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Thailand rolls out Chinese New Year welcome

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 5 February 2024: Thailand’s Chinese New Year 2024 celebration officially opened during the weekend in Bangkok’s Chinatown, signalling cultural performances and street entertainment throughout February to mark 49 years of China-Thailand friendship. 

Official festivities supported by the  Tourism Authority of Thailand are underway in five locations.

Thailand welcomes the Year of the Dragon.

In Bangkok, the celebration is being held at Yaowarat Road from 1 to 29 February with the theme of “Celebrating the Golden Year” and the illumination named “Tunnel of Golden Dragon”.

Other locations

3-14 February: “108 Miraculous Years of Faith” Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year, Nakhon Sawan

9-11 February: Chinese New Year 2024, Ratchaburi

9-13 February: Hat Yai Chinese New Year, Songkhla

10-12 February: “16 Years Miraculous Dragon” Suphan Buri Chinese New Year at the Dragon Descendants Museum, Suphan Buri

10-11 February: 21st Chiang Mai Chinatown Festival, Chiang Mai

Tourism forecasters at the TAT reckon the Chinese New Year 2024 holiday week from 7 to15 February) will draw 995,000 visitors (+36%) and generate an estimated THB28.39 billion in revenue.  

Beyond Chinese New Year, tourist arrivals from China should improve once a 1 March bilateral visa exemption kicks in. TAT is already forecasting around 8.5 million visits from China, up from 3.5 million in 2023. 

During the Chinese New Year week-long festival, TAT estimates  Chinese tourist arrivals will reach 177,000, generating THB6.2 billion in revenue.

Tourism Malaysia visits Jeddah show

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 February 2024: Tourism Malaysia participated in the 12th Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX) last week to bolster promotions to attract more Middle Eastern travellers to Malaysia.

The three-day event served as a crucial platform for connecting international travel businesses with the rapidly expanding Saudi travel market, recognised as one of the fastest-growing markets globally. 

JTTX brings together influential local travel leaders and international exhibitors, fostering new relationships, fortifying existing business partnerships, and exploring collaborative opportunities.

Marking its fourth consecutive presence at JTTX, the Tourism Malaysia team was led by Ahmad Faisal Mohamed, Director of Tourism Malaysia Jeddah. Seven travel agents joined the event — Al Safer Travel & Tours, Future Group Tour & Travel, GR Travel & Tours, Kurma Gateaways Travel, TH Travel & Services, Universal Holidays Travel & Tourism, and Qadasfly Travel & Tourism.

Five hotels and resorts also joined the delegation: Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah, Grand Ion Delemen Hotel, Genting Highlands, Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts, Hospitality 360, and Sunway City Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia proudly maintains its position as the preferred “Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of The Year” as recognised by the MasterCard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023. The destination has also been honoured as the “Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of The Year.” These accolades resulted from an annual online survey that considers various criteria, such as the availability of halal food, access to prayer facilities, Muslim-friendly services in hotels, and overall safety and security.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Dato Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar said: “We appreciated the opportunity to collaborate and cooperate with some of the best industry players, such as Saudia, Air Arabia and Al Mosafer (Seera). We anticipate a substantial increase in arrivals from Saudi Arabia this year, facilitated by the development of new tour packages in gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”

Malaysia welcomed 38,143 tourists from Saudi Arabia from January to September 2023, surpassing 35,980 recorded in 2022. In 2024, Malaysia aims to welcome 27.3 million tourists, generating MYR102.7 billion in revenue. The forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 has set an ambitious target of 35.6 million foreign tourist arrivals.

Air India names Thai GSA

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM India, 5 February 2024: Air India has selected TamGP Co Ltd as its passenger general sales agent (GSA) in Thailand to facilitate reservations, ticketing and supporting marketing efforts,

TamGP Co Ltd is a prominent provider of passenger and cargo services and will serve as a valuable partner to enhance Air India’s presence in Thailand while supporting the airline’s ongoing global expansion.

Photo credit: Air India.

The company’s AVP commercial, Anindam Choudhury, commented: “As the chosen partner, we are dedicated to utilising Air India’s vast network, our industry knowledge, and our customer-centric approach to showcase Air India’s offerings and enhance its presence in the Thai market.” 

Currently, Air India operates two daily, nonstop flights between Bangkok and Delhi, one daily, nonstop flight between Bangkok and Mumbai, and one daily, nonstop flight between Phuket and Delhi.

Air India is undergoing significant changes across its organisation following privatisation. The airline has started taking delivery of its first aircraft as part of record-setting orders for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, including its first Airbus A350. A USD400 million programme is set to commence in mid-2024 for a complete refurbishment of the interiors of

Air India’s legacy widebody fleet. This initiative will involve the installation of brand-new seats in every cabin and new inflight entertainment systems, among other changes.

