BANGKOK, 22 August 2024: BWH Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, is celebrating its expansion in Thailand with the opening of the Best Western Chaweng Samui, the brand’s inaugural property on this popular Thai resort island.
Nestled in the centre of Chaweng, Koh Samui’s liveliest tourist district, surrounded by shops and restaurants and a short walk from the soft sands of Chaweng Beach, the Best Western Chaweng Samui is perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers who want to immerse themselves in the upbeat atmosphere of this vibrant destination.
Featuring 67 contemporary rooms and suites with modern amenities, guests can unwind in the hotel’s indoor swimming pool and savour international cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant. The property’s central location also puts travellers on the doorstep of Chaweng’s many attractions and activities, from daytime relaxation on Chaweng Beach to sensational shopping, world-class wellness options, cultural discoveries, and Koh Samui’s famous nightlife. Samui International Airport is a 10-minute drive away, and transfers can be arranged with the hotel.
“We are delighted to announce the opening of the Best Western Chaweng Samui, which puts guests in the heart of this popular tourist island. Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations – a tropical jewel that blends laidback beachfront charm with an upbeat vibe. This new opening reflects our commitment to bringing our brand’s quality standards and service to guests across Asia,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels.
With the opening of the Best Western Chaweng Samui, BWH Hotels now offers 21 hotels and resorts across Thailand, with locations in key cities such as Bangkok to resort destinations like Koh Samui, Phuket, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and emerging areas including Buriram and Prachinburi.
About BWH Hotels BWH Hotels is a leading global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies: WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels. The enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 19 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.
BANGKOK, 22 August 2024: Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with more than 550 hotels in 56 countries, has announced the arrival of the first NH Hotels & Resorts branded property in the Indian Ocean, with NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort set to open its doors on 1 September 2024.
Located in South Ari Atoll, a 25-minute seaplane flight from the capital Malé, NH Maldives Kuda Rah will offer marine enthusiasts unparalleled access to some of the world’s most spectacular diving and snorkelling sites. Right in their backyard, holidaymakers will find the legendary Kuda Rah Thila, an underwater pinnacle teeming with coloured soft corals and marine life. The atoll is a well-known hotspot for the Maldives’ largest marine life, such as the whale shark and manta ray. More than 50 dive sites are just a short boat ride from the resort.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort features 51 deluxe suites and villas, each boasting an inner courtyard or beach-facing pool, and generously sized between 90 to 231 sqm.
The hotel group named Christophe Adma as the NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort General Manager.
The opening of NH Kuda Rah brings Minor Hotels’ portfolio of properties in the Maldives to eight and follows the debut of NH Collection to the archipelago last year. It also marks the third resort property globally under the NH Hotels & Resorts brand, following NH Marina Portimao Resort in Portugal and the opening last year of NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort in Thailand.
NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort is 25 minutes away by seaplane from Malé, followed by a five to 10-minute speed boat or traditional Dhoni transfer.
SINGAPORE, 22 August 2024: If you are looking to make the most of your next overseas adventure and explore Asia in more depth, then check out Pandaw’s three river cruise options that deliver breathtaking combination expeditions of either 14 or 21 nights in the Mekong Region and India.
With inclusive flights, transfers and accommodation between cruises where necessary, a combo cruise is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Asia’s diverse cultures and experiences in one trip, all from the comfort of Pandaw’s luxury river ships.
The original Pandaw combo cruise sails through the dramatic valleys of the northern Mekong between Laos and Thailand and along the rarely explored Red River into the spectacular Halong Bay. The last remaining cabins for this popular combo are available through 2024/25. Due to scheduling restrictions, this itinerary will take a break for 25/26.
Pandaw’s newest and most adventurous combo expedition yet sees intrepid travellers sail along all navigable stretches of the Mekong River through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Taking advantage of high water in the early season, the cruise explores further upstream than any passenger vessel, including a crossing of the Tonle Sap Lake for a true adventure across Indochina. This exciting itinerary is sold out for 2024, and bookings for 2025 dates are filling up quickly.
The 14 and 21-night Ganges & Brahmaputra expeditions offer guests the chance to experience the wide variety of life in India. Sailing along the sacred Ganges before heading into the remote Northeast for an unforgettable journey along the Brahmaputra river, guests can experience India’s wide variety of life. New dates for 2025/26 have just been released for stateroom bookings, offering a chance to explore this iconic river aboard Pandaw.
DOHA, 22 August 2024: Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in South Africa’s regional carrier, Airlink. This will support Qatar’s expansion across the African continent.
