Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is working with online B2B reseller platform, 2HUB, to conduct the Destination Online Training programme in India.
Running from February 16 until May 16, 2022, the programme aims to equip travel agents in India with the latest information about the Maldives’ tourism industry, from safe measures taken by tourism suppliers to unique experiences in the destination that will appeal to Indian travellers.
Indian travel agents and tour operators can access a new destination training programme on the Maldives
2HUB has created a dedicated online platform for this training campaign. Members of 2HUB, including tour operators and travel agents, can log into the website and access e-learning content at their convenience.
More than 500 travel partners from India are expected to participate in the programme.
As these travel partners interact directly with more than 120,000 high potential travellers, MMPRC hopes that the training campaign will reinforce India as the Maldives’ fastest growing source market
India is among the top source markets to the Maldives in 2021. Thus far in 2022, the destination has welcomed 13,947 travellers from India.
Fully vaccinated travellers who have also received their booster shot can now serve a shorter on-arrival quarantine when they enter Indonesia, with plans by the government to abolish this requirement by April 1, 2022.
According to instructions issued by the Indonesian Covid-19 Task Force, the reduced quarantine requirement from five to three days applies to travellers coming through international airports in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Batam, Bintan, Manado and Lombok, as well as seaports in Bali, Batam, Tanjung Pinang, Bintan, and more. This came into effect February 16.
Fully vaccinated and boosted travellers only need to serve three days in quarantine upon arrival in Indonesia from February 16
However, travellers are still required to take a PCR test upon entry, before exiting their quarantine, and on the fifth day of their time in Indonesia.
Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia’s minister of tourism and creative economy, said: “If the condition continues to improve, vaccination rate keeps on increasing, and (health protocols are strictly applied), the government will consider revoking quarantine rule (for fully vaccinated and boosted travellers) by April 1.”
Pauline Suharno, president of Association of the Travel Agencies in Indonesia (ASTINDO), said the announcement was a timely one, as the association is planning to organise the ASTINDO Fair from March 3 to 8.
Fransiska Handoko, chairman of Bali Hotel Association, said the move was in harmony with industry players’ request, adding that Bali can soon compete with other destinations, such as the Maldives and Thailand, which have also removed quarantine on arrival.
To improve the country’s competitiveness, Fransiska hopes that the government would reinstate visa-on-arrival or roll out a special permit for travellers to obtain a visa without going through sponsoring travel companies.
Ultimately, tourism stakeholders wish for the complete removal of quarantine for arriving travellers.
Jongki Adiyasa, vice chairman of Indonesian Inbound Operators Association, said studies have proven that traveller quarantine is ineffective in curbing local infections. He opined that PCR tests and monitoring through the national Covid-19 contact tracing app, PeduliLindungi, would suffice.
AirAsia Aviation Group is looking to disrupt South-east Asia’s aviation industry once more through a low-cost air ridesharing service in partnership with Avolon.
The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on February 16 to lease 100 VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Ireland-based Avolon. The aircraft can take four passengers and one pilot, flies at speed of up to 200mph, and produces zero operating emissions.
Capital A’s Tony Fernandez (left) and Avolon’s Dómhnal Slattery at a hybrid press conference in Singapore to announce their partnership
In addition to leasing the eVTOL aircraft to AirAsia, Avolon, through its investment and innovation affiliate Avolon-e, will partner with AirAsia to commercialise the aircraft and develop an industry leading urban air mobility (UAM) platform in South-east Asia.
Dómhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon, said: “Together (with AirAsia) we will develop a ridesharing platform and bring the zero-emissions VX4 aircraft into service, positioning AirAsia as the operator of choice for sustainable air travel in the region.”
Tony Fernandez, CEO of Capital A, noted the huge tourism potential of this new mode of air transport, saying that it would be able to transport people to off-the-beaten-track destinations such as national parks as well as to tourist islands.
Asked about possible routes he foresees, he said “Kuala Lumpur to Genting (highlands) is a no-brainer”.
He expressed excitement over the “potential for zero-emissions ultra-shorthaul air travel in South-east Asia.”
The new air services are expected to commence in 2025. However, test flights will begin this April.
