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Deadline fixed for Sarawak BCCT 2 project

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, Sarawak, 5 September 2024: In its latest social media update, BESarawak reports progress on the BCCT 2 project, which will allow the state to host events with up to 10,000 delegates.

BESarawak, which represents Sarawak’s business events community, quoted the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts YB Karim Hamzah on its socials saying: “BCCK 2 will be completed by 2027, ahead of the International Water Association’s World Water Congress and Exhibition hosted by Sarawak in 2028.”

The international water congress in 2028 should attract 10,000 delegates,” double the present BCCT 1 capacity of 5,000 delegates, the minister explained.

He was commenting on the sidelines of a recent press conference to mark the signing of a memorandum of agreement exchange between BESarawak and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). 

According to Kirk Architects’ website, “the next stage of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching expansion, BCCK 2, will be a landmark project for Sarawak. Set to be one of the world’s most significant single-floor timber structures, at 15,500 m² under-roof with a clear span of 42 metres, BCCK 2 has the potential to propel Sarawak’s engineered timber industry and significant economic growth for the region.”

Photo credit: Kirk Studio. BCCT 2 project design illustration by Kirk Architects.

Meanwhile, BESarawak and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) signed an economic and legacy impact study agreement that will eventually develop Malaysia’s first legacy impact measurement system.

The agreement involves three components to improve the state’s assessments and KPIs of its expanding business events community.

MEconomic Study: Using the new Sarawak-level economic measurements, the study will now have an accurate overview of how much business events contribute to the economy.

Legacy Impact Study: The analysis considers the wider impact of conferences and exhibitions, such as community development, social responsibility, policy influence, and investment opportunities.

Legacy Impact Measurement System: Establishes a portal enabling business event planners to track and measure their event impact in a user-friendly system.

Sarawak is powering up its business events to become a major player in Southeast Asia but faces challenges in measuring success accurately and ensuring that the hosting of events benefits the economy while minimising impacts on sensitive environments and communities.

For more information visit: https://businesseventssarawak.com/ 

(SOURCE: BESarawak)

Emirates: A Sky-High Salute to South Africa

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TTR WEEKLY
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JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 5 September 2024: Emirates took to the skies last week to celebrate its longstanding and ongoing commitment to South Africa with the country’s first-ever A380 flypast.

The flying display celebrated the return of the second daily A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route from 1 September.

To add to the score, the remarkable low-level aerial showcase also marked Emirates’ first flypast in Africa and the first international airline to execute such a feat in South Africa.

Honouring its shared love for rugby with over 62,000 enthusiastic spectators, Emirates flew the world’s largest commercial passenger aircraft over Emirates Airline Park just before kick-off of the much-anticipated Springboks vs All Blacks test match. 

Flying just 500 feet above the ground, the iconic Emirates double-decker aircraft saluted rugby and aviation fans in its latest signature livery.

The Emirates A380 took off from O.R. Tambo International Airport at 1600, travelling at 140 kts, reaching the stadium at 1658, perfectly timed to follow South Africa and New Zealand’s national anthems. 

The impressive aerial feat follows months of thorough and cross-functional planning between stakeholders, including multiple teams at Emirates, the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airports Company South Africa, Emirates pilots, Flight Operation Managers, and Air Traffic Controllers working together with the Emirates Lions team. The teams worked together across every element of the aerial display, considering air traffic patterns at different times of the day with different weather and wind conditions.

UAE National Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri, A380 Deputy Chief Pilot commanded the flight, joined by Captain Khalid Binsultan and Captain Abdalla Al Hammadi, both Technical Pilots for the Airbus A380 and Captain Richard Fiess, A380 Captain. Captain Mubarak has flown with Emirates for 19 years and has completed over 7,200 hours in the cockpit of the iconic A380. 

He has commanded similar flypasts for Emirates, including UAE National Day celebrations for the past four years and headlining the commercial aircraft flypast formation at the 2023 Dubai Air Show. He also participated in the iconic flight promoting Expo 2020, which saw an A380 fly around an Emirates Cabin Crew at the very top of the Burj Khalifa; the unprecedented formation flight with the Jetman team back in 2015; and with the Red Arrows in 2022.

