SINGAPORE, 11 February 2025: Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), a global luxury travel firm, has opened its newest Destination Management Company (DMC) in Mexico, with offices in Mexico City and Merida.
“Mexico is a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and warm hospitality,” says A&K veteran Graeme Bull, who was named GM for the new office in Mexico. “Our team is eager to leverage our expertise and passion for crafting authentic travel experiences, showcasing the best of Mexico to our guests.”
With the addition of the Mexico DMC, A&K now operates over 55 offices in more than 30 countries worldwide, representing the largest network of luxury DMCs worldwide. The Mexico DMC marks A&K’s 36th DMC, further solidifying its position as a global leader in luxury travel.
“The opening of our Mexico DMC marks a significant milestone in A&K’s ongoing commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences in the Americas,” says A&K Chief Destination Officer Rebecca Osman.
“With Graeme’s leadership and the upcoming property in the Yucatan, we are poised to curate even more extraordinary journeys that delve into the heart of Mexico.”
BANGKOK, 11 February 2025: Asian Trails emphasises the importance of child safety, placing it at the forefront of all its travel services as the firm’s staff in Laos recently completed ‘ChildSafe’ Awareness training.
ChildSafe is an organisation committed to protecting children from abuse and exploitation, particularly in tourism-related settings. The training equips travel firms with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond effectively to potential risks, helping safeguard vulnerable children.
Asian Trails Laos team leaders receive letters of recognition for participating in the ChildSafe Awareness Training.
“This instruction not only strengthens our team’s dedication to ethical and responsible travel practices, it also reinforces our commitment to delivering meaningful and rewarding experiences for our guests. By prioritising child safety, we continue to create a positive and secure environment for children and travellers”, Asian Trails stated in a press statement.
DELHI, India, 11 February 2025: IndiGo, India’s low-cost airline flying short to medium-haul international flights, has signed an agreement with Norse Atlantic Airways for a so-called damp lease for a Boeing 787-9 aircraft to introduce long-haul flights to Europe during the summer timetable
In a recent press statement, the airline confirmed the aircraft should arrive in India over the “next few weeks to start operations in March 2025.”
Photo credit: Flynorse.com.
The lease agreement was termed “damp” because Indigo will supply the cabin attendants instead of a wet lease that includes the fee for the aircraft, cockpit crew, and cabin attendants.
The official announcement said the lease agreement “underscores IndiGo’s strategic efforts to expand its geographic reach and provide its customers with more options for international travel.” The aircraft will be deployed on long-haul routes.
The agreement’s initial term is six months, but it can be extended to 18 months, subject to regulatory approvals. Both parties remain committed to exploring opportunities to extend the lease period further and extend the contract to cover additional aircraft to accelerate its long-haul expansion.
IndiGo has placed a firm order for 30 Airbus 350-900 wide-body aircraft with an option for an additional 70 aircraft, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027.
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers commented: “As part of our broader strategy to significantly expand our international network, we are pleased to confirm this damp lease of one Boeing 787-9 aircraft from Norse Atlantic Airways. Our vision is to transform into a global player by 2030 while having strong roots and continuous expansion in India, and we are strategically moving ahead in that direction.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 February 2025: AirAsia MOVE presents an exclusive deal offering the lowest fares for domestic travel in Malaysia from 17 February to 30 November 2025.
The trick is to move fast to grab the fares that opened for bookings on 10 February and remain on the sales counter for bargain hunters until midnight on 16 February.
AirAsia MOVE Head of Flights Chan Kok Ding commented, “AirAsia MOVE is AirAsia’s exclusive platform offering the lowest fares for its domestic flights in Malaysia. From 10 to 16 February, enjoy special promotional fares for various popular routes, such as Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Sandakan, Penang and Langkawi, for the travel period from 17 February to 30 November 2025.
In addition, AirAsia MOVE offers deals on hotels, airport rides, and travel insurance while earning loyalty points through AirAsia Rewards for redemption across the entire AirAsia MOVE ecosystem.
