Global Travel News

Singapore Tourism Board Joins PATA as Newest National Government Member

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Singapore Tourism Board Joins PATA as Newest National Government Member - VisitSinagpore.org - TRAVELINDEXSingapore, Singapore, February 21, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to welcome the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) as its newest government member. STB’s mission is to shape a dynamic tourism landscape for Singapore in partnership with industry and community.

• Discover Singapore with VisitSingapore.org, a travel guide to Singapore

PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera said, “I am truly honoured to welcome the Singapore Tourism Board to the PATA family. 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.”

Keith Tan, Chief Executive, STB said, “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.”

The STB is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore. It champions the development of Singapore’s tourism sector, one of the country’s key service sectors and economic pillars, and undertakes the marketing and promotion of Singapore as a tourism destination.

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 continues to market Singapore’s multi-faceted appeal as a premier business and leisure destination, and offer empowering and customised experiences. The organisation brings the “Passion Made Possible” brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. This is a unified brand between STB and Economic Development Board (EDB) which will allow the international marketing of Singapore for tourism and business purposes. 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.

• Discover Singapore with VisitSingapore.org, a travel guide to Singapore

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which including government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Kempinski Hotels to Manage Prestigious Luxury Hotel in Riyadh

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Kempinski Hotels to Manage Prestigious Luxury Hotel in Riyadh - TOURISMSAUDIARABIA.com - TRAVELINDEXRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 19, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Kempinski Hotels portfolio is steadily growing in the Middle East: With the signing of a management agreement for a prestigious luxury hotel in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, another milestone in the expansion of the international hotel group has been set. The upcoming five-star Kempinski Al Qeshan Hotel is being built in a prime location in the heart of the Al Olaya business district on the famous King Fahad Road, which is home to banks, elegant restaurants and fine boutiques.

• Discover Saudi Arabia tourism at TourismSaudiArabia.com

The hotel with 150 elegant rooms and suites as well as ten serviced apartments are planned to be built and opened in approximately four years. With this luxury hotel, the owner is not only focusing on technical and structural sustainability but also has included a full green façade in his plans. While one complete floor of the 35-storey building is reserved for an exclusive ladies’ spa and one for a men’s spa, guests can indulge in culinary delights in two high-class restaurants or admire the skyline of the metropolis from the rooftop lounge and terrace with a pool of the luxury hotel.

“With Sheikh Abdul Kareem Abdullah Al Qeshan, an extremely successful businessman in the cementitious and construction industry, we have found an ideal partner who, like us, places the highest demands on quality and relies on a prime location,” says Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Board Kempinski AG. “The country’s financial capital signifies an important step in our growth plans in the Kingdom. Following other projects in our development pipeline in Al Madinah, Makkah and Yanbu, as well as our already successfully operating Kempinski Hotel Al Othman in Al Khobar, we look forward to welcoming guests to the capital of Saudi Arabia in the future. We foresee an increasing demand for business travel as well as a growing appetite for leisure retreats in 5-star hotels, all aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which is to attract 100 million annual visitors by 2030.”

And Sheikh Abdul Kareem Abdullah Al Qeshan commented: “Thanks to unlimited support from our Kingdom to businessmen, Al Queshan successfully continues to invest in the Eastern region of our country. In expanding and diversifying my investments by building a five-star luxury hotel, I am keeping the pace of the Kingdom’s renaissance and its Vision 2030 led by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The signing of this agreement with Kempinski Hotels, one of the leading luxury hospitality brands around the globe, marked a special day in the history of our company. We are looking forward to building this thirty-five floors luxury hotel under the name of Kempinski Al Qeshan Riyadh as one of the most important tourist landmarks and assuring the finest architectural and technical specifications in the most important location on King Fahd Road. Besides providing high-end hotel services to visitors to Riyadh, we will be also contributing to creating many jobs for our ambitious youth.”

• Discover Saudi Arabia tourism at TourismSaudiArabia.com

Located on a desert plateau, the city of Riyadh is a place where old-world charm meets modernity and visions of the future: Alongside fortresses steeped in history, palaces, museums and colourful souks visitors will find skyscrapers in the thriving financial district, the country’s best universities, state-of-the-art shopping centres as well as a growing arts and culture scene. As the economic, administrative and cultural centre, Riyadh is the most populous city in Saudi Arabia with 7.5 million inhabitants.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

New Projects to Set Scottish Tourism Sector on Road to Net Zero

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New Projects to Set Scottish Tourism Sector on Road to Net Zero - TRAVELINDEXEdinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom, February 19, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Travel Foundation is working with VisitScotland and Scotland’s three economic development agencies on a package of COP26 legacy projects that will further establish Scotland’s tourism sector as a global leader in the race to net zero.