Currently, AirAsia is laying the groundwork by getting the necessary regulatory approvals and certifications, as well as looking at developing a new eco-system that includes launch and landing pads as well as pilot training.
Fernandez expects Malaysia to be the first destination to launch this new product, and said the local aviation authorities have been encouraging.
The pricing model will be kept as attractive as AirAsia in order to target the mass market. Fernandez wants it to be “very accessible to the world”.
Dancing in tandem with Singapore’s announcement yesterday (February 16) to expand the country’s Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) by March 4, 2022, the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group will expand its VTL network to 47 cities from 25 countries in the coming weeks.
Singapore Airlines will progressively add Dubai, Hong Kong, Manila, New York (Newark), and Phuket from February 25, and increase frequencies for flights between Singapore and several existing VTL destinations such as Bandar Seri Begawan, Colombo, Male, and Phnom Penh.
Singapore Airlines and Scoot are progressively expanding their Vaccinated Travel Lanes network
Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of SIA, will expand its VTL network to a total of 17 destinations.
New VTL services include flights from Cebu, Clark, Chiang Mai, Davao, Hong Kong, Jeddah, Krabi, London (Gatwick) via Bangkok, and Phuket.
An SIA spokesperson said: “Singapore’s VTL arrangements have helped to successfully unlock the pent-up demand for international air travel to and through Changi Airport. SIA has built up our VTL network in a calibrated manner over the last few months.
“By adding new VTL services and increasing the frequencies on several existing routes, the SIA Group can provide more travel options and greater flexibility for our customers.”
Commenting on the expanded operations, Scoot chief commercial officer, Calvin Chan, said: “The announcement of the expansion of the VTL scheme is an encouraging step for the travel and aviation industry, allowing us to cater to the pent-up demand for travel over the past two years, be it for work or school, to reconnect with friends and family, or to explore new experiences.”
Along with the boosted flight services, Scoot has kicked off a VTL sale where one-way airfares begin from S$65 (US$48.40), with taxes. A one-way ticket from Singapore to Sydney, for instance, is priced from S$209.
Hotel Okura Manila, Philippines
Located within Resorts World Manila, the Philippines’ first integrated entertainment resort, Hotel Okura Manila offers direct access to and from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal through Runway Manila, a full air-conditioned pedestrian skybridge.
There are 190 rooms across a number of categories, and includes the Hinoki-yu Room which features Hinoki (Japanese cypress) wooden bathtubs handcrafted by Japanese artisans from Nagiso Town, Nagano Prefecture.
On the topmost floor are the leisure and recreational facilities such as a fitness centre, and a 20-metre pool overlooking Manila’s skyline. Aside from two meeting rooms, F&B options on-site include Yamazato, a Japanese fine-dining restaurant with private rooms; and Yawaragi, an all-day restaurant serving both Western and Asian specialities, as well as high tea and cocktails.
The Hotel Kyoto Palace, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, Japan
Nestled in the city’s central Nakagyo Ward is the group’s hotel in Kyoto, and the inaugural BW Signature Collection by Best Western branded property in Japan.
The boutique hotel offers 57 guestrooms and suites across several room types such as the Premier Theatre Room equipped with a 42-inch flatscreen TV; or the Premier Triplet Room, good for three adults or two adults and a child. Rooms are furnished with a minibar, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities, while bathroom amenities are from Kyonoyuki, a Kyoto-born organic cosmetics brand.
Facilities on-site include a bar, restaurant, and a spa with separate areas for men and women.
Kimpton Kitalay Samui, Thailand
Kimpton Kitalay Samui, the first resort in South East Asia for IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury boutique brand has opened with 138 rooms and pool villas. There are five F&B venues on-site, ranging from Fish House, an all-day beach house serving seafood dishes, to HOM Baking Company with its baked goods, confectionery, speciality teas and cold press juices.
Families with their little ones in tow should check out Junio, the 500m2 split-level Kids Club at Kimpton Kitalay Samui. Little guests can learn new skills like tie-dye, coconut leaves weaving, or roll up their sleeves for a day tending to plants and growing their own sprouts at the resort’s Herbs Garden. For the adults, recreational facilities include the Pimãanda by HARNN spa, a 24-hour gym, outdoor pool, or try “Rue Sri Dad Ton” – Thai Hermit’s programme which teaches self-stretching and body manipulation poses.
