HANOI, 24 July 2024: Vietnam’s e-visa, valid for 90 days, for 80 nationalities, is helping to push up tourist arrivals for the first six months of 2024. Tourist visits passed the 8 million mark for the first time since the pandemic.
The 90-day e-visa was extended from 30 to 90 days in August 2023, and the experience was upgraded by approving multiple entries during the visa’s validity.
Vietnam’s Government Statistics Office reported last week that international visits for the first six months of 2024 reached 8.832.271 arrivals, up 58,4% over the same period in 2023. June arrival totalled 1,249,237, representing an increase of 28.1% over the same month of 2023.
GSO data confirms the top five source markets for the first half of 2024 are:
Republic of Korea, 2,81,679 arrivals, up 42.4%; China, 1,891,096 arrivals, up 239.4%; Taiwan, 630,428 arrivals, up 95.5%; USA, 415,100 arrivals, up 11.1%; Japan, 335,638 arrivals, up 39.2%.
SINGAPORE, 24 July 2024: Pandaw has been pioneering river expeditions in Asia for nearly 30 years. However, it constantly reviews and improves the cruise experience for intrepid travellers to present genuinely authentic experiences that are inaccessible other than by river.
As demand for travel in Asia grows, particularly on the Mekong, the Pandaw team continues to look for new locations to moor its small expedition ships. This enriches the exploration of Southeast Asia’s mighty Mekong River, which stretches 4,909 km from the Lasagongma Spring on the Tibetan plateau to its delta in the South China Sea.
With this in mind, Pandaw has once again collaborated with local teams and communities to refresh its excursions in Cambodia with improved tour content and destinations. The changes piloted in Cambodia will become effective for all Mekong expeditions from September, not only promising unique and authentic experiences for guests but also underlining Pandaw’s commitment to sustainable tourism, ensuring benefits are passed to the communities visited in a responsible manner
Pak Russei, Cambodia
Located close to Phnom Penh, Pak Russei is a quaint village hosting local artisans that produce silks and foodstuffs such as noodles sold in the markets of Phnom Penh. This excursion replaces Silk Island or Koh Oknha Tei where most tourist vessels stop to visit the silk production demonstrations set up to cater to foreign guests.
“We maintain the silk-making explanations and opportunity to buy authentic locally made silk products in this new village and our private demonstration of the Khmer martial art of Bokator, now performed in the village pagoda,” says Pandaw’s management in its latest product update.
Peam Chi Korng, Cambodia
“A small village known for its pottery industry, Peam Chi Korng is an untouched gem and a new addition along the Mekong north of Phnom Penh. This will replace Pandaw’s excursion in Angkor Ban, which was once a small and rural village where the Pandaw library was built to support the Angkor Ban secondary school. However, this has become a frequent stop for many larger tourist vessels.”
Rivers: Mekong River, Tonle River Ships: RV Bassac Pandaw, RV Indochina Pandaw, RV Mekong Pandaw Prices: from USD2,559 per person Save:10%, No Single Supplement & Kids go free on selected dates
Book your expedition on the Mekong with Pandaw today to explore the authentic side of Vietnam and Cambodia that you will not see any other way. To book visit pandaw.com or contact the Pandaw team at [email protected].
SINGAPORE, 24 July 2024: Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel brand owned by Accor, and partners World Trade Center Building Inc and Tokyo Tatemono Co have announced plans to debut the Raffles brand in Tokyo.
Part of the redevelopment of Tokyo’s iconic World Trade Center (WTC) in the Hamamatsuchō district, the hotel is expected to open in 2028.
“We are delighted to grow the Raffles global family with Raffles Tokyo, which will feature the brand’s world-renowned hallmarks including personalised Butler Service and an inspiring environment where anything is possible for our guests.
World Trade Center Building, Inc. and Tokyo Tatemono Co. are likeminded partners that share our vision for delivering luxury hospitality at the highest level, and we look forward to unveiling a new urban icon in one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally significant cities,” said Raffles Hotels & Resorts CEO Omer Acar.
Slated to occupy the top 46 floors of the WTC building, a landmark in Tokyo since its completion in 1970, Raffles Tokyo will be located for business and leisure travellers, offering close proximity to some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including Tokyo Tower, the Roppongi Museum, and Rainbow Bridge. It will also have direct access to Hamamatsuchō station.
