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Agoda shines light on lantern festivals

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 20 May 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda is shining a light on some of Asia’s most enchanting lantern festivals coming up in the remainder of the year. These lantern festivals are unmissable for travellers eager to immerse themselves in culture and dazzling light-filled celebrations. 

Lantern festivals have long been a traveller favourite, offering a unique blend of tradition, artistry, and community spirit. For those who marvelled at earlier festivals this year, like China’s Spring Lantern Festival or Taiwan’s PingXi Lantern Festival, there’s good news—there are still plenty of opportunities to catch more lantern-lit magic in the months ahead. 

Photo: https://blog.bangkokair.com/en/loy-krathong-festival-chiang-mai/

Monthly: Hoi An Lantern Festival, Vietnam 

Hoi An’s Lantern Festival transforms this charming riverside town into a glowing wonderland every full moon. Visitors can expect the streets to be bathed in the warm glow of colourful lanterns while the Thu Bon River sparkles with floating lights. This monthly celebration is a tribute to Vietnam’s rich heritage, offering travellers a chance to release their own lanterns and make a wish. The festival’s intimate atmosphere and timeless beauty make it a must-see for those seeking a serene yet magical experience. 

August 2025: Nara Tokae Lantern Festival and Obon Festival, Japan 

August in Japan is a double delight for lantern lovers. The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival lights up the historic city of Nara with thousands of candle-lit paper lanterns, creating a captivating illumination amidst ancient temples and deer-filled parks. Meanwhile, the Obon Festival, celebrated nationwide, honours ancestors with floating lanterns and traditional dances. Together, these festivals offer a harmonious blend of reflection, celebration, and cultural immersion. 

October 2025: Mid-Autumn Festival, China 

China’s Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, is a time for family reunions and moonlit festivities. Lantern displays take centre stage, with intricate designs ranging from mythical creatures to modern art. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai host grand celebrations, but smaller towns also offer a more intimate charm. Mooncakes, storytelling, and lantern parades make this festival a feast for the senses and the soul. 

November 2025: Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival, Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Chiang Mai’s Yi Peng and Loy Krathong Festival is a breathtaking spectacle of light and water. Thousands of lanterns are released into the sky, while floating ‘krathongs’ (banana leaf decorative baskets) are set adrift on rivers. This dual celebration symbolises letting go of misfortunes and welcoming good luck. The sight of illuminated lanterns ascending into the night sky is a memory that will linger long after the festival ends. 

December 2025: Giant Lantern Festival, Philippines  

The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Philippines, is a dazzling display of craftsmanship and community spirit. Known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando showcases massive, intricately designed lanterns that light up the night in a kaleidoscope of colours. This festival is a testament to Filipino creativity and a joyful way to usher in the holiday season. 

Vietjet transfer 737 to Tha fleet

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 20 MAY 2025: Vietjet and Boeing have agreed to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand, marking a strategic initiative to strengthen aviation and tourism connectivity between Thailand, Vietnam, and other countries in the region. 

The signing ceremony convened in the presence of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the latter’s first official visit to Vietnam in over a decade.

Caption: Penny Burtt, President of Boeing Southeast Asia (3rd from left, front), Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (middle, front) and Vietjet Thailand CEO Woranate Laprabang (3rd from right, front) exchange the agreement to transfer up to 50 Boeing 737 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand in the presence of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (3rd from right, back) and Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (3rd from right, back).

Under the agreement, Vietjet will allocate 50 aircraft from its existing order of 200 Boeing 737s to Vietjet Thailand. Deliveries will begin in October 2025, significantly expanding Vietjet Thailand’s domestic and international network, particularly enhancing air links between Vietnam and Thailand. 

“We are pleased to partner with Vietjet and Vietjet Thailand to expand Boeing 737 operations in Vietnam and Thailand,” said Boeing Southeast Asia President Penny Burtt. “Together, we aim to connect communities and drive economic development, paving the way for a prosperous future in Vietnam and Southeast Asia’s dynamic growth region.”

Vietjet chair Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao stated at the event: “The transfer of 50 modern and efficient Boeing 737-8 aircraft to Vietjet Thailand demonstrates our long-term commitment to sustainable aviation development in the region. We are determined to implement the ‘Three Connects’ Strategy between the two countries – encompassing supply chains, businesses, and localities.”

