Pakistani airspace closure forces flight cancellations and reroutes

February 28, 2019

india-pakistan — Flights diverted due to the closure of Pakistani airspace

Some flights were rerouted or cancelled following an escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, but Indian tour operators say it should be business as usual in tourism for now.

Early yesterday morning, India sent in the air force to eradicate a major terrorist camp in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK). This was in reaction to a terrorist attack on a security contingent in Kashmir two weeks ago, India’s Creative Travel & JungleSutra WIldlife Journeys said in a circular issued to partners.

Flights diverted due to the closure of Pakistani airspace

Describing India’s retaliation as “simply an anti-terrorist operation”, the tour company said India took out a terrorist camp and “no civilian or military targets in Pakistan were touched or ever targeted”.

“There is also a lot of misinformation and ‘fake news’ being spread, which is unfortunately a common phenomenon now all over the world. We do not see any immediate sense of concern at this stage and will keep you posted if something happens,” said Rajeev Kohli, joint managing director, Creative Travel & JungleSutra WIldlife Journeys.

“If at any point we find any reason to amend anyone’s journeys, you will hear from us immediately. As of now, it’s business as usual.”

In view of the closure of Pakistani airspace, airlines have been making flight changes.

Singapore Airlines announced the following reroutes and cancellation:

Singapore to London
1. SQ308 operating from Singapore to London on February 27, 2019 will stop in Dubai for re-fuelling before proceeding to London
2. SQ318 operating from Singapore to London on 27 February 2019 will stop in Mumbai for re-fuelling before proceeding to London.

Singapore to Frankfurt
1. SQ326 operating from Singapore to Frankfurt on February 27 will stop in Mumbai for re-fuelling before proceeding to Frankfurt, provided it is able to arrive in Frankfurt before the airport’s curfew.
Due to the delay, SQ325 operating from Frankfurt to Singapore on February 27 is cancelled and passengers will be transferred to other airlines.

All other flights that overfly affected airspace will be rerouted, but are due to operate as scheduled at this point.

SIA is advising customers to check the status of their flights on the website or contact their local SIA reservations office. Customers are also advised to update their contact details to receive updates on their flights.

Meanwhile, Thai Airways (THAI) has cancelled flights:

To Pakistan
– TG341 and TG342 to and from Bangkok-Karachi
– TG345 and TG346 to and from Bangkok-Lahore
– TG349 and TG350 to and from Bangkok-Islamabad

To Europe
February 27:
– TG920 from Bangkok-Frankfurt
– TG911 from London-Bangkok
– TG921 from Frankfurt-Bangkok
– TG931 from Paris-Bangkok
– TG941 from Milan-Bangkok
– TG945 from Rome-Bangkok
– TG971 from Zurich-Bangkok
– TG951 from Copenhagen-Bangkok
– TG961 from Stockholm-Bangkok
– TG955 from Oslo-Bangkok
– TG925 from Munich-Bangkok

February 28:
– TG910 from Bangkok-London
– TG924 from Bangkok-Munich
– TG930 from Bangkok-Paris
– TG934fromBangkok-Brussels
– TG940from Bangkok-Milan
– TG936from Bangkok-Vienna
– TG960from Bangkok-Stockholm
– TG970 from Bangkok-Zurich
– TG950 from Bangkok-Copenhagen
– TG954 from Bangkok-Oslo

THAI says it is monitoring the situation, and plans to operate flights on an alternative route that does not pass Pakistan and is now awaiting for airspace authorisation.

Airline passengers who hold tickets on routes affected by flight cancellation may change their itinerary and be exempted from fees and charges.

NYC & Company opens arms to SE Asian tourists

By S Puvaneswary

February 28, 2019

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manhattan-nyc — Manhattan, New York City

NYC & Company is honing in on South-east Asia’s growing outbound travel market, drawing on trade initiatives such as agent training programmes that show what the Big Apple has to offer beyond the known icons.

