BANGKOK, 20 January 2025: Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group that owns and operates hotels, resorts and residences in 57 countries, has signed an agreement with Sichuan Dexinhousheng Enterprise Management Co Ltd to develop Anantara Xiling Snow Mountain Chengdu Resort.
Slated to open in October 2025, Anantara’s first property in Sichuan province, China, will offer a host of nature-based experiences in the heart of Western Sichuan’s Golden Tourist Route.
Located in Dayi County, an hour’s drive from Chengdu city, the 111-key luxury resort will leverage the unique national and cultural assets of the National 5A Tourist Attraction-designated area, the highest distinction awarded by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Surrounded by pristine nature, the resort is close to world-class ski runs at Xiling Snow Mountain (the distance between Dayi County and Xiling Snow Mountain is 24.5 km) and the therapeutic benefits of the ancient Huashuiwan Hot Springs. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a 20-minute drive from the resort.
Anantara Xiling Snow Mountain Chengdu Resort is the third resort to launch in China under the Anantara Hotels & Resorts brand after Anantara Guiyang Resort in 2017 and Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort in 2013.
MADRID, 20 January 2025: The 45th edition of FITUR, the curtain raiser for the annual European travel mart calendar, takes place in Madrid from 22 to 26 January, with Brazil showcasing as the partner country.
The show organiser, IFEMA Madrid, estimates 9,500 travel and hospitality companies from 156 companies and 884 exhibitors will join the show.
Attendance projections suggest 150,000 professionals will gather at the show from Wednesday to Friday, with an additional 100,000 travel consumers visiting over the weekend. Overall, the show is estimated to generate an economic impact of EUR445 million for Madrid, positively affecting transportation, hotels, gastronomy, culture, and entertainment sectors. After a year of post-pandemic recovery in 2024, FITUR is again defined by growth — a 10% overall increase in attendance and a 19% rise in international representation. The global focus is evident in the 101 official country representations — five more than in the previous edition — and the addition of 11 new countries joining FITUR 2025, primarily from Africa and Asia.
The Travel Technology area has grown by 6%, showcasing global trends in tourism booking technologies and featuring over 100 companies worldwide.
Among the highlights for 2025 is Brazil’s participation as a Partner Country, with a significant presence to showcase its diverse tourism offerings and strengthen its global positioning. According to data from Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism and Embratur, 2024 was a record year for international tourism, with 6,657,377 foreign visitors, a 12.6% increase from the previous year.
GURUGRAM, 20 January 2025: Air India will introduce daily flights on 1 February from its Delhi hub to Bhuj, a city located in the Kutch district of Gujarat.
Air India will operate the route with its A320 aircraft, complementing its daily flights between Mumbai and Bhuj.
Photo credit: Wikipedia. Bhujia Fort is a fort located on the outskirts of the town of Bhuj in the district of Kutch, Gujarat, India.
The new service offers travellers from Bhuj one-stop connections via Delhi to other parts of India and points in North America, the UK, and Southeast Asia.
The flights can be booked through all channels, including Air India’s official website (www.airindia.com), mobile app, and travel agents.
Visitor attraction in Bhuj
Bhuj is a city located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, India. It is known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. This region is known for its unique geographical features, such as the Great Rann of Kutch, a vast salt marsh that transforms into a glistening white desert during the dry season. Here are some of its top visitor attractions.
Prag Mahal: This magnificent palace, built in the 19th century, blends Indian and European architectural styles. It houses a museum showcasing the history of Kutch.
Aina Mahal: Also known as the “Mirror Palace,” this palace is adorned with intricate mirror work. It is a beautiful example of Kutchi craftsmanship.
Kutch Museum: This museum houses a collection of artefacts and exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the Kutch region.
Bhujia Hill and Fort: This hill offers panoramic views of the city and is home to a fort that houses a Jain temple.
Mata no Madh: This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess Ashapura and is a popular pilgrimage site.
White Desert: A vast expanse of white sand dunes.
Kutch Fossil Park: This park is home to various fossils, including dinosaur eggs.
Kutch Embroidery and Handicrafts: Bhuj is famous for its traditional embroidery and handicrafts, making great souvenirs.
Bhuj is situated in the westernmost part of India, in the state of Gujarat. It lies approximately 800 km (500 miles) west-northwest of Delhi.
