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Sarawak showcases tasting experiences

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PETALING JAYA, 14 July 2025: Sarawak is stepping boldly onto the global culinary stage with the launch of Serumpun Sarawak, a landmark journey that redefines indigenous heritage, food traditions, and cultural creativity as powerful tools for global influence and sustainable economic growth. 

Building momentum toward its international debut, Serumpun Sarawak is set to headline two major showcases: Osaka, Japan and Mulu, Sarawak. 

Launching gimmick of Serumpun Sarawak by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, together with other esteemed guests.

Chef Laura Jane Bara of the Culinary Heritage & Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS) presenting an ethnic cooking showcase, witnessed by esteemed guests at the Serumpun Sarawak launch.

The first journey will take place from 5 to 8 August 2025 in Osaka, Japan, followed by Mulu National Park, Sarawak (October 2025).

Serumpun Sarawak is a multisensory journey that blends Indigenous wisdom, biodiversity, culinary storytelling, and contemporary creativity.

These global stages will feature curated tasting experiences, storytelling installations, and collaborative performances that present Sarawak’s cultural identity in a vibrant, modern context.

Chef Laura Jane Bara of the Culinary Heritage & Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS) presenting an ethnic cooking showcase, witnessed by esteemed guests at the Serumpun Sarawak launch.

Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Serumpun Sarawak marks a bold new chapter for the state’s tourism and cultural economy.

The initiative is led by a world-renowned chef and an indigenous gastronomy advocate, Chef James Won, in collaboration with Atlas Collective. More than a gastronomic experience, Serumpun Sarawak is a global invitation to engage with Sarawak as a living ecosystem of biodiversity, creativity, and ancestral knowledge, where indigenous wisdom meets contemporary innovation, and where food becomes a vessel for storytelling, identity, and connection.

“When Kuching earned its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, it wasn’t simply a feather in our cap; it was a call to action. A signal to the world that Sarawak’s culinary roots run deep — and our ambitions reach far,” said YB Dato’ Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. 

Chef Ramos Jalang Anak Nyawa officially unveiled as the selected apprentice under the Serumpun Apprentice Programme.

“Serumpun Sarawak is our answer to that call. It is where ancestral knowledge meets cutting-edge creativity. Where native ingredients become narrative. Where stories from the lands are translated into unforgettable multisensory experiences.”

The inaugural journey will take place from 5 to 8 August 2025 in Osaka, Japan, as part of an exclusive cultural gastronomy showcase in conjunction with the World Expo 2025. Hosted at Seaside Studio Caso, this immersive event will introduce Japanese and global audiences to the depth and diversity of Sarawak’s indigenous cuisines, ingredients, and creative expressions.

Through curated dining experiences, visual storytelling, and cultural showcases, Osaka will offer a window into Sarawak’s soul, a vibrant confluence of land, people, and culinary heritage.

During October, following its international debut, Serumpun Sarawak will return to its roots with a powerful community-based activation deep in Sarawak’s own natural crown jewel, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mulu National Park.

The journey will host a site-specific experience within the park itself, blending indigenous culinary traditions, ecological appreciation, and cultural storytelling in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring environments. The Mulu activation reflects Serumpun Sarawak’s commitment to ensuring that global recognition is always grounded in respect for local communities, biodiversity, and indigenous knowledge systems.

Collaboration sits at the heart of Serumpun Sarawak, with leading Sarawakian organisations such as Earthlings Coffee Workshop, Tanoti Crafts, The Tuyang Initiative, and the Culinary Heritage & Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS) working together to champion indigenous ingredients, craftsmanship, and cultural preservation.

Their shared vision ensures that the journey remains rooted in authenticity, empowering local communities while amplifying Sarawak’s position as a world-class destination for cultural and culinary exploration.

At a media presentation last week, a captivating ethnic cooking showcase and an exclusive preview of The Serumpun Story, a short film encapsulating the essence of the journey, were featured.