As part of the Destination Net Zero programme, funded through the Scottish Government’s Tourism Recovery Programme and developed by the Scottish Tourism Emergency Response Group (STERG), the projects will accelerate climate action within the sector, while sharing the lessons so that destinations worldwide can also benefit.

It follows on from the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, launched at COP26, which both VisitScotland and the Travel Foundation helped draft, and which the latter is now delivering in partnership with the UN’s World Tourism Organisation.

Nationally, the Travel Foundation will work with place-making agency TOPOSOPHY to help Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, VisitScotland and other stakeholders to develop their Destination Net Zero Action Plan. The plan will outline the next phases of support for Scotland’s tourism industry to enable further progress towards net zero.

Regionally, the Travel Foundation will work with VisitScotland and the three enterprise agencies to launch pilot schemes in Glasgow, the Outer Hebrides, and Inverness & Loch Ness to support destinations to develop climate action plans.

Adding a tactical approach, the Travel Foundation and VisitScotland are working with a major tour operator, The Travel Corporation, on a pilot project that will be instrumental in developing a practical sector framework for addressing Scope 3 emissions in tourism – those that occur in the tourism value chain, such as accommodations, ground transport and food production. The Travel Corporation’s Scottish based brands include Haggis Adventures, Highland Explorer Tours and The Skye Inn, in addition to group touring brands such as Contiki, Trafalgar and Insight Vacations and Red Carnation Hotel group, which is opening the 5-star 100 Princes Street in Edinburgh later this year. The Travel Corporation has recently developed an internal carbon calculator that will help with Scope 3 estimates and be integral to setting the group’s carbon reduction targets.

Both pilot projects will be supported by behaviour change experts BehaviorSMART who will recommend innovative ways to “design out” carbon-intensive business practices and customer behaviours.

It is anticipated that the new processes, tools and trainings from each of these projects can be applied across Scotland and will support global efforts, through the Glasgow Declaration initiative, to help travel and tourism organisations plan a pathway towards net zero. The Glasgow Declaration already has support from more than 500 businesses and organisations, including The Travel Corporation which was a launch signatory for the declaration at COP26.

Tourism Minister Ivan McKee said:

“Destination Net Zero will play an important role in helping support Scotland’s tourism sector transition to a low carbon future through globally recognised leadership in responsible, sustainable managed growth.

“Our ambitious climate targets align with our intention for Scotland to be world leading in 21st century tourism as set out in Scotland Outlook 2030, our national tourism strategy.”

Jeremy Sampson, CEO of The Travel Foundation, said:

“Scotland has adopted a leadership role on climate action in tourism, and the work we are doing now will improve understanding of – and hopefully resolve – some of the challenges that all destinations are facing as they plan their transition towards net zero. It is important that other destinations follow in Scotland’s footsteps, and we hope these initiatives will create useful tools, guidance and a way forward.”

Malcolm Roughead OBE, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said:

“As the first national tourism organisation to declare a climate emergency, we have long been committed to leading the development of Scotland as a responsible destination. Climate change is one of the biggest long-term challenges facing the tourism sector. We must take action if we want to preserve and enhance Scotland’s natural and built assets to create an environment which benefits communities, businesses and our visitors. Through the Destination Net Zero programme, we want to support tourism businesses on their journey to net zero. By working together, we can help Scotland become a world-class destination, and the best destination for responsible tourism​.”

Shannon Guihan, Chief Sustainability Officer & Head of TreadRight at The Travel Corporation said:

“As we embark on our own ambitious path to reduce our carbon, the need to engage directly with progressive destinations is clear to us. We, as the visitor and Scotland, as the host in this case, can identify practical steps to address our Scope 3 emissions, addressing the challenge from the perspective of supply and demand jointly rather than in our own silos. Our brands such as Haggis Adventures, Highland Explorer Tours, Trafalgar and more are dedicated to operationalising Scotland’s own net zero ambitions.”

