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Lore Group joins global hotel alliance with landmark properties in major capital cities
Lore Group, an international hospitality company that designs, transforms, manages and operates hotels, restaurants and bars across Europe and the United States, has joined Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. It will see the London-based group’s five design-led hotels – located in landmark buildings in Amsterdam, London and Washington DC – join GHA’s diverse portfolio of more than 800 hotels across 40 brands in 100 countries, offering the 26 million members of its award-winning loyalty programme, GHA DISCOVERY, an even greater choice of unique properties in sought-after destinations. GHA has started the integration of the properties and they all will be live in the programme by May 2024. Committed to thoughtful design and interesting use of space alongside notable restaurants and award-winning bars, Lore Group hotels are inspired by the history of their buildings and the neighbourhoods in which they are located, with the collection including Pulitzer Amsterdam, Sea Containers London, One Hundred Shoreditch, Riggs Washington DC and Lyle Washington DC. “Our recent research has illuminated growing traveller demand for exceptional stays, immersive destination experiences and an appreciation of high-quality hotels. Lore Group aligns perfectly with these trends, offering our 26 million GHA DISCOVERY members an even richer choice of properties in three of the world’s most popular destinations,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “Lore Group’s hotels will also benefit from the GHA DISCOVERY platform’s business-generating power, with cross-brand activity – where members stay with one brand or property and use the DISCOVERY D$ rewards currency earned to visit or stay at another – generating nearly US$300 million in incremental revenue last year.” David Taylor, Lore Group CEO, added: “We are excited about the opportunities made possible by joining GHA, which extends our reach to a wide global community of committed travellers. The potential for growth across our portfolio of unique hotels, utilising the power of GHA DISCOVERY, is substantial, and we look forward to expanding our guest’s world of travel with an alliance of like-minded brands.”
Global Hotel Alliance reports a record 2023 year
UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of 40 independent hotel brands, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, has reported record 2023 results, with every key performance metric hitting an all-time high. Total room revenue of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme, shared by all brands and their collective 800 hotels, reached US$2.3 billion, surpassing 2022 by more than US$1 billion. This reflects the growth and engagement of the loyalty member base, which crossed the 25 million mark in 2023 and achieved 2.7 million new member enrolments for the year compared to 1.6 million in 2022. Repeat stay revenue surpassed the billion-dollar mark for the first time, increasing 60% year-on-year to US$1.4 billion, while hotel cross-brand revenue jumped 71% to $289 million, demonstrating GHA DISCOVERY’s successful loyalty model, which incentivizes members to enjoy the programme’s benefits, including earning and spending their DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) rewards currency, across its 40 member brands. With more members understanding the value of D$ (D$1 equal to US$1) – as easy to redeem as cash toward the bill at checkout - D$ redemptions more than doubled year over year. Redemption spiked during key 2023 holiday periods, with December seeing the highest redemption rate since the rewards currency was launched two years ago. “Our record 2023 results reflect how our customers have embraced the GHA DISCOVERY programme and its new rewards currency, which offers incredible value and choice to members” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “With more upscale and luxury hotels and brands continuing to join GHA amid record revenues in 2023, we embark on our 20th anniversary celebrations this year in great shape and primed for further growth.” Chris Hartley. Key booking preferences of GHA DISCOVERY members in 2023: International travel dominates International stays contributed 60% of all revenue in 2023, with countries receiving the most being the Maldives (100% of all revenue was from international stays), Thailand (90%), Portugal (88%), the Netherlands (83%), UAE (77%), Singapore (75%) and Italy (74%). US and UK travellers stay and spend overseas most The US (US$205 million) and the UK (US$111 million) were the top feeder markets for international stays at GHA properties, followed by Germany (US$67 million), Australia (US$56 million), and China (US$45 million). Destination hotspots Top destinations in terms of international stay room revenue reveal Thailand is the most popular overall, favoured by members in the US (US$10.3 million spend), followed by members in the UK (US$9 million). The UAE is the second most popular overall, favoured by members in the UK (US$16.6 million spend) and members in Russia (US$11 million). Members in the US favoured overseas travel to the Caribbean (US$26 million) and Italy (US$25.3 million) followed by the UK (US$15.7 million), while Australian members preferred Singapore (US$10.1 million). GHA booking channels preferred GHA direct web and app bookings doubled in 2023 (+99% versus 2022), with average spend per member 65% higher on GHA DISCOVERY’s direct channels compared to other third-party channels. “We marked many milestones in 2023, all of which gave members more reasons to stay within our programme, from introducing a cruise component through our partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, to helping travellers identify hotels committed to sustainability best practices with the introduction of our Green Collection, all while enriching our hotel portfolio with new destinations and an even wider range of hotel options, which has boosted loyalty to record levels”, adds Hartley.