A curated coffee experience by Earthlings Coffee Workshop also highlighted Sarawak’s emerging status as a terroir for exceptional coffee cultivation, blending tradition, sustainability, and global potential.

Serumpun Sarawak represents the next evolution of Sarawak’s tourism and cultural landscape, where heritage is not frozen in time but continually reimagined, shared, and celebrated.

It is an invitation to the world to experience Sarawak not just through its landscapes but through its flavours, its stories, and its people.

As the journey prepares to take Sarawak’s cultural gastronomy to Mulu, Osaka, and beyond, one message rings clear: Sarawak is ready to lead, to inspire how the world experiences Borneo.

For more information visit: Sarawak Tourism Board

Trip.com Group prize pool hits USD1.4 million

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 July 2025: Meet the future of travel; Trip.com Group has released the top contenders for its Tourism Innovation Awards, as the selection process enters the final stages to select outstanding projects driving tourism growth globally. 

Notable international projects in the running include the Afterlife show at the Sphere (Las Vegas), ABBA Voyage (London), Azabudai Hills teamLab Borderless (Tokyo) and the Grand Egyptian Museum (Giza). 

Photo credit: Trip.com Group.

First announced at the Group’s Envision 2025 Global Partner Conference, the global awards aim to honour and spur outstanding innovation in tourism across fields like sustainability, technology and cultural heritage. 

Based on Trip.com Group data, the top-nominated projects have been a strong catalyst for tourism, driving an average of 51% increase in destination orders and 42% increase in destination search volume, measured year-on-year within the first three months of opening.

Trailblazing the path of tourism innovation

One of the top-voted international projects on the list is the Afterlife show at the Sphere in Las Vegas, widely popular for its immersive audiovisual experience that has redefined the boundaries of live entertainment. Using the Sphere’s unique 16K LED dome screen as well as state-of-the-art technology, audiences are immersed in a sensory experience that transcends reality. Likewise, the ABBA Voyage concert in London has earned a spot on the nominated list for blending ABBA’s classic music with virtual technology to create an immersive performance for music fans.

Also making the list is the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, which has attracted global visitors since its soft opening last year. The museum’s vast collection of over 100,000 ancient artefacts, innovative architectural design and use of holographic technology make it a strong contender for the awards. 

Other noteworthy projects on the nominated list are teamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum in Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills and the Nintendo Museum in Kyoto, which has attracted many gaming enthusiasts to explore its interactive showcase of the evolution of video games.

Innovative, impactful and potential for sustainable growth

Shortlisted projects are assessed using an evaluation framework consisting of three components, the first being data that demonstrates the project’s driving effect on destination popularity. This includes the project’s social media influence, as well as bookings made on Trip.com. The second is public voting, which took place from 26 May to 30 June. Lastly, the projects will be scored by a panel of judges consisting of industry experts from international tourist organisations and authorities such as the European Travel Commission, Global Sustainable Tourism Council and World Travel & Tourism Council.

Three core criteria

Public voting and expert scoring will evaluate the shortlisted projects across these three core criteria:

Innovation – breakthroughs in technology application, travel experiences, local cultural expression and cross-sector collaboration

Sustainability – positive contribution to environmental impact, employment and community development

Scalability – potential and feasibility of replicating the project’s model in other destinations

“Travellers seek authentic, meaningful experiences and are increasingly aware of their environmental footprint. These projects show how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand to drive growth while preserving culture and the environment. By spotlighting them, we aim to inspire others across the sector to bring forward bold, transformative ideas that will shape the future of Travel & Tourism,” said Virginia Messina, Executive Vice President of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and one of the expert panel judges.

More details on the top-nominated projects can be viewed at Tourism Innovation Awards 

Winners will be announced at the end of the month, and the final 10 outstanding contributors will each receive a USD60,000 prize.

Minor Hotels introduces four new brands

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 14 July 2025: Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator with more than 560 properties across 57 countries, announces the expansion of its brand portfolio with the addition of four new hotel brands, including the group’s first soft brands. 

