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Emirates rolls out Great Singapore Sale

SINGAPORE, 16 June 2023: Emirates’ Great Singapore Sale deals are up for grabs allowing Singapore residents to explore their favourite summer festivals in Europe and the US.

For a limited time only, they can book all-inclusive Economy Class fares from SGD699, Premium Economy fares from SGD1,729, Business Class fares from SGD3,009, and First Class fares from SGD10,159 when they fly to Dubai, London, Paris, Madrid, New York, and more with Emirates.

These special fares are available for bookings made by 2 July 2023 for travel until 30 November 2023.

DestinationsEconomy Class Fares From (SGD)Premium Economy Class Fares From (SGD)Business Class Fares From (SGD)First Class Fares From (SGD)
Dubai6991,7293,00910,159
London1,1592,6194,72912,329
Paris1,2692,5394,42912,129
Amsterdam1,2992,5795,03916,219
Madrid1,2792,5495,09919,749
Rome1,1192,3894,57918,579
Milan1,2492,5194,79912,599
Zurich1,1992,4794,81914,399
Frankfurt1,2192,4894,57915,099
New York1,8093,6396,28916,929

With Emirates’ GSS deals and its extensive global network, travellers can enjoy greater flexibility in planning their latest escapades and relish exciting events held across the globe. Some of the highly anticipated festivals in Europe and America to come include:

Oktoberfest, Munich (28 September to 30 October):

Germany’s iconic folk festival, the annual Oktoberfest is returning with its classic beer tents, oompah bands, and a delicious spread of sausages, pretzels, and pork knuckles. It was first held in 1810 to mark a royal wedding, and it has now evolved into the world’s biggest beer festival, attracting six million visitors each year. Visitors are invited to dress in traditional Bavarian attire or Tracht and partake in the food, fun, and music on Theresienwiese open ground.

Mad Cool Festival, Madrid (6 July to 8 July):

Major music festival Mad Cool has made a name for itself by bringing together the finest line-up of rock, indie, and alternative artists for an unforgettable summer in Madrid. This year is no exception, with big names such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lizzo, Robbie Williams, Sam Smith, Machine Gun Kelly, Lil Nas X, The Black Keys, and more headlining the three-day-long event.

Frieze London (11 October to 15 October):

Art lovers can also rejoice, for Frieze London will once again transform Regent’s Park into a showcase of some of the world’s best contemporary art and living artists. Visitors can look forward to many programmes — from films, talks, and music shows to installations and performance art pieces. Travellers on a budget can head towards the Frieze Sculpture, where the displays of major outdoor works are free for all to view. The fair will certainly be a feast for the eyes of art connoisseurs and those simply looking to bask in the culture and vibes of the city alike.

Forest Hills Stadium Centennial concert series, New York (20 May to 30 September):

Forest Hills Stadium is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a massive summer concert series featuring its most diverse set of performances thus far. This season, visitors will have an eclectic mix of comedy and music shows to pick from, each bound to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Notable acts include the riotous Kevin Hart in June, English sweetheart Louis Tomlinson in July, pop-punk icons Fall Out Boy in August, and the viral Artic Monkeys in September. With all these exciting events lined up, there will be no shortage of fun.

Travel in luxurious comfort with Emirates Premium Economy

Great Singapore Sale, travellers can experience the elevated onboard experience that Emirates Premium Economy offers. Newly launched in Singapore on 1 June, Emirates Premium Economy is designed to ensure maximum comfort, with a generous seat pitch and width and customised features that offer function and convenience, like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. There are also thoughtfully curated in-flight amenities, an inventive menu, and enticing beverage options, including premium wines and a sparkling Chandon wine exclusive to Emirates Premium Economy customers.

Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, the Emirates App, at Emirates sales offices, and via online and offline travel agents. Travellers must also check the Emirates website for the latest travel requirements.

Emirates Skywards

Emirates Skywards has kicked off the summer season with the exclusive bonus Skywards Miles on offer. Explore the world this summer and rack up thousands of Miles as you fly, stay, and drive in more than 140 destinations across Emirates’ extensive network.