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 February 2025: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) announced Monday that Air New Zealand has joined AAPA with immediate effect.
“We are delighted that Air New Zealand is joining AAPA. Air New Zealand’s important role in connecting New Zealand to the world and its strong international outlook will reinforce the collective advocacy of airlines in the Asia Pacific region in areas such as sustainability, supply chain recovery and smooth cross-border travel,” said AAPA Director General Subhas Menon.
Photo credit: Air New Zealand. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran noted: “Aviation is a complex and evolving industry, with airlines worldwide navigating similar challenges and opportunities in the coming decades. Joining the AAPA will ensure we can share what we learn with our regional counterparts and ensure a thriving Asia Pacific aviation industry in the future.”
Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) AAPA is the trade association for scheduled international airlines based in the Asia Pacific region. The AAPA permanent secretariat is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with global representation in Brussels and Washington, DC.
HONG KONG, 11 February 2025: Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines is cancelling 128 flights in February and March 2025 as it faces delays in new aircraft delivery and aircraft already in the fleet requiring routine inspections.
The airline should receive new Boeing 737-9 aircraft between 2025 and 2027.
In a recent press statement, the airline says the impacted flight schedule involves approximately 5,500 passengers over two months. Flight service during the Lunar New Year holiday, which ended on 4 February, was unaffected.
“We understand that flight rescheduling will cause inconvenience to passengers who have already purchased their tickets. Therefore, we have proactively contacted our passengers to assist them with flight protection, ticket rebooking/refunding (all associated fees will be waived) or compensation for the loss incurred by the cancellations individually to minimise the possible impact on their travel plans.”
GBA says it has embarked on an internal review that initially confirmed “negligence in the flight scheduling process.”
In related news, the airline confirmed that the business performance of its Seoul route was unsatisfactory, prompting it to request aviation authorities in Hong Kong and South Korea to suspend the service.
According to online timetable updates, the airline has suspended flights on the Hong Kong-Seoul Incheon route from 6 to 29 March. The route involves daily flights using a Boeing 737-800.
Suspended flights: Hong Kong-Seoul
HB760 departs Hong Kong (HKG) at 0830 and arrives in Seoul Incheon (ICN) at 1305. HBB761 departs Seoul Incheon (ICN) at 1405 and arrives in Hong Kong (HKG) at 1655
February flight reductions from Hong Kong
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi from 72 flights to 63 Seoul Incheon from 28 to 20 Taipei Taoyuan from 60 to 57 Tokushima from 12 to 10 Tokyo Narita from 64 to 60 Yonago from 12 to 10
March 2025 flight reductions from Hong Kong
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi from 74 to 70 Osaka Kansai from 49 to 45 Sendai from 17 to 13 Tokyo Narita from 87 to 83 Tokushima from 13 to 8 Yonago from 12 to 7
BANGKOK, 10 February 2025: Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will open in the Thai capital on 2 April 2025, a new urban sanctuary following in the footsteps of Aman Tokyo and Aman New York.
Located in the privately owned Nai Lert Park, the 52-suite hotel will be home to an Aman Club with dedicated spaces, a 1,500-sqm Aman Spa & Wellness Centre, and multiple dining and socialising venues alongside branded residences.
Reservations are open for stays starting on 2 April. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok brings the brand full circle from its 1988 launch of flagship property Amanpuri in Phuket and will provide a gateway to Aman’s 24 hotels and resorts in Asia.
It’s the 36th property in the Aman collection and the brand’s third global urban property after Tokyo and New York. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok shares the private parkland with the historic Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, owned by the Nai Lert family and Aman’s partner in the project. Over decades, the trees and gardens have grown, creating the lush oasis that is the park today, just a short walk from the shopping and business district of Ploenchit in downtown Bangkok.
