BANGKOK, 27 June 2024: NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard will be the first NH-branded hotel in Bangkok and the second in Thailand, as Minor Hotels plans to expand the brand outside of Europe and the Americas.
Global hospitality group Minor Hotels announced earlier this week that it had signed a management agreement with Boulevard Hotel Company Limited. The property is due to open under the NH brand during Q4 2024. It will be the second NH property in Thailand after the NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort.
NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard, Expected to Debut in Q4 2024.
Located in Bangkok’s bustling commercial and shopping district, just off Sukhumvit Road, the 309-room property is just a 200-metre walk from the BTS SkyTrain public transportation system at 2 Soi 5 Sukhumvit. It’s also also close to Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Currently operating as the Boulevard Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit, the property recently completed extensive renovations of its rooms, lobby, restaurant and pool areas. The amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar, meeting facilities, a fitness centre and a large outdoor swimming pool.
Minor Hotels expects to rebrand the property as NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard in Q4 of this year after adding NH’s brand touches over the coming months. In the interim, the hotel will operate as the Boulevard Hotel Bangkok under Minor Hotels’ management. The property was previously branded Amari Boulevard under the management of Onyx Hospitality before the owners embarked on an extensive renovation project.
SINGAPORE, 27 June 2024: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), an alliance of independent hotel brands, revealed key 2024 Japanese travel and tourism trends during its global CEO conference last week.
Staged in Japan for the first time, the CEOs of more than 40 GHA hotel brands gathered in Tokyo to hear insights into the preferences and behaviours of Japanese travellers.
GHA CEO Chris Hartley, alongside Minor Hotel Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier and Pan Pacific Hotels Group CEO Choe Peng Sum.
GHA Discovery, a multi-brand loyalty programme that has 340,000 members in Japan alone, was the source of insights and data presented by GHA CEOs. The top international destinations for the Japan-based GHA Discovery members in 2024 are the US and Thailand, in terms of nights stayed and spending, followed by Singapore.
Japan remains the most popular inbound destination among GHA Discovery’s 27-million-strong global membership. In 2024, the US was the top source market, followed by Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Delving deeper into Japanese travel trends, a recent survey conducted by Interbrand Japan in collaboration with Global Hotel Alliance showed that international travel is picking up slowly.
Japan’s outbound travel data for 2023 shows travellers reached half of the 2019 total, indicating a slower recovery rate compared to domestic travel demand. 74% of respondents do not plan to travel internationally in 2024, citing high prices, a weak Japanese Yen, and uncertainty as main deterrents.
New experiences and safety matters
Japanese tourists travelling overseas seek new experiences (45% of respondents) and are eager to spend days sightseeing and shopping (42%), while familiar and secure experiences and relaxing in hotels are less important. Safety, comfort, and affordability are crucial factors in destination choice, with high-end customers seeking adventurous new experiences.
Hotel quality counts
Quality of accommodation, a convenient location, and affordability are important factors in hotel selection. High-end customers also value hotel amenities and accommodation size.
Loyalty starts with the basics
Members of loyalty programmes appreciate membership rates, discounts, and rewards the most, while high-end customers place additional importance on emotional experiences and service quality.
Market nuances
Supporting its research, Interbrand Japan’s focus group identified affluent travellers who have a strong appetite for international travel. Bucking the general market trend, these travellers are not as concerned about safety but are motivated by unique, local, and exclusive experiences in their destinations, informed by other ‘in the know’ travellers rather than mainstream guidebooks. They identified Budapest, Rome, Prague and mountainous destinations in the US and Switzerland as current travel inspirations.
Affluent Japanese travellers also prefer independent hotels with local character and charm to cookie-cutter brands and value loyalty programme benefits that make their travel experience more seamless and convenient, such as upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and early check-in/late checkout.
The GHA CEO event in Tokyo celebrated the alliance’s 20th anniversary. Since its establishment in 2004, GHA has grown into a collection of 40 brands with more than 800 hotels, resorts and palaces in 100 countries.
