SINGAPORE, 21 December, 2023: Diamond Princess kicked off her Singapore sailing season last week after arriving from Japan.
Diamond Princess’ Singapore season features 10 to 14-day cruises in the region throughout December 2023 and up to early March 2024.
For December 2023, Diamond Princess sails two 10-day cruises that visit Koh Samui & Laem Chabang (Bangkok) in Thailand and Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City) and Danang in Vietnam.
Fourteen-day Malaysia, Thailand & Vietnam cruises will be highlighted in January and February 2024. These cruises will take guests along the Straits of Melaka, visiting Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand. After which, the ship will sail the South China Sea, visiting Koh Samui, Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang in Vietnam.
Diamond Princess will then end her Singapore season with a 13-day repositioning cruise from Singapore to Yokohama on 5 March 2024. The ship will arrive on 18 March 2024, in time for Japan’s cherry blossom season and the start of her Japan sailing season.
Princess ships visiting Singapore
Coral Princess will sail a 33-day Southeast Asia, Hawaii and Pacific Crossing cruise from Singapore to Los Angeles in October 2024, visiting destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Hawaii before arriving in Los Angeles. This segment also offers a 12-night sailing from Singapore to Fremantle (Perth, Australia).
Island Princess‘ World Cruise will visit Singapore from Australia on 29 February 2024, after which the ship will sail on to Dubai. Guests can choose to sail on the 11-day cruise from Singapore to Dubai. Island Princess will return to Singapore again for its 2025 World Cruise.
One of the newest Princess ships, Discovery Princess, will make her maiden call to Singapore in October 2025 while on her way to Australia for her deployment in the Pacific.
SINGAPORE, 21 December 2023: Artificial intelligence (AI) is unlikely to be the next big trend in the retail and e-commerce sector after new analysis found it ranks bottom in the proportion of job vacancies requiring AI skills.
Only 0.09% out of 91,313 vacancies in the retail and e-commerce industry require an AI-related skill, which contrasts with its cousin, the fashion industry, where 4.44% of vacancies require AI. Tailing retail is the transport and logistics industry, where only 0.11% of vacancies need AI.
Tank, a digital PR agency, analysed 18 key industries to uncover the bottom five industries that don’t seem to be embracing the technology within their workforce, ranking them based on the number of vacancies that require an element of AI.
It comes after world leaders met in the UK to discuss how AI can be developed and used safely. During the summit, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said that new tools should be used as a ‘co-pilot’ to help people in their jobs instead of replacing them.
The bottom five industries requiring an AI-related skill:
The data shows that most job applicants aren’t expected to be skilful in AI when applying for roles in retail and e-commerce. However, in a competitive and trend-led industry, data-driven insights could help retailers improve forecasting, protect margins and transform the customer experience.
On the flip side, 4.44% of the 9,949 vacancies in the fashion industry require job applicants to have an AI-related skill – the highest of all verticals featured in the research. The electronic industry is hot on the heels of fashion, with 2.79% of vacancies needing AI.
The top five industries requiring an AI-related skill:
In the fashion industry, a fast-paced and competitive environment, AI can help to improve efficiency, identify trends and align supply with demand to reduce waste. Electronics ranked second place – an industry where AI could help design and develop new products and automate manufacturing processes.
Tank digital PR agency head of digital Martin Harris said: “There’s no doubt that AI is transforming the employment landscape – and I’d argue this is a good thing. It removes labour-intensive drudge work and gives people more rewarding opportunities to drive business success. Like numeracy and literacy, we will likely see data and AI literacy becoming a requirement in many technical and non-technical roles.
“Emotional intelligence is, and always will be, a human trait. It cannot be replicated authentically by a machine, but it can improve the strengths of that trait by backing it up with evidence. This year, in particular, it feels like AI has come of age and because the technology is so powerful, human judgement and oversight are more important than ever.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 December 2023: Malaysia Tourism Foundation, recognised as a pivotal player in uniting and strengthening the country’s tourism industry, has introduced its first president and board members.
