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AirAsia Group is now Capital A

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 31 January 2022: AirAsia Group Berhad has changed its name to Capital A Berhad to reflect the push into non-airline activities.

The change reflects the group’s evolving business strategy as an investment holding company with a portfolio of synergistic travel and lifestyle businesses, which have rapidly transformed the AirAsia brand into much more than just an airline.

(Second from left)  Colin Currie, President (Commercial) of Capital A and CEO, AirAsia Digital Sdn Bhd; Bo Lingam, President (Aviation) and Group CEO, AirAsia Aviation Limited; Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of Capital A.

Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes explained: “This is not just about unveiling a new logo. It’s a significant milestone that marks a new era for the group. Today’s announcement reinforces we are not just an airline anymore.

“While the airline will always underpin the AirAsia brand, it has long been my firm intention, well before Covid hit, to leverage the strong data we have built up over 20 years and incorporate industry-leading new technologies to offer a broad range of products and services, over and above selling just airfares. The pandemic has allowed us to accelerate that strategy.”

He called Capital A “essentially an investment company with a broad portfolio of businesses delivering more products and services under one umbrella than any other brand in ASEAN and with access to over 700 million people in the region.”

The group has 16 products and services under the AirAsia Super App and claims to be one of the top three online travel agents (OTAs) in the ASEAN region.

“We already have over 50 million monthly unique visitors on our super app, which has been recognised as a tech unicorn in under two years, our fintech business BigPay, has been given a significant injection of USD100million from South Korea conglomerate SK Group and overall we have raised over MYR2.5 billion to date through our fundraising strategy.”

On the airline, he stressed: “While Capital A will be the new group holding company name, one thing that isn’t changing is the AirAsia brand name for our airlines. It’s one of the strongest brands in Asia and provides a solid platform for all of our other products and services to leverage from each other. 

The new holding company name, Capital A, is immediately effective following the successful registration of the name by the Companies Commission of Malaysia announced on 3 January and the subsequent formal approvals received last week.

The name change from AirAsia Group Berhad to Capital A Berhad will not affect the company’s ongoing operations. The AirAsia stock name on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad will change with immediate effect to reflect the new company name.

The website address: capitala.airasia.com

Scoot rebuilds Southeast Asian routes

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 31 January 2022: Scoot is resuming flights to Vietnam following the country’s decision to reopen to international travellers. 

Late last week, it started four weekly roundtrip flights between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City and planned to return to Hanoi with a twice-weekly service beginning 22 February.

Lead-in fares on the Singapore – Ho Chi Minh City route start at SGD111(VND1,175,474) all-inclusive, one-way, and lead-in fares for Singapore – Hanoi start at SGD150 (VND 1,735,474).

In addition to Scoot’s current network in Malaysia, the airline will launch two weekly flights between Singapore and Miri from 23 February 2022. It is the second city the airline serves in Sarawak, following flights to the state capital, Kuching. Lead-in one-way fares on the Singapore – Miri route start at SGD100 (MYR185.

Last week Scoot confirmed it was resuming flights between Singapore and the Gold Coast, Australia, and with flights to Miri, Scoot’s network encompasses 71 destinations across 17 countries and territories.

Flight Schedule for Singapore- Ho Chi Minh services (26 January – 21 February 2022)

Sector Flight No. Departure Arrival Frequency
Singapore (SIN) – Ho Chi Minh (SGN) TR302 1610 1715 Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Ho Chi Minh (SGN) – Singapore (SIN) TR303 1755 2105 Daily

All times are local. Schedules are subject to changes and regulatory approval.

Flight Schedule for Singapore- Hanoi services (22 February – 26 March 2022)

Sector Flight No. Departure Arrival Frequency
Singapore (SIN) – Hanoi (HAN) TR300 0800 1030 Tuesday, Saturday
Hanoi (HAN) – Singapore (SIN) TR301 1110 1545 Tuesday, Saturday

Flight Schedule for Singapore- Hanoi services (22 February – 26 March 2022)

Sector Flight No. Departure Arrival Frequency
Singapore (SIN) – Hanoi (HAN) TR300 0800 1030 Tuesday, Saturday
Hanoi (HAN) – Singapore (SIN) TR301 1110 1545 Tuesday, Saturday

(Source: Scoot)

PG goes double daily to Phnom Penh

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 31 January 2022: Bangkok Airways will increase direct service between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) to twice-daily starting 1 February as travel between the two cities begins to recover. 

Bangkok Airways adds services between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) using an Airbus A319 or A320 aircraft. The outbound flight PG935 departs Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International airport) at 1720 and arrives at Phnom Penh International Airport at 1835. The inbound flight PG936 leaves Phnom Penh International airport at 1925 and arrives in Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International airport) at 2040.

The timetable shows roundtrip flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

Route

Flight

Departure

Arrival

BKK – PNH

PG931

08.50

10.05

PG935

17.20

18.35

 PNH – BKK

PG932

10.55

12.10

PG936

19.25

20.40

The airline also offers an extra 10 kg baggage allowance for all passengers on Bangkok–Phnom Penh flights. It gives economy passengers a 30-kg baggage allowance and business class passengers  50 kg until 26 March 2022.

