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Embark with NCL premieres 1 July

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 1 July 2022: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 55-year history of breaking boundaries, announced Thursday the next season of its visual storytelling platform, “EMBARK with NCL,” with the first episode, “Caribbean Adventures,” premiering Friday, 1 July 2022 at 0800 SGT at www.ncl.com/embark and on Facebook.

Following its successful first season, which garnered nearly three million views and showcased the NCL’s fierce resiliency as it returned to cruising after a 500-day pause, this second season will focus on the high-calibre offerings onboard and ashore, as well as the most guest-favoured destinations, beginning with the Caribbean. In addition, American television personality and world traveller Zay Harding will bring viewers along this season as the host of EMBARK, chronicling his cruise adventures around the globe.

“EMBARK with NCL allows us to visually showcase the incredible experiences we offer across our dynamic fleet, as well as the unforgettable vacation moments awaiting our guests at some of the most bucket-list-worthy destinations around the world,” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “This season, our guests will be able to discover, or rediscover, some of their favourite places and get a sneak peek into the future of NCL with episodes dedicated to our next best-in-class ship, Norwegian Prima.”

In season two, guests will have a front-row seat to the onboard experience and the over 300 incredible destinations visited by NCL each year.

“What’s most exciting about this new season is the relevancy of the content to travellers who may not be familiar with cruising,” said Christine Da Silva, SVP of Branding and Communications of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Season one provided us with an opportunity to connect with loyal guests, as well as those who know us and missed being at sea with us. Season two is all about the experience … about the food, entertainment, and the incredible places we visit. We’re happy to bring all of the benefits and joy of cruising to anyone who wants to see the world.”

This season, guests are invited to discover the majestic islands of Hawaii when Harding sets sail aboard NCL’s Pride of America, the only ship to offer roundtrip inter-island voyages from Honolulu. They will also witness NCL’s culinary champions battle it out in the kitchen in the “Great Cruise Cookoff” episode for a chance to have their creations featured aboard the highly anticipated Norwegian Prima. In the “Evolution of Innovation” episode, guests will celebrate the brand’s storied history as well as glimpse its future as it prepares to launch its next class of ships. In the season finale, Harding travels to Reykjavik, Iceland, to attend the event of the season, the Christening of Norwegian Prima. He will bring viewers along for this history-making celebration, where godmother Katy Perry will not only fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming Norwegian Prima, but where she will perform during the Christening ceremony before the new ship sets sail on its inaugural voyages.

To watch the first episode of the new EMBARK with NCL season, “Caribbean Adventures,” tune in on 1 July 2022, 0800 SGT at www.ncl.com/embark or Facebook. Additional premiere dates are forthcoming.

For more information on EMBARK with NCL or to watch the complete collection, visit www.ncl.com/embark.  

For more information about NCL’s award-winning 17-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call Hong Kong on +852 2165 6000 and Southeast Asia on +65 3165 1680 or visit www.ncl.com.

MH privileges extend to Firefly

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 July 2022: Malaysia Airlines is extending its MHflypass Malaysia and MHshuttle privileges to Firefly’s passengers on selected domestic routes.

The new MHflypass Malaysia offering complements Malaysia Airlines’ existing cover. It adds greater flexibility and convenience by providing a fixed-rate pass to a broader domestic destination and the option to travel via direct Firefly flights to and from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang, Petaling Jaya.

MHshuttle and Business Shuttle are available on Malaysia Airlines and Firefly flights, only on direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. These fares can be purchased via all Malaysia Airlines and Firefly appointed travel agents and Malaysia Airlines and Firefly ticket offices.

Meanwhile, MHshuttle will benefit customers, especially those commuting frequently between Singapore and Malaysia. They will have the option to fly between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Changi International Airport on Malaysia Airlines or from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport to Seletar Airport on Firefly.

