Eight beaches in Langkawi will leave you spellbound

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October 3, 2024

LANGKAWI, 3 October 2024: Langkawi is renowned for its pristine white beaches, offering a sense of serendipity to anyone who loves basking in the sun or swimming in the ocean. Each beach lover has their own preferences.

Some enjoy bustling beaches with water activities, children running around, and the familiar sound of the “Uncle Ice-Cream” honking to offer a cold, delicious ice cream sandwich. These beaches are often within walking distance of local restaurants, perfect for satisfying hungry stomachs.

For honeymooners, Langkawi offers private strolls where couples can walk hand in hand, build sandcastles, collect shells, and indulge in romantic moments. Affluent travelers can find hidden and private beaches just off the luxury hotels, available for their exclusive enjoyment. Langkawi is also a relatively safe coastal area with long stretches of sandy bottoms, making it a perfect destination for all types of beach lovers.

Recommendation : If you’re planning to rent a scooter or a car be sure you have a valid driving license and if you’re an international tourist don’t forget to get your international driving permit (IDP) before you leave your country. Or else you can charter a car with a driver daily. There are also bicycles for you to rent.

Chenang Beach

Chenang Beach is Langkawi’s most popular beach, stretching over two kilometers of white sand lined with coconut trees. The beach is surrounded by restaurants, Chenang Mall, duty-free shops, massage centres, and affordable beachfront accommodations ranging from as low as RM79 to RM500 a night, all within walking distance. The area around Chenang Beach is bustling with activity, resembling a small town of its own. On Thursday nights, there is the Temoyang Night Market, where you can find street food and local delicacies with a Langkawi twist.

Tengah Beach

Although adjacent to Chenang Beach, you can’t access Tengah Beach directly from the beach itself due to a rocky outcrop. We recommend taking a detour inland and walking along the road, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers long. This road is commonly known as the tourist strip.
You will love this beach if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. While there are some water activities, they primarily cater to guests of luxury hotels who enjoy beachfront chalets and fun activities. Some notable hotels along this stretch include Dash, The Riyaz, Holiday Villa, and Resort World.

Kok Beach

Perfect for those seeking a luxurious getaway, Kok Beach boasts five-star hotels with private beaches such as the Ritz-Carlton and the Danna. Enjoy activities like jet-skiing and banana boating, or explore nearby attractions like the Seven Wells Waterfall and the Langkawi Cable Car for stunning views of the island. For an exclusive experience, visit Naam Paradise 101, a private beach resort near Telaga Harbour and Kok Beach. Accessible by boat, this spot offers activities like jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. Relax with a mocktail in hand and enjoy the tranquil setting.

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Tanjung Rhu Beach is famous for its enchanting annual event—the Sandbar phenomenon. This captivating natural marvel occurs when the sea level drops to a minimum of 0.0m, revealing a sandbar that seamlessly connects Tanjung Rhu Beach with Chabang and Kelam Baya Island. Guests staying at Tanjung Rhu Resort can witness this unique event. On other days, the beach stretches 2.5 kilometers, making it perfect for morning jogs and sunset walks. Its relative privacy adds to its charm.

Datai Bay

Located in the northwest, Datai Bay is home to luxurious resorts like The Datai, which offer private beach access and amenities such as jacuzzis, saunas, and spas. We recommend taking transport if you want to explore the nearby Tengkorak Beach or Temurun Waterfalls. It’s also close to the Crocodile Farm and the Ibrahim Hussein Museum & Cultural Foundation.

Pasir Tengkorak Beach or Sandy Skulls Beach

Known for its calm waters, Pantai Pasir Tengkorak, also known as Sandy Skulls Beach, is ideal for families. The beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing under shaded trees. Be cautious of monkeys that might try to snatch your belongings. This peaceful beach is great for unwinding with a book. The mysterious name, Sandy Skulls Beach, carries an eerie allure with numerous legends attached to it. Stories tell of pirates and mariners whose bodies washed ashore after storms in the Strait of Malacca. A more plausible theory suggests that the skulls found on the shores belonged to prisoners who attempted to escape from the island prison of Ko Tarutao in Thailand, located north of Langkawi.
Teluk Yu Granite Tors Geosite

Located in the north of Langkawi, Teluk Yu Granite Tors Geosite boasts a stunning landscape of hills and an exceptional coastline. The beach is adorned with impressive granite boulders (tors), some up to 10 meters in diameter, extending from the shore to the hills near the Craft Complex. This rare geological phenomenon, where granite rocks weather and erode to form exposed tors, is seldom seen in tropical regions. In Malay beliefs, these granite tors are often referred to as “live stones” because they seem to grow over time as erosion exposes more of their surface. The Langkawi Craft Complex, situated within this geosite, is a hub for native Malaysian handicrafts and cultural education. Teluk Yu Granite Tors Geosite is perfect for beach recreation while exploring the unique geological and cultural heritage of Malaysia.

