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Hong Kong raises security fee by HKD10

HONG KONG, 15 May 2024: Hong Kong’s passenger security charge will increase from HKD55 to HKD65 effective 1 January 2025.

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) confirmed this week that the Passenger Security Charge (PSC), collected by airlines on behalf of AAHK from passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), is scheduled to increase from HKD55 to HKD65 effective from 1 January 2025. 

Also, subject to passenger traffic growth and prevailing passenger traffic demand at HKIA, the PSC could be increased in phases to HKD75 from 2027 onwards. The PSC was last adjusted in 2021.

The new passenger service charge will not apply to tickets issued before 1 January 2025, even if such tickets are for travel on or after that date.

The Airport Authority Hong Kong press statement noted that the adjustments would provide funding for further upgrading the airport’s security facilities and systems, including installing a smart passenger security screening system, replacing the hold baggage screening system, and expanding security coverage to related areas under the Three-runway System.

In line with the “user pays, cost recovery” principle stipulated in the Hong Kong Aviation Security Programme, the PSC adjustments will recover the additional costs of the enhanced security measures and systems to be implemented at HKIA in the coming years.

Resorts World Cruises homeports in Dubai

DUBAI, 15 May 2024: Resorts World Cruises will expand its footprint to the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman by deploying Resorts World One for a six-month homeport spell in Dubai, UAE.

Starting on 18 October 2024, Resorts World One will homeport and depart Dubai on a two-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise, departing on Friday. A three-night Oman Cruise to Khasab and Muscat will depart on Sundays, and a two-night Doha Cruise will depart on Wednesdays. Guests can combine two or all three itineraries to increase the cruise length to four, five, or seven nights.

Resorts World One will also add Doha as a homeport during the Qatar school holidays from 24 October to 2 November 2024. Guests can embark in Doha to enjoy two-night Dubai Cruises (24 and 31 October departures) and two five-night Dubai–Khasab-Muscat Cruises (26 October & 2 November departures).

Resorts World Cruises operates cruises with Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Indonesia homeports. Resorts World One is expected to make 75 calls in the region with 150,000 passengers over the six-month period, which will significantly contribute to the growth of cruise tourism in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Resorts World One will attract a new segment of Asian cruise passengers, increasing diversity in the Arabian Gulf market.

Weak Thai baht troubles Thai AirAsia

BANGKOK, 15 May 2024: Thai AirAsia’s results for the first quarter of 2024 recorded a 52% increase in revenue, while positive gross earnings before taxes increased 78%. However, the company booked a net loss of THB409.1 million during 1Q2024 due to the Thai baht weakening.

Asia Aviation PLC (AAV), the sole shareholder of Thai Airasia Co. Ltd (TAA), has announced its operational results for the first quarter of 2024, reporting revenues from sales and services reached THB13,793.7 million, an increase of 52% year-on-year, and continued positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of THB3,094.2 million, up 78% from the same period last year. 

A 1Q2024 core profit of THB1,640 million is on the table if you exclude FX loss.

However, the company booked a net loss of THB409.1 million due to the depreciation of the Thai Baht, which led to a foreign exchange loss of THB2,049.4 million. Cashflow was not impacted and remained positive. 

Excluding the foreign exchange loss, AAV achieved a core profit of THB1,640.3 million in the first quarter, turning around a loss of THB203.2 million during the same period last year.

In 1Q2024, TAA transported 5.5 million passengers, up 19% year-on-year, by operating 50 of its fleet of 56 aircraft. New routes introduced in the quarter included Hat Yai-Singapore and Don Mueang-Kaohsiung. Seat capacity recovered in 1Q2024 to 90%, while passenger traffic recovered to 93% of the total seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Asia Aviation PCL and Thai AirAsia Co Ltd CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya stated: “Passenger volumes continued to grow from 4Q2023 with the load factor reaching a record high of 93% this quarter (1Q2024). Our domestic market share by the end of March 2024 was also at a record high of 40% in an affirmation of our brand’s leadership. We supplemented our inherent strengths, including having a larger fleet than our competitors and our on-time performance, with targeted marketing efforts aimed at different customer groups, which resulted in a higher and wider brand awareness of Thai AirAsia in the market.

