SINGAPORE, 17 March 2025: Oceania Cruises, a culinary and destination-focused cruise line, opened sales last week for its 2027 Around the World cruise, which will span 180 days and visit more than 100 ports across 46 countries and six continents aboard its newest ship, Vista.
Setting sail from Miami on 6 January 2027, the 1,200-guest ship will explore over 150 UNESCO World Heritage sites over six adventure-filled months.
Photo Credit: Oceania Cruises.
Guests will transit the Panama Canal, island hop through the Pacific from Hawaii to Fiji, sail along Australia’s stunning coastline, and spend more than two months in Asia before heading for Europe.
Two additional itineraries are also on sale: A 244-day Epic Global Adventure from Miami to New York and the shorter 127-day Continental Explorer sailing from Miami to Doha.
Starting at USD76,199 per person, Oceania Cruises’ 2027 Around the World sailing features an Exclusive Prestige Package packed with additional complimentary amenities, including unlimited wine, beer, and spirits or a generous shore excursion credit.
The 1,200-guest ship offers all-veranda accommodations, featuring the most spacious standard staterooms at sea at 291 square feet. Vista also boasts a staffing ratio of two crew members for every three guests, ensuring unparalleled personalised service.
SINGAPORE, 17 March 2025: Korean Air introduced its new corporate identity last week, revealing a modernised version of its signature Taegeuk symbol — the first design change in 41 years.
The unveiling presentation convened at the airline’s headquarters hangar in Seoul Incheon International Airport during an exclusive event titled “Rising Night.” Approximately 1,000 guests, including employees, industry leaders and media representatives, attended the event.
Photo credit: Korean Air. Korean Air unveiled its new aircraft livery on a Boeing 787-10 aircraft, registered HL8515.
The redesigned blue Taegeuk symbol displayed prominently during the event reflects Korean Air’s heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics. The updated logo aligns with modern and global minimalist branding trends while preserving the airline’s identity.
The accompanying logotype, “KOREAN AIR,” positioned next to the Taegeuk symbol, combines the airline’s national prestige with a refined visual identity.
Korean Air also unveiled its new aircraft livery, which adorns a Boeing 787-10 aircraft, registered HL8515, in a spectacular display at the airline’s hanger venue. The aircraft also showcased the airline’s latest Prestige Suites 2.0 cabin interiors. It entered service with the new features and livery on 12 March, operating from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita.
Hanjin Group and Korean Air chair and CEO Walter Cho shared his vision for the airline’s future: “As a unified Korean Air, we are committed to more than just transportation — we aim to connect people, cultures and the world through the skies. world.”
He continued: “With the full integration of Asiana Airlines, our role as Korea’s flagship carrier has grown even more significant. We will bring together our expertise, refine our strengths and unite cultures to create an innovative, unmatched airline experience.”
This marks the first major brand update since 1984, when Korean Air introduced the Taegeuk symbol. Recognised globally, it remains a powerful representation of both the airline and the nation.
SINGAPORE, 17 March 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda’s 2025 Sustainable Travel Survey reveals its ranking of Asia’s most sustainability-conscious travellers.
Travellers from the Philippines earn the top spot, with 86% responding that sustainability is essential in their travel choices for 2025. Travellers from India (82%), Taiwan (80%), Malaysia (80%) and Vietnam (77%) round out the top five.
This survey, which engaged over 6,000 respondents across 11 Asian markets, spotlights the evolving landscape of sustainable travel in Asia, where authentic and purposeful tourism and off-peak travel are becoming more prominent.
The survey found that most Asian travellers (68%) consider sustainability when making their travel plans for 2025. Less than one in ten (8%) travellers overlook sustainability in their travel decisions, although less optimistically, in Hong Kong and Japan for example, where 21% and 17% of travellers, respectively, reported that sustainability was not particularly important in their travel choices.
Authentic Experiences Drive More Sustainable Choices
Asian travellers are increasingly motivated by the allure of authentic experiences and the opportunity to contribute positively to local communities. Nearly one in four respondents prioritise authentic tourism, while 22% are keen on supporting local economies when they travel. Indian travellers, in particular, are guided by personal values and beliefs, with 24% citing these as their primary motivation for more sustainable travel. This trend underscores a broader movement towards enjoyable but also meaningful and impactful travel.
