SINGAPORE 16 August 2023: Spain launches a new one-stop travel guide for Muslim Travellers planning to explore its southern region, Andalusia, making it easier to find references on what to see, what to visit, where to stay, as well recommendations of Muslim-friendly restaurants.
The initiative is a part of Spain’s goal to reinforce awareness of its efforts to expand services that attends to the needs of Muslim travellers in the country.
“We are very excited about the Guide,” said Spain’s Tourism Counsellor in Singapore, Monica Sanchez. “We believe it is a promotional tool we have been missing, especially given Andalusia’s rich Islamic history and heritage. Andalusia is a popular destination for Muslim travellers, but its halal offer is still largely unknown in South East Asia.
The guide provides a valuable resource to raise awareness of all the practical elements that make a destination like Andalusia more appealing to visitors who seek halal travel experiences.
Our strategy goes beyond simply offering Muslim travellers halal food and places of worship. We recognise and have considered their cultural practices, traditions and sensitivities.
The guide’s content has been produced by Let’s Go Halal, a Spanish Muslim company specialising in Halal Tourism and manager of the online platform www.letsgohalal.com.
The guide is accompanied by a promotional campaign that includes publications on Southeast Asian platforms in English and Bahasa Indonesia, social media postings and six videos that will be gradually released on Spain Tourism Board’s official YouTube channel.
Andalusia, for Muslim Travellers, features an extensive list of places with halal options in Andalucía, which besides its food, is also known for its mosques and rich Islamic heritage. This is a land of culture, history, fiestas, natural landscapes and outstanding monuments such as the beautifully preserved Moorish architecture, the Alhambra Palace.
Discover the splendour of Al-Andalus and take inspiration from Andalusia’s unparalleled Islamic heritage and beauty. Bookmark this new Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide now!
(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)
LANGKAWI, Malaysia, 16 August 2023: Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) continues strengthening ties with Singapore’s tourism agencies, the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), through the Tourism Malaysia Singapore office.
Earlier this month, the latest round of meetings focused on building strategic cooperation involving LADA planning a ‘Tourism Business Meet at Langkawi 2024’ specially for Singapore’s tourism agencies under the NATAS umbrella.
Photo credit: LADA. Planning an Eco-Geo promotion in Singapore.
The initiative will strengthen tourism relations and boost tourism to Langakawi from ASEAN countries, promoting Langkawi as a popular Eco-Geo destination in Asia. The initial efforts will establish the island’s credentials as an Eco-Geo destination in the Singapore outbound travel market through promotions and partnerships with NATAS members supported by Tourism Malaysia’s Singapore office. Visit https://www.lada.gov.my/en/
SINGAPORE, 16 August 2023: Carnival Cruise Line has named the senior officers who will take the helm of its newest ship, Carnival Jubilee, due to sail this December..
The ship is being built at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany and will operate its first cruise from its homeport of Galveston, Texas. on 23 December 2023.
Carnival has appointed Captain Andrea Catalani, Chief Engineer Vittorino Perasole and Hotel Director Pierre Camilleri as the ship’s senior officers. They will lead a crew of 1,700 who will sail on Carnival Jubilee.
Carnival Jubilee joins sister ships Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras as the third ship in the fleet powered by a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system.
The ship will also debut ocean-themed experiences in two entertainment zones named Currents and The Shores while featuring other features already popular on board her sister ships. They include BOLT, the Ultimate Sea Coaster, and a transformational three-deck atrium that offers expansive views during the day. It doubles as an entertainment venue at night with movable LED screens and theatrical lighting.
SINGAPORE, 16 August 2023: Sabre Corporation, a software and technology provider for the global travel industry, confirms the availability of Lodging AI, marking the introduction of its Sabre Travel AI capabilities in the lodging sector.
Lodging AI can help travel agencies improve hotel attachment rates, creating additional revenue opportunities and providing travellers with more personalised lodging options. Using Sabre Travel AI machine learning models, the new lodging capability analyses property attributes, customer trip segmentation, and traveller and agency preferences to generate custom lodging options and serve up properties most likely to be booked. The first two micro-services of Lodging AI are now available.
