VIENTIANE, Laos, 31 May 2023: The ASEAN Tourism Forum will be hosted in Vientiane from 22 to 27 January 2024 and has adopted the theme ‘Quality and Responsible Tourism-Sustaining Asean Future’ according to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
ATF and the accompanying trade mart, Travex, attract around 800 delegates; 200 government officials from 10 nations, approximately 400 travel content providers, and 200 international travel buyers.
The 10 ASEAN nations host the event in an alphabetical rotation between Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Indonesia hosted the event in January 2023.
Last week the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism released provisional travel data for the first four months of 2023, which saw the country welcome 1,114,950 tourists from January to April.
The country managed just 1,294,338 visitors in 2022 as Covid-19 travel restrictions eased during the year’s second half. In 2019 Laos welcomed 4.79 million visitors.
The visitor arrival data released by the ministry’s Tourism Development Department show the top supply markets for the four months were Thailand generating 430,979 visits, followed by Vietnam with 244,461, China with 223,350, Korea with 57,189, and the US with 22,713. It confirms the traditional top pre-Covid era source markets are now in recovery mode as far as Laos is concerned.
By region, tourists from the Asia-Pacific tallied 360,530; Europe 78,258 and the Americas 31,755. The ASEAN community generated 694,263 visits. Visits from Malaysia, which stood at 4,709 during the first four months of the year, should grow during the year’s second half once AirAsia starts direct daily flights from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane this June.
SINGAPORE, 30 May 2023: When planning a vacation, one thing captures the hearts of travellers worldwide — pristine, breathtaking beaches.
A staggering 63% of Singapore-based travellers are looking for remarkable shorelines when selecting their travel destinations, according to Booking.com’s research Travel Predictions 2023.* Beaches hold an irresistible appeal for the majority of travellers.
And thanks to the evolving landscape of work arrangements, we now enjoy enhanced flexibility to craft our dream trips without the constraints of limited vacation days. Over half of Singapore-based travellers (64%) want to make the most of their budget with one or two longer vacations in 2023*.
From soaking up the sun year-round along Australia’s Gold Coast to one of Bali’s most beloved beaches, Booking.com has rounded up a list of top endorsed beach destinations where travellers can stay for two weeks to over a month, perfect for catching a wave between video calls or simply savouring multiple sunsets with the sand between your toes.
And to sweeten the deal for travellers inspired to enjoy summer a little bit longer, Booking.com is sharing Getaway Deals with discounts starting. Discounts start at 15% at participating properties indicated by the “Getaway Deal” badge and are valid for stays with check-out on or before 28 September 2023.
Gold Coast, Australia
With a reported average of more than 300 days of sunshine a year, warm temperatures year-round and loads of activities, including surfing classes for beginners, shopping and great places to eat, it’s obvious why the Gold Coast has been an Australian favourite vacation destination for decades.
With its 70km of sandy beaches, it’s a paradise for surfing and water sports, making it one of Booking.com’s top 10 endorsed destinations for beach-related activities. As one of 2023’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth, visitors can also expect genuine Aussie hospitality throughout their stay.
Nirvana By The Sea, located right on Coolangatta Beach and a short drive away from Gold Coast Airport, provides various apartment options suitable for different travellers — whether you’re on the hunt for accommodation with sprawling views of the beach or looking to soak in the sun in your own private plunge pools. Each apartment includes a kitchen, as well as spacious living areas to chill out or catch up on a few emails.
This property is recognised with Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable Badge.
Bali, Indonesia
Nestled off the coast of Bali, Indonesia rests the enchanting Lembongan Island — home to the mesmerising Dream Beach. True to its name, this idyllic beach presents a dreamscape lapped by the gentle turquoise waves of the Indian Ocean. For thrill-seekers, this beach offers more than just a tranquil view! Immerse yourself in the ocean’s wonders alongside majestic sea turtles, and marvel at the schools of tropical fish in your next snorkelling adventure.
After exploring the island, hop on a speed boat from Sanur-Bali or Tanjung Benoa to Dream Beach Huts, slightly off the beaten track, for a serene getaway. The spacious huts come with your private balcony that overlooks coastal views, giving travellers a panoramic view from above. For the ultimate pampering, indulge in a traditional Balinese massage that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Phú Quốc, Vietnam
Phú Quốc island is a true sanctuary that beckons travellers seeking a tranquil retreat. Located off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, this Vietnamese beach is widely known for white-sand beaches and resorts. Spanning over half the island’s area is the Phú Quốc National Park, showcasing a captivating blend of mountains, lush tropical jungles and scenic hiking trails. Wander through the bustling town of Duong Dong, open from day to night, for a taste of the vibrant local culture where an array of crafts, fresh produce and an abundant selection of fish are available.
