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Oceania schedules 2024 Med sailings

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 July 2023: Oceania Cruises schedules Mediterranean sailings in 2024 with credits allowing guests to enjoy free shore excursions in cultural capitals and lesser-known gems. 

Sailing from cities such as Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon, Athens and London, the crafted voyages aboard Marina, Riviera, Sirena and Vista range from seven days to a 59-day Grand Voyage from Miami to Rome. 

Mid to mini cruises: less than three weeks at sea

Oceania Cruises offer a free shore excursion credit valued up to USD1,600 and a free beverage package for all guests for all new reservations for sailings departing 1 October  2023 or later. 

Ionian & Adriatic Seas: 10 days from Valletta to Venice (Trieste) aboard Vista, overnighting in Istanbul, and visiting Ephesus, Mykonos, Athens, Dubrovnik, Pula/Rovinj. Departs 21 April  2024.

Classical Mediterranean: 14 days from Barcelona to Rome aboard Marina, visiting Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, La Goulette, Valletta, Syracuse, Argostoli, Santorini, Athens, Izmir, Messina and Sorrento. Departs 18 May 2024. 

Mediterranean Fascination: 19-days from Jerusalem to Rome aboard Riviera, overnighting in Jerusalem (Haifa) and visiting Jerusalem (Ashdod), Limassol, Rhodes, Santorini, Taormina, Naples/Pompeii, Rome, Florence/Pisa/Tuscany, Saint-Tropez, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Propriano, Cagliari, Palermo and Amalfi/Positano. Departs 29 May 2024.

Aegean Icons: 11 days from Jerusalem to Athens aboard Vista, overnighting in Jerusalem (Haifa) and visiting Jerusalem (Ashdod), Paphos, Alanya, Marmaris, Patmos, Ephesus, Volos, Thessaloniki, Mykonos. Departs 1 June  2024.

Greco-Roman Gateway: 10 days from Rome to Istanbul aboard Riviera, overnighting in Istanbul and visiting Sorrento/Capri, Catania, Valletta, Taranto, Katakolon, Corfu, and Izmir. Departs 17 June 2024.

Picturesque Rivieras: seven days from Monte Carlo to Barcelona aboard Riviera, visiting Florence/Pisa/Tuscany, Rome, Ajaccio, Provence, Port-Vendres and Palma de Mallorca. Departs 4 September 2024.

Timeless Turkey & Greece: 17 days from Istanbul to Venice (Trieste) aboard Riviera, overnighting in Istanbul, and visiting Kavala/Philippi, Ephesus, Rhodes, Alanya, Bodrum, Santorini, Athens, Mykonos, Izmir, Bari, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Pula/Rovinj. Departs 8 October  2024.

Dusit Thani Maldives opens seaplane lounge

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUDHDHOO ISLAND, Baa Atoll, 17 July 2023: Dusit Thani Maldives, a luxury Thai-inspired resort on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, has elevated its arrival experience by opening an exclusive seaplane lounge at the Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) terminal at Velana International Airport in Malé. 

Designed to deliver unmatched comfort to guests as they await their connecting flight to the island, the air-conditioned lounge is tastefully furnished with luxurious seating spaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and elegant, modern decor embodying Maldivian serenity.

In line with Dusit Thani Maldives’ dedication to delivering unparalleled experiences, the seaplane lounge offers exclusive refreshments, gourmet snacks, and a variety of beverages, plus complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, electronic device charging stations, and a dedicated children’s play area to ensure a relaxed atmosphere for families and couples alike.

Dusit Thani Maldives’ collaboration with TMA, the world’s largest seaplane operator, ensures guests can enjoy prompt and smooth transfers once they touch down in the Maldives. Resort-assigned airport representatives are present to assist with luggage and navigate guests through the transfer process, so they can focus on enjoying the travel experience. 

“Our complimentary Dusit Thani Maldives seaplane lounge has been meticulously crafted to provide an extraordinary experience right from the moment our guests step foot in the Maldives, and we are thrilled to present it as part of our unique offerings,” said Dusit Thani Maldives general manager Reinhold Johann. “Aligned with our unwavering commitment to providing top-tier service, we hope to curate an unforgettable journey for each guest, leaving them with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.”

