SINGAPORE, 21 October 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board has issued a cautionary note to travellers visiting Singapore to undertake travel transactions “only through licensed travel agents”.
It follows STB’s warning that identifies an individual, Lim Yi Shoon, and two companies, I-Travel Pte Ltd and LikeTravel Pte Ltd, for having allegedly offered to supply travel products to members of the public.
STB’s travel advisory says the individual and the two companies are not STB-licensed travel agents and are currently subjects of interest in an ongoing investigation by STB.
Carrying on the business of a travel agent without a licence is an offence under Section 6(2) of the Travel Agents Act 1975, punishable on conviction with a fine of up to SGD25,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
STB said it takes a “serious view of such activities and will not hesitate to take enforcement action. It advises travellers who have come into contact with the identified individual and/or company(s) to lodge a report via https://go.gov.sg/contactstbform.
STB says the travellers’ reports should include relevant information such as booking details and a description of the incident. Travellers are reminded to verify if their chosen travel agent is licensed via the Travel Agents directory on the TRUST website.
JAKARTA, 21 October 2025: TransNusa Aviation Mandiri (TransNusa) is strengthening its base in Bali by introducing a new international route from the renowned tourism destination to Changi, Singapore, starting 17 November.
TransNusa started selling tickets for the new scheduled flight from Bali to Singapore on 17 October. Tickets are priced from SDG109 (MYR285, USD65 and IDR999.000), purchased on the airline’s website or online travel agencies.
TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis.
TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, said: “The addition of the Bali – Singapore international route is significant to TransNusa as Singaporeans are one of ASEAN’s top tourists for Bali.”
TransNusa will launch the maiden flight from Bali to Singapore on 17 November 2025. It will operate three flights weekly and intends to increase frequencies quickly to meet anticipated passenger traffic demand.
“From 17 to 29 November, TransNusa will offer three scheduled flights weekly on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. By 30 November, we will increase the schedule to daily flights from Bali to Singapore,” said the airline’s CEO.
TransNusa’s scheduled flight, 8B 551 (DPS-SIN), will depart Bali at 0730 from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport and arrive at the Singapore Changi Airport at 0955.
Flight, 8B 552 (SIN-DPS), will depart Singapore Changi Airport at 1055 and arrive at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali at 1330. TransNusa will use its 174-seat Airbus A320 for this international route with a flight time of two hours and 30 minutes.
MULU, Sarawak, 16 October 2025: After inspiring audiences in Kuala Lumpur and Osaka, Serumpun Sarawak returned to its birthplace, deep within the UNESCO World Heritage rainforest of Mulu, for an extraordinary convergence of nature, heritage, and hyperlocal flavour.
Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), this event marked another chapter in a global journey that has carried Sarawak’s stories across borders — now returning to the land and communities that inspired it.
From the left, YBhg Dato Sri Haji Wan Lizozman Wan Omar (State Financial Secretary), YB Dato Dennis Ngau (Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board), YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak), Che Puan Besar Kalsom Abdullah, and Datu Sherrina Binti Hussaini (Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak) at “The Serumpun Salon: Conversations in the Rainforest.” The session explored how Sarawak’s Indigenous wisdom aligns with global ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks, highlighting community-based practices as models for regenerative tourism.
Set against the lush backdrop of Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, Serumpun Sarawak: Mulu Edition introduced guests to an intimate rainforest experience themed “We Are Nature, Nature Is Us — Everything is Everything.”
The programme united Sarawak’s Indigenous communities, culinary artisans, and creative practitioners in a showcase that reaffirmed the state’s position as a global leader in sustainable cultural tourism and regenerative storytelling.
“Serumpun Sarawak’s return to Mulu is symbolic; it brings the world home to Sarawak’s living heritage,” said Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor. “Through this initiative, we celebrate Sarawak not only as a destination of natural wonders but as a source of wisdom — where culture, cuisine, and conservation are inseparable. It is a reminder that sustainability begins with respect: for people, for place, and for purpose.”
Every detail of Serumpun Sarawak in Mulu embodied the principle of hyperlocalisation, reinforcing STB’s commitment to responsible tourism that uplifts communities while preserving the integrity of the environment. Ingredients were foraged from nearby rivers and forests, table décor was sourced directly from nature, and culinary practices reflected traditional wisdom adapted to contemporary sustainability standards.