EL AL and Israel welcome the First Flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Caption: EL AL CEO, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, and Nof HaGalil's Mayor, Ronen Plot, in the cockpit of EL AL’s 16th Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which made the airline’s first flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel. EL AL Israel Airlines Ltd. is proud to announce the arrival of its 16th Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which landed in Israel on the morning of Monday 31 July after a direct flight from the Boeing factory in Seattle, WA, using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The historic flight marks EL AL’s first use of SAF and signifies the company’s global leadership in reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. 30% of the total fuel used in the flight from Seattle to Tel Aviv was SAF. SAF is chemically similar to traditional fossil jet fuel but is produced from sources such as carbon in the air. In June 2023, EL AL enlisted in the IATA Environmental Assessment Program (IEnvA), which assesses the commitment of the world’s leading airlines to improving their environmental and sustainability performance. EL AL’s participation in the certification programme serves as another example of the company’s environmental commitment. The aircraft's arrival was celebrated with a water salute ceremony, attended by EL AL CEO, Dina Ben Tal Ganancia; Nof HaGalil's Mayor, Ronen Plot; President of Boeing Israel,. Ido Nehushtan;. Kenny Rozenberg; and Daryl Hagler. Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, CEO of EL AL Israel Airlines Ltd. said: “Welcoming a new Dreamliner jet is always an exciting event for us. The historic arrival of our first jet using SAF marks another important milestone in our strategic plan – expanding and renewing our fleet and strengthening our commitment to sustainability. We are grateful to Boeing for our long-term partnership, which has helped us provide our customers with the safest and most enjoyable travel experience.” The new Dreamliner is the fourth 787-8 in EL AL’s fleet, and part of the company’s most recent acquisition of new aircraft. The financing transaction was arranged by ABL Aviation and is the 6th JOLCO financing transaction executed by EL AL since 2018. The jet can accommodate 238 passengers in three classes – Business, Premium, and Economy. EL AL’s Dreamliner fleet now includes four Boeing 787-8 aircraft and 12 787-9 aircraft, which fly to long-haul destinations in North America, Europe, and the Far East. The arrival of the newest aircraft is part of EL AL’s strategic plan to expand and renew its fleet, improve the customer experience, and focus on more efficient fuel usage.
Global Hotel Alliance enters landmark partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, is taking its award-winning loyalty program, GHA DISCOVERY, to the high seas after entering a landmark partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Regent), the world’s leading luxury cruise line, based in Miami, Florida. This exclusive agreement marks the first time a cruise line has partnered with GHA, bringing together two leading luxury brands in the travel sector. GHA DISCOVERY members, who have access to 800 hotels, resorts and palaces operated by 40 hotel brands in 100 countries, are rewarded with the program’s innovative rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$1 equal to US$1). Through this exclusive partnership, the program’s 24 million members will now enjoy the additional benefit of earning D$ by reserving a voyage with Regent and will be able to redeem those benefits in any GHA hotel, resort and palace. GHA DISCOVERY members who reserve a Regent cruise will also be fast-tracked to GHA DISCOVERY Titanium status, which provides a number of benefits at GHA hotels and resorts worldwide. In addition, GHA members will receive a special welcome gift of champagne and chocolates to be enjoyed once on board their reserved voyage. “We are the perfect match, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises being the world’s leading luxury cruise line, offering itineraries that connect key cities across the globe, and GHA DISCOVERY uniting the world’s largest collection of luxury hotel brands, with some of the best hotels in the world in those same destinations,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “This strategic partnership will expand our reach, provide more choice and rich new benefits to our customers; and for GHA, it will drive significant enrolments notably from key markets such as the U.S., generating incremental revenue to our hotel brands.” “We are delighted to partner with GHA to bring Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ unrivalled luxury experiences to even more discerning guests around the world,” stated Andrea DeMarco, President for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “We are confident that Regent’s all-inclusive, immersive destination experiences, lavishly appointed, spacious suites, exquisite gourmet restaurants and world class service will appeal to GHA Discovery’s millions of members who desire the highest standards of luxury whether on land or at sea.” The partnership benefits are as follows: For every Regent booking made by a GHA DISCOVERY member, guests will be rewarded: Between D$750 and D$2,500 for every Regent cruise reservation made, which can be spent at any GHA hotel or resort worldwide, valid for 12 months. Fast-track upgrade to GHA DISCOVERY Titanium status, valid for over 12 months, offering benefits such