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IndiGo introduces flights to Bali

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 FEBRUARY 2024: IndiGo will start flights from its Bengaluru hub to Bali, Indonesia, on 29 March as the airline continues to expand its global routes from India.

In a press statement, the airline announced daily nonstop flights from Bengaluru to Bali to cater to a surge in Indian tourists travelling to Indonesia’s premier island destination. 

Photo credit: Airbus.

IndiGo launched flights to Jakarta last year, and Bali will become its second destination in Indonesia. The island’s international airport is located in Denpasar, Bali’s capital. Bookings for the daily flights opened on 20 February.

Indigo’s head of global sales, Vinay Malhotra, commented: “We are extremely excited to announce Denpasar, the main hub of the Indonesian province of Bali, is our newest international destination. Bali has become a preferred destination for tourists. With the launch of these new flights, we aim to strengthen the ties between India and Indonesia, promote tourism, and foster potential business collaborations.”

Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, serves as the aviation gateway to Indonesia’s most famous island. Although the island’s beaches are the main attraction, Denpasar offers several sites of historical and cultural significance with a wide range of lively markets, stunning temples, and museums for visitors to explore.

(Source: IndiGo)

Emirates set for strong return to ITB Berlin

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 28 February 2024: Emirates will return to ITB Berlin, showcasing its latest signature products and reaffirming the airline’s longstanding commitment to Europe’s leading travel and trade show that convenes in the German capital from 5 to 7 March. 

Emirates will launch new partnerships and expand existing collaborations with local and regional travel partners during the three-day travel show. That includes air carriers to enhance connectivity for travellers to and from major European travel hubs and strategic partnerships with travel and tourism entities to establish joint marketing and other trade initiatives. 

Visitors to the Emirates stand will have the opportunity to experience Emirates’ latest roster of innovative products and guest favourites, including the highly popular Emirates premium economy seat, which will be showcased in Germany for the first time. 

Unveiled at the 2022 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Emirates’ premium economy product has won multiple awards and is available on 27 A380 aircraft flying to 15 destinations. They comprise New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo, Mumbai, Bangalore, Sao Paulo and Dubai.

Also debuting for the first time at ITB Berlin is Emirates’ iconic Boeing 777-300ER game-changer first-class, fully enclosed private suite. With the full range of onboard products on display, visitors can experience Emirates’ Boeing 777 business class seat, the newest generation of the A380 onboard lounge and first class Shower Spa, and its generously pitched economy class seats.

Emirates will also dedicate an area to showcase its latest sustainability initiatives, including onboard items that incorporate responsibly sourced items from ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ – a collection of luggage, bags and accessories made from upcycled materials from retrofitted A380 aircraft. The airline’s sustainability efforts focus on reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and protecting biodiversity and habitats.

The Emirates ITB Berlin stand will also include four meeting spaces and can accommodate up to 200 visitors at any one time in a new 480 sqm, double-storey Emirates stand located in Hall 2.2, stand number 101.

Emirates and Europe

Emirates’ European footprint spans 39 destinations in 22 countries and 403 points beyond its network through codeshare, intermodal and interline arrangements with 51 partners. Emirates aims to expand its connectivity for travellers between Europe and the rest of the world on the back of ITB Berlin and in partnership with regional tourism bodies.

Over the past year, Emirates has carried more than 17.2 million passengers between Dubai and all of its European gateways, facilitating convenient and seamless air connectivity for customers to and from its Dubai hub and beyond Dubai to more destinations in its global network.

For flight information and to make bookings, visit www.emirates.com. 

(Source: Emirates)

Emirates names executive appointments

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 27 February 2024: Emirates Group has announced a slate of senior appointments as the organisation readies itself for its next growth phase, promoting 19 executives, including eight UAE nationals and six women.

Emirates Airline and Group chairman and chief executive, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum: “Keeping pace with Dubai’s vision, the Emirates Group has also set clear and ambitious plans for its fleet, network, and business growth for the next 15 years. To execute these plans effectively, the group is strengthening its executive bench and internal organisational alignment and enhancements. I am pleased to announce these senior appointments, all of whom are long-serving leaders within the organisation who continue to contribute to the growth and success of Emirates and dnata.”

