BANGKOK, 11 October 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces an exciting opportunity for CentaraThe1 members to win a stay at Centara Grand Osaka, including roundtrip flights and many other incredible prizes, through the Top Redeemer Challenge running from today to 31st December 2024.
During this period, members can increase their chances of winning by redeeming CentaraThe1 points for hotel stays, dining, spa experiences and more. The grand prize awaiting the member with the highest point redemption at the end of the challenge is a spectacular three-night stay at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, complete with two round-trip flights to Osaka courtesy of Thai Airways.
Other enticing prizes for the top 20 overall redeemers include a two-night stay at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket with flights included, a two-night stay at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, drinks and dining vouchers, and more. In addition to these grand prizes, rewards will be given to top redeemers at the end of each month throughout the challenge period.
DUBAI, UAE, 11 October 2024: As part of its ‘Fly Better’ promise, Emirates has showcased a suite of new services and innovative products for People of Determination at the 6th edition of AccessAbilities Expo in Dubai World Trade Centre on Wednesday.
The largest exhibition for people with disabilities in the Middle East was officially opened by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group and patron of the AccessAbilities Expo.
At the event, Emirates unveiled new products and creative innovations, such as a virtual reality airport tour, a sign language robot, a new protective transportation device for wheelchairs, an app that provides accessible video support to the visually impaired, sensory guides to the airport for neurodivergent customers, and a chauffeur-driven vehicle fitted with an electric wheelchair lift.
AccessAbilities Expo Dubai provided an ideal platform to showcase Emirates’ many innovations and services in long-term development and for teams to connect directly with the Accessible Travel community in the region.
New Emirates accessibility services showcased at AccessAbilities Expo 2024
Emirates joins Be My Eyes app
Emirates will soon be integrated into the Be My Eyes app for the blind and low-vision community, making it the first airline worldwide to launch the service. The Be My Eyes app provides accessible video support for customers, creating empathetic experiences for customers with disabilities. Customers can download the Be My Eyes app for free on their smartphones. The Emirates agent can then direct the customer on where to walk or what to do next. The Be My Eyes app has grown in popularity and is supported by 8 million volunteers who become the eyes for the blind and low-vision community.
Sensory Guide for Neurodivergent travellers
As part of many initiatives implemented for neurodivergent customers, Emirates has launched a new sensory guide in the form of an infographic for Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport (DXB). The Emirates Sensory Guide will be available on the Accessible Travel page on Emirates.com.
Accessible Chauffeur Drive Service
At the expo, Emirates introduced attendees to the first Emirates-branded wheelchair-accessible vehicle. The Chauffeur Drive vehicle is a Mercedes V250 Van featuring an electric wheelchair lift and ramp. The lift is a powered device designed to extend and lower onto ground level to safely raise a wheelchair and its occupant into the vehicle seamlessly. Once inside, the additional safety restraints secure the customer, who may have severe mobility disabilities. Emirates’ chauffeur drivers are currently being trained in mobility assistance and lifting to support customers with disabilities. Currently, the wheelchair-accessible vehicle is used by First and Business Class customers who are availing of chauffeur-drive services based in Dubai, with plans to extend its availability.
Accessibility innovations in development showcased at AccessAbilities Expo 2024
At Emirates’ own in-house Innovation Lab, teams of experts are dedicated to developing innovative solutions to issues, including Accessibility. The team has come up with several prototypes that could benefit Emirates customers with accessibility requirements. The prototypes below were showcased at AccessAbilities Expo 2024.
Emirates’ Sign Language Robot
The sign language robot has been developed to provide information and guidance services for customers who are deaf or hearing impaired. Initial trials include training the robot to understand specific sign language phrases and gestures to respond with travel information like flight status wayfinding in airports – easing travel anxiety for customers with disabilities. The robot has a screen that can showcase maps and directions, and even an AI Emirati guide that signs back to the customer. Once fully developed, the aim is to extend the technology across different digital channels.
Virtual Reality Tour
The virtual reality tour is a digital travel rehearsal for customers with accessibility requirements, whereby a virtual reality headset allows the customer to explore and practice the journey through Emirates Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport (DXB) from any location. The virtual reality route highlights all the areas where inclusive services are applicable, including the helpdesk offering the Sunflower Lanyard for hidden disabilities, the priority lanes for customers in the Immigration and Customs areas, the accessible biometrics boarding gates and more. In the future, the virtual reality tour has the potential to be integrated into Emirates.com, whereby customers all around the world can access it in advance of their travel.
