DUBAI, UAE, 3 May 2023: Europe maintains its lead as the most desired destination for UAE travellers in 2023, according to a widescale survey conducted by dnata Travel, the UAE’s leading travel provider.
Sharing insights, travel plans and preferences, 43% of survey respondents expressed the desire to travel to Europe for their next holiday, followed by the Indian Ocean islands (20%). The most popular countries on travellers’ bucket lists include Switzerland, the Maldives and Turkey.
A majority, 28% of respondents, plan to book leisure travel two to six months in advance, compared to days or weeks in previous years. Travellers also book more extensive holiday packages, with 37% of travellers adding ‘all-inclusive’ as part of an ideal travel package in 2023.
Most respondents plan to travel in July 2023, while other travel peaks expected this year include April, June, August and December.
Dnata Travel head of retail and leisure Meerah Ketait commented: “We conducted our latest survey in high demand, with every expectation that this will continue to grow. Locations like Europe are popular for their diverse landscapes, from a modern or historic city break to a beach escape or an island retreat. Experiences focused on wellness and nature are also trending for travellers in 2023.
Based on the survey results and overall booking trends, dnata Travel experts are sourcing a wider range of extensive holiday packages for 2023, working with its partners worldwide. For example, Club Med’s premium all-inclusive ‘summer mountain’ offering in Europe will form a focus for the team this summer, alongside its beach resorts in Turkey and beyond.
Dnata Travel’s survey was conducted in Q1 2023, with thousands of UAE travellers.
SINGAPORE, 2 May 2023:Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 56-year history of breaking boundaries, is counting down to its much-awaited return to sailing in Asia after more than three years when the newly revitalised Norwegian Jewel makes her grand return to Tokyo on 19 October 2023, and Singapore on 11 November 2023.
“After more than three years, we’re counting down to our return to Asia cruising once again!” said Ben Angell, NCL VP and Managing Director, APAC. “We know our guests can’t wait to explore closer to home, and as a smaller ship, Norwegian Jewel is the perfect size to explore Asia’s lesser-known ports while offering all the features we know local cruisers love, from showstopping musical acts and entertainment to a myriad of dining options that would delight any palette.”
Norwegian Jewel’s extensive six-month Asia season will offer 16 immersive, port-rich itineraries visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia. With cruises ranging in length from 10-14 days, the season features several brand firsts: NCL’s first departures from Manila, Philippines and Seoul (Incheon), South Korea, as well as six new ports of call:
Manila, Boracay, Palawan and Salomague, Philippines
Bintan Island, Indonesia
Hualien, Taiwan
A focus on destination immersion means guests will enjoy country-intensive cruises that uncover the wonders of trending destinations like Korea, Indonesia and Japan; open-jaw itineraries that allow cruisers to book-end their trip with land tours; together with fewer sea days, longer stays in port and more overnights. Boasting an average of less than two sea days per sailing, up to 13.5 hours in destinations like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as well as extended overnight stays in places that come alive at night, such as Phuket, Osaka and Bali (Benoa) – Norwegian Jewel provides the ultimate way to explore diverse cultures closer to home.
Beauty beach and limestone rocks, focus on the boatsAerial view of Puka beach in Boracay Island, Western Visayas, Philippines.
About Norwegian Jewel
With a capacity for 2,376 guests, Norwegian Jewel boasts 13 bars and 15 dining options, including three Asian restaurants: Sushi, Teppanyaki and Chin Chin, where friendly wait staff serve up freshly prepared noodles and wok-fried dishes. Guests can get active on the sports court for a basketball game or indulge in wellness at Mandara Spa and Thermal Suite, complete with Thalasso Therapy Pool, steam room and sauna. Showstopping entertainment includes Rock You Tonight, a high-energy production showcasing music from rock icons Queen, Journey and The Who.
The newly revitalised ship boasts completely refreshed accommodations, including staterooms, suites and bathrooms throughout, for the ultimate home away from home. And those with a taste for the finer things in life will fall in love with The Haven by Norwegian®. Located at the top of the ship, The Haven houses NCL’s most elevated suites and villas accommodating up to eight people, complete with a concierge and 24-hour butler service, a private sundeck and a pool exclusively for guests of The Haven.
For a limited time, NCL is offering incredible savings of up to 35% across the season.
Asia season highlights:
An 11-dayAsia: Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam cruise from Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia to Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand via nine destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Sihanoukville in Cambodia and Ko Samui in Thailand. Departing 11 December 2023, fares start from USD$1,366*.
