IATA partners 2C2P to expand payment reach, operational efficiency
IATA and global payments platform, 2C2P, has established a partnership that will see the payment gateway being integrated into IATA’s Financial Gateway (IFG), granting airlines all over the world increased payments reach and enhanced operational efficiency, amid the aviation industry’s gradual recovery to pre-pandemic levels.
A key initiative by the global airline body, IATA’s IFG solution enables all airlines globally to access diverse payment solutions through one platform. With 2C2P’s integration, IATA member airlines from every continent will now have increased access to popular regional and local payment methods from Asia, including mobile wallets, QR, direct debit and other alternative payment methods.
The move is expected to open up a sea of opportunity for airlines all over the world to further penetrate the Asian market, given that Asia, the world’s most cash-reliant region, is embracing digital payments like e-wallet and QR-enabled solutions amid the pandemic.
2C2P will bring on board over 250 payment methods and enable access to 400,000 alternative payment touchpoints through one point of integration.
Airlines will also be able to process pay-outs and remittances, issue cards and wallets as well as access digital goods and services via 2C2P.
According to a recent IATA and Tourism Economics report, global air passenger numbers are forecasted to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
“As the aviation industry gradually picks up with increased vaccine access and travel demand, 2C2P hopes to facilitate its road to recovery through this partnership with IATA which will help airlines to adapt to the needs of their customers in different regions and markets,” said Aung Kyaw Moe, founder and CEO of 2C2P.
Appreciating Philippine tourism achievements through the work of TPB’s Susan del Mundo
Even as Susan del Mundo recently retired after 40 years with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the learnings on destination marketing that she accumulated benefit the industry to this day while certain projects that she pioneered have become more essential in the altered travel landscape.
Her leaving marks the end of an era, Susan being the last to go among the pillars of TBP’s previous incarnation – as Philippine Convention and Visitors Bureau (PCVC) and, prior to that, Philippine Convention Bureau (PCB) – who steered Philippine MICE to its heyday and made the country Asia’s darling in the days of yore. She joined other pillars like Domingo Ramon Enerio III, Daniel Corpuz, Elizabeth de la Fuente, Rosvi Gaetos, Maricon Ebron and Venus Tan.
Despite a 14-month stint as Tourism Attaché in New York until February 2019, cut short by an open heart surgery, del Mundo delivered with a significant increase in arrivals from the US and Canada, the take off of cruising in Florida, and scored international events such as the Bohol portion of the Grand Fondo New York global cycling race in 2019 and which Iloilo is planning to be a part of, Kiwanis International Convention next year, and ASTA wanting to return to the Philippines.
A certified public accountant with a master’s in tourism management, this passionate yet silent worker learnt destination marketing from her assorted positions in the US, UK and the Philippines, influenced by various tourism secretaries: establish alliances and friendships, work with embassies, talk to officials of associations such as the American Association of Retired Peoples with members in the millions.
When tasked to handle the 2006 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), del Mundo gave Davao the chance to host over Manila, Cebu and Subic. With poor safety and security image, it was tough to push Davao to buyers but she mobilised the Air Force of the Philippines behind the scene and the Philippine Navy which ensured underwater safety. Feedback was that it was one of the best ATFs ever, with del Mundo learning to tap the local government, address the safety and security issues, and showcase Mindanao’s colourful tribal heritage and farm produce.
Del Mundo led the team that conceptualised and implemented the Grassroots for Entrepreneurs for Ecotourism (GREET) to encourage small and micro entrepreneurship from 2006 to 2010. Many are still ongoing in Visayas and Mindanao and in Sorsogon; the donated boats still offer tours of Bulusan Lake while trained fisherfolks guide tourists in sustainable interaction with Donsol’s whale sharks or butandings, and trained women cook and serve meals.
With the pandemic raging and many tourism workers rendered jobless, there is a call to support small and micro enterprises similar to GREET and promote eco-friendly and sustainable tourism.
Del Mundo also initiated the fam trip for local tour operators which was taken over by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa) when she was transferred to London as marketing and administrative officer of the Department of Tourism. That time when PCVC had no budget for this project, del Mundo funded it on her own by getting sponsors, asking non-sponsors to pay for the trip, and rotating the funds so that the fam trip became self-sustaining.
