PHNOM PENH, 13 October 2023: As AirAsia Cambodia prepares for take-off, the airline has signed a strategic partnership with digital banking institution Oriental Bank Plc to offer payment solutions for flight bookings tailored to the needs of Cambodian travellers.
AirAsia’s guests in Cambodia can book a flight and add-ons through the AirAsia Superapp – soon to be rebranded AirAsia MOVE, making payment through Oriental Bank’s payment gateway service, which covers a wide range of payment options.
Photo Caption: (Second from left) Oriental Bank Managing Director/CEO Datuk Phan Ying Tong and AirAsia Cambodia CEO Vissoth Nam announcing the Strategic Alliance Declaration between AirAsia Cambodia and Oriental Bank in Phnom Penh last week.
By expanding the payment options available to local guests, AirAsia Cambodia and Oriental Bank aim to enhance the payment experience, making it easier, faster, and more secure for AirAsia’s guests to transact throughout their journey. The partnership will benefit millions of Cambodians with greater value payment choices and offer Oriental Bank’s users added convenience to book their flights easily.
AirAsia Cambodia CEO Vissoth Nam said: “As we are set to paint Cambodia’s sky red in the next few months, we are pleased to join forces with Oriental Bank, a pioneer in providing innovative digital banking solutions as one of our first financial service partners.
“As digital transformation reshapes the Cambodian consumer payments landscape, we believe this partnership will provide an exceptional user experience for local travellers while empowering them with choice and opportunity. We remain committed to supporting innovation to revolutionise the way Cambodians travel in the future.”
Recently, AirAsia Cambodia signed a Merchant Service Agreement with Oriental Bank as the main payment processing service provider for the airline in Cambodia.
AirAsia Cambodia is a Cambodian low-cost airline based at Phnom Penh International Airport. It’s a joint venture between the Malaysian AirAsia and Cambodian local enterprise Sivilai Asia. The airline was launched on 9 December 2022 and plans to start operations in December 2023 and possibly as early as November.
BANGKOK, 13 October 2023: The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has declared Thailand the host country for the FIFA Congress 2024.
The event will be hosted in Bangkok on 17 May, making it the first time the FIFA Congress travels to an ASEAN member country.
Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, confirmed this week that FIFA selected Thailand to host the 74th annual general meeting or FIFA Congress 2024. The one-day event will be held at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
The FIFA Congress meets annually, attracting VIPs and FIFA members from 211 football associations worldwide. Around 1,000 delegates worldwide will attend the 2024 congress when the Women’s World Cup 2027 host country will be selected.
Hosting theFIFA Congress 2024 will build confidence and enhance Thailand’s reputation as a suitable venue for global events and help ASEAN countries keen to join hands to make a bid to host the World Cup in the future. TCEB estimates the FIFA Congress will generate around THB38.31 million in direct tourism revenue.
SINGAPORE, 12 October 2023: Oceania Cruises will deploy its 1,250-passenger ship Riviera to sail her first season in Alaska in the summer of 2025.
Riviera will visit iconic Alaska ports such as Ketchikan, Sitka, Kodiak, and the Hubbard Glacier, with seven to 12 days of sailing itineraries. Sailings start from Whittier, Vancouver or Seattle. Close to 300 excursion choices in Alaska are on offer to passengers who can tap a shore excursion credit of up to USD1,600.
View of Water Street, Ketchikan, Alaska.
Designated as a small ship by cruise line standards, Riviera sails with a crew of 800 and can accommodate up to 1,250 guests.
Alaska itineraries 2025
Alaska Reflections: 8 days from Vancouver to Whittier cruising Hubbard Glacier and visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah) and Sitka. Departs 13 May, 2025.
Explorer’s Alaska: 8 days from Whittier to Vancouver cruising Hubbard Glacier and visiting Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert. Departs 21 May, 2025.
Wilds of Alaska: 12 days from Vancouver to Whittier cruising Hubbard Glacier and visiting Klawock, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Kodiak and Homer. Departs 29 May, 2025.
Alaskan Accolades: 7 days from Whittier to Vancouver cruising Hubbard Glacier and visiting Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan. Departs 10 June, 2025.
Majestic Alaska: 9 days from Vancouver to Seattle cruising Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords and visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Wrangell and Victoria. Departs 17 June, 2025.
Gems of The Last Frontier: 12 days from Seattle to Seattle cruising Hubbard Glacier and visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Haines, Sitka, Wrangell, Klawock and Victoria. Departs 26 June and 17 July 2025.
