SINGAPORE, 25 June 2024: AirJapan (NQ), a member of the ANA All Nippon Airways group, has confirmed it will fly daily between Narita Tokyo and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport effective 27 October.
The airline’s flight notice confirmed details of its Winter 2024/2025 timetable this week, effective from 27 October 2024 to 29 March 2025.
The revised timetable shows the airline will offer daily flights from Tokyo (NRT) and Bangkok (BKK). The airline uses a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft on the route with a single economy class configuration (324 seats).
Flight NQ001 will depart Tokyo (NRT) at 1735 and arrive in Bangkok (BKK) at 2300. Flight NQ002 will depart Bangkok (BKK) at 0015 and arrive in Tokyo (NRT) at 0810.
The airline will serve the Tokyo (NRT)—Singapore (SIN) route with five flights weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It will deploy a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with a single economy class configuration.
Flight NQ003 will depart Tokyo (NRT) Narita at 1705 and arrive in Singapore 2340. Flight NQ004 will depart Singapore (SIN) at 0050 and arrive in Tokyo (NRT) at 0840.
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 June 2024: AirAsia MOVE, a leading online travel agency, continues to expand its airline partners by onboarding Air Mauritius, the national airline of the island of Mauritius, as its latest direct airline partner.
The partnership between AirAsia MOVE and Air Mauritius was formalised at a signing ceremony between Yeoh Sai Ho, Head of Flights OTA at AirAsia MOVE and Heavin Robert Lourdasamy, Manager, Malaysia & Singapore of Air Mauritius at AirAsia MOVE’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
Air Mauritius Chief Commercial Officer Ziyaad Parthasee and AirAsia MOVE Chief Business Officer Dabraj Sing.
The partnership will offer travellers a wide array of services on the AirAsia MOVE app, including booking flights to destinations served by Air Mauritius across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian Ocean region.
AirAsia MOVE Chief Business Officer Dabraj Sing commented: “We are delighted to have Air Mauritius as one of the notable global carriers on our direct airline partners list. Thank you for giving AirAsia MOVE the trust to market your extensive route network spanning many continents to our platform’s over 15 million monthly active users.
“Airlines that partner directly with AirAsia MOVE can leverage our extensive marketing initiatives and reach a much wider audience without any extra costs, aside from providing their guests with convenience as our AirAsia MOVE platform enables virtual interlining where travellers can book multiple carriers in one itinerary. For example, an Air Mauritius guest travelling from Mauritius to Kuala Lumpur and then connecting to Chiang Rai on AirAsia can easily make the booking in one itinerary.”
Air Mauritius Chief Commercial Officer Ziyaad Parthasee stated: “We are delighted to partner with AirAsia MOVE, enabling our passengers to enjoy a seamless experience with their user-friendly interface, making it easy to find and book the perfect flights while simplifying the booking process. This interlines agreement enhances convenience for Air Mauritius passengers and will elevate our travellers’ experience.’’
To mark the partnership, AirAsia MOVE app users can apply the promo code AAMAURITIUS at the checkout page to receive an exclusive discount of MYR100 on any Air Mauritius flight (code: MK) from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Mauritius (MRU) and other destinations. The promo is valid for a limited period only and ends on 30 June 2024.
BANGKOK, 24 June 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is proud to announce that four of its distinguished properties were honoured at this year’s Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, reaffirming the group’s status as a leader in the luxury hospitality sector.
Now in its third year of operation, Centara Reserve Samui, continues to enhance its reputation, rising two spots in the rankings this year to secure seventh place in the highly sought-after best “Beach + Island Resorts” category for Thailand. As the world’s first Centara Reserve property, this luxurious beachfront escape offers sophisticated, story-driven hospitality amidst tropical splendour, quickly making it one of Thailand’s most desirable destinations for personalised travel, indulgent comfort and curated stays. The resort’s commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from its elegantly designed accommodations to its impeccable service, further solidifying its position within the luxury segment.
