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Emirates Premium Economy on routes to India

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 15 June 2023: Emirates announced today that its highly sought-after Premium Economy offering will be available to customers flying to and from Mumbai and Bengaluru starting 29 October. Emirates will operate its newly retrofitted flagship A380 aircraft to these two popular Indian points, featuring the new Premium Economy seats, as well as refreshed interiors that provide an elevated experience in all other cabin classes.

Travellers flying on the Dubai-Mumbai route can book Emirates’ Premium Economy seats on EK500/501, while customers flying between Dubai and Bengaluru can book their flights on EK568/569 to enjoy the industry’s latest premium economy product with luxurious seats, more legroom, and an elevated dining experience. Seats can be booked immediately via emirates.com, Emirates sales offices and travel agencies for travel from 29 October.

Emirates’ daily flights offering the Premium Economy experience to/ from Bengaluru and Mumbai will operate as follows:

As the rollout of the retrofitted and enhanced Emirates A380s featuring a four-class configuration picks up pace, Premium Economy will be deployed on flights to more global destinations.

Premium Economy already features on flights to nine destinations globally, including US points New York JFK, San Francisco and Houston. In addition, it features on other routes;  London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne and Singapore. Premium Economy cabins will also debut in Los Angeles in July, bringing the number of routes offering the distinctive product to 12 by the end of 2023.

In addition to the introduction of Premium Economy on the retrofitted aircraft, customers across all cabins can enjoy the refreshed interiors, which sport Emirates’ signature ghaf tree motif. The refurbishments and aesthetic enhancements that passengers can enjoy on their journeys on the retrofitted A380 aircraft include a blend of beautiful designs and new colour palettes, evident throughout the aircraft, in the carpeting, wall panels, and wood finishings.

Customers love the Emirates A380 for its spacious and comfortable cabins, quietness, and unique onboard features such as the Onboard Lounge and First Class Shower Spa. Customers can also enjoy award-winning inflight entertainment on ice with over 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment via the industry’s largest screens across all cabins.

Emirates launched its services to India in October 1985, from Dubai to Delhi and Mumbai, which formed the base of its initial route network. Since then, Emirates has grown its India operations to serve a total of nine destinations across the country, including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. For more information on Emirates’ current operations, network, travel support, guidance, customer and employee safety, visit www.emirates.com

Regent Seven Seas Cruises plots 2025-2026 voyages

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 June 2023: Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced its 2025-2026 Voyage Collection earlier this week, showcasing new itineraries and 29 maiden ports of call, with reservations opening for sale on 22 June 2023.

The cruise line will offer 164 new itineraries. Voyages will span the globe – from established favourites such as Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe to the enchantment of South America and close-to-home destinations including Australia and New Zealand, Asia, and the South Pacific.

The 2025-2026 Voyage Collection features sailings ranging from seven nights to the epic 154-night 2026 World Cruise and five Grand Voyages. Adding to the destination immersion are 124 overnight stays across the Collection in highly sought-after ports of call, such as Istanbul, Turkey; Bangkok, Thailand; and Luxor (Safaga), Egypt.

Ships sailing Asia: 2025-2026 Voyage Collection 

Seven Seas Explorer

Seven Seas Explorer will arrive in Tokyo, Japan, in October 2025 for three roundtrip before making her way to Australia and New Zealand, visiting Southeast Asia’s popular ports of call along the way, such as Shanghai, China; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Bangkok, Thailand; and Jakarta, Indonesia.

On 12 January 2026, Seven Seas Explorer embarks on the 61-night Grand Asia Exploration. The journey begins in Auckland, New Zealand and ends in Tokyo, Japan, exploring a range of destinations, including three new ports of call in Australia. Additional itinerary highlights include overnight stays in Bangkok, Thailand; Osaka, Japan; and Shanghai, China, and visits to Cambodia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and South Korea. Ending 14 March, the Grand Asia Exploration can be enjoyed as four sailings of between 14 and 18 nights.

Seven Seas Explorer sails four more increasingly popular Tokyo roundtrips in March and April 2026, heading back to Vancouver, Canada, on a 17-night voyage starting 3 May 2026.

