BANGKOK, 13 May 2024: The countdown is on for the THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2024, the largest food and beverage trade show in Asia, that will open on 28 May and run until 1 June 2024 at the city’s IMPACT Muang Thong Thani exhibition complex.
The mega F&B show is hosted by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand (TCC), the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and show organiser Koelnmesse Asia Pacific.
Themed “Beyond Food Experience”, the event will provide a platform for food and beverage businesses, retailers, supermarkets, department stores, hotels, hypermarkets, restaurants, and those seeking to find partners and negotiate business deals to connect with leading Thai and international companies.
Business negotiations will take place over five days, and on the final day, 1 June, the event will open to the general public.
DITP Director-General Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit said: “The food industry is one of the most important sectors contributing to Thailand’s exports. In 2023, food exports expanded by 2.7% from the previous year, amounting to USD39,892.89 million or approximately THB1.37 trillion. For 2024, Thai food exports are expected to increase by around 2%, estimated at approximately USD40,690.75 million US dollars or over THB1.4 trillion. This growth is supported by the recovery of developing and emerging economies and the tourism and service sectors, as well as the favourable exchange rate of Thai baht, which benefits Thailand’s export sector. In addition, the El Niño phenomenon has reduced agricultural production, leading to increased demand for food.”
This year, THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA will feature over 3,000 exhibitors from more than 50 countries/regions, occupying over 6,000 booths. Over the course of five days, the event is expected to attract over 80,000 visitors from all around the world. The estimated total value of orders placed at the event this year will exceed THB100 billion.
A surge in international participation at THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA will see more than 2000 overseas exhibitors showcase their products at the exhibition, 12% more than the previous year.
CHANDIGARH, India, 13 May 2024: Flybig, an Indian regional airline, announced this week it is increasing flights between Bathinda, Ghaziabad, and Ludhiana.
Saying it responding to a surge in demand for air travel, flybig will increase frequencies from two to four flights per week to increase regional connectivity in line with the government’s vision for inclusive growth and economic empowerment across the nation.
Flybig is an Indian regional airline based in Gurugram, Haryana, India. It began operations in December 2020 and is focused on connecting smaller cities, or tier-2 cities, within India. As of March 2024, it had 24 destinations with a fleet of three aircraft covering three states. In November 2023, It temporarily ceased operations in Arunachal Pradesh, citing supply chain challenges as the primary reason for the suspension. Its current destinations are mainly in north and northwest India.
Flybig Chairman and Managing Director, Sanjay Mandavia said: “Our mission is to ensure that regional air travel is accessible and affordable for every individual, irrespective of their economic background. The decision to increase flight frequency between Bathinda, Ghaziabad, and Ludhiana reflects our commitment to meeting the growing demand for air travel on these routes.”
Flybig offers competitive fares on flights between Bathinda, Ghaziabad, and Ludhiana, with an average fare of INR 999 before taxes.
It flies DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, with 19 seats, and recently announced an INR99* airfare scheme for travellers across all routes from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, which has been extended during the remainder of May. The airline operates flights on 11 routes, including destinations such as Pantnagar, Azamgarh and Shravasti from its base in Gurugram, India and serves tier-2 and tier-3 cities within India.
BANGKOK, 13 May 2024: Thai Airways International reports revenue increased 10.7% to reach THB45,955 million during the first quarter of 2024, but operating profit tallied THB11,075 million, down THB1,959 million when compared with Q1 2023, representing a 15% decline.
In the first quarter of 2024, the public-listed company and its subsidiaries reported total revenue at THB45,955 million, 10.7% higher than the same period last year, which was THB41,507 million. This increase was attributed to a substantial increase in passenger revenue following the resumption of flight services and flight increases on routes to Europe, Australia, and Japan.
THAI’s management reports Operational Performance Results for the First Quarter of 2024.
Total expenses stood at THB34,880 million, up THB6,407 million (22.5%), when compared with QT2023 total expenses that stood at THB28,473 million. The increase was due to higher production, increased traffic, flights, routes, and passenger traffic, baht depreciation, ground service fee and raw material price also impacted expenses. These factors resulted in high expenses, including passenger handling expenses, flight service expenses, and aircraft and spare part maintenance.
THAI and its subsidiaries reported the operating profit, before financial costs, excluding one-time items, at THB11,075 million, which was 1,959 million baht or a 15.0% decrease when compared to Q1/2023.
