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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.

Puerto Galera survives spill damage

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 31 March 2023: Tourism is returning to normal in Puerto Galera despite the damaging impact of an oil spill after a tanker, MT Princess Express, capsized off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, on 28 February.

The Department of Tourism reported that 63 tourism sites had been impacted. More than 1,000 tourism workers suffered financially following the spread of thick bunker oil from the MT Princess Empress.

Photo credit: Department of Tourism.

Commenting on efforts to assist tourism workers, the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said on Monday (27 March) frontline tourism workers could participate in skill training programmes to provide them with alternative sources of livelihood following the oil spill incident in Mindoro.

“At this point, it’s really about ensuring that our tourism frontline workers have alternative sources of livelihood, and that is why we will be providing training, not just specifically focused on their present work but to alternative types of work,” the tourism chief explained.

Earlier, the municipal government of Puerto Galera clarified that coastal and beach areas remain clear of oil spill damage, prompting the tourism chief to declare the tourist destination is now open and operational.

“As far as the top attractions in and around Puerto Galera are concerned, they are open at 90% of capacity and ready to receive reservations,” the tourism secretary explained.

According to a 22 March report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the following cities and municipalities in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas suffered oil spill damage. 

Batangas City in Batangas; Naujan, Pola, Pinamalayan, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, Gloria, Bulalacao, and Calapan in Oriental Mindoro; Agutaya and Taytay in Palawan; and Caluya in Antique.

About Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is a town on the Philippine island of Mindoro. It’s known for its dive sites and beaches. The long curve of White Beach is backed by bars and resorts. Inland, a forest trail leads to secluded Talipanan Falls, and a hillside nine-hole golf course sits above the coast. Northeast, the waters of Sabang Beach teem with marine life and corals. Medio and Paniquian (Boquete) islands offer quieter beaches.

Luxury cruises partner with Fabergé

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 March 2023: Regent Seven Seas Cruises and jeweller Fabergé, have created two Spotlight Voyages that will bring guests to the world of Fabergé with small group master-class programmes.

The classes will provide access to intimate shoreside tours, jewelled egg demonstrations, lectures and screenings.

There is also the option to book a special pre-cruise land programme in London, including a visit to the Fabergé headquarters, an exclusive shopping experience in Harrods, and private viewing of the royal portraits in Westminster Abbey.

The two spotlight sailings, both hosted by the highest of authorities on the Fabergé story, will be on Seven Seas Splendor’s 13 June 2023 10-night sailing through Northern Europe, hosted by Archduke Dr Géza von Habsburg, and on the new ship Seven Seas Grandeur’s 1 July 2024, 10-night sailing around the Mediterranean, hosted by Sarah Fabergé.

Prices for the Spotlight on Fabergé with Dr von Habsburg voyage start from USD13,599 per guest and can be combined with the exclusive two-night pre-cruise land programme for an additional USD1,999 per guest. Some shoreside experiences will be at an additional cost and have limited capacity.

Prices for the Spotlight on Fabergé with Sarah Fabergé voyage start at USD12,499 per guest. Full programme information will be available at a later date.

HK Express receives first A321neo

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 30 March 2023: Airbus has announced the successful delivery of its first Airbus A321neo to the low-cost carrier HK Express, a member of Cathay Pacific Group based in Hong Kong

This milestone marks the first 16 A321neo aircraft for HK Express and features the airline’s latest livery, with shades of purple and white. In addition, the aircraft’s winglets and empennage spots an “e” shaped journey symbol, which evokes the start of a pleasant journey with HK Express.

“We are thrilled to welcome the first A321neo to our fleet,” said HK Express CEO Mandy Ng. “As an operator of the A320 Family, we are confident in the A321neo’s game-changing ability to provide more capacity with greater sustainability. At HK Express, the A321neo is key in our efforts to reduce our impact on the environment.”

“Airbus is proud to extend our relationship with the Cathay Pacific Group, and this new delivery represents a new milestone in our long relationship. The A321neo’s performance and efficiency will allow HK Express to expand its network while reducing its carbon footprint,” said Airbus Asia-Pacific president Anand Stanley.

HK Express’ A321neo is powered by CFM International LEAP-1A engines and can seat up to 236 passengers.

HK Express is an all-Airbus operator, with its current fleet comprising 27 A320 Family aircraft, including 11A321ceo, 10 A320neo, five A320ceo and its first A321neo.

(Source: Airbus)

Grand Mercure Hotel opens in Hanoi

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TTR WEEKLY
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HANOI, 29 March 2023: Accor marked the opening of Grand Mercure Hanoi on Wednesday, a new hotel in the heart of the city, close to the Temple of Literature and within walking distance of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long and Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.

The property features 181 rooms and suites ranging from  27-square metre deluxe rooms to a 116-square metre Presidential Suite.

Grand Mercure Hanoi offers four restaurants and bars, including Cat Vi – a signature Asian brasserie on the 15th floor. Accor named Andre Erasmus as the general manager.

Accor has 40 hotels and a strong pipeline of 40 projects across the country, while the Grand Mercure Hanoi is the group’s eighth hotel in Vietnam’s capital city.

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