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Thai Smile wraps up ops with final flight

BANGKOK, 4 January 2024: Thai Smile, the daughter company of Thai Airways International, ended all flights on 31 December following months of phasing out international flights and later handing over all its domestic routes to the parent airline.

Thai Smile’s last flights included a round-trip Bangkok-Krabi, Bangkok-Khon Kaen, Bangkok-Chiang Rai and Bangkok-Hat Yai. All Thai Smile flights ended on 31 December 2023, with the last flight departing Hat Yai in southern Thailand to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

Photo credit: Thai Smile. Final flight farewell 31 December 2023.

Closing down the subsidiary airline was part of THAI’s Rehabilitation Plan that should see the national airline achieving a complete restoration under the country’s bankruptcy court ruling.

As part of the business restructuring, Thai Smile was required to transfer all flight operations and services to Thai Airways, effective 1 January 2024. 

Thai Smile Airways launched in 2012 as a subsidiary of Thai Airways International, focusing on regional and domestic Thai routes.

It aimed to offer a low-cost fare alternative to Thai Airways International with a younger and more casual brand image.

However, success eluded its management, and due to heavy losses during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was decided to phase out Thai Smile as part of the airline group’s rehabilitation plan supervised by the bankruptcy court.

As a subsidiary, Thai Smile’s financial performance was consolidated into Thai Airways’ books, affecting its bottom line.

Local news reports quoted by Khaosod English suggested that the cumulative loss from its inception in 2012 until the merger was just short of THB16 billion(approximately USD460 million). In 2021 alone, Thai Smile reported a loss of THB4.24 billion (approximately USD122 million).

Existing bookings on Thai Smile have now been transferred to Thai Airways International flights. On domestic routes, THAI has maintained flight schedules using the Thai Smile’s A320 fleet, but it has deployed larger aircraft on some key routes, such as Phuket and Chiang Mai. However, it did drop one flight on the Bangkok – Chiang Rai route, offering just morning and late afternoon flights between the capital and the far north town. The local travel and hospitality sectors called the loss of the third daily flight to Chiang Rai a setback. 

Vietjet adds HK to Hanoi flights

HONG KONG, 4 January 2024: Vietjet has inaugurated the direct route connecting Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, to Hong Kong, marking the airline’s fourth route between Hong Kong and Vietnam. 

The thrice-weekly service will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

After connecting Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, and Phu Quoc, Vietjet welcomes passengers to its fourth service from Hong Kong to Hanoi. Travellers from Hong Kong now have easier access to the northern, central, and southern regions of Vietnam, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Hanoi is renowned for its ancient architecture, culinary delights, temples, and art. Visitors can explore numerous well-preserved historical buildings, such as the Hanoi Old City Gate and several ancient temples in the Hoàn Kiếm District. The Temple of Literature and Quán Sứ Temple are notable examples, with the former being Vietnam’s oldest university and an important symbol of Confucianism. Additionally, Hanoi is home to several prominent tourist attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, West Lake, and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. These places offer insights into Vietnam’s history and culture while showcasing traditional art performances.

Hong Kong residents can connect with flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to destinations in India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad).

THAI reconnects to Euro cities

BANGKOK, 4 January 2024: Thai Airways International will resume flights to Oslo in Norway and Milan in Italy during its summer timetable that kicks off on 31 March 2024.

According to its advance timetable from late March to the end of October 2024, the airline will increase flights to Sydney (SYD) and Taipei (TPE).

