Emirates to launch services to Montréal in July; partners Air Canada

April 27, 2023

Emirates will introduce a new daily service from Dubai to Montreal from July 5, adding to its current Dubai-Toronto route and making Montreal the airline’s second gateway in Canada.

Emirates is also partnering with Air Canada to offer customers of both airlines access to an expansive network of destinations.

Emirates will commence its Dubai-Montreal service from July

In addition to over 130 destinations that Emirates flies to, its customers currently have access to 19 Canadian destinations beyond Toronto through the codeshare partnership, while Air Canada customers are able to fly on Emirates to Dubai and access 17 cities in Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and Far East.

Furthermore, Emirates passengers are able to choose from over 140 routes operated by Air Canada on an interline basis, including 27 points in Canada and 94 routes between Canada and the Americas, as well as 68 points from Montreal, including the US, Mexico, South America and the Caribbean.

Emirates Skywards members can earn Miles on all eligible Air Canada flights and can redeem Miles for reward tickets across Air Canada’s network.

New hotels: Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok, Lewit Hotel Pattaya and more

By TTG Asia

April 27, 2023

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Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok, Indonesia
Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok welcomes travellers back to the southwest coast of Lombok.

Now boasting one- and two-bedroom suites, seven hillside villas with private infinity pools, and more, the resort also features a large lagoon-style pool with a children’s area and swim-up bar, fitness centre, spa, and F&B options.

Activities for guests to choose from include hiking to Mount Rinjani, visiting Tiu Kelep Waterfall, and a boat ride to the Southern Gili islands for diving and snorkelling.

Lewit Hotel Pattaya, Thailand
Lewit Hotel Pattaya is two hour’s away from Bangkok, just a short walk from the beach in Jomtien and within easy reach of the city’s upbeat attractions and activities.

The 100-key hotel offers a restaurant, fitness centre, pool, sundeck and meeting venues.

Complimentary bicycles are also available for guests to explore the local area.

Wyndham Shanghai Nanxiang, China
Located in the Central Business District of Nanxiang, Wyndham Shanghai Nanxiang is near major landmarks such as the Shanghai International Circuit and Shanghai Automobile Exhibition Center, as well as Guyi Gardens and Nanxiang Ancient Town

Featuring 315 guestrooms and suites, the hotel comes with both Chinese and Western dining options, a lobby bar, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, parking, and event venues.

Far East Village Hotel Tokyo, Asakusa, Japan
Far East Village Hotel Tokyo, Asakusa is a 134-room hotel right in the heart of Asakusa district.

The hotel offers a range of rooms with views overlooking the iconic Sky Tree and Sensoji Temple, as well as Asakusa’s cityscape.

It is a four-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Ginza Line, making it convenient for guests to explore Tokyo.

Japan sets new tourism goals, focuses on quality travellers

By Kathryn Wortley

April 26, 2023

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The Japanese government has approved a 2023-25 plan to become a more tourism-orientated country by focusing on sustainable travel, greater consumption and more travellers visiting its regions.

The Japan Tourism Agency’s “Basic Plan for the Promotion of a Tourism Nation”, updated for the first time in six years, addresses both inbound and domestic tourism as a means to support the country’s national growth strategy, local revitalisation and international exchange.

Japan is aiming for inbound travellers to increase their spending during their stay; Dotonbori in Osaka, pictured

For the overseas market, the focus is on increasing the quality of travellers rather than the number of visitors while dispersing visits to avoid over-tourism and stimulate regional development.

Developing more offerings for high-end travellers, training more tourism professionals, and employing greater use of technology are among the initiatives planned to deliver the targets. Special events and funding for local tourism resources, such as accommodation and facilities, are also in the works to create regions that are “good to live in and good to visit”, according to the report.

The plan over fiscal 2023 to 2025 (April 2023 to March 2026) aims for inbound travellers to spend 200,000 yen (US$1,495) each during their stay in Japan, up from 159,000 yen in 2019. This amounts to five trillion yen in expenditure annually by all overseas visitors, a rise from 2019’s 4.8 trillion yen. In addition, the goal is for overseas visitors to spend two nights in local areas, up from 2019’s 1.4 nights.

