Agoda unveils top flight destinations for summer 2024
According to Agoda’s booking data for the summer season this year, the top five international flight routes are Bangkok, Thailand; Seoul, South Korea; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Singapore; and Tokyo, Japan.
The ranking is based on flights booked on Agoda between June and August 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
The updated Agoda rankings highlight Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur as top choices for international travellers, underscoring a preference for destinations within the Asia-Pacific region during the summer months.
Bangkok retains its position as the top summer destination for the second consecutive year. Seoul leapfrogs Singapore to take the second spot, while Kuala Lumpur saw an improvement, moving from fourth to third place. Singapore now ranks fourth while Tokyo makes its entry into the top five, replacing Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The popularity of these destinations highlights the ongoing fascination with vibrant cities like Bangkok, known for their unique blend of modernity and tradition. Seoul captivates visitors with its technology and historic palaces, while Kuala Lumpur offers a dynamic mix of skyscrapers and cultural landmarks. Singapore’s futuristic skyline and Tokyo’s eclectic neighbourhoods also continue to draw travellers seeking both urban excitement and cultural heritage.
Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply at Agoda, shared: “The summer of 2024 currently shows a trend towards Asia-Pacific travel. Destinations like Bangkok, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur continue to attract many travellers, reflecting their appeal and the diverse experiences they offer.”
The Apurva Kempinski Bali receives GSTC certification
The Apurva Kempinski Bali has achieved Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification, making it the first hotel in Indonesia to obtain this recognition.
The GSTC certification provides guidance for standards in the travel and tourism sectors, and aims to support the four pillars: Sustainable Management, Social Impact, Cultural and Community Preservation, and Environmental Stewardship.
Sustainability has been the core of The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s brand strategy roadmap, and receiving this GSTC certification signifies the resort’s commitment to sustainable growth to measure, enhance, and communicate its commitment to sustainable practices.
During the audit by the GSTC’s appointed certification body, Control Union, the key criteria highlighted for the resort included effective sustainability management, maximising social and economic benefits for the local community, maximising benefits to cultural heritage, and maximising benefits to environment and minimise negative impacts.
Some key initiatives by the resort comprise hiring staff from the surrounding communities, collaborating with educational institutions to provide training opportunities, and reducing its environmental footprint with a hydroponic rooftop garden, waste management, and use of electric vehicles, to name some.
The resort has also partnered with Eco-Tourism Bali to launch the mangrove planting programme, beginning with the planting of 1,000 seeds.
“It is truly an honour for us to be the first hotel in Indonesia to receive the prestigious GSTC certification,” shared general manager, Vincent Guironnet. “This recognition reaffirms our commitment, not only to providing unparalleled luxury experiences but also to leading the charge in sustainable tourism practices. We remain dedicated to creating impactful change while delivering exceptional experiences to our guests, and shaping a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Arival research reveals more travellers crave outdoor activities
New research from Arival has shown that outdoor adventure activities remain a popular choice for travellers, with 59% participating in such activities during their trips in 2023.
The report, The 2024 U.S. Outdoor Adventure & Activities Traveler, surveyed 1,000 US citizens who have travelled in the past year, and found that 80% of those participating in outdoor activities were under the age of 55.
The research also highlighted the increasing frequency of activity participation, with travellers engaging in an average of four activities per trip in 2023, up from 3.5 in 2019. Water-based activities, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, lead the pack with 49% of travellers participating in 2023, up from 20% in 2019.
Land-based activities like hiking and biking follow closely behind, with 48% participation in 2023, compared to 34% in 2019.
Key findings from the report include popularity of water sports, strong demand for land-based activities, younger and more affluent demographic, high spending, shifting booking patterns, activities essential to the trip, multiple activities per trip, as well as research and planning.
“The fact that three in four travellers who participated in activities rated them as essential to their trip underscores the value these experiences bring to the overall travel journey. This presents a significant opportunity for operators who can deliver high-quality, engaging outdoor experiences,” noted Douglas Quinby, CEO and co-founder of Arival.