Experience the epitome of luxury and relaxation at Vinpearl Wonderworld Phu Quoc, located just 700m away from the pristine Bai Dai Beach. This exquisite resort offers a multitude of amenities and services that will make your stay a perfect one. Take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or unwind amidst the peaceful ambience of the resort’s garden. Then, indulge your taste buds with a culinary journey at the restaurant, where many delectable options await. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a peaceful retreat, this resort is an ideal choice for your Phu Quoc escape.
This property is recognised with Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable Badge
About Travel Predictions 2023
*Travel Predictions 2023 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 24,179 respondents across 32 countries and territories were polled.
SINGAPORE, 30 May 2023: Ocean conservation is a core pillar for OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels, and the newly appointed resident marine biologist at OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, has ambitious plans for guest interaction and participation this World Ocean Month, which runs throughout June.
As part of OUTRIGGER Zone – the premier beach resort brand’s global conservation initiative on marine and environmental protection – guests can join in and learn about conservation activities beyond World Reef Day on 1 June, World Environment Day on 5 June and World Ocean Day on 8 June.
Danielle Stanley, a dual British-South African national, who grew up in Tanzania, took over her new post with OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort in March. Throughout June, she and her colleagues will implement various conservation initiatives that guests can join.
Activities include coral planting, whale shark and manta excursions, showing marine-themed documentaries, holding arts and crafts sessions, conducting a school educational visit, and inviting guests to participate in marine wildlife database and research activities.
OUTRIGGER guests help Danielle compile encounter sheets when they join the resort’s excursions to see manta rays and assorted benign sharks in the surrounding waters. She describes the surrounding seas as “one of the top seven shark sanctuaries in the world”. Sightings of whale sharks, black tip, white tip, grey reef, nurse and silver tip are quite common.
Danielle adds: “I want people to shift away from negative misconceptions about sharks. They are misunderstood animals. They are truly beautiful and critically important for the health of our oceans.”
Incorporating artistic creativity into her marine work is important. For example, Danielle paints murals and invites kids at the resort to draw aquatic creatures or make art from materials they discover on the beach.
Since taking up her post at OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, Danielle has introduced Monday and Thursday evening guest presentations. These are on topics such as Maldives Megafauna, Life On Our Blue Planet, The Ocean: A Carbon Sink, Oceans and Climate Change. There are also specialist presentations on sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays and coral reefs.
Danielle, who completed a postgraduate course in marine biology at Newcastle University in England last year, has been inspired by the work of marine conservationist and author Sylvia Earle. “She’s a legend in the marine activism community,” says Danielle.
She is also inspired by ‘shark girl’ Madison Stewart, whose Project Hiu aims to repurpose shark fishing boats in the Indonesian archipelago by turning them into marine excursion vessels run by former shark fin fishermen.
Danielle is also an acclaimed underwater photographer. Her image of a diver in the waters off Tanzania trying to remove a fishing line and hook from the mouth of a whale shark was shortlisted in the Environmental Photographer of the Year Awards 2022.
Regarding World Ocean Month, she says: “I am looking forward to raising awareness on the importance of healthy marine wildlife and ecosystems for our guests, hosts and local communities here in the Maldives. We must form a sustainable connection between people and our oceans.”
People can find out more about Danielle’s outlook on the marine world in an interview she gave to the Ocean Culture website.
For further information about experiencing the barefoot luxury 81-villa OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort and participating in its OUTRIGGER Zone conservation initiatives, visit the property on OUTRIGGER.com.
Caption photos 3 to 5
In the South Ari Atoll near OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru: Bottlenose dolphin and calf,
coral frame project at the OUTRIGGER house reef, and reef manta rays in a feeding frenzy
(Dolphin and Manta pictures by Danielle Stanley).
About OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
Discover a unique island experience in the Indian Ocean, offering small-island charm with contemporary architecture and bespoke finishing touches. In the pristine South Ari Atoll, the five-star OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort is a 25-minute seaplane journey from Male. It offers 81 villas in five distinct styles plus four restaurants, bars and cafes, a spa, a library lounge, a boutique, an airport lounge and transfers. The resort features a fully equipped PADI and SSI dive centre, island excursions, movie and documentary nights, and vow renewals for couples. The resident marine biologist leads marine discovery trips and a coral regeneration project and gives marine life presentations twice a week as part of the OUTRIGGER Zone global conservation initiative. More at OUTRIGGER.com
DUBAI, UAE, 25 May 2023: Launching mid-summer 2023, Emirates can reveal that its latest ad campaign and brand collaboration will feature Penelope Cruz.
The Academy Award-winning actor and philanthropist is already a fan of the Emirates brand and a frequent flyer who has visited Dubai multiple times. In exclusive behind-the-scenes footage shot onboard a signature Emirates A380 aircraft, Cruz revealed her passion for Emirates and the positive association she has with the brand stating that she was thrilled to partner with Emirates after years of travelling with the airline on some of the most special trips of her life.
The new TV spots will start to air globally from June 2023, in both English and Penelope’s native tongue of Spanish. With a thought-provoking theme of ‘travel is not just about the end destination; it’s also about how you get there’, the short ads show Cruz sampling all the exclusive luxuries that Emirates First and Business Class customers experience as they Fly Better, from a crafted beverage in the A380 Onboard Lounge to an indulgent shower above the clouds, cheering for a football game shown on live TV, to relishing generous helpings of luxury caviar. In other spots, she enjoys the spacious seats in Emirates’ new Premium Economy Class.
She interacts with Emirates Cabin Crew in multiple languages. She enjoys the wide variety of movies and content on Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system, viewed on a huge 32-inch full HD LCD screen – the largest in the aviation industry. Cruz is also filmed using the personal temperature controls in her private First Class Suite, using bespoke binoculars to enjoy the sky-high views, and wearing the Emirates hydra-active moisturising pyjamas to settle in for a siesta in her lie-flat bed, surrounded by an array of luxury amenities – ensuring her journey is spectacular from the beginning.
Each of the new TV spots was directed and brought to life by Robert Stromberg, a double Oscar-winning Hollywood director with 21 award wins and 30 award nominations for movies, TV series and commercials throughout his illustrious career. Stromberg worked closely with the Emirates brand team to ensure the TV spots conveyed the thoughtful luxury of the Fly Better experience while retaining a note of Cruz’s cheeky sense of humour. Esteemed production house Ridley Scott Associates also supported the series of TV spots and Framestore – the multi-award-winning creative studio for special effects.
Emirates’ senior vice president of brand and advertising, Richard Billington, commented: “Emirates is all about Flying Better, where the journey to your destination matters as much as the place itself. We took care of every detail in the Emirates experience and wanted a brand ambassador who reflects the Emirates brand – it needed to be someone classy, stylish, and has modern global appeal. Penelope was the perfect fit.”
Following in the footsteps of other globally successful ads such as Burj Girl, Jennifer Aniston onboard Emirates, and Gerry the Goose, Penelope Cruz will partner in the ad series to be aired globally on TV news channels, featured on Emirates’ own digital channels, with more joint activities to be announced over the coming year.
SINGAPORE, 30 May 2023: Growing travel confidence will cause airline bookings to peak during the upcoming ‘Northern summer holiday season’ according to an International Air Transport Association survey.
IATA’s optimism is based on forward bookings data during Q1 2023 for travel from May to September, tracking at 35% above 2022 levels. The survey covered 4,700 travellers in 11 countries.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
79% of surveyed travellers said they were planning a trip in the June-August 2023.
85% said that peak travel season disruptions should not be a surprise.
80% said that they expected smooth travel with post-pandemic issues having been resolved.
Forward bookings data indicates that the greatest growth is expected in the following regions:
Asia Pacific region (134.7%); Middle East (42.9%); Europe (39.9%); Africa (36.4%); Latin America (21.4%); North America (14.1%).
“Expectations are high for this year’s peak Northern summer travel season. For many, this will be their first post-pandemic travel experience. While some disruptions can be expected, there is a clear expectation that the ramping-up issues faced at some key hub airports in 2022 will have been resolved. Airlines are planning schedules based on the capacity that airports, border control, ground handlers, and air navigation service providers have declared. Over the next months, all industry players now need to deliver,” said IATA’s senior vice president for operations, safety and security, Nick Careen.
