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Oceania debuts Riviera sailings in Alaska

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 September 2024: In 2025, Oceania Cruises will offer more than a dozen immersive explorations of Alaska. These voyages take travellers beyond typical tourist sights to discover local culture, soaring glaciers, and the pristine wilderness of the ‘Last Frontier’.

The cruise line’s 1,250-guest Riviera will sail its first season in Alaska from May through September 2025, offering seven- to 12-day itineraries departing from Seattle, Vancouver, and Whittier.

Oceania Cruises to Showcase New Culinary Tours and Imaginative Itineraries.

Each itinerary features lesser-known and iconic ports such as Homer, Sitka, and Juneau, giving travellers plentiful opportunities to engage with the destination on an entirely new level through Native tribe site visits, national park excursions and wildlife encounters. 

Land programmes

To further enhance Oceania Cruises’ cruise itineraries, guests can include a pre- or post-cruise land programme such as the Discover Denali, where travellers will enjoy views of North America’s highest peak while exploring Denali National Park, the first national park created to protect wildlife.

Covering six million acres, Denali offers insight into the 49th state. With over two full days in the park, guests can travel by domed railcar and along scenic byways through the iconic wilds of Alaska. Wildlife-spotting opportunities abound – including bald eagles, caribou, and Dall sheep – alongside marvelling at glacial-fed rivers and the chance to see the original ranger’s cabin, once the only outpost in the vast park. The four-day/three-night programme also features an Alaskan Native presentation on the history of the land and a natural history tour.

Alaska Voyage Highlights

Alaska Reflections: Eight days from Vancouver to Whittier, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah and Sitka. Departs 13 May.

Explorer’s Alaska: Eight days from Whittier to Vancouver, visiting Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert. Departs 21 May.

Wilds of Alaska: 12 days from Vancouver to Whittier, visiting Klawock, Ketchikan, Wrangell, Hoonah, Haines, Juneau, Sitka, Kodiak and Homer. Departs 29 May.

Alaskan Accolades: Seven days from Whittier to Vancouver, visiting Hoonah, Haines, Juneau and Ketchikan. Departs 10 June.

Majestic Alaska: Nine days from Vancouver to Seattle, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines, Wrangell and Victoria. Departs 17 June.

Gems of The Last Frontier: 12 days from Seattle to Seattle, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Hoonah, Haines, Sitka, Wrangell, Klawock and Victoria. Departs 26 June & 17 July.

Wonders of Alaska: Nine days from Seattle to Seattle, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Victoria. Departs 8 July.

Radiant Alaska: 10 days from Seattle to Seattle, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hoonah, Sitka and Victoria. Departs 29 July.

Frontier Adventures: 10 days sailing from Seattle to Seattle, visiting Ketchikan, Sitka, Haines, Juneau, Wrangell and Victoria. Departs 8 August.

THB8 fare gets you a Vietjet flight

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 16 September  2024: Celebrating its 8th anniversary flying from its Thailand home base, Vietjet Thailand launches the ‘8th Anniversary Mega Sale’ promotion, offering special fares starting from THB 8 (excluding taxes and fees).

The deal, valid for travel on the airline’s entire domestic and international flight network, is open for bookings made by midnight on 19, 2024. The travel period runs from 1 October  2024 to 31 May 2025 (excluding public holidays).

The special promotional tickets apply toVietjet Thailand’s entire domestic flight network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani and cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, as well as Vietjet Thailand’s international network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Vietnam, China, Fukuoka, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Taipei, and from Chiang Mai to Osaka. The promotional fares can be booked on the airline’s website and mobile app.

Since launching its first scheduled commercial flight in September 2016 with just three aircraft, Vietjet Thailand has expanded its network to include 21 domestic and international routes, carrying 28 million passengers worldwide. As Vietjet Thailand enters its 8th year, its fleet will serve 11 Thailand domestic routes. It is also expanding its international flight network to destinations across the Asia-Pacific, connecting Thailand with Vietnam, China, Singapore, Cambodia, Japan and Taiwan.

Marriott opens 50th property in Malaysia

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TTR WEEKLY
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GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia, 16 September 2024: Marriott International opened the Penang Marriott Complex last week, marking the company’s 50th property in Malaysia. 

The complex represents a significant milestone for Marriott in Malaysia. It comprises three properties: Penang Marriott Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments, Penang, and Marriott Residences Penang.

