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Wyndham expands in Asia Pacific

SINGAPORE, 18 March 2024: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, a global hotel franchising company with 24 brands and approximately 9,200 hotels, continues to make gains across Asia Pacific, unveiling this week its full-year results for the region for 2023. 

In 2023, the company introduced nine new brands, signed 222 hotels, opened 158 new hotels, and registered 7.4% year-on-year net room growth, equivalent to 14,200+ rooms. The brands included Wyndham Grand, Wyndham, Hawthorn by Wyndham, TRYP by Wyndham, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, Ramada Encore by Wyndham, and Howard Johnson by Wyndham. 

New brands, new markets

Hawthorn by Wyndham Dali Erhai Park (China)
Located in Yunnan province, this 163-room hotel marks the arrival of the Hawthorn brand in both China and Asia Pacific.  

Wyndham Grand Busan ljin (South Korea)
This 271-room hotel marks the arrival of the Wyndham Grand brand in Busan, the country’s second-largest city.

TRYP by Wyndham Wellington, Tory Street (New Zealand)
Set in the heart of Wellington’s business district, it has  77 rooms.

Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc (Vietnam)
Located on the beautiful shores of Bai Dai Beach, this 5-star, 1,399-room resort is the largest Wyndham Grand hotel in the world. 

Wyndham Garden Grandworld Phu Quoc (Vietnam)
Just a stone’s throw away from Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc is Wyndham Garden Grandworld Phu Quoc, which has 921 rooms and is located in the Grand World Phu Quoc entertainment centre.

Peninsula Excelsior Singapore, a Wyndham Hotel (Singapore)
The 591-room hotel is the newest flagship of the Wyndham brand in Asia Pacific.  

IHG celebrates passing 1000 mark

SINGAPORE, 18 March 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts has reached 1,012 open hotels in Asia Pacific (APAC) – a major milestone for the global hospitality company as it accelerates its growth.

Commenting on exceeding the 1,000-hotel milestone, IHG SVP & Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific Rajit Sukumaran noted that more than 700 hotels were in Greater China, including Hong Kong and Macao.

 “We’re also investing in our six luxury and lifestyle brands, which account for 22% of our global pipeline, around twice the amount five years ago,” said Sukumaran. “We have built up a strong presence in this segment in the region, with 45% of the global luxury and lifestyle pipeline in APAC. It is home to about 60% of our InterContinental brand’s global pipeline and iconic award-winning hotels across Six Senses and Regent. 

The APAC region is poised to see the most rapid growth in passenger traffic globally over the long term, and newly relaxed travel arrangements – including visa-waiver agreements between countries and the creation of new flight routes and airlines– are boosting demand for hotel stays in APAC. IHG has an expanding pipeline of 705 hotels in 22 countries across 13 brands, with 37 upcoming hotels in Thailand alone.

Business travel bookings, including for groups and meetings, are also on the up. APAC accounts for the largest share of global business travel spend and is poised to reach USD800 billion by 2027. This includes the return of large conferences and events, such as the upcoming World Business Forum in Singapore

Sukumaran added: “It’s an exciting time for IHG in APAC. The strong performance of our hotels over the past year has strengthened owners’ appetite for continued investment in the hospitality industry.

“Industry statistics show a strong construction pipeline of over 5,700 projects across the region, with over 1,200 to open this year alone in the hospitality sector. This includes 150 projects in Thailand.”

AJET opens ticket sales

SINGAPORE, 18 March 2024: AJET, a rebranding of one of Turkish Airlines’ subsidiaries, started selling tickets under its new name last week and officially takes off flying its new colours on 31 March.

AnadoluJet was originally established as a sub-brand of Turkish Airlines in 2008 but has been branded AJET since 12 March, when its official website, ajet.com, went live selling tickets.

Established as a successful brand of Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet flew over 150 million passengers over 16 years. Under its new name and branding, AJET aims to launch its latest chapter with flights departing Istanbul on 31 March.

AJET will operate flights to 93 destinations, including 41 domestic and 52 international, using a fleet of 95 aircraft during the summer season of 2024. As a global growth target, it plans to fly to 44 countries with a fleet of 200 aircraft within the next 10 years.

(Source: Turkish Airlines)

MATTA Fair spotlights Perlis

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 March 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has declared Perlis as Malaysia’s Favourite Destination for the MATTA Fair from 22-24 March 2024, to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. 

The recognition is part of MATTA’s continuous effort to highlight and promote Malaysia’s diverse and rich tourism offerings.

From left to right standing: Subramaniam Punusamy – MATTA Kedah/Perlis Chapter Chairman; Dr Puteh Soraya Binti A. Rahman – Division Secretary (BPEN) Perlis; Nigel Wong – MATTA President; Rusdi Bin Yahya – Deputy State Secretary of Perlis; Sheikh Awadh bin Sheikh Abdullah – MATTA Deputy President.