Firefly recently resumed its twice-daily flights to Seletar Airport, suspended since March 2020 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malaysia Airlines’ chief marketing and customer experience officer Lau Yin May said: “The expansion of MHflypass to MH-Firefly codeshare flights like Firefly accommodates the surge in passengers demand… We hope that frequent travellers who wish to make up for two years of lost travel opportunities can book with confidence and secure their seats for flights even during peak season. As for MHshuttle, extending the offerings to Firefly flights on the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore route adds new departure and arrival points in response to the rapidly increasing demand.”

Bikers play a role in reviving tourism

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA 1 JULY 2022: The Philippines’ Tourism Promotions Board is gearing up promotions to raise the pace of motorcycle tourism by recruiting the country’s biking communities.

The TPB, in partnership with the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Manila Chapter, gathered motorcycle riders and enthusiasts to rally at Maurban, Quezon last week for responsible motorcycle riding while also advocating environmental stewardship by raising funds for the tree planting and eco-park development projects with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In November 2021, TPB and the Department of Tourism (DOT), launched the Philippine Motorcycle Tourism (PMT) programme to stimulate domestic tourism and capitalize on the country’s scenic views and stunning landscapes that can be explored on popular motorbike club rides.

To date, TPB and several DOT regional offices are building PMT circuits as a new set of tourism products aimed at targeting millions of motorcycle enthusiasts and riders worldwide.

“We continue to push the limits to create new ways to enjoy safe travel because we know that travelling and adventure give us purpose and new perspectives. The success of the PMT programme exemplifies the demand for exploring the country on two wheels and presenting an alternative way of travelling to entice the public to discover more of the Philippines’ interesting culture, sites, cuisines and other tourism products,” said TPB COO Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones.

The very first PH Ride with a Purpose event by HOG Manila Chapter attracted more than 2,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts last week who gathered for a rally to support responsible motorcycle riding and highlight Quezon province as an adventure and culinary tourism destination.

The event provided an opportunity to promote Quezon as a tourist destination for fun and safe motorcycle riding, with diverse tourist attractions such as heritage churches, burgeoning farm attractions, pristine beaches and a wide array of cuisines and delicacies. The province also highlighted its farm-to-table experience.

To date, the TPB has successfully organized ride events in Calabarzon, Central Luzon and Bicol regions in close coordination with DOT regional offices. The recently concluded #ExcitingBicol PMT Ride was held simultaneously in the provinces of Albay (Mayon 360 Ride), Sorsogon (Countryside Ride), Camarines Sur (Naga City Ride). It culminated in Catanduanes for the Happy Island 360 Ride that covered 11 municipalities and highlighted the province-wide celebration of this year’s Abaca Festival.

TPB has strengthened its partnership with Breakfast Ride Community, Vespa Club of the Philippines, Mindanao Confederation of Big Bike Clubs (MCBBC), Oriental Mindoro Motorcycle Riders Club (OMMRC) Inc., Honda XADV Owners Club, and Adventure Team Philippines by supporting its ride events, activities, and advocacies.

“We are confident that through these initiated and supported activities, we were able and will continue to, even more, regain the confidence of the public to travel domestically for the sustained recovery of the tourism industry,” COO Allones added.

Last week’s event focused on Quezon Province as an adventure and culinary tourism destination. To know more about the programme, check out the following Facebook links.

#PhilippineMotorcycleTourism

#itsmorefunwithyou

#itsmorefuninthephilippines

Watch the video on the Philippines’ events and MICE business https://youtu.be/_7E57f7a3Sg

(Your Stories: TPB)

Centara unlocks travel with a 40% off deal

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 1 July 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, offers travellers the chance to enjoy huge savings of 40% with the latest Flash Sale from 1 to 4July 2022.

For four days only, guests have the chance to book their next holiday in a choice of 37 hotels and resorts across Thailand, Vietnam and Maldives.