The seaplane lounge marks the latest addition to Dusit Thani Maldives’ endeavours to elevate its guest experience. With its deluxe villas, world-class overwater dining, and spa treatment rooms nestled amidst palm trees, the resort continually raises the bar for luxury travel in the Maldives.

For further information or reservations, please visit https://www.dusit.com/dusitthani-maldives/ or Tel: +960 660 8888.

Sarawak shares responsible tourism message

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 17 July 2023: More than 150 local and regional media personalities were treated to Sarawak Culture, Adventure, Natural beauty, gastronomic delicacies and a taste of Sarawak‘s colourful and multi-ethnic festivals. 

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) hosted an enchanting showcase of Sarawak in every aspect – from its beautiful landscapes to rich and diverse cultures and heritage. The lush Borneo rainforest setting and vibrant elements created an immersive ambience, allowing guests to connect with the natural beauty of Sarawak – all depicted through immersive skits by talented performers.

The evening started with a special rendition of ‘Hijau’ by Zamil Idris, a song that conveyed a strong sustainability message – a narrative strongly advocated by STB. Sarawak stresses the importance of Responsible Tourism to create awareness of the significance of Planetary Health through Responsible tourism practices.

Upon arrival, attendees were warmly greeted with a traditional Sarawakian welcome, showcasing the warm hospitality for which Sarawak is well-known. The ambience exuded a sense of authenticity, reflecting Sarawak’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural traditions and its million-year-old rainforest.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Puan Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor said in her welcome message: “Sarawak is truly blessed with different landscapes, national parks, and UNESCO sites like the Gunong Mulu National Park. However, we must ensure we do not spoil our natural beauty and resources. This is our promise and pledge towards Responsible Tourism to ensure the preservation of Sarawak as a beautiful destination to live in and visit.”

She added, “Advocating ‘Planetary Health’ through ‘Responsible Practices’, among our people and to our visitors, Sarawak invites everyone to play a role in ensuring that the space they occupy remains clean after they leave. Attention should be given to protecting and enhancing environmental and social sustainability within the entire ecosystem so that our Land thrives and remains unspoilt for generations to come.”

In appreciation of the media’s contribution to telling the Sarawak story, STB surprised the audience with Yours Truly Sarawak Awards for best stories and coverage for broadcast, print, and online featured since January. From the vast submissions across various media platforms, the winners were:

Broadcast – Aksi Nyata Bantu Merawat Bumi di RWMF 2023 Sarawak by KompasTV Pontianak;

Print Media – Journeying into the Melanau Kitchen by Intan Maizura Ahmad Kamal, from New Straits Times;

Online Media – Kuching: A Peek into Sarawak’s Heritage by Farid Wahab from Leisurely Leisure.

For more information on Sarawak, visit www.sarawaktourism.com.

HAL bookings break record

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 July 2023: Holland America Line bookings on 11 July were higher than any day in the brand’s 150-year history. Booking revenues also broke the line’s single-day record. 

Photo credit: Holland America Line

Most sailings booked on 11 July were for 2024 and 2025, showing that cruisers are planning and eager to travel. The bookings show significant interest in marquee locations for the cruise line, including Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean, and a lift in sales for its new, longer Legendary Voyages. Reservations included destinations worldwide, including Australia, South America, the South Pacific and Asia.  

Holland America Line is a leader in Alaska with the most Glacier Bay visits in the cruise industry. Through Alaska Up Close, guests are immersed in the local culture with authentic onboard programming, cruise activities and award-winning shore excursions.

In addition to seven-day cruises throughout the Caribbean, Holland America Line offers a differentiated experience with longer sailings, allowing one to visit more islands on one itinerary.

Upcoming Europe seasons offer diverse cruises stretching from trending locales like Greenland and Iceland to Greece and Turkey. Itineraries range from weeklong getaways to longer voyages that extend into multiple regions. With two Pinnacle Class ships homeporting in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in 2024, guests are booking cruises to Northern Europe and the UK.

IATA urges Sri Lanka to adopt aviation blueprint

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 July 2023: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urges Sri Lanka to develop an aviation blueprint to generate greater economic growth and prosperity through having a stronger aviation industry.

