KUALA LUMPUR, 10 January 2024: AirAsia offers 24% off fares across the airline’s network from its home base, Kuala Lumpur.
The fare deal applies on routes to cities in ASEAN, such as Langkawi, Kuala Terengganu, Krabi and Jakarta.
AirAsia X joins in with popular destinations ‒ Almaty, Taipei, Melbourne, Shanghai and New Delhi.
Bookings are open until 14 January 2024 for travel from 22 January to 30 November 2024. Visit airasia Superapp or www.airasia.com.
AirAsia group continues to grow its network this year. AirAsia Malaysia (AK) will offer a new route connecting Kuala Lumpur with India’s pink city, Jaipur. Known as the jewel of the Rajasthan state, Jaipur is world-renowned for its vintage forts dating back to the 16th century and the majestic Jal Mahal. Flights will start on 21 April 2024. Promotional fares to the city from MYR209* all-in-one way and from INR7,999* from Jaipur to Kuala Lumpur can be booked until 23 January 2024 for flights between 21 April 2024 and 19 March 2025.
AirAsia will also offer a special 24% off Flight Delay Insurance** if the flight is delayed for at least two hours from the originally scheduled departure time or any new departure time, powered by Tune Protect Malaysia.
*Promotional all-in fares quoted are for one-way travel, inclusive of taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges, and other relevant fees. Terms and conditions apply.
**Flight Delay Insurance must be included during the initial flight booking during the campaign period. Valid for flights with airline codes AK, D7, Z2 & QZ.
SINGAPORE, 10 January 2024: An Asia-wide travel attractions curator, Thrillophilia, says it is offering a full refund to its Indian customers if they wish to cancel their trips to Maldives.
In a statement posted on its website, the India-headquartered Thrillophilia acknowledges its customers may wish to cancel their upcoming Maldives trips due to the recent Maldives controversy that created a strong backlash of comments from Indians.
“In response to these requests, the organisation has taken a proactive approach to assure its customers by announcing a 100% refund for all Maldives tours booked for the upcoming months,” the management posted on its website statement.
Thrillophilia promotes and sells travel experiences and attractions across 15 Asian countries, including the Maldives. The latter is a popular destination for its Indian clientele. Overhaul Thrillophilia clocks around 2 million monthly visits to its booking website.
It was responding to recent news first reported by the news channel Associated Press that confirmed the Maldives had suspended three deputy ministers for disparaging India’s beaches in social media comments.
Apparently, the disgraced deputy ministers had responded to India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s online posts promoting beaches in a part of India similar to the tourism-dependent Maldives.
It prompted a row over which country has the superior sandy beaches after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an image of himself last week walking along a beach in the Lakshadweep archipelago, India’s smallest union territory made up of 36 islands off the Arabian Sea Coast of Kerala State.
Indians made up the largest number of tourists visiting the Maldives in 2023. Many Indian celebrities visit the Maldives on vacations and honeymoons, and some of them took to social media to condemn the comments of three deputy ministers.
“The government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the government of Maldives,” the Maldives Foreign Ministry said in a statement reported by AP.
BANGKOK, 9 January 2024: Bangkok-based ONYX Hospitality Group confirms its expansion in neighbouring Malaysia with three new properties due to open in 2024
The hospitality management company already manages four properties in Malaysia — Amari Johor Bahru, OZO Georgetown Penang, Amari SPICE Penang and Amari Kuala Lumpur.
The latest additions to the group’s portfolio are OZO Medini, Shama Medini and Shama Suasana Johor Bahru, all set to open this year. It will give the group seven properties in Malaysia, making Malaysia the first country, after Thailand, to have all three ONYX brands: Amari, OZO and Shama.
Upcoming Openings
The company’s three Amari-branded hotels and a single OZO hotel will be joined by an OZO property and the first two Shama-branded properties in Malaysia, an important step in ONYX Hospitality Group’s strategy to expand the hotel, resort, and serviced apartment business in Southeast Asia. The company is on track to operate over 50 properties by 2025, up from 44.