Pantai Pasir Hitam

Pantai Pasir Hitam, one of Langkawi’s hidden gems, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist spots with its serene and picturesque setting. What makes this beach truly unique is its rich history and geological significance. The sands of Pantai Pasir Hiram are known for their mesmerizing streaks of black and white, created by the presence of tourmaline and ilmenite minerals. These minerals, carried from ancient volcanic rocks, give the beach its distinct appearance and have fascinated geologists and visitors alike. Tourmaline, known for its vibrant hues and healing properties, and ilmenite, an important source of titanium, tell a story of Langkawi’s dynamic geological past. Walking along Pantai Pasir Hiram, visitors are not just stepping on ordinary sand but on a blend of natural history and beauty, making every visit a journey through time and nature’s wonders.

For more information on LADA, please visit https://www.lada.gov.my/en/ and www.naturallylangkawi.my

About Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
The federal government established the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to plan, promote, and implement development on the island of Langkawi. It was officially established on 15 March 1990 under the Langkawi Development Authority Act 1990 (Act 423) and placed under the authority of the Ministry of Finance. LADA is committed to continuously supporting Langkawi’s tourism sector to position the island as a world-renowned destination.

Frasers Hospitality hires senior executives

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October 3, 2024

SINGAPORE, 3 October 2024: Frasers Hospitality, a strategic business unit of Frasers Property, has named Chew Hang Song as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Ian Loe Managing Director of Technology.

Effective 1 October, Chew replaces Mark Chan, who retired on 30 September after four years with Frasers Hospitality. In his new role, Chew will oversee the operational strategy and financial performance of Frasers Hospitality’s portfolio of over 100 properties spanning more than 20 countries.

*(Left to right) Ian Loe, Managing Director of Technology and Innovation and Chew Hang Song, Chief Operating Officer.*

Since joining Frasers Hospitality in March 2019 as Deputy Country General Manager of China, Chew rose through the ranks to become Cluster Head for North Asia.

The group’s new Managing Director of Technology and Innovation, Ian Loe will lead Frasers Hospitality’s global IT infrastructure and transformation. Loe brings nearly three decades of extensive digital transformation experience, having driven technology and innovation across a wide range of industries, including the public sector, manufacturing and financial services. Prior to joining Frasers Hospitality, he held leadership positions in several conglomerates and most recently served as Chief Information Officer at DFI Retail Group, where he was responsible for foundational technologies in the business.

IATA: Airline CEOs commit to safety charter

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TTR WEEKLY

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October 3, 2024

SINGAPORE, 3 October 2024: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that 100 airline CEOs have committed to the IATA Safety Leadership Charter since its launch at the 2023 edition of the IATA World Safety and Operations Conference.

The announcement that Lynne Embleton, CEO of Aer Lingus, joined the Charter was made during the IATA World Safety and Operations Conference, which was held in Marrakech, Morocco, from 1 to 3 October.

*During IATAWSOC, three main aviation safety priorities were outlined: strengthening global standards, safety culture, and data use.*

The Aer Lingus CEO and the 99 other CEOs who have signed the IATA Safety Leadership Charter account for about 70% of global traffic.

“Flying is safe because aviation’s safety culture begins at the very top management level,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh. “In their commitment is a call for the rest of the industry’s CEOs to join them in this fundamental Charter. And by the next IATA World Safety and Operations Conference, I look forward to being much closer to universal coverage.”

“Signing this charter further reinforces Aer Lingus’ unwavering dedication to safety and strengthens our commitment to lead by example in promoting a safety-first mindset across the industry,” said Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton.

The IATA Safety Leadership Charter, developed in consultation with IATA members and industry stakeholders, outlines eight key leadership principles that CEOs pledge to uphold.

