MATTA: Banish the 100 km bus stop

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May 20, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 May 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the leading voice for Malaysia’s travel and tourism industry, is pressing for more equitable cross-border tour bus arrangements between Malaysia and Thailand.

Currently, Malaysian tour buses are restricted to operating within a 100 km radius of the Thailand border, while Thailand tour buses enjoy unrestricted access throughout Malaysia without any distance limit.

MATTA President Nigel Wong expressed concern over the disparity and called on the Malaysian Government to discuss rectifying the imbalance with its Thai counterparts.

“The current arrangement places Malaysian tour operators at a significant disadvantage. While Thailand tourist buses can operate without restrictions in Malaysia, our buses face a 100 km limit in Thailand. This is neither fair nor conducive to fostering mutually beneficial tourism relations between our two countries,” said Wong.

MATTA underscores the potential economic benefits of reciprocal agreements, allowing seamless travel and operations for tour buses from both countries. Such arrangements would promote fairness and stimulate tourism collaboration, leading to increased economic benefits for both Malaysia and Thailand.

“We urge the Malaysian Government to take immediate action in negotiating with the Thailand Government to allow Malaysian tour buses the same freedom of movement within Thailand as Thailand buses currently enjoy in Malaysia. This will ensure a level playing field and support the growth and development of the tourism sectors in both nations,” Wong added.

MATTA renews its commitment to supporting Malaysian travel agents and operators, advocating for policies and practices that facilitate smoother and more efficient operations. The association is confident that the Malaysian Government will prioritize this issue and work towards a fair resolution.

(SOURCE: MATTA)

A sailing ovation for Singapore

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May 20, 2024

SINGAPORE, 20 May 2024: Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas will homeport in Singapore for six months from October 2025 to March 2026, one of the longest homeporting seasons in the region.

The Quantum Class ship will schedule cruises for three to eight days, visiting popular holiday destinations in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Bookings for the cruises opened at the weekend on Royal Caribbean’s website for Ovation of the Sea 2025/2026 cruises from Singapore as well as through partner travel agencies in Southeast Asia.

Three- and four-night cruises will focus on the sights and sounds of Southeast Asia, such as visiting George Town in Penang, Malaysia, and the beaches of Phuket, Thailand.

Longer five-night cruises will feature a night in Phuket to explore the ever-popular night markets, while an eight-night cruise will explore the attractions of Bali and Lombok, Indonesia, from the ship’s homeport, Singapore, the gateway to Southeast Asia’s iconic destinations.

Ovation of the Seas, a Quantum Class ship, offers a plethora of attractions for families and adventure enthusiasts. From the deck-defying North Star — a 360-degree glass observation capsule with views 300 feet above sea level — to the signature RipCord by iFly skydiving experience, the ship is a haven for thrill-seekers. Other exciting features include the FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, bumper cars, a full-size sports court, roller-skating, and more at SeaPlex – the largest indoor activity complex at sea.

Holidaymakers can enjoy 20 dining options offering a variety of cuisines from laidback bites at SeaPlex Dog House and Sorrento’s Pizza to signature favourites like Wonderland’s imaginative cuisine, sushi and sashimi at Izumi, and casual seafood at Fish & Ships. As the sun sets, the ship’s decks come alive with entertainment at venues like the transformational Two70, which features shows that weave aerialists and robots into showstopping performances.

For the Singapore homeport season starting October 2025 through March 2026, bookings are open with early bird promotions at the Hwajing Travel & Tours website. Cruise prices start at MYR1,188 per person.

Itineraries

3-Night Penang Cruise：

2025: Oct 20, 27 | Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, 27 | Dec 8, 15, 18, 21

2026: Jan 5, 16, 19, 26 | Feb 2, 9, 12, 15 | Mar 3, 6, 9

4-Night Penang & Phuket Cruise：

2025: Oct 23, 30 | Nov 6, 13, 20, 30 | Dec 4, 11, 24

2026: Jan 8, 12, 22, 29 | Feb 5, 23, 27 | Mar 12.

5-Night Penang & Phuket Cruise (Overnight in Phuket)：

2026: Feb 18.

8-Night Bali Adventure Cruise:

2025: Dec 28.

Cambodia Angkor returns to three cities

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May 20, 2024

PHNOM PENH, 20 May 2024: Cambodia Angkor Air opened reservations last week for a new direct service to India, scheduled to take off on 16 June, the airline announced on its ‘socials last week’.

