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Cruzing onboard Emirates

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DUBAI, UAE, 25 May 2023: Launching mid-summer 2023, Emirates can reveal that its latest ad campaign and brand collaboration will feature Penelope Cruz.

The Academy Award-winning actor and philanthropist is already a fan of the Emirates brand and a frequent flyer who has visited Dubai multiple times. In exclusive behind-the-scenes footage shot onboard a signature Emirates A380 aircraft, Cruz revealed her passion for Emirates and the positive association she has with the brand stating that she was thrilled to partner with Emirates after years of travelling with the airline on some of the most special trips of her life.

The new TV spots will start to air globally from June 2023, in both English and Penelope’s native tongue of Spanish. With a thought-provoking theme of ‘travel is not just about the end destination; ​it’s also about how you get there’, the short ads show Cruz sampling all the exclusive luxuries that Emirates First and Business Class customers experience as they Fly Better, from a crafted beverage in the A380 Onboard Lounge to an indulgent shower above the clouds, cheering for a football game shown on live TV, to relishing generous helpings of luxury caviar. In other spots, she enjoys the spacious seats in Emirates’ new Premium Economy Class.

She interacts with Emirates Cabin Crew in multiple languages. She enjoys the wide variety of movies and content on Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system, viewed on a huge 32-inch full HD LCD screen – the largest in the aviation industry. Cruz is also filmed using the personal temperature controls in her private First Class Suite, using bespoke binoculars to enjoy the sky-high views, and wearing the Emirates hydra-active moisturising pyjamas to settle in for a siesta in her lie-flat bed, surrounded by an array of luxury amenities – ensuring her journey is spectacular from the beginning.

Each of the new TV spots was directed and brought to life by Robert Stromberg, a double Oscar-winning Hollywood director with 21 award wins and 30 award nominations for movies, TV series and commercials throughout his illustrious career. Stromberg worked closely with the Emirates brand team to ensure the TV spots conveyed the thoughtful luxury of the Fly Better experience while retaining a note of Cruz’s cheeky sense of humour. Esteemed production house Ridley Scott Associates also supported the series of TV spots and Framestore – the multi-award-winning creative studio for special effects.

Emirates’ senior vice president of brand and advertising, Richard Billington, commented: “Emirates is all about Flying Better, where the journey to your destination matters as much as the place itself. We took care of every detail in the Emirates experience and wanted a brand ambassador who reflects the Emirates brand – it needed to be someone classy, stylish, and has modern global appeal. Penelope was the perfect fit.”

Following in the footsteps of other globally successful ads such as Burj Girl, Jennifer Aniston onboard Emirates, and Gerry the Goose, Penelope Cruz will partner in the ad series to be aired globally on TV news channels, featured on Emirates’ own digital channels, with more joint activities to be announced over the coming year.

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IATA: Strong summer travel demand

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SINGAPORE, 30 May 2023: Growing travel confidence will cause airline bookings to peak during the upcoming ‘Northern summer holiday season’ according to an International Air Transport Association survey.

IATA’s optimism is based on forward bookings data during Q1 2023 for travel from May to September, tracking at 35% above 2022 levels. The survey covered 4,700 travellers in 11 countries.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • 79% of surveyed travellers said they were planning a trip in the June-August 2023.
  • 85% said that peak travel season disruptions should not be a surprise.
  • 80% said that they expected smooth travel with post-pandemic issues having been resolved.

Forward bookings data indicates that the greatest growth is expected in the following regions:

Asia Pacific region (134.7%);
Middle East (42.9%);
Europe (39.9%);
Africa (36.4%);
Latin America (21.4%);
North America (14.1%).

“Expectations are high for this year’s peak Northern summer travel season. For many, this will be their first post-pandemic travel experience. While some disruptions can be expected, there is a clear expectation that the ramping-up issues faced at some key hub airports in 2022 will have been resolved. Airlines are planning schedules based on the capacity that airports, border control, ground handlers, and air navigation service providers have declared. Over the next months, all industry players now need to deliver,” said IATA’s senior vice president for operations, safety and security, Nick Careen.    

“A lot of work has gone into preparing for the peak Northern summer travel season. Success rests on readiness across all players in the supply chain. If each player delivers on what has been declared, there should be no last-minute requirements to reduce the scale of the schedules that travellers have booked on.”

Labour unrest, particularly in France, is cause for concern. Eurocontrol data on the impact of French strikes earlier this year shows cancellations can spike over a third.

