BANGKOK, 23 May 2022: As testing and entry rules eased worldwide and the Thai government pulled the plug on the Test and Go entry requirements, THAI and THAI Smile are increasing flights.
Flight increases April
• Chennai (India): From five weekly flights to daily.
• Bengaluru (India): From five weekly flights to daily.
• Delhi from daily: Flight to twice-daily flights.
• Mumbai: From five weekly flights to daily.
Flight increases in early May
• Lahore (Pakistan): From three to four weekly flights.
• Karachi: From two to three weekly flights.
• Islamabad: From two to three weekly flights.
• Hanoi: From daily flights to twice-daily flights.
• Ho Chi Minh: From daily flights to twice-daily flights
• Phnom Penh: From daily flights to twice-daily flights.
• Melbourne: From four weekly flights to daily flights.
• Vientiane: Three weekly flights, starting 1 May 2022.
• Hyderabad: Daily flight, started 13 May 2022.
• Penang: Four weekly flights, started 1 May 2022
Flight changes in late May and June
• London: From 11 weekly flights to twice daily, starting 29 May 2022.
• Jakarta: From three weekly flights to daily flights, starting 1 June 2022.
• Yangon: Daily flights, starting 1 June 2022.
• Dhaka (Bangladesh): From daily flights to 10 weekly flights, starting 1 June 2022.
• Bali (Denpasar): Increases from four weekly flights to daily flights, starting 18 June 2022.
• Frankfurt: From 10 weekly flights to twice-daily flights, starting 25 June 2022.
Flight changes July
• Taipei: From four weekly flights to daily flights, starting 1 July 2022.
• Singapore: From 10 weekly flights to twice-daily flights, starting 1 July 2022.
• Copenhagen: From five weekly flights to daily flights, starting 1 July 2022.
• Munich: From five weekly flights to daily flights, starting 1 July 2022
• Zurich: From five weekly flights to daily flights, starting 1 July 2022
• Brussels: Three weekly flights, 2 July to 30 August 2022.
• Tokyo (Haneda): Daily flights, starting 1 July 2022.
• Kaohsiung (Taiwan): Daily flights, starting 1 July 2022.
BANGKOK, 23 May 2022: THAI and its subsidiaries reported a THB3,243 million net loss during the first quarter of 2022, but down THB 8,962 million when compared with results during the same quarter of 2021.
Loss attributable to owners of the parent company amounted to THB3,247 million. Loss per share was THB1.49, while in Q1/2021 was THB5.59.
The airline announced the results of its Q1 2022 financial performance as it resumes flights to meet the growing demand for travel to Thailand in response to the easing of Covid-19 travel rules.
The airline’s operating loss before financial costs, excluding the one-time transactions, closed at THB3,167 million, down by THB3,830 million or 54.7%.
Revenue
For the first quarter of 2022, THAI and its subsidiaries generated THB11,181 million in revenue, excluding the one-time transactions. The result was higher than last year by THB6,797 million or 155%, mainly due to an increase in both passenger and cargo revenue.
Expenses
The total operating expenses, excluding the one-time transactions, amounted to THB14,348 million, which was THB2,967 million higher than in Q1 2021, mainly due to variable operating expenses and the rise in fuel price.
Assets
As of 31 March 2022, the total assets of THAI and its subsidiaries totalled THB162,423 million, representing an increase of THB1,204 million when compared to results declared on 31 December 2021.
Liabilities
The total liabilities reached THB 236,909 million, an increase of THB 4,439 million. Shareholders’ equity amounted to a minus THB74,486 million, a decrease of THB3,235 million compared to Q1 2021.
The recovery in travel demand and cargo delivery has generated significant revenue resulting in the company’s liquidity reaching the highest level since the Central Bankruptcy Court approved the airline’s rehabilitation plan on 15 June 2021.