The flypast also marked the return of Emirates’ second A380 service on the Dubai-Johannesburg route, enhancing customer choice and travel options with Emirates’ iconic onboard products and world-class service. 

EK761 departs Dubai at 0405 and lands in Johannesburg at 1015. The return flight, EK762, departs Johannesburg at 1325 and touches down in Dubai at 2345, perfectly timed for onward connections to key destinations in the Far East, Europe, and the Middle East.

Emirates is one of the world’s biggest supporters of rugby. In South Africa, Emirates’ investment in the sport is headlined by its steadfast title sponsorship of the Emirates Lions, including naming rights of the team’s home stadium, Emirates Airline Park. The airline also sponsors the action-packed Cape Town Sevens, a regular fixture on the Sevens World Series calendar and one of the most popular live sporting events in South Africa, regularly drawing over 100,000 spectators.

Globally, Emirates has been at the centre of the action from grassroots to professional leagues as the sponsor of the Rugby World Cup since 2007, and it plans to have a prominent presence at the upcoming 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Firmly established as a long-term partner of South African aviation, tourism, and trade, Emirates has served the market for 29 years, connecting over 20 million travellers to/from South Africa with more than 140 destinations on its vast global network via Dubai. The airline serves customers travelling to and from South Africa with 42 weekly flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, with additional connectivity to regional points across the country offered by its codeshare and interline partners South African Airways, Airlink, Cemair, and FlySafair.

www.emirates.com

China’s Tuniu wins support from TAT

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TTR WEEKLY
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NANJING, China, 5 September 2024: Tuniu Corporation, an online leisure travel company in China, has inked a letter of Intent with Thailand’s Tourism Authority of Thailand.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool and Tuniu’s founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,  Donald Yu, signed the agreement on 30 August, witnessed by China’s embassy in Thailand, Counsellor for Cultural Affairs, Chang Yumeng.

Thailand is one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists, with annual visits peaking at almost 12 million in 2019 and estimated to reach 7.3 million this year. From January to July of this year, Tuniu sold more than 160% more Thailand tour packages. 

The LOI marks a significant step forward for TAT and Tuniu in strengthening their partnership. It includes collaborating in promotions and communications to build awareness and improve the overall travel experience for Chinese tourists in Thailand.

The TAT said the agreement with Tuniu would contribute to TAT’s direction in driving the sustainable growth of Thailand’s digital economy while enhancing the convenience of travelling for tourists from China. 

“Thailand is one of Tuniu’s top overseas destinations where we have been committed to providing high-quality products and services,” said Yu, “Going forward, Tuniu will leverage its advantages in product innovation and new media channel promotion to further enhance our collaboration with TAT on more activities and initiatives to offer Chinese tourists comfortable, enjoyable and safe journeys to Thailand.”

About Tuniu
Tuniu (Nasdaq: TOUR) is a leading online leisure travel company in China that offers integrated travel services, including a large selection of packaged tours, organised and self-guided tours, and travel-related services for leisure travellers through its website tuniu.com and mobile platform. 

Ritz-Carlton’s Ilma set sails

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 September 2024: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduces Ilma, its second-built luxury superyacht, to its fleet. 

The yacht embarked on its maiden voyage, a seven-night journey from Monte Carlo to Rome, on 2 September. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection advances its position at the forefront of the industry with a second yacht now sailing, illustrating a future-focused vision that keeps pushing the boundaries of luxury travel at sea.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduces Ilma.

“It is with immense pride that we welcome Ilma to our growing fleet,” said Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Executive Chairman and CEO Jim Murren. “The addition of Ilma signifies a continuation of our mission to deliver legendary service and unparalleled enjoyment to our guests.”

