Riyadh Air sets ambitious goals

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April 11, 2023

SINGAPORE, 11 April 2023: A new start-up airline Riyadh Air based in Saudi Arabia, will not make its maiden flight until 2025, but it is already being tipped as a disrupter that could disturb the comfort zone of the Middle East super league of trans-continental airlines.

Owned entirely by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, aviation experts say the new airline will seek to develop a new super aviation hub in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh.

Riyadh Air, launched by the Public Investment Fund announced an order of up to 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners in a multi-billion dollar deal last month.

At its 20 March official launch, the airline introduced its CEO Tony Douglas, a former CEO of Etihad Airways, tasked with establishing the first flights in 2025. Experts say the airline will challenge the dominance of Emirates and Etihad, home-based in the UAE, and Qatar Airways in Doha in the long run. Still, it could also extend the possibility of a price war to other global players such as Turkish Airways and Singapore Airlines.

The ultimate goal is to serve 100 destinations out of the Riyadh hub by 2030, an ambitious target that, if successful, could spark a price war with competitors. About 80% of all the passengers flying to hubs in the Middle East are booked on connecting flights to other destinations.

The airline’s recently appointed CEO Tony Douglas said: “Riyadh Air will be a digitally native airline, driven by a pioneering spirit with an obsessive focus on attention to detail and innovation at its heart. We aim to permanently transcend our guests’ perceptions and experiences of flying in the modern world.

“The new airline comes at a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia, as it realises the ambitious goals of Vision 2030. We are privileged to actively showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural attractions to tourists worldwide.”

The new airline company is part of a wider plan to establish the Saudi Arabian capital as a transportation hub and increase tourism to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and diversify its economy.

Last month Riyadh Air signed an order for 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets; 39 confirmed with an option to acquire 33 additional 787-9s. The first deliveries will inaugurate the flight network in 2025.

On the ground, there are plans for a significant renovation at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. It’s all part of the Saudi Vision 2030 and a National Tourism strategy that seeks to attract 100 million annual visits to Saudi Arabia by 2030 and raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP by more than 10%.

Trip.com award goes to Royal Cliff

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April 11, 2023

PATTAYA, 11 April 2023: Royal Cliff Beach Terrace and Royal Cliff Grand Hotel are recognised as the “Best Scenic Hotels Near Bangkok” by travel brand Trip.com.

The hotels’ ideal locations, blessed with panoramic sunset views and best-in-class services, are the key features that help to earn them prestigious recognition.

The Royal Cliff Hotel Group found itself in the travel website’s “Trip.Best” list for Best Scenic Hotels near Bangkok, with the Royal Cliff Beach Terrace standing in 4^th place and the luxury Royal Cliff Grand Hotel (11^th).

This recognition is another testament to the group’s achievement as an excellent choice to stay near Bangkok for business and leisure travellers. With a rare location that offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand and outlying islands, the group’s hotels have stood the test of time and competition to become the top-of-mind destinations in Pattaya; the most convenient location to enjoy a seaside break near the capital city.

Royal Cliff Beach Terrace and Royal Cliff Grand Hotel have been reviewed against the criteria considering the number of rooms with ocean views and service. With 100% of the rooms having sea views, the two properties scored 4.5 and 4.4 out of 5, respectively. Trip.com reviews hotels for their Trip.Best lists quarterly to make sure that the criteria are always up-to-date. For hotels near Bangkok, Trip.Best offers rankings in the following categories; Best Scenic Hotels, Best Family Hotels, Best Villas, Best Cultural Styles and Best Upscale Hotels.

Perched on a coastal hill overlooking secluded beaches, the hotels are only a short distance from the bustling Pattaya Beach Road, Royal Cliff Beach Terrace boasts magnificent sea views as far as the eye can see. The hotel features rooms of two types — Honeymoon Deluxe and Family Suite with two bedrooms. The first type offers exotic Thai-style accommodation with a separate raised living area where couples can relax and enjoy their romantic getaway. Family Suite offers plenty of space on the balcony and a living room that fits the whole family. Both bedrooms have large comfortable beds to guarantee a great night’s sleep.

