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Rainforest World Music Festival countdown begins 

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 22 MAY 2025: The countdown begins for the 28th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), transforming the Sarawak Cultural Village into a global celebration of rhythm and unity. 

The Rainforest World Music Festival 2025 in Sarawak will be held from 20 to 22 June 2025.

Now in festival countdown mode, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) hosted a Sponsors’ Appreciation Day last week at the Imperial Hotel Kuching, highlighting 15 key sponsors from different sectors.

The appreciation event brought together RWMF’s invaluable ecosystem of collaborators — from aviation and media to beverage, hospitality, and finance — whose collective commitment has helped RWMF evolve into one of the world’s most iconic and eco-conscious music festivals.

YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak, Sarawak Tourism Board’s Board of Directors, and STB’s Chief Executive Officer, Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor presided over the event.

As anticipation for RWMF 2025, themed “Connections: One Earth, One Love,” builds up, the Sponsors’ Appreciation Day served as a meaningful moment to recognise the connections that

make the festival’s global impact possible, from cultural diplomacy and creative synergy to climate action and community empowerment.

YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah shared: “The success of RWMF is neither built overnight nor by one entity alone. It is built by those who believe in Sarawak’s potential. It is built by our dedicated sponsors, partners, and supporters.

“The Rainforest World Music Festival has always reflected who we are – vibrant, diverse, inclusive, and future-forward. And our partners are central to that story. You help connect Sarawak to the world. You help bring the music to life. And you help to ensure that our values — sustainability, creativity, authenticity — remain at the heart of everything we do.” Puan Sharzede added.

In line with these efforts was the Sarawak Tourist Guides Association’s (SkTGA) official Responsible Tourism Proclamation, a landmark initiative reinforcing Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability, cultural preservation, and ethical guiding practices. The proclamation aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Sarawak Government’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, amplifying the tourism sector’s role in building inclusive and regenerative growth.

This year, STB proudly recognises several top-tier partners whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the festival’s reach and experience:

With MAG returning as the Official Airline Partner, getting to Kuching has never been easier. Enjoy exclusive flight discounts from Malaysia Airlines and Firefly using the following promo codes:

• Use promo code MHRWMF25 (Malaysia Airlines) or FYRWMF25 (Firefly).
• Booking period: 12 March – 22 June 2025.
• Travel period: 14 – 29 June 2025.

From immersive workshops and international showcases to The Green Ruai’s sustainability activations, RWMF 2025 promises its most inclusive and environmentally aligned edition yet. With over 200 performers from 20 countries, including headliners Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al McKay (USA), Otyken (Russia), and Sarawak’s very own At Adau.

The list of sponsors for Rainforest World Music Festival 2025:

For more information on Sarawak and its tourism, visit Sarawak Tourism Board 

For information on the Rainforest World Music Festival, visit Rainforest World Music Festival

Ayana Komodo names Lovotti as GM

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 May 2025: Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach has appointed Jean Philippe Lovotti as its new general manager in a move by AYANA Hospitality to accelerate its sustainability initiatives.

With over 25 years of global hospitality experience, Lovotti has a track record of leadership in luxury and upscale hotels across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. The appointment places Komodo National Park on the global map of luxury nature tourism. 

Jean Philippe Lovotti GM Ayana Komodo.

Before joining Ayana Komodo, he was the general manager of Caravelle Saigon, where he led a transformative multi-phase renovation that modernised the historic property while maintaining full operations. 

Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles with AccorHotels, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, and the Leading Hotels of the World hospitality group, overseeing flagship properties across Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and Europe.

Located on the shores of Labuan Bajo in East Indonesia, Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach is the premier luxury gateway to the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park. The five-star resort features 205 ocean-facing rooms and suites, seven signature dining venues, and access to Ayana Cruises, a fleet of five vessels including the flagship 54-meter Lako D’ia. Guests enjoy immersive experiences from marine conservation activities and sailing adventures to wellness programmes inspired by local traditions.

Minacia taps Sabre’s travel agency network

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 MAY 2025: Sabre Hospitality has inked a new agreement with the hospitality brand Minacia Co Ltd, strengthening Sabre Hospitality’s presence in the Japanese market.

Under the agreement, Minacia will list its hotel inventory on Global Distribution Systems (GDSs), including Sabre’s global travel marketplace, as well as connect to Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) through Sabre Hospitality’s Channel Connect, making its properties easily bookable worldwide.  

Minacia operates 38 hotels across major Japanese cities.

Minacia operates 38 hotels across major Japanese cities, including the Hotel Wing International brand and Tenza Hotels, and has plans to expand further.  

