BANGKOK, 4 April 2024: Thai AirAsia (FD) is flying directly from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport to Okinawa, Japan’s southern paradise island, kicking off with a load factor of over 85% t on its inaugural flight.
AirAsia flies Bangkok Don Mueang-Okinawa four times a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. This is Thai AirAsia’s second connection between Thailand and Japan after Fukuoka.
The new route is part of the airline’s ongoing expansion to Japan.
Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya, who joined the inaugural flight FD240 from Don Mueang to Okinawa, said: “Japan remains a top destination for Thai travellers, as can be seen from our direct flights to Fukuoka, which have increased from 4 weekly to daily flights in just a short period.
“Okinawa is a beach city that is affordable and convenient for travellers. A popular place to visit among Japanese people and international tourists, the city offers various activities and year-round good weather. Visitors can attend the Lily Festival in late April, surf, scuba dive, and enjoy the city’s famed food, from Agu Pork and Okinawa Soba to Sweet Potato Tarts. It has everything for all travellers, whether they are solo, couples, or families,” Santisuk said.
DUBAI UAE, 3 April 2024: Furthering Dubai’s commitment to accessible travel and in time for World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April, Emirates has achieved a Certified Autism Centre Designation for all of its Dubai Check In facilities.
The certification extends to Emirates City Check-in & Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check-in (Port Rashid, Emirates Cruise Check-in), Dubai Harbour, and Emirates City Check-In Ajman, in addition to the Emirates’ dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
The certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), ensures that all Emirates facilities in Dubai have taken a significant step towards making travel more inclusive and accessible to neurodiverse customers, meeting criteria required for a comfortable and supported travel experience.
As part of the designation, Emirates employees at the various facilities underwent specialised training on autism and sensory awareness to equip them with the understanding and skills to address the needs of autistic travellers, those with sensory sensitivities, and their families. Comprehensive facilities audits were conducted across the locations, measuring all sensory inputs in public areas such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells to develop sensory guides, empowering travellers to make informed decisions and choose the environment that best suits their needs and preferences.
This achievement builds on Dubai International Airport’s recent recognition as the first international airport to earn the designation from IBCCES and aligns with the Department of Economy and Tourism’s (DET) vision of becoming the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Middle East.
Emirates’ City Check-Ins across Dubai offer a seamless and stress-free pre-airport experience in convenient and easily accessible locations, where Emirates customers can check in for flights up to 24 hours in advance, drop off luggage between four and 24 hours before departure, and choose between agent-assisted check-ins, robot-assisted check-ins, or self-service kiosks, allowing a more relaxed travel experience.
Mohammed H. Mattar – Emirates DSVP Airport Services commented: “As a global airline, Emirates is committed to providing a seamless travel experience for everyone. We recognise the challenges customers with autism and sensory sensitivities face in airport environments. That’s why we’ve proactively partnered with Dubai’s DET and IBCCES to certify all our city check-in locations across the UAE. This initiative is a crucial step forward in our ongoing mission to make travel inclusive and accessible for all.”
Myron Pincomb, Chairman of the Board for IBCCES remarked: “Emirates is known worldwide for its exceptional guest service. Checking in for a flight is one of the most stressful segments of the travel experience. With the completion of the facilities, audit and the addition of the new sensory guides, the check-in procedure at the check-in facilities will be more accommodating for people of determination, and especially those with sensory challenges.”
Emirates, Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Airports work together with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs to make travel more inclusive, reflecting Dubai’s commitment to becoming a leading destination for travellers with diverse needs.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families to other resources and each other. Each destination listed on the site has met the CAC requirements.
About IBCCES Delivering The Global Standard For Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognised around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.
Twelve of Centara Hotels & Resorts are approved for GSTC certification, and the organisation is continuing to work toward its long-term goal of achieving full certification by 2025. The 12 hotels which are recognised for meeting the GSTC Criteria in 2024 are:
Centara Reserve Samui
Centara Kata Resort Phuket
Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi
Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok
Centara Q Resort Rayong
Centara Sonrisa Residences & Suites Sriracha
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Centara Life Maris Resort Jomtien
Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin
COSI Samui Chaweng Beach
COSI Pattaya Wong Amat Beach
COSI Krabi Ao Nang Beach
By adopting sustainable and green practices, Centara is actively choosing to be more aware of its environmental impact and aligning its values and vision for a more mindful and ecologically conscious future.