Situated adjacent to the Royal Cliff Beach Terrace, Royal Cliff Grand Hotel is an opulent resort where guests can relax and soak up the beautiful sunset. All rooms, recently renovated in an elegant contemporary style, are sea-facing, so guests can enjoy a million-dollar view with the sea breeze. A large infinity pool and adjacent sun deck are ideal for watching the sunset while enjoying formal dining that serves delicious flavours from Thai to international.

Apart from the two hotels, the Royal Cliff is home to two other properties, namely the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel and the luxury Royal Wing Suites and Spa. The infinity-edged “Sky Aquarium Pool” in the middle of the premises is one of Thailand’s biggest and most spectacular swimming pools. In addition to the Trip.Best award, Royal Cliff Hotels Group has won many accolades, awards and accreditations, spanning different categories and standards, from prestigious organisations throughout the years, with the total awards exceeding 250.

With summer vacations already underway, the Royal Cliff Hotels can accommodate everyone with multiple options of rooms, suites, dining experiences and state-of-the-art facilities. The hotels offer packages with special perks and rates, such as a weekday stay package, an extended stay package and a family package to entice summer travellers.

Check the hotel website, www.royalcliff.com, to secure the best rates and packages.

(Your Stories: Royal Cliff Hotel Group)

LIMA’23 hits 600 exhibitor target

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 11, 2023

LANGKAWI, 11 APRIL 2023: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA’23) bounces back from a four-year hiatus and has already achieved its targetted 600 exhibitors, Bernama news channel reports.

The 16^th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA’23) will convene in two locations on Langkawi Island next to the airport and near the cruise terminal at the Resorts World complex, from 23 to 27 May.

Photo Credit: LIMA’23. The media launch for LIMA’23.

Highlights of the show include a pavilion featuring the latest in drone technology, an exhibition zone for electric aircraft, an international space forum, and a career fair focusing on maritime and aviation job opportunities.

Reported first by Bernama, Alpine Integrated Solution executive director Muhammad Aqlan Pacleb, the appointed co-organiser of LIMA’23, said the area of the exhibition hall has also been increased by 28% and was now fully booked.

“Our target of 600 exhibiting companies has been achieved, even though only 480 companies were involved previously,” he said when appearing as a guest on TV Al Hijrah’s, ‘Assalamualaikum’ programme last week.

LIMA’23 was officially declared back in business at a media launch earlier in the year. Media accreditation was officially open until 15 March.

Check out LIMA 2023 website at https://limamalaysia.com.my/

The main events and exhibition will convene at Langkawi’s Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) and Resorts World Langkawi (RWL).

Limited to trade visitors from 23 to 25 May, the exhibition extends for two more days, 26 to 27 May and will be open to the general public.

On the sidelines of LIMA 2023: The Lab for Food and Fun Garden

Visit https://limamalaysia.com.my/visitor/visit-lima to register and purchase tickets.

For more information visit www.langkawi.bdb.com.my

Langkawi Development Authority

LIMA 2023

(Your Stories: LADA)

Red Elephant Reps strengthens sales

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April 11, 2023

BANGKOK, 11 April 2023: Red Elephant Reps, a hotel and travel representation company, is strengthening its global sales team by appointing Nic Scaramuzzino as director of sales for France.

He will be responsible for executing sales and marketing strategies throughout France that will drive growth and provide brand awareness for clients of Red Elephant Reps.

Commenting on the new appointment, Red Elephant Reps chief executive officer Ian Paul Woods said: “Nic’s broad travel and hospitality experience combined with his strong network of connections will be crucial in helping us to grow within the region.”

He comes to the Red Elephant Reps team with over 25 years of tourism and hospitality experience, having held various positions in Southeast Asia in hotels and travel agencies.

MAG adds seats for Hari Raya Travels

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April 11, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 April 2023: Malaysia Aviation Group’s airlines will allocate over 18,000 additional seats during the upcoming Hari Raya peak travel period to accommodate the expected domestic travel surge from 18 April to 1 May 2023.

The group’s airlines – Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings – will collectively supply 18,000 seats on top of the 20,000 seats launched on 29 March 2023 that are almost entirely sold out.

Malaysia Airlines will upgrade services using the Airbus A330 to Kota Kinabalu on 20 and 30 April, as well as 1 May, and adding another 54 extra flights to Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Kota Bahru, Alor Setar, Terengganu, Kuantan, Labuan, Bintulu, Sibu and Miri to ensure convenience for passengers.

