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ITE2025 achieves mega event targets

By
TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 24 June 2025: Hong Kong’s top travel show ITE2025 concluded last week, having made significant strides to enhance visitor quality and quantity, both travel consumers and trade visitors.

The fifth live edition since 2021 (post-COVID-19 pandemic) ITE2025 convened from 12 to 15 June at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The first two days focused on trade visitors, of whom over half were non-Hong Kong residents before the show doors opened to travel consumers.

Photo credit ITE2025. Selling a weekend Getaway to Korea.

Launched nearly 40 years ago, this year’s edition co-located the 39th ITE Leisure and the 20th ITE MICE, prompting the Hong Kong government to designate the show as a “mega event”.

Trade days attracted 7626 buyers and trade visitors, up 8.6%. Geographically, 46.8% hailed from Hong Kong, 33% from the Chinese Mainland and 20.2% from overseas.

In particular, there was a strong turnout of trade visitors from the Greater Bay Area cities, both individuals and official delegations from travel trade associations. 45.7% of trade visitors (travel agents or tour operators), 15.3% MICE/corporate, and 6.1% media.

Show organiser TKS Exhibition Services noted that the increase in visitors was partly due to the high profile of international exhibitors, who made up 90% of the show space, and the addition of 135 informative trade and public seminar sessions. The show statistics indicated that 502 exhibitors from 64 countries participated in ITE2025.

Organised by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd, the annual event is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, China, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Macau Government Tourism Office and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong.

The next ITE Hong Kong will be held from 11 to 14 June 11 2026 at Halls 1 and 2 of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

54th SKÅL Asia Area Congress

By
Andrew Wood
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COLOMBO, 24 June 2025: Skålleagues across Asia and beyond are heading to the highly anticipated 54th SKÅL Asia Area Congress, set to take place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from Thursday, 26 June to Sunday, 29 June, 2025.

Hosted by SKÅL International Colombo, this year’s event has already attracted record registered delegates and partners, including a strong showing from Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and throughout Asia including a record-breaking 100+ attendees from India.

A Global Network

SKÅL International, the world’s largest and oldest global tourism association, currently has 12,120 members in 296 clubs across 79 countries, according to the latest data on https://www.skal.org. The Colombo Congress offers a unique opportunity for members to connect, collaborate, and celebrate tourism through friendship.

A Regional Draw

Interest in this year’s Congress is especially strong because the 2025 SKÅL World Congress is being held in Peru — a long-haul and often costly journey for many Asian members. Travel from Bangkok to Cusco spans over 19,000 kilometres (approx. 11,800 miles) and takes 24 to 26 hours, compared to the four hours of flying time to Colombo. This convenience has made the Asia Area Congress a top priority on the Skål calendar.

Host Hotel

The official Congress Headquarters Hotel is the Taj Samudra Colombo, a premier five-star property located along Galle Face Green.

Programme Highlights: Four Days of Culture, Networking & Celebration

Thursday, 26 June – Arrivals & Welcome

        •      All-day arrivals and hotel transfers

        •      0800: Registration opens at Taj Samudra

        •      0900: SKÅL Asia Board Meeting (Regency Room)

        •      1930: Welcome Party on the North Lawn.

Friday, 27 June – Ceremony, B2B & Culture

        •      0845: Opening Ceremony at Samudra Ballroom     

        •      1230: Group Photo (North Lawn)

        •      1245: Lunch (Crystal Ballroom)

        •      1300: B2B Networking with top Sri Lankan DMCs

        •      1530: Depart for High Tea at Lotus Tower

        •      1915: Cultural Sri Lankan Dinner at Nuga Gama, Cinnamon Grand.

Saturday, 28 June – Assembly, Legacy & Gala Night

        •      0900: 54th SKÅL Asia Annual General Assembly

        •      1215: Tree Planting Ceremony (Taj Gardens)

        •      1230: Lunch hosted by SKÅL Macau

        •      1330: Club Presidents’ Meeting (Gregory Room)

        •      1500: Colombo City Tour

        •      2000: Gala Dinner at Taj Grand Marquee

About the Author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer, hotelier, and Skålleague with more than 30 years of experience in Asian tourism. He is a former President of SKÅL Bangkok, SKÅL Thailand, SKÅL Asia and a Director of SI. Originally from Yorkshire UK, Andrew is a passionate advocate of using travel and tourism to foster global understanding and lasting friendships.

Languna Golf Lang Co on Asia’s honours list

By
TTR WEEKLY
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LANG CO, Vietnam, 24 June 2025: Laguna Golf Lang Co has once again affirmed its status as one of Asia’s premier golf experiences, earning a coveted place in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia list.

The accolade was announced at the prestigious Asia Golf Awards Ceremony hosted by the Asia Golf Leaders Forum (AGLF) in South Korea.

