Macau hosted the 2023 Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Rabbit as well as a vibrant fireworks display over Sai Van Lake Square on Tuesday night, recognised as the third day of the Lunar New Year.
The parade featured 18 elaborately decorated floats with over 1,000 performers. Adding to the celebratory mood were a number of Hong Kong artists as well as the high-anticipated finale – the Chinese New Year Fireworks Display.
The parade will visit the northern district on January 28
Both residents and visitors to Macau can relive the festivities on January 28 and February 5 when the fireworks are set off again at the same location; the parade will visit the northern district on January 28, journeying from Rua Norte do Patane.
The floats will also be on display at the seafront next to Macao Science Center from today until January 27, before moving to Tap Seac Square from January 29 to February 12.
Macau’s Lunar New Year celebrations coincide with China’s reopening and eased travel restrictions across Greater China. It resulted in 71,678 visitors on January 23 alone, the second day of the Lunar New Year. It was Macau’s highest single-day record arrivals since the Covid outbreak.
The figure includes 39,394 and 27,768 visitors from China and Hong Kong respectively.
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Trip.com Group’s latest report A world in motion: shifting consumer travel trends in 2022 and beyond reveals a heightened appetite for sustainable tourism among consumers, with 69% of travellers actively seeking sustainable travel options.
Together with Deloitte, WTTC and Trip.com Group analyse the trends that shaped the Travel & Tourism sector last year. The report shows that sustainability is a key element of the travel agenda, with travellers eager to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable tourism.
More travellers are eager to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable tourism
According to a survey included in the report, 75% of travellers are considering travelling more sustainably in the future and nearly 60% have chosen more sustainable travel options in the last couple of years. Other surveys found that around 75% of high-end travellers are willing to pay extra to make their trips more sustainable, and nearly 60% of travellers said they were either already paying to offset their carbon emissions or considering it if the price was right.
There was also a 109% increase of international overnight arrivals in 2022, compared to 2021.
According to the report, last year consumers were willing to stretch their budget for their holiday plans, with 86% of travellers planning on spending the same amount or more on international travel than in 2019, with tourists from the US leading the list as big spenders.
However, 2023 is looking even better in terms of traveller spend. Despite concerns about inflation and the cost-of-living crisis around the world, 31% of travellers said they intend to spend more on international travel this year than in 2022.
Additionally, according to Deloitte’s Global State of the Consumer Tracker, more than half (53%) of global consumers surveyed during the summer last year said they plan to stay in a hotel over the following three months.
Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO, said: “The demand for travel is now stronger than ever and our report shows that this year we will see a significant bounce back. 2023 is set to be a very strong year for travel and tourism.
“Sustainability is top of travellers’ agenda, and consumers highlight the value they put on protecting nature and travelling responsibly.”
Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, said: “The Asia-Pacific region, with its rapidly growing middle-class and dynamic economies, is well-positioned to capitalise on the growth of the industry and take its place as a leader in the global tourism economy.
“I’m optimistic about the positive momentum for the global resumption and growth of travel in 2023, primarily driven by mainland Chinese consumers, which will help accelerate worldwide recovery and development.”
Scott Rosenberger, hospitality & services sector leader, Deloitte Global Transportation, commented on the travel rebound: “Even the rise in inflation-driven financial concerns is not slowing the pace; incredibly, travel is being prioritised and flexible/remote work arrangements are creating new opportunities.”
Plans to raise Komodo National Park fees may have been axed, but travel trade players say the damage has been done. Travellers are uncertain and reluctant to visit.
The government had previously planned to increase the entrance ticket for Komodo National Park from 250,000 rupiah (US$17) per visit to 3,750,000 rupiah for a year-long multiple entry as of August 2022. This was later postponed to January 1, 2023 following protests.
Komodo National Park will need to rely on the domestic market to boost sales as foreigners are reluctant to visit due to uncertainty of entrance fees and increments
At end-December, Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, said the increment would not happen.
Travel trade players told TTG Asia that the dent on Komodo National Park’s visitation would be most prominent in 2024, unless more efforts are spent now to convince the market that this cancellation is final.
Flores Exotic Tours’ director Leonardus Nyoman said many of the company’s partners are still hesitant to sell the destination, due to the government’s inconsistency.
