Liao Xi; Ly Hour Group's Oknha Ly Hour; Cambodia's secretary of state for Public Works and Transport Poeu Marly; City Link's Oknha Ly Sopheark; and Hertz Asia Pacific's Nicholas Waring
Hertz Asia has announced City Link Transportation (Cambodia) as its franchise partner in Cambodia.
The Cambodian rental company will operate several Hertz brands – Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly – in Phnom Penh, where vehicles range from sedans to luxury limousines. City Link will also offer Hertz Chauffeur Drive service for airport transfers and business travellers.
Liao Xi; Ly Hour Group’s Oknha Ly Hour; Cambodia’s secretary of state for Public Works and Transport Poeu Marly; City Link’s Oknha Ly Sopheark; and Hertz Asia Pacific’s Nicholas Waring
Eoin Macneill, vice president Asia Pacific, Hertz, said: “This is the first time Hertz has awarded all four brands to a single franchisee in Asia; showcasing that we’re confident City Link has the expertise to deliver a range of mobility solutions with the great service that our customers have come to expect.”
In a statement, Hertz said that rental demand will grow in the future, with more than 15 million international and domestic tourists expected to explore Cambodia annually by 2030.
“As travellers become more aware of Cambodia and all the self-drive opportunities available, Hertz can help people discover the beauty of the country through a range of car rental services. We are excited about the Hertz and City Link partnership and believe there is a great future for us here with our new franchisee partner in Cambodia,” noted Macneill.
The big development for us will come at the end of 2020 when we bring our first Medallion Class ship to Asia, the Grand Princess. I like to think these are smart ships, like the smartphones that have changed the way we live. The smartphone does everything and takes a lot of the friction points out of our life.
We apply the same principle behind the OceanMedallion. We want our customers to get on the ship and start enjoying themselves as quickly as possible. The technology expedites the embarkation process, allows hands-free purchases, and acts as a beacon to show where mum and dad are, and how to get to them.
When we bring it into Asia, we may discover how it can help tour leaders manage their group more effectively onboard. As we roll out the technology on some of our ships in Alaska and the Caribbean, we learn something new about its capability every day. – Karen Yue
Norwegian Cruise Line
Felix Chan
The refurbished Norwegian Spirit, which marks the biggest investment for a single Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship and is scheduled to be ready by April 2020, will be based in Japan next June and July to coincide with the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Travellers can take a cruise before or after the event, as hotel prices are expected to increase due to limited capacity.
Planning cruise itineraries around such special events is a good value proposition for Asian travellers. Asians are more pragmatic and price-sensitive, and are likely to convert to taking cruise vacations if they can find better value and experiences.
With the doubling of Asian guests on NCL ships over the past three years, we have observed that they are looking for more exotic and authentic experiences beyond visiting malls and capital cities while travelling in groups. As such, we are developing more itineraries that will cater to their curiosity and desire for new experiences. – Kenneth Goh
Dream Cruises
Michael Goh
With the growing trend in experiential travel, Dream Cruises is geared towards redefining the future of cruising with the 208,000GRT Global Dream – the first Global Class ship scheduled to arrive in Asia 2Q2021. On board the Global class ships, guests’ journeys are elevated to new heights with a seamless experience featuring a high degree of innovations, driven by state-of-the art robotics, artificial intelligence, new technology and digital systems such as facial, voice recognition, smart sensors, and more.
