GURUGRAM, India, 22 August 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, recently launched its wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) service, Vista, across the existing widebody fleet* to provide customers uninterrupted entertainment until the retrofit.
Following this, Vista will also be available on narrow-body aircraft. Powered by Bluebox, a digital services provider, Vista is being deployed on Bluebox’s Blueview digital services platform and delivered to customers via the Bluebox Wow wireless network system.
Vista enables customers to stream content seamlessly on their electronic devices. From Bollywood blockbusters to Hollywood premieres global music icons to captivating documentaries, the world’s best content will now be at the fingertips of Air India customers.
Additionally, Vista features a live map display for flight tracking. Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices, Vista ensures travellers can easily access and engage with new in-flight entertainment content.
Air India’s meticulously curated content library featuring over 950+ hours of entertainment across formats and genres includes classic melodies, timeless favourites, BAFTA and Oscar-winning/nominated titles, short films, acclaimed series, and specially curated content for children, a diverse range of options customised periodically.
*Note: Vista will be available across the widebody fleet, except for the newly inducted B777 and A350 aircraft.
DELHI, 22 August 2024: IndiGo has unveiled a new direct route connecting New Delhi and Vijayawada, with daily flights starting on 14 September.
The direct flights will facilitate trade and business opportunities between the national capital and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. These new flights will establish a seamless connection between northern India and Vijayawada, enhancing access to international destinations for travellers from India’s east coast via New Delhi.
IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said, “We are pleased to introduce our daily nonstop flights connecting New Delhi and Vijayawada. As Vijayawada ascends as a pivotal commercial and cultural epicentre in Andhra Pradesh, these flights are poised to offer enhanced connectivity and open doors to further economic opportunities.
“With the introduction of these flights, IndiGo will operate 135 weekly flights from Vijayawada to nine cities in India. As India’s preferred airline, we remain committed to delivering an affordable, hassle-free travel experience to all our customers.”
Located on the banks of the Krishna River, Andhra Pradesh’s business capital, Vijayawada, is known for its rich historical traditions and is the melting pot of various religious customs. It is famous for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, especially revered temples like the Kanaka Durga Temple, scenic spots like the Bhavani Island, and architectural marvels like the Prakasam Barrage.
The city beautifully encapsulates the essence of Indian tradition while embracing modernity. Its local markets and delicious regional cuisine enhance its appeal, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and food lovers alike.
New Delhi, India’s capital, is a vibrant blend of historical grandeur and modern sophistication. Renowned for its rich heritage, it boasts magnificent monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar. The city’s bustling markets, diverse cuisine, and dynamic culture make it a captivating destination for domestic and international tourists.
BANGKOK, 21 August 2024: Promoting sustainable tourism starts by ensuring consumers and communities understand its benefits and impacts so they can make the right choices to avoid the pitfalls of ‘overtourism’.
That’s the new story the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is headlining. After successfully promoting Thailand, the agency now emphasises tourism’s positive contributions to society and the economy while recognising the tourism industry’s need to balance economic growth with environmental preservation and take on board community considerations.
Last week, from 15 to 18 August, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) tested its strategy by collaborating with The Cloud to organise the Amazing Green Fest 2024. It supported partners who practice socially and environmentally responsible tourism while sourcing business opportunities.
The event, which attracted over 200 vendors, inspired and invigorated Thailand’s sustainable tourism movement. They featured six dynamic zones: Green Tourism, Green Business, Green Learning, Green Food, Green Playground, and The Cloud Sharing Space.
TAT said the event marked two new milestones in its sustainable tourism story. First, TAT embossed a heart-shaped leaf on the Amazing Thailand logo, signifying its strong commitment to the sustainability triangle, focusing on society, economy, culture, and environment. Second, the Amazing Green Festival was declared TAT’s first ‘Carbon Neutral Event’ accredited by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO).
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “Sustainability is the cornerstone of a thriving tourism industry and the key to Thailand’s future. “We need to become less reliant on the number of tourists and prioritise more on quality tourists with high purchasing power, long-stay preferences, and environmental responsibility. Additionally, we need to shape supplies, elevate sustainability standards, and promote Hidden Gems destinations to better balance the distribution of tourism income across the length and breadth of the country.”
