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Save on your Dubai holiday or stopover

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BANGKOK, 15 January 2024: Emirates has announced an exciting new offer for travellers planning to visit Dubai this winter that offers free tickets to Dubai’s biggest attractions. 

Starting from 12 January, people who have bought flights to Dubai or add a stopover in Dubai of eight hours or more can enjoy free tickets to the Museum of the Future and Atlantis Aquaventure. 

The Museum of the Future is the newest jewel in the Dubai skyline, where you’ll be transported into the world 50 years from now. Furthermore, you can cool off on the slides and rides at Atlantis Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark.  

This special offer is valid on tickets bought between 12 January to 1 February 2024 for travel between 15 January and 31 March 2024. The offer is available in all cabins, and bookings made on emirates.com, Emirates call centre, Emirates ticketing office or via travel agents can be redeemed at least 96 hours before you travel.

Experience more of Dubai with Emirates

From soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches, shopping at Dubai Mall, enjoying the views from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa to dining at incredible restaurants in Dubai, why not make Dubai your next winter sun holiday? Other Emirates benefits include:

  1. My Emirates Pass: Take advantage of hundreds more offers in Dubai and the UAE thanks to My Emirates Pass. Available until 31 March 2024, just show your Emirates boarding pass at participating restaurants, spas, activities and more to access exclusive offers and discounts. To see all My Emirates Pass offers, please visit www.emirates.com/myemiratespass.
  2. Create your Dubai Experience: Pack more into your visit with Dubai Experience. Customers can browse, create, and book their own customised itineraries, including flights, hotel stays, visits to key attractions, and other dining and leisure experiences in Dubai and the UAE.
  3. Emirates Skywards Partners: There’s more to enjoy as a member of the airline’s award-winning loyalty programme. You can earn Skywards Miles on everyday spending at retail outlets in the UAE with the Skywards Everyday app. Spend your Miles on flights and upgrades, or get tickets for concerts and sports events through Skywards Exclusives. Learn more about Emirates Skywards here: https://www.emirates.com/english/skywards/.

Emirates currently operates 35 weekly flights from Bangkok to Dubai and 14 from Phuket to Dubai. For more information, visit emirates.com. 

India spotlights the Mahabharat Circuit

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DELHI India, 15 January 2024: India’s tourism leaders, tour operators and travel influencers are crucial players in positioning the country’s Mahabharat Circuit as a preferred destination for domestic and international tourists.

Identifying the role tour operators play in putting the circuit on the tourism map, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (Northern Region Office) organised a conference on the Mahabharat Circuit last week, followed by a familiarisation trip to Kurukshetra, Jyotisar and Thanesar.

Delegates from all over the country, comprising of tour operators, travel media, and influencers, participated in the conference in addition to officers of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India (GOI) and Haryana Tourism Department.

They discussed strategies to create awareness about the tourism potential and religious significance of the circuit and to address concerns about infrastructure, accommodation, tourist amenities, and the inflow of tourists to the area.

Addressing the delegates via a virtual connection, Ministry of Tourism GOI director general Manisha Saxena said: “Mahabharat is not just an epic but a way of life. Kurukshetra holds prominent significance in Mahabharat. Over the last few years, the Ministry of Tourism-GOI, in collaboration with Haryana Tourism, has undertaken large-scale development activities targeting better infrastructure and visitor facilities. Development of the Light & Sound Show and a museum at Jyotisar are a few of the latest developments”.

The regional director of North India, R K Suman, noted: “The whole idea behind hosting the conference and familiarisation tour was to showcase Kurukshetra’s rich spiritual heritage. Travel stakeholders from all over the country were invited to experience first-hand what Kurukshetra offers and then share it with their client base in their respective markets”.

While the conference recognised the Mahabharat Circuit holds immense tourism potential, delegates identified challenges that have hindered its growth and wider appeal beyond the domestic travel market.

Scattered locations 

The circuit spans multiple states, requiring efficient transportation infrastructure connecting diverse sites. Lack of well-developed road, rail, and air connectivity between certain points can deter tourists.

Low global recognition 

Compared to other religious and historical circuits, the Mahabharat Circuit lacks international awareness. Effective marketing campaigns targeting global audiences are crucial.

Lack of information

Inconsistent and fragmented information about specific sites and their significance can confuse tourists and limit planning. 

During the familiarisation trip, all the delegates visited important tourist places in Kurukshetra, Thanesar and Jyotisar. At the latter, delegates witnessed the Sound and Light Show and enjoyed visits to the Sri Krishna Museum, the Panorama, and the Science Museum.

