SINGAPORE, 4 April 2023: Ethiopian Airlines is celebrating the 50th year of the commencement of its service to China as it resumes flights following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
The Airline made its first flight to Shanghai on 21 February 1973 and operated there for a while before it shifted its flights to Beijing in November 1973, which is one of its very popular destinations in Asia.
Ethiopian Airlines is the first African carrier to fly to China and has been connecting the country with the whole of Africa for half a century now. China is now one of the biggest markets for Ethiopian Airlines, with more passenger services to four destinations, namely, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu and Hong Kong.
Marking 50 years of service to China, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: “Ethiopian was among the first to serve China and as China is one of the key destinations in Asia, we will maintain our commitment to serving the country, thereby providing access for the Chinese people to the big African market.”
Ethiopian Airlines is now reinstating passenger flights to Chinese cities following the lifting of restrictions by the Chinese government to get back to pre-Covid-19 levels soon by offering daily flights to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in addition to 10 and four weekly flights to Guangzhou and Chengdu respectively. Ethiopian will operate 35 weekly passenger flights to China when the services are fully restored.
BANGKOK, 4 April2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, solidifies its standing as a top hotelier, with five Centara properties receiving the 2023 Traveller Review Award from Booking.com.
Awarded annually to partner hotels and resorts, the Traveller Review Awards highlight properties for their exceptional hospitality, as evidenced by Booking.com review scores left by guests after their stay.
With warm hospitality and world-class service at the centre of every guest experience at Centara, Thailand’s leading hotel operator is proud to recognise its top-performing hotels and resorts for winning this year’s award, including Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives, Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi, and Centara Reserve Samui which earned an impressive 9.5/10 rating.
“Winning this year’s Traveller Review Award is an honour and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our organisation and hotel and resort teams. Centara prides itself on delivering warm Thai hospitality, world-class service and unique experiences to business, leisure and family travellers alike. As the global travel and hospitality industry continues to rebound, we are especially grateful for our guests and their continued support and look forward to providing them with unforgettable stays at Centara – The Place to Be,” said Centara Hotels and Resorts CEO Thirayuth Chirathivat.
To win a Traveller Review Award, properties must have at least three reviews left by Booking.com travellers from 1 December 2019 to 30 November 2022, with an average review score between 8 and 10. Scores are based on the average of all guest reviews published on the Booking.com website and app and were calculated on 1 December 2022.
SINGAPORE, 4 April 2023: Sabah will host this year’s ADEX Ocean Partnership Summit, further solidifying the state’s reputation as a prominent meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE) destination for promoting marine conservation initiatives and sustainable diving tourism.
Summit details were released during the Asian Dive Expo (ADEX) hosted at Singapore’s Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 31 March to 2 April.
Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment cum Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board Datuk Joniston Bangkuai attended the opening of ADEX Singapore. Also, he officially launched the ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit 2023.
Present were ADEX chief executive officer John Thet; Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman; Malaysia dive icon and ADEX diving ambassador Clement Lee; and ADEX Sabah team head Theresa Tham.
Organised in partnership with the Sabah Tourism Board, the summit will be held at the Sabah International Convention Centre from 18 to 20 August.
“Sabah is already a popular diving destination, and we are committed to conserving and preserving our marine ecosystem. This exciting event will support the Sabah government’s ongoing initiatives in ocean conservation and sustainable development,” said Joniston.
Joniston (3rd left) is launching the ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit 2023. With him were ADEX chief executive officer John Thet (left); Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman (4th left); and ADEX diving ambassador Clement Lee (centre).
“The state government has put in place a range of initiatives to protect the marine environment, including marine parks and sanctuaries, strict regulations on fishing and diving, and education programmes to raise awareness about marine conservation.
“We look forward to welcoming the global ocean community, renowned speakers, professional diving fraternity and attendees, in general, to build a network while sharing ideas and knowledge on the best practice adaptation for the ocean,” he said, adding the event will bolster the state’s diving industry.
While actively pushing Sabah as a preferred travel destination, Joniston said that Sabah Tourism is also shifting its focus to promoting specialised and high-end tourism activities, including scuba diving, given that the state has a strong network of professional dive operators offering world-class diving services.
He also mentioned Sabah’s capacity for hosting significant events. He expressed confidence that Sabah could ultimately host its very own dive expo because many divers consider Sabah to be a must-dive spot.
