GURUGRAM, India, 18 November 2024: Tourism Australia and Air India have signed a three-year marketing agreement to sustain and drive the positive trend in Indian visitor arrivals to Australia as Air India expands its presence in the market.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tourism Australia and Air India will explore opportunities to jointly undertake and implement marketing activities to showcase Australia’s world-class appeal and drive future growth in visitation.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said: “We have seen tremendous growth in the number of arrivals from India to Australia in recent years, and we are keen for arrivals to continue to track in that direction. Tourism Australia’s agreement with Air India highlights our commitment to strengthening partnerships and exploring new ways to encourage Indian travellers to plan and book an Australia holiday. We look forward to working closely with Air India to showcase Australia as a holiday destination.”
Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager of Eastern Markets and Aviation, Andrew Hogg added: “As one of Australia’s valuable tourism markets, India holds immense promise, and we’re excited to collaborate with Air India to elevate further Australia’s appeal for high-yielding Indian leisure and business travellers. We aim to sustain growth in visitor numbers from India to Australia while enhancing travel experiences and connectivity between the two countries.”
Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson rounded off the announcement by saying, “We are excited to partner with Tourism Australia to facilitate travellers’ experiences of this destination’s unique offerings. As we broaden our global network, we also aim to deepen our presence in Australia.”
Air India currently operates 17 weekly non-stop flights connecting India and Australia. In the year to August 2024, the airline transported over 170,000 Indian travellers, securing an 18.5% market share and remains one of the largest carriers of traffic from India to Australia.
SRI VIJAYA PURAM, India, 18 November 2024: AirAsia has introduced flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sri Vijaya Puram, India, (formerly known as Port Blair), the Capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The inaugural flight landed at Veer Savarkar International Airport on 16 November, marking the start of six weekly flights linking both capital cities.
Photo credit: AirAsia.
This new route highlights AirAsia’s growing presence in India and underscores the airline’s commitment to serving underserved markets and strengthening regional connectivity to meet increasing demand for travel to emerging destinations like Sri Vijaya Puram.
Malaysia and India have vast, untapped tourism potential, and AirAsia is the only airline in Malaysia offering affordable direct flights on this unique route. Introducing this new service also marks the airline’s shortest connection between Malaysia and India, enabling avid travellers to access this hidden island escape easily.
AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “This marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen our presence in India, one of our largest and most rapidly expanding markets. Our vision and mission has always been to enhance affordable connectivity across Asia, and by flying this new route to Sri Vijaya Puram, we are supporting the Indian government’s target of over 10 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of this year, as well as the Tourism 2047 vision, which aims to increase inbound tourism tenfold. We are proud to contribute to India’s rise as a premier global destination.
“With over a thousand seats available weekly, this service is set to boost regional travel and make travelling abroad easier for people on the island. We are excited to welcome travellers from the island who want to visit Kuala Lumpur, which offers affordable connections to other parts of Malaysia, Southeast Asia and beyond on our extensive network.”
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, famed for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life, are a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Furthermore, the new e-visa entry facility at Port Blair Seaport is expected to attract more foreign tourists to this picturesque archipelago.
With Kuala Lumpur as its main hub, Indian travellers from Sri Vijaya Puram will enjoy seamless access to Malaysia’s top attractions—from the vibrant city life in Kuala Lumpur to its rich cultural tapestry and historical landmarks, including the unique architecture of Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the lush rainforests and diverse wildlife of Sabah and Sarawak.
AirAsia’s network also opens up connections, making it easier to explore Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. This new route strengthens ties between India and Malaysia and simplifies the journey for Indian tourists eager to experience Malaysia’s beauty and culture as part of a broader Asian adventure.
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 November 2024: Lion Air is the latest airline to join the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), the association announced on Thursday.
Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, Lion Air is Indonesia’s largest privately run airline and a significant player in Southeast Asia’s competitive low-cost airline sector. Founded in 1999, Lion Air operates international and domestic air services connecting Indonesian cities to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia.
Photo credit: Lion Air.
