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Centara makes holidays easy to book

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 24 March 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, invites travellers to immerse in an exciting city and tropical beach destinations with seven-night experiential stays in Thailand.

The “Thailand Rediscovered” packages offer travellers the chance to enjoy a full or half board meal plan in Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, or Bangkok, complete with a choice of activities for guests to immerse in the local culture and experience more of the destination.

Since March 2022, fully vaccinated travellers have enjoyed the freedom to rediscover the Kingdom following a government policy of a negative RT-PCR test result on Day 1 of arrival. On Day 5, all travellers are required to upload self-administered ATK test results on the MorChana app. Gust arriving from overseas can include the Test & Go add-on with their bookings.

Rediscover Thailand offers are available to book and stay from now until 31 October 2022. Rates start from THB 44,605++ for a 7-night stay for two guests, and CentaraThe1 members enjoy 15% savings.

Phuket Rediscovered

Enjoy the ultimate island experience with a 7-night stay at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and Maikhao Dream Villa Resort and Spa, Centara Boutique Collection. At Centara Grand Beach Resort, relax in the privacy of a pool suite or pool villa, and enjoy the comforts of a full-board stay and a choice of activities, which can include a spa indulgence, Muay Thai or Thai cooking classes. Further north along the sunset coast, Maikhao Dream Villa Resort invites guests to fully unwind with a half-board offer in a choice of 1- to 3-bedroom pool villas, enhanced with complimentary Thai dessert cooking and yoga classes, plus daily paddleboard and kayak rentals to reconnect with nature. From THB 52,500++ net.

Krabi Rediscovered

Nestled within its secluded bay with exclusive access by the resort’s private boat, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi offers the ultimate 7-night beach escape enhanced with a full-board meal plan and roundtrip airport transfers. Spend carefree days on the white sands of Pai Plong Bay, then rejuvenate at the resort’s tranquil spa. Explore the striking cliffs and limestone islands of Krabi on a complimentary excursion tour with a choice of Phi Phi Island Trip, Four Islands Trip, or Hong Island Trip. From THB 63,000++ net.

Hua Hin Rediscovered

Experience the legendary seaside charm of Thailand’s best-loved beach town with a half-board stay in a pool villa, complete with private roundtrip transfers to and from Bangkok. At Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, learn more about the storied history of the classic colonial-style beach resort with a Hotel Heritage Tour, and enjoy the bygone age of elegance with an exquisite afternoon tea set. A Thai cooking class invites guests to share a taste of the destination with loved ones long after the stay. From THB 75,000++ net.

Pattaya Rediscovered

Immerse in a world of wonders with a full-board stay at Thailand’s favourite family resort destination – Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, a Lost World-themed resort featuring a jungled water park with pools, waterfalls, water slides, and a lazy river. At the beachfront resort’s new The Lost World Adventure Land, families enjoy an expansive three-level playground complete with slides, trampolines, and digging pit, as well as aerial courses and obstacle courses in the sky. From THB 97,650++ net.

Bangkok Rediscovered

Immerse in the sights and sounds of Bangkok with a full-board stay in the heart of the city at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, complete with roundtrip airport transfers. After a full day exploring the city’s best shopping, guests continue living the high life with complimentary chilled bubbly at one of the world’s highest alfresco Champagne bars atop the hotel. For relaxation, travellers unwind with an aromatherapy spa treatment or enjoy an extended soak in their Club Suite bathtub overlooking the city skyline. From THB 69,300++ net.

Thailand Rediscovered makes it easy to book holidays in Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Bangkok. Stay anytime from now until 31 October 2022.

More details on package inclusions can be found at https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/thailand-rediscovered

Visit Maldives joins Brussels Travel Fair

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TTR WEEKLY
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BRUSSELS, 28 March 2022: Visit Maldives joined the in-person Brussels Holiday Fair 2022, 24 to 27 March 2022.

The Brussels Holiday Fair is the leading national tourism fair in Belgium, serving the travel trade and travel consumers for more than 60 years.