The 9th is one of the most spectacular holes at Laguna Golf Lang Co.

The award is the latest in a growing list of international honours for the championship layout, which has consistently drawn acclaim since its opening. The club, set within the larger Laguna Lang Co integrated resort, has been recognised for its outstanding course design, environmental sustainability, and overall guest experience.

“We’re thrilled to be recognised among the top golf courses in Asia,” said Laguna Golf Lang Co Director of Golf Stephen Bank. “This award is a reflection of the passion, consistency, and attention to detail that our team puts into maintaining world-class standards both on and off the course. It’s also a tribute to the vision of Sir Nick Faldo, whose design continues to challenge and inspire players from around the world.”

Over the years, Laguna Golf Lang Co has earned numerous accolades, including “Vietnam’s Best Golf Resort” at the World Golf Awards, Top 10 Best Golf Resorts in Asia Pacific by Golf Travel Magazine, and multiple certifications for environmental and agronomic excellence. Its innovative “edible golf course” initiative—where rice paddies tended by resident water buffalo are integrated into the course landscape—has also gained global recognition as a model of sustainable golf tourism.

The Asia Top 100 ranking, compiled by leading golf media, professionals, and influencers across the continent, highlights courses that exemplify excellence in design, playability, conditioning, and service.

Beyond the fairways, Laguna Lang Co offers a rich, multifaceted resort experience. Guests can unwind at the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, dine at a selection of acclaimed restaurants offering Vietnamese and international cuisine, or explore the surrounding region via curated cultural excursions to nearby Hue Imperial City and Bach Ma National Park.

“This destination has become so much more than a golf course,” added Banks. “Laguna Lang Co is about world-class play but also world-class hospitality, culture, and nature. We’re proud to be part of Vietnam’s rise as one of Asia’s must-visit golf and lifestyle destinations.”

Star Voyager extends HK homeport season

By
TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 24 June 2025: Following the announcement of Star Voyager’s extended deployment in Hong Kong through 14 November 2025, StarCruises is unveiling a line-up of new and popular itineraries.

Driven by strong and positive demand, the sailings offer guests more options to explore popular and captivating destinations across East and Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Sanya.

Photo credit: StarCruises.

Sailing weekly from  Hong Kong Ocean Terminal, Star Voyager will now offer 45 sailings during its more than five-month homeport stay in Hong Kong. This extended season builds on the original 21 cruises scheduled from 27 June to 29 August, with 24 additional voyages running from 31 August to 14 November.

Ranging from two to five-night journeys, the cruises are expected to further boost demand from the Hong Kong and Mainland China markets, as well as the international Fly-Cruise segment.

Star Voyager cruises from Hong Kong are bundled with a 10% discount on the new itineraries, available for extended sailings from 31 August to 14 November 2025.

Alton advises LOT Polish Airlines on A220s

By
TTR WEEKLY
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NEW YORK, 24 June 2025: Alton Aviation Consultancy advised LOT Polish Airlines (LOT) on its firm purchase order with Airbus, comprising 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s aircraft, with options and purchase rights for an additional 44 A220 aircraft.

The Alton team supported LOT in evaluating and negotiating with airframe and engine suppliers for its aircraft purchase, spare engine purchase and engine maintenance support agreements.

Photo credit: LOT Polish Airlines.

Alton Aviation Consultancy Managing Director Brad Dailey commented: “We are pleased to have further expanded our long-term partnership with LOT by providing advisory support on this transformative transaction, which will position LOT efficiently and competitively to satisfy its long-term fleet modernisation and network expansion objectives.”

About Alton Aviation Consultancy
Alton Aviation Consultancy is a global advisory firm serving the aviation and aerospace industries with offices in New York, Dublin, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, and Singapore.

STB revokes five travel agent licences

By
TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 24 June 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board reported on Monday that it has revoked the licences of five travel agents under the Travel Agents Act 1975.

UPDATE: Singapore, 1800, 23 June 2025 – “The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) issued an update to its earlier media advisory regarding the revocation of six travel agents’ licences. Zayn Travels Pte Ltd has submitted an appeal against the licence revocation. As such, STB is temporarily withholding their name from the list of revoked licences while the appeal is being reviewed.“

The five travel agents are no longer permitted to carry out any travel agent activities. The travel agencies’ licences have been revoked due to their continued failure to submit their Audited Statement of Accounts (ASA) and/or Annual Business Profile Returns (ABPR).

Under the Travel Agents Regulations 2017 (TAR), licensees are required to submit these documents within six months after the close of their financial year.

Additionally, one travel agency has been revoked for failing to meet the minimum financial requirement. Under the TAR, general licensees are required to maintain a net value of at least SGD100,000 at all times.

