Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Home Blog Page 260

AirAsia X announces flights to Kazakhstan

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 November 2023: AirAsia will introduce flights to Central Asia serving Almaty, Kazakhstan, effective 14 March 2024.

AAX’s planned direct flights to Central Asia marks a significant milestone for the medium-haul airline, opening up new horizons for globetrotters, adventure seekers, foodies, and those looking to explore cultures. 

AirAsia X’s new route to Almaty, Kazakhstan was launched by the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Malaysia, His Excellency Mr Bulat Sugurbayev, together with Counsellor Arsen Turgambayev; Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A; Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A;  Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X; Karen Chan, Group Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia and Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group 

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s commercial and cultural hub, beckons travellers with its majestic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a blend of tradition and modern lifestyle. Almaty is the gateway to one of the world’s 10 largest nations.

AirAsia X CEO, Benyamin Ismail commented: “This is an entirely new market for AAX and a strategic route to expand into, bringing other parts of the world closer to Southeast Asia. As our first foray into Central Asia, the expansion into the Kazakh market is a strong testament to our vision and determination to explore new territories and resume services to our most popular destinations post-pandemic.”

To support the route, the airline is offering an introductory fare from MYR99 all-in* one-way in economy until 30 November 2023 for travel between 14 March and 26 October 2024.

IATA spells out SAF realities

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 29 November 2023: The International Air Transport Association says it expects governments to deliver supportive policies needed to enable aviation’s decarbonisation, as agreed at the Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) hosted by The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Dubai.

CAAF/3 takeaways

A global framework to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production worldwide. The aim is that aviation fuel in 2030 will be 5% less carbon intensive than fossil fuel used today by the industry.

Capacity building, a “Finvest Hub”, and voluntary technology transfer are all measures to ensure that all countries can partake in a global SAF market.

The need for a solution that can foster a global SAF market while enabling airlines to claim the environmental attributes of their SAF purchases against their decarbonisation obligations is based on a global and robust SAF accounting framework.

“Governments have understood the critical role of SAF to achieve net zero emissions for aviation by 2050. The CAAF/3 results add an ambitious vision for the shorter 2030 time horizon. To that end, the CAAF/3 agreement signals to the world, in no uncertain terms, the need for policies that enable real progress. There is no time to lose. IATA now expects governments to urgently put the strongest possible policies in place to unlock the full potential of a global SAF market with an exponential increase in production,” said IATA’s director general Willie Walsh.

This is necessary because airlines’ demand for SAF, in line with their commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, vastly exceeds the availability of SAF today, limited to 0.2% of airlines’ jet fuel consumption in 2023. 

“Despite unequivocal demand signals, the SAF production market is not developing fast enough. We need SAF everywhere in the world, and to that end, the right supportive policies – policies that can stimulate production, promote competition, foster innovation, and attract financing – must be put in place today”, said Walsh.

Vietjet plans Danang-Kaohsiung flight

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DANANG, 29 November 2023: VietJet Air is planning a new direct route from Danang, a coastal city in central Vietnam, to Kaohsiung in Taiwan, scheduled to launch on 14 January 2024, according to provisional airline schedules.

Kaohsiung is a major port city in southern Taiwan famed for its skyscrapers, such as the 248m-tall Tuntex Sky Tower, and its diversity of parks. Its focal point is the so-called “Love River,” with walking paths and cafes along its banks. Shopping options range from high-end malls to the Liuhe and Ruifeng night markets.

Provisionary timetables suggest Vietjet will serve the route with A320s flying three weekly services from Danang on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday starting on 14 January 2024.

Flight VJ8556 will depart Danang at 1205 and arrive in Kaohsiung at 1530
Flight VJ8557 will depart Kaohsiung at 1630 and arrive in Danang at 1755.

Vietjet already operates daily direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Kaohsiung.

TG revives its domestic network

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 29 November 2023: Thai Airways International confirms its return to Thailand’s main domestic air routes operating Airbus A320 aircraft from its home base, Suvarnabhumi Airport, to nine destinations as it shuts down Thai Smile, a low-cost subsidiary now declared a failed experiment. 

The changes are logged in the Winter Flight Schedule 29 October 2023 – 30 March 2024.

Until now, THAI has limited its domestic flights to just Chiang Mai and Phuket, two popular destinations with international tourists. Earlier in the year, THAI phased out Thai Smile’s regional flights and is now winding down domestic flights by 1 January 2024.

Passengers who have unused Thai Smile tickets for travel in 2024 can transfer them to TG flights up until the end of the year.