Additionally, he said the ADEX Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit provides an excellent platform to showcase Sabah’s rich marine biodiversity and cultural diversity, giving visitors a chance to experience local culture and cuisine while taking advantage of diving opportunities.
Based on statistics, Sabah recorded 61,796 divers in 2022, bringing in an estimated RM222.8 million in revenue. The figure comprises 6,411 international divers and 55,384 domestic divers.
In 2019, Sabah registered 130,604 international and 7,145 domestic divers, earning tourism-related revenue of MYR21 million.
SINGAPORE, 4 April 2023: A leading privately-owned tour portfolio, TTC Tour Brands is celebrating a long-term partnership with Switzerland Tourism by supporting a brand-new campaign starring Roger Federer, which will inspire travellers worldwide.
This latest film features Roger Federer and Trevor Noah travelling by train through the majestic landscapes of Switzerland, with the pair getting lost along the way.
The comedic angle is juxtaposed by TTC Tour Brands making a call to arms to travellers not to get lost like Roger and Trevor in the Switzerland Tourism film, but to instead make the right choice and choose one of the leading global travel experts – Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar or Costsaver.
“TTC tour brands bring an expertise to travel that connects travellers to the true soul of Switzerland”, said Switzerland Tourism head of markets east and member of the management Simon Bosshart.
‘I could not be prouder of the long-standing partnership and friendship between TTC Tour Brands and Switzerland Tourism. Born in South Africa and living in Switzerland for over 14 years, I am still overwhelmed by the magnificent beauty of the landscapes and the extraordinary Swiss way of life, coupled with the mixing pot of cultures that bring a unique soul to the place.
“For this reason, I am humbled that TTC Tour Brands and Switzerland Tourism have worked successfully together for many years to promote Switzerland. And the new Switzerland Tourism campaign featuring Roger Federer and Trevor Noah showcases the unparalleled reasons for travellers to choose Switzerland as their next place to visit,” said CEO TTC Tour Brands CEO Gavin Tollman.
Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar and Costsaver brands provide various tours featuring what the video presents as a magical Switzerland experience.
In addition to the TTC Tour Brand’s community being among the first to see the brand-new film, travellers can access an exclusive USD 50 credit toward their Switzerland Trafalgar and Insight Vacations bookings made by 6 April.
MANILA, 4 April 2023: Effective 16 April, Philippine Airlines flights to and from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Singapore will depart from and arrive at Terminal 1 of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), along with PAL flights to the US, Guam, Canada and Bali.
All other PAL international flights, as well as all domestic flights, depart from and arrive at NAIA Terminal 2.
Shuttle buses between Terminals 1 and 2 will be available for PAL passengers arriving in either terminal and connecting to a flight in the other terminal. Passengers of other airlines may use the shuttle buses provided by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
Transferring these additional routes to Terminal 1 is part of a terminal reassignment initiative of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to ease congestion and improve passenger convenience at all terminals.
Complete List of PAL flights and corresponding Manila terminals effective 16 April 2023
T1 – NAIA TERMINAL 1 – Departures and Arrivals:
• Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• Phnom Penh
• Singapore
• Bali
• Middle East – Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Riyadh
• Canada – Toronto, Vancouver
• United States – Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu
• Guam
T2 – NAIA TERMINAL 2 – Departures and Arrivals:
All PAL Domestic Flights • Australia – Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne • Bangkok • Korea – Seoul (Incheon), Busan • Japan – Fukuoka, Tokyo (Haneda), Tokyo (Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya • Mainland China – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Jinjiang, Xiamen, Hong Kong • Jakarta • Kuala Lumpur • Macau • Port Moresby • Taipei
Meanwhile, the Philippine flag carrier reported last week that it is expanding by adding flights to most of its overseas destinations in North America, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
So far this year, PAL has inaugurated a historic Manila-Perth nonstop link while reopening multiple routes between the Philippines and points in mainland China. In addition to an extensive domestic network anchored on its gateway hubs in Manila, Cebu and Davao, PAL is the only airline operating nonstop flights linking the Philippines to the US. and Canada, along with the largest network of flights from Manila to multiple cities in the Middle East, Japan and Australia.
PAL announced changes to its timetable on 1 April. Here is the latest flight update on routes to Australia.