Exploring Off-peak Takes Center Stage
Many travellers in Asia seek to mitigate their impact on the environment by travelling during off-peak seasons to alleviate overcrowding, a choice made by nearly a quarter of respondents. Additionally, 20% of travellers opt for accommodations with sustainability certifications, while 18% pack reusable items to reduce waste. Japanese travellers stand out for being the most committed out of all Asian travellers to reducing waste, with 25% packing reusable items like water bottles and shopping bags on a trip.
Agoda Senior Vice President Supply Andrew Smith said: “Asian travellers are increasingly seeking ways to impact the destinations they visit positively. Agoda’s Eco Deals Programme is one way we empower them to do just that. By offering great value deals on partnering properties and donating one US dollar to local conservation projects for every program booking, we are helping travellers save and contributing to the preservation of the places they love.” Since the recent launch of the 2025 edition, Agoda’s Eco Deals programme has provided travellers with discounts of up to 15% on partner hotels across 10 Asian markets. This marks the first year that Japan and South Korea have joined the Eco Deals Campaign, providing more Asia-bound travellers the opportunity to support their favourite destinations. For every Eco Deals booking, a dollar is donated to WWF conservation projects to protect wildlife and conserve critical habitats across Asia. For more information, visit ww.agoda.com/ecodeals.
SINGAPORE, 17 March 2025: Norwegian Cruise Line has taken delivery of Norwegian Aqua at Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy — the 20th ship in its fleet and the first in the next-generation Prima Plus Class.
Meanwhile, as Norwegian Aqua prepares to enter service, NCL completes another landmark event with the float out of Norwegian Luna. The float-out signifies the completion of the ship’s external work and marks the first time it makes contact with water. Norwegian Luna will move to the floating dock for interior construction and furnishing in preparation for the ship’s launch in April 2026.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri executives and team members celebrate the delivery of Norwegian Aqua.
Building on the legacy of Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, Norwegian Aqua is 10% larger in size and capacity, offering more open space. It will introduce fresh features and blend hallmark Prima Class features such as spacious staterooms and world-class entertainment with new enhancements. Measuring 322 metres in length and 156,300 gross tonnes, the ship will accommodate 3,571 guests at double occupancy.
Norwegian Aqua 2025 sailings
Norwegian Aqua will embark on a transatlantic journey from Southampton, UK, on 28 March 2025. She will mark her much-anticipated arrival to the US on 4 April for two inaugural events in Boston and New York City. On 13 April 2025, the ship will be officially christened in Miami in a celebratory ceremony.
Norwegian Aqua will sail from Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, and New York City during her first year of service. Departing from Florida ports, Norwegian Aqua will offer short voyages to the Bahamas and seven-day Caribbean itineraries. Sailing from New York City in August and September 2025, Norwegian Aqua will offer Bermuda cruises during the peak summer season.
BANGKOK, 17 March 2025: Tripseed chief growth officer and co-founder Ewan Cluckie delivered an unusual message in his presentation to European tour operators attending the recent ITB Berlin: He told them to check rigorously to ensure they are not partnering with foreign nominee businesses.
“It’s crucial to remember the enormous stakes when choosing local suppliers for your Thailand travel services,” he warned overseas tour operators who attended the world’s largest travel show, ITB Berlin.
Photo credit: Tripseed.
Tripseed is a locally owned travel operator and distributor headquartered in Thailand. The Destination Management Company (DMC) creates tailor-made holidays designed to explore Thailand and neighbouring countries, focusing on authentic local connections.
Its co-founder and chief growth officer reiterated a recent Thai Chamber of Commerce warning: “Foreign businesses (using local nominees) take advantage of loopholes in Thai law for personal gain, using Thailand as a base for tax evasion and money laundering.”
Photo credit: Tripseed. Ewan Cluckie.
Thailand’s Department of Business Development has launched a new complaints centre, and the government has announced that some arrests will be publicised in the future. The news was first reported in the Bangkok Post.
“This puts reputations at stake, not just in Thailand, but for all countries where non-compliant companies are operating,” Cluckie said in a statement sent to various travel trade news channels in Southeast Asia.
“Consumer trust is fragile, and these moves are necessary and welcomed by the local business community to tackle a decades-long problem finally.
“These compliance breaches are extremely common, especially in Thailand’s DMC sector. Most UK, EU, and US travel agents and tour operators sending clients to Thailand are unwittingly involved and at risk, if consumer complaints are lodged with authorities or investigated.