SINGAPORE, 20 January 2025: Travellers worldwide are preparing to snatch up the best deals from cruise lines, but with thousands of destinations to consider, it can be tricky to narrow down the ideal destination for your next cruise.
To help those choosing their next destination, InsureMyTrip created a study analysing 52 cruise destinations to determine the safest for travellers.
The study analyses several factors, including the number of safety incidents reported on a cruise ship, the rating of local hospitals, the average sea temperature and the crime index.
Dubai in the UAE is the safest city for a cruise stopover, with an overall score of 7.86. Belize City in Belize is the lowest-ranked city in the study, with an overall score of 3.68.
Dubai tops the list of the safest cruise destinations for travellers, welcoming more than 280,000 cruise passengers in 2024. It excels in the study with an overall score of 7.86. It stands out for its decisive safety factors. Two safety incidents were recorded in a year, while its hospitals are also highly rated (4.3/5). The crime index in the city is also low (16.2/100).
Dubai is ideal for those looking to keep busy during their cruise stopover, with more than 3,000 tours available. Warm average sea temperatures also contribute to its high ranking.
Phuket, Thailand, ranks second with an overall score of 6.67. This tropical island destination is incredibly popular for tourists seeking a warm, beachy vacation, with around 13 million tourists visiting the Thai island in 2024. Phuket ranks highly in the study thanks to its warm sea temperature, highly rated restaurants (4.57/5), and low safety incidents (2). However, Phuket misses the top spot in the study because of its higher crime rate (41.7/100).
The top five safest destinations for cruises are as follows:
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 7.86 overall
Phuket, Thailand – 6.67 overall
Roatán Island, Honduras – 6.22 overall
Funchal, Portugal – 5.63 overall
Cartagena, Columbia – 5.51 overall
At the opposite end of the study, Belize City, on the Central American island of Belize, received an overall score of 3.68. This is partly due to the high number of safety incidents reported on cruise ships at the destination. In one year, 10 safety incidents were reported. A high crime index (67.9/100) and low-rated hospitals (3.9/5) also contributed to this island destination’s low score. However, it was recently announced that the city has begun work on a new port to accommodate more cruise ships, indicating that the destination has grand plans to boost its tourism industry.
Hamburg, Germany and Loreto, Mexico, also secured low scores. Hamburg has an overall score of 3.9, while Loreto scores 3.98. Hamburg fared poorly in part due to cold average sea temperatures (43.2°F) and lower-rated hospitals (3.6/5). While Loreto was ranked slightly higher, its hospital ratings (3.26/5) and lack of available tours (12) contributed to its low score.
For travellers particularly concerned with safety, it’s worth noting that Cozumel, Mexico, recorded the highest number of safety incidents on cruise ships. From December 2023 to November 2024, 12 safety incidents were reported on cruise ships at this destination. These include the death of crew or passengers onboard the ship, Coast Guard medevacs, and boat rescues.
InsureMyTrip Director of Marketing Sara Boisvert commented on the findings: “Safety is a big concern for travellers, especially cruisers visiting multiple destinations on the same trip…This study is important to save travellers time and stress”.
SINGAPORE, 20 January 2025: The Italian airline ITA Airways is officially the newest member of the Lufthansa Group after the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and Europe’s leading aviation group announced the conclusion of the share transaction process and approval on 18 January.
Lufthansa Group acquired a 41% stake in the Italian airline ITA Airways, with the MEF continuing to hold 59% after the two parties reached an agreement in May 2023 that Deutsche Lufthansa AG would acquire a minority stake of 41% in ITA Airways.
Photo credit: Lufthansa Group.
Following that agreement, the European Commission recently approved the participation by approving the remedies on 29 November 2024. Other competition authorities outside the EU have since approved the participation.
The first step of the investment was implemented on Saturday using a capital increase of EUR325 million. Options for acquiring the remaining shares in ITA Airways have been agreed upon between the Lufthansa Group and MEF and can be exercised starting this year. With Saturday’s transaction, ITA Airways is part of the Lufthansa Group and will be the Group’s fifth network airline.
Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr said: “With our investment, we will now strengthen the Italian and European aviation market and the position of the Lufthansa Group as number one in Europe. Our joint passengers worldwide will benefit from improved offers and optimised connections as early as this upcoming summer flight schedule.”
