Celebrating 20 years in the air, Jetstar has unveiled its revamped uniform which will be worn by more than 5,000 of the airline’s frontline team members across Australia as well as at Jetstar airlines based in New Zealand, Japan and Singapore from late 2024.
Designed by renowned Australian fashion designer, Genevieve Smart, inspiration for the new uniforms came from the sunset as seen out of an aircraft window, a symbol of what Jetstar means to its customers and its people.
The new uniforms give the crew more freedom to choose what they would like to wear
The uniform comprises two sets: the first collection centres on the Jetstar star print where silhouettes are designed to radiate a holiday vibe while retaining a professional edge with a smart casual element; while the second collection focuses on creating an inspired travel look by the layering of textures and colours.
The pilot uniform stands out with a sleek new tailored suit, with a sharp modern cut in navy and a subtle star jacquard fabric design for the slimline tie.
Even the airline’s epaulettes, braids and wings badges have changed its look to ensure a consistently professional look.
The newly designed collection caters to everyone and gives the crew more freedom to choose what they would like to wear.
With sustainability is mind, Jetstar’s current uniforms will be repurposed into new products.
Amari Pattaya, nestled at the northern edge of Pattaya Bay, Thailand, has unveiled its new immersive Beach Lawn Glamping experience.
Tailored for families, couples, and groups of friends, this event takes place every Saturday on the resort’s lawn, set against the picturesque backdrop of Pattaya Bay’s sunset.
Families and friends are invited to join in Amari Pattaya’s lawn glamping weekends
With free entry, both resort guests and locals are invited to join in the fun with food and drink, arts and crafts, outdoor games, live music and more.
Amari Pattaya is also a family-friendly resort, with a Kids Club, large pool with fountains and slides, and play park to keep the little ones entertained.
Prices at Amari Pattaya start from 3,250 baht (US$122) per night for two. Stay before June 30 and receive a 20 per cent discount on F&B.
Digital transformation within Singapore’s hotel sector has picked up pace over the course of the pandemic disruption, as managers and operators realise a need to raise their efficiencies and service quality amid growing resource strains and changing consumer expectations.
As the national agency driving Singapore’s digital transformation and often the go-to for organisations seeking innovation clarity, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) knows this best. It has seen a spike in assistance requests from hospitality organisations in recent years.
Royal Plaza on Scotts makes it easy for guests to access services
Ng Kaijie, director for innovation at IMDA, told TTG Asia that the Covid-19 pandemic was a “catalyst” for innovation.
“During the downtime, many hospitality managers were able to rethink their strategies and operations. Organisations with a bit more cash in hand were able to ponder about innovation so as to emerge better post-lockdown. The practice of social distancing then also forced hospitality managers to consider the possibility of an evolved face-to-face service expectation,” Ng elaborated.
However, the path from transformation realisation to innovation execution is not always well-lit.
“We had companies coming to IMDA saying that Generative AI is so hot now, how could it be applied to their business,” recalled Ng.
To move the cart behind the horse, IMDA leads companies into a conversation – a process the agency calls design thinking – to first identify their problem statement and desired outcome.
Ng said: “The technology to be applied is more of an afterthought; it may not be Generative AI at all.”
IMDA also helps companies to identify the right solution provider in a sea of options and stays on to provide advice throughout the innovation journey.
Ng said companies might not realise “things they need to consider in their innovation journey”, such as required equipment, customer data protection requirements, and cybersecurity strategy.
From left: Vouch’s Joseph Ling; Royal Plaza on Scotts’ Neeta Dave; IMDA’s Ng Kaijie
Essential help
IMDA’s Open Innovation Platform – which is free to use – supports and empowers companies to drive success through the innovation process. Companies seeking digital solutions start off by working with IMDA consultants to diagnose and refine their challenge statements, which are put up for quarterly Innovation Calls. During these calls, IMDA will scout for solvers from its pool of over 13,000 solution providers worldwide. Companies can then review proposals, select finalists, and fund their preferred solution provider to begin prototype.
For hoteliers that want an immediate solution to their problem, IMDA’s Discovery engine comes in handy. It functions like Google search, allowing users to type in what they are looking for and get some possibilities based on past winning solutions offered by listed solution providers. Hoteliers can then enquire with suggested solution providers.
IMDA only lists solution providers that were active in earlier Innovation Calls.
It also works with other agencies, like the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), to bring credible solution providers on board. STB has its own rigorous selection process for its Singapore Tourism Accelerator, a programme that gathers the world’s most promising technology startups or scale-ups that can power the travel and tourism industry.
Spotlight: Vouch
Established in 2016, Vouch has been catalysing digital transformation in the hospitality industry through a whole technology stack that supports rooms & housekeeping, F&B, and revenue departments. It won the Singapore Tourism Awards’ Best Business Innovation award in 2019 and was named one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 start-ups for 2021.
