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Discover Sarawak’s national parks

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 26 September 2023: Sarawak is blessed with more than 124,450 square kilometres of mountainous scapes and forestry, offering amazing opportunities to explore national parks for travellers who would like to enjoy a relaxed retreat and make the most of their time with nature during their time in Sarawak.

The land of hornbills hosts one of the four Malaysian UNESCO heritage sites, Gunung Mulu National Park in Miri. One highly recommended activity is the boat ride through the Clearwater Cave and the Deer Cave of the approximately 60-million-year-old park. 

As the most studied tropical area in the world, which is incredibly wealthy in biodiversity, visitors encounter Sarawak’s iconic bat exodus and other incredible flora and fauna around the area. This park also houses The Sarawak Chamber, the largest known cave chamber in the world. With the hot weather, we suggest travellers consider dividing their exploration over two to three days. The various accommodations available within the vicinity make it extremely convenient for guests to make reservations, with options ranging from a five-star hotel to authentic longhouse experiences offered by the locals.

Niah National Park

Another park you can trek through in Miri is Niah National Park, which has been labelled as one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. This national park was nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site on 30 January 2023, with the results expected to be announced in 2024. This park has the backstory of being the regional birthplace of civilisation and the discovery site for the most dated human remains in Southeast Asia. When you visit this treasured heritage, be sure to allocate some time for the Niah Cave Complex to see ancient artefacts preserved for over 50,000 years and the evolution of the relationship between humans and its lush rainforest. You would also get close-up views of cave paintings and the archaic wooden boat-shaped coffins Niah’s prehistoric inhabitants left behind.

Sarawak Delta Geo Park

If you are touring through the southwest regions of Sarawak, take a chance to roam through the Sarawak Delta Geo Park, the sixth national Geopark under the National Geopark Development Programme. The alluring nature of this Geopark sees it under consideration to receive a nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for 2025. You will surely be entertained as the park has attractions spanning Kuching, Siburan, Bau and Padawan. There is no need to rush as you observe the various architectural heritage, musical instruments, weapons and food that Sarawak’s current multicultural society has nurtured. Have a small road trip around the grounds of the Geopark to attractions such as gushing waterfalls, wildlife centres, mountains, caves and beaches. Visitors can also anticipate the sightings of Bornean endemic creatures such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys and fairy rock geckos at some of these stops.

You will find countless destinations around the Geopark, but here is a list we believe you should include in your route. For locations such as beaches, waterfalls and chances of encountering the seasonal bloom of the Rafflesia, you should visit Santubong National Park, Kubah National Park and Gunung Gading National Park. If you have the intention to have animals as your main focus, there are several wildlife centres spread out around the Geopark, such as Matang Wildlife Centre, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Talang Satang National Park, and Borneo Happy Farm. You can also visit educational centres such as the museums of Sarawak Cultural Village and Borneo Tribe Village or Borneo Cultures Museum, the second largest museum in Southeast Asia. However, if you are looking for a one-stop for all of these features, our best recommendation would be the Bako National Park.

Sarawak has much to offer, especially for those who find comfort amongst serene nature. The state consistently preserves and sustains natural habitats of national importance and value. You can lend a hand now in the mission to protect the unique flora and fauna of Sarawak by helping Niah National Park reach its petition goal at https://campaign.niahnationalpark.my/ or discover other national parks around the state at https://sarawaktourism.com/. 

(Source: Sarawak Tourism Board)

Holiday Inn leads IHG brands

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 26 September 2023: Half of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ hotel signings in Southeast Asia this year have been with the Holiday Inn brand family, comprising Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express, highlighting its enduring appeal for owners and guests across the region.

Announcements in 2023 focused on Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach, Holiday Inn Resort Pattaya, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bangkok Asoke and Holiday Inn Express Bali Sunset Road, while the opening of the first Holiday Inn Express & Suites property in Singapore – situated in Novena – has grown its estate to 95 open and pipeline hotels.

The Holiday Inn brand family continues to grow, generating around half of its global openings in 2022. It accounts for nearly 70% of its total estate. 

The group is developing more Holiday Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express & Suites properties. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Singapore Novena, which opened in May 2023, is the first in Singapore, while the first Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel will open in Thailand at Bangkok Central Pier soon ahead of the Holiday Inn & Suites in Vientiane Laos due to open in 2024.

