JAKARTA, 1 July 2025: TransNusa Aviation Mandiri will increase its scheduled flights from Jakarta to Singapore from twice daily to three daily to meet Indonesia’s school holiday travel demand.
TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, said: “Our expansion plans are mainly based on our passengers’ needs, demands and travelling trends. For example, in Indonesia, July is the favoured travelling period, especially during our school holidays.
TransNusa CEO Datuk Bernard Francis.
“Starting July 1, we will increase our scheduled flight frequency from Jakarta to Singapore from twice daily to three times daily,” Datuk Francis said, adding that the additional scheduled flight will be in effect until 31 July this year.
The additional flight, 8B155, will depart from the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 1830 and arrive at Changi Airport at 2115. Flight 8B156 will depart Changi Airport at 2205 and arrive at Jakarta Airport at 2255.
TransNusa currently operates two daily flights from Jakarta to Singapore, departing the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 0755 and 1210, respectively. Flights from Singapore to Jakarta depart at 1145 and 1530.
Regarding TransNusa’s domestic market, the airline will increase its scheduled flights from Jakarta to Singkawang to daily starting this week up from the current four times weekly.
TransNusa scheduled flights will depart from the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 1145 and arrive at the Singkawang Airport at 1325, while the return flight will depart Singkawang Airport at 1410 and arrive in Jakarta at 1550.
SINGAPORE, 1 July 2025: The 2025 edition of Travel Meet Asia (TMA), held from 25–26 June at Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue, successfully concluded, marking two days of high-value business, dynamic networking and forward-looking discussions.
Organised by Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, this year’s event reaffirmed Travel Meet Asia’s position as a focused and agile B2B platform tailored to the travel and tourism industry across Asia.
From left to right: Budi Tirtawisata, CEO of PT. Panorama Sentrawisata; Katrina Leung, Managing Director & Vice President Asia Pacific at Messe Berlin; Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing, Ministry of Tourism Indonesia and Darren Seah, Executive Director, Messe Berlin Asia Pacific.
The event was officially opened by Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, whose presence underscored Indonesia’s growing influence in the regional travel ecosystem.
“We are proud to support Travel Meet Asia 2025 as a vital platform to connect Indonesia’s tourism industry with key partners across Asia-Pacific. It offered a valuable opportunity to showcase our diverse destinations — from Priority Tourism Destinations like Lake Toba and Borobudur to vibrant hubs such as Greater Bali and Jakarta. We also highlighted our award-winning tourism villages that reflect Indonesia’s rich culture and sustainable tourism potential. We invited all stakeholders to explore Indonesia and collaborate in shaping a more inclusive tourism future,” commented Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing, Ministry of Tourism Indonesia.
Travel Brands Drive B2B Momentum
The exhibition floor was a hub of targeted engagement, welcoming prominent regional and international companies including: The Ascott Limited, Meliá Hotels International, Millennium Group, Business Events Sarawak, DidaTravel, Resorts World Sentosa, Miki Travel, SUNRATE, Khiri Travel, Ama Waterways, TUI Hotels & Resorts, Bintan Resorts, New World Saigon Hotel, Tokyu Hotels Asia, Heritance Aarah & Adaaran Resorts, Nippon Travel Agency, Wow India Travel & Tours, Seeru and Congress Rental Indonesia.
The event delivered quality meetings and renewed business partnerships across key travel verticals, supported by a strong mix of local and international participants.
640 Minutes of expert-led Insights
This year’s conference programme was one of the event’s major highlights, with over 640 minutes of content spread across 22 sessions and featuring 40 renowned speakers. Key themes included market trends, destination marketing, business travel, accommodations, travel technology, and transportation.
Looking Ahead
As the industry continues to evolve, Travel Meet Asia remains committed to providing a dedicated, focused, and efficient platform for building business and advancing dialogue within Asia’s travel ecosystem.
Travel Meet Asia 2026 will take place from 23 to 24 June 2026 in Indonesia. For further updates and access to post-show highlights, visit: www.travelmeetasia.com
BANGKOK, 1 July 2025: Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa, under Marriott Hotels, the namesake brand of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, opens this week at this famous beachside town on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard.