AAPA Director General Subhas Menon commented: “We are delighted to welcome Lion Air as a member of AAPA. With Lion Air’s strong presence in the budget air travel segment, this important milestone reflects the diversity of the association’s membership. It reinforces its role as the voice of international air carriers in the Asia Pacific region, regardless of business model. Sharing best practices and experiences as we do will make the industry more resilient and ensure safe and sustainable growth”.
“With its excellent connectivity across Indonesia and a growing network of international destinations, Lion Air is committed to expanding accessibility to various regions in Indonesia and to playing a key role in supporting the country’s economic and social development,” said Lion Air’s President Director Rudy Lumingkewas. “Lion Air is looking forward to working with other AAPA members and playing its part in the continued success of the Asia Pacific air transport sector”.
KOTA KINABALU, 15 November 2024: Sabah introduced its Explore Sabah initiative during the recent World Travel Market (WTM), highlighting the state’s distinctive attractions and paving the way for Visit Malaysia 2026.
Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew launched the campaign at the WTM Sabah Pavilion on 5 November, followed by a Memorandum of Collaboration signed with Intrepid UK, a leading outbound tour firm.
Memorandum of Collaboration signing between Sabah Tourism Board and Intrepid UK, witnessed by YB Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah; His Excellency Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK and Ireland; YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board; and YBhg. Datuk Josie Lai, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah Permanent Secretary. Signing the memorandum: Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, and Ms. Angela Chen, Senior Marketing Manager – EMEA, Intrepid UK.
She led a strong Sabah delegation to the four-day WTM event in London that included 13 Sabah-based travel agents.
Speaking at the Explore Sabah campaign launch, Liew said: “Our participation at the World Travel Market is part of a larger journey to connect with global partners and amplify our presence in the UK and beyond to position Sabah as the ultimate destination for unforgettable cultural, adventure, and nature experiences.”
The Minister stressed that Explore Sabah is a strategic initiative to enhance Sabah’s appeal as a favourite destination, particularly in anticipation of Visit Malaysia 2026. “Through Explore Sabah, we are gearing up to showcase our stunning state and establish it as Malaysia’s preferred destination for those seeking unforgettable experiences in culture, adventure, and nature,” she added.
According to Liew, the campaign highlights Sabah’s 10 distinctive wonders, including UNESCO heritage sites, the five highest peaks, rich biodiversity, and memorable wildlife encounters.
In the latest update on Sabah’s tourism sector, she reported substantial growth from January to August, with visitor arrivals reaching 2,094,202, an increase of 25.7% compared to the same period in 2023 (1,665,951). “International arrivals surged by 64.5%, totalling 867,231 visitors, bringing tourism back to 87% of pre-pandemic levels.”
“Currently, Sabah is connected to 19 international gateway cities in important outbound travel source markets, with plans for further connectivity,” Liew said, expressing optimism about achieving a target of 3 million visitors by year-end.
The Minister also announced a national campaign collaboration between the Sabah Tourism Board and Intrepid UK to enhance Sabah’s international profile.
Present at the MoC signing and campaign launch were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister cum STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Josie Lai; Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar; and STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
BANGKOK, 15 November 2024: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), the national enabler of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, to establish a preliminary framework for developing hospitality projects that will enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Signed at the World Travel Market 2024 in London earlier this month, the MoU signifies Dusit’s dedication to sustainable international expansion in key global markets and highlights TDF’s commitment to fostering international partnerships to develop luxury hotels and resorts across Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom experienced an 8.2% growth in inbound visitor spending within its travel account during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching approximately SAR92.6 billion. The Kingdom also recorded a surplus in the travel account of around SAR 41.6 billion. This surge in visitor spending highlights Saudi Arabia’s significant achievements in tourism, as it led all G20 countries in international tourist arrivals and in the growth rate of international tourism receipts during the first seven months of 2024. Compared to the same period in 2019, international tourist arrivals increased by 73%, and international tourism receipts rose by 207%, based on data from UN Tourism.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy and the Saudi Vision 2030 framework, TDF aims to diversify the Kingdom’s tourism sector by supporting high-impact projects focused on sustainable development and world-class infrastructure. Under the MoU, Dusit will collaborate with TDF to identify prime hotel development opportunities that leverage Dusit’s 75 years of hospitality expertise and diverse brand portfolio — ranging from lifestyle hotels to exclusive villa rentals. Together, they aim to deliver unique guest experiences and enduring value for hotel owners, investors, and the broader community.