SINGAPORE, 23 May 2022: Global travel group The Travel Corporation has released its first official Impact Report, detailing progress against its 11 sustainability goals launched in September 2020.
How We Tread Right (HWTR) is part of TTC’s five-year sustainability strategy to ensure all 41 award brands within the group achieve the 11 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) while advancing the shared ethos of the ‘Make Travel Matter’ initiative.
“This first, and future Impact Reports, allow us to evaluate the progress we’re making as a company as well as individual brands, so we can track our increasing achievements and acknowledge the areas that need more work,” says The Travel Corporation chief sustainability Officer Shannon Guihan
“TTC recognises the growing expectation from guests across global markets who want to make responsible choices and travel more sustainably, including supporting local communities and reducing environmental impacts. Travellers are seeking a meaningful holiday experience with the guidance of a knowledgeable Travel Advisor.
“With the upcoming Stockholm+50 international environmental conference convened by the United Nations General Assembly, issues include climate change, sustainable food production, and animal welfare. They are global issues which require urgent action,” adds The Travel Corporation chairman Brett Tollman.
“In sharing our blueprint to do better, we hope to engage our industry to join the fight against these critical planetary challenges, as it’s only in working together with clear intent that we can truly make travel a force for good and safeguard our planet for future travellers,” he concluded.
TTC and its 41 brands address sustainability in two key ways through HWTR, its sustainability strategy featuring 11 SMART goals, and its TreadRight Foundation, which supports the advancement of these goals through giving. Key takeaways from the Impact Report highlighting cumulative progress against TTC’s 11 sustainability goals from September 2020 through December 2021 include:
PLANET
• Developed net-zero targets aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), currently under review and will be shared later in 2022.
• Contiki announced their carbon neutral trips as of 1 January 2022. • Switched nine additional properties to 100% renewable electricity. • Reduced printed brochures by 88 per cent from 2019.
PEOPLE
• Introduced 554 ‘Make Travel Matter’ Experiences across TTC itineraries, educational experiences designed to advance the UNSDGs, positively impacting and supporting the people and communities they visit.
WILDLIFE
• Assessed 400+ wildlife experiences to ensure 100 per cent compliance with the TTC Animal Welfare Policy.
BANGKOK, 23 May 2022: Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is set to welcome thousands of runners from around Thailand and overseas to Run Paradise in Phuket on 11 and 12 June 2022.
Following the cancellation of Thailand’s Test & Go scheme, international participants can now fly to Phuket without testing pre-flight or on arrival. They will still need to register on Thailand Pass to confirm their vaccination status and health insurance cover valued at USD10,000.
The Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is the first international sports event held in Phuket post-pandemic. It will showcase to the world that Phuket is back and an ideal sports tourism hub for Southeast Asia and help boost the island’s tourism and economy.
Having welcomed over 200,000 participants from more than 70 countries to Phuket over its first 15 years, the Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is one of the top marathon majors in Thailand, is certified by IAAF AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.
“The Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon is a popular destination marathon with runners from Thailand and overseas. It’s also an important event for Phuket – it supports the economy and local community, and this year will be an iconic showcase that Phuket is back and ready to welcome visitors from all around the world,” said GAA Events assistant race director Charlie Jung, the organiser of the Supersports Laguna Phuket Marathon.
“With six distances from 2km to the full marathon, the event offers something for everyone and is an ideal weekend away for families who can take part in some healthy fun and family-friendly race weekend while also enjoying the full facilities of Laguna Phuket.”
The scenic course will take runners past local villages, rubber and pineapple plantations, through the beachfront Sirinat National Park and starts/ finishes at Laguna Grove. Distances available include 2km kids run, 5km and 10.5km in the afternoon on Saturday, 11 June, and Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon Relay (42.195km) and Marathon (42.195km) in the morning on Sunday 12 June.
