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Ultra Challenge returns to Thailand

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TTR WEEKLY
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NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand, 23 January 2024: The North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge 2024 Thailand returned after a pandemic-forced hiatus on 19 January for fun and challenges on the trails. 

Almost 2,500 runners of 40 nationalities competed over four distances – 15km, 25km, 50km and the famous 100km ultra distance – enjoying a new and challenging course that traversed the hills of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chong District against the backdrop of Khao Yai National Park.

First launched in 2012, Never Stop Exploring™ has been at the heart of The North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge 2024 Thailand, encouraging newbies and experienced runners to push their boundaries and enjoy the outdoors.

The North Face Thailand events were the first to introduce the 100km ultra trail distance in Thailand and are now a rite of passage for any serious trail runner in Thailand. Having competed at every The North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge 2024 Thailand since its inception, Thai ultra runner Sanya Khanchai went all out for the 100km win this year but in the end, against a competitive field, had to settle for third. South African Lloyd Sithole won the 100km men’s race.

The women’s 100km was dominated by Thais, with all of the top three spots being claimed by Thai runners. A commanding race saw The North Face Athlete Darika Suwanmongkol lead from start to finish and claim the women’s crown ahead of Palida Apichatammarit and Parichat Namasakan in second and third, respectively.

There were many excellent performances by Thai athletes this year, with standouts including trail legend Jantaraboon Kiangchaipaiphana (aka Super Jay), who won the men’s 50km race. Adirek Ananputtikun and C Chaikanarakkul finished second and third in the men’s 25km, while Sawangjit Sae-Ngow finished second in the women’s 25km. In the 15km distance, Khemmarin Kantha finished first in the women’s division, and Pawitphat Manotham placed third in the men’s.

“After a three-year hiatus, it’s great to be back. We’ve made a lot of changes to the competitor experience this year – a new course, new start/ finish venue, and a new race village – and the feedback from both international and Thai competitors has been excellent,” said North Face Thailand brand manager Arttapol Nitivorakunapan.

As a leading brand in exploration, The North Face Thailand actively supports and promotes trail running in Thailand. Being the first 100km trail run in the country, The North Face 100 Ultra Trail Challenge 2024 Thailand was also the first Thai qualifying event for the world-famous Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc and the first Thai event recognised by the International Trail-Running Association (ITRA).

Air Astana expands fleet

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 January 2024: The Air Astana Group fleet has grown to 50 aircraft following last week’s arrival of a new Airbus A321neo from the assembly line in Hamburg, Germany. 

The latest A321neo cabin combines existing business class and the new “Airspace Cabin” economy class, which offers more seats, larger overhead lockers and a “moonlight” cabin lighting system, previously only featured on the airline’s long-haul aircraft. The expansion of the fleet reflects Air Astana’s strategy to grow its fleet to 80 aircraft by the end of 2028. The airline serves 48 international and 43 domestic routes.

In other news, the airline won the Best Passenger Service / Product Innovation Airline of the Year Award earlier this month, presented at the China Civil Aviation magazine’s Sky Choice Travel Awards ceremony in Beijing.

The Sky Choice Travel Awards are annually presented to leading industry players in the aviation, travel and hotel sectors, with the judging panel comprising industry experts, media, and frequent travellers. 

“This is the first time we have won this award, with sincere thanks for the recognition from Civil Aviation Magazine of China and our Chinese passengers”, said Air Astana country manager China Shu Wang.  

Air Astana flights to Beijing are operated with the latest generation Airbus A321LR aircraft.

Sarawak joins MATKA Fair

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 22 January 2024: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) participated in the MATKA Nordic Fair, the most significant travel industry fair in Northern Europe and the Baltic region, last week at the Messukeskus Helsinki Exhibition and Convention in Finland.

STB’s participation in MATKA 2024 was part of a collaborative effort with Tourism Malaysia (TM) to strengthen Sarawak’s presence in the Nordic market as STB seizes an opportunity to build stronger networking with potential travel industry collaborators from Finland and nearby countries in Europe. 

Insightful briefing on the Sarawak Delta Geopark by Maurice Balang, Director of Marketing (Europe, Oceania, North Asia) at a collaborative Networking Session with tourism industry partners in Helsinki, Finland, during MATKA Nordic Travel Fair 2024.

STB’s partnership with TM aligns with STB’s efforts to promote Sarawak as a premier destination for Nordic travellers seeking authentic culture, adventure, nature, food and festival experiences. 

