Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Home Blog Page 334

Dusit opens two hotels in Nepal

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 19 July 2023: Dusit Hotels and Resorts under Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is making its Nepal debut with the opening of Dusit Princess Kathmandu (17 July) and Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel on 24 July.

Focus on wellness

Designed to appeal to business and leisure travellers who appreciate comfort, value, and convenience, Dusit Princess Kathmandu is located in the heart of the capital’s Lazimpat neighbourhood, a short walk from Narayanhiti Palace Museum and just 18 minutes by car from Tribhuvan International Airport.

Junior Suite bathroom
Superior King

Must-visit attractions such as Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa, one of Nepal’s oldest and most revered temple complexes, are just a short drive away.

Designed to reflect local culture and architecture, the property offers an oasis of relaxation amidst the buzz of the city. Alongside 107 rooms ranging from 28 to 62 sqm and a Presidential Suite set over 159 sqm, the new property boasts a speciality Thai restaurant Soi; a Dusit Gourmet outlet featuring freshly baked pastries, artisanal sandwiches, and deli bites; and rooftop Kibu Sky Lounge with panoramic city views. The rooftop Blue bar also boasts the city’s highest infinity pool.

Reflecting Dusit’s group-wide focus on wellness, Dusit Princess Kathmandu will soon open its Crest spa offering a wide range of Thai-inspired massage therapies and beauty treatments. A steam room, sauna, and fully equipped Crest Club with a gym are also available for guests seeking to pause, refresh, and reinvigorate in the utmost comfort.

Dusit Princess Kathmandu offers a selection of versatile meeting spaces for business functions, weddings, and other special events. Among them is the stunning rooftop venue, ‘Vista,’ featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic city views for up to 35 guests. The elegant Princess Ballroom is available to host larger gatherings of up to 250 attendees, while Lumbini 1 and Lumbini 2 are available for meetings and small groups of up to 35-40 guests. The Gallery provides an open space above the lobby for informal small gatherings. With a dedicated team of professionals ensuring personalised attention to every detail, the hotel promises an exceptional event experience.

Hotel Exterior

Himalayan foothills

Hot on the heels of the opening of Dusit Princess Kathmandu, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel will open its doors in the Himalayan foothills between the Mahabharat range and Alpine highland ridge on 24 July 2023. This beautiful location is approximately one hour’s drive from Tribhuvan International Airport and 10 minutes from Namo Buddha, one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

The new property provides a tranquil escape amidst nature and is Dhulikhel’s first luxury-branded resort. It aims to become a must-visit wellness destination that contributes to the well-being of visitors and the community. From personalised butler service to customised wellness activities to exclusive dining experiences, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel has been crafted to deliver a bespoke guest experience.

Alongside 54 spacious and elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites ranging from 47 sqm to 57 sqm, and 18 exclusive villas ranging from 124 sqm to 247 sqm, the resort features a wide range of facilities for business and leisure. 

At the heart of the property is the exclusive Devarana Wellness. This tranquil space features a traditional Thai healing spa, fitness and movement centre, outdoor infinity pool and Jacuzzi, and dedicated spaces for mindful and energising activities such as Yoga and meditation. Making the most of the resort’s stunning location, guests can also arrange multi-day retreats and wellness programmes supported by invigorating activities such as bike riding and hiking to local villages Phulbari and Panchkhal, where they can immerse themselves in the area’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Encompassed by a community-managed forest and paddy fields, the resort is a sanctuary to over 80 rare and exotic species of birds, providing unique opportunities to engage with nature. Dhulikhel Zipline is located nearby, and other adventurous activities, such as rafting and bungee jumping, are available within a two-hour drive. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is approximately one hour away.

The resort embraces a farm-to-table concept and sources the finest local ingredients for dining. Guests can indulge in a diverse and mouthwatering selection of Thai, Nepalese, Indian, and Asian delicacies at Thaan Restaurant, tuck into seasonal small plates paired with Shisha and creative cocktails at poolside bar Bela, and book a personalised, exclusive dining experience with a dedicated chef. To enhance comfort and privacy, guests can relish their meals on the balconies of their guest rooms, enjoying sweeping views of the valley and the awe-inspiring 180-degree Himalayan vista.

