COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, 8 July 2024: Qatar Airways will increase its Sri Lanka-Doha flights from the current five-daily schedule to six-daily, effective 10 July 2024.
The additional flights will be served by the Boeing 787 aircraft, which will fly the additional services, featuring 30 business class seats and 281 economy class seats. With this network enhancement, Qatar Airways will operate a total of 42 weekly flights to and from Sri Lanka, connecting passengers to nearly 170 global destinations worldwide.
Qatar Airways Country Manager Sri Lanka & Maldives, Jonathan Fernando said: “We are thrilled to be increasing our flights to and from Sri Lanka to provide even better connectivity to our passengers. This flight increase is a testament to our commitment to providing our passengers with the best travel experience possible onboard the World’s Best Airline. With more flights to and from Sri Lanka via our home hub, Hamad International Airport, we hope to make it easier for more travellers to discover their dream destination within our robust network.”
The newly added flights will provide passengers with more options to connect to major destinations in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa via Skytrax World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport.
SINGAPORE, 8 July 2024: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a Concept and Price Revenue tender to develop and operate a wellness attraction at the Marina South Coastal site.
The project is a key part of STB’s strategy to grow wellness tourism, offering holistic and immersive wellness experiences as part of our tourism offerings for visitors.
The four-hectare site is located along the waterfront, and the wellness attraction, when completed, will complement other places of interest such as Gardens by the Bay, Founders’ Memorial in Bay East and Marina Barrage.
In a press statement, STB said it sought proposals “with innovative, high-quality concepts that can positively impact physical, emotional, or mental wellness. These may include therapeutic art,tech-based offerings such as floatation or light and frequencies-based therapies, and complementary health and alternative therapies, as well as fitness or recovery-related activities, such as indoor and outdoor water or equipment-based activities.”
Additionally, the wellness attraction must also implement a strong pipeline of regular, high-quality wellness-themed events or programmes on its premises, as well as in public spaces within the wellness attraction or in the surrounding areas, which will appeal to both tourists and residents.
Singapore Tourism Board Executive Director, World Expo and Special Projects Carrie Kwik said: “With the rising demand for more restorative and wellness-related experiences, we believe Singapore is well-placed to be a leading Urban Wellness destination that prioritises holistic well-being.
“The tender marks a significant stride towards realising our wellness ambition as we leverage Singapore’s strengths in accessibility and technology as a strong business hub. This wellness attraction will contribute to Singapore’s tourism sector by giving travellers more compelling reasons to extend their stay and spend more in Singapore. Locals will also enjoy the wide range of wellness offerings available.”
The tender is open to local and international bidders for three months, with the closing date for submitting proposals set for 4 October 2024.
HANOI, Vietnam, 8 July 2024: Banyan Group opened Angsana Quan Lan on 1 July, the group’s latest property in Vietnam, located on an island in Bai Tu Long Bay east of Halong Bay.
Angsana Quan Lan features 156 rooms and suites offering views of the Gulf of Tonkin. An isolated gateway to Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, Quan Lan lies on the eastern edge of Bai Tu Long Bay, just a three-hour drive from Hanoi and a short seaplane or speedboat ride.
“We are thrilled to present Angsana Quan Lan, nestled on an outlying island with a verdant landscape and incredible history. Once a thriving trading port in ancient times, Quan Lan is poised to be reintroduced to the world with our resort debut and will certainly appeal to discerning travellers looking for a unique location,” said Angsana Quan Lan General Manager Karim Klaa. “We look forward to welcoming guests to explore this emerging part of Vietnam and savour unforgettable moments together.”
The resort’s architecture blends Vietnam’s multifaceted culture and natural scenery, offering views of the Gulf of Tonkin. Additional amenities include a rooftop mini-golf course and Vietnam’s first and only coastal zipline integrated into a resort.
Angsana Quan Lan’s dining options include a restaurant highlighting Vietnamese and Asian street food, a Sky Bar, and a marketplace that provides an all-day dining experience with Vietnamese regional specialities. T
The resort’s extensive recreational options include the largest outdoor lagoon-shaped pool in the region, an indoor all-season pool, and direct access to Son Hao Beach, known for its water sports.
SINGAPORE, 8 July 2024: The European Commission’s Competition Authority has approved Deutsche Lufthansa AG’s bid to acquire 41% of ITA Airways, subject to conditions.
The transaction should be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024, leading to the swift integration of the Italian airline into the Lufthansa Group. The airline is owned by the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance and, under its present ownership, has been active since 2020.