It’s just one of three new services in the pipeline. The others are flights from its home base in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to Nanning in southern China, launched on 1 May, and Danang in central Vietnam, which will start in July.

Cambodia Angkor Air plans to resume flights to all destinations it served in 2019, pre-Covid pandemic, with Chinese cities a priority.

Flights to India will operate between Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, and Delhi, India, four times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday using an 181-seat Airbus A320. The service was initially scheduled to start in October 2023, but the launch was postponed at least twice since the initial announcement.

Flight K6760 will depart from Phnom Penh (PNH) at 1645 and arrive in Delhi (DEL) at 1950.
Flight K6761 will depart Delhi at 2050 and arrive in Phnom Penh at 0250 plus a day.
Flight time is four hours and 45 minutes.

Cambodia Angkor Air will be the sole airline offering direct flights between Phnom Penh and Delhi, India, with an introductory fare of around USD350 roundtrip. Air India served the direct route to Phnom Penh until 2020.

The airline also announced on social channels that four weekly flights, using an A320 resumed earlier this month from Phnom Penh to Nanning in China. Flights are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The schedule closes on 26 October 2024.

Flight schedule Phnom Penh – Nanning

Flight time is one hour and 55 minutes.

Cambodia Angkor Air will introduce a new service from Phnom Penh to Danang on 11 July. The twice-weekly service will operate on Thursday and Sunday using an A320 until 26 October 2024.

Flight K6846 will depart Phnom Penh (PNH) at 1020 and arrive in Danang (DAD) at 1135.
Flight K6847 will depart Danang (DAD) at 1225 and arrive in Phnom Penh (PNH) at 1340.

Flight time is one hour and 15 minutes.

Sarawak presents its Events Hub at IMEX

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May 17, 2024

KUCHING, 17 May 2024: For the second year in a row, a delegation representing Sarawak is participating in this week’s IMEX Frankfurt in Germany, but this time, Sarawak took centre stage with an impressive brand new pavilion.

Sarawak strategically invested in a pavilion to showcase the state’s travel content, focusing on the lucrative MICE market (meetings, incentives conferences and exhibitions). The timing of IMEX Frankfurt, hosted from 14 to 16 May, following the Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai last week, demonstrates Sarawak’s continuous efforts to promote its travel experiences to international travellers.

*Photo credit BESarawak. Launch of Sarawak’s FIRST pavilion at IMEX Frankfurt.*

In 2023, IMEX Frankfurt hosted 3,883 event buyers from 94 countries and registered a visitor footfall of 11,764 visitors over the three-day trade show.

Investing in a pavilion at IMEX underscores the state’s commitment to attracting top-flight events to Sarawak and establishing it as a hub for meetings in Malaysia and Borneo Island.

*Photo credit BESarawak. It’s the second day at IMEX and* *Cat City Holidays.* *is taking the lead on today’s afternoon group meeting from DACH MILUX (Europe). The Sarawak pavilion is buzzing.*

The Ministry for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, led by Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, played a pivotal role in the promotion. He commented: “Exhibiting at IMEX Frankfurt amplifies the message that Sarawak is genuinely interested and engaged in impact-driven events. With the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 in motion, the Sarawak government actively seeks quality business events to contribute to economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

“To attract international conventions and exhibitions, as well as corporate meetings and incentives, Sarawak must be recognisable and identifiable worldwide. We are glad to be here again for the second year to explore new business opportunities with global players,” he noted.

The lineup of events specialists at the Sarawak Pavilion (Stand A200 IMEX Frankfurt)

1. Business Events Sarawak (Convention Bureau)
2. Borneo Adventure (Destination Management Company)
3. Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (Venue)
4. Cat City Holidays (Destination Management Company)
5. Hemisphere Hospitality (Hospitality and Tourism Services Provider)
6. Place Borneo (Professional Conference Organiser)
7. Pullman Miri Waterfront Hotel (Hotel and Venue)
8. Pullman Kuching Hotel (Hotel and Venue)
9. Culinary Heritage & Arts Society Sarawak (F&B)
10. The Bibber’s Tale (F&B)

*One of the pavilion’s showstoppers is the showcase of local products made in Sarawak by Sarawakians.* *BESarawak teamed up with 10 SMEs and NGOs to bring some of their best products to IMEX Frankfurt, where planners and visitors alike can understand why business events are always impactful in Sarawak.* *The image features Penan Women Project rattan bags and baskets, Bad Cat Borneo tuak, and The Rasa Family tuak.*

For information on BESarawak visit https://businesseventssarawak.com/

For more information on destination Sarawak, visit www.sarawaktourism.com.