Penang Marriott Complex

Set along the iconic Gurney Drive in Penang, the Penang Marriott Complex is the first in Malaysia to include three brands from the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio under a single roof. 

Penang Marriott Complex contributes to Marriott’s presence in Malaysia, where 20 brands within Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio currently have a presence. 

“This development strengthens our capacity to welcome visitors from all over the world while also enriching the experiences they will have here. By doing so, we further bolster Penang’s appeal as a top-tier destination, creating new opportunities for our local economy,” said Penang’s former Chief Minister YB  Lim Guan Eng.

Situated along a prime seafront location in George Town with breathtaking sea and city views, Penang Marriott Hotel offers 223 rooms. Guests are welcome to prioritise a healthy lifestyle with a fully equipped 24-hour fitness centre and an outdoor infinity swimming pool with breathtaking views of the Gurney seafront.

Marriott Executive Apartments Penang

A brand entry into Malaysia, Marriott Executive Apartments Penang features the brand’s signature 90 apartments with premiere hotel services for long stays and all the comforts of home. 

Marriott Residences Penang

With 302 units, Marriott Residences Penang offers amenities such as a 45m infinity pool, a communal Clubhouse, a state-of-the-art gym, and a herb garden. The Residences also provide comprehensive services, including concierge, housekeeping, engineering, and 24-hour security.

ITB India attracts top-tier buyers

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUMBAI, 16 September 2024: ITB India 2024 concluded on Friday with over 600 top-tier Indian and international buyers attending the B2B travel show.

The three-day B2B trade show, held from 11 to 13 September, also hosted the MICE Show India, Travel Tech India, and the ITB India Conference, ITB India 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, 

The second in-person edition attracted key travel industry professionals and created unparalleled pathways to the Indian and South Asian travel markets for quality buyers and global exhibitors representing the MICE, Corporate, Leisure, and Travel Technology sectors. The event launched the inaugural ITB India Gala Dinner, which brought together over 400 international exhibitors and top buyers in a high-level B2B networking function.

This year’s event drew over 600 top-tier Indian and international buyers and empowered over 25,000 business engagements. Key exhibitors include AsiaPay, Club Med, Collinson Group, EVA Airways, Encalm Hospitality, Kenya Tourism Board, Melia Hotels International, Mize, Mondee, Novotel Jaipur, Prince Hotels & Resorts, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Office of Spain, Taiwan Tourism Administration, Uzbekistan Airways, visitBerlin, and Visit Oulu.

“India’s travel industry is experiencing remarkable growth, and the increasing demand for this market is sparking renewed interest worldwide. This year’s edition proved instrumental in forging strategic partnerships and driving growth in one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets. With a focus on staying ahead of the curve, our conference tracks provided key insights to ensure attendees are future-ready”, said Messe Berlin Asia Pacific (organiser of ITB India, MICE Show India, and Travel Tech India) Executive Director Joyce Wang.

The high turnout of Indian and South Asian buyers was attributed to the efforts of show partners such as the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Enterprising Travel Agent’s Association (ETAA), Network of Indian MICE Agents (NIMA), and Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI).

ITB India Conference 2024

Driven by the theme “Future-Ready Travel: Embracing Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Connectivity”, the ITB India Conference 2024 provided a comprehensive platform, for over 35 hours, of in-depth insights into the trends, challenges, and future of the rapidly growing Indian and South Asian travel market. In over 80 sessions across three conference theatres, more than 120 industry innovators and thought leaders addressed and discussed topics vital to the future of MICE, corporate travel, leisure travel, and travel technology.

ITB India 2025

The next edition of ITB India will take place from 2 to 4 September 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre. Super Early Bird rates on booth registration for ITB India, MICE Show Asia, and Travel Tech India are available until 15 May 2025. To secure a booth visit itb-india.com/exhibiting

BA boosts summer 2025 flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 September 2024: British Airways is scheduling more weekly flights to North America from its London Heathrow home base in the summer of 2025.

During its peak weeks, it plans to offer 400 direct weekly flights to North American destinations, including flights to 26 US cities.

Its increased summer schedule includes the following additions from London Heathrow, which are available to book now on the airline’s website. 

