HANOI, 23 October 2023: Vietjet has scheduled a new daily service from Hanoi to Hong Kong (China) starting 22 December 2023 as part of a recently announced schedule that adds flights to five international destinations.
The additional international routes will connect Hanoi to Hong Kong (China), Phu Quoc to Taipei (Taiwan, China) and Busan (South Korea). New flights from Ho Chi Minh City are scheduled to Adelaide and Perth (Australia).
Hanoi to Hong Kong
The flights from Hanoi will depart at 0855 and arrive in Hong Kong at 1150. The return flight will depart Hong Kong at 1250 and arrive in Hanoi at 1350. This is Vietjet’s fourth route from Vietnam cities to Hong Kong following the resumption of services from Ho Chi Minh City, Danang and Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc to Busan
Daily flights from Vietnam’s holiday island, Phu Quoc, to Busan (South Korea) will start on 10 December 2023. The flight will depart Phu Quoc at 1:15 and will arrive in Busan at 0805. The return flight will depart Busan at 0855 and arrive in Phu Quoc at 1240.
Phu Quoc to Taipei
The airline will reconnect Phu Quoc to Taipei (Taiwan) starting 17 January 2024 with four flights weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The flight will depart Phu Quoc at 0825 and arrive in Taipei at 1300. The return flight will depart Taipei at 1400 and land in Phu Quoc at 1650.
HCMC to Perth and Adelaide
Flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Perth and Adelaide will operate from 21 November 2023, with five return flights per week departing on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
The flights from Ho Chi Minh City take off at 0635 (local time), land in Perth at 1420 (local time), and continue to Adelaide, arriving at 2110 (local time) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
In the opposite direction, the flights depart from Adelaide at 0725 (local time) and land in Perth at 0855 (local time). Flights depart from Perth at 0955 (local time) and land in Ho Chi Minh City at 1540 (local time).
BANGKOK, 23 October 2023: THAI Airways International will operate flights to 51 cities worldwide during the winter timetable from 29 October 2023 to 30 March 2024, a significant boost in serving international destinations — eight in Europe, eight in India and six in China.
In addition to reinstating destinations post-Covid pandemic and increasing flights to meet growing travel demand, THAI has taken over all of Thai Smile’s regional routes to phase out the low-cost subsidiary’s operations by early 2024.
Photo credit: THAI
THAI introduces a new daily service to Istanbul, Türkiye, effective 1 December. It also includes new endeavours such as flights to Gaya, the gateway to Bodh Gaya, a revered site (Mahabodhi Temple Complex), the signature destination of seasonal Buddhist heritage tours of India and Nepal. The take-over of Thai Smile routes will see THAI flying to Siem Reap (home of the Angkor Wat Historical Park) for the first time starting 1 December, landing at the new airport Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI),
Intercontinental routes
Europe
1. Bangkok – Munich: daily flight.
2. Bangkok – Frankfurt: twice daily flights.
3. Bangkok – Istanbul: daily flight, starting 1 December 2023.
4. Bangkok – Stockholm: daily flight.
5. Bangkok – Copenhagen: daily flight.
6. Bangkok – Zurich: daily flight.
7. Bangkok – Paris: daily flight.
8. Bangkok – London: twice daily flights.
Australia
9. Bangkok – Melbourne: twice daily flights.
10. Bangkok – Sydney: daily flight.
Asia
1. Bangkok – Sapporo: daily flight.
2. Bangkok – Tokyo (Narita): twice daily flights.
3. Bangkok – Tokyo (Haneda): twice daily flights.
4. Bangkok – Nagoya: daily flight.
5. Bangkok – Osaka: twice daily flights.
6. Bangkok – Fukuoka: daily flight.
7. Bangkok – Manila: daily flight.
8. Bangkok – Seoul: triple daily flights.
9. Bangkok – Taipei: daily flight. (*increased to twice daily flights from 1 January 2024)
10. Bangkok – Kaohsiung: daily flight.
China
11. Bangkok – Hong Kong: triple daily flights. (increased to four flights per day from 1 February 2024)
12. Bangkok – Beijing: six flights per week every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (increases to daily flight from 1 December 2023)
13. Bangkok – Shanghai: daily flight.
14. Bangkok – Guangzhou: daily flight.
15. Bangkok – Chengdu: two flights weekly every Tuesday and Thursday. (increased to five flights weekly every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 1 December 2023)
16. Bangkok – Kunming: three flights every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. (Increases to five flights weekly every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 1 December 2023)
TOKYO, 20 October 2023: Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and JCB International (JCB) signed a historic agreement last week that should boost tourism to Saudi Arabia by reaching out to JCB cardmembers globally.