Starting from 1 June, members can earn up to; 15,000 Miles per night at more than 400,000 hotels worldwide with Emirates Skywards Hotels; triple Skywards Miles at IHG® Hotels & Resorts; Up to 10,000 bonus Miles on Avis car rentals, and up to 8,000 bonus Miles on Hertz car rentals.

For more information on the offers available, visit emirates.com

SQ makes senior management changes

SINGAPORE, 16 June 2023: Singapore Airlines announced several senior management appointments earlier this week, effective 10 September 2023.

Tan Kai Ping, executive vice president of finance and strategy and chief financial officer, takes on the role of executive vice president of operations and chief operations officer. He will be responsible for SIA’s Cabin Crew, Customer Services and Operations, Engineering, and Flight Operations divisions.

JoAnn Tan, senior vice president of marketing planning, will be appointed senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer.

Dai Hao Yu, divisional vice president of digital, will be promoted to acting senior vice president of marketing planning.

Mak Swee Wah, executive vice president of operations and chief operations officer, will retire on 9 September 2023 after 40 years with Singapore Airlines.

Singapore Airlines chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong said: “These new appointments reflect the strength of SIA’s management bench and are a testament to our executives’ ability to undertake a wide range of senior-level responsibilities. Having the right talent in place will ensure that the SIA Group is ready to take on future challenges and seize the opportunities that come our way.”

Resorts World Cruises celebrates anniversary

SINGAPORE, 16 June 2023: Resorts World Cruises celebrates its first anniversary this month with onboard festivities and promotions.

During most of 2022, it relied on a single ship Genting Dream while adding a second ship, Resorts World One, earlier this year, enabling the company to welcome over 1.3 million cruising guests during its first full year of operations.

After months laid up in Asia due to the collapse of its owner Genting Hong Kong, Genting Dream was chartered to Resorts World Cruises in May 2022. Resort World Cruises (RWC) rose from the financial ashes of Genting Hong Kong, which had operated Star Cruises and subsequently Dream Cruises in Southeast Asia since the early 1990s. RWC has two cruise ships sailing in Asia and homeporting in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Headquartered in Singapore, Resorts World Cruises has increased its presence across Asia with sailings featuring ports of call Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei, Jakarta, Delhi NCR, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Manila, Seoul, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.

The first-anniversary celebration starts with a special cruise fare promotion for selected cruises. Twin-sharing guests with bookings made until 31 July 2023 for the Genting Dream and Resorts World One gain a $1# cruise for the second person booked (based on applicable designated currencies).

Abu Dhabi inks accord with UNICEO

ABU DHABI UAE, 16 June 2023: Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced a strategic partnership with non-profit association United Networks of International Corporate Event Organisers.

The partnership will build awareness of Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice for meetings and incentives through enhanced networking opportunities with UNICEO’s key international decision-makers and through providing business support and destination awareness opportunities for Abu Dhabi to UNICEO’s community of corporate events decision-makers.

Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau director Mubarak Al Shamisi said: “We are delighted to partner with United Networks of International Corporate Event Organisers to enhance our Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) offer and continue to increase awareness of Abu Dhabi as the gateway to the MENA region among its 2,500 members.

“This strategic partnership will benefit global corporations convening events in Abu Dhabi and help them leverage the diverse offerings of the UAE capital. Renowned for its world-leading infrastructure, iconic hotels, state-of-the-art event venues and an unrivalled leisure portfolio of rich culture, natural beauty, global entertainment and thrilling attractions, Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination to host business events. ”

With 2,500 members across 35 countries, UNICEO offers its associates the opportunity to make the most of its collective intelligence and adapt to a constantly changing business environment within a global network.

Air Canada to launch Vancouver to Singapore service

SINGAPORE, 16 June 2023: Air Canada will expand its international network by adding nonstop flights between its trans-Pacific hub at Vancouver International Airport and Singapore’s Changi International Airport.

The new route will operate four times weekly beginning 3 April 2024* served by Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet.

Booking and sales opened Wednesday on the website www.aircanada.com, via the Air Canada App, Air Canada’s Contact Centres and travel agents.

