BANGKOK, 6 May 2024: Thailand has won the bid to host the 2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC 2026) on Phuket Island, the country’s most popular beach destination.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Phuket Province, Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation (STDF), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Public Organization) (DASTA) confirmed Phuket will host the event in April 2026.
TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya commented: “Hosting GSTC 2026 in Phuket province is a great victory and a significant milestone for its sustainable tourism and showing the potential of Phuket as well for six (destinations that make up the) Andaman Wellness Economic Corridor — Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Ranong, Trang and Satun.”
The GSTC 2026 will draw 700 participants from 60 countries, a testament to its global significance. This influx of international visitors should generate over THB50 million in revenue, bolstering Phuket’s economy.
KUCHING 6 May 2024: Brace yourselves for an exciting experience at the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024 as ticket purchasers to the festival stand a chance to win incredible prizes worth more than MYR100,000 by entering a skill contest and answering simple questions.
At this year’s RWMF, all adult three-day pass ticket buyers stand to win a Mitsubishi Triton 4X4 VGT AT Premium or an electric bike, the Ebixon Bold EV Bike, while Adult 1-day pass ticket buyers are eligible to win an electric bike. For new ticket purchasers, the link to join the contest will be sent by Ticket2U.com via email, along with their tickets. Earlier ticket purchasers can access the contest either via RWMF.net or the Ticket2U ticketing platform.
The highly anticipated festival will take place from 28 to 30 June 2024 at the Sarawak Cultural Village from 1000 onwards. It will offer a vibrant celebration of international and local performers, including Kitaro, Havana Social Club, Dato’ Zainalabidin, and Sarawakian power-pack multi-talented artiste Belle Sisoski.
Themed EVOLUTION, the RWMF 2024 showcases 21 acts, comprising 68 international musicians from 14 countries across six continents and 63 Malaysian artists. World music fans can indulge themselves in the rhythm of world music while advocating responsible tourism to foster sustainable practices and protect the environment.
Grammy Award winner Kitaro, with his The Best of Kitaro Live, promises to be a memorable performance, and world-known multicultural band Havana Social Club is another headliner on a mission to illuminate Asia and beyond with the vibrant rhythms of Cuba. Another top act at the RWMF this year from West Malaysia is Dato’ Zainalabidin, known for his hit song ‘Hijau’, which has been around for over three decades. Representing East Malaysia is Sarawak’s own Belle Sisoski, well-known for using her creative platform to raise awareness about indigenous rights, environmental and musical conservation in Sarawak. Another highlight of the festival is the debut of The Borneo Collective, a musical project featuring Sarawak’s masters of traditional instruments backed by an ensemble of world-class musicians from all over Malaysia.
Other international acts include Alright Mela Meets Santoo (Pakistan/France), Bourbon Lassi (Australia/Malaysia), Imarhan (Algeria/France), Krakatau Ethno (Indonesia), Nini (Taiwan/USA), Rizal Hadi and Folk (Indonesia), Rhythm Rebels Featuring Selonding Bali Aga (Indonesia), and Tribal Tide (Singapore). Attendees to RWMF 2024 will also be entertained by other Malaysian acts such as The Borneo Collective (East Malaysia), Adrian G (West Malaysia), Alena Murang (East Malaysia), Nisa Addina (East Malaysia), Salammusik (West Malaysia), The Colour of Sound’s Malaysia (West Malaysia), Tuni Sundatang (East Malaysia) and Zarul @OurBodySound (West Malaysia).
For music enthusiasts looking to delve into the full weekend of festivities, the coveted 3-Day Pass grants access to all that the RWMF 2024 has to offer. Priced at MYR635 for adults, the pass ensures an uninterrupted celebration of music, culture, and community. Act fast to grab the special early bird rate of RM235, available only until the close of 5 May. Don’t let this opportunity slip away to secure your tickets at a discounted rate and be in the running for fantastic prizes! For more information on how to win the grand prize, follow us on our social media channels.
For more information and ticket bookings, please visit the official Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 website at www.rwmf.net. Or via the Ticket2U ticketing platform.
DUBAI, UAE 6 May 2024: Emirates highlighted its largest presence ever at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which got underway in Dubai on 6 May.
