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Festive season on Samui Island

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TTR WEEKLY
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SAMUI ISLAND, Thailand, 4 October 2024: This December, for an ultra-luxury family holiday experience, celebrate the festive season island style at Centara Reserve Samui with specially curated offers for the whole family to enjoy. Savour the extraordinary from world-class dining, festive decor, holiday treats for the children, and a glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration to remember for years to come.   

Centara Reserve Samui offers the ultimate festive holiday getaway as you immerse yourself in the tropical paradise of Koh Samui. Enjoy our breathing beach, splendid sunrise, extraordinary dining, personalised service reserved for you, local cultural experiences and pampering spa treatments throughout your stay.

 24 December Christmas Eve 
Twas the Night Before Christmas

Take your Christmas holiday to an indulgent new level and experience the wonder of the season by starting with a Christmas Eve culinary journey across three restaurants – The Terrace Act 5 -The Grill and Sa-Nga. Enjoy regional delicacies as well as the freshest seafood and meats, plus traditional Christmas fare and an extensive selection of yuletide pastries and desserts. The festive atmosphere will be enhanced when Santa arrives to delight guests of all ages along with carol singers and children’s activities designed to bring out the holiday spirit.

Price: THB 3,800++ (food only) and Children: THB 1,900++ (four to 11 years).
Time: 1800 to 2230.

25 December Christmas Day 
Christmas Delight Brunch

Spend the perfect Christmas Day at the effortlessly cool Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen. Sit back and enjoy the ocean views as you celebrate with family and friends while indulging in a sumptuous Christmas feast with classic and contemporary dishes. Feast on the freshest seafood selections, premium BBQ offerings, cold cuts and festive desserts as you listen to live music, DJ set and a visit from Santa with special gifts for the children.

Price: Starts from THB 2490++ per person, including soft drinks*
Children: THB 1245++ (four to 11 years)
Time: 1230 to 1530.
* Alcohol packages also available*

31 December New Years’ Eve
Tropical Glamour 

This year celebrate the New Year in style with a touch of luxury at a special ‘Tropical Glamour’ themed party on the Resort Green Lawn.  Dress in your best resort glam outfits to enjoy a celebration with live music, DJ and entertainment throughout the night. Indulge in a decadent buffet featuring caviar, fresh seafood, charcuterie, sushi, premium roast meats and sumptuous desserts. Then, at the stroke of midnight, watch a spectacular fireworks display over the ocean before you join the after-party.

Price: THB 12,999++ per adult and THB 6,499++ per child (four to 11 years)
Time: 1900 to 0100.
Elevate Your Festive Season – Enjoy 30% off early bird tickets until 31 October 2024
(special early bird offer is not combined with any other promotions)

1 January 2025 New Year’s Day Brunch
Paradise Recovery

The only New Year’s resolution you need to make in 2025 is to make sure you celebrate the first day of the year in paradise at a relaxing brunch with family and friends beachside at Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen. Enjoy cool ocean breezes, chic surroundings, live music, a DJ set, and a sumptuous menu of fresh seafood, along with an extensive buffet.   

Price: Starts from THB 2,490++ per person, including soft drinks* 
Children: THB 1,245++ (four to 11 years)
Time: 1230 to 1530.
* Alcohol packages are also available

Elevate Your Festive Season – Enjoy 20% Off with Our Exclusive Early Bird Offer
20% discount is available when booked and paid by 31st October 2024

To make a reservation for any of the festive holiday celebrations email: [email protected]  or phone +66 (0) 77 230 550.

To download Centara Reserve Samui festive visit: https://bit.ly/ReserveCelebrations2024
Find out more about Centara Reserve Samui at https://www.centarareserve.com/samui

Riyadh welcomes Emirates’ revamped B777

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 4 October 2024: Riyadh has become Emirates’ first GCC destination to welcome the refurbished Emirates Boeing 777, which offers passengers an all-new business class cabin and highly acclaimed premium economy seats. 

The newly refurbished aircraft will operate on the EK 819/820 daily service, which departs Dubai at 0710, with a scheduled arrival in Riyadh at 0805. The return flight departs from the Kingdom’s capital at 0940 and reaches Dubai at 1235.