“We have seen exceptional growth in our international operations during the quarter. We benefitted notably from lifting visa requirements between Thailand and China in March, which resulted in a surge in both incoming and outgoing travellers between both countries, while we continued to see strong responses in India, ASEAN, Taiwan and Japan. 

During the quarter, TAA launched Don Mueang-Beijing and Fifth Freedom routes Don Mueang-Taipei-Okinawa and Don Mueang-Kaohsiung-Tokyo (Narita), which will begin operation in Quarter 2. These provide opportunities for us to connect with new high-potential customer groups in the wider region.”

For 2Q2024, TAA plans to stimulate domestic and international travel while evaluating frequency increases for the most popular routes to China in Quarter 3. With the government negotiating for a larger quota for tourists from India, positive news is expected for the aviation industry soon, and the airline is looking forward to further seat allocations for this market from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.

For all of 2024, TAA should achieve a passenger target of 20 to 21 million passengers with a load factor average of 90%. It would translate to a 20 to 23% revenue growth from sales and services compared to last year as the company looks to expand its fleet to 60 operating aircraft by year-end.

Take a break on Pulau Tioman

SINGAPORE, 14 May 2024: The Boathouse Pulau Tioman, on Tioman Island, off the east coast of Malaysia, is offering 40% off its best flexible rates as part of an exclusive promotion to the Travel Trade Industry from 1 July to 30 November 2024. 

HPL Hotels & Resorts will open the new boutique hotel branded The Boathouse Pulau Tioman on 1 July 2024 and the travel trade industry discount will support the group’s sales team in launching the resort to travel buyers in Southeast Asia.

The 31-villa resort is hidden amidst the lush greenery of Pulau Tioman’s west coast and accessible only by boat. Located on a secluded beach on an island gazetted as a wildlife reserve and marine park, special care is given to preserving its rich biological diversity and upholding indigenous heritage and culture.

Inspired by nature and styled after the traditional Malay house,l bungalows feature renewable, locally sourced timber and thoughtful architecture befitting the warm, humid climate and surrounding tropical rainforest. 

The travel trade industry offer is valid for bookings for its seaview, deluxe, beachfront, beachfront family bungalows and a Beachfront Suite.

For reservations and inquiries, email the resort at [email protected].

Terms and Conditions: 

• Booking Period: Up to 31 October 2024
• Stay period: 1 July – 30 November 2024
• Blackout Period: Public Holidays and eve of Public Holidays.
• A valid travel industry ID is required for reservations, with a maximum of two rooms per ID card allowed. Bookings are subject to room availability.
• A Tourism Tax of MYR10 per room per night is levied on non-Malaysian nationals or non-permanent residents holding a My PR card. This Tax should be settled on check-out (not included in the room rate).
• A sustainability tax of MYR3 per room per night will also apply and should be settled on check-out.

Pulau Tioman, also known as Tioman Island, is located off the east coast of Pahang, Malaysia. It’s 32km (20 miles) from mainland Malaysia’s east coast.

Here’s how to get to Pulau Tioman

  1. Fly to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). From Kuala Lumpur International Airport, you can take a bus or train to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok, where you can catch a ferry to the island.
  2. Take a bus or train to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok. Buses and trains run from downtown Kuala Lumpur and other major cities in Malaysia to Mersing and Tanjung Gemok. The journey time will vary depending on where you are coming from, but it typically takes four to six hours.
  3. Catch a ferry to Pulau Tioman. Once you arrive in Mersing or Tanjung Gemok, you take a ferry to Pulau Tioman. There are a few different ferry companies that operate on this route, and the journey time is around 90 minutes to two hours. Ferries make multiple stops around the island, so check which jetty is closest to your accommodation.

