KUALA LUMPUR, 11 July 2024: Bargain hunters are heading for the Malaysia Mega Sale 2024, which is up and running until 31 July and offers shopping discounts of up to 85%.
Under the national sales campaign slogan “MY Priceless Experience,” the Malaysia Mega Sale features leading retailers and shopping malls across the country, supported by a network of hotel associations, travel agencies, airlines, KTMB (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, the main rail operator), and local tourism industry players.
With up to 85% discounts, the campaign is designed to provide extraordinary value and create a memorable shopping experience with the help of Mastercard, the leading partner.
The initiative promotes Malaysia as a premier shopping destination and aims to revitalise the national economy, including the accommodation, gastronomy, and tourism sectors. It is expected to generate MYR102.7 billion in tourism revenue for the 2024 national coffers.
Malaysia is home to one of the most vibrant shopping scenes globally, with an abundance of first-class malls offering various luxury goods, arts and crafts, gadgets, apparel, and high street labels. From the iconic malls in Kuala Lumpur to hidden retail gems across the nation, shoppers will find endless destinations to explore and indulge in.
During the event, numerous activities are scheduled at shopping malls across the country. In addition to special offers, there are a variety of fun elements for the entire family, including prize draws, treasure hunts, cultural performances, photo opportunities, playgrounds, colouring competitions, and family workshops.
Beyond shopping, the Malaysia Mega Sale is also about showcasing the wider hospitality experience. Visitors can take advantage of attractive offers at restaurants, accommodations, spas, wellness, and beauty outlets. The campaign’s motto, “Shop, Eat, Rest, and Repeat,”
The Malaysia Mega Sale continues until the evening of 31 July 2024.
SINGAPORE, 11 July 2024: The ‘Love Is In The Air’ Vivid Drone Show and the 71st Sydney Film Festival lifted June hotel performance in the Sydney hospitality market, according to preliminary data from CoStar.
CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets.
June 2024 (year-over-year % change)
Occupancy: 72.6% (+1.0%); Average daily rate (ADR): AUD243.45 (+1.5%); Revenue per available room (RevPAR): AUD176.81 (+2.5%).
The ADR and RevPAR levels were the highest on record for any June in Sydney. The city posted its highest occupancy of the month (88.0%) on Saturday, 8 June, which was the first night of the Vivid Drone Show, as well as the fourth night of the Sydney Film Festival. Sydney’s second-highest monthly occupancy level (82.7%) was seen the next night. ADR (AUD312.35) and RevPAR (AUD274.90) also reached June highs on Saturday, 8 June. Collectively, Vivid Sydney delivered almost identical year-over-year results with RevPAR 0.4% lower than 2023. Demand was 2.9% higher but balanced out by a 3.2% rise in supply.
For more information about the company and its products and services, visit www.costargroup.com.
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 July 2024: AirAsia is expanding its flight network between India and popular destinations in Asia and Australia and beyond by connecting 16 cities in India to over 130 destinations across its network via Malaysia and Thailand.
In line with its expansion in the Indian travel market, AirAsia will bring an innovative “cinematic in-flight” experience for movie-goers to selected cinemas across India to showcase its diverse and unique destinations as part of the movie-goers’ experience.
The collaboration will enhance AirAsia’s outreach via more than 130 cinemas across 12 cities over the next six months. As part of this initiative, movie-goers will stand the chance to win AirAsia flights to anywhere across its network. AirAsia will also collaborate with more than 130 local travel content creators to showcase its destinations in Asia, Australia, and beyond, spanning bustling cities, serene beaches, historic landmarks, and vibrant local cultures.
Supporting post-pandemic travel recovery, AirAsia has actively expanded routes for India in 2024, providing direct connectivity to two of its major Asian hubs, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Bangkok in Thailand, as a gateway to over 130 destinations worldwide. It serves an extensive network of cities, including Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Visakhapatnam, Trivandrum, Chennai, Tiruchirapalli, and Hyderabad, among others. Additionally, AirAsia will launch new flights from Guwahati, Kozhikode, and Lucknow to Kuala Lumpur and Tiruchirapalli to Bangkok in the coming weeks.
Beyond India, AirAsia recently opened new routes to Almaty in Central Asia in March and Nairobi in Africa just last week, connecting travellers affordably from across the Asian region to vibrant new destinations via a short stopover in Kuala Lumpur.
