BERLIN, 7 March 2025: Lufthansa City Center (LCC), a global travel agency franchiser based in Frankfurt, is expected to bring 45 travel agencies to Sabah for its Regional Meeting APAC (Asia-Pacific).
The agents from the Asia-Pacific region and Europe will gather for the meeting in May at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu. Registration is now open.
Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with Lufthansa City Center (LCC) Managing Director Heiko Brix (2nd left) and Senior Business Development Manager Andrej Skraba (3rd right). Also pictured are STB Deputy Chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang (right), the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion (left), and STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit (2nd right).
This is the first time Sabah has been chosen as the meeting venue, following an earlier site visit that left a strong impression.
On Tuesday, LCC Managing Director Heiko Brix and Senior Business Development Manager Andrej Skraba met with Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at the International Tourism Exchange (ITB Berlin) to formally convey LCC’s decision to hold its APAC regional meeting in Kota Kinabalu.
Present were Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Deputy Chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang, the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion and STB Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
Brix and Skraba admired Sabah’s natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife, calling it an ideal meeting destination. “We had several options, but after visiting Sabah for a site inspection, we were completely blown away,” they said.
They requested that STB give a presentation on Sabah’s attractions, particularly its nature and community tourism, during their regional meeting.
LCC also expressed their appreciation for the support given by Sabah Tourism in facilitating this event.
Joniston suggested that LCC, during their stay in Kota Kinabalu, evaluate the State Capital as a potential host for its General Assembly, which gathers over 500 LCC entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and global visionaries.
Tan, who is also the President of the Malaysian Tourism Federation and the Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations, was involved in efforts to bring the group to Sabah. “Sabah has so much to offer, and we look forward to working together to create meaningful opportunities for the tourism industry,” he said.
Founded in 1991, LCC operates as a global travel agency franchiser with a presence of around 600 locations in 110 countries. Its franchise model combines an international network with localised expertise, ensuring relevance across diverse markets.
Johnston led the Sabah Tourism Board delegation to the three-day ITB Berlin that convened from 4 to 6 March. For more information on Sabah, visit: https://sabahtourism.com
BERLIN, 7 MARCH 2025: Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state on the island of Borneo successfully launched its latest tourism initiatives during ITB Berlin 2025 this week.
Sarawak’s presentation at its stand in Hall 26 was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and witnessed by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, alongside industry leaders, tourism stakeholders, and the international media.
From left: Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board; Desmond Jerukan, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak; Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board; Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister of Tourism Sarawak; Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia; Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of Sarawak Tourism Board; Datuk Norhyati Mohd Ismail, Member of the Board of Directors, Sarawak Tourism Board; Saniah Abdul Kadir, Member of the Board of Directors, Sarawak Tourism Board; Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman, Sibu Resident; and Dr Victor Luna Amin, Principal Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak—during the book launch of The Intimate and Ultimate Guide to Kuching Gastronomy.
In his keynote address, Datuk Sebastian highlighted the state’s unique tourism offerings centred around its culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals. “Sarawak, known as the Land of the Hornbills, offers an unforgettable experience where Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and festivals come together to create a journey like no other,” said Datuk Sebastian.
Sarawak’s vibrant cultural heritage, deeply rooted in the traditions of 34 Indigenous ethnic groups, is a cornerstone of its tourism appeal. Datuk Sebastian emphasised that the state’s cultural diversity is brought to life at the Borneo Cultures Museum, Malaysia’s largest museum and Southeast Asia’s second-largest. The museum offers immersive exhibits celebrating the art, traditions, and histories of Borneo and all ethnicities.
For those seeking adventure, Sarawak offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the state. It is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Gunung Mulu and Niah National Park, where visitors can explore stunning cave systems, including the world’s largest cave chamber and the longest cave system in Southeast Asia. Niah National Park, renowned for its archaeological significance, offers a glimpse into human history with its 65,000-year-old human remains. Sarawak’s rugged landscapes provide excellent conditions for 4WD expeditions, cycling, and diving into vibrant coral reefs and historical shipwrecks.
