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Chinese are back booking travel

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 3 January 2023: Trip.com Group data shows China’s outbound flight bookings surging for the upcoming Lunar New Year, which extends at least one week from Sunday, 22 January and heralds the arrival of the Year of the Rabbit.

Less than two weeks after China officially abolishes its quarantine restrictions for inbound visitors on 8 January 2023, the country will celebrate its traditional Lunar New Year holiday. Chinese travellers can once more embark on overseas leisure trips.

Trip.com Group’s latest booking data reveals that searches for trips during the national holiday to hot spots have grown significantly to Japan, Thailand, South Korea, the US, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and the UK. Searches for package tour products during the Lunar New Year break also soared six-fold.

On 27 December alone, Trip.com Group recorded a staggering 254% increase in mainland China’s outbound flight bookings compared to a day earlier.

Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Thailand led the booking surge as the most popular destinations for air travellers after almost three years of the border closure.

Singapore was the fastest-growing of all the destinations, with flight bookings leaping six-fold, followed by an average 400% jump in airline ticket orders for the other four destinations. Moreover, bookings for long-haul flights to the United Kingdom, the US and Australia also grew.

Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hangzhou claimed the top five places as the most popular cities of departure in light of online searches for outbound flights. Meanwhile, the booming demand for international travel is further mirrored by a spike in interest among overseas tourists looking to visit China.

Trip.com Group data also shows that bookings for inbound flights to China on 27 December rocketed 412%. Australia, Germany, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong topped the list as the largest sources of inbound travellers.

Reissuing passports for business and tourism

China’s National Immigration Administration confirmed that effective 8 January 2023, it will handle Chinese citizens’ applications for ordinary passports for tourism and resume permit issuance for mainland residents to visit Hong Kong for tourism and business purposes.

China announced on 26 December that the management of Covid-19 would be downgraded to a Class B infection from 8 January 2023, which includes removing the requirement for nucleic acid tests and quarantine for international arrivals from the same date. 

In addition, the National Immigration Administration will also resume the acceptance and approval of Chinese citizens’ applications for ordinary passports for tourism and overseas visits.

Mainland Chinese tourists were an important part of the travel landscape before the pandemic, having made 155 million outbound trips and spent more than USD130 billion overseas in 2019. 

Dragon Trail International reports that visa services for foreigners travelling to China are on the list to resume, but no firm dates have been announced. As of late December 2022, foreigners could apply for visas to enter China for business or family reunions, study, or work. Holders of APEC business travel cards can also enter China without a new visa. Before the summer of 2022, entry into the country was only permitted for foreign residents with work permits. From 8 January 2023, China’s visa-free transit policies for foreigners will be re-implemented.

Outbound

China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism suspended the sale of outbound group travel packages on 27 January 2020. As of 28 December 2022, there have been no announcements on lifting the ban, but Dragon Trail International said changes are imminent, possibly in time for the Lunar New Year.

(Source: Trip.com Group and Dragon Trail International)

Calls to shut borders are a knee-jerk reaction

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 3 January 2023: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) opposes calls for Malaysia to tighten entry rules for Chinese, saying “certain parties are overreacting to the news China will resume outbound travel starting 8 January.

“Outright calls to shut our borders to Chinese travellers at this very early stage are irrational and irresponsible,” said MATTA president Datuk Tan Kok Liang. “Since the reopening of our borders in early 2022, our country has been making steady, positive progress towards recovery and any knee-jerk reaction to re-introduce restrictions without proper planning risks undoing all that we have achieved,” 

MATTA President Datuk KL Tan During (photo by Ismail Che Rus)

He added: “MATTA has complete faith in the Ministry of Health Malaysia to manage Chinese arrivals just as they have done with other travellers from all over the world. The government’s decision should balance the health and well-being of the people and Malaysia’s reputation as a safe destination and the economic ramifications of its policies in this matter. It must also benchmark with current global practices while considering its capacity and limitations rather than bow to lobbyist groups”.

