Monday, June 16, 2025
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Sarawak elevates Northeast Asia tourism promotions

KUCHING, 16 June 2025: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) continues to expand its presence in Northeast Asia markets with its participation at the recent Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) 2025 and its first-ever trade outreach in Busan. 

This marks a significant milestone in STB’s broader regional strategy to strengthen its footprint across key market clusters, particularly within the Northeast Asia region. The ongoing efforts in South Korea also reflect STB’s growing momentum ahead of its participation at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai — a global platform to further elevate Sarawak’s presence in the North East Asia market and beyond.

Held from 5 to 8 June at COEX Convention Centre in Seoul, SITF 2025 marked Sarawak’s third consecutive participation in South Korea’s largest tourism exhibition, which also celebrated its 40th anniversary. Sarawak’s colourful showcase featured cultural performances and interactive experiences that brought the state’s Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF) pillars to life.

“Our focus goes beyond a single event – we’re building market clusters that make long-term sense for Sarawak,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor. “By deepening engagements in Korea while expanding collaborative networks across North East Asia, we’re shaping Sarawak’s visibility in line with global travel trends. Our goal is to ensure Sarawak resonates with travellers not just in Seoul but in Osaka and beyond.”

Product Updates in Seoul and Busan

Korean arrivals to Sarawak reached 12,972 in 2024, representing a 20% increase compared to 2019, before the Covid pandemic. This steady growth highlights the effectiveness of STB’s sustained marketing efforts and digital outreach in the Korean market. The momentum was further strengthened by Post-Event Product Updates held in Seoul and, for the first time, in Busan from 9 to 10 June. 

The Busan session marked a historic first outreach in South Korea’s second-largest city, reinforcing STB’s commitment to expanding beyond capital-centric tourism promotion.

The Product Updates attracted top-tier outbound travel agents, providing firsthand insights into Sarawak’s latest offerings through presentations, destination briefings, and curated networking sessions. Sarawak’s delegation featured tourism players including Innosar Holiday, Grand Margherita Hotel & Riverside Majestic Hotels, and the Sarawak Golf Tourism Association, each presenting fresh travel packages tailored for Korean travellers.

Korean language Facebook

To amplify awareness, STB launched Korean-language Facebook and Instagram pages and collaborated with local influencers to extend digital reach. The Sarawak Pavilion at SITF buzzed with traditional dance, interactive displays, and live booth content, drawing thousands of Korean visitors over the four-day fair.

Beyond South Korea, STB is also ramping up preparations for its participation in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, aligning with Malaysia’s national branding and positioning Sarawak gastronomy. This initiative marks a key expansion of STB’s focus into Northeast Asia, with Japan identified as a high-value market for long-haul travellers seeking authentic experiences in Southeast Asia.

The recent initiatives are part of STB’s larger ASEAN-Northeast Asia cluster strategy, which connects multiple feeder markets to Sarawak under a cohesive regional framework. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, STB’s integrated approach aims to solidify Sarawak’s reputation as the Gateway to Borneo and a must-visit destination in Asia.

For more information on Sarawak and its attractions, visit Sarawak Tourism Board

Norwegian boosts summer Alaska fleet

SINGAPORE, Through October 2025: Norwegian Cruise Line will boast the youngest fleet sailing to Alaska this summer, with five ships cruising to the region from departure ports in the US and Canada, including Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Three of NCL’s recently renovated Breakaway-Plus class ships, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, custom-built to cruise Alaska, join the fleet to boost summer sailings to Alaska. 

Photo credit: NCL. Alaska – Norwegian Bliss – The Waterfront.

The vessels feature expansive observation lounges for sweeping vistas, as well as the Waterfront, an outdoor promenade designed to enhance guests’ connection to the sea, complete with al fresco dining, bars, and lounge spaces. 

Additionally, just revitalised this year, Norwegian Bliss offers a brand-new outdoor venue, Horizon Park, a versatile gathering space providing a variety of experiences from lawn-style games such as cornhole to giant Jenga and reclining loungers for optimal views of the Last Frontier. 

Sister ships, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, also feature refreshed spaces from recent dry docks, including the new addition of Spice H2O, an adults-only, complimentary outdoor area tucked away from the main pool deck, and a spacious and newly expanded Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, respectively.

Through October 2025, NCL offers guests round-trip, seven-day cruises every Saturday or Sunday aboard Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore, visiting some of the most beautiful locations in Alaska, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway, Sitka, and Victoria, British Columbia. 