Roukh Kiri Khao Yai made a significant leap this year, rising four places to claim fourth in the top “Upcountry Hotels” category for Thailand. With 12 contemporary barn-style villas set within organic gardens in the verdant hills of Khao Yai, this recognition underscores the resort’s commitment to providing a uniquely serene getaway. As part of Centara’s exclusive Boutique Collection, Roukh Kiri Khao Yai offers a luxury farmhouse experience that celebrates both nature and Thai culture, positioning itself among Asia’s top rural properties. Guests are treated to a culinary journey with farm-to-table dining, where fresh, organic ingredients are transformed into exquisite dishes. This seamless blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, combined with personalised service and verdant landscapes, makes Roukh Kiri Khao Yai an unparalleled destination for discerning travellers seeking tranquillity and elegance.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives has earned a distinguished fifth place in the best “House Reefs” category for the Maldives, showcasing the exceptional allure of its underwater world. Situated in the picturesque South Ari Atoll, this resort is celebrated by visitors of all ages for the vibrancy and health of its coral reef and the diversity of sea life. Guests staying in the luxurious overwater villas have direct access to this stunning ecosystem, making it a perfect destination for marine enthusiasts. Additionally, the resort offers comprehensive diving and snorkelling programmes, tailored to divers of all levels, ensuring an unforgettable underwater adventure during one’s stay.
Celebrating its first anniversary on 1 July 2024, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka has swiftly become a leading destination in the heart of the city, setting a new standard for sophisticated comfort. Guests are treated to a fusion of modern elegance and the rich traditions of Japanese culture, evident in every aspect of this breathtaking hotel’s design and offerings. Renowned for its warm Thai hospitality and world-class service, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka and its General Manager, Shigeki Nakagawa, were honoured with the top award in the highly-competitive “Hotel General Managers” category for Japan, exemplifying Centara’s dedication to creating unforgettable guests experiences.
“These four accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are honoured to see our properties recognised by such a prestigious publication, which reflects the exceptional experiences we strive to offer our guests. Our commitment to Thai-inspired hospitality ensures that every stay at Centara is warm, welcoming, and unforgettable, and we extend our deepest gratitude to our guests and the readers of Travel + Leisure for their unwavering support,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat.
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific celebrate the region’s finest hotels, resorts, and travel experiences. Each nominee was meticulously selected by Travel + Leisure’s editors and expert contributors, with winners determined by the votes of the publication’s readers. For the complete list of winners, please visit Travel + Leisure.
LANGKAWI, 24 June 2024: It’s time to say ‘Destination Langkawi ON’ for the weekend by checking out what you can explore during a three-day and two-night in stay in Langkawi.
Whether you fly, drive, or ferry your way to this popular island destination, start packing your bags and essentials because Langkawi will take your breath away.
Langkawi effortlessly maintains its allure as a premier tourist and holiday haven, creating an undeniable chemistry that consistently captivates the hearts of all who venture here.
Before we delve into the details, it’s noteworthy that Langkawi is renowned for its UNESCO Global Geopark status. This distinction is attributed to its ancient mountain formations, crafted over 550 million years ago in the Cambrian period. The geological tapestry of this destination serves as a testament to its rich history, fostering an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Within Langkawi lies one of the planet’s oldest rainforests, adding timeless beauty to the landscape.
Let yourself be spellbound again, just like the first time you set foot in Langkawi – many years ago or just a year ago. Allow yourself to journey into the forgotten love that has mesmerised countless souls before you, and let Langkawi weave its enchanting spell over you once more. And if you haven’t experienced the magic of Langkawi yet, there’s no better time than now to do so.
Day 1: Experience Geoforest Parks and Geosites from Ground to Summit
Start your adventure at sunrise with thrilling activities at Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park. As the sun sets, head to Gunung Raya Granite Geosite and step into the mystical Dream Forest, where the night reveals a captivating wonderland.
Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park Head to the Oriental Village, where you can start your ascent. For adrenaline junkies,take the SkyATV and ride through rugged terrain, passing under the cable car line, and then cool down at a small waterfall.