Photo credit: Lufthansa Group.
Deutsche Lufthansa AG Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr says: “The approval from Brussels is excellent news for ITA Airways and Lufthansa, especially for all passengers flying to and from Italy.
“We look forward to welcoming ITA Airways and its outstanding employees as new members of our airline family soon. The decision is also a clear signal for strong European air traffic, which can successfully assert itself in global competition.”
Lufthansa Group, the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and ITA Airways have welcomed the EU Commission’s approval under competition law. With this clearance of the competition authority, the way is now clear for the acquisition of a minority stake of 41% in ITA Airways (Italia Trasporto Aereo SpA) and the subsequent acquisition of the remaining shares by Deutsche Lufthansa AG for a capital contribution of EUR325 million, which was already agreed in May 2023. The investment will be completed through a capital increase. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024.
This requires both the prior implementation of the remedies negotiated with the EU Commission and the approval of other competition authorities outside the EU. Lufthansa Group and MEF have agreed to options for the acquisition of the remaining shares in ITA Airways, which can be exercised as soon as 2025.
ITA Airways will become the fifth network airline to be closely integrated with Lufthansa Group while keeping its brand name as part of the multi-hub, multi-airline, and multi-brand system successfully established by the Lufthansa Group. This will strengthen and further develop ITA Airways’ economic situation. Italy will become the Lufthansa Group’s fifth “home market”. It will then be the Lufthansa Group’s second-largest market in terms of revenue after Germany and the US.
Flights to Bangkok
Meanwhile, ITA’s website is promoting a new service from Rome to Bangkok that will start this November with five flights weekly until the end of the winter timetable 28 March 2025.
The new route is the first ITA Airways connection between Italy and Thailand and represents one of the highlights of the upcoming 2024/2025 Winter season, alongside the Rome Fiumicino – Dubai flight inaugurating on 27 October 2024.
The Rome – Bangkok flight opened for sale on 1 July. According to the schedule, an Airbus A330neo will fly the route on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 16 November 2024 to 28 March 2025.
In the current summer season, ITA Airways operates 57 destinations, including 16 domestic, 26 international, and 15 intercontinental. The company has recently launched new nonstop flights from its Rome Fiumicino hub to Chicago (April 2024) and Toronto (May 2024), Riyadh (June 2023), and Accra (June 2023). It will inaugurate flights to Dakar on 3 July and Jeddah on 1 August 2024.
ITA Airways was founded in November 2020, started its operations on 15 October 2021 and currently has around 4,860 employees. Based in Rome, the airline carried almost 15 million passengers last year and has a modern fleet of 96 Airbus aircraft, including 23 long-haul and 73 short-haul aircraft. The hub in Rome offers ideal conditions for expanding the joint route network towards Africa and Latin America, thus providing customers with improved connections to the southern hemisphere. ITA Airways currently serves 69 destinations.
GURUGRAM, India, 8 July 2024: Air India will start nonstop services between Delhi and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on 15 September 2024.
Using its two-class configured Airbus A320neo aircraft, Air India will operate daily on the new route.
The new route will further strengthen Air India’s network of destinations in Southeast Asia, offer a new flight option to an increasing number of travellers between India and Malaysia, and open new connections for Malaysian travellers to access Air India’s global route network.
“We are happy to support the fast-growing tourism and trade corridor between India and Malaysia with this new daily service,” said Air India Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer Nipun Aggarwal. “Leveraging our robust global network, this route will not only serve travellers flying between the two nations but also offer convenient one-stop connections for travellers from Europe and North America seeking to explore the wonders of Malaysia.”
The new services to Kuala Lumpur will enable convenient one-stop connections via Delhi for travellers from the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe.
Currently, Air India flies nonstop between India and five points in Southeast Asia: Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Yangon (Myanmar). New flights are being progressively opened for bookings on airindia.com and through travel agents worldwide.
SINGAPORE, 5 July 2024: Frasers Hospitality, a business unit of Frasers Property, is fortifying its international expansion through collaborations with capital partners and third-party hotel operators
Over the past 18 months, in addition to its ongoing focus on opening new properties in key gateway locations, Frasers Hospitality acquired its inaugural premium rental apartment assets in Shenzhen, China, and Osaka, Japan, respectively, with joint venture partners.
A two-bedroom executive suite at Modena by Fraser Nansha Guangzhou.
