SINGAPORE, 30 August 2023: Pandaw, a leading river cruise specialist in Asia, is promoting its Indian signature cruise on the Lower Ganges or Hooghly River as it is known.
Considered a sacred river, it flows through India’s West Bengal, branching off from the mother river, The Ganga.
In its latest promotion, Pandaw underscores the message that cruising the Hooghly is the best way to experience the diverse cultures and scenery of West Bengal.
“You discover places difficult to reach by road from the comfort of your own home from home on the river,” Pandaw explains in its latest newsletter.
“The Lower Ganges or Hooghly is one of the prettiest river journeys imaginable. The river winds through the lush countryside of West Bengal, visiting culturally significant towns crammed with temples and palaces. A vibrant rural life abounds, and there is never a dull moment as the cruise explores the heritage-rich waterways.”
Pandaw’s seven-night Lower Ganges expedition takes travellers to the heart of West Bengal for in-depth river exploration, an entirely different experience from typical tour bus road trips. There are also several special offers on the table, such as no single supplement for solo travellers and a “10% discovery discount available on select dates.”
Combine cruises – Lower Ganges and Brahmaputra
To turn the trip into a broader exploration of India, Pandaw offers an option to extend the Lower Ganges expedition with a sailing along the Brahmaputra River.
“Adding the Brahmaputra river cruise in Northern India provides travellers with a distinctive and authentic expedition on a river that originates high in the Himalayas before flowing through the scenic Assam Valley, home to UNESCO-protected national parks and remote rural communities.”
Or, it is also possible to continue the trip by joining Pandaw’s Highlights of India Tour, that highlights Delhi and the famous Taj Mahal.
DUBAI, 30 August 2023: Emirates is serving world-class tennis action to sports fans as it returns as the Official Airline of the US Open Tennis Championships.
With the tournament underway since 28 August and due to end on 10 September, Emirates brings another exciting tennis season to its global audiences as a partner of the world’s biggest tennis event for the 12th consecutive year.
This year, Emirates fans and lovers of the game can look forward to various activations lined up to thrill tennis enthusiasts of all ages, whether courtside, off the court or in the air. At the tournament, the airline returns with its dynamic presence, showcasing its superior hospitality to tennis enthusiasts and providing a full line-up of engaging activities that promise to keep fans entertained. Major highlights of this year’s program include tennis clinics with the sport’s legendary players.
Emirates’ ongoing partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the high-profile annual sporting event goes back to 2012. The airline’s portfolio of tennis sponsorships also includes three of the four Grand Slam® tournaments in addition to 60 other tournaments throughout the year in partnership with the ATP, including the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Miami Open and BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in the US.
As the Official Airline partner of the US Open, Emirates ensures that tennis fans remain close to the game, anytime and anywhere. At the tennis event, Emirates will deliver a full array of activities to engage with tennis fans heading to the Arthur Ashe Stadium to experience the live action, while passengers onboard its flights, for the duration of the tournament, can tune in to Live TV to never miss a match.
Bespoke Emirates content, promos and exclusive interviews live from the event will be aired exclusively on ABC News to keep fans updated and part of the action of the US Open. In addition, in partnership with broadcaster PIX11 and the show “NY Living”, Emirates will be hosting a giveaway with 16 US Open tickets up for grabs, providing lucky tennis fans the opportunity to enjoy the courtside experience. Fans can take part in the competition from 30 August to 5 September via its website or its social pages and can enjoy a “virtual” visit to the elegant Emirates suite via a QR code.
To help ensure that jet-setting tennis fans do not miss any of the US Open action, Emirates will be screening the tournament’s matches live in the air on its dedicated in-flight sports channels, Sport24 and Sport24 Extra, available to customers across all cabins on the airline’s award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice. Live TV is available on all Emirates’ Boeing 777 fleet aircraft and most of its flagship A380 aircraft.
For passengers travelling in premium cabins on select A380 aircraft, Emirates will be screening the matches live on the 55-inch screen at the iconic onboard lounge. At the popular lounge in the sky, travellers can enjoy live sports at 40,000 feet while socialising and enjoying delicious snacks and a unique selection of spirits or cocktails.
Fans can also stay connected to tournament news and highlights onboard with Wi-Fi packages available. Emirates Skywards members enjoy complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout the flight.
