SINGAPORE, 16 July 2025: Cathay Pacific cuts SGD160 off economy class tickets to destinations worldwide via its home hub, Hong Kong, to celebrate its second consecutive win as World’s Best Economy Class Airline by Skytrax.
To thank customers for their continued support, Cathay Pacific is celebrating this achievement with a special offer, exclusive to Cathay members.
Photo credit: Cathay Pacific.
Travellers can enjoy SGD160 off when they book before 22 July 2025 using the discount code BESTECONSG. The economy class special discount applies to all destinations beyond Hong Kong except Tokyo (Narita), Osaka and Taipei, for travel between 15 September 2025 and 31 March 2026. A minimum of two persons is required per booking.
Terms and conditions apply. The offer is on a first-come, first-served basis.
BANGKOK, 16 July 2025: Condor has announced expansion plans for its air services from Frankfurt to Asian destinations during the northern hemisphere winter timetable for 2025 and 2026, which kicks in October and closes on 31 March or early April.
Condor confirmed in a recent press statement that flights to Thailand, South Africa, and Panama will increase in winter, driven by strong demand for long-haul travel. The airline deploys Airbus A330neo on long-haul routes and a mix of A320s and A321s on European routes served from its home base in Frankfurt, Germany.
Photo credit: Condor. A321 flies European routes.
Starting 1 November, the airline will offer daily flights to Bangkok (BKK) and Phuket (HKT). In addition, the airline will offer three weekly flights to Cape Town (CPT), South Africa, and Johannesburg (JNB), as well as Panama City (PTY) during this summer season. They will also be included in the winter season with two weekly flights.
Flights to Thailand
From 1 November 2025, Condor will increase flights from Frankfurt to Bangkok from five weekly to daily. The daily service will extend into the Summer 2026 schedule.
Condor will also offer daily direct flights from Frankfurt to Phuket starting in the Winter 2025/2026 season, an increase from the current four weekly flights.
Flights to both destinations are scheduled on A330-900neo aircraft with a capacity of 310 seats.
Bangkok schedule
DE2362 departs Frankfurt (FRA) at 2010 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1230 plus a day. DE2363 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 2150 and arrives in Frankfurt (FRA) at 0515 plus a day.
Phuket schedule
DE2368 departs Frankfurt (FRA) at 1455 and arrives in Phuket at 1810. DE2369 departs Phuket (HKT) at 1015 and arrives in Frankfurt at 1705.
“With these adjustments to the winter flight schedule, we are responding to the high demand and the popularity of the destinations among our guests,” says Condor CEO Peter Gerber.
Other Asian destinations
Malé (MLE), Maldives: Flights to Malé are scheduled five times per week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday) during the winter 2025/2026 timetable.
Expanding its European network
The airline is strengthening its feeder network in Europe by adding new short-haul routes from Frankfurt to Barcelona, Budapest, and Venice starting in May 2026, and increasing frequencies on existing domestic and European routes, to improve connectivity for passengers travelling to their long-haul destinations.
Popular newcomers
Since May 2025, the European cities of Milan and Prague have been part of Condor’s route network. Following their successful launch in the summer schedule, the Italian fashion metropolis and the Czech capital will now also be part of Condor’s winter flight schedule 2025/26. Beginning in late October, Condor will operate up to two daily flights to both Milan and Prague.
“Milan and Prague have already proven to be highly popular not only among business and city travellers but also as connecting flights to Condor’s long-haul network from Frankfurt,” said Gerber. “By incorporating these destinations into our winter schedule, we are responding to customer demand while strengthening our presence in our new city markets.”
In addition to these two European city destinations, Condor guests will also benefit from the city flights in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) during the winter timetable. Berlin (BER), Hamburg (HAM), Munich (MUC), Vienna (VIE) and Zurich (ZRH) will be connected to Frankfurt (FRA) three times daily.
KUCHING, 15 July 2025: Sarawak Tourism Board monitors the green credentials of its Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 held last month, 20 to 22 June, reporting a highly successful waste management effort and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Held at the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village, with a beach and rainforest backdrop, the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 generated a total of 3,543.3 kilogrammes of waste, with 1,550.0 kilogrammes — or 31.3% — successfully diverted thanks to robust waste management systems.
