MANILA, 4 December 2023: Clark International Airport (CRK) has been honoured as one of the world’s most beautiful airports this year, earning the prestigious Prix Versailles, the World Architecture and Design Award of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Commenting on the accolade, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco commented: “This prestigious award received by CRK not only reflects the aesthetic grandeur of the Clark International Airport but also showcases the Philippines as a destination that values both function and beauty in its infrastructure.”
Photo credit: Clark International Airport.
“The DOT is committed to continuing our dedication to pushing for the improvement of our transport infrastructures in collaboration with other government agencies with the comfort and convenience of the traveling public on top of our mind,” added the tourism secretary.
Other airports in Asia included in the Ninth edition list are Beijing Daxing International Airport in China, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in China, Kempegowda International Airport in India, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport in China, and Van Don International Airport in Vietnam.
As a regional gateway, Clark International Airport can serve up to 8 million passengers annually. There are international flights from Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. Currently, the airport handles flights to major tourist destinations destinations such as Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa and Busuanga (Palawan), Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, General Santos, and Cagayan de Oro.
BANGKOK, 4 December 2023: Thai Airways International launched its daily flight from Bangkok to Istanbul, Turkey, on 2 December and increased the list of codeshare flights on Turkish Airlines that TG passengers can connect with on arrival in Istanbul.
The maiden flight (TG900) of Thai Airlines International used an Airbus A350-900XWB with 322 seats for the inaugural flight.
Flight TG900 departed Bangkok at 2345 and arrived at Istanbul International Airport (IST) at 0605 on the following morning. The return flight TG901 departed IST at 1630 and arrived in Bangkok at 0535 (the following morning).
THAI returned to Istanbul after a gap of 26 years. It stopped serving the destination in October 1997.
More codeshares with Turkish
Meanwhile, effective 1 December, THAI and Turkish Airlines have expanded their codeshare partnership to allow THAI passengers to connect with Turkish Airlines routes beyond Istanbul. The list now includes the following Turkish Airlines flights, enabling travellers to ticket the entire end-to-end journey with seamless connections and baggage transfer to the final destinations on the codeshare flights.
THAI codeshare flights operated by Turkish Airlines beyond Istanbul.
Istanbul – Ankara Istanbul – Antalya Istanbul – Atlanta Istanbul – Boston Istanbul – Brussels Istanbul – Geneva Istanbul – Izmir Istanbul – Lisbon Istanbul – Miami Istanbul – New York JFK Istanbul – Porto Istanbul – Washington Dulles
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 December 2023: Batik Air will launch direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Melbourne (MEL) on 20 December 20, 2023.
A wide-body A330 will offer seasonal flights from 20 December to 6 February to cater to the rising demand for travel to Australia during the peak holiday and travel season.
Photo credit: Batik Air
Flight OD175 will take off from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) four times weekly – Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1820 and arrive in Melbourne at 0515 (local time) the following day.
The return Flight OD176, will fly Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, departing from Melbourne at 0645 and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 1210.
Melbourne serves as a prominent Australian VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) travel hub, earning its place in Batik Air’s expanding portfolio, which includes other major cities in Australia, such as Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane.
Batik Air also provides direct flights connecting Kuala Lumpur to Adelaide and Perth. It also serves Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth via Denpasar. Additionally, Batik Air operates to Auckland via Perth.
Batik Air offers special promotional fares starting from MYR799, all-inclusive one-way economy class tickets. The booking window is open to 15 December 2023, and travel is from 20 December to 31 January 2023.
HO CHI MINH CITY, 4 December 2023: Vietjet Air inaugurated a new route connecting Ho Chi Minh City In Vietnam with Shanghai in China, on 1 December, but travellers must wait until 5 December for the first commercial flight.
A search on Skyscanner shows daily direct flights on the Ho Chi Minh City-Shanghai route are bookable from 5 December, with the lowest one-way fare pegged at USD81.
(From left to right) Wei Huaxiang, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Thanh Son, Vietjet Vice President, Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City, performed the inaugurating ceremony for the new route.
Using an A321, Flight VJ3900 will depart daily from Ho Chi Minh City at 1630 and arrive at Shanghai at 2130. Flight time is four hours. Flight VJ3901 will depart Shanghai at 2300 and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 0245.