SINGAPORE, 27 June 2024: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, announced this week the addition of Chennai, India, to its growing network of destinations.
Starting 11 July 2024, SalamAir will operate two weekly flights to Chennai, every Thursday and Saturday, using an A320neo, between Muscat and the vibrant South Indian city.
Flight OV747 departs Muscat at 2300 and arrives in Chennai at 0415. Flight OV748 departs Chennai at 0500 and arrives in Muscat at 0725.
With Chennai’s addition, SalamAir will achieve another significant step in its mission to increase connectivity between India and Muscat and throughout the region. Chennai joins the ranks of other recently launched destinations, including Delhi, Cairo, Islamabad, and Lahore.
We are thrilled to introduce our new service to Chennai, a significant milestone that enhances the connectivity of the South Indian community in Oman and the wider Gulf region, said SalamAir Director of Revenue and Network Planning Harish Kutty.
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 June 2024: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) now serves 70 airlines, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 69 airlines, and more airlines are scheduled to resume flights to the Malaysian capital, the Malaysia Airports Group reported this week.
In an update on efforts to improve connectivity at the country gateway airport, the aviation group noted that by the end of the year, at least three more airlines will resume flights to Kuala Lumpur.
Photo credit: MAG facebook post.
MAG identified British Airways, Vietjet Air (increasing flights), and 9 Air, noting that the group is actively pursuing 15 more foreign carriers to operate in the country over the next two years to elevate KLIA as a preferred international hub.
British Airways will operate daily flights between the Malaysian capital city and Singapore starting in November using a 787-9 aircraft. British Airways suspended its service to Kuala Lumpur in 2022. 9Air is a Chinese low-cost airline based in Guangzhou, owned by Juneyao Air.
To bolster air travel, the group has invested significantly in initiatives such as the Airline X-celeration Programme, which includes landing fee waivers, airport office rental rebates, and marketing support. About MYR3 million has been allocated for marketing support on Malaysia-China routes so far, underscoring the group’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and attracting more airlines.
During May 2024, MAG saw a continuous uptick in traffic, which was attributed to several factors, including the extension of visa-free travel to China and the introduction of new services by AirAsia from KLIA to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad and Juneyao Air from Penang International Airport (PEN) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at four times weekly each. AirAsia also resumed flights from KLIA to Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar and China Eastern Airlines to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH), both with thrice-weekly flights.
Malaysia Airports Group continued its robust passenger traffic growth in May 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the same month in 2019. The group recorded 11.2 million passengers across its 39 airports in Malaysia, along with its Turkish asset, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, representing a 5.1% increase over May 2019 figures. This performance showcases a strong growth trajectory.
May 2024’s total traffic of 11.2 million passengers also marks a 2% increase from 11 million passengers recorded in the previous month, setting a new milestone for the group and surpassing the peak levels achieved in February 2024. Additionally, this achievement marks the fifth consecutive month with over 10 million total passengers.
On the local front, Malaysia Airports recorded 7.7 million passenger movements across its local network of airports, showing a steady performance with a 1% increase from the previous month’s 7.6 million passengers. The airports in Malaysia welcomed 4 million international passengers in May 2024, marking a 2% increase from the 3.9 million passengers in the previous month.
Meanwhile, domestic traffic at the local airports maintained its steady performance, with 3.7 million passengers recorded last month. This consistency in domestic travel highlights the robust demand for air travel within the country, further supported by enhanced connectivity and continuous improvements in airport services. In May 2024, Overall, the combined growth in international and domestic traffic underscores the resilience and attractiveness of Malaysia’s aviation sector.
HONG KONG, 27 June 2024: Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) Tuesday released air traffic statistics for Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) for May 2024, confirming the airport handled 4.07 million passengers and 29,855 flight movements, marking year-on-year increases of 30.8% and 34.5%, respectively.