The resort commands a prime location, just steps from Jomtien Beach and a short commute over the headland to the main bay of Pattaya. Bangkok is a two-and-a-half-hour drive away, and the resort can be reached from three international airports: U-Tapao (30 minutes), Suvarnabhumi (two hours), and Don Mueang (three hours).
The resort features 289 rooms and suites, ranging from 33 sqm deluxe rooms to 57 sqm family rooms with bunk beds, as well as spacious premium suites with up to 88 sqm space.
Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa also sets the stage to host events, featuring four flexible meeting rooms that cater to various social gatherings, from team-building weekends and training sessions to corporate seminars and sunset cocktail receptions. Families can choose from three pools: a dedicated children’s pool, thrilling water slides, and a stunning infinity pool for all to enjoy.
Michael Hogan has been appointed the resort’s General Manager.
DELHI, 1 July 2025: IndiGo confirms it will introduce direct flights between Hindon (Ghaziabad) and Goa, starting 20 July 2025.
Operating daily except Saturdays, this new route offers a time-saving travel option for residents of East and Central Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad by bringing Goa’s iconic beaches closer than ever. The flexible schedule is designed to cater to the increasing demand during peak travel season, offering more choice and comfort to travellers.
Photo credit: IndiGo.
Hindon, located in the Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh, is a rapidly developing urban and industrial hub within the National Capital Region.
Known for its strategic location and proximity to major economic zones like Noida and East Delhi, Hindon serves as a crucial point for commerce and connectivity. The region is characterised by a dynamic mix of industrial estates, educational institutions, and burgeoning residential areas, reflecting its significant contribution to the economic landscape of Uttar Pradesh.
This new air connectivity will further catalyse the region’s growth, offering its residents and businesses enhanced access to India’s diverse cultural and economic centres.
Goa, India’s premier beach destination, is renowned for its stunning coastline, vibrant nightlife, and rich Portuguese heritage. From the sun-kissed shores of Baga and Palolem to the historic charm of Old Goa’s churches and forts, the state offers a blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.
Visitors can indulge in authentic Goan cuisine, explore bustling flea markets, or enjoy water sports along the Arabian Sea. Beyond its tourist appeal, Goa is also emerging as a hub for wellness retreats, digital nomads, and eco-tourism, making it a versatile destination for all types of travellers.
BANGKOK, 30 June 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, reports that three of its properties have been recognised by the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, reaffirming the brand’s growing global presence and reputation for delivering distinctive guest experiences.
Voted by Travel + Leisure’s discerning international readers, the annual awards honour the finest in luxury travel, celebrating destinations, resorts, and travel experiences that set the benchmark across the region.
This year, Centara received accolades for these exceptional destinations:
Centara Reserve Samui — Rose two positions to 7th place in Thailand’s Beach + Island Resorts category, highlighting its bespoke luxury, curated wellness offerings, and immersive oceanfront setting on Chaweng Beach.
Roukh Khiri Khaoyai, The Centara Collection — Awarded 8th best Upcountry Hotel in Thailand, recognised for its serene hilltop setting, personalised hospitality, and barn-house-inspired contemporary design.
“We are honoured to be recognised by Travel + Leisure’s readers and the global travel community,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts COO Michael Hensler. “These accolades are a reflection of our team’s passion, the evolving strength of our luxury and boutique offerings, and our ongoing commitment to creating meaningful stays that connect guests with the heart of each destination.”
The achievement marks another milestone in Centara’s mission to share the warmth of Thai hospitality with the world while evolving to meet the needs of today’s luxury travellers.
“As the group continues its international expansion, Centara remains dedicated to crafting meaningful stays inspired by culture, connection, and care — hallmarks of the Centara experience.”
LONDON 30 June 2025: Courts are buzzing with the start of The Championships, Wimbledon, taking place from 30 June to 13 July at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.
Emirates returns as the Official Airline Partner of the event, once again serving ‘fly better’ experiences both in the air and on the ground. Kickstarting a bumper summer of sport, Emirates will celebrate the Championships with bespoke Wimbledon-inspired menus onboard flights between Dubai and the UK, branded beverage coasters and headrests across all cabins, and even offer tennis fans the chance to win a holiday to Dubai via its on-ground interactive booth at the event.*
Emirates branding detail as Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) serves against Frances Tiafoe (USA) in the third round of the Gentlemen’s Singles on Centre Court at The Championships 2024. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 5 Friday 05/07/2024. Credit: AELTC/Jonathan Nackstrand.
