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Emirates expands London Heathrow schedule

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Your Stories
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SINGAPORE, 3 October 2025: Emirates is unlocking more opportunities for travel with the addition of six weekly flights to its London Heathrow schedule, starting 26 October 2025. 

The boosted schedule for the winter season follows record growth and demand, providing more convenience and departure time choices for travellers journeying to and from London Heathrow, and is well-timed to serve the year-end travel peak. 

Emirates already flies six times a day to and from London Heathrow, and its flagship Airbus A380 serves all flights. The additional flights will operate on all days except Fridays during the winter period, utilising the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER, which offers over 350 seats in a three-class configuration, split between First, Business, and Economy classes. 

Strategically timed overnight departures from London Heathrow to Dubai offer convenient onward connections to destinations such as Durban, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Jakarta. Flights to London Heathrow offer well-timed connectivity for travellers coming from cities across West Asia, such as Ahmedabad, Lahore, the Maldives, Hyderabad, and Chennai, as well as Beijing and Shanghai on the Chinese mainland, and several points within the Middle East, including Bahrain, Dammam, and Riyadh. 

Flight EK41 will depart Dubai on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 1340, arriving in London Heathrow at 1740. The return flight, EK42, departs London Heathrow at 2235 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, arriving in Dubai at 0935 the next day. The return flight, EK42, departs London Heathrow at 2120 on Tuesday and Saturday, arriving in Dubai at 0820 the next day. On Thursdays, EK41 will depart Dubai at 1255, arriving in London Heathrow at 1655. The return flight, EK42, departs from London Heathrow at 2120, arriving in Dubai at 0820 the next day. All times are local.

For more information or to book tickets, customers can visit emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates retail stores, Emirates contact centres, or via travel agents. 

Including both London Heathrow and London Gatwick, the airline’s total weekly services will increase to 90 flights by early next year. Last month, Emirates announced a fourth daily flight to London Gatwick, starting from 8 February 2026, operating on the airline’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350. 

By February 2026, Emirates will operate 146 weekly flights to the UK, serving its three London airports, as well as its regional gateways, including Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. 

All customers travelling with Emirates can expect to enjoy a best-in-class onboard experience with exceptional levels of comfort and hospitality. The airline offers its customers an unmatched culinary experience in the skies with regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs, complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. 

Customers can also enjoy more than 6,500 channels of the best global entertainment content on Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system. This includes a vast selection of movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks and more.

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates).

TAT leads journey to sustainable tourism

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 3 October 2025:The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainability across the country’s tourism supply chain through 17 Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) and the Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR).

In a media statement posted on its website, TAT said it is working with local partners, global organisations, and communities to ensure that travel to Thailand creates long-term value for people, planet, and prosperity.

Photo credit: TAT.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “Sustainability is not an option but a pledge. Through our very own Sustainable Tourism Goals and STAR initiative, we are equipping our industry with clear standards while empowering communities and entrepreneurs to adopt responsible practices. Our role at TAT is to connect these efforts to the global stage, so travellers see Thailand not just as a beautiful destination, but as a country where tourism actively preserves culture, protects nature, and uplifts people.”

Since 2023, TAT has applied four dimensions based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals  — good governance, socio-economic impact, cultural preservation, and environmental responsibility. 

To hone these objectives on the ground, the STAR initiative benchmarks tourism operators nationwide, awarding three to five stars based on their sustainability achievements. As of August 2025, more than 2,300 businesses have joined STAR, reflecting the industry’s collective commitment.

Alongside STAR, flagship certifications such as the Thailand Tourism Awards and CF–Hotels are raising standards across the sector, encouraging operators to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt clean energy solutions. The recently launched Trusted Thailand Stamp further complements these initiatives by assuring travellers of safety, accessibility, and service excellence, thereby boosting global confidence in Thailand as a quality destination.

TAT has also set a clear long-term direction through The New Thailand Vision 2026, which redefines the country’s tourism development model towards quality, value-driven growth, and meaningful experiences. This is closely aligned with the STGs 2030 roadmap, where TAT and 20 key partners from the public and private sectors have pledged to accelerate sustainable practices nationwide. Together, these frameworks ensure that Thailand’s tourism future is both competitive and responsible.

Through initiatives such as the Meaningful Thailand programme with Tourism Cares, a leading non-profit dedicated to advancing sustainability within the tourism industry, TAT has already featured 45 of Thailand’s sustainable products and services on the global Meaningful Travel Map, while deepening engagement with international operators and networks. These partnerships reinforce Thailand’s credibility in priority markets and strengthen confidence in its ability to deliver meaningful travel experiences that meet global sustainability standards.