At the event, TAT showcased its commitment to sustainable tourism through 12 initiatives highlighting eco-friendly destinations, accommodations, and local lifestyles. The agency is now intensifying its efforts to advocate for responsible tourism while maintaining Thailand’s position as a premier destination. Cultivating a consumer base that understands sustainable practices is crucial, as consumer choices significantly impact the industry’s Sustainability.
TAT Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning Numfhon Boonyawat commented: “Tourism should serve as a narrative. TAT has excelled in introducing Thailand to the global stage. Now, it must adapt and become a marketing organisation that can showcase the positive impacts of tourism on society, particularly in fostering a knowledge-based society.
“The tourism industry is highly resource intensive. While revenue is a crucial metric, we must also consider the significant consumption of resources. We must avoid depleting our assets and demonstrate a commitment to collective responsibility,” Numfhon concluded.
Meanwhile, the TAT leveraged the event as a platform to connect with tourism suppliers committed to sustainable practices. They included 200 exhibitors with diverse offerings.
Sustainable tourism experiences: Immerse in the charm of Mae Ta Community, Chiang Mai, and Bang Rong, Phuket.
Local products: Savour artisan natural honey from Bamrungsuk Farm or discover unique, eco-friendly chicken statue amulets from Bonban.
Eco-friendly accommodations: Unwind at Nern Jamsai, a renovated rice barn in Chiang Mai, or experience the harmony of nature at Koh Munnork Private Island.
Other operators highlighted initiatives that empower future generations and support responsible agricultural practices in Thailand.
Nurturing Future Generations Through Nature
Lomfon Nature School: Lomfon Nature School believes nature is the ultimate educator. Forest walks sharpen children’s focus. The courses nurture intelligence and life skills through nature experiences, starting with beginners or the Junior Summit Trek for ages 6-12, which builds essential outdoor skills. (Facebook: Lomfon Nature School)
Photo: Lomfon Nature School.
Outdoor Education: Founded by a group of outdoor enthusiasts in Thailand, the club offers courses to equip travellers with the knowledge and skills for responsible hiking, trekking, kayaking, and nature conservation. Fostering a culture of responsible outdoor adventures, the club aims to inspire individuals to protect the environment and contribute to Thailand’s sustainable future. https://nationalparkoutdoor-edu.com/
University of Happiness – Rai Jai Yim: University of Happiness – Rai Jai Yim believes in the IDGs (Inner Development Goals) to drive ESG-led transformation. The team designs and delivers On-Cloud Happiness to empower individuals to discover and create personal happiness while fostering a joyful society. It offers various programmes, including Green Family Camps, Green Health and Well-being programmes, and Green Corporate initiatives. (https://happineering.co/)
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Living in Thailand
Thamturakit: Thamturakit is a social enterprise supporting farmers who practice natural, chemical-free agriculture. The enterprise aims to empower farmers through training, networking, and market access. By connecting farmers to a network of over a million practitioners, Thamturakit cultivates a community focused on mutual support and Sustainability. The ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone has access to safe, fairly priced-food. (www.thamturakit.com)
The Thai Organic Consumer Association (TOCA): The Thai Organic Consumer Association (TOCA) is a consumer-driven organisation established in 2020 to promote organic living. TOCA aims to increase access to reliable organic products, support organic farmers through fair pricing, and educate consumers about organic practices. By fostering a strong organic community, TOCA makes organic living accessible and beneficial for everyone. (https://toca.or.th/)
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2024: Malaysia hosted the second Asia Convention Alliance Association Forum (ACAAF) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre earlier this week.
Under the theme “Business Events and Technology with Sustainability,” ACAAF 2024 convened on 19 August, attracting 100 influential attendees, representing mainly convention bureaus across Asia.
Photo credit: Bernama.
ACA member countries include the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Thailand Incentive & Convention Association (TICA), Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), and Seoul Tourism Organization (STO).
ACAAF 2024 established a new benchmark in the business events sector by weaving a sustainable network that united ACA with convention stakeholders. The event emphasised innovative sustainability practices, aiming to revolutionise the industry’s environmental impact.
Since its inception in September 2021, the Asia Convention Alliance has shared ideas and business leads among members to “push the boundaries of the business events industry across Asia.”
Following the success of the inaugural forum in Thailand, which TCEB organised in November 2023, Malaysia hosted the second edition.
“We are thrilled to host ACAAF 2024 in Malaysia,” said MyCEB Director, Meeting & Support Incentives Mohammad Isa Abdul Halim. “This forum represents a collective journey to exchange best practices and share inspiring success stories, aimed at creating a profound and lasting impact on Asia’s convention landscape through sustainability and technology.”
