KUALA LUMPUR, 17 October 2024: AirAsia X resumes services to China’s famed Mountain City of Chongqing, launching four weekly flights on Wednesday.
Chongqing is famous for its appetising local cuisine, including the iconic fiery mala hotpot. It is also the world’s largest municipality, home to nearly 32 million residents.
The inaugural flight’s (D7808) send-off ceremony was attended by Dato Fam Lee Ee, Chairman of AirAsia X, and Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X. The flight departed from Kuala Lumpur at 1935 on Tuesday evening (15 October) with a load factor close to 90% and arrived at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport at 0045 early Wednesday.
The destination is becoming a top choice for solo adventurers and couples seeking short getaways offering a perfect blend of modern urban life and rich historical heritage.
The airline welcomed its first return flight from Chongqing to Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday morning, celebrating this significant milestone in partnership with Tourism Malaysia. Guests aboard flight D7809 enjoyed a warm welcome from Nor Hayati Zainuddin, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia and the AirAsia team.
Currently, AirAsia Group operates flights to 19 destinations in China, with more than 60 roundtrip routes.
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 October 2024: Malaysia Airlines will reinstate direct flights between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Kolkata (CCU) on 2 December 2024 to further expand its footprint in India.
The airline offers special introductory economy class fares starting from MYR1,499 (USD349) all-in return until 8 November 2024 for travel starting 2 December 2024 through its “Time for Kolkata” campaign.
Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines.
The airline will compete head-on with AirAsia, which is already well-established as the sole operator on the KUL-CCU route. It offers a daily departure using an A320. The average fare on the direct route is currently USD240 roundtrip economy. However, online travel agency data suggest the fare will increase to around USD325 and as high as USD418 in December.
MH flies to 10 Indian cities
This latest addition to the MH network will increase the airline’s direct connectivity to 10 Indian destinations: New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Amritsar, Trivandrum, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.
MH is scheduling five weekly flights using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the latest route. It follows the successful introduction of direct flights to Amritsar last month. With the recommencement of this flight and the increased flight frequencies from Amritsar, the airline now offers an impressive 76 weekly flights between India and Malaysia.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) Chief Executive Officer of Airlines Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “India is a key market for us, and by continually enhancing our network and increasing frequencies, we invite passengers to connect seamlessly to popular global hubs through our base in Kuala Lumpur, strengthening our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond.”
SINGAPORE, 17 October 2024: Updating details of its upcoming Rome-Bangkok flights, ITA Airways says it will extend direct flights between Rome Fiumicino and Bangkok beyond the winter timetable that closes on 27 March 2025 to offer a year-round service.
The airline commits to five weekly flights on the route starting 16 November 2024 through the end of the winter timetable. It will then reduce flights to three weekly for the duration of the summer timetable, which runs to the end of October 2025.
Photo credit: ITA Airlines.
The new ITA Airways will launch five weekly flights on the new route Rome-Bangkok starting 16 November 2024. The winter timetable runs from mid-November 2024 to 27 March 2025.
Flights from Rome Fiumicino will depart every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and from Bangkok every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. The airline will deploy an A330-900neo on the route configured with 281 seats in three classes: business, premium economy and economy. Fares start around USD1,100 return in economy.
Summer season switch
During the 2025 summer season, flights from Rome Fiumicino will be reduced to three weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, while departures from Bangkok will be scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Fares for the new Rome-Bangkok flights are available for purchase through all ITA Airways channels. Seat sales for the summer season will kick in on 30 March 2025.
Winter flight schedule
• Rome Fiumicino — Bangkok operates from 16 November, with departures on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 1515 (local time) and arrivals in Bangkok at 0740 (local time).
• Bangkok — Rome Fiumicino, operating from 17 November, departs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 1215 (local time) and arrives in Rome at 1900 (local time).