By law, all travel firms in Thailand must register with the Department of Tourism, a division under the Ministry of Tourism.
However, Cluckie told TTR Weekly that the Minister of Tourism clarified at a meeting with some local tour operators late last year that it was not responsible for checking or enforcing potential breaches of business registration laws.
“These issues span multiple industries, but primarily real estate and tourism are the targets. Investigations and charges that have been increasing in intensity since 2023 are being led by the Department of Business Development and the Department of Special Investigations in the Royal Thai Police.”
However, the Ministry of Tourism confirmed that foreign-owned businesses are legally prohibited from using local nominee shareholders under Article 36 of the Foreign Business Act 1999.
Tourism companies must also comply with the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act 2008, which prohibits majority foreign ownership of tourism businesses under Section 17 (1(a)) as it is a protected industry.
“Therefore, for any foreign-owned companies to legally operate tours in Thailand, they must have legitimate local partners as their majority shareholders, decision-makers and financial beneficiaries,” said Cluckie in response to questions from TTRW.
“This is why in the tourism sector, you very commonly see a 51:49 ownership ratio with non-compliant companies, giving Thai partners the legal majority on paper, but in situations where these people are acting as proxies to allow these foreign-owned businesses to operate and who are not legitimate beneficiaries of the company, this becomes illegal under both laws.
“It also raises tax evasion concerns since the companies are not registering properly as foreign-owned businesses and, therefore, avoid paying compulsory foreign business taxes. In addition, they do not want to share their profits with their proxy shareholders since they are not legitimate owners. This prompts them to move their profits offshore, resulting in minimal, if any, profits being recorded locally with the Thai Revenue Department, and therefore, no corporate income taxes are payable either. These extractive practices result in incredible economic leakage from Thailand’s tourism industry.”
In addition, international insurance companies may not compensate in case of an accident or claim, quoting insurance contracts that stipulate that service-providing businesses must abide by all local laws.
“It is this that I refer to when I say overseas agents and operators are putting themselves at great risk by using non-compliant suppliers such as DMCs and other foreign-owned operators that have been comfortable for years exploiting the historical lack of enforcement of these laws,” Cluckie explained.
“Consumers would, potentially, have a lawful claim against the agent or the tour operator they booked with for failure to perform proper due diligence of their suppliers under the European Package Travel Directive.”
In response to TTRW questions, he concluded: “I would like to see the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Authority of Thailand play a more active role in these investigations, but I’m not under any current impression that will happen. The new task force set up this year is an independent body created specifically to root out nominee businesses. I’m not sure how much I buy into the feasibility of its stated goal to investigate over 25,000 businesses this year. Still, I do sincerely believe it is a question of when, not if, we start to see some of the bigger industry players left red-faced given the complete dominance of non-compliant companies in Thailand’s DMC sector.”
(Source: Tripseed co-founder’s opinion posted on Linkedin with additional responses to TTRW questions) Website: Tripseed
BERLIN, Germany, 14 March 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, celebrated a successful ITB Berlin 2025 by adopting a refreshing new approach to B2B relations. Its traditional exhibition booth was replaced with key executive meetings and vibrant events.
The world’s largest travel trade show, which convened from 3 to 5 March 2025, has always been an essential fixture on Centara’s calendar. But this year, the company decided to do things a little differently.
Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat and Chief Operating Officer Michael Henssler led a top-level delegation, which presented the group’s latest strategic updates to their travel industry colleagues and media partners.
In addition to highly productive days at Berlin ExpoCenter City, Centara’s team invited its travel trade and business partners, local dignitaries, former ambassadors and media friends to a series of impressive events, running under the theme “Centara Journeys” and highlighting the brand’s world-renowned style of warm, heartfelt and Thai-inspired hospitality.
On the evening of 4 March, a spectacular brand showcase was staged at Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe), the luxury department store. Eighty distinguished guests were treated to a glamorous evening of contemporary cuisine, creative cocktails, fine wine and live jazz music that will live long in the memory. KaDeWe is part of a global network of luxury department stores owned by Central Group, Centara’s parent company, which includes other prestigious locations such as Selfridges in London, La Rinascente in Milan, Globus in locations across Switzerland, and Central Embassy in Bangkok.
