Business Travel News: July 2024

Industry

South Korea lifts caps on Manila flights

The country’s transport ministry says effective 4 July, it has lifted a 20,000 seats a week cap for flights between Korea and Manila, though it made an exception for flights between Seoul Incheon and Manila. Read more.

Singapore, Philippines sign agreement for airlines to offer up to 150 codeshare services weekly

Singapore and the Philippines have signed an agreement for its airlines to offer up to 150 weekly codeshare services to carry passengers between Singapore and Manila, up from the current limit of 35. Airlines from third countries will serve as codeshare partners. Read more.

Plaza Premium outlines $300 million investment plan

Plaza Premium Group is excited to announce several new projects opening in 2024, further cementing its commitment to global growth. Imminent new openings in key destinations, including Abu Dhabi, London, Vancouver, Kenya, Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia, Chongqing and Osaka. Read more.

Visa and TAT launch Grand Sale 2024 to boost tourism

Visa and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced the launch of the Visa Thailand Grand Sale 2024. The campaign aims to drive international tourism to Thailand and increase tourist spending at major shopping destinations, including King Power Duty Free, Siam Paragon, Emporium, EmQuartier, Emsphere, Icon Siam, and Gaysorn. Read more.

Airlines/ Airports

Experience the charm of Hamburg this summer

Qatar Airways welcomes Hamburg, our fifth destination in Germany. Hamburg is a modern metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene. Experience the exceptional when you fly the World’s Best Airline to over 170 destinations in our expanding network from Hamad International Airport in Doha. Qatar Airways, Going places together. 

Singapore Airlines to launch daily Singapore-Beijing Daxing route

Singapore Airlines (SIA) plans to launch daily flights between Singapore and Beijing’s Daxing International Airport on 11 November 2024, pending regulatory approvals. The airline will also increase its frequencies to Beijing Capital International Airport to 21 weekly services from 5 August 2024, bringing its total weekly services to China’s capital to 28 from November 2024. Read more.

Hong Kong Airlines launches direct flights to Taichung

Hong Kong Airlines announced that it will launch a direct flight service to Taichung from 19th July. The new route will be operated daily, greatly enhancing the connection between the two places and bringing more convenience and choices to travelers. Read more.

Thailand to shut duty-free shops in airports’ arrival halls

Thailand’s cabinet has decided to close duty-free shops in the arrival zones of eight international airports, including Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Phuket International. The move aims to encourage tourists to spend more within the country, although no specific timeline for the closures has been announced. Read more.

Hotels

Ascott opens more doors for disabled guests

The Ascott Limited has partnered with SG Enable to improve accessibility and inclusion for disabled guests across its properties. This collaboration, a first of its scale in Singapore’s hospitality industry, will implement several key initiatives to enhance the stay experience for persons with disabilities. Read more.

Amadeus modernises hotel business intelligence using AI

Amadeus has partnered with Microsoft to harness the power of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) to simplify a hotelier’s ability to search and understand business intelligence data using chatbot functionality. Read more.

How luxury travel is changing in Asia

Marriott reveals affluent travellers in Asia are spending more, focusing on culinary experiences, and prioritising sustainability. Read more.