FWD Group Holdings has commenced a distribution partnership with Klook for a fully-integrated accident cover insurance that will be available via the latter’s app and website.
Through the partnership, FWD Group will help customers in Singapore obtain protection by offering short term accident cover. Subject to regulatory approvals, the protection plan will subsequently be available in other countries across South-east Asia.
Klook and FWD will help customers in Singapore obtain protection by offering short term accident cover
The protection plan will be an add-on when purchasing through Klook’s platform and is designed to cover the insured for the duration of the activity.
Terence Lim, FWD Group chief officer, group new business models, said: “FWD is responding to meet and support the needs of customers with accident cover insurance that is more accessible, simple and affordable, encouraging them to protect themselves while doing what they love.”
C S Soong, vice president, corporate development, Klook, added: “In this new travel environment, customers are demanding increased assurances and insurance has been a natural progression to that.”
The Lux Collective and Jumbo Group in China have signed a hotel management agreement to build the first Lux* urban resort in Guangzhou, Lux* Guangzhou, slated to open in June 2024.
This marks The Lux Collective’s first foray into one of the top three first-tier cities in China and will boost its brand presence in a highly important strategic source market.
The first Lux* urban resort in Guangzhou, Lux* Guangzhou, is slated to open in June 2024
Located in Huangpu District, Guangzhou City, Lux* Guangzhou will be in a complex comprising a 109-room hotel which includes 36 residences, an art gallery and a modern office building. The hotel will feature a banquet hall, restaurants, spa, fitness centre, an interconnecting indoor and outdoor pool, children’s playground and more.
Lux* Guangzhou will be the first Lux* hotel in Guangzhou City, and the third Lux* hotel in Guangdong Province to be managed by The Lux Collective, following two Lux* properties in Zhuhai – Lux* Hengqin and Lux* Doumen.
“Our strategic entry in Guangzhou reinforces our presence in the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We are confident that this partnership will elevate our flagship luxury brand Lux* as we continue to expand and shine in China,” said Paul Jones, CEO, The Lux Collective.
The new Consumer Travel Spend Priorities study, published by Amadeus, indicates a strong desire among respondents to travel despite the economic uncertainty, with ‘international travel’ ranked as the highest priority from a selection of six discretionary spend categories.
The study, which involved 4,500 consumers from France, Germany, Singapore, the UK and the US, aims to understand consumer’s expected spending habits for the year ahead.
The study by Amadeus shows that international travel is a high priority spend for respondents in the coming year (Photo: Amadeus)
Forty-two per cent of respondents said international travel is a high priority spend area for the coming year, far higher than fashion, eating out and big-ticket items like home improvements.
On average, consumers estimate they will spend US$2,670 on international travel over the next 12 months, broadly in line with how much they spent in 2019 (US$2,780 average).
Many travellers plan to spread the cost across instalments, reducing exposure to costly Foreign Exchange (FX) transactions and by dipping into loyalty points previously collected.
David Doctor, executive vice president, payments, Amadeus, said: “This research clearly shows consumers are prepared to forego spending in other areas of their lives to accommodate travel this year. But that’s not the end of the story. The industry will need to look for ways that fintech can make travel costs more transparent as well as help travellers manage their spend.”
Faced with economic uncertainty, travellers are adopting fintech to reduce the expense of paying internationally and to flexibly fund their trips.
Three quarters of respondents (75%) said they are more likely to choose a pay-by-instalment option like Buy Now Pay Later to fund travel over the coming year. This compared to 44% who are more likely to use a credit card, and 26% who are more likely to turn to ‘payday loans’, where short-term borrowing typically incurs high interest rates. 47% of travellers said they are planning to spend previously-earned loyalty points to pay for trips.
Travellers are also embracing new fintech options with 48% more likely to try pre-paid debit cards that hold multiple currencies to avoid FX fees when paying abroad, and 49% saying they are now interested in co-branded cards that yield loyalty points.
In the current environment, 73% of travellers say they are more likely to pay attention to FX fees and costs associated with international travel and 56% are more likely to choose a travel provider that lets them pay in their own currency, with transparent FX fees.