BANGKOK, 3 April 2024: As merchants in Japan gear up to receive cherry blossom tourists from around the world, Ant International says its cross-border mobile payment solution Alipay+ has connected 2 million merchants across the country, enabling them to better serve global visitors through a seamless payment experience with their home country e-wallets.
There are 16 e-wallets and bank apps accepted in Japan via Alipay+, a suite of cross-border digital payment and digitalisation technology solutions, namely Alipay (Chinese mainland), AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR China), MPay (Macao SAR China), South Korea’s Kakao Pay, Naver Pay and Toss, Singapore’s OCBC Digital, Changi Pay and EZ-Link, Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go eWallet and MyPB by Public Bank Berhad, the Philippines’ GCash and HelloMoney, TrueMoney (Thailand), Hipay (Mongolia), and Tinaba (Italy).
Second from left are Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International and Monsinee Nakapanant, Co-President of Ascend Money (centre).
Powered by Alipay+, transaction volume made by e-wallets and bank apps in Japan jumped over 200% in the first three weeks of March compared with the same period in 2023. Alipay, AlipayHK, Kakao Pay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet, GCash and TrueMoney are among the most popular e-wallets used by travellers to Japan, while MPay, Naver Pay and Toss are seeing rapid growth. Transaction value is estimated to account for about 10% of users’ total spending during their stay in the country.
Ant International President Douglas Feagin reported during a press conference in Tokyo: “By working with these partners, Alipay+ provides global tourists with a seamless digital payment experience that is the same as in their markets. Without extra effort, tourists can make purchases by scanning the QR code at merchants of all sizes, without worrying about foreign currency exchange or language barriers.”
For example, in Asakusa, a Tokyo district famous for having the oldest underground shopping street, small souvenir shops and snack stalls are leveraging the simplicity of QR codes to do business. The monthly cross-border mobile transaction volume is more than five times higher on average, reflecting the growing trend of cashless payments when visiting Japan.
SINGAPORE, 3 April 2024: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) launched a new global marketing campaign this week to position the destination as the “World’s Best MICE City”.
The campaign invites Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) event organisers and planners to gain a fresh perspective on Singapore’s value proposition as a leading MICE destination that can influence purposeful outcomes amid a competitive landscape.
Photo credit: STB.
This marks the first of six global campaigns[1] that STB is rolling out in the coming years to sharpen the way it tells the Singapore story after it announced its refreshed marketing strategy in 2023.
The Singapore proposition
As a major trade hub with cutting-edge innovation, technology, and research capabilities, Singapore has a robust business ecosystem where thought leaders, investors and businesses meet.
Beyond exceptional capabilities, infrastructure and events, Singapore has set clear targets, standards, certification programmes and incentives to build a greener future for the MICE industry.
Singapore Tourism Board Deputy Chief Executive Yap Chin Siang said: “Positioning Singapore as the World’s Best MICE City is integral to our ambition to maintain a competitive edge and to reinforce Singapore’s strengths. This is especially critical as MICE event organisers and delegates seek destinations that deliver value and drive positive impact. We remain committed to investing in new MICE products and experiences, and we invite event organisers and planners to co-create business events with us that yield meaningful outcomes.”
To empower businesses to co-create their legacy journey with Singapore, STB is developing a comprehensive Legacy toolkit containing a framework for planning, executing and measuring legacy outcomes or the impact of an event. For example, business partnerships forged during meetings could drive industry development, and increased community awareness of health issues could help improve the health quality among a population. It will also include case studies and information on STB’s support. This is on track to be completed and launched by June 2024.
JAKARTA, 3 April 2024: Jakarta-based TransNusa is introducing five new domestic routes effective 1 to 19 April, starting with direct flights launched this week from Bali to the popular diving destination Manado.
TransNusa, will be the first airline to fly direct flights between Bali and Manado.