Alternate properties: During the shopping phase, if a specifically requested property is not available, this micro-service of Lodging AI facilitates lodging bookings by presenting up to 20 relevant options with similar characteristics. Cross-sell: This micro-service identifies appropriate air bookings or itineraries without lodging attached and presents suitable lodging options to complete the trip.
Available via Content Services for Lodging APIs and Sabre Red 360, Lodging AI will help Sabre customers increase traveller value by offering relevant lodging options to accompany the air travel booking and help drive profitability. Part of a 10-year strategic partnership with Google. Sabre Travel AI leverages Google’s state-of-the-art AI technology and advanced machine-learning capabilities.
BANGKOK, 16 August 2023: Thai Airways International deployed its new Airbus A320 aircraft to resume twice-daily flights from Bangkok to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
The twice-daily flights started on 15 August and take over from the low-cost THAI Smile Airways, which is relinquishing all of its regional routes to its parent airline. Ultimately Thai Smile will merge with the parent airline as a cost-saving measure, possibly in 2024, but it may still serve some domestic flights.
Thai Airways International will serve the Bangkok – Phnom Penh route, scheduling 14 weekly flights (twice daily).
Bangkok – Phnom Penh TG586 departs from Bangkok at 0735 and arrives in Phnom Penh at 0850 (local time). TG584 departs from Bangkok at 1835 and arrives in Phnom Penh at 19:55 (local time).
Phnom Penh – Bangkok TG587 departs from Phnom Penh at 0940 (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 1100. TG585 departs from Phnom Penh at 2115 (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 2230.
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 August 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is working with Kuala Lumpur Traffic Police to improve traffic management during the 1 to 2 September edition of the MATTA Travel Fair hosted at MITEC.
The move follows social media complaints that traffic jams were a major drawback during the MATTA Fair hosted in March at MITEC earlier this year. The national travel show is held every March and September and is recognised as the country’s largest consumer travel fair.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for visitors and exhibitors, MATTA will implement various measures to improve traffic flow during the MATTA Fair from 1 to 3 September hosted at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur’s premier exhibition venue.
The organisers said the MATTA Fair experienced an overwhelming response during the March show, and its popularity caused massive traffic congestion around the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) venue.
“The upcoming MATTA Fair September 2023 holds immense promise, and our strategic partnership with the traffic police underscores our commitment to deliver an exceptional experience to all visitors. Combined with the free and frequent shuttle services from key pick-up points in the city, we are confident that visitors and exhibitors will find it easier to make their way to the fair,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong.
MITEC CEO Mala Dorasamy said: “MITEC takes great pleasure in welcoming back the 2nd edition of MATTA Fair in September 2023. Positioned within KL Metropolis, it strategically demonstrates a development blueprint of urban growth with commercial dynamism. Given the event’s track record of past achievements, it is vital to optimise business growth and environmental responsibility”.
She also mentioned promoting eco-friendly practices, such as encouraging visitors to opt for Rapid KL, carpooling, and using the event’s free shuttle services. These efforts reduce carbon footprint while enhancing affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in transportation options.
MATTA has joined forces with the authorities to introduce a series of traffic management strategies for the upcoming MATTA Fair.
New Traffic Flow Direction Traffic flow direction will be implemented around the MITEC area to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the visitor experience by streamlining vehicle entry and exit.
Comprehensive Traffic Monitoring Traffic Police officers will be strategically stationed at each traffic light within the MITEC vicinity and at key intersections to closely monitor traffic movement. This heightened vigilance will enable rapid response and intervention in any traffic build-up, contributing to uninterrupted traffic flow.
Priority for Free Shuttle Bus MATTA acknowledges the significance of group transportation, particularly for buyers attending the fair. Traffic Police officers will prioritise free shuttle transportation, facilitating expedited access for groups and helping to ease traffic pressure.
