Changi Airports International to manage Cam Ranh International Airport Terminal 2

February 23, 2024

Changi Airports International (CAI) and Cam Ranh International Joint Stock Company (CRTC) have signed an agreement for CAI to manage Cam Ranh International Terminal’s non-aeronautical businesses and to support the growth of Cam Ranh International Airport’s international route development.

This landmark agreement is the first to materialise under a cooperation framework between CAI and Legacy Infrastructure, and aims to bring innovative solutions to the Vietnam aviation industry, enhancing connectivity, efficiency and international competitiveness.

The agreement aims to bring innovative solutions to the Vietnam aviation industry

Cam Ranh International Airport serves Nha Trang City and the Khanh Hoa province, an important tourist destination for Vietnam. In the next five years, CAI will work with CRTC to accelerate the revenue growth of CRX’s Terminal 2, and enhance the passenger experience in the terminal. Under the agreement, the contract can be extended for another five years.

“The partnership between Changi Airports International and Cam Ranh International Terminal marks a significant milestone, offering many aspects for improving service quality, putting advanced modern technology into practice, and helping CRTC to rapidly connect with airlines and airports over the world,” said Johnathan Nguyen, chairman of CRTC.

“The successful model of management cooperation between CRTC and CAI will be the first of its kind that CAI implements in Vietnam, opening up great opportunities for both parties in the field of airport operations and realising the vision of Imex Pan Pacific Group for strategic collaborations in Vietnam and other countries.”

CAI CEO Eugene Gan commented: “Cam Ranh International Airport, which welcomed 6.5 million international visitors in 2019 before the pandemic and was the fourth busiest international airport in Vietnam, is undoubtedly one of the driving factors for the tourism development of Nha Trang. We are excited to apply the experience we have gained over the years to work with our valued partners and uplift the passenger experience at Cam Ranh International Airport, helping to further grow its potential as one of the leading airports in Vietnam.”

Batik Air, Jiangsu Topview to expand charter services in China

By TTG Asia

February 23, 2024

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Batik Air and Jiangsu TopView Cultural Tourism Industry Development Co. have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand charter flights on China routes.

The four routes include Nanning to Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai to Tawau, Chengdu to Tawau, and Shenzhen to Tawau.

The MoU will expand charter flights on the four China routes

This expansion builds upon the existing charters initiated by Jiangsu Topview, which commenced on January 23 and will continue until the end of March to accommodate the Chinese New Year and spring festival holiday season. Due to the encouraging response to the charter, Jiangsu Topview decided to venture into the expansion of the additional routes with Batik Air.

On December 1, 2023, the announcement of visa-free travel for Chinese tourists has fuelled interest in travel from China, underscoring Malaysia’s allure as a preferred tourist destination in the region.

Last year, Malaysia welcomed 1.47 million arrivals from China, an exponential growth of 593.4 per cent in comparison to the same period in 2022 with 212,603 arrivals.

Starlux places order for more A330neo widebodies

By TTG Asia

February 23, 2024

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Starlux Airlines has placed a firm order for three more A330neo widebody aircraft.

Starlux currently operates an all-Airbus passenger fleet that includes the A350-900, A330neo and A321neo. The additional order for the A330neo will boost its A330neo fleet from four to seven, with the aircraft featuring a premium two-class cabin comprising 28 business class seats and 269 economy class seats.

Starlux Airlines places order for more A330neo to strengthen its fleet

Starlux CEO Glenn Chai commented: “The three new A330neos will strengthen our fleet advantage and provide greater flexibility for passenger operations.”

Roam with the dinosaurs at Guixi Ecological Park in China

By TTG Asia

February 23, 2024

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Science Centre Singapore’s beloved DinoQuest exhibition is now showcasing at the Guixi Ecological Park in Chengdu, China.

The 1,000m² interactive exhibit creates an entertaining yet educational STEM+ experiences for all ages, where guests travel millions of years back to the Cretaceous period to encounter the Australian polar dinosaurs on this immersive adventure, which spans across seven thematic zones.

