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Direct train ride Bangkok-Vientiane starts Friday

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BANGKOK, 16 July 2024: A test run for the new cross-border rail service linking Bangkok to Vientiane was successfully conducted on Saturday, 13 July, Thailand’s National News Bureau (NNT) reported on Sunday. This will pave the way for the official launch of passenger services this Friday.

Advance bookings opened on 10 July. The inaugural train ride will depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok this Friday at 2125. The train will reach the Vientian terminal station at 0905 on the following morning.

Ready for international travellers. Photo credit Jason Rolan.

Travellers have a range of ticket options for the overnight journey, with prices varying by cabin class: THB281 for a third-class fan seat; THB 574 for a second-class air-conditioned seat; THB784 for a second-class upper bunk with air conditioning; and THB874 for a second-class lower bunk with air conditioning. Passengers can book their seats up to 180 days in advance at any railway station in Thailand.

Jason Rolan, a travel expert based in Laos and admin of the Facebook group Tourism Professionals Laos, previewed Vientiane’s new Khamsavath Railway Station, the new terminal station on the Bangkok-Vientiane line.

He notes that there are “signs for Lao immigration and visa on arrival, but I’m not sure if they will be available for the first commercial train service,” which will arrive early in the morning of 20 July.

“There’s a ticket window selling rides on the Laos-China Railway,” but to transfer between Vientiane Khamsavath Station and the Lao-China Railway station, you must take a bus or taxi. There is no rail track between the two stations.  

“Contrary to initial speculation, there is no Thai immigration in Khamsavath station, so all passengers must disembark at the Thai Lao Friendship Bridge Nong Khai for arrival procedures.” 

In a separate post, he confirms that a new bus service operates between Khamsavath station and downtown Vientiane, meeting the train from Bangkok at 0930-0940. The fare for adults is LAK20,000.

Khamsavath Railway Station is located in Nonvai Village, Xaysetha district, Vientiane. It’s the second Vientiane railway station on the Thailand-Laos Northeastern Line, located 7.5 km (4.7 mi) from the former terminus, Thanaleng station. Starting on 19 July, the line will provide a direct train service connecting the two capitals via Nong Khai and the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge, spanning the Mekong River and terminating at Khamsavath station, 7 km from the city centre.

Photo credit: Jason Rolan. Khamsavath terminal station lobby.

(SOURCE; NNT and additional information from Tourism Professionals Laos).

Hilton partners with SLH worldwide

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SINGAPORE, 16 July 2024: Hilton is expanding its portfolio of luxury hotels by adding nearly 400 boutique properties from the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection. 

Effective last week, hundreds of properties became available on all Hilton direct booking channels, including Hilton.com and the Hilton Honors app.  

Joining Hilton’s prestigious luxury brand portfolio — Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Signia by Hilton — the diverse collection of participating SLH hotels offers travellers new ways of staying with Hilton in intimate spaces and unique places such as rustic huts and woodland treehouses to rainforest retreats and coastal villas. 

Through the exclusive partnership, members of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty programme, can earn and redeem Points for SLH stays. Additionally, they will enjoy exclusive benefits at SLH’s city, beach, and resort hotels, which offer even more ways to dream of aspirational travel experiences. 

Hilton Honors members can elevate their stay at participating SLH hotels with exclusive benefits, including earning and redeeming Points, free WiFi and a guaranteed member discount. Gold and Diamond members also enjoy space-available room upgrades and continental breakfast for up to two guests. Hilton Honors members will appreciate the continued flexibility and value of the award-winning program, including benefits like Points & Money payment options, no resort fees on stays booked using all Points and 5th Standard Reward Night Free.

“Through this collaboration, Hilton guests and Hilton Honors members will receive a warm welcome at SLH member hotels, allowing them to experience our distinctive approach to hospitality,” said 

Small Luxury Hotels of the World chair Shaun Leleu commented: “This alliance expands the reach of our boutique hotels to Hilton’s loyal and discerning clientele, transforming the global landscape for independently owned hotels in a remarkable way.” 

Sports fans flock to the Olympics

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SINGAPORE, 16 July 2024: Just weeks ahead of the Summer Olympics, traveller interest in France continues to rise, according to Amadeus business intelligence data.

Based on booking data until early June, international air travel to France was up 56% for the Olympic travel period between 24 July and 13 August, while domestic air travel was up 31%. 

All host cities will benefit from the Olympic and Paralympic games. Paris is already one of the world’s top tourist destinations, but during the Summer Olympics, the City of Light expects 72% more travellers than last year. 

Between 28 August and 8 September, the Paralympics will also boost travel to Paris by 16%, with special interest from travellers from the US, Spain and Canada. 

