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Indians are Abu Dhabi’s top tourists

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, 24 July 2023: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism – recognised the success and contributions of 13 local New Delhi partners during an exclusive ceremony last week.

Hosted at the Oberoi New Delhi, the evening marked the first of two events, which concluded at the St Regis Mumbai. More than 100 of DCT Abu Dhabi’s top trade partners and travel organisations gathered to celebrate India’s position as the top source of tourists to Abu Dhabi, based on 2022 data.

Abu Dhabi DCT director of international operations Abdulla Yousuf commented: “These events recognise our partners’ success and display the incredible work that Abu Dhabi and India have achieved together. As we look back on the success of the past 12 months, I feel great excitement for what’s yet to come. Abu Dhabi will continue to innovate, growing and elevating the experiences offered to the Indian market, and constantly looking at new ways to inspire travellers.”

Wharf Hotels names area GM

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG SAR, China, 24 July 2023: Wharf Hotels, the Hong Kong-SAR-based hospitality group, has named Gerhard Aicher as the new area general manager of Marco Polo Hotels in Hong Kong. 

He leads the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Gateway Hotel, Hong Kong and Prince Hotel teams.

Before relocating to Asia, Gerhard served in Director of Finance roles at several hotels, including the Paris Marriott Champs-Elysees, Le Meridien Vienna, and Le Meridien Stuttgart.  In addition, he brings extensive skills in Operations and Sales & Marketing.  His first general manager position was in Hong Kong in 2007, leading some of the most recognisable hotels in the city.  Before joining Wharf Hotels, he was CEO of the OTT hospitality division in Toronto, Canada.

About Marco Polo Hotels – Hong Kong
Situated on Canton Road in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel, Prince Hotel, and Gateway Hotel are part of the Marco Polo Hotels brand.

Spain’s cliff-hanging trail tempts the fearless

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 July 2023: This almost 8-kilometre path near Malaga (Andalusia) was once considered one of the most dangerous in the world.

Today the entire route has been carefully restored, but although it’s now much safer, one thing hasn’t changed – the unique experience of strolling along walkways hanging over 100 metres on a sheer cliff face.

The Caminito del Rey route is spectacular from beginning to end, running through cliffs, canyons, and a large valley. It crosses the landscapes of Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, a gorge carved out by the river Guadalhorce, with walls 700 metres high. You will need to buy tickets for El Caminito del Rey, and you can reserve them on the official website.

What is the walk like?

The trail is linear and taken one way, going downwards and from north to south, some on mountain paths and some on suspended walkways. It’s 7.7 kilometres long and takes about 3-4 hours to walk, from the start in the town of Ardales to the exit in Álora. The reception area at the start has a restaurant and several parking areas and is also the shuttle bus’s final stop, which runs between the north and south ends of the trail.

This is the starting point of two paths which lead to the control cabin and the Gaitanejo dam, where the official trail of El Caminito del Rey begins. The longer is 2.7 kilometres, starting from Sillón del Rey, a set of stone benches, tables and chairs once used by Alfonso XIII, or through the tunnel next to the restaurant. The other path is shorter, just 1.5 kilometres starting with a smaller pedestrian tunnel 200 metres before the restaurant.

At the control cabin, personnel give visitors a protective helmet and check their shoes’ suitability. The viewing point on Gaitanejo Dam has views of the cave dwellings of Sierra Parda, which were once home to the staff working at the hydroelectric plant. After reaching the walkways, the trail continues through the Gaitanejo Gorge, the Tajo de las Palomas Canyon, and the Puente del Rey hanging bridge. The landscape gradually changes as you approach the Hoyo Valley with its leafy woodland.

Next, the path enters the spectacular gorge of Los Gaitanes via walkways suspended 100 metres above the ground. The amazing sights on this stretch include a hundred-year-old juniper tree growing among the rocks, the “fossil beach” with Jurassic-period fossils, and a glass balcony which sticks out from the walkway for those who feel they need to push their limits. The path continues to the final stretch: after handing back your helmets in the control cabin, there is a 2.1-kilometre walk down the hill to the railway station at El Chorro.

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

How to get there

Both the town of Ardales and El Chorro station can be reached by car from Málaga (in about 50 minutes), Ronda (60 km away) or Antequera (55 km). El Chorro-Caminito del Rey railway station is on the Málaga-Seville line, connecting to other towns like Ronda. The official website has helpful recommendations on routes, opening times, and how to get there.