as double room upgrades, special amenities, early check-in, and late checkout at GHAhotels and resorts worldwide. On-board welcome gift of premium chocolates and Champagne with any Regent voyage reserved by a GHA DISCOVERY member. To celebrate the launch of this partnership, GHA DISCOVERY members can collect triple rewards of up to D$7,500, redeemable at any participating GHA hotel or resort. The offer is valid for bookings until 30 September 2023 and cruises departing on or before 31 December 2023. “The partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises underlines our strategy to focus on partnerships that strengthen our position as the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, with an innovative loyalty program at its heart. This paves the way for continued growth in 2023 and beyond as we look to expand our travel ecosystem with like-minded partners for mutual gain,” said Chris Hartley. Andrea DeMarco continued, “We view this landmark partnership as a win-win as it offers GHA members the opportunity to be rewarded for sailing with Regent, while also providing the many benefits of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program to current Regent guests who choose to enroll, at no extra cost. With the addition of our newest ship, Seven Seas Grandeur, later this year, this partnership comes at a perfect time as there are now more opportunities than ever before to create life-long memories aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet.”
Global Hotel Alliance reports another strong quarter
UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotels brands, has reported stronger-than-forecast H1 2023 results, with room revenue in its GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme up a remarkable 122% year-on-year by the end of Q2. This new high point has been consistently building since November 2022, reflecting sustained appetite for international stays at GHA’s diverse portfolio of 800 hotels across 40 brands in 100 countries, spanning dynamic city properties, idyllic resorts, nature-immersed retreats, and even luxury palaces. With first-half total revenues topping US$1.2 billion, up 122% on H1 2022, July and August are building on this momentum, showing record-breaking performance potential. This is being driven by the growing number of travel-hungry GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme members, whose number will reach the 25-million mark before the end of the year. The five most popular destinations during the first six months of 2023, ranked in terms of total H1 revenue growth, were Thailand in the top-slot followed by Spain, the UAE, the Maldives, and Italy, while the USA remained the most important feeder market for international stays in terms of contribution to room revenue. Meanwhile the top five countries commanding the highest ADRs were St Lucia, Israel, the Maldives, the Seychelles and Switzerland. China’s travel comeback made its mark too, with total hotel revenue generated by GHA DISCOVERY members reaching US$40 million, a 62% increase compared to H1 2022 and up 4% versus the same period in 2019. Chris Hartley CEO Global Hotel Alliance horizontal Cross-brand revenue continued to surge across the entire GHA portfolio to hit US$135 million in H1, demonstrating hotels are receiving incremental revenue from GHA DISCOVERY members staying and earning DISCOVERY D$ at one property and redeeming them as part of their stay at another. Of those D$ redeemed during H1, 28% were on a cross-brand stay, generating new customers for hotels. Once on property, those members spent on average 14 times the redemption amount. Since the GHA DISCOVERY reimagination 18 months ago, which included the introduction of D$ - a digital currency first in the hospitality sector – more than D$116 million (worth US$116 million) have been issued. Chinese and Singaporean members were the most engaged in redeeming D$ as a percentage of D$ issued to them in H1, a clear sign the currency appeals to travellers in markets where travel demand is accelerating now that pandemic-related restrictions have been lifted. Another incentive for all members to earn and spend their D$ is the growing choice of hotel brands and properties, with 21 new hotel additions in H1, ranging from luxury beach resorts to urban retreats in popular city destinations. They included several destination debuts for GHA hotel brands, such as Anantara Plaza Nice, the first Anantara in France; NH Dubai the Palm, a Middle East foray for NH; and Capella Sydney, the first Capella property in Australia. “Our strong H1 numbers reflect the huge demand for leisure travel and the slow but steady recovery of business travel. We are now entering a phase of sustained growth, buoyed by a unique multi-brand loyalty programme that continues to grow its offering of new hotels and destinations,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. Taking a look at the remainder of 2023, 64% of all member bookings are concentrated in 10 countries, led by Australia, which has jumped up from second place in 2022 to the top slot in 2023, followed by Singapore, China, Germany and Thailand. Meanwhile GHA’s first hotels in Japan – Pan Pacific and PARKROYAL hotels in Tokyo - are already the most booked hotels this year to date. “With Q2 results hitting a new record and summer bookings overwhelmingly strong, coupled with the potential to capture catch-up demand from key source markets in Asia, and in particular China, the outlook for H2 is very promising, and we anticipate ending 2023 on a revenue and membership high,” Hartley concluded.