The direct flight is not showing up on all booking sites, and even the airline’s official booking site showed no booking dates available for December.
China Eastern is the main competitor offering direct flights from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City, with its lowest fare pegged at USD147 one-way. The flight departs Ho Chi Minh City at 0210 and arrives in Shanghai at 0700
Shanghai is one of the largest economic and financial hubs in China. In 2022, Shanghai’s GDP reached 4.465 trillion Chinese yuan (663 billion USD), with a population of 24.76 million residents.
Vietjet has operated services between Vietnam and China since 2014, with the first routes connecting Chinese visitors to popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, including Nha Trang, Danang, and Phu Quoc.
(Source flight information: Google Flights, Skyscanner).
SINGAPORE, 4 December 2023: Vistara inaugurated daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Bali on 1 December and confirmed it will start flights from Mumbai to Doha on 15 December.
The inaugural flight, operated on Vistara’s A321LR aircraft, commenced from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, at 0030 on 1 December 2023 and arrived at Denpasar International Airport, Bali (DPS) at 1105.
Vistara’s A321LR has a three-class seating configuration and offers in-seat power/USB charging ports, a state-of-the-art In-flight entertainment system, live TV and onboard Wi-Fi.
Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan commented: “Bali is one of the most coveted holiday havens for travellers in India. We are excited to be the only airline currently to launch direct connectivity between Delhi and Bali. Given India and Indonesia’s close commercial and cultural ties, Bali has also rapidly grown to be a key destination for corporate travel and MICE. We are excited to bring the Best Airline in India and South Asia to Bali and are confident that Vistara, with its world-class product and services, will be a much-preferred choice for customers travelling on this new route.”
Schedule for Delhi-Bali route
New direct flight to Doha
Doha becomes Vistara’s 50th destination, with four weekly direct flights from Mumbai scheduled to start on 15 December. Return fares from India start at INR 30599 all-in, or QAR1349 if purchased in Doha. Flights are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
SINGAPORE 1 December 2023: BWH Hotels, a global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, has announced the signing of The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection by Best Western in Qyat Nhon on Vietnam’s central coast
Located in the centre of Quy Nhon, a seafront city in Vietnam’s Binh Dinh province, the upscale hotel will comprise one high-rise tower (Tower A) of a new mixed-use development overlooking the ocean.
Photo credit: BWH.
The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection is set to become a new landmark in Quy Nhon on the doorstep of the city’s downtown offices, attractions and beaches. Binh Dinh’s natural and cultural sights are also within easy reach, including Hon Kho Island, Ky Co Beach, Ong Nui Temple and Thap Doi Towers. Phu Cat Airport, which is just 30 km away, is served by scheduled flights to and from major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The Sailing Quy Nhon, BW Premier Collection joins BWH Hotel’s expanding portfolio of hotels and resorts in Vietnam, which currently comprises five operating properties – Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha Long, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Sonasea Villas Phu Quoc, Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang, and Caravelle Saigon, a member of the WorldHotels Elite.
SINGAPORE, 1 December 2023: Malaga has been experiencing a cultural upheaval in the past few years. The birthplace of Pablo Picasso, it has some of the most interesting ‘last-decade museums’. Daring street art has sprung up in neighbourhoods like the Barrio de las Artes. You’ll probably wish you had more time to really explore the capital of the Costa del Sol, but it’s the perfect excuse to go back another time.
DAY 1 For your first day in Malaga, explore the old town centre, with stops at the most important museums and sights.
A walk around the historic centre
Kick off the morning on the city’s most iconic street, Calle Larios, a lively and bustling pedestrianised shopping area to give you a taste of Malaga’s great atmosphere. If you’re here at Christmas, be sure to see the amazing light and music show on this street.
A 5-minute walk brings you to the Cathedral or Basílica de la Encarnación, called “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) because construction stopped before the southern tower could be finished, leaving it asymmetrical. A visit to the cathedral roof, nearly 50 metres up, is a must. Back at street level, you can enjoy the charming Calle de San Agustín, a street bringing you to the Picasso Museum Malaga, with over 230 works by the city’s most famous son.
Local dishes and centuries of history
Your next stop might be La Alcazaba, the fortress-palace the Muslim governors built on Mount Gibralfaro in the 11th century. At its feet, there is a Roman theatre, which was in use until the 3rd century CE.