Thapanee concluded: “Our partnerships with international networks strengthen confidence in Thailand as a preferred destination for meaningful travel. They demonstrate not only our readiness but also our determination to inspire the industry to adopt sustainability as a shared responsibility.”

(Source: TAT.)

ALL Accor+ Explorer launches annual subscription

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 3 October 2025: Accor Plus launched its new premium global subscription, ALL Accor+ Explorer, earlier this week for an annual fee of USD229.

The paid annual travel membership offers travellers access to elevated benefits, recognition and distinct experiences with Accor.

Accor Plus CEO Emilie Couton. Pay up-front annual subscriptions, the key to discounts, benefits and perks.

From day one, members are instantly upgraded to ALL Accor Gold status or higher in Accor’s free global loyalty programme with elite hotel privileges. 

The subscription itself includes two free nights each year, up to half priced stays, and generous dining and beverage discounts in the Asia Pacific. 

For the first time, members receive a guaranteed 15% off room rates worldwide, available across more than 4,500 hotels and over 30 brands.

The Explorer community gains access to a calendar of travel experiences that span dining, wellness, and local adventures across the region. 

“Today’s frequent discerning travellers are looking for more than just perks from their loyalty memberships,” said Accor Plus CEO Emilie Couton. “Our insights and extensive member research pointed to a shift towards more substantial value, better recognition and deeper, more meaningful experiences.”

Building on a strong 30-year legacy of loyalty innovation that started in Australia, ALL Accor+Explorer is the next evolution of the Accor Plus programme, with over 450,000 members across the Asia Pacific region. 

With the subscription market expected to reach USD2 trillion over the next eight years, the hotel group anticipates paid travel subscriptions will become a defining trend for the next generation of travellers.

The annual subscription sells worldwide for USD229. Members gain an average of USD712 in value back from their subscription within a year, through savings and benefits. 

BA expands US network in 2026

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 3 October 2025: British Airways will introduce St. Louis as its latest destination, with four weekly direct flights scheduled to commence in April 2026.

The latest British Airways’ route network adds the airline’s 27th US destination. The return fares start from UKP529.

British Airways will be the only UK airline to offer direct flights to St Louis. Flights will begin on 19 April 2026 and operate four times per week throughout the summer season.

St Louis is home to Forest Park – one of the largest urban parks in the US, a range of free museums, and a thriving craft beer scene. The city also boasts a proud sporting legacy, with teams including the St. Louis Cardinals (Major League Baseball), Blues (National Hockey League) and City Soccer Club (Major League Soccer), earning “the title of ‘Ultima’ e Sports City” by ESPN The Magazine.

British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, Neil Chernoff, said: “St. Louis is a fantastic addition to our network — it’s a destination in itself as a city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, as well as a gateway to exciting destinations beyond this. As the only direct route from the UK, this service will open up exciting new opportunities for our customers and further strengthen ties between the UK and the US Midwest.”

The launch of St. Louis flights and British Airways’ recent frequency increases to popular US destinations. From Summer 2026, the airline will reintroduce its double-daily service to Miami and daily flights to Dallas-Fort Worth, increase flights to Las Vegas from 10 to 13 per week, and operate 14 flights per week to both San Diego and Austin. New York (JFK) will operate exclusively from London Heathrow, with nine daily flights, including a new service operated by the airline’s 777-200 fleet, featuring First and Club Suite – offering a more premium experience for every customer travelling on its flagship route.

Flight schedule

(Source: British Airways).

Air India launches Delhi – Manila flights

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Newsdesk
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GURUGRAM, 3 October 2025: Air India inaugurated its first non-stop flight from Delhi to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on Wednesday. 

With the launch of services to Manila, Air India further strengthens its presence in Southeast Asia, now operating to eight destinations across seven countries in the region. In addition to providing non-stop connectivity to an increasing number of travellers between India and the Philippines, the new flights also open new connections for Filipino travellers to access Air India’s robust network across Europe and North America via Delhi. 

HE Josel F. Ignacio, Ambassador of the Philippines to India, and Maria Cynthia P. Pelayo, Minister and Consul General, Embassy of the Philippines in India, joined P. Balaji, Group Head – Government, Risk, Compliance & Corporate Affairs, Air India, and other senior officials from the Embassy and Air India at Delhi airport during the flight inauguration.

Air India’s flights between Delhi and Manila are operated by the airline’s Airbus A321LR aircraft, featuring a three-class cabin configuration to offer a choice of Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class to travellers. Air India is one of the few airlines in Southeast Asia to offer fully flat beds in Business Class in the single-aisle A321 aircraft.

Air India, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Campbell Wilson said: “The launch of non-stop flights to Manila unlocks the immense potential for tourism to the Philippines, as Indian travellers, with their growing appetite for leisure travel and increasing spending power, seek new and exciting destinations. These new services will help showcase the Philippines’ vibrant culture and stunning landscapes to many Indian travellers, while also fostering greater trade and cultural exchange, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.”