Seven Seas Mariner

During the 2025-2026 Voyage Collection, Seven Sea Mariner offers two Grand Voyages, plus the 2026 World Cruise.

On 10 January 2026, Seven Seas Mariner will embark on The Sense of Adventure – Regent’s 2026 World Cruise. The 154-night round trip to Miami will cover 39,911 nautical miles and 41 countries across six continents, with 77 ports of call and 16 overnight stays. Highlights include access to 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 420 included shore excursions, and ports of call in some of the world’s most desirable locales: Papeete, Tahiti; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Nosy Be, Madagascar; and Hamilton, Bermuda.

Seven Seas Navigator

In December 2025, Seven Seas Navigator will explore the Indian sub-continent, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. From 22 February 2026, she will make two roundtrip cruises to Papeete, French Polynesia, including overnight stays on  Bora Bora. The roundtrip sailings are sandwiched between open-jaw itineraries to and from Papeete and Auckland, New Zealand, which also visit Fiji and Samoa island nations.

The ship closes out her 2025-2026 Voyage Collection, spending April and May returning to the Mediterranean, with four sailings of between 14 and 20 nights, to Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East.

Melaka hosts ASEAN tourism meetings

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TTR WEEKLY
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AYER KEROH, Malaysia, 15 June 2023: Tourism Malaysia has successfully organised the ASEAN Tourism Crisis Communication (ATCC) Forum and the 3rd ASEAN Crisis Communication Team (ATCCT) Special Meeting from 12 to 14 June 2023. 

And for the first time, Ayer Keroh, Melaka, was chosen to host this ASEAN programme. Around 50 delegates from national tourism organisations (NTOs) across ASEAN countries attended the forum that aimed to identify the best communication methods and strategies to overcome crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Representatives from ASEAN non-member states such as China, Japan, India, South Korea, Russia and Timor Leste were invited to participate in the ATCC Forum.

With the cooperation and support from the YAB Chief Minister of Melaka, the Melaka State Tourism Exco as well as Tourism Melaka, the forum was also attended by The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), National Security Council (MKN), Information Department, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and several other Malaysian government agencies.

The forum, which lasted for two days, highlighted the sharing of experiences and areas of improvement that need to be given greater attention within the ASEAN region to ensure that stakeholders in the tourism industry and support components for this industry react precisely and accurately during crises.

Following that event, the 3rd Special Meeting was held for only ASEAN Member States to discuss the roles and responsibilities of ATCCT further and to deliberate regarding the revision of the ASEAN Tourism Crisis Communication Manual, which was last updated in 2018.

Tourism Malaysia also organised a dinner on 12 June 2023 to welcome all delegations. It was hosted by YBhg. Dato’ Dr Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and other special guests from the Melaka State Government.

In support of Visit Melaka Year 2024, the AMS delegates were also taken to visit various tourist attractions such as Melaka Heritage Trail around the historical sites in Bandar Hilir, Kampung Morten, Melaka River Cruise, and the newly revamped Mini Malaysia Park, now known as Malaysia Heritage Studios.

Hotel JAL City makes its debut in Bangkok

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TTR WEEKLY
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TOKYO Japan, 15 June 2023: Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co Ltd, confirmed this week that Hotel JAL City Bangkok would open on 3 July following a three-year delay.

The property was scheduled to open in May 2020, a plan hindered by the Covid-19  pandemic and extended travel lockdowns. Recognising travel demand is recovering, and Japanese travellers are once more visiting Thailand, the hotel’s management will open for reservations starting 16 June.

From left to right: Grand Tower Enterprise Co Ltd Board of Director Committee, Hudsadin Eamsherangkul / Grand Tower Enterprise Co Ltd Managing Director,  Pattama Yoshimura / Grand Tower Enterprise Co Ltd Board of Director Committee; Wisit Eamsherangkul / Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co Ltd President and Representative Director,  Kikuhiko Okura / Grand Tower Enterprise Co Ltd Board of Director Committee, Pipat Eamsherangkoon / Hotel Nikko Bangkok and Hotel JAL City Bangkok General Manager Tadashi Kitahara.

