SINGAPORE, 16 February 2024: Pandaw, a river cruise specialist in Southeast Asia and India, is promoting a mega cruise combination that features four countries on a single river: The Full Mekong Combo Cruise.
Pandaw is offering an in-depth exploration of the Mekong River from South to North for the first time. This unique cruise combines two 10-night Mekong expeditions through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in this special four-country expedition.
Sailing all of the navigable stretches of this mighty river provides amazing insights into how one river can support a vast and diverse group of peoples and cultures, all from the comfort of locally crafted Pandaw vessels. This combo cruise includes a flight from Saigon to Vientiane and one-night accommodation in Vientiane between cruises within the ticket price.
Sales for the 21-night expedition sailing along all the navigable stretches of the mighty Mekong River are open for bookings. The mega expedition trip is a grand tour of the formerly Indochina countries of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, plus Thailand, an important destination to end the cruise.
The four-country combo cruise is made possible thanks to Pandaw ultra-shallow draft vessels. Cruises sail upstream and downstream on the various stretches of the Mekong River, offering guests an opportunity to explore Indochina’s rich culture, history and nature in one all-encompassing river adventure.
The cost includes flights and accommodation between the various cruise sectors. Sailings are scheduled for October 2024, when river levels are the highest at the close of the annual monsoon season. This is a one-off special departure. Bookings are now open.
KUCHING, 16 February 2024: Sarawak is well-known for its cultural diversity, being home to at least 34 different ethnic groups, including the Ibans, Chinese, Malays, Bidayuhs, Melanaus, Orang Ulus, Penans and Kayans, just to name a few.
Ibans
The Ibans constitute close to 30% of Sarawak’s population, making them the largest indigenous ethnic group in the state. They are known for their traditional longhouses, which hold great cultural significance in their architecture.
They celebrate Gawai Dayak, a festival of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest, where traditional dances like the Ngajat are performed, and a traditional rice wine drink named ‘tuak’ is served. Sarawakian Ibans are also well known for their artistry and traditional clothing.
Malay
The Malay population constitutes approximately 25% of Sarawak’s overall population. Most Sarawakian Malays are indigenous, some descending from native Borneo tribes and others migrating from neighbouring regions like Brunei and Kalimantan. Malays were traditionally fishermen and lived around coastal areas, but over time advanced economically and are now city-dwellers.
Chinese
The Chinese comprise Sarawak’s third-largest ethnicity. The Malayan Chinese first came to Sarawak during the Brooke era to find employment opportunities in gold mines. Most have maintained their Chinese heritage, following traditions and superstitions during major celebrations like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival. A highlight of Chinese celebrations is the lion and dragon dances, accompanied by distinctive rhythmic drums.
Bidayuhs
The Bidayuhs mainly reside in Lundu, Bau, Penrissen, Padawan, Siburan and Serian. They have architectural wonders that are unique to their culture. An example of this is the baruk roundhouse for community gatherings and functions. It is also here where celebrations for the harvest seasons are held. Traditional dances like the Rejang Beuh or Eagle Dance are performed in the longhouse.
Melanaus
The Melanaus are among the earliest settlers of Sarawak. Their language is categorised under the North Bornean branch of Malayo-Polynesian languages. Over time, they have taken influence from Malay culture in terms of traditional clothing, religion, and lifestyle.
Orang Ulu
Orang Ulu refers to the many diverse tribal groups who live mostly in Sarawak’s upriver and uphill areas. Orang Ulus are renowned for their artistic eye, as seen by the elaborately decorated mural designs and wood carvings on their longhouses’ walls. This is also seen in their beadwork, detailed body tattoos, and rattan weaving. To celebrate the Orang Ulu’s hunting culture, the Kanjet Ngeleput was created and performed by a male dancer in full warrior attire.
Penan
The Penan people are a smaller ethnic group under the Orang Ulus who reside mainly in the Miri district, far east of Sarawak. Even now, they remain nomad travellers in Sarawak’s dense jungles and live off produce from their hunting adventures. The Penans adorn themselves with accessories, jewellery on their heads, and a bracelet made from black-coloured rattan. Their traditional dance, Sayau Titot, is performed during social or cultural events. They are also excellent and skilled weavers, looming together basketweaves, mats, rattan bags and accessories to complement their traditional outfits.
Kayan
Another smaller sub-ethnic group of the Orang Ulu’s is the Kayan group. Like their neighbours, the Kenyah tribe, they are grouped with the Bahau people under the Apo Kayan people group. The Kayans are renowned for their beadwork and craftsmanship, producing wood carvings from belian wood. They are also revered for their boat-making knowledge. Kayan women, in particular, have a distinctive feature that has drawn attention to this tribe. Their long, slender necks adorned with brass rings have given the Kayans the moniker ‘long-neck people’. This generations-old tradition stems from their belief that long necks are considered beautiful.
