Selecting Centara Grand Hotel Osaka as the winner from a competitive pool of 228 entries, this esteemed accolade, now in its 42nd edition, celebrates innovation and excellence in new products and services each year. This recognition underscores the hotel’s remarkable performance since its inauguration in July 2023, when a milestone of 50% of reservations had been secured before its grand opening.
Centara Grand Osaka’s strategic initiatives have garnered acclaim, specifically in catering to the burgeoning accommodation demand from Southeast Asia and Chinese tourists. This success owes itself to the hotel’s astute responsiveness to market dynamics, capitalising on favourable exchange rates driven by the weakened yen. With this pioneering approach to embracing the Japanese market, the hotel has set itself apart with a steadfast commitment to providing world-class service and industry leadership.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is honoured to have won the 2023 Nikkei Asia Award and looks forward to future successes as it continues to offer guests an unforgettable experience through its stunning fusion of warm hospitality, Thai family values, and the beauty of Japanese culture.
For bookings or more information, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/ and seize the opportunity to create lifetime memories with Centara Hotels & Resorts.
SINGAPORE, 24 January 2024: There’s an open invitation to join carnival time in Spain by exploring spectacular festivals celebrated across the country.
Carnival is usually held in February or March, with the dates depending on the year, although some places even hold them earlier in January. The festivals are noted for humour, parodies, and costumes in the streets of Spanish towns and cities, all of which have their traditions.
Carnival in Spain is a cacophony of colourful outfits, dancing, music and parties. The largest celebrations occur on the Canary Island of Tenerife, in the coastal city of Cadiz and the seaside town of Sitges, near Barcelona.
Here are six amazing Spanish carnivals declared ‘Festivals of International Tourist Interest’.
Cadiz, in Andalusia, is the carnival of “comparsas”, “coros” and “chirigotas”: songs full of irony and criticism that are written by the different groups who participate in the fiesta. Explore the town centre and immerse yourself in an unbridled freedom and fun atmosphere. The festival runs from 8 to 18 February.
One of the world’s biggest carnivals awaits you in the capital of the island of Tenerife. Join in the parades and be amazed by the imaginative, fancy and eye-catching costumes of the Carnival Queen hopefuls. Lose yourself in this celebration’s music, rhythm and joy with people from all over the planet. The festival ends on 18 February.
Another of the most famous carnivals is Águilas (Murcia). This festival is full of colour and features a multitude of parades and competitions in which the spectacular costumes take centre stage. Two of its traditions are particularly famous. The throwing of cascarones (eggs stuffed with confetti) and drinking “cuerva”, a drink many describe as a “magic potion” that awakens the carnival spirit. The festival runs from 8 to 17 February.
This Galician festival has the longest carnival programme in Spain. It begins on Fareleiro Sunday (three weeks before Carnival Sunday) and ends on Piñata Sunday. The parade of floats and troupes is led by a group of traditional masked characters called “pantallas” who wear belts with bells. They are responsible for ensuring people dress up and are the top stars of this celebration. Carnival Tuesday is the most important day. The festival ends on 18 February.
Dozens of carnival bands, known as comparsas, and thousands of people participate in the great Carnival Sunday Comparsas Parade. The festivities also include the Murgas musical competition and the Burial of the Sardine. The festival runs from 9 to 13 February.
The city is flooded with people, colour and fun during these festivities, which have occurred since 1574. Highlights include the Great Parade, which attracts tens of thousands of people and stretches more than seven kilometres, and the Gala of the Carnival Queen, where the competitors wear stunning costumes of feathers and rhinestones. The Drag Queen Gala is another highlight. The festival ends on 18 February.
All over Spain
But these aren’t the only major carnivals held in Spain. There are others in many other locations, and they are always full of originality and joy.
SINGAPORE, 24 January 2024: Priority Pass, operated by Collinson, is relaunching its annual lounge awards for 2024 with a new brand name: Priority Pass Excellence Awards.
Formerly known as the Priority Pass Lounge of the Year Awards, the awards programme has undergone a major revamp for its 16th edition.
The awards honour the outstanding lounge experience delivered by the global Priority Pass network, which recently reached the milestone of 1,500 lounges at over 700 airports in 145 countries.