Emirates currently offers services to 12 US gateways, including Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Washington DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD), Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Miami International Airport (MIA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Emirates recently introduced its newly-retrofitted A380s featuring its latest Premium Economy cabins and provides its latest service to four US points, including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston.
BANGKOK, 30 August 2023: Regal Hotels embarked on a regional sales mission that rolled out in Bangkok on 25 August to promote the launch of its new Regala branded property in Hong Kong.
The mission to promote the opening of Regala Skycity Hotel was led by Regal Hotels International senior group director of sales, Willy Luk, marking the first major promotion of the Regala Hotels brand outside of Hong Kong.
Regala Skycity Hotel is the first property to be badged under the group’s new brand ‘Regala Hotels’.
The Bangkok promotion saw Regal Hotels International collaborating with the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Thailand office. It introduced the territory’s newly launched ‘Hello Hong Kong’ travel campaign at a media presentation and session with travel agency members of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA).
Regala Skycity Hotel is situated in SKYCITY by Hong Kong International Airport and is directly connected to AsiaWorld-Expo & 11 SKIES.
The property is one of the largest in Hong Kong with1,208 rooms, including 90 suites. It has three restaurants and bars, a grand ballroom, and banquet rooms.
Regal Hotels International operates 12 hotels in Hong Kong, comprising five hotels under the Regal brand, six iclub properties and now Regala – the latest edition in Hong Kong. In addition, it has five Regal-branded properties in China.
Regal rep office in Thailand
During the Bangkok media event, Regal Hotels International’s vice president of sales, Dora Liu, officially announced the appointment of Much More Marketing Co Ltd as the hotel group’s sales and marketing agency for the travel business and its principal sales representative (RSO) in Thailand. The RSO agreement was effective on 1 August 2023.
Hong Kong update
Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s representation office in Thailand, led by the manager of trade marketing, Pote Sakuntalak, updated travel agents and media on the latest travel activities in Hong Kong.
The presentation focused on the ‘Hello Hong Kong’ promotional campaign introduced to kick-start tourism recovery following the Covid pandemic. It continues to drive tourism growth, and initially, the campaign flagged a massive financial subsidy for airlines to offer free fares on travel to Hong Kong. An update on attractions followed on the West Kowloon Cultural District tourism activities, Hong Kong Disneyland – Castle of Magical Dreams, Water World Ocean Park, Peak Tram and Central Market.
Spotlight on West Kowloon
Stretching across 40 hectares of reclaimed land, the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) is presented as one of the largest cultural projects worldwide, “blending art, education, green open space and a two-km long waterfront promenade.”
It’s already a popular venue for shoppers visiting from Southeast Asia but flagged Hong Kong’s new landmark, West Kowloon Cultural District also features traditional and modern attractions such as M+, Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and Art Park, located by the scenic Victoria harbour. Xiqu Centre – a prestigious world-class theatre with its distinctive architectural design, promotes the rich heritage of ‘Xiqu’ or Chinese Opera as part of the mega cultural project.
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 August 2023: Expansion in international passenger markets in the Asia Pacific and China’s easing of travel restrictions spurred positive travel demand in July, closing in on pre-Covid levels.
According to traffic data for July released by AAPA this week, 27.2 million international passengers travelled on Asia Pacific airlines, a robust 146.6% increase compared to last year. Travel demand recovered in July, averaging 81.4% when compared to pre-Covid July 2019.
Measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand rose by 107.6% year-on-year, reflecting the relative strength of regional routes. After accounting for a 98.8% year-on-year expansion in available seat capacity, the average international passenger load factor rose by 3.6 percentage points to 83.7%, in line with levels seen in 2019.
On the other hand, international air cargo markets remained under pressure amid prevailing weakness in global trade activity. Demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), fell by 0.6% year-on-year in July, marking the seventeenth consecutive month of decline. The ongoing restoration of flights led to an increase in belly-hold cargo space, contributing to an 8.4% expansion in offered freight capacity. As a result, the average international freight load factor declined by 5.5 percentage points to 60.9% for the month.
Commenting on the results, AAPA director general Subhas Menon said: “The start of the second half of the year showed a continuation of the strong recovery trend for Asian airlines, with sustained growth in major Asian economies fuelling the appetite for international travel. Overall, during the first seven months of the year, the region’s airlines carried an aggregate total of 147 million international passengers, a strong 259% increase compared to the previous corresponding period.”
