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Michelin awards by stars and keys

BANGKOK, 18 July 2025: The Michelin Guide will launch the first global Michelin Key Selection at a ceremony in Paris on 8 October 2025, following the successful rollout of Michelin Key distinctions in 15 top travel destinations throughout 2024 and early 2025.

It will mark the debut of a worldwide selection celebrating the most outstanding hotels worldwide. 

UOB is the Global Principal Partner of The Michelin Guide Hotels, the first time a Singapore company has partnered with the distinguished ratings authority on an international scale.

In addition to the Michelin Keys, the Michelin Guide will introduce four brand-new Special Awards, spotlighting excellence in specific areas of the hospitality industry. 

The announcement will be made both online, via the Guide’s social media and editorial platforms, and in person during an exclusive ceremony in Paris. 

For the first time, travellers will benefit from a seamless experience that combines trusted Michelin distinctions with integrated booking services, making it easier than ever to discover and reserve the world’s finest hotels. 

Internationally renowned for its restaurant selections and Star ratings, The Michelin Guide has, in recent years, built an independent global hotel selection featuring over 7,000 properties located across more than 125 countries.  

Just as the iconic Stars indicate the best culinary experiences, the Michelin Keys highlight the most outstanding stays within the Guide’s hotel selection. 

Evaluated by The Michelin Guide Inspectors following five universal criteria, the Michelin Keys qualify each hotel experience in broader terms than simple amenities, to establish a new international and reliable benchmark for exceptional hospitality: 

One Michelin Key: a very special stay 

This is a true gem with its own character and personality. It may break the mould, offer something different, or simply be one of the best of its type. Service always goes the extra mile and provides significantly more than similarly priced establishments. 

Two Michelin Keys: an exceptional stay 

A hotel of character, personality and charm that’s operated with evident pride and considerable care. Eye-catching design and architecture, along with a genuine sense of the locale, make this an exceptional place to stay. 

Three Michelin Keys: an extraordinary stay 

This is the ultimate in comfort, service, style, and elegance. It is one of the world’s most extraordinary hotels and a destination for that trip of a lifetime. All the elements of truly great hospitality are here to ensure any stay will live long in the memory and hearts of travellers. 

After celebrating over 1,500 outstanding hotels through its initial Key selections, The Michelin Guide now goes a step further in showcasing the very best of global hospitality, with inspectors currently finalising this first worldwide selection. 

Four new Special Awards

In addition to the Michelin Keys, the Michelin Guide will introduce four Special Awards, recognising properties for achievements that transcend classic categories, and celebrating excellence and uniqueness in specific hospitality fields: 

Michelin Architecture & Design Award: Celebrates hotels whose architecture and design inspire unforgettable journeys, and elevate the guest experience through a distinctive aesthetic identity.  

Michelin Wellness Award: Recognises properties with pioneering and holistic wellness programs nurturing body, mind, and spirit. 

Michelin Local Gateway Award: Honours hotels that offer guests immersive connections to their surroundings, evoking the character and spirit of their region. 

Michelin Opening of the Year Award: Rewards newly opened hotels that have made an exceptional impact on the hospitality landscape within their first year. 

Each Special Award honours one winning property revealed during the Ceremony on 8 October 2025. Ahead of this, Michelin Guide social media and editorial platforms will unveil nominees according to the following schedule: 

Architecture & Design Award Nominees: 13 August.

Wellness Award Nominees: 27 August. 

Local Gateway Award Nominees: 10  September.

Opening of the Year Award Nominees:  24 September. 

The Michelin Guide Hotels Ceremony  

The unveiling of the 2025 Michelin Keys selection will take place both digitally, across The Michelin Guide’s social media and editorial platforms, and physically during a ceremony in Paris on 8 October 2025. 

The Michelin Guide Hotels Ceremony will take place at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, overlooking the Louvre Palace and the Tuileries Garden.  

