Sabre, Etihad Airways partner on NDC Content
Sabre Corporation has teamed up with Etihad Airways to integrate the airline’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) content into Sabre’s worldwide travel marketplace.
This new partnership with Etihad Airways enhances Sabre’s presence in the Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region by offering travel agencies real-time access to a wider range of content and booking options.
The initial launch will be available to agencies in Oman and Bahrain, enabling them to easily browse, book, and manage Etihad Airways’ NDC offers, with plans for a wider rollout in the future.
Sabre provides travel agencies and corporate buyers with a streamlined solution to access, compare, and book Etihad’s NDC offers alongside their traditional options. This is made possible through the integration and standardisation of NDC offers, utilising Sabre’s APIs, Sabre Red 360 travel agency booking application, and GetThere online booking tool.
Travel agencies and buyers can benefit from Etihad’s NDC content, which offers personalised and diverse travel options, enriched content, dynamic pricing, and customised travel solutions to meet the growing demand for tailored travel experiences.
Aviation roundup: Etihad Airways, Jetstar Asia and more
Etihad Airways lands in Bali for the first time
Etihad Airways has launched its flights between Abu Dhabi and Bali on June 25, with the inaugural flight, EY476, welcomed at the Denpasar airport with the traditional water cannon salute.
The new service operates four times a week, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring Etihad’s 28 Business Studios and 262 Economy Smart seats.
Jetstar Asia launches direct Singapore-Broome route
Jetstar Asia has commenced its services between Singapore and Broome, Western Australia, making the airline the only one to operate international flights into regional Western Australia.
The new route also provides a direct link for residents from Australia’s North West to Singapore.
Operated by an Airbus A320 during the dry season, the twice weekly return services will offer close to 13,000 low fare seats each year between Singapore and the coastal town of Broome. The seasonal service will restart in April 2025.
THAI, Kuwait Airways inaugurate codeshare agreement
Thai Airways International Public Company (THAI) and Kuwait Airways have joined forces for a codeshare partnership, providing greater opportunities to passengers in Thailand and Kuwait.
THAI’s code will be used for flights between Kuwait City and Bangkok, and also from Kuwait City to destinations in Europe, including Rome and Athens; while Kuwait national carrier’s code will be used for THAI flights between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur starting June 26.
Subject to Government approval, THAI and Kuwait Airways will provide more routes departing from Kuwait City to destinations in the Middle East and Europe such as Amman, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Cairo, Casablanca and Milan operated by Kuwait Airways, while routes in the Far East, as well as within Thailand, will be operated by THAI.
Singapore Airlines boosts flights to Beijing
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch daily flights between Singapore and Beijing’s Daxing International Airport on November 11 this year, subject to regulatory approvals.
SIA will also increase its frequencies to Beijing Capital International Airport to 21 weekly services from August 5, up from 18 weekly services.
For the new service, SIA will operate its Boeing 787-10 aircraft, which features 36 Business Class seats and 301 Economy Class seats.
Located in the south of Beijing, Daxing International Airport gives customers convenient access to the Beijing, Hebei, and Tianjin regions, where several world cultural heritage sites are located, via a network of highways, subways, and railways.
From November 2024, SIA will operate to eight destinations in mainland China: Beijing (Capital), Beijing (Daxing), Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Xiamen.
Monopoly board game comes to life in Hong Kong
This summer, join in the fun with Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong from now till August 31.
Monopoly Dreams leverages the classic elements of Monopoly, with emphasis on interactive experience to highlight tourist spots suiting all ages – this fun experience has flourished as a must-visit destination for local and foreign visitors since its inauguration.
Keeping up with the times, Monopoly Dreams is now equipped with AR and 4D interactive game technology.
Whether travelling to Hong Kong with family or friends, Monopoly’s Funny Summer treat will have a choice for everyone.
Offers aplenty await, and range from HK$440 (US$56) Package-for-2 to HK$880 Package-for-4, tickets with Walk into Monopoly, Monopoly Popcorn and Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream treats.
Join in the fun and feel for real the world-famous board game experience to win prizes.
Those interested to participate can head to Peak Galleria located at The Peak in Hong Kong, opened from 10.00 to 22.00 daily.
For more details, visit Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong.
Ascott makes six key appointments
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has announced six key appointments in the functions of business development, strategy and operations that will support its global expansion in management and franchise contracts as well as catalyse strategic growth.