Ilma measures 790 feet from bow to stern, offering 224 suites with private terraces with sea views. Ilma’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean includes ports of call visiting the blue waters of Santorini, the iconic yachting playgrounds of Porto Cervo, and the historical sites of Valletta before departing for the Caribbean, where experiences in the natural wonders of Virgin Gorda, the vibrant harbour of Gustavia, and the pristine beauty of St. John await. Ilma will additionally sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe — a first for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection — during the 2025 summer season, offering immersive itineraries in culturally rich destinations like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavík.

The yacht accommodates up to 448 guests and offers among the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea. Ilma has five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining programme, seven bars, and a signature wine vault. Highlights include two dining venues conceptualised by MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina. 

Seta su Ilma by Chef Fabio Trabocchi is a modern Italian fine-dining restaurant reflecting his Italian heritage and culinary expertise.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers bespoke voyages in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America. 

Its inaugural yacht, Evrima, embarked on its maiden voyage in October 2022. Measuring 624 feet in length, Evrima features 149 airy suites across various categories, each with a private terrace, creating a relaxed and intimate ambience for up to 298 guests. Continuing the fleet’s expansion, two new superyachts boasting among the highest space ratios per guest at sea, Ilma and Luminara, are slated to set sail in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Ilma will offer 224 spacious, light-filled suites of varying categories, accommodating up to 448 guests. Slated to make its 2025 debut, Luminara will join Ilma and Evrima on voyages to secluded harbours and iconic cities. 

Take a trip to Jewel

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 September 2024: Jewel Changi Airport and Trip.com, a leading online travel agency, have announced a three-year partnership to promote travel through the Changi aviation hub.

Bringing together best-in-class leisure experiences and travel services, Jewel will leverage Trip.com’s extensive global network to reach a wider international audience, encouraging travel to Singapore and more visitors to Jewel. 

This partnership is inked against the backdrop of Jewel’s strong growth trajectory. From January to June 2024, overall footfall increased by almost 15% and the number of foreign visitors by more than 20% compared with the previous year. 

In August, Jewel saw record visitorship over the National Day weekend, registering more than 1 million in footfall traffic.

Consumer travel event to inspire wanderlust

Until 7 October, Trip.com presents an interactive travel-themed pop-up event titled Traveller’s Wonderland, nestled in Jewel’s indoor greenery environment. This first-of-its-kind experiential display will take visitors on a trip worldwide right at Jewel. Four displays showcase iconic attractions of China, Japan, the UK, and Thailand, which are consistently popular travel choices for Singaporean and international travellers. 

New Co-marketing initiatives

As part of the partnership, Jewel Changi Airport will run special campaigns on Trip.com to attract more visitors to Canopy Park and spur spending at Jewel’s best-in-class retail offering. 

Jewel and Trip.com will also jointly launch a brand-new Trip.com Light & Music Showcase in October, designed by prolific Los Angeles-based water feature designer WET. The show draws inspiration from Trip.com’s mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world” — by weaving a captivating narrative around the theme of travel, it will connect people from all corners of the world through a mesmerising visual and auditory experience.

Jewel Changi Airport Development CEO James Fong said: “We are pleased to partner Trip.com in our efforts to drive tourism in Singapore and promote Jewel as a must-visit destination to international travellers through Trip.com’s global reach. The synergy between our two brands presents opportunities for strategic collaboration, and we are confident we can solidify Jewel’s position as a premier destination for travellers through various co-marketing initiatives.”

AirAsia flies to Labuan Bajo

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TTR WEEKLY
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LABUAN BAJO, 5 September 2024: AirAsia becomes the first international airline to offer direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo, creating new opportunities for tourism and trade between Malaysia and Indonesia. 

Operated by AirAsia Malaysia (AK), the inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur landed in Labuan Bajo on Tuesday morning, 3 September. It marked the start of three weekly flights between the two destinations and raised AirAsia’s network to 28 direct routes between Malaysia and Indonesia.

The addition of this route aligns with AirAsia’s commitment to expanding regional connectivity, catering to the growing demand for travel to emerging destinations like Labuan Bajo. With over 4,000 seats weekly on sale, the route will significantly increase visitor arrivals and generate substantial economic impact for local communities in both Malaysia and Indonesia.  

