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Centara readies for Osaka opening

BANGKOK, 20 June 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announces it will open its newest property, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, on 1 July 2023.

This long-awaited milestone marks Centara’s first-ever foray into the vibrant Japanese market. It comes after months of meticulous planning – from exquisite architecture and sophisticated design to crafting impeccable menus and preparing to welcome guests worldwide with its signature warm hospitality, impeccable service, and Thai family values at the heart of every stay.

Centara Grand Hotel Osaka is a stunning 33-storey masterpiece in the heart of Namba, downtown’s vibrant shopping and entertainment district, just a few minutes walk to the nearest subway station. Poised to become a sought-after destination for business and leisure travellers alike, this breathtaking urban oasis delivers an eclectic selection of world-class bars and restaurants, including rooftop venues with spectacular skyline views, as well as a fully-equipped fitness centre, co-working spaces and the award-winning SPA Cenvaree.

An elegant selection of 515 rooms and suites caters to the needs of every guest, each featuring stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and modern comforts to ensure a restful stay. Centara Grand Osaka also boasts many customisable event spaces, including meeting rooms, a Grand Ballroom and the exceptional rooftop Sky Event space, making it the ideal venue for hosting social, corporate and MICE events downtown.

In anticipation of the grand opening and its ongoing commitment to providing guests with an unparalleled customer experience, Centara offers two sensational new travel packages, the pampering Spa + Stay Experience and the culinary-led Sky-High Gourmet Escape.

Spa + Stay Experience

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a world of tranquillity and relaxation at Japan’s first-ever SPA Cenvaree with the Spa + Stay Experience. Let your worries melt away with a rejuvenating Thai couple’s massage, complemented by an unforgettable stay in the hotel’s sophisticated guest rooms and daily breakfast for two. The Spa + Stay Experience is available to book until 31 December 2023 for stays from 1 July to 31 December 2023.

Sky-High Gourmet Escape

Culinary enthusiasts will never forget the dazzling panoramic views of downtown Osaka as they experience an unparalleled journey of exquisite flavours and innovative creations meticulously crafted by world-class chefs as part of the Sky-High Gourmet Escape. In addition to a two-course rooftop dinner with 90-minute free-flow drinks, guests can spend the night in luxury in a tastefully appointed guest room and wake up to delight in the hotel’s delectable breakfast. Bookings are open until 31 December 2023 for stays from 1 July to  31 December 2023.

For more information on these exciting offers and to experience the luxurious new Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgo

Sabah villagers take over farmstay

KOTA KINABALU, 20 June 2023: In a move towards community empowerment and sustainable tourism, Kiulu Farmstay, a community-based tourism project in Sabah, has transitioned from private tour company management to the capable hands of the local communities.

After eight years of being guided by Borneo Eco Tours, this shift aims to give local communities greater control over their products and foster cultural preservation.

A significant milestone was reached on Thursday by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Sabah Tourism Board office.

The MOU, signed by Borneo Eco Tours managing director Albert Teo and villagers Sikong Moringo and Tuwin Gumporoh, marked the transfer of ownership to the villagers who are the rightful landowners of Kiulu Farmstay.

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and chief executive officer Noredah Othman were present to witness this transformative occasion.

Joniston, who also serves as Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, praised Borneo Eco Tours for its visionary project, highlighting how it has served as a trailblazing model for community-based tourism in Kiulu.

“With the local communities now in charge, Kiulu Farmstay is well-positioned to offer enhanced tourism experiences. By taking ownership of their tourism initiatives, the communities can continue showcasing their unique products authentically and sustainably,” he said.

Joniston expressed confidence that this transition will bring significant economic benefits as the communities directly benefit from tourism revenue, which can be reinvested in community projects and create new employment opportunities.

In 2015, Borneo Eco Tours established the Kiulu Farmstay as a community-based ecotourism project aimed at unlocking and fostering the tourism potential of the Kiulu area. Joniston played a pivotal role in launching this remarkable venture.

The initial phase of the endeavour involved three villages: Kampung Mantob, Kampung Dumpiring, and Kampung Pinagon Baru. These villages’ communities became integral members of the Mukim Ulu Kiulu Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies (MUKEST) Society, a community-based organisation established by BEST Society, the NGO arm of Borneo Eco Tours.

For eight years, Teo said efforts were undertaken to support the communities in becoming product owners by equipping them with management, infrastructure development, and marketing skills.

“We want to make sure the communities can manage their products successfully, and we want them to have the freedom to obtain business from other (tour companies) rather than solely relying on Borneo Eco Tours so that others can support and collaborate with them.