Global Hotel Alliance starts 2023 in growth mode
UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotels brands, has kick-started 2023 with accelerated growth, with 16 new hotels joining its portfolio and performance figures meeting or exceeding pre-pandemic levels in Q1, driven by continued appetite for international leisure travel. Building on the momentum of 2022, the first three months of 2023 continued the strong growth trend, with repeat-stay room revenue and room nights at GHA’s 800 hotels across 40 brands in 100 countries back to 2019 highs since the start of the year and total revenue hitting more than USD550 million for the quarter. International stays made by the 24 million GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme members grew strongly, consistently exceeding 2019 figures, with popular leisure destinations driving the robust recovery in room revenue into Q1 2023 including Thailand (91% international stays), the UAE (82%), the Maldives (99%), Caribbean (100%) and Singapore (70%). Unsurprisingly, stays by members in China remained mostly domestic, but now travel restrictions have been lifted, the trend is quickly shifting towards international. GHA DISCOVERY members who travelled overseas the most were from the US, UK, Russia and France respectively, whereas members in Spain predominantly made domestic trips. Meeting accelerating demand for international travel, GHA continues to grow, with its hotel brands adding new properties in highly desirable beach and city destinations around the world, with 16 new hotels joining the portfolio in Q1. New additions included idyllic resorts such as Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, set on a lush island in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand; Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort in the sub-tropical Canary Islands; the stylish Tivoli Alvor in the glamorous Algarve, Portugal; NH Collection Dubai The Palm, on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah; and two with a stunning clifftop location – The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel, in Kerala, India, and Kempinski Barbaros Reserve Residences in Bodrum, Turkey. Chris Hartley GHA DISCOVERY members can also choose from a host of new properties with prime locations in dynamic city destinations and urban hotspots opening around the world, including Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel in the South of France; Capella Sydney, Australia; NH Bern The Bristol, Switzerland; NH Iquique Pacífic, Chile; La Suite Dubai Hotel & Apartments, the UAE; BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel and HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel, both in Tokyo, Japan; Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore; Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Nairobi, Kenya; and NH Coimbra Dona Inês in Portugal’s central region. With a greater choice of properties than ever, members were given more opportunities to earn and spend GHA DISCOVERY’s unique digital rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (DD). There are now D$67 million in circulation (equal to USD67 million), with members most often seeking new hotels to experience when they redeem them. This has ignited a cross-brand revenue surge to reach USD61 million in Q1, with the full-year forecast now upwardly revised to $260 million, up from $168 million in 2022, which was already 25% ahead of the 2019 number. European members made the most D$ redemptions during Q1, followed by those residing in China and the UAE, and when D$ were redeemed on stays, those guests then spent 11 times the value of redemption, demonstrating the considerable revenue gains to the hotels where they were spent. GHA DISCOVERY membership is rocketing too, with a significant 140% year-on-year rise in enrollments in Q1, demonstrating the growing appeal of a loyalty programme that reflects the expectations of today’s travellers. “Our Q1 2023 results, which build on the remarkable growth we witnessed in 2022, not only prove that travel has well and truly recovered from the challenges of the pandemic, but demonstrate the strength of the GHA DISCOVERY proposition, which has successfully tapped into what today’s travellers seek from a loyalty programme – flexibility, value and choices that meet their travel and lifestyle needs,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “With new brands and hotels continuing to join the alliance, recognising the considerable business benefits that GHA DISCOVERY delivers, in particular unrivalled cross-brand revenue and market share gains, we are confident our Q1 performance will set the pace for the remainder of the year, with GHA in a strong position to leverage surging travel demand from key global markets.”