In 2023, Sarawak recorded a growth rate of 145% in visitor arrivals from the Nordic region compared to the year 2022. With more innovative and bolder marketing approaches in 2024 via its expansion strategy, Sarawak hopes to see a further increase in Nordic travellers visiting Sarawak. 

Visitors to Sarawak’s booth at MATKA 2024 enjoyed cultural dance performances accompanied by traditional ethnic musical instruments such as the Sape and the nose flute. A tree bark art demonstration will also showcase Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, art, and musical traditions.

On show the collaborative spirit between Sarawak Tourism and esteemed tourism industry partners from Nordic countries. This memorable moment follows a successful Networking Session jointly organised with Tourism Malaysia at the MATKA Nordic Travel Fair 2024.

As the biggest region in Malaysia with a low-density population of 2.9 million people (as of 2020), Sarawak is proud of its natural heritage of pristine rainforests, endemic flora and fauna, and its multicultural peoples. Located in Borneo, the third largest island in the world, the rich land of Sarawak is host to a kaleidoscope of cultures made up of 34 ethnic groups, with a rich and diverse ecosystem for adventurers to explore. 

Today, many tourist destinations have adopted the principles of responsible tourism in their management and tourism practices, and Sarawak is no exception. Taking environmental issues seriously, Sarawak tourism players incorporate elements of sustainable waste management, energy conservation, and environmental education into their tours to ensure travellers can contribute to the conservation of Sarawak’s attractions for generations to come. Visitors to Sarawak can experience the local authentic Sarawak lifestyle by staying in community-based homestays or enjoying the modern and scenic landscapes of its cities.

Sarawak Tourism Board

Air China resumes Munich flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 January 2024: After a break of almost four years due to the Covid pandemic, Air China resumed flights between the business metropolis of Shanghai and Munich in Germany last week.

The airline flies an Airbus A350-900 long-haul aircraft three times a week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, taking off from Shanghai (CA827) at 0155 and arriving in Munich at 0650. The return flight (CA828) departs Munich at 1250 and arrives in Shanghai (PVG) at 0700 on the following morning. 

Photo credit Munich Airport Welcome back: Air China and Munich Airport representatives with the crew.

Flight time is 11 hours and eight minutes. The Airbus A350-900 is configured with 312 seats, with 24 in business and 24 in premium economy.

Group travel by Chinese nationals to Germany has been possible again without restrictions since August 2023, and tourism officials are confident that passenger numbers between the two countries will soar during 2024. The average roundtrip fare on the route is USD1,550. 

Air China’s last commercial passenger flight between Shanghai and Munich occurred on 6 March 2020.

Meanwhile, Munich Airport reported passengers increased by 17% to 37 million in 2023, up by 5 million. With its current passenger volume, Munich Airport has reached around 80% of the record level from the pre-crisis year 2019. The number of aircraft movements rose 6% compared to 2022 to more than 300,000 take-offs and landings. 

TA Network adds agency link in Indonesia

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 January 2024: Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) has sealed an industry-leading partnership to provide Bayu Buana Travel Services with a next-generation advanced travel IaaS platform.

This collaboration with Bayu Buana Travel Services aligns with TA Network’s strategy to bring together Asia Pacific’ leading travel wholesalers, operators and destination management companies onto a single platform using high-performance technology to power innovative solutions to drive sales, productivity, customer value and service delivery.  

“We are delighted that Bayu Buana Travel Services, Indonesia’s leading destination management company, has adopted our advanced travel technology stack powering a single global platform that allows everyone in the ecosystem to collaborate effectively. With  Bayu Buana Travel Services’ wealth of travel experience, we are excited to embark on this new digital journey together to accelerate strategic growth and create the travel experience of the new era through collaborative enhancements in technology and solutions,” said TA Network’s Managing Partner, Ho Siang Twang.

“As we gear up for the next phase of growth post-Covid, we need a comprehensive digital solution, said Bayu Buana Travel Services vice-president of meetings and events Shirley Teguh. “(To achieve growth) we will adopt TA Network’s advanced technology, including booking engines, packaging tools, advanced operations & payment services to broaden our  B2B distribution and partnerships.”

With its head office in Jakarta, Bayu Buana Travel Services operates 21 branches in Indonesia, providing its agents and customers with high-quality accommodation, tours, packages and travel services.

About Trip Affiliates Network

Headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, Trip Affiliates Network (TA Network) provides FIT/group inbound and outbound turnkey solutions and add-on direct supplier connectivity services for travel agents, wholesalers and hotels. High-performance platforms include integrated booking systems for flights, hotels, activities and transfers, plus dynamic packages and digital payment solutions.

