Starfish Travel Corporation Team

 The most recent integrated campaign demonstrates how a rich tapestry of singular and unexpected encounters made possible only in Singapore can elevate the mundane to the spectacular. The “Made in Singapore” (MIS) global campaign, launched by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), aims to encourage tourists to make Singapore their next trip destination. The marketing campaign gives the Passion Made Possible destination brand a new look by highlighting uniquely Singaporean experiences, from famous landmarks to undiscovered gems, all of which are strongly entrenched in the distinctive passions that define Singapore’s identity. Indian tourists are increasingly looking to connect deeply with a travel destination by partaking in off-the-beaten-path, less-explored, and previously unimagined experiences, according to GB Srithar, Regional Director – India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board. By emphasizing how Singapore’s rich tapestry of distinctively Singaporean experiences elevates the ordinary, this new campaign hopes to connect with these discriminating Indian tourists. “Made in Singapore” is proof that a place like ours may enable a travel encounter rife with a fresh sense of wonder and infinite opportunities. “The Made in Singapore campaign is anchored on our Passion Made Possible destination brand, which embodies the Singapore spirit of fulfilling individual passions and creating new possibilities,” said Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Marketing Group), Singapore Tourism Board. With this most recent campaign, we hope to further solidify Singapore’s reputation as a place where dreams come true. Our intention is to encourage travel to Singapore by showcasing the commonplace experiences that Singaporeans only experience as remarkable and unforgettable. Singapore’s tourism industry is positioned for robust growth because to solid fundamentals that make the city-state an appealing travel and business destination. However, as well as changes in travel habits, rivalry between locations continues to grow. In a research done in November 2021 with more than 3,000 respondents in ten foreign markets, it was discovered that more than 60% of individuals are seeking more purposeful travel, and that over 80% of those planning purposeful travel are looking for inspiring locations.  By highlighting Singapore’s main characteristics as an exciting City in Nature destination that is not just dynamic and cosmopolitan but also deeply steeped in a rich multicultural heritage, the MIS campaign aims to keep Singapore top of mind and engage with a variety of travelers. The campaign employs a bolder and creative style to portray the spirit of MIS: where a variation on the familiar produces a travel experience filled with amazement. This is done to foster emotional affinity and encourage travel to Singapore. Travelers can experience a variety of imaginative activities in Singapore, such as woodland bathing at Jewel Changi Airport’s Rain Vortex, working up an appetite at Lau Pa Sat hawker center, and taking in a colorful “air show” at the brand-new Mandai Bird Paradise. This eccentric personality is also reflected in the newest additions to Singapore’s destination offers. Imagine a beachfront lifestyle with cutting-edge seaside entertainment, such as electric go-karts, a floating aqua park, mini-golf, beach clubs, and delicious food trucks, at Sentosa’s The Palawan at Sentosa by Shangri-La Group. PLUME, the brand-new cocktail bar at Pan Pacific Singapore, offers visitors a distinctive take on the classic drink experience by serving up fresh flavors inspired by neighborhood birds. And for those looking for a truly unique culinary experience, Lou Shang, a hidden treasure of a café, offers fusion cuisine that takes well-known regional favorites and gives them a thrilling new spin. (For a list of fresh, cutting-edge experiences visitors to Singapore can look forward to, consult Annex A.) MIS takes the place of STB’s SingapoReimagine international recovery campaign, which was introduced in November 2020 with the goal of reviving Singaporeans’ love of travel. Source- Travel daily

The occurrence takes place against the backdrop of a diplomatic dispute that erupted between New Delhi and Colombo last year over the docking of the Yuan Wang 5, a ship used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to track satellites and ballistic missiles, at the Chinese-controlled Hambantota port in New Delhi. In an effort to allay India’s concerns on port calls by Chinese warships, the Sri Lankan government is about to release a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for visits by foreign ships or aircraft, including military assets. In order to strengthen the close connections and interoperability between the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy, the Indian Naval Ship “Khanjar,” a Khukri-class missile corvette built entirely in India, lands at Trincomalee. (ANI) People familiar with the initiative in both Sri Lanka and India said on the condition of anonymity that the SOP, which will include guidelines and information about the kinds of vessels to be allowed into Sri Lanka’s ports and territorial waters, are expected to be formally announced by authorities in Colombo soon. Now on WhatsApp, we are. Join by clicking. The development takes place against the backdrop of a diplomatic dispute that erupted between New Delhi and Colombo last year over the docking of the Yuan Wang 5, a ship used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to track satellites and ballistic missiles, in the port of Hambantota that is under the jurisdiction of China. In August 2023, the Hai Yang 24 Hao, a different PLA Navy ship with surveillance capabilities, paid a visit to Colombo port. “The SOP will specify the kinds of ships that are permitted to conduct port calls. For instance, the type of warships and submarines that are capable of visiting Sri Lankan ports. According to one of those cited above, the SOP will also specify how long the vessels may stay in the nation’s territorial waters and the kinds of activities they may do. According to a second Indian source with knowledge of the program, “The guidelines and SOP are fine, but what will matter are actions taken on the ground.” The Chinese vessels’ potential use of their equipment to snoop on Indian security facilities while in Sri Lankan waters is the Indian side’s main worry, according to the sources. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the president of Sri Lanka, made reference to the SOP this month in New York while taking part in the annual Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue hosted by Carnegie Endowment. He argued that the new SOP was developed after consultations with the Indian side and based upon existing protocols established by the Sri Lankan Navy. “We recently spoke with India, and we have finally accepted all of the changes. Therefore, any ships that arrive right now are doing so in accordance with an operation protocol that we developed with India. I don’t see any ship entering through that operating method that poses a concern,” Wickremesinghe added. Source- Hindustan times

