Silversea has expanded the role of cruise industry veteran Massimo Brancaleoni who becomes senior vice president, global sales & revenue.
With almost 30 years of experience in the global cruise industry, Brancaleoni has held executive positions for international organisations in Europe and Asia. He joined Silversea in January 2023 as senior vice president, global sales.
Prior to joining Silversea, he held the role of senior vice president, worldwide sales, at Costa Cruises.
Now midway into snow season, Japan’s tourism professionals are confident of seeing full recovery of the winter season based on pent-up demand.
This year marks the first time since the pandemic that winter sports operators have enjoyed a full lead up to the snow season, which runs from mid-December to early April. Additionally, 2.73 million international travellers arrived in Japan in December 2023, an 8.2 per cent increase on December 2019, resulting in renewed optimism.
“Japan’s borders reopened six weeks before the 2022-23 ski season was due to start. With consumer confidence dented and so little time to book, the 2022-23 season recovery was modest,” Lindsay Colbert, managing director of Hokkaido-based travel agent Japan Ski Experience, told TTG Asia. “Demand which had been building up since 2020 was unleashed by the time bookings opened for the 2023-24 season, and bookings quickly exceeded pre-pandemic levels.”
William Ross, creative director of Dancing Snow, which offers backcountry tours, snowshoeing and ski hiking in Niigata Prefecture, is also seeing an uptick in international demand. Bookings are coming from both long-established country markets such as Australia, and newer country markets including the US, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Finland, Sweden and the UK, he told TTG Asia.
Colbert also reports a “noticeable change” in the number of travellers from the US, while Nagano Prefecture, another of the country’s top winter sports destinations, is welcoming more visitors from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, according to independent tour guide Peter Carnell.
With new markets and strong rebound, agents and operators are eyeing opportunities for growth.
“Many post-pandemic travellers to Japan ski resorts are looking for new and exciting experiences, as evidenced by increasing numbers of first-time visitors, more non-skiers or snowboarders in resort and an increase in demand for more off-the-beaten-track destinations,” said Colbert.
“Both travellers and tour operators are looking for new destinations and activities” to help alleviate overtourism, added Carnell.
Air India has selected TamGP Co. as its passenger general sales agent (GSA) in Thailand.
TamGP Co. will facilitate reservations and ticketing, support marketing efforts, and provide comprehensive passenger sales support on behalf of the airline.
This partnership with TamGP Co. aims to further enhance Air India’s presence in Thailand while supporting the airline’s ongoing global expansion.
Anindam Choudhury, assistant vice president, commercial, TamGP Co., commented: “We strongly believe that this partnership will not only ensure smooth and seamless travel experiences for passengers but also promote cultural and economic exchanges between India and Thailand.”
Currently, Air India operates two daily, non-stop flights between Bangkok and Delhi, one daily, non-stop flight between Bangkok and Mumbai, and one daily, non-stop flight between Phuket and Delhi.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will deploy an advanced customer profiling and personalisation solution, Amadeus Traveler DNA, on its journey to ensure that interactions with its passengers are not only seamless but also deeply personalised.
The carrier will benefit from real-time, comprehensive traveller intelligence to understand, predict, and personalise sales, service, and end-to-end customer experience.
Amadeus Traveler DNA automatically integrates valuable insights and personalisation logic into the airline’s business operations for relevant traveller communications. This gives PAL the intelligence needed to offer its passengers a smooth and tailored journey every time they travel.
These personalisation capabilities will also enable PAL to improve customer retention by minimising the impact of travel disruptions with proactive customer care. The carrier can also increase revenue by upselling relevant offers tailored to its customers’ needs and preferences. Brand loyalty and customer satisfaction are also improved by enabling the airline to anticipate and respond to the needs of valuable customers with personalised services.
The solution is also integrated into PAL’s Altéa Passenger Servicing System (PSS) which allows for consistency across all channels and touchpoints, including airline agent, travel agent, and online.
“By harnessing the power of Traveler DNA, we aim to go beyond the conventional boundaries of air travel. It’s about understanding the unique preferences, habits, and aspirations of our passengers, and using that knowledge to create tailor-made experiences that resonate with them,” shared Aurea Patria Vidal, chief information officer, PAL.
Jonathan Tong, senior vice president, head of South-east Asia, India Subcontinent & Greater China, Amadeus, added: “The importance of providing a complete picture of travellers so airlines can offer them a more personalised experience cannot be understated. We are proud to work with Philippine Airlines to improve the customer experience while delivering on the carriers’ vision to put its passengers at the heart of everything they do.”