“The cargo market, on the other hand, slid further, reflecting the distinct shift in exports from goods to services. Amidst a weakness in demand for both consumer and intermediate goods, Asian airlines experienced an 8.4% drop in international air cargo demand during the first seven months of the year.”
Looking ahead, Menon commented: “In the passenger business segment, demand is expected to remain strong, underpinning further growth in passenger traffic. Nevertheless, uncertainties in the wider macroeconomic environment, in addition to increased living costs, may eventually lead to cutbacks in spending on travel. The outlook for Asian airlines remains positive, as carriers continue to grow networks to meet travel demand and return gradually to profitability whilst maintaining their dedication to safety and sustainability.”
SINGAPORE, 30 August 2023: Star Alliance’s Los Angeles airport lounge has won the title of North America’s Leading Airport Lounge for the fourth year running at the World Travel Awards 2023.
The award was announced at the Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony on the picturesque island of Saint Lucia on 26 August 2023.
Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias commented on the win: “At Star Alliance, we are all about making air travel more stress-free and frictionless. Lounges play a vital role in enhancing the airport journey, and our Star Alliance LAX lounge has been at the front of the pack since it first opened. We are delighted that, once again, it has been named one of the best in the business.”
The Star Alliance Los Angeles airport lounge is no stranger to winning prestigious industry awards. Most recently, it was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance Lounge by Skytrax in June 2023.
The World Travel Awards acknowledge and celebrate excellence across all the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors. It was established in 1993 and is recognised as one of the most prestigious award programmes in travel and tourism.
The report identified a ‘northern hemisphere nudge that raised travel demand during the summer while the rest of the world’s bookings settled on a plateau. Overall, the volume of business trips increases, and travel patterns stabilise, but disruptions remain due to extreme weather and airport staffing shortages.
Photo credit: FCM Global Trends Report.
“Although airfares and hotel room rates remained high in Asia, businesses can still stretch their travel budget with the advice from their travel management consultants, by advance planning, as well as leveraging technology,” said FCM Asia managing director Bertrand Saillet.
Increase in domestic fares Domestic air travel demand is strong in most major markets, such as China, which is just 1% lower than in 2019. Japan has seen an increase of 20% and India 13%. The increases are due to airline competition, staffing capabilities, economic climate, and demand and supply.
93% return of airline seats forecast Global domestic seats have surpassed 2019 volumes and are forecasted to be an additional 4.1% above 2019. The Asia Pacific region has seen an increase of 6.9% in domestic seats but is still -22.5% lower in international seats.
The forecast across the 20 major airlines reported a 93% return of seats in 2023 compared to 2019. Globally, China Eastern takes the lead at 103%, followed by LATAM and United Airlines at 102%, American Airlines at 99% and Qantas and Qatar Airways at 98%.
China Eastern Airlines leads in Asia with a 103% forecast, followed by Singapore Airlines at 97% and Cathay Pacific at 72%.
Business class fares in Asia up 19% The Middle East saw the highest increase in business class fares by 29% followed by Australia and New Zealand at 27% and Asia at 19%. Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Singapore saw the highest increase of 37%, Mumbai to London and Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Singapore saw an increase of 20%.
Room demand remains high in Asia Q1-2023 to Q2-2023 saw an increase in average room rates by 3 to 12% in Europe, rising by 12%, North America by 5%, and Latin America by 3%. Reductions were observed in the Middle East and Africa by 19% and Asia by 2%, with Australasia rates remaining flat.
Tokyo remained the most expensive city in Asia, with average hotel rates of USD286 per night, followed by Singapore at USD260 per night. Hong Kong is now Asia’s third most expensive hotel room night, overtaking Seoul due to China’s border reopening.
Hotel room rates in China saw the highest increase, with Beijing up by 12%, to USD175 per night as compared to Q1-2023. Hong Kong saw an increase of 10% to USD246, and Shanghai saw an increase of 5%, bringing it to USD140 per night.
Bangalore remains the most expensive in India, averaging at USD146, Delhi USD$120, and Chennai USD101 per night.
Global occupancy for the year-to-date June 2023 was 63.3%, which is 96% recovered to 2019. India had the highest occupancy in Asia, with Mumbai reaching 100%, New Delhi at 97%, and China with Shanghai at 95% and Beijing at 93%.
SINGAPORE 29 August 2023: Expedia Group released its latest research and first-party data gathered during Q2 2023, showing strong traveller enthusiasm.