Key principles

Leading by example: Reinforcing safety through both words and actions.

Raising awareness: Fostering safety awareness at all levels, from the boardroom to frontline staff.

Integrating safety into business: Embedding safety into the strategic, operational, and performance metrics of the organisation.

Building capacity: Developing the internal capacity to manage safety and achieve organisational safety objectives proactively.

Fostering trust: Creating an environment where employees feel responsible for safety and are empowered to report safety issues without fear.

Establishing clear expectations: Defining and communicating acceptable and unacceptable safety-related behaviours.

Promoting shared responsibility: Encouraging all employees to take ownership of safety within their roles.

Continuous improvement: Regularly assess and enhance the organisation’s safety culture.
“IATA supports continuous safety improvement with a three-pillar strategy consisting of Safety Leadership (including both safety leadership and culture), Safety Risk (identifying and mitigating risks through data collection and analysis from audits, accident reports, and other sources) and Safety Connect (providing the links so that safety leaders report, discuss, and resolve safety issues).”

Batik Air flies to Krabi and Hat Yai

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TTR WEEKLY

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October 3, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, 3 October 2024: Tourism Malaysia welcomed Batik Air’s inaugural flights from Krabi and Hat Yai, Thailand, which landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Monday.

Tourism Malaysia, alongside representatives from Batik Air and Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB), welcomed 260 passengers on the two inaugural flights.

Flights are daily on both routes using Boeing 737-800s with 180 seats.

KUL-KBV schedule
Flight OD586 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1140 and arrives in Krabi (KBV) at 1205.
Flight OD587 departs Krabi at 1135 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1540.

KUL-HDY schedule
Flight OD588 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1135 and arrives in Hat Yai (HDY) at 1150
Flight OD589 departs Hat Yai at 1240 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1500.

Launching these new routes marks a significant milestone in expanding connectivity from second-tier Thailand cities to Malaysia. It presents a valuable opportunity to attract more tourists while expanding Batik Air’s presence in Thailand. The airline’s existing routes link Kuala Lumpur with Bangkok and Phuket.

Thailand remains a key target market for Malaysia, alongside other countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and Australia. This new direct connection underscores the strong collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Batik Air.

Visit Malaysia 2026’s ambitious goals are to welcome 35.6 million international tourists and generate MYR147.1 billion in tourism revenue.

With these direct flights, travellers from Krabi and Hat Yai can now easily explore Malaysia’s diverse attractions, including the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the beaches of Langkawi, the cultural treasures of Melaka, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in Malaysia’s cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and renowned culinary delights.

South Korea tops Agoda’s food ranking

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TTR WEEKLY

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October 3, 2024

SINGAPORE, 3 October 2024: South Korea takes the crown in the latest food ranking compiled by digital travel platform Agoda. Taiwan followed in second place, and Thailand took third place in a ranking focusing on the top destinations in Asia that travellers visit specifically for a culinary trip.

64% of travellers to South Korea shared with Agoda that South Korea’s culinary delights are their main reason for travelling. The land of kimchi, Korean barbecue and fried chicken is followed closely by Taiwan (62%), with Thailand (55%), Japan (52%, and Malaysia (49%) completing the top five. The study surveyed over 4,000 Agoda users after they completed bookings to destinations in various markets.

“Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a cultural experience. Some travellers are so passionate about food that they book a restaurant abroad even before securing their flights, said Agoda Associate Vice President, Southeast Asia Enric Casals. “Our survey data clearly shows that travellers seek destinations where they can immerse themselves in local cuisines and traditions rather than just sightseeing.”

Here’s a whirlwind Culinary Tour Through Asia’s Top Five food destinations:

South Korea

South Korea’s culinary scene attracts foodies from all over the globe, undoubtedly helped by the popularity of K-dramas and movies, which frequently showcase unique gourmet experiences. On Jeju Island, savour fresh seafood and melt-in-your-mouth heukdwaeji (black pork) sizzling on a traditional Korean BBQ grill. Adventurous eaters will enjoy ganjang gejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce) – a dish guaranteed to spark conversation (and maybe a little sweat!) in coastal cities like Incheon. For comforting soul food, visit Gangneung for some chodang sundubu (hot soup with soft tofu). Traditional markets, such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul, are great places for street food like tteokbokki (spicy ricecakes) and bindaetteok (savoury pancakes).