The company organised its first trade mission to the region earlier this week, covering Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, with five tourism partners – Hudson Yards, The Museum of Modern Art, Tour America, Wyndham Garden Brooklyn Sunset Park Hotel New York and Hertz – joining the mission to meet with the local travel trade.

High on the agenda are training and education programmes for the travel trade, including on how to take advantage of better deals and to experience more of New York, shared Makiko Matsuda Healy, managing director, tourism market development, NYC & Company.

The DMO recently revamped its online training programme for the travel trade to also include webinars on new offerings in the city as well as other need-to-knows.

Healy shared that NYC & Company wishes to tap into South-east Asia, a region where the outbound travel market is expected to double by 2025 on the back of an expanding middle class.

For 2018, NYC & Company is forecasting visitor numbers from South-east Asia to increase from 221,000 in 2017 to 241,000. On average South-east Asian visitors stayed an average of 11 days in New York City, according to Healy.

Since the opening of its representative office in Singapore in October 2018, NYC & Company has been busy identifying key tourism players in this region and supporting them. Fam trips for agents and the media from South-east Asia are also being planned for in the near future.

The Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam are the top three inbound markets to New York from South-east Asia.

The Philippines, which is the biggest market from this region, is strong with traffic from the VFR (visit friends and relatives segment) and business events, especially incentive travel.

Malaysian outbound agent, Vickie Yong, director, Airlink Travel & Tour, shared the need for US visas, which could be relatively expensive, is the main challenge in selling the destination, adding that many affluent Malaysians would rather holiday in Europe where they enjoy visa-free entry.

Another agent, YJ Chong, senior manager sales & marketing West Division at Apple Vacations & Conventions, shared that US president Donald Trump’s immigration stance has not been a deterrent for Malaysian Muslims and Malaysians in general.

Healy commented: “New York City always celebrates diversity and welcomes people from all over the world, no matter what the immigration policy is. This is the message we wish to convey.”

China’s tier-two cities heat up among mature Singaporean tourists

By Pamela Chow

February 28, 2019

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zhangjiajie-china — Zhangjiajie scenery at Wulingyuan, Hunan

China’s second-tier destinations are picking up in popularity among Singaporean travellers, particularly among the demographic of older working adults with higher spending power, observed travel agents at the NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) Travel Fair last weekend.

The three-day fair, which attracted some 60,000 visitors over its first two days, featured booths touting flights to cities such as Hangzhou, Ningxia and Zhangjiajie, with a smattering of Silk Road itineraries.

Zhangjiajie scenery at Wulingyuan, Hunan

“China has its evergreen cities like Shanghai and Beijing, but we have seen an increase in demand for secondary cities like Ningxia,” noted Diana Tan, head of department for customer services, CTC Travel.

Drivers of this trend include increased flight connectivity since last year – Singapore is now connected to Nanchang, Haikou, Jinan and Nanning, with Guiyang coming this year – as well as luxury hotel chains planting their flags in such cities.

Zhu Wenbo, general manager of Travel 21, shared: “The Singapore market has always had the demand for China, but it has increased recently and we’re focusing on drawing it out now. Popular areas for us are Beijing, Yading and Chengdu, because traditionally travel agents include compulsory shopping tours in these itineraries, but we don’t have those and our customers appreciate that.”

He echoed that demand for group tours to these destinations have been on the rise, with Travel 21 even flying a group of 100 pax to Chongqing last year.

Travellers prefer a consistent “premium standard for food and accommodation” when travelling to China, and this includes “five-star hotels and above” as well as cultural activities and sightseeing, Zhu observed.

Singapore’s tourism associations to meet for inaugural forum

By Pamela Chow

February 28, 2019

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wong-soon-hwa — Wong: Singaporean agents should work as one to face business challenges

Nine association heads and members from Singapore’s tourism and hospitality scene will next month convene for an inaugural panel, named the SG Tourism Leaders Forum (STLF).