Holiday Inn & Suites Sydney Bondi Junction, Australia
Previously operated as the Quest Bondi Junction, the property has undergone an extensive refurbishment of its guestrooms, lobby, and public spaces to reflect Holiday Inn’s branding. The all-suite property in the heart of Bondi Junction offers 82 keys, all of which come with kitchenettes. Complimentary gym access is available for guests, as well as an all-day restaurant.
Frasers Hospitality will open its first property in Phnom Penh come October 2022, the first of three openings slated for Cambodia over the next few years.
By 2026, Frasers Hospitality will have three properties in Cambodia – the 88-room Capri by Fraser, Phnom Penh in October 2022; the 78-room Capri by Fraser, City Centre in 2024; and the 200-room Fraser Residence Sen Sok, Phnom Penh in 2026.
Frasers Hospitality will bring the Capri by Fraser and Fraser Residence brands to Cambodia
Tonya Khong, senior vice president, head of Asia-Pacific at Frasers Hospitality, said: “Our three properties will be operational in the next few years and ready to accommodate the return to travel, as well as the anticipated boost from regional events such as the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and the RCEP. Moving into Cambodia signals our long-term ambition to grow our presence in the country and South-east Asia.”
Both Capri by Fraser properties are located in the heart of the Cambodian capital, and only a five-minute drive from each other. Both properties will have a mix of hotel rooms, studio apartments and one-bedroom units, designed to cater to transient business travellers and mid-level executives on extended stays.
In the vicinity are banks, finance, real estate and pharmaceutical companies, as well as non-profit organisations. The properties are also within walking distance of government offices, embassies, malls and F&B outlets.
Guests can expect the hallmarks of the Capri by Fraser brand such as the Spin & Play concept, where they can utilise self-service laundrettes while having a go at video games on the latest consoles, and a 24-hour gymnasium. Another signature social space is The Den, a large communal and versatile space fitted out with the latest technology.
Meanwhile, Fraser Residence Phnom Penh is in Sen Sok, an up-and-coming district on the north-west fringes of the city centre. Slated to accommodate expatriates on extended stays, the serviced apartment is part of an integrated development that includes a retail mall, medical centre and an office tower. It is also close to amenities such as international schools, malls and a golf course, and a 15-min drive to the CBD and industrial parks.
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is PATA’s newest government member.
Welcoming STB to the PATA family, CEO Liz Ortiguera said: “Their focus on wellness, innovation and sustainability in the post-pandemic landscape is in line with PATA’s mission in acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia-Pacific region. STB understands that as we look towards recovery, constructive and coordinated cooperation across the region and between all industry stakeholders is critical.
“I look forward to working with them to support their strategic initiatives and welcome them into the PATA global community.”
PATA’s Liz Ortiguera (left) and STB’s Keith Tan at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022 in Preah Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Keith Tan, chief executive, STB, added: “STB looks forward to working with PATA and its members to drive sustainable tourism development and to support the recovery of travel and tourism in the Asia-Pacific. PATA also plays a leadership role in bridging knowledge gaps, fostering cross-cutting cooperation and bringing strategic partners together. We look forward to sharing our experiences and contributing to these efforts.”
Currently, STB is working towards Covid-resilience and recovery for Singapore, as tourism remains an important economic pillar for the country. The Board has focused its efforts to transform the industry by driving innovation, building digital and marketing capabilities and forging partnerships beyond the tourism industry. Together with tourism stakeholders, STB is also reimagining Singapore’s products and experiences with a focus on areas such as health and safety, technology, as well as sustainability.
STB also regularly reviews and updates the tourism regulatory framework to ensure its relevance in the current business environment, while providing support and incentives to catalyse the private sector to take the lead in investing for growth.
Airasia and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote travel from South-east Asia to Singapore with help from airasia’s Super App.
