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Dusit brings Thai hospitality to Chengdu

BANGKOK, 29 April 2025: Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, represented in China by Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, has signed a hotel management agreement with Dongfang Nongbo (Chengdu) Commercial Operation Management Company Limited to operate Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu. 

The serene retreat in one of China’s most dynamic and culturally rich destinations is renowned for its vibrant street food, rich tea culture, and iconic giant pandas.

Slated to open on 1 June 2025, the 250-key Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu is located within the expansive Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park, just 30 minutes by car from both Chengdu city centre and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, and only 20 minutes from Xinjin high-speed rail station, which connects to key cities across Sichuan Province.

Spanning approximately 2.7 square km, Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park is a landmark development dedicated to high-tech agriculture, sustainable farming, and cultural tourism. Designed around the principles of innovation, harmony, and green development, the park integrates agricultural exhibitions, farming culture, scientific research, technology development, and leisure tourism into a seamless experience, making it a fitting location for Dusit’s latest expansion.

Guests can choose from a range of private villas or spacious guest rooms set around beautifully maintained gardens. Enhancing the guest experience, the resort will offer a wealth of premium facilities, including an all-day dining restaurant with a farm-to-table focus, a speciality restaurant, a Chinese restaurant featuring eight private dining rooms, a stylish lobby lounge, an indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a dedicated kids’ club, mahjong rooms, and a pillarless multi-functional conference hall with three versatile meeting rooms.

Alongside Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, the resort will also offer immersive experiences that connect guests with the best of the destination. These include curated dining experiences that reflect Chengdu’s status as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, visits to the world-renowned Sichuan Opera, where the mesmerising ‘face-changing’ performance sees actors seamlessly switch masks in seconds, and the opportunity to see giant pandas up close at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the city’s most popular attractions.

“With its rich culinary heritage, deep cultural traditions, and world-famous attractions, Chengdu is a destination like no other, and we are thrilled to introduce Dusit’s signature gracious hospitality to this remarkable city,” said Mr Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “This signing underscores our commitment to thoughtful expansion in China, and we are excited to create a unique retreat where guests can immerse themselves in Chengdu’s vibrant energy while enjoying the exceptional service and experiences that define Dusit.”

Dongfang Nongbo (Chengdu) Commercial Operation Management Company Limited Chairman Xiong Rui said: “Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu, is poised to become a true landmark in the region, combining outstanding facilities with warm, personalised service. We look forward to creating a sanctuary where guests can relax, explore, and immerse themselves in the unique charm of Chengdu while enjoying the signature Dusit experience.”

Dusit International’s portfolio now includes nearly 300 properties operating under eight brands across 18 countries. The company currently operates seven hotels in China and has more than 20 properties in the pipeline.

About Dusit Hotels and Resort
Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes nearly 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 18 countries worldwide. 

For more information, visit dusit.com 

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services. 

Meliá Hotels arrives in Sapa Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY, 29 April 2025: Meliá Hotels International is expanding its portfolio in Vietnam through new agreements with two local players, BB Group Hospitality and Sapa Mountain Resort LLC. 

The agreement adds two new properties to the international group Vietnam portfolio, giving it 22 operational hotels and four in the pipeline.

Hotel Sapa Square, Affiliated by Meliá

Like Meliá Hotels International, BB Group Hospitality operates multiple hotels in popular tourist destinations. The recent signing brings Meliá into the scenic hillside town of Sapa, a new destination for the group that is known for the rich culture of the local hill tribes, picturesque, terraced rice fields, and mountainous terrain popular with hikers.

The BB Hotel Sapa and BB Sapa Resort & Spa will become the Spanish hotel group’s most northern properties in the country. Both hotels recently became Affiliated with Meliá properties, a brand known for hotels with strong connections to the local culture.  

Under Meliá’s agreement with Sapa Mountain Resort LLC, BB Sapa Resort & Spa will be rebranded to Meliá Sapa Mountain Resort after completing a year under the Affiliated by Melia brand. The resort features 77 rooms and suites. 

The interior décor embraces the culture of the local hill tribes, while the facades are traditional wooden designs reminiscent of a European mountain chalet. The property features an expansive garden at its centre and wellness facilities, including a gym, indoor heated pool, and spa.

As part of the strategic partnership with BB Group, BB Hotel Sapa will become Hotel Sapa Square, Affiliated by Meliá. Situated by the town’s heart, Central Square, the 57-room property holds a prime position in Sapa and offers unparalleled views from its rooftop sky lounge. The hotel also features a terrace café, upscale restaurant, and spa. 