“Since opening our first Hotel Wing in 1990, we have been expanding our hotel and restaurant business nationwide, evolving our unique concept of a synergy between food and lodging,” said Minacia CEO Kaz Shimojima. 

Minacia joins a growing number of hospitality brands in Japan that have chosen Sabre Hospitality’s reservation and distribution technology to grow their business.  

“We’re proud to support Minacia’s growth strategy,” said Sabre Hospitality Senior Vice President, Global Managing Director of Community Sales Frank Trampert. “By choosing our GDS and Channel Connect solutions, Minacia is well-positioned to reach new customers and offer seamless booking experiences to travel agents and travellers globally.”  

Airlines resume Tel Aviv services

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 MAY 2025: Delta resumed daily nonstop service on 20 May to Tel Aviv (TLV) Israel from New York-JFK, operating the route on an Airbus A330-900neo, the airline confirmed in a press advisory. 

The airline’s decision to resume the route on 20 May, which was temporarily suspended in response to ongoing conflict in the region, followed an extensive security risk assessment.  

Photo credit: Delta.

Delta said it continuously monitored the evolving security environment and assessed operations based on security guidance and intelligence reports. 

Airlines that have resumed services to Tel Aviv

Based on the latest available information 20 May 2025, here’s the list of the airlines that have recently resumed or are currently flying to Tel Aviv:

Delta Air Lines: Resumed daily nonstop flights from New York’s JFK as of 20 May.

Wizz Air: Announced its return to Israel starting 15 May.

Aegean Airlines: Announced resumption of flights starting 19 May.

Air Europa: Announced the return of flights starting 11 May.

Azerbaijan Airlines: Announced flights resumed starting 7 May.

KLM: Announces resumption of flights starting 1 June 2025.

Airlines extending flight suspensions

Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings): Extended flight suspensions until 8 June 2025.

Ryanair: Extended suspension until 4 June  2025.

LOT Polish Airlines: Suspended through 25 May  2025.

Iberia Express: Suspended through 31 May  2025.

Air Canada: Postponed its return until 8 September  2025.

Transavia: Suspended through 24 May  2025.

AirBaltic: Suspended through 8 June  2025.

Given the fluid nature of the situation, check directly with the specific airline for the most up-to-date information on flight status and any travel advisories before making travel plans.

C9 Hotelworks measures Thailand’s wellness

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 22 MAY 2025: Thailand’s wellness economy has entered a period of rapid expansion, with the market reaching a value of THB1.4 trillion (USD39.2 billion) in 2023, according to the newly released Thailand Wellness Economy Report 2025 by C9 Hotelworks. 

The surge is most visible in the wellness tourism sector, where total trip expenditures more than doubled year-on-year, from THB194 billion (USD5.43 billion) in 2022 to THB419 billion (USD11.73 billion) in 2023. 

Photo credit: C9 Hotelworks. Thailand’s wellness scores a healthy outlook.

This increase is primarily attributed to international travellers, whose share of wellness-related trips rose from 23% to 40%.

The report emphasises that wellness in Thailand is evolving beyond spas and retreats, becoming embedded in daily lifestyle choices, from diet and fashion to travel and accommodation. Key market segments include tourism (30%), nutrition and weight management (22%), aesthetics and beauty (17%), traditional and complementary medicine (9%), and fitness (8%).
To download and read C9 Hotelworks Thailand Wellness Economy Report 2025 CLICK

Bali joins Global Tourism Plastic Initiative

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TTR WEEKLY
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DENPASAR, BALI, 22 MAY 2025: Bali Hotels Association has become a signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, led by the United Nations Environment Programme and World Tourism Organisation, in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

The Global Tourism Plastics Initiative unites the tourism sector behind a common vision to address the root causes of plastic pollution. It enables businesses and governments to take concerted action, leading by example in the shift towards circularity in the use of plastics.

BHA Head of Sustainability John TG Nielsen with BHA Chairman Franklyn Kocek

As a signatory of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, Bali Hotels Association pledges to eliminate, innovate and circulate its use of plastics. 

By 2025, Bali Hotels Association commits to the following:

  • Align plastic reduction strategies of member hotels with the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, promoting circularity through culturally rooted practices.
  • Support member hotels in identifying and engaging local suppliers offering sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
  • Promote the adoption of reuse models and circular solutions by providing guidance and technical support to members.
  • Encourage and facilitate community engagement through expanded Banjar Green Days and collaborative local initiatives.
  • Inspire guest participation by equipping member hotels with tools and messaging to promote shared responsibility in reducing plastic waste.