A curated showcase of Sarawak’s inspiring indigenous artisans and social enterprises, highlighting craftsmanship and storytelling as vehicles for cultural preservation. Featured participants include representatives from The Tuyang Initiative, CHASS, Earthlings Coffee, Dayak Lore, Penang Basket, Awing, Bera Adam Ba’kelalan, and Savo.
The programme featured leadership salons, cultural showcases, and immersive dining experiences, each curated to illustrate the harmony between Sarawak’s biodiversity and its multicultural heritage. At the heart of the experience was a seven-course gastronomic journey curated by Chef James Won, in collaboration with Sarawak’s Indigenous food custodians. Each dish represented a dialogue between modern culinary innovation and ancestral memory, inspired by the collective wisdom of Sarawak’s 34 ethnic communities.
Ingredients such as rainforest botanicals, freshwater produce, and traditional ferments were transformed into fine dining expressions of Sarawak’s terroir, rooted in sustainability and respect for the land.
The experience was narrated by Prof Gerard Bodeker, whose reflections on the medicinal and therapeutic properties of Sarawak’s native ingredients deepened the evening’s connection between wellness, ecology, and culture.
The ‘Serumpun Salon: Conversations in the Rainforest’ explored how Sarawak’s Indigenous wisdom aligns with global sustainability frameworks such as ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance).
Panellists Joanne Flinn (Founder of the ESG Institute) and other thought leaders highlighted how Sarawak’s community-based practices, from traditional agriculture to food preservation, serve as models for responsible and regenerative tourism.
The showcase featured Sarawak’s most inspiring indigenous artisans and social enterprises, curated to highlight craftsmanship and storytelling as vehicles for cultural preservation.
Among them were The Tuyang Initiative, CHASS represented by Datin Dona Drury Wee and Chef Laura Sim Bara, Earthlings Coffee, Dayak Lore, Penang Basket, Awing, Bera Adam Ba’kelalan, and Savo — each embodying Sarawak’s creativity and its evolving cultural economy.
A standout moment of the evening was the performance of Ilun Kuai, the official theme song of Serumpun Sarawak, performed by Adrian Jo Milang and co-created with Zee Avi, Raja Farouk, and the Atlas Collective team, a profoundly moving reflection of Sarawak’s soul through rhythm, voice, and ancestral memory.
For STB, Serumpun Sarawak represents more than a cultural showcase; it is a living archive of Sarawak’s identity, proving that sustainability, culture, and creativity can coexist as drivers of inclusive growth.
By returning to Mulu, the journey reconnected its global audience to the rainforest that sustains Sarawak’s people and spirit. From the forests to the rivers, Serumpun Sarawak stands as a powerful testament to Sarawak’s vision of tourism that heals, honours, and inspires.
SINGAPORE, 16 October 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has released a list of the most romantic destinations in Asia for those planning a marriage proposal.
With their natural beauty and grandeur, these destinations offer an ideal backdrop for new beginnings, perfect for marking an unforgettable chapter in a couple’s love story.
Photo credit: Masalaweds: A leading source for Thailand’s wedding scene, focusing on the Indian market. Visit: MasalaWeds.
Here’s Agoda’s curated list of the top romantic destinations for proposals in Asia.
Sapa, Vietnam
With its lush terraced rice fields and misty mountains, Sapa offers a unique and breathtaking backdrop for a proposal. The region’s rich cultural heritage and stunning vistas provide an epic and romantic setting for couples looking to start their journey together.
Koh Lipe, Thailand
Known as the “Maldives of Thailand,” Koh Lipe offers crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs. This island paradise is perfect for couples seeking a serene and intimate setting. The breathtaking sunsets and secluded beaches make it an ideal spot for a romantic proposal.
Nami Island, South Korea
Famous for its tree-lined avenues and scenic views, Nami Island is a perfectly romantic escape for two. The island’s enchanting paths and cultural charm create a magical setting for a proposal, especially during the cherry blossom season or the vibrant autumn months.
Karuizawa, Japan
Nestled in the mountains, Karuizawa is a charming town known for its beautiful autumn foliage and tranquil hot springs. Its picturesque landscapes and cosy atmosphere set a timelessly romantic scene, making it a perfect place to ask the big question.