Bamboo Airways flies to Frankfurt

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TTR WEEKLY
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HANOI, 31 January 2022: Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways will launch a new nonstop service to Frankfurt starting 25 February.

According to the airline’s press statement, it plans twice-weekly flights initially from Ho Chi Minh City using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Ticket sales opened on 24 January on the airline’s website, mobile applications at ticket offices and authorised travel agents nationwide.

The airline management said it is also considering expanding the German flights to either Munich or Berlin but stressed it depends on how well the Frankfurt flight performs commercially.

In a related move, the airline has appointed Aviareps Germany as its international General Sales Agent covering representation, marketing and communications in Europe.

The Frankfurt route is the first of a planned expansion that will see the airline add other services in Europe.

The expansion will continue with Ho Chi Minh City services to Melbourne, Australia 19 February and from Hanoi to London starting 22 March.

Since January this year, the airline has operated scheduled flights to Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand and is planning to launch flights to Laos, Cambodia and the US.

(Source: Tourism Information Technology Center)

Middle East hotels eye recovery

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TTR WEEKLY
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LONDON, 31 January 2022: The Middle East hotel industry reports revenue per available room (RevPAR) reaching 85.6% of the pre-pandemic comparable, the highest among the global regions according to year-end 2021 data from STR.

“Year-end data displays the significant variance in recovery by region, stemming from different levels of pandemic restrictions around the world,” said Robin Rossmann, managing director at STR.

“The Middle East has been a leader in both opening to international arrivals as well as hosting large events, such as Expo 2020, which has driven hotel performance in Dubai. On the other side of the spectrum, there are areas, such as Europe, where recovery has stalled due to the reimplementation of COVID restrictions. As we get further into 2022 and subsequent lockdowns phase out, we expect recovery to resume.”

USD constant currency, 2021 (percentage change from 2019):

Europe

  • Occupancy: 43.3% (-40.0%)
  • Average daily rate (ADR): US$125.54 (-6.9%)
  • Revenue per available room (RevPAR): US$54.35 (-44.2%)

Asia

  • Occupancy: 48.8% (-28.9%)
  • ADR: US$73.31 (-24.1%)
  • RevPAR: US$35.78 (-46.0%)

Australia & Oceania

  • Occupancy: 47.2% (-36.3%)
  • ADR: US$142.60 (-2.4%)
  • RevPAR: US$67.24 (-37.8%)

Middle East

  • Occupancy: 56.5% (-14.1%)
  • ADR: US$141.16 (-0.3%)
  • RevPAR: US$79.77 (-14.4%)

Africa

  • Occupancy: 40.1% (-34.0%)
  • ADR: US$102.64 (-0.6%)
  • RevPAR: US$41.12 (-34.4%)

North America

  • Occupancy: 56.6% (-14.0%)
  • ADR: US$124.08 (-4.8%)
  • RevPAR: US$70.17 (-18.2%)

South America

  • Occupancy: 40.6% (-30.5%)
  • ADR: US$65.92 (-4.2%)
  • RevPAR: US$26.79 (-33.4%)

(Source: STR)

Danang tops tourism index

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TTR WEEKLY
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DANANG, 28 January 2022: Danang, a popular gateway city to Vietnam’s central region, gained the top spot in the Vietnam Tourism Competitiveness index (VTCI), Vietnam News Agency reported Thursday.

City officials attributed its success to high-quality transport and tourism service infrastructure, a readiness to apply advanced information and technology as well as environmental sustainability.

Released on 18 January, the National Tourism Advisory Board and the Private Economic Development Research Board’s rankings appraised 15 tourist destinations across Vietnam based on the business environment, infrastructure, sustainable development, natural and cultural resources.

Danang gained an overall score of 4.7 points, followed by Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, and Thua Thien-Hue with 4.68, 4.56, 4.55 and 4.52 points, respectively. Hanoi was ranked sixth and Ho Chi Minh City eighth.

Hanoi ranked first in cultural resources, while Lam Dong and Quang Nam earned the highest scores in natural resources and price competitiveness.

VTCI is funded by the European Union Delegation and supported by the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board. It aims to promote the tourism competitiveness of each locality and contribute to developing the economy.

(Source: VNA)

TAT India offices launch online training

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 28 January 2022: The Tourism Authority of Thailand Mumbai and New Delhi Offices have launched the ‘Thailand Specialist Programme’, an industry-focused online training course for Indian travel advisors and operators to update themselves on existing and new attractions and offerings in Thailand.

TAT Mumbai Office director Cholada Siddhivarn said: “This online training course provides advisors with the inspiration, knowledge, and confidence to create unforgettable itineraries to sell (and upsell) clients for their trips to the Land of Smiles. On completion of the ‘Thailand Specialist Programme’, our trade partners will not only expand their knowledge and expertise of the country, including discovering off-the-beaten-track attractions, but they will also be kept up to date with the latest news and information from TAT.”