This professional event will bring together a select group of award-winning hotels (represented by approximately 300 international hoteliers), special award winners, journalists, and industry opinion leaders. 

Hong Kong passenger traffic soars 21.6%

HONG KONG, 18 July 2025: Hong Kong International Airport delivered double-digit increases in passenger and cargo throughput as well as flight movements, according to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) Annual Report for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2025.

Published on Wednesday, the report confirms that passenger traffic increased 21.6% year-over-year to 54.9 million, cargo throughput rose 10.3% to 5.0 million tonnes, and flight movements climbed 20.5% to reach 373,050. In 2024, HKIA was named the world’s busiest cargo airport for the 14th time since 2010.

(Photo credit: HKIA)

HKIA’s air network continued to grow during the fiscal year, with 27 airlines launching new routes or expanding services to 56 destinations. As of the end of the 2024/25 fiscal year, approximately 140 airlines were serving at HKIA, connecting to more than 200 destinations.

AAHK delivered a sound financial performance in fiscal 2024/25, driven by traffic growth and higher revenue. It recorded a profit of HKD2,457 million, and the Board declared a dividend of HKD1,300 million payable to the Hong Kong SAR Government. It is the first dividend payment since 2014/15, when AAHK began retaining operating surpluses to finance the Three-runway System (3RS) project.

AAHK Chairman Fred Lam said: “The past year was pivotal for HKIA as we crossed key milestones and air traffic continued its solid recovery. The Three-runway System was commissioned on time and within budget in November 2024, boosting the airport’s annual capacity by 50% and strengthening our status as one of the world’s largest and most important aviation hubs. We have also laid the groundwork for realising our strategic vision of transforming a city airport into an Airport City, with the extended development blueprint unveiled under a new brand, SKYTOPIA, which has received a positive market response. I am glad that our achievements and vision for the future are enjoying increasing support from different sectors of the community. Though we are facing global economic uncertainties, we are confident in the future of Hong Kong’s aviation industry and the Airport City development.”

SKYTOPIA, unveiled in January 2025, embodies AAHK’s vision to create a world-class destination for visitors and residents that integrates entertainment, popular culture, yachting, art trading and storage, and leisure, among others. SKYTOPIA will enable HKIA to provide further contribution to Hong Kong’s economic development as a key growth engine.

In 2024/25, the value of cargo moved through HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park, which offers a novel sea–air intermodal transhipment service for air freight, grew to around RMB18 billion, indicating that members of the air cargo community have been actively utilising the service. The development of a permanent facility for the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park commenced during the year as planned.

Another game-changing development in 2024/25 was the successful conclusion of an agreement to acquire 35% of Zhuhai Airport’s shares. The acquisition serves as a launchpad for HKIA and Zhuhai to elevate the partnership and unlock the full potential of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge for serving travellers and supporting the growth of the cargo business.

(Source: AAHK)

Etihad lines up seven new destinations

ABU DHABI, 18 July 2025: Etihad Airways has announced seven additional new destinations earlier this week as part of its strategy to expand its network and drive more point-to-point traffic to its Abu Dhabi home base.

The new destinations — Almaty, Kazakhstan; Baku, Azerbaijan; Bucharest, Romania; Medina, Saudi Arabia; Tbilisi, Georgia; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Yerevan, Armenia — will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a thriving hub for tourism, culture, and commerce.

Photo credit: Etihad.

Sales opened this week for services to Medina (November 2025) and also for the six other destinations scheduled to start in March 2026.

These latest additions bring Etihad’s total number of new destinations for 2025 to 27, following earlier announcements of year-round routes and seasonal services.

Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, Antonoaldo Neves, said: “Our goal is clear, we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE’s capital.

“With these seven additions, Etihad will have announced or commenced operations to 27 new routes in a single year – a remarkable milestone that reflects our ambition and commitment to Abu Dhabi’s growth.”