Data from Tourism Malaysia indicates that 3.1 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia in 2019, making it the country’s third-largest source market for international arrivals. Initial estimates suggest that 1.2 million Chinese will travel to Malaysia in 2023, which is expected to generate approximately MYR3.6 billion in tourism receipts.

“Bear in mind that Chinese travellers won’t arrive all at once,” said Tan. “It will allow the government to monitor and manage the situation as it develops. To that end, the national travel association will provide feedback to help the government tackle and manage this process as it unfolds”.

Khao Lak on the path to MICE success

By
Sawapat Pimchaichon
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BANGKOK, 3 January 2023: The recent THB1.5-billion expansion of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa’s new luxury facilities puts Khao Lak on the map as an aspiring MICE destination.

Sporting a new JW Grand Ballroom, the property has increased its venue capacity to 1,000 delegates opening the door to medium to large-scale corporate events. It promises to raise Khao Lak’s profile in important incentive and business event sectors.

The new JW Grand Ballroom was officially launched last October as part of the five-star beachfront resort’s expansion and complete renovation. The 758-square-metre venue, fully equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, can be divided into three separate spaces for more intimate events, while the pre-function area can also host corporate-style exhibitions. 

Located in Phang Nga province, about 80 km north of Phuket, Khao Lak has been long established as a leisure destination, especially for European and Scandinavian travellers. The tourist area is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, Takua Pa old town, and National Parks, as well as its proximity to the Similan Islands, a popular destination for diving and snorkelling. 

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa general manager Abhimanyu Singh believes the new JW Grand Ballroom will offer fresh and innovative experiences for corporate groups, opening up a new frontier for South Thailand’s thriving MICE sector. 

“With the new event space, the integrated resort estimates its group customers will grow from 20% to 25-30% next year, he explained.

“For Khao Lak to be promoted as a destination for MICE, the destination needs up its game, and from Marriott’s perspective, we definitely use our distribution and network across the world, and we are also working closely with our corporate teams to promote Khao Lak across distribution platforms, showcasing the destination in both MICE and leisure perspectives.”

Although Khao Lak may face challenges in terms of MICE infrastructure that includes options for activities to do outside for every kind of group, Abhimanyu is confident the destination can amplify its strengths and uniqueness for people to consider Khao Lak.

“Khao Lak can be a specialised MICE destination catering to guests looking for certain experiences, and then we’ll be the best. And given the low number of hotels, in terms of supply, it would be more than enough for most hotels to benefit from this segment. We can start with small wins first, and when things start to really expand, for example -when the new Phang Nga airport comes up, Khao Lak can be positioned among the top MICE destinations.

“At this stage, everything we do to promote the destination allows us to establish a niche. We see markets for MICE groups, especially those who want a meaningful experience or break away from the standard three-day agenda. Also, groups with a high-rated budget will appreciate the ballroom offers a big opportunity.”

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa offers activities designed to meet holistic and sustainable expectations that MICE clients have, from nourishing culinary workshops and tasting sessions in the JW Garden to coffee breaks themed like a Thai floating market. 

“Coming up in Q1 2023, we will also open a marine conservation centre where visitors can participate in a shark release activity as part of our CSR efforts to protect the marine ecosystems around us,” the GM commented.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa director of sales Oliver Lawrence Wells noted: “Our goal is to become the number one luxury MICE destination in South of Thailand. The key to achieving that is our ballroom. Only two or three competing locations in Phuket can cater to large-scale events. Also, not only for the larger groups, we have spaces, such as our villas, where smaller groups can also connect. You can be 10 people, have an amazing barnstorming session, a CEO getaway in a luxury or private villa, or have a thousand people in our ballroom or anything in between.” 

Following the 18-month renovation, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa now offers an expanded inventory of 420 rooms, suites and villas, 11 restaurants and bars, world-class leisure facilities including Southeast Asia’s longest swimming pool, signature experiences and world-class meeting venues, all set along the golden shores of the Andaman Sea.

