BANGKOK, 10 November 2023: BWH Hotels continues the expansion of its 19 brands during the third quarter of 2023.
The brand added new properties to its portfolio throughout key markets in Asia, Europe, North America and South America within the luxury to premium economy accommodation sectors.
Travellers can enjoy the increased presence of BWH Hotels properties in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, France, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, the US and Vietnam.
“We are delighted to offer even more accommodations for travellers,” said BWH Hotels president and chief executive officer Larry Cuculic. “We continue strategically growing our global presence, thoughtfully adding ideal properties in key locations worldwide. Our new properties serve every type of traveller, from road trippers to world adventurers.”
Asia properties joining the portfolio
Alhambra Hotel & Convention, BW Signature Collection (Tasikmalaya, Indonesia) Best Western Plus Metro Clark (Angeles City, Philippines) Best Western Premier Marvella Nha Trang (Nha Trang, Vietnam) SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Cebu City (Cebu City, Philippines) The Sanctuary Resort Pattaya, BW Signature Collection (Pattaya, Thailand)] Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, WorldHotels Distinctive (Tokyo, Japan)
BWH Hotels has maintained its success through the first three quarters of the year and plans to utilise this momentum to further its growth ahead of 2024. These latest properties join over 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories.
SINGAPORE, 10 November 2023: Singapore Airlines continues to resume flights as it returns its network to almost pre-Covid levels during the Northern Winter operating season (29 October 2023 to 30 March 2024).
In its 7 November update, SIA Group forecasts flight capacity is expected to reach an average of around 92% of pre-pandemic levels by December 2023. The group expects to return to pre-Covid capacity levels or better within the FY2024/25 that starts 1 April, with the progressive ramp-up of services across the network.
Photo credit: SIA. Two more Boeing 787-10s joined the fleet in August and September.
China changes
SIA re-introduces services to key destinations in China: Chongqing during this month, Chengdu in December and Xiamen between December 2023 and January 2024.
As part of the regular review of the group’s network, SIA reports it will operate to Shenzhen instead of Scoot with the reinstatement of the full-service carrier’s flights from November 2023.
SIA will also ramp up frequencies to Guangzhou from November 2023 from daily to double daily. Scoot will resume operations to Kunming and Changsha later this month. With these reinstatements, SIA and Scoot will serve 23 destinations in China compared to 25 points pre-pandemic. In addition to the expansion in mainland China, Scoot will deploy supplementary services to Hong Kong SAR, Melbourne, and Sydney from December 2023 to February 2024 to cater to the year-end holiday demand.
Beyond China
For the Northern Summer 2024 operating season (31 March 2024 to 26 October 2024), SIA will ramp up services to destinations across its global network. This includes restoring Airbus A380 services to Frankfurt, deploying widebody Airbus A350-900 medium-haul aircraft to Cairns and Male, and reinstating direct services between Singapore and Barcelona.
Flight frequencies will increase to reach or exceed prepandemic levels across multiple points. These include Ahmedabad (India), Beijing and Shanghai (China), Copenhagen (Denmark), Da Nang (Vietnam), Darwin, Melbourne, and Perth (Australia), Dubai (UAE), Tokyo-Haneda (Japan), and Seattle and Houston (US). SIA will launch four times weekly direct flights between Singapore and Brussels in April 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.
SIA hosts Assembly of Presidents
Meanwhile, the airline will host the 67th edition of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) Assembly of Presidents from 9 to 10 November 2023. AAPA, which has 14 member airlines, acts as a trade association for scheduled international carriers based in the Asia Pacific region. More than 200 delegates, attendees, and media members worldwide are expected at the Assembly, which will be held at Singapore’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
JAKARTA, 9 November 2023: Swiss-Belhotel International announced this week the rebranding of a five-star hotel in the heart of Surabaya City, Indonesia.
The upscale property officially adopted its new identity as the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo, Surabaya, on 1 November 2023.
Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo, Surabaya
Located at Jl Bintoro, the 227-room Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo, Surabaya expands Swiss-Belhotel International’s footprint in Indonesia and complements its existing portfolio in East Java. The portfolio includes Hotel Ciputra World Surabaya, Swiss-Belinn Tunjungan, Swiss-Belinn Manyar, Swiss-Belinn Airport Surabaya, Zest Jemursari and Swiss-Belinn Malang.
Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo offers six multipurpose meeting rooms and a spacious ballroom capable of hosting events from small meetings to grand-scale conferences, graduations, seminars, and weddings, accommodating groups of 10 to 800 persons. Each meeting room is designed with the latest audio-visual facilities, banquet equipment, high-speed internet access, and food and beverage services to accommodate business travellers’ needs.
To celebrate the rebranding, the Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo, Surabaya, offers special rates starting from IDR 980,000 net/room/night for deluxe-type rooms, including breakfast for two persons and F&B credit during the rebranding period until 29 December 2023.
