Monday, August 11, 2025
Home Blog Page 603

Three-part ITB India wraps up its virtual event

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

MUMBAI, 7 April 2022: Under the theme of “Connecting you to the Indian Travel Market”, the 3-in-1 show ITB India, MICE Show India and Travel Tech India 2022 gathered top-notch industry figures and international exhibitors from various segments of MICE, Leisure, Corporate and Travel Technology.

The B2B virtual events, hosted on ITB Community in Asia from 5 to 7 April, provided insights and key strategies to lead the industry, mainly in Indian and South Asian markets, towards recovery and growth.

Key exhibitors at this year’s virtual show included Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Business Events Perth, German National Tourist Office, GIATA, Melia Hotels International, National Tourism Office of Spain in India, Radisson Blu Hoi An, Royal Commission for AlUla, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism New Zealand and Turismo de Portugal.

“This year’s powerful conference’s keynote sessions unveiled the biggest and most important issues to open the doors for travelling, accelerate international recovery and ultimately make sure that the travel, tourism and MICE industries become more inclusive and sustainable in the years ahead”, said Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiser of ITB India, MICE Show India and Travel Tech India.

ITB India Conference

Conference sessions focused on the path to recovery, with industry experts sharing their ideas on the future of the Indian and South Asian travel markets. 

Agoda CEO John Brown addressed the question, “What Will Be Key to Travel the World Again?” He outlined what it takes to succeed as the industry moves forward to identify the major game-changers that will impact business models and plans for the future of the travel industry.

MICE Show India

This year’s MICE Show India kicked off with BCD Meetings & Events managing director EMEA Mikael Ek exploring how to re-imagine the future of MICE by introducing various ways to conduct meetings and events.

Travel Tech India

Travel Tech India explored innovations, initiatives and case studies from various industry profiles, including tech companies, hotels, OTAs, and transport companies.

ForwardKeys Vice President of Insights, Olivier Ponti, shared insights on the new era of travel and the evolution of consumer sentiment in the session named “New Era, New Rules: Smart Tourism and the Global Challenges”.

Top cities to enjoy a break

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 6 April 2022: Tripadvisor names the World’s Top 10 Destinations for City Lovers for 2022 based on traveller reviews that favoured Europe’s cities.

Spain figured with two cities, Madrid and Barcelona, and India’s Delhi gained the 10th spot, the only Asian city to appear in the top listing.

Tripadvisor identified 25 destinations on the complete list, with Singapore the highest placed city in Southeast Asia in the 11th spot, followed by Bangkok in 17th place.

Here are the top 10 cities to visit according to Tripadvisor reviews with tips on the must-book activities in each city. 

1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Top activities
High Red Dunes with Camel Ride, Sandboarding, Falcon Show and VIP BBQ Dinner.
Jet Ski Tour of Dubai: Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, Atlantis, Palm & Burj Khalifa.

2. London, United Kingdom

Top activities
London East End Food Tour.
Rock Cab Tours Presents: The Music Legends Private Taxi Tour of London.
Classic London Landmarks Bicycle Tour.

3. Rome, Italy

Top activities
Vespa Sidecar Tour in Rome with Cappuccino.
Colosseum Underground and Ancient Rome Semi-Private Tour.
The Roman Food tour in Trastevere.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

Top activities
Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour.
Taste of Two Continents Food Tour.
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Luxury Yacht.

5. Paris, France

Top activities
Louvre Museum Skip-the-line Access Private Guided Tour.
Paris: the Amazing Segway tour (Eiffel Tower and more than 20 other points of interest).
Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour.

6. Barcelona, Spain

Top activities
Small-Group Sail Trip in Barcelona with Paddle Boarding.
Paella Experience with a Professional Chef + Bottomless Wine in Barcelona.
Fast Track Sagrada Familia Guided Tour.

7. Marrakech, Morocco

Top activities
Moroccan Cooking Class With Chef Najlae.
Explore the Atlas Mountains and Three Valleys and Waterfalls with Camel ride Guided Day Trip.
Hot Air Balloon Flight over Marrakech with Traditional Breakfast.

8. Madrid, Spain

Top activities
Tapas, Taverns & History Tour Madrid.
Historical Madrid Tour in Private Electric Tuk Tuk.
Skip-the-Line Prado Museum Guided Tour.