Science Centre Singapore’s DinoQuest is now on exhibition at Chengdu’s Guixi Ecological Park in China

Highlights include holographic guides, animatronics and 4D elements, 4D theatre experience, fossil dig site, a replica display of dinosaur skeletons, and more. Guests can even doodle their own dinosaur and have it come to life at the virtual animated Dinosaur Park.

For more information, visit DinoQuest.

Korean Air names new VP and chief communications officer

By TTG Asia

February 23, 2024

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Jongheon Sim (Jong) has been appointed as vice president and chief communications officer of Korean Air.

He has a 27-year history with the airline – from operations to communications and external relations – and led the airline’s social media and digital communications team prior to this new position.

Stephen Chung helms as Hahnair’s regional VP for Asia-Pacific

By TTG Asia

February 23, 2024

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Hahnair has named Stephen Chung as regional vice president APAC where he will support the partner airlines using Hahnair’s distribution solutions throughout all stages of the partnership.

Based in Hong Kong, Chung will also advise existing and potential partner airlines on interline opportunities within Hahnair’s extensive network of more than 350 partner airlines and support the acquisition of new partner airlines.

Before joining Hahnair, he was commercial manager at the Cathay Pacific Group.

Thailand bets big on Indian, Chinese markets to meet arrivals target

By Rohit Kaul

February 22, 2024

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As Thailand looks to welcome 35 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, the two Asian giants China and India are expected to play a critical role in meeting the target. Initial signs seem promising, with Chinese travellers already surpassing the one million mark between January 1 and February 19.

“It is for the first time after the pandemic that we have welcomed more than one million Chinese travellers within the first two months of a year. Factors like Chinese New Year, visa exemption, joint promotions with travel agents, and MoUs with OTAs are resulting in (strong) demand from China’s outbound market. We expect China to be our number one source market in 2024 with eight million tourist arrivals,” Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) told TTG Asia on the sidelines of a press conference in New Delhi on February 21.

Thapanee: TAT is evaluating if we could also extend a visa-free facility permanently to Indian travellers

A visa-free travel scheme for Chinese tourists entering Thailand was launched in September 2023, and has now become a permanent arrangement.

Last year, China occupied the second spot among top five tourism markets for Thailand with 3.5 million travellers.

India, with 1.6 million tourist arrivals, occupied the fourth position, while the US was Thailand’s leading source market with 4.6 million tourist arrivals.

India is priority too, and the TAT is aiming for two million arrivals in 2024.

Thapanee elaborated: “India is a high quality and high spending market for us, and that’s the reason we introduced a visa exemption for Indian travellers last year. We are at present evaluating if we could also extend a visa-free facility permanently to Indian travellers.”

Indian travellers can now avail visa-free travel to Thailand from November 10 to May 10 with a stay of up to 30 days.

In order to spur demand from India, TAT is planning to focus on new segments like senior citizens and women travellers, and to promote rejuvenating tours and adventure sports to Indian travellers.

There are intentions to also highlight new products and destinations, such as the UNESCO sites in Nakhon Ratchasima; Thann Wellness in Ayutthaya; Mon Bridge and Pilok Village in Kanchanaburi; local vineyards; and Khao Yai National Park.

Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, minister of tourism and sports, Thailand told the media that work is going on to further improve direct connectivity between the two countries. Starting April 2, Thai Airways is launching a new route in India – Bangkok-Kochi with three flights per week.

Malaysia woos European market with Muslim-friendly offerings

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2024

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The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is on a special Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) sales mission to Paris, France and London, the UK from February 18 to 25 to explore opportunities for Malaysian tourism industry players in the growing European Muslim tourist market.

The MFTH mission, which is set to tap into the estimated 25.7 million European Muslim population, will see ITC engaging with local travel agents and the Muslim community associations to share the best of Muslim-friendly Malaysia offerings, including MFTH Assurance and Recognition-approved services that also cover accommodation and tourist guides.