PENANG, 16 October 2024: Sarawak Tourism Board’s “Gateway to Borneo” campaign won the hearts of travel fans at the Sarawak Gateway to Borneo Fair, hosted at Queensbay Mall, Penang, from 10 to 13 October.
The event kicked off with a lively opening ceremony, officiated by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, who was represented by YB Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board.
Themed “Gateway to Borneo,” the fair offered diverse exhibitors showcasing authentic local crafts, foods, and beverages such as Batik Sarawak, Kek Lapis Sarawak, and Tuak Borneo. Visitors witnessed live demonstrations of traditional Sarawakian crafts, including batik making, basket weaving, and temporary tattoos. Sarawak travel packages promoted by Penang-based tour operators were on sale to travel consumers.
Daily live cultural performances featured the Sape and Nose Flute, which created enchanting music and dance performances from Sarawak’s indigenous communities, such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, and Melanau.
During the official opening, the crowd was treated to a special performance by Sada Borneo, the acclaimed Sarawakian band that gained international recognition on Asia’s Got Talent.
Reflecting on the event’s cultural significance, YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah added: “Sarawak is a place of discovery—where the ancient meets the modern, and where every experience is a celebration of our rich cultural heritage. Today, we are not here just to promote tourism but to build bridges between Sarawak and Penang, between our local businesses and new audiences, and between our communities and travellers seeking authentic, meaningful experiences.”
Sarawak Gateway to Borneo Fair is pivotal in boosting domestic tourism. It aligns with Sarawak’s ambitious target of achieving 2 million domestic visitors in 2024 as part of the overall 4 million projected visitors.
Sarawak is well on its way to achieving this goal, having recorded 3.3 million visitors by August. The fair is also a strategic platform for
fostering collaboration between local Sarawak businesses and Penang-based tour operators, promoting Sarawak as a premier travel destination and building valuable networks between travel agents and consumers.
PATTAYA, Thailand, 16 October 2024: The Royal Cliff Hotels Group celebrates its ongoing success in maintaining exceptional standards and leading the hospitality industry at the 33rd Annual TTG Travel Hall of Fame Awards 2024 Ceremony & Gala Dinner.
Since its induction into the TTG Travel Hall of Fame in 2006, Royal Cliff has remained among an elite group of top organisations in the region. The Royal Cliff team has earned over 290 awards from renowned global organisations.
Photo Caption: Ruchika Longani, Director of Sales at the Royal Cliff Hotels Group (centre), receives the TTG Travel Hall of Fame Award 2024 from Chen Hong, Major Shareholder and Chairman of TTG Asia Media Ltd (left), and Darren Tan, Managing Director of TTG Asia Media Ltd (right), during the recent 33rd Annual TTG Travel Awards 2024.
For over a decade, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group has consistently delivered its signature brand of Thai hospitality, gaining recognition from distinguished peers in the travel industry and guests worldwide. Standing out among a sea of luxury hotels is no small feat. Still, with its unrivalled services and continually enhanced facilities, Royal Cliff has set a benchmark for extraordinary guest experiences and elevated hospitality standards.
“Our commitment to enhancing our unique hospitality brand remains unwavering,” said Royal Cliff Hotels Group CEO Vitanart Vathanakul. “We will continue to strive for excellence, ensuring that every guest who visits us leaves enchanted, delighted, and fulfilled. Our dedication to delivering extraordinary experiences will only grow stronger as we seek new ways to elevate our services and exceed the expectations of our valued guests.”
Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four award-winning hotels charming travellers worldwide.
Royal Cliff’s curated promotions and packages deliver an exceptional holiday experience. Book directly with Royal Cliff to guarantee the best prices, but we also offer exclusive value-added extras to elevate your hotel stay.
To secure the premium experience you deserve, visit www.royalcliff.com, call our Reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext. 2732, or email [email protected].
MUMBAI, 16 October 2024: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel company and its group company, SOTC Travel, have launched Autumn Holidays to leverage strong and growing Indian consumer demand for nature and outdoor experiences.