Financial costs reached THB4,608 million. Net one-time items such as expenses amounted to THB4,036 million mainly due to loss from foreign exchange at THB5,372 million impairment of aircraft, right-of-use assets and rotatable aircraft’s spare parts at THB3,338 million, while outdated passenger ticket revenue adjustment at THB4,136 million, gain on debt restructuring at THB493 million and share of profits from investments in the company at THB36 million t. Consequently, THAI and its subsidiaries reported a net profit of THB2,423 million.
In Q1/2024, THAI had a fleet of 73 active aircraft, an increase of eight aircraft, all of which are Airbus A350-900, that THAI has acquired and utilised for flight services from the previous year. The average aircraft utilisation was 12.8 hours per day. Passenger production (ASK) increased by 10.1%. In comparison, passenger traffic (RPK) increased by 10.1%, affecting an average cabin factor of 83.5%, higher than the average rate of the industry, which was 80.8%. The total number of passengers carried was 3.88 million, an increase of 10.2%.
In Q1/2024, THAI reported a total passenger revenue of THB38,517 million.
THAI also enhances customer experiences by refurbishing cabins and seats during Q1/2024, a project that is due to be completed in Q2/2024. In addition, on 1 May 2024, THAI introduced the new version of the “Thai Airways” mobile application with various platforms that facilitate travel services. With this new version, passengers will be able to manage flights and access Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) services more conveniently.
MANILA, 13 May 2024: Cebu Pacific, a low-cost airline serving the Phillippines, will boost flights to Bangkok with a three-weekly service from Manila to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) starting 16 July.
Cebu Pacific announced the new service in a press statement released last week, confirming it will fly to Bangkok’s second airport on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday using an A320.
It opens a second Bangkok gateway for the airline, which already flies twice daily from Manila to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
Flight 5J863 departs Manila at 1925 and arrives at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) at 2200. Flight 5J864 departs Don Mueang Airport (DMK) at 2300 and arrives in Manila at 0340 plus a day.
Bookings are open on online travel agency sites quoting a roundtrip fare of USD140 on Cebu Pacific during the latter half of July. The airline will compete head-on with Philippines AirAsia. It flies the same route, BKK-DMK, twice daily (morning and evening) using A320s, with the lowest fare pegged at USD162.
The new service increases Cebu Pacific frequencies to Bangkok to 17 flights a week (twice daily to BKK and three weekly to DMK). Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport is located in the city’s northern suburbs, and Suvarnabhumi Airport is a short distance from the Gulf of Thailand, which is southeast of the capital. The two airports are 50 km apart.
“Bangkok remains one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, with its majestic pagodas, flavourful cuisine, and vibrant cultural festivals. We are excited to bring more travellers to this beautiful city as we launch our operations in DMK,” said CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao.
Bangkok was one of CEB’s first international destinations, and flights launched there in 2006. In addition, CEB operates direct flights between Clark and Bangkok daily.
CEB flies to 35 domestic and 24 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
SINGAPORE, 10 May 2024: Pandaw Member Jennifer Dunbar recently sailed aboard RV Kalaw Pandaw along the Lower Ganges in India and documented her experiences in a post that first appeared on Silverstreak.sg.
Here’s an excerpt from her remarkable journey and a link to the full blog.
“India, renowned for its vibrant culture, bustling streets, and diverse landscapes, has long been a magnet for travellers. While many opt for organised tours to explore its cities and landmarks that cover all the predictable stops, few venture deep into the country’s core, where the Ganges River winds its way past charming villages and ancient temples
While the prospect of venturing off the standard tourist track may seem daunting, my experience on the seven-night Pandaw Lower Ganges River excursion was anything but that.
“Comfortable and hassle-free, it was a languid and relaxed exploration into the soul and history of India’s historically significant and culturally rich region of West Bengal.
The Ganges River, stretching over 2,500 kilometres and traversing India and Bangladesh, holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people. Originating in the majestic Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, it meanders through the Gangetic Plain before merging with the Bay of Bengal. Along its banks lie centuries-old villages, ancient terracotta temples, majestic colonial architecture, forgotten religious monuments and a wealth of wildlife waiting to be discovered.”
