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Australian agents sightseeing in Sarawak

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 4 September 2023: In collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines, the Sarawak Tourism Board hosted a familiarisation trip for Australian tour agents to update them on the region’s diverse offerings.

Nine Australian tour agents visited Sarawak on an 8-day familiarisation trip that originated in Brunei and reached Sarawak’s ecotourism jewel – Gunong Mulu National Park. The travel agents continued their Sarawak journey to Kuching to explore the capital city’s various leisure offerings, including visits to the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.

Sarawak Tourism Board Marketing (Europe & Oceania) senior manager Gustino Basuan (second left) greeted the Australian travel agents led by Royal Brunei Airlines representative Amanda Board (third from right) upon their arrival at Kuching International Airport.

“Sarawak Tourism Board always looks to build marketing partnerships between our Sarawak travel agents and Australian partners towards enhancing Sarawak’s visibility as a premier ecotourism destination to the international market,” said STB marketing director for Europe and Oceania Maurice Balang.

“Familiarisation tours play a very important role in providing our Australian partners and tour agents with an immersive understanding of Sarawak as a destination, enabling them to effectively promote and market this region, especially as we become more actively engaged in Responsible Tourism activities, practices and promotions. STB would like to extend our gratitude to the Sarawak tourism industry of tour agents, hotels, restaurants and tourism-related organisations like the Sarawak Tourism Federation, whose support contributes to the success of our familiarisation tour programmes.”

Tour agents from Sarawak had the opportunity to engage and share their experiences and updates on their exceptional adventure and ecotourism products with the Australian agents during an engagement session organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board at a local hotel.

The event was part of the marketing and promotions partnership between Sarawak Tourism Board and Royal Brunei Airlines, which promotes Sarawak as the preferred destination in Malaysia.

For more information on Sarawak visit www.sarawaktourism.com

(Source: STB)

Carnival names custom-built destination

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 September 2023: Carnival Cruise Line has announced that the name of its new destination in the Bahamas is Celebration Key.

As Carnival prepares to open itineraries for sale in late September for cruises that will call on the cruise port destination on Grand Bahama in 2025, it revealed the name of the new cruise destination Celebration Key to guests, employees, travel advisors and Bahamian officials last week. 

Celebration Key is the first port destination exclusively designed for the Carnival Cruise Line. Once complete, it can welcome 2 million guests each year.

“We are working very closely with the Government of The Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to ensure that we are highlighting the best of Grand Bahama and its culture, combined with fun as only Carnival can provide,” said Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. 

Grand Bahama is a northern island of The Bahamas known for its breathtaking beaches, lush vegetation, and friendly people. 

Celebration Key will offer a Bahamian experience with abundant features and amenities, including a one-mile stretch of white-sand beach and Bahamian-operated retail, food and beverage options for Carnival guests to enjoy. 

The adjacent cruise pier will be able to accommodate up to two of Carnival’s Excel-class ships simultaneously to allow guests to walk off the ship and arrive at Celebration Key. A groundbreaking ceremony for the destination was held in May 2022, and design, engineering and construction work is now underway.

In late September, Carnival plans to announce further details of the destination, along with opening for sale the first itineraries on at least 10 ships from multiple homeports that will include a visit to Celebration Key, with the first cruises calling at the new destination in July 2025.

CX confirms Southeast Asia appointments

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 4 September 2023: Cathay Pacific in Southeast Asia has announced changes to key management roles across the region to oversee the smooth running and expansion of travel, lifestyle, cargo and operations

Regional office Singapore appointments

Jonathan Ng, regional head of customer travel and lifestyle in Southeast Asia. He replaces Ray Fung, now head of lifestyle strategy and partnerships in Hong Kong.

He joined Cathay Pacific in 2011 and has worked in several key positions across various markets, including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Before his current role, He was seconded to HK Express as general manager of corporate planning. He was part of the transition team following the acquisition of the low-cost carrier by the Cathay Group.

