Sunday, April 27, 2025
Home Blog Page 124

Dusit Thani unveils meeting spaces

BANGKOK, 20 August 2024: Looking ahead to its reopening on 27 September 2024, Dusit Thani Bangkok presents its all-new event spaces while embracing the artistic and architectural heritage following the notable transformation. 

In this new chapter, the highly anticipated 257-key flagship of Dusit Hotels and Resorts sets the scene to redefine luxury, deliver elevated meeting and event experiences, and offer an all-new range of exclusive accommodations, distinguished dining options, and luxury lifestyle facilities. Whether for a grand gala, an intimate gathering, a distinguished event, or a lavish wedding, Dusit Thani Bangkok’s new diversity of 12 cultivated spaces totalling over 5,000 sq. m. with distinctive services and exquisite culinary offerings invite guests to celebrate in style. 

One of the city’s largest event venues, Napalai Grand Ballroom, boasts panoramic Lumpini Park views through its over 40 metres of continuous full-height frameless glass windows for breathtaking backdrops beneath a soaring eight-metre ceiling. This state-of-the-art ballroom, installed with two movable panels of high-definition LED screens and fully equipped with the latest audio-visual and lighting technologies, accommodates 900 people banquet style or 1,400 guests for cocktails within its stand-out event space. Showcasing refined Thai-inspired décors blending local motifs and intricate furnishings, the Napalai Grand Ballroom’s contemporary designs add sophistication and glamour to all occasions.

On level 3, the Heritage Floor truly reflects the spirit of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok property, comprising unique, well-appointed venues ideal for social gatherings, celebrations, and weddings with similarly stunning park views. All designed by Thai interior design firm P49 Design & Associates Co. Ltd., the Library 1918 provides an excellent setting for special occasions and intimate gatherings, while the adjoining Lumpini Room and Lumpini Lawn feature enchanting indoor and outdoor settings with breathtaking park views. Ideal for business or social occasions, the diverse spaces and multi-functional facilities on this floor can be integrated or utilised independently to cater to various event capacities and categories.

Situated above Bangkok’s bustling central business district, Tiara on level 39 offers a stylish and exclusive setting for all types of celebrations. An unmatched luxury where sophistication intertwines with originality, Tiara features a dynamic setting with a fully equipped kitchen and a sophisticated wine cellar, ensuring that every culinary need is met, whether it’s for hosting banquets, crafting exquisite cocktails, or setting up elaborate buffets – all surrounded by a breathtaking view encompassing the vibrant energy of the city skyline.  

Further elevating new meeting and event venues at Dusit Thani Bangkok are impressive possibilities for banquet and catering services. Incorporating the hotel’s superior advantage of having diverse dining venues with talented culinary experts, the enticing variety of food and beverage offerings and cuisine specialities will delight both locals and international guests and create a unique impression. The gracious signature service of Dusit remains understated and refined as the hotel’s dedicated and efficient Events Team provides professional, personalised service for every event, offering an experience that is hard to replicate and setting the scenes for new milestones. 

The hotel’s incomparable blend of comfort and serene elegance is well reflected in its location, the heart of Bangkok’s CBD. Developed as part of Dusit Central Park, Dusit Thani Bangkok offers a comprehensive lifestyle experience while also ensuring the highest stay convenience from the accessibility and connectivity through both public and private transport, which is ideal for both business and leisure travellers.  

The reopening of Dusit Thani Bangkok is committed to setting a new sustainability standard, integrating eco-friendly practices and innovative green design to enrich guest experiences while reducing environmental footprint. One of the remarkable facets of the project is the roof park, a sustainable urban oasis at the core of the city. Spanning 11,200 square metres, the lush sky garden has 55 perennial trees and distinctive flora. This green expanse is projected to contribute significantly to the local ecosystem in the estimated span of 60 years, releasing over 54,612 tons of oxygen while concurrently absorbing 51,660 tons of dust and PM 2.5 while effectively mitigating temperatures by 3-5 degrees Celsius. Additional efforts in collaboration with SCG Green Choice are using recycled concrete in some parts of the construction to reduce natural resource destruction and greenhouse gas emissions by at least 16 tons. The project’s high-efficiency water treatment likewise reduces wastewater release, improves drainage during heavy rains, and conserves tap water, contributing to energy savings in water supply production.
Meeting and event spaces at the reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok are available from 1 October 2024 onwards. Further enquiries can be made through dusit.com/Bangkok and via email at [email protected].

