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Summer getaways in Dubai

SINGAPORE, 24 May 2023: Emirates announced Monday an exciting new offer for travellers planning to visit Dubai this summer.

Up until 11 June 2023, travellers who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class to or stopping over in Dubai will be able to enjoy a complimentary two-night stay at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. Those travelling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one-night stay at Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai.

This special offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours for travel dates between 26 May 2023 and 31 August 2023. The offer is available on bookings made on emirates.com or Emirates call centre or ticket officesor via participating travel agents, made at least 96 hours in advance of passengers’ arrival.

Located right next to Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future, the 5-star 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin culture and design but with a modern twist. Travellers can lose themselves in a culinary experience, ranging from North Indian Cuisines to Bavarian beer, across five amazing in-house restaurants and bars at the hotel. Travellers can also relax and unwind at the Extra Hour Spa, a unique rooftop sauna that overlooks the stunning city of Dubai.

Situated within the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DWTC), Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai, promises a luxurious yet homely experience right in the heart of Dubai. Travellers can relax by the pool and enjoy signature cocktails and light meals at Chills Pool Bar and cap off their adventure with a live music performance at the soul-soothing Blue Bar. Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai, is a stay of choice for solo travellers and families alike. 

Explore more of Dubai with Emirates

Whether it is frolicking in private pools or enjoying family fun at indoor theme parks and water parks, there is something for every traveller visiting Dubai this summer. From sun-soaked beaches and cultural activities to world-class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences for every visitor:

  • My Emirates Pass: Customers flying to or through Dubai can simply show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to hundreds of retail, leisure, and dining outlets, as well as famous attractions and luxury spas, to enjoy fantastic discounts throughout Dubai and the UAE. To see all My Emirates Pass offers, please visit www.emirates.com/myemiratespass.
  • Skywards Partners: Members of Emirates’ award-winning loyalty program, Skywards, can earn Miles with our worldwide partners like hotels, airlines, car rentals, retail and banking. Members can spend these Miles on reward tickets, upgrades, or even tickets for concerts and sports events. Learn more about Emirates Skywards here: https://www.emirates.com/english/skywards/

Emirates has safely restarted operations to more than 130 destinations across six continents and currently operates 21 flights per week from Singapore to Dubai.

For more information, visit emirates.com.Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Sales Office, via travel agents or through online travel agents.

Centara deal seals Maldives stays

BANGKOK, 19 May 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts,  Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is offering travellers over 30% savings and an array of exclusive privileges when booking stays at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives and Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives through its new Paradise Found: Maldives Exclusive offer.

Book from today to 31 July 2023 for stays through 20 December 2023 to experience the ultimate island getaway at Centara’s two award-winning Maldivian properties.

Whether looking for a sun-drenched family holiday at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives or a romantic retreat at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, guests will enjoy 25% off their stay, as well as a further 15% discount when logged in as a CentaraThe1 member, plus special discounts on spa treatments and dining, a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival, hotel transfer privileges and an unforgettable sunset adventure.

Guests at the exclusive and family-friendly Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives will receive indulgent breakfast setups, a 15% discount on seaplane transfers, spa treatments and dining at six onsite bars and restaurants, as well as a breathtaking sunset cruise in the Indian Ocean, and access to snorkelling, diving, the lively Kids’ Club and much more.

Couples and honeymooners opting for an adults-only experience at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives will also enjoy an assortment of luxurious privileges hand-selected to make each holiday genuinely memorable, including complimentary hotel speedboat transfers, 15% off dining and the rejuvenating SPA Cenvaree, and a unique sunset fishing trip, among others. Moonlit strolls on the beach and snorkelling in the house reef are also included.

CentaraThe1 members who make their booking while logged into their member account are eligible for an additional 15% discount. Sign up for the CentaraThe1 loyalty programme is free and takes less and a minute at www.CentaraThe1.com For more information on Paradise Found: Maldives Exclusive offer, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/paradise-found-maldives-exclusive

Thai Vietjet releases Summer fares

BANGKOK, 24 May 23 2023: Thai Vietjet launches ‘Summer’s Last Calls’ promotion, offering special fares from THB499 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for travel on the airline’s domestic network.

