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Emirates’ ice streams Shahid content

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 29 June 2022: Emirates partners with Shahid, the world’s leading Arabic streaming platform, to offer premium content exclusively onboard its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice.

Shahid is part of MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

This partnership makes Emirates ice the only channel to offer access to top-rated titles by Shahid Originals, aside from the streaming service’s own premium-subscription online platform.

From July 2022, all Emirates customers can enjoy an extensive selection of over 135 hours of Shahid content from 15 shows with something to appeal to all members of the family. Programme subtitles also make the content accessible to an even bigger international audience onboard Emirates.

The newly added content from Shahid adds to the extensive collection of Arabic content already available on Emirates with over 420 channels of audio and 170 channels of films and TV shows.

In total, Emirates’ award-winning ice inflight entertainment system, with over 5,000 channels, offers an unmatched breadth of content in 40 languages to cater to its global customer base, with more than 4,000 hours of movies and TV and close to 3,500 hours of music and podcasts.

Emirates’ senior vice president of retail, IFE & connectivity Patrick Brannelly said: “We are excited to welcome the world’s leading Arabic streaming service content onboard – so passengers can catch up on all their favourite entertainment inflight, just as they do at home. We look forward to growing the partnership and making even more of their popular shows and movies available to our customers in the future.”

MBC GROUP chief commercial and marketing officer (VOD) Natasha Matos-Hemingway added: “We are extremely proud to partner with Emirates, an award-winning airline who, like us, is always striving to give the best to their customers. Emirates is our first airline partner, and their global footprint enables us to reach viewers from many new markets and broaden the reach of our shows and brand – there is no better match for our ambitions.

“We are excited to offer Shahid’s content for Emirates’ customers to enjoy, just in time for the busiest travel season of the year.”

Shahid’s biggest original production Rashash, which has been hugely popular in the Arab region, will be streamed for the first time by an airline onboard Emirates. In addition, Emirates customers can enjoy a broad range of exclusive Shahid original titles and other hit MBC GROUP titles, including Anbar 6, Hell’s Gate, Dor Al Omor, Nemra Etnein, Al Shak, Al Jedar Al Rabea, Rahn El Tahqiq, 2020, Bi Saraha Ma’a, Dofa’at Beirut, Aghani Min Hayati, Kaf w Dafoof, and Salon Zahra. Content originates from territories including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Kuwait, Egypt, and Lebanon.

In addition to entertainment, Emirates ice offers a range of other practical features, such as checking the status of the flight while en route; a real-time view of the sky during take-off and landing from cameras that are fixed on the aircraft’s nose, tail and underbelly; a helpful travel guide about Emirates’ hub Dubai; EmiratesRED; the world’s first inflight TV shopping channel; and a range of personal development content including LinkedIn Learning.

Before their flight, Emirates customers can browse through over 5,000 channels of on-demand movies, music, TV shows, box sets, and documentaries, create their own playlist on The Emirates Mobile App, and sync it on board for a more personalised travel experience.

For more information, visit Emirates/inflight-entertainment

For more information on Shahid, visit shahid.net

About Shahid and Shahid VIP

Shahid is the first and leading VOD and SVOD streaming platform in the Arab world by MBC GROUP, offering premium content to Arab families, including binge-worthy exclusive Shahid Original Series; Shahid Premieres; Arabic movies fresh off the box-office; live TV channels in true HD quality; as well as international offerings courtesy of Disney, Marvel, FOX and ABC Studios.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Nepal names new minister of tourism

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 29 June 2022: Nepal’s government has appointed Jeevan Ram Shrestha as Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation following a reshuffle within the ruling political parties.

According to a report in the Annapurna Express Monday, it confirmed Shrestha had taken over the post that oversees the country’s vital tourism and civil aviation sectors, both primary sources of foreign exchange earnings for the landlocked country.

He was quoted saying his priority was to revive tourism marred by prolonged Covid-19.

Photo Credit: Annapurna Express

The appointment follows the resignation late last week of the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale, who presented his resignation letter to CPN (Unified Socialist) chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal on Sunday.

According to local media reports, around 10 parliamentarians resigned, expressing dissatisfaction over a recent cabinet reshuffle.

Bangkok Airways launches flights to Hat Yai

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK 29 June 2022: Bangkok Airways will launch two new routes, Bangkok-Hat Yai and Samui-Hat Yai, starting 16 July 2022.

The announcement follows the airline’s update earlier this month on resuming services post-Covid-19. It will recommence services on the  Samui-Chiang Mai route effective 1 July, Bangkok-Maldives 22 July, Bangkok-Siem Reap 1 August, Bangkok-Danang 1 September and Samui-Hong Kong 1 September.

