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THAI domestic bookings continue in Amadeus

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BANGKOK, 28 June 2024: Amadeus and Thai Airways International have renewed and expanded their distribution agreement to enhance travel retailing offerings via Amadeus travel sellers in Thailand, offering continued access to Thai Airways’ domestic content. 

The carrier will also revamp its website and mobile booking channels to make them more compelling, competitive and passenger-friendly. Amadeus Reference Experience will provide a modern, responsive, and configurable user interface that will speed up Thai Airways’ website and mobile channels and create a robust booking flow. 

The airline has implemented Amadeus Travel Ready, which enables international travellers to verify their travel documents (passports and visas) in the online check-in process. This helps save time at the airport by speeding the manual document verifications at check-in, bag drop and boarding, consequently reducing queues.

Thai Airways will implement Amadeus Network Revenue Management to boost and optimise network revenue. The carrier will benefit from this cutting-edge technology when building routes through connecting hubs, codeshares, or partnerships. The solution enables Thai Airways to optimise pricing and availability decisions by leveraging machine learning and customer choice modelling techniques.

Finally, the airline will use the Xchange Payment Platform (XPP) from Outpayce, Amadeus’ payments business. This platform allows Thai Airways to easily accept a wide range of card and alternative payment methods from travellers. Through XPP, the carrier can accept payments globally by connecting to a wide range of specialist partners for services like cross-border acquiring, authentication and fraud management. Thai Airways also benefits from XPP’s enhanced orchestration and analytics to continually refine its payment strategy and increase acceptance rates.  

“This is a major technology investment and upgrade for the airline and will provide the building blocks of our business transformation,” said THAI Head of Pricing and Revenue Management Nuthaphol Amawatana.

We’ll now be able to offer travellers a more modern and seamless booking experience whether they are visiting our website or searching for travel via our mobile app. We are also pleased to continue our content agreements with Amadeus and look forward to exploring new opportunities.” 

Amadeus, Executive Vice President Travel Unit & Managing Director, Asia Pacific Javier Laforgue, commented: “The agreement (with THAI) is a milestone for us, and we look forward to working hand in hand with the carrier on its transformation journey.”

Gathering of Hainanese clan in Kuching

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 28 June 2024: Kuching hosted the 42nd National Convention of The Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia 2024 earlier this month, attracting more than 700 delegates from around Malaysia.

Supporting the event, BESarawak drives the development of Sarawak’s MICE sector — Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions — acting as a matchmaker between local and national associations to attract major conventions and raising Sarawak’s profile as a preferred events destination in domestic and regional markets. 

Photo credit: BESarawak.

After a gap of 31 years, the Kuching Hainan Association proudly hosted the Federation’s event, which also marked the association’s 139th anniversary. 

Established in 1885, the Kuching Hainan Association is one of the oldest and most respected associations in Sarawak and Malaysia. Its mission is to preserve and promote Hainanese traditions, customs, and values while fostering social cohesion, community development, and cultural exchange.

More than 700 members from Hainanese associations throughout Malaysia, ASEAN countries, and China attended the 42nd National Convention of The Federation of Hainan Association Malaysia 2024, highlighting the unity and shared heritage within the Hainanese community throughout Southeast Asia. 

For more information, head to the website: https://businesseventssarawak.com/.

Tripadvisor unveils best attractions and experiences

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 June 2024: Tripadvisor, a travel guidance platform, announced on Tuesday the winners of its annual 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Things to Do, highlighting the highest rated experiences and attractions worldwide. 

For the first time, the Empire State Building in New York City became the No 1 attraction globally. Tripadvisor also named its best experience in the world the “Unvanquished Tour in Porto City, Portugal,” where visitors can explore 2,000 years of history in just a few hours.

Photo credit: Tripadvisor.

Boasting 60,000 5-star reviews, the Empire State Building reinforces its claim as the “World’s Most Famous Building” by rising to the No 1 attraction in the US and the world. 

With more than 8,000 5-star reviews, the Unvanquished Tour is praised for being budget and time-friendly, with entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides.