Ashish Kapur, regional head of cargo, Southeast Asia, effective 1 September 2023. He replaces Siddhant Iyer, who will be Head of Cargo Markets and Customer Solutions in Hong Kong.

His career with Cathay Pacific spans more than 22 years. During this time, he has held several managerial positions across various markets, including India, Africa, the Middle East and Northern Europe. Before his current role, he was area manager for Northern Europe, overseeing the entire Northern European operations and managing the teams based in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Scandinavia.

Dominic Perret remains the regional general manager of Southeast Asia, where he is responsible for all commercial, operational and support functions across the seven countries* Cathay Pacific flies to in Southeast Asia.

New country managers in Southeast Asia

Tony Sham, country manager, Indonesia. Based in Jakarta, he replaces Matthew Choi, now general manager of corporate planning for HK Express.

He has been with Cathay Pacific for 34 years and achieved a wealth of experience in various parts of the business across several functional departments, including airline planning and international affairs, as well as in outports like Japan and Germany. Before his appointment, he worked as regional head of customer travel and lifestyle for Northeast Asia in Tokyo.

Vishnu Rajendran, country manager, Philippines. Based in Manila, he replaces Donald Morris, now country manager, Korea, based in Seoul.

Vishnu joined Cathay Pacific in 2008. Since then, he has taken on roles in marketing, sales and port management, and most recently was area manager in the Middle East. In addition to this role, Vishnu was also acting country manager for South Africa & Indian Ocean and acting country lead for Sri Lanka & Maldives.

Robbie Blackwood, country manager, Malaysia and Brunei. Based in Kuala Lumpur, he replaces Roger Li, now a cadet pilot with Cathay Pacific.

He joined Cathay Pacific in 2018 and has worked in various departments and key markets, including Hong Kong and Japan. Before his current role, Robbie gained experience in key areas for Cathay, including Cargo, Customer Experience, and People (HR).

Nicolas Masse, country manager, Vietnam & Cambodia. Based in Ho Chi Minh City, he replaces Jason Choi, now regional head of customer travel and lifestyle, Northeast Asia, based in Tokyo.

He has over two decades of experience in the aviation industry. He joined Cathay Pacific in 2007 and has since held several key positions overseeing sales, marketing and communications in Europe and Asia. Before his current appointment, he was Cathay Pacific’s country manager for Korea.

Keri Lui remains the country manager for Thailand, based in Bangkok.

*In Southeast Asia, Cathay Pacific flies to Singapore, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Penang), Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket), Indonesia (Jakarta, Denpasar and Surabaya), the Philippines (Manila and Cebu), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi) and Cambodia (Phnom Penh).

Thailand names Cabinet line-up

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 4 September 2023: A Royal Command has been issued by His Majesty the King and published in the Royal Gazette on 2 September, confirming the line-up of 34 ministers and deputies serving in the government led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Here are the key ministerial appointments that interact with or impact Travel and Tourism at a policy-making level.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. https://www.khaosodenglish.com

Prime minister
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (also finance minister).

Deputy prime ministers 
Phumtham Wechayachai (also commerce minister; 
Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara ( also foreign minister); 
Somsak Thepsuthin; 
Anutin Charnvirakul (also interior minister); 
Pirapan Salirathavibhaga (also energy minister);
Patcharawat Wongsuwan (also minister of natural resources and environment).

Travel & Tourism 
Minister of Tourism and Sports: Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol.
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit.
Deputy transport ministers Surapong Piyachote and Manaporn Charoensri.

Ministries pertinant to tourism
Prime Minister’s Office Minister Puangpetch Chunlaiad.
Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew.
Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovations Supamas Isarabhakdi.
Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Jantararuangtong.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.
Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich.
Education Minister: Permpoon Chidchob.
Industry Minister: Pimpatra Wichaikul.

