Friday, April 25, 2025
Home Blog Page 382

Court locks confidential show info

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

MUMBAI, 11 April 2023: An arbitrator appointed by the Bombay High Court in 2019 to adjudicate disputes between Fairfest Media Ltd and Messe Berlin GmbH has issued permanent injunctions against Messe Berlin GmbH that prevents it from using confidential information that Fairfest Media Ltd shared with Messe Berlin GmbH.

However, the high court noted that Messe Berlin GmbH had been allowed to conduct its shows in India but ruled the award permanently restrains Messe Berlin from using the confidential information shared with it by Fairfest Media Ltd when organising competing travel trade fairs in India.

Messe Berlin Singapore is organising the in-person ITB Asia in Mumbai from 26 to 28 April 2023.

In a press statement released last week, Fairfest Media Ltd noted that it was bound to enforce the 9 March 2023 award issued in its favour. It intends to “take all necessary steps available under the law to ensure that Messe Berlin GmbH does not misuse its confidential information in organising the ITB India.”

In 2019, Fairfest Media Limited, the travel trade show OTM Mumbai organiser, took Messe Berlin GmbH, a German state-owned company, to court for an alleged breach of a non-disclosure agreement. The court appointed an arbitrator who passed an interim injunction order against Messe Berlin GmbH pending the passing of the award in the Arbitration and for eight weeks thereafter.

The present award, dated 9 March 2023, is a permanent injunction against Messe Berlin GmbH, prohibiting it from using Fairfest’s confidential information in holding ITB India.

During the original hearings, Messe Berlin challenged the arbitrator’s jurisdiction, and the arbitrator ruled that it had jurisdiction on issues related to the breach of the NDA. However, the arbitrator ruled that it did not deal with the issues related to copyright/trademark and further confidential information obtained by Messe Berlin under a Letter of Intent (LOI) executed later to the NDA, which designated Singapore as the jurisdiction.

(Source: Fairfest Media statement)

Marathon sets the pace for Phuket’s tourism

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 11 April 2023: The Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is set to welcome over 8,000 runners from more than 40 countries to the tropical island of Phuket to compete in Southeast Asia’s favourite destination marathons.

Hosted at the Laguna Phuket from 10 to 11 June 2023 at Laguna Phuket, the award-winning Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is one of Phuket’s longest-running international sports events.

Internationally certified by IAAF AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon, the Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is organised by GAA Events. It has set the benchmark for sporting events in Thailand for the last 17 years.

“Entries are looking strong, with thousands already confirmed from across Thailand and overseas. This year’s particularly encouraging is the return of interest from international participants. The pandemic limited international travel, and as Phuket sees a resurgence in international arrivals, we are also seeing growing interest amongst overseas runners and their families wanting to combine a run with a holiday in Phuket,” said GAA Events assistant race director Charlie Jung.

The famously scenic course takes runners past local villages, fruit plantations, and the beachfront Sirinat National Park. A twist to the popular two-day format sees the 2km kids run, 5km, and 10.5km take place on the morning of Saturday, 10 June, and the Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon Relay (42.195km) and Marathon (42.195km) on the morning of Sunday 11 June.

“With Thailand’s recovery well and truly underway, we’re delighted to welcome Thai and international visitors back to Laguna Phuket and are looking to showcase the island as a world-class tourism and sports destination,” said Laguna Phuket VP deputy managing director Paul Wilson.

AirAsia adds new route to Indonesia

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 April 2023: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) is set to be the first airline connecting Kuala Lumpur to Kertajati, Indonesia starting 17 May 2023.

Offering the only international connectivity out of Kertajati, the airline will bring the Greater Bandung and Cirebon metropolitan areas and parts of the West Java and Central Java provinces closer to Kuala Lumpur, which will provide a welcome boost to both countries’ economic and tourism growth.

The twice-weekly flights will land and depart from Kertajati International Airport located in Majalengka Regency in West Java province, the second largest airport in Indonesia.

As AirAsia Malaysia’s 12th route in Indonesia, Kertajati strengthens the airline’s ongoing commitment to Indonesia as a core market and reinforces its mission to democratise air travel by connecting underserved cities in the region.

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said: “We are thrilled to be the first airline connecting Kuala Lumpur to Kertajati commencing next month. This route will boost tourism and the respective regions’ economy and strengthen the ties between the two countries.

