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Sabre releases new airline network planning white paper
Sabre Corporation has released a white paper outlining the new methodologies it is creating to enable its airline partners to create more holistic, accurate network plans as their focus shifts from short-term planning to long-term recovery in the wake of the pandemic.
“From an aviation perspective, the latter half of 2021 is the time to change our outlook from crisis mode with a focus only on the immediate term to again taking on a more strategic view; analysing market and fleet adjustments for the seasons and years to come,” said Cem Tanyel, chief services officer, Sabre Travel Solutions.
“However, shifting from a purely short-term scheduling focus back to a full timeline network planning view will not be easy in the current environment. In addition to difficulties caused by reduced passenger numbers and revenue, and resulting reductions in crew for some airlines, there are additional challenges given that the data airline managers could previously rely on to estimate future demand beyond the next few weeks is no longer reliable.”
As such, Sabre is developing the robust new airline network planning methodologies described in its new white paper, The Art & Science of Airline Network Planning to Ramp up for Recovery.
These new methods can leverage its GDS shopping data in conjunction with historical global demand data and industry capacity data to predict demand in a manner that works effectively even when prior year results become less representative. Using these new approaches, Sabre has developed alternative 2021 schedules and demand estimations that are more reflective of what is likely to occur.
The white paper sets out the new methodologies created by Sabre to take a more holistic view of airline network planning at a time when it is not possible to rely on previous years’ data alone.
The paper also contains latest industry data that can help airline managers in their decision-making process. As well, it highlights why airlines need to place a deeper focus on segmentation in both the leisure and business segments, the destinations and segments that are seeing above average capacity rebound, and how Covid-19 has accelerated network planning innovation.
The full white paper can be viewed here.
Qatar reopens for fully vaccinated international travellers
Qatar has reopened its borders to international travellers who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, allowing them to visit the Middle Eastern country without the need for quarantine.
The same rule applies to citizens and residents of Qatar who are returning to the country. All visitors – vaccinated or non-vaccinated – will be required to present a valid negative Covid-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure.
Visitors wishing to enter Qatar must register and upload required documentation such as a vaccination certificate, a valid negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to travel, and personal details through the Ehteraz website (www.ehteraz.gov.qa).
Travellers have to apply for the authorisation (free of charge) through the Ehteraz website at least 12 hours before departure to Qatar.
More than 80 nationalities can visit Qatar with a free visa-on-arrival, while visitor visa rules apply for other nationalities.
In addition, all travellers are required to download and activate the Ehteraz mobile app which requires a domestic Qatari SIM card, purchasable from either Ooredoo or Vodafone on arrival at Hamad International Airport. Upon activation, visitors will be able to participate in public activities such as visiting malls, restaurants and museums; and using taxis or public transportation.
Qatar Tourism in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health launched more than one year ago the Qatar Clean programme for the hospitality and tourism sector to ensure safe visitor experiences in Qatar.
Cathay Pacific launches eponymous lifestyle brand
Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific has rolled out a new eponymous travel lifestyle brand that will bring together the Cathay Pacific, Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles schemes.
The “premium” brand, Cathay, will also unveil a range of new offers in spending, dining, shopping, hotels, and wellness over the coming months.
The first of these – a new Cathay co-branded credit card – will be launched in Hong Kong soon. These will all culminate in a refreshed customer relationship programme to be launched in 1H2022. While the airline has made the Cathay brand initially only available in Hong Kong, it plans to gradually expand the brand to other markets.
The global airline also stated that the Cathay branding will help to simplify how their customers interact with them, including how they earn status and make use of miles.
Malaysia hotels draw growing investor interest amid pandemic
The pandemic has exacted a toll on the hospitality industry, with more hotel owners putting their properties up for sale at below market rates, providing an opportune time for investors to make their move. Amid such a climate, hotels in Malaysia have attracted growing interest from investors.
Listings of Malaysia hotels for sale on Zerin Properties has increased by 40 per cent year-to-date, with rising interest from investors, both local and overseas.
Zerin Properties managing director and CEO, Previndran Singhe, shared that one of the reasons for the uptick in investor interest for hotel assets in Malaysia is that asking prices for these properties have dropped between 10 to 35 per cent as compared to pre-lockdown. As well, he added, the ringgit is very competitive in comparison with Singapore and US dollars.
He said: “Our investors are also strongly looking at Vietnam and the Philippines. Ownership structures in Thailand and Indonesia make investments a bit more challenging as compared with Malaysia.”