The ‘Thailand Specialist Programme’ helps those promoting and selling Thailand’s travel packages to better understand the destination through a range of topics from history and food to culture and events.

Eight training modules

1) What makes Thailand Amazing;
2) Central Thailand;
3) Northern & Northeastern Thailand;
4) Eastern Thailand;
5) Southern Thailand: Andaman Sea;
6) Southern Thailand: Gulf of Thailand;
7) Discover Thailand: Communities & Local Experiences;
8) Matching your clients’ needs with the right products.

Upon successful completion of the eight modules, participants will receive a TAT-accredited travel specialist certificate they can display.

TAT New Delhi Office director Vachirachai Sirisumpan added: “Thailand is one of the favourite destinations for Indian tourists, and many travel agents are well aware and know Thailand very well. Therefore, as Thailand is gradually reopening the country for fully vaccinated international tourists, including those from India, the ‘Thailand Specialist Programme would be a tool kit for travel agents both front-line, products, and marketing teams to further update themselves about Thailand on both popular and upcoming products and services in various destinations across the kingdom.”

Travel advisors, operators and trade partners can sign up for the ‘Thailand Specialist programme’ at https://tourismthailand.in/thailand-specialist-programme/

For the latest Thailand’s tourism information and some useful tips for visitors to the kingdom visit: www.tatnews.org.

(Your Stories: TAT)

More Michelin stars shine in Hong Kong

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 28 January 2022: The 14th edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau 2022 unveiled 71 starred restaurants in Hong Kong.

This year’s guide makes Hong Kong home to seven three-star restaurants, 12 two-star restaurants and 52 one-star restaurants, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board announcement.

Octavium and Yan Toh Heen were promoted to two stars. The nine newly one-starred restaurants are Belon, Chaat, Hansik Goo, I M Teppanyaki & Wine, Mono, Seventh Son, Sushi Wadatsumi, Whey and Yong Fu.

On the green and organic front, Roganic maintained its Michelin Green Star distinction, and two-star Amber earned a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy.

Hong Kong Tourism Board noted: “restaurants in Hong Kong have shown dedication and perseverance during the past years.”

(Source: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

Philippines cranks up ESL hub

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 28 January 2022: The Department of Tourism emphasised the importance of promoting the country as an ‘English as a Second Language’ (ESL), hub during the 2nd Hybrid Philippine Education Tourism Conference (PETC) hosted in Clark, Pampanga 26 to 27 January.

Led by the DOT through its Office of Product and Market Development, the two-day conference focused on expanding ESL services as a core product in the expanding educational tourism sector.

“Among the biggest challenges we face today is how to provide students with their learning requirements effectively. Because of the pandemic, teachers, students, and schools had to shift quickly to digital forms of instruction,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat stated at the opening of the conference on 26 January.

“Despite this difficult educational environment, we have to continue equipping our students with the necessary skills to succeed in an unpredictable world, which requires innovation and a strong support network. As such, the Department of Tourism will continue to conduct activities that will further the growth of the education tourism industry and assist our stakeholders.”

Before the pandemic, the Philippines was considered the world’s fifth-largest ESL provider, Puyat noted saying it was mainly due to successful ESL promotions dating back to 2013.

To enhance the country’s position, not only as an ESL hub but also as a multi-faceted education tourism destination, PETC showcases both local and foreign students short-term online and offline education tourism programmes that are being offered by institutions in the Philippines.

Invited experts addressed such topics as international mobility, the latest education requirements for foreign students, and best practices of neighbouring countries that local institutions can adopt to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.

Other major components of the PETC event included the virtual business-to-business and business-to-consumer networking activities on 28 January that provided opportunities for stakeholders and key players to forge new partnerships and exchange ideas on education trends.

The first PETC was first organised by the DOT in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu in July 2019. The event was attended by more than 350 participants from ESL schools, colleges, universities, associations, and government agencies.

(Source: DOT)

Lockdowns hit HKIA 2021 passenger traffic

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 28 January 2022: Passenger traffic remained at a significantly low level compared to pre-pandemic times due to the severe impacts of Covid-19 and travel restrictions according to 2021 air traffic figures released by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) earlier this week

While the cargo performance remained resilient, the Covid-19 pandemic decimated passenger traffic. In 2021 HKIA handled 1.4 million passengers and 144,815 flights, marking year-on-year declines of 84.7% and 9.9%, respectively.

In contrast, cargo throughput in the year rose by 12.5% year on year to 5.0 million tonnes, exceeding the 4.8 million tonnes recorded in 2019, the year before the outbreak of Covid-19. The number of cargo flights surged to a record 82,935, a year-on-year increase of 19.8%. Monthly cargo throughput also reached a new monthly high in November 2021.

HKIA handled 154,000 passengers and 14,515 flights during December 2021, increasing 70.0% and 14.7%, respectively, with outbound transfer passengers from Mainland China recording significant increases compared to the same month in 2020.

(Source: AAHK)

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