AirAsia’s Chief Commercial Officer Paul Carroll said: “AirAsia is grateful for the support of our guests in India, which has made us the largest foreign airline by network in the country. Since early 2024, we have expanded our network in India with 10 additional routes, bringing the total to 26 routes from India to Malaysia and Thailand. Operating over 20 daily flights across 16 cities, AirAsia counts as one of the top airlines with the highest number of weekly flights to and from India. Our ongoing network and fleet growth post-pandemic will benefit our guests through great value fares, choice, and connectivity, leveraging one of the largest low-cost networks reaching over 130 destinations across Asia, Australia and beyond.
“Today, we are excited to unveil an innovative partnership with Qube Cinemas, a leader in digital cinema technology, to elevate AirAsia’s brand presence in the market. Soon, the immersive AirAsia ‘cinematic in-flight’ experience will be in 130 cinemas across India for six months, and we’re really looking forward to connecting more meaningfully with movie-goers who are also travel lovers through this initiative.”
BANGKOK, 11 July 2024: Absolute Hotel Services will launch two properties on Thailand’s eastern seaboard, U Sriracha and T Hotel Sriracha, in 2026.
U Sriracha will feature 168 rooms and villas with indoor and outdoor pools, a fully equipped fitness centre, meeting spaces, dining options, and a rooftop lounge bar.
T Hotel Sriracha, part of the Relax brand in the Absolute Collection, will offer 48 rooms, a Japanese spa and Onsen, a fitness centre, and F&B options.
Set to open in 2026, the two properties will cater to domestic and international upscale business and leisure travellers. Sriracha is a thriving industrial hub close to Laem Chabang port, Chonburi, and the bustling beachside towns of Pattaya and Bang Lamung.
Absolute Hotel Services CEO and Founder Jonathan Wigley expressed his enthusiasm at the latest addition to the group’s portfolio: “These properties epitomise our dedication to delivering exceptional service and creating unique experiences that reflect the vibrant local culture. Sriracha’s dynamic blend of Thai and international influences provides the perfect setting for our newest ventures. We eagerly anticipate welcoming guests to these exciting destinations.”
SINGAPORE, 11 July 2024: ForwardKeys’ latest data release, in partnership with ETOA, forecasts Europe is poised for an exceptional summer, with inbound tourism projected to surpass previous records.
ForwardKeys says international arrivals to Europe in July and August show year-on-year growth of +12%, just above the global average (+11%). This growth is driven primarily by intra-regional travel, up +10% compared to 2023. This represents a significant influx of visitors from long-haul markets in Asia Pacific (+11%) and the US (+21%).
Photo credit: ForwardKeys.
Fast growth for Central and Eastern Europe
Central and Eastern Europe are witnessing the fastest growth in inbound tourism after a delayed response to the war in Ukraine. This summer, the region expects a remarkable 23% increase in tourist volumes compared to last year. Northern Europe is also on track to grow faster (+12%) than Southern European destinations (+10%), reflecting a broader recovery trend across all European subregions.
Major European city destinations lead the tourism revival, outpacing traditional sun and beach holidays. Cities like Munich (+37%), which benefits from key sporting events this summer, are seeing significant growth. The pattern is balanced across European subregions, with substantial increases throughout the continent, including Vienna (+23%), Edinburgh (+19%), Madrid (+16%) and Venice (+16%).
Photo credit: ForwardKeys
Asia-outbound
China and Japan power bookings to Europe; China (+64%) and Japan (+53%) compared to 2023. Although overall volumes are still below pre-pandemic levels, improvements in air connectivity have led to a surge in travel from these countries.
China, in particular, is responsible for a much larger share of seat capacity than pre-pandemic (+12 p.p.), partly due to limited China-US connectivity. Chinese airlines are deploying their widebody fleet on routes into Europe instead.
Multi-destination trips to Europe are also popular with Asian travellers heading for Europe this summer. Standout city pairs include Budapest – Vienna (+118%), Milan – Munich (+106%), Prague – Amsterdam (+71%) and Istanbul – Athens (+63%), reflecting the popularity of urban European destinations for Asian travellers looking to combine cultural, historic and shopping activities.
ISKANDAR PUTERI Johor, 11 July 2024: Tiong Nam Hospitality Group will expand its marina complex with the addition of private and mega yacht marinas at the Pinetree Marina & Resort, Puteri Harbour, making it a significant milestone for the group, which has managed the 107-room resort since 2018.
The recently added public marina features 76 berths and can accommodate a variety of yacht and boat categories. However, two additional marina categories will open as part of the group’s expansion plans; a private marina and a mega yacht marina.
