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Centara reimagines Collection brand

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 17 January 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is excited to announce the launch of The Centara Collection, a curated portfolio of one-of-a-kind properties that celebrate individuality, authenticity and creativity to immerse guests in the spirit of their destinations.

Formerly known as the Centara Boutique Collection, the portfolio has been transformed and elevated to a new level of distinction. The Centara Collection is committed to “Inspiring Individuality,” and with a refreshed visual identity, a refined curation of member hotels, and an emphasis on the quality and uniqueness of every property, it is set to appeal greatly to travellers with a passion for exploration who seek bespoke experiences that are as unique as they are.

Each member of The Centara Collection will be defined and united by distinguishing features and offerings, including distinctive design (whether through eye-catching interiors, innovative architecture or artistic expression), immersive local experiences that reflect the culture and heritage of their locale, and curated creativity. These high-end hotels and resorts will strive to enhance their guests’ lifestyles and connect them with their destinations.

The essence of The Centara Collection is to provide travellers with a true sense of place, which reflects the spirit of its neighbourhood, whether it is an intriguing urban district, a culture-rich rural retreat, or an idyllic natural environment.

Centara can now reveal that the acclaimed Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives will be renamed Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives, as it becomes the first international member of The Centara Collection. This award-winning resort offers experiential stays with a deep connection to nature, including one of the Maldives’ finest house reefs, diving experiences, and aquatic adventures to uncover the underwater treasures of the Indian Ocean. The exclusivity and uniqueness of this natural wonder make it the perfect fit for this experiential new brand collection.

Two exceptional Thai hotels join This world-class resort in The Centara Collection. The celebrated Roukh Kiri Khao Yai is nestled amid the rolling hills of Northeast Thailand, overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest of Khao Yai National Park. It features just 13 rustic, barn-inspired villas with private outdoor bathtubs or plunge pools, sweeping mountain vistas, and organic gardens. Showcasing the tropical beauty of Southern Thailand, Varivana Resort Koh Phangan is the place where the mountains meet the sea. The resort offers an eye-catching island retreat with 39 stylish rooms, spacious private balconies and a spectacular 28-metre rooftop saltwater infinity pool.

Looking ahead, Centara is seeking opportunities to expand The Centara Collection with more original properties in extraordinary locations in Thailand and worldwide.

“We are delighted to reveal The Centara Collection, our curated compilation of hotels and resorts that are unified by their uniqueness. At Centara, we understand that today’s discerning travellers not only want to visit a destination – they want to experience it. By blending design, creativity and authenticity, all underpinned by our group’s warm, Thai hospitality, we aim to inspire every guest to uncover the spirit of their locale,” said Ron Cusiter, Executive Vice President – Commercial, Centara Hotels & Resorts.

Centara offers six leading brands across all market sectors, from affordable lifestyle to luxury. The launch of The Centara Collection marks the latest phase of the group’s brand enhancement strategy, which recognizes the need to continuously evolve product offerings and signature experiences to remain relevant and consolidate its position as the pre-eminent Thai hospitality group.

For more information about Centara, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

Incheon International Airport partners with Cirium

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 January 2025: Seoul’s Incheon International Airport partners with Cirium to accelerate digital transformation, optimise airport resources, and develop master planning modules for IIAC’s overseas airport ventures.

With a global coverage of over 35 million flights, Cirium’s data will drive two IIAC state-of-the-art aviation solutions: Simulator and MasterPlanner.

Photo credit: Cirium. Signing ceremony at Incheon Seoul, South Korea.

Simulator: This solution will optimise the allocation of facilities (such as check-in counters and security checkpoints) and workforce management by calculating passenger delays and queue times.

MasterPlanner: This solution will analyse annual facility requirements and cost-benefit ratios beneficial for new airport construction or expansion projects.

Through the partnership, Incheon International Airport Corporation (ILAC) can leverage Cirium’s aviation data to research airport data technology and commercialisation. 

High-level officials attended The signing ceremony, including Kim Beom-ho, IIAC Executive Vice President, and Youngsuk Chi, Director of Corporate Affairs and Asia Strategy for RELX, Cirium’s parent company.

Cirium supplies comprehensive aviation datasets and insights, ranging from flight statuses, schedules and routes to fleets and emissions. The company brings 115 years of experience serving various aviation stakeholders, including airlines, airports, financial institutions, government agencies, manufacturers, and technology firms.

Love the Philippines attracts travel buyers

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 January 2025: The Philippines’ pavilion at Travex, the travel mart component of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025, was a hot spot for the 323 international buyers from 42 countries keen on updating their island travel products for their Southeast Asia tour content.

The Love the Philippines team was led by Tourism Development and Planning Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, joined by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Nograles and TPB Market Representative in Malaysia, Dato Melissa Ong.