The plan will also encourage domestic travellers to spend more and travel widely by promoting longer trips and more off-season travel. The goal is for annual consumption to reach 22 trillion yen, up from 21.9 trillion yen in 2019, and 320 million nights spent in regions, up from 300 million nights in 2019.

Travelport data reveals latest China travel trends

By TTG Asia

April 26, 2023

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Travelport has released its latest data highlighting the resurgence of outbound travel from mainland China, which shows that demand continues to rise leading up to China’s Labour Day (May 1), one of the most popular times for tourists from mainland China to travel.

When it was announced on December 27 that travellers arriving to China no longer needed to undergo quarantine, outbound flight bookings from mainland China on that very day increased by 247% when compared to the same day the previous month.

Travelport’s data shows the resurgence of outbound travel from mainland China

According to research conducted by the UNWTO and the China Tourism Academy, approximately 150 million Chinese tourists travelled internationally in 2019, spending US$277 billion on global tourism. With quarantine restrictions now lifted, 1Q2023 saw outbound bookings from mainland China increase by 331% compared to last year.

However, mainland China is still only at 21% of its 2019 outbound booking levels. According to OAG, international airline capacity is at 37% of its April 2019 availability.

According to a recent McKinsey survey, pent-up demand for outbound travel from mainland China is massive, with 40% of survey respondents wanting to travel and prioritising international destinations for their next trip.

Travelport’s data shows the top five destinations that travellers from mainland China have booked trips for in 2023 include Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, the US, and South Korea.

One major difference in 2023 travel is that tourists from mainland China are taking shorter trips. The number of trips ranging from two to four days is increasing, which explains why closer destinations, such as Hong Kong and Macau, claim the top two spots.

Additionally, 71% of flight options available from mainland China are bound for destinations in Asia-Pacific.

Meanwhile, Labour Day in China is celebrated as an annual public holiday on May 1, with the holiday expanded to include a three-day break in recent years. This makes April 24 through May 7 (the week of Labour Day and the week prior) the most ideal dates for travellers to get away.

This year’s holiday period has reached a three-year high when compared to last year alone, with outbound travel bookings increasing by 470%. In addition, unlike the rest of the year, these dates see a noticeable spike in trips longer than 10 days. This could explain why the top destinations for these travel dates include longhaul destinations such as the UK, Canada and the US.

Trip.com teams up with Macau to boost travel to the city

By TTG Asia

April 26, 2023

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Trip.com has launched the See You in Macao campaign to promote the city as a destination choice for leisure and business, as well as offer international travellers discounts for hotel bookings in Macau.

Trip.com users who book a stay of two consecutive nights or more at selected hotels marked with a Macao Bonus tag and using the promo code will enjoy discounts of up to 50 per cent during the promotion period from now to June 30.

The campaign hopes to promote Macau as a destination choice for leisure and business

Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) said: “With Macau’s unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, this vibrant destination offers something for every traveller. We will continue to collaborate with our trusted partners on co-marketing campaigns with the aim of empowering visitors with most up-to-date travel information and exciting deals.”

Edison Chen, vice president of Trip.com Group, recalled the success of an earlier collaboration with MGTO on the company’s Ctrip platform.

He said: “As we have seen a significant increase in search volumes and bookings among travellers across various markets in recent months, we are excited to have extended the partnership to our Trip.com platform for travellers from Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and worldwide.”

The destination has a line up of upcoming attractions and large-scale events this year, such as the 70th anniversary of the Macau Grand Prix, Light Up Macao 2023, and the 33rd Macao Arts Festival.

Royal Caribbean Group advances on sustainability movement

By TTG Asia

April 26, 2023

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Royal Caribbean Group’s (RCL) 15th annual Seastainability Report, which provides an in-depth update on the company’s corporate responsibility strategy and performance across its three wholly owned brands, has identified 2022 as a watershed moment in the company’s advancement of Environmental, Social and Governance efforts.

