SINGAPORE, 30 October 2024: Air Astana has introduced its winter schedule, with the season marked by the launch of new international services to the Middle East, Asia and Central Asia.
New international services include a direct flight between Atyrau and Dubai, operating twice weekly, and increasing flights from Almaty to Dubai to 11 weekly and from Astana to Dubai to nine weekly. In addition, Air Astana will start flights from Astana to Abu Dhabi twice weekly on 31 October and from Almaty to Abu Dhabi twice weekly starting in December.
Air Astana will also expand its network to Saudi Arabia at the end of October, with twice-weekly flights from Almaty to Medina in addition to its existing twice-weekly flights to Jeddah. A weekly service from Shyment to Jeddah is already operational, with a weekly service from Shymkent to Medina to be added later in the season.
Turning to Asia, a new service from Astana to Phuket will operate three times a week, complementing the current 11 weekly flights from Almaty to Phuket and daily flights from Almaty to Bangkok.
During the winter schedule, Air Astana will launch a service from Almaty to Phu Quoc in Vietnam, with five weekly flights. The company has also resumed seasonal flights to the Maldives, with services up to five times a week.
Air Astana will resume flights from Astana to Urumqi twice a week in the China market. It will continue to operate flights from Almaty to Urumqi four times a week, from Almaty to Beijing five times a week, and from Astana to Beijing twice a week.
In the Korean market, Air Astana will increase flights between Astana and Seoul to three times a week, in addition to five weekly flights from Almaty to Seoul.
In Europe, Air Astana will continue to operate flights from Astana to Frankfurt five times a week and a nonstop flight from Almaty to London twice a week. Flights from Amsterdam to Atyrau, Western Kazakhstan, operate all year round.
In other markets, Air Astana will operate flights from Almaty to Delhi nine times a week, from Almaty to Tashkent 11 times a week, daily flights from Almaty to Bishkek, four times a week to Tbilisi, and two flights a week from Almaty to Baku and Dushanbe. Air Astana will operate 40 international and 13 domestic routes, including charter operations during the winter season. Kazakhstan citizens can enjoy visa-free travel to China, Vietnam, and Thailand.
SINGAPORE, 29 October 2024: Etihad Airways will extend its European network to offer daily services to Dusseldorf, Germany, and Copenhagen, Denmark, effective 1 October 2025.
The Dusseldorf route will increase from its three-weekly flights to a daily service. This expansion represents an addition of four weekly flights, providing passengers with greater flexibility and connectivity.
Additionally, Dusseldorf will be served year-round, offering consistent travel options throughout all seasons.
Photo credit: Etihad Airways. Rhine River Dusseldorf.
Similarly, the Copenhagen route will increase from four-weekly to daily operations. This change adds three more weekly flights to the Danish capital, further strengthening Etihad’s presence in Scandinavia.
These enhancements reflect Etihad’s commitment to expanding its global network and providing more flexible travel options between Abu Dhabi and key European cities.
Dusseldorf
Known for its fashion industry and art scene, the city’s Media Harbour showcases cutting-edge architecture. Visitors can enjoy luxury shopping along the famous Königsallee or explore the charming Altstadt (Old Town) to experience traditional German culture.
Copenhagen
The Danish capital presents a perfect mix of historical charm and contemporary design. Guests can explore the colourful Nyhavn waterfront, visit the iconic Little Mermaid statue, or experience the enchanting Tivoli Gardens – one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. The city’s renowned culinary scene, featuring numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, appeals to food enthusiasts from around the globe.
Advance flight timetable information indicates the airline will deploy three-class A321neo LR aircraft on the Dusseldorf and Copenhagen routes starting 1 October 2025. They will replace Boeing 787-9s currently used on the two routes.
Abu Dhabi – Copenhagen
Flight EY177 will depart Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0315 and arrive in Copenhagen (CPN) at 0805. Flight EY178 will depart Copenhagen at 1040 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 1900.