9. Cairo, Egypt

Top activities
Private Half-Day Trip to Giza Pyramids Sphinx with Camel Riding.
Evening Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo with Private Transport.
Full-Day Luxor private Tour from Cairo by Plane with Lunch.

10. New Delhi, India

Top activities
Old Delhi’s Food, Temples, Culture and Spice Market.
Half-Day Old Delhi Bazaar Walk and Masterji Kee Haveli Visiting Tour.
Full-Day Private Old and New Delhi Combo Tour.

Sabah backs business events travel

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

KOTA KINABALU 6 April 2022: The Sabah Tourism Board encourages business event organisers to reach out to them for assistance in planning and holding major national and international conferences in the state.

Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said constant engagement with the Board is key to ensuring that all stakeholders work collaboratively to prepare for the return of business events.

With the Malaysian border now open, Joniston said they anticipate more business conferences and exhibitions will take place in the near future as industry players choose Sabah as a venue for business events.

“The Sabah Tourism has launched ‘Sabah: BE here for you’ campaign in 2020, targeting the Business Events industry. It is still running to this day, and the campaign involves an MYR5 million grant incentive from the state government.

“Eligible applicants can apply for this grant up to MYR100,000 maximum per group, for both national and international events meetings,” he said, inviting business event organisers to take advantage of the opportunity.

Joniston, who chairs Sabah Tourism Board, was speaking at the BE (business events) Get Together dinner reception on Thursday.

Present were Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) president Francis Teo; Place Borneo Sdn Bhd director and Congress Certification Program official trainer Gracie Veronica Geike; Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman; chief financial officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit; chief marketing officer Tay Shu Lan; and Sri Pelancongan Sabah general manager Zachary Mobijohn.

Joniston said the Sabah Tourism Board collaborates with the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) to market the venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) both locally and globally.

A state-of-the-art facility for small and large scale events, the SICC has a capacity of 5,000 people and is conveniently positioned with a seaside view. It is also strategically located close to the city centre and airport.

Earlier, Joniston congratulated industry players for completing the Congress Certification Program 1.0 and the Congress Certification Program 2.0 Advance Masterclass.

These online courses, which are recognised and certified by the Events Industry Council (EIC) of the United States, are fully subsidised by the Sabah Tourism Board.

It was aimed at helping promote the growth and ecosystem of the industry and to support the development of human capital for the state’s business events industry.

“With the necessary knowledge, tools, and requirements needed from event bidding to digital event strategies, these courses greatly assist in sustaining and empowering the industry.

“I would like to acknowledge the trainers from the MACEOS, for constantly working together with STB in ensuring the industry is ready to welcome business event travel. Let’s together strengthen our relationship towards improving business events for Sabah,” said Joniston.

Information on the ‘Sabah: BE here for you’ campaign can be found on the Sabah Tourism Board’s Business Events website at www.be.sabahtourism.com.

(Your Stories: Sabah Tourism Board)

Emirates wraps up a stellar Expo 2020 Dubai

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

DUBAI, 6 April 2022: Emirates has wrapped up a stellar six months at Expo 2020 Dubai, wowing visitors at its ultra-futuristic Pavilion. Following the Expo’s wind-up, the airline looks back at 180 days of unique experiences at its Pavilion – teleporting visitors into the future of commercial aviation in 2071.

As the Premier Partner and Official Airline of Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates has played a significant role in bringing visitors across the world to the event. Over the past six months, the airline has brought millions of passengers to the Expo, from over 120 destinations, across six continents.

More than 40 aircraft donned with special Expo liveries, including the head-turning “be part of the magic” Expo livery, have flown across the airline’s network to spread awareness of one of the world’s largest global events.

Emirates has invested more than AED100 million in advertising and other promotional campaigns to promote and spread awareness of Expo 2020 across its global markets. From launching a bold campaign during the opening of the Expo to captivating the world with a viral ad featuring its cabin crew on the tip of the Burj Khalifa, the airline has played a massive role in placing Expo 2020 Dubai on top of the world’s travel agenda.

The airline also rolled out various initiatives and multiple products offers, including specialised trade packages, early-bird offers and a complimentary Expo Day pass for all Emirates’ passengers – in which more than 1 million customers redeemed on emriates.com.

More than 20,000 items of Emirates merchandise were snapped up by Expo visitors.

