Appointment announcement

Franck Droin appointed as general manager of Mandarin Oriental, Macau

Kristin Mariano Feb 23, 2023

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is delighted to announce the new appointment of Franck Droin as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Macau. In his new position, Franck will oversee…

Reopening updates

Macau expects surge in tourists during Chinese New Year

Kanchan Nath Jan 5, 2023

Macau is expecting a surge in Chinese tourists during the Chinese New Year holiday, after COVID prevention measures were dropped and the zero-COVID policy abandoned after nearly three years.…

Tourism

Macau resumes quarantine free travel with mainland China

Megha Paul Aug 5, 2022

Macau’s government said people could enter the neighbouring mainland Chinese city of Zhuhai without quarantine

Macau closes all casinos as it goes on new COVID-19 lockdown

Harry Johnson Jul 11, 2022

All "industries and commercial companies and venues in Macau" will remain suspended from Monday, July 11 until July 18" Macau closes all casinos as it goes on new COVID-19 lockdown

Tourism

Macau to lower quarantine period for Hong Kong and Taiwan travellers

Megha Paul Jun 15, 2022

The Macau government announced that the quarantine period for those entering from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other foreign regions will be shortened to 10 days of medical observation

Air

Macau cancels international flights for 14 days

Megha Paul Jan 10, 2022

Macau has cancelled all international flights and all inbound travellers outside of China for 14 days ending 23 January

World’s most disruptive sports tourism start-ups meet in Macau

Megha Paul Oct 15, 2019

The growing sports tourism sector took centre stage at the Global Tourism Economy Forum in Macau, SAR with the first 'SPORTSTECH' edition of the UN World Tourism Organisation’s Tourism…

China

Sands Macau turns on the Gallic charm

Alastair Newport Aug 15, 2019

Sands Resorts Macao has hosted an exclusive French dining experience at its Chiado restaurant, featuring cuisine by award-winning chef Hélène Darroze paired with wines from Château de…

Hospitality

Cor blimey: David Beckham and Sands’ USD 2.2 billion launch of The Londoner Macau

Alastair Newport May 9, 2019

David Beckham joined executives from Las Vegas Sands and Sands China Ltd on stage at The Venetian hotel in Macau yesterday, to bring some extra razzle-dazzle to the company’s USD 2.2 billion…

Hotels

High speed rail to boost MICE tourism in Macau

Mili Nov 7, 2018

With the recent launch of the high speed rail and the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HKZMB) Macau further strengthens its place as a relatively cheaper and convenient destination for…

Airlines and Aviation

Qatar Airways Cargo adds Macau to freight network

Alastair Newport Oct 18, 2018

Qatar Airways Cargo has announced that it has updated its international freight network this week, with the launch of services connecting North America and China.

Airlines and Aviation

Cebu Pacific adds direct flights between Cebu and Macau

Christian Tolentino Sep 25, 2018

Philippine-based airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), continues to grow its hubs with the announcement of a new route linking Cebu City to Macau.

Attractions & Tours

Strip off: Las Vegas vs Macau infographic

Alastair Newport Mar 15, 2018

When you think about going ‘all-in’ your first thought is probably Las Vegas as the capital of the casino world. Las Vegas is an entertainment packed city, perfect for those who want to…

Airlines and Aviation

Macau – Phuket : AirAsia launch nightspot connection

Alastair Newport Jan 10, 2018

AirAsia celebrated its inaugural flight from Macau - Phuket yesterday, a new route which marks AirAsia’s seventh destination to Macao. Macau - Phuket flight FD625, operated by Thai AirAsia,…

Travel Tech

GEG rolls out WeChat pay in Macau

Alastair Newport Nov 7, 2017 16

Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) launches a partnership with ICBC (Macau) and WeChat, making it the first hospitality and entertainment group in Macau to accept WeChat pay throughout its…

Airlines and Aviation

AsBAA applauds Macau government’s policy shift

Alastair Newport Nov 7, 2017 20

AsBAA, Asia’s non-profit representative trade body for business and general aviation, took a lead at the Macau Business Aviation Exhibition (MBAE2017) with announcements that there will be…

Attractions & Tours

Soda Panda’s guide to Macau’s hidden gems

Alastair Newport Oct 31, 2017 45

Guests of Sheraton Grand Macao Hotel, Cotai Central can discover the unique charms of Macao more than ever before. Sheraton Grand Macao is partnering with a talented team of local artists…

Hotels

The Parisian Macao’s Le Buffet Wins ‘Best Macau Casual Dining Restaurant’ Award

Alastair Newport Sep 11, 2017

The Parisian Macao’s Le Buffet restaurant has won the Best Macau Casual Dining Restaurant award at the Hong Kong Restaurant Interior Design Awards 2017 (HKRIDA), held in Hong Kong. Part…

Macau

Macau’s casino recovery continues

Mark Elliott May 3, 2017

Macau's gaming industry continues to rebound strongly, following the significant declines experienced over the last two years. According to the latest data from Macau’s Gaming…

Tourism Boards

Macau exceeds 30 million visitors, but mainland market stagnates

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2017

Macau welcomed more visitors last year, despite the fact that arrivals from mainland China remained almost flat. According to the full-year data from the Macao Government Tourism…

Attractions & Tours

Macau gaming rebound in full swing

Mark Elliott Jan 4, 2017

The recovery of Macau's lucrative gaming sector is now in full swing, after the city's casino revenues increased for a fifth consecutive month. Gaming revenues had fallen for 26…

Hotels

Wynn takes gamble on new Macau resort

Mark Elliott Aug 18, 2016

Steve Wynn, the US gaming giant, is preparing to launch his most expensive resort project to date. The US$4.2 billion Wynn Palace will officially open on Monday (22 August 2016),…

Hotels

Opening date revealed for Macau’s new Parisian resort

Mark Elliott Jul 27, 2016

Sands China, the Macanese subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands, has confirmed that its new French-themed integrated resort, the Parisian Macao, will open its doors on 13 September 2016. The new…

Hotels

Macau embraces French flair for its latest mega-resort

Mark Elliott Apr 26, 2016

It already allows guests to take gondola rides along an indoor Venetian canal, and soon, in its latest journey into European kitsch, Las Vegas Sands will offer visitors to Macau the chance…

Tourism Boards

Macau lures culture seekers with Taipa Village

Mark Elliott Apr 25, 2016

Macau is aiming to diversify its tourist offerings with the launch of a new campaign to promote the historic Taipa area of the city. The new 'Taipa Village - Authentic Macau' tourism…

Travel Tech

Macau partners Travelport to increase tourist traffic

Mark Elliott Apr 13, 2016

The Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has formed a new marketing partnership with Travelport, aimed at driving more visitors to the city. Under the agreement, Macau will push…

Hotels

Starwood opens first St Regis in Macau

Mark Elliott Dec 18, 2015

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has brought its luxury St Regis brand to Macau, as part of the Sands China's integrated resort complex. The new St Regis Macao Cotai Central becomes the…

Attractions & Tours

Eiffel Tower rises in Macau

Mark Elliott Oct 16, 2015

Structural work on a replica of the Eiffel Tower has been completed in Macau. The new monument forms part of The Parisian Macao, a new French-themed resort being developed by Sands…

Macau

MGM to bring Nikkei restaurant to Macau

Mark Elliott Aug 24, 2015

MGM China has announced the first restaurant for its new integrated resort in Macau, MGM Cotai. The new outlet, AJI, will offer the city's first taste of Nikkei cuisine - a fusion of…

Hotels

Marriott moves into Macau as Galaxy grows

Mark Elliott May 27, 2015

Marriott International has launched its first two hotels in Macau, as part of the expansion of the Galaxy Macau integrated resort. The new Ritz-Carlton Macau is an all-suite hotel…

Hotels

Macau commands Asia’s highest hotel rates – study

Mark Elliott May 8, 2015

Macau has emerged as the destination with highest hotel rates in Asia Pacific, according to a new report. The HRS Hotel Price Radar for the first quarter of 2015 found that Macau…

Hotels

Gaming slump hits Macau integrated resorts

Mark Elliott Apr 23, 2015

Macau’s major integrated resorts experienced a sharp decline in gaming revenues in the first quarter of 2015. Casinos contribute approximately 85% of total revenues at Macau’s…

Hotels

Gaming decline hits Galaxy Macau profits

Mark Elliott Apr 16, 2015

Macau's Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) experienced a sharp drop in revenues and profits in the first quarter of 2015, as income from the company’s casinos declined. The group, which…

Hotels

MGM secures US$3bn credit for Macau project

Mark Elliott Apr 8, 2015

MGM China has agreed a new credit facility that will enable the company to continue with plans to develop its new integrated resort on Macau's Cotai Strip. The group has confirmed a…

Hotels

Marriott prepares for double debut in Macau

Mark Elliott Mar 19, 2015

Marriott International has opened bookings for its two new luxury hotels in Macau. The new JW Marriott Macau and Ritz-Carlton Macau are both set to open in 27 May 2015, as part of the…

Hotel Management Company

Roosevelt hotel to open in Macau

Mark Elliott Feb 27, 2015

The famous Hollywood Roosevelt hotel in Los Angeles is coming to Macau, with the launch of the new Roosevelt Macau, close to the Cotai Strip. The new property is being billed as a “jetset…

Hotels

Galaxy Macau doubles in size with US$5.5bn expansion

Mark Elliott Jan 23, 2015

Galaxy Macau will double in size following an investment of HK$43 billion (US$5.5bn) in two new developments. Boosting the integrated resort’s footprint to 1.1 million square metres, the…

Tourism Boards

Macau opens new tourism office in India

Mark Elliott Jan 22, 2015

The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) will open a new representative office in India this month. Following a representative recruitment drive launched in 2014, MGTO selected VFS…

Hotels

St Regis rises in Macau

Mark Elliott Dec 1, 2014

Sands China and Starwood have reached a major milestone in the development of the first ever St Regis hotel in Macau. The project recently celebrated its 'topping out', as the new…

Attractions & Tours

New role-play park to open in Macau

Mark Elliott Nov 17, 2014

A new attraction will open in Macau next year, which is being billed as Asia's first 'live action role-play ' theme park. Covering more than 9,000m² at the Sands Cotai Central resort…

Hotels

Macau hotel buys world’s biggest Rolls-Royce fleet

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2014

A new luxury hotel in Macau has placed the world's largest order for Rolls-Royce Phantoms. The deal for 30 'extended wheelbase' Phantoms by the Louis XIII hotel in Macau represents…

Hotels

Gaming revenues surge in Macau through H1

Mark Elliott Aug 20, 2014

Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (CEG) has reported strong financial growth this year, driven by strong growth in Macau’s mass market gaming market. Group revenues increased 25%…

Airlines and Aviation

Open skies between Macau and Taiwan

Mark Elliott Feb 19, 2014

The aviation authorities in Macau and Taiwan have signed a new Air Services Agreement (ASA), offering unlimited capacity on routes between the two territories. The new deal, which has…

Hotels

Ice World event opens in Macau

Mark Elliott Nov 21, 2013

The Venetian Macao has launched its annual Ice World festival, in tandem with animation company DreamWorks. The integrated resort has invited ice artists from northern Chinese city of…

Airlines and Aviation

Air Macau to fly to Zhengzhou

Mark Elliott Sep 11, 2013

Air Macau and Henan Airport Group have announced at a joint press conference that the carrier is to commence direct services from Macau to Zhengzhou on 23 September. Zheng Yan,…

Attractions & Tours

DreamWorks launches at Sands Macau

Mark Elliott Jul 2, 2013

The Sands Cotai Central integrated resort in Macau is now home to a major new attraction, the 'DreamWorks Experience'. Launched on 1 July 2013, the new family attraction follows a…

Tourism Boards

Macau confident of tourism growth

Mark Elliott Jun 10, 2013

Macau’s new tourism director is confident international tourism numbers into the region will increase despite a dip in long-haul travel for Brits earlier this year. Speaking in…

Hotels

MGM to develop US$2.5bn resort in Macau

Oct 18, 2012 16

MGM Resorts International has received permission to develop a new US$2.5 billion gaming resort on Macau's Cotai Strip. Through its 51%-owned subsidiary, MGM China , the company will create…

Hotels

World’s largest Sheraton opens in Macau

Sep 21, 2012 15

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has opened its largest hotel - the 3,896-room Sheraton Macao Hotel Cotai Central. Consisting of two towers overlooking the Cotai Strip, the new hotel is also…

Hotels

Macau’s Melco plans Manila integrated resort

Jul 8, 2012 17

Macau-based casino operator, Melco Crown Entertainment has signed a deal to develop a new integrated resort in the Philippines.  The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Thursday…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia Philippines to launch HK, Macau flights

Jun 14, 2012 0

AirAsia Philippines will follow up the recent launch of its international flights with the start of services to Hong Kong and Macau. Earlier this month, the new low-cost carrier launched…

Macau

Ice festival returns to Macau

Apr 27, 2012 15

Ice World, Asia’s biggest indoor ice event, returns to the Venetian Macao next month. Following the inaugural event in 2011, Ice World returns from 19 May to 16 September 2012, transforming…

Hotels

Galaxy unveils second phase of Macau complex

Apr 26, 2012 12

Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEC) has announced its plans for the second phase of its integrated resort, Galaxy Macau. The next stage of development will almost double the size of Galaxy…

Macau

iVenture launches Macau visitor pass

Apr 24, 2012 15

iVenture Card has launched a new travel pass for visitors to Macau.The 'See Macau Pass' allows visitors to the city to choose from a list of offers by tourism operators such as TurboJET and…

Attractions & Tours

Macau gaming revenues hit new high

Mark Elliott Nov 1, 2011 17

Macau's gaming revenues climbed to a new monthly record of MOP26.85 billion (US$3.3 billion) last month, according to figures released yesterday by the city's Gaming Inspection &…

Tourism

Tourism Research Centre opens in Macau

Mark Elliott Oct 31, 2011 18

The Global Tourism Economy Research Centre opened in Macau on Saturday. The new centre is an independent, non-profit international research body that will aggregate and analyse research from…

Associations

Labour shortage in Macau threatens service standards

Mark Elliott Oct 10, 2011 16

A business leader has called on the government to relax strict employment policies in Macau, which is now encountering a labour shortage. Frederick Yip Wing Fat, President of the…

Tourism Boards

Macau targets Indian visitors with expanded offerings

Mark Elliott Sep 23, 2011

Macau tourism authorities have been told to forget growth and focus on value, if they are to boost numbers of Indian arrivals. Experts said that the destination needs more family-orientated…

Macau

Macau airport u-turns on negative growth

Mark Elliott Sep 23, 2011

Budget Airlines opening up across North Asia could be the saving grace for Macau International Airport. Since 2007, the airport has seen a steep decline in air traffic with a downturn in…

Attractions & Tours

Macau advised to target value before growth

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2011

Senado Square in Macau offers another side to the famous gaming city Macau tourism authorities have been told to forget growth and focus on value as they lead the travel industry…

Hotels

Grand opening for Banyan Tree Macau

Sep 10, 2011

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has marked the grand opening of its first Macau hotel. The Banyan Tree Macau, located at the US$2 billion Galaxy Macau integrated resort complex, first…

Hotels

Banyan Tree debuts in Macau

Sep 9, 2011

Banyan Tree made its debut in Macau yesterday with the opening of its new urban resort, located at the US$2 billion Galaxy Macau integrated resort. The Banyan Tree Macau offer 246 suites,…

Tourism

Macau arrivals up so far this year

Mark Elliott Aug 24, 2011

Macau has released tourism statistics for the first half of 2011, showing significant growth in arrivals. Data released by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) shows total visitor…

Hotels

Macau to welcome world’s largest Holiday Inn

Aug 8, 2011

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced plans to open a huge 1,224-room Holiday Inn hotel at the new Sands Cotai Central integrated resort. The franchise deal with Sands China Ltd…

Hotels

Hilton to launch Conrad in Macau

Aug 5, 2011

Hilton Worldwide and Sands China Ltd have announced the signing of a franchise agreement to open the first Conrad hotel in Macau. Comprising 636 rooms, the Conrad Macao, Cotai Strip is…

Hotels

Wynn Macau pays record prices for vases

Jul 11, 2011

Wynn Macau has purchased four Chinese porcelain vases for a staggering GBP7.99 million (US$12.8 million) - far exceeding the current world auction record for such items. The items, which…

China

Wynn Macau pays record price for vases

Mark Elliott Jul 11, 2011

Wynn Macau has purchased four Chinese porcelain vases for a staggering GBP7.99 million (US$12.8 million) - far exceeding the current world auction record for such items. The items, which…

Hotels

Hotel Okura Macau marks successful launch

Jul 6, 2011

More than 100 VIP guests from Japan, Hong Kong and across the region attended a ceremony on 2 July congratulating Hotel Okura Macau on the success of its opening in May this year. Guests…

Hotels

MGM closes Macau deal

Mark Elliott Jun 20, 2011

MGM Resorts International has announced that it has closed the private offering to Emerging Corporate Limited - an entity owned indirectly by Ms Pansy Ho, the daughter of Macau casino…

Australia

Macau launches Aussie ad campaign

Mark Elliott Jun 2, 2011

The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) is taking to the big screen this month to lure Australians to the Asian gaming city. In its latest advertising campaign, the MGTO will screen a…

Hotels

Galaxy Hotel Macau joins Worldhotels

May 9, 2011

Galaxy Hotel, the soon-to-open 1,500-room hotel at the Galaxy Macau integrated resort, has joined Worldhotels. Scheduled to open on 15 May, the new property will join its sister property,…

Macau

Macau tourist office bets on India

Mark Elliott Apr 26, 2011

The Macau Government Tourist Office had organised a Macau Mini Mart in Mumbai and New Delhi last week as a platform for India's leading travel agents and tour operators to network with their…

Serviced Apartments

Ascott to debut in Macau

Mark Elliott Apr 18, 2011

Ascott has signed a contract with China Overseas Property Limited to manage the first international brand of serviced residence in Macau. The serviced residence, slated to open in 2014,…

Airlines and Aviation

Spring Airlines launches Shanghai-Macau flights

Mark Elliott Apr 12, 2011

Spring Airlines, the Shanghai-based carrier, has launched a new services connecting Shanghai's Pudong International Airport with Macau. The carrier will serve the route daily, using its…

Airlines and Aviation

SEAIR launches Macau flights

Mark Elliott Apr 3, 2011

South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) has added its third international route, linking Clark, just north of the Philippine capital Manila, with Macau. Launched on 27 May 2011, the Philippine…

