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Dunedin train trip returns to travel trade market

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 April 2025: After a long Covid pandemic pause, Dunedin’s iconic Taieri Gorge Scenic Train excursion welcomes international passengers aboard its journey through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

As part of a re-alignment with the travel trade sector, the product is now represented by the New Zealand Travel Collective, led by its director, Trish May.

Photo credit: Taieri Gorge Scenic Train.

“This journey represents an important piece of Dunedin’s tourism offering,” May explained. “I’m privileged to showcase this product to the travel trade and have recently completed a sales mission to the UK and Europe”.   

The Taieri Gorge Scenic Train will further cement its return to the international tourism market by participating in next week’s Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) Trade event and Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (TRENZ) in May.

The historic railway carries passengers from Dunedin’s railway station westward toward Middlemarch on a five-hour and 30-minute roundtrip traversing the rugged Taieri Gorge. The train journey features spectacular scenery, including deep ravines, towering rock faces, and picturesque valleys, before turning around at the Pukerangi siding and returning to Dunedin. 

“Working closely with the (train’s) general manager, we’ve developed comprehensive strategies to reintroduce this unique experience to both domestic and international markets,” May explained. “The initial response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest from travel professionals across key international markets. Many regularly booked the Taieri train trip before the pandemic and are delighted it is now up and running again.”

For more information visit: https://www.newzealandtravelcollective.com/taieri-gorge-train

UA boosts its presence in Southeast Asia

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 4 April 2025: United confirmed on Wednesday that it intends to introduce direct daily flights to Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from its Hong Kong hub starting this October.* 

The daily services from Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok will connect with the airline’s flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco out of its Hong Kong hub.

Photo credit: United Airlines. Asia Pacific expansion starts in October.

The airline flew these routes pre-2014 before relinquishing them to codeshare partners serving its Hong Kong or Tokyo hubs.

Starting 11 December, United will launch the first nonstop flights between the US and Adelaide, Australia — just in time for the Australian summer. With the addition of this three-week seasonal service, United will also offer flights to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

In addition, United is also adding a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila. Starting on 25 October, travellers from both cities will have the option of a daytime or evening flight for greater convenience. United is the only US airline serving the Philippines, with flights to Manila and Cebu.

With these new routes, United will now offer flights from the US to 32 different cities in the Pacific region — four times that of any other US carrier — further cementing its status as the world’s largest airline** with the most extensive international network.

United is the world’s leading carrier across the Pacific**; in the past year alone, the airline served more than six million business and leisure passengers in the Pacific region.

Tickets for the Adelaide and the new Manila flights are on sale now on United.com and on the United app. Tickets for Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City flights will be available for purchase at a later date.

Bangkok, Thailand

United will offer daily flights to Bangkok starting 26 October. The flights will operate using a Boeing 787-9.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Beginning on 26 October, United will offer daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City. The flights will operate using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Adelaide, Australia

United will offer nonstop service between the US and Adelaide* with its nonstop three-times-weekly seasonal service from San Francisco starting 11 December. The flight will operate using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It makes United the only airline to offer nonstop service between the US and four major cities in Australia. 

Manila, Philippines

On 25 October, United will begin flying its second flight between San Francisco and Manila*, offering more flexibility between day and evening flights when travelling to the Philippines. The flight will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER.

* Subject to government approval  ** As measured by available seat miles

Visa: Japan ski tourism on the rise

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 3 April 2025: With the peak ski season transforming to Spring blossoms, Visa’s latest data shows Japan’s growing popularity, especially its ski resorts. 

Based on an analysis of Visa cardholders’ spending patterns during the winter peak (November 2024 to February 2025) in the top ski destinations in Japan, the data shows a  40% year-on-year increase in domestic and international visitors and an uplift of about 25% in spending. International visitors accounted for about 80% of total visitors and around 90% of total visitor spend.

Visa: Japan ski tourism on the rise

Japan’s ski resorts rise in the charts

Visa data shows ski tourism in Japan is on the rise, with the overall number of visitors almost double compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Japan is recognised as a popular ski destination for overseas travellers. International arrivals grew nearly 50% year-on-year, accounting for around 80% of all ski travellers during the recent winter peak.

Australia tops the list, accounting for around 30% of total international visitors, followed by the US (around 20%) and Southeast Asia, especially Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, which account for around 12%.

Japan is now the preferred ski destination for Mainland Chinese travellers. For Australian travellers, Japan ranks second after New Zealand.

Niseko and Hakuba remain top picks (nearly 50% and approximately 35%, respectively) for international ski travellers. In comparison, Furano is shown as a preferred destination for local visitors yet sees the fastest growth with around 70% year-on-year increase in overseas visits.

International travellers spend more

While domestic visitors spend an average of slightly longer (about five days), international travellers spend more than three times as much per day, contributing to about 90% of overall spending. The uplift in spending extends beyond ski destinations as international travellers continue their journey to other locations and spend on dining and retail shopping.