The companies’ data reveals a notable trend towards low/off-season travel. In addition to vibrant fall colours, Thomas Cook & SOTC’s Autumn Holidays also serve to drive momentum with the added benefits of attractive off-season pricing and fewer crowds at destinations.
Kashmir
The pandemic has created a clear shift in demand for nature and outdoor experiences, and Autumn/Fall is now emerging as a viable holiday season for Indian consumers. Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel’s new portfolio of Autumn holidays intends to maximise this opportunity by offering enchanting journeys as leaves turn into fiery shades of gold, orange, and red.
Top Autumn Destinations
International: Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Georgia, USA, Canada. Domestic: Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, North-East, Kerala, Karnataka.
Against this picturesque backdrop, the companies’ Autumn Holidays offer fun-engaging experiences to appeal to multi-generational families, couples/groups of friends, Gen S, as well as Young India’s millennials and Gen Z. In addition to group escorted tours, Thomas Cook & SOTC offers personalised programs with hiking and e-biking along Alpine autumn trails – from Switzerland, Turkey, and Georgia to Japan and South Korea; also stargazing while glamping in unique geodesic eco-pods or a log cabin in Lapland. Adrenaline-fueled experiences include white-water rafting, wakeboarding or exploration on horseback/ segway. Unique gastronomy elements include gourmet walks, wild truffle strolls, and vineyard tours with accommodation as varied as a chateau, palace or villa in France, Spain, Portugal, Georgia and Italy. Wellness options range from Finland’s famed saunas, South Korea’s Jjimjilbang/thermal bathhouses, Japan’s onsens, and a mud bath in Azerbaijan.
Closer to home, India’s own autumn gems include nature walks/treks amidst the vibrant chinars in Kashmir or a kaleidoscope of colours in Himachal and Uttarakhand, picturesque terrace tea/coffee gardens and stays in plantation bungalows in Darjeeling or Wayanad, to white water rafting in Coorg/Rishikesh and jungle safaris in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
Thomas Cook (India) Limited President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa Rajeev Kale said: “With changing consumer behaviour patterns, our data reflects growing appetite for travel during non-traditional peaks. Autumn has emerged as an attractive option, offering spectacular vistas with leaves changing to orange, rust and burgundy. This formed the genesis of the launch of our Autumn Holidays. With cooler climes, less crowded locales and off-season pricing, we aim to fuel Indian demand and extend the traditional peak summer season.
“Autumn is one of the best seasons to explore India, be it the Himalayan regions or hillscapes of the South, indulging in spa wellness or setting off on an exciting safari.
“Europe, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, and Canada are top outbound favourites, with short-haul destinations such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan emerging due to easy access and visas.”
SOTC Travel Limited President and Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours SD Nandakumar said: “With a legacy of 75 years of being an Indian-entrepreneurial brand, SOTC believes that ‘no one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC’. We intend to build on the emerging demand for outdoor experiences, and we have crafted engaging and memorable Autumnal getaways to catalyse this growing trend. In addition to group tours, our holiday experts co-curate exceptional Autumn itineraries based on each customer’s unique preferences.
“What is particularly interesting is the growing interest we’re seeing from India’s Tier 2 and 3 markets, highlighting a broader shift towards outdoor and seasonal travel across the country.”
SINGAPORE, 16 October 2024: UK travellers top Agoda’s bookings chart for the MotoGP, which will be held in Buriram, Northeast Thailand, from 25 to 27 October 2024.
The digital travel platform Agoda reported this week that the UK is the top source market based on accommodation searches for Buriram Thailand during the Thailand MotoGP, which is due to be hosted at the Chang International Circuit.
Photo: https://motorsportguides.com
Australia followed in second place with Netherlands #3, Singapore #4 and Switzerland #5. The variety of international accommodation searches underscores the global appeal of the Buriram event.