The Philippine delegation included 17 private stakeholders representing travel and tour agencies, hotels and resorts, MICE venues, and an airline. 

The opening ceremony at the Love the Philippines pavilion came alive with captivating performances by the Sindaw Performing Arts Guild and Acapellago, with a vibrant rendition of “Island Philippines”.

During the Philippines’ country briefing, TPB COO Nograles highlighted key industry updates and achievements on behalf of the Department of Tourism, sharing insights and answering media questions alongside DOT officials.

ATF TRAVEX ends today, 17 January, with an official delegate count of 1,000 delegates, 221 seller organisations, 100 hosted media, and 323 international buyers. Sellers from 10 ASEAN bloc countries occupied 2OO booths at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre. The mart ran from 15 to 17 January at the conference centre in Johor Bahru.

Scoot adds Vienna and Iloilo to network

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 17 January 2025: Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), announced Thursday the launch of direct flight services to Vienna, Austria, and Iloilo City, Philippines.

Three times weekly flights to Vienna will begin on 3 June 2025 using a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, configured for 329 passengers in two cabin classes. 

Photo credit: Scoot. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner flies to Vienna.

Flights to Iloilo City in the Philippines will commence on 14 April 2025 using the 112-seat Embraer E190-E2 aircraft. The initial frequency will be twice weekly, progressively increasing to four weekly starting in June 2025.

Vienna, dubbed the City of Music, is famous as the birthplace of classical composers Mozart and Strauss, making it a dream destination for cultural enthusiasts. The city enchants travellers with its majestic architectural charm, rich heritage and timeless artistic allure. Its central location makes it an excellent gateway to explore Eastern Europe and an ideal starting point for multi-city European adventures on scenic road trips. Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is just 50 kilometres away from Vienna Airport, while Budapest, Hungary and cities in Czechia, Croatia, and Slovenia are all within a three-hour drive.

Nestled in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, Iloilo City is known for its stunning Spanish-era churches and one of the largest religious festivals in the Philippines, the Dinagyang Festival. This bustling city offers a perfect mix of cultural charm and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, making it an attractive escapade for a quick recharge.

Scoot Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng said: “We remain committed to expanding our network and connecting travellers to new destinations worldwide at a great value. As the only airline offering direct flights between Singapore and Vienna, we are thrilled to introduce this new service in June, just before the holidays. With the launch of direct flights to Iloilo City, we also hope to inspire our customers to explore more cities within South East Asia and embark on new travel experiences.”

Bookings for flights to Vienna and Iloilo City went live on 16 January on Scoot’s website, mobile app, and progressively through other channels. 

One-way economy class fares start at SGD309 to Vienna and SGD129 to Iloilo City, while one-way ScootPlus fares start at SGD659 to Vienna, including taxes.

In addition to these new destinations, Scoot will adjust its network to match better capacity to demand and optimise aircraft deployment. This includes suspending operations to Berlin and Jinan after their last flights on 28 March and 28 February, respectively.

Scoot will progressively contact affected customers with existing bookings made directly with Scoot to assist with rebooking or refunding, where applicable. For bookings made through travel agents or partner airlines, customers should contact their travel agent or purchasing airline for assistance.

Flight schedules

*Commencing June 2025.
Flight schedules are subject to government and regulatory approvals or changes. 

TransNusa to fly Bali-Perth route

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TTR WEEKLY
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JAKARTA, Indonesia, 17 January 2025: TransNusa Aviation Mandiri (TransNusa) kicks off 2025 by introducing a new international route between Indonesia’s top tourism destination, Bali and Perth, Australia, effective 20 March 2025.

TransNusa opened online ticket sales on 15 January via its website and through online travel agencies. Fare starts at IDR1,799,000 (AUD169, USD163 and MYR514). 

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Bernard Francis said TransNusa has introduced this new international route to provide passengers with additional travel choices on one of the busiest routes between Indonesia and Australia.

“Bali-Perth is a golden route with the highest number of passengers annually. Hence, the demand for this route is significant,” said Datuk Bernard, adding that TransNusa will launch the maiden flight from Bali to Perth on 20 March.

Initially, TransNusa will operate three weekly flights on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. From 12 April, the airline will increase frequency to four weekly, adding a Tuesday departure and, from 1 June, introducing daily services.

TransNusa will deploy an Airbus A320 with 174 seats for the three-hour and 40-minute flight.

Flight schedule

Flight 8B080 will depart Bali at 0910 from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) and arrive in Perth (PER) at 1250. 
Flight 8B081 will depart Perth (PER) at 1335 and arrive at Denpasar (DPS), Bali, 1720. 

TransNusa already operates flights from Bali to Indonesia’s diving haven, Manado scheduling five flights weekly. Tourists from Perth will have an opportunity to extend their holiday to Manado.

