HONG KONG, 21 February 2024: Resorts World Cruises deploys the Resorts World One cruise ship to seasonal home port in Jakarta, Indonesia from 16 June to 1 July 2024.
Targeting the local June to July school holidays, the cruise line offers four round-trip, six-day/five-night cruises from Jakarta to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang).
Fares start from IDR10 million per guest based on twin-sharing and, subject to availability, are free for the third and fourth passengers in the same cabin.
Vacationers can embark on Resorts World One cruise ship from the port of Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, with the maiden voyage on 16 June 2024 (Sunday) followed by departures on 21 June (Friday), 26 June (Wednesday) and 1 July (Monday).
The six-day/five-night itineraries departing Jakarta, Indonesia, visit Singapore and Malaysia.
SINGAPORE, 21 February 2024: The sales curve for SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is pointing upwards, with an increase of more than 200% on KLM flights to and from Nordic destinations, the airline reports this week.
Saying the trend “cannot be ignored”, KLM cautions that it still accounts for an incredibly small part of sales.
The Nordic increase in SAF supplement payments is on par with what KLM sees in the rest of the world. SAF is the fuel alternative available to reduce aviation’s climate impact. Electric aircraft and hydrogen are waiting around the corner, but initially, these will primarily be an option for shorter distances. However, one of the challenges with SAF is that it is significantly more expensive than fossil fuel.
It will inevitably become more expensive to fly as the entire industry changes to a more sustainable one. Currently, each ticket sold by KLM contains a 1% SAF surcharge.
A Novus survey that KLM commissioned in 2023 shows that most Nordic travellers want to contribute to a more sustainable flight but also find it difficult to make sustainable choices when booking a trip.
SYDNEY, Australia, 21 February 2024: Globus family of brands (GFOB), comprising luxury river cruising operator Avalon Waterways and escorted coach touring companies Globus and Cosmos, has appointed Holiday Tours & Travel Group (HTT) as the distributor for Asia (excluding Hong Kong).
Effective 1 March 2024, the new distributor, headquartered in Singapore, will represent the GFOB portfolio in Singapore, Malaysia (via H Travel Sdn Bhd), Thailand, South Korea and the Philippines.
Globus family of brands managing director Asia Pacific, Gai Tyrrell (L) and Holiday Tours & Travel Group managing director Duncan Choo (R), celebrating the announcement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this week.
The new appointment and subsequent consolidation of distribution aims to see the Globus family of brands enhance opportunities in Asia, drive increased brand awareness and amplify sales growth.
Globus family of brands managing director Asia Pacific, Gai Tyrrell said the GFOB has strong ambitions for growth, and the partnership with HTT is vital for the company’s expansion in Asia.
“We are excited to partner with Holiday Tours & Travel Group to enhance our distribution in five key Asian markets. This appointment sees us achieve efficiencies with one distributor across the region, which puts us in a strong position to drive significant sales growth,” said Tyrrell. “With our marketing activity driving record results and new product launches in 2024/5, we are focused on expanding our footprint and customer base in the Asia Pacific region.”
HTT’s managing director, Duncan Choo, commented: “We are delighted to represent the prestigious Globus family of brands portfolio across multiple Asian regions. We will raise brand awareness of the Avalon Waterways, Globus and Cosmos brands and support our trade partners in discovering the benefits of selling the Globus Family of Brands product.”
GFOB is seeking a new, dedicated marketing team member based in Singapore in the role of regional marketing manager, who will work directly with the Globus Australian-based marketing team – to bolster the group’s marketing activity and boost sales in the region. Additionally, HTT has appointed sales leaders in each region to drive sales activity.
SINGAPORE, 21 February 2024: Philippine Airlines will resume direct flights from Cebu in the Philippines to Osaka in Japan starting 1 July.
Independent timetable schedules show the airline will launch four weekly flights on the Cebu-Osaka route using a 199-seat A321 aircraft. Flights depart Cebu on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Flight time is four hours and 30 minutes. Roundtrip fares start at USD538.
Flight PR410 will depart Cebu (CEB) at 1310 and arrive in Osaka (KIX) at 1830. The return flight PR409 will depart Osaka (KIX) at 1920 and arrive in Cebu (CEB) at 2305.
Cebu Airport is fast becoming a significant gateway for leisure travellers with direct flights to Hong Kong, Taipei in Taiwan, Narita Tokyo in Japan, Seoul and Busan in Korea, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Singapore and Bangkok in Thailand.
ETR registration is a must
PAL is reminding passengers and visitors to the Philippines that since 8 January, they must register on the E-Travel portal before boarding the flight. This is mandatory for all arriving international passengers and departing Filipino passengers.
