Indonesia unveils carbon calculator tool to spur climate action

January 11, 2022

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE), in collaboration with Jejak.in, has launched the Carbon Footprint Calculator (CFPC) platform, which educates the travelling public on their carbon emissions generated during their travels, and ways to offset them.

Jejak.in is a platform assisting businesses to plan, implement and monitor their conservation programmes with AI- and IoT-based solutions.

Indonesia’s tourism ministry fights climate change with new carbon offsetting platform

The CFPC initiative, which can be accessed via the ministry’s Indonesia.travel page, is part of the authority’s quality and sustainable tourism development programme. In the first phase, the ministry is inviting the public to offset their carbon footprints with tree planting.

Speaking during the launch event, Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, said he expects the CFPC will improve the reputation of Indonesian tourism and encourage the public to make their travels more climate-friendly.

Stressing the importance of addressing environmental issues, he said: “Although (the ministry does) not have a dedicated sustainability department, sustainability must be embedded in all tourism and creative economic activities. We will make sure that this becomes a national movement to overcome the various crises caused by climate change and to achieve sustainable tourism.”

Noting that tourism contributed eight per cent to carbon emissions globally, Sandiaga invited the travelling community to take note of their carbon footprints when they travel through the usage of CFPC.

Arfan Arlanda, CEO of Jejak.in, expects that the programme will significantly support the fight against climate change and help achieve Indonesia’s emission reduction targets.

“I hope that this initiative can be implemented by all tourism industry practitioners to achieve a huge impact for the country,” he said.

Protected: Stride into a stronger 2022, with an eye on the China market

By TTG Asia

January 11, 2022

0

Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi eyes well-heeled travellers after revamp

By S Puvaneswary

January 11, 2022

0

The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi has used the pandemic downtime last year to enhance its offerings in hopes of drawing well-heeled family holidaymakers and increasing their average length of stay.

Currently, the average length of stay is 1.5 days for a domestic tourist, and 7.2 days for an international tourist.

Eco-Discovery Centre educates guests on the island’s rich marine biodiversity

A new addition to the 119-key resort is its 85.26m² Eco-Discovery Centre which dives into the underwater world of Langkawi. Among features within the facility is the sea cucumber reproduction project, where visitors can learn how the sea cucumber plays a valuable role in the marine ecosystem of Langkawi, and the importance of its preservation.

Another new attraction is Teratak Mahsuri, an alfresco cabana by the ocean, where guests can reconnect with nature.

To enhance the guest experience, the resort also includes a surprise element upon check-in, such as gifting children below the age of 12 with an activity bag.

With the revamp, the resort is targeting Gen Y vacationers travelling with young children from both domestic and international markets, shared the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Zulkifli Rahman.

However, he is banking more on the domestic market through 3Q2022 as the reopening of the island to fully vaccinated travellers since September has only seen “insignificant” number of arrivals from the traditional markets in Europe such as the UK, Scandinavia, and Germany, partly due to the emergence of the Omicron variant.

Last year, the domestic market accounted for 97 per cent of total guest volume, but Zulkifli hopes that by 4Q2022, the ratio of domestic to foreign guests will be more balanced.

Plans to attract Gen Y travellers include social media engagements to promote the resort’s offerings and outdoorsy activities. The resort will also work with travel partners on special tactical campaigns from time to time.

SIA, NUS set up aviation lab to transform air travel experience

By TTG Asia

January 11, 2022

0

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have launched a new digital aviation corporate laboratory, which will co-create innovative technologies and solutions that would accelerate the digital transformation of Singapore’s aviation sector, and help redefine the air travel experience for passengers.

The SIA-NUS Digital Aviation Corporate Laboratory, which is a S$45 million (US$33.2 million) research facility jointly set up by SIA and NUS and supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore, is situated at the Innovation 4.0 Building at NUS Kent Ridge campus.

