SINGAPORE,28 June 2024:The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI),has announced six key appointments in the functions of business development, strategy and operations to support its global expansion.
The appointment come at the same time as Ascott charts a new growth trajectory towards achieving its target of more than SGD500 million in fee revenue by 2028.
New appointments to the business development team:
Venessa Koo, Vice President Business Development for Hong Kong Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Teo Junrong, Vice President, Business Development for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Thomas Lamson, Vice President, Business Development and Product & Technical Services for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Other appointments:
Joseph Wong, Managing Director for China, has been entrusted with driving business development, on top of overseeing all aspects of Ascott’s operations, in this key market.
Steven Chan as Vice President, Global Franchise Services and Regional General Manager for Indochina.
Sophie Mougel Vice President, Strategy and Regional General Manager for the Philippines and Malaysia.
SURABAYA, Indonesia, 28 June 2024: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Pakuwon Group (PG) and CapitaLand Investment (CLI) are jointly launching the Top Spender PG Card programme in Surabaya.
This collaborative initiative will reward five PG cardholders with the highest spending across Pakuwon Mall, Tunjungan Plaza and Pakuwon City Mall with an exclusive three-day, two-night holiday experience in Singapore.
Additionally, PG card members will receive a welcome gift of SGD10 eCapitaVoucher at participating CapitaLand malls and enjoy exclusive discounts off the best flexible rates across The Ascott Limited (Ascott) properties in Singapore.
As part of the collaboration, STB, PG, and CLI will embark on joint marketing efforts through destination videos and marketing content on outdoor and in-mall marketing platforms in both PG and CLI’s malls. In the social media space, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and influencers from Indonesia will be engaged to create social content highlighting Destination Singapore as well as offerings from both PG and CLI.
In 2023, Indonesia was Singapore’s top visitor source market, contributing 2.3 million visitors and generating SGD2.98 billion in tourism spending. Shopping consistently ranks as one of the top components of tourism spending for Indonesian travellers, and this strategic collaboration further enhances the retail experience for Indonesians while driving travel and retail spending in both Singapore and Indonesia.
GURUGRAM India, 28 Jun 2024: Air India will introduce twice-daily flights between Delhi and London Heathrow by deploying its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Starting on 1 September 2024, the route will mark the long-haul international debut of Air India’s flagship product.
The A350-900 will replace the Boeing 777-300ER and Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on 14 of the 17 weekly flights. As a result, an additional 336 seats will be available on the Delhi-London Heathrow route each week.
With the deployment of the A350-900 to London Heathrow in September, Air India will have upgraded 90% of all its flights to London Heathrow.
From April 2024, Air India started deploying its recently inducted Boeing 777-300ERs with elevated cabin interiors on all flights across its Mumbai-London Heathrow route to provide upgraded cabin interiors and inflight entertainment systems while bringing first class back on the London Heathrow-Mumbai route. This makes Air India the only carrier to offer the choice of first class travel between the two cities as well as between the UK and India.
Introducing Premium Economy and an all-new Air India experience across cabins
Air India will introduce its Premium Economy class experience for the first time on the Delhi-London Heathrow route with the A350-900. It will offer guests the choice of 24 wide seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration in a dedicated, upscale cabin.
Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson said: “The deployment of our flagship A350s and the B777s with upgraded cabin interiors to London Heathrow marks a significant milestone for Air India. It demonstrates our commitment to elevating the travel experience of our guests to truly world-class standards and to going beyond just meeting customer expectations as we continue to renew our fleet.”
“With our industry-leading cabin products on the A350, including a new Premium Economy experience and a host of new onboard enhancements rolling out, we are confident that these daily flights between India and London Heathrow will soon be the preferred choice for travellers,” Wilson added.
Bookings for the Air India A350 flights on the London Heathrow route are now open on Air India’s website and mobile app.
A350 flights on the Delhi-London Heathrow route (from 1 Sep 2024)
Mumbai-London Heathrow: B777-300ER flights with upgraded interiors
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 June 2024: AirAsia announced Thursday the launch of a new route from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Rai, Thailand, with three weekly flights starting 2 November 2024.
