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Emirates codeshares with Batik Air

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 November 2023: Emirates and Batik Air Malaysia today announced a codeshare agreement, allowing Emirates’ customers to access five domestic Malaysian cities and three regional South East Asia points operated by Batik Air via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The Minister of Transport Malaysia, YB Tuan Anthony Loke, graced the launch and lauded the strategic partnership between Emirates and Batik Air, emphasising the numerous opportunities it offers to travellers worldwide.

Photo credit: Emirates.

“We are pleased with the partnership, which has the potential to strengthen Malaysia’s role as a prime gateway to the region. We hope to see an increase in KLIA traffic, especially to facilitate connectivity to regional destinations.”

The enhanced cooperation was introduced by Emirates senior vice president, commercial operations (Far East) Orhan Abbas and Batik Air group strategic director Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy.

Also present at the launch event were  Emirates senior vice president of revenue optimisation and airline partnerships Anand Lakshminarayanan and Emirates country manager Malaysia Saeed Mubarak.

In line with the agreement, Emirates will place its code on Batik Air-operated flights to Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Denpasar, Jakarta and Singapore, offering customers a seamless travel experience as they connect to new destinations using a single ticket, and convenient baggage policy.

Emirates’ customers will also have the option to stop in Kuala Lumpur before proceeding to their final destinations. The airline will gain access to eight additional destinations operated by Batik Air via Kuala Lumpur for interline transfers.

Orhan Abbas commented on this partnership: “Malaysia is an important market in our Far East network. We’re pleased to offer increased connectivity and more options for our customers to new and exciting destinations. Through this partnership, we’ll expand our network reach to more than 1,490 cities worldwide. We look forward to working closely with our partner Batik Air on offering even better choices and more convenient experiences for travellers.”

Emirates has been flying to Malaysia since 1996 and currently operates 21 weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur using a mix of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, serving passengers with its world-class products and services. The airline currently has 30 codeshare, 11 Intermodal and 118 interline partners, including a longstanding partnership with the Jakarta-based Lion Air Group and its subsidiaries Batik Air Indonesia and Batik Air Malaysia.

Tickets can be booked on www.emirates.com, online travel agencies (OTA’s) and via travel agents for travel commencing from 1 November 2023.

(Source: Emirates)

Pandaw adds Mekong expedition dates

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 November 2023: Following the completion of Pandaw’s inaugural 10-night ‘Deeper and Further on The Mekong’ sailing last week, Pandaw confirms the release of new dates for this distinctive expedition in late 2024. 

Sailing further beyond the often-visited areas of the Mekong Delta and waterways of Cambodia than any other passenger river ship, this in-depth exploration is the ideal itinerary for those who want to take a deeper dive into river life and its communities than is possible on the standard Mekong cruise.

The cruise goes deeper to explore remoter areas of the Mekong Delta and further up the main Mekong River than any other river cruise. This pioneering route targets Pandaw club members who seek more immersive experiences in the countries Pandaw ships ply. The first departure last week was exclusively for members.

The river ship of choice for this expedition is the expedition-proven Mekong Pandaw, the first ship to pioneer the river in 2002 and historically open the river border between Vietnam and Cambodia. 

With 24 staterooms, she has been refitted with a spa, library and gym. Constructed in Burma (Myanmar) from golden teak, this is the most spacious of all Pandaw’s 19 ships, with broad promenades running around each deck and a spacious sun deck of over 600 square metres on top. With a draft of only one metre, the Mekong Pandaw can go further upstream than other river ships, and the lower air draft means the vessel can pass under the many new bridges that prevent other ships on the Mekong from exploring tributaries in the more remote sections of the river.

For more cruise details, visit:

To celebrate the launch of the new 10-night dates, Pandaw has put together two special combo cruises that can be joined to this Mekong expedition – the Red River & Halong Bay itinerary and the Upper Mekong cruise. 

Grand Vietnam and Cambodia 21-Night Combo Cruise – 30 September 2024. A full Vietnam and Cambodia adventure from North to South View More

HALONG BAY – SIEM REAP
21 nights
FROM USD8,560.00

The Full Mekong – Four Country, 21-Night Combo Cruise – 22 October 2024. A complete sailing of the navigable Mekong taking in four countries View More

SIEM REAP – CHIANG KHONG
21 nights
FROM USD9,596.00

Book your place today by visiting pandaw.com or contact us at [email protected].

ONYX sets out expansion goals

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 November 2023: ONYX Hospitality Group outlined its expansion plans during the sales team’s visit to ITB Asia last week, confirming the Bangkok-based hotel group targets a portfolio of 50 hotels by 2025 and 70 by 2028. 