Paula Weisenbeck, director of marketing at Polaris Adventures, shared: “We’ve seen first-hand the growing enthusiasm for outdoor activities. People are craving authentic, hands-on experiences that gets them outside in new and unique ways and create lasting memories.
“It’s not just about checking off a bucket list item anymore; it’s about connecting with nature, pushing personal boundaries, and sharing unforgettable moments with friends and family.”
Japan to develop leaders in adventure tourism
Japan Airlines, JTB Corporation and the Japan Adventure Tourism Organization (JATO) are teaming up to launch a programme supporting human resource advancement in Japan’s bourgeoning adventure tourism sector.
Run by the Adventure Tourism Academy, which was founded in April 2023, the courses will “develop leaders who can maximise the appeal of local areas and realise sustainable tourism”, according to a JATO spokesperson.
Participants will learn how to develop sustainable tourism regions, using methods such as in-person lectures, online workshops and onsite skill-building.
The move comes amid nationwide efforts to promote adventure tourism by utilising the country’s “rich natural environment and diverse cultural resources”, which have the potential to attract more international visitors to regional areas, thereby revitalising local economies, continued the spokesperson.
JATO says more extensive training will help the sector’s human resources address the challenges they face, including “raising awareness (of adventure tourism in Japan), strengthening safety management, using local resources sustainability and cooperating across various administrative organisations”.
Instruction in theory and practice will be provided by a team with extensive experience in Japan and overseas, including active practitioners of adventure tourism and experts in tourism policy, regional tourism development and risk management.
“By addressing the issue of cultivating leadership talent in the Japanese adventure tourism market, we hope to link the UN Sustainable Development Goals and regional assets to economic value through tourism,” said a JAL spokesperson.
A JTB spokesperson added that talent development in Japan’s adventure tourism sector will help “achieve a win-win situation for local communities, travellers and society”.
Singapore to develop first-of-its-kind certified travel professional programme
NTUC LearningHub (NTUC LHUB) and the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the NATAS Travel Fair 2024 to develop a certification programme that will help equip professionals in the travel industry with emerging skills and capabilities.
Both NTUC LHUB and NATAS will co-develop the Certified Travel Professional (CTP) programme, a first-of-its-kind certification programme in Singapore’s travel sector under a three-year strategic partnership.
The CTP programme is designed to help new entrants to the travel sector acquire essential skills to widen job opportunities, as well as seasoned professionals by equipping them with knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive market.
This initiative builds on NTUC LHUB’s three-year partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board to co-develop courses in emerging areas such as sustainability, technological enablers, and service excellence.
The CTP programme is catered to a diverse group of professionals, including travel consultants, experienced agents, career switchers, as well as those looking to specialise in niche areas such as corporate travel management or eco-tourism. It features a structured curriculum that includes a blend of core modules, general electives, as well as specialised electives, with key areas of focus in Sales and Marketing Strategies, Sustainability, Emerging Technology, Wellness and Service Experience Excellence.
To attain the CTP Certification, learners will be required to take three modules, starting with a mandatory core module on effective strategies for travel professionals, followed by one elective module covering topics ranging from service excellence, sustainability to technology. Subsequently, learners can choose a specialised elective module focusing on either corporate travel or leisure travel track. Learners who successfully completed the three modules will be conferred Certified Travel Professional – Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, or Corporate and Leisure Travel, depending on the specialised elective they choose. Recertification is required 18 months following the date of completion of the CTP programme, and learners will need to complete any two elective modules to maintain their certification.
The modules will be conducted by a panel of professionals with diverse and extensive experience in the travel sector, and delivered physically. The pilot run for the programme will take place in March 2025 starting with an intake of 10 learners. NTUC LHUB will be the programme manager for the modules, while the certification will be issued by NATAS.
NATAS president Steven Ler commented: “Through our collaboration with NTUC LearningHub, NATAS is confident that the CTP programme will not only elevate the standards of service and professionalism within the travel industry, but also support the continuous growth and innovation that is demanded to position Singapore as a leading global travel destination.”
“Through these efforts, we aspire to help Singapore become a premier tourism destination supported by a workforce that continues to innovate and revitalise itself,” added Jeremy Ong, CEO of NTUC LearningHub.
