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Sarawak welcomes PATA thought leaders

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 23 June 2023: The PATA Destination Experience Forum and Mart 2023 kicked off in Kuching Wednesday with a Welcome Dinner hosted by Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.

The three-day event culminates with a visit to the Rainforest World Music Festival on Friday evening, with delegates joining the opening night of the annual music festival against the backdrop of a beach and rainforest cliffs.

Deputy Minister for Tourism Sarawak YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.

Following almost a three-year disruption of the state’s tourism during the Covid pandemic, the Sarawak Government created two resilient tourism industry development plans to kickstart recovery; The Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2035.

Elements of Sarawak’s two strategy plans were mentioned during the PATA forum and mart sessions for their strong content that supports environmental sustainability.

“The PATA forum is more important than ever as it stems from the desire to boost destinations through marketing and managing responsible tourism growth while recognising Sarawak as a leading tourism destination in ASEAN,” the deputy minister commented during the welcome dinner event.

Opening welcome and celebrations

The 272 Delegates from 28 destinations attending the forum and mart shared insights and knowledge while enjoying an opportunity to explore Sarawak’s natural landscapes and cultural treasures.

Thought leaders presented their narratives on  Climate Action Strategies, Market Trends & Insights and other critical topics that will shape the future of the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific during the forum.

In addition, participants at the three-day event joined travel mart sessions for networking and business discussions to strengthen strategic relations within the PATA community to ensure the tourism industry embraces the challenges and opportunities to achieve sustainable tourism growth across the Asia-Pacific.

Emirates rotates management team

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 22 June 2023: Emirates announced commercial management rotations earlier this week across its outstations in West Asia, Central Asia, the Indian Ocean, and East Asia.

The organisational moves are aligned with the airline’s strategy to place UAE talent in commercial roles and strengthen the airline’s presence in key markets across its network.

Emirates’ commercial team members are assuming new roles, effective from 1 August.

Chandana De Silva, currently manager of Sri Lanka and Maldives, will be appointed as manager government liaison in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Rashid Al Ardha, currently country manager of Singapore & Brunei, will move to a new post as manager of Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Rashed Alfajeer, currently country manager of Iran & Central Asia, will take on the role of Country Manager of Singapore & Brunei

Mohamed Alhammadi, currently area manager in Bangladesh, will become manager of Iran & Central Asia

Jaber Mohamed will be appointed as the area manager of Bangladesh.

Majid Al Falasi, currently the manager of Sudan, will move to a new role as manager of Vietnam.

Emirates Airline chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim commented:

“This rotation is part of our long-established commercial outstation managers programme, with a track record spanning over 25 years, that has groomed many UAE nationals to date. It also supports the UAE’s strategic economic vision of creating a knowledge-based economy powered by skilled Emiratis and advances the UAE aviation sector.”

For more information, visit www.emirates.com

NCL creates more themed shore trips

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 June 2023: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled six new shore excursion categories to help guests uncover more of the 400-odd destinations the cruise fleet visits worldwide.

New categories 

Beyond Blueprints: A selection of 15 tours that uncover the design secrets and stories of some of Europe’s most iconic architectural landmarks, including those in Barcelona, Lisbon, Belfast, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo and Helsinki.

Gourmet Tours: Designed for the foodie-driven traveller, this suite of experiences takes guests behind the scenes to uncover the local cuisine secrets of some of Europe’s most iconic culinary destinations.  A local artisan leads cooking classes, and a family-owned homestead hosts authentic dining experiences.

Go Local: Guests will uncover life’s everyday rhythms and customs in destinations in Europe, South America and South Africa. These tours are designed to offer authentic cultural experiences that connect guests to locals in a memorable way.

Let’s Take a Selfie: Already proving very popular, these excursions deliver the ultimate destination photos in worldwide locations. A knowledgeable guide will share the perfect angles and most picturesque spots to capture unforgettable moments:  

Small Group Tours: With no more than 16 guests per group, these tours provide a more intimate experience of some of the most popular NCL excursions in selected destinations like Italy, Greece and Spain.          

