Malaysia Airlines to suspend services to Brisbane

November 25, 2022

Malaysia Airlines will be implementing a route rationalisation exercise in 1Q2023 with the suspension of the Kuala Lumpur-Brisbane route effective March 27, 2023.

Operations on non-stop flights between Kuala Lumpur to four other existing Australian destinations – Adelaide, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne – will continue, providing up to 43 direct services a week between Australia and Malaysia.

Izham: Malaysia Airlines will continue to explore markets that spur economic growth for the country

Customers who need to travel to Brisbane can leverage on Malaysia Airlines’ codeshare and oneworld partner, Qantas to connect from Sydney and Melbourne to Brisbane.

Malaysia Airlines’ group CEO Izham Ismail explained that the decision to suspend services to Brisbane was to ensure the airline could “operate and utilise our fleet at an optimum level” while maximising revenue on every route.

He added that the airline’s Australia network will be at 98 per cent capacity of pre-pandemic levels by March 2023, with forward bookings to the Australian cities, excluding Brisbane, showing great demand beyond 1Q2023, with numbers significantly ahead of the same period in 2019. Full recovery is expected by 2024.

“This year we added new destinations from Kuala Lumpur to Doha, Haneda and Yogyakarta as well as from Kota Kinabalu to Singapore; and will continue to explore markets that spur economic growth for the country, while helping business and trade,” he shared.

The last flight on this route will depart Brisbane to Kuala Lumpur on March 26, 2023.

Scoot attains IATA membership

By TTG Asia

November 25, 2022

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Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Group, has attained full International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership, joining a community of 300 IATA members across 120 countries.

To be eligible for IATA membership, airlines need to meet IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) standards for safety in airline operations.

From left: Scoot’s Leslie Thng receiving the IATA certification from IATA’s Philip Goh

IATA membership is only open to airlines operating scheduled and non-scheduled air services. Maintaining an IOSA registration, and complying with the IOSA programme, an internationally recognised and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline, is a condition of IATA membership.

As part of the IATA membership, Scoot will have the opportunity to help drive priorities within the aviation industry and participate in member conferences that bring together representatives from leading international airlines. Being a member also gives Scoot access to IATA training in major fields such as aviation safety and security, operational efficiency and excellence, sustainability, as well as programmes that help strengthen the capabilities of aviation industry professionals.

Leslie Thng, Scoot’s CEO, said: “We are honoured to become an IATA member. This international recognition affirms our dedication to upholding safety for our passengers. Through the decade, we have continued to enhance our operational resilience and improve our customers’ experience. Looking ahead, we hope to continue to pave the way in redefining and elevating value-travel in our industry.”

Accor launches new ibis Styles in Indonesia’s BSD City

By TTG Asia

November 25, 2022

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Accor has signed ibis Styles Serpong BSD in Greater Jakarta, scheduled to open in 2Q2024.

Joining a growing collection of more than 20 ibis Styles locations across Indonesia, the 165-key hotel will offer an all-day restaurant, lounge, pool, fitness centre, kids’ pool, multiple meeting spaces and a ballroom that can host up to 600 guests.

ibis Styles Serpong BSD will open in 2Q2024

The new ibis Styles hotel will be located a 15-minute drive from Indonesia’s largest convention centre and surrounded by major business, retail, and lifestyle centres. Less than an hour’s drive away are Downtown Jakarta and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

BSD City is a planned city first developed in the 1990s and has grown into a major urban area housing business parks, residences, retail malls, lifestyle centres, medical facilities, schools, and universities.

Discover the Philippines seas with Amanpulo

By TTG Asia

November 25, 2022

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Amanpulo, a luxury beach resort in Palawan, Philippines, introduces a new adventure, The Golden South Sea Pearl, which takes guests beyond the bounds of Pamalican into the Palawan archipelago to explore the birthplace of the eponymous national gem.

Guests are invited to discover the story behind these living gems and the intricate art and science of how it has come to possess their unique lustre amid the pristine waters that produce them.

Amanpulo’s The Golden South Sea Pearl experience takes guests beyond the bounds of Pamalican into the Palawan archipelago

A chartered helicopter will bring guests on a 45-minute flight across the archipelago to Taytay, Palawan, for an exclusive visit to the pearl farm of Jewelmer to witness the processes with a guided tour of the oyster hatchery and laboratory for pearl grafting and harvesting, alongside an opportunity to witness the local divers in their daily trips to the underwater farm.

