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Scoot reopens flights to the Gold Coast

By
TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 January 2022: Quarantine-free international travel between Singapore and Queensland, Australia, for vaccinated passengers will resume in February following an announcement late last week,

Scoot will resume three weekly flights between Singapore and Gold Coast starting 14 February and to mark the return of flights, Scoot is promoting lead-in fares starting from AUD248/SGD 239.

Other Vaccinated Travel Lanes from Singapore will reopen in February with announcements due any time now.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Scoot continued to operate flights in and out of Australia, allowing key trade channels to remain open and connected, thus supporting essential travel.

The reinstatement of flights between Singapore and the Gold Coast allows Scoot to better support business and leisure travels needs. Besides Gold Coast, Scoot also operates services to three other Australian cities – Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, within our larger network of 70 destinations.

Scoot chief executive officer Campbell Wilson said: “Scoot is delighted to be the first airline to resume international flights to and from the Gold Coast, which will allow us to better support pent up demand for a myriad of business and leisure travel needs. Having flown more than 65 million customers with over close to a decade of flights, Australia remains a much-loved travel destination. Scoot served close to 130,000 travellers between Singapore and Gold Coast alone in 2019, just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. With our current network of 70 destinations, Scoot is looking forward to providing customers with opportunities to once again reignite their wanderlust, reunite with loved ones, and reconnect with concordant business counterparts.”

Queensland Airports Limited CEO, Chris Mills, welcomed news of Scoot returning to the Gold Coast next month. “We can’t wait to see Scoot again and welcome visitors from Singapore back to the Gold Coast,” he said. “It is fantastic to have a date for Scoot recommencing services, so soon after the Queensland border was reopened to international travellers. Many locals will be keen to book their trip, whether it’s to catch up with family and friends or experience everything Singapore has to offer. And the Gold Coast will be a very attractive destination for international visitors.”

Travellers who are eligible for air travel to and from specific destinations in Australia may book the following Scoot flights:

  • Singapore to Gold Coast: TR6 (Effective 14 February 2022)
  • Singapore to Melbourne: TR18
  • Singapore to Perth: TR8*, TR16*
  • Singapore to Sydney: TR12
  • Gold Coast to Singapore – TR7** (Effective 15 February 2022)
  • Melbourne to Singapore – TR19#
  • Perth to Singapore – TR9#, TR17# (VTL effective 5 February 2022)
  • Sydney to Singapore – TR13#

#Vaccinated Travel Lane flight

Additional information
All fares stated are inclusive of taxes

*Customers must meet all required criteria before booking a flight either to or from Australia. Entry requirements and eligibility may vary between States and Territories. Please refer here for more information on entry requirements to Queensland.

**Additional eligibility criteria and quarantine measures may apply. Customers are advised to check entry requirements here prior to planning their travels.

Thailand brings back Test & Go

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 21 January 2022: Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approved the return of the Test & Go entry scheme and the reopening of Pattaya and Ko Chang Sandbox schemes starting 0900, 1 February 2022, Thailand time, the Tourism Authority of Thailand confirmed Thursday.

CCSA suspended Test & Go a month ago after only seven weeks in response to the global spread of the Omicron variant.

Visitors must test on arrival and again five days later and have their whereabouts tracked, according to CCSA spokesperson Taweesin Wisanuyothin.

Fully vaccinated travellers from all countries can apply for a Test & Go Thailand Pass up to 60 days in advance.

All existing rules under the scheme remain unchanged, but the CCSA approved additional requirements to ensure stringent Covid-19 precautions.

Reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s newsroom the additional requirements require applicants to submit proof of prepayment for two separate nights accommodation at government-approved hotels, such as SHA Extra Plus (SHA++), AQ, OQ, or AHQ on Day 1 and Day 5. They must undergo RT-PCR tests on Day 1 and Day 5. The prepayment for Day 1 must include accommodation, a test and a prearranged transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Travellers can book two different hotels for the accommodation on Day 1 and Day 5. However, on both Day 1 and Day 5, they must stay within the room awaiting the RT-PCR test result.

Also, from 1 February 2022, the CCSA approved the reopening of Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Sattahip (only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray) and Ko Chang in Trat as Sandbox destinations.

