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Vistara adds direct Mumbai-London flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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DELHI, 3 April 2023: India’s Vistara Air will commence direct flights to London Heathrow from Mumbai starting 1 June 2023, according to the airline’s launch promotion at the weekend.

The airline will commission a Boeing 787-900  to serve the direct route from Mumbai to London five times weekly. Sales are now open for bookings through all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile apps, call centres, online travel agencies (OTAs) and travel agents.

Flights are scheduled from 1 June to 29 October, departing from Mumbai five times a week – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. There are already daily departures to London Heathrow from Delhi using the Boeing 787 that recommenced in late 2022 after Covid-19 lockdown measures eased.

On the Mumbai-London-Mumbai route, the roundtrip fare starts at INR 57799 or UKP459, ex London roundtrip.

The roundtrip all-inclusive fares for the Delhi-London-Delhi route start at INR67199 or UKP559 ex London roundtrip

Mumbai-London flight details

Flight No.Start DateEnd DateDays of OperationFromDepartureToArrival
UK 151-Jun-2327-Oct-23Thu, FriMumbai14:30London19:45
UK 161-Jun-2326-Oct-23Tue, ThuLondon22:05Mumbai11:00 +1
UK 162-Jun-2327-Oct-23Fri, SunLondon21:55Mumbai11:00 +1
UK 154-Jun-2324-Oct-23Tue, SunMumbai14:30London19:55
UK 155-Jun-2323-Oct-23MondayMumbai13:50London19:10
UK 165-Jun-2323-Oct-23MondayLondon20:55Mumbai10:15 +1

All timings are in the respective city’s local time. The schedule is subject to regulatory approval.

Delhi-London flight details

Flight No.Start DateEnd DateDays of OperationFromDepartureToArrival
UK 171-Apr-2328-Oct-23SaturdayDelhi15:10London20:25
UK 172-Apr-2328-Oct-23Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, SunDelhi15:10London20:20
UK 181-Apr-2328-Oct-23Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, SunLondon22:20Delhi10:55+1

All timings are in the respective city’s local time. The schedule is subject to regulatory approval.

APG bags TAP Portugal GSA account

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 3 April 2023: APG, a global general sales agency for airlines, has clinched the TAP Portugal account in 18 markets in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Under the agreement, APG will provide the airline with sales and marketing support in Morocco, Australia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, Guinea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Slovenia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Tunisia.

APG Thailand’s Manob Song-Im confirmed on his Facebook page that APG Thailand was “pleased and honoured to be appointed General Sale and Service Agent (GSSA) for Thailand effective from 1 April 2023.”

TAP and APG APAC comments

“TAP selected APG as GSA to represent her and develop its sales in 18 countries worldwide. In this joint force, TAP aims to improve its presence in the markets and grow its revenue”, said TAP director of commercial strategy & distribution Justin Jovignot. “TAP is flying directly to some of the markets where it has appointed APG as GSA, but the focus is also on offline markets, where TAP is still not flying to and where growth potential is a key element for future business development”.

Kuala Lumpur-based APG Network APAC regional vice president Tunku Iskandar added: “Significantly, the Asia-Pacific markets have been recognised by TAP Air Portugal to have strong potential business and leisure traffic to Europe and beyond coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic. Ten of APG’s APAC offices in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand will be actively providing sales and marketing support to TAP Air Portugal’s services in addition to Morocco, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, Guinea, Malta, Slovenia and Tunisia.”

Last month, Air Mauritius announced the appointment of APG as its GSA Sales and Marketing in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Greece, Luxemburg, The Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Before the latest agreement signed in March, APG represented Air Mauritius in the USA, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany.

Starting in October 2023, Air Mauritius will commence two weekly flights to Geneva and increase frequencies to London to a daily flight to London Gatwick Airport effective 29 October 29, 2023.

APG is a global firm with more than 100 offices in over 170 countries.

AirAsia flies direct from Malaysia to Queensland

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 3 April 2023: AirAsia X (AAX), a leading medium-haul low-cost airline in Asia, launched Saturday the long-awaited return of services on the airline’s first-ever route to Gold Coast, Australia, after a hiatus of more than two years due to the pandemic.

