BANGKOK, 19 July 2024: Thai AirAsia X (XJ) will relocate its flight operations to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport starting 1 October 2024.
Thai AirAsia X currently operates from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Some AirAsia flights (FD) and an AirAsia X flight (D7) to Kuala Lumpur remain at BKK.**
Thai AirAsia X back home at DMK effective 1 October.
Effective 1 October, Thai AirAsia X guests flying to Seoul, South Korea; Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo in Japan; Shanghai, China; and Sydney, Australia, will depart from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, which is located in the northern suburb of the Thai capital, 25 km from the city centre.
The relocation by Thai AirAsia X will improve the network contribution between AirAsia’s domestic and regional flights and Thai AirAsia X’s East Asia and Sydney Australia services. It will also save connecting passengers from having to transfer by taxi between the two airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, a distance of 50 km.
Thai AirAsia X Chief Executive Officer Tassapon Bijleveld commented: “The return of Thai AirAsia X to Don Mueang Airport is a homecoming. We will be joining the strong and extensive AirAsia network, which has a domestic market share of over 40% in Thailand and a vibrant international network that encompasses Greater China, India and South Asia, Asean and Japan representingl 93 routes served by 1,250 flights a week to provide a wealth of opportunities for FlyThru services.”
Guests booked on Thai AirAsia X (flight code XJ) for travel from 1 October 2024 onwards will automatically depart from Don Mueang Airport without contacting the airline. However, they should note that if their flight falls on 1 October, the changeover will be effective at 0001 on 1 October.
From 1 August 2024 onwards, guests will also receive a notification by email, SMS or the contact channel provided to the airline with appropriate offers and advice on its relocation to Don Mueang Airport.
Thai AirAsia X currently operates a fleet of eight Airbus A330 aircraft, which will increase to 11 aircraft by the end of 2024. To support its growth, the airline expects to receive three to five new aircraft annually.
**For Thai AirAsia (flight code FD) flights connecting Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai and AirAsia X (flight code D7) Suvarnabhumi-Kuala Lumpur continues to operate at Suvarnabhumi Airport as usual**
HONG KONG, 19 July 2024: Hong Kong’s Bar Leone made history on Tuesday evening as the first new entry to claim the top spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.
This also marked the fourth consecutive year that a Hong Kong bar was named the region’s best, reinforcing the city’s position as the gastronomy capital of Asia.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board partnered with Asia’s 50 Best Bars to bring the event — one of the region’s most prestigious annual surveys of cocktail tastes and trends — to the city for the second year.
The multi-day festival-like celebration saw the region’s best bar talent headlining guest shifts at some of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed cocktail salons and drinking dens in the lead-up to the main event on 16 July, welcoming over 1000 of Asia’s leading bartenders, drinks industry professionals and tastemakers to the city.
“The feeling of standing atop Asia’s 50 Best Bars list is one I never could have imagined just over a year ago when we were just a small team. Hong Kong’s bar scene is a crucible of competition, constantly evolving to reflect the city’s vibrant diversity. To be recognised as the best in Asia is a true testament to the unwavering passion and relentless drive of our crew. We are beyond blessed to call Hong Kong home, and we will continue pouring our hearts into creating an experience that does justice to this remarkable city we love.” said Lorenzo Antinori, owner of Bar Leone.
The 2024 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars once again affirmed Hong Kong’s standing as a global epicentre for exceptional bar talent and innovation. Hong Kong claimed more spots than any other destination in the top 10, underscoring the depth and breadth of the city’s world-class bar scene.
Nine homegrown establishments featured on the prestigious ranking, including esteemed venues such as COA (4), Argo (9), The Aubrey (10), Darkside (17), The Savory Project (19), Penicillin (24), Quinary (26), and Mostly Harmless (45).
In addition to welcoming the region’s leading bartenders and tastemakers for a full roster of guest shifts, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 also saw the first time the 50 Best Signature Sessions were held in Hong Kong. These collaborative events saw Hong Kong institutions partner with some of the world’s very best bars for cocktail lovers to enjoy.
The resounding success of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 reinforced Hong Kong’s reputation as a world-class gastronomy destination. The event was also the first three-year partnership between HKTB and 50 Best. This partnership will see two more high-profile 50 Best events take place in Hong Kong over the next two years, presenting an exciting opportunity for Hong Kong to continue to showcase its world-class hospitality scene.