(Source: Sarawak Tourism Board and BESarawak)

Luxury cruise anchors in Langkawi

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 17, 2024

LANGKAWI, Malaysia, 17 May 2024: Langkawi Island extended a warm welcome to the luxury cruise ship, The World, Residences at Sea, which made its inaugural docking at the island’s cruise terminal on 15 May.

This highly anticipated visit marks a significant milestone. The World Residences at Sea becomes the 32^nd cruise ship to visit Langkawi’s waters, contributing to the island’s growing reputation as a premier luxury travel destination.

*Photo credit: LADA.* *The World, Residence at Sea*.

Langkawi stepped up for the occasion by hosting a welcoming ceremony to commemorate the special occasion.

In 2023, Langkawi experienced a remarkable resurgence in tourism, as the resort island witnessed a substantial increase in visitors flocking to its shores. Enhanced connectivity, including improved air and ferry services, has made Langkawi more accessible. Three ports facilitate travel: Telaga Terminal at Telaga Harbour Marina, Pantai Kok, Kuah Jetty, and Langkawi Cruise Terminal, which caters to superyachts and large cruise ships.

Langkawi saw a significant rise in visitors aboard cruise ships visiting the island in 2023. The total number of cruise visitors reached 31,456, with December contributing 21,727 visitors and November 6,969, delivering a substantial increase compared to 3,261 cruise visitors in 2022.

The Langkawi Cruise Terminal, recognised for hosting major cruise lines, serves as a gateway to Langkawi’s wonders. While public transport options remain limited, five-star hotels extend chauffeur services to their guests, ensuring seamless transitions from ship to shoreline resorts.

The World is renowned for its super luxury experience, focusing on lifestyle, community and adventure integrated into one luxurious voyage. In its website publicity, it is branded as “the largest privately owned residential mega yacht on Earth.”

On arrival at the cruise terminal, residents aboard The World awakened to breathtaking views of Langkawi’s 99 magical islands and its UNESCO Global Geopark.

Since its maiden voyage in 2002, The World has redefined luxury travel with its continuous worldwide itinerary, spanning over 1,000 ports of call in more than 120 countries.

With 165 residences onboard offering spacious living and facilities, the ship features a spa, fitness centre, and multiple dining options.

The World is also visiting Singapore for a four-day stay as part of its Asian journey, which features ports of call in India, Myanmar, and Malaysia. After Singapore, The World will set sail for Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

The World’s visit to Langkawi reaffirms the island’s status as a must-visit destination for luxury travellers. Langkawi’s allure extends beyond luxury; it boasts ultra-cheap duty-free shopping, fascinating legends, and captivating natural wonders. From eagle viewpoints to pristine beaches, every stop promises a unique experience, whether indulging in local cuisine or seeking familiar comforts.

*Langkawi cultural welcome for the inaugural The World visit.*

For more information on LADA, please visit https://www.lada.gov.my/en/ and www.naturallylangkawi.my

About Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) was established by the federal government of Malaysia on 15 March 1990 to plan, promote, and implement development on the island of Langkawi. LADA is committed to supporting efforts to position Langkawi as a world-renowned island tourism destination.

Singapore champions green events

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 17, 2024

SINGAPORE, 17 May 2024: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched several initiatives to raise sustainability standards across the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry to reinforce its position as the ‘World’s Best MICE City’.

To promote a greener and more sustainable future for MICE events, STB launched its Legacy Toolkit, a Singapore MICE Industry Carbon and Waste Baselining Study, and announced its ambition for carbon-neutral participation at international tradeshows.

“Since the MICE Sustainability Roadmap launch in 2022, the Singapore Tourism Board has remained steadfast in our commitment to fostering a more sustainable and impactful MICE industry,” said Singapore Tourism Board Deputy Chief Executive Yap Chin Siang.