Domestic travel already above 100% of pre-pandemic levels in India: Sabre
Unstoppable India, Sabre data indicates strong growth potential with domestic travel already above 100% of pre-pandemic levels, and international quickly catching up, alongside major investments in the Indian travel marketplace India is a fast-growing country with a population of more than 1.4 billion, and according to the United Nation’s (UN) latest report, has recently surpassed China as the world’s most populated country. India has also been predicted to overtake Germany to become the world’s third biggest travel and tourism country by the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Economic Impact Research. With major aviation developments in the country announced recently, Sabre has sifted through data to examine the potential of India’s travel growth, and what we may see in the coming years. Their key findings include: Significant investments in the tourism industry are expected to increase, and support, airline capacity requirements for domestic and international travel. As of March 2023, bookings are back to 100% of pre-pandemic levels for domestic trips and are at nearly 100% of pre-pandemic levels for international trips, with domestic travel increasing in popularity and domestic capacity having already exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Indian carriers are expected to play a significant role in international travel. Passenger numbers are increasing despite significantly higher international fares. The growing middle-class segment in India is expected to gain access to travel as travel becomes more affordable; the middle-class segment is expected to double from one in three to two in three Indians by 2047. Significant investments in the Indian tourism industry are expected to increase and support capacity requirements for domestic and international travel Major plane orders by Air India, Akasa Air and IndiGo are expected to result in close to 1,200 more aircraft for Indian carriers over the next 24 months to support the growing demand for travel. The Union Budget of India 2023 presented in February this year, also announced a series of developments to support potential tourism industry growth. A $12 billion investment was announced for aviation infrastructure upgrades to support capacity increments, with aims to increase the number of airports in India from 148 to 220 by 2025, alongside more aviation schools to prepare for increased demand for pilots. India is also refurbishing and developing nearly 100 airports, under the “Revival of Unserved and Under-served Airports” programme, aimed at making air travel more affordable and accessible, while further supporting an increase in capacity, especially for domestic travel. As of March 2023, bookings are back to 100% of pre-pandemic levels for domestic trips and are at nearly 100% of pre-pandemic levels for international trips, with domestic capacity having already exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Sabre’s booking data shows that in January 2023, there were 11 million domestic trips, versus 11.2 million in January 2019, showing a travel recovery of 98.8%. In February, the domestic travel measured at 99.3% and eventually exceeded pre-pandemic levels in March at 107.4%. In fact, domestic capacity has already exceeded 2019 levels since the beginning of this year, signifying that there is potential for domestic travel to grow significantly. The strong growth for domestic travel and domestic capacity could be attributed to more Indians having turned towards domestic travel during the pandemic when they couldn’t travel further afield, and ongoing improvements in connectivity due to government investments. In addition, India has seen a rise in low-cost carriers (LCCs) recently, with these carriers recording growth in domestic travel. Domestic capacity for LCCs has been recorded at more than 110% of 2019 levels in the first 3 months of 2023. In Q1 of 2019, there were 23.2 million travellers flying on LCCs for domestic routes. The number increased to 26.5 million within the same period in 2023, an increase of 14%. For international travel, there were 5.7 million trips in January 2023, versus 6 million in January 2019, showing a recovery rate of 95%. The recovery rate increased to 97.5% in February 2023, and is now at 99.5% in March 2023. Capacity for international trips has also been planned to exceed 100% of 2019 levels by Q2. Indian carriers are expected to continue to play an important role in international travel Domestic routes are predominantly served by Indian low-cost carriers (LCCs). Indian carriers now serve 42.7% of all international routes. This is an increase from 36% pre-pandemic. Indian carriers could further grow in international routes, given a recent request by the aviation minister for domestic carriers (historically Indian) to fly more long-haul routes. It was also reported that India will not be increasing air traffic quotas for carriers from Gulf states, in line with this push for Indian carriers to fly long-haul routes. International fares have increased post-pandemic An impressive travel resumption has been achieved even though average international fares are 41.3% more expensive as of February 2023 when compared to pre-pandemic prices. This exemplifies the “revenge travel” phenomenon resulting from the long lockdowns, plus the fact that capacity could not catch up with the pent-up demand. Domestic fares have also increased, with fares at 24.5% more than pre-pandemic prices as of February 2023. Fare prices are expected to stabilize as capacity grows to meet and potentially exceed demand, coupled with various tourism investments aimed at making travel affordable for the growing middle-class segment in India. The growing middle-class segment in India is expected to gain increased access to travel as travel becomes more affordable; the middle-class segment is expected to rise from 1 in 3 to 2 in 3 Indians by 2047 As more Indian carriers add domestic and international capacities, alongside aviation infrastructure upgrades, it is expected that travel will become more accessible and affordable for India’s middle-class population, encouraging them to travel. A pan-India survey has reported that currently, one in three Indians is considered middle-class, and the number is expected to increase to two in three by 2047. In that event, the sheer population size of India means that middle-class in India would be expected to almost double from nearly 500 million people to 900 million by 2047, almost 3 times the population of the US. In the US, the middle-class makes up only 50%, around 180 million, and China, 163 million, where they make up 13.7%. “What is clear is that India is increasingly making its presence felt on the world travel stage,” said Brett Thorstad, Vice President, Sabre Travel Solutions, Agency Sales, Asia Pacific. “All the indicators, the investment, and the conditions are there for substantial growth over the coming years. What is important now is that all players in the Indian travel ecosystem, and those who want to be players in the marketplace, understand and can harness these opportunities through advanced technology.”