Organised by the PATA Singapore Chapter, the STLF will feature three Power Panel Sessions as well as a networking lunch. Participating associations include PATA, SACEOS, Singapore Hotel Association, Orchard Road Business Association, Singapore Retailers Association, Restaurant Association of Singapore and Cruise Lines International Association.

Wong: Singaporean tourism industry should work as one to face business challenges

Also speaking in the panels are the NTUC Hospitality & Consumer Business Cluster and the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore. The Singapore Tourism Board will also speak at the forum.

“In an increasingly challenging business environment, we must avoid working in silos. Instead, we should leverage our collective synergy as Team SG to achieve the ‘power of one’,” expressed Wong Soon-Hwa, chairman, PATA Singapore Chapter.

He told TTG Asia that the need for such a forum has been a long time coming, especially with new disruptors and developments rising in Singapore’s tourism landscape.

The forum will also serve as an opportunity for PATA members and other tourism change-makers in Singapore to “renew ties and make new connections across the industry”, said Wong.

STLF will take place on March 6 from 08.30 to 14.00 at the Stephen Riady Auditorium @ NTUC, 1 Marina Boulevard. Interested association members are advised to contact their association for an official invitation and registration access. More information can be found at sgtourismleadersforum.com.

Immfly spreads wings to Asia

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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Following collaborations with airlines including Europe’s easyJet, Iberia Express, Pegasus and Sun Express in Turkey, Immfly is now expanding its operations into Asia.

The digital connected services and in-flight entertainment (IFE) company, which has a reach of over 65 million customers with its current airline customers, has begun recruiting in Asia, already contracting personnel established in Hong Kong.

Asian airline customers on the Immfly radar

In a statement, the company stressed that local presence will enable Immfly to better serve aviation customers in the region. It currently covers more than 50 destinations on the Asian continent.

In Asia, Immfly has also closely collaborated with the Japanese global Internet and e-commerce giant Rakuten. In a trial with easyJet, Immfly together with Rakuten as official entertainment sponsor, launched an in-flight entertainment platform which replicated the way the airline’s customers consumed their media at home.

The collaboration resulted in “a 22 percentage point improvement in customer satisfaction for customers using the platform versus easyJet’s network average” as confirmed by easyJet.

Jimmy Martinez, co-founder of Immfly, commented: “Immfly can actively support Asian aviation customers as they look to benefit from a competitive edge with innovative operational solutions and profitable IFE strategies. Immfly continues to lead by demonstrating unrivalled bottom line results with its state-of-the-art inflight digital services and IFE platforms. Establishing a local presence in Asia is part of our strategy as we expand and develop our relationships in key markets.”

Immfly says its digital services platform enables airlines to maximise revenues and efficiencies while also enabling customers to enjoy an IFE system. Its connected digital services focus on facilitating operational processes to reduce airline costs with digital services that simplify and accelerate tasks.

At the same time, the company has delivered platforms with tool kits which optimise ancillary revenue opportunities. Immfly’s IFE enables passengers to use their own smart personal devices instead of costlier seat back systems, to enjoy premium curated content and services. The technology is available for all aircraft, irrespective of the airline’s investment in on-board Internet connectivity.

Dynamic content management is paired with tools to benefit airlines with enhanced passenger experience, smarter operations and new revenue streams.

Passengers can choose from a selection of movies, TV shows, press & magazines, music, kids’ content, interactive maps, digital retail catalogues, and more.

In addition to the major European languages, Immfly already streams content in languages such as Turkish and Chinese, catering to its broadening base of customers and destinations.

With Immfly, airline passengers can also access a range of services and information during their flight including a 3D moving map, digitised retail catalogues, travel guides and offers for destinations activities.

Centara expands beach club concept to Krabi

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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Centara Hotels & Resorts is expanding its beach club and bistro concept, Coast, to more resort locations in Thailand, with Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi the latest addition.