“We are pleased to share that the initiatives we unveil today will not only steer the MICE industry towards a more sustainable future but also provide tangible ways in which event organisers and planners can make meaningful, lasting impact in Singapore. We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and uphold our ambition to be the World’s Best MICE City,”

Empowering a Legacy Toolkit

The ‘World’s Best MICE City’ global positioning campaign, launched in March, aims to strengthen Singapore’s pioneering role as a sustainable MICE destination and ensure that business events can leave a positive and lasting impact. Singapore is committed to supporting the impact ambitions of events by inviting event organisers and planners to co-create business events that yield meaningful outcomes. The legacy toolkit assists stakeholders in creating a clear framework titled ‘FIRM’ — Frame their vision, Ideate their initiatives, Realise action plans and Measure impact.

It also contains case studies to inspire legacy possibilities in Singapore. The legacy planning process fosters greater engagement between event organisers, venues, local communities and stakeholders.

The legacy toolkit can be downloaded here.

STB will pioneer understanding carbon emissions when participating in international MICE tradeshows. From 2024, it aims for carbon-neutral participation at key international tradeshows, namely IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America, and IBTM World. This long-term goal is part of the proactive approach to environmental stewardship, which aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint as an exhibitor at these platforms.

IMEX Frankfurt 2024 is the first tradeshow where STB commits to holding itself accountable to robust standards in the journey to carbon-neutral participation.

It aims to adhere to ISO14068 standards, which were newly published in December 2023 and provide principles, requirements, and guidance for achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality. Following ISO 14068, STB will take a hierarchical approach that prioritises emission reduction and removal over offsets, offsetting residual emissions only. Singapore is one of the first destinations to hold itself to this standard, demonstrating its commitment to responsible decarbonisation.

With STB’s deliberate efforts to create a more sustainable pavilion and track its carbon profile, it will utilise this information to derive and refine carbon reduction measures for future tradeshow participation. Please refer to the Annex for examples of STB’s emission reduction and removal measures at IMEX Frankfurt 2024.

The enhanced Singapore MICE Advantage Programme (SMAP), rolled out in March 2024 to attract MICE organisers to Singapore. It offers a range of new and revamped benefits supplied by partners such as Singapore Airlines, Changi Airport Group, tourist attractions, and F&B experiences. More information about SMAP and other assistance schemes is available at www.visitsingapore.com/mice.

2024 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), a group of the Singapore Tourism Board. The SECB’s efforts will continue to centre on shaping and retaining Singapore’s exceptional reputation for business events.

Singapore has secured second place on the ICCA Worldwide City Rankings 2023, advancing more than 10 places from the 2022 results. Furthermore, Singapore has maintained its position as Asia Pacific’s Top Meeting City for 21 consecutive years, reaffirming its unparalleled appeal and capabilities in hosting world-class meetings and events.

More information is available at www.visitsingapore.com/mice/en/plan-your-event/sustainability/mice-sustainability-roadmap/

The legacy toolkit can be downloaded through this link: https://www.visitsingapore.com/content/dam/mice2-0/tools-and-resources/guide-downloads/legacy-toolkit/legacy-toolkit.pdf

Minor recruits Accor veteran to head expansion

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 17, 2024

BANGKOK, 17 May 2024: Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator, has named Puneet Dhawan Head of Asia as the group plans to expand in Asia and India.

Starting in July, Dhawan will assume the crucial role of overseeing the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia. His appointment underscores Minor Hotels’ strategic focus on expanding its presence in Asia and India. He will collaborate closely with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and report directly to Minor Hotels CEO Dillip Rajakarier.

Dhawan, a seasoned professional with a 30-year hospitality career spanning Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Most recently, he was Accor’s Senior Vice President of Operations – India & South Asia, leading the group’s business development, owner management, hotel operations and commercial team. Notably, he oversaw the opening of the first Raffles hotel in India. His 25-year tenure at Accor also included time as the group’s Vice President of Operations, Middle East, and several GM assignments. Dhawan’s journey in the hospitality industry began with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, where he held positions at its properties in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

In January, Minor Hotels unveiled its target to add more than 200 new openings to its global portfolio, with approximately half in Asia, by the end of 2026. More recently, the hotel group announced its plan to add 50 new openings in India within the next 10 years, including the debut of its luxury Anantara brand later this year in Jaipur.

WTTC backs community-conscious travel

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May 17, 2024

SINGAPORE, 17 May 2024: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), together with IC Bellagio and the private Travel & Tourism sector members, launched a new consumer-focused initiative to help travellers understand how they can discover the world sustainably.