After the tour, a speedboat will take guests to a secluded beach for a Filipino-style picnic lunch and the option to snorkel around the bay’s untouched coral garden.

Reservations for the tour are required at least five days in advance.

For more information, visit Amanpulo.

Centara extends management agreement for Krabi resort

By TTG Asia

November 25, 2022

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Centara Hotels & Resorts has signed a new agreement with Anda Beach Resort Co. to continue managing Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi for another 10 years.

The resort features a 43m-long swimming pool complete with a swim-up bar, waterslide and direct pool access rooms. Other facilities include a children’s pool, spa, fitness centre, steam room and three dining venues.

Centara Hotels & Resorts will continue managing Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi for another 10 years

Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi is about 20 minutes from Krabi Town and a 45-minute drive away from Krabi International Airport. It is also near to beaches Nopparat Thara and Ao Nang.

Indonesia’s domestic camping sector harbours potential for growth

By Dhini Oktavianti

November 24, 2022

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Indonesian stakeholders have noticed that its camping sector has immense potential to grow further, and are calling for the government to provide financial aid to help manage pandemic-related losses.

This is because nature tourism is in demand around the world, opined Bobobox’s CEO Adistyana Damaranti, which is why “both camping and glamping” is increasingly more popular among Indonesia’s domestic tourists.

Camping is increasingly more popular among Indonesia’s domestic tourists and has potential to grow further

In response to this trend, Bobotox developed Bobocabin, small cabins located in picturesque, nature-dense locations around Indonesia such as Lake Toba, North Sumatra, and Cikole, Lembang.

Moreover, occupancy at the seven Bobocabins throughout Indonesia has hovered above 90 per cent until the end of the year, said Dennis Depriadie, senior business development executive at Bobobox.

Aside from Bobocabin’s rapid expansion, many other camping and glamping sites are springing up, shared Adistyana.

Heni Smith, secretary general of PUTRI and CEO of The Lodge Group, agreed, stating that the company has also noticed camping tourism has increased, based on the popularity of its camping grounds.

Occupancy at The Lodge has also doubled that of 2020, buoyed by the domestic market, where Heni shared that the company’s focus will continue to be on the massive Indonesian domestic market.

Furthermore, according to market intelligence platform ReportLinker, the camping and caravanning sector is expected to reach US$101 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 9.9 per cent, up from the current US$69 billion in 2022, where Indonesia is one of the countries covered in a global market report.

However, funds are running low or have run out during the pandemic, prompting Heni and Redita Utomo, CEO of Merapi Park, to indicate that government assistance is very much needed to support this growing segment.

Utomo shared that when Merapi Park was closed during the pandemic, maintenance still had to continue. As such, even though the park has reopened, there are no funds left for marketing and promotions.

Similarly, Heni added that there were hardly any funds left in the tank, as money to maintain operations for The Lodge had run out during the pandemic.

When enquiries to the government were put forth, Irvan Chandra, an investment readiness assistance coordinator of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, stated: “The deputy for Industry and Investment at MoTCE can facilitate industry players to financing, either bank or non-banking.

“As directed by the minister, we must spur the growth of the tourism industry as a whole. (While the government’s) focus is on the five super-priority destinations, but it does not rule out (tourism) expansion in other destinations.”

New hotels: The Chedi Katara, Wink Hotel Danang Centre and more

By TTG Asia

November 24, 2022

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The Chedi Katara, Qatar
The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort offers guests a palatial escape and is located in Katara Cultural Village, a 30-minute drive from Hamad International Airport.

The Chedi Katara Hotel & Resort provides easy access to theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries, mosques, restaurants, shops, a park, and an open amphitheatre.

The beachfront property offers 59 rooms and suites, as well as 32 villas. Facilities include a pool, spa, restaurants, lounges, event spaces, and a fully-serviced private beach.

Wink Hotel Danang Centre, Vietnam
Wink Hotel Danang Centre has opened in the heart of Danang City’s prime downtown entertainment district.