Abu Dhabi – Dusseldorf
Flight EY133 will depart Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0255 and arrive in Dusseldorf at 0805. Flight EY134 will depart Dusseldorf at 1030 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 1900.
KOTA KINABALU, 29 October 2024: Jeju Air commences its latest route to Sabah, connecting Busan to Kota Kinabalu following the success of its existing daily Incheon to Kota Kinabalu service.
The new route operates six times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Jeju Air now offers 13 weekly flights from the two South Korean cities to Kota Kinabalu.
Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Tourism Board (centre), alongside Humphrey Ginibun (fifth from left) STB Senior Marketing Manager, Kim Ryu Sam (sixth from right), Branch Manager of Jeju Air, Faizal Haris (second from right), Hub Development – Airline and Passenger at Malaysia Airport, Hassim Duman, Head of Operations at KKIA with the Jeju Air cabin crew and ground team.
The Jeju Air Busan (PUS) – Kota Kinabalu (BKI) route departs from the Gimhae International Airport at 0900 and arrives at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 1320.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew said this latest accessibility will chart a positive trajectory of Korean arrivals to Sabah.
“South Korea is the third highest source of international arrivals for Sabah, with 124,631 tourist arrivals up to August this year. As the months ahead mark the winter season in South Korea, Sabah could become their holiday destination with our tropical climate, which is a good opportunity for avid golfers,” she enthused.
Liew expressed confidence that the Sabah tourism industry will greatly benefit from this latest flight from Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city. “This development will further position Sabah as a premier destination among Koreans,” she added.
The aircraft carrying 135 passengers, including cabin crews, was greeted with a water salute ceremony, marking its maiden visit.
Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, shared that having frequent flights provide mutual benefits, adding flexibility for Koreans to travel to Sabah and vice versa.
“Kota Kinabalu is a popular destination for Koreans. In addition to our stunning island, beaches, and mountains, our natural attractions and rich cultural heritage will complement visitors’ experiences. This is an excellent opportunity for our industry stakeholders, for example, the hotels and tour operators, to create attractive value-for-money packages for travellers,” said Julinus.
An official from Jeju Air commented: “With the new Malaysian route from Busan, we can provide more convenient schedules to consumers,” adding, “We will take the lead in increasing consumer benefits through differentiated services based on safe operations.” For more information on Sabah visit www.sabahtourism.com
DUBAI, UAE, 29 October 2024: Emirates Group and Dubai Airports released an economic impact study last week that reaffirms the central role aviation plays in Dubai’s economy by quantifying its contributions and forecasting the sector’s upward trajectory based on financial and passenger growth projections for the sector.
The study, compiled by global research firm Oxford Economics, includes an assessment of direct economic activity generated by the aviation sector, indirect activity generated through the sector’s supply chain, and induced activity supported through wage-funded consumption by the local aviation workforce. The study also assesses the catalytic impact of tourism spending facilitated by the aviation sector in Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of Dubai Airports said: “Under the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s aviation sector has been a core pillar of our city’s economic growth strategy to date, and it will continue to play a key role in the D33 Economic Agenda.
“Supported by strong air connectivity, Dubai has a prominent presence on the global stage for trade, investments, and tourism and is a leading player in aviation and logistics. Our ambitious plans for Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International airport, and our ongoing investments to expand capacity at Dubai International will unlock further economic opportunities by supporting the projected demand for air transport. Our growth plans will generate even more skilled jobs, and also help drive innovation as we work with leading technology partners to develop future solutions to enhance travel experiences and make operations more efficient and secure.”
Aviation sector’s contribution to Dubai’s economy
In 2023, Dubai’s aviation sector, consisting of Emirates Group, Dubai Airports (including Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum airports), and other aviation sector entities (1) are estimated to have supported AED137 billion (USD37.3 billion) in gross value added (2) (GVA), equivalent to 27% of Dubai’s GDP. This included the core economic impact of AED94 billion and AED 43 billion from the catalytic impact of aviation-facilitated tourism. These figures are projected to increase steadily, with aviation activities facilitated by Emirates and Dubai Airports contributing AED196 billion, or 32% of Dubai’s forecasted GDP by 2030 (2023 prices).