Among the tourism secretaries that influenced del Mundo are Wanda Teo who levelled up the Philippine branding and promoted local culture; Mina Gabor who promoted impactful projects like the Fiesta Islands campaign and brought in not just MICE but also sporting and other international events; Alberto Lim who’s more on product development, quality than quantity and short stay vs long stay markets; and Ace Durano who was more on market forces thus uplifting emerging and opportunity markets.
From Jose Aspiras, del Mundo learnt the importance of PR, image and market positioning of the Philippines. Aspiras held massive public relations campaigns overseas, hired top-notch PR companies to promote a very positive image of the Philippines, embarked on foreign roadshows and cultural shows to the benefit of tourism.
Apart from learning the importance of research as product offerings have to be aligned with what the audience want, del Mundo learnt professionalism from former PCVC boss Elizabeth de la Fuente and from tourism secretary Ramon Jimenez, how the It’s More Fun in the Philippines campaign changed the country’s image, expanded to other emerging markets like Russia, and addressed the safety and security issues.
I don’t expect del Mundo to rest on her laurels in retirement.
“Tourism is in my DNA. I can continue to serve as a private individual,” she told me.
Rosa Ocampo is correspondent, Philippines for TTG Asia Media. She reports for the company’s stable of travel trade titles, including TTG Asia and TTGmice.
Anantara calls on fitness enthusiasts to move and contribute to conservation work
The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has kicked off a global fitness initiative to benefit the essential work of wildlife rangers in conservation hotspots from Thailand to the Philippines and from Cambodia to Tanzania.
The Run, Walk, Crawl for Rangers competition from September 1 to 30 invites fitness enthusiasts to track their steps on their smart device during the month of September and stand a chance to win memorable accommodation stays at Anantara properties worth over US$20,000.
Funds raised by the US$25 participation fee will be equally divided to benefit the work of five wildlife ranger teams – the Wildlife Alliance in Cambodia that provides direct ranger intervention to stop forest destruction; Masungi Georeserve in the Philippines that is a conservation area and a rustic rock garden tucked in the rainforests of Rizal; HoneyGuide that runs community-based conservation initiatives including the Randilen Wildlife Management Area in Tanzania; the Freeland Foundation in Thailand that provides comprehensive training to rangers and protected areas managers; and the rangers at Cardamom Tented Camp Concession.
The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation was set up at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in Northern Thailand in 2003, primarily to help Thailand’s street begging elephants and others that could not help themselves. Since then, the Foundation has branched out to lend a helping hand and resources to other conservation projects mainly in South-east Asia and Africa, including the Cardamom Tented Camp Concession in Cambodia where Khmer rangers patrol the pristine land to protect against deforestation and illegal poaching.
Registration is at Thai.fit.
Dream Cruises brings the world to Singapore cruisers
Singapore cruises fans will be able to tour the world without having to depart Singapore’s waters when Dream Cruises kicks off its Markets of the World series of thematic activities on World Dream on September 19.
The series invites guests to discover authentic flavours and a variety of cultures from across the globe.
To start, Dream Market at Sea will run from September 19 to November 6, evoking the spirit of lively festival markets in destinations such as Spain, Germany, France, Western Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and more.
Alongside irresistible food, challenging game booths will bring back childhood memories. Guests can play to win prizes.
The Western Australia Adventures experience sets in with 10 Balcony Staterooms re-created on World Dream to inspire guests to experience the land Down Under. Quinton the Quokka will make special appearance throughout the cruise while interactive pop-up photo booths onboard takes the journey to Western Australia further.
Guests can also participate in the Western Australia Trivia Wall to score an exclusive hamper and stand a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Western Australia through a photo contest.
Australian gastronomic indulgences will be available on October 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27 and 29 sailings, thanks to the Indulge in Lobster Fever food festival.
On September 19 and 22 sailings, World Dream will celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with traditional festive activities such as riddle games and lantern crafting. Free moon cake tastings will also be offered.
Later, Oktoberfest at Sea takes over on September 26, October 1, 3 and 10. Expect a feast of German beers, crispy pork knuckles, Nurnberger sausages and pretzels, alongside complimentary cooking workshops, Bavarian Folk dances and best-dressed contests.