Across Southeast Asia, 28 Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts properties have opened, and 26 are in the pipeline. Also, in the region, IHG has 22 Holiday Inn Express properties and 14 in the pipeline. 

Agents call for broader Covid inquiry

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TTR WEEKLY
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SYDNEY, 26 September 2023: Considered one of the hardest hit sectors in Australia’s economy, the travel sector supports the Australian Human Rights Commission’s call for a broadening of the inquiry’s terms to include the impact of Covid lockdowns, international travel bans and border closures.

In a media statement released last week, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) said it was including a call in submissions for the review to look at the substantial issues in Austrade’s handling of the distribution of Consumer Travel Support Grant funds of AUD270 Million.

Australia’s travel agents and businesses experienced massive revenue falls of 95% plus on the closure of Australia’s international border on 20 March 2020

Travel businesses suffered with no income due to the international travel shutdown, chasing AUD10 Billion in credits and refunds on behalf of their customers

A third of the workforce, 15,000 jobs, were lost while the complexity of chasing refunds was massively increased

The constant opening and shutting of state borders further added a significant burden, the ATIA statement concluded.

Travel is still recovering. ATIA’s submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry into Bilateral Air Service Agreements noted that international fares are still massively elevated. Flights from Sydney, for example, are still up to 99% higher than pre-Covid, due to a lack of competition and capacity.

ATIA CEO Dean Long commented: “The terms of the inquiry are a good starting point, but we ask that the government expand the terms of reference to consider the biggest source of impact on our sector – border closures and lockdowns.”

“Australia deserves a unified national approach, and the review, in looking at what worked and what didn’t, needs to look at those decisions that had the most significant impact on people’s lives, which was the restriction of movement. That needs to be front and centre of any review.

“Speak to any travel agent or business still operating today. They have a war story about the multiple complex problems in Austrade’s management of the Consumer Travel Support Grant funds from design to implementation. The process for so many of our members was frustrating, and the approach was unsuitable and not fit for purpose. Austrade has done a review but hasn’t released it. That needs to be considered by this review as there’s no doubt that there are lessons to be learnt from the processes and approach adopted by the government of the day and the department at the time.”

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s $69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs. 92% of ATIA members are small businesses, with women making up 72% of the workforce.

More flights start on the BKK – CAN route

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 26 September 2023: China Eastern Airline resumes flights from Guangzhou (CAN) to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport starting 27 September, following a one-year pause since 10 October 2022.

The airline scheduled daily flights using a Boeing 737 with eight first-class seats and 159 in the economy-class cabin. Flight MU2077 will depart Guangzhou at 2305 and arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 0115. The return flight MU2078 will depart Bangkok at 0340 and arrive in Guangzhou at 0740.

Photo credit: China Eastern Facebook post.

Kenya Airlines schedules three weekly flights from Bangkok to Guangzhou starting 27 November using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Flights are scheduled to depart on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. KQ886 will depart Bangkok at 1440 and arrive in Guangzhou at 1835. The return flight KQ887 will depart Guangzhou at 2140 and arrive in Bangkok at 2335.

Airlines serving the Bangkok -Guangzhou route ( 27 September)

Chart credit FlightFrom.

The average roundtrip fare on the route is USD460, but fares will reduce to around USD161 by November, down from the peak USD1,221 recorded in July, a peak travel month.

Flydubai to fly daily to Penang and Langkawi

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 26 September 2023: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, announced the launch of a daily service to Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia. The carrier becomes the first to connect popular destinations with flights from the UAE and the first to operate flights to Langkawi from the Middle East.

Flights to Penang International Airport (PEN) and Langkawi International Airport (LGK) will start on 10 February 2024. Flights will land in Penang and, after a short transit stop, extend to Langkawi Island.

Photo credit: Flydubai.

Flydubai chief executive officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “Flights from the UAE to these popular holiday destinations are vital for tourism and business connectivity. These destinations in Malaysia offer cultural diversity, leisure activities and investment opportunities. Our new flights will be popular for passengers from the UAE and the GCC and the European markets.”

With the launch of flights to Langkawi and Penang, Flydubai expands its footprint in Southeast Asia to four destinations, including its operations to Krabi and Pattaya in Thailand.