In addition, as an extension of its current extended-stay portfolio offering, Frasers Hospitality is partnering with YOTEL to launch the brand’s first YOTEL property in Japan in early 2025.
The site was acquired and developed by Frasers Hospitality and is located within walking distance of Tokyo Station, in the city’s most popular dining and shopping enclave.
Frasers Hospitality opened three new properties in Bahrain, Chengdu and Shanghai in the first half of 2024. An additional nine properties are scheduled to open in the next two years across China and Vietnam.
Recent openings
Modena by Fraser Nansha Guangzhou China stands in Unipark Nansha, a lifestyle destination. Launched on 1 July 2024, the property features 150 fully furnished studios.
The 210-room Fraser Place Wujiaochang Shanghai, China, opened on 15 June 2024, located in the core area of Yangpu District’s New Jiangwan City, close to Fudan University’s New Jiangwan Campus.
Fraser Place Chengdu China opened its doors on 28 March 2024 and is located within the prestigious Chengdu Poly International Plaza. It has 238 rooms and suites.
Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain opened on 18 February 2024 in the vibrant Al Hamala neighbourhood and has 63 rooms and suites.
The acquisitions add to Frasers Hospitality’s expanding portfolio in North Asia, which includes close to 3,400 units in 16 properties across China, Japan, and South Korea.
Looking Ahead
Over the next four years, Frasers Hospitality will open another 20 properties, including the nine properties scheduled to open over the next two years, as it continues to ride on the travel recovery trajectory post-pandemic.
Spanning an extensive accommodation offering across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Frasers Hospitality strives to continue being the preferred choice for guests and travellers with innovation and personalised service offerings by anticipating customers’ evolving expectations.
BANGKOK, 5 July 2024: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has announced the appointment of key leadership talent to spearhead the highly anticipated return of its legendary flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel.
The hotel will officially open its doors after a stunning transformation on 27 September 2024.
Joining as Executive Assistant Manager of Rooms, Somruedee Getwansopon will lead the hotel’s highly elevated guest room experience. Drawing on a wealth of experience in hotel operations and management for luxury brands such as Kempinski Hotels and Okura Hotels & Resorts, she will oversee several departments to ensure every detail reflects Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and delivers the utmost in comfort and convenience for guests.
In Sales & Marketing, Nuengruethai Sa-nguansakpakdee has assumed the executive role of Director of Sales and Distribution. Previously Group Director of Sales & Marketing at 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts in Bangkok, she has a proven track record in senior roles for five-star hotels and resorts across Thailand. Now, she’ll oversee all sales, revenue management, and distribution aspects for Dusit Thani Bangkok.
Peeradej Charoendireksup joins the team as Director of Marketing. A seasoned marketing and communications professional with experience at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Centara Hotels & Resorts, and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), he will drive Dusit Thani Bangkok’s strategic marketing and communication initiatives.
The hotel’s six restaurants and bars are poised to deliver memorable experiences under the leadership of Jonathan Forestier, Director of Food & Beverage. He brings over 10 years of experience working in Thailand for luxury brands such as Sofitel and Anantara, most recently leading the food and beverage team at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.
Adrian Rudin.
The newly appointed leadership team will work alongside the hotel’s Managing Director, Adrian Rudin, an industry veteran with over thirty years of experience leading luxury hotels under renowned banners such as Shangri-La and Kempinski Hotels, to deliver meaningful and memorable experiences across the entire guest journey.
“Assembling this team of top industry talents strengthens the solid groundwork we have already done and ensures we are positioned to honour and build on the rich legacy of the original Dusit Thani Bangkok when we officially open our doors this September,” said Rudin. “From luxurious accommodations and innovative culinary experiences to our transformative urban wellness concept, we’re committed to crafting exceptional moments at every turn, delighting discerning travellers and Bangkok residents alike.”
Situated in the same prime location as the original Dusit Thani Bangkok, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 to 2019, Dusit’s reimagined luxury flagship hotel sits at the heart of Dusit Central Park, a landmark mixed-use development. This development also comprises 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 (all slated to open in 2025). The hotel’s location offers a stay and an entire experience, with access to various amenities and a vibrant community.
Designed to deliver a fresh take on its predecessor’s esteemed heritage and once again stand as a beacon of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality for discerning travellers from all around the world, the newly built 257-key hotel offers ample space for guests, including elegant suites exquisitely crafted by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm André Fu Studio, starting at an impressive 50 sq m. A singular corridor floorplan ensures every room offers a breathtaking view of Lumpini Park, and each makes the most of this unparalleled vista with floor-to-ceiling windows and inviting window seating that frames the impressive landscape and fully immerses guests in the stunning scenery. This thoughtful design combination creates an atmosphere of tranquillity and connection with nature, all while enveloping guests in luxurious comfort.