The inaugural flight departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) at 1125 local time and landed at Gold Coast International Airport at 0925 local time. In celebration of the newly resumed services to the coastal city, all guests on the inaugural flight were treated to a special send-off ceremony before boarding and a welcoming event on arrival.

(From left) Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, AirAsia X Board of Director; Amelia Evans, Queensland Airports Limited CEO; Stirling Hinchliffe, Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport; Benyamin Ismail, AirAsia X CEO; and Karen Bolinger, Destination Gold Coast Interim CEO at the Gold Coast Airport to celebrate the resumption of AirAsia X flight from Kuala Lumpur to Gold Coast today.

The Gold Coast is the airline’s fourth destination in Australia. With the relaunch of this service, AAX is set to strengthen its position as the leading low-cost airline connecting Australia to Asia’s key destinations and the only carrier flying direct between Malaysia and the state of Queensland.

A press conference held at Gold Coast Airport to celebrate the event was attended by Stirling Hinchliffe, Queensland Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport; Amelia Evans, Queensland Airports Limited CEO; Karen Bolinger, Destination Gold Coast Interim CEO; Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, AirAsia X Board of Director; and Benyamin Ismail, AirAsia X CEO amongst other key airport and tourism stakeholders.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said AirAsia X was predicted to generate AUD45.6 million for the Gold Coast’s visitor economy.

“These direct services from Kuala Lumpur have been secured by the Palaszczuk Government’s AUD200 million aviation war chest in partnership with Gold Coast Airport.

“We’re backing AirAsia X because of the airline’s commitment to increasing its Gold Coast flight schedule to five flights per week by the end of the year.”

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail called it an “incredibly important day for AAX” as it returns to the Gold Coast – the airline’s first-ever route launched in November 2007.

“Our newest route now provides the most affordable and convenient air travel option for guests who want to explore one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations and for Australians seeking to visit Malaysia or continue on throughout Asia with our vast global network, including leisure favourites like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India and more.

“The resumption of this route today will not only attract a significant number of visitors from Malaysia and other Asian countries but also strengthen the ties between Malaysia and Australia,” Mr Benyamin Ismail concluded.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans noted that the return of AirAsia X to the Gold Coast would initially provide three return flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast each week, bringing 58,000 additional seats into the region each year.

To celebrate the return to one of its most popular destinations, AAX offers great value all-in* fares between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast from MYR699 all-in* one-way for economy or MYR2,999 one-way for a Premium Flatbed.

Flight schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Gold Coast (OOL)

*All-in fares include airport taxes, fuel surcharges, and other applicable charges. Terms and conditions apply. Booking period from now until 10 April 2023 for travel period between now and 14 December 2023.

Disney ship calls Singapore home

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE 31 March 2023: Disney Cruise Line will homeport the former Global Dream in Singapore for five years starting in 2025 after construction of the unfinished ship is completed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

Last November, Disney announced the acquisition of the partially completed ship known as Global Dream from receivers handling the defunct Dream Cruises assets. Once ready to sail with Disney’s trademark themes and onboard attractions, it will be renamed. It is expected to set sail in 2025 as the seventh ship in the Disney fleet.

Photo credit: Singapore Cruise Society. (Left) Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Experiences and Products, Disney Parks and (Right) Keith Tan, Chief Executive, STB.

Disney Cruise Line estimates the passenger capacity of the 208,000-gross-ton ship to be approximately 6,000, with around 2,300 crew members.

Singapore Tourism Board and Disney Cruise Lines announced the homeporting accord on 29 March following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that confirms the Disney cruise ship will homeport exclusively in Singapore for at least five years.

The addition of a Disney Cruise Line ship in Singapore can add millions of local and foreign cruise passengers across the five years, including fly-cruise passengers who arrive in Singapore by air.

About Disney Cruise Line

Since launching in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has acquired a fleet of five ships — the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. Three more are in the pipeline. The Disney Cruise Line fleet sails to destinations in The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand.