This is a great place for lunch, with unspoiled traditional eating houses nearby, such as El Pimpi. You can have the traditional post-lunch coffee in the sunshine at one of the pavement cafés in Plaza de la Merced. Just off this square is a very special location, the Picasso Foundation and Birthplace Museum. This is the house where Picasso was born and spent his childhood. Very close by is the church of Santiago, where Picasso was baptised.
Sunset from a castle
Do you remember La Alcazaba, which we suggested seeing before lunch? You probably noticed that the palace is connected to a castle, the Castillo de Gibralfaro. There is one entrance for both buildings.
If you don’t have a car, the best way to get up the hill to the castle is to catch a number 35 bus on Paseo del Parque. Once you arrive, there is a visitors’ centre where you can learn about the castle’s history. But the best thing it offers is the fabulous views over the city, the Bay of Malaga and La Malagueta bullring.
DAY 2 We’re right on the Mediterranean, so today you can get to know the seaside city. Before you hit the beach, we suggest exploring Malaga’s more modern and rebellious side. This neighbourhood is known as Barrio de las Artes, the city’s street art centre. The area between Avenida de la Alameda Principal and the dock at Muelle Heredia is where you’ll find CAC Málaga – the Malaga Contemporary Art Centre. A former wholesale market display works by Juan Muñoz, Tony Cragg and Sigmar Polke. While you’re here, you could have breakfast in one of the cosy local cafés.
On the seafront
One of Malaga’s most popular areas to visit is the Pedragalejo Esplanade. It’s a little way out of the city, but you can get there on a number 11 or 34 bus. This area is famous for its snack bars on the beach and restaurants next to the sea. This is the time to try boquerones (fresh anchovies), fritura malagueña (mixed fried fish) and especially espetos de sardinas (sardines on a skewer), a classic local dish. As you walk around, you’ll notice little boats full of sand, where the fires are made for charcoal-grilling the sardines.
Afternoon on Paseo de la Farola and Muelle 1
Back in the city, you can stick with the seaside theme with a visit to Malagueta Beach. Next to it is Muelle 1, a shopping and leisure area where you can take the opportunity to buy a souvenir. It’s also home to one of the city’s new landmarks, a giant coloured cube, the Centre Pompidou Malaga, with works by Francis Bacon, Alexander Calder, and Marc Chagall.
Alternatively, go back towards Muelle 2 and stroll along El Palmeral de las Sorpresas to get back to the old town centre. In this harbour area, there is an enormous Ferris wheel, 70 metres tall, which makes for a great viewing point.
(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)
MALDIVES, 1 December 2023: OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort has unveiled its version of barefoot luxury travel, allowing its guests to bask in their secluded haven – the exquisite Lonubo private island.
Situated just 200 metres from OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, Lonubo boasts lush palm-covered landscapes and promises an exclusive retreat with unparalleled tranquillity and privacy for an unforgettable experience.
“With a private island at their disposal, OUTRIGGER guests can elevate the castaway beach experience to unprecedented heights,” affirms the resort’s general manager, John Allanson. “Our commitment to privacy and exclusivity, coupled with luxurious touches, ensures an experience beyond compare.”
Upon arrival at Lonubo via a private boat transfer, couples are welcomed to their private paradise equipped with sun loungers, plush beanbags, sunshades, towels and light refreshments for a four-hour escape into unparalleled bliss.
For those seeking to elevate their experience, an optional gourmet picnic awaits, complete with a curated setup and a selection of delectable food and beverages tailored to their preferences. Romantic evenings can be further enhanced with a starlit barbecue beach dinner featuring a private chef and waiter, ensuring an indulgent barefoot wining and dining experience.
As the sun sets, guests can choose optional enhancements such as an open log fire, tantalising canapés paired with Taittinger Brut Reserve champagne and a private movie screening featuring the film of their choice.
For culinary connoisseurs, the resort’s chef recommends the ultimate surf and turf dinner – a lavish feast featuring a one-kilo Maldivian lobster and 500g of black Angus tenderloin steak, expertly grilled to perfection by the dedicated chef on Lonubo.
A detailed brochure outlining the exquisite Lonubo Island private experience is available for interested guests.
