FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2024: Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan and a wholly owned subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to expand its fleet with three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft.
The new aircraft will begin delivery in 2030. The airline plans to fly these aircraft out of Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which is envisioned to become Bhutan’s futuristic economic hub. Drukair plans to expand its connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Drukair already operates four Airbus A320 Family aircraft consisting of three A319s and one A320.
Drukair CEO Tandi Wangchuk said: “We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in Drukair’s history, which dovetails perfectly with development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and work to expand the Gelephu airport. Our investment in these state-of-the-art aircraft underscores our dedication to supporting Bhutan’s vision of holistic and mindful development.
Drukair is headquartered in Paro, Bhutan, and operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations, including five countries in the South Asian region. Drukair also operates to three domestic destinations.
The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering new-generation engines and Sharklets that ensure a 50% noise reduction, more than 20% fuel savings, and CO₂ reduction compared to previous-generation single-aisle aircraft.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo that delivers an unprecedented extra long range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR.
SUBANG, 24 July 2024: AirAsia confirmed on Monday that it will expand operations in Malaysia to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (IATA: SZB), popularly known as Subang Airport.
The expansion will complement its operations at its main hub at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2), which will provide travellers with additional connectivity and a more convenient option due to its vicinity to the city.
AirAsia’s operations at Subang Airport will commence with two domestic destinations, namely 14 weekly flights to Kuching (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah). The start-up date for adding flights to and from Sepang is 30 August 2024.
Capital A CEO (Advisor and Steward of AirAsia Aviation Group) Tony Fernandes said: “Subang Airport holds a special place in my heart, and it is exciting to witness its resurgence as one of the key players in Malaysia’s aviation landscape. The government’s decision to revitalise the airport into a regional aviation hub aligns perfectly with our mission to continue revolutionising the aviation industry, as the increased air traffic and passenger flow generated by our operations will have multiplier effects on related industries, driving economic growth and development in the region.
“AirAsia’s homecoming to Subang Airport is nostalgic and strategic. Capital A’s engineering arm, Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), has operations there, enhancing the efficiency and streamlining of our aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities. Repainting Subang Airport red symbolises a return to our roots and a commitment to our growth journey and contribution to the prosperity of the communities we serve. This is a step in the right direction for the nation’s aviation industry, and we are thrilled to lead this visionary move.”
To celebrate, AirAsia offers promotional fares for flights from Subang to Kuching from MYR88 all-in* one-way and to Kota Kinabalu from MYR99 all-in one-way, including a complimentary 15kg checked-in baggage allowance. The promotional fares are available for booking on AirAsia MOVE app (previously known as airasia Superapp) and airasia.com until 28 July 2024 for the travel period between 30 August 2024 and 8 October 2025.
Flight Schedule from Subang (SZB) to Kuching (KCH)
Flight Schedule from Subang (SZB) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 July 2024: Batik Air will launch two new routes from its home base in Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai and Krabi in southern Thailand.
With flights commencing on 13 September, the airline will operate daily to both Thai destinations using B737-800 aircraft configured with business and economy cabins.
This expansion marks a significant milestone in Batik Air’s commitment to enhancing travel options and seamless connectivity across Southeast Asia’s most enchanting destinations.
Hat Yai is famed for its bustling commercial markets and street food, while Krabi has its beaches, breathtaking vistas of limestone cliffs, and idyllic off-shore islands, including the famous Phi Phi Islands.
Batik Air Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy highlighted the strategic importance of these new routes, noting Thailand’s popularity among Malaysian travellers, who make over 4 million annual visits.
“Last year alone, 4.62 million Malaysian tourists explored Thailand’s wonders, underlining the growing appeal of destinations like Hat Yai and Krabi. This expansion aligns with our commitment to meet rising demand and deliver exceptional travel experiences,” he added.
He further highlighted the rising number of Thai tourists visiting Malaysia, which exceeded 1.5 million last year, emphasising the robust tourism ties between the two countries and the necessity to expand our route network to better cater to our passengers’ needs.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Malaysia currently ranks as the top visitor to Krabi, while Hat Yai welcomes approximately 2.5 million Malaysian visitors annually.
Batik Air remains dedicated to delivering unparalleled comfort and service, inviting travellers to embark on unforgettable journeys to these new destinations.
Daily flights to Krabi
Flight OD586 departs Kuala Lumpur at 1140 and arrives in Krabi at 1205. Flight OD587 departs Krabi at 1305 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1540.