The four-class Emirates Boeing 777 offers 24 premium economy seats arranged in a 2-4-2 layout with six-way adjustable headrests for added comfort and space, making it ideal for business and leisure travellers. 

The upgraded business class cabin offers more privacy, with 38 seats in a spacious 1-2-1 configuration, direct aisle access, a mini-bar, and multiple charging ports, among other thoughtful features.

The aircraft also features six game-changer first-class suites that offer the best in luxury. The refreshed economy class cabin has 256 ergonomic seats with leather headrests that can be adjusted vertically.

Emirates aircraft fitted with premium economy will reach 48 by the end of this year. Using Its fleet of B777s, A380s, and A350s, Emirates will serve 27 destinations, including Dubai.

Emirates currently operates 72 weekly flights to all four gateways in Saudi Arabia, including three daily flights to Riyadh, on a mixed fleet of B777s and A380s. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents.

For more information on the new Emirates Boeing 777, visit: https://www.emirates.com/english/experience/our-fleet/the-new-boeing-777/

First guests check in Dusit flagship

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TTR WEEKLY
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dusit-thani-bangkok-guestroom-deluxe-bed-overview-.jpeg

BANGKOK, 4 October 2024: Dusit Thani Bangkok, the flagship hotel of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has made its highly anticipated return as part of the upcoming Dusit Central Park project opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of the Thai capital. 

The opening, held on 27 September 2024, was marked by a special ceremony presided over by Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Dusit International. He had the honour of being the first guest to check in.

This gesture paid tribute to his mother’s enduring legacy in launching the original hotel in 1970.

Guests from across the globe travelled to be among the first to experience the hotel’s exquisitely designed Suites and Club Rooms, where expansive, cantilevered picture frame windows capture breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park, providing an unmatched accommodation experience in the city.

The newly transformed hotel also unveiled its expansive meeting and events space, which in keeping with the grandeur of its predecessor, boasts one of the largest ballrooms in Bangkok. The Napalai Grand Ballroom, with its soaring eight-metre-high ceiling and full-width, 55-metre-wide panoramic window, frames picturesque park and cityscape views, creating a dramatic backdrop for any event.

Photo caption: In a tribute to his mother’s enduring legacy in launching the original Dusit Thani Bangkok in 1970, Chanin Donavanik, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Dusit International (centre), had the honour of being the first guest to check-in. Also pictured (from left): Sukit Ngamsangapong, Chief Financial Officer, Dusit International; Adrian Rudin, Managing Director, Dusit Thani Bangkok; Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International; Vipada Donavanik, SVP – Group Procurement & Advisor, Dusit International; La-ead Kovavisaruch, CEO of VMS & CIO of Dusit International; and Gilles Cretallaz, COO, Dusit International.

The hotel’s dining venues are equally captivating, each with its signature touch. The initial offerings include The Pavilion, where guests can savour Thai, Chinese, and international delicacies, and Dusit Gourmet, which offers artisanal bites and international favourites from an open kitchen. Soon, guests will enjoy four more dining concepts, including collaborations with world-class chefs and a chic, multi-level rooftop bar alongside the hotel’s iconic spire.

Also launching soon is Devarana Wellness, a unique urban wellness sanctuary concept designed to provide tailored wellness experiences for guests, visitors, and locals, ensuring that every stay is an opportunity for rejuvenation.

“Just as my mother envisioned the original Dusit Thani Bangkok as a beacon of Thai hospitality on the world stage, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok aims to elevate that legacy,” said Chanin. “This opening marks not only a new chapter for Dusit but also a new era for Thai hospitality. We are excited to welcome our guests to experience this extraordinary transformation, where heritage and tradition seamlessly blend with innovation to establish a new benchmark for luxury accommodation in Bangkok.”

The new Dusit Thani Bangkok is the centrepiece of Dusit Central Park, a landmark THB46 billion mixed-use development also comprising ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200 sqm Roof Park. These additional components are expected to open gradually in 2025. 