LONDON, 9 November 2023: Leveraging the World Travel Market (WTM) London, which attracts thousands of senior industry professionals, government ministers, and media specialists, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) unveiled its UK campaign with National Geographic Traveller (UK) and Tripadvisor at the Sarawak Pavilion on 7 November 2023.
Announced by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) during its participation at WTM London 2023, held from 6 to 8 November, these initiatives are set to further establish Sarawak as a premier eco-tourism destination with international recognition in anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year in 2026.
STB Acting CEO Puan Yusfida Hj Khalid and MAB Senior Manager (Central & Western International Marketing) Krystal Ng Mei Ee exchanged MOU documents during the signing ceremony. Looking on is YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim (middle) with MAB Regional General Manager (UK & Europe) Daniel Bainbridge (4th left), MTCP Permanent Secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini (5th left) and Deputy Minister of Tourism Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting (3rd right).
Aimed at increasing travel bookings from the UK market, Sarawak launched its campaign with National Geographic Traveller (UK) and Tripadvisor. The campaign includes an informative series of eight articles and six one-minute videos on National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s website, leading visitors to a dedicated landing page on TripAdvisor’s platform to book their preferred tourism experiences. This campaign is slated to run until April 2024.
YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim said: “The UK market has played a pivotal role in Sarawak’s resurgence. From January to September 2023 alone, we welcomed 18,833 visitors from the United Kingdom. The growth rate of 216.74% in this segment is very impressive, compared to the same period in 2022 when we hosted 5,944 UK visitors. Based on current trends, a total estimation of 25,110 visitor arrivals from the UK to Sarawak is expected for 2023.”
STB’s participation at this important travel trade event is an opportunity to strengthen its destination branding and provide a platform for Sarawak’s industry partners to conduct in-person business. This year, STB is hosting up to ten Sarawak trade partners, offering a unique perspective on Sarawak’s natural beauty, diverse culture, festivals, and cuisine under the theme “Sarawak – Now More Than Ever.”
Abdul Karim added: “Amid the presence of our esteemed local partners at WTM this year, we extend a warm invitation to everyone to explore and savour the diverse array of experiences we have curated to provide you with a true essence of Sarawak. This event is an ideal platform for our local partners to spotlight Sarawak’s incomparable attributes, encompassing its rich cultural diversity, thrilling adventures, pristine natural beauty, vibrant festivals, and delectable cuisine, all certain to captivate your interest.”
STB’s participation also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Joint Marketing Campaign for 2024 with Malaysia Airlines Berhad. This collaboration will boost interest in Sarawak as a tourism destination from 2024 onwards. Further enhancing the Sarawak experience at the Sarawak Pavilion, cultural dancers performed ethnic dances and traditional musical instruments such as the Sape and nose flute that resonated throughout the venue. A tree bark art demonstration further showcased Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage, art, and musical traditions.
In a separate event, Sarawak placed in the top 10 ranking for the Most Desirable Region in the World category in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2023, announced during the WTM in London. The Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards is an annual event where the travel industry’s greatest gems are spotlighted, and the readers vote on the ranking for each category.
The UK market holds a special place in Sarawak’s tourism strategy. Visitor Arrivals (VA) from the UK have shown remarkable recovery, with a growth of 216.74% for January – September 2023 (18,833) against the same corresponding period in 2022 (5,944). Currently, the UK is in the top 10 ranking of visitor arrivals market to Sarawak (Jan-Sept 2023) and the highest ranking from all regions in Europe and Oceania market. Since 2018, the number of visitor arrivals from the UK has been the highest amongst other countries in the European market.
STB’s goals for its participation in WTM London 2023 are multi-faceted. These goals encompass creating a commanding presence through a 140 sqm double-deck Sarawak stand, with a strong focus on enhancing destination branding and fostering international recognition. STB is dedicated to facilitating a minimum of 30 appointments, with its primary emphasis on engagement with key stakeholders in the travel industry.
LONDON, 9 November 2023: A British natural history publisher has hailed Sabah’s extraordinary triple-crown achievement as a powerful catalyst poised to rekindle a profound fascination with the state’s exceptional wildlife.
John Beaufoy, an avid wildlife enthusiast, believed this accolade would not only deepen the world’s appreciation for Sabah’s ecological wonders but also issue a captivating call to a global audience to explore the region’s rich biodiversity.
Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar (3rd right) and Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (2nd left) launching a bird guidebook authored by Sabah’s Wong Tsu Shi and published by John Beaufoy (3rd left). Also in the photo are Sri Pelancongan Sabah chairman Ken Pan (2nd right); Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman (right); and Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim (left).
