In the news: Blogging campaign in the Philippines, Star Cruises’ second mega ship, strong growth for CWT in 2013
Blogging campaign to promote domestic tourism in the Philippines
Wego Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines andChoose Philippines have joined hands to put the Philippines in the spotlight with the launch of the “Your Life-Changing Travel Story”.
This national blogging campaign, which will run until March 21, invites Filipino-based writers and bloggers to share their life-changing travel experiences in the Philippines. The best story selected by the judges will win prize of P100,000 (US$2,240) and two round trip Cebu Pacific Air flights to any domestic destination.
First and second runners-up will be awarded P20,000 and P10,000 respectively, with an additional seven consolation prizes of P5,000.
Eliza Diaz, Wego Philippines’ market development manager, said, “There are so many magnificent destinations in the Philippines, but there’s also a lot more than just spectacular beaches and beautiful countryside. We wanted to give people the opportunity to share the diverse culture, heritage and real spirit of this country by sharing their personal travel stories that have in some way left an indelible mark on their lives.”
Added Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Air’s vice president for marketing and distribution, “We are very happy to support this contest because it encourages people to tell their travel stories, and showcases the many reasons why every Juan flies.”
Phillip Kimpo Jr., editor-in-chief of ABS-CBN Choose Philippines, felt the contest jibed well with its advocacy to encourage Pinoys to travel within the country first before anywhere else. “We believe in the life-long journey of ‘Find-Discover-Share,’ and this contest fosters exactly just that.”
Click here to enter Wego’s “Life-Changing Travel Story” contest.
Star Cruises buys second mega ship in four months
Star Cruises has commissioned shipbuilder Meyer Werft of Germany to build a new €697.2 million (US$955.2 million) mega cruise ship, its second order in four months.
The 150,000-tonne vessel will bring Star Cruises’ Asian fleet to nine ships when it is delivered in the autumn of 2017.
The new ship will accommodate 3,305 passengers in 1,682 cabins, with a maximum capacity at over 4,500. It will be designed to cater to the unique preferences of Asian cruisers, and enable Star Cruises to take advantage of the growing demand for cruise travel in the Asia-Pacific region.
The company said the new vessel will be a sister ship to the one Star Cruises ordered in October 2013, which will be delivered in fall of 2016.
Meyer Werft constructed Star Cruises’ first new ship, the SuperStar Leo, in 1998, and its sister ship SuperStar Virgo (pictured above left).
Strong growth for CWT in 2013, US$1.9 billion in business sales rreported
Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) announced strong financial results for 2013 with key growth recorded in its new business sales, with US$1.9 billion posted in the year reviewed.
The company’s specialist business divisions including CWT Energy, Resources & Marine, and consulting arm CWT Solutions Group also reported significant growth.
Overall sales volume decreased by 2.7% to US$26.9 billion, reflecting the continuing variable global economic climate and sequestration efforts in the US, which have led to a reduced demand for military and government travel.
The number of transactions managed by CWT declined by 2.3% to 60.3 million. However, excluding US military and government figures, CWT’s sales volume increased by 0.3% pand the number of transactions managed by CWT increased by 0.4%.
CWT grew most in the Asia Pacific region, where transactions increased by a 4.5% year-on-year, enhanced by operations in China and Japan, which both performed well. Strong revenues were recorded in Hong Kong with 23% and China recording 9% growth.
Excluding US military and government transactions, North America increased by 0.9%. Transactions in Latin America decreased by 2.2% year-on-year despite strong performance in Mexico. A drop of 0.8% was recorded in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, reflecting the delicate economic climate throughout the region last year. 2013.
CWT’s client satisfaction scores were particularly strong, with a 98% retention rate combined with 91% satisfaction rate from travel managers, as well as an 88% satisfaction rating from travellers. (see detailed results in infographics below).
Last year also saw CWT To Go, CWT’s award-winning app, reach 158,000 downloads.
Douglas Anderson, CWT president and CEO said, “While the global economic environment remained challenging in 2013, our new business and client retention figures position us well for growth in 2014. CWT remains committed to delivering the best in innovative products and technology, combined with best-in-class customer service.”