Summer 2025 highlights North America 

Miami, Florida (MIA): An additional seven flights per week, bringing the total to 14 flights per week and becoming a twice-daily service year-round. The airline will also be opening a brand-new lounge in Miami in 2025, featuring its new lounge design concept.

Austin, Texas (AUS): An extra six flights per week, bringing the total to 13 services per week.

Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS): An extra three flights per week during peak months of the season, bringing the weekly total to 10.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT): The popular route will increase from six to seven flights per week, becoming a daily service for the first time since the route was introduced.

Washington DC (IAD): An increase of seven flights per week, bringing the total to 21 flights per week.

Vancouver, Canada (YVR): An increase of up to seven flights per week from London Heathrow, bringing the total to 14 flights per week during peak summer. Coupled with the airline’s daily flight from London Gatwick, customers can choose from three flights per day from June to September.

Global route network updates

A third daily flight to Delhi (DEL) has been added for Summer 2025, bringing the total number of flights to India to 63 per week across five destinations. Flights from Gatwick to Cancun (CUN) will also grow from six per week to seven, becoming a daily service next summer, and a second daily flight has been added from Heathrow to Florence (FLR).

New services to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Jeddah (JED), both launching in November 2024, will continue into the summer 2025 season, along with frequency growth in Riyadh (RUH).

For the Winter 2024 season, the airline’s direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok (BKK) will return on 28 October 2024, operating three times per week to the Thai capital. The service will increase to up to five times per week between January and March 2025.

Customers flying on British Airways-operated flights to Doha (DOH) are now being offered the option to travel in the airline’s First cabin, with one of the twice-daily flights from Heathrow being operated on a Boeing 787-10 aircraft.

Air Astana boosts Middle East flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 September 2024: Air Astana will launch new services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from three hubs in Kazakhstan starting during the winter timetable months of October and December 2024.

In a press statement last week, the airline confirmed it will introduce services from Atyrau in western Kazakhstan to Dubai on 26 October, from Astana to Abu Dhabi on 30 October, and from Almaty to Abu Dhabi on 12 December 2024. Each service will be operated twice weekly using Airbus A321neo and Airbus A321LR aircraft.

These new winter season services to the Middle East will supplement the 20 weekly flights from Almaty and Astana to Dubai and six weekly flights from Almaty and Shymkent to Saudi Arabia.

“Air Astana is delighted to further boost its presence in the Middle East, with new services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi reflecting the rapid growth in business and leisure traffic between Kazakhstan and the region. In particular, the introduction of a new Atyrau to Dubai service will contribute to wider economic development in western Kazakhstan by enhancing connectivity with important business and tourist centres in the Gulf,” said Air Astana Senior Vice-President of Revenue Management and Commercial Planning Yerbolat Baisalykov. “Passengers will also have the opportunity to combine visits to Abu Dhabi and Dubai on one trip, with the possibility of flying from Kazakhstan to one Emirate and returning from the other.”

The service from Atyrau to Dubai will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Saturdays, with a flight time of four hours; the service from Astana to Abu Dhabi twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a flight time of five hours 10 minutes and the service from Almaty to Abu Dhabi twice weekly on Thursday and Sunday, with a flight time of four hours and 55 minutes.

The cost for round-trip economy class tickets, including all fees, from Atyrau to Dubai starts from USD396 and from Almaty and Astana to Abu Dhabi from USD375. The cost of a round-trip business class ticket, including all fees, from Atyrau to Dubai starts from USD1,236 and from Almaty and Astana to Abu Dhabi from USD1,535. Kazakhstan citizens enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to the UAE.

Abu Dhabi offers numerous attractions for visitors including pristine beaches of the Persian Gulf, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Yas Island with the Ferrari World amusement park, Yas Waterworld and the Al Ain Oasis, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dubai is known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, dominates the skyline. At its foot lies the Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. Atlantis, The Palm, is on artificial islands just offshore, a resort with water and marine-animal parks.

Almaty – Abu Dhabi 
Flight KC295 departs Almaty at 0805 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 1200 (Flights on Thursday and Sunday).
Flight KC296 departs Abu Dhabi at 1300 and arrives in Almaty at 1835.

Astana – Abu Dhabi 
Flight KC293 departs Astana at 0700 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 1110 (Wednesday).
Flight KC293 departs Astana at 1100 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 1505 (Saturday).