Joseph Ling, CEO and founder of Vouch, recalled that Vouch started off wanting to solve hotels’ labour problem.
“It still is the main problem we are trying to solve,” he said. “Hotels in Singapore have a major labour issue, which existed even before the pandemic; Covid-19 exacerbated it.”
Ling sees the potential for technology to improve several processes in a hotel.
He said: “In some countries, language is a problem because English literacy is not very high. Communicating with foreign tourists is a challenge. Technology can help. In some countries, hotels are under pressure to drive up ancillary revenue. Technology can help.”
He added that understanding data could take innovation for efficiencies even farther. However, this requires data analysts who are also familiar with hotel operations.
“Not all hotels can afford such a resource,” reflected Ling, who is now looking at ways to use AI to process data and produce insights that enable process tweaks.
Labour pains
While acknowledging that hotels are a high-touch business, Neeta Dave, director of operations at Royal Plaza on Scotts, a hotel located in a prime section of Singapore’s Orchard Road shopping belt, has had to rely on technology to ease manpower strains.
The hotel uses a Vouch system that allows guests to convey common requests – like extra water, fresh towels, and dinner reservations at the hotel – via a QR code. Guests can also indicate in the system their desire for the concierge or housekeeping attendant to call them back for more complex requirements. With this system, the hotel no longer need to dedicate staff to answering calls.
“Our staff can be directed to other important tasks that would build their job expertise or give them a more rewarding job experience,” said Neeta.
Obstacles to change
As people are by nature resistant to change, both Ling and Neeta said patience is needed for successful transformation.
Ling said: “I’ve learnt that we cannot give a software to a customer and expect improvement to happen. Innovation adoption must be paired with change management. We have to advise them on how to improve their processes with the software, be patient, and make changes step by step for all users.”
Neeta advised communicating the need for innovation clearly to employees to eliminate suspicion that technology would replace them.
It was also important to have support from the general manager and the board for innovation to work, she added.
To further improve operational efficiencies, Royal Plaza on Scotts will by end-March install check-in kiosks in the hotel lobby. Neeta said: “Even with this facility, staff need not fear replacement because they will be stationed at the kiosks to assist guests who need help.”
When this issue lands on your lap in March, I would have just crossed my 18th year with TTG Asia Media – an auspicious number, I know. I often get asked what is keeping me this long in the same job and industry. My reply – I’m covering an ever-changing travel and tourism landscape, so there is never a dull day.
However, change is not always welcomed and understood. My interviews the past month with industry leaders have highlighted the pressing need to evolve operations, especially amid manpower challenges. Pan Pacific Hotels Group is undertaking a million-dollar job transformation exercise that involves time-motion studies and data scientists. Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority is stepping up its outreach to a growing number of local hoteliers that need guidance on their innovation journey.
The purpose of innovation needs clarity and buy-in from all levels and users, so as to avoid fear and suspicion of technology coming in to replace jobs held by humans. The implementation process also needs patience, and the outcomes paired with rewards for staff who made an effort to evolve with their employer for greater productivity.
Positive changes in travel and tourism are not limited to just digitalisation for efficiency. With consumers paying more attention to responsible travel, destinations must also move in that direction. Laos, for one, has just completed its four-year SUSTOUR Laos project to transform into a sustainable tourist destination (page 11). Indonesia’s Nglanggeran Tourism Village is also setting an example of how an entire community can benefit when tourism is developed with its people at the heart (pages 18 and 19).
We are merely scratching the surface of positive changes in this issue. So, tell me, isn’t this industry so interesting?
Trisara resort in Phuket, Thailand has introduced its Stay Longer, Save More deal, offering guests an exclusive discounted rate with extra benefits if they stay a minimum of four or seven nights.
The additional benefits include daily breakfast, return airport transfer, complimentary use of non-motorised water sports equipment, complimentary daily outdoor activities, as well as 2,500 baht (US$94) in Wellbeing credits which can be used to redeem activities such as massage and beauty therapies, personal training, and yoga and meditation.
Remote workers, families and groups of friends can enjoy long-stay rates at Trisara
Perched directly over the property’s private bay, Trisara’s collection of residences range from two-bed units to multi-bedroom configurations, featuring expansive suites, sea-facing verandas, and extensive swimming pools.
Each residential villa is attended to by a dedicated maid and chef who prepare home-cooked Thai and Western dishes on demand and by request.
With privacy guaranteed, the residences are also perfect for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, marriage proposals or celebrations with extended family or with groups of friends.
Marriott International has raised more than US$347,000 through its annual charity event, Road to Give, to support charitable organisations across Asia-Pacific.
Road to Give encourages Marriott International associates to support meaningful local causes while engaging in different types of movement for their physical and mental well-being – running, walking, dancing and golfing were just some of the activities organised this year.