The resort features over 9,300 square meters of indoor and outdoor event meeting space, including seven function rooms, ranging from the compact 12-guest Griffin Boardroom to the expansive 810-delegate JW Grand Ballroom. Creative set-ups and personalised activities can also be arranged in the resort’s outdoor spaces, including the Infinity Lawn and the soft, sandy beach. These natural amphitheatres create idyllic options for outdoor events, from cocktail receptions to beachfront dinners.

Highlights for event planners

• A fully integrated MICE destination in the south of Thailand with 420 rooms plus 52 two-bedroom JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites, a collection of 11 F&B outlets ranging from traditional Thai cuisines, a brand-new ballroom, indoor and outdoor event meeting spaces for any group size. 

• Culinary workshops and tasting sessions, spa workshops, beach trash workshop with an artist, and the JW Garden with farm experience. 

• Natural locations to experience a stunning sunset providing a beautiful backdrop for outdoor and beach events.

• Authentic culinary tour, Takua Pa old town, and the Little Amazon tour – a boat trip along Khlong Sangne to explore the lush green rainforest and observe diverse animals and bird species. 

• Phuket International Airport is a one-hour commute from the resort in mainland Phang Nga province.

Jin Air flies to Sabah

By
TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 3 January 2023: Jin Air, a South Korean airline, is now serving the Busan to Kinabalu route following the recent inaugural flight.

Flight LJ065 landed at Sabah’s international airport at 2350 on 23 December and was greeted with a water cannon arch. All 180 passengers received a traditional welcome at the arrival gate to commemorate the occasion.  

Jin Air is now flying from Busan to Kota Kinabalu daily. Busan is the second largest city in South Korea, with the largest seaport in the country. 

Jin Air CEO Park Byung-Ryool said: “It is a great honour to serve more passengers to Kota Kinabalu from Korea. On behalf of Jin Air, I would like to highly applaud every one of you who helped us realise the launch of this new route from Busan, especially the authorities and Sabah Tourism Board.”

In April 2022, Sabah Tourism Board, led by YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Puan Noredah Othman, visited Seoul to meet with airline operators and top agents to discuss the return of direct flights between South Korea and Sabah.

Sabah Tourism Board’s chief executive director Puan Noredah Othman said, “We are happy to see that we are once again connected with Busan, and now through Jin Air. In the preliminary report I received, it is very encouraging to hear that the average load factor of all the Korean flights that have flown to Kota Kinabalu from Seoul is more than 70%. I believe this suggests that the route is showing a good start for the participating airlines.”

Pre-pandemic, Kota Kinabalu was connected with three cities in South Korea, namely Seoul, Busan and Muan. Previously the Busan-Kota Kinabalu route was serviced by Air Busan and Eastar Jet.

For more information visit: www.sabahtourism.com.   

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Beat the freeze with a Centara warm welcome

By
TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 3 January 2023: Centara Hotels & Resorts invites European holidaymakers to escape the cold winter weather and soaring energy prices with an extended vacation in some of Asia’s dreamiest destinations. The “Linger for Longer” promotion allows everybody to get away from it all and start 2023 in the best possible way, with a choice of world-class resorts in Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and UAE.

Available for bookings and stays from now until 20 December 2023, “Linger for Longer” offers a 35% discount for long-stay vacations, including free accommodation for up to two children and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the holiday. Rates start from just THB 640++ per night, and best of all, spending time away from home helps to keep down the gas and electricity bills.

Krabi, Thailand With its breathtaking sandy beaches, idyllic islands, soaring limestone cliffs, and pure turquoise seas, the southern province of Krabi is home to some of Thailand’s most iconic scenery. Within this dazzling destination, travellers can immerse their senses in rich Thai heritage, with sublime spa treatments, long-tail boat excursions, snorkelling trips, authentic cuisine and much more, all blessed with a warm, tropical climate and enchanting culture.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi is an exclusive upper-upscale retreat in a private sandy cove and accessible only by boat. Stay in a choice of luxurious rooms, suites and villas, including options with private pools and Jacuzzis, dine by the beach, cool off in lagoon pools, or soothe your senses at Spa Cenvaree. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB5,268++.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi is set in a private sandy cove overlooking the Andaman Sea.