Flight KC294 departs Abu Dhabi at 1210 and arrives in Astana at 1805 (Wednesday).
Flight KC294 departs Abu Dhabi at 1605 and arrives in Astana at 2155 (Saturday).

About Air Astana Group
Air Astana Group is the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus regions by revenue and fleet size. The Group operates a fleet of 56 aircraft split between Air Astana, its full-service airline that operated its inaugural flight in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019. The Group provides scheduled, point-to-point and transit, short-haul and long-haul air travel and cargo on domestic, regional and international routes across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Middle East, India and Europe.

Emirates unveils signature scents in the sky

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 13 Sept 2024: Emirates continues to enhance and elevate the fly better experience for its customers, this time unveiling a new collaboration with the Irish brand renowned for spearheading organic luxury — VOYA

Recently launched onboard flights in First and Business Class, Emirates has partnered with VOYA to develop bespoke Eau de Toilette fragrances that encapsulate sophistication and understated luxury. The calming, nature-based fragrances have been thoughtfully curated exclusively for Emirates, and they are celebrated as the first-ever Eau de Toilette fragrances in VOYA’s bestselling product range. Featuring 400 flights each day across the network, Emirates will commission hundreds of thousands of 50ml bottles of the new VOYA Eau de Toilette fragrances every year.

To develop the signature scents, Emirates and VOYA examined international and industry trends to develop scents representative of both brands. Inspired by the global nature of Emirates, catering to customers from around the world, the natural essential oils used in the scents are derived from a myriad of destinations and the design of the bottle is inspired by the ultimate travel image – the sunset over the ocean. Drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes and rich heritage of Ireland, the collaboration promises an unparalleled sensory experience, blending sophistication and nature while evoking the tranquillity of the Emerald Isle.

VOYA Founders Mark and Kira Walton have years of experience working with fragrances from around the world and relished the opportunity to create a luxury fragrance for Emirates. Their goal was to marry elements from their home in Ireland with the iconic scents of the Middle East, delivering evocative and unique signature perfumes. Elegantly presented in muted glass bottles, the male fragrance is a heady blend of bergamot, pepper and white florals — a smooth and spicy scent that conveys a sense of calm.

“I have always loved the forest like the ocean, so I wanted to create a fresh and earthy fragrance. There is a lot of depth in this fragrance and the base notes become quite pronounced after the initial top notes subside.” VOYA founder Mark Walton.

The feminine perfume by contrast, has the delicate and revitalising air of honeysuckle, neroli and citrus, a sweet and uplifting fragrance that portrays a sense of joy.

“Honeysuckle is often found on coastal cliffs in Ireland. It is a beautiful plant, and it’s synonymous with my childhood. I needed to pair this with fresh citrus notes like orange, basil, and vegetables, balanced with woody notes like cedarwood and gurjun balsam. The fragrance is unashamedly sweet but uplifting, and it is a perfect travel companion.”  – VOYA founder Kira Walton.

The new fragrances are complimentary to use in the Business Class and First Class washrooms. They add to the existing suite of VOYA luxury spa products beloved by Emirates customers for the past eight years.

The VOYA range available to Emirates customers includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, cleanser, body moisturiser, hand wash, soap, and hand cream, available in the signature A380 Onboard Shower Spa, as well as in the complimentary showers in Emirates’ luxury airport lounges. VOYA hand and body cream can also be found in the First and Business Class washrooms. The Emirates range features three fragrances that customers can select depending on their mood or preference: revitalising rosemary and mint, tranquil lavender and rosemary, and soothing lime and mandarin. VOYA’s skincare line for Emirates is made from natural seaweed, hand-harvested from the sea beds of Co. Sligo, Ireland.

In keeping with Emirates’ commitment to sourcing responsibly, VOYA products contain as many organic ingredients as possible and are packaged using recyclable materials. VOYA is proud to be a cruelty-free brand that opposes animal testing in cosmetic research and partners with Plastic Bank to support its mission to stop plastic before it enters the ocean.

www.emirates.com

BWH Hotels expands in Vietnam

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 13 September 2024: BWH Hotels, the global network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, has continued to expand its portfolio in Vietnam with the signing of its hotel in Hue, the country’s heritage-rich former capital city.

Best Western Premier Sky Hue is a stylish upscale hotel with a distinctive design featuring two towers connected by a breathtaking rooftop sky deck. Guests can stay in a selection of 396 rooms and enjoy a wealth of upscale facilities for business and leisure, all underpinned by Best Western’s world-famous service standards.