HONG KONG, 19 July 2024: Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has introduced a new programme to incentivise airlines to open more routes and increase flights to Hong Kong.
The aim is to strengthen the position of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as an international aviation hub.
Following the Early Bird Guaranteed Landing Charge Rebate Scheme, which ended in March this year, AAHK launched the new Airport Network Development Programme in June 2024 after consulting with local and foreign airline representatives. The programme includes two schemes: the New Route Scheme and the Strategic Development Scheme.
Under the New Route Scheme, all passenger and cargo airlines that launch new destinations connecting to HKIA with a defined continuity will be eligible for financial incentives for two years. Airlines now operating at HKIA and airlines that are new to HKIA are eligible to receive incentives, which are open for applications until 31 December 2027.
The Strategic Development Scheme encourages airlines to operate routes aligned with AAHK’s strategy. Any passenger and cargo airlines that launch new routes and increase frequencies to AAHK’s targeted regions or countries will be granted financial incentives for three years. In addition, to encourage airlines to use the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park (HKIALP) for air cargo operation, the same offer will also apply to any incremental cargo flights provided that all cargoes on board are accepted at HKIALP in Dongguan.
AAHK Acting Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung said: “Air network connectivity is pivotal to an international aviation hub like HKIA. While we are confident in HKIA’s long-term development, the new programme encourages home-based and foreign airlines to launch new routes and/or increase flights connecting to HKIA. The programme has already received positive response from airlines since its launch last month. AAHK will continue to engage with existing local and foreign airlines at HKIA and is reaching out to other airlines.”
In addition, AAHK has been sponsoring airlines to generate promotional activities for launching new routes at HKIA.
BANGKOK, 19 July 2024: AirAsia introduces its latest route between Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Vietnam’s popular tourist island, Phu Quoc.
A must-visit destination, the Bangkok Don Mueang-Phu Quoc service will commence on 27 October 2024 with a daily flight using an A320.
Flight FD660 departs Bangkok (DMK) at 1200 and arrives in Phu Quoc at 1320. Flight FD661 departs Phu Quoc at 1350 and arrives in Bangkok (DMK) at 1515.
Promotional fares starting from THB1,450 are available for bookings via AirAsia MOVE and airasia.com until 28 July 2024 for travel from 27 October 2024 until 29 March 2025.
Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya said: “Vietnam is one of the countries where AirAsia will expand its network to cater to the growing demand for air travel brought about by the many cities that the country has successfully developed as tourism centres. This latest route reaffirms AirAsia’s position as the provider of the most direct flights between Thailand and Vietnam; we fly on six routes to five cities across the country. We are proud to note that Thai AirAsia is the only airline serving Phu Quoc directly from Don Mueang, offering guests on-time service at great affordability.”
Phu Quoc is the southernmost island of Vietnam, close to the border with Cambodia. While not yet widely known among Thai travellers, it offers a range of interesting attractions, such as the island’s Starfish Beach and gondola rides at Vietnam’s largest amusement park, VinPearl Grand World, dubbed the Venice of Vietnam. Other attractions include VinWonders Phu Quoc, VinPearl Sea Shell Aquarium and VinPearl Safari Phu Quoc for animal viewing, the longest overseas cable car ride in the world at Sun World Hon Thom Nature Park, and Sunset Town, the Mediterranean-style setting with Vietnamese twists ideal for leisure strolls.
Thai AirAsia now operates 77 weekly flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Hanoi (14), Ho Chi Minh City (21), Danang (21), Nha Trang (7) and Phu Quoc (7), while from Chiang Mai the airline flies to Hanoi (7).
BANGKOK, 17 July 2024: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has confirmed that its reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel will officially open to guests on 27 September 2024, signalling an exciting new chapter for the company in Thailand and internationally.
Completely rebuilt from the ground up as part of the Dusit Central Park mixed-use development, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok pays homage to its 50-year legacy while setting a new standard for luxury hospitality. Designed with discerning travellers in mind, the hotel promises to make history once again, establishing groundbreaking benchmarks in service and design.
The new Dusit Thani Bangkok boasts distinctive cityscape views on its predecessor’s prestigious site. All 257 of its luxurious rooms offer uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park. Elegant, cantilevered window seats extend from each guest room, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the stunning panorama.