Rounding up the Markets of the World series is Spooky Halloween on October 31. World Dream guests can dress up and go trick-or-treating, join an Into the Night dance class and participate in the Spooky Halloween Awards. Halloween-themed F&B will be served up at various outlets.
New hotels: V Villas Phuket – MGallery, Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala, Staybridge Suites Dubai Internet City, and more
V Villas Phuket – MGallery, Thailand
Inspired by the lush nature found on the southern tip of Phuket island and promising unparalleled privacy and bespoke indulgence, the new V Villas Phuket – MGallery comprises 19 pool villas, each with expansive wooden decks that allow for a seamless blend between indoor and outdoor living, as well as three distinct dining spaces, V Villas Spa, a state-of-art gym, and an infinity pool.
One-, three- and four-bedroom configurations are available, welcoming single travellers, families and couples.
Its location on the verdant Ao Yon hillside grants guests memorable ocean views. Natural materials, bespoke design and locally inspired art pieces can be admired throughout the resort.
The resort’s holistic wellness offerings include personalised wellness programmes and in-villa yoga classes.
Three outstanding wedding venues, including the YON|Ocean House, AKOYA|Star Lounge, Hilltop Cliff and Owner’s Villa, are offered. Each provide romantic luxury wedding experiences with Andaman ocean views. The resort’s wedding specialists can assist in all arrangements from the pre-wedding party to the ceremony.
Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala, India
India’s scenic hills of Lonavala welcomes the opening of Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala, a property that spans over 14,100m2 and dangles sweeping views of the majestic Sahyadri range as well as one of the largest venues for meetings and large weddings.
The 103-key resort enjoys convenient air, rail and road connectivity from Mumbai and Pune, and is a 15-minute drive from both Lonavala and Khandala railway stations. Guests can easily access tourist attractions such as Bushi Dam, Narayani Dham Temple, Lonavala Lake and the celebrity wax museum.
Designed by well-known Indian architect, Kamal S Malik, the resort has been envisioned as the perfect amalgamation of sustainable design and local art and culture. It features areas such an open atrium, designed to reduce the need for air-conditioning. The resort’s entrance lobby has a grand cylindrical space which recreates the effect of the echoes of Shivaji’s forts, giving the sense of a conservatory surrounded by hills.
Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala is also home to the country’s largest Gabion wall which is approximately 21 m in length and is a visual spectacle for guests.
Facilities at the resort include three restaurants, The Spa at Radisson, a 24-hour fitness centre, an interactive kids’ play area, and an outdoor swimming pool that is designed to resemble a Kund – traditional water reservoir.
Staybridge Suites Dubai Internet City, the UAE
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened the doors to its latest property in the UAE – the 225-suite Staybridge Suites Dubai Internet City.
The upper-upscale extended-stay hotel is designed for multi-night business and leisure travellers looking to break from the travel norm while on the road, be it for days or even months at a time.
It is located on Dubai’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Road at the heart of the city’s technology, media, and creative free zone, and has a plethora of leisure destinations close by.
Guests have a choice of studios, one- and two-bedroom suites. All units feature spacious and comfortable living, working, and dining spaces and a fully equipped kitchen with top-of-the-line home appliances including a dishwasher and washer/dryer. Many of the apartments feature their own balcony where guests can enjoy spectacular views of the cityscape and the Arabian Gulf. Several interconnecting units offer greater flexibility for families or small groups traveling together.
On property are a restaurant, a 24/7 convenience store, an infinity pool, a concept spa, and a poolside bar and lounge.
The hotel hosts The Social, the brand’s signature event, three times a week, creating an informal gathering for guests to relax and enjoy complimentary bites and drinks while engaging with other guests staying at the hotel.
BreakFree Wirrina Cove, Australia
The new 87-room BreakFree Wirrina Cove resort, nestled in the heart of beautiful Wirrina Cove, South Australia, welcomes both business and leisure travellers.
Surrounded by national parks, with photogenic beaches, waterfalls and kangaroos, the resort is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, having one of the most sweeping and spectacular panoramic views of Gulf St Vincent.