YANGON, Myanmar, 4 April 2023: Myanmar Airways International will introduce a new service from Yangon to Chennai in India, effective 6 May.
It marks the introduction of the airline’s fourth destination in India. The other three destinations are Delhi, Gaya and Kolkata.
The new direct flight from Yangon to Chennai will use an A320 for a once-weekly service every Saturday. Flight 8M652 will depart Yangon at 0800 and arrive in Chennai at 1015. The return flight 8M651 will depart Chennai at 1115 and arrive in Yangon at 1515. The starting fare is USD260
Chennai, on the Bay of Bengal in eastern India, is the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu.
PERTH, 4 April 2023: Indonesia AirAsia confirms it will start flying from Jakarta to Perth for the first time, on 2 June 2023.
Fares on this inaugural route are now on sale, starting from AUD179 (ex-Perth) or IDR1,299,000. (ex-Jakarta)
From left to right:Carolyn Turnbull, Tourism Western Australia Managing Director, Veranita Yosephine, Indonesia AirAsia CEO, Hon Roger Cook MLA, Deputy Premier and Minister of Tourism Western Australia, Listiana Operananta, Counsel General of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Mohammad Rizal Pahlevi, Commercial and Services Director of PT Angkasa Pura II Indonesia Airport and Kate Holsgrove, Acting CEO of Perth Airport, in a photo session during the launch of Indonesia AirAsia Jakarta-Perth route.
Supported by the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia (TWA) and the Perth Airport, the direct service will initially operate four times a week, delivering over 1,400 visitor seats weekly through Perth and Jakarta Airports, with plans to grow in line with demand. The new route was introduced last week during an event in Perth, Australia, attended by representatives from the TWA, Perth Airport, Indonesia AirAsia and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.
Two-way travel between Indonesia and Australia has always been prevalent for several reasons, including the convenient flight time and appeal of both destinations for shopping, dining, adventure, beaches, and education. According to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, the number of Indonesian students in Australia this year alone has already reached more than 20,000, an increase from 15,000 in 2022.
Indonesia AirAsia CEO, Veranita Yosephine, expressed her optimism concerning the new route: “We foresee the new Jakarta – Perth route will be very popular for leisure travellers wanting to see more of Indonesia and for the more than 270 million Indonesians (more than 10 million residents in Jakarta alone) wishing to visit Perth and West Australia for business, leisure, studying and visiting friends and family.
The new route from Jakarta to Perth will use an A320 aircraft with 180 seats flying the route four times weekly. Flight time is 4.5 hours.
Indonesia AirAsia already offers three daily flights between Perth and Bali due to soaring demand delivering over 7,000 visitor seats weekly through Perth and Denpasar airports alone. While starting with four weekly services from Jakarta, providing over 1,400 visitor seats weekly through Perth Airport (or over 700 to West Australia), the airline will review opportunities to expand these services in the future based on demand.
BANGKOK, 4 April 2023: Thailand’s Stock Exchange posted a sign on five listed companies, including Nok Air, a low-cost airline based in Bangkok, for failure to submit financial statements ending 31 December 2022.
Nok Air, one of Thailand’s low-cost airlines, confirmed on Monday the ‘SP’ sign had been posted on the listed company’s securities for failure to submit the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2022.
Photo credit: Nok Air. The airline resumes flights to India and China.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) ‘SP’ notice was quoted in a statement issued by Nok Airlines Public Company Ltd to investors.
The ‘SP’ notice followed a notification of Nok Airlines PCL, dated 31 March, addressed to the president of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, saying it was notifying SET that the financial statement of the airline and its subsidiaries as of 31 December 2022 would be submitted late due to the change of auditor as well as the modification of ticketing software.
The statement read: “The company needs more time to review account recording and information to ensure correctness. Therefore, the company is unable to submit the financial statements as of 31 December 2022 within 31 March 2023.”
“However, the company is working closely with all relevant parties to complete the financial statements with the most accurate, complete and reliable and expects to submit the financial statement ending 31 December 2022 and the 2022 Annual Registration Statement / Annual Report by 31 May 2023.”
Meanwhile, the airline continues to reinstate international flights post- Covid-19 pandemic.