Entertainment, lodging, and restaurants accounted for about 50 to 70% of spending by both overseas and local travellers.

Ski resort experience spending takes up over 40% of overall spending by international travellers.

Over 90% of overseas travellers extend trips beyond the slopes by an average of nine extra days in Japan, driving around 35% more post-ski spending per day in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Chiba. Most post-ski spending is on shopping, such as at department stores and discount stores, for groceries (around 40%) and dining (around 20%). 

HK expands flights to Yiwu in East China

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TTR WEEKLY
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Hong Kong, 3 April 2025: HK Express Airways will launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Yiwu in Zhejiang Province, China, starting on 29 May 2025. 

The airline schedules three weekly flights to Yiwu Airport (YIW) from its home base in Hong Kong.

Yiwu is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Jinhua in Central Zhejiang Province, East China. It is home to one of the world’s largest wholesale markets, Yiwu International Trade City, a veritable paradise for savvy business people seeking bargains for their retailing enterprises.

Travellers can wander through Fotang Town and tap into its centuries-old heritage, ascend the historic Jiming Pavillion and take in its rich cultural tapestry, or savour local culinary delights at the Santinglu Night Market. 

Additionally, Hengdian World Studios, known as China’s “Hollywood”, boasts live performances, themed amusement parks, and film workshops, making it a must-visit for travellers. 

Flight schedule

ASEANTA elects new board of directors

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 3 April 2025: Incumbent ASEANTA president Eddy Soemawilaga has been appointed for a second term to lead the association that covers ASEAN’s tourism and hospitality segments across the 10-country bloc.

ASEANTA recently appointed its executive board for 2025 to 2027 during its annual general meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Photo credit: ASEANTA. ASEANTA’s team leaders at a recent AGM held in Phnom Penh.

During his first term as President (2023 to 2025), ASEANTA successfully earned the trust to organise TRAVEX at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Lao PDR (2024) and Malaysia (2025). 

ATF and its trade show TRAVEX, established in 1982 in Kuala Lumpur, was created as a public-private partnership event to foster collaboration between ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) and the private sector, strengthening the ASEAN region as a single tourism destination. 

“Beyond ATF, we have also laid the foundation for key ASEAN NTO initiatives, including the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals and the launch of the ASEAN Explorer Pass,” Soemawilaga said in a Facebook post.

“I am truly honoured to have been re-elected President for the 2025-2027 term… My vision is to build an effective, impactful organisation that delivers concrete initiatives benefiting our members and the broader public through strong partnerships. The road ahead may not be easy, but with continued collaboration, I am confident we can overcome challenges and drive ASEAN tourism forward.”

ASEANTA board of directors 2025-2027

President: Eddy Soemawilaga, Head of Government Relations and Corporate Communications – Indonesia AirAsia.
Deputy President: Mariegel Manotok, Philippine Travel Agencies Association
Secretary-General: Nigel Wong Chun Teim, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents
Treasurer: Datin Christina Toh, Malaysian Association of Hotels
Directors: Pauline Suharno, president ASTINDO: Oknha Chhay Sivlin, president Cambodia Association of Travel Agents; Kyaw Bohne Naing, chairman/president Union of Myanmar Travel Association

BA wings back to Kuala Lumpur

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 3 April 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomed British Airways’ return to Kuala Lumpur, with the inaugural direct service arriving in the country’s capital on 2 April 2025.

The airline operates the London-Kuala Lumpur route daily using a 216-seat 787-9, with return fares starting from UKP574. 

Photo credit: British Airways.

Kuala Lumpur continues to gain recognition as a top travel destination, ranked second in Tripadvisor’s list of Top Trending Destinations for 2025. The city’s mix of modernity and tradition offers world-class attractions, a dynamic culinary scene, and iconic landmarks like the Petronas Towers.

British Airways’ return aligns perfectly with Malaysia’s preparations for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), a national tourism initiative to attract 35.6 million international visitors and generate MYR147.1 billion in tourism revenue.

The UK remains one of Malaysia’s largest European source markets, and this new route further strengthens the country’s appeal to British travellers, who are increasingly seeking meaningful, experiential holidays.

“The UK is a key market for Malaysia, and we are thrilled to see British Airways returning to Kuala Lumpur with direct flights from London Heathrow”, said Tourism Malaysia UK director Sulaiman Suip. “This enhanced connectivity is especially significant as we approach Visit Malaysia Year 2026, providing UK travellers with even more convenient access to Malaysia’s vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. As we continue to grow our presence in the UK market, we look forward to welcoming more travellers to explore Malaysia’s unique offerings and diverse attractions.”

Flight schedule 

BA33 departs London Heathrow (LNR) at 2110 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1720 plus a day.
BA34 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2250 and arrives in London (LNR) at 0525.

