SINGAPORE, 18 April 2024: Delta Airlines is flying the Munich – New York route three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday as passenger demand for flights to the US from Germany grows.
Delta Airlines adds connections between the Big Apple and Munich, as well as its flights to Atlanta and Detroit.
Photo credit: Munich Airport.
At JFK, Delta Airlines operates a hub in Terminal 4 that connects flights to cities in the US, the Caribbean, and South America.
The new flights will be operated with a Boeing 767-300/400, fitted with the latest generation of seats. In addition to 156 economy seats, there are also 22 in DeltaOne (business class), 20 seats in Premium Economy Class, and 28 in ComfortPlus Class, an Economy seating arrangement with more legroom.
Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers commented: “We are delighted that Delta Airlines is adding New York as a new destination… This means three airlines are now taking off from Munich Airport with a total of 24* weekly departures to the two New York airports, John F Kennedy and Newark. This brings Bavaria and the US East Coast even closer together – good news for business travellers and tourism.”
*Lufthansa flies daily from Munich to New York JFK and also daily to Newark (EWR) 14 flights. United flies daily from Munich to Newark (EWR). Delta flies three times weekly from Munich to New York JFK. Total Munich – New Your 24 flights weekly.Clarification 18 April 2024.
SINGAPORE, 18 April 2024: IndiGo will start daily direct flights between the Indian capital, Delhi and Jharsuguda, Odisha, effective 15 May to bolster regional connectivity.
The new domestic route will provide a direct gateway between the emerging industrial centre of Jharsuguda in Odisha state and Delhi, the capital of India.
Photo credit: IndiGo.
IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said: “We are pleased to announce direct connectivity between Jharsuguda and Delhi. As an emerging industrial hub in Odisha, Jharsuguda holds immense potential for business and trade, and these new flights will unlock newer opportunities in the region.
This will not only promote interstate connectivity and regional accessibility but also serve as a gateway to a plethora of domestic and international destinations through our vast network.”
Jharsuguda is located in the western part of the Indian state of Odisha. Known for its thriving industrial sector, Jharsuguda is a hub for power plants, manufacturing, and mineral resources. Embodying a mix of industrial growth and environmental serenity, the city is also blessed with several scenic locations and tourist attractions, such as the nearby Hirakud Dam and Reservoir, Koilighughar waterfall, Ram Chandi Temple, Jhadeswar Temple, Pikolgughar Stream, Guja Pahad, Ulapgarh Hill forts, and Babadera cave.
Flight schedule:
New flight to Abu Dhabi
Meanwhile, the airline confirmed it will commence daily direct flights between Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Chandigarh, India, effective 15 May. The airline said the new route will further strengthen IndiGo’s international connectivity, with daily nonstop flights providing seamless connectivity between India and the UAE.
PHUKET, 17 April 2024: Clinique La Prairie has teamed up with Montara Hospitality Group to develop a new Health Resort by Clinique La Prairie at Tri Vananda, due to open in 2025.
In the partnership announcement, Montara Hospitality Group says it is on track to become one of the biggest players in the wellness industry with its newest development, Tri Vananda, a purpose-built wellness community in Phuket, Thailand, that emphasises functional and integrative medicine, nutrition, cognitive health, and mindfulness.
Tri Vananda Phuket.
With 30 biophilic-designed residential units currently under construction, the Thai group has signed a deal with Clinique La Prairie to operate the 40-villa resort. The first phase will open in 2025 and will eventually feature 70 villas. Tri Vananda will adopt a sustainable, nature-centric design featuring renewable energy facilities and a tiered wetland filtration system.
Clinique La Prairie, founded in 1931, is a pioneer in longevity and has since become world-renowned for its holistic and scientifically grounded approach to preventative ageing.
With medical care as one of the four pillars of its holistic approach, Clinique La Prairie combines medical testing, expert consultations and medical therapies in all its programmes, offering personalised care, science-driven treatments and long-term support to its clientele. With a luxury flagship in Montreux, Switzerland, featuring 35 rooms and suites, the Swiss brand has expanded to operate satellite sites – known as Longevity Hubs by Clinique La Prairie – around the world, in Madrid, Bangkok, Doha, Taipei and most recently, Dubai. The Health Resort by Clinique La Prairie at Tri Vananda, Phuket, will be the first resort of its kind in Southeast Asia.