Things to bear in mind

In addition to a general visit completed at your leisure, there is also the option of a guided tour to learn more about the region’s history, geography and biodiversity.I t’s advisable to bring water, a snack (chocolate, nuts, fruit, etc.), or a sandwich. The characteristics of the trail, between tall cliffs on walkways and bridges suspended at a great height, will make the hardiest walker dizzy. It is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights.

The stretch, with the suspended walkways between the north and south control cabins, is 2.9 kilometres long. The rest of the walk comprises mountain paths and forest tracks between the control cabins and the entrance and exit to the path.

There is a tunnel running parallel to the walkways of the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes, which is an alternative to the aerial path on days when the wind and rain could cause mudslides. The tunnel is 300 metres long, of which 285 are inside, and 15 are outside in the Hoyo Valley.

What else is there to do?

You can make the most of your visit and explore the Guadalteba, Antequera and Guadalhorce Valley districts. If you fancy even more active tourism, many companies organise water activities in the reservoirs nearby, or you can walk part of the Gran Senda de Málaga path.

But if you prefer something more urban and cultural (or a dip in the sea, depending on the time of year), don’t forget that the city of Malaga is less than 50 kilometres away.

For the full story visit

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)

https://www.spain.info/en/

Spice up with Centara’s Thai Cuisine

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 July 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, one of Thailand’s leading hotel operators, is home to some of the country’s top restaurants. Centara’s talented chefs source local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients and give them a special twist to create craft mouth-watering menus that will surprise and delight diners.

For those who can’t get enough of spicy Thai food, here is a selection of Centara’s most unmissable dishes recommended by its chefs from its properties in Bangkok, Samui Hua Hin and Pattaya.

Crispy Red Tilapia with Betel Leaves
Suan Bua, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok

The traditional Thai dish of meang kum is a social, culinary concept that involves filling betel leaves with a selection of condiments to create delicious bite-sized parcels that have a delightful blend of flavours and textures. This version features red tilapia, an exquisite freshwater fish which is deep-fried to give it a wonderfully crispy skin while leaving the meat soft and succulent, then accompanied with peanuts, roasted coconut, dried shrimp, lime, chilli, ginger, shallots and a delicious dipping sauce.

Crispy Red Tilapia with Betel Leaves at Suan Bua, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok.

Discover a different side of the Thai capital at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, where guests can unwind in an urban resort-style ambience by day and chill out with fantastic food and rooftop drinks after dark.

Grilled Tiger Prawn Sala Salad
Sa-Nga, Centara Reserve Samui

Thai tapas is a culinary concept that is sweeping the world. The cuisine lends itself perfectly to being enjoyed in light, bite-sized snacks – and this contemporary grilled tiger prawn salad is an excellent example of this. The highly-skilled chefs at Sa-Nga source the finest and freshest tiger prawns, grilled and served with caramel honeycomb, green oil and tamarind sauce to create an incredible taste sensation.

Overlooking the shimmering sea at the secluded end of Chaweng Beach, Centara Reserve Samui is an oasis of luxury and a haven of contemporary cuisine. Sa-Nga specialises in authentic Thai flavours with a modern twist.

Grilled Thai Beef Salad
Suan Bua, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

In Thailand, salads are elevated to amazing new levels. One of the country’s most popular recipes, yam nuea (Thai beef salad) is refreshing yet spicy, with a delectable blend of crisp vegetables, chilis and a fiery dressing. At Suan Bua, the elegant Thai restaurant at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, this classic salad is perfected by a team of talented Thai chefs.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin exudes an ambience of Thai grace and elegance. At Suan Bua, the signature Thai restaurant, diners can savour authentic local gastronomy in a stylish white pavilion overlooking the pool.

Grilled Thai Beef Salad at Suan Bua, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin.

Northern Thai-Style “Khao Soi” Curry
Oasis, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Fancy trying the world’s best soup? In 2022, foodie website TasteAtlas placed the northern Thai classic, khao soi, at the top of its “50 Best Soups” list. But you don’t need to visit Chiang Mai to try this supremely satisfying dish. At Oasis, the inviting restaurant at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, chefs blend a rich red curry sauce with local free-range chicken and egg noodles to create a culinary sensation, while pickled condiments perfectly balance the flavours.