The sailings also include a stop in Icy Strait Point, Alaska, home to the largest Native Tlingit village in the state, offering an authentic wilderness experience where the landscape is teeming with whales, bears and otters. 

Aboard Norwegian Joy, guests can enjoy a variety of round-trip nine and 10-day itineraries from Seattle with six to seven days in port to truly immerse themselves in the lush landscape and wildlife of the Last Frontier.

(Source: NCL Singapore) 

Refreshed Queen Elizabeth sails to Alaska

SINGAPORE, 16 June 2025: The newly refreshed Queen Elizabeth arrived at the Port of Seattle last week to begin a season of Alaskan voyages. 

Queen Elizabeth will homeport in Seattle for the first time, bringing Cunard’s renowned White Star Service to the region for two exclusive seasons of luxurious voyages of seven to 12 nights.

Photo credit: Cunard. Guests can book spectacular Alaskan voyages aboard Queen Elizabeth, ranging from seven to 11 nights.

Guests can book Alaskan voyages aboard Queen Elizabeth, ranging from seven to 11 nights.

Refreshed Experience Aboard Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth now boasts revitalised signature spaces and an elevated Princess and Queens Grills experience, offering expansive suites, added amenities, butler service and access to private spaces and restaurants on board. 

Inaugural Alaska guests will also be among the first to enjoy The Pavilion Wellness Café and the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program onboard Queen Elizabeth, featuring three bespoke Journeys – packages that include a special curation of wellness treatments, nutritious smoothies, rejuvenating masterclasses and a selection of ELEMIS products.

Spectacular Alaskan Voyages

Guests can enjoy seven to 11-night Alaska voyages aboard Queen Elizabeth from June to September 2025, with rates starting from USD1,109 per person for a balcony stateroom, based on double occupancy. 

Itineraries visit ports including Ketchikan, Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria, British Columbia. Guests will soak in the pristine beauty of Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier, as well as scenic days viewing the Inside Passage, the longest sheltered inland waterway in the world.

Enriching Onboard Experiences

Onboard, guests will enjoy even more enriching experiences specially tailored to Queen Elizabeth’s Alaska season. First, Cunard continues its partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), offering a speaker series featuring experts who share insights into the region.

“The Port of Seattle is honoured to welcome Cunard and the iconic Queen Elizabeth for their first homeported season in Seattle,” said Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. “This partnership marks a major milestone in our work to expand economic activity and to support local jobs through cruise, and we look forward to advancing together our shared vision for sustainability and responsible tourism.”

Winter in the Caribbean

Following an Alaskan summer, Queen Elizabeth will continue her North American residency, repositioning to Miami this October, where she will homeport for a maiden season of Caribbean voyages. This season marks the first time Cunard will dedicate a ship to a full season in the Caribbean, coinciding with a new slate of onboard entertainment offerings that welcome Broadway and West End performers on every voyage.

About Cunard
Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840, and this year celebrates an incredible 185 years of operation. There are currently four Cunard ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and the new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024. 

Tune into the Marriott Media network

SINGAPORE, 16 June 2025: Marriott International launched Marriott Media last week, signalling a new chapter in how brands engage with consumers across the traveller journey. 

Marriott Media is a network designed for travellers, connecting relevant brands with customers across digital and physical touchpoints with contextually relevant messages. 

Photo credit: Marriott International. Marriott Move steps up direct engagement with consumers.

By utilising first-party data and over 200 targetable attributes across the nearly 237 million-member Marriott Bonvoy programme and from Marriott’s lodging portfolio, which comprises almost 9,500 properties globally, Marriott Media combines demographic information with guest behaviour, travel intent, and traveller passions.

“Today’s travellers expect personalisation and welcome thoughtful discovery. Marriott Media is designed to enrich, not interrupt, serving guests content, recommendations, and offers in ways that feel natural, relevant, and aligned with their travel experience,” said Marriott International Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer Peggy Roe. “I’m excited to announce Chris Norton, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Data Activation & Personalization, will lead this bold initiative and serve as the General Manager for Marriott Media.”

Working with select brands, Marriott Media will curate brand experiences across Marriott-owned digital platforms such as Marriott.com and the Marriott Bonvoy app, placement within the room and stay experience, third-party websites, and social platforms. Marriott Media collaborated with select brands for an initial pilot, including PepsiCo,  Visa, United Airlines, Uber, Starbucks, F1 THE MOVIE, Audible, American Express and Resy.