Wheelchair Cube
The new Emirates wheelchair cube concept seeks to provide a solution to the safe and secure transport of mobility aids and equipment. The cube solution keeps wheelchairs intact during transport and handling and can be securely restrained inside the aircraft for extra protection. The design recognises the critical importance of providing peace of mind for customers for whom a wheelchair is an extension of their physical body, is essential to their quality of life, and has often been modified and personalised to its owner at considerable expense.
Current Emirates accessibility services showcased at AccessAbilities Expo 2024
In-seat accessibility tools
At the Expo, Emirates showcased a row of Premium Economy seats to show attendees the inflight accessibility tools that can make flying more comfortable, including noise-cancellation headphones, which can benefit neurodiverse customers, the onboard wheelchair that is used once a customer’s own wheelchair has been stored and secured, the scala combi which help customers with reduced mobility ascend and descend stairs, the easyglide and belt which help customers with mobility issues slide from the cabin wheelchair into their seat comfortably, and seat belt extensions when they may be required.
Accessible inflight entertainment
Over 20 years ago, Emirates was the first airline to use Closed Captions(CC) to assist the hearing impaired on its inflight entertainment, later also adding the Audio Description (AD) feature.
Services and solutions for travellers with autism
For travellers with cognitive disabilities and sensory conditions, Emirates has been working hard on a series of initiatives, including Certified Autism Centre Designations for all four of its Dubai Check In facilities – Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check-In – Port Rashid, Emirates Cruise Check In – Dubai Harbour and Emirates City Check-In Ajman, in addition to Emirates’ dedicated passenger hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). This achievement builds on the recent recognition of Dubai International Airport as the first international airport to earn the designation from IBCCES and aligns with the Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) vision of becoming the first Certified Autism Destination (CAD) in the Eastern hemisphere. Multiple services are available to customers identifying as neurodiverse to support their travel journey, from pre-travel guides to priority routes through the airport.
Video showcasing digital accessibility of the Emirates platform
At the AccessAbilities Expo 2024, Emirates showcased the digital accessibility of Emirates.com via a dedicated video. The Emirates website has applied the highest standard of web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) for the last 10 years and supports screen reader technologies. The Emirates digital team works with external consultants for regular independent audits to test the website’s accessibility. Emirates.com also features a 3D viewing tool and seat map, which can allow neurodiverse customers to explore their seats and the aircraft in advance.
Training for cabin crew and ground staff
More than 29,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff globally have completed the Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities training. The online course was first launched in 2022 and covers a range of topics, including recognising autism, practical tips on how to assist passengers with hidden disabilities, responding with empathy, and information on the official support systems to help passengers in the airport. Emirates is refreshing the content and expanding inclusivity training and awareness programs for all Emirates employees and partner providers.
Working together with key entities
Emirates works closely with numerous entities to ensure leading practices across the travel journey, including the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs – reflecting Dubai’s commitment to becoming the world’s best city for living and visiting, in line with Dubai’s D33 agenda.
HANGZHOU, China, 11 October 2024: Fliggy, an online travel platform wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group has released its 2024 National Day Holiday Travel Report, confirming a significant increase in reservations for domestic four and five-star hotels, tour packages, and car rentals compared to the same period last year.
Outbound travel has shown robust growth, following a strong rebound last year, with bookings rising over 50% year-on-year and outbound hotel reservations rebounded to approximately 120% in 2019 Levels.
Photo credit: Nujiang Prefectural Bureau of Culture and Tourism.Nujiang Peacock Mountain is a hidden gem nestled at the foot of Biluo Snow Mountain. https://www.facebook.com/GoYunnan.Official.
Fliggy Vice President Zhang Chen said: “Travellers are increasingly looking for distinctive experiences that offer great value. We are committed to enhancing our platform’s efficiency and expanding our marketing tools to help merchants provide innovative services that meet and exceed customer expectations.”
More affordable travel options
Fliggy’s data indicates that average prices for domestic flights and hotel bookings have decreased by about 13% and 6%, respectively.
For outbound travel, average flight prices have dropped by approximately 19%, while hotel rates decreased by around 3%. Despite these cost reductions, travellers are prioritising rich and high-quality experiences.
Fliggy reports a nearly 40% year-on-year increase in bookings for domestic four- and five-star hotels during the holiday period.
Reservations for travel packages — including flights, hotels, dining, and additional benefits — have surged by nearly 40%. Outbound travel reflects this trend, with the average order value for vacation products significantly exceeding that of the same period in 2019.