The Philippines’ Bureau of Customs’ Baggage Declaration Form and the Currency Declaration Form are now integrated into the E-Travel System, along with the Bureau of Quarantine’s Health Declaration Form and the Bureau of Immigration’s Departure and Arrival Cards.
It’s part of the Philippine government’s drive to digitise all CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) paper forms into one electronic platform to improve efficiency and make the process more convenient for passengers.
PAL on-time performance
Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines took home a citation for being the second most punctual Asian airline in December, scoring 83.08%. The flag carrier was also among the top 10 most punctual airlines in the Asia-Pacific region for 2023, according to London-based Cirium a leading international data analytics source for aviation.
Airlines from Japan, Thailand, India, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong rounded out the top 10 list for 2023.
LONDON, 20 February 2024: New research from the UK-based SpaSeekers.com reveals the most popular spa destinations of 2024, with Romania cited as the top trending spa destination based on searches for spa trips, but spa destinations in China, Nepal, and Vietnam figured in the top 10 list.
As part of their annual Spa Trends Report 2024, online booking site SpaSeekers.com has revealed the top trending spa destinations in the world based on increases in Google search data. The results reveal the most up-and-coming destinations for spa holidays for the year ahead, which should certainly be considered in any holiday planning – with locations ranging from those with mineral and thermal springs to far-flung jungle paradise retreats.
Photo credit: SpaSeekers Spa Trends Report 2024.
According to the research, Romania is the top trending destination for 2024, with a 233% increase in searches for spa trips globally. Home to many thermal and mineral springs, the country will provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway. France follows in second place, with a 120% increase in searches. Qatar and Vietnam tie in third place (85% increase) for those looking for a more exotic destination, while China and Montenegro tie in fifth spot (84% increase).
In Asia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand are popular favourites, but more unusual destinations, such as China and Nepal, are gaining the attention of spa lovers.
Top 20 Trending Spa Destinations For 2024
1. Romania: +233% searches Romania is predominantly known for its snow-covered mountains, green hills and forests, vineyards, and beautiful sandy beaches on the shores of the Black Sea, as opposed to its spas. Still, this landscape also lends itself perfectly to relaxing spa getaways. More than a third of Europe’s mineral and thermal springs are found in Romania.
2. France: +120% searches The French Riviera is home to beautiful spas for the rich and famous. The Alps are also home to spas and saunas aplenty – perfect for unwinding after a long day of skiing. Alternatively, Vichy, the ‘Queen of Spas’ and the most prestigious French spa town, could be worth visiting for those looking to step back in time.
=3. Qatar: +85% searches Qatar is home to many world-class facilities, and this is no different when it comes to spa breaks, with many high-end retreats to choose from, all designed to melt all your worries away. For those who enjoy trying out different treatments, the country’s vast range of spa facilities will provide plenty of opportunities to seek out new spa experiences.
=3. Vietnam: +85% searches Also crowned Asia’s Top Spa Destination in 2023, Vietnam tops the list of Asian countries based on search interest for 2024. With beautiful beaches and tropical jungles, the exotic backdrops of Vietnam will allow spa-goers can expect to find many experiences on offer – from meditation to thermal springs and Vietnamese massages to herbal baths.
=5. China: +84% searches Though countries such as Thailand and Vietnam may be the first to spring to mind when thinking of spa destinations in Asia, China also has an impressive array of wellness facilities. With many holistic traditions and ancient medicines ingrained in the country’s culture, these practices have fused with cutting-edge treatments and technologies to offer a unique treatment landscape.
=5. Montenegro: +84% searches An up-and-coming destination in Europe, Montenegro offers beaches with healing properties -such as in Herceg Novi and Ulcinj. Igalo in Herceg Novi is a prominent health tourism destination as a result, with the Mud Beach at the Dr. Simo Milošević Institute being a popular destination, with the mud said to possess healing properties that can relieve symptoms of rheumatic diseases, joint and muscle issues and neurological diseases.
7. Canada: +83% searches Canada’s beautiful landscapes are enough to make anyone feel relaxed, and a trip to this stunning country is sure to not disappoint. An ideal destination for wellness tourism, there are offerings for everyone – from outdoor activities to indulging in saunas tucked away in hidden bays.
8. Bulgaria: +82% searches One of the most affordable destinations in Europe, Bulgaria offers a more purse-friendly option for those wanting a relaxing break. With over 700 hot springs, the country is also a popular destination for spas dating back to the Roman era.
