KUCHING, 19 March 2024: Did you know that Sarawak’s Kolo Mee has been officially recognised as part of Malaysia’s national heritage, joining a list of iconic culinary treasures?
Kolo Mee is a local speciality and the most popular dish for busy residents, whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It certainly tops the list of foods worth flying for.
Kolo Mee is usually topped with minced meat, succulent barbequed pork slices, spring onions, and fried onion. This Chinese dish is also served up as a Halal version with slices of beef or chicken, fragrant fried shallots, and spring onions, served in a bowl of rich beef or chicken soup.
Some noodle fans ask what’s the difference between Kolo Mee and Wonton Mee? The latter is popular in Peninsular Malaysia. Kolo Mee is not drenched in dark soy sauce, and water is not added to the noodles when served.
HONG KONG, 19 March 2024: In its annual results 2023, Cathay Pacific confirmed its first profit since COVID-19 last week and confirmed its travel business, comprising Cathay Pacific and HK Express, will reach 80% of pre-pandemic passenger flights within Q2 2024.
“We are committed to continuing our rebuild journey in 2024, said airline group CEO Ronald Lam in his statement regarding future outlook. “We are now working towards reaching 100% within the first quarter of 2025… (but) acknowledge this would be up to three months later than our previous projections.”
Photo credit: Cathay Pacific. Ronald Lam Cathay Pacific Group CEO.
He pointed to the strategic investment in products, services and people that will continue in 2024 with the introduction of new cabin products in each of the coming three years.
“In 2024, we are launching an all-new business class experience — Aria Suite and a premium economy product as part of redesigning our long-haul Boeing 777-300ER cabins.
“In 2025, this will be followed by a new world-leading first-class experience onboard our Boeing 777-9 aircraft. And in 2026, a new regional product on the Airbus A330 fleet will be introduced featuring flat beds in business class.”
Regarding the cargo business, Lam anticipates continued strong demand from e-commerce in the airline’s home market of Hong Kong and the wider Greater Bay Area. However, he cautioned that trade flow directional imbalances would persist, impacting overall load factors.
“Moreover, as the air cargo industry continues to normalise, yields will decrease in 2024 but are expected to remain above 2019 levels.”
In 2024, the airline will expand its workforce by around 20% or 5,000 people compared with 2023.
HONG KONG, 19 March 2024: Hong Kong has won the bid to host Consensus, a cryptocurrency and Web 3 event that will meet in Hong Kong from 19 to 21 February 2025.
This will be the first time in five years that the event has been held outside of the US. Consensus Hong Kong 2025 should attract 8,000 participants, of whom 6,000 will be worldwide delegates.
Photo credit CNW Group/Hong Kong Tourism Board. Consensus Conference 2022.
The government and HKTB jointly provided all-around support to the organiser when bidding for the event, including arranging for professional advisory, venue liaison, and site inspection arrangements with the organiser, CoinDesk, and related parties.
HKTB general manager of MICE and Cruise, Kenneth Wong, said: “We are excited that Consensus makes Hong Kong its first destination to expand its global footprint beyond North America. It is a vote of confidence that this flagship crypto and Web3 conference has picked Hong Kong as the city that provides fertile ground for businesses and industries.”
Event organiser and CoinDesk president Foster Wright noted that Consensus is a global event that brings together all facets of the cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3 community.
“Attendees can anticipate learning best practices from global experts and cultivating relationships that propel their businesses onto the international stage.”
Consensus conferences bring together cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3 ecosystem industry players to brainstorm and shape the digital vision.
SEOUL, 19 March 2024: Korean Air will expand international services for the summer 2024 season starting 31 March 2024. The airline will resume services to four cities in China, Europe, and Southeast Asia and increase flight frequencies on major routes.
The expansion will allow the airline’s international capacity to reach approximately 96% of pre-pandemic levels, measured by available seat kilometres (ASK).
Europe, China and Southeast Asia
On 2 April, the airline will resume three weekly flights between Seoul Incheon and Zurich to cater to the high demand for this popular summer destination.