The Bangkok-Hat Yai services will operate two flights daily, using an Airbus A319 aircraft. The first outbound flight, PG431, will depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 0825 and arrive at Hat Yai Airport at 0955. The return flight PG432 will depart from Hat Yai Airport at 1045. and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1215.

The second outbound flight, PG433, will depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1300  and arrive at Hat Yai Airport at 1430. The return flight PG434 will depart from Hat Yai Airport at 1520 and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1650.

Three weekly flights (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) will operate on the Samui-Hat Yai route using an A320. PG411 will depart from Samui Airport at 1030 and arrive at Hat Yai Airport at 1140. The inbound flight PG412 will depart from Hat Yai Airport at 1210  and arrive at Samui Airport at 1320.

Chatrium hires Bangkok manager

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 29 June 2022: Chatrium Hospitality has appointed John Neutze as general manager of Chatrium Residence Sathon Bangkok.

With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, Neutze has extensive experience in sales and marketing, operations and guest technology engagement solutions across hospitality brands, including Raffles Le Royal and Raffles Grand d’Angkor (Cambodia), Hilton Maldives (now rebranded to Conrad Maldives), Hilton Worldwide and Stamford Hotels & Resorts.

“I am delighted to have John Nuetze join the Chatrium family. We are confident his fresh ideas and extensive experience will add a new dimension to the guest experience at the property and group level,” said the group’s general manager Rene Balmer.

Thomas Cook India launches FX-Now

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TTR WEEKLY
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MUMBAI, 28 June 2022: As business travel revives, Thomas Cook (India) Limited has launched FX-Now – a digital tool that delivers to corporate clients end-to-end foreign exchange services.

The digital tool simplifies the process yet maintains necessary checks and balances for its business travellers.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited senior vice president foreign exchangeDeepesh Varma said: “The pandemic has fast-tracked India’s digital evolution, and this is even more so for our corporate travellers – a critical segment for our Forex business.

With the current Forex processes being rather cumbersome, requiring significant documentation and approvals, we were keen to eliminate the pain points for our business travellers. This formed the genesis of FX-Now, our cutting-edge corporate self-booking tool that empowers our corporates with simple, swift, convenient and contactless services for end-to-end forex transactions. FX-Now is inbuilt with customisable corporate travel policies, approval matrix and customisable MIS capabilities to further benefit our corporate segment.”

As one of the largest travel service provider networks in Asia-Pacific, the Thomas Cook India Group spans 25 countries across five continents.

Thailand ditches the last remaining Covid rules

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 28 June 2022: In its latest announcement released Monday, the Civil Aviation of Thailand recommends airline passengers continue to wear masks during flights as the country does away with most Covid-19 regulations.

Mask-wearing outdoors or in uncrowded places is now voluntary, but residents and travellers are advised to wear them in closed areas such as public transport, airline cabins and shopping malls. Local media reports suggest Thais and residents are in no hurry to ditch their masks. Most continue to wear them outside or in well-ventilated areas, so travellers should follow their lead if they want to blend in.

CAAT’s Pilot Notification (NOTAM) posted on the agency’s Facebook page Monday informed airlines worldwide about the latest improved measures on air travel to Thailand.

As of 1 July, the Thailand Pass has been abolished along with the mandatory health insurance requirement.  

Fully vaccinated passengers can enter Thailand without undergoing tests for Covid-19. They need to show a certificate of vaccination. If they have a respiratory illness, they should take a Rapid Antigen Test (PRO-ATK) to be on the safe side.

Passengers who are not vaccinated or have not completed the entire vaccinated course will need to show a PRO-ATK or RT-PCR negative test result no later than 72 hours before travel to be able to enter the country.

Airlines will have to verify documents of international passengers for vaccination documents or PRO-ATK or RT-PCR results. If passengers do not have any of the above documents, they will have to comply with the order of the checkpoint authorities.

For international airlines, crew certification documents can be submitted to facilitate the crew. However, the disease control authorities may review the documents.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s night entertainment spots will be allowed to open until 0200. A ban on serving or selling alcoholic beverages between 1400 and 1700 remains in place, with a few exceptions. Tourist hotels can serve alcoholic beverages from 1400 to 1700. Also, provincial governors have the power to allow restaurants and bars serving tourists to remain open in the afternoon to sell alcoholic beverages. Some governors have already provided written authorisation that allows restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages from 1400 to 1700. The afternoon ban on drinking was on the books long before Covid-19.