Veteran tourism leader Datuk Tan Kok Liang is leading the federation as its first president, nominated by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).
Datuk Tan Kok Liang, MTF’s first president.
Joining him are representatives from various associations, including the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA), Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA), Persatuan Syarikat Pengendalian Pelancongan Bumiputera (BUMITRA), Malaysian Association Of Theme Park And Family Attractions (MATFA), Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA), Malaysia Cruise Industry Association (MCIA), Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA), Association of Malaysian Spas (AMSPA) & Malaysian Indian Tour & Travel Association (MITTA).
The federation has adopted an inclusive policy and will invite other tourism organisations to join in the coming months.
The Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) fulfils a crucial role in the tourism industry by providing a platform for all member associations to unite and speak with a single voice. This unified representation ensures greater impact and effectiveness when addressing government bodies, policymakers, and other stakeholders. By pooling resources and expertise, the federation can tackle common challenges and issues facing the tourism industry, ultimately developing comprehensive solutions.
Established on 10 July 2023, the Malaysian Tourism Federation aims to unite individual independent national tourism associations under one umbrella, providing a unified voice and representation for the entire industry. The initiative dates back to February 2020, when the proposal to establish a federation to represent tourism stakeholders gained the blessing of the former Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture of Malaysia, YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Binti Shukri.
Roles and responsibilities of the MTF
Realignment and Unified Representation: The federation consolidates the tourism industry’s voice and representation, ensuring that individual associations’ diverse interests and priorities are balanced for the greater benefit of the entire tourism industry.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: By leveraging the combined resources and expertise of its member associations, the federation can address common challenges and find innovative solutions to maximise the growth and development of the tourism industry.
Policy Advocacy: The federation to advocate for policies that contribute to the overall development of the tourism industry. This includes lobbying for favourable regulations, incentives, and infrastructure development that enhance the tourism environment and attract more visitors.
Sharing Best Practices: The federation serves as a platform for member associations to exchange knowledge and best practices. This collaborative approach leads to improved operations and the industry’s overall growth.
Marketing and Promotion: The federation will coordinate collective marketing and promotional campaigns to attract domestic and international tourists and enhance the destination’s image. By pooling resources, marketing efforts become more impactful and effective.
Crisis Management: During times of crisis, such as natural disasters or health emergencies, the federation will coordinate efforts to manage the impact on tourism and work towards a collective recovery strategy.
Research and Data Sharing: The federation collects and disseminates industry data, fosters research collaborations, and provides valuable insights to inform decision-making processes.
Stakeholder Engagement: The federation collaborates with local communities, environmental organisations, and other industries to ensure sustainable tourism development that benefits all parties involved.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 21 December 2023: Tourism Malaysia promotes homestay, education and golf tourism to open up niche market travel between Vietnam and Malaysia.
Collaborating with the Malaysia Homestay Association and Education Malaysia Ho Chi Minh City, Tourism Malaysia organised the Tourism, Education, Homestay Seminar in addition to the Malaysia Golf Networking Programme last week. The two events delivered a strong promotional pitch for travel content providers and travel influencers in Ho Chi Minh City to offer homestay, education and golfing options.
Malaysia was positioned as a destination with valuable opportunities to promote community-based tourism (homestay) while showcasing Malaysia as an ideal study destination for Vietnamese students aspiring to pursue overseas education opportunities.
The event drew representatives from various agencies in Malaysia and Vietnam, including the Malaysia Homestay Entrepreneurs Association,
represented by Dato’ Sahariman Hamdan, President of the Malaysia Homestay Association, the Village Stay Enterprise, and the Pahang Homestay Association.
Golf promotion
Meanwhile, the Malaysia Golf Programme unfolded at Tan Son Nhat Golf Course, promoting the country’s world-class golf courses and major golf tournaments. Tourism Malaysia director-general Dato Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar commented: “These initiatives are a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to fostering meaningful tourism
exchanges. As we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we aim to elevate these experiences and collaborations to new heights, creating enduring connections and showcasing Malaysia’s diverse attractions.”