To mark the launch, AirAsia is offering free seats* for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Rai, now available for booking on AirAsia MOVE (formerly airasia Superapp) and airasia.com until 30 June 2024 for travel between 2 November 2024 and 27 February 2025.
Dubbed the paradise of northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is a destination rich in cultural and natural attractions. Highlights include the stunning White and Blue Temple, renowned for distinctive and intricate designs. Nature enthusiasts can explore the scenic tea plantations at Choui Fong and the lush trails leading to Khun Korn Waterfall. With its blend of historic sites, such as the Golden Triangle and Tham Luang Cave, Chiang Rai promises a captivating and diverse travel experience.
Flight schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Chiang Rai (CEI):
AirAsia is also offering 15% off** all seats on all flights to over 130 exciting destinations such as Chiang Mai, Perth, Sydney, Almaty, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Amritsar, and more in celebration of its Skytrax win as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline on Monday. The promotion is open until 30 June 2024 for travel between 8 July 2024 and 20 March 2025.
*The free seat promotion applies only to one-way fares, excluding airport taxes and fees such as MAVCOM fees and fuel surcharges. All-in fares start from MYR186 one-way.
**The promotional 15% discount applies only to the base fare one-way, excluding taxes and fees, such as airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, and fuel surcharges.
The Forest Skywalk is FRIM's second canopy walkway which is located at Kepong Botanic Gardens (KBG). The highest point of the structure is 141 m above sea level. The structure was built using aluminum, enforced with steel tubes and supported by guy wires. The Forest Skywalk is made up of 11 towers and 8 bridges, varying in height from 18 m to 50 m with a total length of 250 m. From the Forest Skywalk office, you need to walk 100 m along an easy trail. Once on the skywalk, visitors can spend 30 to 40 minutes to complete the loop. The panoramic view on the Forest Skywalk will captivate attention, especially from the top of the 50 m tower.
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 June 2024: Selangor is a vibrant state on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, encircling the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur.
It is home to the famous Batu Caves, ornately decorated Hindu shrines guarded by a large golden statue of Lord Murugan and surrounded by playful monkeys. Known for its lush greenery and diverse landscapes, Selangor seamlessly blends cultural heritage with natural beauty, offering visitors a unique and enriching experience.
This dynamic state is rapidly becoming a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a plethora of exhilarating activities that cater to adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, making it a must-visit location for both tourists and locals.
Paragliding and Hiking at Bukit Batu Pahat
Nestled in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Bukit Batu Pahat is an ideal spot for paragliding aficionados. The hill’s flat peak provides perfect conditions for soaring through the sky, offering stunning panoramic views of the town below. Hikers will find the trail to be a rewarding challenge; despite its steep and sometimes muddy path, the breathtaking vistas at the summit make every step worthwhile.
White Water Rafting at Kuala Kubu Bharu
Adventure awaits on the Hulu Selangor River with an adrenaline-pumping white water rafting experience. Classified between levels 4-6, this activity promises thrills and excitement as you navigate the river’s rapids. As you drift along, take a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of the riverbanks.
SKYTREX Adventure at Sungai Congkak
Located in the hilly terrain of Hulu Langat, SKYTREX Adventure Park offers a variety of thrilling activities set amidst calming waterfalls and clear rivers. The park features an exhilarating flying fox zipline, a peaceful Plank Bridge walk, big slides for big kids, and the opportunity to spend the night under the stars at Skycamp, where visitors can enjoy the tranquillity of nature by the Sungai Congkak River.
Gua Damai Extreme Park at Damai Caves
For rock climbing enthusiasts, Gua Damai Extreme Park behind Batu Caves is a must-visit. With over 100 bolted routes, it is the premier climbing site in the region. The park also offers other adrenaline-fueled activities, such as zip lining and base jumping, providing stunning views of the forest and limestone formations.
Bukit Kutu Hiking
Situated in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Bukit Kutu is a popular destination for hikers. The 10-kilometre trail, adorned with beautiful flora and fauna, leads to magnificent views from the hill’s peak. Easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Kutu offers an ideal hiking getaway for city dwellers.