List of revoked travel agencies

The revoked travel agents must refund all their existing customers or hand over their existing obligations to licensed travel agents to fulfil the contracted itineraries and arrangements.

In a press statement released on Monday, STB said: It takes a serious view against errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the reputation of Singapore’s travel industry.”

For the most up-to-date list of licensed travel agents in Singapore, please visit the Travel Related Users’ System (“TRUST”) website, https://trust.stb.gov.sg. 

Emirates A350 debuts at 2025 Paris Airshow

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, UAE, 23 June 2025: Emirates participated in the 55th edition of the International Paris Airshow until 19 June after an over 15-year hiatus from the show

Emirates returned to the show displaying its newest aircraft — the Airbus A350 — featuring the airline’s next-generation cabin design, latest interiors, and technologies. The Emirates A350 on display featured three spacious cabin classes, including 32 next-generation Business Class lie-flat seats, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 generously pitched Economy Class seats.

Emirates Airline President Sir Tim Clark said: “We’re pleased to be at the Paris Airshow, showcasing the very best of air travel on one of the most important platforms in the aerospace exhibition calendar. Coming back to France’s most important aerospace show demonstrates how committed Emirates is to supporting the country’s aviation industry – not just through our day-to-day operations, but through ongoing investments across the entire aerospace supply chain.”

The airline operates 21 weekly flights to Paris, including three daily A380 flights, a daily A380 service to Nice, and a daily A350 flight to Lyon. Emirates is the first and only international airline to operate an A380 to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

The airline has invested over EUR322 million (USD367.5 million) in Thales’ AVANT Up system for its new A350 aircraft.

France is also Emirates’ top source market globally for the procurement of wines, and 58% of the red wine consumed in Emirates’ First and Business Class comes from Bordeaux.

By the end of this year, the Emirates A350 is expected to serve 17 destinations. The airline has welcomed seven A350 aircraft, with 58 more units to join its fleet over the coming years.

For more information on the airline and to make bookings, visit www.emirates.com.

Hong Kong Airlines flies to Sydney

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HONG KONG, 23 June 2025: Hong Kong Airlines’ inaugural flight from Hong Kong to Sydney, Australia, landed in the state capital of New South Wales, Australia, on Saturday.

To mark this new milestone in its network expansion, Hong Kong Airlines held celebratory events at both Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Sydney Airport (SYD) for the daily direct service.

The inaugural flight, HX017, landed at SYD on Saturday with a traditional water cannon salute and welcome ceremony.

Before departure, Hong Kong Airlines President Jeff Sun stated: “As a full-service local carrier, the launch of our Sydney service marks a significant step in our transformation to an international airline. Sydney is not only a popular destination for leisure and business travel but also one of Australia’s most vital economic hubs. The expansion of the bilateral traffic rights agreement allows us to offer more choice to travellers in both cities, strengthening the connection between them.”

He added, “While Hong Kong Airlines may be a younger brand in the mature Australian market, we are endeavouring in our commitment to providing quality service. We operate this route with our Airbus A330 aircraft, featuring comfortable business and economy class cabins, and strive to deliver a passenger-centric in-flight experience through attentive service and fine dining for our long-haul customers.”

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton welcomed the new flight: “We’re proud to welcome Hong Kong Airlines to Sydney as our 52nd airline partner with its strong reputation for service excellence, efficiency and value. This inaugural service comes on the back of the first expansion in bilateral air traffic rights between Australia and Hong Kong in 19 years, and we thank the Albanese Federal Government for its role in enabling this important agreement, which reflects the strength of our longstanding cultural and economic ties.”

Also in attendance at the Sydney welcome ceremony were representatives from the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney, Destination NSW and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Sydney).

The launch of the Sydney service indicates Hong Kong Airlines’ overarching strategy for its network expansion. Coupled with the various significant destinations that have been inaugurated or reinstated since the start of the year, including Gold Coast in Australia, Vancouver in Canada, and Hulunbuir in Inner Mongolia of mainland China, the airline has cultivated a more extensive and diversified route map. This further underscores Hong Kong Airlines’ commitment and contribution to the aviation industry’s recovery and long-term development.

In addition to the new routes, the airline also increased flights on multiple routes to cater to the summer travel demand. This includes the resumption of seasonal flights to the Maldives and an increase in flights to Danang, Vietnam, to two daily flights. Additionally, flights to Shanghai Pudong will increase to four daily, while services to Hangzhou and Nanjing will become twice daily. T

Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule between Hong Kong and Sydney (All times local):

Vietjet confirms mega A321 order

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 23 June 2025: Vietjet confirmed a mega order for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft at the 2025 Lé Bourget Paris Airshow, with the potential to add another 50 in the future.