THE booking window remains open until 29 May 2023, with the travel period from 16 June to 31 December 2023 (not including public holidays).

The special promotional fares apply on Thai Vietjet’s domestic network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surat Thani. They also apply to direct cross-country flights between Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Bookings can be made through all of the airline’s distribution channels, including www.vietjetair.com, the mobile app “Vietjet Air”, via Facebook and through authorised travel agencies and booking offices.

How influencer marketing works in Thailand

Suvita Charanwong is an accomplished business leader and CEO of Tellscore, a prominent influencer marketing platform in Southeast Asia.

BANGKOK, 24 May 2023: Skal International Bangkok’s monthly lunch on 13 June will highlight expert input on “How Influencer Marketing and Key Opinion Leaders can help Thailand’s Tourism Business.”

Hosted at the Sukhothai Hotel Bangkok, the podium narrative features a presentation by Tellscore CEO Suvita Charanwong. Tellscore is a leading Influencer Hiring Automation Platform in Thailand and Indonesia that connects marketers with social media influencers creating content campaigns on social media.

The event starts with a networking cocktail session at 1130, followed by a three-course business lunch set menu plus wine, beer, and coffee. Members pay THB950 to attend while non-members dig deeper into their wallets for THB1,590 to cover the lunch and talk.

For more information, visit https://skalbangkok.com/events/

Seven reasons to book a cruise

SINGAPORE, 24 May 2024: Luxury cruise specialists Panache Cruises have named the seven reasons why holidaymakers should book a cruise immediately, regardless of the time of year they intend to travel.

Booking a cruise in advance is one of the best ways to get great deals, and waiting can lead to higher-priced holidays or not getting the cabin you were hoping for.

During a cost of living crisis, getting value for money becomes even more important but so is having something to look forward to, according to the experts.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Panache Cruises founder and managing director James Cole said: “Whether you are looking for last-minute deals this summer, planning to escape the British winter or thinking ahead to next year, booking your cruise now has many benefits.

“Booking as soon as you can normally only requires a nominal deposit leaving you time to save while also providing large discounts on the holiday, upgrades and free packages.

“Cruising offers some unique opportunities over other types of holidays, such as allowing you to visit multiple destinations on one trip, so getting one booked spares the debates and keeps everyone happy.

Here are seven reasons why you should book a cruise

Great deals here and now

Specialist cruise retailers often have incredible promotions you will not find by booking directly with a cruise line or via mainstream travel agents who do not focus purely on the cruise sector. Holidaymakers can benefit from discounts, cabin or suite upgrades, free onboard credit, inclusive shore excursions, unlimited premium beverages and other exclusive offers. If you book as soon as you find a great deal, you’ll likely pay less than if you waited while having the widest choice of cabins. Cabins with family-friendly facilities, such as sofa beds and interconnecting doors and balconies, often get booked quickly. Additional discounts can sometimes be found by paying the full booking balance.

Something to look forward to

A holiday is like an iceberg – the bulk of the excitement and anticipation isn’t, in fact, the holiday itself, and it’s the hidden excitement that you only get to experience once the holiday is booked. Booking a holiday in advance frees you up to spend your time planning for and looking forward to the holiday. Immerse yourself in researching each port of call, finding the right excursions and booking the speciality restaurants on board which suit you best.

You can’t pin your holiday down to just one location

The world is a big place, and most of us can only scratch the surface of the countries, cultures and experiences it offers us. You also might have family or friends that have different preferences to yourself. Booking a cruise that stops at multiple destinations guarantees that everyone can be satisfied with the holiday you have booked. Every destination offers something different, and people within your group can embark on the activities which interest them most during the day and then meet up on the ship for a relaxing dinner, show or spa treatment afterwards. A cruise holiday is hard to beat in terms of choice and flexibility for all the family.

