Beat the freeze with a Centara warm welcome

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January 3, 2023

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

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TTR WEEKLY

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January 1, 2023

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

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TTR WEEKLY

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December 28, 2022

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

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TTR WEEKLY

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December 24, 2022

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 (7^th from Left) and Jussem (7^th 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 10^th November 2021 and ended on 15^th 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)

1^stPrize: Wong Siong Hang (RM 5,000)

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

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

Students (Photography):

Category 1 (My Hometown/My City)

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

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

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

Category 2 (Sarawak at Night)

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

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

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

Category 3 (Nature’s Wonders)

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

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

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

Category 4 (Going Green)

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

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

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

Open (Photography)

Category 1 (My Hometown/My City)

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

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

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

Category 2 (Sarawak at Night)

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

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

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

Category 3 (Nature’s Wonders)

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

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

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

Category 4 (Going Green)

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

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

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

Students (Videography)

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

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

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

Open (Videography)

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

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

3^rd 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

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TTR WEEKLY

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December 22, 2022

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

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TTR WEEKLY

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December 22, 2022

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).

Emirates Lounges full speed ahead

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December 22, 2022

DUBAI, 22 December 2022: Emirates celebrates reopening the Emirates Lounge in Concourse C, Dubai International Airport – the 7th Dubai lounge to reopen after the pandemic.

Premium passengers can look forward to an exceptionally comfortable travel experience during the upcoming peak travel period, as more than 30 Emirates Lounges around the world have returned to full service.

Located in Concourse C, adjacent to Gates C09, the newly reopened Emirates Lounge is a 1308 square metre and 265- seat dedicated space for rest, relaxation, and refreshment before travel. First and Business Class customers can access the lounge on a complimentary basis, as well as Silver, Gold and Platinum Skywards members. Premium Economy and Economy passengers can enjoy paid access at USD150, exclusive of taxes or just USD125 for Emirates Skywards members. Currently, open 24/7 to service the high demand of the festive season, passengers can relax in the lounges for up to four hours before a flight.

For passengers to renew and refresh, there are dedicated shower spas with bathrooms and baby changing facilities, TVs dotted around the lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, PCs and printers, and an area to charge devices. A fully equipped business centre, including meeting rooms with projectors and individual touchscreen workstations, is also available.

Emirates has a network of 39 dedicated airport lounges, including seven in Dubai and 32 located within major airports around the globe, all designed with the same attention to detail and exceptional service. At Dubai International Airport, Emirates Lounges are located in the flagship Terminal III – three for first class and three for business class customers, as well as the Emirates’ Lounge catering to all premium customers. Emirates also operates lounges in key cities across the network – Auckland, Bangkok, Birmingham, Boston, Cairo, Cape Town, Colombo, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Hamburg, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Manchester, Melbourne, Milan, Munich, New York, Paris, Perth, Rome, San Francisco, Singapore, and Sydney.

For more information, visit www.emirates.com.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

BA fills the world’s best job vacancy

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TTR WEEKLY

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December 22, 2022

SINGAPORE, 22 December 2022: It has to be among the world’s best jobs competing with a tropical island caretaker; welcome the Master of Wine hired by an airline.

British Airways has appointed a Master of Wine, Tim Jackson, to share his expertise and knowledge to elevate British Airways’ range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served during flights.

It sounds like a dream job, especially if the airline pays you to source the wine and then travel the world drinking it with newfound friends in flight. But there’s a day’s work in the job description, too, that calls on the Master of Wine to source new wines and develop the airline’s broader drinks strategy for every complimentary beverage it serves on the ground and in the air

The first exciting development for the new Master of Wine is the introduction of new Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir wines in the airline’s premium cabins. Then from January 2023, the airline will showcase a different destination each quarter in celebration of the unique wine regions across its global flight network.

When he is not selecting and tasting potential new wines or curating menu descriptions, Jackson could also be championing the best of British beers, promoting classic gins and, on a more sober note, rolling out innovative non-alcoholic alternatives.

British Airways director of onboard experience Sajida Ismail commented: “We are really excited to have Tim at British Airways. His knowledge and expertise play an integral role in our efforts to continue delivering the premium experience that our customers look for when they fly with us and offer products our colleagues are proud to serve.”

British Airways’ Master of Wine said: “I’m delighted to be the first person to take this position at British Airways. As an avid traveller, I have sampled wine from all corners of the globe, ranging from California to Chile, so I hope my love for travel and my knowledge of beverages will make a positive difference to the premium experience we offer our customers.”

