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Centara showcases its expansion at ATM

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 10 May 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, revealed its latest updates, insights and expansion plans at the Arabian Travel Mart 2024 earlier this week.

Having celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, the company is now embarking on a sustainable growth strategy that will introduce its unique style of family-centric hospitality to multiple new markets, including dynamic Middle East destinations, as it strives to become one of the planet’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027.

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka opened its doors in 2023 to mark the group’s debut in Japan.

Centara currently has a global portfolio of 95 hotels and resorts operating or in the pipeline, covering 12 countries and six diverse brands: Centara Reserve, Centara Boutique Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life, and COSI. In the Middle East, Centara now offers a collection of upscale hotels and resorts in Qatar, Oman and the UAE.

The group’s expansion strategy is already well underway. Centara made its debut in Japan in 2023 with the opening of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a landmark five-star city hotel, and the launch of COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, Laos, in March 2024 marked the first location outside Thailand for COSI, marked the first location outside Thailand for COSI, the affordable lifestyle brand. 

Looking ahead, two major new resorts will start welcoming guests in the Indian Ocean. In Q4 2024, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, a bright and fun-filled retreat with an underwater theme, will open its doors in the pristine North Malé Atoll as part of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a brand-new multi-island wonderland. It will be joined in early 2025 by Centara Grand Lagoon Resort Maldives, a haven of sophisticated tranquillity, creating options for every type of traveller. Following the success of Centara Reserve Samui, which became the inaugural resort under the luxury lifestyle Centara Reserve brand in 2021, Centara plans to roll out this award-winning concept to even more idyllic locations across Asia. The newly reimagined Centara Life brand (formerly Centra by Centara) will start “Elevating the Essentials” in key cities and resorts in Thailand and beyond. Finally, two of the group’s flagship properties, Centara Karon Resort Phuket and Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, will be fully renovated by the end of 2024.

Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha is one of the leading five-star hotels in Qatar’s capital city.

Every aspect of Centara’s development will be undertaken responsibly and sustainably. The group is working towards several important environmental targets, including eliminating single-use plastic and achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification for all its properties by 2025, a 20% reduction in energy, waste, water, and greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and overall net zero emissions by 2050.

Michael Henssler, Centara’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We are delighted to return to the Arabian Travel Mart to meet our esteemed travel trade friends and colleagues from the Middle East – and worldwide. Centara has a proud heritage built upon 40th years of warm, family-centric hospitality, and this has become very popular with a rising number of Middle Eastern guests. As we embark on an extensive global expansion strategy, we will continue introducing our intuitive hotels, resorts and brands to many desirable destinations.

We look forward to providing our travel industry colleagues and media partners with exciting updates on all our new developments in 2024 and beyond.”

In the host country of ATM Dubai 2024, Centara has opened its first Mirage resort in the Middle East since 2021. Families and friends can enjoy fun-filled vacations at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, which delights guests with its Thai and Arabian adventure-themed concept, family accommodation, and world-class facilities, including a thrilling water park and the colourful, kid-friendly Candy Spa. Centara is also present in many of the most popular destinations for Middle Eastern guests, such as Thailand and the Maldives.

Centara will be present at the Arabian Travel Mart from 6th – 9th May 2024, with a main booth at stand ME1120, ME1150 Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, stand AS7110 Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Maldives and stand ME1520 Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha will also have a presence at the event. For more information and to plan your visit check out www.wtm.com/atm.  

To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

Saudia and Season Tours boost tourism cooperation

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 10 May 2024: Saudia and Season Tours signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this week at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, fostering a commitment to establish Saudi Arabia as a tourism hub. 

The partnership taps Saudia’s extensive flight network and Season Tours’ travel content to redefine Saudi tourism’s accessibility and connectivity.

Signing ceremony between Saudia and Season Tours.

The MoU, signed by Saudia CCO Arved Von Zur Muehlen and CEO and Season Tours Owner Representative and CEO Ayman Yousef Khalawi, will introduce travel packages showcasing Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, positioning the Kingdom as an essential destination on a regional travel itinerary. 

“We are delighted to partner with Season Tours. Together, we are dedicated to maximizing Saudi Arabia’s tourism appeal and delivering unparalleled experiences to our guests, highlighting the Kingdom’s rich culture,” said Arved Von Zur Muehlen.

The partnership also extends to collaborative sponsorship of events and promotional programmes, fostering interest in regional and international travel to and from Saudi Arabia.

Seaplane services take off at Ocean Marina

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TTR WEEKLY
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PATTAYA, 10 May 2024: Ocean Property is partnering with Siam Seaplane to introduce a seaplane facility at the Ocean Marina Jomtien, Pattaya, offering scenic flights along Thailand’s eastern coast.