According to the recent Global Wellness Institute report, wellness real estate is one of the fastest-growing sectors in wellness and is forecasted to surge in the next five years from USD398 billion in 2022 to USD887.5 billion in 2027.
“Thailand has a longstanding reputation for its world-class holistic wellness and health retreats. Our partnership with Montara Hospitality Group at Tri Vananda allows us to offer something new for a discerning clientele to experience, redefining the luxury wellness industry in Asia,” said Clinique La Prairie CEO Simone Gibertoni.
Once development is completed, Tri Vananda will include a medical centre with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, an active movement centre with an Olympic-size swimming pool, a wellness restaurant for personalised nutrition, a holistic well-being centre, and a mindfulness centre house “Manorah” Grand Hall-inspired by the local Thai heritage dance performance. The first five private villas showcase the two, three and four-bedroom options for prospective buyers.
About Montara Hospitality Montara Hospitality Group was established by the Pattamasaevi family, the original shareholders and developers of the Trisara on Phuket Island. The group also owns one MICHELIN-starred PRU and MICHELIN Green Star JAMPA, MICHELIN recommendation Seafood at Trisara, plus the Thai restaurant Praya Dining in Bangkok. Learn more at www.montarahospitality.com
About Clinique La Prairie Founded in 1931 by Professor Niehans, a pioneer in longevity, Clinique La Prairie has, over the years, established an international reputation as a world-renowned health destination in Clarens-Montreux, Switzerland. Guests stay in one of 35 luxury rooms and suites with stunning views of the Alps and Lake Geneva. Longevity Hubs by Clinique La Prairie are open in Madrid, Bangkok, Doha, Taipei and Dubai). Full-fledged Health Resorts by Clinique La Prairie are due to open in Anji, China, in 2024, Tri Vananda in Phuket, Thailand, in 2025 and Amaala, Saudi Arabia, in 2026.
Clinique La Prairie in Clarens-Montreux, Switzerland.
SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: Tourism Malaysia showcased the Malaysian breakfast culture, featuring a variety of dishes that reflect its multicultural society at Malaysia Travel Escapade 2024, held in Singapore at Suntec City Mall from 12 to 14 April 2024.
Malaysian breakfast is an integral part of the country’s culinary heritage. From the fragrant nasi lemak to irresistible roti canai and teh tarik, visitors are welcome to sample some of the most iconic and typical breakfast spread at the dedicated breakfast corner, where visitors can experience the sights, smells, and tastes of delectable flavours.
Apart from live teh tarik demonstrations and food tastings, Tourism Malaysia will also spotlight one of the most popular Chinese herbal soups, chi kut teh – a decent alternative to bak kut teh, which has been gazetted as a national heritage dish.
Tourism Malaysia Singapore deputy director Mohana Murni Shanmugam stated: “We are thrilled to showcase Malaysian breakfast culture and give visitors a taste of authentic Malaysia’s culinary delights. Though similar to Singapore’s, we believe the Malaysian breakfast culture is still culturally unique and becoming part and parcel of Malaysia’s heritage, deserving recognition and promotion as we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”
“Last year, the Malaysian government submitted a nomination for Malaysian breakfast culture to be inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.”
In addition to the breakfast corner and information booth, Tourism Malaysia also showcases Sarawak’s local products and traditional spa services provided by the Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA) at Malaysia Travel Escapade 2024.
Malaysia aims to welcome 27.3 million international tourists in 2024, generating MYR102.7 billion in tourism receipts. In 2023, Singapore ranked as the top source of tourist-generating markets, contributing significantly to the 8.3 million arrivals. The forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 has set a target of 35.6 million foreign tourist arrivals, with a target receipt of MYR147.1 billion.
SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: Sabre Corporation, a software and technology provider that powers the global travel industry, confirms Rajiv Bhatia’s joining the group to advance its growth strategy in Asia Pacific.
Bhatia, formerly of Bird Group, joins as executive director of APAC market expansion and will be instrumental in further expanding Sabre’s footprint in key growth markets, including India, one of the world’s fastest-growing travel marketplaces.
With extensive experience in the travel space, Rajiv brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to Sabre’s dynamic, customer-centric team. He began his career working for Gulf Air and Thai Airways International. Most recently, he was chief commercial officer of Bird Group’s India GDS business, where he served for 16 years.