The newly launched four brands will support Minor Hotels’ continued growth by enabling it to expand into new markets and provide distinctive hospitality offerings across the luxury, premium and select segments.

The Wolseley Hotels

Rooted in the heritage of the iconic Piccadilly restaurant, The Wolseley Hotels is a luxury brand that blends British elegance with European flair and global influence. 

Minor Reserve Collection

A luxury soft brand, Minor Reserve Collection is for travellers who seek extraordinary stays that celebrate personal expression and refined distinction. 

Colbert Collection

Colbert Collection, a soft brand in the premium segment, will encompass a global collection of independent hotels designed for those fuelled by a passion for culinary excellence and genuine social connection. 

iStay Hotels

iStay, a select segment brand, offers stays that are fun and affordable, comfortable and convenient, delivered with minimal fuss. 

These brands join Minor Hotels’ existing portfolio of hotel brands — Anantara, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH Collection, Avani, nhow, NH and Oaks — and reflect the group’s commitment to offering its partners and guests a broader range of brand propositions, particularly in the fast-growing soft brand segment.

The expansion of Minor Hotels’ brand portfolio follows the evolution of the Minor Hotels masterbrand in March 2025. The launch of the umbrella brand platform is accompanied by significant investment in the group’s digital infrastructure and distribution strategies, as well as a simplified loyalty proposition under a single Minor Discovery programme. 

Minor Hotels Chief Commercial Officer Ian Di Tullio commented: “By expanding our brand offering to address new segments, we are empowering our partners, delighting our guests, and accelerating our global growth strategy. These additional brands are instrumental in helping us reach our growth target of 850 properties by the end of 2027.”

Minor Hotels says it “is in discussions regarding development opportunities for each of its brands. The first property announcements for The Wolseley Hotels, Minor Reserve Collection, Colbert Collection and iStay in the coming months.”

MH backs Manila’s Travel Madness event

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 14 July 2025: Malaysia Airlines is the Official Airline Partner of the Travel Madness Expo (TME) 2025, one of the Philippines’ biggest travel and trade fairs, which convened from 11 to 13 July 2025 at Hall 1-4, SMX Convention Centre, Manila.

Malaysia Airlines offered visitors to the travel show a chance to check out the A330neo cabin layout, through Virtual Reality (VR), featuring the innovative Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats and the award-winning Recaro CL3810 Economy seats. 

Malaysia Airlines rolls out travel deals at Travel Madness show.

In conjunction with TME, Malaysia Airlines offers return fares starting from PHP14,613 in economy class and from PHP45,080 in Business Class, available for bookings made until 21 July 2025, for travel from 8 July 2025 until 31 March 2026. 

This special deal is available exclusively via the Malaysia Airlines website and mobile app. Featured destinations include Kuala Lumpur, Paris, Auckland, Jakarta, and Singapore, inviting travellers to enjoy seamless connectivity across Malaysia Airlines’ expansive network, serving as the gateway to Asia and beyond.

To further enhance the travel experience, Malaysia Airlines continues to offer its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, inviting international passengers to double their adventure with a stopover in Malaysia. With this offer, travellers can enjoy a complimentary domestic return flight to one of seven exciting destinations—including Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu — at no extra fare, just pay the taxes. Fully integrated into the international ticket fare, this initiative transforms every visit into a multi-destination experience, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Malaysia.

Travel Innovators Inc President and Chairperson of the 12th Travel Madness Expo, Paz Alberto, said: “TME has always been about connecting people to experiences that enrich their lives, and we’re thrilled to have Malaysia Airlines onboard once again as our Official Airline Partner. The airline also reinforces our shared mission of promoting travel that is accessible, seamless, and meaningful.”

Asia Pacific airlines gain 19.9% passenger growth

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 14 July 2025: Asia Pacific carriers achieved USD7.3 billion in combined net profits in 2024, supported by strong growth in passenger traffic and a marked recovery in cargo volumes, based on preliminary financial performance figures released last week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines.

