Rainforest World Music Festival returns in June

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March 5, 2025

KUCHING, 5 March 2025: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak have officially launched the 28^th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) set to take place from 20 to 22 June 2025.

This year’s festival theme is “Connections: One Earth, One Love”, celebrating music’s power to unite cultures, bridge traditions, and foster a shared appreciation for the planet’s diversity.

With last year’s edition attracting a record 26,000 festival-goers, RWMF 2025 aims to surpass that record footfall to solidify the festival’s reputation as a must-experience cultural and world-class music event.

Earth Wind and Fire

Leading this year’s lineup is The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay, bringing the timeless legacy of one of the most influential bands in music history to the RWMF stage.

Earth, Wind & Fire (EWF) is renowned for its genre-defying sound, blending Funk, Soul, R&B, and Jazz with African rhythms, soaring harmonies, and powerful stage presence. With a career spanning over five decades, EWF has left an indelible mark on the global music scene, earning multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Keeping that legacy alive is Al McKay, a seven-time Grammy Award winner and former EWF musical director, who now leads The Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay.

Indigenous music

Joining them is Otyken from Siberia, Russia, an indigenous group known for their powerful throat singing and mastery of rare Siberian instruments. Comprising 10 members, their sound blends the khomys, a wooden stringed instrument used by Siberian nomadic tribes; the vargan, a jaw harp known for its deep, resonating tones; and the morinhur, also called the horsehead fiddle, an instrument deeply tied to Mongolic and Turkic musical traditions.

Representing Sarawak, At Adau from East Malaysia will take centre stage as a Sarawakian headliner at RWMF. The band is known for its dynamic fusion of Sape’s melodies with Bidayuh, Iban, and Orang Ulu percussion, bridging ancestral traditions with modern world music.

Having been with RWMF since 2014, their inclusion as a headliner marks a significant milestone, reflecting RWMF’s ongoing commitment to elevate Sarawak’s musical heritage and position local talent on par with global acts.

Fringe workshops

Beyond the performances, RWMF 2025 offers an immersive festival experience, inviting festival-goers to explore music, culture, and creativity. The Fringe and interactive workshops provide deeper cultural engagement, allowing attendees to connect with performers and learn about musical traditions from around the world.

This year is the first-ever open stage for jam sessions, where festival-goers can step in and play alongside musicians — whether you’re a seasoned performer or just feeling the groove, this stage is open to all. The festival gates will open at 1000, welcoming attendees to a vibrant world of music, culture, and connection.

Connections: One Earth, One Love

This year’s festival strengthens its commitment to sustainability under the theme “Connections: One Earth, One Love,” ensuring that RWMF continues to be a cultural celebration with a conscience. RWMF has made a firm, long-term commitment to carbon offset initiatives, aiming to plant 10,000 trees by 2027, coinciding with the festival’s 30th anniversary.

Ticket sales and tree planting

A portion of ticket sales will directly support this tree-planting initiative, significantly contributing to Sarawak’s ongoing efforts to preserve its rich natural environment.

The festival has implemented a range of eco-friendly initiatives to minimise its environmental footprint. Eco stations will be placed throughout the venue to encourage proper waste separation and recycling, while free water stations will help reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles. For the first time, an expanded network of carbon calculation stations will enable attendees to assess their carbon footprints and receive practical recommendations for carbon offsetting measures.

MAG promo fares

To enhance accessibility for attendees, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly have been named the Official Airline Partners for RWMF 2025, continuing their longstanding partnership with STB in supporting the festival since 2015. In celebration of this collaboration, exclusive promotional fares will be available for festival-goers travelling to Kuching, with promo code MHRWMF25 for Malaysia Airlines and FYRWMF25 for Firefly on selected flights to Kuching. These promo codes will be available when RWMF tickets officially go on for sale.

This initiative reflects the airlines’ commitment to connecting travellers with the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak while ensuring a seamless and elevated travel experience.