“With more than 1.4 million activities and experiences, Tripadvisor is a go-to resource for travellers to discover and book their next adventure, no matter what ‘adventure’ means to them,” says  Tripadvisor President, Kristen Dalton. “Experiences make a trip, and our Best of the Best Things to Do Awards offer some of the highest-rated activities from across the world, highlighted by our community of travellers.”

Unforgettable Vacation Moments

Bucket List Experiences: Once-in-a-lifetime experiences that get adrenaline pumping and leave every visitor wanting more.

No1 in the world: Beginner Scuba Diving Adventure with Videos in Honolulu – Oahu, Hawaii

Cultural & Historical Tours: Destinations ripped from the pages of history books and brought to life by knowledgeable guides, interactive walking tours, and more.

No 1 in the world: Amsterdam Canal Cruise in Open Boat with Local Skipper-Guide – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amusement Parks & Water Parks: Theme parks are a crowd pleaser, offering activities the entire family can enjoy.

No 1 in the world: Disneyland Paris – Paris, France.

Methodology

The 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Things to Do Awards are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over the 12-month period between 1 April 2023 through 31 March, 2024.

AirAsia opens KK-Manado route

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 28 June 2024: AirAsia will launch its inaugural service on 1 September 2024 between Sabah’s state capital, Kota Kinabalu, and Manado in Indonesia.

The low-cost airline will schedule three weekly flights using an Airbus A320. This will increase the international network to and from Kota Kinabalu to 13 routes with 83 weekly flights.

Photo credit: Sabah Tourism.

Kota Kinabalu offers natural beauty, cultural experiences, and historical sites. Here are some of the top tourist attractions.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: This archipelago of five islands (Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug) is a paradise for beach lovers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. Pristine waters teeming with marine life, coral reefs, and idyllic beaches make it a must-visit.

Mount Kinabalu: Southeast Asia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a dream destination for trekkers. The challenging climb rewards with breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna.

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque: This stunning landmark is especially beautiful at night when it appears to float on the man-made lagoon. Its Islamic architecture is a marvel to behold.

Gaya Street Sunday Market: Immerse yourself in the local scene at this vibrant Sunday market. Browse through various souvenirs, handicrafts, fresh produce, and local delicacies.

Tanjung Aru Beach: This popular beach is a great place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy stunning sunsets. Take a stroll along the beachside promenade or indulge in fresh seafood at the many restaurants lining the beach.

For more information on Kota Kinabalu, visit www.sabahtourism.com. 

What to see in Manado

Manado is the capital of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is known for its stunning underwater landscape and great mountain panorama. Visitors can dive at the renowned Bunaken Marine Park to experience its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. For nature enthusiasts, trekking up Mount Klabat provides stunning panoramic views. The city also boasts cultural sites like Ban Hin Kiong Temple and traditional Minahasan culinary delights like Tinutuan porridge. 

Flight Schedule between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Manado (MDC)

Ascott names six top appointments

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE,28 June 2024:The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI),has announced six key appointments in the functions of business development, strategy and operations to support its global expansion. 

The appointment come at the same time as Ascott charts a new growth trajectory towards achieving its target of more than SGD500 million in fee revenue by 2028.

Venessa Koo.
Teo Junrong.
Thomas Lamson.
Joseph Wong.
Steven Chan.
Sophie Mougel.

New appointments to the business development team:

Venessa Koo, Vice President Business Development for Hong Kong Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam. 

Teo Junrong, Vice President, Business Development for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. 

Thomas Lamson, Vice President, Business Development and Product & Technical Services for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). 

Other appointments:

Joseph Wong, Managing Director for China, has been entrusted with driving business development, on top of overseeing all aspects of Ascott’s operations, in this key market.

Steven Chan as Vice President, Global Franchise Services and Regional General Manager for Indochina. 

Sophie Mougel Vice President, Strategy and Regional General Manager for the Philippines and Malaysia. 

Campaign to lure top spenders to SIN

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TTR WEEKLY
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SURABAYA, Indonesia, 28 June 2024: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Pakuwon Group (PG) and CapitaLand Investment (CLI) are jointly launching the Top Spender PG Card programme in Surabaya. 

