KUCHING, 6 June 2024: The greatest show on earth, the ‘Great Britain Circus’, pitches its tent at Kuching’s Sarawak State Stadium from 8 to 14 July.
Described as a tented travelling circus, Sarawak residents will experience a traditional authentic circus production on tour across the state from Big Kid Entertainment in the UK.
The Great British Circus tradition shines the spotlight on the Big Top, a magnificent cylinder-like theatre topped with a conical canopy. At its base, fresh sawdust covers the arena, surrounded by audience seating set out in tiers rising in circular rows almost to the tent’s canopy. It’s a family fantasia crammed with sparkling costume performances, the high-wire trapeze, and a troupe of clowns. Once the week is over, the giant circus tent will move to Miri, a coastal town in the far north of the state close to Brunei.
Sarawak is making giant strides in the events sector, attracting conferences, concerts and now an international circus from the UK.
“In addition to the development of local tourism attractions, Sarawak is also an in-demand venue to host international events such as the annual Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and the recently announced Borneo Pickleball International Tournament slated for later this year,” he told the media during the circus launch,” said Minister of Tourism, Art, Culture, Youth and Sports YB Abdul Karim.
“These international events not only enrich our cultural landscape but also significantly contribute to our local economy. They create job opportunities for our local talents and boost revenue for our local businesses, making them a win-win for everyone involved.”
DUBAI, UAE, 6 June 2024: Emirates, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Airbus have joined forces to deliver an enhanced Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programme for the A350-type rating as the airline prepares to deliver 65 A350s by mid-2024.
An initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained in the new course at Emirates Training College in Dubai starting in July 2024.
From left to right: Capt Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide, Mikail Houari, President Africa & Middle East, Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training, Yann Reiner, IATA Head Training and Licensing and Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vic president, Operations, Safety and Security.
The advanced pilot training programme uses the CBTA training methodology, which combines IATA’s principles and documentation with Emirates’ operational expertise and resources and Airbus’ over 10 years of CBTA training experience on the A350.
Driven by pilot competency and behaviour, the A350 CBTA programme utilises the proven CBTA training philosophy, which allows instructors to assess the pilots’ training and seek immediate improvements in their performance. The programme will run in two phases and include 20 days of simulator training and evaluation in 15 separate sessions.
“With this programme, Emirates’ pilots receive in-house competency-based training with highly qualified instructors, equipping them with world-class capabilities to support the airline’s global operations. The tailored CBTA programme for the A350 supports integrating the new aircraft into our fleet, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350-type rating course. This latest initiative is part of Emirates’ commitment to deliver the highest standards of service and comfort while supporting our operational growth and expansion,” said Emirates Senior Vice President Flight Training Bader Al Marzooqi.
“Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350-type rating training is a unique opportunity. Our joint aim is to fully utilise the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 most efficiently and effectively as possible. And by doing it together, all three organisations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities,” said IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security Nick Careen
“The A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft requiring equally advanced training solutions. Our partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates’ pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training, supporting the smooth entry into service of the A350 worldwide,” said Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide Stéphan Labrucherie.
Emirates is preparing to enter service with its new A350 through the A350-type rating programme. In addition to pilot training, other parts of the airline, including the service delivery and engineering teams, are also working on preparing for the debut of A350 operations.
CBTA and IATA
Gaining the benefits and efficiencies of CBTA training is a longstanding industry objective. For flight crew, IATA supports this with its CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training, which is fully aligned with ICAO CBTA standards and includes specific libraries for airlines/operators and training organisations.
IATA also focuses on CBTA training in support of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The IATA CBTA Center supports organisations across the aviation industry, including operators, Civil Aviation Authorities, and training organisations, in developing the capabilities and resources for dangerous goods training programs. It also offers CBTA training specialised in various airline functions, from ground handlers to passenger agents, load planning, crew, and others.
KHAO LAK, Thailand, 6 June 2024: The Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024 opened on Wednesday at the JW Marriott Khao Lak, with business matching appointments between 425 travel buyers and 430 Thailand travel suppliers. The event concludes on Friday, 7 June.
Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sermsak Pongpanit presided over the opening ceremony, joined by Phang-Nga Province Vice Governor Niracha Banditchat and other travel-related VIPs such as Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool and Phang-Nga Tourism Association, President Lertsak Ponklin
ON TTM’s long success, the minister said: “The Thailand Travel Mart Plus is organised in line with the government’s “IGNITE Thailand” vision and plays a crucial role as a premier showcase of Thai tourism. This year’s event will further affirm its well-earned recognition as a must-attend B2B tradeshow that provides a valuable business platform for sellers and buyers.
Now in its 21st edition, the TTM+ presents the theme ‘Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End’.
Thapanee added: “The TTM+ 2024 showcases the diverse tourism offerings that leverage Thai cultural values for a remarkable and excellent experience. Another prominent feature is our ‘smart tourism’ strategy, which elevates Thai tourism’s competitiveness. We highlight the unprecedented digital transformation to accelerate Thailand’s tourism ecosystem to quality and sustainability.”
Buyers return to TTM
The TTM+ 2024 has registered a strong turnout, with 425 international travel buyers, of whom 55.5% are returning buyers and 44.5% are new participants. Buyers come from East Asia (30.4%), Europe (25.2%), ASEAN, South Asia and the South Pacific (20.9%), the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East (11.3%), as well as Thailand (12.2%).
There are 430 travel content sellers across Thailand, including 46 exhibitors who won the Thailand Tourism Awards 2023. There are 360 hotels and resorts, 34 tour operators, 18 entertainment venues and attractions, eight transportation and carriers, and 10 companies such as online travel platforms, shopping malls, golf clubs, and vineyards. In addition, there are over 100 media from overseas and in Thailand.
“The event provides a platform for 15,000 business appointments between buyers and sellers. As a result, this is estimated to bring about THB3 billion in revenue for Thailand’s tourism industry and distribute no less than THB30 million back to local communities,” the TAT Governor explained.
The three-day TTM+ 2024 programme started on Wednesday evening with pre-tours, an opening ceremony, a Thailand product update, TTM Talk, and a welcome reception. B2B appointment sessions and networking events continued on Thursday and Friday.
At the Thailand Product Update, buyers and media were briefed on Thailand’s tourism direction, marketing strategy, and a national focus on sustainability.
TTM Talk focused on two keynote topics
TrendWatching Head of Trends Victoria Loomese presented “Navigating Tomorrow: Global Consumer Trends Reshaping the Tourism Industry”.
She was followed by Michelin-starred restaurant Baan Tepa Head Chef Chudaree Debhakam, who gave a presentation on “Thailand’s Gastronomic Journey: Towards a Sustainable Food Future.”
Spotlight on Phang-Nga
This year, the event presents four tourism experiences in Phang-Nga.
Try & Taste: A selection of coffees and teas from various regions, such as Thai-style coffee from Kopi Kuapa and organic tea from Sawanbondin.
Showcase: Unveils secrets: Legends and traditions behind local crafts like those from Morgan Village and Batik from Takuapa.
Local Products: Presents authentic local dishes and fresh fruits.
Unleash: Introduces do-it-yourself activities on batik painting or beadwork workshops.
Reflecting TTM’s overarching theme, the half-day pre-tours presented hidden gems of Phang-Nga. At the same time, the post-tours will allow participants to visit other parts of Thailand, such as Phuket, Krabi and Ko Samui in the south and Chiang Mai and Lamphun in the north.
Zero waste landfill initiative
TAT continues to prioritise the effort to minimise the environmental impact of waste generated at travel events. Actions at TTM include sorting waste into organic, recyclable, and general waste categories and sending it to appropriate destinations for further management. This is aimed at helping reduce waste sent to local landfills, following the Zero Landfills concept in the “Reduce World Mess: Zero Landfills” activity.