Taiwan

Taipei’s legendary night markets, like Shilin and Raohe, are a must-visit experience for any foodie seeking the infamous stinky tofu or the global sensation of bubble tea. In Tainan, traditional dishes like danzai noodles and milkfish soup highlight the island’s deep food heritage. Taiwan also offers a unique tea culture, with Alishan’s oolong tea holding a place in every tea lover’s heart.

Thailand

The traditional food stalls of Yaowarat, known as Chinatown in Bangkok, are where dishes like crispy pork belly, pad thai, crispy oyster omelettes, and mango sticky rice aren’t just among the most delicious meals but also the most affordable. In the north of Thailand, the rich and creamy Khao Soy in Chiang Mai is a must-try, while in the south, it’s the lesser-known Khanom Jeen, a fermented rice noodle dish served with a variety of spicy curries that’s becoming a favourite among foodies.

Japan

In Tokyo, head to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi and sashimi or explore local delights like takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) in popular areas like Shinjuku and Ginza. Seafood lovers should visit Otaru in Hokkaido to enjoy famous crabs, uni (sea urchin), and fresh seafood donburi. For ramen aficionados, Tenjin in Fukuoka is the place to try tonkotsu ramen, the area’s famous bowl featuring rich pork broth.

Malaysia

In Kuala Lumpur, Nasi Lemak comes in various forms, from Nasi Lemak Bungkus (wrapped rice with coconut milk, sambal, and various toppings) to Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng Berempah (spicy chicken). The Penang region delights visitors with street food classics like Char Kway Teow (a stir-fried rice noodle), Hokkien Mee (a savoury noodle soup), and Cendol (shaved ice dessert). In East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu features fresh local dishes like Hinava (raw fish salad) and Tuaran Mee. Kuching is known for Manok Pansoh, a traditional Iban dish of chicken cooked in bamboo with herbs.

AVIAREPS opens office in Saudi Arabia

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TTR WEEKLY

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October 3, 2024

SINGAPORE, 3 October 2024: AVIAREPS, a leading international representation company for aviation, tourism and hospitality, has opened an office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The owned office creates a permanent AVIAREPS presence in Saudi Arabia to provide tailor-made GSA representation services and marketing and public relations support.

*Photo credit: AVIAREPS. A new global head of cargo joins the senior management team.*

The Saudi Arabia office extends the group’s international network to 71 offices in 67 countries.

AVIAREPS CEO Edgar Lacker commented: “ Saudi Arabia offers huge potential, especially for destinations and airlines as well as trade promotion and hospitality clients. We expect demand for international travel to continuously increase and see this as a unique opportunity for our partners to grow in the Middle East.”

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is the largest Arab country in the Middle East. It has the 19th largest economy worldwide, with a GDP amounting to USD1.07 trillion in 2023, steadily growing in recent years.

Tourism in and from the country bounced back well: Outbound tourism from Saudi Arabia recorded a 37% increase in the last years, along with a 74% increase in spending compared to the first half of 2022. Outbound tourism is also projected to grow by 15% until 2027, making the country an interesting market for destinations, airlines, and the hospitality industry alike.

Saudi Arabia has 29 airports, 12 of which are international airports. The busiest one is King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. It serves as the largest hub for Saudia, the country’s flag carrier and national airline, and as an operating base for national low-cost carriers Flynas and Flyadeal.

AVIAREPS Saudi Arabia operates under the regional leadership of Faraz Ahmed Khan, AVIAREPS Country Manager Saudi Arabia and Glenn Johnston, Vice President Middle East. With the addition of the office in Riyadh, the company’s Middle East network extends to two owned offices serving six countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Global Head of Cargo

Meanwhile, AVIAREPS announced this week the appointment of Frederick Overton as Global Head of Cargo. He will oversee and expand the cargo division, build on existing relationships with airlines, and grow the group’s air cargo expertise and division worldwide. AVIAREPS has been offering GSA services to cargo clients locally for several years and will now expand the business division globally.

AirAsia starts domestic flights to Lampang

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TTR WEEKLY

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October 3, 2024

BANGKOK, 3 October 2024: Thai AirAsia celebrated its latest domestic route, Don Mueang–Lampang, by flying famous Lampang-native actor Panitan “Mikey” Budkaew on Wednesday’s inaugural flight to the north Thailand city.