Earlier this week, Kikuhiko Okura, president of Okura Nikko Hotel Management, the hotel operator, and Wisit Eamsherangkul, director of the Board Committee, Grand Tower Enterprise, the hotel owner, announced the reopening plans and the opening date.

Hotel JAL City Bangkok is adjacent to Hotel Nikko Bangkok, which opened in January 2019. Thonglor BTS Skytrain station is just a three-minute walk away.

Thonglor is an area extending north and south from Soi Sukhumvit 55, commonly known as Thonglor Road, in the Wattana district of central Bangkok.

The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre and Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, along with multinational restaurants, bars, community malls and international hospitals, are located nearby, making it a prime location for business and leisure.

The 16-floor Hotel JAL City Bangkok comprises 324 rooms, a 148-seat restaurant and three meeting rooms (232 sqm, 75 sqm & 23 sqm).

About Hotel Okura Co Ltd

Hotel Okura Co Ltd, founded in 1958, opened its flagship Hotel Okura Tokyo in 1962 as a first-class hotel that quickly became renowned worldwide for blending traditional Japanese beauty with the best in accommodation, cuisine and service. It closed its doors in August 2015 and, after a four-year remake, reopened as The Okura Tokyo in September 2019.

CX sets fares for Christchurch relaunch

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 15 June 2023: Cathay Pacific resumes its seasonal direct flight from Hong Kong to Christchurch this December after the flight paused on 28 February 2020 during the initial Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.

First reported by Christchurch City Council Newsline, the airline will initially serve the route Hong Kong – Christchurch with three weekly flights scheduled from 16 December 2023 to 29 February 2024. Flights will depart Hong Kong on Monday, Thursday and Sunday.

Photo credit: Cathay Pacific. Christchurch bound this December.

Ticket sales for the service are already open on the Cathay Pacific website https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_NZ.html. Fares start at HKD23,022 one-way. The direct flight of around 11 hours and 15 minutes will be operated by the airline’s A350-900 aircraft configured with three cabin categories economy, premium economy, and business class.

CX123 will depart Hong Kong at 2105 and arrive in Christchurch at 1320 on the following day. The return flight will depart Christchurch at 1450 and arrive in Hong Kong at 2120.

Photo Credit: Cathay Pacific. Christchurch is back in the CX network.

The City Council’s Newsline quoted Cathay Pacific’s acting regional head of Southwest Pacific, Sandeep Pillay, saying it was great news for those in the region and the airline.

“Cathay Pacific has been flying to New Zealand for 40 years, and we are proud to return to Christchurch. Resuming our non-stop Christchurch to Hong Kong service is a significant milestone in rebuilding Cathay Pacific’s connectivity,” said Pillay.

Cathay Pacific already flies to Auckland, New Zealand, three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, departing Hong Kong at 2110 and arriving in Auckland at 1155 the following morning.

(Source Newsline https://newsline.ccc.govt.nz/)

SQ goes four daily to Hong Kong

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 15 June 2023: Singapore Airlines will add its fourth daily flight to Hong Kong on 1 July, bringing forward the launch date by one month as travel demand recovers.

The airline plans to eventually reinstate six daily departures on the Singapore – Hong Kong route, possibly by the year-end, to match the frequencies offered pre-Covid-19 pandemic.

Timetable information FlightsFrom. 4th flight was brought forward to 1 July, initially scheduled for 1 Aug.

Effective 1 July, the airline will add the fourth daily flight, SQ894, departing Singapore at 1305 and arriving in Hong Kong at 1705. The return flight (SQ895) will depart Hong Kong at 1805 and arrive in Singapore at 2240. The fourth daily flight will use a Boeing 777-300ER configured with four First Class seats, 48 Business Class, 28 Premium Economy and 184 Economy Class. Flight time is four hours and 15 minutes.

The other three daily flights are:

SQ874 departing Singapore 0725, arriving in Hong Kong at 1120 (A350-900);

SQ892 departing Singapore 0940, arriving in Hong Kong at 1355 (A380-800 on Friday, B777-300 on remaining six days);

SQ898 departing Singapore 1955, arriving in Hong Kong at 2350 (A350-900).

