KUALA LUMPUR, 7 April 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) will introduce MATTA Connect 2025, its inaugural B2B travel business matching event, on Thursday, 17 April, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.
Held on the day before the MATTA Fair (18 to 20 April), the first-of-its-kind networking platform aims to connect international tourism sellers with Malaysian travel buyers, encouraging new partnerships and business opportunities.
MATTA Connect is expected to feature over 100 international sellers and 200 MATTA member travel agents, reinforcing the event’s role as a must-attend opportunity for tourism professionals.
Here are some key highlights
The event will include a session for selected sellers to present exclusive travel products and a networking lunch.
A business matching session will be structured with a “speed dating” format for direct discussion and deal-making.
International participation will include seller teams from China, India, Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, USA (Guam), Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Bulgaria (26 countries)
The event will also welcome ambassadors, representatives of the National Tourism Organisation (NTO), and key government and industry leaders, further cementing its position as Malaysia’s leading B2B tourism networking platform.
“MATTA Connect 2025 is a strategic platform to introduce high-value tourism products and to establish new global partnerships. By facilitating direct engagement between international sellers and Malaysian buyers, we aim to drive long-term business growth in the international tourism sector,” said Nigel Wong, President of MATTA.
Supported by corporate and destination partners, MATTA Connect 2025 offers branding and sponsorship opportunities, providing added visibility for industry stakeholders. For more information, visit the website https://www.mattafair.org.my/
LONDON, 7 April 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council responded to the UK’s recent introduction of an ETA for European travellers and called it the latest “tax take from international travellers”.
The European Commission announced the change on its website last week, saying EU citizens travelling to the UK without a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Photo credit: European Commission.
Electronic Travel Authorisation is digital permission to travel to the UK. It is being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays or do not already have UK immigration status. The fee is UKP10 until 9 April, when it will increase to UKP16. You can apply using the UK ETA app or online through GOV.UK. Other websites may charge an additional fee.
Everyone travelling needs an ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for others, but you cannot get a refund after applying.
The WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “This completely undermines the UK’s growth policy. Instead of making the UK an attractive place to visit, this is another barrier to tourists.
“International visitors are effectively exports – bringing valuable currency. The UK is one of the most expensive countries to visit – higher than average VAT, Air Passenger Duty, inflated prices fuelled by Employers National Insurance, and absence of tax-free shopping for valued customers. Own goals that damage our economy.
“Travel & Tourism contributes more than UKP280 billion to the UK economy and supports over 4 million jobs across the country, and UK businesses pay UKP100 billion annually to the treasury in tax revenues.”
Meanwhile, the WTTC welcomes Cogito Strategies, a hospitality and tourism consultancy expert, as a regional member. Based in Florence, Italy, the company provides direct operational support across hospitality, food & beverage, events, and branding, offering services in brand identity, digital marketing, PR, video production, and service optimisation.
Cogito Strategies brings extensive expertise in sales & marketing, digital transformation, and operational management to the global body’s membership.
With a strong focus on results, Cogito Strategies has successfully collaborated with over 100 companies in Travel & Tourism over the past three years, helping businesses grow and reposition themselves in an evolving market.
Simpson said: “We are delighted to welcome Cogito Strategies to WTTC. Their expertise in hospitality consultancy and deep understanding of the Italian market will bring valuable insights to our global community.
“As they continue to drive excellence and innovation in the sector, we look forward to working together to shape a stronger, more sustainable future for Travel & Tourism.”
SINGAPORE, 7 April 2025: Tourism Malaysia participated as the dive destination partner in the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) Ocean Festival 2025, held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre from 4 to 6 April 2025.
Asia’s longest-running dive consumer and trade show highlighted Ocean Festival, which attracted thousands of dive consumers and showcased dive exhibitions, marine conservation workshops, and interactive displays and booths promoting dive holiday packages and attractions.
Tourism Malaysia promoted popular dive destinations such as Sipadan, Mabul, Tioman and the islands of Terengganu.
“Participating in ADEX Ocean Festival 2025 was an invaluable opportunity for Malaysia to highlight our stunning underwater tourism offerings and our commitment to marine conservation,” said Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Manoharan Periasamy.
