Thursday, April 24, 2025
Home Blog Page 212

Emirates to fly to Phnom Penh

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, UAE, 4 March 2024: Emirates will bring back its daily Phnom Penh service from 1 May via Singapore, boosting the airline’s Southeast Asian connectivity to and from Dubai and linking two regional trade and leisure destinations.    

Emirates’ deputy resident and chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim commented: “The resumption of our Phnom Penh services demonstrates our commitment to strengthening our Southeast Asian network as we continue to create more opportunities for travellers to explore diverse and culturally rich destinations and help businesses and exporters of all sizes establish stronger trade connections.

We thank the Cambodian and Singaporean authorities for their support in establishing this new route. We look forward to re-introducing our customers to yet another vibrant destination on our network as they explore the world.” 

The service will be operated with a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Emirates’ flight EK348 will depart Dubai at 0230 and arrive in Singapore at 1405. The flight will depart Singapore at 1535 and arrive in Phnom Penh at 1635. Emirates’ return flight EK349 will leave Phnom Penh at 2050 and arrive in Singapore at 2350. The flight will depart Singapore at 0140 and arrive in Dubai at 0455. All times are local.

Phnom Penh’s linked schedule with Singapore is conveniently timed, providing optimal connecting opportunities to and from multiple cities in France, the UK, Germany, Switzerland and the United States. Emirates will serve Singapore through this additional connection with four daily flights starting from 1 May. 

Emirates SkyCargo will also offer cargo belly-hold capacity on the Boeing 777-300ER of more than 300 tonnes per week in and out of Phnom Penh. The main commodities exported from Phnom Penh include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and other high-value commodities.

The new Emirates services will offer eight first-class private suites, 42 lie-flat seats in business class and 310 in economy class. Travellers will also be able to enjoy the airline’s award-winning service and industry-leading products across all classes, with regionally-inspired dishes and complimentary beverages and the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system, which offers up to 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in over 40 languages, including movies, TV shows, and an extensive musical library along with games, audiobooks and podcasts.

Tickets can be booked online through www.emirates.com or with online and offline travel agents. 

A significant Southeast Asian hub

Located in Cambodia’s south-central region, Phnom Penh is the nation’s economic, industrial, and cultural centre and has seen rapid growth in its infrastructure and economy over the decades. This makes Phnom Penh one of the most popular Southeast Asian hubs for tourism and trade, with significant appeal to travellers from Europe and the Americas. The city is building a new international airport with plans to start operations in 2025, replacing the current Phnom Penh International Airport and improving Cambodia’s connectivity with the world.

Phnom Penh is widely known for its heritage sites and tourist attractions, including the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Emirates will also facilitate convenient travel to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex near Siem Reap through its daily services to Phnom Penh and the unilateral agreement with Cambodia Air.

(Source: Emirates)

Sabah to tap the Singapore hub

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KOTA KINABALU, 4 March 2024: Sabah is committed to strengthening its foothold in the Singaporean tourism market, said Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai told a group of travel agents last week.

Addressing Singaporean travel agents during the Meet-The-Experts programme, Joniston said Sabah needed to leverage the existing Singapore-Kota Kinabalu direct route to its fullest potential.

AirAsia and Scoot serve the route with direct flights using A320s with 180 seats and A321 with 236 seats. AirAsia flies 11 flights weekly on the route, offering 1980 seats on the direct route, while Scoot flies a mix of A320 and A321 — three weekly flights offering 540 seats and four flights offering 944 seats (A321neo).

The average roundtrip fare for the year is estimated at USD120. In March, it will average USD141, dropping to USD90 in April. Fares will recover in May and June to an average of USD117. July and September will deliver the lowest fares in the mid-USD80s.

Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, said acquainting Singaporean travel agents with the state’s diverse range of products and destinations continuously is among the steps being taken.

“Sabah needs to capitalise on Singapore’s status as a crucial aviation hub that caters to many international flights and travellers.

“This convenient and efficient connection has greatly enhanced accessibility, making Sabah more accessible to travellers from Singapore and beyond.” 

He also acknowledged Singapore’s status as a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and tourism, attracting millions of visitors annually.

“Sabah, with its distinctive offerings, stands to benefit significantly by tapping into this vibrant market.

“The collaboration between Singaporean travel agents and Sabah’s tourism industry presents mutual opportunities for growth and prosperity.

“Likewise, Singaporean travellers seeking new and authentic experiences will find Sabah a treasure trove of adventure and discovery,” he added.