In addition, new experiential excitement awaits guests with a series of firsts, including the first-ever Dream Park at the Pier theme park, featuring the world’s longest roller coaster at sea; the largest cinema at sea with eight theatres convertible for MICE meetings; the largest variety of Asian and international cuisine at sea; the industry’s most spacious staterooms; and The Palace, Asia’s largest “ship-within-a-ship” luxury enclave. – Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Bionic bar on board a Royal Caribbean ship
Royal Caribbean is enhancing the cruise experience with bold offerings on its Oasis and Quantum Class ships. The Quantum Class Spectrum of the Seas most recently welcomed the VR bungee trampoline and AR games, on top of a skydiving simulator, bumper cars, and a Bionic Bar among other onboard highlights. The Oasis Class ships offer the tallest slide at sea and high-tech entertainment showcasing high divers against a backdrop of stunning projections and a cast of drones for ice shows. – Pamela Chow
P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises Australia has responded to a growing demand from Australian holidaymakers for short breaks with the launch of two niche themed cruises in 2020. A 1980s Tribute Cruise, running for three nights on the two cruises which depart Brisbane and Sydney in early 2020, celebrates the MTV-generation’s music from pop, hip-hop, metal and rock. The Country Music Festival at Sea cruise, which departs Brisbane in December 2019, celebrates Australians’ growing interest in new styles of country music including rockabilly, country rock, folk and bluegrass. – Adelaine Ng
Burma Boating
Burma Boating recently launched exclusive monthly cruises that combine yachting and scuba diving in around Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago – which only recently started welcoming visitors. The 8D7N sailing adventures take place between November and April, and are the first in the region to combine the two water activities. Guests sail aboard the luxurious Dallinghoo, a 30m classic gaff-rigged schooner, and can also embark on a range of experiential activities that include meeting the Moken (sea gypsies), fishing with locals and feasting on fresh food cooked by a personal chef. – Marissa Carruthers
Emperor Cruises
Emperor Cruises recently rolled out a new expedition exploring the untouched islands in off-the-beaten-track Bai Tu Long Bay and Van Don. This avoids increasingly-popular nearby Halong Bay. The three- or four-night cruises also champion environmental sustainability through highly-regulated waste storage, eco-friendly engines, and supporting community and socially responsible initiatives, such as beach cleanups. – Marissa Carruthers
Cape & Kantary Hotels has appointed Timo Kuenzli as general manager of the five-star Cape Fahn Hotel, Koh Samui.
The Swiss has nearly 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and has worked in a range of tourist environments including America, Europe and Asia.
Kuenzli has been with Cape & Kantary Hotels for several years, having spent time at Cape Nidhra Hotel, Hua Hin; Kantary Hills Hotel, Chiang Mai; and Cape House Hotel, Langsuan, Bangkok. He was then appointed to the post of general manager at Cape Kudu Hotel, Koh Yao Noi.
As Thailand’s tourism industry gears up to mark its 60th anniversary in 2020, it is an ageing sector in need of a few nips and tucks for its own long-term interest, cautioned industry veteran Imtiaz Muqbil.
“In the past years, Thailand has been hit by every kind of disaster known to mankind but its tourism figures have grown exponentially – this, to me, is what makes Thailand the greatest story in tourism history. These things don’t happen because of a fluke, but because of people,” Imtiaz said.
Imtiaz Muqbil (seventh from right), alongside diplomats, academics and Thailand’s tourism representatives at the recent Thailand: The Greatest Story in Global Tourism History forum (Photo Credit: Anne Somanas)
“Today, Thailand’s tourism industry is an ageing industry that needs a complete check-up, and health and wellness survival plan. We need to look at sustainability. We did not listen to a word King Rama IX said on the sufficiency economy philosophy – it’s the best advice that the world has ever known for economic development. But in the tourism industry, nobody cares. It’s all about numbers and growth.”
Imtiaz, who is the executive editor of PR Travel Newswire and one of Thailand’s longest serving travel trade journalists, was speaking at the seventh instalment of the Thailand: The Greatest Story in Global Tourism forum series, where he recounted the epiphanies, turning points and key figures in history that has played a significant role in industry growth.
Organised by Imtiaz alongside Thailand’s tourism industry leaders, the seminar is part of a series spotlighting Thailand’s storied tourism history, in the lead up to the 60th anniversary of both the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai Airways in 2020.
Hosted on December 16, 2019 at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event was attended by diplomats from numerous embassies, academics from prominent Thai universities and industry experts, including representatives from Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Tourism Council of Thailand, and the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand.
Pointing out the importance of hindsight, Imtiaz said: “As we approach the turn of the decade, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways are both (approaching) their 60th anniversaries. Yet, not a single Thai university has a proper course on Thai, ASEAN or Asia-Pacific tourism history.”
“Globally, tourism is a sunrise industry going forward – it’s the only industry that meets all the UN Sustainable Development goals. Thailand has a lead start in this. We just need to fix some of our deficiencies (with) more behavioural change and cost benefit analysis. (We need to change) the parameters of measuring success from just numbers, because sometimes the actual cost is more than the benefits. Prevention is key – there’s an importance in heeding early warnings.”
Imtiaz’s upcoming book, 110 Factors that Shaped Thai Travel & Tourism, will be self-published in 2020.
Pauline has been appointed the new general manager of Eastin Hotel Makkasan Bangkok.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, Pauline started her career as the public relations manager at a four-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur, before moving into the general manager role at The Naviti Resort in Fiji.