Fan club members joined the celebrity on flight FD3923, which departed Don Mueang at 1100 and arrived in Lampang at 1220. Guests on the fully booked flight were given a special welcome ceremony at Lampang Airport. Many locals also turned up to join in the celebration and catch a glimpse of Mikey.

*Lampang-native actor Panitan “Mikey” Budkaew entertains inaugural flight guests.*

Flight schedule
Flight FD3923 departs Don Mueang Airport Bangkok (DMK) at 1110 and arrives in Lampang (LPT) at 1220.
Flight FD3924 departs Lampang at 1250 and arrives at Don Mueang Airport Bangkok at 1405.

The airline serves the new route daily, using A320s with 180 seats in a single-class configuration. The average roundtrip fare is USD110.

The only competition comes from Bangkok Airways, which flies the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Aiport (BKK) to Lampang route twice daily (departing 0735 and 1300). The average roundtrip fare is USD130. The airline flies an ATR72 with 70 seats. Flight time is one hour and 35 minutes.

Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya said: “We at AirAsia are really thrilled to be introducing our newest direct domestic route to Lampang, a city that is easy to fall in love with. The route was trendy from day one when we opened for booking. We are confident that the new daily Don Mueang–Lampang flight will provide an attractive option and stimulate travel to Lampang in support of its economy while also facilitating more frequent travel for work and leisure and for Lampang natives to be able to return home more frequently. We take pride in offering high service standards and affordable fares, and we are committed to strong on-time performance for travellers to and from Lampang.”

Special promotional fares starting at THB1,100 one way are open for bookings until midnight on 6 October 2024 to celebrate the new Don Mueang- Lampang route. The travel period ends on 29 March 2025. Guests also gain a THB200 discount on car rentals when presenting an AirAsia Boarding Pass for a weekday Don Mueang–Lampang flight booked by 31 October 2024. You can redeem the privilege at the Tourism Authority of Thailand Lampang Office’s Facebook page or via Line@tatlampang by 31 October 2024. The offer is limited to one per booking and only applies to participating car rental firms.

Sarawak strengthens Japan travel ties

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October 2, 2024

KUCHING, Sarawak, 2 October 2024: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, successfully participated in the Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2024 from 26 to 29 September at Tokyo Big Sight.

This year’s participation marked STB’s third year at TEJ, reinforcing its commitment to the Japanese market. Following the expo, STB held a a post-engagement session with key Japanese tourism players on 30 September 2024 at Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo, further strengthening relationships and exploring future collaborations to boost Sarawak’s presence in Japan.

Organised by the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), TEJ has been recognised as the largest travel expo in Japan since its inception in 2014. The expo brings together exhibitors and visitors worldwide, providing a platform for industry professionals to showcase destinations and engage in meaningful business discussions.

Japan is a key market for Sarawak within the North Asia region, contributing significantly to the growth of visitor arrivals. As of August 2024, Sarawak saw a 21% rise in visitor arrivals from Japan compared to the same period in 2023. With this upward trend, Sarawak Tourism Board’s participation in TEJ 2024 aimed to increase its presence in the Japanese market, raise the destination’s profile, and reconnect with Japanese travel partners and potential travellers.

Sarawak’s focus on sustainable development and green energy resonates with the Japanese market’s priorities, making it a significant area of interest for Sarawak. Both regions actively advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the Sarawak Tourism Board focusing on SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities andCommunities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This mutual focus strengthens the connection between Sarawak and Japan, fostering a favourable environment for collaboration and tourism growth.

Sarawak is a diverse destination that caters to Japanese travellers who primarily visit for holidays and leisure. Japanese visitors are drawn to cultural experiences, nature and wildlife adventures, and gastronomy—key elements highlighted in Sarawak’s five pillars: Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festival (CANFF).

Sarawak proudly stands as the first in Malaysia to host two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Mulu National Park and Niah National Park — which serve as northern gateways to the region’s rich natural heritage and biodiversity.

Niah National Park, renowned for its archaeological significance as the site of Southeast Asia’s oldest human remains, enriches Sarawak’s cultural and historical landscape. The Sarawak Delta Geopark, Malaysia’s sixth national geopark, further enhances this heritage by preserving Sarawak’s natural treasures and promoting environmental conservation.