(Source SQ timetable)

Peru takes home gold at Chinese Awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 June 2023: Peru was awarded gold at the Chinese Tourist Welcome (CTW) awards ceremony in Guangzhou recently.

The prize rewards the efforts of the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ) to attract high-spending Chinese travellers, mainly the segment of independent travellers.

Chinese influencers visiting Machupicchu (Photo: PROMPERÚ).

Peru maintained focus in this important market during the pandemic and opted for long-term destination positioning work, especially through digital video platforms that appeal to Chinese travellers.

As a result, two projects developed by PROMPERÚ obtained recognition from the CTW awards: the 2021 Chinese New Year Campaign and the Alpaca WeChat Livestream carried out the same year.

The New Year Campaign (‘My Memories of Peru’) promoted the regions of Lima, Ica, Loreto, Cusco, Puno and Arequipa. This campaign was launched for the post-pandemic Chinese travellers, motivating their future trips while reinforcing ties of trust and sending a message that Chinese tourists are always welcome in Peru.

The Alpaca WeChat Livestream was broadcasted from Cusco through Tencent WeChat, PROMPERÚ WeChat and Zhejiang OTV platforms and lasted 04 hours. The Chinese audience enjoyed the Andean sunrise, the impressive landscapes of Pacchanta and the Sacred Valley, where alpacas and llamas were grazing freely, with the snow-capped Ausangate as a magnificent backdrop. The richness of the ancient Andean culture and the diversity of Peruvian superfoods, such as quinoa, chia and native potatoes, were also showcased.

CTW Awards

The CTW Award is organised by COTRI China Outbound Tourism Research Institute since 2004. COTRI is a recognised institution in China and worldwide related to the Chinese outbound travel market.

(Source: BusinessWire)

Bhutan lowers daily SDF fees for long stays

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 14 June 2023: Bhutan has adjusted its Sustainable Development Fund fees with three new tiers that offer travellers a cheaper deal on the USD200 daily fee introduced last year.

There are now three cheaper options on the daily fee that will be welcomed by travellers planning longer stays, such as eight, 14 and 30 days.

Photo credit: ICS Group

If you stay for less than eight nights, you pay USD200 per person daily. However, the following fee incentives are now available to encourage longer stays and will apply until 31 December 2024.

Red Elephant Reps* marketing and communications director Mary Eden reported details of the three SDF Fee incentives in ICS Travel Group’s latest newsletter to travel partners earlier this week.

4 + 4:  Pay SDF of USD 200 per night per person for the first four nights – and receive up to four additional nights without the daily levy.

7 + 7: Pay SDF of USD 200 per night per person for the first seven nights – and receive up to seven additional nights without the daily levy.

12 + 18:  Pay SDF USD 200 per night per person for the first 12 nights and receive up to 18 additional nights without the daily levy.

SDF is exempt for children of 5 years are exempt while. Children between six and 12 years pay 50%.

ICS is promoting a Best of Bhutan six-day/ five-night tour that is flagged as an ideal introduction for those exploring Bhutan for the first time. Highlights include travelling to look-outs to photograph the snowcapped Himalayas from the Dochula Pass, exploring the towns of Thimpu and Paro, and discovering the colourful temples and majestic fort of picturesque Punakha. The trip also includes a climb to the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on the side of a cliff.

*Red Elephant Reps is the representation company for ICS Travel Group.

(Source: https://icstravelgroup.com/ )

Health and Safety honours for Emirates

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 14 June 2023: At the recent Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) awards ceremony in Dubai, Emirates Group Transport Services were honoured with five top awards.

They are the gold award for health and safety performance, the gold award for leisure safety, a safety influencer of the year award for one of the Emirates team members, a highly commended award in the health and safety initiative, and the trophy award for best fleet safety in the Middle East.