Previndran added that Malaysian-based investors are eyeing properties and making offers on hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi. Meanwhile, foreign buyers who have always shown interest in properties in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi are now also looking at Kota Kinabalu and Johor, especially Johor Bahru and Desaru.
He said: “Interest is driven by the strong domestic rebound after the movement control order 1.0 last year, as well as robust markets overseas that have proven travel is still in demand. In Malaysia, travel recovery might take awhile but they are prepared to wait. Once 70 to 80 per cent of the population is vaccinated, I anticipate travel bubbles will be formed within South-east Asia first before extending beyond.”
The number of new Covid-19 cases has been increasing rapidly in the country to the point that the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. This has resulted in the government imposing a ban on interstate travel nationwide since early 2021.
Insufficient assistance and support from the government coupled with harsh lockdowns that prevent hotels from accepting leisure guests, offering dine-ins at their restaurants and renting event spaces to organisers, have threatened the survival of hotel businesses this year.
Previndran shared: “We are seeing more and more hotel owners approaching us to sell their hotels over the past two months.”
Istana Hotel Kuala Lumpur had given notice to its associates last month that it would close on September 1. With the current harsh business environment, Previndran anticipates more hotel closures this year, across all locations in the country.
Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners executive director, Shaharuddin M Saaid, concurs with Previndran’s view and reveals two possibilities – hotel owners may choose to close temporarily and reopen when the business environment improves, or they may close for good and look for a buyer if the lockdown and ban on interstate travel continues indefinitely with no certainty of business recovery.
He has seen an increased number of enquiries from overseas investors seeking information on hotel properties, especially three- and four-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
He said: “Some property owners that have listed their properties for sale last year, but were unable to dispose of them, have lowered their asking prices. This is a good time for investors looking for a good deal.”
According to the Hotel Industry Survey Report by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), as of mid-June, out of 320 hotel respondents, two have permanently closed and 91 have shuttered temporarily. By percentage, almost 71 per cent are still operating, most of which are dependent on quarantine needs, while others are catering to guests from essential service sectors.
MAH’s CEO, Yap Lip Seng, said: “With (Covid-19) cases breaking new records these past two weeks and insufficient assistance and support from the government, I don’t see things improving anytime soon.”
He shared that the key to moving forward is highly dependent on the National Immunisation Programme, aimed at achieving herd immunity in the country.
Safe and Fun Travels: Adventure Awaits You in the Philippines
There may be over 300,000 square kilometers of coastline boasting some of the world’s best islands and dive sites but there is still so much more to the Philippines than its postcard-worthy beaches. Make your trip extraordinary with a different kind of adventure. Here are just a few of the must-do experiences you should include in your itinerary to this Southeast Asian archipelago.
HIKING
Mt. Pulag, Benguet
Step foot into what is known as the Philippines’ “Playground of the Gods”. Mt. Pulag, the third highest in the country, is a popular trek in Luzon for professional climbers and even for non-hikers due to its famous sea of clouds.
SANDBOARDING
La Paz/Paoay Sand Dunes, Ilocos Norte
Sand dunes in a tropical country? Yes, the Philippines has that and you can experience it only in Ilocos Norte. Slide down the sandy cliffs using a concave board and get on a bumpy ATV or 4×4 ride in La Paz for its steeper drops or Paoay for an excellent view of the beach.
CAVING
Sagada, Mountain Province
An adventure like no other awaits you in Sagada. Explore secret chambers and wade through ice-cold waters of the Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave. This 3-4 hour spelunking activity is not for the faint of heart.
SKYDIVING
Bantayan Island, Cebu
Adrenaline junkies get an awesome perspective of the Philippines with skydiving in Cebu. But if this is too extreme for you, paragliding is a good alternative. Head over to either Sarangani, Carmona in Cavite or Narvacan in Ilocos Sur.
SIGHTSEEING
Intramuros, Manila
One of Southeast Asia’s most exciting capitals, Manila is a good starting point to discover the colonial history and the hustle and bustle of the Philippines. Take a kalesa (horse-carriage) ride to tour Intramuros, once the seat of Spanish power, then explore the city’s huge malls and taste a variety of Philippine cuisine.
Look forward to experiencing new things and making memories of a lifetime in the Philippines without worry. Your ultimate getaway is a recipient of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp! As a globally recognized ‘safe travels’ destination, traveling to the Philippines can be safe and fun in the new normal. Currently, there are restrictions on travel. Check the latest guidelines before departure and always follow local health advice.