Timetable information

Bangkok – Milan starting 1 July 2024

TG940 BKK 0040 – MXP 0735 789 Daily
TG941 MXP 1405 – BKK 0555+1 789 Daily

Bangkok – Oslo starting 1 July 2024

TG954 BKK 0055 – OSL 0725 77W Daily
TG955 OSL 1415 – BKK 0615+1 77W Daily

Bangkok – Sydney. Two flights per day starting 31 March 2024

TG475 BKK 0830 – SYD 2030 77W Daily
TG471 BKK 2220 – SYD 1020+1 359 Daily 🆕
TG476 SYD 1000 – BKK 1620 77W Daily
TG472 SYD 1450 – BKK 2110 359 Daily 🆕

Bangkok – Taipei. Three flights per day starting 31 March 2024

TG632 BKK 0825 – TPE 1305 77W Daily
TG634 BKK 1420 – TPE 1900 32A Daily
TG636 BKK 1740 – TPE 2220 32A Daily
TG637 TPE 0750 – BKK 1035 32A Daily
TG633 TPE 1405 – BKK 1650 77W Daily
TG635 TPE 2005 – BKK 2250 32A Daily

Beond firms up Bangkok flights

DUBAI, 4 January 2024: Beond, a premium-only leisure airline home-based in the Maldives, will launch flights from Malé to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport starting 7 July 2024.

Initially, it will fly twice weekly, departing Malé (flight B4580) at 1645 and arriving at Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport (DMK) at 2300 on Thursday and Sunday.

Photo credit: Beond. A319 fitted out for 44 passengers.

The return flight (B4581) will depart DMK at 0655 and arrive in Malé at 0915 on Friday and Monday. 

Beond’s chief commercial officer, Sascha Feuerherd commented on the new route: “Our travel agent partners in Thailand are strong supporters of the Beond premium offer, and so we believe the Beond experience will resonate with customers. We anticipate this will be our first origin city in Asia.”

Established in November 2022, the airline began commercial operations a year later in November 2023, flying to the Maldives from  Munich, Zurich, and Riyadh using an Airbus A319 aircraft fitted with 44 lay-flat seats. 

Beond says it will acquire 32 aircraft and serve 60 destinations over the next five years, mainly in Asia, Australia and Europe. It previously announced routes from  Munich, Zurich, Riyadh, Milan and Dubai.

Unlike other airlines, it flies with a business-class cabin fitted out to deliver a “luxurious and hassle-free flying experience.”

It’s a joint venture between Emirati investment firm Arabesque and Maldivian hospitality company SIMDI Group and claims to be the “world’s first premium leisure airline.”

Jetstar flies to Wuxi in China

SINGAPORE, 3 January 2024: Jetstar Asia launched flights from Singapore to Wuxi during December’s festive season as demand for China holidays recovers in Singapore’s outbound travel market.   

The new flight from Changi Airport marks the start of the Singapore low-cost carrier’s second direct route to mainland China.

The flight to Wuxi’s Sunan Shuofang International Airport makes Jetstar Asia the only airline serving the Chinese city from Singapore. Wuxi is historically, culturally, and commercially an important gateway city in China’s southern Jiangsu province.

Using an Airbus A320, the airline started with two weekly flights and will increase to four weekly services from 15 January 2024 to meet growing demand. The airline will offer more than 70,000 low-fare seats annually between the two destinations, Wuxi and Singapore.

Jetstar Asia CEO Barathan Pasupathi commented: “China is a critical market for Jetstar, so it’s great to start flying to Wuxi, our second Chinese port following the successful launch of flights to Haikou early in 2023.”

Wuxi is located in the southern Jiangsu province, just over 100 km from Shanghai and sits on the banks of Lake Taihu.

Wuxi attractions

Lingshan Grand Buddha: This colossal bronze statue, the tallest in China, offers panoramic views and serene Buddhist rituals.

Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle): Explore this scenic island park adorned with gardens, pavilions, and a charming Ferris wheel.

Huishan Old Town: Stroll through this ancient district, boasting historic bridges, temples, and traditional architecture.Lake Taihu: Cruise the vast freshwater lake, a photographer’s paradise, and enjoy water sports like boating or cycling its shoreline paths.

