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The Philippines’ biggest delegation joins ITB

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MANILA, 6 March 2026: The Philippines is fielding its biggest-ever delegation at this week’s ITB Berlin, a three-day trade show that opened on Tuesday, 5 March and concludes Thursday evening.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and its marketing arm, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, led 60 delegates representing hotel and resort enterprises, destination management companies, and travel and tour agencies. Government agencies joining the team include the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the local government units of Bohol, Camiguin, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, and  Sipalay.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco leads the Philippine delegation, assisted by TPB Chief Operating Officer Margarita M Nograles. 

“Our presence at ITB Berlin underscores our unwavering commitment to introducing an enhanced Philippine experience to the world and highlighting the unparalleled beauty of our vast natural resources while advocating sustainable tourism,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

In addition to showcasing the country’s various destinations and products, participating properties are expected to offer one-of-a-kind Philippine packages supporting sustainable and environmental initiatives.

“We recognise the importance of increasing tourism numbers and revenue, but it is also essential to strike a balance by offering experiences that benefit the long-term preservation of our culture and environment,” stated TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles. “While we continue to promote our country globally, sustainability remains our guiding principle.”

The sustainability drive of the Philippines is highlighted by the City of Sipalay being nominated at the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards. 

Sipalay’s “Lakbayon Project”, an initiative by the Sipalay City Council for women and the Sipalay City government that led to the transformation of Poblacion Beach from a former wasteland to a cleaner beach with a conservation area for sea turtles and a mangrove forest, is expected to take home an award during a ceremony that will be held during the second day of ITB Berlin.

ITB Berlin, known as the world’s largest tourism trade fair, is taking place from 5 to 7 March at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and is expected to welcome 24,000 attendees.

AirAsia links Sabah and Seoul

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KOTA KINABALU, 6 March 2024: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) celebrates another milestone at its second-biggest hub in Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, with the inaugural flight departing for Seoul, South Korea, on Monday.

Commencing operations on 4 March with daily flights, the new route marks the airline’s continued expansion in Sabah with 18 routes and 282 weekly flights to and from Kota Kinabalu.

This direct flight makes travel between these two destinations more accessible and affordable for Sabahans with the opportunity to explore Seoul’s rich cultural offerings, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Cheonggyecheon Stream; iconic landmarks, including Lotte World Tower and Seoul Sky Observatory, as well as diverse culinary experiences at Mangwon Market and many others.

A lively send-off ceremony by AirAsia and the Korea Tourism Organisation with mascot appearance and merchandise giveaways for guests on board marked the inaugural flight celebration.

AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “With approximately 150,000 arrivals recorded from South Korea to Sabah in 2023, we look forward to flying even more travellers into Sabah this year. As we continue to grow our East Malaysia hub, this expansion reinforces Kota Kinabalu’s position as a dynamic aviation base, boasting nine domestic and nine international destinations. As South Korea has been one of Sabah’s top three tourist market sources, introducing this route will boost the state’s tourism and trade sectors and strengthen the cultural and economic ties between South Korea and Sabah.”

AirAsia offers special promotional fares starting from MYR389 all-in* one-way for Sabahans to discover Seoul. The promotional fare is available for booking until 17 March 2024 for travel through to 26 October 2024 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.

All nationals from visa-free countries/regions, including Malaysia, must obtain K-ETA before entering South Korea.

Land of One Million Elephants

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SINGAPORE, 5 March 2024: Luang Prabang, nestled in northern Laos’s lush, mountainous landscape, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel of Southeast Asia. This charming town, situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, rich cultural heritage, and serene atmosphere.

Luang Prabang served as the capital of the Kingdom of Laos for centuries. Its historical importance is reflected in the many temples and palaces that adorn the city. The town has numerous ornate temples and monasteries, each showcasing Laotian religious and artistic traditions.

Luang Prabang’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has spurred efforts to preserve its unique cultural and architectural heritage. Strict building regulations ensure that new constructions adhere to traditional styles, keeping the town’s charm.