Joniston emphasised Sabah’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with Singapore, exemplified by establishing its trade and tourism office in Singapore two years ago. He also encouraged business investors in Singapore to explore opportunities in Sabah’s thriving tourism sector.

The Meet-The-Experts programme, organised by Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board and Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore, is a targeted business-to-business (B2B) session.

Tailored to introduce Sabah’s tourism products to 20 Singaporean travel agents, particularly those who have yet to promote Sabah as a destination, the session offers a valuable platform for productive discussions and networking. With the participation of 26 local representatives, including travel agents, tourism product owners, and hoteliers from Sabah, the programme facilitates meaningful interactions to foster partnerships and enhance the promotion of Sabah’s diverse offerings.

Present were Tourism Officer from Tourism Malaysia Headquarters, Ahmad Faizal; Sabah Trade and Tourism Office Singapore Chief Executive Officer Wendy Clare Stephens; and Sabah Tourism Board Deputy Chief Executive Officer Tay Shu Lan.

In addition, Faizal said that Singaporean travel agents would have the unique opportunity to partake in a familiarisation trip, providing them with firsthand experiences.
“Specifically, we have planned groups to visit Semporna and Kundasang, recognising these as two sought-after places among Singaporean travellers,” he said.

He stressed that Tourism Malaysia creates more high-quality travel experiences to attract visitors to Sabah and Malaysia ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

(Source: www.sabahtourism.com).

Dusit International returns to ITB Berlin

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 4 March 2024: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is poised to make a return to ITB Berlin 5 to 7 March, showcasing an impressive array of new destinations, innovative brands, and the much-anticipated reopening of its iconic flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel – coming this September. 

Led by Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz, the Dusit team will present a comprehensive overview of Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide, highlighting Dusit’s group-wide commitment to personalised and gracious service, unique connections with local communities, holistic well-being experiences extending beyond traditional spa offerings, and dedication to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. In addition to these key pillars, attendees can expect insights into the latest additions to the Dusit family.

Last year’s notable international openings being showcased include the boutique Dusit Suites Athens, Greece, Dusit’s first hotel in Europe;  Dusit Princess Hotel Residences Nairobi, a unique hybrid property; the lifestyle-oriented ASAI Kyoto Shijo and luxurious Dusit Thani Kyoto, both marking Dusit’s arrival in Japan; and the breathtaking Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel and contemporary Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit’s first entries into Nepal.

Dusit will showcase new additions in Thailand, including ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, the second property in the capital under Dusit’s affordable lifestyle brand catering to millennial-minded travellers; the upscale dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok, the first dusitD2-branded hotel in the city; and Dusit Princess Phatthalung, a beautiful resort in southern Thailand, bringing Dusit’s domestic property count to 18.

The Dusit team will also unveil 2024 openings, comprising approximately 10 new hotels in existing Dusit destinations such as China, the Maldives, Vietnam, and Japan, as well as new markets such as Malaysia and India. 

Visitors to ITB Berlin will also have the opportunity to learn more about Dusit’s two new brands in the luxury segment: Dusit Collection and Devarana – Dusit Retreats.

Building on the strength of Dusit’s existing portfolio, which encompasses Dusit Thani (luxury), Dusit Suites (upper upscale), dusitD2 (upscale), Dusit Princess (upper midscale), ASAI Hotels (midscale lifestyle), and Elite Havens (luxury villa rentals), the new brands extend Dusit’s reach across the lodging spectrum to deliver fresh and immersive experiences for guests. 

Serving as a soft brand that can be applied to distinctive, standalone properties with unique stories, Dusit Collection directly taps into rising global demand for unique and authentic travel experiences and represents a sophisticated and personalised approach to property development, service, and guest engagement.

Devarana – Dusit Retreats, meanwhile, is a reimagining of Dusit’s former luxury brand, Devarana, which has been enhanced to deliver enriching and transformational stay experiences in the ultra-luxury segment. 

Another exciting ‘reimagining’ being introduced at ITB Berlin is the grand return of Dusit’s flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, which will officially make its grand return this September (with bookings available from May). 

Situated in the same prime location as the original property, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 – 2019, this highly anticipated, reimagined version of Dusit’s luxury flagship hotel promises to deliver a fresh take on its predecessor’s esteemed heritage and once again stand as a beacon of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality for discerning travellers from all around the world. Alongside 257 spacious deluxe rooms and elegant suites, all facing the green expanse of Lumpini Park, the new property will feature one of the city’s largest ballrooms, several exciting food and beverage outlets, and a unique urban sanctuary wellness concept. 