This unique blend of different ethnicities is one of Sarawak’s most important traits, where people of varying ethnicities can live harmoniously together. It is important to preserve these cultures and heritage to foster self-identity and social tolerance, essential to maintaining an inclusive society.
For the full version of this feature, check the Saraway Hornbill Trail Newsletter.
SINGAPORE, 16 February 2024: Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) marked its first post-pandemic participation in India last week at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2024.
Hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from 8 to 10 February 2024, Bahrain’s delegations actively engaged with the Indian market, focusing on developing the MICE, wedding and leisure segments.
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) head of tourism marketing Sally Sedky said: “Participating in OTM 2024 enabled us to showcase Bahrain’s vibrant tourism offerings to the Indian market. Our interactions with industry professionals and media during the event have been essential in strengthening ties and elevating Bahrain’s position as a top choice for Indian travellers.”
BTEA represents 11 partners comprising Gulf Air; Exhibition World Bahrain; Gulf Hotel Bahrain; K Hotel Bahrain; Lagoona Beach Luxury Resorts and Spa; Westin, Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain; and prominent Destination Management Companies (DMCs) such as Caravan Travel and Tours, Vacanza Bahrain, Farhat Tours, Bahrain International Travel, and Best of Bahrain.
SINGAPORE, 16 February 2024: Princess Cruises has taken delivery of Sun Princess, an entirely new ship platform designed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri exclusively for the Princess brand.
However, for now, the ship remains alongside the shipyard to allow for additional technical work, forcing the cruise line to cancel the 18 February voyage. Sun Princess will now make its maiden voyage from Rome on 28 February.
Guests booked on the 18 February voyage will receive a full refund of the cruise fare, any additional onboard services that were pre-purchased, and a 50% future cruise credit (FCC) that can be used on a future Princess voyage*.
The cruise brand is also offering financial reimbursement for select travel costs for guests who have already arrived ahead of their sailing and for guests who have not yet started their travel, specific changes in fees related to flights. Princess is also protecting travel agent commissions.
The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer an array of new entertainment and activities, as well as staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories.
*FCC must be booked by 30 November 2024 and sailed by 31 December 31, 2025.
BANGKOK, 16 February 2024: The PATA Annual Summit 2024 will be hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office and co-hosted by SJM Resorts at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macao from 15 to 17 May.
The event should draw around 1,000 travel and tourism professionals who drive tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.
The four-day programme comprises plenary and breakout sessions, the PATA Executive Board and the PATA Board meetings winding up with the Annual General Meeting.
The annual summit provides a platform for PATA’s public and private sector members and partners to network and discuss issues that impact global tourism and also the business agenda of boosting tourism in the Asia Pacific. It also looks to the future, giving PATA Chapters and PATA Youth worldwide a voice at the summit to encourage discussions and take on global challenges by seeking solutions that will encourage sustainable growth, value, and quality tourism.
Macao, a strong supporter and longtime PATA member, will showcase its cosmopolitan style balanced with a rich cultural heritage. Its historic district, known as “The Historic Centre of Macao,” is home to over 20 monuments and urban squares and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. This district is a testament to the unique integration of Eastern and Western cultures over centuries, offering visitors the chance to explore magnificent heritages and their fascinating stories.
The summit’s offsite workshops
Macao’s intangible cultural heritage encompasses diverse practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations. PAS 2024’s Offsite Educational Experience will reflect the city’s rich traditions with workshops on Macanese craftsmanship and traditional dessert baking.
SINGAPORE, 16 February 2024: Air Arabia, a low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced this week’s record financial results for the year ending 31 December 2023.
At the same time, the airline will increase flights from four weekly to daily on the route Sharjah-Phuket effective 20 February, according to flight schedules on booking websites. In June, flights go double daily between Sharjah and Bangkok.
The daily flights between Sharjah in the UAE and Phuket, Thailand, will operate throughout the summer timetable from 31 March to 26 October 2024.
Reporting on its financial performance ending 31 December 2023, the airline has achieved double-digit profitability and passenger numbers growth, declaring a record net profit of AED1.5 billion for the full year, representing a 27% increase compared to the AED1.2 billion recorded in 2022. The airline’s turnover for the same period reached AED 6 billion, reflecting a 14% increase compared to the AED5.2 billion registered in 2022.
In 2023, Air Arabia demonstrated its commitment to robust growth by expanding operations across its seven operational hubs and introducing 26 new routes within its global network. This strategic expansion increased operational capacity, which was further complemented by an impressive 31% surge in the number of passengers carried across the group, reaching 16.7 million passengers.
More flights to Thailand
Air Arabia expanded its services to Southeast Asia, starting with Bangkok and Phuket late last year.