“Serving the underserved underpins our brand. As an airline group with extensive connectivity in Asean and the Asia Pacific, together with our affiliate, Indonesia AirAsia (QZ), we will continue to connect travellers directly to numerous unique and inadequately serviced cities in Indonesia and Malaysia as well as to the major destinations.

“Just as we pioneered connectivity into Bandung in 2004, we are excited to bring more people to West Java to experience this incredible region’s rich culture and natural wonders. We also look forward to flying more travellers to Kuala Lumpur, where we can connect them to the rest of Asean with our extensive network.”

In celebration of the new route launch, AirAsia offers all-in* fares from MYR149 one way until 16 April 2023 for the travel period 17 May to 23 October 2023 on AirAsia Super App or airasia.com.

From Kertajati, guests can discover the best of Majalengka, including the majestic Muara Jaya waterfall, breathtaking scenery at Terasering Panyaweuyan, the turquoise lake at Situ Cipanten, hillside tea garden at Cipasung Tea Plantation and more, or travel to the highland city of Bandung.

AirAsia Malaysia (AK) currently flies to 11 routes in Indonesia from Kuala Lumpur to Banda Aceh, Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Makassar, Yogyakarta, and Balikpapan, as well as from Penang to Jakarta and Medan.

Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Kertajati (KTJ)

Sales open for an epic world cruise

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 10 April 2023: Princess Cruises offers its longest voyage in 2025, with an epic 116-day World Cruise traversing over 33,500 nautical miles, visiting 51 destinations in 26 countries and six continents.

Now on sale, this world adventure includes visits to Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, Central America, Africa, Asia and beyond.

Sailing on Island Princess, the 116-day World Cruise offers two roundtrip options with departures from Ft. Lauderdale, embarking on 5 January 2025, and Los Angeles on 20 January 2025. This includes Princess’ first-ever visit to the historic Bar in Montenegro and Taranto, Italy, along with inaugural World Cruise calls to the idyllic Greek Island of Patmos and Volos – for the Monasteries of Meteora.

The 2025 World Cruise will provide access to 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the cruise line’s return to Alexandria for historic Cairo and the pyramids and ancient treasures of Giza. Additional sites include the Singapore Botanical Gardens, the old city of Dubrovnik, the Ancient Greek City of Ephesus (from Kusadasi), The Monastery of St John and the Cave of the Apocalypse (from Patmos).

The voyage includes an overnight in Dubai and 11 ‘More Ashore’ late-night calls to enjoy more time exploring the old town of Cartagena, shopping in Casablanca or making a toast to the nightlife in Sydney.

Adventure book for kids promotes Sabah

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KOTA KINABALU, 10 April 2023: A Sabah-based film production company has created a children’s activity book featuring many attractions and fun pursuits in the Kudat Division area.

Vinoun Films designed the educational colouring guidebook for Rajawali Homes in Kota Marudu. The book is a complimentary gift for kids staying at the hotel with their families.

In addition, two main bird characters dressed in traditional Kadazandusun garb are also featured throughout the book. The characters are called Kondiu, which means eagle in the Kadazandusun language, and Odu (grandmother).

Recently, the team led by co-founder Rachel Ongkili met with Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai to present their Adventures of Kondiu and Odu book and explore future opportunities for partnership with Sabah Tourism.

In her briefing, Rachel explained that the book was a hotel offering designed to enrich the stays of families venturing into Sabah’s northern regions.

She added that the activity book refers to some of the places of interest along the way from Kota Belud to Kudat through games and illustrations.

“We want to approach other hotels to see if they want to bring such activity books into their premises because we have plans to expand to West Coast Division, Interior Division, and East Coast Division.

“We are also considering producing children’s animation and putting it out to the world or in the gaming industry. This is how we hope to spread awareness of our indigenous language and culture,” said Rachel, adding that Kondiu and Odu characters are registered as intellectual property for Vinoun Films.

Joniston, who is also the state’s Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, lauded Vinoun Films’ creative works, saying that showcasing Sabah culture through animation and books can bring about positive changes for the local community and help to preserve and promote Sabah’s cultural identity.

“I see that the production of animation movies and books has the potential to stimulate economic growth in Sabah since it creates jobs, encourages tourism, and promotes local businesses.

“These productions can help to raise awareness and educate people about Sabah culture and its unique features. This can be particularly important for children who may not have had the opportunity to learn about their cultural heritage.