With a manicured lawn and an elegant grand ballroom accommodating up to 350 guests, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel also provides an idyllic setting for weddings and large-scale events. Smaller meeting rooms are available for business conferences, workshops, training sessions, and other small-scale professional functions. A dedicated team of event organisers stands ready to arrange and oversee every aspect of these gatherings – and provide the personalised service for which Dusit is renowned.

“We are thrilled and delighted to unveil Dusit Princess Kathmandu and Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, marking our highly anticipated debut in Nepal,” said Dusit International chief operating officer Gilles Cretallaz. “With our distinctive fusion of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and local cultural nuances, we look forward to creating lasting impressions for our guests and the communities we serve. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners and the welcoming communities in Nepal for their tremendous support. Together, we are excited to shape a prosperous future filled with memorable and meaningful experiences that celebrate the remarkable essence of this extraordinary destination.”

Dusit’s debut in Nepal expands the company’s global portfolio to 54 properties operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and over 240 luxury villas under Elite Havens, across 19 countries. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide.

Opening offers

To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Kathmandu presents a special opening offer – Your New Kathmandu Base – starting at  NPR16,500 (USD125) per night for a superior room with breakfast for two and a set dinner at the speciality Thai restaurant Soi.

Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort Dhulikhel, meanwhile, is offering a special New Himalayan Hideaway room package including daily breakfast at Thaan, complimentary afternoon tea at Bela Bar, a complimentary 30-minute neck and shoulder massage at Devarana Wellness for two, a 15% discount on F&B and spa treatments, a complimentary guided visit to Namo Buddha, and more exclusive benefits.

These offers are valid until 17 September 2023 (Kathmandu and 31 August 2023 (Dhulikhel). For more information, visit dusit-international.com

Sarawak hosts harvest and folklore event

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUCHING, 19 July 2023: The Annual Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival 2023 is back again this year, convening from 18 to 20 August 2023 at the Sarawak Culture Village, 35 km from downtown Kuching.

The three-day festival is organised by Sarawak Culture Village (SCV) with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP). It aims to celebrate the diversity of ethnic groups in Sarawak and help locals and foreigners appreciate other cultures worldwide.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Dato Sri YB Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, forecasts the festival will attract 6,000 people to SCV and another 20,000 people participating through live streaming.

The festival draws people from different backgrounds to meet, discuss and compare notes on traditional cultures through the exchange of ideas, portrayal of dances, music, arts and crafts. With their interactive cultural activities, those participating can learn something new about other cultures and value each’s cultural heritage.

Amongst the highlights of the festival will be the musical drama staging “Rentap ~ The Battle of Bukit Sadak”, which can also be accessed through “Live Streaming” on the event’s website www.sarawakharvestfestival.com.my 

The musical depicts a legendary and fearless Iban Warrior, Rentap, who fought gallantly against James Brooke and his men in the 19th Century. The story will unfold of fierce loyalty and sacrifices, where it is a battle between the forces of good and evil, jealousy and revenge.

Part of the festival, the Tribal Ironman Challenge 2023, is hosted from 19 to 20 August 2023 at Sarawak Cultural Village. Established in 2006, the event tests participants’ skills in traditional sporting activities. Only 15 contestants are selected to join the final round and vie for the title of Tribal Ironman Challenge 2023.

Another event on the calendar that appeals to folk dance enthusiasts is the Santubong International Folk Dance Competition from 3 to 4 November 2023 at the Sarawak Culture Village Theatre in Kuching.

Nine tips for cutting business travel costs

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 19 July 2023: Business travel continues to grow, with a projected 188% rise forecast over the next five years, but at the same time, costs are expanding

In response to these trends, a seasoned business travel expert offers nine tips – from taking flights on the half-hour mark and early weekdays to booking eight days in advance – to help businesses get more value from their travel in the next financial year.

Photo credit: FCM insights.

FCM Asia managing director Bertrand Saillet says: “As travel experts, we know the tricks of the trade to secure the most convenient, cost-effective travel options for corporates that travel regularly. Here are some money-saving hacks that business travellers have tried and tested over the years.”

“FCM Asia has helped more than 7,000 businesses with their travel through a whole suite of offerings, from expert advice through dedicated travel managers and 24/7 support to innovative booking technology and AI-powered travel assistants. Our team knows that, ultimately, service, efficiency and value are priceless for businesses, which is why many of these hacks will also improve the travel experience and save time,” added Saillet.