The airline deploys an Airbus A320 on the route with 180 seats, and it flies three weekly services on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The average fare is USD160 roundtrip (since 3 September).

Flight schedule

Flight AK336 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1110 and arrives in Labuan Bajo (LBJ) at 1425.
Flight AK337 departs Labuan Bajo at 1455 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1835.

AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service further enhances accessibility. It allows travellers from across the region to reach Labuan Bajo — a gateway to the world-famous Komodo National Park and the picturesque island of Flores — with just one stopover in Kuala Lumpur, making the journey more convenient for international tourists from Asia and Australia.

AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director Dato Fareh Mazputra commented: “Launching our direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Labuan Bajo marks a significant step in supporting Indonesia’s ambitious tourism targets. Labuan Bajo is one of Indonesia’s top five super-priority tourism destinations, and the government aims to attract more travellers with the hope of surpassing 500,000 visitors in 2024.

“We are committed to contributing to Labuan Bajo’s continued development as a world-class destination by making it more accessible to travellers from around the globe. This collaboration between governments, airlines, and other stakeholders is key to achieving the ambitious targets set for Labuan Bajo and ensuring its status as a premier tourism hub.

“Indonesia remains one of our most important markets, and we will continue to work closely with AirAsia Indonesia to boost tourism and trade between our two nations. Our 28 direct routes connecting Malaysia and Indonesia have flown over 7 million guests, crucial in driving economic growth, enhancing regional connectivity, and supporting the local tourism sectors. We look forward to expanding our network and exploring more direct routes between Malaysia and Indonesia.”

AirAsia Malaysia flies to 15 destinations across Indonesia, from Kuala Lumpur to Kertajati, Banda Aceh, Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Makassar, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, Lombok; Penang to Jakarta and Medan; and Kota Kinabalu to Manado.

Vistara on final approach to merger

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM, India, 5 September 2024: Vistara began the final countdown on 3 September, as the airline stepped up the process of gradually closing booking channels and transferring passenger reservations to Air India’s system by 12 November 2024. 

Once the deadline date arrives, all Vistara aircraft will be operated exclusively by Air India, and bookings for the routes operated by Vistara aircraft will be redirected to Air India’s website. Vistara will continue to take bookings and operate flights up until midnight on 11 November 2024.

Photo credit: Aerowanderer. Vistara Airbus A321-251NX

Vistara Chief Executive Officer Vinod Kannan said: “We are immensely grateful to all our customers for their support and patronage over the last 10 years. Vistara and Air India are committed to ensuring that this transition is smooth and hassle-free.”

Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson said: “Cross-functional teams from Air India and Vistara have been working together for many months to make the transition of aircraft, flying crew, ground-based colleagues and, most importantly, our valued customers, into the new Air India as seamless as possible.”

Vistara commenced commercial operations on 9 January 2015. The airline currently has a fleet of 70 aircraft, including 53 Airbus A320neo, 10 Airbus A321neo, and seven Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Since starting operations, Vistara has flown more than 65 million customers.

A350s inspection: Cathay waives rebooking fees

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG 5 September 2024: Due to the A350 fleet inspection, Cathay Pacific is waiving all ticket rebooking and rerouting charges to ease rebooking procedures according to its latest notification posted on 4 September.

It follows an earlier airline notification that claimed: “The maintenance activity on our A350 fleet is progressing well.”

The airline’s engineering teams have inspected the entire fleet of operational A350 aircraft and identified 15 aircraft with affected engine components that require replacement… Three have already undergone successful repairs.” 

The remaining aircraft will be out of service until they have been repaired and cleared for operation, which should occur by Saturday 7 September.

The airline expects 10 regional round-trip flights to be cancelled by the end of 4 September, while long-haul services should not be affected. 

Following the in-flight return of an A350 on 2 September, Cathay Pacific identified an engine component failure in the aircraft involved. “As a precautionary measure, a fleet-wide inspection of  A350 aircraft was initiated immediately.”