Cebu Pacific resumes Brunei flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 28 June 2022: Cebu Pacific continues to expand its international network with the resumption of its Manila – Brunei flight on 23 July, bringing the total international routes restored to 18.

In a media statement at the weekend, CEB confirmed it would restart services between Manila and Brunei, beginning with two flights weekly, every Thursday and Saturday.

Flight 5J 409 will depart Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 1910 and arrive at Brunei International Airport by 2140. The return flight, 5J 410, will leave Brunei at 2230 and arrive in Manila at 0050 on the following morning.

“We are especially happy to bring this route back after a two-year hiatus as we know many of our passengers are looking forward to visiting their family and friends – whether in Brunei or back home in the Philippines,” said CEB chief commercial officer Xander Lao.

Fully vaccinated Filipinos flying to Brunei are only required to present their proof of vaccination, along with an e-health arrival declaration form which they must fill out not more than 24 hours before departure. Travel Medical Insurance with Covid-19 cover (minimum coverage of BND 20,000) must also be presented at the check-in counter.

Filipinos returning home no longer need to take a Covid-19 test pre-departure.

NCL underscores its long-term commitment to Asia

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 June 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 55-year history of breaking boundaries, will return to Asia for the 2023-2024 cruise season, featuring 12 immersive and port-rich sailings ranging from 10- to 12-days on board Norwegian Jewel as well as a 16-day Extraordinary Journey from Seattle, Washington (US) to Tokyo, Japan.

The extensive season will operate from October 2023 to March 2024 and will see a vast choice of departure ports, including Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia; and Seoul (Incheon), South Korea. In addition, NCL will make “Brand first” visits to four ports in the region, including Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Salomague and Hualien, where travellers will explore the natural beauty and rich culture of the Philippines and Taiwan.

Norwegian Jewel returns to Asia for her second successful season in the region following a 16-day repositioning cruise from Seattle, Washington (US)  to Tokyo, Japan, via Alaska. Her port-intensive Asia itineraries mostly include less than two sea-days per cruise and multiple late-night departures and overnight calls on select itineraries in Osaka, Japan; Singapore; and Phuket, Thailand. Almost all cruises are open-jaw, allowing travellers to book-end their voyage with land explorations in different exotic destinations.

“We’re thrilled to return to Asia and to reaffirm our commitment to one of the most sought-after cruise destinations around the world,” said Norwegian Cruise Line president and CEO Harry Sommer.

“Asia is a key source market, and our return allows our guests from Asia the freedom to sail with us from their doorstep. We couldn’t be more pleased to make our long-awaited return to this uniquely diverse and culturally rich region with Norwegian Jewel, a ship we already know is incredibly popular in Asia.”

Asia’s energetic cities, lush green landscapes and idyllic tropical islands are best explored by sea. Whether guests are seeking to couple the culinary delights of Japan with the bright lights of Taipei, or an island exploration of Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, visiting jewels such as Langkawi, Lombok and Phuket, NCL’s Asia programme on board Norwegian Jewel offers travellers diverse itineraries together with the freedom to fully immerse themselves in the destination.

On board Norwegian Jewel, guests can enjoy numerous amenities including action-packed activities at the outdoor Sports Complex, high-energy Zumba and Flywheel Sports classes, and multiple uniquely themed bars and lounges, including Bliss Ultra Lounge, where guests can dance the night away. Norwegian Jewel, with a guest capacity of 2,376, also offers some of the largest suites at sea with staterooms that accommodate every style and budget. The ship also offers a Haven Deluxe Owner’s Suite that features the most luxurious, well-appointed accommodations on board, including 24-hour butler service.

For more information about NCL’s award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call Hong Kong on +852 2165 6000 and Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com. 

Laguna Phuket rolls out luxury residences

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TTR WEEKLY
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LONDON, 28 June 2022: Demand for overseas homes for investment or as a permanent residence in Laguna Phuket has soared, with property sales reaching a record high of THB1.35 billion (GBP30 million) in the first quarter of 2022, compared with just THB250 million (GBP6 million) during the same period last year.

Relocating to seek new business possibilities, personal growth or a new horizon for young families or early retirees are the factors driving consumer interest in destinations such as Phuket in Thailand.

Angsana Oceanview Residences (top right) are located within the Laguna Phuket integrated destination.

Laguna Phuket is a 1,000-acre community built on old tin mining land over 30 years ago by the visionary founder of Banyan Tree Holdings, KP Ho. He bought the land, cleared it and filled in the craters where tin was mined to create a series of stunning natural lagoons.

