BANGKOK, 13 January 2025: Asian Trails confirmed this week in a Facebook post that Delphine Guillon has been promoted to the position of Managing Director for Asian Trails Thailand. She was previously the deputy MD and head of sales and operations.
Photo credit: Asian Trails. Delphine Guillon Managing Director Asian Trails Thailand.
Meanwhile, Asian Trails established a new, dedicated eCommerce Department on 1 January 2025 led by Marc Albert, who assumes the role of full-time Group Managing Director of eCommerce. He will establish a new team committed to facilitating growth and development in an area “that has already reaped enormous benefits for partners and customers via an innovative eConnect B2B real-time booking solution,” the Asian Trails post explained.
MANILA, 10 January 2025: Philippine Airlines confirms it will mount three weekly flights Cebu-Catarman-Cebu beginning 1 March 2025, with convenient mid-morning departure times.
Flight schedule
Flight PR2653: Cebu-Catarman – every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, departing Mactan-Cebu at 0950 and arriving in Catarman at 1055. Flight PR2654: Catarman-Cebu – every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, departing Catarman at 1125 and arriving in Cebu at 1230.
The Cebu-Catarman flights will operate with the 86-seater De Havilland Dash 8 Series 400 Next Generation aircraft.
“Philippine Airlines is happy to upgrade services to Catarman through this new link from Cebu. Samar residents and travellers will now have better access to Cebu, and the new route will also give Cebuanos more options to visit Northern Samar,” said PAL Express President Rabbi Ang. “The new Cebu hub services to Catarman and Siargao are part of our continuing commitment to enhance inter-island connectivity, boosting tourism and stimulating business.”
Catarman is the capital of Northern Samar, a province in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. It’s located on the northern coast of Samar Island.
Catarman Attractions
San Jose Church: This 17th-century church is one of the oldest in Samar and a significant historical landmark.
Catarman Hot Springs: These natural hot springs are believed to have healing properties and offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
White Beach: A beautiful stretch of white sand beach located near Catarman, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water activities.
Delicious Seafood: Catarman is known for its fresh and tasty seafood, including dishes like kinilaw (raw fish salad) and grilled squid.
Friendly Locals: The people of Catarman are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature.
Overall, Catarman offers a charming blend of history, natural beauty, and local culture, making it an attractive destination for travellers seeking authentic experiences in the Philippines.
More domestic flights Cebu-Siargao
In a Facebook post this week, the airline updates flight schedules for the second quarter of 2025, adding two Cebu-Siargao flights every Wednesday and Sunday from 1 March. It raises frequencies to 18 weekly flights on the route
Flight PR2355: Cebu-Siargao – every Wednesday and Sunday – departing at 0950. Flight PR2356: Siargao-Cebu – every Wednesday and Sunday – departing at 1115.
BANGKOK, 10 January 2025: AirAsia strengthens its operations base at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport by launching two new direct routes to cities in Northeast Thailand on 1 February.
The airline will operate daily flights from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Khon Kaen and twice daily between Suvarnabhumi and Udon Thani. The first flights on both routes will commence on 1 February 2025.
Thai AirAsia operates six routes from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, and Udon Thani.
The airline emphasises its commitment to on-time performance after receiving recognition for on-time performance in 2024 from Cirium. Thai AirAsia is the only Thai airline ranked among Asia-Pacific’s top five most punctual airlines and the top ten most punctual low-cost airlines globally.
Thai AirAsia Head of Commercial Tansita Akraritpirom pointed out that in addition to operating out of Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK), Thai AirAsia plans to expand its domestic network out of Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to provide more options for travellers.
“We are very happy with our route performance from Suvarnabhumi, with load factors averaging 93% in 2024. This is a strong signal that demand for flights from Suvarnabhumi is on the rise, and we decided to roll out Suvarnabhumi-Khon Kaen and Suvarnabhumi-Udon Thani from 1 February,” she explained.
“Domestic air travel continued to grow last year, and Thai AirAsia has secured a high market share of 39 to 40%, flying out of Bangkok from both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports. We plan to introduce more routes from Suvarnabhumi this year.”
Suvarnabhumi-Khon Kaen and Suvarnabhumi-Udon Thani flights are being introduced with the “Fly Direct from Suvarnabhumi to Esan Today” promotion, offering fares starting at THB890 per trip.
SINGAPORE 10 January 2025: Jetstar Asia (3K) will launch direct flights between Singapore and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, starting on 20 March 2025.
As the only airline to operate the route, the Singapore low-cost carrier will enable more travellers to experience the breathtaking beauty of Labuan Bajo, the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Labuan Bajo is one of Indonesia’s most sought-after travel destinations, renownedRenowned for its pristine beaches, world-class diving, and the chance to encounter the legendary Komodoinations.