“As the initiator, Borneo Eco Tours is happy to hand over Kiulu Farmstay assets worth more than RM270,000 to the community. We will continue to assist Kiulu Farmstay in promoting and marketing tourism products,” he stated.

Borneo Eco Tours has actively created new tourism products in Kiulu, such as the Kiulu Farmstay, Bamboo Hut Village, Borneo Quad Biking, Kiulu Homestays, guided tours, and Obstacle Course.

The company employed and trained local community leaders to do the daily operations, from homestay operations to basic bookkeeping and guiding.

Borneo Eco Tours also extended logistical support by providing transportation services for tourists to and from Kiulu while simultaneously assisting with marketing efforts through tour packaging and sales.

These comprehensive efforts aimed at capacity building, operational support, and resource provision have paved the way for the successful transition of Kiulu Farmstay into the hands of the local communities, ensuring their empowerment and long-term sustainability in the tourism industry.

For more information, visit www.sabahtourism.com.

(Source: Sabah Tourism Board)

Traveloka deals in Malaysia and Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 June 2023: Traveloka, a leading travel platform in Southeast Asia, has launched a ‘Now, Not Never’ campaign to boost family bookings in Malaysia.

Open until 9 July, Traveloka travel users can score discounts of up to MYR445 – with an additional 37,000 points – for airline tickets, accommodation, and Xperience bookings on Traveloka, Bernama’s news service reported on Monday. 

Points campaign in Indonesia.

Points are earned on flights, accommodation, travel experience bookings, and ground transport.

Meanwhile, Traveloka’s Super Pesta Points competition runs until 10  August 10, 2023. The campaign is open to all Traveloka consumers in Indonesia. It offers a Wuling Alvez EX electric car as the grand prize and a total prize pool of over IDR 500 million.

To benefit travel, consumers must register to immediately start participating in the competition to accumulate Priority Points or Extra Points during the Super Pesta Points period.

(Source: Bernama, Traveloka)

New air link between Jakarta and Kuching

KUCHING, 20 June 2023: Sarawak’s capital city welcomed guests on AirAsia’s maiden flight from Jakarta, Indonesia, that arrived at Kuching International Airport last Thursday.

Minister for Transport Sarawak, YB Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew and  Ministry of Tourism Indonesia regional marketing director, Raden Wisnu Sindhutrisno, welcomed guests on the inaugural flight QZ530 from Jakarta.

Caption (L-R) YB Senator Tuan Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, Director Of International Relations, Malaysia – Indonesia Business Council, Bapak Captain Wuri Septiawan, Director Of Flight Operations, Indonesia Airasia, YBhg Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Mayor, Council (L-R) YB Senator Tuan Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, Director Of International Relations, Malaysia – Indonesia Business Council, Bapak Captain Wuri Septiawan, Director Of Flight Operations, Indonesia Airasia, YBhg Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Mayor, Council of the City of Kuching South (MBKS) YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister For Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, YB Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin Minister For Transport Sarawak, Bapak Raden Sigit Witjaksono, Consul General, Consulate General Of The Republic Of Indonesia (Kuching), &  Dato’ Thomas Tieng Mee Tung.

This new route, operated by Indonesia AirAsia, marks AirAsia’s fourth international route connecting Sarawak to ASEAN, following AirAsia Malaysia’s routes from Kuching, Miri and Sibu to Singapore launched last year. The ceremony was jointly organised by AirAsia, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, Tourism Board and supported by Malaysia Airports.

Minister of Transport Sarawak YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said: “I would like to commend the excellent groundwork done by AirAsia in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy Indonesia and Jakarta Tourism Authority to prepare this route and to ensure that it is not only sought after by Sarawakians but also encourages Indonesians to visit Kuching and Sarawak.

“It is pertinent that all industry stakeholders take it as our joint responsibility to promote Sarawak in strategic markets like Indonesia and ensure the route is sustainable. Connection to Jakarta is a precursor to wider connectivity from Sarawak to other parts of Indonesia, especially with establishing the country’s new administrative capital Nusantara, in East Kalimantan.”

STB chief executive officer Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor added: “We are thrilled to welcome AirAsia Indonesia’s direct flight from Jakarta to Kuching, one week ahead of Sarawak’s iconic Rainforest World Music Festival 2023. This direct flight service not only makes travelling more accessible for both Sarawakians and Indonesians, but it also marks a significant step in strengthening the connectivity between these two destinations.”