Emirates renews US Open pact

Emirates Hospitality green screen with Emirates Chair Tim Clark and US Open Representative during The Championships 2024. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 8 Monday 08/07/2024. Credit: AELTC/Ben Queenborough

DUBAI, UAE, 20 August 2024: The USTA and Emirates today announced a transformative partnership renewal that will extend Emirates’ long-standing support of the US Open Tennis Championships. 

Now in its 13th consecutive year, Emirates is back as the Official Airline Partner of the US Open, which is set to impact local communities within the US. The US Open Tennis Championship started on 19 August and continues until the final on 9 September.

The extended multi-year partnership will see Emirates and the USTA Foundation launch the Emirates “Force for Good” court refurbishment initiative across US cities. The programme will launch during the 2024 US Open at Brooklyn’s De Hostos Playground courts, with the refurbishment of three courts to be unveiled on 7 September. 

Over the new multi-year term, the programme will uplift and support tens of thousands of under-resourced youth with life-changing access to tennis and education. De Hostos Playground is the home of the Kings County Tennis League, which serves hundreds of youth across Brooklyn as one of the USTA Foundation’s 250-plus National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters nationwide.

Emirates’ “Force For Good” court refurbishment initiative will donate annually to the USTA Foundation, partnering to resurface courts at underserved parks, schools, and community centres across the cities Emirates serves in America. Emirates’ funding will support tennis and education programming on those rejuvenated courts and uplift local youth and their families served by the USTA Foundation in those cities.

On Emirates’ new “Force for Good” community initiative, Emirates’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand Boutros Boutros said: “Emirates is delighted to be back as the Official Airline of the US Open where we share the passion for tennis and sports with our global fans. This is our 13th year of partnering with the USTA. We are especially proud to be celebrating our renewed commitment to the prestigious event by introducing a new community initiative that will touch youth’s lives in US communities.

“Emirates operates to 12 cities in the country, and it’s rewarding to give back to the communities we serve. The refurbishment of tennis courts and support of training programmes are meaningful ways to inspire young tennis lovers and future stars, and we are glad to be playing a role in nurturing talent amongst the youth. We look forward to unveiling the first three refurbished courts in Brooklyn in New York, where our US operations began 20 years ago.”

In addition to “Force for Good”, the airline’s partnership with the USTA includes prominent brand visibility at the US Open, with the fan favourite post-match Emirates Ball Flight, on-site activations like handing out caps on Emirates Day, sponsorship of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day and more. Customers onboard flights can join Live TV to watch US Open matches.

The airline has unveiled its revamped hospitality suite at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Besides sporting a refreshed new look, the massive 1,358-square-foot luxury suite is amongst the largest at the two-week event. It offers premium dining and exclusive beverages, entertains tennis enthusiasts and guests, and delivers on its #FlyBetter promise.

Emirates’ ongoing partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the high-profile annual sporting event goes back to 2012. The US Open was Emirates’ first Grand Slam tournament partnership. Since then, the airline’s portfolio of tennis sponsorships has grown to include all four Grand Slam® tournaments in addition to 60 other tournaments throughout the year in partnership with the ATP, including the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Miami Open, and BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in the US. For more information on the airline and to book flights, visit emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents.

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort names GM

DESARU COAST, Malaysia 20 August 2024: Anantara Desaru Coast Resort has announced the appointment of Torsten Richter as the property’s General Manager and the Area General Manager of Indonesia and Malaysia. 

He will oversee other Minor properties such as Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort and Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort.  

Richter has held leadership positions in the hospitality industry in several major destinations worldwide, including Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Germany, the US and the UK.

Richter most recently served as the general manager of multiple properties, including the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Hotel Am Steinplatz Autograph Collection in Berlin, Germany.  

Air Astana flies to Phu Quoc

SINGAPORE, 20 August 2024: Air Astana will launch a new service from Almaty to the holiday island of Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam, effective 28 October 2024. 