Here are three things visitors are looking forward to when visiting Emirates’ sprawling ATM stand spread over 975 square metres:
Signature product displays: The top-rated Emirates Premium Economy seat, which is now available on flights to 15 cities, will again be on display at ATM this year. The customer favourite boasts legroom of up to 40 inches, wide seats and a generous recline. The airline will also feature its frequently visited Boeing 777-300ER game-changer First Class fully enclosed private suite, Boeing 777 Business Class seat, newest generation A380 Onboard Lounge, along with other iconic products such the First Class Shower Spa and its generously pitched game-changer Economy Class seats. The friendly Emirates Cabin Crew will be on hand to demonstrate product features and answer visitor questions.
Emirates Official Store: Selling crowd-favourite aircraft models and other limited edition merchandise, the Emirates Official Store will also feature items inspired by the airline’s newly minted sports partnerships including dual-branded Wimbledon Championship 2024 Emirates towels, caps and clothing; Emirates sailing merchandise; and a selection of home-grown products in collaboration with local UAE companies featuring the Emirates ghaf motif including home fragrance and accessories, cactus leather goods and premium leather bags, among other items.
A sustainability focus: Emirates has also dedicated a part of the stand to highlight some of the sustainability initiatives happening across the business, including onboard items that incorporate responsibly sourced materials like amenity kits, loungewear and children’s toys, and Emirates’ luggage, bags and accessories made from upcycled materials from retrofitted A380 aircraft. There will also be interactive screens highlighting key activities under the airline’s environmental pillars: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly and protecting biodiversity and habitats.
The Emirates stand also includes meeting spaces that can accommodate over 130 visitors and industry partners at any given time. This year, the airline is planning to seal deals and deepen cooperation with several tourism boards, airlines, and other critical entities within the travel and tourism ecosystem, signalling its confidence in the industry’s future.
The Emirates stand is located at the Sheikh Saeed Hall at the ATM.
KUCHING, 3 May 2024: Sarawak is taking a monumental leap forward in its tourism endeavours by launching the ‘Sarawak Tourism Ambassador – Embrace and Act Tourism’ Programme.
The innovative initiative, unveiled by Deputy Minister for Tourism, YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, encapsulates the essence of patriotism and community engagement in promoting Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders to the world.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor said: “The responsibility of promoting tourism involves all citizens – corporates and individuals.” Emphasising inclusivity, the CEO highlighted the programme’s continuous journey towards raising awareness and bolstering the tourism sector through community involvement.
The ambassadors programme solidifies Sarawak’s tourism essence to ensure every visitor has an unforgettable experience. Through continuously enhancing tourism offerings and a culture of shared responsibility, Sarawak has established itself as the premier Gateway to the Captivating Wonders of Borneo. Sarawak continues to spotlight the state’s distinctive tourism drivers – its rich culture, thrilling adventures, breathtaking nature, delectable cuisine, and vibrant festivals—all topped with legendary hospitality.
The groundbreaking programme aims to reignite the passion for tourism within Sarawak Civil Service, recognising civil service as invaluable ambassadors for Sarawak’s tourism sector. The Minister’s speech underscored civil service’s pivotal role in driving economic development, cultural preservation, and fostering sustainable growth through their advocacy and engagement with communities, poised to become catalysts for change, embodying Sarawak’s spirit of hospitality and excellence in service.
“In the second phase of this programme, we aim to target 1,500 participants from the Sarawak Civil Service, spanning from May to October 2024. Under the theme ‘Embrace and Act Tourism’, we aim to instil a sense of ownership among Sarawak Civil Service members on the state’s tourism attractions. We strongly encourage our Sarawak Civil Service to see themselves as custodians of our state’s development, entrusted with promoting tourism,” Sharzede added.
As part of Sarawak’s robust tourism strategy, this programme aims to elevate the sector to contribute towards Sarawak’s overall target of 4 million visitors this year. In 2023, the industry witnessed a remarkable resurgence, with a staggering 93.82% growth compared to 2022. Tourism receipts surged to RM9.99 billion, reflecting a resilient and adaptable industry post-pandemic. Sarawak’s tourism performance in the first quarter of 2024 is also encouraging, recording a total of 1.18 million visitor arrivals from January to March 2024, with RM3.07 billion tourism receipts, with a growth of 31.2% in the same corresponding period in 2023.