Ocean Property Managing Director Napong Pariponpochanapisuti said: “Collaborating with Siam Seaplane gives our guests an extraordinary way to discover the beauty of Thailand’s eastern seaboard with the utmost style and convenience.”

As Thailand’s inaugural operator of amphibious seaplanes, Siam Seaplane will offer air charter services in collaboration with Ocean Marina Jomtien, Southeast Asia’s largest marina and the winner of Thailand’s best marina berthing facilities in 2024.

Partnership highlights

In 2024, Ocean Marina Jomtien will provide a dedicated site for seaplane water landings and takeoffs. It will also offer access to yacht charters and stays at the Ocean Marina Resort.

Siam Seaplane will offer local scenic charter flights and air commuter flights to popular beach resorts in the Gulf of Thailand, such as  Hua Hin, Rayong, Koh Chang and Koh Samui, from the marina base.

The partnership also includes boat transfers to partner resorts and hotels such as Renaissance Pattaya and InterContinental Pattaya.

Charter flights from the marina to U-Tapao airport and other commercial airports close to the Gulf of Thailand are possible. 

THAI upgrades its ROP members’ app

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 10 May 2024: Thai Airways International introduced a new version of its mobile application earlier this week, offering improved performance and content for all the airline’s travel services. 

Explicitly developed for Royal Orchid Plus members, it allows passengers to manage flights and access Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) services.

ROP members can check their profile information, existing miles and expiring miles. Under the “My Trip” menu, passengers can book seats, manage check-in, activate notifications on departure dates, and synchronise boarding passes with Apple Wallet or Android Wallet. Promotions and additional services such as accommodation, rental car and travel insurance are also featured on the app.

The new Thai Airways application is available for download on the App Store and Play Store or updated on the existing application. Those who download and register as ROP members from 30 May to 2 June 2024 will be awarded 500 miles.

SWISS starts direct flights Seoul to Zurich

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 10 May 2024: Following the inaugural flight on 7 May, Swiss International Air Lines is offering Korean passengers direct flights to Zurich, Switzerland.

Swiss offers three weekly flights departing Seoul on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday using an Airbus A340 with 215 seats.

Swiss International Air Lines’s Inaugural direct flight from Seoul to Zurich took off on 7 May.

Korean Air is already well established on the direct route flying three weekly services on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday using a Boeing 777-300ER configured with 286 seats.

Since the start of 2024, the average roundtrip fare on Korean Air was USD1,280 until May as the sole airline offering direct flights between Seoul and Zurich. Now, with competition from SWISS, the average fare could slip slightly before the peak summer months of July and August. SWISS quotes fares of around USD994 during May and June. (Skyscanner) 

SWISS flight schedule

Flight LX122 departs Zurich (ZRH) at 1340 and arrives in Seoul (ICN) at 0825 plus a day. (Departs Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.)
Flight LX123 departs Seoul (ICN) at 0955 and arrives in Zurich (ZRH at 1650. (Departs Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.)

Flight time is 13 hours and 40 minutes.

Zurich offers a distinctive travel experience to explorers and culture aficionados alike. Leisure travellers and business travellers will benefit from the strong ties between the two countries, with South Korea being Switzerland’s fourth-biggest Asian trading partner.

“We are delighted to welcome SWISS to Korea. With 17 weekly flights, Lufthansa Group now operates nonstop services to Frankfurt, Munich and Zurich, where we offer direct connections to Korean passengers from our hubs to the largest network in Europe. We have connected Korea with Europe for 40 years, and the introduction of flights with the national airline of Switzerland represents our commitment to this important market,” said SWISS General Manager Korea Leandro Tonidandel.

“Last year, Korea and Switzerland celebrated 60 years of bilateral relations. Today (7 May), we witnessed the first direct flight between these two nations. With various exchanges in education, economics and culture, the first direct connection between Switzerland and Korea aims to strengthen ties between these two nations further.” 

Dnata names MD for Singapore

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 10 May 2024: Dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, announced the appointment of Neo Su Yin as the company’s managing director in Singapore.

In her role, Su Yin will oversee dnata’s ground handling and cargo operations at Changi Airport (SIN). She will manage a team of more than 1,500 employees to ensure consistent, high-quality, and safe services for over 50 airline customers. 

Neo Su Yin, Managing Director, dnata Singapore.

A Singapore national, Su Yin brings extensive experience in senior executive roles across the aviation and logistics industries with a proven track record of enhancing service quality and customer experience. Most recently, she was Chief Executive Officer, Singapore, Singapore Post Ltd, a leading postal and e-commerce logistics provider in Asia Pacific. Before joining SingPost, Su Yin was General Manager at the Changi Airport Group (CAG), managing ground operations and customer experience within the terminals. 