Doctor added: “The demand for flexible payment options like Buy Now Pay Later in travel is extraordinarily high. The industry is eager to meet this demand, but it should do so responsibly, with thorough risk management in place. Savvy travellers are adapting to limit costs involved in travel. We see in our own data that more travellers are choosing to pay in their local currency across the airlines using our FX Box technology.”
Tech-driven integrated travel service provider DidaTravel has launched its B2B flight booking multi-GDS portal, which includes access to full-service carriers, low-cost carriers (LCCs), and new distribution capability (NDC) content.
DidaTravel’s 23,000 B2B buyers around the world can access flights from 500-plus airlines to fly to more than 20,000 destinations around the world.
DidaTravel’s new B2B portal allows its buyers around the world to access flights from over 500 airlines
With dynamic packaging technology that comprises in-path and post-booking cross-selling tools, clients will have the added option of combining flights with accommodation as well.
Packaging of flights with accommodation is currently available through the company’s new flight booking engine or as an XML/API integration, with dynamic packaging to be integrated at the end of 2022.
Clients also have the option to check on flight prices manually.
Turkish Airlines has launched a new programme, Co2mission, on August 1 to offset the carbon emissions caused by flights – from business trips by the company’s personnel, to allowing the environmentally-conscious customers to fly with peace of mind.
With numerous portfolio options for carbon offset such as renewable energy and forestation, passengers can choose to balance out the emissions of their flight by contributing their desired amount to the project portfolio of their choice and purchasing an emission reduction certification accredited by United Nations.
Turkish Airlines’ new Co2mission programme provides carbon offset options like renewable energy and forestation
The passenger contributions will be used to support the projects accredited by Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Gold Standard.
Passengers are able to complete their carbon offset process, regardless of which airline they travelled with – all they require is their flight date information along with arrival-departure stations.
Using the platform, the carbon offset amount is calculated with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) methodology, which considers route length, aircraft type, fuel consumption and numerous other factors.
Ahmet Bolat, chairman of the board and executive committee, Turkish Airlines, stated: “We are continuing to take the initiative to combat climate change, which stands at the forefront of today’s global problems.
“The projects supported by the carbon offset programme will also show our heartfelt commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The decision to implement this programme is the result of our desire to conduct all our operations responsibly.”
The platform is available through Turkish Airlines’ website or directly through the Co2mission website.
The three-day hotel quarantine order for all overseas arrivals into Hong Kong will officially start on August 12, announced the city authorities this afternoon.
The decision was supposed to have been made on August 5, but was disrupted by a system glitch, said sources.
Travellers entering Hong Kong will serve a three-day hotel quarantine from August 12
The current arrival requirement calls for a seven-day hotel quarantine. From this Friday, people entering Hong Kong will only serve three days in a Designated Hotels for Quarantine (DHQ) property, followed by four days of medical surveillance.
Travellers who get an all-clear health report at the end of their DHQ will be given a yellow code on their LeaveHomeSafe app, permitting them to use public transport services and enter certain public facilities such as malls and their work places. However, they will need to continue to provide a daily negative ART/RAT result throughout their four-day medical surveillance, and refrain from entering high-risk establishments such as restaurants, bars and entertainment venues during this period.
A spokesperson of Cathay Pacific welcomed the decision.
“We are asking the government to urgently provide a clear roadmap showing the complete removal of all Covid-related restrictions for aircrew and passengers as soon as it is feasible to protect Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status,” he said.
Other tourism stakeholders are urging the same, saying that Hong Kong’s tourism recovery can only truly begin with quarantine-free arrivals.
Destination China’s general manager and co-founder, Gunther Homerlein, told TTG Asia in an interview: “The first question we get from our customers is when quarantine will be removed. When we say we don’t know, it is the end of the conversation. We will not get any return of business until Hong Kong ends the quarantine requirement, like the rest of the world.”
Freddy Yip, managing director of Goldjoy Travel, agrees that the reduced quarantine is of little help in triggering business rebound.
“My clients cannot tolerate a single day of hotel quarantine,” he said.