New dates and offers
New dates and offers have been added to Pandaw’s Ganges expeditions for 2024/25. To book and experience firsthand this beautiful and dynamic country in Pandaw’s timeless style and comfort, visit pandaw.com or contact the sales team at [email protected]
THE LOWER GANGES RIVER 7 NIGHTS FROM USD4,050 Save 10%, No Single Supplement & Kids go FREE on selected dates
From September 2024, Pandaw announced that its India expeditions will be all-inclusive, with complimentary local beers, spirits, mixers, and soft drinks for all guests. Select house wines are also included free of charge during lunch and dinner only, subject to availability.
DUBAI UAE, 10 May 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, revealed its latest updates, insights and expansion plans at the Arabian Travel Mart 2024 earlier this week.
Having celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, the company is now embarking on a sustainable growth strategy that will introduce its unique style of family-centric hospitality to multiple new markets, including dynamic Middle East destinations, as it strives to become one of the planet’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka opened its doors in 2023 to mark the group’s debut in Japan.
Centara currently has a global portfolio of 95 hotels and resorts operating or in the pipeline, covering 12 countries and six diverse brands: Centara Reserve, Centara Boutique Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life, and COSI. In the Middle East, Centara now offers a collection of upscale hotels and resorts in Qatar, Oman and the UAE.
The group’s expansion strategy is already well underway. Centara made its debut in Japan in 2023 with the opening of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a landmark five-star city hotel, and the launch of COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, Laos, in March 2024 marked the first location outside Thailand for COSI, marked the first location outside Thailand for COSI, the affordable lifestyle brand.
Looking ahead, two major new resorts will start welcoming guests in the Indian Ocean. In Q4 2024, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, a bright and fun-filled retreat with an underwater theme, will open its doors in the pristine North Malé Atoll as part of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a brand-new multi-island wonderland. It will be joined in early 2025 by Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives, a haven of sophisticated tranquillity, creating options for every type of traveller. Following the success of Centara Reserve Samui, which became the inaugural resort under the luxury lifestyle Centara Reserve brand in 2021, Centara plans to roll out this award-winning concept to even more idyllic locations across Asia. The newly reimagined Centara Life brand (formerly Centra by Centara) will start “Elevating the Essentials” in key cities and resorts in Thailand and beyond. Finally, two of the group’s flagship properties, Centara Karon Resort Phuket and Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, will be fully renovated by the end of 2024.
Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha is one of the leading five-star hotels in Qatar’s capital city.
Every aspect of Centara’s development will be undertaken responsibly and sustainably. The group is working towards several important environmental targets, including eliminating single-use plastic and achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification for all its properties by 2025, a 20% reduction in energy, waste, water, and greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and overall net zero emissions by 2050.
Michael Henssler, Centara’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted to return to the Arabian Travel Mart to meet our esteemed travel trade friends and colleagues from the Middle East – and worldwide. Centara has a proud heritage built upon 40th years of warm, family-centric hospitality, and this has become very popular with a rising number of Middle Eastern guests. As we embark on an extensive global expansion strategy, we will continue introducing our intuitive hotels, resorts and brands to many desirable destinations.
We look forward to providing our travel industry colleagues and media partners with exciting updates on all our new developments in 2024 and beyond.”
In the host country of ATM Dubai 2024, Centara has opened its first Mirage resort in the Middle East since 2021. Families and friends can enjoy fun-filled vacations at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, which delights guests with its Thai and Arabian adventure-themed concept, family accommodation, and world-class facilities, including a thrilling water park and the colourful, kid-friendly Candy Spa. Centara is also present in many of the most popular destinations for Middle Eastern guests, such as Thailand and the Maldives.
DUBAI, 10 May 2024: Saudia and Season Tours signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this week at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, fostering a commitment to establish Saudi Arabia as a tourism hub.
The partnership taps Saudia’s extensive flight network and Season Tours’ travel content to redefine Saudi tourism’s accessibility and connectivity.
Signing ceremony between Saudia and Season Tours.
The MoU, signed by Saudia CCO Arved Von Zur Muehlen and CEO and Season Tours Owner Representative and CEO Ayman Yousef Khalawi, will introduce travel packages showcasing Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, positioning the Kingdom as an essential destination on a regional travel itinerary.