Saudi Tourism Authority president of Asia Pacific markets Alhasan Aldabbagh said: “This is a great opportunity for our tourism industry, as it will offer more convenience and security for Japanese travellers and other Asian tourists who prefer cashless payment channels. We believe this collaboration will enhance the appeal of Saudi as a destination for international visitors and support our vision of becoming a leading global tourism hub.”
The partnership with JCB should unlock various opportunities for cooperation between Saudi and Japan. Notably, Japan is one of the 57 countries eligible for Saudi’s e-visa and visa-on-arrival, with special benefits such as a free one-night hotel stay for tourists flying onwards on the national airline SAUDIA as part of Saudi’s 96-hour Stopover Visa programme.
Other initiatives include the Japanese language VisitSaudi.ja portal featuring joint marketing campaigns with leading travel trade partners to promote the country to Japanese holidaymakers. They can take advantage of special hotel offers from local destination management companies (DMC) and tap attractive holiday deals, inviting them to discover the true home of Arabia on their terms.
JCB International resident and CEO Yoshiki Kaneko expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “This is a great chance for us to promote exciting travel experiences to Saudi for our cardmembers. Like Japan, Saudi is a unique destination, with fascinating nature, culture and history.”
He added, “We’ve been working closely with the leading local banks in Saudi such as SNB, Alinma Bank, Riyad Bank, ANB, and Bank Al Jazira on merchant and ATM enablement to ensure JCB’s 154 million card members enjoy a seamless experience in Saudi.”
This partnership signifies an important step in enhancing tourism, facilitating travel, and fostering greater cultural exchange between Saudi and Japan.
About Saudi Tourism Authority
Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), established in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination’s travel programmes, packages and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi’s destination brand locally and overseas.
STA operates 16 representative offices worldwide, serving 38 countries.
JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and, since 1981, expanded worldwide and established a network of 43 million merchants worldwide. JCB Cards are issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 154 million card members.
SAMARKAND Uzbekistan, 20 October 2023: Uzbekistan families and holiday-makers searching for a unique winter escape need to look no further than Sabah, famed for its pristine landscapes, beaches, island resorts, and warm sunny weather.
Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai highlighted the trend among Uzbeks who typically gravitate towards destinations like Bali, UAE, Egypt, Vietnam, and Thailand to avoid the harsh winter between November and January.
Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai leads the STB board of directors and management team to a meeting with Tourism Malaysia director (Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan/Tajikistan Region) Nor Shazly Azmi (4th left), along with various Uzbek travel agents and airline representatives.
“Yet, they are yearning for fresh and sunny destinations to explore. When it comes to Malaysia, Langkawi is the destination they’re most familiar with,” he explained.
Joniston received feedback during an engagement session with the Tourism Malaysia director (Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan/Tajikistan Region) Nor Shazly Azmi, and various Uzbek travel agents and airline representatives earlier this week during a UNWTO event hosted in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The participating agencies included Air Samarkand, Aeronautica Commercial, Air Marakanda, Asia Luxe Agency, and Ammy Travel.
With Uzbek travellers showing a strong preference for beach destinations and tropical islands, Joniston said Sabah’s captivating landscapes, pristine waters, lush rainforests, and rich wildlife heritage make it an alluring choice.
Air Samarkand expressed interest in exploring direct flights from Samarkand to Kota Kinabalu during the engagement session.
In response, Joniston proposed initiating a familiarisation trip for agents and engaging social media influencers to pique interest in Sabah among the Uzbek citizens.
He also stressed that the Sabah Tourism Board is actively working on promoting the state through travel agencies and online platforms, sharing information about the best attractions, accommodations, and experiences available, among others.
Joniston, who is Sabah’s Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, led a delegation of STB board members and management staff to the 25th UNWTO General Assembly held in Samarkand City.
During the event, Joniston met with the Japan Travel Bureau, Traveloka, the World Federation of Travel Guide Associations, and the International Federation of Camping, Caravanning, and Autocaravanning. For more information on travel to Sabah visit: www.sabahtourism.com.
BANGKOK 17 October 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is thrilled to announce the exciting conclusion of its Love Isaan promotion with a special week-long Flash Sale. Guests who book from today to 23 October 2023 for stays through 29 December 2023 will enjoy a host of exclusive perks, including 30% off flexible rates, plus an additional 15% discount for CentaraThe1 members at Centara Korat, Centara Ubon and Centara Udon.