TTG Asia, with its editorial headquarters in Singapore, will take a break for the public holiday on Tuesday, August 9, in recognition of the country’s 57th National Day.
TTG Asia’s online news bulletin will resume on Wednesday, August 10.
Happy National Day in advance to all Singaporean readers!
A preview of the National Day parade in July (Photo by NDPeeps Facebook)
Reopening to visitors on October 15 is Mu Ko Lanta National Park, a 134km² tropical wonderland that protects 16 islands in the Ko Lanta group on the coastlines of Krabi in southern Thailand, with lush jungles and abundance of marine life.
Pimalai Resort & Spa works with local authorities to protect and preserve the area, which is closed yearly for six months to allow its delicate ecology to be refreshed and replenished. To celebrate the park’s reopening, the resort is offering its guests the choice of two excursions.
Explore the marine life of Koh Haa with Pimalai Resort & Spa’s Koh Haa Snorkelling & Sunset adventure
The Koh Haa Snorkelling & Sunset adventure transports travellers to Koh Haa, aka Five Islands, where limestone islets enclosing an aquamarine lagoon, coral reef and white beach awaits – perfect for an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling. On the boat ride back, guests can enjoy canapés and cool drinks while watching the sun sets over the Andaman Sea.
The Fabulous Koh Rok tour is a scenic one-hour boat trip to Koh Rok, a pair of islands boasting powder-soft sandy beaches and warm, crystal clear waters. Following an hour of swimming and snorkelling, guests will be treated to an onboard lunch before embarking on a sightseeing cruise around Koh Rok.
Rates start from 6,652 baht (US$185) per night and include daily breakfast and a roundtrip Krabi Airport transfer for two. Book in advance to enjoy up to 30 per cent discount.
Dynasty Travel, following its acquisition by Japan-based Travel Curators earlier this year, will move away from mass market tours with cookie-cutter itineraries and serve mass affluent travellers instead.
In an exclusive interview with TTG Asia, Teo Tianyi, founder of Travel Curators, said his ambition was to turn Dynasty Travel into the “Asian equivalent of Scott Dunn or Abercrombie & Kent”, with specialisation in small group tours.
Dynasty Travel sharpens specialisation in luxury travel; Dynasty Travel’s new office lobby pictured
Teo elaborated: “There is an opportunity for us to provide such luxury travel services to Asian clients, as (American and European travellers’ needs and preferences) differ from us Asians. The mass affluent and luxury segments (here) are underserved.”
When asked to differentiate between luxury and mass affluent traveller segments, Teo said the first often request bespoke services, fly first class or by private jet, and is generally made up of CEOs and high-net-worth individuals.
On the other hand, mass affluent travellers are those with substantial savings, fly premium economy or business class, and do not mind spending a little more on a special experience. They also are happy to travel with like-minded strangers.
Teo’s plan is to develop more intimate tours that boast unique experiences and take a maximum of 16 people, such as the company’s 19-day chartered expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands in November 2023.
Calling the ship charter a “sizeable investment”, Teo said: “Anyone can book a cruise with any operator sailing to Antarctica, but on this chartered ship we (have the flexibility) to bring on board our own entertainment, or even Michelin-star sushi chefs.”
With Dynasty Travel’s new business focus, the agency will skip the upcoming NATAS Travel Fair, recognised as Singapore’s main travel event for consumer outbound bookings.
There are also plans to further digitise Dynasty Travel’s processes, which will contribute to sustainability. For example, rather than printing out brochures, itineraries can be sent to clients through an app and be easily updated.
For Teo, a Singaporean who lives and works in both Japan and Singapore and whose professional specialisation lies in private equity and investment, Dynasty Travel is his first travel agency investment. He acquired the agency in full during the pandemic when Delta infections were rampant.
“I had people questioning my intentions and thought I was crazy to buy. I felt it was a worthy investment because it’s a brand name that Singaporeans are familiar with, and is worth preserving,” he recalled.
“But there was a need to make it more contemporary, to ensure it remains relevant to older Singaporeans as well as attract younger ones. That is why we went through a rebranding exercise, introduced a new and updated logo, and removed Chinese characters on the logo to appeal to non-Chinese,” he continued.
