SINGAPORE, 19 December 2023: Cruise fans prefer itineraries that offer extended stays in destinations, according to the latest insights released by MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise brand.
The Italian headquartered cruise line sheds light on five significant travel trends driving guest holiday decisions for 2024 and beyond in an end-of-the-year report.
Photo credit: MSC. MSC World Europa.
It concluded there was a heightened demand for products that offer extended stays in destinations, holidays rich in cultural experiences, upgraded adventures with touches of luxury, sustained enthusiasm for Europe’s vibrant cities, and a substantial experience-value return.
Linger for longer
Cruise travellers increasingly desire more time in their destinations, and itineraries with extended or overnight port calls are gaining popularity. This extra time ensures guests can truly explore their destinations authentically and leisurely, allowing enough time to soak up unique cultures, savour local flavours and explore everything a destination has to offer.
Cultural exploration
The new year sees a heightened eagerness among travellers to explore diverse cultures and experience new destinations. Travellers are no longer content with just visiting well-known tourist attractions; instead, they seek to experience destinations that reflect the local lifestyle.
Upgraded experiences
Globally, travellers increasingly seek more exclusive and luxurious experiences, aiming to transform their annual holiday into truly unforgettable and indulgent adventures resulting in lifelong memories.
European city escape
Travellers are more enthusiastic than ever to delve into the vibrant cities of Europe. These urban destinations offer a well-rounded appeal, featuring many historic sights, culinary experiences, diverse shopping options, renowned attractions, and immersive opportunities to engage with local culture.
Ultimate experience-value return
Cruising is gaining popularity among those who have never sailed, with more Gen-X and Millennials considering taking a cruise holiday for the first time. More and more individuals are recognising the inherent value of a cruise holiday compared to alternative land-based options.
Couples, families or groups of friends can choose itineraries containing multiple must-see destinations. Those who sail with MSC Cruises can tailor their time ashore with different shore excursions to see the best of a destination. Once back onboard, they can enjoy different dining venues, see a different full-scale theatre production each evening and relax in outstanding wellness facilities – all with unbeatable value.
About MSC Cruises MSC Cruises is the world’s third-largest cruise brand and the leader in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Southern Africa while expanding market share in the Caribbean, North America and Asia.
BANGKOK, 19 December 2023: Showcasing a lineup of luxury yachts, superyachts and private jets, the Thailand International Boat Show – A Luxury Lifestyle Event, is set to boost Phuket’s economy and high-end tourism from 11 to 14 January 2024.
Thousands of affluent yachting fans are expected to attend the show, generating a minimum of THB500 million for the Thai marine leisure and luxury lifestyle industries.
Thailand International Boat Show 2024 includes private jets.
With many boats and lifestyle brands exhibiting from around the world, organisers JAND Events aim to grow Phuket’s appeal as a destination for investment and business amongst the international community while also working closely with the Thai government and industry stakeholders to drive yacht tourism and cement Thailand’s position as Southeast Asia’s leisure marine hub.
“The show has become a platform that will drive sales and business for the marine and luxury industries and attract international investors keen to do business and live in Phuket,” commented JAND Event CEO David Hayes.
Innovations for the 2024 show include the inaugural Thailand Yachting Conference – a B2B platform for ideas exchange amongst local and international business people – and the Robb Report Thailand Best Of The Best Yachting Awards Gala – a celebration of the best yachts and brands.
By reducing the show’s environmental footprint and carbon offsetting, the Thailand International Boat Show A Luxury Lifestyle Event is the first to be carbon neutral.
In the water, Boat Lagoon Yachting will be displaying three Princess Yachts amongst several other brands at the show, with the highlight being the Princess Y95 – the largest boat showing for the first time in Thailand.
Simpson Marine has the largest in-water lineup with six boats, including a Sanlorenzo SX76, Lagoon 51 and Fairline Targa 45, amongst others, while Derani Yachts will be displaying three boats from the popular Axopar brand, as well as the striking Brabus Shadow 500 Cabin and a Greenline 40.
Other boat brokers with boats in-the-water include Asia Marine, Asia Yacht Agency, Asia Yachting, Extreme Marine (Thailand), Go Boating, Lee Marine, Leopard Catamarans, Northrop & Johnson, The Yacht Sales Co and V Yachts Asia.
The ‘Thailand International Boat Show – A Luxury Lifestyle Event’ will be held 11-14 January 2024 at Royal Phuket Marina and open daily from 1300 to 2000 except on Sunday, 14 January, when the show closes at 1900. For more information, visit www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com.