Galaxy Macau to host UFC Fight Night Macau in November
Galaxy Macau has signed an agreement with premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organisation, UFC, to host the UFC Fight Night Macau on November 23 at the Galaxy Arena in Macau.
This global MMA event marks UFC’s return to Macau after a decade, making it a major sporting highlight for Macau and Greater China this year.
Under the theme of Tourism + Sports, this collaboration aims to enhance Macau’s reputation as a “City of Sports”, attracting sports enthusiasts from around the world to this ideal travel destination.
Since entering Asia in 2010, Macau has been a stronghold for UFC. The city hosted three Fight Nights in 2012 and 2014. This upcoming event marks UFC’s return to Greater China after four years.
With the Greater Bay Area co-hosting the 2025 National Games, this collaboration between Galaxy Arena and UFC is of great significance. Galaxy Macau aims to showcase Macau’s unique geographical location, rich tourism resources, and strong sports enthusiasm to visiting spectators, continuously promoting the integrated development of sports and tourism in Macau.
Kevin Kelley, COO of Macau of Galaxy Entertainment Group, highlighted the return of the UFC event back to Macau as a prestigious addition to Galaxy Macau’s growing portfolio of international sports events which includes the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup Macao 2024 and The Women’s Volleyball Nations League 2024 Macao.
UFC senior vice president and head of Asia Kevin Chang expressed his excitement: “We are ecstatic to be back at this incredible destination city. Our last UFC event here was a decade ago in 2014, and since then, our brand has grown by leaps and bounds. We are proud to partner with Galaxy Macau and can’t wait to put on an electrifying show at the state-of-the-art Galaxy Arena to the delight of fans across the region.”
Japan’s Joypolis theme park debuts first overseas flagship in Hong Kong
The Kai Tak Mall, part of the Kai Tak Sports Park family, will be home to CA Sega Joypolis’ first flagship outside Japan, Joypolis Sports Indoor Sportainment Park.
As the operator of Japan’s largest indoor amusement park Tokyo Joypolis, CA Sega Joypolis has over 20 years of experience in operating entertainment facilities. In its efforts to expand its global footprint, CA Sega Joypolis has authorised the launch of the first Joypolis Sports flagship outside Japan – a new sports-themed park.
Located in Hong Kong, this flagship spans five storeys and nearly 2,787m², features over 20 attractions that blend latest technology with innovative entertainment, and is poised to become Hong Kong’s most eagerly awaited new sportainment attraction.
Each floor of the Joypolis Sports Hong Kong flagship showcases a unique theme that combines play and sports. It comprises three key themed zones: Ninja Dojo, for modern ninja training; Sonic the Hedgehog Themed Interactive Playground – The First Sonic Stadium; and Future Arena, for sports and innovative entertainment.
In keeping with the Tokyo Joypolis culture, Joypolis Sports will also regularly collaborate with popular Japanese brands and IPs to launch exclusive events, featuring limited merchandise and souvenirs.
On the top floor is the Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon restaurant and bar that blends sports elements with popular IPs. It features a semi-alfresco dining area with a view of the main stadium. Aligning with the Kai Tak Sports Park theme, the restaurant offers healthy options and limited themed meals like muscle-building dishes, vegetarian meals, and energy shakes. In the evening, it transforms into a stylish bar, providing an interactive space for spectators and event participants.
Takeshi Yoshimoto, CEO of CA Sega Joypolis, said: “Opening the first authorised JOYPOLIS SPORTS flagship outside Japan in Hong Kong is a significant step in our global expansion. We selected Kai Tak Sports Park and its Kai Tak Mall for its excellent location and first-class facilities, which are sure to attract many local and international visitors. We believe this new indoor amusement park will bring unprecedented entertainment experiences and surprises to all visitors.”
“Our goal is to become the leading sports social platform, and we believe the Joypolis Sports Hong Kong flagship will set off a new wave of sportainment excitement across the city,” shared Andrew Tsui, general manager of Joypolis Sports Hong Kong.