Krabi and Koh Lanta are two of Thailand’s most popular destinations, known for their stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and unique experiences. Krabi is a province located on the south-west coast of Thailand, famous for its limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches. The province is also home to several national parks, not to mention some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Koh Lanta, on the other hand, is a beautiful island located in the Andaman Sea, just off the coast of Krabi. Less developed than the mainland, the island features stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Like all tourist destinations in Thailand, 2023 has been a vital year for Krabi and Koh Lanta. The ongoing crusade to rebuild post-lockdown continues while environmental issues have forced the province to bring sustainable tourism and eco-conscious policies to the fore of any plans in the region.
Earlier this year, the Thai government announced plans to make the region carbon neutral and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with more than 20 stakeholders and state agencies to spearhead a drive to reduce pollution and become the first Thai province to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation is collaborating with the group, a mix of local agencies and tour operators, to evaluate the potential of blue carbon (carbon stored in coastal and marine habitats) storage in mangrove forests and natural seagrass. The project is also planning restoration projects in the southern part of the Andaman Sea and organising campaigns to raise awareness about coastal ecology and restoration practices in local communities.
Advising the 22 signatories of the MoU is associate professor Siwarit Pongsakornrungsilp, acting dean of Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Walailak University, who explained that the tourism industry is responsible – approximately eight per cent of Thailand’s total emissions of greenhouse gases can be attributed to transport, manufacturing, and hotel and restaurant operations.
The annual closure of Maya Bay, a popular destination in South-east Asia made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio starring blockbuster, The Beach, is another sustainable tourism scheme that has been successful in the region.
In 2018, the island was closed for three and a half years to allow the island’s coral reef and natural habitat to recover from the damage inflicted by thousands of tourists who visited everyday. Since re-opening last year, visitors to Maya Bay are restricted to 4,000 each day, and swimming has been banned to protect the area’s delicate eco-system.
Crucially, the island now operates an annual closure of three months during the rainy season to encourage conservation and re-growth.
Another component of Krabi’s post-lockdown recovery is the upgrade of Krabi International Airport. The three billion baht (US$84 million) transformation will allow the airport to handle more passengers, refurbishing the two existing terminals, and constructing a third, and expanding parking facilities.
The new terminals will double the airport’s passenger-handling capacity from the current cap of 1,500 passengers per hour or four million annually to 3,000 passengers per hour or eight million annually. The project will complete by 2024, and fully operational in 2025.
There are plenty of properties in Krabi and Koh Lanta to service the enhanced passenger capacity, notably the Varana Hotel, which opened in April 2023. The five-star wellness-themed property features 141 luxury rooms and four swimming pools – including Krabi’s first Olympic-sized pool and the NAAM Wellness Pool, the location of the hotel’s 10-step DIY aqua therapy programme.
Over on Koh Lanta, Pimalai Resort & Spa has spent 50 million baht on updating its product, with 30 million worth of upgrades on its beachside villas and 20 million on installing an improved bar lounge bar.
The hotel has also begun a number of sustainable tours, including the Mangroves Tour and the Talabeng + Koh Lanta Old Town tour uncovers the dramatic limestone karsts and cliffs of Koh Talabeng island, before heading to Koh Lanta’s Old Town, a quaint port with more than 100 years of heritage.
The hotel participates in several community projects, such as a drive to release 50 endangered turtles and millions of crabs into the Andaman Sea, as part of its commitment to conserving the marine environment.
TTG Asia will be taking a break from February 9-13, 2024, for the Lunar New Year holidays. The online news bulletin will resume on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
From all of us at TTG Asia Media, we wish all of our readers a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year!
Based on the first month of the year, Agoda is anticipating that the rest of 2024 could be a great year for travel.
Agoda also shared the top performing destinations in 2024 so far, with Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam leading the pack as the top markets attracting international tourists. Following closely are Malaysia and South Korea, completing the top five inbound markets.
These findings, based on January 2024 Agoda booking ranks, indicate a robust start to the year for Asian travel destinations.
When comparing the number of accommodation searches between January 2023 and January 2024, India tops the list of biggest risers. Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Italy, respectively, have also shown notable leaps compared to last year. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of travel trends and the growing appeal of these diverse destinations.
With markets spearheading tourism campaigns for 2024, and inspiring discussions about how travellers are taking full advantage of innovative technologies and fewer travel restrictions, here are the five trends that Agoda predicts will shape the travel industry in 2024.
Visa-free travel gathers pace
Tourism features prominently on the agenda for many popular and emerging markets and this has led to a recent wave of visa easements. This will further reduce friction in travel and enable destinations to diversify their source markets in a bid to boost inbound traffic. For instance, when Malaysia removed restrictions at the beginning of December, there was a four-fold increase in searches from India and China to Malaysia compared to the previous month. Relaxed visa requirements, such as Indian travellers enjoying visa-free access to destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, will lead to other markets following suit.