The new appointments to Ascott’s business development team are Venessa Koo, vice president, business development for Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam; Teo Junrong, vice president, business development for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia; and Thomas Lamson, vice president, business development and product & technical services for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
In addition, Joseph Wong, managing director for China, will drive business development on top of overseeing all aspects of Ascott’s operations, in this key market.
Ascott also welcomed Steven Chan as vice president, global franchise services and regional general manager for Indochina, as well as Sophie Mougel as vice president, strategy and regional general manager for the Philippines and Malaysia. Both helm dual portfolios that tap into their deep local knowledge to harness new opportunities in these markets.
Disney Cruise Line sheds more light on its 2025 cruise season out of Singapore
Seven themed areas inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories within the soon-to-sail Disney Adventure cruise ship have been unveiled at a presentation by Disney Cruise Line on June 26, as the company approaches the cruise ship’s scheduled launch from its Singapore homeport in 2025.
Through Disney’s expertise in storytelling, the themed areas promise character interactions with guests and unforgettable experiences.
Disney Imagination Garden is said to be the “emotional heart of the Disney Adventure”. It is an enchanted valley, charming garden and open-air performance venue all in one, with visuals, design and experiences inspired by 100 years of Disney tales.
Disney Discovery Reef features shopping and dining opportunities “in an ethereal and ever-changing retreat” set amid nautical stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, including The Little Mermaid, Lilo & Stitch, Finding Nemo, and Luca.
Inspired by the eclectic world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Big Hero 6, San Fransokyo Street will be a family entertainment area pulsing with the energy and atmosphere of a vibrant street market and boasting an assortment of interactive games and activities, shops, cinemas, and more.
Wayfinder Bay is an open-air poolside retreat, where relaxation and exclusive entertainment reflect the Pacific Islands-inspired artistry of Disney Animation’s Moana. This is also the venue for some of the most stunning views of the sea and sky onboard Disney Adventure.
Town Square brings Disney royals together in a fantastical forest filled with shops, lounges, cafés, restaurants and entertainment venues.
At Marvel Landing, heroes unite for fans of all ages, offering Avengers-level adventure and all-new attractions and experiences with popular superheroes.
The seventh themed area is Toy Story Place, a whimsical and interactive play land packed with thematic food venues and water play areas reflecting Pixar’s Toy Story movies and shorts.
Describing Disney Adventure as a destination in itself, Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager, Asia with Disney Cruise Line, said: “Disney Cruise Line guests have always loved their days at sea, and they tell us how their time onboard is spent relaxing and being with friends and family, and most importantly, enjoying all the incredible experiences offered on our ships. And so, Disney Adventure is intentionally designed for great days at sea.”
While details of experiences to be expected have yet to be disclosed, both Fox and Laura Sanden Cabo, portfolio executive creative director of Walt Disney Imagineering – who leads the creative vision for Disney Adventure – told TTG Asia that guests can expect numerous indoor and outdoor fun, special entertainment, Broadway-level performances, and world-class dining delivered by exceptional crew.
Cabo said each of the seven themed areas are “so different and unique, and do not exist on any of our other ships in this way”.
Fox emphasised that the Disney cruise experience is perfect for all ages and multi-generation families. The ship offers dedicated spaces and clubs for kids, tweens and teens, as well as premium dining, lounge and spa experiences for grown-up cruisers.
“I have enjoyed Disney Cruise Line with my extended family – my mum and dad, husband and kids. Our cruises are the kind of vacation where everyone can really enjoy everything onboard,” opined Fox.
Disney Adventure will offer three- and four-night voyages around Asia. However, travel trade and cruise fans will have to hold their breath a little longer for further information on sailing dates, pricing, and booking processes. Fox said these would be released progressively this year.
Meanwhile, the marketplace can get a hint of what to expect from existing Disney Cruise Line sailings.
“Many of our world-class restaurants are included (in the fare), and there are some select restaurants that come with an incremental charge. There are also beverage, photography and spa packages, along with other additive elements that guests can take up at their discretion,” said Fox in an interview with TTG Asia.
Cabo pointed out that the majority of entertainment onboard are included, while guests wanting premium experiences can opt for the Concierge programme.
Fox found interest from travel trade partners to be “tremendous”. She acknowledged the importance of the trade network, and shared that the cruise line’s director of sales has been “out in the region making important connections – many of which we already have as a Disney company”.
Travel agents are supported by a commission structure.
As for target markets, Fox said Disney Adventure would “drive inbound tourism and fly-cruise tourism in Singapore”, adding that the ship would expect guests from the top performing source markets that Singapore already has, like China, Indonesia, and India. With Singapore regarded as an Asian travel hub, Fox also expects to see interest from Australian, Thai and South Korean travellers.