Exclusive to the upper-upscale Centara Grand brand, Coast Beach Club and Bistro is a social dining and lounge concept with four beachfront locations currently operating in Koh Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya and Phuket.

Coast Beach Club

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Coast beach clubs feature zones, including a raw bar serving local seafood and poke bowls, a seafood grill to cook the “catch of the day”, an Italian pizza oven, and a casual bar area serving cocktails, fine wines, fresh juices and tapas plates. Guests can also enjoy DJ entertainment after the sun sets.

Under Centara’s Coast for Groups concept, meeting planners have an array of options, including beachfront barbecues, buffets, teambuilding activities and private parties.

Families and groups of friends can also arrange their own events, and the Couples’ Dining programme creates candlelit dinners, private performances and special menus.

As Coast expands its presence around the world, guests can look forward to an extended calendar of global events, including themed dinners, creative classes, pop-up chef weekends, guest DJ performances and more.

Etienne Dalançon named GM of Waldorf Astoria Maldives ahead of opening

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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Hilton has appointed Etienne Dalançon as general manager of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, a 122-villa resort set to open in the summer of 2019.

Dalançon joined the Hilton team in 2018, and earlier at Hyatt Hotels Corporate where he held roles as general manager of opening projects as well as various senior positions including sales and marketing.

With more than 20 years of experience in various roles within the hospitality industry, Dalançon has worked across multiple geographies including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo as well as in his native France.

US, Vietnam presidents witness Vietjet’s signing of 100 Boeing jets

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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trump-kim-vietjet-boeing — Vietjet's (rightmost) Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Boeing's Kevin McAllister at the signing, witnessed by the two presidents

Vietjet and Boeing Commercial Airplanes have signed a US$12.7 billion deal for 100 new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, doubling the airline’s order with Boeing to 200 airplanes.

During the same ceremony, Vietjet and General Electric signed a long-term Engine Support Agreement valued at US$5.3 billion to equip Vietjet aircraft with LEAP-1B engines.

Vietjet’s (rightmost) Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Boeing’s Kevin McAllister at the signing, witnessed by the two presidents

Vietjet president and CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao and Boeing Commercial Airplanes president & CEO Kevin McAllister co-signed the airplane purchase deal, with Vietnam president Nguyen Phu Trong and US president Donald Trump as witnesses.

Earlier in 2016, Vietjet also signed a 100 Boeing 737 MAX order, setting the mark for the largest commercial jet purchase within Vietnam’s aviation sector at the time and making the airline the largest purchaser of the aircraft model in Asia.

Highlighting the airline’s rapid growth, Vietjet’s Nguyen said: “The deal for 100 new airplanes and other agreements for 200 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes today (are) important moves for us to meet our international flight network expansion plans with a higher capacity, offering our passengers opportunities to fly to new international destinations.

“This contract signing ceremony, witnessed by the top leaders of Vietnam and the US on the occasion of the US-North Korea Summit in Hanoi, will mark a milestone for the two companies’ growth.”

In addition to the aircraft purchases, Boeing will support Vietjet in enhancing technical and engineering expertise, training pilots and technicians to improve management capabilities at the airline.

The total value of the signed deals between Vietjet and the US companies will reach US$18 billion.

Ski-and-stay deal at Kiroro Resort, Hokaido

By TTG Asia

February 28, 2019

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Hokkaido’s Kiroro Resort, with a snow season that stretches through spring, has launched a ski-and-stay package.

Visitors to Kiroro resort can choose from two properties: Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort and The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

Three nights for the price of two, 50 per cent off ski equipment, and more at Kiroro

Located right at the base of the slopes, Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort features 140 guestrooms and suites along with three restaurants. The resort is adjacent to the mountain centre, with easy access to the ski and snowboard academy, rental shop and ski valet.