In February, it reinstated three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) from its home base Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok to Hyderabad in India. Flight DD958 departs Bangkok at 2130 and arrives in Hyderabad at 2345. The return flight DD959 departs Hyderabad at 0445 and arrives in Bangkok at 0605.
Hyderabad is the capital city of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. India has a population of 7,749,334, making it the fourth most populous city in India. The city was once one of the world’s diamond and pearl trading centres. Now, it is a hub for information technology, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.
In March, the airline reinstated flights to Nanning and Zhengzhou in China.
Nok Air serves Naning with four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. DD3110 departs Bangkok at 1035 and arrives in Nanning, China, at 1350. The return DD3111 flight departs Nanning at 1520 and arrives in Bangkok at 1635.
Nanning is located in Southern China, the administrative capital of the Guangxi Autonomous Region, one of five autonomous regions in China. Traditionally an area of the Zhoung people where the tradition, cultures and language continue to exist. The city can be accessed by high-speed train, with travel time to Guangzhou and Beijing of three and 13 hours, respectively.
Also in March, the airline resumed four weekly flights from Bangkok to Zhengzhou on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. DD3136 departs Bangkok at 1715 and arrives in Zhengzhou at 2205. The return DD3137 flight departs Zhengzhou at 2305 and arrives in Bangkok at 0200 (the next day).
Zhengzhou is located in central China on the Yellow River or Huang He and acts as the capital of Henan province, where the Henan dialect of mandarin is spoken along with Mandarin Chinese. The city is only a 3.5-hour train ride away from Beijing.
HONG KONG 3 April 2023: Marriott International will expand its portfolio in Greater China by adding 47 hotels in 2023, comprising more than 12,000 rooms, giving the company more than 500 properties and well over 150,000 rooms by this year’s end in the Greater China region.
Marriott already has 475 hotels across more than 130 destinations in Greater China. The footprint is slated to grow in the Yangtze Delta Region, the Greater Bay Area and the Bohai Rim Economic Circle.
Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
New destinations
Additional properties include Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve near the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan Province, W Macau – Studio City, and JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an.
Joining a collection of only five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties worldwide, Rissai Valley, an 87-villa Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is expected to debut in China this year. Located in southwest China, 400 km from Chengdu in Sichuan province, Jiuzhaigou is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Biosphere Reserve.
W Macau – Studio City is scheduled to open during the third quarter of 2023.
Later in the year, JW Marriott Hotels will open the 333-room JW Marriott Hotel Xi’an located in the Xi’an Economic and Technological Development Zone.
Premium Brands
Marriott International plans to add 20 properties under the company’s premium brand portfolio. It will boost properties under Westin Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Executive Apartments, Autograph Collection Hotels and Tribute Portfolio Hotels & Resorts.
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts is slated to debut in four destinations – Beihai, Ninghai, Xuzhou and Taizhou.
Expected brand debuts in emerging cities, such as Shaoxing, Foshan and Shantou, will expand the reach of Marriott Hotels. Examples are Foshan Marriott Hotel, Guangzhou Marriott Hotel Baiyun, and Zhuhai Marriott Hotel Jinwan.
Westin Hotels and Resorts expects to debut in the historic city of Shenyang of Liaoning province and in Yantai, the core city of the Bohai Economic Rim.
Select Service Brands
Select service brands are expected to represent over half of Marriott International’s openings across Greater China this year. Twenty-four planned additions are in the pipeline focused on brands such as Courtyard by Marriott Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton Hotels, Fairfield by Marriott, AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft Hotels, and Element Hotels. Debuts in emerging cities and destinations are key drivers of the expansion, such as in Yuyao and Zhuji in Zhejiang province and Qiongzhong in Hainan province. The additions include new areas in first- and second-tier cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, and popular leisure destinations, such as Qiandao Lake and Jiuzhaigou.
BANGKOK, 3 April 2023: Central Pattana and Centara Hotels & Resorts have expanded their world-class collection of hotels with Centara Ubon, which is now officially open to welcome guests. This contemporary all-in-one lifestyle destination invites business and leisure travellers alike to experience the beauty and culture of Thailand’s Northeast. Centara Ubon is developed by Central Pattana – a global sustainable real estate company and developer of Central shopping centres, residential projects, office buildings and hotels across Thailand – in partnership withCentara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator.
In 2023, Centara Ubon became one of the newest additions to Central Pattana’s portfolio of mixed-use development projects with a full range of offerings.
