HONG KONG, 1 March 2024: Once Resorts World One’s seasonal homeport deployment in Southeast Asia ends on 3 July, when the cruise ship will sail back to Hong Kong to commence its new summer homeport deployment from 12 July to 6 October 2024.
Resorts World Cruises will offer a variety of cruises from its Hong Kong homeport.
Eight six-day/five-night Okinawa Cruises departing Sundays to Naha and either Miyakojima or Ishigaki in Okinawa, Japan;
Five six-day/five-night Vietnam cruises to Hanoi (Halong Bay) and Danang with a port of call at Sanya in China.
Three-day/two-night weekend cruises departing Hong Kong on Fridays for those seeking that short getaway on the open seas.
“Resorts World One will have an exciting deployment these coming months, as she will leave Hong Kong for Southeast Asia at the end of May 2024. However, Hong Kong remains an important cruise hub, and we are delighted that Resorts World One will return in early July to launch its new season itineraries for vacationers departing from Hong Kong,” Resorts World Cruises president Michael Goh.
SINGAPORE, 1 March 2024: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its 2023 Annual Safety Report for global aviation this week, with several parameters showing “best-ever” results.
Aviation continues to make progress on safety. There were no hull losses or fatal accidents involving passenger jet aircraft in 2023. However, there was a single fatal accident involving a turboprop aircraft, resulting in 72 fatalities. There were 37 million aircraft movements in 2023 (jet and turboprop), an increase of 17% on the previous year.
Photo credit: IATA.
Report highlights
The all-accident rate was 0.80 per million sectors in 2023 (one accident for every 1.26 million flights), an improvement from 1.30 in 2022 and the lowest rate in over a decade. This rate outperformed the five-year (2019-2023) rolling average of 1.19 (an average of one accident for every 880,293 flights).
The fatality risk improved to 0.03 in 2023 from 0.11 in 2022 and 0.11 for the five years, 2019-2023. At this level of safety, on average, a person would have to travel by air every day for 103,239 years to experience a fatal accident.
IATA member airlines and IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registered airlines experienced no fatal accidents in 2023.
A single fatal accident occurred in 2023 on a turboprop aircraft, resulting in 72 fatalities. That was reduced from five fatal accidents in 2022 and an improvement on the five-year average (2019-2023) of five.
“2023 safety performance continues to demonstrate that flying is the safest mode of transport. Aviation places its highest priority on safety, and that shows in its 2023 performance. Jet operations saw no hull losses or fatalities. 2023 also saw the lowest fatality risk and ‘all accident’ rate on record. A single fatal turboprop accident with 72 fatalities, however, reminds us that we can never take safety for granted. Two high-profile accidents in the first month of 2024 show that, even if flying is among the safest activities a person can do, there is always room to improve. This is what we have done throughout our history. And we will continue to make flying ever safer,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.
Regional Safety Performance
The 2023 all-accident rate improved compared to 2022 for all regions except North America and Asia Pacific. No regions experienced a jet hull loss in 2023. Asia-Pacific recorded a fatal turboprop hull loss, a loss-of-control accident in Nepal in January 2023, with 72 fatalities. Consequently, all regions except Asia-Pacific recorded a fatality risk of zero in 2023.
North America: The all-accident rate rose from 0.53 per million sectors in 2022 to 1.14 in 2023 but remained better than its 5-year average for the region of 1.21. The largest proportion of accidents in 2023 were related to landing gear collapses.
Asia-Pacific: The all-accident rate increased from 0.56 per million sectors in 2022 to 0.78 in 2023 but was better than the 5-year average for the region of 1.06. The fatality risk rate per million sectors rose for Asia-Pacific operators from 0.00 in 2022 to 0.16, owing to the fatal accident in Nepal in January 2023, which was due to loss of control in flight.
Africa: The all-accident rate improved from 10.88 per million sectors in 2022 to 6.38 in 2023, better than the five-year average of 7.11. In 2023, there were no fatalities. This region has had no jet hull losses or fatal accidents since 2020. Additionally, 2023 marked the fifth occurrence of Africa reporting zero fatal turboprop accidents, with the first instance recorded in 2015. Under the Focus Africa initiative, IATA introduced CASIP to enhance aviation safety in Africa. CASIP efforts continue to partner with states to increase the implementation of ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). The Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) as well as AFI Regional Aviation Safety Plan for Effective Implementation (EI) of ICAO ISARPs have increased the minimum SARPs implementation threshold to 75% or greater (from 60%). Only 12 of Africa’s 54 states meet this new threshold, indicating the need for significant improvements.
