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HKIA passenger traffic peaks in August

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 23 September 2025: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) handled 5.68 million passengers and 34,840 flight movements during August 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 15.8% and 10.2%, respectively, with passenger traffic reporting a new daily high since the pandemic. 

The surge in traffic was primarily due to a rebound in travel to and from Japan and a continued rise in traffic to and from the Chinese Mainland and other destinations.

HKIA named “Best Global Airport” and “Best Airport – Asia (Over 1m tonnes)” at the 2025 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards.

Over the summer holidays, passenger traffic peaked on 10 August, surpassing 200,000 and hitting a new record since the pandemic. Days with increased passenger flow from flight rescheduling following adverse weather are excluded from the daily high records.

Cargo volume recorded a year-on-year increase of 5.6% to 429,000 tonnes during the month. This was mainly driven by sustained traffic to/ from Europe and the Middle East, which offset declines in traffic to/ from North America under the lingering tariff impacts. A 13.5% increase in transshipments underpinned the growth.

Over the first eight months of 2025, passenger volume saw 15.4% growth year on year to 40.3 million, while flight movements increased by 9.9% to 260,830. Cargo traffic grew 2.6% year on year to 3.3 million tonnes.

On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume rose by 16.7% year on year to 58.4 million, while flight movements increased by 11.9% to 386,655. Cargo throughput grew 5.0% year on year to 5 million tonnes.

Meanwhile, HKIA was named “Best Global Airport” and “Best Airport – Asia (Over 1m tonnes)” at the 2025 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards organised by Asia Cargo News, a renowned logistics and cargo supply chain publication. HKIA has now won “Best Global Airport” for 10 consecutive years. The AFLAS Awards recognise leading service providers, including air and shipping lines, airports and seaports, and logistics and other associated industry professionals. Winners were nominated and voted on by readers and industry professionals.

Airport Authority Hong Kong Executive Director Commercial Cissy Chan said: “We are honoured to be named ‘Best Global Airport’ once again, as well as Best Airport in Asia. This recognition represents the support and trust of the air cargo industry, which motivates us to uphold our commitment to maintaining high standards while continuously improving our facilities and services to serve all partners and stakeholders better.”

CX will resume Seattle flights March 2026

By
TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 23 September 2025: Cathay Pacific confirms the return of non-stop flights to Seattle from 30 March 2026, reconnecting Hong Kong with one of the most vibrant cities on the west coast of the US. 

Seattle marks the airline’s ninth passenger destination in North America, further enhancing the global connectivity of its Hong Kong hub. The airline will serve the route with five weekly services.

Photo credit: Cathay Pacific.

This comes as Cathay Pacific continues to strengthen its presence in North America. In April this year, the airline debuted its direct passenger flights between Hong Kong and Dallas-Fort Worth, which will increase to daily from 26 October 2025, up from the current four return flights per week.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Resuming direct passenger flights to Seattle reinforces our goal to deepen business and cultural ties between Hong Kong and a dynamic tech hub in the United States. This route not only provides greater convenience for our customers, but also supports the growing demand for connectivity between Asia and North America, particularly among travellers from the Chinese Mainland and India.”

Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft will serve the Hong Kong-Seattle route configured with business, premium economy and economy cabins. 

Flight schedules are as follows (all times local):

The new five-times-weekly service complements Cathay Pacific’s North America summer schedule for 2026. It includes more than 110 return flights per week to Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver.

Ticket sales for the Seattle service opened on Monday, 22 September, with a special round-trip promotion fare in economy class starting from HKD5,060 (22 September to 31 October 2025) for departures between 30 March and 30 June 2026. 

First Aiden Hotel debuts in downtown Bangkok

By
TTR WEEKLY
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Proposal 5 Feb 25

BANGKOK, 22 September 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprised of WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, is set to illuminate Bangkok’s hospitality scene with the signing of Aiden Surawong Bangkok, an avant-garde boutique hotel that will mark the debut of the edgy Aiden brand in Thailand.

Surawong is the cultural heart and soul of Bangkok, where exquisite architecture, a vibrant art scene and dynamic street life fuse seamlessly in one of the city’s oldest districts. Located near the Chao Phraya River and inspired by asterism, Aiden Surawong Bangkok is an elegant sanctuary where global travellers can meet kindred spirits and feel connected to the soul of the city.