“We need to carefully monitor Europe, where strike actions have caused significant disruptions earlier this year. Governments should have effective contingency plans in place so that the actions of those providing essential services like air traffic control maintain minimum service levels and do not disrupt the hard-earned vacations of those travelling or put at risk the livelihoods of those in the travel and tourism sectors,” Careen concluded.

(Source: IATA)

Qantas starts fleet renewal

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SINGAPORE, 30 May 2023: Qantas farewelled a Boeing 717 on Monday as the airline showed off two new arrivals on the Sydney Airport tarmac – a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a Jetstar A321neo LR.

The next-generation aircraft have lower emissions, longer range, less noise and better economics.

The departing 717 (registration VH-NXI) holds a special place in the Qantas Group’s modern history, having operated Jetstar’s first flight between Melbourne and Launceston on the day the airline started flying in May 2004.

The aircraft has also flown on regional and domestic routes for QantasLink for the past 15 years. It has completed over 29,000 flights and safely carried over 1.6 million customers for Qantas and Jetstar over two decades.

QantasLink’s 20 Boeing 717s will be gradually replaced by 29 fuel-efficient Airbus A220 aircraft as part of the “Project Winton” fleet renewal programme. The first A220 aircraft will arrive later this year, and the first 20 A321XLRs will arrive in late 2024.

Fleet Renewal

The next-generation aircraft are part of a significant investment in the fleet renewal that will see the group take delivery of a new aircraft every three weeks on average for the next few years. The incoming aircraft will help Qantas and Jetstar restore capacity and expand their network while lowering emissions and improving efficiency.

Qantas’ latest Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Billabong, started flying on the airline’s international network this month, with another two Dreamliners to be delivered over the next three weeks. These additional aircraft enabled the resumption of Sydney-San Francisco flights and will support the launch of the Sydney to New York via Auckland route next month. This will bring Qantas’ 787-9 fleet to 14.

Jetstar also welcomed its seventh Airbus A321neo LR aircraft, 50% quieter than the older A321s they replace and burn up to 20% less fuel. They are operating domestic services and flying between Australia and Bali. The airline will receive another 11 A321neo LR aircraft by the end of 2024.

The Qantas Group has returned to around 100% of pre-Covid domestic flying levels through a combination of new arrivals and standby aircraft returning to service. It expects to restore 100% of international flying by March 2024.

Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce joined pilots and crew at Sydney Airport to farewell the 717 and welcome the new aircraft into the fleet.
“It’s the end of an era for these Boeing 717s, which have played a crucial role in connecting Australians across our domestic and regional network for more than two decades,” Joyce said.

“It’s fitting that the very first 717 to be registered in this country is making way for another brand-new fleet type, the A220, which can operate double the range of the 717s, opening up new domestic and short-haul international routes.

“Qantas is in the early stages of the biggest fleet renewal program in its history, with up to 299 narrowbody aircraft spread over 10-plus years and the A350s that will operate our Project Sunrise flights. It’s an inspiring time for our employees and customers as these new aircraft create more opportunities and unlock new destinations. We’ve already taken delivery of four new aircraft this year, and we’re on track to receive another eight before the end of the year.”

A220 on demo flights in Southeast Asia

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SINGAPORE, 30 May 2023: The latest generation A220 passenger aircraft has embarked on a demonstration tour of Southeast Asia that started at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Malaysia last week.

The aircraft has since visited Jakarta, Indonesia, and Bangkok, where the media joined a demonstration flight to Thailand’s Samui island that illustrated the A220’s ability to land and take off on short runways.

Airbus A220 lands at Samui airport on a regional demo tour.

The A220 is the most modern airliner in its size category, carrying between 100 to 160 passengers on flights of up to 3,450 nautical miles (6,400km).

The A220 brings a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation aircraft of a similar size. This brings an immediate contribution to industry goals to reduce the impact of aviation on the environment. The latest Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines power the aircraft. 

The A220 is available in two versions, with the -100 variant seating between 100 and 130 passengers and the larger -300 variant seating between 130 and 160 in typical layouts. The A220 has the largest cabin and windows and the widest seats in its class or Airbus A320 family of aircraft.

Airbus leases the aircraft taking part in the demonstration tour from airBaltic and features a layout of 145 seats in a single-class passenger cabin.

Today, the A220-300 is operated in the Asia-Pacific region by Korean Air on domestic and international services with 10 aircraft. Australia’s Qantas is set to become the second operator in the region when it takes delivery of the first of 20 A220s on order as part of its domestic fleet replacement programme. Airbus has received 785 orders for the A220 and delivered more than 260 aircraft for this programme.

