GURUGRAM, India, 10 June 2024: Air India has announced it will start nonstop services between Bengaluru and London Gatwick (LGW) on 18 August 2024, making Bengaluru the fifth Indian city to be connected to the UK’s second-largest airport.
The service will further strengthen Air India’s presence in the UK and reinforce the strong economic and cultural links between India and the UK.
Air India will operate five weekly flights between Bengaluru and London Gatwick, bringing the total number of flights to and from London Gatwick to 17 weekly.
Air India currently connects four other Indian cities to London Gatwick: Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, and Kochi. The airline additionally operates 31 weekly flights to London Heathrow and six weekly flights to and from Birmingham.
The airline will use its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the route. It features 18 flat beds in business class and 238 spacious seats in economy.
“We are delighted to offer our guests convenient, nonstop flights between Bengaluru and London Gatwick. This new route caters to the growing demand for travel between these two important business and leisure destinations and strengthens our commitment to expanding our global network,” said Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson.
All times are local. (+1) denotes next-day arrival.
Bookings for the flights opened on 7 June for all channels, including Air India’s official website, its mobile app, and authorised travel agents and partners.
Bengaluru Flights
Bengaluru is known as the “Silicon Valley of India” and is a major information technology and biotechnology centre. Flights connect workers, executives, and investors to this economic powerhouse.
It’s also a major city in South India, serving as a hub for flights to other regional destinations and a gateway to exploring other parts of the country. Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is a primary aviation gateway to South India. It is well-connected to domestic and international destinations, facilitating business travel and tourism.
SINGAPORE, 6 June 2024: Disjointed approaches to payments result in operational inefficiencies and lost revenues for airlines, according to a study released today by CellPoint Digital, a leader in digital payment solutions for the airline industry.
The report, Payments Come of Age: A Global Study of Airlines and Their Payment Technology Needs and Challenges, offers a first-of-its-kind analysis of airlines’ payment challenges, their approaches to payment optimisation, and the technology that can help them achieve it.
Overcoming Limited Payment Options
Based on a survey of 151 airline professionals worldwide, the research pinpoints specific challenges, including the limited availability of alternative payment methods (APMs) and regional payment options. Only 11% of surveyed airlines report being able to accept newer APMs like open banking and account-to-account payments. This limits their ability to expand and meet the payment expectations of travellers in crucial markets like Southeast Asia, where APMs are increasingly used for travel purchases.
The report also reveals that airline professionals believe they need to improve prominent areas of the passenger experience, like boarding (44%), customer support (40%), and check-in (39%), to remain competitive in this challenging environment. Crew scheduling (28%) and in-flight operations (27%) were other areas cited as requiring improvement.
‘Payments Come of Age’ analyses airlines’ payment-specific challenges and how professionals in different airline departments perceive those challenges. Revenue managers are more concerned than other airline professionals about a lack of flexible payment options (25% vs 21% survey average) and the inability to transact in passengers’ preferred currency (25% vs 23%). By validating the concerns of their internal payment experts and adopting comprehensive payment strategies such as Payment Orchestration, airlines can leverage optimised, streamlined payment processes to reduce costs, increase revenue, expand to new markets and improve the passenger experience.
CellPoint Digital CEO Kristian Gjerding comments: “Payment efficiency is as crucial as expanding route networks regarding airlines’ financial health. The evolution of payment processes towards Payment Orchestration proves that payments have come of age, unlocking profitability for airlines prepared to invest in innovation. By prioritising forward-looking payment strategies, airlines can deliver seamless booking and travel experiences for passengers, driving booking volume.”
Payment Challenges are Pervasive
The Payments Come of Age report also explores region-specific airline payment dynamics. For example, as LatAm emerges as a critical market for many global carriers, transaction success and payment efficiency are necessary for airlines to capitalise on the region’s potential.
As such, airlines serving Latin America are investing in instalment payment capabilities at a greater rate (35%) in 2025 than their European and Asian counterparts, responding to the demand for ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ features in the LatAm market. Across the LatAm market, existing airline PSPs often lack local reach and comprehensive alternative payment method (APM) support, leading to lower transaction acceptance and revenue loss. Airlines can overcome this by investing in comprehensive payment strategies and offering their finance professionals a seat at the table.