Emirates is the only airline globally to claim a gold award for health and safety performance in transport and has won the award annually for the last four years. The gold award for health and safety performance covers overall health and safety performance for all aspects of the service that affect both staff and customers, while the gold award for leisure safety is for health and safety performance recognises services offered directly to guests and visitors. The Influencer of the Year award went to Roshan Menon, Manager of Transport Services, for his work promoting safety in the Middle East. A highly commended award was achieved in the Middle East health and safety initiative category, for the extensive transport support and safety measures implemented during Covid-19 for the Emirates Group. The final award, the trophy for fleet safety, was presented for excellence in managing occupational road risk in the Middle East.

In the UAE, Emirates operates a fleet of over a thousand vehicles to transport passengers, cabin crew, flight deck, and other employees to and from the workplace, averaging 2.5 million road trips in an average year. One of the many benefits offered to Emirates Cabin Crew is a dedicated state-of-the-art shuttle service to and from their accommodation to the airport. Emirates’ Pilots are chauffeur-driven between their homes and the airport for their flight duties. Ground staff for both Emirates and Dnata are also transported to and from work.

Emirates Group Transport Services operates in over 167 countries, allowing Emirates customers to avail of convenient coaches with Emirates Shuttle Services and luxurious Emirates Chauffeur Drive services for First and Business Class passengers. Emirates shuttle services are comfortable coaches available in selected destinations in the UAE, Japan, the US and Canada, transporting Economy and Premium Economy passengers from the airport to nearby cities. Emirates Chauffeur Drive ensures First and Business Class customers enjoy a smooth transfer to and from the airport in a high-end vehicle like a BMW or Mercedes. Emirates also manages standards and protocols for external service providers internationally who transport premium customers to and from the airport in comfort and safety as part of the signature Emirates Chauffeur Drive service.

www.emirates.com

Top Tripadvisor ranking for Royal Wing Suites

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TTR WEEKLY
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PATTAYA, 14 June 2023: Royal Wing Suites & Spa has been recognised by Tripadvisor as a 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best award winner in the luxury and top resort category.

The luxury boutique resort maintains the top rank position on the popular travel site. The awards honour favourite destinations, hotels, restaurants, things to do, and beyond. They are based on the reviews and opinions collected from travellers and diners worldwide on Tripadvisor over 12 months. Best of the Best award winners are among the top 1% of listings on Tripadvisor, distinguishing them as travellers’ favourites for 2023.

Photo Caption: Vitanart Vathanakul, CEO of Royal Cliff Hotels Group (2nd left), together with  Thibault Sellier, Resident Manager of Royal Wing Suites and Spa (right), Natrada Pongpaew, Deputy Resident manager (2nd right) and Vankamon Athikomkulchai, Marketing and PR Manager Royal Cliff Hotels Group and PEACH (left) with the 2023 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Certificate awarded to the Royal Wing Suites and Spa.

“Congratulations to the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winners,” said Tripadvisor chief growth officer John Boris. “The travel resurgence we’ve seen throughout the past year has even further heightened the competition. Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who matter most: your guests. With changing expectations, continued labour shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am continually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt. Cheers to another successful year.”

The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award is TripAdvisor’s highest honour. Royal Wing Suites and Spa provides hospitality excellence exceeding guest expectations. The property’s positive reviews are a testament to its unparalleled services and wide-ranging facilities catering to all guests’ needs.

Check out all the reviews, and discover more about Royal Wing Suites & Spa; visit https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293919-d307270-Reviews-Royal_Wing_Suites_Spa-Pattaya_Chonburi_Province.html.

Thailand, specifically Pattaya, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. Staying in the right award-winning hotel can guarantee a luxurious experience that goes above and beyond the norm.

The Royal Cliff Hotels Group operates four luxury hotels providing tourists from home and abroad with the ultimate experience. Its superior service has been paramount to this latest achievement, which marks an excellent start for the group this year.

Royal Cliff Hotels Group has impressively won over 280 national and international awards. This is the ideal luxury destination to discover everything you need for an exceptional holiday. Book your stay directly with Royal Cliff and get the best price guaranteed together with optional value-added extras for an enhanced hotel experience you deserve by visiting www.royalcliff.com, contacting Reservations at (+66) 38 250 421 ext: 2732 or emailing [email protected].

For more information on the Royal Wing Suites and Spa, visit www.royalwingsuites.com. 

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