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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.

Melaka hosts ASEAN tourism meetings

AYER KEROH, Malaysia, 15 June 2023: Tourism Malaysia has successfully organised the ASEAN Tourism Crisis Communication (ATCC) Forum and the 3rd ASEAN Crisis Communication Team (ATCCT) Special Meeting from 12 to 14 June 2023. 

And for the first time, Ayer Keroh, Melaka, was chosen to host this ASEAN programme. Around 50 delegates from national tourism organisations (NTOs) across ASEAN countries attended the forum that aimed to identify the best communication methods and strategies to overcome crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Representatives from ASEAN non-member states such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, Russia and Timor Leste were invited to participate in the ATCC Forum.

With the cooperation and support from the YAB Chief Minister of Melaka, the Melaka State Tourism Exco as well as Tourism Melaka, the forum was also attended by The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), National Security Council (MKN), Information Department, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several other Malaysian government agencies.

The forum, which lasted for two days, highlighted the sharing of experiences and areas of improvement that need to be given greater attention within the ASEAN region to ensure that stakeholders in the tourism industry and support components for this industry react precisely and accurately during crises.

Following that event, the 3rd Special Meeting was held for only ASEAN Member States to discuss the roles and responsibilities of ATCCT further and to deliberate regarding the revision of the ASEAN Tourism Crisis Communication Manual, which was last updated in 2018.

Tourism Malaysia also organised a dinner on 12 June 2023 to welcome all delegations. It was hosted by YBhg. Dato’ Dr Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and other special guests from the Melaka State Government.

In support of Visit Melaka Year 2024, the AMS delegates were also taken to visit various tourist attractions such as Melaka Heritage Trail around the historical sites in Bandar Hilir, Kampung Morten, Melaka River Cruise, and the newly revamped Mini Malaysia Park, now known as Malaysia Heritage Studios.

Hotel JAL City makes its debut in Bangkok

TOKYO Japan, 15 June 2023: Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co Ltd, confirmed this week that Hotel JAL City Bangkok would open on 3 July following a three-year delay.

The property was scheduled to open in May 2020, a plan hindered by the Covid-19  pandemic and extended travel lockdowns. Recognising travel demand is recovering, and Japanese travellers are once more visiting Thailand, the hotel’s management will open for reservations starting 16 June.

From left to right: Grand Tower Enterprise Co Ltd Board of Director Committee, Hudsadin Eamsherangkul / Grand Tower Enterprise Co Ltd Managing Director,  Pattama Yoshimura / Grand Tower Enterprise Co Ltd Board of Director Committee; Wisit Eamsherangkul / Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co Ltd President and Representative Director,  Kikuhiko Okura / Grand Tower Enterprise Co Ltd Board of Director Committee, Pipat Eamsherangkoon / Hotel Nikko Bangkok and Hotel JAL City Bangkok General Manager Tadashi Kitahara.

Earlier this week, Kikuhiko Okura, president of Okura Nikko Hotel Management, the hotel operator, and Wisit Eamsherangkul, director of the Board Committee, Grand Tower Enterprise, the hotel owner, announced the reopening plans and the opening date.

Hotel JAL City Bangkok is adjacent to Hotel Nikko Bangkok, which opened in January 2019. Thonglor BTS Skytrain station is just a three-minute walk away.

Thonglor is an area extending north and south from Soi Sukhumvit 55, commonly known as Thonglor Road, in the Wattana district of central Bangkok.

The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre and Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, along with multinational restaurants, bars, community malls and international hospitals, are located nearby, making it a prime location for business and leisure.

The 16-floor Hotel JAL City Bangkok comprises 324 rooms, a 148-seat restaurant and three meeting rooms (232 sqm, 75 sqm & 23 sqm).

About Hotel Okura Co Ltd

Hotel Okura Co Ltd, founded in 1958, opened its flagship Hotel Okura Tokyo in 1962 as a first-class hotel that quickly became renowned worldwide for blending traditional Japanese beauty with the best in accommodation, cuisine and service. It closed its doors in August 2015 and, after a four-year remake, reopened as The Okura Tokyo in September 2019.

CX sets fares for Christchurch relaunch

HONG KONG, 15 June 2023: Cathay Pacific resumes its seasonal direct flight from Hong Kong to Christchurch this December after the flight paused on 28 February 2020 during the initial Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.

