Thursday, May 1, 2025
Home Blog Page 522

CWT launches China service hub

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 15 June 2022: The CWT, a leading business travel management platform, has launched a new bilingual service centre that will offer companies 24/7 travel assistance in English and Mandarin.

This is in response to growing demand from Chinese multinationals that require a convenient and consistent corporate travel experience for their employees based outside China.

The service centre, located in Singapore, consists of a team of travel counsellors who are fluent in both languages and have received special training in Chinese culture and traveller preferences.

Companies that sign up for this service will have access to 24/7 assistance for their employees’ travel arrangements, including flight, ground transport and hotel bookings, as well as on-trip support in the event of trip disruptions such as flight delays and cancellations.

“We have seen a swift resumption in travel by our Chinese clients’ overseas employees, as countries around the world have relaxed restrictions,” said CWT general manager China Albert Zhong. “In the case of certain companies, executives are already travelling as much—or even more—than they were pre-pandemic times.”

One of China’s biggest technology companies became the first customer to use the service in May. CWT has several other large Chinese multinational clients that have expressed interest and are expected to subscribe to the service later this year.

CWT established its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Singapore in 1996.

Scoot returns to Japan

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 15 June 2022: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), has launched ticket sales for nonstop flights from Singapore to Tokyo and Osaka in Japan.

The launch marks Scoot’s first nonstop service to Tokyo. Until the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020, Scoot operated flights to Tokyo with a stop in Taipei or Bangkok. The new service will fly daily from the airline’s home base in Singapore

Scoot resumes daily nonstop flights to Osaka after a two-year gap. On both routes, the airline will use its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Lead-in fares for the Singapore – Tokyo (Narita) and Singapore – Osaka routes start from SGD263 and SGD296 (taxes inclusive, one way).

As Japan kickstarts its first phase of reopening, travel agents in Singapore are monitoring an uptick in bookings for holidays in Japan.

TOKYO

Singapore – Tokyo (Narita)

From 1 August – 29 October 2022

Flight Number

Frequency

Departure

Arrival

Fleet

TR 808

Daily

0110

0855

B787-9

Tokyo (Narita) – Singapore

From 1 August – 29 October 2022

Flight Number

Frequency

Departure

Arrival

Fleet

TR 809

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

1000

1630

B787-9

Sunday

1000

1620

OSAKA

Singapore – Osaka

From 1 September – 29 October 2022

Flight Number

Frequency

Departure

Arrival

Fleet

TR 818

Daily

0625

1410

B787-8

Osaka – Singapore

From 1 September – 29 October 2022

Flight Number

Frequency

Departure

Arrival

Fleet

TR 819

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

1515

2110

B787-8

Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday

1515

2130

RWMF revives famous workshop sessions

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KUCHING, 14 June 2022: Festival-goers at the iconic Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2022 will enjoy an array of exciting daytime activities around the event’s venue at Sarawak Cultural Village will reflect on the festival’s 25-year journey.

The RWMF will bring diverse, talented musicians from different disciplines together under unifying themes to showcase, jam and create unique music in the setting of the Sarawak Cultural Village. Through these sessions of intertwining contemporary and traditional music, the legacy of RWMF is built and preserved to keep world music alive for years to come.

The daytime ‘workshops’, which are a prelude and complement the night concerts at the iconic event, feature fun and educational activities with various themes that encompass the elements of dance, music, story-telling, musical instruments and even a session designed especially for the children to learn on culture and heritage.

Among the highlights of the workshops is the family-friendly Kiddies Club where young children will have the opportunity to learn and play with traditional instruments such as the sape’, the Malay kompang and many others. As RWMF celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, this workshop is a reflection on how important it is to pass on the rich musical heritage of Sarawak to the next generation.