The new Dusit Thani Bangkok is not just a hotel but a destination in itself. It offers a unique urban wellness concept, elevated dining experiences created in collaboration with renowned chefs, a stylish multi-level rooftop bar created in partnership with award-winning mixologists, and expansive banqueting and meeting facilities spanning over 5,000 sq m. This includes one of the largest grand ballrooms in Bangkok, boasting an impressive eight-metre-high ceiling, a panoramic view of Lumpini Park, and a diverse selection of meeting spaces for intimate gatherings and large-scale events. The hotel’s new benchmarks in service, design, and overall guest experience will set a new standard for Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.
More details about the hotel and its special opening offer are available at Dusit Thani Bangkok.
This marks the second consecutive year that Centara Hotels & Resorts has topped this distinguished list. Last year, its flagship five-star concept, Centara Grand, was named Thailand’s Best Brand, reaffirming the group’s position at the pinnacle of customer satisfaction and service excellence.
Brand Finance’s Thailand 50 report evaluates brands based on various criteria, including brand equity, trust, and financial performance. Centara’s achievement (as a corporate brand, rather than its popular Centara upscale hotel concept), reflects the significant strides this proud Thai company has taken towards becoming a top 100 global hotel operator by 2027.
The success of Centara Hotels & Resorts in the last 12 months was demonstrated by the realisation of several major projects, including the launch of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka. This spectacular 33-storey urban icon marked the group’s debut in Japan. This important opening reflects how Centara continues introducing its industry-leading brands to key global destinations. Whilst in Thailand, the launch of Centara Ayutthaya underscored the company’s commitment to bringing world-class hospitality to all parts of the kingdom, and the recent opening of COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, Laos, marked the international debut of COSI, the innovative and affordable lifestyle brand.
Now, Centara is poised to continue its growth with a series of key openings and upgrades in 2024 and beyond. In Thailand, Centara Life Lamai Resort Samui will start welcoming guests in August this year, and two of Centara’s flagship Thai hotels – Centara Karon Resort Phuket and Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya – are set to emerge from comprehensive renovations to enhance every aspect of their accommodation, facilities and services, and reaffirm their positions as two of the nation’s favourite resorts.
Internationally, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives unveiling in November will mark the first phase of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a brand-new multi-island destination in the Indian Ocean. The world’s fourth Centara Mirage project, this underwater-themed resort will feature a full range of family-friendly facilities centred around a waterpark with a meandering lazy river. Then, in 2025, it will be complemented by Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a sophisticated upper-upscale resort.
Looking ahead, Centara is now seeking opportunities to expand all six of its brands in key markets, including Thailand and the broader ASEAN region, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Japan, and China. These brands are all underpinned by Centara’s unique style of warm, family-centric Thai hospitality.
Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat commented: “It is a true honour to be recognised as Thailand’s strongest brand. This important accolade marks another major milestone for Centara, highlighting our commitment to sustainable growth and delivering unparalleled guest experiences globally. Our achievements over the past year directly reflect our strategic focus and dedication to showcasing Thai hospitality excellence to the world.”
SINGAPORE, 5 July 2025: FCM manages business travel for thousands of executives globally, and its Chief Privacy Officer for Asia, Meida Wong, shares ways business travellers can safeguard their data while travelling.
“In today’s digital age, the volume of personal information we share for various activities has exponentially increased. You may be online shopping, ordering food delivery, downloading mobile applications, playing an online game, or simply browsing the web, and your personal data is at play. In a world where such information commands high value, it’s vital to secure it, particularly when travelling,” said Wong.
Photo credit: FCM.
Essential steps to keep information safe
Secure Your Devices and Accounts
Before embarking on your journey, ensure all your devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, are adequately secured. Set up complex passwords, PIN codes, or, even better, biometric authentication methods to prevent unauthorised access.
Turn on the encryption features such as device encryption and encrypted messaging apps to protect your data from prying eyes.
Use a unique password for different accounts. This way if one is compromised, the rest are less likely to be affected, limiting the impact of a data breach.
Where possible, a biometric authentication method can also prevent password or PIN theft from shoulder surfing. Treat your password like your toothbrush and keep it private. Do not share it and change it often.
