SINGAPORE, 12 March 2025: CÉ LA VI Singapore is set to undergo an ambitious transformation of its restaurant and skybar from 17 March to June 2025.
The renovation aligns with Marina Bay Sands’ multi-year redevelopment and its enhanced focus on luxury hospitality and marks a significant milestone as the homegrown brand prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary.
Photo credit: Marina Bay Sands. CÉ LA VI in the sky.
Since 2010, CÉ LA VI has been a symbol of Singapore’s lifestyle scene. It features sky-gazing cocktails at dusk, dining experiences, live entertainment, and music against the stunning Marina Bay skyline.
The renovation project will completely transform the venue’s restaurant and bar spaces, while CÉ LA VI’s Club Lounge will continue to operate.
The renovation announcement comes as CÉ LA VI continues to expand its presence globally, with new venues on the horizon in key cities worldwide, including London (17,000 sq ft) and Miami (14,000 sq ft).
BALI, Indonesia, 12 March 2025: The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is urging the country’s travel and tourism industry to rise to the challenge and focus more on high-value tourism, such as spearheading mega marina projects that draw the global superyacht community to visit Indonesia.
Asia Pacific Superyachts noted in a press statement released last week that the Ministry of Tourism is supporting the development of marinas and boating infrastructure to capitalise on the growing yachting industry across Southeast Asia and Australia”.
Photo Credit: Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia.
One of the new marina projects is Indonesia’s first Full-Service Yacht Marina, which was recently given the go-ahead. Asia Pacific Superyachts noted that PT Marina Development Indonesia and Pelindo have signed a contract announcing the groundbreaking of the first international-standard full-service marina in Indonesia.
This milestone project represents a significant leap forward in the country’s maritime tourism and infrastructure. The marina will be able to accommodate 180 wet berths, including more than 50 superyachts up to 90 meters in length.
It will have a modern yacht service area equipped with a travel lift capable of handling up to 200 tons and a high-quality fueling station. The development is poised to deliver world-class facilities, further positioning Indonesia as a premier destination for maritime activities.
Reporting on new marina developments, Asia Pacific Superyachts Indonesia, Captain Thomas Taatjes enthused: “We are all looking forward to a promising future for yachting and marine tourism in Indonesia.”
Further to the importance of the new marina, Marina Development Indonesia President and Director Ulf Backlund said: “Indonesia deserves a first-class marina that reflects its status as the new yachting paradise of the world. Indonesia’s distinctive location, safely positioned outside hurricane and typhoon paths, combined with its 17,000 islands, spectacular diving locations, diverse languages, cultures, and favourable weather all year long, makes Indonesia the ideal location for such a development.”
“This marina will attract global yachting enthusiasts and open up the opportunity to explore Indonesia’s natural beauty in the world’s biggest archipelago, ” Backlund concluded.
DOHA, 12 March 2025: Qatar Airways is enhancing global connectivity with additional flights to key destinations worldwide during the peak summer season.
The expanded services will offer passengers improved connections, further strengthening the airline’s network of more than 170 destinations.
Photo credit: Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori said: “The new additions further reflect our commitment to fostering worldwide connectivity and elevating passengers’ travel experience with our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH). With the peak summer season approaching, we are pleased to fulfil the ever-increasing demand for air travel with accessible and convenient flight schedules.”
More Qatar Airways flights:
Amsterdam – increased from seven weekly flights to 11
Damascus – increased from three weekly flights to 14
Dar Es Salaam-Kilimanjaro – increased from three weekly flights to seven
Entebbe – increased from seven weekly flights to 11
Larnaca – increased from seven weekly flights to 10
London Heathrow – increased from 49 weekly flights to 56
Madrid – increased from 14 weekly flights to 17 (bringing the jointly operated flights between Qatar Airways and Iberia from 21 weekly flights to 24)
Maputo-Durban – increased from five weekly flights to seven
Sharjah – increased from 21 weekly flights to 35
Tokyo Narita – increased from 11 weekly flights to 14
HANOI, Vietnam, 12 March 2025: Vietnam’s National Statistics Office reports that nearly 1.9 million visitors arrived in Vietnam in February, raising the total visits to approximately 4 million for the first two months of 2025.
The two-month tally represents an increase of 30.2% compared to visits in January and February of 2024.