Hotels

Galaxy Macau to open on 15 May

Mar 10, 2011

Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) today announced that Galaxy Macau, the integrated destination resort in the Cotai entertainment area, will open on 15 May. Accommodation at Galaxy Macau…

Macau

Macau hits two million arrivals in January

Mark Elliott Feb 25, 2011

Visitor arrivals to Macau reached 2.08 million in January, up 1.4% year-on-year, according to data released this week by the city's Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). The number…

Macau

Macau operation boosts Wynn

Mark Elliott Feb 11, 2011

Wynn Resorts Ltd has reported a fourth quarter net profit of US$114.2 million. The result marked a return to profit for the company, which suffered a loss of US$5.2 million in the same…

Macau

Macau arrivals surge 15% in 2010

Mark Elliott Jan 21, 2011

Macau recorded almost 25 million visitor arrivals last year - an increase of 15% compared to 2009, the Macao Government Tourist Office (MGTO) said on Wednesday. Visitor numbers hit…

Attractions & Tours

Macau opens panda pavilion

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2011

Macau opened its new MOP90 million (US$11 million) panda pavilion on Tuesday, unveiling its two cuddly residents - Kai Kai and Xin Xin - to the public for the first time. Xinhua…

Events

Indian arrivals to Macau surge 120% in May

Mark Elliott Jul 14, 2010

Indian arrivals to Macau increased 120% in May 2010, compared to the same month in 2009. A total of 25,641 Indians headed to the former Portuguese colony in May this year,…

Macau

Macau package tour arrivals climb 20%

Mark Elliott Jun 15, 2010

Macau's package tour arrivals increased by 20.3% year-on-year in April 2010, figures released by the SAR's Statistics and Census Bureau have shown. More than 572,000 package…

Macau

Mandarin Oriental to launch Macau luxury residences

Mark Elliott Jun 14, 2010

Hong Kong, 14 June 2010 - Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced an agreement to brand and manage 56 luxurious residences and 36 apartments that are located above Mandarin…

Airlines and Aviation

Macau offers incentives for India airlines

Mark Elliott Jun 9, 2010

In a bid to attract Indian more tourists from India, Macau is offering incentives to the first airline to operate direct flights between India and the former Portuguese colony. These…

Corporate & Business

Macau hosts Asian Business Aviation event

Mark Elliott Jun 9, 2010

Macau plays host to the all new Asian Business Aviation event this week, where 12 of the world's leading business aircraft models will showcase at the Macau Business Aviation Centre at…

Hotels

Mandarin Oriental Macau introduces spa

Jun 6, 2010

Hong Kong, 4 June 2010 - The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Macau offers holistic rejuvenation and relaxation in a serene, meditative setting. With the most comprehensive range of wellness,…

Events

Macau events aim to lure Indian tourists

Mark Elliott Jun 1, 2010

The Macao Government Tourist Office (MGTO) has held a series of promotional activities in India, with the aim of tapping into the country's huge outbound tourism potential. Xinhua…

Global

New Mandarin Oriental Macau unveils F&B options

Mark Elliott Apr 26, 2010

Hong Kong, 26 April 2010 - Taking its place on the Macau Peninsula waterfront, the new Mandarin Oriental, Macau is set to open in mid-2010 bringing a range of stylish…

Global

Macau arrivals climb in March

Mark Elliott Apr 26, 2010

Visitor arrivals to Macau rose 6.7% year-on-year to 2.01 million in Match 2010, the city's Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) has reported. The former Portuguese colony was boosted by…

Global

Encore at Wynn Macau opens its doors

Mark Elliott Apr 21, 2010

MACAU, April 21 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Steve Wynn unveils Encore, his new, all-suites boutique hotel this afternoon at 5pm. Adjacent to sister resort Wynn Macau, Encore is…

Global

Airlines eye Macau operating licence

Mark Elliott Apr 12, 2010

Following the withdrawal of Viva Macau Airlines' Air Operating Certificate, Asian carriers are now reportedly looking into the opportunity of stepping into the breach, According to…

Global

Viva Macau winds down

Mark Elliott Apr 7, 2010

Viva Macau Airlines has closed its offices and is now seeking "an orderly and responsible winding down of the business", the airline has said in a statement. The move follows the…

Global

Wynn Macau to open Encore all-suite hotel

Mark Elliott Mar 31, 2010

Hong Kong, March 30, 2010 - Wynn Resorts continues to raise the standard for luxury resorts in Macau with the opening of Encore, its all-suites boutique hotel. The new…

Global

Air Macau launches Tokyo flights

Mark Elliott Mar 31, 2010

Air Macau has launched services to Tokyo Narita airport. The flights will be operated three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursday and Sundays, using its Airbus A319 aircraft…

Global

Viva Macau continues to refund passengers

Mark Elliott Mar 30, 2010

Viva Macau Airlines would like to thank all passengers affected by the recent flight cancellations for their patience and tolerance. We have activated our refund procedure to efficiently…

Global

Viva Macau’s Air Operating Certificate revoked

Mark Elliott Mar 30, 2010

The Macau SAR government has obtained Air Macau's consent to terminate its contract with Viva Macau. The move was announced at a press conference held by Macau's Tourism Crisis Management…

Global

Wynn Macau profits climbed 1.4% in 2009

Mark Elliott Mar 25, 2010

Wynn Macau Ltd has said that its net profits for 2009 rose 1.4% year-on-year, to HK$2.07 billion (US$267 million). According to a Bloomberg report, the company's sales fell 4.3% to…

Global

Business aviation event set for Macau

Mark Elliott Mar 19, 2010

Reed Exhibitions' brand new business aviation event in Macau is swiftly taking shape with confirmation of attendance from leading industry players. Gulfstream are the first to commit…

Global

Mandarin Oriental Macau to open in mid-2010

Mark Elliott Mar 4, 2010

Hong Kong, 4 March 2010 - A new landmark is set to open in mid-2010 on Macau's waterfront, representing the next era in elegant and sophisticated hotel accommodation. …

Global

Viva Macau teams up with CotaiJet

Mark Elliott Mar 1, 2010

Macau SAR - Viva Macau Airlines, Macau's international award-winning airlines, today announced that Viva Macau passengers on the airline's Melbourne route will be offered free…

Global

Viva Macau waives baggage fees

Mark Elliott Feb 28, 2010

Macau, SAR - Today Viva Macau Airlines, Macau's international award-winning airline, announced that it will waive bag-check fees for all flights across its entire network…

Global

Macau expands presence at AIME

Mark Elliott Feb 24, 2010

The Macau Government Tourist Office has expanded its presence at this year's AIME trade show in Melbourne, as it intensifies its drive to secure Australian meetings, conventions…

Global

Macau sees Chinese New Year gambling boom

Mark Elliott Feb 24, 2010

Tourists from the Chinese mainland flocked into Macau during the seven-day Lunar New Year holiday, leading to a boom for the city's casinos, Xinhua has reported. Macau's casinos…

Global

Macau signs aviation agreement with Japan

Mark Elliott Feb 12, 2010

The governments of Macau and Japan have signed an air services agreement, aimed at strengthening the air link between the two sides. Under the new air pact, the restrictions on…

Global

Viva Macau launches new iPhone app

Mark Elliott Feb 4, 2010

MELBOURNE, 04 FEBRUARY 2010: Viva Macau, Macau's International award-winning airline, announced a ground-breaking iPhone application to enable bookings for iPhone users.…

Global

New science centre opens in Macau

Mark Elliott Jan 28, 2010

The Macao Science Center opened its doors to the public on Monday, Xinhua has reported. The centre consists of a 5,800m

Global

Viva Macau accepts credit cards for onboard retail

Mark Elliott Jan 26, 2010

SINGAPORE - January 26, 2010 - GuestLogix, Inc. (TSX-V: GXI), the leading provider of onboard store technology to the airline industry, today…

Global

Air China, Air Macau codeshare to Wuhan

Mark Elliott Jan 22, 2010

Air China and Air Macau have launched codeshare operations on a new route between Macau and Wuhan, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation has reported. The route will be served with four…

Global

Macau show to celebrate Asian business aviation

Mark Elliott Jan 21, 2010

Reed Exhibitions will host a brand new business aviation event in one of Asia's most vibrant and glamorous cities, Macau, China - during 9-11 June, 2010. The event,…

Global

Viva Macau’s Hanoi services prove popular

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2010

Macau, SAR - Viva Macau Airlines, Macau's international award-winning airline, today announced in a press conference in Hanoi that its soon-to-start new destination,…

Global

Viva Macau sets record for internationall passengers

Mark Elliott Jan 18, 2010

Macau, SAR - Viva Macau Airlines, Macau's international award-winning airline, today announced that it achieved a new record in December 2009 for total passengers carried…

Global

Viva Macau waives Australia baggage fees

Mark Elliott Jan 15, 2010

Macau, SAR - Today Viva Macau Airlines, Macau's international award-winning airline, announced that it will waive bag-check fees for flights to and from Australia effective…

Global

Record numbers of Indians choose Macau

Mark Elliott Jan 15, 2010

Indian tourists to Macau in 2009 hit a record 107,513, 31% more than the 82,369 travelling to the city in 2008, Anil Mathur reports. This 2008 figure represented an 80%…

Global

Macau package tourists rise 5%

Mark Elliott Jan 14, 2010

Package tour visitor arrivals to Macau rose 5.3% in November 2009, according to the figures released by the city's Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). Reported by Xinhua, the…

Features

VIVA MACAU INCREASES FLIGHTS

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2010

VIVA MACAU INCREASES FLIGHTS FOR MELBOURNE FROM 28 MARCH 2010,TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS SYDNEY

Global

Viva Macau changes Australian schedules

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2010

(Macau SAR, 13 - January 2010): Viva Macau Airlines, Macau's international award-winning airline, announced today that it is adding an additional weekly flight between…

Global

Viva Macau offers ‘City of Dreams’ privileges

Mark Elliott Jan 7, 2010

Macau, SAR - Viva Macau Airlines, Macau's international award-winning airline, has joined forces with City of Dreams to offer exclusive privileges for passengers…

Global

Viva Macau to launch Hanoi flights

Mark Elliott Jan 5, 2010

Viva Macau Airlines will open a direct route to Hanoi in time for Vietnam's Tet Holiday period, Thanh Nien Daily has reported. The three-times-a-week service will commence from 13…

Global

Macau posts 368,000 Christmas arrivals

Mark Elliott Jan 5, 2010

Macau SAR received 368,615 tourist arrivals during the recent Christmas holidays, according to the figures released by the city's Immigration Department. The figure, measured…

Features

Michael Jackson gallery in Macau

Mark Elliott Dec 16, 2009

Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16's Baccara function room was transformed into a mini-gallery with Michael Jackson(MJ)'s iconic collection on Sunday, December 13, 2009, when Macau…

Global

Sofitel Macau opens Michael Jackson Gallery

Mark Elliott Dec 16, 2009

Hong Kong - December 15, 2009 - Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16's Baccara function room was transformed into a mini Michael Jackson gallery on Sunday, December 13,…

Global

New media group launches to promote Macau

Mark Elliott Dec 15, 2009

MACAU, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The Macau Ignite Media Group, a collection of 10 media companies in Macau, was officially launched today. The Group, which includes…

Global

Viva Macau arrives in Melbourne

Mark Elliott Dec 11, 2009

Melbourne, Australia - Viva Macau Airlines, Macau's international award-winning airline, celebrated the commencement of twice weekly direct Economy and Business class services…

Global

Sands secures US$1.75 billion financing for Macau

Mark Elliott Dec 1, 2009

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sands China Ltd., a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) , announced today that through one of its subsidiaries, it…

Global

Sofitel Macau’s buys Michael Jackson’s iconic glove

Mark Elliott Nov 23, 2009

HONG KONG, Nov. 22 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Success Universe Group Limited ("Success Universe" or the "Company"; Stock Code: 00487.HK), today announced that its…

Global

Viva Macau selects GuestLogix

Mark Elliott Oct 28, 2009

October 28 - Asia Pacific - GuestLogix, Inc., the leading provider of onboard retail solutions to the airline industry, today announced that Viva Macau…

Global

Wynn Resorts to raise US$1.6bn in Macau offering

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2009

Wynn Resorts plans to raise as much as HK$12.6 billion (US$1.63 billion) in an initial public offering of its Macau casino assets, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources.…

Global

China, Macau lay out Hengqin Island plans

Mark Elliott Sep 16, 2009

The authorities in Zhuhai, southern China, have announced a detailed blueprint of plans to develop Hengqin Island, the BBC has reported. Plans for the island, which lies…

Global

Galaxy to pay US$366m for a Macau casino

Mark Elliott Sep 14, 2009

Galaxy Entertainment Group has agreed to pay Macau's government about HK$2.84 billion (US$366 million) for its hotel-casino building site on the Cotai strip, Bloomberg has reported. The…

Global

Macau casinos see record revenue in August

Mark Elliott Sep 4, 2009

Macau's casinos raked in a record US$1.5 billion in August, their highest-ever monthly revenue and up more than 17% on the same month last year, according to a South China Morning…

Global

Macau launches Malaysia bus tour

Mark Elliott Sep 4, 2009

The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) launched a tourism promotion campaign in Kuala Lumpur yesterday to attract more Malaysians to experience it's the former Portuguese colony,…

Global

Macau MICE sector sees 9% drop

Mark Elliott Sep 2, 2009

Macau hosted 347 MICE events in the second quarter of 2009 - 9% fewer than the previous quarter, Xinhua reported figures from the city's Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) as…

Global

Macau fuel prices rise 15%

Mark Elliott Sep 1, 2009

The average selling price of fuels in Macau recorded a 15.2% year-on-year increase in the second quarter of 2009, according to the figures from the city's Statistics and Census Service…

Global

Macau arrivals fall 11.9%

Mark Elliott Aug 25, 2009

Macau's visitor arrivals for the first seven months of 2009 reached approximately 12 million, a drop of 11.9% from the same period last year, Xinhua report the city's Statistics…

Global

Macau earnings down in Q2

Mark Elliott Aug 21, 2009

Macau's median monthly employment earnings fell to MOP8,500 (US$1,076) in Q2 2009, down 1.2% from Q1. The city's Statistics and Census Service also said that 24.1% of the…

Global

Grana Lapa Hotel unveiled in Macau

Mark Elliott Aug 18, 2009

The former Mandarin Oriental hotel in Macau will be re-named the Grand Lapa Hotel, effective 1 August. The move follows the recent sale by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (MOHG) of its…

Global

Macau gaming tycoon Ho in hospital

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2009

Stanley Ho, the Macau gaming tycoon and billionaire, is in intensive care in Hong Kong following brain surgery. Reports suggest that Ho, 87, is in a stable condition…

Global

Macau helps Taiwan prepare for gaming boom

Mark Elliott Jul 29, 2009

As Taiwan gears up to allow casino gambling on the Penghu islands, institutions from Macau have been offering their expertise to help the country prepare for the expected gaming…

Global

New Macau chief brings hope of gaming recovery

Mark Elliott Jul 27, 2009

The election of Macau'snew Chief Executive, Fernando Chui, has raised hopes of a recovery for casinos,which have been hurt by restrictions on mainland Chinese visitors and…

Global

Viva Macau goes daily to HCMC

Mark Elliott Jul 24, 2009

Viva Macau Airlines has announced plans to increase its Macau-Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) services four weekly flights to a daily service, VietnamNet Bridge has reported. Reg…

Global

Las Vegas Sands to restart Macau projects this year

Mark Elliott Jul 9, 2009

Las Vegas Sands is aiming to restart its stalled projects in Macau before the end of the year, ChannelNewsAsia reported company Chairman, Sheldon Adelson, as saying. Adelson…

Global

Macau to lease land from China

Mark Elliott Jun 24, 2009

Macau Special Administrative Region may be given jurisdiction over 1.1km

Global

Hard Rock Hotel at City of Dreams opening in Macau

Mark Elliott Jun 11, 2009

Hard Rock International celebrates the grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel at City of Dreams in Macau, marking the occasion with the brand's ceremonial guitar smash and the donation of 8…

Global

New Macau casino and hotel complex a vote of confidence

Mark Elliott Jun 2, 2009

The City of Dreams casino and resort opened on 01 June in Macau with fanfare and fireworks and two scions of the gambling industry in Asia

Global

Las Vegas Sands ready to restart Macau projects

Mark Elliott May 28, 2009

Las Vegas Sands may be able to restart stalled construction projects in Macau and the US by the end of this year, according to the company's Chairman and CEO, Sheldon Adelson.…

Global

Macau package tours soar in March

Mark Elliott May 15, 2009

Macao registered 551,010 visitor arrivals in package tours in March 2009, an increase of 30.9% over the same period of last year, Xinhua reported figures released by the…

Global

Las Vegas Sands to cut 4,000 HK, Macau jobs

Mark Elliott May 14, 2009

Las Vegas Sands is planning to cut as many as 4,000 more jobs in Macau and Hong Kong, according to a Bloomberg report. The move follows the casino company's decision to halt…

Global

Viva Macau to reduce Sydney flights

Mark Elliott Apr 29, 2009

Viva Macau Airlines is to reduce its Sydney services from four to three flights a week from, effective 21 May. The move will see the airline's Friday service being terminated, with…

Global

Las Vegas Sands may sell Macau casino

Mark Elliott Apr 28, 2009

Las Vegas Sands is considering selling one of its Macau casinos, a report said on Monday, as its struggles with declining revenues in the world's biggest gaming market. According…

Global

Macau airport traffic drops in Q1

Mark Elliott Apr 28, 2009

Macau International Airport (MIA) saw continued declines in passenger and aircraft movements in the first quarter of 2009, according to a Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation report. …

Global

Macau plans US$19 million tourism stimulus

Mark Elliott Apr 27, 2009

Macau will shore up its tourism industry amid economic downturn with a MOP150 million (US$19 million) stimulus package, the Macao Daily Times has reported.MOP65 million will be put into…

Global

Most Macau workers worried about jobs

Mark Elliott Apr 22, 2009

The results of a survey conducted by two local associations showed that 66.7% of Macau workers interviewed were "worried" or "very worried" about their jobs, according to a Macao Post…

Global

Macau gaming industry recovering?

