BANGKOK, 24 April 2024: A whistleblower’s efforts to shake the Pacific Asia Travel Association tree this week met with stony silence from its leaders.
The anonymous complaint levelled at PATA chair Peter Semone, who succeeded in gaining another two-year term* earlier this month, came from a PATA board member. There are almost 40 of them on the board, which has an advisory role, but this particular one said they were ready to pull the plug on company membership in protest to what they called a lack of transparency.
Photo: eturbonews.com
The lengthy missive from the longstanding board member concluded: “I am deeply disheartened by the recent election outcome and fear for the future of our organisation. Evidently, PATA no longer upholds the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability that were once its cornerstone. I will advocate terminating our membership in light of these developments.”
TTRW received a copy of the rambling statement on Monday and asked PATA for a response without success. However, the association requested that TTRW send a copy of the whistleblower’s complaint, even though eTurboNews had already published it, citing the damaging and conjectural allegations. PATA officials said they had not seen the email complaint.
The whistleblower begins by saying that while it is “commendable to acknowledge the achievements claimed during (the chair’s tenure), it is equally important to shine a light on the challenges and shortcomings faced by our organisation under his leadership.”
However, the whistleblower failed to shed light on any of the accusations, having launched into an extraordinary rant without providing any substantive supporting evidence. It remains an anonymous tirade without merit until the whistleblower dares to put their name to the accusations and makes an official complaint, backing it up with evidence. PATA is registered in the US as a non-profit association where alleged workplace abuse is vigorously investigated and settled in court.
By the way, determining the source and the possible motivation behind the accusations is not rocket science. There are plenty of leads in PATA’a recent history. So far, PATA has not responded to the whistleblower’s venting and is not likely to do so considering this is one whistleblower who huffs and puffs but can’t blow the house down.
*Serving PATA as its chair is a voluntary post for a maximum of two terms (each term two years).
SINGAPORE, 23 April 2024: Korean Air and WestJet expanded their codeshare partnership on 22 April to provide more transpacific destinations to its customers.
Korean Air will begin selling flights on WestJet’s new route between Seoul Incheon and Calgary, which is due to launch on 17 May.
Flights on the newly launched Seoul Incheon – Calgary route will operate three times a week using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Korean Air passengers will gain access to Calgary, Canada’s gateway to Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains, renowned for Lake Louise and its mountain trails.
“We are excited to announce an expanded codeshare with our longstanding partner WestJet, offering our valued customers access to a wide range of transpacific destinations,” said Korean Air Senior Vice President and Head of International Affairs & Alliance Tae Joon Kim.
“The launch of WestJet’s Calgary – Seoul Incheon route will bolster connectivity between Korea and Canada, while our strengthened partnership will seamlessly connect customers to an expanded array of Asian and Canadian cities through our hubs in Incheon and Calgary, respectively.”
WestJet customers will gain access to flights operated by Korean Air to six new destinations — Bangkok, Danang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Singapore — via Korean Air’s hub at Incheon Airport.
Since June 2012, Korean Air and WestJet have continued to expand their codeshare partnership, covering Korean Air’s flights from Seoul Incheon to Vancouver and Toronto, WestJet’s domestic routes within Canada, and flights to/from the United States via Vancouver and Toronto. With the new codeshare expansion, the airlines’ codeshare network will increase to 36 routes.
About Korean Air Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance and has grown into one of the largest transpacific airlines through its joint venture with Delta Air Lines.
BANGKOK, 22 April 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Thailand, opens COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, the affordable lifestyle brand’s first overseas venture.
This modern property welcomes guests to experience Total Travel Freedom through unparalleled comfort, convenience and connectivity in the heart of downtown Vientiane, the capital of Lao PDR.
COSI Vientiane boasts a fresh lifestyle, eco-friendly rooms, a serene rooftop pool, and a buzzing social hub for round-the-clock action. Complemented by turbocharged Wi-Fi and daily food and beverage credit at this 95-key property provides mega-comfy beds across three room types — COSI Room, Plus, and Family — ranging from 18 to 39 sqm.
Founded during the late 13th century along the Mekong River, the city effortlessly weaves its rich culture, cuisine and history with contemporary charm. COSI Vientiane provides an ideal base for exploring, conveniently located within walking distance to shopping, cafés, street vendors, entertainment and nearby landmarks, including Patuxay – Victory Monument, Pha That Luang Vientiane, and the Vientiane night market.
“We are thrilled to introduce COSI Vientiane Nam Phu to travellers seeking a dynamic and immersive experience in Vientiane,” said Pasin Nopsuwan, General Manager of COSI Vientiane. “Our hotel embodies the spirit of modern hospitality, offering the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and connectivity. We look forward to welcoming guests and creating unforgettable memories as they discover all Vientiane offers.”