Top 10 source markets of Vietnam in the first two months of 2025 (thousands of arrivals)
Source: Compiled from the National Statistics Office
China remained the largest source market, with 956,000 arrivals in the first two months of 2025 (accounting for 27.7%). South Korea ranked second with 885,000 arrivals. These two markets contributed 46% of the total international arrivals to Vietnam. Taiwan (China) and the US ranked third and fourth, respectively.
Japan, Cambodia, Australia, Malaysia, India, and Russia were among the top 10 largest source markets.
China’s outbound market to Vietnam witnessed strong growth (+77,8%) while other markets increased steadily: South Korea (+4.9%), Taiwan (+10.1%), the US (+15.7%), and Japan (+37.3%).
Short-haul markets in Southeast Asia saw positive growth, including Malaysia (+12.5%), Cambodia (+79.6%), the Philippines (+99.8%), Indonesia (+18.5%), and Thailand (+93.2%).
Notably, European markets reported rapid growth, including the UK (+24.1%), France (+30.2%), Germany (+26.7%), Italy (+31.5%), Spain (+19.9%), Russia (+104.3%), Denmark (+20.9%), Sweden (+21.8%), Norway (+21.4%).
In addition, the markets of Poland and Switzerland also recorded high increases, 54.2% and 14.2%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2024.
Vietnam is waiving visas for tourists from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland for a temporary stay of up to 45 days from 1 March 2025 to 31 December 2025.
(Source: Vietnam’s Tourism Information Technology Centre)
KUCHING, 11 March 2025: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 countdown has officially begun. Music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travellers, get ready — early bird ticket sales are open until 31 March 2025.
This year’s festival, themed “Connections: One Earth, One Love,” will feature an electrifying lineup of 170 performers from 20 countries, including world-class headliners like The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, Otyken from Siberia, Russia, and At Adau. Don’t miss your chance to experience these global superstars and more at the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village from 20 to 22 June 2025
Early Bird Ticket Prices:
• Adult One-Day Pass: RM235 (early bird). Save RM48 against pre-sale (RM283) and RM98 against door sale (RM333)!
• Adult Three-Day Pass: RM635 (early bird). Save RM130 against pre-sale (RM765) and RM200 against door sale (RM835).
• Child One-Day Pass (Ages 3-12): RM80. Children under 3 enter for free.
How to Grab Your Tickets:
Don’t miss your chance to secure the year’s best prices during the Early Bird Access period from 8 to 31 March 2025. Head to the Rainforest World Music Festival website to book your spot before this exclusive offer ends.
Travelling to RWMF 2025 is now easier and more affordable! Thanks to our Official Airline Partners, Malaysia Airlines (MH) and Firefly (FY), festival-goers can enjoy up to 20% off flights to Kuching.
• Promo Period: 12 March – 22 June 2025 • Travel Period: 14 June – 29 June 2025
Malaysia Airlines (MH):
• Routes: Fly into Kuching (KCH) from Malaysia (MY), Indonesia (ID), Singapore (SG), Thailand (TH), Philippines (PH), Australia (AU), New Zealand (NZ), and the UK (UK).
• Promo Code: Use MHRWMF25 when booking.
Firefly (FY):
• Routes: SZB-KCH, BKI-KCH, KCH-MYY
• Promo Code: Use FYRWMF25 when booking.
With last year’s festival achieving a record-breaking 26,000 attendees, RWMF 2025 is expected to sell out fast— so don’t wait. Grab your early bird tickets now for an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and connection.
BANGKOK, 11 March 2025: BWH Hotels, the leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, is celebrating the opening of Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala, which marks the latest milestone of its rapid expansion strategy in Pakistan.
Located in the centre of Gujranwala, a thriving city of more than 2.5 million people in the Punjab province of Pakistan, this modern and stylish six-story property is surrounded by downtown landmarks, commercial attractions, and government offices. As the city’s first internationally branded midscale hotel, it is set to become a key addition to Gujranwala’s tourism and hospitality scene.
Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala is a vibrant oasis in the bustling heart of the metropolis, with facilities for business, leisure and events. The hotel’s 26 rooms and suites are well-equipped with all the modern amenities for comfort, including complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV channels, and power showers. Guests can unwind at the hotel’s swimming pool, gym, and sauna. The café is a relaxing place to grab light refreshments, while the onsite restaurant is a bright and inviting space to savour breakfast, lunch and dinner, including authentic local cuisine.