Here are some additional things to remember when planning your trip to Pulau Tioman.

  • Ferry schedules can change frequently, so booking your tickets in advance is important, especially during peak season. You can book tickets online or at the Mersing and Tanjung Gemok ferry terminals.
  • There is a marine park fee that needs to be paid when you arrive on Pulau Tioman. The fee is currently MYR30 (around USD 7).
  • The best time to visit Pulau Tioman is during the dry season, which is from March to September. The weather is sunny and dry and the seas are calm.

Sabah on tour in Uzbekistan

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia, 14 May 2024: Sabah Tourism Board, in collaboration with Batik Air and Fun Holiday, hosted a roadshow in Uzbekistan, targeting Uzbekistan residents seeking new Muslim-friendly destinations. 

The roadshow toured the historic cities of Samarkand and Tashkent, hosting events that drew 250 participants from both cities. Team Sabah promoted the state’s top attractions, focusing resorts on islands and near beaches and rivers.

Uzbekistan nationals are exploring fresh holiday destinations beyond the traditional favourites of the past, such as Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Recognising this growing interest, the Sabah Tourism Board is seizing the opportunity to showcase Sabah’s unparalleled beauty and hospitality that awaits Uzbekistan travellers.

With two airlines offering direct flights from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur — Batik Air and Uzbekistan Airways — accessibility to Sabah has never been easier for Uzbekistan tourists. Furthermore, the Sabah Tourism Board initiated discussions with Samarkand Airways, the Tashkent Tourism Authority, and the Samarkand Tourism Authority to explore avenues for cross-promotion to enhance the visibility of Sabah as a preferred destination among Uzbekistan travellers.

This roadshow marks a significant milestone in Sabah’s tourism initiatives. It started with Datuk Joniston Bangkui, Sabah’s Assistant Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment and Sabah Tourism Board, who led a delegation to  Uzbekistan in October last year that paved the way to seal partnerships between Sabah and Uzbekistan.

Additionally, Exclusive Travel, an Uzbekistan-based travel wholesaler is partnering with Fun Holiday and Batik Air, to explore the potential for charter flights, offering Uzbekistan tourists a new winter getaway.

Sabah Tourism Board remains committed to fostering meaningful connections and creating unforgettable experiences for travellers worldwide, reaffirming Sabah’s position as a premier tourist destination in Southeast Asia.

For more information on Sabah, visit www.sabahtourism.com

PATA Summit convenes in Macau

BANGKOK, 14 May 2024: Sustainability is one of the overarching themes of the PATA Annual Summit 2024 that convenes this week, 15 to 17 May, in Macao, China, but there are other topics on the table PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid explains in his welcoming statement released on Monday.

“Sustainability remains a focal point but this year’s summit will delve into broader discussions, thought-provoking conversation, encompassing areas such as travel technology trends, marketing strategies, tourism policy, and cultural advancements,” he noted. 

Hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and co-hosted by SJM Resorts, the three-day event with the theme ‘Reimagining Tourism’ underscores the potential to usher in an unprecedented era of transformation within the Asia Pacific tourism industry that will shape travel and tourism to be more resilient and sustainable in the coming years.

Commenting on the annual summit’s recovery post-pandemic, he said: “We have achieved the highest number of delegate registrations for the PATA Annual Summit since the end of the pandemic. I am thrilled to see that when PATA members come together in full force at such a flagship event like the PATA Annual Summit, it will present an opportunity for the association to come into full form that can recalibrate the strength of what PATA is all about. We can only get stronger when we are together. Hence, it is our hope that members from across the world will seize this opportunity to find touch-points to collaborate with each other as the travel and tourism industry is recovering to its fullest potential.”