Late last year Meliá and BB Group Hospitality signed a hotel management agreement for Kobi Onsen Hue, a hot springs resort in Vietnam’s former imperial capital, that is now operating as an Affiliated by Meliá property.

Mastercard releases 2025 Halal Travel Trends report

SINGAPORE, 29 April 2025: In a rapidly evolving Muslim travel market, travellers are searching for more authentic experiences, with 33% of consumers becoming more conscious of their social, cultural, and environmental footprint.

Nearly one-third of Muslim travellers rank culinary experiences (29%) and sustainable, ethical practices (28%) as their top choices, according to the newly launched Mastercard-CrescentRating Halal Travel Trends 2025 report.

Mastercard CresentRating Halal Travel Trends 2025.

The latest research from partners Mastercard and CresentRating, supported by the Pacific Asia Travel Association, explores the key trends transforming the travel landscape. It highlights growth opportunities for destinations and businesses to engage with today’s values-driven Muslim traveller.

Today’s Muslim travellers are not just seeking destinations; they’re seeking purposeful, values-driven journeys that educate, inspire, and leave a lasting positive impact. From ethical dining to community-led tourism, the global shift toward more meaningful travel experiences is gaining momentum.

According to the Halal Travel Trends 2025 report, educational and awareness-based travel has become a top priority for Muslim travellers. Notably, 72% of industry experts identified regenerative tourism as the next significant evolution in responsible travel.

As demand for ethical, inclusive tourism continues, destinations and brands must align with these emerging values to remain competitive and relevant.

CrescentRating & Halaltrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen.

“Halal Travel Trends 2025: Exploring Beyond Boundaries: Where Faith Meets Adventure” report exemplifies our unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive data and in-depth insights into the Muslim lifestyle market, building upon our decade-long partnership and the cornerstone of our research, the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI),” CrescentRating & Halaltrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen explains.

“In this era of fast-evolving consumer preferences, understanding the emerging trends shaping the future of travel is paramount. This report analyses these trends through the lens of CrescentRating’s RIDA (Responsible, Immersive, Digital, and Assured) Framework, offering a holistic outlook on the travel industry and, specifically, the Halal travel landscape.”
Check out the full report: https://lnkd.in/gEksJHp9

Australian Tourism Exchange opens in Brisbane

BRISBANE, 29 April 2025: The Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE)  opened in Brisbane/Meanjin* on Monday, kicking off a four-day programme of business appointments between members of the Australian tourism industry and global tourism wholesalers and retailers.

Between Monday, 28 April, and Thursday, 1 May, around 1,600 Australian sellers and more than 700 global buyers will participate in 60,000 appointments at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Photo credit: Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said ATE is Tourism Australia’s largest annual trade event and is crucial in driving business from key international tourism markets to Australian tourism operators.

“ATE is a chance for our tourism industry to meet face-to-face with key tourism decision-makers from around the world and tell them about the incredible products and experiences Australia offers for international holidaymakers,” Harrison noted.

“The 1,600 Australian sellers here in Brisbane will have access to buyers from 31 countries, and the connections they make in coming days will drive international travellers to their businesses in the months and years ahead.”

Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Brisbane was exceptionally fortunate to host ATE25. The event was last held in Queensland’s capital 17 years ago.

“Brisbane has changed significantly since the Australian Tourism Exchange was last here, and we’re so excited to have the opportunity to showcase just how much our city and state have evolved — we’ve got more to offer than ever before. We’ve certainly made the most of this brilliant hosting opportunity, with Queensland tourism operators taking up 191 booths, including 17 Indigenous operators, taking over a quarter of the trade show floor,” Powell said.

“With the green and gold runway set for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are determined to enhance our global appeal.”

ATE25 is delivered by Tourism Australia in partnership with Tourism Events Queensland, with support from the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

*Meanjin is the traditional Indigenous name for Brisbane City, used by the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples. It means “the place of the spearhead” or “spike place”, referring to the shape of the Brisbane River in the city centre.

IATA maps Egypt’s aviation journey

SINGAPORE, 29 April 2025: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released a study measuring the significant economic and employment benefits aviation (including aviation-related tourism) generates for Egypt. 

Photo credit: IATA: Cairo.

Standouts based on 2023 figures   

  • USD 21.1 billion of economic activity equals 5.3% of Egypt’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (including wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities).
  • 1.4 million jobs (across the supply chain and including tourism), of which 32,800 are directly employed by airlines.
  • 338,600 tonnes of air cargo handled.

