SINGAPORE, 29 November 2022: Pandaw is introducing a new river expedition that commences sailings in October 2023, exploring the Mekong Delta in more detail and venturing further to Northeast Cambodia’s Kratie, home to the famous Mekong River dolphins.
In its launch announcement, Pandaw called the new cruise a “pioneering route that provides a fresh and exciting new opportunity for intrepid travellers to explore much more of the waterways between Vietnam and Cambodia.”
The company will deploy Mekong Pandaw, a vessel that launched and pioneered Mekong River sailings in 2002. Historically the 2002 cruises opened the river border between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Mekong Pandaw is fitted out with 24 staterooms and just completed a refit that introduces a spa, library and gym on board. The most spacious of all Pandaw’s ships, it features broad promenades running around each deck and a vast sun deck of over 600 square metres.
The new 10-night itinerary launches on 15 October 2023 with rates starting at USD4,800 per person. Members get the first crack at the launch price for the first sailing.
SEPANG, 29 November 2022: AirAsia is celebrating 21 years of flying with an all-in-one-way fare on sale starting at MYR21 ‒ less than the cost of movie tickets and dining in.
The sale opened on Monday, running until 4 December, with a travel period from 1 March 2023 to 30 March 2024, providing the flexibility of 12 months of travel options.
For a starting fare of MYR21, value seekers can bag a bargain to many leisure favourites such as Langkawi, Penang, Krabi, Terengganu, Singapore, and Phu Quoc, among a line-up of short-haul destinations.
On long-haul flights, AirAsia X flies to popular leisure destinations such as Perth, Taipei, Tokyo, Seoul, Melbourne and Auckland. On sale during the promo period for travel from 28 November to 30 April 2023, fares on long-haul routes start at MYR399 in economy class and from MYR1499 for a premium flatbed.
Group Chief Commercial Officer (Airlines) Karen Chan, commented on the anniversary: “Many millions of our guests have been first-time travellers who couldn’t afford to fly before AirAsia took to the skies on 8 December 2001.”
BANGKOK, 28 November 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts (SET: CENTEL) has been awarded Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) status for the fifth consecutive year by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) in recognition of its outstanding performance across Environmental, Social and Governance aspects.
CENTEL was also named the recipient of the Outstanding Investor Relations Award for the third year, further solidifying Centara’s reputation of care for its employees, guests, and investors.
The annual THSI designation recognises companies for their efforts towards sustainability while also meeting investors’ increasing demands for relevant insight and information for use in responsible investment decision-making.
According to SET president Pakorn Peetathawatchai, this year’s 170 THSI-listed companies had a focus on sustainable practices within business operations, as well as a significant development in transparency with regard to disclosing environmental and social information, including the sharing of policies, targets, efficiencies and performance as they relate to water and waste management, energy efficiency, resource management, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
“At Centara, we are deeply committed to sustainability. We believe that incorporating ESG principles into our everyday business operations not only protects our environment for future generations but also drives innovation and increases our competitiveness at a global level resulting in long-term returns for our stakeholders and invaluable benefits for our guests and local communities,” said Centara Hotels and Resorts chief executive officer Thirayuth Chirathivat.
With environmental, social and innovation initiatives dating back to 2008, Centara Hotels & Resorts has demonstrated a long-held commitment to adopting company-wide sustainable practices, operational innovations and supply chain management efficiencies. On the path to reaching its financial goals and following good governance business practices, Centara continues to look for ways to create a positive social impact and reduce its environmental footprint while fostering innovation to sustain its competitiveness within the industry.
Last year, Centara EarthCare achieved “GSTC-Recognized Standard status” from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, making Centara Hotels & Resorts the first Asian hospitality group to formally incorporate the GSTC Criteria in its internal sustainability standard.
As part of the group’s goals for a greener future is a roadmap to reduce energy and water usage by 20% within 10 years, as well as significantly reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
By 2025, Centara aims to have all of its properties certified as sustainable by accredited certification bodies as a key element of the organisation’s long-term sustainability objectives.
Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) was created in 2015 to recognise companies that adopt ESG principles in responsible and sustainable business management to create a positive impact on the Kingdom. Centara earned THSI designation for the first time in 2018. This year, Centara has been selected as one of 157 SET-listed companies and 13 main-listed companies that incorporate a high level of ESG practices to build strong, stable and sustainable growth with a responsibility for stakeholders that supports the SET’s vision “To Make the Capital Market ‘Work’ for Everyone”.
KOTA KINABALU, 28 November 2022: Sabah is exploring ways to boost Islamic tourism by ensuring the state rolls out the red carpet for Muslim tourists.