TAT suffers a memory lapse

BANGKOK, 3 January 2024: TAT suffered a memory lapse when it posted what was supposed to be Mastercard’s latest Global Destination Cities Index, placing Bangkok at the top of the pile with 22.78 million visitors in 2023.

It turned out to be a rerun of the Mastercard’s index for 2019, covering data collected in 2018. The Tourism Authority of Thailand correctly posted the Mastercard index findings on its news website on 10 September 2019. So how did the same index findings get resurrected in December 2023 and floated on the TAT Facebook page masquerading as the gospel truth? Has something gone wrong with TAT’s newsroom’s fact-checking?

Photo credit: Khaosod English

‘Home for human stories’ Medium.com was apparently the first culprit to resurrect the 2019 index data to an imaginary 2023 Mastercard index release. TAT then appears to have picked it up without fact-checking or even looking back through its own newsroom archives, where it would have discovered it had successfully covered the story four years earlier.

The Mastercard Global Destination Cities Index dropped out of sight since the 2019 edition for obvious reasons — the pandemic and its devastating aftermath. But in the good times, Mastercard typically releases the new index sometime in the first half of the calendar year, usually between April and June. 

We can expect Mastercard to return with its destination cities index in mid-2024. For the record, the 2019 index is shown below. 

SQ to fly to Gatwick UK June 2024

SINGAPORE, 3 January 2024: Singapore Airlines will introduce direct flights between Singapore and London’s Gatwick Airport on 21 June 2024, operating five weekly services using the long-haul variant of its Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

Together with its current four-times daily services to London’s Heathrow Airport, this will raise flights to the UK capital to 33 weekly services, up from the present 28 weekly services. SIA also operates five weekly services to Manchester Airport.

Gatwick schedule

Flight SQ310 will operate on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, departing Singapore for Gatwick Airport at 2355 and arriving in London at 0625 the following morning. 

The return flight, SQ309, will operate from Gatwick Airport to Singapore on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, departing at 1015 and arriving in Singapore at 0620 the following morning. The early morning arrival will offer customers connections to SIA and Scoot flights to destinations across Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

SIA’s long-haul A350-900s feature 253 seats in three cabin classes: 42 in Business Class, 24 in Premium Economy Class, and 187 in Economy Class.

The addition of Gatwick increases European destinations in the SIA network to 141*, reflecting its firm commitment to enhancing its connectivity to this key region.

Tickets for SIA’s flights to London’s Gatwick Airport have been on sale through various distribution channels since 19 December 2023.

 * The 14 destinations are Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London (Heathrow), London (Gatwick), Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, and Zurich.

Visit Laos Year gets underway

VIENTIANE, 3 January 2024: Laos returns to familiar campaign ground, introducing a rehashed “Visit Laos Year 2024” campaign, confident it will help the country reach a targetted 2.7 million visitor arrivals.  

The country has a long history of employing Visit Laos Year campaigns to boost tourist arrivals since 1999. Similar initiatives followed in 2004, 2011 and 2018, adopting different themes linked to popular national festivals, mostly linked to Buddhist ceremonies.    

The official launch of Visit Laos Year 2024.

The latest version of the Visit Laos 2024 campaign invites tourists to “safely explore a paradise of nature, history and culture through 79 cultural events including national festivals in the annual calendar.

During the recent launch ceremony, Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department, Khom Douangchantha, expressed confidence that the Visit Laos 2024 campaign will stand out on the global stage.

“While hosting several high-profile events, this tourism campaign holds significant importance as a crucial step towards revitalising our economy and boosting the tourism industry,” he told the audience.

“Embodying the essence of the well-known Lao phrase ‘Sabai Sabai,’ which encourages visitors to feel comfortable and take it easy, this campaign extends a warm invitation to all travellers to make themselves at home as they explore our cultural, natural, and historical paradise.” 

However, there are ambitious goals for the tourism industry, such as the benchmark that aims to attract over 2.7 million international tourists in 2024 and generate over USD400 million in revenue while setting the stage to welcome 2.9 million visitors in 2025.