Then, on 5 March, Centara hosted an exclusive evening at Dae Mon, the acclaimed Asian restaurant. Amid an inspiring ambience with creative cuisine and dazzling décor, Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts, and Supatra Chirathivat, Senior Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs & Social Responsibility of Centara Hotels & Resorts, personally thanked a select group of 20 media representatives for their positive coverage and cooperation.
ITB Berlin was the perfect platform for Centara to provide updates on its latest developments, including the recent launch of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, the twin-resort destination which combines two properties – the new underwater world-themed Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and the soon-to-open Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives. This will give Centara four distinct resort experiences in the Maldives to intuitively cater to a wide range of guests, from families to couples.
Trade and media delegates also learned about the group’s plans, such as launching nine new hotels & resorts in 2025, including Centara’s inaugural properties in Indonesia and Nepal and two major transformation projects. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin will significantly upgrade all accommodations, public spaces and facilities while preserving its historic and colonial charm. The resort will also add a new collection of 70 exclusive villas under The Centara Collection. Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi will be fully refurbished and repositioned as the world’s second Centara Reserve. The executive team also discussed the group’s brand strategy and Centara’s commitment to sustainability.
With a growing global portfolio of 90 hotels and resorts, both operating and in the pipeline, including locations in Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, the Middle East, and four distinct resorts in the Maldives, Centara is now moving confidently towards its goal of becoming “The Place to Be” for the world’s travellers and one of the planet’s top 100 hotel operators by 2027.
About Centara Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology.
BANGKOK, 14 March 2025: Vietjet Thailand is offering a 30% discount off its highest registered base fares (excluding taxes and fees) for additional flights between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and beach destinations Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani (Samui) during the Songkran Festival week from 11 to 17 April 2025.
This special promotion aligns with the airline’s commitment to enhancing accessibility. It allows passengers to return to their hometowns, reunite with family, or explore Thailand during this festive season at an affordable price.
Passengers can secure a discount on the airline’s additional flights scheduled between 11 and 17 April 2025 following a Ministry of Transport determination that domestic airlines should add special flights during the festival week and reduce the financial burden for travellers visiting their families
Bookings can be made until midnight on 20 March via www.vietjetair.com or the mobile application ‘Vietjet Thailand.’ The discount applies to base fares only and does not include taxes, surcharges, or additional services.
As part of its collaboration with the government and the Thai Airlines Association, Vietjet Thailand is increasing flights on key domestic routes during Songkran, ensuring more travel options at affordable fares.
From 11 to 17 April 2025, Vietjet’s flights between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Phuket will increase from nine to 10 per day, Surat Thani from two to three, and Krabi from three to four. This expansion enhances connectivity, making it easier for travellers to reunite with loved ones or explore Thailand during the festive season.
Currently, Vietjet Thailand operates 11 top domestic routes, including flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surat Thani, alongside cross-country connections such as Phuket to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.
The airline is also expanding its international network across the Asia-Pacific, connecting Thailand with Japan, China, Vietnam, India, Cambodia, Taipei, and other popular destinations in Asia and Australia.
SHANGHAI, 14 March 12025: Virtuoso, a global network specialising in luxury and experiential travel, presented its annual regional Virtuoso Awards at its Greater China/North and Southeast Asia Forum earlier this week.
The annual forum, hosted at MGM Shanghai West Bund from 11 to 12 March, brought together over 160 attendees, including owners and managers from the network’s regional travel agency membership and preferred partners worldwide.
Photo credit: Virtuoso. Virtuoso’s Greater China/North and Southeast Asia Forum convened at the MGM Shanghai West Bund last week.
The regional awards recognise top sales production, growth, and engagement in Greater China and North and Southeast Asia, honouring those who consistently demonstrate their commitment to the Virtuoso network.
These were the second annual awards for Greater China and the first for North and Southeast Asia.
Top Virtuoso Award categories and winners*
Most Engaged: This award recognises a travel agency member and preferred partner with the highest engagement based on participation in the Virtuoso network.
Greater China Member winner: Charlotte Travel
Greater ChinaPartner winner: Madrid Tourist Board
North and Southeast Asia Member winner: JTB Global Assistance
Top Producers: These awards recognise members and partners with the highest overall network sales per category.