Middle East and North Africa: The all-accident rate improved from 1.30 accidents per million sectors in 2022 to 1.16 in 2023 and was also better than its 5-year average of 0.96. While no accidents were related to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, it has emerged as a critical area of concern in the region.
Commonwealth of Independent States: The all-accident rate improved from 2.16 accidents per million sectors in 2022 to 1.09 in 2023. This rate is better than the region’s 5-year average of 3.19 accidents per million sectors. (CIS sectors may undergo larger revisions than normal once actual flown sectors become available. This will affect accident rate as well as fatality risk calculation.)
Europe: The all-accident rate improved from 0.98 per million sectors in 2022 to 0.48 accidents in 2023. This rate is better than the region’s 5-year average of 0.77 accidents per million sectors. The region has had a fatality risk of zero since 2018. The largest proportion of accidents were related to landing gear collapses.
North Asia: The all-accident rate improved from 0.45 accidents per million sectors in 2022 to 0.00 in 2023. This was better than the region’s 5-year average of 0.16 accidents per million sectors. The fatality risk rate improved from 0.23 in 2022 to 0.00 in 2023.
Latin America and Caribbean: In 2023, the region reversed an increase in accidents from the previous year. The all-accident rate per million sectors improved from 4.47 in 2022 to 0.37 in 2023, better than the 5-year average of 1.91.
BANGKOK, 29 February 2024: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has announced that it will officially reopen its iconic Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel in September 2024.
Situated in the exact prime location as the original property, which graced the Bangkok skyline from 1970 to 2019, this highly anticipated, reimagined version of Dusit’s luxury flagship hotel promises to deliver a fresh take on its predecessor’s esteemed heritage and once again stand as a beacon of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality for discerning travellers from all around the world.
To meet the demands of modern guests, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel has been meticulously reconstructed to offer an opulent accommodation experience, elevating the already high standards established by the original property. With fewer rooms (257 versus the original’s 517), the newly built 39-storey hotel offers ample space for guests, including deluxe rooms and elegant suites exquisitely crafted by internationally acclaimed Asian interior design firm, André Fu Studio, starting at an impressive 50 sq m.
Envisaged by Architects 49 International Limited and OMA Asia Hong Kong Limited, a division of the esteemed Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to architecture and urban planning, the hotel’s distinctive architecture and thoughtful layout further elevate the sense of space. A singular corridor floorplan ensures every room faces the green expanse of Lumpini Park, with guests enjoying uninterrupted scenic views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. This unique design feature, complemented by elegantly designed window seating, seamlessly blends the tranquillity of nature with the modern luxury within.
Since it opened in 1970, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok boasted one of the city’s largest, most elegant ballrooms. The new version of the hotel continues this tradition with expansive banqueting and meeting facilities spanning over 5,000 sq m. This includes one of the largest grand ballrooms in Bangkok, with a high ceiling, a panoramic view of Lumpini Park, and a diverse selection of meeting spaces for small to large-scale events.
The hotel will soon announce an exciting line-up of food and beverage outlets, including elevated dining experiences created by renowned chefs and a stylish multi-level rooftop bar.
Reflecting Dusit’s commitment to holistic well-being, Dusit’s signature wellness concept, Devarana Wellness, will also introduce a unique urban sanctuary concept designed to offer bespoke wellness experiences for guests, visitors, and locals alike. Full details of the hotel’s wellness offerings and exciting culinary concepts will be revealed closer to its reopening date.
As part of its design, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok proudly integrates signature elements from the original property that were thoughtfully removed and preserved for use as part of the new building. This includes the original property’s signature golden spire, recently returned as part of the new property’s topping-off ceremony, and precious artworks by renowned local artists. The original property’s distinctive, handcrafted teakwood décor and various historical ornaments have also been incorporated into the new build.
Suphajee Suthumpun.
“The new Dusit Thani Bangkok is more than just a hotel; it’s a testament to our commitment to evolving with the times and leveraging our heritage to create unforgettable experiences for the future,” said Dusit International Group CEO Suphajee Suthumpun.
“By blending tradition with innovation, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok has been carefully designed to surprise and delight long-time fans of the original hotel and new generations of travellers alike. This reimagined landmark also serves as a blueprint for exciting new services and experiences across Dusit Hotels and Resorts worldwide.”
Dusit Thani Bangkok managing director Adrian Rudin added: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to spearhead the return of this legendary hotel in the heart of Bangkok. For nearly five decades, the original Dusit Thani Bangkok stood as a cornerstone of the community, crafting cherished moments and unforgettable memories for countless guests. This is a new chapter, where heritage seamlessly blends with modernity, ensuring every guest encounters the extraordinary.”