Swimming and Hiking at Kanching Waterfall
Kanching Eco Forest Park, just 21 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, is perfect for picnics and outdoor adventures. The park features a famous seven-tier waterfall, where visitors can take a refreshing dip in crystal clear waters and scenic hiking trails that wind through lush forests.
Water Tubing at Hulu Selangor
Experience the thrill of water tubing on the Selangor River. A short ride from Rentas base camp, this activity promises an exhilarating ride through rapid waves and rocky paths, all while enjoying the unique beauty of the river’s surroundings.
Adventurous Walk at FRIM
The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) offers a tropical paradise for nature lovers. Explore hundreds of species of flora and fauna, take a peaceful stroll by the waterfall, or experience the excitement of glamping and night walks in the forest. The Forest Skywalk provides stunning views of the treetops at sunset.
Sky Mirror
Dubbed Malaysia’s “Salar de Uyuni,” Sky Mirror in Kuala Selangor is a unique natural wonder. This sand bank, accessible only during low tide, creates a mesmerising mirror-like reflection of the sky. Travellers can join a guided tour to witness this breathtaking phenomenon and discover the diverse marine life that inhabits the area.
Selangor is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure, offering something for everyone. Whether seeking heart-pounding thrills or tranquil escapes, Selangor’s outdoor attractions provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences.
For more information on Tourism Malaysia and travelling to Malaysia, visit:www.malaysia.travel.
DUBAI, 27 June 2024: Emirates was awarded seven impressive accolades at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards ceremony in Fairmont Windsor Park, London.
The prestigious titles reflect the airline’s commitment to delivering best-in-class products and services across all classes, with accolades including; World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment, Best First Class Airline Comfort Amenities, Best First Class Airline in the Middle East, Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East, Most Family Friendly Airline in the Middle East, Best Premium Economy Class Airline in the Middle East and Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East.
Emirates garnered the awards from the votes of thousands of business and leisure travellers in more than 100 countries. Members of the travel and aviation industry attended the ceremony, and Graham Pepe, Emirates’ Corporate Sales Manager, UK, accepted the awards.
World’s best entertainment in the skies
Winning ‘World’s Best Airline Inflight Entertainment’ is a testament to Emirates’ renowned inflight entertainment system ice, topping the Skytrax charts for the 18th time. Thanks to its diverse content and more than 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in more than 40 languages – there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Customers are spoilt for choice with more than 4,000 hours of movies and TV channels, up to 3,500 hours of music and podcasts, more than 2,000 Hollywood and internationally acclaimed movies, 250 dedicated kids and family channels and hundreds of TV series and full box sets, including the latest shows from Paramount+, HBO Max, Discovery+, BBC, Bloomberg Originals and Shahid.
Multi award-winning First-Class experience
Emirates First Class experience continues to be an industry benchmark for excellence, scooping three awards – ‘Best First-Class Airline Comfort Amenities’, ‘Best First-Class Airline in the Middle East’ and ‘Best First-Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East’. First Class, customers can look forward to a seamless door-to-door travel experience with Emirates chauffeur-drive service (CDS) to/from the airport and access to over 39 dedicated premium airport lounges worldwide. First Class customers will experience the ultimate comfort onboard with fully enclosed private suites, a ‘dine on demand’ service including unlimited caviar and Dom Pérignon champagne, luxurious hydra-active pyjamas, Byredo skincare and sustainable Voya shower products, as well as Bulgari amenity kits to stay refreshed throughout long haul flights.
Acclaimed Premium Economy & Family Travel
Emirates was awarded ‘Best Premium Economy Class Airline in the Middle East’ and ‘Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East’ for its newly launched product that rivals Business Class on many airlines. Emirates Premium Economy Class features leather seats with a generous pitch of up to 40 inches, a 19.5-inch wide seat with a recline of 8 inches, and calf rests and footrests for additional comfort, a 6-way adjustable headrest and many other thoughtful touches such as easily accessible in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table, and a 13.3″ TV screen. Customers can get comfortable under sustainable blankets made from recycled plastic bottles, a generously sized pillow, complimentary amenity kits and a globally exclusive sparkling wine- Chandon Vintage Brut 2017. The award-winning catering onboard features a selection of generous meals made with seasonal ingredients and regional influences -all served on chinaware, accompanied by stainless steel cutlery wrapped in a linen napkin. Premium Economy Class is currently available on 15 routes – London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch, Auckland, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, San Francisco, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Tokyo Narita, Sao Paulo, Osaka and Dubai.