Dusit’s team at ITB Berlin will also highlight special campaigns and promotions that tie in with Dusit International’s 75th anniversary, which is coming this May. They will also highlight opportunities in Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit’s renowned hospitality education arm that includes Dusit Thani College, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, and The Food School, as well as Dusit’s fast-growing food division, Dusit Foods.

“ITB Berlin offers a valuable platform for us to share our vision for the future of our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality,” said Cretallaz. “With our expanding portfolio and innovative brand offerings, we continue to redefine luxury experiences worldwide. The return of the iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok, after gracing Bangkok’s skyline for nearly five decades, marks a significant event in the hospitality landscape and an exciting new chapter for Dusit overall. We’re excited to unveil the exceptional reimagined offerings of this legendary hotel and the many meaningful and memorable experiences available at Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.”

Dusit’s portfolio now includes 299 properties operating across 18 countries, including 56 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and 243 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which Dusit acquired in September 2018. 

For further information, please visit Dusit Hotels and Resorts at ITB Berlin, Hall 26b, Stand 221, or www.dusit.com.

(Source: Dusit International).

MATTA showcases ecotourism at ITB

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 4 March 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will join the travel trade exhibition ITB Berlin from 5 to 7 March, featuring diverse experiential tourism products spanning three states in Malaysia.

“Our members and partners from the states of Perak, Sabah, and Selangor are eager to meet prospective customers looking for exceptional tourism products that provide travellers with a unique cultural, social, and educational experience. We will also be highlighting the many ecotourism offerings that make Malaysia so famous,” said

 MATTA’s vice president of inbound & domestic Ganneesh Ramaa commented:

“Our team this year is large, with MATTA president Nigel Wong in attendance. Delegations from Perak, Sabah, and Selangor state tourism offices, along with 14 trade industry players from Malaysia, will also be present.” 

 MATTA event at ITB

The MATTA “Sustainability Exchange” with the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), the Dutch Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (ANVR) and the German Travel Association (DRV) will take place on Day 2 of the show (6 March 2024).

“MATTA and its local and regional partners are taking the lead in pushing the sustainable tourism agenda in Malaysia (and in ASEAN) in line with UN Tourism Sustainable Development Goals. This Exchange will highlight some of the initiatives MATTA is rolling out to kickstart a private sector-driven effort. 

“The insights from our European counterparts gained through the Exchange will be of immense help in enriching our programmes as well as developing tourism products to cater to the growing trend of travellers seeking more responsible tourism experiences when they visit Malaysia”, the MATTA president Nigel Wong explained. 

Day 2 will also feature the launch of four paintings of endangered wildlife (one of them a 3×3 metre portrait of the Malayan Tiger) by digital artist Rachel Gray, which is part of the MATTA Sustainable Tourism Project. Meet MATTA at its ITB Berlin booth (Hall 26A, stand 103, 104 & 105).

Big score kicks off visa-free travel

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 4 March 2024: Thailand enjoyed a 30% year-on-year increase in Chinese visitors on 1 March, according to Trip.com data, the first day of the visa-free bilateral agreement between Thailand and China.   

Under the mutual visa-free travel concession signed between Thailand and China, tourists from both countries are eligible for a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.

Photo credit: TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool Facebook

Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool released preliminary data on arrivals to the country just for 1 March that showed 18,242 Chinese entered the country, a daily tally that the governor said hints of a “bright future”. Since the beginning of the year, TAT data estimates China is once more the top source market (1 January to 1 March), with 1,201,363 Chinese entering the country. Malaysia drops to second place with 850,690 visits to Thailand over the same two-month period.

But on 1 March, the top daily score went to the Malaysians. They clocked 27,866 arrivals, mostly overland tourists, visiting on trains and buses and heading for the popular tourist towns of Hat Yai and the beaches of Songkhla province. 

The total arrivals to Thailand for 1 March (immigration count) stood at 122,368, while for the two months ( 1 January to 1 March), the country welcomed  6,509,966 visitors.

Meanwhile, Trip.com reports travel bookings from Thai tourists heading for China tripled year-on-year, an increase of over 160% compared to 2019. The Chinese cities most popular with Thai tourists include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Lijiang, and Shenzhen.

Trip.com Thailand has launched a special page showcasing the many attractions and activities visitors to China can explore with supporting deals for accommodations and flights. 

“Interest has been strong, with data showing that on the Trip.com Thailand site, the search popularity of China-related keywords increased more than three times year-on-year and by more than 10% month-on-month.”