Popular tourist places in Kurukshetra, Thanesar and Jyotisar

Religious & Mythological Significance

  • Brahma Sarovar: Sacred lake considered the site of creation by Brahma, associated with cleansing rituals.
  • Sannihit Sarovar: Another holy lake where Pandavas performed rituals before the Mahabharata war.
  • Krishna Museum: Houses artefacts and exhibits showcasing Lord Krishna’s life and the Mahabharata era.
  • Jyotisar: Where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna before the Kurukshetra battle.
  • Bhadrakali Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to the fierce form of Goddess Durga, attracts devotees seeking blessings.
  • Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva, with mythological significance.
  • Sheikh Chehli’s Tomb is the mausoleum of a Sufi saint known for its architectural beauty and serene atmosphere.

Historical & Archaeological Sites

  • Thanesar Archaeological Site Museum: Exhibits archaeological finds from the region, including artefacts from the Harappan and Mauryan eras.
  • Raja Karna ka Qila: Ruins of an ancient fort believed to be associated with the Kaurava king Karna.
  • Ancient Mound Amin: Archaeological site believed to be the location of Abhimanyu’s last stand during the Mahabharata war.
  • Pathar Masjid: The oldest mosque in Haryana, showcasing Indo-Islamic architectural style.

Other Interesting Attractions

  • Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre: Offers a 360-degree view of the Kurukshetra battlefield and interactive science exhibits.
  • Kalpana Chawla Memorial Planetarium: Dedicated to the Indian-American astronaut, featuring astronomy shows and space exhibits.
  • Bhor Saidan Crocodile Farm: Home to various Indian crocodile species, it offers educational tours and viewing opportunities.
  • Gurdwara Mastgarh: Historic Sikh shrine overlooking the Somb River, with beautiful architecture and religious significance.
  • Light and Sound Show at Jyotisar: A dramatic audiovisual presentation depicting the key events of the Mahabharata.
  • Kessel Mall: Bustling market area in Thanesar, offering local handicrafts, textiles, and street food.

What’s the Mahabharat Circuit

The Mahabharat Circuit, aimed at promoting tourism for sites significant to the epic Indian poem Mahabharata, encompasses several states and boasts a remarkable diversity of attractions. it offers a unique blend of historical, spiritual, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a passionate devotee of the epic or simply interested in Indian history and mythology, this journey captivates your imagination and leaves you with lasting memories.

(SOURCE: Press Information Bureau)

Sarawak refreshes PCMA pact plans

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 15 January 2024: Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak continues to work with the US-headquartered  Professional Convention Management Association to provide ongoing education and boost event business opportunities in Sarawak

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman led the state’s delegation to the “Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Convening Leaders 2024” gathering in San Diego, California, USA last week.

Photo credit: MTCP. Sarawak’s delegation met with the PCMA team during the recent Leaders 2024 gathering in San Diego, USA.

During the prestigious event, PCMA and MTCP refreshed plans and projects that are part of the original partnership pact inaugurated in 2020 to increase awareness of the legacy impact of business events.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also Minister of Youth, Sports & Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (MYSED), met with the PCMA president and chief executive officer (CEO) Sherrif Karamat and the association’s leadership team members to underscore the pact’s goals to support the development of business events in Sarawak.

PCMA and MTCP, through BESarawak, have a similar mission of aligning with the commitment to drive positive economic and social progress through business events. 

With 7,000 members worldwide, PCMA is an important international partner, and Sarawak is committed to exploring new markets and creating new business opportunities through the alliance.

PCMA’s leaders intend to expand collaboration to drive bigger results and make a positive difference in the business events landscape with its counterparts from Sarawak.

About PCMA

PCMA is a professional organisation representing the management of business events, conferences and conventions. It has over 8,400 members and branches in 37 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. PCMA was founded in 1956 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Tourism Malaysia woos Dutch travellers

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KUALA LUMPUR, 15 January 2024: Tourism Malaysia’s office in The Hague presented Malaysia to the Dutch market participating in the 53rd edition of the Vakantiebeurs Holiday Fair, 10 to 14 January 2024, at Jaarbeurs, Utrecht in the Netherlands.

Collaborating with co-exhibitors Sabah Tourism Board, Mike Bikes, and local tour operators Pangea Travel and Reisbrigade, Tourism Malaysia, presented Malaysia as a premier holiday destination for travel consumers visiting  Vakantiebeurs Holiday Fair.