The resort sits 70km drive south of Adelaide, and offers an 18-hole golf course, conference and function facilities, high speed Internet, bar and cafe facilities, a pool and gym, and onsite car parking.
Japan expands state of emergency as infections surge on
Japan’s state of emergency will cover eight more prefectures from August 27 until September 12, a decision that has been made in consideration of rapidly spreading Covid-19 infections.
The country’s prime minister Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference on August 25 that the number of new infections are at a record high, especially in the Aichi area.
The prefectures of Hokkaido, Miyagi, Gifu, Aichi, Mie, Shiga, Okayama and Hiroshima will join 13 others that are currently under the state of emergency.
This latest move will affect over 75 per cent of the population, as Japan continues to host the Paralympics.
Furthermore, 12 other prefectures – Ishikawa, Fukushima, Kumamoto, Toyama, Yamanashi, Kagawa, Ehime, Kagoshima, Kochi, Saga, Nagasaki and Miyazaki – will have quasi-emergency measures enforced.
According to NHK World, officials plan to urge restaurants and bars to stop serving alcohol and impose stricter procedures such as limiting capacity at shopping malls and events. However, the extent of these measures is unlike the strict lockdowns imposed in other countries.
An infection tally published by Kyodo News states a total of 1,344,448 positive cases as of 20.00, August 24, 2021 (Japan time), with Tokyo recording the highest number of cases, followed by Osaka and Kanagawa.
Covid-19 slashes Indonesia’s tourism budget by 41%
Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE) will be putting destination marketing campaigns on hold after its annual budget was slashed by 41.3 per cent to 2.02 trillion rupiah (US$140 million) from 4.9 trillion rupiah, as the government redirects funding to fight Covid-19.
The budget cut will affect some international marketing programmes, as well as the income of Visit Indonesia Tourism Officers (VITOs), the country’s overseas tourism marketing representatives.
Speaking at the parliamentary hearing on Tuesday (August 24), Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, said the budget cut had resulted in the postponement of a number of promotional activities.
Sandiaga said: “(This) includes in-person meetings and road shows as well as domestic and international business trips.”
Nia Niscaya, deputy minister for marketing, said that while MoTEC would continue to attend virtual events such as ITB Asia, it would put on hold joint promotions with overseas business partners and familiarisation trips.
The government also announced on July 20 that the service fees for 19 VITOs in 14 countries will be terminated at the end of September. In response, 19 VITOs worldwide wrote a collective Letter of Support to the tourism minister, saying that they would continue their services free of charge until the end of the year.
A copy of the letter seen by TTG Asia stated: “VITOs have been the Ministry’s extended marketing arm and advocates in foreign land… (since 2005). Ending the programme now will not only mean losing the competitive edge against your competing destinations, (but) it is also akin to losing sight of your competitors’ movements and intelligence…, market trends (and) the pulse within the industry…”
Calling it “a shame” to end the VITO programme during this “crucial moment”, the VITOs volunteered to continue working without remuneration for the period of October till December and proposed that their service fees be reinstated in January 2022 with new budget allocation.
In the meantime, MoTCE will continue promoting its Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability certification programme, marketing tourism villages and the tourism stimulus programme for vaccinated travellers, as well as training talents in the tourism and creative economy sector.
Qantas unveils vaccine incentive campaign
The Qantas Group has launched a reward campaign dangling free flights, accommodation and fuel to Australians who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, in a bid to help boost the country’s immunisation rates.
From now until year-end, fully vaccinated Australian-based Frequent Flyers aged 18 and over can claim their reward through the Qantas App by choosing one of three options: 1,000 Qantas points, 15 status credits (which help Frequent Flyers move up between Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers), and A$20 (US$14.50) flight discount for Qantas or Jetstar.
Members will then be automatically entered into a mega prize draw to win a year’s worth of flights, accommodation and fuel. Ten mega prizes will be up for grabs with a winner selected from each state and territory and two mega prize winners as part of a national TV campaign.
Winners of ten mega prizes will receive a year’s worth of flights to take off to more than 60 destinations around Australia, with free accommodation across 345 Accor properties. They will also be able to top up their cars with free fuel from any of bp’s 1,400 service stations across the country.