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National Day Parade gives Singapore bayside hotels a staycation boost
Bayside hotels in Singapore have seen an uptick in occupancy rates for the National Day long weekend, with this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) having a centralised physical event at The Float@Marina Bay.
The highlight of the annual extravaganza is the spectacular fireworks, and hotels near the show venue will provide a vantage point for guests who wish to catch the awe-inspiring display live and in person.
Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore saw an increase in its staycation bookings following the announcement of the NDP live show. To date, the hotel’s NDP Skyline National Day Celebration package with guaranteed fireworks view over the Marina Bay has boosted bookings by approximately 20 per cent, according to general manager, Melvin Lim.
The hotel’s in-house mixologist will also be serving up special cocktails at the Skyline Bar, located at the rooftop of the hotel. Lim elaborated: “It (Skyline) is an open space, and guests who prefer to have a drink at our Skyline Bar will have full views of the fireworks.”
Federica Brugnara, director of sales & marketing at Andaz Singapore, said that bookings have doubled on the back of the NDP hype. The hotel will be rolling out special in-room picnic baskets for guests to enjoy the parade and fireworks display from the comfort and safety of their rooms.
Usha Brockmann, director of communications at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, also told TTG Asia that they have seen a rise in booking enquiries for the long weekend period.
The hotel is located within close proximity to the venue set for the NDP, with a selection of rooms and suites facing the Marina Bay area, allowing guests to catch the National Day action from the comfort of their room, Brockmann said.
Some hotels near the bay area will remain as dedicated government quarantine facilities over the National Day period and will not be able to capitalise on the spike in interest as they are unable to accept any leisure bookings.
Radisson Blu heads to China’s Changyuan
Radisson Hotel Group continues to extend its footprint in China with the signing of a new Radisson Blu property in Changyuan, a rapidly emerging city in Henan province.
Scheduled to open in 4Q2024, Radisson Blu Hotel, Changyuan will form part of a major new mixed-use project in Puxi, the city’s new CBD, surrounded by office buildings, retail malls, residences and conference facilities.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Changyuan will offer 280 rooms and suites ranging from 42 to 84m² in size, each featuring king or twin beds, contemporary interiors, and connected workspaces. Facilities will include an all-day dining destination and Chinese restaurant, lobby lounge, an indoor swimming pool, and fitness centre. For corporate and social events, the hotel will offer eight function spaces including a 1,000m² ballroom.
Being developed by Henan Xunchi Real Estate Co., part of the Yilong Group, Radisson Blu Hotel, Changyuan will become the brand’s second location in Henan, following Radisson Blu Hotel, Zhengzhou Huiji.
HVS details steps to reboot India’s inbound tourism
As tourism gradually reopens, India faces a long road to regaining its share of international arrivals in the post-Covid era, said a report by HVS.
The report’s authors, Mandeep S Lamba and Dipti Mohan, called the Indian government’s recent announcement of its plan to provide free visas to the first 500,000 tourists once international travel resumes in the country as “a first step in the right direction to encourage inbound tourism”, but added that it will be a slow road to recovery for the country’s tourism.
Given the significant negative publicity India received in the global press during the pandemic, the country “will have to work much harder to regain its pre-Covid share and then grow beyond it”, the authors wrote.
With safety and health being of paramount importance to the post-pandemic traveller, India would have suffered a setback to its reputation as a tourist destination from its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic even after the devasting second wave in the country.
It is, therefore, critical that the entire tourism fraternity – government, public sector, private sector, and even the citizens – come together as one to rebuild traveller confidence and put India back on the global tourism map.
The report detailed four measures to help the country regain its competitive advantage:
1. Health, safety, and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour should be non-negotiable. Ensuring that all stakeholders, including tourists, follow the Covid-safety guidelines to the tee is of primary importance to rebuilding international tourist confidence and trust. Hotel and restaurant managers need to strictly ensure social distancing and other Covid safety measures at their premises and even refuse entry to patrons who are not following the guidelines.
2. The vaccination drive in the country has gained momentum and the government plans to vaccinate the majority of the population by the end of this year. However, the government and the private sector should collaborate to ensure that all tourism-sector employees – from hotel staff to tourist guides and cab drivers – are fully inoculated as a priority.
3. Along with creating a reboot plan, the government should introduce effective marketing campaigns, showcasing India as a ‘safe’ destination. The campaigns should communicate the Covid safety measures being implemented at tourist destinations, including the fact that all travel employees are fully inoculated.