You can visit Luang Prabang during Pandaw’s 10-night Laos Mekong expedition, which takes intrepid travellers along some of the most remote parts of the Mekong River. Sailing between Vientiane, the Laotian capital and Chiang Khong on the Thailand side of the border, the 10-night adventure stops for three nights in Luang Prabang, providing plenty of time to discover the history and charm of the former capital.

Luang Prabang’s nickname, “One Million Elephants,” traces its roots to the ancient Lan Xang Kingdom, which translates to “Land of a Million Elephants.” Established in the 14th century by King Fa Ngum, this powerful kingdom was pivotal in shaping the region’s history. The symbol of the elephant has endured, reflecting strength, resilience, and prosperity.

Originally known as Muang Sua, Luang Prabang became the first capital of Laos in the 14th century. The city got its current name when Cambodia gave a gold Buddha image called the Phra Bang as a gift. This image became the city’s symbol and is displayed in a museum. Over the years, the city faced various rulers and changes until it became the capital of the independent Luang Prabang Kingdom in 1707.

When France took over Laos, Luang Prabang was recognised as the royal residence. After Laos gained independence, Luang Prabang’s king, Sisavang Vong, became the head of state. During the Franco-Thai War, Thailand occupied part of the province, but after the Washington Accord of 1946, the annexed territories were returned to Laos.

Today, Luang Prabang stands as a historical and cultural gem, showcasing the resilience and enduring spirit of the city through centuries of change.

Read more about one of Asia’s most well-kept secrets and how you can visit it during Pandaw’s awe-inspiring 10-night Laos Mekong expedition by reading the latest Pandaw blog.

The Laos Mekong
CHIANG KHONG TO VIENTIANE
10 nights
FROM USD4,360 PP

To learn more about the trip itinerary, visit: https://www.pandaw.com/expeditions/laos-mekong?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=laos-blog-feb-2024. 

Sabah to expand airline routes

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 5 March 2024: Sabah Tourism Board is actively pursuing partnerships with airlines to revitalise and expand route networks, chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit explained on the sidelines of the Route Asia Forum 2024 hosted in Langkawi last week.

The three-day event concluded on 29 February, providing STB with a valuable platform to strategise with key players in the aviation industry, including airlines, airports, tourism authorities, and other stakeholders.

Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit speaking to media at the Route Asia 2024 in Langkawi.

During the business matching sessions, STB engaged with various airlines, including Scoot, AirAsia, IndiGo, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Vietjet, Jetstar, HK Express, and Air India, to explain the incentives for airlines that commit scheduled services to Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai emphasised the board’s commitment to partnering with airlines that share its vision for growth.

Sabah Tourism Board team led by chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit having engagement with key playera in the aviation industry.

“Aligning with airlines, whether Malaysian or foreign, that cater to Sabah’s target markets is vital for tourism growth,” he stated.

Joniston further highlighted that this strategic approach expands Sabah’s tourism presence and enhances its position in key markets. STB aims to establish Sabah as a must-visit destination in Asia, leveraging the partnerships forged through this proactive approach.

Meanwhile, Julinus emphasised STB’s focus on tapping into emerging markets such as India and Central Asia. He stated collaborating with airlines that engaged in talks during Route Asia 2024 would lead to STB supporting new routes to Sabah that would effectively cater to Sabah’s diverse target markets.

“Through these partnerships, STB aims to optimise route networks and improve connectivity both to and within Sabah, ultimately enhancing the tourism experience for visitors,” he said.

For information on Sabah, visit www.sabahtourism.com.

(Source: Sabah Tourism Board).

Kicks and Beats rock Genting Dream

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 March 2024: Resorts World Cruises is highlighting the world of street culture with the launch of its ‘Kicks and Beats’ thematic cruises on Genting Dream, targeting families resident in Singapore and Malaysia.

The cruise series runs from 13 March to 10 May 2024 out of its seasonal homeport in Singapore.