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
As the gateway to the Komodo National Park, Labuan Bajo is a destination for adventure-loving couples. The stunning marine life, pristine beaches, and dramatic landscapes make it a captivating spot for a proposal, offering both romance and excitement.
Agoda Senior Vice President, Supply, Andrew Smith shared: “Every proposal deserves a backdrop as beautiful as the love story it celebrates. From secluded beaches to serene mountain towns, Asia’s romantic destinations add a touch of magic to every moment. At Agoda, we love helping couples create these unforgettable experiences with our great deals on accommodations, flights, and activities.”
SINGAPORE, 16 October 2025: Following a two-week drydock in Portland, Oregon, Sapphire Princess has set sail, unveiling new guest experiences, including the addition of two popular speciality restaurants – Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill.
Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill will be open for guests starting 16 November 2025.
The 115,875-ton ship, which carries 2,670 guests, underwent general refurbishments and enhancements, highlighted by the transformation of two venues into speciality dining experiences.
Makoto Ocean Sushi by Chef Makoto Okuwa
Following its debut aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, Makoto Ocean has been added to Sapphire Princess, in place of the former Internet Café located on Deck 7.
The restaurant brings the authentic artistry of Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi to sea. Guests can enjoy a premium menu of specialities, including truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare, alongside handcrafted cocktails such as the Genmai Negroni (a refined Japanese twist on the classic) and Kodai No Hana (blending yuzu juice with Doburoku, an ancient sake).
Crown Grill Steakhouse
Another highlight of the drydock is the addition of the award-winning Crown Grill, now occupying the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. The Crown Grill is a longtime guest favourite, serving premium aged beef, chops and fresh seafood. With warm, elegant design and attentive service, the restaurant has been recognised as one of the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses at Sea.”
Both dining experiences are priced at USD60 per person and included as a speciality dining option for guests who book the Princess Premier package.
Upcoming Itineraries
Fresh from her revitalisation, Sapphire Princess sets sail to Mexico before repositioning for a season of South America/Antarctica cruises, followed by Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages in spring and summer 2026. In fall 2026, she will sail a series of Canada/New England cruises.
In a historic first for the cruise line, March 2027 will mark the reunion of sister ships Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess in Japan. Both ships — built in Japan — will sail from the Tokyo region for Princess Cruises’ most expansive Japan season ever, running March through December 2027.
About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand, delivering dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships, which offer elite service, personalisation, and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Star Princess, the brand’s newest ship, launched in October 2025 and is a sister ship to Sun Princess, named Condé Nast Traveler Mega Ship of the Year for a second consecutive year. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc.
SINGAPORE, 16 October 2025: Ponant names Benoît-Etienne Domenget as Group CEO, effective 3 November 2025. He takes over from Hervé Gastinel, who is leaving the group to pursue new professional projects.
With 25 years of experience in hospitality, luxury, travel, and tourism, Benoît-Etienne Domenget’s remit is to drive the group’s continued international development and strengthen its hospitality excellence.
Photo credit: Ponant. Ponant Explorations Group CEO Benoît-Étienne Domenget.
President of Groupe Artémis, François-Henri Pinault, stated: “I am delighted to welcome Benoît-Etienne Domenget. His extensive and diversified experience and expertise in strategic fields for our company will give him all the assets to make Ponant Explorations Group an ever-stronger and more innovative player in the luxury and responsible cruise sector. He will be able to rely on a highly talented team.”
He added, “We warmly thank Hervé Gastinel for his unwavering commitment to the group. Under his leadership, the fleet has grown from 12 to 20 ships, and Ponant Explorations Group has successfully diversified its activities, in particular by entering river cruises and new formats such as the Spirit of Ponant.”
A graduate of HEC Paris, Benoît-Etienne Domenget began his career with Accor Group, holding various operational roles before being appointed Senior Vice-President Development for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He later led Accor’s Swiss subsidiary and managed the low-cost hotel business across the DACH region, overseeing more than a hundred properties.
He then joined Michel Reybier Hospitality, a group owning prestigious hotels, vineyards, and wellness activities, before being appointed in 2017 as CEO of Sommet Education (Glion, Les Roches, École Ducasse, Indian School of Hospitality, and Invictus Education).