Serving an ace at 40,000 feet
Emirates’ passengers will be in for a treat at 40,000 feet with specially curated Pimm’s cocktails and strawberry mocktails, and strawberries and cream for dessert served in the A380 Onboard Lounge.
Economy and Premium Economy Class passengers travelling with Emirates between the UK and Dubai from now until 13 July can indulge in a selection of desserts, including cream cheese mousse served with strawberry compote and hazelnut streusel, strawberry tart, strawberry panna cotta, and strawberry cheesecake.
First- and business-class passengers will enjoy special menus onboard, featuring delicious panko-crusted lamb cutlets and tasty desserts, including honey cake with strawberry compote, handcrafted pastries, and lemon strawberry cupcakes, all topped with a Championships logo dessert topper.
First Class passengers will also be gifted Emirates-branded Wimbledon 2025 seasonal towels, produced by Christy, the Official Towel Supplier of The Championships.
Premium travellers can also look forward to refreshing Sipsmith cocktails served in the First Class Lounge in Dubai, along with classic fish and chips and strawberry profiteroles.
On the court action
Tennis fans can follow every serve across Emirates Lounges in Dubai and the UK or stay connected to the action at cruising altitude via Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra on the airline’s award-winning ice entertainment system.
Passengers can also enjoy watching more than 40 sports programmes, including tennis movies such as ‘The Racket,’ ‘Gods of Tennis,’ and Wimbledon’s official film, featuring all the action from 2024.
The ‘Emirates Experience’ stand will return to The Championships grounds, and fans can enjoy interactive experiences and exclusive giveaways, including a chance to win a getaway to Dubai with Emirates Holidays. * Young tennis supporters can also explore Emirates-branded tennis courts and take part in the Emirates Cup to earn free items in Wimbleworld on Roblox.
Emirates’ sponsorships in the UK
Emirates is the Official Airline and Premier Partner of the ATP Tour. The airline’s tennis portfolio includes the highest-profile events in the world, including all four Grand Slams, as well as 60 other tournaments throughout the year.
Earlier this year, Emirates and The All England Lawn Tennis Club announced a multi-million-UKP investment to launch ‘Championing Nature’ – a new programme aimed at creating a positive, lasting impact in urban communities through greater connections and engagement with nature.
Emirates currently serves the UK with 133 weekly flights, including six times daily A380 to London Heathrow; three times daily A380 service to Gatwick; twice daily service to Stansted; three times daily A380 service to Manchester; twice daily service to Birmingham (including a daily A380 service); daily service to Newcastle; daily A380 service to Glasgow; and a daily A350 service to Edinburgh.
The airline’s extensive network of over 140 destinations provides customers with access to onward connections to Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa, and Australasia.
*Terms and conditions apply. For more information on the airline and to book a flight visit www.emirates.com
BRUSSELS, Belgium, 30 June 2025: With a surge in Asian outbound travel, the sustained strength of the US market, and a solid Q1 2025 performance for GHA brands, tourism has been on an upward trajectory for Global Hotel Alliance members, a worldwide alliance of independent hotel brands.
The alliance’s annual CEO summit, convened last week in Brussels, brought together leaders from across its portfolio of more than 45 hotel brands to explore the evolving landscape of global travel — and the outlook was unanimously optimistic.
From left to right: Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance, moderated the panel discussion, “Navigating the Future of Travel”, which included key insights from Simon Naudi, Managing Director & Group CEO of Corinthia Group; Barbara Muckermann, Group CEO of Kempinski Hotels; Choe Peng Sum, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group; and Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor Hotels.
Hosted at the new Corinthia Hotel Brussels, the event welcomed over 30 CEOs and senior representatives from GHA hotel brands worldwide.
“We are operating in a volatile global environment, but as an industry, we have learned to adapt and stay agile in response to these fluctuations, and therefore remain optimistic,” said Global Hotel Alliance CEO Chris Hartley. “Travel demand is rising, particularly in the luxury and upscale segments where we specialise, and the strength of our alliance — driven by our loyalty platform, GHA Discovery — positions our brands to capitalise on this momentum, particularly as many emerging growth markets are yet to reach their full potential.”