The awards relaunch comes off the back of a landmark year for Collinson. In 2023, the company grew its global network by 56% compared to the previous year, adding 244 lounges and 84 dining, spa and relaxation experiences – and reported a record year for global lounge visits, that increased 57% in 2023.
Three award categories
This year, the Priority Pass Excellence Awards adds two new categories; ‘Pioneer of the Year’ and ‘All-Star of the Year’ to celebrate the full capabilities of the Priority Pass partner network.
Lounge of the Year – based on Priority Pass Member ratings and reviews, this award highlights the best lounges and experiences that the brand’s network has to offer
Pioneer of the Year – shining a light on the lounges and experiences that are demonstrating the greatest innovation to supercharge the service they provide to Priority Pass members.
All-Star of the Year – recognising the lounge employees who truly go above and beyond to deliver world-class service excellence for Priority Pass Members
The Priority Pass Excellence Awards winners will be announced in March 2024.
SINGAPORE, 24 January 2024: ONYX Hospitality Group, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, will manage the Shama Suasana Johor Bahru in Malaysia, marking the opening of the first Shama property in the country.
Malaysia is the first country, outside of Thailand, to have three ONYX brands: Amari, OZO, and Shama.
(From Left to Right) Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman Emeritus of UMLand Bhd, Dennis Ng Yew Khim, Group Managing Director of UMLand Bhd, Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group andHarold Olaya Leon, SVP. Head of Operations of ONYX Hospitality Group.
The signing ceremony took place on 18 January 2024 at Amari Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, with Dennis Ng Yew Khim, Group Managing Director, United Malayan Land Bhd, and Yuthachai Charanachitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group. The opening is set for Q1 2024.
Owned by United Malayan Land (UMLand), a property developer in Malaysia, it’s the second UMLand property under ONYX Hospitality Group’s management. The other is the five-star Amari Johor Bahru, which opened in 2017.
The 207-room Shama Suasana Johor Bahru is located in the heart of the city on a site next to the Zenith Lifestyle Centre, Johor Bahru’s premier entertainment hub, and within walking distance to malls, department stores, and Johor Bahru’s Heritage Trail. It is within walking distance of the Rapid Transport System, the customs, immigration and quarantine checkpoint for cars, buses, and the JB Sentral train station.
SINGAPORE, 24 January 2024: Skyscanner names Bryan Batista as its new Chief Operating Officer.
The former senior vice president of international at Gopuff, SVP Trips and CEO of Rentalcars at Booking.com and director of EU Sales at Tesla joins the business as Skyscanner accelerates its growth strategy against a resilient global travel demand background.
Reporting to CEO John Mangelaars and based out of the UK, he will lead Skyscanner’s teams focussed on developing the company’s long-term strategic vision and business operations as well as non-flight verticals such as accommodation, car rental and future travel options.
Travellers checking out deals on Skyscanner in 2023 performed, on average, more than 1 billion trip searches every month. At the start of 2024, Skyscanner saw record travel demand, outperforming the global flights market.*
Skyscanner continues to be a strategic partner for some of the biggest brands, airlines and DMOs in the world, working with companies from across the travel ecosystem, including DMOs like Visit California, to promote destinations, powering the next generation of AI travel tools such as Bing Chat and Layla, as well as helping airlines promote their unique offers via NDC and launch new routes based on data intelligence.
*Between the end of 2023 and the start of 2024, Skyscanner outperformed the global flights market, recording a +16% growth in visitors compared to the broader market’s +3%. SimilarWeb data is based on global flight sessions of tracked brands between 29 December and 4 January. The analysis includes 272 tracked brands and 34 markets.
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 January 2024: AirAsia X confirms this week it will resume flights from Kuala Lumpur to Xi’an in China, rekindling the link between Malaysia and this iconic Chinese city effective 4 April 2024.
Known as one of China’s four great ancient capitals and the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an is home to thousands of years of Chinese heritage and history. It is best known for its Terracotta warriors of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda and the Muslim Quarter.
Initially, the airline will schedule three weekly flights, which aligns with AAX’s commitment to strengthen its presence in China with five destinations while complementing the AirAsia Group’s 12th destination in mainland China. AAX is the sole airline offering direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Xi’An.
In celebration of the service resumption, AAX offers promotional fares from Kuala Lumpur to Xi’An with all-in* fares from RM469 one-way. The promotional fares are available for booking until 28 January 2024 for the travel period 4 April 2024 to 26 October 2024.
