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Emirates reveals its exclusive eight

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 July 2024: Emirates customers will now have the privilege of tasting even more of the world’s most outstanding Champagne onboard and in lounges as Emirates renews its global airline exclusivity agreements for another four years – serving the most impressive expressions of Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Dom Pérignon.

Celebrated as the most valuable airline offering in history, Emirates is the only commercial airline globally able to offer its customers exclusivity in the skies on eight remarkable champagnes due to its 32-year longstanding partnership with LVMH—Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. As part of the ‘fly better’ promise, Emirates purchases more Champagne than any other airline worldwide.

Emirates exclusive eight champagnes in the sky are Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013, Dom Pérignon Vintage Rosé 2008, Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 2004, Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial, Moët & Chandon Imperial Rosé, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Blanc 2013, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Veuve Clicquot Vintage Blanc 2015. Emirates also serves Australian sparkling wine, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 onboard as a global exclusive to customers in Premium Economy.

First Class – Exclusive Dom Pérignon

Onboard Emirates, Dom Pérignon is served in First Class across all global routes. First Class customers enjoying their flight will be served Dom Pérignon Vintage 2013 throughout the year and Dom Pérignon Vintage Rosé 2008 from June to September – a breathtakingly bold assemblage created with pinot noir grapes that offers a bouquet of raspberries, wild strawberries, iris and violet followed by greener nuances of privet, angelica and camphor tree. The result is full-bodied and silky, with an acidic foundation and finish redolent of peonies and white pepper.

First Class customers travelling throughout November and December 2024 will have the incredible opportunity to savour Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 2004. The exceptionally rare 2004 vintage in its second plénitude is a limited release, forming part of Emirates’ award-winning portfolio of exclusive matured wines and Champagne. Presenting an affirmed and precise minerality, the second plénitude of this excellent vintage offers citrusy notes of pink grapefruit and blood oranges that gently cede to figs. Its’ 20 years on the lees elevates the minerality with the sublime maturity of Dom Pérignon’s signature, featuring rich notes of cocoa, mocha, roasted nuts, brioche, honey, and liquorice.

Business Class – Exclusive Moët & Chandon

Moët & Chandon is served in Business Class on routes to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific, including Australasia. Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut will be served throughout 2024, while Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial will be served from June to November. A celebrated blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes, the delicate Rosé Imperial is abundant with ripe mulberry and sweet spice flavours, complemented by a touch of uplifting acidity and sparkle, while the classic finish leans more toward ripe citrus.

In the Emirates Lounges in Dubai, customers will be able to enjoy Moët & ChandonImperial Brut, Moët & Chandon Imperial Grand Vintage 2013, Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial and Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial throughout the year. These four distinct cuvées offer an elevated experience for every palate and preference. The Emirates Business Class Lounge in Concourse B, Dubai International Airport (DXB) also has a dedicated Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge, where each individual cuvée is matched with mouth-watering canapés for guests to sample, created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs.

Business Class – Exclusive Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot is served in Business Class on routes to the Americas, UK, and Europe. Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is served all year long, and Veuve Clicquot Vintage Blanc 2015 will be served from September to December, providing a unique experience for Emirates guests.

2015 was an exceptional viticultural year, marked by low rainfall as well as beautiful sunshine so the predominance of pinot noir in Veuve Clicquot Vintage Blanc 2015 and the prolonged aging on lees, give it an aromatic richness of complex citrus notes such as orange zest, lemon and fruit. The balanced palate harmoniously combines gourmet aromas of cookie, brioche, fruit Sec, toasted almond, hazelnut as well as sweet notes of honey and figs.

Premium Economy Class – Exclusive Chandon Vintage Brut

As part of Emirates’ impressive wine programme, Premium Economy Class customers can relish an outstanding Australian sparkling wine exclusive to Emirates – Chandon Vintage Brut 2017. This premium sparkling wine is made using the traditional method for elegance and depth, displaying the freshness and zing of succulent peach, the alluring essence of frangipani, and a whisper of sea spray. Layers of complexity complete the generous palate, with delicate toasty nuances reminiscent of oatmeal biscuit due to its’ five years on lees. Crafted with precision, Chandon Vintage Brut 2017 experienced winemakers focus on climate and fruit potential to achieve the perfect acidity and freshness with a distinctive style that reflects the locale of the Victorian Mountains.