The hotel will offer 130 rooms, including 27 suites, six food and beverage outlets, a fitness studio, swimming pool, and spa and bathhouse, and features sweeping panoramic city views.
The hotel will also offer more than 1,156 sqm of multi-functional meeting spaces and facilities.
SINGAPORE, 24 July 2024: YouTrip, Singapore’s popular multi-currency digital wallet, announces that users can now transfer funds back to their bank account.
Additionally, users can link their bank accounts for a convenient top-up process. These enhancements are designed to foster greater flexibility and spending confidence among users. YouTrip users will receive invitations to experience the new features in phases over the next few days.
In response to users who requested feature improvements, YouTrip now allows new funds to be withdrawn back into their bank account through the user’s mobile number or NRIC tied to their YouTrip account. Withdrawals are available to all new top-ups made through PayNow or the newly introduced ‘Linked Bank Account’ method, starting from 22 July 2024, 00:00 hrs onwards.
Only funds within the Singapore Dollar (SGD) wallet can be withdrawn. Users who wish to withdraw funds from other currency wallets will have to first convert them back to SGD. Funds that are withdrawable back to bank accounts will be reflected as the ‘transferable balance’. Users can perform up to 10 free withdrawals per calendar month.
YouTrip has also introduced a new top-up method where users can link their bank account directly for effortless wallet top-ups. This new ‘Linked Bank Account’ option was added to its fee-free methods such as PayNow, Mastercard, and Visa (Debit). Users must only key in their bank information and complete the authentication process once to enjoy the convenience of topping up their YouTrip account moving forward.
The new features follow YouTrip’s increased limits earlier in January this year. YouTrip was the first digital wallet in Singapore to raise its limits to SGD20,000 for wallet hold and SGD100,000 annual spending, previously SGD5,000 and SGD30,000, respectively, following the updated regulations.
FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2024: Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan and a wholly owned subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus to expand its fleet with three A320neo and two A321XLR aircraft.
The new aircraft will begin delivery in 2030. The airline plans to fly these aircraft out of Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), which is envisioned to become Bhutan’s futuristic economic hub. Drukair plans to expand its connectivity to Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Drukair already operates four Airbus A320 Family aircraft consisting of three A319s and one A320.
Drukair CEO Tandi Wangchuk said: “We are thrilled to embark on this new chapter in Drukair’s history, which dovetails perfectly with development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City and work to expand the Gelephu airport. Our investment in these state-of-the-art aircraft underscores our dedication to supporting Bhutan’s vision of holistic and mindful development.
Drukair is headquartered in Paro, Bhutan, and operates scheduled flights to 10 international destinations, including five countries in the South Asian region. Drukair also operates to three domestic destinations.
The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ A320neo Family, offering new-generation engines and Sharklets that ensure a 50% noise reduction, more than 20% fuel savings, and CO₂ reduction compared to previous-generation single-aisle aircraft.
The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step from the A320neo that delivers an unprecedented extra long range of up to 4,700nm – 15% more range than the A321LR.
SUBANG, 24 July 2024: AirAsia confirmed on Monday that it will expand operations in Malaysia to the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (IATA: SZB), popularly known as Subang Airport.
The expansion will complement its operations at its main hub at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2), which will provide travellers with additional connectivity and a more convenient option due to its vicinity to the city.
AirAsia’s operations at Subang Airport will commence with two domestic destinations, namely 14 weekly flights to Kuching (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah). The start-up date for adding flights to and from Sepang is 30 August 2024.
Capital A CEO (Advisor and Steward of AirAsia Aviation Group) Tony Fernandes said: “Subang Airport holds a special place in my heart, and it is exciting to witness its resurgence as one of the key players in Malaysia’s aviation landscape. The government’s decision to revitalise the airport into a regional aviation hub aligns perfectly with our mission to continue revolutionising the aviation industry, as the increased air traffic and passenger flow generated by our operations will have multiplier effects on related industries, driving economic growth and development in the region.
“AirAsia’s homecoming to Subang Airport is nostalgic and strategic. Capital A’s engineering arm, Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), has operations there, enhancing the efficiency and streamlining of our aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities. Repainting Subang Airport red symbolises a return to our roots and a commitment to our growth journey and contribution to the prosperity of the communities we serve. This is a step in the right direction for the nation’s aviation industry, and we are thrilled to lead this visionary move.”
