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Dusit breaks new ground in Malaysia

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 4 December 2023: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Gamuda Land to manage ASAI Gamuda Cove – Dusit’s first hotel in Malaysia and the first hotel development by Gamuda Land.

Slated to open in Q1 2026, the hotel is situated next to the sprawling Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands within the thoughtfully planned Gamuda Cove. Spanning 1,530 acres, Gamuda Cove will also include residential and commercial areas to complement a range of eco-friendly tourism attractions, such as the already operational SplashMania Waterpark and Discovery Park, all designed with sustainability and a low carbon footprint in mind. 

Photo caption: (from left) Eusoffe Chua, Gamuda Land Chief Commercial Officer, Chu Wai Lune, Gamuda Land Chief Executive Officer, Zuaida Abdullah, MIDA Executive Director, Services Development, HE Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, Mohd Shahrir Mohd Ali, Tourism Malaysia Senior Director, International Promotion (ASEAN) 
Siradej Donavanik, Dusit International Vice President Development Global, Gilles Cretallaz, Dusit International Chief Operating Officer.

Kuala Lumpur airport is only a 20-minute drive by car and just 40 minutes to the city centre. This strategic location caters to both domestic and international travellers, enhancing the overall accessibility and appeal of the destination.

Operating under Dusit’s distinctive locally focused lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, which promises to uniquely link curious travellers with authentic local experiences in the world’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, the 280-key ASAI Gamuda Cove hotel enjoys the distinction of being the first hotel signed under Dusit’s expanded ‘ASAI Tropical’ model, specifically tailored for properties located in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Like Dusit’s operational inner-city ASAI Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand, and Kyoto, Japan, ASAI Tropical hotels will feature thoughtfully compact rooms delivering a distinctive blend of thoughtful essentials, such as plush beds and refreshing showers, complemented by an inviting communal space and locally inspired dining experience. What sets the model apart is providing a broader range of facilities. In this case, an infinity pool, more dining venues, expanded event spaces, and a wider variety of room categories, including spacious, family-friendly options.  

Strategically situated in the southern region of the Gamuda Cove development, ASAI Gamuda Cove will be designed to forge a sense of community by integrating local identity into its design language. Surrounded by lush greenscapes, the hotel will blend seamlessly with the adjacent wetlands and a sprawling 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum, accessible directly from the hotel. 

Further highlighting Gamuda Cove’s green credentials, an e-tram network – the first of its kind in Malaysia – will seamlessly link guests to hotspots within the development, such as Discovery Park, SplashMania Waterpark, and a pedestrian-only commercial hub, helping to limit the use of motorised vehicles and reduce carbon footprint. Regular community-based activities and events will give guests a unique taste of local culture and experiences while highlighting the importance of responsible tourism. 

ASAI Gamuda Cove is set to cater to both domestic and international tourists who will visit Gamuda Cove’s host of eco-tourism activities, such as SplashMania Waterpark, Discovery Park, and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands – attracting a targeted 1 million visitors annually. 

“To be entrusted with the management of the first hotel within the dynamic Gamuda Cove development truly is an honour, and we are delighted to partner with Gamuda Land to help bring their vision for their first-ever hotel project to life,” said Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz.

“With its stunning location and sustainable credentials, Gamuda Cove perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the ASAI brand, and we look forward to delivering a unique and unforgettable hotel experience that immerses guests in the diverse cultural tapestry of Malaysia and the natural beauty of the wetlands, all while contributing enduring value to our esteemed partners and the community we serve.”

Dusit’s property portfolio spans 19 countries and comprises 56 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and approximately 240 luxury villas under Elite Havens. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.

About Dusit International

Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT), is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 19 countries worldwide. 

For more information, please visit dusit-international.com.

Runners dash to Langkawi Half Marathon

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 4 December 2023: Over 2,600 marathon runners from 31 countries signed up for the Langkawi International Half Marathon (LIHM) 2023 on Saturday, underscoring Langkawi’s role as a sports destination for running enthusiasts. 

LADA partnered with the Langkawi Runners Association for the second time to host this event successfully. The event targets running enthusiasts to revive tourism activities on Langkawi Island. In addition, this event also helps the tourism industry players enjoy economic benefits and restore the vibrancy of Langkawi’s tourism industry. 

The event attracted runners in three categories: the 21km half marathon, 10km and 5km Fun Run.

In addition, the unique feature of LIHM2023 this year was the picturesque route crossing the scenic paddy fields of Ulu Melaka, better known as Mahsuri Rings, formed from an ancient meteor impact, resulting in a lowland surrounded by rolling hills shaped like a ring when seen from the air. To make the event more special, the release and end of the running participants took place inside the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), marking the first indoor start venue for a running event in Malaysia.