To celebrate its recent opening, COSI Vientiane offers an exclusive 30% discount plus USD3 in daily food and drink credit for up to two guests when booking and staying until 31 July 2024. CentaraThe1 members enjoy an extra 15% discount and the opportunity to earn X3 points for future stays at Centara Hotels & Resorts worldwide. There’s never been a better time to discover Vientiane.
BANGKOK, 23 April 2024: International hospitality management group Absolute Hotel Services Group (AHS), in partnership with UAE-based industry veterans Dex Squared Hotel Management, has established a joint venture to recruit and operate properties under AHS’ brands.
The expansion will focus on the brands Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, Eastin Estates, U Hotels & Resorts, and Absolute Collection in markets in the Middle East and Africa. AHS manages 40 hotels and golf clubs, with an additional 40 projects in various stages of development.
AHS Middle East & Africa (AHS MEA) will seek management opportunities across the Middle East and Africa from its base in Dubai, UAE. It will actively promote, sign and operate branded hotel management and golf course contracts under the platforms AHS has created in several regions. The company aims to sign 20 branded hotels and five golf/country clubs within three to five years.
Commenting on the joint venture launch, Jonathan Wigley, AHS founding CEO and President of AHS MEA, said: ” AHS has long sought the right timing to enter these exciting regions with a dedicated company and team. This aligns with our international expansion strategy built on a regionally focused development and operations platform. Our partners, Dex Squared, are an ideal fit for company culture and objectives, and we look forward to announcing many new deals soon.”
Adding to this, Kevork Deldelian, Founder & CEO of Dex Squared Hotel Management and Managing Director of AHS MEA, says: “Starting from the region’s largest and most active hospitality development market, Dubai, AHS MEA will carefully select investment partners to work with offering the flexibility and owner-centric approach that resonates with today’s property developers. We aim to sign a sustainable selection of hotels and golf/country clubs in key Middle East and African destinations, including high-potential ones.”
About Absolute Hotel Services AHS is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, with regional offices in Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India and now Europe. With more expansions planned, AHS and its brands have resonated with investors and consumers, contributing value to all stakeholders.
Covering the luxury to economy segments through its brands U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, Eastin Easy, Eastin Estates, and Absolute Collection. AHS is also involved in the golf industry through Absolute Golf Services and is the exclusive operator of the Travelodge brand in Thailand through Travelodge Thailand.
PHUKET, 23 April 2024: The Laguna Phuket Marathon, presented by Supersports, is set to welcome over 10,000 runners and visitors from more than 40 countries to compete in Phuket, billed as Southeast Asia’s favourite destination marathon.
Held from 8 to 9 June 2024 at Laguna Phuket, the award-winning marathon is one of the longest-running international sports events on the holiday island, driving its resurgence as a world-class sports tourism destination.
“Since its first edition 18 years ago, the Laguna Phuket Marathon has appealed to Thai and international runners, and this year, we are seeing a surge in international interest, especially from Asia-Pacific countries,” said GAA Events Race Director Raimund Wellenhofer, who organises the event. “Our top five international participating countries for 2024 are Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.”
The picture-postcard course passes the stunning beaches of Nai Yang, Layan, and Bang Tao and also takes runners through local villages and lush tropical landscapes. The popular two-day format sees the 2km kids’ run, 5km, and 10km take place on the morning of Saturday, 8 June and the Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon Relay (42.195km), and Marathon (42.195km) on the morning of Sunday, 9 June.
Having set the highest organisational standards for 18 years, the Laguna Phuket Marathon is organised by GAA Events. It is an internationally certified and measured run course by World Athletics (WA) and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and is also a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.
SINGAPORE, 23 April 2024: Ethiopian Airlines will launch four weekly weekly flights from its home base of Addis Ababa to Warsaw, Poland via Athens.
Flights will start on 16 June 2024, expanding the airline’s European destinations to 24.
Flight ET764 from Addis Ababa to Warsaw via Athens will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Flight ET765 from Warsaw to Addis Ababa via Athens will operate on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew commented: “We are truly excited to grow our presence in the European market further with yet another new destination. This development is in harmony with our strategic intent to bridge Africa with the globe while fostering commerce and tourism within the continent.”
Ethiopian Airlines offers flights with seamless connections to more than 135 destinations. As the airline celebrates its 78th anniversary this year, the addition of Warsaw to the airline’s network further solidifies its position as a key player in the African aviation market.
ABU DHABI UAE, 23 April 2024: British Airways returned to Abu Dhabi to reinstate year-round flights on Sunday between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
British Airways will operate a daily flight from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi all year round, using Boeing 787-9 during the summer season. The new route adds to BA’s global network and strengthens connections between the UAE and the UK.
Flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi departs London Heathrow at 2225, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 0830 +1. Flight BA072 to London departs at Abu Dhabi at 1010, arriving at London Heathrow at 1520.
Abu Dhabi Airports Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Elena Sorlini said: “We warmly welcome British Airways as it starts operating to Zayed International Airport with a daily schedule that promises to enrich connectivity and invigorate business and tourism. Our new award-winning and cutting-edge terminal offers visitors an unparalleled introduction to the vibrant UAE capital, where they will be greeted with Emirati hospitality at its finest.”
British Airways Chief Customer Officer Calum Laming said: “The new daily flight connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing our customers with another amazing destination within our expansive global network and further growing our connections with the UAE. With four cabins to choose from, including First, we are confident customers will enjoy our exceptional and original British Airways service brought to life by our incredible colleagues.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 23 April 2024: AirAsia Malaysia celebrated another major milestone on Monday, welcoming its maiden flight from Jaipur to Kuala Lumpur.
The inaugural flight departed from Jaipur International Airport at 2340 and landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) at 0705 local time.
This route is special for AirAsia Malaysia — marking its first venture to the stunning Pink City, world-renowned for its vintage forts dating back to the 16th century and the majestic Jal Mahal.
AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “We’re thrilled that our first ever services for AirAsia Malaysia between Jaipur and Kuala Lumpur route took flight today and are honoured to be the only airline in Malaysia to offer direct connectivity. Jaipur ‒ often known as the ‘Jewel of Rajasthan’ ‒ is an exquisitely beautiful city with plenty to offer, as is Kuala Lumpur, thanks to our world-famous sky-scrappers and a cultural melting pot of local delights.
AirAsia is offering limited-time-only promotional fares to India with a 20% discount. Fly from Kuala Lumpur to many exciting destinations in the country, such as Bhubaneswar*, Visakhapatnam*, Ahmedabad*, Trivandrum and Amritsar from only MYR179 all-in-one-way.** Book flights until 28 April 2024 and travel from 6 May to 30 November 2024.
AirAsia currently flies directly from Kuala Lumpur to 13 cities in India with 78 flights weekly. The destinations are: Trivandrum, Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, (flights commence on 28 May 2024), Visakhapatnam (flights commence on 26 April 2024) and Ahmedabad (flights commence on 1 May 2024). Medium haul affiliate AirAsia X Malaysia (flight code D7) also provides two direct routes from Kuala Lumpur to New Delhi and Amritsar with eight weekly flights.
*The travel period for Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Ahmedabad is 28 May 2024, 26 April 2024 & 1 May 2024 to 30 November 2024 respectively.
**Includes airport taxes, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees.
SINGAPORE, 23 April 2024: If you travel for a cheap beer, then spend your holiday time in Vietnam’s famed World Heritage town of Hoi An for the cheapest glass of lager that will set you back GBP1.16 while sipping a local brew in Phuket Thailand, will cost GBP2.08.
Long-haul destinations top the 2024 UK Post Office’s World Holiday Costs Barometer leaderboard, with Vietnam delivering the lowest prices and five other Asian destinations in hot pursuit in the top 20 rankings.
The Post Office holiday costs research* surveyed 40 destinations worldwide, focusing on the price of eight items that UK tourists are likely to purchase during overseas holidays. The eight items: A three-course meal for two with a bottle of house wine, a cup of coffee, a bottle of local beer, a can of cola, a glass of wine, a bottle of still water, suncream and insect repellent.
Vietnam, using Hoi An for the price samplings, was declared the winner with the lowest costs for the eight items, totalling GBP51.18, ahead of South Africa in second place (GBP54.35) and Kenya in third place (GB54.93).
In addition to Vietnam, five Asian destinations figured in the holiday costs barometer’s top 20 list. Japan (Tokyo), in fourth place, tallied GBP59.05 for the eight items. Bali (Kuta) was in eighth place, totalling GBP63.31, and Malaysia (Penang) was in 11th place, totalling GBP74.57. Thailand (Phuket) took the 12th spot with a tally of GBP77.77, and India (Delhi) in the 13th spot with a total cost of GBP77.84
Portugal (Algarve), in fifth place with a tally of GBP59.60, was the best-ranked European destination for price bargains.
The Post Office research claims that over half of adult Britons will travel abroad this year – and 60% have already booked. More than half will dip into savings to fund the trip despite concerns about overspending.
Sterling looks set to play a pivotal part in holiday choice in the coming months, based on the findings of the 18th annual Holiday Money Report from Post Office Travel Money.
That report reveals that 90% of the Post Office’s 30 bestselling currencies are currently weaker against sterling than a year ago, resulting in price falls in many of the world’s most popular destinations—especially long-haul resorts and cities.
