GURUGRAM India, 3 September 2024: Air India has introduced its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the Delhi-London Heathrow route. The twice-daily service is the first deployment of the airline’s ‘new Air India’ experience on long-haul flights, representing a milestone in the airline’s transformation programme.
Air India’s A350 cabin includes a fresh three-class configuration offering full-flat beds in business class, a new premium economy experience, and the latest-generation seats in economy class. All guests enjoy the latest-generation inflight entertainment system offering more than 3000 hours of entertainment content, which will shortly be complemented by onboard Wi-Fi*.
Guests in business and premium economy will also enjoy updated amenity kits exclusively designed by Ferragamo and TUMI, as well as Air India’s new soft product – Vista Verve – with new chinaware, tableware, glassware and bedding. Completing the experience, the flight and cabin crew will don, for the first time, their new Manish Malhotra-designed uniforms.
Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson said: “The deployment of the flagship A350s on the Delhi-London Heathrow route marks a significant milestone for Air India. It demonstrates Air India’s commitment to elevating the travel experience of our guests to truly world-class standards and to going beyond just meeting customer expectations as we continue to grow and renew our fleet.”
Air India’s A350 aircraft features 28 private suites with full-flat beds in business, 24 seats in a dedicated premium economy cabin offering extra legroom and other enhancements, and 264 spacious seats in Economy.
All seats on the A350 have the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 in-flight entertainment system and HD screens, which offer more than 3000 hours of entertainment content from around the world in 13 international and eight Indian regional languages. Air India started inducting the A350s earlier this year, which have since operated flights within India and on short-haul international routes. The A350-900 will replace the currently deployed Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on 14 of 17 weekly flights. As a result, an additional 336 seats will be available on the Delhi-London Heathrow route each week.
SINGAPORE, 3 September 2024: Hotel Nikko Kaohsiung will open on 1 November, with reservation channels active since 2 September for the first Nikko-branded hotel in southern Taiwan.
The hotel is situated in the Asia New Bay of Kaohsiung City and enjoys a prime location near MRT and Light Rail stations. It is just a 25-minute drive from Kaohsiung International Airport and a 1.5-hour journey from Taipei on a high-speed train.
The brand-new complex features 260 rooms, including 63 Nikko Club rooms and seven suite rooms, five restaurants, and over 450 sqm of banquet and meeting space. The restaurants will specialise in Chinese, Japanese, and international cuisine. Other facilities include a swimming pool, gym, public baths, and sauna, all of which offer breathtaking views of the port city.
Loyalty programme members will be offered reduced room rates starting at TWD4,700 for a one-night stay in a classic room, including buffet breakfast for two persons. This offer is valid for reservations made until 31 October 2024 for stays between 1 November 2024 and 28 February 2025.
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 September 2024: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, through its agency Tourism Malaysia, rolled out the red carpet at the weekend to welcome 200 incentive participants from China.
Organised by Beijing Jingdong Century Trading Co Ltd. (JD.COM), the incentive group will tour Malaysia for the week ending 5 September 2024.
JD.COM is one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms, linking its customers to various commodities. In addition, JD.com provides services related to the tourism sector through its website, including accommodations, airline reservations, and vacation packages. The incentive group, consisting of JD.COM’s front line of top-performing personnel, is visiting Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, commented: “We are honoured to welcome JD.COM’s incentive group to Malaysia. This visit strengthens our ties with China and allows us to showcase our diverse tourism offerings. We are confident that their experience here will highlight why Malaysia is a top destination for both leisure and business travellers.”
The introduction of visa-free entry for Chinese travellers, effective 1 December 2023 until 31 December 2026, has spurred bookings to Malaysia from China. As of June 2024, Malaysia has welcomed 1,449,711 arrivals from China, an impressive 190.8% increase compared to 2023, which saw 498,540 arrivals.
Tourism Malaysia is intensifying its promotional efforts in preparation for the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which aims to attract 35.6 million international tourists and generate MYR147.1 billion in tourism revenue.
MANADO, 3 September 2024: AirAsia today celebrates the maiden flight from Kota Kinabalu to Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi and the second largest city in Indonesia’s Sulawesi island.
Operated by AirAsia Malaysia ( AK), the flight departed Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 0850 and landed at Sam Ratulangi International Airport at 1100 local time.