On the route to Phuket, the airline flies an Airbus A321neo serving the route daily, effective 20 February, up from the present four weekly flights.
Flight G9687 departs Sharjah at 2235 and arrives in Phuket at 0815 plus one day. The return flight G9688 departs Phuket at 0845 and arrives in Sharjah at 1255
On the Sharjah-Bangkok (SWB) route, the airline schedules an increase from 11 to 14 flights weekly (double daily) starting on 11 June and through to 8 September, according to schedules on booking websites.
From Sharjah: G9823 departs Sharjah at 0200 and arrives in Bangkok at 1125. G9821 departs Sharjah at 2225 and arrives in Bangkok at 0750 plus one day.
From Bangkok: G9822 departs Bangkok at 0900 and arrives in Sharjah at 1225. G9824 departs Bangkok at 1215 and arrives in Sharjah at 1540.
GEORGE TOWN, Penang Malaysia, 15 February 2024: Marriott Hotels debuts its first hotel on Penang Island’s famous Gurney Drive that hugs the coast in the heart of George Town. Penang Marriott Hotel’s downtown seafront location presents visitors with breathtaking sea and city views in addition to its central location in George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage district.
“As one of Malaysia’s most lively leisure destinations and a hub for business travellers, Penang is an ideal destination to welcome a Marriott Hotel,” said Marriott International area vice president – Indonesia and Malaysia, Ramesh Jackson.
The 223-room property prioritises a healthy lifestyle with a fully-equipped 24-hour fitness centre, a steam room and an outdoor infinity swimming pool with a sun deck providing breathtaking views of the Gurney seafront.
Penang Marriott Hotel also features an M Club premium lounge for members of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty programme. At the same time, families have access to the Kids Club, providing supervised, age-appropriate activities for younger guests.
Other features include an all-day dining restaurant, a lounge bar, multi-entertainment spaces, a grand ballroom for meetings and parties, and five flexible function rooms.
The hotel group named Subash Basrur, the complex general manager for three properties: Penang Marriott Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments Penang and Marriott Residences Penang.
BANGKOK, 15 February 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts will add five properties to its diverse portfolio, strengthening its footprint in Thailand and Vietnam and setting the stage for domestic and overseas strategic growth initiatives.
“Centara Hotels & Resorts is off to a dynamic start in 2024, unveiling several new properties that exemplify our commitment to strategic growth and delivering exceptional experiences. As we expand our footprint in Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond, we are excited about the future and the expansive opportunities for brands,” stated COO of Centara Hotels & Resorts COO Michael Henssler.
Centara has signed a hotel management agreement (HMA) with Phi Phi Paradise Company Limited for its Villa 360 property. Set to reopen as Centara Villas Phi Phi Island in October 2024, this stunning resort offers 40 villas ranging from 56 to 133.5 square metres, an all-day dining restaurant, a sunset sky bar, an outdoor swimming pool, and pool bar, spa, fitness centre, and a convenient onsite mini shop.
At the end of 2023, Centara also signed a HMA with Kornsiri Hospitality Management Limited Partnership for Tiva Ao Makham Resort Phuket, a greenfield project set to redefine health-focused travel with exceptional facilities including yoga, cycling, and a Pilates reformer studio, as well as a sauna, steam room, and onsen available to all guests. Offering 68 rooms along Phuket’s southeastern coast, this will be Centara’s 11th hotel in Phuket and the newest edition to its Boutique Collection.
Centara Life Vung Tau will be located along the southern coast of Vung Tau City.
Centara will open two properties in Vietnam during Q1 of 2027 in Vung Tau City, a popular destination on Vietnam’s southern coast. The 261-room Centara Life Vung Tau promises exceptional flexible stays full of daily delights, elevating the essentials across an all-day dining restaurant, modern meeting rooms, swimming pools, a pool bar, a fully equipped fitness centre, a spa, and a kids club. Also, in Vung Tau City, Centara Residence Dio Dua will offer 536 rooms, a warm reception, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and a dedicated kids’ club.
Adding to the allure of Van Don, a premier tourist destination in northern Vietnam, Crystal Holidays Harbor Van Don will open a second tower in Q2 of 2025 as part of its plan to develop five hotel and resort apartment buildings within its five-star international standard resort and entertainment complex, Complementing the existing Centara-branded Tower A, which boasts a dedicated purpose-built convention centre, Tower B comprises 496 rooms along with a variety of dining options, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and inviting swimming pools.
The perspective of the new Centara in Van Don.
These new additions mark a promising start to the year and exemplify Centara Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to providing unique experiences characterised by world-class hospitality, exceptional service, and the warmth of Thai family values in stunning destinations worldwide.
“We are proud to welcome these exceptional properties onto our portfolio as we embark on this exciting phase of expansion. These new signings represent significant milestones for Centara Hotels & Resorts, setting the stage to pursue unique opportunities and partnerships further worldwide while fuelling our momentum to shape the future of hospitality,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts senior vice president of business development Andrew Langston.