Economy Class – Exclusive Moët & Chandon

Economy Class customers can also bring an extra sparkle to special occasions onboard by pre-booking a cake and champagne package. For US$43, cabin crew will surprise a passenger onboard with a mini celebration – including a luscious vanilla cake or decadent chocolate cake paired with Moët & Chandon Brut.

Emirates Champagne Legacy

Emirates customers have enjoyed Moët Hennessy Champagnes onboard for over 30 years, celebrating every special moment in the sky. For the last 16 years, Emirates has invested more than $1 billion into its wine program, buying exceptional wines and champagnes at the earliest opportunity to mature and express their full potential before serving them on board.

Champagne is served onboard Emirates with the utmost respect, as a highly trained cabin crew offers the ‘perfect serve’  –  a delicate presentation at the perfect temperature with unique glassware. Champagne enthusiasts can learn more about the process of making Champagne and the Emirates collection on the Emirates Wine Channel. Emirates cabin crew are also provided with food pairing, technical notes for each Champagne onboard, and on-the-ground training to ensure customers are immersed in the elite experience of Emirates ‘fly better’ hospitality.For information on flights and to make bookings, visit www.emirates.com.

Priority Pass boosts airport lounges

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 July 2024: Collinson, owner and operator of Priority Pass, is expanding its partnership with China Eastern Airlines, which will add 24 airport lounges in mainland China to the Priority Pass network. 

These new additions complement the current China Eastern Airlines-operated lounge at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, which was made available to the Priority Pass network last year. Of the 24 newly added airport lounges to the Priority Pass network, 20 are live today.

From left to right: China Eastern Airlines V8 Lounge, Outdoor view at China Eastern Airlines No.101 Lounge, F&B from China Eastern Airlines V8 Lounge.

The expanded partnership comes at a time when the travel market in mainland China continues to recover at pace. China’s domestic travel is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, as evidenced by the recent May Day holiday, where 295 million domestic trips were made – an uptick of 28.2% versus the same period in 2019.

Inbound travel volumes are expected to recover to 50% of 2019 levels in 2025, while Chinese outbound travel volumes are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels next year. 

A recent Collinson consumer insights report revealed that airport lounge access is the number one most desirable travel benefit at the airport — 65% of travellers in mainland China feel valued as a customer when they are given access to an airport lounge.

“This is an exciting time for the travel industry in mainland China, particularly with the travel market recovering at pace and with the increased demand for travel experiences – such as access to airport lounges,” said Collinson International Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific President, Todd Handcock. “We’ve made significant strides in enhancing the travel experience via our partnership with China Eastern Airlines, and we are delighted to continue elevating every journey to something special.” 

This news follows Collinson’s recent announcement of their strategic joint venture with Joyful Journey Group, a leading air and rail digital travel experiences partner, to form ‘Joyful Journey Priority Pass’ in mainland China. The strategic alliance brings multiple value-added benefits including market-specific agile technology, an expanded inventory of airport lounges and an enhanced traveller experience.

To date, Priority Pass has a network of more than 550 airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia Pacific and over 1,500 globally across the world’s major travel zones.

Banyan makes major moves in Phuket

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 2 July 2024: Banyan Group will expand its portfolio in Phuket with 15 properties under the Banyan Group Residences portfolio, underscoring its focus on Phuket’s thriving property market across various brand segments, including the second-home segment.

Banyan Group Founder and Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping explains: “Banyan Group is confident in Phuket’s extraordinary potential, recognising it as more than a destination of breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture. With significant infrastructure investments, top-tier healthcare, and international education systems, Phuket is poised to become a world-class luxury lifestyle destination. In response to growing demand, we are shifting our focus from hotels to residential properties on the island.”

Ho Kwon Ping, Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Group.

Real estate in Phuket is booming, with high demand for condos and villas in prime locations close to the beach. 

“Owning a vacation home in Phuket represents a promising investment opportunity,” the group’s chairman notes. “The island’s real estate market has shown consistent growth, attracting affluent individuals seeking luxury and the unmatched natural beauty of the Andaman Sea. Banyan Group is embracing this trend with 15 distinctive projects, each offering prime locations that seamlessly blend with the surrounding nature and embody Phuket’s unique lifestyle. Banyan Group provides exceptional opportunities for buyers seeking one-of-a-kind properties in a secure, world-class environment. With over 30-year track record, an award-winning reputation, and exclusive owner benefits through our global Sanctuary Club, Banyan Group delivers unparalleled experiences for homeowners and investors alike.”