Mui Ne, Vietnam Perfectly positioned on Vietnam’s sun-soaked southeast coast, just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne is blessed with sandy beaches, fishing villages and fresh seafood. Couples, friends and families can also enjoy exciting water sports such as kite surfing, sailing, paddle boarding and surfing, while the desert-like red and white sand dunes are extraordinary settings for adrenaline-fueled entertainment, such as quad biking and sand boarding.

Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is an “Explorer’s Playground” themed resort centred around a dramatic water park, complete with a sailing ship, lazy river, pools and slides. With 984 rooms and pool villas, fantastic family facilities, multiple restaurants and separate spas for parents and kids, this is an inspiring destination for all ages. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB2,947++.

Maldives Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a fantastic family option. Set on a pristine island in the South Ari Atoll, parents and kids can stay in beachfront and overwater villas, dine at six restaurants, bars and lounges, or enjoy water sports and activities such as tennis, kayaking, snorkelling and more. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB12,047++. Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa is an exquisite adults-only island retreat in the North Malé Atoll featuring beautiful beachfront and over-water villas, seven sensational restaurants and bars, exhilarating water sports, scuba diving, ocean excursions and soothing therapies at SPA Cenvaree, plus an E-Zone and Chill Lounge. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB15,031++. 

Dubai, UAE Dubai is one of the world’s most spectacular destinations, filled with an unparalleled array of activities and experiences, from the world’s biggest shopping malls and tallest buildings to exhilarating theme parks, exceptional restaurants and much more. Away from the buzz of the city centre, yet still easily accessible – only 15km from the airport – the Deira Islands set the stage for breathtaking beachfront adventures and heavenly family holidays.

Discover a five-star family paradise in the Indian Ocean at Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives.

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is inspired by mythical Thai and Arabian adventures. The water park features lagoon pools, waterslides, a lazy river, a rope climbing course and more, and wooden walkways lead to the golden beach and Arabian Gulf. Kids will also love a candy-themed kids’ spa and a unique sweet-themed wellness zone. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB 3,131++.

Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is perfect for families, with spacious rooms, spectacular views and bunk beds for children.


Bentota, Sri Lanka
Discover warm and heartfelt Sri Lankan hospitality with Centara. This enchanting teardrop-shaped island promises the perfect blend of natural beauty and beachfront bliss, with stunning sandy beaches, cultural sites and lush jungles. Nestled on the country’s serene southwest coast, just a short distance from Colombo, Bentota offers a wealth of attractions and activities, including the Bentota River and lagoon, coral-rich dive sites and ancient temples.

Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka is uniquely situated between the Bentota River and the Indian Ocean and accessible only by boat across a lagoon. Ideal for couples and families alike, this stylish sanctuary offers a beach-facing pool, spa, fitness centre, restaurants and bars, all set amid swaying palms and lush mangroves. “Linger for Longer” rates start from THB 2,726++. For more information and to “Linger for Longer” in Asia this winter with Centara, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/linger-for-longer.

(Your Stories: Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Alipay monitors travel recovery

By
TTR WEEKLY
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HANGZHOU, China, 1 February 2023: China’s outbound and inbound travel markets showed fast and resilient rebounds during the recent Lunar New Year holiday season that rolled in the Year of the Rabbit.

Between January 21 and 26, the year-on-year growth of outbound transaction volumes by Alipay users has surged by 150%, with Hong Kong and Macau being the most popular destinations for mainland consumers, based on the number of transactions during this Chinese New Year period.

Specifically, transactions through Alipay from Chinese mainland tourists to Macau increased by 100%, while that from Chinese mainland tourists to Hong Kong increased by nearly 70%. Alipay currently serves over 1 billion users and has transformed from a trusted payment tool to a digital open platform.

Besides Hong Kong and Macau, Southeast Asian countries reclaimed their importance as one of the most popular destinations for outbound Chinese mainland travellers. The top five Southeast Asian markets with the highest transaction volume by Alipay users during the first six days of the holiday were Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Cambodia.