Defining events include the 30th anniversary of the company’s first environmental program, Save the Waves, and the publication of the first Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures report, published with the 2022 Seastainability Report.

Royal Caribbean Group’s annual Seastainability Report gives an update on the company’s strategy and performance as it aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050; Serenade of the Seas, pictured

“As we advance on our sustainability journey, our strategic priorities remain rooted in creating business value and uplifting our employees, guests and the communities we visit,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Through collaboration and innovation, we continue to make great strides on our commitment of delivering great vacation experiences responsibly.”

The targets and strategies laid out in the annual report highlight Royal Caribbean Group’s progress to reduce emissions, promote the safety and well-being of its guests and employees, including its commitments to sustainable tourism, protecting the oceans it sails and inspiring and empowering the communities it visits.

Some highlights from the report include setting a short-term target to reduce carbon intensity by double digits by 2025; partnership with Mærsk McKinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping to develop zero carbon technologies and solutions for the maritime industry; creating a new Executive Diversity Council to prioritise Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives and create accountability, empowering and inspiring employees; growing the number of sustainable tours certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council; increasing its sustainable seafood sourcing; renewing its partnership with World Wildlife Fund, and more.

The group’s sustainability journey began over 30 years ago, and is moving closer to its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Vietjet ramps up summer operation with new Da Lat-Busan service

By TTG Asia

April 26, 2023

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Vietjet will launch the first and only direct route connecting Da Lat, Vietnam and Busan, South Korea from July 13.

The Da Lat-Busan service will operate daily return flights, flying between Lien Khuong Airport in Da Lat and Busan’s Gimhae Airport.

Vietjet will commence the new Da Lat-Busan service in July

With the addition of this route, Vietjet will offer a total of 13 routes for travel between Vietnam to South Korea.

Ascott to open 70 properties globally

By TTG Asia

April 26, 2023

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Ascott expects to open 70 properties across its brands in key travel destinations this year.

Co-living brand, lyf, will welcome seven new properties in Austria, China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, answering the need for meaningful spaces that allow for interaction among the next generation of travellers.

The Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore is set to open by the end of the year

The Citadines brand, which focuses on city living and lifestyle experiences, will add 21 properties in cities like Yokohama, Japan; Sydney, Australia; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; and Jakarta, Indonesia as well as Amsterdam, Netherlands and Vienna, Austria farther afield.

To cater to the growing trend of family vacations and multigenerational trips, Ascott will open an additional 11 Somerset properties this year. There will be several new openings in China, such as Somerset Tangzhen Shanghai, Somerset Star River Minhang Shanghai, Somerset Taihu New City CBD Wuxi, Somerset Fengdong Xi’an, Somerset Changxin Hefei and Somerset Chayuan Chongqing. Other openings are set for Bandung and Jakarta in Indonesia; Cebu and Makati in the Philippines; and Vienna.

For the bleisure demographic, Oakwood will open in Chongli, China and Bali, Indonesia.

The Ascott brand, which will undergo a brand refresh within 2Q2023, will launch Ascott Pazhou Guangzhou and Ascott China Central Place Suzhou – both in China.

The company is also expanding its The Crest Collection, aimed at travellers desiring one-of-a-kind experiential stays that immerse them in the history and culture of a destination. The brand’s flagship in Asia, The Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore, is set to open by the end of 2023.

The Unlimited Collection, comprising boutique hotels, will reopen Ann Siang House, set in Singapore’s Chinatown area, in 2Q2023 after completing refurbishments.

Lifestyle brand, Harris, will reach beyond Indonesia later this year, with the opening of Harris Sunshine Penang in Malaysia.

Summer fun for the kids at Fusion

By TTG Asia

April 26, 2023

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Fusion has introduced a suite of family-friendly kids’ activities and exclusive stay packages just in time for summer school holidays.

The activities have been specially designed to help children put down their digital devices and engage with nature and their own creativity, with experiences ranging from feeding deer and kayaking in the surf to making traditional Vietnamese crafts, riding a zipline, and tending fresh fruit and vegetable gardens.