The hotel’s considerate approach to redevelopment was recently unveiled at an exclusive media event in Bangkok. Dusit International Group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun emphasised the company’s commitment to merging contemporary trends with the timeless spirit of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok, the city’s tallest, grandest building when it opened in 1970.
“For over five decades, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok was a beloved landmark, a true ambassador of Thai hospitality for global travellers,” said Ms Suthumpun. “As we embarked on its reimagination, we were committed to honouring that legacy while exceeding the expectations of today’s sophisticated guests. This meant meticulously preserving elements of the original hotel and seamlessly blending them with a fresh, modern design. Throughout this process, we stayed true to the vision of Dusit’s founder, Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, and owner, Mr Chanin Donavanik, to showcase Thai culture, art, and gracious service in a way that resonates with contemporary travellers and adapts to evolving preferences. Sustainability remains a core focus for Dusit, and this commitment is also reflected in the new hotel’s design and operations. Ultimately, we aim to deliver an unparalleled guest experience while preserving the warmth and service that have always been synonymous with the Dusit Thani name.”
Dusit International Managing Director – Dusit Estate and Group Creative Strategy, Natapa Sriyuksiri, said that the main challenge in designing the new Dusit Thani Bangkok was capturing the essence of the original hotel’s warmth and character while ensuring a fresh, modern aesthetic.
“We started by reinterpreting the original hotel’s unique design elements through a modern lens. This involved studying the hotel’s distinctive interiors and architecture to identify patterns we could modernise or reference in new creations.”
Envisaged by Architects 49 International Limited and OMA Asia Hong Kong Limited, a division of the esteemed Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to architecture and urban planning, the new hotel’s architecture pays homage to the unique style of its predecessor. Its elegant interiors, exquisitely crafted by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm, André Fu Studio, seamlessly blend the original hotel’s rich heritage with contemporary Thai aesthetics, incorporating warm colour tones and subtle traditional motifs for a modern interpretation of classic Thai artistry and craftsmanship.
Further honouring the hotel’s storied past, a signature ‘Heritage Floor’ designed by Thai interior design firm P49 Deesign & Associates Co. Ltd captures the spirit of the original property. This floor is adorned with exclusive artworks by local artists, each inspired by the hotel’s legacy.
The reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok goes beyond design to celebrate its heritage. The original hotel’s iconic golden spire, a beloved landmark, has returned and is now contained within a new, three-times-larger spire. Guests can also admire paintings and murals from the original hotel’s Benjarong Thai Restaurant, including the restaurant’s meticulously preserved main pillars, which were carefully removed and reinstalled in the new hotel’s main lobby. The intricate carved teak ceiling from the same restaurant has also been meticulously reassembled and given a new life within the new hotel.
“By reimagining elements from the original Dusit Thani Bangkok and focusing on exquisite craftsmanship throughout the entire design process – from architecture to décor to furnishings – we’ve woven a connection between the hotel’s past and present, creating a timeless harmony guests will experience throughout the entire new hotel,” said Sriyuksiri.
Additional elements of Dusit Central Park, including ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200 sqm Roof Park, are all slated to open in 2025.
Bookings for the new Dusit Thani Bangkok are available now via dusit.com.
BANGKOK, 18 July 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading Thai-owned hotel group, announced this week that the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Thirayuth Chirathivat has been honoured with a “Thailand Top CEO of the Year 2024” award in the “Tourism & Hospitality” category.
This important accolade, presented by Business+ magazine, a prestigious Thai publication, in collaboration with the Journal of Business Administration Faculty at Bangkok’s Thammasat University, recognises Thirayuth’s strategic vision and exceptional leadership qualities, which have spearheaded a highly successful 12 months for Centara.
Having recently celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, Centara is growing from strength to strength. In Brand Finance’s prestigious “Thailand 50” report for 2024, Centara Hotels & Resort was recognised as the country’s strongest brand, reflecting its prominent position in the market and reaffirming its status as an icon of Thai hospitality. This marked the second consecutive win for the group after Centara Grand was named Thailand’s strongest brand last year.
The group received numerous awards for its properties in 2024. In the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, Centara Reserve Samui was named one of Thailand’s best “Beach + Island Resorts,” while Roukh Kiri Khao Yai was named one of the country’s top “Upcountry Hotels.” Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives earned fifth place in the Maldives’ best “House Reefs” category.