Swiss flies direct to Seoul

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 February 2024: Swiss International Air Lines will expand its network in the 2024 summer schedule by adding flights to South Korea’s capital, Seoul. 

Alongside the already announced new intercontinental destinations of Washington DC (USA) and Toronto, Canada, SWISS will expand its long-haul network in the east by connecting the South Korean capital of Seoul with Zurich, Switzerland.

Swiss schedules three weekly flights on the Seoul-Zurich route.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, will receive its first-ever SWISS services on 7 May 2024. 

“We are delighted to be further growing our network,” says SWISS chief commercial officer Heike Birlenbach. “As well as our new long-haul destinations of Washington, DC and Toronto, which we’ve already announced, we’ll be adding the extremely attractive destination of Seoul. The capital of South Korea has a lot to offer leisure and business travellers alike. And our new Seoul service will help us meet our customers’ needs for nonstop services to and from the world’s key cities.” 

SWISS will schedule a three-weekly nonstop service between Zurich and Seoul using an Airbus A340 configured with first, business, premium economy and economy classes. The eastbound flight LX122 will leave Zurich at 1340 on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, landing in Seoul at 0825 the following day. The westbound LX123 service will depart from Seoul on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 0955, arriving in Zurich at 1650.

2024: Destinations off to a flying start

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 5 February 2024: With the first month of 2024 already wrapped up, digital travel platform Agoda shares data that indicates Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are leading the pack as the top markets attracting international tourists, followed closely by Malaysia and South Korea. 

The findings based on January 2024 Agoda bookings show a robust start to the year for Asian destinations.

Diving deeper into city-specific popularity, Japan’s tourism magnets Tokyo (#1) and Osaka (#3) continue to attract travellers in the new year after already featuring in last year’s top ranks for international tourists. 

A perpetual favourite, Bangkok follows Tokyo in second place, Seoul takes the 4th place, and Kuala Lumpur fifth. The data reflects a growing interest in traditional and emerging urban hotspots across Asia.

Agoda chief executive officer Omri Morgenshtern shared: “The exceptional appeal of markets like Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam, and cities like Tokyo and Bangkok, continues to captivate travellers globally. 2024 could be a great year for travel.”

When comparing the number of accommodation searches between January 2023 and January 2024, India tops the list of biggest risers. Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Italy, respectively, have also shown notable leaps compared to last year. This shift underscores the dynamic nature of travel trends and the growing appeal of these diverse destinations.

About Agoda
Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 6,900 staff in 26 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even more accessible. 

*Data based on Agoda accommodation booking ranks in January 2024 and 2023.

(SOURCE: Agoda)

Marriott boosts bonus points

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 February 2024: Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel programme, has reactivated a popular global promotion that offers members bonus points and Elite Night Credits each night of their stay. 

From 13 February to 29 April, registered members can earn 1,000 bonus points and one bonus Elite Night Credit each night during the promotional earning period. Registration opened on 30 January and runs through 15 April.

Marriott Bonvoy welcomes members to explore its portfolio of over 30 hotel brands and earn up to 76,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points and 76 bonus Elite Night Credits. Once members register for the promotion, they can earn twice each night, starting on their first night.

Bonus points can be redeemed through various channels — hotel stays across the portfolio, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy stays and Marriott Bonvoy Moments.

Bonus Elite Night Credits accelerate earning toward elite status, enabling members to reach a higher Marriott Bonvoy membership tier more quickly. For example, a member can achieve Silver Elite status in just five nights instead of 10 with this promotion. With Silver Elite status, members can unlock new benefits such as late check-out and 10% bonus points on eligible future hotel stays.

The promotion earning period runs from 13 February to 29 April 2024. Stays completed before registration are not eligible to earn with this promotion.

Pandaw shares its sailing story

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 February 2024: The 2024 edition of Pandaw’s Flotilla News magazine has just been released in print and digital versions.

Packed with comments, news, updates and insightful blogs from the Pandaw team and wider community, the latest edition drops into members’ email boxes and in the mail for those who still prefer the printed page. 

In the 2024 edition, Pandaw founder Paul Strachan explains the latest developments at Pandaw and touches on the newest and most in-demand itinerary that explores the iconic Brahmaputra River in Northeast India.

There are also insights from the Pandaw team about ongoing work and the commitment to improving the highest service levels. Plus, there are plans for new and exciting itineraries to keep eager Pandaw Members’ desire for adventure satisfied as the 2024 sailing seasons get underway.

Read the 2024 Flotilla magazine online now or request a hard copy to be delivered to your home address. The Flotilla Magazine will also be available onboard Pandaw’s fleet of small river ships for a leisurely read on the sundeck as Pandaw gently takes its guests on an exploration of the rivers of Asia.