Phu Quoc is a resort island famous for its beaches and crystal-clear waters, which attract travellers from all over the world.

Direct flights using an Airbus A321LR aircraft will initially serve the route twice weekly on Monday and Wednesday, with frequencies set to increase to four weekly in December. 

Flights will depart from Almaty at 2245 and arrive in Phu Quoc at 0815, with return flights on Tuesday and Thursday departing Phu Quoc at 0945 and arriving in Almaty at 1550. All times local.

Round-trip economy tickets, including all fees, start at USD699. Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased on the airline’s website or through authorised travel agencies. In May this year, entry into Vietnam became visa-free for Kazakh citizens.

Drukair expands A320 fleet

Print

SINGAPORE, 20 August 2024: Drukair — Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to expand its international network with three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft.

The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery starting in 2030. The airline plans to fly these aircraft out of Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which is envisioned to become Bhutan’s futuristic economic hub. From here, Drukair will expand its connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Drukair already operates four Airbus A320 Family aircraft consisting of three A319s and one A320.

Print

Drukair is headquartered in Paro, Bhutan, and operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations, including five countries in the South Asian region. Drukair also operates in three domestic destinations.

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. By incorporating new-generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction, more than 20% fuel savings, and CO₂ reduction compared to previous-generation single-aisle aircraft. It also maximises passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo, which responds to market needs for even more range and payload, creating more value for the airlines. It will deliver an unprecedented Xtra Long Range of up to 4,700nm — 15% more range than the A321LR and with 30% lower fuel burn per seat compared with previous-generation competitor aircraft. 

New flight to Dubai

Meanwhile, Drukair has confirmed that it will start a twice-weekly service from Paro to Dubai, effective 28 October 2024. Flight schedules will be confirmed shortly.

Nok Air revives its India-bound flights

BANGKOK, 20 August 2024: Starting 27 October, Nok Air plans to fly daily from its home base at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Mumbai in India.

The daily flights will use a Boeing 737-800 with 189 seats. The airline, which has been subject to a delisting warning by the Thailand Stock Exchange for alleged delays in submitting financial statements, is scheduling daily flights to Mumbai from 27 October 2024 to 29 March 2025. (winter season timetable).

Reservations for the new service opened on 18 August 2024, and a check showed it was possible to book and secure a seat on the new service in November, with the airline quoting a fare of around THB6,746 (USD196.71).

The average roundtrip fare on the DMK-BOM route is USD340. In June, it reached USD471.

Flight Schedule 

Flight DD938 will depart from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK) at 2205 and arrive in Mumbai (BOM) at 0105 plus a day.
Flight DD939 will depart Mumbai at 0205 and arrive in DMK at 0745.

Nok Air, home-based in DMK, will compete with Thai Lion Air on the DMK-BOM route. Thai Airways International (Suvarnabhumi Airport) flies the BKK-BOM route, and three Indian airlines, Air India and IndGo Vistara, fly the BOM-BKK route. THAI schedules 11 flights weekly, and the three Indian airlines offer daily services. The route’s average fare is USD310.

Nok Air operates four weekly flights from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Hyderabad (HYD) in India since last March. 

Travellers in love with the great outdoors

SINGAPORE, 20 August 2024: New research from Arival reveals that outdoor adventure activities remain a popular choice for travellers, with 59% participating in such activities during their trips in 2023.  

The report “The 2024 U.S. Outdoor Adventure & Activities Traveller” surveyed 1,000 US citizens who had travelled in the past year and found that 80% of those participating in outdoor activities were under 55.

“The enduring popularity of outdoor adventure activities demonstrates a consistent desire for these experiences among travellers,” said Arival CEO and co-founder Douglas Quinby. “The fact that three in four travellers who participated in activities rated them as essential to their trip underscores the value these experiences bring to the overall travel journey. This presents a significant opportunity for operators who can deliver high-quality, engaging outdoor experiences.”

The research also highlights the increasing frequency of activity participation, with travellers engaging in an average of four activities per trip in 2023, up from 3.5 in 2019. Water-based activities, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, lead the pack, with 49% of travellers participating in 2023, up from 20% in 2019. Land-based activities like hiking and biking follow closely, with 48% participation in 2023, compared to 34% in 2019.