The MATTA Fair, renowned for being Malaysia’s largest consumer travel fair, provides the perfect platform for Perlis to present its tourism attractions. Visitors to the fair can expect exclusive travel deals, insightful cultural exhibitions, and engaging activities highlighting Perlis’s best.

MATTA president Nigel Wong expressed his delight at the partnership: “In a strategic collaboration with the state of Perlis, MATTA is dedicated to showcasing the unique allure of Perlis as a prime travel destination during the Visit Perlis Year 2024 campaign and beyond. This partnership aims to put Perlis on the map for both local and international tourists, highlighting its vast array of tourism products and destinations.”

The MATTA Fair March 2024 will serve as a valuable platform for travellers and holiday-seekers to discover the hidden gems of Perlis and take advantage of special travel deals and packages. MATTA and Perlis are committed to providing visitors with an unforgettable experience and great memories, showcasing the best that Perlis offers. MATTA continues to build a platform that promotes business so that its members can meet consumers’ changing desires and requirements.

The MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 200 for three days, from Friday, 22 March to Sunday, 24 March. MATTA provides complimentary roundtrip shuttle service to MITEC from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall. We encourage visitors to the fair to take advantage of this free shuttle service.

At this upcoming fair, MATTA and MITEC prioritise the convenience of Muslim visitors and exhibitors by offering dedicated F&B facilities and services for “berbuka puasa” at various locations throughout the venue and dedicated prayer halls in Hall 5. Muslim visitors to the fair can rest assured that their needs are met during Ramadhan.

For the latest information updates, the MATTA Fair’s website and social media platforms on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or subscribe to the new Telegram channels @MATTA_Fair.For further information and updates, please visit the MATTA Fair’s website and follow us on our official social media platforms. Website: www.mattafair.org.my.

Vietjet slots in more Songkran flights

BANGKOK, 18 March 2024: Thai Vietjet will increase seat capacity on domestic routes by 4,000 seats to meet travel demand during the Songkran Festival travel period from 11 to 17 April.

The additional flights aim to support the increased demand for travel during this festive period and ensure fares don’t go through the ceiling. 

One additional flight between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Chiang Rai: VZ2138 Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Chiang Rai departing at 0920 and arriving at 1045, with the return flight VZ2139 Chiang Rai – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) departing at 1120 and arriving at 1245 on 16 April.

Three additional flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Chiang Mai: VZ2110 Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Chiang Mai departing at 1730 and arriving at 1845, with the return flight VZ2111 Chiang Mai – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) departing at 1920 and arriving at 2040 on 11 April. Additionally, VZ2112 Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Chiang Mai will depart at 1300 and arrive at 1415, with the return flight VZ2113 Chiang Mai – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) will depart at 1450 and arrive at 1610 on 12 and 16 April.

Three additional flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Phuket: VZ2310 Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Phuket departing at 1150 and arriving at 1320, with the return flight VZ2311 Phuket – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) departing at 1355 and arriving at 1525 on 11 April. Additionally, VZ2308 Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Phuket will depart at 1930 and arrive at 2100, with the return flight VZ2309 Phuket – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) departing at 2130 and arriving at 2300 on 12 April. Lastly, VZ2304 Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Phuket will depart at 1815 and arrive at 1945, with the return flight VZ2305 Phuket – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) departing at 2020 and arriving at 2150 on 16 April.

Five additional flights between Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Krabi: VZ2342 Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Krabi departing at 1230 and arriving at 1355, with the return flight VZ2343 Krabi – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) departing at 1425 and arriving at 1550 on 11 April. Additionally, VZ2342 Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Krabi will depart at 1300 and arrive at 1425. The return flight VZ2343 Krabi – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) will depart at 1455 and arrive at 1620 on 13 to 15 April. Lastly, VZ2342 Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) – Krabi will depart at 1415 and arrive at 1540, with the return flight VZ2343 Krabi – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) departing at 1615 and arriving at 1740 on 16 April.

Seabourn cruise line hires CMO

SINGAPORE, 15 March 2024: Seabourn, an expedition travel specialist and luxury cruise line has named Mike Fulkerson vice president and chief marketing officer.

 He will oversee overall marketing strategy, brand management and performance, and public relations and communications. Fulkerson brings more than 20 years of hospitality, wellness, and consumer marketing experience. He will report to Seabourn president Natalya Leahy.

Photo credit: Seabourn. Expedition cruise specialist.

Most recently, he was the chief marketing officer for Canyon Ranch, where he led the marketing strategy to position Canyon Ranch as a luxury travel brand. Before that appointment, he worked for Marriott International as the Asia Pacific vice president of marketing based in Hong Kong. 

Yoga sessions combat urban stress

BANGKOK, 15 March 2024: Lifestyles on 26 at Centara Grand at CentralWorld announced its newest wellness initiative, a 90-minute revitalising Yoga programme designed to combat office work strains.

The first session will take place from 1800 to 1930 on 19 March 2024, under the expert guidance of Kru Nam, a seasoned Yoga professional and Crystal Singing Bowl maestro. The programme is tailored to address and alleviate the symptoms commonly associated with office syndrome.