Etihad has already inaugurated flights to four new destinations this year — Prague, Warsaw, Sochi and Atlanta — and is set to add another 13 routes before the year closes.

The announcement comes just days after Etihad unveiled three new seasonal summer destinations for 2026: Kraków in Poland, Salalah in Oman, and Kazan in Russia, all set to operate during the peak travel months, May to September 2026

(Source: Etihad).

AirAsia expands Vietnam flights

BANGKOK, 18 July 2025: Travellers can fly direct from Bangkok (DMK) to the city of Hai Phong (HPH) in Vietnam, now that AirAsia serves the route with four weekly flights every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

The inaugural flight took off on Wednesday, 16 July, with celebrations in both cities.

Photo credit: AirAsia. A320s fly the DMK-HPH route.

To celebrate the first flight, warm welcome activities were held at both Bangkok’s  Don Mueang Airport and Hai Phong’s Cat Bai International Airport. AirAsia deploys a 180-seat Airbus A320 on the route for the one-hour, 55-minute flight to the northern port city in Vietnam, located at the estuary of the Red River Delta.

Thai AirAsia CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya said: “Vietnam remains one of AirAsia’s key strategic markets and has presented us with strong growth prospects. As we continue to enhance our network, guests can look out for more travel options covering even more destinations across the region,” he added.

Flight schedule

FD670 departs Bangkok (DMK) at 1030 and arrives in Hai Phong (HPH) at 1230. (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday).
FD671 departs Hai Phong (HPH) at 1300 and arrives in Bangkok (DMK) at 1455

Hai Phong is just a 50-minute drive from the world-famous Ha Long Bay, and as the third-largest city in Vietnam, it is renowned for its local cuisine and tourism potential. 

To mark the new route, AirAsia is offering one-way fares starting at THB 1,790 for bookings made by midnight on 27 July 2025, valid for travel between 28 July and 24 October 2025, via the airline’s website, AirAsia MOVE.

Thai AirAsia operates the most direct flights from Bangkok (DMK) to Vietnam, covering six cities: Hanoi (21 flights/week), Ho Chi Minh City (25 flights/week), Da Nang (21 flights/week), Nha Trang (daily), Phu Quoc (daily), Hai Phong (four flights/week) and Chiang Mai to Hanoi (daily). 

(Source: AirAsia and OAG Schedules Analyser data)

BWH gears up for expansion in the Philippines

BANGKOK, 17 July 2025: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, has signed a strategic new agreement with Savers Group Holdings Inc. that will accelerate the expansion of its hotel and resort portfolio in the Philippines.

Pampanga-based conglomerate Savers Group Holdings is a pioneer in several industries with diversified interests in the hospitality, real estate and retail sectors. It currently owns two well-established Best Western properties in the Philippines – Best Western Plus Metro Clark and Best Western Plus Hotel Subic – both of which have undergone complete renovations and relaunches in recent years. Now, Savers Group Holdings is set to become the authorised Area Development Office (ADO) and official representative of BWH Hotels in the Philippines, promoting regional growth, investment, and community development.

“At BWH Hotels, we are thrilled to sign this comprehensive ADO and representation agreement with Savers Group Holdings. This is more than just a signing—it’s the beginning of a shared vision for the Philippines hospitality industry,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin. “Our longstanding relationship with Savers Group, built over more than a decade, underscores the value we place on trusted regional partnerships.

With their proven local expertise and strong track record, we are confident this collaboration will accelerate the growth of our internationally recognised brands across the Philippines. Together, we look forward to a long-term partnership built on service excellence and strategic expansion.”

This collaboration will support the development of new projects under seven of BWH’s popular brands: Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Best Western Plus, BW Signature Collection, SureStay by Best Western, SureStay Plus by Best Western, SureStay Studio by Best Western, and SureStay Collection by Best Western.

BWH Hotels currently operates a portfolio of seven hotels and resorts in the Philippines, spanning popular destinations such as Angeles City, Cebu City, Clark, Panglao, Puerto Princesa, and Subic Bay. 