Airlink flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries.
The investment will enhance a code-sharing partnership between the two airlines. The deal will bolster Qatar Airways’ Africa growth strategy and cement its role as a key driver to the continent’s economic success.
The partnership between Qatar Airways and Airlink seeks to align both carriers’ loyalty programmes – Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Airlink Skybucks.
Qatar Airways flies to 29 destinations in Africa after adding eight new destinations since December 2020 — Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Harare, Kano, Luanda, Lusaka, and Port Harcourt. Flights have also resumed to Cairo and Alexandria.
SINGAPORE, 22 August 2024: The oneworld® alliance’s partnership with Elemental Cognition and its use of advanced AI capabilities in the EC AI Platform, powered by Google Cloud, will revolutionise the booking process for oneworld’s ‘Round the World’ tickets.
This innovative AI travel agent was designed to streamline booking intricate flight itineraries, addressing complex product rules and fluctuating flight availability. With the help of intuitive state-of-the-art AI technology, the new booking tool guides travellers in crafting elaborate itineraries that often involve multiple airlines, enhancing the global travel experience.
Powered by Google Cloud, the EC AI Platform provides the reliability, accuracy, and transparency necessary for oneworld to simplify the booking journey, enhancing the customer experience.
In just six months, oneworld used Elemental Cognition’s platform to successfully develop and deploy this multi-modal AI ticketing agent, which operates globally in real-time.
The ‘Round the World’ fares include all oneworld airlines, hundreds of destinations, and millions of flight combinations. Traditional airline booking engines struggle with these complex booking journeys, which can involve up to 16 stages. The smart oneworld AI travel agent, however, reliably overcomes this complexity, significantly enhancing the booking process.
KUALA LUMPUR, 22 August 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has designated Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) airlines, namely Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor of the MATTA Fair, scheduled from 6 to 8 September 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur.
As part of their partnership, MAG will offer travel promotions and offerings featuring flights and lifestyle products for all visitors attending the Fair.
This strategic partnership highlights MATTA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the Fair’s offerings, providing visitors exclusive access to the best travel promotions and choices. The MAG Pavilion, strategically located on Level 3, spans a generous 11,000 sqft and is designed to welcome and engage visitors with various activities and offerings from the national airline.
MATTA President Nigel Wong commented: “We are happy to collaborate with MAG’s airlines for this MATTA Fair. Their involvement significantly enriches the event, reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional value and diverse travel choices to the visitors at the MATTA Fair.”
MAG Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, Dersenish Aresandiran, commented: “Malaysia Aviation Group is honoured to continue supporting Malaysia’s largest travel fair, offering exclusive deals that are simply unmissable. We are excited to return as the official airline partner and premier sponsor of MATTA Fair 2024 through our sister airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly. We invite everyone to join us at the fair, where we will offer enticing fares and packages while supporting customers’ end-to-end journeys with a range of products and services across the MAG ecosystem. This partnership reflects our dedication to revitalising the tourism sector with like-minded partners, furthering MAG’s commitment to the Visit Malaysia 2026 vision and solidifying Kuala Lumpur’s position as the gateway for Asia and beyond.”
During the MATTA Fair, MAG Airlines will offer exclusive discounts of up to 30% on airfares to domestic and international destinations within its network. This exclusive offer is valid from 6 to 8 September 2024 via the physical Fair and on the airlines’ online platforms from 5 to 16 September 2024 for immediate travel up to 31 August 2025.
Beyond flight promotions, attendees can look forward to appearances by iconic Manchester United legends, an innovative Virtual Reality experience showcasing the all-new Airbus A330neo seats, and highly anticipated announcements. The MAG Pavilion will redefine an experience anchored on cutting-edge advancements and immersive activities to offer an exceptional experience like never before.
In addition, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will offer up to 15% off add-on bundle products MH Traveller’s Trio, Premium Bundle, and Value Bundle. Members of Malaysia Airlines’ award-winning travel and lifestyle loyalty programme, Enrich, will also enjoy an additional 5% off their bookings and 5x EnrichMoney points for EnrichMoney users.
In addition to airfare discounts, MAG will host the MATTA Fair Buyers’ Contest, giving away 23 return tickets, including Business Class tickets to destinations such as London and Sydney.
MATTA remains dedicated to providing a dynamic platform that promotes business opportunities for its members while meeting the evolving demands of consumers. This collaboration and partnership with MAG’s airlines are a testament to this mission, both through the MATTA Fair and beyond.
The MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 over three days, from Friday, 6 September to Sunday, 8 September 2024.