Photo credit: TransNusa. View of Raja Ampat, Sorong.
The TransNusa flight will depart Bali from Denpasar International Airport at 0140 and arrive at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Manado, at 0405. The return flight will depart Manado at 0545 and arrive in Bali at 0825. The direct flights commenced on Tuesday, 2 April. Flights are scheduled three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
TransNusa’s flights from Manado to Sorong will depart from Sam Ratulangi International Airport and arrive at the Domine Eduard Osok Airport, Sorong. It is scheduling 11 weekly flights, including a daily flight and additional flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The daily flight will depart Manado at 0900 and arrive at Sorong at 1120. The additional four weekly flights (Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun) will depart Manado at 1610 and arrive at Sorong at 1820.
On 5 April, TransNusa will start daily flights from Manado to Ambon, departing from Sam Ratulangi International Airport at 1240 and arriving at the Pattimura International Airport at 1450.
TransNusa’s flight from Sorong to Ambon will depart from the Domine Eduard Osok Airport at 0900 and arrive at the Pattimura International Airport, Ambon, at 1000. The daily roundtrip flight will begin on Thursday, 18 April.
TransNusa’s flight from Sorong to Timika will depart Sorong from Domine Eduard Osok Airport at 1210 and arrive at the Mozes Kilangin International Airport at 1330. Daily flights on this route will start on Thursday, 18 April.
Since the injection of new shareholders and a management team in 2022, TransNusa became Indonesia’s second airline to introduce flights to China from Jakarta last year. The airline currently flies to Singapore, Guangzhou, China, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor, Malaysia.
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 April 2024: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Malaysia Chapter launched its PATA Malaysia Chapter Student Wing this week, uniting students, educators, and travel industry leaders to strive towards the common goal of nurturing the next generation of tourism leaders.
The launch of the Student Wing symbolises a substantial leap forward for the PATA Malaysia Chapter’s commitment to the industry’s future.
“The PATA Malaysia Chapter Student Wing is set to be the cornerstone for aspiring tourism professionals,” stated PATA Malaysia Chapter Hon Secretary Datuk Ali. “It’s more than a membership; it’s an opportunity to shape the fabric of the industry.”
PATA Malaysia Chapter confirms students will soon be able to apply for membership through its website, as online registration is expected to be launched shortly. This online platform will facilitate easy access for students across Malaysia to join the PATA community and benefit from its extensive network and resources.
For further information or to express interest in future events and initiatives, contact the PATA Malaysia Chapter at [email protected] or visit the website at www.patamalaysia.org.
About PATA Malaysia Chapter The PATA Malaysia Chapter is part of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, which serves as the leading voice for travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.
PENANG, 3 April 2024: Marriott International confirmed Monday it has signed a hotel management agreement with Westfield Global to bring The Westin brand to the popular island of Penang.
Located along the sea-facing promenade of Gurney Drive, The Westin Hotel, Penang, is slated to open in 2026 and will have 217 rooms and suites.
The signing ceremony was graced by His Royal Highness, Tuanku Raja Muda of Perlis and Chairman of Westfield Global Sdn Bhd (centre) joined by Dato’ Yeoh Yih Sean, Director of Westfield Global Sdn Bhd (on his left), Mr. Kevin Chen, Senior Vice President Hotel Development, Asia Pacific Marriott International (on his right) and witnessed by Directors from Westfield Global Sdn Bhd and representatives from Marriott International.
The hotel will offer guests sweeping views of greenery and the Andaman Sea beyond. Overlooking newly opened Gurney Bay Park, a seafront public recreational space including a skate park and retail areas, the hotel will be just a short walk from Gurney Drive’s popular local street food stalls, the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and popular shopping malls of Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon.
The Westin Hotel, Penang, will form part of a larger development known as the Westin Hotel & Residences. It will feature all-day dining and speciality restaurants, a lobby lounge and a pool bar, an outdoor swimming pool and the branded Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin.
The hotel will be Marriott International’s fourth Westin in Malaysia, joining The Westin Kuala Lumpur, The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.
BANGKOK, 3 April 2024: Travellers started paying higher passenger service charges at six of Thailand’s airports on 1 April to cover the Airports of Thailand’s investment in a Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS).