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

STB debuts reimagined roadshow in India

DELHI, India, 17 July 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) launched its next-generation roadshow series in India on 15 July 2025, bringing together more than 60 Singapore tourism partners to showcase the destination’s latest developments through an innovative format. 

The two-city business-to-business roadshow commenced in New Delhi and visits Kochi on 17 July to showcase dedicated experience zones. Tourism partners, including attractions, cruise lines, and destination management companies, present Singapore’s diverse offerings through immersive presentations. 

This reimagined platform marks STB’s commitment to deepening trade relationships in India while delivering a fresh perspective on Singapore’s dynamic tourism offerings.

Building on strong visitor momentum, with over half a million Indian travellers visiting Singapore in the first half of 2025, the roadshow marks a key milestone in STB’s enhanced trade outreach. It includes an all-new trade familiarisation programme designed to empower Indian partners to better promote Singapore, as well as new perks for the MICE segment.

First-of-Its-Kind Experience Zone In New Delhi

The New Delhi stop of the roadshow unveiled a brand-new format: a dedicated Experience Zone, where Singapore’s top attractions, cruise operators, and the Changi Airport Group were showcased in a dynamic and interactive setting. 

Unlike the traditional tabletop format, this zone allowed guests to engage more intimately with Singapore’s signature experiences.

One of the highlights was Sentosa’s “island within the zone” – a visually immersive space with seven exhibitors from the resort island presenting an integrated pavilion to showcase why Sentosa remains a perennial favourite for visitors. 

The exhibitors are Sentosa Development Corporation, Mount Faber Leisure Group, Skyline Luge Sentosa, Sentosa 4D Adventureland, Mega Adventure, Madame Tussauds Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa.

“The introduction of the Experience Zone in New Delhi marks an exciting evolution in how we connect with our key markets. By bringing Sentosa’s diverse experiences together in one immersive space, we’re not just showcasing our attractions—we are bringing a slice of Sentosa to life here in India,” said Michael Ma, Assistant Chief Executive, Sentosa Development Corporation. “This is a powerful platform to demonstrate why Sentosa continues to be a preferred destination for Indian leisure travellers and MICE groups alike, and we look forward to strengthening our connections with our valued industry partners.”

Singapore DMC Trade Partner Fam Support Scheme 

STB will introduce the “Singapore DMC Trade Partner Fam Support Scheme” on 1 August, a pioneering initiative to transform how Indian travel agents experience and sell Singapore. This pilot programme supports Singapore-based Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in hosting customised familiarisation trips for Indian travel agents. The scheme aims to catalyse the development of new and distinctive Singapore itineraries, reinforcing the destination’s reputation for constant evolution and fresh experiences. By empowering Indian travel agents through their DMC partners, the program seeks to efficiently scale up the integration of Singapore’s newest attractions and experiences into travel packages offered in the Indian market.

Singapore: A Leading MICE Destination With New Perks For India

Singapore continues to attract significant MICE traffic from India, with the first half of 2025 recording a strong performance across the incentive and corporate segments. 

Major upcoming events include Sun Pharma’s 6,100-delegate gathering and CREDAI Natcon Convention’s inaugural Singapore edition this September, featuring over 1,000 delegates.

STB India is extending its “Just Between Us Friends” campaign to the MICE sector, introducing exclusive privileges for newly secured Indian incentive groups travelling between 1 August 2025 and 31 March 2026. 

The programme features tailored benefits from Sentosa and its nine island partners, along with special offerings from city-wide tourism stakeholders and enhanced air travel benefits through IndiGo and Singapore Airlines.

These initiatives underscore STB India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties with the Indian travel trade and enhancing Singapore’s position as a premier destination for both leisure and business travel. 