The Ambassador Programme is a crucial strategy to promote Sarawak’s world-renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024, slated for 28 to 30 June under the theme ‘Evolution.’ Targeting over 25,000 visitors, RWMF2024 continues its commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism.
Since 2011, STB has been dedicated to Responsible Tourism, environmental preservation, and community support, as evidenced by initiatives like waste management and energy conservation, which align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ambassadors are called upon to lead the charge in championing Responsible Tourism and ensuring a sustainable future for Sarawak’s tourism, primarily through the promotion of RWMF.
The programme’s online learning platform, developed in collaboration with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, underscored Sarawak’s commitment to digitalisation, innovation, and accessibility. By equipping participants with comprehensive knowledge and insights into Sarawak’s tourism destinations, the programme aims to nurture a legion of ambassadors dedicated to promoting Sarawak’s tourism offerings with pride and authenticity.
STB’s dedication to innovation and inclusivity shone through with the expansion of the Ambassadorship Programme to the Sarawak Civil Service, building on the success of the previous phase, a collaboration with e-hailing drivers. The inaugural programme had 1,000 participants who achieved a perfect 100% score in the Sarawak Ambassadors Programme on e-learning, comprising e-hailing Drivers and Sarawak Tourist Guides Association (SkTGA) members, as well as reaching almost 700 participants of Public Tourist Guides through PUSTAKA’s e-Pandei,
DUBAI, UAE, 3 May 2024: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has returned to Phnom Penh with a daily scheduled flight via Singapore. The resumption expanded the Emirates Far East network to 21 points, and Singapore’s operations to four daily flights.
The newly added service from Singapore was commemorated in the airline’s dedicated Airport Lounge with a cake-cutting ceremony in the presence of His Excellency Jamal Abdulla Mohammed Bin Abdulwahab AlSuwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Singapore, Vy. Samdy, First secretary Cambodia Embassy in Singapore and Steven Ler, President of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS). The ceremony was led by Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales and Country Management and Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Far East, for Emirates and Rashid Al Fajeer, Emirates’ Area Manager Singapore.
Operated by a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, the airline’s flight EK348 arrived at Phnom Penh International Airport on 1 May and was welcomed with a traditional Cambodian dance performance. The senior Emirates delegation, accompanied by international media, was received by Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Minister in Charge Dr Mao Havannall and Cambodia Airports CEO Cyril Girot.
Nabil Sultan commented on Emirates’ resumed operations to Phnom Penh: “Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and growing economy make it an attractive destination for leisure and business travel. We’re excited for this unique gateway to join our already extensive Far East network again. Through the linked services between Singapore and Phnom Penh, we can also support the trade and business movements between the two regional hubs and facilitate the convenient shipment of imports and exports between Singapore, Cambodia and the UAE, as well as other markets in our global network.
“We thank the local authorities in Cambodia for facilitating the return of our operations to Phnom Penh. We look forward to offering a world-class travel experience for customers and driving more visitors into Singapore and Cambodia.”
Cambodia Airports Chief Executive Officer Cyril Girot said: “Phnom Penh International Airport rebuilds its international route network as Emirates reconnects with the Kingdom’s capital city. This is great news for passengers who will have more access to inbound and outbound travel options, further improving their journey experience.”
Emirates’ daily flight EK348 departs Dubai at 0230 and arrives in Singapore at 1405. The flight then departs Singapore at 1535, arriving in Phnom Penh at 1635. Emirates’ return flight EK349 leaves Phnom Penh at 2050 and arrives in Singapore at 2350. The flight then departs Singapore at 0140 the next day, arriving in Dubai at 0455. All times are local.
Tickets to Phnom Penh can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via travel agents.
Driving trade from Cambodia with Emirates SkyCargo
Over the last 2 years, Emirates SkyCargo has handled 2,420 tonnes of cargo to and from Phnom Penh via a road feeder service and interline partnerships, providing connectivity via Thailand and Malaysia to the airline’s vast global network. With the launch of the daily passenger flight, Emirates SkyCargo will streamline operations and further strengthen trade links between Cambodia and the wider world with an available capacity of 300 tonnes per week into key markets such as the UAE, USA, Canada, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
With the market poised for significant growth, Emirates SkyCargo will support Cambodian businesses by exporting their goods worldwide via its state-of-the-art hub in Dubai. Key anticipated commodities include apparel, readymade garments and fashion, fresh fruit, chilled meat and other perishables, which will be transported quickly, efficiently and reliably via the airline’s multi-vertical specialised product portfolio.