OGIMI, Japan, 9 January 2024: Japan’s “Yambaru Art Festival”, which exhibits artworks and crafts in multiple municipalities in the northern region of Okinawa Prefecture (commonly known as Yambaru), is scheduled to take place from 20 January to 25 February 2024.
This is the seventh time the festival will be held in Yambaru and hosted by the Yambaru Art Festival Executive Committee.
Photo credit Visit Okinawa Japan. Nakijin-jo Site (Nakijin Castle Ruins).
Rich in natural attractions, the northern region of Okinawa Prefecture was registered as a Natural World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in July 2021.
The area, also known as a spiritual spot and a village of longevity, has been attracting a lot of tourists from abroad in recent years as it is endowed with “primitive” charms – rare flora and fauna such as the Yambaru kuina (a species of water birds), and traditional performing arts and rituals that have been passed down to the present day.
The festival consists of the “Exhibition Division”, in which 30 groups of world-renowned artists from Japan and abroad will participate, and the “Craft Division” will focus on 20 groups exhibiting and selling Okinawa crafts. It’s all part of a programme to host art exhibitions and hands-on events adopting the concept of nature and art and the co-existence between nature and mankind.
Now in its 7th edition, the festival is gradually gaining the attention of international tourists from Asia, attracting notable artists and featuring diverse artworks, which should entice international art enthusiasts and collectors.
Okinawa, especially Yambaru, offers a distinct cultural and natural environment and international flights to Okinawa have increased, making travel from various countries more convenient.
Overall, the potential for the 7th Yambaru Art Exhibition to attract international visitors is promising as the organisers gear up their marketing to highlight the unique aspects of the exhibition and its location to boost international interest and participation.
Yambaru Art Festival highlights Host: Yambaru Art Festival Executive Committee Co-hosts: Ogimi Village, Okinawa International Movie Festival Executive Committee Period: 20 January (Saturday) to 25 February (Sunday), 2024 Venues: Various places in the northern region of Okinawa Prefecture’s main island. -Ogimi Village: Former village-run Shioya Elementary School, village-run Kijoka Nursery School, and Yanbaru Distillery Inc. -Kunigami Village: Okuma Private Beach & Resort, Hentona Shopping Street -Nago City: Oriental Hotel, Okinawa Resort & Spa, Kanucha Resort, Statue of Agu in front of Nago City Hall -Satellite venue: Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki (Onna Village), Hotel Anteroom Naha (Naha) Official website: https://yambaru-artfes.jp
(Your Stories: Yambaru Art Festival Executive Committee)
DUBAI UAE, 9 January 2024: As global interest peaks in Veganuary — an initiative highlighting the benefits of a vegan diet for the last decade — Emirates has noted a surge of 40% in customer demand for plant-based meals.
To meet growing demand in 2024, Emirates will introduce new vegan dishes onboard and in lounges later this year, adding even more dishes to its ‘vegan vault’ of more than 300 curated plant-based recipes.
Emirates vegan meals: Bitesize Breakdown
In 2023, Emirates has more than 300 vegan recipes in rotation across 140 destinations, up from 180 recipes in 2022.
In 2023, Emirates served more than 450,000 plant-based meals onboard, an increase from 280,000 plant-based meals served in 2022.
Vegan meal consumption has grown 40% year on year in line with passenger volumes, but in some regions, consumption has exceeded passenger volume growth – such as Africa with an additional 4% increase, Southeast Asia with an additional 5% increase, and the Middle East showing a significant additional increase of 34%.
The biggest increase in consumption of vegan meals occurred in Economy Class.
Significant increases were noted specifically on Emirates routes to China, Japan and Philippines.
Many Emirates Cabin Crew are also embracing a plant-based diet, as Emirates introduced vegan meals for Cabin Crew in 2018.