Malaysia Airlines flies the same route with a double daily service that departs Kuala Lumpur at 0950 (MH4) and 2330 (MH2). The average roundtrip fare on the KUL-LNR route is USD960.

THAI adds Siem Reap to its summer timetable

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 3 April 2025: THAI Airways International released its summer flight schedule for 2025 (30 March to 25 October), with just one additional route from Bangkok to Siem Reap, Cambodia.  

THAI will operate the Bangkok (BKK)—Siem Reap (SAI) route daily using a 164-seat A320 for the one-hour flight.

The start-up date is 1 October, just weeks ahead of the winter peak travel season and the airline’s winter timetable, which kicks in on 26 October.

Flight schedule

TG588 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 0745 and arrives in Siem Reap at 0845
TG589 departs Siem Reap (SAI) at 0950  and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1055.

THAI will compete with Bangkok Airways, which serves the route with three daily services departing Bangkok at 0740, 1055 and 1725 using a 70-seat ATR72. The average roundtrip fare on the route is USD150. 

TG’s Summer Timetable 2025 sees the airline flying to 63 destinations — 14 intercontinental, 41 regional and eight domestic maintaining the frequencies of the previous summer timetable. There are no changes to the domestic network of eight routes. Compared with the summer timetable 2024, this summer’s version has one addition (Siem Reap) to the regional list. Brussel joined the intercontinental routes in the winter timetable with daily flights, which continues in the summer timetable 2025.

Flight details are as follows:

Intercontinental routes (return flights):

  1. Bangkok – Munich: daily flights.
  2. Bangkok – Frankfurt: twice daily flights.
  3. Bangkok – London: twice daily flights.
  4. Bangkok – Istanbul: daily flights.
  5. Bangkok – Stockholm: daily flights.
  6. Bangkok – Copenhagen: daily flights.
  7. Bangkok – Oslo: daily flights
  8. Bangkok – Zurich: daily flights.
  9. Bangkok – Milan: daily flights.
  10. Bangkok-Brussels: daily flights introduced during the winter timetable 2024/2025.
  11. Bangkok – Paris: daily flights.
  12. Bangkok – Perth: daily flights.
  13. Bangkok – Melbourne: twice daily flights.
  14. Bangkok – Sydney: twice daily flights.

Regional routes (return flights):

  1. Bangkok – Manila: twice daily flights.
  2. Bangkok – Fukuoka: daily flights.
  3. Bangkok – Osaka: twice daily flights.
  4. Bangkok – Nagoya: daily flights.
  5. Bangkok – Tokyo (Haneda): twice daily flights.
  6. Bangkok Tokyo (Narita): triple daily flights.
  7. Bangkok – Sapporo: daily flights.
  8. Bangkok – Hong Kong: four flights per day.
  9. Bangkok – Kaohsiung: daily flights.
  10. Bangkok – Taipei: triple daily flights.
  11. Bangkok – Seoul: triple daily flights.
  12. Bangkok – Kunming: daily flights.
  13. Bangkok – Guangzhou: daily flights.
  14. Bangkok – Chengdu: daily flights.
  15. Bangkok – Shanghai: twice daily flights
  16. Bangkok – Beijing: daily flights
  17. Bangkok – Siem Reap*: daily flight *starting 1 October 2025
  18. Bangkok – Phnom Penh: twice daily flights.
  19. Bangkok – Vientiane: twice daily flights.
  20. Bangkok – Ho Chi Minh: twice daily flights.
  21. Bangkok – Hanoi: twice daily flights.
  22. Bangkok – Singapore: 35 flights per week.
  23. Bangkok – Jakarta: twice daily flights.
  24. Bangkok – Denpasar: twice daily flights
  25. Bangkok – Penang: daily flights.
  26. Bangkok – Kuala Lumpur: twice daily flights.
  27. Bangkok – Kolkata: daily flights.
  28. Bangkok – Chennai: daily flights.
  29. Bangkok – Hyderabad: daily flights.
  30. Bangkok – Bengaluru: daily flights.
  31. Bangkok – Kochi: daily flights.
  32. Bangkok – Delhi: 22 flights per week.
  33. Bangkok – Mumbai: 11 flights per week.
  34. Bangkok – Ahmedabad: daily flights.
  35. Bangkok – Yangon: twice daily flights.
  36. Bangkok – Dhaka: twice daily flights.
  37. Bangkok – Kathmandu: twice daily flights.
  38. Bangkok – Colombo: daily flights.
  39. Bangkok – Lahore: six flights per week.
  40. Bangkok – Islamabad: four flights per week.
  41. Bangkok – Karachi: five flights per week.