Emirates’ Fly Better experience
Emirates operates its modern Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration on flights to Phnom Penh, offering eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class.
Travellers flying with Emirates can enjoy the best experience in the sky with an unmatched culinary experience and regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Customers can relax with more than 6,500 channels of carefully curated global entertainment content in more than 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks and more with ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.
The airline has won multiple awards throughout its successful history, including the 2024 APEX World Class Airline for delivering outstanding customer service and showcasing the highest global standards of safety and well-being, sustainability, and guest experience. Emirates’ sustainable Economy Class amenity kit has also received a 2024 IFSA award for ‘Best Onboard Amenity’.
KUCHING Sarawak, Malaysia, 2 May 2024: Sarawak is about to make pickleball history with the #BorneoPickleball International Tournament, Malaysia and Borneo’s largest pickleball competition with a prize pool of MYR20,000.
The tournament will be held in Kuching from 9 to 12 October, and approximately 500 players and 2,000 visitors from the region are expected to participate.
Kuching Pickleball Association is the main Tournament organiser, while BESarawak is the Exclusive Strategic Advisor and provides in-kind support to the Association in creating a sustainable and gold-standard international event.
The International Tournament is endorsed by the Malaysian and Sarawak Pickleball Associations at the Association level. At the Government level, it is endorsed by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.
Pickleball is inclusive across all ages and abilities, fostering interaction among diverse industries and communities. The tournament is open to corporate organisations, public sectors, associations and clubs, and other communities and individuals interested in joining.
The Honourable Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak and Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak, commenting on the tournament at a recent media event said: “The International Tournament is relevant for Sarawak to strengthen its destination profile in sports and sports tourism. As the host of SUKMA 2024, Sarawak is already in the spotlight; the International Pickleball Tournament is another strategic opportunity to show Sarawak’s ability to host global sporting events and boost our image as a sports tourism destination.”
“With more sports associations developing new events in Sarawak, we attract new sports facilities and infrastructure investments. As demonstrated in this pickleball tournament, growing and sustaining our sporting communities requires education, engagement, collaboration and inclusion.”
As the Exclusive Strategic Advisor, BESarawak’s contribution is to guide the Kuching Pickleball Association in developing a sporting event that can be sustained. According to Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Chairman of BESarawak, “it can be a recurring event and transformed into a potential legacy for the pickleball community and Sarawak’s sports tourism.
“The tournament’s outreach goes beyond the competition itself as the Kuching Pickleball Association partners with us to include the ‘Books Build Legacy’ corporate social responsibility programme with a target of 2,000 book donations in aid of Sarawak’s rural schools.
“Community development is always a priority for us in the industry, and the tournament is a product of collaboration between business event players uniting for change. This is our contribution to developing Associations and major events.”
Ruslan Bujang, President of the Kuching Pickleball Association, noted: “Pickleball is a healthy way of managing stress, living an active lifestyle, and building new friendships and connections. The tournament is a great opportunity for cross-cultural exchange between Malaysian and International communities, bridging the worlds of sports and education through this tournament, where players compete while making meaningful contributions to local communities.”
All about Pickleball
In 2023, the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) of the USA deemed pickleball the fastest-growing sport in America for the third consecutive year.
Age: Pickleball was traditionally popular with seniors, but it’s gaining traction across all ages. The biggest demographic is actually 18 to 34-year-olds, though people of all ages can enjoy it. https://www.pickleheads.com/blog/pickleball-statistics.
Accessibility: It’s a relatively easy sport to learn and doesn’t require a lot of physical strain, making it appealing for people with varying fitness levels.
Today, the International Federation of Pickleball boasts 70 member countries, with Malaysia joining as an Associated Member in November 2019.
According to a report by the Association of Pickleball Professionals, more than 36.5 million people play pickleball, and participation in tournaments and leagues worldwide is growing.
Pickleball gains ground in Malaysia
Even though pickleball only debuted in Malaysia in 2019, it is fast becoming a popular sport, judging from the number of registered pickleball associations and the growing number of established pickleball courts. Miri, Sarawak, has the honour of having the first registered Pickleball association in Malaysia in 2019.