Macao Government Tourism Office Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes commented: “We are looking forward to welcoming the PATA Annual Summit 2024 and extending the best of Macao hospitality to ensure a successful event. It has been several years since our destination last staged a PATA flagship event, and it will be a great opportunity to provide delegates from across the Asia Pacific region with a first-hand experience of the new dynamic development of Macao as a world centre of tourism and leisure.”

The summit’s speaker line up includes Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office; Daisy Ho, Managing Director, SJM Resorts, S.A.; Dane Cheng, Executive Director, Hong Kong Tourism Board; Florian Sengstschmid, CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board; Fathmath Thaufeeq, CEO & Managing Director, Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (Visit Maldives); Manisha Saxena, Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, India; Pansy Ho, Group Executive Chairman & Managing Director, Shun Tak Holdings Limited; David Fowler, Vice President and Head, Cross-Border & Sales Excellence- Asia Pacific, Visa; Mich Goh, Head of Public Policy, Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong & Taiwan, Airbnb.

IHG expands brands in Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, 14 May 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts will debut two luxury and lifestyle brands in Vietnam this year as it introduces Hotel Indigo and Vignette Collection to Vietnam’s hospitality sector.

Lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo will soon welcome guests to Ho Chi Minh City as the Hotel Indigo Saigon. Vignette Collection, IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle collection brand, will also make its country debut with an upcoming hotel in Hoi An, situated close to the famous UNESCO Heritage Site in the historic central coast city.

The two brands will enter a robust domestic travel market, accounting for 108 million domestic trips last year. In the international visitor market, the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City airline route is one of the top 10 busiest flight routes in the world. 

Vietnam remains popular with international visitors from the US, South Korea, and China. International arrivals reached 4.6 million in the first quarter of 2024, exceeding 2019 levels. Vietnam is targeting 18 million visitors this year.

Introducing the two brands to Vietnam will help IHG grow its portfolio across destinations in the country. Next year, it will open InterContinental Halong Bay Resort in Halong City — its first property in the area — followed by Holiday Inn Resort Halong Bay in 2026. IHG also plans to introduce its InterContinental brand in Thanh Xuan Valley in the city of Vinh Phuc — its first valley resort project in Vietnam — within the next few years.

IHG has 18 hotels in Vietnam across six brands: Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Voco Hotels & Resorts, and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts. By 2028, it is on course to more than double its portfolio in the country by opening at least 26 more hotels.

Levelling up the Sentosa experience

SINGAPORE, 14 May 2024: Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), DBS Bank (DBS), and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last week to enhance Sentosa’s guest experience through the development of a Sentosa Precinct Partnership. 

The multi-lateral partnership will unveil joint offerings to propel tourism growth and solidify Sentosa’s position as a leading lifestyle destination.

Front row (left to right): Mr Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, STB; Ms Lee Shi Ruh, President, RWS; Mr Jeremy Soo, Managing Director and Head Consumer Banking Group (Singapore), DBS; Mr Michael Ma, Assistant Chief Executive (Business and Digital Technology Group), SDC.

Second row (left to right): Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, STB; Mr Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer, RWS; Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations; Mr Han Kwee Juan, Group Executive, Singapore Country Head, DBS; Ms Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer, SDC.

The inaugural partnership will synergise all parties’ marketing efforts, inviting guests to discover more of Sentosa. 

It includes SDC’s holistic event line-up and new offering launches; STB’s Made in Singapore global brand campaign; RWS’ offerings of world-class attractions, luxury hotel stays, and lifestyle experiences; and DBS’ strengths in offering exceptional value in shopping, dining, travel, and family experiences for customers in Singapore and key inbound markets including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

Additionally, the partnership will encourage the discovery of Sentosa’s accommodations, attractions, entertainment, dining, and retail offerings, enabling a longer and more meaningful stay.

The multi-lateral partnership announcement follows the soft opening of the highly anticipated Sentosa Sensoryscape. This 350-metre-long connector, featuring six innovative sensory gardens and an immersive night experience, is directly linked to Ave8 at RWS – a vibrant locale offering diverse dining concepts. 

