MANILA, 26 August 2024: The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco calls for 24/7 tourist courts to speed up the resolution of tourist cases.
She proposed the matter during a recent meeting with President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr in Malacañang, during which the President agreed that the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) should work alongside the DOT to investigate and prosecute crimes related to tourists.
Photo credit: DOT. Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
“We are now working with the DOJ, and we will be collaborating with the judiciary department for the establishment of a 24-hour tourist court to resolve crimes related to our tourists,” the Secretary said during a briefing for the proposed budget of the DOT for the 2025 fiscal year held at the House of Representatives in Quezon City last week.
The DOT is also beefing up police forces across strategic locations of the country, primarily in areas with a high concentration of tourists. Over 8,000 police personnel have already been trained under the Department’s Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) Programme.
The tourism chief emphasised that the DOT is also working with the Department of National Defense (DND) to strengthen the strategic development of tourism, especially in key areas of the country.
As of 19 August 2024, the Philippines welcomed 3,860,730 international visitors, of which 92.05% or 3,553,720 are foreigners, while the remaining 7.95%, 307,010, are overseas Filipinos. The top 10 source markets are South Korea, the United States of America, Japan, China, Australia, Taiwan, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia.
SINGAPORE, 26 August 2024: Air Astana will launch direct flights from Astana to Phuket, Thailand’s largest resort island on 26 October 2024.
The new service will operate three times weekly, in addition to the existing Almaty to Phuket service, which currently operates five times weekly and will go daily on 26 October 2024.
The new service from Astana will operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, departing at 2140 and arriving in Phuket at 0745 the following day. The return flight will depart Phuket on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 0930 and arrive in Astana at 1610. All times local. The flight duration is eight hours and five minutes outbound to Phuket and eight hours and 40 minutes on the return sector.
All Phuket flights will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft, which are configured with 16 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The fully lie-flat business class seats and ergonomic economy class seats offer passengers enhanced comfort and are equipped with individual entertainment system screens.
A round-trip economy ticket, including fees, starts at USD 698. Tickets are already on sale at the airline’s website or through authorised travel agencies.
BANGKOK, 23 August 2024: Song Wat Street owes its name to King Rama V. In 1906, after a catastrophic fire ravaged Sampheng, the king personally sketched out a new road, stretching straight from the Ratchawong River pier along the Chao Phraya River to Charoen Krung Road, to improve the area’s layout. This 1.2-kilometre thoroughfare, Song Wat, meaning “drawn by the king”, is a tangible testament to His Majesty the King’s urban planning foresight.
The century-old buildings in Song Wat retain their original charm.
Once a vital link to steamship piers and a hub for distributing goods, Song Wat Street played a pivotal role in international trade, handling diverse products from seeds and flours to herbs, soaps, seafood, and even gemstones. This rich commercial history fostered the growth of numerous corporations and firms. The street is home to the historic “Chia Tai” seed shop, today’s Charoen Pokphand Group.
Two decades ago, as the city expanded, a ban on 10-wheeler trucks was implemented in the city centre. Song Wat Street underwent a significant transformation.As businesses struggled with distribution, some adapted while others left, leaving behind empty shophouses. This shift turned the street into a wholesale district for plastics and toys.
Song Wat Street has witnessed the passage of time, evolving from a bustling commercial centre into a vibrant new identity. A fresh generation of entrepreneurs is now breathing life into the street, forging a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. Their passion is the brushstroke that paints a vivid picture of a community where past and present coexist in perfect balance.
Song Wat gained renewed attention around 2016 when it became a canvas for international street artists. A mural featuring two colossal elephants in a playful pose on a building, one of the art exhibition’s highlights, has become a familiar symbol of the street. The infusion of art into the once-forgotten neighbourhood’s fabric has begun to transform Song Wat, attracting those with an interest in arts and lifestyle. New businesses, including cafes, art galleries, and hostels, have emerged, contributing to Song Wat’s evolution into the vibrant place it is today.
Vibrant murals and graffiti transform the streets of Song Wat into an open-air art gallery.
Creative minds behind PLAY arthouse: Kiattiwat and Patcharin Srichanwanpen.
Kiattiwat Srichanwanpen, founder of the art gallery PLAY Arthouse and a lifelong resident of Song Wat, has witnessed the neighbourhood’s evolution through three distinct phases. He succinctly captures Song Wat’s essence in three words: “Old Meets New.” A testament to this spirit, Kiattiwat and his wife, Patcharin, transformed his father’s former shoe warehouse into an art gallery. Now one of the icons of Song Wat’s transformation, the gallery’s striking blue exterior is a familiar sight on the street.
