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China Eastern partners with Amadeus

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 24 April 2024: China Eastern Airlines has signed a milestone agreement with Amadeus for international NDC distribution. 

The deal saw the carrier become the first mainland China airline to sign for NDC distribution worldwide with Amadeus. 

Amadeus Executive Vice President Travel Unit & Managing Director, Asia Pacific Javier Laforgue says: “China Eastern Airlines is an important and valued partner. The agreement signed today is a milestone for Amadeus, expanding our presence in the key Chinese airline market. 

The deal deepens our collaboration with China Eastern Airlines and allows global travel sellers to quickly search, shop, and service the airline’s product offerings. 

With the implementation of NDC technology, China Eastern Airlines will be able to offer personalized content to travel sellers, a feature that will greatly enhance the promotion of its branded and ancillary products. 

China Eastern Airlines is one of China’s three state-owned backbone airlines, headquartered in Shanghai. As a member of SkyTeam Alliance, China Eastern Airlines operates an extensive network of international and domestic services from two core cities — Shanghai and Beijing, and a few regional air hubs in China.

Norwegian 2024 sailings in Europe

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 April 2024: Norwegian Cruise Line launched its 2024 Europe cruise season last week with the arrival of Norwegian Epic at its Civitavecchia seasonal homeport in Rome, Italy, before embarking on a 10-day Greek Isles and Italy voyage.

During this Northern Hemisphere summer travel season, guests embarking on NCL cruises in Europe will have the opportunity to choose from 101 distinctive itineraries, 38 roundtrips, and 63 open-jaw sailings, calling at 140 captivating ports across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and the Atlantic Coast.  

Norwegian Epic’s Civitavecchia seasonal homeport in Rome, Italy. Image credit Civitavecchia Port.

Nine ships* will be in the region, including its newest innovative vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, and Norwegian Escape, which returns to Europe following its first successful season in 2022.

*Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Viva.

A PATA whistleblower with no wind

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 April 2024: A whistleblower’s efforts to shake the Pacific Asia Travel Association tree this week met with stony silence from its leaders.

The anonymous complaint levelled at PATA chair Peter Semone, who succeeded in gaining another two-year term* earlier this month, came from a PATA board member. There are almost 40 of them on the board, which has an advisory role, but this particular one said they were ready to pull the plug on company membership in protest to what they called a lack of transparency.

Photo: eturbonews.com

The lengthy missive from the longstanding board member concluded: “I am deeply disheartened by the recent election outcome and fear for the future of our organisation. Evidently, PATA no longer upholds the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability that were once its cornerstone. I will advocate terminating our membership in light of these developments.”

TTRW received a copy of the rambling statement on Monday and asked PATA for a response without success. However, the association requested that TTRW send a copy of the whistleblower’s complaint, even though eTurboNews had already published it, citing the damaging and conjectural allegations. PATA officials said they had not seen the email complaint.

The whistleblower begins by saying that while it is “commendable to acknowledge the achievements claimed during (the chair’s tenure), it is equally important to shine a light on the challenges and shortcomings faced by our organisation under his leadership.”

However, the whistleblower failed to shed light on any of the accusations, having launched into an extraordinary rant without providing any substantive supporting evidence. It remains an anonymous tirade without merit until the whistleblower dares to put their name to the accusations and makes an official complaint, backing it up with evidence. PATA is registered in the US as a non-profit association where alleged workplace abuse is vigorously investigated and settled in court.

By the way, determining the source and the possible motivation behind the accusations is not rocket science. There are plenty of leads in PATA’a recent history. So far, PATA has not responded to the whistleblower’s venting and is not likely to do so considering this is one whistleblower who huffs and puffs but can’t blow the house down.

*Serving PATA as its chair is a voluntary post for a maximum of two terms (each term two years). 

KAL codeshare on new WestJet service

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 April 2024: Korean Air and WestJet expanded their codeshare partnership on 22 April to provide more transpacific destinations to its customers.

Korean Air will begin selling flights on WestJet’s new route between Seoul Incheon and Calgary, which is due to launch on 17 May.

Flights on the newly launched Seoul Incheon – Calgary route will operate three times a week using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Korean Air passengers will gain access to Calgary, Canada’s gateway to Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains, renowned for Lake Louise and its mountain trails.

“We are excited to announce an expanded codeshare with our longstanding partner WestJet, offering our valued customers access to a wide range of transpacific destinations,” said Korean Air Senior Vice President and Head of International Affairs & Alliance Tae Joon Kim.

“The launch of WestJet’s Calgary – Seoul Incheon route will bolster connectivity between Korea and Canada, while our strengthened partnership will seamlessly connect customers to an expanded array of Asian and Canadian cities through our hubs in Incheon and Calgary, respectively.”