Singapore Tourism Board Regional Director (India, Middle East, South Asia and Africa) Markus Tan shared: “The enduring strength of India-Singapore tourism reflects our deep bilateral ties and shared cultural connections. As we celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, we’re introducing fresh ways to showcase Singapore’s evolving story to Indian travellers. Our enhanced engagement programs and new travel experiences demonstrate our long-term commitment to this important market.”

June events shored up Perth hotel performance

SINGAPORE, 17 July 2025: Highlighted by the night of State of Origin Game II, Perth posted its highest June average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) on record, according to preliminary data from CoStar. 

CoStar is a leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia. State of Origin Game II, Perth.

June 2025 (year-over-year % change)

Occupancy: 77.7% (+8.6%)
ADR: AUD232.56 (+11.84%)
RevPAR: AUD180.64  (+21.4%)

In addition to the jumps in ADR and RevPAR, the market’s occupancy was its highest for June since 2015.

The New South Wales Blues faced the Queensland Maroons at Perth’s Optus Stadium on 18 June, and the market posted its highest daily levels in each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (93.6%), ADR (AUD318.02) and RevPAR (AUD297.63).

Perth also hosted two concerts of Katy Perry’s “The Lifetimes Tour” at the RAC Arena. On 23 June, occupancy reached 81%, and ADR and RevPAR hit AUD226.79 and AUD183.59, respectively.

Overall, the market’s occupancy remained above the 70% mark throughout on all but four days.

For more information about the company, its products, and services, visit www.costargroup.com

(Source: CoStar).

Air Astana upgrades mobile app

SINGAPORE, 17 July 2025: Air Astana has updated the interface of its mobile application and expanded its functionality to make managing trips even more convenient.

With the new app, passengers can track flight status, manage bookings, and check in online through the “Trips” section. Current offers and special promotions are displayed on the main page, ensuring critical information is always easily accessible.

The app now offers enhanced features for members of the Nomad Club loyalty programme. Accumulated points can be used not only to purchase tickets but also to pay for additional baggage, select a preferred seat (MySEAT), or upgrade to a higher service class.

Upcoming trips are displayed automatically, or they can be added manually.

The updated Air Astana mobile app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

Ethiopian Airlines launches service to Abu Dhabi

SINGAPORE, 17 July 2025: Ethiopian Airlines announced Tuesday the launch of its new daily passenger service connecting Addis Ababa with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The inaugural flight marks a significant milestone in Ethiopian Airlines’ efforts to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and the Gulf region. 

Photo credit: Ethiopian Airlines. Abu Dhabi inaugural celebration, 15 July.

The new route was celebrated with a launch event held at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, attended by Yilma Merdassa, Chairman of the Ethiopian Airlines Board; Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines; senior Ethiopian Government officials and representatives from the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew stated: “The launch of our new service to Abu Dhabi reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic commitment to connecting Africa with the world. Through our collaboration with Etihad Airways, we are creating more opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism between our nations while offering our passengers expanded choice and convenience. This partnership is a powerful example of what can be achieved when two national carriers come together to unlock mutual growth.”

FLight schedule

Flights are daily using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 160 seats. Flight time: Four hours and 20 minutes

ET614 departs from Addis Ababa (ADD) at 2150 and arrives in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0310.
ET615 departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0445 and arrives in Addis Ababa (ADD) at 0745.

This new daily service to Abu Dhabi expands Ethiopian Airlines’ already extensive operations in the Gulf region. The airline currently operates over 100 weekly passenger flights to 13 destinations across the Middle East and the Gulf. In June 2025, Ethiopian also launched a new four-times-weekly passenger service to Sharjah.

With the Addition of Abu Dhabi, Ethiopian now operates flights to/from four airports in three cities in the UAE: Dubai, Dubai International Airport DXB & Al Maktoum International Airport DWC (cargo), Sharjah, and now Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.  

This new route is part of a landmark joint venture agreement between Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways, which supports the joint development and expansion of routes between Ethiopia and the UAE, thereby strengthening connectivity across their respective global networks.