Laguna Phuket Resort Services vice president Anthony Loh said: “Laguna Phuket is looking forward to welcoming runners from near and far back to Laguna Phuket for what is going to be a great event. As a leading sports event in the region and Phuket’s largest by participation numbers, we are always keen to ensure the island community benefits from the event. We encourage all runners and spectators to make a difference by helping to raise awareness and funds for Laguna Phuket Foundation’s Children First Fund (CFF), to support more than 400 underprivileged children in seven orphanages in Phuket.”
Those who can’t make it this year, can participate in Thailand’s very first Hybrid Race. This new concept combines a virtual and actual race, with both taking place simultaneously. Using the Sportstats Tracker app, participants can join the race virtually, from anywhere in the world and enjoy real-time remote running. In the app, remote runners’ progress will be overlaid on the real event map, and results will be instantly available together with all finishers (remote and onsite).
JAKARTA, 20 May 2022: Indonesia eased its Covid-19 rules
earlier this week, ending the need to wear masks outdoors and undergo PCR or
antigen tests pre-flight or on arrival in the country.
The change places Indonesia alongside Cambodia, Malaysia and
Singapore as some of the easiest countries to enter across Southeast Asia. They
all allow fully vaccinated tourists to enter without restrictions or the need
to wear a mask outdoors.
In Indonesia, mask-wearing will still apply when travelling
on public transport or visiting crowded indoor areas,
The new health protocols regarding masks and tests were
announced by the country’s President Joko Widodo on Tuesday.
Commenting on the decision, the Minister of Transportation,
Budi Karya Sumadi said: “We believe this policy can be a turning point for
the revival of the transportation sector, which also contributes to the revival
of the Indonesian economy,”.
The Minister of Transportation said that the “decision
to implement the relaxation programme took into account the situation and conditions
of the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia, which was increasingly under
control.”
More than 65 million Indonesians travelled during the Eid al
Fitr holiday earlier in May, while the seven-day rolling average for Covid-19
cases currently stands at 360 new infections. Indonesia has double vaccinated
166.25 million residents, or 60.8% of the population.
Under the new rules, if people engage in outdoor activities
or in uncrowded open areas, they do not need to wear masks. However, for
activities in closed spaces such as shopping malls and public transportation,
they should continue to wear masks.
People who are categorised as being vulnerable such as the
elderly, those who have cold or cough
symptoms and those suffering from chronic respiratory diseases, should wear
masks.
In a circular to the media, the Ministry of Transportation
also confirmed that fully vaccinated travellers (two doses) entering the
country by air, land, and sea do not need to undergo PCR or Antigen swab
testing.
Most travellers are also eligible for a Visa-on-Arrival, and
as long as they are fully vaccinated, there is no need to quarantine or test.
Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that the remaining virus
restrictions would come up for review on 23 May, when the government would evaluate
rules mostly setting capacity limits and when opening hours could also be
phased out.
BANGKOK, 20 May 2022: AirAsia resumes flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos, starting 1 June.
Travel to Laos is easy for fully vaccinated travellers. They just need to show present proof of vaccination to fly. There is no Covid-19 testing and quarantine and no rule making it mandatory to buy Covid-19 health insurance, although it is advisable to have adequate health insurance to be on the safe side.
AirAsia’s members can book a oneway THB1,990 fare until
midnight on 22 May for travel from 1 June 2022 to 25 March 2023 via the AirAsia Super App.
“AirAsia Thailand is currently flying to eight
countries on 20 routes, or over 20% of our pre-Covid-19 network, supporting a
strong recovery in the tourism sector,” said the airline’s CEO Santisuk
Klongchaiya.
AirAsia is currently operating flights to eight countries on
20 routes, namely; direct from Bangkok to Laos (Vientiane, Luang Prabang),
Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang), Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap),
Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru), Indonesia (Bali), Singapore,
India (Chennai, Kochi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Jaipur) and the Maldives, as well
as direct from Phuket to Singapore and direct from Hat Yai to Malaysia (Kuala
Lumpur). All routes allow for travel without the need to quarantine and are
being operated under AirAsia’s stringent health and safety measures.