Pinetree Marina’s strategic location provides access to crucial Southeast Asian maritime corridors, making it a popular starting point for boaters from Phuket, Langkawi, Pangkor Island, Kota Kinabalu, and Singapore.
Tiong Nam Hospitality Group Senior General Manager Johnny Lau stated: “This marina is our newest endeavour, reflecting our commitment to excellence and innovation in both the marina and hospitality industries. Its strategic location provides effortless access to crucial Southeast Asian maritime corridors.”
The marina is situated at coordinates 01° 25.07′ N 103° 39.51′ E, offering members and guests a range of top-tier amenities, including a fuel dock, laundry facilities, shower rooms, buggy transportation, a customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex, and a marine department office. The berths have 24-hour CCTV security systems and WiFi connectivity, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.
Tiong Nam Hospitality Group, which also manages Hard Rock Cafe Puteri Harbour, Hard Rock Cafe Ipoh, Fraser Place Puteri Harbour, BRIX KLIA, and the upcoming 1975 Hotel and Avenue, aims to transform Pinetree Marina & Resort into a premier destination for yachting enthusiasts, leisure seekers, and business travellers.
About Pinetree Marina & Resort Pinetree Marina & Resort Puteri Harbour marks Tiong Nam Hospitality Group’s strategic entry into the marina industry. The public marina currently offers 76 berths in the picturesque Straits of Johor. The resort features 107 contemporary apartments in a spectacular 25-floor building.
Its prime location provides easy access to attractions such as Legoland Malaysia, Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club, and Sunway Big Box Retail Park.
SINGAPORE, 10 July 2024: Emirates offers a mid-year reboot for all travellers this July, with special fares from Singapore to Dubai and Europe.
From now until 21 July 2024, travellers can look forward to attractive flight deals to Dubai, London, Paris, Milan, and more, valid for travel until 31 January 2025.
Featured destinations and starting fares
*The sales period for Melbourne fares ends on 16 July 2024.
The holiday begins inflight, with Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system offering over 6,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music, and games on demand and in multiple languages. Once they sign up to join Emirates Skywards, all passengers can also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity onboard and savour the flavours of their destinations through multicourse meals and complimentary drinks.
Emirates has rounded up some hidden gems in these popular featured destinations for a unique adventure. Emirates currently operates 28 flights per week from Singapore to Dubai and flies to more than 130 destinations across six continents.
Explore the historic and tranquil neighbourhood of Hampstead, home to some of the best outdoor swimming spots in London, including three natural bathing ponds. Visitors can frolic in the natural waters while enjoying the panoramic view of the London skyline or picnic along the surrounding grasslands and meadows. The Hampstead Ponds are open to the public all year round and are a must-visit for travellers seeking a different kind of London experience. For a glimpse into the literature, history, and culture of the United Kingdom, travellers can also include the British Library in their itinerary. The National Library of the United Kingdom is one of the largest libraries in the world, and it houses over 170 million items, including Shakespeare’s First Folio and original manuscripts by authors like Jane Austen.
For a more local and offbeat experience of Paris, take a stroll or a boat ride along the Canal Saint-Martin, the quieter and more laid-back counterpart of the River Seine. The 4.5km canal, which 2km is underground, interweaves through charming boutiques, cafes, and vibrant neighbourhoods. It also boasts iconic canal locks, footbridges, and swing bridges. For a picturesque slice of Parisian life, travellers can head to the Cité des Fleurs (City of Flowers), a pedestrian street in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the cobblestoned street is lined with quaint and colourful houses teeming with beautiful flowers and trees.
While a cemetery is unlikely to top any traveller’s bucket list, the Cimitero Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery) is worth a visit. An impressive outdoor museum spanning 250,000 square metres, it is known for its sculptures, monuments, and tombs created by various renowned artists and architects. Guided tours are available for those who wish to explore the cemetery’s history and artistic heritage. Cinephiles and dessert aficionados can check out Bar Luce, a café designed by film director Wes Anderson. Inspired by the Italian pop culture of the 1950s and 1960s, the bar’s design pays homage to the city and the Milanese cafes of the past.
For those looking to take a creative break, the Dubai Design Week returns from 5 to 10 November 2024. From architecture product design to graphic design and interiors, this edition will focus on designing for a sustainable future, with exhibitions, marketplaces, and workshops taking place at Dubai Design District.