Listed on the Stock Exchanges of Thailand and Singapore, Banyan Group owns and manages a diverse portfolio of multi-brand hotels and properties. This includes the original Banyan Tree Hotels and Residences, as well as the Banyan Tree Veya wellness resort and Banyan Tree Escape adventure resort. The portfolio also features Angsana, Cassia, Dhawa, Homm, Garrya, Folio, and Laguna, an integrated resort in a self-contained environment in Phuket, Thailand.

IHG plants flag in Halong City

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TTR WEEKLY
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2 July 2024: IHG Hotels & Resorts announced Monday the appointment of Jesper Larsen as General Manager of the new InterContinental Halong Bay Resort and Residences.

With a career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Larsen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from Greater China, Japan, Vietnam and Europe to his new role at the resort and residences near one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations Halong Bay.

Jesper Larsen to lead the team at InterContinental Halong Bay Resort 
and Residences.

In partnership with Ha Long Investment and Development Limited Company, a member of BIM Group, IHG bringing its InterContinental brand to Halong City in Quang Ninh province. BIM and IHG’s property portfolio includes Regent Phu Quoc, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, Crowne Plaza Vientiane and an upcoming Holiday Inn Vientiane, a testament to their strong decade-long relationship.

Strategically positioned at Halong City’s gateway, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort and Residences draws inspiration from its beachfront location in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site which includes more than 1,600 islands. Halong Bay is a two-hour drive from Hanoi.

The new IHG property features 174 rooms and suites, 60 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms, and 41 villas. Facilities include five restaurant and bar outlets, four pools, a gym, a kids’ club, a spa, and a meeting space that can accommodate up to 500 people. 

IHG has 18 hotels in Vietnam across six brands: Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Voco Hotels & Resorts, and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts. It is on course to more than double its portfolio in the country within the next three years by opening at least 26 more hotels, including InterContinental Halong Bay Resort and Residences.

Air India develops pilot training facility

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM, 2 July 2024: Air India is setting up South Asia’s largest Flying Training Organisation (FTO) at Amravati in Maharashtra as part of an initiative by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC). 

This FTO will support the airline as it progresses in its transformation journey and strengthen its available pilot training capacity in India.

The DGCA-licensed FTO at Amravati’s Belora airport will be operational by Q1 FY26 and will target to graduate 180 commercial pilots every year.

The Air India FTO, the first by any Indian airline in the country, will have 31 single-engine aircraft and three twin-engine aircraft for training.

The Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) has awarded Air India a tender to establish and operate this DGCA-licensed FTO in Amravati for 30 years.

Air India MD & CEO Campbell Wilson said: “The FTO at Amravati will be a significant step towards making Indian aviation more self-reliant and offering more opportunities to the youth in India to fulfil their ambitions of flying as pilots. The young pilots coming out of this FTO will fuel Air India’s ambition of becoming a world-class airline as it moves ahead in its transformation journey.”

“The FTO will be operational by Q1 FY26 and offer aspiring pilots an opportunity to undergo training with world-class curricula at par with best-in-class global schools. We are delighted to be playing a part in building the aviation infrastructure India needs as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets,” said the Air India Aviation Academy Director Sunil Bhaskaran.

At the FTO in Amravati, Air India will develop a state-of-the-art training institute over 10 acres, with digitally enabled classrooms, hostels at par with global academies, a digitised operations centre, and its own maintenance facility to elevate operational efficiency. The FTO is curated to deliver the highest safety standards and best-in-class training.

As part of its commitment to invest in aviation training, Air India earlier this year announced its new Training Academy in Gurugram, will cover over 600,000 sq ft, the largest in South Asia.

Warning: AirAsia system upgrade 10/11 July

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2024: AirAsia will schedule an upgrade of its reservation and passenger-processing systems for about eight hours from 1900 (GMT+8) on 10 July to 0300 (GMT+8) on 11 July.

In a travel advisory released last Friday, the airline advises guests to take the following steps to ensure a smooth travel experience:

Self Check-In 14 Days Ahead: All guests, including those with group bookings and connecting flights between 10 and 11 July 2024, are strongly encouraged to perform self-check-in on the AirAsia MOVE app (previously known as airasia Superapp), which is already available now or 14 days before their scheduled departure time.