In Sarawak, Pickleball has been gaining momentum, and a number of local tournaments have been organised. In fact, several schools have introduced the sport into their curriculum.
Kuching Pickleball Association (KPA) explained that previous local tournaments around Miri and Kuching attracted international participation, with players from Singapore, Egypt, Iraq and the US. Realising the huge potential of pickleball as an international sport, KPA is organising an international pickleball tournament in Kuching, Sarawak and to instil the tournament international branding KPA has named it the ‘#Borneo Pickleball International Tournament’.
Business Events Sarawak of Sarawak Convention Bureau supports this tournament.
Prizes between RM1,250 (including medal) to RM10,000 (including trophy and medal)
Women’s Single category
Maximum 24 players
Registration fee of RM100 per player
Prizes between RM125 to RM1,000 (all inclusive of medals)
Novice category
Maximum 24 pairs
Registration fee of RM50 per pair
Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals are up for grabs
The #BorneoPickleball International Tournament is in partnership with:
Sarawak Tourism Board (Promotion Partner)
Malaysia Airlines (Airline Partner)
Grand Margherita Hotel and Riverside Majestic Hotel (Hotel Partners)
CPH Travel (Travel Agency Partner)
Teams and individuals wishing to join must register for a Pickleball Global ID at https://pickleball.global/. ID registration is free, and accumulated points at the #BorneoPickleball International Tournament can be applied to global tournaments. Registration for the Tournament closes on 31 August 2024. For regular Tournament updates, visit BESarawak’s Facebook page (@BESarawak). For full details on the tournament, including Registration QR codes, refer to the Attachments enclosed in the folder here. For more tournament information, contact Ruslan Bujang, President of the Kuching Pickleball Association, at +6019-888-8160.
BANGKOK, 2 May 2024: Dusit Hotels & Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will present new hotel properties and an innovative sustainability initiative during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, 6 to 9 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The much-anticipated 1 September reopening of its iconic flagship, Dusit Thani Bangkok, leads the ATM presentations, but the spotlight will also shine on the group’s first hotel in Saudi Arabia – Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh.
Dusit International Chief Operating Officer Gilles Cretallaz leads a team of corporate executives to present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts’ global portfolio and its commitment to uniquely delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world during the ATM sessions. That legacy was pioneered 75 years ago this May by the company’s founder, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, with the opening of her first Bangkok hotel, which continues to define the Dusit experience today.
Beyond the company’s rich history, attendees can expect to learn more about a diverse range of participating properties, including established favourites such as Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Doha Hotel, Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo, and Dusit Thani Maldives, alongside a curated selection of luxury villas from Elite Havens.
The spotlight will also shine on last year’s international openings, including the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, Dusit’s first properties in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal.
Last year’s openings in Dusit’s home base of Thailand will also be showcased, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18.
Alongside these recent additions, Dusit will also reveal more about its expected 2024 openings, including up to 10 new Dusit Hotels and Resorts across existing Dusit destinations such as China, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as new markets India, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia.
Slated for a Q4 2024 opening, the 150-key Dusit Princess Al Majma’ah, Riyadh, is poised to become a key player in Riyadh’s hospitality scene, marking its arrival as the first internationally branded hotel in Al Majma-ah. Catering to business travellers, the hotel boasts a convenient location next to Majmaah University and a short drive from the burgeoning Sudair Industrial and Business City. King Khalid International Airport is also easily accessible, just a one-hour and 40-minute drive away.
Beyond its well-appointed rooms and suites, guests will find versatile meeting spaces accommodating up to 200, a range of dining options across two on-site food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym, and swimming pool access.
Other highlights being showcased include dusitD2 Feydhoo, an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort on a private Maldives island only five minutes by speedboat from Male airport (slated to open in Q4); Osaka Kansai Airport Hotel, the company’s third hotel in Japan (Q3); and the highly anticipated return of the flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok, which will reopen on 27 September 2024.
Dusit Thani Bangkok reimagined
Situated in the same prime location as the original property, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 to 2019, this highly anticipated, reimagined version of Dusit’s luxury flagship hotel sits at the heart of Dusit Central Park, a landmark mixed-use development also comprising ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and a 11,200 sqm Roof Park (all slated to open in 2025).