SYDNEY, 6 June 2024: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) continues to engage with the Federal Government to support travel businesses in rebuilding their workforces, with a submission to ensure key travel occupations are eligible for skilled migration.
ATIA’s submission to Jobs and Skills Australia urges the government to ensure Travel Consultants, Travel Agency Managers, and Tour Guides are on the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL).
ATIA’s submission is backed by data and evidence in relation to shortages, current demand, and future demand, including results from ATIA’s Skills and Workforce Survey.
With enrolments in travel-related traineeships dropping by over 80%, this is a vital avenue to ensure travel businesses have access to the skilled workers they need to succeed and support travelling Australians.
ATIA Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Ingred Fraser explains: “ATIA welcome the opportunity to engage in relation to Australia’s migration strategy. Travel businesses have worked hard to support new entrants to the industry, including via traineeships and pursuing new and creative initiatives to attract and retain workers. However, skills shortages are significant, demand is high, and the future pipeline of skilled workers remains limited.
“In this environment, ATIA supports the occupations of Travel Consultants, Travel Agency Managers, and Tour Guides being on the CSOL.”
“Access to skilled migrants, as an option where local workers are not available, is vital in ensuring the travel industry has the workforce it needs to support travelling Australians. It is also vital in enhancing the quality and tour services offered, benefiting Australia’s overall travel and tourism industry.
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 June 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents supports Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s recent announcement regarding the expansion of the autogate facility for immigration clearance to travellers from 36 additional countries.
The initiative, which launched on 1 June, marks a significant step towards Malaysia’s goal of becoming a more accessible and attractive destination.
This expansion follows the success of the autogate facility, which was previously available to travellers from 10 countries. Among the new countries included are nationals of the European Union, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, China, Canada, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
“This is a very welcome move by the government,” stated MATTA President Nigel Wong. “Including these 36 countries in the autogate facility will not only improve efficiency at our entry points but will also elevate the image of Malaysia as an accessible, friendly, and attractive tourist destination”.
The autogate facility expansion, a top priority for both business and leisure travellers, brings a host of benefits. By reducing wait times and streamlining the immigration process, it significantly enhances the overall travel experience. The increased efficiency will benefit all travellers, from tourists to business delegates, fostering a more positive perception of Malaysia on the global stage.
With 40 million travellers entering Malaysia between 1 January last year and April this year, primarily through KLIA Terminals 1 and 2 and entry points in Johor Baru, the demand for efficient immigration processing has never been higher. MATTA believes this initiative will be crucial in accommodating the growing number of international visitors. It anticipates that the expanded autogate facility will significantly contribute to the appeal of Malaysia as a premier tourist destination, especially in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.
As Malaysia prepares to welcome more visitors from around the world, MATTA plays a pivotal role. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the travel experience and promote the country’s tourism industry. The expanded autogate facility is a testament to Malaysia’s dedication to becoming a top choice for international travellers.
SINGAPORE, 6 June 2025: China has recovered its position as the top spender on international tourism in 2023 as Asia and the Pacific consolidate recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.
In 2022, the top spenders list was headed by the US, France and Spain. The US took the top spots for most-visited destinations.
Top Tourism Spenders in 2023
Chinese expenditure on travel abroad reached USD196.5 billion in 2023, ahead of the USA (USD150 billion), Germany (USD112 billion), the UK (USD110 billion) and France (USD49 billion). The top 10 spenders for 2023 were Canada, Italy, India, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea. India jumped to 8th place from 14th in 2019, confirming the country’s growing importance as a source market, while Italy rose from 10th to 7th position.
Top in arrivals and receipts: France, Spain and the USA consolidate their positions.
France became the world’s most visited destination in 2023 with 100 million international tourist arrivals. Spain was second with 85 million, followed by the USA (66 million), Italy (57 million) and Türkiye, which closed the top five with 55 million international tourists.
Completing the top 10 most visited destinations in 2023 are Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece and Austria. Compared to before the pandemic, Italy, Türkiye, Mexico, Germany and Austria all rose one position, while the United Kingdom rose from 10th to 7th and Greece from 13th to 9th.