Domestic routes (return flights):

  1. Bangkok – Chiang Mai: 35 flights per week.
  2. Bangkok – Chiang Rai: triple daily flights.
  3. Bangkok – Khon Kaen: four flights per day.
  4. Bangkok – Udon Thani: triple daily flights.
  5. Bangkok – Ubon Ratchathani: twice daily flights.
  6. Bangkok – Krabi: twice daily flights.
  7. Bangkok – Phuket: nine flights per day.
  8. Bangkok – Hat Yai: triple daily flights.

Indigo links West and East Coast cities

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, 3 April 2025: IndiGo launched four weekly coast-to-coast flights on Monday, 1 April, linking Bhubaneswar and Goa. The direct service has a flight time of two hours and 10 minutes. 

Flights are scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and the roundtrip fare starts at USD135. The airline deploys an A320 with 194 seats on the BBI-GOI route.

Photo credit: Indigo.

This new service allows travellers to explore both regions’ diverse cultural and scenic landscapes. It caters to the growing demand for air travel in India while promoting tourism and economic growth. 

With the commencement of these flights, IndiGo will now operate over 200 weekly flights from Bhubaneswar, connecting 20 destinations.

IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra expressed enthusiasm for the new route: “At IndiGo, our ongoing endeavour is to enhance connectivity and make air travel more accessible and hassle-free for our customers. The launch of the Bhubaneswar-Goa route offers our travellers a link between two vibrant cities. Whether a spiritual visit to Bhubaneswar’s ancient temples or a relaxing getaway to Goa’s scenic beaches, this direct flight will save time and make travel more convenient and affordable.”

Goa, renowned for its stunning coastline, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage, offers a blend of relaxation and adventure, from pristine beaches and historic forts to bustling markets.

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is a city steeped in history. Known as the “Temple City,” it boasts ancient temples, intricate architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. The city is also a gateway to exploring Odisha’s diverse landscapes, famed for its beaches and wildlife sanctuaries.

Direct flights between Bhubaneswar and Goa will boost tourism and also enhance connectivity between east and west coast cities.   

Tourism Promotion

Goa, known for its beaches and vibrant culture, is a major tourist destination. The direct flights will make visiting Goa easier for people from Odisha and surrounding regions.   

Similarly, with its historical temples and cultural significance, Bhubaneswar will become more accessible to tourists from Goa and other parts of India. This will boost tourism in Odisha.   

Economic Growth

Increased tourism leads to economic growth in both regions, benefiting local businesses, hotels, and the hospitality industry. Improved connectivity will also facilitate trade and business opportunities between Bhubaneswar and Goa.
Flight Schedule:

AirAsia Philippines sets out Summer fares

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 2 April 2025: AirAsia Philippines welcomes summer with its 4.4 Summer Seat Sale, offering flights for as low as PhP44 one-way base fare.

With over 400,000 seats available, travellers can book their summer getaways until midnight on 6 April, with travel dates through to 30 September 2025.

Photo credit: AirAsia Philippines.

The fares are available to domestic and international destinations, including Kalibo, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tagbilaran, Taipei, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Osaka, and Seoul and will help to support travellers during the Easter Week travel peak. (Good Friday, 18 April to Easter Sunday, 20 April)

As April begins, AirAsia Philippines is gearing up for a busy summer travel season. It has already recorded over 500,000 forward bookings for April and May.

Boracay leads the list of top domestic summer destinations, solidifying its position as a premier summer getaway. Cebu, Tagbilaran, Palawan, and Iloilo are also experiencing high demand, indicating a strong preference for the Philippines’ renowned beach and nature destinations.

On the international front, Taipei and Narita Tokyo rank among the most popular destinations. With Japan’s Sakura season in full bloom, Narita has become a prime gateway for travellers seeking to experience spring abroad.

Green light for Virgin to fly to Doha

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TTR WEEKLY
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SYDNEY, Australia, 2 April 2025: Qatar Airways Group and Virgin Australia received the final go-ahead from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for their integrated alliance. 

The final determination officially signals the green light for Virgin Australia’s new 28 weekly flights between Australia and Doha – operated under a wet lease with Qatar Airways.  

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

The ACCC’s authorisation of Qatar Airways’ partnership with Virgin Australia gives the Australian carrier access to the scale and expertise of a world-leading global airline, facilitating its re-entry into long-haul international flying. 

Using aircraft wet-leased from Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia will commence long-haul flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha in June 2025, followed by Melbourne to Doha in December 2025. 

Flights to Hamad International Airport in Doha will connect with more than 100 connecting services on Qatar Airways to Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The collaboration will support job growth in Virgin Australia and across Australia’s broader aviation and tourism sectors. Qatar Airways is set to provide secondment opportunities for 20 Virgin Australia pilots and 40 cabin crew in 2025.

This follows the Australian Government’s approval of Qatar Airways Group’s 25% investment in Virgin Australia on 27 February 2025 – joining existing majority shareholder Bain Capital.

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