Kids can have fun learning how to cook their own dishes at Maia Resort Quy Nhon

At Fusion Suites Vung Tau, families can stay active together with mountain biking, stand-up paddle-boarding in the ocean, and cooking classes. Priced from 8,650,000 dong (US$368), the two-night Summer Fun Family Package includes a cooking class, transportation to and from Saigon, a spa treatment, high tea, nightly cinema, complimentary Kids Club access, and more.

Young guests at Alba Wellness Valley in Hue can learn the traditional crafts of central Vietnam. There is also a farm and deer garden on site, where kids can pick out eggs delivered by cage-free hens, tend to flowers, as well as feed and interact with the local deer. Meanwhile, older kids can seek an adrenaline rush at the resort’s high wire adventure course, featuring 32 challenges.

Maia Resort Quy Nhon offers plenty of beach activities, with complimentary kayaking, paddle-boarding, sandcastle-building, and more. There are also cooking classes and art workshops, where young visitors can engage with the local culture.

The Fusion Farm at Fusion Resort Cam Ranh lets kids learn about sustainable growing practices and the importance of biodiversity and protecting the environment. They get to pick fresh fruit, harvest vegetables, and even pick freshly-laid free-range eggs for their morning breakfast.

Other activities include tennis and badminton lessons (with free ice cream afterward), yoga classes and the daily Kids Cinema screening.

For more information, visit Fusion Hotel Group.

Assam to press on international tourist arrivals

By Rohit Kaul

April 25, 2023

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The north-eastern Indian state of Assam, which welcomed a record 10 million domestic tourists in the financial year 2022-2023, is now training its guns on international markets including the UK, Europe and South-east Asia.

The state welcomed about 20,000 international visitors in fiscal 2022-2023 – a slight improvement compared to the 18,000 international tourists it received in fiscal 2019-2020.

Bora: to create awareness about our tourism products and experiences in international markets

Speaking to TTG Asia, Kumar Padmapani Bora, secretary, tourism department & managing director, Assam Tourism Development Corporation, government of Assam, said: “We are looking to participate in key trade shows, like WTM London, to create awareness about our tourism products and experiences in international markets.”

He shared that the north-east of India has “geographical proximity as well as cultural similarities with South-east Asia”, and that previous participation in a travel event in Bangkok helped stakeholders understand how to attract tourists to Assam.

“One significant outcome of these meetings was that we need to promote our Buddhist sites – we are now (putting emphasis on) such destinations on our tourism map,” added Bora.

As part of India’s present G20 Presidency, Assam has hosted five meetings this year. Foreign delegates arriving in the state as part of the engagements participated in experiences like a cruise on the Brahmaputra River and a trip to Kaziranga National Park.

“The G2O meetings have helped us to showcase our diverse tourism experiences, hospitality and cuisine to foreign delegates, which we expect will help our promotional activities,” said Bora.

Apart from the destination’s natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, the tourism department of the state is looking to promote its tea gardens in both domestic and international markets. The government of Assam is supporting a scheme to provide capital infrastructure subsidies to the tea estates which are located in the existing tourism circuits.

Bora shared: “We have already selected 50 tea gardens across Assam that will receive a capital subsidy of 50 per cent of the total project with an upper ceiling of 20 million rupees (US$244,073).

He added that there will also be support for the renovation of iconic tea bungalows, aside from adding facilities like a pool, spa, restaurants or creating more rooms.

Emirates to launch services to Montréal in July; partners Air Canada

New hotels: Wyndham Sundancer Resort Lombok, Lewit Hotel Pattaya and more

Japan sets new tourism goals, focuses on quality travellers

Travelport data reveals latest China travel trends

Trip.com teams up with Macau to boost travel to the city

Royal Caribbean Group advances on sustainability movement

Vietjet ramps up summer operation with new Da Lat-Busan service

Ascott to open 70 properties globally

Summer fun for the kids at Fusion

Assam to press on international tourist arrivals

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