Proposal 5 Feb 25

The Aiden experience brings together three pillars of connection: social hangouts, remote working spaces and wellness offerings. In Bangkok, these elements are woven together with a striking design concept that blends the luminosity of the celestial stars and the glamour of the Earth’s precious gemstones.

Seventy-seven guest rooms are havens of refined design, with organic textures and in-room amenities that reflect the essence of the local community. After an immersive day of exploration, like-minded explorers can share stories at the rooftop, with its effortlessly chic seating, stylish urban pool and skyline views. The lobby lounge offers a vibrant setting for cool cocktails and social interaction.

“Aiden is a new generation of hotels for smart, savvy, and well-informed travellers who crave complete convenience without sacrificing their sense of style. From a social hangout to moments of relaxation and Instagram-worthy spaces, this impressive hotel will give our guests the inspiration they need to continue their journey of discovery in Bangkok,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin.

Aiden Surawong Bangkok is set to open its doors in December 2025, becoming the 14th property for BWH Hotels in Bangkok, under eight of the group’s innovative, industry-leading brands. With more hotels in the pipeline, BWH Hotels will continue to welcome guests from all around the world to this captivating capital city.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com and worldhotels.com. 

Travel DMC Group expands in the Philippines

By
TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 September 2025: Travel DMC Group, an Asian-based destination management company, announced this week its intention to invest USD1.5 million to expand its footprint in the Philippines’ inbound tourism sector.

As part of this expansion, the company will establish new offices in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, reinforcing its commitment to the Asia market. 

Photo credit: Travel DMC Group.Travel DMC Group Philippines Director Gina Pecales.

Travel DMC Group is also in discussions to acquire local tour operators, which will strengthen service delivery and enhance capacity to meet growing demand.

The investment will focus on building stronger B2B partnerships with local travel agencies, expanding technology platforms for agents and operators and developing competitive travel products tailored for the Asian market.

“The Philippines is one of the most dynamic tourism markets in Asia, and we see tremendous potential for growth. Our investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to supporting the local tourism economy,” said Travel DMC Group chairman Parvesh Kumar, who holds the majority stake in the company.

Travel DMC Group Philippines Director Gina Pecales added: “With offices in Manila, Cebu, and Davao, we are positioning ourselves to deliver world-class services to our partners. This expansion represents a milestone in our journey to strengthen regional presence and create long-term value for the entire tourism ecosystem.”

About Travel DMC Group
Established in 2011, the group offers a wide range of tours in Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and Thailand and is a subsidiary of Travel Group.

Travel Insurance: Smartest ticket you’ll buy

By
Andrew Wood
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BANGKOK, 22 September 2025: When we pack our bags for a journey, most of us think about tickets, hotels, and itineraries; far fewer give much thought to travel insurance.

It’s often treated as an optional extra. In reality, insurance is as essential as your passport, providing an invisible safety net that can make the difference between a minor disruption and a financial or personal disaster.

I write from personal experience. Recently, in Sri Lanka, I fractured my shoulder in three places after a fall in my hotel room in Galle.

A midnight trip to the bathroom, a misjudged step, and suddenly I was in an ambulance. My first stop was a government hospital, which, on paper, offered free care. In reality, the wards were overrun, the staff overwhelmed, and the facilities ill-equipped to handle foreign visitors. 

Locals struggled to get the treatment they needed, and adding tourists to the queue worsens the strain. My advice is blunt: never rely solely on “free” public healthcare while travelling. Without proper insurance, you risk delays, inadequate treatment, and immense stress.

The turning point came when, thanks to my travel insurance, I was transferred to a private hospital. The contrast was like night and day. Skilled staff, modern equipment, and timely treatment restored my confidence. I was attended to immediately and quickly dispatched to have an X-ray of my shoulder. It was a stark reminder that you get what you pay for, and when your health is at stake, cutting corners is not an option.

Back in Thailand, barely three weeks later, I had another accident at home and broke my foot. Without insurance, that could have been financially painful as well. Instead, my accident cover meant the bills were taken care of. Peace of mind is priceless, especially when accidents come in quick succession.

This was not my first brush with injury abroad. Some years ago, in Bhutan, a country I admire deeply for its emphasis on its citizens’ happiness. I had slipped while trekking and broken my ankle. 