Italy will become a further “home market” for the Lufthansa Group. The country is already the company’s second most important international market after the USA, outside the existing home markets of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium.
Rome Fiumicino Airport will be the sixth and southernmost Lufthansa Group hub. Milan-Linate, a metropolitan airport in the economically strong northern Italy region with the second largest catchment area in the EU, will play a prominent role in the group.
Timely integration
ITA Airways will be retained as a strong brand and developed further. With Saturday’s transaction closing, the Lufthansa Group and ITA Airways can conclude the first cooperation agreements for their passengers.
In a few weeks, ITA Airways frequent flyers will be able to collect their points or miles either in ITA Airways’ existing “Volare” program or already in Miles & More, the Lufthansa Group’s loyalty program. In addition, Miles & More participants can earn and redeem miles on ITA Airways flights. Further collaboration will follow, such as joint codeshare connections, mutual use of the respective lounges, and the planned admission to the Star Alliance aviation alliance.
ITA Airways (IATA flight code AZ) is a young airline that has been growing since it started operations in 2021. Its modern, environmentally friendly Airbus fleet currently numbers 99 aircraft, including 22 long-haul Airbus A350-900, Airbus A330-900neo and A330-200 aircraft. ITA Airways flies to almost 70 destinations around the world. The airline’s home base is Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate airport. In 2024, the airline welcomed around 18 million passengers aboard its aircraft.
Joerg Eberhart (54) has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ITA Airways. He is also a managing member of the Italian airline’s Board of Directors, which is based in Rome. In this role, Eberhart will take over the tasks previously performed by Antonino Turicchi and Andrea Benassi in the interim.
Lorenza Maggio (47) will become a member of the ITA Airways board of directors and take over the position of “Chief Strategy and Integration Officer” (CSIO). In this position, Maggio will manage the airline’s strategic development and be responsible for its integration into the Lufthansa Group.
Michael Trestl (39) will be responsible for the holistic integration of ITA Airways into the Lufthansa Group as “ITA Implementation Officer” and will transfer from Austrian Airlines to the group headquarters in Frankfurt for this purpose. Trestl has been an Austrian Airlines Executive Board member and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) since 2021.
“I am delighted that we can appoint two executives from our ranks to manage ITA Airways: Joerg Eberhart and Lorenza Maggio,” said Spohr. “With their extensive experience and expertise, they will continue ITA Airways’ successful course and quickly integrate the airline into the Lufthansa Group. Michael Trestl, an experienced airline manager, will take over the integration task in the group.”
The Lufthansa Group will provide further information at a press conference in Rome on 3 February 2025.
LANGKAWI Malaysia, 17 January 2025: Tourism Malaysia spotlights one of Malaysia’s most anticipated yachting events, the 21st Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR), which will be held from 20 to 25 January 2025.
The prestigious annual event marks the start of Southeast Asia’s 2025 sailing regatta calendar hosted by the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. RLIR will welcome 32 sailing yachts from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, China, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Australia with more than 250 crew participants.
Image Credit: Royal Langkawi International Regatta.
The event offers an unparalleled experience, blending thrilling competition with Langkawi’s renowned hospitality, tropical beauty, and cultural charm. Over five days, participants will navigate the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea, competing across various categories and classes, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive regatta.
Sailing in Langkawi is an exceptional experience for both seasoned mariners and novices looking to explore the seas. The destination’s favourable winds provide ideal conditions for beginners, while its stunning coastline and hidden coves offer plenty of intrigue for experienced sailors. Visitors can rent yachts, join sailing tours, or take lessons, making Langkawi a premier destination for maritime adventures at any skill level.
Beyond sailing, visitors can explore the island’s UNESCO Global Geopark, which showcases ancient rainforests, mangroves, and unique karst formations, perfect for nature enthusiasts exploring by boat or on foot. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the Langkawi Sky Bridge and Cable Car, offering panoramic views of the island’s lush landscapes and turquoise waters. Water activities like snorkelling, diving, and sunset cruises around the archipelago’s 99 islands add to the adventure.
For more information on theRoyal Langkawi International Regatta, visit https://langkawiregatta.com. For detailed information on Langkawi’s tourist attractions, head to the website Naturally Langkawi.
SINGAPORE, 17 January 2025: Pandaw, Asia’s specialist river cruise operator, has announced an exciting new expedition on the Hooghly River that connects Kolkata with the Ganges, starting October 2025.