You only need a deposit

A big advantage of booking a cruise holiday well in advance is, unlike booking a flight, you only need to pay a small deposit at the time of booking. This gives you months to save and get excited as the holiday and payment date approaches. Discounts can usually be found when paying the full balance when booking. However, don’t forget to discuss this with your specialist cruise agent.

Explore somewhere you’ve never imagined visiting

Expedition cruises can take you to places you never thought possible. Booking a cruise with an expedition cruise specialist such as Silversea can take you above the Arctic Circle or around the untamed coastline of Western Australia, leaving you free to start preparing for what you will see and learn when you are there.

There are places you want to visit but not stay

We all have places we would love to visit but wouldn’t want to spend too long there. Cruising allows you to tick off places you have never been to and sights you want to see without paying for separate flights and hotel stays. Knowing you can return to your cabin after a busy day sightseeing and travel to a new destination while you sleep is a great way to get the new experiences you want and avoid the ones you don’t.

Celebrate a big event

As we get older, we get less enthusiastic about traditional birthday celebrations and might want to change things up for our next milestone birthday, anniversary or other upcoming celebration. Knowing you don’t have to plan anything at home or worry about what you might do to mark the occasion frees you up to enjoy the event with family members, lifelong friends and newfound friends onboard.

Find out more about how you can benefit from great deals by booking your cruise right now at https://www.panachecruises.com/

Really Cool woos loyalty members

SINGAPORE, 24 2023: Founder of the latest start-up airline in Thailand, Patee Sarasin, confirms ‘Really Cool Airlines will commence flights in Q1 2024 starting with services to Asian destinations such as Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Patee told a press conference Tuesday the airline would start flights to European destinations in 2025. It has still to decide on aircraft to serve regional and intercontinental routes.

Aviation experts in Thailand said flights to Japan made sense during the start-up phase as Japan represents a significant tourism source market for Thailand and is also probably the most popular destination for Thais booking Asian holidays.

Patee Sarasin is a popular figure in tourism circles in Thailand, having founded Nok Air and later an innovative travel company Reallycoolgo Travel promoting outbound travel to Thailand’s social media generation.

This week, Really Cool Airlines introduces the airline’s ReallyCool US Digital Membership based on an interactive app-based programme that allows members to tailor their travel experiences at an unbeatable value.

Patee told the press conference that early adoptees of the ReallyCool US Digital Membership programme will enjoy an exclusive array of once-in-a-lifetime benefits from the airline tagged “Legendary Series.”

The Legendary Series is available only to 999 members worldwide, offering money-saving features.

“By showing support for Really Cool Airlines at this early stage, members are rewarded with tangible benefits as the airline expands its network in coming years, the airline statement reads.

The estimated value of the benefits in The Legendary Series is USD15,000, but early supporters (the first 999 worldwide) – will pay only USD6,000 for a block of benefits.

Listed benefits

Two free Super Cool seats round trip to any destination Really Cool Airline flies, with no expiration date (Super Cool seats are the irline’s equivalent of business class seats)

Two vouchers for 50% off when buying return Super Cool seats, available for any destination on the network, a benefit that is awarded every year for life.

Two free upgrades to Super Cool seats when buying return Cool Seats (economy) to any destination in the network, another benefit that is awarded every year for life.

Shareholders

In response to TTRW’s questions concerning the airline’s registration and shareholding structure, the airline’s communications and public relations agency made the following official response.

“Really Cool Airlines was registered under RC Airlines Co Ltd in March 2023 with a registered capital of THB200 million. The airline is funded by a group of capitalists who have chosen not to be publicly disclosed. As such, we do not have information to share about the founding stakeholders.”

New look Sheraton opens in Japan

HONG KONG, 23 May 2023: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of Sheraton Kagoshima, the brand’s 150th property in Asia-Pacific and the first in Japan to exemplify the brand’s latest design concepts.

The hotel is located in the seaside city of Kagoshima on Japan’s Kyushu island. Just a 10-minute drive from the hotel are attractions such as Shiroyama Park, where guests can see a spectacular birds-eye view of the city, Kagoshima Bay, and Mount Sakurajima. The hotel is located approximately 40km from Kagoshima Airport and is a short walk from the Takenohashi tram station, which connects guests to Kagoshima Chuo Station.

