Paris tops search list for Japanese travellers: Agoda
An analysis of Agoda’s accommodation search data shows that in Asia, Japan is the market where most searches for Paris originated from.
Agoda noted 43% more searches for stays in Paris in late-July and early-August, as the world’s ‘city of love’ becomes the ‘city of sports’.
Following Japan, the Asian markets that saw the most searches for Paris were South Korea, Hong Kong, Mainland China, and India respectively.
Paris is set to host the world’s biggest sporting event later this month, and that seems to have sparked interest from travellers across Asia. The increase in accommodation searches on Agoda’s platform highlights the enthusiasm and anticipation for the events, with many eager to experience the global spectacle first-hand.
Agoda’s data revealed that Paris is a highly sought-after destination from Asia, reflecting the city’s allure and perpetual popularity. The increase in searches underscores the importance of the event and the city’s readiness to not only welcome the global sporting community, but also many international fans and visitors.
Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply at Agoda, shared: “The upcoming events in Paris are generating traveller excitement, and we were not surprised seeing this increase in interest from Asian markets.”
Maldives to step up destination marketing efforts
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) and the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration and amplify destination marketing efforts.
Under the terms of this agreement, MATI will play an advisory role to MMPRC to aid in the conceptualisation and formulation of destination marketing strategies, campaigns, and tactics for the Maldives.
Moreover, both parties will cooperate in sharing tourism-related data compilations, analytical findings and insights.
“We are delighted to formalise this important collaboration with MATI, (whose) extensive industry knowledge and experience will undoubtedly be an indispensable asset in strengthening our destination marketing efforts, and their insights and support will be invaluable as we work towards achieving our strategic objectives,” commented Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and managing director of MMPRC.
Ahmed Nazeer, secretary general of MATI, echoed this sentiment: “We have always maintained a close working relationship with MMPRC and we hope that our understanding today will serve to further solidify and enhance that relationship. Furthermore, it is our wish that this collaboration can help to bolster MMPRC’s Destination Marketing efforts, which are undoubtedly crucial for increasing our destination’s brand appeal and achieving our overall performance targets.”
Lunch in the sky with Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer has launched the Skyline Lunch Experience, a revolving dining experience that takes guests up to 165m high aboard one of the world’s largest observation wheels. Featuring a refined five-course Cantonese-style set menu, the Skyline Lunch Experience menu is crafted by the culinary team from Sky View Pavilion.
Starting off the culinary adventure is a dim sum trio platter, followed by double-boiled chicken soup and osmanthus-smoked cod. The highlight of the meal is the lotus leaf rice with 10-head South African abalone, before ending with lemongrass jelly adorned with assorted fruits.
Throughout the 60-minute experience across two rotations on the Singapore Flyer, guests can enjoy the attentive service of a dedicated in-capsule host.
Available from July 26 to November 25, every Friday through Monday, the Skyline Lunch Experience is priced at S$300 (US$223) for two persons in a shared capsule. With just one seating at 12.30, it accommodates only 20 guests each day.
Guests will be treated to a seamless experience with escorted priority boarding from the VIP Lounge and complimentary admission to the immersive Time Capsule, where they can take a stroll through Singapore’s rich history after the meal.
For guests seeking a more private setting, the Private Skyline Lunch Experience offers an exclusive dining experience, comfortably seating up to 10 persons for S$1,500++.
Tickets can be purchased through Singapore Flyer’s website and the WeChat Mini Programme.
For more information, visit Singapore Flyer.
Taste Port Douglas partners Singapore Airlines for F&B festival
Australia’s favourite food festival Taste Port Douglas – presented by Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas – has chosen its first airline partner Singapore Airlines (SIA) as well as received financial support from the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements following ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Taste Port Douglas’ eighth edition will see the festival hosting international talent for the first time with Michelin-star chef, Michael Wilson from Singapore in the fan-favourite Chef Takeover Dinners, which is now the Taste Port Douglas Takeover Series presented by Singapore Airlines.
From August 7-10, Wilson from Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Marguerite, located in the Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome will join the all-star brigade of top Australian culinary talent, participating in one of the eight exclusive events, spanning across picturesque venues in Port Douglas, Palm Cove, and Cairns.