EL AL Planning To Start Tel Aviv-Melbourne By June 2024
EL AL has agreed to begin nonstop service between Tel Aviv and Melbourne after signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Victorian government. According to the terms of the agreement, the two organisations will cooperate to launch the service by June 2024 to provide three weekly flights and 44,000 annual seats. Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, CEO of EL AL, and Ben Carroll, Minister of Industry and Innovation, signed the Letter Of Intent. “We look forward to launching our first nonstop flights to Melbourne as we position Victoria as Israel’s gateway to Australia,” says El Al CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia, outlining plans for three Boeing 787 Dreamliner services per week on the 15-hour route. EL AL had planned to begin operating a test programme between Tel Aviv and Melbourne in 2020; however, the introduction of these flights was delayed until 2021 because of the emergence of Covid-19. Commenting on the news Quotes, attributable Ben Carroll said: “We’re partnering with EL AL, Israel’s national airline, to back direct flights between Melbourne and Tel Aviv to strengthen business connections and create jobs locally. “More international flights to such an important trading partner will power our economy and boost our status as a key destination for tourism, trade and investment,” says Victoria’s Minister for Industry and Innovation, Ben Carroll, who estimates the airline will deliver a $48 million annual boost to the state’s economy. Israel is also an important market for our international education sector, with 45 percent of Israeli students in Australia enrolled in Victorian institutions in 2019.
Global Hotel Alliance reports stellar 2022 results
UAE-headquartered Global Hotel Alliance, the world’s largest alliance of 40 independent hotels brands, has reported robust 2022 results, with every performance indicator exceeding 2019 levels by Q4 – an indication of travel’s full post-pandemic recovery. Room revenue generated by the 23 million global members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme exceeded 2019 levels from mid-November onwards, driven by higher average daily rates (ADR), and soaring by 50% in the last two weeks of the year, while repeat stay room revenue was consistently ahead of 2019 levels from June onwards, up almost 80% by the end of 2022. Room nights, which had lagged behind earlier in the year, surpassed pre-pandemic levels by the end of Q4. In contrast to 2021 when domestic stays dominated the travel mix due to pandemic-related restrictions and concerns, international stays by GHA DISCOVERY members picked up significantly in 2022, accelerating in Q4 to surpass 2019 levels by 40% in the December holiday period, with Singapore, the Maldives, Thailand, Mexico and the Caribbean leading this recovery. Domestic stays exceeded 2019 figures throughout most of 2022. With the percentage of revenue attributed to international stays stabilising at 70%, the same as in 2019, demand patterns are returning to the ‘old normal’, though leisure travel now dominates. The UAE has retained its top spot as most preferred stay destination among members, delivering USD32 million in room revenue in Q4 alone and reflecting GHA’s growing presence in the country. With the recent opening of NH’s first hotel in this market, NH Collection Dubai The Palm, there are now 28 GHA properties in the UAE under nine brands. Spain took second slot on the ‘Top 15 Countries for Stays’ list in Q4, generating $31 million in room revenue and indicating the success of Madrid-headquartered NH Hotel Group joining GHA in June 2022, bringing with it more than 350 hotels and 10 million loyalty programme members. The top feeder markets in Q4 were the US, delivering USD43 million in room revenue, with 80% of members in this market travelling internationally, reflecting the strength of the US dollar, followed by the UK (USD28 million), Spain (USD26 million), Germany (USD24 million) and Australia (USD19 million). China, which traditionally leads in outbound traffic, came in 6th place with its domestic strength; but with travel restrictions now lifted, it could bounce back to number one in 2023. With GHA DISCOVERY empowering members to earn and spend their digital rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), at any property globally, cross-brand revenue rocketed to USD168 million in 2022, 25% ahead of 2019. Anantara, Kempinski and Pan Pacific Hotels Group took the lead in receiving and sending cross-brand revenues and NH Hotels contributed some USD14 million revenue in stays to other brands after they joined mid-year. Chris Hartley CEO Global Hotel Alliance horizontal Record growth was also buoyed by 1.6 million new GHA DISCOVERY member