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Radisson signs project in Sihanoukville

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TTR WEEKLY
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BRUSSELS, 24 September 2025: Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville as the group expands its portfolio in Cambodia. 

Scheduled to open in early 2029, the new-build 176-key hotel will be located in the Gateway District, the first phase of the Bay of Lights, a mixed-use township on Cambodia’s southern coast.

Radisson Hotel & Suites Bay of Lights Sihanoukville (exterior rendering.

Sihanoukville, a deep-water port city on the southern coast of Cambodia, is home to a multi-purpose Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that is expected to be fully operational by 2038. The ambitious initiative will establish the city as a hub for finance, trade, industry, transport, and technology, stimulating corporate demand in addition to its growing leisure appeal.

In addition to its hotel rooms, the hotel project will feature serviced apartments, most of which will have panoramic ocean views, along with three dining outlets, a rooftop pool, spa, and fitness centre. Located close to the beach, the property will cater to both business and leisure travellers. The taxi transfer to Sihanoukville International Airport takes 25 minutes and 20 minutes to Serendipity Pier, the ferry port for trips to Sihanoukville’s islands.

The Bay of Lights development, spread across 934 hectares, integrates residential, commercial, financial, hospitality, and leisure components, including a marina and cultural attractions. Radisson Hotel Group has secured a prime location in the heart of the Bay of Lights — the Bay of Lights International Convention Centre (BICC) district — surrounded by high-end amenities such as duty-free shopping and a golf course. 

Canopy Sands Development’s Bay of Lights website describes the project as a new “city within a city” rising from a plot of reclaimed land in Sihanoukville, one of Cambodia’s largest cities located along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 235 km southwest of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. 

Radisson Hotel Group already has two hotels under development in the Cambodian capital: Radisson Blu Phnom Penh (160 keys) and Radisson RED Phnom Penh (200 keys), both scheduled to open in 2027. 

Sihanoukville welcomed approximately 5 million visitors in 2024, including both domestic and international travellers. 

Canopy Sands Development’s Bay of Lights wins property award. Visit: Canopy Sands Development.

Disney Destiny undergoes sea trials

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 September 2025: Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, is undergoing sea trials ahead of its maiden voyage, scheduled for 20 November 2025. 

The ship recently completed its transfer down the Ems River from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany to the North Sea to undergo sea trials.

Photo credit: Disney Cruise Line. Disney Destiny.

A four-night Bahamian cruise departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with stops at Disney’s private islands, Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay starts the sailing season for the new ship this November.

(Source: Disney Cruise Line Blog. The Disney Cruise Line Blog)

CX reports strong passenger traffic in August

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 24 September 2025: The Cathay Group released on Tuesday traffic figures for August 2025, indicating it carried more than 110,000 passengers per day as a group during the summer travel peak. ​

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented on the results: “Marking the second half of the traditional summer travel peak, August was another positive month for our passenger business.

Photo credit: Cathay Group.

“Our global network continues to expand, with HK Express launching flights to Kuala Lumpur (Subang) in early August. We are also excited to announce that Cathay Pacific will launch flights to Seattle starting 30 March 2026, reestablishing a direct connection between Hong Kong and an important tech hub on the West Coast of the United States. In terms of frequencies, we are increasing our Riyadh and Dallas-Fort Worth services to daily for the upcoming winter season.”

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific carried 30% more passengers in August 2025 compared with August 2024, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 32%. In the first eight months of 2025, passengers carried increased by 28% compared with the same period in 2024.

Lavinia added: “We saw robust leisure demand throughout August, particularly from our home market and the Chinese Mainland to various short-haul destinations, alongside a surge in outbound student traffic towards the end of the month. In addition, sentiment for travel to Japan has improved over July but still falls short of last year.

“The beginning of the month saw the resumption of our four-times-weekly service to Brussels, which has been well received by our customers and achieved a load factor of over 85%. We were also delighted to welcome our members and customers back to our newly redesigned flagship lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport, where they could enjoy an elevated experience before their flights. Looking ahead, with September typically being a quieter period, we expect demand to rebound as we approach the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays.”

Cathay Cargo

Cathay Cargo carried 13% more cargo in August 2025 than in August 2024, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 15%. In the first eight months of 2025, the total tonnage increased by 11% compared with the same period in 2024.

HK Express

HK Express increased its passenger numbers and Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) by 36% and 41%, respectively, in August 2025 compared with August 2024. In the first eight months of 2025, the number of passengers carried increased by 32% compared with the same period in 2024.