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Raises Its Voice for Peace

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UNWTO - Tourism Raises Its Voice for Peace - TRAVELINDEXMadrid, Spain, February 19, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, people, as well as our whole societies and economies, have suffered enough. We cannot afford for this to continue. We must rebuild and look to the future with hope, not fear.

Peace and mutual understanding are essential ingredients for recovery. Now is the time to work together, and for diplomacy instead of conflict in all parts of the world. We must not allow political tensions to turn into a man-made crisis that will undermine our collective progress.

Tourism is the main bridge for building understanding. It has a unique ability to promote peace between and among peoples everywhere.

Tourism is the main bridge for building understanding. It has a unique ability to promote peace between and among peoples everywhere. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) stands firmly with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his call for all countries to settle disputes through peaceful means and not through conflict, and that they respect international security and justice at all times.

As a part of the UN, giving a voice to people of all regions, backgrounds and nationalities, UNWTO also believes that the spirit of international solidarity and shared values that define not just tourism but also our common humanity will prevail. We also hope that diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict continue and succeed.

Zurab Pololikashvili
Secretary-General

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Adventure Awaits in Dominica, the Caribbean’s Nature Island

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Adventure Awaits in Dominica, the Caribbean’s Nature Island - TRAVELINDEXRoseau, Dominica, February 18, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski Dominica, a five-star resort nestled within one of Dominica’s pristine national parks and lush ecosystems, is the ideal base from which to explore the natural beauty of this stunning, untouched Caribbean Island. The world’s second-largest hot spring, Boiling Lake, is a must-see natural attraction, and the island’s thriving coral reefs are bucket-list-worthy for avid divers and snorkellers. Home to three national parks, two forest reserves and 365 rivers, the island offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Now it is even easier to reach the island with the recent launch of American Airlines’ nonstop flights from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Douglas-Charles International Airport (DOM). Flights operates three times weekly and serve as the only nonstop link from the United States to Dominica.

“With the new direct airlift from Miami, paired with our special Discover Dominica offer, we invite guests to get out and explore all that this incredible destination has to offer,” said Resort Manager Pascale Selwan. “Our resort provides the best of both worlds: an idyllic location within Cabrits National Park, combined with unparalleled five-star service and luxurious resort amenities.”

The resort’s concierge can arrange guided group and private tours to some of the island’s most famous natural attractions such as Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge and the hot spring Ti Kwen Glo Cho. This impressive cave is home to a hidden waterfall and even served as a film location for the second ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film. After a day of exploring, guests can return to the resort for some well-deserved relaxation, unwinding in the full-service Kempinski The Spa, dining on international cuisine and cooling off in one of four refreshing swimming pools.

The Discover Dominica package includes:
– Luxurious accommodations
– Daily buffet breakfast at Cabrits Market
– Day trip to Titou Gorge, including 45 minutes at Ti Kwen Glo Cho Natural Spa
Rates start from 466 USD per night. This offer is available for stays of three nights or longer, is subject to availability and is valid until 31 December, 2022, with free cancellation up to seven days prior to arrival.

About Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica
Situated in Douglas Bay on the northwest side of the island, Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica provides a breath-taking panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea as well as easy access to explore the island’s countless waterfalls, natural hot springs and 365 rivers, one for each day of the year. All 151 rooms, suites, duplexes and one Presidential Villa are luxuriously appointed. Resort features include two distinctive restaurants for local and international cuisine, including farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining, and a bar; an 18,000 sq. ft spa; four pools; six beach cabanas; modern fitness facilities; two tennis courts; a children’s club and on-site water sports. More than 8,000 sq. ft of events space, including three meeting rooms, a boardroom and an outdoor amphitheatre provide options for executive retreats, weddings and celebrations.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UK Tourism Sector to Hit £192 billion if Government Keeps Borders Open

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UK Tourism Sector to Hit £192 billion if Government Keeps Borders Open - TRAVELINDEXLondon, United Kingdom, February 18, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / New data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) shows the UK’s Travel & Tourism sector is recovering, with the country’s GDP predicted to rise to £192 billion, just 19% below pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

The global tourism body forecasts a healthy recovery for the UK Travel & Tourism sector if travel restrictions and unnecessary testing protocols remain off limits for the rest of the year.

According to the latest research, it could also mean a net gain in jobs for the sector, with a rise of 1.7% on pre pandemic levels, resulting in some 4.3 million people being employed within Travel & Tourism by the end of the year, 70,000 more than in 2019.