The annual fair is the largest travel event in the Netherlands, drawing over 60,000 visitors. It opens with a dedicated trade day followed by four consumer days, offering a platform to elevate Malaysia as a preferred and safe destination for Dutch travellers.

Throughout the Vakantiebeurs fair, Malaysian food sampling and captivating cultural performances attracted visitors while focusing on Malaysia’s commitment to offering ecotourism and sustainable tourism options.

Tourism Malaysia presented new tourism products and destinations,emphasising the country’s rich biodiversity and vibrant local communities, highlighting niche tourism segments such as birdwatching packages, houseboat packages, and geo-tourism packages. Featured destinations included Perlis, Endau Rompin, and Sabah Tourism Board, which is home to the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark. The recognition of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark positions Sabah as the third place in the world to have a UNESCO Triple Crown Site.

On the trade-only day, the Tourism HE Roseli Abdul, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, attended the booth’s opening along with over 80 industry partners, including airlines, tour operators, travel agents, and travel media. 

In his speech to booth participants and travel partners, the ambassador commented: “The Netherlands is one of Malaysia’s essential markets in Europe after the UK, Germany, France, and Russia. 

“From January to October 2023, Malaysia received 58,014 tourists from the Netherlands. We are confident that we can restore Dutch tourists’ arrivals, average length of stay, and spending in Malaysia to pre-pandemic levels.”

Tourism Malaysia has set a target to welcome 27.3 million tourist arrivals and generate MYR102.7 billion in revenue for the year 2024 and is gearing up to Visit Malaysia Year in 2026 when the government targets 35.6 million foreign tourist arrivals.

Thailand raises safety standards

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BANGKOK, 15 January 2024: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in collaboration with the Tourist Police Bureau, Grab Taxi (Thailand), and Central Pattana (CPN), officially rolled out the latest “Thais Always Care” online communication campaign.

It presents a single message that visitors can feel safe and welcome in the country through TAT’s ‘Thais Always Care’ online communication campaign.

TAT governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, opens the ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign.

Commenting on the campaign, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said: “The ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign is an open communication with Thais and foreign tourists, especially those from China, which has been a key source market for Thailand. She added: “We want to share Thailand’s ongoing efforts to raise safety standards in the travel and tourism industry.”

TAT initially unveiled the campaign in December 2023 during a local press conference curated by the  Ministry of Tourism and Sports that claimed 12 public agencies would step up security during the festive season.

Under the campaign, the country’s Tourist Police stepped up the safety and security measures by using a Tourist Police mobile truck to communicate with tourists and promoting its ‘POLICE I LERT U’ application, which offers a 24-hour emergency call centre 1155 staffed by officers and volunteers fluent in English, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Korean, French, German, and Arabic.

CPN executive vice president of marketing, Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, commented on security measures.

“CPN is poised to become a comprehensive Tourist Hub. Therefore, we have strengthened safety measures covering the entire department store by installing CCTV cameras and implementing a strict inspection of visitors and vehicles and bag checks at the entrance. Also, security guards have consistently been trained to tackle emergencies and unprecedented incidents.”

The ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign will involve recruiting leading international ‘key opinion leaders’ to enhance the positive image of Thailand’s tourism assets and soft powers and reinforce Thailand’s image as a safe destination. The targeted audiences are local and foreign tourists, including Chinese travellers. TAT expects the campaign to garner 100 million impressions.

(SOURCE: TAT)

Air travel almost hits 2019 mark

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 January 2024: Globally, airline traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometres is now at 99.1% of November 2019 levels, the  International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports in its latest data for November 2023.

Total traffic in November 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometres or RPKs) rose 29.7% compared to November 2022. That is 99.1% of November 2019 levels.

International traffic rose 26.4% versus November 2022. The Asia-Pacific region continued to report the strongest year-over-year results (+63.8%), with all regions showing improvement compared to the previous year. November 2023, international RPKs reached 94.5% of November 2019 levels.

Domestic traffic for November 2023 was up 34.8% compared to November 2022. Total November 2023 domestic traffic was 6.7% above the November 2019 level. Growth was particularly strong in China (+272%) as it recovered from the Covid travel restrictions that were still in place a year ago. US domestic travel, benefitting from strong Thanksgiving holiday demand, reached a new high, expanding +9.1% over November 2019.

“We are moving ever closer to surpassing the 2019 peak year for air travel. Economic headwinds are not deterring people from taking to the skies. International travel remains 5.5% below pre-pandemic levels, but that gap is rapidly closing. And domestic markets have been above their pre-pandemic levels continuously since April,” said IATA’s director general Willie Walsh.