Aman Group Chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin said: ”Thailand has played a significant role in the history of our brand, and the latest evolution, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, will offer a unique connection to the city’s rich heritage. This is enhanced by our close collaboration with the Nai Lert family, particularly Naphaporn “Lek” Bodiratnangkura, whose involvement and support have ensured the property reflects the legacy of its incredible location. Further, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok represents another milestone in our long-term vision to introduce the exceptional Aman experience to urban destinations and provide a strategic link to our properties across Asia.’
On the 19th floor, exclusive to Aman Club Founders, is an open-air terrace with skyline views, two restaurants, an atmospheric Aman Lounge, and a cigar bar. In addition, Founders will also have access to the hotel’s state-of-the-art wellness facilities.
The 1,500 sqm Aman Spa & Wellness, spanning two floors, will house both a medical clinic operated by renowned experts Hertitude Clinic and an Aman Spa. The Medical Wellness by Hertitude Clinic will include eight private clinic rooms, one examination room, an IV Lounge and a cryotherapy chamber.
The Aman Spa will offer an extensive range of hydrotherapy facilities and movement spaces on a separate floor, featuring six spa therapy rooms, a dedicated Thai massage treatment room, and the private Banya Spa House.
Situated on floors 11 through 18, the hotel’s 52 suites, starting at 94 sqm, will be among the largest in the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the park and city views. Encompassing an entire floor, the Aman Suite is one of the largest presidential suites in Bangkok, offering up to 713 sqm and three bedrooms with a balcony and terrace, dining room with bar counter and separate kitchen, spacious living room, private spa, entertainment room, and dedicated study.
SYDNEY, 10 February 2025: Corporate Travel Management has announced the appointment of Darren Toohey as Chief Sales & Customer Officer, effective immediately.
In this newly established role, Toohey will be instrumental in advancing CTM’s five-year growth strategy, focusing on driving new customer acquisition and delivering enhanced customer value through CTM’s market-leading technology, outstanding service and strengthened partnerships.
With two decades of experience in senior sales and leadership roles, including leading CWT’s global sales and customer retention team, Toohey brings a proven ability to drive customer-centric outcomes and build high-performing teams that consistently deliver results.
“I am excited to be joining CTM at a pivotal time for the company and the travel industry,” Toohey said. “As customer expectations continue to evolve and innovation reshapes business travel programmes, my focus will be on empowering our sales and account management teams to provide
CTM’s Global Chief Commercial Officer, Ana Pedersen, commented: “Darren’s appointment is a key step in executing our global sales and account management strategy. His leadership will be pivotal to advancing CTM’s competitiveness and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value to our new and existing customers.”
About CTM Corporate Travel Management (CTM) is an award-winning global Headquartered in Australia and with operations spanning four continents, CTM provides local service solutions for corporate events, leisure, loyalty, and wholesale travel.
MUMBAI, India, 10 February 2025: Following the extension of visa exemptions and the increase in direct airline services between India and Malaysia, Thomas Cook (India) Limited partners with Tourism Malaysia to host a high-impact MICE promotion targeting corporate event planners based in Mumbai.
The event attracted over 30 senior executives from leading multinational corporations and Indian corporate houses across sectors, including BFSI, pharma, and electronics, hosted by Tourism Malaysia and Thomas Cook India representatives who pitched corporations to hold future business events in Malaysia.
Photo credit: Thomas Cook India.
Inaugurated by Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, the event highlighted Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to expanding its MICE offerings and enhancing its accessibility for Indian corporates.
Organised in coordination with Nuwal Fadhillah Ku Azmi (Director International Promotion, Asia & Africa), Azura Zainol Abidin (President, Malaysia Sports Tourism), Noriah Jaafar (Director, Tourism Malaysia Mumbai) and T.Ediwanto T.Eddie (Dy Director of Tourism Malaysia), the event’s format allowed for a productive blend of business and networking, packed with insightful presentations, engaging discussions and invaluable one-on-one sessions that allowed participants to explore Malaysia’s vast MICE offerings in depth.
The intent was to showcase Malaysia’s opportunity and inspire significant MICE groups for 2025 and 2026.