With Singapore’s robust tourism performance in 2023 and an optimistic outlook for 2024, this precinct partnership aims to boost tourism growth by offering visitors fresh and exciting experiences to look forward to. 

According to STB’s 2023 data, tourism receipts across all categories recovered close to pre-pandemic levels, and visitors are staying longer than in 2019. This supports the continued exploration of joint marketing initiatives to promote the precinct, enrich the visitor experience and strengthen Singapore’s standing as a vibrant lifestyle and business destination.

DBS also observes this significant growth in its major overseas card markets. In 2023, DBS recorded a third consecutive record year across its cards, with travel spending surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Today, the bank is the largest issuer of specialised cards with travel perks in Taiwan, such as the newly launched DBS Travel World Elite card. It offers preferential travel privileges for its Treasures customers across its markets.

Singapore media revisits Penang and Langkawi

SINGAPORE, 14 May 2024: Tourism Malaysia Singapore successfully concluded the Malaysia Familiarisation Programme for Singapore’s media representatives and key opinion leaders (KOLs) from 6 to 11 May 2024.

Participants explored tourism offerings in Penang and Langkawi, emphasising the concept of dual-city holidays in Malaysia.

Participants, representing magazines, newspapers, and online platforms, enjoyed luxurious accommodations at The George Penang, explored the breathtaking Kubang Badak Biogeotrail, and immersed themselves in the magical adventure of Dream Forest Langkawi. 

The initiative showcased Malaysia’s appeal as a premier tourist destination, enhancing its positive image among Singaporean travellers.

The programme also offered an enriching cultural experience, including batik painting at Atma Alam Batik Art Village in Langkawi and visiting iconic attractions such as The Habitat Penang Hill and ESCAPE Penang. By capturing the essence of Malaysian hospitality and culture, participants gained firsthand insight into the unforgettable experiences awaiting visitors.

The familiarisation trip was made possible through partnerships with AirAsia, Penang Global Tourism, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Tropical Charters Sunset Cruise, Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa, and Dream Forest Langkawi. 

AirAsia, with its extensive airline network, provided travel to both destinations. The airline flies 10 weekly departures to Langkawi and 30 to Penang.

Tourism Malaysia Director General Manoharan Periasamy expressed optimism about the programme’s impact in boosting arrivals and promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination for Singaporean travellers, capitalising on the strong cultural and historical connections between the two nations in the build-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.

Tourism Malaysia Singapore Deputy Director Mohana Murni Shanmugam remarked: “We anticipate that this familiarisation trip will significantly contribute to surpassing our target of 10 million Singaporean tourists by the end of the year. The positive exposure generated through media and KOL channels will undoubtedly entice Singaporeans to explore the diverse attractions, rich culture, and warm hospitality Malaysia offers.”

Singapore ranked as the top source of tourist-generating markets, contributing significantly to the 8.3 million arrivals in 2023. With a target of welcoming 27.3 million tourists and generating MYR102.7 billion in revenue in 2024, Malaysia is poised for continued growth. The upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 further exemplifies this ambition, aiming to attract 35.6 million foreign tourists and achieve MYR147.1 billion in tourist receipts.

Emirates Group announces 2023-24 results

DUBAI, UAE, 14 May 2024: The Emirates Group today released its 2023-24 Annual Report, hitting new record profit, revenue, and cash balance levels.

Both Emirates and dnata saw significant profit and revenue increases in 2023-24, as the Group expanded its operations worldwide to meet strong customer demand for its high-quality products and services.

For the financial year ended 31 March 2024, the Emirates Group posted a record profit of AED18.7 billion (USD5.1 billion), up 71% compared with last year’s AED10.9 billion (USD3 billion) profit. The Group’s revenue was AED137.3 billion (USD37.4 billion), an increase of 15% over last year’s results. The Group’s cash balance was AED47.1 billion (USD 12.8 billion), the highest ever reported, up 11% from last year.  