Profit Protection
Airline margins remain vulnerable even as carriers post record total profits. IATA predicts that net profit margin industry-wide will be 2.7% in 2024, a slim 0.1% increase over 2023, despite projected revenue growth of 7.6%. Increasing operational efficiency is the only way for airlines to drive bottom-line growth. Payments represent a significant opportunity– the industry spends over USD20 billion on payment costs, or about 3% of airlines’ total revenue and 78% of the industry’s net profit. Efficient payment processes, including Payment Orchestration, can help airlines boost conversions in direct and indirect sales channels at lower transaction costs, directly impacting profitability.
About CellPoint Digital CellPoint Digital is a fintech leader whose main solution is a Payment Orchestration Platform that optimises digital payment transactions from cards or alternative payment methods. CellPoint Digital has offices in Copenhagen, Dallas, Dubai, London, Miami, Pune, and Singapore. Visit www.cellpointdigital.com to learn more.
SINGAPORE, 7 June 2024: Oneworld, a leading global airline alliance, has announced that Fiji Airways will become its 15th full-member airline.
Fiji Airways, the flag carrier of Fiji, has achieved a valuable presence in the oneworld alliance for the past five years as a oneworld connect partner.
It has now developed cooperative links with all OneWorld member airlines, paving the way to a more seamless integration as a full OneWorld member. Fiji Airways’ transition to full membership will commence immediately and be completed within a year.
Oneworld CEO Nat Pieper said: “We welcome them as our 15th full-member airline in the oneworld alliance. Fiji Airways is already part of the oneworld family, as we have had a highly successful relationship since the airline joined as a oneworld connect partner five years ago. With its tremendous growth, award-winning product and services, and acceleration of connections with all oneworld member airlines, Fiji Airways will strengthen our position as the premier airline alliance for international global travellers.”
Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO Andre Viljoen added: “As a full member airline, we are excited to enhance the travel experience for oneworld alliance frequent flyers, offering greater accessibility to Fiji and the South Pacific, and ensuring seamless connections and memorable journeys for Fiji Airways customers across the alliance network.”
Fiji Airways, with its hub at Nadi International Airport, serves 26 destinations in 15 countries and territories globally, including oneworld hubs at Sydney, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. Fiji Link, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiji Airways, will become an affiliate airline of oneworld and extend the alliance’s network even further by bringing its domestic flights to Suva, Nadi, Labasa, Taveuni and Kadavu; as well as regionally to the Pacific Island nations of Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Fiji Airways carried 2.2 million passengers in 2023, offering 2.8 million seats across its network. It has a fleet of 21 aircraft, including Airbus A350s, Airbus A330s, and Boeing 737s.
2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the oneworld alliance, founded in 1999 by American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas. Later this year, Oman Air will become the 14th member airline of the alliance, joining Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines.
SINGAPORE, 7 June 2024: Amadeus and Accor expand their partnership, with the global hotel group adopting Amadeus’ Central Reservation System (ACRS) for its properties worldwide.
Accor Chief Digital Officer Alix Boulnois and Amadeus President, Hospitality Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter negotiated the partnership extension, which empowers Accor to draw on Amadeus’ cloud-based technology to boost revenues and maximise distribution strategies.
Sébastien Bazin, Group Chairman and CEO, Accor (left), shakes hands with Luis Maroto, President and CEO, Amadeus.
Implementing Amadeus’ Central Reservation System will not only empower Accor’s hoteliers to leverage the established ACRS product but will also unlock new capabilities. These include enhanced flexibility, seamless integration with emerging technologies, and simplified daily operations. These advancements will enable hotels to meet the evolving needs of guests better, ensuring Accor remains at the forefront of the hospitality industry.
ACRS incorporates sophisticated features like room views, styles, and bedding preferences. Accor’s sales teams can elevate the sales process to a holistic guest experience.
Accor Chief Digital Officer Alix Boulnois and Amadeus President, Hospitality Francisco Pérez-Lozao Rüter negotiated the partnership details.
SINGAPORE, 7 June 2024: Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry, confirmed earlier this week that it has renewed its longstanding agreement with Singapore Airlines.