Participants can indulge in a unique combination of Yoga practices merged seamlessly with the resonant sounds of Crystal Singing Bowls. This innovative approach not only aims to relieve the physical discomforts such as stiffness and back pain caused by prolonged periods of desk work but also to reduce stress and anxiety levels significantly.

The 90-minute programme, priced at THB400 for members and THB 800 for hotel guests and non-members, is meticulously crafted to promote deep relaxation, enhance mental clarity, and improve emotional stability. 

By integrating the therapeutic properties of sound healing with traditional Yoga postures, Kru Nam provides a sanctuary for those seeking solace from the high demands of office life.

Lifestyles on 26 is situated on the 26th floor of the Centara Grand at CentralWorld. It offers a serene escape with panoramic views of the bustling city. The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure an optimal wellness experience.

The Yoga for Office Syndrome and Crystal Singing Bowl sessions are now open for registration. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the world of Yoga, this programme is designed to cater to all levels of experience. Here is an opportunity to embrace the journey towards a more balanced and harmonious state of being at Lifestyles on 26.

For more details contact LifeStyles on 26. Call 02-100-6299  or check out the following links.
Website: www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw/services
Instagram: centaragrand_centralworld

Emirates anchors TUI Cruises pact

06 MAR 2024, BERLIN/GERMANY: Emirates Airlines, ITB Berlin IMAGE: 20240306-01 RIGHTS OF USE: Unlimited rights of use in all media (print and online) of Emirates AIrline and the right to transmit this rights to third parties.

DUBAI, 15 March 2024: Reinforcing Dubai’s status as a hub for cruise tourism, Emirates has renewed its partnership with TUI Cruises for the upcoming two cruise seasons.  

The renewed partnership with TUI Cruises underscores the airline’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to offer seamless travel experiences in the air and on the ground through its dedicated cruise terminal check-in areas and with the collaborative support of its partners in Dubai.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Airline deputy president and chief commercial officer (third from right) and Wybcke Meier, TUI Cruises’ CEO (fourth from right), signed the MoU with TUI Cruises.

Emirates will work closely with TUI Cruises to offer dedicated flight options that align with upcoming cruise schedules, ensuring a smooth transition from air to sea for its customers. 

The airline will also explore enhanced transportation solutions between Dubai International (DXB) and Port Rashid, leverage insights to improve ground services and provide dedicated support teams for cruise passengers. Currently, the port’s Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, the world’s largest single-covered cruise terminal facility, can handle 14,000 passengers daily.

In addition to coordinated operations and exploring marketing synergies, the partnership will focus on developing exclusive luxury packages and experiences that showcase the best of Dubai and the region’s TUI Cruise programmes.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates Airline deputy president and chief commercial officer, and Wybcke Meier, TUI Cruises’ CEO, signed the MoU with TUI Cruises.

Last year, Emirates transported nearly 400,000 cruise passengers to Dubai. The city welcomed over 166 ships during the last cruise season, making it the region’s biggest port of embarkation and most popular call for cruise liners. The city expects an increase of 23% more cruise passengers for the upcoming season.For more information on the airline and to make bookings visit www.emirates.com.

2025 UFI AP Conference heads for Melbourne

MELBOURNE, 15 March 2024: Melbourne, Australia, will host the 2025 UFI Asia Pacific (AP) Conference following its successful bid confirmed at the 2024 UFI AP conference held  in Macau. 

UFI is the global association of the exhibition industry with a membership of over 850 organisations in 87 countries representing more than 50,000 exhibition industry professionals.

MCEC’s Senior Manager, Event & Venue Operations Yolanda La Porta, announcing MCEC as the host of the 2025 UFI Asia Pacific Conference.

This year’s UFI AP Conference, hosted from 7 to 8 March in Macau, attracted nearly 300 industry leaders from 22 countries.

The 2025 UFI AP Conference will be held in Melbourne from 13 to 14 February, immediately following the globally renowned Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), which will also be held at MCEC from 10 to 12 February 2025. 

The 2026 UFI AP Conference will be hosted in Bangkok, Thailand, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention and Centre. 

Uniworld debuts new river ships

SINGAPORE, 15 March 2024: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announces a brand-new Super Ship, the SS Emilie, set to debut in Europe in 2026. 

The ship will be a new build inspired by renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and named after his life partner and muse, Emilie Flöge.

“We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new ship to our fleet in 2026, just in time to celebrate Uniworld’s 50th anniversary,” says Uniworld Boutique River Cruises president and CEO Ellen Bettridge.

The SS Emilie joins other new ships, such as the SS Victoria, which will debut on the Rhine and Moselle rivers this summer, and the SS Elisabeth, sailing the Rhine in 2025. Uniworld has added five other ships to its fleet since 2020, including the Mekong Jewel on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; Aria Amazon on the Maranon and Ucayali rivers in Peru; SS São Gabriel on the Douro in Portugal; SS La Venezia on the Venetian Lagoon; and SS Sphinx on the Nile in Egypt.