DOHA Qatar, 4 JULY 2024: Qatar Airways Group reported the strongest financial performance in its 27-year history, announcing record profits of QAR6.1 billion (USD1.7 billion) in its Annual Report for the 2023/24 financial year, released Tuesday.
The multiple award-winning airline group reported historic net profits of QAR6.1 billion (USD1.7 billion) during the 2023/24 fiscal year, with total revenue of QAR81 billion (USD22.2 billion). This represents an increase of QAR4.7 billion (US$1.3 billion) – up 6% compared to last year.
The Group generated a strong EBITDA margin of 24% at QAR19.1 billion (USD5.2 billion), around QAR1.2 billion (USD0.3 billion) higher than the previous year. This reflects the business’s continued focus on customer experience, innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability, resulting in streamlined, agile, and fit-for-purpose operations across all areas.
This has created a strong platform for the future of the Group’s airline business, which carried more than 40 million passengers during the 2023/24 fiscal year, an increase of 26% over the previous year.
As a result, passenger revenue increased by 19%, with a capacity increase of 21% driven by the airline’s highest-ever load factor of 83%, offering a sustainable upsurge in market share.
Qatar Airways’ network grew to more than 170 destinations in 2023/24, adding Al Ula, Neom and Tabuk in Saudi Arabia; Lyon and Toulouse, France; Medan, Indonesia; and Trabzon, Turkey throughout the year.
This is in addition to the resumption of operations to 14 destinations, including Bahrain, Bahrain; Birmingham, UK; Beijing, Chengdu and Chongqing, China; Davao, Philippines; Tokyo Haneda and Osaka, Japan; Marrakesh, Morocco; Nice, France; Penang, Malaysia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE; and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.
KUCHING 3 July 2024: Following a record-breaking three nights of music concerts, the Rainforest World Music Festival organisers confirmed the event will return for its 28th edition from 20 to 22 June 2025.
The dates were already locked down during this year’s concert nights, 28 to 30 June, that welcomed a record 26,000 attendees, the Borneo Post Online reported on Monday.
The 27th edition of Sarawak’s globally renowned Rainforest World Music Festival was hosted at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) in the Santubong Peninsula near Kuching, its home since 1998.
Borneo Post Online quoted Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah as saying: “This year, RWMF has welcomed over 26,000 attendees.”
The minister hinted that the final tally could reach as high as 30,000 over the three nights, an all-time record that would beat even the peak years before the Covid-19 pandemic.
If Sarawak’s tourism leaders needed confirmation that Covid is now history, the event gave it to them. The outstanding footfall for the three nights of concerts and all the events on the sidelines that make up the RWMF surpassed the highest peak ever achieved in the event’s history.
The minister was joined by STB chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau and STB chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor at the RWMF official press conference on the second evening.
RWMF is recognised as the pioneer music event that puts World Music on the map in Southeast Asia with its three-day line-up of outstanding musical performances, workshops, cultural displays and celebrations of Malaysian cuisine.
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2024: Emirates has unveiled the first cities on its network to be served with its newest Boeing 777 cabin interiors.
The airline plans to introduce its refurbished B777s to Geneva, Tokyo Haneda, and Brussels, offering customers more opportunities to experience the airline’s signature Premium Economy on this aircraft and, for the first time, Emirates’ next-generation Business Class seats, set in a new 1-2-1 configuration.
Emirates flights on the refreshed Boeing 777 to Geneva, Tokyo Haneda and Brussels go on sale today and can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App or via travel agents.
Emirates Airline Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “With the addition of the newly retrofitted Boeing 777s to our fleet, we’re capturing the opportunity to introduce our highly acclaimed products like Premium Economy to more cities already served by this aircraft type in our network, in addition to more seating variety in four classes.”
He added: “Borrowing inspiration from our flagship A380 in every cabin, our Boeing 777 with revamped interiors boast the very best in customer comfort and will feature modern design details and signature cabin finishings, with a new Business Class cabin that provides more privacy for our customers, in addition to other thoughtful touches that underscore our exceptional value proposition. Our investment and intense focus on offering the best possible product across every cabin class also ensures we provide a consistent experience on both the Boeing 777s and A380s.”
