Oceania Cruises is ringing in the new year by offering savings of up to 50 per cent off per stateroom on a vast array of destination-immersive voyages.
This offer is available on 112 sailings in 2024 and 2025 for bookings made now through February 29.
Oceania Cruises is offering savings of up to 50 per cent off per stateroom for select 2024/2025 sailings
The New Year Sale features itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Alaska, Canada and New England, and South America, ranging from seven to 32 days in length.
Guests will also receive a shore excursion credit of up to US$1,400 per stateroom, complimentary vintage Champagnes, premium wines and international beers during lunch and dinner in onboard restaurants, unlimited Wi-Fi, and free gourmet specialty dining.
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, located on Thailand’s golden Gulf coast, unveils an exclusive offer for an indulgent retreat with the Stay Longer, Save More promotion that invites guests to immerse themselves in a seven-night stay featuring a series of privileges.
Get up to 30 per cent off the stay, which comprises daily breakfast for two persons, and 10 per cent discount on F&B, spa treatments and laundry services.
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa invites guests to immerse themselves in a seven-night stay
Book from now to January 31 for stays between May 1 and October 31.
Indian hospitality stakeholders expect improved growth in 2024, with domestic travel, corporate travel and the revival of inbound tourism contributing to the positive outlook.
Credit rating agency, ICRA has projected a double-digit revenue growth for the country’s hotel industry in FY2024.
ICRA estimates that Delhi and Mumbai, pictured, are likely to report occupancy rates of above 75 per cent in FY2024
Gaurav Shetty, managing director, Goldfinch Hotels (a unit of MRG Group), said: “Last year had been a promising one for the industry on the back of strong domestic demand and India’s hosting of events like G20 and Cricket World Cup. We expect about 10 per cent growth in average occupancy rates in 2024 compared to last year.
“Both domestic and corporate travel will drive demand this year. We are also hoping for improved inbound tourism in 2024, which will further boost the hospitality industry’s overall performance.”
ICRA estimates that gateway cities like Mumbai and Delhi are likely to report occupancy rates of above 75 per cent in FY2024.
“I anticipate a robust surge in demand for domestic travel, ranging from weekend getaways to extended vacations, shaping the market in 2024. The MICE and wedding segments will remain key demand generators for the sector. We are hoping for about 15 per cent growth in RevPAR in 2024,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, founder, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.
However, a section of hospitality players see rising costs as a challenge.
DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square general manager, Jai Chugh, commented: “Over the past two years, hotels have managed to partially offset the impacts of rising costs with increased pricing. We have all come off a prolonged period of very strong ADR growth coupled with factors like increasing cost of living and inflation. We can further sustain that pace of ADR growth by 10 per cent in 2024, but cost (spikes) don’t seem to be slowing down.
“So, it’s about figuring out how we maintain or increase our bottom line in a very challenging environment going ahead as the occupancy will be saturated,” Chugh added.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Banyan Tree Group is evolving its corporate umbrella brand to Banyan Group, which reflects the group’s evolution into a dynamic, multi-brand hospitality powerhouse.
The group currently manages 12 global brands, 75 hotels and resorts, over 60 spas and galleries and 14 branded residences across 22 countries.
The first Banyan Tree property in Japan, Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, pictured
Since 2019, Banyan Group has doubled its brand portfolio with properties like Banyan Tree AlUla in Saudi Arabia, Garrya in Kyoto, and Folio in Osaka, Japan; Dhawa in Ho Tram, Vietnam; Homm in Huzhou, China; and Banyan Tree Dubai in the UAE.
2023 also marked a year of strong and steady business performance that has surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Eddy See, president and CEO of Banyan Group, said: “This brand evolution reflects our portfolio transformation from a single luxury brand to the diverse offering we have today. Almost half of all countries we operate in carry a multi-branded presence, most of them high-growth travel destinations.
“With a keen eye on expansion, we are seizing new opportunities with our distinct brands, designed to meet evolving traveller preferences and needs in these dynamic markets.”
As part of a robust pipeline of properties, the group’s expansion in 2024 will include 19 new properties and residences in Cambodia, China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Mexico.