Bhutanese hospitals, though free and staffed by caring professionals, lacked the diagnostic equipment to detect the fracture. Only upon my return to Bangkok was the break confirmed. That delay reinforced a lesson: insurance not only covers costs but gives you the ability to access higher standards of care, sometimes beyond the borders of the country you are visiting.

The hard fact is that accidents happen anywhere, even in places we love and feel safe. Hotel designers, please note – steps in bedrooms are a hazard. Travellers, please note, a policy that covers hospitalisation, emergency evacuation, and follow-up care is not a luxury; it is a necessity.

Travel opens the door to wonder, discovery, and joy. But it also carries risk, often when you least expect it. Please take my advice, born from hard knocks and hospital stays across numerous countries: secure the best possible travel insurance before you set foot on your journey.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a travel writer, commentator, and international hospitality editor with more than 40 years in the hotel and tourism industry. A former hotel general manager, he is a past president of Skål International Asia, Thailand, and Bangkok, and a regular contributor to the region’s travel and tourism publications.

Taiwan promotes bike-friendly stays

By
TTR WEEKLY
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TAIPEI, Taiwan, 22 September 2025: Taiwan Tourism Administration is presenting its Bike Friendly Accommodations programme by partnering with lodging providers.

The initiative offers facilities and services such as secure bike parking, maintenance and cleaning areas, late check-out, and guided cycling tours, ensuring a safe and convenient journey for cycling travellers across Taiwan.

Photo credit: Taiwan Tourism Administration. Taiwan Tourism.

Come BikeDay Cycling Festival

Autumn’s crisp and refreshing weather makes it the perfect season for events, and the most iconic among them is the annual Come! BikeDay Cycling Festival is hosted on the shores of Sun Moon Lake. Blending local culture, live performances, and family-friendly riding experiences, this year’s event will unfold on 22 November and is expected to attract cycling enthusiasts from around the world to share in the festive lakeside atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.

Beyond the Come BikeDay event, Taiwan also boasts a fascinating cycling calendar that includes the internationally renowned Taiwan KOM Challenge (held annually in June), one of the world’s toughest road races with a 105 km course climbing over 3,500 meters in elevation. 

There is also the Tour de Taiwan, a multi-stage international road race that draws professional teams worldwide.  

L’Étape by Tour de France Taiwan, officially licensed by the Tour de France, returns to Taiwan on 18 October 2025. 

In addition, the annual Taipei International Cycle Show (Taipei Cycle) takes place in the spring (23 to 25 March 2026) and serves as a global hub for industry innovation and exchange, reinforcing Taiwan’s reputation as the “Bicycle Kingdom.”

These annual events combine leisure, sport, industry innovation, and sustainable tourism — underscoring Taiwan’s strong commitment to cycling culture. Complementing the events is Taiwan’s comprehensive cycling infrastructure, which includes numerous dedicated bike paths, the celebrated Sun Moon Lake loop route, and the legendary Route No. 1 that circles the island for nearly 968 km with clear signposting, making it the ultimate choice for round-island cycling adventurers.

Through its events, accommodations, and infrastructure, Taiwan is steadily building a dynamic cycling tourism ecosystem that invites travellers everywhere to “Cycle Taiwan Sustainably.”

L’Étape by Tour de France Taiwan

Photo credit: Taiwan Tourism Administration. L’Étape by Tour de France arrives in Taiwan on 18 October.

Sun Moon Lake welcomes the L’Étape by Tour de France for the first stop in its Asia tour this year. The Tourism Administration invites cyclists from around the world to Taiwan to experience one of the world’s top cycling events. The historic Tour de France, the world’s best-known cycling event, launched the “L’Étape Series by Tour de France” to provide amateur cyclists with an opportunity to experience the highest level of cycling events related to the Tour de France. 

The “L’Étape Tour de France – Nutrilite Sun Moon Lake Station” is expected to attract more than 3,000 cyclists from over 30 countries, successfully lifting the profile of Taiwan Cycling Sports tourism on the international stage.

It marks the second year in a row that the L’Étape Tour de France Cycling Challenge will be held at Sun Moon Lake, with the starting line at the Xiangshan Visitor Centre. The event offers a 104-km challenge category and a 29-km classic category. The Tourism Administration is inviting cycling enthusiasts from all over the world to be a part of this event, which is certified by the Tour de France organiser, the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO). 