Malaysia will participate in the Muslim Travel Show in London after the sales mission; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, pictured

Malaysia will also participate in the Muslim Travel Show in London at the end of the mission. All 40,000 expected visitors of the exhibition will have the chance to be acquainted with Malaysia’s varied attractions and services from ITC, Tourism Malaysia, and other partners like Andalusia Travel and Tours, Kurma Getaways Travel Experience, and Nasyrul Quran.

Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations joins global alliance

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2024

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The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) has welcomed its newest member, Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA).

Representing over 7,700 travel agents across the 10 South-east Asian countries, FATA’s addition significantly expands WTAAA’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Both WTAAA and FATA will collaborate to shape a sustainable, agent-friendly travel industry

“FATA’s addition marks a significant expansion of WTAAA’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region, expanding the organisation’s unified voice for the travel agency sector worldwide,” said Otto de Vries, executive director of WTAAA.

“By combining our resources and collective expertise, we can advocate more effectively for the interests of agencies serving the diverse South-east Asian region and its over 622 million residents. Together, we will raise and advocate for beneficial industry standards, develop new opportunities, and promote global collaboration that drives success for our members at both local and global levels.”

As the umbrella body for South-east Asia’s national travel associations, FATA serves as a crucial platform for addressing regional tourism issues, challenges and trends. Key objectives include fostering cooperation among members, building strong partnerships, and contributing to tourism growth across South-east Asian countries.

“WTAAA’s global scale and expertise will complement FATA’s local insights as we collaborate to shape a sustainable, agent-friendly travel industry,” said FATA president Pauline Suharno. “This alliance comes at an important time as our sector focuses on safely reopening tourism and supporting economic revival in the region.”

New Indonesian entertainment tax on hold for time being

By Dhini Oktavianti

February 22, 2024

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The Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI) has issued a circular letter recommending its members to continue using the old entertainment tax tariff while waiting for the judicial review result of the Ministry of Finance’s decision to raise the tax.

Speaking to the media, GIPI chairman Haryadi Sukamdani said: “We have submitted the (judicial review appeal) but we are projecting the process will take time as the Constitutional Court (is likely) to be busy handling national and presidential election-related complaints, therefore we recommend entertainment services affected by the new regulation to refer to the old tariff.”

GIPI has advised members to continue using the old entertainment tax tariff for now; nightlife in Bali, pictured

He explained this would help maintain the continuity of entertainment businesses, including discos, karaoke, nightclubs, bars and steam baths/spas, and minimise the impact of rate increases on demands.

He said: “Moreover, these sectors open up many job opportunities for the community. I must help my members. We don’t want to lose them.”

In the meantime, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) has done a temporary study of the impact of the increase in entertainment services tax on business and came up with a couple of recommendations that would benefit not only the affected entertainment industry but the whole tourism sector.

Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, commented: “We agree with the coordinating minister for economy’s proposal (and recommend) for a 10 per cent (company) income tax reduction for the tourism sector.”

MoTCE has also recommended to the regional governments to provide incentives on investments and events to maintain the interests of investors and event organisers to prevent workforce retrenchment. Sandiaga added that the higher the tax is, the lower the interest from “investors and event planners to do business here”.

According to Sandiaga, Bali provincial and districts have issued a fiscal incentive policy, including the regional government in Labuan Bajo – he hopes other provinces will follow suit.

Changi Airports International to manage Cam Ranh International Airport Terminal 2

Batik Air, Jiangsu Topview to expand charter services in China

Starlux places order for more A330neo widebodies

Roam with the dinosaurs at Guixi Ecological Park in China

Korean Air names new VP and chief communications officer

Stephen Chung helms as Hahnair’s regional VP for Asia-Pacific

Thailand bets big on Indian, Chinese markets to meet arrivals target

Malaysia woos European market with Muslim-friendly offerings

Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations joins global alliance

New Indonesian entertainment tax on hold for time being

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