AirAsia now operates 23 weekly international flights to Sarawak from Singapore and Jakarta and will increase frequencies in tandem with demand.

Flight schedule from Jakarta (CGK) to Kuching (KCH):

Mastercard: Business travel bounces back

SINGAPORE, 20 June 2023: With an uncertain economy providing some cross-market turbulence, mainland China’s reopening is expected to bolster growth globally with a concentrated impact in Asia Pacific, according to Mastercard Economics Institute estimates.

Released last week, the Mastercard Economics Institute’s Travel Industry Trends 2023 delivers key insights about the global state of travel, punctuated by shifting economic landscapes, persistent consumer demands, and a reopening of mainland China.

In the face of a changing economic landscape, post-pandemic preferences for experiences over things and a consistent demand for leisure travel shape the 2023 outlook.

With an uncertain economy providing some cross-market turbulence, mainland China’s reopening is expected to bolster growth globally with a concentrated impact in Asia Pacific, according to Mastercard Economics Institute estimates.

Key findings

Leisure and business travel are growing at the same pace. Driven by the long-awaited lifting of travel restrictions in Asia, global leisure travel remains robust, with flight bookings up roughly 31% in March 2023 compared to the same month in 2019.

In the second half of 2022 into early 2023, corporate flight bookings caught up to leisure flight bookings driven by regions with a strong return to office culture.

Global leisure and business travel are now growing at the same rate. Our insights show demand for in-person meetings, with the most significant growth in commercial travel and entertainment expenses being led by Asia Pacific and Europe, up 64% and 42%, respectively, between January-March 2023.

Mainland China’s reopening benefits global and Asia Pacific tourism. China’s reopening following tight Covid regulations comes at a time when it will likely have a positive impact on the experience economy as pent-up demand for travel is expected to drive strong tailwinds.

By March 2023, spending on experiences was notably 93% of where it was in 2019 despite minimal travel last year.6 Economies in the Asia Pacific region could be obvious beneficiaries of China’s opening, given their strong ties to international trade, tourism, and geographical proximity.

Based on Mastercard Economics Institute estimates, other countries expected to benefit include northern Europe – Germany and France – and Brazil, which could boost their exports to China as the economy recovers.

Travellers establish new corridors

As consumers enjoy higher incomes and return to some level of pre-pandemic comfort, they’re also starting to venture further from home to new locations. The US and Australia remain favourite destinations for travellers from the Asia Pacific region for spring and summer journeys.

Beginning in late 2022, visitors to Hong Kong SAR started to increase, with the destination edging into the top 10 list and soaring to #3 in February 2023. Luxury experiences like high-end accommodation and luxury travel in places like France and Italy will likely entice Chinese tourists from a zero-Covid environment to rejoin the experience economy.

Tourists continue to prioritise experiences

Potentially influenced by social media and entertainment, travellers land in lesser-known destinations searching for cultural experiences. As of March 2023, global spending on experiences was up 65%, while spending on things is up 12% compared to 2019.

Experience-oriented spending is surging in certain corridors where pandemic lockdowns have expired. Still, Chinese tourists who traditionally over-index on luxury retail compared to other tourists could boost goods spending across markets.

“In 2023, travel came roaring back in Asia as China reopened its borders and other markets eased the last of their pandemic-era travel restrictions,” said Mastercard Economics Institute chief economist for Asia David Mann.

“As people worldwide prioritise experiences over things, the strong travel demand is expected to last far beyond the initial ‘revenge travel’ bump. As we look ahead to the peak summer travel season, the big question is whether flight and accommodation supply can keep up with demand.”

You can view the full Travel Industry Trends 2023 report here. Other reports and insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute can be found here

Batik Air starts Chennai flights in August

MEDAN, Indonesia, 20 June 2023: Batik Air (Code ID) and a member of the Lion Air Group announced this week the launch of direct daily flights from North Sumatra’s Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) in India.

The inaugural flight will take place on 11 August 2023 using a Boeing 737-800.

A press statement issued on Monday said the airline said the new international route was part of Batik Air’s efforts to provide better travel options between Medan, Indonesia and Chennai, India. The daily flight will appeal to both leisure and business travellers.

Chennai is a city rich in India’s cultural and historical heritage, and tourists from Indonesia can visit historical sites, including temples, museums and cultural attractions such as India’s classical dance and music.

Direct flight access with daily flights will boost trade as Chennai is one of India’s most prominent business hubs. Kualanamu is one of the largest airports in North Sumatra, with an extensive flight network of flights to other cities in Indonesia.  