Free Shuttle Visitors are strongly advised to use the free shuttle service to transfer to MITEC available at Sunway Putra Mall and KL Sentral from 0800 to 2200 to minimise traffic congestion at the fair.
The fair is open from 1000 to 2100 on all three days, and admission is free.
BANGKOK, 16 August 2023: Asia Aviation PLC (AAV), the sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia Co Ltd, reports Q2 2023 revenue reached THB10,398.5 million, up 275% year-on-year and 6% on the previous quarter.
Gross profit for the quarter was THB998.2 million, up 143% YoY. However, a net loss of THB1,012.5 million was recorded due to unrealised foreign exchange loss stemming from the baht depreciation.
The significantly improved performance is attributed to a robust recovery of the tourism industry, bolstered by the reopening of the China market in the first quarter.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) increased to THB1,817.2 million. Still, due to the depreciating baht at the end of Q2, the company saw an unrealised foreign exchange loss and reported a net loss of (THB1,012.5 million) for the quarter under review.
For the first half of 2023, AAV achieved revenue of THB19,641.1 million, up 324% from the same period last year. Ancillary services accounted for 19% of revenue from sales and services.
While the company reported a net loss of THB653.1 million due to unrealised foreign exchange losses, the net loss improved from THB7,278.5 million during the same period last year. Seat Capacity has returned to 77% from the pre-pandemic levels, with the airline carrying 9.22 million passengers. The airline maintains its target of 20 million passengers carried for the year.
During the latter half of the year, the company intends to close the gap with the pre-pandemic capacity of 38 weekly flights to China. New services will be added to Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Kathmandu (Nepal), and Ahmedabad (India).
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 August 2023: Amari Kuala Lumpur has won the Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Luxury City Hotel in Malaysia for 2023. Onyx Hospitality Group manages the 252-room hotel.
Located in the heart of KL Eco City, in the Malaysian capital Amari Kuala Lumpur is just a short walk from the Gardens Mall and the Mid Valley Megamall and just 45 minutes from KLIA. It is also directly connected to LRT and KTM commuter stations. It is surrounded by international corporate offices, including Mercu 2 and 3, Aspire Tower, The Gardens North Tower and South Tower, Centrepoint and Menara IGB.
LAHAD DATU, Sabah, 15 August 2023: In an exciting first-time journey, 70-year-old Steve Kane from Las Vegas, Nevada, set foot in Sabah four weeks ago through the Sail Malaysia rally.
Kane’s visit marked not only his first experience in North Borneo, the Land Below The Wind but also his inaugural exploration of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Joniston speaking to Steve Kane, 70, and Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha.
Delighted by his time spent here, Kane’s impressions highlight the safety and charm of Sabah, leaving an indelible mark on his perception. “It’s a picturesque state very different from my home country. I love every minute of my time here,” he remarked, emphasising the sheer delight he found in discovering Sabah’s unique blend of culture, architecture, and natural splendour.
What struck Kane as particularly exceptional was the state’s commitment to safety, praising the efforts of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and recognising its critical role in providing a safe maritime environment. “I was impressed with the safety and the Esscom. I have no fear of pirates,” Kane confidently declared, adding to Sabah’s reputation as a safe destination for tourists seeking peace of mind while indulging in adventure.
Joniston mingles with Sail Malaysia Rally’s participants at W Bay Payang, a private owned recreational beach in Lahad Datu.
Kane’s journey to Sabah was sparked by an invitation from a friend to join Sail Malaysia, where they set sail from the Philippines to Kota Kinabalu as the first starting point in Sabah. Before his visit, Kane admitted to being unaware of Sabah’s existence, even mistaking Borneo for an independent country.
“I’ve never been to Malaysia; this is my first time travelling to Southeast Asia. Now, I have learnt that Borneo is a vast island shared by three nations. I had a great time here, and we have gone to a few ports. I am very much impressed by what I have seen and experienced,” he said, expressing his enthusiasm to recommend Sabah to boating and tourism industry friends.