Designed to deliver a fresh take on its predecessor’s esteemed heritage and once again stand as a beacon of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality for discerning travellers from all around the world, the newly built 257-key hotel offers ample space for guests, including elegant suites exquisitely crafted by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm André Fu Studio, starting at an impressive 50 sqm. A singular corridor floorplan ensures every room faces the green expanse of Lumpini Park, with guests enjoying uninterrupted scenic views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows complemented by elegantly designed window seating.
The new hotel version also boasts a unique urban wellness concept, elevated dining experiences created in collaboration with renowned chefs, a stylish multi-level rooftop bar created with award-winning mixologists, and expansive banqueting and meeting facilities spanning over 5,000 sq m. This includes one of the largest grand ballrooms in Bangkok, boasting an impressive eight-metre-high ceiling, a panoramic view of Lumpini Park, and a diverse selection of meeting spaces for intimate gatherings and large-scale events. The hotel’s new benchmarks in service, design, and overall guest experience will ripple across Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
Bookings for the new Dusit Thani Bangkok went live on 1 May 2024 at www.dusit.com, allowing early-bird bookers to be the first to experience the reimagined flagship when it opens its doors this September.
Dusit’s Tree of Life initiative
Dusit’s team at ATM will also discuss Dusit’s innovative group-wide sustainability initiative, Tree of Life, first launched in 2023. The comprehensive programme aligns with the United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals and incorporates a holistic approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. It is designed to ensure that each Dusit property operates sustainably, with measurable key performance indicators to drive effective implementation.
“At Dusit Hotels and Resorts, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences while fostering a positive impact on the world around us,” said Cretallaz. “Through our innovative offerings, unwavering dedication to sustainability, and commitment to Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, we aim to redefine travel for discerning guests globally. We are excited to share our vision with the industry at ATM 2024 and look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand.”
Dusit’s portfolio now includes 299 properties operating across 18 countries, including 56 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 243 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in September 2018. More than 60 properties are in the pipeline.
For further information, please visit Dusit Hotels and Resorts at ATM Dubai, stand HC1350, or www.dusit.com
HONG KONG 2 May 2024: DidaTravel, a tech-driven global travel wholesaler, confirms strong year-to-date sales growth across Middle East markets and destinations ahead of the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
For DidaTravel, a leading B2B travel wholesaler in China and APAC, the Middle East region has been an increasing strategic focus over the past few years. The year-to-date growth is a testament to the success of this strategy, with an average outbound sales increase of +104% from GCC source markets.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) brings together six Arab countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Performance highlights
Year-to-date outbound TTV* sales from across the GCC source markets have grown by an average of +104% compared to the previous 12 months.
The fastest-growing source markets were Saudi Arabia (+202%), Qatar (+199%), Kuwait (+157%) and Bahrain (+104%).
Top international destinations booked by GCC travellers included the UK, Turkey, Thailand, USA, Indonesia and Malaysia.
From an inbound perspective, the most popular GCC destinations are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyad, Doha and Jeddah. Year-to-date average daily rates (ADRs) for GCC destinations booked through DidaTravel’s platform and distribution channels have grown by a very positive average of +31%.
In addition, DidaTravel’s flight distribution business has been growing very fast across the GCC region, with average regional outbound sales growth of +556% year-to-date.
DidaTravel VP Global Account Management Jinyan Li commented: “For DidaTravel, the GCC region is of paramount strategic importance from both a source market and destination perspective, so it is great to see such positive results over the past 12 months after all the hard work of both our sourcing and distribution teams.”
DidaTravel will be exhibiting at an ATM in Dubai, Stand TT3350, from 6 to 9 May.
*TTV = Total Transaction Value **ADR = Average Daily Rate All data is based on bookings made via DidaTravel’s platform and distribution channels and compares the full-year performance up to 15 April 2024 versus the previous 12 months.
About Dida Travel
DidaTravel is a tech-driven global travel distribution company that was founded in 2012. The company is headquartered in Shenzhen, China and has over 600 employees in eight offices globally. The company works with over 35,000 travel-buying clients worldwide, including travel agencies, tour operators, wholesalers, OTAs, travel management companies (TMCs) and airlines.
Additionally, the company has a portfolio of over 75,000 competitively sourced direct hotel contracts, as well as more than 1.5 million accommodation products provided by 600+ global suppliers, covering more than 200 countries/regions.