Tourism Malaysia director in Vietnam, Nor Hayati Zainuddin noted: “The amalgamation of sports, art, culture, and Malaysia’s heritage is
considered a perfect blend for visitors to Malaysia. We take pride in Malaysia’s golf courses being ranked among Asia’s top 100 best golf courses.
She concluded: We believe these events will be a significant opportunity to strengthen tourism cooperation between the two countries, marking a substantial step in developing community-based and golf tourism in Malaysia.”
Malaysia is targeting 36.5 million tourist arrivals during Visit Malaysia 2026. As of September 2023, Malaysia welcomed 272,852 tourists from Vietnam compared to 173,763 arrivals recorded in 2022.
HONG KONG, 21 December 2023: Vietnam’s low-cost airline Viejet is expanding routes in the Mekong Region with daily services from Hanoi to Siem Reap in Cambodia and from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane in Laos.
Vietjet launched daily flights connecting Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, to the heritage city of Siem Reap in Cambodia on 15 December. Daily flights between the airline’s main hub, Ho Chi Minh City, will launch on 25 February 2024.
Using an A320, flight time on the Hanoi-Siem Reap route is one hour and 45 minutes. Siem Reap is the closest city to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most iconic and significant archaeological sites. The Vietnamese capital, Hanoi, is famed for grand colonial-era buildings, parks, busy markets and streets.
To support bookings in the Hong Kong market, the airline is offering its trademark HKD Zero fare for bookings made on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for all international services until 31 December 2023. The base fare is HKD0. It rises to HKD600 when taxes and surcharges are included. Bookings can be made at www.vietjetair.com or on the Vietjet Air mobile app. The travel period for the discount offer is from now until 31 March 2024 (excluding peak season and public holidays).
More flights from Hong Kong
A new three-weekly service from Hong Kong to Hanoi begins on 22 December and is scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday, departing Hong Kong at 1250 and arriving in Hanoi at 1350.
THIMPHU Bhutan, 20 December 2023: With a new year just around the corner and the desire to travel ever-present, thoughts turned to planning my next adventure — Bhutan is top of mind.
I signed up for the sage advice of Bhutan’s Yangphel Adventure Travel and embarked on my latest journey to explore Bhutan’s mystique firsthand.
Bhutan stands apart in a world bustling with tourist hotspots, demanding a bit more than the usual travel toll. The Sustainable Development Fund of USD100 per day is reinvested to ensure longevity that protects and preserves what makes Bhutan unique. Authorities say the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is designed to attract wealthy tourists by discouraging budget travellers who spoil the environment. The funds maintain the pristine landscape and offset the carbon footprints left by visitors.
Bhutan’s new brand tagline is BHUTAN: BELIEVE. More than just a destination, it’s a transformation for the entire nation. So, are you ready to embark on a journey beyond the ordinary?
Here are 10 mind-boggling facts that make the Land of the Thunder Dragon a must-visit destination for savvy travellers.
1. Gross National Happiness topples GDP
Unlike most nations fixated on economic growth, Bhutan prioritises the well-being of its citizens through the unique concept of Gross National Happiness. This holistic approach considers psychological, cultural, and environmental factors, fostering a society that values contentment over material wealth.
2. Architectural marvels with a cultural twist
Bhutanese architecture seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. The majestic dzongs and monasteries stand proudly, adorned with intricate artwork, while modern buildings incorporate traditional Bhutanese designs.
3. The only carbon-negative country
Bhutan shines as the world’s only carbon-negative country in an era dominated by environmental concerns. Lush forests cover over 70% of its land.
4. A unique dress code
Bhutanese men proudly don their traditional attire, known as the “gho,” a knee-length robe wrapped around their bodies and tied securely with a belt. It forms a pouch pocket. Men wear it daily at work and during formal occasions and gatherings. The women in Bhutan dress elegantly in an ankle-length dress known as Kira.