To Raigmore Hospital, two persons have been transported. The police reported that several further passengers are receiving treatment on-site. In the Scottish Highlands on Friday, two trains collided at Aviemore Railway Station, injuring a number of passengers, according to authorities. Police(www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/Representative image): Several people were hurt in a rail collision in Scotland. A rail accident in Scotland left several people hurt: (Representative image from www.railwaymuseum.org.uk) police The century-old Flying Scotsman, the first steam locomotive to exceed 100 miles per hour, was one of the affected trains, according to British media. “Two individuals were sent to Raigmore Hospital. Other passengers are being treated on the scene, and investigations are ongoing, according to a statement from Police Scotland. According to the statement, the two trains crashed at around 7:00 pm (1800 GMT) in a station 600 miles (965 kilometers) north of London, the capital of the United Kingdom. An operator of train services in Scotland, ScotRail, announced on X that “we’re currently unable to run any trains through Aviemore station while they work” because “emergency services are responding to an incident on a private railway near the mainline.” A landslip brought on by heavy rain in August 2020 led a morning train from Aberdeen to Glasgow to derail, killing three persons close to the town of Stonehaven in northeast Scotland. After acknowledging health and safety violations related to the derailment, the business that owns and operates UK rail infrastructure was hit with multimillion dollar penalties. Source- Hindustan times

On September 27, Vietjet formally announced a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Tiruchirappalli, India. The service would begin operations on November 2, 2023, with three roundtrip flights per week at first. As a result, flights operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 00:30 (local time) and arrive in HCMC at 7:00 (local time). Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, return flights leave HCMC at 20:00 local time and land in Tiruchirappalli at 23:30 local time. An essential step in the growth of Tiruchirappalli Airport and the tourism sectors of the two nations is the direct flight from Tamil Nadu to Vietnam. It is anticipated to advance bilateral ties between Vietnam and India as well as tourist, commercial and trade cooperation. “Along with the flight from Kochi to Ho Chi Minh City, this new route clearly demonstrates Vietjet’s capability to connect the southern region of India with Vietnam cities by air, opening up more opportunities for travel and trade exchanges between the two peoples with affordable costs and good services,” said Jay L. Lingeswara, vice president of commercial at Vietjet, in a speech at the event. Aerial image of the skyline and the tall buildings in the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City. A view of the city from the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at dusk The number of Indian tourists visiting Vietnam surged by more than 200% in the first six months of 2023 compared to the six months before to the flu pandemic, placing India among the top 10 international tourist markets in Vietnam, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. Ho Chi Minh City upholds its reputation as a significant economic, cultural, and tourism hub of Vietnam thanks to distinctive Asian cultural characteristics, the hectic pace of a modern metropolis, and ease of access to other cities in Vietnam and other nearby locations.  The “Pearl of the Far East” is known for its variety of hues and noises, which further solidifies Ho Chi Minh City’s status as one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Asia among solo travelers, couples, and families Vietjet’s vast route network, practical flight times, and affordable ticket rates enable travelers to go from Ho Chi Minh City to further visit Vietnam’s well-known coastal locations like Da Nang, Nha Trang, etc. For this specific occasion, the airline is providing Indian citizens with a special discount on Business and Skyboss seats (*) for flights from India to Vietnam from September 25 to October 25, 2023. The trip will take place between October 1 and November 30, 2023. Vietjet also offers its popular mega discount promos to Indians every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for a one-way pricing starting at little INR 5,555 (**). Starting on November 2, 2023, Vietjet will fly 35 round-trip flights every week between five Indian cities—New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Tiruchirappali—and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The flights will be operated by a new fleet of aircraft. Source- Travel daily