9. Nepal: +69% searches Often associated with yoga, Nepal and the Himalayas are closely tied to wellness and should be a destination that many lovers of self-care will have high on their travel bucket lists. Yoga retreats can be found here in abundance. Still, the country also has a history of Ayurvedic medicine, so Ayurvedic and hot stone massages, which can aid circulation and detoxify the body, are often found on offer too.
=10. Poland: +60% searches With strong natural mineral sources, visitors to Poland for a spa trip should certainly look out for their acidic springs, sulphur springs, salt springs and thermal waters. They all bring different wellness benefits and are also enjoyable natural wonders to be admired.
=10. Tunisia: +60% searches Another country with a long history of spas and bathing, again influenced by the Roman era, any fans of hammams are in for a treat in Tunisia. More recently, thalassotherapy has become another popular choice, with water and seaweed-based treatments designed to soothe and revitalise the skin and body.
KUCHING, 20 February 2024: If you are a travel enthusiast looking for a new adventure filled with nature escapades, food hunts and cultural exploration, Sarawak should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Sarawak is a hidden Malaysian gem nestled in the island of Borneo and boasts a variety of unique attractions. Here are powerful reasons to book your next trip to the Land of Hornbills.
Bako National Park.Rafflesia Flower.Mulu National Park.
Sarawak is Malaysia’s treasure trove of nature’s wonders and is home to world-famous national parks, each with diverse wildlife. Enjoy a change of scenery, ranging from the fairytale-like caves of the Niah National Park to scenic nature trails of Sarawak’s famous Bako National Park. If you are lucky, you could encounter some of Borneo’s rarest species in the wild, such as the iconic Rhinoceros Hornbill at the Kubah National Park, or witness the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, in full bloom at the Gunung Gading National Park.
Sarawak is the perfect place for thrill-seekers to fuel their adrenaline rush with kayaking in Kampung Bengoh or trekking up the mountain slopes on an adventurous hike at the Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Further out to the island’s coast, you will find the pristine sandy beaches of Sarawak. Among them is the Talang Satang National Park. It is the first dedicated marine turtle conservation area in Sarawak, where you can chance upon rare sightings of turtles.
A trip to Sarawak is never complete without a food crawl of Sarawak’s finest delicacies. Sarawak is a street food haven that is bustling with locals and tourists all day round, where the best and most authentic treats are those found at hawker stalls and night markets. Popular food destinations in Sarawak include Kuching’s Siniawan Night Market, the Sibu Night Market and Miri’s Saberkas Night Market. Here, you can experience local delights cooked to perfection and shop for souvenirs and daily items.
Sarawak’s most notable hawker stall ‘must-tries’ include Sarawak laksa, kolo mee and nasi goreng dabai. Sarawak’s iconic layered cake ‘kek lapis’ and the legendary gula apong ice cream are the local favourites for those with a sweet tooth.
Laksa Sarawak.
Arts and culture are a big part of Sarawak’s identity. Local handicrafts showcase Sarawak’s ties to its rich history and diverse culture in its intricate beadwork, weaving, carving, traditional tribal design, tattoo piercings, and pottery.
Sarawak is also a hub for performing arts as the host of the annual Rainforest World Music Festival, a global celebration of music diversity. The 2023 edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival celebrated its 25th year. The 2024 RWMF will be held from 28 to 30 June.
Internationally renowned artists perform at the three-night world music festival, entertaining thousands of music lovers who flock to the coastal rainforest venue at Sarawak’s Cultural Village. During the day, various workshops are held around the village. Here, you can spectate beautiful multi-ethnic performances and explore the different cultural homes of Sarawakian people. Through carving and weaving demonstrations, you can learn about the cultures and traditions of the 34 distinct ethnic groups in Sarawak.
SINGAPORE, 20 February 2024: Amadeus data reveals winning strategies for French travel companies ahead of the Summer Olympics in Paris from 23 July to 15 August 2024.
Six months before the Summer Games in Paris in 2024, flight searches to France for the dates just before and after the games are already surging by 25% compared to last year.
Amadeus Intelligence data has zeroed in on three significant trends positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the travel landscape in France in the coming months. If used wisely, this insight offers valuable opportunities for businesses to enhance their market share and capitalise on the enthusiasm of sports fans this summer.
Flight searches to France surge
The top five countries searching for flights to France are the US, the UK, Brazil, Spain and Canada. But with most of the Olympic games being held in Paris, it’s no surprise that the demand for flights to the French capital has surged, reaching 33% higher than last year.
Regarding travel to the French capital, Germans are at the top of the leaderboard. Searches from Germany to Paris increased by an astounding 144% for travel dates between July 23 and August 15th in 2024, compared to the same dates last year.