Quick ascent, glide through the skies on the SkyCab, traverse the iconic SkyBridge, or wander amidst the treetops on the 38-meter-long Eagle’s Nest SkyWalk, offering a spellbinding 360° panoramic view.
Waterfall enthusiasts, a refreshing dip at the Telaga 7 waterfall is a must. It’s only a 15-minute hike to the base and another 30 minutes to reach the seven natural pools.
Experienced mountain climbers, explore the 5.8-km Gunung Machinchang trail. This challenging hike, popular for birding, camping, and hiking, takes three hours and 17 minutes to complete. The trail features stairs, flat paths, roots, and rocks leading to the beautiful Seven Wells waterfall. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the dense rainforest, home to giant trees, strangler figs, and wildlife such as macaques, dusky leaf monkeys, and hornbills. The hike includes campgrounds like Kem Saintis and Tokayah Camp, with steep climbs and helpful ropes for the final ascent to the observation deck at the peak, offering panoramic views. A permit is required and can be obtained online at iforest.kedah.gov.my.
Dream Forest at Gunung Raya Granite Geosite
After dinner, your adventure continues as we invite you to step into the enchanted trails of Dream Forest and leave reality behind. This magical journey beckons local dreamers and travellers to explore its mystical landscapes, where reality melds with fantasy.
Nestled at the base of Gunung Raya Granite Geosite, Dream Forest Langkawi is illuminated with whimsical theatrical lights and enhanced by cutting-edge multi-sensory technology. This sanctuary within Langkawi’s rainforest offers a breathtaking wonderland.
As you wander deeper, tropical vistas come alive with captivating lighting, projection mapping, and enchanting soundscapes. Each step along the 1.2 km path unveils new wonders, guided by the enchanting music and narrative of Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina.
For more information:
Oriental Village Address: Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd Cable Car Station, Oriental Village, Burau Bay, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia Contact: +604-9612000 Operational Hours: 0930 – 1800 Website: https://panoramalangkawi.com/skycab/
No visit to Langkawi is considered complete without delving into the wonders of its geoforest parks. Include this in your itinerary.
Kilim Geoforest Park: Explore Malaysia’s first UNESCO-endorsed geosite, Kilim Geoforest Park, where ancient formations and diverse ecosystems await. Glide through rivers, visit intriguing caves, and marvel at coastal karst and mangrove ecosystems. Encounter the oldest carbonate rock in the region, dating back 490-370 million years, and witness a harmonious blend of geological wonders and natural beauty.
Exploring Langkawi’s Mangroves at Kubang Badak: Embark on a captivating journey through Langkawi’s mangrove forests, where boat tours unveil Brahminy kites and sea eagles in their natural habitat. Walk among mangrove trees on elevated platforms, uncovering pristine landscapes and diving into Kampung Kubang Badak’s tidal river estuary. Experience its geological diversity while supporting sustainable tourism efforts.
Dayang Bunting Geoforest Park: Discover the enchanting beauty of Dayang Bunting Geoforest Park, just a short boat ride away. Be mesmerised by Dayang Bunting Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and steeped in local folklore. Marvel at marble formations dating back millions of years, while legends of a mystical lake add allure. Engage in kayaking and paddle boating adventures, concluding with a delightful dining experience at Kerisik or Ketam Village Restaurant.
Now that you have explored the Geoforest by boat, we recommend you stay wet and dive into thrilling water activities at Paradise 101. Enjoy a variety of sea adventures including paragliding, jetskiing around stunning rock formations, and sunbathing on the private beach. At Paradise 101, engage in banana boat rides, parasailing, kayaking, and ziplining over the Andaman Sea. Experience laughter and fun at the Aqua Park, and unwind at the OMG! Bar & Restaurant with refreshing cocktails against ocean views. Spanning 2 acres of beachfront, Paradise 101 offers white sands, greenery, and clear waters with a dedicated crew ensuring a clean, safe environment. Enjoy bespoke service and access to jet skiing, ziplining, and more. Complete your day with a sunset yacht view and BBQ dinner for a relaxing conclusion to your adventure-filled day.