Design Your Day: These bespoke experiences are curated for the individual traveller, from private wine tastings to a five-course dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant. 

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line’s fleet of 18 ships sails to 400 destinations worldwide, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. 

RWMF recruits pots and pans to break a record

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 22 June 2023: Festivalgoers to this year’s Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) can take part in a record-breaking bid to assemble the ‘Most Percussionists in a Music Festival’ to merit inclusion in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).

Sarawak Tourism Board’s announcement, released Tuesday, says the record-breaking attempt will convene throughout the three-day festival at 1645, 23 to 25 June, at the Sarawak Cultural Village festival ground.

Festivalgoers can take their percussion instruments to the event, or they can improvise with household items such as pails, pots, pans, bottles or any other materials that can be drummed to produce percussive sounds.

Upcycling garbage items as percussion instruments aligns with the festival’s role in promoting the concept of ‘responsible tourism’ and values of sustainability through a ‘green’ event that contributes to the conservation of the environment and local heritage.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor noted that drumming has deep cultural roots in many societies worldwide, each with its strong drumming tradition spanning generations.

“We aim to set this new MBOR entry over three days, and we invite all festivalgoers to be part of this event which not only emphasises harmony but communicates it through acts that remind us of responsible and sustainable practices for a fulfilling RWMF experience,” she explained.

“Through this historic drumming circle record-breaking event, we aim to unite as many people as possible whose drumming traditions may differ from one another to connect by playing the same rhythmic beats, sending a strong message of unity, togetherness and oneness.”

During the RWMF, drumming circles involve one person leading a group of percussionists with various percussion instruments to start with a steady beat as others listen and then gradually play improvised rhythms together. Participants in drum circles do not need to have musical experience as long as they can listen to and connect musically.

Festivalgoers also can learn drumming techniques or how to build their percussion instruments from sustainable materials by attending the daytime workshops between 1400 to 1745 conducted by RWMF performers before the drumming circle event.

More info at rwmf.net

Or for more travel information, visit www.sarawaktourism.com.

(Souce: Sarawak Tourism Board)

Resort World Cruises heads for Hainan

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 22 June 2023: Resorts World Cruises confirms its 1,856-passenger cruise ship, Resorts World One, will sail from its homeport Hong Kong to Sanya, Hainan starting this September.

Sanya is now China’s most popular winter destination for Chinese and overseas tourists, with the largest increase in tourists this year versus 2019 due to its sunshine, beaches, sceneries, culture, food and duty-free attractions.

Starting 24 September 2023, the cruise line will offer the following itineraries from Hong Kong.

Three-Night Sanya Cruise departing on Sunday.

Two-Night Sanya Cruise departing on Wednesday.

Two-Night Weekend Getaway Cruise departing on Friday.

For passengers looking for more flexibility, the following cruise packages are on sale:

• Five-Night Hainan Cruise and Land-Stay” from Sundays to Fridays with a Three-Night Sanya hotel stay;

• “One Week Hainan Cruise and Land-Stay” departing and returning on Wednesday with a Four-Night Sanya hotel stay;

• “One-way Sanya Cruise” to and from Sanya combine a cruise and flights.

Hainan can be visited by citizens from 59 countries without the need to apply for a Chinese visa. The only condition is registering with a local Hainan travel agency, which Resorts World Cruises will handle. The 59 countries include citizens of Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and more. This visa-free policy will encourage international Fly-Cruise from the 59 countries to join the Resorts World One cruise to Sanya.

(Source: Resort World Cruises)

Cooking class on a farm tops Asia ranking

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 June 2023: Tripadvisor announced Wednesday its 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best “Things to Do” Awards that identified ‘Smile Organic Farm Cooking School’ in Chiang Mai, Thailand, as the top-ranked activity in Asia and second in the world.