The data was based accommodation searches made in the first month following the ticket release, highlights a 45% year-over-year increase in searches for Buriram during the event period.
Agoda Senior Vice President, Supply Andrew Smith said: “It is great to see a lesser-known city like Buriram take the spotlight, which isn’t an easy feat in a world-class tourism market with destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. It once again showcases the power of event travel, and I do not doubt that all race enthusiasts will enjoy everything Buriram has to offer.”
Thailand is one of four Asian stops for the MotoGP and exhilarating world-class motorcycle racing series. Other races take place in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan. The popularity of the Buriram race is set to increase even further next year, with recent reports suggesting that the high-octane race season will kick off its 2025 season on Thailand’s most prominent racetrack on 2 March.
MotoGP has confirmed that Thailand will take over Qatar’s spot to host the opening round of the 2025 season on 2 March. Usually scheduled at the latter end of the campaign in October, along with the bulk of races in Asia and Oceania, Buriram is now the opener for the Motocycle World Series in 2025.
(SOURCE: Agoda)
The ranking is based on accommodation searches made on Agoda’s platform one month from the ticket release date (18 June to 18 July 2024) for check-ins from 24 to 27 October 2024.
SINGAPORE, 16 October 2024: Despite the current economic backdrop, Singapore travellers are continuing to prioritise travel and travel expenditure according to the latest Skyscanner Travel Trends findings for 2025.
Part of the findings focuses on identifying the top 10 cheapest places to fly in 2025 as Singaporeans plan their holidays and travel budgets.
Photo credit: Skyscanner. Topping the list is Okinawa, Japan.
Skyscanner’s booking data and trends suggest airfare drops are making travel more accessible than ever.
“We’re likely seeing cheaper fares for these destinations due to a combination of a couple of factors: the launching of new routes opening up these destinations for the first time and a higher frequency of low-cost carrier flights.”
These 10 destinations have seen the biggest airfare price drop from Singapore over the past year*. Two surprises are Birmingham, not the first city to come to mind as a tourist destination, and Nice, France, considered outrageously expensive.
1 Okinawa
Topping the list is Okinawa, Japan, offering serene beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage. Its unique blend of Japanese and indigenous culture and beautiful coral reefs make it a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.
2 Shenzhen
Shenzhen, China, comes in second with a 37% price drop. Shenzhen is appealing for tech enthusiasts and modern travellers, as it offers a glimpse into China’s rapid modernisation and dynamic urban life.
3 Vienna
Vienna**, Austria, boasts grand architecture and historic coffeehouses and is home to famous music composers such as Mozart and Beethoven.
4 Birmingham
Birmingham**, UK, has a diverse cultural scene and lively arts districts. The city’s rich industrial history is complemented by its modern shopping malls and thriving culinary scene.
5 Nice
With its stunning coastline, vibrant markets, and art museums, Nice** offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural enrichment on the French Riviera.
6 Maldives
A 20% price drop makes Malé, the capital of the Maldives, a prime destination for reset and recharge and honeymoons. Surrounded by turquoise waters and stunning coral reefs, it’s ideal for scuba diving, snorkelling, and indulging in luxurious resorts.
7 Wellington
Wellington**, New Zealand, offers a vibrant arts scene and stunning natural landscapes at great value. The city’s coastal location and rich cultural life, including film and theatre.
8 Hangzhou
Hangzhou, China, offers more than its famous West Lake. Visitors can explore traditional tea plantations and ancient temples, adding to its unique cultural appeal.
9 Hobart
Hobart** in Tasmania, Australia, is one of the best locations to view the Southern Lights. It is a charming destination close to stunning natural landscapes like Mount Wellington and the Tasmanian wilderness.
10 Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada, is an ideal destination with beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and ocean views, a vibrant cultural scene, and a wide range of outdoor activities. With new direct flights from Singapore to Vancouver, travelling to the other side of the world has never been easier.