Day 3 of your Langkawi adventure is all about embracing the thrill of the outdoors.
After a hearty breakfast featuring local delights like nasi lemak or a satisfying American breakfast, kick off your day at Skytrex Adventure. Tucked within the breathtaking Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Skytrex Adventure beckons with its exhilarating aerial challenges amidst the verdant rainforest canopy.
Imagine swinging from tree to tree like Tarzan, navigating over 30 adrenaline-pumping obstacles that include rope ladders, flying foxes, and ziplines. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, Skytrex offers three distinct courses tailored to your skill level. The Little Legend course, just above the forest floor, provides a gentle introduction, while Eagle Thrill takes you higher with games reaching up to 10 meters. For the ultimate test, conquer Island Extreme with its 33 heart-pounding challenges set among the tallest treetops, offering panoramic views that will leave you breathless.
Safety is paramount at Skytrex Adventure, with thorough briefings, top-notch gear, and friendly instructors ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone. Each course promises not just a physical challenge, but a memorable journey through Malaysia’s lush rainforest, providing a unique perspective on nature and adventure.
After your high-flying escapades, keep the adrenaline flowing with a visit to Morac Adventure Park. Just minutes from Langkawi International Airport, this state-of-the-art go-kart circuit promises thrilling speeds and competitive racing. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or a first-timer, Morac Adventure Park caters to all, offering a safe and exhilarating environment to test your skills against friends or family.
As your Langkawi adventure draws to a close, take a moment to savour the unforgettable moments of excitement and exploration this paradise has offered. From conquering the heights of Machincang and Gunung Raya in the Geoforest Park, to cruising through the mangroves of Kilim and Kubang Badak, and exploring the mystical Dayang Bunting Lake, every corner of Langkawi has been a canvas for adventure. Whether you’ve indulged in water sports at Paradise 101, challenged yourself at Skytrex Adventure amidst the rainforest canopy, or felt the rush of speed at Morac Adventure Park, each experience has added a new layer to your Langkawi journey. These thrilling escapades against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty ensure that Langkawi’s allure will linger in your memories long after you’ve bid farewell to its shores.
For more information:
Skytrex Adventure Langkawi Address: Jalan Teluk Yu, Kampung Kok, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Contact: +6019 280 5679 (strictly for calls only from call 0900 – 1700. Email: [email protected] Operational Hours: Park operation hours: 0830 – 1800. First departure: 0900, Last departure: 1500 *Open on most public holidays. Website: https://www.skytrex-adventure.org/langkawi
AMPREX CIRCUIT SDN BHD Address: Lot 67, Jalan Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, Kedah, 07000 Pulau Langkawi, Kedah Contact: +60-4-955 2727/+60 12 957 3327 Email: [email protected] Operational Hours: Monday to Friday 1500 – 1900 Day Time and 2100 – 2400 Night Time Website: https://moracadventurepark.com/
SINGAPORE, 24 June 2024: b0arding.com, a next-generation hotel & vacation rental booking platform in the US, has added 2 million hotels and vacation rental listings to the company’s global portfolio during the first four months of 2024.
The new listings, with more than 3 million rooms supplied by well-known global hotel chains.
“b0arding.com’s progress in 2023 shows our success in capturing the attention of the Generation Z demographic and meeting their demands,” declared b0arding.com CEO Victor Nikonets. “Enabling content through travel and tech leaders Amadeus and Booking.com is invaluable in enhancing our process, and we look forward to rapid growth in the coming months.”
In 2023, b0arding.com soft launched in the US as a booking platform for vacation rentals with a built-in loyalty programme. Since then, the company has partnered with property management software companies such as Guesty and Hostfully.
b0arding.com’s new portfolio of hotels offers operators an ability to reach young travellers by using its loyalty programme model with accessibility to video reviews making it a compelling choice for young travellers.
SINGAPORE 24 June 2024: Everyone loves to move up the ranks in travel loyalty programmes for better rewards, and Princess Cruises has announced a new Captain’s Circle Loyalty Accelerator programme that offers guests double the cruise credits with the purchase of the inclusive Princess Plus and Premier Packages.