Meanwhile, when looking at the main markets, searches from the US to Paris for the same period are up 72%, with the UK (60%) and Brazil (50%) taking third and fourth place for year-on-year growth, respectively. The rest of Europe and the Americas also show a spike in interest in flights to Paris: searches grew by 34% and 29%, respectively, in those regions. Finally, searches from the Asia Pacific region saw a 15% increase and flights from MENA a 10% bump. But don’t forget domestic travellers: interest in flights to Paris from other parts of France has grown by 54%
Lille, Lyon and Marseille see Olympic excitement
Paris is not the only city to benefit from Olympic tourism. Amadeus’s data sees big interest in other corners of France. In particular, flight searches to Marseille, Lyon and Lille, which are hosting various competitions, are also taking off:
Lille: This northern town, where basketball and handball games will take place, is experiencing an exceptional 100% increase in international and domestic flight searches. The city has the highest growth rates in the US (118%) and Germany (111%).
Lyon: Football fans will be flooding to Lyon. Searches to this destination are soaring domestically with an impressive 70% rise, and internationally, they’re catching attention with a 19% increase. Lyon is getting extra love from Japan and the United States, with flight searches spiking by an incredible 123% and 118%, respectively.
Marseille: Flight searches to Marseille, where football and sailing competitions will be hosted, are also picking up steam, with a solid 13% uptick in domestic and international interest. Again, the Americans, Japanese and Germans are getting on board, each showing an impressive 70% surge in flight searches.
One-week stays are still the norm
Despite the surge in travel interest, the average stay duration remains a steadfast seven days. Travellers planning trips to France exhibit a shortened search lead time, with an average of 3.5 days less compared to 2023. This indicates that the excitement surrounding the Olympics in Paris in 2024 prompts swift decision-making among sports enthusiasts. The data underscores that, while there is a surge in interest, the traditional one-week stay remains the preferred choice for most visitors.
Understandably, travellers coming from far away are more likely to stay longer. Brazilians are likely to stay an average of 9 days, while people from the Asia Pacific region will likely stay for 12.
Origin of Data: These data points are based on research by Amadeus’s data science teams. Data is drawn from a custom search dataset, Amadeus Master Pricer, and Amadeus Agency Insights. Learn more about Amadeus at www.amadeus.com
SINGAPORE, 20 February 2024: ASEAN is a key growth region for Muslim cruise passengers, particularly Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, where cruise passengers grew 56% between 2019 and 2023.
That was just one of the key insights of the inaugural Muslim- Friendly Cruise Report 2024 released by Mastercard and CrescentRating on 16 February.
The report estimated that Muslim cruise line passengers grew by 8% between 2019 and 2023, suggesting a rising interest in cruise holidays among the region’s Muslim community.
The report also showed that passengers prefer to book via digital platforms. Among experienced cruise passengers, 48% of respondents booked directly through the cruise line’s website, while 14% used online travel agencies. Only 33% opted to book through travel agents or tour operators.
The split was even more pronounced for prospective passengers considering a cruise in the future, with 79% saying they would prefer to book directly through cruise operators’ websites, compared to 28% who would book through travel agents.
The report is the latest from the decade-long partnership between Mastercard and CrescentRating. The two parties have collaborated on 25 reports exploring various facets of Muslim travel, lifestyle and consumer behaviour, including the annual Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index.
With travel continuing to rebound across Asia Pacific and worldwide, the global cruise market passenger numbers in 2023 exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time. There were an estimated 1 million Muslim cruise passengers in 2023, and the annual total could reach 2.8 million by 2027. Website: https://www.crescentrating.com
SINGAPORE, 20 February 2024: UN Tourism shares its top list of undiscovered rural gems, offering distinctive experiences at charming, lesser-known destinations.
Nestled within Austria’s snowcapped Niedere Tauern mountains lies Schladming. This picturesque village is the perfect place to beat the January blues with its harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature. Beckoning ski enthusiasts and culture lovers alike, the enchanting village boasts a blend of exhilarating alpine experiences alongside two captivating Romanesque and Gothic churches, an 18th-century town square and a vibrant cultural scene complete with local craft markets. To top it all off, the village is known for its stunning natural landscapes. From majestic mountain tops to serene lakes, every corner of this hidden gem reflects the villagers’ tender embrace of nature’s beauty, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a tranquil haven.