Flight AK1797 was given the customary water cannon salute on arrival in Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Manado, North Sulawesi.
This new route reaffirms AirAsia Group’s commitment to providing more travel options from Kota Kinabalu, its second-largest hub in Malaysia for both domestic and international destinations, with 30 routes and 387 flights weekly.
BANGKOK, 3 September 2024: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) recognised six PATA Chapters and three Student Chapters for their commitment to advancing the travel and tourism industry at the PATA Power of Networking session, held in Bangkok last Thursday, 29 August.
The 2024 PATA Face of the Future award and certificates of recognition were also formally presented to the winners at the gathering.
PATA Chair Peter Semone and CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid presenting awards to PATA Chapters and PATA Student Chapters. See below for complete name lists.
During the event, PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid reflected on the purpose of the PATA Chapter & Student Chapter Awards, stating: “These awards were established to honour the unwavering commitment of our Chapters and Student Chapters in advancing the travel and tourism industry. They also highlight the vital role these groups play in organising impactful training programmes and business development events across the globe, all while carrying forward PATA’s mission to foster meaningful partnerships that enhance the value, quality, and sustainable growth of travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region.”
The Spirit of PATA Award was presented to the PATA India Chapter for consistently embodying the Association’s mission and values for over five consecutive years. Runeep Sangha, Executive Director of the Chapter, alongside Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and San Jeet, a member of the PATA Executive Board, accepted the award on the Chapter’s behalf.
Three chapters win Awards of Excellence:
PATA Nepal Chapter, represented by Chairman Khem Lakai, CEO Suresh Singh Budal, and General Secretary Narendra Bhatta.
PATA Thailand Chapter, represented by Chairperson Ben Montgomery, Pacific Leisure & TCC Group Managing Director Watana Limnararat, and Dusit Thani College International Programmes Dean Simon Lloyd.
PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter, represented by Chairperson Aung Zwe Wint.
The Best Engagement with Young Tourism Professionals Award was presented to the PATA Malaysia Chapter for its remarkable support of young tourism professionals and educational institutions over the past year. Jonathan Low, a member of the Chapter’s Executive Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the Chapter.
The Best Sustainability Initiative Award was presented to the PATA Malaysia HELP University Student Chapter for its innovative and impactful sustainability projects. Rajesvare Rada, Senior Lecturer at HELP University, accepted the award on behalf of the Chapter.
Recognising its exceptional performance in its inaugural year, the PATA British University Vietnam (BUV) Student Chapter was presented with the Best Newcomer Award. The Chapter’s Chairperson, Chau Anh Luu, accepted the award on stage.
Special Recognition Certificates were awarded to the PATA Maldives Chapter and the PATA New York Chapter for their commitment to promoting responsible travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. Abdulla Ghiyas, President, PATA Maldives Chapter and Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director, PATA New York Chapter received the awards on behalf of their respective chapters.
Photo captions in detail
Top Row, first photo: L/R: San Jeet, Executive Board Member, PATA; Runeep Sangha, Executive Director, PATA India Chapter; and Venkatesan Dhattareyan, Regional Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Top Row, second photo: L/R: Suresh Singh Budal, CEO, PATA Nepal Chapter; Narendra Bhatta, General Secretary, PATA Nepal Chapter; and Khem Lakai, Chairman, PATA Nepal Chapter
Top Row, third photo: L/R: Ben Montgomery, Chairperson, PATA Thailand Chapter; Watana Limnararat, Managing Director, Pacific Leisure & TCC Group; and Simon Lloyd, Dean, International Programs, Dusit Thani College
Top Row, fourth photo: L/R: Aung Zwe Wint, Chairperson, PATA Thailand Bangkok University Student Chapter
Bottom Row, first photo: L/R: Jonathan Low, Executive Committee Member, PATA Malaysia Chapter
Bottom Row, second photo: L/R: Rajesvare Rada, Senior Lecturer, HELP University
Bottom Row, third photo: Chau Anh Luu, Chairperson, PATA British University Vietnam (BUV) Student Chapter
Bottom Row, fourth photo: Elizabeth Chin, Executive Director, PATA New York Chapter Bottom Row, fifth photo: Abdulla Ghiyas, President, PATA Maldives Chapter
MANILA, 3 September 2024: Boracay will experiment with a special beach for Muslim travellers, the Philippines News Agency reports this week, quoting Department of Tourism (DOT) officials who are promoting inclusive tourism on the famous holiday island.