Aviation-led activity also accounted for 631,000 jobs across Dubai, equivalent to one in five jobs in the emirate in 2023. A further 185,000 aviation-linked jobs are expected to be created by 2030, with the total number of jobs supported by Dubai’s aviation sector forecast to grow to 816,000 jobs.
A previous economic impact report released by Oxford Economics in 2014 found that the aviation sector contributed to 27% of Dubai’s GDP and supported 417,000 jobs. While the latest results indicate the share of Dubai’s GDP has remained stable, the sector’s gross value added has increased in real terms, with the current figures reflecting faster growth across other sectors, as well as diversification in the wider economy over the past decade.
Dubai’s vital investment to futureproof its aviation sector and ensure it remains an economic driver is evident in ongoing major investments to expand capacity and operations at Dubai International, in addition to a new generation facility at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International. The new AED128 billion airport will be five times the size of Dubai International, with the first phase to be completed in 10 years. When fully completed, Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International will consist of over 400 aircraft stands, with the capacity to serve 260 million passengers annually. The expansion of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International is not included in the study’s main impact results (3); however, the construction project is expected to contribute an estimated AED 6.1 billion to Dubai’s GDP in 2030, as well as support 132,000 jobs.
The new airport and surrounding infrastructure will contribute to Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to strengthen the emirate’s trade and tourism footprint. D33’s progressive development plans also seek to make Dubai one of the most connected cities by adding 400 destinations to its foreign trade map, in addition to making it one of the top five logistics hubs in the world.
Aviation and tourism in Dubai
Aviation is also the driving force behind the growth of international tourism to Dubai. As one of the most frequented destinations in the world, visitors stayed an average of 3.8 nights in 2023 (4), spending an average of AED 4,300 (4) on hotels, restaurants, attractions and shopping. According to the report, international visitors flying to Dubai spent an estimated AED 66 billion last year.
In total, aviation-facilitated tourism spending is estimated to have contributed AED 43 billion in gross value added, or 8.5% of Dubai’s GDP, supporting 329,000 jobs. More than half of GVA, AED 23 billion, was generated by those flying to Dubai with Emirates. Tourism to Dubai is projected to grow significantly over the next six years, with aviation-facilitated tourism spending expected to support AED 63 billion in gross value added, equivalent to 10% of Dubai’s projected GDP, and one in eight Dubai jobs.
The full Oxford Economics report ‘The Economic Impact of Aviation In Dubai’, can be foundhere
¹ Other aviation entities include flydubai, Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Dubai Immigration, Dubai Air Navigation Services, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and Dubai Aviation City Corporation.
²Gross Value Added (GVA) is defined as the sum of compensation of employees and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). It is also equal to revenue minus the cost of bought in goods and services used up to produce that revenue. Summed across all firms in an economy, and after small adjustments for taxes and subsidies, GVA is equal to GDP.
³The Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) expansion announced in April 2024 is not included in the impact forecast. The DWC expansion would contribute an estimated AED 6.1 billion in gross value added to the economy in 2030, equivalent to 1.0% of Dubai’s forecasted GDP; and generate 132,000 jobs, equivalent to 3.7% of Dubai’s employment in that year.
⁴ Based on Dubai Tourism 2023 Performance Report (link)
SINGAPORE, 29 October 2024: The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has appointed Heejin Cho as the new regional director for the Americas and Head of the New York Office.
Heejin Cho, Regional Director for the Americas and Head of the New York Office (Photo: Business Wire)
With her extensive experience in international marketing and tourism strategy, Cho looks forward to supporting efforts to promote Korea as a destination of choice for US travellers.