Japan is one of the top five destinations for Alipay users during the period, along with Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, and Malaysia. Most Alipay cross-border payments took place with merchants such as street vendors and convenience stores, and the highest average spending was seen at duty-free shops across various markets.

On 8 January, China announced its first steps to reduce travel restrictions between the mainland and Hong Kong, lifting quarantine requirements that were in place for almost three years. The Chinese New Year public holiday witnessed a surge in cross-border travel between the mainland and overseas markets as mainland consumers resumed overseas travel and travellers from Hong Kong and Macau piled back to the mainland, mostly for family reunions or leisure activities.

AlipayHK, the most popular e-wallet in Hong Kong, with 3.3 million active users, saw transactions in the mainland and Macau jump 18 times from 21 to 24 January compared to last year.

The number of AlipayHK users that completed a transaction in the mainland and Macau also soared 15 times year-on-year in the same period.

Both Alipay and AlipayHK are e-wallet partners of Alipay+, an Ant Group-owned provider of global cross-border digital payment and marketing solutions, which connects merchants with multiple e-wallets and payment methods.

Currently, Alipay+ has over 15 mobile payment partners globally. Consumers can conveniently use their preferred local payment methods while seamlessly transacting in different markets and enjoy marketing offers by merchants through Alipay+.

(Source: Bernama)

TCEB and THAI plan joint promotions 

By
TTR WEEKLY
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Bangkok, 26 December 2022: Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and Thai Airways International (THAI) will share promotions in 2023 through a marketing collaboration that will focus on trade fairs and roadshows to improve incentive travel bookings from Asia and Europe.

They claim the promotions will bring around 500,000 travellers to Thailand and generate THB33 billion baht in revenue.

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau president Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya and THAI chief commercial officer Korakot Chatasingha signed off on next year’s marketing cooperation programme.

Joint promotions at trade shows and roadshows will start with the IMEX Frankfurt 2023 in May in Germany, IT&CM Asia and CTW Asia-Pacific 2023 in September in Thailand, IMEX America 2023 in the US during October and IBTM World 2023 in Spain during November. 

For the roadshows, the first sales delegation will focus on Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam. These markets, particularly Cambodia and Vietnam, are showing signs of a robust recovery. Other road shows are planned for Sydney and Melbourne in May. Other marketing activities are in the pipeline for TCEB overseas representatives to tap business event travel from India, Singapore, Europe and UK.

Roadshows in China are in the pipeline to be launched once the China outbound travel market reopens fully. Currently, TCEB has overseas representatives in 7 potential markets – Australia, UK and Europe, North America, India, Singapore, Japan and China. Sale calls and business networking activities are undertaken to keep the clients in these markets updated on Thailand.

Sarawak names photo winners

By
TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 23 December 2021: Sarawak Tourism Board has announced the winners of its second edition Photography and Videography competition in collaboration with Sarawak Photo-Art Society (SPAS) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) with the theme “Hidden Gems of Sarawak”.

The photography competition was divided into four categories for students under 18 years old, enthusiasts and the open-Professionals group. The categories introduced are Nature’s Wonder, Going Green, Sarawak at Night and My Hometown or My City while the video categories introduced three new video categories – a documentary on Responsible Tourism for students, an open theme for professional videographers and a TikTok category. 

Grand Prize Photography by Bernice Lau Yee Ting, 8 years old. Photo Caption: Night Scene Of Sibu Temple During Ghost Festival In August 2022.

Bernice Lau Yee Ting, 8, from Sarikei was the overall champion for photography with her entry, a snapshot of the Hungry Ghost festival celebrated at the foot of Sibu Eng Ann Teng Tua Pek Kong Temple featuring the offerings of the devotees. Its overall composition, muted evening tones, and cultural festival theme combined make a winning entry.

For the Videography open category, Nazmi Bin Nasseruddin from Kuching won RM10,000 for his winning entry on showcasing the magnificence of Southern Sarawak’s hidden gems, highlighting trending Sarawak attractions such as the Paku Maze in Bau and Sarawak’s own version of Jurassic Park in Bengoh Dam, while Candy Frederick from Baram came second place (MYR6,000) and Chong Ee Vei from Miri, came third (MYR6,000).