That’s an ambitious target given the group has just two years to accelerate management deals to raise the count from the present 44 properties to 50, then the big leap to 70 by 2028. In today’s hotel environment, competition is tough, and hotel owners are in no hurry to negotiate management terms, given the surge in leisure travel demand driving direct business.

Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, surrounded by the group’s general managers on a sales mission at ITB Asia. 

ONYX’s management deals are spread out over Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Laos under four brands – Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence.

Notable recent additions include the Amari Raaya Maldives, which welcomed its first guests in Q3 2023. Amari Colombo, Sri Lanka, will follow, opening its doors in 2024. According to the group’s press statement, nine more properties are in the pipeline, with eight slated to make a debut in 2024.

ONYX is exploring opportunities in Hong Kong and says it is set to witness significant growth in Malaysia and Thailand in 2024. Looking beyond 2024, ONYX has its sights set on Indonesia, with plans to gain management contracts in  Bali and Jakarta.

The group’s flagship, Amari Watergate Bangkok, drops “Watergate” from its name after more than 30 years as a rebranding and upgrade gets underway, including the introduction of new restaurants in 2024.

Thai MICE masters set out 2024 plan

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 1 November 2023: Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau has assigned three departments concentrating on Mega Events and Festivals, International Exhibitions and Domestic MICE* Markets to drive expansion to meet 2024 targets.

Describing the departmental deployment, TCEB president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya said the plan forecasts Thai MICE travellers will total 23.2 million, generating THB140 billion in revenue by the end of 2024.

According to its in-house research results, TCEB’s performances over the last 21 years since it was established have been “successful”. It credits itself with having won 442 international bids for world events and having supported more than 6,300 local MICE events. Its internal office assessments suggest the performances generated not less than THB63,000 million for the Thai economy. 

In the research, TCEB claims 650 MICE entrepreneurs worldwide have selected Thailand as a top-of-mind destination compared to 14 other Asian countries, followed by Japan and Singapore. 

TCEB’s 2024 operations and marketing plans assign key initiatives to three specific departments covering mega events and festivals, international exhibitions and the domestic MICE market.

Mega Events and Festivals: TCEB has supported over 100 festivals, generating over 50,000 million in circulation for the Thai economy. The future directions of this department will grow social, cultural and economic capital or Soft Power as a creator of 360-degree value. The focus will be on building a network through one-on-one meeting roadshows.

International Exhibitions: There have been no less than 25 new shows this year, and the department concentrating on this sector has driven growth and competitive advantage by producing a tool that will help penetrate and expand business opportunities sustainably.

According to the report of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry or UFI, Thailand was in 2022 ranked No.1 in ASEAN and No.4 in Asia in terms of exhibition spaces. In 2023, the exhibition sector has been a key factor in increasing revenue and the number of foreign MICE travellers entering Thailand. The visitor tally in both categories has surpassed the target by 68% or equivalent to the revenue of 2019, which was the year with a record high of revenue before the Covid-19 outbreak.  

Domestic MICE Market: In 2023, domestic MICE travellers accounted for 16.5 million, generating an estimated THB50,000 million in revenue. The domestic market serves as a crucial foundation in strengthening Thailand’s MICE industry, helps to curb risks from uncontrollable external factors and promotes the domestic economy. 

A dedicated TCEB department is leading a drive to improve destination readiness. This approach will feature all 10 designated MICE Cities through a connecting campaign. 

By the end of the fiscal year 2024, Thailand should welcome 23.2 million MICE travellers, generating THB140 billion in revenue. This comprises 960,000 overseas travellers, creating THB63 billion baht in revenue, and 22.2 million domestic MICE travellers, generating THB73 billion in revenue. 

* MICE: Probably the most ridiculous acronym created by humourless travel gurus. It refers to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. Unfortunately, it makes us think of rodents.

Qatar is back flying to Phnom Penh

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHNOM PENH, 1 November 2023: Qatar Airways resumed daily services on 29 October from its Doha home base to Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh, flying via Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Qatar Airways country manager Vietnam and Cambodia, Vu Thi Thanh Huong commented: This route not only strengthens our commitment to the Cambodian market but also opens up new travel possibilities for our passengers.”

Photo credit: Cambodia Tourism Association – CATA. Cambodia’s travel business communities welcome Qatar Airways to Phnom Penh.

Cambodia Airports CEO Cyril Girot added: “The resumption of daily flights between Doha and the Gulf Region to Cambodia’s capital city … is a positive sign for Cambodia’s leisure industry and the business community.”

Cambodia Tourism Association members were on hand to welcome the return of Qatar Airways.

The airline flies a Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft configured with 42 flat-bed seats in business class (Q-Suite) and 312 economy class seats.

Flight time from Phnom Penh to Doha with a stop in Ho Chi Minh City is 11 hours, and the return flight is nine hours and 25 minutes. The best fare on Skyscanner quotes USD1,849 return ( mid-November).