Special opening offers with exclusive privileges, including a complimentary airport limousine service in a Porsche Panamera Executive – the first of its kind in Thailand – are now available for booking at dusit.com/bangkok.

For more information, visit  http://dusit.com/bangkok

Sirru Fen Fushi names GM

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 October 2024: Sirru Fen Fushi a private island in the Maldives’ remote Shaviyani Atoll, has announced the appointment of Lukasz Prendke as its new General Manager. 

With over 25 years of experience in Maldivian and global luxury hospitality sectors, Lukasz has held key leadership roles in properties across Europe, South Asia, and the Far East, spanning brands from Soho House to AMAN. 

Most recently, he served as the Chief Operating Officer and Group General Manager of Teardrop Boutique Management in Sri Lanka. 

Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi, said, “I am honoured to join the exceptional team at Sirru Fen Fushi, and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this resort and enhancing the distinctive experiences that make Sirru Fen Fushi a standout destination in the archipelago, rooted in sustainability.”

Sirru Fen Fushi, a private island in the remote Shaviyani Atoll of the Maldives, has operated independently since 1 May 2024, when the resort’s owners parted company with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, which had managed the property for six years. It was renamed Sirru Fen Fushi — Private Lagoon Resort.

Carnival doubles fleet in Australia

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 October 2024: Carnival Cruise Line is opening bookings for its 2026/27 Australia itineraries as it prepares to add two ships from sister line P&O Cruises Australia in March 2025 to double its fleet.

With the addition of Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter to the fleet next spring, the cruise line is expanding its programme to include sailings from Sydney on Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor and from Brisbane on Carnival Encounter and Carnival Luminosa. The seasonal itineraries will feature popular destinations such as Moreton Island, the South Pacific, and the Great Barrier Reef, as well as New Zealand, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.

Cruises from Sydney 

Carnival Splendor offers cruise itineraries from two to 12 days. Four-day cruises include Moreton Island and five- and six-day cruises to Tasmania, which allow guests to explore Hobart and Port Arthur, with the latter offering an overnight stay in Hobart. 

Nine- and 10-day South Pacific cruises visit Mystery Island, Port Vila, and other spectacular island destinations. The ship will also offer several additional longer sailings, including 10-day New Zealand itineraries with multiple departures. These offer opportunities to explore vibrant ports such as Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and Dunedin, along with scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park.

Carnival Adventure from Sydney features two- to 12-day itineraries. From weekend getaways and short cruises that visit popular Moreton Island to longer sailings that feature the Great Barrier Reef, the ship will sail a wide variety of options throughout the 2026/27 cruise season. A 12-day sailing to Fiji is also set for April 2027 that will take guests to exotic destinations like Lautoka and Dravuni Island. Both ships will also offer cruises to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most popular horse race. 

Cruise from Brisbane 

Carnival Luminosa will offer three- to 14-day itineraries departing from Brisbane during its seasonal deployment. A six-day Great Barrier Reef cruise allows guests to explore Airlie Beach and Cairns, with an onboard experience at Willis Island that gives guests glimpses of wildlife as the ship sails near the island. 

Week-long South Pacific cruises visit destinations such as Mystery Island, Port Vila and others, and an eight-day option includes multiple stops in Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Also available is a 14-day Carnival Journeys cruise that highlights the locations where Mutiny on the Bounty took place in 1789, featuring unique ports like Norfolk Island and Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

Carnival Encounter from Brisbane features destinations in the South Pacific and Great Barrier Reef regions. Guests can enjoy multiple short three-day getaway trips and four-day cruises with stops at Airlie Beach. Longer voyages, ranging from six to 10 days, include ports such as Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, and other beautiful South Pacific islands. 

Air India Express AIX Connect merger completed

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM, India 4 October 2024: Air India Group has completed the operational integration and legal merger of Air India Express Ltd and AIX Connect Pvt Ltd ( brand: AirAsia India) into a larger low-cost carrier.

The AirAsia India brand retired on 31 October 2023, and the airline started operating flights for Air India Express. On 1 October 2024, AIX Connect merged into Air India Express.

Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General, DGCA, handed over the updated AOC to Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, in the presence of Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Air India and Chairman, Air India Express and senior officials from DGCA as well as the Air India and Air India Express, at the DGCA headquarters in New Delhi.

The merged entity, which will operate under the ‘Air India Express’ name and a unified airline code IX, marks a significant milestone in the transformation journey of Air India Group that will merge four airlines into two. The group is merging Vistara into Air India to set up a world-class global airline.

The merger process for Air India Express was completed in less than a year since the airline’s refreshed brand was unveiled.  

Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said, “About a year ago, we started integrating AIX Connect and Air India Express, bringing the two organisations together behind a common brand. 

“Alongside, we worked on the complex integration exercise culminating today in the operational and legal merger of the two organisations.”

Air India Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Air India Express, Campbell Wilson, said: “The integration of AIX Connect with Air India Express is an important milestone in Air India’s Vihaan.AI transformation journey. This merger will be followed by the merger of Vistara into Air India on 12 November.”

With the merger completed, Air India Express will focus on a future growth and transformation agenda. The airline’s fleet size has already grown to 88 aircraft, with nearly four new aircraft continuing to join each month. The fleet is expected to cross 100 aircraft by the end of the financial year, with a network footprint spanning India, Gulf and Southeast Asia.

The number of routes AIX operates has risen from 74 to 171, and passenger carriage has increased by over 400% since the Tata group took over Air India in early 2022.

In October 2023, the airline unveiled the unified brand ‘Air India Express’. Since then, flights operated by AIX Connect have also been marketed under the ‘Air India Express’ brand, with necessary regulatory approval.

CX schedules Dallas launch April 2025

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 4 October 2024: Cathay Pacific will expand its North American network by launching four weekly nonstop flights between Hong Kong and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on 24 April 2025.

It will mark Cathay Pacific’s sixth passenger destination in the US and eighth in North America, further reinforcing the airline’s presence on the continent while bolstering the global connectivity of its home hub, Hong Kong.

Photo credit: Cathay Pacific. Four weekly flights to Dallas.

Cathay Group Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports. With our Cathay Pacific codeshares as well as other flight options, customers can connect to over 190 domestic destinations in the US, as well as 11 destinations in Central and South America via DFW, further enhancing Hong Kong’s connectivity with North America and important Belt and Road Initiative participating countries.”

Cathay Pacific operates 88 return passenger flights per week to destinations in North America, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto and Vancouver. To complement its existing network in North America, the airline will operate four flights per week between Hong Kong and DFW using its A350-1000 aircraft. 

Flights for Cathay Pacific’s DFW service are open for booking with the following flight schedule (all times local, subject to regulatory approval).

Flight schedule

Cathay Pacific also increases flights to North American destinations, operating 108 weekly flights. Aside from the new Dallas service, this will include three daily flights to New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, respectively, and a daily flight to Boston and Chicago. Cathay Pacific also continues to increase flights to Canada, with two daily flights to Vancouver and 13 weekly flights to Toronto.

Qatar ready to launch Toronto flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 October 2024: Qatar Airways will launch a new service from Doha to Toronto in Canada starting 11 December 2024.

The airline will schedule three-week direct flights from its home base at Hamad International Airport (DOH) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). 

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

As the airline’s 14th gateway to the Americas, the new Toronto route marks its second destination in Canada, joining Montréal that is served by daily flights from Doha.

Operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, equipped with 42 Qsuite business class seats and 312 economy class seats, the new Toronto service will provide travellers from Canada and beyond with seamless access to destinations across Qatar Airways’ extensive global network, including Colombo (CMB), Bangkok (BKK), Delhi (DEL), Kathmandu (KTM) and Mumbai (BOM).

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “The Toronto route is a strong and enduring commitment towards providing Qatar Airways’ Canadian customers with the enhanced connectivity they deserve, as well as access to our world-leading service and Qsuite in-flight product.

“The addition of a fourteenth gateway to our Americas network is also a testament to our aim in maintaining a key presence across the local market and cements our reputation as a reliable global connector.”

