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Emirates opens crew roadshow

SINGAPORE, 18 June 2025: Emirates will host a recruitment drive in Singapore on Thursday, 19 June, offering candidates the opportunity to join its multinational cabin crew team.

With fleet expansion plans underway, Emirates aims to recruit 5,000 cabin crew members from around the world.

Photo credit: Emirates Group Career.

The upcoming invitation-only recruitment drive will take place on Thursday, 19 June 2025. Interested candidates must apply via the Emirates Group Career website to be considered for shortlisting and potential invitations.

See: Emirates Group Careers

Emirates will continue to hold recruitment events in Singapore throughout the year, with the next one scheduled for 19 July 2025.

The Dubai-based airline is seeking individuals who are passionate about delivering personalised yet straightforward and impeccable hospitality while creating memorable moments for its customers. With safety being one of Emirates’ highest priorities, the ideal candidate will lead confidently and take control when it comes to managing aircraft services, security, and safety procedures. All Emirates crew will receive world-class training at the airline’s state-of-the-art facility in Dubai. 

Recruitment drive

In 2025, Emirates’ recruitment team will host open days and assessments in more than 460 cities across six continents, reflecting the airline’s extensive network and the diversity of its cabin crew team while showcasing the benefits of living and working in dynamic Dubai. As of June 2025, the airline has more than 24,000 cabin crew members, including over 70 from Singapore.

Fleet and network expansion

The new cabin crew recruitment drive comes as Emirates received its first six A350s. The airline has another 59 A350s and a mix of 205 777-9s and 777-8s in its order book. The new aircraft will expand the airline’s reach and provide flexibility to add new routes to its network.

Training and life skills

All new cabin crew recruits undergo an intense seven-and-a-half weeks of training in delivering the highest standards of hospitality, safety, and service that Emirates’ customers have come to expect over the years. Trained in Emirates’ state-of-the-art facility in Dubai, cabin crew learn invaluable transferable skills that include a knack for communication, initiative, and leadership qualities. They develop the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team, the focus to stay mentally strong and calm under pressure, and become bastions of hospitality and exceptional service, as well as ambassadors of an iconic brand. Cabin crew also have access to the latest training programmes and LinkedIn courses.

Cabin crew community

Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew team hails from more than 149 nationalities. The cabin crew community speaks more than 76 languages – which is why customers can always expect to converse with a warm, friendly voice in their lingo. Crew form lifelong friendships and close-knit bonds within the community, fostering better teamwork, a common sense of purpose and a shared service philosophy.

Emirates’ cabin crew enjoy a competitive, tax-free salary and flying pay, eligibility for profit share, hotel stays and layover expenses, concessional travel and cargo, annual leave, annual leave ticket, furnished accommodation, transportation to and from work, excellent medical, life and dental insurance coverage, laundry services and other benefits. Friends and family enjoy deeply discounted flight tickets, and travelling with their loved ones creates lasting memories for the crew.

For information and to make a flight booking, visit www.emirates.com.

THAI explores Italian travel market

BANGKOK, 18 June 2025: Thai Airways International organised an event, “THAI Networking in Milan 2025: Grace to Growth – Soaring Beyond Boundaries”, in Milan, Italy, to strengthen its sales and marketing strategies in Europe.

The initiative, part of the airline’s efforts to boost sales on key routes and expand the airline’s network accessibility, was attended by key partners and stakeholders, including representatives from the Thai Trade Center in Milan, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Rome Office, Milan Malpensa Airport, ticketing agents, and local media.

It served as a platform to present new products and services to business partners and individual customers while also boosting sales growth on the Milan–Bangkok route.

In addition, it focused on building business connections with the travel trade beyond Milan in other major Italian cities, such as Rome, Naples, Catania, Venice, and Bologna.

In a press statement, the airline noted that “the strategy aimed to optimise sales opportunities in the European market while presenting the airline’s seamless connections to cities beyond Bangkok in Asia and Australia”.