Northern Thai-Style “Khao Soi” Curry at Oasis, Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya is a paradise for families, where kids can make a splash in the Lost World water park, and all ages can explore new epicurean experiences at four restaurants and bars.

What is your favourite Thai dish? Do you prefer milder, fragrant plates or seek out the spiciest items on the menu? Centara’s chefs can prepare each dish just the way you like it.

For more information about Centara and to embark on a Thai culinary adventure in the “Land of Smiles,” please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

Odisha on roadshow trail

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 July 2023: India’s Odisha state will host a roadshow this week in Bangkok to market travel packages to Bangkok’s outbound tour operators following the launch of direct flights operating between Bangkok and Bhubaneswar, Odisha, last June.

The event will be hosted, 1500 to 2100, 26 July, at the Marriott Marquis, Bangkok, by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, India  and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI),

In a press statement at the weekend, the FICCI said the roadshow would promote bilateral tourism and culture exchange between Thailand and Odisha, India, now that there are direct flights between Bangkok and Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

IndiGo launched flights from Bhubaneswar to Singapore and Bangkok on 3 June with fares as low as INR15,000. The roadshow will also travel to Singapore.

At the airline launch ceremony, Odisha chief minister Shri Naveen Patnaik said: “The new connections to Bangkok and Singapore from Bhubaneswar will reduce travel time, enhance global connectivity from the state, and offer enhanced accessibility that will increase trade and tourism and help us realise our goal of the new Odisha.”

Bhubaneswar, also known as “The Temple City of India,” attracts pilgrims worldwide. The city is a tourist hotspot and boasts beautiful temple architecture. It has numerous tourist attractions,

including the Lingaraj Temple, Iskcon Temple, Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajarani Temple, and Nandankanan Zoological Park.

About Odisha
Odisha is located in Eastern India. Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha. The state boasts 19 wildlife sanctuaries, 482 km of pristine coastline, and 62 indigenous tribal groups.

Airlines likely to delay or cancel flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 26 July 2023: New research from MoneySmart places Cebu Pacific and Bangkok Airways top of the list of airlines most likely to delay or cancel flights based on feedback from Hong Kong travellers in a May 2023 survey. 

The leading financial portal surveyed over 700 Hong Kong adults who had flown in the past year ending May 2023) to uncover the airlines with the most delays and cancellations in Hong Kong.

The MoneySmart research noted that Cebu Pacific had the highest reported percentage of delays, with nearly two-thirds (66%) of the airline’s customers reporting a delay.

Conversely, MoneySmart placed Bangkok Airways in the top spot for the highest percentage of cancellations at 61%. 

MoneySmart Hong Kong general manager Joanne Hon said: “Flight delays and cancellations have an immense impact on one’s travel plans. Planning for the perfect holiday could all come to waste if we fail to account for these potential risks. 

“Our survey has uncovered recent negative experiences by modern travellers, and we recognise the critical role travel insurance plays in mitigating these risks. 

Most delays

  • Cebu Pacific had the most delays.
  • Air Asia took second place, with 65% of respondents reporting a delay with them. 
  • Air China closely followed in third place, with around 3 in 5 (63%) respondents encountering delays while flying with the airline.  
  • Hong Kong’s national carrier, Cathay Pacific, came in 8th out of the most delayed airlines and 11th out of cancelled airlines.

Most flight cancellations

The airlines with the most flight cancellations, as reported by survey respondents excluding flight cancellations due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, were as follows. 

  • Bangkok Airways took the top spot, with 61% of survey respondents who had flown with the airline reporting experiencing a cancellation.
  • Cebu Pacific followed in second place, with 59% of respondents who had flown with the airline reporting a cancellation with them. 
  • Air China claimed the third spot, with over half (56%) of respondents reporting cancelled flights.

The survey reveals that the most common wait time for a replacement flight was four to six hours (23% of respondents).  