Combined Group profits for the last two years, at AED29.6 billion, surpass pandemic losses of AED25.9 billion during 2020-2022.

Many major projects are already underway, including a multibillion-dollar aircraft fleet and cabin renewal programme; new catering, cargo, and ground handling capabilities; advanced technologies to support the Group’s operations; expanded training and people development programmes; and initiatives to progress the Group’s sustainability agenda.

In 2023-24, the Group collectively invested AED 8.8 billion (US$ 2.4 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment, companies, and the latest technologies to support its growth plans.

The Group’s workforce grew by 10% to 112,406 employees, its largest size ever, as Emirates and dnata continued recruitment activity worldwide to support its expanding operations and bolster its future capabilities.

The Group made significant strides in its sustainability journey during 2023-24, implementing numerous initiatives focused on the environment, its people, customers, and communities.

Environmental topics were on the agenda during the year, as the UAE hosted the world’s biggest conference for climate action, COP28, in Dubai.

In 2023-24, Emirates signed new supply agreements to uplift sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at its Dubai hub for the first time, as well as in Amsterdam and Singapore. The airline operated the first A380 demonstration flight using 100% SAF in one engine, collecting data to support industry efforts to enable a future of 100% SAF flying.

Recognising that airlines today have limited solutions to reduce carbon emissions meaningfully, Emirates established a USD200 million fund to support R&D projects that focus on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation. It also became a founding entity of Air-CRAFT, a UAE-based research consortium for renewable and advanced aviation fuels. It joined The Solent Cluster, a UK initiative focused on producing low-carbon fuels for various sectors, including aviation.

Dnata continued to invest and induct more electric and hybrid vehicles into its global fleet of ground support equipment (GSE), adding new baggage tractors, cargo loaders, and pushback tractors to its USA operations. It also converted and refurbished diesel-powered GSEs in Italy to run on Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil and electric power. dnata’s UAE businesses, including dnata logistics, Arabian Adventures, Alpha Flight Services and City Sightseeing Worldwide, transitioned to biofuel for its landside fleet of vehicles.

During the year, dnata became the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association’s environmental management (IEnvA) certification for its commitment to sustainability across its UAE businesses, and Emirates achieved IEnvA Stage One and the IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade module certifications, for its efforts in environmental stewardship and anti-wildlife trafficking.

The Group ramped up investments in people development, rolling out a comprehensive programme of learning and training options for its workforce in partnership with top universities and key industry partners. A Gender Balance Council was established to champion and promote gender equality within the Group.

The Emirates Group has expanded its ESG reporting in its latest 2023-24 report and is adopting aspects of the GRI standards. It plans to evolve its reporting to meet ISSB and CSRD requirements in the coming years.

Emirates Airline and Group Chairman and Chief Executive His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “We enter our 2024-25 financial year on strong foundations for continued growth. Emirates will receive delivery of 10 new A350 aircraft in 2024-25, adding to our fleet mix and supporting the next phase of its network growth. dnata will continue leveraging synergies and scaling across its business divisions to grow its footprint and capabilities. In tandem, we are investing resources to minimise our environmental impact, develop our people, look after our customers and the communities we serve.”

“The business outlook is positive, and we expect customer demand for air transport and travel to remain strong in the coming months. As always, we will closely monitor costs and external factors such as oil prices, currency fluctuations, and volatile environments caused by socio-political changes. Our business model has been tested before, and I am confident in our resilience and ability to respond quickly to opportunities and challenges.”

He added: “Looking further ahead, the Dubai government has announced plans to start the next phase of expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will eventually be the new hub for Emirates and dnata’s operations. This AED128 billion (USD35 billion) investment will significantly expand and enhance Dubai’s aviation and logistics infrastructure, supporting the city’s growth and Emirates’ and dnata’s growth.

For bookings and flight information, visit www.emirates.com