The airline will spotlight one destination at a time to celebrate where the wines come from and the global network that the airline flies to.

Cape Town in South Africa will be the airline’s first focus, with new wine offerings including Radford Dale’s Renaissance Chenin Blanc from old vines in Stellenbosch and Andrea and Chris Mullineux’s benchmark Swartland Syrah from South Africa’s Winery of the Year.

Genting Dream sails to Surabaya and Bali

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TTR WEEKLY

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December 22, 2022

SINGAPORE, 22 December 2022: Resorts World Cruises celebrated a new milestone on Tuesday as Genting Dream, with over 3,500 passengers on board, completed the brand’s maiden voyage to Surabaya.

The cruise ship sailed from its dual homeports of Singapore and Malaysia (via Port Klang). In addition to Surabaya, the ship also visited North Bali on Wednesday as part of Resorts World Cruises’ special Indonesia cruise itinerary to celebrate the festive season.

“Resorts World Cruises is excited to include both Surabaya and North Bali as destinations for this special Indonesia cruise from our homeports. Indonesia remains an important cruise market with huge potential both as a destination and source market for the FlyCruise sector,” said Resorts World Cruises president Michael Goh.

During the ship’s visit to Surabaya, guests visited famous landmarks such as the Four Faced Buddha monument, the biggest and tallest Four Faces Deity statue in Indonesia and the spectacular view of Putuk Truno Waterfall or Mount Penanggugan in Tretes.

The maiden cruise continued to North Bali, where guests explored the Kekeran Rice Terrace, the protected sanctuary of Plataran Menjangan Resort Bali and West Bali, offering a diving option in the pristine waters off Menjangan Island.

Travellers from Indonesia can also explore the various FlyCruise options to Singapore or Malaysia to embark on a series of two-night and three-night cruises to popular destinations such as Penang, Phuket and Kuala Lumpur.

UNWTO names Best Tourism Villages

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TTR WEEKLY

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December 22, 2022

SINGAPORE, 22 December 2022: From Austria to Vietnam, 32 destinations worldwide have been named ‘Best Tourism Villages 2022’ by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Asia was represented by two villages in China and one each in the Republic of Korea and Vietnam.

Photo Credit: *UNWTO. 2022 Best Tourism Villages list; Thái Hải, Vietnam.*

The accolade recognises rural destinations embracing tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities for jobs and income while preserving and promoting community-based values and products.

The initiative also recognises villages for their commitment to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental – and a focus on developing tourism in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2022, 32 villages from 18 countries across the five world regions were awarded the recognition.

The villages were evaluated by an independent advisory board based on a set of criteria covering nine areas:

1. Cultural and Natural Resources

2. Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources

3. Economic Sustainability

4. Social Sustainability

5. Environmental Sustainability

6. Tourism Development and Value Chain Integration

7. Governance and Prioritisation of Tourism

8. Infrastructure and Connectivity

9. Health, Safety, and Security

List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2022

Zell am See, Austria
Wagrain, Austria
Puqueldón, Chile
Dazhai, China
Jingzhu, China
Choachí, Colombia
Aguarico, Ecuador
Angochagua, Ecuador
Choke Mountains Ecovillage, Ethiopia
Mestia, Georgia
Kfar Kama, Israel
Sauris-Zahre, Italy
Isola del Giglio, Italy
Umm Qais, Jordan
Creel, Mexico
El Fuerte, Mexico
Ksar Elkhorbat, Morocco
Moulay Bouzerktoune, Morocco
Lamas, Peru
Raqchi, Peru
Castelo Novo, Portugal
Pyeongsa-ri, Republic of Korea
Rasinari, Romania
AlUla Old Town, Saudi Arabia
Bohinj, Slovenia
Rupit, Spain
Alquézar, Spain
Guadalupe, Spain
Murten, Switzerland
Andermatt, Switzerland
Birgi, Türkiye
Thái Hải, Vietnam

Three-pillar initiative

Recognition for community-based values
The accolade recognises villages that are outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations with accredited cultural and natural assets that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products, and lifestyles and have a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Upgrade Programme
The Upgrade Programme benefits villages that do not fully meet the criteria to receive recognition. These villages receive support from UNWTO and its partners to improve elements identified as gaps in the evaluation process.

UNWTO’s Global Network
The network provides a space for exchanging experiences, good practices, learnings, and opportunities. It includes experts and public and private sector partners engaged in promoting tourism for rural development.

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UNWTO names Best Tourism Villages

List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2022

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List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2022

Stay ahead with the latest travel news on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.