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WTTC finalises line-up of summit speakers

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 20 September 2024: The World Travel and Tourism (WTTC) announced Thursday its full line-up of speakers and VIPs for its 24th Global Summit, to be hosted in Perth, Western Australia, from 8 to 10 October.  

The 68th US Secretary of State, John Kerry and conservationist and TV personality Robert Irwin are taking centre stage.

During a so-called ‘fireside chat’ with WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson, Secretary Kerry will share insights into navigating the international political landscape, forging strong alliances, and facilitating international cooperation for a more resilient and sustainable future.

Son of the legendary Steve Irwin, Robert will share unforgettable stories from his adventures in the wild, and how Travel & Tourism can play a vital role in creating a future where nature is enjoyed while being protected and celebrated.

Under the theme “Ancient Land: New Perspectives,” this year’s Global Summit will spotlight Australia’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, emphasising its innovation and sustainable growth.

The global tourism body has also announced that, alongside Simpson and WTTC Chair Greg O’Hara, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia, will open the Global Summit on 9 October.

Notable speakers include Di Bain, Chair, Tourism Western Australia; Audrey Hendley, President, American Express Travel; Matt Goldberg, President & Group CEO, Tripadvisor; Jane Sun, Group CEO, Trip.com; Frank Marini, President & CEO, Railbookers Group; Jason Waters, CEO, Perth Airport; Kelly Craighead, President & CEO, CLIA; Francis Gatare, CEO, Rwanda Development Board; Christie Travers-Smith, Head of Retail and Travel EMEA Partnerships, Google, and many other business leaders from around the world.

Official government delegations representing more than 25 countries will attend, with delegations from several G20 economies, including Argentina, Australia, China, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.

Delegations from other major economies, including Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Thailand, and the UAE, will also participate, and the Deputy Prime Ministers of the Bahamas and Fiji will also attend.

A new addition to WTTC’s Global Summit, the Investors’ Nest will see university students worldwide pitch their ideas for sustainable tourism to Travel and tourism investors in a Shark Tank-style format. The winner will be announced at the end of the Global Summit.

British Airways resumes Tbilisi flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 20 September 2024: British Airways will start direct flights to Georgian capital of Tbilisi from its London Heathrow hub initially offering four weekly during the summer timetable effective 30 March 2025.

Return flights start from UKP275, with two-night British Airways holiday packages from UKP369pp.

Located at the crossroads where Europe meets Asia, Georgia is known for its rich history, culture, traditional cuisine, and picturesque scenery. The country proudly claims to be the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year-old history of winemaking that remains a predominant part of its culture today.

Tbilisi is located on the banks of the Mtkvari River, surrounded by hills with the Caucasus Mountains to the north. The city attracts visitors looking to soak up the charm of the cobbled streets of its historic city centre, its unique blend of architecture, and diverse cuisine, which has been influenced by its history and surroundings. The canyons and caves near Kutaisi and multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites are within easy reach for avid explorers.

British Airways Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Neil Chernoff said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tbilisi back into our route network after our last scheduled service in 2013. We expect this to be a popular route with the leisure market, which has seen a strong comeback since 2019, as well as with those looking to enjoy direct flights to visit friends and family. We look forward to improving the connectivity between our two capital cities next year.”

Holiday packages from British Airways Holidays offer two nights at the Moxy Tbilisi from UKP369pp on a room-only basis, travelling between May and July 2025 inclusive. Includes Euro Traveller (economy) return flights from London Heathrow and one 23kg checked bag per person. Book by 29 September 2024

Norwegian opens sales for its newest ship

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 20 September 2024: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled on Thursday its Prima Plus Class, the all-new Norwegian Luna, marking NCL’s 21st ship in its fleet,

Norwegian Luna’s bookings opened Thursday. Guests can choose from various roundtrip voyages sailing from Miami from 4 April 2026 through November 2026. 

Norwegian Luna will kick off its inaugural Caribbean season with two western itineraries to Roatan Island, Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Harvest Caye, Belize, the Brand’s resort-style destination. The ship will then sail seven-day cruises with calls to the beautiful Eastern Caribbean destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas, which will feature a brand-new pier by late 2025.

At almost 322 metres long, 156,300 gross tonnes, and accommodating approximately 3,550 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Luna will boast an overall 10% size and capacity increase from Prima Class ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva. Norwegian Luna will be designed as a twin sister ship to Norwegian Aqua, the company’s latest new vessel due for delivery in March 2025. Both ships are currently being built by renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, with interior designs across the ship created by world-class architects AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, and Studio Dado.

Mirroring the upscale design and structure of Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Luna will feature the NCL-exclusive Aqua Slidecoaster, a first-of-its-kind hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide that will debut next year on Norwegian Aqua and become the longest and fastest slides at sea. 