“Street culture is a colourful and interesting form of expression that resonates across different age groups, and we are delighted to showcase the different facets of this truly unique culture, which will be fun and interactive with invited homegrown talents from Singapore and Malaysia,” said Resorts World Cruises president Michael Goh.

During the ‘Kicks and Beats’ thematic cruise, vacationers can choose different cruise itineraries from Singapore, including the two-night Weekend Getaway Cruises departing every Friday. 

The two-night Kuala Lumpur Cruises are available every Wednesday and every Sunday from 5 May 2024 onwards. 
The three-night Kuala Lumpur-Phuket or Kuala Lumpur-Penang cruises are also available from Singapore every alternate Sunday until the end of April 2024, and starting from 5 May 2024 onwards, the three-night Phuket cruises or the Penang-Kuala Lumpur cruises will depart on Tuesdays.

Cruises from Kuala Lumpur are also available, including the three-night Phuket–Singapore cruises, the three-night Penang-Singapore cruises departing every alternate Monday, and the four-night Singapore cruises departing every Thursday until the end of April 2024. 
From early May 2024 onwards, the three-night Penang-Singapore cruises and the four-night Singapore cruises will be available from Kuala Lumpur every fortnight.

RHB Banking Group sponsors MATTA Fair

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 5 March 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) appoints RHB Banking Group (RHB) as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor for the 54 edition of the MATTA Fair scheduled for 22 to 24 March 2024 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur.

RHB will offer card promotions, travel-related deals, exclusive discounts, and special sign-up offers at the MATTA Fair. Visitors can visit the RHB booths at Levels 1 and 2 to learn more about the special promotions available.

Caption: Suzaizi Mohd Morshid, Treasurer RHB Islamic Bank; Marcus Ng Chong Yee (Head Transactors & Savers, Group Community Banking, RHB Banking Group; Sien Vee Loc Head, Consumer Finance, Group Community Banking,  RHB Banking Group; Nigel Wong, President of MATTA; Sheikh Awadh, Deputy President of MATTA; Chong Yu Ken, Vice President Outbound. 

MATTA president Nigel Wong expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are pleased to welcome RHB Banking Group as our Exclusive Platinum Sponsor. This collaboration shows our shared commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and the growth of the travel and tourism industry. Together, we aim to enhance the travel experience for the travellers and holidaymakers.”

RHB Banking Group’s managing director of group community banking Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo said: “RHB is thrilled to be back at the MATTA Fair, reaffirming our commitment to bolstering the local hospitality and tourism industry in 2024. Recognising Malaysians’ passion for extraordinary experiences, we aspire to transform these travel aspirations into reality by offering exciting deals and seamless solutions. Additionally, our popular RHB Multi Currency Visa Debit Card/-i is the ultimate travel companion, allowing you to transact seamlessly in 32 foreign currencies without conversion fees. This eliminates cash-related hassles and ensures peace of mind wherever your travels take you.”

Apart from numerous opportunities to win prizes throughout the MATTA Fair, visitors can take the exclusive opportunity to apply for the limited-edition Paris Olympics 2024 RHB Visa Credit Cards/-i & Multi Currency Visa Debit Cards/-i during the fair. By doing so, they could win an all-expense paid trip to the Paris Olympics in July 2024 using the RHB card for transactions.

The exclusive Platinum Sponsorship from RHB marks an exciting opportunity for both MATTA and RHB to expand their presence and influence within Malaysia’s dynamic tourism industry. This collaboration presents a mutually beneficial opportunity where MATTA gains vital support to enhance the success of upcoming initiatives and events. At the same time, RHB Bank enjoys heightened brand visibility and engagement in the thriving travel sector. 

MATTA remains steadfast in its mission to further grow a platform that expands business opportunities for its members while catering to the dynamic needs of consumers. This collaboration with RHB exemplifies MATTA’s continued efforts to enrich and enhance the MATTA Fair now and beyond.

MATTA Fair is Malaysia’s biggest consumer travel and holiday fair, attracting around 150,000 visitors during its previous fair in 2023. 