Recent transactions in the experiences technology sector, like the Rezdy-Checkfront-Regiondo deal and Respax’s acquisition of Livn, raised the bar for mergers and acquisitions.  However, a mid-season pulse poll of U.S. operators by Arival and experts from Chenmark suggests that the North American market is currently slowing down for tour and activity firms themselves. Only half of American operators reported seeing an increase in business in the first half of 2023, according to a July 2023 study of more than 120 operators from North America and Europe.  Operators in Europe do better in comparison; four out of five report an increase in business through 2022. It’s never too early to begin putting together a tour company business for sale, according to Trish Higgins, a partner at Chenmark, a family-owned holding company that specializes in purchasing businesses from owner-operators when they desire to retire.  However, business owners should think about how the state of the market can affect their prospects. In anticipation of her talks at the next Arival 360 | Orlando, which takes place later this month, Higgins provided Arival with her perspectives on the current acquisition environment for North American tour and activity operators as well as some advice for operators on how to get ready to sell. According to Higgins, “North America is still recovering from its post-pandemic revenge travel boom, which raises questions about whether booking levels will remain high — or decline, as suggested by Arival’s most recent mid-season pulse survey of U.S. operators.” According to Higgins, “with bookings slowing down and impending economic uncertainty, sellers may want to sell, but buyers are cautious.” “Business data for 2022 may be strong, while 2023 results through June may be weaker.  I predict that for the remainder of the year, buyers will adopt a “wait and see approach” to determine how the outcomes of 2023 will represent the “new normal.” However, the survey indicates that some businesses might be more enticing to potential customers. Because travelers want distinctive experiences, businesses that provide them may endure even during times of general market uncertainty. “People are still willing to spend on those special experiences, and I think that is a shift: even if people are giving up spend elsewhere, they’re going to value those things,” says Higgins. “So I think that people offering a special experience are holding up and will continue to hold up,” and since tourists respect them more, potential buyers would value them as well. “People want to have an experience wherever they go right now, so there are more opportunities everywhere in those areas.” Higgins shares her top advice for individuals thinking about selling, whether they plan to do so soon or not: Even if you don’t want to do anything or even think about it, it’s better to be prepared than not. The more you prepare, the better the results will be if you do.  You don’t want to find yourself in a scenario where you have to sell your firm due to health concerns or other circumstances, but you haven’t given much thought to how you should be setting things up. Organize your home – Maintaining order in your finances will make it easier to convey them to a potential buyer and will ensure that the business can continue without you. This is just excellent business practice and will be helpful if and when you decide to sell. If you take into account who you might want to sell to, you can locate the ideal buyer far more easily if you invest in relationships with them today, even years before you decide to sell. Think about the potential value of your company and educate yourself on the various business valuation frameworks. A number of frameworks, including the value of your assets and the multiple of earnings or sales, can be used to estimate the value of your company.  In the end, business valuation is an art rather than a science.  The value is ultimately whatever two individuals determine to be the value. At the next Arival 360 | Orlando in October, Chenmark’s Trish Higgins will moderate breakout sessions on the current investment, merger, and acquisition landscape in the experiences industry and how to get ready to sell — or purchase — a tour company. Source- Travel daily