International Passenger Markets

Asia-Pacific airlines had a 63.8% rise in November traffic compared to November 2022, the region’s strongest year-over-year rate. Capacity rose 58.0%, and the load factor was up 2.9 percentage points to 82.6%.

European carriers’ November traffic climbed 14.8% versus November 2022. Capacity increased by 15.2%, and load factor declined by 0.3 percentage points to 83.3%.

Middle Eastern airlines saw an 18.6% traffic rise in November compared to November 2022. November capacity increased 19.0% versus the year-ago period, and the load factor fell 0.2 percentage points to 77.4%.

North American carriers experienced a 14.3% traffic rise in November versus 2022. Capacity increased by 16.3%, and the load factor fell 1.4 percentage points to 80.0%.

Latin American airlines’ November traffic rose 20.0% compared to the same month in 2022. November capacity climbed 17.7%, and the load factor increased 1.7 percentage points to 84.9%, the highest of any region.

African airlines had a 22.1% rise in November RPKs versus a year ago. November 2023 capacity was up 29.6%, and the load factor fell 4.3 percentage points to 69.7%, the lowest among regions.

The Bottom Line

“Aviation’s rapid recovery from Covid demonstrates just how important flying is to people and to businesses. In parallel with aviation’s recovery, governments recognised the urgency of transitioning from jet fuel to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for aviation’s decarbonisation. In November, the Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) saw governments agree that we should see 5% carbon savings by 2030 from SAF. This was followed up at COP28 in December, where governments agreed that we need a broad transition from fossil fuels to avoid the worst effects of climate change.  

“Airlines don’t need convincing. They agreed to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and every drop of SAF ever made in that effort has been bought and used. There simply is not enough SAF being produced. So we look to 2024 as the year when governments follow up on their declarations and finally deliver comprehensive policy measures to incentivise the rapid scaling-up of SAF production,” Walsh concluded.

The world’s top passports in 2024

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SINGAP0RE, 15 January 2024: An unprecedented six countries share the top spot with visa-free access to a record-breaking number of destinations on the 2024 Henley Passport Index. 

Based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the passports of six countries provide visa-free travel to 194 destinations.

Four EU member states — France, Germany, Italy, and Spain — join Japan and Singapore in boasting the most powerful passports in the world, with their citizens able to visit an astonishing 194 destinations out of 227 around the globe visa-free. 

The two Asian nations (Japan and Singapore) have dominated first place on the index (which ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa) for the past five years.

Henley & Partners chairman Christian Kaelin says that although the general trend over the 19-year-old ranking has been towards greater travel freedom, the global mobility gap at the top and bottom of the index is now more comprehensive than ever. 

“The average number of destinations travellers can access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, as we enter the new year, the top-ranked countries can now travel to a staggering 166 more destinations visa-free than Afghanistan, which sits at the bottom of the ranking with access to just 28 countries without a visa.”

South Korea in second place

Asian tiger South Korea joins Finland and Sweden in second place with visa-free travel to 193 destinations, and another four EU nations — Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and the Netherlands — share third place with access to 192. 

The rest of the Top 10 is largely dominated by European countries, with the UK climbing up two ranks to fourth place with visa-free access to 191 destinations compared to just 188 a year ago. Australia and New Zealand passport holders both improve their ranking to sit in sixth place with 189 visa-free destinations, while the US retains its seventh place with access to 188 destinations without requiring a visa in advance. It has been a decade since the UK and the US jointly held first place on the index in 2014.

Biggest climbers and fallers

The UAE remains the biggest climber on the Henley Passport Index over the past decade, adding an impressive 106 destinations to its visa-free score since 2014, resulting in a massive leap of 44 places in the ranking from 55th to 11th position.

Ukraine and China are also among the top five countries with the most improved rankings over the past 10 years (total gain of 21 places each), and both have climbed a further two ranks in the past year. Ukraine is now in 32nd place with 148 visa-free destinations, and China is 62nd on the ranking with access to 85 destinations without a prior visa (compared to just 44 in 2014). While Russia has seen a net gain of 24 destinations over the past decade, its visa-free score and ranking have barely shifted since 2017, and it now sits in 51st place with access to 119 destinations.

Vistara ramps up flights to Paris

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SINGAPORE, 15 January 2024: Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will start five weekly flights between Mumbai and Paris (CDG), effective 28 March 2024. 

The new long-haul route is in addition to Vistara’s five weekly flights between Delhi and Paris, launched in November 2021. This will be Vistara’s third long-haul route to European destinations originating from its Mumbai hub. The other two routes serve London and Frankfurt. 