From 23 April, Korean Air will resume three weekly flights on the Seoul Incheon-Zhangjiajie route, famed for its designation as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and where the fictional world of Pandora in the movie “Avatar” was filmed.
On 24 April, Korean Air will resume its Seoul Incheon-Zhengzhou services, offering four weekly flights. Zhengzhou is a popular tourist destination in China, featuring Taihangshan, often called the “Grand Canyon of China.” Visitors may also hike Songshan, one of the Five Great Mountains of China, and visit Shaolin Temple, which is considered the birthplace of Kung Fu.
The airline will also resume daily flights on the Busan-Bangkok route on 25 April after nearly four years of hiatus due to the pandemic.
Flights increase on major routes
In response to growing demand, Korean Air will also increase flight frequencies on popular routes in Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. Flights will increase on the Seoul Incheon-Budapest route from three to four weekly flights. Budapest is a popular tourist destination and a battery and automotive component company manufacturing base.
The Seoul Incheon-Bangkok route will increase from three to four daily flights, and the Seoul Incheon-Manila route will increase from two to three daily flights. Since January, the airline has also added two additional frequencies on the Seoul Incheon-Bali route to offer eleven weekly flights, offering travellers greater flexibility and choice.
In North America, Korean Air will increase services on the Seoul Incheon-Dallas route from four weekly to daily flights. As a gateway to the south-central United States, the daily flights will facilitate enhanced connectivity for passengers travelling to and from the dynamic city.
SINGAPORE, 19 March 2024: Shanghai-based Juneyao Airlines announced plans last week to fly to Penang starting 31 May 2024, making it the first direct service between the two destinations.
The introduction of the new route coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. Last December, the two countries established a mutual visa-free agreement that allows citizens of both countries visa-free entry — 15 days for Malaysians visiting China and 30 days for Chinese visiting Malaysia. The visa-free agreement runs until the end of November 2024.
Photo credit: Juneyao Airlines.
According to the Huang Pu Shanghai government website, Juneyao Airlines schedules four weekly flights departing Shanghai Pu Dong (PVG) on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Flight time is five hours and 30 minutes using a 180-seat A320.
Flight HO1365 will depart Shang Hai Pu Dong International Airport (PVG) at 1730 and arrive in Penang (PEN) at 2300. Flight HO1365 will depart Penang (PEN) at 0005 and arrive in Shanghai (PVG) at 0525 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).
Owned by Shanghai Juneyao Group, the airline is a connecting partner of the global Star Alliance.
Last week, the airline confirmed an increase in flights from Shanghai to Bangkok in Thailand and Singapore, effective 31 March. On the Shanghai Pu Dong to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi route, the airline will double its flights from one to two daily. Flights to Singapore are scheduled twice daily.
Penang’s must-see attractions
Penang will roll out the red carpet for Chinese tourists flying the four weekly Juneyao services from Shanghai, with promotions focusing on the island’s blend of cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural beauty.
George Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town is a charming city filled with colonial architecture, street art, and delicious hawker food. Explore the narrow streets lined with Chinese shophouses, Armenian mansions, and Indian temples. Take a trishaw ride or wander on foot to soak in the sights and sounds.
Kek Lok Si Temple: This impressive Buddhist temple complex is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Climb the long staircase to the top for stunning island views, or take a cable car for a more leisurely ascent. Admire the intricate architecture and carvings, and explore the pagodas and shrines within the complex.
Penang Hill: Take a funicular railway up Penang Hill for panoramic views of George Town and the surrounding island. Enjoy the cooler temperatures at the top, and explore the hiking trails or the Habitat, an eco-tourism park with zip lines and a treetop walk.
Khoo Kongsi: This ornate Chinese clan house is a masterpiece of traditional architecture. Admire the intricate carvings, colourful murals, and courtyards. Learn about the history and culture of the Khoo clan, one of the earliest Chinese settlers in Penang.