Adventure-seeking travellers can explore Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasures, including the Imperial Citadel, which dates from 1802 and served as Vietnam’s political, administrative, and cultural centre under the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of this remarkable Best Western Premier Sky Hue. Vietnam is one of our key strategic markets, so signing this property in such an iconic destination – the country’s imperial capital city – is a notable milestone. We look forward to welcoming both domestic and international guests to this exceptional new hotel, which blends contemporary facilities with local charm,” said  BWH Hotels APAC Vice President Olivier Berrivin.

BWH now offers five hotels and resorts in Vietnam – Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang, and Caravelle Saigon, a member of WorldHotels™ Elite – with many more properties set to open their doors in the coming months and years.To book your stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com.

Marriott names Khao Lak team leader

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 13 September 2024: Marriott International has appointed Debdyuti “Dev” Dasgupta as General Manager of Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa; a new seafront retreat set to open in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Dev joins this new resort following his previous role as general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok. He has transitioned into the GM’s position following a successful career in the fields of financial management, auditing, compliance and accounting, with almost two decades of global executive experience.

Before his five-year spell as GM of Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok, Dev was Cluster Director of Finance for three hotels in Thailand: JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok, and Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa. 

The property’s  executive team  includes director of finance Pattharayuth Sudjit, director of rooms Suphalak Jampasri, director of Sales & Marketing Young Eun Lee, director of Food & Beverage  Jose Dominguez, Executive Chef Fabio Genghini, and Director of Human Resources Sukanya Samae.

Commanding a prime location on Bang-Lut Beach, overlooking the Andaman Sea, Khao Lak Marriott Beach Resort & Spa will feature 283 rooms, suites, and pool villas, seven restaurants and bars, a choice of swimming pools, a beachfront kid’s club, Quan Spa, 24/7 fitness centre, and beachfront activities like yoga and water sports.

AutolinkTravel taps TA Network services

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 13 September 2024: Indonesian-based AutolinkTravel (ALT) has teamed up with Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) to expand its reach in the B2B travel sector. 

This strategic partnership will enhance ALT’s distribution capabilities, enabling it to offer a broader array of travel products and services across TA Network’s extensive travel ecosystem.

The online travel company connects everything from flights, hotels, and car rentals to dining reservations, tours, and activities.

The collaboration will streamline the distribution of travel products by integrating ALT’s diverse hospitality and travel offerings with TA Network’s global distribution channels. Leveraging TA Network’s established connections with travel agencies, tour operators, and other B2B partners, ALT is poised to tap into new markets and business channels. Together, the objective is to drive growth by providing businesses with seamless access to a comprehensive travel ecosystem.

ALT Commercial Director Ahmad Syaifullah expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We are thrilled to partner with Trip Affiliates Network as we continue our mission to revolutionize the travel industry. By leveraging TA Network’s extensive distribution network, we can bring our innovative solutions to a wider audience, providing businesses with the tools they need to offer their clients a seamless and efficient travel experience. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our expansion strategy, and we look forward to the mutual growth and success it will bring.”

TA Network’s Regional Director of Partnerships and Growth, Thomas Wong, highlighted the synergy between the two companies, noting: “AutolinkTravel’s cutting-edge approach to automating the travel experience is a perfect complement to TA Network’s online distribution platform. By joining forces, we enhance AutolinkTravel’s ability to meet the evolving demands of today’s travellers. This partnership underscores our commitment to driving innovation in the B2B travel space.”

With TA Network’s high-performance solutions and extensive B2B travel infrastructure, ALT aims to create a more value-added distribution network. This collaboration will provide businesses with easy access to a wide range of travel products and services, ultimately enhancing the travel experience for clients worldwide. 

About AutolinkTravel
AutolinkTravel is an Indonesian-based online travel company that provides an online travel platform that unifies all aspects of hospitality and travel services into one seamless system. Whether users are planning a business trip, a leisurely vacation, or a combination of both, AutolinkTravel provides a one-stop solution that connects everything from flights, hotels, and car rentals to dining reservations, tours, and activities. 

About Trip Affiliates Network
Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, Trip Affiliates Network provides FIT/group inbound and outbound turnkey solutions and add-on direct supplier connectivity services for travel agents, wholesalers and hotels.

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