These campaigns should also highlight that healthcare facilities, infrastructure, as well as amenities at airports and railway stations, have been augmented due to the pandemic, which will enhance the perception of India as a safe and attractive destination. It is also perhaps time for India to extend the 24×7 multilingual tourist helpline to be a ‘911’-like service.
4. Effective destination management can help reduce overcrowding. Tourists as well as the hospitality industry are eager to go back to normal, but we need to ensure that it is done in a phased manner so that we can avoid the third wave.
This is perhaps the right time for the authorities to evaluate global best practices, establish models based on international guidelines, and implement strategies for effective destination management to strike the much-needed balance between tourism and sustainability.
Koh Samui’s tourism hopes pinned on international travellers
Thailand’s island-focused international travel reopening plan is set to roll out in Koh Samui on July 15.
Unlike the Phuket Sandbox programme for vaccinated travellers, the Samui Plus sealed-route will test the water with a hybrid approach of three days in a hotel quarantine scenario and then allowing visitors island-wide free access from the fourth day onwards.
In anticipation of overseas travellers flying to the holiday island, over 60 hotels have been certified in the SHA Plus safety and health programme, according to hospitality consulting group C9 Hotelworks’ research.
Gateway carrier Bangkok Airways has confirmed three domestic daily ‘sealed route’ flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport starting in the middle of the month. International Samui Plus visitors will be required to fly via Bangkok and transit on these designated flights.
Koh Samui’s island economy is heavily dependent on tourism with over 600 registered tourism establishments and nearly 24,000 rooms. The impact of the pandemic can best be highlighted when looking at the airlift, comparing pre-pandemic 2019 and the onset and ongoing impact of Covid-19 which saw airline passenger traffic drop 64 per cent year-on-year.
Speaking about the process of a gradual stepped programme for accepting overseas arrivals, C9 Hotelworks managing director Bill Barnett said that “the learnings from the first week of the Phuket Sandbox will likely follow a similar pattern. Over 2,300 international arrivals have come to the island with more than 140,000 confirmed hotel nights booked in SHA Plus hotels through August. Demand has remained strong and is now demonstrated, which bodes well for Koh Samui’s chances.”
He added that “an ancillary impact of the Sandbox is the restoration of regularly scheduled direct flights between the two islands from July 16, starting with four flights a week this month and becoming daily in August. In analysing tourism, we look to the sky for answers as the logical starting point, and this increased airlift is a key driver for the tourism economy”.
Moving to the outlook for the island’s lodging industry, C9 Hotelworks’ new Koh Samui Hotel Market Update points out that the likely recovery journey will be top-down, with many travellers taking advantage of competitive rates in luxury and upscale tier hotels. C9 is forecasting the short- to medium-term impact to be in rising demand at the expense of room rates as travellers tend to historically trade up in post-crisis travel.
STR’s area director for Asia Pacific Jesper Palmqvist noted that since the start of the crisis in 2Q2020, there has been three hotel peak periods in Koh Samui – mid-October 2020 during the long weekend, New Year’s Eve, and the Songkran holiday where occupancies reached close to 50 per cent. “These spikes in demand came from the domestic market and once the international factor comes into play, more stability will evolve,” he said.
While Thailand’s tourism fortunes remain highly focused on islands, Barnett highlighted that “it’s important to remember that Koh Samui and Phuket remain only small pieces of a bigger puzzle” and that “until the entire country gets better, the sandbox remains a relatively small stage”.
Singapore agency Monster Day Tours has launched a series of new tours in line with National Day, with all proceeds from tours conducted in August to go directly towards their tourist guides who have been impacted by the pandemic.
The Game Maniac Series is an immersive puzzle hunt experience, where participants have to decipher clues by solving mind-boggling puzzles. Participants can choose from two locations: Chinatown and Fort Canning.
For the month of August, the agency is offering a promotional price for the Game Maniac Series at S$56 (US$41) for 2 pax (U.P. S$80).
Foodies can join the UNESCO Hawker Food Tour which brings participants on a journey to learn more about Singapore’s hawker culture, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and try dishes from popular hawker stalls, including those who made it on to the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.
For the month of August, the agency is offering a promotional price for the UNESCO Hawker Food Tour at S$56 for 2 pax (U.P. S$100).
Monster Day Tours is also offering S$5.60 off all its virtual tours and events for the month of August; as well as a special treat onboard its best-selling tour, The Southern Islands Discovery Sail, on specific sail dates in August.
Additionally, all participants who have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine will receive a free gift on all tours conducted in August.