To celebrate, AirAsia offers promotional fares for flights from Subang to Kuching from MYR88 all-in* one-way and to Kota Kinabalu from MYR99 all-in one-way, including a complimentary 15kg checked-in baggage allowance. The promotional fares are available for booking on AirAsia MOVE app (previously known as airasia Superapp) and airasia.com until 28 July 2024 for the travel period between 30 August 2024 and 8 October 2025.
Flight Schedule from Subang (SZB) to Kuching (KCH)
Flight Schedule from Subang (SZB) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 July 2024: Batik Air will launch two new routes from its home base in Kuala Lumpur to Hat Yai and Krabi in southern Thailand.
With flights commencing on 13 September, the airline will operate daily to both Thai destinations using B737-800 aircraft configured with business and economy cabins.
This expansion marks a significant milestone in Batik Air’s commitment to enhancing travel options and seamless connectivity across Southeast Asia’s most enchanting destinations.
Hat Yai is famed for its bustling commercial markets and street food, while Krabi has its beaches, breathtaking vistas of limestone cliffs, and idyllic off-shore islands, including the famous Phi Phi Islands.
Batik Air Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy highlighted the strategic importance of these new routes, noting Thailand’s popularity among Malaysian travellers, who make over 4 million annual visits.
“Last year alone, 4.62 million Malaysian tourists explored Thailand’s wonders, underlining the growing appeal of destinations like Hat Yai and Krabi. This expansion aligns with our commitment to meet rising demand and deliver exceptional travel experiences,” he added.
He further highlighted the rising number of Thai tourists visiting Malaysia, which exceeded 1.5 million last year, emphasising the robust tourism ties between the two countries and the necessity to expand our route network to better cater to our passengers’ needs.
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Malaysia currently ranks as the top visitor to Krabi, while Hat Yai welcomes approximately 2.5 million Malaysian visitors annually.
Batik Air remains dedicated to delivering unparalleled comfort and service, inviting travellers to embark on unforgettable journeys to these new destinations.
Daily flights to Krabi
Flight OD586 departs Kuala Lumpur at 1140 and arrives in Krabi at 1205. Flight OD587 departs Krabi at 1305 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1540.
Daily flights to Hat Yai
Flight OD588 departs Kuala Lumpur at 1135 and arrives in Hat Yai at 1150. Flight OD589 departs Hat Yai at 1240 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 1500.
SINGAPORE, 23 July 2024: The 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR 2024) was held at Busan’s BEXCO from 13 to 21 July, showcasing the city’s world-class meeting facilities and destination attractions.
The Committee on Space Research is the largest consortium on space science in the world, and COSPAR 2024 rallied 2,700 space scientists from approximately 60 countries for discussions around future directions and international cooperation in space development. With the successful conclusion of COSPAR 2024 in Busan, the maritime MICE city is rising as a new centre of the aerospace industry. The following is a recommended itinerary, where you can visit some of the unique places in Busan to enjoy a hands-on space science experience.
Source: Geumnyeonsan Youth Training Institute
An Introduction to Space Science in Busan
The Busan National Science Museum was established to help children understand the world through science. It consists of three permanent exhibitions. Exhibition 1 is dedicated to the automotive and aerospace progress Korea has achieved so far. Here, visitors can learn about space science and technology, including moon exploration and international space stations, through multimedia presentations. There is also a simulation of the first civilian space tour that is popular with visitors of all ages.
After your visit, take a tour of the Busan Institute of Creative Convergence Education. Indoor and outdoor exhibits on a wide range of disciplines, including space science and oceanography, give visitors a stimulating experience full of science and education. In the Space Science Theater you will have an enjoyable experience of the birth and development of the universe, and gain a better understanding of the sun, the moon, rockets, missions to Mars, and other space science tidbits. Other space experiences available will have you try controlling a Mars explorer robot and taking a virtual tour of a space station!
Source: Busan National Science Museum.
A Close Encounter with Space Science
The observatory and planetarium at Geumnyeonsan Youth Training Institute offer a wealth of space science knowledge. Step into the planetarium to experience immersive media presentations on the universe, and enjoy a VR-enhanced nighttime firmament where you can observe the movements of stars by time and by season.