About Ponant Explorations Group For 35 years, Ponant Explorations Group has been offering luxury exploration cruises through its brands: Ponant Explorations, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Aqua Expeditions, and Ponant Yachting. The group operates 20 ships (from six to 165 staterooms and suites). Ponant Explorations Group has been owned since 2015 by Artémis, the Pinault family’s investment company.
SINGAPORE, 16 October 2025: “The future of travel is curated, considered and cleverer than ever before,” Skyscanner, a global leader in travel, has unveiled its Travel Trends 2026 report.
Looking forward, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends forecast for 2026 notes that 81% of the survey audience intend to go abroad as much, or more, in 2026 when compared with 2025. Travellers will be stretching their budgets to make room for richer, more rewarding experiences.
AI is set to shift from an assistant to an agentic role, where multiple systems work together to solve complex traveller needs, from trip inspiration to in-the-moment support. It’s not just an evolution – it’s a whole new operating system for travel.
Social and search are now the go-to tools for inspiration, research and planning. As search grows smarter, social platforms are reshaping the inspiration phase by surfacing trending spots, niche experiences and recommendations in a way that feels personal and fun.
Skyscanner points to the growing number of travellers who intend to dodge the crowds and peak seasons, as over-tourism is felt in many parts of the world.
Still, old habits linger. Three in five travellers (60%) revisit the same destinations for at least 20% of their holidays, often because they don’t know where else to go.
Released earlier this week, the report identifies seven key trends which will define travellers’ behaviour in the coming year and outlines the significant trends shaping the future of travel.
2026: Seven travel trends to keep an eye on
Glowmads (The Beauty Trend): Beauty rituals will shape how — not just where — we travel.
Shelf Discovery (The Food Trend): Culinary tourism is swapping restaurant reservations for supermarket safaris.
Altitude Shift (The Mountain Trend): From snow to stillness, travellers are chasing year-round alpine escapes.
Bookbound (The Literature Trend): Writing new chapters on how to escape, reconnect and restore.
Catching Flights and Feelings (The Solo Trend): Meeting matches, mates and maybes on the move.
Family Miles (The Family Trend): Multi-gen trips and family memory-making are on the rise.
Destination Check-in (The Hotel Trend): Hotels are the main event, shaping where and why we travel.
Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends report combines Skyscanner’s own data with global consumer research and insights from renowned brands including Reddit, Malin and Goetz, All Trails and Penguin Books to identify the seven trends shaping travel in 2026.
2026: Best value destinations
The report also reveals the top trending and best value destinations for the coming year. Of the total of over 20,000 respondents across the globe, 7,000 respondents were surveyed across APAC Countries — Australia, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.
Skyscanner CEO Bryan Batista said: “Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends report shows how travel is about to get more personal than ever. Whether it’s building a trip around a must-stay ‘destination hotel’, getting lost in a new favourite book on a reading retreat, incorporating a beauty routine into their travel itinerary or bringing the whole family along for the journey, travel will become more curated, grounded and unique.”
About Skyscanner Skyscanner is a leading global travel app that helps travellers plan and book their trips with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers across 180 countries and 37 languages to more than 1200 travel partners. Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America.
DELHI, 16 October 2025: IndiGo, a leading low-cost airline in India, will launch direct flights between Vijayawada and Singapore starting 15 November 2025.
The international route will be served by IndiGo’s Airbus A320 aircraft, operating three times weekly and marks a significant milestone in enhancing international connectivity from Andhra Pradesh.
Photo credit: IndiGo. Singapore skyline.
As Vijayawada continues to establish itself as a commercial and cultural hub, the route to Singapore will support the expansion of trade, tourism, and investment opportunities between the region and Southeast Asia.
With Singapore serving as a vital gateway to Asia and beyond, the launch of these flights will offer travellers from Vijayawada convenient access to explore global destinations, pursue international business and educational opportunities, and experience diverse cultures.
It also reflects IndiGo’s continued efforts to expand international connectivity from India, giving wings to India’s aspirations.
Bookings are now open on the IndiGo website, the airline’s mobile app, and through authorised travel partners.
Vijayawada plays a dual and significant role in both tourism and as a growing aviation hub, particularly for the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Tourist attractions
Religious & Pilgrim Tourism: It is home to the highly revered Kanaka Durga Temple on the Indrakeeladri Hill, a major Hindu pilgrimage site that attracts millions of devotees. The city is also a ritual host for the Krishna Pushkaram (river worshipping ritual).