Admission to the fair is free, with the venue open from 1000 to 2100 over three consecutive days: Friday, 22 March to Sunday, and 24 March. MATTA offers free shuttle services at regular intervals from key locations KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall directly to and from MITEC. 

Ascott: 40 years and no limits

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SINGAPORE, 5 March 2024: The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), announced Tuesday the launch of ‘Ascott Unlimited’, a year-long campaign to celebrate 40 years in the hospitality business.

With about 950 properties across over 220 cities, Ascott Unlimited presents four guiding pillars — Unlimited Opportunities, Unlimited Choices, Unlimited Freedom, and Unlimited Good, to springboard to the next chapter of growth as a global hospitality company.

Ascott Unlimited was unveiled by Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, at AHICE SEA 2024.

Unveiled during the Southeast Asia debut of the Asian Hotel Industry Conference & Exhibition (AHICE) 2024 hosted in Singapore, the campaign launch signifies the start of a new era of expansion. Through an asset-light strategy, Ascott targets to achieve more than SGD500 million in fee earnings by 2028.

Ascott pioneered Asia Pacific’s first serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. Over the years, it has been building its brands and making strategic acquisitions. Today, Ascott is a vertically integrated lodging operator of about 950 properties across more than 220 cities globally, represented by a portfolio of 14 distinctive brands.  

In 2023, Ascott achieved a record year of fee earnings at SGD331 million and the highest number of property openings, with nearly 9,600 units turning operational.

Ascott and CLI Lodging chief executive officer Kevin Goh commented: “We have spent the last four decades building the relationship we have with our guests, owners, and partners…2024 will be our launchpad – one that will propel Ascott into an era of greater ambition, as we go unlimited. Unlimited with enhanced value for our owners, unlimited with myriad guest experiences, and unlimited with growth opportunities for our associates”.

To celebrate, guests staying at properties under 14 brands will enjoy a complimentary fourth night with a minimum of three nights booked using the promotional code “ASCOTT40” until 31 December 2024. 

Cardamom Tented Camp joins The Long Run

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHNOM PENH, 5 March 2024: Cambodia’s award-winning conservation lodge, Cardamom Tented Camp, has joined The Long Run, an international grouping of sustainable nature-based tourism businesses dedicated to conservation, community, culture and commerce.

By joining The Long Run as a “fellow member”, the camp commits to working towards the status of a “Global Ecosphere Retreat” (GER) – one of the most rigorous sustainability standards in the international tourism industry and one recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Cardamom Tented Camp, a conservation lodge in Cambodia

To date, The Long Run has 11 elite GER members, 32 fellow members and 22 travel partners. Collectively, their conservation tourism helps protect around 9.3 million hectares (23 million acres) of forest, grasslands, desert and mountains on six continents.

Cardamom Tented Camp’s slogan, “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing,” underscores its role in protecting 18,000 hectares (44,000 acres) of mixed lowland rainforest in the Botum Sakor National Park in southwest Cambodia. A proportion of profits from the camp helps fund patrols by 16 Wildlife Alliance forest rangers.

Since opening in 2017, those patrols have protected the forest reserve from illegal poachers, loggers, sand dredgers and land grabbers. Several at-risk species, such as Asian elephants, smooth-coated otters, leopards and hornbills, have increased due to rigorous habitat protection. The Wildlife Alliance and the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation have verified the improved species numbers.

Camp co-founder Willem Niemeijer states that membership in The Long Run, is about transforming good intentions into a holistic and tangible action plan.
“Cardamom Tented Camp and The Long Run are leveraging tourism as a smart way to fund the conservation of nature and be of value to the community. We’re striving to make tourism a measurable force for good. That is our purpose,” he said.

He added: “Membership of The Long Run will help us drive continuous improvement based on a rigorous commitment to conservation, community engagement and a respect for culture and commerce.”

The Long Run executive director, Dr Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner, said Cardamom Tented Camp was invited to join the group based on the camp’s environmental track record and unique giving-back business model.
“The Cardamom tented camp is a dedicated, responsible tourism entity with thoughtful attention to every detail. We are aligned in our passion for sustainability and look forward to our journey together.”