Cycling fans are also invited to participate in the classic lake route, selected by CNN as one of the world’s 10 most beautiful cycling routes. They can enjoy the scenery of Sun Moon Lake on this 20-km route.

For more information on Bike Friendly Accommodations, please visit the Taiwan Stay website: Bike Friendly Accommodation. 
(Source: Taiwan Tourism Administration). Taiwan Tourism.

Star Voyager sails to Xiamen

By
TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 22 September 2025: StarCruises celebrated the inaugural arrival of the Star Voyager in Xiamen on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in the city’s cruise tourism development. 

To commemorate the occasion, the cruise line announced additional weekend departures from Hong Kong every Friday through 14 November 2025, arriving in Xiamen every Saturday.

Photo credit: StarDream Cruises. StarDream Cruises Management’s President Michael Goh (fourth from right), together with Ren Guoyan, director general of Xiamen Port Authority (fourth from left) and representatives from the Xiamen authorities, attended the welcome reception for Star Voyager in Xiamen.

“On behalf of StarCruises, we sincerely thank the Xiamen authorities and all our partners for their support in making today’s (20 September) maiden call possible,” said StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh.

“Our guests across the region have warmly welcomed the Star Voyager, and we are offering more weekend sailings from Hong Kong arriving in Xiamen every Saturday. These convenient weekend getaways will not only delight travellers but also support the growth of Xiamen’s cruise tourism sector.”

Additional Weekend Sailings to Xiamen until 14 Nov 2025

Following positive regional feedback and the appeal of a short, two-night destination cruise, Star Voyager has now added more two-night cruises to Xiamen, operating every weekend. 

Departing from the centrally located Ocean Terminal in Hong Kong at 2000 on Fridays and returning by 1400 on Sundays, these cruises allow guests to experience Xiamen’s unique charm — from the UNESCO-listed Gulangyu Island and historic Nanputuo Temple to scenic waterfront promenades and cultural landmarks, earning the city its nickname, “Garden on the Sea.”

New eco-lux tented camp in North Thailand

By
TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 22 September 2025: The eco-luxury Visama Explorer tented camp in Nan province, northern Thailand, is open for bookings ahead of its official debut on 1 December 2025.

The resort comprises eight high-comfort tented units in a serene rural setting surrounded by rice fields and mountains.

The new Visama Explorer Nan in northern Thailand: glamping comfort in a serene off-the-beaten-track location with Lanna hospitality.

Visama Explorer Nan tented camp is the latest foray into outdoor lodging by VHG Hospitality Asia, part of holding company YAANA Ventures. This Bangkok-based sustainable hospitality group has conceived, built and operated award-winning tented camps and ecolodges in Cambodia and Thailand.

At the heart of the new camp is the Ambalama, inspired by the Sri Lankan tradition of resting places for travellers. Here, guests gather for nightly conversations or an open-air cinema show by the fireplace, accompanied by a bar service with crafted cocktails.

Mountain views

The new property features eight spacious, air-conditioned tented suites, all with plush bedding, ensuite bathrooms, and private decks. All safari tents are 36 sqm (388 sqft) plus an additional 12 sqm (129 sqft) covered veranda. They come in two categories: Mountain View and Creek View.

Guests can expect in-tent creature comforts such as king-sized beds, Wi-Fi, hot water rain shower, safe deposit box, refrigerator/mini bar, toiletries, bath robe, French press coffee, kettle and amenities consistent with four-star accommodation.

“Visama exists to create exceptional places to stay in remote locations,” said Willem Niemeijer, CEO and co-founder of VHG Hospitality Asia. “We also aim to open pathways of career development for local communities. We believe that meaningful travel is based on mutual respect and understanding. Visama Nan seeks to implement that vision”.

Visama Explorer Nan is an 80-minute flight from Bangkok plus a two-hour road transfer through spectacular scenery. There are two Air Asia flights and one Nok Air flight daily to Nan from Don Muang International Airport in the Thai capital.

Opening Promotional Rates

Visama Explorer Nan is offering a special “Opening Whisper Escape” rate bookable until 31 December of THB4740 (USD150/EUR127/UKP110), including breakfast and dinner for two for stays after 1 December 2025. From 1 January 2026, there will be a “Tent & Taste” two-night offer for THB6970 (USD220/EUR187/UKP161) per night with breakfast and dinner for two.