Flight Schedule:

DOHA – PHNOM PENH (daily via Ho Chi Minh City)
QR970 DOH – SGN departs at 0200, arrives at 1310
QR970 SGN – PNH departs at 1440, arrives at 1525

PHNOM PENH – DOHA (daily via Ho Chi Minh City)
QR971 PNH – SGN departs at 1650, arrives at 1810
QR971 SGN – DOH departs at 1955, arrives at 2355

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Bamboo Airways suspends regional flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI MINH CITY, 1 November 2023: Bamboo Airways is grounding all international flights after it halted its Boeing 787 long-haul flights to Europe and Australia last week.

Local media in Vietnam confirmed Monday the financially challenged airline will suspend its regional flights across Asia by late November.

The airline’s Facebook page confirmed it suspended the Hanoi to Seoul Korea flights last Sunday.

Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore end on 4 November, followed by flights from Hanoi to Bangkok, Japan (Narita) and Taipei on 8 November. The last regional route, Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, is scheduled to close on 21 November. Full refunds or flight changes are being offered for tickets already sold, according to the airline, but disgruntled passengers are saying that is not the case in angry Facebook blasts.

Domestic flights continue as Bamboo Airways attempts to stabilise operations and cut financial losses. High-volume routes such as  Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi-Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City-Danang remain as the life-saving revenue earners flying between tourism hubs as well as serving  Hai Phong, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Nha Trang, Dalat, Quy Nhon, Phu Quoc and Con Dao.

Last week, Bamboo Airways named the former head of Pacific Airlines and Air Mekong, Luong Hoai Nam, as the new CEO charged with reversing the heavy losses incurred flying long-haul routes.

If the drastic restructuring works, the airline could revive selected high-revenue-earning regional routes from Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a long shot, considering the airline lost an estimated USD722 million in 2022, according to airline industry news channels.

Bamboo Airways is a Vietnamese airline founded in 2017. Its first flight took off in January 2019. It grew its network to 29 destinations, including flights to Australia and Europe and has a fleet of 29 aircraft.

Sri Lanka introduces free visas

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 November 2023: Sri Lanka introduced a pilot project last week that issues free tourist visas to nationals from China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan unti 31 March 2024, the country’s government news portal reported on 24 October 2023.

The country hopes the visa deal will kick-start tourism recovery and help it achieve 5 million visitors annually by 2026.

The Cabinet also confirmed it was pursuing “opportunities to ease access and reduce queues for foreigners visiting world heritage and historical sites by introducing a single payment package ticket for all the relevant heritage sites. It will also ensure travellers can buy the ticket at the airport through an online App.

Sri Lanka Railways’ tourist coaches will also adopt an online system to allow visitors to purchase rail travel at the airport and obtain tickets.

The short-term strategies to promote the tourism industry are based on a joint proposal presented by the Minister of Tourism and Lands and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Cabinet.

They noted that Asian destinations are competing to raise their tourism earnings, which had fallen due to the Covid pandemic, and many of them are taking steps to provide visa-free entry to tourists. 

“Several new tourism promotion programmes will help to revive the Sri Lankan tourism industry in response to the serious economic crisis,” the Cabinet of Ministers noted in a press statement.

Miss SHOPhia ventures beyond KL

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TTR WEEKLY
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PENANG, 31 October 2023: Tourism Malaysia’s Miss SHOPhia Shopping Hunt edition 5.0  rolled out for the first time in Penang during the weekend, expanding the campaign’s horizon beyond its comfort zone in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding Selangor.

Previous editions focused on just shopping malls in the Malaysian capital and towns in neighbouring Selangor. However, in Penang, the Miss SHOPhia Shopping Hunt 5.0 embraced the entire island, encouraging participants to explore its bustling shopping havens to UNESCO heritage sites and culinary delights served in hawker centres and food streets. 

The hunt focused on sustainable travel options, urging participants to use public transportation and e-hailing services that champion eco-conscious exploration. A total of 52 teams participated in the Penang version of the  hunt. 

Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General Datuk Musa Hj Yusof flagged off the hunt at The TOP, Penang, culminating at Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang, where the Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), YB. Wong Hon Wai presided over the prize-giving ceremony.

Tourism Malaysia also organises a post-event familiarisation trip for prominent media representatives from India, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Brunei, supported by Malaysia Airlines and Firefly as airline partners. The trip featured visits to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak, and Port Dickson.

Dusit names MD for flagship property

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 31 October 2023: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has appointed Adrian Rudin as managing director of two highly anticipated properties in Dusit’s portfolio – the reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and ultra-luxury Dusit Residences. 

Currently under development opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of Bangkok, where the iconic original Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel once stood, both properties are integral components of Dusit’s most significant project to date – Dusit Central Park – a visionary mixed-use development that will also encompass a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end shopping mall, and a sprawling public rooftop park. 