Heritage & Historical Tourism: The city and its surrounding areas feature significant historical sites, including:
Undavalli Caves: Ancient rock-cut caves, a prime example of Indian rock-cut architecture.
Kondapalli Fort: A hill-top fort known for its history, and the nearby village is famous for its unique wooden Kondapalli toys.
Nature & Leisure Tourism: Situated on the banks of the Krishna River, the city offers scenic spots like Bhavani Island, one of the largest river islands, offering water sports and recreational activities. Prakasam Barrage is an iconic modern engineering structure across the Krishna River that is also a popular viewing spot.
Vijayawada serves as a regional aviation hub with its airport rapidly emerging as a critical aviation hub for the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region and the coastal districts:
Vijayawada International Airport (VGA) is located at Gannavaram. It has been granted international status and is undergoing major expansion with the construction of a new integrated terminal building to handle increasing passenger traffic.
The airport offers connectivity to major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad) and is actively expanding its international routes, with the latest addition to Singapore confirmed last week.
ABU DHABI, 16 October 2025: Etihad Airways carried 1.9 million passengers in September 2025, marking a 21% increase compared with the same month last year.
The growth reflects continued demand across the airline’s expanding global network and strong operational performance through the end of the summer season.
Photo credit: Etihad.
Passenger load factor averaged 89% across the month, up one percentage point from September last year, demonstrating efficient use of added capacity.
In the first nine months of 2025, Etihad has flown 16.1 million passengers, up 18% compared with the same period last year.
Etihad’s operating fleet stood at 115 aircraft at the end of September, serving 82 passenger destinations worldwide.
Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “September delivered another strong month for Etihad, with demand remaining high as we entered the post-summer period. Year-on-year growth continues across all key metrics, reflecting the strength of our network and Abu Dhabi’s growing position as a global destination.
“We’re expanding with discipline, keeping our load factors high and operations reliable. These results show clear momentum and focused execution – exactly what we set out to achieve in 2025.”
Performance highlights
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has concluded a landmark week of global growth, celebrating four new routes in one week from Abu Dhabi hub — Sumatra (Medan, Indonesia), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Krabi in southern Thailand.
This October milestone marks an exceptional period of network expansion for the airline as it continues to accelerate its global connectivity and strengthen its position as a leading carrier in the region.
Etihad Airways has reached 31 new destinations announced in the last 12 months, with recent news of Kabul launching in December, as well as Damascus, Palma de Mallorca, and Zanzibar, which will all begin operating in the first half of 2026.
The addition of Etihad’s brand-new Airbus A321LR to its young yet growing fleet has facilitated this rapid network expansion, unlocking access to exciting, underserved markets across Asia and further enabling Etihad’s ambitious growth strategy.
The three launches across Southeast Asia (Sumatra, Phnom Penh and Krabi) are all operated by the fuel-efficient aircraft, offering greater flexibility to serve emerging markets with the right capacity and the airline’s signature service.
SINGAPORE, 15 Oct 2025: Emirates has opened a new world-class facility in Dubai to provide a luxurious training experience to almost 25,000 cabin crew, focused on the art of hospitality excellence.
The USD8 million learning zone and programme features a sprawling restaurant and lounge for up to 170 guests, elegant presentation kitchens and eight tech-enabled classrooms. More than 10,000 Emirates cabin crew will be trained in the new facility by the end of the year.
The Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence is home to a myriad of elevated service trainings, modelled on Michelin star standards, including fine dining protocols, premium guest engagement and table service finesse. In 2020, Emirates began a collaboration with one of the world’s top hospitality management schools – the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland to establish a new elevated hospitality strategy, which was a resounding success. The Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence now stands as the emblem of this very strategy, inspiring cabin crew to deliver Emirates’ four pillars of hospitality in the sky – excellence, attentiveness, innovation and passion.
Emirates’ DSVP of Service Delivery Thomas Ney remarked: ‘Emirates continues to uplift the ‘fly better’ experience for our valued customers. We have invested in the highest levels of luxury hospitality training for our cabin crew, enabling them to genuinely connect with the customers they serve and create unforgettable signature moments. We are delighted to provide our crew with immersive training, allowing them to personally sample the cuisine, the beverages, the ambience and ultimately, the hospitality Emirates is renowned for. This is how we empower world-class cabin crew.’
