PATA welcomes STB to the fold
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is PATA’s newest government member.
Welcoming STB to the PATA family, CEO Liz Ortiguera said: “Their focus on wellness, innovation and sustainability in the post-pandemic landscape is in line with PATA’s mission in acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia-Pacific region. STB understands that as we look towards recovery, constructive and coordinated cooperation across the region and between all industry stakeholders is critical.
“I look forward to working with them to support their strategic initiatives and welcome them into the PATA global community.”
Keith Tan, chief executive, STB, added: “STB looks forward to working with PATA and its members to drive sustainable tourism development and to support the recovery of travel and tourism in the Asia-Pacific. PATA also plays a leadership role in bridging knowledge gaps, fostering cross-cutting cooperation and bringing strategic partners together. We look forward to sharing our experiences and contributing to these efforts.”
Currently, STB is working towards Covid-resilience and recovery for Singapore, as tourism remains an important economic pillar for the country. The Board has focused its efforts to transform the industry by driving innovation, building digital and marketing capabilities and forging partnerships beyond the tourism industry. Together with tourism stakeholders, STB is also reimagining Singapore’s products and experiences with a focus on areas such as health and safety, technology, as well as sustainability.
STB also regularly reviews and updates the tourism regulatory framework to ensure its relevance in the current business environment, while providing support and incentives to catalyse the private sector to take the lead in investing for growth.
STB, airasia cement partnership to drive regional travel to Singapore
Airasia and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote travel from South-east Asia to Singapore with help from airasia’s Super App.
As part of this partnership, users of the Super App, which has travel and lifestyle offerings, can now book tourism experiences in Singapore, such as flight and hotel packages, meals and other experiences.
Both parties will work together to pilot digital solutions to enhance the visitor experience, as well as exchange knowledge and insights that will deepen their understanding of travellers from South-east Asia markets.
Airasia and STB will also jointly promote Singapore through marketing campaigns and content partnerships.
“While the goal is to bring more people to Singapore (and increase connectivity), for this instance, it’s also for us at airasia to promote that we’re not just selling airasia inventory, but many other airlines, as well as hotels and attractions in Singapore (through the Super App),” said Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A.
When asked how the ongoing Omicron wave might affect this partnership, Keith Tan, CEO of STB, said Omicron infections would eventually peak and go down, making it important to “start building for demand now”.
“We can’t wait for Omicron to die down before we start making plans for recovery; it would be too slow and too late,” Tan said. That is why Singapore has established VTLs with several South-east Asian countries, with the intention of establishing more, as “regional markets are very important for us in the first phase of recovery”.
However, for travel in the region to be seamless, Fernandes stressed the need for “one policy within the 10 countries”, as opposed to the current situation where every country has a different policy.
Tan agreed: “One of the key enablers for the rebound in regional travel would be some degree of harmonisation of health protocols, similar to Europe. But different countries in South-east Asia have different risk appetites, which results in different degrees of health protocols.”
A useful step that South-east Asia can work towards, Tan stated, is “making the different protocols easier to understand by travellers” both from outside and within the region.
As for how low-cost travel might look like in the future, Fernandes told TTG Asia: “I think low-cost, shorthaul travel will bounce back first. We’re seeing an incredibly strong rebound in domestic, which is a precursor to borders reopening. (Once they do), rebound will be very, very quick.”
When TTG Asia asked if low-cost airlines would continue to offer low fares in the face of post-lockdown high travel demand, which has resulted in air fares rising dramatically, Fernandes believes that budget airline prices will “always be significant lower than full-service carriers”.
He added that airasia would maintain low fares because “lower fares will stimulate demand”.
“The lower the fare, the more the demand. We believe in creating demand, and not driving fares up,” he said.
Singapore expands VTL scheme; streamlines arrival process
Singapore will expand its Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme to include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Hong Kong, and Indonesia’s Batam and Bintan from February 25, as well as with Israel and Philippines from March 4.
