TAT unveils plans for British and European tourists at WTM 2023

November 7, 2023

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced its plans for the UK travel market at a press conference at WTM 2023 in London today.

Addressing a packed room of journalists and exhibitors, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool – joined on stage by the minister of tourism and sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol – laid out its strategy to attract more British and European travellers, a group that stays longer, spends more and explores further than other source markets.

Thapanee: to encourage travellers to engage in a meaningful connection, whether it is with themselves, the local people, the community, nature, or even with Thailand

For the UK market, TAT will lean hard into developing its profile as a luxury destination that prioritises modern trends, including wellness, sustainable travel and environmental responsibility at the heart of its new Meaningful Relationship campaign.

Thapanee said: “The new Meaningful Relationship marketing communication concept is designed to encourage travellers to engage in a meaningful connection, whether it is with themselves, the local people, the community, nature, or even with Thailand. When travellers form a relationship with the people they meet and the place they visit, they will have an opportunity to create lifelong friends, cherished recollections, and an enjoyable time.”

From January 1 to October 31 this year, Thailand recorded over 21.6 million arrivals and generated over US$25.54 billion. The top five markets are Malaysia (3,342,819), China (2,778,595), South Korea (1,313,781), India (1,283,340), and Russia (1,097,361), while the UK market contributed 617,017 tourists.

By the end of 2023, TAT expects to see around 80 per cent of the overall tourism revenue generated in 2019, or US$65.53 billion. This includes tourism revenue of US$41.30 billion from around 25-30 million arrivals. From the UK market, the expectation is 795,214 tourists and revenue of US$1.7 billion.

After cutting the red tape and the costs of long-term visas for Chinese, Russian and Indian travellers this year, Thai stakeholders have urged the government to roll out similar enticements to British and European tourists.

When asked if there were plans to ease guidelines on long-term stays for Europeans, Thapanee replied that TAT was in discussion with the new prime minister Srettha Thavisin’s administration to find areas where they could remove red tape and make long-term trips simpler and with less financial burden.

Langham Hospitality Group expands partnership with Amadeus

By TTG Asia

November 7, 2023

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Hong-Kong based Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has selected Amadeus’ digital media solution to increase brand awareness and bookings at its properties.

Amadeus’ customised, data-driven approach will allow Langham to showcase and market its offerings across a variety of online channels to reach new travellers and targeted audiences.

The partnership will allow Langham to showcase and market its offerings across a variety of online channels; The Langham London, pictured

The latest addition of digital media will empower Langham hoteliers to make more informed decisions based on the latest market insights, ensuring strategic growth. LHG has already been utilising Amadeus’ Demand360 & Agency360 business intelligence solutions, along with Travel Seller Media, and Delphi sales and catering software.

Shane Pateman, senior vice president, sales & marketing, LHG, commented: “We want to put the traveller at the centre of what we do, and we are confident our partnership with Amadeus will help us reach our guests and new audiences with targeted, relevant offers at the right time, on the right channel.”

“With the insights gathered, Langham will be able to better understand its core audiences and identify booking trends and traveller preferences to deliver relevant and compelling advertisements that drive revenue,” added Maria Taylor, head of commercial, Asia-Pacific, hospitality, Amadeus.

Vietjet adds new services to its network

By TTG Asia

November 7, 2023

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Vietjet is expanding its network with four new international services from Vietnam to India, China, Indonesia and Cambodia, and a new domestic service to Dien Bien.

The first flight connecting Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Tiruchirappalli, a city in India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, was launched on November 2.

Vietjet adds new services to India, China, Indonesia and Cambodia

The new HCMC-Tiruchirappalli direct route will depart every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, while the flights from Tiruchirappalli to HCMC will take off on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

From December 1, the airline will operate daily return services between HCMC and Shanghai, China, while the Hanoi-Jakarta (Indonesia) route will commence on December 10 with four round-trip flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Starting from December 15, Vietjet will also launch the Hanoi-Siem Reap (Cambodia) service with seven roundtrips per week.

In addition, the airline will introduce the HCMC-Dien Bien route from December 2, flying on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Norwegian Aqua opens up sales for debut voyages

By TTG Asia

November 7, 2023

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) all-new Norwegian Aqua, the first of the expanded Prima Plus Class, has opened up sales for seven-day voyages to the Caribbean which will set sail in April 2025.

Starting from Port Canaveral, Florida, the voyages include calls to island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.

The Haven will feature four three-bedroom duplex suites on Norwegian Aqua

Premiering on Norwegian Aqua is the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide featuring three stories of twists and turns around the ship’s funnel. Also new is the Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, which will offer a variety of interactive guest activities by day and then transform into a nightclub in the evening.

Popular Prima Class experiences aboard Norwegian Aqua comprise The Drop, NCL’s 10-story free-fall slide; the Stadium, a now expanded game space offering complimentary activities; and the kids’ Splash Academy.