This new hotel will also become a popular venue for business and social events. The stunning events venue can comfortably accommodate up to 350 wedding guests, setting the stage for unforgettable celebrations.
Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala is easily accessible, just over one hour’s drive from Sialkot International Airport, which offers direct flights to and from major regional cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Kuwait City.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala, which will introduce an exciting new era of international hospitality to this significant city. With its prime downtown location, this contemporary hotel will attract discerning domestic and international visitors and local event planners seeking a stylish venue for their business meetings or weddings. Pakistan is a key strategic market for BWH Hotels, and we are striving to meet the needs of guests all across this dynamic country,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC Olivier Berrivin.
The opening of Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala reaffirms BWH Hotels’ position as one of the leading international hotel groups in Pakistan. The group has properties in Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi and is scheduled to open several more hotels in the near future.To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com and worldhotels.com
SINGAPORE, 11 March 2025: Emirates became the first Middle Eastern carrier to operate daily to Shenzhen from 1 July, extending its presence in four Chinese mainland gateways: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and the latest addition, Shenzhen.
The airline will also introduce four services to Danang on 2 June and three weekly flights to Siem Reap on 3 June. Both destinations are served by extending flights via Bangkok.
The addition of Shenzhen, Danang, and Siem Reap puts Emirates ahead of the curve with the largest and most diversified route network of any non-Asian airline in East Asia, offering 269 flights per week from Dubai to 24 points. This latest expansion also marks Emirates’ fourth gateway into the Chinese mainland, third destination in Vietnam, and second point in Cambodia.
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “We remain committed to offering business and leisure travellers unparalleled access to Southeast Asia and the broader East Asia region by delivering an extensive flight schedule. Our expansion into Shenzhen opens new doors for business and economic exchange between this technological powerhouse and global markets. As we prepare to launch operations, we extend our gratitude to the Chinese authorities and airport partners for their ongoing support. We are committed to ensuring this route’s success while fostering cultural bonds and unlocking future economic potential.”
Emirates expansion to Shenzhen
Emirates’ entry into Shenzhen makes it the first Middle Eastern carrier to operate a daily flight to the Chinese mainland’s technology and innovation hub. Emirates became the first airline to establish direct air connectivity between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland in 2002 with the start of services between Dubai and Shanghai. This marked the beginning of a successful two-decade partnership that has been underpinned by close bilateral ties between the UAE and China through operations in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Shenzhen’s flight times have been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points across Africa and the Middle East/GCC, including Kenya, Egypt, South Africa and Saudi Arabia; popular European business and financial centres in the UK, Italy and Spain; and from the airline’s key gateways in the United States and South America. EK328 will depart from Dubai at 1005, arriving in Shenzhen at 2200. The return flight EK329 departs Shenzhen at 2355, landing in Dubai at 0340 the next day.
Along with the launch of new flights, Shenzhen will become the first destination in China to be served with the airline’s retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, allowing customers to experience its latest Business Class seats and highly acclaimed Premium Economy product. The four-class Boeing 777-300ER offers travellers eight first-class private suites, 40 lie-flat seats in business class, 24 premium economy seats and 260 seats in economy class.
Broadening network footprint in Vietnam and Cambodia
Emirates’ four weekly services to Danang via Bangkok make it the airline’s third gateway into Vietnam, after Hanoi and Ho Chih Minh City. Flights to Danang will operate with the Emirates Boeing 777 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The flight schedule for the new linked service will provide travellers with connections and streamlined access to major European cities, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Manchester, Milan, and Rome, as well as major US cities.
Emirates flight EK370 will depart from Dubai at 0900 and arrive in Bangkok at 1825. The flight will then depart from Bangkok at 2010 and arrive in Danang at 2150. The return flight EK371 will depart from Danang at 2330 and arrive in Bangkok at 0110 the next day. The flight will then take off at 0340, arriving in Dubai at 0650. All times are local.
The airline’s three weekly services to Siem Reap will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.** Emirates flight EK370 will depart from Dubai at 0900 and arrive in Bangkok at 1825. The flight will then depart from Bangkok at 2010 and arrive in Siem Reap at 2130. The return flight EK371 will depart from Siem Reap at 2350 and arrive in Bangkok at 0110 the next day. The flight will take off at 0340, arriving in Dubai at 0650. All times are local. Emirates’ service to Siem Reap is optimally timed to offer leisure travellers connectivity via multiple daily operations from France, UK, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Russia.