The US$33.2 million facility will develop solutions in digital services and revenue management, among others

In a joint media release, the companies said that the launch of the corporate laboratory “comes at an opportune time as the global aviation industry tackles the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic”.

“An acceleration of its digital transformation programme will help to keep SIA vibrant and nimble, and contribute towards the development of a digital aviation and travel technology community in Singapore,” they added.

SIA CEO Goh Choon Phong said: “By bringing together NUS’ wealth of research expertise and SIA’s knowledge and experience in the aviation sector, this corporate laboratory will strengthen our position at the forefront of digital innovation in the airline industry.

“It will lead to even more innovative solutions that can enhance the customer experience and travel journey, optimise revenue generation, and increase operational efficiency. Our collaboration with NUS will also reinforce Singapore’s position as a global aviation hub, with world-class research and cutting-edge technologies at the heart of our future development.”

The objectives of the corporate laboratory are to drive traveller-centric digital services, ensure security and safety in air travel, and enhance organisational effectiveness and workplace productivity for SIA and Singapore’s aviation sector.

Featuring state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, such as a cabin simulator and a cockpit simulator with augmented reality and virtual reality technologies, the corporate laboratory will embark on research activities in the following areas: revenue management and dynamic pricing, transforming competency and skill development, and employee wellness.

It will also focus on developing real environment cabin simulators to enhance customers’ comfort and sleep qualities, as well as developing specifications of new product and service protocols for enhanced customer service.

Over the next five years, the corporate laboratory expects to train more than 70 researchers and PhD students, who will play a critical role in fostering a resilient and long-term research and development, and engineering talent pipeline for Singapore’s aviation industry.

DidaTravel reports strong 2021 business, plans for further global expansion

By TTG Asia

January 11, 2022

0

Despite continued travel and tourism challenges, global hotel wholesaler DidaTravel has seen B2B hotel sales rebound to 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in 2021 while expanding its clientele and contracted hotel network.

According to the Shenzhen-headquartered company, sales from non-China markets have surpassed 2019 levels and half of overall business now hails from Europe, the US and the Middle East.

DidaTravel has seen business rebound and expansion of both supply and client networks in 2021

Its collection of contracted hotels has also expanded to 37,000, up 23 per cent, while its travel trade clientele now numbers some 23,000 including new signings from Europe and North America. The company has acquired over 700 API clients, of which around 200 are based in China.

Commenting on the company’s 2021 performance, DidaTravel’s founder & CEO Rikin Wu said in a press statement: “Throughout the pandemic, we continued investing in our business, strengthening our technology and continuing our long-term strategy of growing our presence in Europe and North America.

“So, when the market slowly began recovering in Europe and North America, we were well placed to capture demand quickly. By the end of the year (2021), with the exception of the Omicron impact, we were close to 2019 figures – surpassing them even in the non-China source markets.”

Wu remained “cautiously confident about 2022”, and indicated further expansion announcements to come.

DidaTravel’s geographical diversification of sales presence has seen office openings in Bangkok and London last year, with plans for a US office in the near future. There are presently eight offices worldwide.

Malaysian agents dangle new tourism draws as CNY nears

By S Puvaneswary

January 10, 2022

0

With inbound travel to Malaysia still largely restricted, tour and travel suppliers in the country are continuing their innovation streak by developing new products for a discerning local market, including off-the-beaten-path adventures, thematic tours and all-inclusive packages.

While bookings have started coming in ahead of the Chinese New Year period, operators expect them to peak closer to the season, as local holidaymakers tend to make last-minute bookings.

Soft adventure activities in Mulu National Park (above) among new tourism offerings by local travel agencies

Apple Vacations & Conventions, which specialised in comprehensive outbound tours to Japan pre-pandemic, has replicated that tour concept for its Penang packages catering to its main base of customers from the Klang Valley.

In Penang, the company has hired experts to lead tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and take guests to unique dining venues. Meanwhile, in Sabah and Sarawak, it is promoting soft adventure activities in remote but pristine areas such as the Kinabatangan River and Mulu National Park.