Local leisure activities, such as sea snorkelling and helicopter tours, have experienced a marked rise in average bookings compared to last year. During this extended holiday period, both cruises and car rentals have seen a notable surge in popularity. Fliggy reports an over 40% increase in domestic car rental bookings compared to last year.
In the month before the national holiday, international cruise bookings on Fliggy surged by over 130% compared to 2019.
China’s hidden gems
Tourists were increasingly eager to explore lesser-known destinations in China due to favourable weather and ample time for exploration. Fliggy’s data reveals that emerging destinations are leading the country in travel bookings, including Wulong in Chongqing, Tashkurghan Tajik in Xinjiang, Lingshui in Hainan, Kunyu in Xinjiang, Shennongjia in Hubei, Nujiang in Yunnan, Beitun in Xinjiang, Ali in Tibet, Yushu in Qinghai, and Pu’er in Yunnan – all celebrated for their stunning natural landscapes and high-quality travel experiences.
While these hidden gems are gaining traction, major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Guangzhou remain top choices for travellers.
Favourites for outbound travel
For outbound travel, destinations within a four-hour flight — such as Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong (SAR), South Korea, and Malaysia — are particularly appealing. Among the top 20 outbound destinations, longer flights exceeding eight hours make up half of the list, including Australia, the USA, France, Russia, and the UK. The fastest growth in tourism bookings was seen in countries like Nigeria, Zambia, Chile, Turkey, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Belgium.
Booming island getaways
This year’s National Day holiday has grown in cultural and entertainment events across China, including concerts, music festivals and sports events. In Beijing alone, there were 313 commercial performances, totalling 1,580 shows.
Fliggy’s data also indicates a strong interest in cultural theme tours during the holiday. Activities such as traditional Chinese clothing photography (Hanfu), experiences of Intangible cultural heritage, and immersive historical site tours have proven particularly popular. Island vacations emerged as a favoured choice for outbound travel.
Islands figured among the top 10 overseas experiences booked during the Golden Week, with packages to islands in Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea accounting for more than half of the selections.
About Fliggy Fliggy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA and HKEX: 9988 (HKD Counter) and 89988 (RMB Counter)) and is one of the leading online travel platforms in China.
SINGAPORE, 11 October 2024: Digital travel platform Agoda has issued a list of regional recommendations for experiencing Japan’s fall foliage season, starting later this year due to a warm September.
Travellers are encouraged to explore these destinations from mid-October onwards, venturing beyond Japan’s main cities to enjoy the diverse autumn colours across different regions.
This year’s delayed autumn provides an opportunity to experience Japan’s renowned leaf-viewing season, or “Momijigari,” in various settings. Agoda’s list of recommended viewing areas includes the following destinations, each representing a different region of Japan:
Hokkaido Region – Jozankei: From mid-October to late October, visitors can enjoy the colourful foliage in this scenic hot spring town.
Tohoku Region – Oirase Gorge, Aomori: Late October to early November is the ideal time to visit this gorge, known for its stunning waterfalls and rich foliage.
Kanto Region – Kegon Falls, Nikko: Early to late October offers a breathtaking view of the falls surrounded by autumn leaves.
Chubu Region – Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi: Late October to mid-November is perfect for viewing the stunning reflection of Mount Fuji amidst the seasonal colours.
Kansai Region – Koyasan, Wakayama: Late October to early November provides a serene setting with its historical sites and colourful foliage.
Chugoku Region – Daisen, Tottori: Late October to early November is the best time to explore this mountain’s beautiful autumnal scenery.
Shikoku Region – Okuboji, Kagawa: Early November to early December offers a peaceful environment to view the splendour of nature with its colorful temple grounds.
Kyushu Region – Unzen Nita Pass, Nagasaki: Late October to mid-November is ideal for experiencing the rich colours of the changing leaves along this scenic pass.
Agoda Associate Vice President North Asia Hiroto Ooka said: “The delayed start to Japan’s fall foliage season offers travellers an opportunity to experience the colours of autumn later in the year.
“Agoda encourages travelers to explore these beautiful destinations across Japan’s different regions, while stepping outside the main cities to make the most of their autumn adventures.”
Agoda offers a comprehensive range of accommodations and travel options to assist visitors in planning their perfect autumn getaway with over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities.
SINGAPORE, 11 October 2024: Scenic Group has announced the launch of a new APAC office and a dedicated team in Singapore, marking a significant expansion in the Asia Pacific region.