Wonders of Alaska: 9 days from Seattle to Seattle cruising Hubbard Glacier and visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria. Departs 8 July and 9 September 2025.
Radiant Alaska: 10 days from Seattle to Seattle cruising Hubbard Glacier and visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Sitka and Victoria. Departs 29 July, 2025.
Frontier Adventures: 10 days from Seattle to Seattle cruising Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords and visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, Juneau, Wrangell and Victoria. Departs 8 August 2025.
Spirit of Alaska: 10 days from Seattle to Seattle cruising Holkham Bay Glacier Fjords and visiting Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Juneau, Skagway, Wrangell and Victoria. Departs 18 August 2025.
Alaskan Horizons: 12 days from Seattle to Seattle cruising Hubbard Glacier and visiting Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point (Hoonah), Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Wrangell, Klawock and Victoria. Departs 28 August 2025.
SINGAPORE, 12 October 2023: Inaugurating a daily service in May 2024 between São Paulo GRU and London LHR, Virgin Atlantic has named Discover the World its GSA partner for Brazil.
The partnership means Discover the World will put in place a sales, marketing, finance and support team for the Brazilian travel trade and set up a dedicated Virgin Atlantic office in São Paulo. The team will report directly to Justin Bell, the country manager in Brazil.
Photo credit: Virgin Atlantic
Discover the World’s head of airline development, Aiden Walsh commented: “We have had a strong relationship with Virgin Atlantic over several years … For Brazil, we have a comprehensive plan where travel trade partners will play a key role in revenue development. We look forward to implementing the plan and making Virgin Atlantic a brand that becomes a firm favourite with Brazil’s trade partners.”
About Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984. In 2022, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the sixth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs more than 7,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 31 destinations across four continents. Virgin Atlantic recently continued its expansion in the US, launching new routes to Austin, Texas and Tampa, Florida.
SINGAPORE, 12 October 2023: Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings and Res2, a Netherlands-based departure control system provider and airport automation leader, roll out a new multi-year agreement with Thai Vietjet.
Under the agreement, the airline will use iPort DCS (Departure Control System) to manage passenger handling, baggage, and boarding to enhance its customer experience with the automation enabled by iPort.
“We are very excited about this strategic partnership with Travelport and Res2. The growth plan of our airline requires a strong partner; we recognise the vital role that iPort DCS will play in our airport operation modernisation. We are confident that our collaboration with Res2 and Travelport LP will enable us to elevate the travel experience for our customers,” said Thai Vietjet chief executive officer Woranate Laprabang.
iPort DCS’s end-to-end service is designed to increase efficiency in the check-in and boarding process, deliver full-scale self-service capacity, enhance security and immigration regulatory compliance, reduce wait times, and improve accuracy information management.
BANGKOK, 12 October 2023: Dusit Thani Kyoto, a new luxury hotel managed by Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, officially celebrated its grand opening on 1 September unveiling Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and a range of exciting dining and wellness experiences – including the hotel’s signature fine-dining restaurant, Ayatana.
Conceived exclusively for the hotel by acclaimed Thai chefs Duangporn ‘Bo’ Songvisava and Dylan Jones, who earned global recognition, including a Michelin Star, at their former Bangkok restaurant, Bo.Ian, Ayatana offers a sensory journey unlike any other.
Taking inspiration from the rich cultures of both Thailand and Japan, every element of the restaurant has a story to tell, starting with the name – Ayatana – a Sanskrit word, which, in Buddhist philosophy, refers to the six senses: sight, sound, scent, taste, touch, and mind.
Ayatana’s unique multisensory culinary journey integrates all of these senses to deliver dining experiences that excite and delight on multiple levels – delivering a symphony of sensations from start to finish.
The journey begins the moment a guest arrives at the hotel. Upon entering the property, each diner is warmly greeted and presented with a traditional Japanese fan infused with essential oils (representing scent). They are then gracefully guided through the hotel’s peaceful courtyard garden (body, mind), before taking part in a traditional handwashing ritual with water infused with offcuts of organic Thai herbs that will be featured in the dining experience to come (touch, scent, sound, mind).
The gastronomic journey then begins in the restaurant’s open kitchen with a first bite that pays respect to the amazing bounty of Kyoto – specifically kyo-yasai (the prefecture’s famous vegetables) – with a tasty morsel of vibrant kyo-yasai aubergines and a pepper relish inspired by a Northeastern Thai speciality.
Delectable small bites from Kati, Dusit Thani Kyoto’s unique dessert atelier, are another delectable highlight.