“Aviation connectivity can play a much bigger role in Sri Lanka’s economic development and social advancement. But this will not happen by chance. Government support will be critical to growing a strong airline sector and developing Colombo as an aviation hub. We urge the government and all industry stakeholders to collaborate on developing an aviation blueprint to strengthen the aviation industry’s competitiveness and bring greater prosperity to Sri Lanka. And IATA stands ready to support through our expertise and sharing of industry best practices,” said IATA’s regional vice president for Asia Pacific, Philip Goh.

Photo credit: Bandaranaike International Airport. Passenger traffic is swiftly recovering post-Covid, but Sri Lanka’s aviation needs a blueprint.

Aviation has a role to play 

IATA noted that aviation has a strategic role to play in 15 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Trade and tourism rely on aviation, and this helps to create jobs, alleviate poverty and generate prosperity. In a 2018 IATA study, Sri Lanka’s aviation sector supported 700,000 jobs and contributed USD8 billion to the GDP. This has the potential to increase to over 1 million jobs contributing nearly USD30 billion to the GDP by 2038.

In his keynote remarks at Aviation Day Sri Lanka, organised by IATA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), Goh suggested three areas to consider in the aviation blueprint: facilitating sustainable growth, safety, and sustainability.

Facilitating Sustainable Growth: “Sri Lanka’s aviation blueprint needs to facilitate the industry’s sustainable growth, and having an updated airport masterplan is the first step. I urge the government to engage in a consultative approach involving airlines to ensure that industry input is factored in,” said Goh,

Goh urged Sri Lanka to digitise processes for passenger and cargo facilitation. “Many of the country’s passenger and cargo processes are paper-based. As traffic grows, digitisation will be key to addressing capacity constraints, increasing efficiency and improving the travel experience. IATA’s One ID and One Record initiatives can help support this,” said Goh.

Goh also highlighted the need to keep costs low, particularly jet fuel. Airlines pay more for jet fuel in Sri Lanka than other major airports in Asia. He recognised much has been done in recent months to lower the cost of jet fuel. He encouraged the government to review and consider limiting or capping the amount CEYPETCO can mark up for supplying fuel at the airport.

Safety: “Sri Lanka’s aviation sector needs to grow sustainably safely, and IATA is doing our part to support the country’s efforts. Utilising the International Airlines Training Fund, IATA will support the aviation industry in Sri Lanka by conducting safety-related training in August for CAASL and Sri Lankan Airlines,” said Goh.

Goh encouraged the government to explore how the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) can contribute to greater aviation safety in Sri Lanka.

Sustainability: “I am delighted that net zero carbon from aviation by 2050 is one of the stated policy goals of Sri Lanka’s sustainable aviation environment policy, including the need to ensure the availability of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in the country,” said Goh. SAF is expected to abate more than 60% of aviation carbon emissions by 2050.

Goh called on the government to adopt a comprehensive consultation process involving airlines and other aviation stakeholders as the government develops sustainability policies.

CX: A day in June hits passenger peak

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 17 July 2023: Cathay Pacific reached a new milestone for passengers carried in a single day since the pandemic as it continues to make good progress in rebuilding connectivity at the Hong Kong international aviation hub, the airline reported in its traffic figures for June 2023

Cathay Pacific carried 1,548,571 passengers last month, an increase of 931.9% compared with June 2022. The month’s revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) increased 527.9% yearly. Passenger load factor increased by 20.7 percentage points to 87.7%, while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), increased by 379.6% year on year. In the first six months of 2023, the number of passengers carried increased by 2,230% against a 1,111% increase in capacity and a 1,685% increase in RPKs, compared with the same period for 2022.

The airline carried 111,210 tonnes of cargo last month, an increase of 6.4% compared with June 2022. The month’s cargo revenue tonne kilometres (RFTKs) increased 16.3% yearly. The cargo load factor decreased by 6.7 percentage points to 61.7%, while capacity, measured in available cargo tonne kilometres (AFTKs), increased by 29% yearly. In the first six months of 2023, the tonnage increased by 23.8% against a 117.6% increase in capacity and an 83% increase in RFTKs, compared to the same period for 2022.