Emirates vegan cuisine in every class
In Economy class, Emirates customers can enjoy moreish dishes like chickpea crepe stuffed with carrot, peppers, mushroom and tomato concasse, experience a textured pumpkin frittata, tuck into a tofu tikka masala or enjoy a hearty chickpea kale stew with parsley pilaf rice and baby spinach. Scrumptious vegan desserts in economy class include a coconut mousse with mango compote, moist banana cake with chocolate crumble or luscious chocolate pudding with cocoa soil.
In Premium Economy class, customers choosing vegan cuisine will be served nutritiously delicious dishes like jackfruit curry with basmati rice or a rich squash chestnut stew followed by a light chocolate tofu cheesecake or a smooth and satisfying raspberry parfait with a pop of orange compote.
In Business class, a range of elegant and creatively curated dishes are offered, including roasted cauliflower with ancient grains, caramelised pear and lovage pesto or a warming ragout of Asian tofu and shitake mushroom with glass noodles. Customers who have room for dessert can feast on a tropical coconut pineapple cake or indulge in a chocolate cheesecake accented by a dark chocolate cigar and strawberry compote.
In First class, customers will be treated to exceptionally elevated vegan cuisine like creamy polenta cake with thyme mushroom ragout, sautéed spinach drizzled in a rich root vegetable jus. Dishes offering a burst of sophisticated flavours include aubergine curry with charred rice and turmeric potato, with a dash of coconut and mint chutney. Decadent desserts feature curated contrasts, including the tartness of rhubarb tempered with strawberry charlotte, Chantilly cream and raspberry tuille, or a tempting warm chocolate fondant dashed with salted caramel sauce and whipped cashew cream.
Later in the year, Emirates will launch a selection of new vegan main courses, new vegan snacks such as fruit muffins and vegan pizza, and an array of delectable desserts, including chocolate pecan cake, pistachio raspberry and raspberry tonka cake.
Vegan options are available to pre-order onboard and order directly in First Class, as well as in Emirates Lounges. Customers can request vegan meals on all Emirates flights and across all classes of travel up to 24 hours before departure.
The best vegan ingredients from around the world
Emirates continues to elevate cuisine in the sky, with high quality products sourced from every corner of the globe. Some of the products used are plant-based proteins from California’s Beyond Meat, soybean protein from Singapore and UAE-based Arlene, Qian Ye pressed tofu from Japan, organic dark vegan chocolate from Linnolat in France, vegan margarine from MeisterMarken in Germany, vegan curry paste from Pantai in Thailand, Koita almond milk from Italy, amongst many others. Emirates also incorporates fresh, locally grown kale and lettuce from Bustanica – the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farm, a joint venture investment through Emirates Flight Catering. The Bustanica produce is grown without pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals and First and Business Class passengers can enjoy farm-fresh leafy greens in some dishes, including lettuces, arugula, mixed salad greens, and spinach.
For more information on flights and bookings, visit www.emirates.com
HONG KONG, 9 January 2024: Electric boat races are heading for Hong Kong under the official Championship Standings “Race to Hong Kong”.
It’s the first-ever UIM E1 World Championship (E1), and its grand finale will be staged in Hong Kong for the first three seasons (2024 to 2026), supported by the Tourism Commission of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
Ms Vivian Sum, Commissioner for Tourism (left) and Dr Pang Yiu-kai, Chairman of HKTB (right), welcomed Mr Alejandro Agag, Chairman and co-founder of E1 (middle), for bringing the first-ever UIM E1 World Championship to Hong Kong. (CNW Group/Hong Kong Tourism Board).
The E1 Hong Kong Grand Prix — the Hong Kong leg of the UIM E1 World Championship — is an event funded under the 2023-24 Budget to attract mega events with strong visitor appeal and significant tourism promotional effect to take place in Hong Kong.
As the only East Asian city to host this pioneering championship in its inaugural season, Hong Kong will welcome up to 10 teams of pilots from 9 to 10 November 2024 after six international legs in Europe and the Middle East.