The first upgraded Emirates Boeing 777 products will operate on the following services:
· EK 83/84 to and from Geneva from 11 August*
· EK 312/313 to and from Tokyo Haneda from 1 September*
· EK 183/184 to and from Brussels from 11 September*
Starting from 1 July, the first Emirates Boeing 777 will undergo its nose-to-tail cabin interior facelift with the whole process taking approximately two weeks before the aircraft goes back into service.
Plans include refurbishing the First Class cabin and installing 38 new Business Class seats in an updated 1-2-1 seating configuration, 24 of the latest Premium Economy seats, and 256 Economy Class seats.
All Business Class seats on the newly refurbished Boeing 777 focus on personalised privacy and elevated comfort, converting to a comfortable flat bed, with 20.7-inch wide seats pitched up to 44 inches apart. The staggered seating arrangement ensures aisle access for every seat, with direct entry and exit for customers. The seat is accentuated with a touch screen seat controller for in-flight entertainment and seat operation, a personal 23-inch HD screen, one of the biggest in the skies, linked to the airline’s award-winning ice entertainment system, in addition to a personal mini-bar, a large table, and ample stowage for personal devices, charging outlets and much more. The Boeing 777 Business Class cabin will also include a small bar for customers to quickly grab mid-flight snacks and refreshments.
In total, 81 Boeing 777s will be refurbished as part of Emirates’ investment in its retrofit programme, and more destinations to be served with the airline’s latest products will be announced over the course of the next few months. The airline has earmarked 191 aircraft for a full revamp as part of the largest known retrofit programme in the industry, an investment of over US$3 billion to deliver the best products and customer experience in the air.
Emirates currently operates its refurbished A380 aircraft fitted with Premium Economy to New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Singapore, Mumbai, Bangalore, Sao Paulo, Tokyo Narita, Osaka and Dubai.
The airline aims to serve over 36 cities with Premium Economy by February 2025. The A350 will enter its fleet in September of this year, and more refurbished A380s and Boeing 777s will roll into service and fly to more cities in the coming months.
*Aircraft deployments may be advanced if released earlier from refurbishment.
For flight information and to make bookings visit www.emirates.com.
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2024: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global, revealed that the Latin American (LATAM) Travel & Tourism sector could add nearly USD260 billion to the region’s economy and create nearly 8 million new jobs over the next 10 years.
According to the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in LATAM’, this potential growth depends on three key policies to unlock annualised growth of 3.4%, reaching a contribution of nearly USD909.2 billion.
Photo credit: WTTC Latin America report.
The report includes a policy package focused on improving LATAM’s growth based on transport infrastructure, visa facilitation, and tourism marketing.
Travel & Tourism is a powerhouse sector in the region, with a contribution of more than USD629 billion to the region’s economy in 2023, welcoming 86 million international travellers. Last year, the sector was essential for employment, providing livelihoods to more than 24.6 million people, equating to 9% of all the jobs in the region.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “LATAM’s Travel & Tourism sector has witnessed an extraordinary transformation. It has grown significantly in recent years, contributing immensely to the region’s economy.
“Growth potential for Travel & Tourism in LATAM is significant. It has already seen substantial growth since 2000, and with the right policies, it could unlock an additional USD260 billion in the next decade.
“Countries in the region need better transport infrastructure, simplified visa processes, improved protection for biodiversity and nature, and effective marketing campaigns to highlight the wealth of destinations in this vibrant region.”
VFS Global Founder and CEO Zubin Karkaria said: “We are delighted to partner with WTTC to unlock the immense potential that Travel & Tourism offer in LATAM.
“Since establishing our presence in LATAM in 2009, we are now the trusted partner of 18 governments, serving 29 cities across 17 countries in the region. VFS Global, with its expertise in visa services and tourism promotion, is committed to playing a pivotal role in harnessing LATAM’s potential. Our involvement can also assist destinations in upskilling the workforce, a crucial component in the tourism sector.
“This comprehensive report serves as a roadmap for stakeholders, including governments and National Tourism Boards, to formulate strategies that unlock the continent’s economic potential, attract crucial investments, and boost inbound arrivals. The region stands to gain significantly from our experience in simplifying cross-border mobility through highly secure, reliable, efficient, and innovative technology solutions.”
This report delves into the historical journey of the Travel & Tourism sector in LATAM. It’s a story of facing challenges head-on, from the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 to the setbacks caused by disease outbreaks and political instability.