Sarawak’s cultural heritage is equally captivating. The Borneo Cultures Museum — the largest in Malaysia and second-largest in Southeast Asia — offers a comprehensive look at the state’s diverse histories, cultures, and traditions. Complementing this is the Sarawak Cultural Village, an award-winning living museum that provides authentic insight into the architecture, customs, and daily lives of Sarawak’s major ethnic groups, making it an unparalleled destination for cultural exploration.

Furthermore, Kuching, the capital city, has earned both the “World Craft City” status from the World Crafts Council (WCC) and recognition as Malaysia’s first ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ by UNESCO — achievements shaped by the rich cultural and culinary diversity of Sarawak’s 34 ethnic groups.

During the event, the Sarawak Tourism Board conducted two days of pre-scheduled Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions with Japanese tourism players on 26 and 27 September. These meetings provided an excellent opportunity for the board to establish new partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and gain valuable market insights

through a market intelligence survey. The last two days, 28 and 29 September, were dedicated to Business-to-Consumer (B2C) sessions, allowing the public to explore Sarawak’s offerings and engage with the destination directly.

The event concluded with the post-engagement session at Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo. Sarawak’s product updates were shared, future collaborations were discussed, continuous growth was ensured, and a shared commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism was

reflected. Sarawak’s participation in the Tourism Expo Japan 2024 showcased its diverse tourism offerings and reinforced its position as a unique and sustainable destination for Japanese travellers.

For more information on Sarawak’s travel experiences, check out https://sarawaktourism.com

Emirates marks International Coffee Day

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TTR WEEKLY

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October 2, 2024

SINGAPORE, 2 October 2024: Celebrating International Coffee Day on Monday, 1 October, Emirates noted that its coffee-loving customers consumed more than 170,000 kg of coffee beans annually on board its flights and lounges.

Celebrating the wide array of artisan coffee served in Emirates lounges and onboard flights to 140 destinations worldwide, including Emirates’ signature blend of traditional Arabic coffee.

Inflight Delight: 130,000 kg of coffee served each year.

Emirates serves more than 130,000 kg of coffee onboard every year and even commissions its own signature blend of Arabic Coffee in collaboration with artisan local producer Mattina.

Mattina’s Arabic Coffee blend for Emirates uses the finest quality Arabica beans, complemented by natural cardamom and saffron, in line with the traditional recipes passed down through generations, replicating the ceremonial coffee experience central to Arabian hospitality for centuries. The blend features Arabica beans from Brazil’s Cerrado de Minas region, known for their smooth, mild, and aromatic character. These beans are lightly roasted to create the light brownish colour characteristic of the Arabic Emirati Qahwa. The Emirates Arabic Coffee is blended with cardamom from the highlands of Guatemala, famous for its rich and intense flavours, a spice that gives Qahwa its distinctive, aromatic taste while also featuring subtle hints of the world’s finest saffron, adding to the authenticity of the Qahwa tradition. Emirates signature blend of Arabic coffee is served inflight to First Class customers globally and is also available to order in the First and Business Class Lounges.

Across the Emirates network, many coffee types and producers are offered to customers in flight, including Lavazza, Coffee Planet, the Nairobi Coffee and Tea Company, and various independent suppliers globally. As part of the meal service, Economy and Premium Economy customers are offered coffee once or twice during their flight. Business and First Class customers can order from a Lavazza Italian coffee menu on demand, including decaffeinated coffee, cappuccino, iced Americano, espresso, macchiato and affogato al café. Emirates also works with Coffee Planet to create bespoke drinks for special occasions like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, such as the rose-kissed mocha or orange crush latte.

Lounges for Coffee Connoisseurs: 40,000 kg served by Emirates annually

The 5.1 million customers that relax in the seven luxurious Emirates Lounges in Dubai each year consume an average of 26,000 kg of coffee beans. In the First Class lounge in Concourse B, Dubai International Airport, Emirates has a dedicated coffee counter where customers can choose between a variety of three single blend origin coffees freshly prepared by a barista. Each coffee presents various aromas, acidity, and bitterness, and the Emirates team has been specially trained to suggest the best coffee to meet the customers’ preferences. The selection changes every three months so that regular travellers can sample beans from all around the world. For example, Colombia Huila Buenavista is a juicy and silky-bodied coffee with a sweet cacao nib-like finish and floral notes as well as hints of apricot, grapes, blackberry and grapefruit. Burundi Nyagishiru has a mild fruity aroma and a smooth finish of milk chocolate, brown spice, caramel, and stone fruit, with tart acidity and velvety texture. Brazil Sao Vale Do Sol is a medium-bodied coffee with a mild fruity aroma, citrus acidity, aromas and notes of grapefruit, vanilla, almond, and chocolate with a clean finish. The First and Business Class Lounges also feature Costa Coffee, an Emirates Leisure Retail company, where a wide range of coffees and complementary food are served.