More impetus for connected travel bookings
Travel providers will continue to simplify bookings by seeking ways to seamlessly integrate flights, hotels, experiences, and activities. With three out of four travellers booking tours, activities, and attractions within a week of their arrival date, it will be welcomed by travellers if convenient opportunities to book ahead are enabled.
As people come to expect travel planning within a single interface, providers will need to rise to the challenge by offering a ‘one-source’ travel concierge and cater to a higher demand for flexibility.
Greater assistance from AI
The Agoda team has been embracing evolution over revolution, using GenAI to supercharge their team’s performance across all areas of the business. Agoda’s CEO Omri Morgenshtern predicts that in 2024, GenAI will continue to be the biggest opportunity for business.
Further rise of B2B loyalty programmes
B2B loyalty programmes will make a bigger mark on travel in 2024 and will play a role in driving the growth of the category, with 69% of travellers interested in earning rewards for wellness behaviours and two-thirds eager to earn rewards for sustainable practices, according to a Mastercard study.
Travel fintech makes its mark
The intersection of fintech and travel is reshaping the way consumers manage their finances while exploring the world. Fintech solutions are enabling ever-more seamless payments for travellers, especially in cross-border travel interaction with domestic payment options, and the proliferation of QR payments. More financing options brought closer to the customer break the boundaries for many people and expedite the process of exposing more and more people to travel.
Morgenshtern believes that private sector innovation will accelerate this trend: “The private sector has an important role to play in fintech, because the tech and the speed can be pushed by the private sector – but ultimately public and private sector will need to work together on fintech solutions for seamless travel experiences.”
He concluded: “Fuelled by more frictionless visa experiences, travel continues to gain pace. With technology playing an even bigger role in how people choose, book and pay for travel, 2024 promises to be a watershed year.”
Hilton is expanding its mobile messaging platform to its more than 7,000 Hilton properties worldwide by the end of 2024, all to support the growing need for frictionless travel and introduce easier guest communication methods.
The system, developed in partnership with Kipsu, will enable messaging via the Hilton Honors app, SMS, WhatsApp and LINE, and soon, other messaging channels such as WeChat. The digital messaging capability will enable a two-way, immediate exchange between guests and hotel teams to answer questions, address concerns, arrange experiences and more.
This digital expansion spotlights a dramatic shift in traveller communication preferences globally and reinforces a journey that Asia-Pacific was already on, where 65 per cent of consumers prefer to contact businesses via chat rather than over email or phone.
In response to this trend, Hilton doubled the number of Kipsu-enabled hotels across Asia-Pacific in 2023 to over 100 properties, and saw the monthly volume of messaging conversations triple over the same period. A total of 7.5 million messages in the region were facilitated in 2023, leading to 88 per cent of guests who used messaging indicating that it improved the overall satisfaction of their stay experience.
Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton, said: “Travellers’ preference to communicate with hotel team members via their mobile device is growing. By expanding this capability to all of our hotels around the world, we are meeting our guests where they are and creating an elevated and reliable experience for every guest during their stay.”
From now to June 30, Centara Hotels & Resorts is giving The 1 Exclusive members the opportunity to fast track to CentaraThe1 Gold status and enjoying a myriad of members-only benefits and promotions for free when registering via The 1 App.
Upon upgrading to CentaraThe1 Gold status, The 1 Exclusive members will receive benefits such as an additional 25 per cent CentaraThe1 bonus points for every stay, access to exclusive check-in lanes, the option of late check-out, complimentary room upgrades, and the ability to use The 1 points to redeem various privileges when using restaurant, spa, and other services at participating Centara Hotels and Resorts.
Additionally, members can savour bespoke birthday bonuses, including an exclusive 20 per cent discount on their subsequent stay, 2,000 complimentary bonus points, and 20 per cent savings on food along with a buy 1 get 1 buffet offer at participating hotels.
Guests will need to book a stay for a minimum of two nights through Centara’s official website until June 30, in order to extend their CentaraThe1 Gold status until December 31. This offer is limited to the first 10,000 The 1 Exclusive members who register via the app.
For more information, visit CentaraThe1.
Club Med Kiroro Grand rises on the Kiriro slopes in Akaigawa, close to Sapporo and Otaru which are familiar tourist destinations in Hokkaido, Japan.
Launched on December 1, 2023, the property commands privacy, being one of only three resorts (one of which is Club Med Kiroro Peak) in this part of the Kiroro mountain resort grounds.
Warm welcome
Stepping through the entrance, one arrives into a cavernous ‘forest’. The lobby is dressed in shades of nature, with plush carpets that resemble a dappled forest floor, a blend of wood and stone furniture and fixtures, and enormous chandeliers that conjure a vision of stars.