As part of this partnership, users of the Super App, which has travel and lifestyle offerings, can now book tourism experiences in Singapore, such as flight and hotel packages, meals and other experiences.
airasia’s Super App will carry content that promotes regional travel to Singapore as well as Singapore destination experiences and tourism products and services; Capital A’s Tony Fernandes (left) and Singapore Tourism Board’s Keith Tan (right) at the MoU ceremony
Both parties will work together to pilot digital solutions to enhance the visitor experience, as well as exchange knowledge and insights that will deepen their understanding of travellers from South-east Asia markets.
Airasia and STB will also jointly promote Singapore through marketing campaigns and content partnerships.
“While the goal is to bring more people to Singapore (and increase connectivity), for this instance, it’s also for us at airasia to promote that we’re not just selling airasia inventory, but many other airlines, as well as hotels and attractions in Singapore (through the Super App),” said Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A.
When asked how the ongoing Omicron wave might affect this partnership, Keith Tan, CEO of STB, said Omicron infections would eventually peak and go down, making it important to “start building for demand now”.
“We can’t wait for Omicron to die down before we start making plans for recovery; it would be too slow and too late,” Tan said. That is why Singapore has established VTLs with several South-east Asian countries, with the intention of establishing more, as “regional markets are very important for us in the first phase of recovery”.
However, for travel in the region to be seamless, Fernandes stressed the need for “one policy within the 10 countries”, as opposed to the current situation where every country has a different policy.
Tan agreed: “One of the key enablers for the rebound in regional travel would be some degree of harmonisation of health protocols, similar to Europe. But different countries in South-east Asia have different risk appetites, which results in different degrees of health protocols.”
A useful step that South-east Asia can work towards, Tan stated, is “making the different protocols easier to understand by travellers” both from outside and within the region.
As for how low-cost travel might look like in the future, Fernandes told TTG Asia: “I think low-cost, shorthaul travel will bounce back first. We’re seeing an incredibly strong rebound in domestic, which is a precursor to borders reopening. (Once they do), rebound will be very, very quick.”
When TTG Asia asked if low-cost airlines would continue to offer low fares in the face of post-lockdown high travel demand, which has resulted in air fares rising dramatically, Fernandes believes that budget airline prices will “always be significant lower than full-service carriers”.
He added that airasia would maintain low fares because “lower fares will stimulate demand”.
“The lower the fare, the more the demand. We believe in creating demand, and not driving fares up,” he said.
Singapore will expand its Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme to include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Hong Kong, and Indonesia’s Batam and Bintan from February 25, as well as with Israel and Philippines from March 4.
The VTLs with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were supposed to start in early December, but were deferred due to Omicron. Starting from 10.00 on February 22, travellers from these three countries can apply for the VTL pass to enter Singapore.
Singapore has simplified arrival processes for Vaccinated Travel Lane travellers and non-Vaccinated Travel Lane travellers
Singapore’s unilateral opening arrangement with Hong Kong will be replaced by a VTL starting February 25.
These new VTLs will join 24 others that are in operation.
Vaccinated travellers will also soon be able to fly into Singapore from all cities in Thailand, beyond Bangkok where there is an existing VTL, without quarantine.
At the same time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will lift the 50 per cent cap on the daily number of VTL travellers entering Singapore by air, and progressively restore the quota from 5,000 to 15,000 by March 4.
Entry procedures will also be simplified. Singapore will cease the seven-day testing regime as well as on-arrival PCR test for VTL travellers. The only test needed is a supervised ART at any designated test centres in Singapore within 24 hours of the traveller’s entry.
Steps are taken to simplify the current border restrictions for non-VTL travellers from 23.59 on February 21. These include travel history requirements reduced to seven days from 14, and stay-home notice duration standardised at seven days.
The government will also revise its border risk classification system.
Category 1 countries and regions are deemed to be of lowest risk of Covid-19 infections.
The second is a General Travel category consisting of countries that Singapore has started VTLs for, together with non-VTL countries and regions. VTL travellers from countries in this category will have quarantine-free travel, while those from non-VTL countries have to undergo a seven-day stay-home notice.
The third is a new restricted category, which will include countries that warrant stricter border measures owing to developing Covid-19 situations. There will be no new restricted countries/ regions in this category for a start.