Daily flights to Hat Yai
Flight OD588 departs Kuala Lumpur at 1135 and arrives in Hat Yai at 1150. Flight OD589 departs Hat Yai at 1240 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1500.
SINGAPORE, 23 July 2024: The 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR 2024) was held at Busan’s BEXCO from 13 to 21 July, showcasing the city’s world-class meeting facilities and destination attractions.
The Committee on Space Research is the largest consortium on space science in the world, and COSPAR 2024 rallied 2,700 space scientists from approximately 60 countries for discussions around future directions and international cooperation in space development. With the successful conclusion of COSPAR 2024 in Busan, the maritime MICE city is rising as a new centre of the aerospace industry. The following is a recommended itinerary, where you can visit some of the unique places in Busan to enjoy a hands-on space science experience.
Source: Geumnyeonsan Youth Training Institute
An Introduction to Space Science in Busan
The Busan National Science Museum was established to help children understand the world through science. It consists of three permanent exhibitions. Exhibition 1 is dedicated to the automotive and aerospace progress Korea has achieved so far. Here, visitors can learn about space science and technology, including moon exploration and international space stations, through multimedia presentations. There is also a simulation of the first civilian space tour that is popular with visitors of all ages.
After your visit, take a tour of the Busan Institute of Creative Convergence Education. Indoor and outdoor exhibits on a wide range of disciplines, including space science and oceanography, give visitors a stimulating experience full of science and education. In the Space Science Theater you will have an enjoyable experience of the birth and development of the universe, and gain a better understanding of the sun, the moon, rockets, missions to Mars, and other space science tidbits. Other space experiences available will have you try controlling a Mars explorer robot and taking a virtual tour of a space station!
Source: Busan National Science Museum.
A Close Encounter with Space Science
The observatory and planetarium at Geumnyeonsan Youth Training Institute offer a wealth of space science knowledge. Step into the planetarium to experience immersive media presentations on the universe, and enjoy a VR-enhanced nighttime firmament where you can observe the movements of stars by time and by season.
The last stop on this month’s recommended itinerary is the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show at Gwangalli Beach! It is a spectacle put on by a swarm of colorfully lit-up drones in free flight against the night sky. The regular performance features around 700 drones, while special performances feature up to 2,000 drones, making for an unforgettable visual experience.
Source: Suyeong District Office.
Busan, already renowned for its tourist attractions, also becomes known as a space science city, boasting an educational tourism infrastructure for experiencing space science. As a MICE city offering unique and enjoyable experiences, Busan is highly recommended for those looking to explore space science.
LANGKAWI, 23 July 2024: The new cable installation and connection project for cable cars at Langkawi Skycab was completed on 22 July after an intensive annual inspection and system overhaul.
Langkawi Development Authority Chief Executive Officer, YBhg Dato Haslina Binti Abdul Hamid conducted a site inspection on 19 July, accompanied by Panorama Langkawi Acting Chief Operating Officer Ir Abu Hashim bin Abd Rahman and LADA staff. The project was officially completed shortly afterwards on 22 July.
Photo credit: LADA Facebook post. LADA ticked off the boxes at Langkawi Skycab’s annual inspection.
A comprehensive inspection is carried out annually to ensure the cable car ride complies with international safety standards and is safe for visitors.
Langkawi SkyCab is one of the iconic attractions in Langkawi that connects Oriental Village in Burau Bay with Mount Machinchang, providing breathtaking views of Langkawi archipelago and surrounding areas.
The Langkawi SkyCab, also known as the Langkawi Cable Car, is a gondola lift and one of the major attractions in Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia. It provides an aerial link from the Oriental Village at Teluk Burau to the peak of Gunung Machinchang, which is also the location of the Langkawi Sky Bridge.
The 2.2km cable car ride takes about 15 minutes and offers stunning panoramic views of the Langkawi archipelago, including rainforests, beaches, and distant islands. It is the highest cable car ride in all of Malaysia.
Fast facts on Langkawi SkyCab
It holds the world record for the longest free-span mono cable car system. The gondola cabins can hold up to six passengers. There is an option to choose a glass-bottom floor gondola for an even more thrilling experience. The SkyCab takes you up to 708 meters above sea level to the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a curved pedestrian bridge that offers even more breathtaking views.
The Langkawi SkyCab is currently closed for yearly maintenance, which commenced on 9 July and was completed on 22 July 2024. It is now ready for its reopening, which is due to be confirmed any day now.