The VTLs with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were supposed to start in early December, but were deferred due to Omicron. Starting from 10.00 on February 22, travellers from these three countries can apply for the VTL pass to enter Singapore.
Singapore’s unilateral opening arrangement with Hong Kong will be replaced by a VTL starting February 25.
These new VTLs will join 24 others that are in operation.
Vaccinated travellers will also soon be able to fly into Singapore from all cities in Thailand, beyond Bangkok where there is an existing VTL, without quarantine.
At the same time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will lift the 50 per cent cap on the daily number of VTL travellers entering Singapore by air, and progressively restore the quota from 5,000 to 15,000 by March 4.
Entry procedures will also be simplified. Singapore will cease the seven-day testing regime as well as on-arrival PCR test for VTL travellers. The only test needed is a supervised ART at any designated test centres in Singapore within 24 hours of the traveller’s entry.
Steps are taken to simplify the current border restrictions for non-VTL travellers from 23.59 on February 21. These include travel history requirements reduced to seven days from 14, and stay-home notice duration standardised at seven days.
The government will also revise its border risk classification system.
Category 1 countries and regions are deemed to be of lowest risk of Covid-19 infections.
The second is a General Travel category consisting of countries that Singapore has started VTLs for, together with non-VTL countries and regions. VTL travellers from countries in this category will have quarantine-free travel, while those from non-VTL countries have to undergo a seven-day stay-home notice.
The third is a new restricted category, which will include countries that warrant stricter border measures owing to developing Covid-19 situations. There will be no new restricted countries/ regions in this category for a start.
Furthermore, CAAS will remove departure test requirements for all passengers transferring or transiting through Singapore from 23.59 on February 21.
PATA casts bullish projection for 2022 APAC arrivals
The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2022-2024 Full Report released on February 15 is predicting international visitor arrivals (IVAs) growth rates of 126 per cent to 84 per cent for mild, medium, and severe scenarios in 2022 versus 2021.
The increase in the absolute number of IVAs is predicted therefore to range from 72.5 million to 175.7 million under the severe and mild scenarios respectively, lifting the total volume of visitor arrivals to between 159 million and 315 million, under those same scenarios respectively.
While it is a positive and welcome development after two years of extremely difficult conditions, the international travel and tourism sector of the Asia-Pacific region still has much to repair and revitalise.
The forecasted increases in 2022 arrivals, for example, still only return them to 23-45 per cent of the level of foreign arrivals received in pre-pandemic 2019.
Moving forward to 2024, IVA growth over the next three years is projected to be positive, with the volume of IVAs in 2024 being equal to, or better than that of 2019, under two of the three scenarios.
PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera said: “Our latest forecast report numbers, based on data as of November 2021 reviewed in conjunction with our recent research advisory panel updates provided on January 24, 2021, provide the definitive outlook for Asia-Pacific visitor arrival forecasts. As noted by our panel, the effect of the Omicron variant is projected to have a small incremental impact for now, with the key earlier assumptions still driving the forecast.
“Equitable access and deployment of vaccines plus a practical risk-based approach to health and safety protocols in travel is foundational to not only the travel sector’s sustained recovery but to the overall global recovery from the pandemic.
“We share the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) view that the pharmaceutical sector must address barriers to access and affordability for all destinations. Furthermore, as acknowledged by the WHO, travel bans will not prevent international spread. Instead, travel channels should remain open with clear, practical guidelines as recently shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO.”
Ortiguera also noted: “Various research studies and early travel patterns indicate a heightened consumer interest in a pivot to the right side of travel – longer journeys, more authentic experiences, and nature-based, wellness-oriented, and socially-conscious travel offerings are among the key trends for today’s travellers.
“Destinations can expedite their recovery by staying top-of-mind with consumers, communicating requirements with clarity and consistency, and offering a sustainable, healthy destination experience.”