Currently, THAI operates daily direct flights between Bangkok and Milan, using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

A new chapter for Paradox Hotels & Resorts

SYDNEY, 18 June 2025: Paradox Hotels & Resorts will make its Australian debut on 1 July 2025 with the rebranding of one of Sydney’s hospitality landmarks, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel.

Rebranded as Paradox Sydney, the property has been owned by TA Global since 1997. The historic sandstone building located at 27 O’Connell Street, Sydney, marks Paradox’s first Australian location.

Photo credit Paradox Sydney.

Paradox Sydney joins a global portfolio of hotels in five countries, including Canada, Singapore, China, Thailand, and now Australia, renowned for culturally inspired design, seamless service and experiences that capture the unique spirit of each city.

Initially built in 1856 as the home of John Fairfax & Sons, it has since served as the Bank of New South Wales and then Westpac Bank before transitioning into a hospitality venue as the five-star Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in 2000. It is now entering a new era as the Paradox Sydney.

“Paradox is about creating places with soul — hotels that are deeply connected to the people, culture and pulse of the city,” said TA Global CEO Tiah Joo Kim, the visionary behind the Paradox brand. A graduate of Sydney’s Macquarie University, Tiah brings a personal connection to the city, making Sydney a fitting milestone for Paradox’s global growth.

“To debut in Australia at such a historic and meaningful heritage address is a major milestone for us. We look forward to bringing our signature blend of culture, creativity, and authentic hospitality to this vibrant city.”

The group has appointed Peter Tudehope, General Manager of Paradox Sydney.

Following an AUD13.5 million refurbishment in 2015, Paradox Sydney features 364 rooms and suites, meeting and conference facilities, a wellness centre, a restaurant and a bar, all housed in the building’s stately sandstone façade and contemporary interiors.

In the coming months, the property will undergo a gradual refresh to embody the Paradox brand and meet modern guest expectations. The hotel will remain fully operational throughout the transition, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted experience for all guests.

GMTI study spotlights global Halal travel

SINGAPORE, 18 June 2025: As awareness of Muslim travellers’ needs grows, Halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences, the latest study reveals.

According to the newly released 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 — up 25% from 2023 — and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030.

By then, total travel spending is expected to reach USD$230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market.

To stay competitive, travel and tourism stakeholders must adapt to the evolving needs of Muslim travellers, prioritising purpose, inclusivity, and digital innovation. The 10th edition of the GMTI identifies the key trends and destination leaders shaping the future of Halal-friendly travel.

Key Consumer Trends Impacting Halal Travel

GMTI 2025 highlights five significant trends shaping Muslim travel preferences today:

Smart Apps for Halal Journeys: Muslim travellers are embracing digital tools that offer seamless access to faith-aligned services and personalised experiences.

The Modern Female Muslim Traveler: Women are shaping the Halal travel sector in powerful ways, driving demand for safer, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed spaces.

Muslim-friendly facilities: Destinations that offer alcohol-free environments, Halal-certified dining options, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated pools and spas are becoming increasingly essential.

Solo Travel Surge: Younger Muslim travellers are embracing solo adventures, favouring autonomy and personalised itineraries.

Digital Detox Retreats: Inspired by Islamic values of mindfulness and balance, many travellers are seeking tech-free escapes rooted in nature and spirituality.

Destinations Leading the Way in Muslim-Friendly Travel

The GMTI 2025 highlights leading destinations around the world that are setting benchmarks in Muslim-friendly travel.

Among OIC destinations, Malaysia retains the top spot, recognised for its accessible Halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share the second spot, each offering a potent combination of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and dedicated efforts to enhance the Muslim travel experience. Indonesia also ranks highly, supported by its rich cultural appeal.

Other notable destinations in the Gulf region include Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, all of which continue to strengthen their offerings for Muslim travellers.

Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore remains the leader, recognised for its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Thailand and the Philippines are steadily emerging as rising Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia.

Thailand offers warm hospitality and a growing range of Halal-certified services, while the Philippines is enhancing its capacity to serve Muslim travellers through better Halal food access and Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites.

In addition, Hong Kong has emerged as a standout non-OIC destination, ranking third in the GMTI 2025. The city has invested significantly in Muslim-friendly infrastructure, with 61 hotels accredited by CrescentRating and 153 restaurants certified as Halal by the Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. Hong Kong also received the Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year award, part of the Global Muslim Travel Index Awards.

Taiwan has also continuously positioned itself as a Muslim-friendly destination, offering a welcoming environment that respects cultural and religious diversity. Over 230 restaurants and hotels have been certified as Halal by the Chinese Muslim Association, many of which feature separate kitchens to accommodate dietary requirements.

CrescentRating Founder & CEO Fazal Bahardeen said: “As we launch the 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating GMTI, we celebrate an eleven-year journey of innovation with Mastercard. This report catalyses change, shaping tourism policies worldwide. Together with Mastercard, we remain committed to building a travel ecosystem rooted in understanding, inclusivity, and excellence, ensuring travel continues to bridge cultures and celebrate diversity.”

Mastercard Division President Southeast Asia Safdar Khan said: “Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth in Southeast Asia, supporting job creation, empowering local tourism businesses, and advancing national development agendas. Mastercard remains committed to working with governments, tourism authorities, and industry partners to elevate travel through inclusive growth, digital innovation, and data-driven insights. The 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating GMTI reflects a long-standing collaboration built on a shared purpose to help shape a more resilient, inclusive, and opportunity-rich travel ecosystem.”

As the global Muslim travel market enters a dynamic new growth phase, GMTI 2025 serves as a timely guide for stakeholders seeking to tap into this rapidly evolving landscape.

2025 Global Muslim Travel Index Rankings

*Hong Kong received the Most Promising Muslim Friendly Destination of the Year Award, having improved its GMTI score by 10 points — the biggest jump among non-OIC destinations. Download the full GMTI 2025 report here: Muslim Travel, Tourism & Halal Food Market Research, Reports & Publications.

HK Express deal on Miyako flights

HONG KONG, 18 June 2025: Low-cost airline HK Express has confirmed it will launch flights to Miyako Shimojishima, Japan, effective 27 June, with fares starting from HKD118 one way.

HK Express has launched flights to Cheongju and Daegu, with Miyako Shimojishima scheduled to follow next week.

Photo credit: HK Express.

The airline, which is part of the Cathay Grou,p is teaming up with eight hotels that are part of the Shigira Seven Miles Resort complex to deliver getaway deals for Hong Kong residents.

Flying an A320 configured with 188 seats in a single class, the airline will serve Miyako Shimojishima airport (SHI) with four weekly services on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday starting 27 June. The flight time is two hours and 25 minutes.

Flight schedule

UO814 departs Hong Kong (HKG) at 1410 and arrives in Miyako Shimojishima (SHI) at 1725.
UO815 departs Miyako Shimojishima (SHI) at 1810 and arrives in Hong Kong (HKG) at 1935.

One-way “Lite” fares to Miyako Shimojishima start from just HKD 118. When you book a flight to Miyako, you get to stay at one of the resort’s eight designated hotels to enjoy up to 20% off with daily breakfast, or stay four nights and pay for three nights with breakfast included.

Booking period: From now until 18 June 2025 (HKT 2345)
Travel period: 27 June to 24 August 2025.

Shigira Resort Seven Miles Offer

Shigira Seven Miles Resort boasts eight hotels, from cosy and casual to full-on luxury.