Boeing will also provide Vietjet Thailand with comprehensive technical support, including pilot and engineer training, maintenance programs, and product services to ensure safe and efficient fleet operations in Thailand. 

The agreement marks a new milestone in cooperation between Vietnamese, Thai, and US enterprises, with shared priorities in digital transformation, sustainable development, and narrowing development gaps among member states.

Established in 2014, Vietjet Thailand is based at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. It operates 33 domestic and international routes, linking Thailand’s economic and tourism hubs with Vietnam, Japan, China, India, and Cambodia.

Qatar Airways Group reports strongest results

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TTR WEEKLY
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DOHA, 20 MAY 2025: Qatar Airways Group reports its strongest set of financial results in its history, highlighted by a year of expansion as it buys a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia and the South African regional airline, Airlink.

Profits for the group, which includes cargo, catering and Qatar Duty-Free, reached QAR7.85 billion (USD2.15 billion ) in the 24/25 fiscal year – an increase of more than QAR1.7 billion (USD0.5 billion) on the year before.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “These record-breaking results are a testament to the hard work, skill and dedication of teams across Qatar Airways Group.

I know that none of the outstanding results we’re announcing today would be possible without our people, more than 55,000 of them across the globe, and it’s our focus on fostering that talent, which has been a core focus of our Qatar Airways 2.0 strategy.

“We have also successfully implemented strategic partnerships throughout the industry so that the group can remain agile in the face of ever-shifting world events, whether political, economic or environmental.

“All of this means we continue to offer and develop exceptional service in the skies, whether it’s the award-winning Qsuite, fine dining, or super-fast, complimentary Starlink internet connectivity for all passengers.”

Key achievements

  • Record-breaking 28% increase in profit in 24/25 financial year.
  • Hamad International Airport’s expansion enables it to cater for 65 million passengers annually.
  • 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia.
  • 25% acquisition of South African premier regional airline, Airlink.
  • Introduction of conversational AI into its world-first digital cabin crew, Sama.
  • A range of technical MoUs, future-proofing and diversifying the business across the sector, and working to fulfil the ambitions of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Gawai Dayak Open House 2025 in Betong

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 19 MAY 2025: The Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) presents the Gawai Dayak Open House 2025, which will take place on 7 June 2025 at Rumah Veriland, Engkeranji, Layar, Betong, Sarawak.

The cultural event, which is open to the public, is hosted in collaboration with the Betong Resident Office and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and the Ministry of Youth Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak. 

The STF Gawai Dayak Open House 2025 returns for its third year, celebrating cultural unity and supporting rural tourism. It will take place from 1700 to 2400 at Rumah Veriland, Engkeranji, Layar, Betong. The event will feature traditional music and dance, cultural exhibitions, storytelling, and hands-on workshops on Dayak customs.

Visitors can enjoy local food, browse a handicraft bazaar, and experience the special Gawai-Kaamatan Concert, a unique collaboration between the Dayak and Kadazan-Dusun communities. 

This year,  there are glamping options for those who wish to stay overnight and enjoy the beautiful surroundings with a touch of comfort and Dayak hospitality.

“This year’s Gawai Dayak Open House is not just a celebration of our heritage but also a reflection of innovation in rural tourism,” said

Sarawak Tourism Federation President Mdm Audry Wan Ullok. “We’re proud to introduce glamping and the Gawai-Kaamatan Concert as new features to attract more visitors, especially among youth and cultural enthusiasts.”

Supporting partners include the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, the Betong Resident Office, the Betong District Office, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Betong, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak. They were praised for their unwavering commitment to promoting Sarawak’s cultural vibrancy and community spirit.

STF Gawai Dayak Open House 2025 is a free public event celebrating heritage, harmony, and hospitality. 

For those looking to explore more of Betong and its rich surroundings, various tour packages are available for purchase, ranging from three days and two nights (3D2N) to six days, five nights (5D4N). 

Options include the 3D2N Gawai in the Head-hunters Heartland, 3D2N Gawai Glamping, 3D2N Gawai Harvest Festive, and 6D5N

Each Sarawak Gawai Festival offers a unique way to immerse in local culture and rural charm.