Since October 2021, Emirates has welcomed a significant number of visitors to its Pavilion. The impressive, multi-sensory installations and visual experiences offered visitors a glimpse into the future of commercial aviation. The Virtual Reality headset – in which visitors could explore aircraft interior cabins of the future – was the most visited and popular digital experience.

Unique, limited edition memorabilia – such as the Emirates A380 “be part of the magic” Expo aircraft model and Expo branded passport covers – were some of the most sought after items by aviation fans and Expo visitors who visited the Pavilion.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Cross boosts portfolio in Bali

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

BANGKOK, 6 April 2022: With Bali’s borders now open to international visitors, Cross Hotels & Resorts confirms expansion by adding two resort properties under its white label brand Cross Collection.

Tanadewa Resort & Spa Ubud and Tanadewa Villas & Spa Nusa Dua are the latest additions to the group’s Collection portfolio through a partnership with hotel developer PT. Bumi Pesona Mandiri.

“Cross Collection offers owners workable solutions to their business and gives them the ability to attach Cross Hotels & Resorts and Flight Centre Travel Group, our international distribution network, to their brand,” said Cross Hotels & Resorts CEO Harry Thaliwal.

The white-label branding solution works for independent hotels and continues to gain pace following recent deals in Bangkok and Hua Hin. The latest two-hotel deal in the world-class tourist destination of Bali further cements Cross Hotels & Resorts at the forefront of inspired hospitality offerings in Asia-Pacific.

Cross Hotels & Resorts’ current portfolio includes 24 hotels under five distinct brands – Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen and Cross Collection – across Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan.

Oceania Cruises marketing team leader

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

SINGAPORE, 6 April 2022: Oceania Cruises recently named Frank Del Rio Jr as its chief sales & marketing officer for the brand.

He will be responsible for all sales and marketing activities worldwide and lead the teams based in the brand’s offices in Miami, Southampton, Sydney, and Sao Paulo.

This appointment marks Del Rio’s return to the company and a continuation of his 14-year tenure, from 2003 through 2017.

During his time at Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and ultimately at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Del Rio rose to the rank of senior vice president and led all aspects of Port and Destination Services along with Onboard Revenue.

Maldivian rethinks flight to Ratmalana Colombo

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, 6 April 2022: Just hours after inaugurating a new service from Male to Ratmalana airport in Colombo Sri Lanka the Maldives national airline Maldivian suspended the service.

First reported by Ceylon Today, the online news channel said Maldivian’s “maiden international flight to Colombo International Airport – Ratmalana (CIAR) took place Sunday 27 March. Just 96 hours later the airline suspended the route to allow for a serious rethink.

According to Ceylon Today, it incurred a loss of around SLR6 million spent on the ceremony for the maiden flight. At the same time, it failed to ferry enough paying passengers to justify any follow-up flights.

However, VIPs appreciated the celebratory water cannon salute from the airport authority, while passengers enjoyed the gift packs from the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Kandyan dance performance.

It is understood that the national carrier Maldivian which operates international flights to various Asian cities from its hub at Velana Airport, is rethinking the Ratmalana endeavour saying the route might not be as marketable as it had hoped.

Maldivian flew the route to Sri Lanka using a Dash-8 aircraft with 50 seats, and according to the Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, it planned three weekly flights increasing to five flights from May 2022 onwards. That might now be up for review.

Ratmalana International Airport is primarily a domestic airport serving the city of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. It was the country’s first international airport and was the only international airport in Sri Lanka until the inauguration of Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake in 1967.

(Source: Ceylon Today)

Pickyourtrail points to the Maldives

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

MALE, the Maldives, 6 April 2022: Maldives Marketing and Public Relation Corporation (Visit Maldives) joins hands with India’s travel brand Pickyourtrail to boost bookings from the Indian market.

The joint promotions will focus on a three-month campaign through to July to drive more bookings and rebuild travel confidence among Indian travellers.

Pickyourtrail delivers an online DIY platform allowing new age travellers to create and customize their holiday. Its on-trip app lets customers access their tickets, documents and all information on local restaurants and tourist spots.

Today, Pickyourtrail offers more than 50,000 vacations in 14 countries and is one of the top travel companies in India.

The purpose of the joint campaign between MMPRC and Pickyourtrail is to showcase the Maldives as the most preferred and safe holiday destination for Indian travellers with the geographic advantage of scattered islands which allows natural social distancing and

market the individual products, including resorts, hotels, guesthouses, homestay and liveaboards in the Indian market.