Travel

Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Our travel business continued to perform well in June. We reached a new milestone on 25 June when we surpassed the 60,000 mark for passengers carried in a single day for the first time since the pandemic. We continued to increase our capacity and frequencies to cater for the strong travel demand.

“Long-haul routes popular for student traffic, such as North America, the UK and Australasia, all saw good demand, with load factors on flights to Hong Kong averaging about 90%. As a result, the overall passenger load factor was very high in June at 87.7%.”

Outlook

“Turning to July and August, on the travel side, the outlook is encouraging. As we continue adding more flights, we are also reopening our lounges for our premium passengers. We reopened our Vancouver lounge in June, and our fifth and final lounge in Hong Kong, The Pier, First, will follow next week. Customers can also expect to experience our Taipei and San Francisco lounges again shortly.

“Although cargo demand is expected to remain flat throughout the summer, we are already preparing for demand to pick up in the latter part of the third quarter. The additional capacity will be operated on our key transpacific routes to cater for this.”

TG takes over more Thai Smile flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 17 July 2023: Thai Airways International is accelerating the restructuring of Thai Airways and Thai Smile’s business operations, which will see most of Thai Smile’s Asian routes returning to THAI by the end of the year.

Last week THAI’s leased Airbus A320 aircraft replaced THAI Smile on routes from Bangkok to Yangon, Myanmar and Dhaka in Bangladesh. 

Effective 16 July 2023, flight details are as follows: 

Roundtrip route Bangkok-Yangon is now served by a TG Airbus A320 aircraft twice daily (14 flights weekly), replacing Thai Smile aircraft used previously for a three-weekly service.

Bangkok – Yangon
Flight TG301 departs from Bangkok at 0935 and arrives in Yangon at 1035.
Flight TG303 departs from Bangkok at 1705 and arrives in Yangon at 180. 

Yangon – Bangkok  
Flight TG302 departs from Yangon at 1125 and arrives in Bangkok at 1325.
Flight TG304 departs from Yangon at 1900 and arrives in Bangkok at 2100. 

Round trip route Bangkok-Dhaka is served twice daily (14 weekly flights) using the Airbus A320 and Boeing B777-200ER for morning and late night departures from Bangkok. Previously Thai Smile served the route three times weekly.

Bangkok – Dhaka 
Flight TG321 departs from Bangkok at 1035 and arrives in Dhaka at 1210 (Boeing B777-200ER).
Flight TG339 departs from Bangkok at 2350 hours and arrives in Dhaka at 0125 (Airbus A320). 

Dhaka-Bangkok route
Flight TG340 departs Dhaka at 0245 and arrives in Bangkok at 0615 (Airbus A320).
Flight TG322 departs from Dhaka at 1335 and arrives in Bangkok at 1700 (Boeing B777-200ER). 

Thai Airways also operates flights to Delhi and Mumbai in India using Boeing 777-200ERs and Airbus A320s.

Qantas SVP Asia is back at the helm

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 July 2023: Qantas’ senior vice president for Asia, John Simeone, has returned to the region as the Australian national carrier continues to restore its international network.

Simeone has returned to Singapore, where he steered Qantas’s commercial, financial and operational performance across Asian markets before Covid-19. He returns with an expanded remit, including Japan, India and South Korea.

Photo credit: Qantas.

With nearly 30 years in the aviation industry, Simeone’s experience includes roles within commercial, sales, network planning, tourism development and operations.

He returns at a pivotal time as Qantas accelerates through its recovery from Covid-19. The airline has launched new routes in the past few months, including from Seoul to Sydney and Jakarta to Melbourne. 

Flights from Tokyo to Melbourne and Brisbane and from Hong Kong to Melbourne have resumed for the first time since before Covid, and Qantas continues to upgrade its cabins on Airbus A380 aircraft that fly through Singapore.

Qantas launched a Red Tail Sale last week for its A380 flights from Singapore to London, with return fares sold from SGD1,225*. The sale will run until Tuesday, 18 July, across Economy, Premium Economy and Business cabins for varying travel periods in 2023 in 2024. Customers can book at qantas.com/sg or through Travel Agents.

