Northstar

BUSINESS www.travelweeklyweb.com Sustained growth but prolonged weakness KUALA LUMPUR – Preliminary traffic figures for the month of June released today by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed sustained growth in international passenger traffic, but prolonged weakness in air cargo markets. Asia-Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 18.3 million international passengers in June, a 7.1 per cent growth compared to the same month last year. International passenger traffic, in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms, grew by 5.7 per cent whilst available seat capacity expanded by 6.4 per cent, resulting in a modest 0.5 percentage point fall in the average international passenger load factor to 79.6 per cent for the month. International air cargo demand, expressed in freight tonne kilometre (FTK) terms, was 2.2 per cent lower in June compared to the same month last year, reflecting continued weakness in key export markets. Offered freight capacity increased marginally, by 0.3 per cent, leading to a 1.7 percentage point fall in the average international air cargo load factor to 66.2 per cent. Commenting on the results, Andrew Herdman, AAPA director general said, "During the first half of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 107 million international passengers, a 5.6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Demand for air travel remains relatively robust, maintaining the established growth trend, and still outpacing expectations of more moderate growth in the wider economy. Air cargo markets, however, remain depressed, with Asian airlines reporting a 2.4 per cent decline in freight traffic for the first six months of the year, reflecting persistent weakness in global trade conditions." "Prospects for the second half of the year remain challenging, given the underlying uncertainty over the global economic outlook, but Asian airlines are still confident about future growth prospects and are continuing to invest in further route development and customer service initiatives," added Herdman. Properties in Vietnam open to foreign investments HONG KONG – Investing in Vietnam, especially along the country's fabled Central Coast, has never been more popular amongst foreign investors, particularly those from Singapore, Hong Kong and Mainland China. With the opening of new air routes like the direct flights to Danang, the availability of five-star international managed brands also lures investors to the former French colony, which boasts more than just scenic destinations, but also culturally rich past that attracts visitors from the world over. Vietnam Sotheby's International Realty, which represents exclusive properties across Vietnam, offers property management Hyatt Regency Danang 6 | ■ TRAVELWEEKLY ASIA | AUGUST 2013 services to foreign investors seeking to own and rent out luxury properties across the country. A team of experts based throughout the country will deliver integrated services built on market insight and foresight, up to date research, and relevant market knowledge, based on individual enquiries. Beginning with on the ground research, the company helps investors to shortlist potential properties and provides on-site inspections and advice, while post-service operations extend to coordinating and overseeing long-term rental programmes, in partnership with local professionals, to ensure buyers enjoy a maximum return on investment throughout each 50 year lease. Internationally branded residences across Central Vietnam are currently at historically low prices. A sea-facing one-bedroom condominium at the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa can be purchased for just US$200,000. Meanwhile, Vietnam Sotheby's International Realty's portfolio extends to include The Montgomerie Links Residences, located on the stunning landscape of Vietnams' first golf course designed by Scottish golfing legend Colin Montgomerie, offering investors enchanting villas for approximately US$500,000, and The Nam Hai, situated on 31 hectares behind world-renowned Non Nuoc Beach. Specialising in real estate investment management, Vietnam Sotheby's International Realty offers its overseas clients the opportunity to purchase luxury branded Vietnamese properties in the luxury condominium market. Including properties within holiday spots such as the Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, foreign clients of Vietnam Sotheby's International Realty enjoy the opportunity to rent out their property in the hotel's rental programme, creating rental yield for their investment, as well as the flexibility to visit for 90 days per year. www.travelweeklyweb.com

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