The frigid cold is kept out, and a faux fireplace brings visual warmth to this inviting space. Considering my time at the resort during winter, the enchanted forest interior was a delightful contrast to the stark whiteness outside.
The legendary Club Med hospitality – characterised by enthusiasm and friendliness – was felt right from the start when a group of Gracious Organisers (GOs) settled us in with hot towels and tea, and started a detailed introduction to the property, snow sports preparations, and all-inclusive benefits at our fingertips.
As someone new to the Club Med experience as well as snow sports, that introduction proved very useful.
In a small town, not far away
Club Med Kiroro Grand feels like a bustling little town with everything one could need. It has a massive boutique where guests can pick up the latest snow apparel and rent outfits; a centre where ski and snowboard packs are available for rent; a kids club with an indoor playground, library, activity zones, and lockers; a stage for evening shows and guests activities plus a large seating area; four restaurants and a bar; plenty of lounge areas where guests can rest and socialise; and a spa that houses an onsen.
Through Club Med’s all-inclusive offer, this little town feels just like home – eat, drink and play without having to reach for your wallet. The ticket to Club Med comes with accommodation, ski passes, ski lessons, childcare, full-board F&B, and a variety of entertainment.
For guests who do not care for snow sports, the resort will still delight. There are daily fitness programmes as well as cosy corners where one could read, write and daydream in peace.
While I had high hopes of conquering the slopes with my husband, I learnt soon that my feet were not made for snowboarding. No problem – I earned myself two glorious days of time alone, reading and dreaming up editorial content for 2024, while my boys went along for their own ski and snowboarding lessons.
Easy for kids, easy for parents
The resort makes it easy for grown-ups and little ones to have their own happy me-time. The kids club provides full-day programmes featuring snow and non-snow activities. Parents/guardians check their little ones in by 08.30, and move on to their own programme.
My boys joined the Mini Club Med programme, and partook in snow sports lessons, games and craft. I spied with my little eye during mealtimes, and saw that Mini Club Med GOs led the children to meals at the main restaurant, and assisted little ones who could not quite gather food or feed on their own.
The resort very smartly designed a restaurant entrance next to the kids club, and reserved a dining area for the little ones. Children attending the kids club get to begin their meals ahead of other guests – a brilliant crowd management move.
At the end of the day, the children are awarded a certificate for their hard work on the slopes through a lively presentation on stage.
Smooth slumbers
There are 266 spacious guestrooms, all dressed in the same natural tones and plush fabrics seen elsewhere in the public spaces. The resort offers three room categories – superior, deluxe and suite – and my family of four resided in two separate junior family superior rooms.
While the accommodation structure lacks adjoining rooms, the resort team promises to do their best to allocate neighbouring rooms to large family groups, subject to availability.
Despite having to sleep apart, we had no complaint since we were able to spend all our waking moments together. Furthermore, our large rooms meant we were able to hang out together in comfort every night, reminiscing the fun we each had in the day, before returning to our own room for sleep.
Our rooms are furnished with plush twin beds, daybed set against large windows, study desk, wardrobe, plenty of hooks for essential winter layers, and a spacious bathroom.
I dare say our rooms – 729 and 730 – are blessed with the best views. Both look out to the bunny slopes, and it cheers the soul to see groups getting started on their lessons every morning. Views of falling snow against a mountainous backdrop are also seared into my memories.
Dine very well
Yoichi main restaurant dishes out three main meals a day. This space boasts multiple live cooking stations where an army of chefs tantalise hungry guests with freshly cooked dishes across various cuisines, four dining halls, and numerous self-help drink stations that dispense ice-cold Japanese beer, soft drinks, juices and hot beverages.
Dining at Yoichi is part of the full-board arrangement, and dishes change daily to ensure delight and surprise at every meal.
Guests can also dine at The Ebisu Sushi Specialty restaurant and The Kaen Yakiniku Specialty restaurant at an extra charge.
Yotei bar serves a wide range of local and imported tipples, and a generous selection is included in the stay package.
Bonus points for the quality hot and cold snacks – such as beef udon, samosa and sandwiches – that are provided in between meals to keep bellies happy. The winter cold can make one peckish all day!
Verdict
I now understand why Club Med is a tradition among some winter- and snow sports-loving travellers. During my sojourn I met fellow guests who make Club Med winter retreats an annual family outing. Some are fans of Club Med’s three other existing mountain resorts in Hokkaido; one, a teenager, vowed to ski at all Club Med mountain resorts around the world.
The all-inclusive offer is a brilliant convenience, and I love that there are activities for everyone, whether or not they thrive on snow. However, the draw is beyond that. Club Med is a vibe, and the happiness of other jolly holidaymakers and cheerful GOs is contagious.
www.clubmed.com.sg/r/kiroro-grand/w