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH), and continues to expand on its global network to provide all passengers with the most luxury travel experience in the world.

Love the Philippines wins award in Japan

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 4 October 2024: Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco welcomed the growing international recognition of the “Love the Philippines” campaign, which received the Jury’s Special Award at Tourism EXPO Japan 2024 last week.

The award acknowledged the campaign’s outstanding efforts in promoting the Philippines’ cultural richness, natural beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism through a collaborative approach.

(Photo credit: TPB). The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism – Philippines, the Department of Tourism Tokyo Office, and 15 representatives from the tourism stakeholders from accommodation, airlines, travel agencies, and the government sector, participated in  the Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2024 from 26 to 29 September 2024 at Tokyo Big Sight, Japan.

“This jury citation reflects Filipinos’ shared passion and commitment to showcasing the best of our nation to the world, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for the tourism industry,” Frasco said in a news statement released earlier this week.

“Through the Love the Philippines campaign, we continue to highlight our rich history, stunning landscapes and the warmth of our people, resonating with travellers globally,” she added.

Tourism EXPO Japan 2024, jointly organised by the Japan Association for Tourism Promotion, the Japan Association of Travel Agents, and the Japan National Tourism Organization, is one of the most significant international travel events. Participants come from more than 80 countries and regions.

The DOT Tokyo Office, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board—Philippines and the DOT Branding and Marketing Communications Office, led the Philippines’ participation in the Expo.  

Until September 2024, the Philippines welcomed 290,123 Japanese visitors, making Japan the third-largest source of tourists behind South Korea and the US this year.

“This award reflects the deep bond between the Philippines and Japan as we continue to share our culture, heritage, and natural beauty with Japanese friends. The steady increase in Japanese visitors underscores this growing rapport and solidifies the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse on the global stage,” Frasco added.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan, Mylene Garcia-Albano, represented Frasco during the Ministerial Roundtable, where she introduced the Philippine Experience Programme.

The Philippine Experience Programme has completed nine legs across various regions, with upcoming legs planned in the Cordillera Administrative Region and the Caraga Region.

In celebration of World Tourism Day on 27 September, the DOT also launched a new “Love the Philippines” audiovisual presentation that showcases the country’s diverse attractions—from its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes to festive traditions and flavorful cuisine—inviting travellers to embrace Filipino hospitality and create unforgettable memories across the 7,641 islands.

The Jury’s Special Award follows other recent accolades for the “Love the Philippines” campaign, including its win as Asia’s Leading Tourism Campaign 2024 at the World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania gala ceremony and its nomination for Best Marketing Campaign at the prestigious Asia Best of the Best Awards. 

Centara achieves dual honours at the IAA Awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 3 October 2024: Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited (CENTEL), Thailand’s leading hotel and restaurant operator, gains dual honours at the IAA Awards for Listed Companies 2024, hosted by the Investment Analysts Association. 

This year, the company received two esteemed accolades, underscoring its commitment to excellence and innovation within the hospitality industry.

CENTEL was honoured with two prestigious awards: Outstanding CFO for Gun Srisompong, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration, and Outstanding Investor Relations for the company’s dedication to fostering transparent and effective communications.

Centara Hotels & Resorts CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat stated: “These accolades celebrate our relentless pursuit of excellence and our focus on maintaining high operational standards and strong relationships with our investors. We remain committed to expanding our reach in Thailand and internationally, aiming to establish Centara as one of the top 100 hotel operators in the world by increasing our presence in key markets and ensuring our business practices align with our sustainability goals.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Centara is implementing initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint, including a focus on eliminating single-use plastics and achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification across all properties by 2025. The company has also set ambitious targets to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2029, with a long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Receiving this honour again reaffirms our commitment to financial excellence and robust investor relations,” said CENTEL Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration Gun Srisompong.

“It motivates us to continue building trust and transparency as we navigate the evolving hospitality industry landscape. I am grateful to our dedicated team and stakeholders whose support is invaluable as we look to the future with optimism and ambition.”
For more information on Centara Hotels & Resorts, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

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