Here are nine travel hacks to cut business costs

Save up to 20%  on airfares by booking eight to 14 days ahead. FCM Asia’s experience shows that the cheapest domestic airfares are those booked eight to 14 days before departure. Airlines tend to release cheaper seats around this time to fill their flights. Business meetings are often arranged one to two weeks ahead, so this hack is more useful to businesses than leisure travellers.

Book flights on the quarter-hour or half-hour for cheaper fares. FCM Asia’s veteran business flyers swear by this rule, and they put this down to a classic case of supply and demand. Flights that leave on the hour are more costly, as they are booked more frequently. For example, an executive assistant or travel booker might be instructed by management to book a flight at 0800, and they will simply book a flight at that exact time. By booking flights 15 or 30 minutes on either side of the hour, travel bookers can find a less busy, and therefore more affordable, option.

Book early-week flights. Google Flights data shows that, on average, flights that depart on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday have been 12% cheaper than weekend departures. This hack will be useful for business travellers who have the flexibility to book early-week meetings. Late-week flights, while more expensive, come with other bonuses: a traveller may be paying more for a Friday flight, but they have the added advantage of taking on a weekend away in that destination.

Stick to one or two airline rewards programmes. It’s tempting to sign up for every rewards programme, but FCM Asia recommends maximising just one or two of the major ones and growing your membership status. The most covetable perks in these programs – such as the first pick of seats, additional luggage, and business lounge access – are available for members that reach gold or platinum status, which is difficult to achieve across multiple programs. The major programs, such as KrisFlyer by Singapore Airlines, allow you to accumulate and redeem points when flying with a broad range of alliance partners.

Negotiate prices across your travel suppliers every 24 months. Many businesses have a ‘set and forget’ approach to their travel policies. This year, FCM Asia has seen several policies that have not been updated since 2019. If you want to reduce your business’s travel budget in FY24, it’s worth negotiating prices and scope of services with providers – such as hotels and car hire companies – set out in your policy. It may be worthwhile switching to providers that offer better value. Whichever way your business travel has changed over the past few years, you should have a travel policy to match it.

Use the ‘five-block rule’ to cut costs for city bookings. Avoid booking within five blocks of the CBD to save on hotels and restaurants in cities. When looking for an alternative, choose areas with good public transport and easy access to the CBD.

Bundle your trips. Since the pandemic, many of FCM Asia’s customers have changed the frequency and length of their trips. While same-day trips were hugely popular in 2019, weekly trips are taking over, as businesses bundle several meetings in a single two- or three-day trip – and occasionally a leisure trip tacked onto the end.

Flexibility trumps loyalty for cutting costs. Sticking to the same hotel group or airline because you’re on a loyalty program can give you unique perks and deals but may not equate to cheaper travel over the year. Regularly compare prices with other travel providers to ensure you have the best value. Alternatively, set a cost cap for travel and allow your employees to pick their hotels and flights. This gives travellers ownership over their business trips and better employee satisfaction while ensuring costs meet an agreed rate.

Join value-add programmes and sign up to travel newsletters. It’s worth selectively signing up for hotel and airline e-Newsletters to keep up with sales and discount codes exclusive to subscribers.

About FCM
FCM is one of the world’s largest travel management companies and the flagship corporate travel arm of the ASX-listed Flight Centre Travel Group. Discover more at www.fcmtravel.com.

Vietjet flies to Haneda Tokyo

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HO CHI MINH CITY, 19 July 2023: Vietjet has launched direct daily flights from Ho Chi Minh to Haneda airport in central Tokyo since 15 July. Haneda Airport is conveniently located less than a 30-minute drive from downtown Tokyo.

The new flight departs from Ho Chi Minh City at 1700 and arrives in Haneda, Tokyo, at 0100 the next day. The return flight departs  Haneda at 0020 and lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 0610.

The Ho Chi Minh – Tokyo (Haneda) flight is Vietjet’s second service to Tokyo, with the other a daily flight serving the Ho Chi Minh City – Tokyo (Narita) route.

From now until 31 December, passengers can buy zero VND fares every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the airline’s website, www.vietjetair.com and Vietjet Air mobile app for travel from 10 August 2023 to 31 March 2024. Passengers snatching up the zero-cost fares still need to pay taxes and fees.

THAI restarts flights to Jeddah

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 19 July 2023: Bangkok-Jeddah flights are back after more than a three-month absence, with Thai Airways International confirming it will offer three weekly flights between the two cities starting 15 August.

