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Travelport and Qatar renew partnership

SINGAPORE, 2 March 2022: Travelport and Qatar Airways have signed off on a long-term distribution agreement that will underpin the airline’s omnichannel, advanced retailing strategy.

The expanded agreement will include, for the first time, NDC content and advanced travel merchandising solutions – delivered via the next-generation Travelport+ platform.

In addition to extending a longstanding distribution agreement that delivers Qatar Airways content to Travelport-connected travel agencies globally, the agreement will also see Travelport distributing Qatar Airways’ NDC content. By enabling agencies to shop and book dynamic and personalized offers, the airline will offer differentiated value propositions closely tailored to micro customer segments.

About Travelport

Travelport is a global technology company that powers bookings for hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK it operates in more than 180 countries worldwide.

Thai Smile flies to Siem Reap

BANGKOK, 2 March 2022: Thai Smile, the low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airways International, resumes flights to Siem Reap in Cambodia on 3 March.

Fares went live on the airline’s website last week for the twice-weekly flights to Siem Reap, the town closest to Cambodia’s famous Angkor Wat historical park.

Flight WE 588 will depart Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport at 0735 on Thursday and 1840 on Saturday.

The regional airline will take over most of the destinations in Southeast Asia that were previously served by its parent airline THAI before the Covid-19 pandemic. Thai Smile operates a fleet of A320s.

Thai Smile has already resumed domestic flights from Bangkok to Phuket, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai but reduced frequency.

Bookings for the new Siem Reap service opened late last week for the 3 March launch. The cheapest Saver fare one-way is THB2,690. The Flexi fare one-way costs THB3,030 and the Plus fare one-way THB5600. A website check quotes a fare of THB5,455 for a roundtrip in the Saver fare category.

SIA halts flights to Moscow

SINGAPORE, 2 March 2022: Singapore Airlines suspended flights 28 February between Singapore and Moscow, the capital of Russia, until further notice citing operational reasons

The “temporary suspension” impacts flights SQ362 and SQ361, according to the airline’s statement posted on its website.

SIA customers impacted by the suspension will be offered a full refund of the unused portion of their ticket. SIA customers who booked directly with the airline can file for refunds by completing an Assistance Request Form. 

For bookings made through travel agents or partner airlines, customers contact their travel agent or purchasing airline for assistance.

Singapore Airlines is the only Southeast Asian airline offering flights to Moscow. Other airlines in ASEAN had not resumed services to Moscow when the Russian invasion of Ukraine got underway,

(Source: SIA travel alert)

New player sets up shop in luxury travel space

SINGAPORE, 2 March 2022: Luxury travel designer, Intriq Journey, announced Tuesday its debut in the Asia Pacific region along with its brands Intriq Finesse and Intriq Keys. 

Managed by its three founders who are recognised for pioneering expedition travel, Intriq Journey sells travel itineraries to remote and difficult to access destinations in Asia-Pacific.

“With over six decades of combined experience in successfully crafting bespoke travel journeys, we have leveraged our expertise with a comprehensive understanding of travellers’ evolving preferences,” said co-founder Jess Yap, who is based in Singapore.

“Our aspiration for Intriq Journey is for guests to travel with a total peace of mind in each journey, to places they otherwise wouldn’t pick and leave all the research and planning to us.”

Co-founder Lim Kok Yong, who lives in Hong Kong, added: “Intriq Journey has received prestigious appointments with travel networks such as Virtuoso, which allows us to offer guests unmatched travel privileges and hotel benefits.”

The third founding partner of the team, Stella Fan, a resident in Shanghai, noted: “In our planning, we combine close-knit local connections we have forged with communities over many years that support responsible, sustainable travel for journeys that truly intrigue.”

The company recently launched Intriq Finesse, a collection of luxury for small group journeys limited to no more than 16 guests. Ir frees guests from the hassles of tipping in overseas countries as the Intriq Journey team handles all tips to local guides, drivers and porterage. 

About Intriq Journey

Established in 2020, Intriq Journey has bases in Singapore, Hong Kong and Beijing, where a team of Asian specialists combine tailor-made luxury journeys with innovation and an underpinned focus on sustainability.

Intriq Finesse: Intriq Finesse is Intriq Journey’s collection of luxury small group journeys capped at 16 guests.

Intriq Keys: Launching this year, Intriq Keys is a luxury hotel reservations platform powered by Intriq Journey with a base of over 3000 luxury hotels worldwide.

A trip to rekindle romance

MALE, The Maldives, 2 March 2022: The Maldives has always been rated as one of the top destinations in the world. With clear turquoise blue waters surrounding you and the idea of being “isolated” on an island resort, it does create a wonderful setting for couples for a getaway and to embark on a journey to rekindling romance.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives’ Crusoe Residence

Find yourself completely secluded at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives’ stand-alone Crusoe Residence which is a short boat ride away from the main island of this eco-luxury resort. Soak in the picturesque view at the overwater sundeck, or take a swim to your private water hammock.