In addition to these savings, guests can choose from an array of modern rooms and suites across all three properties, each offering exciting dining experiences, outdoor swimming pools, modern MICE facilities and event spaces, and convenient access to nearby Central shopping centres and local landmarks.
From its awe-inspiring temples and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant festivals and renowned local fare, Thailand’s northeast is a captivating destination for families, solo explorers, couples and business travellers alike. Whether discovering the historic ruins of Korat, indulging in the shopping delights of Udon Thani’s bustling markets, or immersing yourself in the serene natural beauty of Ubon Ratchathani’s lush mountain ranges, Centara is The Place to Be in Isaan.
To take advantage of the Love Isaan – Flash Sale, guests must book directly through the Centara Hotels & Resorts website before the offer ends on 23 October 2023. CentaraThe1 members enjoy an extra 15% discount when logged into their member account at the time of booking, and new members can sign up for free now to take advantage of this amazing extra saving at www.CentaraThe1.com
KUALA LUMPUR, 20 October 2023: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) appointed its new chief executive officer, Dr Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar, effective 16 October.
Ali will spearhead MHTC’s operations, ensuring its commitment to facilitating and promoting the nation’s healthcare travel industry. With his vast experience and leadership, he brings a fresh take to Malaysia Healthcare’s growth, furthering Malaysia’s vision to be the trusted and leading global healthcare destination.
Dr Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar
As the new CEO, Ali will continue to build strategic and valuable partnerships with stakeholders in both private and public sectors at home and abroad. Under his leadership, Malaysia Healthcare will remain committed to building the Malaysia Healthcare brand and simultaneously raising Malaysia’s profile as a safe and trusted provider of quality healthcare across the globe.
Ali has 28 years of experience in C suite positions, specialising in strategic, financial, digital, and operational turnaround of companies. He has gained extensive experience in health and medical tourism from his early days working with the Malaysia Tourism Board.
About MHTC
The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is a government agency under the Ministry of Health Malaysia that has been entrusted with the responsibility of curating the country’s healthcare travel scene, making it a key export service industry.
Founded in 2009, MHTC works to streamline industry players and service providers in facilitating and growing Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry under the brand “Malaysia Healthcare”, aiming to make Malaysia the leading global healthcare destination. MHTC works closely with over 90 private healthcare facilities in Malaysia, which are registered members of MHTCO
SYDNEY, 20 October 2023: Qantas international customers will soon have the chance to travel ‘neighbour free’ following the success of the airline’s Neighbour Free product on its domestic network earlier this year.
Starting earlier this week, Qantas is trialling Neighbour Free seating on 19 international routes where some economy passengers can keep the seat next to them free.
Photo credit: Qantas.
Qantas chief customer and digital officer Catriona Larritt commented: “We’ve had a positive reaction from customers who’ve opted to travel Neighbour-Free on our domestic network. Customers have told us they want the option on our international flights too.
“The data shows it’s most popular with customers on our longer flights between the east and west coasts, so rolling it out to our international flights makes a lot of sense.
“Whether they’re hopping across the Tasman or taking a longer flight to the US, we think customers will value being able to secure some extra space.
“International bookings can be a little more complex, so we’re starting with select routes and bookings without additional products to test our processes before expanding the programme in the coming months.”
Neighbour-Free goes international
Securing a vacant ‘Neighbour-Free’ seat costs an extra AUD45 on trans-Tasman flights, AUD100 between Australia and Singapore, and AUD225 between Australia and America.
• Customers booked on a flight with spare capacity will be emailed 48 hours before their flight with the option of selecting a Neighbour-Free seat. The seat is not guaranteed until departure, with customers receiving a refund if the seat is subsequently sold.
• During the trial, Neighbour-Free will only be available for flights operated by Qantas aircraft and for select customers.
• Passengers who have purchased additional products, such as extra legroom, have requested an upgrade, are travelling with an infant or have an unaccompanied minor in the booking will not be eligible for Neighbour-Free during the trial. Customers travelling as part of a group booking will also be ineligible.
SINGAPORE, 20 October 2023: Star Alliance inaugurated its second lounge at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport to welcome First and Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold status customers.
The lounge serves all member airline flights departing from gates 10 to 38 in Terminal 1. Eligible United Club and Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members may also access the lounge.
The new lounge is located airside after immigration and security controls in the newest part of the terminal. It can accommodate over 300 guests in the 1,300 square metres of lounge space.