With the additional seats, the fares will be dynamically adjusted downwards, making it affordable for passengers to travel back to their hometown for the Hari Raya celebrations.

Malaysia Airlines’ sister airline, Firefly, has also increased its flight frequency to Kota Bharu and Kota Kinabalu to support the travel demand.

Malaysia Aviation Group chief executive officer (airlines) Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi said: “We are currently seeing positive demands during this period and encourage passengers to plan their travels ahead of time to enjoy the best deals on airfares. As of February 2023, our capacity reached 85% of 2019, and we are expecting a positive increase, especially with the upcoming festive season and school holidays.”

For more information on booking flights, planning the perfect getaway, or looking for fun things to do during your trip, visit the official Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and MASwings websites.

The additional flights are as follows:

Service	Destinations	Flight Number	Dates
Boeing B738	Kuala Lumpur – Alor Setar	MH7312/7313	18, 19 & 20 Apr
	Kuala Lumpur – Alor Setar	MH1252/1253	29 Apr & 1 May
	Kuala Lumpur – Kota Bharu	MH7324/7325	18, 19, 20 & 21 Apr
	Kuala Lumpur – Kota Bharu	MH7328/7329	29, 30 April & 1 May
	Kuala Lumpur – K. Terengganu	MH7330/7331	18, 19, 20 & 21 Apr
	Kuala Lumpur – K. Terengganu	MH7332/7333	29 &30 Apr
	Kuala Lumpur – Kuantan	MH7350/7351	20 Apr
	Kuala Lumpur – Kota Kinabalu	MH7402/7403	20 Apr
		MH7408/7409	18 April
		MH7408/7411	21 & 29 Apr
	Kuala Lumpur – Labuan	MH7416/7417	20, 21, 29, 30 Apr & 1 May
	Kuala Lumpur – Tawau	MH7420/7421	18 Apr
		MH7422/7423	28 April
		MH7434/7435	19, 20, 21, 29, 30 Apr & 1 May
	Kuala Lumpur – Sandakan	MH7426/7427	18 Apr
		MH7432/7433	19 & 20 Apr
		MH7428/7429	21 April
	Kuala Lumpur – Kuching	MH7452/7453	19, 20, 21 & 29 Apr
	Kuala Lumpur – Kuching	MH7454/7455	30 Apr & 1 May
	Kuala Lumpur – Bintulu	MH7472/7473	20 Apr
	Kuala Lumpur – Sibu	MH7482/7483	19, 20, 21 & 30 Apr
	Kuala Lumpur – Sibu	MH7484/7485	29 April
	Kuala Lumpur – Miri	MH7486/7487	19 & 20 Apr
Airbus A330	Kuala Lumpur – Kota Kinabalu	MH2614/2607	20 Apr
Airbus A330	Kuala Lumpur – Kota Kinabalu	MH2646/2641	30 Apr & 1 May

Court locks confidential show info

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 11, 2023

MUMBAI, 11 April 2023: An arbitrator appointed by the Bombay High Court in 2019 to adjudicate disputes between Fairfest Media Ltd and Messe Berlin GmbH has issued permanent injunctions against Messe Berlin GmbH that prevents it from using confidential information that Fairfest Media Ltd shared with Messe Berlin GmbH.

However, the high court noted that Messe Berlin GmbH had been allowed to conduct its shows in India but ruled the award permanently restrains Messe Berlin from using the confidential information shared with it by Fairfest Media Ltd when organising competing travel trade fairs in India.

Messe Berlin Singapore is organising the in-person ITB Asia in Mumbai from 26 to 28 April 2023.

In a press statement released last week, Fairfest Media Ltd noted that it was bound to enforce the 9 March 2023 award issued in its favour. It intends to “take all necessary steps available under the law to ensure that Messe Berlin GmbH does not misuse its confidential information in organising the ITB India.”

In 2019, Fairfest Media Limited, the travel trade show OTM Mumbai organiser, took Messe Berlin GmbH, a German state-owned company, to court for an alleged breach of a non-disclosure agreement. The court appointed an arbitrator who passed an interim injunction order against Messe Berlin GmbH pending the passing of the award in the Arbitration and for eight weeks thereafter.