As for international tourism receipts, the US leads the ranking, earning USD176 billion in 2023, followed by Spain (USD92 billion), the UK (USD 74 billion), France (USD 69 billion) and Italy (USD 56 billion).
Following the above, destinations earning the most from international tourism in 2023 include the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Macao (China), India and Mexico, which complete the top 15 list of tourism earners.
Upward movements in the ranking among the top earners include the UK jumping to the 3rd position from 5th pre-pandemic, the United Arab Emirates from 13th to 6th, Türkiye from 12th to 7th, Canada from 15th to 9th, Saudi Arabia from 27th to 12th, and Mexico from 17th to 15th.
Croatia (from 32nd to 25th), Morocco (from 41st to 31st) and the Dominican Republic (43rd to 34th) also moved up in the Top 50 ranking by receipts in 2023, as did Qatar (from 51st to 37th) and Colombia (50th to 44th).
Looking ahead to a full recovery globally in 2024
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer, in 2023, international tourist arrivals recovered 89% of 2019 levels and 97% in Q1 2024. UN Tourism’s projection for 2024 points to a full recovery of international tourism, with arrivals growing 2% above 2019 levels, backed by strong demand, enhanced air connectivity, and the continued recovery of China and other major Asian markets.
Total export revenues from international tourism, including receipts and passenger transport, reached an estimated USD 1.7 trillion in 2023, about 96% of pre-pandemic levels in real terms. Tourism direct GDP recovered pre-pandemic levels in 2023, reaching an estimated USD 3.3 trillion, equivalent to 3% of global GDP.
GURUGRAM India, 6 June 2024: Air India has introduced ‘Fare Lock’, a new feature for customers added to the ticket booking flow on airindia.com and the Air India mobile application that lets them plan their travel with greater flexibility and ease.
Fare Lock enables customers to lock in or reserve a selected fare for 48 hours for a fixed, nominal fee while simultaneously firming up their travel itineraries.
It helps customers plan their travels without worrying about unexpected fluctuations in fares and availability for their preferred flight options. The feature is available for flight options at least 10 days away from the date of booking the service.
To use the service, Air India customers choose the preferred flight options and are likely to finalise, select the Fare Lock option in the booking flow, and pay a non-refundable fee. Later, they can return to their bookings on the website or mobile app to confirm their bookings at the pre-selected fares by using the ‘Manage Booking’ option.
Fare Lock is available at the following fees (inclusive of taxes) varying by route and applicable per passenger per ticket:
Fare Lock is designed to enhance the overall travel experience for customers, by leveraging advanced technology and integrating the service with Amadeus in the booking flow.
BANGKOK, 6 June 2024: AirAsia will introduce direct flights from Bangkok to the Indian city of Tiruchirappalli, also known as Trichy, the sacred capital of Tamil Nadu in southern India.
The new service will start on 21 September 2024 with three weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Promotional fares start at THB2,990 for a one-way trip. Promotional fares became available on 4 June and will remain on offer until 16 June 2024 for travel from 21 September 24 to 29 March 2025 via the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com website.
Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya said: “AirAsia is strengthening its presence in the Indian market by expanding its network to 11 routes with the addition of Tiruchirappalli, a strategic city in southern India that serves as a hub for commerce, industry and education in Tamil Nadu.”
Must-visit highlights of the city include the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the world and a major attraction of southern India. Built-in the 10th century, the temple is a stunning example of Tamil Nadu architecture, with colourful deities decorating its gopuram, one of which stands magnificently at 73 m. tall. Visitors would also want to see the Our Lady of Lourdes Church and Rockfort Temple, havens of history and Indian design.
Thai AirAsia currently flies 11 routes from Bangkok to India, serving Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Kochi, Bangalore, Gaya, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and the new addition Tiruchirappalli. It schedules 53 flights per week.