TransNusa introduced its first international route between Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur’s Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Intl Airport (SZB) in October 2023, offering daily flights using a 174-seat A320. TransNusa is currently based in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

AirAsia targets 5 million guests to Sabah in 2025

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 16 January 2025: AirAsia targets 5 million passengers to Sabah through its Kota Kinabalu hub as well as Sandakan, and Tawau airports during 2025, almost doubling from the 3.7 million arrivals recorded in 2024. 

The growth target includes both domestic and international travellers and reinforces AirAsia’s leadership in enhancing the region’s connectivity and contributing to its economic growth.

Datuk Captain Chester Voo, Deputy CEO (Airline Operations) of AirAsia Aviation Group and Julinus Jimit, Sabah Tourism Board CEO at the AirAsia roadshow in Kota Kinabalu on 13 January 2025.

Confirming its 2025 expansion plans, the low-cost airline group will strengthen its network of 27 routes, comprising 13 domestic and 14 international connections to and from Sabah. These enhancements are expected to contribute to a 35% increase in flights to over 51,500 annually and a 43% growth in seat capacity.

In 2024, AirAsia helped Sabah reach its goal of over 3 million visitors, reinforcing its position as the leading airline supporting connectivity and tourism growth on Borneo Island’s two Malaysian states, Sarawak and Sabah.

As part of efforts to rally the region’s tourism ecosystem, the airline is holding a series of roadshows across Sabah to strengthen partnerships and align efforts in improving essential tourism touchpoints such as accommodation, activities, transportation, and accessibility and explore strategic investments to elevate its tourism infrastructure.

AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said: “Sabah is integral to AirAsia’s network, and we are proud to be the leading airline connecting the region to Malaysia and key international markets. Our ambitious 2025 goal of welcoming 5 million guests reaffirms this commitment, underscored by significant investments in operational capacity to increase flights and targeted marketing efforts. With higher arrivals, these initiatives can potentially create substantial economic multiplier effects for the region and local businesses, fueled by a robust supply chain and increased tourist spending. 

“Our growth in Sabah would not be possible without the impactful collaborations we have built with the Sabah Tourism Board and industry partners. To sustain this momentum, we strongly advocate for greater cooperation and shared incentives from key players in the tourism and hospitality sectors, including hotels and tourism players. By investing in joint promotions and supporting strategic routes, we can amplify tourism’s economic benefits for Sabah and maintain a steady growth trajectory.

“Complementing these efforts, AirAsia is making targeted investments in Fly-Thru offerings and expanding key routes in high-priority markets such as Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan. These initiatives are further strengthened by sustained campaigns to attract travellers from China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. We aim to position Sabah with our partners as a thriving global destination that benefits communities beyond the airport and cements its standing as a world-class tourism hub.”

Sabah Tourism Board CEO Julinus Jimit, said: “AirAsia’s extensive network and continued investments have strengthened Sabah’s position as a key gateway for both domestic and international travellers. We are excited to deepen further our collaboration to enhance the region’s offerings and ensure that all stakeholders are prepared to cater to the projected increase in tourist arrivals resulting from AirAsia’s initiatives.”

In 2024, AirAsia and STB entered into a strategic five-year partnership to boost the region’s tourism industry by improving air connectivity across the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and expanding links to the broader ASEAN region, North Asia, and Oceania from 2024 to 2028.

For more information on Sabah visit Sabah Tourism Board

Emirates unveils new Real Madrid livery on B777

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE: 16 January 2025: Emirates, the Official Main Partner of Real Madrid, has unveiled a special livery on one of its Boeing 777 aircraft. 

The aircraft touched down in Madrid last week, flying the club’s first team players on a specially chartered flight to Jeddah ahead of the Spanish Super Cup tournament from 8 to 12 January.

Emirates has been a partner of Real Madrid since 2011 and became the club’s jersey sponsor in 2013. The airline will remain the Official Main Sponsor of the Spanish club until 2026, making it the longest jersey sponsorship in La Liga history. 

The striking decal features some of the club’s top players, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham, Lucas Vazquez and Federico Valverde.

Over the past decade, Emirates has offered fans a chance to connect with legendary players, enjoy exclusive experiences and ‘fly better’ moments. Taking the partnership to new heights – Real Madrid fans can now catch their favourite team soaring through the skies as the special Boeing 777 is scheduled to serve Athens, Vienna, Miami, Seattle, and Kuwait, amongst other cities.

Emirates launched operations to Madrid in 2010, and the airline currently serves the city with a double daily service using a fleet mix of A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

As part of its multi-billion dollar retrofit programme, Emirates has rolled out 36 fully refurbished aircraft (26 A380s and 10 Boeing 777s) with new interiors, including the highly lauded premium economy cabin. The airline also recently welcomed its first A350 to its growing fleet, and today, it serves Edinburgh, Kuwait, and Bahrain, with other cities set to receive its latest generation aircraft in the coming days.