As an annual event, the hosting rotates among ACA’s founding members; TCEB hosted the inaugural 2023 event, followed by MyCEB in 2024, STO (South Korea) in 2025, and TAITRA (Taiwan) in 2026.
DOHA, 21 August 2024: Qatar Airways will add an eighth daily flight to London starting 27 October due to increased demand from passengers travelling to and from the Middle East.
Qatar Airways will also serve Male with up to 28 weekly flights, Miami with up to 12 weekly flights, and Tokyo with 11 weekly flights during the peak 2024-2025 winter season starting in October.
Photo credit: Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori said: “Our increased flights during the winter holiday season respond to the needs of our passengers who wish to create unforgettable travel experiences.
Antinori continued: “Qatar Airways is also strengthening its commitment to the UK. Growing to 56 flights a week — the most of any Gulf carrier — further reinforces our long-standing relationship with London Heathrow Airport and our strategic alliance with British Airways, which also operates two flights a day to Doha.”
Qatar Airways flight to London (LHR)
Starting 27 October 2024, Qatar Airways’s flights to London (LHR) will increase from 49 to 56 weekly flights. Following strong demand, the airline will offer more than 42,000 seats per week each way. Along with the two daily flights operated by its joint business partner, British Airways, there will be 10 daily flights between London Heathrow and Doha.
· Doha (DOH) to London (LHR) – Flight QR109: Departure 09:30; Arrival 14:05
· London (LHR) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR110: Departure 15:30; Arrival 01:10
Qatar Airways flight to Male (MLE)
Starting 13 December 2024, Qatar Airways flights to Male (MLE) will increase from 21 to 28 weekly flights. Bookings are now open for travellers from Germany, Italy and the UK looking for their dream holiday along the coasts of one of the Maldives’ islands.
· Doha (DOH) to Male (MLE) – Flight QR672: Departure 01:35; Arrival 08:15
· Male (MLE) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR673: Departure 20:15; Arrival 23:10
Qatar Airways flights to Miami (MIA)
Starting 16 December 2024, Qatar Airways flights to Miami (MIA) will increase from 10 to 12 weekly flights. Travellers from the Magic City of Miami can now book their exciting escapes to Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.The flights will depart every Monday and Wednesday:
Starting 14 February 2025, Qatar Airways flights to Tokyo (NRT) will increase from seven to 11 weekly flights. Travellers from Europe and beyond can now plan their enriching cultural experiences when visiting Tokyo.
Departing every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday: · Doha (DOH) to Tokyo (NRT) – Flight QR808: Departure 20:15; Arrival 11:55
Departing every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday: · Tokyo (NRT) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR809: Departure 16:25; Arrival 23:10
SINGAPORE, 21 August 2024: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for June 2024 global passenger demand with total demand, measured in revenue passenger km (RPK), up 9.1% compared to June 2023.
Total capacity, measured in available seat km (ASK), was up 8.5% year-on-year.
The June load factor was 85.0% (+0.5 percentage points (ppt) compared to June 2023).
International demand rose 12.3% compared to June 2023. Capacity was up 12.7% year-on-year, and the load factor improved to 85.0% (-0.3ppt on June 2023).
Domestic demand rose 4.3% compared to June 2023; capacity was up 2.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.0% (+1.7ppt compared to June 2023).
“Demand grew across all regions as the peak Northern summer travel season began in June. With the overall capacity growth lagging in demand, we saw a strong average load factor of 85% achieved in domestic and international operations. Operating with such high load factors is both good and challenging. It makes it even more important for all the stakeholders to operate with equal levels of efficiency to minimize delays and get travellers to their destinations on schedule,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets
All regions showed strong growth for international passenger markets in June 2024 compared to June 2023.
Asia-Pacific airlines’ growth remained strong, with a 22.6% year-on-year increase indemand. Capacity increased 22.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.0% (-0.2ppt compared to June 2023). The Africa-Asia route was the fastest expanding regional pair, growing 38.1%.
European carriers saw a 9.1% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.8% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.4% (-0.6ppt compared to June 2023).
Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 9.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 79.7% (+0.1ppt compared to June 2023).
North American carriers saw a 6.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 8.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 88.7% (-1.6 ppt compared to June 2023), the highest among regions.