For more information visit: 2025-Open House – Sarawak Tourism Federation 

Sabah to join global LCC gathering in Malta

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 19 MAY 2025: Sabah’s international tourism profile will increase after Lufthansa City Centre (LCC) invited the Sabah Tourism Board to join the prestigious LCC General Assembly in Malta this November.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment cum Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, welcomed the invitation as a timely opportunity to raise Sabah’s visibility on the global stage.

Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister cum STB Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with LCC International managing director Heiko Brix (second left) and STB deputy chairman Datuk KL Tan (second right) at the dinner last Thursday.

He said the summit, which brings together over 500 travel agency owners and decision-makers from more than 85 countries, provides a valuable platform for Sabah to present its unique offerings.

“This opens doors for us to showcase Sabah’s strength in nature, culture, and community-driven experiences, as well as our growing MICE potential,” said Joniston.

He added that such international exposure aligns with Sabah’s long-term tourism strategy and efforts to prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

The invitation was extended by LCC International managing director Heiko Brix during a dinner hosted by the Sabah Tourism Board last Thursday.

Scheduled for November 2025, the global LCC gathering in the Mediterranean destination of Malta is a high-level biennial gathering of global travel leaders focused on industry strategy, innovation, and collaboration.

The agenda includes sessions on travel and geopolitical trends, AI-driven transformation, evolving traveller behaviour, and resilient leadership.

Brix has described Sabah as a new but promising destination within LCC’s global network of travel agencies.

Having personally experienced Sabah, he said the visit gave him a clearer view of how to position and promote the state to international travellers.

“Sabah has strong appeal as both a natural explorer destination and an emerging MICE destination. Sabah has what international travellers are looking for – authentic nature, culture, and space to disconnect,” said Brix.

LCC members are currently in Sabah for their Asia Pacific regional meeting, where they also have the opportunity to explore the state’s tourism offerings.

For more information on Sabah’s tourism, visit Sabah Tourism Board

WTTC calls for an urgent SAF scale up

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 19 MAY 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with global consultancy ICF, has today launched a new framework urging the entire Travel & Tourism sector to unite in tackling one of its toughest challenges: scaling up the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other renewable fuels. 

The report, Scaling Up Sustainable Fuel, sets out a practical roadmap for how every business in the sector, no matter its size or role, can help address transport-related emissions and accelerate the shift to cleaner fuels. 

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Sustainable fuel is the single biggest game-changer for Travel & Tourism, but supply falls dangerously short of demand. If we don’t act together, we risk rising costs, limited availability, and stalled climate progress.  

“Every hotel, tour operator, travel agency, cruise line and airline has a role to play. This framework gives them the blueprint. Sustainable fuel is not just an environmental necessity; it’s a business imperative, and governments must incentivise the production of SAF, not just set targets for the sector.” 

Today, SAF accounts for just 0.3% of global jet fuel use. To meet net-zero targets by 2050, production must increase more than 400-fold — from 1.25 billion litres today to over 450 billion litres. That will require as many as 6,500 new renewable fuel plants worldwide. Sustainable Marine Fuel (SMF) faces similar supply and infrastructure constraints. 

Unlike other decarbonisation options, SAF is a ‘drop-in’ solution. It works with existing engines and aircraft. However, high production costs, limited infrastructure, and feedstock competition have kept volumes low and prices high, up to 10 times that of conventional fuel. 

The new WTTC-ICF framework offers clear, tiered actions for Travel & Tourism stakeholders to engage, whether as Collaborators, Promoters, Adopters, or Investors. From joining campaigns and supplying waste products to funding production facilities or purchasing sustainable fuel certificates, the report clarifies that every business can contribute. 

 ICF Managing Director Daniel Galpin stated: “Decarbonising transport is a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable tourism sector. While transport industries, particularly aviation, focusing on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), have recognised the importance of sustainable fuels and are courageously working towards a new era, a significant journey remains ahead. The broader tourism ecosystem needs to take action and provide support to meet the targets set and implement the operational and strategic changes required. 

“ICF is proud to have collaborated closely with WTTC to identify the roles tourism stakeholders can adopt and the actions they can take to facilitate the sector’s decarbonisation, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.” 

Real-world case studies show how action is already underway. The Erawan Group is turning hotel waste oil into SAF in Asia, whilst Jet2 has invested in a UK-based SAF plant using recyclable household waste. 