Moreover, on the eve of its one-year anniversary, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka was recognised with the top award in the “Hotel General Managers” category for Japan. This achievement marks another significant milestone for this new hotel, which was also awarded the prestigious “Nikkei Asia Award” at the 2023 Nikkei Excellent Products & Services Awards.
Under Thirayuth’s leadership, Centara is also fully committed to sustainability. Twelve of the company’s hotels and resorts achieved Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification in 2024, which shows how environmental solutions and processes are being integrated into every aspect of the company’s operations. Centara is working toward its long-term goal of achieving full certification by 2025.
Thirayuth stated: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to have been named as one of Thailand’s top CEOs for 2024. Centara is a company that is built on family values, and every member of our family plays a vital role in our success. I would like to thank our entire team for their outstanding performance and dedication to creating exceptional guest experiences, which enabled us to achieve so many prestigious accolades and awards in the last 12 months. I would also like to thank Business+ magazine for this award.”
Thammasat University Dean of the Department of Accounting Assoc. Prof Dr Somchai Supattarakul noted: “The Thailand Top CEO of the Year award analyses the vision, management and success of each CEO, including their company’s financial achievement, customer relations, shareholder and employee satisfaction, environmental stewardship, and community leadership. Thirayuth Chirathivat has shown exceptional leadership qualities in these areas as he led Centara Hotels & Resorts into an exciting era of sustainable growth and success. He is a truly deserving recipient of our Top CEO award.”
SINGAPORE, 18 July 2024: Radisson Hotel Group has confirmed the role extension of several key leaders from the Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Southeast Asia Pacific (SEAP) region.
Following Tim Cordon’s appointment as Chief Operating Officer of Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia Pacific, several members of his leadership team based in Dubai have also extended their expertise to include the SEAP region.
The new SEAP leadership team includes members of key departments such as HR, F&B, Revenue, and Procurement. This strategic concentration of leadership in Dubai facilitates a unified response to the dynamic needs of both areas.
As previously announced, Tim Cordon has expanded his role as Chief Operating Officer for MEA, to now include the SEAP regions under his leadership.
Rob Collier, Director of Future Openings MEA, will expand his responsibilities to include supporting openings in the SEAP region. He will leverage his experience opening more than 50 hotels in MEA over the past three years, working closely with owners, technical services, and the operational leadership team.
Caroline Thissen, Senior Area Director of Sales and Revenue MEA, will also extend her responsibilities to support the Sales organization in SEAP. Thissen has successfully led the Sales organization in MEA for several years, delivering significant revenue growth for more than 100 hotels across multiple markets.
Stephanie Aboujaoude, Senior Area Director of Marketing and Communications MEA and Mediterranean, will extend her responsibilities to support SEAP. Aboujaoude already leads Marketing efforts across multiple markets and has a track record of delivering consistent growth and success across RHG’s Marketing, Social Media, and Communications initiatives.
Saadiyah Hendricks, Area Director of PR & Social Media, MEA and Mediterranean, will extend her responsibilities to provide supplementary support to the SEAP markets. Diana Al Jaseem, Area Brand & Content Marketing Manager MEA, will also take responsibility for SEAP hotels, extending additional support from Dubai.
Cameron Speedie has been promoted to Senior Director, Finance & Control, SEAP from his previous role as Regional Financial Controller, Middle East, East Africa & Nigeria.
Harpreet Singh Chhatwal, Vice President, People and Culture, MEA, will also be extending his responsibilities to SEAP and South Asia Regions.
The MEA region has thrived, with more than 45 hotels opening in the last three years under Cordon’s guidance. Presently, it boasts 160 hotels either in operation or in the development phase, underscoring its critical contribution to the Group’s growth strategy.
HONG KONG, 18 July 2024: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) will host the Super Terminal Expo’s inaugural edition in Asia from 5 to 7 November 2024.
It also supports hosting the expo in Hong Kong, organised by Informa Markets, for the next few years.
Michael Duck: Hong Kong’s position as a multi-modal transportation hub makes it the ideal location for Super Terminal Expo.
Airport Authority Hong Kong, Acting Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung said: “This partnership is the result of our proactive efforts to bring the mega-events to Hong Kong, which will not only bring new ideas and business opportunities for our aviation and transportation sector, but also benefit the wider economy of Hong Kong and further promote Hong Kong’s attraction to major global events.”