“With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry, we’re confident Rajiv will help us to accelerate growth in India and other key markets across the wider APAC region,” said Sabre’s Vice President, Agency Sales & Airline Distribution, Asia Pacific Brett Thorstad. “We are focused on fostering strategic partnerships and delivering exceptional value to our customers, and Rajiv shares this vision. Our partners will benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience.”
SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: The Americas is the only world region that showed a year-over-year increase in pipeline activity at the end of the first quarter, according to March 2024 data from CoStar.
CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics for property markets.
March 2024 (% change in comparison with March 2023)
Europe
In construction: 172,499 rooms (-6.8%)
Final Planning: 99,744 rooms (-25.3%)
Planning: 160,404 rooms (+3.1%)
Total Under Contract: 432,647 rooms (-8.8%)
Among countries in the region, Germany (28,500) led in construction activity, closely followed by the UK (28,423).
Asia Pacific
In construction: 502,610 rooms (+5.6%)
Final Planning: 109,926 rooms (+5.6%)
Planning: 289,041 rooms (-11.0%)
Total Under Contract: 901,577 rooms (-0.4%)
China leads the Asia Pacific region in total rooms in construction (315,145), followed by Vietnam (37,113).
Middle East & Africa
In construction: 110,783 rooms (-7.3%)
Final Planning: 36,173 rooms (-20.9%)
Planning: 81,316 rooms (-3.3%)
Total Under Contract: 228,272 rooms (-8.5%)
Most of the region’s pipeline activity is focused in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia (42,464) and the United Arab Emirates (19,046) have the most rooms in construction.
Americas
In construction: 205,998 rooms (+4.1%)
Final Planning: 296,374 rooms (+6.8%)
Planning: 378,628 rooms (+36.0%)
Total Under Contract: 881,000 rooms (+16.9%)
The US (156,525) holds the majority of the construction rooms in the region. After US, Mexico (13,335), Canada (7,603), and Brazil (5,799) show the highest number of rooms in construction.
For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.costargroup.com
About CoStar Group CoStar Group (NASDAQ: CSGP) is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in the property markets. Founded in 1987, CoStar Group is headquartered in Washington DC and maintains offices in the US, Europe, Canada, and Asia.
SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: Singapore’s Pavilion at next year’s Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025, will present a compelling representation of the nation’s innovative, sustainable, and resilient qualities.
With ‘Where Dreams Take Shape’ as the tagline, the Singapore Pavilion or ‘The Dream Sphere’, aims to inspire visitors to explore the infinite possibilities of dreams and to shape the future with the city-state. The Pavilion will delight visitors with interactive multimedia and art installations featuring Singapore artists.
Photo credit: STB. Singapore Pavilion theme: Where Dreams Take Shape.
Singapore’s Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the Singapore Pavilion, His Excellency Ong Eng Chuan, said: “Singapore and Japan enjoy robust and multifaceted ties. The strength of these ties is evident in Singapore’s strong support for the Expo 2025 Osaka, including being the first country to begin construction on our pavilion. As we approach the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore in 2026, Singapore’s presence at the Expo 2025 Osaka will reinforce our strong bilateral ties and benefit both our countries. I hope our friends in Japan and around the world will enjoy experiencing the Singapore Pavilion.”
Led by the Singapore Tourism Board, Singapore’s participation at Expo 2025 on Yumeshima Island, near Osaka, presents an opportunity to share the nation’s story.
Carrie Kwik, Executive Director, World Expo and Special Project, STB, said: “Singapore’s participation at Expo 2025 in Osaka serves as an important platform for Singapore enterprises and talents to be profiled on a global stage and a chance for companies to enhance their brand visibility and engage potential business partners. We are proud to bring Singapore to Osaka and aim to have Singapore business missions visiting Japan to network and promote collaboration between Singapore companies and Japanese guests at our Singapore Pavilion.”
Themed ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, Expo 2025 Osaka is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors over 184 days. Expo 2025 Osaka will be Japan’s third Expo. It hosted the Osaka Expo in 1970 and Aichi Expo in 2005.
SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has unveiled a new build order for eight vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths.
The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over 10 years between 2026 and 2036. The plan includes next-generation vessels for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises to be built by Fincantieri,
Following the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028, Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, which are subject to financing.
Building on the success of its Allura Class ships, the last one being delivered in 2025, Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029.
Lastly, following the award-winning Explorer Class ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029.
The company has obtained export credit financing with favourable terms to fund 80% t of the contract price of each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, subject to certain conditions. The ship orders for Norwegian Cruise Line remain subject to financing, which is currently underway.