This collaborative initiative will reward five PG cardholders with the highest spending across Pakuwon Mall, Tunjungan Plaza and Pakuwon City Mall with an exclusive three-day, two-night holiday experience in Singapore. 

Additionally, PG card members will receive a welcome gift of SGD10 eCapitaVoucher at participating CapitaLand malls and enjoy exclusive discounts off the best flexible rates across The Ascott Limited (Ascott) properties in Singapore.  

As part of the collaboration, STB, PG, and CLI will embark on joint marketing efforts through destination videos and marketing content on outdoor and in-mall marketing platforms in both PG and CLI’s malls. In the social media space, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and influencers from Indonesia will be engaged to create social content highlighting Destination Singapore as well as offerings from both PG and CLI.

In 2023, Indonesia was Singapore’s top visitor source market, contributing 2.3 million visitors and generating SGD2.98 billion in tourism spending. Shopping consistently ranks as one of the top components of tourism spending for Indonesian travellers, and this strategic collaboration further enhances the retail experience for Indonesians while driving travel and retail spending in both Singapore and Indonesia.

(SOURCE: Singapore Tourism Board)

Air India A350 twice daily to London

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM India, 28 Jun 2024: Air India will introduce twice-daily flights between Delhi and London Heathrow by deploying its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft. 

Starting on 1 September 2024, the route will mark the long-haul international debut of Air India’s flagship product.

The A350-900 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on 14 of the 17 weekly flights. As a result, an additional 336 seats will be available on the Delhi-London Heathrow route each week.

With the deployment of the A350-900 to London Heathrow in September, Air India will have upgraded 90% of all its flights to London Heathrow. 

From April 2024, Air India started deploying its recently inducted Boeing 777-300ERs with elevated cabin interiors on all flights across its Mumbai-London Heathrow route to provide upgraded cabin interiors and inflight entertainment systems while bringing first class back on the London Heathrow-Mumbai route. This makes Air India the only carrier to offer the choice of first class travel between the two cities as well as between the UK and India.

Introducing Premium Economy and an all-new Air India experience across cabins

Air India will introduce its Premium Economy class experience for the first time on the Delhi-London Heathrow route with the A350-900. It will offer guests the choice of 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration in a dedicated, upscale cabin.

Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson said: “The deployment of our flagship A350s and the B777s with upgraded cabin interiors to London Heathrow marks a significant milestone for Air India. It demonstrates our commitment to elevating the travel experience of our guests to truly world-class standards and to going beyond just meeting customer expectations as we continue to renew our fleet.”

“With our industry-leading cabin products on the A350, including a new Premium Economy experience and a host of new onboard enhancements rolling out, we are confident that these daily flights between India and London Heathrow will soon be the preferred choice for travellers,” Wilson added.

Bookings for the Air India A350 flights on the London Heathrow route are now open on Air India’s website and mobile app.

A350 flights on the Delhi-London Heathrow route (from 1 Sep 2024)

Mumbai-London Heathrow: B777-300ER flights with upgraded interiors

AirAsia connects Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Rai

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 28 June 2024: AirAsia announced Thursday the launch of a new route from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Rai, Thailand, with three weekly flights starting 2 November 2024.

To mark the launch, AirAsia is offering free seats* for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Rai, now available for booking on AirAsia MOVE (formerly airasia Superapp) and airasia.com until 30 June 2024 for travel between 2 November 2024 and 27 February 2025.

Dubbed the paradise of northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is a destination rich in cultural and natural attractions. Highlights include the stunning White and Blue Temple, renowned for distinctive and intricate designs. Nature enthusiasts can explore the scenic tea plantations at Choui Fong and the lush trails leading to Khun Korn Waterfall. With its blend of historic sites, such as the Golden Triangle and Tham Luang Cave, Chiang Rai promises a captivating and diverse travel experience.

Flight schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Chiang Rai (CEI):

AirAsia is also offering 15% off** all seats on all flights to over 130 exciting destinations such as Chiang Mai, Perth, Sydney, Almaty, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Amritsar, and more in celebration of its Skytrax win as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline on Monday. The promotion is open until 30 June 2024 for travel between 8 July 2024 and 20 March 2025.