Emirates also took home the Skytrax award for ‘Most Family Friendly Airline in the Middle East’, for its array of products and services that cater to families and children, from priority boarding for families across all international airports, dedicated and healthy inflight meals for children and fun amenities, a litany of children’s entertainment on ice, and extra services for Unaccompanied Minors and accessibility for families with neurodivergent children.
For flight information and to make bookings, head to the website www.emirates.com.
BANGKOK, 27 June 2024: NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard will be the first NH-branded hotel in Bangkok and the second in Thailand, as Minor Hotels plans to expand the brand outside of Europe and the Americas.
Global hospitality group Minor Hotels announced earlier this week that it had signed a management agreement with Boulevard Hotel Company Limited. The property is due to open under the NH brand during Q4 2024. It will be the second NH property in Thailand after the NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort.
NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard, Expected to Debut in Q4 2024.
Located in Bangkok’s bustling commercial and shopping district, just off Sukhumvit Road, the 309-room property is just a 200-metre walk from the BTS SkyTrain public transportation system at 2 Soi 5 Sukhumvit. It’s also also close to Bumrungrad International Hospital.
Currently operating as the Boulevard Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit, the property recently completed extensive renovations of its rooms, lobby, restaurant and pool areas. The amenities include an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar, meeting facilities, a fitness centre and a large outdoor swimming pool.
Minor Hotels expects to rebrand the property as NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard in Q4 of this year after adding NH’s brand touches over the coming months. In the interim, the hotel will operate as the Boulevard Hotel Bangkok under Minor Hotels’ management. The property was previously branded Amari Boulevard under the management of Onyx Hospitality before the owners embarked on an extensive renovation project.
SINGAPORE, 27 June 2024: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), an alliance of independent hotel brands, revealed key 2024 Japanese travel and tourism trends during its global CEO conference last week.
Staged in Japan for the first time, the CEOs of more than 40 GHA hotel brands gathered in Tokyo to hear insights into the preferences and behaviours of Japanese travellers.
GHA CEO Chris Hartley, alongside Minor Hotel Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier and Pan Pacific Hotels Group CEO Choe Peng Sum.
GHA Discovery, a multi-brand loyalty programme that has 340,000 members in Japan alone, was the source of insights and data presented by GHA CEOs. The top international destinations for the Japan-based GHA Discovery members in 2024 are the US and Thailand, in terms of nights stayed and spending, followed by Singapore.
Japan remains the most popular inbound destination among GHA Discovery’s 27-million-strong global membership. In 2024, the US was the top source market, followed by Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Delving deeper into Japanese travel trends, a recent survey conducted by Interbrand Japan in collaboration with Global Hotel Alliance showed that international travel is picking up slowly.
Japan’s outbound travel data for 2023 shows travellers reached half of the 2019 total, indicating a slower recovery rate compared to domestic travel demand. 74% of respondents do not plan to travel internationally in 2024, citing high prices, a weak Japanese Yen, and uncertainty as main deterrents.
New experiences and safety matters
Japanese tourists travelling overseas seek new experiences (45% of respondents) and are eager to spend days sightseeing and shopping (42%), while familiar and secure experiences and relaxing in hotels are less important. Safety, comfort, and affordability are crucial factors in destination choice, with high-end customers seeking adventurous new experiences.
Hotel quality counts
Quality of accommodation, a convenient location, and affordability are important factors in hotel selection. High-end customers also value hotel amenities and accommodation size.
Loyalty starts with the basics
Members of loyalty programmes appreciate membership rates, discounts, and rewards the most, while high-end customers place additional importance on emotional experiences and service quality.
Market nuances
Supporting its research, Interbrand Japan’s focus group identified affluent travellers who have a strong appetite for international travel. Bucking the general market trend, these travellers are not as concerned about safety but are motivated by unique, local, and exclusive experiences in their destinations, informed by other ‘in the know’ travellers rather than mainstream guidebooks. They identified Budapest, Rome, Prague and mountainous destinations in the US and Switzerland as current travel inspirations.