WTTC has joined forces with IC Bellagio an award-winning destination management company in Italy, to create a new campaign, ‘Community Conscious Travel’, and aims to raise awareness and drive action amongst consumers and communities to maintain the delicate equilibrium between residents’ quality of life, the traveller experience, and the environmental health of popular destinations.

This call to action highlights the positive impact travellers can have by making informed choices, such as exploring destinations during off-peak times, promoting year-round travel, and considering less-crowded, new, and emerging destinations.

Making these choices will help reduce the strain on local infrastructure and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the communities, businesses, and ecosystems, which will enjoy a steady flow of visitors throughout the year.

WTTC plans to fully roll out the campaign just before the 2024 Summer season. It will emphasise video-based storytelling and spread across the global tourism body’s social media platforms, highlighting the enormous benefits the sector can provide to these destinations and their people.

Italy is the first case study for this content-driven initiative, designed to raise awareness and spark conversations about Community Conscious Travel and the positive social impact of responsible tourism.

Travel and tourism are powerful forces for good. In Italy, they contributed nearly EUR215 billion to the economy and created almost three million jobs.

The sector employs more women and young people at entry level than any other. It also offers highly skilled roles in AI, finance, engineering, and commercial.

The campaign demonstrates how both local communities and visitors can benefit from the positive social impact of Travel & Tourism, facilitating sustainable growth for all. This year, the sector is also expected to support nearly 350 million jobs globally, highlighting its significance as an economic powerhouse.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Our Community Conscious Travel campaign shows how consumers can travel the world while positively impacting and supporting local communities.

“There have always been very popular tourist sights and destinations, and local governments must work hand in glove with local communities to manage visitors in a way that benefits everyone. In Italy and many other countries worldwide, visitors often help keep authentic arts, culture, and crafts alive.”

IC Bellagio CEO & Founder, Andrea Grisdale said: “Across the spectrum of Travel & Tourism, the significance of people cannot be overstated. They are the lifeblood of this vibrant industry, intrinsic to the experience that travel provides and, ultimately, the economic growth it creates.

“At IC Bellagio, we believe that Travel & Tourism is all about the people, not the traveller alone but the communities and the individuals that welcome them. This campaign will draw an even bolder line between these parties and highlight the mutually beneficial relationship that can exist when we choose to travel more responsibly.”

This new campaign with IC Bellagio is part of the wider global tourism body’s efforts to ensure a balanced approach to tourism management. It follows previous reports on Destination Stewardship and handling destinations’ success.

Find more information about Community Conscious Travel here.

Where next? AI comes to the rescue

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TTR WEEKLY

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May 17, 2024

SINGAPORE, 17 May 2024: Harnessing the power of AI and its flight search database of more than 18 million flight routes, global travel app Skyscanner has launched its app-exclusive Savvy Search tool.

Savvy Search is an update to Skyscanner’s AI tool, initially introduced last year in beta as ‘Dream and Discover with AI’. Following a successful testing phase, it has now been released exclusively as an app feature.

Powered by Open AI’s Chat GPT technology, travellers are empowered to communicate their desired trip preferences to Savvy Search – ranging from common queries like a ‘budget-friendly European getaway in October‘ to more nuanced requests like ‘a 30th birthday trip featuring vibrant nightlife and a great food scene’.

Subsequently, the app identifies the most ideal spots and generates up to three curated destination recommendations. Savvy Search differentiates itself from other AI-inspired travel tools and chatbots through its combination of imagery and detailed destination descriptions, a feature refined through extensive traveller testing. This approach highlights the unique characteristics of each recommendation. Upon selecting a destination, travellers are directed to Skyscanner’s flight search funnel to compare prices and select their ideal flight option.

Skyscanner Chief Product Officer Piero Sierra commented: “We’re now seeing AI being adopted to help in this travel inspiration space, and according to our research, 22% of travellers globally are using AI to help them plan and research travel. But its use varies a lot depending on the market. 45% of Indian travellers, for example, are already using AI on their phones compared to just 5% in Japan. The next logical step is to use the AI technologies now available to us to help these travellers in the discovery phase of their travel planning journey.”

To support the launch of the Savvy Search tool, Skyscanner’s data experts examined the usage data collected during its beta phase to reveal some of the favourite queries so far.