Both services will operate with Emirates’ two-class Boeing 777-300ER, which offers 35 lie-flat business class and 386 economy class seats.
Emirates customers wanting to combine multi-city journeys through Bangkok, which has five flights daily, can conveniently connect to Danang or Siem Reap. While waiting to connect through Bangkok, Emirates’ premium customers can relax in the airline’s newly expanded lounge for an elevated, upscale ground experience.
For flight information and to make bookings, visit www.emirates.com.
BANGKOK, 11 March 2025: EXO Travel Vietnam has been honoured with the 2025 Highest Annual Growth: On-Site Partner Award at the Perth Virtuoso Australia & New Zealand Forum.
In a blog to its partners worldwide, the Asia-wide destination management company said the recognition highlighted the group’s dedication to luxury travel excellence and the ongoing support for Virtuoso travel advisors.
“We are delighted to share that EXO Travel Vietnam has been awarded the 2025 Highest Annual Growth: On-Site Partner at the Virtuoso Australia & New Zealand Forum, held last month at The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, Australia.
The Virtuoso Forum is a key gathering for agency owners, managers and preferred partners, offering a platform for professional development, knowledge sharing and networking. This year’s event held in Perth focused on strategies to elevate luxury travel sales, with discussions on market trends, client engagement and innovative travel solutions.
EXO Travel noted that the travel industry’s post-pandemic rebound has been remarkable. Virtuoso’s global sales exceeded 239% of 2019 figures, well above the leisure travel industry’s average growth of 125%.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to deepening our collaboration with Virtuoso travel advisors. Our goal remains the same — to craft unparalleled experiences that captivate discerning travellers and redefine luxury travel in the region.”
SINGAPORE, 11 March 2025: Turkish Airlines will commence flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, on 10 December 2025 with a transit stop in Bangkok.
Cambodia will become the seventh country served by a flag carrier in Southeast Asia, and Phnom Penh, the capital, will become the 11th city in the region.
The Phnom Penh flights will expand the global airline’s Asian network to 20 cities and 21 airports. The Turkish flag carrier will operate flights to Phnom Penh via Bangkok three times a week, departing from Istanbul to Phnom Penh on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, while flights from Phnom Penh to Istanbul will operate on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Regarding the new route, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Ahmet Bolat said: “Our flights to Cambodia will create new opportunities for both tourism and business. As the only European carrier flying to this destination, we will further solidify our regional leadership.”
Guests can book tickets until midnight on 31 July for travel until 30 June 2026. Fares start from USD659 for flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh and USD649 for flights from Phnom Penh to Istanbul. These prices are available on Turkish Airlines’ official website and may vary at ticket sales offices and travel agencies.
SINGAPORE, 11 March 2025: Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) (SGX: H15.SI), a property owner and hotel management company with an extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts worldwide, is set to expand further with the proposed acquisition of InterContinental Auckland for a total consideration of NZD180 million (SGD138.5 million).
This will be the company’s first asset in New Zealand and its second InterContinental property after InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort.
Photo credit: HPL. InterContinental Auckland.
Following HPL’s recent launches in 2024 — The Boathouse Tioman in Malaysia and The Four Seasons Hotel Osaka in Japan — this acquisition continues the company’s strategy to expand its luxury hospitality portfolio across key markets in the Asia Pacific region.
HPL Hotels and Resorts Chairman Stephen Lau commented: “The proposed acquisition of InterContinental Auckland is a rare opportunity to acquire our first premium asset in New Zealand. Seamlessly connected to the vibrant Commercial Bay lifestyle precinct and offering sweeping views of the Waitematā Harbour, the hotel reflects our mantra of delivering exceptional experiences and memorable stays for our guests. With ample headroom to expand to 196 rooms by repurposing the current office space if needed, we are also strategically positioned to meet future demand.”
The iconic waterfront 139-key InterContinental Auckland sits on a prime freehold site overlooking the picturesque Auckland Harbour in the heart of the vibrant Central Business District (CBD). The hotel offers a restaurant, gym, exclusive Club InterContinental, and two and a half floors of fully tenanted office space from levels 3 to 5.
A short commute from key shopping nodes and the city’s transport hubs, InterContinental Auckland, is connected to the Commercial Bay precinct — a hub for the city’s latest upscale office, retail, social and dining options.