Etihad plans Addis Ababa flights

Etihad Airways schedules a new daily service between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa starting on 8 October 2025 using a 180-seat A321.

Flight schedule

EY727 will depart from Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0900 and will arrive in Addis Ababa at 1235.
EY728 will depart from Addis Ababa (ADD) at 1355 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 1915.

Air India restores more flights

GURUGRAM, 17 July 2025: Air India released a statement on Tuesday confirming the partial restoration of its schedules, which were substantially reduced following the tragic accident of AI171 on 12 June 2025.

Its “Safety Pause” enabled Air India to perform additional precautionary checks on its Boeing 787 aircraft as well as accommodate longer flying times arising from airspace closures over Pakistan and the Middle East.

The partial resumption will see the restoration of some flights from 1 August, with complete restoration planned for 1 October 2025.

From 1 August to 30 September, Air India will operate three weekly flights between Ahmedabad and London (Heathrow), replacing the five weekly flights between Ahmedabad and London (Gatwick).

Europe

Delhi-London (Heathrow): Reinstated two weekly flights previously suspended. As of 16 July, all 24 weekly flights are now operating.

Delhi-Zurich: Increased from four weekly to five weekly flights effective 1 August.

Asia

Delhi-Tokyo (Haneda): Reinstated two weekly flights previously suspended, with daily flights operating from 1 August onwards.

Delhi-Seoul (Incheon): Reinstated two weekly flights previously suspended. All five weekly flights will resume from 1 September onwards.

Routes with further cuts and changes

Europe

Bengaluru-London (Heathrow): Remains reduced from seven weekly to six weekly; will further reduce to four weekly, effective 1 August 2025

Amritsar-Birmingham: Remains reduced from three weekly to two weekly until 31 August; to operate three weekly, effective 1 September.

Delhi-Birmingham: Remains reduced from three weekly to twice weekly.

Delhi-Paris: Reduced from 12 weekly to seven weekly, effective 1 August.

Delhi-Milan: Reduced from four weekly to three weekly, effective 16 July.

Delhi-Copenhagen: Remains reduced from five weekly to three weekly.

Delhi-Vienna: Remains reduced from four weekly to three weekly.

Delhi-Amsterdam: Reduced from seven weekly to five weekly; returns to seven weekly, effective 1 August.

North America

Delhi-Washington (Dulles): Reduced from five weekly to three weekly.

Delhi-Chicago: Reduced from seven weekly to three weekly (four weekly in August).

Delhi-San Francisco: Reduced from 10 weekly to seven weekly.

Delhi-Toronto: Reduced from 13 weekly to seven weekly.

Delhi-Vancouver: Reduced from seven weekly to four weekly.

Delhi-New York (JFK): Reduced from seven weekly to six weekly, effective 16 July.

Mumbai-New York (JFK): Reduced from seven weekly to six weekly, effective 1 August.

Delhi-New York (Newark Liberty): Reduced from five weekly to four weekly, effective 16 July.

Australia 

Delhi-Melbourne: Reduced from seven weekly to five weekly

Delhi-Sydney: Reduced from seven weekly to five weekly

Africa

Delhi-Nairobi: Reinstated services, operating three weekly until 31 August (Suspended from 1 to 30 September).

Continued suspension until 30 September

Amritsar-London (Gatwick) (AI169/170): Three weekly flights.

Goa (Mopa)-London (Gatwick) (AI145/146): Three weekly flights.

Bengaluru-Singapore (AI2392/2393): Seven weekly flights.

Pune-Singapore (AI2111/2110): Five weekly flights.

Schedule reductions under the  ‘Safety Pause’ will be implemented until 31 July 2025, and the restoration to full operations will phase in between 1 August and 30 September 2025. With the partial restoration, Air India operates more than 525 international flights per week on 63 short, long and ultra-long-haul routes.