This new service will operate twice weekly, adding another destination to Jetstar Asia’s growing Indonesian network, which already includes Denpasar (Bali), Surabaya, Medan, and Jakarta.
“With our direct flights from Singapore and over 37,000 low-fare seats available yearly, more people will discover this holiday hotspot, “Jetstar Asia CEO John Simeone explained. “From diving in some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs to exploring the natural beauty of Komodo National Park or sighting the Komodo dragon, Labuan Bajo offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
“As we celebrate our 20th birthday, this route not only expands our network but also reinforces our commitment to offering safe and affordable travel while supporting local tourism and economic growth, all while ensuring more travellers get to visit this hidden gem in Indonesia.”
Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub & Cargo Development, Lim Ching Kiat, said launching Jetstar Asia’s new service to Labuan Bajo marks a milestone for the airport.
“This is the first time Changi Airport is directly connected to this stunning destination, and we are thrilled to offer travellers even more opportunities to explore Indonesia’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage,” Lim explained.
“With the addition of Labuan Bajo, Changi Airport now has direct flights to 13 cities in Indonesia.”
Jetstar Asia offers special introductory fares to celebrate the launch, starting from just SGD89. Club Jetstar members enjoy even lower fares. Bookings are now available at jetstar.com.
Flight schedule
Flights between Singapore and Labuan Bajo commence Thursday, 20 March 2025.
*One-way sale fares are available on jetstar.com from 1000 (GMT+8) on 9 January 2025 until 2359 (GMT+8) on 13 January 2025. #Subject to government and regulatory approval.
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 January 2025: Firefly, an airline in the Malaysia Aviation Group, will launch four new routes from its Subang (SZB) Kuala Lumpur and Penang (PEN) hubs to strengthen its network in Southeast Asia.
Advance schedules, first posted by Aeroroutes earlier this week, indicate Firefly will launch new services from Subang (Kuala Lumpur) to Jakarta, Singapore and Kuching (Sarawak, Malaysia) and from its Penang hub flights to Jakarta during the northern summer 2025 timetable from 30 March to 30 October using Boeing 737-800s.
Firefly has not confirmed the schedules or released any details of the new routes on its website and social media platforms. Aviation pundits covering Malaysia cast doubt on the plan, claiming the airline doesn’t have sufficient aircraft to carry out the expansion without cancelling services to other destinations. They fear it could impact the airline’s extensive network operating out of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Southeast Asian destinations.
New services in the pipeline
Kuala Lumpur Subang (SZB) – Jakarta (CGK): Daily flights starting 30 March 2025, operated by 737-800 aircraft.
FY3570 departs Subang at 1230 and arrives in Jakarta at 1340. FY3571 departs Jakarta at 1420 and arrives in Subang at 1735.
Kuala Lumpur Subang (SZB) – Kuching (KCH): Daily flights starting 30 March 2025, operated by 737-800 aircraft.
FY2802 departs Subang at 0600 and arrives in Kuching at 0755. FY2803 departs Kuching at 0845 and arrives in Subang at 1040.
Kuala Lumpur Subang (SZB) – Singapore (SIN): Daily flights 30 starting March 2025, operated by 737-800 aircraft.
FY3672 departs Subang at 1830 and arrives in Singapore at 1945. FY3673 departs Singapore at 2035 and arrives in Subang at 2150.
Penang (PEN) – Jakarta (CGK): Three weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) starting 31 March 2025 operated by Boeing 737-800.
FY3846 departs Penang at 2135 and arrives in Jakarta at 0200 (plus a day). FY3847 departs Jakarta at 0300 and arrives in Penang at 0715 (Tue, Thu and Sat).
These new routes should improve connectivity and travel options, particularly in Southeast Asia.
SINGAPORE, 10 January 2025: Holland America Line’s 2026-2027 Australia, New Zealand, and Asia cruises are now open for bookings.
The itineraries showcase longer, destination-rich cruises ranging from 13 to 35 days. Two Holland America Line ships, Noordam and Westerdam, will explore the Asia Pacific region from September 2026 to April 2027, taking guests to world-famous natural scenery, iconic cities, and the inaugural port of Yeosu, South Korea.
Photo credit: Holland America Line. Noordam
Australia and New Zealand aboard Noordam
A variety of 14-day Australia and New Zealand itineraries, open-jaw between Auckland and Sydney, each calling at eight ports and Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, are available between January and March 2027.