In addition, AirAsia also offers a 20kg** free baggage allowance for guests who book their flights between 22 January 2024 and 31 January 2024.
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Xi’an (XIY)
*All-in one-way fares include airport taxes, MAVCOM fees, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Valid for selected flights only during initial booking on a first-come, first-serve basis. The China visa-free entry is valid for visits of up to 15 days and is only applicable to Malaysians. Other terms and conditions apply.
**20kg free baggage allowance is valid for selected flights only during initial booking on a first-come, first-served basis.
SINGAPORE, 24 January 2024: Indonesia backpedals on a proposed entertainment tax hike ranging from 40 to 75% following intensive lobbying by tourism and restaurant associations and tourism leaders in Bali. The proposal has now been shelved pending a review.
After Bali’s tourism and hospitality leaders warned it would deter tourism recovery, the central government intends to reevaluate the controversial 40-75% hike in entertainment taxes.
First reported by the Bali Sun, the central government confirmed this week the tax increase has been shelved. At the same time, legislators say they evaluate the impact on the public, tourism and small businesses across the country.
Bali, the country’s premier tourism destination, can breathe a sigh of relief. Still, the threat has not gone entirely, and tourism officials on the holiday island are warning that tinkering with taxes when other ASEAN countries are reducing them is risky. They quote Thailand’s endeavours to cut its enormous taxes on alcoholic drinks, including wine, as it aims to attract close to 40 million tourists in 2024, up from 27.8 million in 2023.
Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, is quoted by the Bali Sun saying in an Instagram video: “We decided to postpone it, we are evaluating…There is a judicial review in the Constitutional Court. Let us consider that we are siding with the people because it concerns a lot of small traders.”
Until a decision is made on introducing a 40 to 75% rate, the entertainment tax will remain at the old rate of 15%. The ceiling rate of 75% would apply to discos, karaoke, nightclubs, bars, steam baths and spas.
Bali Sun said the government wants to update the policy by setting a lower limit of 40% and an upper limit of 75%
Other taxes and charges
Hotels and restaurants in Indonesia add 10% to the bill for services at hotels and restaurants across the country. It’s included in the listed price so you won’t be surprised by an extra charge at checkout.
Two other charges impact tourists visiting popular destinations in Indonesia — Visa-on-Arrival fees and a new tourist tax that will generate environmental and culture protection revenue.
Tourist tax
Effective 14 February, a new tourist tax will be introduced in Bali and five other destinations — Lake Toba, Borobudur Temple, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, and Likupang.
Amount: IDR150,000 (approximately USD10) for foreign tourists per visit. Payment: Electronically at designated points, like airports or immigration checkpoints. Purpose: Funds will support environmental protection, cultural preservation, and infrastructure improvement in tourist destinations.
Visa on Arrival fees
Cost: IDR500,000 (approximately USD33) for most nationalities. Scope: Required for most nationalities wishing to visit Indonesia for up to 30 days. (Certain nationalities may require different visas or visa extensions with different fees. For example, citizens from nine ASEAN countries enjoy visa-free travel to Indonesia for 30 days.)
SINGAPORE, 23 January 2024: Travel DMC Group and its subsidiary, KP Transport, based in Singapore, have launched a Sit-in-Coach (SIC) programme.
The initiative offers a suite of services, including airport transfers, attraction transfers, and city tours.
Airport Transfers: Travellers can experience a comfortable journey to and from Changi Airport on a fleet of modern vehicles and a commitment to punctuality.
Attractions Transfers: The SIC programme extends beyond conventional transportation, providing dedicated transfers to Singapore’s iconic attractions. Tourists can delve into the city’s rich tapestry, from the historic district of Kampong Glam to the futuristic marvels of Marina Bay Sands.
City Tours: Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, travellers explore cultural landmarks, historic sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
To celebrate the launch of the SIC programme, Travel DMC Group and KP Transport are offering exclusive special rates on two prominent global travel platforms, Globaltix and Kkday. This strategic partnership aims to make the SIC programme accessible to a broad global audience, allowing more travellers to embark on unforgettable journeys through Singapore’s diverse landscapes.