Cho has worked in key roles at KTO, including Executive Director of International Tourism Marketing, to draw more international visitors. She also gained valuable experience as a Researcher at the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism).
New York office priorities
Expanding Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with travel partners in the US to develop travel packages that showcase Korea’s cultural offerings through joint promotions and co-branded initiatives.
Promoting Korea’s Luxury Tourism: Offering exclusive experiences, including temple stays with private meditation, VIP performances of traditional arts, fine dining with Michelin-star chefs, and advanced beauty and wellness treatments.
Promoting Special Interest Themes: Learncations, where travellers can combine education with leisure, K-pop dance camps), and catering to niches like vegan travel and workation to meet the traveller preferences.
Leveraging K-Culture: Captivate global audiences, from the worldwide influence of K-pop and K-dramas to the growing fascination with Korean cuisine.
Boosting International Conferences: Providing customised support for academic associations, professional societies, and institutions to host conferences.
Targeted Digital Marketing: Delivering personalised content to specific traveller groups. This approach will help engage diverse audiences, such as younger travellers looking for cultural adventures, luxury tourists seeking premium experiences, and families exploring travel opportunities.
SINGAPORE, 29 October 2024: Booking.com, a global digital travel platform, has announced its AI Trip Planner (Beta) is now available for travellers in Singapore.
The country is the first market in Southeast Asia to launch, following earlier rollouts of the AI Trip Planner in Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK.
Photo Credit: Booking.com
Built upon the foundation of Booking.com’s existing machine learning models, which recommend destinations, accommodation, and attractions to millions of travellers on the platform every day, the AI Trip Planner is also partially powered by large language model (LLM) technology from OpenAI’s ChatGPT API to create a new conversational experience for people to start their trip planning process.
Singaporeans are ready for AI enhanced travel planning
In a recent study conducted by Booking.com*, over half (55%) of Singaporean travellers are inclined to use AI tools for their travel planning and trips. They plan to utilise AI for various purposes, including itinerary planning (57%), activity suggestions (51%), travel tips (49%), destination selection (43%), accommodation suggestions (42%), and restaurant recommendations (40%). Additionally, close to half (48%) of Singaporean travellers are specifically looking for technology amenities and services, such as AI-enabled touchpoints, in their accommodations.
A new way to search and explore on Booking.com
Travellers can ask the AI Trip Planner general travel-related questions, as well as more specific queries to support any stage of their trip planning, including scoping out potential destinations and accommodation options, providing travel inspiration based on the individual’s needs and requirements, as well as creating itineraries for a particular city, country or region.
More tailored and relevant travel recommendations
Travellers can easily chat with the AI Trip Planner to ask questions and refine their search in real-time, with new options surfaced in a matter of seconds. Whether seeking inspiration for a romantic getaway in Bali, curating a list of family-friendly accommodations in Sentosa, or exploring the best attractions in Hokkaido for a winter holiday, the AI Trip Planner makes recommendations in a quick, effortless and conversational way.
Integrated travel planning experience
The AI Trip Planner takes the trip planning process one step further by providing travellers with a visual list of destinations and properties, including Booking.com’s pricing, with links to view more details. Travellers can switch between their chat with the AI Trip Planner and the Booking.com app as they consider trip options. With just a tap on their desired booking type, whether it’s accommodation or attractions, users can easily complete their reservations within the app.
“At Booking.com, our primary goal has always been to harness technology to make it easier for everyone to explore the world. With the exciting advancements in generative AI, we’re enhancing every aspect of the customer experience—from optimising how we present hotel and holiday home options to recommending the most relevant reviews and attractions tailored to the traveller,” said Booking.com Regional Director of Southeast Asia and China Anthony Lu.
“Our AI Trip Planner represents a significant step forward in our mission to deliver greater value and enjoyment to travellers in Singapore, allowing them to plan their trips in a natural, conversational manner and transforming travel planning into a truly personalised experience.”