NEW DELHI, 20 May 2022: Tourism Malaysia participated in
India’s largest tourism fair, South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange
(SATTE) 18 to 20 May to relaunch promotions after Malaysia reopened its borders
on 1 April.
Tourism Malaysia aims to raise awareness of Malaysia as an
ideal holiday destination and instil confidence among Indians to visit Malaysia
again. In its 18th year, the three-day trade show attracted more
than 35,000 travel executives and travel consumers.
Tourism Malaysia’s deputy chairman Dato’ Sri Dr Anil Jeet
Singh Sandhu, led the tourism delegation made up of 15 tour agents, three hotel
operators, three product owners, three airline operators, and one state tourism
board.
“I am excited to announce that since the reopening of
Malaysia’s international borders, India is among the top five tourist source
markets,” Tourism Malaysia’s deputy chairman told SATTE delegates. “A whole new
Malaysia is waiting for you to be discovered. Genting SkyWorld, Southeast
Asia’s most anticipated outdoor theme park is finally open, while Penang has
been listed on CNN’s Best Travel Destinations in 2022”.
Malaysia has opened its shores for quarantine-free travel
and welcomes fully-vaccinated international travellers. From 1 May 2022,
fully-vaccinated inbound travellers no longer need to undergo pre-departure or
on-arrival Covid-19 tests. It also applies to children 12 years or below.
Currently, travellers can apply for the Malaysia eVisa.
More than 14,000 seats are bookable on flights between India
and Malaysia on the websites of Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, AirAsia,
IndiGo, and Air India Express.
KUCHING, 20 May 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) embarks on a sales tour of Sabah and West Malaysia from 21 May to 5 June 2022, promoting two music festivals; the 25th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and the region’s longest-running jazz festivals, Borneo Jazz 2022.
The sales tour will commence in Imago KK Times Square, Kota
Kinabalu, Sabah, 21 to 22 May 2022, followed by a sales booths concurrently in
Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur and The Mall Mid Valley Southkey, Johor
Bahru, 27 to 29 May 2022. The tour concludes at Gurney Plaza, Penang, with
three days of sales from 3 to 5 June 2022.
Domestic travel agencies and tour operators from Sarawak
will be on the ground during the promotions to complete travel bookings and
itineraries for the two music festivals. During the promotions, quizzes and
entertainment activities, including the distribution of attractive merchandise,
including free tickets to RWMF and BJF. Visitors will be entertained with
Sarawak’s traditional sape’ performances.
STB Deputy CEO for marketing communications, research and
private corporate relations Suriya Charles Buas said: “Last year’s virtual
experience gave us invaluable feedback on how we could work towards combining
the best of both worlds – physical and the digital – to bring the best of the
hybrid format. Thus, we strive to bring the best out of both festivals this
year.
“We are thrilled to present both the festivals that will
bring the world back together with music. We are bridging the past with the
future and sustaining and reinventing our musical heritage and its traditions
for many years to come,” he said.
“Through both international events, we are building the
music tourism ecosystem in Sarawak to elevate the state as a cultural and music
centre, in line with STB’s goals to promote sustainable and responsible
tourism,” he added.
“Organising the festivals in Sarawak will also bring
travellers from all over the world to the Land of the Hornbills, keeping
Sarawak at the top of stakeholder’s minds while promoting the rich land of
Sarawak against the fascinating backdrop of history and mystery, culture,
adventure, nature, festivals and food. While re-building the tourism industry,
it will also stimulate domestic and international travelling for a better
tourism future,” he concluded.
The Rainforest World Music Festival themed “Legendary Rainforest Celebration” will be held from 17 to 19 June 2022, adopting a hybrid format with the physical concert at Sarawak Cultural Village. Viewers can also live stream performances in their homes.