For the full programme for the nightly concerts and the details of the daytime workshops at the RWMF Friday 17 June, Saturday 18 June and Sunday 19 June visit: https://rwmf.net/our-programme/

Rainforest World Music Festival 2022

The Rainforest World Music Festival-themed “Legendary Rainforest Celebration” will be held from 17 to 19 June 2022, adopting a hybrid format this year with the physical concert at Sarawak Cultural Village while viewers can also Livestream it from their homes via an online viewing platform. Visit www.rwmf.net  for more information and to purchase tickets. 

RWMF will feature a host of international performers from Canada, India, USA, Finland, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Australia, Madagascar, Ukraine, China, Bhutan and Seoul, among others, while showcasing a string of Malaysia’s own talents such as Alena Murang, At Adau from Sarawak, Bamboo Woods from Sabah, Bourbon Lassi from Kuala Lumpur and many more.

Festival-goers can choose from the different ticket categories at pre-sale prices – Adult 1-Day Pass (RM165), Adult 3-Day Pass (RM405), Child 1-Day Pass (RM85), Child 3-Day Pass (RM195) and 1-Day Family Package Pass- 2 Adult and 2 Children (RM440). The virtual tickets are priced at RM25 per one-hour block.

Borneo Jazz 2022

Meanwhile, themed “Jazz in The Jungle”, the 17th edition of Borneo Jazz will be held from 24 to 26 June 2022 in Coco Cabana, Miri in a hybrid format for the first time to reach out to the greater jazz-loving community worldwide. Performers from a host of countries, namely Singapore, Japan, France, Switzerland, USA, and Hungary, not to mention the best names in Malaysian jazz will be showcasing their talent in Jazz music. For more information on the festival or to purchase a ticket, visit jazzborneo.com.

For the general category, 1-Day Pass is priced at MYR128 per ticket, 2-Day Pass is RM228 per ticket and 3-Day Pass is MYR338 per ticket. As for students and senior citizens, 1-Day Pass is priced at MYR88 per ticket, 2-Day Pass is RM128 per ticket and 3-Day Pass is MYR188 per ticket. For virtual viewing, tickets are priced at MYR25 per one-hour block.

Tourism associations sign MOU

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 14 June 2022: Two travel and tourism organisations will collaborate to advance the careers of African women in the travel and hospitality sector in Africa.

The World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH) and The African Association of Women in Tourism and Hospitality (AAWTH) will implement training and advance their complementary agendas, as defined in a new memorandum of understanding signed by the two associations, on 10 June 2022.

From left: Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu, Daphne Spencer and Nigel Fell.

CEO of WTACH, Nigel Fell, said: “Africa has extraordinary potential as both a culture and heritage destination and a vibrant outbound source market, so the timing is right to enhance opportunities for enterprising African women seeking to make a positive difference in tourism across the continent.”

WTACH will be supported in that agenda by the co-founders and senior members of AAWTH, all of whom have set up successful tourism businesses or held senior positions in leading travel companies in Africa and the US.

AAWTH campaigns for four policy changes by African governments.

  • Tourism taxation funds to be used in research and sustainability.
  • Lending cost waivers and tax breaks for indigenous investors, especially women.
  • Funding for education and career advancement programmes for women.
  • Secure, flexible, and accommodating work environments for women to rise up through organisations.

Both WTACH and AAWTH want an inclusive future for the tourism industry in Africa. This includes setting basic standards of job qualification within the tourism and hospitality sector.

“We will work with WTACH on training, empowerment and setting professional standards,” said the CEO of Hospitality Amplified and AAWTH co-founder, Daphne Spencer, who is from Ghana.

AAWTH chair and founding board and Chair of Women in Hospitality, Nigeria, Amaka Amatokwu-Ndekwu added: “Empowerment and inclusivity are crucial to helping African women get ahead — whether they want to be a barista, in the boardroom, or start their own company.”

Based in Sydney, Australia, World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage seeks to establish clear goals, objectives and strategies for the protection of cultural heritage through responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Working in collaboration with public, private and specialist academic sector organisations. WTACH was established in 2018 by Chris Flynn, a former Pacific region director at the Pacific Asia Travel Association.