Through the latest agreement, Singapore Airlines will continue to leverage Schedule Manager and Slot Manager from Sabre’s Network Planning & Optimisation technology suite, reinforcing its commitment to operational efficiency, choice and reliability for its passengers.
Sabre Slot Manager, the industry’s most widely used system for managing slots at busy airports worldwide, is a key tool that enables carriers to identify and secure slots required for future schedules. This system also minimises the chances of losing valuable historic slots. On the other hand, Schedule Manager is a powerful tool that empowers airlines to create and execute robust, accurate, and feasible operating schedules across their networks. These tools will continue to be instrumental in Singapore Airlines’ operations, providing a powerful way to boost revenue and gain a competitive advantage.
“Without the right slots and schedules, it’s impossible to fly routes that are both profitable for airlines and meet evolving passenger demand,” said Sabre Vice President Travel Solutions Airline Sales and Regional General Manager, Asia Pacific Rakesh Narayanan. “We’re pleased and proud to renew this valued and longstanding collaboration with Singapore Airlines so they can continue to benefit from advanced network planning capabilities, enabling them to optimise their flight schedules, maximise resource allocation, and deliver superior service to their customers.”
KHAO LAK, Phang-Nga Thailand, 7 June 2024: Sustainability plays a crucial role in the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s strategy to position Thailand as a high-value, high-quality destination.
TAT is monitoring a substantial shift in the tourism landscape towards millennials, young generations, and individuals who have grown up with the online world. According to its research, TAT concludes that today’s travellers, even in main markets such as China, are highly conscious of sustainability and environmental impact.
TAT calls on suppliers to embrace sustainable practices, not only for their enterprises but also for a better and more sustainable tourism industry.
At the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024, held in Khao Lak, Phang-Nga Province, TAT introduced its new communication concept, ‘Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End’ which TAT focuses on delivering meaningful travel experiences that would create a lifetime memory. Highlights range from luxury, wellness, soft adventure, and sustainable tourism.
TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing Asia and South Pacific Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya stated that sellers offering products at the event this year have been incredibly supportive of the sustainability initiative.
The event attracted 430 booths of quality sellers nationwide, including 46 exhibitors who won the Thailand Tourism Awards 2023. There were 360 hotels and resorts, 34 tour operators, 18 entertainment venues and attractions, eight transportation companies and carriers, and 10 other companies, such as online travel platforms, shopping malls, golf clubs, and vineyards.
“Joining the event, these sellers must prove to TAT that they have at least one programme in place to reduce waste, become more eco-friendly, or use less water. We’re bringing together all these practitioners of a greener tourism industry. We’re asking them to show us what they’re doing — it doesn’t have to be everything. We need to see that they’re taking some action, and then we’ll welcome them into our community of sellers.
“Every single event we organise now has to be 100% focused on sustainability, and that’s the way we go,” Chattan concluded.
Meanwhile, TAT Executive Director of the East Asia Region, Chuwit Sirivajjakul, commented on the buyer turnout saying that even in major East Asia travel markets (China in particular) they are prioritising sustainability.
“Today’s travellers, particularly millennials, young generations, and the ‘new gen’ raised on digital experiences, prioritise sustainability and meaningful engagement with destinations.
“They are particularly interested in activities like marine freediving, which minimises carbon dioxide and nitrogen emissions that can harm the ocean ecosystems. On land, the focus has shifted from ‘check-the-box’ sightseeing to slow-living experiences. Travellers seek deeper connections with local cultures, support local businesses, and give back to the community. This includes volunteering at elephant sanctuaries, cooking and bathing elephants, or supporting sick elephants.”
Chuwit added, “Even traditionally golf-centric markets like Japan and Korea are witnessing a shift. Travellers now seek eco-friendly golf courses that prioritise environmental responsibility. Post-Covid, tourists are quite attentive to the environment and travel in detail, rather than superficially as before.
This shift is not just a trend. As humans, we all have a responsibility to protect our planet. Tourists are increasingly aware of this. Hence, old and new businesses must adapt to cater to these markets.”
According to TAT, the agency’s initiatives to promote responsible travel practices include the Thailand Tourism Awards and the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), rated with a STAR certification and CF-Hotels.