READ ONLINE

HARD COPY REQUEST 
Complete the online form to order a hard copy of the new Flotilla News Magazine and a copy will be sent to your address.
https://www.pandaw.com/brochures?utm_source=pandaw&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=flotilla-news-2024

https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-river-cruise-line-2024/pandaw-cruises/

Langkawi Sandbar Walk 2024

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 2 February 2024: Langkawi’s Tanjung Rhu Beach welcomes nature lovers for the annual Sandbar Walk, 11 to 12 February, a popular occurrence highlighting what locals call the Sandbar phenomenon. 

This captivating natural marvel materialises as the sea level drops to a minimum of 0.0m, unveiling a sandbar that links Tanjung Rhu Beach with Chabang and Kelam Baya Island.

Photo credit: Langkawi Development Authority.

The sandbank, stretching nearly 1km from Tanjung Rhu Beach to Chabang and Kelam Baya Island, stands out as one of Langkawi’s hidden gems and a natural phenomenon.

As the sea level retreats, the Sandbar emerges as a picturesque bridge between land and sea. It unveils a hidden world, inviting explorers to venture across its sandy expanse and discover the marine life thriving in the shallow pools formed along its route. 

Sandbars, recognised as offshore bars or wave-washed ridges, emerge as a configuration of sand and sediment just off the shoreline. Their creation is influenced by ocean waves, resulting in formations that may be partly submerged or entirely visible, contingent upon the tide’s ebb and flow. 

The Sandbar Walk on Tanjung Rhu Beach is an attraction worth experiencing scheduled this year from 11 to 12 February.

For more information, please visit.

Walk Organiser
Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi
Tel: +60 11-2695 9033
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.tanjungrhu.com.my/
Social: fb/TanjungRhuResort

(Source: Naturally Langkawi) 

Vistara’s young fleet wins awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 2 February 2024: India’s full-service carrier, Vistara, has won two accolades in the ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Awards 2024.

The airline was recognised as the World’s 4th Youngest Aircraft Fleet and Asia’s 2nd Youngest Aircraft Fleet by ch-aviation, a Swiss-based airline intelligence provider and research company.

Vistara chief executive officer Vinod Kannan commented: These accolades at the ch-aviation Youngest Aircraft Fleet Awards 2024 acknowledge our continued investment in maintaining a young and modern fleet to keep our CO2 emissions at their lowest.”

Vistara’s current fleet, with an average age of 2.94 years, consists of A320neo, A321neo, and B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, all powered by cutting-edge technologies and advanced systems that result in a reduction in engine noise as well as nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide emissions.

In March 2023, Vistara achieved an important milestone of operating a wide-body aircraft for a long-haul international flight using a 30% SAF blend, reducing 150,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. Extending this success, Vistara also operated a commercial domestic flight on a wide-body aircraft using SAF, another industry-first initiative. The flight, which used a blend of 17% SAF and 83% conventional jet fuel, reduced approximately 10,000 pounds of CO₂ emissions. Vistara also became the first airline in India to implement Aerowash, an automated aircraft exterior washing and cleaning solution. The airline also deploys SITA eWAS and SITA OptiClimb solutions for optimising flight planning and operations, aiming for a yearly reduction of 15,000 tons of carbon emissions.

Vistara (TATA SIA Airlines Limited)
TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA).  

AirAsia MOVE tickets events

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 31 JAN 2024: AirAsia MOVE (former AirAsia Superapp) has partnered with Coras, a prominent global ticket distribution platform, to introduce MOVETIX, a brand new and innovative ticketing platform.

MOVETIX offers over 10,000 global events and activities complemented by flights, hotels and rides through one app.

MOVETIX is spearheaded by Hassan Choudhury, an entertainment industry professional who will continue as CEO of RedRecords, a joint venture between AirAsia and Universal Music. Coras powers the MOVETIX platform on the AirAsia MOVE app.

To kickstart the launch, StarHub and World Football Legends announced the appointment of MOVETIX as the official ticketing partner of the upcoming StarHub Football Festival from 20 to 21 April 2024 in Our Tampines Hub, Singapore. 

As the official ticketing partner for the event, MOVETIX sells tickets at SGD60 h for adults, SGD30 for senior citizens (above the age of 60) and children (below the age of 12), and a family package for SGD150, which covers admission for two children and two adults exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE. 

AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer commented: “Entertainment is an essential part of travel. Hassan’s role in RedRecords and MOVETIX aligns perfectly with our commitment to deliver the best value in travel and develop talents in ASEAN. 

“Teaming up with Coras on our AirAsia MOVE platform will elevate our customers’ experience, while staying true to our brand proposition. With MOVETIX, our app users can now book their entire trip seamlessly, including flights, hotels, land transport (through AirAsia ride), and meals via the dine-in option, all within one cohesive ecosystem.”

AirAsia MOVE has a customer base of over 15 million monthly active users who can now buy tickets for sports, live music, theatre performances and attractions across 67 cities and 20 countries. 

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