1. Somewhere to get lost and forget about all my life’s worries

Santorini, Greece, emerged as one of the top destinations for people looking for a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of life in Singapore. Skyscanner’s Savvy Search recommends the destination, famous for its charming, white-washed architecture with iconic blue domes overlooking the Aegean Sea. With flight prices starting from SGD 828, travellers can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset over Oia or embark on invigorating hikes along the caldera, promising magnificent views at every turn.

2. Somewhere to propose

For travellers looking for destinations within Asia, Skyscanner’s Savvy Search recommends Bali, Indonesia, known for its stunning beaches and lush greenery; Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its traditional architecture and serene gardens; and Siem Reap, Cambodia, offering an unforgettable proposal opportunity amidst the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. There are plenty of picturesque spots to pop the question — a private dinner under the stars along Bali’s beaches, the Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, or watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Astrophotography

Skyscanner’s Savvy Search recommends visiting Norway in Northern Europe for travellers from India to witness the spectacular Northern Lights. In the winter months, travellers can marvel at the beauty of the night sky and capture breathtaking images of the aurora borealis. Airfares start at INR50,680 from Mumbai.

4. Warm holiday where I can skateboard

Skyscanner’s Savvy Search recommends Barcelona, Spain, for travellers from Singapore. This is a burgeoning destination for skateboarders due to its vibrant skateparks and diverse street skating scenes. With flight prices starting from SGD715, the city also enchants travellers with its stunning architecture and delicious culinary offerings.

5. Super relaxing with a good coworking atmosphere

For Australians, Skyscanner’s Savvy Search recommends going to Chiang Mai, Thailand. This popular destination among digital nomads is known for its affordable cost of living and vibrant coworking scene. Starting at AUD480, travellers are encouraged to secure the best flight deals by booking early. This ensures they can indulge in this city’s relaxed vibe, ideal for getting work done without sacrificing the enjoyment of the surroundings.
Find out more on the Skyscanner app to get inspired, and for more information on the new tool, check out this handy step-by-step guide here.

China adds cities to the IVS list

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May 17, 2024

HONG KONG, 17 May 2024: Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) welcomes the central government’s announcement to add eight mainland cities to the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS).

The expansion of the IVS is expected to strengthen air connections between Hong Kong and the eight cities, further boosting air traffic and passenger volume at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Four of the eight additional cities under the IVS have direct flight connections with HKIA. They are Taiyuan in Shanxi Province, Lanzhou in Gansu Province, Yinchuan in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Urumqi in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

With a keen eye on the future, airlines plan to start scheduled flights to and from Harbin in Heilongjiang Province and add more flights to and from Urumqi in June 2024.

Airlines are expected to increase direct flights connecting Hong Kong to those cities as ties are strengthened and economic activities increased.

The Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) is a programme the Chinese government implements that allows residents of certain mainland Chinese cities to visit Hong Kong and Macau independently. Before the IVS, mainland residents could only travel to these regions on business visas or as part of organised group tours.

The IVS was launched in July 2003 and has been credited with boosting the economies of Hong Kong and Macau through tourism spending. However, the programme has also been controversial, with some residents of these regions expressing concerns about overcrowding and the impact on local resources.

The latest additions to the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) are expected to impact tourism in Hong Kong and Macau positively.

Increased visitor numbers: Adding new cities to the program means more mainland Chinese residents are eligible for independent travel. This should increase overall visitor numbers, benefiting sectors like hotels, restaurants, and retail.

Boost for specific demographics: The expansion is expected to attract more mid-market and higher-end visitors who travel independently rather than in tour groups. This could benefit businesses catering to these demographics.

Spread the benefits: By including new cities, the scheme can encourage visitors to explore a wider range of destinations within Hong Kong and Macau, not just the usual tourist hotspots. This can distribute the economic benefits more evenly.

Potential challenges

Infrastructure strain: A visitor surge could pressure public transportation and other infrastructure, requiring adjustments and improvements.

Air travel capacity: Increased visitors will add pressure to match demand with more flights between the newly added mainland cities and Hong Kong and Macau airports.

MATTA: Banish the 100 km bus stop

A sailing ovation for Singapore

Cambodia Angkor returns to three cities

Sarawak presents its Events Hub at IMEX

Luxury cruise anchors in Langkawi

Singapore champions green events

Minor recruits Accor veteran to head expansion

WTTC backs community-conscious travel

Where next? AI comes to the rescue

China adds cities to the IVS list

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