The AI Trip Planner will be available to all Booking.com users in Singapore, allowing travellers to take advantage of this new travel planning tool. Since its first beta launch in the UK and US in June 2023, the AI Trip Planner has attracted 3.7 million visitors, facilitated 700,000 dialogues, and generated 1.2 million recommendations.
Users simply need to be signed in to their Booking.com account and have their language settings set to English, with the country set to Singapore to access the features of the new tool.
SINGAPORE, 29 October 2024: SriLankan Airlines will launch a new daytime flight between Bangalore and Colombo starting 31 October 2024.
It raises the total number of flights between the two cities to 10 weekly. The timing of the additional flight is ideal for Indian holidaymakers and business event attendees travelling to Sri Lanka for short weekend escapes.
SriLankan Airlines is launching a new daytime flight between Bangalore and Colombo starting 31 October 2024.
Flight UL1174 will depart from Bangalore to Colombo at 0940 every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, arriving in Colombo at 1110. The corresponding return flight, UL1173, will leave Colombo at 0720 and reach Bangalore at 0840, also every Thursday through Saturday.
The new service’s schedule is designed to offer a more flexible travel experience for Bengalureans planning trips to Sri Lanka, whether for a vacation or a workstation. It provides more daytime hours on the island while being conveniently scheduled closer to the weekend. This allows travellers to pack more into their itinerary, make the most of their visit, and return home in time for the start of a new week, making it the most convenient flight option for weekend travel to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s popularity as a holiday and MICE destination in the Indian outbound travel market continues to rise, thanks in part to the two countries’ geographic and cultural proximity. Most Indians are likely to find the comforting familiarity of home in Sri Lanka that is not found in other parts of the world.
Additionally, the island’s compactness, coupled with the new flight schedule, enables Indians to enjoy a range of diverse experiences in just a few days, from the stunning southern shores and the historical kovils of the north to the cool climes of the central province, topped off with some shopping and rejuvenating wellness treatments in Colombo.
Travellers who are members of the airline’s frequent flyer programme, FlySmiLes, can earn 1,174 miles and 1,173 miles when they travel on UL1174 and UL1173, respectively.
Aside from the new additions, SriLankan Airlines will continue to operate its daily service between Bangalore and Colombo. India is the only country to have nine of its cities featured in SriLankan Airlines’ network, comprising Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Trivandrum, Chennai, Trichy and Madurai, and the latest addition, Bangalore. Altogether, SriLankan operates 90 flights every week between India and Sri Lanka.
DUBAI, UAE, 29 October 2024: From 10 November 2024, Flydubai will launch a new daily service from Dubai to Bhairahawa in Siddharthanagar, Nepal.
Flights will operate from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB), offering customers a convenient travel option to the new gateway airport in Lumbini province, Nepal. Flydubai’s daily service to Bhairahawa Airport, also known as Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA), will return to Dubai via Kathmandu supporting the growing demand for travel between Dubai and Nepal.
Bhairahawa in Siddharthanagar Nepal.
Flydubai’s Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations (UAE, GCC, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent) Sudhir Sreedharan said: “Bhairahawa Airport is Nepal’s second international airport and is located in Siddharthanagar, serving the Lumbini Province, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. We are pleased to continue to serve Nepal with the addition of our new daily service, underscoring our commitment to offer reliable and convenient travel options via Dubai’s aviation hub.”
The carrier started operating to Nepal with the launch of direct flights to Kathmandu in 2009, carrying more than 3 million passengers and stimulating free flows of trade and tourism between Nepal and the UAE.
Flydubai recently started operations to Basel in Switzerland, Islamabad and Lahore in Pakistan and Kerman and Kish Island in Iran, growing its network to 126 destinations in 55 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and Southeast Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Flight details
Flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA) will operate daily from Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) from 10 November 2024. Emirates will codeshare on this route, offering passengers more options for connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.