Mark Elliott Apr 20, 2009

Macau's casino revenue rose 8.1% in the first three months of 2009 compared to the previous quarter, perhaps signalling the start of a recovery for the city's main industry. Casino…

Global

Air Macau to increase Beijing flights

Mark Elliott Apr 17, 2009

From today, Air Macau will increase frequency between Macauand Beijingfrom two to three daily flights. The new morning service plans to give greaterflexibility and smoother connections…

Global

Tunnel approved for HK-Zhuhai-Macau bridge project

Mark Elliott Apr 14, 2009

Xinhua reported that the 6.7km tunnelwill cost CNY21.1 billion (US$3 billion), and will enable construction to beginon a 29.6km bridge connecting the three major cities in the Pearl…

Global

Las Vegas Sands may resume Macau work

Mark Elliott Apr 6, 2009

"We have toget construction back to work as quickly as possible," Stephen Weaver, AsianRegional President, was quoted telling reporters. Hong Kong, Macau and Singaporeare…

Global

Macau fares worse than HK as Feb arrivals tumble

Mark Elliott Apr 1, 2009

Tourist arrivals in Hong Kong and Macau fell in February. The year-on-year drop was predictable due to the China's Lunar New Year holidays falling in January this year, as opposed to…

Global

Viva Macau introduces baggage fees

Mark Elliott Mar 27, 2009

Effective 1 April, a servicefee will apply to each economy passenger who carries checked baggage. Forflights within 5 hours (i.e. Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City), the charge will be…

Global

Air Macau ups Beijing services

Mark Elliott Mar 17, 2009

From 29 April Air Macau will increase frequency between Macau and Beijing from two to three flights daily, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation reported. The new service aims at giving…

Global

Two airlines to suspend Macau flights

Mark Elliott Mar 10, 2009

Bangkok Airways and Malaysia Airlines have either suspended or planned to suspend their daily Macau-bound flight services, the Macao Daily Post reported on Monday, quoting official…

Global

HK mulls Macau immigration policy

Mark Elliott Mar 6, 2009

Hong Kong legislators are to discuss their response to Macau's immigration policy, after Macau refused entry to several Hong Kong residents. A BBC report stated that several…

Features

Macau focus at Lisbon Travel Market

Mark Elliott Mar 2, 2009

Macau was a major highlight of the Lisbon Travel Market, PATA has reported. As the 'International Guest Destination' of the fair, a delegation headed by Macau Government Tourist…

Global

Macau casino staff unhelpful, survey reveals

Mark Elliott Feb 26, 2009

The job performance of casino employees in Macau, as evaluated by casino visitors, was "below a satisfactory level", a report by the Macau Association of Economic Sciences has…

Global

Sands looks to cut costs after record Macau losses

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2009

Having posted its steepest operating and net losses since going public in 2004, Las Vegas Sands is looking to cut costs in Macau.South China Morning Post reported that the casino…

Global

Package tourists to Macau on the rise

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2009

Data from Macau's Statistics and Census Service have shown that the city registered 501,535 visitor arrivals in package tours in December 2008, up by 16.2% from a year earlier.…

Features

Macau’s casino revenue slide continues

Mark Elliott Feb 2, 2009

Macau's casino revenue has fallen for the fourth month out of five, due to affects of the global financial crisis and travel restrictions on mainland visitors, the South China…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to launch Penang-Macau

Mark Elliott Jan 21, 2009

AirAsia will launch its new international route from Penang to Macau from 1 March, Bernama reported. The Malaysian low-cost carrier will provide four weekly flights on the route.

Global

Macau casino revenue grows 31% in 2008

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2009

Despite a troubled year, casino revenues in Macau for 2008 rose by 31% to record high of MOP108.7 billion (US$13.7 billion), Xinhua reported figures from the city's Gaming…

Indonesia

AirAsia to resume KK-Macau services

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2009

AirAsia has announced that it will resume its Kota Kinabalu-Macau and Kuching-Macau routes from 1 March, according to the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. From this date the airline…

Features

Macau clocks 30 million visitors in 2008

Mark Elliott Jan 16, 2009

Xinhua reported that the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwancontinued to be the three largest visitor source markets last year, with thevisitor arrivals from the mainland rising…

Features

Macau VIP bubble has burst, says Las Vegas Sands

Mark Elliott Jan 9, 2009

Las Vegas Sands Corp., the US' second largest casino operator, has said that the bubble in Macau's VIP market has "burst", and predicted a tough first quarter for the…

Features

China to build HK-Macau bridge

Mark Elliott Jan 9, 2009

Construction on a bridge linking Hong Kong, Macau and the Pearl River Delta is expected to start in 2009, Xinhua has reported. The project, which will receive a CNY5 billion…

Features

Macau airport traffic drops 7% in 2008

Mark Elliott Jan 9, 2009

Passenger flow through Macau International Airport reached 5.1 million in 2008, down by 7% over the previous year, Xinhua has reported. The airport, saw the number of 'final…

Features

Macau Airport looks to 2009

Mark Elliott Dec 24, 2008

Dr. Deng Jun, Chairman of Board of Directors of Macau International Airport Company Ltd, has outlined his thoughts for 2009, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation has reported.…

Features

Macau gaming revenue exceeds expectations

Mark Elliott Dec 19, 2008

Macau recorded MOP3.2 billion (US$400 million) in direct tax income from gaming in November, according to figures released by the city's Financial Services Bureau (DSF) yesterday. This…

Hotels

Four Seasons unveiled as new Macau landmark

Dec 15, 2008

The Four Seasons Hotel Macau has opened on the former Portuguese colony's Cotai Strip, and is set to become a new landmark on the city's waterfront. Leading international interior design…

Features

Developer sought for Macau’s "panda island"

Mark Elliott Dec 5, 2008

The Land and ResourcesBureau of Zhuhai has said it will accept bids from 12 December until Christmasto develop a 1.3 million m

Hotels

Jumeirah signs deal for Macau hotel

Dec 3, 2008

The Jumeirah Group has signed a management agreement with Shun Tak Holdings Limited to operate a new five-star deluxe hotel in the Cotai area of Macau. Scheduled for completion in 2013, The…

Features

Macau gaming revenue growth falls again

Mark Elliott Dec 3, 2008

Macau's gaming revenue has slowed again in the third quarter of 2008, Xinhua has reported. Revenue generated from casinos still grew 27.6% for the three months ending 30 September,…

Features

Macau prepares for APAVT

Mark Elliott Nov 27, 2008

The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and the Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies (APAVT) have made the preparations for the 34th National Congress of APAVT, due to open in…

Features

Macau to encourage air links

Mark Elliott Nov 19, 2008

The Macau International Airport Company Limited (CAM) has recently submitted proposals to Civil Aviation Authority of Macau (AACM) requesting for approval to encourage more airlines to fly…

Features

Las Vegas Sands halts Macau projects

Mark Elliott Nov 12, 2008

Las Vegas Sands has said it is halting part of its huge development in the gambling haven of Macau, due to trouble accessing credit amid the global financial crisis, AFP…

Airlines and Aviation

Shenzhen Airlines resumes Macau-Wuxi

Mark Elliott Oct 28, 2008

Shenzhen Airlines has resumed direct daily services on its Macau-Wuxi route. The flights were suspended during the Beijing Olympic Games period due to a temporary restriction of…

Global

AACVB meets in Macau

Mark Elliott Oct 28, 2008

The Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus (AACVB) has held a two-day meeting in Macau to discuss the new strategic plan to promote MICE in Asia. Attendees at the Venetian Macau…

Features

Macau’s gambling boom cools off

Mark Elliott Oct 22, 2008

Macau's three-year gambling boom seems to have cooled as gambling revenue in fell in the third quarter amid curbs on Chinese travel and slowing economies in the region.An International…

Hotels

Las Vegas Sands shelves Macau plans

Mark Elliott Oct 21, 2008

US gaming hospitality giant, Las Vegas Sands, has put its Macau development plans on hold as it struggles to raise funds for the project, the South China Morning Post has reported. The…

Features

Macau’s gaming revenue falls again

Mark Elliott Oct 21, 2008

For the second straight quarter Macau's casino revenue has fallen, Bloomberg has reported. Total gambling revenue in the former Portuguese colony fell to MOP26 billion (US$3.3 billion)…

Features

Macau.com launches Japanese tours

Mark Elliott Oct 14, 2008

Macau.com has launched a travel package booking website www.vivatours.jp, in collaboration with Japanese travel agency Sunworld Tours and Viva Macau Airlines."With our new online…

Hotels

Mobil ratings come to HK & Macau

Oct 9, 2008

Hotels in Hong Kong and Macau to receive official Mobil Star Ratings for the first time, when the company's new guide book, 'Mobil Travel Guide: Hong Kong & Macau' is released next…

Global

Macau to host PATA Travel Mart in 2010

Mark Elliott Sep 26, 2008

Ardent PATA supporter Macau has been as the host city for the 2010 PATA Travel Mart. It will take over from the Chinese city of Hangzhou which is hosting it next year.Macau had hosted the…

Features

Macau gaming revenue slows - mass lay-off feared

Mark Elliott Sep 26, 2008

Macau's gaming sector is predicted to experience only single-digit year-on-year growth for September 2008, evidence that even China's boom town has started to feel the pinch. Xinhua has…

Hotels

Geishas available at Crown Macau

Sep 26, 2008

For a limited time, the Crown Macau has welcomed four geishas from the famed Matsunoya Geisha House in Tokyo to its signature Sakura dining room in Tenmasa. They will be available to…

Features

Macau popular with Aussies

Mark Elliott Sep 26, 2008

Macau is becoming a hotspot for Australian tourists, the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation has reported. Arrivals to the former Portuguese colony have risen 50% this year, with over…

Events

Macau-Mexico pen visa deal

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2008

Macau has signed a Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement with Mexico, Xinhua has reported. The deal, effective 19 October, will grant Macanese passport holders a 90-day stay in…

Features

Macau appoints to promote in UK

Mark Elliott Sep 11, 2008

PR agency Hume Whitehead has been chosen as the Macau Government Tourist Office's (MGTO) new representative in the UK and Ireland. The agency will be charged with raising the profile of…

Features

Oysters blamed for Macau hotel poisonings

Mark Elliott Sep 10, 2008

Health officials in Macau are trying to trace hundreds of boxes of contaminated oysters following a spate of food poisoning cases in luxury hotels. The Nation has reported that more than 100…

Global

Goa to become ‘new Macau"

Mark Elliott Sep 1, 2008

Las Vegas Sands Corp, operator of international casinos including the Venetian Macau, is considering investing US$12 billion to build a strip of casinos in Goa, India. The…

Features

Venetian Macau feels the crunch

Mark Elliott Aug 21, 2008

The Venetian Macau's huge expansion plans have been hit by the global credit crunch, with a proposed loan to the casino cut to less than US$5 billion from the original target of US$7…

Features

Macau spending up 9%

Mark Elliott Aug 21, 2008

Visitor spending in Macau rose 9% in the second quarter of 2008, Xinhua has reported. Per-capita spending of visitors rose to MOP1,613 (US$202), according to figures released…

Hotels

Sofitel Macau opens

Aug 14, 2008

Accor's latest Chinese property, the Sofitel Macau at Ponte16, has opened its doors on the Macau waterfront. The 408-room property will have a casino attached, and marks the 22nd Sofitel to…

Features

Four Seasons in Macau Cotai Strip

Mark Elliott Aug 7, 2008

Four Seasons Hotel Macau, Cotai Strip, is scheduled to open this quarter. The combined area of the Four Seasons extension, together with the existing Venetian Macau…

Features

MGTO and Viva Macau in joint promo

Mark Elliott Aug 6, 2008

Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) and Viva Macau Airlines have linked up to promote Macau tourism in Vietnam and Indonesia, MGTO has announced. The 'Experience Macau. Fly Viva…

Features

More ferries for Cotai Strip in Macau

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2008

The Cotai Strip CotaiJet has launched overnight high-speed ferry services between Hong Kong and Macau. On top of its current 56 sailings operating between the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry…

Events

Tennis greats to play at Venetian Macau

Mark Elliott Jul 31, 2008

The CotaiArena at The Venetian Macau Resort-Hotel have announced it to play host to a tennis tournament featuring the greats from two eras. Legends from the 1970s and '80s, John McEnroe…

Features

High rollers boost Macau

Mark Elliott Jul 28, 2008

Macau's casino revenues rose 48% in the second-quarter of 2008, theShanghai Daily has reported. The city's 30 casinos generated MOP28.9 billion(US$3.6 billion) between them in the three…

Features

Macau manages Mainland tourists

Mark Elliott Jul 25, 2008

As moreMainland Chinese visit Macau, the Macaugovernment said it would "adjust the management measures" for inbound and outboundtours.From 1August, Chinese mainland citizens…

Hotels

Four Seasons Macau starts taking reservations

Jun 30, 2008

The next luxury hotel to open in Macau, the Four Seasons on the Coltai Strip, has begun taking reservations. The 360-room and suite property will open in October 2008.

Features

Macau arrivals rise 17%

Mark Elliott Jun 30, 2008

Macau's welcomed 12.6 million during the first 5 months of 2008, Xinhua has reported, representing a 17.4% increase from the same period in 2007. The Chinese mainland, Hong…

Hotels

Galaxy brings Banyan Tree to Macau

May 20, 2008

At Galaxy mega resort, it will design and operate 254 rooms including 238 suites, 16 floating villas with private pools, cabanas, and spa. "This partnership with Banyan Tree will strongly…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds to Kuching-Macau

Mark Elliott Apr 25, 2008

AirAsia is enhancing its Kuching - Macau route frequency to daily flights from May 15. The route will be serviced by the airline's new 180-seater Airbus A320 aircraft.AirAsia launched the…

Airlines and Aviation

Bangkok Airways to Macau

Mark Elliott Apr 25, 2008

Bangkok Airways will begin daily flights to Macau from July 4. It will use a new twin engine Airbus A319 able to carry 120 passengers. Bangkok Airways Chief Executive Prasert…

Features

Macau halts casino growth

Mark Elliott Apr 24, 2008

Macau will stop approving land for new casinos, slowing a gaming explosion that has seen big players spending billions of dollars building resorts.Macau, the only place in China…

Features

Experience Macau in Singapore

Mark Elliott Apr 24, 2008

The Macau Government Tourist Office is staging a fare in Singapore this weekend, featuring its attractions and heritage. "Experience Macau" will showcase the city's famous…

Features

Macau sees record arrivals

Mark Elliott Apr 2, 2008

Macau registered a record of almost 27 million visitor arrivals last year, up 23% from the previous year. Visitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong accounted for 55% and 30% of the…

Airlines and Aviation

Xiaman Airlines connects Tianjin-Macau

Mark Elliott Mar 31, 2008

Xiamen Airlines launched its Tianjin-Macau service over the weekend. With the service, the Macau Government Tourist Office is launching a series of promotional activities in Tianjin…

Features

Macau airport sees more people

Mark Elliott Mar 25, 2008

For the first two months this year, the number of passengers through Macau International Airport has exceeded 860,000.The 7% year-on-year growth was contributed mostly by tourists…

Airlines and Aviation

Air Macau’s Olympic flights

Mark Elliott Mar 18, 2008

Air Macau will add an extra daily flight on the route from Macau to Beijing from March 31. The extra flight will leave from Macau at 18:45 and arrive at Beijing at 22:00; the return flight…

Features

Macau casinos on a roll

Mark Elliott Mar 7, 2008

Macau casino revenues soared to a record 10.33 billion patacas (US$1.28 billion) in January, a two-thirds increase from a year ago, the first time it has surpassed the 10 billion…

Features

Macau thanks HK trade

Mark Elliott Mar 4, 2008

The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) held a luncheon in Hong Kong last week to thank the travel trade, business partners and media for their support in promoting Macau…

Hotels

Venetian Macau sees 10 million visitors

Feb 14, 2008

The Venetian Macau-Resort-Hotel has welcomed its 10 millionth visitor this week since it opened less than six months ago on August 28 last year. The lucky visitor from Shanghai received a…

Airlines and Aviation

Jetstar Asia starts Macau service

Mark Elliott Feb 4, 2008

Jetstar Asia has launched daily flights from Singapore to Macau. CEO Chong Phit Lian said, "Macau is an exciting destination with growing air link demand. Jetstar Asia's offer of…

Transport

CotaiJet Macau - HK ferry is back

Mark Elliott Jan 22, 2008

A Macau court has allowed Las Vegas Sands Corp's ferry service between Hong Kong and Macau to resume operations. The CotaiJet service had been operating for just over a week and was offering…

Features

Macau packs them in

Mark Elliott Jan 10, 2008

Mainland China continued to provide the bulk of tourists Macau which itself is undergoing massive infrastructure development and is hosting a series of events to draw even more this year.…

Features

Wynn Macau expansion opens X’mas eve

Mark Elliott Dec 21, 2007

Wynn Macau will open its expansion on December 24, approximately one month earlier than anticipated. The expansion will include 85 additional tables, 551 new slot machines and Wynn…

Features

MGM joins the fray in Macau

Mark Elliott Dec 19, 2007

Casino resort MGM Grand Macau - which opened yesterday - has joined the illustrious list of mega players vying for a pie of Macau's gaming industry. The 154-metre hotel tower…

Quote of the Day

Macau agency loses licence

Mark Elliott Dec 18, 2007

A Macau tour company has been stripped of its license to accept tour groups from the mainland after four of its guides were found guilty of professional misconduct, a newpaper reported.…

Features

Mega China fam group in Macau

Mark Elliott Dec 14, 2007

A group of about 360 travel agencies' chiefs, tourism officials, media and academics from all over Mainland China are in Macau now on a four-day familiarisation visit. The…

Features

Okura goes to Macau

Mark Elliott Dec 14, 2007

Japan's Hotel Okura is slated to operate a hotel scheduled to open in Macau in September 2009. Hong Kong-based Galaxy Entertainment Group is developing the project to build a major…

China

Unhappy China tourists scuffle over Macau shopping

Dec 6, 2007

Police armed with riot shields and batons were summoned to deal with angry tourists from mainland China who clashed with tour guides in Macau, reports said. The tourists were unhappy over…

Transport

High-speed ferry service between HK and Macau

Mark Elliott Dec 3, 2007

Las Vegas Sands has launched high-speed ferry services between Hong Kong's Macau Ferry Terminal at Shun Tak Centre and Macau's newly opened Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal on Macau's Taipa…

Features

Macau sees more visitors

Mark Elliott Nov 27, 2007

Macau saw 2,430,414 visitor arrivals last month, more than a fifth compared to the same month last year.The majority of visitors came from Mainland China (56.3% of the…

Features

Da Vinci comes to Macau

Mark Elliott Nov 27, 2007

A travelling Da Vinci exhibition will be in Macau from December 1 to February next year; its first time in Asia." Da Vinci - An Exhibition of Genius" has travelled to cities such…

Airlines and Aviation

Chinese airlines start Macau flights

Mark Elliott Nov 23, 2007

Wuhan-based East Star Airlines opened a daily flight between Wuhan and Macau on November 22. In Macau itself, Viva Macau airline will be launching non-stop flights to Tokyo…

Airlines and Aviation

Jetstar Asia’s daily from Singapore to Macau

Mark Elliott Nov 20, 2007

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Airlines and Aviation

MAS relaunches KL-Macau

Mark Elliott Nov 7, 2007

The airline's senior general manager of network revenue management, Bernard Francis, said the airline would use a Boeing 737-400 on the four weekly service, Bernama…

Sports Tourism

One Macau-HK visa for China tourists?