Despite all these challenges, the Travel & Tourism sector is on a path to recovery. According to the global body, 2024 is projected to be a record-breaking year, achieving a GDP contribution of more than USD650 billion, as well as the creation of an additional one million jobs, raising the total to 25.7 million.
Opportunities for LATAM
The report underscores a strategic approach to enhance tourism by integrating investments in infrastructure, improving air connectivity, and simplifying visa procedures.
The report highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity and nature through better water management and the use of low-carbon energy.
These efforts aim to attract more tourists while ensuring environmental sustainability. Leveraging digital technologies enhances the travel experience and can optimise marketing strategies supported by data-driven insights. Investing in local people and natural preservation enriches the visitor experience and ensures Travel & Tourism is both sustainable and inclusive.
Finally, ensuring safety measures builds trust and sustains growth in the Travel & Tourism sector. This cohesive strategy aims to strengthen the region’s position as a competitive and appealing destination globally.
These efforts could unlock the potential for environmental preservation, job creation, and economic development in the LATAM Travel & Tourism sector. To access the full report, visit WTTC Research Hub
SYDNEY, 3 July 2024: Following the recent announcement that China has included Australia on its visa-free list, Australian travellers have significantly increased search interest.
Trip.com search data reveals that Australian users have increased their use of China-related keywords by 80%, highlighting their strong interest in this visa-free scheme.
The news late last month also sparked an increase in bookings on Trip.com almost immediately, with a 20% increase in bookings from Australia to China.
From January to May this year, Trip.com has recorded a significant upward trajectory in flight search volumes from Australia to China, with a notable 154% increase in search volumes compared to the same period last year.
Travel to Australia: Strong Interest from APAC
Trip.com has also seen a significant increase in bookings to Australia, particularly from key markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Overall, booking data shows a more than 150% rise in bookings to the destination in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023, with China, Korea, and Japan being the main contributors to this growth.
In order to promote Australia as a destination, Trip.com recently signed a strategic partnership with Tourism Western Australia. This strategic partnership aims to promote Western Australia’s unique and captivating tourism experiences across key Asian markets, including China.
Interest in China on the rise
Interest in China has been increasing globally since the country expanded its unilateral visa-free travel policy, with 14 countries and regions added to the arrangement from November 2023 until the present. In Q1 2024, there was a significant 400% growth in inbound travel to China, driven by the benefits of such visa-free policies.
To encourage travellers from Australia to explore China, Trip.com launched its “One Flight Away to China” campaign. Travellers can take advantage of special product promotions, such as flights, hotels, and attractions. This includes promo codes offering up to AUD200 off flights to China and AUD50 off hotel stays.
Trip.com has introduced several initiatives to make travel to China more convenient for visitors. The Trip.com app features a ‘China Travel Guide’, providing practical information on navigating the country. This includes details on entry requirements, internet access, payment, transportation, and more, accompanied by easy-to-follow tips and explanatory videos.
Besides this, Trip.com has also launched an array of products, including a free Shanghai Express Transit Tour and curated package tours as part of its SUPER CHINA Campaign. It’s also partnering with a leading digital payment platform to help simplify payments for international travellers in China.
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 July 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) extends its sympathies to the victims and families affected by the tragic bus accident along the steep road descent from Genting Highlands on 29 June 2024.
MATTA said it was fully committed to the safety and well-being of tourists and urged stringent measures to be taken against those responsible for such incidents. The recent events underscore the critical need for vigilance and accountability within the transport sector.
“We urge the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to take firm and decisive action against any parties found responsible,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong. “The actions of a few irresponsible individuals or organisations should not tarnish the reputation of the entire tourism industry.
“MATTA stands ready to collaborate closely with MOTAC and other relevant authorities to identify and implement long-term, sustainable solutions to address the root causes affecting various aspects of the industry. By working together, we can enhance safety standards and restore public trust in travel services.”
Meanwhile, Star Online reported on Monday that the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry would “temporarily suspend the licence of the travel agency involved in the Genting Highlands bus crash if investigations revealed that the company failed to comply with standard operating procedures.”
Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing told the Star a comprehensive investigation was underway, including the travel agency and its subsidiary, to identify if there was evidence of a breach of SOPs.
“If the investigation finds that they (the travel agency) are at fault, their licence will be revoked immediately,” he told a press conference after visiting the crash victims at Kuala Lumpur Hospital earlier this week.