The new Dusit Thani Bangkok is located at the heart of Dusit Central Park, a landmark THB46 billion mixed-use development also comprising ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a high-end retail centre, and an 11,200 sq m Roof Park. These additional components are expected to open gradually in 2025.
Bookings for the new Dusit Thani Bangkok will open 1 May 2024 on dusit.com, allowing early-bird bookers to be the first to experience the new property when it opens in September.
To stay updated on the hotel’s debut, sign up for Dusit Gold through dusit.com/signup
LANGKAWI Malaysia, 29 February 2024: Asia’s aviation and airline executives are meeting this week in Langkawi as the Langkawi Development Authority pulls out all the stops to make Routes Asia 2024 a milestone event for Malaysia’s premier tourism island.
In a statement welcoming 1,000 delegates, LADA described the high-powered event that brings airline and airport executives together to forge new air links as “a momentous event that will put this wonderful island on the world tourism map.”
Routes Asia 2024 opened on Tuesday at the island’s Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), giving Team Langkawi a unique opportunity to showcase the island’s expertise in hosting major events. The show continues through Thursday, 29 February.
Routes Asia 2024 was inaugurated by the honourable YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia.
Approximately 1,000 delegates from 60 nations are engaging in around 3,500 appointments over the three days of no-nonsense business discussions that will result in more direct air links between countries in Asi and building seamless connectivity for travellers. To that end, top executives involved in flight schedules from 110 airlines are engaged in serious business talks with their key counterparts representing 170 airports and destinations. On the sidelines of the business appointments, 30 industry experts are participating in a conference.
For Routes Asia, the primary goal is to grow air services in the Asia Pacific region. However, the business sessions also underscore the vast potential to expand air links from hub cities in Asia to Langkawi based on incentives offered by the destination and airport authorities. LADA comes to the business sessions with attractive incentives to support airlines ready to launch direct services to the island.
“Routes Asia stands tall as a credible engagement platform for airlines, tourism authorities, government agencies and aviation-related organisations in the region to convene, exchange information and discuss strategies concerning the expansion of air service networks.”
Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and its strategic partners Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Tourism Malaysia’s winning bid to host Routes Asia 2024 was announced by the organiser Informa Markets during the 2022 event held in Danang, Vietnam. In 2025, the event will be hosted by Perth, Australia.
SYDNEY, 29 February 2024: Flight Centre Travel Group achieved an AUD106 million underlying profit before tax (PBT) for the half year to 31 December 2023.
The leisure business’s AUD60 million underlying PBT exceeded pre-pandemic levels and was: • Circa 30-times the AUD2 million FY23 first half (1H) result; • Double the AUD30 million FY19 1H underlying PBT.
Underlying corporate PBT increased 53% to AUD93 million during another period of healthy, organic growth and ahead of the Productive Operations initiative’s benefits being realised.
Total transaction value (TTV) increased 15% to AUD11.3 billion, delivering FCTG’s second-strongest start to a year (behind only the FY20 1H).
Corporate TTV increased 16.8% to a record AUD5.9 billion as the business again achieved new sales milestones and comfortably outpaced the broader corporate travel sector’s recovery.
Leisure TTV increased 18% to AUD5.2 billion, with scale benefits achieved across a diverse mass market, including luxury, complementary, and independent brand ranges.
FCM managing director Asia Bertrand Saillet commented: “Asia has continued to outperform, with a significant 44% increase in revenue, fuelled by strong performance across Southeast Asia, India, and the re-opening of China.
Our strategic decisions to consolidate and focus on our core business offerings, investments in technology, and leveraging Global Business Solutions to increase automation, operational efficiencies, and productivity have contributed to our success.
With new account wins and strong customer retention rates of 98 per cent, FCM Travel has become the preferred travel management company providing business travellers with a ‘Glocal’ travel experience.”
Flight Centre Travel Group global corporate CEO Chris Galanty noted: “Our corporate businesses have had a strong start to H1 of FY24 globally, contributing 52% of Flight Centre Travel Group’s total transaction value, with our proven organic growth model again delivering record overall sales.
“We’ve also achieved new milestones in the four geographic regions of Australia and New Zealand, the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
“These record results, built on high customer retention rates and large volumes of new account wins, were achieved in a sector that has only recovered to circa 70% of pre-Covid transaction volume levels, pointing to our healthy market-share growth.