An 11-dayAsia: Osaka, Kochi, Nagoya & Himeji cruise from Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan to Tokyo, Japan, with no sea days. 11 ports of call include Okinawa, Mt Fuji (Shimizu) and an overnight stay in Kyoto (Osaka). Departing 29 February 2024, fares start from USD$1,849.
An 11-dayAsia: Thailand, Vietnam & Malaysia cruise from Singapore to Bangkok (Laem Chabang) via Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia as well as Phuket and Ko Samui in Thailand. Departing 5 January 2024, fares start from USD$1,689.
For more information or to book a cruise with NCL, contact a travel professional; call NCL in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com.
DUBAI, 3 May 2023: Emirates, the Official Airline of the 2023 Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now in its 30th edition, receives royals to its ATM stand.
Emirates executives welcomed His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE to its stand, during the region’s largest travel and tourism trade event.
Earlier 1 May, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council and President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, visited the Emirates stand.
Their Highnesses were officially welcomed by Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim, who gave a tour of the airline’s highly popular Emirates premium economy seats.
The Emirates stand is located in Hall 3, stand ME3310 at ATM.
DUBAI, UAE, 3 May 2023: Dnata Travel Group, a travel services provider based in Dubai, returned to the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) this week with a stand designed to showcase the full spectrum of the far-reaching UAE travel industry in 2023.
Located in the Middle East pavilion, the dnata Travel Group’s stand has an increased capacity to welcome representatives from across global markets as its brands focus on plans to bring Dubai-based travel services closer to the world.
Dnata Travel Group brands with an enhanced presence on its stand for 2023 included Arabian Adventures, a destination management company and safari operator. Its team showcased a state-of-the-art dune buggy as part of a brand refresh. The Group’s DMC operation is looking to expand across the Middle East in 2023 as tourism to regional destinations grows, and the UAE continues to prove a top-choice location for multi-centre travel bookings to take in highlights of the region and beyond.
Dnata Travel Group CEO John Bevan commented: “Across the dnata Travel Group, the number one travel destination of choice throughout our 60-plus year history up till today, continues to be the UAE. We are proud to have supported the growth of travel to and from this part of the world. Our strategy for our local brands is to expand across the Middle East and the world, and we are delighted to welcome the global travel industry to our stand at the Arabian Travel Market 2023.”
Yalago, one of the world’s fastest-growing global leisure wholesale specialists, is expanding its teams and global accommodation inventory. Priohub, the digital B2B attractions marketplace, and Gold Medal, the largest travel consolidator in the Middle East, aim to connect with local and international customers and suppliers as part of growth plans for 2023.
Marhaba, part of dnata’s airport operations division, represents its award-winning global lounge experience at the event, alongside DUBZ powered by dnata, showcasing its increasingly popular Dubai-based home check-in, baggage delivery and other services ensuring a smoother airport experience.
Dnata Travel Management head of digital solutions Jason Hooper joined a panel organised on 3 May by Sabre under the theme ‘The Main Trends Impacting Travel in 2023 and Beyond’.
Dnata Travel, head of retail and leisure UAE Meerah Ketait, joined a panel on ‘The Success of Tourism for the UAE: 30 Years On’ on 3 May.
Meet the dnata Travel Group team at Arabian Travel Market at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 1 to 4 May 2023, at stand ME3350, next to the Emirates Airline stand.
DUBAI, 3 May 2023: The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) presented a campaign update for their vision of ‘Making Tourism More Sustainable’ to GCC travel professionals during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, held in Dubai this week.
Under the slogan, ‘Germany, simply inspiring’, GNTB is focusing on the sustainable related aspects across several tourism segments, which include:
Embrace German nature, highlighting natural landscapes and activity holidays; Historic Modern Germany, promoting cultural heritage and 51 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a spotlight on traditions and customs of rural regions. And thirdly, their Feel Good – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign emphasises how to enjoy an environmentally friendly holiday in Germany.
“We aim to make a meaningful contribution towards climate change mitigation, supporting Germany’s commitment to net zero, as well as driving increasing numbers of environmentally aware, inbound GCC tourists,” said German National Tourist GCC Office director Yamina Sofo.
“We want to present Germany as an all-year-round destination that is not only sustainable but diverse, accessible, inclusive, resilient and viable for the future,” she added.
The GCC region is now Germany’s top-performing inbound source market in Asia and Australasia, with 404,707 GCC guests generating almost 1.13 overnight stays during 2022, representing an increase of 117.6% compared with the same period in 2021.