Princess guests sailing with a Princess Plus or Premier Package on voyages between 1 August and 1 December 2024 will receive double the cruise credits to fast-track them closer to their next loyalty tier.
Photo credit: Princess Cruises.
The Captain’s Circle programme features four levels:
Gold: After the first cruise, it includes early booking offers, a members-only onboard event, and access to the onboard Circle Host.
Ruby: With three cruises or 30 cruise days, everything in Gold plus exclusive access to the Captain’s Circle help desk and Princess Platinum Vacation Protection upgrade.
Platinum: With five cruises or 50 cruise days, everything in Ruby plus 50% off MedallionNet Packages, 10% off Lotus Spa treatments, and access to Platinum and Elite Lounge.
Elite: With 15 cruises or 150 cruise days, everything in Platinum plus 10% off at the Shops of Princess, 10% off-shore excursions, priority boarding for ship-to-shore tender service, stateroom mini-bar setup, Grapevine Wine Tasting event, complimentary canapes on formal nights, afternoon tea in the stateroom, laundry and shoe polish services, and priority disembarkation.
Guests booking Princess Plus or Princess Premier add popular amenities like WiFi, beverages, speciality dining, desserts, fitness classes, crew gratuities and more at an even greater savings of up to 65% when the inclusive package amenities are purchased separately.
MANILA, 24 June 2024: The Philippines’ tourism industry has cemented its vital role as a pillar of growth and economic recovery post-pandemic, recording 6.21 million employment for Filipinos in 2023.
It’s an exponential increase, nearing its 6.3 million target employment in tourism for 2028 or almost four years ahead, as cited on the approved National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028.
This was based on the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which were released last week.
Specifically, employment in tourism-related industries grew by 6.4%, from 5.84 million in 2022 to 6.21 million in 2023. The percentage share of employment in tourism industries in the country’s total employment last year was also recorded at 12.9%.
Similarly, tourism posted its highest growth based on the report, with an 8.6% share of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) amounted to PHP2.09 trillion in 2023, the highest since the PSA began compiling the data in 2000. The figures are higher by 47.9% compared with the PHP1.41 trillion TDGVA in 2022, when it recorded a 6.4% contribution to the GDP.
The TDGVA refers to the gross value added by tourism industries and other industries of the economy that directly serve visitors.
Meanwhile, based on the PTSA report, domestic tourism expenditure also grew by 72.3% from PNP1.55 trillion in 2022 to PNP2.67 trillion in 2023.
Among forms of tourism expenditures, inbound tourism expenditure, which refers to the expenditure of non-resident visitors within the Philippines, such as foreign visitors and Filipinos permanently residing abroad, posted a whopping PNP697.46 billion in 2023, the highest to date registering an 87.7% growth from 371.58 billion recorded in 2022, also higher than the PNP600.01 billion in 2019.
Meanwhile, outbound tourism expenditure posted a 10% \growth rate, from PNP189.29 billion in 2022 to PNP208.25 billion in 2023. Internal tourism expenditure, comprising inbound and domestic tourism expenditure, grew by 75.3%, from PNP1.92 trillion in 2022 to PNP3.36 trillion in 2023.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted that the new initiatives as well as the continuing yet innovative approaches done by the DOT more than two years since the new administration took office were effective not only in terms of enticing tourists by promotion, but more importantly, making the overall tourism experience worthy of an investment.
These include the flagship projects that were introduced to the public for the first time, such as the establishment of the Tourist Rest Area (TRA) across strategic locations, the launch of the Philippine Experience Programme (PEP) primarily to highlight emerging destinations and offerings, and the opening of the Tourist Assistance Call Center to accommodate all travel-related concerns, and the Tourism Champions Challenge to foster countrywide development of sustainable and resilient tourism infrastructure, among others.
It was also under Secretary Frasco’s helm that the DOT became very proactive in terms of equalizing tourism offerings from gastronomy, dive, film, golf, history, culture, and heritage to medical, as well as the English as a Second Language (ESL) programme.