SINGAPORE, 19 December 2023: ONYX Hospitality Group will expand its serviced apartment brand, Shama, with five new properties across Asia, the hotel group announced recently.
In a press statement, the group “recognises the increasing demand for serviced apartments, particularly in the post-pandemic era, and is confident that these new additions will meet the needs of business, leisure, and the growing segment of ‘Bleisure’ travellers.”
Photo credit: ONYX. Sharma Central Hong Kong.
ONYX introduces five new Shama properties: Two in China (including Hong Kong), two in Malaysia, and one in Thailand, with opening dates for 2024. The group currently operates 16 Shama locations: six in Thailand and 10 in China (including six in Hong Kong).
Shama openings in 2024. China, including Hong Kong – Shama Hub Metro South Hong Kong, Shama Hub Qiantang; Thailand – Shama Luxe Sathorn; Malaysia – Shama Medini Malaysia, Shama Suasana Johor Bahru.
GURUGRAM India, 19 December 2023: Vistara, a joint venture between the Tata group and Singapore Airlines, inaugurated four direct weekly flights between Mumbai and Doha on 15 December.
The inaugural flight, using an A321neo aircraft, departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, at 1845 on 15 December 2023 and arrived at Hamad International Airport, Doha, at 2030.
With a consistent surge in demand for travel between India and the Middle East, Vistara is focussing on expanding its presence in the region. The airline already offers direct flights to five destinations in the Middle East, namely Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Dubai, Jeddah and Muscat.
Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan said: “Based on the response to Vistara’s Middle Eastern routes, we are confident that the launch of operations to Doha will further strengthen our footprint in the region. Doha – an essential commercial hub and home to a large Indian diaspora – is Vistara’s 50th destination and the sixth in the Middle East. We are excited to bring the Best Airline in India and Southern Asia to Doha with direct connectivity from Mumbai.”
About Vistara TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA).
SINGAPORE, 19 December 2023: IndiGo will expand connectivity between India and Thailand with a 25% increase in weekly flights, including the resumption of flights between Bengaluru and Phuket.
The expansion starts with IndiGo introducing additional flights on the Mumbai-Phuket route, effective 5 January 2024, and reintroducing Bengaluru-Phuket flights on 28 February 2024.
Photo credit: IndiGo. Travel demand for Thailand picks up.
In a press statement, the airline noted that the new direct flights will improve travel options for both leisure and business travellers. Six flights weekly will operate on both routes from Mumbai and Bengaluru to Phuket.
The move was timed to meet increased travel demands from customers booking year-end holidays and the recent introduction of visa-free entry to Thailand.
IndiGo will now operate 56 weekly flights from five airports in India to Thailand, including the new additions. Travellers can also connect with IndiGo’s 117-strong destination network across India and the world.
IndiGo head of global sales Vinay Malhotra said: “We are thrilled to announce the addition of new flights connecting India to Thailand, reinforcing our commitment to increasing global connectivity from India. Thailand has always been amongst the sought-after destinations known for its tropical beaches, shopping entertainment, and ornate temples. With the addition of these flights, IndiGo will connect India to Thailand 56 times a week, taking our weekly flights between Mumbai and Phuket to 13 and Bengaluru and Phuket to six.”
KUCHING, 18 December 2023: Visitors to Sarawak can enjoy a free city walking tour with guides who know the city like the back of their hand.
Kuching’s free walking tour is a fascinating way to explore the city centre and waterfront of this compact riverside city packed with heritage and cultural attractions hidden away in quaint lanes right in the heart of the city.
Free guided walkabout in Kuching’s heritage district
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) highlights the walking tour on its Facebook page, ‘Sarawak Travel, Malaysia, Borneo, ‘ inviting visitors to dive into Kuching’s rich history and vibrant culture by joining the city’s Kuching Free Walking Tour.
Paradesa Borneo organises the tour, which is led by expert guides and for 90 minutes explores the nooks and crannies of the heritage heart of Kuching. It starts with the city’s famous waterfront and then embarks on a jaunt around the historical quarters of old bazaars.
Walking rather than sitting in a taxi or tour bus allows you to gain a new perspective and insights that reveal local secrets as you mingle with residents in cool neighbourhood spots.
The free tour departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1600. The meeting point is the office of Paradesa Borneo.
Group size is limited to 12 persons. It requires a level of fitness to walk unaided on a tour that takes 90 minutes.