“We invited attendees to explore Malaysia’s marine life, pristine coral reefs, and our country’s incredible dive experiences. Our presence at the festival also emphasises the importance of protecting our oceans while encouraging responsible tourism as we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026.”
The Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign aims to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant diving scene, which offers some of the best underwater experiences in the world. As the campaign unfolds, it promotes sustainable diving practices that protect these precious ecosystems.
Tourism Malaysia hosted a dedicated booth at the festival featuring six dive operators showcasing their products. Tourism Malaysia is poised to captivate underwater enthusiasts with compelling reasons to explore the wonders of Malaysia.
SINGAPORE, 7 April 2025: British Airways touched down in two new destinations last week — the Georgian capital of Tbilisi after a 12-year hiatus and Kuala Lumpur for the first time in five years.
Both routes operate from London Heathrow this summer and have been timed so customers can take advantage of onward connections across the two continents.
Photo credit: British Airways. BA arrives at the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
The airline operates daily flights to the Malaysian capital, with return fares starting from UKP574. This summer, flights to Tbilisi operate four times per week, with return fares beginning from UKP244.
The BA aircraft departs London Heathrow at 2110 local time and lands at Kuala Lumpur International Airport the following day at 1720 local time. The daily flights from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur are served by the airline’s Boeing 787-900 fleet. Customers have a choice of four cabins — World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business class) and First (first class).
The airline also recently expanded its codeshare partnership with Malaysia Airlines, giving customers more travel options and seamless onward connections to more than 17 routes from Kuala Lumpur. This includes travel to key destinations available to book as part of a single ticket, such as Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Additional flights from London to Asia
The airline also recently resumed flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok and broadened its codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways, enabling connections (check-through) from Bangkok to the six popular holiday destinations — Samui Island, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi in Thailand, as well as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia.
British Airways also increased its London Heathrow (LHR) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) service last week to twice daily, marking a significant boost in capacity and connectivity between the UK and Japan ahead of the summer season.
British Airways will now operate 14 flights a week to Tokyo, including flights operated by the airline’s A350 fleet daily. The aircraft features a three-class cabin: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class).
Touch down in Tbilisi
British Airways has also welcomed Tbilisi back into its route network, after its last scheduled service in 2013.
The service to the Georgian capital departs London Heathrow at 2125 local time, landing at Tbilisi International Airport the next day at 0530 local time.
Located at the crossroads where Europe meets Asia, Georgia is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, traditional cuisine, and picturesque scenery. The country proudly claims to be the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year-old history of winemaking that remains an integral part of its culture today.
More flights to Italy
During May, the airline will add three new Italian routes to its network, including Rimini on the Adriatic Coast from London Heathrow on 15 May and Salerno on the Amalfi Coast from London Gatwick on 22 May. A new service from London City to Olbia will start on 25 May.
KUCHING, 4 April 2025: The Borneo Inspire Legacy Awards (BILA) are open to all business events held worldwide between 2023 and 2025, BESarawak reports earlier this week.
Submissions opened on 21 March and are due to close on 15 June for all nominations. Self-nominations are accepted and are open globally.
The highly anticipated BILA Awards organised by BESarawak celebrate the outstanding legacies across the business events sector.
During the recent launch of submissions for the 2025 awards, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, commented: “Expanding the iconic Anak Sarawak Awards into the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards, a global awards ceremony, has been an exciting development.
“We have many strategic partners worldwide whose actions have impacted Sarawak’s business events sector, and they deserve to be seen and recognised. It’s a chance to recognise those directly or indirectly contributing to the success of Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.”
BESarawak Chairman Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg added: “We are the first and only (one) in Malaysia and Borneo to have an award programme. BILA is a platform to inspire our industry and showcase how business events can deliver value beyond the scope of the event itself.”
With 18 awards up for grabs, spread across five categories, BILA aims to honour individuals and organisations for their initiatives that positively impact Sarawak. Details are as follows:
BANGKOK, 4 April 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts officially opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives on 1 April 2025, welcoming guests to a secluded haven where gracious Thai hospitality meets Maldivian allure.