The Sandbox Extension programme will also be introduced between Phuket, Phang-Nga, Krabi, and Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao), where Sandbox travellers can travel within these destinations during the first seven days in Thailand and can change accommodation three times.    

It means fully vaccinated travellers from overseas who are planning to travel to Thailand under the Sandbox programme can choose to spend their first seven days in either Krabi, Phang-Na, Phuket, Surat Thani (Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, and Ko Tao), Chon Buri (Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Si Racha, Si Chang, and Sattahip – only Na Jomtien and Bang Saray), and Trat (Ko Chang).

In addition, Thailand has extended opening hours for restaurants that are allowed to serve alcohol to 2300 (previous closing time 2100). However, bars and nightclubs will remain closed.

For more information on entry into Thailand schemes, please visit: https://www.tatnews.org/thailand-reopening/

(Source: TAT)

Leopard promotes Year of the Tiger

By
TTR WEEKLY
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SARAWAK, 21 JANUARY 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board is ready to usher in the Year of the Tiger by featuring the tiger’s smaller relative, the Bornean clouded leopard, which is endemic to Borneo in its 2022 ‘Ang Pao’ packets design this year.

Locally known as ‘Entulu’ and boasting the longest canine teeth in the cat family (which includes lions, tigers and leopards), it is the largest land predator in Borneo, measuring over 2 metres in length and can weigh up to 25kg. It has been spotted in Santubong National Park and also some parts of northern Sarawak.

Sarawak Tourism Board deputy chief officer (MarComm, Research and Product & Corporate Relations) Suriya Charles Buas said: “Roaring into 2022, we want to take this opportunity to highlight the rare and elusive Bornean clouded leopard which is endemic to Borneo.

“Sarawak is a destination that has always emphasised on its nature and adventure offerings, even more so now through our Responsible Tourism initiatives. Therefore, it is important that we are aware of the rare species around us and of our impact, especially when it comes to responsible consumption. Let us work closely together to protect it and its entire ecosystem from extinction”, he added.

The ‘Ang Pao’ packets are available at STB’s visitor information centres in Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

For more information about Sarawak, log on to Sarawak Tourism Board’s website: https://sarawaktourism.com.

Sandbox special from Outrigger Surin

By
TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 21 January 2022: The recently opened Outrigger Surin Beach Resort in Phuket is offering  ‘sandbox’ specials following changes effective on 11 January.

Phuket is one of four – Phuket, Samui, Krabi and Phangnga – locations in Thailand where vaccinated guests can arrive and spend seven days at leisure exploring a beach destination under the Thai Government’s ‘sandbox’ promotion.

After seven days and two negative tests, guests can travel to other places in the country.

To support the sandbox initiative, the newly opened 60-key Outrigger Surin Beach Resort offers super saver rates from THB3400 (USD103) per night for a Surin Studio Room valid until 17 April 2022.

The rate includes breakfast for two, return airport transfers, THB1500 (USD45) food and beverage credit per stay, 20% off laundry, and flexible check-in/out. A minimum seven-night stay is required.

Outrigger Surin Beach Resort is 30 minutes from Phuket airport.

Outrigger will also open the Outrigger Khao Lak Beach Resort in Thailand in early February 2022 and Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort in March.

Check full sandbox conditions here.

Best Western rolls out Welcome 2022 sale

By
TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 21 January  2022: Best Western Hotels & Resorts offers discounts of up to 40% at its hotels and resorts in destinations across Asia.

Under the “Welcome 2022 Sale”, guests who book directly with Best Western from now until 15 February 2022, for stays taken any time through 30 June 2022, will get a 30% discount on the hotel’s Best Rate. An additional 10% discount for members of Best Western Rewards, the group’s loyalty programme.

Hotels on offer

Thailand:
Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel, Bangkok.
Vīb Best Western Sanam Pao, Bangkok.
Best Western Royal Buriram Hotel, northeast Thailand.
Best Western Premier Bayphere, Pattaya.

Indonesia:
Best Western Kuta Villa Bali.
Best Western Plus Makassar Beach, Sulawesi.
Best Western Premier Agung Resort, Ubud, Bali.

Across Asia:
Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort, Panglao, the Philippines.
Best Western Premier Sapphire Halong, Halong Bay, Vietnam.
Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection, Kyoto, Japan.

