Friday, May 2, 2025
Home Blog Page 398

Chinese divers visit Sabah

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KOTA KINABALU, 16 March 2023: Three years after the pandemic, Chinese and Malaysian divers reunited last week for a dive trip to Mabul island off the southeastern coast of Borneo in Malaysia.

About 60 Chinese and 20 Malaysian divers joined a six-day dive trip at Mabul island. AirAsia flew the China Chinese from Guangzhou to Kota Kinabalu on a route that was reinstated on 2 March.

“Now flights from China have resumed, the dive trip illustrates we are rebuilding tourism to Sabah,” said Sabah Tourism Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew in a statement on Sunday. “This dive group is a testimony of that.”

With the reopening of China’s outbound tourism market and the resumption of international flights, there will be a surge in diving trips to Semporna and Sabah as a whole,” she added.

The event was co-organised by the Enthusiast Scuba Diving Association Guangzhou China, One Diving Services Guangzhou China, Guizhou Dive Diving Club China, Malaysia China Folklore Culture Tourism Association – MCCTA, Guangzhou Asian World Travel China, Master Wei Xuan Student Trip and Majestic Dive Malaysia with the support Sabah Tourism Board and Tourism Malaysia.

Semporna is a world-class diving and tourism hotspot located on the east coast of Sabah. Sipadan Island, the only deep-sea island in Malaysia, is a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts. It is also well-known as one of the top 10 diving sites in the world.

It takes only 15 minutes to transfer by boat from Sipadan Island to Borneo Diving Resort on Mabul island. It features 113 luxury villas and comprehensive facilities, targeting elite divers and up-market guests. 

Visit: www.sabahtourism.com

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Regent sets up longest World Cruise

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 16 March 2023: Regent Seven Seas Cruises opens sales, 23 March, for arguably the longest World Cruise, due to set sail on 10 January 2026 from Miami, Florida.

Regent’s 2026 World Cruise – The Sense of Adventure – will cruise three oceans over 154 days departing Miami, Florida, on the cruise ship Seven Seas Mariner.

The cruise will explore destinations in the Americas, South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa, and Europe, sailing 39,722 nautical miles. Guests will explore 77 ports of call in 41 countries across six continents. The three new ports of call have been added to the 2026 World Cruise – Lifou Island and Maré of the Loyalty Islands in the New Caledonia archipelago and the wild and rugged Waingapu (Sumba), Indonesia.

Before boarding Seven Seas Mariner, guests will kick off their round-the-world adventure with a one-night stay in a luxury hotel in Miami, Florida.

Fares for the 154-night voyage start from USD94,999 per guest for a Deluxe Veranda Suite and USD266,499 per guest for the Master Suite.

The 2026 World Cruise opens for reservations on 23 March 2023, but guests can pre-register their booking intention.

Global summit on Halal travel space

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 16 March 2023: The third edition of the online Halal In Travel Global Summit (HITGS 2023) is set to take place on 30 May to 1 June, hosted by CrescentRating & HalalTrip.

With more than 60 experts from national tourism organisations, travel industry stakeholders, and online travel industry players sharing ideas,  HITGS 2023 is billed as a  must-attend event for anyone interested in the Halal travel space. Registration is free for the online summit. Visit this link to learn more about HITGS 2023

The Muslim travel market is expected to play a crucial role in the next phase of the industry’s growth. International Muslim traveller arrivals reached 160 million in 2019. It is projected that Muslim traveller arrivals will reach 140 million in 2023 and return to the 2019 level of 160 million in 2024. Visitor arrivals are projected to reach 230 million with an estimated expenditure of USD225 Billion by 2028.

In addition to keynote presentations by tourism ministers, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in discussions on some of the key areas the industry needs to prepare to welcome Muslim travellers.

The HITGS 2023 will also feature the launch of the 8th edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023, the third edition of the HalalTrip 40, and the Halal In Travel Awards 2023. The GMTI is the premier index in the travel industry for the Halal travel space, providing a comprehensive annual report that ranks the top Muslim-friendly travel destinations worldwide based on factors such as the availability of Halal food, prayer facilities, and Muslim-friendly accommodation options.