Photo credit: Pattaya’s kite festival.

(Source: Trip.com and TAT)

Costa rejigs North American sales team

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

GENOVA, Italy 4 March 2024: Costa Cruises has confirmed changes to its sales organisation in North America following the departure of Ruben Perez after 40 years leading Costa’s North American sales team as its Americas GM.

“We are sincerely grateful to Ruben for his recognised contribution to the Costa brand over the years… His managerial skills have been pivotal to leading the North American team over the past years,” stated Costa Cruises president Mario Zanetti.

Effective 1 March, the North American market will be served through a new sales organisation led by Erik Jaramillo, who has been promoted to head sales at Costa North America. Jaramillo has been part of Costa in various positions for many years and has developed vast experience, having joined the cruise line in 1996. 

In parallel, the Costa North America sales department will be reinforced by introducing Yeniss Palacio, Priscilla Reyes and Becky Tate. They join Costa Cruises as business development managers, reporting to Jaramillo.

(Source: Costa Cruises)

Saudi Arabia’s targets go sky-high

By
TTR WEEKLY
-
Riyadh city towers in Saudi Arabia

SINGAPORE, 4 March 2024: Saudi Arabia received applause from UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council for welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023, but it drops to 27 million if you exclude domestic visits. 

The two global association heavyweights noted that the accomplishment significantly surpassed the previous target set for 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as an emerging global tourism powerhouse.

Based on the latest data, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism announced it had achieved the milestone seven years ahead of the initial goal. The government has now raised the target to 150 million tourists by 2030.

When counting both domestic and international travellers, the country’s tourism sector has made significant qualitative leaps, reaching 106.2 million in 2023. This represents a remarkable increase of 56% compared to 2019 and a substantial 12% surge compared to 2022. 

When the domestic travel data is excluded, the country’s international visitor count reached 27.4 million, showing a substantial 56% increase from 2019 and an impressive 65% rise compared to 2022.

Tourism has proven to be a significant contributor to the nation’s economy, with domestic and international tourists spending over 250 billion riyals in 2023. This expenditure represents over 4% of GDP and 7% of the non-oil GDP, reflecting tourism’s crucial role in diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy.

Serving as the country’s first Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb, commented: “This announcement demonstrates the scale of our transformation since the National Tourism Strategy was launched five years ago. We are committed to aligning with top-tier international experiences and practices. This approach contributes to shaping a prosperous future for our tourism industry, improving the quality of life, and bolstering the Kingdom’s position on the global tourism map”.

Lao Airlines to fly to Phnom Penh

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

PHNOM PENH, 4 March 2024: Lao Airlines officially announced a new direct flight from Vientiane, Laos, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, at a media briefing last week. The service will start on 19 March.

The airline is already fielding fares on popular booking websites, with a roundtrip fare starting at USD236. But it will face competition from Vietnam Airlines, which flies daily between Vientiane and Phnom Penh, quoting fares of USD295 using the larger A321.

Photo credit: Lao Airlines. Khamlar Phommavanh, director-general of Lao Airlines.

The Lao national carrier will initially fly the route three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday using A320 aircraft, according to Lao Airlines director-general Khamla Phommavanh, who briefed the media at the presentation, saying if traffic demand improved, then the airline would increase flights.

“To support and facilitate tourists and business travellers who need to travel to and from Phnom Penh to the Vientiane capital, our team has studied the feasibility of connecting the capital, Vientiane and Phnom Penh carefully and recognised there is enough demand from tourists and business people for direct flights post Covid pandemic.” 

Flying Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the service will depart Vientiane at 0835 and arrive in Phnom Penh at 0955. The return flight from Phnom Penh will depart at 1050 and arrive in Vientiane at 1210. Flight time is one hour and 20 minutes using an Airbus A320 aircraft. 

TMA’s early bird rate takes off

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 1 March 2024: Travel Meet Asia introduces an early bird rate for its trade visitor pass, lopping off 20% until midnight on 28 June 2024.

Travel Meet Asia will happen from 3 to 4 July 2024 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), Jakarta, Indonesia. TMA was launched by Messe Berlin (Singapore) in 2019 at regional locations in Asia. Originally organised as a conference and networking event, TMA has become a full-fledged B2B trade show with exhibitions, conferences and networking opportunities for the travel trade.

The upcoming B2B event will welcome local and international leisure, MICE and corporate travel buyers, supported by the  Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) and Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO). An estimated 500 attendees will network and hold business discussions with 200 Indonesian buyers

Following its success last year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the stage is now set for a TMA gathering in Jakarta in July as TMA paves the way towards ITB Asia 2024, Asia’s premier travel trade show scheduled for October in Singapore.