For flight information and bookings, visit www.emirates.com 

(Source: Emirates)

Solar shines for OUTRIGGER

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 27 February 2024: OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group in Thailand is pioneering a partnership with Singapore-based New Energy Capital Asia, a leading provider of fully financed, tailor-made solar energy solutions. 

The collaboration signals a significant step forward in OUTRIGGER’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship with the installation of state-of-the-art solar rooftop systems at three of OUTRIGGER’s premier properties in Thailand: OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort, OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort and OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort, with a combined solar capacity of 1.2MWp.

“We are at a pivotal moment in our journey towards a more sustainable future, and this partnership with OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group is a testament to our shared commitment to eco-friendly practices,” said New Energy Capital Asia CEO Marc Lamsfuss.

“By integrating cutting-edge solar technology into their resorts, OUTRIGGER is not only setting a new standard for the hospitality industry in Thailand but also demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand-in-hand with world-class guest experiences. At New Energy Capital Asia, we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative endeavour, harnessing the sun’s power to light the way forward.” 

The three solar Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed between OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group and New Energy Capital Asia deliver several benefits.

Annual Electricity Savings: Solar installations are expected to generate an estimated 1,900 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy annually, significantly reducing OUTRIGGER’s reliance on traditional grid electricity and saving significant electricity costs.

CO2 Reduction: Through solar energy, these projects will result in an annual reduction of approximately 1,470 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, contributing to Thailand’s efforts to combat climate change.

Positive Environmental Impact: Reducing CO2 emissions is equivalent to saving 60,000 trees annually, substantially contributing to preserving Thailand’s lush landscapes and natural beauty.

“Adopting the latest solar technology at its resorts underscores OUTRIGGER’s commitment to championing renewable energy practices and reducing its carbon footprint as part of a robust ESG [environment, social, governance] strategy,” said OUTRIGGER vice president operations Asia Pacific, Tony Pedroni.

About OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group:
For over 75 years, OUTRIGGER has charted a journey of discovery — expanding from Hawai‘i to premier resort destinations, including Fiji, Mauritius, Thailand and the Maldives. The privately held hospitality company invites guests to ‘Come Be Here’ with authentic Signature Experiences and the Outrigger DISCOVERY loyalty program — a member of the award-winning Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). 

Qatar Airways returns to Lisbon

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TTR WEEKLY
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DOHA Qatar, 27 February 2024: Qatar Airways resume flights to Lisbon, Portugal, 6 June 2024, offering four weekly flights using a Boeing B787-8 aircraft.

Often spotlighted in surveys as the world’s most affordable and friendly destination for retirees, Lisbon is also the gateway for tourists exploring the medieval town of Sintra and its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quinta de Regaleira Palace. 

Travellers wishing to escape the city life can venture to Cascais, also known as the “Portuguesa Riviera”. With several beautiful beaches, Cascais is the ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers and windsurfers. Cascais is also the perfect beach destination with delectable seafood and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

This latest addition to the summer schedule opens up new entry points for international travel from Europe, through Lisbon, to the continents of Africa and Asia, as well as the subcontinent of India.

SoulTrips sells Pause and Play tour

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TTR WEEKLY
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Jabal AlFil - Elephant Rock in Al Ula desert landscape, dramatic sunset sky above - Saudi Arabia

SINGAPORE, 27 February 2024: Singapore-based travel specialist SoulTrips will work with regional travel agencies to sell itineraries, allowing clients to choose where to start and stop on their tour.  

SoulTrips announced this week it will promote over 600 worldwide itineraries on behalf of Europmunda, starting at the upcoming NATAS Travel Fair in Singapore that runs from 1 to 3 March 2024.

Jabal AlFil – Elephant Rock in Al Ula desert landscape, dramatic sunset sky above – Saudi Arabia
View of the famous Alhambra, Granada, Spain.

Customers in Singapore can book their “flex-scapes” with Chan Brothers, ASA Holidays and Azza Travel or head over to the Europamundo booth at NATAS Travel Show at Expo Halls 4 &5A. 

With Europamundo coach tours operating every week, it is possible to pause during the overland tour and resume the journey with the following departure group for a small additional fee.  