Some highlights include Cassia and Homm Sokcho in South Korea; two complexes in Suzhou, China – Banyan Tree and Angsana in Shishan, and Banyan Tree and Garrya by Yangcheng Lake – as well as Angsana Tengchong in the Yunnan province of China; and debuting in Vietnam with Angsana Quan Lan in Halong Bay and Garrya Mu Chang Chai. Also, Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe will open in Mexico in North America.
This year, Banyan Group will align with United Nations Climate Science-based Targets to develop a comprehensive 2030 Sustainability Roadmap that addresses both environmental and human capital development in line with its founding ethos of Embracing the Environment, Empowering People.
The group will also pioneer a circularity pilot project, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to advance the hospitality industry’s transition to regenerative practices.
In addition, Banyan Group will launch Beyond, a new digital companion that offers a holistic experience across its codified well-being framework, and withBanyan – an experiential members programme that rewards engagement, interactions and actions.
“As Banyan Group celebrates our collective success over the last 30 years, we also recognise that the progress can’t stop here,” said Ren Yung Ho, senior vice president, brand & commercial, Banyan Group.
“The core beliefs and values that have guided Banyan Group to this milestone will continue to underpin our growth strategy as we remain dedicated to being a force for positive change for both people and the planet.”
Hong Kong Express Airways (HK Express) has been ranked first in Asia, and third globally, for on-time performance among low-cost carriers in the recently released 2023 On-time Performance Review Report by leading aviation data analytics firm Cirium.
This recognition is a testament to the airline’s efforts and determination in ensuring customer safety and timely arrival at destinations.
HK Express has been recognised as the top low-cost carrier for on-time performance in Asia
Honoured to receive this recognition, HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao commented: “This affirms the relentless efforts of our staff in ensuring flight safety and punctuality. Looking forward, we will continue to provide efficient services, ensuring that our customers enjoy safe and flight services at reasonable prices and arrive at their destination on time to travel at their own terms.”
Airporter and MUIC Kansai (Kansai Innovation Center) have initiated Japan’s first off-airport check-in service at Kansai International Airport.
The service aims to streamline the luggage process for outbound travellers, delivering luggage directly from hotels (or designated drop-off points) to departure airports in Japan and onward to international arrival airports, thus enabling hands-free travel.
The off-airport check-in service will enable visitors to Japan to enjoy the convenience of hands-free travel
By combining Airporter’s same-day luggage delivery service with online check-in provided by airlines, this service contributes to the digitisation of boarding procedures, reducing the occurrence of long queues.
Osaka was the initial focus for implementing the service due to the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. A three-month proof of concept demonstration was conducted between July to September last year, targeting Japan Airline users departing from Kansai International Airport for the verification of service operations.
Both companies plan to enhance their services aiming for full-scale expansion to ready for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and will be expanding partnerships with major Asian airlines commonly used by international travellers visiting Japan.
With the goal to develop dedicated equipment that can be installed in hotels, stations, and other locations, these will enable passengers to perform luggage check-in procedures at specific points within the city, allowing travellers to conveniently check in their luggage at designated locations during their journey.
Vietjet has expanded its fleet with four wet-leased aircraft to meet the high travel demand during the Lunar New Year peak season.
The addition of four wet-leased aircraft, including pilots and flight crew, will cater to the needs of customers and enhance capacity during one of Asia’s largest holidays.
The additional wet-leased aircraft will help meet the high travel demand during the Lunar New Year
The Vietnamese government has approved a seven-day Lunar New Year holiday break from February 8 to 14 – this period will see workers from major cities and industrial hubs returning to their hometowns for family reunions, as well as an increase in holiday-goers visiting tourist destinations.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), there will be approximately 33,800 flights from January 24 to February 25 operated by Vietnamese airlines, during this peak travel period. This represents a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year and a 21 per cent increase compared to the current regular flight schedule.
In addition, the airline has installed extra check-in kiosks in selected airports to ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers while encouraging online check-in to avoid congestion at the airports.