(Source: Royal Gazette 2 September)

SriLankan Airlines Colours of Jaffna

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 September 2023: SriLankan Airlines launched its latest campaign, ‘The Colours of Jaffna,’ last week to support tourism expansion through a new video that captures striking architecture and cultural characteristics in the northern city of Jaffna and its famous peninsula.

The video zooms in on the annual Nallur Kandaswamy Festival hosted in Nallur town, Jaffna, the scene of enthusiastic festivities spanning 20 to 25 days. This year, the festival opened on 21 August and ends on 15 September. 

Complementing the promotional drive, the airlines’ leisure arm, SriLankan Holidays, has introduced holiday packages covering the best of Jaffna in cooperation with Jetwing Hotels as the exclusive hospitality partner. 

The next phase of the campaign will see content creators and social influencers travelling on SriLankan flights to experience the destination and inspire their fans to follow in their trail.

The invitation to experience Jaffna through the airlines’ network includes India’s single largest market, which is connected to the island with over 80 flights weekly from nine Indian cities.

The airline is also promoting travel activities focussing on the Asia Cup cricket tournament that ends on 17 September, and the annual Kandy Esala Perahera held from 21 to 24 August. It’s a festival recognised worldwide for its pageantry and magnificent elephant processions led by traditional dancers through Kandy town’s narrow city centre streets. The 2024 festival is scheduled for 10 to 20 July 2024.

THAI switches to A320 on some regional flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 4 September 2023: Thai Airways International deploys Airbus A320 aircraft to operate to four regional destinations, formerly flown by its subsidiary THAI Smile Airways, which is being merged back into the parent airline, a process due to be concluded in early 2024.

Services on routes from Bangkok to Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Kaohsiung and Penang are shifting from Thai Smile to THAI during September and October, starting with Ahmedabad on 1 September and ending with Kolkata on 29 October.

1. Bangkok – Ahmedabad  daily flights
• TG343 departs from Bangkok at 2030  and arrives in Ahmedabad at 2355 hours. From 29 October 2023, TG343 will depart from Bangkok at 2035 and arrive in Ahmedabad at 2355 hours (local time)
• TG344 departs from Ahmedabad at 0055 and arrives in Bangkok at 0655.

2. Bangkok – Kaohsiung daily flights
• TG630 departs from Bangkok at 1145 and arrives in Kaohsiung at 1615. (From 29 October 2023, TG630 will depart from Bangkok at 1155 hours and arrive in Kaohsiung at 1615.
• TG631 departs from Kaohsiung at 1715 and arrives in Bangkok at 1955.
(From 29 October 2023, TG631 departs from Kaohsiung at 1715 and arrives in Bangkok at 1945).

3. Bangkok – Penang daily flights 
• TG425 departs from Bangkok at 1920  and arrives in Penang at 2210 hours. (From 29 October 2023, TG425 departs from Bangkok at 1930 hours and arrives in Penang at 2220.
• TG426 departs from Penang at 08:05 hours (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 08:55.
(From 29 October 2023, TG426 will depart from Penang at 0805 and arrive in Bangkok at 0850.

4. Bangkok – Kolkata daily flights 
• TG313 departs from Bangkok at 2345 hours and arrives in Kolkata at 0045. (From 29 October 2023, TG313 will depart from Bangkok at 2335 and arrive in Kolkata at 0040.)
• TG314 departs from Kolkata at 0200 and arrives in Bangkok at 0600.
(From 29 October 2023, TG314 will depart from Kolkata at 0155 and arrive in Bangkok at 0550).

(Source: THAI)

Phuket restaurants clamour for a TOP25 listing

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TTR WEEKLY
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PHUKET, 1 September 2023: Travelindex will announce the winners of its 2023 TOP25 Restaurants Phuket Awards on 11 September, highlighting the favourite restaurants that illustrate why the Thai island is a popular destination for foodies.

The 2023 Awards Certificate Ceremony event will be hosted at the InterContinental Resort & Spa Phuket. It will also be the first in-person awards in Phuket, as the previous top 25 restaurants in Phuket were revealed by digital announcements only.