As an eco-tourism destination, Sarawak has 67 protected areas offering stunning landscapes and exceptional biodiversity. The state’s ancient rainforests, which are over 140 million years old, shelter wildlife such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs and over 530 species of birds, including eight species of hornbills, with the Rhinoceros Hornbill as the state’s emblem. Sarawak’s mangroves and wetlands are home to Irrawaddy dolphins, Silver Leaf monkeys, and saltwater crocodiles, making it a dream destination for eco-conscious travellers.
In addition to its natural beauty, Sarawak’s culinary scene is also a major highlight. As Malaysia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, offering a rich food culture rooted in Indigenous traditions and sustainable practices. Famous dishes like Sarawak Laksa, dubbed “The Breakfast of the Gods” by the late Anthony Bourdain, and Kolo Mee, Malaysia’s national heritage food, showcase the region’s culinary prowess. Indigenous dishes like Umai (marinated raw fish) and Ayam Pansuh (chicken slow-cooked in bamboo) reflect the diverse heritage of Sarawak’s people.
The launch of The Intimate and Ultimate Guide to Kuching Gastronomy was showcased to further highlight Sarawak’s gastronomic appeal. This book, which received the Gourmand World Cookbook Award for Best Free Publication, explores the flavours and stories behind Sarawak’s culinary culture.
As part of Sarawak’s continued efforts to showcase its tourism offerings, a video was unveiled at ITB Berlin.
It offers a glimpse into the state’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and unique experiences. The video invites travellers worldwide to discover Sarawak’s diverse attractions and immerse themselves in its authentic, sustainable tourism experiences.
In closing, Datuk Sebastian expressed Sarawak’s excitement about the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
“Sarawak is ready to welcome the world to experience our pristine rainforests, vibrant cultural heritage, and exceptional gastronomy. We invite travellers to explore the heart of Borneo, where an unforgettable journey awaits,” he concluded.
Sarawak’s tourism performance in the European market has also been notable. In 2024, Sarawak welcomed 50,426 visitors from Europe, further demonstrating the region’s increasing interest in Sarawak’s unique tourism offerings.
Sarawak’s participation at ITB Berlin 2025 has further solidified its position as one of the key destinations in the global tourism market. With steady growth in European arrivals and a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism, Sarawak is poised to continue attracting travellers who seek authentic and immersive experiences. For more information on Sarawak visit: https://www.sarawaktourism.com
KUALA LUMPUR, 7 March 2025: The Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) has won recognition as the recipient of Asia’s Premier Trade & Exhibition Hub Award 2025 in the MICE Category at the prestigious ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2025.
The ceremony took place on 27 February at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, where industry leaders across the region gathered to honour outstanding contributions in the food, travel, and MICE industries.
The ASEAN Food & Travel Awards 2025 celebrate organisations demonstrating innovation, leadership, and exceptional service and setting new benchmarks for excellence in their respective fields.
Receiving the award on behalf of MITEC, Chief Executive Officer. Mala Dorasamy commented: “Recognition reflects our team’s relentless dedication to positioning MITEC as the venue of choice and the gateway to Southeast Asia for international trade and exhibitions.”
SINGAPORE, 7 March 2025: IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced on Wednesday that Bryan Chan has been appointed as its new Vice President of development for Southeast Asia and Korea.
He will oversee the strategic expansion of IHG’s brands across the region, build and strengthen stakeholder relationships, and lead a team of highly experienced developers based in the market.
Having joined IHG more than 10 years ago, Chan has worked in various increased leadership roles, moving from manager to senior director, and worked across many markets, including Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam. He has worked in IHG’s Windsor headquarters for a year on large-scale complex projects, including the landmark Novum partnership in Germany.
IHG has 137 opened hotels and 86 hotels in the pipeline* across South East Asia and Korea across 11 brands. It plans to introduce new brands, including Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion brand, to key markets in the next few years.
BERLIN 7 March 2025: Taking the train to catch a flight should be easier now that bookings with Lufthansa Express Rail include the City Ticket from Deutsche Bahn (DB).