Eight victims are currently receiving treatment at the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. In the incident on Saturday, 29 June, “two Chinese nationals were killed while several others were injured when the tour bus skidded and hit the road divider close to the KM16 marker at Jalan Turun Genting Highlands”. The bus was transferring the tour group to the federal capital.”
BANGKOK, 3 July 2024: Thai Airways International celebrated the inaugural flights to Milan and Oslo at the departure terminal in Suvarnabhumi International Airport on 1 July 2024.
THAI resumes services to Milan, Italy, and Oslo, Norway, during the European summer peak season as travel demand for both destinations improves. Flights are daily to Oslo using an A350-900 aircraft with 327 seats and daily to Milan using a Boeing 787-8 with 256 seats. TG is the only airline serving the Bangkok-Milan route with direct flights. On the Bangkok-Oslo route it competes against Norse that offers twice weekly direct flights (Thursday and Sunday) on the route using a Boeing 787-9.
THAI Chair of the Plan Administrators Piyasvasti Amranand (centre) and Airports of Thailand chair Police General Visanu Prasattongosoth presided over the event, joined by TG and AOT senior executives.
Passengers travelling directly to Milan and Oslo can connect to Star Alliance partner flights to other major European cities. The destinations are likely to figure in the TG network during the winter timetable from October 2024 to March 2025.
Flight details
Bangkok-Milan roundtrip daily flights:
•TG940 departs from Bangkok at 0040 and arrives in Milan at 0735 hours (local time).
•TG941 departs from Milan at 1405 (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 0555.
The average roundtrip fare on the Bangkok-Milan route is USD970, from July to December.
Bangkok-Oslo roundtrip daily flights:
•TG954 departs from Bangkok at 0055 and arrives in Oslo at 0725 (local time).
•TG955 departs from Oslo at 1415 (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 0615.
The average roundtrip fare on the Bangkok-Oslo route is USD940 from June to December.
SINGAPORE, 3 July 2024: Lufthansa Group has introduced an environmental cost surcharge on all departures from Europe, ranging from EUR1 to EUR72, depending on the route and destination.
The surcharge applies to all tickets issued after 26 June 2024 for travel departing from 1 January 2025 from Europe, including non-EU nations, the UK, Norway and Switzerland.
The Lufthansa Group is introducing the Environmental Cost Surcharge to cover part of the steadily rising additional costs due to regulatory environmental requirements.
These include the statutory blending quota of initially 2% for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for departures from European Union (EU) countries from 1 January 2025, adjustments to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) as well as other regulatory environmental costs such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
The Environmental Cost Surcharge applies to all flights sold and operated by Lufthansa Group airlines departing from 27 EU countries, the UK, Norway, and Switzerland. The surcharge varies depending on the flight route and fare and is between EUR1 and EUR72 euros. The Environmental Cost Surcharge will be levied on all tickets issued from 26 June 2024 and applies to departures from 1 January 2025.
The price details show the exact amount of the Environmental Cost Surcharge on the Lufthansa Group Airlines booking pages.
Lufthansa explains surcharge variations.
“The calculation basis for the Environmental Cost Surcharge is the flight distance and the price level of the respective fare. The price details always show the exact amount of the Environmental Cost Surcharge. On short to medium-haul flights, the surcharge is from EUR1 to EUR7, and for long-haul flights from EUR6 to EUR72. The highest surcharge of EUR72 is only levied on a long-haul flight in First Class.”
Checking nonstop roundtrip flights for Lufthhansa on the Munich -Bangkok route in early January 2025, the tax, fees and surcharges amount to around THB20,000 of the quoted roundtrip fare of THB46,000 economy class fare.
SEPANG, 1 July 2024: AirAsia X (AAX) celebrated a monumental milestone on Monday by announcing a brand new route to Africa – connecting travellers to the safari haven of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.
The first flight is scheduled for 15 November 2024 and marks a historic achievement for AAX as the sole low-cost carrier in Malaysia to offer direct air connectivity to the African city.
This move follows the airline’s solid start to the year, showcasing a robust trajectory in its financial results with strong load factors and regaining market leadership on the network front. AAX also introduced new flights to Almaty in Kazakhstan in March this year, its maiden entry into Central Asia.
The Nairobi route will be a crucial link in connecting Asia to Africa, fostering stronger trade, tourism and business ties within the region. By facilitating direct air travel between Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi, the airline aims to enhance accessibility and spur economic opportunities for both countries.