5. Tigers Roaming Free
Bhutan is home to diverse wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger. Conservation efforts have allowed these majestic creatures to roam freely in protected areas.
6. Archery, the national sport
Archery isn’t merely a sport in Bhutan; it’s a cultural celebration. With traditional bows and arrows in hand, locals engage in spirited archery competitions.
7. Legendary Paro Taktsang Monastery Tiger’s Nest
Perched precariously on a cliff, the Paro Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, symbolises Bhutanese spirituality. Pilgrims and travellers alike undertake a challenging trek to reach this sacred site. Breathtaking views and a profound sense of tranquillity await.
8. Unique Bhutanese cuisine
Bhutanese cuisine tantalises the taste buds with its distinctive flavours, dominated by spicy chillies and cheese. Ema Datshi, is the national dish.
9. Happiness Index in action
Experience firsthand the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality as you interact with locals who embody the nation’s commitment to happiness.
10. Festivals that Illuminate the spirit
Bhutan’s vibrant festivals, or “tshechus,” are a dazzling showcase of cultural heritage. Colourful masked dances, traditional music, and elaborate rituals where the past and present joyously converge.
About the author A travel junkie, Bangkok-based Andrew J Wood, is a freelance travel writer and a regular contributor to numerous travel and tourism publications and, for most of his career spanning 45 years, a professional hotelier.
SINGAPORE, 20 December 2023: Pandaw Cruises confirmed this week that it will introduce revised cruises on the Ganges for its 14 and seven-night itineraries starting September 2024 to accommodate navigational changes on the iconic Indian river.
Pandaw, a leading river cruise specialist in India and Southeast Asia, will introduce an updated 14-night ‘All Ganges’ expedition between Kolkata and Varanasi and a revised seven-night ‘Lower Ganges’ sailing between Kolkata and Farakka. It will also introduce a brand new seven-night ‘Upper Ganges’ itinerary sailing through the beautiful state of Bihar between Varanasi and Farakka.
All sailings through April 2024, plus the Brahmaputra itinerary, remain unchanged.
Commenting on the updated Ganges cruises, Pandaw noted it has made several changes over the years to its iconic sailings on the Ganges, mainly due to navigational challenges and also to adapt Pandaw operations in India.
“After years of experience, we now have a very good sense of how best to navigate this most holy of rivers whilst offering discerning travellers the best options to explore this vast country in comfort and style,” the media statement explained. “With even more choices and improved itineraries, there has never been a better time to book your next expedition with Pandaw in India.”
Bookings are open for 2024/25 sailings, including reserving a preferred cabin. Visit pandaw.com or contact us at [email protected]
The All Ganges VARANASI TO KOLKATA 12 or 14 nights FROM USD8,000
KUCHING, 20 December 2023: 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 the top reasons to book your next trip to the Land of Hornbills.
Sarawak is known as Malaysia’s treasure trove of nature’s wonders. Because of this, world-famous national parks are scattered all over the island, each with its own 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 hornbill in 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 to fuel your 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 both 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 you should visit when you’re in Sarawak include Kuching’s Siniawan Night Market, the Sibu Night Market and Miri’s Saberkas Night Market. Here, you can experience local delights at its best, cooked to perfection, and shop for souvenirs and daily items.
Some of Sarawak’s most notable hawker stall must-try dishes include Sarawak laksa, kolo mee and nasi goreng dabai. For those with a sweet tooth, Sarawak’s iconic layered cake ‘kek lapis’ and the legendary gula apong ice-cream is every local’s favourite dessert.
Arts and culture are a big part of Sarawak’s identity. Handicrafts made by locals showcase Sarawak’s ties to its rich history and diverse culture in its intricate beadwork, weaving, carving, traditional tribal design and 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. This event will normally be held and hosted in May – July. The 2023 edition of Rainforest World Music Festival commemorated the 25th year this event was held in Kuching, and it just keeps getting grander as the years pass.