Indian travellers make up 80 to 90% of passengers on AirAsia flights between India and Thailand, with load factors averaging a high 88%, indicating India’s huge market potential for AirAsia.
SYDNEY, 5 June 2024: Carnival Corporation will phase out its Australian P&O brand in March 2025 and merge the Australia operations into Carnival Cruise Line.
This change is the latest in a series of moves designed to increase guest capacity for Carnival Cruise Line, the company’s flagship brand. This will result in the addition of eight new ships to Carnival Cruise Line’s fleet since 2021, including the successful shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises. In addition, the company recently placed its first new ship order in half a decade for two new Excel-class cruise ships to join Carnival Cruise Line in 2027 and 2028.
As the P&O Cruises Australia brand retires early next year, the Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure ships will be rebranded and operated by the Carnival Cruise Line brand. Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February 2025. Current itineraries will operate business as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings due to this announcement.
When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line – which has served the South Pacific since 2013 – will have four ships in the market, including Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane, in addition to their new sister ships Encounter and Adventure.
This announcement does not impact P&O Cruises (UK), a separate Carnival Corporation & plc brand based in England and dedicated to the UK market.
SINGAPORE, 5 June 2024: Pandaw promotes its unique combo expedition sailing along all navigable stretches of the mighty Mekong River.
This 21-night expedition is a grand tour of Indochina, covering Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand, made possible thanks to Pandaw’s ultra-shallow draft vessels. With the initial sailing date for 2024 proving extremely popular and selling out quickly, Pandaw has released exclusive new dates for this one-of-a-kind adventure for the 2025 season, offering a unique opportunity for early bookers.
In its introduction, Pandaw invites guests to “immerse in Indochina’s rich culture, history, and nature in one all-encompassing river adventure, which includes flights and accommodation between cruises. The new 2025 departure dates are expected to be in high demand, so we strongly advise booking early to secure your place on this once-in-a-lifetime experience with Pandaw.”
A Mekong River cruise offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultures and stunning scenery of Southeast Asia.
Here are some of the most intriguing highlights:
Experiencing the Floating Life: The Mekong Delta is famous for its floating villages, where houses and shops are built on stilts above the water. You can take a small boat tour through these villages, getting a glimpse into the lives of the local people who live and work on the river in and around the waterways of My Tho, about 70 km south of Ho Chi Minh City.
This epic journey travels along the Mekong River, one of Southeast Asia’s mightiest rivers, thanks to Pandaw’s shallow-draft vessels that can navigate these waters. The cruise includes flights and accommodation between cruises, making it a hassle-free way to explore Indochina’s rich culture, history, and nature.
Join Pandaw on an in-depth exploration of the Mekong River from South to North on a fascinating four-country expedition that combines two of Pandaw’s 10-night Mekong expeditions through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Sailing all of this mighty river’s navigable stretches, you will learn how one river can support a vast and diverse group of peoples and cultures, all from the comfort of our locally crafted Pandaw vessels.
New for 2024, this cruise expedition sails from central Saigon, (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), embarking or disembarking in the centre of Vietnam’s bustling metropolis and doing away with the need to transfer by bus a 200 km overland commute to the Mekong River
Trip highlights
Start: Embark at the Saigon city port in downtown Ho Chi Minh City to sail south on a complex network of shipping canals to the Mekong River town of My Tho and then through a maze of waterways in the Mekong Delta to Phnom Penh and via Tonle Sap lake to Siem Reap in Cambodia (gateway to Angkor Wat)
Cruise: Continue along the Mekong River to Laos.
Navigates: The Xayabouri Dam locks in Laos.
Stop: Explore charming towns like Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit elephant sanctuaries.
Cruise: Travel along the Mekong River to Thailand
Stop: Discover the beauty of northern Thailand and visit Chiang Rai.
End: The cruise ends at the riverside town of Chiang Khong Chiang Rai province, Thailand, with a transfer to Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai for onward flights.
The Full Mekong, Four Country 21-Night Combo Cruise SAIGON – VIENTIANE 21 nights FROM USD9,596