The agency chose to market these destinations as they are “not easily accessible,” shared managing director Koh Yock Heng.

He explained that the logistics of getting to those destinations involving more than one flight would likely deter travellers from the Klang Valley from visiting those places on their own and instead opt for a travel agency. Koh also cited less competition as another reason for promoting those areas.

Alex Lee, CEO, Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours, said his company will launch this week thematic packages for tours in Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang, catering to small groups of up to eight people.

Themes include Peranakan culture in Terengganu and Kelantan; as well as the Langkasuka Trail, which showcases the cultural and historical elements left behind by the ancient Malay Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of Langkasuka in Terengganu.

He said response to these tours promoted on social media since early this year has been “encouraging”, especially from families living in the Klang Valley who are interested in culture and history.

The tours were created to be family-friendly and educational as Lee believed offering such niche tours would give the company an edge over its competition.

Meanwhile, Ice Holidays is promoting all-inclusive, fixed departure packages with hotel accommodation and diverse activities in Langkawi, Semporna and Perhentian Island.

The company is targeting city dwellers from the Klang Valley for the island getaways, said Adam Kamal, head of procurement & domestic market.

Assam looks to promote lesser-known destinations beyond Kaziranga

By Rohit Kaul

January 10, 2022

0

The north-eastern Indian state of Assam is looking to promote lesser-known destinations and products in the state to increase tourist arrivals and expand its tourism ambit.

Presently, the tourism in the state is mainly centred around Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Kamakhaya Temple and Majuli – a river island in the Brahmaputra River.

Baruah: Assam to promote lesser-known destinations and new products to sustain interest in domestic travel

“The infrastructure including road and railway network has improved across the state, offering much better connectivity. In the current pandemic times, our focus is mainly on domestic tourism and we want tourists to discover unexplored experiences that the region offers,” said Rituparna Baruah, chairman, Assam Tourism Development Corporation, while speaking to TTG Asia on the sidelines of North East Festival that concluded last week in Guwahati.

“Keeping this in mind, we are developing places like Deepor Beel, a freshwater lake, for tourism purposes. We plan to construct a bird watch tower and introduce houseboats on the water body. Already, Rs 130 million (US$1.7 million) has been sanctioned for the beautification of the lake.”

Deepor Beel lake at Guwahati is currently being developed for tourism purposes

Other tourism products the state is keen to promote include village tours; tea gardens of Dibrugarh, some of which also house heritage bungalows and golf courses; besides places like Dima Hasao that is the home to Haflong, the only hill station in Assam, and Bendao Baiglai Waterfalls.

Recently, vistadome coaches have been introduced in the train route between the state capital Guwahati and Haflong. The vistadome coaches offer panoramic views of the mountains, thanks to its glass-fitted ceilings and big window panels.

“Assam has many vibrant villages where festivities take place around the year. The oil city of Assam, Digboi, has the oldest oil well in operation in the entire Asia. North Guwahati has many archeological sites of British era. We hope that tourists would include tours of these places in their itineraries,” said Shreya Barbara, CEO, Landscape Safari Tours & Travels.

With the aim to promote its lesser-known experiences, the tourism department is planning to organise roadshows in New Delhi and Mumbai in the near future.

“We will also organise roadshows in international markets once the pandemic situation improves,” added Baruah.

Greater Bay Airlines picks Amadeus as distribution partner

By TTG Asia

January 10, 2022

0

Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) has signed an agreement with Amadeus to make its schedules and fares available to travel agencies worldwide via the Amadeus Travel Platform in 1Q2022, to coincide with the expected commencement of flights.

Amadeus-connected travel sellers will be able to search, book and service reservations on GBA. Through the Amadeus Travel Platform, they will gain access to the airline’s flight schedules, load changes, seat maps, ancillary services and fare families as well as real-time flight updates.