Travel Meet Asia provides exhibiting opportunities for NTOs, Convention Bureaus, Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Hotel Groups, Airlines, Transportation Services and Travel Technology. Through a personalised business matching system, they will establish valuable connections with Indonesian buyers, ensuring 100% pre-scheduled guaranteed meetings with buyers.

For more information, visit www.travelmeetasia.com/sponsorship. Booth prices start from USD2,250, offering exhibitors a range of options, from shell scheme booths to customisable raw spaces. To learn more and secure your participation, visit www.travelmeetasia.com/exhibitor.

Centara Osaka presents Thai culinary heritage

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 1 March 2024: Osaka is considered the culinary capital of Japan — a haven of gastronomy where residents and international visitors can savour world-class cuisine. This captivating city is raising the bar for dining even higher with a collection of eight world-class restaurants and bars at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka.

Rising 33 storeys in Namba, Osaka’s most vibrant entertainment and retail district, this five-star urban landmark transports diners on a multi-sensory journey of discovery as talented chefs fuse premium ingredients and a spirit of innovation to craft exquisite cuisine in atmospheric venues. Centara is a leading hotel group headquartered in Thailand and rooted in Thai culinary heritage. 

Here is a selection of the hotel’s most unmissable dining experiences.

Suan Bua: Sizzling Thai Street Food

Chef Sompong at Suan Bua

At Suan Bua, diners’ taste buds are escorted to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia with stylish interiors and a genuine tuk-tuk in the heart of the restaurant! All ages can savour authentic Thai street food, including fresh salads, spicy soups, sizzling stir-fries, colourful curries and more, crafted by Chef Sompong, who hails from Thailand, and his talented team.

Don’t miss: Tom Yum Goong Naang. Thailand’s national dish is a wonderfully fragrant, spicy, sour soup featuring river prawns, lemongrass, chilli, and mushrooms.

Kunsei Kitchen: Osaka’s Most Spectacular Smokehouse

Kunsei Kitchen is perched on the 33rd floor, overlooking Osaka’s skyline.

Discerning diners can elevate their epicurean adventure at Kunsei Kitchen, the 33rd-floor smokehouse restaurant that frames sparkling skyline views. Within this stunning setting, Chef Asano, who has worked at some of the world’s leading restaurants, uses exquisite ingredients to craft contemporary dishes accompanied by fine wines and smoked cocktails. The omakase menu is a highly exclusive experience that blends tradition with invention.

Don’t miss: Seasonal Fish with Smoked Broth. Kunsei Kitchen’s menu changes with the seasons to showcase the finest ingredients in their prime – including the freshest fish.

WhiskeyNova Steakhouse: Elevating the Epicurean Arts

Japanese Beef Sirloin at Steakhouse WhiskeyNova

Osaka’s most exciting and immersive new steakhouse, this dazzling 32nd-floor restaurant, transports guests to a world where American comic book culture meets Japanese retro art. Amidst this vibrant ambience, diners can indulge in expertly prepared cuts of meat, from succulent dry-aged beef to perfectly grilled wagyu. Every meal can be paired with a curated selection of fine wines and whiskeys, all set against breathtaking city views.

Don’t miss: Japanese Beef Sirloin Steak. Wonderfully tender and cooked to perfection, this is a meat lover’s dream. Enjoy it with WhiskeyNova’s signature steak sauce.

Smoke & Spin: Feel the Spirit of the City

Savour afternoon tea with spectacular views at Smoke & Spin.

Step into Centara Grand Hotel Osaka’s rooftop oasis at Smoke & Spin, where panoramic city views unfold. Designed with the theme of a baseball park, this inspiring venue is the ultimate setting for afternoon tea during the day. Then, as night falls, this spirited lounge transforms into a vibrant hub of activity where guests can feel the energy of Osaka and sip expertly crafted cocktails until 0200.

Don’t miss: Strawberry Afternoon Tea. This sublime selection is presented on an elegant tree stand and features 17 sweet & savoury bites, focusing on fresh strawberries.

Guests can also discover Crudo Deck, the breathtaking rooftop restaurant where diners can soak up panoramic views, sip in a world of science fiction at Automata, the cutting-edge cocktail bar with self-service technology, or grab light refreshments on the move at Platform 2, the bright lobby lounge.

For more information, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

1...211212213...596Page 212 of 596

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.