To make this dream-like experience a reality, OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is pleased to offer exclusive savings and value-added promotions until 4 December 2023 as part of the resort’s CYBER Sale promotions.
Visit OUTRIGGER.com to seize this exceptional opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime escape.
SINGAPORE, 1 December 2023: The Lufthansa Group is extending its Green Fares with this sustainable product offered for the first time on 12 long-haul routes.
As a first step, the fare is being tested on 12 selected routes, starting with the Bangkok-Vienna route on 30 November.
The selection of routes includes connections between the Lufthansa Group hubs and various destinations worldwide. The Lufthansa Group also offers Green Fares for routes with connecting flights.
This broad selection addresses different target groups. For example, Frankfurt – Bengaluru, Brussels – Kinshasa, or Zurich – Los Angeles are offered from the Lufthansa Group hubs. Anyone booking flights with Lufthansa Group airlines, for example, from London to Hong Kong or Paris to Bangkok via the airlines’ hubs, will also automatically be shown the Green Fares tariff.
In February, the Lufthansa Group successfully introduced Green Fares for routes within Europe and to North Africa, and more and more customers are booking the offer. Since the launch, 500,000+ passengers have opted for a Green Fares flight.
CO2 compensation portfolio
The fare includes full offsetting of individual, flight-related CO2 emissions with just one click through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and a contribution to high-quality climate protection projects.
With SAF, a reduction of 10% of CO2 emissions is achieved, while the remaining 90% is offset through climate protection projects. The Lufthansa Group ensures that the amount of SAF required for offsetting is fed into the airport infrastructure within six months of purchase. As a so-called “drop-in” fuel, SAF is mixed with fossil fuel before being transported to the airport. There is no refuelling of individual flights with SAF. The Lufthansa Group’s compensation portfolio is constantly being further developed and now comprises 15 projects, including, most recently, technology-based projects for the long-term binding of CO2. In this way, the Lufthansa Group wants to promote the development of the CO2 compensation market towards new technologies and offers. The providers are myclimate, Climate Austria, SQUAKE and ClimatePartner. All projects in the Lufthansa Group climate project portfolio are certified according to the highest available standards.
Twelve selected test routes
The Green Fares long-haul fare iss available on the following routes effective 30 November. The Lufthansa Group airlines participating in the test are Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and SWISS.
Bangkok – Vienna (BKK – VIE)
Brussels – Kinshasa (BRU – FIH)
Frankfurt – Bengaluru (FRA – BLR)
Frankfurt – Miami (FRA – MIA)
Hong Kong – London (HKG – LHR/LCY)
London – Hong Kong (LHR/LCY – HKG)
Munich- Seoul (MUC – ICN)
Nairobi – Frankfurt (NBO – FRA)
Paris – Bangkok (CDG/ORY – BKK)
Sao Paulo – Zurich (GRU – ZRH)
Singapore – London (SIN – LHR/LCY)
Zurich – Los Angeles (ZRH – LAX)
Sustainability goals
The Lufthansa Group has set ambitious climate protection goals and aims to achieve a neutral CO2 balance by 2050. By 2030, the Lufthansa Group wants to reduce its net CO2 emissions by half compared to 2019 through reduction and compensation measures.
SINGAPORE, 1 December 2023: Singapore Flyer introduces 165 Sky Dining – Singapore’s tallest revolving dining experience at 165 metres above ground – and other spectacular festive specials to ring in the holiday season.
Formerly known as Singapore Flyer Sky Dining, the iconic landmark attraction boasts three 30-minute rotations instead of two, a revamped menu and exclusive Singapore Flyer souvenirs. The four-course dinner is priced at SGD520 nett for two.
The product refresh reflects Singapore Flyer’s commitment to continuously reinventing itself and enhancing the guest experience, according to Singapore Flyer general manager Ringo Leung.
“With more dining establishments atop skyscrapers, there is a need to improve our products based on guests’ feedback and evolving preferences. We are delighted to introduce attractive value-adds such as an additional 30-minute rotation and complimentary souvenirs to elevate the overall experience.”
Situated at one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, 165 Sky Dining emulates Singapore Flyer’s promotes local culture and products by featuring a curated selection of celebrated “Made with Passion” brands.