E1 Hong Kong Grand Prix is expected to attract thousands of spectators worldwide to attend in person and experience the ultimate electric boat race on the waters of the picturesque Victoria Harbour in front of the city’s iconic skyline.
Hong Kong SAR Government secretary for culture, sports and tourism Kevin Yeung welcomed E1 to Hong Kong: “We are most excited to see the debut of UIM E1 World Championship in 2024, and are proud that Hong Kong will host the grand finale of the first three seasons of the championship and will be the only East Asian host city of its inaugural season, highlighting Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-renowned events capital and one of the best destinations for tourists around the world.”
E1 chairman and co-founder Alejandro Agag noted: “Hong Kong is the perfect city to host the final race of the first three seasons of E1. We are confident that Hong Kong’s superb facilities and international connectivity will enhance the overall experience for both the racing teams and spectators, lay a solid foundation and build a legacy for E1 as a world-class sports event.”
The UIM E1 World Championship Season 1 will feature seven thrilling races around the world in 2024 in cities such as Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Venice (Italy), Puerto Banús (Spain), Geneva (Switzerland), Monaco, and Rotterdam (Netherlands), culminating in a spectacular final event in Hong Kong. The championship will see up to 10 teams and 20 male and female pilots racing on water in iconic cities and navigating tight and technical circuits behind the wheel of electric E1 race boats. E1’s teams are owned by some of the biggest names in their fields, from Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, Virat Kohli, Didier Drogba and Sergio Pérez in sports to Steve Aoki and Marc Anthony in the world of music and entertainment.
HANOI, 9 January 2023: Based on Google’s ongoing analysis of global travel demand trends, Vietnam’s tourism demand growth registered 75% in 2023, ranking the country in sixth place worldwide.
Vietnam’s Government Statistic Organisation’s data monitored a positive recovery of international tourist arrivals, reaching 12.6 million, nearly 3.5 times higher than in 2022 and exceeding the target set at the beginning of 2023 by 57%.
Based on growth demand data, (searches and trip researching) Vietnam ranks above other countries in the ASEAN region, such as Thailand (10), Indonesia (11), Malaysia (12), and the Philippines (14).
The top source market countries fueling the outstanding growth in demand for Vietnam’s tourism included the United States, Australia, Japan, India, Korea, Singapore, England, Germany, Malaysia and Thailand.
Destinations in Vietnam that generated high demand and interest included the two major gateway cities — Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Other strong performers on the demand scale included two famous sea tourism destinations, Danang and Phu Quoc Island, followed by Hoi An, Nha Trang, Dalat, Hue, Phan Thiet, and Dien Bien Phu.
Supporting the high score, Vietnam won prestigious international awards. In 2023, the World Travel Awards named Vietnam in 19 top award categories worldwide and 54 top award categories in Asia. In particular, Vietnam was honoured as “The World’s Leading Heritage Destination” for the 4th time and “Asia’s Leading Destination” for the 5th consecutive time. Additionally, many attractive destinations in Vietnam, such as Ha Long, Ha Noi, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh and Phu Quoc gained recommendations from influencers, media agencies and international travel websites.
Source: Google Destination Insights
Since 15 August 2023, Vietnam granted e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories, offering them a 90-day stay with multiple entities within the stay period.
Also, since 15 August 2023, citizens of 13 countries have enjoyed unilateral visa exemption from 15 days to 45 days, regardless of passport type and entry purpose. The international community welcomed this open policy and is considered an important driver in promoting the growth of international tourist visits.
It is forecast that in 2024, based on results achieved recently, Vietnam’s tourism industry will achieve its goal to welcome 17 to 18 million international visitor arrivals.
DELHI, India, 9 January 2024: SriLankan Airlines has added a newly leased Airbus A320 aircraft to the fleet, bumping up its total aircraft count to 22.
Leased for six years, the aircraft arrived from Malaysia, and after customisation and rebranding in Colombo, the inaugural flight to the Maldives took place on 29 December 2023.