“Air Canada continues to adapt its international network strategy in response to evolving global trends and is broadening its presence in the Indo-Pacific region to capitalise on growing business links and Canada’s changing demographics,” said Air Canada executive vice president, revenue and network planning Mark Galardo.

“We are committed to growing YVR as a premier trans-Pacific hub, and Singapore is a top global financial centre, a multicultural destination that offers an abundance of tourism and food experiences, as well as an important gateway to beyond destinations in Southeast Asia, Southern India and Western Australia.”

A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with 298 seats will serve the route featuring a three-class cabin (Signature Class with 30 lie-flat seats, Premium Economy with 21 seats and Economy Class with 247 seats). The airline currently operates a fleet of 38 Dreamliners, 30 of which are the 787-9 version and the remaining eight 787-8 models. A promotional fare starting at US1447 one way is flagged in economy class.

The flight schedule has been built to provide convenient connections to and from destinations across North America via Air Canada’s hub in Vancouver to Singapore. Flights from destinations across Southeast Asia, South India and Western Australia served by Star Alliance and codeshare partner Singapore Airlines will connect with the Air Canada flight departing from the Singapore hub to Vancouver.

“This direct connection serves as a vital gateway, strengthening cultural ties while providing new bridges for business, tourism, and invaluable friendships,” said  Singapore Tourism Board senior vice president Americas Rachel Loh. 

Aqua Expeditions introduces summer special

SINGAPORE, 16 June 2023: Aqua Expeditions, a curator of small ship expeditions, has launched an Indonesian Summer Special with 20% off all cabin bookings for Aqua Blu in June, July and August.

Aqua Expeditions’ sailings explore the hidden gems of the Indonesian Archipelago, including the Komodo National Park, Spice Islands or Raja Ampat, aboard the small-ship vessel Aqua Blu a former British Naval Explorer. The 60-metre yacht is the first ever long-range ocean explorer permanently based in East Indonesia.

The boutique ship Aqua Blu has 15 contemporary suites, and the onboard dining experience is designed by consulting chef Benjamin Cross.

Departing from Bali and Flores, the seven-night Komodo voyages will circle the three main islands and 26 islets that comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo National Park, home to prehistoric creatures like the famous Komodo dragon, the largest lizard species on Earth. The region is also a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise, with 1,000 species of marine life like manta rays, sea turtles and nearly 300 species of coral. Guests will have the rare opportunity to swim with whale sharks.

The 20% savings are applicable on Aqua Blu’s seven-night departures until 26 August 2023. Cruise prices start from USD8,960 per person.

For more information visit: https://www.aquaexpeditions.com/

Fare bargains on AirAsia

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 June 2023: AirAsia relaunched its Free Seats sale on flights to 130 destinations earlier this week, with the booking window open until midnight on 18 June.

Destinations and Fares

The free fare offer is valid on AirAsia Malaysia’s domestic destinations such as Penang, Kuala Terengganu, Langkawi, Alor Setar, and Johor Bahru, while MYR25 all-in** one-way fares are on sale flights to Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Krabi. An all-in** one-way fare of MYR60 is on the books for other Southeast Asian destinations.

Fly further with AirAsia X (D7) to Busan, Hangzhou, Melbourne, Osaka, Taipei for MYR279 all-in** one-way economy and from MYR899 all-in** one-way Premium Flatbed.

Booking and Travel Periods

The promotional fares are available for booking until 18 June for travel from 1 September to 8 October 2024.

Additional Perks

The deal on fares includes 50% off Value Pack, including an inflight meal by Airasia Santan, seat selection, travel insurance, and 20kg checked baggage.

Terms and Conditions

*The FREE SEATS promotional fares exclude airport tax, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharge and other applicable fees. Terms and Conditions apply.

**All-in fares one-way to domestic destinations start from MYR25, including airport tax, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharge and other applicable fees. Fares to Asean and beyond destinations start from MYR60, including airport tax, MAVCOM fee, fuel surcharge and other applicable fees.

Outrigger zones in on ocean conservation

SINGAPORE, 15 June 2023: This June, for World Ocean Month, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels has pledged to continue making a difference at its premier beach resorts worldwide. Activities connected to ocean health and conservation will occur at each OUTRIGGER resort throughout the month. Each event will empower, educate and inspire guests and hosts to care for our oceans. A sample of OUTRIGGER’S World Ocean Month activities includes:

OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort hostsworking with theMangrove Resources Conservation Centre and the local community.