Furthermore, CAAS will remove departure test requirements for all passengers transferring or transiting through Singapore from 23.59 on February 21.
Asia-Pacific is set to be the biggest driver of the demand for air travel
The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2022-2024 Full Report released on February 15 is predicting international visitor arrivals (IVAs) growth rates of 126 per cent to 84 per cent for mild, medium, and severe scenarios in 2022 versus 2021.
The increase in the absolute number of IVAs is predicted therefore to range from 72.5 million to 175.7 million under the severe and mild scenarios respectively, lifting the total volume of visitor arrivals to between 159 million and 315 million, under those same scenarios respectively.
While it is a positive and welcome development after two years of extremely difficult conditions, the international travel and tourism sector of the Asia-Pacific region still has much to repair and revitalise.
PATA’s forecast for 2022 international visitor arrivals shows positive increment over 2021’s performance for mild, medium, and severe scenarios
The forecasted increases in 2022 arrivals, for example, still only return them to 23-45 per cent of the level of foreign arrivals received in pre-pandemic 2019.
Moving forward to 2024, IVA growth over the next three years is projected to be positive, with the volume of IVAs in 2024 being equal to, or better than that of 2019, under two of the three scenarios.
PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera said: “Our latest forecast report numbers, based on data as of November 2021 reviewed in conjunction with our recent research advisory panel updates provided on January 24, 2021, provide the definitive outlook for Asia-Pacific visitor arrival forecasts. As noted by our panel, the effect of the Omicron variant is projected to have a small incremental impact for now, with the key earlier assumptions still driving the forecast.
“Equitable access and deployment of vaccines plus a practical risk-based approach to health and safety protocols in travel is foundational to not only the travel sector’s sustained recovery but to the overall global recovery from the pandemic.
“We share the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) view that the pharmaceutical sector must address barriers to access and affordability for all destinations. Furthermore, as acknowledged by the WHO, travel bans will not prevent international spread. Instead, travel channels should remain open with clear, practical guidelines as recently shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO.”
Ortiguera also noted: “Various research studies and early travel patterns indicate a heightened consumer interest in a pivot to the right side of travel – longer journeys, more authentic experiences, and nature-based, wellness-oriented, and socially-conscious travel offerings are among the key trends for today’s travellers.
“Destinations can expedite their recovery by staying top-of-mind with consumers, communicating requirements with clarity and consistency, and offering a sustainable, healthy destination experience.”
Frasers Hospitality will open its first property in Phnom Penh come October 2022, the first of three openings slated for Cambodia over the next few years.
By 2026, Frasers Hospitality will have three properties in Cambodia – the 88-room Capri by Fraser, Phnom Penh in October 2022; the 78-room Capri by Fraser, City Centre in 2024; and the 200-room Fraser Residence Sen Sok, Phnom Penh in 2026.
Tonya Khong, senior vice president, head of Asia-Pacific at Frasers Hospitality, said: “Our three properties will be operational in the next few years and ready to accommodate the return to travel, as well as the anticipated boost from regional events such as the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and the RCEP. Moving into Cambodia signals our long-term ambition to grow our presence in the country and South-east Asia.”
Both Capri by Fraser properties are located in the heart of the Cambodian capital, and only a five-minute drive from each other. Both properties will have a mix of hotel rooms, studio apartments and one-bedroom units, designed to cater to transient business travellers and mid-level executives on extended stays.
In the vicinity are banks, finance, real estate and pharmaceutical companies, as well as non-profit organisations. The properties are also within walking distance of government offices, embassies, malls and F&B outlets.
Guests can expect the hallmarks of the Capri by Fraser brand such as the Spin & Play concept, where they can utilise self-service laundrettes while having a go at video games on the latest consoles, and a 24-hour gymnasium. Another signature social space is The Den, a large communal and versatile space fitted out with the latest technology.
Meanwhile, Fraser Residence Phnom Penh is in Sen Sok, an up-and-coming district on the north-west fringes of the city centre. Slated to accommodate expatriates on extended stays, the serviced apartment is part of an integrated development that includes a retail mall, medical centre and an office tower. It is also close to amenities such as international schools, malls and a golf course, and a 15-min drive to the CBD and industrial parks.