Vistara will deploy a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Mumbai-Paris route, offering a three-class configuration. Bookings for the flights are being progressively opened on all channels, including Vistara’s website, mobile app, and through travel agents.

Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan said: “We are delighted to announce direct connectivity between Mumbai and Paris, our sixth route to Europe. The addition of this much-awaited connection is in line with our strategy to position Mumbai as a vital hub for international travel.”

The Paris direct flights launch with return fares starting at INR 49999 all-in.

About Vistara (TATA SIA Airlines Limited) 

TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). 

Accor confirms new signings in Asia

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SINGAPORE, 12 January 2024: Accor has confirmed adding several new properties to its Asia portfolio signed at the end of 2023, which continues the company’s commitment to growth and expansion. 

The new signings include additions to the Novotel, Mercure, and Ibis brands, reinforcing Accor’s position as a leader in the premium, midscale, and economy segments.  

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre.

New signings 

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre (Singapore) 

In collaboration with Worldwide Hotels Group, Singapore’s largest hotel operator, Accor is set to introduce the world’s largest Mercure hotel to Singapore – Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, boasting an impressive 989 keys and scheduled to open in Q1 2024. Located at 8 Club Street, this locally-inspired hotel seamlessly blends the historical charm of Chinatown with the dynamic energy of the Central Business District (CBD). 

Ibis Styles Subic (Philippines) 

Ibis Styles Subic, set to become the first international branded hotel in Subic, boasts a strategic location across from the Ayala Malls’ Harbor Point, making it easily accessible. Due to open in 2026, the 175-room property is a 10-minute walk from the Subic Bay Yacht Club and a 3-minute drive to SBMA Beach. 

Mercure Subic (Philippines) 

The 250-room Mercure Subic, poised to become the second international branded hotel in Subic, is situated adjacent to Ibis Styles Subic, at the heart of the Subic area and due to open in 2026. 

Mercure Rajahmundy City Centre (India) 

In collaboration with Compass Enterprise Private Limited, the 120-room Mercure Rajahmundry City Centre is located on the city’s main 100 Feet Road in downtown Rajahmundry, known for its bullion markets and Hindu pilgrimage sites.

Ibis Styles Mysuru (India) 

Set to become the inaugural ibis Styles in Mysuru, the cultural capital of Karnataka, India, the 130-room property is set to open its doors in Q1 2025. 

Novotel Bengaluru Airport Varun and Ibis Styles Bengaluru Airport Varun (India) 

Located in the KIADB Aerospace SEZ, Hardware & IT Park, North Bangalore, the two properties are close to the Bengaluru International Airport. Each property has 180 rooms, and guests can use the facilities at both hotels.  

Centara names Cosi Vientiane GM

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BANGKOK, 12 January 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a global hotel operator headquartered in Bangkok, announced this week the appointment of Pasin Nopsuwan as the general manager of COSI Vientiane Nam Phu.

Located in the Lao PDR capital, the property marks a significant milestone for the group’s COSI brand as the fourth hotel and its first overseas venture. The property will open in February 2024. 

 Pasin Nopsuwan

“Appointing Pasin as the general manager for COSI Vientiane Nam Phu signifies a strategic move for Centara Hotels & Resorts,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts chief executive officer Thirayuth Chirathivat. “His exceptional track record in driving revenue growth and his commitment to fostering collaborative environments align perfectly with COSI’s vision to cater to modern travellers seeking simplicity and freedom. We look forward to seeing his innovative approach enhance the guest experience at our first overseas COSI property.”

A graduate of the Swiss Hotel Management School, Pasin’s career spans more than two decades in the hospitality industry, and his extensive expertise in sales, marketing, and revenue management has been honed through pivotal roles across esteemed brands, including Centara and Accor.

“It is an honour to be named general manager of COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, and I am thrilled to take on the role of opening COSI’s first overseas venture,” commented Pasin. “The COSI concept is all about facilitating the lifestyle of our free-spirited guests, who crave the ultimate in freedom, flexibility and connectivity. I cannot wait to bring this to life in Laos, where travellers will welcome this fresh hotel experience.”

Located in the heart of Vientiane, Laos PDR, COSI Vientiane Nam Phu will offer a new way to stay in the Laotian capital. It features 95 rooms and signature facilities, such as the hip grab-and-go Cafe247, a vibrant social hub and a rooftop pool & terrace. 

For more information on COSI Vientiane Nam Phu, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/cosihotels/czvl 

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