Flydubai will deploy its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on the Malaysian routes, featuring lie-flat seats in business class.

Langkawi is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and stunning geological formations. Visitors can enjoy activities such as island hopping, cable car rides to the Sky Bridge and exploring the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. The duty-free status of the island also makes it a shopping haven.

Penang, often called the “Pearl of the Orient,” offers a rich cultural tapestry, blending Chinese, Malay, Indian and British influences. Its UNESCO-listed George Town is renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant street art and street food.

Flydubai recently confirmed operations to three new destinations. Its daily service to Cairo commences on 28 October, Poznan, its third destination in Poland, starts on 29 October, and Mombasa is scheduled to join its growing network from 17 January 2024.

Flight details

Starting from 10 February 2024, flights will operate daily from Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB) to Penang International Airport (PEN) and Langkawi International Airport (LGK).

Return business class fares from DXB to PEN start from AED11,000, and economy class fares start from AED2,700.

Return business class fares from DXB to LGK start from AED11,000, and economy class fares start from AED3,500.

TAT governor attends GTEF in Macau

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 September 2023: Tourism Authority of Thailand’s governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool says she will work closely with Chinese tourism authorities, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the UNWTO, hinting she intends to strengthen relations with regional tourism leaders.

Following her attendance at the Global Tourism Economic Forum in Macau last week, she commented on her Facebook page: “My visit to Macau is in line with my “Partnership 360” policy to strengthen the Thai tourism industry across both the demand and supply sides through efficient cooperation with all potential stakeholders worldwide. 

“Today has been another productive and stimulating day at the Macau’s Global Tourism Economy Forum (GTEF). I heard some very visionary and informative speeches on the role of tourism in helping the post-COVID recovery. I came away with high confidence in a bright future.”

Thapanee is one of the most proactive social media users among the region’s tourism leaders. She uses social media platforms to reach out to tourism partners and update followers directly with her comments and reports on her activities almost as they happen.

“I also plan to work closely with the Chinese tourism authorities and the UN World Tourism Organisation and Pacific Asia Travel Association to facilitate the economic revival.

“The opening of the People’s Republic of China after 1,000-day travel restrictions sends hope to the global tourism economy by building bridges between China and the world. The GTEF event is a source of insights on China’s critical role in the global travel economy and its role in driving sustainability.”

Centara cranks up the management team

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 September 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, a leading hotel operator headquartered in Thailand, has recently announced strategic leadership changes within the organisation to reinforce its commitment to delivering the highest service standards across all its brands across Thailand and overseas.

As part of Centara’s goal of becoming a top 100 global hotel operator by 2027, the company has made the following internal personnel movements. 

• Robert Maurer-Loeffler, general manager of Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Central World, has been promoted to vice president of operations for Centara Grand properties in Thailand.

• David Martens has been promoted to senior director of operations for Centara properties and also assumes the position of general manager of Centara Karon Resort Phuket. 

• Wuthisak Pichayagan, general manager of Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, takes on additional responsibilities as director of operations for all Central Pattana hotel properties in Thailand. 

• Sebastien Scheeg, general manager of Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, expands his scope with promotion to Director of Operations for all Middle East and Maldives properties.

• Chaiphun Thongsuthum has been appointed general manager of Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.

• Bernd Rudigier has been appointed as general manager of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket 

“Congratulations to each of our team members for their remarkable accomplishments. At Centara, our success is driven by the dedication of our people, and we take immense pride in cultivating an environment where individuals evolve and grow within our organisation,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts executive vice president of human resources, Siriwan Wangthamrong. “As we continue on our journey to becoming a leading global hotel operator, we remain committed to creating the best possible workplace for our employees.”

For more information visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/ 

Emirates recruits seasoned captains

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 25 September 2023: Emirates is rolling out the red carpet to welcome experienced Airbus captains as the airline continues to expand its all-wide-body fleet while enjoying exceptional demand across the network. 

The airline is now inviting applications from seasoned commanders to join its Direct Entry Captains programme for its fleet of Airbus A380s.