You will need to book your spot 24 hours in advance. Register here: https://rb.gy/fsd2wt
The free walking tour is available for three months: December 2023 to 28 February 2024.
Tour Highlights 1. Explore the city’s waterfront 2. Visit Kuching’s old bazaars 3. Local tips 4. Socialise at a funky spot 5. Chat with local experts 6. Travel planning assistance
SINGAPORE, 18 December 2023: Jetstar Airways (JQ) is set to boost international capacity to Australia from Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket in 2024 – launching new flights to Perth and additional flights to Melbourne.
On sale since last week, the fares airline confirmed the new direct flights to Perth were part of a major expansion of their Western Australian operations.
From August 2024*, Jetstar will start flying up to six times a week between Singapore and Perth and operate up to four weekly return flights from Phuket to Perth. From September 2024*, Jetstar will also begin flying up to four days per week between Bangkok and Perth.
The flights will be operated using Jetstar’s fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo LRs (NEO), with up to four of the new aircraft to be based at Perth Airport, creating more than 330,000 new low-fare seats between Perth and Southeast Asia annually.
In addition, Jetstar will increase direct flights to Melbourne from Singapore, Bangkok, and Phuket from 17 June 2024 during peak times.
Operated by its fleet of Boeing 787-8 aircraft, the airline will fly: • Singapore to Melbourne: up to daily return flights (currently up to 6 per week); • Bangkok to Melbourne: up to five return flights per week (currently up to 3 per week); • Phuket to Melbourne: up to five return flights per week (currently up to 3 per week).
To celebrate the announcement of the new routes, Jetstar will launch a “Hello Perth” sale from Tuesday, 19 December, with one-way fares from: • SGD 116^ Singapore to Perth; • THB 3935^ Bangkok to Perth; • THB 4143^ Phuket to Perth.
*Subject to government and regulatory approval
^Sale fares are available on jetstar.com from 1000 (SGT) on Tuesday, 19 December 2023, until 2359 (SGT) on Friday, 22 December, unless sold out prior. Travel dates vary per route. T&Cs apply.
SINGAPORE, 18 December 2023: Australia’s national carrier Qantas has taken delivery of its first new generation A220, becoming the 20th operator of the latest aircraft type.
The aircraft is the first 29 A220s ordered by the Qantas Group for operation by QantasLink, their regional airline that services metropolitan and regional destinations across Australia.
The A220 will gradually replace the existing 717 fleet at QantasLink. Flying twice as far, the A220 can connect any two points across Australia nonstop while bringing a significant 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft.
With a total of 137 seats, Qantas’ A220s will be configured in a two-class layout, seating 10 passengers in business and 127 in economy.
Powered by the latest Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, it can fly up to 3,450 nautical miles or 6,390 kilometres nonstop.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be capable of operating with 100% SAF by 2030.
Airbus has received close to 850 orders from 30 customers for the A220, of which over 300 have been delivered worldwide.
BUSAN Korea, 18 December 2023: In 2023, the MICE city of Busan was able to attract and host various global MICE events, allowing it to grow into a world-renowned MICE destination.
For example, the city secured the opportunity to host the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) Annual Conference 2025 and World Statistics Congress (WSC) 2027, and successfully hosted the 20th International Microscopy Congress (IMC20), in addition to a number of other major MICE events. However, Busan’s efforts to achieve sustainable growth as a MICE city extended beyond just attracting and hosting events.
Choose Busan for MICE Event Success
The BTO CVB spent 2023 attracting new MICE events and preparing to host MICE events scheduled to be held in Busan. The 2023 Human Proteome Organization World Congress (HUPO 2023) and 2023 World Congress on Biosensors, attended by biotechnology professionals from around the world, were held successfully in Busan, cementing the city’s reputation as a top host city for global science and technology events. Busan also hosted the 11th Annual Meeting of the Asian Organization for Crohn’s and Colitis, held in conjunction with the 6th International Meeting on Intestinal Diseases and the Annual Congress of the Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Disease, the foremost academic exchange on inflammatory bowel disease, attended by over 900 experts from 20 countries, and the 2023 Congress of the International Council on Combustion Engines, attended by over 800 experts from 38 countries. These events made clear the vast potential of Busan as a MICE city that can host a wide range of events in various industries.