Customers can also use the local public transport services on their journey. Lufthansa boarding passes are also valid for journeys by bus, tram, underground, and S-Bahn to and from the Express Rail station.
Lufthansa Express Rail: Ticket now also valid on public transport
All Lufthansa Express Rail destinations except Siegburg and Basel will receive the upgrade. Customers can use local public transport in 26 German cities before and after their airline journey. The City Ticket is valid once per direction on the day of validity for the journey to the Express Rail station or from there to the journey’s destination.
Demand for Lufthansa Express Rail has risen steadily in recent years. In 2024 alone, around 500,000 passengers used the service to arrive and depart at Frankfurt Airport. Lufthansa and DB further enhance their intermodal offering by integrating the City Ticket.
Lufthansa Express Rail is part of a cooperation between Lufthansa and DB that has been going on for over 20 years. With just one booking step, customers can purchase a combined ticket for train and flight and use it to conveniently use the train as a feeder to Frankfurt Airport from 26 German cities. This means that more than twice as many cities in Germany are connected by Lufthansa Express Rail than Lufthansa currently connects by plane. DB and Lufthansa offer over 240 ICE connections daily with a Lufthansa flight number (codeshare number).
Lufthansa Express Rail is a service designed to seamlessly integrate train and air travel, primarily focusing on connections to and from Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Here’s a breakdown of how it works for travellers:
Key Features and Benefits
Combined Booking: Lufthansa allows travellers to book their train and flight tickets together in a single transaction, simplifying the travel process. Integrated Travel: The service provides a smooth transition between train and plane, with optimised transfer times at Frankfurt Airport. Transfer Guarantee: A significant advantage is the transfer guarantee. If either the train or flight is delayed, Lufthansa will rebook passengers onto the next available connection. Check-in Convenience: Travellers can check in for both their train and flight online or via mobile, starting 30 hours before their flight departs and up to 15 minutes before their train departs. Boarding Pass as Ticket: The Lufthansa boarding pass is also the train ticket. City-Ticket Inclusion: Recently, Lufthansa has expanded its cooperation with Deutsche Bahn (DB). Now, Lufthansa Express Rail bookings include the DB City-Ticket in 26 German cities. This allows customers to use local public transportation to and from the Express Rail train station.
BERLIN, 7 March 2025: The ITB brand will break into the lucrative Americas exhibition market with a new travel trade show ‘ITB Americas’ hosted in Mexico, 10 to 12 November 2026,
ITB Americas will celebrate its debut as a B2B tourism trade show in Guadalajara, Mexico, Messe Berlin announced at a press conference at ITB Berlin earlier this week.
(From left to right) Vicente Salas Hesselbach (Managing Director, ITB Americas), Gustavo Staufert (Generaldirektor, Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau), Michelle Fridman Hirsch (Generalsekretärin des Bundesstaates Jalisco), Mario Tobias (Geschäftsführer der Messe Berlin), Virginia Messina (Senior Vice President für Advocacy und Kommunikation, WTTC), Francisco José (Botschafter Mexikos), David Ruetz (Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin)
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Mexican ambassador in Berlin and representatives of the State of Jalisco seals the deal.
“From Canada to Argentina: ITB Americas is the only travel trade show that covers North, Central and South America and the Caribbean as well as all travel industry segments,” Messe Berlin said in the launch press statement.
The planned distribution of exhibitors is 80% from the Americas and 20% from the rest of the world, with participants ranging from startups to global market leaders.
“Mexico is described as an ideal location for ITB Americas convening in. In addition, the venue for the new event – Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara, in Jalisco State – offers excellent connectivity and the country’s most state-of-the-art exhibition and convention centre.”
An ITB Americas Conference component will feature high-profile speakers addressing the latest industry trends, while specific networking formats will focus on buying and sales. With this new event, ITB is expanding its brand family, which, in addition to Berlin, is successfully represented worldwide through trade shows in Shanghai, Singapore, and Mumbai.