For the northern city of Lille, which is hosting basketball and handball, visitors will more than quadruple – overall bookings to Lille are up an astounding 203% compared to last summer. Most of these visitors will be from France: the city will see 300% growth in domestic travellers, compared to 181% in international travellers.

Meanwhile, overall bookings to Bordeaux, which is hosting football, are up by 38%, the same increase as bookings to Marseille, which is hosting sailing and football. 

Where are travellers coming from? 

Domestic travel in France increased by 31% compared to the same time last year, but most of the growth came from international travellers from all over the world, with a 56% increase. 

● In Paris, most travellers will come from the US, Japan and Canada. 

● Down south, Marseille will see more Americans, while a strong British presence will join Algerians up north in Lille. 

● In Bordeaux, the British and the Americans will also show strongly.

● Nice and Lyon will see more Americans and Germans. 

● In Nantes, Germans and Canadians will have the biggest footprint.

Hotel occupancy rates are on the rise

According to Amadeus’ Demand360+® business intelligence data recorded on 31 May 31, occupancy rates in France for the last week of July are up 86% compared with last year and up 88% for the first week of August. 

In Paris, hotels are almost full. The occupancy rate is 81% the week of 28 July and 76% the week of 4 August. Last-minute planners may have a hard time finding a room. 

In Lille, hotel occupancy rates are 56% for the week of 28 July and 35% for the first week of August, 171% and 91% higher than for the same periods last year. In Marseille, occupancy rates are nearing 70% in the last week of July and 57% in the first week of August — more than double the occupancy rates compared to the same time in 2023.

Regarding alternative accommodations, like Airbnb, nights sold in Paris are up 64% for the Olympics dates and 74% for the Paralympics dates, compared to last year.

With more than 50% of hotel bookings made 0-14 days before a stay, last-minute travellers may be surprised. Right now, the average daily rate (ADR) is down 13% in Paris at USD724 and down 7% at USD616 in the rest of France, compared to a previous analysis on 1 April 2024.

With flight bookings and occupancy rates way higher than average throughout Paris and the other Olympic and Paralympic host cities, France’s hospitality sector is in for a busy summer season. 

Qantas launches Perth-Paris service

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SINGAPORE, 16 July 2024: Qantas is flying direct to Paris from Perth, connecting Australia and France for the first time.

The new direct flights between Perth and Paris mark the return of the Flying Kangaroo operating services to the City of Light for the first time in 20 years.

The route will cut around three hours off the fastest travel time between the two cities and is the longest nonstop flight to France from anywhere in the world.

Flights will initially operate four times per week during the busy European summer and the Olympic and Paralympic Games before moving to three services per week from mid-August. The new route will add 75,000 seats between Australia and Europe each year.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the national carrier’s return to Paris followed the success of its nonstop services in Europe.

“There is a lot of excitement amongst our customers and crew that Qantas is returning to Paris and that it’s a nonstop flight between Perth and Paris,” Hudson said.

“In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in customers wanting to fly direct on long haul routes and avoiding stopovers wherever possible. Our direct flights from Perth to London and Rome have some of the highest customer satisfaction on our international network. With these new flights, our customers can depart Perth in the evening and arrive in Paris in time to enjoy brunch overlooking the Eiffel Tower.”

Western Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Rita Saffioti said direct flights formed a major part of the WA Government’s overarching tourism strategy.

“We know that people are more likely to travel to places they can access easily, so this is another big win for tourism in Western Australia.

“With seamless connections from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other major cities, Perth will be the gateway to Paris for Australia. For French tourists visiting Australia’s natural wonders, Qantas has connections to more than 60 destinations across the country.

The new service will use the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, specially designed for long-haul travel.

The route launch follows the recent announcement of a landmark agreement between Qantas and Perth Airport that will help unlock the airline’s western hub, which, along with the group’s fleet renewal programme, will see the group add 4.4 million additional seats to and from Perth by 2031.

A splash of colour for MH A330s

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KUALA LUMPUR, 16 July 2024: Malaysia Airlines’ first A330neo recently rolled out of the Airbus paint shop in Toulouse, showcasing the airline’s signature Malaysia flag livery.

The completion of the painting phase marks a significant milestone in the aircraft’s production journey. Next, the aircraft will be equipped with its state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines and undergo performance tests in preparation for its first flight.

During this stage, all cabin systems will be tested including comprehensive air flow and conditioning checks, lighting, galleys, lavatories, seating, and in-flight entertainment systems.

Simultaneously, Airbus will conduct advanced general performance tests to ensure the aircraft meets all specifications and is ready for delivery. Malaysia Airlines is set to receive its first A330neo in Q3 this year.

The introduction of the A330neo is an important component of the Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) fleet renewal strategy, initiated in 2022 by selecting 20 A330neo aircraft. The A330neo will serve routes across Asia, Oceania and the Middle East.