Photo credit: LADA

Langkawi is well-known for hosting sports-based tourism events. Popular events include the IRONMAN Malaysia, Langkawi Legendary Ride and Langkawi Swimming Festival. The growing number of participants and countries involved indicates that LIHM has the potential to become an annual flagship event in Langkawi. 

As part of its support, LADA provided facilities throughout the event and coordinated between the organisers and other agencies in Langkawi during the event, which attracted 8,000 visitors. LADA supports event management companies that aim to turn Langkawi into a world-class event destination to help stimulate tourism. 

For more information, visit www.lada.gov.my Or visit www.naturallylangkawi.my

Clark Airport gains design acclaim

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 4 December 2023: Clark International Airport (CRK) has been honoured as one of the world’s most beautiful airports this year, earning the prestigious Prix Versailles, the World Architecture and Design Award of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  

Commenting on the accolade, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco commented: “This prestigious award received by CRK not only reflects the aesthetic grandeur of the Clark International Airport but also showcases the Philippines as a destination that values both function and beauty in its infrastructure.”  

Photo credit: Clark International Airport.

“The DOT is committed to continuing our dedication to pushing for the improvement of our transport infrastructures in collaboration with other government agencies with the comfort and convenience of the traveling public on top of our mind,” added the tourism secretary. 

The awardees each year are chosen as examples of exceptional architecture and design. Visit https://www.prix-versailles.com/.  

Other airports in Asia included in the Ninth edition list are Beijing Daxing International Airport in China, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in China, Kempegowda International Airport in India, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport in China, and Van Don International Airport in Vietnam. 

As a regional gateway, Clark International Airport can serve up to 8 million passengers annually. There are international flights from Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. Currently, the airport handles flights to major tourist destinations destinations such as Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa and Busuanga (Palawan), Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro.

THAI returns to Istanbul

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 4 December 2023: Thai Airways International launched its daily flight from Bangkok to Istanbul, Turkey, on 2 December and increased the list of codeshare flights on Turkish Airlines that TG passengers can connect with on arrival in Istanbul.

The maiden flight (TG900) of Thai Airlines International used an Airbus A350-900XWB with 322 seats for the inaugural flight.

Flight TG900 departed Bangkok at 2345 and arrived at Istanbul International Airport (IST) at 0605 on the following morning.
The return flight TG901 departed IST at 1630 and arrived in Bangkok at 0535 (the following morning).

THAI returned to Istanbul after a gap of 26 years. It stopped serving the destination in October 1997.

More codeshares with Turkish

Meanwhile, effective 1 December, THAI and Turkish Airlines have expanded their codeshare partnership to allow THAI passengers to connect with Turkish Airlines routes beyond Istanbul. The list now includes the following Turkish Airlines flights, enabling travellers to ticket the entire end-to-end journey with seamless connections and baggage transfer to the final destinations on the codeshare flights.

THAI codeshare flights operated by Turkish Airlines beyond Istanbul.

Istanbul – Ankara
Istanbul – Antalya
Istanbul – Atlanta
Istanbul – Boston
Istanbul – Brussels
Istanbul – Geneva
Istanbul – Izmir
Istanbul – Lisbon
Istanbul – Miami
Istanbul – New York JFK
Istanbul – Porto
Istanbul – Washington Dulles

(Source: Aeroroutes)

Batik Air rolls out Melbourne flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 4 December 2023: Batik Air will launch direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Melbourne (MEL) on 20 December 20, 2023.

A wide-body A330 will offer seasonal flights from 20 December to 6 February to cater to the rising demand for travel to Australia during the peak holiday and travel season. 

Photo credit: Batik Air

Flight OD175 will take off from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) four times weekly – Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1820 and arrive in  Melbourne at 0515 (local time) the following day.

The return Flight OD176, will fly Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing from Melbourne at 0645 and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 1210.

Melbourne serves as a prominent Australian VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travel hub, earning its place in Batik Air’s expanding portfolio, which includes other major cities in Australia, such as Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane.

Batik Air also provides direct flights connecting Kuala Lumpur to Adelaide and Perth. It also serves Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth via Denpasar. Additionally, Batik Air operates to Auckland via Perth.

Batik Air offers special promotional fares starting from MYR799, all-inclusive one-way economy class tickets. The booking window is open to 15 December 2023, and travel is from 20 December to 31 January 2023.

Flight schedule

Vietjet drums up HCMC to Shanghai flight

By
TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI MINH CITY, 4 December 2023: Vietjet Air inaugurated a new route connecting Ho Chi Minh City In Vietnam with Shanghai in China, on 1 December, but travellers must wait until 5 December for the first commercial flight.