Norwegian Aqua will also debut NCL’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites in the brand’s premium keycard-access-only-complex, The Haven by Norwegian. These four two-story suites feature separate living and dining areas, three bathrooms, a balcony, and three bedrooms. The Haven aboard Norwegian Aqua will offer the largest Haven complex in the fleet with 123 suites, including exclusive access to an expansive sundeck, infinity pool, outdoor spa, two hot tubs, a private lounge and bar. Haven guests will enjoy 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge team.

Following a series of seven-day Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, Norwegian Aqua will offer five- and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025. The ship will then sail five- and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning October 2025 through April 2026.

For more information, visit Norwegian Cruise Line.

Philippines, Japan ink deal on tourism cooperation

By TTG Asia

November 6, 2023

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The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLITT) have signed a landmark agreement that will expand opportunities for tourism development between the two countries.

This is the first standalone cooperation agreement between the two nations, which will see both countries strengthen and further develop Philippines-Japan ties in the field of tourism.

The collaboration between Japan and the Philippines will see both countries strengthen and further develop their ties in the field of tourism

Under the agreement, both countries will increase tourist arrivals for both countries from world tourist-generating markets; encourage more tourists to visit various tourist destinations and attractions, including rural areas in each other’s country; encourage mutual visits and traffic of high-value-added travellers to increase tourism consumption; as well as encourage healthy growth of tourism industry of the Philippines and Japan especially on the aspects of education, culture, gastronomy, sustainable tourism, and adventure.

Additionally, both countries will engage in the exchange of information on matters related to the industry; education and training; ensure means of mutual traffic through the enhancement of air and sea connectivity, and joint promotional programmes, as well as enhance transport connectivity to sustain people-to-people exchange and the influx of travellers, and ensure tourist safety.

The Philippines and Japan also agreed to cooperate in terms of ensuring safety among tourists while they are staying in their respective countries.

A joint working group composed of senior officials from the DoT and MLITT will be convened for the proper implementation of the cooperation which will run for five years and is subject for renewal.

Western Australia to host 24th WTTC Global Summit

By TTG Asia

November 6, 2023

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The WTTC will convene in Western Australia (WA) next year, as Perth has won the bid to host the 24th WTTC Global Summit.

The WTTC is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel, tourism and trade and promotes the sustainable and inclusive growth of the sector.

Perth will host the 24th WTTC Global Summit next year

Hosting the summit will position WA as a leader in travel, tourism and trade, with the event previously attracting high-profile attendees such as former US president Barack Obama, French president Emmanuel Macron, previous UN Leader Ban Ki-moon and environmental activist Bear Grylls.

Tourism WA’s managing director, Carolyn Turnbull said hosting the 24th WTTC Global Summit presented a significant opportunity for WA to demonstrate its growth, ambition and investment opportunities to WTTC’s members, which includes the CEOs of key travel businesses such as Etihad Airlines, Expedia and InterContinental.

“The effect of hosting this event goes far beyond the immediate economic impact generated from delegate spend; this event will open avenues for conversation around inbound trade and product investments, new inbound aviation routes and the development of high value tourism product business opportunities.

“Business delegates attending this event will be encouraged to extend their stay and explore further afield, so they can experience our dreamlike landscapes, world-class experiences, and expert tourism operators first-hand.”

Business Events Perth chair, Bradley Woods, added: “As identified within the Western Australian Government’s Diversify WA economic development framework, tourism is a key sector within our state’s growing and diverse economy… with our growing direct international air capacity, world-class event spaces and unique tourism offerings, WA is primed to be a global leader in growing our industry’s future; with repeated success in securing major sector focused business events.”

The business event was secured after a collaborative bid was presented by the WA Government, through Tourism WA and Business Events Perth, with additional bidding support from Business Events Australia.

Demand for Icon of the Seas sailings on a high

By Caroline Boey

November 6, 2023

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Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is reporting strong demand for its exclusive three-level Penthouse Family Suite on the much-anticipated Icon of the Seas, which comes with a US$75,000 price tag.

The maiden seven-night voyage sets sails from Miami on January 27, 2024, and

Hernandez: Asia is an anchor market with the potential to outpace growth in the rest of the world

Bert Hernandez, senior vice president, international, said forward bookings for the suite “sold out in a short time”.

Demand, he shared, was coming from the Middle East, the US, Singapore and South America.

The 20-deck high ship, which can carry up to 7,600 passengers, offers between 20 and 30 per cent more space compared to its competitors, and depending on seasonality, is priced at an average per diem of US$350 per passenger.

Travel agents play a vital role, Angie Stephen, vice president Asia-Pacific, commented, and with Asian passengers willing to fly longhaul, RCI was planning a “big trip” to introduce the ship in Miami to convince its trade partners to sell the cruise beyond Singapore.

RCI has three Icon of the Seas on order and Hernandez expressed the desire to base one in Asia, calling the region an “anchor market with the potential to outpace growth in the rest of the world”.