Batik Air’s launch of Kualanamu – Chennai direct flights also supports Indonesia’s government efforts to develop the tourism sector in Indonesia and increase the number of foreign tourists visiting the country, especially from India. Kualanamu is a convenient gateway to enter Indonesia to explore tourist destinations in North Sumatra and various other popular destinations in Indonesia.

Vietjet flies to Brisbane

HO CHI MINH CITY, 20 June 2023: Vietjet has celebrated its maiden flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane, making it the first-ever carrier to fly directly between Vietnam and Queensland.

The new service completes Vietjet’s network from Vietnam to the east coast of Australia, with eight weekly return flights now servicing Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Flights from Vietnam to Sydney and Melbourne will increase from September. 

Vietjet Chief Operating Officer Michael Hickey noted: “Vietjet’s direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane will ease the travel between the two localities, countries and across the region. Our crew and leaders warmly welcome our passengers on a comfortable, joyful journey with Vietjet.”

Operating on A330s with two return flights per week every Monday and Friday, Vietjet’s new service departs Ho Chi Minh City at 1005 and lands in Brisbane at 2110. The return flight take off from Brisbane at 2310 and lands in Ho Chi Minh City the next day at 0450 (All in local times).

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed the new service: “Vietjet’s inaugural Brisbane services coincide with Vietnam’s booming economy and surging demand among its citizens for world-class international holiday experiences. Queensland’s great holiday lifestyle, reunions with Queensland-based family and convenient direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City are set to make Brisbane a sought-after destination for Vietnamese travellers.”

To celebrate its launch, Vietjet cuts fares by 50% (*) for its SkyBoss and SkyBoss Business fares for bookings up to 30 June 2023. The travel period opens from 15 August to 20 December 2023.

To be eligible, passengers can use promo codes SKYBOSSALL50 (SkyBoss) or BUSINESS50 (SkyBoss Business) when purchasing tickets at www.vietjetair.com or the airline’s mobile app.

In addition to the 50% off deal on the route to Brisbane, Vietjet’s ongoing campaign, valid every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, offers fares starting from just USD0 (**), applied for all international routes, including services between Vietnam and Australia.

In addition, Thai passengers can travel from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Australia with connecting flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

(*) Terms and conditions apply

(**) Taxes and fees not included

Marriott reaches a China milestone

HONG KONG, 19 June 2023: Marriott International has announced the opening of its 500th hotel in Greater China – Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

The company plans to bolster its strong position in Greater China, with 47 hotels due to open in China in 2023 – adding close to 13,000 guestrooms to the portfolio.

Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Situated in the southwest of China, Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, boasts 87 private villas within a nature reserve, offering immersive experiences that showcase the heritage, culture, and natural splendour of Jiuzhaigou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a World Biosphere Reserve.

“Reaching our 500th hotel in Greater China is a noteworthy accomplishment. It is a testament to the trust placed in Marriott by our owners, franchisees, and guests,” said Marriott International president Greater China Yibing Mao. “With nearly 190 hotels planned to open in the region in the next three years, we look forward to further growing our footprint in lockstep with our guests’ evolving needs and preferences in this robust market.”

Marriott has a diverse portfolio of 31 brands. Covering over 30 key leisure destinations with nearly 70 resort properties in the region, the company expects to strengthen its presence in leisure destinations with first-time entries and brand debuts in new markets across its well-established labels in the next few years, including Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton, and Fairfield by Marriott.

Looking ahead, The Ritz-Carlton brand is expected to expand to include more destinations, such as openings in Suzhou and Wuhan in 2025. The St Regis brand also anticipates extending its iconic exquisite lifestyle, timeless tradition, and signature services to visitors and locals alike, including in Shenzhen in 2025, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the Silicon Valley of China.

Busan’s A-Z Guideline for Sustainable MICE

BUSAN, 19 June 2023: The sustainable management strategy for businesses, known as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) management, is spreading throughout the MICE industry. Along with the infrastructure, costs, and service levels, the application of ESG is gaining prominence as a key consideration when selecting MICE destinations. As a result, international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Assembly and the European Union, as well as governments around the world, are providing guidelines for sustainable MICE events. In line with this trend, Busan is actively taking steps to implement and expand ESG practices in the MICE industry.

Moving Beyond Green to Sustainable MICE!

Busan MICE Sustainable Management Declaration.

