflationary environment, further dampened demand for air shipments. Consequently, international air cargo demand, measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), fell by 4.1% year-on-year in June. With the recovery in passenger services, increased bellyhold space contributed to a 5.7% growth in offered freight capacity. This led to a 6.9 percentage point decline in the international freight load factor to an average of 67.2% for the month.

AAPA director general Subhas Menon commented on the results: “The recovery of international air travel is well underway, only dampened by the weakening of air cargo demand due to declining exports and continuing supply chain constraints.”

He noted that “the region’s airlines are resuming flights to more destinations, as economies reopen for business and international travel. This is a welcome change that was a long time coming. Although the number of international passengers carried by the airlines in the first half of 2022 is 330% higher than that of 2021, it is still well below pre-Covid levels. Meanwhile, escalating fuel prices and cost inflation are risks to the nascent recovery and return to profitability just as the industry emerges from its worst crisis.”

“Airlines are also confronting operational challenges that can slow the recovery as travel demand accelerates. While the region has not experienced the widespread chaos observed in other parts of the world, there are signs of strain in the aviation ecosystem due to workforce shortages. In the short term, hiring and retention incentives are being offered, but more needs to be done to rebuild the industry’s resilience for the future.”

Menon concluded, “To sustain the growth in air travel, cooperation among industry stakeholders and supportive government policies remains crucial in addressing operational constraints as demand picks up speed. Reasonable and durable measures are vital in the event of a deterioration in the public health situation or a new crisis.”

Summer showtime on Norwegian Prima

SINGAPORE, 27 July 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 55-year history of breaking boundaries, pulled back the curtain today to announce the cast of its highly-anticipated headlining show, “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” premiering aboard the all-new Norwegian Prima this August.

The Tony Award®-nominated musical narrates the story of Donna Summer’s prolific rise to fame, showing the Queen of Disco at three of the most pivotal stages of her career: Diva Donna, Disco Donna and Duckling Donna. The Brand has announced the cast who will take on the mantle of Donna Summer through her most memorable moments in life:

  • Beloved “American Idol” season two finalist, Kimberly Locke, takes on her first theatre project at sea and will star in the breakout role of Diva Donna, playing Summer as she reaches the height of her career. Fans will be able to see the same charisma that got Locke to the final three contestants on her season of “American Idol” in this role. Locke is also well known for her work on television and Broadway, where she most recently performed in Kristin Chenoweth’s one-woman show, “For The Girls.”
  • Taking on the role of Disco Donna is Valerie Curlingford, an extraordinary talent from the Netherlands. Curlingford will play Summer in her late teens and early twenties as she first finds success in the iconic 1970s disco era.
  • Duckling Donna will show Summer as she grows up in Boston in the 1960s. The role will be played by D’Nasya Jordan, who most recently starred as Little Inez in “Hairspray.”

“It is an incredible honour to play Donna Summer along with a very talented cast in this highly-rated musical,” said Locke. “Donna Summer’s inspirational story and pioneering talent led the way for many of today’s brightest vocalists. She has left an immeasurable impact on music and culture, and I am excited to bring her story to guests worldwide aboard the beautiful Norwegian Prima.”

The show-stopping production will feature more than 20 of Summer’s mega-hits, including “Bad Girls,” “Last Dance,” and “Hot Stuff.” It will also give viewers a deeper understanding of the inspiration behind some of Summer’s most memorable songs. The 85-minute musical will be a first at sea, where the Prima Theatre itself transforms into a full disco, allowing guests to become part of the show and live out their on-stage dreams as they dance to Summer’s greatest melodies.

“The legendary Donna Summer is an inspiration to many, and we cast performers who would honour her and match the same level of star power and talent,” said Richard Ambrose, senior vice president of Entertainment and Cruise Programs for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We continue to bring Broadway-level entertainment and world-class talent to our fleet, and we are excited for guests to be able to watch a musical they actually get to be part of. The new Prima Theater allows for a truly exciting show, and we know guests will find themselves enthralled with Donna Summer’s moving life story and timeless music.”

Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its unwavering commitment to bringing Broadway-caliber entertainment to the high seas, having previously debuted “Kinky Boots,” “Six,” “Jersey Boys,” “Footloose”, and more across its current 17-ship fleet, and this latest addition to the Company’s lineup is another first for the cruise industry.