Mainland China’s Labour Day “Golden Week” holidays, starting at the end of April, contributed significantly to traffic growth among all passenger segments in May. Traffic to and from Southeast Asia, Mainland China, and Japan recorded the most notable monthly boosts.
Cargo throughput increased 19.0% year-on-year to 416,000 tonnes in May. HKIA has continued to record double-digit year-on-year growth in cargo volume each month this year. Export traffic remains the main driver of the growth, recording a 30.1% increase compared with the same month last year. Among crucial trading regions, cargo traffic to and from North America, Europe, and the Middle East increased significantly during the month.
For the first five months of this year, the airport handled 21 million passengers or 58.9% higher than the low base during the same period in 2023. Flight movements also increased 50.5% year-on-year to 145,140, while cargo volume rose by 18.0% year-on-year to more than 1.9 million tonnes.
On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume was 47.3 million, marking an increase of 157.9% compared with the previous comparable period. Flight movements increased by 76.3% year on year to 324,805, as cargo throughput also grew 13.1% year-on-year to 4.6 million tonnes.
In terms of route development, HK Express Airways inaugurated a new direct flight service linking HKIA and Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Hainan, on 10 May. With four pairs of flights each week, the new route provides more choices for travellers visiting Hainan.
Meanwhile, HKIA’s “Marine Ecology and Fisheries Enhancement Strategy” project won the highest Platinum Award in the ACI Green Airports Recognition 2024, in the biggest airport capacity category of over 35 million passengers annually. Organised by the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, the award recognises airports with outstanding achievements in biodiversity and nature-based solutions.
AAHK General Manager of Sustainability Peter Lee said: “We are honoured to receive this award, which commends our voluntary and continuous efforts to explore and enhance local marine biodiversity and fisheries resources around HKIA and North Lantau waters. The efforts, namely eco-enhancement of seawall designs, deployment of artificial reefs and shellfish reefs, and fish restocking, were first investigated by experts, with pilot tests to determine the viability and real-world value of promising enhancements. With positive biodiversity impacts identified, we are scaling up these initiatives around HKIA, and importantly, these nature-based efforts will serve as a useful reference for future implementation by others across broader Hong Kong waters.”
BANGKOK, 27 June 2024: Thai Airways International and Kuwait Airways announced this week the signing of a codeshare agreement on flights between the two capital cities and regional connecting flights beyond.
THAI’s code will be used for flights between Kuwait City and Bangkok and from Kuwait City to destinations in Europe, including Rome and Athens.
Starting 26 June 2024, the Kuwait national carrier’s code will be used for THAI flights between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
THAI Chief Executive Officer Chai Eamsiri said: “The codeshare agreement will offer passengers greater choices when travelling between Bangkok and Kuwait City, with access to other parts of the Middle East, North Africa and European countries.”
Kuwait Airways Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ahmad AlKreebani added: “Both Carriers firmly believe that this agreement will enhance commercial and tourism relations between Kuwait and Thailand. This agreement will provide better travel options and connectivity to Kuwait Airways and THAI travellers.”
Subject to government approval, THAI and Kuwait Airways will extend the agreement to routes departing from Kuwait City to destinations in the Middle East and Europe, such as Amman, Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Cairo, Casablanca and Milan operated by Kuwait Airways. Routes to Korea and East Asia from Bangkok and domestic flights in Thailand operated by THAI will also be included in the agreement going forward.
A view of the freshly remodelled Emirates Lounge at Charles-de-Gaulles airport (CDG) near Paris, France. June 14, 2024.
DUBAI, 26 June 2024: Emirates has unveiled its highly anticipated premium lounge in Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. The airline’s exclusive 925-square-metre lounge opened earlier this week to welcome first—and business-class customers and Emirates Skywards members.
The world’s largest international airline has invested close to AED3.5 million to design an extraordinary lounge experience in Paris that takes premium travel to new heights, focusing on comfort and convenience.