“The launch of ITB Americas represents a continuation of our successful international strategy,” said Messe Berlin CEO Mario Tobias. “Having previously focused on Asia, it is now ‘ITB goes West’ for us. Whether for hiking in the Rocky Mountains, cruises in the Caribbean, exploring the Atacama Desert in South America or the Mayan culture in Central America, the Americas are not only among the most diverse regions for travel but also an important source market, with countries such as the USA, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.”
SYDNEY, 7 March 2025: Global travel management company Corporate Travel Management (CTM) has published its second Global Corporate Travel Trends Report, highlighting the corporate travel industry’s performance in 2024.
The report reveals robust growth across key travel metrics, highlighting the resilience and expansion of the corporate travel industry. Air travel capacity is above 2019 levels. Business travellers are flying longer distances, booking lead times are extending, and average daily rates (ADRs) for accommodation are beginning to plateau globally.
Air travel rebounds: Increased capacity and stabilised fares
The global corporate air travel market has entered a period of sustained growth, with air capacity now 3% above 2019 levels and 6.4% higher than in 2023.
Airlines are scaling operations to meet the growing demand, particularly in major corporate travel hubs where full-service carriers have expanded networks. Record aircraft orders and over 1,600 new
aircraft deliveries expected in 2025 signal continued investment in fleet expansion to meet demand.
Top three corporate travel routes for CTM customers in 2024
The top travel routes for CTM customers were: 1. London – New York 2. London – Hong Kong 3. Sydney – Melbourne
The Sydney–Melbourne route surpassed Hong Kong–Tokyo in the January–June 2024 Global Corporate Travel Trends Report.
Corporate travellers flying further
Corporate travellers covered greater distances in 2024 than before the pandemic, and stabilised airfares in most regions provided corporate travel managers with greater budget certainty following sharp price increases in 2023.
British business travellers led the trend globally, flying further than any other nation compared to 2019. India’s rapidly growing corporate travel market also experienced a significant increase in travel
distances compared to 2019, with North America emerging as a key destination.
French business travellers also saw significant distance increases due to government-imposed sustainability restrictions on domestic air travel in 2023.
Australian business travellers who stayed closer to home in 2023, have returned to flying longer, surpassing 2019 distances.
Average miles flown by travellers
• United Kingdom: 3,821 miles (vs. 3,737 in 2023, 3,329 in 2019)
• United States: 3,011 miles (vs. 2935 in 2023, 2,822 in 2019)
• Australia: 2,826 miles (vs. 2,635 in 2023, 2,745 in 2019)
Airfare and booking trends
Following steady price increases since March 2020, global airfares entered a downward trend in 2024. Economy fares declined more sharply, while business class fares maintained a consistent trajectory. This softening suggests a potential market correction following the substantial price recovery period of the previous two years. International airfare pressures with increased competition boost capacity to meet rising demand. Similarly, North America witnessed stabilisation in airfares with airlines adding transpacific and transatlantic capacity. International airfares in Asia declined due to price corrections from supply shortages during the pandemic. In Europe, strong corporate and premium leisure demand and limited seats drove up international business-class fares.
View the full 2024 Global Corporate Travel Trends Report
DELHI, 7 March 2025: IndiGo will launch direct flights from Mumbai to Krabi in southern Thailand effective 23 March, while the airline has deployed a Boeing 787 Dreamliner for its daily flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) since 1 March.
Krabi, a popular tourist destination facing the Andaman Sea around 100 km south of Phuket, is a strategic addition to IndiGo’s network and offers Indian holidaymakers an alternative to Phuket Island.
IndiGo will commence operations with six weekly flights starting 23 March and intends to increase to daily flights effective 30 March. It will deploy an A321neo on the route with 183 seats.
Regarding the new route, IndiGoHead of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said: ” We are incredibly pleased to introduce direct flights from Mumbai to Krabi, our third destination in Thailand, after Bangkok and Phuket. Krabi’s breathtaking beaches and natural beauty make it one of the most popular tourist destinations.