THAILAND
OUTRIGGER Khao Lak Beach Resort, in association with Mangrove Resources Conservation Centre and the local community, will plant 2,000 mangrove trees and collect trash on the shore where the mangrove trees are planted. Mangrove trees reduce shoreline erosion, protect coastal communities against flooding and are a spawning habitat for marine life.
OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort will join Trash Heroes in a community beach cleanup and also join Baan Tai Crab Bank in releasing baby crabs into the ocean. Those participating will be educated on the lifespan of crabs, the importance of habitat and responsible fishing practices.
OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort will join Phuket Mangrove Resources Conservation Centre and the local community in planting 2,000 mangrove trees and releasing fish and prawns to the sea to conserve a sustainable mangrove forest.

MALDIVES
OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort will have coral planting, a whale shark and manta excursion, arts and crafts using plastic from the ocean, a school visit to bring awareness to ocean conservation, an evening documentary introduced by the resort’s marine biologist, plus activities and a data identification session on whale sharks and manta rays.

FIJI
Castaway Island, Fiji Resort will hold an environmentally themed race in addition to planting coral, making fish houses (a natural habitat for marine life), cleaning up underwater and planting coastal fruiting trees that provide fruit, shade and protection.
OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort will have a beach and roadside cleanup, realign and clean coral tables, remove Crown of Thorns starfish, which damage coral reefs and are one of the major causes of coral decline, plant coral and make and sink fish houses.
MAUI
Aina Nalu Lahaina by Outrigger and Kaanapali Maui at the Eldorado by Outrigger will participate in beach cleanups, and OUTRIGGER Honua Kai Resort & Spa will care for its adopted highway.
KAUAI
Kiahuna Plantation Resort Kauai by Outrigger will engage host children in a colouring contest voted on by hosts, guests and others for fun prizes.

HAWAII ISLAND
OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, Fairway Villas Waikoloa by Outrigger and Royal Sea Cliff Kona by Outrigger will partner with Kahalu’u Beach for a cleanup and to support the “Reef Teach” team who will educate on cauliflower coral spawning at Kahalu’u Bay.
“As a global toes-in-the-sand brand, OUTRIGGER has a front-row seat to our ocean, and we have a responsibility for its care now and for future generations,” said Monica Salter, VP of Global Communications and Social Responsibility. “We aim to inspire action for the good of our planet this World Ocean Month and beyond.”

OUTRIGGER’s Hawaii resorts are now Green Seal certified and are founding members of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Responsible Stay initiative. They are also part of Global Hotel Alliance’s new Green Collection.

Since founding its global OUTRIGGER Zone conservation initiative in 2014, the company has preserved, protected and planted approximately 100 football fields of coral reef and was the first Hawaii hospitality brand to champion reef-safe sunscreen and provide it for guests.

Emirates Premium Economy on routes to India

DUBAI, 15 June 2023: Emirates announced today that its highly sought-after Premium Economy offering will be available to customers flying to and from Mumbai and Bengaluru starting 29 October. Emirates will operate its newly retrofitted flagship A380 aircraft to these two popular Indian points, featuring the new Premium Economy seats, as well as refreshed interiors that provide an elevated experience in all other cabin classes.

Travellers flying on the Dubai-Mumbai route can book Emirates’ Premium Economy seats on EK500/501, while customers flying between Dubai and Bengaluru can book their flights on EK568/569 to enjoy the industry’s latest premium economy product with luxurious seats, more legroom, and an elevated dining experience. Seats can be booked immediately via emirates.com, Emirates sales offices and travel agencies for travel from 29 October.

Emirates’ daily flights offering the Premium Economy experience to/ from Bengaluru and Mumbai will operate as follows:

As the rollout of the retrofitted and enhanced Emirates A380s featuring a four-class configuration picks up pace, Premium Economy will be deployed on flights to more global destinations.