WestJet customers will gain access to flights operated by Korean Air to six new destinations — Bangkok, Danang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Singapore — via Korean Air’s hub at Incheon Airport.

Since June 2012, Korean Air and WestJet have continued to expand their codeshare partnership, covering Korean Air’s flights from Seoul Incheon to Vancouver and Toronto, WestJet’s domestic routes within Canada, and flights to/from the United States via Vancouver and Toronto. With the new codeshare expansion, the airlines’ codeshare network will increase to 36 routes.

About Korean Air
Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance and has grown into one of the largest transpacific airlines through its joint venture with Delta Air Lines.

Cosi up to Vientiane lifestyle

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 22 April 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Thailand, opens COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, the affordable lifestyle brand’s first overseas venture. 

This modern property welcomes guests to experience Total Travel Freedom through unparalleled comfort, convenience and connectivity in the heart of downtown Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR.

COSI Vientiane boasts a fresh lifestyle, eco-friendly rooms, a serene rooftop pool, and a buzzing social hub for round-the-clock action. Complemented by turbocharged Wi-Fi and daily food and beverage credit at this 95-key property provides mega-comfy beds across three room types — COSI Room, Plus, and Family  — ranging from 18 to 39 sqm.

Founded during the late 13th century along the Mekong River, the city effortlessly weaves its rich culture, cuisine and history with contemporary charm. COSI Vientiane provides an ideal base for exploring, conveniently located within walking distance to shopping, cafés, street vendors, entertainment and nearby landmarks, including Patuxay – Victory Monument, Pha That Luang Vientiane, and the Vientiane night market.

“We are thrilled to introduce COSI Vientiane Nam Phu to travellers seeking a dynamic and immersive experience in Vientiane,” said Pasin Nopsuwan, General Manager of COSI Vientiane. “Our hotel embodies the spirit of modern hospitality, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and connectivity. We look forward to welcoming guests and creating unforgettable memories as they discover all Vientiane offers.”

To celebrate its recent opening, COSI Vientiane offers an exclusive 30% discount plus USD3 in daily food and drink credit for up to two guests when booking and staying until 31 July 2024. CentaraThe1 members enjoy an extra 15% discount and the opportunity to earn X3 points for future stays at Centara Hotels & Resorts worldwide. There’s never been a better time to discover Vientiane.

Be among the first to experience the newly opened COSI Vientiane. Book now and take advantage of the exclusive opening offer at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cosihotels/czvl/laos-awakening

(SOURCE: Centara Hotels & Resorts).

AHS sets up joint venture in Dubai

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 23 April 2024: International hospitality management group Absolute Hotel Services Group (AHS), in partnership with UAE-based industry veterans Dex Squared Hotel Management, has established a joint venture to recruit and operate properties under AHS’ brands.

The expansion will focus on the brands Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, Eastin Estates, U Hotels & Resorts, and Absolute Collection in markets in the Middle East and Africa. AHS manages 40 hotels and golf clubs, with an additional 40 projects in various stages of development. 

AHS Middle East & Africa (AHS MEA) will seek management opportunities across the Middle East and Africa from its base in Dubai, UAE. It will actively promote, sign and operate branded hotel management and golf course contracts under the platforms AHS has created in several regions. The company aims to sign 20 branded hotels and five golf/country clubs within three to five years.

Commenting on the joint venture launch, Jonathan Wigley, AHS founding CEO and President of AHS MEA, said: ” AHS has long sought the right timing to enter these exciting regions with a dedicated company and team. This aligns with our international expansion strategy built on a regionally focused development and operations platform. Our partners, Dex Squared, are an ideal fit for company culture and objectives, and we look forward to announcing many new deals soon.”

Adding to this, Kevork Deldelian, Founder & CEO of Dex Squared Hotel Management and Managing Director of AHS MEA, says: “Starting from the region’s largest and most active hospitality development market, Dubai, AHS MEA will carefully select investment partners to work with offering the flexibility and owner-centric approach that resonates with today’s property developers. We aim to sign a sustainable selection of hotels and golf/country clubs in key Middle East and African destinations, including high-potential ones.”

About Absolute Hotel Services 
AHS is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, with regional offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India and now Europe. With more expansions planned, AHS and its brands have resonated with investors and consumers, contributing value to all stakeholders.

Covering the luxury to economy segments through its brands U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, Eastin Easy, Eastin Estates, and Absolute Collection. AHS is also involved in the golf industry through Absolute Golf Services and is the exclusive operator of the Travelodge brand in Thailand through Travelodge Thailand.

Book a place in Phuket’s marathon

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 23 April 2024: The Laguna Phuket Marathon, presented by Supersports, is set to welcome over 10,000 runners and visitors from more than 40 countries to compete in Phuket, billed as Southeast Asia’s favourite destination marathon. 