(SOURCE: Marriott International Inc)

IHG’s Voco reaches 100 milestone

BANGKOK, 16 June 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) is celebrating the milestone of 100 open hotels for its Voco brand within just seven years.

Launched in 2018, Voco has quickly become the fastest-growing brand within IHG’s Premium collection, having achieved record development activity levels across openings and signings in 2024, with properties in over 25* countries and further market entries in Thailand, Malaysia, and Jamaica set for the next two years.

Voco Quang Binh Resort.

In 2023, it had 100 open and pipeline hotels. Since then, it has almost doubled both its system and pipeline, reflecting the strength of IHG’s enterprise platform and in line with its strategy to accelerate IHG’s ability to capture conversion opportunities. Voco now has 100 hotels open across 25* countries, with a further 95 properties in the pipeline.

IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Southeast Asia & Korea Vivek Bhalla said: “The brand’s fast expansion to 100 hotels in less than seven years is a fantastic achievement. In Southeast Asia & Korea, our first Voco hotel opened along Singapore’s prime shopping district Orchard Road in 2022, and since then has grown to six open hotels, including Voco Orchard Singapore, Voco Seoul Gangnam, Voco Seoul Myeongdong, Voco Bali Seminyak, Voco Ma Belle Danang – By IHG and voco Quang Binh Resort – By IHG, and eight in the pipeline.”

“We want to create brands that our guests and owners love, and as a premium hotel brand, Voco is not only achieving consistently high guest satisfaction scores but also perfectly placed to capture conversion opportunities, enabling our owners to benefit from fast access to IHG’s global scale and enterprise platform.”

Recent and upcoming openings 

Voco Quang Binh Resort – By IHG, Dong Hoi, Vietnam

Opened in May 2025, Voco Quang Binh Resort – by IHG is the world’s first Voco resort, set along Bao Ninh Beach in Dong Hoi. With 68 suites and beachfront villas, as well as a spa, it offers a peaceful and personalised escape. Beyond the resort, discover the breathtaking beauty of Quang Binh — from the world’s largest cave, Son Doong, to the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha, Ke Bang National Park.

Voco Seoul Myeongdong, Seoul, South Korea

Located near cultural landmarks such as Gyeongbokgong Palace and Namsan Tower, Voco Seoul Myeongdong offers 576 rooms and suites with views of Seoul’s contemporary cityscape and the Namsan Mountain.

Voco Bandung Setiabudi, Bandung, Indonesia

Located in the heart of Setiabudi, one of Bandung’s most sought-after districts, Voco Bandung Setiabudi will open soon with 162 rooms, along with an all-day dining restaurant, a ballroom and six meeting rooms, a heated swimming pool, a fitness centre and wellness treatment rooms.

Voco Bangkok Surawong by IHG Thailand

The 242-room Voco Bangkok Surawong will rebrand from the former Tawanna Bangkok hotel following a complete renovation and reopen in late 2025, ready to introduce travellers to the Voco distinctive stay experience. Situated in the heart of Surawong, a bustling district near Silom and Sathorn. This will be the first Voco property to open in Thailand and is located near popular restaurants, shopping, and entertainment attractions.

Voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang – By IHG Vietnam

The Voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang – by IHG will be situated at the heart of the coastal city of Nha Trang upon its opening near the end of this year. The 250-key property will offer panoramic sea views across its 28 floors once it is completed and will meet the increasing demand for great stay experiences in the city, best known for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fresh seafood. 

Voco Kuching Malaysia

Slated to open in late 2026, the 321-room Voco Kuching will be the first Voco property in Malaysia. Just a 15-minute drive from the city centre and five minutes from Kuching International Airport, the hotel provides guests with a comfortable and relaxing base to explore the wonders of Sarawak. 

Bangkok hits seventh spot hosting events

BANGKOK, 16 June 2025: Thailand becomes the top convention destination of the ASEAN region, according to the latest ICCA Country & City Rankings 2024 Report. 

A “new high” was achieved when Bangkok ascended the global ranking to take the 7th spot as a city destination for international conventions, a big leap from the 15th place in 2023. In addition, 13 Thai cities made their entry in the rankings, the highest number the country has achieved so far

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) announced the release of ICCA’s latest GlobeWatch Business Analytics – Country & City Rankings for 2024 at the recent IMEX Frankfurt 2025 in Germany. 