The 244-room social hub will feature a sky lobby, the 24/7 Wink Bar, and the Grab & Go area for purchase of snacks, drinks and supplies. There is also a coworking space on the 20th floor, gym, laundromat, and a men’s boutique salon.

The hotel’s Wink Guides will be on hand 24-hours a day through WhatsApp, Zalo or in person to offer their recommendations and favourite spots to ensure that every guest gets the most out of the city.

KAI Izumo, Japan
Located at the westernmost tip of the Shimane peninsula and Izumo Matsushima islands, KAI Izumo boasts views of the Hinomisaki Lighthouse and vast Japan Sea.

Nearby attractions such as Hinomisaki Shrine and Izumo-taisha Shrine, this hot spring ryokan allows guests to enjoy cultural experiences related to the Myths of Izumo and hot springs.

Just a three-minute walk from Hinomisaki Lighthouse bus stop, the ryokan features 39 rooms and has a restaurant, library, shop, lounge and public bath.

Le Méridien Hong Kong, Cyberport, China
Le Méridien Hong Kong, Cyberport has reopened after an 18-month long complete redesign and renovation. Its 170 guest rooms and suites have been completely updated and come with bathroom amenities, a large fridge with freezer, microwave, robot vacuum, storage spaces and the Kara Smart Fitness Mirror with in-built virtual trainers and workout programmes.

Embracing sustainability, the hotel has replaced plastic water bottles in guestrooms with a highly-certified UVC water purifier, along with in-room glasses and jars made from recycled glass.

Onsite facilities comprise an outdoor swimming pool, fitness hubs, function rooms, F&B, waterfront park, outdoor lawn and more.

The brand’s Unlock Art Programme also provides guests complimentary access to an eSport gaming venue just a stroll from the hotel to delight both kids and adults.

Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Hospitality rises in Langkawi

By S Puvaneswary

November 24, 2022

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A green-certified resort on Langkawi Island, Cottage By The Sea by Frangipani Langkawi, has recently established itself as the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Hospitality, with support from Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Owner and operator, Anthony Wong, has developed an efficient system to clean polluted water, including raw sewage and waste cooking oil into potable water in four days, as well as desalination using a special bio-engineered constructed wetland – all without using any energy.

From left: Tourism Productivity Nexus’ Rohizam Md Yusoff, United Nations Development Programme’s Niloy Banerjee, Anthony Wong, Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners’ Shaharuddin M Saaid, and Langkawi Development Authority’s Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari

This system has been recognised by the government of Malaysia and is included in the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Wong is also a consultant for an ongoing water treatment project in the tourist hubs of Pantai Tengah and part of Pantai Chenang. Funded by the state government to treat wastewater, the hubs are deploying the same system Wong has developed.

Wong shared: “Access to clean water is a perennial issue with islands all over the world. We are ready and willing to share our know-how on creating clean potable water with governments in South-east Asia and elsewhere, as well as with the private sector and non-governmental organisations.”

Wong has also developed a train-the-trainers programme, and intends to reach out to ASEAN Tourism Association to send interested members for training.

The Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Hospitality was recently launched at the Sustainable Hotels in the Tropics: The How of achieving the UN 17 SDG & Climate Change, Circular Economy, Sustainability, Water & Food Security conference.

At the conference, Wong also launched his publication documenting over 200 green practices that have been implemented at the resort. Sustainability measures have been deployed throughout the resort, from the rooms, restaurants, landscape and facilities that include a fully-operational organic farm.

According to Wong, Cottage By The Sea by Frangipani Langkawi saves over 30 per cent of operational costs through these sustainable practices.

Conference attendees, including UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network vice-president for Asia, Woo Wing Thye, representatives from LADA, academia, hoteliers and non-governmental organisations were also taken on a guided tour to see for themselves the green practices implemented at the resort.

Appetite for international travel rebounds strongly in 2023: Scott Dunn

By TTG Asia

November 24, 2022

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Scott Dunn’s recent annual year-end guest survey reveals that appetite for international travel has returned among the luxury and ultra-high net worth travellers in Asia, although a notable portion remains somewhat cautious.

While 46% say they cannot wait to get on a plane and go abroad, 31% prefer to take a more measured approach to travel, remaining cautious about potential travel disruptions in the new year. On top of that, 19% also wish to venture out, but not too far from home, reflecting a somewhat measured approach.