With the return of the city’s massive outdoor culinary event, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, the Hong Kong Tourism Board invites food and wine enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate the joys of gastronomy in Asia’s gastronomic capital. The four-day festival also serves as the beginning of a month-long calendar of exciting nightlife events that will take place all around the city in November. Mr. Puneet Kumar, Director – South Asia and Middle East, Hong Kong Tourism Board, commented on the upcoming Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival by saying, “As young and affluent Indian travelers seek immersive holidays, Hong Kong is ready to captivate their senses with global culinary experiences set against its iconic skyline. After a five-year hiatus, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival’s comeback is a significant event in our culinary calendar. It’s more than just a gathering; it’s a celebration of the world’s delicacies and our illustrious culinary history. It is an invitation to partake in the lively nightlife and cuisine of the city. We can’t wait to see all of our foreign guests as they experience the best delicacies on earth, make priceless memories, and discover Hong Kong in a whole new way. The physical version of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is returning. The four-day gastronomic extravaganza known as the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2023 will be held from October 26 to October 29 at Victoria Harbour’s Central Harbourfront Event Space. This year’s edition, which marks the event’s return to physical form after a five-year absence, will feature close to 300 booths displaying international food and wine options, as well as a number of engaging programs for foodies of all ages. Additionally, eligible foreign guests will get a complimentary drink when they arrive. The Festival will undoubtedly have a wine theme, and the well-liked Major Country Pavilions will feature producers from 36 different nations. The historic vintages from France and Italy as well as the new wine regions from Thailand, Moldova, and Finland will be highlighted this year. Xige Estate and Chateau Mihope from Ningxia (Northwest China), Yunnan Red Wine & Spirits, and Shandong-based Mystic Island Winery are among the wineries included in the Festival’s first-ever Chinese Wine Discovery showcase. Indulge in a wide variety of international flavors throughout the course of the four-day festival, which will feature meals ranging from punchy, flavor-packed street cuisine to nostalgic local favorites to elegant hotel specialties from vendors including The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. In addition to Tasting Theatre, which is new to the Festival, there will be a number of practical workshops available for visitors of all ages who feel motivated to get their hands dirty and put on an apron. These sessions include “Plant to Plate,” “Origin of the Coffee Bean,” “The Story of Rice,” and others. Celebrity chefs He Jiansheng from Shunde, Guangdong, and award-winning Taiwanese baker Wu Pao-chun, who will participate in the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival for the first time, will lead cooking demonstrations and seminars. Source- Travel daily

Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) flagship division, FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), which has long been a leader in the industry, has announced a global expansion of the company. Simone Seiler, an expert in the field, will take on the position of global general manager to oversee the expansion’s lofty goals and unite all of the M&E businesses around the world.  Seiler is a seasoned travel industry executive with over 20 years of experience who is enthusiastic about the business events industry. As the global leader assisting in-market business leaders, Seiler brings her global perspective and local understanding to dozens of nations and partner networks.   According to a recent white paper* by FCM M&E, the MICE market size in terms of revenue is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6 percent from 2022 to 2030 to reach USD1563.3 billion by 2030. Events, event travel, and meetings are driving the business travel recovery globally.    “We believe there is a global opportunity for disruption in the meetings, events, and event travel areas. With this investment, we’re in a good position to take advantage of the exponentially increasing demand for high-quality, customized event experiences, said Seiler.   With recent research showing conferences and events as one of the top two reasons for travel among SME owners and decision-makers, it is evident that the desire for in-person connection is continuing to rise. The enthusiasm and participation we are witnessing are really promising, and this is something that has been and still is felt on a worldwide scale.  We have a brilliant and diversified FCM M&E leadership team in important markets throughout the world, and they are truly excited about the chance to improve our MICE offering for both potential and current clients. The announcement marks an important turning point for FCM M&E, a company that already has a substantial presence in numerous nations on several continents. The company is dedicated to giving its clients distinctive and memorable experiences while adhering to the larger FCTG “glocal” philosophy.  The size of the global MICE market is particularly fascinating, and Seiler stated, “We believe we have a great chance to grow and position ourselves as the travel management firm of choice for meetings, events, and event travel.   “Demand for in-person meetings is increasing at a consistent yearly growth rate of 12% year over year, which means we have some interesting opportunities ahead of us. “We’re excited to start this new chapter for FCM M&E, and with an incredibly talented team worldwide, I’m very confident we can accomplish our challenging objectives.”  The M&E division, according to Marcus Eklund, managing director of FCM worldwide, is the industry sector’s not-so-secret crown gem, and its increase reflects the rise in worldwide in-person demand. “FCM is a company that is proudly global, with a footprint in more than 100 countries around the world, but we stay true to our mantra of our ‘glocal’ approach where we have industry experts leading their own regional teams to cater for different cultural requirements,” said Eklund. “The M&E industry has been booming for the past 18 months, and there is tremendous room for expansion. We couldn’t be in a better position to take advantage of industries that are yearning to resume face-to-face interaction thanks to our cutting-edge technology and decades of combined industry knowledge within our teams. “According to recent GBTA* study, more than eight out of ten CEOs prefer in-person meetings to virtual contact, and we have clearly noticed this trend recently. “I’d also like to extend my congratulations to Simone, who has long been an integral part of our M&E business. Her appointment is the ideal illustration of the “Brightness of Future” that FCTG provides to its employees.” FCM Meetings & Events is dedicated to expanding both its local and global reach in this industry. The company intends to concentrate on three key areas, including the creation of novel technological solutions and investing in more expertise.   Meetings: Offer several different meeting services, including as venue sourcing, managed meetings, fundamental planning, and on-site assistance.  Event travel: Provide group travel services, including lodging, transfers, and team-building exercises.  Complete event management services, including planning, strategies, implementation, and delivery, are offered.  Source- Travel daily

