Business Travel News: January 2024
Industry
GBTA APAC Conference 2024 Returns to Singapore May 14-15 to Fuel the Region’s Business Travel Evolution
ESG goals on the rise in 2024: Amadeus study
An Amadeus research among 896 senior sustainability decision-makers across nine markets and seven segments of the travel industry to gain insight on ESG ambitions, priorities, and challenges, has revealed optimism towards net zero objectives. 89% of ESG decision-makers believe the industry can reach the UNWTO-proposed goal for net zero by 2050. Of that 89%, 36% believe it is possible to reach without any adjustments, while 53% believe it is possible, but progress needs to be accelerated urgently. Read more.
Airlines/ Airports
Cathay welcomes new partners into Corporate SAF programme
Following the successful launch of its Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme in 2022, Cathay announced the addition of three new partners to the programme. Read more.
Singapore Airlines’ New Flight Schedule
From 1 April 2024, Singapore Airlines will introduce two-morning flights between Hong Kong and Singapore. This will offer your company with more flexibility and options. Learn more.
The first Oneworld-branded airport lounge has rolled out the welcome mat at Seoul Incheon
South Korea’s Seoul Incheon International Airport now has a fresh place for travellers on Qantas, Cathay Pacific, American Airways and other Oneworld airlines to rest before their flight. Welcome to the new Oneworld Seoul Lounge: the first in a long-promised network of Oneworld-branded lounges operated by the alliance. Read more.
Malaysia moves to compulsory digital arrivals card
Foreigners jetting into Malaysia now need to complete an extra step prior to travel, with the once-optional Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) now mandatory for passport holders of most countries, including Australians. Read more.
Emirates ditches hated middle seat in business class
The Gulf airline has a new Boeing 777 business class seats on the way, while also ramping up its premium economy roll-out. Taking wing in the middle of this year, this new Emirates business class seat will also align with what’s to come when the delayed Boeing 777-9 jetliners finally arrive from 2025. Read more.
Hotels
Ascott expands Oakwood portfolio by more than 20% with over 20 new signings following strategic acquisition in 2H 2022
Since the acquisition, Ascott has expanded Oakwood’s presence to 48 cities, entering new destinations including Busan in South Korea, Batam and Bali in Indonesia, Penang and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Navi Mumbai in India, as well as Ha Long in Vietnam. With almost 18,000 units to date, the Oakwood portfolio has grown by more than 20% post-acquisition, making it one of the fastest growing global brands in the Ascott portfolio with over 20 new signings since the acquisition. Read more.
IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring Garner brand to Japan
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Axe Management Partners to launch its new midscale conversion brand Garner in Japan this year. The partnership will see Garner make its Japan debut in 2H2024 with three conversion hotels in Osaka, adding more than 500 rooms to IHG’s growing Japan estate. Read more.
That’s a wrap for CTM’s January business travel news.
Contact CTM’s expert team today to arrange your travel.