This initiative was bolstered by a seminar on Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality last Friday to explore insights on how Sabah tourism stakeholders can realise the full market potential while growing the islamic tourism segment in Malaysia.
The event was co-organised by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
STB deputy chief executive officer of marketing, Tay Shu Lan, said the travel industry catering to Muslims recognises it has significant untapped potential for expansion and that Sabah should capitalise on the Muslim market.
She quoted the recent Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel 2022 report that estimated Muslim travellers worldwide increased to peak at 160 million in 2019.
It is expected that by 2028, Muslim travel spending will reach USD225 billion, with the young and new generation, as well as women, being identified as a growing demographic within the Muslim population and acting as driving forces that influence travel.
“Malaysia is the top destination for Muslim travellers, closely followed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. These are the regions that Sabah Tourism has reached out to in terms of destination promotion.
“The seminar helped tourism industry players in Sabah to better understand the significance of the Muslim tourist market, the basic requirements and needs of Muslim tourists, and how their products or destination could become more Muslim-friendly,” Tay said.
Meanwhile, ITC Industry Development Director (Covering) / Manager Fitra Mohd Ali said that Sabah has the potential to grow as a Muslim-friendly destination and should seize the opportunity to create products that meet the required standards.
He mentioned the Kota Kinabalu state mosque, halal food, Muslim-friendly spas, and Muslim-friendly healthcare tourism as the products that would appeal to Muslim visitors.
Seminar, participants gained insights about the ITC’s Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality certification programmes which identifies and recognises Muslim-friendly accommodation and tourism products and packages.
BANGKOK, 28 November 2022: There are still two days left to grab Thai Vietjet’s Black Friday deals on domestic and international routes.
Thai Vietjet’s Black Friday promotion offers special fares starting from THB 899 (including taxes and fees) for travel on the airline’s domestic network and fares starting from THB 1,899 (including taxes and fees) for travel on its international network.
Bookings close for the promotional fares at midnight on 30 November, 2022, with the travel period from 1 January 2023, to 31 October 2023 (excludes public holidays).
The special promotional tickets are valid on Thai Vietjet’s entire domestic flight network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani and cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, as well as Thai Vietjet’s entire international flight network from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Vietnam, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Fukuoka, and Taipei.
Fares can be purchased through all distribution channels, including www.vietjetair.com, mobile app “Vietjet Air”, via Facebook at www.facebook.com/VietJetThailand by clicking the “Booking” tab, as well as travel agencies and booking offices.
BANGKOK, 28 November 2022, Thai Airways International has named Chai Eamsiri its chief executive officer effective 1 February 2023.
The CEO Selection Committee, including appointed restructuring plan administrators, selected Eamsiri from 53 internal and external candidates who applied for the top job at THAI. Government regulations allowed only Thai nationals to apply.
The recruitment specifications and evaluation were based on the company’s urgent need to find a leader to continue the challenging task of rehabilitation and also the process of privatisation.
With 37 years of experience and knowledge of Thailand’s aviation industry, Chai Eamsiri demonstrated what the committee called “suitable attributes and qualifications for the position in every dimension.”
His financial and accounting literacy was quoted as a crucial factor and a top priority if the new CEO is to achieve the objectives set out in the Rehabilitation Plan. It calls for new loans and financial discipline to boost profits and develop a commercially viable route network. He will also have to ensure aircraft and engine purchases or leases comply with restructuring plan criteria and are transparent.
Eamsiri has worked for international organisations and was a member of the special working group overseeing business restructuring initiatives in 2020. He has also played a vital role in the company’s rehabilitation plan’s implementation over the past two years.
At present, he holds the post of THAI chief financial officer.
The airline described his appointment as crucial to building trust and confidence among the airline’s creditors and business partners.
SINGAPORE, 28 November 2022: Viking Cruises is adding new river sailings for its 2023 sailing season.
The sailing season for Viking’s 10-day Portugal River of Gold voyage has been extended with 20 new departures in November and December 2023. Fares start at USD4,495.
The new 15-day Lyon, Provence and the Rhineland river voyage is now operating from April 2023, with 27 departures. Fares start at USD5,895.
There are 34 additional departures on its eight-day Lyon & Provence itinerary between March and November 2023. Fares start at USD2,995.
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 November 2022: Malaysia Airlines will suspend flights to Brisbane at the end first quarter of 2023, calling it a rationalisation exercise under its ongoing business review.