Trading as Scenic Tours APAC Pte Ltd, the new office and team are part of Scenic Group’s strategy to capitalise on the growing demand from the “high net worth prestigious traveller audience and luxury cruise market segment in the APAC region.
From left to right: Constance Seck, Lim Yee Sher, Ally Gruter and Quoc Huy To.
Building on the success of its Australian, New Zealand, US, UK, and Canadian businesses, Scenic Group is now positioned to accelerate its global growth in emerging markets in APAC, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Scenic Group Chairman & Founder Glen Moroney said: “We are excited to open our new Scenic Group APAC office in Singapore as part of our ongoing global expansion. The growth of our Scenic and Emerald Cruises luxury river cruise ships and innovative ultra-luxury yachts provides us with the foundation to meet the increasing demand from affluent consumers in the fast-growing markets across this region.
Scenic Group General Manager of Sales & Marketing APAC Anthony Laver added: “We are committed to working closely with our network of valued Travel Partners and jointly strengthening both the Scenic and Emerald Cruises brands in the Asia Pacific region.
“We are proud to announce the appointment of Constance Seck as the Regional Director, Sales & Marketing APAC. She will lead an experienced team in Singapore to implement our strategy in China, Japan, Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore and the other key Southeast Asia markets.”
Constance Seck joins Scenic Group from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH). She brings over 20 years of extensive experience in these Asian markets, having held various senior leadership roles in luxury hotels, consortia management and travel agencies. She will be supported by Ally Grueter, Business Development Manager APAC, who has built strong relationships over the past seven years and Yee Sher Lim, who also joins the team as the Marketing & Services Manager APAC, bringing her expertise from previous marketing, product and sales roles including NCLH and Citystate Travel.
Quoc Huy To will take the post of accounting manager at APAC based in Singapore. For eight years, he held the position of Financial Controller of Asia River Cruises based in Vietnam. He will relocate to Singapore in October and will be the key contact for all finance-related matters.
MUNICH, 11 October 2024: Vietnam Airlines is expanding its flights to Europe with services from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Munich in Germany using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The aircraft has 312 seats with a three-class configuration — Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class.
VIPs in front of the Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 following the inaugural flight Hanoi-Munich earlier this week.
Vietnam Airlines introduced flights from the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, to Munich, Germany, this week on Monday and Saturday and from Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam on Monday. A second flight on the Ho Chi Minh-Munich route will join the schedule on 4 December (Wednesday). Flight time is around 12 hours and 15 minutes.
This makes Munich Airport the fourth European airport in the airline’s route network, alongside Frankfurt, London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle.
“We are delighted about the new flights by Vietnam Airlines from Munich Airport. The connections significantly expand our Asia services and strengthen Munich Airport’s position as one of the leading aviation hubs in Europe,” said Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers on the occasion of the inaugural flight. “We are confident these new direct flights will further enhance economic ties and cultural exchange between Bavaria and Vietnam.”
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular holiday destinations for German travellers. Numerous companies headquartered in Munich, the state capital of Bavaria, Germany, have made substantial investments in Vietnam.
Hanoi- Munich route Flight VN35 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 0005 and arrives in Munich (MUC) at 0640. Flight VN34 departs Munich at 1335 and arrives in Hanoi at 0500 (plus a day)
Ho Chi Minh City-Munich route Flight VN33 departs Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 2340 and arrives in Munich (MUC) at 0640 (plus a day). Flight VN32 departs Munich at 1245 and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City at 0500 (plus a day).
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 October 2024: AirAsia, recently recognised by OAG’s 2024 Megahubs Index as the leading contributor to Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) status as the top global Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Megahub, has reaffirmed its commitment to expand its operations from this hub.
The report ranks KLIA as the world’s second-most connected airport after London Heathrow (LHR). It highlights that KLIA offers over 14,500 possible low-cost connections across 137 destinations.
A mega-hub is an airport that offers a high volume of connections to international destinations, facilitating extensive global travel. Apart from LHR and KLIA, other top Megahubs were Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam, and Incheon International Airport in Seoul.
AirAsia operates 43% of all flights and accounts for 74% of the airport’s total LCC capacity¹. In the fourth quarter of this year (Q4), the airline confirmed the launch of five new routes, adding to the 112 international and 14 domestic routes it currently operates from KLIA across all airlines in the Group. Additionally, the airline will introduce new routes to other countries in Asia and Africa. Currently, there are up to 236 daily departures from KLIA.