Malaysia Aviation Group’s Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, Dersenish Aresandiran, shared his thoughts on collaboration: “MAG airlines are honoured to continue supporting the highly anticipated 28th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival as the Official Airline Partner, bringing music enthusiasts from around the world to the Land of the Hornbills.

We are delighted to return this year, reaffirming our commitment to fostering cultural exchange and connectivity.

This strategic partnership with the Sarawak Tourism Board underscores our dedication to strengthening Malaysia’s tourism sector and showcasing Sarawak’s unique heritage.

As the Gateway to Asia and Beyond, we remain committed to enhancing accessibility and seamless connectivity, inviting global travellers to immerse themselves in Sarawak’s rich cultural tapestry.

With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, we look forward to continuing our role in enhancing connectivity and providing seamless travel experiences for visitors discovering Malaysia’s diverse cultural and natural attractions.”

Early bird sales

Early bird ticket sales will officially open from 8 March to 31 March 2025. Festival-goers are encouraged to secure their tickets early to enjoy the RWMF experience.

As the countdown to RWMF 2025 begins, music lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and eco-conscious travellers are invited to be part of an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and connection.

With an electrifying lineup, immersive experiences, and a strong commitment to sustainability, this year’s festival promises to be unforgettable.

For more information on Sarawak visit: https://www.sarawaktourism.com

Langkawi to host international boat show

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 5, 2025

LANGKAWI, 5 March 2025: The inaugural Malaysia Boat Show (MYBOS) exhibition will be held in Langkawi from 21 to 24 May, 2025, at Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, reports Langkawi Development Authority in a recent Facebook post.

Organised by MyBOS Event Sdn Bhd & Sail Malaysia, the event will underscore the country’s role as a regional shipping hub, attracting maritime enthusiasts worldwide as well as Asia’s luxury super yacht community.

For more details, visit
https://mybos.my

Event partners
Sail Malaysia
https://www.sailmalaysia.life

Royal Langkawi Yacht Club
https://langkawiyachtclub.com/

For the first time, Langkawi hosts the Malaysia International Boat Show in conjunction with LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition) at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

Show highlights

Besides showcasing luxury yachts from around Asia, the show will enhance collaborations and partnerships, driving boating as a strong emerging leisure tourism sector.

“In collaboration with our esteemed and dedicated partners, we are honoured to embark on a journey of setting new benchmarks and redefining standards of excellence in the maritime industry, the organisers said in a media statement. “ Through the highly anticipated Malaysia Boat Show 2025 (MYBOS ’25), we aim to inspire innovation, foster meaningful connections, and showcase the immense potential of the maritime sector on a global scale. This landmark event reflects our shared commitment to driving progress and shaping the industry’s future.”

The show will present the latest boat technology and a variety of boats on display for sale and charter across all sailing segments, including so-called “Water Toys” — Jetski, flyboard & underwater sea scooter.

In addition, the show will showcase:

Marine Supplies and Services, including premier yacht charter services;
Connect and network with trusted marine suppliers;
Sailing Workshops that will enhance sailing skills;
A ‘Marine Conference’ will feature keynote speakers and experts in marine technology, as well as sessions led by government agencies and industry partners.

For more information on Langkawi visit: https://naturallylangkawi.my/

ITE Hong Kong hosts seminar in Japan

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 5, 2025

HONG KONG, 5 March 2025: TKS, the organiser of ITE Hong Kong, recently hosted the ITE Hong Kong Outbound Seminar, which targeted Japan’s inbound industry from Hong Kong, at the Tokyo International Forum.

The two-hour seminar was attended by 30 organisations involved in inbound tourism to Japan.

Representatives of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Japan Office, TKS, and Infinity Communications, which has been staging its own Japan Exhibitors Group in ITE for years, spoke at the 2025 seminar.

HKTB highlights Hong Kong’s strengths as an international MICE destination and as the gateway to the Greater Bay Area. With a combined GDP of USD1.97 trillion in 2023, Hong Kong will be the world’s largest MICE destination.