“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” is just one of the captivating shows available aboard Norwegian Prima. Also sharing a residency at the Prima Theater will be “Noise Boys!” an original, award-winning beatboxing experience produced by Nic Doodson, creator of “Choir of Man,” NCL’s best-rated entertainment show currently residing on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Escape.

As part of the additional entertainment offerings on Norwegian Prima, the Brand will also debut live game show experiences that allow the audience to be part of the show and have an opportunity to win incredible grand prizes. These immersive productions take the Prima Theatre and Nightclub and transform it into a larger-than-life production set where guests can be participants in some of the world’s most iconic game shows, including “The Price is Right LIVE,” “Supermarket Sweep LIVE”, and “Press Your Luck LIVE.” The ship also features “Sensoria” — a Vegas-style nightclub party presenting a journey through Coachella, Woodstock and Burning Man, all in one. Plus, guests will be able to experience the first “Improv @ Sea” Comedy Club, the guest-popular “Syd Norman’s Pour House”, and so much more.

For more information about NCL’s award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call Hong Kong on +852 2165 6000 and Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com.

Follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.

(Your Stories: NCL)

Outrigger backs marine conservation

MALE, MALDIVES, 27 July 2022: Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort plays a key role in gathering and sharing information on whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles with conservation groups in the Maldives.

The tracking and reporting process, led by the resort’s marine biologist, Lynn Jula Kessler, shows that populations of whale sharks and manta rays in the South Ari Atoll around Outrigger Maldives are stable or doing well. However, there is more concern about critically endangered sea turtles, which often get ensnared in fishing nets travelling between their nesting grounds in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

On whale sharks, Outrigger Maldives is cooperating with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. Kessler and accompanying resort snorkelling guests collect data on whale shark sightings, noting any injuries, some of which are caused by collisions with boats.

This September, Kessler and Outrigger will join the #GentleToGiants initiative run by the whale shark research team. The campaign aims to secure commitments from tourism businesses to adhere to whale shark encounter guidelines.

“Many of the whale sharks spotted in South Ari Atoll are juvenile males five to eight metres in length,” says Kessler. “The waters around here are like a boys’ high school for whale sharks,” she says.

Kessler also sends information on manta ray sightings to the Manta Trust; an NGO founded to protect manta rays globally. Conservationists can track new pregnancies, injuries and overall population trends by sending underwater images of mantas to the trust. Manta rays are classified as endangered. They are protected by law in the Maldives, which has the world’s biggest recorded population of manta rays.

“No matter how often I encounter manta rays, they always amaze me,” says Kessler. “Besides being unbelievably graceful, they are also very curious and intelligent. They can often interact with snorkelers and divers, making the encounters even more magical.”

Kessler gives presentations twice a week to Outrigger guests on manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, marine life and coral reef preservation in the South Ari Atoll.

In July, she conducted coral planting, assisted by guests, adding frames of new coral beneath a jetty at the resort to encourage the breeding of young corals and fish species.

Marine conservation and awareness building are a key part of Outrigger Maldives resort operations, all of which align with Outrigger’s ZONE (OZONE), the company’s long-established global marine conservation and environmental care initiative.

ABOUT OUTRIGGER MALDIVES MAAFUSHIVARU RESORT

Discover a unique Island Experience in the Indian Ocean, offering small island charm with contemporary architecture and bespoke finishing touches. In the pristine South Ari Atoll, the 5-star Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is a 25-minute seaplane journey from Male. It offers 81 villas in five distinct styles plus four restaurants, bars and cafes, a spa, a library lounge, a boutique, an airport lounge and transfers. The resort features a fully equipped PADI and SSI dive centre, island excursions, movie and documentary nights and vow renewals for couples. It has its own in-house marine biologist. She leads marine discovery trips and a coral regeneration project and gives presentations in the evening. More at Outrigger.com.

Banyan Tree resorts on Time’s top list

SINGAPORE, 27 July 2022: Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape and Angsana Saranam Wellbeing Resort feature in the World’s Greatest Places in 2022 presented by TIME.

This year’s annual Time list of the World’s Greatest Places highlights 50 extraordinary travel destinations worldwide. To compile this list, TIME solicited nominations of places – including countries, regions, cities and towns – from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.