Guests are then seated and the story of Ayatana further unfolds with the serving of five amuse-bouches that reference Shojin Ryori, the traditional dining style of Buddhist monks in Japan, which focuses on seasonal vegetables and wild mountain plants, believed to bring balance and alignment to the body, mind, and spirit.
The amuse-bouches also pay homage to the five elements of nature – Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space) – through five cooking techniques (grilled, smoked, steamed, boiled, raw), five distinct flavours (sweet, salty, bitter, sour, umami), and five colours (green, red, black, yellow, white). Ayatana’s talented chefs curate various combinations based on the season and the availability of fresh produce, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving sensory experience.
The dining journey then continues with a fine-dining homage to the typical Thai-style family dinner, with six flavoursome Thai dishes arriving at the table, comprising organic rice, salad, traditional curry, a stir-fry, a steamed dish, a soup, and assorted relishes. In the spirit of authenticity, the spice level of dishes cannot be altered. However, a non-spicy selection of dishes is available for those seeking minimal heat.
Highlights of this season’s menu include Nashi pear and sweet prawn; Southern style rice salad; Peneang curry of short ribs; and Coconut soup of Hirame and vermicelli.
To complement its dishes, Ayatana takes pride in presenting more than just beverages; it offers a purposeful beverage experience.
Alongside a special wine pairing menu, the restaurant will also soon offer a selection of exclusive food-based mocktails created in collaboration with Intangible, a renowned non-alcoholic cocktail bar based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Championing the idea of “mocktails with soul,” the mocktail menu promises to celebrate sustainable Thai and local produce and deliver a symphony of vibrant flavours and aromas.
As part of the dining journey, diners will also experience Thai-inspired wagashi (a traditional Japanese confection) served with organic green tea specially created for Ayatana by the Dusit Tea Garden in Wazuka, which Dusit has set up in collaboration with TeaRoom Inc., a renowned sustainability-focused tea manufacturer. Adding to the sweetness of the experience are delectable small bites from Kati, Dusit Thani Kyoto’s unique dessert atelier. It proudly stands as the city’s first establishment to offer sweet treats crafted using fresh organic coconut cream sourced directly from Thailand.
The entire dinner experience takes around 2.5 hours, with each remarkable journey culminating in an auditory delight: the soothing tones of a singing bowl. This melodic touch is not just music to the ears; it’s believed to enhance digestion and promote a tranquil, rejuvenating slumber.
“From the gentle illumination to the thoughtfully designed seating to the fine Thai and Japanese ingredients and unique multisensory experiences we offer, each facet of Ayatana is a testament to the pursuit of ultimate guest comfort and enjoyment,” said Mr Makoto Yamashita, Area General Manager Kyoto, and Cluster General Manager, Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo. “Ayatana is a space that cradles diners in its embrace, inviting them to linger, indulge, and immerse themselves in the harmonious blend of Thai culinary artistry and the time-honoured elegance of Japanese traditions. We look forward to delighting our guests with this memorable culinary journey.”
Dusit Thani Kyoto is located in the city’s vibrant Hanganji Monzen-machi district, only 850 metres from major transportation hub Kyoto Station. It is Dusit’s second hotel in Kyoto, following the lifestyle-focused ASAI Kyoto Shijo, which opened in June.
Ayatana is open daily for dinner journeys (except Tue and Wed) from 5:30pm – 10pm (last orders at 8pm). Price starts at JPY 24,800 / USD 170 per person (including tax and service charge). Wine/mocktail pairing options are also available. A lunch journey menu will be available beginning in November. Seating is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended.
Miang kham, a leaf-wrapped traditional hors d’oeuvre from Thailand, is just one of the mouthwatering amuse-bouches served as part of the memorable culinary journey.
BANGKOK, 12 October 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a Thailand headquartered hotel operator, has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SCG Cleanergy Company Limited, a service provider of solar energy solutions across Thailand.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel operator home based in Thailand, has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SCG Cleanergy Company Limited, a service provider of solar energy solutions across Thailand.
From left:Robert Maurer-Loeffler, GM of Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld and VP Operations of Centara Hotels & ResortsThaschai Phattanagosai, Senior Director of Risk and Legal of Centara Hotels & ResortsGun Srisompong, CFO and VP of Finance and Administration of Centara Hotels & ResortsThirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & ResortsAttapong Sathitmanotham, CEO SCG Cleanergy Apichet Nuytoom, VP of Operations SCG CleanergyChutinan Sirivasuvat, B2B Business Director SCG Distribution.
The partnership marks Centara’s dedication to embracing the “Smart Hotel” concept by integrating “Smart Energy”, a sustainable and clean electrical technology, throughout its extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts.