Outrigger Hospitality Group has appointed two new additions to its sales team at the all-new Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger.
Marcus Ito has been named director of sales and marketing, where he will be responsible for driving revenue to the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger through sales and promotional activities by maximising prospective business opportunities from various business channels.
From left: Marcus Ito; Taro Sawabe
Ito will also work closely with key property partners, including Maui Brewing Company, Hawaii’s largest craft brewery; Hawaiian Aroma Caffe, one of Hawaii’s most Instagrammable coffee shops; and Magic of Polynesia. He will further drive brand fame with promotions surrounding the Beachcomber Originals, a collection of local artists and tastemakers who have helped shape Outrigger’s first lifestyle hotel.
Before joining Outrigger, Ito served at various properties such as G.Lion Hawaii; Trump International Hotel Waikiki; Wyndham Vacation Resorts; PacRim Marketing Group; and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
Meanwhile, Taro Sawabe has been appointed assistant director-market development with a focus on Asia and Japan.
In his new role, Sawabe is tasked with developing and facilitating progressive business flow with Outrigger’s Asia and Japan accounts through effective communication and account management.
Previously, Sawabe has held positions at Kahala Resort, Ritz Carlton Okinawa, Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay, and Westin Resort Guam.
Travellers are focusing on slow travel and sustainable tourism going into the year 2020, with Vietnam topping the list of emerging destinations, according to the new Skyscanner APAC Travel Trends 2020 Report.
Slow and JOMO travel among top 2020 travel trends in Asia-Pacific: Skyscanner
From solo to slow and JOMO (joy of missing out) travel
The report, which compared data from the October 2017 to September 2018 period with that from October 2018 to September 2019, found that slow travel have replaced solo trips as the most popular form of travel among Asia-Pacific travellers.
Some 24% of respondents cited slow travel as the type of trip they would most likely take in 2020, as compared to 22% of travellers who chose solo travel in 2019.
Also gaining traction is JOMO travel, which saw a jump from 10% in 2019 to 14% in 2020, as tourists seek out quieter destinations that are more about serenity and authenticity than famous landmarks or world-class shopping scenes.
This means that lesser-known destinations are likely to enjoy a strong 2020, including Tashkent in Uzbekistan, predicts the report. Other destinations that showed strong double-digit growth in 2019 and look set for a positive 2020 include Busan, South Korea; Nairobi, Kenya; Kathmandu, Nepal; Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands; and Yangon, Myanmar.
Sustainable tourism commands attention
The fastest growing travel trend for 2020 is sustainable tourism, with 6% of trips in the coming year likely to prioritise eco-friendliness – an 82% increase from 2019. Sustainable travel includes everything from buying Greener Choice flights and offsetting carbon emissions to visiting only destinations that are serious about their cultural and environmental responsibilities.
Travellers with a focus on sustainable tourism opt for eco-friendly travel products, stay at establishments that uphold green practices and use public transport where they can’t cycle or walk.
South Korea is leading the way, with 11% of its travellers due to opt for sustainable tourism in 2020, followed closely by India with 9% of its travellers going green, and then Australia at 8%.
The rise of premium economy
A further trend that Skyscanner’s data identified was a significant rise in interest in cabin class in 2019. Premium economy rose in popularity by 25%, supported by an average 7% drop in fares for this class of travel. Business class also saw a rise of 9%, emphasising travellers’ increasing focus on travelling in comfort.
The highest growth in premium economy bookings was for flights to Taiwan, which saw a 52% increase, along with a 17% decrease in the cost of the average fare. Singapore, which saw a 9% drop in fares, experienced a 43% increase in bookings, while Japan’s fares fell by an average of 6%, contributing to a 41% increase in bookings. The driver behind this is Asia-Pacific travellers’ push for more luxury, particularly when flying greater distances, such as to the US.
Surge of interest in Asia destinations in 2020
In 2020, Asia-Pacific travellers will be focusing on exploring closer to home, said the report. While European destinations were popular in last year’s report, Asian countries are now back in, making up more than 75% of 2019’s top destinations. This rising interest in Asia is expected to continue throughout 2020.
As well, the popularity of Vietnam looks set to continue into 2020, due to the provision of more routes, affordable airfares and more frequent flights. Phu Quoc is Skyscanner’s top emerging destination for 2020, followed by Kalibo; and then Takamatsu, Japan; and finally, Budapest in Hungary – Europe’s first entry in 2020’s top travel destinations.