Tripadvisor claims its Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Things to Do is a “definitive list of extraordinary experiences for travellers looking for the best activities and excursions.”

Asia’s travel experience comprised five entries in the Top 10 Best Experiences in the World list. The top in Asia and second in the world list is Thai Cooking Course – Chiang Mai, Thailand. The top experience in Singapore is the Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore.

The awards are based on review data from 1 May  2022 to 30 April 30 2023.

According to Tripadvisor’s most recent Seasonal Travel Index, almost a third (28%) of travellers are motivated by the opportunity to experience something new, and just under half (44%) want to make memories with family and friends on vacation.

Unmissable Experiences

According to Tripadvisor reviewers, the world’s best experiences for 2023 is an eclectic mix. From sampling Iceland’s culinary delights on a Reykjavik food walk to a guided tour of Korea’s Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), which separates South Korea from North, many new experiences await travellers this summer. 

According to Tripadvisor reviewers, Vietnam is the place that left the biggest impression on travellers, with three different tours in three different cities making it to the Top 10 list in Asia.

Rediscover Japan from a historic Gassho home

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 22 June 2023: This summer, Airbnb offers guests an opportunity to experience Japan’s Gokayama World Heritage Site with a stay at a historic Gassho home in the village of Suganumaon on the shores of the Sho River.

With support from Nanto City, the Nakashima family – fifth-generation locals – are listing their centuries-old, thatched-roof house on the Airbnb platform to enable guests to explore Suganuma village in an incredibly authentic way.

Airbnb Gassho – House Exterior – Credit Satoshi Nagare.

Following three years of travel restrictions, lockdowns and isolation, locals and travellers seek connection with the world around them. In a recent survey, over 60% of respondents said they felt travelling on Airbnb provided a closer connection to the local culture than staying in a hotel or resort.

Often regarded as a “hidden village” without tourist accommodation (typically, only residents are permitted to enter after dusk), Suganuma is a cultural time capsule. This unique Airbnb stay offers guests the opportunity to experience the village in a way that upholds its traditions and preserves its heritage for generations to come. 

The village’s nine Gassho-zukuri style farmhouses, like the Nakashimas’ family home, are particular to the region, with their pitched, thatched roof structures enabling these homes to withstand heavy winter snowfall and the test of time. The thatching technique is a local tradition that requires a lot of time and effort, so locals work together based on the system of yui, the spirit of mutual support, in which Suganuma and its preservation are rooted.

A beautiful example of living in harmony with nature, Suganuma is a feast for the eyes and the soul. The Nakashima family are proud to invite one group of two guests* to see their peaceful valley for themselves for a two-night stay from 17 to 19 July 2023 for How to book

Those interested in exploring one of Japan’s hidden gems, like a local, can request to book this stay beginning Friday, 30 June at 0900 JST (0700 ICT) at airbnb.com/gassho.

Skytrax’s top award goes to SQ

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 June 2023: Singapore Airlines has been named World’s Best Airline in the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards for the fifth time.

SIA took the top spot in four categories at this year’s Skytrax awards, including Best First Class Airline, Best First Class Comfort Amenities, and Best Airline in Asia.

SIA’s low-cost subsidiary Scoot was also named Best Long Haul Low-cost Airline and ranked second in the World’s Best Low-cost Airlines category.

The Skytrax awards are based on surveys of over 20 million travellers across over 100 nationalities, who rated over 325 airlines between September 2022 and May 2023.

Singapore Airlines, chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong received the World’s Best Airline award in Paris on Tuesday, 20 June.

“We are very grateful to our customers for their enduring loyalty to and affection for Singapore Airlines. During the pandemic, their support and encouragement gave us the strength and determination to overcome the unprecedented challenges,” said Goh. “Today, as we recover from the pandemic, we are firmly committed to innovating and investing in industry-leading products and services and ensuring that SIA continues to offer our customers a world-class travel experience.”