WorldHotels signs Khao Yai property

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 30 May 2023: WorldHotels has expanded its portfolio in Thailand with the signing of Tawa Ravadee Resort, close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Khao Yai National Park and approximately a 2.5-hour drive east of Bangkok

Overlooking a lake and surrounded by lush forests and rice fields in Prachinburi province, the 199-room resort features spacious 38-sqm superior rooms and 72-sqm Lakeview Suites.

Tawa Ravadee Resort also offers event space with 10 meeting rooms and a convention hall that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The property is a popular venue for corporate retreats, team-building events and weddings.

“We are delighted to welcome Tawa Ravadee Resort to WorldHotels. This exceptional property has gained a strong reputation for its captivating blend of Thai culture, natural scenery and world-class facilities. Easily accessible from Bangkok and the city’s two gateway airports, this scenic resort is perfectly suited to domestic and international guests, including business and leisure travellers seeking a fresh and inspiring setting for their next Thai adventure,” said BWH Hotels’ vice president Asia Pacific, Olivier Berrivin.

Tawa Rawadee Resort Prachinburi is now included in WorrlHotels’ loyalty programme, WorldHotels Rewards.

Asiana increases flights to the Philippines

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MANILA, 30 May 2023: South Korea’s Asiana Airlines will resume daily flights between Incheon and Clark beginning 6 June, according to the Philippines News Agency quoting the airport’s management.  

Flight OZ707 will leave Incheon International Airport (ICN) at 2155 and arrive at Clark International Airport (CRK) at 0050. The airline uses an A320 for the four-hour five-minute flight.  

Asiana’s publicity for the return to Clark, Philippines on 6 June.

From CRK, flight OZ708 will depart at 0200 and arrive at ICN at 0705.

“We welcome the resumption of Asiana Airlines at CRK. We are happy Asiana Airlines is once again our partner in giving our travellers convenient access to South Korea and beyond,” Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation, the private consortium that manages CRK told the Philippine News Agency.

The airline confirms it will increase flights on the Incheon Seoul to Cebu route from five weekly to daily starting 17 June. The additional flights are on Monday and Tuesday.

Flight OZ709 departs Incheon at 2130 and arrives in Cebu at 0100 the following morning. The return flight OZ710 departs Cebu at 0200 and arrives in Incheon at 0745.

Asiana also flies twice daily from its home base at Incheon International Airport Seoul to Manila.

(Source: PNA)

Tourism Malaysia releases scuba packages

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 29 May 2023: Tourism Malaysia launched a new four-minute promotional video at the weekend entitled “Dive Into The Unimaginable” featuring the wonders of the underwater kaleidoscope and stunning array of aquatic flora and fauna available in Malaysia.

The video Leverages the potential of the water sports segment, especially scuba diving, in attracting high-spend tourists to the country,

The rich biodiversity of marine life with warm, clear waters, beautiful islands and breathtaking beaches – keep divers coming back to Malaysia. Several enchanting islands, including Tioman and Aur Islands in Johor, Kapas Island and Perhentian Island in Terengganu, and the crystal-clear waters of Sipadan in Sabah, are amongst the best diving spots featured in the video.

To complement the promotional video, Tourism Malaysia has also launched a new compilation of 41 special scuba diving packages – “Dive Into The Unimaginable Packages” that will be promoted domestically and internationally through all channels available, including its social media platforms and overseas offices.

Customising diving experience to all levels of diving expertise, these new tailored packages will suit everyone – whether for first-timers, amateurs or professional divers. On the other hand, a team of expert instructors and guides will ensure safety, and the packages include accommodation, meals, and transportation, serving the convenience of tourists throughout their stay in Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotions)  Datuk Musa Yusof said: “To hype more scuba diving enthusiasts’ interest, we also organise an online contest in which participants can share their videos and pictures of their best experience indulging in scuba diving in Malaysia and stand a chance to win special diving packages and more.”

During the Malaysia International Dive Exhibition (MIDE), from 26 to 28 May, at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur,  the Tourism Malaysia team promoted the video, contest and scuba diving packages.

Eight specialised scuba holiday agents participated with Tourism Malaysia at the annual expo, which attracted around 12,000 visitors.