The comprehensive report analyses data from over 11,000 conferences held globally in 2024, highlighting Asia’s prominent status as the second most popular region for international meetings, following Europe. 

According to the report, Thailand hosted 158 international conventions, an increase from 143 in 2023. The number resulted in Thailand moving from the world’s 26th spot in 2023 to 25th place in 2024, clinching the 5th place in Asia Pacific and claiming the number one spot in the ASEAN or Southeast Asian region.

The best-ever performance came from Bangkok, which hosted 115 international conventions. The Thai capital rose in the rankings to the world’s 7th spot as a city destination, a remarkable increase from the 15th place in 2023. 

In Asia Pacific, Bangkok ranked 3rd and 2nd in the ASEAN region. The leading position of Bangkok was reiterated when Cvent also announced in IMEX Frankfurt 2025 its list of 2025 Top Meeting Destinations. In the Asia Pacific region, Bangkok ranked 2nd after Singapore. The result is based on more than USD18 billion of global sourcing and request-for-proposal (RFP) activity through Cvent’s sourcing platforms in 2024, including a record-breaking USD16.5 billion through the Cvent Supplier Network, one of the world’s largest venue sourcing marketplaces.

In another best-ever performance, 13 Thai cities are listed in the ICCA report. Apart from Bangkok, the 12 cities are Chiang Mai (12 conventions), Pattaya (10), Phuket (8), Chon Buri (3), Chiang Rai (2), Pathum Thani (2), Hua Hin (1), Khon Kaen (1), Samui (1), Nakhon Ratchasima (1), Nonthaburi (1) and Pattani (1).

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Senior Vice President and Acting President Puripan Bunnag remarked: “We are delighted with Thailand’s overall performance, especially Bangkok, which made a noticeable rise in the ranking. In this respect, we feel grateful to international professional associations for their trust and confidence in Bangkok. It will further inspire the city and Thai MICE industry to deliver their best to maintain or upgrade their operating standards to meet the evolving needs of the market.”

Canada makes it easier to visit

SINGAPORE, 16 June 2025: Canada is making it easier for citizens of 13 countries to travel to Canada, in contrast to the US, which is tightening the screws on foreign travellers.

Eligible travellers from 13 countries now qualify for visa-free travel to Canada.

Photo credit: Canada.ca

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced the addition of 12 countries to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) programme last week. 

“This exciting development means that more individuals from around the world can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements. This expansion not only enhances convenience for travellers, it will also increase travel, tourism and economic benefits, as well as strengthen global bonds with these 13 countries,” said Fraser.

Travellers from the 13 countries who have either held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa can now apply for an eTA instead of a visa when travelling to Canada by air. Effective 6 June, eligible travellers from these countries can benefit from the programme:

Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Costa Rica
Morocco
Panama
Philippines
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Seychelles
Thailand (Since June 2023)
Trinidad and Tobago
Uruguay

Introducing visa-free air travel makes it faster, easier, and more affordable for thousands of travellers to visit Canada for up to six months for either business or leisure. It will also help grow Canada’s economy by facilitating more travel, tourism and international business and by strengthening Canada’s relationships with these countries while keeping Canadians safe.

This decision will also divert thousands of applications from Canada’s visa caseload, allowing visa applications to be processed more efficiently.

Visa-free travel for Thais

In June 2023, Canada introduced visa-free travel for eligible travellers from Thailand. It has now added 12 other countries to the list of nations eligible for visa-free travel, according to a statement on Canada.ca. 

This change primarily focuses on visitors travelling to Canada directly on international airlines. The 12 additional nationalities are eligible to enter Canada for up to six months for tourism or business purposes. 

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

For those travelling to Canada by air, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is required, which can be applied online. 

Other modes of travel

Travellers entering Canada by other means (car, bus, train, or boat) will still require a visitor visa if they are not eligible for an eTA. 

Commenting on the new ruling, Air Canada Vacations Vice President, Global Sales  Lisa Pierce said: “Air Canada is pleased with the announcement to implement a more user-friendly process to obtain authorisation to travel to Canada and connect via Air Canada’s global hubs. The global market for travel and tourism is competitive, and finding easier ways for travellers to obtain their travel authorisations is beneficial not only to Air Canada but also the entire travel and tourism industry in Canada.”

Emirates and Air China enhance partnership

DUBAI UAE, 13 June 2025: Emirates and Air China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic framework for expanding their existing reciprocal interline cooperation.

The signing took place on the sidelines of the 81st Annual General Meeting  (IATA AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi.