Vietjet is offering special promotions for the Lunar New Year, with weekly ticket promotions every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday until February 10 for all international flights. There is also a special golden promotional week with up to 20 per cent off on Business and SkyBoss tickets.
Teardrop Hotels is offering a special four-day itinerary tailored for travellers eager to experience the best of Sri Lanka’s south coast over the Lunar New Year break.
The package includes airport transfers and four nights’ accommodation across two boutique hotels in two iconic destinations on Sri Lanka’s south and south-west coast – Fort Bazaar in UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, and Lunuganga near Bentota.
Stay at lake-front estate Lunuganga, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning vistas
Beginning in Galle at Fort Bazaar, guests will be based at the 18-room spa hotel and immerse themselves for two days in the vibrant heritage of Galle Fort. Some experiences include a complimentary walking tour with a resident historian of the Fort’s cobblestone streets lined with shops, galleries, and architectural wonders dating back centuries. Guests may also opt to take on a Sri Lankan culinary experience with Fort Bazaar’s on-site chef.
The second leg of the itinerary takes travellers to Lunuganga, a lake-front estate surrounded by lush greenery and stunning vistas. All in-house guests enjoy a garden tour, as well as immersive experiences such as a morning or afternoon boat ride along the Dedduwa Lake from the banks of Lunuganga, and a visit to nearby traditional mask museums.
Bookings for this exclusive four-day itinerary are now open, with prices starting from US$2,610 for two guests.
Transfers to local sites of interest during the four nights stay are not included in the price of the package and are chargeable.
Discova has appointed Mike Chan as its new regional general manager for Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand in South-east Asia.
He will engage in close collaboration with these four destinations for a comprehensive understanding of the business.
Chan previously served as the company’s country manager for Singapore and Malaysia, and has over 20 years of work experience in the travel industry with an extensive knowledge of the region.
Air travel demand has topped 99 per cent of 2019 levels, revealed the International Air Transport Association (IATA), based on its November 2023 air travel performance data.
Total traffic in November 2023 (measured in RPKs) rose 29.7 per cent compared to November 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 99.1 per cent of November 2019 levels.
IATA reveals that air travel demand has reached near 99 per cent of 2019 levels
International traffic rose 26.4 per cent versus November 2022. The Asia-Pacific region continued to report the strongest year-over-year results (+63.8 per cent) with all regions showing improvement compared to the prior year. November 2023 international RPKs reached 94.5 per cent of November 2019 levels.
Domestic traffic for November 2023 was up 34.8 per cent compared to November 2022, while total November 2023 domestic traffic was 6.7 per cent above the November 2019 level.
Growth was particularly strong in China (+272 per cent) as it recovered from the Covid travel restrictions that were still in place a year ago.
As for international passenger markets, Asia-Pacific airlines had a 63.8 per cent rise in November traffic compared to November 2022, which was the strongest year-over-year rate among the regions. Capacity rose 58 per cent and the load factor was up 2.9 percentage points to 82.6 per cent.
Middle Eastern airlines saw an 18.6 per cent traffic rise in November compared to November 2022. November capacity increased 19 per cent versus the year-ago period, and load factor fell 0.2 percentage points to 77.4 per cent.
“We are moving ever closer to surpassing the 2019 peak year for air travel. Economic headwinds are not deterring people from taking to the skies. International travel remains 5.5 per cent below pre-pandemic levels but that gap is rapidly closing – and domestic markets have been above their pre-pandemic levels continuously since April,” said Willie Walsh, director general, IATA.
He also highlighted on the need to ramp up Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
“In parallel to aviation’s recovery, governments recognised the urgency of transitioning from jet fuel to SAF for aviation’s decarbonisation. Airlines agreed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and every drop of SAF ever made in that effort has been bought and used. There simply is not enough SAF being produced,” said Walsh.
“So, we look to 2024 to be the year when governments follow-up on their own declarations and finally deliver comprehensive policy measures to incentivise the rapid scaling-up of SAF production.”
Chan previously served as the company’s country manager for Singapore and Malaysia, and has over 20 years of work experience in the travel industry with an extensive knowledge of the region.