Research for the Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer (part of the Holiday Money Report) found that prices for meals, drinks and other tourist items have fallen since last year in 25 of the 40 resorts and cities surveyed. However, the strength of the sterling, rather than the prices charged in restaurants, bars, and shops abroad, will make many destinations cheaper for British visitors.
The barometer research reveals year-on-year local price rises for tourist commodities in four out of five destinations. However, once these prices are converted to sterling, holidaymakers can expect to pay less than a year ago when visiting 19 long-haul destinations and six European ones.
Vietnam a price paradise
For the first time, Vietnam tops the chart. In Hoi An, a 14.4% price fall has been achieved through lower restaurant and bar charges and a sizeable drop in the value of the Vietnamese dong.
At GBP51.18 for a barometer basket consisting of a range of drinks, a three-course meal for two with wine, sunscreen and insect repellent, Hoi An has leapfrogged last year’s leaders to rise from sixth to first place in the worldwide barometer. It has done so because it is one of only eight destinations to combine a reduction in local prices with falling currency values.
In common with Vietnam, Japan is another Asian destination benefiting from a significant rise in sterling’s value combined with a fall in local prices. Tokyo has moved up four places to fourth after seeing barometer costs plummet by 16.2% to £59.05.
In eighth place, prices in Bali (Kuta) are down 6.7% to GBP63.31.
Bottom of the table
At the bottom of the barometer table, Tamarindo in Costa Rica is the most expensive destination, based on the eight items. At GBP158, prices have risen significantly in recent years – up 13.2% year-on-year. The same applies to Cancun, Mexico, once in the best value top 10 but now down to 33rd place after a price rise of 16.7% to £127.10, primarily due to the strength of the Mexican peso.
Prices in resorts and cities are among the biggest concerns for holidaymakers planning trips abroad. In consumer research conducted for the Holiday Money Report, 84% of them – rising to 89% of family travellers said that costs for items like meals and drinks would be one of their biggest considerations when choosing their holiday destination. Even more, 90% of Britons planning overseas holidays were concerned about overspending their budget.
Post Office Travel Money head Laura Plunkett said: “The barometer results make it clear how important it will be this year to consider how sterling’s strength has impacted individual destinations. Holidaymakers intending to travel long haul can expect to get more for their money because the pound has gained ground in most destinations. By comparison, sterling’s gain against the euro has been more modest, so it will pay to compare eurozone destinations to see which offer the cheapest prices. Portugal and Cyprus look the best choices for bargain hunters.”
Despite concerns about holiday costs, half (51%) of Britons told Post Office researchers that they intend to travel abroad this year – rising to 58% of younger people aged between 16 and 34. More revealingly, three in five (60%) of them have already booked their holiday – although almost a quarter (23%) are waiting to book in the hope of bagging a discounted late package.
The research confirms that holidays abroad are a priority for many Britons. Half (51%) of those planning overseas travel admit that they will have to dip into savings to fund their trip abroad, while a quarter (25%) will reduce spending on other areas to afford the holiday – 12% delaying plans for home improvements or car purchases.
*40 destinations were surveyed for the Post Office Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer, compiled with the help of national and local tourist boards (Marmaris info for Marmaris, Turkey). Eight items — a three-course meal for two with a bottle of house wine, a cup of coffee, a bottle of local beer, a can of cola, a glass of wine, a bottle of still water, suncream and insect repellent — were selected as representative of the purchases UK tourists are likely to make and Post Office researchers cross-checked prices.
KUCHING, 22 April 2024: The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) in Vietnam and the Embassy of Malaysia in Hanoi participated in the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2024, which was held from 11 to 14 April 2024.
The Sarawak promotion, held at the International Center for Exhibition (ICE) in Hanoi, was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak, Malaysia Aviation Group, National Association of Private Educational Institutions of Malaysia (NAPEI), Resorts World Genting, Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and Columbia Leisure.
During the four-day event, the colours of Malaysia were unveiled through performances of Sarawak Cultural Dance and Sape Performance, fun quiz activities to learn more about the country, and Teh Tarik Tea Pulling Art by a Malaysian chef.
“VITM 2024 presented a valuable opportunity to promote Malaysia’s rich cultural and ecological tourism offerings,” said Tourism Malaysia in Vietnam director Nor Hayati Zainuddin.
Tourism Malaysia also shared updates on the latest tourism products and destinations, such as Sarawak, the largest state on the island of Borneo, also known as the “Land of the Hornbills,” a bird species listed in the Red Book. Sarawak, a treasure trove of unique experiences, harnesses pristine beauty like the Mulu cave, home to over 40 ethnic groups with distinct customs and practices awaiting to be discovered by Vietnamese tourists.