TKS shared Hong Kong outbound statistics that showed a quality recovery in tourism spending through travel from the FIT sector. Nearly half of the trade visitors attending ITE worked with the Greater Bay FIT market.

For more information, visit ITE Website: https://www.itehk.com

Global travel trade meets at ITB Berlin 2025

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 5, 2025

BERLIN, 5 March 2025: ITB Berlin 2025, which will be held from 4 to 6 March, opened on Tuesday with a cultural celebration by Albania, the official host country.

The extraordinary cultural showcase, set the stage for the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show as high-level political representatives and key figures from the global tourism industry raised the curtain on the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. Hosted at the CityCube Berlin. Under the theme “All Senses”, some 2,500 guests joined the opening event led by Political representatives Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Dieter Janecek, Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Industry and Tourism. Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), and Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), represented the travel industry. Dr Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, represented ITB Berlin.

ITB Berlin 2025 kicks off with optimism in the travel and tourism industry, plus innovations on the global stage. From left to right: Norbert Fiebig, President of the German Travel Association; Dr Mario Tobias, CEO, Messe Berlin; Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Tourism & Environment of Albania, Edi Rama, Prime Minister, Albania; Mitra Sorrells, SVP, Content, Phocuswright; Blendi Gondxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation of Albania. Photo credit: ITB Berlin

After the opening ceremony, Albania hosted a culinary reception at the CityCube Berlin, offering guests its renowned cuisine. The exclusive menu, curated by celebrated chef Genti Malaveci, showcased traditional flavours from the Mediterranean nation.

Taking as its slogan ’The World of Travel Lives Here’, ITB Berlin 2025 reports fully booked halls. A record number of 5,800 national and international exhibitors (5% more than in 2024) from over 170 countries underline the global reach of the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, while the ITB Buyers Circle with its 1,300 senior buyers is an indicator of the industry’s upturn.

The bounce back post-Covid pandemic is evident in the key travel segments of cruises and travel technology, for example, but also in the dynamic markets of Southern Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Arab states, with significant growth.

Albania is the designated host country for this year’s show with the slogan ‘Albania All Senses’. Adopting the theme ‘The Power of Transition Lives Here’, the ITB Berlin Convention will address the challenges and opportunities of a changing market with high-profile speakers from companies including Expedia, DERTOUR, Google, Uber, Booking.com, Microsoft Advertising, Wyndham, UN Tourism, TUI, Ryanair and many more. The latest World Travel Monitor findings of IPK International reflect the industry’s upbeat mood.

As ITB Berlin kicks off, the industry is optimistic about the future. According to the latest World Travel Monitor findings of IPK International, outbound travel in 2024 increased by 13%, regaining the pre-pandemic levels of 2019.

“This welcome development is also reflected at ITB Berlin, where an optimistic mood and high booking levels further boost the positive outlook. With extensive international participation, innovative show formats and a wide-ranging supporting programme, ITB Berlin also sets the pace in digital networking, efficient dialogue and international cooperation,” said Messe Berlin CEO Dr Mario Tobias. “ITB Berlin 2025 not only promises to be an unrivalled industry experience but also paves the way for future-oriented growth in the global tourism industry”.

ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention and ITB 360° convenes until 6 March. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the world’s leading travel trade show, attracting more than 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and territories and almost 100,000 visitors. With ITB 360°, the 365-day global innovation hub that is ITB Berlin, now offers the worldwide tourism community year-round insights in the shape of specialist articles, podcasts and other innovative formats.

Singaporeans spend more on travel

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 5, 2025

SINGAPORE, 5 March 2025: Singapore residents continue to prioritise travel, with outbound spending surging in December last year and the recent Lunar New Year holiday week, leading payments technology company Visa reported on Tuesday.

Visa noted that travel spend by Singapore consumers for December and January hit record levels. Supported by a strong Singapore dollar, cross-border spending remains robust across key travel corridors, with notable consumer travel and spending pattern shifts.

Shopping and dining top spend list

Visa’s data highlights that shopping and dining remain top priorities for Singapore travellers, accounting for 61% of their travel spend, while lodging and airline bookings saw strong year-on-year growth as consumers plan for travel.