Building on its recently released ‘Path to Purchase’ report, Q2 data shows search window changes and the impact of events on travel. Interest in long-haul destinations outside of home regions also rose in popularity.
Photo credit; Expedia Travel Insights 2023/Q3.
For the second quarter of 2023, the research and data showed that traveller enthusiasm remains strong, with the return of seasonal trends like quick trips tied to events and spring and summer holidays in the Northern Hemisphere. Long-haul destinations outside of home regions also rose in popularity, indicating that international travel demand continues to grow.
Report highlights
Expedia data shows the strongest search growth coming from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
Travellers are planning for the short term, following seasonal trends.
Long-haul destinations are on the rise, with an increase in North American travellers searching for destinations in Asia and Europe.\
Large-scale live sporting events driving strong travel search increases around the world. 24% of travellers are initially inspired to take a trip because of a specific event or celebration.
LANGKAWI, 29 August 2023: Langkawi’s famous cycle stage race, which helped put the island on the tourism map since the race was established in 1996, will once more roll along Malaysia’s highways for eight days from 23 to 30 September, following the pandemic pause.
Le Tour de Langkawi has delivered the Asian version of the famous French stage race since former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir convinced the Le Tour de France brand in 1996 to put Malaysia on the world sporting and tourism map by establishing the first major cycle race with international teams participating.
Since then, the race has usually been flagged off in Langkawi for multiple stages, including racing significant landmarks such as Genting Highlands and Dataran Merdeka. The Union Cycliste Internationale now sanctions the race as a ProSeries under UCI’s three-tier race structure and is among the biggest races in Asia.
Due to the famous Le Tour de France branding links, the race regularly attracts top teams worldwide and national teams from European and Asian countries and worked marvels for Langkawi’s holiday island image, opening the door to sports event hosting on a broader scale.
The return of the famous cycle race this September under Brand Langkawi has been welcomed following a Covid pandemic pause that derailed the hosting of LTdL 2020.
A popular sport that has become a lifestyle amongst Malaysians, the 24th edition slogan – Sports Unite, Cycling Contributes – seeks to emphasise the importance of unity via the sport of cycling. It is much more than just a cycle race.
“The theme defines and promotes the people and masses to “ride together’ regardless of their ideologies, race and background in the spirit of unity and camaraderie. It is about creating Passion, Excitement, Unity and a sense of Pride in participating in yet another renowned international event,” the organisers stressed in a statement released by Tourism Malaysia.
BANGKOK, 29 August 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts launches its newest package experience, Enriched Journeys, as part of its ongoing 40th Anniversary Wave of Celebrations. This exclusive offer is available worldwide at Centara Reserve and Centara Grand properties, inviting guests to enjoy unforgettable stays overflowing with personalised moments and experiences.
Until 20 December 2023, travellers can indulge in luxury with the Enriched Journeys packages, carefully curated to provide an extraordinary stay at Centara’s top-tier properties. Whether seeking a serene beach escape in the Maldives, a tranquil Thai island paradise, or exploring vibrant cities like Bangkok, Osaka, and beyond, guests are assured a stay that exudes Centara’s signature hospitality and world-class service.
Centara Hotels & Resorts presents an array of exclusive privileges to guests who book and stay within the promotional period to commemorate four decades of excellence in the hospitality industry. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with an exquisite in-room champagne setup, setting the tone for a memorable stay.
Guests at Centara Grand properties will delight in a tantalising dinner for two, a delectable affair that includes decadent truffles and caviar. At the same time, those staying at Centara Reserve Samui will indulge in a private barbecue dinner for two, offering a fusion of flavours in an idyllic setting.
Moreover, the Enriched Journeys offer aims to rejuvenate the body and spirit with a spa experience for two at the award-winning SPA Cenvaree. Guests can experience a range of pampering treatments that promise ultimate comfort and relaxation. The Wave of Celebrations: Enriched Journeys promotion also includes round-trip hotel transfers at all participating properties, except Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, to ensure a seamless and hassle-free journey.
To secure this exclusive offer, guests can book between now and 20 December 2023 at participating Centara Reserve and Centara Grand properties. Privileges are available for two-person stays per room and may vary by location.
SINGAPORE, 29 August 2023: Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) returns from 8 to 17 September 2023 with precinct parties at four locations and a suite of race-themed lifestyle experiences across the city.
Catering to all ages and interests, GPSS complements the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023 experience and encourages locals and visitors to explore everything Singapore offers.