“Song Wat has a magnetic pull for the passionate. It’s as if the street invites those genuinely wanting to share their art, craft, or heritage. Drawing on the neighbourhood’s unique energy, these individuals integrate their passions into its expression. PLAY arthouse, founded a few years back, is among examples, born from a vision to showcase art and provide a creative space for all.”
In the post-COVID-19 era, Kiattiwat partnered with young entrepreneurs to form ‘Made in Song Wat’. Together, they organized a small arts and crafts event to revitalize the area. Their efforts successfully drew visitors’ attention. The group also collaborated on creating a guidebook and social media campaign to introduce the area as a destination. By working closely with long-time residents and shop owners and drawing on his deep understanding of the neighbourhood as a resident himself, they established a model for community-driven destinations.
Today, Song Wat is a living canvas where people and time have painted their strokes. The street illustrates its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while embracing the future. Beyond the trendy cafés, art galleries, and hostels housed within historic buildings, visitors will discover the legacy of the area’s bustling commercial past. This includes wholesale shops, toy stores, warehouses, second-hand auto parts businesses, known as Xiang Gong, and wood barrels. Even century-old Chinese bun recipes and noodle shops continue to delight. Exploring the surrounding neighbourhoods, one can encounter businesses that have weathered the test of time, dating back to the era of maritime hemp rope and gemstones.
Architecture enthusiasts will find intricate details in century-old shophouses, including woodwork, stucco decoration, and stained glass. Even the aromas tell a story: in one corner, the scent of freshly brewed speciality coffee mingles with the fragrant spices of a neighbouring, old-time Chinese herbal shop.
When asked about Song Wat’s future, Kiattiwat, both an entrepreneur and resident, shared: “I envision Song Wat sustaining its momentum independently, orchestrated and driven by its most valuable resources: its heritage and its people, shaping Song Wat into a destination with its own unique character.”
Exploring Song Wat and its Surroundings:
Arteasia Cafe, located on the second floor of The Fruit Building, still preserves the beauty of its antique stained-glass windows.
Preserving the past: Heritage businesses in Song Wat and its neighbouring area keep traditions alive.
The original home of the Charoen Pokphand Group offers a glimpse into the company’s beginnings.
A unique fusion of old and new: FV Cafe combines contemporary art with a traditional wooden house from Mukdahan, nestled in a renovated building in Song Wat.
HONG KONG, 23 August 2024: HKIA handled around 4.8 million passengers in July, representing a 24.7% year-on-year growth, reaching a post-pandemic high, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) reported earlier this week.
Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) air traffic statistics for July 2024 indicated flight movements increased to 31,100, up 29.3% compared to July 2023.
AAHK received the Excellence in Surveying Award and the Grand Award in Construction (Infrastructure) in recognition of the reclamation project for the Three-runway System development.
During July, cargo throughput was up 14.6% to 414,000 tonnes. Passenger traffic maintained growth momentum in July as daily passenger traffic exceeded 170,000 on peak days.
On 28 July, HKIA handled 173,000 passengers, reaching a post-pandemic high. All passenger segments, including Hong Kong residents and visitors and transfer/transit passengers, registered significant growth compared to the same month last year. Traffic to and from Southeast Asia, Mainland China, and Japan recorded the most significant monthly increases.
Since the beginning of the year, cargo throughput at HKIA has continued its consecutive double-digit year-on-year growth. Export cargo remained the main growth driver, increasing by 16.8% compared to the same month last year. Cargo traffic to and from key trading regions in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East increased significantly during the month.
Seven months’ passenger volume
For the first seven months of the year, passenger volume rose to over 30 million while flight movements increased to 205,830, recording a growth of 47.5% and 44.1%, respectively, compared to the same period of 2023. Cargo traffic experienced a double-digit annual increase of 17.4% to about 2.8 million tonnes.
On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume doubled to 49.2 million, while flight movements increased by 63.1% to 339,080. Cargo throughput increased by 15.7% to 4.7 million tonnes.
AAHK gains award for land reclamation project
Meanwhile, at the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors Awards 2024, AAHK received the Excellence in Surveying Award and the Grand Award in Construction (Infrastructure) in recognition of the reclamation project for the Three-runway System development. The Awards commend and recognise the exceptional achievements of surveyors and promote sustainable development in Hong Kong.