Retail spending recorded a 14% year-on-year increase, while spending on restaurants and fast food surged by 27 and 30%, respectively. These figures underscore the enduring appeal of overseas shopping and dining experiences for Singapore travellers.[1]

Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand have emerged as the leading travel corridors for cross-border outbound spending, closely followed by South Korea and Australia during the last year-end holidays.

Implementing visa-free travel to China has significantly boosted travel demand, resulting in an 86% year-on-year increase in travel spend in China. This reflects a broader trend of increased regional travel, facilitated by relaxed entry requirements and strong economic ties.

Malaysia has always been the top travel destination for Singapore residents all year round. Based on Visa’s International Travel platform, the top cities that Singaporeans visited include Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Cameron Highlands, Bangkok, Bali and Kota Tinggi (Johor). Last year, Singapore travellers’ card spending in Japan grew 138% compared to pre-pandemic levels.[2]

Visa’s data also highlighted the evolving destination preferences for Singapore residents. Compared to December 2023, Japan and Thailand have secured their place as key travel destinations, while long-haul markets such as the UK, US, and France continue to attract high-spending travellers. South Korea and Thailand are also emerging as healthcare-driven travel destinations, with increasing numbers of Singapore residents seeking medical services abroad. South Korea saw a 58 per cent rise in healthcare-related travel spending.

Japan and Thailand experienced the highest travel spending growth, recording 42 and 29% year-on-year increases, respectively. Meanwhile, Malaysia saw the strongest growth in food and grocery spending at 75% year-on-year, reinforcing its position as a key travel and consumption hub.

“Travel continues to be a key spend category for Visa cardholders in Singapore. Based on a Visa study[3], travel is a top priority for Singapore travellers, surpassing other big-ticket spending items such as vehicles, property, healthcare and luxury goods in terms of importance. This finding is aligned with what we’re seeing from our data, where there is strong cross-border spending growth during year-end and festive periods. We continue to see interest in consumers using cards that can earn airline miles for their spending, as well as other propositions such as zero FX and multi-currency offerings. With the vast data that we see, we can work with our partners to share these key insights and create relevant benefits for our cardholders, making the payment experience seamless and secure when they travel and pay with Visa”, said Visa Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei.Adeline Kim.

As travel planning becomes more strategic, Singaporeans make early bookings to manage costs and secure better deals. Spending on alternative airline carriers, including European and Middle Eastern airlines, rose by 15% year-on-year, indicating a growing preference for diverse flight options. In addition, online lodging bookings increased by 16% year-on-year in December last year.

Top travel destinations during the Lunar New Year holiday similar to year-end of 2024

The top travel destinations during this year’s Lunar New Year holiday are similar to the year-end break, except Indonesia takes the fourth spot, replacing South Korea. During the Lunar New Year holiday week, Singapore travellers took the opportunity to spend the week travelling, with a substantial spike in cross-border spending at 22% growth compared to the week of the Lunar New Year in 2024. eCommerce spending also grew by close to 30% compared to the previous year during the festive period, showing that people were spending more to purchase online, given this year’s Lunar New Year coincides with 2 February.

Malaysia continues to be the top travel corridor, with payment volume growing at 57% compared to the previous Lunar New Year week. The top growing category in Malaysia was jewellery stores, showing over 220% growth compared to last year. Japan comes in second as a preferred destination for Singaporeans. During this ski season, Visa saw a 36% growth in cross-border spending compared to the same festive period the year before. Thailand’s healthcare spending also grew by over 59%.[4]

[1] VisaNet data as of December 2024 and December 2023
[2] Visa International Travel Platform- data as of Q2 – 2024
[3] Visa Green Shoots Radar Survey 2024 (June)
[4] VisaNet data as of CNY week in 2025 (27January – 2 February) compared to CNY week in 2024 (10-16 February).