(Source: Tourism Malaysia)

Peek preview of Spain’s shopping paradise

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 29 May  2023: Last week’s “A Showcase of Spanish Style”, hosted by the Ambassador of Spain to Thailand, His Excellency Felipe de la Morena Casado, gave Spain’s travel fans a peek preview of the best of Spanish shopping and lifestyle focusing on Las Rozas Village & La Roca Village, two members of the Bicester Collection.

The exclusive event featured upbeat music, delicious Spanish cuisine, a runway show highlighting the latest design trends, and a fun fashion workshop hosted by London’s Bicester Village’s Head Personal Shopper, Guga Filho. It was a sneak peek into the exceptional shopping experience offered by The Bicester Collection’s team of fashion experts.

For those looking to take their shopping experience to the next level, La Roca Village is hosting the newest edition of its Creative Spot X Barcelona Fashion Forward until the end of May. This event features the Spring-Summer 2023 collections of up-and-coming designers such as Owl, KM by Lange, Zhannaona, G·LEM, and Muro Collective. La Roca Village is just a 40-minute drive from the centre of Barcelona on the road to the Costa Brava, along pedestrian streets featuring more than 140 boutiques of renowned Catalan, Spanish and international fashion and lifestyle brands. Travellers can save up to 60% off recommended retail price.

When it comes to shopping, Spain is the top spot. There are endless markets, boutiques, and department stores to explore. Spain has everything if you want high-end luxury brands or unique artisan goods.

But shopping in Spain is not just about buying goods; it’s also a cultural experience. Many shops and markets in Spain have a rich history and cultural significance, providing travellers with a diverse shopping experience they won’t find anywhere else.

Non-EU visitors can take advantage of tax-free shopping in Spain, saving up to 21%. This means significant savings, and there is no required minimum amount spent to be able to claim the tax refund. There’s just one thing you need beforehand: a little extra room in your suitcase.

(Source: Spain Tourism Board)

For more information on Spain visit: https://www.spain.info/en/

Vietnam Airlines adds Melbourne flights

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HANOI, 29 May 2023: Vietnam Airlines will open a direct flight route from Hanoi to Melbourne, Australia, with two weekly flights starting 15 June. According to the airline’s Facebook post, flights are scheduled for Thursday and Sunday.

Flight VN779 will depart Hanoi at 0005 and arrive in Melbourne at 1230. The return flight VN778 will depart Melbourne at 1500 and arrive in Hanoi at 2145. Flight time is nine hours and 15 minutes on an Airbus A350-9. Return ticket prices start at VND 15,237,000 (including tax and fees) for bookings made by 30 June.

Earlier this month, the airline launched its Hanoi-Mumbai service, the airline’s second destination in India following the introduction of flights to Delhi, the Indian capital. The first flight to Mumbai (VN972) departed on 20 May, carrying nearly 200 passengers using an Airbus A321.

Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines celebrated the 30th anniversary of what is officially known as Vietnamese National Airlines (1993 – 2023) on 26 May. The airline celebrated flying 300 million passengers and nearly 4.5 million tons of cargo on 1.6 million flights.

ASEAN-Japan Centre under fire for Myanmar grant

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SINGAPORE, 29 May 2023: The Tokyo-based ASEAN-Japan Centre on Trade, Investment and Tourism provided a grant to the Myanmar junta’s investment and foreign economic relations ministry for a capacity-building programme on reforms required to implement international investment agreements according to Justice for Myanmar, quoting leaked documents and public sources. (Story updated 29 May with a statement from ASEAN-Japan Centre – see below.)

The grant was awarded for the 2022-23 fiscal year and financed at least one event held in March 2023, opened by EU-sanctioned junta minister Kan Zaw.

The ASEAN-Japan Centre has refused to disclose to Justice For Myanmar details of funds provided to the junta, stating that the information is only available to board members. The ASEAN-Japan Centre is an intergovernmental organisation made up of the Japanese government and the governments of each ASEAN member state, including Myanmar.

Justice for Myanmar asserts the capacity-building grant is one of several ASEAN-Japan Centre initiatives with junta ministries, legitimising the junta, encouraging business engagement and building the capacity of junta staff. The centre has an active partnership with the junta’s hotels and tourism ministry, supporting the junta’s attempts to promote tourism, which provides it with legitimacy and a source of foreign revenue.

The ASEAN-Japan Centre is now promoting tourism to Myanmar as part of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan “friendship and cooperation” and has launched a website in Japanese. In consultation with the junta, the site includes five ideas for Japanese tourists to visit Myanmar, misleading the Japanese public that it is a safe and ethical destination for a holiday.