The MoU was signed by Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim and Air China’s Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Yan Fei, accompanied by senior executives from both sides.

Adnan Kazim said: “Our partnership with Air China commenced 26 years ago (July 1999), and since 2018, approximately 18,000 Emirates customers have benefited from the expanded connectivity offered through our interline agreement.

Building on this success, we’ve recently announced the launch of two new Chinese cities—Shenzhen and Hangzhou—which will strengthen our East Asia operations. Shenzhen will feature our best-in-class products, including our brand-new Premium Economy cabin. As we continue expanding our investments in the Chinese mainland, we look forward to deepening our partnership with Air China to meet growing travel demand in this strategic market and create new pathways for travel and trade between China and the global community.”

Yan Fei said: “Air China highly values the cooperation with Emirates. The signing of this memorandum marks a significant milestone in the deepening of cooperation between the two sides. Air China continues to implement the “Belt and Road Initiative”. By collaborating with Emirates, we will further expand our route network in China-UAE and the global market and jointly promote global connectivity.”

Under the MOU, Emirates and Air China will explore a reciprocal codeshare on select routes across each other’s networks. This would allow each airline to place its code on the other’s flights on China-UAE trunk routes as well as beyond Beijing and Dubai to an expanded list of points. *

Emirates and Air China will also develop a framework for cooperation across cargo operations and respective frequent flyer loyalty programmes, enhancing their value proposition for both travellers and businesses.

To further ensure seamless connectivity for customers, the two carriers will explore coordinating flight schedules or adjusting minimum connecting times. Once activated, customers of both airlines will benefit from a seamless booking process, single-ticket itineraries, and wider lounge access to new and exciting destinations.

Beyond commercial cooperation, both carriers plan to exchange best practices in areas such as revenue management, data analytics, digitalisation, brand management and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), among others, through joint knowledge sharing and familiarisation visits.

Emirates in the Chinese mainland

From 30 July, Emirates will operate 49 weekly flights to the Chinese mainland, including double daily services to Beijing and Shanghai as well as daily flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou. The airline’s continued expansion into the Chinese mainland reflects the deepening bilateral ties between the UAE and China, underscoring Emirates’ longstanding commitment to advancing the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative.

For more information on the airline and to book flights visit: www.emirates.com.

Earn more for every three nights in Asia

BANGKOK, 13 June 2025: BWH Hotels invites travellers to discover more and earn big with 5,000 bonus Best Western Rewards points on the latest campaign.

BWR members will earn 5,000 bonus points for every three nights stayed at participating hotels across Asia between 12 May and 1 September 2025. Stays do not need to be consecutive, and each member can earn up to 20,000 bonus points during the promotion.

This offer is available at Best Western and SureStay Hotels-branded properties in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines. To participate, BWR members simply need to sign in to their account and register before booking.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, please visit bestwesternasia.com.  

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide. With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

Air Astana expands China network

SINGAPORE, 13 June 2025: Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national flag carrier, celebrated the expansion of the China network at a media reception in Guangzhou on Wednesday. 

Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster attended the event along with Kazakhstan Minister Counsellor Kuanysh Amantay and Air Astana Senior Regional Manager for China and Mongolia Islam Sekerbekov.

Air Astana Group CEO Peter Foster.

The recent launch of Air Astana services from Almaty to Guangzhou marked a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion in China. The service not only became the fifth direct connection between Kazakhstan and China, but it also represents the first Air Astana flight linking southern Kazakhstan with southern China. 

This expansion underscores Air Astana’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and fostering closer ties between the two countries. Passengers from Guangzhou arriving in Almaty can enjoy convenient onward connections to destinations throughout Central Asia, the Caucasus, Middle East, South Asia and Europe.

“China has always been an important strategic market for Air Astana,” said Foster. “The launch of the Guangzhou service marks a significant step in expanding our Chinese route network in line with our long-term growth objectives.”

“Air Astana has a proud reputation for delivering outstanding in-flight service, with passengers from China destined to enjoy high standards of cabin comfort and warm Kazakh hospitality.”

Air Astana has continuously expanded its route network in China since launching the Almaty to Beijing route over 20 years ago. The airline now operates five routes between Kazakhstan and China: Almaty to Beijing, Astana to Beijing, Almaty to Urumqi, Almaty to Hainan and Almaty to Guangzhou, with a total of 23 weekly flights. Air Astana predominantly operates the Airbus A321LR on China routes.