HK Express experienced a surge in demand on its Japan routes in August. The load factor of these routes across the summer peak — July and August 2025 combined — was more than 20 percentage points lower than the same period in 2024, as market demand to Japan has not fully rebounded to match capacity. Looking at September, HK Express will continue to offer attractive fares to stimulate demand as it enters the low season. ​

AirAsia makes CEB hub comeback

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TTR WEEKLY
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CEBU, 24 September 2025: AirAsia announced on Tuesday its return to the Cebu hub in the Philippines and unveiled its strategy to transform the city into its newest international gateway, with a combined network of domestic and international routes that will connect local communities across the Visayas and Mindanao to ASEAN and beyond through AirAsia Philippines.

Starting 15 November 2025, AirAsia will reopen three domestic services: Cebu–Davao (18 flights weekly), Cebu-Caticlan (11 flights weekly), and Cebu-Iloilo (4 flights weekly). These services are designed as feeder routes for its expanding international network. These domestic services will directly support the return of Cebu–Kuala Lumpur (14 flights weekly) and the launch of Cebu-Macao (three flights weekly).

Photo caption: (Second from left) Anuja Ravendran, Chief Communications Officer, AirAsia Aviation Group; Nicarter Rivas, Senior PR Officer, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA); Christine Villanueva, Head of Strategy and Communications, Aboitiz Infracapital Cebu Airport Corporation; Amanda Woo, Chief Commercial Officer, AirAsia Aviation Group; Suresh Bangah, President & CEO, AirAsia Philippines; Nyza Archival, Representing Cebu City Mayor, Nestor Archival; Riza Macaibay, Supervising Tourism Operations Officer, DOT Central Visayas Office; Rafael Tatlonghari, Area Center VII Manager, CAAP and Joriz Mejares, Lapu-Lapu Tourism Office at the Cebu Hub press conference held in Cebu, Philippines Tuesday.

“By linking new domestic feeders to international gateways such as Kuala Lumpur and Macao, along with more connections to follow across its network, AirAsia’s Cebu hub will connect local communities to greater opportunities in travel, tourism and trade, and travel across Asean and beyond,” the airline said in a press statement.

Fares start from PHP118 for travel from 15 November 2025 to 28 March 2026.

Speaking at the announcement alongside partners from Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC), regional tourism bodies, and travel partners, AirAsia executives said Cebu is central to the airline’s growth ambitions.

AirAsia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer, Amanda Woo, commented: “Cebu is a cornerstone in our next phase of growth in the Philippines. By linking domestic feeders from across the Visayas and Mindanao into international gateways like Macao and Kuala Lumpur, we are creating a stronger bridge between local communities and the wider region. 

“Through Kuala Lumpur alone, travellers from Cebu can seamlessly connect to more than 3,500 routes across Asia and beyond. We’ve restructured this hub to scale more sustainably, deepen our presence in Asean, and provide more affordable choices for millions of travellers. Beyond Kuala Lumpur and Macao, we are also planning additional international routes out of Cebu to strengthen its role as another global gateway for the Philippines.”

AirAsia Philippines President and CEO, Captain Suresh Bangah, added: “This expansion is about more than connectivity; it is about encouraging local tourism, creating jobs, and supporting communities that depend on travel and trade. To meet the needs of this hub reopening, we have hired pilots, cabin crew and ground staff based right here in Cebu.”

Pandaw cranks up commercial team

By
TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI MINH CITY, 24 September 2025: Pandaw Cruises, a pioneer of small-ship expeditions in Southeast Asia, has named Yves Van Kerrebroeck as its new commercial director. 

Based in Ho Chi Minh City, he brings over 15 years of regional expertise and a proven record in the global travel industry, making him a key addition as Pandaw enters its 30th year of operations and looks to expand into new markets.

(From left) Director of Operations Antoni Strachan, Roser Strachan, Founder and CEO Paul Strachan and Commercial Director Yves Van Kerrebroeck.

Kerrebroeck joins Pandaw with extensive senior leadership experience across Southeast Asia’s travel and hospitality sector. He has a strong record of driving destination development and commercial growth in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, consistently championing culturally respectful, sustainable, and community-positive travel.

“Yves’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Pandaw,” said Pandaw Cruises CEO and Founder Paul Strachan. “As we expand our routes into India and explore opportunities in Southern Europe, his deep knowledge of Southeast Asia and sharp commercial insight will help us grow without losing sight of what makes Pandaw unique.”

As commercial director, Kerrebroeck will lead Pandaw’s global commercial strategy, including developing new itineraries, strengthening partnerships with agents and trade networks, and expanding market reach. 

His immediate priorities will include the launch of the Kerala Backwaters expedition in October 2025 and assessing opportunities for future growth in Europe’s river cruise markets.

AVIAREPS India hosts Around the World Roadshow

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

NEW DELHI, 24 September: AVIAREPS India successfully hosted the inaugural edition of its global “Around the World Roadshow”, bringing the roadshow series to Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. 

With over 200 travel agents in attendance, the three-city event provided a powerful platform for global partners to engage directly with the Indian travel trade.