Without certainty, Leonardus said partners and overseas clients will seek other destinations to sell.
Pacto Tours’ chief operating officer Umberto Cadamuri said the on and off entrance fee changes have cost his agency up to 30 per cent of sales for Komodo and Flores from the European market this year.
While Cadamuri believes that there is “still a possibility to get more bookings”, outcomes will be “limited”.
For now, he hopes that the domestic market will stand in to boost Komodo sales.
Abed Frans, chairman of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) chapter of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA), stressed the need for the government to confirm that the decision is final. He described the entrance fee issue as being as devastating and disruptive as the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: “This is important because NTT’s tourism dependence on Komodo is so great.”
To recover Komodo’s image, ASITA plans to use ASEAN Tourism Forum and ITB Asia as platforms to inform the market that there is no increase in ticketing fees.
“We hope the government can collaborate or even do more than that,” Abed added.
Centara Hotels & Resorts has signed a new agreement to continue managing Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort.
Situated on Klong Prao Beach along Koh Chang’s west coast, the resort offers activities like boating, island hopping, diving and snorkelling and exploratory options such as the island’s mountainous terrain, forest paths, waterfalls, and more.
Centara Hotels & Resorts will continue to manage Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort
The resort also features an ocean-facing pool and a children’s pool with waterslides, as well as a spa, kids’ club, and beachfront dining options.
Thailand’s Phuket has a brand-new attraction, Carnival Magic – the Magical Kingdom of Lights, which is a night-time Thai carnival theme park, featuring attractions not found anywhere else in the world.
Visitors can experience shopping, carnival performances and fun activities in a festive atmosphere created by a huge array of bright and colourful shops at Carnival Fun Fair.
Enjoy shopping, performances and fun activities at Carnival Magic – the Magical Kingdom of Lights in Phuket
They can also whet their appetite at the Bird of Paradise Buffet Restaurant, a 3,000-seat dining facility offering more than 100 delicacies from the East and the West, including Indian, vegetarian and Halal dishes.
Enjoy the indoor parade show theatre, River Palace, that showcases the world’s biggest indoor parade show, River Carnival, and marvel at the Kingdom of Lights, an illumination park that creates a dazzling dreamscape employed by more than 40 million lights.
In addition, the carnival is home to nine Guinness World Records attractions like the biggest popcorn machine, largest LED sculpture, and largest papier-mâché sculpture.
The Legian Seminyak, Bali and The Club by The Legian Seminyak, Bali have launched the Third Night On Us campaign, offering guests a complimentary night with a minimum stay of three consecutive nights.
The offer includes a signature welcome mocktail, afternoon tea, complimentary private bar and refreshments in the suites and a choice of daily in-room breakfast or at the all-day dining restaurant.
Get a complimentary night with a minimum stay of three consecutive nights at The Club by The Legian Seminyak, Bali, pictured
Available for select suite categories such as Studio Suite, One-Bedroom Superior Suite, One-Bedroom Deluxe Suite, and Two-Bedroom Suite, guests staying at The Club by The Legian Seminyak, Bali in One Bedroom Pool Villa, Two Bedroom Maisonette Pool Villa, Two Bedroom Joglo Pool Villa, and Three Bedroom Pool Villa will also enjoy Club Benefits such as a return airport transfer, private butler service, daily afternoon tea and cocktails at The Club Lounge.
Valid for stay periods until March 31, 2023, the complimentary night(s) are cumulative, so a stay of six consecutive nights will include two free-nights while a stay of nine consecutive nights gets three free-nights.
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has approved the resumption of outbound group tours to 20 countries from February 6.
The last outbound group tours from China were conducted in January 2020, before the government issued an urgent order to suspend operations so as to curb the spread of Covid-19.
A Chinese tour group poses in front of The Grand Palace in Bangkok pre-Covid
The 20 countries approved for outbound group tours are Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Laos, the UAE, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Hungary, New Zealand, Fiji, Cuba and Argentina.
Chinese travel agencies and online travel companies are now permitted to prepare product releases and proceed with destination promotions.
The commencement of group tours comes with strict requirements. Chinese travel agencies and online travel companies must ensure the safety and interests of tourists on group tours, implement epidemic prevention and control measures, standardise business activities, and enforce strict supervision. Tour participants must also keep to the reported programme and schedule.