Nevertheless, AAPA said in a press statement, “the region’s carriers faced a challenging operating environment due to ongoing supply chain constraints and rising operating costs.”

For the year 2024, robust growth in business and leisure travel, both within the region and globally, resulted in a 19.9% increase in systemwide passenger demand in revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) terms. Meanwhile, a surge in e-commerce activity and disruptions to maritime shipping contributed to a solid 13.9% increase in international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), following two consecutive years in decline.

Asia Pacific airlines recorded a 7.7% increase in operating revenue, reaching a combined total of USD213.9 billion in 2024, compared to USD198.6 billion in 2023. Aggregated passenger revenue rose by 8.8% to USD170.4 billion, while cargo revenue climbed by 10.3% to USD23.2 billion. Robust traffic growth more than offset the impact of a 9.2% decline in passenger yields to 8.0 US cents per RPK, and a 3.2% decline in air cargo yields to 32.7 US cents per FTK.

Combined operating expenses rose by 8.4% to USD199.8 billion for the year, due mainly to a 10.1% increase in non-fuel expenditure to USD138.9 billion. Persistent supply chain challenges, including shortages of spare parts, aircraft delivery delays and aircraft groundings due to engine issues, drove up maintenance and leasing costs. Inflationary pressures also contributed to higher staff expenditure and airport charges.

Fuel expenditure, the single largest cost item, rose by 4.8% to USD60.8 billion, in tandem with an increase in flights operated. The increase was partly mitigated by a 13.4% decline in jet fuel prices to an average of USD98.1 per barrel in 2024. The share of fuel expenditure as a percentage of total operating costs averaged 30.5%, down from 31.5% in 2023.

Commenting on the financial results, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said: “2024 was a year of remarkable resilience for Asia Pacific airlines, as carriers confronted multiple challenges while achieving strong growth in both passenger and cargo demand, along with record passenger load factors. However, airlines were not immune to cost pressures. The marked increase in operating expenses, particularly non-fuel costs, underscored the impact of supply chain constraints. Despite this, Asia Pacific airlines demonstrated their adaptability, delivering operating margins of 6.6% for the year, just 0.6 percentage points under the 7.2% in 2023.”

Looking ahead, Menon noted, “The region’s carriers continue to face considerable headwinds, including elevated operating costs and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Geopolitical tensions may lead to renewed volatility in oil and currency markets while air cargo markets may soften further, as uncertainties over trade negotiations dampen demand for air shipments.”

“Nevertheless, air passenger demand is expected to remain relatively resilient, amidst continued growth in the region’s economies. In response, airlines are actively refining their business strategies, maintaining cost discipline while pursuing new revenue streams. At the same time, carriers are investing in fleet modernisation, digital innovation, and enhanced service offerings to deliver a high-quality travel experience.”

ITA Airways is increasing BKK flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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ROME, 14 July 2025: Italy’s Rome-based ITA Airways is increasing its direct flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport from the current three weekly to daily in December.

ITA Airways’ flight AZ758 from Rome (FCO) to Bangkok (BKK) currently operates using an Airbus A330-900neo configured with 281 seats, flying to the Thai capital three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. 

Flight schedule

Flight AZ758 departs Rome (FCO) at 1510 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0810 on the following morning.
Flight AZ759 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1215 and arrives in Rome (FCO) at 1855. ( Monday, Wednesday, Friday.)

Effective 27 October, the start of the winter timetable, the airline will increase flights to five weekly, departing Rome on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Departure times remain the same.

Then, based on the latest update on winter timetable schedules, the airline will increase its Bangkok flights to daily, effective 1 December.

The average roundtrip fare on the route currently stands at USD980, declining to around USD891 during the last quarter.

From December 2025 until March 2026, frequencies on ITA Airways’ Bangkok route will increase to daily, maintaining the same departure and arrival times. Flights will use an A330-900neo  configured with 28 business class seats, 28 premium economy and 225 in economy.