BUSAN, Korea, 23 July 2024: The 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR 2024) is the first large international space event to be held in Korea since the foundation of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA).
The Committee on Space Research is the largest consortium on space science in the world, and from 13 to 21 July COSPAR 2024 brought together about 2,700 space scientists from approximately 60 countries, creating an opportunity to promote Korea’s achievements in space science over the years.
Source: COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee.
As the host city of COSPAR 2024, Busan incorporated the value of sustainability into the international event. The following are some of the activities undertaken by Busan.
Source: COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee.
Results of COSPAR 2024 for space exploration
Held under the banner of “Team Spirit in Space Research,” COSPAR 2024 was attended by officials from the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as aerospace companies such as Lockheed Martin, who took part in discussions about space development, related with international cooperation policies. Multiple luminaries, including physicist and Nobel laureate Samuel Ting, gave presentations of far-reaching interest at the event.
Source: COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee.
Realized sustainable MICE examples in the field
At the COSPAR event, the BTO CVB ran an eco-friendly MICE and tourism promotion booth constructed of recycled and recyclable materials to give visitors information on the tourist attractions of Busan and as a city without producing any waste.
With “Save the Space” being one of the slogans chosen to front COSPAR 2024, COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee was a no-plastic, paperless, and recycling-focused event. Venue supplies and souvenirs were made from recycled materials, and electronic files replaced traditional printouts for visitors.
The COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee joined the MICE city of Busan in realizing sustainable MICE through COSPAR 2024.
Source: Busan Tourism Organization.
COSPAR 2024 provided Busan with an opportunity for significant growth in the space development industry and sustainable growth in the MICE industry. The MICE city of Busan will continue to practice ESG when hosting future international events.
BANGKOK, 23 July 2024: Minor Hotels (China) has signed a management deal for a Tivoli and NH dual-branded property in Yining, Xinjiang, in Northwest China.
It marks the debut of the luxury Tivoli Hotels & Resorts and upscale NH Hotels & Resorts brands in Northwest China, which are due to open in 2026.
The project, covering 1.6 million square metres, will offer 200 rooms for each of the Tivoli and NH brands.
Yining, a bustling city on China’s western border, historically served as an essential trade hub on the Silk Road and now plays a crucial role in connecting Central Asia with Europe.
Known for its picturesque natural landscapes and rich ethnic cultures, Yining boasts numerous attractions, such as the Kazak Folk Tourism Area and Six Star Street, making it a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.
The Tivoli and NH hotels are near local tourist attractions and the central business district. The ease of access via highways, high-speed trains, and flights enhances its appeal.
The project, covering 1.6 million square metres, will include 200 guest rooms for each Tivoli and NH brand, a commercial zone, a cultural performance centre, and residential areas.
“We are excited to announce our first dual-branded property of Tivoli and NH Hotels in Northwest China,” said Minor Hotels Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier. “With such high profiles and strong reputations throughout Europe, we are confident that the Tivoli and NH brand offerings will appeal to Chinese and international travellers.”
Founded in Portugal in 1933, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts has expanded to countries like Brazil, Qatar, China, The Netherlands, Italy and Spain. Originally from Spain, NH Hotels & Resorts opened its first property in 1978. It operates over 230 hotels and resorts in destinations across Europe and the Americas and is expanding its footprint into other regions.
SINGAPORE, 23 July 2024: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced its latest round of high-profile speakers for its upcoming Global Summit, featuring top leaders from the world’s leading Travel & Tourism businesses.
Hosted by Tourism Western Australia (TWA), the event will take place in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, from 8 to 10 October. Under the theme “Ancient Land: New Perspectives,” the Global Summit will spotlight Australia’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, emphasising innovation and sustainable growth. Industry trailblazers and international government officials from across the globe will converge in Perth to advance efforts for a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in Travel & Tourism.
Speaker line up
Top business leaders set to speak include Greg O’Hara, Certares founder and senior Managing Director and WTTC Chair; Matt Goldberg, TripAdvisor CEO; Audrey Hendley, American Express Travel President; Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Company Group CEO; Hiroyuki Takahashi, JTB Corp Chair of the Board; and James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO.
Adding star power, renowned wildlife conservationist and TV presenter Robert Irwin will also take the stage. Known for his dedication to wildlife conservation and inspiring positive change, Irwin follows in the footsteps of his legendary father, Steve Irwin.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “The leading industrialists in Travel & Tourism who are shaping our sector and countries’ economies will be at WTTC’s Summit in Perth. Their insights and leadership are crucial as we shape the future of Travel & Tourism.