Mark Elliott Oct 24, 2007

The aim is for mainland tourists, under the Individual Visit Scheme, to travel to both places in one trip, according to Hong Kong Tourism Board chairman James Tien…

Features

Macau gets mainland boost during holidays

Mark Elliott Oct 11, 2007

It was almost 20 percent more compared last year, according to a press release by the Macau Information Bureau.Tourists from the mainland represented 66 percent of the total visitor…

Airlines and Aviation

Menzies partners with Viva Macau

Mark Elliott Sep 25, 2007

The three year contract is the extension of the current relationship enjoyed with Viva Macau within the Asia Pacific region.

Airlines and Aviation

Viva Macau expects big traffic from SYD

Mark Elliott Aug 31, 2007

In a statement issued, at the "Welcome to Viva Macau" service launch commemoration held at Sydney International Airport, the airline's CEO, Con Korfiatis said that there has…

Features

Inaugural "Wine & Gourmet ASIA" to be held in Macau

Mark Elliott Aug 31, 2007

The new trade, networking and culinary platform showcasing the very best of Asia-Pacific's fine wine, gourmet and hospitality industry, is to be staged at The Cotai…

Airlines and Aviation

Viva Macau all set to go to Sydney

Mark Elliott Aug 23, 2007

The approval processing was delayed, causing Viva's inaugural flight last week to be cancelled at the last minute. Con Korfiatis, Viva Macau's Chief Executive expressed his…

Features

Macau leases aircraft to increase network

Mark Elliott Aug 21, 2007

The new fleet will be used to expand new, single-class, lowfare route network between Macau and a number of cities in PRC, Japan, Vietnam and other points around Asia in…

Airlines and Aviation

Viva Macau’s 1st flight to SYD postponed

Mark Elliott Aug 16, 2007

However,right now there is still no definite revised commencement date of thethrice-weekly service.Con Korfiatis, the airline's Chief Executive said in a statement issuedthat they…

Hotels

A W in Macau

Aug 13, 2007

It will be built within the Macau Studio City complex, situated on Cotai, an area for gaming, entertainment and resort developments. W Macau Studio City will have 563 guest rooms. It…

Airlines and Aviation

Viva Macau adds to Macau-Jakarta frequency

Mark Elliott Aug 10, 2007

Currently flying three times a week, the Macau-based airline will launch one additional flight to its weekly schedule from 28 August.The new schedule will see the airline flying from…

Features

Macau Fireworks Competition preview

Mark Elliott Aug 2, 2007

The annual Macau International Fireworks DisplayContest is a significant event that attracts a large number of visitors andlocal residents, and highly enhances Macau'stourism industry…

Features

Macau’s cash cow

Mark Elliott Jul 18, 2007

Macau'scash cowTheSouth China Morning Post reported that casino revenue in Macausoared 50% in the second quarter of 2007 to reach a whopping US$2.5 billion.Thetally comes in spite of travel…

Features

More access for Macau

Mark Elliott Jul 4, 2007

The act is the fourth supplement to the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement with Macau, and is scheduled to go into effect on 1 Jan, 2008. Hong Kong signed a similar agreement…

Features

Macau arrivals soar

Mark Elliott Jun 26, 2007

He said Macau welcomed over 10 million visitors in the first five months of 2007, a 21.45% leap over the same period last year. China, Hong Kong and Taiwan continue to bring…

Hotels

Crown Macau soft opens

Jun 25, 2007

For those playing the big game, Robert Goldstein, a senior VP for Las Vegas Sands, unloaded 620,000 shares of Macau's top developer's shares for US$77.92 a pop.

Features

Macau .com mad

Mark Elliott Jun 25, 2007

"The acquisition of Macau.com significantly extends GoMacau.com's consumer reach," said GoMacau.com CEO Christina Siaw.

Features

Viva Macau appoints Korfiatis

Mark Elliott Jun 13, 2007

Korfiatis replaces Andrew Pyne, who resigned earlier this month for personal reasons. Pyne will continue as a shareholder and advisor to the board. Korfiatis said, "I…

Hotels

Marriott makes major Macau move

Jun 5, 2007

The Macau Studio City Marriott Hotel, scheduled to open in 2009joins the massive Macau Studio Complex's 2,300-seat theatre, casino, exhibition centre, 1-million square feet of retail space…

Events

Visa wins in Macau

Mark Elliott May 22, 2007

The Visa promotion, which lasts until 30 Sep 07 gives Visa cardholders using their credit card in Macau the chance to win prizes, including discounts at over 30 participating…

Events

Macau adds new touring routes

Mark Elliott May 17, 2007

Each route is designed to target a different market, with offerings including luxury, family, honeymoon, heritage, seniors, religion, photographers,…

Global

Macau travel blog launch

Mark Elliott Apr 24, 2007

Commentary,travel tips, interactive features and insights into visiting Macauare some of the blog's features, providing visitorswith unprecedented access to information on one…

TD Syndicated Partner

China to resume issuing visas to foreign citizens on March 15

Harry Johnson Mar 14, 2023 0

by: Harry Johnson | Bodies located abroad that issue visas will resume reviewing and provision of all types of visas to foreign citizens heading to China Full article: China to resume…

Travel Tech

Reopening China: Sabre data indicates significant outbound travel rebound

Kanchan Nath Mar 14, 2023

With more than 166 million international trips booked by Chinese travellers in 2019, contributing over USD 245 billion to global tourism in the process, it is no wonder that the world has…

Hotels

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong, Women In Work launch “You Are A Shero” campaign

Kristin Mariano Mar 7, 2023

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong and Women in Work (WIW) pay tribute to women’s achievements this International Women’s Day, with a series of activities to recognise that all women…

TD Syndicated Partner

Desperate for tourists Hong Kong finally goes mask-free

Harry Johnson Mar 1, 2023 0

by: Harry Johnson | Hong Kong administration will end the city's mandatory COVID-19 mask-wearing requirement tomorrow, March 1 Full article: Desperate for tourists Hong Kong finally goes…

Hotels

MGM announces exclusive events partnership with Robb Report Hong Kong

Kanchan Nath Feb 24, 2023

MGM announces its long-term partnership with international and prestigious luxury media brand, Robb Report.

Reports

Agoda uses ChatGPT to regale Valentine’s Day hotspots

Kanchan Nath Feb 10, 2023

Tokyo, Bangkok, and Singapore are this year’s most popular Valentine’s Day getaways in Asia, global digital travel platform Agoda revealed

TDIWTA

IWTA speaks with Katharine Ng Director of Training OneCrew

Michaela Connor Feb 6, 2023

Born and raised in Malaysia, her aviation journey started as a flight attendant for Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways, when she moved to Hong Kong and sent 8 years with Cathay…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Year of the Rabbit: Top destinations that are a short ‘hop’ for Asian travelers

Kristin Mariano Jan 24, 2023

Japan is the most sought-after destination for travellers across Asia as they usher in the Lunar New Year, Agoda reveals. According to search data from the global digital travel…

Reports

WTTC reveals Paris as the world’s most powerful city destination  

Kanchan Nath Jan 23, 2023

New research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals French capital Paris as the world’s most powerful city destination but predicts it will be overtaken by Beijing by…

Global

BESydney appoints Joo-Rei Mathieson

Kanchan Nath Jan 20, 2023

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has appointmented Joo-Rei Mathieson who will be joining the BESydney bidding team in mid-January as Associate Director – Global Corporate & Incentive,…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Trip.com Group sees surge in mainland China travel bookings ahead of Lunar New Year period

Kristin Mariano Jan 17, 2023

Trip.com Group, the leading global travel service provider, has seen mainland Chinese demand for travel continue to surge in the run-up to the Lunar New Year holiday season. This comes…

Tourism

The end of China’s zero-Covid policy is fuelling flight bookings

Kristin Mariano Jan 13, 2023

China’s decision to ditch its zero-Covid policy has triggered a surge in flight bookings, according to the latest data from ForwardKeys. On 7 December, Chinese authorities announced…

TD Syndicated Partner

WTTC Sees No New Dangers When Traveling to China

Juergen T Steinmetz Jan 8, 2023 0

On the day, the Chinese Government is opening up for tourism and travel again, the US, Germany and other countries impose warnings. WTTC Sees No New Dangers When Traveling to China

Global

ONYX Hospitality Group expands its footprint with the opening of Y Hotel in Hong Kong

Kristin Mariano Jan 2, 2023

ONYX Hospitality Group continues the expansion of its portfolio with the launch of Y Hotel Hong Kong. The 96-room Y Hotel, set along the tram line in the Sheung Wan area - a…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Trip.com Group data shows outbound flight bookings surge from Mainland China

Kanchan Nath Dec 29, 2022

On the morning of 27 Dec , Trip.com Group, recorded a staggering 254% increase in mainland China's outbound flight bookings compared to a day earlier.

Japan

Japan restricts China, Hong Kong & Macao arrivals from  30 December

Kanchan Nath Dec 29, 2022

Japan has decided to restrict arrivals from China or those who have been in China in the previous 7 days, effective December 30, 2022.

Hotels

City of Dreams Mediterranean to Open in Q2 2023

Kanchan Nath Nov 30, 2022

City of Dreams Mediterranean, scheduled to open in Q2 2023, will be the first integrated resort in Europe, bringing a first-of-its-kind development to Cyprus.

Airlines and Aviation

Loganair moots for local renewable energy projects

Kanchan Nath Sep 30, 2022

The UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair, has announced that it will award a further £30,000(approx. USD 33,546.60) to organisations across the UK and Northern Ireland in support of local…

Hotels

Marriott to add 14 luxury properties in Asia Pacific by 2023

Kristin Mariano Sep 22, 2022

Marriott International, Inc. has announced it expects to open 14 additional luxury properties in Asia Pacific by the end of 2023. The planned additions highlight the strategic growth of…

Hotels

Leisure travel fuels Hyatt’s growth in Asia Pacific

Kanchan Nath Sep 6, 2022

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced plans for the continued growth of its brand portfolio in Asia Pacific with a robust pipeline of landmark luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts.

Tourism

Relaxed Restrictions Meet High Demand in Asia Pacific

Joe Cusmano Sep 5, 2022

Since the start of the year, there has been considerable variation in travel and immigration regulations throughout the Asia Pacific area. Regionally, international connections are…

Visa updates

Longer trip to Thailand? Kingdom grants visa extension for tourists

Kristin Mariano Sep 1, 2022

Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the proposal by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to extend the period of stay to 45 days for tourists…

Tourism

Most Powerful Passports in 2022

Joe Cusmano Aug 16, 2022

Henley & Partners, a global citizenship and residence advisory firm in London, has produced a new quarterly report stating that holders of three Asian passports have more worldwide…

Hospitality

The Lux Collective signs first Guangzhou hotel management agreement

Kristin Mariano Aug 16, 2022

Global hospitality group The Lux Collective and Jumbo Group in China signed a hotel management agreement in July 2022 to build the first LUX* urban resort in Guangzhou, China – LUX*…

Interviews

Travel is a tonic: Bart Buiring shares optimism and excitement on the return of travel

Anthony Gallagher Aug 4, 2022

Travel Daily Media met Bart Buiring, chief sales and marketing officer - APAC at Marriott International, to discuss insights and optimism in hospitality and tourism. Travel Daily…

TD Guest Contributor

New Optimism as Global Travellers Return – SKÅL ASIA Launches Additional Benefits

Andrew J Wood Jul 12, 2022

Skål Asia launches a series of additional membership benefits for Skål members in Asia to celebrate the reopening of borders and the return of international travel. These include special…

Philippines opens doors to all foreign tourists with easing of arrival requirements starting April 1

Kristin Mariano Mar 17, 2022

The Philippines is geared to a full-throttle for the country’s tourism industry recovery. Starting April 1, there will be no limit to the number of international passengers arriving in all…

Reopening updates

Taiwan to open borders to travellers in March

Megha Paul Feb 25, 2022

Taiwan announced plans on to reopen to business travellers and shorten quarantine for all arrivals

Features

Most popular destinations to celebrate the Year of the Tiger

Kristin Mariano Feb 1, 2022

Big cities and tourist favourites are back in favour for travel this Lunar New Year as travellers head to tourist hotspots to ring in the year of the Tiger, according to booking data from…

TDIWTA

IWTA speaks with Celia Lao, GM Greater China Air Asia Digital

Caroline Tapken Dec 28, 2021

Meet Celia Lao, GM Greater China Air Asia Digital, since graduating from the University of Macau with a BBA (Hons) in International Marketing, Celia has immersed herself in the aviation…

Muir, Autograph Collection, opens doors

Kristin Mariano Dec 10, 2021

Inspired by the enduring spirit, culture and character of Nova Scotia and its people, Muir, Autograph Collection, officially opens its doors on December 10, 2021.

Tourism

Stay, Dine and See Macao! Local tours resume operations

Megha Paul Oct 26, 2021

As the pandemic situation moves towards stability in Macao, operation of the local tours has resumed now and interested individuals can sign up for the tours through travel agencies under…

Japan is reopening borders to fully vaccinated travellers but there’s a catch

Kristin Mariano Oct 5, 2021

The long wait is finally over! Japan is reopening its borders to international travellers as the nation’s health ministry has eased the entry restrictions for travellers to the country.…

These are tourist destinations most impacted by the pandemic

Megha Paul Sep 28, 2021

Flight deal experts, Next Vacay, reveals the destinations that need our help the most as they go on a journey working with locals to highlight the devastating effect the pandemic has had

China-Hong Kong travellers will no longer need quarantine from 8 Sept

Megha Paul Sep 8, 2021

Travellers arriving in Hong Kong from China will no longer need to quarantine from 8 September onwards

Vaccination Updates

Global vaccine rollout improves 2021’s travel outlook, says Agoda CEO John Brown

Kristin Mariano Mar 31, 2021

Confidence in the vaccine rollouts, discussions around COVID-19 passports, and alternative state quarantine announcements have triggered an increase in international travel searches for…

Features

How bad was 2020 for aviation and tourism?

Joe Cusmano Mar 19, 2021

A year without travel! I do not remember during my adult life having my feet on the ground for so long and having a growing urge to travel as soon as possible.

Reopening updates

Some respite for Goa’s casinos with six month extension

Megha Paul Feb 18, 2021

The Goa government has now granted an extension of six months to the off-shore casinos operating on Mandovi River in Panaji

Airlines and Aviation

Greater Bay Airlines, New Low Cost Launching in Unfavourable Time

Joe Cusmano Feb 4, 2021

Budget airline Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) applied for the rights to fly 104 routes across Asia, according to a Hong Kong government gazette.

Reopening updates

Hong Kong’s three-week hotel quarantine for visitors

Megha Paul Dec 29, 2020

Hong Kong has extended its compulsory quarantine to three weeks for almost all international travellers from this week, saying the measure was needed to prevent new, more infectious,…

Tourism

APAC travel recovery may take time – GlobalData

Kristin Mariano Nov 5, 2020

Even though some Asian countries have established travel bubbles and green lanes with other countries, the overall recovery of the travel industry may need some time, according to…

Singapore relaxes border restrictions, allows visitors from New Zealand and Brunei in

Harry S. Johnson Oct 1, 2020

Singapore authorities announced that visitors from New Zealand and Brunei are now allowed to travel to and from the island city-state.

Japan, Singapore to open ‘green lane’ for business travel

Kristin Mariano Sep 14, 2020

Starting 18 September, Japan and Singapore will open ‘green lane’ for business and official travel.

Global tourism lost $195 billion in revenue due to COVID-19 pandemic

Harry S. Johnson Aug 21, 2020

Travel experts have looked into the biggest revenue losses and highest percentage of GDP lost per country to reveal which countries have seen the greatest financial impact as a result of the…

Countries with biggest tourism revenue losses due to COVID-19 named

Harry S. Johnson Aug 20, 2020

Travel industry experts have looked into the biggest revenue loss and the highest percentage of GDP lost per country to reveal which countries have been financially impacted the most by the…

Tourism

Asia Pacific preps to welcome back tourists

Kristin Mariano Aug 18, 2020

The Asia Pacific region has begun to slowly ease its COVID-19 lockdown measures along with its border restrictions and is moving toward welcoming tourists back.

3 reasons why ACTE filed for bankruptcy

Kristin Mariano Jul 15, 2020

After 32 years of encouraging business travel, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives has ceased operations and will file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Hong Kong

Booking.com reveals top travel dreams of a city in waiting

Megha Paul May 22, 2020

Travel might be on pause in these unprecedented times, but data from Booking.com reveals that this hasn’t stopped people across the city from dreaming about its possibilities. Delving…

Submissions for 2020 PATA Gold Awards now open

Megha Paul Apr 3, 2020

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has opened its 2020 PATA Gold Awards for submissions with several new categories. Submissions must be filed with the association on or before…

Airlines and Aviation

Same problem, different actions: Cebu Pacific execs take paycut to avoid layoffs

Kristin Mariano Mar 10, 2020

Everyone is the travel industry is having a hard time due to the effects of coronavirus. The senior managers of Cebu Pacific have decided to take the hit for the company instead of laying…

Qatar Airways volunteers free worldwide air cargo transportation of medical supplies donated to China

Megha Paul Feb 12, 2020

Qatar Airways has volunteered free air cargo transportation for medical relief aid organised by Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide to fight the coronavirus emergency. The…

Airlines and Aviation

Philippine Airlines ferries stranded passengers due to coronavirus

Kristin Mariano Feb 11, 2020

Philippine Airlines (PAL) made two special flights on its Manila-Xiamen route to ferry passengers stranded because of the travel ban imposed on China due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Here’s why the new 2019-nCoV coronavirus a big threat on travel

Kristin Mariano Jan 27, 2020

The new strain of coronavirus, tentatively-known as the 2019-nCoV, is spreading at an alarming rate. In China, the tally jumped to 2,700 cases and the number of deaths climbed to at least…

“Superior comfort and excellent service”: Hyatt Regency Hengqin launches in Zuhai

Alastair Newport Jan 6, 2020

Hyatt Hotels announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Hengqin in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, last week. With 493 rooms, six dining outlets, and 40,440 square feet (3,757 square meters) of…

Macao unfolds glittery journey with light festival

Megha Paul Dec 26, 2019

Organised by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and co-organised by Municipal Affairs Bureau, Cultural Affairs Bureau and Sports Bureau, 'Macao Light Festival 2019 – Explore the…

China adds Xian, Ningbo, and Chongqing in 144-hour visa-free travel ports

Kristin Mariano Nov 26, 2019

Travellers will have more options gaining entry in China as the country added Xian, Ningbo, and Chongqing to its growing list of 144-hour visa-free travel ports.

