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Hainan Airlines adds Singapore routes

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SINGAPORE, 7 January 2025: Hainan Airlines has launched flights between Singapore and two Chinese cities — Lanzhou and Yichang — Changi Airport reported in a recent blog. 

Lanzhou is the capital and largest city of Gansu province in Northwest China. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and link to the historical Silk Road. 

Image Credits: TSNN.

Yichang is located in the western Hubei province, extending along the left bank of the Yangtze River. Both flights will briefly stop at Haikou Meilan International Airport in Hainan before continuing to their final destinations. 

After adding the two destinations, Changi Airport has direct routes to 30 Chinese cities.  

The service to Lanzhou commenced on 2 January 2025, re-establishing the link between Singapore and the capital city of northwest China’s Gansu province. Flights operate between Changi Airport and Lanzhou (Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport) four times a week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. 

Flights to Yichang started on 3 January 2025 between Changi Airport and Yichang (Yichang Sanxia Airport) three times a week on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Lanzhou: Gateway to the Silk Road

Lanzhou is a busy city nestled along the banks of the Yellow River in northwest China. Travellers can glimpse the rich cultural heritage of the historic Silk Road as it serves as a gateway to the ancient trade route. The Gansu Provincial Museum showcases various artefacts from the Silk Road era.

Yichang: Gateway to the Three Gorges

“Yichang in western Hubei province will be Changi Airport’s latest and newest link to China. The city uniquely blends history and modernity, featuring ancient temples and pagodas alongside bustling streets, markets and a thriving cultural scene. No visit to Yichang is complete without a cruise through the Three Gorges, where you will see towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, making it an unforgettable experience.” Post shared by Simin Zhang (@simonzhang0207).

Hainan Airlines’ new flights to Lanzhou and Yichang are in addition to its daily flights to Haikou, operated from Changi Airport Terminal 4. 

(Source: Changi Airport route update)

Qatar Airways resumes flights to Syria

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DOHA, Qatar, 7 January 2025: Qatar Airways resumed three weekly flights to Damascus, Syria, starting today, 7 January 2025. 

It marks a significant step in reconnecting the region and providing passengers access to Qatar Airways’ extensive global network of more than 170 destinations.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

The airline deploys an Airbus A330-200 on the route, flying Monday, Friday, and Saturday. The cheapest economy class round-trip fare is QAR2,510 (USD689).

The decision to restart operations in Syria reflects Qatar Airways’ commitment to fostering regional connectivity and supporting passenger demand. Qatar Airways is working closely with Syrian authorities to ensure that all necessary safety, security, and operational standards are in place.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are pleased to resume flights to Damascus, a destination of great historical and cultural importance. This announcement underscores our dedication to fostering connectivity and facilitating travel for our passengers.”

Flight schedule

Flight QR410 departs Doha (DOH) at 0835 and arrives in Damascus (DAM) at 1130. Aircraft A330-200.
Flight QR411 departs Damascus (DAM) at 1330 and arrives in Doha (DOH) at 1605. Aircraft A330-200.

Norwegian deploys three ships in Asia

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SINGAPORE, 7 January 2025: Norwegian Cruise Line celebrates the arrival of Norwegian Spirit in Singapore, which increases its regional deployment to three ships offering sailings across Asia until March 2026.

Norwegian Spirit will offer itineraries ranging from eight to 15 days, with few sea days and extended time in port, enabling travellers to maximise their time in iconic destinations such as Osaka, Tokyo, Incheon, Singapore, and Bangkok. 

Sabah welcomed Norwegian Spirit with 2,108 passengers and 906 crew on a recent visit to Kota Kinabalu.

Three ships sail Asian seas

As part of NCL’s largest-ever Asia Pacific presence, Norwegian Spirit will be joined by Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky this year, offering travellers eight departure ports. 

From November 2025 to March 2026, Norwegian Sun will sail itineraries for 11 to 15 days, exploring Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and other highly sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia.

 In addition, Norwegian Sky is also visiting Singapore for the first time as part of her Asia season, which features several country voyages departing from Singapore and Tokyo, Japan, until March 2025, ranging from 11 to 14 days discovering fascinating destinations such as the Philippines, Japan and India.

There is also the opportunity to combine a cruise with one of NCL’s Cruisetours in Incheon, Singapore, Tokyo, and Taipei, enabling travellers to explore more of Asia by land and sea in one seamless trip.