Use Secure Networks
Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi, such as airports, cafes, and hotels, especially when conducting banking activities, such as checking account balances, making transfers, or entering sensitive financial information.
Instead, use a secure and trusted network, such as a personal mobile data connection or a virtual private network (VPN).
Ensure the websites you use for banking or payment purposes use HTTPS encryption, indicated by a padlock icon and https:// in the uniform resource locator (URL).
Always log out of your sessions when not in use to prevent session hijacking, and only provide passwords and PINs at trusted locations – be aware of social engineering.
Use Caution When Sharing On Social Media
Exercise discretion and limit the personal details you disclose when sharing photos and updates on social media platforms during your travels.
Avoid posting real-time updates about your location and itinerary, as this information could be used by cybercriminals to target you for theft or surveillance. Wait until you have returned home to share your travel experience to minimise the risk of becoming a target.
Here are some tips for safe social media use. Review your privacy settings to ensure your social media profiles are private. This makes it easy to control who has access to your accounts and posts, ensuring no strangers can view your content.
Remember that stories and Snapchat do not disappear. Many travellers assume that their stories are only available for twenty-four hours, which is not the case.
Even with privacy settings turned on, photos contain information that cybercriminals want to exploit. For example, if a cybercriminal gets access to a photo’s metadata, it can include your location information, letting the criminal know that your home is vacant. To avoid this, share your photos once you return home.
Minimise Location Sharing
It is common for travellers to update their social media accounts while they are travelling. However, this type of excessive sharing can create a security threat at home.
Sharing your every location allows criminals to determine that you are not in your hotel room or home, leaving both your home and personal property vulnerable.
Disable Bluetooth Connectivity
Similar to your phone’s automatic Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity can present problems as signals can come from anywhere. If your Bluetooth is left on, nearby assailants can connect to your phone and potentially hack your device. It is wise to keep Bluetooth disabled as much as possible.
Protecting your personal data is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and proactive measures, so remember to keep your personal data safe when you travel.
About FCM FCM is one of the world’s largest travel management companies and a trusted partner for thousands of national and multi-national organisations.
MANILA, 5 July 2024: Philippine Airlines reopened its Clark – Basco route earlier this week, declaring it a milestone celebration at the Clark International Airport led by airline officials and aviation industry stakeholders.
The restored route will operate four times weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday).
PAL’s 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft received a water salute as it departed Clark Airport for Basco, Batanes.
Flight PR2688 will depart Clark International Airport at 1100 and arrive in Basco at 1235. Flight PR2689 will depart Basco at 1300 and arrive at Clark International Airport at 1435.
Officials of the PAL Group, Department of Tourism Region 3, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD), Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) joined the event.
This direct service to picturesque Basco complements PAL’s daily Manila – Basco service. From its Clark hub the airline flies daily to Cebu, thrice weekly to Boracay (Caticlan), and four times weekly to Coron (Busuanga).
Department of Tourism Region 3 Director Richard Daenos commented: “As the country’s flag carrier, PAL represents the entire archipelago, and the airline serves as a vital link for the Filipino diaspora, enabling easy travel for millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) together with their families. PAL’s routes – especially to remote or underserved areas – are crucial for regional development and integration, ensuring that even less accessible regions benefit from air connectivity.”
Clark International Airport Chief Executive Officer Noel Manankil added: “We are thrilled to once again connect Clark to the breathtaking beauty of Batanes. This flight not only opens up opportunities to explore this unique destination but also strengthens our commitment towards convenient travel options for all. Your efforts contribute immensely to promoting tourism and economic growth not only for Batanes but also for the entire Central Luzon.”
More about Basco
Capital of Batanes: Basco is the central town of Batanes, the northernmost province in the Philippines. It serves as the administrative centre, housing the provincial government and key infrastructure, making it a crucial starting point for anyone visiting Batanes. The town is located on Batan Island, the second largest island in the Batanes archipelago, the northernmost group of islands in the Philippines around 350 km south of Taiwan.
Gateway to Batanes: Basco is the entry point for most visitors to Batanes. Its domestic airport connects the islands to central Luzon (Manila and Clark International Airports).
Tourist Infrastructure: Basco is Batanes’ main tourist destination. This remote island chain is known for its stunning natural beauty, including rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and unique Ivatan architecture. Basco provides easy access to these attractions through tours, transportation, and accommodation options.
Cultural Experience: Basco allows visitors to experience Ivatan culture through local cuisine, handicrafts, and historical sites.