Adrian Rudin, managing director, Dusit Thani Bangkok and Dusit Residences.

Set to make its grand debut in mid-2024, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok represents a contemporary transformation of the original hotel, which first graced the Bangkok skyline in 1970 as the city’s grandest and tallest edifice, famous for housing Bangkok’s most elegant ballroom. As a testament to this storied legacy, the revitalised hotel has been meticulously designed to elevate Dusit’s standing on the world stage while redefining its heritage through a modern lens. 

Set over 49 floors and crowned with an iconic golden spire, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok will be a multifaceted destination offering an array of dining, wellness, and event facilities. This includes a breathtaking elevated ballroom affording panoramic views of Lumpini Park. Each of the hotel’s 257 spacious and exquisitely designed guest rooms and suites will also provide captivating vistas of this expansive green oasis in the city’s heart.

Drawing inspiration from Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, the neighbouring Dusit Residences is also dedicated to embracing Dusit’s rich legacy. It promises to offer a seamless fusion of luxury, comfort, and convenience for residents when it opens in early 2026.

Mr Rudin, a Swiss national, brings over three decades of experience in leading luxury hotels under renowned banners such as Shangri-La and Kempinski Hotels. Pivotal positions he has held in his career include, amongst others, Hotel Manager of Shangri-La Singapore, General Manager of Traders Hotel in Singapore, and Opening General Manager of Shangri-La properties in Abu Dhabi and Beijing.

Before joining Dusit, he served as General Manager of Sindhorn Bangkok Kempinski and Vice President of Operations for China and Southeast Asia at Kempinski Hotels, where he skillfully managed the operations of 25 Kempinski and NUO Hotels while providing invaluable support for new ventures. 

With his appointment as managing director of Dusit Thani Bangkok and Dusit Residences, Rudin will play a crucial role in shaping the success of both new properties, including securing future MICE business ahead of the hotel’s grand opening next year.

“Being entrusted with the stewardship of these prestigious Dusit properties is both a privilege and an honour,” said Mr Rudin. “I look forward to working with our exceptional teams to breathe vibrant life into Dusit’s storied legacy as we curate unparalleled guest experiences, continue to redefine hospitality’s highest standards, and deliver one of the most impressive venues for memorable meetings and events in Bangkok.”

Mr Rudin holds an Advanced Certificate in Hotel Management from SHL (Schweizerische Hotel Fachschule Luzern) and an Executive Education certificate from Cornell Hotel Management School at Cornell University, New York. 

For more information about the upcoming properties, please visit dusit.com/dusitthani-bangkok (Dusit Thani Bangkok) and dusitresidences.com (Dusit Residences).

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

Boat races and an airline takeover

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 31 October 2023: Hosted at the Waterfront Kuching, the three-day International Dragon Boat Regatta Race saw 60 teams from 20 countries vie for the top prizes during the Sarawak Regatta celebrations that continue to 5 November 2023. 

The event is organised by the Kuching ‘Residen’ Office and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP). The International Dragon Boat Race saw 60 teams from 20 countries participating. Other activities during the Sarawak Regatta include the Sarawak Kitchen Festival and Borneo Textile Craft Sale, cultural performances, and the Sarawak Malay Drum Competition.

Photo credit: Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. International Dragon Boat Regatta.

Regattas in Sarawak dates back to 1872 during the James Brooke era. Initially, the intention was to stop racial wars among local tribes where headhunting was largely practised. 

Ruler James Brooke instructed all tribes to challenge each other through boat races to prove their power and strength rather than headhunting which brought lasting peace to the area.

Speaking at the launching ceremony at the weekend, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari, Premier of Sarawak, noted that due to flight constraints, Sarawak had to limit the number of regatta participants saying the recent MasWing acquisition and the changes in aviation in Sarawak should increase participation and boost the economy in the future

The aviation reference touched on a government announcement first reported by the Borneo Post on 29 October that confirmed a recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Sarawak government, Malaysia Aviation Group and Hornbill Skyways for the acquisition of shares in MASwings.

It’s a significant step forward in addressing accessibility concerns in Sarawak,” the Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar told the media.

Speaking to reporters Ammar expressed his optimism about the collaboration, emphasising the importance of increased accessibility to the region.

It will lead to a significant improvement in domestic flights on Borneo island once the takeover of MASwings by the Sarawak government and a new airline is established. In the short term, the airline will concentrate on opening up more flights in Sarawak province but will ultimately fly to other neighbouring destinations offering more competitive fares, he explained.

https://regatta.sarawaktourism.com/

Sarawak Regatta, Dragon Boat 27 Oktober – 5 November, 2023

(Source: Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak).

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