Maldivian partners with AVIAREPS India

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Newsdesk
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NEW DELHI, India, 3 October 2025: Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has appointed AVIAREPS India as its official General Sales Agent (GSA) for South India, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market and strengthening trade partnerships in a region that serves as a significant gateway to the Maldives.

The Maldives welcomed 85,306 Indian visitors, representing a 4.7% year-over-year increase, through the end of August 2025. India now ranks 6th among source markets with a 5.7% share of total arrivals, reaffirming its strategic significance. 

Photo credit: Maldivian – AVIAREPS.

With projections indicating a further 20% growth in 2025, Maldivian is poised to capture a larger share of the outbound segment, particularly from South India, where proximity and connectivity make the Maldives one of the most convenient international getaways.

Flight schedule

Kochi–Malé (COK–MLE): Four weekly services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Trivandrum–Malé (TRV–MLE): four weekly services on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays

With this schedule, Maldivian ensures convenient departures and arrivals for Indian travellers, while also offering seamless domestic inter-island connections — the most extensive in the Maldives — allowing visitors to access luxury resorts, adventure hubs, cultural experiences, and wellness retreats across the archipelago.

“We are greatly encouraged by the growing interest from the Indian market, and the event in South India further reaffirmed the importance of this region for us,” said Maldivian Managing Director  Ibrahim Iyas. “With the support of AVIAREPS, we look forward to building stronger trade partnerships and welcoming even more Indian travellers to experience the Maldives and its diverse offerings.”

AVIAREPS COO Aviation Marcelo Kaiser commented: “We are proud to partner with Maldivian as their General Sales Agent in South India, one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets in the region. India is not only a key source market for the Maldives but also one with immense potential for sustained growth. With our strong local expertise and deep trade relationships, AVIAREPS will ensure Maldivian strengthens its visibility, expands its reach, and provides Indian travellers with seamless access to the Maldives.”

With enhanced connectivity and dedicated trade representation, Maldivian is set to elevate its brand recall and market penetration, making the Maldives more accessible than ever for Indian travellers.

AVIAREPS sales team meets Maldivian management.

 

Thai AirAsia expands domestic routes

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 3 October 2025: Thai AirAsia is taking off with two brand-new domestic routes from its Suvarnabhumi base: Bangkok – Chiang Rai (twice daily) and Bangkok – Nakhon Si Thammarat (daily). 

The move is designed to facilitate smoother connections to domestic destinations for international passengers arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Services started 1 October 2025.

Flights from the BKK hub to Chiang Rai and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

With AirAsia serving both Bangkok airports — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) — the airline offers travellers more options and flexibility. 

The airline will launch a special inaugural fare starting from THB950 per segment via the airline’s website and the AirAsia MOVE app.

Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya said: “The final quarter of the year through early next year is a prime travel season, with both domestic and international travellers flocking to explore Thailand. Operating from two Bangkok hubs—Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang— allows us to attract new customer segments and enhance connectivity across our network, reinforcing AirAsia’s leadership in Thailand’s domestic market.”

With the additions of Chiang Rai and Nakhon Si Thammarat, the airline operates 11 direct routes from Suvarnabhumi alone. Combined with flights from Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket and more, AirAsia now offers a record 41 domestic routes nationwide.

Currently, Thai AirAsia offers up to eight direct flights daily between Bangkok and Chiang Rai, with six flights daily departing from Don Mueang (DMK) and two daily from Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Meanwhile, the Bangkok–Nakhon Si Thammarat route is served with four flights daily (three from Don Mueang and one from Suvarnabhumi).

Flight schedule Bangkok – Chiang Rai

Twice daily round-trips using an A320 with 180 seats in a single class.

FD150 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 0650 and arrives in Chiang Rai (CEI) at 0810
FD152 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1430 and arrives in Chiang Rai (CEI) at 1555.

FD151 departs Chiang Rai (CEI) at 0840 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1000.
FD153 departs Chiang Rai (CE) at 1625 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1750.

(Source: Thai AirAsia).

Stelliers reveals Hoteliers of the Year 2025

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 2 October 2025: Stelliers, an awards platform for Asia’s hoteliers, has unveiled the winners of the Stelliers Asia 2025 Awards, presented by NORDAQ, during a Grand Awards Ceremony in the Thai capital.

Photo credit: Stelliers. www.stelliers.com.

Thailand hoteliers shone at the event, with 11 of the winners coming from Thailand hotels and resorts.

Hotelier of the Year: Vidya Sagar, General Manager of Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, was named Hotelier of the Year.

Butler of the Year: Wutthinan Jullao, Assistant Executive Butler, The St Regis Bangkok.