Located in ‘The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts’, this sophisticated retreat marks Centara’s fourth distinctive property in the Maldives.
Grand Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives.
The resort introduces 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater villas and residences ranging from 78 to 290 square metres. With direct access to a private stretch of beach or a serene slice of the ocean, guests can enjoy as much connection or seclusion as they desire. Each accommodation complements the island’s natural charm, featuring a private pool, Jacuzzi, or both, with select villas offering connecting options for families and groups. The Grand Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa, Three-Bedroom Sunset Beach Pool Residence, Grand Two Bedroom Overwater Pool Villa, and Three-Bedroom Sunset Overwater Pool Residence provide the ultimate in spacious living, including indoor and outdoor lounging and dining areas, and even a fully equipped kitchenette, from which the resort’s chefs will happily serve in-villa tipples and culinary experiences for private romantic or family dining, or group entertaining.
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives invites guests on a gastronomic journey across its diverse dining venues. The Gallery is a vibrant all-day dining hub featuring live tandoor and teppan grills. Bluefin brings a sophisticated Mediterranean beach club atmosphere, with fresh seafood and live music, while Coco Drift, the resort’s swim-up bar, offers laidback cocktails and light bites. Sunset Social presents a premier champagne bar set over shimmering waters, while The Club offers exclusive fine dining, featuring raw bars, expertly paired tapas and wines, and intimate buffet setups.
“We are thrilled to welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives,” said Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives Cluster General Manager Andrew Jansson. “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers stays embodying Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat commented: “The launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is a testament to our commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences in the world’s most sought-after destinations. This resort not only completes our visionary multi-island project, The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, but also strengthens Centara’s position as a leader in the hospitality industry.”
Just a short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is designed for indulgence and discovery. Embark on transformative wellness journeys at Spa Cenvaree Retreat, an oasis of holistic well-being where immersive spa experiences rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit; explore our vibrant underwater life or enjoy family fun at the diverse children’s clubs for teenagers and little ones.
The opening of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquillity with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
Centara presents the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer to celebrate its grand opening. Available for bookings until 30 June 2025 for stays until 15 October 2025, this luxurious experiential package offers more time to unwind with complimentary nights, along with meal plan upgrades, champagne, and a relaxing couples’ massage. Guests will also enjoy exclusive access to The Club lounge and a choice of captivating ocean excursions, with additional privileges for CentaraThe1 members.
About Centara Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.
DOHA, 4 April 2025: Hamad International Airport (DOH) has officially unveiled its Concourses D and E, marking a significant milestone in its expansion and increasing its capacity to over 65 million passengers annually.
The expansion project, which began in 2018, has now been completed with the opening of Concourse D and E, marking the culmination of the airport’s ambitious development plan. This milestone represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the ORCHARD, a 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden.
Photo credit: Qatar Airways. Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Hamad Ali Al Khater.
The new concourses integrate seamlessly into the existing terminal, introducing cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities to meet growing passenger demand. The terminal now spans 842,000 square meters — a 14% increase — while the addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, nearly 40% more than before, ensuring greater connectivity, streamlined operations, and significantly reducing bus transfers.
Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Hamad Ali Al Khater said: “Our focus is to deliver operational excellence that supports both current demands and future growth. The opening of Concourses D and E marks a significant milestone in expanding our capacity and enhancing operational efficiency. This combined development streamlines passenger flow optimises resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger services.”
SINGAPORE, 4 April 2025: Vietjet has launched four new direct services connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou in China.
These routes mark a key milestone in Vietjet’s continued expansion in 2025, which also includes other new routes to Singapore, India, and Japan,
Photo credit: Vietjet. One day left to grab SGD88 fare for flights from Singapore to four cities in Vietnam.
Vietjet is offering a limited-time fare promotion until 5 April 2025, with Eco-class fares starting as low as SGD86 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for all routes between Singapore and Vietnam.
The deal is available for travel between 15 April 2025 and 28 March 2026 (subject to availability and exclusive of public holidays), with bookings made via www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app. Guests can also book super-saving fares on other international routes from Vietnam to China, India, Japan, Korea, and more, as well as domestic routes in Vietnam.