For more information on the survey and MoneySmart visit:

https://www.moneysmart.hk/en/travel-insurance/flight-cancellations-delays-hong-kong-ms?utm_source=pr&utm_campaign=flight-cancellations-delays-hong-kong-ms

Survey Methodology

The research was conducted on behalf of MoneySmart by Savanta amongst 734 Hong Kong adults (aged 18+) who had travelled in the past year. The survey was carried out online from 5 to 15 May 2023. Amongst all respondents surveyed, 69% said they had experienced a flight delay, and 53% said they had experienced a cancellation. All data is based on the experiences, perceptions, and reports of Hong Kong travellers from the above survey group.   

Korean Air resumes China and Japan flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 July 19 2023: Korean Air is resuming multiple routes to China and Japan, including Changsha, Wuhan, Weihai, Fukuoka and Nagoya, after a hiatus of three years and six months.

On the Seoul Incheon-Changsha route, the airline resumed operations with flights five times a week starting 19 July. Flights on the Seoul Incheon-Wuhan and Seoul Incheon-Weihai routes will resume on 24 September and  27 September.

Supporting the World Expo 2030 Busan bid

Starting on 27 September, the airline will resume its Busan-Fukuoka and Busan-Nagoya routes. Flights will operate twice daily to Fukuoka and daily to Nagoya from Busan. These routes will be served by a Boeing 737-900ER, with a 173-passenger capacity. With the resumption of these routes departing from Busan, Korean Air supports Korea’s bid to host the World Expo 2030 in Busan.

Passenger capacity 82% of pre-pandemic levels 

Korean Air is also expanding its international flight operations to meet international travel demand through increased flight frequency. The airline is expanding frequencies in July and has reinstated flights resulting in the available seat km (ASK) capacity reaching approximately 82% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

Korean Air implemented frequency increases on several routes worldwide. In the North American region, the airline has expanded flights on the Seoul Incheon-Chicago route from five to daily, on the Seoul Incheon-Dallas route, from four to five times per week, and on the Seoul Incheon-San Francisco route from seven to nine weekly. In Europe, the airline has increased flight frequencies on the Incheon-Frankfurt route from five weekly to daily and on the Incheon-Milan route from three to four weekly.

The airline is also increasing weekly flights to Ulaanbaatar, Sapporo and Bali. The Seoul Incheon-Ulaanbaatar route has increased from daily flights to eight weekly and will expand to 10 weekly in August. The airline has also increased frequencies from daily to 11 weekly between Seoul Incheon and Sapporo. It will increase flights from nine to 11 weekly between Seoul Incheon and Bali by the end of August, adding additional flights on Friday and Saturday.

Return of flights out of Busan

More route resume in July

Norwegian Joy dry docks for enhancements

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 July 2023: Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed Norwegian Joy will undergo product enhancements in January 2024 to elevate the onboard guest experience.

The improvements will include a new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, an expanded Vibe Beach Club, 24 new staterooms, and a redesigned three-bedroom Haven Premier Owner’s Suites during a dry-dock visit from 22 January to 12 February 2024.

Once completed, guests will access an elevated onboard spa experience with a brand-new Thermal Suite, soon to be the largest of the Breakaway-Plus class ships. A separate lounge area will feature three times as many of the popular hot tile loungers, and guests can enjoy easy access to relaxing and reinvigorating experiences, including a sauna, ice room and aromatic steam room.

The redesign will include repurposing the Observation Lounge to create 24 new balcony staterooms and recategorise 40 new spa balcony staterooms, including direct access to the Mandara Spa and the premiering Thermal Suite.

Norwegian Joy’s Haven by Norwegian Premier Owner’s Suites with a Large Balcony will be expanded to three bedrooms. The two suites will include three bedrooms; three and a half bathrooms; fully renovated living rooms, master bedrooms and outdoor balcony furniture, and a new separate dining room overlooking the forward-facing The Haven Horizon Lounge.

Norwegian Joy will resume sailings post dry dock on 13 February 2024, when she embarks on an 11-Day Transatlantic voyage from Southampton, UK, to Miami, Florida, in the US. In March 2024, the ship will cruise seven-day round-trip Caribbean voyages from Miami before sailing to Bermuda from New York for summer 2024.

Sabre to boost Hyatt’s booking system

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 21 July 2023: Hyatt Hotels Corporation has concluded a technology agreement with Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider for the travel industry.

Under this agreement, Sabre’s SynXis Central Reservation System will become the primary Central Reservation System (CRS) for Hyatt hotels beginning in 2024.

It will enhance Hyatt’s reservation capabilities, streamline its operations, and deliver a seamless guest experience with a faster search and booking process.