enrolments. “GHA’s 2022 results are phenomenal, not only for our partner hotel brands, but for the global travel and tourism sector as a whole, with significant improvements across every key performance indicator pointing to a full industry recovery and perhaps the end to pre-pandemic comparisons at last,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “This rebound to levels exceeding the 2019 ‘old normal’ not only reveals a bullish travel sentiment, but the true power of GHA DISCOVERY, bolstered by new hotel brands and members coming on board and with the entire eco-system fully leveraging cross-brand stay opportunities, as the figures clearly reveal.” He added: “The outlook for 2023 is incredibly positive as we capitalise on 2022’s gains and unleash the true potential of GHA DISCOVERY. With cross-brand revenue taking off, and millions of dollars of rewards in our customers’ virtual wallets, we have ambitious goals for driving this to new record heights to the benefit of members and brands alike.” GHA’s robust 2022 results were supported by several milestones In addition to NH Hotels joining the alliance, Sun International, The Set Hotels and Palazzo Versace Dubai also came on board, collectively adding 358 new hotels and 21 new cities, taking the total to more than 800 properties from 40-plus brands in 100 countries. GHA DISCOVERY issued D$72 million (with D$1 worth US$1), and with 2 out of 3 redemptions being at a new hotel, the cross-brand revenue potential in 2023 is clear, especially since GHA brands are themselves expanding further, with plans to add up to 100 hotels between now and the end of 2024. GHA also entered into a strategic partnership with ASMALLWORLD, the world’s leading travel and lifestyle community, with both companies becoming shareholders in each other’s businesses. GHA DISCOVERY elite members enjoy all the benefits of the ASMALLWORLD network, including events and experiences, and ASMALLWORLD members gain elite status in GHA DISCOVERY, driving more value to both programmes and more stays at GHA hotels. “2022 was packed with landmark moments for GHA, underlined by strategic partnerships that strengthened our position as the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands with an innovative loyalty programme at its heart,” said Chris Hartley. “This paves the way for continued growth in 2023 as we look to expand our ecosystem with like-minded partners for mutual gain." .
Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai offers screenings and culinary treats
As the global tournament heats up, fans across Dubai are encouraged to head to Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai to enjoy a host of dining offers whilst watching the live action on the giant screens at the rooftop venue. Perched on the property’s rooftop, Aqua Chill, will set the scene for friends and family to enjoy sensational live football screenings with mega 8ftx14ft flat screen TVs. Football fans can enjoy the games in the al fresco venue with impressive views of Dubai’s skyline, combined with sports-themed dishes including beef sliders, hotdogs, fish n chips and delectable wraps, alongside an assortment of refreshing beverages. Meanwhile the hotel’s Bar Nights Bites sports lounge will showcase live matches across seven large screens for sports fans to enjoy in a comfortable setting. Delicious bites including nachos, pizza, wings, dynamite shrimps, and beverages will be served at the vast sports lounge for guests to enjoy while watching the matches. Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai is ideally located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, just 10 minutes away from Business Bay, Downtown and Deira. Sports fans and families watching the matches at Aqua Chill Rooftop Bar and Bar Nights Bites sports lounge can enjoy complimentary valet parking at the property.
Digital Travel APAC Singapore – 12-13 August
The Premier Gathering for Digital Innovators from APAC's Top Airlines, Hotels, OTAs and more
13th Macao International Travel Expo (MITE)- 25April to 27April 2025
In 2025, the the 13th MITE will adhere to the principle of “Multi-dimensional Cooperation among Macao, Mainland China and International Market” to proactively engage more participation from the international tourism industry, exhibitors, buyers and trade visitors. The MITE will give support to Macao’s “1+4” adequate diversification development and to build Macao into the World Centre for Tourism and Leisure.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Malaysia 2025
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
Phuket’s New Wellness Trends for Hotels, Tourism, and Real Estate
The C9 Sessions : Learn the latest insights and trends in Asia’s most dynamic resort destination, Phuket with series of conversations.