Photo credit: STB. Licence to Feast.
“The Grand Prix Season Singapore is back for its 14th edition, revving up more excitement and festivities across Singapore for an action-packed 10-day period. The curated line-up of offerings across multiple facets such as dining, entertainment and retail showcase the best of Singapore’s lifestyle experiences, which locals and visitors can enjoy,” said Singapore Tourism Board executive director of sports and wellness Ong Ling Lee.
Themed ‘Circuit of Festivity’, this year’s precinct parties promise unique race-themed offerings at four different yet interconnected locations. Feel the buzz of the race season at Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, Kampong Gelam and Sentosa – each with distinctive and extensive programming, allowing visitors to spend more time exploring each location’s offerings in depth.
Presented by local artist Brandon Tay, Revolutions: The GPSS Immersive Experience – a high-tech light and sound show that tells the GPSS story in tribute to the people, achievements, and aspirations of our vibrant city – anchors the GPSS experience at Orchard Road. The eclectic Orchard Pit Shops: GPSS Lifestyle Bazaar will keep shoppers busy with over 24 stalls offering local artisanal products, food and beverage, music and art installations, while a retail haven greets shoppers with limited-edition merchandise curated exclusively for GPSS at Design Orchard.
Clarke Quay comes to life with its distinctive day-to-night entertainment, from the retail pop-up stalls at CQ Street Market to GPSS Fitness Fest feat. Les Mills is a one-of-a-kind training experience for fitness fans combined with music, lights and the latest fitness innovations. Motorsports enthusiasts and racing gamers can compete in the adrenaline-filled Teleios Race Sims Grand Slam, an e-motorsport league, for the GPSS Sims Championship title. At OutDrive GP, fans can meet Formula 1 and Formula 2 racing drivers, including Nico Hülkenberg, and watch them race against top local sim racing drivers. Music aficionados can look forward to Asia’s premier independent music festival, Music Matters Live, featuring Nathan Hartono, Benjamin Kheng, Sezairi, and some 30 acts from 12 countries.
Tradition meets modernity at Kampong Gelam. Adding to the festive vibes, Culturally Singapore will appeal to all ages, with multi-cultural performances promising a visual feast. For a satisfying culinary experience, visitors can head to the GPSS Food Park for a delectable mix of local and international cuisines and savour the smoky flavours at Hot-Pit Stop: Grills & BBQ. Singaporean artist Wilfred Cheah shares his creations through Singapore Stories: Miniatures of the Past, where arts and crafts are elevated with his miniature recreations of local scenes and places from the past. At the same time, Haji Lane Blockbuster offers two music zones for music fans to dance the night away.
After its debut in the GPSS precinct parties last year, Sentosa is back with island-exclusive experiences targeted at families and beach lovers. Stretching across Siloso Beach, the Siloso Beachwalk Bazaar promises a dining and shopping extravaganza alongside roving acts and other entertaining pitstops. Celebrating Singapore’s most iconic culinary delights, including the internationally renowned Chilli Crab, the GPSS Beach Feastable will be a major draw for both locals and visitors, with some 20 gourmet booths and al-fresco beachside seating. Timeless Rides: An Era of Vintage & Classic Cars, a display of rare cars specially put together for GPSS, will delight automobile enthusiasts. Visitors can also catch the timeless rides as they parade around Sentosa on 8 September.
More GPSS 2023 highlights
A Project of Art in the Night Race
Organised by the Dino Zoli Foundation, this recycled art exhibition invited art institutions and artists to transform floodlights that once illuminated the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix street circuit. Having been replaced by more environmentally-friendly LED track lights, these floodlights are given a new lease of life as they are transformed into captivating pieces displayed at The Arts House.
Amber Lounge
The most exclusive and glamorous post-race weekend afterparty returns to Singapore this season, where guests can expect live performances by international music artists. Party-goers will stand a chance to meet F1 drivers and celebrity guests while enjoying Amber Lounge’s enthralling entertainment concept with theatrical cabaret and cirque-themed performances.
Licence to Feast
Foodies can expect a whirlwind exploration of diverse cuisines with an extensive brunch and all-day race-themed specials from 8 unique establishments across 1-Group – 1-Altitude Coast, 1-Arden, 1-Atico, Monti, The Alkaff Mansion, The Garage, The Riverhouse, and The Summerhouse.