*Based on a % price drop for economy class return flights booked between 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2024 for travel throughout 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
**One stopover. No direct flights are available.
Singaporeans are avid travellers
Statista indicates that Singaporeans are impressive travellers, racking up a substantial average of 3.51 trips per person in 2017. In 2023, Singaporean residents made about 7.87 million outbound departures by air. By comparison, there were around 1.52 million outbound departures by sea (mainly ferries to Indonesia) in that same year.
Number of outbound departures Singaporean residents 2014-2023 by mode of transport. (Credit: Statista)
For peace of mind and extra comfort, Singaporean travellers are most likely to spend money on:
Singapore is expected to see a significant rebound in outbound travel in 2025. The country’s strong economic performance and a growing appetite for international experiences drive this positive outlook.
2025:Positive indicators
Increased Travel Spending: Singapore households are projected to double their overseas travel spending by 2025, placing the country among the top 10 global spenders.
Popular Destinations: Asia Pacific destinations, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are likely to remain popular choices due to their proximity and diverse offerings.
Growing Demand for Luxury Travel: Singaporeans increasingly seek premium experiences like luxury resorts and customised itineraries.
Digital Transformation: Technology will become increasingly important in travel planning, including online booking platforms and mobile apps.
BANGKOK, 16 October 2024: Tripseed has achieved recognition as a member of the Social Enterprise Thailand Association (SE Thailand), reinforcing its commitment to driving social change within Thailand’s tourism industry.
By joining SE Thailand, Tripseed becomes part of an influential network dedicated to promoting ethical, responsible, and inclusive business practices nationwide.
Tripseed’s membership aligns with its ongoing mission to address deep-rooted challenges in the tourism sector, including economic leakage, gender inequality, and inclusivity. As a Destination Management Company (DMC) focused on creating sustainable travel experiences, Tripseed is honoured to stand alongside other social-purpose businesses working to make a meaningful impact on local communities.
Shared mission for a fairer tourism industry
Tripseed’s inclusion in SE Thailand reflects its long-standing efforts to reshape Thailand’s tourism landscape, particularly by addressing issues such as the foreign-dominated DMC sector and unequal opportunities for local businesses. The company’s initiatives aim to ensure that tourism revenue benefits local individuals, businesses, and communities and stays within Thailand’s economy, fostering a more economically inclusive marketplace.
With the addition of Tripseed, the Social Enterprise Thailand network is now comprised of around 100 social purpose businesses nationwide.
Tripseed joins other travel companies, such as Local Alike, SiamRise, and FindFolk, as one of six members committed to driving the industry forward and prioritising purpose ahead of profit.
“This membership represents a significant milestone for us,” said Tripseed Director of Growth Ewan Cluckie. “Joining SE Thailand not only validates the work we’ve been doing but also connects us with a broader community of social entrepreneurs committed to transforming their industries. Together, we’re creating a path for a more sustainable and equitable tourism sector.”
Collaboration for sustainable tourism
Tripseed’s focus on social-purpose tourism offers not just a blueprint but a long-missing alternative for overseas travel agents and tour operators looking to create lasting and honest positive impacts in their destinations. By working with Tripseed, travel professionals can help reduce harmful practices like economic leakage and genuinely support the livelihoods of local communities.
“Overseas travel agents and tour operators have a critical role to play in responsible tourism,” Cluckie added. “By partnering with social-purpose businesses like Tripseed, they can ensure that tourism dollars stay within the local economy and help to address social inequities.”
Social Enterprise Thailand (SE Thailand) General Manager Nattakorn Asunee Na Ayudhaya welcomed Tripseed’s membership: “We are thrilled to welcome Tripseed as part of the SE Thailand network. Their dedication to addressing critical issues such as economic inequality and social inclusion aligns perfectly with our mission. We look forward to collaborating with Tripseed to explore innovative ways to create lasting, positive impacts in Thailand’s tourism sector.”