TDM C-Suite Travel Trade Global Summit 2025
Join us for a unique opportunity to connect with 200+ industry leaders from Hoteliers and other industry high flyers as we explore the future of travel and hospitality in Thailand beyond - “"The Future of Hospitality: Crafting Seamless Experiences in an AI Digital-Driven World"
ITE HCMC 2024 – The 18th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City
As the largest and most established travel event in Vietnam, the 18th ITE HCMC 2024 will be held under the theme “Responsible Travel – Creating Future”, endorsed by Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
AIME 2025 – 10 – 12 February 2025 • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local event planners and connect them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world. AIME 2025 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 10 – 12 February.
Uzakrota Kuala Lumpur 2024 – Novotel Kuala Lumpur
Uzakrota connects the biggest companies with the brightest minds and professionals in the travel industry worldwide. One of the world’s largest tourism events Uzakrota Kuala Lumpur, from CIS, Balkans, Asia, and the Middle East with the participation of 500 tourism professionals, and 30 speakers on the 19th of September 2024 in Novotel Kuala Lumpur
2024 PATA Travel Mart Final Call: Last Chance to Join as an Exhibitor!
Join the 47th edition of #PTM2024, one of Asia Pacific's longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions. This is your moment to engage with over 260 international organisations from more than 40 destinations across the Asia Pacific region.
Amazing Thailand Travel and Hospitality Golf Classic Phuket 28-29 September 2024
Come and join the Amazing Thailand Travel and Hospitality Golf classic in Phuket on 28th-29th September, inclusions round of golf at Red Mountain and Laguna Golf Phuket, 2 nights stay at Laguna Phuket, dinner and lunch, shirt, all transfers, live scoring, amazing prizes and free flow drinks.
Amazing Thailand Travel and Hospitality Golf Classic Bangkok 11th September 2024
Come and join the Amazing Thailand Travel and Hospitality Golf classic in Bangkok on 11th September, inclusions Green fee, Cart fee, Caddy fee, Buffet dinner, Shirt, Live scoring, Amazing prizes and free flow beverages
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Malaysia 2024
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
November 2024 – Extraordinary Travel Festival Bangkok
We are excited to welcome you to Bangkok, Thailand for the second Extraordinary Travel Festival, We bring travelers together from around the world, Passionate to explore extreme destinations and love to have fun and network with likeminded people
August 2024 – Digital Travel APAC Summit
Dive into discussions on loyalty enhancement strategies, the transformative potential of generative AI, crafting personalized customer experiences, and unlocking pathways to sustainable revenue growth. Get ready to connect with leading experts, gain invaluable insights, and chart the course for success in the digital travel realm.
7th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2024 April 3-5, 2024 Caravelle Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
The conference promises a vast array of knowledge dispersed across three uniquely curated summits: Hotel Investment Summit Vietnam (#HISV), Hotel Design Summit Vietnam (#HDSV), and Hotel Revenue Summit Vietnam (#HRSV).
AIME 2024 – 19 – 21 February 2024 • Melbourne, Australia
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local event planners and connect them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world. AIME 2024 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19 – 21 February.
International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC) 2023 – 7 September 2023
As the largest and most established annual international travel trade event in Vietnam, the 17th ITE HCMC 2023 will be held under the theme “Connectivity, Growth, Sustainability”, endorsed by Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
2nd Hospitality Thailand Conference – Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok
Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia. Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia. Hospitality Asia Event Series is most influential conference brand which attracts industry contributors in Tourism and Hospitality Communities in Asia.
August 2023 – Digital Travel Asia
Digital Travel APAC is the region's travel event where the ambitious and digitally savvy business leaders and marketing, customer experience, digital transformation and eCommerce heads meet.
October 2023 – Digital Travel USA
Digital Travel is the flagship conference for travel executives who are looking to be part of this transformation and re-imagine the customer journey. Join the top minds from hotels, OTAs, airlines, transportation companies, and everything in-between, to share practical insight on how to enhance personalization and improve their online strategies for better cross-channel experiences.