A search on Skyscanner shows daily direct flights on the Ho Chi Minh City-Shanghai route are bookable from 5 December, with the lowest one-way fare pegged at USD81.

(From left to right) Wei Huaxiang, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Thanh Son, Vietjet Vice President, Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City, performed the inaugurating ceremony for the new route.

Using an A321, Flight VJ3900 will depart daily from Ho Chi Minh City at 1630 and arrive at Shanghai at 2130. Flight time is four hours.
Flight VJ3901 will depart Shanghai at 2300 and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 0245.

The direct flight is not showing up on all booking sites, and even the airline’s official booking site showed no booking dates available for December.

China Eastern is the main competitor offering direct flights from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City, with its lowest fare pegged at USD147 one-way. The flight departs Ho Chi Minh City at 0210 and arrives in Shanghai at 0700 

Shanghai is one of the largest economic and financial hubs in China. In 2022, Shanghai’s GDP reached 4.465 trillion Chinese yuan (663 billion USD), with a population of 24.76 million residents. 

Vietjet has operated services between Vietnam and China since 2014, with the first routes connecting Chinese visitors to popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, including Nha Trang, Danang, and Phu Quoc.

(Source flight information: Google Flights, Skyscanner).

Vistara launches Bali flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 December 2023: Vistara inaugurated daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Bali on 1 December and confirmed it will start flights from Mumbai to Doha on 15 December.

 The inaugural flight, operated on Vistara’s A321LR aircraft, commenced from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, at 0030 on 1 December 2023 and arrived at Denpasar International Airport, Bali (DPS) at 1105. 

Vistara’s A321LR has a three-class seating configuration and offers in-seat power/USB charging ports, a state-of-the-art In-flight entertainment system, live TV and onboard Wi-Fi. 

Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan commented: “Bali is one of the most coveted holiday havens for travellers in India. We are excited to be the only airline currently to launch direct connectivity between Delhi and Bali. Given India and Indonesia’s close commercial and cultural ties, Bali has also rapidly grown to be a key destination for corporate travel and MICE. We are excited to bring the Best Airline in India and South Asia to Bali and are confident that Vistara, with its world-class product and services, will be a much-preferred choice for customers travelling on this new route.”

Schedule for Delhi-Bali route

New direct flight to Doha

Doha becomes Vistara’s 50th destination, with four weekly direct flights from Mumbai scheduled to start on 15 December. Return fares from India start at INR 30599 all-in, or QAR1349 if purchased in Doha. Flights are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Flight details for the Mumbai-Doha route

BWH expands Premier Collection in Vietnam

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE 1 December 2023: BWH Hotels, a global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, has announced the signing of The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Qyat Nhon on Vietnam’s central coast

Located in the centre of Quy Nhon, a seafront city in Vietnam’s Binh Dinh province, the upscale hotel will comprise one high-rise tower (Tower A) of a new mixed-use development overlooking the ocean. 

Photo credit: BWH.

The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection is set to become a new landmark in Quy Nhon on the doorstep of the city’s downtown offices, attractions and beaches. Binh Dinh’s natural and cultural sights are also within easy reach, including Hon Kho Island, Ky Co Beach, Ong Nui Temple and Thap Doi Towers. Phu Cat Airport, which is just 30 km away, is served by scheduled flights to and from major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection joins BWH Hotel’s expanding portfolio of hotels and resorts in Vietnam, which currently comprises five operating properties – Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang, and Caravelle Saigon, a member of the WorldHotels Elite. 

Chill out in Malaga for two days

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 December 2023: Malaga has been experiencing a cultural upheaval in the past few years. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, it has some of the most interesting ‘last-decade museums’. Daring street art has sprung up in neighbourhoods like the Barrio de las Artes. You’ll probably wish you had more time to really explore the capital of the Costa del Sol, but it’s the perfect excuse to go back another time.

DAY 1
For your first day in Malaga, explore the old town centre, with stops at the most important museums and sights.

A walk around the historic centre

Kick off the morning on the city’s most iconic street, Calle Larios, a lively and bustling pedestrianised shopping area to give you a taste of Malaga’s great atmosphere. If you’re here at Christmas, be sure to see the amazing light and music show on this street. 

A 5-minute walk brings you to the Cathedral or Basílica de la Encarnación, called “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) because construction stopped before the southern tower could be finished, leaving it asymmetrical. A visit to the cathedral roof, nearly 50 metres up, is a must. Back at street level, you can enjoy the charming Calle de San Agustín, a street bringing you to the Picasso Museum Malaga, with over 230 works by the city’s most famous son. 