“A lot of work has gone into preparing for the peak Northern summer travel season. Success rests on readiness across all players in the supply chain. If each player delivers on what has been declared, there should be no last-minute requirements to reduce the scale of the schedules that travellers have booked on.”
Labour unrest, particularly in France, is cause for concern. Eurocontrol data on the impact of French strikes earlier this year shows cancellations can spike over a third.
“We need to carefully monitor Europe, where strike actions have caused significant disruptions earlier this year. Governments should have effective contingency plans in place so that the actions of those providing essential services like air traffic control maintain minimum service levels and do not disrupt the hard-earned vacations of those travelling or put at risk the livelihoods of those in the travel and tourism sectors,” Careen concluded.
SINGAPORE, 30 May 2023: Qantas farewelled a Boeing 717 on Monday as the airline showed off two new arrivals on the Sydney Airport tarmac – a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a Jetstar A321neo LR.
The next-generation aircraft have lower emissions, longer range, less noise and better economics.
The departing 717 (registration VH-NXI) holds a special place in the Qantas Group’s modern history, having operated Jetstar’s first flight between Melbourne and Launceston on the day the airline started flying in May 2004.
The aircraft has also flown on regional and domestic routes for QantasLink for the past 15 years. It has completed over 29,000 flights and safely carried over 1.6 million customers for Qantas and Jetstar over two decades.
QantasLink’s 20 Boeing 717s will be gradually replaced by 29 fuel-efficient Airbus A220 aircraft as part of the “Project Winton” fleet renewal programme. The first A220 aircraft will arrive later this year, and the first 20 A321XLRs will arrive in late 2024.
Fleet Renewal
The next-generation aircraft are part of a significant investment in the fleet renewal that will see the group take delivery of a new aircraft every three weeks on average for the next few years. The incoming aircraft will help Qantas and Jetstar restore capacity and expand their network while lowering emissions and improving efficiency.
Qantas’ latest Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Billabong, started flying on the airline’s international network this month, with another two Dreamliners to be delivered over the next three weeks. These additional aircraft enabled the resumption of Sydney-San Francisco flights and will support the launch of the Sydney to New York via Auckland route next month. This will bring Qantas’ 787-9 fleet to 14.
Jetstar also welcomed its seventh Airbus A321neo LR aircraft, 50% quieter than the older A321s they replace and burn up to 20% less fuel. They are operating domestic services and flying between Australia and Bali. The airline will receive another 11 A321neo LR aircraft by the end of 2024.
The Qantas Group has returned to around 100% of pre-Covid domestic flying levels through a combination of new arrivals and standby aircraft returning to service. It expects to restore 100% of international flying by March 2024.
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce joined pilots and crew at Sydney Airport to farewell the 717 and welcome the new aircraft into the fleet. “It’s the end of an era for these Boeing 717s, which have played a crucial role in connecting Australians across our domestic and regional network for more than two decades,” Joyce said.
“It’s fitting that the very first 717 to be registered in this country is making way for another brand-new fleet type, the A220, which can operate double the range of the 717s, opening up new domestic and short-haul international routes.
“Qantas is in the early stages of the biggest fleet renewal program in its history, with up to 299 narrowbody aircraft spread over 10-plus years and the A350s that will operate our Project Sunrise flights. It’s an inspiring time for our employees and customers as these new aircraft create more opportunities and unlock new destinations. We’ve already taken delivery of four new aircraft this year, and we’re on track to receive another eight before the end of the year.”
SINGAPORE, 30 May 2023: The latest generation A220 passenger aircraft has embarked on a demonstration tour of Southeast Asia that started at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia last week.
The aircraft has since visited Jakarta, Indonesia, and Bangkok, where the media joined a demonstration flight to Thailand’s Samui island that illustrated the A220’s ability to land and take off on short runways.
Airbus A220 lands at Samui airport on a regional demo tour.
The A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,450 nautical miles (6,400km).
The A220 brings a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft of a similar size. This brings an immediate contribution to industry goals to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment. The latest Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines power the aircraft.
The A220 is available in two versions, with the -100 variant seating between 100 and 130 passengers and the larger -300 variant seating between 130 and 160 in typical layouts. The A220 has the largest cabin and windows and the widest seats in its class or Airbus A320 family of aircraft.
Airbus leases the aircraft taking part in the demonstration tour from airBaltic and features a layout of 145 seats in a single-class passenger cabin.