Photo credit: AVIAREPS.

The roadshow brought together a lineup of international partners, including Scalo Milano and Trenitalia from Italy; Mini Europe, Atomium, Belgium Beer World, and Visit Brussels from Belgium; Sarova Hotels & Resorts from Kenya; and the Utah Office of Tourism, along with American Airlines from the US. 

This diverse participation highlighted the strong interest of global tourism boards, attractions, and hospitality brands in the Indian outbound travel market.

“We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to our first Around the World Roadshow in India”, commented AVIAREPS India General Manager, Ellona Pereira. “This platform allowed us to connect global partners with the right audience, creating strong opportunities for future business.”

Trenitalia Chief Sales Officer commented: “The AVIAREPS Roadshow proved to be a good choice for Trenitalia’s first visit to India: the team was able to connect with dozens of carefully selected new operators. Trenitalia is committed to expanding its network of partners, promoting Italy as a destination, and enhancing sustainable travel experiences with the comfort and quality of Trenitalia’s rail services.”

The successful launch underscores India’s growing significance as a key outbound market and reinforces AVIAREPS’ commitment to connecting global tourism brands with Indian travellers.

Typhoon Ragasa disrupts flights

By
Steve Ross
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BANGKOK, 23 September 2025: Thai Airways International confirms additional flight cancellation between Bangkok and Hong Kong due to the impact of typhoon ‘Ragasa’.

23 September 2025

– Flight TG638 Bangkok – Hong Kong / TG639 Hong Kong – Bangkok

– Flight TG602 Bangkok – Hong Kong

24 September 2025

– Flight TG603 Hong Kong – Bangkok

– Flight TG600 Bangkok – Hong Kong / TG601 Hong Kong – Bangkok

– Flight TG628 Bangkok – Hong Kong / TG629 Hong Kong – Bangkok

– Flight TG638 Bangkok – Hong Kong / TG639 Hong Kong – Bangkok

– Flight TG602 Bangkok – Hong Kong

25 September 2025

– Flight TG603 Hong Kong – Bangkok

For further information, please visit the THAI Contact Centre at +66-2356-1111 (available 24 hours) or the Global Contact Centre at +852 2495 1115.

Super Typhoon Ragasa has caused significant disruption to airline flights across Southeast Asia, particularly in and around Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines. The storm’s high winds and torrential rain have led to widespread flight cancellations and delays.

Hong Kong

Airlines like Cathay Pacific and HK Express have cancelled hundreds of flights, with services expected to be heavily curtailed or suspended for an extended period. The airport authorities have advised that flight movements would be sharply reduced.

Taiwan

Airlines such as Thai Airways, China Airlines (CAL), and Tigerair Taiwan have either cancelled or rescheduled international and domestic flights due to the typhoon warnings.

Philippines

As the storm, locally known as “Nando,” has battered northern Luzon, authorities in the Philippines have suspended work and classes, and flights have been impacted as a result.

Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status regularly through their official websites, apps, or customer service centres before heading to the airport. They are also offering rebooking options and waiving ticket change fees for affected travellers.

After making landfall in China, the typhoon is expected to weaken significantly as it moves over land and interacts with a cold air mass moving south from the continent.

Reaching Vietnam

The storm is forecast to enter the Gulf of Tonkin and make landfall in northern Vietnam, with a predicted landfall around 25 Thursday, September 2025. The main impact will be felt in the coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Ha Tinh provinces, with heavy rain and strong winds.

Air India Express adds Bengaluru-Bangkok route

By
TTR WEEKLY
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NEW DELHI, 23 September 2025: Air India Express will start daily direct flights between Bengaluru and Bangkok on 18 October, offering travellers from Bengaluru and neighbouring regions convenient, non-stop connectivity to Thailand.

Photo credit: Air India Express.

To celebrate the launch, special introductory Xpress Value fares start at INR16,800 for a round trip. The one-way fare for Bengaluru – Bangkok is INR9,000 and Bangkok – Bengaluru is INR8,850. Bookings are now open on the airline’s website, mobile app, and primary booking channels.

This new direct route to the Thai capital provides greater choice and convenience for both leisure and business travellers, strengthening Air India Express’ presence in Thailand. The airline already connects Bangkok with Lucknow, Pune, and Surat in India, and operates direct flights between Hyderabad and Phuket. 

Bengaluru is the largest domestic station of Air India Express, with 440 weekly flights directly connecting 30 domestic destinations and four international destinations. The airline has recently expanded its domestic network from Bengaluru, launching new direct services to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun, enhancing connectivity between the tech capital and these cities.

Air India Express offers ‘Xpress Biz’ seats, the airline’s business-class equivalent, across more than 40 new aircraft, along with ‘Xpress Ahead’ priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling. 