Lead judge, Sylvester Jussem, senior lecturer from Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts UNIMAS said: “The photos were judged based on the originality of the idea, a story-telling piece that relates to form and feel. As usual, the composition is the key element we look for in each entry.”

Ngau (Center), Sharzede (7th from Left) and Jussem (7th from Right) with the all prize winners from STB Photography and Videography competition, themed “Sarawak’s Hidden Gem”.

“This time around in my opinion, I find the humanity of the moment in some of the entries taken during the challenging weather conditions depicting spirited characters and determination in their projects. I envy their skills and determination,” he added.   

Together with Sylvester, the judging panel comprised five hand-picked judges coming from diverse backgrounds, namely Dr Hakimi bin Halim, a lecturer from UNIMAS, Jenny Kam Moi Joon, President of Sarawak Photo-Art Society, Margaret Apau, STB director of communications and Dansley Rone, STB Graphic Designer. They reviewed 1,268 photos and 61 video entries featuring Sarawak’s hidden gems.

STB Chairman, Dennis Ngau extended his heartiest congratulations to all the winners of STB’s “Hidden Gems of Sarawak” Photography & Videography competition for their efforts, dedication and skills in documenting Sarawak.

“Just like Sarawak’s hidden gems, we need to cultivate our hidden talent, which is why we added a student category for this year. STB believes in tapping and developing our local talent for tomorrow, especially in the art of visual storytelling, and this competition provides a platform to discover and expose our state’s youth talent.

We were not disappointed by the turnout and the quality of the entries. In fact, we saw more and more young Sarawakians sharing their passion and creative point of view of Sarawak through photography and videography and have discovered new and amazing young talents in the art of storytelling.,” he added.

The competition was launched on 10th November 2021 and ended on 15th December 2022. All winning photographs will be updated for a digital exhibition at a later date.

The list of winners in the STB’s Photography and Videography 2022 competition categories are as follows:

Grand Prize Winner for Photography: Bernice Lau Yee Ting (RM 6,000)

Open – Professionals (Photography)

1st Prize: Wong Siong Hang (RM 5,000)

2nd Prize: Tho Sai Wai (RM 3,000)

3rd Prize: Chew Chun Hian (RM 2,000)

Students (Photography):

Category 1 (My Hometown/My City)

1st Prize: Megannath Jeganathan (RM 3,000)

2nd Prize: Janice Lau Yee Ning (RM 2,000)

3rd Prize: Abdul Rahim (RM 1,000)

Category 2 (Sarawak at Night)

1st Prize: Jason Jia Hong Teo (RM 3,000)

2nd Prize: Muhammad Farid Azmar (RM 2,000)

3rd Prize: Vincent Vun (RM 1,000)

Category 3 (Nature’s Wonders) 

1st Prize: Lee Le Yong (RM 3,000)

2nd Prize: Eunice Ling Sing Wei (RM 2,000)

3rd Prize: Nathaline Wailyn (RM 1,000)

Category 4 (Going Green) 

1st Prize: Mahmudul Hasan (RM 3,000)

2nd Prize: Ammar Nor Salehan (RM 2,000)

3rd Prize: Cindy Chai (RM 1,000)

Open (Photography)

Category 1 (My Hometown/My City)

1st Prize: Dennis Ngu Tai Gah (RM 3,000)

2nd Prize: Sie Houng Ling (RM 2,000)

3rd Prize: Choon Yee Lee (RM 1,000)

Category 2 (Sarawak at Night)

1st Prize: Ho Kok Boon (RM 3,000)

2nd Prize: Desmond Chien Yew Ngu (RM 2,000)

3rd Prize: Isaac Liew (RM 1,000)

Category 3 (Nature’s Wonders) 

1st Prize: Clarence Meechang (RM 3,000)

2nd Prize: Mohamad Ikhwan Bin Mohamad Razali (RM 2,000)

3rd Prize: Wilson Chiam Tak Chee (RM 1,000)