Over the years the destination has morphed into an elegant enclave of hospitality and residences, where a total of seven hotels are located, surrounded by lagoons, three miles of beachfront, cycling paths, the new wellness concept The Veya by Banyan Tree, boutique shops, restaurants and beach clubs – even a recent floating bar addition “The Atoll” in the middle of one of the lagoons – and an 18-hole golf course. The area surrounding Laguna Phuket, Cherng Talay, has blossomed as a result – with freestanding restaurants, gourmet supermarkets, specialist wine outlets and a host of other fitness and arts activities.

“Creating an integrated community has always been at the heart of our brand DNA since our founding in 1983,” says Laguna Resorts & Hotels. Deputy CEO Stuart Reading. “Our transformation from a former tin mine into the resort destination has been quite a journey. Now, we are giving our international clientele the opportunity to transform their lives. We are seeing increased demand from buyers who are looking for both primary and secondary homes in a relaxing setting where they can enjoy a premium lifestyle and complete peace of mind, supported by leading brands, spectacular scenery, and there’s, of course, the beach with Bangtao Bay a sublime backdrop.”

Laguna Phuket recently unveiled the Angsana Oceanview Residences, a low-rise collection of apartments overlooking the Andaman Sea. Each unit features two bedrooms and stylish living areas opening out onto a private alfresco deck and infinity pool. With high-spec interiors blessed with natural light, panoramic views and fully connected with the latest technology, these residences are designed to be a great place to stay, play and be productive in paradise.

Managed by Banyan Tree Group, Angsana Oceanview Residences benefit from the five-star facilities of Angsana Laguna Phuket and can be enjoyed throughout the year or added to the rental pool to rent if residents choose not to stay there.

Laguna Resorts & Hotels is one of Thailand’s largest SET-listed resort and residence developers, accounting for over 40 per cent of properties on the island’s central west coast, ranging from affordable condominiums from THB5 million (GBP120,000) to luxury homes and villas worth THB100 million (GBP2.4 million) and more. This creates outstanding options for overseas buyers seeking a strategic investment, a second home or a new life in the sun.

Angsana Oceanview Residences form part of an exclusive portfolio of properties by Banyan Tree Group, which has won 20 awards, including six prestigious International Property Awards, for its Laguna Phuket properties in the last three years villas, condos and private residences across a range of segments. The enduring appeal of Thailand’s warm hospitality and the Banyan Tree brand make Angsana Oceanview Residences a compelling choice for all potential investors, including couples, families and retirees.

For more information on Laguna Phuket properties, email [email protected] or visit www.lagunaphuket.com.

To learn more about Angsana Oceanview Residences visit www.angsanaresidences.com/location/phuket-oceanview-residences.

Marriott to add eight hotels in Vietnam

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 June 2022: Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vinpearl, Vietnam’s largest hospitality and leisure chain, to convert and develop 2,200 rooms across eight hotels in Vietnam.

It will significantly expand the group’s portfolio in Vietnam and introduce for the first time the Autograph Collection brand. Other planned openings span the following brands: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, and Four Points by Sheraton.

Of the eight hotels, six are conversions that should join Marriott’s system later this year.

The 223-room Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection is currently known as Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81 located on the banks of the Saigon River.

The 200-room and 39-villa Danang Marriott Resort & Spa is expected to fly the Marriott brand flag following the rebranding of Vinpearl Luxury Danang, located on Non Nuoc Beach, close to downtown Danang.

Sheraton Long Beach Phu Quoc Resort is situated on the west coast of Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island. After rebranding the existing Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort, the resort will feature 500 residential rooms, suites, and villas.

The 362-room Sheraton Hai Phong is currently known as Vinpearl Hotel Imperial, Hai Phong, located in the centre of Vietnam’s largest port city.

The 262-room Sheraton Can Tho is located on the banks of Can Tho River in the heart of the thriving Mekong Delta city. It currently operates as the Vinpearl Hotel Can Tho.

Four Points by Sheraton Lang Son is a 21-story hotel in the heart of the charming northern city of Lang Son. Currently known as the Vinpearl Hotel Lang Son, the hotel will feature 127 rooms and suites.

Two new-build hotels are expected to open in 2025 – the Sheraton Vinh and Four Points by Sheraton Ha Giang.

Marriott International currently operates 10 hotels and resorts in Vietnam. The company recently announced its plans to quadruple its Vietnam portfolio with a signed pipeline of 30 hotels. Today’s announcement brings the company’s pipeline in Vietnam close to 40 hotels.

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