SINGAPORE, 24 June 2024: Boosting its network, Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, launches flights to eight destinations this June, taking its operating routes this summer to 76.
Etihad adds summer routes to Antalya, Nice, and Santorini. It returns to Malaga and Mykonos and launches year-round flights to Al Qassim, Bali and Jaipur.
Etihad Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “It is an exciting month for Etihad as we deliver on our plans to expand our network with eight additional locations. We are launching flights to three important places — Bali, Jaipur and Al Qassim. “At the same time, we’ve commenced operations to new seasonal destinations and returned to popular summer hotspots.”
This Eid holiday, Etihad began operating directly to summer destinations, including Nice on the French Riviera and Antalya on the Turkish Riviera, as well as returning to the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini. Earlier in June, Etihad relaunched its services to the popular Spanish holiday resort of Málaga during the peak summer season months.
Etihad has also launched services directly in Jaipur, India, known as the pink city and a major tourist hotspot in Rajasthan State. This marks Etihad’s 11th gateway to India.
Today, Monday, 24 June, Etihad launches a new service to Al Qassim, marking the fourth destination for Etihad in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Al Qassim is revered for its rich culture, lively markets, and luscious date palm groves. On 25 June, Etihad will launch its very first flight to Bali, Indonesia, offering four weekly flights.
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 June 2024: AirAsia will resume direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sihanoukville, a southern coastal city in Cambodia, on 3 July, ending a four-year pause caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
First reported by Khmer Times last Thursday, quoting a statement issued by the group’s startup AirAsia Cambodia, AirAsia (AK), based in Kuala Lumpur, will start three weekly direct flights on 3 July, every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Khmer Times quoted the Civil Aviation Under-Secretary of State and Spokesman for the Secretariat of State Sin Chansereyvutha, saying “the airline had already flown the Kuala Lumpur-Sihanoukville flight route, but flight service was shut down due to the outbreak of Covid-19.”
“Now the economic situation seems to be improving, which is the reason the airline decided to resume its flight service,” Chansereyvutha told Khmer Times.
AirAsia will deploy an A320 with 180 seats for the nonstop flights. The flight time is one hour and 50 minutes.
Flight AK264 will depart Kuala Lumpur at 1210 and arrive in Sihanoukville (KOS) at 1300. Flight AK265 will depart Sihanoukville at 1330 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 1620.
A Google Flights check shows the starting roundtrip fare is pegged at USD124 ex-Kuala Lumpur and USD128 return ex-Sihanoukville. Fare analysts suggest the average roundtrip fare during July will be USD99, rising to USD110 in August and eventually USD137 by December.
AirAsia Cambodia (flight code KT) started daily operations between three destinations, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, on 2 May 2024, using two A320 aircraft based at Phnom Penh International Airport. Since then, AirAsia has increased frequencies to four daily flights between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and four daily flights between Sihanoukville and Siem Reap.
AirAsia’s international network links Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville to over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond, such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Australia, via the airline group’s hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Bangkok, Thailand.
BANGKOK, 24 June 2024: Visits to Spain during 2023 surpassed the pre-Covid 2019 benchmark by 1.9%, as tourist arrivals reached 85,056,228, Spain Tourism reported during a recent travel agents’ product update hosted in Bangkok.
In the Thai outbound travel market, visits to Spain reached 47,000 in 2023 and are still climbing, mostly due to itineraries sold by travel agents despite rising airfares. There is also a lack of direct flights between Bangkok and Spain’s two leading gateway cities — Madrid and Barcelona.
Spain Tourism board director Marta Fernandez Martin. Photo credit: https://asianjourneys.com.sg.
Iberojet, a low-cost airline headquartered in Madrid, introduced a direct Madrid-Bangkok weekly flight (every Thursday) in late May. However, that caters exclusively to Spanish tourists heading for a holiday in Thailand. The airline says it will continue the weekly direct flight during the winter timetable from November 2024 to March 2025. It will be interesting to see if the airline can pick up local bookings in the Thai outbound travel market.