*The free seat promotion applies only to one-way fares, excluding airport taxes and fees such as MAVCOM fees and fuel surcharges. All-in fares start from MYR186 one-way. 

**The promotional 15% discount applies only to the base fare one-way, excluding taxes and fees, such as airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, and fuel surcharges.

Selangor spotlights adventure attractions

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TTR WEEKLY
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The Forest Skywalk is FRIM's second canopy walkway which is located at Kepong Botanic Gardens (KBG). The highest point of the structure is 141 m above sea level. The structure was built using aluminum, enforced with steel tubes and supported by guy wires. The Forest Skywalk is made up of 11 towers and 8 bridges, varying in height from 18 m to 50 m with a total length of 250 m. From the Forest Skywalk office, you need to walk 100 m along an easy trail. Once on the skywalk, visitors can spend 30 to 40 minutes to complete the loop. The panoramic view on the Forest Skywalk will captivate attention, especially from the top of the 50 m tower.

KUALA LUMPUR, 27 June 2024: Selangor is a vibrant state on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, encircling the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. 

It is home to the famous Batu Caves, ornately decorated Hindu shrines guarded by a large golden statue of Lord Murugan and surrounded by playful monkeys. Known for its lush greenery and diverse landscapes, Selangor seamlessly blends cultural heritage with natural beauty, offering visitors a unique and enriching experience.  

This dynamic state is rapidly becoming a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a plethora of exhilarating activities that cater to adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, making it a must-visit location for both tourists and locals. 

Paragliding and Hiking at Bukit Batu Pahat 

Nestled in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Bukit Batu Pahat is an ideal spot for paragliding aficionados. The hill’s flat peak provides perfect conditions for soaring through the sky, offering stunning panoramic views of the town below. Hikers will find the trail to be a rewarding challenge; despite its steep and sometimes muddy path, the breathtaking vistas at the summit make every step worthwhile. 

White Water Rafting at Kuala Kubu Bharu 

Adventure awaits on the Hulu Selangor River with an adrenaline-pumping white water rafting experience. Classified between levels 4-6, this activity promises thrills and excitement as you navigate the river’s rapids. As you drift along, take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of the riverbanks. 

SKYTREX Adventure at Sungai Congkak 

Located in the hilly terrain of Hulu Langat, SKYTREX Adventure Park offers a variety of thrilling activities set amidst calming waterfalls and clear rivers. The park features an exhilarating flying fox zipline, a peaceful Plank Bridge walk, big slides for big kids, and the opportunity to spend the night under the stars at Skycamp, where visitors can enjoy the tranquillity of nature by the Sungai Congkak River. 

Gua Damai Extreme Park at Damai Caves 

For rock climbing enthusiasts, Gua Damai Extreme Park behind Batu Caves is a must-visit. With over 100 bolted routes, it is the premier climbing site in the region. The park also offers other adrenaline-fueled activities, such as zip lining and base jumping, providing stunning views of the forest and limestone formations. 

Bukit Kutu Hiking 

Situated in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Bukit Kutu is a popular destination for hikers. The 10-kilometre trail, adorned with beautiful flora and fauna, leads to magnificent views from the hill’s peak. Easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Kutu offers an ideal hiking getaway for city dwellers. 

Swimming and Hiking at Kanching Waterfall 

Kanching Eco Forest Park, just 21 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, is perfect for picnics and outdoor adventures. The park features a famous seven-tier waterfall, where visitors can take a refreshing dip in crystal clear waters and scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests. 

Water Tubing at Hulu Selangor 

Experience the thrill of water tubing on the Selangor River. A short ride from Rentas base camp, this activity promises an exhilarating ride through rapid waves and rocky paths, all while enjoying the unique beauty of the river’s surroundings. 

Adventurous Walk at FRIM 

The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) offers a tropical paradise for nature lovers. Explore hundreds of species of flora and fauna, take a peaceful stroll by the waterfall, or experience the excitement of glamping and night walks in the forest. The Forest Skywalk provides stunning views of the treetops at sunset. 