The PNA report suggests authorities will establish a “private cove for Muslim women as part of the Boracay Newcoast project. The site could be open for Muslim female travellers as early as 10 September.
PNA quotes DOT Undersecretary for Muslim Affairs Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar, saying: “Some Muslims can swim in public, but other Muslims prefer swimming in a private area… I’m sure those Muslims swimming in public, if they have a choice, (would also prefer that) because at present they don’t have a choice”.
Foreign diplomats based in the Philippines, including the ambassadors of Malaysia and Brunei, first suggested the initiative.
The DOT official suggested a site has already been identified in Boracay Newcoast, a resort area in the northeast region of Boracay that also houses the Savoy, a hotel that recently secured a Halal kitchen certification.
PNA reported that “making the Philippines Muslim-friendly is one of the priority thrusts of the DOT to diversify its tourism products based on the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028.”
BALI, Indonesia 2 September 2024: International travellers arriving in Indonesia must complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass, an electronic health declaration form.
The ruling came into effect on 30 August 2024 for both foreign and Indonesians arriving at international air and land checkpoints, according to an Asian Trails travel update. The form can be accessed at: https://sshp.kemkes.go.id
After completing the form, arrivals will receive a barcode containing their health and travel information. Travellers should save a copy of the barcode to be scanned at airport arrival gates.
Asian Trails recommends travellers complete the form before boarding a flight to ensure a smoother entry. In addition, the update noted that body temperature scans are active at all arrival halls before immigration checks. If a traveller’s temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees Celsius, they will be subject to further health screening.
The procedures have been introduced as a preventative measure to limit the spread of new Mpox variants. If travellers develop disease symptoms within 21 days of arrival, they are advised to seek medical intervention and present their SATUSEHAT barcode.
DUBAI, UAE 30 August 2024:In the past year, Emirates has doubled the number of cities it offers beyond its network, unlocking travel opportunities to nearly 1,700 additional cities.This has enabled an average of over 61,000 passengers to seamlessly connect on the shared networks of Emirates and its partners every week.
By forging new partnerships and deepening existing ones across the transport ecosystem, the airline delivers various travel choices alongside 31 codeshare, 118 interline and 13 rail and helicopter services partners. Having 162 partners in over 100 countries means an expanded network reach with more and better connections for travellers, seamless single-ticket itineraries, enhanced baggage transfers, frequent flyer benefits, lounge access, and other advantages to ensure a smooth travel experience at every touchpoint.
For customers of partner airlines flying on Emirates, popular destinations are even closer through Emirates’ robust network of over 140 destinations and frictionless connectivity offered at DXB. These are complemented by industry-leading experiences on the ground and in the skies, all easily within reach.
In the last year, Emirates launched 16 new partnerships, including codeshares with Avianca and Batik Air Malaysia. The airline also finalised and implemented interline arrangements with KAM Air, Sri Lankan Airlines, Condor, Flynas, Viva Aerobus, Sun Express, Maldivian, Siberia Airlines, and Kenya Airways.
From plane to train, Emirates customers are one ticket away from fast connections to European cities through codeshare partnerships with Trenitalia, Spanish Rail Renfe, Austrian Rail OBB and Swedish Rail SJ. The airline was also the first full-service carrier to enter into an innovative interline partnership with BLADE, an urban air mobility company, to provide Emirates customers with helicopter flights between Nice and Monaco on a single ticket.
Emirates Airline Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim, said: “In the last year, we’ve doubled down on our strategy of deepening our global presence and expanding our footprint across six continents by forging new partnerships with like-minded airlines, rail partners and air mobility operators to provide a huge choice of onwards destinations, connectivity options and seamless ‘last mile’ access for travellers like never before. While organic growth will always at the heart of our plans, we’ll continue to leverage the strength of our partners’ complementary networks as part of our commitment to help our customers reach every corner of the globe in the easiest way possible. World-class connectivity keeps economies strong and resilient, and our partnership growth ambitions align with Dubai’s D33 strategy to make our home and hub the most connected city in the world, attracting business, tourism, and investment from all over the globe.”