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 April 2024: The Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) announced Tuesday that Tan Kok Liang has been appointed president.
Tan assumes the presidency for a two-year term ending in 2026. He succeeds Pauline Suharno of the Indonesian Travel Agents Association, who successfully guided FATA through the post-pandemic recovery landscape.
Tan expressed gratitude for her stewardship: “Pauline has consolidated FATA through the post-pandemic stage, and we thank her for her unwavering dedication.”
FATA, established in 1983, is the umbrella organisation representing over 7,700 travel agents and advisors across Southeast Asia. With Tan’s extensive experience and global networking, including three full terms as the president of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) from 2017 to 2023 and his current positions as president of the Malaysian Tourism Federation and Deputy Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board, FATA is poised to play a crucial role in tourism promotions in all the 10 ASEAN nations.
Tan, a recipient of the prestigious Tourism Promotion Organisation (TPO) Best Tourism Industry Leader Award for his invaluable contributions to the tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region, is committed to elevating FATA’s stature. Having steered FATA during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic, Tan is determined to reinvigorate ASEAN tourism, positioning the ASEAN brand as an attractive choice for international travellers from the long haul markets. Initiating this new thrust through international travel trade shows in the coming months will be a priority. Promoting multiple destinations within ASEAN, each offering a unique and diverse range of recreational activities will undoubtedly appeal to tourists exploring this vibrant region.
Game-changing visa
The FATA President champions a transformative agenda for intra-ASEAN travel. He applauds Thailand’s innovative Schengen-style visa proposal as a game-changer for selected ASEAN nations, setting the stage for a revolution in regional mobility.
“Let’s seize the moment,” Tan urges. “The pre-pandemic era saw 48 million intra-ASEAN tourists—just 7% of our robust 691 million population. Imagine the possibilities in a market ripe with affordability and a smorgasbord of experiences—from adrenaline-pumping adventures to cultural escapades, all within a stone’s throw of three to four hours.”
Tan’s vision transcends the conventional, spotlighting the untold stories beyond capital cities. “Every ASEAN country has multiple hidden gems and intriguing products in their offerings. We’re crafting an interconnected ASEAN tapestry in partnership with trailblazers like Air Asia. Our goal is to make ASEAN travel affordable and exciting to boost intra-ASEAN travel.”
ASEAN tourism strategies
Tan said he envisions FATA to be a “pivotal force in creating business-to-business opportunities for all ASEAN stakeholders.” He also wants to benchmark policy frameworks and tourism strategies, enabling member countries to assess and exchange best practices effectively. The FATA president’s strategic agenda includes expanding FATA’s influence by extending membership to other Asian countries through a reciprocal affiliation membership scheme, thereby strengthening ASEAN’s position in the global tourism arena.
Joining Tan in steering FATA towards this new era are Pauline Suharno of The Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO) as the Deputy President, Evangeline Manotok of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) as the Honorary Treasurer, and Charles Tan of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) as the Honorary Secretary General.
As FATA embarks on this transformation journey, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nurturing the interests of ASEAN’s dynamic travel and tourism sector. This new chapter is not just about growth. It’s about fostering cooperation and camaraderie among industry stakeholders, propelling ASEAN to the forefront of global tourism.
SINGAPORE, 17 April 2024: Air India has opened sales ahead of its planned launch of direct flights between Delhi, India, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, due to commence on 1 June 2024.
India’s national airline will fly the route five times weekly: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The airline will use an A320 neo aircraft with 162 seats — 12 in business and 150 in economy.
Earlier, the airline filed a schedule for the DEL-SGN-DEL route, with flights due to launch on 1 May. Independent timetable information noted that it would fly a daily service. That has now been revised to five weekly flights starting 1 June.
Air India’s PR Department ignored emails seeking clarity on the launch details. However, the airline posted information on its social media channels confirming flight details. A check of independent booking sites indicates the service is bookable for flights commencing 1 June, and a roundtrip fare starts at USD281. Air India will compete head-on with Vietnamese carriers — Vietnam Airlines (three weekly flights flying A321s and A350-900s) and Vietjet (four weekly flights using an A330).
Air India flights DEL-SGN-DEL
Flight AI388 departs DEL at 1315 and arrives in SGN at 1955. Flight AI389 departs SGN at 2055 and arrives in DEL at 0030 plus a day.