Curated Coffee Training for Emirates Cabin Crew

Emirates Cabin Crew receive specialised coffee training, where they learn about the origins of coffee, different blends and how to make the perfect cup for every customer. In practical training sessions, cabin crew learn how to serve and present each coffee type and are assessed on preparing and delivering Emirates signature Arabic coffee. First-class passengers can enjoy their coffee in a Royal Doulton fine-bone mug or cup, and business-class passengers can enjoy their coffee in a fine-bone china mug. The quality of the water used to make the coffee is also considered and regularly monitored, and Emirates ensures that the water tanks, equipment used for transportation and supply lines provide perfectly potable water through regular disinfection, maintenance, and audits.
For flight information and to make bookings, visit www.emirates.com.

Klook lines up birthday deals

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October 2, 2024

SINGAPORE, 2 October 2024: Klook, a leading travel services platform in Asia, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a birthday sale offering savings of up to 60% from 1 to 31 October.

Discounts are valid on a wide range of travel services, including tours, activities, accommodations, and transport, in various destinations, including Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and Europe.

In addition, Klook is offering weekly flash deals with Buy-1-Get-1 products, seasonal offers featuring top Autumn and Winter experiences in Japan, and Klook-exclusive products.

● Travellers can win travel experiences by saving them to a wishlist on selected campaign days. Klook will choose and notify the Winners.

● Spin the wheel daily to win promo codes redeemable for discounts of up to USD50 off on attractions and tours.

● Free eSIM for Klook Members so they can stay connected on their travels. Enjoy up to 3GB of data with seamless in-app activation for fuss-free coverage in over 200 destinations, and stay connected while travelling.

As part of Klook’s 10th anniversary, the company is launching its largest number of deals on 3 October. Users can look forward to over 2000 deals with up to 60% discount on travel services, weekly flash deals on buy-1-get-1 products and popular seasonal experiences in Japan.

Six new ‘Money Can’t Buy Experiences’

Sleep Beneath the Stars in Dubai’s Desert: Experience a stay in glass domes at Al Marmoom Oasis. Enjoy camel rides, wildlife spotting, and stargazing with an expert astronomer, complemented by a Michelin-awarded feast.

Forage the Swiss Alps: Embark on a three-day adventure in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. Hunt for mushrooms with a master forager, savour a raclette feast, and dine at the world’s highest revolving restaurant with a 3D2N stay in a picturesque village.

Seoul Searching OPPAS: Join Korea’s Wild Wild Hotties for an exclusive Seoul tour. Begin your adventure with a thrilling coronation ceremony, where you’ll be crowned by the dancers themselves.

Master the Way in Tokyo’s Heart: Step back in time to the world of the samurai. Learn the art of the katana, dress in traditional samurai attire, and dine with a sensei, gaining insights into samurai culture.

Urban Surf & Turf: Get ready for an exclusive, action-packed getaway like no other. This 2D1N VIP experience at Malaysia’s Sunway Lagoon offers thrills, waves, and fun under the sun.

Sunset and Serenades in Bali’s Sky: Soar to new heights at Lounge in the Sky, Bali’s only “flying restaurant,” where dining meets breathtaking views. Savour a meal 50 meters above ground, with stunning views before you ascend into the air for a jaw-dropping experience.

To participate, users can visit Klook and register their interest in the selected ‘Money Can’t Buy Experiences’.

Eight beaches in Langkawi will leave you spellbound

Frasers Hospitality hires senior executives

IATA: Airline CEOs commit to safety charter

Batik Air flies to Krabi and Hat Yai

South Korea tops Agoda’s food ranking

AVIAREPS opens office in Saudi Arabia

AirAsia starts domestic flights to Lampang

Sarawak strengthens Japan travel ties

Emirates marks International Coffee Day

Klook lines up birthday deals

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on Southeast Asia.