Explore Asia on Westerdam
Westerdam will sail Holland America Line’s 2026-2027 Asia season, highlighting the return of the popular 28-Day Legendary Coral Triangle & Great Barrier Reef, sailing to the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia roundtrip from Singapore.
Departing on 3 January 2027, the voyage takes guests to the Coral Triangle — home to more than 75% of the world’s coral species, including two days of scenic cruising of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The cruise also visits Batu Tara and Krakatau volcanos and the holiday island of Bali, Indonesia.
More than half of the itineraries depart from Tokyo, making it easy for guests to add days to explore the Japanese city. Guests can choose between 13- and 14-day Circle Japan cruises or a 14-day Japan and South Korea Discovery.
Additionally, several 14-day Far East Discovery cruises are available open-jaw between Hong Kong and Singapore, and a 14-day The Philippines, Tawain and Japan cruise is available departing from Hong Kong.
SINGAPORE, 10 January 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has ranked the top 10 pet-friendly travel destinations in Asia, highlighting the growing trend for travellers to book accommodations that welcome pets.
The list, calculated based on the average number of accommodations allowing pets, reveals cities in Vietnam dominate the list, securing four out of 10 spots.
Photo credit: Agoda.
Danang (Vietnam) leads the pack, followed by Cebu (Philippines), Hanoi (Vietnam), Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Tainan (Taiwan) to complete the top five. Pattaya (Thailand), Taichung (Taiwan), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), New Delhi (India), and Manila (Philippines) round out the top 10.
According to a recent study by Allied Market Research, pet travel is on the rise in Asia, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the charge as they embrace pet parenthood and splurge on their furry friends.
Agoda saw a 64% growth in pet-friendly properties last year, making it easier than ever for pets to join their owners on travel adventures in comfort and style.
Agoda Country Director Vietnam Lam Vu shared: “At Agoda, we understand that pets are family too. Our latest ranking of pet-friendly cities is a testament to our commitment to making travel inclusive for everyone, including our four-legged friends.”
SINGAPORE, 9 January 2025: Emirates’ Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft, has touched down in Copenhagen for the first time since March 2020.
Emirates is currently the only international airline that operates the A380 to Denmark. The A380 touched down just in time to celebrate the airport’s jubilee, marking 100 years of operational excellence.
Emirates’ Country Manager in Denmark, Morten Balk said: “We are incredibly proud to bring back the Emirates A380 to Copenhagen. What a sight to see it gracing our runway again. We look forward to once again offering our customers unparalleled travel experiences and the signature products and services our A380 is known for. With more than 43% additional seating, customers will enjoy greater flexibility and more travel options to over 140 destinations worldwide via our home and hub, Dubai.”
Copenhagen Airport CCO Peter Krogsgaard commented: “We have been looking forward to welcoming the iconic Emirates double-decker aircraft back to Copenhagen. It’s a fantastic way to start the new year, seeing the world’s largest passenger plane, with 615 seats, return to Denmark after a nearly five-year hiatus.”
Unmatched travel experiences
Emirates is renowned for its exceptional services and luxurious amenities. Customers love the Emirates A380 for its spacious and comfortable cabins, quietness, and unique onboard features such as the Onboard Lounge.
Customers onboard will also enjoy the warm hospitality of the airline’s multinational crew, including Danish nationals, regional gourmet cuisine, and award-winning inflight entertainment system – ice – offering up to 6,500 channels of the best movies, TV shows, podcasts and more. The airline also recently expanded its entertainment catalogue, collaborating with Spotify – the world’s most popular audio-streaming subscription service – to offer customers a wide array of podcasts and playlists in the sky.
Connecting Copenhagen to the world
The airline’s daily A380 flight will depart Copenhagen at 1445 and arrive in Dubai at 0010 local time. The return flight, EK151, will depart Dubai at 0830 and arrive in Copenhagen at 1230 local time. Danish customers can connect to more than 140 destinations, including popular holiday hotspots such as Bali, Mauritius, and South Africa. The airline recently expanded its global network by restarting services to Phnom Penh in Cambodia via Singapore and announced new routes to Bogotá via Miami and Madagascar via the Seychelles.
The Emirates A380 serving Copenhagen will operate in a two-class configuration, offering customers 58 lie-flat seats in business class and 557 spacious seats in economy class.
For flight information and to make a booking visit: www.emirates.com.
BANGKOK, 9 January 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has unveiled the new-look Centara Karon Resort Phuket. Following a renovation that transformed every aspect of the guest experience, the resort has started welcoming travellers back.
Close to the sands of Karon Beach facing the Andaman Sea, Centara Karon Resort Phuket is a haven of tranquillity and adventure. Following its dramatic revitalisation, the resort now invites visitors to unwind in three distinct zones — The Terrace, The Lagoon, and The Tropicale—creating options for couples, families, and friends alike.