SoulTrips was conceived in 2021 by Bhutan specialist Druk Asia as a brand to deliver “new ways to travel” in a post-pandemic world. The firm works with travel agencies worldwide to curate the holidays for the modern independent traveller who wants to design their itineraries according to their specific needs. 

To achieve its mission, SoulTrips partners with Europamundo Vacations, a member of the JTB Group, to introduce comprehensive international holiday packages sold by selected travel agencies*. 

The ‘’flex-scape” itineraries make it easier to move between multiple cities. Europamundo coach tour prices exclude air bookings. That frees the travellers from fixed flight departures, allowing independent travellers the flexibility to extend their holiday or switch midway and hop on to another Europamundo tour.  

Most Europamundo trips are planned to be circular, meaning when one trip ends, another begins. Travellers can start their trip at any point on the tour based on the starting point they like the most or the one that offers the most advantageous airfare. Upon arrival, a private transfer takes them to the hotel where their trip starts. 

Europamundo presents a family-friendly policy, offering discounts for children as high as 80% for three-year-olds or younger (bus seat allocated). For children up to 15 years old, discounts are available for group trips: Three to eight years (40%) and nine to 15 years (10%).  

Europamundo’s strategic alliance designates SoulTrips as the Preferred Sales Agent (PSA) for Europamundo in Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia, heralding a new era of curated travel experiences for enthusiasts in these markets. 

SoulTrips Director Joni Herison shares: “This collaboration between SoupTrips and Europamundo will allow us to extend our commitment to introducing unparalleled travel experiences. The “flex-scapes” itineraries are great for travellers who want to be in control of their travel plans and enjoy the convenience and value of group travel.” 

Standouts from the SoulTrips list 

Andalusian Story (7D6N) Highlights include city tours of Madrid, Seville and Cordoba with ticket admissions to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the football stadium of Real Madrid, world-famous Alhambra Palace, and the Cathedral-mosque Mezquita in Cordoba. Prices from SGD1200 per person are based on twin sharing and arrival transfer in Madrid. 

Imperial Capitals (6D5N) Enjoy local expert city tours of Vienna, Budapest and Prague alongside cruises on the Danube River in Budapest and the Vltava River in Prague. Highlights include entrance fees to Prague Castle and a visit to Grinzing, an old wine town in Vienna. Prices from SSGD920 per person are based on twin sharing and arrival transfer in Vienna. 

Unforgettable Saudi Arabia (7D6N) – Visits Jeddah, Medina, Al Ula, Tabuk and Riyadh. Ticket admissions include Tabeyat International City and Beit Sallum House in Jeddah, Ethiq Garden and Well, Khaibar Fortress and Oasis, Elephant Rock in Al Ula, Hegra archaeological site in Al Ula, Castle, Mud House museum and old train station in Tabuk. Prices start at SGD3,600 per person, based on twin sharing and arrival transfer in Jeddah. 

Essential Japan (7D6N) – Highlights included guided city tours of Tokyo and Kyoto. In addition to must-see highlights like the Meiji Temple and Sensoji Temple in Tokyo and the Arashiyamabamboo forest in Kyoto, the trip includes stopovers at Mount Fuji, paired with a boat trip and an overnight stay at a traditional Ryokan at Lake Kawaguchiko and Nara, Japan’s first historic capital from 710 to 790. Prices start from SGD2,800 per person, based on twin sharing and arrival transfer in Tokyo. 

Colours of Cuba and Mexico (13D12N) – In addition to visiting the Capitals of Mexico (Mexico City, Patzcuaro and Guadalajara), discover the vibrancy of Cuba with overnight stays in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad. Guided city tours feature Havana, Trinidad, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. Prices start from SGD3,100 per person, based on twin sharing and arrival transfer in Havana. 

About SoulTrips (www.soultrips.co)  

Korean Air names new com chief

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 27 February 2024: Korean Air has appointed Jongheon Sim as its vice president and chief communications officer, the airline announced last week.

Jongheon Sim (Jong), a skilled communicator and aviation industry veteran, will lead Korean Air’s communications strategies and public relations as its vice president and chief communications officer.

Jongheon Sim (Jong).