(Source: Air India Express).

Experience the magic of Durga Puja

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

NEW DELHI, 23 September 2025: Celebrated from 28 September to 5 October, Durga Puja in Bengal is not just a festival — it’s an emotion that sweeps through every street, courtyard, and community. 

As the sound of dhak drums echoes and pandals glow with breathtaking artistry, the state transforms into a vibrant stage where devotion meets creativity. 

Photo credit: Thomas Cook India. Siliguri, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, offers a unique Durga Puja experience.

As Bengal gears up for its grandest celebration, Durga Puja, the region comes alive with devotion, artistry, and community spirit. To help travellers plan their festive journey, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated a list of five destinations that capture the magic of Durga Puja in Bengal. From Kolkata’s bustling alleys to the serene towns of North Bengal, these places promise an unforgettable immersion into Bengal’s cultural soul.

1. Kolkata – The Heartbeat of Durga Puja

Kolkata* is the epicentre of Durga Puja celebrations, where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly. The city’s famous pandals—like Kumartuli Park, College Street, and Ballygunge Cultural—are known for their awe-inspiring themes and intricate idols. Bonedi bari (ancestral house) pujas in North Kolkata give a glimpse into centuries-old customs. Pandal-hopping on crisp autumn nights, while sampling street food like phuchkas and kathi rolls, is an experience that defines the season.

2. Shantiniketan – A Cultural and Artistic Escape

Shantiniketan, the land of Rabindranath Tagore, offers a more serene and artistic take on Durga Puja. The celebrations here are intertwined with Bengal’s literary and cultural heritage. Folk performances, baul music, and local handicrafts set the tone for a soulful festive experience. The peaceful ambience and open-air festivities make it perfect for travellers who want to soak in the spirit of Puja without the overwhelming crowds.

3. Durgapur – Community Spirit and Contemporary Pujas

In Durgapur, Durga Puja is celebrated with community warmth and vibrant modern themes. Its pandals showcase a blend of traditional rituals and contemporary artistry, making it an excellent choice for families. Cultural programs, local fairs, and food stalls add to the festive cheer, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors who want to experience Bengal’s communal spirit up close.

4. Siliguri – Festivities with Himalayan Backdrops

Siliguri, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, offers a unique Durga Puja experience. The city’s pandals reflect both traditional motifs and innovative designs, all set against breathtaking mountain views. The cooler weather makes pandal-hopping a delight, and the location is ideal for travellers who wish to combine the festivities with a quick getaway to Darjeeling or Kalimpong.

5. Cooch Behar – Royal Traditions and Heritage Charm

Cooch Behar, with its palatial architecture and regal history, celebrates Durga Puja with a sense of grandeur and heritage. The festivities often take place in historic courtyards and royal settings, offering visitors a glimpse into Bengal’s aristocratic past. Its slightly offbeat location makes it a hidden gem for those seeking a distinctive cultural experience.

Durga Puja in Bengal is more than a festival—it’s a living tapestry of devotion, art, music, and community. Whether you’re mesmerised by Kolkata’s dazzling pandals, enchanted by Shantiniketan’s artistic ambience, or drawn to the royal splendour of Cooch Behar, each destination offers a unique slice of Bengal’s festive spirit. Travelling through the state during Durga Puja means immersing yourself in its traditions, savouring its flavours, and witnessing a celebration that unites millions in joy. 

With their curated list, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel invite travellers to embark on a journey through these incredible places and truly experience the heart of Bengal during Durga Puja.

*Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharadotsava, is a major Hindu festival honouring the goddess Durga and commemorating her victory over Mahishasura. In 2021, ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. (Source: Wikipedia).

For more information, visit Thomas Cook or SOTC

Emirates toasts to Oktoberfest

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TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, UAE, 23 September 2025: Emirates is celebrating the German festival Oktoberfest with traditional Bavarian cuisine and an array of German entertainment onboard flights to and from Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Frankfurt, as well as in German airport lounges until 5 October.

Oktoberfest onboard Emirates will see customers enjoy traditional treats and meals across all classes, bistro bites in the iconic A380 Onboard Lounge, a new Oktoberfest-style movie snack in First Class, and a variety of classic Oktoberfest dishes in the world-class airport lounges.

Across the airport lounges of Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Düsseldorf, an array of dishes and drinks will be offered to customers, including Oktoberfest beer, Käsepätzle with melted cheese and roasted onions, light bites of Obatzda and pretzel – a cheese delicacy, Wurstsalat sausage salad, essential pretzels and chicken sausages with sauerkraut, or chicken thighs with Bavarian potato salad.

Emirates will be celebrating Oktoberfest on board triple daily flights from Dubai to Frankfurt, and double daily flights to Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg. For more information on flights or to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.

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