Hartley moderated the event’s headline panel discussion, ‘Navigating the Future of Travel’, which included key insights from Corinthia Group Managing Director & Group CEO Simon Naudi; Kempinski Hotels Group CEO Barbara Muckermann; Minor Hotels Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier; and Pan Pacific Hotels Group CEO Choe Peng Sum.
Hartley’s tourism landscape snapshot cited UN Tourism data that revealed more than 300 million tourists travelled globally in Q1 2025, up 5% from Q1 2024 and 3% ahead of pre-pandemic levels. The robust performance came despite the sector facing a range of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as high inflation in the travel and tourism services sector.
Europe, long a bellwether for global travel trends, welcomed 125 million international arrivals from January to March, a 2% rise over 2024, led by markets like Spain, which posted 9% growth, while Turkey (+7%), Greece, Italy and Portugal (all +4%) also saw healthy Q1 2025 growth, while France reported a 6% increase for the period, according to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism.
Strong performance in Europe
The 363 properties operated by 17 GHA hotel brands in Europe delivered USD1.1 billion in revenue from GHA Discovery loyalty members in 2024. European members were among the most active, spending USD733 million on the continent and USD417 million further afield.
Across the board, the US market was cited as the top international source of guests. All four CEOs confirmed that US travellers were the single largest contributor to their hotel revenues.
“One-third of our customers are from the US, and this will remain a key market for us going forward,” revealed Naudi. “But we’re also focused on new markets in Asia. India and China have huge outbound potential, and we’re seeing more affluent travellers from these markets coming to Europe.”
Asia is rising, led by China and India
Q1 2025 data from UN Tourism showed a 12% year-on-year increase in international arrivals to Asia and the Pacific, the fastest of any region. Panellists agreed that the burgeoning middle classes in China and India with an appetite for “experiences and exploration”, represent an enormous opportunity.
“The China and India outbound markets are exploding,” said Pan Pacific’s Choe Peng Sum. “Unless you know how to tap into those markets, particularly the FIT sector, you’ll miss out. That’s where the alliance can help. We can pivot, we can be nimble – and that’s key.”
Minor Hotels Group CEO Dillip Rajakarier added: “GHA Discovery offers simplicity, choice, and value; guests can choose from 850 unique hotels around the world and earn Discovery Dollars (D$) instead of complicated points, and that keeps them in the ecosystem, spending and staying with the growing number of hotels in the loyalty programme.”
Expansion in key global markets
All four CEOs shared significant expansion plans. Corinthia recently opened hotels in New York, Bucharest and Brussels, with Rome to follow later this year. Kempinski remains the leading luxury brand in Germany, with a history and heritage that resonates with clients in the US, the Middle East and the UK in particular. Minor Hotels, already Europe’s largest operator in Spain, is adding 30 hotels across the region, while Pan Pacific is using its high-performing London flagship as a launchpad for further European growth.
Muckermann noted that while global headwinds exist, the outlook is positive: “Whenever there’s uncertainty, there are opportunities. We are not seeing a slowdown in travel; in fact, we believe the next five years will be exceptionally strong for our industry. China is a sleeping giant, and it’s waking up.”
Outlook for 2025 and beyond
All indicators point to sustained travel growth, with UN Tourism sticking to its January projection of 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals for 2025, noted Hartley.
GHA is aligned – having posted record results in 2024 with USD2.7 billion in hotel stay revenue, this upward trajectory continues in 2025 with Q1 revenue up 15% to USD746 million. Meanwhile, Minor Hotels has reported a record Q1 in 2025, revealed Rajakarier.
The alliance also continues to grow its portfolio. With new brands like Cinnamon Hotels (Sri Lanka), Sunway (Malaysia) and Rotana joining in 2025, GHA is fast approaching the 1,000-property milestone.
MONTREAL, Canada, 30 June 2025: Air Canada has extended its codeshare agreement with Lufthansa to include Lufthansa Express Rail services at Frankfurt Airport, operated by Deutsche Bahn.
This agreement enables a seamless, intermodal itinerary booked in one reservation with Air Canada’s five daily flights to Frankfurt Airport. The codeshare expansion enhances Air Canada’s international rail and bus intermodal network, which includes intermodal interlining partnerships in seven European countries and South Korea.