Access the full study (pdf)

“Aviation is a key contributor to Egypt’s economy. Directly and through its well-developed tourism industry, aviation supports nearly 1.4 million jobs. Over 5% of Egypt’s GDP has close links to aviation,” 

said ATA’s Regional Vice-President for Africa and the Middle East, Kamil Alawadhi, following a meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr Sameh Elhefny.

“Importantly, the Egyptian government is using the aviation sector as a strategic economic and social development enabler. I was encouraged by the Minister of Civil Aviation’s reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to continued close collaboration with IATA to expand aviation’s benefits to Egypt — guided by global standards and best practices across all areas of aviation, including safety, sustainability, cost-efficiency and skills development.” 

In 2023, international air traffic accounted for 86% of Egypt’s total origin-destination (O-D) departures, equal to 17.2 million passenger departures.

Key Priorities for Egypt

To continue maximising the benefits of aviation, IATA highlighted three key priorities for Egypt to pursue.

Cost-Efficiency: As Egypt strategically invests in airport infrastructure (Cairo International, Borg El Arab and Sphinx International), IATA urges the government to collaborate with airline users and adhere to global best practices. Such collaboration will avoid unnecessary financial burdens on airlines and passengers.

Sustainability: IATA is encouraged by Egypt’s collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to create the capacity to produce 120,000 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) annually. This supports Egypt’s Vision 2030 and aligns with the global goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050. It is an encouraging step to help Egypt and its aviation sector achieve their common goal of decarbonising aviation.

Capacity-Building: A strong and skilled workforce is critical to growing aviation’s benefits. From technical operations to digital transformation and sustainable practices, a future-ready workforce will strengthen safety, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

AirAsia adds Thailand domestic routes

BANGKOK, 29 April 2025: Starting 1 October 2025, AirAsia is adding two new domestic routes: Suvarnabhumi–Chiang Rai (twice daily) and Suvarnabhumi–Nakhon Si Thammarat (daily). 

Promotional fares start at THB900 per one-way trip and are open for bookings on AirAsia MOVE and airasia.com until 31 May 2025.

With these new additions, AirAsia will operate 41 domestic routes, solidifying its position as the airline with the widest network in Thailand, which includes 22 routes from Don Mueang, 11 from Suvarnabhumi, and eight regional links from its hubs in Chiang Mai and Phuket.

Thai AirAsia Head of Commercial Tansita Akraritpirom shared: “This year, we’re doubling down on our commitment to domestic connectivity with even more routes and higher frequencies from Suvarnabhumi.”

Alongside current Suvarnabhumi routes to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, Khon Kaen, and Udon Thani, flights to three new destinations — Buriram, Narathiwat, and Surat Thani — are set to take off from Suvarnabhumi from 1 July, followed by Chiang Rai and Nakhon Si Thammarat on 1 October.

In total, AirAsia will offer eight flights daily to Chiang Rai (six from Don Mueang and two from Suvarnabhumi) and five flights daily to Nakhon Si Thammarat (four from Don Mueang, one from Suvarnabhumi) starting 1 October.

CX introduces Hong Kong – Urumqi route

HONG KONG, 29 April 2025: Cathay Pacific celebrated the launch of a direct passenger service between Hong Kong and Urumqi on Monday, 28 April that expands the Cathay Group’s network in the Chinese Mainland to 20 destinations. 

The new four-times-weekly return service connects the airline’s customers from Hong Kong and beyond with an important Belt and Road hub in Northwestern China, solidifying Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.

A Xinjiang-style dance performance during the reception to celebrate the route launch.

At the launch event, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said: “In May last year, the Central Government expanded the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) by adding eight new cities, including Urumqi. The launch of this new direct flight reflects our commitment to fulfilling the Central Government’s support and expectations for Hong Kong.

“Urumqi plays a vital role as a conduit. Beyond passenger services, we hope Cathay will help elevate the entire air cargo industry by leveraging this new gateway to establish a new cargo corridor. This will enable air freight from various global destinations to be transported through Hong Kong International Airport and distributed to different cities across the Chinese Mainland.

“With its proximity to Central Asia, Urumqi not only strengthens Hong Kong’s connectivity with the Chinese Mainland but also serves as a bridge to other continents, extending our reach to key destinations along the Belt and Road Initiative.”

Cathay Pacific’s CEO Ronald Lam noted: “With its vibrant blend of cultural experiences and stunning landscapes, Urumqi is the latest addition to our expanding Chinese Mainland network. We are excited to welcome customers onboard our flights to explore the unique offerings of Xinjiang’s capital.