“At the end of January 2024, our corporate brands had secured new accounts with projected annual spends of circa AUD1.3 billion, with FCM Travel typically winning customers from competitors and Corporate Traveller securing a mix of unmanaged and smaller, managed accounts.”
HONG KONG, 29 February 2024: Marriott International announced Tuesday the expansion of travel benefits in its award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, through a collaboration with Cathay’s Membership programme.
Eligible members will access both programmes’ membership benefits through limited status match offers and accelerated points earning via seamless two-way conversion between Miles and Points.
The strengthened partnership provides Marriott International access to Cathay’s extensive membership base, surpassing 11 million members globally. The airline members are connected with an unparalleled portfolio of nearly 8,800 hotels and resorts globally, which span over 30 leading brands from Marriott Bonvoy.
As of Wednesday, 28 February, Marriott Bonvoy and Cathay members can enjoy many benefits and privileges, such as hotel stay redemptions, two-way points transfer, and enhanced flight and travel package experiences.
Reciprocal benefits
Elevating two-way points conversion: Marriott Bonvoy Points can be mutually exchanged with Asia Miles from Cathay to unlock more exclusive member privileges. With the 2-way conversion programme, three Marriott Bonvoy points can be converted to one Asia Mile, and two Asia Miles can become one Marriott Bonvoy point. Marriott Bonvoy members can transfer their Points to Miles and redeem flight tickets, extra baggage, priority seats, and other travel experiences when they travel with Cathay Pacific.
Limited Time Offer – Fast track to accelerated status upgrades: The partnership enables members to upgrade their status through accelerated and discounted pathways for a limited time. Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members can accelerate to Cathay Silver or Gold status, depending on their membership tier. Meanwhile, Cathay Silver, Gold, and Diamond members can accelerate to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status.
Limited Time Offer – Status matching: Members will have the chance to status match their Marriott Bonvoy and Cathay membership tiers and expand their access to exclusive benefits and offers. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum/Titanium/Ambassador Elite members will be matched to the Cathay Silver membership tier, subject to a limited quota. Cathay Silver/Gold/Diamond members can enjoy equivalent Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status.
SINGAPORE, 29 February 2024: Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore welcomes Ken Yong as its new general manager as the hotel looks forward to elevating the guest experience.
Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore, located at OUE Downtown in Singapore’s business district, is known for its innovative apart-hotel model, providing contemporary and flexible living spaces that cater to the needs of both short and extended stays.
Socially and locally driven, its ‘aparthotel’ model lets guests enjoy their own custom living space in 268 fully serviced apartments alongside multiple touchpoints to interact with the local environment.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Dao by Dorsett family as General Manager and to lead this vibrant aparthotel concept in the heart of Singapore. Dao by Dorsett has a unique identity in the hospitality landscape, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success as a model for the future,” said Yong.
Yong served as the pre-opening general manager at The Pines Melaka, and then before joining Dao by Dorsett AMTD Singapore, he served as the general manager for Dorsett Singapore.
PHUKET, 28 FEBRUARY 2024: As the travel fervour stoked by the recently-concluded Chinese New Year cools down, travel platform Trip.com featured its “Super World Trip BOSS Live” livestream show in Phuket on 28 February.
The latest edition made a stop in Phuket ahead of the Songkran festival, collaborating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which featured deals on flights, hotels, accommodations and tour packages to Thailand.
The bargains included top hotels in popular destinations such as the livestream venue Katathani Phuket Beach Resort. It offered a discount of over 70%.
The livestream was the second hosted by Trip.com in Thailand this year, with the first session on 31 January achieving a total Gross Merchandise Value of more than THB200 million.
The Songkran festival season deals come hot on the heels of the popular Chinese New Year travel period, which saw 194,275 travellers from China visiting Thailand during the week of 5-11 February 2024 – the largest group of visitors from any country in that week.
These numbers further entrench China as Thailand’s top source of tourists in the year to date, thanks to the visa-free travel policy enacted by the Thai authorities last September. The visa-free policy will be made permanent and mutual on 1 March.
With more Chinese travellers opting to head to Thailand thanks to the convenience of visa-free travel and the delectable cuisine and breathtaking landscapes, the Land of Smiles has seen 4.4 million tourists visit this year, a 48% spike compared to last year. The government aims to hit 35 million visitors in 2024, with Chinese tourists projected to make up some 8 million — or more than one-fifth — of that target.
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 February 2024: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) announced this week has recruited the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) as its official airline partner and premier sponsor for the MATTA Fair scheduled for 22 to 24 March at MITEC Kuala Lumpur.