Su Yin will report to Charles Galloway, dnata’s Regional CEO for Asia-Pacific. Her appointment is effective immediately.

Charles Galloway said: “We are delighted to welcome Su Yin to our APAC management team. With an impressive background in the logistics and aviation industries, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to dnata Singapore. Her leadership will play a key role in driving our efforts to enhance our reputation for excellence in the industry.”

A trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata operates at over 130 airports globally. In the Asia Pacific region, dnata provides quality and safe ground handling, cargo and catering services in three countries; Australia, Singapore and The Philippines.

China extends visa-free to December 2025

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 10 May 2024: Malaysia is among 12 nations that will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to China until the end of 2025 after the current agreement expires on 24 November 2024.

The 12 countries are France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg.

Photo credit Xinhua: China’s President Xi Jinping addresses the closing session of the Sixth Meeting of the China-France Business Council.

Citizens from the 12 countries can visit China for up to 15 days without applying for a visa for business, sightseeing, transit, or other purposes.

China’s Global Times reported that on 7 May, China’s President Xi Jinping announced the extension of visa-free concession during the closing session of the Sixth Meeting of the China-France Business Council in Paris.

At the end of November 2023, China introduced visa-free travel for citizens of 12 European countries and Malaysia until 30 November 2024.

As China extends the extension for the 12 countries until the end of 2025, Global Times said analysts noted that the measures will significantly boost inbound tourism. 

The extension of the short-term visa-free policy until the end of 2025 clearly indicates China’s commitment to fostering international relations and promoting tourism. China Tourism Academy President Dai Bin stated that this “move is expected to further boost confidence and enthusiasm for travelling to China, contributing to the growth of inbound tourism and aiding in the industry’s prosperity.”

China’s appeal as a travel destination is clearly on the rise, as evidenced by the statistics from China’s National Immigration Administration. In the first quarter, international visits to China reached a staggering 13.1 million, marking a 305.25% increase year over year. The number of visa-free foreigners entering China also saw a substantial rise, reaching 1.98 million, up 266.1% from last year.

(SOURCE: Global Times)

Royal Cliff: The home of tennis for everyone

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TTR WEEKLY
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PATTAYA, Thailand, 9 May 2024: The Royal Cliff Hotels Group hosts two popular tennis tournaments targeting youngsters and seniors — AssetWise Junior Tennis Thailand Championship and the ITF MT-700 Masters Championship.

The two prestigious tennis tournaments occur annually at the resort’s Fitz Club, a luxury fitness centre part of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group. The AssetWise Junior Tennis Thailand Tournament was a runaway success last week, attracting young aspiring tennis players. Fo senior tennis fans the ITF MT-700 Masters Championship 2024 follows in November.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group CEO Vitanart Vathanakul welcomed guests to the AssetWise tournament last week, including the main sponsor AssetWise Chief Human Resources Officer Saraphong Tuwapalangkul, AssetWise Chief Human Resources Officer Kritsana Boonsawat, Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Director Pattaya Office Tachawat Klinpakdee and TCEB Representative Rattanachai Suttidechanai. 

Marking the second edition of the AssetWise Junior Tennis Thailand Championship, the tournament featured singles and doubles matches for players of all levels aged four to 14. Participants could earn points toward a national ranking. Over 120 young athletes joined the tournament to sharpen their skills and climb the rankings. 

The ITF MT-700 Masters Championship will draw 200 players worldwide, competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. The event accepts players between 35 and 75 years of age of all skill levels and nationalities. 

The ITF MT-700 Masters Championship is regarded as a top-level tournament on the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour calendar and offers an opportunity to earn points toward a global ranking. Royal Cliff consistently contributes positively to its communities and aims to enhance the recreational experiences of the senior demographic. This is achieved through fostering friendly competitions that bolster physical and mental health through sports.

“We were delighted to host the second edition of the AssetWise Junior Tennis Championship and look forward to hosting the ITF Masters, now in its seventh edition. We are proud to help make an impact and showcase Pattaya City’s sports scene by attracting players worldwide. As an award-winning family resort, we intend to create more events to uplift Pattaya’s image as a leading sports and family destination,” said Vitanart.

Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness, an elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, has been a preferred choice for renowned ATP players such as Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke, Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Denis Istomin, among others. These players have previously conducted tennis camps at this facility. With tennis courts on par with those at the Australian Open, Fitz Club is a go-to for top-tier players aiming to acclimate themselves to grand slam tournament conditions. Besides tennis, the club boasts a rich history of hosting various sports events, encompassing both Junior and Senior Tennis contests, Squash championships, and Table Tennis duels.