The airline is also adding more flights from Asia to Australia later this year as it restores capacity in line with strong travel demand and the broader recovery of the aviation industry.

 From late October 2023:

• Shanghai-Sydney will resume for the first time in more than three years with daily A330 flights.

• Hong Kong-Melbourne will increase from four per week to daily.

• Flights from Japan to Australia will double, increasing from 14 to 28 per week, offering the choice of four daily flights from Tokyo from late November.

• Delhi-Melbourne will increase from three to six per week over the peak Australian summer season.

• Singapore-Melbourne will increase from 10 to 14 per week from 31 March 2024.

• Singapore-Sydney will increase from 14 to 15 per week from 31 March 2024.

Simeone will also continue to work with trade partners on the rollout of its Qantas Distribution Platform in Asia. The platform is designed to enhance the service agents provide to customers with a wider range of products, including special offers for Qantas Frequent Flyers, ancillary products and dynamic commission opportunities.

In returning to the region, Simeone said he looked forward to further strengthening the Qantas brand and its relationships across Asia.

“Asia is an incredibly important region to Qantas, both geographically and commercially,” said Simeone.

“With international travel rebounding so strongly, our teams are focused on reconnecting with our key partners and customers across the region.”

The airline has recently started to roll out a multi-million-dollar investment in new menus, larger meals and premium produce across all cabins in its regional, domestic and international network, including on flights from Singapore.

*The London Red Tail Sale ends 2359 (SGT) on 18 July 2023.

Asia Cruise Awards honour Resort World Cruises

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 14 July 2023: Resorts World Cruises won a special achievement award at the 9th Asia Cruise Awards, held during the Asia Cruise Forum Jeju from 12 to 14 July 2023.

The award recognises Resorts World Cruises’ contributions towards revitalising the cruise industry in Asia during the post-pandemic landscape.

Raymond Lim, chief operating officer of Resorts World Cruises (Right), receives the Special Achievement Award from Seung Hwan Cho, the Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries of Korea (Left), at the 9th Asia Cruise Awards.

Resorts World Cruises’ chief operating officer, Raymond Lim, received the award at the ceremony from South Korea’s Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Seung Hwan Cho.

Resorts World Cruises celebrated its first anniversary in June 2023. It operates two ships, Genting Dream and the Resorts World One, that offer two, three and four-night itineraries with visits to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Penang, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Penghu and Sanya.

The Asia Cruise Leaders Network (ACLN) comprises 74 member organisations from nine different countries. Its awards include Asia Best Cruise Line, Asia Best Cruise Ship, Asia Best Cruise Homeport, Asia Best Cruise Ports of Calls, Asia Best Cruise Research Institute and Asia Best Cruise Tour Agency. This year, it introduced a new category Special Achievement Award to strengthen solidarity among various stakeholders.

Emirates launches on-demand jet services

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 14 July 2023: Emirates has launched an on-demand regional charter service, offering flexibility, convenience, privacy and comfort for customers who want to make short trips in the GCC from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

Operated by the airline’s Phenom 100 twin-engine aircraft, customers can fly to a wide range of GCC destinations within and outside the Emirates network, with quick turnarounds to points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the UAE*.

The aircraft seats up to four passengers*. Travellers on the short flights will be offered a well-stocked hamper of light bites and refreshments. Each passenger can check in one medium-sized bag weighing up to 15 kg, in addition to a carry-on handbag. Customers are encouraged to consult with their assigned booking representative or travel agent if they have any special requests.

The services offer travellers with busy schedules privacy and a high level of flexibility, with a hassle-free ground experience. In Dubai, customers can expect Emirates Chauffeur Drive Services to transport them to DWC and VIP treatment upon arrival with a dedicated representative who will support them throughout the airport journey, ensuring minimal pre-flight wait times. At their destination, customers benefit from fast on-ground escorted arrival and quick VIP clearance at customs and immigration provided by private terminal service partners. They will also have access to the private terminal lounge upon arrival. **

Customers wishing to book the regional charter services can contact [email protected] or their preferred travel agent.

Visit: www.emirates.com

*Subject to prevailing operating conditions
** If the VIP terminal is equipped with a lounge

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