First reported by Christchurch City Council Newsline, the airline will initially serve the route Hong Kong – Christchurch with three weekly flights scheduled from 16 December 2023 to 29 February 2024. Flights will depart Hong Kong on Monday, Thursday and Sunday.

Photo credit: Cathay Pacific. Christchurch bound this December.

Ticket sales for the service are already open on the Cathay Pacific website https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_NZ.html. Fares start at HKD23,022 one-way. The direct flight of around 11 hours and 15 minutes will be operated by the airline’s A350-900 aircraft configured with three cabin categories economy, premium economy, and business class.

CX123 will depart Hong Kong at 2105 and arrive in Christchurch at 1320 on the following day. The return flight will depart Christchurch at 1450 and arrive in Hong Kong at 2120.

Photo Credit: Cathay Pacific. Christchurch is back in the CX network.

The City Council’s Newsline quoted Cathay Pacific’s acting regional head of Southwest Pacific, Sandeep Pillay, saying it was great news for those in the region and the airline.

“Cathay Pacific has been flying to New Zealand for 40 years, and we are proud to return to Christchurch. Resuming our non-stop Christchurch to Hong Kong service is a significant milestone in rebuilding Cathay Pacific’s connectivity,” said Pillay.

Cathay Pacific already flies to Auckland, New Zealand, three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, departing Hong Kong at 2110 and arriving in Auckland at 1155 the following morning.

(Source Newsline https://newsline.ccc.govt.nz/)

SQ goes four daily to Hong Kong

SINGAPORE, 15 June 2023: Singapore Airlines will add its fourth daily flight to Hong Kong on 1 July, bringing forward the launch date by one month as travel demand recovers.

The airline plans to eventually reinstate six daily departures on the Singapore – Hong Kong route, possibly by the year-end, to match the frequencies offered pre-Covid-19 pandemic.

Timetable information FlightsFrom. 4th flight was brought forward to 1 July, initially scheduled for 1 Aug.

Effective 1 July, the airline will add the fourth daily flight, SQ894, departing Singapore at 1305 and arriving in Hong Kong at 1705. The return flight (SQ895) will depart Hong Kong at 1805 and arrive in Singapore at 2240. The fourth daily flight will use a Boeing 777-300ER configured with four First Class seats, 48 Business Class, 28 Premium Economy and 184 Economy Class. Flight time is four hours and 15 minutes.

The other three daily flights are:

SQ874 departing Singapore 0725, arriving in Hong Kong at 1120 (A350-900);

SQ892 departing Singapore 0940, arriving in Hong Kong at 1355 (A380-800 on Friday, B777-300 on remaining six days);

SQ898 departing Singapore 1955, arriving in Hong Kong at 2350 (A350-900).

(Source SQ timetable)

Peru takes home gold at Chinese Awards

SINGAPORE, 14 June 2023: Peru was awarded gold at the Chinese Tourist Welcome (CTW) awards ceremony in Guangzhou recently.

The prize rewards the efforts of the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ) to attract high-spending Chinese travellers, mainly the segment of independent travellers.

Chinese influencers visiting Machupicchu (Photo: PROMPERÚ).

Peru maintained focus in this important market during the pandemic and opted for long-term destination positioning work, especially through digital video platforms that appeal to Chinese travellers.

As a result, two projects developed by PROMPERÚ obtained recognition from the CTW awards: the 2021 Chinese New Year Campaign and the Alpaca WeChat Livestream carried out the same year.

The New Year Campaign (‘My Memories of Peru’) promoted the regions of Lima, Ica, Loreto, Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. This campaign was launched for the post-pandemic Chinese travellers, motivating their future trips while reinforcing ties of trust and sending a message that Chinese tourists are always welcome in Peru.

The Alpaca WeChat Livestream was broadcasted from Cusco through Tencent WeChat, PROMPERÚ WeChat and Zhejiang OTV platforms and lasted 04 hours. The Chinese audience enjoyed the Andean sunrise, the impressive landscapes of Pacchanta and the Sacred Valley, where alpacas and llamas were grazing freely, with the snow-capped Ausangate as a magnificent backdrop. The richness of the ancient Andean culture and the diversity of Peruvian superfoods, such as quinoa, chia and native potatoes, were also showcased.

CTW Awards

The CTW Award is organised by COTRI China Outbound Tourism Research Institute since 2004. COTRI is a recognised institution in China and worldwide related to the Chinese outbound travel market.

(Source: BusinessWire)