We are eager to share the 2023 Award Winners in Phuket, said TOP25 Restaurants Guide series founder Bernard Metzger. Phuket’s finest restaurants continue to impress patrons with the outstanding and delectable food served on the island.”

Since 2018, the annual list and awards have gained the attention of restaurant owners and chefs striving for a restaurant listing to boost their reputation and draw more customers.

About TOP25 Restaurants
The annual TOP25 Awards showcase the most outstanding restaurants and the ultimate collection of dining venues. In addition to Bangkok, Travelindex also publishes TOP25 Restaurant Guides in the following destinations: Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Delhi.

Kauai Beach is back in the OUTRIGGER fold

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 September 2023: OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels introduces Kauai Beach Resort & Spa in Hawaii, the latest addition to the hotel group’s global portfolio.

Located in the picturesque town of Lihue on the enchanting ‘Garden Island’ of Kauai, the resort is spread across 25 lush acres (10 ha) of beachfront property. It showcases 350 well-appointed rooms that offer breathtaking ocean views.

Hosts and management welcome the return of OUTRIGGER to the property.

The acquisition marks a pivotal step in OUTRIGGER’s expansion strategy and strengthens its presence on the four largest Hawaiian Islands.

Kauai Beach Resort & Spa holds a special place in OUTRIGGER’s history, having been managed by the company in the 1990s. With this acquisition, OUTRIGGER welcomes the property back into its fold, with plans to enhance the resort and provide an exceptional experience for its employees and guests.

The transition was marked by a traditional Hawaiian blessing led by Kumu Blaine Kamalani Kia – who started his career with OUTRIGGER 25 years earlier at the resort. The poignant ceremony included a mele kahea chant, which asked permission for OUTRIGGER to return to this special place. It was reciprocated by a mele komo chant of acceptance and invitation. A moment of silence was observed for the sister island of Maui, where wildfires recently devastated the town of Lahaina.
OUTRIGGER Hospitality Group president and CEO Jeff Wagoner acknowledged that it was an emotional time for Hawaii.

“OUTRIGGER feels the heartache of the Maui fires deeply. Last week, many of our employees lost their homes and loved ones. But in times of sorrow, there is a certain healing in embracing new beginnings and intentionally lifting people up. Today’s tying of the maile lei was about bringing people together, not only here but across Hawaii and the world. It is an important symbol for us to be able to link ourselves together and move on into the future,” he said.

Kumu Blaine Kia added: “It’s that unity of coming together – like no like, kekahi i kekahi – one with each other, and trying to make sure that we raise our consciousness in the aloha spirit. I feel strongly, without a doubt, that OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels carries that spirit… I want to ensure we sustain and perpetuate it for many generations.”

With a legacy spanning 75 years, OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels is a distinguished hospitality brand dedicated to providing extraordinary guest experiences through its premier beach locations, captivating beach bars, authentic live music and commitment to ocean conservation. The acquisition of Kauai Beach Resort & Spa marks another step in the brand’s expansion journey, highlighting its deep-rooted connection to Hawaii and its local communities.

For reservations and more information about OUTRIGGER Kauai Beach Resort & Spa, visit www.OUTRIGGER.com. Or connect with your local travel advisor.

Emirates adopts wildlife trade zero-tolerance

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 1 September 2023: Emirates has reinforced its commitment to environmentally responsible practices by achieving IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Stage One and the IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade module certification.

The IEnvA system is an industry-leading environmental management system, and Emirates has implemented stage one of its core scope comprising flight operations, corporate activities, and an illegal wildlife trade module that supports Emirates’ longstanding environmental commitment to preserving wildlife and habitats.