Category 4 (Going Green) 

1st Prize: Ngo Hui Yen (RM 3,000)

2nd Prize: Lim Kah Sen (RM 2,000)

3rd Prize: Lee Pei Tze (RM 1,000)

Students (Videography)

1st Prize: Lee Le Yong (RM 5,000)

2nd Prize: Phang Jing Xian (RM 3,000)

3rd Prize: Jason Jia Hong Teo (RM 2,000)

Open (Videography)

1st Prize: Nazmi Bin Nasseruddin (RM 5,000)

2nd Prize: Candy Frederick (RM 3,000)

3rd Prize: Chong Ee Vei (RM 2,000)

For more information, visit www.sarawaktourism.com. 

(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism Board)

Spain lights up for the festive season

By
TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 22 December 2022: Travelling at Christmas is always special, and there’s a charm in the cities like no other time of the year, especially when Christmas lights illuminate the city centres.

From the end of November, the streets of Spain start to light up with thousands of sustainable bulbs and traditional street markets.

You can also admire the stunning Nativity scenes, the Procession of the Magi on 5 January, skating rinks and the wonderful aroma of roast chestnuts and churros for sharing in good company. We reveal to you which cities in Spain have a great Christmas atmosphere and the most incredible sparkle about them. Happy holidays.

Madrid

It’s impossible not to include the Spanish capital in this list. Its legendary market in the Plaza Mayor square is centuries old> During the festive season, thousands of lights created by different artists and designers adorn the city. Take a walk through the renovated Plaza de España with its huge natural fir tree, past the giant Nativity scene in Plaza de Colón, through Plaza de Callao, Gran Vía, the Puerta del Sol and Puerta de Alcalá to see luminous fir trees and nativity scenes. And take a stop at the Metropolis Building to take a selfie next to the Giant Christmas Ball.

More ideas? Don’t miss the spectacular “Naturaleza Encendida” light show in the Royal Botanical Garden or visit Árticus, a vast Christmas theme park in Casa de Campo Park with light-filled rides, attractions, magical shows like Peter Pan On Ice, a fairy tale Christmas market, an ice rink, polar and prehistoric animals and the Northern Lights.

You can also hop aboard the “Naviluz” Christmas bus, see out the year with 12 lucky grapes as the clock chimes midnight at the Puerta del Sol, cheer like a child at the Procession of the Magi or savour the best hot chocolate and churros you have ever tasted at San Ginés chocolate shop. You’ll have the time of your life.

Barcelona

Once the Christmas lights have been switched on, different parts of the city are transformed. On Paseo de Gracia, the great protagonist is a reproduction of the star on the tower of Santa María de la Sagrada Familia since this famous street celebrates its bicentennial in 2022.

If you want to visit a very special Christmas market, don’t miss the one at Santa Llúcia, which has taken place around the cathedral since 1786. There is also a Christmas market next to the Sagrada Familia and another in Port Vell, with a fair installed by the sea presided over by a tree of LED lights, a floating Nativity scene and a large Ferris wheel. Also, at the Fira de Reis on Gran Via, you can stroll among stalls with decorations, sweets or toys, and on Epiphany, it is open until dawn!

In the theme park on popular Spanish architecture, Poble Espanyol, you can visit the house of Santa Claus and the Magi.

Looking for more Christmas experiences in Barcelona? Be enchanted by music at the Palau de la Música Catalana or Liceu, sign up for the Barcelona Christmas Tour, hop on the Christmas Tourist Bus, attend the light show Els Llums de Sant Pau in the Art Nouveau complex of Sant Pau or take the children to one of the workshops at La Pedrera, one of the most surprising buildings designed by Gaudí. Happy Holidays!

Malaga

This image of Calle Larios has become one of Spain’s most famous Christmas scenes. Don’t miss out on the incredible show of light and music that surprises everyone who visits this shopping area. This year, it will feature 16 incredible angel figures and three-dimensional chandeliers in the surrounding streets. In the cathedral, a mapping video will be shown again this year.

