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Malaysia tempts travellers to check niche markets

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TTR WEEKLY
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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.

Vietjet adds Mekong Region destinations

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TTR WEEKLY
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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.

Bhutan shares mystique and secrets

By
Andrew Wood
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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.

Photo credit: AJW. Bhutan’s impressive Punakha Dzong.

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. 

Revamped Ganges cruising with Pandaw

By
TTR WEEKLY
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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

For more details and sailing dates

The Lower Ganges River
KOLKATA TO BARANGAR
Seven nights
FROM USD3,376

For more details and sailing dates

The Upper Ganges River
VARANASI TO FARAKKA
Seven nights
FROM USD4,500

For more details and sailing dates

Discover Sarawak’s incredible wonders

By
TTR WEEKLY
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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. 

For more information, visit www.sarawaktourism.com 

(YOUR STORIES: Sarawak Hornbill Newsletter)

Queen Anne sails in May 2024

By
TTR WEEKLY
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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.

Airlines see brighter outlook in 2024

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

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.

AirAsia X farewells chairman

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 December 2023: AirAsia X chairman Tunku Dato’ Mahmood Fawzy Bin Tunku Muhiyiddin stepped down last week after successfully turning around the airline post-pandemic.

AirAsia X chairman: Tunku Dato’ Mahmood Fawzy Bin Tunku Muhiyiddin.

He ended his service as chairman on 15 December 2023 after achieving a clear mandate to steer AAX out of financial crisis. Following his appointment, AAX has turned around its financial position from 12 quarters of losses to registering fifth consecutive quarters of net profit, recorded a positive shareholders’ equity, and demonstrated significant operational improvement across all other key metrics, as evidenced in the third quarter of this year.

AAX Non-Independent Executive Director and Founder, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Tunku Dato’ Mahmood Fawzy for his invaluable contributions to AAX’s growth and success post-debt restructuring. His vision and dedication have been instrumental in reshaping AAX as a world-leading low-cost mid-range airline, and we stand poised to continue our journey as a trailblazer in the aviation industry, leveraging the strong foundation laid under his stewardship. He will always be part of the AAX family, and we wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, the current Deputy Chairman, will assume the role of acting chairman of the company until the board formalises the appointment of a new chairman.

MAG raises festive season flights

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 December 2023: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is boosting flights to meet travel demands through March 2024, with the addition of 248 flights in its domestic and international network. 

The additional frequencies are scheduled for both Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, departing from KL International Airport Terminal 1 (KUL), Subang Airport (SZB) and Penang International Airport (PEN). 

Photo credit MHExplorer: More flights to explore with MH malaysiaairlines.com/mhexplorer.

MAG chief commercial officer for Airlines, Dersenish Aresandiran, commented: “Anticipating a surge in travel demand, the substantial increase in flight frequencies represents the airline’s strategic approach to meeting the expanding requirements of travellers, offering them a wider range of travel dates for added flexibility and convenience.     

“We urge travellers to plan and secure their seats early to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience, particularly during peak travel seasons, including Christmas, Year-End and Chinese New Year celebrations.”  

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly are ramping up extra flights during the peak periods in December to meet heightened travel demands during the Christmas and New Year holidays.  

For domestic travel, Malaysia Airlines is increasing flights from its main hub in Kuala Lumpur to Sibu (SBW) from 10 to 12 weekly; Tawau (TWU) from 10 to 16 weekly and to Kuching (KCH) from 54 to 57 weekly. Additionally, Firefly flights from Penang to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) will increase from 14 to 15 weekly; to Langkawi (LGK) from 10 to 11 weekly and from SZB to Langkawi (LGK) from 12 to 13 weekly. 

International flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney (SYD)  will increase from 14 to 18 weekly; Melbourne (MEL) from 14 to 17 weekly; Amritsar (ATQ) from two to four weekly; Cochin (COK) from six to seven weekly and Narita (NRT) from 12 to 14 weekly. 

For the Chinese New Year festive period, the airline will increase the Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (SIN) route by two weekly, elevating the frequency from 56 to 58, specifically from 7 and 8 February 2024.

Air Arabia’s first flight to Phuket takes off

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 20 December 2023: Air Arabia, a low-cost airline home based in Sharjah UAE, introduced flights to Phuket last week.

Air Arabia group chief executive officer Adel Al Ali commented on the new Sharjah-Phuket service: “We are pleased to launch Air Arabia’s first flight to Phuket and look forward to expanding our network of destinations to offer passengers affordable travel options. This launch underpins our dedication to providing travellers with convenient offerings while fostering growth in the travel and tourism industries in both counties.

Photo credit: AOTGA.

The new service operates four times weekly using an A321 with departures from Sharjah on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The first commercial flight G9 687 took off at 2230 from Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) on 16 December 2017 and landed at 0755 at  Phuket International Airport. 

Airports of Thailand Ground Aviation Services (AOTGA) handles the airline’s ground services at Phuket airport.

Air Arabia Airlines serves 170 destinations across the Middle East, North Africa, Asia and Europe.

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