Hertz appoints GSAs for four countries

Megha Paul Oct 30, 2019

Hertz Asia-Pacific has appointed Discover the World (DTW) as its general sales agent (GSA) for Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. First Marketing has also been appointed as the GSA for Macau.…

Myanmar expands visa-on-arrival list

Megha Paul Oct 8, 2019

Myanmar has added more countries to its visa-on-arrival list to make it easier for tourists to visit the country as it raises its tourism appeal worldwide. Effective from October,…

The dragon power: China’s outbound travel expenditure tops USD 127.5 billion

Megha Paul Oct 8, 2019

The outbound travel expenditure of Chinese travellers reached USD 127.5 billion in the first half of 2019, more than half of which was spent in Asian destinations, according to the…

Features

Make it rain: Where travellers spend the most when they travel

Kristin Mariano Oct 7, 2019

Whether it’s souvenirs, meals out or attraction tickets, it’s always good to have a little spending money while on holiday - but how much are you willing to spend as a tourist?

Asia’s top ten cities for meetings & events

Alastair Newport Sep 4, 2019

CWT M&E, CWT’s MICE division, has unveiled its top ten of the best locations for holding meetings and events in the Asia Pacific, ahead of the publication of WT’s 2020 Meetings &…

Air

Cebu Pacific expands footprint in Clark with launch of three routes

Megha Paul Aug 14, 2019

Cebu Pacific (CEB) has launched three new flights from Clark to Bacolod and Iloilo in the Philippines, and Tokyo, Japan. CEB is the first Philippine carrier to mount direct flights…

China

Cebu Pacific connects with ‘China’s Silicon Valley’

Alastair Newport Jul 18, 2019

Cebu Pacific has extended its network on mainland China with the launch of its direct commercial service between Shenzhen and Manila, responding to increased customer demand for leisure…

Tourism

Chinese tourism in US slows down as tourists travel closer to home

Kristin Mariano May 29, 2019

According to the National Travel and Tourism Office, Chinese tourism to the US fell by 5.7% in 2018 to 2.9 million visitors. In comparison, the US welcomed more than 3 million Chinese…

Tourism

5 reasons why the travel industry is always talking about China

Kristin Mariano Apr 16, 2019

The travel industry is obsessed with Chinese travellers trying to attract millions of travellers.

Tourism

Egg tarts are set to become an Indian favourite

Mili Jan 28, 2019

A usual extension of a work or leisure trip to Hong Kong, Macau has been basking in its glorious shadow for all these years. But it is not too far behind in setting its own identity as a…

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)

AIME puts luxury MICE in its crosshairs

Alastair Newport Jan 24, 2019

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), has unveiled some of the big names from the world of luxury travel who will put their unique venues and destinations into the limelight of…

Airlines and Aviation

Aviation round up: Down to the crunch

Alastair Newport Jan 15, 2019

This week’s round up of the key events and announcements from the world includes historic profits, capacity crunches and…Jazz?

Airlines and Aviation

Finnair installs premium economy across global fleet

Alastair Newport Nov 13, 2018

Finnair has revealed today that it will update its passenger offering in 2021 by installing its brand new Premium Economy product.

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia strengthens Chinese coverage with beefed up Malaysian connections

Alastair Newport Oct 12, 2018

AirAsia has announced it will be pushing further into China with the launch a new direct service connecting Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia, to Tianjin from 29 October this year.

Tourism

Save more than 50% of your travel budget with Hong Kong Pass

Christian Tolentino Oct 10, 2018

The Leisure Pass Group has launched the Hong Kong Pass, allowing travellers to save money on their budget.

Airlines and Aviation

Hong Kong Airlines adds Macao to network with new TurboJET codeshare

Christian Tolentino Sep 21, 2018

Hong Kong Airlines has announced the addition of Macao to its growing network, through a codeshare agreement with high-speed ferry services company, TurboJET.

Tourism

Collateral damage: Tourism industry jolts as natural disasters strike Asia

Kristin Mariano Sep 19, 2018

For the past 25 years, global tourism has been in full upswing. People are travelling more than ever leaving no stone unturned, but one thing that can stop us in our track is natural…

Hospitality

Artyzen hotel debuts in Nanjing with 10 more in the pipeline

Christian Tolentino Sep 12, 2018

Artyzen Hospitality Group has announced the opening of Artyzen Sifang Nanjing, the group's first Artyzen Hotels and Resorts property and its second operational hotel in the mainland of…

Cruise

HKCYIA and VTC sign MoU to nurture cruise and yacht industry professionals in Hong Kong

Mili Jun 22, 2018

In view of the growing demand for talent in the fast-expanding global cruise and yacht industry, Hong Kong Cruise & Yacht Industry Association (HKCYIA) and the Vocational Training…

Air

Sino Jet expands bases following China’s ¥88bn investment into Greater Bay Area

Christian Tolentino Jun 18, 2018

Chinese business jet operator, Sino Jet, held a VIP launch event for the opening of its new Guangzhou base, signifying its expansion and investment in the Greater Bay Area of China.

Travel Tech

Tencent proposes WeChat e-passport for HK and mainland China

Kristin Mariano Jun 13, 2018

Tencent Holdings Limited’s CEO Ma Huateng suggested the introduction of an electronic pass system for a hassle-free travel between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Hotels

You can relive cinema’s iconic moments in these famous movie hotels

Christian Tolentino Feb 9, 2018

If you're big on movies and planning on travelling soon, you might want to check out this list of famous movie hotels you can visit.

Airlines and Aviation

Marriott web ban is a warning from China

Christian Tolentino Jan 22, 2018

Mariott Int'l suffered the consequences for listing Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan as separate countries in their online customer survey. What's next?

Hotels

Marriott International apologizes for online gaffe, website in China temporarily closed

Christian Tolentino Jan 12, 2018

Shanghai authorities close down Marriott International Inc.’s website in China for listing Chinese-claimed regions as separate countries.

Appointments

Atlantis, The Palm makes new appointment

Jill Sayles Dec 21, 2017 22

Atlantis, The Palm has appointed Timothy Kelly as general manager and senior vice president, operations. Directly reporting to Serge Zaalof, chief operating officer for Atlantis Resorts…

Associations

Why Portugal is proving irresistible to Chinese travellers

Alastair Newport Nov 27, 2017 19

The Chinese tourist market in Portugal experienced steady growth this year. This growth is one of the reasons behind the importance of this year’s congress of the Portuguese Association of…

Tourism

World Travel Market 2017: Hong Kong on the up, while London takes a tumble

Alastair Newport Nov 9, 2017 1

London will fall down the global city destination rankings in the next seven years, slipping from third to sixth, according to research for WTM (World Travel Market - London).

Consumer

Travelzoo uncovers the secret travel habits of Hong Kong

Alastair Newport Oct 19, 2017 27

Travelzoo, a global publisher of exclusive travel offers, has disclosed the travel preferences of Hong Kong travellers. The information is based upon data derived from their first half-year…

UK

Q & A with Javine Tan, business development manager, for Traveltek Group Ltd in SE Asia

Alastair Newport Oct 17, 2017 6

UK travel technology specialist Traveltek has opened a Singapore office, marking its foray in South-East Asia – a market where its advanced solutions can help the travel industry keep pace…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia connects Macao to Johor Bahru

Alastair Newport Sep 20, 2017

AirAsia, is continuing its network expansion by introducing Macao to Johor Bahru, Malaysia starting 28 November 2017.  The new Macao-Johor Bahru route with daily direct flights will…

Events

The Hotelier Awards 2017 Asia Finalists Announced

Alastair Newport Sep 12, 2017

The Hotelier Awards, the annual awards recognising individuals’ professional excellence across the hospitality sector in Asia, have today announced the 2017 finalists. Now in their…

Airlines and Aviation

Another new airline to launch in Cambodia

Mark Elliott Aug 30, 2017

Cambodia will welcome another new airline next month, when Lanmei Airlines takes to the skies. The Phnom Penh Post reports that the new carrier will be based in the Cambodian capital…

Appointments

The latest appointments, including CWT’s new managing director for Asia

Mark Elliott Aug 23, 2017

BINDU BHATIA has been named as Carlson Wagonlit Travel's new managing director for Asia Pacific, effective 1 September. She succeeds Kai Chan, who will be leaving the company. Ms Bhatia,…

Cruise

Taiwan’s cruise sector surges in 2017

Mark Elliott Aug 17, 2017

Taiwan's cruise industry continues to experienced strong growth, with double-digit rises in terms of ship and passenger visits in 2017. According to figures released by Taiwan's…

Attractions & Tours

Muay Thai Live wins PATA Gold Award

Mark Elliott Aug 8, 2017

The Bangkok Thai boxing show, "Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives", won the Pacific Asia Travel Association's 2017 PATA Gold Award in the Culture category (traditional performing and…

Tourism

MGTO launches a new website devoted to Macao’s gastronomy

Jill Sayles Aug 4, 2017

The Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has launched a gastronomy-focused website highlighting Macao’s foodie credentials. The website is a source of information for those interested…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates from Thai AirAsia, Air Canada, Lao Airlines and more

Mark Elliott Jun 12, 2017

AirAsia adds low-cost link to Danang Where? Bangkok Don Mueang (Thailand) to Danang (Vietnam) When? Daily, effective immediately Who? Thai AirAsia Why? Low-cost carrier expands…

Appointments

The latest appointments from Travelport, AirAsia, Mandarin Oriental and more

Mark Elliott Jun 7, 2017

MING FOONG has become Travelport's new managing director for Greater China & Online Business Group Asia Pacific. Having joined Travelport in 2012, Foong’s most recent role was…

Tourism

Taiwan arrivals decline in first quarter

Mark Elliott May 18, 2017

The number of international travellers visiting Taiwan declined in the first quarter of 2017. The total of 2.54 million visitors for January-March 2017 was 10% lower than the same…

Tourism

Intra-regional travel drives 94% of Asian arrivals

Mark Elliott May 16, 2017

Asian tourism is now almost completely reliant on intra-regional travel, a new report from PATA has revealed. Releasing its full-year arrivals data for 2016, the association reported that…

Airlines and Aviation

Cambodia’s newest airline spreads wings across Asia

Mark Elliott May 15, 2017

JC International Airlines, the Chinese-backed Cambodian carrier that launched earlier this year, has started adding a series of new routes across Asia. Previously the only overseas route…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: new flights from Korean Air, Vietjet, Air Canada and more…

Mark Elliott May 5, 2017

Korean Air connects Seoul with Spain Where? Seoul (South Korea) to Barcelona (Spain) When? Three times a week, effective immediately Who? Korean Air Why? Rising demand for flights…

Appointments

The latest appointments from Garuda, AccorHotels, Amadeus and more…

Mark Elliott Apr 19, 2017

LAURENT A. VOIVENEL has joined Swiss-Belhotel International as senior vice president of operations & development for the Middle East, Africa & India. A seasoned industry…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia goes large

Mark Elliott Apr 18, 2017

AirAsia will introduce an Airbus A330 aircraft on two routes this month, marking the first time the short-haul low-cost carrier has utilised large, twin-aisle large aircraft. From 19…

United States

Chinese company takes major stake in SeaWorld

Mark Elliott Mar 28, 2017

A Chinese investment company has agreed to take a 21% stake in SeaWorld Entertainment. Zhonghong Holding, a subsidiary of Zhonghong Zhuoye Group, will acquire the equity interest in…

Hotels

MGM and Bellagio to debut in Dubai

Gemma Greenwood Mar 24, 2017

Two iconic Las Vegas hotels – MGM and Bellagio – are to be built in Dubai. US-based MGM Resorts International will bring the world-famous brands to the city, which will mark their…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Virgin Australia, Thai Lion, Air India and more…

Mark Elliott Mar 20, 2017

Bangladesh gets low-cost Dubai link Where? Dubai (UAE) to Sylhet (Bangladesh) When? Four times a week, effective immediately (rising to six per week in May 2017) Who? Flydubai Why? New…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Malindo’s new Australian route, West Air flies to Japan, and more…

Mark Elliott Mar 15, 2017

New Macau charters for Cambodia Angkor Air Where? Sihanoukville (Cambodia) to Macau (China) When? Twice a week, effective immediately Who? Cambodia Angkor Air Why? New charter service…

Hotels

Hard Rock reveals details of first hotel in China

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2017

Hard Rock Hotels has confirmed that its first hotel in mainland China will open this summer, located in the southern city of Shenzhen. Forming part of the Mission Hills golf…

Malaysia

Kim Jong-un’s brother killed at KLIA

Mark Elliott Feb 14, 2017

The half-bother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has been killed in a suspected assassination at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The incident occurred on Monday morning, when…

Hotels

Hard Rock sets division for Japanese casino resorts

Mark Elliott Feb 1, 2017

Hard Rock International has launched a new division to support its expansion in Japan. The new Hard Rock Japan LLC will be headed up by CEO Edward Tracy, who previously led Sands…

Appointments

The latest appointments from AccorHotels, Carnival, Amadeus and more

Mark Elliott Jan 25, 2017

LOUISE DALEY has been appointed as AccorHotels' deputy chief executive officer Asia Pacific. She has been with AccorHotels for 26 years, having commenced her career in Australia before…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Gulf Air, Vietjet and more

Mark Elliott Jan 20, 2017

Gulf Air starts flying to Sri Lanka Where? Manama (Bahrain) to Colombo (Sri Lanka) When? Five times a week, effective immediately Who? Gulf Air Why? Taking advantage of double-digit…

Appointments

The latest appointments, including Sabre’s Frank Trampert and Nikki Beach’s new president

Mark Elliott Jan 18, 2017

FRANK TRAMPERT has been appointed as the new managing director & chief commercial officer for Sabre's hospitality business in Asia Pacific. Trampert has extensive experience in the…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian air route updates: Saudia, Vanilla Air and more

Mark Elliott Jan 17, 2017

Pakistan gets new pilgrimmage flights Where? Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) to Multan (Pakistan) When? Four times a week, effective 1 April 2017 Who? Saudi Arabian Airlines Why? Trade and…

Tourism

Chinese took 4.4 billion domestic trips in 2016

Mark Elliott Jan 10, 2017

China's domestic tourism sector continued to boom in 2016, as the country's citizens took a staggering 4.44 billion trips. The full-year total, revealed this week by the China National…

Hotels

Hoi An’s US$4bn plan to become beach resort hub

Mark Elliott Dec 9, 2016

The historic town of Hoi An, on Vietnam's central coast, will become a major new Southeast Asian beach resort destination by the end of the decade, under new plans unveiled this week. A…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Dec 7, 2016

ROB GREEN has been named as HomeAway's new head of sales for Asia. Previously overseeing the commercial and operations teams for leading travel companies, Green will now be tasked with…

Cruise

Silversea targets Chinese cruise market with major deal

Mark Elliott Dec 7, 2016

Silversea has signed an exclusive partnership with the Plateno Group to promote its global cruises in China. The agreement will see the Chinese hospitality company market and sell…

Tourism

Shanghai offers tax-free shopping for international visitors

Mark Elliott Nov 28, 2016

International travellers to Shanghai will now be able to save 9% on their purchases following the launch of a new tax-free shopping scheme. Effective immediately, Global Blue, the…

Hotel Management Company

Hotel G to make debut in Singapore

Mark Elliott Nov 1, 2016

GCP Hospitality will expand its Hotel G concept in Asia this month, with the opening of its first property in Singapore. Scheduled to launch on 17 November 2016, the new Hotel G…

Attractions & Tours

Dubai prepares to open La Perle by Dragone

Gemma Greenwood Oct 22, 2016

Dubai is preparing to open a one-of-a-kind aqua theatre in Al Habtoor City. La Perle by Dragone, which has been under construction in the new city-within-a-city for the last three…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Sep 1, 2016

TOMOE MAKINO has become TripAdvisor's new country manager for Japan. He joins the travel site from Twitter, where he served as senior growth director for Japan. Makino has also held…

Hotels

Four Seasons to enter Vietnam with The Nam Hai

Mark Elliott Aug 31, 2016

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts has agreed to take over The Nam Hai, the famous luxury resort in Hoi An, Central Vietnam. The agreement will see the resort be rebranded as the Four…

Tourism Boards

Sanya aims to woo more international visitors

Mark Elliott Aug 23, 2016

Sanya, the beach resort that attracts millions of Chinese tourists each year, is aiming to lure more international visitors. Reporting its visitor figures for the first half of 2016, the…

Tourism

Chinese outbound surge continues as travellers broaden horizons

Mark Elliott Aug 19, 2016

The Chinese appetite for global travel shows no sign of abating, with new data showing that the country's outbound market continues to experience double-digit growth in 2016.…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Trafalgar adds three new Asian destinations

Mark Elliott Aug 16, 2016

Trafalgar, The Travel Corporation's guided tour operator, has added three new Asian countries to its collection: India, Sri Lanka and Laos. There are nine new itineraries in…

Hotels

VIP gaming slump hits MGM China

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2016

The continued downturn in Macau's gaming sector has led to a sharp drop in revenues for MGM China. Releasing its results for the first six months of 2016, the company revealed that…

Airlines and Aviation

China Express goes international

Mark Elliott Jul 31, 2016

China Express Airlines will launch its first ever international flights later this year. The airline revealed several plans for several new routes including Guiyang-Hanoi,…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI Smile expands international network

Mark Elliott Jun 29, 2016

THAI Smile, the low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airways, will expand its international network next month with the launch of new services to Chongqing and Penang. Effective 1 July 2016,…