Since 2020, Busan has been a leader in the implementation of environmental practices by aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency through its eco-friendly MICE campaigns. In 2022, Busan took a significant step towards sustainable management by announcing a joint ESG declaration with public and private entities, including the MICE industry. The goal of Busan’s sustainable MICE approach is to prepare environmentally-responsible events, while maximizing community participation and the overall impact. Fulfilling social responsibilities during MICE events and reporting the effectiveness of ESG at MICE events are also included in these objectives.

To achieve these goals, the Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) has developed the “Sustainable MICE Guidelines for Busan” that are tailored to the realities of the Busan MICE industry. These guidelines, which can be directly utilized by event organizers, PCOs, convention centers, hotels, and other relevant parties, have been distributed to those involved in the industry since the end of last year.

MICE Guidelines for Step-by-step Sustainability Assessments and Implementation

The sustainable MICE guidelines developed by Busan, which are the first of their kind in the region, are designed to assess and implement every stage of MICE events in a sustainable manner, from the preparation and planning to the organization and operations, as well as monitoring and reporting on the ESG performance. The guidelines provide detailed examples and recommendations to assist companies that may encounter challenges in establishing the ESG strategies and goals for events, as well as assistance in preparing operational manuals. Furthermore, they are presented in a checklist format, listing the key considerations for sustainability practices tailored to those involved in events, thereby enhancing their usability. In addition, the guidelines provide detailed guidance on incorporating ESG principles into event planning and different operational stages. This includes addressing aspects such as registration and entry procedures, integrating ESG into conference and exhibition programs, as well as planning for food, beverage and accommodation services.

Busan ESG management guidelines training.

The BTO has also conducted the “Training on ESG Management Guidelines for Busan” that is targeted industry professionals based on these guidelines. A range of initiatives is being promoted to expand ESG practices in the MICE industry, such as by organizing a relay of MOU signing ceremonies for ESG management practices with nine tourism and MICE organizations.

The implementation of the “Sustainable MICE Guidelines for Busan” is expected to further vitalize the planning and operation of sustainable MICE events in Busan. Through these efforts, Busan is aiming to evolve into a MICE-centric city that is in alignment with global trends.

Follow the link for more information: https://bto.or.kr

(SOURCE: Busan Tourism Organization)

Centara benefits greet Thai Vietjet passengers

BANGKOK, 19 June 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts and Thai Vietjet have joined hands to launch a marketing partnership, offering special benefits to Thai Vietjet’s passengers and Centara’s customers throughout the year.

In line with the new marketing partnership, passengers of Thai Vietjet can benefit 19% discount on Flexible and The Place To Be room rates when logging in as CentaraThe1 members and booking through Centara’s website at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/vj.

The deal applies to participating Centara hotels & resorts in Thailand, UAE, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, the Maldives, Japan and Vietnam. CentaraThe1 members can enjoy a special discount code of 20% off when booking domestic and international tickets with Thai Vietjet applied at https://th.vietjetair.com/

Centara also offers Thai Vietjet’s passengers additional special perks when staying at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne (Vietnam), including a complimentary hotel upgrade to the next upper category (subject to room availability upon check-in) and a 10% discount applied for spa treatments during their stays (for reservation in advance) when presenting Vietjet’s boarding pass upon check-in.

The partnership between Centara and the airline took to the skies with Thai Vietjet flight VZ110 from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai on 6 June 6, 2023, with a lucky draw activity for a special prize of a complimentary voucher from Centara for a two-night stay at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne, and two round-trip complimentary tickets from Thai Vietjet presented by Pinida Pettanagul, Corporate Director of Marketing & Creative Services of Centara Hotels & Resorts and Pinyot Pibulsonggram, Director of Commercial of Thai Vietjet.

“It is our great pleasure to announce our second partnership campaign with Thai Vietjet to offer their customers an opportunity to explore exciting destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, UAE, Qatar and Oman. As we see the international travel sector continuing to grow, with further collaboration between the two companies, we look forward to welcoming more and more guests to our hotels & resorts and ensuring Centara’s signature of Thai hospitality and family value service are at the heart of every stay,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts corporate director of marketing & creative services Pinida Pettanagul.

Centara’s customers can book Thai Vietjet’s air tickets and receive a 20% off discount by redeeming a special discount code until 20 December 2023, with the travel period also expiring on 20 December (excludes public holidays, and terms apply).

The special discount code is applicable to the entire Thai Vietjet’s domestic and international flight networks, including flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, Surat Thani, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Fukuoka, Osaka, Taipei, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Phnom Penh.

For more information: www.centarahotelsresorts.com