At the heart of the new design experience at the 228-room Sheraton Kagoshima is the lobby, which has been reimagined as the “Public Square” of the hotel that welcomes guests with double-height ceiling, greenery-covered walls and warm natural lighting.

Sheraton Kagoshima’s design highlight is its Community Table, an inviting, purpose-built workspace that anchors the hotel’s lobby and allows guests to work, eat and drink.

All Emirates passengers can Wi-Fi free

DUBAI, UAE, 23 May 2023:A recent enhancement to Emirates’ inflight connectivity means that all Emirates passengers in every class of travel can enjoy some form of free connectivity once they sign up to Emirates Skywards. The development has resulted in an additional 30,000 Economy Class passengers connecting to complimentary onboard Wi-Fi every week.

Emirates has constantly been at the forefront of inflight Wi-Fi developments and has invested more than USD300 million dollars into onboard connectivity to date.

All Emirates Skywards members in every class of travel can now enjoy some form of free connectivity. Skywards members, whether Blue, Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier, travelling in any class, whether economy, premium economy, business or first class, will enjoy free app messaging. Additionally, first-class passengers will have unlimited free internet if they are Skywards members, enabling them to shop or work online during the flight.

The increase in free connectivity has been very well received by Emirates’ passengers following changes in January 2023 and the airline today sees an average of 450,000 users per month. This represents a 30% increase in passenger use in 2023 versus last year. Almost 10% of all passengers are utilising the complimentary onboard Wi-Fi. On routes through the Americas, nearly 20% of passengers connect to Wi-Fi onboard; on European and African routes, the usage is over 11% of all passengers.

 The airline’s SVP retail IFE and connectivity, Patrick Brannelly, commented: “Emirates has persistently worked with our service providers to optimise and improve the connectivity experience. In March, we delivered about 55% more data per customer session compared to early 2022 despite the number of sessions increasing by 68% in the same period. We will continue to work to invest in upgrades and enhancements, and our A350 aircraft will arrive with the next generation of satellite connectivity already equipped.”

Emirates also announced that it will offer new high-speed, inflight broadband powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation onboard 50 new Airbus A350 aircraft – scheduled to enter service in 2024. The new agreement will significantly improve the passenger experience with enhanced connectivity and greater global coverage, even on flights over the Arctic. The Airbus A350s will be the first Emirates aircraft to take advantage of Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) satellite network, which powers the world’s first and only globally available broadband network, ensuring passengers can enjoy uninterrupted global connectivity, no matter their destination, including the North Pole. The advanced high-speed capabilities of the broadband will enable Emirates passengers to stay connected with family and friends, browse the internet, and enjoy social media, all from the comfort of their seats. Emirates also confirmed an investment of over US$ 350 million to equip a 50-strong fleet of A350s coming in 2024 with enhanced passenger connectivity via Thales’ AVANT Up system and Optiq – the first smart display in the industry to offer two Bluetooth connections, built-in Wi-Fi for passengers to pair multiple devices including phones, tablets, headphones or even game controllers while supporting up to 60 watts USB-C to fast-charge personal devices.

Passengers need to join Emirates Skywards – an easy and complimentary process- to access free Wi-Fi. Those interested can sign up via emirates.com, flydubai.com, the official Emirates app, or the flydubai app and directly from the Wi-Fi portal onboard.

(Source: Emirates)

On ya bike in Spain

SINGAPORE, 23 May 2023: Cycling and holidays are more than just compatible in Spain. They are a perfect match whether you want to cycle between visits or go on cycling excursions for a few hours. You will find perfectly adapted routes and cycle touring and bike hire companies all over Spain to make the logistics easy and the experience the most memorable.