Local dishes and centuries of history

Your next stop might be La Alcazaba, the fortress-palace the Muslim governors built on Mount Gibralfaro in the 11th century. At its feet, there is a Roman theatre, which was in use until the 3rd century CE.

This is a great place for lunch, with unspoiled traditional eating houses nearby, such as El Pimpi. You can have the traditional post-lunch coffee in the sunshine at one of the pavement cafés in Plaza de la Merced. Just off this square is a very special location, the Picasso Foundation and Birthplace Museum. This is the house where Picasso was born and spent his childhood. Very close by is the church of Santiago, where Picasso was baptised.

Sunset from a castle

Do you remember La Alcazaba, which we suggested seeing before lunch? You probably noticed that the palace is connected to a castle, the Castillo de Gibralfaro. There is one entrance for both buildings.

If you don’t have a car, the best way to get up the hill to the castle is to catch a number 35 bus on Paseo del Parque. Once you arrive, there is a visitors’ centre where you can learn about the castle’s history. But the best thing it offers is the fabulous views over the city, the Bay of Malaga and La Malagueta bullring. 

DAY 2
We’re right on the Mediterranean, so today you can get to know the seaside city. Before you hit the beach, we suggest exploring Malaga’s more modern and rebellious side. This neighbourhood is known as Barrio de las Artes, the city’s street art centre. The area between Avenida de la Alameda Principal and the dock at Muelle Heredia is where you’ll find CAC Málaga – the Malaga Contemporary Art Centre. A former wholesale market display works by Juan Muñoz, Tony Cragg and Sigmar Polke. While you’re here, you could have breakfast in one of the cosy local cafés.

On the seafront

One of Malaga’s most popular areas to visit is the Pedragalejo Esplanade. It’s a little way out of the city, but you can get there on a number 11 or 34 bus. This area is famous for its snack bars on the beach and restaurants next to the sea. This is the time to try boquerones (fresh anchovies), fritura malagueña (mixed fried fish) and especially espetos de sardinas (sardines on a skewer), a classic local dish. As you walk around, you’ll notice little boats full of sand, where the fires are made for charcoal-grilling the sardines. 

Afternoon on Paseo de la Farola and Muelle 1

Back in the city, you can stick with the seaside theme with a visit to Malagueta Beach. Next to it is Muelle 1, a shopping and leisure area where you can take the opportunity to buy a souvenir. It’s also home to one of the city’s new landmarks, a giant coloured cube, the Centre Pompidou Malaga, with works by Francis Bacon, Alexander Calder, and Marc Chagall.

Alternatively, go back towards Muelle 2 and stroll along El Palmeral de las Sorpresas to get back to the old town centre. In this harbour area, there is an enormous Ferris wheel, 70 metres tall, which makes for a great viewing point. 

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)

For the full report on how to explore Malaga. 

For more on Spain’s travel experiences, visit https://www.spain.info/en/

Barefoot luxury in the Maldives

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

MALDIVES, 1 December 2023: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has unveiled its version of barefoot luxury travel, allowing its guests to bask in their secluded haven – the exquisite Lonubo private island.

Situated just 200 metres from OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, Lonubo boasts lush palm-covered landscapes and promises an exclusive retreat with unparalleled tranquillity and privacy for an unforgettable experience.

“With a private island at their disposal, OUTRIGGER guests can elevate the castaway beach experience to unprecedented heights,” affirms the resort’s general manager, John Allanson. “Our commitment to privacy and exclusivity, coupled with luxurious touches, ensures an experience beyond compare.”

Upon arrival at Lonubo via a private boat transfer, couples are welcomed to their private paradise equipped with sun loungers, plush beanbags, sunshades, towels and light refreshments for a four-hour escape into unparalleled bliss.

For those seeking to elevate their experience, an optional gourmet picnic awaits, complete with a curated setup and a selection of delectable food and beverages tailored to their preferences. Romantic evenings can be further enhanced with a starlit barbecue beach dinner featuring a private chef and waiter, ensuring an indulgent barefoot wining and dining experience.

As the sun sets, guests can choose optional enhancements such as an open log fire, tantalising canapés paired with Taittinger Brut Reserve champagne and a private movie screening featuring the film of their choice.

For culinary connoisseurs, the resort’s chef recommends the ultimate surf and turf dinner – a lavish feast featuring a one-kilo Maldivian lobster and 500g of black Angus tenderloin steak, expertly grilled to perfection by the dedicated chef on Lonubo.

A detailed brochure outlining the exquisite Lonubo Island private experience is available for interested guests.

To make this dream-like experience a reality, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is pleased to offer exclusive savings and value-added promotions until 4 December 2023 as part of the resort’s CYBER Sale promotions. 

Visit OUTRIGGER.com to seize this exceptional opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime escape.

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