Four industry partners joined MMPRC at the Brussels Travel Fair.

After a two-year gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the show returned, attracting 350 exhibitors and 800 sub-exhibitors.

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) that operates under the Visit Maldives brand-led travel firms and resorts from the Maldives to conduct meetings and network with key members of the travel trade community during the show week.

The Maldives has welcomed 219 travellers from Belgium up to 12 January 2022 and with markets opening again, the agency is organising media familiarisation trips and social and digital media campaigns.

The Maldives has also eased travel restrictions imposed on tourists. Earlier this month, the Maldives ended the need to present a Covid-19 PCR negative result upon arrival for fully vaccinated travellers. It also lifted on 13 March the national public health emergency declaration, imposed in response to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. It opens the way to ease travel restrictions further.

Late last year, the Maldives secured the title World’s Leading Destination at the 2021 World Travel Awards, the second consecutive year that the Maldives had successfully earned this prestigious title.

Bid to reopen Southeast Asian cruises

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 March 2022: Cruise holidays in Southeast Asia will make a comeback, starting with sailings from Singapore to Phuket in Thailand, possibly by November if talks between health officials from the two countries succeed.

According to the Strait Times, talks are ongoing between the Singapore embassy in Thailand’s first secretary Alexander Lim and Thai authorities to reach an agreement on resuming cruises between Singapore and Phuket.

A Bangkok Post report last week suggested cruise passengers would need to show only an antigen rapid test (ART) result taken within 24 hours of departure. All cruise passengers would have to be fully vaccinated or have other certifications to show why they did not need to be vaccinated.

Thai health officials fear the infection risk could be higher for cruise passengers, but cruise lines have adopted robust health protocols to ensure potential risks are equivalent to airline travel.

However, it is likely that passenger numbers will be capped, although plans have yet to be approved by Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration.

In pre-pandemic 2019, cruise lines from Singapore ferried more than 250,000 international passengers to Thailand in 110 sailings, roughly a fifth of cruise ship calls to Thailand that year.

The close links between the two ports make the lane particularly important as Singapore seeks to resume port calls for cruise vessels to re-anchor its regional cruise hub status.

STB reiterated that it is working with several other ASEAN countries to resume port calls, aimed at restarting later this year cruises from Singapore to popular ports in Southeast Asia and ultimately Hong Kong.

In 2020, Singapore had just 410,000 cruise ship passengers, compared with 1.8 million in 2019. All port stops are still not allowed. It forced cruise lines to settle for cruises to nowhere last year. However, that is no longer a solution as borders reopen in Southeast Asia and airlines resume flights to popular destinations.

(Source: The Straits Times, Bangkok Post)

Original Straits Times report: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-phuket-vaccinated-cruise-lane-could-start-by-third-quarter-of-2022

Expedia sees flight searches double

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 March 2022: Singaporeans’ holiday searches doubled in the three days leading up to Singapore’s announcement last Thursday that established a new Vaccinated Travel Framework (VTF) that kicks in 1 April 2022.

Outbound flight searches on Expedia.com.sg saw destinations like Stockholm (+270%), Perth (+50%) and Zurich (+50%), indicating significant growth in demand. It made them the top trending destinations among Singaporean travellers over the last seven days.

Additionally, with the relaxation of border measures such as the removal of on-arrival testing and the vaccinated travel pass application (VTP) for general inbound travel to Singapore, Expedia also expects inbound travel demand to rise, with the US, UK and Australia remaining as the top three inbound markets quarter on quarter on Expedia.com.sg.  

“The decisive move by the Singapore Government to ease travel-related measures for both inbound and outbound travellers spells positive news for the travel and tourism sector. Over the past few months, Expedia has seen demand for international travel grow significantly with the establishment of Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs).

“The removal of on-arrival testing, application of the VTP and the VTL flight requirements are impactful milestones that will improve the traveller experience and instil confidence among our travellers. We believe that travel deprived Singaporeans will be excited at the prospect of travelling freely the way they did pre-COVID times. Expedia looks forward to playing a key role in supporting the travellers’ needs at every phase of their travel journey,” said Expedia Group Asia Head of public relations Lavinia Rajaram.