DUBAI UAE, 15 February 2024: Emirates and Moët Hennessy ring in the Lunar New Year with an exclusive, money-can’t-buy-experience for Skywards members.
Elite members can bid Miles with Skywards Exclusives for a chance to win a trip to France with LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) to discover the idyllic vineyards in Champagne and charming streets of Paris.
Starting from 250,000 Skywards Miles, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity includes a two-day trip to Champagne and a two-day trip to Paris. The offer applies to all Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members and is valid for travel from 25 April until 29 April 2024*.
City of lights and culinary delights From 27 to 29 April, members can look forward to:
A two-night stay for two guests at Le Meurice Hotel, including all meals.
A fine dining experience with Moët & Chandon
Exclusive tour of the Dior Museum.
A Michelin-starred dinner with Dom Pérignon.
A visit to the Iris Van Herpen exhibition at Musée des Arts Décoratifs and Le Louvre.
A scenic cruise on the Seine River to end the holiday in style.
Enjoy the world’s best Champagne Emirates passengers have enjoyed Moët Hennessy Champagnes onboard for more than 30 years. Thanks to the airline’s long-standing partnership with the world’s leading Champagne producer, customers can enjoy exclusive and exceptional experiences explicitly tailored for Skywards members.
Emirates is currently the only commercial airline in the world to serve Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot onboard in Business Class and Dom Pérignon in First Class. Customers travelling to and through Dubai can also enjoy a unique Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge at the Emirates Business Class Lounge in Concourse B, paired with delicious canapes prepared by Michelin-starred chefs.
Since 2006, Emirates has invested more than USD 1 billion into its wine programme. The airline is also the number 1 global partner of Dom Pérignon, and currently offers more than 36 varieties of French wines and Champagnes onboard its aircraft.
Feel the thrill with Skywards Exclusives Emirates Skywards is renowned for offering more than 30 million members bespoke and personalised rewards in the air and on the ground. Skywards Exclusives is a unique airline loyalty programme initiative that provides members access to exclusive experiences from Emirates’ sponsorship portfolio.
Last year, the loyalty programme partnered with Dilmah Tea to offer members tea-inspired experiences and a chance to visit the lush tea plantations in Sri Lanka.
Members can also bid or redeem Miles and “feel the thrill” at some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events across football, golf, tennis and cricket. For more information, visit exclusives.skywards.com.
*Terms and conditions apply *Offer is valid for all Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members (worldwide) *Transportation to/from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and to/from all activities listed in the itinerary is included. *Offer excludes Emirates flight tickets to/from France.
SINGAPORE, 15 February 2024: Radisson Hotel Group will debut in Cambodia following the signing of an agreement with Prince Real Estate Group to operate two new properties in the country’s fast-growing city, Phnom Penh.
Scheduled to open by Q1 2026, the dual-branded project will see the launch of a Radisson RED Phnom Penh and the upscale Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, located in the Cambodian capital’s downtown district.
The hotels and branded residences are part of the Prince Happiness Plaza, a condo project with a mixed-use development comprising high-end retail, dining and commercial elements.
Cambodia, one of Southeast Asia’s rising stars, has been identified as a key market for the Radisson Hotel Group’s regional expansion. The country welcomed 5.4 million international visitors in 2023, which marked a significant 140% jump from the previous year, and it is expected to reach seven million arrivals by 2025¹. As the country’s largest city and a key financial hub, Phnom Penh is driving Cambodia’s economic boom, with GDP growth expected to accelerate to 6.0% in 2024².
Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Phnom Penh and Radisson RED Hotel Phnom Penh will command a prime position close to downtown BKK1*, the premium residential, business and embassy district, which is just a short drive from Phnom Penh’s new Techo Takhmao International Airport is scheduled to open in 2025
Developed by Prince Real Estate Group, the two properties are situated atop the Prince Happiness Plaza, an integrated development offering direct access to upmarket retail outlets, multiple dining options and grade-A offices.
The 250-key upscale Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Phnom Penh will cater to corporate travellers on extended stays with 160 rooms and serviced apartments and 90 branded residences ranging from 40sqm to 210sqm.
The design-led Radisson RED Hotel Phnom Penh will attract business and leisure guests with 200 rooms. The two properties will also share an all-day restaurant, lobby lounge, spa, pool and gym.
*What is BKK1? Officially, it’s the ‘Sangkat Boeng Keng Kang Ti Muoy’ district (Boeung Keng Kang 1). It gained its nickname from the foreign enclave that put down roots there during the 1980s. Located at the north end of Sihanouk Blvd and southeast of Independence Monument, it borders Norodom Blvd, Mao Tse Tung Blvd, and Monivong Blvd.