At a launch ceremony held at Vientiane Capital’s That Luang Esplanade, Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket said: “Tourism plays a key role in Laos’ economy and growth. In 2022, our service sector was the fastest-growing in the country, accounting for 37% of GDP.”

To ensure success, the Lao government is pulling out all the stops, with plans underway to enhance infrastructure, diversify tourism products, and elevate service quality. A focal point of these efforts is the promotion of Visit Laos Year 2024 through various media channels and international tourism exhibitions.

In addition to the Visit Laos Year festivities, Laos assumes the ASEAN chairmanship in January 2024. This will involve hosting significant events, such as the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits, the ASEAN Tourism Forum( late January) and various other ASEAN-related meetings during the year.

Must-visit festivals

Bolaven Coffee-Tea Festival: Held in Champasak province on 19 February, this festival celebrates the region’s renowned coffee and tea production with tastings, workshops, and cultural performances. It’s a delight for coffee and tea enthusiasts.

Wat Phou Festival: From 22 to 24 February in and around the ancient pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features traditional dance, music, and light displays, revealing a captivating mix of history and culture.

Lao New Year Festival (Pi Mai Lao): Nationwide from 14 to 16 April and in Luang Prabang from 11 to 20 April. This vibrant festival celebrates the Lao New Year with water splashing, street processions, traditional games, and religious ceremonies.

Boun OK Phansa: Marking the end of the Buddhist Lent, the festival runs from 17 to 18 October. Celebrations in Vientiane include the popular traditional boat races on the Mekong River that flows through the capital, Vientiane. The boat races in Luang Prabang will be held earlier on 2 September.

That Luang Festival: Held 11 to 15 November around the iconic That Luang temple in Vientiane, this grand festival features religious ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances. It’s a showcase of Lao history and heritage.

Vistara doubles flights to Singapore

SINGAPORE, 4 January 2024: Vistara, a joint venture between India’s TATA Sons and Singapore Airlines, will fly double daily on the Mumbai-Singapore route, effective 1 February 2024.

The airline currently offers a daily direct flight between Mumbai and Singapore, with flight (UK105) departing the Indian city at 0055 and arriving in Singapore at 0915. The return flight UK106 departs Singapore at 1030 and arrives in Mumbai at 1345. Flight time is five hours and 50 minutes using an A321. Fares start at around USD145 to USD156 one-way.

Photo credit: Aerowanderer. Vistara A321.

The new daily flight (UK107) scheduled to start on 1 February will depart Mumbai mid-morning at 1050 and arrive in Singapore at 1845. The one-way fare starts at around USD120. The return flight (UK108) will depart Singapore at 1945 and arrive in Mumbai at 2335.

Indian aviation reports speculate the airline could increase flights to popular international destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bangkok to accommodate the surge in travel demand through to the end of March 2024.

Doubling up on flights from Mumbai to Singapore is one example of catering to the increase in Indian travellers booking overseas holidays during its winter timetable ending 31 March using its recently acquired fuel-efficient A321neo aircraft.

However, competition on the Mumbai to Singapore route is tough, with airlines such as Singapore Airlines (an equity partner in Vistara), IndiGo and Air India all vying for the attention of Mumbai’s affluent leisure travellers.

Meanwhile, the airline introduced direct flights from Pune in India to Singapore starting on 17 December 2023, offering a six-weekly service departing Pune at 0210 and arriving in Singapore at 1030

The return flight to Pune departs Singapore at 1140 and arrives in Pune at 1510. Flights are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday using an A321. One-way fares start at around USD202.

Vistara taking delivery of A321neo aircraft and that is providing capacity to serve route expansion. However, competition on the Mumbai to Singapore route is tough with airlines Singapore Airlines (a partner in Vistara) IndiGo and Air India competing for leisure travellers in the Mumbai outbound travel market.