Jong honed his communications skills, serving in various posts such as operations, external affairs and communications during his 27-year career with the airline. In December 2022, he took over the managing director and deputy chief communications officer post, leading the airline’s social media and digital communications team.

KAL supports T’way Air in Europe

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the airline confirmed it had gained the European Commission’s approval for its merger with Asiana Airlines.

Korean Air had to commit to the EC on two identified competition concerns — divestment of Asiana Airlines’ cargo freighter business and providing support to allow a new airline on the four overlapping passenger routes between Korea and the European Union. 

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines will need to appoint an advisory firm to oversee the divestment of Asiana Airlines’ cargo freighter division, initiate the bidding process, and select a buyer for the cargo business. 

Under the passenger commitments, T’way Air has been appointed as the “remedy taker” on the designated European passenger routes. 

Starting from the second half of 2024, T’way Air will gradually initiate operations on the four routes: Seoul Incheon-Paris, Seoul Incheon-Rome, Seoul Incheon-Barcelona, and Seoul Incheon-Frankfurt. Korean Air plans will offer comprehensive support to T’way Air to introduce the services to compensate for the withdrawal of Asiana Airlines due to the merger.

Brand refresh for AirAsia MOVE

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 27 February 2024: AirAsia MOVE, formerly airasia Superapp, released the refreshed look of its app icon on the App Store (iOS) and Play Store (Android) on Monday.

The new look comes as AirAsia MOVE enters another phase of its brand refresh and transformation, as was announced in September 2023.

AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer commented: “The new AirAsia MOVE app icon is the first of many changes designed to elevate and enhance every traveller’s experience. From the app layout to exciting new products, services and unbeatable deals, the new AirAsia MOVE will help you go all the way seamlessly when you travel. For those of you who already have the app on your phones, it would’ve been refreshed & updated to the new look. 

“While the app icon boasts a new appearance and AirAsia MOVE takes the spotlight as our new brand name, we would like to reassure everyone that everything you love, such as booking AirAsia flights & from more airlines, hotels, rides, managing your bookings, or even connecting with fellow travellers via the Chat & Community as well as AskBo functions remain intact.” 

In addition to AirAsia content, MOVE’s ecosystem includes OTA services such as flight bookings from over 700 airlines and 900,000 hotels worldwide, ride-hailing, dining experiences and insurance underpinned by integrated financial services by BigPay. 

Both AirAsia MOVE and BigPay are part of MOVE Digital, the digital arm of Capital A Berhad. 

Dive tourism makes a big splash

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 27 February 2024: Dive tourism has surfaced at the top of the priority agenda for the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) as part of its commitment to gear up sustainable tourism development initiatives across the country.

In 2023, dive tourism contributed more than PHP73 billion to the country’s economy, or almost twice the PHP37 billion revenue generated from the industry in 2022.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasised the importance of dive tourism during last week’s Philippine International Dive Expo (PHIDEX) opening ceremony at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

“As one of the mega biodiverse countries worldwide, we are home to more than 500 species of corals and 2,000 species of fish. Therefore, we take this distinction for the Philippines to heart with a firm commitment to ensure not just the marketability but, more importantly, the sustainability of our dive industry,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco explained. 

“We can look forward to yielding additional revenue from this industry, reinforcing the Philippine position as the World’s Premier Dive Destination and tourism’s role as now one of the strongest pillars of our economy, providing livelihood and employment for millions of Filipinos.”

In addition to organising the PHIDEX, the DOT introduced various dive festivals and programmes in several regions nationwide to support dive tourism, including the successful inaugural Philippine Tourism Dive Dialogue (PTDD) last September in Cebu.

“We have also expanded our dive tourism offerings to emerging and lesser-known destinations, bringing our total to approximately 120 dive destinations across the Philippines,” Secretary Frasco added.

PHIDEX 2024 delivered networking prospects for dive decision-makers, communities, and individuals through value-added components, including the Dive Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) business-to-business meetings, Dive Conference, and Dive Exhibit featuring the country’s best dive offerings.

Portugal leads the World’s top beaches

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 27 February 2024: Tripadvisor released its Travelers’ Choice® Award for 2024: the Best of the Best Beaches last week with Praia da Falésia in Olhos de Agua, Portugal, topping the global list.