This latest WTTC data will come as welcome news to the country’s battle-scarred Travel & Tourism sector as it looks forward to travel returning.

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travel & Tourism to and from the UK is poised for a full recovery. By the end of this year, we estimate its contribution to national economy could reach £192 billion.

“While the UK was one of the worst hit in terms of the sector’s contribution to GDP, the future is looking positive. But this will depend on the government keeping to its pledge to re-open UK Plc and not reintroducing the chaotic travel restrictions that actually had zero impact on the spread of the virus.”

Last week, research from WTTC revealed that as the world began its recovery from pandemic, the sector’s contribution to both the global economy and employment could reach almost pre-pandemic levels this year.

It forecasts that the global Travel & Tourism sector’s contribution to the global economy could reach $8.6 trillion this year, just 6.4% behind pre-pandemic levels.

WTTC has long urged governments to support vaccine and booster rollouts with repealing restrictive and ineffective travel restrictions.

This would help reboot the Travel & Tourism sector to pre-pandemic levels and restore jobs to just 1% below levels last seen in 2019.

• Read all the latest WTTC News and Updates here.

The global tourism body also urges governments around the world to remove the patchwork of restrictions, allow the fully vaccinated to travel freely and enable international travel using digital solutions that allow travellers to prove their status in a fast, simple and secure way.

First published at TravelCommunication.net – Global Travel News

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IATA Travel Momentum Builds as Restrictions are Lifted

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IATA Travel Momentum Builds as Restrictions are Lifted - AIRLINEHUB.com - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, February 18, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data showing growing momentum in the recovery of air travel as restrictions are lifted. IATA reported a sharp 11-percentage point increase for international tickets sold in recent weeks (in proportion to 2019 sales).

– In the period around 8 February (7 day moving average) the number of tickets sold stood at 49% of the same period in 2019.
– In the period around 25 January (7 day moving average) the number of tickets sold stood at 38% of the same period in 2019.
– The 11-percentage point improvement between the January and February periods is the fastest such increase for any two-week period since the crisis began.

Progressive Alleviation of COVID-19 Measures

The jump in ticket sales comes as more governments announce a relaxation of COVID-19 border restrictions. An IATA survey of travel restrictions for the world’s top 50 air travel markets (comprising 92% of global demand in 2019 as measured by revenue passenger kilometers) revealed the growing access available to vaccinated travelers.

– 18 markets (comprising about 20% of 2019 demand) are open to vaccinated travelers without quarantine or pre-departure testing requirements.
– 28 markets are open to vaccinated travelers without quarantine requirements (including the 18 markets noted above). This comprises about 50% of 2019 demand.
– 37 markets (comprising about 60% of 2019 demand) are open to vaccinated travelers under varying conditions (18 having no restrictions, others requiring testing or quarantine or both).

These numbers reflect a spate of relaxations announced around the world, including in Australia, France, the Philippines, the UK, Switzerland, and Sweden among them.

“Momentum toward normalizing traffic is growing. Vaccinated travelers have the potential to travel much more extensively with fewer hassles than even a few weeks ago. This is giving growing numbers of travelers the confidence to buy tickets. And that is good news! Now we need to further accelerate the removal of travel restrictions. While recent progress is impressive, the world remains far from 2019 levels of connectivity. Thirteen of the top 50 travel markets still do not provide easy access to all vaccinated travelers. That includes major economies like China, Japan, Russia, Indonesia, and Italy,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

IATA continues to call for:

– Removing all travel barriers (including quarantine and testing) for those fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine,
– Enabling quarantine-free travel for non-vaccinated travelers with a negative pre-departure antigen test result,
– Removing travel bans, and,
– Accelerating the easing of travel restrictions in recognition that travelers pose no greater risk for COVID-19 spread than already exists in the general population.

“Travel restrictions have had a severe impact on people and on economies. They have not, however, stopped the spread of the virus. And it is time for their removal as we learn to live and travel in a world that will have risks of COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. This means putting a stop to the singling out of the traveling population for special measures. In nearly all cases, travelers don’t bring any more risk to a market than is already there. Many governments have recognized this already and removed restrictions. Many more need to follow,” said Walsh.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Mandarin Oriental Signs Multi-Islands Resort in Maldives

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Mandarin Oriental Signs Multi-Islands Resort in Maldives

South Male Atoll, Maldives, February 17, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a new resort on a private island in The Maldives that is scheduled to open in 2025. The resort is currently under development on a pristine Indian Ocean site and will stretch across three private islands on Bolidhuffaru Reef in South Male Atoll, accessed by an easy 20-minute speedboat ride from Male’s Velana international airport.