Star Alliance CEO Theo Panagiotoulias commented: “We’re very proud to present our new Paris lounge to meet the needs of the modern frequent traveller.”
Great runway views make the lounge special, plus ample natural light with a glass façade running across its length gives the lounge a sense of space. Standout features include a stunningly designed Welcome Bar offering a range of beverages, a wine bar featuring master winemaker Gerard Bertrand and their wines from the South of France, and a tea salon offering an assortment from around the world. For business travellers who prefer a quieter space, there are private work cabins and secluded nooks throughout the lounge.
There are two Star Alliance lounges operating in Terminal 1 now. The first lounge, refurbished in 2019 and located before security on level 10, will now serve passengers departing on intra-Schengen flights from gates 50 to 78 and guests from various lounge access programmes departing from all gates.
Currently, 20 Star Alliance member carriers operate from Paris – CDG, offering 464 weekly departures to 34 destinations in 22 countries.
SINGAPORE, 20 October 2023: In a surprising twist, travel, once an escape from reality, is now the essence of life, according to Booking.com.
The travel booking platform released its yearly Travel Predictions research Wednesday that shows travel is life in 2024, with four in five Singapore-based travellers (82%) revealing that they feel more alive than ever when they are on vacation.
Photo credit: Bookintg.com. Cool-cationers
That’s because over half (64%) think they are the best version of themselves on holiday. And with artificial intelligence (AI) on the rise, travellers are increasingly plugging into tech to do the grunt work, freeing them up to spark more soul-stirring experiences.
Here are Booking.com’s seven predictions for travel in 2024, based on research among more than 27,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories, including Singapore, combined with its insights as a leading digital travel platform:
1. Reboot Retreaters
Amid an ever-hectic world, travellers are booking trips to bring themselves back to the life they truly want again. For example, the new era of sleep tourism welcomes sleep concierges and cutting-edge tech to serve the 67% of Singapore-based travellers who want to travel in 2024 to focus solely on uninterrupted shut-eye.
For those used to sleeping solo, 40% would even carve out time for a matchmaking holiday to find a spark with a new partner or lover, while more than a third (34%) would focus on a heartbreak holiday to get over an ex. Of those still rocking a relationship, a quarter (24%) has prioritised deepening the human connection with their partner through travel in 2024.
Not forgetting parents: surprisingly, they seek solace on completely solo holidays, with the majority (55%) planning to travel alone in 2024, dropping the kids and their partners to prioritise their vitality.
2. Surrender Seekers
In 2024, travellers want to surrender themselves to the element of surprise and venture into uncharted territory on vacation, with over half (54%) of Singapore-based travellers keen to book a surprise trip where everything down to the destination is unknown until arrival. These surrender seekers are truly embracing the art of letting go, with the majority (55%) preferring to have no plans set in stone before travelling in 2024 – and even seeking to travel with strangers (28%).
The travel industry is responding fast with tech-enabled flexible services, giving travellers the option to cancel, change plans, and buy now, pay later at the press of a button. The explosion of AI, which has already seen the launch of Booking.com’s AI Trip planner, is going mainstream in 2024, with over half of Singapore-based travellers (53%) placing trust in AI to plan a trip for them.
3. A La Carte Affluencers
Fueled by the cost of living crisis, travellers in 2024 will employ money-saving hacks to cut costs yet level up vacations with ‘à la carte’ luxuries, with the help of their travel partner in crime, AI. In fact, a majority (62%) of Singapore-based travellers will want insights and tips from AI when on vacation to upgrade experiences with suggested ancillaries and deals.
Additionally, over half (60%) of Singapore-based travellers plan to pick destinations in 2024 where the cost of living is less expensive than their hometown, while many (46%) will be willing to pay for day passes to use the amenities in a five-star hotel rather than staying there.
4. Culinary Excavators
The food archaeologists of 2024 will dig deep into the roots of food on vacation to unearth new culinary treasures, with 72% of Singapore-based travellers more interested in learning about the origins of a destination’s ‘must-eat’ delicacies than they were in the past. Four in five (80%) also want to try indigenous cuisines in 2024.
Foodies in 2024 are also set to be experientialists, with nearly half (49%) wanting an immersive ‘phygital’ food experience enhanced by VR or AR. Think mood-altering lighting, paired fragrances and sensual soundscapes that enhance the traces of foodways past.