ITA Airways’ business class offers passengers fully reclining seats, QC Terme amenities kit, onboard wi-fi connection, and a Michelin-starred food menu. On the ground, it delivers priority desk check-in, special security check lanes, priority boarding, and lounge access.

The new summer menu designed by Chef Moreno Cedroni is available in Business Class on all intercontinental flights departing from Italy. 

Cedroni is the owner of the acclaimed two-Michelin-starred restaurant “Madonnina del Pescatore.” For ITA Airways, the chef has crafted four signature dishes that reflect his culinary philosophy, rooted in respect for the sea and the environment. 

Meanwhile, ITA Airways, with Lufthansa Group Airlines, launched mutual Premium Services on 1 July 2025.

Since the launch in March of the first ITA Airways services aligned with Lufthansa Group airlines’ offerings, customers can enjoy a smoother and more comfortable travel experience, benefiting from advantages such as reduced transit times, seamless access to codeshare flights with Lufthansa Group airlines, and access to 130 lounges worldwide.

Since 1 July, new Premium Services enhance the travel experience by offering Priority Check-in, a dedicated Transit Desk, Priority Boarding, Fast Track access, additional baggage allowance, and complimentary seat selection onboard, available with all airlines that are part of the Lufthansa Group.

These services will be available to Club Executive and Club Premium members of the Volare loyalty programme when flying with Lufthansa Group airlines. Simultaneously, Miles & More Hon Circle and Senator members will also enjoy these services on ITA Airways-operated flights.

Furthermore, Volare Club Plus members travelling on flights operated by Lufthansa Group airlines will have access to the following services: Priority Reservation Wait List, free additional baggage, Priority Check-in, and Priority Airport Waiting List. These same benefits will also be available to passengers with Frequent Traveller (FTL) status in the Miles & More loyalty programme.

“The new Premium Services aligned with Lufthansa Group airlines’ offering represents a consistent step forward towards a smoother and more comfortable travel experience for our clients, affirmed ITA Airways’ CEO and General Manager Joerg Eberhart. “These new features are the result of our close collaboration with the Group and further strengthen the collaboration we have been developing since the early stages of our partnership.”

Turkish expands network in Southeast Asia

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 14 July 2025: Turkish Airlines is increasing flights on the Istanbul-Bangkok route during the winter timetable that kicks in 27 October, while announcing that it will introduce a new service to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with a stop in the Thai capital effective 10 December.

Currently flying 17 round-trip services a week on the Istanbul-Bangkok route, the airline will increase frequencies to 21 flights per week on 27 October.*  

Starting 10 December, Turkish Airlines will introduce a new three-weekly service on the Istanbul (IST) – Bangkok (BKK) – Phnom Penh (PNH) route. This marks the first time Phnom Penh will be served by Turkish Airlines, making Cambodia the seventh country served by the airline in Southeast Asia. It will also increase round-trip flights to and through Bangkok to 24 weekly.

New service Bangkok – Phnom Penh

TK52 will depart Istanbul (IST) at 2205 and make a transit stop in Bangkok (BKK) at 1115. The flight will depart Bangkok at 1310, arriving in Phnom Penh (PNH) at 1440.
TK53 will depart Phnom Penh (PNH) at 1915 and arrive in Bangkok (BKK) at 2045. After a transit stop in Bangkok, TK53 will depart Bangkok (BKK) at 2140 and arrive in Istanbul (IST) at 0455.

The three weekly flights to Bangkok and Phnom Penh will depart Istanbul on Monday, Friday and Sunday using a Boeing 777-300ER configured with 353 seats.

Turkish Airlines’ new Istanbul-Bangkok-Phnom Penh route exemplifies a “fifth-freedom” strategy, providing local sales in Bangkok and Phnom Penh while developing Bangkok as a gateway to expand its reach into secondary Southeast Asian markets. 