“Western Australia, with its stunning natural beauty and deep commitment to sustainability and cultural diversity, is the perfect backdrop for this event. Hosting the Global Summit in Perth enables us to pioneer new ideas for tourism while honouring the land’s rich traditions and ancient heritage.”
The event will bring together government representatives worldwide, offering a platform for industry leaders and officials to exchange insights, discuss best practices, and explore innovative strategies to drive the resilience and growth of the Travel & Tourism industry.
WTTC’s 24th Global Summit aims to be a game-changer, setting the course for a dynamic and sustainable future in Travel & Tourism.
DOHA, 23 JULY 2024: Qatar Airways will unveil its latest business class offering, the ‘Qsuite Next Gen’, at the upcoming Farnborough International Air show 2024 (FIA) from 22 to 26 July 2024.
The Qsuite Next Gen will form the centrepiece of the airline’s presence at the prestigious international air show, which gathers aviation leaders worldwide to showcase innovations at the famous annual air show hosted in the UK.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are confident that the reveal of our latest business class offering will be a huge draw for the global aviation community. We also look forward to welcoming visitors to our installations and onboard our aircraft which will be on display, to experience what we offer.”
Visitors to the air show can also check out the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and discover Qatar Airways’ private jet product and service onboard Qatar Executive’s Gulfstream G700. The airline is the first commercial carrier in the world to operate this aircraft.
MANILA, 23 July 2024: The Philippines has launched a cruise visa waiver programme (CVW) to strengthen the country’s status as a premier cruise destination in Asia.
The initiative will streamline visa processes and attract more international cruise ships to the country, which has more than 7,600 islands and historic cities steeped in heritage and culture.
Photo credit: DOT. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and team celebrate winning the Best Port of Calls 2024 Award.
The Department of Tourism, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) finalised details of the programme following a series of “listening tour convergence meetings” with tourism stakeholders, including the private sector.
During the launch of the visa waiver for cruise visitors, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the importance of the CVW programme in promoting convenience and accessibility for cruise tourists.
“It is imperative for us to fully harness the potential of our destinations and open up opportunities to all of our region’s provinces, cities, and municipalities. Therefore, the cruise visa waiver programme allowing the Philippines to become more accessible, welcoming, and attractive to the world is a welcome initiative,” the Tourism Chief explained.
The scheme provides a fast means for visa-required cruise tourists to visit the Philippines under the waiver process. Eligible tourists must arrive and depart via cruise ship, be handled by a Bureau of ImmigrationI-accredited cruise tour operator, and hold a passport valid for at least six months from their arrival date.
The programme should increase cruise ship arrivals, contributing to the DOT’s goal of boosting foreign tourist arrivals and enhancing the overall tourism experience, which is aligned with the National Cruise Tourism Development Strategy and Action Plan.
Secretary Frasco highlighted the country’s tourism growth and appeal as a cruise destination. This year, cruise ships will make 117 port calls, during which guests can go ashore to join sightseeing tours.
In 2023, 101,000 cruise passengers visited the Philippines during 123 port calls, while the DOT forecasts 117 port calls in 2024 with 118,000 cruise visitors.
Challenges for cruises visiting the Philippines
While the Philippines is working to attract more cruises, there are still challenges.
Limited port infrastructure: Some popular tourist destinations lack proper cruise terminals to handle larger ships.
Environmental concerns: There are worries about the impact of large cruise ships anchoring near coral reefs.
Balancing economic benefits: Cruise passengers can generate revenue through shore excursions, but they typically don’t stay long and spend less than mainstream tourists.
Philippines picks up cruise award
Meanwhile, the Philippines received the prestigious Best Ports of Call 2024 award at the 10th Asia Cruise Awards, held earlier this month during the Asia Cruise Forum in Jeju Island, Korea.
In a ceremonial awarding of the cruise citation held during the launch of the Cruise Visa Waiver (CVW) Programme on 16 July, Secretary Frasco added: “These accolades reaffirm our vision and validate our efforts in positioning our country as a must-visit destination for cruise enthusiasts.”
The annual Asia Cruise Forum in Jeju provides a platform for cruise industry stakeholders to collaborate on creating a competitive advantage for Asia in the cruise tourism landscape. The Asia Cruise Awards celebrated during the forum, honour excellence across various sectors of the cruise industry.