For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com. Tickets can also be booked on Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

Booking.com expands payment options

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 January 2025: Booking.com and Antom, a merchant payment and digitisation service under Ant International, introduce a strategic partnership to improve payment options across key Asian markets.

It enables Booking.com to unlock business opportunities across Asia — Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines. Each market presents distinct challenges, including varying payment methods, currencies and regulatory frameworks. Antom navigates the complexity through its extensive payment channel partnerships in over 40 countries.

Booking.com, through its partnership with Antom will make over forty payment options available over time, including online banking, bank transfers, digital wallets and local card payments. 

Key mobile wallets such as AlipayHK (Hong Kong SAR, China), Boost (Malaysia), GCash (the Philippines), GrabPay (Singapore), Kakao Pay (South Korea), Naver Pay (South Korea), Touch’n Go eWallet (Malaysia) and TrueMoney (Thailand) will be the first to be introduced as new payment methods.

Explore Kuching on electric motorbikes

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 16 January 2025: Tourism Malaysia is promoting the Borneo Green Bike Tour, a new eco-friendly initiative by Smart Leisure & Travels that encourages responsible tourism in Kuching, Sarawak. 

The Borneo Green Bike Tour offers an engaging opportunity to visit iconic landmarks in Kuching on electric motorbikes. By promoting eco-friendly travel, the tour aligns with Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and supports the country’s broader ecotourism goals.

As part of the National Ecotourism Plan (2016-2025), Malaysia prioritises nature-based and sustainable tourism initiatives contributing to local conservation efforts and economic growth. The Borneo Green Bike Tour is a step forward in this direction, encouraging responsible travel practices and helping to preserve the environment while providing travellers with a deeper connection to the culture and landscapes of Sarawak.

The tour represents a perfect blend of sustainability and exploration, offering an exciting and educational way to experience Kuching while reducing the carbon footprint of tourism.

About the Borneo Green Bile Tour

The Borneo Green Bike Tour is a relaxed 3.5 to 4-hour journey to accommodate all fitness levels. As guests explore Kuching’s most iconic landmarks, English and Mandarin-speaking guides are available to lead the way.

The tour covers many sights, including the historic Brooke Monument, Kai Joo Lane, the Chinese History Museum, and the Kuching South City Council (MBKS). Other highlights include the White Cat Statue, Tua Pek Kong Temple, Carpenter Street, the Borneo Cultures Museum, Sarawak Museum, Medan Niaga Satok, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Malay Kampung (Kampung Gersik), Fort Margherita, the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), Astana Sarawak, Kuching City Mosque, Brooke Dockyard & Old Fire Brigade Station Lookout Tower, and Square Tower.

The tour offers two options: the “Self-Riding” option, priced from MYR 150  per person, allows travellers to ride the motorbikes independently, while the “With Rider” option, starting at MYR290 per person, provides a driver. Both options include a knowledgeable guide to lead the tour.

Both options feature eco-friendly electric motorbikes that provide a comfortable and sustainable way to enjoy sightseeing while reducing carbon emissions. This immersive tour is the perfect way to experience Kuching’s rich heritage and vibrant culture in an environmentally responsible way.

Smart Leisure & Travels is a Malaysian-based travel agency endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to promote Malaysia, especially Sarawak’s diverse cultures, traditions and arts.

Smart Leisure Travels website: www.smartleisuretravels.com. Email: [email protected]. 
For more information on Sarawak visit: https://www.sarawaktourism.com/web/home/index/.

PATA forecasts a win for Hong Kong Uni

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 16 January 15, 2025: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has extended its partnership with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) for an additional three years (2024–2027) to continue publishing the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts reports.

“As the global travel and tourism industry develops, the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts reports will continue to serve as a critical resource for stakeholders to address challenges and identify emerging opportunities in the face of economic and geopolitical uncertainties,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “The decision to renew our agreement with PolyU, a leading educational institution renowned for its world-class interdisciplinary research, will ensure that PATA members receive the most updated insights on the region’s tourism demands.”

Third from the left, Noor Ahmad Hamid, CEO, PATA; and Panadda Suk-in, Executive – Research, PATA (far right), with professors from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Centre for Digital Transformation of Tourism, School of Hotel and Tourism Management.

The agreement to collaborate on the project “Further Development of the Tourism Demand Forecasting for Asia Pacific Region (Phase 4),” reinforces the ongoing cooperation between PATA and PolyU to leverage advanced statistical forecasting techniques, scenario analyses, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and stakeholder insights to produce the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts reports, which covers inbound visitors, tourism receipts, and departures. 

The reports provide tourism professionals, businesses, and destinations with essential insights for policymaking, strategic planning, and operational management, enabling them to navigate evolving demand patterns and make informed decisions amidst both current and future global challenges.

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