• Discover Maldives and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Surrounded by white sand beaches and the vibrant coral reefs for which The Maldives is renowned, the resort will provide a picturesque backdrop from which to enjoy a variety of activities including wellness experiences and watersports.

The accommodation comprises 120 stand-alone villas, made up of 56 overwater villas and 64 beachfront villas, including 10 branded Residences at Mandarin Oriental. Ranging in size from 200 to 1,000 square metres, the villas will be some of the largest in the market, each providing exclusivity and seclusion, with private pools and sweeping ocean views. The Group is working with a number of international consultants to ensure sustainability best practises are followed in all stages of the development.

Six dining outlets, including three speciality restaurants and a sunset bar, will ensure that guests have a varied choice of venues during their stay. In addition, creative indoor and outdoor event space will provide unique locations for meetings, social gatherings and weddings.

Spacious wellness facilities will be located in the resort’s tropical gardens, and will include 12 treatment suites, vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms as well as a beauty salon. Mandarin Oriental’s expert team of wellness practitioners will offer tailored experiences and the Group’s signature treatments.

• Discover Maldives and the World’s Best Luxury Hotels with Prestigious Hotel Awards at Top25Hotels.com

Additional leisure activities will include a watersports and dive centre, tennis courts, a kids and teens club, a swimming pool and numerous private coves and beaches to explore.

The 34-hectare site is being developed by DAMAC Properties, part of Dubai-based DAMAC Group, one of the world’s foremost luxury real estate developers.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Avolon and AirAsia Partner to Create Transformational Ride Sharing Platform

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Avolon and AirAsia Partner to Create Transformational Ride Sharing Platform

Dublin, Ireland, February 17, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, today announces that one of the world’s leading airline groups, AirAsia Aviation Group Limited (AirAsia), has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to lease a minimum of 100 VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Avolon.

These eVTOL aircraft will allow AirAsia to further revolutionise air travel by providing advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers, transforming how we all connect more efficiently in our everyday lives.

In addition to the eVTOL aircraft, Avolon, through its investment and innovation affiliate Avolon-e, will partner with AirAsia to commercialise zero-emissions eVTOL aircraft and develop an industry leading urban air mobility (‘UAM’) platform in Southeast Asia. Avolon and AirAsia will form a working group to pursue local certification, research potential market opportunities and infrastructure requirements for UAM. AirAsia will also leverage its successful travel and lifestyle mobile app, the AirAsia Super App, to help support and build an eVTOL ride sharing platform with Avolon.

Avolon VX4 Order book
In June 2021, Avolon ordered 500 VX4 eVTOL aircraft from Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) (‘Vertical’), valued at US $2 billion. Since announcing that order, Avolon placed 250 VX4 aircraft with Gol and Grupo Comporte in Brazil, up to 100 aircraft with Japan Airlines in Japan, and a minimum of 100 aircraft with AirAsia. As a result, Avolon has now placed up to 90% of its initial orderbook, underlining the demand for VX4 aircraft from the world’s leading airlines.

Dómhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon commented: “Tony Fernandes is an aviation pioneer who has built AirAsia into one of the leading airlines in the world and has now also created Southeast Asia’s fastest growing Super App anchored on travel. We are delighted to partner with AirAsia who share our vision of revolutionising the future of air travel. We look forward to working with Tony, and the AirAsia team, on their eVTOL journey. Together we will develop a ride sharing 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 Fernandes, CEO of Capital A commented: “Innovation has always been in our DNA and using technology to look at more efficient and sustainable ways of doing things is a core focus across Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group). We are now much more than just an airline with over 20 products and services on our super app leveraging off each other including flights, hotels, food, retail, delivery, ride hailing and more. I am truly excited about this partnership between Avolon and AirAsia and the potential for zero-emissions ultra-short-haul air travel in Southeast Asia. The digital era is now. In the VX4, we have identified what we believe will be the eVTOL aircraft of choice and we are thrilled to be the launch airline for the aircraft in Southeast Asia. We are also delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with Avolon, which has a proven track record of delivering for its customers and is in sync with our goal to become the leading one stop travel and delivery platform in Asean.”