This year’s ranking will put more emphasis on sustainability initiatives by destinations. The Halal In Travel Awards were launched in 2022 to honour excellence in the Halal travel space. These awards recognise destinations, organisations, companies, and individuals who have considerably impacted the Muslim lifestyle travel segment.

There are four categories of awards, and nominations for the 2023 awards will close on 14 April 2023. Visit this link to learn more about the HIT Awards 2023.

The HalalTrip 40 was initiated in 2021 to recognise inspiring Muslims who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, and this year’s list will be launched at the HITGS 2023. The list is a compilation of inspiring Muslims who have contributed eagerly, persistently, and arduously and have significantly impacted the community through their craft, product, or service. The compilation comprises four categories: Trailblazers, Advocates, Inspirers, and Creators. Visit this link to learn more about the HT40 2023.

“We are thrilled to host the Halal In Travel Global Summit 2023, bringing together key players in the travel industry to explore the vast potential of the Muslim travel market. As we navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic world, it is increasingly clear that the Muslim travel market will be a key driver of tourism growth,” said CrescentRating & HalalTrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen.

Spring Special for summer holidays

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 16 March 2023: Thai Vietjet’s ‘Spring Special’ promotion gets underway, offering fares for travel on the airline’s entire domestic network, starting from THB499 (inclusive of taxes and fees).

The booking window opened on 15 March and remains open for three more days until midnight on 18 March. The THB499 fare is valid for travel from 15 May to 31 October.

However, during the peak school holiday break from 1 April to 14 May, the best fare offer is THB799 (inclusive of taxes and fees). And it is not available during public holidays such as the Songkran holiday.

The special promotional fare, whether THB499 or 799, applies to the airline’s entire domestic network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani and cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai.

You can buy the fare on all distribution channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, Facebook, travel agencies and booking offices.

Thai tour operator recruits charter specialist

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 16 March 2023: Chapman Freeborn, a global aircraft charter specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, is partnering with Thailand-based tour operator Tourladfah.

Tourladfah, headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, was established in 2018. It organises outbound tours to Georgia, Japan, South Korea, India and Turkey. Last month, Tourladfah commissioned Thai Vietjet to supply charter flights on the Bangkok-Okinawa Japan route. The first flight will depart on 16 March to Okinawa, chartered by Tourladfah, which sells inclusive travel packages bundled with a roundtrip fare through its online channels, such as Facebook.

Andy Hudson, President – APAC at Chapman Freeborn and Arthit Thepchai, Managing Director at Tourladfah.

The new partnership will see Chapman Freeborn providing charter solutions for the Thai tour operator, sourcing aircraft to support the surge in travel demand that Tourladfah is witnessing post-Covid.

Chapman Freeborn, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, says it is “optimising growth in the Asia Pacific region, developing and implementing products and services in this comparatively untapped geography.”

Chapman Freeborn, vice president of passenger solutions – Asia Pacific Paul Tsang said: “Our passenger charter department is relatively new to the APAC region, and this partnership is a major boost. We are delighted to assist Tourladfah and show our prospective clients, not just in Thailand but across the whole region, that we can find them the ideal (charter) solution.”

Chapman Freeborn president of APAC, Andy Hudson, added: “Chapman Freeborn values long-term relationships, and partnering with Tourladfah highlights our commitment and dedication to the Asia Pacific region.

“As we expand further into APAC, we will build strong relationships and deliver excellent capacity solutions for our clients, further emphasising the importance of our role in this part of the world.”

About Chapman Freeborn

The Chapman Freeborn group was established in the UK in 1973. It has offices in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. In the cargo market, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering specialises in the charter and lease of aircraft for freight forwarders, multinational corporations, governments and humanitarian agencies.

In addition to freight services, Chapman Freeborn offers specialist passenger services, including private jet charters for executive travel, large aircraft for crew rotations and international group travel, and onboard courier services.

Russian friends support Ngapali tourism plans

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 16 March 2023: The Russia-Myanmar Friendship Association and business owners in Myanmar have signed deals to promote travel to a Ngapali beach resort in Rakhine State, Irrawaddy online news reported recently.