With a contemporary design that harmoniously blends a soothing colour palette with geometric patterns and natural elements, the resort’s newly refreshed accommodation is tailored to the needs of every guest. Highlights include The Terrace’s spacious rooms, which feature balconies with views of the city or sea. Set to be unveiled by the end of 2025, the one to three-bedroom Pool Villas will be spectacular sanctuaries with outdoor pools and a dedicated check-in area – ideal for romantic getaways or grand celebrations with up to eight guests.
An eclectic mix of activities and experiences makes this the ultimate tropical oasis for all ages. Immersive adventures unfold at the resort’s 3,000-square-metre pool zone, with three separate pools for adults and kids, plus thrilling water slides and fountains. Children and teens can find inspiration at the Chang Dee Kids’ Club or E-Zone, with a full schedule of activities and games. Parents can also enjoy personal moments, including therapies at the signature SPA Cenvaree or invigorating workouts at the fully-equipped fitness centre.
Centara Karon Resort Phuket is the perfect place to embark on a culinary journey. A trio of tropical pool bars – Tropix, Koh Kool, and Splash – set the scene for daytime refreshments, from fruit smoothies to cool cocktails, while Pink Social provides a chic spot to socialise. For memorable meals, Bistro Grill & Bar presents a range of international and Thai favourites throughout the day, while modern global cuisine and grilled specialities take centre stage at Escape Pool Club.
For curious explorers who want to explore Phuket’s wonders, the powder-soft sands of Karon Beach are just a short walk away. Several golf courses are within easy reach, and Phuket’s heritage-rich Old Town, with its Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant night markets, is just 15km away.
“We are delighted to reveal the newly transformed Centara Karon Resort Phuket. With its perfect blend of daytime excitement and private serenity, this breathtaking resort will ensure unforgettable escapes for guests, from fun-seeking families to couples who crave privacy. I would like to invite our cherished visitors from around the world to come and experience the beauty of Phuket and Centara’s warm, Thai hospitality,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Vice President of Operations and General Manager of Centara Karon Resort Phuket David Martens.
Travellers can now discover the reimagined Centara Karon Resort Phuket with an exclusive reopening offer: “A Star is Reborn“. This enticing package lets kids stay and dine for free, offering THB500 of daily resort credit, early check-in, late check-out, and a complimentary minibar (refreshed daily). Centara The1 members will enjoy an additional 15% discount and triple points. Not a member yet? Sign up for free via centara1card.com.
BANGKOK, 9 January 2025: In a recent report by the Deloitte Thailand team, Thailand is set to shine in 2025 as its tourism industry prepares to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economy.
The “Land of Smiles” is evolving to meet global and domestic challenges with resilience and creativity. Tourism, a key pillar of Thailand’s GDP, is estimated to generate USD67 billion in 2025, with 36 to 39 million visitors expected for the year up from around 34 million in 2024.
Photo credit: Andrew Wood. Bangkok’s riverside skyline.
However, the industry faces pressing issues, such as climate change. Rising temperatures threaten popular outdoor attractions, but Thailand is not backing down.
According to Deloitte Thailand Executive Director Dr Narain Chutijirawong, tourism is poised to drive the country’s economic growth in 2025.
2025: Tough climate change challenges
Creative solutions, such as shaded outdoor spaces, innovative indoor cultural hubs, and climate-resilient infrastructure, have been recommended to ensure Thailand remains a top destination. One of the brightest prospects is the growth of “creative tourism,” which includes interactive museums, performing arts, and music venues. These offerings could attract more visitors while diversifying Thailand’s appeal beyond beaches and temples.
The Thailand Development Research Institute has also emphasised the urgent need to adapt tourism infrastructure to climate change. By blending tradition with innovation, Thailand creates unique experiences that cater to travellers seeking something different, reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking destination.
However, challenges remain. Climate adaptation is only one piece of the puzzle. Economically, Thailand must navigate shifting global trade dynamics, including potential US tariff increases and resource shortages. Despite these hurdles, the country’s low inflation and stable monetary policies provide a strong foundation for growth.
The tourism industry must also embrace advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and deliver personalised experiences for visitors. Deloitte experts recommend businesses set clear goals and adopt technologies, including AI, responsibly, ensuring proper workforce training and robust data security measures.
Thailand’s ability to thrive in 2025 will depend on its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and strategic planning. By addressing challenges head-on and building on its cultural and natural strengths, Thailand is poised to remain one of the world’s favourite destinations while shaping a brighter, more resilient future.