The new routes to China feature daily services from Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing and Guangzhou and from Hanoi to Guangzhou.
The Hanoi-Beijing route will operate thrice weekly before increasing daily on 27 April 2025. A new Hanoi-Shanghai service offering daily flights will also commence on 29 April 2025.
Since its first flight from Vietnam to China in 2014, Vietjet has strengthened its flight network between the two neighbouring countries, now covering more than 50 destinations across China.
Vietjet Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thanh Ha said: “Vietjet is excited to launch four new routes from Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou, major economic, cultural, and tourist hubs in China, as part of our ongoing strategy to expand our flight network. With this expansion, we will continue providing affordable and convenient travel options for locals and tourists, further enhancing connectivity between Vietnam and China.”
The new Vietnam-China routes are part of Vietjet’s broader international expansion from its key Vietnamese hubs this year. Since mid-March, the airline has started to fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hyderabad and Bengaluru in India. New services from Ho Chi Minh City to Nagoya and Fukuoka in Japan will commence in late April.
A new route linking Singapore with Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, will be launched on 30 May. Four round trips per week will bring Vietjet’s weekly flights between Singapore and Vietnam to 78. This addition marks Vietjet’s fourth route to Singapore, complementing its existing Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang services. With this growing network, the airline expects to serve over 500,000 passengers annually between the two countries.
HONG KONG, 4 April 2025: HK Express Airways will add another destination in the Chinese Mainland, serving direct flights between Hong Kong and Changzhou in Jiangsu Province, effective 23 May.
This new route marks HK Express’s fifth destination in the Chinese Mainland. The flight time from Hong Kong is just over two hours.
Three weekly flights to Changzhou Benniu International Airport (CZX) are scheduled every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
To celebrate the opening of this new route is extending its limited-time promotion for all destinations in the Chinese Mainland, with one-way fares starting as low as HK$88. The fare is bookable on the HK Express website or mobile app until 2345 on 7 April 2025.
Travel periods are as follows:
Beijing/Ningbo/Sanya: 14 April – 25 October 2025 Changzhou: 23 May – 25 October 2025 Yiwu: 29 May – 25 October 2025
Changzhou attractions
Nestled in southern Jiangsu, China, Changzhou blends economic vitality with cultural richness, boasting over 3,000 years of Jiangnan heritage. Explore the revered Tianning Temple, home to the majestic Tianning Pagoda, or cruise along Qingguo Lane, where ancient canals whisper tales of the past. Thrill-seekers will love the China Dinosaur Park, an immersive theme park filled with prehistoric wonders. Local specialities for foodies include Silver Silk Noodles, steamed crab dumplings, and shrimp cakes (also known as copper drum cakes).
Changzhou is a prefecture-level city in southern Jiangsu, China. It was previously known as Yanling, Lanling, and Jinling. Located on the Yangtze River’s south bank, Changzhou borders Nanjing’s provincial capital to the west, Zhenjiang to the northwest, Wuxi to the east, and the province of Zhejiang to the south.
SINGAPORE, 4 April 2025: Regent Seven Seas Cruises has marked the keel laying for Seven Seas Prestige at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, a pivotal moment in constructing the brand’s next-generation ship.
“Seven Seas Prestige represents our continued legacy of elevating the standard of ultra-luxury travel, and we are proud to cement our place as leaders in the industry with this exciting milestone,” said Regent Seven Seas Cruises Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague. “Expertise, passion, and dedication to perfection are shared values between Regent and Fincantieri, and there is no one better placed to bring Seven Seas Prestige to life as we usher in a new age of excellence for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.”
Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President, Chief Vessel Operations and Newbuild Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, were present for the special ceremony.
Set to be delivered in 2026, Seven Seas Prestige follows the success of Regent’s Explorer-Class vessels, built by Fincantieri, and will be Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years.
At 77,000 tons, the new ship will have a capacity for up to 850 guests, one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the cruise industry. Paired with suites, restaurants, bars, lounges, and public areas, the ship will also introduce new accommodation categories, including reimagining the Regent Suite and new dining experiences when it sets sail in 2026.