Emirates passengers flying to, through, or back to Dubai can enjoy more for less with My Emirates Pass. Leveraging their boarding passes, passengers can unlock exclusive discounts at a wide range of retail, leisure, and dining establishments, as well as top attractions and luxury spas across Dubai and the UAE. From now till 30 September 2024, Emirates customers can experience Dubai’s bucket-list attractions, including thrilling water parks and the world’s highest observation deck at Burj Khalifa At The Top, with discounts on admission tickets. They simply need to present a physical or digital boarding pass along with a valid form of identification at participating venues to access the deals and discounts.
In addition,travellers who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class from now till 21 July 2024 will be able to enjoy a complimentary two-night stay at the 5-star luxury hotel JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai while those travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one-night stay. This special offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours for travel dates until 15 September 2024.
Syahreza Ishwara as GM of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort.
BANGKOK, 10 July 2024: Minor Hotels has appointed Syahreza Ishwara as General Manager of the newly opened Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas off the coast of Phuket.
Ishwara has been with Minor Hotels since 2014 at the award-winning Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.
From 2022, the Indonesian national served as the General Manager at Anantara Ubud Bali, overseeing the pre-opening phase. Ishwara’s international experience also includes serving as the General Manager at the Rayavadee Resort Krabi, as well as holding key positions at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi in Malaysia.
NEW DELHI, 10 July 2024: Crimson Hotels Private Limited, a company that manages luxury and boutique hotels, is expanding its presence in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The company has opened two new hotels, Econostay Lhaki Yangchak Residency in Thimpu and Econostay Lhaki Yangchak Residency in Paro.
With the addition of these two new Hotels in Bhutan, Crimson now has eight operational hotels in three countries: Bhutan, India and Nepal.
Crimson Hotels Pvt Ltd Director Sandeep Maitraya expressed his excitement about the two new Econostays: “Bhutan represents a significant opportunity for Crimson Hotels to tap into a market that values cultural richness and natural beauty. Our new Econostay properties in Thimpu and Paro will cater to the growing demand for high-quality accommodations in Bhutan, offering travellers unique and memorable experiences. This expansion underscores our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality services in diverse markets while promoting sustainable tourism.”
Econostay Lhaki Yangchak Residency Thimpu will offer 35 rooms and suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and meeting and banquet facilities, ideal for both business and leisure travellers.
Econostay Lhaki Yangchak Residency Paro, situated close to the Paro International Airport, will provide 18 rooms and suites, each with a touch of traditional Bhutanese architecture. The property will feature a restaurant serving local and international delicacies, meeting and banquet spaces for up to 150 persons, and a fitness centre.
Both the Econostay, properties are located to offer guests easy access to Bhutan’s key attractions. Thimpu, the capital city, is known for its vibrant culture and historical landmarks, while Paro is famed for its stunning natural beauty and the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery).
“We have another 20 Hotels in the construction pipeline right now. The next two years will see the Crimson portfolio announcing another eight new hotels in India, Nepal and Bhutan”, added Maitraya.
The Crimson Hotels portfolio of brand offerings includes Basics Inn & Suites, which offers economy stays; Econostay, which offers mid-market Hotels to patrons; a five-star range of hotels under the “Citron” brand; and a five-star deluxe luxury collection under the Akatsuki Collection.
About Crimson Hotels Crimson Hotels Pvt Ltd is a full-service hospitality company that provides hotel operations management, branding, development, and pre-opening services.
SYDNEY, 10 July 2024: Amora Hotels & Resorts has named two veteran hospitality professionals to lead its key properties in Brisbane and Melbourne.
Rob Unson joins as General Manager of Amora Hotel Brisbane, while Rahul Dangwal assumes the role of Hotel Manager at Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne. He brings a wealth of expertise in his new role as general manager of Amora Hotel Brisbane. Before joining Amora Hotels & Resorts, Unson was TFE Hotels’ Hotel General Manager.
Rob Unson, GM, Amora Hotel Brisbane.Rahul Dangwal, HM, Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne.
Rahul Dangwal brings over 14 years of hospitality experience to Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne, having held senior management roles with companies such as Stamford Hotels and Resorts, TFE Hotels, and Accor’s Art Series brand.
“We are confident that Rob and Rahul will both play pivotal roles in driving our hotels forward,” said Amora Hotels & Resorts Owner and Director Earp Siriphatrawan. “Their combined expertise and dedication to excellence will further strengthen Amora Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality.”
Siriphatrawan emphasised that Amora’s management hires will further drive the group’s brand of customer-centric hospitality as it expands across the Pacific and Southeast Asia in the next five years.