KHAO LAK, Phang-Nga, Thailand, 7 June 2024: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) highlighted its latest marketing communication concept, Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End, during the Thailand Product Update business session for buyers and media attending the Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024.
TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications Nithee Seeprae led the session, saying, “Our latest concept underscores our ongoing promotion of meaningful travel experiences in Thailand with an enhanced effort to instil unforgettable stories. We aim to inspire travellers to become storytellers, share their lasting memories, and motivate others to seek out their own memorable stories in Thailand.”
TAT highlighted the new marketing communication concept and showcased Thailand’s diverse tourism offerings, focusing on delivering meaningful travel experiences that would create a lifetime memory. Highlights ranged from luxury to wellness to soft adventure to sustainable tourism.
Your Luxury Stories Never End
A holiday in Phuket and Phang-Nga can be elevated with a stay at the pool villas, treehouse villas, or even a private island. Be mesmerised by a world of culinary delights, from authentic local specialities to Michelin-starred restaurants.
In Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, luxury journeys explore nature and culture. These include travelling on a pontoon along the Mekong River to spend time in a luxury tented camp or boutique hotel, exploring the beauty of Lanna’s heritage by visiting temples, or relaxing the mind and body at award-winning spas.
Your Wellness Stories Never End
Immerse in a variety of health and wellness offerings at La Vita Sana Khao Lak, Phang-Nga, or rejuvenate at Thailand’s Top Wellness Retreats such as RAKxa Wellness & Medical Retreat in Samut Prakan or THANN Wellness Destination in Ayutthaya. Both offer integrative wellness programmes.
Your Soft Adventure Stories Never End
Travellers who crave unlimited challenges may look to Phang-Nga for many kinds of water sports, including surfing at Memories Beach and diving at famous diving spots like Similan Island. They can also opt for forest walking at famous routes like Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai and exploring the nature cave at Lam Khlong Ngu National Park in Kanchanaburi.
Sustainable Tourism
“Sustainability plays a crucial role in our strategy to position Thailand as a high-value and sustainable destination. Our initiatives to promote responsible travel practices include the Thailand Tourism Awards and the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), rated with a STAR certification and CF-Hotels,” Nithee explained.
Some of the high-quality and sustainable products and services guaranteed by TAT initiatives have included:
Wareerak Hot Spring and Wellness in Krabi – recipient of the Silver Award for Health and Wellness in the Thailand Tourism Awards 2023 and a 5-STAR certification. The retreat that nestles in a tropical forest offers the healing traditions of hydrotherapy, Thai wellness and holistic wellness.
Siam Bayshore Resort Pattaya, Chon Buri – recipient of the Gold Award for Accommodation in the Thailand Tourism Awards 2023 and 5-STAR certification, and a participant of the CF-Hotels initiative. The resort boasts the architectural Art Deco style that seamlessly blends Thai cultural elements with the surrounding greenery.
Mekin Farm, Khon Kaen – recipient of a 5-STAR certification. Visitors can explore the organic farm’s sustainable practices, experience farm stay, and join DIY workshops and eco-printing with local materials.
World-Class Event Hub
The government promotes Thailand as a centre of world-class events, leveraging the host country’s status for various upcoming global events. These include the Summer Sonic Bangkok, from 24 to 25 August; OR Thailand Grand Prix (Moto GP), from 25 to 27 October in Buri Ram; Loi Krathong Festival on 15 November; Vijit Chao Phraya 2024 in November; and Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2024 on 1 December.
Thailand’s Tourism Health Check
Last year, Thailand recorded over 28 million international arrivals and a revenue of THB1.2 trillion. The top five markets were Malaysia, China, South Korea, India, and Russia.
This year, from 1 January to 31 May, Thailand welcomed over 14.76 million international visitors, generating more than THB682 billion in revenue. China, Malaysia, Russia, India, and South Korea are the top five markets.
TAT has set an overall tourism revenue target of THB3 trillion for this year — THB1.92 trillion from 35 million international arrivals and THB1.08 trillion from 200 million domestic trips.