Direct flights return to the Maldives

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 January 2024: The Maldives welcomed the first direct flight from Hong Kong to the Maldives last week since the Covid-19 pandemic closed Hong Kong in 2020.

A special ceremony was held on 19 January at Velana International Airport to mark the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines flight HX791 from Hong Kong International Airport, hosted by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation.

Maldives welcomes the return of Hong Kong Airilines.

Before the pandemic stalled travel worldwide, China consistently topped the arrival charts for visitors to the Maldives, recording 187,118 tourists in 2019.

Commenting on the market, MMPRC said it was confident the return of direct flights to the island nation would boost visitors this year.  Until now, travellers from China had to connect with flights out of Singapore or Colombo in Sri Lanka.

In 2023, MMPRC conducted joint online promotions and familiarisation trips, closing the year with around 1.8 million tourist visits.

This year, MMPRC has lined up activities to revive bookings from the Chinese market, focusing on e-learning campaigns, digital promotions on leading Chinese apps, outdoor billboard marketing initiatives, familiarisation trips and social media campaigns.

Tourism Malaysia wins gold

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TTR WEEKLY
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PETALING JAYA, 18 January 2024: Tourism Malaysia bagged the gold award for the Transportation, Travel & Tourism category at the 2023 Putra Aria Brand Awards held at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

The Aria Brand Awards, also labelled as the People’s Choice Awards, were introduced in 2022 by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) to acknowledge the brands that have the most vital connection with Malaysians, as determined by 11,000 respondents voluntarily participated in the eight-week-long survey period from September to October 2023.

The award has received the endorsement of MATRADE as the Brand Champion Partner and is supported by the Malaysian Advertisers Association (MAA), the Media Specialists Association (MSA), and the Malaysian Digital Association (MDA).

A total of 24 categories compete, representing different areas such as tourism, automobile, banking, communications, e-commerce, entertainment, investment and insurance, and media. A total of 40 brands win gold, 50 silver, and 60 bronze.

Tourism Malaysia director-general YBh Dato Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar commented: “The year 2024 begins on a positive note with the reception of this award, marking the second consecutive recognition. This achievement significantly enhances our brand image and undoubtedly reflects the promotional endeavours undertaken by Tourism Malaysia.”

Tourism Malaysia achieved recognition in an earlier accomplishment by securing the bronze award at the 2022 Putra Brand Awards within the same category. This prestigious accolade reflects the ongoing commitment to excellence in promoting Malaysia’s diverse attractions and vibrant culture.

About Tourism Malaysia
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. 

The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation’s tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Turkish flies to Melbourne

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 January 2024: Turkish Airlines will add three weekly flights to Melbourne, Australia, to its flight network starting 15 March 2024, with the flights “relayed* via Singapore.”

According to its press statement, Turkish Airlines “will also have the distinction of being the only European airline to operate flights to Melbourne Airport.”

No direct flights operate from Istanbul to Melbourne, and the airline’s use of the word “relayed” could more accurately describe a technical stop or transit in Singapore to refuel with no local sales on roundtrip Singapore-Melbourne sectors.

The special launch price for Turkish Airlines’ Melbourne to Istanbul flights has been pegged at AUD1499 and USD1199 USD on the Istanbul to Melbourne flights.

Bookings opened for the special fares on 19 January and will close on 15 April for the travel period from 15 March to 15 May 2024.

Turkish Airlines already flies double daily on the Istanbul-Singapore — TK209 using a Boeing 787-9 with 297 seats and TK55 using a Boeing 777-300 with 261 seats. Both flights turn around in Singapore and depart for Istanbul (TK209 at 1020, arriving in IST at 1705, and TK55 at 2335, arriving in IST at 0610).

Commenting on the new service, Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and the executive committee, Ahmet Bolat said: “Today is an important day for us. We have realised our goal of reaching Australia. Melbourne is our 346th destination in our flight network. With its natural beauty and hospitable people, Australia becomes the 130th country and 6th continent under our wings.”

Supported by the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport, the new route will connect Türkiye with Australia’s largest Turkish community and one of Victoria’s largest trading centres, the country’s fastest-growing state.

Turkish Airlines’ new flights will also increase Melbourne’s access to the European, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and African markets via İstanbul.

The airline statement concluded: “In the next few years, Turkish Airlines aims to organise direct flights to Melbourne and other cities by acquiring new aircraft capable of operating nonstop flights between Istanbul and Melbourne.

*Technical stop?

Emirates extends invite to join the team

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 22 January 2024: Emirates is celebrating the new year and the imminent arrival of its new fleet of Airbus A350s with a global cabin crew recruitment drive with a difference. 