The 18-stateroom Kalaw Pandaw will sail from Kolkata to Baranagar and back on India’s most sacred rivers. The adventure captures the essence of the real India: enchanting countryside, magnificent palaces, mystical temples and artisanal villages, not to mention very friendly folk and riverside communities.
The itinerary also includes two nights in Kolkata, allowing passengers to spend two full days sightseeing in the former capital of the Indian Raj. The city has a huge museum, 18th-century churches, temples, mosques, and architectural splendours that reflect the Raj’s glory days.
Late check-out on the 10th day enables passengers to stay on board, with full board catering, as most international flights from India depart at night. As Indian hotels compete with London or Paris in costliness, a 10-day itinerary such offers travellers real value as the cruise itinerary becomes a stand-alone Pandaw India trip, meaning that pre and post-cruise hotel bookings in Kolkata are not required.
Prices start from USD2,950 per person sharing, excluding international flights. There are no single supplements on all first-season departures.
Best flight options
From most UK and European cities: Qatar, Emirates, Air India. From Australia: Thai Airways (TG), AirAsia, Jetstar, Air India.
More about flights to Kolkata
Twenty-two airlines fly to Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Intl Airport (CCU) from 65 airports worldwide as of December 2024.
New routes to CCU (last 3 months)
Ahmedabad (AMD) Starlight Airline Bangkok (DMK) Thai Lion Air Phuket (HKT) IndiGo Indore (IDR) Air India Express Port Blair (IXZ) Air India Express
The domestic Delhi (DEL) – Kolkata (CCU) route has the most flights, an average of 161 every week. Bangkok (BKK) is the top Southeast Asian gateway to Kolkata with the most direct flights.
SINGAPORE, 17 January 2025: For the spring-summer schedule, Air Astana will replace flights from Almaty and Astana to Phu Quoc with new seasonal routes to Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Direct flights to Phu Quoc will resume from the two cities during the autumn-winter schedule, from 29 October 2025 to 30 March 2026.
Photo credit: Air Astana. Nha Trang city by the sea.
Service from Almaty to Nha Trang will start on 30 March 2025, with flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Flights from Astana will start on 31 March 2025, operating on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The nearest airport to the resort town is located in Cam Ranh. The flights will use an Airbus A321LR aircraft.
Flight schedule
Flight KC193 Almaty-Cam Ranh: Departure at 2335, arrival at 0920+1 Flight KC194 Cam Ranh-Almaty: Departure at 1050, arrival at 1645
Flight KC157 Astana-Cam Ranh: Departure at 2300, arrival at 0920+1 Flight KC158 Cam Ranh-Astana: Departure at 1050, arrival at 1750
The flight time is approximately eight hours from Almaty and eight hours and 40 minutes from Astana.
Tickets are now available for purchase on the Air Astana website. Round-trip economy class fares, including all fees, start from USD750 from Almaty and USD850 from Astana. Business-class fares start from USD1,975 from Astana and Almaty.
More about Nha Trang
Nha Trang, a coastal city in southern Vietnam, is located in Khánh Hòa Province. The nearest airport is Cam Ranh International Airport, which is 24 miles away and takes about 48 minutes to transfer by car from hotels along Nha Trang’s city beach.
Nha Trang, the beach capital of southern Vietnam, is famous for its diving spots and picturesque islands. The city is surrounded by majestic mountains and the scenic bay of the South China Sea, ranked 29th among the most beautiful bays in the world.
Key attractions include the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda and modern highlights like the Vinpearl Land amusement park on Hon Tre Island, the National Oceanographic Museum, and the Vietnam Aquarium. The best time to visit is from February to September. Kazakhstan citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to Vietnam for up to 30 days.
KUCHING, 17 January 2025: Business Events Sarawak presented a preview last week promoting its signature LEGACY360 — Business Events for a Sustainable Future Forum, which will take place in September 2025 in Kuching.
As reported extensively by the Borneo Talk, Sheraton Kuching Hotel hosted the preview event on 13 January 2025, which also included the launch of the AI.LEGACY Intelligent Impact Management System, the Borneo Inspires Legacies Awards (BILA) and the Tribe Legacy Sarawak campaign for 2025.
Photo credit: Borneo Talk.