KUCHING, 6 June 2024: The greatest show on earth, the ‘Great Britain Circus’, pitches its tent at Kuching’s Sarawak State Stadium from 8 to 14 July.
Described as a tented travelling circus, Sarawak residents will experience a traditional authentic circus production on tour across the state from Big Kid Entertainment in the UK.
The Great British Circus tradition shines the spotlight on the Big Top, a magnificent cylinder-like theatre topped with a conical canopy. At its base, fresh sawdust covers the arena, surrounded by audience seating set out in tiers rising in circular rows almost to the tent’s canopy. It’s a family fantasia crammed with sparkling costume performances, the high-wire trapeze, and a troupe of clowns. Once the week is over, the giant circus tent will move to Miri, a coastal town in the far north of the state close to Brunei.
Sarawak is making giant strides in the events sector, attracting conferences, concerts and now an international circus from the UK.
“In addition to the development of local tourism attractions, Sarawak is also an in-demand venue to host international events such as the annual Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and the recently announced Borneo Pickleball International Tournament slated for later this year,” he told the media during the circus launch,” said Minister of Tourism, Art, Culture, Youth and Sports YB Abdul Karim.
“These international events not only enrich our cultural landscape but also significantly contribute to our local economy. They create job opportunities for our local talents and boost revenue for our local businesses, making them a win-win for everyone involved.”
DUBAI, UAE, 6 June 2024: Emirates, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Airbus have joined forces to deliver an enhanced Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) programme for the A350-type rating as the airline prepares to deliver 65 A350s by mid-2024.
An initial cohort of 256 pilots will be trained in the new course at Emirates Training College in Dubai starting in July 2024.
From left to right: Capt Stéphan Labrucherie, Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide, Mikail Houari, President Africa & Middle East, Capt. Bader Al Marzooqi, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Flight Training, Yann Reiner, IATA Head Training and Licensing and Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vic president, Operations, Safety and Security.
The advanced pilot training programme uses the CBTA training methodology, which combines IATA’s principles and documentation with Emirates’ operational expertise and resources and Airbus’ over 10 years of CBTA training experience on the A350.
Driven by pilot competency and behaviour, the A350 CBTA programme utilises the proven CBTA training philosophy, which allows instructors to assess the pilots’ training and seek immediate improvements in their performance. The programme will run in two phases and include 20 days of simulator training and evaluation in 15 separate sessions.
“With this programme, Emirates’ pilots receive in-house competency-based training with highly qualified instructors, equipping them with world-class capabilities to support the airline’s global operations. The tailored CBTA programme for the A350 supports integrating the new aircraft into our fleet, with 1,000 pilots set to complete the A350-type rating course. This latest initiative is part of Emirates’ commitment to deliver the highest standards of service and comfort while supporting our operational growth and expansion,” said Emirates Senior Vice President Flight Training Bader Al Marzooqi.
“Combining the expertise of Emirates, Airbus and IATA to design and deliver A350-type rating training is a unique opportunity. Our joint aim is to fully utilise the benefits of CBTA to qualify the pilots on the A350 most efficiently and effectively as possible. And by doing it together, all three organisations will also gain valuable experience that can strengthen their other training activities,” said IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security Nick Careen
“The A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft requiring equally advanced training solutions. Our partnership with IATA and Emirates ensures that Emirates’ pilots receive the most comprehensive and effective training, supporting the smooth entry into service of the A350 worldwide,” said Airbus Head of Flight Training Worldwide Stéphan Labrucherie.
Emirates is preparing to enter service with its new A350 through the A350-type rating programme. In addition to pilot training, other parts of the airline, including the service delivery and engineering teams, are also working on preparing for the debut of A350 operations.
CBTA and IATA
Gaining the benefits and efficiencies of CBTA training is a longstanding industry objective. For flight crew, IATA supports this with its CBTA Guide for Flight Crew Training, which is fully aligned with ICAO CBTA standards and includes specific libraries for airlines/operators and training organisations.
IATA also focuses on CBTA training in support of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. The IATA CBTA Center supports organisations across the aviation industry, including operators, Civil Aviation Authorities, and training organisations, in developing the capabilities and resources for dangerous goods training programs. It also offers CBTA training specialised in various airline functions, from ground handlers to passenger agents, load planning, crew, and others.