Crucially, the report warns that unless the sector collaborates, SAF mandates introduced by governments, requiring a 5% to 10% blend by 2030, could increase travel costs and limit consumer choice. 

With Travel & Tourism forecast to generate USD16.5 trillion and support over 460 million jobs by 2035, scaling up sustainable fuel isn’t just an environmental challenge. It’s an economic imperative.

For more information and to access the full report, visit WTTC’s Research Hub

Flying a dream trip to Perth

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 19 May 2025: AirAsia and Tourism Western Australia (TWA) are partnering with a joint campaign to boost travel between Malaysia and Perth, a key Australian destination for AirAsia out of its Kuala Lumpur hub. 

As part of the partnership, AirAsia is giving away MYR400,000 in discount codes for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Perth, with each code valued at MYR200. The campaign also complements Western Australia’s ‘Walking On A Dream’ global tourism brand, designed to elevate the state’s profile as a unique and aspirational destination. 

Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia and Anneke Brown, Managing Director of Tourism Western Australia, at an event at Botanica + Co at Bamboo Hills, Kuala Lumpur, to commemorate the partnership.

To benefit from the MYR200 discount, AirAsia guests must key in the promo code ‘AAPERTWA’ when booking their flights until the cut-off date of 31 July 2025 for travel until 31 December 2025.* 

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Fareh Mazputra said: “Perth has long been one of AirAsia’s most popular destinations in Australia. Since the route was launched in November 2007, we’ve flown millions of guests to the city, and for many Malaysians, it truly is our ‘home away from home’. We’re excited to work hand-in-hand with Tourism Western Australia to reignite travel interest and provide more value-driven options for those eager to explore this stunning destination.”

Tourism Western Australia Managing Director Anneke Brown added: “With our Walking On A Dream tourism brand, we set out to showcase WA travel experiences that feel both otherworldly and are deeply rooted in nature and culture. Malaysia is one of our key international visitor markets, partly thanks to its close proximity to Western Australia, Perth’s strong aviation links with Kuala Lumpur,  and our shared time zones, and we look forward to sharing the magic of WA with more Malaysian travellers to come.”

AirAsia Group flies direct from Kuala Lumpur to three destinations in Australia: Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. It will add Darwin (with four weekly flights to commence on 27 June 2025). That will give the group 22 weekly flights to destinations in Australia. The group also comprises Indonesia AirAsia (QZ), which serves Darwin and Cairns three times weekly and Perth up to 28 weekly from Bali. Indonesia AirAsia will soon also fly to Adelaide (with four new weekly services commencing 25 June). 

*The promo code is valid only for the base fare and applies to AirAsia return flights between Kuala Lumpur and Perth. The promo code ‘AAPERTWA’ will need to be keyed in at the homepage. 

Each MYR200 promo code will be applied as RM100 for the KUL–PER sector and MYR100 for the PER–KUL sector. Any unused balance will be forfeited and is not redeemable for future use. A total of 2,000 promo codes will be allocated for the campaign until 31 July 2025, with a monthly cap of 666 codes on a first-come, first-served basis.

PG net profit down 10% in Q12025

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 19 May 2025: Bangkok Airways Plc has released its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, reporting a total revenue of THB7,821.30 million, a slight decrease of 0.1% year-on-year, and a net profit of THB 1,686.1 million, down 10%. 

Passengers carried stood at 1.28 million, representing a 2.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. The average passenger load factor stood at 81.5%. 

Bangkok Airways Plc President Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth noted that the airline continues focusing on destinations with strong connectivity, particularly routes to and from Samui. During the first quarter, the airline served 1.28 million passengers, representing a slight decline year-on-year due to a drop in domestic and regional routes, which saw a 13.5% decrease. However, the number of passengers travelling to and from Samui increased by 4.7%. 

In Q1 2025, the company reported an operating profit of THB2,343.7 million, a 2% decrease from the previous year. Nevertheless, the average ticket price increased due to high demand for Samui-bound flights. At the same time, significant operating costs, namely fuel and aircraft maintenance expenses, decreased year-on-year. 

The company reported EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation) of THB2,882.4 million and a net profit of THB1,686.1 million for the period, of which THB1,674.9 million was attributable to the equity holders of the company. Earnings per share stood at THB0.80

In its concluding remarks, the company said it remains committed to conducting business with long-term sustainable growth in collaboration with all stakeholders. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are central to this approach, focusing on addressing climate change. Under the campaign “Low Carbon Skies by Bangkok Airways,” the airline aims to align with global aviation industry targets, including the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.  