TG’s domestic flights

1. Bangkok – Chiang Mai: 35 flights per week.

2. Bangkok – Phuket: 56 weekly flights, starting 1 December 2023.  

3. Bangkok – Udon Thani: 21 weekly flights, starting 1 December 2023.

4. Bangkok – Chiang Rai: 14 weekly flights, starting 1 January 2024.

5. Bangkok – Khon Kaen: 28 weekly flights, starting 1 January 2024.

6. Bangkok – Ubon Ratchathani: 14 weekly flights, starting 1 January 2024.

7. Bangkok – Krabi: 14 weekly flights, starting 1 January 2024.

8. Bangkok – Hat Yai: 21 weekly flights, starting 1 January 2024.

9. Bangkok – Narathiwat: daily flights, starting 1 January 2024.

The change means passengers can book through to domestic destinations in a single booking transaction on TG’s website, with through-check-in and baggage delivered to the final destination.

Malaysia gives Chinese and Indians visa-free stays

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 November 2023: Malaysia will grant visa-free entry to citizens of China and India for stays of up to 30 days starting on 1 December, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim Reuters reported on Monday.

His statement followed China’s announcement that signalled Malaysians visiting China would be eligible for a visa-free stay effective 1 December.

Photo credit Tourism Malaysia. Malaysia offers Chinese and Indian travellers visa-free stays for up to 30 days.

Reuters said Anwar made the announcement late on Sunday during a speech at his People’s Justice Party congress, but he did not say for how long the visa exemption would be applicable for Chinese and Indian travellers visiting Malaysia.

China and India are Malaysia’s fourth and fifth-largest source markets, respectively. According to government data, quoted by Reuters, “Malaysia recorded 9.16 million tourist arrivals between January and June this year, with 498,540 from China and 283,885 from India. That compared to 1.5 million arrivals from China and 354,486 from India in 2019, before the pandemic.”

Following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement allowing citizens of China and India visa-free stays in Malaysia, Trip.com general manager Malaysia Stephane Thong said: “On Saturday, pageviews for flights from Malaysia to China more than doubled compared to the week before.

“That was just after China announced on Friday evening that it would extend visa-free travel to Malaysians entering China. This reciprocal move from Malaysia (to allow Chinese visa-free stays in Malaysia) should spur more travel between both countries.

“As a partner of the Nihao! China campaign to promote travel to China, Trip.com is pleased that it will now be easier for Malaysians to visit China, and vice versa.”

“The campaign we launched on Friday evening offers our Malaysian users discounts and offers for their trips to China has been very well received, and we look forward to helping our users plan their trips with our initiatives, such as our AI-enabled travel assistant TripGenie, as well as the China Travel Guide that gives international visitors tips on information such as payment methods and transport options.”

AirAsia boosts China and India flights

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 November 2023: AirAsia announced Monday a significant increase in services between China-Malaysia and India-Malaysia, totalling an impressive 230 weekly flights starting in the first quarter of 2024, with up to 5.2 million seats per year.

The significant increase in capacity via AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) comes in response to the anticipated surge in travel demand following the Malaysian government’s announcement of a 30-day visa-free entry for travellers from China and India into Malaysia starting 1 December 2023. 

The announcement also coincides with the recent announcement of easing travel restrictions for Malaysians visiting China effective 1 December 2023.

Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said: “The 30-day visa-free entry for the citizens of China and India will surely provide a welcome boost for Malaysia’s tourism and economy ahead of the upcoming peak travel season while boosting economic bonds between these great nations.”

As the largest foreign low-cost carrier in China, both AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) fly 17 routes into the country with a total of 156 flights weekly AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) fly from Kuala Lumpur to Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Kunming, Guilin), Nanning, Shantou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. AirAsia Malaysia (AK) also flies from Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Beijing, Wuhan, and Johor Bahru to Guangzhou.

Both airlines have also increased frequencies to nine routes into India with 74 flights weekly. AirAsia Malaysia (AK) flies from Kuala Lumpur to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Cochin, Hyderabad, Chennai, Trichy, and Trivandrum – a new destination starting in February 2024. AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) flies from Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi and Amritsar.

Recently, the China Embassy in Malaysia also announced that citizens holding ordinary passports who enter China for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes can enjoy visa-free travel for up to 15 days from 1 December 2023 until 30 November 2024.

Amari Vientiane to open in 2024

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 28 November 2023: ONYX Hospitality Group has signed a management deal for a second Amari property in Vientiane, Laos, complementing Amari Vang Vieng, which opened in March 2018. 

The latest signing occurred in mid-November at the Vientiane office of joint-venture lead partner Tang Chareon Group for the 248-room Amari Vientiane, scheduled to open in the Lao PDR capital during 2024.

Photo credit: Onyx. Amari Vientiane.

The property will have a rooftop executive lounge, a speciality rooftop restaurant, a rooftop bar, fitness centre and banqueting facilities, including a ballroom and meeting rooms. Amari Vientiane occupies a central Mekong Riverside location at the junction of Quai Fa Ngum and Khun Bu Lom roads, a short stroll to the city’s famous ‘night market street’ and  Chao Anouvong Park. Vientiane’s other top city centre attractions, including the Patuxay Victory Monument, Lao National Museum and Wat Si Saket, are easily accessible on foot or by tuk-tuk. The hotel is located 4.8 km from Wattay International Airport. 

Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to expand its portfolio of hotels, resorts and serviced apartments across Southeast Asia. It targets 50 properties under its management by 2025. Earlier this year, it signed a contract to manage Amari Raaya Maldives and another for Amari Colombo in Sri Lanka, due to open in late 2024. It manages properties under the brands Amari, OZO, and Shama.

MarketHub plots where travel is heading

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 28 November 2023: MarketHub Asia by Hotelbeds 2023 hosted in Bangkok sparked in-depth discussions among industry leaders on the future trajectory of the tourism sector under the theme “Where Next?”.

Amidst substantial disruptions in the tourism sector, Hotelbeds reveals the following essential insights from its MarketHub Asia event.

Projected Workforce Expansion

The global tourism sector is projected to generate a staggering 110 million new jobs in the coming decade, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, with the Asia-Pacific region poised to contribute nearly 70% of these opportunities due to an expanding job market.

The Traveller of Tomorrow

Travel agencies reveal that up to 90% of consumers seek personalised solutions, catering to a rising demand for individualised and seamlessly tailored experiences. Hotelbeds reports that these end customers are not just after essential services such as insurance and financial provisions; they seek comprehensive travel packages that offer 24/7 customer support.

Addressing environmental impact becomes a primary focus in the tourism sector, driving the prominence of sustainable travel practices. With 70% of travellers anticipating more eco-conscious offerings, the momentum for environmentally-friendly travel intensifies.

Emotion is the New Brand Standard

A significant shift in young consumers’ preferences is evident, with approximately 60% of Millennials and Gen Zs prioritising superior services over price, seeking experiences that create lasting memories during their trips. This changing sentiment and the accompanying high expectations are driving the need for innovative business models. 

Asia is a tech leader

Asia is 10 years ahead in technology, and consumers demand new travel products, including those in Fintech. The audience also heard that embracing technology, including artificial intelligence and augmented reality, is essential to ensure data quality.

“MarketHub Asia assembled trailblazers from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to explore the future of travel,” said HBX Group chief commercial officer Carlos Munoz. “Under the theme ‘Where Next?’, we delved into the future of tourism amidst significant disruptions, unearthing pivotal insights that will chart the industry’s trajectory for years to come.”

(Source: Markethub Asia – HBX Group).

IHG sets foot on Koh Chang beach

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 28 November 2023: IHG Hotels & Resorts extends its partnership with Dinso Resort Co Ltd, one year from Dinso Resort & Villas Phuket, Vignette Collection successfully converting to IHG’s system.

Opening in 2024, the 166-room Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang, Vignette Collection joins Dinso Resort & Villas Phuket, Vignette Collection and Sindhorn Midtown Bangkok, Vignette Collection to represent a trio of Thai properties featured by IHG’s first collection brand.

Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang, Vignette Collection rebrands from the former Emerald Resort Koh Chang to enter IHG’s system in 2024 following extensive renovation and closure since February 2023.

A popular destination for domestic travellers, Chang is Thailand’s third largest island and a five-hour, 20-minute drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (320 km), followed by a 30-minute ferry ride. 

Popularly known as Elephant Island because of its shape, it is famed for the Koh Chang Marine National Park. It comprises dozens of unspoiled islands with snorkelling, diving opportunities, and pristine beaches against a rainforest backdrop.

Dinso Resort & Villas Koh Chang, Vignette Collection is a beachfront property on Klong Prao Beach on the island’s eastern coast.

It joins the global Vignette Collection portfolio in 2024, alongside Convent Square Lisbon and Casa da Companhia in Porto, Portugal, Yours Truly DC in the US, Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley in Australia, Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok in Thailand and Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort. There are 18 hotels in the brand’s pipeline, and IHG targets 100 hotels by 2031*.

(*30 September 2023 figures).

Jetstar Asia takes off to Osaka

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 28 November 2023: Jetstar Asia is relaunching five weekly flights from Singapore to Osaka via Manila after a three-year pause.

Using an A320 aircraft with 180 seats, the first flight departed at 0200 on 24 November from Singapore, flying to Manila, where it made a short stop before departing for Osaka at 0655. 

The airline is scheduling daily from 30 December to meet pent-up demand for the popular service during the festive holiday season.

Jetstar Asia CEO Barathan Pasupathi said the return to Japan was an important milestone as the low-fare airline continued to grow its extensive Asian network.

“Osaka is an exciting destination for travellers from Singapore and the Philippines, and this route demonstrates our commitment to providing more low-fare options for our customers across Asia.”

Known as the food capital of Japan, Osaka is also famous for its nightlife, architecture, and history.

1...259260261...597Page 260 of 597

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.