“With services to Changzhou and Yiwu also being launched by HK Express in May, the Cathay Group will operate passenger services to a total of 22 destinations in the Chinese Mainland, providing more than 300 return flights per week during the summer peak. We remain committed to enhancing connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and beyond by introducing more destinations and flight choices for our customers.”

Cathay Pacific’s direct flights between Hong Kong and Urumqi will be operated by the airline’s Airbus A330-300 aircraft, providing customers with business and economy cabins. 

Flight schedules are as follows (all times local):

The Cathay Group is also expanding its global network with 15 new destinations announced for this year so far, including Hyderabad, Dallas, Urumqi, Rome, Munich and Brussels for Cathay Pacific, and Sendai, Nha Trang, Ishigaki, Komatsu, Changzhou, Yiwu, Cheongju, Daegu and Miyako (Shimojishima) for HK Express.

The Group’s extensive passenger network will exceed 100 destinations within the first half of 2025, providing customers with a smooth and seamless travel experience to destinations worldwide.

Emirates opens Travel Store in Jakarta

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER

JAKARTA 28 April 2025: Emirates has officially opened its reimagined Travel Store in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to enhancing travel experiences for its Indonesian customers. 

The Jakarta store follows the introduction of Emirates’ retail stores in Hong Kong and Manila, which are part of the airline’s continued investment in the region.

Photo credit: Emirates. Emirates opens travel store in Jakarta’s Sequis Tower.

Located in Sequis Tower, the new retail space spans 221 sqm and was officially inaugurated by Orhan Abbas, Emirates Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Far East, in the presence of HE Abdulla Salem AlDhaheri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Indonesia, along with other distinguished guests, trade partners, and media representatives.

“We are delighted to launch Emirates’ newest travel store in Indonesia, bringing our world-class hospitality and personalised service closer to our valued customers. This innovative concept reflects our commitment to excellence, customer-centricity, and delivering seamless travel experiences. By blending cutting-edge technology with the expertise of our dedicated consultants, we aim to offer a holistic travel experience for customers, starting from the moment they begin planning their journey — until they board our aircraft.” said Orhan Abbas.

A new chapter in retail travel excellence

Emirates Travel Store in Jakarta offers Indonesian customers an in-person space where personalised services and immersive brand experiences come together under one roof. Thoughtfully designed to embody modern luxury and comfort, the store offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere – soft beige and sofas, complemented by sleek, contemporary furnishings, create a comfortable lounge setting for customers before they consult with Emirates travel advisors. While waiting, guests are encouraged to browse a curated selection of Emirates-branded merchandise and exclusive travel accessories, elegantly displayed at the store’s heart.

At four dedicated customer service counters, Emirates’ trained travel advisors offer customers personalised support with flight reservations, ticketing, and inquiries about the airline’s latest offerings, products, and destinations. Committed to delivering Emirates’ signature hospitality at the highest standard, the team ensures every visitor enjoys a seamless, thoughtful, and elevated experience from the moment they enter the store.

A prominent feature of the space is a wall display of the iconic Ghaf tree, the UAE’s national tree, positioned above a dynamic LED screen highlighting Emirates’ milestones, destinations, and exclusive offers. Adding to the innovative experience, a voice-activated LED selfie screen at the entrance invites guests to snap fun photos with backdrops of iconic Emirates destinations. Images are then accessible via QR codes, eliminating the need for printed images.

Emirates’ Jakarta Travel Store is the first to implement a queue management system, providing guests and Emirates Skywards members with a more seamless and personalised retail experience. The queue management system reduces waiting time and enables guests to share feedback on their experience via WhatsApp. 

Emirates in Indonesia

Emirates has been proudly serving Indonesia for more than thirty years. It currently operates double daily flights from Jakarta and Denpasar to Dubai, with onward connections to over 140 destinations across six continents. The airline currently serves Bali with the only scheduled daily A380 service, significantly boosting weekly seat capacity in and out of the city.

For bookings or more information on the airline, visit www.emirates.com

MSC unveils Explora Club

SINGAPORE, 28 April 2025: Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has unveiled Explora Club — a new loyalty programme created to celebrate and reward guests.

Explora Club offers a five-level structure — Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond — with each level unveiling a curated collection of benefits, from priority access and bespoke events to personalised gifts and exclusive savings. With more journeys, Explora Club Members unlock an array of incremental privileges thoughtfully designed to enhance their time on and ashore.

Levels are determined by weighted nights at sea, multiplied by suite category, with additional points earned through Destination Experiences purchased pre-journey or on board and eligible onboard spending, including Ocean Wellness, exclusive culinary experiences and beverages, laundry, and purchases at The Journey boutique.