Based on an analysis of all the reviews left on Tripadvisor for beaches globally over one year, the award reveals the beaches that were the highest-rated by people who had visited the beaches recently.

“Last year, Tripadvisor got millions of reviews for beaches – it’s clear that our community loves them. But as our Travelers’ Choice lists reveal, there’s no one-size-fits-all ‘beach day’: Our top 25 winners alone encompass 18 countries across five continents,” Tripadvisor head of editorial Sarah Firshein explained. “The top three beaches are all in Europe, ousting the perennially popular Caribbean from those spots—a sign that some travellers are eager to swap typical resort vacations for the coastlines of Portugal, Italy, and beyond.” 

Though winners span from Sydney to Seychelles to Hawaii, No. 1 in the World for 2024 is Praia da Falésia in Portugal. Set in the heart of the Algarve, the tiny fishing town of Olhos de Agua surrounds a sandy cove lapped by the Atlantic Ocean. This gorgeous stretch of white sand and coloured cliffs was ranked sixth in 2023.

Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2024

Praia da Falésia – Olhos de Agua, Portugal
Good for: Scenic walks, sunbathing.
Best time to visit: Spring is great for more affordable prices and fewer crowds.

Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa, Italy
Good for: Sea turtle sightings, scuba diving.
Best time to visit: The spring generally has the lowest hotel prices. But in the summer, Lampedusa becomes more accessible via direct flights from mainland cities and ferry service from Sicily.

La Concha Beach – San Sebastian – Donostia, Spain
Good for: People watching on the boardwalk, families.
Best time to visit: The spring generally has the lowest hotel prices. Plus, it beat the summer crowds.

Ka’anapali Beach – Lahaina, Hawaii, US
Good for: Wildlife sightings, water sports.
Best time to visit: It’s always a good time to visit Maui. The most affordable hotel prices are in the fall, but winter brings unbelievable whale watching – even from the beach’s shores.

Grace Bay Beach – Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Good for: Sunbathing, walking along the soft white sand.
Best time to visit: Summer brings blue skies, white clouds, shimmering water, and generally the lowest hotel prices from June through August.

Anse Lazio – Praslin Island, Seychelles
Good for: Sunbathing, photography, swimming.
Best time to visit: Between April and May or October and November have calmer, less windy weather.

Manly Beach – Sydney, Australia
Good for: Walking, shopping in the surrounding area.
Best time to visit: Comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds in Sydney come between March and May or September and November — which means better airfare prices, too. But January is another excellent time for those who want to warm up with the masses from winter back home.

Eagle Beach – Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba, Caribbean
Good for: Sunbathing, jet skiing.
Best time to visit: With its location south of hurricane zones, there is always a good time to visit Aruba, but going in the winter is especially sweet. The showers are usually short, while there is a slightly rainy season from October to January.

Siesta Beach – Siesta Key, Florida, US
Good for: Sunbathing, families.
Best time to visit: Fall is great to visit Siesta Key to snag lower hotel prices and enjoy post-summer sunshine.

Varadero Beach – Varadero, Cuba
Good for: Couples, walking.
Best time to visit: US citizens still need to stay up-to-date on travel policies and jump through a few hoops to visit Cuba, but hotel prices are generally the lowest in the spring.

With 55% of global Tripadvisor users in a survey reporting that helping the environment is important to them*, this year’s award includes a new ranking of Sustainable Beaches, following the introduction of Sustainable Destinations in January. As measured by a combination of inputs from sustainable data partner BeCause (via the Blue Flag program) and Tripadvisor traveller reviews, winners stand out for their commitments to sustainability.

Top 10 Sustainable Beaches in the World

Sandbanks Beach – Poole, United Kingdom.
Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, India.
Saundersfoot Beach – Saundersfoot, United Kingdom.
Corniche Beach – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Galissas Beach – Galissas, Greece.
Nissi Beach – Ayia Napa, Cyprus.
Mellieha Beach – Mellieha, Malta.
Myrtos Beach – Kefalonia, Greece.
Playa Blanca – Playa Blanca, Spain.
Camp’s Bay Beach – Cape Town, South Africa.

(Source: Tripadvisor)

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