Jetstar gets green light for more VTL flights

February 22, 2022

Jetstar Asia has received approval to operate Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) services to Singapore from Phuket, Clark, Manila, and Perth, following the city-state’s recent expansion of quarantine-free travel lanes.

Jetstar Asia’s Phuket to Singapore service will commence operation from March 2 with up to four services a week, followed by the introduction of six-weekly from Clark, and seven-weekly from Manila from March 4.

Jetstar expands services in Asia as border restrictions ease

With the recent announcement that Western Australia will reopen its international borders from March 3, Jetstar Asia will also relaunch services from Singapore to Perth from March 11, with up to four-weekly services.

All returning flights from Phuket, Clark, Manila, and Perth to Singapore will be designated as VTL flights.

Jetstar Asia’s CEO, Bara Pasupathi, said in a press statement: “With the introduction of more VTLs, combined with gradual relaxing of quarantine measures for vaccinated travellers and the transition from PCR tests to the less costly ARTs, consumer confidence is improving, and international trips are once again back on people’s radar.”

Customers who book a Jetstar Asia (3K) flight online before April 30, 2022, for travel before August 31, 2023, will be given one fee-free date change as part of Jetstar’s Fly Flexible policy.

Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn to rise in 2025

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2022

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Okura Nikko Hotel Management will open its fifth property in Thailand come 2025, when the construction of Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn is completed.

Located in the Sathorn district, the first Grand Nikko-branded hotel in Thailand will offer 405 keys, of which 36 will be designed for longer-staying guests.

Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn will be Okura Nikko Hotel Management’s fifth property in Thailand

F&B venues on-site will include an all-day dining facility, a teppanyaki restaurant, a restaurant serving general Japanese cuisine, and a rooftop bar on the 34^th floor with panoramic views across Bangkok.

Recreational facilities include a fitness centre and spa, while business guests and event planners will be able to avail an executive lounge, two banquet halls and six meeting rooms.

Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn will be built with sustainability in mind, and can be accessed via a 40-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport and a five-minute walk from Chong Nonsi Skytrain station.

Philippines sees strong inbound traffic since reopening

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2022

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The Department of Tourism (DoT) has reported 21,974 inbound tourist arrivals through different airports across the country in the first 10 days of reopening.

Data from One Health Pass shows a close split between returning Filipinos (10,074) and foreign tourists (11,900) between February 10 and 19.

Inbound arrivals over the first 10 days of reopening are a somewhat equal mix of returning Filipinos and foreign tourists

Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat is optimistic that arrival traffic would be even higher in the coming months.

“The recent influx of tourists reflect foreign tourists’ enthusiasm towards visiting our country, which in turn will accelerate the revival of our tourism industry,” she said, adding that the DoT expects the trend to sustain.

Foreign arrivals are led by the US, with 5,516 travellers, followed by Canada (1,366), the UK (918), Australia (891), South Korea (859), Vietnam (572), Japan (459) and Germany (447).

Romulo-Puyat disclosed that Covid-19 vaccine certificates of Egypt, Maldives, Palau, Albania, Estonia, Greece, Malta, and Uruguay shall also be accepted as proofs of vaccination required upon entry to the Philippines. These are in addition to the previously approved 12 countries.

Singapore grants more financial support for SMEs in Covid-hit sectors

By TTG Asia

February 22, 2022

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Singapore’s Budget 2022 will carve out S$500 million (US$372 million) in support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been most affected by Covid-19 restrictions over the past year, such as those in F&B, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Known as the Jobs and Business Support Package, assistance will come in the form of one-off cash grants of S$1,000 per local employee, up to a cap of S$10,000 per company.

SMEs in Covid-hit sectors, including tourism and hospitality, will continue to get financial aid this year

Further, the Jobs Growth Incentive will be extended beyond its initial March 2022 expiry for another six months to help individuals who face greater difficulty finding jobs, such as mature workers who have not been employed for six months or more.

The Jobs Growth Incentive was introduced during 2020’s economic disruption to encourage firms to hire locals, by providing salary support to eligible firms and workers.

To help companies deal with rising costs, both the Temporary Bridging Loan Programme and Trade Loan Scheme will be extended to improve access to working capital and support trade financing needs respectively.

Australia’s first post-lockdown travellers arrive in Sydney today

By TTG Asia

February 21, 2022

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Australia’s minister for trade, tourism and investment Dan Tehan and Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison welcomed the country’s first international tourists this morning after almost two years of closed borders.

Australia’s official reopening to all fully vaccinated travellers came into effect today, with the first arrivals coming through Sydney International Airport.

Emotional reunions aplenty at Sydney International Airport today as Australia’s reopening came into effect

Harrison said in a statement that the tourism industry has been looking forward to the return of international tourists.