AAHK Executive Director of Third Runway Tommy Leung said: “It is our great honour to receive these distinguished accolades. The expansion of HKIA into a Three-runway System involves reclaiming 650 hectares of land. Thanks to the team’s expertise, innovations, and perseverance, the reclamation works were completed as planned despite many challenges, including the pandemic. The awards recognise the team’s exceptional achievements.”
DUBAI, 23 August 2024: dnata Travel reports high demand for international trips as travellers seek to escape the heat for a last-minute summer break.
Bookings for August and September 2024 are up by more than 50% compared to last year.
For the remainder of the summer, dnata Travel’s most popular destinations for international travel from the UAE remain consistent with trends reported early in the season, with Thailand, Maldives, Turkey, the UK, and Mauritius seeing the most demand. Other destinations with cooler temperatures across Europe are also popular, alongside the winter landscapes of New Zealand and South Africa.
The travel agency supports thousands of travellers with last-minute requests online at dnataTravel.com and across its 14 UAE-based retail outlets. The dnata Travel stores in Dubai Hills Mall, Mercato Mall, and Dubai Mall witness the highest demand for walk-in bookings.
Dnata Travel Head of Retail and Leisure UAE Meerah Ketait commented: “Travellers are seeking to make the most of last-minute offers this summer, either for a final getaway before the schools start or to enjoy a retreat before the season ends. Many opt for European escapes where summer is in full swing, offering sun-filled days to explore vibrant cities or relax on beautiful beaches. For those seeking cooler weather, late winter in South Africa and New Zealand is trending. Thailand and the Indian Ocean also remain popular, offering excellent rates and a wider spread of locations booked from the UAE than ever before.”
Highlight holiday offers with savings and added extras, including locations trending for summer 2024, the Maldives, Thailand, and Mauritius. In the ever-popular Maldives, a dnata Travel summer holiday package includes a three-night stay in a Water Villa with Pool and Slide at the 5-star Siyam World Maldives, with 20% savings on a traveller’s stay. Access to the resort’s premium, 24/7 All-Inclusive package includes return domestic flight transfers and economy class flights, from AED8,595 per person.
To explore trending destinations from the UAE with dnata Travel, visit www.dnataTravel.com
SYDNEY, 23 August 2024: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is calling for reforms in the wake of the ACCC report released on Thursday, which underscores the critical need for public policy settings that support competition within the aviation sector in Australia.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) latest report on Domestic Airline Competition in Australia reveals a significant impact of competition on airfare prices.
Specifically, when Rex commenced operations on several intercity routes in 2021, the average fare per passenger decreased by approximately 25%. This apparent correlation between competition and lower airfares highlights the importance of maintaining competitive dynamics within the domestic aviation market.
However, the recent collapse of Bonza and Rex’s subsequent withdrawal from intercity routes is challenging. With no route having more than two competing airline groups, the ACCC’s report confirms that this reduction in competition could lead to reduced choice and higher airfares, as lower prices are typically seen where multiple airlines compete on the same route.
The report also shows that since February 2023, routes with increased competition have consistently demonstrated lower average revenue per passenger compared to the broader domestic network. This trend, driven by Rex’s expansion into major city routes, reinforces the importance of competition in keeping airfares affordable for Australian travellers on both major city and regional routes.
The ACCC also noted that a reformed slot scheme at Sydney Airport could have helped strengthen competition, although this would only address part of the broader issue.
ATIA CEO Dean Long commented: “The ACCC’s ongoing monitoring of the domestic aviation industry provides timely and independent insights into aviation competition in Australia. This is a key reason ATIA advocated for these reports’ return.”
“The ACCC’s most recent report reinforces that Australia needs ongoing improvements to the way competition works in aviation, and ATIA continues to call for reforms to deliver better outcomes for travelling Australians and the many travel businesses that support them.”
SINGAPORE, 23 August 2024: Royal Brunei Airlines will suspend services to Beijing effective 27 October 2024, saying it’s a temporary measure until travel demand on the Bander Seri Begawan-Beijing route is restored.
The airline launched flights to Beijing in October 2019, paused service during the Covid-19 pandemic, and restarted flights in 2022.