Clan Jetties: These wooden jetties were built by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century to serve as landing points for their communities. Each jetty is named after a particular clan, and they are a unique part of Penang’s heritage. Take a walk along the jetties to see the traditional stilted houses and learn about the lives of the early settlers.
PHNOM PENH, 19 March 2024: AirAsia Cambodia (flight code KT) is ready for takeoff, starting daily domestic flights to three destinations: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville in May.
Ticket sales opened on Monday as the airline confirmed it will commence operation on 2 May 2024, using two A320 aircraft based at Phnom Penh International Airport.
Daily flights to all three destinations are now available for booking, with 6,000 free seats* available for the travel period 2 May 2024 to 29 March 2025 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app, previously known as ‘airasia Superapp’.
All flight bookings can also be paid through its main payment processing service provider — Oriental Bank’s payment gateway service, which covers a wide range of payment options, from all card schemes to KHQR tailored to Cambodian guests.
AirAsia’s international network will link Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville with over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond, such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia, via its hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Bangkok, Thailand.
AirAsia Cambodia CEO Vissoth Nam commented: “This is an exciting moment in our journey, and we are thrilled to start painting the Cambodian sky red. As a local airline, we proudly introduce affordable fares to the Kingdom. This will improve connectivity and encourage travellers to stay in the country longer. Our vision is to transform how people travel in Cambodia and make air travel an integral part of the country’s transportation network by offering great value fares, exceptional service, and strong connectivity, starting with these three destinations.
“Today, we are pleased to announce unbeatable fares as low as USD49 all-in** one-way to these amazing domestic destinations, including 6,000 FREE Seats* so more local and international visitors can affordably experience the wonders of Cambodia by air.
Flight Schedule between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville:
*The promotional BASE FARE quoted is for one-way travel only, excluding taxes, applicable fees, fuel surcharge, and other relevant fees. Subject to seat availability. The promotion is not applicable for booking with travel agents. All-in one-way fare from USD27. Other terms and conditions apply.
**The all-in fares quoted are for one-way travel only, inclusive of taxes, fuel surcharge, and other relevant fees. Other terms and conditions apply.
HONG KONG, 19 March 2024: Cathay Pacific will make its first dividend payment to ordinary shareholders since 2019 following its strong financial performance for the fiscal year 2023, the airline’s chairman Peter Haley announced last week.
Haley said the airline was leaving Covid-19 behind and welcoming a new phase to move people forward in life.
“Our primary focus has been on rebuilding Cathay for the benefit of our customers, our people, our shareholders and the Hong Kong international aviation hub.”
The airline achieved its 2023 group target of operating 70% of its pre-pandemic passenger flights connecting Hong Kong with around 80 destinations worldwide.
A positive fiscal year 2023 means the airline group will pay an interim dividend of HKD0.43 per ordinary share to ordinary shareholders on 2 May 2024.
Financial results 2023
Following three years of pandemic-related restrictions, the Cathay Group, including airlines, subsidiaries and associates, reported an attributable profit of HKD9,789 million in 2023 (2022 restated: loss of HKD6,623 million).
The group’s airlines and subsidiaries performed strongly across both halves, reporting an attributable profit of HK$9,225 million for the full year of 2023 (2022 restated: loss of HKD330 million). The results from associates, the majority of which are recognised three months in arrears, were a full-year loss of HKD1,562 million (2022:loss of HKD6,293 million).
In 2023, the airline paid the Hong Kong SAR Government approximately HKD1.97 billion in preference share dividends. It initiated the buyback of the preference shares by repurchasing 50% (HKD9.75 billion) in December. It announced plans to buy back the remaining 50% by the end of July 2024, subject to market conditions and business operations.
The airline did not need to use the HKD7.8 billion bridge loan facility provided by the Hong Kong SAR Government as part of the recapitalisation financing in 2020, and the bridge loan facility expired on 8 June 2023.
Looking ahead
The airline chairman forecasts the group will achieve 80% of its pre-pandemic passenger flights within the second quarter of 2024. “As we continue to rebuild our flights, we expect the supply and demand imbalance experienced in 2023 to diminish, and the normalisation of yields has been seen recently and will continue throughout 2024.”