MAG is made up of Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, AMAL and MASwings.
From left to right: Syazwan Ahmad Sabri, Head of Airlines Global Sales; Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer, Airline Business; Nigel Wong, President of MATTA; Sheikh Awadh, Deputy President of MATTA.
MATTA, in its press statement, described the collaboration as a “great partnership to enhance the MATTA Fair experience for visitors through easy access to Malaysia’s premier airlines’ offers and a diverse range of products and services.”
The dedicated Malaysia Aviation Group pavilion will be located at the travel show’s Level 3.
MATTA president Nigel Wong said: “We are thrilled to once again join forces with Malaysia Aviation Group’s airlines for the MATTA Fair. Their partnership and support add significant value to the Fair and underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving demands of our valued consumers at the MATTA Fair.
During the MATTA Fair, MAG’s airlines will offer up to 30% off on airfares to domestic and international destinations within its network. This exclusive offer is valid from 22 to 24 March 2024 via the physical Fair and on the airlines’ online platforms from 21 March 2024 for travel from 21 March 2024 to 15 December 2024.
In addition, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings will also offer up to 25% off on ancillary products, including seat selection, extra baggage, and more. Members of Malaysia Airlines’ award-winning travel and lifestyle loyalty programme, Enrich, will also enjoy 5% off their bookings, five times EnrichMoney points for EnrichMoney users and 50% Bonus Enrich Points on Malaysia Airlines flights during this period.
In addition, travel show buyers can also look forward to the much-awaited Buyers Contest, where the group’s airlines will offer 30 return tickets, including business class tickets to London and Ahmedabad, India, and economy class tickets to China and Vietnam.
The 54th edition of the MATTA Fair will be Malaysia’s biggest consumer travel and holidays fair, attracting an average of 150,000 visitors in its previous show in 2023. The MATTA is renowned as the “much-awaited travel and holidays fair” by the consumer and is the “highly-in-demand” platform for industry stakeholders and players to showcase, market and sell their packages and offerings to the consumers.
MATTA Fair is free to attend from 1000 to 2100 over three consecutive days, from Friday, 22 March to Sunday, 24 March. MATTA has collaborated with local authorities to manage traffic flow to provide easier travel to MITEC and reduce potential traffic congestion.
As part of these efforts, MATTA offers free shuttle services with a regular frequency from key locations – KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall directly to MITEC and back. This free shuttle service provides visitors with convenient transportation to MITEC for the Fair. MATTA would like to encourage all to use the free shuttle service to MITEC and back.
MATTA and MITEC are providing Muslim visitors and exhibitors dedicated F&B facilities and services for “buka puasa” at various locations at the venue and dedicated prayer halls at Hall 5.
For the latest information updates, visit the MATTA Fair’s website and social media platforms on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or subscribe to the new Telegram channels @MATTA_Fair.
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 February 2024: AirAsia continues to build its flight network between Malaysia and India with 14 routes group-wide and plans to expand to more Indian cities.
It will introduce flights to Jaipur commencing on 21 April, to Visakhapatnam on 26 April and Ahmedabad on 1 May 2024.
AirAsia’s robust network of destinations has enabled more than 5 million guests to fly between India, Malaysia and beyond in the last six years alone, and this figure has seen a spike following the government’s announcement of visa-free entry for Indian citizens visiting Malaysia.
AirAsia flies directly from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to 14 cities in all of India. From Kuala Lumpur, the airline flies 56 flights weekly on short-haul airline AirAsia Malaysia (AK) to the cities of Trivandrum, Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Medium haul affiliate AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) also provides two direct routes from New Delhi and Amritsar to Kuala Lumpur with eight weekly flights. From Bangkok, AirAsia operates 50 flights weekly to Guwahati & Lucknow via Thai AirAsia (FD).
AirAsia Aviation Group Limited CEO Bo Lingam commented: “We are proud to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to democratise air travel by making it accessible to a broader audience in one of our biggest markets to date ‒ India. AirAsia believes in making the dream of flying a reality for everyone. Our enhanced connectivity to India is a testament to our dedication to inclusivity, ensuring that air travel is within reach for people from all walks of life. More than two decades ago, AirAsia started our humble journey of pioneering low-cost travel in the region, back when such a concept was a dream many thought was impossible. And here we are today, flying to several routes in India from major hubs and counting.”
AirAsia offers promotional fares to celebrate the expansion in India, starting from MYR249 all-in-one-way for flights to all* its destinations from its Kuala Lumpur hub. The promo runs until 10 March 2024. The travel period will end on 30 November 2024.