Booking Period: Now until 20 October 2025 (HKT 2250)
Stay Period: 27 June to 25 October 2025

Designated Hotels

Hotel Shigira Mirage
Hotel Shigira Mirage Beachfront
Shigira Bayside Suite Allamanda
Allamanda Imgya Coral Village
Hotel Breeze Bay Marina
Hot Cross Point Santa Monica
Hotel Seabreeze Coral
Wellness Villa Brisa

Ethiopian introduces Hyderabad service

SINGAPORE, 18 June 2025: Ethiopian Airlines launched a new passenger service to Hyderabad, India, on 16 June 16, scheduling three weekly flights from its home base at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

The new service was celebrated with a launch ceremony attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, distinguished guests, and members of the aviation community.

Photo credit: Ethiopian.

This new route underscores the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity between Africa and India by offering passengers more direct flight options to India’s gateway cities.

Flight schedule.

During the official launch of the new route, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew remarked: “We are pleased to commence this new passenger service to Hyderabad, the sixth destination Ethiopian operates in India. We believe that beyond providing air transportation service, this new flight will play a pivotal role in strengthening trade and tourism ties between the two regions.”

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates over 50 weekly dedicated passenger and cargo flight services to five Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai.

CX debuts Munich flights

HONG KONG, 18 June 2025: Cathay Pacific welcomed the launch of its new direct flights between Hong Kong and Munich on Monday, marking the first time the airline has directly connected its home hub to the Bavarian capital.

The four weekly flights to Munich further bolster Cathay Pacific’s presence in Europe, coming shortly after the launch of its seasonal flights to Rome on 5 June and ahead of its return to Brussels on 3 August. The airline deploys an Airbus A350-900 on the long-haul route to Munich.

In a press statement, Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers commented: “We are proud that Cathay Pacific, one of the world’s leading airlines, is now flying to Munich. With a population of over 85 million, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area are among the most important economic regions in Asia. This new route will further strengthen Munich Airport’s position as a hub for business and leisure travellers between Europe and Asia, which is crucial for the entire region.”

Together with low-cost carrier HK Express, Cathay Pacific continues to launch passenger services to more destinations around the world. The Cathay Group has now reached 100 passenger destinations worldwide, offering customers more connectivity and choices when travelling.

The two airlines are adding 18 destinations to their combined passenger network in 2025, with further announcements expected to follow. This month alone, Cathay Pacific has launched services to Rome and Munich, and HK Express has launched flights to Cheongju and Daegu, with Miyako (Shimojishima) scheduled to follow next week.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “We are very pleased to welcome Munich into our global network for the first time, offering customers a direct connection between Hong Kong and a key economic, manufacturing and transportation hub in Europe. Customers can explore Munich’s diverse blend of culture, art and innovation or connect to a wide range of onward destinations in Europe through our codeshare partners.

“Meanwhile, customers travelling to Hong Kong can connect to the Cathay Group’s extensive passenger network via our home hub, which now covers 100 destinations worldwide. This global connectivity reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a leading international aviation hub and a premier gateway linking the Chinese Mainland and the world. As we grow and expand, we remain focused on adding more flights and destinations for our customers and providing them with a seamless journey.”

Cathay Pacific’s flights between Hong Kong and Munich are operated using its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, providing customers with fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy, and comfort in Economy cabins. The flight schedule is as follows (all times local):

Together with the airline’s Brussels service to be introduced in August, Cathay Pacific will operate close to 100 return flights per week to 12 destinations in Europe during this year’s summer peak, including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome and Zurich.

In addition to Cathay Pacific’s passenger services, Cathay Cargo plans to operate seven freighter flights per week to and from Europe in summer 2025.

Rainforest music hits new heights

KUCHING, 17 June 2025: Sarawak Tourism Board hosts the 28th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2025, 20 to 22 June, with a focus on sustainability. 

The festival will be held at the Sarawak Cultural Village and will feature performances, workshops, and cultural displays. This year’s theme is “Evolution”, highlighting the festival’s growth and its commitment to environmental awareness and artistic preservation. 