Have breakfast delivered to you as you nourish your body and soul with views of the blue, in the comforts and privacy of your own villa.

Spend the rest of your morning exploring the main island together on foot or on your designated bamboo bike.

Enjoy a stroll around the island’s white sand beach.

Cycle together on eco-friendly bamboo bikes.

Try something new together as you tour the organic garden with the chef, learning about the herbs, plants and flowers that grow for culinary use at the resort, and end the tour by indulging your palettes in a vegan experience.

Take a tour of the organic garden and be introduced to a refreshing vegan experience right in the garden.

You can choose to pamper yourselves with a spa session for couples at the award-winning Meera Spa and let the professional spa therapists kneed your stresses away.

Enjoy a couple’s spa treatment and end it off with a relaxing soak with unending views of the Indian Ocean.

If you’re both wine enthusiasts and keen to learn more about it, spend time together at the Underground Wine Cellar and let Gili Lankanfushi’s resident sommeliers take you through a wine tasting journey. It’s also a great start to selecting the wines that will pair with your meals during your stay at the resort.

Indulge and learn about wines from the world with the in-house sommelier.

As dusk approaches, the myriad of colours at sunset will leave you both mesmerised and in awe. Take a romantic stroll along the beach or hang out at one of the overwater hammocks at the Overwater Bar for a pre-dinner drink.

Feast your eyes on majestic sunsets like this at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.

No one else but the two of you, a cocktail and a beautiful sunset.

For an amplified dining experience that gives you privacy outside of the comforts of the restaurant, opt for Gili Lankanfushi’s popular Destination Dining that lets you indulge in a bespoke dinner under the stars – just the two of you. With different locations around the island to choose from, these romantic dinners don’t need to only happen for one night but can be for your entire stay!

Private dining experiences to elevate your stay at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.

Finally, end your day sleeping under the stars at your villa’s rooftop terrace. Gaze at the night sky as you share with each other your hopes and dreams and fall asleep to the warm ocean breeze and the sounds of the lapping waves.

Be as close to nature as you can and sleep under the stars (weather permitting).

Throughout your stay at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, you will have your trusted host – your Mr Friday – to assist you and to make your stay as memorable as possible.

WHERE TO STAY

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Book direct exclusive – Enjoy up to 25% savings on villa rates when you book direct. Valid for stays till 26 December 2022. Click here to find out more.

This article is brought to you by Hpaper Online – a travel publication by HPL Hotels & Resorts. For more travel guides, subscribe to Hpaper Online for more, and you will receive exclusive discounts just for email subscribers.

Sarawak steps up with Double the Deals

SARAWAK, 2 March 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) announced Tuesday the launch of its Sia Sitok Sarawak (SSS) 3.0 and Sia Sitok Sarawak Accommodation (SSSA) 2.0 campaign.

The campaign offers “double the deal, double the fun”, exclusively for Sarawakians and non-Sarawakians residing in Sarawak with work permits.

Through the SSS 3.0 campaign, Sarawakians will be able to enjoy over 88 exciting packages for tours and activities throughout Sarawak, which includes day trips and multi-day trips.

SSSA 2.0 campaign, on the other hand, offers attractive staycations packages, local hotels and resorts under the Malaysian Association of Hotel’s Sarawak Chapter at hotelsarawak.com.my. The booking period for both deals starts from 1 March 2022 until 30 April 2022, while the travelling period is open until 31 May 2022.

Sarawak Tourism Board chief executive officer Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said: “We started Sia Sitok Sarawak, which translates to Ke Sana Ke Sini Sarawak, as a measure to boost the local tourism industry during the pandemic as well as to revive the economy for the state. We are heartened that this homegrown brand and campaign has grown from strength to strength, cementing our confidence in the culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals (or CANFF) of our state.

“With SSS 3.0 and SSSA 2.0, we have expanded the number of packages available, giving Sarawakians even more opportunities to discover the uniqueness of the state. Ultimately, we want Sarawakians to explore their own backyards and become tourism ambassadors for other travellers around the world.

“We urge Sarawakians to leverage on this exclusive opportunity and grab the limited SSS 3.0 and SSSA 2.0 deals. There is no better way to travel than with friends and family, and what better opportunity it is to discover the beautiful culture, adventure and nature in Sarawak. Do not miss this opportunity.

“We are optimistic that the campaigns will contribute towards realising the state’s tourism targets for the year. 2022 is a chapter of resilience, resurgence and growth for the travel industry, and STB will continue focusing on building and creating new ways of doing business beyond the Covid-19 pandemic,” concluded Puan Sharzede

Among the enticing packages and activities up for grabs include the Kuching Sunset Night Cycling ride, which covers 85% of Kuching’s “sights” as listed by the Lonely Planet, explore  Bung Jagoi Heritage, an old Bidayuh village established 175 years ago, or hop onto the Irrawaddy Dolphin Morning Cruise.