The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is a luxury alpine resort with views of two nearby peaks, Asari and Nagamine. The 282-room hotel offers mountain vistas from every room, and five dining options ranging from Japanese to Italian.

The Kiroro Big Package – offered through April 26 at The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel and through April 14 at Sheraton Hokkaido Kidodo Resort –includes:
– three nights’ accommodations for the price of two;
– complimentary breakfast;
– 50 per cent discount on wear and gear rentals, including skis and snowboards;
– complimentary access to resort pool and fitness centre

Cambodia-American deportees reconnect with motherland through new tours

By Marissa Carruthers

February 27, 2019

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A tour group is aiming to showcase Cambodia in a different light while highlighting the plight of deported Cambodian-Americans.

The seed for Zin Adventures was planted in April 2018 when its core founders decided to form a social enterprise to offer employment and support to their peers. The five men are a fraction of the more than 700 Cambodian-Americans who have been sent to Cambodia since 2002.

A group of American deportees find a new home – and opportunities – in Cambodia's travel sector

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The majority have never set foot on Cambodian soil, born in refugee camps that dotted the Thai border after their families fled the brutality of the Khmer Rouge, under which almost a quarter of the population died between 1975 to 1979. In the 1980s, the US started accepting refugees, numbering over 178,000 arrivals. Many families were placed into under-privileged neighbourhoods where turf wars were rife. Growing up, children turned to gangs for survival.

Although refugees were given legal permanent residence, they did not automatically receive citizenship. In 2002, America and Cambodia signed a law that saw non-citizens who commit a crime, including minor offences, deported after serving jail time – in many cases, several years later. Today, about 1,800 people in the US are waiting to be exiled to Cambodia.

Having managed to turn tragedy into a second chance with the financial backing of two business people in Cambodia, the team – Buck Billy, Bobby Orn, Bunthoeun Ly, Khan Hin and Jimmy Hiem – hope through Zin they can do the same for others.

They plan to recruit and train up to 20 employees from their community, as well as an additional 20 locals, and expand their itineraries across the country.

Currently, they have developed a one-day tour – which can be extended to three – to Kirirom and a 90-minute walking tour through the capital’s Old European Quarter, followed by an optional boat tour with a Khmer dance class from members of award-winning Sophiline Arts Ensemble.

The team has spent almost a year carrying out extensive research to seek out hidden relics, spots and stories that cannot be found in the guidebooks. Months were spent trawling online resources, newspapers and books, carrying out site visits and extensively interviewing locals.

The route starts in Phnom Penh and goes on to Kirirom – a national park about 2.5 hours from the capital.

Zin also recently teamed up with bike tour operator Grasshopper Adventures to offer trips through Kirirom National Park.

Through the Gold Luck City tour, an itinerary has been curated to capture fading parts of the city’s more prosperous past. These include an ancient colonial church, a former Chinese assembly hall and a striking Chinese Hokkien temple.

To date, Zin has met with about 15 tourism companies, ranging from small travel businesses to large tour operators, with “much interest” shown in the Good Lucky City Tour.

Plans going forward include attracting more travellers from the US, as well as creating memorials and naming projects after relatives who made the refugee exodus and victims of the war and genocide.

Said Bobby, 44, who was deported in 2011: “We want to show the others when they arrive here that life isn’t over and there is hope, while showing some special places in Cambodia to visitors.”

Pakistani airspace closure forces flight cancellations and reroutes

NYC & Company opens arms to SE Asian tourists

China’s tier-two cities heat up among mature Singaporean tourists

Singapore’s tourism associations to meet for inaugural forum

Immfly spreads wings to Asia

Centara expands beach club concept to Krabi

Etienne Dalançon named GM of Waldorf Astoria Maldives ahead of opening

US, Vietnam presidents witness Vietjet’s signing of 100 Boeing jets

Ski-and-stay deal at Kiroro Resort, Hokaido

Cambodia-American deportees reconnect with motherland through new tours

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