“I believe that local artists and writers can express themselves creatively and showcase their talents through animation and books. This can lead to greater recognition and opportunities for these individuals and a stronger cultural identity for Sabah,” he said.

Joniston also expressed hope to see the development of animated characters representing all of Sabah’s ethnic groups and that Sabah Tourism is eager to work with anyone who can help raise the state’s profile through educational and cultural tourism.

Visit: www.sabahtourism.com.

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Emirates starts daily flights to Toronto

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, 10 April 2023: Following the breakthrough expanded air transport agreement between the United Arab Emirates and Canada, Emirates is increasing its frequency with two additional weekly flights between Dubai and Toronto.

From 20 April, daily flights will operate on the busy route to serve the huge demand for passenger services.

The move comes as bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Canada have enhanced significantly, with both countries set to reap vast economic benefits across many sectors and supply chains.

Hailing the development as a crucial one for the airline, Emirates’ chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim said: “Emirates welcomes the expansion of the air services agreement between the UAE and Canada and we would firstly like to thank all stakeholders and authorities who were involved in this pivotal agreement that will provide a boost to the aviation and tourism sectors in both countries.

“We have been serving customers between Toronto and Dubai since 2007. Although the double-decker A380 aircraft has been operating the route since 2009, demand from leisure and corporate travellers, diaspora and students has consistently outstripped the allocated capacity. This enhanced agreement represents a turning point for us in our strategy to serve our customers better by offering more choice and flexibility to meet demand across our growing network.

“Business ties between Canada and the UAE have grown significantly over the years, and the expanded air services will help to nurture business and trade further. The expansion of air services also affirms the UAE’s growing importance to Canada’s global connectivity, which we can support through our global network of more than 130 destinations. Together with the relevant authorities, our codeshare and loyalty programme partner Air Canada, and our valued industry partners, we look forward to playing a role in facilitating more tourism and trade opportunities between the two nations,” continued Kazim.

Emirates operates the flagship A380 aircraft on the Dubai-Toronto route, allowing 491 passengers across Economy Class, Business Class and First Class on each flight. With the two additional weekly flights, Emirates will offer close to 2,000 additional seats to serve the busy route, representing a 40% increase in capacity between its hub city of Dubai and the Canadian point. The Dubai-Toronto route is highly popular amongst customers from India, UAE, Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. At the same time, the same countries represent top destinations for travellers from Toronto.  

Tickets can be booked by visiting www.emirates.com  or through preferred travel agents.

Last year, Emirates activated a codeshare partnership with Air Canada, allowing customers to enjoy seamless connectivity when flying to domestic points within Canada via Toronto. Top connections for Emirates customers beyond Toronto include Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax, Montreal, Calgary and Edmonton. Air Canada’s customers can travel to destinations across Asia, Africa and the Middle East in the Emirates’ network of over 130 destinations via its hub in Dubai.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

PHA hires executive director

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

PHUKET, 10 April 2023: The Phuket Hotels Association, a non-profit organisation representing 85 of the island’s top hotels and resorts, has appointed Jayne MacDougall as its new executive director, effective 3 April 2023.

MacDougall is no stranger to the Phuket Hotels Association, having served as its environment chair since 2017. She has over 20 years of experience in Thailand’s hospitality industry, including a long spell as director of risk management at Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort. Most recently, she was a senior consultant on the GIZ (German Corporation for International Cooperation GmbH) pilot programme in Asia, which aimed to eliminate the use of single-use plastic in the Thai hotel industry.

Her appointment to Phuket Hotels Association executive director follows the transition of Sumi Soorian to a senior advisor role. Sumi was instrumental in organising events such as the PHAB (Phuket Hotels Association Benefit) and PHIST (Phuket Hotels for Islands Sustaining Tourism). She will continue to advise the association’s directors and president.

“Environmental issues, training and education, are all critical areas currently impacting Phuket’s hotel sector, so Jayne’s deep knowledge and extensive connections will enable us to achieve our goals,” said  Phuket Hotels Association president Bjorn Courage. 

This announcement follows the recent reappointment of the Phuket Hotels Association’s senior leadership team, including Bjorn Courage as president, Brett Wilson as treasurer and Daniel Meury as secretary.

Phuket Hotels Association has grown to represent 85 since it was founded in January 2016.