On August 11, Laughing Heart Comedy’s Palate Cleansers will be popping up during the day’s activities, hosted by Melbourne-based comedian Bron Lewis.
There will also be two competitions will give Australians and Singaporeans the chance to win an ultimate foodie weekend – the first being at Taste Port Douglas and the second in Singapore.
The first offers one lucky Singaporean resident the chance to win two Economy Class return flights from Singapore to Cairns for a foodie weekend at the Taste Port Douglas festival. The offer includes five nights’ accommodation at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, two Weekend Season Foodie Passes and a Great Barrier Reef and Mossman Gorge experience.
The second offers an Australian resident two Economy Class return flights from any SIA-operated city in Australia to Singapore, for a Singapore foodie weekend, including three-nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast at The Westin Singapore and a Seven-Course Dinner Experience with Wine and Temperance Pairing at Marguerite.
With more than 10,000 guests expected to attend Taste Port Douglas from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific, the new partnership with SIA highlights the ease of access to the region with direct flights four times a week between Singapore and Cairns on board their Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
“We’re delighted to be shining a light on Far North Queensland and the incredible food and drink experiences it has to offer. Increased government funding and our first international brand partnership are massive milestones and have enabled us to bring fans our best festival yet,” shared co-founder and culinary director of Taste Port Douglas Spencer Patrick.
Tourism minister Michael Healy added: “Taste Port Douglas is the perfect way to experience everything this incredible region has to offer and it’s terrific that the Australian and Queensland Governments are supporting the event to help attract even more visitors this year. What an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a magnificent four-day, warm winter escape, while drinking in Port Douglas’ spectacular landscapes and envied lifestyle.”
Korean Air debuts new Prestige Class seats on latest Boeing 787-10
Korean Air has launched its inaugural flight from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita today on its first Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, an advanced aircraft that boasts the latest technology, superior fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner also introduces Korean Air’s new Prestige Class cabin for business class passengers. The Prestige Class seats, Prestige Suites 2.0, are designed to offer passengers a luxurious experience through its design and functionality.
Prioritising passenger privacy, each seat is a virtually independent space, with an open top that enhances a sense of openness while maintaining a level of privacy. The seats fully recline to a flat 180 degrees, transforming into a bed. The seat length has been extended to about 198cm, with a seat pitch of 117cm and a seat width of 53cm, ensuring a generous amount of personal space.
Additional convenience is provided by expanded personal space next to the armrest, featuring a table for cups and small personal items, a personal storage compartment, a wireless phone charger, dual 220V/110V outlets, and two high-speed USB-C ports.
Meanwhile, the economy class offers seats in a 3-3-3 configuration – the seats recline up to 120 degrees with headrests adjustable in multiple directions.
High-resolution monitors supporting 4K resolution offer an enhanced inflight entertainment experience in both classes. Inflight Wi-Fi service is also available.
Accommodation revenue in Japan continues to grow
Hotel and ryokan operators in Japan are expecting record revenues in fiscal 2024 (April 2024 to March 2025), buoyed by the almost full rebound of revenue in fiscal 2023 to pre-pandemic levels and the ongoing strong growth in inbound tourism.
Accommodation revenue for the year ending March 2024 totalled 4.9 trillion yen (US$31.3 billion), according to a survey by financial research firm Teikoku Databank, which found that the record high annual revenue of five trillion yen (reached in 2019) could have been reached if not for the damage caused to hotels and ryokans by the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January.
Overall, 52 per cent of accommodation surveyed said their revenue is set to increase this year, although there were regional disparities. Respondents in Hiroshima Prefecture were most optimistic, at 84 per cent.
Overnight stays in Japan totalled 600 million in 2023. Of that, international visitors accounted for 20 per cent, marking a return to pre-pandemic levels, according to a lodging and travel statistics survey conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
By prefecture, Tokyo saw the highest increase in domestic and international hotel guests in 2023 compared to 2019 (23 per cent), followed by Kochi (18 per cent), Tochigi (10 per cent), Osaka (four per cent) and Kyoto (four per cent), according to the Japan Tourism Agency.
The Teikoku Databank study predicts fiscal 2024 will generate at least five trillion yen in revenue for hotel and ryokan operators, although it noted that ongoing labour shortages pose a threat to income growth.