Additionally, winners can take off to any Qantas and Jetstar international destination when borders reopen.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the vaccine rollout is critical for protecting public health and key to breaking the cycle of lockdowns.
“Getting vaccinated is an important step that every Australian can take that brings us that little bit closer to life as we knew it. As the national carrier, we want to recognise those who have made the effort to protect themselves and the community,” he said.
“This is one of the biggest giveaways we’ve ever done. The impact of the pandemic on the travel industry and our own Qantas Group team members means we have a clear vested interest in the success of the vaccine rollout.
“Our crews can’t wait to get back to reuniting family and friends, taking people on holiday and putting some energy back into the whole tourism industry. For us, getting the vaccine rate up to 70 and 80 per cent means thousands of people can go back to work.
“With the federal government’s vaccine programme ramping up across the country, now is the ideal time to say thank you to Australians for stepping up and protecting themselves and others.”
IHG to debut new luxury and lifestyle brand Vignette Collection in Thailand and Australia
IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced a new luxury and lifestyle brand, Vignette Collection, with hotels in Australia and Thailand the first to join the collection.
Vignette Collection is the sixth addition to IHG’s brand portfolio in the past four years, taking it to 17 in total across nearly 6,000 hotels in more than 100 countries.
IHG’s Vignette Collection will give owners of independent hotels the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity, while benefitting from the group’s global scale, luxury and lifestyle expertise, and IHG Rewards loyalty programme.
Among the first hotels to join IHG’s Vignette Collection will be Hotel X, a five-star hotel in the centre of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, Australia.
Thailand’s Pattaya Aquatique hotel will also join the collection, through a collaboration with Thai real estate group Asset World Corporation.
Properties under Vignette Collection will seek to provide one-of-a-kind stays in urban and resort locations. The group expects Vignette Collection to attract more than 100 properties globally over the next decade.
Cambodia’s rapid vaccination rollout has sparked hopes that international tourists will be welcomed in 4Q2021. However, industry players warn without the hasty announcement of official plans another high season will be lost.
Cambodia’s impressive vaccination campaign has seen more than 75 per cent of the population fully vaccinated. Frontline workers are already receiving their third booster injection, with children above 12 years old being given their first jab.
Additionally, a recent report from Executive One Consulting forecasts 80 per cent of Cambodia’s adult population will be fully vaccinated by August 31. This compares with July 22, 2022 for Thailand and September 22, 2022 for Vietnam.
Ronni Dalhoff, managing director of Diethelm Travel Cambodia, said: “As one of the world leaders in the vaccine process, Cambodia should also be one of the world leaders in the re-opening process. Cambodia has given itself a golden opportunity that simply must be used to the maximum.”
He added the Kingdom needs to act fast to “reshape the travel dynamics in South-east Asia” and plant Cambodia on the map as a standalone destination ahead of its neighbours.
While the government has publicly mooted the idea of opening to vaccinated tourists in 4Q2021, nothing has officially been announced. Agents fear they are now in danger of losing out on another year of business as the high season looms and preparation time runs out.
Steve Lidgey, general manager of Travel Asia a la Carte, said: “We need a proper plan in place so the industry can prepare. It’s not just so tour operators can sell overseas but hotels and other hospitality businesses need time to plan.”
The general manager of an independent travel agent, who wanted to remain anonymous, has already ploughed his personal savings into the business. He said: “The situation is desperate. It’s worrying because if we lose this high season, it will be another year of no business and we simply can’t survive.”
The head of a destination management company added: “The economic consequences will be far more severe and long-lasting than the disease will ever be… Counting cases in Cambodia is irrelevant at this stage of the vaccination process; it’s basically fear mongering. Count severe cases and hospitals over capacity, and get back to normal life.”
CAM DMC and other stakeholders will jointly send a formal letter to the relevant ministries urging them to announce plans to fully open to vaccinated visitors in 4Q2021.
Cambodia has also confirmed it will host ASEAN Tourism Forum in the coastal city of Sihanoukville from January 16 to 22, 2022. The Ministry of Tourism confirmed it is ready to welcome 2,000 participants from more than 25 countries.