For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, please visit www.royalcliff.com and www.facebook.com/fitzclub or send an email to [email protected]  

Dusit manages new resort in the Maldives

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK Thailand, 9 May 2024: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed an agreement with Pearl Atoll Pvt Ltd to manage dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives – a 125-key lifestyle resort on a private island near the main island of Malé. 

Currently under construction and slated to open in 4Q 2024, the new resort will operate under Dusit’s upscale dusitD2 brand and will be the company’s first ‘all-inclusive’ property. In addition to spacious overwater villas and family suites ranging from 77 – 319 sq m, the lifestyle-driven resort will boast a kids club, multiple food and beverage outlets, a fully equipped gym, and a signature Namm Spa offering a wide range of Thai massage therapies and beauty treatments. Guests will find three main private beaches to relax on, plus a smaller ‘picnic beach’ for memorable meals on the sands.

Leveraging the resort’s proximity to Malé International Airport, which is only five minutes away by speedboat, the resort’s developers also plan to open a resort-based entertainment hub and small convention centre, catering to guests beyond the core resort experience. These will be announced at a later date and will also be managed by Dusit. Meticulous attention will be paid to ensure all resort elements seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment. Dusit’s group-wide sustainability programme, Tree of Life, will further solidify this commitment by implementing processes and systems that minimise environmental impact.

DusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives will be Dusit’s second resort in the Maldives. The company also operates Dusit Thani Maldives, an award-winning luxury resort on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

“We are delighted to be expanding our presence in the Maldives with dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, our first all-inclusive resort concept,” said Dusit International COO Gilles Cretallaz. “The Maldives is a strategic market for us, and this exciting addition complements our presence in the luxury segment by offering a distinct lifestyle experience for families and young couples seeking an unforgettable and accessible Maldivian escape. We are committed to exceeding guest expectations with innovative offerings and exceptional service, and dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives will be a shining example of this unwavering dedication.”

Pearl Atoll Pvt Ltd Managing Director Fan Jianglin said: “We are thrilled to partner with Dusit International to manage our first resort in the Maldives. We were particularly drawn to Dusit’s unique Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, renowned worldwide for its warmth and attentiveness, and its proven success in the Maldives. dusitD2 Feydhoo’s prime location near Malé International Airport makes it incredibly convenient for guests, and we are confident that under Dusit’s experienced guidance, the resort will be a resounding success.”

Dusit’s portfolio of hotels, resorts, and luxury villas includes approximately 300 properties under eight brands across 18 countries worldwide. 

For more information, please visit dusit.com.

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services. 

Dusit International’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification.

For more information, please visit dusit-international.com

About Pearl Atoll Pvt Ltd 
Registered in the Maldives in 2016, Pearl Atoll Pvt Ltd is an investment company focused on investing and developing hospitality property in the Maldives. Its founder, Fan Jianglin, is from China. Over the past 20 years, he has successfully managed his private business in international trading, real estate development, and venture investment.

Hoi An’s Wafaifo Resort open for bookings

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TTR WEEKLY
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HOI AN Vietnam, 9 May 2024: The Wafaifo Hoi An Resort in the World Heritage town of Hoi An, central Vietnam, will open its doors to guests on 1 September.

Bookings are now open on the hotel’s Wafaifo.com website for the phase 1 opening. The hotel will ultimately offer 134 rooms and suites and dining and lifestyle outlets just a 10-minute walk from Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage coastal village, 28km south of Danang.

Analysts forecast visitor arrivals will once more match 2019 record-breaking levels by the end of 2024.

The old quarter of Hoi An, located on the banks of a river estuary, is known for its maze of tiny streets lined with old shop houses many of them converted into museums, night market shops, restaurants and bars.

From 1 September, the new downtown resort property will feature rooms with balcony options, king-sized or twin beds, and high-speed WiFi. It will also open a swimming pool, a wellness spa, a gym and beauty and health options. In October, the resort will open meeting facilities and by 2025 luxury suites and a signature Vietnamese fine dining outlet.

Vietnam’s Tourism Arrivals 

According to Statista.com,* Vietnam attracted 12.6 million international tourists in 2023, up from 3.6 million in 2022. Analysts at the resort’s in-house tourism intelligence unit predict that Vietnam has a chance to match its 2019 all-time high figure of 18 million visitors by year-end 2024. Domestic tourism is already a robust and increasingly important market for hotels in central Vietnam

Hoi An is a 40-minute drive from Danang International Airport in central Vietnam. Danang has direct air links with 22 cities in 11 countries and four destinations in Vietnam.
*https://www.statista.com/statistics/1195290/vietnam-international-visitor-arrivals/

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