The association president Anatoly Bulochnikov met junta boss Min Aung Hlaing in Nay Pyi Daw to discuss tourism and trade, particularly the expansion of tourism facilities. Ngapali has the potential to become a popular beach resort destination if facilities and airline connectivity improve.

Construction of a luxury seafront apartment project in Ngapali is one of the projects expected to start soon following the agreement between a Ngapali beach resort in Rakhine State and the Russia-Myanmar Friendship Association, Irrawaddy reported.

The online news channel identified Aung Myo Min Din, a hotelier with close ties to Min Aung Hlaing’s family, who owns a resort hotel in Ngapali. He appears to be a key player in long-term projects to expand hotel and tourism facilities in the southern beach resort.

Aung Myo Min Din founded Amazing Hotels & Resorts and expanded the company’s hotel portfolio to 12 properties since 2011 when Min Aung Hlaing became the military chief. He bought the Ngapali Resort from its owner Zaw Zaw in 2015 when it was still under construction and named it the Amazing Ngapali Resort. Zaw Zaw is the chairman of Max Myanmar Group of Companies, a major conglomerate and the president of the Myanmar Football Federation since 2015.

Aung Myo Min Din also heads Adventure Myanmar Tours & Incentives, a company involved in inbound and outbound travel in Myanmar since 1996 and owns two golf courses and two restaurants.

(Source: Irrawaddy)

Sabah promotes culture and adventure

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KOTA KINABALU,15 March 2023: Malaysia Airlines London and Sabah Tourism Board hosted 14 UK travel agents to Sabah on a familiarisation tour focusing on wildlife and cultural adventure. 

Welcoming the group, which arrived in Sandakan last week, State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew said the UK was one of our key target markets to promote Sabah’s nature and wildlife tours.

“Sandakan is a nature-based destination known for its wildlife attractions and historical heritage, making it one of the destinations we promote in the UK market. In addition, Malaysia Airlines has direct flights to Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur,” she said.

The group visited main attractions such as the Agnes Keith House, St. Michael and All Angel’s Church, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, and wildlife adventure in Kinabatangan.

The six-day familiarisation trip also included hotel inspections in Kota Kinabalu, a cycling tour in Tuaran, a cultural experience at the Bajau Sama Cultural Centre, a traditional food cooking class at Bijan Cafe and Guesthouse and a fun yacht ride at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Nexus Resort Karambunai and Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu co-sponsored the group.

Visit www.sabahtourism.com.

(Your Stories Sabah Tourism Board)

Emirates revs up pilot recruitment

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 15 March 2023: As the travel industry regains its footing, Emirates ramps up a recruiting mission to hire experienced commercial pilots in Singapore.

The airline will hold a pilot recruitment roadshow in Singapore for the first time in eight years to provide a glimpse into the opportunities and benefits of joining Emirates and living in the vibrant city of Dubai.

Pilot Information Sessions will be held at The Westin Singapore on Sunday, 2 April, at 1000 and 1300, and Monday, 3 April, at 1000. Experienced pilots keen to join Emirates as first officers, A380 direct entry captains, or via the accelerated command programme are welcomed.

Prior registration is not required, and pilots are only required to attend one of the sessions. At the session, prospective Emirates pilots can learn more about the airline’s recruitment process, available opportunities, training programmes, expected career trajectory, and benefits and speak to pilots currently flying with Emirates.

More information can be found at https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/

Emirates’ country manager for Singapore & Brunei, Rashid Al Ardha said: “Emirates pilots fly one of the world’s youngest and most modern all-wide-body fleets to diverse destinations across an extensive network of 140 cities on six continents. They undergo a robust, evidence- and competency-based in-house training programme at Emirates’ cutting-edge training facility. Pilots will be based in Dubai, one of the world’s safest, most vibrant, and tech-savvy cities and a lifestyle destination with global annual sporting events, spectacular attractions, and adventure sports for kids and families. We look forward to having more talented pilots from Singapore come onboard our airline as we expand our operations in response to strong customer demand.”

Flying with Emirates

With a network spanning over 140 destinations, Emirates pilots will have the opportunity to fly to diverse destinations. The airline’s constant investment in renewing its fleet also means its pilots will fly the world’s youngest and most modern fleet of all wide-body aircraft; the Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

Emirates offers a range of company benefits for pilots and their families, including a competitive tax-free salary, 42 days of annual leave, a generous allowance for accommodation and education, full medical benefits, and discounted travel benefits for the wider family and friends.