The present award, dated 9 March 2023, is a permanent injunction against Messe Berlin GmbH, prohibiting it from using Fairfest’s confidential information in holding ITB India.

During the original hearings, Messe Berlin challenged the arbitrator’s jurisdiction, and the arbitrator ruled that it had jurisdiction on issues related to the breach of the NDA. However, the arbitrator ruled that it did not deal with the issues related to copyright/trademark and further confidential information obtained by Messe Berlin under a Letter of Intent (LOI) executed later to the NDA, which designated Singapore as the jurisdiction.

(Source: Fairfest Media statement)

Marathon sets the pace for Phuket’s tourism

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 11, 2023

BANGKOK, 11 April 2023: The Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is set to welcome over 8,000 runners from more than 40 countries to the tropical island of Phuket to compete in Southeast Asia’s favourite destination marathons.

Hosted at the Laguna Phuket from 10 to 11 June 2023 at Laguna Phuket, the award-winning Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is one of Phuket’s longest-running international sports events.

Internationally certified by IAAF AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon, the Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is organised by GAA Events. It has set the benchmark for sporting events in Thailand for the last 17 years.

“Entries are looking strong, with thousands already confirmed from across Thailand and overseas. This year’s particularly encouraging is the return of interest from international participants. The pandemic limited international travel, and as Phuket sees a resurgence in international arrivals, we are also seeing growing interest amongst overseas runners and their families wanting to combine a run with a holiday in Phuket,” said GAA Events assistant race director Charlie Jung.

The famously scenic course takes runners past local villages, fruit plantations, and the beachfront Sirinat National Park. A twist to the popular two-day format sees the 2km kids run, 5km, and 10.5km take place on the morning of Saturday, 10 June, and the Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon Relay (42.195km) and Marathon (42.195km) on the morning of Sunday 11 June.

“With Thailand’s recovery well and truly underway, we’re delighted to welcome Thai and international visitors back to Laguna Phuket and are looking to showcase the island as a world-class tourism and sports destination,” said Laguna Phuket VP deputy managing director Paul Wilson.

AirAsia adds new route to Indonesia

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 11, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 April 2023: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) is set to be the first airline connecting Kuala Lumpur to Kertajati, Indonesia starting 17 May 2023.

Offering the only international connectivity out of Kertajati, the airline will bring the Greater Bandung and Cirebon metropolitan areas and parts of the West Java and Central Java provinces closer to Kuala Lumpur, which will provide a welcome boost to both countries’ economic and tourism growth.

The twice-weekly flights will land and depart from Kertajati International Airport located in Majalengka Regency in West Java province, the second largest airport in Indonesia.

As AirAsia Malaysia’s 12th route in Indonesia, Kertajati strengthens the airline’s ongoing commitment to Indonesia as a core market and reinforces its mission to democratise air travel by connecting underserved cities in the region.

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said: “We are thrilled to be the first airline connecting Kuala Lumpur to Kertajati commencing next month. This route will boost tourism and the respective regions’ economy and strengthen the ties between the two countries.

“Serving the underserved underpins our brand. As an airline group with extensive connectivity in Asean and the Asia Pacific, together with our affiliate, Indonesia AirAsia (QZ), we will continue to connect travellers directly to numerous unique and inadequately serviced cities in Indonesia and Malaysia as well as to the major destinations.

“Just as we pioneered connectivity into Bandung in 2004, we are excited to bring more people to West Java to experience this incredible region’s rich culture and natural wonders. We also look forward to flying more travellers to Kuala Lumpur, where we can connect them to the rest of Asean with our extensive network.”

In celebration of the new route launch, AirAsia offers all-in* fares from MYR149 one way until 16 April 2023 for the travel period 17 May to 23 October 2023 on AirAsia Super App or airasia.com.

From Kertajati, guests can discover the best of Majalengka, including the majestic Muara Jaya waterfall, breathtaking scenery at Terasering Panyaweuyan, the turquoise lake at Situ Cipanten, hillside tea garden at Cipasung Tea Plantation and more, or travel to the highland city of Bandung.