More than 60% of Chinese travellers surveyed by Dragon Trail on the eve of China’s reopening expressed interest in traveling outside China in 2023.
While survey results indicate that recovery will pick up gradually throughout the first sixth months of the year, Dragon Trail expects a strong comeback to start from July, along with a bumper eight-day Golden Week holiday for Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Day (September 29 to October 6).
Chinese travellers are favouring nearby Asian destinations that have not applied differentiated Covid-19 measures for them
Sharing the results of the January 2023 Chinese Traveler Sentiment Report at a joint webinar with travel analysts ForwardKeys just before the start of the Chinese New Year holidays, researchers noted that findings are aligned with booking trends.
China’s decision to ditch its zero-Covid policy has triggered a surge in flight bookings, according to the latest data from ForwardKeys. Intra-regional neighbours in Asia will reap the benefits the most.
“Let’s go”, “waited for too long”, “feels happy”, and “enjoy the freedom” were just some of the overwhelmingly positive sentiments shared by the 60.4% of survey respondents who said they wanted to travel outside of China in 2023.
“This group expressed high expectations about the freedom of cross-border travel this year. Survey respondents said they were excited to relax, as well as to experience the scenery, food, culture, and shopping overseas,” shared Dragon Trail market research analyst Yelinuer Kadeerbieke.
Top China outbound destinations are in South-east Asia
“Forward bookings for Chinese New Year are currently 47% behind pre-pandemic levels but already 30% ahead last year,” said ForwardKeys’ analyst Nan Dai.
South-east Asian destinations are most likely to first benefit from the return of Chinese tourists. “All these destinations have relaxed rules for Chinese travellers. Arrivals from China will not be required to provide test results for Covid-19. Visa waiver to Indonesia, visa-on-arrival to Thailand, Cambodia and the UAE – all make it even easier to travel,” added Dai.
Dragon Trail’s data also points to strong recovery for Asian destinations. Hong Kong, Macau and Thailand topped the list of outbound destinations to which Chinese tourists plan to travel in 2023. Notably, Hong Kong was chosen by 20.7% of survey respondents, with 11.4% choosing Macau and 11.1% planning a trip to Thailand.
Recovery of the Chinese outbound market will pick up this summer
Despite high demand for cross-border trips, the lack of flight capacity and high fares could be the bottleneck for China’s outbound travel recovery in 1Q2023.
“Current scheduled international flight capacity in 1Q2023 is only at 21% of 2019’s level; and owing to approval requirements for traffic rights and airport slots, it will be difficult for airlines to gear back up very quickly. We can expect a more significant increase when airlines schedule for the next summer season starting from March 26,” opined Dai.
Kadeerbieke added: “Our survey results show that while recovery will start gradually in the first six months of 2023, it’s clear that outbound travel will start to pick up in the second half of the year. 42% said they would travel outbound in July and August, with 32% planning an autumn Golden Week getaway outside China.”
The outbound China market is vital in the travel food chain, so the return of the sleeping dragon in time for the Lunar New Year with promises for greater growth over the summer period will be a game changer for the travel sector in 2023.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is seeing an upward momentum in growth for its emerging brand, voco hotels, with 10 new openings in 2022 and another 34 in the pipeline.
The brand now has a global total of 41 hotels, the most recent addition being the signing of a management agreement with Atharva Hotel Superfluities India for voco Gurugram Golf Course Extension Road – the second voco hotel in India.
Representatives of IHG and Atharva Hotel Superfluities India celebrate the signing of voco Gurugram Golf Course Extension Road
voco Gurugram Golf Course Extension Road hotel offers 204 keys along with an all-day-dining restaurant, lobby lounge, bar, pool, gym and event venues. It is a few minutes’ drive from corporate and recreational hub Cyber City, and stands in close proximity to the city’s established IT Special Economic Zones.
Commenting on this signing, Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG, said it is “testimony to IHG’s commitment to grow footprint in India and introduce global brands with strong synergies for guests in the right locations”.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Thai AirAsia have initiated a new campaign, Menu of New Experiences… Unforgettable Secondary Cities, that seeks to draw travellers deeper into the country through the lure of experiences and cuisine.