Emirates’ divisional senior vice president of international affairs Sheikh Majid Al Mualla said: “We are proud to achieve the IEnvA Stage One certification, which is a testament to our longstanding commitment to impactful environmental sustainability initiatives, while certification to the module on illegal wildlife trade reinforces our position as a global leader in the fight against the trafficking and exploitation of wildlife. In addition to initiatives such as our recent closed-loop recycling programme and demonstration flight powered with 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), we are committed to robust environmental management systems and driving real change within our operations and across the industry.”

IATA’s chief economist and SVP of sustainability Marie Owens Thomsen, added: “We congratulate Emirates on achieving the IEnvA Stage 1 certification, a clear indicator of the airline’s progress to full IEnvA Certification. Stakeholders, including governments, financiers and business partners, will know that Emirates is not just meeting global standards and best practices on sustainability but is committed to continuous improvements to stay at the forefront of sustainability. We look forward to working with Emirates to achieve our goal of reducing environmental impacts, fighting against illegal wildlife trafficking and enhancing social responsibility.”

Emirates is a global leader in the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking and exploitation, intending to protect the beauty and biodiversity of the natural world to serve as an inspiration for travel now and for future generations. The airline is a founding signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration and a member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, convened by The Royal Foundation.

Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s cargo arm, has a longstanding, zero-tolerance policy on illegal wildlife trade and a complete ban on hunting trophies for the Big 4. In addition to Emirates SkyCargo employees, wildlife awareness training has also been extended to employees in passenger services, including Cabin Crew, Emirates Airport Services and the Emirates Group Security team. The IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade certification demonstrates the company-wide commitment to taking action.

United for Wildlife’s transport and taskforce manager Ian Cruickshank noted: “As one of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce’s longest-standing members, Emirates continues to demonstrate their strong leadership in combatting wildlife trafficking. We congratulate the team on achieving this certification and look forward to ongoing collaboration to tackle wildlife crime worldwide.”

Earlier this year, Emirates committed US$200 million to research and development projects focussed on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation. Disbursed over three years, this is one of the biggest single commitments by any airline on sustainability, and by identifying partnerships with leading organisations, Emirates will contribute to finding innovative solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges.

For more information on flights or bookings, check out www.emirates.com. 

(Source: Emirates)

Find a travel job at the MATTA Career Fair

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 September 2023:The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) will debut the MATTA Tourism Career & Education Fair (MTCEF),2 September 2, 2023, at Hall 9, Level 3 of Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in conjunction with MATTA Fair.

This groundbreaking career event results from a strategic collaboration between MATTA and Taylor’s University, bringing together industry experts, educators and aspiring students for a day of knowledge and career-building opportunities.

CAPTION: Photo credit Taylor’s University. Career fair partner.

“MATTA Tourism Career & Education Fair (MTCEF) is poised to be a pivotal event in the field of tourism, facilitating dialogue and collaboration among professionals, students, and organisations in the Hospitality, Travel & Tourism, and Events sectors. With 20 exhibitors and an anticipated 100 participants from diverse backgrounds, this fair promises to be a hub of innovation and learning,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong.

The career fair boasts a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Wan Yon Shahima binti Wan Othman from HRD Corp, Associate Prof. Dr. Kandappan from Taylor’s University and Hannah Pearson from Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA). Together, they will provide invaluable insights into the tourism industry’s evolving dynamics.

“Aspiring students and industry enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of educational programs, internship opportunities, and career prospects offered by esteemed institutions and organisations. The career fair offers a unique platform for attendees to connect with industry professionals, educators, and peers, fostering connections that can shape their future careers and educational paths.” Wong explained.

“MTCEF underscores our commitment to nurturing the future leaders of the tourism industry. Through this event, we aim to empower students and professionals with the knowledge and connections needed to excel in the dynamic world of tourism.”

It is free admission to the career fair from 1000 to 1800 pm on 2 September 2023. MATTA provides free shuttle service to MITEC from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall. 

To encourage visitors to use the shuttle service, there will be a daily lucky draw to win a MYR100 Travel Voucher for redemption at the domestic exhibitor companies. The voucher is valid till 31 March 2024.

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