Located in Terminal 2C at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport – the Emirates lounge can accommodate up to 165 guests. Customers can look forward to a refreshed and modern design with new furnishings, cosy chairs and sofas, enhanced shower facilities with VOYA products, complimentary Wi-Fi, and striking airport runway views.
The lounge will also showcase an exquisite food and beverage selection. Customers will be spoilt for choice with local dishes and delicacies, including pan-fried beef drizzled with béarnaise sauce, poached cod with vierge sauce, delicious cheese board spreads, and rich desserts. The airline will also offer its premium customers premium spirits and liqueurs, a variety of French wines from renowned regions including Bordeaux, and a range of the finest Moet & Chandon champagnes.
The lounge will also feature unique seating arrangements for dining, lounging and quiet spaces for relaxation.
Emirates’ new lounge demonstrates the airline’s commitment to serving French customers with high-quality travel experiences. The airline currently operates 39 airport lounges worldwide, including seven in Dubai and 32 at major airports.
https://youtu.be/wBdGOnr_OzA?si=MwL9a8dPWxcANTMF
Committed to the French capital
Emirates’ long-standing partnership with Paris Charles de Gaulle dates back to 1992. Last year, the airline partnered with Extime in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to offer premium travellers a dedicated lounge space in Terminal 1. With renovations in Terminal 2 now complete, customers can expect even more “fly better” moments and world-class services the airline is renowned for.
Emirates currently serves the French capital with 21 weekly flights, including three daily A380 flights. The airline also serves Nice with a daily A380 service and Lyon with a daily Boeing 777 flight (which will become a daily A350 service from 1 December). The airline’s extensive network of over 130 passenger destinations offers French customers access to an array of onward connections to Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa and Australasia.
For more information on flights or to book, head to the website:www.emirates.com.
BANGKOK, 26 June 2024: The hotel bar has an ambience unlike anywhere else. A vibrant, multicultural hub of activity, it is the place where weary travellers come to unwind after a long day on the road.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Thailand, understands the iconic status of the hotel bar and has curated a collection of original, inviting venues that are designed to reflect the authentic spirit of their locale. Every bar blends inspiring interior design and creative mixology from beachfront to rooftop with Centara’s signature warm and heartfelt service.
Here is a selection of the innovative bars that are elevating the social scene in Asia.
Savour innovative cocktails, botanical infusions and premium labels at The Gin Run.
Taste the purity of nature at The Gin Run! This sophisticated bar at Centara Reserve Samui will transport guests’ senses to the lush forests and mountains of Chiang Rai, where fresh herbs and other botanicals grow – to be infused into four kinds of gin: spicy, herbal, floral and fruity. Sip a handcrafted cocktail or G&T with notes of pandan, ginger, chilli or lemongrass, sustainably sourced from the resort’s own organic garden. Or embark on a global voyage with 51 gins from around the world, including premium labels from Italy, Japan and Germany. Whether you’re a connoisseur in search of a premium label or a casual explorer seeking relaxation and refreshment, The Gin Run will beckon you in.
Entering Automata feels like stepping into a science-fiction movie.
Step into the future at this state-of-the-art sky bar, perched on the 32nd floor of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. Entering Automata feels as if you are being transported on a journey through time and space. Its polished chrome surfaces and neon lighting are reminiscent of a science-fiction movie, while the self-service bar lets you blend your own drinks. You can even send patterns and images from your smartphone to print in your beer foam! The panoramic window frames views of Osaka’s sparkling skyline and creates a spectacular backdrop to this immersive and other-worldly experience.
COCOA XO is perched on the 57th floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld.
Sip, savour, and socialise at Bangkok’s most innovative and exclusive new rooftop bar. Set on the 57th floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld, amid the soft glow of the tower’s iconic red arch, COCOA XO is an illuminated cognac cocktail bar with a unique chocolate grotto and walk-in cocoa pod! Discover a selection of rarities from Rémy Martin and Cacao Barry, paired with signature chocolates from the hotel’s own maître chocolatier, as you soak up stunning views of the cityscape and enjoy uplifting tunes from the resident DJ.