The final flight to Beijing will be on 26 October 2024. RB operates flights to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) twice weekly on Thursday and Saturday. The flight using an A320 takes five hours and 25 minutes. The average roundtrip fare on the route is a healthy USD570. Flights from Bandar Seri Begawan
“RB will continue to monitor market conditions and aims to resume its services to Beijing once the current market conditions have improved. We sincerely apologise to the affected guests and are committed to assisting them with their travel plans to Beijing,” said RB Chief Executive Officer Sabirin Haji Abdul Hamid,
RB’s Beijing Longway International Travel Service, the general sales agent for China, continues to handle the account.
KUALA LUMPUR, 23 August 2024: AirAsia, in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Gardens by the Bay and Mandai Wildlife Group unveiled the ‘Love, Singapore’ aircraft livery on Thursday.
The launch is part of a joint campaign to promote inbound travel to Singapore from visitors in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, riding on the region’s year-end travel peak.
This Airbus A320 aircraft livery features a special design showcasing Singapore’s iconic attractions, including Gardens by the Bay and Mandai Wildlife Group’s wildlife parks, such as Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise. It also features Merli, Singapore’s energetic and outgoing brand character inspired by the Merlion. This livery aims to inspire regional travellers to rediscover Singapore’s diverse and vibrant experiences.
Singapore Tourism Board Executive Director Southeast Asia Terrence Voon commented: “We are delighted to partner with AirAsia and our tourism stakeholders to bring Singapore’s offerings to life in our regional skies. Our exciting lineup of events and experiences will give travellers plenty of reasons to visit or revisit Singapore this year, and we encourage them to take advantage of the great deals that will launch with the “Love, Singapore” aircraft livery to book their next holiday to Singapore.”
AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra added: “Currently, we operate 286 flights weekly in and out of Singapore from Malaysia alone. The Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route, being the world’s busiest, is vital for boosting tourism, and this partnership is a perfect opportunity to leverage our extensive flight network to strengthen our ties between the neighbouring countries.”
“Gardens by the Bay is honoured to be featured in this collaboration between AirAsia and Singapore Tourism Board,” said Senior Director of Business Development Addison Goh, noting the gardens were recently voted the top attraction in Asia and eighth best attraction in the world in TripAdvisor’s 2024 Traveller’s Choice Awards.
“With ever-evolving experiences from close animal encounters to seasonal events like Night Safari’s 30th Anniversary, there’s always something new to explore in our parks,” concluded Mandai Wildlife Group Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Jean Choi.
SINGAPORE, 23 August 2024: Singapore Airlines will operate new daily services to Beijing Daxing International Airport starting 11 November in addition to its existing services to Beijing Capital International Airport.
The new daily flights to Beijing Daxing (PKY) use Boeing 787s departing Singapore at 0350 and arriving in PKY at 0635.
The airline increased flights to Beijing Capital International Airport from 18 to 21 weekly services on 5 August.
More flights to Johannesburg
Flights from Singapore to Johannesburg increase from the current daily to 10 flights weekly for the festive season months starting on 9 December 2024 until 10 January 2025. The additional three services will operate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday using A350-900s with 259 seats.
Daily flights SIN-JNB
Flight SQ478 departs Singapore (SIN) at 0130 and arrives in Johannesburg (JNB) at 0619. Flight SQ479 departs Johannesburg at 1345 and arrives in Singapore at 0610 plus a day.
The flight duration is 10 hours and 55 minutes using A350-900s, and the average roundtrip fare logged on the route is USD1,270 for the daily service.
Three additional seasonal flights
Flight SQ482 departs Singapore (SIN) at 1635 and arrives in Johannesburg (JNB) at 2115. Flight SQ481 departs Johannesburg at 2230 and arrives in Singapore at 1445 plus a day.
The three additional seasonal flights are scheduled to return the route on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2 April 2025 to 24 October 2025 (northern hemisphere summer timetable).
SINGAPORE, 23 August 2024: To enhance Emirates’ wine in the sky experience, where cabin crew invite customers to savour a collection of acclaimed wines and rare vintages, Emirates plans to further complement its world-class service with the recent launch of bespoke wine courses for cabin crew, L’art du vin.
The new programme was designed by the Emirates Crew Training design team and officially launched in June 2024 at the Emirates Cabin Crew Training College, Dubai. In a dedicated classroom replicating a high-end lounge, there are three intensive wine courses tailored to varying levels of knowledge – L’art du vin Introduction, L’art du vin – Business Class and L’art du vin – First Class.