5. Mindful Aesthetes
Gone are the days when comfort and exceptional design were solely associated with extravagance, with a growing movement of accommodation providers presenting aesthetically pleasing responses to environmental challenges. These discerning travellers will hunt down jaw-dropping architecture that has environmental features at its heart, with over half (56%) looking for accommodation that has wow-factor sustainability innovation. In comparison, 70% want to see the outside brought indoors.
In exchange for contributing to conservation efforts, the majority are interested in sustainable travel apps where they can unlock rewards (57%), such as experiences with locals in off-the-beaten-path areas (55%) or visiting remote locations that tourists otherwise have limited access to (50%).
6. Cool-cationers
Heat has officially had its vacay heyday, with temperatures at record-breaking levels. The majority (56%) of Singapore-based travellers report that climate change will impact how they plan their vacation in 2024, while 67% share that as temperatures soar close to home, they will use their vacation to cool down elsewhere.
This effect taps into the expected rise of travel that takes the edge off the heat, with approximately one in three (29%) showing interest in water-centric vacations in 2024. Mindful water immersion will quickly become the next mainstream version of meditation, where this fresh form of feel-alive wellness travel will see floating yoga, water sound baths and snow meditation surge, as well as a boom in ice therapy retreats, underwater hotels and mermania.
7. (Alter) Ego Enthusiasts
In 2024, travellers will feel more alive by creating their epic alter egos on vacation, with more than a third (42%) of Singapore-based travellers making up stories about their real lives to people they meet on their travels.
These alter ego enthusiasts love the thrill of embodying a 2.0 version of themselves and go to great lengths to reimagine their best self, with close to three-quarters (73%) enjoying the anonymity of travel and the chance to recreate themselves. Well over half (64%) of Singapore-based travellers feel ‘main character energy’ on their travels, with these performers empowered to be the stars of their own lives.
Booking.com managing director Asia-Pacific Laura Houldsworth
comments: “Our 2024 travel predictions reflect the idea that travel is not a means to escape life but a catalyst to live our best lives. From thrilling adventures in a new destination to feeling the pulse of a new culture and every experience in between, travel allows us to become the best version of ourselves.”
For more information about Booking.com’s 2024 Travel Predictions, visit LINK.
SINGAPORE, 20 October 2023: Global travel service provider Trip.com Group and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to cooperate to boost travel to Thailand.
The collaboration aims to promote Thailand as the premier travel hotspot for tourists from the Chinese mainland.
Srettha Thavisin (centre), Prime Minister of Thailand; Thapanee Kiatphaibool (5th from right), Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand; Amanda Wang (4th from right), Vice President, Global Destinations, Trip.com Group.
Trip.com Group vice president of global destinations Amanda Wang and the Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool
signed the LOI in Beijing, China. It was part of an official visit by a high-level delegation to China led by Thailand’s Srettha Thavisin
Wang said: “Thailand has consistently captivated the hearts of travellers from the Chinese mainland, establishing itself as an irresistible destination. With the recent introduction of visa-free travel to Thailand, we foresee this trend of travel to Thailand continuing, and look forward to working closely with TAT to bring more tourists to the Land of Smiles.”
Thapanee added: “The signing of this Letter of Intent signifies a new phase of comprehensive cooperation in promoting Thai tourism in the Chinese market.
“The Tourism Authority of Thailand will use this as a framework to continue our close collaboration and make every effort to ensure the safety and security of tourists travelling to Thailand. We will also organise promotional activities to attract more tourists from mainland China to Thailand, promoting the high-quality development of our tourism sector.”
The LOI signed between the two parties will augment existing partnerships and harness the insights of Trip.com Group on Chinese travellers.
It will entail knowledge and information sharing, joint promotional activities, and establishing formal communication channels for regular bilateral tourism updates. It formalises an established and fruitful working relationship between the two parties, a notable recent example being January’s Thailand edition of the Group’s “Super World Trip” series of livestreams.
The three-hour livestream session targeting the outbound mainland Chinese audience recorded sales of more than 20,000 room nights, amounting to a Gross Merchandise Value of over RMB40 million, featuring almost 60 products, including attractions, tickets and staycation packages at hotels across Thailand.
Thailand was one of the top destinations for Chinese tourists during the recent Golden Week holidays, with outbound travel volume to Thailand at over 11 times the 2022 volume for the same period.
Compared to this year’s May Day holidays, volume was up by 27.6%. After the announcement of visa-free travel for Chinese travellers last month, searches for Thai destinations across Trip.com Group’s platforms soared by 800%.