“These figures confirm that Germany continues to be a preferred tourism destination for GCC visitors, and unspoilt nature and careful use of resources are clearly becoming increasingly important to them. We also want to encourage longer stays in order to reduce the carbon footprint per travel day,” said Sofo.
Germany boasts more than 350 spa and health resorts, and the GNTB is focusing on the sustainability-related aspects of health tourism. These include preserving traditional treatment methods, location-specific treatments and remedies as drivers of regional prosperity, and examples of sustainable energy management.
There is also growing interest in low-impact tourism supporting climate goals and making tourism more resilient. More than one-third of Germany’s land area is under special protection as a nature park or national park, it has around 200,000km of walking trails and 70,000km of long-distance cycle routes. There has also been a resurgence of interest in traditional lifestyles in rural regions, further bolstering Germany’s image as a sustainable travel destination.
In addition, Germany boasts 51 World Heritage sites, and over 6,000 museums, offering a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance.
The GNTB’s focus on sustainability provides synergy with the official ATM 2023 theme – ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. In addition, Dubai will be the host for COP28 this year, and outbound tour operators and travel agents will no doubt have sustainable travel at the top of their agendas.
Participants at Germany’s stand this year included Baden-Baden Tourism Board, Düsseldorf Airport, Düsseldorf Tourism Board, Elinor Travel Germany, Frankfurt Airport VIP-Services, Frankfurt Tourism Board, Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection, Hotel Palace Berlin, Ingolstadt Village and Wertheim Village, International Office am Klinikum Solingen GmbH, The Wellem – part of the unbound collection by Hyatt, Wiesbaden Tourism and visitBerlin.
Ho Chi Minh City, 3 May 2023: Vietjet will increase flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Melbourne and Sydney from three weekly to four weekly return flights starting this September.
Flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Melbourne will increase to four weekly return flights per week from 17 September. Flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday taking off at 1055 and landing at 2235 pm (local time). The return flights from Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City, operating every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, take off at 1230 am and land at 0630 (local time).
The Ho Chi Minh City – Sydney route will also have four weekly return flights from 18 September. The flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday will take off at 1930 and land at 0720 (local time). The flights from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday will take off at 1115 and land at 1630 (local time).
Customers can grab USD zero tickets on routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne/Sydney/Brisbane every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday until 25 October 2023. The first-ever direct flight connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Brisbane will also be launched in June 2023.
DUBAI, 3 May 2023: Tourism Malaysia steps up promotional activities to attract visitors from the Middle East during its sale mission to the Arabian Travel Market this week.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan led the Malaysian delegation to participate again in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai from 1 to 4 May 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
On 2 and 3 May 2023, the minister witnessed the signing of two Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) between Tourism Malaysia and Saudia Airlines and Tourism Malaysia with Air Arabia. This MOC will benefit the Malaysian economy and strengthen economic ties through the tourism industry between Malaysia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The four-day ATM offers Malaysia a platform to market and promote the latest attractions and destinations for shopping, family fun, eco-adventure, honeymoon, luxury holidays, and safe travel destinations.
ATM 2023 also marks the 29th anniversary of Malaysia’s participation in this event, which is a strong testimony to the country’s support of the event and its commitment to attracting more Middle Eastern tourists to Malaysia.
As in previous years, this annual event sees the participation of a Malaysian delegation from 76 organisations comprising hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism products owners, and representatives from various state governments, including Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Penang Global Tourism, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Melaka, Tourism Pahang, and Tourism Johor.
The mission aims to reinstate and enhance the commitment to establishing good tourism cooperation, engaging in future collaborations, and cooperation with the travel and tourism industry in the region.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, commented during the launch: “We are confident that we will achieve our target to put Malaysia as the top destination for Muslim travellers”.
Throughout the event, the Malaysian delegation is scheduled to meet up with the top management of a few Middle Eastern airlines, such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Saudia Airlines, Air Arabia, Oman Air and Salam Air, to discuss future collaborations, having several interviews with the local media.
Since its full reopening of international borders, Malaysia has recorded 10,070,964 tourist arrivals and MYR28.2 billion (AED 23.5 billion) in tourist receipts in 2022, surpassing its initial target of 9.2 million international tourist arrivals. In 2023, Malaysia is targeting to welcome 16.1 million international tourist arrivals (300,000 tourists from West Asia) and generate MYR49.2 billion (AED 41.1 billion) in tourist receipts. In 2022, Malaysia recorded 88,534 tourist arrivals from the Middle East.
