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Great Cruise Cookoff on the NCL menu

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 16 September 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced its latest EMBARK with NCL episode, “The Great Cruise Cookoff,” a heated culinary competition starring three NCL chefs competing to have their winning dish featured aboard the recently launched Norwegian Prima.

On the heels of a history-making debut in Reykjavik, Iceland, this next “EMBARK” episode showcases the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional cruise cuisine by presenting the ultimate face-off among talented NCL chefs. Hosted by Norwegian Prima Cruise Director Simon Akinwolere and NCL’s Senior Director of Culinary Development and Operations Christian Pratsch, viewers will get a front-row seat to this high-stakes cooking showdown as each competing chef steps up to the challenge, flexing their culinary skills and sharpening their knives to whip up three creative dishes for judging. Only one winner will be proclaimed, earning them bragging rights and the honour of having their dish savoured by thousands of NCL guests around the world.

“We have a history of delivering some of the best cuisines at sea,” said Harry Sommer, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. “In fact, we are investing heavily in our food and beverage experience, so what better way to get the creative juices flowing than a friendly competition amongst our talented chefs, Sommer continued, ‘The Great Cruise Cookoff’ invites viewers into the kitchen and gives them a seat at the table to witness the behind-the-scenes action. I can’t wait for our guests to see, smell and savour the winning dish!”

Corporate Executive Chef Michael Koertgen, Director of Culinary Operations Eric Bilodeau and Corporate Executive Chef Didier Lailheugue Participate in the ‘The Great Cruise Cookoff.’

In “The Great Cruise Cookoff,” Corporate Executive Chef Michael Koertgen, Director of Culinary Operations Eric Bilodeau, and Corporate Executive Chef Didier Lailheugue, are given 60 minutes to prepare three incredible dishes using three distinct ingredients. Once the time is up, the chefs will present their plates to be judged and proclaimed the winning chef of the first Great Cruise Cookoff.

Norwegian Cruise Line has a long-standing history of delivering the highest level of cuisine at sea by offering innovative dining concepts with each new ship, most recently aboard Norwegian Prima, boasting 18 dining options on board, including the debut of Palomar, a high-end Mediterranean-style restaurant, Nama, a contemporary sushi house, and the brand’s first Indulge Food Hall, featuring 11 eateries. NCL is making a significant food and beverage investment to elevate the guest experience through globally sourced quality products, increased staffing levels to provide even more exceptional service and brand-new main dining room menus, which first debuted aboard Norwegian Prima. This next episode of EMBARK with NCL further showcases NCL’s commitment to offering the best cuisine at sea by tapping its chef’s creativity with a friendly competition.

To watch the next episode of EMBARK with NCL, “The Great Cruise Cookoff,” tune in on 16 September 2022, at 8 am SGT at www.ncl.com/embark or Facebook. For more information on EMBARK with NCL or to watch the complete collection of available content, visit www.ncl.com/embark.

(Your Stories: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Lufthansa Group and Amadeus extend partnership

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 September 2022: Lufthansa Group and Amadeus are expanding their partnership to modernise travel distribution and retailing further.

Lufthansa Group airlines’ NDC-sourced content will be available via the Amadeus NDC interfaces – Amadeus Selling Platform Connect, Amadeus Travel API and Cytric Travel & Expense.

This includes NDC offers from Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti and Eurowings Discover, including continuous pricing and a wide range of ancillary services. Beyond NDC offers, travel sellers will continue accessing Lufthansa Group airlines content through existing EDIFACT technology. 

“The Lufthansa Group remains fully committed to shaping the aviation industry and modernising air travel experiences for our passengers,” said SWISS chief commercial officer and board member Tamur Goudarzi Pour.

“I am excited that with the signing of this groundbreaking distribution agreement, which also enables the introduction of two NDC models, we continue on our path to modernise airline retailing together with our long-term partner Amadeus. Together, as industry leaders, we will substantially accelerate the penetration of modern industry standards such as NDC on a global scale.”

Lufthansa Group and Amadeus are working to integrate the airlines’ NDC offer into the Amadeus Travel Platform, targeting a gradual global roll-out in Q4 2022 onwards, commencing in selected European markets, and thus enable shopping, booking, payment and servicing in a solution that is fully integrated into the Amadeus ecosystem. In the following months, the range of content and functionalities will be continuously expanded.