“Bali as a destination holds a unique aspect due to the Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy,” says  BHA Head of Sustainability John Nielsen. “It’s a holistic approach that guides how people, especially in Bali, live in harmony with the world around them. Our 167-member hotels and resorts, representing more than 26,454 hotel rooms and nearly 31,897 employees, adopt Tri Hita Karana as a framework for sustainable operations — integrating spiritual, social, and environmental values. Our approach to sustainability is rooted in Tri Hita Karana — the Balinese philosophy of balance between people, planet, and spirit. It guides everything we do, from our sourcing practices to our community relationships and environmental stewardship. This initiative also complements and reinforces the Bali Government’s Bali Waste Cleanup Movement, which launched in April.”

Singapore hosts Halal in Travel Summit

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 MAY 2025: The Halal In Travel Global Summit 2025 is set to return, bringing together industry pioneers, policymakers, and travel stakeholders to redefine the Muslim travel market. 

As the Halal tourism sector grows, this year’s theme, “Halal Travel 360: Innovation, Experience, and Responsibility,” underscores the need for a holistic, tech-driven, and sustainable approach to catering to Muslim travellers worldwide.

Organised by CrescentRating & HalalTrip, HITGS 2025 will once again serve as a thought leadership platform for experts from National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), hospitality brands, travel platforms, and policymakers to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in Halal travel.

Taking place from 1O to 12 June  2025, the summit will kick off with two days of virtual sessions, leading up to an in-person event in Singapore on the final day. 

The grand finale on 12 June 1 will feature the much-anticipated unveiling of the 10th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), the inaugural of the Content Creator Tank (CCT), the recognition of the HalalTrip 40 2025 achievers, and the 4th Halal In Travel Awards ceremony. The GMTI 2025 report, backed by comprehensive data and analytics, will equip stakeholders worldwide with strategic insights to navigate the next growth phase in the Muslim travel market.

The Halal In Travel (HIT) Awards 2025

Returning for its fourth edition, the Halal In Travel (HIT) Awards will honour destinations, service providers, and individuals excelling in Muslim-friendly travel. Recognitions include the GMTI Awards for top destinations, Muslim-Friendly Service Provider Awards, HalalTrip Travellers’ Choice Awards, and Halal Travel Personalities of the Year. As the Muslim travel market expands, these awards set a benchmark for excellence, inspiring the industry to enhance Halal-friendly experiences worldwide.

The Content Creator Tank

New to HITGS 2025, the Content Creator Tank (CCT) is an exciting initiative designed to bridge the gap between aspiring content creators and Muslim-friendly destinations. This platform provides a unique opportunity for travel influencers, video bloggers (vloggers), and digital storytellers to pitch their creative ideas and collaborate with destinations looking to enhance their Halal tourism appeal. CCT aims to foster fresh narratives in Muslim travel, inspiring destinations to showcase their offerings through authentic, high-quality content that resonates with modern Muslim travellers. By empowering rising creators, the initiative not only enriches the Halal travel space but also strengthens engagement between brands, destinations, and global Muslim audiences.

The HalalTrip 40 2025

The HalalTrip 40 (HT40) returns for its fifth edition at HITGS 2025, celebrating 40 influential Muslims who have made remarkable contributions across travel, media, entrepreneurship, and community development. These inspiring individuals are recognised in four categories: Trailblazers, who pioneer new frontiers; Advocates, dedicated to social impact and inclusivity; Inspirers, whose stories and achievements uplift communities; and Creators, who drive meaningful engagement through content and innovation. 

“As the global travel landscape evolves, it is imperative that the Halal travel industry adapts, innovates, and commits to responsible tourism,” said CrescentRating & HalalTrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen. “HITGS 2025 is not just a summit; it’s a movement to elevate Muslim-friendly travel into the mainstream, ensuring that destinations, service providers, and travellers are empowered with the right tools and insights.”

For more information visit: https://events.crescentrating.com/HalalInTravelGlobalSummit2025

Best Western Plus debuts in Danang

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 21 MAY 2025: BWH Hotels (BWH), a leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, announced this week the addition of ASpaces Riverside Danang as a Best Western Plus hotel, adding to its rapidly growing portfolio in Vietnam. 

BWH is committed to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across Vietnam, where it currently operates several hotels and resorts and has many more in the pipeline.

Situated in downtown Danang, just steps from the Han River, Best Western Plus ASpaces Riverside Danang is a modern urban hotel with the ambience of an upscale resort, featuring spectacular views and outstanding amenities such as a rooftop pool, sky bar, and an in-house craft brewery. The 136 rooms are ideal for today’s travellers, with plenty of home comforts, fast connectivity and views of the city, river, and beach from the upper floors. A fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling windows offers invigorating workouts and panoramic vistas.