During the weekend (11 to 12 August), W Bay Payang hosted a cultural dinner for the rally’s participants, attended by Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister cum Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Present were Lahad Datu district officer Firuz Idzualdeen Mohd Dzul, Sail Malaysia Managing Director Sazli Kamal Basha, Lahad Datu Tourism Association chairman Joe Wong, Rural Tourism Association Sabah (Fertas) president Walter Kandayon, and the local community.
This year’s Sail Malaysia has garnered the participation of 20 boats from the United States, Australia, South Africa, the UK, New Zealand, Canada, France, and the Philippines. Among this fleet, 12 vessels sailed into Lahad Datu’s waters while the rest berthed in Kota Kinabalu’s harbour.
During the dinner, Joniston mingled with the audience and listened to their experience and encounters throughout their sailing journey. He emphasised the profound significance of the Sail Malaysia Rally for Sabah, particularly its rural districts. He called on the participants to spread the word about the state’s numerous attractions and that it is a safe destination.
“It showcases not only the natural beauty of Sabah’s coastal areas but also provides a unique opportunity for the rural communities to engage with a global audience, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth. By consistently attracting the sailing community to Sabah’s shores, we can become a prominent hub for maritime tourism activities,” he said.
Throughout their journey through Sabah’s waters, participants will stop at numerous locations to discover the state’s beauty, including Kudat, Kunak, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, and Semporna. Joniston was in Lahad Datu for an official working visit to engage with the district’s tourism industry players and stakeholders. He also met with the Dusun Segamo community and launched their newly built floating jetty base, funded by the state Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment.
The Sail Malaysia rallies and the rallies and events from partners in Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore are designed to help sailing enthusiasts plan their visits to Southeast Asia and join the rallies to enhance their sailing experience in ASEAN.
Sail Malaysia is a private Malaysian initiative by SM Yachting Sdn Bhd that is sanctioned by the Cruise Marine Tourism Association of Malaysia. Its objective is to promote Malaysia as part of the ASEAN Cruising Community.
SINGAPORE, 15 August 2023: Pandaw has squeezed in additional last-minute dates for the popular Laos Mekong river adventure in response to high booking demand.
In addition to releasing new dates, Asia’s river cruise specialist offers both no single supplement as well as complimentary drinks packages for all new bookings on these select dates. The Laos Mekong cruises start from the Lao capital, Vientiane or Chiang Mai in Thailand. Both upstream and downstream cruises are on offer.
Pandaw is recognised as a leading river expedition cruise operator across Asia have sailed the Upper Mekong through Laos and Thailand since 2015. Its famed river boats, specifically designed to navigate the major rivers of Southeast Asia and India, present a remarkable cruise experience up close to Asia’s hidden gem destinations. Pandaw’s boutique little vessels provide understated comfort and luxury, reflecting Asia’s diverse culture and hospitality.
Photo credit: Pandaw
“Our unique itinerary brings you to the very heart of life along the Upper Mekong, exploring the charming villages of the various hill tribes that inhabit the region, a sustainable elephant experience at the Mekong Elephant Park, as well as a three-night stay in the UNESCO Heritage city of Luang Prabang,” the cruise operator explains in its latest update to travel agents and travellers planning to explore Asia’s waterways.
Additional sailings on the Laos Mekong River cruises
Downstream – Chiang Mai to Vientiane 23 October 2023 – 02 November 2023 28 October 2023 – 07 November 2023 19 Nov 2023 – 29 Nov 2023
Upstream – Vientiane to Chiang Mai 02 Jan 2024 – 12 Jan 2024 04 Feb 2024 – 14 Feb 2024 14 March 2024 – 24 March 2024 19 March 2024 – 29 March 2024
The Laos Mekong
CHiang Mai to Vientiane 10 nights FROM US$ 4,360.00 NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON SELECTED DATES