Photo credit: Emirates. Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence is home to service training, modelled on Michelin star standards.
Taking hospitality to new heights, the Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence offers a wide range of training and facilities for cabin crew engagement. Newly recruited Emirates cabin crew will be trained in the facility, as well as experienced crew, who receive refresher and upgrade training many times throughout their career.
Immersive fine dining experiences for Emirates cabin crew
A testament to the level of investment and detail invoked in Emirates’ cabin crew training, the Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence offers a unique opportunity for cabin crew to dine as guests and experience a gourmet 4-course gastronomy lunch. The fine dining experience is curated by Emirates’ master chefs, serving some of Emirates’ most celebrated First and Business Class dishes and signature meals. The cabin crew is personally served their meal by Emirates’ elite training team, showcasing the best of Emirates’ own seven-star hospitality, led by example and modelling best practices to the cabin crew. Emirates’ seven-star hospitality goals focus on enhanced coaching for cabin crew to infuse their customer interactions with authenticity, personality, and connection.
Bespoke culinary sessions with Emirates Master Chefs
In the culinary hub of Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence, a purpose-built training kitchen has been designed as a fusion between a professional restaurant kitchen and an airline galley. In this area, Emirates cabin crew learn the art of plating from a team of experienced chef trainers. Balancing textures, colours and shape, cabin crew know how to produce dishes that look like works of art on the plate, adding to the sensory exploration of dining with Emirates.
The Art of Service training
The Art of Service course is a communication-focused course that goes beyond refined techniques, introducing cabin crew to the deeper meaning behind fine dining. Beyond the impeccable handling of silverware, attractive plating and wine service, fine dining is a dialogue between the host and guest. This course encourages cabin crew to go beyond the basic service steps and tune into subtle cues, listen with intention, anticipate needs, and adapt their approach to create personalised experiences. It also focuses on developing their savoir-être – the art of presence, poise, and emotional intelligence, essential for engaging with Emirates’ diverse customers. This training is custom-built by the Emirates’ team from extensive research and exploration across a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hospitality globally.
L’art du Vin Wine Training
Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence will also host wine tastings and dedicated events led by expert wine trainers and sommeliers, building on the success of L’art du vin, Emirates’ wine learning experience for cabin crew.
The L’art du vin programme was launched in mid-2024 at Emirates Cabin Crew Training Centre, Dubai, taking place in a classroom that replicates a high-end lounge and offering three intensive wine courses tailored to varying levels of knowledge – L’art du vin Introduction, L’art du vin – Business Class and L’art du vin – First Class. For each level of the course, Emirates cabin crew are invited to taste the spectacular Emirates onboard selection for themselves, while learning about the heritage of the wines, as well as how to recommend food pairings to customers expertly.
Emirates World Class Cabin Crew Training
The Centre of Hospitality Excellence is the latest addition to Emirates’ suite of state-of-the-art training facilities for cabin crew. Earlier in the year, Emirates also opened a new Crew Zone in Emirates Group Headquarters, Dubai – a dedicated 24/7 space for cabin crew. The Crew Zone offers a range of services, including educational workshops, tech zones, around-the-clock staff support, a beauty and wellbeing hub, an interactive lounge area, and more, all designed to assist cabin crew.
Recruited from over 140 countries and speaking more than 70 languages, Emirates is proud of the exceptional service, safety and hospitality delivered by its cabin crew. Currently, Emirates employs almost 25,000 cabin crew, all of whom have been trained at the esteemed Emirates Crew Training Centre in Dubai. The initial eight-week course covers all aspects of the role, including Corporate Onboarding, Safety & Emergency Procedures, Crew Resource Management, Group Medical, Aviation Security, Image and Uniform Standards, and Service & Hospitality Training.
Within the impressive facilities, cabin crew take part in both theoretical classroom sessions and practical experiences, many of which are in full motion simulators of all Emirates’ aircraft types. Throughout their career with Emirates, cabin crew receive ongoing training and a myriad of opportunities to upskill and advance their careers.
Emirates is recruiting cabin crew worldwide. For aspiring Emirates cabin crew, visit www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew to find details and open day schedules in your city or country.