Bali’s festivals are back

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BALI, 14 June 2022: After a two-year pause, the Ubud Food Festival returns to two venues in the hillside village of Ubod from 24 to 26 June.

The 6th Ubud Food Festival will entertain locals and visitors over three days, with the organisers confident that this year will be the best year yet, according to their media releases to the local press.

The founder of Ubud Food Festival, Janet DeNeefe told Bali Sun: ‘We are very happy to be able to welcome more chefs and culinary figures to Ubud, including Nyesha Arrington, Diana Beltran, and Tamara Chevez along with Indonesian chefs and culinary figures Fernando Sindu, Pande Egi and Vivilya Millian. The festival lineup includes over 70 events from panel discussions on foodie tourism to practical workshops featuring tastings and cooking demonstrations.”

The Ubud Food Festival returning to Bali is one of many annual events relaunching in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Last week the Bali Film Festival got underway, and the month-long Bali Arts Festival opened on 12 June, running until 10 July.

“These events demonstrate Bali’s tourism is back, and we are on the road to recovery an inbound tour operator commented on the sidelines of the food festival’s launch press briefing.

Bali’s airport statistics for May show slightly more than a million visitors travelled to the island, up 64% over the same month in 2021. The airport handled just over 7,000 flights during May.

In its latest weekly synopsis of trending events, Bali Update noted the island’s attractions are gearing up to welcome tourists. The Sukawati Traditional Art Market has officially opened north of Denpasar, destined to become a major shopping destination on the island.

Meanwhile, leading Indonesian online travel agent, Traveloka reports that Bali continues to trend as the top travel destination for both domestic and international travellers.

Bali Update said the return of events and attractions was illustrated by the month-long 44th Bali Arts Festival underway on 12 June, with a gala opening parade presided over by Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo.

For more details about the Ubud Food Festival’s programme and to purchase tickets visit http://www.ubudfoodfestival.com/.

(Source: Bali Sun, Bali Update)

Philippines hosts travel expo

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

MANILA, 14 June 2022: The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) will stage the 29th Travel Tour Expo from 24 to 26 June, claiming it will be the biggest travel expo in the country, packed with discounts on tour packages.

According to the PTTA’s media statement, the biggest discounts will be tagged on holidays to South Korea and Japan, two destinations that are hugely popular with Filipino travellers.

Both South Korea and Japan have recently opened their borders, with Japan linking entry to buying a tour package from a recognised travel firm.

At least 142 exhibitors will participate in the 29th Travel Tour Expo and the business-to-business travel trade mart 7th International Travel Trade Expo (iTTE), which will be held at the SMX Convention Centre, the Philippines News Agency reported.

“We’re offering or promoting all the destinations, locally and internationally, especially those that relaxed their protocols,” PTAA president Michelle Taylan told the press briefing last Thursday.

Cebu Pacific, one of the exhibitors, also promised flights to South Korea and Japan at markdown fares.

Cebu Pacific passenger sales & distribution director Arlene Tena confirmed Japan opened the country for tourists starting 10 June, but they must book their trips through Japan-accredited tour operators.

Korea is more relaxed, allowing travellers to visit the country without pre-purchasing an accredited tour package.

PTAA’s expo should attract 30,000 to 45,000 visitors over the three days of sales sessions.

(Source: Philippines News Agency)

Phuket’s annual marathon returns

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

PHUKET, 14 June 2022: The Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon returned with a roar as more than 7,000 runners from 63 countries joined the popular event at the weekend.

It marked the return of international sporting events to Thailand’s shore after a two-year gap.

While the cool morning start on Sunday was appreciated by the longer-distance runners, the humidity added to the challenge and the top three finishers in the Men’s Marathon went to Thai runners. Apichai Phujit claimed the trophy in a time of 02:50:20, more than five minutes faster than the 2020 winner, while second place went to Teerayut Katrahong and Santi Fungfueang was in third. The Women’s race was similarly dominated by Thai runners, with Satowa Ota crossing first in a time of 03:23:47 with Nuntaporn TengAmnuay in second and just 30 seconds behind Sasiwimon Khongjit finished third.