India was one of the top source markets for the Maldives in 2021. Up until early March this year, the Maldives welcomed 289,964 tourists, of which 26,094 arrivals, or a 9% market share came from India.

The Maldives has launched campaigns with Travel Trade Journal (TTJ), WeddingSutra, T3 Publication, and MakeMytrip. Additionally, campaigns were conducted with Thomas Cook and Amazon India App.

Dusit Laguna keeps it simply amazing

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

PHUKET, 7 April 2022: Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, a beachfront resort owned and operated by Dusit International, presents its ‘Simply Amazing’ room offer on bookings made by 23 April.

The stay dates run from 7 April to 30 April 2022. The ‘Simply Amazing’ room offer applies to Club rooms, Suites, and Villas and starts at THB9,000 net per night, including daily breakfast for two.

To elevate the stay experience, Dusit has also teamed up with esteemed local partners to create a wide range of special experiences, memorable activities, and unique services throughout April.

Thanks to collaborations with authorised BMW dealer Millennium Auto and car rental company SIXT, guests staying in a Club room or above will have 24-hour access to BMW Series 5 or Peugeot 5008 cars, available to pick up at the resort.

Highlighting local musical talent, each weekend, the resort will host nightly theme parties featuring live music, top local DJs, and creative drinks at a pop-up beach bar. The programme will start on Friday 8 April with “Sunset Chill Out & Retro Beats” – a celebration of the ’60s, followed by the ’80s and ’90s on Saturday 9 April, and a multi-generation celebration on Sunday 10 April. Each party will start with a complimentary sunset cocktail.

The resort has also teamed up with ZAK Extreme, Jet Board Thailand and Phuket Water Sports Club to offer very special rates on jet surf, surfboard, surf lessons, and other exciting watersports activities every Friday to Sunday throughout the month.

Alongside occasional pop-up dining experiences with guest chefs – including, on Songkran (Wednesday 13 April), a special eight-course feast of Basque cuisine by globe-trotting Chef Inaki Bolumburu, for THB 2,500++ – the resort will also offer its own exclusive Amore Dinner on the Beach for the special price of THB4,000 per couple, inclusive of two glasses of wine. Set on the sands and illuminated by candles, this romantic dining experience is normally priced at THB6,000 and is ideal for celebrating any special occasion.

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket is located next to Bang Tao beach overlooking the Andaman Sea in the heart of Laguna Phuket, an integrated destination resort on the west coast of Phuket island. 

For more information about the ‘Simply Amazing’ offer, or to make a booking, please visit www.dusit.com or call (076) 362 999 (local fixed number).

(Your Stories: Dusit Laguna Phuket)

Hong Kong airport takes over AsiaWorld

By
TTR WEEKLY
-

HONG KONG 5 April 2022: Airport Authority Hong Kong has become the sole shareholder of AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) following the government’s recent transfer of all its interests in the convention centre located adjacent to the airport.

Before the transfer of interests, the government and AAHK jointly owned AWE. However, in 2018, AAHK acquired ownership of the company that manages and operates AWE and now takes over the remaining equity in the government hands.

In its latest announcement, AAHK says it will go ahead with AWE’s Phase 2 development. On completion, it will house Hong Kong’s largest indoor multipurpose performance arena with over 20,000 seats and state-of-the-art facilities. The Phase 2 expansion will also increase AWE’s exhibition space to 100,000 square metres.

AWE is a prime venue in Hong Kong for conventions, exhibitions, sports, entertainment events, business showcases, and premium consumer-oriented events.

It is part of SKYCITY, a core element of the Airport City development strategy that includes 11 SKIES, Hong Kong’s largest retail, dining and entertainment complex, and offices and hotels. The expanded AWE will enjoy synergy with 11 SKIES and other SKYCITY developments, attracting visitors from overseas, the Greater Bay Area, and Hong Kong, propelling the development of Airport City into a destination of its own and contributing to the economic development of Hong Kong and the region.

1...602603604...606Page 603 of 606

Stay ahead with the
latest travel news
on Southeast Asia.

Subscribe now


Contact Us
TTR Weekly (TTRW) is published in Bangkok, Thailand, registered since 1978.
/ month
placeholder text
/ month
placeholder text
Press releases, announcements, events for calendar should be sent to: [email protected]
/ month
placeholder text

Copyright © 2023 TTR Weekly, all rights reserved.