Air India launches baggage tracking feature

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GURUGRAM, 16 July 2024: Air India has rolled out an easy-to-use baggage tracking feature on its mobile app and website. 

Real-time baggage tracking information from its network airports and a scalable cloud application will keep passengers in touch with their baggage throughout the journey and significantly reduce concern about their checked-in bags. Air India is one of just a few airlines worldwide that provide this convenience directly to guests without any intervention from airline staff.

Designed and developed by Air India’s digital technology and design teams in collaboration with the airline’s airport operations department, the feature offers a convenient option for end-to-end baggage tracking with minimal data entry. 

Passengers can track their checked-in bags by scanning their baggage receipts’ barcodes. Alternatively, this information becomes automatically available in the ‘My Trips’ section of the mobile app soon after the bags are checked if the trip has been added there. The feature is also available under the Book & Manage section of the Air India website under the ‘Track Your Bags’ tab. 

Other important features  

• Real-time updates: Important details about checked-in bags, such as current location, transit status, and baggage arrival details, along with the local time of events, are provided easily. The status coverage includes all important baggage touchpoints where baggage tracking technology is available, such as check-in, security clearance, aircraft loading, transfers, and arrival in the baggage claim area.

• Tracking of code-share and interline flights: End-to-end baggage tracking will be available across multiple flight segments on Air India. In addition, if the journey includes segments from other airlines in interline or code-share connections belonging to the same reservation, then tracking from those segments is also provided.

• Comprehensive tracking: For guests with multiple checked-in bags, detailed tracking information for each bag is available on a user-friendly interface. Timely notification is also provided via the mobile app when the baggage is checked in. An enhanced range of notifications significant to the tracking experience, like baggage carousel information on arrival, are also in the pipeline.

“In our sustained efforts to enhance the guest experience by embracing innovative digital technology, we can now provide real-time baggage status to our guests,” said Air India Chief Digital and Technology Officer Satya Ramaswamy. “Our mobile app is the ideal platform for our guests to use this feature as it provides specific baggage-related information as part of the ‘My Trips’ segment. Guests can also add baggage tags easily by scanning with the mobile phone’s camera.”

Sabah presents latest bird route at UK fair

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KOTA KINABALU, 15 July 2024: Sabah introduced a new birding route during the prestigious Global Birdfair in Rutland, UK, showcasing the Malaysian state as an ideal birdwatching destination.

State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai led a team of experts and specialised travel content providers from Sabah to the bird fair event held from 12 to 14 July promoting rural areas.

Joniston (3rd right) studies the preview of the Sabah Birding Routes video with the Sabah Birdwatchers Association representatives.

Participating organisations under STB are the Sabah Birdwatchers Association, Borneo Nature Tours, Tabin Wildlife Resort, 1 Stop Borneo Wildlife, and Borneo Eco Tours.

“Birdwatching is a vital component of rural tourism in Sabah, and many rural areas are home to rare and endemic bird species, making them ideal destinations for birdwatching enthusiasts,” said Joniston.

“Birdwatching is increasingly growing in popularity among European tourists, with the UK alone having a birding community of more than a million enthusiasts.

“It is our goal to promote these rural destinations to enhance their visibility on the global stage, and participating in the Global Birdfair offered us a platform to showcase our unique bird species and their habitats to an international audience,” he concluded.

Formerly known as the British Birdwatching Fair, the event is one of the oldest and largest bird fairs, established in 1989. It attracts birdwatchers, clubs, tour guides, equipment suppliers, tour companies, and tourism boards worldwide. The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 but was revived in March 2022 and re-established as Global Birdfair.

Sabah Tourism Board first participated in the event in 2009 and returned to the fair in 2022 and 2023 following the Covid pause.

For more information on Sabah visit www.sabahtourism.com.  

Emirates recruits cabin crew

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SINGAPORE, 15 July 2024: Emirates will organise a recruitment drive in Singapore on 16 July for candidates to join its multinational cabin crew team. 

With fleet expansion plans in the works, Emirates aims to recruit 5,000 cabin crew members worldwide, boosting its cabin crew team by 25%.

The Dubai-based airline seeks individuals passionate about delivering simple yet personalised and impeccable hospitality while creating memorable moments for its customers. The ideal candidate will lead confidently and take control when managing aircraft services, security, and safety procedures. All Emirates crew will receive world-class training at the airline’s state-of-the-art facility in Dubai.  

The upcoming invite-only recruitment drive will take place on Tuesday, 16 July 2024. Interested candidates must apply via the Emirates Group Career website for an opportunity to be shortlisted and invited. Emirates will continue to hold recruitment events in Singapore throughout the year.

Recruitment drive

In 2024, Emirates’ recruitment team will host open days and assessments in more than 460 cities across six continents, reflecting the span of the airline’s network and the diversity of its cabin crew team while flying the flag for living and working in dynamic Dubai.