Luxury travel guests look to experience culture, food and drink, local life and people

Many travellers are also tired of pandemic-related travel restrictions and are looking forward to their long-awaited freedom to travel. All respondents (100%) said that they will take at least one trip next year, an 87% increase from 2022 – 71% are looking to take a minimum of two trips next year, while 22% wish to travel four or more times in 2023.

An emerging trend among the luxury guest segment serviced by Scott Dunn is slow travel – the highest preference among guests would be to take a one- to a two-week vacation in a single destination, highlighting their preference to fully explore and discover a location.

The top three things that luxury travel segment guests are looking for while on holiday are cultural experiences, food and drink, and experiencing local life and people. This reflects a desire to truly connect with and discover the destinations that they are visiting, rather than visiting as a more traditional and disconnected tourist.

Discovering a new destination took the top spot as a reason to venture out in 2023, followed by ticking off bucket list destinations in second place, and rediscovering favourite places in third. In contrast, ticking off bucket list destinations only came in fifth last year, behind rediscovering favourite places, signifying that more luxury travellers are truly looking to travel out of their comfort zone and visit new, unexplored places.

The survey involved 4,000 guests based in Asia.

Singapore Airlines to ramp up flights in 2023

By TTG Asia

November 24, 2022

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From March 26 to October 29 next year, Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be making several changes to its network frequencies across East Asia and South-east Asia, Australia, and the US, supporting the strong projected demand to these destinations.

Four weekly services between Singapore and Busan will start from June 2, 2023, while a fourth service between Singapore and Seoul will be added from June 1, 2023.

Singapore Airlines will make several changes to its network frequencies to support the strong projected demand to destinations

From May 1, 2023, SIA will increase the flight frequencies between Singapore and Osaka from four-times-weekly to a daily service, bringing services to Osaka to 14 times weekly.

SIA will operate a daily service between Singapore and Hong Kong SAR beginning March 26, 2023, on the A380 aircraft, and reinstate the daily service between both destinations on the Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft from October 1, 2023. This will see SIA operating four daily flights to Hong Kong SAR.

SIA will also increase the flight frequencies of SQ876 (Singapore to Taipei) and SQ877 (Taipei to Singapore) from four times weekly to a daily service from March 26, 2023. SQ878 and SQ879 between the two cities will also increase from three times a week to a daily service from May 31, 2023. This will bring the weekly services to Taipei up to 14 times weekly.

A fifth daily service will be added for Singapore and Bangkok from October 1, 2023, while a fourth daily service between Singapore and Phuket will commence from March 26, 2023.

These changes will result in SIA’s flight frequencies reaching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels in multiple destinations across East Asia and South-east Asia by March 2024.

For Australia, Melbourne will also get a new daily A380 service starting on May 16, 2023, while Sydney will add a second daily A380 flight from May 17, 2023.

Further afield to the US, SIA will continue to operate two daily non-stop services to New York – flights SQ24 and SQ23 between Singapore and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, as well as SQ22 and SQ21 between Singapore and New York’s Newark Liberty International Airport.

Flights SQ36 and SQ35 between Singapore and Los Angeles will operate thrice weekly, instead of a daily service, from March 26, 2023. Customers will continue to have the option of two existing daily flights to Los Angeles via the non-stop service SQ38 and SQ37 between the two cities, or flights SQ12 and SQ11, which serve the Singapore-Tokyo (Narita)-Los Angeles route.

Meanwhile, the thrice-weekly service between Singapore and Seattle will remain from June 27, 2023.

Flights SQ52 and SQ51 that serve the Singapore-Manchester-Houston route will operate thrice weekly instead of four times weekly from March 28, 2023. Instead, a new twice-weekly service between Singapore and Manchester will be launched on April 2, 2023.

Malaysia Airlines to suspend services to Brisbane

Scoot attains IATA membership

Accor launches new ibis Styles in Indonesia’s BSD City

Discover the Philippines seas with Amanpulo

Centara extends management agreement for Krabi resort

Indonesia’s domestic camping sector harbours potential for growth

New hotels: The Chedi Katara, Wink Hotel Danang Centre and more

Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Hospitality rises in Langkawi

Appetite for international travel rebounds strongly in 2023: Scott Dunn

Singapore Airlines to ramp up flights in 2023

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