Over the years, Emirates’ many partnerships have paved the way for the airline to form robust networks that connect customers to unique points and provide the advantages of schedule optimisation, seamless connectivity at DXB with access to Terminal 3, and reciprocal loyalty benefits. Its cornerstone partnership with flydubai is an exceptional example of how cooperation yields smoother journeys and more customer benefits. Today, customers can access over 230 destinations across 100 countries, with 275 codeshare flights to choose from on an average day. Emirates customers can book flights to over 90 unique flydubai destinations, and flydubai customers can choose from over 100 Emirates destinations. As a result, over 17.5 million passengers have connected on the joint networks of Emirates and flydubai since the partnership launched in 2017.
For leisure travellers heading to destinations like the Maldives, Emirates’ unique interline partnership with Maldivian enables customers to access 16 islands beyond Male. Emirates’ partnership with Pro Flight Zambia provides access to 13 points served by the southern African airline, including unique regional getaways like Lower Zambezi National Park, a short trip from Lusaka that offers a captivating safari experience.
The airline’s major partnerships with United, Air Canada, and Qantas continue to deliver unmatched customer access to more than 350 destinations across North, Central, South America, Australia, and New Zealand. These partnerships expand connection opportunities, provide unrivalled reciprocity across loyalty programmes, and offer other world-class customer benefits like lounge access.
Emirates continues to expand city pairs on a single ticket and boost connectivity and choice across several other strategic partnerships in the airline’s network.
The Americas: Emirates customers canaccess more than 375 cities through United, Air Canada, and other partner airlines across Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and Central and South America. Customers connecting on Emirates’ network onwards from Dubai can choose from unique destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central, and South Asia.
Europe: Travellers can access over 380 cities through seven codeshare, 33 interline, and 12 rail and air mobility partners, including Condor, ITA Airways, Air Malta, Air Baltic, Aegean Airlines, TAP Portugal, and Siberia Airlines. These partners are in addition to Emirates’ rail partners across Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, and Sweden, which provide on-ground transfers and the flexibility to explore multiple cities on a single ticket.
Asia: Emirates’ Asian network is further bolstered through the airline’s 12 codeshare partners and 42 interline partners, which reach over 500 popular cities across the Far East, West Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Middle East.
Australia: Emirates’ long-standing partnership with Qantas provides access to over 85 Australian cities. Qantas customers can fly to Dubai and access over 45 cities in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa beyond Qantas’s existing international network.
Africa: Emirates’ footprint across Africa expands to over 210 regional points through 5 codeshare and 18 interline partners, offering superior connectivity and value for customers with more flight options to smaller regional points across the continent.
Emirates Skywards, the airline’s loyalty programme and Emirates SkyCargo also work closely with codeshare and interline partners to support and complement network and loyalty programme frameworks that ensure passengers and cargo customers reap the full benefits of the airline’s major partnerships. On the operational side, Emirates Airport Services plays a vital role in ensuring teams are on hand to assist customers so they can connect seamlessly from one flight to another and access the airline’s Dubai and outstation dedicated lounges.
KUCHING, Sarawak, 2 September 2024: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) concluded a successful series of business networking seminars held last week in Taichung and Taipei, Taiwan, as part of its “Gateway to Borneo” campaign.
The campaign positions Sarawak, Malaysia, as a premier travel destination targeting professionals in the Taiwanese travel industry. Three tour operators and three hotel operators from Sarawak participated in the seminars.
Mr. Hafiz Hazin, Director of Tourism Malaysia (third from left), with Mr. Dylan Redas Noel, STB’s Marketing Director for North Asia & New Market, Ms. Mimi Yen, Royal Brunei Airlines’ Country Manager Taiwan, and other representatives during the Business Networking Seminar in Taipei.
In addition to highlighting the region’s unique offerings, the seminars fostered stronger relationships between Sarawak and Taiwan’s travel industries, underscoring the crucial role of Taiwanese tour operators in promoting Sarawak.
Taiwanese arrivals soar
As of July 2024, Taiwan recorded a remarkable 24% increase in visitor arrivals to Sarawak compared to last year, placing Taiwan among the top 10 countries for visitor arrivals.