AirAsia’s vast connectivity from the five countries it operates in across ASEAN in Bangkok, Thailand; Jakarta, Indonesia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Manila, the Philippines, plays a vital role not only in establishing Kuala Lumpur as the top global Megahub Low-Cost Carrier but also in reinforcing its dominance in regional markets. AirAsia Thailand is the leading carrier at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, which ranks as the 15th most connected LCC airport globally, while AirAsia Indonesia holds a similar position at Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, ranked 18th in the top 25 LCC airports.
Capital A CEO and Advisor of AirAsia Aviation Group, Tony Fernandes commented: “When I co-founded AirAsia 23 years ago, I envisioned a future where KLIA would stand among the global elite airports. It is now the second most connected airport globally, powered by the momentum AirAsia has built as the world’s leading LCC Megahub. KLIA tops the airports in this region, offering more than 14,500 possible low-cost connections, surpassing Singapore and Bangkok’s air connectivity.
“AirAsia’s ongoing network expansion will further boost KLIA’s position among the world’s best and ensure that we remain competitive in connecting emerging and established markets. The imminent EGM for Capital A with shareholders next week to unify operations under one aviation group will strengthen this expansion plan, enabling us to streamline and drive long-term growth for the airline.
“AirAsia is the largest foreign operator for routes between Asean and both India and China, and KLIA is a key hub in our Fly-Thru service. The recent launches of the Almaty, Nairobi and Port Blair routes mark AirAsia’s foray into new frontiers, with more flights to Asia and Africa on the horizon. As AirAsia navigates growing macroeconomic tailwinds and rising travel demand across the Asia-Pacific region, our network expansion bridges connectivity between regions like never before, elevating low-cost connectivity out of KLIA to a whole new level.”
AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam highlighted the role of AirAsia’s fleet expansion in supporting its network growth plans. “We reactivated our order book this year, having taken delivery of four new A321neos with five more to go. Our fleet reactivation exercise is ongoing and is targeted to be completed this year. We currently hold an order for 361 units of the A321 model to meet the airline group’s fleet growth and replacement needs. With this secured aircraft delivery stream, we can rapidly grow our network, enhance connectivity across Asia and turn Southeast Asia into a key transit point through our multi-hub connectivity.
“Our Fly-Thru service has also been instrumental in connecting guests from across Asia. It allows travellers from key markets, including India and China, to access many new and exciting places across our network of more than 130 destinations in Asia, Australia, and soon Africa. We aim to grow Fly-Thru traffic to 25% by 2025, up from 21% in 2019, further enhancing our connectivity.” ¹Source: SRS Analyser for Jan – Sept 2024 period covering all AirAsia and AirAsia X airlines
MACAU, 10 October 2024: The Macao Government Tourism Office is inviting travellers worldwide to participate in its ongoing “Experience Macao Limited Edition” campaign.
The international promotional campaign encourages participants to engage in an easy-to-play online quiz game. Participants can join the quiz game on the campaign website ExperienceMacaoLimitedEdition.com, and follow the official Instagram account @visitmacao to get hints for the game.
Photo credit: MGTO.
It offers a chance to win 100 Experience Macau Limited Edition Prizes highlighting Macau’s culture and attractions. Each prize includes round-trip airfares and hotel accommodations. The campaign aims to present Macau as a must-visit destination, offering tailored travel itineraries and exciting promotions.
MGTO has partnered with six integrated resorts, including Galaxy Macau, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM, Sands China Limited, Wynn Resorts Macau, and SJM Resorts. These collaborations create exclusive, customised travel routes with diverse cultural experiences for visitors.
Winners can explore Macao’s historic districts, where the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures comes to life.
Macau, a city rich in multicultural charm, has been seen through the eyes of MIYEON, a member of the famed K-pop group (G)I-DLE. She’s been invited to immerse herself in the wonders of Macau and released a special single and music video, Lovin’ My Stay, inspired by her journey. As MIYEON explores the city’s iconic landmarks, her music will capture Macao’s dynamic spirit, delivering its vibrant energy to her international fans. Through her distinct perspective, fans and travellers will be able to discover a new and enchanting side of Macau.
MGTO has launched an outdoor advertising campaign in Times Square, New York. The campaign features visuals from the music video, along with the Prize list and promotional materials.
As the “Experience Macao Limited Edition” International Promotional Campaign approaches its final stage, MGTO encourages participants to engage with the campaign by visiting ExperienceMacaoLimitedEdition.com and following @visitmacao on Instagram for hints.