“Dusit International is deeply honoured to sign this MoU,” said Dusit International Group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun. “This marks a significant milestone for us as we seek to bring our unique Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to one of the world’s most dynamic tourism landscapes. Saudi Arabia is a key focus for our growth, and partnering with TDF provides invaluable opportunities to connect with high-potential investments across the Kingdom. We look forward to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy and delivering hotel experiences that bring enduring value to all stakeholders.”
With 301 properties in 18 countries, including eight hotels in the Middle East, Dusit’s portfolio features established brands such as Dusit Thani (luxury), dusitD2 (lifestyle/midscale), Dusit Princess (midscale), Dusit Suites (upscale/extended stay), and ASAI Hotels (affordable lifestyle). Dusit recently added Devarana – Dusit Retreats (luxury wellness) and Dusit Collection (bespoke luxury) to its expanding brand lineup.
In addition to hospitality, Dusit contributes to the industry through its educational arm, Dusit Hospitality Education, which includes Dusit Thani College, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, and The Food School, training future hospitality leaders. Dusit’s expertise is further enhanced through its group-wide synergies with Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate (property development), and Hospitality-Related Services.
About Dusit Hotels and Resorts Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide. For more information, visit dusit.com
About Dusit International Dusit International, or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT), is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services.
Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.
BANGKOK, 15 November 2024: BWH Hotels, the global network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, has expanded its portfolio in Vietnam with the signing of an elegant new BW Premier Collection resort nestled directly on the beach in Phan Thiet, on the country’s stunning southeast coast.
The Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection, is positioned on a long stretch of golden sand in Vietnam’s Binh Thuan province, overlooking the ocean. With its neo-classical European architecture, naturally-lit interiors, impressive amenities and easy accessibility, just a 2.5 hour’s drive from Ho Chi Minh City, this boutique hotel will become a popular option for domestic and international travellers.
Guests can stay in stylish villas and spacious rooms, all fully equipped with modern amenities — ideal for families, friends, and couples alike. This beachside resort will also feature extensive leisure and business facilities, including a restaurant, beach bar, cabanas, a swimming pool, and a stage for beachfront events. In the spirit of the BW Premier Collection brand, the new resort will immerse visitors in an ambience of refined sophistication with an original concept that celebrates the unique essence of its locale.
Travellers can spend endless days unwinding on the beach and by the pool or head out to explore this attractive destination. It is blessed with spectacular natural scenery, including lush forests and sand dunes, along with quaint fishing villages, traditional temples, golf courses, and long coastal roads.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of the Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection, which marks the latest phase of our development strategy in Vietnam, one of BWH Hotels’ key Asian markets. With its beachfront location and collection of spacious villas and accommodations, this exceptional resort is set to become a popular option for guests on short breaks or extended vacations. We look forward to working with our esteemed partners to bring this exciting project to life,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC Olivier Berrivin.
It will join BWH Hotels’ rapidly expanding portfolio in Vietnam, which currently includes four Best Western Premier® branded properties in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Ha Long, with many more hotels and resorts in the pipeline.
About BWH Hotels BWH Hotels is a leading global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies: WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels. The enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide. With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.
SINGAPORE, 15 November 2024: Travelport, a global technology company that powers travel bookings for travel suppliers worldwide, and Japan’s All Nippon Airways have signed a multi-source content distribution agreement that includes New Distribution Capability (NDC) content and servicing.
Travelport is the first global distribution system (GDS) to confirm an NDC distribution agreement with the airline. Travelport and ANA are actively collaborating to make ANA’s NDC content available via Travelport+, targeting a completion date in mid-year 2025.