The stylish restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with international and local Vietnamese flavours, and The Pilot Craft Beer Brewery lets guests savour fresh, high-quality craft beer – brewed onsite! Stepping up to the roof, visitors can take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool and sip cool cocktails at Aspaces Skybar, overlooking the ocean.

With its prime location opposite APAC Park, Best Western Plus ASpaces Riverside Danang will give guests a front-row seat to the annual Danang International Fireworks Festival while also putting them on the doorstep of landmarks such as Dragon Bridge, the Museum of Cham Sculpture, Bach Dang Pedestrian Street, and Son Tra Night Market. My Khe Beach and Sun World Asia Park are just a short distance away, and curious explorers can head out and discover the wonders of Central Vietnam, such as the Ba Na Hills, the Marble Mountains, and Hoi An Ancient Town.

“Danang is one of Asia’s most compelling destinations; dynamic for business, relaxing for families, exciting for couples, and easily accessible from all across Asia,” said Olivier Berrivin, Vice President – APAC, BWH Hotels. “With its prime location, eye-catching interiors, 360-degree views, and impressive facilities – including a craft brewery and rooftop pool deck – Best Western Plus ASpaces Riverside Danang will let every traveller, including our Best Western Rewards® members, experience a new era of contemporary hospitality.”

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com and worldhotels.com.  

International yachts set course for Sabah

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 21 MAY 2025: Kota Belud, known as the Land of the Cowboys of the East, is making its debut as a stopover in this year’s Sail Malaysia Passage to the East, offering a fresh perspective for sailors exploring rural charm and cultural depth.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Kota Belud’s inclusion is a fitting addition to the rally as the district is known for its strong Bajau heritage, horse riding tradition and growing reputation in community-based tourism.

The annual yacht rally, which began in April, will arrive in Sabah this July with over 31 yachts and 70 participants from 15 countries scheduled to explore coastal and inland attractions from 18 July to 1 September.

New participating countries include Lebanon, Turkey, Kuwait, Tunisia, and India, reflecting the growing global interest in Malaysia’s sailing route and Sabah’s diverse tourism offerings.

Joniston, who serves as patron of Sail Malaysia Borneo, said the rally helps promote Sabah to international travellers and strengthens its position as a culture, adventure and nature destination.

He added that the inclusion of new countries and destinations like Kota Belud is a promising sign as Sabah builds momentum toward Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Sabah’s growing popularity as a yachting destination is also supported by ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, with several new berthing areas, including in Tuaran, being identified to cater to increasing interest from international sailors

Joniston encouraged organisers to enhance collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board to further promote the Sabah leg as a key highlight of the entire rally.

Joniston recently chaired a Sail Malaysia coordination meeting attended by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and key tourism stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and safety throughout the Sabah segment.

Sail Malaysia Managing Director Sazli Kamal Basha said the rally follows the familiar eastern route starting in Langkawi, with Sabah stops including Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kudat, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna.

He noted that participants will also have the rare opportunity to sail inland along the Kinabatangan River, one of Sabah’s most iconic wildlife corridors, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.

Sazli said many sailors are drawn to Sabah for its natural beauty, safe harbours, and the warm welcome local communities offer.

Website: www.sabahtourism.com

Minor names team leaders in North Thailand

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 21 MAY 2025: Minor Hotels announces senior leadership appointments for its Anantara-branded resorts in Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle area in Chiang Rai.

Arnaud Béril, General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, expands his purview to include Anantara Chiang Mai Resort as Cluster General Manager of both resorts, and Jean-Marc Pougnet, Resort Manager at Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, moves north to become General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle.

Arnaud Béril, Cluster General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort and Anantara Chiang Mai Resort (left) and Jean-Marc Pougnet, General Manager of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort (right).

Arnaud Béril elevated to Cluster General Manager, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort and Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, returns to Anantara Chiang Mai, where he was Food & Beverage Manager in 2015 and will oversee both northern Thailand Anantara properties. He joined Minor Hotels as an intern in 2010, rising through the ranks to hold several senior operations roles across the group’s properties across Thailand, including Koh Phangan, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Chiang Rai. In 2022, he moved to Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort as Resort Manager and became General Manager a year later.

Jean-Marc Pougnet’s promotion to General Manager at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort marks his return to his first property with Minor Hotels and his first General Manager role. After moving to Chiang Rai, Thailand, in 2013, he joined Anantara Golden Triangle in 2018 as Food & Beverage Manager and was later promoted to Director of Food & Beverage. He moved to Avani+ Khao Lak Resort in 2021 to set up its F&B department. For the past two years, Jean-Marc has served as Resort Manager at Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, leading the team of over 300 members at the 327-key property.

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