Centara Ubon, conveniently located steps from Central Ubon Shopping Centre.
Conveniently located just 6.5 km from the Ubon Ratchathani International Airport and a short walk from food, shopping and local experiences at the adjacent Central Ubon shopping centre and nearby historic landmarks, this upscale property brings Centara’s signature warm hospitality and Thai family values to the hub of Southern Isaan.
Centara Ubon caters to the needs of every guest with 160 sophisticated rooms and suites ranging in size from 29 to 47 sqm. Each room is stylishly decorated with modern light wood décor and features a choice of a King or two Double beds and a daybed to accommodate at least three adults. Premium Deluxe Suites come fully furnished with a separate living area and private balcony with garden views, perfect for family getaways or holidays with friends.
Guests are invited to take a culinary journey with exceptional dining experiences at Centara Ubon. Open for all-day dining, the “House of Kin UBON” features Thai, Japanese and international cuisine and pastries and bakery favourites. The casual ambience of the outdoor Pool Bar, “Pineapple Cocktails Club by Teens of Thailand”, offers refreshing bites and tipples with unforgettable views of Ubon Ratchathani’s immaculate landscape. At the same time, those looking to relax in the comfort of their private dining room can take advantage of our in-room dining service.
In addition to outstanding dining options, Centara Ubon also offers a stunning outdoor swimming pool and terrace with views of the surrounding environment, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and an array of contemporary event spaces, including three meeting rooms and a 297-sqm Grand Ballroom, making Centara Ubon the ideal destination for weddings, board meetings, MICE events and more. Each tastefully-designed venue can be customised to suit guests’ needs while offering exquisite facilities and modern technology.
Centara Ubon represents Centara’s upscale hotel concept, with a vibrant collection of hotels blending the colourful local character of each destination with relaxed Thai-style living. Inviting spaces and premium services ensure travellers get the most out of every stay with unforgettable memories.
“We are excited to bring the Centara brand to Ubon Ratchathani, a true hub of Southern Isaan and a key location for business and leisure in Thailand’s Northeastern region. As the hotel and travel industry continues to rebound post-Covid, we look forward to offering a unique all-in-one lifestyle experience for our guests at Centara Ubon, where comfort and convenience are our top priority for every stay”, said Centara Hotels & Resorts chief executive officer Thirayuth Chirathivat.
“With a focus on international standard service, comfort and unforgettable guest experiences, Centara Ubon is poised to become the most sought-after destination in Southern Isaan”, said Centara Ubon general manager Rutjiret Ananphong. “We are thrilled to bring Centara’s warmth and sense of community to the region with this beautiful hotel. Our team is ready to welcome guests to enjoy our stunning facilities, including our stylish rooms, delectable all-day dining, outdoor swimming pool and diverse event spaces. It will ensure each stay is met with our signature hospitality.”
To celebrate its opening, Centara Ubon announced a special introductory offer with nightly rates from only THB2,555 net, including breakfast for two, as well as other complimentary perks, which include daily hotel credit of THB555, early check-in from 1200 and late check-out until 1400 (subject to availability), a complimentary minibar, two drinks per stay and a 25% discount on laundry services. This offer runs from now to 30 June 2023 for stays to 30 June 2023.
In addition, CentaraThe1 members can take advantage of an exclusive X3 points grand opening offer. Members who log in to their account and book a room from now to 9t April for stays through 30June 2023 will earn triple points for use towards future stays with Centara Hotels & Resorts. CentaraThe1 members also enjoy member rates at 15% lower than public rates and complimentary stays for up to 2 children.
Travellers not yet members of Centara’s loyalty programme can sign up for free in less than a minute and immediately start enjoying benefits and earning points. To take advantage of all CentaraThe1 membership privileges, sign-up or sign in now at www.CentaraThe1.com
Those looking to enjoy even more exciting benefits can also take advantage of The1 membership program, Thailand’s largest loyalty platform, from Central Group and Central Pattana, during their stay at Centara Ubon. Guests will have easy access to earning and redeeming points for exciting rewards when shopping, eating and more at neighbouring Central Ubon. Non-members are invited to sign up for free at www.the1.co.th.Through this exciting collaboration, T1 members can also pay for hotel services using T1 points during their stay at Centara Ubon.