Here are the highlights

The festival will take place from 20 to 22 June 2025 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, with an estimated attendance of 30,000 concertgoers.

Theme

The festival’s theme is “Evolution”, emphasising its development and its role in promoting sustainable practices in tourism and conservation. 

Sustainability

The festival is recognised for its commitment to sustainability, featuring initiatives such as tree-planting drives, recycling points, and water refill stations. 

Performers

Headliners include Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, Siberian group Otyken, and Sarawak’s own At Adau. 

Other Activities

In addition to evening concerts, the festival will feature daytime music workshops, cultural displays, and food stalls. 

About RWMF
The Rainforest World Music Festival (often abbreviated as RWMF) is an annual three-day music festival celebrating the diversity of world music. Held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, it includes daytime music workshops, cultural and craft displays, food stalls, as well as main-stage evening concerts in an actual rainforest setting, under the dramatic backdrop of Mount Santubong. 

Starting with only a few hundred people attending in 1998, the festival has grown to become an internationally recognised music festival with a forecasted attendance of around 30,000 attendees for the 2025 event. This is an increase from the record-breaking 26,000 attendees at the 2024 festival.

For more information on the music festival, visit Rainforest World Music Festival.

About Sarawak
A kaleidoscope of culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals is the best description for Sarawak. Sarawak comprises more than 34 ethnic tribes, each with its unique traditions, lifestyles, music, and food while sharing their warm hospitality. Malaysia’s largest state, Sarawak, is endowed with some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Its vast landscape spans over 120,000 square kilometres, featuring towering mountains and cool highlands, jagged limestone formations, mysterious cave systems, winding rivers, and quiet beaches.

For more information on Sarawak’s tourist attractions, visit Sarawak Tourism Board.

Star Voyager sails between Vietnam and Singapore

HO CHI MINH CITY, 17 June 2025: The all-new StarCruises celebrates the arrival of the Star Voyager cruise ship in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with about 1,000 passengers from Singapore as it starts a mini homeporting session in Ho Chi Minh City for Vietnam’s summer school break.

Star Voyager offers Vietnamese travellers a five-day, four-night cruise to Singapore during the Vietnamese school holidays, with additional departures on 17 and 21 June 2025. 

Star Voyager offers travellers a 5-day, 4-night cruise to Singapore during the Vietnamese school holiday until 21 June 2025.

This is the first cruise ship to offer Vietnamese round-trip cruises from a Vietnamese homeport. Passengers check in for the sailings at the Tan Son Nhat Pavillon Convention Centre (202 Hoang Van Thu, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City) before transferring to Phu My Port for embarkation.

The ship recently completed a USD50 million refurbishment that delivers updated onboard amenities and the signature warmth of Asian hospitality.

“With the all-new StarCruises brand debuting in Vietnam, we are excited to have the Star Voyager ready to sail from Ho Chi Minh City,” said StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh. “This homeport and exclusive sailings are a key step in our vision to develop Vietnam

as a major cruise hub in Southeast Asia. Through this regional deployment, we aim to attract diverse travellers and contribute to the growth of Vietnam’s cruise tourism and fly-cruise economy.”

Star of the Seas debuts in August

SINGAPORE, 17 June 2025: Royal Caribbean has announced musical icon Diana Ross as the official godmother of Star of the Seas when the revolutionary Icon Class ship debuts in August 2025. 

With her music inspiring generations of families, Diana Ross will take the stage to welcome the newest family vacation sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and visiting the top-rated Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

Celebrations kick off in August 2025 in Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, where Star will deliver seven-night vacations to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, including visits to Royal Caribbean’s top-rated exclusive destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

“I am truly honoured to join the Royal Caribbean family,” said Diana Ross. “Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”

The celebration will set the tone for what’s in store on Star, welcoming families and vacationers of all ages to experience the record-setting Icon Class lineup. Star combines beach retreats, resort escapes and theme park adventures across eight onboard zones, including a Category 6 waterpark.