As part of Emirates’ continuous investment in people and products, more than 1,000 Emirates cabin crew have already completed a course. Emirates aims to train more than 22,000 additional cabin crew by 2026.
L’art du vin for all levels of experience
Each level of L’art du vin is designed to support varying knowledge and experience. The L’art du vin introduction course targets Emirates’ newly recruited cabin crew and covers Emirates’ investment into wine, facts about wine and the wine-making process, white and red wine tasting, introduction to sparkling wines, how best to recommend wines and facilitates pouring techniques.
L’art du vin – Business Class takes the initial learning experience to a new level for more experienced cabin crew. To understand the structural characteristics of wine, students first sample flavoured waters to recognise acidity, dryness, sweetness and fruitiness, then move on to tasting the differences in grape pulp and skin. Students also learn about Emirates’ wine cellar, the wine regions of the world, and how the climate impacts wines, as well as explore Emirates’ red and white wine heroes, enjoying an introduction to champagne and port and how to pair wine and food together with bespoke tasting sessions perfectly. Cabin crew can also use the exclusive L’art du vin app during the training as a professional guide to the wines, allowing them to keep their own tasting and recommendation notes and prepare to interact with customers on their flights.
L’art du vin – First Class builds on the foundational knowledge acquired in Business Class and offers a deep dive into the world of Premier and Grand Cru Classè wines. This advanced course focuses on the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux classification, with detailed study sessions on premier cru class estates such as Château Cos d’Estournel 2006 from St. Estèphe, alongside the Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy, including the illustrious Bâtard-Montrachet 2013 from Louis Latour. The curriculum extends beyond Bordeaux and Burgundy, exploring iconic wines worldwide. The cabin crew will gain expertise from the top producers from Spain, like Vega Sicilia Unico 2006 from Ribera del Duero and Italy’s Ornellaia 2012 from Bolgheri, Tuscany. The training also covers California’s Opus One 2012 from Napa Valley, ensuring a well-rounded knowledge of world-class wines. The programme also briefly introduces Dom Pérignon Champagne, Château d’Yquem Sauternes, and aged vintage ports from renowned houses such as Graham’s, Dow’s, and Sandeman. Wine and food pairing lessons take the cabin crew’s expertise to new heights, teaching the intricate balance between acidity, saltiness, sweetness, and umami. Cabin crew also learn to advise travellers on the perfect wine to complement their cheese selection.
Exceptional wines in every class
Emirates’ passion for providing the world’s best means that customers in all classes experience exceptional wines. For First Class customers, Emirates offers a remarkable range of vintages onboard from the celebrated regions of France, Australia, Spain, Italy and the USA. On select routes, First Class customers will be able to sample exquisite vintages such as the Louis Latour Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru Les Demoiselles 2014, the M. Chapoutier Ermitage Rouge Le Pavillon, 2012, or Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2019, Vega Sicilia Unico 2006 Ribera del Duero, Ornellaia, Bolgheri Tuscany 2012 and Opus One Napa Valley 2012.
In Business Class, customers can savour an array of mature Bordeaux from the cellar from the spectacular 2009 vintage, including les Tourelles de Longueville 2009 on the UK and Americas routes, Sociando-Mallet 2009 on European routes, Château Lagrange 2009 on Middle Eastern routes and Larrivet Haut-Brion 2009 on far Eastern routes. Emirates buys wine from various producers across Burgundy, including Chassagne-Montrachet, Saint-Aubin, Pouilly-Fuissé and Chablis Premier Cru. Customers can also enjoy impressive Spanish wines served on select flights, like the Crognolo 2021 and Terre à Terre Cabernet-Shiraz from Australia.
In Premium Economy Class, customers receive a selection of sparkling vintage wine, premium red, and premium white wine. Examples include Chablis 2022 from Albert Bichot, the Woodcutters Shiraz 2021 from Torbreck in Barossa, and Domaine Chandon 2017 – a sparkling wine that is exclusive in the sky to Emirates Premium Economy.
In Economy Class, Emirates offers one red and one white wine, both of exceptionally high quality. Customers on all routes can relish Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2021, now onboard. Recent additions also include ‘AOP’ and ‘Biodynamic’ wines from M. Chapoutier, Domaines Baron de Rothschild, a South African Sauvignon Blanc from sustainability champion Gabb family and an Antinori Santa Cristina Cabernet Sauvignon red wine.