AirAsia’s China flights bounce back

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 10 April 2023: AirAsia continues its international expansion by adding four direct routes between Thailand and China, effective 30 April.

The four direct routes are Don Mueang-Chengdu (daily flights), Chiang Mai-Beijing (daily flights), Chiang Mai-Hangzhou (four weekly flights) and Chiang Mai-Changsha (five weekly flights).

Thai AirAsia chief executive officer Santisuk Klongchaiya pointed out: “This is a crucial time for us to focus on international route expansion as more nations welcome travellers … Thai AirAsia expects to resume 75% of its network to China pre-Covid-19 within the second quarter of this year.”

With three of the four new routes originating from its Chiang Mai hub,  AirAsia is giving new opportunities for travel with direct flights between China and the popular northern city. The northern province has always been a top destination for Chinese travellers, and the newly reinstated routes will help the region’s economy to rebound.

The only shadow over the latest move to connect more Chinese cities with Chiang Mai is the annual smog season that cripples international tourism to northern Thailand and Laos during March and April. They were once peak months for travel between Thailand and China. Now, the annual forest burn-off, financed by agricultural conglomerates, lops off two months from the tourism season in North Thailand once the forest fires ignite at the end of February. More than 2 million residents of North Thailand are estimated to be undergoing hospital treatment due to hazardous levels in the air quality index.

Airlines cancel flights to Luang Prabang

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

LUANG PRABANG, 10 April 2023: A Thai AirAsia flight aborted its landing approach to Luang Prabang International Airport on 7 April and returned to Bangkok due to poor visibility caused by the smog and forest fires.

Aerolaos, which provides airline and media services, posted the flight path of FD1030 as it approached Luang Prabang Airport, located in a narrow valley surrounded by steep mountains, on 7 April. Just before the A320 was due to land, it returned to Bangkok.

To watch the flight path video and see the latest updates on visibility at Luang Prabang Airport, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/AeroLaos

Aerolaos on its Facebook page noted that airlines cancelled or diverted seven flights to and from Luang Prabang on 7 April.

Due to thick fog and poor visuals, Aerolaos said airlines could not fly to Luang Prabang International Airport, impacting travel plans for hundreds of travellers. This is usually a busy travel month for the World Heritage town, mainly due to the influx of Thai and Vietnamese travellers during the Easter and Songkran holiday weeks.

Aerolaos reported seven flight cancellations at Luang Prabang airport for just one day, 7 April starting with three Lao Airlines flights (QV101, QV636, QV103); two ATR 72 flights bound for Vientiane and an ATR72 flight bound for Chiang Mai, Thailand. Three Vietnam Airlines flights were cancelled; two A320 flights to Hanoi and Siem Reap, Cambodia, and a single ATR72 flight to Hanoi. 

The A320 Thai AirAsia flight (FD1030) diverted back to Bangkok while descending to Luang Prabang due to poor visuals caused by heavy smog at the airport. The AirAsia flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang was able to land at Luang Prabang on the following day, 8 April.

Vietnam halts helicopter tours

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HANOI, 10 August 2023: Helicopter tours across Vietnam were suspended last week until further notice following a fatal crash near Halong Bay, the Vietnam Government Portal reports.

Halong Bay is listed among the world’s 25 most beautiful places by CNN, and helicopter tours of the world heritage bay are a popular alternative to day and overnight sightseeing cruises. Helicopter tours resumed services on 28 April 2022 after a two-year pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Photo credit: Tructhangvinhhalong.com. Bell505 helicopter flies over Halong Bay.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam confirmed that all helicopter sightseeing tours are suspended nationwide until further notice following the deadly incident.

The five-seat Bell-505 helicopter code VN-8650, owned by the Northern Viet Nam Helicopter Company under the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation, carried four Vietnamese tourists on a sightseeing tour of Halong Bay last Wednesday when it crashed on the edge of the shore, killing the four passengers and pilot.

State-owned Northern Viet Nam Helicopter offers helicopter charter services to visit famous northern and central Vietnam landscapes, such as Halong Bay, Sapa, Dien Bien, Hue and Danang. Known as VNHN, the company is located at Gia Lam airport, a 15-minute drive from downtown Hanoi.

(Source: Vietnam Government Portal)

1...381382383...596Page 382 of 596

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.