Tourism

Adventurous Indians start travelling further afield

Mark Elliott Jun 24, 2016

Indian travellers are becoming more adventurous, with Thomas Cook India reporting a trend towards more soft adventure, long-haul and “slow travel” holidays this year. In its 2016…

UK

Gleneagles shows off first phase renovations

Aaron Greenwood Jun 22, 2016

Gleneagles has completed the first phase of redevelopment at the hotel, unveiling a new-look Century Bar, the addition of new bar, Auchterarder 70, and 35 renovated luxury bedrooms. The…

Hotels

Conrad debuts in the Philippines

Mark Elliott Jun 15, 2016

Hilton today opened its first luxury Conrad hotel in the Philippines. Set within the 42-hectare Bay City development, the new Conrad Manila is positioned adjacent to the huge Mall of…

Hotels

Sheraton Noosa becomes a Sofitel

Mark Elliott Jun 15, 2016

AccorHotels has secured the management agreement for the Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa in Queensland, and rebranded it as a Sofitel. The 176-room Sunshine Coast resort, which…

Hotels

“No reason” Airbnb and Uber can’t be sold via GDS

Mark Elliott May 28, 2016

Airbnb, Uber and other shared economy companies could be incorporated into the GDS in future, if there was demand for it, Travelport has revealed. Speaking at the Travelport Live 2016…

Travel Tech

Industry’s rapid growth drives customers back to travel agents

Mark Elliott May 28, 2016

The rapid expansion of the travel industry, especially in Asia Pacific, is helping to drive customers back to traditional travel agencies, senior Travelport executives have told Travel…

Airlines and Aviation

Ancillary sales can help differentiate travel agents

Mark Elliott May 25, 2016

Travel agents can improve customer service and differentiate themselves from their competitors by selling more airline ancillary products, delegates at Travelport’s annual customer…

Hotels

Travel “disruptors” allow industry to grow

Mark Elliott May 25, 2016

The so-called “disruptors” of the travel industry, such as Airbnb and Uber, are actually enabling the travel industry to expand and attract more customers, a senior Travelport executive has…

Tourism

Ras Al Khaimah hosts corporate golf event

Mark Elliott May 19, 2016

The UAE World Corporate Golf Championship recently teed-off for the first time at Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Hamra Golf Club. The emirate hosted several high profile golf tournaments over…

Face‑to‑Face

Face-to-Face: Rajeev D. Kale

Mark Elliott May 13, 2016

Q)    Thomas Cook India had recently launched personalised international holiday concept 'Go Beyond'. What has the response been like so far? At Thomas Cook India, we have believed that…

Airlines and Aviation

Chinese LCC embraces travel agents for international expansion

Mark Elliott Apr 27, 2016

China's largest low-cost carrier, Spring Airlines, has committed to making its fares available to international travel agents as it embarks on a new phase of expansion. The…

Cruise

Star Cruises confirms first Shenzhen season

Mark Elliott Apr 20, 2016

Star Cruises has confirmed that its SuperStar Virgo cruise ship will start homeporting in Shenzhen this year. Following a recent agreement signed between Star's parent company,…

UK

Gleneagles Hotel to receive multi-million-pound makeover

Aaron Greenwood Apr 17, 2016

Scotland’s Gleneagles Hotel has committed to an extensive refurbishment programme that will see improvements and upgrades made throughout the property.  The multi-million-pound…

Airlines and Aviation

澳门和Travelport合作 拉动旅游业增长

Mark Elliott Apr 14, 2016

澳门政府旅游局（MGTO）和Travelport签订了一份新的市场分销协议，希望吸引更多旅客来澳门。 在新协议下，澳门将通过Travelport的GDS渠道，将其市场信息传递到目标代理们那里。这一活动主要目标是吸引中东、非洲的旅行者，同时各位旅行代理们也会有在线竞争渠道。…

Hotels

Conrad Hotels debuts in India

Mark Elliott Apr 7, 2016

Hilton's luxury brand, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, has opened its first ever property in India. The new Conrad Pune, which is located in the centre of the Maharashtra city, close to…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Apr 6, 2016

LIM BOOM KWEE has been named chief operating officer of Dusit International. He joined the Thai hotel group in March 2013 as president of its Chinese subsidiary, Dusit Fudu. His 30-year…

Airlines and Aviation

China’s Loong Air cleared for international flights

Mark Elliott Mar 30, 2016

Loong Air, a new Chinese passenger airline based in Hangzhou, has received permission to launch international flights. The former cargo carrier moved into the passenger sector in late…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia brings more Chinese visitors to Chiang Mai

Mark Elliott Mar 29, 2016

AirAsia is capitalising on the Chinese visitor boom in Chiang Mai with the launch of a new direct service to the northern Thai city from Changsha. The capital of central China's Hunan…

Hotels

Hyatt debuts in Chengdu

Mark Elliott Feb 24, 2016

Hyatt has opened the Grand Hyatt Chengdu, its first hotel southwest China's Sichuan province. Located on the 10th to 39th floors of the Chicony Square building in the city's Jinjiang…

Hotels

First global GM-dedicated order launches in Dubai

Mark Elliott Feb 23, 2016

The Honourable Order of International Hotel General Managers (HOIHGm) has officially launched from its first regional headquarters in Dubai.  The international organisation -…

Human Resources

Asian travel salaries rise, but gender gap remains

Mark Elliott Feb 22, 2016

Travel industry salaries are increasing, but men still command higher pay than their female colleagues, a new study has found. The 2016 Travel and Hospitality Industry Salary &…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia carries 50 million passengers

Mark Elliott Feb 16, 2016

AirAsia has carried 50 million passengers in a single year for the first time in its history. The group's portfolio of five short-haul carriers, based in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia,…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Jan 27, 2016

KAI CHAN has been announced as Carlson Wagonlit Travel's new president of Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. Ms Chan currently serves as the corporate travel company's general manager for…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2016

SUPHAJEE SUTHUMPUN has been appointed as Dusit International's new group chief executive officer. She becomes only the third CEO in the Thai hotel group’s 67-year history and the first…

UK

Thai duty-free magnate gets UK university honour

Mark Elliott Jan 19, 2016

Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the founder of King Power, Thailand largest duty-free company, will receive honorary degree from the University of Leicester in the UK. The honour recognises…

Hotels

Sheraton Macao becomes ‘Grand’ hotel

Mark Elliott Jan 13, 2016

Starwood has revealed that its Sheraton hotel in Macau has become part of its new Sheraton Grand portfolio. The 3,896-room Sheraton Macao Hotel Cotai Central, which became the world's…

Serviced Apartments

Ascott to make rooms available on Alibaba

Mark Elliott Jan 8, 2016

Ascott, the serviced apartment operator, will make its global network of rooms available on Alitrip, the online travel platform operated by Chinese e-commerce giant, Alibaba. In a…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Jan 6, 2016

MICHEL MOLLIET has become chief operating officer of AccorHotels in Greater China, overseeing the management of the group’s 125 properties in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Molliet…

Special Reports

Travel Daily Asia’s Review of 2015

Mark Elliott Dec 23, 2015

With the world seemingly lurching from one crisis to another, it’s nice to have one success story to rely on: tourism. Despite the countless setbacks of recent years, from the global…

Hotels

Novotel Zhuhai becomes a Pullman

Mark Elliott Dec 20, 2015

AccorHotels has continued to expand its upscale Pullman brand in China with the rebranding of a Novotel in the Pearl River Delta. The existing Novotel Zhuhai in Guangdong province has…

Airlines and Aviation

Tigerair Taiwan makes debut mainland China

Mark Elliott Dec 14, 2015

Tigerair Taiwan launched its first ever flights to mainland China on Saturday. The low-cost carrier's inaugural cross-Strait flight departed Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport on…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia launches four routes from Pattaya

Mark Elliott Nov 27, 2015

AirAsia has commenced flights on four new routes from U-Tapao Airport, the gateway to Pattaya and Thailand's eastern seaboard. On 27 November, the low-cost carrier launched new…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Nov 25, 2015

PERRY CANTARUTTI has become the new chief executive officer of SkyTeam, the global airline alliance. Cantarutti most recently spent five years with Delta Air Lines as senior vice…

United Arab Emirates

Mundo opens at Jumeirah Emirates Towers

Mark Elliott Nov 17, 2015

Jumeirah Emirates Towers recently unveiled a new interactive global dining concept – Mundo. The venue offers signature cuisine from around the world. The lobby-level restaurant offers…

Hotels

Palazzo Versace opens for business

Mark Elliott Nov 11, 2015

Palazzo Versace Dubai, developed in joint venture with Enshaa Group has opened for business. Donatella Versace has exclusively designed the interiors and furniture for each of the 215…

Airlines and Aviation

Orient Thai connects to GDS with Amadeus

Mark Elliott Nov 3, 2015

Orient Thai Airlines will start to distribute its fares via the global distribution system (GDS), following a new partnership with Amadeus. The Bangkok-based carrier is planning to…

Hotels

Starwood to launch first St Regis in Shanghai

Mark Elliott Nov 3, 2015

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to bring its luxury St Regis brand to Shanghai. Scheduled for completion in early 2017, the new St Regis Shanghai Jingan will be…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia adds more domestic flights from Pattaya

Mark Elliott Oct 29, 2015

AirAsia has continued to expand its operations from Pattaya's U-Tapao Airport with the announcement of new domestic routes to Chiang Mai and Hat Yai. The low-cost carrier recently…

Hotels

Plaza Premium enters hotel space as part of global expansion

Mark Elliott Oct 26, 2015

Plaza Premium Group, which operates independent lounges at airports across the world, has unveiled its global expansion plans, including the launch of a new hotel concept. At a press…

Airlines and Aviation

Lufthansa launches A380 flights to Hong Kong

Mark Elliott Oct 26, 2015

Lufthansa's Airbus A380 touched down at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday. The double-decker jet will now operate daily flights on the Frankfurt-Hong Kong route. The outbound…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Oct 7, 2015

MIKE BONNER has been announced as the new vice president of marketing for One&Only Resorts. Based in Dubai, he will be responsible for the company's global marketing efforts. Bonner…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia expands international links from Pattaya

Mark Elliott Sep 28, 2015

AirAsia will continue its international expansion from Pattaya's U-Tapao Airport in November 2015, with the launch of new direct services to Macau and Singapore. Following the launch of…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Sep 2, 2015

LINDSAY WHITE has been named as Etihad Airways' new vice president for Australia & Asia Pacific. White brings 30 years of aviation experience to the role, having held various senior…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2015

PHILIPPE CASSIS has been named as Belmond's new executive vice president & chief operating officer. He arrives at the company from Sun Resorts, where he served as CEO. Prior to this,…

Tourism Boards

Taiwan welcomes almost 5m arrivals in first half

Mark Elliott Aug 4, 2015

Taiwan welcomed 4.99 million overseas visitors in the first half of 2015, 3.4% more than the same period last year. Data released by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau reveals that the country…

Tourism Boards

Chinese arrivals drive South Pacific tourism

Mark Elliott Jul 27, 2015

Islands in the South Pacific posted a 7% rise in visitor numbers in the first quarter of 2015, driven by a surge in the number of Chinese arrivals. According to the latest data from…

Hotels

St Regis to rise in Qingdao

Mark Elliott Jul 24, 2015

Starwood has continued the expansion of its luxury St Regis brand in the Asia Pacific region with the signing of a new hotel in the Chinese port city of Qingdao. The new-build St…

Hotels

St Regis to debut in India

Mark Elliott Jun 4, 2015

Starwood Hotels & Resorts will launch its luxury St Regis brand in India later this year. The existing Palladium Hotel in Mumbai is currently undergoing a rebranding and will be…

Hotels

澳门万豪、丽思卡尔顿本月底开业

Mark Elliott May 28, 2015

坐落于澳门银河的万豪旗下两家酒店，澳门万豪酒店和澳门丽思卡尔顿酒店已于本月27日隆重开业。 两家新酒店都位于澳门的顶级综合度假城“澳门银河”，宾客可以选择在亚洲最大的JW万豪酒店享受入住体验，或是在丽思卡尔顿酒店体验首间全套方式酒店，感受最优质的入住体验。…

UK

Red Funnel to revive UK fast ferry construction

Aaron Greenwood May 27, 2015

Red Funnel is set to bring fast ferry construction back to the UK with the announcement that its new passenger ferry Red Jet 6 will be built in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.  After…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott May 20, 2015

EDIE RODRIGUEZ has been named as Crystal Cruises' new president & chief executive offer, following Genting Hong Kong's acquisition of the company. Ms Rodriguez has previously held…

Hotels

JW Marriott opens Anji resort

Mark Elliott May 18, 2015

JW Marriott has opened a new luxury resort in Anji, a scenic area in eastern China's Zhejiang province. The new 228-room JW Marriott Hotel Zhejiang Anji is located within the Phoenix…

Tourism

Asia Pacific arrivals rose 6% in 2014 – PATA

Mark Elliott May 14, 2015

Visitor arrivals to countries in the Asia Pacific region, including the Americas and Middle East, increased 6% to 550 million in 2014, according to data released this week by Pacific Asia…

Hotels

IHG revPAR rises 6% in “strong” first quarter

Mark Elliott May 11, 2015

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) experienced a global rise in revPAR (revenue per available room) in the first quarter of 2015. The company's revPAR climbed 5.9% year-on-year in Q1…

Interviews

Face-to-Face: Shaun McCamley

Mark Elliott Apr 27, 2015

This week, Travel Daily chats with Shaun McCamley, president of the  Ho Tram Resort Casino in Vietnam, about the performance and prospects of his new integrated resort... Q)    How has…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI Smile moves into South Asia

Mark Elliott Apr 21, 2015

THAI Smile, the low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airways, will launch its first routes to South Asia in the coming months, it has been reported. Thailand's English language newspaper, The…

Airlines and Aviation

Tibet Airlines gets international clearance

Mark Elliott Apr 21, 2015

Tibet Airlines has been authorised to launch international flights. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) confirmed last week that the Lhasa-based airline, which is…

Tourism

World generated US$1.5 trillion from travel in 2014

Mark Elliott Apr 16, 2015

The global travel and tourism industry was worth US$1.5 trillion in 2014, according to new figures released by the UNWTO. International tourism receipts reached a record US$1.25…

China

Beijing scraps customs for transit tourists

Mark Elliott Apr 13, 2015

Transit passengers at Beijing Capital International Airport will no longer have to undergo customs formalities when transferring between flights. From 15  April 2015, passengers…

Hotels

米高梅澳门签订30亿美金信贷

Mark Elliott Apr 9, 2015

米高梅中国最近新签订了一笔信贷安排，这将使得公司有实力继续发展米高梅路氹金光的一体化度假村项目。 米高梅集团日前公布，总价值15.5亿美元贷款和14.5亿美元的循环型贷款，共计30亿美元的贷款已被签订，将进一步帮助澳门米高梅的发展壮大。 米高梅中国总裁兼首席执行官Grant…

Airlines and Aviation

Philippine Airlines adds new route to China

Mark Elliott Mar 6, 2015

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced that it will launch a new route to China this month. Commencing on 29 March 2015, the national carrier will operate direct flights from Manila…

Hotels

澳门Roosevelt酒店明年开业

Mark Elliott Mar 2, 2015

位于洛杉矶的著名Hollywood Roosevelt酒店来到澳门，明年将迎来开业。 坐落于路氹金光大道，澳门Roosevelt酒店定位于奢华度假，设计上融合了好莱坞气息和1950年代的复古格调。…

Hotels

St Regis to add seventh hotel in China

Mark Elliott Feb 24, 2015

Starwood's luxury brand St Regis will launch its seventh hotel in Greater China this year. The St Regis Macao Cotai Central is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2014,…

Airlines and Aviation

HNA launches another new Chinese airline

Mark Elliott Feb 15, 2015

China's HNA Group has continued to expand its airline portfolio, with the official launch of GX Airlines - a new carrier based in southern China's scenic Guangxi region. The start-up…

Tourism

澳门贸易投资促进局加大宣传

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2015

日前，澳门贸易投资促进局举办商务交流会，宣传澳门贸易投资促进局作为澳门特区政府专责拓展贸易和投资市场的一个部门，成立二十年来持续致力为海内外工商界和投资者在澳门投资经商提供服务，同时，欢迎企业到访澳门参加和举办会展活动，利用澳门平台开拓葡语国家等海外市场。        …

United States

Starwood marks fifth year of deal increases

Mark Elliott Feb 3, 2015

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has revealed 2014 was its fifth year of increased deal signings as it looks for expansion across the globe this year. The hotel giant opened 74 hotels…

Hotels

Hilton College launches global hotel programme

Mark Elliott Jan 30, 2015

The Hilton College in the US has joined forces with two top hospitality schools in Europe and Asia to launch a new global hotel programme. The University of Houston's Conrad N. Hilton…

Tourism

2015中国(澳门)城市旅游展览会将于4月底举行

Mark Elliott Jan 15, 2015

…

Airlines and Aviation

Chinese aviation briefs

Mark Elliott Jan 5, 2015

Chinese airlines to carry 47.5m pax over New Year Chinese airlines are expected to carry 47.52 million passengers over the Lunar New Year holiday period. The forecast, which was made…

Special Reports

Travel Daily Asia’s Ones to Watch for 2015

Mark Elliott Jan 3, 2015

Fast and free in-flight Wi-Fi Last year Emirates trialled a free Wi-Fi service onboard its aircraft and president Sir Tim Clark expressed a desire to roll it out permanently.…

Airlines and Aviation

Guangxi’s new airline cleared for launch

Mark Elliott Jan 3, 2015

A new airline has been given permission to commence operations in the Guangxi region of southern China. According to a statement by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC),…

Hotels

JW Marriott targets Asia’s emerging markets

Mark Elliott Dec 29, 2014

Marriott International will boost its luxury portfolio in Asia's emerging markets in the coming months, with the opening of four new JW Marriott hotels in China and India. In China,…

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)

SATTE broadens appeal for 2015

Mark Elliott Nov 29, 2014

Indian travel trade show SATTE is expected to have a broader appeal next year, due to the new Indian government’s apparent focus on the tourism industry. Organiser UBM India reports…

Hotels

MGM unveils first Diaoyutai hotel in China

Mark Elliott Nov 24, 2014

MGM Resorts International taken a major step forward in its Chinese expansion strategy, with the launch of its first Diaoyutai-branded hotel in the country. Operated by Diaoyutai MGM…

Asia

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Nov 19, 2014

GARY WARNOCK has been appointed general manager of the Dorsett Grand Chengdu. An experienced hotelier, Warnock spent the last seven years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where worked…