Key findings from the report 

Popularity of water sports: Water-based activities were the most popular among those surveyed, with 49% participating in 2023, up from 20% in 2019.

Strong demand for land-based activities: 48% of those surveyed participated in land-based activities in 2023,compared to 34% in 2019.

Younger and more affluent demographic: 80% of activity travellers are under 55, and 30% have incomes over USD150,000.

High spending: Travelers spent an average of USD300 per activity in 2023, more than double the amount spent in 2019 (USD144) — although this is less than the USD404 surge in 2021.

Shifting booking patterns: In 2023, 58% of activity travellers booked their activities within a week of the experience; however, research begins much earlier — around a month before the experience.

Essential to the trip: Three in four travellers who participated in activities rated them as essential to their trip.

Multiple activities per trip: Travelers are engaging in an average of four activities per trip.

Research & planning: Search, online video (YouTube), friends and family and travel websites are the top sources of information, followed by social media.

Polaris Adventures Director of Marketing Paula Weisenbeck provided further insight on the findings.
“We’ve seen firsthand the growing enthusiasm for outdoor activities. People crave authentic, hands-on experiences that get them outside in new and unique ways and create lasting memories. It’s not just about checking off a bucket list item anymore; it’s about connecting with nature, pushing personal boundaries, and sharing unforgettable moments with friends and family.”

Weisenbeck will be a featured speaker at the upcoming Arival 360 conference in San Diego from 30  September to 3 October, where she will share insights on the latest trends in outdoor adventure travel. More information about the event can be found here: https://arival.travel/event/2024-san-diego/

Emirates flies refit B777s to two more cities

DUBAI, 19 August 2024: Emirates will deploy newly retrofitted Boeing 777s to two more cities, Zurich and Riyadh, starting 1 October 2024*. 

The airline will also layer on refurbished B777s to Geneva and Brussels operations, making them the first two cities in its network to sport refreshed B777 cabins on all flights. 

The airline aims to offer customers more of its highly acclaimed Premium Economy product and newly configured business class cabin on the Boeing 777 in the coming weeks and months. 

Enhanced B777s to serve more cities

  • Emirates will operate its retrofitted Boeing 777 on EK85 and EK86 to Zurich starting 1 October 2024*. 
  • Emirates’ enhanced Boeing 777, featuring its latest cabins, will land in Riyadh for the first time, with EK819 and EK820 starting on 1 October 2024*. This will be the first debut of Emirates’ premium economy in the Middle East/GCC. 
  • From 22 September 2024*, Geneva will become the first city in the Emirates network to offer Premium Economy seats and newly refreshed Business Class cabins on all flights, with the introduction of the retrofitted B777 on EK 89 and EK 90.
  • From 9 October 2024*, Emirates will operate its second retrofitted B777 to Brussels on EK 181 and EK 182 six times weekly.

With an expanded list of cities served by the refurbished Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft, Emirates offers customers more choice and a better experience in the skies across every cabin class. The airline plans to serve 28 cities with premium economy by the end of this year. So far, 25 aircraft have been retrofitted, with 17 more to undergo a facelift by December 2024.

The four-class Boeing 777 has six or eight first-class suites, 38 business class seats in a four-abreast arrangement, 24 premium economy seats in a 2-4-2 layout, and 260 economy class seats.

Customers flying in the new Emirates 777 Business Class can look forward to spacious seats, more privacy, and the luxury of uninterrupted sleep with a 180-degree fully reclined flatbed. With the middle seat removed, each 20.7-inch-wide soft leather seat offers aisle access for every customer, in addition to a personal mini-bar, a wooden table for dining or working, multiple charging outlets for personal devices, and new seat button controls.

Customers can expect to enjoy the finest culinary creations with full table service, including Royal Doulton fine bone china and exclusive cutlery, the best champagne and wine selection in the industry, and award-winning in-flight entertainment and service by the airline’s multi-national cabin crew. 

The Emirates Boeing 777 premium economy’s 19.5-inch-wide cream leather seats, complemented by six-way adjustable headrests, offer more comfort with a 38-inch pitch that tilts back 8 inches for a relaxed recline. A calf and footrest support the in-flight cradle position in premium economy for added comfort, accessible in-seat charging points, a wooden dining area, and a side cocktail table.