BESarawak identifies LEGACY360 as its core mission to integrate meaningful legacies into Malaysia’s business events. During last week’s panel session at Sheraton Kuching, Deputy State Secretary and BESarawak Deputy Chairman, Datu Hii Chang Kee, CEO of BESarawak, Amelia Roziman, President of the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS) and Founder/Chairman of Bumiati Holdings, Datuk Dr M. Gandhi and Senior Manager (Asia) of GainingEdge, Jane Vong-Holmes shared perspectives on the importance of legacy in today’s business world.
One of the key elements in BESarawak’s 2025 strategy involves introducing at pace a new system for monitoring and reporting business event legacies known as ‘AI.LEGACY Intelligent Impact Management System’. Developed by BESarawak and the University of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), the system guides event planners toward creating tangible and measurable outcomes.
BESarawak also presented a new look for the Anak Sarawak Awards, which have been rebranded as ‘Borneo Inspires Legacies Awards’ (BILA) to “recognise outstanding contributions to legacy building.”
“This is an exciting final year of the Legacy Impact Master Action Plan 2023-2025,” said BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman told Borneo Talk. “After many years in our legacy journey, what began as a vision to define and shape the impact of business events has now evolved into a groundbreaking reality. We are very excited to invite business event planners to host an event in Sarawak and roll out the AI.LEGACY Intelligent Impact Management System.”
BANGKOK, 17 January 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is excited to announce the launch of The Centara Collection, a curated portfolio of one-of-a-kind properties that celebrate individuality, authenticity and creativity to immerse guests in the spirit of their destinations.
Formerly known as the Centara Boutique Collection, the portfolio has been transformed and elevated to a new level of distinction. The Centara Collection is committed to “Inspiring Individuality,” and with a refreshed visual identity, a refined curation of member hotels, and an emphasis on the quality and uniqueness of every property, it is set to appeal greatly to travellers with a passion for exploration who seek bespoke experiences that are as unique as they are.
Each member of The Centara Collection will be defined and united by distinguishing features and offerings, including distinctive design (whether through eye-catching interiors, innovative architecture or artistic expression), immersive local experiences that reflect the culture and heritage of their locale, and curated creativity. These high-end hotels and resorts will strive to enhance their guests’ lifestyles and connect them with their destinations.
The essence of The Centara Collection is to provide travellers with a true sense of place, which reflects the spirit of its neighbourhood, whether it is an intriguing urban district, a culture-rich rural retreat, or an idyllic natural environment.
Centara can now reveal that the acclaimed Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives will be renamed Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, as it becomes the first international member of The Centara Collection. This award-winning resort offers experiential stays with a deep connection to nature, including one of the Maldives’ finest house reefs, diving experiences, and aquatic adventures to uncover the underwater treasures of the Indian Ocean. The exclusivity and uniqueness of this natural wonder make it the perfect fit for this experiential new brand collection.
Two exceptional Thai hotels join This world-class resort in The Centara Collection. The celebrated Roukh Kiri Khao Yai is nestled amid the rolling hills of Northeast Thailand, overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest of Khao Yai National Park. It features just 13 rustic, barn-inspired villas with private outdoor bathtubs or plunge pools, sweeping mountain vistas, and organic gardens. Showcasing the tropical beauty of Southern Thailand, Varivana Resort Koh Phangan is the place where the mountains meet the sea. The resort offers an eye-catching island retreat with 39 stylish rooms, spacious private balconies and a spectacular 28-metre rooftop saltwater infinity pool.
Looking ahead, Centara is seeking opportunities to expand The Centara Collection with more original properties in extraordinary locations in Thailand and worldwide.
“We are delighted to reveal The Centara Collection, our curated compilation of hotels and resorts that are unified by their uniqueness. At Centara, we understand that today’s discerning travellers not only want to visit a destination – they want to experience it. By blending design, creativity and authenticity, all underpinned by our group’s warm, Thai hospitality, we aim to inspire every guest to uncover the spirit of their locale,” said Ron Cusiter, Executive Vice President – Commercial, Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Centara offers six leading brands across all market sectors, from affordable lifestyle to luxury. The launch of The Centara Collection marks the latest phase of the group’s brand enhancement strategy, which recognizes the need to continuously evolve product offerings and signature experiences to remain relevant and consolidate its position as the pre-eminent Thai hospitality group.