In preparation for the flights, the airline recently opened a sales office in Jeddah at the Movenpick Hotel under the supervision of the general sales agency Al Maha United led by the GSA’s country manager Ishaque Zubair, AviationSource News reported last month.

THAI will deploy a Boeing 777-200 on the Bangkok-Jeddah route with a flight time of eight hours and 45 minutes.

Bangkok-Jeddah
Flight TG503 departs Bangkok at 1845 and arrives in Jeddah at 2240 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Jeddah-Bangkok
Flight TG504 departs Jeddah at 0040 and arrives in Bangkok at 1310 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

THAI will compete for passengers head-on with Saudia, which offers daily flights – three departing Bangkok for Jeddah at 0300 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and four leaving Bangkok at 1720 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The average roundtrip fare between the two cities is USD1040, but forecasts suggest fares will drop to an average of USD700 to USD737 during the last quarter of the year.

THAI’s publicity for the route claims that its Jeddah-Bangkok flights arriving in the Thai capital’s Suvarnabhumi airport at 1310 will connect conveniently with flights leaving Bangkok for Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Korea and Japan.

Vietnam tracks recovery trends

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HANOI, 19 July 2023: Vietnam estimates it welcomed 5,574,969 visitors for the first six months ending 30 June 2023, according to Vietnam’s General Statistics Office.

In June, the tally reached 975,010 visitors, an increase of 6.4% over May 2023 and 527% compared to June 2022. GSO figures indicated that the first six-month tally was up 1,347% compared to the first six months of 2022.

Source: GSO. Recovery trends half year 2023 compared with pre-Covid 2019. Red is still negative. Five markets in positive blue.

The country’s Tourism Information Technology Centre noted that Korea led the tourism source markets during the first six months of 2023 with 1.6 million arrivals. China followed with 557,000, and the US ranked third with 374,000.

Compared with January to June 2019 totals, the five most notable markets that delivered positive arrivals during the first six months of 2023 were Cambodia (338%), India (236%), Laos (117%), Thailand (108.4%), and Singapore (107.4%).

Two markets were close to passing the pre-Covid 2019 levels; the US (95%) and Australia (92%). In addition, South Korea (77%), the UK (78.5%), Germany (83.7%) and France (68.6%) gained ground, closing in on the pre-Covid benchmark.

But China’s outbound travel market only recovered 22.4% due to the late reopening of group tours to Vietnam that started on 15  March 2023. Pre-Covid pandemic, China was the country’s top tourism source market by a substantial margin pre-Covid era.

Source: GSO. Month-by-month arrivals first six months of 2023.

Melia stamps luxury on Nha Trang resort

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

NHA TRANG, Vietnam 18 July 2023: Gran Melia Nha Trang’s opening last week marks the introduction of the Gran Melia brand in Southeast Asia.

There are 11 Gran Melia branded hotels worldwide under the top-flight Melia brand located in capital cities and tourist destinations. Its arrival in Vietnam marks a breakthrough in establishing the brand in Southeast Asia.

Gran Meliá Nha Trang is the newest hospitality landmark in the renowned coastal city of Nha Trang, the capital of Khánh Hòa Province on the southern coast of Vietnam.

The resort offers 272 rooms with 20 distinct room types, including the Gran Ocean Junior Suite, offering views of Nha Trang Bay and the Oceanfront Pool Villa category featuring terraces and front-facing sea views, a private outdoor pool and a separate lounge area.

The property is located in the integrated resort complex of Vega City, tagged ‘City of Arts and Entertainment’ that spreads out on a 44-hectare site. Attractions include the Promenade of Stars, the dazzling Dance of Lights show, Van San Dao, Vietnam’s first coral reef park in the coastal bay, a tropical Beach Club, and artwork exhibitions.

Emirates celebrates 30 years in Oman

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

MUSCAT Oman, 18 July 2023: Emirates is celebrating 30 years of operations in Muscat, Oman, having carried 4.8 million passengers to and from the Sultanate since the inaugural flight in 1993.

Emirates began operations in Oman with a Boeing 777-200 aircraft with four weekly services. It has since provided to and from Oman 37,200 flights to and from Oman, connecting travellers to and from 140 global destinations.

In 2019, Emirates launched the world’s shortest scheduled A380 flight, flying a distance of 340 kilometres each way from Dubai to Muscat, offering travellers the chance to experience Emirates’ iconic products and services, defined by comfort, luxury and flexibility.