Centara wraps up a successful 2023

BANGKOK, 29 December 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Thailand, reflects on a highly successful year celebrating several major milestones and achievements. 

2023 marked 40 years since Centara first introduced its family-centric Thai hospitality to the world, and this year was also one of the most significant in the company’s history. With three new hotels, including its inaugural property in Japan, a newly refreshed brand, a key executive appointment and multiple awards, Centara has advanced its five-year goal of becoming a top 100 global hotel operator by 2027.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Centara created a series of mega marketing campaigns to thank guests for their support and stimulate demand. This was not the only milestone for Centara in 2023; Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin turned 100 with a special centenary offer to help commemorate this iconic, century-old Thai heritage hotel.

Centara opened three new properties comprising 899 keys in 2023, taking its total portfolio to 95 hotels and resorts that are open or in the pipeline. These included Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, a 33-story urban landmark that marked the group’s debut in Japan. With its stylish and spacious rooms, modern MICE venues, five-star facilities, and eight world-class bars and restaurants, this hotel has already become popular among business and leisure travellers. Centara also reaffirmed its leading position in Thailand with the launch of two new properties: Centara Ubon, its first hotel in the northeastern gateway city of Ubon Ratchathani, just a few steps from the Central Ubon lifestyle mall, and Centara Ayutthaya, a new all-in-one leisure and lifestyle destination located next to the Central Ayutthaya mall and less than 15 minutes from this historic city’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples.

Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centara’s CEO, celebrates several major milestones and achievements in 2023.

To accelerate its future growth, the company has rebranded Centra by Centara as Centara Life, revealing a fresh and exciting new brand identity. Centara Lifewill retain its core “Elevating the Essentials” concept to help guests travel and stay seamlessly. The rebranding process will involve the complete and vibrant refresh of the brand’s visual identity, which will permeate the brand’s physical and digital presence, plus a series of new signature guest experiences such as extra sleeping comforts, complimentary local delicacies, flexible breakfast hours and more!

To help drive the growth of its six diverse brands, Centara recently announced the appointment of Michael Henssler as its new Chief Operating Officer.

A hotel industry expert with almost 30 years of experience, most recently as Kempinski’s Chief Operating Officer for Asia, Henssler will help Centara move into dynamic destinations and exciting new international markets. 

Centara also achieved a series of prestigious awards. Brand Finance’s annual Thailand 50 report named Centara Grand, the flagship five-star brand, as the “Strongest Brand in Thailand,” based on factors including its brand equity, trust and value, while the Investment Analysts Association (IAA) Awards for Listed Companies 2022-23 presented the “Outstanding CEO” award to Centara’s Thirayuth Chirathivat, the “Outstanding CFO” prize to Gun Srisompong, and the “Best Investor Relations” award to Central Plaza Hotel PCL (CENTEL), Centara’s parent company. Centara was also proud to be named the “Best Employer – Thailand 2023” in the Kincentric Best Employers Awards and to achieve sustainability certification by Vireo SRL, which means that Centara’s corporate office and 12 of its hotels are now GSTC certified, with the balance certified by 2025. 

The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 honoured three of Centara’s hotels. Roukh Kiri Khao Yai, a member of Centara Boutique Collection, was chosen as one of Thailand’s finest “Upcountry Hotels,” Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives won second place in the “House Reefs” category for the Maldives. Centara Reserve Samui was selected as one of Thailand’s best “Beach Island Resorts” — one of nine awards this stunning property achieved this year.

“2023 was an exceptional year for Centara. As the travel and hospitality industry regained strength, we took several important steps to position our company for a strong and sustainable future. With the addition of multiple hotels, the refreshed Centara Life brand and the arrival of Michael Henssler, we are perfectly placed to accelerate our development. To also win a series of prestigious awards reaffirms our confidence that we are moving in the right direction,” said Centara’s CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat.

To learn more about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com