AAX will also offer a seamless Fly-Thru connection, creating a vital link between Kenya and 130 destinations across Southeast Asia, Northern and Central Asia, and Australia. This will provide affordable and convenient travel options for all while reinforcing AAX’s commitment to global connectivity. The airline will fly the route four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, said: “AirAsia X’s first foray into Nairobi is indeed a proud and celebratory occasion for us Malaysians. For more than two decades, the airline has effectively bridged the gap between Asia, Australia and beyond to Malaysia and now, we can look forward to receiving more travellers from Kenya to explore our beautiful destinations in Malaysia such as Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Langkawi and others, particularly as we envision welcoming 35.6 million tourists, generating target receipts of MYR147. 1 billion for Visit Malaysia 2026.”
Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes said: “We are thrilled to announce a direct new route, bridging Malaysia and Kenya. This milestone, coming on the heels of our 15th consecutive win as Skytrax’s World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, embodies our mission to connect the world affordably. This new route not only opens up Asia to Africa but also has the potential to strengthen ties in tourism, business and trade between the two continents. It marks the beginning of a new journey into Africa, and while our roots are in Asia and ASEAN, our dream has always been to make Kuala Lumpur a global low-cost carrier hub. This expansion brings us closer to that vision, giving us a solid footing to build global connections and opportunities.”
As AAX gears up to fly to Africa, travellers can plan their Kenyan adventure with free seats* from Kuala Lumpur and Nairobi. The launch promotion is exclusively available for booking on the AirAsia MOVE app (formerly known as the airasia Superapp) from now until 14 July 2024 for the travel period between 15 November 2024 and 8 October 2025.
Flight schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Nairobi (NBO)
*The Free Seat promotion applies to the base fare only one way on Economy Seats for a limited time, only based on a first-come, first-serve basis. All-in fares start from MYR471 and include fuel surcharge, relevant taxes, and fees. Other terms and conditions apply.
SINGAPORE, 2 July 2024: Ha Long Bay, in northeastern Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features.
The bay covers an area of about 1,553 square kilometres and is known for its thousands of limestone karsts and islets, which rise dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
The geological history of Ha Long Bay dates back over 500 million years, dating back to when the region was submerged under the sea. The bay’s landscape began to take shape during the Ordovician and Silurian periods, as the earth’s crust underwent tectonic movements, forming limestone formations. Over time, the combination of erosion, weathering, and the dissolution of the limestone by acidic rainwater contributed to the creation of the spectacular karst topography seen today.
Ha Long Bay has a rich cultural history, with evidence of ancient human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. Archaeological findings suggest that early communities lived in the area during the Ha Long culture (around 18,000 – 7000 BCE). The bay has been a crucial maritime route throughout Vietnam’s history, playing a significant role in trade and defence.
Legend reveals the Descending Dragon
Legend and folklore also influence the history of Ha Long Bay. According to local legend, the bay was formed when dragons descended from the heavens. The name “Ha Long” itself translates to “Descending Dragon.”
To truly understand Ha Long’s significance, one must delve into the legend passed down through generations. According to Vietnamese folklore, the bay owes its creation to dragons sent by the heavens to defend the country against invaders. When the country of Vietnam was formed, it had to fight off invaders attempting to enter the country through the sea. That’s when the Jade Emperor prayed to the Gods to send the Mother Dragon and her children to help the people of Vietnam.
As the dragons soared through the skies, they spat out jewels and jade to defeat the invaders. Legend says that these were actually the dragons’ teeth. The dragons used their magic to create rock mountains in the sea, causing the invaders’ ships to crash. The jewels and jade spat out by the dragons transformed into the numerous karst limestone islets that now dot the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.
After winning the battle, the dragons made Ha Long Bay their home. The place where the mother dragon descended was named Ha Long, which translates to “Descending Dragon.” The spot where the dragon’s children cared for their mother became Bai Tu Long Island. The area where the dragon’s children playfully swirled their tails was called Bach Long Vi island, which is now the Tra Co peninsula in Mong Cai.
This mythical tale adds a touch of magic to the landscape and reflects the cultural importance of dragons in Vietnamese history.
Pandaw’s latest blog delves into the mysteries of Vietnamese folklore to discover why Halong Bay is frequently listed among the world’s top must-see destinations.
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