Tourism Australia beckons travellers with big holiday plans
Tourism Australia is encouraging travellers to book their next big holiday Down Under in a massive campaign being rolled out in Germany, France, Italy, Canada, the US and the UK.
The A$40 million (US$28.6 million) Don’t Go Small. Go Australia campaign supports Australia’s reopening without on-arrival quarantine to fully vaccinated international travellers from February 21 this year.
Minister for trade, tourism and investment Dan Tehan said Tourism Australia was prepared to ramp up its international marketing efforts once the border reopening was announced.
“The world has been waiting two years to get Down Under for a holiday and our latest ad campaign will remind them of what they’ve been missing,” Tehan said in a statement.
“After Covid-19, the world is looking forward to taking a holiday and we want that holiday to be in Australia,” he added.
The new campaign marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to restart tourism to Australia, with more investment in tourism marketing to come in 2H2022, according to Tehan.
The campaign will run across TV, print, digital and social channels in key markets and feature some of Australia’s most iconic destinations and experiences.
Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison said: “Don’t Go Small. Go Australia is about reminding travellers whether they are dreaming of discovery or looking for relaxation – Australia is the perfect destination for an epic adventure.”
In addition to iconic attractions and landmarks, Australia has welcomed many new products during the travel freeze.
“The new campaign shows travellers what they’ve been missing in Australia – the vast landscapes, our world-famous icons and the epic adventures. We are inviting travellers across the world to think big, and say G’Day to the holiday they’ve been waiting for,” said Tourism Australia chief marketing officer Susan Coghill.
“We have chosen locations and activities to reflect the wide diversity of tourism experiences Australia has to offer. We also considered the popular destinations and cities which have been impacted the most by the pandemic and put them in the spotlight,” she added.
To convert interest into bookings, Tourism Australia has also published inspiring and up-to-date travel information on Australia.com, which will be supported with offers from global partners.
The existing Come and Say G’Day – Australia is Yours to Explore, which launched in Singapore ahead of its reopening last November, will continue to be rolled out across Asia as travel resumes.
World’s largest ibis Styles to open in Thailand
Accor has inked a management agreement with Golden Asset Company to open ibis Styles Bangkok Twin Towers, a 666-key hotel that will be the world’s largest property under the brand.
The initial phase of the hotel is set to debut in 3Q2022, with an official opening in 2024.
Located in the city centre within a short distance to business districts and shopping landmarks such as MBK, Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery, the hotel will feature three restaurants, meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa.
Garth Simmons, CEO, Accor Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea, said: “Bangkok has long been a strategic hub in South-east Asia and a much-loved destination for all types of travellers from around the globe. The signing of ibis Styles Bangkok Twin Towers, the largest ibis Styles property in the world, reaffirms our positive outlook towards inbound travel and the long-term success of Thailand’s tourism industry.
“We are very excited to add this new trendy hotel experience to the Bangkok hotel scene and expand the presence of our renowned ibis Styles brand.”
ibis Styles has a portfolio of more than 550 properties across 50 countries. In Thailand, there are eight ibis Styles hotels in operation, with the ibis Styles Bangkok Twin Towers joining as the ninth.
Accor’s new campaign offers savings on stays in Thailand
In support of Thailand’s reopening, which now welcomes fully vaccinated travellers from all over the world without a long quarantine, Accor has launched the For the Love of Amazing Thailand campaign.
More than 70 hotels and resorts across Thailand are dangling savings of up to 30 per cent on room rates. Brands featured include Sofitel, Mövenpick, Swissôtel and ibis Styles.
For stays of seven nights or more, travellers will enjoy a 30 per cent discount. For shorter stays, a 20 per cent discount applies.
The offer is available for booking from now until June 30, 2022, for stays until June 30.
Members of Accor Plus will receive an additional 10 per cent discount.
Click here for more information.
End of the line for Crystal Cruises
Crystal Cruises has officially announced its closure after laying off all 238 employees at its Miami headquarters.