As part of its wider expansion strategy, the airline is also bolstering its engine capacity with an additional 40 Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. These landmark agreements mark a significant step in Vietjet’s growth strategy as a multi-national aviation group, while also strengthening economic ties between Vietnam, France, and Europe.     

Vietjet CEO Dinh Viet Phuong (front right) and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business (front left) exchange the new order for 100 A321neo aircraft.

The latest order builds on Vietjet’s commitment last month for 20 additional A330neo aircraft, bringing its total widebody aircraft on order to 40.     

Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said: “I have a vision and the determination to make Vietnam a regional aviation hub for passenger transportation, technical services, logistics, training, research, global supply chains, and aviation infrastructure. We will continue to develop a robust and modern fleet to support that goal. Today’s agreement with Airbus is more than a commercial contract — it is a significant milestone that marks the beginning of Vietjet’s new journey: a journey of global expansion, new growth drivers, enhanced connectivity, and the development of a sustainable aviation ecosystem powered by ambition and transformation.”

Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said: “Our latest agreement comes just weeks after the airline placed an additional order for A330neo widebody aircraft. Together, the A321neo and A330neo will be perfect partners for Vietjet to continue to spread its wings, efficiently matching capacity more closely to demand across its network.”

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering exceptional range and performance. Equipped with new generation engines and Sharklets, the A321neo brings a 50% noise reduction and more than 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft while maximising passenger comfort in the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky.

As with all in-production aircraft, the A321neo can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a target to increase to up to 100% SAF capability by 2030.

Vietjet also placed an order for 40 additional Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. The deal reinforces Vietjet’s commitment to building a next-generation widebody fleet, doubling its total order to 80 following an initial agreement at the 2024 Singapore Airshow.

Vietjet currently operates a modern fleet of over 120 new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, with more than 400 additional aircraft on order. As its passenger volumes continue to grow, the airline is actively expanding its global flight network while advancing fleet modernisation through international strategic partnerships.

AirAsia expands Indonesia routes

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

PALEMBANG, Indonesia, 23 June 2025: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) has announced two new direct routes from Kuala Lumpur to Palembang and Semarang, further enhancing travel access between Malaysia and Indonesia with 188 weekly flights now operating between the two countries.

With these additions, AirAsia Malaysia connects to 15 destinations across Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bali (Denpasar), Medan, Yogyakarta, Banda Aceh, Makassar, Padang, Pekanbaru, Balikpapan, Labuan Bajo, Lombok and from Penang to Jakarta and Medan, making it one of the most connected foreign carriers in Indonesia.

AirAsia Head of Commercial Liyana Mahizzan.

These latest routes come as Indonesia targets 16 million international arrivals in 2025, with Malaysia consistently ranked among the top source markets. The timing also aligns with the reopening of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport (Palembang) and Jenderal Ahmad Yani Airport (Semarang) for international services, making AirAsia the first international airline to resume operations at both cities.

With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, this expansion comes at the perfect moment to further boost tourism, foster cultural exchange and enhance regional ties between both nations.

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “This launch reflects our ongoing efforts to serve more cities across Indonesia, especially those that have been underserved. We are proud to return to Palembang and Semarang, and we were among the first to reopen seats to both PLM and SRG, reaffirming our commitment to these key destinations, two vibrant cities that deserve a wider audience. Each new route opens up more opportunities for business, tourism and for people to reconnect. We are also proud to bring them closer to Kuala Lumpur and beyond with convenient, affordable flights. We thank the government and all stakeholders who have supported this milestone.”

In celebration of the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Palembang starting from just MYR159* all in one way. Flights from Palembang to Kuala Lumpur are also available from IDR499,000* one-way for purchase until 29 June 2025 and for travel until 28 March 2026. Meanwhile, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Semarang start from just RM199* all in one way, while flights from Semarang to Kuala Lumpur are available from IDR799,000* all in one way. Guests can book their flights until 29 June for travel between 5 September 2025 and 28 March 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.

Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra and Sumatra’s second-largest city, is known as one of Indonesia’s top travel destinations. Once the heart of the powerful Sriwijaya Empire, it now offers a mix of rich history, local cuisine, and riverfront charm. The Musi River, Sumatra’s longest, flows through the city, with the iconic Ampera Bridge — built in 1965 — standing as a proud symbol of growth and unity.

Semarang, the capital of Central Java, blends Javanese and Chinese cultures and was named the cleanest tourist destination in Southeast Asia by the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Standard (2020–2022). Highlights include the vibrant Kampung Pelangi (Rainbow Village), with its brightly painted homes, and Kota Lama (Old Town), a historic area known for its colonial charm and lively street scene. With their cultural richness, scenic landmarks, and unique experiences, Palembang and Semarang are must-visit gems in Indonesia.

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