The next step of membership will involve technical advice from The Long Run to the camp, bringing in external experts as necessary, sharing best practices among members, identifying sustainable business funding opportunities, and creating a viable plan for Cardamom Tented Camp to start its journey towards full “GER” status.

Cardamom Tented Camp will be represented at the ITB Berlin travel show from 6 to 8 March by its affiliated travel company, Khiri Travel.

Qatar Airways resumes Osaka flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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DOHA, 5 March 2024: Qatar Airways resumed flights to Osaka, Japan, on 1 March with a nonstop daily service between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Kansai International Airport (KIX).

The airline has deployed an Airbus A350-900 aircraft with 36 business class seats and 247 economy class seats.

Located in the heart of Japan’s Kansai region, Osaka stands as a beacon of cultural richness and modern innovation. It’s renowned for its blend of traditional Japanese heritage and contemporary flair and captivates visitors with its busy lanes, iconic landmarks and world-class cuisine. From the historic Osaka Castle to the vibrant entertainment district of Dotonbori, the city’s eclectic tapestry invites visitors to embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting city.

Qatar Airways offers seamless domestic connectivity to 34 codeshare destinations in Japan as part of its codeshare partnership with Japan Airlines. 

JAL has placed its code on all Qatar Airways flights between Qatar and Japan, including Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport), and now Kansai International Airport, as well as 14 destinations in Qatar Airways global network via Doha.

Fixed fares for Hari Raya travel

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 5 March 2024: AirAsia has mounted over 22,000 seats at fixed fares for late-night flights in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya celebration between Peninsular and East Malaysia.

From 5 to 17 April, travellers can fly back to their hometown between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu or Miri, as well as between Johor Bahru and Kuching, Sibu or Miri for a one-way fare of MYR298*. Between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Tawau, and Johor Bahru and Kota Kinabalu, the one-way fare is pegged at MYR 348*. 

(From L-R): YB Datuk Haji Hasbi Bin Haji Habibollah, Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, YB Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia, Tony Fernandes, CEO, Capital A & Bo Lingam, Group CEO, AirAsia Aviation Group.

The promotional fares are available for booking from 4 March until 17 April 2024 on airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app, previously known as ‘airasia Superapp’.

In addition to 122 late-night flights at fixed fares to 11 routes between Peninsula and East Malaysia, AirAsia also operates 735 weekly flights with regular fares** to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan to support the government’s festive season initiative.

Minister of Transport YB Anthony Loke said: “The government remains committed to facilitating air travel for Malaysians at reasonable and affordable fares. These commitments represent a collaborative effort with industry players such as AirAsia to ensure the welfare of Malaysians. Thus, I am pleased to support AirAsia’s Fixed Fares initiative for the upcoming Hari Raya*** celebration. Moreover, the recent announcement of a maximum fare of MYR599 for one-way economy class flights to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in the days leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri demonstrates our proactive approach to meeting the needs of travellers while promoting inclusivity and affordability. We eagerly anticipate further collaboration with all industry partners to ensure that all Malaysians can travel home safely, affordably, and conveniently during the festive season.”

Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, Bo Lingam said: “Our fixed fares flights between Peninsula and East Malaysia not only make travel affordable but also signify our commitment to support the government’s festive season fare initiative. We look forward to flying thousands of our guests back to their hometowns this Hari Raya.”

*Promotional fixed fares quoted are for one-way travel, including airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Other terms and conditions apply. 

**Flights with base fares that cost less than MYR599 will be sold at the current fare. Fares are non-refundable and subject to other terms and conditions. The government’s subsidy for purchases of one-way economy class tickets of over MYR599 from Peninsular Malaysia to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan is applicable three days before Hari Raya.

***The term Hari Raya is Malay for “big (or grand) day of rejoicing”. The date: According to the Hijrah calendar, Hari Raya Puasa falls on the first day of the 10th month (10 to 11 April). Source National Library Board, Singapore.

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