KHAO LAK, Thailand, 6 June 2024: The Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) 2024 opened on Wednesday at the JW Marriott Khao Lak, with business matching appointments between 425 travel buyers and 430 Thailand travel suppliers. The event concludes on Friday, 7 June.
Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sermsak Pongpanit presided over the opening ceremony, joined by Phang-Nga Province Vice Governor Niracha Banditchat and other travel-related VIPs such as Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool and Phang-Nga Tourism Association, President Lertsak Ponklin
ON TTM’s long success, the minister said: “The Thailand Travel Mart Plus is organised in line with the government’s “IGNITE Thailand” vision and plays a crucial role as a premier showcase of Thai tourism. This year’s event will further affirm its well-earned recognition as a must-attend B2B tradeshow that provides a valuable business platform for sellers and buyers.
Now in its 21st edition, the TTM+ presents the theme ‘Amazing Thailand: Your Stories Never End’.
Thapanee added: “The TTM+ 2024 showcases the diverse tourism offerings that leverage Thai cultural values for a remarkable and excellent experience. Another prominent feature is our ‘smart tourism’ strategy, which elevates Thai tourism’s competitiveness. We highlight the unprecedented digital transformation to accelerate Thailand’s tourism ecosystem to quality and sustainability.”
Buyers return to TTM
The TTM+ 2024 has registered a strong turnout, with 425 international travel buyers, of whom 55.5% are returning buyers and 44.5% are new participants. Buyers come from East Asia (30.4%), Europe (25.2%), ASEAN, South Asia and the South Pacific (20.9%), the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East (11.3%), as well as Thailand (12.2%).
There are 430 travel content sellers across Thailand, including 46 exhibitors who won the Thailand Tourism Awards 2023. There are 360 hotels and resorts, 34 tour operators, 18 entertainment venues and attractions, eight transportation and carriers, and 10 companies such as online travel platforms, shopping malls, golf clubs, and vineyards. In addition, there are over 100 media from overseas and in Thailand.
“The event provides a platform for 15,000 business appointments between buyers and sellers. As a result, this is estimated to bring about THB3 billion in revenue for Thailand’s tourism industry and distribute no less than THB30 million back to local communities,” the TAT Governor explained.
The three-day TTM+ 2024 programme started on Wednesday evening with pre-tours, an opening ceremony, a Thailand product update, TTM Talk, and a welcome reception. B2B appointment sessions and networking events continued on Thursday and Friday.
At the Thailand Product Update, buyers and media were briefed on Thailand’s tourism direction, marketing strategy, and a national focus on sustainability.
TTM Talk focused on two keynote topics
TrendWatching Head of Trends Victoria Loomese presented “Navigating Tomorrow: Global Consumer Trends Reshaping the Tourism Industry”.
She was followed by Michelin-starred restaurant Baan Tepa Head Chef Chudaree Debhakam, who gave a presentation on “Thailand’s Gastronomic Journey: Towards a Sustainable Food Future.”
Spotlight on Phang-Nga
This year, the event presents four tourism experiences in Phang-Nga.
Try & Taste: A selection of coffees and teas from various regions, such as Thai-style coffee from Kopi Kuapa and organic tea from Sawanbondin.
Showcase: Unveils secrets: Legends and traditions behind local crafts like those from Morgan Village and Batik from Takuapa.
Local Products: Presents authentic local dishes and fresh fruits.
Unleash: Introduces do-it-yourself activities on batik painting or beadwork workshops.
Reflecting TTM’s overarching theme, the half-day pre-tours presented hidden gems of Phang-Nga. At the same time, the post-tours will allow participants to visit other parts of Thailand, such as Phuket, Krabi and Ko Samui in the south and Chiang Mai and Lamphun in the north.
Zero waste landfill initiative
TAT continues to prioritise the effort to minimise the environmental impact of waste generated at travel events. Actions at TTM include sorting waste into organic, recyclable, and general waste categories and sending it to appropriate destinations for further management. This is aimed at helping reduce waste sent to local landfills, following the Zero Landfills concept in the “Reduce World Mess: Zero Landfills” activity.