Last June, the airline signed a Joint Business Agreement with Thai Airways International that signalled the green light for the two airlines to fly a combined 42 frequencies on the Istanbul – Bangkok route.   

The initial phase of the JBA will focus on enhancing codeshare flights and aligning schedules between Istanbul and Bangkok, effective by the end of the year.

The partnership aims to provide seamless travel experiences, expand connectivity between Turkey and Southeast Asia, offer more flight options, and foster tourism and trade between the two regions. It also allows both airlines to leverage their respective networks (Turkish Airlines’ global reach and THAI’s strong regional presence in Asia).

The agreement introduces a revenue-sharing framework, aligning their commercial strategies on the Istanbul-Bangkok route to optimise efficiency and maximise passenger volumes.

Currently, direct flights from Istanbul to Bangkok are operated by both Turkish Airlines and Thai Airways (daily), with Turkish Airlines offering 17 flights weekly (TK68, TK58, TK64).

Istanbul – Bangkok

TK68 departs Istanbul (IST) at 0140 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1505 (daily).
TK58 departs Istanbul (IST) at 1530 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0420 (daily).
TK64 departs Istanbul (IST) at 1945 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0840 (Monday, Friday, Sunday).

*TK64 flights increase from three weekly to daily, effective from 27 October, giving Turkish Airlines a total of 21 flights weekly between Istanbul and Bangkok.

Bangkok – Istanbul

TK69 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 2315 and arrives in Istanbul (IST) at 0610 (daily).
TK59 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 0550 and arrives in Istanbul (IST)  at 1230 (daily).
TK65 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1010 and arrives in Istanbul (IST) at 1645 (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday).

Beyond Thailand, Turkish Airlines intends to ultimately expand its network in Southeast Asia with new routes or increased frequencies to cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Manila.

Politically incorrect tourism webinars launch in Thailand

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BANGKOK, 10 July 2025: A new series of Travel & Tourism webinars, designed to broaden the focus of industry discourse to cover ‘politically incorrect’ subjects, has been launched in Thailand.

The first one is set for 18 July on the topic of “What Next for Thai Tourism? – Life After 65”.

The webinars have been conceptualised and designed by Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor of Travel Impact Newswire, one of the longest-serving travel trade journalists and a respected historian of Asia Pacific tourism. 

He describes a ‘politically incorrect’ webinar as one which “goes beyond the traditional comfort zones, steers clear of mumbo-jumbo sloganeering, and promotes an honest, intellectually-stimulating, respectful and productive discussion of issues that matter. Nothing, repeat nothing, is off the table,” Muqbil says.

He calls the current crop of industry forums “an insult to the intelligence of participants,” claiming the topics all steer clear of anything even remotely controversial for fear of upsetting the organisers and/or sponsors. 

“The speakers all end up saying the same thing. The questions are whetted and routed via moderators or through apps where they can be selectively chosen. Does that contribute to a productive, interactive session? I don’t think so.”

Muqbil argues that Thailand is the best launchpad for such a project, considering it ended the first half of 2025 with visitor arrivals of 16.7 million, a 4.6% decrease from the first half of 2024. 

“What was once the leading tourism destination in Asia is now one of the worst-performing. A desperate industry is working overtime to crank up the numbers. However, it is only treating the symptoms. The root causes run much deeper and have been building up for years, mainly because they were kept off the table.”

Unfortunately, he says, the Thai tourism industry is still failing to ask itself some critical ‘politically incorrect’ questions, such as:

  • Is it repeating all its past mistakes?
  • As an ageing destination, what “health & wellness” therapies are required?
  • Is the Tourism Authority of Thailand on the right track?
  • Is the industry leadership ready and up to the mark?

He adds, “I go to dozens of industry forums where the same old line-up of visionary, thought-leaders who rehash the same old textbook solutions.

“Garbage in, then leads to garbage out. Travel & Tourism deserves better. It is no longer an economic lifeline but a source of national security. As the industry is constantly talking about change, its discussion forums must mature and change, too.”