The Welcome 2022 Sale is available to book from now until 15 February 2022, for stays until 30 June 2022. Offer requires full prepayment at the time of booking.

ASEAN tourism officially reopens

By
Don Ross
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SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, 21 January 2022: ASEAN’s tourism ministers officially announced the reopening of ASEAN tourism at the close of their meetings held in this coastal resort town earlier this week.

Representing the tourism industries of the 10-country community, the ministers launched their vision for economic restoration after more than two years battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

While acknowledging the fight to rein in Covid-19 is far from over, they outlined a shared strategy to drive recovery in the region’s tourism industry.

Reopening tourism celebration at the ATF 2022.

Reopening standouts

The ministers highlighted the need to urgently launch domestic tourism in each of the 10* countries and ease border restrictions to encourage intra-regional tourism within ASEAN.

They endorsed proposals to establish dedicated ASEAN travel gates at border checkpoints and create digital vaccination cards in a single format recognised by all the 10 countries.

But they cautioned that extending the Covid-19 vaccine campaigns remained the crucial component to achieve progress and ensure a safe reopening of tourism within ASEAN.

ASEAN travellers can expect core public health rules such as face mask-wearing, social distancing and the work at home initiatives to remain to limit the impacts of new variants. The ministers stressed that we are moving to a new normal that should enable us to live with Covid-19 as it pivots from pandemic to endemic possible by this year’s second quarter.

In their statement, the ASEAN tourism ministers encouraged the tourism industry to ensure services are compliant with all ASEAN hygiene and safety guidelines.

 Cambodia’s  Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, also announced the adoption of the New ASEAN Tourism Logo and ASEAN Safe Travel Stamp “Safe and Warm” as part of the plans to support tourism recovery.

During ATF 2022, 19 cities won the  2nd ASEAN Clean Tourist City Awards, including three cities in Cambodia, during an award ceremony at the Sokha Beach Hotel, Sihanoukville.

Award winners.

* Brunei: Tutong city.
* Cambodia: Battambang, Sihanoukville and Siem Reap.
* Laos: Luang Prabang, Pakse and Viengxay.
* Malaysia: George Town, Langkawi and Muar.
* Myanmar: Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw  and Myeik.
*Thailand: Khon Kaen, Pattaya and Ko Mak.
* Vietnam: Halong, Dalat  and Vung Tau.

Commenting on the awards,  Minister of Tourism Thong Khon said they would “strengthen the attraction and competitiveness of ASEAN tourism cities as well as the quality of products and tourism services across the region.”

*ASEAN members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Sok Lu, Governor of Battambang, Kouch Chamroeun, Governor of Preah Sihanouk and Tia Seyha, Governor of Siem Reap, received the clean city awards from Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia.

Destination Mekong starts a new life

By
Don Ross
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SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, 21 January  2022: Destination Mekong, the private sector’s marketing organisation promoting the Mekong Region, is preparing a membership drive once it appoints its first board in February, according to chief marketing officer Gerrit Kruger.

Established to spearhead marketing campaigns identified in the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office’s framework and strategy, Destination Mekong aims to have more financial clout to see the projects through based on private sector contributions and sponsorship.

Kruger said a major membership drive would get underway soon to raise finances and sponsorship to fund numerous projects that have been launched under the “Mekong Collection and Mekong Experiences” branding plus events such as the Mekong Destination Summit. It established a cluster of projects that fit the MTCO’s long-term objectives.

Destination Mekong has now established a base in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in offices provided by the country’s Ministry of Tourism. Its newly appointed chief executive officer, Catherine Germier Hamel, attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum this week, her first official assignment since she joined the marketing organisation in November 2021.

“Destination Mekong is now fully incorporated, and during the month after ATF, we will launch the membership and partnership drive, which will allow us to provide full support and benefits to the industry in its recovery efforts., ” she explained. “As a regional tourism board, owned and operated by the private sector and aligned with the policy frameworks of the six governments*, Destination Mekong is now an attractive, informative, and engaging solution to many of our (dialogue partners) in the region. “

Claiming the ATF 2022 demonstrated positive energy and a strong willingness to move forward, she said, “participants seemed to be full of hope and determination, and Cambodia is leading the way towards the recovery to restart of tourism in the region.”