Marriott International’s annual Road to Give event organised 96 fundraising events across Asia-Pacific to raise funds for local community causes; Road to Give event in the Philippines, pictured
More than 21,000 associates from Marriott International hotels volunteered almost 50,000 hours in the ninth edition of Road to Give, with all proceeds donated to support local causes such as providing educational support to children at local orphanages and disadvantaged backgrounds; food donations to low-income communities; cleft surgery to children; medical care to patients with cancer and kidney-related diseases; and more.
“We are proud to see our hotels stepping up their Road to Give fundraising efforts this year! We raised almost US$100,000 more than the previous year, representing our associates’ dedication and passion to make the communities where they operate better places to live, work and visit,” said Andrew Newmark, chief human resources officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific (excluding China).
“As we look forward to Road to Give’s ten-year milestone next year, I am incredibly excited to see what lies ahead in terms of how we strive to make even stronger, positive impact in our local communities.”
Singapore’s Tourism Development Fund will get a S$300 million boost that will go into a range of initiatives aimed at reinforcing the city-state’s global business-hub status.
The industry can expect to see a rejuvenation of existing tourism offerings, training support for tourism workers, and intellectual development of local tourism companies. A pipeline of quality experiences will be launched in the coming years, in collaboration with tourism players.
The latest Tourism Development Fund booster will be spent on enhanced tourism experiences, talent investments and support for local businesses
The Tourism Development Fund, first established in 2005, has so far backed major tourism developments such as Trifecta and supported more than 100 local tourism businesses in their productivity and sustainability journey over the past two years, stated minister of state for trade and industry Alvin Tan in parliament on March 1, reported local media.
Singapore welcomed 13.6 million international visitor arrivals in 2023, which was 71 per cent of 2019’s arrivals. Indonesia, China and Malaysia were the top performing source markets.
The destination is expected to receive 15 to 16 million arrivals this year, with tourism receipts projected to sit around S$26 billion to S$27.5 billion.
The Hong Kong government has allocated more than HK$1.09 billion (US$127.7 million) in funding to strengthen the destination brand and expedite tourism development.
Financial secretary Paul Chan said the newly released budget would allow Hong Kong’s tourism industry to create more products and stage more events to attract high-quality tourists who would also spend more time in the destination.
Hong Kong will build a greater line-up of experiences and mega events as well as lead intensified destination marketing
Hong Kong’s mega events calendar will feature big names like the 15th National Games in 2025, jointly hosted by Hong Kong, Guangdong Province and Macau; as well as financial forums such as the Asian Financial Forum, the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit, and the Asian Financial Forum.
The funding will also facilitate the creation of the Sponsored Overseas Speaking Engagement Programme, which will sponsor reputable scholars and industry leaders to attend overseas events where they will promote Hong Kong’s many strengths.
Visitors to Hong Kong can expect a medley of new and enhanced experiences, such as monthly pyrotechnic and drone shows set against Victoria Harbour; a revamped A Symphony of Lights light-and-sound show; immersive city walk programmes; and various outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, stand-up paddle-boarding, trail-running, and stargazing in the wilderness.
The Tourism Commission will continue to organise signature creative arts and cultural projects in the coming years. Such projects, like the Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival and the Design District Hong Kong, have been very well received.
The hefty budget will be accessible to Hong Kong Tourism Board, with HK$971 million set for use over three years – 2024/25, 2025/26, and 2026/27 – while HK$665 million is earmarked for 2024/25.
HKTB chairman Pang Yiu-kai thanked the government’s funding and shared usage intentions: “We will adopt four key strategies to reinforce the city’s status. First, we will continue to develop diverse tourism experiences. Second, we will organise and support mega events throughout the year. Third, we will step up promotions in visitor source markets. And finally, we will continue to join hands with the industry to enhance the capacity to receive visitors, to launch a new promotional campaign to encourage the trade and the public to be good hosts, and to enhance service qualities so that we offer every visitor the best possible experience.”
Cathay Group welcomes the government’s pro-tourism budget. Its executive officer Ronald Lam said: “As a committed enabler of Hong Kong’s future through our ability to connect Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland with the world, Cathay remains focused on continuing to sustainably grow our business as Hong Kong’s home carrier.”
Lam reinforced that Hong Kong has a thriving international aviation hub, where Cathay, together with about 120 airlines, provides flight services to some 180 destinations globally from Hong Kong International Airport.
“We enthusiastically welcome initiatives that further strengthen Hong Kong’s leading hub status,” he stated.
Set for operations in end-2024, the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport is expected to bring new and exciting opportunities for the aviation industry.
Lam said: “We fully support the government’s proactive plans to leverage the opportunities presented by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Three-Runway System to foster increased intermodal connectivity, and continue to develop flight services along existing major routes as well as routes connecting Hong Kong with Belt and Road Initiative countries and regions.”