Photo credit: Air Canada.
“Air Canada is very pleased to expand its rail offer in Germany with codeshare on Lufthansa Express Rail, operated by Deutsche Bahn, the Star Alliance’s first intermodal partner. Our intermodal connections offer customers more travel options, making it easier for them to reach their final destinations.
“By elevating our partnership to a codeshare, we enhance the travel experience for our customers, enabling them to book through Air Canada for both air and rail travel. Among its many benefits, this makes check-in and connecting seamless, and includes a transfer guarantee, ensuring customer support and rebooking assistance in the event of travel disruptions,” said Air Canada’s Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer and President Cargo, Mark Galardo.
Customers can book their combined air and rail journey in Germany directly through the Air Canada website or via their travel agent. Customers arriving at or departing from Frankfurt airport will be able to connect to Lufthansa Express Rail services to up to 24 stations as part of their flight itinerary. Frankfurt is a major destination for Air Canada, which will operate up to five times daily to the city in 2025. The agreement complements Air Canada’s existing intermodal interlining partnership with Lufthansa Express Rail, as well as the Deutsche Bahn Rail & Fly product.
SINGAPORE, 30 June 2025: Princess Cruises is once again raising a glass to excellence, as all 16 ships in its fleet have earned the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in the publication’s 2025 Restaurant Awards.
Now a two-time winner, 15 Princess main dining rooms were recognised, alongside the Sanctuary Collection restaurant on Sun Princess, more than any other cruise line.
Photo credit: Princess.
Presented annually by Wine Spectator magazine, the Awards of Excellence spotlight restaurants — including those on cruise lines — that offer thoughtfully curated wine selections paired with quality cuisine. This year’s winners include just over 2,000 establishments worldwide, with Princess Cruises standing out as the only cruise line to receive 16 awards across its fleet.
Princess Cruises’ wine programme features more than 250 labels from top wine regions, including France, Italy, Argentina, and New Zealand, as well as emerging producers that harvest biodynamic, organic, vegan, and sustainable wines. The programme also includes a dedicated section celebrating women winemakers. The lists are designed to appeal to a range of palates—from casual sippers to serious connoisseurs—and include detailed descriptions to help guests easily navigate options by flavour profile and style.
Additionally, Princess’ Love Lines Premium Liquors Collection offers guests exclusive, expertly curated wines and spirits crafted by globally recognised personalities. Celebrity wines include Taraji P. Henson’s beloved Moscato, Seven Daughters; Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc and Red Blend by Jason Aldean; Love Prosecco by Romero Britto; and Kylie Minogue’s No Alcohol Sparkling Rosé.
The complete list of Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Award winners appears in the magazine’s August issue and online at winespectator.com.
BANGKOK, 30 June 2025: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in collaboration with the PATA Thailand Chapter and Centara Grand at CentralWorld, co-organised a special gathering to honour two valued partners: Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, who recently concluded his tenure as President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the newly appointed Director General of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA).
PATA Chair Peter Semone said the event honoured two of PATA’s dearest friends, both of whom have dedicated many years to collaborating with the association.
L/R: Robert Maurer-Loeffler, Vice President Operations & General Manager, Centara Hotels & Resorts; Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Supawan Teerarat, President, National Food Institute; Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director General, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA); Ben Montgomery, Corporate Ambassador, Centara Hotels & Resorts; Executive Board Member, PATA, and Chairperson, PATA Thailand Chapter; Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Former President, Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); and Peter Semone, Chair, PATA.
“While we bid farewell to Chiruit, our appreciation for his leadership and support extends well beyond his tenure at TCEB. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for him. At the same time, we extend our warmest congratulations to Siripakorn on his well-earned appointment and look forward to continuing our close collaboration with him and DASTA in the years ahead.”
As President of TCEB, Chiruit played a pivotal role in positioning Thailand as a leading MICE destination. Under his leadership, TCEB actively collaborated with PATA in co-organising events such as the PATA Travel Mart and PATA Destination Marketing Forum.
Siripakorn was previously the Deputy Governor for International Marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, covering Europe, America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Also attending the event were TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool and the National Food Institute President Supawan Teerarat.