“I’ve had the privilege of visiting Sabah multiple times over the past 25 years. With its newfound UNESCO triple-crown status, I firmly believe it will elevate Sabah, especially Kinabalu Park, to the pinnacle of wildlife history destinations,” he said.
Beaufoy shared his reflections following the unveiling of Sabah’s Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark during the World Travel Market 2023 at Excel London on Monday (6 November).
The launch was graced by Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK, Datuk Zakri Jaafar.
At the same time, they also launched a bird guidebook titled “A Naturalist’s Guide to Borneo’s Birds (4th edition)”, authored by Sabah’s Wong Tsu Shi and published by John Beaufoy Publishing.
Beaufoy pointed out that Sabah has already drawn many UK wildlife enthusiasts eager to explore the state’s diverse wildlife, from birdlife to butterflies and mammals.
He believed the UNESCO Global Geopark status would be a strong magnet, encouraging even more wildlife enthusiasts to consider Sabah a premier destination for wildlife watching.
Meanwhile, Zakri highlighted that this latest UNESCO recognition extends its impact beyond Sabah, encompassing Malaysia.
He remarked that the recognition would elevate the global status of both Sabah and Malaysia, positioning them at the forefront of international recognition and appreciation.
Addressing the arrival of UK tourists to Malaysia, Zakri noted that the country welcomed over 400,000 travellers from the UK before the pandemic.
“Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, as of September this year, over 100,000 UK visitors have already returned to Malaysia, signifying promising statistics.
“Abundant opportunities exist to further boost the number of UK visitors to Malaysia, and I firmly believe that the UNESCO Global Geopark status granted to Sabah will serve as a compelling draw for UK tourists to explore the unique flora and fauna that Malaysia has to offer,” he said.
Sabah achieved triple-crown status after UNESCO recognised the Kinabalu National Geopark as a Global Geopark in May this year.
This achievement has made Sabah the third destination in the world to attain this coveted triple crown, following Shennongjia in China and Jeju Island in Korea.
Sabah’s other two UNESCO “crowns” are the Kinabalu Park, designated a World Heritage Site in December 2000, and the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, declared in June 2014.
In his speech, Joniston underscored the Sabah government’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
“The World Travel Market 2023 is a momentous occasion for Sabah as it provides us with the opportunity to showcase our latest UNESCO crown jewel to the world, highlighting its incredible geology, rich ecosystems, local communities, and the conservation work that earned it UNESCO recognition.
“Sabah is not merely a destination but a pledge to preserve the planet’s natural wonders for future generations. The state government aims to empower rural communities within the Kinabalu Geopark by involving them in both conservation and the tourism industry.
“This recognition as the 195th UNESCO Global Geopark solidifies Sabah’s place on the world stage, and we invite the global travel and tourism community to experience the splendour of this remarkable Geopark, contributing to its sustainable development and global awareness,” he added.
SINGAPORE, 9 November 2023: Royal Caribbean International confirms its popular Anthem of the Seas will join returning favourites Quantum, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas for Alaska cruises in the summer of 2025.
With Anthem’s Alaska debut between May and September 2025, the cruise line offers seven-night vacations that visit many of the state’s most-talked-about glaciers, parks and towns.
Photo credit RCI: Anthem of the Seas.
Summer 2025 Alaska highlights
Anthem of the Seas – Sailing Roundtrip from Seattle. For the first time, Anthem heads to Alaska – and it all starts in Seattle. Adventure seekers can choose from two different seven-night itineraries that include locales like Alaska’s Sitka and the Gold Rush-era town of Skagway.
Quantum of the Seas – Sailing Roundtrip from Seattle and marking its return to Alaska, Quantum is the seven-night adventure for vacationers looking to marvel at Alaska’s picturesque landscapes as they venture to Sitka, Skagway, Endicott Arm fjord, Dawes Glacier and Juneau, as well as Icy Strait Point and Victoria in Canada.
Serenade of the Seas – Returning to Alaska, Serenade makes its way to Vancouver via a 16-night Panama Canal cruise. Vacationers looking to journey along Alaska’s Inside Passage and see the region’s captivating wildlife are in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure visiting destinations like Haines, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska. Adventure seekers enjoy front-row seats to coastal gems with more than one glacier in store: Hubbard Glacier, North America’s largest tidewater glacier, and Tracy Arm fjord, with more than 30 miles of narrow passageways surrounded by cliffs and waterfalls.
Radiance of the Seas – Sailing from Vancouver and Seward Radiance is the choice for vacationers who seek more immersive experiences to explore Alaska. The lineup of alternating northbound and southbound adventures starts from Seward and Vancouver, and along the way to Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, and Hubbard Glacier are photo-worthy landscapes.
ABU DHABI, 9 November 2023: Etihad Airways has unveiled its flagship premium lounges at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Terminal A.