Our Green Warriors in action — keeping the festival grounds clean and green, one piece of rubbish at a time.
In comparison, the 2024 edition recorded a higher volume of waste at 4,581.72 kilogrammes, with 1,712.7 kilogrammes — over 37% — diverted. While the figures vary year to year, with 2025 welcoming 22,000 attendees, the festival successfully
maintained a waste diversion rate above 30%, underscoring consistent efforts toward environmental sustainability regardless of scale.
Breakdown as follows:
• OCC / Paper: 215.7 kg recycled
• Plastic: 410.8 kg recycled
• Metal: 271.0 kg recycled
• Glass: 225.0 kg recycled
• Used cooking oil: 21.9 kg recycled
• Food waste: 413.6 kg composted
• General waste: 1,976.3 kg
“This outcome is directly in line with the Sarawak Tourism Board’s vision of making RWMF 2025 a truly sustainable and eco-friendly festival in the region,” said Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.
Puan Sharzede also highly commended the festival-goers for their increased environmental consciousness this year. “The festival’s success in maintaining a pristine environment over the three days wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our attendees,” she stated.
“Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to Trienekens Sarawak for providing the crucial waste segregation bins, which were instrumental in diverting waste from landfills. It was a fantastic demonstration of community and collaboration for a greener festival!”
The RWMF 2025, themed ‘Connections: One Earth, One Love,’ not only celebrated diverse music and cultures but also reinforced a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. The successful waste management programme is a testament to this overarching mission.
For more information on Sarawak’s attractions visit:
SINGAPORE, 15 July 2025: Marriott International appoints Cristiano Rinaldi as Chief of Lodging Product & Services Officer for the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region.
This new role represents a milestone for Marriott’s APEC organisation, coinciding with the introduction of the Lodging Product & Services structure. The integrated team, comprising operations, brand and global design, will serve as a unified function that drives operational excellence, enhances service delivery, and fosters innovation across Marriott’s portfolio of over 635 operating properties spanning 25 brands in 22 countries and territories in the region.
Cristiano Renaldi
Rinaldi brings to this role over two decades of experience with Marriott and within the luxury hospitality sector globally. Beginning his career at The Ritz-Carlton Doha in 2001, he has held numerous key leadership positions across Asia Pacific and beyond. His career highlights include serving as Area Director of Operations, Asia Pacific, overseeing luxury operations for The Ritz-Carlton, Bulgari, and EDITION brands.
He will be based at Marriott’s APEC regional headquarters in Singapore, where he will be instrumental in advancing the company’s sustained growth and market leadership.
BANGKOK, 15 July 2025: Gother, a tourism service platform operated by Search Engine Optimisation, reports a strong upward momentum following a 300% business growth in just seven months since its launch in 2024.
A joint venture between Beacon Venture Capital (the venture arm of Kasikornbank) and Krungthai Ventures (the venture arm of Krungthai Bank), Gother is stepping up its platform upgrade to target a new generation of travellers by offering a comprehensive travel booking experience. This includes accommodations, flights, car rentals, tour packages, and exciting activities that align with modern travel lifestyles.
Photo credit: Gother. Aiming for the top three in Thailand’s tourism market by 2027.
The platform offers digital integration with mobile banking apps such as K PLUS, Krungthai NEXT, and Paotang, for easy payments and other services. This is expected to help solidify its ambition to become one of Thailand’s top three travel platforms by 2027.
Search Engine Optimisation CEO and founder of Gother Anupong Kriangkrailipikorn stated that since its official launch in 2024, Gother has attracted strong interest from next-gen tourists, achieving fourfold growth in a single year, and expecting to continue rising.”
Three priorities in 2025
Diversifying access channels: Gother services are available through its website and apps on iOS and Android, and linked to leading mobile banking platforms including K PLUS, Krungthai NEXT, and Paotang.
Using AI and technology: Gother is leveraging data analytics capabilities to launch a new version of the application with intelligent AI features later this year.