CUPPS powers automated check-in, self-service kiosks, and automated bag drop-off, and the Airports of Thailand is passing on the investment costs by raising the passenger service charge from THB100 to THB130 for domestic passengers and from THB700 to THB730 for international passengers.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced his Aviation Hub objectives just weeks before passenger service charges at six airports increased.
Having automated or digital check-in systems and automated bag drop-off is seen as a major development to speed up check-in procedures. It benefits airlines and passengers. It also reduces long queues in already overcrowded airport terminals.
Approval for the PSC increases was concluded in November 2023, six months before they became effective on 1 April at the six airports managed by the Airports of Thailand.
The six international airports under AOT management are Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, Chiang Mai International Airport, Mae-Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, Phuket International Airport and Hat Yai International Airport.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) approved an aviation policy some years back to upgrade the airport experience by adopting the latest technology embodied in CUPPS to raise airport check-in to international standards.
At present, the CUPPS system consists of three components: Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE) which helps to enhance services at check-in counters and provides passengers with international standards.
Common Use Self Service (CUSS) which reduces passengers’ waiting time at the check-in area and enables them to check in six to 12 hours in advance before departure.
Common Use Bag Drop (CUBD) which helps passengers load baggage without supervision from airline staff.
AOT gained the green light to pass on the CUPPS investment costs to passengers by increasing the PSC by THB30 for both domestic and international departures. The PSC is added to the cost of tickets at the point of sale. International passengers pay THB730, up from THB700, and domestic passengers pay THB130, up from THB100.
SINGAPORE, 2 April 2024: Pandaw has released additional dates for its popular Laos Mekong River adventure to meet travel demand for the 2024/2025 sailing season.
Pandaw’s 10-night expedition on the Upper Mekong sails from Chiang Khong on the Thai-Laos border through Laos, stopping in the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang before sailing towards Vientiane.
In an update posted online over the Easter holiday, the Southeast Asian and Indian river cruise specialist said it was applying a no-single-supplement policy and introducing discovery discounts for early bookers on the new sailing dates.
Pandaw’s unique itinerary takes travellers to the very heart of life on the Upper Mekong, exploring charming villages of the various hill tribes that inhabit the region. It also includes a sustainable elephant experience at the Mekong Elephant Park and a three-night stay in the UNESCO Heritage city of Luang Prabang, which gives travellers ample time to explore the historical town and nearby attractions.
Must-see attractions in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here are must-see attractions you can explore during the Pandaw Cruise’s three-night stop-off in this riverside town.
Temples: Luang Prabang is brimming with beautiful temples with unique architectural styles and history.
Wat Xieng Thong: Arguably the most significant temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong was built in the 16th century and features stunning gilded roofs and intricate mosaics.
Wat Mai Suwannapumaram: Also known as the Silver Temple, Wat Mai Suwannapumaram is famed for its gleaming silver exterior.
Wat Visoun: This 16th-century temple is known for its unusual octagonal shape and its collection of ancient Buddha statues.
Mount Phousi: Climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. At the summit, you’ll also find a Buddhist temple and a giant Buddha footprint.
Pak Ou Caves: Take a boat trip up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha images of all shapes and sizes.
Kuang Si Waterfalls: Escape the city heat and cool off at the turquoise pools beneath the cascading Kuang Si Waterfalls. You can also hike to the top of the falls for stunning views.
Royal Palace Museum: Learn about Laotian history and culture at the Royal Palace Museum, which was once the home of the Laotian kings.
Alms-giving Ceremony: Witness the daily alms-giving ceremony, a unique and spiritual experience where hundreds of saffron-robed monks collect offerings from the local people.
Night Market: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can find everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to delicious local food.
These are just a few of the many must-see attractions in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang is an unforgettable destination with its rich history, beautiful temples, stunning natural scenery, and friendly people.
To book an Upper Mekong expedition with Pandaw for 2024/25, visit pandaw.com or email us at [email protected].
The Laos Mekong VIENTIANE TO CHIANG KHONG 10 nights FROM USD4,316 per person.