Informa Markets, Executive Vice President, Commercial Development Michael Duck added: ”Hong Kong’s position as a multi-modal transportation hub offers unparalleled access to the Greater Bay Area and beyond, making it the ideal location for Super Terminal Expo.”
Super Terminal Expo is a pioneering event focusing on the design, construction, and operations of passenger and cargo terminals. The 2024 event in Hong Kong will be held at the AsiaWorld-Expo, and it is expected to attract over 6,000 participants and 300 exhibitors from mainland China and overseas.
HKIA is one of the world’s best airports for intermodal connectivity. It provides flight service with around 220 destinations worldwide by about 120 airlines, reaching half of the world’s population in five hours flying time.
HKIA is also well-networked with other cities in the Greater Bay Area, one of the most economically vibrant regions in the country, via land transport over the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and high-speed ferries at the SkyPier Terminal inside the restricted area of the airport, facilitating convenient land-air and sea-air transfer to international flights.
SINGAPORE, 18 July 2025: Cardamom Tented Camp Ecolodge in Cambodia has launched its own conservation beer with the tagline, “Your Beer Keeps the Forest Standing”.
Profits from the Cardamom Mountains Steam beer, now available at the ecolodge, help fund the conservation work of 16 forest rangers who protect 18,000 hectares (180km2) of surrounding lowland evergreen forest in the Botum Sakor National Park, Cambodia’s largest.
Since opening in 2017, the nine-unit award-winning camp has operated with the slogan “Your Stay Keeps the Forest Standing”.
“Now it’s the turn of beer drinkers to take one for the team and do their bit for conservation,” says camp manager Allan Michaud. Michaud chose the hybrid Steam beer after tasting sessions with Yuki Aotani, founder of Flowers microbrewery in Phnom Penh. The slightly hoppy beer — already a hit with camp guests — is 5.2% strong and sells in 330ml bottles for USD4.50 at the lodge’s small riverside restaurant.
Local tipple
Keeping it local is important for Michaud. “With local Khmer dishes also on our menu, we make it easy for our guests to enjoy food and drink that reflect the best of Cambodia. Almost everything we do at the camp helps forest conservation and supports local suppliers,” he says.
Cardamom Tented Camp also sells locally made Ibis beer — profits from which are used to protect the rare Ibis bird in Cambodia — and craft beers made by the Stonehead brewery, also in Phnom Penh.
Recycled bottles
The Steam beers sold at the camp are in previously used 330ml bottles given to the brewery by the camp. Each month a percentage of income from beer sales and guest stays help forest rangers reduce illegal poaching, land grabs and riverbank sand dredging. This summer the camp added two new Wildlife Alliance forest rangers bringing the total to 16 now on patrol.
With illegal hunting down by about 90% over the last seven years or so, sightings of rare wildlife such as Asian elephants, silver langurs, smooth-coated otters, and leopard cats have increased in the lowland forest around Cardamom Tented Camp.
SINGAPORE, 18 July 2024: Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) Andaman Islands reports in its latest news update that India’s Port Blair Sea Port is now a designated entry port for e-visa holders.
“This news is going to be a game-changer for yachts, superyachts and cruise tourism in the Andaman Islands; the new designation will have a significant impact on those looking to cruise the clear waters of the Andaman Seas enchanting islands,” reports APS Andaman Islands director, R Rathnam.
“In the past, the Indian embassies in Southeast Asia would issue visas for the residents and nationals of that particular country. All others would have to apply for a visa in their home country, which was impossible for many yachts, and they were skipping visiting the Andamans”, Rathnam noted.
Obtaining a regular visa requires the applicant to complete the form online and wait for an appointment to visit the visa application centre to submit the passport for at least five days to process.
“This involved a lot of expenses, time and other hassles. Moreover, with the passport at the embassy, the applicant couldn’t travel anywhere else, creating a frustrating experience. Now, you can visit the official website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in and go through the online four-step application process, after which the e-visa status is communicated by email within 72 hours. You can then enter Port Blair with a copy of the approval.”
Port Blair is the gateway for a visit to experience the natural beauty of the Andaman Islands Archipelago, situated more than 1000km off the east coast in the middle of the Bay of Bengal. The archipelago is thickly covered by the deep green tropical forest supporting a profusion of wildlife that includes some extremely rare species of birds. The archipelago’s principal attractions are the beaches, exploring, and diving & snorkelling in the pristine reefs that ring most islands. www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com.