The Emirates premium economy experience is rounded off with an elevated in-flight dining experience that includes elements inspired by business class, like a welcome drink, fine beverages, and gourmet dishes served on fine tableware.

Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents.

For more information on the new Emirates Boeing 777, visit:  https://www.emirates.com/english/experience/our-fleet/the-new-boeing-777/  

*Aircraft deployments may be advanced if released earlier from refurbishment.

Discover Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui

BANGKOK, 19 August 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is thrilled to announce its newest property, Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui, welcomed guests on 15 August 2024. 

The 61-key getaway embodies the essence of island life with warm Thai-inspired hospitality and a focus on elevated essentials.

Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui is just a 30-minute drive from Samui International Airport and a 3-minute stroll from Lamai Beach, one of Koh Samui’s longest and most beautiful stretches of coastline. It is characterised by its palm-fringed, powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and water sports. For those preferring a more relaxed journey, the resort offers a complimentary tuk-tuk service, adding a touch of local charm.

The resort’s modern loft design sets it apart, offering a fresh and stylish atmosphere throughout the property. This tranquil aesthetic provides a perfect counterpoint to the natural beauty of Koh Samui, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and tropical living, complete with an outdoor swimming pool and waterslide. At the same time, an array of accommodation options are available to cater to the diverse needs of every guest.

“Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure every aspect of the resort is ready to deliver an exceptional experience to our guests. From our soothing accommodations to our carefully curated amenities, we are confident that visitors from around the world will find Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui to be the perfect base for their Koh Samui adventure,” said Supaporn Nounching, General Manager of Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui.

To celebrate its opening, Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui has an exclusive offer valid until 20 December 2024 when booked by 30 September 2024. Enjoy special introductory rates, the flexibility of breakfast for two persons until 1600, THB250 in daily food and drinks credits per room, complimentary 24-hour check-in and check-out, and an additional 15% discount for CentaraThe1 members.

To learn more about this new island hideaway and take advantage of this offer, head to the website to book online at https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centra/csa-opening-offer

MATTA recruits Thai support for VM2026

KUALA LUMPUR 19 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has strengthened collaboration with the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) and the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) to promote the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

The collaboration deal was inked during the MATTA Management Committee’s recent visit to Bangkok for talks with its counterparts in the two Thai travel agency associations. By working closely with TTAA and ATTA, MATTA seeks to foster a stronger connection and expand promotions between neighbouring countries, increasing the travel experience for visitors worldwide.

Key Highlights

Tourism Exchange Programs: Special initiatives will be developed to encourage travel exchanges and cooperation tour packages, enabling tourists to visit both nations in a single, seamless experience.

Trade Shows and Roadshows: Collaboration in major travel trade events and roadshows to attract international travel agencies and tour operators, emphasising the advantages of visiting the two countries in 2026 and participating in the MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur and the Thailand International Travel Fair in Bangkok.

Cultural and Educational Events: Host collaborative events and workshops to educate travel experts and the general public about both destinations’ rich cultural legacy and distinct attractions.

TTAA has made several requests, including the need for direct flights to Sabah and improved promotion of lesser-known Malaysian destinations such as Perak, Melaka, and Kedah, particularly Langkawi.

MATTA President Nigel Wong commented: “We are thrilled to work with TTAA and ATTA to promote VM2026. This programme represents a tremendous opportunity for Malaysia and Thailand to expand their tourist offerings and create great travel experiences. Working together, we can generate more interest and visitation to our regions, highlighting the finest of Southeast Asia.”

In statements from the two Thai travel associations, TTAA Advisor Wachira Wichaiwatana noted that collaboration with MATTA was a step towards strengthening ties between our countries and improving visitors’ travel experiences.

ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn added:  “The collaboration between our organisations will enable us to reach a larger audience and produce attractive travel packages that reflect the beauty and diversity of both Thailand and Malaysia.”

The VM2026 campaign is poised to be a watershed moment for the region, and this strategic alliance represents a crucial step towards its success. MATTA, TTAA, and ATTA are collaborating to create a mutually advantageous tourist landscape in Southeast Asia, the MATTA president concluded.