Perched dramatically on the eastern slope of the majestic Cordillera Blanca in the Callejón de Conchucos, Chacus village emerges as a captivating jewel within the Huascaran National Park. Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, this ecological oasis boasts 14 awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks and 38 pristine lakes. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, adventure beckons as the village unveils a rich historical tapestry with nearby pre-Inca archaeological remains of the Antash, Chagastunán, Huaraspampa, and Pirushtu. Chacus not only captivates with its natural beauty but also enchants with non-fatal bullfights and Andalusian-style architecture, featuring cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and sun-kissed terracotta roofs adorned with intricately carved balconies and gates.
For those seeking a tranquil escape, Sehwa beckons with pristine white sand beaches and emerald waters set against the striking backdrop of black basalt formations. Nestled within a vibrant and lively atmosphere teeming with local markets, this village is a leisure lover’s paradise. Situated on a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sehwaboasts exceptional natural resources, including the enchanting Darangswi Oreum, a parasitic volcano, and the untouched serenity of Sehwa Beach, creating a uniquely rejuvenating haven for all who venture here.
Nestled within the cradle of Matsushima Bay, Oku-Matsushima unveils an enchanting coastal sanctuary where time seems suspended, intertwining echoes of a 7,000-year-old history with the pulsating rhythms of modern sustainability. Celebrating a delicate balance between cultural heritage, nature, and contemporary pursuits, the village invites discerning visitors to immerse themselves in its rich historical tapestry. Bearing witness to the human narrative etched into the landscape of the Satohama Shell Mounds, one of eastern Japan’s largest and most evocative remnants of human activity, the site features remanent of past civilisations that echo a bygone era of harmonious coexistence with nature. Step into the past at the Satohama Jomon no Sato Historical Park, an outdoor museum that forges meaningful connections with the cultural heritage of this extraordinary village.
Tân Hoá is the ultimate destination for adventure-seeking nature lovers. The lush village oasis invited visitors to explore the village’s natural beauty with a wide array of high-octane activities, including cave trekking and a quad bike tour through the Lim Forest. The quaint village is surrounded by dense forests, limestone mountains, caves and the gentle Rao Nan River, exhibiting a simple and enduring beauty that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
The charming coastal town of Ericeira, situated along Portugal’s western coast, is a surfer’s paradise. It has been recognised as the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe for its quality of waves, the cultural importance of local surfing, environmental sensitivity, and strong community mobilisation. To grow its budding surf culture, the village hosts an array of international events, such as the Portuguese Surf Film Festival. In addition to its budding surf culture, the historic village, tracing its history back to the 12th century, prominently features picturesque houses painted in shades of blue and white that reflect its centuries-old fishing heritage, exuding a timeless charm with its decorative and architectural details.
Discover a world of extraordinary off-the-beaten-path destinations; click here to view UNWTO’s full list of the ‘2023 Best Tourism Villages’.
About UNWTO’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme Branded UN Tourism, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible for promoting responsible, sustainable, and universally accessible tourism. As part of this mission, the UNWTO launched the Tourism for Rural Development Programme to make tourism a driver of rural development and well-being. It is dedicated to leveraging the potential of tourism to drive sustainable development in rural areas worldwide.
SEPANG, Malaysia, 20 February 2024: Tourism Malaysia welcomed the inaugural direct flight of Batik Air from Batam Island to Kuala Lumpur on 17 February, strengthening airline links between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Dato Dr Ammar Abd. Ghapar and Batik Air and Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) representatives greeted passengers arriving on Flight OD357 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1.
Operating three times weekly with a Boeing 737 aircraft, the new route underscores Batik Air’s commitment to expanding its network growth in Southeast Asia while catering to the increased demand for intra-regional travel.
Dato Dr Ammar stated: “Given our geographical proximity, shared cultural heritage and strong connectivity, Indonesia holds a special place as a key source market for Malaysia. We are confident that this connection will further bolster tourist arrivals as we are gearing up for Visit Malaysia 2026 and contribute to the economic prosperity of both nations.”
“The launch of direct flights from Batam to Kuala Lumpur represents a strategic move for Batik Air as we continue to expand our presence in key markets,” said Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy adding that this new route will enable passengers from Batam to connect to Batik Air’s ever-growing flight network to 53 destinations across 22 countries through KLIA.
The ASEAN market has predominantly been the primary contributor to Malaysia’s tourism sector, with Indonesia ranking second in the top ten tourist-generating markets, contributing significantly to the 2.8 million arrivals between January and November 2023. Malaysia’s diverse offerings, including renowned medical tourism services and vibrant shopping destinations, continue to attract Indonesian travellers.
In 2024, Malaysia aims to welcome 27.3 million tourists, generating RM102.7 billion in revenue. The forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 has set an ambitious target of 35.6 million foreign tourist arrivals with a revenue target of MYR147.1 billion.