Chef of the Year: Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Japanese Head Chef, Capella Hanoi.

View the 2025 Hoteliers of the Year here

Now in its 12th edition, Stelliers attracted a record-breaking number of applications from hoteliers across 12 countries in Asia, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam – underscoring the broad reach and growing prestige of Stelliers as a leading hotelier recognition platform.

“This year’s winners remind us that hospitality is about people – their care, creativity, and resilience,” said Stelliers co-founder Stephane de Montgros. “By celebrating these individuals, we hope every hotel professional feels recognised, valued, and inspired to continue leading the industry forward.”

Stelliers Asia 2025 Awards Ceremony, presented by NORDAQ Highlights:
· 21 winners recognised across 21 award categories, spanning every department of hotel operations.
· A prestigious black-tie Awards Ceremony at Capella Bangkok, attended by more than 200 hospitality leaders and VIP guests.
· A celebration of both rising stars and established leaders, reflecting the depth and diversity of Asia’s hospitality talent from across the region.

For more information, visit www.stelliers.com.

Yunnan promotes 240-hour visa-free stay

By
TTR WEEKLY
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KUNMING, China, 2 October 2025: Yunnan Innyo Co Ltd recently launched a dedicated website to promote Yunnan’s culture and tourism under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. 

The new portal — https://www.innyo.com/tourism  — brings clear, practical guidance and rich destination content to travellers worldwide.

Photo credit: Yunnan Innyo.

The website is organised into four main sections to help visitors plan every step of their journey.

Policy Overview: A one-stop resource covering policy interpretation, travel tools, booking guides for attractions, hotels and transportation, payment methods, and other travel services;

Highlights of the Nine Prefectures and Cities: Curated recommendations and must-see experiences;

Immersive Ethnic Culture Tours: Stories, itineraries and cultural insights that spotlight Yunnan’s diverse ethnic groups;

Follow Us: Social feeds and ways to join the conversation on Facebook and other platforms.

Visitors will find policy explanations, practical travel tools, curated itineraries, and booking guidance tailored for a smooth 240-hour stay.

Explore travel options, plan a route, and stay connected at https://www.innyo.com/tourism. 

(Source: Yunnan Innyo Co Ltd.)

Emirates introduces Premium Economy on KUL flights

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Newsdesk
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 October 2025: As part of its commitment to offering a consistent and enhanced travel experience for passengers travelling to and from Malaysia, Emirates has deployed its retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft on flights EK346 and EK347. The refurbished aircraft features four newly configured and refreshed cabins, including its award-winning Premium Economy.

Emirates’ flight EK346 departs Dubai at 0310 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1425. The return flight EK347 departs Kuala Lumpur at 1910 and arrives in Dubai at 2210. All times are local.

The airline’s Premium Economy cabin redefines comfort for travellers flying between Kuala Lumpur and Dubai, offering spacious leather reclining seats with whole-leg and footrests, as well as adjustable headrests. It features in-seat charging points, a wood-finished side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, as well as complimentary amenity kits on select flights. With the introduction of the newly retrofitted Boeing 777, this signature offering is now available across nearly 70 destinations within the Emirates network.

For those seeking additional comfort and privacy during their journeys, the Premium Economy cabin offers a refined upgrade from Economy Class. From regional dishes served on Royal Doulton fine china and stainless steel cutlery wrapped in linen, to a polished wood-grain dining table that folds into the seat. The unparalleled service also offers a selection of premium wines and exclusive beverages, available throughout the flight.

“Malaysia has been a key market for Emirates for nearly three decades. We are proud to introduce our latest generation and award-winning Premium Economy along with refreshed First, Business and Economy cabins to our travellers”, said Saeed Mubarak, Country Manager Emirates in Malaysia. “The new interiors bring more comfort and more choice, ensuring every passenger enjoys a seamless and consistent journey, no matter how they choose to fly. It’s a reflection of our continued investment and sets us apart in the industry by offering a redefined travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide.”

Premium Economy presentation on Boeing 777s.

As part of its multi-billion-dollar initiative to refurbish 219 aircraft, the airline has already completed upgrades on 67 of them. This extensive nose-to-tail refurbishment underscores Emirates’ commitment to delivering an elevated travel experience across its fleet. The airline is on track to offer nearly 2 million Premium Economy seats annually across its network by the end of 2025, with this number doubling to 4 million by 2026. Malaysian travellers can enjoy a seamless, end-to-end Premium Economy experience by connecting to popular routes like London Heathrow, New York JFK, and Lyon via Dubai.

Premium Economy passengers also enjoy a generous checked-in baggage allowance of 35kg and a further 10kg of carry-on baggage. Customers can book their Premium Economy experience now through emirates.com or the Emirates App.

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