What’s more, in Malaga, you can also visit flamenco or classical music shows in the theatres or buy some souvenirs in the craft markets at La Malagueta or the bohemian district of Soho. And naturally, you simply can’t miss the municipal Nativity scene in the area of the Patio de Banderas at the City Hall, which is reinvented yearly.

And an impressive light show returns this Christmas to the Botanical-Historic Garden of La Concepción in Malaga.

Vigo

Around 11 million LED lights illuminate the streets of this Galician city, which has become a Christmas icon in recent years. Its outstanding decorations include a tree of LED lights over 35 metres high in Porta do Sol, a Christmas ball over 10 metres in size in the famous Farola de Urzáiz, a giant gift box between Gran Vía and Urzáiz, a great snowman and an incredible star of Bethlehem in García Borbón or a fantastic luminous castle and a magical forest in Policarpo Sanz street.

In addition to lights, Vigo offers attractions for a great time. For example, a giant Ferris wheel for an aerial view of the city and a 450-metre rollercoaster.

There is also no lack of Christmas markets, such as the “Cíes Market”, and you can take photos with Santa Claus and the Magi. There’s no chance of feeling bored here.

Valencia

This Mediterranean city is also perfect for spending an unforgettable Christmas. The shows include a video mapping, which will be projected on the façade of the town hall with images of the city’s Design Capital status and the city’s recent European Green Capital status.

In addition, the famous Plaza de la Reina will boast three-metre structures that simulate almond trees and its iconic Nativity scene with large figures.

 Another idea you are bound to love is the Christmas Concert in the Royal College de las Escuelas Pías. And if you are travelling with children, visit the City of Arts and Sciences, since this well-known corner of the city is filled with proposals like Nutcracker painting workshops, discovering peculiar Christmas crafts, puppet shows and a market.

And, in what has become a tradition, the Wonderland Circus and the Alaska Circus return to Valencia at Christmas to amuse the little ones and excite the adults.

These are just some examples of Spanish cities that are perfect for visiting at Christmas. However, there are many more, such as Zaragoza, Seville, Granada, Santander and Oviedo, to explore.

For more information on holiday options in Spain, check out:

https://www.spain.info/en/search-results/?lq=&reloaded=q=&sort=score+desc&facet_category_exact=tags/navidad/.

(Your Stories: TURESPAÑA)

Sabah’s rural hotspots for birdwatchers

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KOTA KINABALU, 22 December 2022: Sabah’s rural areas hold great promise as birding hotspots, opening up new educational and economic possibilities for local communities.

Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said birdwatching is an excellent activity to integrate into the community-based tourism initiative that will attract new visitors to the countryside.

Enthusiasts are willing to travel across the country and even to remote places to see a single rare bird species. He explained that it should encourage rural communities to make the most of the opportunity by capitalising on the birdwatching market.

“Villagers have local expertise on distinctive bird species that can be sighted in their area. They can offer bird guiding service apart from the usual activities, and this is also one way to encourage people to stay longer in the countryside,” he said

Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said the rural countryside and its unspoiled flora and fauna provide great birder hideouts while noting Sabah is home to over 600 bird species.

Last Friday, the Sabah Birdwatchers Association met with Joniston to talk about their projected 2023 programmes, which include workshops and photography contests, among others.

The group, led by president Roger Rajah, also discussed potential collaboration on a pilot project in Kiulu and other parts of Sabah, particularly regarding holding workshops to spread birding knowledge to the rural folks that run community-based tourism businesses.

Joniston expressed support for the proposal and stated that the Sabah Tourism Board would help with any projects that could be advantageous to the rural community and tourism while also suggesting that the Association collaborates with the Federation of Rural Tourism Association Sabah.

Kiulu, according to Sabah Birdwatchers Association vice president Ron Pudin, is an ideal location for the pilot project because, despite being a well-established eco-tourism destination, not many visit the rustic village for birdwatching activities.

He stated that their members discovered endangered bird species in Kiulu earlier this year, emphasising the need for bird research and a community awareness programme.

For more information, visit www.sabahtourism.com.

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board).

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