GURUGRAM, India, 22 August 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, recently launched its wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) service, Vista, across the existing widebody fleet* to provide customers uninterrupted entertainment until the retrofit.
Following this, Vista will also be available on narrow-body aircraft. Powered by Bluebox, a digital services provider, Vista is being deployed on Bluebox’s Blueview digital services platform and delivered to customers via the Bluebox Wow wireless network system.
Vista enables customers to stream content seamlessly on their electronic devices. From Bollywood blockbusters to Hollywood premieres global music icons to captivating documentaries, the world’s best content will now be at the fingertips of Air India customers.
Additionally, Vista features a live map display for flight tracking. Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices, Vista ensures travellers can easily access and engage with new in-flight entertainment content.
Air India’s meticulously curated content library featuring over 950+ hours of entertainment across formats and genres includes classic melodies, timeless favourites, BAFTA and Oscar-winning/nominated titles, short films, acclaimed series, and specially curated content for children, a diverse range of options customised periodically.
*Note: Vista will be available across the widebody fleet, except for the newly inducted B777 and A350 aircraft.
DELHI, 22 August 2024: IndiGo has unveiled a new direct route connecting New Delhi and Vijayawada, with daily flights starting on 14 September.
The direct flights will facilitate trade and business opportunities between the national capital and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. These new flights will establish a seamless connection between northern India and Vijayawada, enhancing access to international destinations for travellers from India’s east coast via New Delhi.
IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said, “We are pleased to introduce our daily nonstop flights connecting New Delhi and Vijayawada. As Vijayawada ascends as a pivotal commercial and cultural epicentre in Andhra Pradesh, these flights are poised to offer enhanced connectivity and open doors to further economic opportunities.
“With the introduction of these flights, IndiGo will operate 135 weekly flights from Vijayawada to nine cities in India. As India’s preferred airline, we remain committed to delivering an affordable, hassle-free travel experience to all our customers.”
Located on the banks of the Krishna River, Andhra Pradesh’s business capital, Vijayawada, is known for its rich historical traditions and is the melting pot of various religious customs. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, especially revered temples like the Kanaka Durga Temple, scenic spots like the Bhavani Island, and architectural marvels like the Prakasam Barrage.
The city beautifully encapsulates the essence of Indian tradition while embracing modernity. Its local markets and delicious regional cuisine enhance its appeal, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and food lovers alike.
New Delhi, India’s capital, is a vibrant blend of historical grandeur and modern sophistication. Renowned for its rich heritage, it boasts magnificent monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. The city’s bustling markets, diverse cuisine, and dynamic culture make it a captivating destination for domestic and international tourists.
BANGKOK, 21 August 2024: Promoting sustainable tourism starts by ensuring consumers and communities understand its benefits and impacts so they can make the right choices to avoid the pitfalls of ‘overtourism’.
That’s the new story the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is headlining. After successfully promoting Thailand, the agency now emphasises tourism’s positive contributions to society and the economy while recognising the tourism industry’s need to balance economic growth with environmental preservation and take on board community considerations.
Last week, from 15 to 18 August, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) tested its strategy by collaborating with The Cloud to organise the Amazing Green Fest 2024. It supported partners who practice socially and environmentally responsible tourism while sourcing business opportunities.
The event, which attracted over 200 vendors, inspired and invigorated Thailand’s sustainable tourism movement. They featured six dynamic zones: Green Tourism, Green Business, Green Learning, Green Food, Green Playground, and The Cloud Sharing Space.
TAT said the event marked two new milestones in its sustainable tourism story. First, TAT embossed a heart-shaped leaf on the Amazing Thailand logo, signifying its strong commitment to the sustainability triangle, focusing on society, economy, culture, and environment. Second, the Amazing Green Festival was declared TAT’s first ‘Carbon Neutral Event’ accredited by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “Sustainability is the cornerstone of a thriving tourism industry and the key to Thailand’s future. “We need to become less reliant on the number of tourists and prioritise more on quality tourists with high purchasing power, long-stay preferences, and environmental responsibility. Additionally, we need to shape supplies, elevate sustainability standards, and promote Hidden Gems destinations to better balance the distribution of tourism income across the length and breadth of the country.”
At the event, TAT showcased its commitment to sustainable tourism through 12 initiatives highlighting eco-friendly destinations, accommodations, and local lifestyles. The agency is now intensifying its efforts to advocate for responsible tourism while maintaining Thailand’s position as a premier destination. Cultivating a consumer base that understands sustainable practices is crucial, as consumer choices significantly impact the industry’s Sustainability.
TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning Numfhon Boonyawat commented: “Tourism should serve as a narrative. TAT has excelled in introducing Thailand to the global stage. Now, it must adapt and become a marketing organisation that can showcase the positive impacts of tourism on society, particularly in fostering a knowledge-based society.
“The tourism industry is highly resource intensive. While revenue is a crucial metric, we must also consider the significant consumption of resources. We must avoid depleting our assets and demonstrate a commitment to collective responsibility,” Numfhon concluded.
Meanwhile, the TAT leveraged the event as a platform to connect with tourism suppliers committed to sustainable practices. They included 200 exhibitors with diverse offerings.
Sustainable tourism experiences: Immerse in the charm of Mae Ta Community, Chiang Mai, and Bang Rong, Phuket.
Local products: Savour artisan natural honey from Bamrungsuk Farm or discover unique, eco-friendly chicken statue amulets from Bonban.
Eco-friendly accommodations: Unwind at Nern Jamsai, a renovated rice barn in Chiang Mai, or experience the harmony of nature at Koh Munnork Private Island.
Other operators highlighted initiatives that empower future generations and support responsible agricultural practices in Thailand.
Nurturing Future Generations Through Nature
Lomfon Nature School: Lomfon Nature School believes nature is the ultimate educator. Forest walks sharpen children’s focus. The courses nurture intelligence and life skills through nature experiences, starting with beginners or the Junior Summit Trek for ages 6-12, which builds essential outdoor skills. (Facebook: Lomfon Nature School)
Photo: Lomfon Nature School.
Outdoor Education: Founded by a group of outdoor enthusiasts in Thailand, the club offers courses to equip travellers with the knowledge and skills for responsible hiking, trekking, kayaking, and nature conservation. Fostering a culture of responsible outdoor adventures, the club aims to inspire individuals to protect the environment and contribute to Thailand’s sustainable future. https://nationalparkoutdoor-edu.com/
University of Happiness – Rai Jai Yim: University of Happiness – Rai Jai Yim believes in the IDGs (Inner Development Goals) to drive ESG-led transformation. The team designs and delivers On-Cloud Happiness to empower individuals to discover and create personal happiness while fostering a joyful society. It offers various programmes, including Green Family Camps, Green Health and Well-being programmes, and Green Corporate initiatives. (https://happineering.co/)
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Living in Thailand
Thamturakit: Thamturakit is a social enterprise supporting farmers who practice natural, chemical-free agriculture. The enterprise aims to empower farmers through training, networking, and market access. By connecting farmers to a network of over a million practitioners, Thamturakit cultivates a community focused on mutual support and Sustainability. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone has access to safe, fairly priced-food. (www.thamturakit.com)
The Thai Organic Consumer Association (TOCA): The Thai Organic Consumer Association (TOCA) is a consumer-driven organisation established in 2020 to promote organic living. TOCA aims to increase access to reliable organic products, support organic farmers through fair pricing, and educate consumers about organic practices. By fostering a strong organic community, TOCA makes organic living accessible and beneficial for everyone. (https://toca.or.th/)
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2024: Malaysia hosted the second Asia Convention Alliance Association Forum (ACAAF) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre earlier this week.
Under the theme “Business Events and Technology with Sustainability,” ACAAF 2024 convened on 19 August, attracting 100 influential attendees, representing mainly convention bureaus across Asia.
Photo credit: Bernama.
ACA member countries include the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Incentive & Convention Association (TICA), Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), and Seoul Tourism Organization (STO).
ACAAF 2024 established a new benchmark in the business events sector by weaving a sustainable network that united ACA with convention stakeholders. The event emphasised innovative sustainability practices, aiming to revolutionise the industry’s environmental impact.
Since its inception in September 2021, the Asia Convention Alliance has shared ideas and business leads among members to “push the boundaries of the business events industry across Asia.”
Following the success of the inaugural forum in Thailand, which TCEB organised in November 2023, Malaysia hosted the second edition.
“We are thrilled to host ACAAF 2024 in Malaysia,” said MyCEB Director, Meeting & Support Incentives Mohammad Isa Abdul Halim. “This forum represents a collective journey to exchange best practices and share inspiring success stories, aimed at creating a profound and lasting impact on Asia’s convention landscape through sustainability and technology.”
As an annual event, the hosting rotates among ACA’s founding members; TCEB hosted the inaugural 2023 event, followed by MyCEB in 2024, STO (South Korea) in 2025, and TAITRA (Taiwan) in 2026.