Hotels

High-roller slump hits MGM China

Mark Elliott Nov 4, 2014

A sharp decline in VIP gaming revenues has impacted the performance of MGM China in the third quarter of 2014. The hotel and casino company revealed that its VIP table games revenue…

Face‑to‑Face

Face-to-Face: Mike Ford

Mark Elliott Sep 30, 2014

Travel Daily chats with Mike Ford, co-founder & CEO of SiteMinder, about the company's recent partnership with Ctrip and his future expansion plans... 1) You recently announced a…

Hotels

Spain’s NH Hotel moves into China with HNA

Mark Elliott Sep 26, 2014

Spain’s NH Hotels will launch in China, following the signing of a new deal with HNA Group. As part of the bilateral trade summit between Spain and China, attended by Spanish…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia connects Krabi with mainland China

Mark Elliott Sep 15, 2014

AirAsia will provide a new Chinese connection for the Thai resort province of Krabi, with the launch of direct flights from Guangzhou. Commencing on 6 November 2014, the new…

Food & Drink

Gordon Ramsay to arrive at Marina Bay Sands

Mark Elliott Sep 10, 2014

Gordon Ramsay has unveiled plans to open a restaurant at Marina Bay Sands. An agreement was signed between Las Vegas Sands and Gordon Ramsay Group earlier this year to roll out the…

Global

澳门机场单月旅客量突破52万

Mark Elliott Sep 4, 2014

8月向为暑假出游高峰，到访澳门旅客及本地居民外游人数亦不断增加，这使澳门国际机场客运量和航班起降量保持稳定增长，并在2014年8月单月旅客创下自营运以来的记录，超过52万人次，航班量超过3,400架单次，分别比去年同期上升6.5%和1.4%。…

Airlines and Aviation

Cebu Pacific eyes NZ, Myanmar

Mark Elliott Sep 1, 2014

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) could soon start flying to New Zealand and Myanmar, after the low-cost carrier was offered new flying rights. The Philippines' Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has…

Hotel

APEC旅游部长会议9月澳门举行

Mark Elliott Aug 27, 2014

人民日报海外版消息，国家旅游局近日在京举行新闻发布会，宣布第八届APEC旅游部长会议将于9月13日在澳门东亚运动会体育馆举办，将有来自21个经济体的旅游部长参加。…

Hotels

Hospitality transactions accelerate in Asia Pacific

Mark Elliott Aug 20, 2014

After hospitality trading volumes reached a five year peak in 2013, the momentum has carried forward through the first half of this year. Akshay Kulkarni, Regional Director of Cushman…

Hotels

Marriott hits new heights with Zhengzhou hotel

Mark Elliott Jul 31, 2014

A new JW Marriott has opened in Zhengzhou which has become the tallest hotel in central China. The 416-room JW Marriott Hotel Zhengzhou, in the capital of Henan province, is set on…

Airlines and Aviation

Urumqi Airlines cleared for launch

Mark Elliott Jul 30, 2014

A new airline based in northwest Chinese's Xinjiang region has been cleared for take-off. Urumqi Airlines is the latest regional carrier from China's HNA Group, which also operates…

Airlines and Aviation

48 feared dead in TransAsia crash

Mark Elliott Jul 23, 2014

Updated 24 July 2014, 02.46 GMT Forty-eight people are not confirmed to have died after a TransAsia Airways aircraft crashed while making an emergency landing. The aircraft…

Hotels

Sheraton to debut in Zhuhai

Mark Elliott Jul 9, 2014

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has unveiled plans to open its first Sheraton in Zhuhai, the Chinese city located across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong and Macau. Set to open in…

Hotels

Club Med opens beach resort in China

Mark Elliott Jun 24, 2014

Club Med has unveiled a new "Mediterranean-style" beach resort in China. The Club Med Dong'ao Island, which opened in June 2014, is located on an island in the Pearl River Delta,…

Food & Drink

Gordon Ramsay embarks on Asian restaurant expansion

Mark Elliott Jun 10, 2014

Gordon Ramsay will arrive in Asia in September with the launch of the first of several new restaurants in the region. The opening of the Bread Street Kitchen in Hong Kong will mark…

Hotels

Marriott to add 200 luxury and lifestyle hotels

Mark Elliott Jun 3, 2014

Marriott International has announced plans to significantly grow its global portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands. Accounting for nearly 25% of the company's pipeline, Marriott expects…

Travel Tech

Casino surveillance company eyes Asian boom

Mark Elliott May 26, 2014

A surveillance company is capitalising on the Asian casino boom by sealing new contracts with gaming operators in the region. Along with the expansion of major gaming facilities in…

Hotels

HK’s Cachet forms new Asian hospitality group

Mark Elliott Apr 22, 2014

Hong Kong's Cachet Hotel Group (CHG), which operates the eco-friendly URBN Hotels brand, has formed a new joint venture hospitality company. In partnership with US-based Invest…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Apr 16, 2014

JEREMY VAN DE KLUNDERT has been named as the new managing director of Sabre Pacific. He joins the company, which is a subsidiary of Abacus International, having spent five years with…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Yatra rolls out summer packages

Mark Elliott Apr 9, 2014

Yatra.com has rolled out summer holiday packages to international and domestic destinations. The online portal is offering holidays to destination like Turkey, Europe, Switzerland,…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Apr 2, 2014

ANTHONY KAUFMAN has been appointed by Carnival to the new position of senior vice president of Asia for the Princess Cruises brand. A US national, Kaufman is no stranger to Princess,…

Hotels

Casino revenues drive Galaxy growth in 2013

Mark Elliott Mar 19, 2014

Macau resort and casino operator, Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), achieved a sharp rise in profits in 2013, driven by its gaming operations. The company, which operates the Galaxy…

Hotels

SilverNeedle to bring Country Comfort to Asia

Mark Elliott Mar 11, 2014

SilverNeedle Hospitality will roll out Country Comfort hotels in Asia, following the development of a new franchise model for the upper-midscale brand. The Country Comfort brand is…

Tourism Boards

Indian arrivals to Hong Kong up 5% in 2013

Mark Elliott Mar 5, 2014

Indian arrivals to Hong Kong increased 5% in 2013, as compared to 2012.  According to figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), 434,648 Indian tourists visited the…

Hotels

Pan Pacific plots Asian expansion

Mark Elliott Feb 10, 2014

Pan Pacific is accelerating its expansion plans in Asia, with the signing of three new properties. The company, which currently operates 38 properties, is now expanding its presence…

Hotels

Mandarin Oriental to open in Taipei

Mark Elliott Feb 6, 2014

Mandarin Oriental will launch its first hotel in Taipei in the second quarter of this year. Located on the main Dunhua North Road, in the centre of Taiwan's capital, the Mandarin…

Airlines and Aviation

Lucky Air goes international with Singapore launch

Mark Elliott Jan 27, 2014

China's Lucky Air has commenced its first ever international flights, with the launch of a new route to Singapore. On 25 January 2014, the airline, which is a subsidiary of Hainan…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Jan 22, 2014

IAN THOMAS has been announced as the new president of Boeing China. Thomas, who has served as president of Boeing Australia & South Pacific for the past five years, will now move to…

Airlines and Aviation

Abacus signs Spring Airlines deal

Mark Elliott Jan 21, 2014

Chinese low-cost carrier Spring Airlines has signed a new distribution agreement with Abacus International. The three-year deal means that Shanghai-based Spring will be able to sell…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia adds international flights

Mark Elliott Jan 2, 2014

Thai AirAsia has unveiled a new service to China, plus additional flights on two other international routes. Commencing on 21 February 2014, the low-cost carrier will launch the first…

Asia

Travel Daily Asia’s Review of 2013

Mark Elliott Dec 23, 2013

So another year has passed; how was it for you? Asia’s travel industry began the year with high hopes, following record tourist arrivals in 2012. Despite the eurozone slump and…

Tourism

Taiwan eyes eight million visitors

Mark Elliott Dec 23, 2013

Taiwan could welcome eight million visitors this year, after the country revealed that it has already reached its target of 7.7m international arrivals. Reported by the China News…

Hotels

Hilton debuts in Shenzhen

Mark Elliott Dec 20, 2013

Hilton has opened its first hotel in Shenzhen. The 16-storey Hilton Shenzhen Shekou Nanhai is located in the centre of the Guangdong city, facing Shenzhen Bay and the Pearl River…

Tourism

Sri Lanka approves casino projects

Mark Elliott Dec 18, 2013

The Sri Lankan government has approved the development of three controversial casino projects. According to China's Xinhua news agency, citing a government report, the country has…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia to fly Bangkok-Changsha

Mark Elliott Dec 13, 2013

Thai AirAsia is continuing its rapid expansion into China, with the launch of a new service to the city of Changsha. Commencing on 24 January 2014, the low-cost carrier will operate…

Airlines and Aviation

Tigerair expands in China

Mark Elliott Dec 6, 2013

Tigerair is continuing its expansion in China with the launch of a new route to the seaport city of Ningbo, Zhejiang province. The new service will operate three times a week direct…

Airlines and Aviation

Cebu Pacific expands in Japan

Mark Elliott Nov 25, 2013

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) has unveiled a major expansion of its operations in Japan, with plans to launch services to two new destinations - Tokyo and Nagoya. The Philippine low-cost…

Hotels

David Beckham to develop resort concepts in Asia

Mark Elliott Nov 24, 2013

Las Vegas Sands has entered into a new partnership with David Beckham, which will see the former England footballer develop new a new range of entertainment offerings for the company's…

Australia

CTM moves into Asia with Westminster Travel deal

Mark Elliott Nov 20, 2013

Corporate Travel Management (CTM) is moving into the Asian market, with the acquisition of a majority stake in Westminster Travel. The Australian travel management company announced this…

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)

AMEX predicts MICE decline in Asia Pacific

Mark Elliott Nov 14, 2013

The MICE market in the Asia Pacific region will experience a slight decline next year, a new report has predicted. According to the American Express Meetings & Events 2014 Global…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia offers Bangkok connections

Mark Elliott Nov 5, 2013

AirAsia has made it easier for passengers to connect between flights in Bangkok, with the launch of its 'Fly-Thru' service. Passengers connecting from one AirAsia flight to another at…

Hotels

China boosts MGM performance

Mark Elliott Nov 3, 2013

MGM Resorts International saw a strong improvement in its financial results in the third quarter of the year, driven by the strength of its Chinese operations. The company, which…

Airlines and Aviation

Hainan Airlines to launch Xinjiang carrier

Mark Elliott Oct 31, 2013

Hainan Airlines has been given permission to establish Urumqi Airlines, a new carrier based in China's far northwest region of Xinjiang. The Civil Aviation Administration of China…

Tourism

China arrivals continue to fall

Mark Elliott Oct 21, 2013

Visitor arrivals to China have continued to decline in 2013. According to the latest data from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), reported by Xinhua, international…

Human Resources

钓鱼台美高梅酒店集团任命周钰媚女士为区域市场销售总监

Nelly Oct 9, 2013

钓鱼台美高梅酒店集团于日前正式任命周钰媚女士为区域市场销售总监。周钰媚女士将全面负责集团公司及旗下酒店的市场销售工作，并为提升品牌影响力及公司运营提供全面支持。 周钰媚女士拥有20余年酒店及旅游业从业经验，于香港、澳门、中国大陆以及海外地区多家酒店及旅游行业任职多年，不仅曾在香港半岛酒店（Peninsula Hotel）、文华东方酒店集团（Mandarin Oriental…

China

Travel Daily China launches today!

Mark Elliott Oct 8, 2013

Travel Daily Media Group is delighted to announce the launch of a brand new daily e-magazine to serve the world's fastest-growing travel market - China. Launching today, on the auspicious…

Face‑to‑Face

Face-to-Face: David Kong

Mark Elliott Oct 7, 2013

Ahead of the launch of Travel Daily China, we chats with David Kong, president & CEO of Best Western International, about the company's development plans in China...

Tourism

Asian arrivals continue to climb

Mark Elliott Oct 6, 2013

International visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific region increased 6% in June 2013. According to the data figures from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), all sub-regions…

Hotels

Four Seasons opens in Shenzhen

Mark Elliott Sep 29, 2013

Four Seasons has opened its first ever hotel in Shenzhen. Located in the centre of the Pearl River Delta city, the Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen offers 266 rooms and suites, most of…

Tourism

Travel Daily China launches in world’s fastest-growing travel market

Mark Elliott Sep 24, 2013

Travel Daily Media Group and Travel World China are launching a brand new e-magazine to serve the world’s fastest-growing travel market – China. Launching on the auspicious date of 8…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI Smile expands to China, Laos

Mark Elliott Sep 22, 2013

Thai Airways International (THAI) has revealed that its regional low-cost carrier, THAI Smile, will commence flights to mainland China and Laos. From 27 October 2013, the airline will…

Tourism Boards

Wego turns focus on Philippines

Mark Elliott Sep 5, 2013

Travel metasearch website Wego has revealed it is to focus on the Filipino market by attending the first Philippine Tourism Forum and the 24th Philippine Travel Mart.  The company has…

Airlines and Aviation

China Southern profits fall

Mark Elliott Aug 28, 2013

Guangzhou based carrier China Southern Airlines has posted a half yearly profit of US$56.2 million – an 18.9% year-on-year drop. According to its unaudited interim financial report,…

Guest Column

The shift to consumer-centricity in the travel and tourism industry

Mark Elliott Aug 27, 2013

The rise of the middle class in Asian populations is a trend that is finally tilting the balance of consumer purchasing power towards Asia.

Global

Plaza Premium plans major lounge expansion

Mark Elliott Aug 27, 2013

Airport lounge operator, Plaza Premium, has announced plans for a major expansion of its global network. Established in Hong Kong, the company now operates at 27 international…

Appointments

The latest appointments – India

Mark Elliott Aug 23, 2013

RAJAN KALRA has been appointed as Associate Director of Sales India, Sun International Hotels and Resorts, Southern Africa at Outbound Marketing. Since 2008, Kalra worked with the…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott Aug 21, 2013

JOHN SLOSAR has been named as the new Chairman of Cathay Pacific Airways, John Swire & Sons, Swire Pacific, Swire Properties and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering. Currently the Chief…

Hotels

Starwood launches special programme for Indian travellers

Mark Elliott Aug 9, 2013

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has launched a special programme for Indian travellers.  Under the Starwood Personalised Travel programme, the group has launched a series of…

Tourism

Half of Taiwanese arrivals now Chinese

Mark Elliott Aug 5, 2013

More than 50% of international visitor arrivals to Taiwan are now from mainland China. According to the latest data from Taiwan's Tourism Bureau, the island welcomed 3.81 million…

Airlines and Aviation

Tourism tidbits from India

Mark Elliott Jul 29, 2013

New convention centre in Mumbai A new convention centre will be developed at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai. The Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has begun work on…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet announces new international destinations

Mark Elliott Jul 29, 2013

The Chennai-based low-cost carrier SpiceJet has announced the addition of three new international destinations. The carrier will add Bangkok, Muscat and Macau to its international…

England

Wendy Wu to go on the road

Mark Elliott Jul 22, 2013

Wendy Wu has announced it will embark on another travel agent roadshow this autumn. The tour operator will begin its tour in Manchester on 10 September and stop at another nine…

Hotels

Shun Tak unveils new hotel company

Mark Elliott Jul 18, 2013

Shun Tak Holdings, Stanley Ho's Hong Kong-based transport and leisure conglomerate, has announced the launch of Artyzen Hospitality Group (AHG) - its first branded hotel management…

Hotels

HK hotel sector faces overcapacity – study

Mark Elliott Jul 18, 2013

Hong Kong’s hotel sector is facing a “serious problem” of overcapacity, which is only likely to become more severe over the coming years, a new study has said. A research paper by Dr…

Airlines and Aviation

Cebu Pacific adds China, Vietnam capacity

Mark Elliott Jul 15, 2013

Cebu Pacific Airways (CEB) is increasing the number of seats it offers to destinations on China and Vietnam. From 31 October 2013, the Philippine low-cost carrier will add an extra…

Attractions & Tours

DreamWorks to create Chinese theme park

Mark Elliott Jul 15, 2013

DreamWorks Animation has unveiled plans to develop an indoor theme park in eastern China. The company, which was behind hit movies such as Shrek, Madagascar and Kung Fu Panda, told…

Hong Kong

HKIA sees strong first half growth

Mark Elliott Jul 14, 2013

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reported sustained growth in terms of passenger and flight movements in the first half of 2013. During the first six months of the year,…

Hotels

Langham adds Yangtze Delta hotel

Mark Elliott Jun 18, 2013

Langham Hospitality Group has signed a new hotel in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Located in the city of Hainang, the new Langham Place property will form part of an integrated…

Hotels

Sands China to recycle 100 tonnes of hotel soap

Mark Elliott Jun 18, 2013

Sands China, which operates The Venetian Macao and Sands Cotai Central integrated resorts, is planning to recycle 100 tonnes of hotel soap in the next 12 months. In partnership with…

Airlines and Aviation

Shun Tak Holdings takes Jetstar HK stake

Mark Elliott Jun 6, 2013

Hong Kong conglomerate Shun Tak Holdings has taken a significant stake in the city's first low-cost carrier, Jetstar Hong Kong. The company, which was founded by Macau gaming tycoon…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott May 30, 2013 1

MATTHEW VARLEY has been announced as the new Chief Operating Officer of Wego, based at the travel search site's Singapore headquarters. Varley joins from the Wotif Group, where he held…

Tourism Boards

Australia signs up Asian stars in tourism drive

May 21, 2013 1

Tourism Australia has enlisted the support of Hong Kong actor and singer Ekin Cheng to promote tourism to Cairns and Sydney in a new television travel series. In a major drive to boost…

Airlines and Aviation

Indian air connectivity to grow

Mark Elliott May 10, 2013 0

The Indian government has recently granted traffic rights to Indian scheduled carriers for operations on new international routes. These routes include flights between…

Global

Shenzhen bucks Pearl River Delta hotel decline

May 8, 2013 7

Hotels in Shenzhen saw a strong rise in occupancy and average daily rates (ADR) in the first quarter of 2013, but this was not matched by other major cities in the Pearl River Delta.…

Global

Five on Friday – Asia

Apr 12, 2013 13

Three for two at The Siam, Bangkok The Siam, the riverside resort in Bangkok, is offering guests the chance to stay for three nights for the price of two. Guests can choose from any…