Arrive Early: Guests, especially those with group bookings, reduced mobility, and special needs, should arrive at the airport at least three hours ahead of their scheduled departure time to clear all travel formalities. The system upgrade will impact counter and kiosk check-in and baggage drop services at all airports where AirAsia operates.

Use E-Boarding Pass: Download your e-Boarding Pass from the AirAsia MOVE app and save it on your digital wallet or mobile phone for a smoother boarding experience without reprinting it at the airport.

Update Contact Details: Affected guests travelling during the upgrade timeframe will be notified via email and SMS text messages. Ensure your contact details are up-to-date to receive the latest notifications about your AirAsia flight status.

AirAsia flight bookings, manage booking, check-in, Flight+Hotel booking, issuance and redemption of AirAsia Rewards points, payment gateway for existing bookings, and ancillary purchases, including online duty-free, will be unavailable.  

All other services on the AirAsia MOVE app (formerly known as the airasia Superapp) and airasia.com, such as non-AirAsia flight-related services, will not be affected.

AAPA hosts first turboprop operators conference

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 2 July 2024: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) organised the first Asia Pacific Turboprop Safety Conference (APTSC) from 26 to 27 June 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Over a hundred delegates, including representatives from some 20 turboprop operators based in Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand attended the event.

Themed ‘Empowering Resilient Growth’, the conference aimed to enhance aviation safety in air transportation, particularly in turboprop operations. This is consistent with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) continuous safety outreach objectives.

The event provided a valuable platform for stakeholders, including regulators, turboprop operators, equipment manufacturers, aviation safety organisations and airport operators, to exchange insights, best practices, and innovations in turboprop operations. Key topics ranging from safety culture and advancements in technology to regulatory frameworks were actively discussed, reinforcing the best approaches to aviation safety.

AAPA Director General Subhas Menon commented: “The conference highlights the unique role that turboprop operators play in improving connectivity to regions where accessibility is limited. Turboprops play a crucial role in bridging the transportation gaps in access to goods, services, tourism, and, ultimately, better livelihoods for remote communities in far-flung areas. The insights and collaboration fostered during this conference will go a long way to support safe and reliable turboprop operations.”

Ensuring the highest safety standards is paramount in the aviation sector, and this conference underscored AAPA’s commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge-sharing. The AAPA extends its appreciation to all participants and supporting partners of the conference, including ATR, Pratt & Whitney, L3 Harris, Gallagher Speciality, and CAE.

AAPA: Uptick in airline traffic recovery

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 July 2024: Preliminary May 2024 traffic figures released last week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed solid expansion in both international air passenger demand and air cargo markets, in tandem with an acceleration in economic activity globally.

In May, the region’s airlines carried a combined total of 27.9 million international passengers, 23.9% more than in the same month last year. Traffic averaged 89.4% of 2019 levels. Measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand grew by 27.4% year-on-year, reflecting strength in long-haul travel markets. After accounting for a 26.4%

expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor edged marginally higher by 0.6 percentage points to 79.0% for the month.

Driven by buoyant trade activity within the region and globally, Asian carriers saw international air cargo demand in freight tonne kilometres (FTK) register a solid 17.9% year-on-year growth in May. The average international freight load factor also climbed by 1.4 percentage points to 61.4%, following a 15.1% expansion in offered freight capacity.

AAPA Director General Subhas Menon commented on the results: “In the first five months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 144 million international passengers, reflecting a 44.8% increase compared to the previous corresponding period. International air cargo demand grew by 16.0% during the same period.”

He added: “The current pick-up in global economic activity, supported by business confidence levels and increased consumer spending improvements, has boosted demand for international travel and air cargo. As major players in the air cargo markets, Asia Pacific airlines have also benefitted from disruptions to ocean freight services.”

Looking ahead, Menon believes “encouraging trends in passenger and cargo traffic bode well for Asian airlines this year, following strong traffic performance for 2023.

“However, profit margins remain under pressure, with operating costs impacted by the strong US Dollar and jet fuel prices averaging above the USD100 per barrel mark during the first five months of the year.”