Explora Club benefits 

Thoughtful Gifts & Surprises: An exclusive welcome gift, signature loyalty delight, birthday surprise (Silver onwards), and surprise ritual turndown service (Gold onwards).

Journey Experience Credit & Value Savings: Meaningful rewards and exclusive savings across Ocean Wellness, Destination Experiences and future journeys. Exclusive access to Explora Club Member offers (Classic onwards), savings at The Journey boutique, value savings on future journeys (Silver onwards), Journey Experience Credit for Ocean Wellness and Destination Experiences (Platinum onwards) and a complimentary week-long journey for two (Diamond).

Pre-Journey Privileges & Services: Priority access and dedicated assistance ensure a seamless and elegant experience. It features priority access to the new journey collections, a dedicated Explora Club Members area on explorajourneys.com (Classic onwards), priority assistance at the Explora Experience Centre (Silver onwards), private airport transfer, and a complimentary suite upgrade (Diamond).

Exclusive Events: An invitation to an exclusive cocktail party with ship leadership (Silver onwards), President Journey experience and complimentary culinary experience, Chef’s Kitchen, Anthology dinner or caviar tasting experience (Diamond).

Elevated Onboard Services: Personalised welcome from the General Manager (Silver onwards), complimentary laundry bag (Gold onwards), priority reservation for onboard services, behind-the-scenes tour to the bridge and engine room (Platinum onwards), private shopping experience outside of boutique opening hours (Diamond).

Explora Club invites guests to enrol and begin their reward journey. By July 2025, Members will have access to a personalised ‘My Explora’ area, where benefits and level status will be visible. Past journeys will also be recognised and factored into each member’s level.

Explora Journeys is on course to build a fleet of six luxury ships by 2028, setting a new standard in ocean travel defined by elegance, personalisation, and purpose. EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II are already sailing, with four additional ships joining the fleet between 2026 and 2028.

Upskill tourism executives with a T-LEAP

SINGAPORE, 28 April 2025: EHL Hospitality Business School, a global institution in hospitality management education, has launched the Tourism Leadership Excellence & Advancement Programme (T-LEAP) in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). 

This pioneering executive programme empowers senior executives and business leaders in the tourism sector with cutting-edge leadership, sustainability, and technology skills essential for shaping the sector’s future.

Melissa Ow, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, presented programme certificates to graduates at the inaugural T-LEAP closing ceremony.

Each run of the programme takes place over five days at EHL Campus (Singapore). T-LEAP equips high-potential professionals with the expertise to navigate and drive innovation in Singapore’s dynamic tourism landscape. With a curriculum crafted in collaboration with STB, the programme is tailored to address the evolving needs of tourism executives.

The T-LEAP programme comprises three core modules:

  • Leadership Excellence & Strategic Growth: Covering Singapore’s tourism goals, strategic planning, and business partnerships.
  • Sustainability & Innovation: Addressing sustainability in tourism, circular solutions, and sustainability reporting.
  • Technology & Digital Transformation: Exploring digital trends, AI-driven operational efficiency, and the role of technology in shaping the future of tourism.

Through T-LEAP, participants will develop leadership acumen, gain sustainability insights, leverage technological advancements, and expand professional networks through interactions with industry experts. Additionally, they will be inducted into the Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN), a platform to encourage cross-collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The launch of T-LEAP marks a significant milestone in EHL’s strategic expansion in Asia-Pacific, reinforcing its commitment to creating a dynamic hub for hospitality and tourism education. Furthermore, it is EHL’s first SkillsFuture-funded programme, underscoring its relevance to the evolving needs of Singapore’s workforce.

“At EHL, we are committed to fostering the next generation of tourism leaders through innovative and impactful learning experiences. T-LEAP brings together cutting-edge academic excellence, industry expertise, and real-world application to prepare professionals for the rapidly changing landscape of tourism,” said EHL Faculty Member Dr Guy Llewellyn.

“Tourism leadership development is critical in navigating our rapidly evolving industry. Through T-LEAP, we aim to build a future-ready tourism sector and nurture a new generation of tourism leaders capable of driving innovation and forging strategic collaboration,” said the Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Melissa Ow.

Following the successful delivery of a pilot programme in February this year, STB has validated and extended the initiative for additional runs, demonstrating confidence in its impact on the sector. The first two runs are confirmed to take place in May and over October and November 2025, with the possibility of additional iterations based on demand and participant feedback.