Hotels

Banyan Tree to open hot spring resort in China

Mar 27, 2013 0

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has signed a new hot spring resort close to the Chinese city of Chongqing. Opening this summer close to the Jinyun Mountain Natural Reserve, 40…

Travel Tech

Malaysians spread wings to new destinations

Mar 25, 2013 18

Malaysians are taking advantage of new air links to explore a broader range of tourist destinations, a new study of online bookings has shown. Travel search site Wego looked at the…

Hotels

Major new casino resort opens in Manila

Mar 18, 2013 1

A new US$1 billion gaming resort has opened in Manila Bay. The flagship project of Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, the Solaire Resort & Casino opened its doors on Saturday (19…

Cambodia

2012 a record year for Asia Pacific tourism

Mar 7, 2013 1

The Asia Pacific region saw a record number of international visitor arrivals in 2012, according to the latest full-year data from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The region…

Hotels

Mandarin Oriental to debut in Shanghai

Mar 6, 2013 17

Mandarin Oriental will open its first hotel in Shanghai later this year, with the launch of a new luxury property on the banks of the Huangpu River. Set to open in the second quarter…

Hotels

Conrad opens new Beijing hotel

Mar 5, 2013 15

Hilton has opened the Conrad Beijing, its new flagship property in the Chinese capital. Located in the Chaoyang district of the city, Conrad Beijing features 289 rooms and suites, all…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments – Asia

Feb 21, 2013 10

ALEX ALT has been appointed President and General Manager of Sabre Hospitality Solutions, effective April 2013. Alt, who has a Masters degree from Harvard Business School, joined Sabre…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia touches down in Shanghai

Feb 20, 2013 0

AirAsia touched down in Shanghai for this first time today, marking the start of a new scheduled service from Kuala Lumpur. The low-cost carrier's long-haul unit, AirAsia X, will now…

Hotels

2,000 more room open at Sheraton Macao

Jan 29, 2013 8

The Sheraton Macao Hotel has celebrated the opening of its second tower, the Earth Tower, adding 2,067 more rooms to the property. The new additions take the hotel's total inventory to…

Tourism

Singapore top choice for Chinese New Year

Jan 23, 2013 11

Singapore is the most popular destination for holidaymakers from both Singapore and Hong Kong, according to Asian travel search site Wego. Almost one in five Wego hotel searches from users…

Hong Kong

HKIA sets new traffic records

Jan 14, 2013 1

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) set new annual records for both passenger traffic and flight movements in 2012. Last year, HKIA welcomed a total of 56.5 million passengers and…

Tourism Boards

Chinese arrivals dip in 2012

Jan 11, 2013 15

The number of tourists travelling to China declined unexpectedly in 2012. According to the latest data from the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), 133 million international…

Hotels

Hotel performance dips in Pearl River Delta

Nov 27, 2012 16

Hotels in the Pearl River Delta region experienced declines in terms of revenue per available room (revPAR) in October. According to the latest data from STR Global, provided exclusively to…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia X to fly to Shanghai

Nov 22, 2012 16

AirAsia X is expanding its network in China with the introduction of direct flights to Shanghai. From 19 February 2013, the low-cost carrier will commence six weekly flights from Kuala…

Hotels

Venetian Macao launches ‘Winter in Venice’

Nov 22, 2012 0

The Venetian Macao launched a new festive season of attractions this week, called 'Winter in Venice'. Running from now until 13 January 2013, the integrated resort will play host to a range…

Airlines and Aviation

Garuda adds Pearl River Delta port check-in service

Nov 21, 2012 9

Garuda Indonesia has launched a new check-in service at five ports in the Pearl River Delta. Passengers on Garuda flights from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) can now check-in at…

MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions)

Venetian Macao hits MICE milestone

Nov 21, 2012 15

For the first time since its 2007 opening, the Venetian Macao’s main exhibition centre, the CotaiExpo, has hosted one million visitors in the first 10 months of a year. The record figure…

Events

Thirsty Thursday returns to the Shanghai Marriott

Mark Elliott Nov 20, 2012 17

*  Your Email Address:     Salutation: SalutationMsMrsMrDrProf     Firstname:     Lastname:     Company:     JobTitle: -- Please choose a job…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian aviation briefs

Nov 16, 2012 14

VietJet adds Vinh flights VietJet Air has commenced flight to Vinh, in north-central Vietnam. The new direct route from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) will be operated daily using VietJet's…

Airlines and Aviation

MoCA approves more traffic rights

Mark Elliott Nov 12, 2012 16

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has approved more traffic rights. These rights are approved to Indian carriers for three seasons beginning winter 2012. The new allocations are…

Airlines and Aviation

EVA receives first Airbus A321

Nov 1, 2012 16

EVA Air has received its first Airbus A321-200 aircraft following a ceremony at the planemaker’s factory in Hamburg. The new single-aisle aircraft is the first of 12 A321s ordered by…

Global

SOTC launches ‘Just Fly Out’ holidays

Mark Elliott Oct 18, 2012 16

Travellers can now make sudden plans to take an international holiday.  SOTC has announced the launch of ‘Just Fly Out’ holidays. With this launch, travelers can push off on a weekend…

Hotels

Banyan Tree opens urban resort in Shanghai

Oct 17, 2012 10

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has debuted in Shanghai with the launch of an urban resort on the banks of the Huangpu River. Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund becomes the first hotel in…

Hotels

Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, Ctrip.com ink agreement

Mark Elliott Oct 14, 2012 10

Jumeirah Group signed a global direct connectivity partnership agreement in Shanghai with Ctrip.com International Ltd. This is the first time a luxury hotel group from the Middle East has…

Hotels

Jumeirah boosts China presence with Ctrip

Oct 14, 2012 0

Jumeirah Group has entered into a new partnership with China's online travel giant, Ctrip. The new Global Direct Connectivity Partnership Agreement, which was signed in Shanghai late last…

Airlines and Aviation

Thai AirAsia sees surging demand from China

Sep 26, 2012 16

Thai AirAsia is aggressively exploring the China market after Chinese passenger numbers increased 34% year-on-year. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia said; “China is growing rapidly…

Airlines and Aviation

SpiceJet eyes more international destinations

Mark Elliott Sep 21, 2012 20

SpiceJet is eyeing more international destinations in former Soviet Union and China. The low cost carrier has sought government approval to fly 10 new destinations. These destinations…

OTAs & Tour Operators

Thomas Cook India launches 48H Holidays

Mark Elliott Sep 21, 2012 16

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd has launched a new division which will offer international holidays in 48 hours. The “48H Holidays” will offer 15 countries which are either visa on arrival or…

Tourism

World tourism arrivals on track to hit one billion

Sep 13, 2012 13

International tourism arrivals remain on track to reach the one billion mark by the end of year, according to the UNWTO. According to its half-year results, a record 467m tourists travelled…

Hotels

Hard Rock to move into China

Sep 11, 2012 21

Hard Rock International has announced plans to launch two new hotels in China. Through a collaboration with golf resort operator Mission Hills, the two new Hard Rock hotels are expected to…

Hotels

Accor launches flagship ibis in Hong Kong

Sep 11, 2012 14

Accor has opened a new ibis hotel in Hong Kong, which is set to be the brand's flagship property in the Asia Pacific region. The 550-room ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan, located…

Travel Tech

Abacus poised for Chinese expansion

Sep 11, 2012 16

Abacus International has expressed optimism about the planned changes to China's airline distribution regulations. From 1 October 2012, the new Civil Aviation Administration of China's…

Global

Thirsty Thursday Survey

Mark Elliott Sep 4, 2012 9

Dear Industry friends, We would like to get your view on our Thirsty Thursday event held monthly in Dubai. Two lucky entrants will get a special prize at the next Thirsty Thursday event…

Tourism Boards

China woos Indian travellers

Aug 31, 2012 16

The tourism departments of Macau, Hong Kong and Guangdong province in China have come together to woo Indian travellers. "India is a huge market for us. Lots of tourists go to Hong Kong…

Tourism

Asia arrivals growth slows again

Aug 30, 2012 14

The growth in international visitor arrivals to the Asia Pacific region continues to slow down. According to the latest data from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the region…

Appointments

The latest appointments – Asia

Aug 23, 2012 16

ED FULLER has been announced as the new President of California-based consultancy company Laguna Strategic Advisors. Fuller takes the new role having retired from Marriott International in…

Hotels

Sands Cotai Central set for major expansion

Aug 22, 2012 13

Sands China has announced 20 September 2012 as the opening date for the second phase of its Sands Cotai Central integrated resort. This second phase will include the launch of the complex's…

Hotels

Banyan Tree to expand in China

Aug 2, 2012 0

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is planning to expand in China with the launch of new urban resorts in Shanghai and Tianjin. Opening in October and November 2012 respectively, the Banyan…

Associations

PATA Travel Marts heads to Chengdu

Mark Elliott Aug 1, 2012 6

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has revealed that the PATA Travel Mart 2013 will be held in Chengdu. The event will mark the fourth time the annual travel trade show has been…

Tourism Boards

South Asia tourism growth slows – PATA

Mark Elliott Aug 1, 2012 13

The growth of international arrivals to South Asia registered a slower growth of 5% during April 2012, according to the latest data from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The…

Tourism Boards

Asian tourism growth slows

Jul 31, 2012 15

The growth of international arrivals to the Asia Pacific region slowed to just 4% in April, according to the latest data from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). The results,…

Events

Travel Daily ‘Iftar Evening’ – Aug 14th, 2012

Mark Elliott Jul 28, 2012 0

Travel Daily Middle East brings to you the annual ‘Iftar Evening’ Come join us on Aug 14th for a special evening filled with traditional delicacies, lavish buffet and chilled out networking…

Airlines and Aviation

Asian Aviation Briefs

Jul 24, 2012 15

China to build 82 new airports China will build 82 new airports by 2015 in an effort to provide transport links to remote rural areas. Speaking at a news conference in Shanghai recently,…

Macau

Sands China hosts Bangkok roadshow

Jul 17, 2012 16

Sands China showcased the range of facilities offered at the Sands Cotai Macao to the Thai travel trade recently, with a product seminar at Conrad Bangkok. The event was designed to boost…

Travel Tech

Indonesians look further afield for post-Ramadan breaks

Jul 16, 2012 1

Indonesians are changing the way they spend their Lebaran (post-Ramadan) holiday breaks this year, with more people foregoing the traditional home-coming in favour of holidays further…

Hotels

Integrated resort planned for Vladivostok

Jul 15, 2012 14

A Russian company is planning to develop a major new integrated casino resort in the far eastern city of Vladivostok. OJSC Nash Dom Primorye, which is owned by the local Primorsky Territory…

Hotels

Hotels gear up for Chinese boom

Jul 13, 2012 15

Hotels in Asia Pacific are expecting a major rise in Chinese visitors in the coming years, according to a new survey by Hotels.com. Launched today (Friday 13 July 2012), the company's…

Airlines and Aviation

TransAsia upgrades lounge and in-flight services

Jul 11, 2012 19

TransAsia has announced plans to roll out a series of service upgrades from July onwards. The airline recently opened another airport lounge at Taipei Taoyuan International Airport for…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI Smile aims to fill gap in the market

Jul 11, 2012 19

Newly-launched airline THAI Smile is aiming to satisfy the growing regional demand for flights to and from Thailand, according to the carrier’s Managing Director, Captain Woranate Laprabang.…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI Smile takes off

Jul 8, 2012 18

Thai Airways International's (THAI) new regional carrier, THAI Smile, has launched its first flight. The new carrier's first Airbus A320 aircraft took off from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi…

Airlines and Aviation

THAI Smile receives first A320

Jul 3, 2012 1

THAI Smile, the new regional subsidiary of Thai Airways International (THAI), has taken delivery of its first aircraft, an Airbus A320. The new narrow-body aircraft will be configured with…

UK

Staff appointments 21/06/12

Mark Elliott Jun 21, 2012 18

Movers and shakers in the travel industry this week. Alexandra Sanchez has been named as commercial manager at Air Europa. Sanchez has 12 years aviation experience including roles at Air…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments – Asia

Jun 21, 2012 15

CHRISTOPHER LUXON has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand. Luxon, who currently serves as the airline's Group General Manager for International, will replace…

Airlines and Aviation

Abacus seals Air Busan content

Jun 18, 2012 16

Abacus International has signed a new five-year exclusive agreement with Korean low-cost carrier Air Busan. Effective 1 August 2012, the deal will see Air Busan become the first Korean LCC…

Hotels

Mandarin Oriental to open in Chengdu

Jun 7, 2012 0

Mandarin Oriental has signed a management agreement for a new luxury hotel in Chengdu. Currently under development, the Mandarin Oriental Chengdu will form part of a mixed-use development…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments – Asia

Jun 7, 2012 7

FABRICE BREGIER has been announced as the new President & CEO of Airbus. A French national, Bregier was previously the European planemaker's Chief Operating Officer. He takes over the…

Hotels

Hotel rates in Pearl River Delta continue to rise

Jun 2, 2012 16

Hotel rates in four key cities in the Pearl River Delta region continued their upward trajectory in April 2012. According to the latest data from STR Global, provided exclusively to Travel…

Tourism Boards

Southeast Asia continues to lead tourism growth

May 22, 2012 0

International arrivals into Asia Pacific destinations increased 7% year-on-year during the first two months of 2012, according to preliminary data released by the Pacific Asia Travel…

Hotels

Marriott signs 250th Asian hotel

May 17, 2012 14

Marriott International has signed its 250th hotel in Asia - the Renaissance Bo'ao Resort & Spa in China. The new deal means US-based Marriott now has 129 open hotels plus a development…

UK

Caribbean Airlines Thirsty Thursday London 24 May

Mark Elliott May 14, 2012 19

 Travel Daily UK has teamed up with Caribbean Airlines to host our next  Thirsty  Thursday event  in London! See photos and a write-up from the event here Join us on 24…

Tourism

Chinese travel set for five-year boom – report

May 10, 2012 0

Shopping, internet booking and the rise of low-cost carriers will lead to a five-year period of strong growth for the Chinese travel market, according to research being unveiled today…

Airlines and Aviation

Air Europa

Mark Elliott May 8, 2012 16

CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF AIR EUROPA’S DAILY SERVICE TO LIMA AND WIN A BOTTLE OF WINE To celebrate Air Europa’s daily service to Lima from 26 June, the Latin America specialist is giving…

Appointments

The latest industry appointments

Mark Elliott May 3, 2012 10

THOMAS J MONAHAN has been named as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s new Executive Vice President of Development for Asia Pacific. With 35 years’ hospitality experience, Monahan arrives from…

Tourism

Global tourism to grow BRIC by BRIC

Mark Elliott May 2, 2012 13

In its global overview of the travel industry presented as part of the World Travel Market (WTM) Vision 2012 conference series, Euromonitor International revealed its latest research…

Associations

PATA welcomes new Chairman

Apr 22, 2012 16

João Manuel Costa Antunes has been introduced as the new Chairman of PATA. The current Director of the Macau Government Tourist Office (MTGO), Antunes officially took over from out-going…

Airlines and Aviation

AirAsia launches Philippine subsidiary

Mar 29, 2012

AirAsia’s new Philippines-based subsidiary took to the skies for the first time today. On Wednesday 28 March 2012, Philippines Air Asia commenced its maiden flights from its home base at…

Airlines and Aviation

India opens 11 new international routes

Mark Elliott Mar 26, 2012 9

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has decided to open 11 new international routes under the bilateral Air Services Agreements (ASAs). The rights to new routes will be given to the…

Serviced Apartments

Ascott expands in Pearl River Delta

Mark Elliott Nov 21, 2011 0

The 186-unit Ascott M-City Foshan Ascott has signed contracts to manage two more properties southern China's Pearl River Delta region. The 186-unit Ascott M-City Foshan will become Ascott's…

Airlines and Aviation

Lufthansa unveils new first class cabin

Mark Elliott Nov 8, 2011 17

Lufthansa has unveiled its brand new First Class cabin to be deployed on its entire 747-400 fleet serving the Hong Kong - Frankfurt route. The carrier has halved the number of first class…

Airlines and Aviation

Cebu Pacific targets China growth

Mark Elliott Oct 30, 2011 20

Cebu Pacific (CEB) is planning to expand its services to China. The Philippine low-cost carrier reported 30% growth in mainland Chinese passengers in the third quarter of 2011, and to meet…

Macau

Gambling holidays picks pace this Diwali

Mark Elliott Oct 24, 2011 12

Gambling attractions at tourist destinations such as Macau, Singapore and Dubai are drawing crowds this Diwali. With the holiday falling mid-week, tourists from the city have been lucky to…

Airlines and Aviation

Jetstar to launch flights to Guangzhou

Mark Elliott Oct 15, 2011 10

Jetstar has announced that it will commence flights between Singapore and Guangzhou from 22 December. The southern Chinese city will be served daily using a brand new Airbus A320 aircraft.…

Face‑to‑Face

Face-to-Face: Roland Jegge, Worldhotels

Mark Elliott Oct 4, 2011

Roland Jegge, Vice President Asia Pacific, Worldhotels1) Can you please tell us about Worldhotels' portfolio expansion so far in 2011? 2011 will be marked as a…

Asia

Southeast Asia continues to drive regional arrivals

Mark Elliott Sep 30, 2011

Southeast Asia continues to be the one of the fastest growing areas of the Asia Pacific region, in terms of international visitor arrivals. Preliminary data from the Pacific Asia Travel…

Events

Southeast Asia continues to drive regional arrivals

Mark Elliott Sep 29, 2011

Southeast Asia continues to be the one of the fastest growing areas of the Asia Pacific region, in terms of international visitor arrivals. Preliminary data from the Pacific Asia Travel…

Face‑to‑Face

Green light for Pearl River Delta bridge

Mark Elliott Sep 28, 2011

Construction of a bridge linking Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China has been given the green light following a legal challenge. China's state news agency, Xinhua reported that a court in…

Hotels

Wyndham signs contract on China property

Sep 27, 2011

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation yesterday announced the signing of an agreement to manage a new 401-room property in southern China. The Wyndham Grand Foshan Gaoming will feature 98…

Airlines and Aviation

PAL temporarily cuts services

Sep 26, 2011

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is reducing flight frequencies across its network as it prepares to handover various services to outside agents. The airline has chosen to outsource catering,…

Airlines and Aviation

Jetstar adds Ningbo to Chinese network

Mark Elliott Sep 11, 2011

Jetstar has launched flights from Singapore to Ni