Malaysia’s top islands sign MoU

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 15 September 2022: LADA and the Penang State Government are establishing close cooperation to develop their tourism industries and build two-way travel between the two famous holiday islands.

They signed a Memorandum of Understanding last week to encourage a variety of promotional activities and the sharing of UNESCO-class product management skills.

Photo Credit: LADA). Team leaders sign MoU to promote island tourism.

The signing session was carried out with LADA, represented by Tuan Nassarudin Bin Abdul Mutalib, the Chief Executive Officer of LADA, while Penang was represented by YBhg. Dato Ahmad Rizal Bin Mohd, Penang’s State Government Deputy Secretary (Management).

AirAsia paints Thai images on its planes

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 15 September 2022: As a show of its commitment to supporting tourism recovery, Thai AirAsia will unveil a new aircraft livery themed after the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) latest campaign, “Amazing Thailand, Amazing New Chapters”.

The aircraft livery, bearing a design highlighting Thailand’s new travel dimensions and experiences, will be displayed throughout Thai AirAsia’s domestic and international route network, including flights to India and ASEAN destinations. TAT and AirAsia also affirmed they would work together to drive tourism during the last quarter of the year through various other campaigns.

Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn said: “TAT has been promoting its “Amazing Thailand, Amazing New Chapters” concept to stimulate recovery in the tourism industry and will be expanding its efforts throughout 2023 with its “Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters” campaign.”

Two aircraft will be painted in the special promotional livery by the end of this year, promoting TAT’s “5F” concept highlighting Thailand’s soft powers of food, festivals, film, fashion and fights.

The TAT expects tourism to revive in the fourth quarter of this year and to see the industry return to 80% of its pre-Covid-19 travel arrivals by the end of 2023, generating THB1.73 trillion in revenue, consisting of THB970 billion from foreign visitors and THB760 billion from domestic circulation according to its worst case scenario. A best-case scenario would see revenue reach THB2.38 trillion with THB1.5 trillion from foreign visitors and THB880 billion from the domestic market.

Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Santisuk Klongchaiya noted: “AirAsia has resumed its domestic network, including regional connections, and is ready to bring back international routes continually. We have seen an excellent response in the Indian and ASEAN markets and recently launched a direct flight to Fukuoka, Japan,” Santisuk said.

Marking the unveiling of AirAsia’s “Amazing New Chapters” aircraft livery in partnership with TAT, Thai AirAsia is offering promotional fares across its domestic network, including regional connections, with discounts up to 30%. Fares are bookable until 18 September 2022 for travel from 12 October 2022 to 23 March 2023.

MH picks up World Travel Award

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 15 September 2022: Malaysia Airlines has been named Asia’s Leading Airline for Business Class at the 29th World Travel Awards.

The airline emerges as the winner after receiving the most votes from industry participants, consumers, media, and travel professionals across the region, outperforming other nominated full-service Asian airlines.

Malaysia Airlines Group Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Lau Yin May, said: “As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a lasting change in travelling preferences, we constantly improve and enhance our products… One of our most prominent innovations includes our business class fare structure which was redesigned to match the value proposition of business class passengers and market demand. Our Business Class fare family makes Malaysia Airlines one of the few airlines worldwide to offer flexibility and multiple perks.”

Meanwhile, Malaysia Aviation Group is now partnering with Singapore Tourism Board to Promote Destination Singapore. The airline and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) established an inaugural, multi-faceted partnership earlier this month to promote Singapore to travellers, building on the strong momentum of travel reopening in Singapore and Malaysia.

The partnership will promote Singapore as a destination of choice for travellers with varied interests and give them exclusive access to MAG’s extensive travel and lifestyle-related services, including Malaysia Airlines and Firefly. It will also leverage Malaysia Airlines’ tour operating arm, MHholidays, providing curated travel packages for single to group travel, including flights, hotel stays, attractions and new experiences in Singapore.

CWT joins sustainable tourism council

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 September 2022: CWT, a B2B travel management platform, announced this week it had become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GSTC) global network.

A longstanding advocate of sustainable corporate travel, this partnership will see CWT become an active contributor to the critical work GSTC delivers towards its drive to widespread adoption of universal sustainable travel and tourism principles. 

“GSTC is delighted that CWT joins the rapidly growing list of major brands that see the value in applying the GSTC Criteria and our programs as part of their commitment to enhancing the sustainability of their extensive operations and supply chain,” said GSTC chief executive officer Randy Durband.