“Travelport has been a valued partner of ANA for many years due to our productive collaboration that enhances our modern retailing approach so we can provide exceptional experiences for our travellers,” said ANA Executive Vice President of Customer Experience Keiji Omae. “As we advance our NDC strategy, I am confident that Travelport can play a crucial role in helping us expand our reach and simplify the booking and servicing process as agents and travellers shop for our best offers.”
Travelport and ANA have deepened their long-standing relationship to ensure that Travelport-connected agencies will continue to have simplified access to ANA’s wide range of product offerings, including ancillary services.
“This pivotal agreement confirms that agencies using Travelport+ will be able to access relevant, personalised, and enriched multi-source content from ANA, which means travellers are presented with more choice among ANA’s best offers and fares,” said Travelport Global Head of Air Partners Damian Hickey.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei Darussalam, 15 November 2024: Leaders of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) gathered for the 68th Assembly of Presidents in Brunei Darussalam to discuss the future of aviation under the theme “Jetting into 2050: Future Proofing Asian Aviation”.
Airline leaders were optimistic, as regional air travel and cargo growth continues to surpass the global industry’s growth while load factors remain steadfastly strong.
Reflecting the collective priorities and shared resolve of Asian airline leaders, the Assembly of Presidents today passed a series of resolutions covering sustainability, aviation safety and the streamlining of regulations.
Airlines are firmly committed to reducing their carbon footprint. With extreme weather events rising, airline leaders are only too aware of the risks to aviation safety from climate change. With Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in short supply, AAPA believes that a multi-prong strategy in line with the ICAO net zero emissions reduction roadmap, is critical to meeting the industry’s net zero emissions target.
The Assembly passed a resolution calling on governments, suppliers, air navigation service providers and airlines to deploy all aspects of the ICAO roadmap, namely SAF, breakthrough technology, CORSIA offsets and operational efficiency, in pursuing the net zero emissions by 2050 goal.
In particular, SAF produced by co-processing sustainable feedstock together with crude fossil fuel in conventional aviation fuel refineries, is a cost-effective way to stimulate SAF supply. Airlines and fuel suppliers could give impetus to the transition to SAF with co-processed SAF being made available at airports immediately.
“Every new generation of aircraft and engine delivers 15-20% more fuel efficiency. The acceleration of plans for carbon-friendly aircraft and propulsion systems is an effective pathway to the common goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, starting with short-haul aircraft that currently account for some 28% of industry emissions. With delays in the delivery of new-generation aircraft, airlines are extending the use of older equipment. A strategy prioritising technology alongside SAF, is a surer route to carbon neutrality than one over-reliant on SAF,” said AAPA Director General Subhas Menon.
Aviation safety remains the top priority of all airlines. The Assembly adopted a resolution calling for civil aviation authorities, aviation safety agencies, and airlines to work closely together to share best practices through data analysis to mitigate risks such as loss of control in flight. The resolution also called on all stakeholders to support adopting safety measures that address the most critical risk categories identified in the Asia Pacific region.
“The Assembly welcomed the results and recommendations of the safety culture survey conducted by the Flight Safety Foundation, as aviation safety is about promoting a proactive safety culture, leveraging data and sharing best practices to improve performance,” Menon noted.
The Assembly of Presidents acknowledged that supply chain disruptions and air space closures are leading to more flight diversions, delays, and cancellations, while also inhibiting future growth. Such issues, including component failures and labour shortages, impeded schedule reliability. Conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis have resulted in airspace closures, exacerbating the situation. Knee-jerk reactions by some governments target only the symptoms of failure while burdening airlines with more cost and complexity.
A third resolution called on governments to refrain from introducing unilateral measures that would disproportionately inconvenience the travelling public and increase the cost burden on the airline industry. Greater recognition of aviation’s value to the global economy and closer collaboration among governments, industry, and service providers needed to streamline protocols for international travel.
Menon concluded, “The outlook for the region’s airlines is broadly positive, given the sustained demand for air travel and a strong rebound in trade activity. It is a remarkable recovery on key metrics, considering air transport ground to an almost complete standstill for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020. This is also a timely testament to the industry’s endurance and longevity as we commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the ICAO Chicago Convention in 2024. By keeping the travelling public and the economies we serve at the core of our strategy, the industry is well positioned to tackle upcoming challenges and pursue sustainable growth in the years ahead.”