Indonesia abandons third-day PCR test

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TTR WEEKLY
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DENPASAR, Bali, 28 March 2022: Indonesia has abolished the third PCR test required from all foreign travellers during their third day in the country.

The change applies to international visitors arriving in Jakarta, Bali, Batam, Manado and Lombok.

mother with kids and luggage looking at planes in airport, family travel

Also, according to the latest government update, the four-day pre-booked travel package is no longer necessary.

Asian Trails managing director Björn Schimanski in his latest newsletter update, said the “most important change is the removal of a third PCR test on day three, and other details released by the government are “another major milestone towards normalisation for our industry.”

Depending on the nationality, visitors must present a B211A visa approval letter or request a Visa-on-Arrival.

Visitors must provide physical or digital evidence in English to confirm they are fully vaccinated at least 14 days before departure (booster jab not necessary).

Children under 18 years are exempted from this rule (previously under 12 years).

Travellers must install the PeduliLindungi application on their smartphone and fill out the e-Hac Indonesia within the application (the PeduliLindungi app is available for download on Apple and Android devices).

They must provide evidence of the first negative PCR test taken in the country of origin not more than 48 hours before their flight departure.

They must buy health insurance covering Covid-19. (No minimum cover is mentioned in the latest update of regulations, but the standing recommendation is a minimum cover USD25,000 (or equivalent in other currencies).

A second PCR test will be required on arrival at the airport of entry directly after arrival. The payment for this test is IDR275,000 and needs to be paid on the spot by the client (other currency options and credit card payment available). There is also the option to book it in advance under: https://balitourismhospitality.com (select “entry Covid19 test”).

After leaving the airport, the traveller is required to immediately transfer to their accommodation and isolate in the room until PCR examination shows a negative test result (three to six-hour wait).

In its email newsletter to travel partners and guests, Asian Trails Indonesia recommends that travellers pre-book the first night at an accommodation provider certified for cleanliness and safety (CHSE-certified).

“They will be much better equipped to manage government procedures and will help to ensure that the PCR test result is presented to the guest promptly.”

After a negative result, they can travel freely within Indonesia. A third PCR test is no longer necessary. The four-day pre-booked package is no longer required.

Should the second PCR show a positive result but the patient is asymptomatic or shows only light symptoms, isolation or treatment is carried out in designated isolation hotels at the guests’ costs. More severe cases will be treated at dedicated referral hospitals paid for by the insurance policy.

Asian Trails emphasises that the Visa on Arrival* remains available for certain nationalities for arrivals to Bali, Bintan and Batam.

The recommendation is that travellers eligible for VOA should start their trips to Indonesia in Bali. They can then travel onwards to explore the other islands of Indonesia.

A special thanks to Asian Trails for presenting a clear update on Indonesia’s latest information regarding entry to the country.

(Source: Asian Trails Indonesia)

*List of VOA nationalities

https://mailchi.mp/asiantrails/bali-extends-border-re-opening-to-more-nations.

Singapore reopens borders 1 April

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 March 2022: Singapore returns to an almost old normal 1 April when most Covid-19 rules will end for fully vaccinated travellers.

In a media statement, Singapore said it was “taking a major step forward to restore air connectivity to the world, to rebuild and reclaim Singapore’s position as a premier air hub.”

The new Vaccinated Travel Framework starting from 1 April replaces  Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) that allowed visitors from 32 countries to travel to and from Singapore. As of 22 March, close to 585,000 travellers entered Singapore through the VTLs since November last year.

Now Singapore is rolling out the welcome carpet to fully vaccinated travellers from all countries with very few checks under the new Vaccinated Travel Framework. There is no need to quarantine, no need to test and no need to complete the Vaccination Travel Pass application,

All fully vaccinated travellers from any country or region can enter Singapore quarantine-free, as long as they have not visited any countries or regions on the MOH’s Restricted Category in the past seven days. Currently, there are no countries or regions on the ministry’s Restricted Category list.