Held from 8 to 9 June 2024 at Laguna Phuket, the award-winning marathon is one of the longest-running international sports events on the holiday island, driving its resurgence as a world-class sports tourism destination.

“Since its first edition 18 years ago, the Laguna Phuket Marathon has appealed to Thai and international runners, and this year, we are seeing a surge in international interest, especially from Asia-Pacific countries,” said GAA Events Race Director Raimund Wellenhofer, who organises the event. “Our top five international participating countries for 2024 are Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.”

The picture-postcard course passes the stunning beaches of Nai Yang, Layan, and Bang Tao and also takes runners through local villages and lush tropical landscapes. The popular two-day format sees the 2km kids’ run, 5km, and 10km take place on the morning of Saturday, 8 June and the Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon Relay (42.195km), and Marathon (42.195km) on the morning of Sunday, 9 June.

Having set the highest organisational standards for 18 years, the Laguna Phuket Marathon is organised by GAA Events. It is an internationally certified and measured run course by World Athletics (WA) and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and is also a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.

Ethiopian adds Warsaw flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 23 April 2024: Ethiopian Airlines will launch four weekly weekly flights from its home base of Addis Ababa to Warsaw, Poland via Athens. 

Flights will start on 16 June  2024, expanding the airline’s European destinations to 24.

Flight ET764 from Addis Ababa to Warsaw via Athens will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. 
Flight ET765 from Warsaw to Addis Ababa via Athens will operate on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew commented: “We are truly excited to grow our presence in the European market further with yet another new destination. This development is in harmony with our strategic intent to bridge Africa with the globe while fostering commerce and tourism within the continent.”

Ethiopian Airlines offers flights with seamless connections to more than 135 destinations. As the airline celebrates its 78th anniversary this year, the addition of Warsaw to the airline’s network further solidifies its position as a key player in the African aviation market.

British Airways launches Abu Dhabi flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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ABU DHABI UAE, 23 April 2024: British Airways returned to Abu Dhabi to reinstate year-round flights on Sunday between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.

British Airways will operate a daily flight from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi all year round, using Boeing 787-9 during the summer season. The new route adds to BA’s global network and strengthens connections between the UAE and the UK.

Flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi departs London Heathrow at 2225, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 0830 +1.
Flight BA072 to London departs at Abu Dhabi at 1010, arriving at London Heathrow at 1520.

Abu Dhabi Airports Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Elena Sorlini said: “We warmly welcome British Airways as it starts operating to Zayed International Airport with a daily schedule that promises to enrich connectivity and invigorate business and tourism. Our new award-winning and cutting-edge terminal offers visitors an unparalleled introduction to the vibrant UAE capital, where they will be greeted with Emirati hospitality at its finest.”

British Airways Chief Customer Officer Calum Laming said: “The new daily flight connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing our customers with another amazing destination within our expansive global network and further growing our connections with the UAE. With four cabins to choose from, including First, we are confident customers will enjoy our exceptional and original British Airways service brought to life by our incredible colleagues.”

AirAsia flies to India’s Pink City

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TTR WEEKLY
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Jaipur Receiving Ceremony

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 April 2024: AirAsia Malaysia celebrated another major milestone on Monday, welcoming its maiden flight from Jaipur to Kuala Lumpur. 

The inaugural flight departed from Jaipur International Airport at 2340 and landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) at 0705 local time. 

This route is special for AirAsia Malaysia — marking its first venture to the stunning Pink City, world-renowned for its vintage forts dating back to the 16th century and the majestic Jal Mahal. 

AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “We’re thrilled that our first ever services for AirAsia Malaysia between Jaipur and Kuala Lumpur route took flight today and are honoured to be the only airline in Malaysia to offer direct connectivity. Jaipur ‒ often known as the ‘Jewel of Rajasthan’ ‒ is an exquisitely beautiful city with plenty to offer, as is Kuala Lumpur, thanks to our world-famous sky-scrappers and a cultural melting pot of local delights.

AirAsia is offering limited-time-only promotional fares to India with a 20% discount. Fly from Kuala Lumpur to many exciting destinations in the country, such as Bhubaneswar*, Visakhapatnam*, Ahmedabad*, Trivandrum and Amritsar from only MYR179 all-in-one-way.** Book flights until 28 April 2024 and travel from 6 May to 30 November 2024. 

AirAsia currently flies directly from Kuala Lumpur to 13 cities in India with 78 flights weekly. The destinations are: Trivandrum, Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, (flights commence on 28 May 2024), Visakhapatnam (flights commence on 26 April 2024) and Ahmedabad (flights commence on 1 May 2024). Medium haul affiliate AirAsia X Malaysia (flight code D7) also provides two direct routes from Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi and Amritsar with eight weekly flights.

*The travel period for Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Ahmedabad is 28 May 2024, 26 April 2024 & 1 May 2024  to 30 November 2024 respectively.

**Includes airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees.

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