Flights cancelled on Wednesday, 4 September

  • Hong Kong to Tokyo (Narita): CX 524
  • Tokyo (Narita) to Hong Kong: CX 509
  • Hong Kong to Osaka(Kansai): CX 566
  • Osaka (Kansai) to Hong Kong: CX 597 / CX 503
  • Hong Kong to Taipei: CX 464 / CX 466 / CX 494
  • Taipei to Hong Kong: CX 469 / CX 461 / CX 495
  • Hong Kong to Singapore: CX 659
  • Singapore to Hong Kong: CX 714 / CX 710 / CX 658 / CX 692
  • Hong Kong to Bangkok: CX 705
  • Bangkok to Hong Kong: CX 750
  • Hong Kong to Beijing: CX 332
  • Beijing to Hong Kong: CX 331
  • Hong Kong to Shanghai(Pudong): CX 368 / CX 360
  • Shanghai (Pudong) to Hong Kong: CX 367 / CX 369
  • Hong Kong to Kuala Lumpur: CX 723
  • Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong: CX 722
  • Hong Kong to Kaohsiung: CX 432
  • Kaohsiung to Hong Kong: CX 431
  • Hong Kong to Manila: CX 919
  • Manila to Hong Kong: CX 918
  • Hong Kong to Seoul (Incheon): CX 416

Thursday, 5 September cancellations

  • Seoul (Incheon) to Hong Kong: CX 417

Tour East posts management changes

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 September 2024: Tour East Group announces a leadership change as Kei Satoh takes over as Managing Director and General Manager of Tour East Singapore (1996) Pte Ltd, effective 1 September.

He assumes the leadership at the Singapore office following Dominic Ong’s departure to pursue a new career path. 

Kei Satoh takes on a dual role.

In addition to his role in Singapore, Satoh will continue to serve as Head of Tour East Group. 

“These dual roles will enable us to further consolidate our global sales efforts while maintaining our commitment to excellence in all Tour East destinations,” the company press statement explained.

Satoh is no stranger to Singapore, having spent six years in the Lion City before moving to Thailand in 2018 to lead Tour East Thailand.

Kei Satoh (Back row: Fourth from left) with Tour East’s Singapore team.

His extensive experience with Tour East’s key source markets will be invaluable in driving growth and ensuring regional operational excellence.

“We are confident that under Satoh’s leadership, Tour East Singapore will reach new heights and continue to be successful and innovative,” the statement concluded.

Centara anchors East Coast Escape

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 4 September 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts announces its exclusive ‘East Coast Escape’ offer, inviting travellers to explore the diverse beauty of Thailand’s eastern coast with unprecedented savings at participating hotels in Pattaya, Rayong, Trat and the island of Koh Chang.

From today to 20 November 2024, CentaraThe1 members can book stays until 20 December 2024 at selected properties along Thailand’s eastern shores, enjoying 25% discounts on eligible rate plans at Centara Nova Hotel Pattaya and COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach. This limited-time offer represents an additional 10% savings on top of usual member privileges.

Members can also enjoy an increased 20% discount for stays at Centara Pattaya Hotel, Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat, Centara Sonrisa Residences & Suites Sriracha, Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort, and Centara Q Resort Rayong. Each property offers unparalleled service, modern amenities, and Centara’s signature warm Thai hospitality.

Whether seeking a fun-filled family holiday, a romantic retreat, or a coastal adventure with friends, the ‘East Coast Escape’ caters to all travellers in one of Thailand’s most beautiful regions. 

Guests are invited to discover the array of sophisticated room types, delightful restaurants and bars, contemporary facilities, outdoor swimming pools and water playgrounds, and more that make Centara ‘The Place to Be’.

CentaraThe1 members can sign in to their online accounts before booking to take advantage of these fantastic offers. Non-members can sign up for free in less than a minute at www.centarathe1.com.

To learn more about ‘East Coast Escape’ visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/east-coast-escape-2024

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