The A320 aircraft is now deployed on the airline’s short to medium-haul routes covering the Indian subcontinent, Asia, and the Middle East. It has a cabin configuration of 12 business class seats and 138 economy Class seats. SriLankan Airlines has 12 narrow-bodied aircraft and 10 wide-bodied aircraft in its fleet.
2023 was a challenging year for SriLankan and the whole industry due to shortages of available aircraft and engines and supply chain issues extending maintenance times. This led to a reduction in flights. However, the latest aircraft deployment will boost fleet strength in the coming weeks.
During this month SriLankan adds an A330-200 wet-leased from Air Belgium. Fitted out with 22 business class and 240 economy class seats, it will serve routes from Colombo to Frankfurt, Dhaka and Dubai. A second aircraft from Air Belgium is due to join the fleet by the end of January.
SriLankan Airlines maintains direct operations between Colombo and 36 cities in 21 countries and is a member of the oneworld Alliance.
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 January 2024: AirAsia X (AAX) confirmed Monday that it has entered into a non-binding letter of acceptance with Capital A for the proposed acquisitions of its aviation businesses, namely AirAsia Berhad and AirAsia Aviation Group Limited.
The strategic move will position AAX as the overarching regional aviation provider for all short and medium-haul routes under the AirAsia brand name.
The acquisition should provide advantages, including a strengthened market position, increased operational efficiency, and ultimately driving cost savings and enhanced financial performance.
The decision to combine the airline businesses through these acquisitions leverages AAX’s robust recovery trajectory after its upliftment from the Practice Note 17 (PN17) status in November 2023.
AirAsia X Chairman, Dato’ Fam Lee Ee said: “These strategic acquisitions are pivotal milestones in AAX’s post-PN17 revival strategy, bolstering our financial stability and enhancing our market positioning. The consolidation under the AirAsia brand as a one-listed entity reflects our commitment to capitalise on our regained strength and market confidence to deliver a unified and unparalleled travel experience for our guests and significant value for our shareholders.
“Leveraging the strengths of all airlines under the AirAsia brand, we are poised to create a pure-play entity that propels us forward. The synergy created through these strategic acquisitions represents more than just a financial consolidation; it symbolises our role as a trailblazer in shaping the future of the aviation industry. The future holds immense potential, and we are excited to embark on this transformative journey.”
The detailed announcement on the Proposed Acquisitions, including their effects on various financial metrics, is expected to be announced in due course, subject to the definitive share sale and purchase agreement and its completion.
SINGAPORE, 9 January 2024: Tokyo edged out Bangkok to take the crown as Asia’s top five booked destinations to welcome the New Year, based on bookings made on the digital travel platform Agoda.
Tokyo, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, and Osaka led the field as the top five destinations gaining the most attention and New Year bookings.
Once again, Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, topped the list as the most popular destination to celebrate ‘Ōmisoka’ (New Year’s Eve), followed by Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital city known for its spectacular fireworks display along the Chao Phraya River. Despite the cancellation of the fireworks display at KLCC Park, Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, secured the third spot.
This year, Taipei, with its famous Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve Countdown, followed in fourth, ensured the entire top four was unchanged compared to last year’s festivities, according to Agoda’s bookings.
Osaka, known for its lively street parties and traditional bellringing ceremonies, rose from 8th to 5th and replaced Pattaya in Thailand, which dropped to the 7th spot.
Agoda chief executive officer Omri Morgenshtern shared the news: “This New Year’s Eve, Japan’s popularity for domestic and international travellers continued, with not just Tokyo featuring in the top five destinations but Osaka too. People’s desire to travel and learn about new cultures reflects the wide array of experiences people seek when celebrating the year’s end. From Tokyo’s traditional bellringing to Bangkok’s stunning riverside fireworks, each city offered unique ways to welcome the new year.”
Agoda’s platform connects travellers to 3.9 million hotels and holiday properties worldwide and offers flights and travel activities.
The ranking is based on check-ins between 29 and 31 December 2023 on the Agoda platform.