Emirates has launched a recruitment drive globally. Interested pilots and their families can join an online info session on 4 October at 1300 Dubai time, attend open days in select destinations, and keep an eye out for exciting opportunities here: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/

The Direct Entry Captains programme is for technically skilled captains with at least 3,000 hours of recent command on Airbus fly-by-wire wide-body aircraft such as the A330, A340, A350, and A380. Candidates must have a minimum of 7,000 hours of total flying time on multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft and meet other eligibility criteria. 

Life at 35,000ft

Emirates’ pilots find flying the airline’s fleet professionally fulfilling, rewarding, and exciting. New joiners will be embraced into a 4,200-strong flight crew community, including 1,515 A380 pilots, who take pride in flying the airline’s overall fleet of 260 aircraft. The airline’s all-wide-body fleet is one of the world’s youngest and most advanced, including Emirates’ iconic Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. Emirates will start receiving its fleet of A350s in mid-2024 and 777-9s in 2025.

The airline’s pilots also relish the excitement and adventure of flying one of the most comprehensive global route networks that spans six continents. They operate everything from regional routes in the Middle East to ultra-long-haul destinations and cross-polar flights, making for varied and interesting rosters.

Lifelong training

The airline continues to invest soundly in innovative pilot training, with its current facility housing 10 full-flight simulators. Emirates’ robust, evidence-based in-house training programmes are delivered by highly experienced instructors and feature specially designed operating environments. The airline’s latest US$135 million, high-tech pilot training facility is set to open in March 2024. The 63,300sq ft facility will increase pilot training capacity by 54% and house six more full-flight simulators, including for the A350s and Boeing 777-9s.

Pilots also have access to various non-technical training programmes at the Emirates Aviation College and Emirates Aviation University.

Life at Emirates and in Dubai

Emirates’ expat pilot community enjoys living and working in the safe, secure, multicultural city of Dubai with flight deck colleagues from 111 countries and colleagues from over 160 nationalities. Pilots receive a competitive tax-free salary, spacious accommodation, education allowance, and excellent dental, medical and life cover. They also enjoy chauffeur-driven transport to and from work, laundry services, 42 days of annual leave, confirmed Business Class annual leave flight tickets, concessional cargo, exceptional discounted travel benefits for friends and family, and much more.

Pilots appreciate the well-defined career paths at Emirates – Captains can become management pilots, recruitment pilots, technical pilots, standards captains, training captains, audit captains, examiners and instructors. They also enjoy long, fruitful careers as around 40% have been with the airline for 10+ years – 1,380 pilots for 10-19 years, 173 for between 20-29 years, and 5 who have completed 30 years. Fun fact: the two longest-serving pilots, with over 34 years of service, joined the airline on the same day in 1989.

The airline has welcomed 172 new pilots in the last five months on its three recruitment programmes – Direct Entry Captains, Accelerated Command, and First Officers.

Accelerated Command Programme

Designed for Airbus Captains who currently command narrow-body aircraft and have a minimum of 1,500 hours of Airbus fly-by-wire experience. They join as A380 First Officers on an enhanced salary package. After a minimum of 700 flying hours and two successful recurrent checks, they’re eligible for an accelerated command upgrade, which they typically achieve in a little over a year. 

First Officer

Candidates must have multi-engine, multi-crew aircraft experience, a valid International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), and a minimum of 2,000 hours on 20-tonne maximum take-off weight aircraft. 

Interested pilots who would like to learn more about the various flight deck roles and register for the info session can click here

Australian agents call for urgent reform

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TTR WEEKLY
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SYDNEY, 25 September 2023: The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) pressed for urgent reform during a briefing session with the Senate Committee Inquiry into Australia’s Bilateral Air Service Agreements.

ATIA’s submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry highlighted the critical flaws in the existing system, where decisions often lack a comprehensive understanding of their impact on passengers. The need for reform is glaring, as it is crucial that all stakeholders, not just airlines, have a direct say in determining supply and demand.

It also raised some unintended effects of the New Distribution Capability (NDC) on Australian consumers. NDC’s adoption has allowed airlines to assume the role of sole price makers, enabling them to enhance profit margins on their most affordable products without market competition pressure. 

“This transformation has resulted in notable consequences that have serious ramifications for Australian consumers and the agents who support them,” AITA claimed in its submission.

ATIA CEO Dean Long commented: “The Senate Committee Inquiry offers a pivotal opportunity to address the issues that have long plagued Australia’s aviation industry and air ticket distribution landscape, with ATIA taking the lead in this fight for our members and the broader travel industry.