Testing

It means travellers fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take any Covid-19 tests in Singapore. However, they must provide evidence of a negative pre-departure test (PDT) within two days before departing for Singapore. The pre-departure test can be a Polymerase Chain Reaction test, a professionally-administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART)[4], or a self-administered ART that an ART provider remotely supervises in Singapore.

However, the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the local and global Covid-19 situation and consider removing the PDT requirement in the coming weeks.

Designated Flights and Quotas

Airlines no longer need to operate designated VTL flights to Singapore, and fully vaccinated travellers may now enter Singapore on any flight. Correspondingly, there will no longer be quotas applied on daily arrivals.

Vaccination Status

All vaccination certificates, regardless of the place of issuance and whether digitally verifiable or not, will be accepted as proof of vaccination. Children aged 12 years and below are exempted from the vaccination requirement, in line with Singapore’s domestic measures.

For more details on the vaccination requirements, refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/health/vtsg.

For more details on the new Vaccinated Travel Framework, refer to https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/arriving/general-travel/fully-vaccinated. 

Travellers who need assistance can write to the Safe Travel Office through its enquiry form at https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/contact-us  or call the SafeTravel Enquiries helpline at +65 6812 5555.

(Photo credit: CNA)

Love Boat dating returns to Princess

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 28 March 2022: The US network CBS and Australian broadcaster Network 10 jointly announced they have ordered localised versions of ‘THE REAL LOVE BOAT’, a reality dating competition series inspired by “The Love Boat” the hit 1970s scripted series that used Princess Cruises ships as its setting.

Production begins in summer 2022, and both versions are expected to air in the US and Australia later this year.

The “The Love Boat” IP is owned by CBS Studios, which, along with CBS and Network 10, are Paramount Global brands.

“‘The Love Boat’ is a timeless, romantic concept with universal appeal, and we’re excited to reimagine this popular series for audiences in two different countries,” said George Cheeks, president and chief executive officer of CBS, and head of global content strategy for Paramount’s free-to-air networks, including Network 10. “On the heels of NCIS: SYDNEY, today’s announcement is another example of our global franchise strategy to use our rich intellectual property and vast international footprint to develop new content for viewers around the world.”

‘THE REAL LOVE BOAT’ brings singles together to cruise the Mediterranean on a luxury cruise ship while looking for love. Destination dates, challenges and surprise singles will test the couples’ compatibility and chemistry. Like the beloved original scripted series, the indispensable crew members, including “captain” and “cruise director” will play pivotal roles in the matchmaking and navigation of the romantic (and sometimes turbulent) waters ahead.

After almost a month at sea, only one winning couple will make it to the final port and take home a cash prize plus a once-in-a-lifetime trip courtesy of Princess Cruises, the series’ exclusive cruise line partner.

Beverley McGarvey, executive vice president and chief content officer of Paramount Australia and New Zealand, said: “‘The Love Boat’ was synonymous with exotic locations, glamour, excitement and of course, romantic connections underpinned by wonderful comic tales. ‘THE REAL LOVE BOAT’ will encompass all of this and more. A dating show showcasing suspense, exhilaration, humour and love as it sets sail for romantic adventures.”

“Audiences really connected with the fun and escapism of ‘The Love Boat,’” said Mitch Graham, senior vice president, alternative programming, CBS. “The iconic series embodied the many possibilities of people making new, meaningful connections. Reimagining it as a dating show with competition, adventure and romance make THE REAL LOVE BOAT an ideal fit for our schedule and viewers.”

“The Love Boat’ has been synonymous with the Princess brand for more than 45 years since the world was introduced to glamour and elegance of the Princess experience,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We look forward to millions coming aboard our iconic ships as we are expecting you on THE REAL LOVE BOAT.”