Concluding, Fox said the new ship would “give us more flexibility to bring the magic of a Disney Cruise Line vacation to new global destinations”.
“This will include the opportunity to provide an avenue for MICE-related group bookings as well, and we look forward to group enquiries.”
Plaza Premium Group fuels growth with US$300m investment
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has committed an investment of US$300 million to boost its growth initiatives over the next three years.
This investment will focus on several key areas: strategic market expansion, research and development, enhancing sustainable practices, fostering talent development, and product diversification.
The Hong Kong company will also be launching a travel solution programme, Smart Traveller, in 3Q2024.
PPG aims to strengthen its presence in strategically chosen international markets, specifically the world’s top 100 busiest airports. US$160 million will be invested in growth in Asia-Pacific, with a focus on South-east Asia and India, while another US$100 million is being spent on developing operations in the Middle East, with a new office opening in Riyadh. Other strategic markets where investment will be spent include the UK and the Americas.
The company will also increase its investment in research and development to advance services and customer experience using technology, digitalisation, and robotics, including the opening of an innovation hub to pilot new technologies in Hong Kong. PPG is working on developing robotic assistance in lounges and AI technology to streamline and facilitate services across WhatsApp, and is also working on building its own dynamic pricing based on heatmapping to move to a demand-based pricing model.
Investment will also be spent on OneTECO (Travel Experience Ecosystem), a management system that seamlessly connects the demand and supply sides of the entire airport hospitality ecosystem under one platform that serves as a centralised marketplace, bringing together various airport services including lounges, hotels, and over 17 airport passenger services. This digital product aims to bridge the fragmented market and enhance operational efficiency for airport services.
PPG will also focus on accelerating efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the business, as well as cultivating a dynamic and inclusive workplace that attracts and retains top talent.
PPG now has more than 250 locations in over 30 countries with a strong pipeline of new openings in key destinations including Abu Dhabi, London, Vancouver, Kenya, Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia, Chongqing and Osaka.
“Our industry is developing rapidly, and it’s crucial that we stay ahead of the curve,” commented Song Hoi-see, founder of PPG.
Jonathan Song, global director of business development, added: “Our investment in global expansion and innovation will support our aspiration to become a household name in airport hospitality. We believe it will also propel the growth of the entire airport business ecosystem.
“By working closely with the world’s leading airports, we aim to strengthen global connectivity and deliver exceptional experiences to make travel better for travellers.”
Travelport introduces NDC content from Emirates
Travelport and Emirates have joined forces to deliver New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from the airline and enhanced NDC servicing capabilities on the Travelport+ platform.
With this launch, Travelport’s agency customers will be able to easily view and compare NDC offers and ancillaries from Emirates and create a more streamlined, personalised experience for travellers. It also provides agents the ability to service NDC bookings, which includes modifications and cancellations.
Travelport’s NDC content and servicing solution for Emirates is now available to all agency customers located in Australia, Indonesia, the UAE, and the UK. Access to Emirates NDC solution in Travelport+ will expand to agency customers located in additional countries in the coming weeks.
Adnan Kazim, deputy president and chief commercial officer at Emirates, commented: “The integration of our systems will strengthen the expansion of our reach across the global travel retail community and allow them to offer travellers more choice among our best-in-class products and services.”
“This pivotal NDC milestone with Emirates proves Travelport is at the forefront of modern retailing with our ability to provide the best content and tools that agents require to create superior booking and servicing experiences for their customers,” said Jason Clarke, chief commercial officer, travel partners, Travelport.
Hyatt invites guests to be more present
Hyatt has introduced Be More Here, a new brand platform in Asia-Pacific that invites guests, members and customers to lean into the transformative powers of travel and be more present.
Be More Here follows the new World of Hyatt loyalty programme updates that allow members to earn more and enjoy more reward choices, and encourages guests to embrace the moment through purposeful experiences such as well-being rituals and culinary journeys.
Whether encouraging guests to Be More Foodie, Be More Immersed, Be More Celebrated, Be More Wanderlust or Be More Family, the platform will mark a new way for Hyatt to demonstrate care and offer unique experiences across the Asia-Pacific region and its global portfolio.
Hyatt offers unique ways for guests to care for their well-being, including healing rituals, wellness retreats, and the signature Sleep at Hyatt programme, as well as embraces its culinary ethos of Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served by promoting well-being and sustainability from sourcing ingredients responsibly.