LADA celebrates 33rd anniversary

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 31 March 22, 2023: Langkawi Development Authority celebrated its 33-anniversary last week with a traditional Malay theatre performance highlighting the success story and the agency’s team spirit.

The anniversary speech was presented by YBrs Tuan Wan Kamarul Faisal bin Wan Kamardin Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Planning & Development). He called on the LADA family to remain committed while moving forward to create more success stories to benefit Langkawi’s varied communities.

Corporate video released by LADA during 33rd-anniversary celebrations. Watch the video:

Photo credit: LADA. Time to celebrate success stories.
Photo credit: LADA. Eostre incentive group visits Langkawi.

Meanwhile, Muar Holiday Tours & Express Transport led a group of 409 people from Eostre, a Malaysia-based distributor of smart healthcare products, on a recent incentive travel visit to Langkawi. Muar Holiday Tours & Express Transport Sdn Bhd is a Johor travel agency that organises MICE groups to Langkawi.

The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) provided the group with MICE incentives in the form of cultural performances and admission tickets to the Langkawi SkyCab.

https://naturallylangkawi.my/

(Your Stories: LADA)

Emirates makes travel more accessible

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, UAE, 31 March 2023: With concerted efforts to further enhance support services for travellers with hidden disabilities, including Autism, Emirates has rolled out specialised training involving more than 24,000 global cabin crew and ground staff.

Collaborating with Dubai Airport, the support service delivers a helpful travel planner and autism-friendly route to make the pre-boarding experience more seamless and ensure passenger comfort onboard.

More than 24,000 cabin crew and ground staff globally have completed Emirates ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities training. The online course was first launched in 2022 and covered a range of topics from the UAE National Policy for People of Determination, recognising autism, practical tips on how to assist passengers with hidden disabilities, responding with empathy, and information on the official support systems to help passengers in the airport.

Categorised as a hidden disability, autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Known as a spectrum disorder, because there are wide variations in the types and severity of symptoms people experience, a range of sensory needs can occur. For some travellers, the airport and aircraft experience may feel too noisy, too bright, too unfamiliar, or too busy – and these are some areas in which Emirates strives to facilitate planned and positive travel experiences for customers with autism.

Before the journey begins

Information in advance

Emirates supports passengers with hidden disabilities by providing as much information in advance as possible so that families can plan, rehearse, and be reassured about their upcoming travel. Passengers can check the Accessible Travel page on Emirates.com for information and contact their Emirates local office with queries.

Free Seat Selection and Bulkhead Seat for autistic passengers and companions

Passengers who declare a hidden disability will be facilitated as much as possible in the complimentary selection of suitable seats, for example, the bulkhead seats at the front and middle of the aircraft for both the autistic passenger and their companion. This can be requested via Emirates’ local office.

Book with ‘DPNA code’ for extra support

A DPNA is an airline industry code for special service requests (SSR) for a ‘passenger with intellectual or developmental disability’. The DPNA code can be applied to a booking made in person, via telephone or travel agent and is applied once the hidden disability is declared so that the passenger will be supported throughout their journey with assistance from trained staff.

Study the ‘Autism Friendly Guide’ to Dubai International Airport

Emirates has collaborated with Dubai International Airport on a comprehensive pre-travel planning tool for passengers with hidden disabilities. The Autism Friendly Guide to Dubai International Airport provides a step-by-step explanation and images of every part of the journey from the airport to boarding and details the available services.

Pre-order meals

Some passengers may need a special meal onboard if they have sensory sensitivity. This can be ordered a minimum of 24 hours in advance on www.Emirates.com or on the Emirates app. There are options to order gluten-free meals, bland meals, vegetarian and diabetic meals. For Kids Meals, families travelling with an autistic passenger may contact the Emirates local office with their request in advance.

Pre-plan what to watch on ice via the Emirates app

Download the Emirates app, and before a flight – passengers can spend time planning and pre-selecting their favourite movies, TV shows or music playlists. Once the passenger has boarded, their personally curated playlist can be synced immediately to ice, saving time and enabling them to settle into the flight with the comfort of familiar content.