Klook joins Muslim-Friendly Travel initiative

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 5, 2025

SINGAPORE, 5 March 2025: To transform Muslim-friendly travel, Klook, an Asian leisure e-commerce platform, has partnered with CrescentRating and HalalTrip, the global authorities on Halal travel.

Announced at the recent NATAS Travel Fair in Singapore, the collaboration directly integrates CrescentRating’s trusted Muslim-friendly ratings into Klook’s platform, empowering Muslim travellers with seamless access to verified experiences.

The strategic partnership enables Muslim travellers to make informed decisions by providing authenticated ratings on Klook’s experience listings. These curated experiences will also be featured on HalalTrip’s platform, expanding their visibility to a global Muslim audience. With this integration, Klook becomes the first global experiences platform to offer verified Muslim-friendly ratings, ensuring travellers can instantly identify experiences that meet their faith-based needs, such as halal food availability and prayer facilities.

“This partnership is more than just a collaboration—it’s a commitment to empowering Muslim travellers worldwide,” said CrescentRating and HalalTrip Partnership Lead Raudha Zaini. “By integrating our Muslim-friendly ratings into Klook’s platform, we’re not only simplifying the booking process but also fostering a sense of belonging and confidence for travellers who seek experiences aligned with their faith and values.”

Klook General Manager Sarah Wan noted: “At Klook, we’re committed to making travel experiences accessible to all communities. This partnership with CrescentRating and HalalTrip allows us to better serve the rapidly growing Muslim travel market by providing clear, trusted guidance on the Muslim-friendliness of our experiences.”

The Muslim travel market represents one of the fastest-growing segments in the global tourism industry, with unique requirements beyond traditional travel services. Multiple research studies by Crescentrating show that most Muslim travellers now prefer to book their travel experiences through digital platforms. Yet, many spend additional time verifying whether experiences meet their faith-based needs. With this partnership, Muslim travellers can now instantly see prayer break arrangements and halal food facilities where applicable when booking, which previously required extensive research across multiple platforms.

Recent studies indicate that 65% of Muslim travellers prioritise halal food availability when selecting travel experiences, while 73% prioritise prayer facility access. Integrating CrescentRating’s ratings into Klook’s platform ensures these crucial requirements are communicated to travellers before booking.

The integration will initially feature experiences across Southeast Asia, where the Muslim population exceeds 280 million, and international travel spending by Muslim travellers is projected to reach USD48 billion in 2025.

This collaboration comes when the global Muslim travel market is experiencing significant growth. According to Crescentrating, International Muslim visitor arrivals have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, increasing from 160 million in 2019 to 175 million in 2024. The Mastercard-Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) projects the market value to reach USD225 billion by 2028. This growth is driven by a rising middle class in key Muslim-majority countries and an increasing demand for travel experiences that cater to faith traditions and lifestyle preferences.

TAT promotes Thai AirAsia fares nationwide

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 5, 2025

BANGKOK, 5 March 2025: AirAsia has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to inspire travellers to explore 16 cities nationwide.

Flights are available at promotional fares starting from THB880 (one-way trip) for bookings made by 9 March 2025 for travel from 10 March to 30 September 2025.

(From left to right) Krid Pattanasan, Head of Government Relations Government Relations, Thai AirAsia, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Apichai Chatchalermkit, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing TAT.

The 16 destinations span all four regions of Thailand. In the north, travellers can explore Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok, Nan and Lampang. The northeastern region (Isan) offers seven destinations: Loei, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Roi Et. In the south, AirAsia connects passengers to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Chumphon, Ranong, and Narathiwat. Notably, Udon Thani is accessible via both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT aims to promote domestic tourism by linking significant cities to attractive tourist destinations to distribute tourists across various regions and ensure an even spread of income throughout all areas.

Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya commented: “AirAsia is committed to supporting domestic travel, especially to these unique destinations. While they may not be major tourist hubs, these cities offer distinctive charms that appeal to a new generation of travellers seeking experiences that resonate with their lifestyles.”

Ethiopian to fly to Porto this summer

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 5, 2025

ADDIS ABABA, 5 March 2025: Ethiopian Airlines will commence a new passenger flight service to Porto, Portugal, starting 1 July 2025.