Sailings down under

Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sun will also sail a range of Australia and New Zealand itineraries, allowing travellers to experience the breathtaking natural landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere, from rugged coastlines to lush vineyards, and to Hawaii, South Pacific and Alaska.

Looking ahead, Norwegian Jade will make her Asian debut with a seven-month season from October 2026 to April 2027. This will include 16 open-jaw voyages and two roundtrip Tokyo voyages. Itineraries span nine to 14 days, and guests can embark from four homeports — Tokyo, Incheon, Hong Kong, and Singapore — to enjoy highlights such as cherry blossom season in Japan, late-night departures in Osaka and Kanazawa, and overnight stays in Hong Kong.

Sarawak welcomes the Year of the Snake

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KUCHING, Sarawak, 6 January 2025: The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) extends festive season celebrations with the release of a limited-edition Chinese New Year ang pao featuring the Bornean Palm Pit Viper, a species endemic to Borneo and found in Sarawak’s Mulu and Gunung Gading National Parks. 

Since 2 January 2025, visitors have been able to collect ‘ang pao’ packets at the Visitors Information Centres in Kuching, Miri, and Sibu. Marking its seventh year, STB’s annual ‘ang pao’ tradition celebrates Sarawak’s cultural and natural heritage. Inspired by the Year of the Wood Snake, this year’s design features elegant gold stamping and the Bornean Palm Pit Viper, a symbol of resilience, growth, and Sarawak’s biodiversity. 

STB team poses with the 2025 Chinese New Year  Angpao.

Chinese New Year celebrations will welcome the Year of the Snake on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, a “symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation that also represents elegance, resilience, and mystery,” according to the Asia Society. Chinese New Year travel peaks from 28 January to 4 February.


Sarawak Tourism Board unveils its 2025 Chinese New  Year Angpao.

“This year’s ‘ang pao’ highlights Sarawak’s vital ecosystems, encouraging greater conservation awareness,” said STB Chief Executive Officer Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor. “Through meaningful initiatives like this, we aim to inspire residents and visitors to discover and protect Sarawak’s natural heritage.”

The campaign emphasises Sarawak’s position as a premier eco-tourism destination. By blending cultural traditions with a commitment to environmental stewardship, STB strives to balance sustainable tourism growth with conservation.

For more information on Sarawak tourism visit: https://www.sarawaktourism.com/web/home/index/

Pandaw explores Kerala Backwaters

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 6 January 2025: Pandaw Cruises has opened reservations for a spectacular cruise through the Kerala Backwaters, one of India’s hidden tourism gems, on a brand new riverboat due to set sail in October 2025.

A leading riverboat cruise specialist in India and Southeast Asia, Pandaw welcomes the New Year with an impressive selection of exploration cruises on iconic rivers in India and Southeast Asia. Reservations are filling up fast for popular cruises exploring the Mekong River in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. In India, cruises exploring the Kerala Backwaters will begin on a brand-new riverboat in October, in addition to Pandaw’s popular exploration cruises of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers.

The 10-cabin Kochi Pandaw has been specially designed for the Kerala Backwaters itinerary while maintaining the classic Pandaw cabin and wrap-around promenade decks. This will be Pandaw’s fourth ship in India, reflecting the increasing demand for river cruises. 

SEVEN NIGHTS KERALA CRUISE
THE KERALA BACKWATERS
FROM USD4,950

The Kochi Pandaw will operate a seven-night circular itinerary from Kochi port every week. It will visit the backwaters’ main towns and remoter areas with its 900 km of waterways connecting rivers with lakes. There will be exciting visits to ancient churches, Hindu temples, artisan villages and the legendary beaches of the Malabar coast.

Cochin International Airport has flights connecting to Europe with Middle Eastern airlines, direct flights to most Southeast Asian cities, and domestic flights connecting to most major Indian cities.

Click for more information on our new Kerala expeditions. Full details: Kerala Backwaters 

The Kerala Backwaters are a network of lagoons, canals, and lakes located along the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India. They stretch for over 900 km (560 miles) and offer visitors a unique and serene experience.

Pandaw will introduce scenic riverboat cruises to explore the backwaters, passing through picturesque villages, lush green landscapes, and coconut palm-fringed canals.   

Bird Watching: The backwaters are home to various bird species, including herons, kingfishers, and egrets. 

Fishing: Fishing is a popular pastime in the backwaters, and visitors can try catching various fish species.   

Villages and Markets: Exploring the local villages and markets is a great way to experience the people’s culture and way of life along the backwaters.   