In the Marathon Relay, it was Team Jetts that claimed the honours in an impressive time of 02:41:18, ahead of Team Surakul in second and Team Blue Tree Running Club 2 in third.

The dates have been set for next year: the 17th Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is scheduled for 10 to 11 June 2023.

Overall Results

Top three in each distance are below. For detailed results, visit www.sportstats.asia.

Marathon – Men

1) Apichai Phujit (THA), 02:50:20

2) Teerayut Katrahong (THA), 02:56:00

3) Santi Fungfueang (THA), 02:59:30

Marathon – Women

1) Satowa Ota (THA), 03:23:47    

2) Nuntaporn TengAmnuay (THA), 03:30:23    

3) Sasiwimon Khongjit (THA), 03:31:03  

Marathon Relay

1) Team Jetts (THA), 02:41:18

2) Team Surakul (THA), 03:18:47

3) Team Blue Tree Running Club 2 (THA), 04:18:25

Half Marathon – Men

1) Sergei Zyrianov (RUS), 01:13:21

2) Mohamed Rasheed (MDV), 01:19:01

3) Mood Chaison (THA), 01:21:24

Half Marathon – Women

1) Manussanun Kumpituk (THA), 01:34:22

2) Supisara Nunta (THA), 01:36:39

3) Nopchaya Handittagul (THA), 01:37:32

10.5KM – Men

1) Ronald Setiawan (IND), 36:58

2) Nattapong Buachay (THA), 37:14

3) Tanadol Witsarutsin (THA), 38:00

10.5KM – Women

1) Dimity-Lee Duke (AUS), 39:23

2) Voraphan Nuansri  (THA), 41:22

3) Suwaree Thanaaeknithiwat (THA), 44:32

5KM – Men

1) Sergei Zyrianov (RUS), 15:58

2) Mohamed Rasheed (MDV), 16:32

3) Kiyun Kaddoura (FRA), 18:11

5KM – Women

1) Siena Milgate (AUS), 19:57

2) Auksarapuk sangruksa (THA), 20:41

3) Chiara Jessica Egger (AUS), 21:27

2KM Kids Run – Boy

1) Kittikhun Lankhunthod (THA), 06:56

2) Korawin Chaichamroonphan (THA), 07:50

3) Nathee Gorton (THA), 08:07

2KM Kids Run – Girl

1) Kawinthip Wongthawat (THA), 08:36

2) Anastasiia Maiorova  (RUS), 10:14 3) Chloe Issara Weigl (THA), 10:18

Jetstar Asia goes daily to Bali and Bangkok

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 14 June 2022: Jetstar Asia has received approval to operate daily services from Singapore to Bangkok starting 1 July.

The airline will expand its current five weekly flights to daily, providing fully vaccinated travellers with more options to visit Bangkok, Thailand.

Starting Monday, Jetstar Asia increased services between Singapore and Denpasar from five to daily as more travellers are booking trips to Bali.

As travel restrictions ease across the region, Jetstar, in collaboration with third-party technology company Sherpa, has introduced an interactive global map on jetstar.com to help travellers access the most up-to-date information as they navigate Covid-19-related travel restrictions and requirements.

The colour-coded map shows which destinations are open to visitors and the latest information on entry requirements, including Covid-19 testing and quarantine measures.

Jetstar Asia CEO Bara Pasupathi said: “Overseas business trips, international holidays and visiting family and friends abroad are back on our customer’s agenda”. Jetstar’s Fly Flexible policy offers customers who book flights before 30 June 2022 a ‘fee free’ date change when travelling before 31 August 2023. Jetstar also extended credit vouchers for use until at least 31 December 2022 for flights up to the end of 2023.

Firefly is back flying to Seletar Airport

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 14 June 2022: Firefly reinstated its flights Monday to Seletar Airport in Singapore from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang, Malaysia.