“The current system determining which airlines can operate in and out of Australia was established in 1944. This system was designed to protect the interests of national carriers, which were largely government-owned at that stage. While times have changed, the system has not.”

“Despite ATIA’s members selling a staggering 10 million tickets, amounting to a total value of AUD14 billion over the past 12 months until August, the Department of Transport fails to consider their perspective when deciding which bilateral aviation agreements to approve.”

“There is a critical and compelling need to redefine national interest in decision-making. ATIA’s submission highlights the critical flaws in the existing system where decisions are made without a comprehensive understanding of their impact on passengers.”

“Our submission also highlights the detrimental effects of the New Distribution Capability on Australian consumers.”

“We are seeing the current application of NDC translate into limited choices for Australian consumers and businesses, increased airfares, and a further reduction in competition within the air ticket distribution market.”

“We have a good relationship with our airline partners and look forward to working further with them on NDC’s adoption to address these issues for Australian consumers and the agents who support them.”

About ATIA

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is the peak body representing Australia’s AUD69 billion travel industry. ATIA represents the majority of Australian travel agents, corporate agents, tour operators, wholesalers and ITOs. 92% of ATIA members are small businesses, with women making up 72% of the workforce.

Asia Pacific business travel rebounds

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 25 September 2023: Business travel in Asia Pacific is forecast for significant growth for 2023 and beyond after challenging years due to the pandemic, according to the latest  GBTA outlook data and insights.

With travel spending gaining 41% to USD567 billion this year, rising to USD800 billion by 2027. China’s reopening and robust domestic demand will be a big catalyst for the growth. Solid rebound is also anticipated in Japan, South Korea, and Australia​, along with the return of international business travel, which is anticipated to boost Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia​.

Additionally, today’s business traveller in APAC may spend less per business trip but may index higher on food, beverage, and hotel expenses and the desire for more premium options and blended (or “bleisure”) travel than their fellow corporate travellers in other global regions.

These are some of the outcomes for APAC regional forecasts and trends from the 2023 GBTA Business Travel Outlook™ (BTI) unveiled onstage at last week’s GBTA APAC Conference in Singapore by GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. 

The BTI annual report offers a comprehensive overview of business travel spending and growth across 72 countries and 44 industries and highlights the global business travel spending forecast and key trends for 2023-2027. Additionally, for 2023, the BTI also incorporates insights from a survey of 4,700 business travellers across five global regions, including APAC, who reported their preferences, behaviours, spending habits, and the average business trip cost now.

“The growth and opportunities ahead in the APAC business travel sector are reflected in our regional spending forecast but could also be seen by the tremendous response and engagement this week among the delegates and partners attending our sold-out GBTA conference, the second event we’ve held in APAC,” said Catherine Logan, GBTA Regional Senior Vice President for EMEA and APAC. “We are grateful for all who made it possible, including our newly formed GBTA APAC Advisory Board, conference presenters, sponsors, volunteers, and the APAC business travel community.”

The GBTA APAC Conference 2023 was held at the Shangri-La Singapore, September 19-20. It was co-located for the first time with the Worldwide ERC Global Mobility Summit, providing all delegates unparalleled opportunities to learn and network across both conferences.

More than 600 attendees came together, including 400+ GBTA event delegates and over 120 travel buyers from 17 countries, to network, gain insights from industry experts, and engage in peer-to-peer education. 

“What a great turnout at the GBTA APAC Conference in Singapore with exceptional networking, inspiring content and energised engaged delegates. We are thrilled the conference has been so well received and look forward to continuing to grow GBTA’s presence in APAC,” said Peter Koh, Chairperson GBTA APAC Advisory Board.​​​​​​​

The two-day conference featured insightful Main Stage speakers, buyer/supplier roundtables and “The Big Idea” innovation workshop session focused on artificial intelligence. Education sessions featured timely topics from across the business travel ecosystem, including business traveller engagement, measuring the environmental impact of travel programs, the resiliency of travel and meetings in Asia, managing risk, and negotiating rates in the current NDC environment.​​​​​​​

GBTA also announced it will host its third APAC Conference in Singapore from 13 to 14 May 2024. ​​​​​​​

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