“We are delighted to partner with Season Tours. Together, we are dedicated to maximizing Saudi Arabia’s tourism appeal and delivering unparalleled experiences to our guests, highlighting the Kingdom’s rich culture,” said Arved Von Zur Muehlen.
The partnership also extends to collaborative sponsorship of events and promotional programmes, fostering interest in regional and international travel to and from Saudi Arabia.
PATTAYA, 10 May 2024: Ocean Property is partnering with Siam Seaplane to introduce a seaplane facility at the Ocean Marina Jomtien, Pattaya, offering scenic flights along Thailand’s eastern coast.
Ocean Property Managing Director Napong Pariponpochanapisuti said: “Collaborating with Siam Seaplane gives our guests an extraordinary way to discover the beauty of Thailand’s eastern seaboard with the utmost style and convenience.”
As Thailand’s inaugural operator of amphibious seaplanes, Siam Seaplane will offer air charter services in collaboration with Ocean Marina Jomtien, Southeast Asia’s largest marina and the winner of Thailand’s best marina berthing facilities in 2024.
Partnership highlights
In 2024, Ocean Marina Jomtien will provide a dedicated site for seaplane water landings and takeoffs. It will also offer access to yacht charters and stays at the Ocean Marina Resort.
Siam Seaplane will offer local scenic charter flights and air commuter flights to popular beach resorts in the Gulf of Thailand, such as Hua Hin, Rayong, Koh Chang and Koh Samui, from the marina base.
The partnership also includes boat transfers to partner resorts and hotels such as Renaissance Pattaya and InterContinental Pattaya.
Charter flights from the marina to U-Tapao airport and other commercial airports close to the Gulf of Thailand are possible.
BANGKOK, 10 May 2024: Thai Airways International introduced a new version of its mobile application earlier this week, offering improved performance and content for all the airline’s travel services.
Explicitly developed for Royal Orchid Plus members, it allows passengers to manage flights and access Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) services.
ROP members can check their profile information, existing miles and expiring miles. Under the “My Trip” menu, passengers can book seats, manage check-in, activate notifications on departure dates, and synchronise boarding passes with Apple Wallet or Android Wallet. Promotions and additional services such as accommodation, rental car and travel insurance are also featured on the app.
The new Thai Airways application is available for download on the App Store and Play Store or updated on the existing application. Those who download and register as ROP members from 30 May to 2 June 2024 will be awarded 500 miles.
SINGAPORE, 10 May 2024: Following the inaugural flight on 7 May, Swiss International Air Lines is offering Korean passengers direct flights to Zurich, Switzerland.
Swiss offers three weekly flights departing Seoul on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday using an Airbus A340 with 215 seats.
Swiss International Air Lines’s Inaugural direct flight from Seoul to Zurich took off on 7 May.
Korean Air is already well established on the direct route flying three weekly services on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday using a Boeing 777-300ER configured with 286 seats.
Since the start of 2024, the average roundtrip fare on Korean Air was USD1,280 until May as the sole airline offering direct flights between Seoul and Zurich. Now, with competition from SWISS, the average fare could slip slightly before the peak summer months of July and August. SWISS quotes fares of around USD994 during May and June. (Skyscanner)
SWISS flight schedule
Flight LX122 departs Zurich (ZRH) at 1340 and arrives in Seoul (ICN) at 0825 plus a day. (Departs Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.) Flight LX123 departs Seoul (ICN) at 0955 and arrives in Zurich (ZRH at 1650. (Departs Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.)
Flight time is 13 hours and 40 minutes.
Zurich offers a distinctive travel experience to explorers and culture aficionados alike. Leisure travellers and business travellers will benefit from the strong ties between the two countries, with South Korea being Switzerland’s fourth-biggest Asian trading partner.
“We are delighted to welcome SWISS to Korea. With 17 weekly flights, Lufthansa Group now operates nonstop services to Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich, where we offer direct connections to Korean passengers from our hubs to the largest network in Europe. We have connected Korea with Europe for 40 years, and the introduction of flights with the national airline of Switzerland represents our commitment to this important market,” said SWISS General Manager Korea Leandro Tonidandel.
“Last year, Korea and Switzerland celebrated 60 years of bilateral relations. Today (7 May), we witnessed the first direct flight between these two nations. With various exchanges in education, economics and culture, the first direct connection between Switzerland and Korea aims to strengthen ties between these two nations further.”