Running from January 23 to March 31, 2023, the campaign will spotlight secondary tourist cities, particularly those that the airline serves – Chiang Rai, Nan, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Ranong, Chumphon, Narathiwat, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Roi Et, Nakhon Panom, Sakon Nakhon, Buriram and Loei.
TAT and Thai AirAsia work to bring travellers deeper into Thailand
The campaign is expected to stimulate tourism and disperse revenue to secondary cities.
Santisuk Klongchaiya, CEO of AirAsia Thailand, said the airline offers the most expansive domestic network in the country, including direct flights to secondary cities.
After visiting secondary cities, travellers can continue onwards to surrounding provinces for an even more diverse experience. Attractive combinations include Nakhon Panom-Sakon Nakhon and Chumphon-Ranong, where travellers can arrive in one and depart from the other. Day excursions could be had in Chiang Rai-Phayao, Udon Thani-Bueng Kan, Roi Et-Yasothon and Trang-Phatthalung.
“We want everyone to have new experiences in secondary cities, which may not be as well-known but are definitely unique and worth discovering. Each is waiting to welcome visitors looking for a different journey, added Santisuk.
More than 60% of Chinese travellers surveyed by Dragon Trail on the eve of China’s reopening expressed interest in traveling outside China in 2023.
While survey results indicate that recovery will pick up gradually throughout the first sixth months of the year, Dragon Trail expects a strong comeback to start from July, along with a bumper eight-day Golden Week holiday for Mid-Autumn Festival and China’s National Day (September 29 to October 6).
Sharing the results of the January 2023 Chinese Traveler Sentiment Report at a joint webinar with travel analysts ForwardKeys just before the start of the Chinese New Year holidays, researchers noted that findings are aligned with booking trends.
China’s decision to ditch its zero-Covid policy has triggered a surge in flight bookings, according to the latest data from ForwardKeys. Intra-regional neighbours in Asia will reap the benefits the most.
“Let’s go”, “waited for too long”, “feels happy”, and “enjoy the freedom” were just some of the overwhelmingly positive sentiments shared by the 60.4% of survey respondents who said they wanted to travel outside of China in 2023.
“This group expressed high expectations about the freedom of cross-border travel this year. Survey respondents said they were excited to relax, as well as to experience the scenery, food, culture, and shopping overseas,” shared Dragon Trail market research analyst Yelinuer Kadeerbieke.
Top China outbound destinations are in South-east Asia
“Forward bookings for Chinese New Year are currently 47% behind pre-pandemic levels but already 30% ahead last year,” said ForwardKeys’ analyst Nan Dai.
South-east Asian destinations are most likely to first benefit from the return of Chinese tourists. “All these destinations have relaxed rules for Chinese travellers. Arrivals from China will not be required to provide test results for Covid-19. Visa waiver to Indonesia, visa-on-arrival to Thailand, Cambodia and the UAE – all make it even easier to travel,” added Dai.
Dragon Trail’s data also points to strong recovery for Asian destinations. Hong Kong, Macau and Thailand topped the list of outbound destinations to which Chinese tourists plan to travel in 2023. Notably, Hong Kong was chosen by 20.7% of survey respondents, with 11.4% choosing Macau and 11.1% planning a trip to Thailand.
Recovery of the Chinese outbound market will pick up this summer
Despite high demand for cross-border trips, the lack of flight capacity and high fares could be the bottleneck for China’s outbound travel recovery in 1Q2023.
“Current scheduled international flight capacity in 1Q2023 is only at 21% of 2019’s level; and owing to approval requirements for traffic rights and airport slots, it will be difficult for airlines to gear back up very quickly. We can expect a more significant increase when airlines schedule for the next summer season starting from March 26,” opined Dai.
Kadeerbieke added: “Our survey results show that while recovery will start gradually in the first six months of 2023, it’s clear that outbound travel will start to pick up in the second half of the year. 42% said they would travel outbound in July and August, with 32% planning an autumn Golden Week getaway outside China.”
The outbound China market is vital in the travel food chain, so the return of the sleeping dragon in time for the Lunar New Year with promises for greater growth over the summer period will be a game changer for the travel sector in 2023.