Last June, CWT launched enhanced CO2 emission reporting to underpin responsible travel programs. This followed the launch of carbon footprint indicators in March 2022. Committed to building momentum for change in its industry for the future, CWT continues to work with pioneers, such as the award-winning carbon intelligence platform called Thrust Carbon.

“CWT has worked with its customers and partners for over a decade to provide innovative sustainable corporate travel solutions and insights. We are thrilled to be part of the GSTC family, combining our efforts and influence to drive awareness and adoption of standards for sustainable travel,” said CWT vice president of product management Charlie Sullivan.

Manta Ray viewing tips for a special day

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TTR WEEKLY
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MALE, Maldives, 15 Sept 2022: Ahead of World Manta Day on 17 Sept, Lynn Jula Kessler, the marine biologist at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, offers the following advice on viewing the gentle giants.

Reef manta rays feed on microscopic plankton, grow up to four metres from wingtip to wingtip,
and can weigh up to 700kg [Image top left courtesy of WorldMantaDay.com.

1. When to go?

The manta rays’ migration pattern is dominated by the two monsoon seasons in the Maldives. From roughly December to May, we find the mantas more frequently on the Western atolls. From June to November, the focus is on the eastern sites. In South Ari Atoll around Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, there are record year-round sightings of manta rays, as the animals don’t leave the atoll when the monsoon changes (due to the geographical size of the atoll). Most manta sightings have been recorded between October and March.

2. Videos and books to enjoy in preparation

The Manta Trust has published a fantastic Guide to Manta and Devil Rays, which gives a great overview of all the manta species known to science, with helpful identification keys. For a more aesthetic book, the resort recommends the Secret Life of Manta Rays, co-authored by Dr Guy Stevens, the founder of Manta Trust. This book has stunning photographs and interesting insights into conservation efforts, plus it’s a beautiful coffee table book. One of the biggest threats to manta ray populations worldwide is overfishing.

3. Choose a resort with a dedicated marine biologist or conservationist

Many resorts in the Maldives have a resident marine biologist or conservationist on site. With a bit of research or by contacting the resort directly, you can find out how well the marine biologist is included in the resort’s ocean activities — and what other types of sustainability efforts are being pursued by the resort.

4. Do a trial snorkel or scuba dive first

This is important, especially if you are not a strong swimmer or have little experience snorkelling in the ocean. Try snorkelling in a safe environment first. This way, you can familiarise yourself with the equipment, practice being in open water, and increase the chance of a more enjoyable manta dive or snorkel excursion.

5. Be ready!

If you join a group trip, make sure you listen to your guide’s instructions and are ready to get into the water anytime.

6. Don’t get too close

Manta rays are very curious by nature. Try to stay at about a three to four-metre radius. But due to mantas’ inquisitive nature, they almost always break this distance themselves. The best advice regarding manta ray encounters is to stay as calm as possible. The chances of the manta ray turning around and checking you out from up close are much higher when you remain calm at the surface rather than splashing around and chasing after it. However, don’t try to touch a manta ray. This will most likely end the encounter as mantas are not tactile animals and get scared when touched.

7. Photography tip

Guests often focus more on their camera settings than on the mantas themselves. If you are not familiar with your camera settings or you, don’t want the extra pressure of having to take pictures as well as keeping up with mantas, leave the camera behind. However, action cameras such as GoPros are usually a very easy solution and make great footage and can be rented at the dive centre.

8. Instagram channels to keep an eye on

If you are interested in manta rays, visit the channels of  Manta Trust (@mantatrust) and the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (@maldianmantaproject). On the OZONE Maafushivaru (@ozone_maafushivaru) channel, I share information and insights on manta rays and other marine projects at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort.

9. What is Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort doing on Manta Ray Day?

For World Manta Day, there are scheduled manta ray excursions for guests with insights into the manta rays’ life. All data collected during this trip will be submitted to the Maldivian Manta Ray Project and the Manta Trust, the world’s leading manta ray research and conservation organisation.

10. Learn more about mantas and the responsible resort approach

Find out more about World Manta Day at WorldMantaDay.com. It’s a great resource with information links, a list of challenges facing mantas, upcoming events, and how to get involved. The Outrigger OZONE page also gives useful insights on coral protection and propagation initiatives, reducing waste, guest education, and the best eco-activities for responsible travellers.

Related links:

Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa in Hawaii to Host World Manta Day Festival, 17 Sept

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort Playing an Important Role in Manta Ray, Whale Shark & Turtle Conservation

About Outrigger’s Nature Conservation Initiative – OZONE

About World Manta Day

(Your Stories: Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort).

