BANGKOK, 6 March 2024: Emirates’ annual Travel Fair in Bangkok kicks off on 7 March at the city’s popular shopping mall, Siam Paragon.
The four-day super sale hosted at the mall’s Fashion Hall (1st floor) concludes at 2100 on 10 March.
Locals and foreign residents can snatch up some of the year’s best savings on fares in all travel classes for flights to numerous destinations across Emirates’ global network, including Hong Kong, Dubai, Istanbul, Zurich, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Milan, New York, Boston and Cairo.
In addition, visitors can enjoy a glimpse of the full Emirates experience, with a dedicated lounge zone, along with a team of Emirates international cabin crew and friendly pilot mascot on standby to make everyone welcome. Visitors can buy fares using cards from partner banks, including KTC and SCB, plus other participating cards.
Emirates connects over 140 destinations in 83 countries and territories. The airline operates 35 weekly flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Dubai with its iconic double-decker Airbus A380 aircraft. The airline also operates 14 weekly flights from Phuket to Dubai International Airport using its Boeing 777-300ER. From Bangkok, Emirates also offers a daily service to Hong Kong. For more information and to make bookings, visit www.emirates.com.
DUBAI UAE, 6 March 2024: Yalago, part of the Emirates Group, has announced a record high in hotel bookings from its global travellers in January and February 2024 since its inception in 2017.
Yalago sources leading rates for hotels worldwide, offering significant savings for trade partners and travellers. Compared to January and February 2023, hotel bookings through Yalago have grown 25% for the first two months of 2024.
Overall, Yalago’s highest hotel bookings in 2024 have been made across the UAE, Thailand, USA, Maldives, and Spain. The largest growth destinations trending for 2024 are the USA, Maldives, Greece, Mexico, and Hong Kong, with bookings up more than 100% compared to 2023.
The largest source markets for travel include the UK, USA, Thailand, Australia, and Italy – with record numbers of travellers from these countries booking hotel stays this year. Trends with global travellers include a longer lead time for bookings, expanding by seven days compared to previous years. The global average for 2024 is three-and-a-half months to make a hotel booking ahead of the travel date.
Yalago’s global, direct hotel portfolio has grown 15% since 2023, and this year, its team is focused on expanding this further across markets in trend. This includes across the USA and Asia – with Bali and Thailand as an example, trending due to the affordability of world-class accommodation options.
Yalago head of sales Europe Maria Del Pozo commented: “Travel demand is high, and travellers are seeking to secure their ideal accommodation and better value further in advance of their journey. Yalago can support global travellers with affordable rates across the world’s leading destinations and hotels – and our portfolio only continues to grow.”
Yalago is attending ITB Berlin this week to share its products more extensively across Europe and extend its global reach by offering market-leading hotel rates.
This year, the Yalago team will attend major trade events, such as ITB Berlin, ATM Dubai, IPW Los Angeles, ITB China, WTM Latin America, FIT Argentina and WTM London.
SINGAPORE, 6 March 2024: Norwegian Cruise Line introduces refreshed offerings aboard Norwegian Joy, including a new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, redesigned three-bedroom The Haven Premier Owner’s Suites, an expanded Vibe Beach Club and 24 new balcony staterooms, following a three-week dry dock.
Among the notable updates to Norwegian Joy is the addition of the brand-new spacious Thermal Suite at the Mandara Spa and Salon, now the largest in the Breakaway-Plus class ships.
Complete with reinvigorating offerings such as the brand-new four senses loungers, a sauna, an ice room, and a steam room, Norwegian Joy guests will enjoy more amenities as a part of NCL’s renowned Mandara Spa experience.
Norwegian Joy’s The Haven Premier Owner’s Suites have been expanded to three bedrooms. The two new suites include three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms; a fully renovated living room, a master bedroom and outdoor balcony furniture.
Vibe Beach Club also underwent an expansion and now boasts a similar layout to the Vibe Beach Club available on Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss.
In addition to the ship’s new offerings, Norwegian Joy boasts 21 bars, lounges, and 16 speciality restaurants.
Norwegian Joy emerged from her three-week dry dock in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on 11 February before embarking on an 11-day Transatlantic voyage from Southampton, UK, to Miami in the US. The newly revitalised ship offers seven-day, round-trip Caribbean voyages from Miami before sailing to New York in the summer of 2024.
SINGAPORE, 6 March 2024: Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) partners with Baan Samui Resort to increase direct bookings and reduce its network of OTAs using advanced automation.
Ban Samui Resort, located on Samui Island’s Chawaeng Bay in southern Thailand, will deploy TA Networks’ advanced systems to broaden its online distribution channels and efficiently increase direct bookings with its preferred agents, wholesalers, and corporates.
By leveraging TA Network’s innovative technology solutions, BSR will streamline hotel inventory management processes and establish direct communication with their traditionally offline contractors. Issues, including rate parity disparity, cumbersome manual processes, and indirect booking costs from OTAs, will be reduced through automation.
TA Network’s latest automation technology efficiently eliminates the requirement for parties to manually receive booking confirmations and update their booking inventories through automated process services. This mitigates the overbooking/under-booking difficulties related to room allotments and effectively reduces the likelihood of human error while managing hotel contracts.
“Our partnership with Baan Samui Resort expands the number of hotels in our travel ecosystem and paves the way for expansion in Asia Pacific,” says TA Network managing partner Josef Foo. “Through our partnership, BSR can increase direct reservations with traditional offline partners and channels. TA Network offers them, as well as other potential hotel partners in the location, excellent services and automated booking experiences through our fully integrated platform during this cooperation.”
About Trip Affiliates Network Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, Trip Affiliates Network provides FIT/group inbound and outbound turnkey solutions and add-on direct supplier connectivity services for travel agents, wholesalers and hotels.
SINGAPORE, 6 March 2024: Jetstar Asia (3K) has confirmed the launch of two direct routes to Krabi, Thailand, and Clark, Philippines, with fares on sale effective Tuesday for flights due to start this June.
Commencing 7 June 2024, the Singapore-based low-cost carrier will fly six weekly services to Krabi on the Andaman Sea coast in South Thailand. The low-cost airline says it will offer over 60,000 low fares between Singapore and the popular holiday destination each year.
Flights to Clark will take off from Singapore’s Changi International Airport on 16 June 2024, initially offering four weekly services before increasing to five weekly on 18 October 2024. The airline says it will serve more than 45,000 customers on the Clark route by the end of 2024.
Krabi in Thailand is renowned for its stunning beaches and limestone cliffs, while Clark in the Philippines is a gateway to the country’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Jetstar will deploy A320s with 180 seats to serve the two new destinations.
Jetstar Asia CEO John Simeone said the move reinforced Jetstar Asia’s commitment to expanding its Southeast Asian network and providing enhanced connectivity and a wide range of travel options for its customers.
“Our services to Clark are back by popular demand, not only for holidaymakers but those wanting to visit family and friends,” Simeone said. “Krabi is an exciting new addition for Jetstar Asia, less than two hours away; it’s the perfect holiday destination for those wanting to enjoy stunning white beaches, world-class rock-climbing experiences, marine parks, rainforests and outdoor activities.”
Flight schedule*
* Flights commence on 7 June 2024 for Krabi and 16 June 2024 for Clark, subject to government and regulatory approval.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