(Source: SIA Group)

Khiri wins two awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 22 JUNE 2023: Khiri Travel has won “Best Sustainable Tourism Company – Thailand” and “Best Destination Management Company – Thailand” at the 2023 International Travel Awards held in Dubai 17 June.

Award organisers, UAE-based Golden Tree, said: “Khiri Travel has shown itself as a brilliant representative of excellent services in the global tourism industry.”

Willem Niemeijer, CEO and founder of award-winning Khiri Travel. 

Over a hundred thousand international travellers and tourism industry professionals vote to select the winners across all categories each year.

Acknowledging the two awards,  Khiri Travel CEO and founder Willem Niemeijer said: “Two international travel awards in one evening is a testament to over three decades of innovation and commitment to responsible tourism.”

He added: “While Thailand is Khiri’s biggest destination, we apply the same commitment to discovery and high-quality, sustainable travel in all the eight Asian destinations where we operate.”

In May, Khiri Travel celebrated its 30th anniversary, growing from a start-up in a Bangkok shophouse in 1993 to one of Asia’s leading destination management companies three decades later.

Khiri Travel has tour operations in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Earlier this month, Khiri Travel was lauded by readers of Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia as one of the top five tour operators in the region.

Khiri Travel’s charitable arm, Khiri Reach, has been shortlisted in the Travel Marketing Awards held in London on 3 July.

Penang rolls out food festival finale

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TTR WEEKLY
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PENANG, Malaysia, 21 June 2023: Penang will be buzzing with activities this weekend, 24 to 25 June, when travellers can feast on popular Penang cuisine and travel content providers can learn about the state’s thriving Halal industry

The popular holiday island will host two festive events; the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) 2023 finale Penang Food Festival and the Penang International Halal Expo & Conference (PIHEC) 2023. Both events will be hosted this weekend in one location; Setia SPICE.

On Monday, the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE) YB Yeoh Soon Hin presented the festival dates and programmes in a joint press conference at Setia SPICE Convention Centre.

In line with the Penang State Government’s Penang 2030 vision, the two festivals have been designed to strengthen Penang’s position as Malaysia’s top tourist destination, a gastronomic hub, and a leading halal hub in the region.

PIFF 2023 culminates a month-long gastronomic celebration on the island with the finale Penang Food Festival on 24 & 25 June, hosted at Setia SPICE Outdoor Car Park and Setia SPICE Rooftop Garden.

At the SPICE Outdoor Car Park, visitors can feast on various mouth-watering local and international dishes served at food stalls and food trucks specially chosen for the Festival. Meanwhile, foodies, culture cravers, music lovers, and shopaholics alike will find much to discover at the SPICE Rooftop Garden, where they can indulge in appetising eats offered by food stalls operated by notable cafes, restaurants and hotels and experience a cultural extravaganza with an exciting lineup of diverse performances. The winners of Foodie Exploration will also be announced at the finale.

Halal Trade and Travel event

PIHEC 2023 will take place at SETIA Spice Convention Centre & Arena from 23 to 25 June, consisting of four-panel sessions, several parallel programmes, and a trade expo focusing on three critical sectors – halal trade & travel, modest fashion and halal tech. On top of that, there will also be exciting cultural performances, meet and greet sessions, cooking demonstrations and plenty more to add excitement to the conference.

About PIFF

The Penang International Food Festival 2023 is organised by Dreamz Productions Events Management, endorsed by the Penang State Government, and is fully supported by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), and Penang Global Tourism (PGT).

About PIHEC

The Penang International Halal Expo & Conference (PIHEC) 2023 is organised by Penang Halal International, and endorsed by the Penang State Government. It is fully supported by the Penang State Exco for Trade, Industry and Entrepreneur Development, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), Penang Global Tourism (PGT), Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Malaysia, Invest Penang, Lembaga Kemajuan Wilayah Pulau Pinang (PERDA), Zakat Pulau Pinang, Digital Penang, Kolej Islam Teknologi Antarabangsa (KITAB) Pulau Pinang, and  PICEB.

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