Return Business Class fares from DXB to BWA start from AED3,600 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED1,800. Return Business Class fares from BWA to DXB start from NPR145,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from NPR70,000.
Beauty beach and limestone rocks, focus on the boats
BANGKOK, 29 October 2024: Thailand recorded 26,088,855 visits, from January to September 2024, a 30.09% improvement over the 20,054,665 trips recorded during the same nine-month period in 2023.
China led the five top source markets, delivering more than a million visits each, totalling 5,254,764 trips, an increase of 110.73% over the same period in 2023. Malaysia, in second place, delivered 3,742,474 visits, up 12.12. India was the third-highest supplier, with 1,536,196 visits, up 32.17%. South Korea was fourth with 1,382,785 visits, up 15.91%, and Russia was in fifth place, with 1,159,758 visits, up 16.94%.
Pre-Covid Thailand would count 10 country markets delivering a million or more visits each, an indicator that the country’s trajectory to recovery requires a Q4 boost if it is to reach its targeted 35 to 37 million visits in 2024.
Thailand’s trip tally APAC and SEA
Source: MOTS
While overland travel from Malaysia is motoring along mainly on travel by train and road to southern Thailand destinations, trips from Cambodia are negative, counting 414,920, a decline of 3.50%. Visits from Laos increased by 34.36% to 899,576 trips, and Myanmar, bogged down by civil war, delivered 399,548 visits, up 12.12%.
Pre-Covid era Singapore and Vietnam were robust Southeast Asian markets for Thailand. From January to September, Singaporean trips dropped by 1.82% to 697,886, and Vietnamese visits declined by 4.93% to 786,032.
Region-wise, most visits to Thailand are sourced in Asia-Pacific markets, with 19,430,322, an increase of 33.34% over 14,572,177 trips registered from January to September 2023. Europe represents another 4,967,374 visits, up 22.50% compared to 4,055,033 last year.
The two regions, Asia Pacific and Europe, have a combined total of 24.4 million trips, just 1.7 million short of the 26 million mark.
More needs to be done in the Americas to lift US trips in the fourth quarter. The region delivered 707,104, a 9.95% improvement during the nine months of 2024. Canada is the other robust market in the Americas, and with new Air Canada flights to Bangkok, arrivals should increase. For the first nine months, Canadians made 172,521 trips to Thailand, up 17.50%.
BANGKOK, 28 October 2024: Bangkok has been featured in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported last week.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool commented: “We are honoured that Bangkok has been included in National Geographic’s much-anticipated annual list of awe-inspiring destinations. Bangkok’s inclusion reflects its vibrant atmosphere, world-renowned street food, majestic temples, and bustling markets, making it a unique city for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation.”
This accolade joins numerous awards Thailand has received over the years, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a leading global travel destination.
According to National Geographic, following a rigorous nomination, research, and reporting process, Bangkok was selected as one of the Best of the World 2025 by National Geographic’s travel experts and Nat Geo Traveller’s international editorial teams.
In its official announcement at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld, titled “The 25 Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2025,” which went public on 22 October 2024, National Geographic highlighted Bangkok as a must-visit destination to “explore a temple reborn.”
The feature praised Bangkok as “an intoxicating blend of old and new,” where glittering skyscrapers intermingle with luxury shopping malls. The city is also lauded for its growing status as an art and design hotspot, with cultural events like the Bangkok Art Biennale and the Bangkok International Film Festival, particularly in the Bang Rak neighbourhood.
National Geographic also emphasised Bangkok’s significance as a gateway to Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, drawing attention to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a 17th-century Buddhist temple just outside the city. Located in Ayutthaya and described as one of Thailand’s most important monuments, the temple has been undergoing extensive restoration after suffering damage from flooding in 2011. Recent efforts, including 3D laser scanning and constructing a flood wall, aim to preserve the temple and transform it into an educational site highlighting Thailand’s cultural heritage.