The last stop on this month’s recommended itinerary is the Gwangalli M Drone Light Show at Gwangalli Beach! It is a spectacle put on by a swarm of colorfully lit-up drones in free flight against the night sky. The regular performance features around 700 drones, while special performances feature up to 2,000 drones, making for an unforgettable visual experience.
Source: Suyeong District Office.
Busan, already renowned for its tourist attractions, also becomes known as a space science city, boasting an educational tourism infrastructure for experiencing space science. As a MICE city offering unique and enjoyable experiences, Busan is highly recommended for those looking to explore space science.
LANGKAWI, 23 July 2024: The new cable installation and connection project for cable cars at Langkawi Skycab was completed on 22 July after an intensive annual inspection and system overhaul.
Langkawi Development Authority Chief Executive Officer, YBhg Dato Haslina Binti Abdul Hamid conducted a site inspection on 19 July, accompanied by Panorama Langkawi Acting Chief Operating Officer Ir Abu Hashim bin Abd Rahman and LADA staff. The project was officially completed shortly afterwards on 22 July.
Photo credit: LADA Facebook post. LADA ticked off the boxes at Langkawi Skycab’s annual inspection.
A comprehensive inspection is carried out annually to ensure the cable car ride complies with international safety standards and is safe for visitors.
Langkawi SkyCab is one of the iconic attractions in Langkawi that connects Oriental Village in Burau Bay with Mount Machinchang, providing breathtaking views of Langkawi archipelago and surrounding areas.
The Langkawi SkyCab, also known as the Langkawi Cable Car, is a gondola lift and one of the major attractions in Langkawi Island, Kedah, Malaysia. It provides an aerial link from the Oriental Village at Teluk Burau to the peak of Gunung Machinchang, which is also the location of the Langkawi Sky Bridge.
The 2.2km cable car ride takes about 15 minutes and offers stunning panoramic views of the Langkawi archipelago, including rainforests, beaches, and distant islands. It is the highest cable car ride in all of Malaysia.
Fast facts on Langkawi SkyCab
It holds the world record for the longest free-span mono cable car system. The gondola cabins can hold up to six passengers. There is an option to choose a glass-bottom floor gondola for an even more thrilling experience. The SkyCab takes you up to 708 meters above sea level to the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a curved pedestrian bridge that offers even more breathtaking views.
The Langkawi SkyCab is currently closed for yearly maintenance, which commenced on 9 July and was completed on 22 July 2024. It is now ready for its reopening, which is due to be confirmed any day now.
BUSAN, Korea, 23 July 2024: The 45th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR 2024) is the first large international space event to be held in Korea since the foundation of the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA).
The Committee on Space Research is the largest consortium on space science in the world, and from 13 to 21 July COSPAR 2024 brought together about 2,700 space scientists from approximately 60 countries, creating an opportunity to promote Korea’s achievements in space science over the years.
Source: COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee.
As the host city of COSPAR 2024, Busan incorporated the value of sustainability into the international event. The following are some of the activities undertaken by Busan.
Source: COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee.
Results of COSPAR 2024 for space exploration
Held under the banner of “Team Spirit in Space Research,” COSPAR 2024 was attended by officials from the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as aerospace companies such as Lockheed Martin, who took part in discussions about space development, related with international cooperation policies. Multiple luminaries, including physicist and Nobel laureate Samuel Ting, gave presentations of far-reaching interest at the event.
Source: COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee.
Realized sustainable MICE examples in the field
At the COSPAR event, the BTO CVB ran an eco-friendly MICE and tourism promotion booth constructed of recycled and recyclable materials to give visitors information on the tourist attractions of Busan and as a city without producing any waste.
With “Save the Space” being one of the slogans chosen to front COSPAR 2024, COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee was a no-plastic, paperless, and recycling-focused event. Venue supplies and souvenirs were made from recycled materials, and electronic files replaced traditional printouts for visitors.
The COSPAR 2024 Organizing Committee joined the MICE city of Busan in realizing sustainable MICE through COSPAR 2024.
Source: Busan Tourism Organization.
COSPAR 2024 provided Busan with an opportunity for significant growth in the space development industry and sustainable growth in the MICE industry. The MICE city of Busan will continue to practice ESG when hosting future international events.