The National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) opened its travel fair this morning at the Singapore Expo with expectations of a strong visitor crowd that would mirror the robust demand for travel seen throughout 2023.
Speaking at the NATAS Travel 2024 opening ceremony, Simon Er, deputy president of NATAS, said demand for travel is still “robust, strong and ongoing” and “hopes for visitor numbers to top 102,000”.
NATAS Travel 2024 features a larger collection of travel suppliers
Interest in courting Singapore residents this year is much stronger, evident by an expanded Travel Fair 2024 featuring 66 exhibitors compared to 51 in the February 2023 fair. The range of sellers include travel agencies, national tourism organisations, and other players in the industry.
Guest-of-Honour gracing the opening ceremony was Melissa Ow, chief executive of Singapore Tourism Board (STB), who spoke about Singapore’s tourism recovery and continued attractiveness as a destination with business and leisure offerings. She also acknowledged the increased demand for authentic experiences and is also optimistic that outbound travel remains healthy.
When asked for projected transaction value by the time the fair ends on Sunday, Er said such information would not be available.
Appetite for package tours continues to remain strong in 2024 among all types of travellers, from multi-generational families to couples, according to travel agencies that TTG Asia spoke to at the fair.
They also predict destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Europe to remain perennial favourites of Singapore residents. However, demand for destinations farther afield will also pick up, especially for Norway and Finland to catch the Northern Lights, due to reports that the phenomenon will be at its strongest this year
“Travellers are also looking for more experiential and in-depth tours”, said Diana Tan, head of department (HR & public relations), CTC Travel.
She observed a stronger desire for new sights. “People want to start exploring places they’ve never been to before to get a different experience,” she said.
Younger travellers, for instance, have made enquiries and bookings to places such as Antarctica. There has also been more demand for Xinjiang and Silk Road tours, Nepal, Egypt and Morocco, as well as requests for English-speaking guides.
Similarly, Jeremiah Wong, senior marketing communications manager, Chan Brothers Travel, noted an increase in more off-the-beaten-path destinations.
He expects bookings for the company’s Bhutan packages, which were popular in 2023, to gain more traction as they now include a chartered direct flight to the country. There has also been a healthy increase in interest to places such as Mongolia and Uzbekistan – also because of chartered flights.
Both Tan and Wong also noted that travellers were making their travel plans earlier than usual.
Wong has seen bookings made more than six months in advance especially for seasonal travel during popular periods, such as the cherry blossom season. High airfares post-Covid have also motivated people to confirm their travel plans earlier.
Among his customers, Wong noted strong demand for all types of package tours, from the fully planned ones to self-drive packages among multi-generational families, and has also observed more single travellers making bookings.
He added that even travellers who used to travel free and easy have converted to package tours as they appreciate the convenience.
Sands Resorts Macao will introduce Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) check-in and direct bus transfer service effective March 1, providing convenience and comfort for its guests.
It is said to be the first integrated resort in the destination to offer such services.
Guests of Sands Resorts Macao benefit from check-in and direct bus transfers right at HKIA
Guests can now enjoy the convenience of checking in for their flights directly from the integrated resort, saving valuable time while enjoying a seamless journey to HKIA. Furthermore, it is expected that this initiative will play a role in supporting the MGTO’s visitor number goals for 2024 and beyond.
The new bus service – part of Phase 1 of expanded transportation offerings – will depart from The Venetian Macao directly to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge port, providing a convenient link to HKIA.
Stephanie Tanpure, vice president of sales, Sands China, said: “The introduction of airport check-in and direct bus transfers is a critical component of our response to calls to enhance the accessibility of Macau as a destination. We are committed to ensuring that every guest’s journey with us is as easy and convenient as possible.”
Marriott International has raised more than US$347,000 through its annual charity event, Road to Give, to support charitable organisations across Asia-Pacific.
Road to Give encourages Marriott International associates to support meaningful local causes while engaging in different types of movement for their physical and mental well-being – running, walking, dancing and golfing were just some of the activities organised this year.
More than 21,000 associates from Marriott International hotels volunteered almost 50,000 hours in the ninth edition of Road to Give, with all proceeds donated to support local causes such as providing educational support to children at local orphanages and disadvantaged backgrounds; food donations to low-income communities; cleft surgery to children; medical care to patients with cancer and kidney-related diseases; and more.
“We are proud to see our hotels stepping up their Road to Give fundraising efforts this year! We raised almost US$100,000 more than the previous year, representing our associates’ dedication and passion to make the communities where they operate better places to live, work and visit,” said Andrew Newmark, chief human resources officer, Marriott International, Asia Pacific (excluding China).
“As we look forward to Road to Give’s ten-year milestone next year, I am incredibly excited to see what lies ahead in terms of how we strive to make even stronger, positive impact in our local communities.”