In Bali, Indonesia, Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape was mentioned for its pioneering “no walls, no doors” concept in its bales (villas) and throughout the secluded property. Situated in a quiet enclave north of Ubud, Buahan is surrounded by rice paddies and jungle, next to the Ayung River and waterfall, and offers a sweeping view of Bali’s seven majestic peaks. Each of the resort’s 16 specious bales is designed to blend indoor and outdoor areas, where only a thin veil separates guests from nature.

Meanwhile, the upcoming Angsana Saranam Wellness Resort, launching at the end of 2022, was also cited, indicating the continued interest in wellbeing offerings for leisure travellers. Nestled in the mountains of Bedugul in the central highlands of Bali, the resort will feature private villas with outdoor pools and spa and wellbeing amenities.

“Banyan Tree Group had just launched the brand extension, Banyan Tree Escape, this year, with the intent for our guests to commune with themselves, others and nature at their own pace. And while we have yet to unveil our new wellbeing- focused Angsana resort in Bali, this double recognition serves as a testament to our purpose of offering exceptional, design-led experiences rooted in sustainability and wellbeing through our multi-brand ecosystem,” explained Banyan Tree Group senior vice president, brand and commercial Ho Ren Yung.“

(Your Stories: Banyan Tree)

ITB returns to in-person show format

SINGAPORE, 27 July 2022: Now in its 15th year, ITB Asia will again be held as an in-person event at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from 19 to 21 October.

The leading trade fair for Asia’s travel industry will bring together global leading brands and companies across MICE, Corporate, Leisure and Travel Technology, providing a unique opportunity and platform for the industry to rebuild, reconnect and answer questions about how the travel industry is restarting. The three-day conference and exhibition are co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia.

The organisers announced the Saudi Tourism Authority as the official partner country and Berlin Brandenburg Airport as the official partner airport. Marina Bay Sands continues as the official partner hotel.

ITB Asia will see strong participation from the National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) and Convention Bureaus (CVBs). Among this year’s exhibitors are Busan Tourism Organisation, Business Events Perth, Chonburi Provincial Administration Organization, Czech Tourism Authority, Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, Istanbul Airport, Japan National Tourism Organization, Korea Tourism Organization, Latvian Investment and Development Agency, Malta Tourism Authority, MEET Taiwan, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, Penang Global Tourism, Rovaniemi, Sabah Tourism Board, Sapporo Convention Bureau, Sarawak Tourism Board, Saudi Tourism Authority, Saxony Tourism Germany, Seoul Tourism Organization, Singapore Tourism Board, Taipei City Government, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Vanuatu Tourism, visitBerlin, Visit Brussels, Visit Estonia, Visit Finland, Visit Guam, Visit Iceland, Visit Maldives, Visit Monaco, Visit Sarajevo, and Zagreb Tourist Board.

In addition to the NTOs and RTOs, the show also welcomes hotels & resorts, including Arctic Hotel Collection, BWH Hotel Group, Far East Hospitality Management, Frasers Hospitality, Ishin Hotels Grou, Meliá Hotels International, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Radisson Hotel Group, Tokyu Hotels, Vega Hotels, Worldwide Hotels and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

The show is expected to attract more than 13,000 travel professionals at Asia’s largest travel trade show, bringing attendees from the MICE, Corporate, Leisure and Travel Technology sectors together for business, networking and top-notch conferences.

For more information on ITB Asia 2022, visit www.itb-asia.com.
Floorplan and exhibitor list can be found on: itb-community.com/itbasia2022/floorplan/.

IATA plots emission goal progress

GENEVA, 27 July 2022: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) welcomed progress by states towards a long-term aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero aviation carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement’s temperature objectives.

This is noted in the summary of discussions for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) High-Level Meeting in preparation for the 41st ICAO Assembly later this year.

“The ICAO High-Level Meeting’s support of a long-term goal for states that is in line with the aviation sector’s net-zero by 2050 commitment is a step in the right direction. A formal agreement at the 41st ICAO Assembly would underpin a common approach by states to decarbonise aviation. That’s critical for the aviation industry. Knowing that government policies will support the same goal and timeline globally will enable the sector, especially its suppliers, to make the needed investments to decarbonise,” said  IATA’s director general, Willie Walsh.

In October 2021, IATA member airlines committed to net zero emissions by 2050. The path to achieving this will involve a combination of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), new propulsion technology, infrastructure and operational efficiencies, and carbon offsets/carbon capture to fill any gaps.