The seminar attracted distinguished guests, esteemed partners, and influential figures from Taiwan’s travel industry, providing a platform to showcase Sarawak’s rich culture, stunning natural beauty and festivals.
Taiwanese travellers are known for their preference for national parks, wildlife tours, cultural and heritage experiences, and authentic local food. Sarawak promises a memorable and enriching travel experience and is the first state in Malaysia to boast two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are: Gunung Mulu National Park, renowned for its breathtaking limestone formations, and Niah National Park, which holds significant archaeological treasures.
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is recognised as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, celebrating its diverse culinary heritage, shaped by over 34 ethnic groups. The city is also honoured as a World Craft City by the World Craft Council, reflecting its rich tradition of craftsmanship.
Mr. Dylan Redas Noel, STB’s Marketing Director for North Asia & New Market (fourth from left), with Sarawak tourism players, STB representatives, Royal Brunei Airlines representatives, and Taiwanese delegates during the Business Networking Seminar in Taichung.
Famed music festival
Further enhancing Sarawak’s appeal is the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), a cultural gem that drew 26,000 attendees in 2024—a 35% increase from the previous year.
This annual event in Kuching celebrates world music, culture, and local flavours, all set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Santubong, making Sarawak a must-visit destination.
RBA partnership
STB has partnered strategically with Royal Brunei Airlines to complement this, ensuring seamless connectivity between Taiwan and Sarawak.
Travel is made convenient and accessible with Royal Brunei Airlines, offering four weekly flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching, three weekly from Taipei to Bandar Seri Begawan, and two weekly from Taipei through Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching. This robust flight schedule enhances the overall experience, promoting the appeal of dual tourism destinations.
Support funding scheme
To further bolster tourism initiatives, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) introduced the Strategic Partnership Collaboration Fund, designed to empower tour operators by providing vital resources and support. This fund is instrumental in amplifying the promotion of Sarawak
through various avenues, such as facilitating participation in prestigious travel fairs, creating compelling marketing campaigns, and developing unique cultural tourism experiences.
Eligible applicants include those licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) or recognised by relevant tourism associations. By leveraging this fund, tour operators can significantly broaden their reach, attract a wider audience, and drive substantial business growth.
“We are delighted with the overwhelming response from our esteemed partners in Taiwan,” said STB’s Marketing Director for North Asia & New Markets, Dylan Redas Noel. “This seminar has strengthened our relationships and highlighted Sarawak’s immense potential as a premier travel destination. The success of the Rainforest World Music Festival and the growing visitor numbers from Taiwan reflect Sarawak’s unique appeal. We look forward to welcoming more Taiwanese travellers to our beautiful state.” For more information, visit the Sarawak Tourism Board’s website at https://sarawaktourism.com/.
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 September 2024: Travellers have to be on their toes to grab AirAsia’s latest fare bargains by the closing date of 8 September after the airline’s signature FREE* Seat campaign on 10 million seats got underway at the weekend.
The fare deals cover flights to 130 destinations in Asia, Australia and beyond. AirAsia’s Big Sale offers fares for adventurers seeking travel options beyond Asia, starting at MYR339 all-in** one way.
AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer Paul Carroll said: “This campaign has been launched when tourism in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region shows remarkable recovery and growth. “We see a growing trend of travellers opting for more extended vacations, with an average increase of two days per trip, and prioritising experiences over purchases.
All flights on sale are available for booking on AirAsia MOVE (formerly Airasia Superapp) and airasia.com until 8 September 2024 for the travel period from 17 February 2025 to 31 January 2026.
The BIG Sale travel period is from 17 February 2025 to 28 December 2025. AirAsia guests can also purchase check-in baggage at special fares from MYR19 (FREE* Seats) and MYR61 (Big Sale) and are encouraged to pre-book seats, inflight Santan meals, and travel insurance to save up to 80%.
*The FREE Seat applies only to the base fare, excluding airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees.
The all-in fare starts at MYR39 one-way (Domestic) and MYR75 one-way (ASEAN), including airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees.
**All-in one-way fares inclusive of airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Other terms and conditions apply. Other terms and conditions apply.
***Valid for promotional fares from selected routes during initial flight bookings, subject to availability. Other terms and conditions apply.