“At Tourism Australia we are so excited to be welcoming back international visitors who make up a critical part of our visitor economy,” she said.

According to Travelport, international flight bookings to Australia spiked as soon as the reopening announcement was first made on February 7. International flight bookings to Australia rose by 93 per cent on that day when compared to the same day the week prior.

The majority of bookings – 75 per cent – was for leisure travel. Solo travellers made up 35 per cent of all Australian-bound flight bookings, and are the largest traveller segment. Travelport said these travellers might largely be Australians eager to return home, as they no longer had to endure a mandatory two-week hotel quarantine.

In terms of forward bookings for Australia, February 2022 is the busiest month, attracting 45 per cent of all reservations.

Travelport’s data also identified Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as the top three Australian destinations for international travellers, while the top source markets are the UK, India, Nepal, the US, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Germany, the Philippines and Canada.

Thai tourism players fear nightlife ban’s long-term effect on destination appeal

By Duncan Forgan

February 21, 2022

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Bangkok’s ongoing clampdown on nightlife during the pandemic may have long-term repercussions on tourism in the country even when the global health emergency has faded, according to Thailand industry insiders.

The Thai capital has long held a reputation for being one of Asia’s liveliest hubs. Pre-pandemic, the city’s nightlife economy was worth about US$5 billion. However, today, the city’s status as the region’s party capital is under threat following two years of restrictions and stop-start reopening.

Pre-pandemic, Bangkok’s nightlife economy was worth about US$5 billion

“The nightlife ban is sending out a message that Thailand is no longer a fun country,” remarked Charintip Kade Tiyaphorn, owner representative of Pimalai Resort & Spa on Koh Lanta in southern Thailand.

Revellers from around the globe were enticed by the city’s incredible array of bars, her pulsating nightclubs, and her reputation for possessing a full spectrum of 24-hour sensory experiences.

In its response to the global health crisis, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority has placed a lid on much of the fun. Nightlife has only been allowed to operate legally for a few weeks since the start of the pandemic, as authorities attempted to stop the spread of the virus by banning alcohol sales inside licensed premises, effectively closing clubs and bars.

Things have eased slightly since Thailand’s reopening for international travel in early November, with many bars obtaining restaurant licenses under Thailand’s SHA+ or Thai Stop Covid 2 Plus standards to serve alcohol.

Nevertheless, the situation remains opaque and subject to rapid change. With nightclubs still closed, bars forced to keep a low profile and multiple venues permanently shuttered, many wonder whether Bangkok – and, by association, Thailand – will regain her after-dark appeal.

“In general, bans don’t encourage a positive perception of a destination,” said Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong, CEO, The Slate in Phuket.

“For certain types of tourists, the continued ban will certainly impact their decision on whether to come to Thailand or not,” she added.

Contiki rolls out Social Travel trips to bring travellers closer, faster

By Rachel AJ Lee

February 21, 2022

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Contiki, a tour company aimed at 18- to 35-year-olds, has rolled out Social Travel trips to enable travellers to forge stronger bonds together over shared travel preferences.

According to Celest Quek, director of marketing & communications, The Travel Corporation, Social Travel by Contiki itineraries would appeal especially to new solo travellers, as “itineraries are designed to create group dynamics fast so travellers do not feel alone for very long”.

Social Travel by Contiki is expected to appeal especially to new solo travellers

“They are grouped with like-minded travellers who are also looking to make new friends and memories,” said Quek.

However, she stressed that Social Travel also welcomes “couples, and friends travelling together”, as the itineraries are “designed for those who prefer heightened enjoyment over dealing with the trivial stresses that can occur when traveling in a conventional way”.

To identify their travel styles, customers can approach an accredited travel agent for a full explanation of available itineraries or use Contiki’s online trip finder quiz to match them to their dream trip.

When asked how the young generation in Asia-Pacific has responded to Social Travel by Contiki, given that Asians are generally more reserved by nature, Quek stated that it has been “very positive”.

“The global pandemic has not just restricted young people’s ability to travel, but it has also closed them off to the kind of social connections that are essential for personal growth. There is a bottled-up desire for authentic human connections all over the world, even for reserved individuals,” Quek opined.

Quek remains confident in the future of travel, especially for the gen-Z and millennial segments.

She said: “More countries in the region are gradually opening up, with the likes of Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam reviving the tourism sector either with a full reopening to fully-vaccinated travellers or via bilateral engagements with other countries.

“With this rosy travel outlook, we expect to see more Asia-Pacific travellers revelling in new experiences, and making friends and good memories along the way.”

Four Seasons picked for new luxury hotel in Melbourne

By TTG Asia

February 21, 2022

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Melbourne property developer, Beulah, has appointed Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to manage the hotel within its new STH BNK By Beulah development.