Gastronomy is a key element for India’s MICE segment, and the event featured an immersive culinary experience with a delightful array of Malaysian delicacies, vibrant Indian cuisine, and an innovative fusion of Malay-Indian-inspired dishes. The Malaysia-inspired décor transformed the event’s ambience, capturing the essence of the country’s rich culture and scenic beauty.
The event concluded on a high note, with exciting prizes, giveaways, and many participants leaving with renewed enthusiasm to consider Malaysia as the top choice for their MICE programmes in 2025-26 and beyond.
Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said: “We are proud to partner with Thomas Cook India to showcase Malaysia’s varied facets and unique offerings to its MICE clients. Malaysia’s warm welcome is a source of national pride, and it has something to offer to groups of all sizes and tastes. Malaysia is uniquely positioned as a MICE destination, offering significant advantages such as visa-free travel, strong flight connectivity with direct flights from key Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and others, and excellent infrastructure that caters to all group sizes. Malaysia provides an ideal environment for MICE events with its exceptional value offerings.
We look forward to a long-term collaboration to bring more Indian corporates to Malaysia for their MICE programs in the years ahead.”
Thomas Cook (India) Limited President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa — Rajeev Kale said: “Malaysia is not just a destination; it’s like a multifaceted jewel, offering exceptional value, world-class hospitality, and easy accessibility. With the recent exemption of visa requirements and direct connectivity, Malaysia is poised to become MICE planners’ go-to choice. This corporate engagement is intended to bring Malaysia to the market, highlighting its unique blend of cultural richness, value offerings, and seamless travel experience. Last year, we strengthened our commitment by signing an MOU with Malaysia Aviation Group (Malaysia Airlines), tapping into the growing appetite of Indian travellers for Malaysia.”
Thomas Cook (India) Limited Executive Vice President & Head — MICE, Meera Charnalia said: “This engagement marked our focused effort to elevate Malaysia’s standing in the competitive MICE market. With its exceptional offerings, ranging from state-of-the-art infrastructure to diverse cultural experiences, Malaysia is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of Indian corporations. By delivering customised MICE solutions that address the specific needs of our clients, Thomas Cook India is reinforcing its commitment to providing seamless and memorable corporate travel experiences. I hope this engagement will further solidify Malaysia as a top choice for MICE events, offering immense potential for growth in the years to come.”
DOHA, Qatar, 10 February 2025: Discover Qatar, the destination management arm of Qatar Airways Group, welcomed 10,000 stopover visitors in a single month for the first time since the Qatar Stopover Programme’s relaunch in August 2021.
In January 2025, the programme recorded more than 10,500 visitors, compared to 6,651 in January 2024. The number of visitors in the stopover programme increased by an impressive 165% from April 2024 to January 2025, compared to the same timeframe in the previous year.
Photo credit: Qatar Airways.
The programme has also driven a growth in hotel bookings, with over 100,000 room nights sold this year — doubling the figures from the previous year. Qatar Airways Holidays is driving this success as the largest contributor to the programme’s sales, delivering over a third of all bookings, and leveraging the marketing strength of Qatar Airways around the globe.
Stopovers are also proving popular with Qatar Airways frequent flyers. Twenty per cent of customers use the popular loyalty currency Avios to pay for their bookings, and logged-in Privilege Club members earn Avios and Qpoints with every transaction.
The growth of the Stopover programme has been attributed to a combination of financial support from Visit Qatar coupled with strong demand from key source markets, driven by strong marketing campaigns from the Qatar Airways teams in Doha and in outstations across the globe. Leading global source markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands. The stopover programme has also received significant support from the travel trade, with strong contributions coming from Australia, South Africa, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and New Zealand, showcasing its wide-ranging appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
About Stopover Discover Qatar’s Stopover programme offers a range of packages designed for travellers transiting through Doha with layovers of 12 to 96 hours. The packages start from USD14 for standard hotels.