Latin American airlines saw a 15.3% year-on-year increase in demand, and capacity climbed 15.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 85.1% (-0.2ppt compared to June 2023).
African airlines saw a16.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.8% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 77.0% (+7.4ppt compared to June 2023), the largest improvement among all regions.
BANGKOK, 21 August 2024: Thai AirAsia X will resume its Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Sydney route, offering six flights weekly effective 1 December 2024.
To launch the service, Thai AirAsia X is selling a one-way fare starting at THB5,990 from Bangkok Don Mueang Aiport (DMK) to Sydney, Australia.
The first fight is scheduled for 2 December out of Sydney. A promotional one-way fare starts at AUD333. Thai AirAsia also offers fly-through fares on connecting flights out of Bangkok.
The airline’s ‘Fly Thru’ options include connecting flights to Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi in Thailand and internationally to Danang in Vietnam and Chennai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad in India. The Fly Thru option increases the fare to AUD422.43 each way.
Bookings can be made at the airasia.com website or the AirAsia MOVE app by 25 August 2024 for travel from Sydney, 2 December 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Thai AirAsia X CEO Tassapon Bijleveld commented: “Thai AirAsia X operating out of Don Mueang Airport enables travellers to connect to many more Thai AirAsia destinations throughout Thailand and internationally, in particular, the Indian market that is in high demand. Passengers can choose Fly-Thru service at Don Mueang Airport to pass through immigration and receive their luggage at their terminal destination.”
In anticipation of a surge in travel demand for the year-end holiday season, Thai AirAsia X will also increase its weekly flights to Tokyo to 18, Osaka (14), Sapporo (seven), Nagoya ( three), Seoul (14), and Shanghai (seven).
Thai AirAsia X currently operates a fleet of eight Airbus A330 aircraft with plans to extend the fleet to 11 by year-end before acquiring three to five more aircraft each year in line with its growth and increased demand. Currently, the airline flies from Bangkok to seven core destinations: Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and Nagoya in Japan, Seoul in South Korea, Shanghai in China and Sydney in Australia. The airline also connects to the AirAsia Group network, with seven airlines now operating under the AirAsia brand and having over 150 destinations via key hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manilla.
ABU DHABI, UAE, 21 August 2024: Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has released its preliminary traffic figures for July 2024. The airline flew 1.7 million passengers and achieved a robust average load factor of 89%.
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said: “Our passenger numbers in July surged by 33% compared to July last year, underscoring our continuing strong growth”.
Photo credit: Etihad. Etihad assigns A380 to Mumbai flights in September.
“Year-to-date, we have served 10.4 million passengers, up 2.8 million on the same period last year, and as of July 2024, our rolling 12-month passenger count now stands at 16.8 million.
“July’s load factor of 89% reflects our successful performance during a peak summer period amidst significant capacity expansion since 2023.
“Our fleet continues to grow, expanding to 93 aircraft from 78 in July 2023, and we now serve 10 more destinations than we did a year ago.”
Meanwhile, the airline reports it will deploy an A380 to its popular Abu Dhabi-Mumbai route for four months starting 1 September 2024, marking 20 years since it first served the Indian city. Etihad will assign the A380 to three weekly flights on the route.
The airline operates four daily flights (28 weekly) on the Abu-Dhabi route using A350-1000 aircraft. It schedules direct services between Abu Dhabi and 11 Indian cities and plans to expand further. To create a more inclusive experience for its Indian customers, Etihad recently became the first international airline operating in India to launch a Hindi website.
Etihad is offering A380-themed fares to celebrate the four-month visit to Mumbai, including first-class fares of AED8,380 for Abu Dhabi to Mumbai return and INR190,383 for Mumbai to Abu Dhabi return. Business class fares start at AED2,380 Abu Dhabi to Mumbai return and INR50,381 for Mumbai to Abu Dhabi return. Bookings are open until 25 August for travel between 1 September and 13 October, 2024.
SINGAPORE, 21 August 2024: Traveloka’s EPIC sale fueled close to a twofold increase in traffic in critical markets, solidifying its position as a one-stop shop for millions of travellers across Asia-Pacific.
The record-breaking success of its EPIC Sale 2024 was powered by collaboration with over 10,000 participating partners, including leading brands such as Malaysia Airlines, Accor, Archipelago International, and Hong Kong Disneyland, as well as tourism boards such as the Hong Kong Tourism Board, offering a wide range of options to cater to every type of traveller.