In a keynote address on September 27, the Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority will assert that aviation is on the verge of the next revolution.  In order to assist the safe development and implementation of sustainable fuels, drones, and new types of aircraft, which are expected to play a large role in UK aviation, the regulator is collaborating with the aviation and aerospace sector as well as the government.  At the Global Urban & Advanced Air Summit Asia in Singapore on September 27, Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, will speak in a keynote session about how the regulator is facilitating innovative technology.  UK Civil Aviation Authority Chair Sir Stephen Hillier said:  “The next, and maybe biggest, revolution in aviation since the development of the jet engine is just around the corner. Radically new vehicle designs have the potential to transform how people travel across cities, enhance available transportation options, and support a more sustainable aviation ecosystem.  As the UK’s regulatory body for aviation and aerospace, we play a crucial part in fostering innovation and technical advancements while putting a priority on the safety of those who fly and those on the ground below.  “We continue to work with other member states and regulators to take on that enormous challenge of regulating for the future in a collaborative way.”  Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, also known as air taxis, are one of these emerging technologies. Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft have the potential to offer more effective and sustainable ways to travel between cities and airports. They are designed to land and take off like helicopters but are powered by electricity.  The UK Civil Aviation Authority issued its initial airworthiness certification requirements for VTOL aircraft earlier this year, which will assist standardize a method for eVTOL aircraft safety certification and speed up their development.  The UK Civil Aviation Authority is now in contact with a number of manufacturers. After acquiring a test authorization from the regulator, Vertical Aerospace became the first eVTOL business in the UK to fly last year. It also acquired a Design Organizational Approval earlier this year, allowing it to move the development of a four passenger eVTOL vehicle forward.  Additionally, the regulator has been creating guidelines for the sector to promote and inform development.  It released guidelines in July 2023 on how the eVTOL business may follow crucial consumer concepts, emphasizing how crucial it is for new aircraft to be completely accessible and understood for passengers. In the same month, guidelines on the use of eVTOL aircraft at vertiports and aerodromes were also released. It outlines important factors for how facilities, which are frequently found in cities, could securely accept these cars.  The use of drones to deliver goods and fly farther and out of an operator’s line of sight may alter as they get more advanced. Infrastructure inspections may also change.  The authority laid out the potential for routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight last year and has given the go-ahead for trials.  Recent demonstration trials including making urgent medical deliveries for the NHS were funded by it on behalf of Apian and Skyports. Through quicker sample processing and delivery of crucial chemotherapeutic medications, the trials enhanced patient experiences and sped up diagnosis times.  The regulator is working with business and the government to reduce emissions in aviation as well. It is looking into alternative fuel sources and encouraging the government to pursue its net zero goals.  This year, test flights have been conducted by ZeroAvia, a firm developing hydrogen-electric engines, with permission from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Source- Travel daily

Rod Munro has been promoted to the position of Managing Director of Operations for Australia and New Zealand by BWH Hotels, a leading worldwide hotel brand. Munro will be responsible for driving BWH Hotels into a new age of expansion and success while reporting to Vice President, International Operations for Asia Pacific, Olivier Berrivin. Munro has a plethora of expertise and a successful track record in managing and operating hotels. Munro’s leadership of the Australian team and assistance with the expanding pipeline of new and existing hotels will be crucial. He is moving from Brisbane to Sydney, where he will start working at BWH Hotels in October.   “I’m excited to apply my experience to such a respected global brand,” said Munro of his decision to join the company at a time of industry expansion. “I am looking forward to the distinctive prospects that BWH Hotels’ expanding portfolio will bring to the market as the hospitality and tourist sectors continue to evolve on a worldwide scale. I’m excited to help the brand become more well-known by providing genuine and unique hospitality experiences.  BWH Hotels Australasia is expanding quickly, thus Berrivin exclaimed, “We are thrilled for Rod to continue this momentum in the region.” He has a unique perspective for this position and the capacity to manage this team thanks to his knowledge of the business and experience in a variety of operations roles. Munro has over 20 years of experience in international hospitality operations. He most recently worked for Stamford Hotels & Resorts as Vice President of Operations for Australasia, where he was in charge of seven luxury hotels with about 2,500 rooms and residential assets. He served in a variety of operational management positions with Accor for more than 15 years prior to his current job, including Area General Manager and COO of Hospitality Services for Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit and Area General Manager and General Manager for Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit.  Despite managing operations in Australia and New Zealand, Ron Pohl, president of international operations, said of Rod, “He brings a global perspective to everything he does.” He is the ideal candidate for this position because of his strategic vision and compatibility with our company’s principles. Source- Travel daily