Japan ponders over easier entry rules

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 September 2022: If Japan restores its visa-exemption scheme after a two-year hiatus, it might be the magic wand to spur recovery in its beleaguered tourism industry.

So far, the token gestures at easing entry to the country are just not working. Too many caveats and footnotes attached to revisions announced on 7 September deter even the most enthusiastic travellers.

A Reuters report of 12 September quoted by CNA suggests Prime Minister Fumio Kishida may decide as early as this week to ease entry rules further. On the table is a proposal to resume visa-free entry for some nationalities. They will still need to show they have received three vaccine jabs. Before Covid-19, 68 countries and territories enjoyed visa-exempt travel to Japan. The privilege was suspended in early 2021. 

If the proposed changes roll out, individual travellers can visit Japan without booking an itinerary through a travel agency, ending a requirement that irks travellers who book through popular travel sites.

The daily 50,000 arrivals cap will also be scrapped, which was increased from 20,000 on 7 September. At the same time, the two tests (pre-flight and after arrival) and the need to isolate vanished for fully vaccinated travellers, who hailed from any of the 128 countries on the “blue zone” list. Another 73 nationalities on the “yellow zone” list still needed to submit the two test results – pre-departure flight and after they arrive in Japan.

According to Reuters, Japan’s deputy chief cabinet secretary Seiji Kihara told the TV channel Fuji News Network on Sunday that “a weak yen is most effective in attracting inbound tourism,” adding that further steps must be taken to draw in foreign visitors.

(Source: Reuters and CNA)

Cycle events return to Langkawi

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TTR WEEKLY
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LANGKAWI, 14 September 2022: Langkawi Island once more hosted cycling fans attending the Langkawi Legendary Ride 2022 Championship on 10 September. The event was last held in 2019.

The second edition of the annual LLR attracted 1,640 participants from seven countries, namely Singapore, Indonesia, the UK, Thailand, Australia, Netherlands and France, plus a strong turnout of local sports enthusiasts.

(Photo Credit LADA). Starting line up at Langkawi Legendary Ride.

This event was jointly organised by the Langkawi Development Board (LADA) and Tough Gorilla Ventures. This year’s edition offered three categories; the Legendary Ride of 101 km, Eagle Ride (60km) and Mahsuri Ride (30km).

LADA is confident that hosting sports events will generate more tourists as participants often take their families on vacation when joining a sporting event at a resort destination. In addition, the destination gains considerable media coverage, including TV sports channels that build awareness. Langkawi was the founding host for the Tour de Langkawi, one of the most popular tours in the cycle race calendar outside of Europe. It provided heaps of publicity for Langkawi and Malaysia as a national event that attracted international race teams.

Le Tour de Langkawi was conceived by former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad to put Malaysia “on the world sporting and tourism map”. The first race was held in 1996. It was considered Asia’s richest bicycle race, with total prize money of MYR1.1 million.

The eight-stage race visits major destinations in Malaysia but retains its connection with Langkawi to recognise its role as the founding destination.

However, the 26th edition of the stage race returns to Langkawi this year for the final stage. Scheduled for 11 to 18 October, the 1,183km race will start in Kuala Lumpur and conclude in Langkawi, according to updated information posted on Arena Malaysia Asia on 3 September.

“Supporting cycling sports events in Langkawi remains a priority,” said LADA CEO Nasaruddin bin Abdul Muttalib. “Due to the confidence cyclists have in Langkawi’s expertise in hosting prestigious sports events, we expect tourist arrivals to Permata Kedah to increase during the fourth quarter of 2022.”

LLR 2022 was also used by participants as a warm-up session ahead of the IRONMAN Malaysia triathlon championship scheduled for 5 November.

Live well travel well deal

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 September 2022: Banyan Tree Group kicks off this year’s anniversary celebrations with its inaugural “Live Well, Travel Well” campaign.

It invites travellers to book stays with up to 33% savings on stays and spa experiences across 23 countries.

Banyan Tree Group’s 60 properties are participating in the campaign that covers four established brands; Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia and Garrya, plus the newest brand addition, Banyan Tree Escape. The campaign runs from 14 September to 4 October 2022 for stays until 30 September 2023.

Bookings are available now via: www.banyantree.com/live-well-travel-well

(Your Stories: Banyan Tree)

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