(SOURCE: AAPA)

RWMF: Music with a sustainability tune

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 1 July 2024: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024 convened from 28 to 30 June, setting the tone for a transformative celebration under this year’s theme, ‘Evolution’.

In its 27th edition, RWMF transcends its role as a music festival, offering an immersive experience that blends responsible tourism, cultural celebration, and environmental stewardship.

Welcoming attendees from around the globe, RWMF 2024 featured 72 international musicians and 75 local musicians, combining for a total of 22 acts. These performers boast a collective fanbase of 12 million followers across platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, highlighting the festival’s extensive global reach.

The festival’s headliners left an indelible mark on the opening day. Grammy and Golden Globe Award winner Kitaro Live World Tour, renowned for his groundbreaking electronic-instrumental music, performed for the first time in Kuching and at RWMF. This entranced the residents of the Sarawak Cultural Village with ethereal sounds and captivating performances, enchanting the audience and setting a high bar for the festival.

The first day of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), which coincided with the Rainforest Youth Summit (RAYS) closing ceremony, was a resounding success. It set a record for the highest number of attendees in the festival’s 27-year history.

Tickets for the three-day festival were sold out, surpassing last year’s records. “Last evening saw the highest attendance recorded for the first day of RWMF in its 27 years, with many attendees coming from international destinations Europe, Africa, and Australia, along with strong festival goers from ASEAN countries,” said Sarawak Tourism Board. CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor.

“The Rainforest World Music Festival has always been a beacon of cultural celebration, a vibrant tapestry of diverse musical traditions, and a champion for the indigenous voice of the world. In this 27th edition, we are taking an important step forward. With the Evolution of RWMF, we are transforming the festival into a dynamic platform that advocates sustainable practices in tourism and conservation, paving the way for the next 25 years of this festival,” she added.

Supported by sponsors such as Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), TVS, Carlsberg, and others. RWMF 2024 is poised to surpass last year’s attendance, creating a platform for key opinion leaders, environmental advocates, and youth changemakers.

In line with the theme of ‘Evolution’, RWMF 2024 has made bold strides in sustainability and responsible tourism. The festival’s eco-friendly initiatives, eg. a ban on single-use plastics, and the provision of free shuttle buses to reduce carbon emissions, underscore its commitment to environmental stewardship. These efforts inspire positive change, fostering a more environmentally conscious future.

As the Rainforest World Music Festival 2024 unfolded over the weekend, it harmonised the celebration of world music and cultures with the goal of sustainability, ensuring a memorable and impactful experience for all.

For more information on the annual festival, visit https://rwmf.net/. 
For information on travel in Sarawak, visit www.sarawaktourism.com.

Agoda: Searches soar for Thai destinations

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 1 July 2024: As the rainy season sets in there’s an uptick in searches for Thailand’s secondary cities, Agoda observes in its latest Thai travel market report.   

Based on accommodation searches, Agoda identifies so-called secondary cities in Thailand: Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Nayok Ratchaburi, and Chiang Rai.  

Chiang Rai’s main tourist season was cut short by forest fires. The smog was deemed a serious health hazard for the province’s elderly residents and children. However, the early onset of the rainy season revived domestic bookings, although hoteliers report that June to September performance metrics — average room rate, REVPAR and occupancy — are well below the pre-pandemic seasonal averages. Despite the serious lack of direct flights from gateway cities in Asia, of the five destinations, Chiang Rai gains the most interest from international travellers. In response, AirAsia (AK) is planning three-weekly direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Rai starting 2 November. The first international flights since the Covid pandemic.

Agoda’s assessment based on traveller interest shows secondary cities gained 23% growth in searches compared to 2023, highlighting improved popularity but not necessarily conversion to more paying guests. 

Nakhon Nayok, due to its relatively close proximity to Bangkok  gained the highest increase with double the number of searches. 

“This upward trend underscores the expanding appeal of these regions as travellers seek out unique and enriching experiences beyond the usual tourist hotspots,” Agoda argues.

Agoda Thailand Country Director Pierre Honne says: “The interest in Thailand’s secondary cities shows a desire to delve deeper into the country’s diverse offerings. Our collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to promote these destinations is indeed paying off, as we see with their growing popularity. Agoda is enthusiastic about assisting in TAT’s efforts to highlight Thailand’s secondary cities’ cultural, historical, and scenic treasures.”

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