The new service will include a single stop via Madrid, Spain and will enhance travel options and connectivity for passengers, furthering

Ethiopian Airlines’ regional expansion across Europe. The new flight will operate four times a week using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Flight schedule

• ET740 will depart Addis Ababa at 2310 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays and arrive in Madrid at 0555 the next day.
It will depart from Madrid on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 0655 and arrive in Porto at 0715.

• ET741 will depart from Porto on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 1955 and arrive in Madrid at 2110.
It will depart from Madrid at 2310 and arrive in Addis Ababa at 0725 on the following day.

Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Ato Mesfin Tasew commented on the new service: “We are thrilled to expand our network to Porto, Portugal, a vibrant city with rich cultural heritage and economic significance. This new route underscores our

commitment to providing our passengers with more travel options and seamless connectivity.”

Ethiopian Airlines already offers flights to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, through codeshare flights via London and Milan. Currently,

Ethiopian Airlines operates approximately 140 weekly passenger flights across Europe to 22 destinations. Additionally, the airline serves eight cargo destinations in Europe.

Centara declares 2025 goals

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March 4, 2025

BANGKOK, 4 March 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts enters new markets during 2025 that unveil exceptional guest experiences as the hotel group moves towards its goal of becoming “The Place to Be” for the world’s travellers and one of the world’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027.

2024 was highly successful for Centara, as its total revenue increased 12% to THB11.16 billion (USD333.1 million), and net profit surged 43% to THB 1.1 billion. This impressive year saw the launch of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the multi-island destination in the Maldives. The first of two resorts – the underwater world-themed Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives – opened its doors in November 2024 and will be joined in April 2025 by Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, a sophisticated five-star retreat. This will expand Centara’s portfolio in the Maldives to four resorts under four distinct brands and concepts: Centara, Centara Mirage, Centara Grand, and The Centara Collection.

Centara’s brand strategy has evolved significantly in recent years, with the debut of the luxury Centara Reserve brand and the reimagining of the vibrant lifestyle-focused Centara Life. In January 2025, Centara unveiled The Centara Collection, a curated compilation of unique, high-end hotels and resorts that celebrate individuality, locality and authenticity. The portfolio comprises hotels such as Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives and Roukh Kiri Khao Yai, amongst others, and will continue to grow in 2025.

Stunning beachfront view of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Two of the group’s flagship resorts in Thailand – Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya and Centara Karon Resort Phuket – completed comprehensive renovations in 2024. Centara will transform two more of its most popular Thailand resorts.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, the world-renowned heritage resort, will undertake a phased and extensive renovation to upgrade all accommodations, public spaces and facilities. The refurbishment programme will also create a new collection of 70 exclusive villas, which will fall under The Centara Collection. In addition, an entirely separate, neighbouring 200-room Centara Life hotel will raise Centara’s beachfront inventory in Hua Hin town to just under 500 keys, offering three distinct brands and experiences.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi, which is nestled in a private cove overlooking the Andaman Sea, will also close for a significant transformation this year. Upon completion, it will be relaunched as Centara Reserve Krabi, marking only the second location worldwide for this luxurious, experiential storytelling brand concept.

Centara intends to open nine new hotels and resorts this year to complement these landmark renovations and rebrandings. Following the highly-anticipated debut of the 142-key Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives in April 2025, the group will launch four more international properties this year: the new Annapurna Mountain Resort and Centara Collection resort in Bali, which will mark Centara’s arrival in Nepal and Indonesia, respectively, plus two new hotels in Vietnam – Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don, and Crystal Holidays Harbour Van Don, which will feature a combined total of 977 keys.

Centara will also reaffirm its leadership position in Thailand, where it currently operates 51 hotels and resorts. Centara Life Wisma Hotel Ratchaburi will open at the end of March, whilst three additional hotels are set to welcome guests later this year: Centara Villas Phi Phi Island, Saree Samui (part of The Centara Collection), and Centara Life Hotel Surat Thani.