Complete with exhilarating dual slides and a magnetic lift that propels adventurous guests through two different courses, this attraction will feature three stories of exciting twists and turns around the ship’s funnel. Norwegian Luna will also feature a digital sports complex, the Glow Court, offering a variety of interactive guest activities by day and then transforming into a nightclub in the evening. Guests will also be able to continue to enjoy some of their favourite onboard experiences aboard Norwegian Luna, including The Drop, NCL’s 10-story free-fall slide, and the Stadium, an outdoor space offering complimentary activities.

AHRA wins support from Vietnam

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 19 September 2024: The ASEAN Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHRA) welcomes the Vietnam Hotel Association (VHA) into its fold, ensuring the regional association has a presence in all 10 nations that comprise ASEAN.

The integration of VHA into AHRA signifies the completion of ASEAN’s hospitality representation, bringing together a diverse array of cultures, traditions and business practices under one unified platform. This milestone reinforces AHRA’s commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across the region, ultimately enhancing the quality and competitiveness of the ASEAN hospitality sector on the global stage.

“Asia is set to drive travel growth in 2025, and as ASEAN intra-regional travel expands, we are happier than ever to welcome the Vietnam Hotel Association to AHRA, completing the representation of all 10 ASEAN countries. We look forward to further collaboration to strengthen tourism in the region,” said AHRA President Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi.

” I believe that joining the ASEAN Hotel and Restaurant Association will provide an opportunity for members of the Vietnam Hotel Association to engage, share valuable experiences on various matters of hotel and restaurant operations with other countries in the region, engage strong relationships in the hospitality and culinary sectors, and supporting each other in mutual development,” commented VHA President Do Hong Xoan.

About AHRA
Founded in 1971, the ASEAN Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHRA) is a regional association representing hotel and restaurant associations from ASEAN member countries. Established to foster cooperation and collaboration among hospitality stakeholders, AHRA promotes service excellence, sustainable tourism practices, and innovation across the ASEAN region.

Emirates to host first Aviation Future Week

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 19 September 2024: Emirates and the Museum of the Future will host the first Aviation Future Week, which will take place from 15 to 17 October 2024 in Dubai.

UAE ministers, senior government officials, and industry leaders from across the aviation and aerospace, airfreight, Maintenance, Overhaul, and repair (MRO), and logistics ecosystems will converge in Dubai for the inaugural event. The event presents a platform for unparalleled insights and discussion opportunities around the passenger journey, future traffic demand, airfreight and logistics, and the latest developments in AI and XR.   

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, said: “It is fitting that Dubai is setting the stage for visionary global leaders and decision-makers in aviation and aerospace to gather for key discussions and powerful collaborations to help redefine what the future could look like for the industry at Aviation Future Week. Dubai’s strategic commitment to leveraging technology and innovation and embracing the digital revolution is fertile ground to pioneer new approaches, push the boundaries of what is possible for more efficient and sustainable operations, and reshape the passenger journey and experience as the industry forges ahead.”

Aviation Future Week will include keynotes, panels, and workshops over three days. The first day includes a packed programme led by speakers and industry experts who will address air travel demand and airport infrastructure and discuss how airports, airlines, aerospace manufacturers, and other stakeholders can use technology to deliver an enhanced passenger experience.

The second day will be dedicated to developments within airfreight and logistics, while the second half of the day’s session will focus on MRO development within the region. The third and final day will navigate the boundary-breaking potential of Web3, AI and XR-infused solutions to drive workflow efficiencies and service delivery. Sessions will also tackle strategies required to rethink existing processes through AI and the collaboration necessary to upskill the aviation workforce today to embrace, adopt and leverage these technologies.

In addition to the main programme track, Aviation Future Week will also feature a rich exhibition platform showcasing the latest in aviation technologies. Visitors can learn about new products and concepts and network with industry representatives. Emirates and the Museum of The Future will spearhead a series of interactive workshops, supported by Emirates CX teams, dnata, Emirates SkyCargo, Flight Operations, Emirates and dnata environment teams, Boeing, and the Emirates Group Youth Council.

For more information on the airline and to book flights, visit www.emirates.com.

Dusit Thani Bangkok presents Porsche fleet

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 19 September 2024: Dusit Thani Bangkok, the highly-anticipated reimagined flagship hotel of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is partnering with Porsche Thailand to deliver a bespoke luxury limousine service for guests.

With a shared vision to ‘redefine the art of the journey,’ this collaboration marks the first time in Thailand that Porsche sports cars will be used as part of a hotel’s limousine service, offering an unparalleled experience for discerning travellers. This exclusive service is now available for guests booking Club Rooms or Suites – or the ‘An Iconic Stay: Opening Offer – directly through dusit.com.