Expanding partnerships: Gother is growing its network of partners to include top-tier hotels, airlines, and tour operators domestically and globally.
Adopting this strategy, Gother targets THB10 billion in booking value by 2027 and eyes a top-three position as Thailand’s premier homegrown travel platform.
About Gother Gother is a comprehensive travel and lifestyle service platform developed in 2024 by Search Engine Optimisation Co Ltd as a rebrand of the former TraveliGo platform (founded in 2015).
SINGAPORE, 15 July 2025: Accor Plus, a travel loyalty subscription programme in Asia Pacific, announced Monday the appointment of Emilie Couton as its new Chief Executive Officer.
She steps into the role with more than 24 years of experience working with Accor and its subsidiary, D-EDGE Hospitality Solutions, across Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
Photo credit: Accor Plus. Emilie Couton.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Couton as CEO at such a defining moment for Accor Plus and the travel loyalty industry. She brings a visionary, energetic and data-driven approach, paired with a passion for hospitality and a deep respect for the people who bring it to life every day,” said Accor Chief Loyalty & E-Commerce Officer, Mehdi Hemici.
Couton has spent more than two decades based in Thailand and Singapore, working in markets throughout the region. She brings a profound understanding of the industry, a keen awareness and appreciation of cultural nuances, and a passion for innovation and growth.
During her tenure at Accor, she has held several senior roles across loyalty, digital marketing, distribution and commercial B2B. Her contributions have played a key role in the group’s significant growth in Asia Pacific, where the network scaled from 250 to 1,200 hotels across 38 brands, consistently delivering above-market performance. Most recently, she served as Managing Director, Asia Pacific, at D-EDGE, a distribution, technology and digital marketing platform for the hotel industry. She credits these diverse experiences as shaping her unique perspective on the travel loyalty subscription model.
“I’m genuinely thrilled to lead Accor Plus into its next phase, one where the member experience will continue to be at the absolute heart of everything we do. Our focus will be on innovating and personalising each touchpoint, exceeding expectations and creating exceptional value for our loyal members, hotels, business partners and team members,” said Couton.
HONG KONG, 15 July 2025: Following the launch of its Penang and Kuala Lumpur (Subang) routes, HK Express continues its expansion in Malaysia by announcing a new route between Hong Kong and Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, due to start on 27 November.
The airline is scheduling daily flights to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) from its home base at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Photo credit: Hong Kong Express.
Kota Kinabalu is a popular starting point to explore Sabah’s attractions that include the majestic Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia’s highest peak), beaches, designated World Heritage national parks, golf courses and world-class dive sites.
HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said: “Malaysia has emerged as one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations in recent years, with inbound tourist arrivals surging over 20% year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. Notably, the relaxation of visa policies has significantly boosted arrivals from the Chinese Mainland, now Malaysia’s second-largest international tourist market.
“Seizing this opportunity, HK Express has been actively expanding its Malaysian network since last November. With the addition of Kota Kinabalu to our Penang and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur (Subang)* routes, we now serve three destinations in Malaysia. Moving forward, we remain committed to offering competitive fares and diverse value-added services, empowering travellers to experience Malaysia’s unique charm with greater convenience”
*HK Express launches its daily Hong Kong – Kuala Lumpur Subang (SZB) service on 1 August 2025 using an A320 with 180 seats.
Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit added: “We are honoured to welcome HK Express to Sabah and extend our sincere appreciation for selecting Kota Kinabalu as one of its destinations. This new route represents significant potential in enhancing air connectivity, offering travellers from North Asia and beyond greater opportunities to discover Sabah. It also provides seamless access to other destinations across the region and the world through Hong Kong, an important international aviation hub.
“Sabah stands as a unique destination where nature and adventure coexist in remarkable harmony — from the UNESCO Triple Crown site of Kinabalu Park to the world-renowned Sipadan Island, and from encounters with orangutans and rich wildlife to pristine islands, white sandy beaches, and awe-inspiring sunsets. Visitors are invited to enjoy eco-adventures and cultural experiences while contributing to conservation efforts and community well-being, reflecting our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism.”