Over the years, Emirates SkyCargo has facilitated global trade, transporting over 155,000 tonnes of cargo to international markets. Emirates SkyCargo supports Omani businesses by exporting key local goods such as threads for garments to Amman, Nairobi and Pakistan and fresh produce such as fish, beans and vegetables to various destinations across Europe and US, in addition to the seasonal fresh beans to Japan.

Creating further career opportunities within Oman, the Emirates Group employs over 40 Omanis in multiple roles, including cabin crew, pilots and other parts of the business such as Emirates Engineering, Emirates Airport Services and Airport Operations. Half of these employees have been with the Emirates Group for over 10 years, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing a wide range of development prospects enabling employees to gain world-class expertise.

Emirates country manager Oman Fahad Al Hassawi said: “Oman has been an important market for Emirates since the beginning of operations, providing flexible connections through Dubai to the wider world for passengers and air freight. Over the last three decades, we are proud to have brought more choice, comfort and luxury to over 4.8 million travellers to and from the Sultanate, headlined by the deployment of the world’s shortest A380 flight. We are committed to the country and look forward to the next 30 years.”

Emirates is renowned for providing a full-service offering onboard, including regionally inspired gourmet meals and over 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment on the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice.  

To book flights visit: www.emirates.com.

Centara accepts The1 Points

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 18 July 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, confirms customers can now use The1 points at hotels and resorts across Thailand.

It allows guests to experience the finest dining options, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, and enjoy comfortable stays, all with the convenience of The1 points they have accumulated through The1 loyalty programme.

With no minimum redemption requirement, guests must present their QR code from The1 app or provide their mobile phone or Thai ID card number during payment at any participating Centara property. Each redemption of 1,000 points entitles guests to a remarkable discount of THB 100. Members also have the opportunity to transfer The1 points to CentaraThe1 points to book rooms online at Centarahotelsresorts.com using either points in full or part points, part cash, or enjoy a range of vouchers and offers at CentaraDeals.com. Additionally, guests can redeem their points to take advantage of benefits from a variety of Centara’s leading partner s, including Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is committed to enhancing the guest experience and rewarding loyalty. By expanding The1 points to include various aspects of their stay, Centara ensures its valued customers can enjoy unforgettable moments and create cherished memories at their preferred destinations across Thailand.

For more information on The1 points and Centara Hotels & Resorts visit: https://centara1card.com/earn-burn-the1-point-at-centara

More MINT money invests in Maldives

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 18 July 2023: Minor International Public Company Limited (MINT) confirmed last week its acquisition of a luxury resort in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the southern region of the Maldives.

In a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, MINT said the purchase was made by MINT and its partner, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (“ADFD”).

Photo credit: ONYX Hospitality Group website. Former Amari Havodda Maldives.

HVS Asia Pacific reported that the Thai-based hospitality and lifestyle conglomerate and partner ADFD acquired the former 120-room/villa Amari Havodda Maldives from the owners, Crystal Plaza Resorts. “The transaction, valued at USD60 million, marks the first hotel sale in the Maldives for 2023,” according to the online hotel investment news alert.

The Amari Havodda Maldives website posted a notice this week stating the resort “will no longer operate under ONYX Hospitality Group from 31 July 2023.”

According to the MINT press statement, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) will contribute 40% of the investment. MINT’s strong balance sheet will support its 60% investment portion (equivalent to USD36 million).

MINT will rebrand this newly acquired resort to the NH Collection, a brand with a strong presence in Europe and the Americas. The resort will be integrated into MINT’s portfolio of seven properties in the Maldives.

ADFD will contribute 40% of the investment. MINT’s strong balance sheet will support its 60% investment portion (equivalent to USD36 million).

About Minor International

Minor International (MINT) is a global company focused on three core businesses: hospitality, restaurants and lifestyle brands distribution.

MINT is a hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of over 530 hotels under the Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH, nhow, Elewana, Marriott, Four Seasons, St. Regis and Radisson Blu brands in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe, South and North America.

MINT is also one of Asia’s largest restaurant companies with over 2,500 outlets system-wide in 24 countries under The Pizza Company, The Coffee Club, Riverside, Benihana, Thai Express, Bonchon, Swensen’s, Sizzler, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Coffee Journey and GAGA

brands.

1...333334335...601Page 334 of 601

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.