Affluent Japanese travellers also prefer independent hotels with local character and charm to cookie-cutter brands and value loyalty programme benefits that make their travel experience more seamless and convenient, such as upgrades, complimentary breakfast, and early check-in/late checkout.
The GHA CEO event in Tokyo celebrated the alliance’s 20th anniversary. Since its establishment in 2004, GHA has grown into a collection of 40 brands with more than 800 hotels, resorts and palaces in 100 countries.
SINGAPORE, 27 June 2024: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, announced this week the addition of Chennai, India, to its growing network of destinations.
Starting 11 July 2024, SalamAir will operate two weekly flights to Chennai, every Thursday and Saturday, using an A320neo, between Muscat and the vibrant South Indian city.
Flight OV747 departs Muscat at 2300 and arrives in Chennai at 0415. Flight OV748 departs Chennai at 0500 and arrives in Muscat at 0725.
With Chennai’s addition, SalamAir will achieve another significant step in its mission to increase connectivity between India and Muscat and throughout the region. Chennai joins the ranks of other recently launched destinations, including Delhi, Cairo, Islamabad, and Lahore.
We are thrilled to introduce our new service to Chennai, a significant milestone that enhances the connectivity of the South Indian community in Oman and the wider Gulf region, said SalamAir Director of Revenue and Network Planning Harish Kutty.
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 June 2024: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) now serves 70 airlines, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 69 airlines, and more airlines are scheduled to resume flights to the Malaysian capital, the Malaysia Airports Group reported this week.
In an update on efforts to improve connectivity at the country gateway airport, the aviation group noted that by the end of the year, at least three more airlines will resume flights to Kuala Lumpur.
Photo credit: MAG facebook post.
MAG identified British Airways, Vietjet Air (increasing flights), and 9 Air, noting that the group is actively pursuing 15 more foreign carriers to operate in the country over the next two years to elevate KLIA as a preferred international hub.
British Airways will operate daily flights between the Malaysian capital city and Singapore starting in November using a 787-9 aircraft. British Airways suspended its service to Kuala Lumpur in 2022. 9Air is a Chinese low-cost airline based in Guangzhou, owned by Juneyao Air.
To bolster air travel, the group has invested significantly in initiatives such as the Airline X-celeration Programme, which includes landing fee waivers, airport office rental rebates, and marketing support. About MYR3 million has been allocated for marketing support on Malaysia-China routes so far, underscoring the group’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and attracting more airlines.
During May 2024, MAG saw a continuous uptick in traffic, which was attributed to several factors, including the extension of visa-free travel to China and the introduction of new services by AirAsia from KLIA to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad and Juneyao Air from Penang International Airport (PEN) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at four times weekly each. AirAsia also resumed flights from KLIA to Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar and China Eastern Airlines to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH), both with thrice-weekly flights.
Malaysia Airports Group continued its robust passenger traffic growth in May 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the same month in 2019. The group recorded 11.2 million passengers across its 39 airports in Malaysia, along with its Turkish asset, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, representing a 5.1% increase over May 2019 figures. This performance showcases a strong growth trajectory.
May 2024’s total traffic of 11.2 million passengers also marks a 2% increase from 11 million passengers recorded in the previous month, setting a new milestone for the group and surpassing the peak levels achieved in February 2024. Additionally, this achievement marks the fifth consecutive month with over 10 million total passengers.
On the local front, Malaysia Airports recorded 7.7 million passenger movements across its local network of airports, showing a steady performance with a 1% increase from the previous month’s 7.6 million passengers. The airports in Malaysia welcomed 4 million international passengers in May 2024, marking a 2% increase from the 3.9 million passengers in the previous month.
Meanwhile, domestic traffic at the local airports maintained its steady performance, with 3.7 million passengers recorded last month. This consistency in domestic travel highlights the robust demand for air travel within the country, further supported by enhanced connectivity and continuous improvements in airport services. In May 2024, Overall, the combined growth in international and domestic traffic underscores the resilience and attractiveness of Malaysia’s aviation sector.