“Net zero by 2050 will require a global transition for aviation to new fuels, technologies and operations. The significant investments to get there will need a solid policy foundation aligned with a global way forward. That is why it is so important for states to carry the momentum of the High-Level Meeting through to a formal agreement at the 41st ICAO Assembly in a few weeks,” said Walsh.

Capital A airlines lift load factor

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 July 2022: Capital A Berhad Consolidated Airlines continues to post significant performance improvement, with a notable load factor of 84%, akin to its pre-pandemic levels signalling that air travel revival is well underway.

Capital A Berhad (formerly known as AirAsia Group Berhad) announced its operating statistics for its aviation, digital and logistics businesses for the second quarter of the Financial Year 2022 (“2Q2022”) earlier this week.

Capital A’s Consolidated Airlines carried over 5.6 million passengers, a 633% increase year-on-year (“YoY”) and a 48% increase quarter-on-quarter (“QoQ”).

Consolidated Airlines flew more than 35,000 flights in the quarter, up 483% YoY compared to last year, supported by the growing domestic demand and the resumption of international travel in ASEAN countries.

Correspondingly, Available Seat Kilometres (“ASK”) rose by 456% YoY, and Revenue Passenger Kilometres (“RPK”) increased by 582% YoY. In 2Q2022, the total operating aircraft for AirAsia Malaysia, AirAsia Indonesia and AirAsia Philippines were 45, 12 and 8, respectively.

AirAsia Malaysia posted a stronger load factor of 84% in 2Q2022, up by 20 percentage points (“ppts”) YoY and 10 ppts QoQ. Passengers carried, and capacity increased significantly by 1276% YoY and 955% YoY to 3.8 million and 4.6 million, respectively, with more operating aircraft added to support the huge demand surge for domestic and international flights. Load factor for international flights achieved 81% with 31 additional destinations reinstated, and the highest number of international passengers carried post-pandemic, attributed mainly from Malaysia-Singapore routes, followed by Malaysia-Indonesia and Malaysia-India routes.

AirAsia Indonesia recorded an encouraging load factor of 77% in 2Q2022, an increase of 10 ppts YoY. Domestic flights achieved a healthy load factor of 73%, while the load factor for international flights was stronger at 86%. Passengers carried and capacity improved by 132% YoY and 102% YoY, respectively, on the back of the resumption of international flights, with 29% of the total number of seats sold from international flights. The number of flights flown has increased by 102% YoY.

AirAsia Philippines posted the highest load factor among the Group’s airlines at 93%, which grew by 15 ppts YoY. In 2Q2022, the number of passengers carried increased by 480% YoY and capacity expanded 388% YoY. Flight frequencies were added on popular routes to meet strong demand, which increased ASKs by 309%, and the number of flights flown jumped 388% YoY. AirAsia Philippines resumed international routes to Kota Kinabalu, Seoul, Hong Kong and Guangzhou in June.

In 2Q2022, AirAsia Thailand carried over 1.7 million passengers, up 133% YoY with a load factor of 75%, rising 14 ppts compared to the prior corresponding period. The airline added flight frequencies and routes to meet rising demand, resulting in an 87% increase in flights flown, to a total of 12,326 flights with 25 operating aircraft during the quarter. More international flights were reinstated during the quarter, operating 19 routes to 8 countries by 2Q2022. As a result, the ASK and seating capacity significantly rose by 116% and 90%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the average sector length grew by 16%, mainly driven by flights from the South Asian market.

STB suspends Continental Travel

SINGAPORE, 27 July 2022: Singapore Tourism Board (STB) suspended Continental Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd’s travel agent licence (TA02102) from conducting travel agent activities for five months commencing 19 July 2022, under the Travel Agents Act 1975.

Continental Travel Singapore’s Facebook page.

The suspension follows Continental Travel Singapore’s appeal against the Notice of Intent to suspend its travel agent licence (issued in October 2021) for its alleged involvement in fraudulent SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRV) redemptions.

Continental Travel Singapore allegedly engaged in cashback arrangements by partially refunding, in cash, the value of the SRV bookings made by some members of the public. The company’s sales office is located at People’s Park Complex.

STB takes a serious view of errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary action to protect the reputation of Singapore’s travel industry, including referring cases to the Police.

On 27 September 2021, the Police arrested three persons linked to Continental Travel Singapore for their alleged involvement in a series of suspected fraudulent SRV redemptions. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.

(Source: STB)