WHY SPAIN

The excellent Spanish climate makes it easier to go cycling practically all year round. There are numerous routes and trails through the countryside for all levels in Spain. The impressive scenery you will encounter on the routes is worth seeing. Spain is the country with the most Biosphere Reserves (53), not to mention its 16 National Parks, as well as some of the most beautiful and best-signposted routes in Europe (such as the Way of Saint James, where you can even find hostels that are free of charge). Numerous routes run through destinations of immense cultural and gastronomic interest. Spain abounds in charming, easygoing villages to visit by bike (both along the coast and inland).

Accommodation-wise, you have a wide selection: hotels, country house lodges, campsites, hostels, etc. There are even “Bike-friendly Hotels”, particularly in Mallorca, the Canary Islands and around the Pyrenees, which offer various services like video surveillance for bikes, washing areas, special menus for athletes, and bike hire.

BEST TIMES TO BIKE

Even though you can go cycling practically all year round, bear in mind that in summer, the temperatures can get very high in certain areas (even topping the 38ºC mark).

Some cycling tourists prefer to travel in the low season (avoiding the peak holiday months of July and August). Fewer people are on the trails, and the temperatures are lower when exploring Spain during Spring or Autumn. Daylight hours are still longer when compared to winter months.

ROUTES

– Vías Verdes (Greenways): these are over 3,200 km of old railway lines that have been converted into bicycle tourism itineraries. More than 120 itineraries are available, with distances greatly varying in length (from 1 to 100 km). You can visit the official website.

– Nature Trails: there are over 10,300 km of these trails throughout Spain. Among them you will find old railway lines, canals, cattle routes, tracks, etc. On the official website, you can download GPS files for several of the suggested routes.

– EuroVelo Routes: A lot of stretches along the Mediterranean coast of Spain are perfectly equipped for bicycle tourism, such as the EuroVelo 8, the Mediterranean Route from Cadiz to Athens, which is about 5,400 kilometres long.

-Besides these routes, you will find other tracks and rural pathways.

– Saddlebag bicycle touring is all the rage if you are into cycling routes that take several days to complete. Use a hybrid bike fitted out for transporting packs to carry your luggage.

FAMOUS AREAS

There are particularly famous cycle touring routes you might like to do. Here are a few examples:

– St James Way: the famous Camino comprises several different routes ending at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral (Galicia), including the French Way, the Primitive Way, the English Way, etc. You might be interested in our report on “St James Way by bike”.

The Way of El Cid: this route follows in the footsteps of El Cid Campeador through Castilla-León, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragon and the Region of Valencia.

– Canal de Castilla: once a major transport artery, this canal is now one of the most attractive routes in Castile and Leon.

For the full report and extra tips on cycle rules within the country, visit

https://www.spain.info/en/discover-spain/cycle-touring-spain/

(Source: Spain Tourism Board – Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand)

https://www.spain.info/en/

KAL extends a helping hand to Nepal

SINGAPORE, 23 May 2023: Korean Air fulfilled its commitment to giving back to the communities with its employees repairing facilities and serving as educational volunteers at a children’s daycare centre in Chitwan, Nepal, from 15 to 20 May.

Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan is located approximately 150 km southwest of the capital city of Kathmandu and is known for its well-preserved natural landscapes.

The Korean Air volunteer team installed water heaters and classroom audio equipment for underprivileged children at a local daycare centre, taught English and Korean, and provided essential vitamin supplements and medical supplies to the area residents.

Before the pandemic, the airline built a playground and invited children from the Nepali daycare centre to Busan, Korea, for a sightseeing trip.

In addition to this project in Nepal, the airline is committed to multiple community engagement and philanthropic work, both domestic and overseas. Last year, the volunteer team conducted facility maintenance and educational programs in the Battambang region of Cambodia. In 2020, the airline helped construct a dorm at an orphanage in Sulawesi, Indonesia.

About Korean Air

Korean Air is one of the world’s top 20 airlines, carrying more than 27 million passengers in 2019, pre-Covid. With its global hub at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the airline serves 120 cities in 43 countries on five continents with a fleet of 157 aircraft and over 20,000 professional employees.

Korean Air is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance and has grown into one of the largest transpacific airlines through its joint venture with Delta Air Lines.