The agreement comes on the heels of Hyatt’s announcement of Hyatt PrO to optimise its revenue management system.

By leveraging the SynXis Central Reservation System, Hyatt’s new system will be designed to make the guest search and booking process smoother and increase visibility through flexible calendar search, enhanced rooms and rates view and a simplified booking process that unlocks the best rates for guests.

About Sabre

Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry managing more than USD260 billion worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries worldwide.

Centara celebrates its 40th anniversary

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 21 July 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts is celebrating its 40th anniversary to mark four decades of expansion and success.

Centara has grown from a single hotel in 1983 – its flagship Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok – to a global hospitality brand with 93 properties across Asia and the Middle East.

Numerous remarkable achievements mark Centara’s 40-year history. In 1986, the company acquired and renovated the historic Railway Hotel Hua Hin, now the heritage Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. In 1990, Centara made a significant stride by becoming a publicly listed company on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, solidifying its position in the industry. In 2007, ‘Central Hotels & Resorts rebranded itself as the globally recognised “Centara Hotels & Resorts,” defining its unique identity.

In 2009, Centara launched its first ‘Mirage-themed resort, Thailand’s premier family-focused property, with Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. This year also saw the opening of Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, marking the brand’s first foray into the overseas market, which has since grown to include properties in Sri Lanka, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and most recently, Japan.

Centara achieved another major milestone in 2014, becoming the first and only hotel group to receive the prestigious Royal Insignia of the Sacred Garuda from His Majesty King Adulyadej Bhumibol, an esteemed recognition for the brand’s commitment to excellence.

In 2017, Centara introduced the innovative COSI hotel concept, tailored for tech-savvy travellers seeking a seamless and connected experience. Four years later, the group launched its first venture into the luxury market with Centara Reserve. Leading the industry in story-driven hospitality, the flagship Centara Reserve Samui was named one of Thailand’s top 10 best beach island resorts at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.

Centara took its acclaimed ‘Mirage’ concept internationally in 2021, introducing its themed family resort concept in Vietnam and the UAE with Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne and Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai. Ever-growing and enhancing its global presence, Centara proudly unveiled the breathtaking Centara Grand Hotel Osaka this month, its debut property in Japan, showcasing a commitment to captivating guests with exceptional experiences worldwide.

In addition to its property expansion, Centara Hotels & Resorts remains dedicated to delivering world-class service through its signature warm hospitality and authentic Thai family values. Over the past 40 years, the brand has solidified itself as The Place to Be for travellers and renowned guests, hosting many illustrious celebrities and world leaders, including the Thai royal family, former US President Jimmy Carter, Michael Jackson, Tom Jones, and Jackie Chan.

Centara continues to be committed to growth and success to become one of the world’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027. To achieve this goal, Centara Hotels & Resorts is focused on expanding its global footprint with various projects in the pipeline across Thailand, Asia, the Middle East and beyond. These include expanding the family-themed ‘Mirage’ brand in the Maldives, adding three more luxury ‘Centara Reserve’ properties in Thailand and the Maldives, and much more.

The hotel group also remains at the forefront of hospitality and sustainability, with the goals of ending single-use plastic and achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification at every property by 2025, reducing energy, waste, water, and greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2029, and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

“We are proud to celebrate 40 years of excellence, innovation, and commitment to growing and evolving as a leading hospitality company,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts. “On behalf of Centara Hotels & Resorts, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all our guests, partners, and associates for their support over the past four decades and for continuing to be part of our incredible journey.”

To kick off its 40th-anniversary celebrations, Centara Hotels & Resorts rolls out a series of exciting campaigns, privileges and charitable initiatives throughout the rest of 2023 to thank guests for their enduring support. First up in the Wave of Celebrations was the Centara’s 40-hour, 40% flash sale, where the CentaraThe1 member discount on hotel stays increased from 15% to a remarkable 40% for a minimal time. The offer ended on  20 July 2023, but more discounts and surprises are in the pipeline, including complimentary hotel stays and CentaraThe1 points giveaways. To take advantage of other anniversary perks, guests are encouraged to sign up for the free CentaraThe1 loyalty programme at centara1card.com

For more information on Centara’s 40th Anniversary celebration or to book your next holiday, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/

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