For further details and bookings of Visama Explorer Nan, visit: https://visamatentedcamps.com/en/nan/# 

Crackdown on rogue tour vehicles

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 September 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) fully supports measures taken by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Kelantan and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to resolve the misuse of the International Circulation Permit (ICP) by foreign-registered vehicles, particularly from Thailand.

This follows recent media reports that several Thailand-registered vans were caught operating illegally in Malaysia during the recent school holiday period, transporting tourists without valid permits.

MATTA President Nigel Wong.

MATTA said in its statement that “these activities are not just a violation of Malaysian laws but also undermine the integrity of the local tourism industry and place unfair pressure on legitimate Malaysian operators.”

JPJ has announced that it will initiate integrated operations in collaboration with MOTAC to detect and put an end to the misuse of ICPs by Thai-registered vehicles.

MATTA commends JPJ’s vigilance in safeguarding Malaysia’s laws, tourism standards, and road safety. The illegal entry and operation of foreign tour vehicles not only breach regulations but also undermine the interests of legitimate Malaysian tour and travel operators who comply with licensing, taxation, and safety requirements.

“The presence of these vehicles ferrying tourists without proper permits poses risks to passengers, creates unfair competition, and deprives local businesses of rightful opportunities. Tourism is a vital sector of Malaysia’s economy, and protecting its integrity is essential to ensuring sustainable growth and fair business practices,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong. 

The matter was also highlighted during the recent Engagement Session organised by MATTA along with several relevant agencies (JPJ, APAD, and Puspakom) in Kelantan, where MATTA members voiced strong concerns about the negative impact of unlicensed foreign vehicles on the local tourism industry.

Under MATTA’s Land Transportation portfolio, addressing the issue of illegal operators remains one of the industry’s most fundamental challenges. 

MATTA Vice President of Land Transportation, Subramaniam Kandasamy, emphasised: “Solving the problem of illegal operators is key towards modernising our industry and unlocking solutions to many of the other issues we face.”

In line with this, MATTA will launch a comprehensive Safety Programme to strengthen industry standards and ensure the well-being of travellers. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that MATTA members abide by the highest levels of professionalism, accountability, and service quality.

MATTA stands ready to collaborate with JPJ, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), and other enforcement agencies to curb such practices and ensure that all tourism-related activities in Malaysia are conducted in compliance with the law.

Emirates deploys A350 to Hangzhou

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, UAE, 19 September 2025: Emirates will deploy its Airbus A350 to Hangzhou, China, on its daily service from 26 October 2025.

Coming just three months after its inaugural service, the deployment reinforces Emirates’ steadfast commitment to providing an outstanding experience for travellers to and from its newest destination in the Chinese mainland.

The Emirates A350 will operate on flight EK310, which departs from Dubai International Airport at 0415 and arrives in Hangzhou at 1600. The return flight, EK311, departs Hangzhou at 0010, landing in Dubai at 0610.

Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Over the last year, we have made significant investments in our operations on the Chinese mainland, creating meaningful impact through the launch of brand-new destinations and providing an elevated in-flight experience with our latest products. Introducing the A350 to Hangzhou is the natural next step, as we continue to bring the latest and greatest that Emirates has to offer to China’s skies. The A350 is an exciting addition to our fleet mix, adding a new dynamic to our existing operations in China.

“We look forward to welcoming passengers from Hangzhou on the new Emirates A350 soon.”

A closer look at the Emirates A350

The A350 is the first new aircraft model to join the Emirates fleet since 2008, complementing the existing line-up of Boeing 777s and A380s, both of which serve the Chinese mainland. Kitted out in the airline’s latest signature interiors, the A350 features sleek and spacious cabins, with extra high ceilings and wider aisles in all classes. Designed around customer comfort, the aircraft features seamless technology touchpoints and ground-breaking in-flight entertainment to elevate the passenger experience.

The deployment of the A350 also introduces Premium Economy to Hangzhou, expanding Emirates’ premium offering to and from the city. Making luxury travel more accessible to a broader audience, Premium Economy offers an experience similar to Business Class on many airlines, with spacious leather reclining seats with leg and footrests and adjustable headrests. It features in-seat charging points, a side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights and a globally exclusive sparkling wine – Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.

Configured in three classes, the Emirates A350 provides 312 seats: 32 next-generation Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 of the highly-lauded Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration and 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout.

For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com, the Emirates App, the Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents. WeChat Pay is available on emirates.com for customers in China.

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