Arrival to airport

Complimentary parking for 2 hours

People of Determination get complimentary parking in all terminals in Dubai International Airport for 2 hours. People of Determination taxis can also be booked via Dubai Taxi on their toll-free number 80088088.

Collect the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities. Emirates staff with Sunflower pins are easily identifiable and specially trained to assist travellers with hidden disabilities. Passengers are encouraged to declare their hidden disability to these staff and collect a Sunflower Lanyard to wear or bring their own from home, allowing for support throughout the airport journey. The sunflower lanyard can be collected from the information desk in Departures, Terminal 3 and from dedicated, easily identifiable collection points in Terminals 1 and 2.

Autism Friendly Route

The Autism Friendly Route through Dubai International Airport (DXB) ensures that People of Determination (POD) can access the airport with a dedicated route. It includes access to priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security and boarding; and can be availed when wearing the sunflower lanyard. Specially trained staff equipped to support POD travellers will be easily identifiable wearing sunflower pins, allowing for increased visibility, communication and support throughout the airport journey.

Priority boarding or board last if preferred

People who have declared their hidden disabilities to Emirates staff will be facilitated in boarding the aircraft first if they choose, or last if this is more convenient.

Families with children are seated together

Emirates makes every effort to seat families with children together, and passengers who have declared their hidden disability will be seated beside their companion or guardian.

Noise cancelling earphones

Passengers with an aural sensory need in First and Business Class will have access to noise‑cancelling headphones to block out ambient cabin sounds. Travellers can also bring their own Bluetooth-enabled headphones if preferred.

Light Sensitivity

Suppose the customer, child or family member informs the Emirates cabin crew about light sensitivity. In that case, the cabin crew can turn off the passenger’s light, close the window blind after take-off, and explain that the cabin lights will be dimmed as soon as the meal services are completed.

Emirates continues to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including Dubai Airports, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Customs, Dubai Police, Dubai Autism Centre and Dubai Economy and Tourism to improve the travel experience for passengers with hidden disabilities and is committed to working to help create a world where neurodivergent individuals feel accepted, represented, included, empowered, and heard. World Autism Awareness Day takes place annually on 2 April.

www.emirates.com

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Vietjet dangles a free ticket temptation

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TTR WEEKLY
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HO CHI MINH CITY, 31 March: There is still time until 4 April to catch Vietjet’s latest promotions that offer 2 million giveaway economy tickets* and 50% discounts on business class travel. 

The zero dollar economy tickets are a standard feature of the airline’s fare promotions offering a deal that leaves travellers paying just the tax and airport fees.

This time around, travellers can also grab a 50% discount in SkyBoss, and SkyBoss Business categories, plus pick up SkyJoy loyalty points.

The 2 million zero-cost* tickets are available on the airline’s website and mobile app for travel on Vietjet’s 100 routes flying across Vietnam and to Australia, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong (China), and cities in the Asia Pacific. The travel period is open until 12 December 2023. 

According to the 50% discount*, the price of SkyBoss, SkyBoss Business tickets starts at VND2,300,000 (USD98) on domestic flights and from VND4,500,000 (USD191) on international flights.

From now until 5 May 2023, customers can apply the promotional codes ALL50SBB and ALL50SB when booking SkyBoss Business and SkyBoss tickets to enjoy 50% off on fares. The travel period runs from now until 12 December 2023.

(*) Excludes taxes and fees. Travel is prohibited on national holidays in each market.

Lion Air improves domestic link

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TTR WEEKLY
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Surabaya, Indonesia, 31 March 2023: Lion Air resumed daily direct flights from Surabaya to Tarakan as passenger traffic grows on domestic routes. 

Lion Air flies a B737-900ER (215 economy class seats) and Boeing 737-800NG (189 economy class seats) on the route.

From Surabaya to Tarakan (JT268) departs at 0845 and arrives in Tarakan at 1145. The return flight (JT267) from Tarakan to Surabaya departs at 1240 and arrives in Surabaya at 1345. Flight time is just over two hours. Kiwi.com quotes a roundtrip fare of USD371 during April and May.