Stephen Fitzpatrick, CEO of Vertical commented: “We are delighted that AirAsia is the latest leading airline committing to lease our zero-emissions VX4 aircraft. AirAsia provides many fantastic opportunities to travel around some of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world, and I am thrilled that we will be bringing zero emissions flight to people all across Asia.”

About VX4 eVTOL Aircraft
VX4 eVTOL Aircraft The four passenger, one pilot VX4 is projected to have speeds up to 200mph, a range over100 miles, near silent when in flight, zero operating emissions and low cost per passenger mile. The VX4 is expected to open up advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers and transform how we travel. Find out more: vertical-aerospace.com

About Avolon
Headquartered in Ireland, with offices in the United States, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai, Avolon provides aircraft leasing and lease management services. Avolon is 70% owned by an indirect subsidiary of Bohai Leasing Co., Ltd., a public company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SLE: 000415) and 30% owned by ORIX Aviation Systems, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation which is listed on the Tokyo and New York Stock Exchanges (TSE: 8591; NYSE: IX). Avolon is the world’s second largest aircraft leasing business with an owned, managed and committed fleet, as of 31 December 2021 of 824 aircraft.

About Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace is pioneering electric aviation. The company was founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick, an established entrepreneur best known as the founder of the Ovo Group, a leading energy and technology group and Europe’s largest independent energy retailer. Over the past five years, Vertical has focused on building the most experienced and senior team in the eVTOL industry, who have over 1,700 combined years of engineering experience, and have certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems.

Vertical’s top-tier partner ecosystem is expected to de-risk operational execution and its pathway to certification allows for a lean cost structure and enables production at scale. Vertical has a market-leading pre-order book (by value) for a total of up to 1,350 aircraft from American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow and Iberojet, which includes conditional pre-order options from Virgin Atlantic and Marubeni, and in doing so, is creating multiple potential near term and actionable routes to market.

About AirAsia Aviation Group Ltd (AAAGL)
AAAGL is the holding company that oversees all airlines in Capital A (formerly AirAsia Group Berhad), as well as related international support functions including AirAsia Consulting, shared corporate services division AirAsia SEA, the Santan food group and the ground handling services joint venture business called GTR.

About Capital A
Capital A is an investment holding company with a portfolio of synergistic travel and lifestyle businesses that leverage data and technology to deliver the best value at the lowest cost, supported by high quality data and one of Asia’s leading brands that remains committed to serving the underserved.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

International Visitor Arrival Numbers to Increase Across Asia Pacific in 2022

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International Visitor Arrival Numbers to Increase Across Asia Pacific in 2022

Bangkok, Thailand, February 17, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Following on from the release of the Executive Summary at the end of last month, the PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2022-2024 Full Report released today by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) predicts annual changes in international visitor arrivals (IVAs) across the region to turn positive versus 2021 IVAs under each of the mild, medium, and severe scenarios in 2022, with growth rates ranging between 126% and 84%.

The increase in the absolute number of international visitor arrivals 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. The forecasted increases in inbound visitor numbers in 2022, for example, still only return them to 23-45% 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.

As noted by PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera, “Our latest forecast report numbers, based on data current as of November 2021 reviewed in conjunction with our recent research advisory panel updates provided on Jan 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.”

“Destinations across Asia Pacific have been highly focussed on implementing health and safety measures. In parallel, 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 amongst 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,” added Ms Ortiguera.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2022-2024 Full Report is now available at www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/asia-pacific-visitor-forecasts-2022-2024-full-report.

What you will learn from this report:

– International visitor arrival forecasts for Asia Pacific between 2022 and 2024 by destination region, sub-region, and destination, highlighting changing demand preferences in the face of policy changes.
– Forecasts for 39 individual destinations by scenario allowing for the development of better recovery strategies for the post-COVID-19.
– Forecasts of travel demand from key source regions into each of 39 individual Asia Pacific destinations by scenario and by quarter and year.

PATA International members have exclusive access to the recording of the “PATA Visitor Forecasts 2022 to 2024’ webinar which included expert speakers from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Euromonitor International, and TCI Research. The speakers provided an overview of the forecasts for international arrivals to Asia Pacific between 2020 and 2024 as well as insights and analysis on Asia Pacific travel-related sentiment and consumer trends.

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which including government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News