In addition, Be More Here invites guests to discover cultural experiences and more at Hyatt properties across Asia-Pacific – Park Hyatt Kyoto in Japan offers guests an exclusive access via a guided tour to the spiritual landmark Kiyomizu, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site; Taoxichuan Hotel, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in China immerses guests in the city’s heritage through specially curated cultural experiences like ceramic craftsmanship workshops and art exhibitions; in India, journey through the vibrant tapestry of Delhi’s culture with Andaz Delhi’s crafted experiences; or stroll through the historic streets of Shanghai on a new-meets-old city walk with Hyatt Centric Zhongshan Park Shanghai in China.
Families can embark on adventure experiences designed to foster bonding and create cherished memories for all ages, such as hands-on lessons about marine life at Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort’s Marine Biological Centre, as well as beachcombing activities at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort.
“Through Be More Here, we aim to create transformative journeys where every interaction leaves a lasting impression,” shared Carina Chorengel, senior vice president – commercial, Asia-Pacific at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.
New hotels: Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu, NH Collection Colombo Hotel and more
Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu, Indonesia
The Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu in Indonesia boasts 144 guestrooms comprising standard, suite, and even kids suites for families.
Guests can enjoy facilities like an infinity pool with pool bar, kids’ club, fitness centre, and the all-day dining restaurant which offers vegetarian options.
Just a 60-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, the resort is within walking distance of Batu Bolong Beach and Canggu’s lively district, where guests can explore an array of local boutiques, eclectic cafés, restaurants, beach clubs, and nightlife options.
NH Collection Colombo Hotel, Sri Lanka
The 219-key NH Collection Colombo Hotel features accommodation ranging from 33m² to 254m², and includes the city’s largest Presidential Suite. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows providing expansive views of the Indian Ocean or the city.
Just steps away from Liberty Arcade and the Indian Ocean, the hotel is within a 10-minute drive of the National Museum, Independence Square and Pettah Market.
Sri Lanka’s main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, is a 45-minute drive from the property.
Alma House, Singapore
Serviced apartment Alma House features 83 rooms in six options, including Deluxe Room, Studio, 1-Bedroom Suite, 2-Bedroom Suite, 2-Bedroom Executive Suite and the Alma Family Suite.
Located just steps away from the Singapore River in New Bahru, this new 83-room property caters to short- and long-stay guests with everything from locally roasted coffees, handcrafted freshly baked granola, indoor playground for those travelling with kids, and more. Guests can hand pick experiences from gym and wellness packages to breakfast, lunch and fine dining options from a number of conveniently located restaurants.
The lobby lounge features individual nooks and sofas, providing a setting for work, relaxation, and social connection.
NH Bentota Ceysands Resort, Sri Lanka
NH Bentota Ceysands Resort is a 166-room property nestled between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean, just 90 minutes south of Colombo along the island’s west coast.
Facilities comprise a swimming pool, water sports centre, spa and kids’ club. The resort offer F&B options, including an international all-day dining restaurant, Thai and seafood specialty restaurants, a light bites café and pool bar.
Back for its second year, SOUL Festival has unveiled its programme for 2024’s event, which takes place from October 9 to 13 at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives.
The health and wellness festival will feature insightful talks and guided wellness sessions led by a diverse line-up of international visionaries, thought leaders and wellness pioneers. It will provide a platform for discussion and discovery into the Future of Wellness, complemented by music, art and culture alongside wholesome, nourishing dining.
SOUL Festival attendees can explore rare experiences in nature, enjoy complimentary access to healthy ice cream and organic chocolate rooms, discover integrative medicine treatments and wellness rituals. The festival will also boast one of the largest children’s zones in the region.
Each day begins with grounding and moving sessions on the beach located within the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Attendees are then invited to explore and learn more about wellness through talks, discussions, dining experiences and hands-on activities such as breath work, ice baths and more.
SOUL Festival also presents barefoot celebrations, starlit film screenings and live entertainment alongside dining at Soneva Fushi’s restaurants, complemented by a special picnic lunch on Mendhoo Island and a farewell food journey designed to celebrate diverse flavours and stories.
Soneva Fushi co-founder and CEO Sonu Shivdasani shared: “This festival is truly transformative and will delve into the future of wellness in all its forms while fostering deeper connections through enlightening sessions and discussions.”
“SOUL Festival not only presents the rare opportunity to hear and learn from global health and wellness leaders but also puts words to practice with a series of extraordinary experiences designed to ensure guests nurture their mind, body and spirit over five days,” added festival director Chris Deckker.