About Tripseed Tripseed is a majority locally owned and women-owned Destination Management Company based in Thailand. With an award-winning approach to sustainable tourism, Tripseed collaborates with the international travel trade to deliver immersive, culturally rich tours.
About Social Enterprise Thailand Founded in 2019, the Social Enterprise Thailand Association (SE Thailand) supports and connects social enterprises nationwide, fostering business growth while addressing social and environmental challenges. SE Thailand plays a crucial role in developing a thriving ecosystem for social enterprises, encouraging innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing to drive scalable social impact. For more information visit https://www.sethailand.org
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 October 2024: The Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) calls for an efficient tourism allocation in the upcoming budget 2025 to revitalise the country’s tourism sector.
It is more than “pumping money” into the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia; it advocates for a tailored approach that ensures adequate funding and incentives are effectively channelled to private stakeholders and address the industry’s pressing challenges.
MTF President Datuk Tan Kok Liang
“Funding needs to be segmentalised accurately and channelled expeditiously into tourism infrastructure and facilities, products, incentivising key stakeholders, support private sector-initiated events and upskilling the tourism workforce”, says MTF President Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
“In addition, the perennial challenges of the industry need to be tackled by the Malaysia MADANI government once and for all, which includes overhauling the outdated tourism legislation and regulations, resolving entertainment tax issues, mitigating hikes in operating costs, especially manpower and utilities, upgrading of tourism vehicles and encourage domestic travel via tax reliefs.”
Given the industry’s competitiveness regionally and globally, a robust tax incentive framework is needed to stimulate tourism development.
Tan explained that the Federation cautions that a “one size fits all” tax policy approach may not be suitable compared to a targeted approach under the current evolving circumstances.
“For example, some locations in Malaysia need a category four to five-star hotel with international branding to attract high-end tourists and provide a better tourist experience. However, it is perplexing that tax incentives are only given to category one to three-star hotels. This doesn’t make sense, as Malaysia is still far behind other tourism destinations.”
MTF urges policymakers not to brush aside the proposals of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and the Malaysian Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA).
Hotel associations have long advocated for investment incentives to promote sustainable development in the hospitality sector. While the government, through the National Tourism Policy, has set a clear goal of achieving a sustainable tourism industry by 2030, there still needs to be strong incentives to propel industry players toward this transition.
“We hope the upcoming budget will finally prioritise and allocate funding to support this crucial initiative,” the MTF president stated.
The traditional and currently available tax incentives for the past years up to budget 2024 need to be revisited, which includes pioneer status eligibility for up to three-star category of hotels and convention centres, Income tax exemption for organising specific conference and sports events, investment tax allowance on building extension or modernisation, double deduction for overseas promotion expenses, tax exemption for motor races, chartering of luxury yacht and special tax rates for film production. These incentives ought to be reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and practical to reflect the current business environment, failing which, they need to be updated or repealed in budget 2025.
Broader and more inclusive tax incentives should be offered in budget 2025 to accelerate tourism development for significant subsectors of the tourism industry.
The MTF president pointed to a glaring exclusion: the tax incentive for tour operators organising domestic or international tourists in Malaysia, which was withdrawn in the year of tax assessment 2023. MTF urges the Ministry of Finance to reintroduce this incentive to support domestic travel, and tax savings may be utilised for marketing activities.
“To position Malaysia as a premier destination and increasing international arrivals have its complexities due to changing behavioural and travelling patterns and higher tourist expectations. It requires support and understanding from interlocking government agencies, more conducive policies and aggressive private sector-driven initiatives backed by the government.
“We hope the budget allocation shall be monitored by the Ministry of Finance in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026) with a strong emphasis on infrastructure and facilities improvement, product development, enhancing and diversifying destination marketing, improving rural tourism infrastructure, expanding digitalisation and human resource development to drive tourism growth,” concluded Tan.