It follows the airline’s introduction of flights from Terminal A on 31 October. The new lounges have been introduced to passengers ahead of the airline’s complete transition to the new terminal, which will take place between 9 and 14 November.
Photo credit: Etihad.
Etihad’s impressive new lounges span three floors of Terminal A’s north side, nestled between Piers C and D. The First and Business lounges feature a range of dining options, relaxation and entertainment spaces to suit all guests, including the Constellation Bar at the enclosed Roof Lounge.
The Etihad lounges are accessible to guests flying in Etihad’s Residence, First and Business Class and Etihad Guest members with eligible tier status. Guests flying economy class who wish to enjoy the exclusive lounge space can purchase access to Etihad’s Business Lounge, subject to availability.
The lounge has access to three gates offering direct lounge boarding on selected flights, meaning guests in premium cabins can board straight from the lounge, which speeds up boarding.
SINGAPORE, 9 November 2023: Tony Fernandes has been named ‘Asia Pacific CEO of The Year’ at the Airline Economics Aviation 100 Asia Pacific Awards 2023 in Singapore this week.
Chief executive officer of Capital A, the investment holding company of AirAsia, AirAsia MOVE, Teleport, and Capital A aviation services group Fernandes received the award earlier this week on the sidelines of the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Asia Pacific conference, attended by some 700 aviation professionals.
Voted by industry experts, including airlines, lessors, banks, law firms, and other key stakeholders, the annual industry poll by Airline Economics recognises and celebrates the industry’s most outstanding leaders.
Capital A executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said: “Congratulations to Tony for this great achievement, as it reflects the hard work, resilience and dedication of all Allstars across Capital A. This recognition comes at a high time that the industry has hit the ground running, building and growing after the global Covid-19 pandemic and highlights the value we deliver to our customers as a low-cost, value-driven aviation and travel services group. Looking ahead, we will continue our mission of delivering unparalleled customer experience whilst positively contributing to the economy and the industry, regionally and beyond.”
Airline Economics managing director Philip Tozer-Pennington added: “Tony Fernandes’ recognition as the Aviation 100 APAC CEO Of The Year is a well-deserved acknowledgement of his remarkable leadership and notable contributions to the aviation industry. His vision and dedication have not only transformed AirAsia and Capital A but have also left an indelible mark on the broader aviation landscape in the Asia-Pacific region. This award is a testament to his outstanding achievements, and we are proud to celebrate his success.”
HANOI, 9 November 2023: Vietjet will start twice weekly flights linking central Vietnam’s beach resort town of Nha Trang with Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, starting 15 December.
The airline announced the new service during the recent Vietnam – Mongolia Business Forum, which marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet announces flights to Mongolia.
The airline will fly a twice-weekly service on the Nha Trang – Ulaanbaatar – route using A320 aircraft. Flight time will be around five hours and 30 minutes.
Nha Trang is a popular coastal town in Vietnam known for its spectacular beaches, while the capital, Ulaanbaatar, is the cultural, political, and economic centre of Mongolia, famed for its historical destinations and magnificent natural landscapes.
The new route to Mongolia will promote investment, tourism, cultural exchange, and educational cooperation between the two nations. It will also enhance connectivity between Mongolia and Vietnam while further expanding Vietjet’s flight network, covering destinations in Vietnam, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Hong Kong (China), Taiwan (China), South Korea, India, Kazakhstan, and beyond.
Flights to South India
Meanwhile, the airline introduced a new service from Ho Chi Minh City to Tiruchirappalli, in southern India, starting 2 November 2023, offering three weekly flights. The flights depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Tiruchirappalli on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Flights from Tiruchirappalli to Ho Chi Minh City depart Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Tiruchirappalli is an important city in South India, known for its ancient and colourful architecture, promising to bring captivating cultural experiences to the souls of those passionate about exploration.
Vietjet already flies to India, serving major cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kochi.
BANGKOK, 9 November 2023: After 66 years, Diethelm Travel has rebranded, adopting a new commercial identity, ‘DTH Travel’, and a revamped website introduced during the World Travel Market in London this week.
The 66-year-old travel firm is the longest surviving destination management company registered in Thailand, originally 100% owned by the Diethelm Group family in Switzerland.
Today, it is owned by three shareholders, each holding a third of the shares: Stephan Roamer, Thomas Maurer and Gonpo Tsering. The company’s network selling travel content to global tour operators spreads across 13 Asian countries.
In a newsletter statement sent to tour wholesalers worldwide, the company noted the “rebrand signals our new forward-thinking ethos while honouring our legacy, expertise, and the rich history we’ve built with you.”
The company’s career in handling inbound tourism started in April 1957 when Swissair appointed the company as its first authorised travel agency in Thailand accredited by IATA. The Swissair contract led Diethelm into the travel business under the original branding of “Diethelm Travel Office”.