Traveloka President Caesar Indra
“With the success of EPIC Sale 2024, Traveloka is more committed than ever to expanding our offerings and meeting the evolving needs of travellers,” said Traveloka President Caesar Indra.
Customers unlocked even deeper discounts presented by Traveloka payment partners. Credit card usage saw the highest growth during the EPIC sale, with daily transactions growing fivefold and daily sales amounts increasing sixfold. These customers enjoyed up to 15% savings, with discounts reaching as much as USD 740 per transaction.
Beyond the impressive numbers, EPIC Sale 2024 unveiled key insights into Southeast Asians’ travel behaviours and preferences, providing a deeper understanding of what drives today’s travellers.
“We are thrilled with the remarkable growth during Traveloka’s EPIC Sale, achieving a 127% increase in transactions,” said Etihad Airways. General Manager ASEAN Su-Ann Lee.
Top destinations
Traveloka’s EPIC Sale 2024 has spotlighted Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong as top destinations, attracting visitors with their unique charms. Additionally, Singapore and Vietnam garnered attention for their distinctive urban sophistication and natural beauty mix.
Booking behaviour
EPIC Sale 2024 revealed two dominant booking behaviours: a surge in last-minute bookings and a strong preference for planning. 82% of travellers booked their trips 3-4 days in advance, indicating a growing demand for spontaneous, short-term travel. Traveloka’s diverse offerings effectively cater to spontaneous and organised travellers, ensuring broad regional appeal.
Top Attractions
The EPIC Sale 2024 showcased a significant shift toward family-friendly attractions, with bookings for theme parks and waterparks soaring by 70%. Popular attractions such as LEGOLAND Malaysia, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Resort World Sentosa saw bookings surge up to four times, highlighting the growing demand for family-oriented experiences.
LANGKAWI, 21 August 2024: The three-day inaugural LITE 2024 concluded earlier this month having presented LADA’s strategy to boost tourism opportunities to more than 100 tourism stakeholders and international travel agencies from Asia, including Dubai and outbound travel’s rising star, India.
Locally registered local travel agencies, destination management companies (DMCs), travel-related companies, hotels, and attractions embarked on business networking sessions with 60 hosted buyers from international travel agencies from Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) hosted the Langkawi International Tourism Engagement (LITE), last week at the Berjaya Langkawi Resort to shine the spotlight on Langkawi as a premier island destination, celebrating its breathtaking landscapes, luxurious accommodations, thrilling activities, and extraordinary experiences.
LITE 2024 provided a platform for tourism industry professionals, stakeholders, and government officials to connect, collaborate, and forge lasting partnerships. Supported by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, the event’s strategic partners included Tourism Malaysia, Berjaya Langkawi Resort, Langkawi Book, and Heavenly Travel Sdn Bhd.
During the three-day event (7 to 9 August), attendees engaged in business-to-business (B2B) meetings, insightful discussions, and strategic negotiations with tourism businesses, travel agencies, hotels, resorts and airlines to foster trade and investment in Langkawi’s tourism sector.
In a press statement, LADA said the event explored business opportunities and strategies to propel Langkawi into the global spotlight.
“We believe LITE 2024 is a game-changer showcasing Langkawi’s unparalleled beauty and offerings. By bringing together key players in the tourism industry, we aim to create synergies that will drive sustainable growth and position Langkawi as a must-visit destination on the global stage,” stated LADA CEO Dato Haslina Abdul Hamid.
LITE 2024 gained the attention of international tourism operators and travel agents, opening up opportunities to promote Langkawi tourism in new markets and significantly expanding the destination’s global reach.
LADA also organised Familiarization (Fam) Trips, allowing attendees to experience firsthand Langkawi’s unparalleled attractions, world-class accommodations, and thrilling activities.
Combined with knowledge-sharing sessions on tourism management, marketing and sustainability, the event presented insights and best practices needed to champion Langkawi as a top-tier travel destination.
Since 2007, Langkawi has proudly held the status of a UNESCO Global Geopark is becoming the first destination in the region to receive this honour.
The Geopark status has been a driving force behind our sustainable tourism efforts, highlighting attractions such as the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park. The island successfully retained the ‘green card’ status for the previous three re-assessments, which geology experts carried out in 2011, 2015 and 2019. Langkawi was awarded the green card status for the fourth time after revalidation in 2023 and aims to safeguard, protect and conserve the natural treasures as they journey towards validation again in 2027.