Today, the A220-300 is operated in the Asia-Pacific region by Korean Air on domestic and international services with 10 aircraft. Australia’s Qantas is set to become the second operator in the region when it takes delivery of the first of 20 A220s on order as part of its domestic fleet replacement programme. Airbus has received 785 orders for the A220 and delivered more than 260 aircraft for this programme.
BANGKOK, 30 May 2023: WorldHotels has expanded its portfolio in Thailand with the signing of Tawa Ravadee Resort, close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khao Yai National Park and approximately a 2.5-hour drive east of Bangkok
Overlooking a lake and surrounded by lush forests and rice fields in Prachinburi province, the 199-room resort features spacious 38-sqm superior rooms and 72-sqm Lakeview Suites.
Tawa Ravadee Resort also offers event space with 10 meeting rooms and a convention hall that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The property is a popular venue for corporate retreats, team-building events and weddings.
“We are delighted to welcome Tawa Ravadee Resort to WorldHotels. This exceptional property has gained a strong reputation for its captivating blend of Thai culture, natural scenery and world-class facilities. Easily accessible from Bangkok and the city’s two gateway airports, this scenic resort is perfectly suited to domestic and international guests, including business and leisure travellers seeking a fresh and inspiring setting for their next Thai adventure,” said BWH Hotels’ vice president Asia Pacific, Olivier Berrivin.
Tawa Rawadee Resort Prachinburi is now included in WorrlHotels’ loyalty programme, WorldHotels Rewards.
MANILA, 30 May 2023: South Korea’s Asiana Airlines will resume daily flights between Incheon and Clark beginning 6 June, according to the Philippines News Agency quoting the airport’s management.
Flight OZ707 will leave Incheon International Airport (ICN) at 2155 and arrive at Clark International Airport (CRK) at 0050. The airline uses an A320 for the four-hour five-minute flight.
Asiana’s publicity for the return to Clark, Philippines on 6 June.
From CRK, flight OZ708 will depart at 0200 and arrive at ICN at 0705.
“We welcome the resumption of Asiana Airlines at CRK. We are happy Asiana Airlines is once again our partner in giving our travellers convenient access to South Korea and beyond,” Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation, the private consortium that manages CRK told the Philippine News Agency.
The airline confirms it will increase flights on the Incheon Seoul to Cebu route from five weekly to daily starting 17 June. The additional flights are on Monday and Tuesday.
Flight OZ709 departs Incheon at 2130 and arrives in Cebu at 0100 the following morning. The return flight OZ710 departs Cebu at 0200 and arrives in Incheon at 0745.
Asiana also flies twice daily from its home base at Incheon International Airport Seoul to Manila.
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 May 2023: Tourism Malaysia launched a new four-minute promotional video at the weekend entitled “Dive Into The Unimaginable” featuring the wonders of the underwater kaleidoscope and stunning array of aquatic flora and fauna available in Malaysia.
The video Leverages the potential of the water sports segment, especially scuba diving, in attracting high-spend tourists to the country,
The rich biodiversity of marine life with warm, clear waters, beautiful islands and breathtaking beaches – keep divers coming back to Malaysia. Several enchanting islands, including Tioman and Aur Islands in Johor, Kapas Island and Perhentian Island in Terengganu, and the crystal-clear waters of Sipadan in Sabah, are amongst the best diving spots featured in the video.
To complement the promotional video, Tourism Malaysia has also launched a new compilation of 41 special scuba diving packages – “Dive Into The Unimaginable Packages” that will be promoted domestically and internationally through all channels available, including its social media platforms and overseas offices.
Customising diving experience to all levels of diving expertise, these new tailored packages will suit everyone – whether for first-timers, amateurs or professional divers. On the other hand, a team of expert instructors and guides will ensure safety, and the packages include accommodation, meals, and transportation, serving the convenience of tourists throughout their stay in Malaysia.
Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotions) Datuk Musa Yusof said: “To hype more scuba diving enthusiasts’ interest, we also organise an online contest in which participants can share their videos and pictures of their best experience indulging in scuba diving in Malaysia and stand a chance to win special diving packages and more.”
During the Malaysia International Dive Exhibition (MIDE), from 26 to 28 May, at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, the Tourism Malaysia team promoted the video, contest and scuba diving packages.
Eight specialised scuba holiday agents participated with Tourism Malaysia at the annual expo, which attracted around 12,000 visitors.