SINGAPORE, 2 May 2024: Asia is home to the hottest travel destinations for travellers during the Labour Day week, with cities such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul and Taipei leading the pack in holiday momentum, according to Trip.com Group’s latest data.
Labour Day travel for the global workforce can extend for a week or more surrounding the official 1 May holiday. It offers an opportunity for working families to unwind and enjoy an extended break spanning several days.
Alongside celebrations for the Chinese New Year and National Day Golden Week in October, China’s Labour Day holiday week extends from 1 to 5 May, driving a substantial increase in outbound travel bookings.
Chinese travellers set their sights on overseas destinations such as Japan and Korea, fuelled by the photo-worthy cherry blossom season, in areas such as Hokkaido during May.
China’s domestic tourism also boomed, with majestic sites such as the “Avatar” mountains of Zhang Jia Jie and Dajue Mountain drawing holiday crowds.
In Southeast Asia, island paradises like Hon Thom Island in Vietnam, Similan Island (open for just six months) in Thailand and Mabul Island in Malaysia beckoned travellers with their pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Adventure tourism also saw a rise in bookings. Travellers were keen to explore beautiful ruins and waterfalls in Laos, such as the Vat Phou temple and Kuang Si waterfall, or active volcanos in Indonesia, like Mount Bromo. Singapore, meanwhile, saw travellers heading for exhilarating experiences such as the amphibious DUKWTM Tours and thrilling Skyline Luge.
Golden Week in Japan
Japan is another key region that saw a remarkable rise in travel bookings, with the early May period coinciding with its Golden Week holiday, which runs from 20 April to 5 May.
Golden Week marks one of the nation’s most significant holidays, and globetrotters took advantage of the break to visit destinations such as Korea, Japan and Thailand. Domestic travellers were found making a beeline for Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka, with attractions in nature gaining favour: Mother Farm, a charming ranch destination, and Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch village town with a sea of flowers, were among the top booked attractions.
As for Korea, Seogwipo and Udo islands in Jeju were favourites among travellers who also visited conventionally popular cities such as Seoul and Busan. They were found enjoying the sunset from beach train rides or opting for experiential shows such as kitchen performance art and even ladies-only shows.
In Europe, Germany and Italy stood out, with a triple-fold increase in travellers compared to the same period in the previous year. Historic castles, palaces, and cathedrals are favourites: Neuschwanstein Castle, Nymphenburg Palace, Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower, and Milan Cathedral were among the top-ranked attractions.
Labour Day also sees diverse travel trends emerging, reflecting the evolving preferences of holidaymakers worldwide.
Cultural and historical tourism took centre stage as travellers favoured iconic landmarks such as the Winter Palace in St Petersburg, the Louvre Museum in Paris, and the Acropolis of Athens, immersing themselves in these revered destinations’ rich history, architecture, and heritage.
For families and thrill-seekers alike, theme parks and entertainment hubs emerged as hotspots for holiday fun. Universal Studios Singapore, Tokyo DisneySea, and Disneyland Paris captivate visitors with rides, shows, and immersive experiences.
Unique destinations like Giethoorn, a fairytale village in the Netherlands, and the Chocolate Hills in the Philippines also rise in popularity. These destinations offer travellers off-the-beaten-path experiences and picturesque landscapes that promise to leave a lasting impression.
MACAU 2 May 2024: Following an investment of over HKD2 billion for acquisition and restoration, Lek Hang Group announced the soft opening of Hotel Central this week.
The hotel is located in the heart of Macau and adjacent to iconic attractions such as Ruins of St. Paul’s and The Senado Square.
Lek Hang Group’s century-old Hotel Central is a landmark of Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro and part of the neighbourhood of the famous tourist attractions, Ruínas de São Paulo and the Largo do Senado commenced its soft opening on 30 April on the eve of the May Day holiday,
The 114-room Hotel Central, famous for its Palace restaurant renowned for its traditional dim sum, has undergone a major restoration.
To celebrate the soft opening and welcome the May Day holiday week, the hotel offers a “Glory returns for 100 years” soft opening package priced at MOP788 per night for a two-night stay which includes complimentary breakfast for two at the Palace and complimentary mini-bar access during the stay. The package is bookable for stays until 30 June 30 on the hotel’s official website.
About Lek Hang Group Established in 1991, Lek Hang Group has diversified into real estate, construction, hotel management, dining, mall operations, and advertising planning.