For more information on Princess Cruises visit www.princess.com

(Your Stories: Princess)

MTCO names new executive director

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 25 March 2021: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office has appointed Suvimol Thanasarakij as its new executive director, effective last week, 2022.

Tourism leaders of the six Greater Mekong Subregion countries (Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam) confirmed the appointment earlier this month after offering the job to Suvimol last November.

“We are happy to welcome Suvimol to our GMS tourism family, particularly as she is the first female executive director and the first one of GMS nationality in MTCO’s 16-year history,” said Somxay Sipaseuth, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Development Department from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lao PDR, which is also chair of the upcoming 49th GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting.

Suvimol replaces Jens Thraenhart, who left the MTCO last October to head Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

She has worked for the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) where she spent more than eight years managing tourism marketing projects. She also worked for the US Department of State, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok and Centara Hotels & Resorts.

ITB travel buyers invited to explore Sarawak

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TTR WEEKLY
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SARAWAK, 25 March 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board participated in the recent virtual ITB Berlin Convention 2022 to increase Sarawak’s visibility amongst travellers and tourism players worldwide ahead of Malaysia’s reopening of borders 1 April.

STB, along with local travel and tour operators from the southern, central and northern regions of Sarawak, networked with global travel buyers via the ITB Berlin Digital Business Day 2022, an international virtual travel agency marketing show. The Sarawak stand was housed in Kuching Waterfront Hotel for the one-days virtual sessions.

Sabah’s message welcomed the return of international travellers, saying they can plan their return starting 1 April after lockdowns and restrictions disrupted travel over the last two years. The virtual ITB Berlin networking platform connected travel buyers and sellers worldwide.

STB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said: “Our participation in ITB Berlin Convention 2022 is another step forward in allowing our local industry players to network with traders, buyers and media worldwide.

“Sarawak’s presence in ITB Berlin Convention 2022 is timely with the recent announcement of Malaysia’s borders reopening by the federal government. This platform allows Sarawak’s travel and tour operators to engage with a global audience as we prepare to welcome international travellers, who will contribute to our industry’s recovery.”

“We are geared up to present our best effort to make Sarawak a preferred tourism destination. We hope the continuous resilient spirit among Sarawak industry players will push and accelerate the progress of rebuilding our industry.”

For more information about Sarawak, log on to Sarawak Tourism Board’s website: https://sarawaktourism.com. 

(Your Stories: Sarawak Tourism Board)

AirAsia boosts domestic and international flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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SEPANG, Malaysia, 25 March 2022: AirAsia gears up for the nation’s reopening by adding more international routes to cater for significant pent up demand ahead of Malaysia reopening borders to international travel 1 April.

 With the continued easing of travel restrictions, the airline group increased domestic flight capacity in Malaysia by 156% since October 2021, when it kickstarted the Langkawi travel bubble scheme.

It has also increased international flights by 50% since the Malaysian government’s 8 March announcement confirming the reopening of borders on 1 April.

Currently, the airline has 75 aircraft operating flights across the group serving Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam.

AirAsia Aviation Group CEO Bo Lingam said:  We’re thrilled to be resuming more flights in all of our core markets in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia and to be adding additional services to some of AirAsia’s most popular international destinations, including Bali, Manila, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Phuket and more, starting in April. Domestic flying also continues to soar across the group. We have recently  launched four new domestic routes in Malaysia from Kuching to Langkawi, Penang to Sibu, Johor Bahru to Bintulu and Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Terengganu this year.

“While our domestic services across the group have grown by 156% in recent months due to significant consumer demand, and by 50% for international, we expect to return to 100% or more of pre-Covid domestic and international flying by the end of this year.”

To spur travel demand and bookings to destinations such as  Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Brunei, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Laos, Bangladesh, the airline group is pegging fares as low as MYRM89 one-way, while domestic routes are on sale from just MYR39 one-way.

Travellers can book cheap fares through the ‘Flights’ option in the AirAsia Super App from now until 27 March 2022 for travel between 1 April and 25 March 2023.

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