Dusit Thani Bangkok’s luxury fleet includes five Porsche Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Executive models. Carefully chosen to meet the exacting standards of its discerning guests, this top-tier executive sedan delivers an unmatched blend of comfort, style, technology, and sophistication, all while combining power with whisper-quiet efficiency. 

The long-wheelbase Panamera Executive features a spacious interior. Its premium leather seats are designed to embrace the body, providing satisfying support for even the longest trips within Bangkok or to picturesque destinations beyond. 

State-of-the-art entertainment systems and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi are just some of the thoughtful amenities that ensure each journey is as productive or relaxing as guests desire, whether for transfers, bespoke excursions, or tailored travel routes.

“At Dusit Thani Bangkok, we are dedicated to elevating every aspect of the guest experience and crafting meaningful moments that leave a lasting impression,” said Dusit Thani Bangkok Managing Director  Adrian Rudin. “Our partnership with Porsche ensures that from the very start of their journey, our guests experience the same level of care, luxury, and sophistication that defines their stay with us.”

In addition to experiencing unparalleled comfort, guests can take confidence in knowing that each chauffeur managing Dusit’s fleet has received rigorous training from Porsche Thailand, where safety and precision are the highest priorities. These elite drivers further distinguish themselves by wearing bespoke uniforms crafted to reflect the elegance and sophistication of both Dusit Thani Bangkok and the Porsche brand.

The reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok will open its doors on 27 September 2024, following a stunning transformation as part of the Dusit Central Park project opposite Lumpini Park.

For a memorable arrival, guests booking Club Rooms or Suites directly through the hotel or dusit.com will enjoy a complimentary airport transfer in a sleek Porsche Panamera Executive limousine – an exclusive privilege reserved for direct bookings only. This service is also part of the ‘An Iconic Stay: Opening Offer,’ which also includes exclusive club benefits, USD 75 (THB 2,700 net) hotel credit per night for dining or Devarana Wellness experiences (subject to availability), and late check-out until 4 p.m. This limited-time offer is available for booking now, exclusively via dusit.com.

Walk fundraiser fights child trafficking

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 19 September 2024: Bangkok-based YAANA Ventures stepped up to organise the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk last week at Koh Kred, a heritage-rich island in the Chao Phraya River, Greater Bangkok.

The charity event raised funds to end the human trafficking of children in Vietnam and surrounding countries.

Over 80 walkers participated in the event, which raised USD 5,070 (THB168,929), exceeding the target of US$3,000 (THB100,000).

Blue Dragon estimates that USD150 can keep a child in school for a year; US$350 can help a family start a livestock farm; US$500 will reunite a trafficked victim with their family and provide them emergency support to start over; and USD1,000 is enough to launch a rescue operation to bring a person home from slavery.

“People were inspired and turned out in big numbers,” said YAANA Ventures co-founder Mark Remijan.

“Our tourism companies have a long-term commitment to the countries where we work. Today, we contributed to a crucial cause — the well-being of vulnerable young people in our region.”

Founded in 2003, Blue Dragon has rescued over 1,500 people from trafficking, sent 6,400 kids back to school and training, provided shelter to over 1,770 girls and boys, served nearly 684,000 meals, and obtained legal papers for 13,553 people.

The event was co-organised by Naruna – Beyond Retreats, a YAANA Ventures company specialising in workplace productivity.

YAANA Ventures has restarted its charity fundraising initiatives following successful cycling-based fundraisers in 2017 and 2019. In 2025, it will hold another charity event in one of its destinations.

People who missed the walk can still donate to Blue Dragon’s anti-trafficking cause at https://www.bluedragonwalk.org/o/yaana-ventures. 

Find out more about YAANA Ventures’ commitment to giving back at https://yaana-ventures.com/sustainability/.

About YAANA Ventures

YAANA Ventures owns, partners with, and operates entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia. It distinguishes itself by sharing real experiences grounded in the region’s cultural richness.

Air India starts Kuala Lumpur service

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM India, 19 September 2024: Air India inaugurated its daily, nonstop flights between Delhi and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on Sunday.

The inaugural flight, operated by an Airbus A320neo aircraft, landed in Kuala Lumpur at 2043 local time on 15 September 2024.

Kuala Lumpur is Air India’s sixth Southeast Asian destination, further strengthening its regional presence and steadily expanding its global route network. Air India’s service to Kuala Lumpur offers an increasing number of travellers between India and Malaysia a new flight option and opens new connections for Malaysian travellers to access Air India’s worldwide network that spans five continents.

Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal said: “We look forward to welcoming guests aboard from India and Malaysia, as well as from North America and Europe, who will now find a convenient way to connect to and from Kuala Lumpur via our hub in Delhi.”

Air India’s new flights to Kuala Lumpur enable same-terminal, one-stop connections for travellers from North America and Europe via Delhi.

Air India opened flight bookings on 5 July 2024 through various channels, including its official website, mobile app, and authorised travel agents and partners.