Premium Economy already features on flights to nine destinations globally, including US points New York JFK, San Francisco and Houston. In addition, it features on other routes;  London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne and Singapore. Premium Economy cabins will also debut in Los Angeles in July, bringing the number of routes offering the distinctive product to 12 by the end of 2023.

In addition to the introduction of Premium Economy on the retrofitted aircraft, customers across all cabins can enjoy the refreshed interiors, which sport Emirates’ signature ghaf tree motif. The refurbishments and aesthetic enhancements that passengers can enjoy on their journeys on the retrofitted A380 aircraft include a blend of beautiful designs and new colour palettes, evident throughout the aircraft, in the carpeting, wall panels, and wood finishings.

Customers love the Emirates A380 for its spacious and comfortable cabins, quietness, and unique onboard features such as the Onboard Lounge and First Class Shower Spa. Customers can also enjoy award-winning inflight entertainment on ice with over 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment via the industry’s largest screens across all cabins.

Emirates launched its services to India in October 1985, from Dubai to Delhi and Mumbai, which formed the base of its initial route network. Since then, Emirates has grown its India operations to serve a total of nine destinations across the country, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. For more information on Emirates’ current operations, network, travel support, guidance, customer and employee safety, visit www.emirates.com

Regent Seven Seas Cruises plots 2025-2026 voyages

SINGAPORE, 15 June 2023: Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced its 2025-2026 Voyage Collection earlier this week, showcasing new itineraries and 29 maiden ports of call, with reservations opening for sale on 22 June 2023.

The cruise line will offer 164 new itineraries. Voyages will span the globe – from established favourites such as Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe to the enchantment of South America and close-to-home destinations including Australia and New Zealand, Asia, and the South Pacific.

The 2025-2026 Voyage Collection features sailings ranging from seven nights to the epic 154-night 2026 World Cruise and five Grand Voyages. Adding to the destination immersion are 124 overnight stays across the Collection in highly sought-after ports of call, such as Istanbul, Turkey; Bangkok, Thailand; and Luxor (Safaga), Egypt.

Ships sailing Asia: 2025-2026 Voyage Collection 

Seven Seas Explorer

Seven Seas Explorer will arrive in Tokyo, Japan, in October 2025 for three roundtrip before making her way to Australia and New Zealand, visiting Southeast Asia’s popular ports of call along the way, such as Shanghai, China; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bangkok, Thailand; and Jakarta, Indonesia.

On 12 January 2026, Seven Seas Explorer embarks on the 61-night Grand Asia Exploration. The journey begins in Auckland, New Zealand and ends in Tokyo, Japan, exploring a range of destinations, including three new ports of call in Australia. Additional itinerary highlights include overnight stays in Bangkok, Thailand; Osaka, Japan; and Shanghai, China, and visits to Cambodia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea. Ending 14 March, the Grand Asia Exploration can be enjoyed as four sailings of between 14 and 18 nights.

Seven Seas Explorer sails four more increasingly popular Tokyo roundtrips in March and April 2026, heading back to Vancouver, Canada, on a 17-night voyage starting 3 May 2026.

Seven Seas Mariner

During the 2025-2026 Voyage Collection, Seven Sea Mariner offers two Grand Voyages, plus the 2026 World Cruise.

On 10 January 2026, Seven Seas Mariner will embark on The Sense of Adventure – Regent’s 2026 World Cruise. The 154-night round trip to Miami will cover 39,911 nautical miles and 41 countries across six continents, with 77 ports of call and 16 overnight stays. Highlights include access to 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 420 included shore excursions, and ports of call in some of the world’s most desirable locales: Papeete, Tahiti; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Nosy Be, Madagascar; and Hamilton, Bermuda.

Seven Seas Navigator

In December 2025, Seven Seas Navigator will explore the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. From 22 February 2026, she will make two roundtrip cruises to Papeete, French Polynesia, including overnight stays on  Bora Bora. The roundtrip sailings are sandwiched between open-jaw itineraries to and from Papeete and Auckland, New Zealand, which also visit Fiji and Samoa island nations.

The ship closes out her 2025-2026 Voyage Collection, spending April and May returning to the Mediterranean, with four sailings of between 14 and 20 nights, to Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East.