Four Seasons Hotel Melbourne will crown the western tower with 210 rooms, with guests arriving through the Sky Lobby on the 63^rd floor. The hotel will also offer a world-class integrated health and wellness experience, a sprawling rooftop restaurant and bar, and multiple event spaces.

Set to be ready in five years’ time, the STH BNK By Beulah mixed-use development will house the 210-key Four Seasons Hotel Melbourne

Hotel guests can also access myriad experiences across STH BNK By Beulah, such as art and culture programmes, coworking facilities, the STH BNK Market Hall, and more.

On track to become Australia’s tallest tower, STH BNK By Beulah is also set to become the tallest vertical garden in the world. The vertical garden will reach a total of 5.5km.

Envisioned as a vertical mini-metropolis, the development will comprise four distinct collections of private residences, public and green spaces, a rooftop sky garden, a 3,000-seat auditorium, commercial offices, and more.

Adelene Teh, Beulah executive director, said: “As STH BNK By Beulah continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the luxury, lifestyle and sustainability spaces, Four Seasons is aligned perfectly to our ethos and vision, offering unparalleled experiences, a bold commitment to innovation, and fantastic sustainability initiatives across its hotels and resorts.”

Bart Carnahan, president, global business development and portfolio management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, said the project would “set a new standard for luxury in Melbourne”.

Construction is expected to begin late 2022 and will take approximately five years to complete.

TTG Conversations: Five Questions with Liz Ortiguera, PATA

By Karen Yue

February 21, 2022

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Vaccine inequity is an issue for all humanity and for global recovery, including that of the tourism industry, and the imbalance in a vaccinated global population leaves the world vulnerable to new variants, say Liz Ortiguera, CEO of PATA.

In this episode of TTG Conversations: Five Questions, Ortiguera explains why the travel and tourism industry needs to back the fight against vaccine inequity and how PATA is leading the effort, and offers examples of how industry players have contributed to vaccination efforts.

Indonesia calls for G20’s focus on tourism recovery

By Mimi Hudoyo

February 21, 2022

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Leader of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE), Sandiaga Uno, has called on members of the G20 countries to work towards post-lockdown recovery in the tourism and creative economy sectors.

Speaking at the opening of the G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) in Jakarta, Sandiaga highlighted G20’s Recover Together, Recover Stronger theme, stating that it was important to strengthen the tourism and economic sectors collectively, and make sure no one country is left behind.

Tourism recovery requires the combined commitment of all G20 countries: Indonesia minister of tourism and creative economy Sandiaga Uno

He expects that G20 TWG will be able to develop a concrete solution based on best practices, which can be agreed upon by all members. Under the Indonesian presidency, G20 TWG has chosen to focus on the revival of the tourism sectors by promoting resilience.

TWG has identified strengthening the community as one of the key efforts in transforming the tourism sector.

“As such, G20 TWG will focus on empowering communities through the further development of SMEs and Community Based Tourism, and develop tourism villages, creative villages and programmes,” Sandiaga elaborated.

He added that support from other G20 member countries, World Tourism Organization, and private stakeholders were very much welcome.

Coordinating minister for the economy, Airliangga Hartarto, also voiced his hope that Indonesia’s G20 presidency would help to kickstart the revival of tourism and business events in the country.

“With 400 events set to take place in 25 cities across the country (this year), I expect MoTCE to become the engine that will drive the recovery of the tourism and MICE sectors,” Airliangga stated, adding that the sectors would contribute some 7.4 trillion Indonesian rupiah (US$517.5 million) to the country’s GDP, and generate 33,000 jobs.

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said solidarity in such challenging times is important.

“The G20 theme of Recover Together, Recover Stronger is in line with the UN spirit. The UN is ready to coordinate and collaborate in all levels,” he stated.

To discuss tourism recovery initiatives further, MoTCE as the leader of the TWG, has planned a series of meetings later this year. The NTO meeting will take place from May 10-11 in Labuan Bajo in a hybrid format, followed by an in-person meeting in Bali on September 23, and finally, a ministerial-level meeting on September 26.

Jetstar gets green light for more VTL flights

Grand Nikko Bangkok Sathorn to rise in 2025

Philippines sees strong inbound traffic since reopening

Singapore grants more financial support for SMEs in Covid-hit sectors

Australia’s first post-lockdown travellers arrive in Sydney today

Thai tourism players fear nightlife ban’s long-term effect on destination appeal

Contiki rolls out Social Travel trips to bring travellers closer, faster

Four Seasons picked for new luxury hotel in Melbourne

TTG Conversations: Five Questions with Liz Ortiguera, PATA

Indonesia calls for G20’s focus on tourism recovery

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