The recent Spain Tourism Product Update, attended by around 80 travel agents based in Bangkok, was hosted by Spain Tourism board director Marta Fernandez Martin, who leads the Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand marketing team. Turkish Airlines joined the event as the supporting airline. It offers direct flights twice daily from Bangkok to its hub city, Istanbul. Travellers from Thailand can then connect with three daily flights from Istanbul to Barcelona and Madrid.
View of the famous Alhambra, Granada, Spain.
Martin told TTR Weekly that her marketing team is lobbying Thai Airways International to consider introducing direct flights to Madrid or Barcelona.
“We need direct flights from Bangkok to Spain, either Barcelona or Madrid, to boost summer season family travel… It would make a big difference and encourage more independent travellers who stay around two weeks in Spain and explore beyond the two gateway cities. Spain is trending in 2024… Looking forward, we can expect more Thai families to visit Spain during the annual summer school holidays 2025 (April to May school and university holidays).
Thai Airways International dropped its Bangkok-Madrid direct flights in January 2015 after flying the route since the late 1988. If the airline did return to Spain, it would most likely opt for three weekly flights to Barcelona initially on a seasonal basis, starting in April and continuing through the summer timetable to the end of October.
Martin concedes airfares on routes to Spain have been higher since the Covid-19 pandemic due to rising fuel costs. “It’s the main expense for long-haul travel…We are just hoping they will come down or level off.”
Since there is only one weekly direct flight between Bangkok and Spain, travellers will need to connect through another city in the Middle East or Europe, which will add significant travel time (potentially over 15 hours).
She also recognises that some of Spain’s most popular destinations, notably Barcelona, are introducing a city tourism tax, which increases the cost of travel for families. However, this tax is not applicable to all cities and regions in Spain.
Sometimes called an eco-tax or city tax, the tax is in place in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia. Rates and regulations vary by location, but visitors pay the nightly fee when checking out of their hotel. Barcelona increased the tax to EUR3.45 per person per night in April 2024.
“The tourist tax is not a national tax. It is only paid in cities that approve it, such as Barcelona, where it is used to balance the carbon footprint and improve the environment. We promote 17 regions in Spain in Southeast Asian markets, many of which have not introduced a tourism tax.”
However, more Spanish cities and regions will likely implement a tourist tax because it helps generate revenue for maintaining tourist infrastructure, promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local initiatives.
The biggest expenditure for travellers visiting Spain remains the airfare, which has risen considerably since the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
But there are still some roundtrip fares below USD1000 for summer travel to Spain from Bangkok to Barcelona with a plane change in either Europe or the Middle East. See the best fare deals for July travel on Google Flights.
First-time visitor to Spain: Where to go?
Spain is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are some of the top destinations for first-time visitors:
Barcelona: This vibrant city is home to some of Gaudí’s most famous works, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. You can also explore the Gothic Quarter, stroll down Las Ramblas, and relax on the beach.
Madrid: The capital of Spain is a great place to experience Spanish culture. Visit the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and the Reina Sofía Museum. Take a walk through the Buen Retiro Park, and enjoy the tapas scene in La Latina neighbourhood.
Granada: This Andalusian city is famous for the Alhambra, a stunning Moorish palace complex. You can also explore the Albaicín neighbourhood, the Sacromonte caves, and the flamenco scene.
Seville: The capital of Andalusia is known for its flamenco shows, tapas bars, and beautiful architecture. Visit the Seville Cathedral, the Alcázar Palace, and the Plaza de España.
San Sebastián: This Basque city is famous for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and relaxed atmosphere. You can also explore the Parte Vieja (Old Town), hike up Monte Igueldo for stunning views, and visit the San Telmo Museum.
Top three Spanish regions for hotel bookings
Based on the latest information from Spain Tourism, the three Spanish regions that account for 50% of all hotel bookings so far in 2024 are Andalusia (+22.9%), Catalonia (+19.8%), and the Balearics (+25.8%).