She believes Destination Mekong can now have a life on its own (a reference to its close connection to the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office), championing the Greater Mekong Subregion as a “leading sustainable tourism destination and creating value for all”.

Meanwhile, MTCO faced a crisis this week when its website shut down. Reliable sources claimed a financial glitch caused it to go offline. MTCO is hosted by Thailand’s  Department of Tourism, providing offices and administering MTCO financials, including payments and audit support. The six-member countries contribute an annual grant to keep MTCO functioning.

*The six GMS countries: Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

PG introduces sealed sandbox flights

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 21 January 2022: Bangkok Airways will operate two special sealed-route flights daily from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Phuket, starting 1 February to support the Phuket Sandbox.  

The special sealed-route flights from Bangkok to Phuket will use an ATR72-600 aircraft. The first outbound flight, PG5275 will depart from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) at 1200 and arrive at Phuket International Airport at 1405. The second outbound flight, PG5279 departs from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport) at 1710 and arrives at Phuket International Airport at 1915.

Passengers travelling on these special flights are required to follow guidelines issued by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) which requires that each passenger must possess the complete set of the relevant documents.

Certificate of Entry (COE).
A medical certificate with a laboratory negative result (RT-PCR issued no more than 72 hours before travelling).
Vaccine certificate.
Travel health insurance (worldwide or including Thailand) covering health care and treatment expenses for Covid-19 disease (or any other guarantee valid throughout their stay in the Kingdom) with a cover of no less than USD50,000.

Additionally, all passengers must undergo two Covid-19 tests (RT-PCR) during their seven-day stay in the Phuket Sandbox.  

TG welcomes Priority Pass members

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 21 January 2022: Thai Airways International welcomes Priority Pass members to three domestic lounges in Thailand

Priority Pass members travelling on any airline can visit THAI’s lounges in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket to relax or work in comfort before departing to their destination.

All three domestic lounges offer authentic Thai food and hospitality and deliver the airline 4C experience – confidence, cleanliness, care and comfort.

By using their Priority Pass app on their iOS and Android devices, members can locate the lounges, check their visit entitlement instantly and use their card or digital membership ID to gain access.

Priority Pass is a programme owned by Collinson Group that provides members with access to 1,300 airport lounges worldwide for economy class and premium economy class ticket holders.

Reality check on ASEAN tourism losses

By
Don Ross
-

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, 21 January 2022: ASEAN tourism ministers face a reality check as the latest data on the region’s tourist arrivals shows a massive drop of 211.33% since 2020 caused by Covid-19 lockdowns.

ASEAN’s Tourism Ministers, who attended in-person or virtually during their meetings earlier this week, said the massive 211. 33% decline caused the loss of millions of jobs and business closures due to stringent travel restrictions across the ASEAN 10-country region.

Despite their optimistic reopening tourism declaration announced at the opening celebrations at ATF in Sihanoukville, strict travel restrictions continue to hold back tourism recovery, particularly in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. Thailand is considering this week a proposal to resume its Test & Go scheme after public health authorities suspended it following the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant in mid-November. It immediately stalled recovery and impacted regional travel to other ASEAN destinations.

Countries that counted tourists by the million have faced two years when tourist arrivals shank to just a few thousand. Thailand saw visits fall from close to 40 million in 2019 to around 200,000 at the close of 2021. It looks forward to welcoming 5 million tourists this year, or if Chinese tourists return possibly 8 million.

Tourism ministers count on travel resuming from China, Japan and Korea over the next six months to kick-start recovery. Still, there are no immediate signs that China will reopen the door for outbound travel any time soon. Tourism experts warn that despite what tourism ministers declare, recovery to anything like pre-pandemic arrival levels is unlikely until 2024 or beyond.

In the meantime, ASEAN’s tourism ministers focus on restoring and strengthening objectives to nudge recovery. They need to restore the ASEAN tourism sector to get jobs back and support the reopening of tourism businesses. It will take massive financial bailout schemes that have been few and far between over the last two years of the pandemic. Beyond that, strengthening cooperation to adopt a more sustainable, responsible, and resilient tourism model remains challenging.

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