Political unrest in Bangladesh disrupts medical tourism to India
With the ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, medical tourism from the country to India has taken a hit. Many of such travellers are either cancelling or postponing their trips, according to stakeholders of the industry.
“There are about 30 to 40 hospitals in Kolkata (capital of West Bengal) for whom Bangladesh is one of the major source markets. The current situation has led to setbacks for them. Kolkata is also a weekend destination for many Bangladeshis who visit the city for shopping. So, the impact is on the overall local economy as well,” shared Kolkata-based Debjit Dutta, director and CEO of Impression Tourism Services.
Besides the bordering Indian state of West Bengal, a large number of medical tourists from Bangladesh visit different Indian cities for medical reasons.
“About 85 per cent of Bangladesh inbound tourist arrivals to India are for medical reasons. The volatile situation in Bangladesh is impacting the medical tourism business in the country,” said Zia Siddiqui, managing director, Alliance Hotels & Resorts.
For over 10 days, protests have continued against a government job quota system in Bangladesh. The country has witnessed clashes between the protestors and law enforcement agencies over the issue.
“We have been exploring the Bangladesh market for some time now and have seen a slight increase in people coming from there for treatments. We were talking to a few Bangladeshi clients who were planning a trip next month but have now postponed their trips for later this year,” said Abhilash K Ramesh, executive director of Kairali Ayurvedic Group.
However, Dutta sees the current unrest in Bangladesh as a matter of concern for overall inbound tourism to India and regional tourism too.
“There are two things involved in this issue: one is regional business and the other one is bilateral business. Bangladesh is the largest inbound source market for India. Post-pandemic, 23 per cent of the total inbound tourism business to India has been from Bangladesh. Unlike natural calamities, the impact of social or political unrest on tourism is for a longer period,” he said.
Dutta further elaborated on the destinations favoured by Bangladeshi leisure tourists, including Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Ajmer. Some also visit north-eastern Indian states like Meghalaya via the Dawki border crossing and Agartala through the Akhaura border.
“We, as a company, had a couple of cross-country tours lined up, combining Bangladesh and India. If the situation persists, we are going to lose that business. This is a bad time for unrest as foreign tour operators start to work on their brochures for 2025. If the situation lingers, they might be sceptical about working on a regional tour product that might not materialise,” Dutta added.
Airbnb closes the digitalisation gap with community initiatives
PATA member Airbnb is taking the lead in bridging the digital divide, tackling barriers in rural and underserved regions to foster economic growth, promote inclusive development, and provide exposure to a global community with sustainability and a long-term impact in mind.
According to Asmita Joshi, Airbnb head of public policy, India and South Asia, the hospitality company is addressing issues such as infrastructure challenges, digital literacy and socio-economic and cultural barriers.
The online marketplace best known for connecting people with unique stays, experiences and adventures, has organised capacity building workshops, provided digital skilling and platform training and facilitating hosts communities, she added.
Joshi continued: “We have been engaging and partnering with governments at the central and state level, strengthened by on-the-ground support, and enabling ongoing training programmes and virtual resources.”
Initiatives include partnerships with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Global Himalayan Expeditions (GHE) Impact Ventures; Goa Tourism Department and Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA); the Internet Society Foundation (ISF); the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in the Philippines (AEAP); and Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.
Joshi and partners from SEWA, ISF and AEAP were speaking at a recent PATA webinar titled Unlocking economic outlook through community intervention and digital skills: A new approach for tourism capacity building in Asia.
Joyce Dogniez, vice president, empowerment and outreach, ISF, pointed out that “connectivity is taken for granted and one-third of people on the planet do not have it”.
In 2023 in Indonesia, Airbnb launched an Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy to develop local tourism entrepreneurship through training and support.
The programme, conducted in partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, has reached 27 villages and continues to expand and disperse the benefits of tourism to more communities. According to Joshi, 197 homestay owners have participated in the programme, of which 46 per cent are women.
This year, ISF and Airbnb partnered to provide technical training and Internet connectivity to Sherpa communities in Nepal, providing access to more than 1,000 sherpas, boosting local income through Wi-Fi services and opening up new career pathways.
Joshi related how one beneficiary of the SEWA and Airbnb initiative earns more from hosting on the platform in a month than from a year of harvesting crops, and her success has inspired others in her community to start hosting.