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 May 2023: International passenger demand remained solid during March 2023, driven by the robust recovery in leisure and business travel in Asia and globally, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines’ latest traffic data released last week.
The easing of travel restrictions and strong travel appetite led to a 494.6% year-on-year increase in the number of international passengers carried, which added up to 19.8 million altogether in March. As a percentage of pre-pandemic 2019 levels, demand averaged 61.0%. Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK) for the month rose by 354.6% year-on-year, underscoring the relative strength of regional travel markets. A comparatively slower 190.9% expansion in available seat capacity led to a 29.7 percentage point jump in the international passenger load factor to 82.5% for the month, higher than pre-pandemic levels.
On the other hand, the prevailing weakness in global trade continued to dampen demand for air shipments. As a result, the region’s carriers recorded a 10.9% year-on-year decline in international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK). Offered freight capacity remained relatively stable, with a 0.2% year-on-year decline, supported by the ongoing restoration of belly-hold capacity on passenger flights. As a result, the average international freight load factor declined by 7.5 percentage points to an average of 63.2% for the month.
Commenting on the results, AAPA director general Subhas Menon said: “Asia Pacific airlines carried 54 million international passengers in the first quarter of 2023, well over six times the 8 million passengers recorded in the same period last year. Demand continues to be robust as travel restrictions are lifted across the region.
“However, air cargo markets declined by 13.1% during the same period, reflecting weakness in consumer demand amidst general inflationary pressures and rising economic uncertainty.”
Looking ahead, Menon commented: “Despite a more subdued global economic outlook, international passenger markets remain buoyant, as the rebuilding of travel confidence and return to face-to-face business meetings continue apace.
“Asia Pacific carriers expect to see strong revenue growth this year even though increasing cost pressures, led by persistently high fuel prices, would erode the earnings margins. Asia Pacific carriers continue to focus on cost efficiencies whilst restoring flights to destinations in a bid to improve profitability,” he concluded.
SINGAPORE, 2 May 2023: AIDA Cruises has assigned three ships to make calls at the Baltic Sea’s Kiel Fjord, starting with AIDAluna, which arrived in Kiel in mid-April.
The three ships – AIDAluna, AIDAbella AIDAnova – are expected to call at the Kiel Fjord 64 times during the 2023 summer season. The last call of the season will be on 4 November 4 with AIDAnova, the largest ship visiting the seaport of Kiel this summer, starting with the season’s inaugural cruise on 29 April.
Photo credit: AIDA Cruises
During the nearly seven-month season, guests can choose from different cruises departing from the Schleswig-Holstein state capital in Germany. AIDA’s Baltic Sea, Norway Fjords and the Arctic Circle cruises offer short breaks of three, four and five-day of sailing and exploration.
On the three-day cruises in May and September 2023, AIDAluna sails through the archipelago of Denmark with stops in Århus and Copenhagen. On the four-day short cruises to Norway and Denmark, guests experience Oslo and Copenhagen and Oslofjord and Holmenkollen with the oldest ski jump in the world.
From mid-May 2023, AIDAluna will set course for the “Highlights at the Arctic Circle”: Destinations such as the North Cape and the Orkney Islands. Three stops at Iceland and Norwegian ports, such as Tromsø and Hammerfest, feature on the programme on six different dates on the 17-day voyage. The highlight of this itinerary is Spitsbergen, a group of islands in the Arctic Ocean. Spitsbergen, a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole, is one of the northernmost destinations on Earth and impresses with its barren landscape of glaciers, mountains and fjords. Polar bears, reindeer and foxes live here in their natural environment. The capital, Longyearbyen, is known for its colourful wooden houses that contrast with the white surroundings.
The itineraries of AIDAbella include 14-day voyages “Norway with Lofoten and North Cape.” This route combines the most beautiful charms of Norway: starting in Kiel, guests sail on five dates via Haugesund to the North Cape and then to the Lofoten Islands. Further destinations are Bodø, Åndalsnes, Molde, Bergen and Århus – a north country adventure for each taste.
For the seven- or 14-day voyages with AIDAnova between 6 May and 21 October 2023, AIDA Cruises has developed routes to Norway and Denmark. In Norway, guests visit the capital Oslo with its innovative architecture and museums, and Kristiansand, with its old town of Posebyen. Numerous sights and urban lifestyles await guests in Denmark’s capital Copenhagen. In Skagen, on the other hand, visitors are attracted by endless beaches and the country’s largest shifting sand dune, from which only the tower of the silted-up parish church still peeks out.