Source: Busan Tourism Organization
The BTO CVB actively promoted Busan as a host city at major MICE events held around the world, which is one way it attracts MICE events to the city. As a result, in 2024, the 5th Session of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution is scheduled to take place in Busan. The event is expected to provide momentum for Busan’s projects in the marine environment sector, including the formation of clusters for resource circulation. The International Geographical Congress 2024, the foremost international conference in the field of geology, will also be held in Busan next year. The event will undoubtedly help the city’s efforts in having Busan National Geopark registered as a UNESCO World Heritage. The 2024 World Volunteer Conference is another international event coming to Busan. It will be an opportunity for Busan to lead a positive change in the global paradigm of goodwill and volunteer work.
With these major global MICE events on tap in Busan for 2024, the BTO CVS is making the necessary preparations. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BTO CVB has made aggressive efforts to attract even more international conferences to Busan. These efforts were able to secure a number of major events, including the Asia Pacific Tourism Association (APTA) Annual Conference 2025, 2027 Korea-Japan Conference on Ferroelectrics, and World Statistics Congress (WSC) 2027.
Play, Work, Live Busan!
Source: Busan Tourism Organization
In addition to its work at attracting and hosting events, the BTO CVB has also made many other efforts to the lay the foundation for Busan’s continued growth as a MICE city. In 2023, the BTO CVB adopted the motto “Play, Work, Live Busan” to impress upon MICE organizers and visitors the indelible image of Busan as a well-rounded, global MICE brand that is ideal for work, vacation, and living. Under the “Play, Work, Live Busan” slogan, promoters emphasized the city’s mountains, sea, and urban area and the ability to get to anywhere within the city in 30 minutes, along with the area’s appeal as a workation destination.
Source: Busan Tourism Organization
In 2023, the BTO CVB participated in large international MICE events, such as ITB-Asia 2023 and IBTM World 2023, to promote Busan as an attractive host city for MICE events, keep up to date with the latest MICE industry trends, and make qualitative improvements to Busan’s MICE industry.
The BTO CVB also worked to bring more incentive tourism to Busan. A fam tour for American incentive travel agencies, the fam tour program “Meet in Busan,” and a host of other fam tours were held this year and attended by MICE professionals from multiple countries. While on their tours, visitors could directly see and experience Busan’s advanced MICE infrastructure and a wide range of tourism and entertainment offerings as a maritime tourism city.
The BTO CVB also made great strides in ESG management as part of its efforts for the sustainable growth of Busan’s MICE industry. The BTO CVB diligently supported training programs to raise ESG awareness and conducted ESG networking to create solidarity within Busan’s MICE industry to further ESG activities, which are increasingly being prioritized worldwide.
Over the last 10 years, Busan’s MICE industry has experienced explosive growth highlighted by hosting 100,000 events while drawing over 55 million visitors. Many spots in Busan make it an ideal city for tourism and MICE events, including BEXCO, BPEX, the area’s hotels that also double as great MICE venues, and the officially designated 23 Busan Unique Venues. The city also boasts an ideal workation environment. Leveraging its distinctive advantages and successful hosting experiences in global MICE events, Busan is poised for further growth in 2024.
BHUTAN, 18 December 2023: In a groundbreaking initiative, Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel in Paro, Bhutan, hosted the first-ever Trashion Show recently, transforming trash into wearable art, emphasising sustainable practices and utilising renewable Bhutanese resources.
Divided into 10 groups, participants created designs that promoted eco-friendly fashion and fostered teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Zhiwa Ling managing director Brent Hyde expressed his pride in the team’s efforts, highlighting how the event evolved from a simple project into a powerful symbol of sustainability. Ten teams took place, with participants embarking on a unique journey, creating designs that promoted eco-friendly fashion.
Ten teams took place with participants embarking on a unique journey, creating designs that promoted eco-friendly fashion.
“The Trashion Show became a vehicle to unite people and develop cooperation, communication, and collaboration skills uniquely,” said Hyde. “Team members collaborated beyond their usual roles, fostering a greater understanding of each other’s skills and ideas. Leaders emerged from unexpected quarters, gaining valuable experience in guiding teams and enhancing communication skills,” he said.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel’s commitment to showcasing creativity and passion was evident as each team presented a short documentary capturing their journey from project inception to completion. This event promotes sustainable fashion and aligns with Bhutan’s leadership in ecotourism and sustainability, emphasising happiness and the protection of the country from the damage of over-tourism.
In a world where environmental consciousness is paramount, Zhiwa Ling’s Trashion Show inspires a new younger generation, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
About the Zhiwa Ling Hotel Located in Paro, Bhutan, the Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Paro Valley and the majestic Himalayan peaks.