Air Astana adds Danang to network

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 19 MAY 2025: Air Astana expanded its route network to Vietnam by operating an inaugural flight from Astana to Danang on 14 May 2025. 

The 169-seat Airbus A321LR aircraft departed Astana International Airport at 2255 and arrived at Danang International Airport at 0825 local time. Flight time: Seven hours and 30 minutes.

Air Astana operates direct scheduled flights to Danang twice weekly on Wednesday and Sunday.

Flight schedule

KC259 departs Astana (NQZ) at 2255 and arrives in Danang (DAD) at 0825 plus a day.
KC260 departs Danang (DAD) at 1000 and arrives in Astana (NQZ) at 1545.

Danang is a picturesque coastal city in central Vietnam, renowned for its white-sand beaches, cultural landmarks, golf courses and well-developed transportation infrastructure. Just an hour away lies the historic town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised as one of the best-preserved examples of a Southeast Asian trading port.

During Air Astana’s summer schedule, weekly flights to Vietnam have increased to 11. The airline currently operates flights to Nha Trang four times a week from Almaty and three times a week from Astana. Flights to Danang are scheduled twice weekly from Astana, and starting on 4 June 2025, they will also operate twice weekly from Almaty. 

Kazakhstan citizens can stay in Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days.

Asia Aviation Plc reports core profit rise

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 19 May 2025: Asia Aviation Plc (AAV), the sole shareholder of Thai AirAsia (TAA) reported its 1Q2025 performance last week, posting a core profit (excludes foreign exchange impacts) of THB1.299 billion, up 6% year-on-year. 

Revenues from sales and services came in at THB13.225 billion, down 4% YoY, largely due to a decrease in international tourist demand.

In line with Thai AirAsia’s cost leadership focus, operating costs improved during the quarter, with Cost per Available Seat Kilometre (CASK) down 12% YoY to THB 1.73. CASK excluding fuel declined 3% to THB1.13. Revenue per Available Seat Kilometre (RASK) stood at THB 1.97, down 10% YoY.

As a result of disciplined operational execution, TAA carried 5.6 million guests in the first quarter of 2025, up 2% YoY, with a robust load factor of 87%. Seat capacity increased by 9% to 6.4 million seats, driven by additional flights and frequency enhancements. The airline also expanded its fleet with the addition of one Airbus A321neo during the quarter, bringing the total to 61 aircraft,  55 of which were in operation. TAA received one aircraft in April and remains on track to receive four more aircraft in the latter part of 2025 reaching a total of 66 aircraft to support its future growth plans.

AAV and TAA Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya stated: “Thai AirAsia’s performance in the first quarter of 2025 highlights the company’s adaptability and resilience toward long-term financial sustainability. We are proud to have achieved a record-high 42% share of the domestic market, the highest in the country as of the end of March 2025. 

“This milestone is primarily driven by our dual airport strategy, which enables us to serve domestic routes from both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports. As the only carrier to fully leverage Bangkok airports, we offer unmatched convenience, capacity and connectivity for Thai travellers – a unique competitive advantage that strengthens our market leadership.” 

Domestically, operational momentum remained solid with 3.7 million passengers, marking a 9% increase YoY, representing 67% of the airline’s total passengers for the quarter, with a high passenger load factor of 91%. 

During the quarter, TAA continued to expand its flight network from its Suvarnabhumi Airport hub, launching two new routes to the Northeast region — Khon Kaen and Udon Thani in February. In addition, the airline also opened ticket sales for three additional routes: Suvarnabhumi to Surat Thani, Buriram, and Narathiwat, with services set to commence this 1 July.

The international market is rebounding steadily, and we are actively tapping into new growth corridors. While some East Asian markets namely China, Hong Kong, and Macau remain soft, strong performance from South Asia and upcoming new fifth freedom routes like Chiang Mai–Taipei–Sapporo are set to balance the pace of recovery.

“We remain optimistic about meeting our 2025 passenger target of 23 to 24 million with a strong load factor at 90%, and our planned fleet expansion to 66 aircraft by year-end strategic moves that will position us well for the peak season and beyond,” said Santisuk.

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