South Korean travellers are driving growth, particularly in Vietnam, where interest in beach destinations have increased vastly year on year. Phu Quoc has seen a 360% increase in interest; Nha Trang, a 105% increase; and Da Nang, a 17% increase. The Philippines has also seen significant growth, with Kalibo enjoying a 100% year on year increase in 2019.
Despite a challenging year for the global airline industry owing to global economic slowdown, trade tensions and social unrest in Hong Kong, the outlook is brighter for next year, said IATA.
The global airline industry is expected to produce a net profit of US$29.3 billion in 2020, up 13% from a revised forecast of US$25.9 billion expected in 2019, IATA predicts.
Global airline industry flies into a brighter 2020: IATA
If achieved, 2020 will mark the industry’s 11th consecutive year in the black, it said.
Overall industry revenues are forecasted to rise 4% to US$872 billion in 2020, from US$838 billion in 2019; while passenger numbers are expected to increase 4% to 4.7 billion, from 4.5 billion in 2019.
Stronger economic growth should support passenger traffic growth of 4.1%, similar to 2019 (4.2%), but below historical trends.
“Slowing economic growth, trade wars, geopolitical tensions and social unrest, plus continuing uncertainty over Brexit all came together to create a tougher than anticipated business environment for airlines. Yet the industry managed to achieve a decade in the black, as restructuring and cost-cutting continued to pay dividends. It appears that 2019 will be the bottom of the current economic cycle and the forecast for 2020 is somewhat brighter,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.
“The big question for 2020 is how capacity will develop, particularly when, as expected, the grounded 737 MAX aircraft return to service and delayed deliveries arrive,” he added.
Jet kerosene prices are also expected to dip in 2020, averaging US$75.60 per barrel versus US$77 per barrel in 2019. The expected industry fuel bill of US$182 billion will represent 22.1% of expenses, down from $188 billion or 23.7% of expenses in 2019.
Passenger demand is expected to grow 4.1% in 2020, in line with 4.2% growth in 2019. However, while passenger capacity rose 3.5% in 2019, it is forecasted to grow 4.7% in 2020, as aircraft deliveries rise significantly, causing load factors to slide to 82% from 82.4% in 2019. Passenger revenues, excluding ancillaries, are expected to rise 2.5% to US$581 billion, from US$567 billion in 2019.
Asia-Pacific carriers will be helped by the modest recovery in world trade and air cargo, showing a US$6 billion net profit in 2020 (up from US$4.9 billion in 2019) for a 2.2% net margin, according to IATA.
Asia remains the manufacturing centre of the world and revenues from transporting many of those goods are a significant proportion of sales for many of the region’s airlines. But the trade war is assumed just to be on hold; trade tariffs are not reversed, it said.
StarLux Airlines has officially become Taiwan’s seventh international carrier following the approval of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, according to a report by Taipei Times.
The airline has received its air operator’s certificate from the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) following the ministry’s approval, said the report.
Taiwan’s new StarLux Airlines set to take off in 2020
But StarLux still has to apply for an airline call sign from the ICAO, as well as an airline code from the IATA, which is used to label the flight number in the ticket-booking system, it added.
The company has plans to simultaneously launch flights to Macau, Danang in Vietnam, and Penang in Malaysia, on January 23, after obtaining air route certificates from the CAA, according to the report.
The company has leased 10 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with the first one having arrived in October. It expects to take delivery of its second and third aircraft this and next month, respectively.
Deliveries of all 10 aircraft is set to complete by 2022.
StarLux has also signed a contract to purchase 17 Airbus A350 aircraft, which are to be delivered between 2021 and 2024.
It plans to start flying to the US using the A350 aircraft come 2022.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed the wife of majority owner Lucio Tan as its new vice chairman, said a report by The Philippine Star.
A stock exchange filing issued on Wednesday by Philippine Airlines’ parent company PAL Holdings showed that the airline’s board of directors has approved the appointment of Carmen Tan as vice chairman of PAL, it added.
Philippine Airlines has named the wife of majority owner Lucio Tan as its new vice chairman
Carmen will take over the position previously held by her son, Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr, who passed away last month.
Additionally, PAL Holdings said the airline’s board has also approved the resignation of two of its members: former solicitor general Estelito Mendoza and former Bangko Sentral governor Amando Tetangco Jr.