The last MH134 flight will depart from Brisbane to Kuala Lumpur on 26 March 2023. However, flights from Kuala Lumpur to four other Australian destinations – Adelaide, Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne – will continue, providing 43 direct services per week between Australia and Malaysia.
In November, the airline scheduled just three direct services using an A330 and will increase flights to 13 per month from December 2022 to March 2023 to cater to peak holiday traffic during the Australian summer season.
Customers who booked on the direct Kuala Lumpur-Brisbane service after 27 March 2023 will fly with Malaysia Airlines to Sydney or Melbourne to connect with Qantas codeshare flights to Brisbane.
Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Captain Izham Ismail explained: “After a thorough business review, we have made a difficult decision to suspend our operations in Brisbane to ensure we operate and use our fleet at an optimum level, as well as maximising revenue on every route we fly to while facing strong headwinds from the continued increase in fuel cost, forex and interest rate.”
Forward bookings to other Australian cities remain encouraging and head of 2019’s performance, according to the airline’s CEO, who added the focus was on ramping up the network to achieve full recovery by 2024.
This year the airline has launched routes from Kuala Lumpur to Doha, Haneda and Yogyakarta. From Kota Kinabalu, flights resumed to Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 28 November 2022: As the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) opens its 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh, a new global consumer survey reveals that the appetite for international travel is now at its highest since the start of the pandemic.
The WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, opens today, 28 November and closes on 1 December.
According to the survey of more than 26,000 consumers from 25 countries conducted by YouGov for WTTC, 63% are planning a leisure trip in the next 12 months.
The survey reveals that the appetite to travel shows no signs of slowing, with more than a quarter (27%) of consumers planning three or more trips over the same period.
Additionally, the survey shows that travellers from Australia will be the world’s biggest spenders on international travel over the next 12 months, with jet setters from Canada, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines also expected to spend more than travellers from around the globe.
According to the YouGov ‘global tracker’, the attractiveness and positive impression of Saudi Arabia continue to grow, with the highest scores across countries in the Gulf region, along with Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.
WTTC president and CEO Julia Simpson said: “This global survey shows that international travel is back. As we kick off our Global Summit in Riyadh, bringing together global travel leaders and governments from around the world, travellers are getting ready to explore the world again.
“The results of this global survey also show the growing importance of sustainable travel amongst consumers.”
Almost two-thirds of those surveyed (61%) stated they prefer travel brands and more sustainable destinations. In comparison, nearly half (45%) said they would only spend their hard-earned money with socially and environmentally responsible brands.
This is revealed on the eve of the global tourism body’s highly anticipated 22nd Global Summit, which is set to welcome delegates from around the world in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
KUCHING, 25 November 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board is confident it will draw more Indonesian tourists to Sarawak following its ‘Sarawak A Journey Awaits’ Business Networking Sessions (B2B) held in East Kalimantan earlier this week.
STB engaged with about 120 local travel agencies and tour operators in Samarinda and Balikpapan through the B2B roadshow in collaboration with Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Tourism Malaysia Jakarta. The B2B networking promoted Sarawak as a tourism destination offering medical and health tourism opportunities and leisure travel. The roadshow also fostered business collaboration between Sarawak tourism enterprises and East Kalimantan tourism stakeholders while engaging with the media to create a stronger Sarawak brand presence.
STB Director of Marketing (ASEAN & Domestic) Barbara Benjamin Atan said the networking sessions provided an opportunity to keep Sarawak in mind for East Kalimantan stakeholders while promoting the rich land of Sarawak against the fascinating backdrop of adventure, nature festivals, food and its variety of unique tourism products.
“With a surge in international travels, it was a perfect opportunity for Sarawak and the East Kalimantan tourism stakeholders to come together to refresh and relook at their efforts in boosting Sarawak as a preferred tourism destination choice,” she said.
“One of the attractions for the market in East Kalimantan is Sarawak health tourism which offers affordable and high-quality services. Before the pandemic, Indonesia was the largest supplier in the medical tourism sector, with 53,000 health and wellness tourists visiting Sarawak. The transfer of the capital of Indonesia from Jakarta to Kalimantan will also be an important factor to facilitate potential health tourists to seek treatment in Sarawak given the nearby geographical position,” the STB director added.
Apart from MHTC and Tourism Malaysia Jakarta, other participating agencies in the sessions included Normah Medical Specialist Centre, Khaimal Borneo Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd, Hemisphere Corporation Sdn Bhd and Damai Beach Resort.
The ’Sarawak A Journey Awaits’ roadshow in East Kalimantan took place in Samarinda on 22 November at Mercure Hotel City Centre and in Balikpapan on 23 November at Grand Senyiur Hotel.