For more information
and to purchase tickets visit:https://rwmf.net/
RWMF will feature a host of international performers from
Canada, India, USA, Finland, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan,
Australia, Madagascar, Ukraine, China, Bhutan and Seoul, among others, while
showcasing a string of Malaysia’s talents such as Alena Murang, At Adau from
Sarawak, Bamboo Woods from Sabah and many more.
Festival-goers can choose from the different ticket
categories at pre-sale prices – Adult 1-Day Pass (MYR165), Adult 3-Day Pass
(MYR405), Child 1-Day Pass (MYR85), Child 3-Day Pass (MYR195) and 1-Day Family
Package Pass- 2 Adult and 2 Children (MYR440). The virtual tickets are priced
at MYR25 per one-hour block.
Meanwhile, themed “Jazz in The Jungle”, the 17th edition of Borneo Jazz, will be held from 24 to 26h June 2022 in Coco Cabana, Miri, in a hybrid format for the first time to reach out to the greater jazz-loving community worldwide. Performers from a host of countries, namely Singapore, Japan, France, Switzerland, USA, and Hungary, not to mention the best names in Malaysian jazz, will be showcasing their talent. For more information on the festival or to purchase a ticket, visit jazzborneo.com.
For the public category, the 1-Day Pass is priced at MYR128 per ticket, 2-Day Pass is MYR228 per ticket and 3-Day Pass is MYR338 per ticket. As for students and senior citizens, 1-Day Pass is priced at MYR88 per ticket, 2-Day Pass is MYR128 per ticket and 3-Day Pass is RM188 per ticket. For virtual viewing, tickets are priced at MYR25 per one-hour block.
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier under Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has been named the official airline partner. At the same time, Shopee is the official e-commerce partner, and Karuna is the official ticketing partner of the Rainforest World Music Festival and Borneo Jazz festival 2022.
BANGKOK, 20 May 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is celebrating the start of summer by inviting guests to rediscover the beauty of a beachfront vacation and warm Thai hospitality in some of the world’s dreamiest destinations.
As life and travel return to normal, couples and families
can finally experience the joy of a summer holiday once again this year. With a
collection of breath-taking beach resorts and idyllic island retreats in
southern Thailand, Dubai and the Maldives, every traveller can splash with
Centara this summer.
Guests simply need to pick their perfect resort and start
planning a memorable vacation.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is an enchanting beachfront hotel nestled on Thailand’s glittering gulf coast, just a short drive from the vibrant streets of Bangkok. With its elegant colonial-style architecture, manicured gardens, authentic local cuisine and exceptional facilities, this five-star represents the essence of Thai cultural heritage.
Centara Reserve Samui
Centara
Reserve Samui is the hottest new luxury resort concept
from Centara, where lifestyle-conscious travellers can enjoy unparalleled
experiences. Discover a collection of pool suites and beachfront villas,
world-class wellness at the first-ever Reserve Spa Cenvaree, and
ground-breaking gastronomy, including sublime seafood, all on the serene shores
of Koh Samui.
Image Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Centara
Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a pristine
private island retreat that showcases the breath-taking beauty of this
bucket-list destination. Stay in exotic beachfront or overwater villas, swim
and snorkel in the turquoise lagoon, sip tropical drinks and savour the freshest
seafood as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Image Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Centara
Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is the newest addition to
the group’s global collection, bringing gracious Thai service and outstanding
activities to this iconic, ultra-modern city. Guests can make a splash in the
sparkling water park, unwind at the beach, spas and lounges, enjoy water sports
or dine at multiple restaurants. Kids will love the colourful Spa Candy.