With Dynasty Travel’s pre-existing business events department still active, Teo maintains interest in working with companies “that can invest more in their incentives or management retreats” to develop memorable experiences, as opposed to fighting for contracts with the cheapest quotation.
“I want to educate all of our clients by making sure they take away something beyond having a good time, and gain knowledge, insights, and perspectives that can broaden their horizons (while travelling),” he remarked.
For example, clients can visit a melon farm in Japan to learn why the farmer started the trade, what methods are used to perfect cultivation, and taste some of the pricey melons that Japan is known for. Teo said such travel experiences are engaging and meaningful, and support artisans in Japan that do not have successors.
Thailand welcomed nine enquiry mission members from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) for an inspection of Phuket’s candidacy to host Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand
Nine enquiry mission members from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the governing body of World Expos, landed in Thailand last week to evaluate the Phuket’s candidacy to host Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand.
The mission is a critical step in the selection process of a host city.
Thailand welcomed nine enquiry mission members from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) for an inspection of Phuket’s candidacy to host Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand
Should Phuket be selected, the island would be the first city in South-east Asia to host the high profile global event. The theme, Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity, has been proposed, and the event would be held from March 20 to June 17, 2028 on a 22.56-hectare site on Mai Khao Beach.
Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has projected a minimum of seven million expo visitors and a revenue of 50 billion baht (US$1.4 billion) for Thailand. The event is also recognised as an opportunity to raise the quality of life for residents of the province by accelerating infrastructural development for transport, healthcare, and tourism.
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, President of TCEB, stated that BIE’s key priority is in post-expo area development. As such, TCEB is highlighting that the facilities built for Expo 2028 Phuket will be re-developed into the World Medical and Wellness Center with provisions for public-private partnerships in healthcare and wellness, education, and sustainable living.
“The Expo will benefit not only the city of Phuket but also other provinces on the Andaman coast and Thailand. The Expo is expected to generate 110,000 jobs, increase Thailand’s gross domestic product by 39.357 billion baht, and raise tax revenues by 9.512 billion baht. The Thai government is projecting a return-on-investment of 900 per cent,” he said in a press statement.
“Most importantly, Expo 2028 Phuket Thailand will spotlight Thailand and Phuket as a world-class destination and promote health and wellness tourism. We have started to prepare for our second country presentation in November when we hope to convince BIE of Phuket’s global appeal,” he added.
The three-day hotel quarantine order for all overseas arrivals into Hong Kong will officially start on August 12, announced the city authorities this afternoon.
The decision was supposed to have been made on August 5, but was disrupted by a system glitch, said sources.
The current arrival requirement calls for a seven-day hotel quarantine. From this Friday, people entering Hong Kong will only serve three days in a Designated Hotels for Quarantine (DHQ) property, followed by four days of medical surveillance.
Travellers who get an all-clear health report at the end of their DHQ will be given a yellow code on their LeaveHomeSafe app, permitting them to use public transport services and enter certain public facilities such as malls and their work places. However, they will need to continue to provide a daily negative ART/RAT result throughout their four-day medical surveillance, and refrain from entering high-risk establishments such as restaurants, bars and entertainment venues during this period.
A spokesperson of Cathay Pacific welcomed the decision.
“We are asking the government to urgently provide a clear roadmap showing the complete removal of all Covid-related restrictions for aircrew and passengers as soon as it is feasible to protect Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status,” he said.
Other tourism stakeholders are urging the same, saying that Hong Kong’s tourism recovery can only truly begin with quarantine-free arrivals.
Destination China’s general manager and co-founder, Gunther Homerlein, told TTG Asia in an interview: “The first question we get from our customers is when quarantine will be removed. When we say we don’t know, it is the end of the conversation. We will not get any return of business until Hong Kong ends the quarantine requirement, like the rest of the world.”
Freddy Yip, managing director of Goldjoy Travel, agrees that the reduced quarantine is of little help in triggering business rebound.
“My clients cannot tolerate a single day of hotel quarantine,” he said.