The 5,000 new joiners will ensure the airline’s commitment to offering the world’s best inflight experience maintains a steady course.

The recruitment drive is designed primarily for those who will soon or have recently stepped into the world of work. The airline is inviting fresh graduates with internships or part-time jobs on their résumés, those with a year or so of hospitality or customer service experience, and individuals keen to embark on an exciting career travelling the globe. The recruits will be a part of the world’s largest international airline and one of the most iconic brands; plus, they will learn hospitality and life skills from the best trainers in the business.

What’s more, they will travel the world across more than 140 cities in 76 countries and enjoy the entire gamut of benefits working as Emirates’ cabin crew. Click here for the eligibility criteria.

Recruitment drive

In 2024, Emirates’ recruitment team will host open days and assessments in more than 460 cities across six continents, reflecting the span of the airline’s network and the diversity of its cabin crew team while flying the flag for living and working in dynamic Dubai.

In 2023, Emirates hired a staggering 8,000 cabin crew and held recruitment events in 353 cities as the airline ramped up its services during the pandemic. In August 2023, the airline’s cabin crew numbers crossed the 20,000 milestone and are now 21,500 strong.

Fleet and network expansion

The new cabin crew recruitment drive comes as Emirates begins to take delivery of its eagerly anticipated A350s from mid-year and the Boeing 777-Xs starting in 2025. The airline has 65 A350s and a mix of 205 777-9s and 777-8s in its order book. The new aircraft will expand the airline’s reach and provide flexibility to add new routes to its network.

Training and life skills

All new cabin crew recruits undergo an intense eight weeks of training in delivering the highest standards of hospitality, safety and service that Emirates’ customers have come to expect over the years. Trained in Emirates’ state-of-the-art facility in Dubai, cabin crew learn invaluable transferable skills that include a knack for communication, initiative and leadership qualities. They develop the ability to work effectively in a multicultural team, focusing on staying mentally strong and calm under pressure, becoming bastions of hospitality, providing exceptional service, and acting as ambassadors for an iconic brand. Cabin crew also have access to the latest training programmes and LinkedIn courses.

Cabin crew community

Emirates’ multicultural cabin crew team hails from more than 140 nationalities and speaks 130 languages, so customers can always expect to converse with a warm, friendly voice in their language. Crew form lifelong friendships and close-knit bonds within the community, fostering better teamwork, a common sense of purpose and a shared service philosophy.

Cabin crew members experience excellent career progression, including upgrading to higher cabin classes and becoming cabin supervisors, pursers, or trainers. Today, the airline has 1,180 pursers who have climbed the career ladder after completing exacting training and assessments. The crew also have the opportunity to apply for internal vacancies throughout the Emirates Group.

The cabin crew’s life

Emirates’ cabin crew lead a cosmopolitan lifestyle in vibrant Dubai, living with 200 nationalities in a city renowned for its hotels, restaurants, food scene, leisure activities, and being one of the safest in the world.

Emirates’ cabin crew enjoy a competitive, tax-free salary and flying pay, eligibility for profit share, hotel stays and layover expenses, concessional travel and cargo, annual leave, annual leave ticket, furnished accommodation, transportation to and from work, excellent medical, life and dental insurance coverage, laundry services and other benefits. Friends and family enjoy deeply discounted flight tickets, and travelling with their loved ones creates lasting memories for the crew.

For aspiring cabin crew, the opportunity to join Emirates is one click or one open day away. Check out www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew regularly for details and open-day schedules in your city or country.

Refreshed Mandarin Oriental appoints GM

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 19 January 2024: Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, announced the appointment of Jill Goh as the first female general manager following the property’s extensive makeover.

A veteran hotelier with over three decades of experience in the global luxury hospitality industry, she brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge in hotel operations and management to her new role as she takes the reins at the newly transformed Mandarin Oriental property in the Marina Bay precinct in Singapore.

Goh, a Malaysian national, is no stranger to the 510-room Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, having served as resident manager before moving to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. 

After a short corporate stint as corporate operations manager for the Asia region, she transferred to Mandarin Oriental, Macau, as the property’s General Manager before her most recent appointment as general manager of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. During

Goh is thrilled to return to where she first started her career with the hotel group in 1993.
“It is amazing to be back here in Singapore, where I have forged many fond memories, where I first embarked on my career with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group,” she explained. “I look forward to continuing the chapter for Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, working alongside my team as we surpass our boundaries and redefine luxury in Singapore and beyond.”

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