Travellers and agents can book SIC services directly on the KP Transport website. Special rates are extended to all agents as a bonus, ensuring that the SIC programme reaches travellers through various channels. Visit: https://travel-dmc.com/
About Travel DMC Established in 2011, the company offers tours and transfers in Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and Thailand.
SINGAPORE, 23 January 2024: Türkiye’s national carrier, Turkish Airlines, will expand its fleet with an order for 220 Airbus aircraft, made up of 150 Airbus A321s and 70 A350 widebody aircraft.
The latest orders follow earlier orders for 10 A350-900s in September and four A350-900s in July 2023. This latest order will take Turkish Airlines’ total orderbook for Airbus aircraft to 504, of which 212 are already delivered.
Photo credit: Airbus
The A321neo is the largest aircraft in Airbus’ A320neo family, and by incorporating new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo offers a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.
To date, over 5,600 A321neos have been ordered by more than 100 customers across the globe.
The A350 is the long-range leader in the 300-410 seater category, serving ultra-long-haul routes up to 9,700nm (17964.4 km). The A350 Family has two versions: the A350-900 and the longer fuselage A350-1000. Turkish will use an A350 when it upgrades to nonstop flights from Istanbul to Melbourne, possibly in 2025. (Distance:7903.34 nautical miles). The airline plans to start a three-weekly Melbourne service starting 24 March this year, but the aircraft will make a technical stop in Singapore for a fuel refill.
KUCHING, 17 January 2024: Sarawak’s famed night markets come to life as the sun sets, offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience filled with food, entertainment and culture.
Here, we have narrowed down a few of Sarawak’s most iconic night markets.
Metrocity Night Market
A 15-minute drive from Kuching’s city centre brings you to the Metrocity Night Market in Petra Jaya. The market is open every Wednesday to Saturday from 1600 to 2400. It is one of Kuching’s largest and busiest night markets, attracting large crowds comprising tourists and locals. On special occasions like Sarawak Day, this market will transform into a lively stage with music and entertainment showcasing local talents and traditional tunes.
Siniawan Night Market
Another popular destination for food hunting and sightseeing, Siniawan Night Market is located in a small quaint town in the Bau District, a 25-minute car drive from downtown Kuching. It is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1630 to 2300. Siniawan Night Market is known for its picturesque old wooden townhouses, wall graffiti, and Chinese lanterns hung in zig-zag patterns that line the street. It is a true photographer’s paradise at night when it comes to life as the lanterns light up and illuminate the street in an ethereal glow. A culinary journey awaits you at the hawker stalls that sell varieties of local delicacies such as Bamboo Chicken, kueh, satay, kolo mee, laksa, grilled fish, barbeque chicken wing, ‘ais kacang’, ‘rojak’, ‘char kueh’ and more.
Sibu Night Market
Sibu Night Market, otherwise known as the vibrant night market, is one of Sibu’s oldest markets that has been around since the 1960s. Unlike the other night markets, this market is open daily from 5 pm to 10 pm. Here, you can treat yourself to various local delicacies like cakes, steamed buns, dim sum, satay, pastries, dumplings, barbecued pork parts and others. You don’t want to miss out on the half-moon pancakes, an all-time Sibu favourite.
Senadin Night Market
Located in Miri, the Senadin Night Market was opened in 2022 and operates every Tuesday to Sunday from 1600 to 2400. This night market is Muslim-friendly and is divided into two zones, separating the halal and the non-halal zones. Miri locals visit this market for barbeque delights sold at the ‘rumah asap’ barbeque stalls and food and drink stalls.
Saberkas Night Market
Miri’s Saberkas Night Market is another popular night market that brings in visitors from around the area. It opens every Tuesday to Sunday from 1600 to 2130. It is situated near Taman Bulatan Miri and Boulevard Commercial Centre, a strategic location that makes it a convenient go-to for Miri locals. You can shop for various goods such as local handicrafts, clothes and local products to bring home as a keepsake. Discover an incredible range of local delicacies unique to this region, like nasi lemak, murtabak, grilled chicken wings, apam balik, tender and juicy satay and colourful layered cakes.
Sarawak’s night markets are more than places to shop and eat; they act as a hub that draws communities from all over together to experience Sarawak’s culture to the fullest.
To learn more about Sarawak’s food culture scene, visit www.sarawaktourism.com for more information.