“After all the travel disruption of recent years, the
summer holiday is making a comeback in 2022. As countries worldwide remove
their barriers to travel, holidaymakers can finally rediscover Asia’s pure
shores and exquisite islands. This is a wonderful time to reconnect with loved
ones and rediscover the joy of travel with Centara,” said Tom Thrussell,
Vice President – Brand, Marketing & Digital of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Centara
is undoubtedly the “The Place To Be” this summer. From now until 31
December 2022, the company is offering up to 20% off the hotel’s rates, plus
free accommodation for up to two children and complimentary Wi-Fi. Members of
Centara The1 will enjoy additional discounts of up to 15%. Travellers who are
members of CentaraThe1, the group’s loyalty programme,
will be rewarded with an additional 15% off. Travellers who are not yet members
can sign up for free in less than a minute and immediately start enjoying
benefits and earning points.
Thailand, Dubai and the Maldives, as well as other Centara Hotels & Resorts’ beach destinations such as Vietnam and Sri Lanka, are all now officially open for fully vaccinated international travellers, with no quarantine requirements. Through its Centara Complete Care health and safety programme, Centara offers complete peace of mind while also retaining the warm and genuine Thai hospitality for which the company is so famous.
For more information and to book your summer holiday with Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.
BANGKOK, 20 May 2022: Bangkok Airways restored flights on
domestic and regional routes as governments relaxed travel rules during the
first quarter of 2022, but operational losses increased to THB826.2 million
compared to THB756.8 million in Q1 2021.
From January to March 2021, the company restored domestic
routes from its home base at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Samui, Phuket,
Chiang Mai, and Lampang. It also reinstated its Samui-Phuket, Samui-U-Tapao and
Phuket-U-Tapao routes while restoring international flights from Bangkok to
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and from Samui to Singapore.
Bangkok Airways carried 373,200 passengers in the first
quarter, up from 151,900 in 2021, an increase of 145.8%, while it operated
5,037 flights, up 104.4% from 2,464, achieving a load factor of 63.5% compared
with 58.8% quarter on quarter. Aircraft use per day increased to 4.5 hours, up
from 3.5 hours in 2021. The average fare during the first quarter reached
THB2,469.6 per sector, rising 31.3% compared to the same quarter in 2021.
Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) totalled 213.8 million,
up from 91.6 million. Available seat kilometres (ASK) stood at 336.9 million,
up from 155.8 million.
Total revenue for the first quarter of 2022 stood at THB
1,698.0 million, an increase of 25.1% compared with the THB1,357.2 million in
the first quarter of 2021, mainly due to a 208.8% improvement in passenger
revenue from airline and airport business revenue that increased 206.9%. The
jump in revenue was attributed to the easing of travel restrictions and
quarantine rules during the first quarter.
Total expenses increased from THB2,033.7 million during Q1
2021 to THB2,487.4 million in Q1 2022, up 22.3%. Major cost items included
aviation fuel, aircraft maintenance and passenger service fees.
The cost of sales and services reported at THB2,041.4
million grew by 34.5%, mainly due to increased flights and higher passenger
numbers. Total selling and distribution expenses reached THB138.5 million, up
148.5%, mainly from reservation system costs which amounted to THB53.1 million.
For the first quarter of 2022, the company reported a loss
before interest and tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of THB95
million and a net loss of THB1,025.5 million. Loss per share for this quarter
was THB0.49.
1Q 2022 highlights
• The airline reintroduced two daily flights of special
sealed-route for Bangkok-Phuket in order to support Thailand’s Phuket Sandbox
programme from 1 February 2022.
• It launched Vaccinated Travel Lane flights from Samui to Singapore, to facilitate passengers who are fully vaccinated with no quarantine upon arrival in Singapore with 3 VTL flights per week and will be increased to a daily service from 1 July 2022 onwards.
• It announced the resale of the treasury stock programme
for financial management purposes. The 40.0 million shares were sold through
SET from 8 October 2021 to 3 March 2022 raising THB390.9 million.
• The company proceeded with the incorporation of a new
subsidiary, namely Bangkok REIT Management Company Limited, with the registered
capital of THB15 million having Bangkok Airways Holding Company Limited, as the
shareholder holding 99.9997 per cent of the shares.