SINGAPORE, 15 November 2024: Digital travel platform Agoda introduces five urban hikes across Asia, offering travellers a chance to experience the perfect blend of city life and nature.
The hikes, ranging from family-friendly to more challenging trails, provide an unmatched perspective on some of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board. Hong Kong’s Dragon’s Back.
Whether it’s Elephant Hill in Taipei, with its stunning views of the Taipei 101, or Hong Kong’s famous Dragon Back, active travellers are in for a treat when embarking on these city hike adventures.
Agoda Senior Vice President, Supply Andrew Smith said: “Asia is special to have so many incredible hike routes right in the heart of these popular cities. The five highlighted hikes are just a sample of the many breathtaking city trails the continent has to offer. Adventurous travelers will want to try them all and thankfully Agoda helps make travel affordable with great value deals on over 4.5 million properties globally.”
Five city hikes
Kuala Lumpur’s Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve offers a distinctive trekking experience through a tropical rainforest in the city centre. The trail is relatively easy, with well-marked paths and informative signboards about the local flora and fauna, making it a great choice for families and nature enthusiasts.
Elephant Hill in Taipei offers a short (40-minute trek) but rewarding climb that is moderately challenging. The well-maintained trail provides stunning views of Taipei’s skyline, including the famous Taipei 101. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a quick escape into nature without straying far from the city.
In Singapore, the Southern Ridges trail offers a moderate hike through interconnected parks and gardens. Spanning 10 km, this trail provides a lush green corridor amidst the urban environment, with highlights including the Henderson Waves bridge and panoramic city views.
Namsan in Seoul presents a slightly more challenging hike, leading to the N Seoul Tower. The trail is popular among locals and tourists alike, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Depending on the desired difficulty level, several routes are available.
Finally, Hong Kong’s Dragon’s Back is a favourite for its breathtaking views of the coastline and the South China Sea. This moderately challenging hike is known for its undulating ridges and scenic vistas, providing a rewarding experience for those willing to tackle its ups and downs.
Agoda offers accommodation in each of these city hike destinations. In addition to holiday properties, the platform presents 130,000 flight routes and 300,000 activities, making it a one-stop travel solution for booking an entire trip.
The latest Agoda deals can be found in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.
SINGAPORE, 15 November 2024: Lufthansa Group Airlines has given travellers a glimpse of its 2025 summer flight schedule, which is now available for Lufthansa Airlines, Discover Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and Edelweiss.
Flights to new intercontinental and European destinations are now available for booking.
Photo credit: Lufthansa.
New hub connections and first-time flights are scheduled within Europe for the summer timetable. They include Bydgoszcz, Ålesund, Kefalonia, Bodø, Edinburgh, Sylt, Burgas, Harstad-Narvik, Niš, Montpellier, Heringsdorf, Calvi and Terceira.
New with Lufthansa Airlines from Frankfurt to: Bydgoszcz (Poland)
New with Discover Airlines from Frankfurt to: Ålesund (Norway)
New with Discover Airlines from Munich to: Windhoek (Namibia) Calgary (Canada) Orlando (USA) Bodø (Norway)
New with Austrian Airlines from Vienna to: Edinburgh (Scotland) Sylt (Germany) Burgas (Bulgaria) Harstad-Narvik (Norway/Lofoten)
New with Swiss International Air Lines from Zurich to: Niš (Serbia) Montpellier (France) Heringsdorf (Germany)
New with Edelweiss from Zurich to: Halifax (Canada) Seattle (USA) Calvi (France) Terceira (Portugal/Azores)
The additions will ensure Lufthansa Group’s airlines offer travellers more than 12,000 weekly connections to over 300 destinations in more than 100 countries via their hubs in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium.
Good news for Airbus A380 fans
The airline’s A380s will again take off from Munich next summer to Boston, New York (JFK), Washington, Los Angeles (all USA) and Delhi (India).