Greater Bay Airlines expands its growth across Asia-Pacific with Amadeus

These options will empower travel sellers to tailor offerings to their customers’ specific requirements, generating more value for both customer and airline.

GBA has applied for the rights to operate in 104 destinations across the region, including mainland China, as well as North and South-east Asia. The carrier has already leased three Boeing 737-800 aircraft and plans to grow its fleet to 30 aircraft over the next five years.

First Courtyard by Marriott to debut in Melbourne

By TTG Asia

January 10, 2022

0

The Courtyard by Marriott brand is expanding its footprint in Australia with the opening of its first Melbourne hotel set for March 2022.

Located in Batman Street and adjacent to Flagstaff Gardens, the 150-key new-build hotel will be the third Courtyard by Marriott in the country, joining sister properties in Brisbane and Sydney.

Courtyard by Marriott Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens will be the third Courtyard by Marriott in Australia

Owned by Ousia Properties and architecturally designed by Skematics with interiors by DKO Architecture, Courtyard by Marriott Melbourne Flagstaff Gardens will cater to both business and leisure travellers.

The hotel will house an all-day dining restaurant, street-facing café/bar and fitness centre offering round-the-clock access. Flexible event spaces for corporate meetings and social gatherings will offer audio-visual equipment and unique settings, such as a rooftop area overlooking city views.

Art Around The City spotlights heritage and culture of four precincts in Singapore

By TTG Asia

January 10, 2022

0

A series of visual art installations and programmes across key precincts in Singapore have been launched under a partnership between the Singapore Tourism Board and the National Arts Council.

Dubbed Art Around The City, the public art activations in four precincts – Gillman Barracks, Orchard Road, Little India and Chinatown – draw on the history, culture, and landscape of each precinct; while spotlighting Singapore-based artists and curators.

Chinatown one of four precincts in Singapore featuring art installations under the Art Around The City initiative

Running from January to April this year, Art Around The City brings the identities of the four precincts to life. Each site-specific installation sits at the intersection of art, culture and heritage, to resonate and connect with each precinct’s community.

At Gillman Barracks, The Forest Institute presents a large-scale architectural installation by artist Robert Zhao Ren Hui and architect-artist Randy Chan. A culmination of four years of research, it elaborates on how nature co-exists alongside urban life. Visitors will be able to sign up for special programmes that include morning nature walks with the artist.

Hyphen BB curates and showcases The Non Season in a takeover of Design Orchard in Orchard Road that features a diverse range of artists presenting mixed media artworks inspired by the ecological and commercial histories of the Orchard Road precinct.

The public can join various programmes by artists and retail collaborators featuring tours, exclusive merchandise, workshops, and performances.

In Little India and Chinatown, the public artworks will respond to the precincts’ unique culture and deep-rooted traditions. Singapore-based creative agency Texture Media invites the public to experience The Rangoli Movement, an installation incorporating the sounds and colours of Little India with master artist Vijaya Mohan.

At Kreta Ayer Square in Chinatown, The Gathering features Singapore artist Wong Lip Chin and curator John Tung recreating a teahouse set within a traditional Chinese garden that will serve as a gathering point for the public to take in tea and incense experiences.

Indonesia unveils carbon calculator tool to spur climate action

Protected: Stride into a stronger 2022, with an eye on the China market

Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi eyes well-heeled travellers after revamp

SIA, NUS set up aviation lab to transform air travel experience

DidaTravel reports strong 2021 business, plans for further global expansion

Malaysian agents dangle new tourism draws as CNY nears

Assam looks to promote lesser-known destinations beyond Kaziranga

Greater Bay Airlines picks Amadeus as distribution partner

First Courtyard by Marriott to debut in Melbourne

Art Around The City spotlights heritage and culture of four precincts in Singapore

Tried and Tested

Disney Adventure

What to Buy Now

Meliá Chiang Mai launches stay package supporting food rescue