Travellers can connect with flights to other cities in the Lion Air network from Surabaya and Tarakan. The direct flight makes it easier for East Java and North Kalimantan residents to return home. Flight times are shorter as there are no transit connections.

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Thai Lion Air launched its official Line account this week, allowing customers to scan a QR code or add their Line ID to stay connected, make and manage flight bookings, and check in online or contact the airline help centre.

The airline’s official Line account has a star before the name.

Bullish Chinese keen on longer holidays

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 31 March 2023: Almost nine of 10 mainland Chinese say they miss travelling abroad, according to Finn Partners’ “Outbound Rebound: The Return of Chinese Travelers”.

The latest industry report presented by the global marketing agency Finn Partners and professional research consultancy Consumer Search Group indicates that mainland Chinese travellers intend to boost their pre-pandemic pace of overseas travel this year.

A survey was conducted from 10 to 24 January 2023, just days after the China government lifted international travel restrictions after three years. The 20-minute-long questionnaire gathered valuable findings from over 2,000 affluent Chinese in first,  second, and third-tier cities in mainland China and Hong Kong.

Wanderlust

About one in two affluent Chinese travellers plan at least five trips in 2023. On average, they plan to make 5.9 trips this year, up from 5.6 in 2019. While the 26 to 36-year-old demographic shows the most significant trip increase, younger affluent Chinese travellers aged 21 to 25 are the most frequent.

Aside from more frequent leisure trips, most want to stay longer per trip. 72% plan to vacation from six to over 10 days in 2023 — bringing the average duration per trip to 8.7 days versus 8.4 days in 2019. Indulgence in longer vacations is prevalent in the 21 to 25 age group.

Luxury splurge

The affluent segment plans to increase spending by 15% to RMB102,500 (USD15,299) in 2023, 22% more than the budget set aside by Hong Kong travellers. The increase in travel budget is more evident in the 36+ age group and those from Tier-1 cities. More than one-third of affluent Chinese travellers plan to fly first or business class, while one in two stays in upscale or luxury hotels on their next leisure trip.

Take it Slow

Gone are the rushed, major attractions-packed tours as the affluent Chinese evolve from tourists to travellers. Over 70% of respondents desire slow, recuperative travel over an itinerary filled with activities. Travellers plan to immerse themselves like locals (58%), take more road trips (56%), take better care of themselves (56%), and attend more events (51%) in their future holidays.

Eight out of 10 travellers are more willing to pay for experiences over tangible products, particularly those from Tier-3 cities (86%). This points to the growing potential of authentic and personalised travel experiences. The full report is available for download from https://www.finnpartners.com/news-insights/outbound-rebound-2023-the-return-of-chinese-travelers/

Tourism Malaysia celebrates 50 with themed tours

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 31 March 2023: To mark its 50th anniversary celebrations, Tourism Malaysia presents 50 themed tour packages based on special interest tourism segments with bargain price tags sold via the malaysia.travel website.

The package offers resulted from collaborating with 21 registered travel agencies and four operators. They are presenting tourism products such as spas, and country stays throughout Malaysia.

All packages highlight the number 50 in their messaging, such as a 50% discount, MYR50 price, MYR50.50 and various other configurations to reflect the 50th-anniversary celebrations.

People can book themed packages for hiking, cave exploration, jungle trekking, kayaking, cycling, camping, caravanning, scuba diving, golf, agrotourism, homestay, birdwatching, white water rafting, waterfall abseiling, jet ski excursion, rock climbing, nature walk, night safari, river cruise and animal sighting. In addition, packages also focus on heritage trail activities, fun at theme parks, museum visits and spa treatments.

The offers are valid until 10 August 2023 for travel until 31 March 2024.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Dato’ Hj Zainuddin Abdul Wahab said the array of special interest tour packages aligns with the latest trend that sees tourists choose products based on experiential tourism.

“In total, this promotional offer involves 32 travel and nature packages, seven packages under lifestyle, six cultural and heritage packages and five packages of marine activities and tourism sports,” he concluded.

Special Interest Tour Package E-Brochure download link: https://bit.ly/40m4R1q

Tourism Malaysia

The Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board, or Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia actively focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourist destination. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

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