These openings and renovations will be instrumental in helping Centara increase its average room rate and revenue per available room (RevPAR). In 2025, Centara expects revenue (including JV hotels) growth of 23% YoY.

Unforgettable family fun awaits at Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

A series of new signature experiences will now be rolled out across the Centara and Centara Grand brands as the group continues to elevate every aspect of the guest journey. To further enhance its end-to-end user experience, a new guest-centric app will be launched in the first half of 2025, making it more straightforward for guests to make reservations and driving greater personalisation. An AI chatbot will further streamline the process by enabling direct bookings through social chat platforms, and social media will play a key role in connecting with new-gen audiences.

The company’s commitment to sustainability underpins every aspect of Centara’s development and operations. The group is working towards several important environmental targets, including a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage, a 20% decrease in water usage by 2029, and overall net zero emissions by 2050.

Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler said: “2024 was an outstanding year for Centara, as our business rebounded strongly with a 43% rise in net profit and the debut of several exciting new projects, most notably The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives. We have carried this positive momentum into 2025 and are on track towards achieving our target of becoming a top 100 global group and boosting revenue to THB 20 billion by 2027. We look forward to inspiring and delivering more memorable moments for our guests throughout 2025 and introducing exciting new and reimagined resorts and destinations.”
To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

Vietjet plots Vietnam – New Zealand route

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TTR WEEKLY

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March 4, 2025

SINGAPORE, 4 March 2025: Vietjet has announced its inaugural direct flights between Vietnam and New Zealand, connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Auckland — two key economic, tourism, and cultural hubs.

Following the announcement, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the Vietjet Aviation Academy (VJAA) in Ho Chi Minh City, where he met with Vietjet’s founder, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao.

Photo caption: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visits Vietjet Aviation Academy in Ho Chi Minh City following the airline’s announcement of its new Auckland–Ho Chi Minh City route.

This new service marks a key milestone in Vietnam-New Zealand relations, as the two nations have officially elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership ahead of the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Set to launch in September 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City-Auckland route will operate four return flights per week, enhancing connectivity for travellers, businesses, and students.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: “I’m very pleased with Vietjet’s announcement that they will develop a new route to New Zealand, strengthening the connectivity and the people-to-people links between our two countries, which is a critical enabler of more growth and brings our people closer together. This enables opportunities across the board, not just in tourism but also in trade and education.”

Chairwoman and CEO of Vietjet, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, reaffirmed Vietjet’s commitment to strengthening Vietnam-New Zealand relations and said: “Our bilateral trade target of USD3 billion is well within reach, built upon the solid foundation of existing cooperation agreements. Vietjet, alongside businesses from both nations, is committed to expanding partnerships, driving sustainable development, and soaring to new heights together.”

As part of this vision, Vietjet also proposed establishing a Vietjet Hub in New Zealand — a multi-functional centre designed to connect the country’s key tourism and investment hubs with Vietjet’s extensive flight network.

During the New Zealand Prime Minister’s visit, the VJAA and the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ) signed an agreement to collaborate on pilot training, aiming to develop a highly-skilled aviation workforce for Vietnam and the broader region.

With this new route, Singapore travellers heading to New Zealand now have an additional cost-effective option via Vietjet’s extensive flight network. With seamless connections through Ho Chi Minh City, passengers can enjoy flexible and budget-friendly travel options, making long-haul journeys to Auckland more accessible. Plus, with a stop in Ho Chi Minh City, travellers can explore the city’s vibrant street food, rich history, and dynamic culture before continuing their journey to New Zealand.

Rainforest World Music Festival returns in June

Langkawi to host international boat show

ITE Hong Kong hosts seminar in Japan

Global travel trade meets at ITB Berlin 2025

Singaporeans spend more on travel

Klook joins Muslim-Friendly Travel initiative

TAT promotes Thai AirAsia fares nationwide

Ethiopian to fly to Porto this summer

Centara declares 2025 goals

Vietjet plots Vietnam – New Zealand route

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