Describing RCI’s 2020 experiment and introduction of cruises to nowhere in Singapore as a “game changer”, he said it had become a template for other markets in supporting regional and global cruising.

Hernandez continued: “Asia is still opening and is moving in the right direction. With the diversity of destinations with different immigration and visa protocols, we are trying to see how technology being used in Miami can make the process easier.

“We are also looking at en-route immigration which we are trying out in Japan, Hong Kong and some ports in Vietnam.”

RCI, he said, would be “coming back to China in April”, adding it had been the most profitable market before the pandemic.

Ships were limited and RCI would have to pick and choose where they would be based, he quipped.

More Singaporeans flocking to Hokkaido for snow holidays

By Caroline Boey

November 6, 2023

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Club Med’s First Snow Report for Singapore shows “a notable shift” post-lockdown for more adventurous experiences, in particular for snow holidays, which has “surged remarkably”.

Olivier Monceau, general manager Singapore & Malaysia Markets, who shared the findings last week, said: “Astonishingly, we have nearly doubled the number of ski enthusiasts from Singapore, showcasing the growing interest in snow-filled adventures compared to the pre-pandemic era.

A majority of snow holiday seekers in Hokkaido are from Singapore; Club Med Kiroro Grand, pictured

“This evolving trend has inspired us to introduce this report, providing valuable insights into consumer behaviour within this developing holiday category.”

He added: “I am delighted to say that snow holidays have gained a prominent position within our business strategy.”

The report dovetails with Club Med’s ambitious development plan and the December opening of its fourth mountain resort in Japan, Club Med Kiroro Grand in Hokkaido, which joins Club Med Sahoro, Club Med Tomamu and Club Med Kiroro Peak.

Club Med Kiroro Grand, billed as a hidden white powder paradise with unspoilt nature for skiing, snowboarding and snow trekking, compliments the experience with wellness – soaking in an outdoor hot bath or onsen – and tours to discover the culture of the indigenous Ainu first settlers in Hokkaido.

The family-friendly all-inclusive resort offers facilities for children two years and older, and its four restaurants serve international, Asia-themed and Japanese speciality meals.

Evening entertainment includes stage performances and games at main bar Yotei.

According to the report, Singapore families make up 70 per cent of snow holiday seekers and 67 per cent have children.

The report stated: “Singaporeans are no strangers to snow holidays and one in two will stay between seven to 10 days.”

To a Singaporean, “beautiful views” and “snow-related activities” were the top two descriptions of what a snow holiday is, and “favourite destinations” are Japan, Switzerland, China, South Korea and France.

At 66 and 55 per cent respectively for “having ski and/or snowboarding experience” and “possessing intermediate or advance skills”, “Singaporeans are winter sports enthusiasts” based on the report.

Khiri Travel unveils new Asian travel products

By TTG Asia

November 6, 2023

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Khiri Travel has launched new travel products in eight countries in South-east Asia to give tour operators and travel agents in source markets a quick indication of what to expect.

The six categories include Signature, Personality, Sundowner, Select, Picnic, and Wow!

Khiri Travel offers varied tourism experiences across the region, such as Indonesia’s Pasola festival and Komodo Island, and traditional fishing methods in Vietnam, pictured

Khiri Signature is reserved for special travel experiences not offered by other operators, while Khiri Personality is for conversations with renowned local experts such as historians, authors and artists.

Khiri Sundowner presents views at sunset with private drinks service away from other tourists, and Khiri Select is reserved for experiences that reflect the essence of a place with activities that give unique insights and memories.

As for Khiri Picnic, it allows clients to enjoy the best of locally-sourced food with freshest ingredients prepared by locals in appealing locations unconstrained by restaurant availability.

Finally, Khiri Wow is for when money is not an issue.

“We can create some remarkable travel experiences by combining categories such as signature, wow, personality and sundowner on any given trip. That’s when our 30 years of DMC know-how and intimate knowledge of our destinations really shines through,” said Khiri Travel’s CEO and founder, Willem Niemeijer.

Khiri Travel will be at the World Travel Market London from November 6 to 8, as well as at Further East Bali between November 6 to 9, to showcase its latest travel products.

Greater Bay Airlines to launch Manila-Hong Kong service

By TTG Asia

November 6, 2023

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Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) will be launching the Manila-Hong Kong service from November 8, operating five times a week.

Greater Bay Airlines will start its Manila-Hong Kong service from November 8

The airline will fly from Manila to Hong Kong on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; while the Hong Kong-Manila services will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

TAT unveils plans for British and European tourists at WTM 2023

Langham Hospitality Group expands partnership with Amadeus

Vietjet adds new services to its network

Norwegian Aqua opens up sales for debut voyages

Philippines, Japan ink deal on tourism cooperation

Western Australia to host 24th WTTC Global Summit

Demand for Icon of the Seas sailings on a high

More Singaporeans flocking to Hokkaido for snow holidays

Khiri Travel unveils new Asian travel products

Greater Bay Airlines to launch Manila-Hong Kong service

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