PERTH, Australia, 10 October 2024: A new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that Oceania’s Travel & Tourism sector could inject an additional USD112 billion into the region’s economy by 2034, bringing the total contribution to a record-breaking USD336 billion.
According to the report, in collaboration with VFS Global and launched Wednesday at WTTC’s 24th Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, this boost could also support an extra 1.1 million jobs, raising the employment in the region supported by Travel & Tourism to 3.5 million by 2034.
The report “Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Oceania” outlines the transformative potential of the region’s sector if strategic investments are made.
According to the global tourism body, Oceania, a region which includes Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, could become a global leader in sustainable travel, while significantly boosting its economy.
However, unlocking this economic and social boost requires targeted action in several key areas.
These include: Investing in sustainable infrastructure to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change and enhancing connectivity across the region; Enhancing air connectivity; Streamlining visa processes; Promoting eco-friendly tourism practices that protect Indigenous communities.
For this growth to be realised, the report also advocates for a comprehensive policy package to include expanding airports across the region and developing renewable energy sources for tourism infrastructure.
Streamlining visa facilitation is also critical to unlocking this potential growth and would allow for a more seamless travel experience between Pacific islands.
VFS Global, a visa solutions company, is positioned to support these efforts by enabling more efficient visa processes, which could drive increased multi-country travel across the region.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Oceania has an unparalleled opportunity to grow its Travel & Tourism sector in a way that not only drives economic growth but sets the standard for sustainability.
“By investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and supporting Indigenous communities, the region could become a global leader in eco-conscious, inclusive tourism.”
VFS Global Group Founder and Chief Executive Officer Zubin Karkaria added: “We are delighted and honoured to collaborate with WTTC on this comprehensive report that highlights the immense potential of the travel and tourism industry in Oceania.
“As the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global works with 69 governments worldwide and has a presence in over 150 countries. Since establishing our presence in the Oceania region in 2008, we are now the trusted partner of 26 governments, serving 15 cities across eight countries in the region.
The report highlights the need for eco-friendly infrastructure, including renewable energy solutions for resorts and climate-adaptive projects. This will not only reduce the sector’s environmental footprint but also attract the growing market of environmentally conscious travellers.
Indigenous-led tourism is also critical in this transition. It provides authentic cultural experiences while ensuring local communities benefit directly from tourism revenue.
A Look at 2024
By the end of this year, Travel and tourism in Oceania are forecast to grow by 16.5% above pre-pandemic levels to reach US$224 billion, and employment supported by the sector is expected to exceed pre-pandemic figures by 4.8%, employing 2.3 million people.
However, international visitor spending is projected to remain 4% below 2019, with a full recovery not expected until 2025. To read the report in full, please visit WTTC Research Hub
HUA HIN, Thailand, 10 October 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts confirms the continuation of its partnership as the Title Sponsor and host hotel for the 2025 Centara World Masters Golf Championship, Asia’s largest amateur golf event.
This marks a successful 10-year collaboration with Golfasian, the region’s leading golf tour operator, and GoGolfing, Australia’s most awarded golf travel company, as they prepare for the upcoming edition of this prestigious tournament.
Scheduled to take place in June 2025, the 10th Centara World Masters is expected to bring together over 400 amateur golfers from 25 countries. The historic Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin will serve as the vibrant backdrop for seven days of luxury, competition, and camaraderie. Participants can look forward to exclusive functions, gala dinners, and exceptional golfing experiences at some of Hua Hin’s most renowned and picturesque courses.
Golfasian CEO Mark Siegel expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing collaboration: “We are delighted to return to Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin for the 10th anniversary of the Centara Masters. The exceptional service and prime location in the heart of Hua Hin have consistently made it a favourite among our competitors from around the world.”
“Our long-standing partnership with Golfasian and GoGolfing has been instrumental in shaping the Centara World Masters Golf Championship into one of Asia’s most renowned amateur golf events,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Vice President – Brand, Marketing & Digital Tom Thrussell.
“Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin provides the perfect blend of heritage, warm hospitality, and world-class service, creating an unparalleled experience for participants. We are proud to continue this valued partnership and look forward to many more successful years of hosting this prestigious tournament.”
Centara Hotels & Resorts operates 52 properties across major Thai destinations and international locations, including the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, Japan, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. The group’s portfolio comprises six distinct brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Boutique Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life, and COSI Hotels – offering a range of experiences from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.