In addition to Kuala Lumpur, Air India flies nonstop between India and five points in Southeast Asia: Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Yangon (Myanmar).

Arctic: A deep freeze destination

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 19 September 2024: Here’s a travel idea for those who love the frozen, wide-open spaces of the Arctic. From December 2024 to April 2025, Discover Airlines (part of the Lufthansa Group) will offer a direct route from Frankfurt to Alta, operating twice weekly. 

This new connection brings visitors to the heart of Norway’s Arctic in just 3.5 hours, marking the first direct flight from Germany to Finnmark.

Situated above the Arctic Circle, Alta is one of the northernmost communities in the world and a gateway to some of the most iconic Arctic experiences. From northern lights and whale watching to Sámi culture and a unique ice hotel, this new route creates an opportunity to experience Arctic life firsthand.

Alta Unveiled

Alta, known as the ‘City of the Northern Lights,’ is a popular destination for those seeking to experience this unique Nordic wonder. Its location, perfectly situated between the sea and the vast Finnmarksvidda plateau, offers exceptional conditions for viewing the aurora. From late November to mid-January, the polar night brings extended darkness, making Alta one of the world’s top spots to witness this natural phenomenon.

Northern lights

Beyond the northern lights, one of the area’s winter highlights is whale watching, as large whales migrate into the Altafjord. Joining a whale safari brings you close to these impressive creatures, offering an unforgettable encounter with nature. Their dedication to ensuring these experiences are conducted with the utmost respect for these large mammals and their habitat makes watching these animals in their environment even more enjoyable. The fjord’s calm waters and winter light create a backdrop to the whole experience that you will not soon forget.

Combining Nature and Culture

A visit to Alta is also an opportunity to connect with the region’s deep cultural roots. For thousands of years, the area has been a meeting place for indigenous Sámi people, and today, visitors can engage with Sámi traditions and way of life. Just outside the town, guided experiences offer insight into Sámi culture, from sampling traditional food to learning about reindeer herding and history. These encounters provide a meaningful connection to the Arctic’s past and present.

Sami Siida, Alta

In addition, Alta is renowned for its dog sledging opportunities, a time-honoured Arctic tradition. The region’s location makes it a prime spot for exploring the Arctic wilderness by dog sledge, with the season often lasting well into May.

Explore Further: Hammerfest, Nordkapp, and Sapmi

Alta is also a great starting point for discovering more of the Arctic, offering easy bus and ferry routes to Hammerfest, Nordkapp, and Sapmi. In Hammerfest, the world’s northernmost town, you can explore the region’s rich history at the Museum of Reconstruction, dedicated to the post-war reconstruction of northern Norway. A bus ride takes you to Nordkapp, where you can stand at the iconic North Cape and enjoy the view over the ocean from Europe’s northernmost point. Lastly, you can learn more about the Sámi culture in Kautokeino with a visit to Juhls’ Silver Gallery, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship deeply rooted in Sámi traditions.

Embrace the Chill

You can experience the world-renowned Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel for the ultimate winter adventure. Opening in December, this hotel is rebuilt yearly from snow and ice, offering a truly unique experience. Every corner of the hotel, from the bedrooms to the bar, is crafted from ice by local artists, creating a display of Arctic craftsmanship. It’s definitely a chilly stay you will remember.

Alternatively, Alta offers modern, comfortable accommodations at Thon Hotel and Scandic Hotel. Centrally located, these hotels provide easy access to local attractions and make it simple to join tours and excursions.

IndiGo and Amadeus sign NDC deal

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 19 September 2024: India’s low-cost airline, IndiGo, has sealed an agreement with Amadeus to provide travel sellers in India and beyond with access to the airline’s NDC content via the Amadeus Travel Platform.

IndiGo will rely on Amadeus to deliver the latest airline and distribution technology to strengthen its competitive edge through access to new markets and customer segments. Amadeus claims 96% global market coverage of NDC-ready travel sellers worldwide. The airline says it will carry more than 110 million passengers in 2024 and has growth ambitions backed by one of the largest aircraft order books in the industry. 

Through its NDC technology, Amadeus opens up new opportunities for airlines to distribute content to travel sellers even more efficiently and elevate their retailing to the next level. 

For corporate clients and travel agencies, NDC simplifies the booking process by providing direct access to IndiGo’s full range of products. This streamlines operations and allows exclusive deals and promotions tailored to individual traveller profiles.

With the Amadeus NDC capabilities and the seamless integration with the airline’s IT systems powered by Navitaire, IndiGo can build dynamically price-tailored offers and expose them to customers – boosting ancillary sales and optimizing the customer experience, regardless of which sales channel they choose quickly and efficiently. Indigo is already live with NDC booking and servicing capabilities in UAE and Singapore, with other markets to follow.

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