AirAsia Malaysia (AK) currently flies to 11 routes in Indonesia from Kuala Lumpur to Banda Aceh, Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Padang, Pekanbaru, Makassar, Yogyakarta, and Balikpapan, as well as from Penang to Jakarta and Medan.

Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Kertajati (KTJ)

Sales open for an epic world cruise

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 10, 2023

SINGAPORE, 10 April 2023: Princess Cruises offers its longest voyage in 2025, with an epic 116-day World Cruise traversing over 33,500 nautical miles, visiting 51 destinations in 26 countries and six continents.

Now on sale, this world adventure includes visits to Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, Central America, Africa, Asia and beyond.

Sailing on Island Princess, the 116-day World Cruise offers two roundtrip options with departures from Ft. Lauderdale, embarking on 5 January 2025, and Los Angeles on 20 January 2025. This includes Princess’ first-ever visit to the historic Bar in Montenegro and Taranto, Italy, along with inaugural World Cruise calls to the idyllic Greek Island of Patmos and Volos – for the Monasteries of Meteora.

The 2025 World Cruise will provide access to 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the cruise line’s return to Alexandria for historic Cairo and the pyramids and ancient treasures of Giza. Additional sites include the Singapore Botanical Gardens, the old city of Dubrovnik, the Ancient Greek City of Ephesus (from Kusadasi), The Monastery of St John and the Cave of the Apocalypse (from Patmos).

The voyage includes an overnight in Dubai and 11 ‘More Ashore’ late-night calls to enjoy more time exploring the old town of Cartagena, shopping in Casablanca or making a toast to the nightlife in Sydney.

Adventure book for kids promotes Sabah

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TTR WEEKLY

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April 10, 2023

KOTA KINABALU, 10 April 2023: A Sabah-based film production company has created a children’s activity book featuring many attractions and fun pursuits in the Kudat Division area.

Vinoun Films designed the educational colouring guidebook for Rajawali Homes in Kota Marudu. The book is a complimentary gift for kids staying at the hotel with their families.

In addition, two main bird characters dressed in traditional Kadazandusun garb are also featured throughout the book. The characters are called Kondiu, which means eagle in the Kadazandusun language, and Odu (grandmother).

Recently, the team led by co-founder Rachel Ongkili met with Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai to present their Adventures of Kondiu and Odu book and explore future opportunities for partnership with Sabah Tourism.

In her briefing, Rachel explained that the book was a hotel offering designed to enrich the stays of families venturing into Sabah’s northern regions.

She added that the activity book refers to some of the places of interest along the way from Kota Belud to Kudat through games and illustrations.

“We want to approach other hotels to see if they want to bring such activity books into their premises because we have plans to expand to West Coast Division, Interior Division, and East Coast Division.

“We are also considering producing children’s animation and putting it out to the world or in the gaming industry. This is how we hope to spread awareness of our indigenous language and culture,” said Rachel, adding that Kondiu and Odu characters are registered as intellectual property for Vinoun Films.

Joniston, who is also the state’s Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, lauded Vinoun Films’ creative works, saying that showcasing Sabah culture through animation and books can bring about positive changes for the local community and help to preserve and promote Sabah’s cultural identity.

“I see that the production of animation movies and books has the potential to stimulate economic growth in Sabah since it creates jobs, encourages tourism, and promotes local businesses.

“These productions can help to raise awareness and educate people about Sabah culture and its unique features. This can be particularly important for children who may not have had the opportunity to learn about their cultural heritage.

“I believe that local artists and writers can express themselves creatively and showcase their talents through animation and books. This can lead to greater recognition and opportunities for these individuals and a stronger cultural identity for Sabah,” he said.

Joniston also expressed hope to see the development of animated characters representing all of Sabah’s ethnic groups and that Sabah Tourism is eager to work with anyone who can help raise the state’s profile through educational and cultural tourism.

Visit: www.sabahtourism.com.

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Riyadh Air sets ambitious goals

Trip.com award goes to Royal Cliff

LIMA’23 hits 600 exhibitor target

Red Elephant Reps strengthens sales

MAG adds seats for Hari Raya Travels

Court locks confidential show info

Marathon sets the pace for Phuket’s tourism

AirAsia adds new route to Indonesia

Sales open for an epic world cruise

Adventure book for kids promotes Sabah

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