To celebrate the launch of the Kota Kinabalu route, the airline is extending a limited-time promotion across all three Malaysian destinations — Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), Kuala Lumpur (Subang), and Penang—with one-way fares starting as low as HKD88 (“Ultra Lite” fares — including one small personal item) for flights to the three Malaysian destinations.
Bookings via the HK Express website or mobile app opened at 1100 on 14 July 2025 and will close at 2345 on 17 July 2025.
Applicable travel periods are as follows:
Kota Kinabalu (Sabah): 27 November 2025 – 28 March 2026 Kuala Lumpur (Subang): 1 August 2025 – 28 March 2026 Penang: 22 July 2025 – 28 March 2026
The airline will deploy an A320 with 180 seats on the route to Kota Kinabalu, due to start on 1 August 2025.
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 July 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has headlined the growing concern in the country’s tourism industry over recent developments affecting land transportation regulations and proposed amendments to the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (TIA) by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).
Following a spate of recent tragic incidents involving tour buses, MOTAC has issued an urgent call to reassert regulatory oversight over land transport services. Among the proposed measures raised by MOTAC is the requirement for agencies to provide 24-hour incident reporting on tour vehicles. While MATTA acknowledges the importance of timely accountability and safety, the current approach raises practical concerns.
MATTA has called for clarification from the Road Transport Department (JPJ) on the scope of its policy to suspend drivers involved in road accidents. It remains unclear whether the suspension applies solely to fatal incidents or extends to all cases, including minor ones.
The suggestion of imposing swift punitive measures may place an undue burden on agencies, particularly when the fault lies with a third-party driver or transport operator, not the travel agency as a whole.
“Some travel agencies manage full-scale travel operations, not just transportation,” said MATTA Nigel Wong. “To propose revoking an entire tourism licence due to a transportation-related issue, especially when the fault lies with a third-party driver or the vehicle provider, is neither proportionate nor constructive. Reforms must be fair, targeted, and considerate of operational realities,” he noted.
The Association maintains that any punitive measures should be evidence-based, not blanket in nature, to avoid unintentionally penalising compliant businesses.
“MATTA fully supports the government’s initiative to modernise the Tourism Industry Act. We firmly believe that reforms must be practical, inclusive, and aligned with the realities faced by industry players on the ground,” said Wong. “Recent developments, especially those concerning licensing and compliance, have sparked significant concern among our members. These views must be acknowledged and addressed collectively.”
To tackle this issue, MATTA is currently conducting a nationwide series of Town Hall Sessions to address these pressing concerns. This initiative serves as a platform for direct engagement between MATTA and its members, creating a safe space for open dialogue on the implications of the proposed legislative changes, enabling the collection of feedback from industry players across Malaysia.
The Townhall Series has already taken place in Johor and Kuala Lumpur and will continue in other key regions, including Sabah, Penang, and Terengganu. These sessions are instrumental in capturing ground-level insights and concerns, which MATTA will consolidate into formal feedback for submission to the relevant ministries and agencies.
MATTA’s main priority is to safeguard the interests of its members and ensure that the future of Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem is shaped by policies that are not only visionary but also reflective of on-the-ground realities. These sessions are crucial in capturing ground-level sentiment and actionable input that MATTA will consolidate into formal feedback to be submitted to relevant ministries and agencies.
ABU DHABI, 15 July 2025: Etihad Airways will upgrade its Abu Dhabi- Kolkata service by introducing its next-generation Airbus A321LR, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market.
Starting 26 September 2025, all Etihad flights between Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU), will be operated by the A321LR, offering guests an upgraded travel experience across all cabin classes.
Photo credit: Etihad. The Airbus A321LR is designed to bring wide-body comfort to a single-aisle aircraft.
The aircraft is equipped with First Suites, fully lie-flat business class seats, and an economy class featuring 4K touchscreens and high-speed Wi-Fi.
The Airbus A321LR is designed to bring wide-body comfort to a single-aisle aircraft, offering enhanced space, privacy, and premium amenities. The First Suites provide forward-facing, fully flat beds in a 1-1 configuration. Business class features 14 lie-flat seats, and economy class passengers enjoy advanced in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity.
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.