Save on cruise getaways with Silversea
Silversea has introduced its Save. Indulge. Explore. cruise promotion, offering savings of US$3,000 per suite on Door-to-Door and Port-to-Port all-inclusive fares, with a reduced deposit of just 15 per cent from now to October 31.
The promotion is applicable for a selection of Japan voyages, including the 10-day Tokyo to Yokohama sailing from September 26 to October 6; and the 16-day Singapore to Tokyo cruise from March 6 to 22, 2025.
Beyond Japan, other voyages comprise the seven-day Vancouver to Seward itinerary, sailing from July 24 to 31, 2025; and the six-day King George Island to King George Island cruise from February 13 to 19, 2026.
Foodies can also delight in Silversea’s S.A.L.T (Sea And Land Taste) culinary programme which enables guests to join in hands-on culinary workshops with renowned local chefs at selected shore excursions and indulge in destination-specific curated menus onboard.
For more information, visit Silversea Cruises.
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas welcomes new area GM
Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas has appointed Torsten Richter as the property’s general manager and the area general manager of Indonesia and Malaysia.
He will oversee other Minor properties such as Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort and Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort.
With a career spanning three decades in the hospitality industry, Richter is renowned for his proficiency in managing both resorts and city hotels, having held leadership positions in several major destinations worldwide, including Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Germany, the US and the UK. He most recently served as the multi-property general manager at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Hotel Am Steinplatz Autograph Collection in Berlin, Germany.
The diplomatic row between India and the Maldives earlier this year led to a significant decline in demand for the archipelagic state among Indian outbound travellers. However, the relationship between the two countries has since then improved, highlighted by India’s External Affairs minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to the Maldives.
A section of industry stakeholders shared with TTG Asia that they are already seeing improvement in the sentiments from the Indian outbound tourism market.
Roshan Radhay, vice president – sales & marketing, Maldives & GCC, The Lux Collective said: “We are delighted to observe a notable resurgence in interest from the Indian market, fuelled by recent improvements in India-Maldives relations. This renewed confidence is reflected in the healthy rise in both inquiries and confirmed bookings from Indian travellers. We are optimistic that this upward trend will continue, further establishing the Maldives as a premier destination for discerning Indian guests seeking exceptional luxury experiences.” Radhay expressed confidence that by year’s end, demand from India will return to pre-tension levels.
The sharp decline in India’s standing as a key market for the Maldives is evident from the numbers. India was the top international source market for the Maldives with 209,198 arrivals last year. However, as of August 17 this year, India has fallen to sixth place, with only 77,326 arrivals.
Deepa Manuel, general manager, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives said: “With a push from the government towards rebuilding ties with India in a positive manner and increased marketing and sales outreach from our end, the demand is showing signs of improvement, and the bookings from India are coming in as we expect an uptick during the upcoming festive and wedding season.”
Segments like honeymooners and luxury FIT are helping to revive the demand. “Moreover, we are seeing a rise in family bookings, as more Indian families are attracted to our family-friendly packages, activities, and amenities,” added Radhay.
Additionally, initiatives such as a three-city roadshow organised by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) in collaboration with the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) and the National Hotels and Guesthouses Association of Maldives (NHGAM), covering New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore between July 30 and August 3, are expected to boost outbound demand from the Indian market.
However, Indian travel agents believe that it will still take a while for the Maldives to reach the high growth it witnessed in the previous years.
“During the pandemic, the Maldives secured a strong presence in the Indian market by remaining open to tourism. However, demand took a hit following unwarranted remarks made by some Maldivian politicians about Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. While demand is gradually recovering, it will take time for a significant rebound,” said Guldeep Singh Sahni, managing director, Weldon Tours & Travels.
There is also a segment of travellers who have shifted to alternate destinations. “We are not noticing any jump in the demand for the Maldives. Our clients are increasingly seeking experiential travel. For instance, we recently had a family visit Hawaii, exploring islands like Maui, O‘ahu, and Kauai. They participated in a variety of activities, including volcano tours, helicopter rides, zip-lining, scuba diving, and bike tours,” shared Aditya Tyagi, founder, Luxe Escape.