Internationally renowned artists like Afriquoi from the United Kingdom performed during the 2023 edition. Artists from around the globe will gather to perform for this 3-night event and entertain thousands of guests who flock to Sarawak’s Cultural Village. During the day, various workshops will be held around the village to attract tourists and locals alike. Here, you can spectate beautiful multi-ethnic performances and explore the different cultural homes of Sarawakian people, where carving and weaving demonstrations take place for the public. Besides that, one could learn about the cultures and traditions of the 34 different ethnic groups in Sarawak. You’ll be amazed by the hospitality.
SINGAPORE, 20 December 2023: With less than six months to Queen Anne’s maiden voyage in May 2024, Cunard has announced new shore experiences during the ship’s maiden season.
The luxury cruise line offers 50 signature shore experiences across 60 ports across Europe. The new programme comprises more than 700 shore experiences for the 115 port calls that Queen Anne will make in 2024.
Photo credit: Cunard. The British Isles Festival Voyage departs on 24 May 2024.
Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting more than 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.
The new ship will set sail on 3 May 2024 for her seven-night maiden voyage to La Coruna and Lisbon. She will then depart for a 14-night voyage in the Canary Islands before travelling around the British Isles, visiting Scotland and Ireland, as well as Cunard’s founding home port, Liverpool.
SINGAPORE, 20 December 2023: The International Air Transport Association’s latest projections suggest airlines will declare strengthening profitability in 2023 and its forecast for 2024 signals the start of balance sheet stability.
However, net profitability at the global level is expected to be well below the cost of capital in both years. Very significant regional variations in financial performance remain.
Outlook highlights
The airline industry’s net profits are expected to reach USD25.7 billion in 2024 (2.7% net profit margin). That will be a slight improvement over 2023, which is expected to show a USD23.3 billion net profit (2.6% net profit margin).
In both 2023 and 2024, the return on invested capital will lag the cost of capital by four percentage points, as interest rates around the world have risen in response to the sharp inflationary impulse.
Airline industry operating profits are expected to reach USD49.3 billion in 2024 from USD40.7 billion in 2023.
Total revenues in 2024 are expected to grow 7.6% yearly to a record USD964 billion.
Expense growth is expected to be slightly lower at 6.9% for a total of USD914 billion.
Some 4.7 billion people are expected to travel in 2024, a historic high that exceeds the pre-pandemic level of 4.5 billion recorded in 2019.
“Considering the major losses of recent years, the $25.7 billion net profit expected in 2024 is a tribute to aviation’s resilience. People love to travel, which has helped airlines come roaring back to pre-pandemic levels of connectivity. The recovery speed has been extraordinary, yet it also appears that the pandemic has cost aviation about four years of growth. From 2024, the outlook indicates that we can expect more normal growth patterns for both passenger and cargo,” said IATA’s director general Willie Walsh.
Outlook Drivers
Overall revenues in 2024 are expected to rise faster than expenses (7.6% vs. 6.9%), strengthening profitability. While operating profits are expected to increase by 21.1% (USD40.7 billion in 2023 to USD49.3 billion in 2024), net profit margins increased at less than half the pace (10%), largely due to increased interest rates expected in 2024.
Industry revenues are expected to reach a historic high of USD964 billion in 2024. An inventory of 40.1 million flights is expected to be available in 2024, exceeding the 2019 level of 38.9 million and up from the 36.8 million flights expected in 2023.
Passenger revenues are expected to reach USD717 billion in 2024, up 12% from $642 billion in 2023. Revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) growth is expected to be 9.8% year-on-year. While that is more than double the pre-pandemic growth trend, 2024 is expected to mark the end of the dramatic year-on-year increases characteristic of the recovery in 2021-2023.
The high travel demand coupled with limited capacity due to persistent supply chain issues continues to create supply and demand conditions supporting yield growth. Passenger yields in 2024 are expected to improve by 1.8% compared to 2023.
Reflecting the tight supply and demand conditions, efficiency levels are high, with the load factor expected to be 82.6% in 2024, slightly better than in 2023 (82%) and the same as in 2019.