Greater China Member winners:
Cruise Top Producer: One Style Tour
Hotels & Resorts Top Producer: Little Shrimp Trip Info Company
Tour Top Producer: Charlotte Travel
On-Site Top Producer: Charlotte Travel
North and Southeast Asia Member winners:
Cruise Top Producer: Deck 9
Hotels & Resorts Top Producer: Hotelux
Tour Top Producer: 360 Private Travel
On-Site Top Producer: Blue Sky Escapes
Greater China Partner winners:
Cruise Top Producer: Silversea
Hotels & Resorts Top Producer: Rosewood Hong Kong
Tour Top Producer: Belmond Trains
On-Site Top Producer: Luxury Action – Finland
“Virtuoso’s global growth and evolution are driven by the incredible contributions of our members and partners, much of which happens at the regional level,” said Virtuoso Chairman & CEO Matthew Upchurch. “Through our seven regional forums worldwide, we are taking the opportunity to recognise members and partners who are elevating their professions and supporting those within this network.”
*Awards for members and partners with the highest annual growth year-over-year were also presented at the forum in Shanghai. Meanwhile, additional regional awards will be announced at each forum: Continental Europe Forum in Lucerne (19 to 21 March); UK, Ireland, Middle East & Africa Forum in Malta (25 to 27 March); and Latin America & the Caribbean Forum in Buenos Aires (31 March to 3 April). Winners in the US, Australia & New Zealand and Canada were honoured at their respective Forums earlier this year.
SINGAPORE, 14 March 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) named Andrea Grisdale, Founder and CEO of IC Bellagio, Vice Chair of its new initiative, Together in Travel, alongside 13 founding partners.
The groundbreaking programme aims to transform how small to medium enterprises (SMEs) operate and succeed within the global travel industry.
Photo credit: IC Bellagio. Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio founder and CEO, named Vice Chair of ‘Together in Travel.’
Grisdale, who has over 25 years of experience in crafting bespoke travel experiences, will lead the initiative’s mission to foster inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability across the sector.
Together in Travel provides SMEs with vital resources, including:
Access to global markets and investment opportunities
Specialised training programmes
Digital transformation tools
Sustainable business practice frameworks
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “Small businesses are the backbone of Travel & Tourism and Together in Travel represents an unprecedented collaboration that will equip SMEs with essential tools for success in our evolving global landscape.
“Under Andrea Grisdale’s leadership, whose commitment to sustainable tourism is exemplary, this initiative will catalyse transformative growth across our sector.”
Grisdale, IC Bellagio Founder & CEO, noted: “The programme is a powerful opportunity to empower small and medium enterprises within the travel sector, providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. By fostering inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability, we can help these businesses not only navigate today’s challenges but also shape a more dynamic and sustainable future for global travel. Together, we are setting the stage for long-term growth and positive transformation across the travel ecosystem.”
The 13 founding partners represent leaders across the travel ecosystem:
KUALA LUMPUR 14 March 2025: Tourism Malaysia marked a significant milestone last week by hosting its first-ever consumer event in Guangzhou, China, since the pandemic, showcasing the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Promotion Campaign.
This initiative was part of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s ambitious goal to attract 7 million visitors from China in 2026, one of Malaysia’s key markets driving tourism growth.
Samuel Lee, Tourism Malaysia’s Deputy Director General (Promotion II), Suraya Ahmad Pauzi, the Consulate General Malaysia in Guangzhou, and Dato Dr Angie Ng, the President of MICA, presided over the event’s opening on 8 March at the popular TeeMall (Tianhe City Shopping Centre) in Guangzhou.
The collaboration with the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) aims to connect directly with Chinese consumers. TeeMall’s high footfall traffic provided an ideal platform for Tourism Malaysia to engage with the local market and strengthen Malaysia’s visibility as a top travel choice.
The promotion featured diverse Malaysian tourism products, such as labu saying pottery and batik paintings. It highlighted the country’s vibrant culture and attractions while offering exclusive tourism packages for Chinese visitors.
Key objectives included maintaining the momentum leading up to VM2026, positioning Malaysia as a safe and attractive travel destination for the Chinese market, and reinforcing strong relationships with industry players in Guangzhou and beyond.
In 2024, Malaysia welcomed 3,725,894 visitors from China, marking an impressive 130.9% year-on-year growth. The extension of the visa-free policy for Chinese nationals until December 2026, coupled with increased air connectivity of 515 flights weekly, should accelerate two-way travel between Malaysia and China while strengthening cultural ties.