If you are looking to explore Central Sarawak, you can escape to Central Coastal’s Villages Exploration in Bruit, Daro and Matu, 3D/2N Bakun getaway, or visit Mukah: The Melanau Heartland (3D2N). For those who are looking to check Mulu off their bucket list, explore a UNESCO Heritage site by a 4D/3N Mulu 4 Show Caving Tour or challenge yourself to 5D4N Mulu / Pinnacles Tour to view the magnificent Mulu Pinnacle.

“Alternatively, you can challenge yourself by climbing Mount Murud, or go for some relaxing downtime with Miri Golfing at Eastwood Golf Club Miri, or experience Lun Bawang Heritage in Lawas, just to name a few.”

Be it for single travellers, couples, families with children, those in need of a weekend getaway, a round of golf, a fun dive, or to simply to be in nature. There certainly is something for everyone in the Sia Sitok Sarawak tour and staycation packages!

For more details, see: siasitok.sarawaktourism.com

Vietjet lops cost of domestic travel

BANGKOK, 2 March 2022: Thai Vietjet launched an exclusive promotion, ‘Amazing Thailand’, offering fares starting from just THB499 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for travel on the airline’s entire domestic flight network.

The promotion is valid for bookings from now until 7 March, with the travel period running from 8 March to 30 June 30, 2022 (excludes public holidays. Some terms and conditions apply).

The fare is valid for the airline’s domestic network in Thailand from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Ubon Ratchathani. It also applies to cross-country routes connecting Phuket to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, together with the flight from Chiang Rai to Hat Yai.

The promotional fares are also available on all other distribution channels, including the airline’s website and mobile app. Payment can also be made with ‘True Money Wallet’ and international debit and credit cards.

Saudi back flying to Bangkok

BANGKOK, 1 March 2022: Saudi Arabian Airlines’ landed its first flight at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday after a 32-year hiatus.

Airports of Thailand welcomed the inaugural flight with a water cannon salute. The airline said 120 passengers were on board Flight SV846, which landed at 1805. The return flight took off 2035 from Bangkok.

The airline will fly three weekly services – Monday, Wednesday and Friday – on the Riyadh – Bangkok route.

Bangkok Airways eases ticket rules

BANGKOK, 1 March 2022: Bangkok Airways revised its ticketing rules, easing them to assist passengers impacted by the recent spike in new Covid-19 cases, the highest since August 2021.

Thailand reported 22,311 new cases on 28 February. Currently, there are 980 cases in ICU, an increase of 25 on the previous day, and the death toll reached 42, representing an overall mortality rate of 0.79%. Cases peaked last August around 23,000, but the emergence of the Omicron variant has seen steep increases in cases since the beginning of 2022.

The airline has extended the amendment of Thailand tickets for travel scheduled until 31 March 2022.

Passengers who wish to amend their travel plans can do so without having to pay the usual fees for ticket changes when rebooking travel or changing to an “open ticket”.

They can also request a refund through the issue of a travel voucher or seek a cash refund according to civil aviation rules in Thailand.

Bangkok Airways says passengers can make changes to their tickets up to 24 hours before their flight departure time.

YouTrip dishes out incentives

SINGAPORE, 1 March 2022: Reopening of borders, expanded Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) and relaxed measures have unlocked pent-up demand and are propelling  Singaporeans to resume travel.

In light of this travel interest, Southeast Asia’s neobank, YouTrip, gives users more savings when they book their next flight with Singapore Airlines. Happening from now until 21 March, with every SGD500 spent, customers can earn the following incentives:
SGD$20 cashback credited to their YouTrip wallet;
SGD30 Changi Gift Card to spend in stores

If travellers purchases a VTL flight ticket worth SGD2,000 they gain four times the rewards – a maximum of SGD200 payout per customer. 

To be eligible, YouTrip users need to book a round trip or return flight from Singapore to an eligible VTL destination by 21 March 2022 through the Singapore Airlines website, Singapore Airlines Mobile App, or via Singapore Airlines appointed travel agents and pay with their YouTrip Mastercard. Only specific VTL destinations are eligible for this promotion.

“The resumption of VTLs is fantastic news for Singaporeans who had to put a temporary pause on their travel plans. In fact, this strong demand for travel was already observed during the holiday season last year, with airline bookings spiking 700% year-on-year, and we’re optimistic that this behaviour will only rise with the border reopening,” said YouTrip regional general manager Kelvin Lam.

More details of this travel campaign can be found here: https://www.you.co/sg/blog/singapore-airlines-youtrip/ 

About YouTrip

YouTrip is a Southeast Asian neobank offering the region’s first and leading multi-currency wallet. YouTrip was launched in Singapore in 2018 and subsequently in Thailand in partnership with Kasikornbank in 2019. To date, it has received over 1.5 million downloads and processed close to 20 million transactions.