This year’s Kiel Week is scheduled from 17 to 25 June 2023, and AIDA Cruises is the event sponsor for the world-renowned sailing and summer festival.
Bangkok, 2 May 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2023, prides itself on making travel possible for all. Ever since it first introduced its unique style of international-standard, Thai-inspired hospitality to the world, this caring company has created a series of attractive concepts that cater for the needs of every traveller and budget, from luxury to affordable lifestyle.
Now, with a growing collection of 92 world-class hotels and resorts covering six distinct brands – Centara Reserve, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara, and COSI Hotels – everyone can find their perfect “Place to Be” with Centara. Simply choose the ideal option for your next business trip, leisure break or family vacation.
Experience luxurious and personalised hospitality driven by the unique story of local culture and heritage. Centara Reserve, introduced to the world in 2021, is dedicated to crafting deeply personal moments and lasting memories in iconic destinations. From vibrant cities to tranquil beaches, every property evokes the spirit of its locale. Stays are underpinned by the services of a “Reserve Host” who can help guests to design truly bespoke journeys. The brand’s flagship property is Centara Reserve Samui.
Discover distinguished upper-upscale hospitality with Centara Grand, a captivating collection of hotels and resorts in some of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, the Maldives and soon, Osaka. Every experience is enriched by immersive activities and authentic Thai touches, including the group’s Spa Cenvaree wellness concept and signature dining venues, including Suan Bua, the elegant Thai restaurant brand, COAST Beach Club in resort properties, and some of the world’s best urban rooftop bars and sky-high dining experiences.
Families can plunge into a world of wonder at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya (pictured above), the Lost World-themed family resort and waterpark in Thailand with an amazing array of facilities and activities for all ages. Mirage is Centara’s signature themed family entertainment experience across selected Centara Grand and Centara resorts.
This popular upscale brand offers inviting spaces for every occasion, enhanced with warm, caring service to ensure that international travellers have everything they need for fun and fulfilling stays. These vibrant hotels and resorts can be found in key business and leisure hubs across Thailand and worldwide, including Dubai, Doha, Oman, the Maldives, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Visitors can enjoy a timeless blend of local culture, world-class facilities, and heartfelt Thai hospitality in each location.
Family-focused Centara Mirage resorts are also available in Dubai and Mui Ne, Vietnam, featuring spectacular themed water parks, family rooms and unique facilities such as Spa Candy, the colourful kids’ wellness concept.
This original, individual and intimate hotel collection is designed to inspire the senses and evoke curiosity. Each distinctive property offers a unique guest experience brimming with surprises. Perfectly suited to cultural hubs or urban hotspots – currently including Chiang Mai, Khao Yai and Phuket – Centara Boutique Collection’s upscale and upper-upscale hotels let curious explorers discover a different side of their destination. The interior décor and cuisine will always reflect the authentic culture.
Centra by Centara – Elevating the Essentials for Refreshing & Relaxing Stays
Bright, fresh and contemporary, Centra by Centara is all about creating colourful experiences and helping travellers feel at ease. Not quite hitting the mark – its about elevating the essentials and providing fresh and flexible stays for all. Each upper midscale hotel is a breath of fresh air, with modern amenities that ease travel stress and put everything at guests’ fingertips. With convenient locations and complete connectivity, this brand is ideal for those who want to work, play or relax. Centra by Centara hotels can be found in urban and resort areas such as Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Krabi, Mae Sot and Muscat.
COSI Hotels – Smart, Social Hubs with Full Flexibility
Smart and stylish, COSI keeps travellers fully connected at all times. Situated in trendy neighbourhoods such as Krabi, Pattaya and Koh Samui, these affordable hotels provide a vibrant community where free-spirited people can come together and hang out. The journey is seamless, with online check-in, 24-7 services, upbeat social hubs and connected spaces where adventurers can work, chat or catch up on their social media. Free food credits will let visitors refuel around the clock with cool drinks and casual bites.
Centara’s “The Place to Be” offer, which spans all six of the company’s innovative brands, offers up to 30% off the hotel’s best available rate, plus free stays for up to two children and complimentary Wi-Fi. And that’s not all; CentaraThe1 members will enjoy an additional 15% discount. Not a member yet? Click here to join for free.