Under the terms of this MOU, Centara and SCG Cleanergy are embarking on a transformative journey to research and plan solar energy usage through the integration of “Smart Grid”, a smart electrical network operated by the SCG Cleanergy Platform. This strategic partnership aligns with Centara’s long-term goals for a greener future by reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions by 20% within the next decade.
This pioneering initiative will commence with Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World serving as the inaugural pilot property to utilise renewable energy from SCG Cleanergy as its primary electricity source. The installation of rooftop solar panels capable of generating 861.35 kilowatts of electricity is expected to reduce over 540 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually.
This clean energy venture is an integral component of Centara’s comprehensive 10-year sustainability plan spanning from 2020 to 2029. This multifaceted strategy seeks to lower the brand’s impact across four key areas by reducing energy consumption, water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and the amount of waste sent to landfills by 20% compared to the baseline year of 2022. These ambitious goals underscore Centara’s continued dedication to sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship.
DELHI, 12 October 2023: Judges at the APEX and IFSA Global Expo declared SriLankan Airlines’ culinary tribute ‘SriLankan Flavours’ campaign the recipient of the 2024 IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage Innovation Award.
SriLankan Flavours is a palatable extension of the country’s culinary heritage served onboard SriLankan Airlines, and a display of the strong bond between carrier and homeland, which makes the SriLankan onboard experience inimitably Sri Lankan in every aspect.
SriLankan Airlines manager product development manager Maria Sathasivam explains the concept: “This campaign was ideated to champion Sri Lankan food being a differentiating factor in our product offering. The selection of dishes also highlights Sri Lanka’s multi-faceted and multicultural history, influencing Sri Lanka’s food story.”
The APEX/IFSA Awards and Expo wrapped up recently in Long Beach, California. The awards are jointly presented by APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) and IFSA (International Flight Services Association), rewarding airlines that have excelled in passenger experience.
SriLankan Airlines retained its status as a ‘four-star major airline’ in the 2024 APEX Official Airline Ratings for the sixth consecutive year.
SINGAPORE, 12 October 2023: Xiamen Airlines, a Chinese full-service carrier based at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, has appointed APG as its offline General Sales Agent (GSA) in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
APG represents a long-standing partner of APG, Xiamen Airlines, in multiple markets globally, including Qatar.
Xiamen Air’s fresh new livery promotes Universal Beijing Resort.
Xiamen Airlines recently announced that it will launch daily flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha on 20 October, followed by twice weekly flights on the Xiamen-Doha route on 31 October. Xiamen Airlines is the first Chinese carrier to operate nonstop flights from China to Qatar.
Advance schedule details indicate the airline will operate daily flights on the Beijing-Doha route departing Beijing at 1830 and arriving in Doha at 2245. The return flight will depart Doha at 0200 and arrive in Beijing at 1520, while the Xiamen-Doha route will operate two weekly flights (Tuesday and Friday) departing from Xiamen at 0005 and arriving in Doha at 0500. The return flight will depart Doha at 1930 and arrive in Xiamen at 0755 on the following day. Boeing 787 Dreamliners will serve both routes.
KUALA LUMPUR, 12 October 2023: Malaysia Airlines is expanding its network in Indonesia by introducing a new direct flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kertajati (KJT) beginning 30 October.
It will make it easier for travellers to explore Bandung and West Java. The new service will bring the airline’s direct connectivity to seven cities in Indonesia; Jakarta, Denpasar, Medan, Yogyakarta, Pekanbaru and Surabaya.
To launch the new route, the airline offered introductory fares starting at MYR519 all-in return in economy class and from MYR1,969 all-in return in business class. The twice-weekly flight is scheduled on Monday and Friday using a Boeing 737-800NG aircraft.
Following that inaugural deal, the airline is promoting a 10% discount on fares to Kertajati, a tourism gateway to explore Bandung, Cirebon and Majalengka in West Java. Bandung is famous for its batik shopping, while Cirebon is noted for its volcanic sites and sulfuric lakes.
Malaysia Airlines will also provide a free shuttle service for travel between Kertajati International Airport to Bandung City. The daily shuttle service will commence on 30 October and extend until 31 December 2023.
Malaysia Aviation Group chief executive officer Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “As one of the top five most prominent markets for Malaysia Airlines, adding Kertajati to our network will provide greater flexibility and convenience for travellers and stimulate tourism receipts. With this new service, travellers can seamlessly explore more of West Java, with its strategic connectivity to beautiful Bandung, Cirebon and Majalengka.