In 2023, Emirates hired a staggering 8,000 cabin crew and held recruitment events in 353 cities as the airline ramped up its services post-pandemic. In August 2023, the airline’s cabin crew numbers crossed the 20,000 milestone and are now 22,000 strong.

Fleet and network expansion

The new cabin crew recruitment drive comes as Emirates begins to take delivery of its eagerly anticipated A350s later this year and the Boeing 777-Xs in 2025. The airline has 65 A350s and a mix of 205 777-9s and 777-8s in its order book. The new aircraft will expand the airline’s reach and provide flexibility to add new routes to its network.

Training and life skills

All new cabin crew recruits undergo an intense seven-and-a-half weeks of training in delivering the highest standards of hospitality, safety, and service that Emirates’ customers have come to expect over the years. 

Trained in Emirates’ state-of-the-art facility in Dubai, cabin crew learn invaluable transferable skills that include a knack for communication, initiative, and leadership qualities. They develop the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team, focusing on staying mentally strong and calm under pressure. They become bastions of hospitality and exceptional service and ambassadors of an iconic brand. Cabin crew also have access to the latest training programmes and LinkedIn courses.

Cabin crew community

Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew team hails from more than 140 nationalities, including over 75 members from Singapore. Cabin crew experience excellent career progression, including upgrading to higher cabin classes and becoming cabin supervisors, pursers, or trainers. Today, the airline has 1,180 pursers who have climbed the career ladder after completing exacting training and assessments. The crew also have the opportunity to apply for internal vacancies throughout the Emirates Group.

For information on flights and to make bookings visit: www.emirates.com. 

International Jazz Day heads for Abu Dhabi

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ABU DHABI, 15 July 2024: Abu Dhabi has been selected as the International Jazz Day Host City to lead the global celebration “honouring the sound of artistic freedom on 30 April 2025. 

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock announced last week that “International Jazz Day heads to Abu Dhabi in 2025, infusing new energy and basking in the mélange of cultures. The celebration in this cosmopolitan city will embody the power of jazz to unite and delight in our shared humanity.”

“In Abu Dhabi, a renowned group of international artists will join us to share their musical vision, build bridges through the power of music, and create harmony in our diverse world,” said UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock.

Presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the celebration will be anchored around its cultural heritage, defined as a tapestry of Arab and Emirati culture. Classical instruments like Oud, Qanoon, and Ney will introduce global audiences to ‘Arabic Jazz’. As the 2025 Global Host City, Abu Dhabi, the UNESCO Creative City of Music, will showcase the interplay of local musical traditions and jazz dating back decades.

“We are honoured that Abu Dhabi has been selected as the Global Host for the 2025 edition of International Jazz Day. This recognition underscores our city’s thriving music scene and unwavering commitment to cultural diversity and artistic excellence”, said DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohamed Al Mubarak.

“As a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Abu Dhabi has long been a beacon of musical innovation, where traditional Arabian melodies blend seamlessly with global genres, creating a vibrant and unique cultural tapestry. Hosting International Jazz Day reaffirms our dedication to the arts and provides a global stage to showcase our dynamic music scene. Our city consistently celebrates and nurtures musical talent from around the world.”

Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognised by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. The day pays tribute to jazz, its capacity to bring people together, and its power to promote dialogue, freedom of expression, respect for human rights, and diversity.

The global movement has reached over 2 billion people on all continents through education programmes, performances, community outreach and online platforms. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the leading nonprofit organisation that plans, promotes, and produces International Jazz Day each year.

To learn more about International Jazz Day and register for events on the official website, visit www.jazzday.com  or www.unesco.org/en/international-jazz-day. 

About the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz preserves and expands jazz as a global art form to unite people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. The Institute is a nonprofit education organisation with a mission to offer the world’s most promising young musicians college-level training by internationally acclaimed jazz masters and to present public school music education programmes for young people. More information: www.hancockinstitute.org .

(SOURCE: Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz)

India waives visa fee for Thai tourists

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BANGKOK, 15 July 2024: India offers Thai travellers a fee exemption when applying for a 30-day e-Tourist visa with single or double entry on the country’s e-Tourist visa portal. 

The visa fee exemption applies until 31 December 2024, saving Thai travellers around THB2,900 per application. It represents a considerable saving for a Thai family planning a holiday in India. 

Photo credit: ACP International Co Ltd.

India’s visa fees for foreign visitors vary depending on nationality and take into account the reciprocal fees country by country. 
Under this new arrangement, approved by India’s Ministry of External Affairs for Thai citizens, the e-Tourist visa will be issued without any visa fee. Thai tourists can visit India for up to 30 days with double entry without paying any visa fees. e-Tourist visas must still be applied for in advance through the following website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

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