The selection process is held in two stages. The first assessment stage will be conducted remotely, while the second stage will be held in Dubai over two days. Emirates will provide a pair of return economy class tickets (upgradeable to Business Class, subject to availability) for applicants and their legal spouses when they travel to Dubai for the second assessment stage.

More information about the requirements, role and benefits for each pilot category can be found here: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/pilots/.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

MATTA names MAG official airline partner

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 March 2023: Malaysia Aviation Group joins the upcoming MATTA Fair as the official Airline, according to the latest announcement from the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).

Official Airline status goes to all three airlines within the group; Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings.

(from left to right): Rocky Kho, MATTA Fair Organising Chairman; Nigel Wong, MATTA Fair Organising Committee; Ahmad Luqman B. Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer, Airlines Business, Malaysia Aviation Group;Roslan B. Ismail, Head Airlines Global Sales, Malaysia Aviation Group.

Southeast Asia’s largest travel show will be held from 17 to 19 March at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.

Located at foyer Level 1, Malaysia Airlines has snapped up 28 booths for this year’s fair to promote destinations and fare deals on domestic and international routes.

With Malaysia Airlines onboard during the MATTA Fair, visitors can plan their next holidays and source bargains from various domestic and international packages.

The Airline offers up to 45% off selected domestic and international routes, and there is an opportunity to win one of the 37 return tickets in the “Buyers Contest”.

Firefly will offer fares starting from MYR69 all-in one-way to domestic destinations and MYR99 all-in one-way to international destinations onboard its ATR 72-500 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

MASwings will offer all-in one-way fares starting from MYR131, valid from 16 to 24 March 2023, via the physical MATTA Fair event and the airlines’ online platforms, for travel from now to 30 November 2023. Enrich members will also earn 50% Bonus Enrich Points during this period.

MAG’s chief executive officer of airlines business, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “We are delighted to be part of Malaysia’s biggest travel fair as the official airlines for MATTA Fair 2023 through sister companies Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and MASwings. This reinforces our commitment to providing more value, convenience and options through great deals and travel experiences for our customers while also playing our unique role in supporting the recovery of Malaysia’s aviation and tourism sector.

On top of the great discounts offered on airfares, customers will also get to enjoy other deals beyond air travel, including on MHholidays, Journify, and travel add-ons.

“It’s all part of MAG’s wider aspirations of becoming Asia’s leading travel and aviation services group focused on delivering customised, end-to-end travel solutions in line with our Long-Term Business Plan 2.0. As the appetite for travel regains momentum, we invite everyone to take advantage of the great offers available during MATTA Fair and on the airlines’ website to enjoy the best deals for their upcoming travels,” the CEO explained.

MAG airlines will give away 37 tickets in the Buyers’ Contest, including Malaysia Airlines’ business class return tickets to London, Sydney and Haneda and economy class return tickets to Osaka, Melbourne, Perth, Seoul Denpasar, Singapore, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. 

Firefly and MASwings will offer five and 12 return tickets to the winners’ destinations of choice within the airline network.

MATTA Fair will open from 1000 to 2100 for three days, Friday to Sunday, 17 to 19 March. Admission is free.

Jetstar ready for T4 switch

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 15 March 2023: Jetstar Asia will move to Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 on 22 March after completing orientation flights last week on the Bangkok – Singapore route.

Jetstar Asia’s head of flight operations, Geof Lui commented: “The focus of this second round of orientation flights was to evaluate the process and validate the efficiency with which passengers and luggage transferred between terminals to meet onward connections seamlessly.

“Following the initial orientation flights, we’ve worked with our airline partners to increase the frequency of shuttle services, both airside and landside, to ensure customers can quickly transfer between terminals from our new home at T4.

Jetstar Asia will initially operate more than 230 weekly services in and out of T4, to and from key destinations in Southeast Asia, including Bali (Denpasar), Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Phnom Penh.

Jetstar Airways will also operate six weekly flights from T4 to Melbourne, Australia using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

1...397398399...600Page 398 of 600

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.