In the news: Partnership to boost Singapore’s inbound tourism, Twitter on AirAsia planes, SWISS’ new deal with Travelport
A three-party collaboration to enhance the Singapore experience
An enhanced Singapore experience awaits visitors to the island republic. (Image credit: XtianFer/iStock)
Three leading players in the Singapore tourism industry – Singapore Airlines (SIA), Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) – are joining hands to promote inbound travel to Singapore and Changi Airport in its largest collaboration to date.
Under the two-year partnership the three parties will jointly invest S$20 million (US$15 million) to collaborate in amplifying the Singapore experience to leisure, business and MICE audiences in more than 15 markets worldwide.
Focus will be on delivering the Singapore experience to visitors coming to and through Singapore and Changi Airport, and the intensification of marketing efforts direct to consumers and through trade partnerships. Also targeted are the business traveller and MICE segment.
Lee Seow Hiang, CAG chief executive officer, said that one of the partnership’s key initiatives is “developing and enhancing joint programmes to boost the experience.”
Singapore Stopover Premium package, an upgraded version of the Singapore Stopover Holiday, is one of these programmes. Targeted at both premium leisure and business travellers, it includes stays in selected five-star hotels with priority hotel check-in services and private transfers, exclusive privileges such as spa discounts or shopping vouchers, and access to a variety of premium leisure experiences across the island.
The other is the enhanced Free Singapore Tour, a popular programme that brings transit passengers on a free guided tour of Singapore. The refreshed programme features longer itineraries that cover even more iconic sights, photo stops, and additional tour timings throughout the day and night. There will also be seasonal editions during festive periods.
“Our airline and airport are an integral part of the Singapore experience. The new product offerings demonstrate SIA, CAG, and STB’s commitment to provide today’s discerning travellers with a more seamless and in-depth experience. To constantly refresh and add value to the visitor experience, it is essential for the industry to rally together; STB looks forward to more partnerships with the industry,” said Lionel Yeo, STB chief executive.
Now everyone can tweet on board AirAsia flights
Tony Fernandes, AirAsia group CEO (2nd left), launching Twitter on board AirAsia flight AK5208.
After bringing on-board WiFi services to to its flights last November, low cost carrier AirAsia is now enabling its guests to tweet 30,000 feet up in the air on selected flights.
This latest offering is made possible through the carrier’s partnership with roKKi, a leading provider of inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) solutions.
Guests can tweet by purchasing a roKKi Chats Instant Messaging package for RM9/US$0.80 (3MB data usage) that also includes access to WeChat, WhatsApp, LINE, and KakaoTalk.
More AirAsia aircraft will be equipped with the roKKi WiFi system in the coming months.
Arvinder Gujral, Twitter’s director of business development, South Asia, said the partnership with roKKi made Twitter “the first social media app available via WiFi on AirAsia flights.”
SWISS flies onto Travelport merchandising platform
SWISS utilising Travelport’s merchandising technology.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is the latest carrier to sign up to Travelport’s airline merchandising technology, Travelport Rich Content and Branding, with its fares and ancillaries now ready to search, sell and book through Travelport Smartpoint.
This new agreement sees SWISS utilising Travelport’s advanced technologies to provide more comprehensive product features than ATPCO branded fares.
Through Travelport Smartpoint, agents have access to the ATPCO offering including detailed information on SWISS’ cabins, brand imagery and product descriptions.
In addition agencies will be able to compare ancillaries, including the airline’s additional baggage purchase option, which allows for more effective upsell opportunities.
Agents can also access SWISS’ new fare structure for Europe including Economy Light, Economy Classic, Economy Flex and SWISS Business.