The priority in 2024 is to ensure high-quality and sustainable growth as the airline prepares for the full operation of the “Three-Runway System” at Hong Kong International Airport by the end of this year.
“This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in the growth of our home hub and opens up a wide range of opportunities…“With Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area as our home market, we are eager to play our role by continuing to invest in the growth and development of Cathay and the Hong Kong international aviation hub,” Healey concluded.
BANGKOK, 18 March 2024: 2024 is turning into a banner year for Centara Hotels & Resorts as the hotel operator embarks on an ambitious development strategy that will see the launch of iconic new properties and reimagined brands.
In line with its goal of becoming “The Place to Be” for the world’s travellers group has set a target to become one of the world’s 100 hotel operators by 2027.
Centara laid solid foundations for its growth in 2023 with its 40th anniversary year, delivering a series of successes, including the debut of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, its inaugural location in Japan, and a string of prestigious accolades such as Kincentric’s “Best Employers Thailand Award” and the “Strongest Brand in Thailand” title for Centara Grand. Last year, Centara achieved total revenues of THB 9,932 million, 52% higher than in 2023, while EBITDA surged 83% to THB 3,284 million. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) increased 19% year-on-year to THB4,141 due to rising occupancy and room rates. Looking ahead to 2024, RevPAR is forecast to reach up to THB4,300, as occupancy rates climb to between 70 and 73%.
Michael Henssler.
Now, Centara will build upon this strong platform with more major projects in 2024. Six new properties are on track to open this year: three in Thailand (the 61-key Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui, 40-key Centara Villas Phi Phi Island, and 110-key Centara Life Surat Thani), two in Laos (100-key COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, and 162-key Centara Plumeria Resort Pakse), and one in the Maldives (145-key Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives).
Set to open in November 2024, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives will mark the first phase of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a brand-new multi-island destination in the idyllic North Malé Atoll, just 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé’s Velana International Airport. The world’s fourth family-focused and themed Mirage resort from Centara (following popular resorts in Pattaya, Mui Ne and Dubai), this activity-packed, underwater-themed resort will feature a full range of facilities centred around a water park. Then, in Q1 2025, it will be complemented by the 142-key Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a sophisticated upper-upscale resort, enabling travellers to experience two distinct vacation styles.
Two of Centara’s flagship hotels – the 335-key Centara Karon Resort Phuket and 553-key Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya – are set to emerge from comprehensive renovations in 2024. Following the unveiling of Centara Life (formerly known as Centra by Centara) late last year, the group is now revitalising its Centara Boutique Collection. The company also seeks opportunities to expand its six diverse brands, including the new Centara Reserve and Centara Mirage projects in Thailand, the Maldives, Japan, and Indonesia. China is another key focus market, with five potential signings in the pipeline.
Every aspect of Centara’s strategy will be underpinned by its core values of Thai-inspired, family-centric hospitality. CentaraThe1, the popular membership programme, will be leveraged to drive greater benefits, rewards, and redemption opportunities. Important digital investments will include an application with loyalty at heart to increase booking options, including a chatbot and other innovations to improve the guest’s experience.
All corners of Centara’s development are established in a responsible and sustainable way. The group is working towards several important environmental targets, including a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2029 and overall net zero emissions by 2050. Further progress was made in 2023 and 2024, as 24 hotels and resorts were certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – GSTC, the world-leading organisation dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility and 1 hotel was certified by Green Key.
Centara’s Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler said: “2023 was a pivotal year for Centara as we celebrated our 40th anniversary, moved into new markets and achieved an upsurge in performance. We will build upon these foundations in 2024, introducing our diverse brands to key cities and resorts across the Asia Pacific and the Indian Ocean while also strengthening our position as Thailand’s leading hotel group with new properties in secondary and tertiary destinations.”