Beyond homestays and strengthening local culture, GHE lead for community tours Simarpreet Kaur said communities have been transformed with electrification – such as solar-powered homestays and water heating – and understand the concept of being a super host, using social media and digital payments.
Over in the Philippines, Airbnb Philippines also launched a US$100,000 grant programme to empower women entrepreneurs this year.
Maica Neves, executive director, Spark Philippines, said confidence and economic independence of women entrepreneurs, problem-solving and interpersonal skills have been boosted through the Airbnb academy.
“We ensure continuity of participants after the training and have implemented job-matching employment with the industry to reinforce their skills with practical experience in a real-world setting,” shared Neves.
ACI World, Airbus strengthen global cooperation to decarbonise aviation
Airports Council International (ACI) World and Airbus have signed a cooperation agreement to support the industry’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation.
This partnership leverages the strengths of the aircraft manufacturer and the largest and most important international association of airports to make significant progress in both decarbonising aviation and mitigating aircraft noise impact.
This alliance will address key areas including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen technologies, advanced air mobility, operations efficiency, and aircraft noise management practices. It will foster the exchange of information and perspectives on low carbon operations, communicate industry progress, jointly develop guidance materials, and potentially formulate unified positions on policies and standards to achieve the industry targets.
This collaboration builds on the successful partnership between Airbus and ACI Europe that began two years ago and which has significantly strengthened the relationship by working together on the deployment of alternative energies including hydrogen and SAF within European alliances, sharing technical data with European airports and communicating progress at key industry events.
ACI World director general and CEO Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “This strategic alliance underscores the unwavering commitment of airports worldwide to sustainable aviation, ensuring that we not only reduce our environmental impact but also maximise the socio-economic benefits of air travel… we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability in aviation, and paving the way for a greener future.”
“By combining our technological expertise with ACI World’s vast network and operational insights, we aim to influence policies and standards that support sustainable aviation and drive industry-wide innovation. Together, we can create a cohesive and aligned approach to achieving our decarbonisation targets and enhancing the sustainability of the global aviation sector,” added Julie Kitcher, chief sustainability officer, Airbus.
The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is expecting to grow its inbound tourism market by hosting the 39th Annual Convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) from August 30 to September 2 at the Taj Lakefront in the capital city of Bhopal.
This year’s convention’s theme, Resurgent India Inbound, is expected to highlight inbound tourism’s opportunities as well as challenges.
Madhya Pradesh is currently witnessing an overwhelming demand from the domestic tourism market, however, comparatively, international tourist arrivals have failed to take off.
“The domestic tourism market has grown manifolds in Madhya Pradesh and we expect the trend to continue in the next few years. However, we are still unable to make inroads in the inbound tourism market especially since post-pandemic international tourist arrivals (have) yet to pick up. We are hoping that after hosting the IATO convention, the participating tour operators will be able to promote the destination in international markets,” said Sheo Shekhar Shukla, principal secretary, Department of Tourism and managing director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) while speaking to TTG Asia on the sidelines of a news conference in New Delhi on Tuesday.
As per the department of tourism, Madhya Pradesh, 115 million domestic tourists visited the state in 2023 compared to 34 million in 2022. The statistics from India’s Ministry of Tourism show that the state welcomed 327,958 international tourists in 2019, a number that has declined sharply to less than 100,000 in the post-lockdown period.
IATO vice president Ravi Gosain, who will chair the convention, shared that about 1,000 delegates including tour operators, government officials, hoteliers and media representatives are expected to participate at the convention in Bhopal.
He said: “We are organising 10 post-convention tours covering different tourism sites including Sanchi, Udayagiri, Bhojpur, Bhimbetka, Ujjain and Satpura National Park among others. These trips will help our members to effectively promote Madhya Pradesh in international markets.”
Gosain claimed that there has been an increase of 20 to 30 per cent in international tourist arrivals in states which have hosted the IATO’s conventions in the past.
“We want to take the bull by its horns when it comes to inbound tourism. We are actively participating in international trade shows and collaborating closely with 25 Indian missions abroad to drive positive change in inbound tourism. We are developing destinations such as Gandhi Sagar, Kuno, and Chanderi as glamping sites, which we aim to promote on an international scale. Additionally, we want to promote rural and tribal homestays in global markets,” added Shukla.