From the red glow of downtown to the subtle blue hues of Ladprao, Blue Sky Bar lets you see the Thai capital from a fresh perspective. Set in one of Bangkok’s most dynamic yet authentic districts, this stunning sky lounge features an elevated wooden deck, comfy seats and endless views of the twinkling skyline. Don’t miss the chance to sip original Thai sundowners, such as the signature Chili Banana Flip or Chalongito. It is no surprise that Blue Sky has been recognised as one of the city’s most exciting rooftop bars.
With a rich history dating from the 1920s, when it started life as the Railway Hotel, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is one of Thailand’s most evocative heritage hotels.
At the Elephant Bar, guests are escorted into a chic bygone era. Take a seat at the long wooden bar and sip a G&T or Mai Tai, cooled by ceiling fans and serenaded by a jazz trio, or simply sit back on comfy sofas and reflect on a day of discovery in Hua Hin.
Whiskey lovers should check out the bar’s sublime selection of single malts.
GURUGRAM India 26 June 2024: Star Alliance won the World’s Best Airline Alliance Award again at this year’s prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards.
The Alliance’s newly launched Paris Charles de Gaulle airport lounge has also won the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge title in its first year.
Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias received the awards at a ceremony held at the iconic Fairmont Windsor Park in the UK.
Celebrating the occasion, Panagiotoulias said: “We are humbled to learn that millions of customers voted and made us the best yet again. Not only does this acknowledge the effort we dedicate to making customer journeys seamless, but it also motivates us further to achieve more.”
Panagiotoulias also congratulated thousands of member airline employees across the network: “The commitment and effort of every employee at Star Alliance and member airlines throughout a promising 2023 have culminated in this award. I proudly accept this honour on their behalf and commend them for their dedication. I encourage them to keep aiming for excellence this year and in the future.”
The Star Alliance lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport opened its doors in October 2023 and quickly became a favourite among frequent flyers. This expansive 1,300 sqm facility is conveniently located in Terminal 1, offering exceptional runway views, a beautifully designed welcome bar, and an immersive wine section for an authentic French experience.
Skytrax CEO Edward Plaisted said: “We congratulate Star Alliance on a fabulous double achievement at this year’s awards, winning the World’s Best Airline Alliance and the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge categories. The latest Star Alliance lounge at Terminal 1, Paris CDG Airport has quickly established itself as a flagship facility and a customer favourite.”
In addition to the Alliance awards, 16 Star Alliance member airlines, including Air India and Vistara, received 47 top honours in individual categories – World’s Best First Class, Best Business Class Catering, and several best regional airline awards.
HONG KONG, 26 June: Hong Kong Airlines’ daily flight volume has returned to pre-Covid pandemic levels in the year’s first half, prompting the airline to embark on a recruitment drive.
As it expands its fleet and launches new routes, the airline will recruit 10% more pilots and 40% more cabin crew by the end of the year. To hire frontline staff and flight attendants, a series of recruitment events have been held in various regions, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Southeast Asia, concluding last week in Bangkok, Thailand.
Photo credit: Hong Kong Airlines.
In a media statement following the recent flight attendant recruitment event in Bangkok, the company said it had successfully attracted “thousands of job seekers eager to embark on a career in the aviation sector.”
After a thorough screening process, qualified candidates were invited for on-site interviews.
Hong Kong Airlines General Manager of Onboard Experience Sally Lo noted that “Thai employees are known for their strong ability to adapt to different cultures and work environments…The over 20 Thai flight attendants we recruited earlier this year are now in the final stage of their training and are performing well. They are expected to graduate by the end of this month and start providing service on all our flights.”
The airline anticipates a net increase of 500 employees this year.
About Hong Kong Airlines Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline firmly rooted in Hong Kong. The airline flies close to 30 destinations across the Asia Pacific and currently maintains interline and codeshares with multiple airline partners and ferry service providers. Hong Kong Airlines operates an all-Airbus fleet.