The 18 July session will include a carefully researched analysis of visitor arrivals over the first six months from 75 source markets, which Muqbil says provides clear indicators of where future marketing opportunities lie. A discussion of the ‘politically incorrect’ topics will follow, exploring some underlying, long-term solutions.
In conclusion, he affirms that the webinar’s core strength lies in its independence and sponsorship-free nature. 

Participants will need to support the webinars by paying a fee to help cover the costs of research, organisation and analysis.

Click here for registration and more details: 

https://www.travel-impact-newswire.com/2025/07/what-next-for-thai-tourism-life-after-65-sign-up-for-thailands-first-politically-incorrect-webinar/ 

NCL appoints chief marketing officer

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SINGAPORE, 10 July 2025: Norwegian Cruise Line has appointed Kiran Smith as Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Adam Malone, who will transition into the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Guest Experience. 

Both will report to NCL President David J Herrera and serve as members of the Brand senior leadership team.  

Kiran Smith

With decades of experience elevating public and private companies and bringing them to the next stage of their growth potential, Smith will lead the marketing team in building a unified approach to executing data-driven strategies designed to put the guest at the centre. Insight-driven storytelling will be at the core of strengthening the brand, increasing guest engagement, driving sustained performance and attracting new cruise audiences.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a strong pipeline of ships on order, with seven new builds being added to the fleet through 2036, resulting in an overall 50% increase in capacity growth. 

Additionally, last April, the cruise line announced plans to expand the guest experience on its 5.6-acre private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, with a new multi-ship pier; an expansive area for guests to soak up the warm Bahamian sun, complete with an oversized heated pool.

(Source: NCL)

ACI ranks the world’s busiest airports

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MONTREAL, Canada, July 10, 2025: Airports Council International (ACI) World has released the 2025 Edition of its World Airport Traffic Dataset, confirming the world’s busiest airports in 2024 across three major categories: passenger traffic, air cargo volumes, and aircraft movements.

Built from over 2,800 airports across 185 countries and territories, the dataset provides a comprehensive snapshot of global air transport demand and activity over the past year.

Passenger Traffic Highlights

Global passenger traffic hit a new high in 2024, surpassing 9.4 billion travellers, up 8.4% from 2023 and 2.7% above pre-pandemic levels (2019).
The top 20 airports alone processed 1.54 billion passengers, capturing 16% of global traffic.

Among notable shifts

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) climbed 11 positions to rank 10th globally.
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) sustained its comeback, holding 12th place after ranking 57th in 2022.
The US contributed six airports to the top 20, dominated mainly by domestic traffic, except for JFK, where international passengers made up 56%.

Cargo traffic highlights

Air cargo rebounded with close to 127 million metric tonnes handled in 2024 — up 9.9% year-over-year and 4.1% over 2019.
The top 20 cargo hubs moved 52.2 million tonnes, up 9% from 2023 and 10.8% above pre-pandemic levels.

Key growth drivers

Maritime route volatility, led shippers to seek more reliable and faster alternatives via air.

E-commerce acceleration is driven by consumer demand for faster fulfilment across borders.

Falling jet fuel costs lowered operating expenses and improved air freight competitiveness.

Biggest mover: Dubai International (DXB), jumping from 17th to 11th in the rankings.

Aircraft movement highlights

Aircraft movements topped 100.6 million globally in 2024— an increase of 3.9% year-over-year, reaching 96.8% of 2019 levels.

The top 20 airports saw 11.08 million movements, up 5.4% year-over-year.

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) again showed strong momentum, rising 10 places to become the 8th busiest airport by movements.

ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said: “These rankings reflect the scale of global aviation and the resilience of the industry that continues to grow, despite the complex global environment. In these times of constant change and uncertainty, reliable data like this is necessary to help airports navigate through the increasing headwinds. Our mission is to empower airports with data and intelligence like this report, as well as with the tools, support and advocacy they need to thrive in this dynamic environment.”

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