A media statement from Changi Airport said it was “another significant milestone as part of post-pandemic recovery initiatives”.

FY3124 departed from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport to Seletar Airport with 59 passengers on board, including Firefly’s chief executive officer, Philip See. They were welcomed by Changi Airport Group executive vice president, Airport Management Tan Lye Teck.

Firefly started flights to Seletar in April 2019 and suspended them in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

With the resumption of scheduled flights, the airline will operate twice-daily Kuala Lumpur-Singapore services from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport to Seletar Airport.

“This recommencement has become one of the highlights for Firefly this year, especially after the last flight in March 2020. Singapore has become one of the important destinations for us, connecting leisure and business passengers. Hence, this recommencement will be able to connect passengers from both countries whilst enhancing the economy via the tourism industry”, said Firefly CEO Philip See.

To prepare for the resumption of scheduled flights, Changi Airport Group, which manages Seletar Airport, has conducted multiple operational trials and system tests with Seletar’s airport partners. Airport staff also participated in refresher training sessions and briefings on operational and safety requirements to prepare them to serve passengers. CAG has engaged taxi companies to raise awareness of Firefly’s resumption of flights. Taxi drivers that make the trip to Seletar Airport to pick up passengers will also enjoy complimentary coffee and tea in June.

All Firefly passengers travelling to and from Seletar gain a 20kg complimentary baggage allowance, fast check-in and boarding and complimentary in-flight refreshments onboard.

Passengers travelling must be fully vaccinated and comply with all standard operating procedures (SOP) set by both countries before booking. International flights are subject to local government and regulatory approval.

Since the reopening of Malaysia’s borders and relaxation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP), Firefly has increased flights to several destinations in the country and will reinstate more international flights.

Princess resumes Australian sailings

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 13 June 2022: The return of cruising in Australia continued with the arrival of Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess into Brisbane, Queensland on 7 June to commence her inaugural season. 

The ship’s arrival marks the first-ever ship to be homeported at the new state-of-the-art Brisbane International Cruise Terminal and the first of Princess Cruises’ MedallionClass vessels to call Australia home.

Building on the momentum of sister line P&O Cruises Australia‘s Pacific Explorer’s first sailing from Sydney end of May, Coral Princess is set to depart on its first guest cruise on 16 June 2022.

Princess Cruises’ senior vice president Asia Pacific, UK and Europe, Stuart Allison said the ship’s homeport season in Brisbane was set to inject an estimated AUD60 million to the Queensland economy in crew and passenger spending, ship supplies and port charges.

“Queensland will feature front and centre in a new winter program of sailings from Australia, which demonstrates Princess Cruises’ commitment to cruising Down Under and to the local travel agent community. Our focus on Brisbane also reflects the demand for cruise holidays among Queenslanders and the growing interest in domestic cruising.”

The 2000-guest ship will offer 11 cruises departing Brisbane from 3 to 12 nights between June and August before returning for another 10 cruises this summer from November. The MedallionClass ship will make 48 calls to Queensland’s ports this year, including her first visits to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays, Cairns and Port Douglas.

Highlights of Coral Princess’ winter programme include:

  • Six short getaway cruises from Brisbane and Sydney – perfect ‘seacations’ for those with busy schedules needing a short break.
  • Five 7-day Queensland roundtrip cruises from Brisbane, sailing to Cairns, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach (for the Whitsundays).
  • A new 7-day New South Wales Coast roundtrip from Brisbane, with a maiden call to Eden (Sapphire Coast), Sydney, and Newcastle.
  • A new 12-day Queensland and New South Wales voyage, sailing roundtrip from Brisbane.
  • A new 12-day Queensland and the Conflict Islands voyage (roundtrip from Sydney or Brisbane) crossing the Coral Sea to visit the stunning and remote Conflict Islands in Papua New Guinea.

Visit: www.princess.com.

(Your Stories: Princess Cruises)

1...521522523...600Page 522 of 600

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.