This follows the seizure of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in the Bahamas over US$4.6 million in unpaid fuel bills.
A Florida court has appointed Michael Moecker & Associates to handle creditors’ claims, which includes those made by passengers, travel agents, suppliers and employees.
The closure of Crystal Cruises’ US office comes after its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, filed for liquidation.
In an interview with Seatrade Cruise News, former Crystal president Jack Anderson said it was uncertain if the company could be reformed.
He shared that following Genting Hong Kong’s move to liquidate, the Crystal management team received interest from “many” parties for specific assets and from “some” for the company as a whole. All those parties were referred to the joint provisional liquidators.
Ovolo Hotel Group rolls out Plant’d initiative
Ovolo Hotels has adopted a plant-based philosophy by making a commitment to vegetarian-lead offering, Plant’d, across its hotel restaurants globally.
Billed as the first hotel brand globally to do so, this move towards ethical eating and conscious cuisine follows the success of its Year of the Veg campaign which launched in October 2020, where venues transitioned to a vegetarian and plant-based cuisine offering for an initial 365 days.
“Meat is being removed for a second year in a row at Ovolo Hotels. With a number of our Ovolo venues already serving plant-based cuisine, we have decided to go the full 100 per cent… we want to ensure we are doing our bit to help preserve our environment, promote healthy eating and enhance the image of amazing vegetarian and plant-based dining,” said Ovolo Group’s founder and CEO, Girish Jhunjhnuwala.
Ovolo’s Group creative culinary partner, Ian Curley has worked with the hotel’s restaurants across the group including Hong Kong, Australia and Bali to take the Plant’d veg pledge.
On transitioning to a vegetarian-lead offering, Curley, stated: “A key focus for us has been ensuring we are creating something that still appeals to everyone – from vegans to flexitarians, and those who are simply keen on expanding their palette.”
The Ovolo team has also developed a Plant’d Playbook whitepaper which includes information on the reasons Ovolo has made the switch with their F&B offering; what to know before you go veg; tips on defining F&B menus; and learnings along the way. The whitepaper is publicly available via Ovolo’s Plant’d webpage on ovolohotels.com.
Frasers Hospitality will open its first property in Phnom Penh come October 2022, the first of three openings slated for Cambodia over the next few years.
By 2026, Frasers Hospitality will have three properties in Cambodia – the 88-room Capri by Fraser, Phnom Penh in October 2022; the 78-room Capri by Fraser, City Centre in 2024; and the 200-room Fraser Residence Sen Sok, Phnom Penh in 2026.
Tonya Khong, senior vice president, head of Asia-Pacific at Frasers Hospitality, said: “Our three properties will be operational in the next few years and ready to accommodate the return to travel, as well as the anticipated boost from regional events such as the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and the RCEP. Moving into Cambodia signals our long-term ambition to grow our presence in the country and South-east Asia.”
Both Capri by Fraser properties are located in the heart of the Cambodian capital, and only a five-minute drive from each other. Both properties will have a mix of hotel rooms, studio apartments and one-bedroom units, designed to cater to transient business travellers and mid-level executives on extended stays.
In the vicinity are banks, finance, real estate and pharmaceutical companies, as well as non-profit organisations. The properties are also within walking distance of government offices, embassies, malls and F&B outlets.
Guests can expect the hallmarks of the Capri by Fraser brand such as the Spin & Play concept, where they can utilise self-service laundrettes while having a go at video games on the latest consoles, and a 24-hour gymnasium. Another signature social space is The Den, a large communal and versatile space fitted out with the latest technology.
Meanwhile, Fraser Residence Phnom Penh is in Sen Sok, an up-and-coming district on the north-west fringes of the city centre. Slated to accommodate expatriates on extended stays, the serviced apartment is part of an integrated development that includes a retail mall, medical centre and an office tower. It is also close to amenities such as international schools, malls and a golf course, and a 15-min drive to the CBD and industrial parks.