Centara’s Chief Executive Officer, Thirayuth Chirathivat commented: “We are delighted with the progress we are making towards our long-term goals. Having set ourselves the target of becoming a top 100 global hotel group by 2027, we jumped from 150th to 111th in the rankings last year, which shows that we are well ahead of schedule. We look forward to revealing even more exciting projects to our esteemed partners and cherished guests in the coming months as we continue to strengthen our position in the global hospitality sector.”
SINGAPORE, 18 March 2024: Cementing its presence on three of the biggest digital marketplaces for air freight logistics, Emirates SkyCargo is now live on cargo.one.
The partnership underscores Emirates SkyCargo’s longstanding commitment to implementing digital solutions that streamline operations, drive efficiencies, and unlock value for its global customer base. Bolstering its advanced and customer-centric digital distribution strategy, partnering with cargo.one ensures that Emirates SkyCargo offers are present where its customers wish to book.
Through cargo.one, customers will be able to access Emirates SkyCargo schedules and contract rates, along with real-time access to available capacity, empowering freight forwarders to make immediate bookings at any time. During the initial launch phase, the partnership will roll out in select European countries before expanding across the Americas, Africa, the Far East and Australasia. cargo.one now contributes to Emirates SkyCargo’s digital status in the market with its seamless booking experience and reach to 15,000 freight forwarders in every corner of the world.
Emirates SkyCargo Senior Vice President Cargo Commercial Worldwide Jeffrey van Haeften said: “Digitalisation is a key way that we help the world work better, providing flexible and convenient options for freight forwarders to seamlessly access Emirates SkyCargo’s world-class products and services. In turn, by streamlining our quotations and bookings, we enable our teams to focus on providing outstanding customer service, which is the cornerstone of our brand. We will continue to invest in digital solutions and partnerships such as cargo.one to enhance the experience for our customers and expedite the movement of goods worldwide.”
Emirates SkyCargo’s four core products are listed on cargo.one, including Emirates Fresh and Emirates Fresh Breathe, an integrated and responsive cool chain purpose-built for perishables; Emirates Airfreight Priority for urgent shipments that require speed and reliability; and Emirates Airfreight for the quick and careful transport of general cargo. For more information on flights and to make bookings, visit www.emirates.com.
BANGKOK, 18 March 2024: Klook, one of Asia’s leading platforms for experiences and travel services, launched a two-month-long Songkran campaign to showcase activities in Thailand.
The campaign peaked with activities during the mid-April Songkran festival but features deals throughout March and April, targeting tourists searching for holiday offers around the Songkran festival season dates.
To ring in the festivities, Klook will kick off the extended celebrations with its “Klook Fun Like No Other” Music Marketing Campaign featuring the talented local singer Zom Mari in an exclusive single called “Tid Klook” that showcases vibrant beats and lively dance moves to spread the joy of the Songkran festival.
Following the recovery and growth of travel in 2023, Thailand remains one of the top travel destinations for global tourist booking activities through Klook.
The booking platform’s research notes that the next generation of travellers seek bigger and bolder experiences and are ready to travel for festivals and global events.
Klook General Manager Thailand and the Philippines, Michelle Ho revealed that internal Klook data reflects a positive trend in Thai tourism. The booking of activities in Thailand during January and February 2024 has grown by more than 40% compared to the same period in 2023. With the increasing demand for Thailand as a destination, coupled with the growing interest in festivals and global events, the Songkran festival this year is set to be one of the most anticipated events for inbound tourists keen to experience the rich culture and joyous celebrations.
Klook tracked a consistent increase in Thai tourists’ booking of overseas travel activities, with a more than 270% increase in 2023 compared to 2022. Thais typically plan international trips to popular destinations during the Songkran festival holiday, including Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe, and South Korea.
Key Highlights:
● The online campaign “Klook Fun Like No Other” runs until 30 April, featuring discounts on global travel activities, up to 80% off plus an additional THB1,300 discount, bundle deals, flash sales in popular countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Europe, and Singapore and also family discounts.
For more details, visit https://www.klook.com/th/tetris/promo/travelth/