The nearest airport to the Kerala Backwaters is Cochin International Airport, located in Kochi, Kerala. It is Kerala’s busiest airport and serves domestic and international flights located about 40 km from the heart of the backwaters.

Cities close to Kerala Backwaters

Alleppey is the gateway to the backwaters and is a popular base for exploring the region. It is located about 50 km from Cochin International Airport.

Kumarakom is a small town located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, one of the largest lakes in Kerala. It is known for its bird sanctuary and its serene backwater settings. It is located about 60 km from Cochin International Airport.
Kollam is a major port city in Kerala and a popular start or end point for exploring the backwaters. It is located about 100 km from Cochin International Airport.

Click for more information on our new Kerala expeditions. Full details: Kerala Backwaters 

Emirates adds flights to Colombo

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DUBAI UAE, 6 January 2025: Emirates introduced an additional scheduled service between Colombo and Dubai on 2 January 2025, increasing seat capacity on the route by 30% and boosting tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. 

The newly-introduced flight (EK654/655) will operate six times a week until 31 March 2025. 

EK654 will depart Dubai International Airport (DXB) at 1005 (every day except Wednesdays) and arrive in Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake, at 1600 (all times are local). 
EK655 will depart BIA at 2205 and reach DXB at 0105 (the following day). 

From 1 April 2025, a seventh weekly flight on Wednesdays will operate with an adjusted departure time of 2205 from BIA, arriving in DXB at 0055, while the return flight will depart Dubai at 1320 and arrive in Colombo at 1915. 

The additional flight can accommodate up to 360 passengers, with eight suites in first class, 42 Business Class and 310 Economy Class seats, offering a premium customer experience while enhancing convenience and choice with an expanded flight schedule. Emirates operates two direct flights between Colombo and Dubai, and a third daily service is provided via Male. 

Emirates and Sri Lanka Tourism share a long-standing strategic partnership, collaborating on initiatives and programmes to boost tourism to Sri Lanka by showcasing the destination to customers across its global network. Sri Lanka Tourism recently announced its vision to appeal to eco-conscious travellers by highlighting the island’s rich natural and cultural resources. Furthermore, with the boost in capacity on the Colombo-Dubai route, Emirates will contribute to achieving the country’s tourism targets of attracting 3 million visitors by 2025.   

Emirates began operations to Sri Lanka in April 1986 and has consistently supported the country’s tourism and export industries with passenger and cargo services. Since operations began, the award-winning airline has carried more than 12 million passengers to and from Colombo. With the four daily flights, the airline will offer more than 2,800 seats daily on the service operating between Colombo and Dubai (both directions), which can carry up to 160 tonnes of cargo on the same flights.
For flight information and bookings, visit www.emirates.com

Iconic Marjorie Hotel opens in Penang

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PENANG, Malaysia, 6 January 2025: Tribute Portfolio, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, announced the opening of the Iconic Marjorie Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, in Bayan Lepas district on Penang Island last week.  

The Iconic Marjorie Hotel is a 10-minute (6.1 km) drive from Penang International Airport and 12.3 km (30 minutes) from the UNESCO-listed heritage district in the centre of George Town. 

Photo credit: Marriott Bonvoy. Iconic Marjorie Hotel opened on 30 December.

The hotel features 298 rooms, including 32 junior and six executive suites, spread across 32 floors. Guests in premium rooms and suites enjoy access to the 24-hour Tiffin Lounge, offering all-day refreshments and evening cocktails at the rooftop Senses Bar. 

The Tiffin Hall, an all-day restaurant, offers a menu that blends the best of Peranakan and international cuisine. For wellness experiences, the hotel features a fitness centre, an infinity pool, a rejuvenating steam room, and a soon-to-be spa, all located on the 13th floor.  

The Marjorie Grand Ballroom is 1,321 sqm and can accommodate up to 800 guests. Six additional function rooms cater to smaller business events and social gatherings. 

Marriott Bonvoy named  Kevin Cheah as the Group General Manager of Iconic Marjorie Hotel. 

Maldives hits 2 million visitor target

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SINGAPORE, 6 January 2025: The Maldives reached a tourism milestone, welcoming 2 million tourists in 2024, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) reported on 29 December 2024, underscoring the continued success of the Maldive’s tourism sector.

During the media presentation last week, MMPRC confirmed that the “Maldives has set an ambitious target of USD5 billion in tourism receipts for 2025, building on the incredible momentum of 2024, a record-breaking year for the Maldives Tourism Industry.”

Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairperson of MMPRC and the CEO & MD, Ibrahim Shiuree, presented the latest tourism performance data and objectives for 2025 at a press conference held last week at the MMPRC headquarters.

“Welcoming 2 million tourists during 2024 is a source of pride for the nation and a testament to the entire tourism industry’s hard work and dedication, ” said MMPRC CEO & Managing Director Ibrahim Shiuree. This year, the Maldives tourism industry has expanded significantly with the proliferation of various new markets such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bangladesh, as well as several initiatives to establish a foothold in new segments such as sports and medical tourism.”

Visit Maldives is committed to upholding the Maldives’ name as a leading tourist destination through social media campaigns and global platforms such as trade fairs, online webinars and roadshows. In the marketing calendar, significant upcoming events planned for 2025 focus on prioritising sustainability and emerging new segments such as film and wellness tourism.

World’s Biggest Giveaway

MMPRC is gearing up a mega year-long global campaign, branded ‘The World’s Biggest Giveaway 2025’. It features 52 free holidays — one for each week throughout 2025 presented on Visit Maldives’ social media platforms.

Four lucky winners will get the chance to win raffle prizes each month, one for each week. The 52 contests will highlight a different aspect of the Maldives, from its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to its vibrant culture and diverse marine life.

The main objective of the World’s Biggest Giveaway Campaign is to increase global awareness of the Maldives as a premier travel destination by attracting a community of travel enthusiasts through active social media participation. 

In a media presentation last week, MMPRC confirmed that the “Maldives has set an ambitious target of USD5 billion in tourism receipts for 2025, building on the incredible momentum of 2024, a record-breaking year for the Maldives Tourism Industry.”

Air India names Mauritius GSA

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TTR WEEKLY
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GURUGRAM, India, 6 January 2025: Air India has appointed Rogers Aviation as its General Sales Agent (GSA) for passenger business in Mauritius.

Rogers Aviation will manage Air India’s reservations and ticketing, support marketing efforts, and provide passenger sales support in Mauritius. The partnership offers seamless services to travel agents and customers in the Indian Ocean archipelago, strengthening the growing passenger traffic between India and Mauritius and beyond. 

Photo credit: ILMAURICE. Rogers Aviation CEO Alexandre Faydherbe (right) and Managing Director Soorya Ramchurn-Oogarah.

“We are delighted to be appointed as the GSA for Air India in Mauritius. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing exceptional travel solutions and solidifies our position as a leading travel and aviation services provider in the Indian Ocean and Sub-Saharan Africa region”, said Rogers Aviation CEO Alexandre Faydherbe.

Rogers Aviation Managing Director Soorya Ramchurn-Oogarah added: “This appointment marks an important milestone for Rogers Aviation. We are committed to innovation and growth, and this partnership will allow us to continue to move forward.”

Air India operates five weekly flights to Mauritius from Mumbai, offering convenient transfers to flights across India and beyond via the airline’s Mumbai hub.

Last month, Air India confirmed an order for 100 Airbus aircraft, in addition to its orders for 470 aircraft, with Airbus and Boeing announced earlier in 2024.

China’s Loong Air flies to Penang

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PENANG, Malaysia, 6 January 2025: China’s Loong Air launched twice weekly direct flights between Xi’an, China, and Penang, Malaysia, on 30 December, with the low-cost airline quoting a roundtrip fare starting at USD277.

Flights are scheduled every Monday and Friday using a 170-seat A321 with a flight time of five hours and 20 minutes.

Photo credit: Zhejiang Loong Airlines Co.

Flight schedule

Flight GJ8305 departs Xi’an (XIY) at 1340 and arrives in Penang (PEN) at 1900.
Flight GJ8306 departs Penang (PEN) at 2000 and arrives in Xi’an (XIY) at 0050 (plus a day).

Tourism Malaysia Deputy Chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin welcomed the new route connecting Xi’an and Penang, saying it was “another important addition to Penang’s international air network, following the recent introduction of a direct flight from Shanghai Pudong to Penang by Shanghai Airlines last August.”

Bernama noted that the “launch of the Xi’an-Penang direct flight was the result of efforts by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who visited China in 2023 and 2024 to persuade Loong Air to launch direct flights to Malaysia.”

Zhejiang Loong Airlines Company operates its main hub at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGN). Its international services include flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines (Kalibo) and Thailand (Bangkok and Pattaya).

(Source: Tourism Malaysia, Bernama)

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