“With this new route, we’re further strengthening our network in Thailand, enhancing connectivity to over 90 weekly flights between India & Thailand. This increased frequency will boost tourism and foster trade opportunities, further solidifying the strong bonds between the two nations.”
Flight schedule
Meanwhile, IndiGo Airlines has been flying its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service on the Delhi-Bangkok route since 1 March after it took delivery of the aircraft leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. IndiGo plans to ‘damp lease’ six long-range aircraft with a seating capacity of 338 seats.
04 MAR 2025, BERLIN/GERMANY:
Emirates Airlines, ITB Berlin
IMAGE: 20250304-01
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SINGAPORE, 6 March 2025: Emirates and Expedia Group have expanded their long-standing partnership through the airline’s full integration of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) API with Expedia Group’s brands, establishing a direct connection that delivers Emirates’ complete portfolio of fare products and services to Expedia Group’s global customer base.
This latest enhancement will empower travellers to unlock a broader range of options and benefit from streamlined booking capabilities on Expedia Group’s brands when planning their journeys to any point on the airline’s global network.
Emirates Airline Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “We are proud to expand our partnership with Expedia Group, allowing travellers on the platform to personalise their booking experience with Emirates. Looking ahead, our enhanced collaboration will provide travellers with seamless access to Emirates’ NDC content while expanding booking possibilities across all elements of their journey.”
Expedia Group Chief Commercial Officer Greg Schulze added: “Our expanded partnership with Emirates marks a significant step in elevating the travel experience. This collaboration gives our global travellers more customised options and easier bookings, allowing them to create unique trips that suit their needs. Ultimately, it’s about making every journey a lasting memory for our travellers.”
The full integration will enable Expedia Group to offer Emirates’ NDC fares, products and ancillary services including extra baggage and seat selection, along with other improved features and flexibility in their booking journeys.
In addition to customer personalisation, Emirates and Expedia Group will explore deeper collaboration on loyalty programmes to enhance travel rewards for both companies’ customers. They will leverage market data insights to drive business growth and inform joint marketing initiatives.
The partnership will also focus on creating end-to-end booking experiences by leveraging Expedia Group’s extensive global hotel inventory for full-package solutions. The tailor-made air and hotel packages will allow travellers to complement their Emirates flights with stays at thousands of hotels available on Expedia Group’s brands. The work will enable the airline to connect with and capture the attention of travellers worldwide.
For more information on flights and fares and to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.
About Emirates Emirates is the world’s largest international airline, connecting travellers to more than 140 cities. Emirates operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380s, and now flies the Airbus A350, offering spacious cabins and iconic inflight features across its fleet. With a culturally diverse workforce, Emirates caters to its global customer base by delivering exceptional services and world-class products. It has also earned customer recognition for its industry-leading services on the ground and in the sky.
SINGAPORE, 6 March 2025: Urban Resort Concepts (URC), an operator of luxury urban resorts, announced Wednesday the appointment of senior executives to lead its corporate team.
Nicholas Liang.Michael FaulknerAndreas ZimmermannJessie Lai
Nicholas Liang, Vice President of Operations
With over 22 years of luxury hospitality experience across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Nicholas Liang is a seasoned hotelier who has worked at the Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, and, most recently, as the GM of Four Seasons.
Michael Faulkner, Vice President of Brand and Commercial
Faulkner brings extensive experience in luxury hospitality, having held senior commercial leadership roles with renowned brands such as Swire Hotels, Park Hyatt, and Crown Resorts.
Andreas Zimmermann, Vice President of Development
Zimmermann brings unparalleled expertise to secure new business opportunities for URC. He has led the development of luxury hospitality projects across the Asia Pacific, overseeing feasibility studies, financial management, and contract negotiations.
Jessie Lai, Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the CEO
Lai joins URC with over 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry, primarily with Marriott International. She has excelled in roles ranging from guest relations to high-level administrative coordination.
URC’s portfolio of urban resorts comprises The PuLi Hotel & Spa in Shanghai, The RuMa Hotel & Residences in Kuala Lumpur, and The PuXuan Hotel & Spa in Beijing.