That comes despite the clear call from the legitimate National Unity Government (NUG) against tourism to Myanmar. In November 2021, Minister of Planning, Finance and Investment Tin Tun Naing told the Straits Times, “The people of Myanmar are being killed, raped, detained and their houses and possessions seized or destroyed. This is not a time for sightseeing”.

Since late 2021, as the junta’s attacks against citizens intensified, the junta tourism ministry organised regular training and seminars supported by the ASEAN-Japan Centre. These involved the participation of junta minister Htay Aung and Japanese ASEAN-Japan Centre senior members, aimed at promoting Japanese travel to Myanmar.

In January 2022, the ASEAN-Japan Centre supported the junta in running a Japanese culinary skills training, opened by Htay Aung and ASEAN-Japan Centre Secretary General Kunihiko Hirabayashi.

In late 2022 and early 2023, Htay Aung opened seminars for service providers of Japanese tourists in Bagan and Kalaw with ASEAN-Japan Centre officials, which were featured in junta propaganda. Myanmar army and police participated in the November 2022 seminar on enhancing the understanding of service providers for Japanese tourists.
See: https://www.mdn.gov.mm/en/moht-union-minister-attends-2nd-hybrid-seminar-enhancing-understanding-service-providers-japanese.

The ASEAN-Japan Centre has also supported the junta in providing Japanese language training for tour guides.

A third junta ministry the ASEAN-Japan Centre works with is commerce, supporting it to promote market access in Japan. Under that programme, a workshop was held in January in Nay Pyi Daw and again touted in junta propaganda. The workshop was opened by the permanent secretary of the junta’s commerce ministry, Min Min, and Yuka Kubota, an ASEAN-Japan Centre senior executive.

The ASEAN-Japan Centre’s actions to include the junta on its council representing Myanmar, to fund junta ministries, to provide capacity building and to promote business links embolden the junta to continue its campaign of terror against the people of Myanmar with total impunity.

Justice For Myanmar “urges the ASEAN-Japan Centre and all other organisations to immediately remove the junta from its council and end all support. 

Justice For Myanmar spokesperson Yadanar Maung says: “ASEAN and Japan are now celebrating 50 years of friendship and cooperation. Yet this anniversary has shown that ASEAN and Japan’s friendship in Myanmar is with the illegitimate military junta, not the people being slaughtered in the junta’s relentless attacks. 

“The ASEAN-Japan Centre’s activities with the military junta support its illegal and failed attempt to gain control of Myanmar and embolden its ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

“Without an immediate end to ASEAN and Japan’s support for the junta, the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations will be forever tarnished with the blood of Myanmar people.”

Yadanar Maung concluded: “It is abhorrent and inexcusable that the ASEAN-Japan Centre is engaging with the Myanmar army and police as tourism ‘service providers’ instead of international criminals carrying out an ongoing campaign of murder and torture.

“The ASEAN-Japan Centre’s unethical conduct in Myanmar, celebrated in junta propaganda, shows clearly how tourism benefits the junta and must not be promoted at this time.”

(Source: Justice For Myanmar)

TTRW emailed the ASEAN-Japan Centre asking for a comment from the centre’s media spokesperson.
Story update 29 May 2023: ASEAN-Japan Centre responds

TOKYO, 29 May 2023: The ASEAN-Japan Centre would like to inform the public that the press release issued by Justice for Myanmar on 26 May 2023, regarding the activities of the ASEAN-Japan Centre contains some factual inaccuracies, including the statement that the Centre provides grants to member states and misinterpretation of our activities. The correct information is as follows:

  1. The Centre does not provide grants to member states. It is an international organisation dedicated to promoting trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between ASEAN member states and Japan. Each ASEAN Member State can use 80% of its obligatory contributions for its own promotional activities at its discretion. The projects identified by Justice for Myanmar, except for the “50 Mindful Travel in ASEAN” project, fall under this scheme.
  2. “50 Mindful Travel in ASEAN” is a tourism project approved by the Council of Directors of the Centre to promote the ASEAN region as a whole on the occasion of the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. This project aims to promote tourism in the ASEAN region as a whole and does not specifically aim to promote tourism to Myanmar.

The Centre works for the benefit of the people in ASEAN and Japan. Promoting tourism is one of the pillars of our activities due to the wide-ranging economic benefits that tourism can bring and its contribution to improving the lives of people in the region. In any case, the Secretariat of the Centre maintains a politically neutral stance in all our activities.

Visit the ASEAN-Japan Centre 50th anniversary website
https://aseanjapan50.jp/en/

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