Sky Mirror 

Dubbed Malaysia’s “Salar de Uyuni,” Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor is a unique natural wonder. This sand bank, accessible only during low tide, creates a mesmerising mirror-like reflection of the sky. Travellers can join a guided tour to witness this breathtaking phenomenon and discover the diverse marine life that inhabits the area. 

Selangor is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure, offering something for everyone. Whether seeking heart-pounding thrills or tranquil escapes, Selangor’s outdoor attractions provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences.  

For more information on Tourism Malaysia and travelling to Malaysia, visit: www.malaysia.travel. 

Emirates wins seven Skytrax awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 27 June 2024: Emirates was awarded seven impressive accolades at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony in Fairmont Windsor Park, London. 

The prestigious titles reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering best-in-class products and services across all classes, with accolades including; World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment, Best First Class Airline Comfort Amenities, Best First Class Airline in the Middle East, Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East, Most Family Friendly Airline in the Middle East, Best Premium Economy Class Airline in the Middle East and Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East.

Emirates garnered the awards from the votes of thousands of business and leisure travellers in more than 100 countries. Members of the travel and aviation industry attended the ceremony, and Graham Pepe, Emirates’ Corporate Sales Manager, UK, accepted the awards.

World’s best entertainment in the skies

Winning ‘World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment’ is a testament to Emirates’ renowned inflight entertainment system ice, topping the Skytrax charts for the 18th time. Thanks to its diverse content and more than 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in more than 40 languages – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Customers are spoilt for choice with more than 4,000 hours of movies and TV channels, up to 3,500 hours of music and podcasts, more than 2,000 Hollywood and internationally acclaimed movies, 250 dedicated kids and family channels and hundreds of TV series and full box sets, including the latest shows from Paramount+, HBO Max, Discovery+, BBC, Bloomberg Originals and Shahid.

Multi award-winning First-Class experience

Emirates First Class experience continues to be an industry benchmark for excellence, scooping three awards – ‘Best First-Class Airline Comfort Amenities’, ‘Best First-Class Airline in the Middle East’ and ‘Best First-Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East’. First Class, customers can look forward to a seamless door-to-door travel experience with Emirates chauffeur-drive service (CDS) to/from the airport and access to over 39 dedicated premium airport lounges worldwide. First Class customers will experience the ultimate comfort onboard with fully enclosed private suites, a ‘dine on demand’ service including unlimited caviar and Dom Pérignon champagne, luxurious hydra-active pyjamas, Byredo skincare and sustainable Voya shower products, as well as Bulgari amenity kits to stay refreshed throughout long haul flights.

Acclaimed Premium Economy & Family Travel

Emirates was awarded ‘Best Premium Economy Class Airline in the Middle East’ and ‘Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East’ for its newly launched product that rivals Business Class on many airlines. Emirates Premium Economy Class features leather seats with a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, a 19.5-inch wide seat with a recline of 8 inches, and calf rests and footrests for additional comfort, a 6-way adjustable headrest and many other thoughtful touches such as easily accessible in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table, and a 13.3″ TV screen. Customers can get comfortable under sustainable blankets made from recycled plastic bottles, a generously sized pillow, complimentary amenity kits and a globally exclusive sparkling wine- Chandon Vintage Brut 2017. The award-winning catering onboard features a selection of generous meals made with seasonal ingredients and regional influences -all served on chinaware, accompanied by stainless steel cutlery wrapped in a linen napkin. Premium Economy Class is currently available on 15 routes – London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch, Auckland, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, San Francisco, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Tokyo Narita, Sao Paulo, Osaka and Dubai.

Emirates also took home the Skytrax award for ‘Most Family Friendly Airline in the Middle East’, for its array of products and services that cater to families and children, from priority boarding for families across all international airports, dedicated and healthy inflight meals for children and fun amenities, a litany of children’s entertainment on ice, and extra services for Unaccompanied Minors and accessibility for families with neurodivergent children.

For flight information and to make bookings, head to the website www.emirates.com.

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