The Centara Travel Unlocked Flash Sale comes at a time as Thailand relaxes entry rules for travellers arriving from overseas. Effective 1 July 2022, foreign visitors will only need to show proof of vaccination or negative RT-PCR or certified ATK test results taken within 72 hours of travel.

Travellers no longer have to apply for the Thailand Pass or buy a USD10,000 health insurance package that was previously required. However, it is recommended that visitors ensure they have adequate travel and health insurance cover to be on the safe side.

Travellers have a choice of 13 beach and urban destinations across Thailand, including Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Trat, Koh Chang, Rayong, Chiang Mai, Mae Sot, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, and Bangkok.

Families can also discover an Explorer’s Playground-themed entertainment resort in southern Vietnam with an adventure-themed water play area complete with slides, lazy river, cliff-jumping rock and pool.

Guests can also enjoy a tropical escape to the Maldives, where they can explore the beauty of the island nation from the family-friendly Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa with experiences including Scuba diving adventures, sunset cruise, as well as whale shark or manta snorkelling excursions. For travellers seeking the ultimate island serenity, the exquisite adults-only Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa in the North Malé Atoll is The Place to Be.

The Centara Travel Unlocked Flash Sale takes place from 1st – 4th July 2022.

To book or learn more about Centara Travel Unlocked Flash Sale, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/travel-unlocked-flash-sale

Lao Airline’s shares up for sale

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TTR WEEKLY
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VIENTIANE, 1 July 2022: Moves are afoot for the Lao government to off-load 49% of its shares in Lao Airlines to stem mounting losses, according to a Smart Aviation Asia Pacific report.

It quoted local news sources quoting the country’s prime minister Phankham Viphavanh, telling the National Assembly that nearly all “state-owned enterprises are losing money and, rather than helping to drive the economy, they are proving to be a heavy burden on the government which has to subsidise these businesses.”

The government plans to retain at least a 51% stake in flag carrier Lao Airlines, but the immediate challenge is to find private investors willing to buy a 49% stake in the loss-ridden airline. It’s not a new journey for the airline. Over the years, it has entered into various partnerships with foreign airlines, some including equity that failed to turn around the national airline’s performance.

 It is doubtful that private investors would take a minority stake in the airline without having complete control over the management and financial policy. Lao Airlines is a state-owned enterprise under the Lao PDR’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

Earlier this month, the airline resumed international services, with the Luang Prabang-Bangkok route one of the first to be reactivated on 17 June. It flies the route three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, departing Luang Prabang at 1000 and arriving in Bangkok at 1200. The airline’s booking website offers a starting return fare of USD276.

Club Med brands ski resort in Hokkaido

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 30 June 2022: Club Med announced this week the newest addition to its resort portfolio in Hokkaido, Japan, due to open this December.

Club Med Kiroro, Hokkaido, will be a takeover and combination of two existing properties to create one integrated snow resort with two distinctive buildings, located just a three-minute buggy ride or a short gondola ride apart.

Previously branded ‘The Kiroro’, the property was voted the best ski resort in Japan in the World Ski Awards 2021. Now it is re-branding under the Club Med flag.

Henri Giscard d’Estaing, President of Club Med, announces its Newest Resort in Kiroro Japan.

Conducted in two phases, Club Med Kiroro Peak will open this December, followed by Club Med Kiroro Grand in 2023. With the opening of both buildings, Club Med Kiroro will offer close to 400 rooms supported by more than 450 GOs (Gentil Organisateurs) and GEs (Gentil Employees) during the peak winter season.

Guests can make a reservation for Club Med Kiroro Peak starting 1 August. Club Med has three other resorts in Japan — Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido, Club Med Sahoro in Hokkaido and Club Med Kabira Ishigaki in Okinawa.

“With the resort’s accessibility, panoramic mountain views, quality powder snow in the winter and close to travel hotspots like Otaru coastal town, there are endless opportunities to create a constant stream of activities all year round,” said Club Med president  Henri Giscard d’Estaing. “As we continue to invest and grow in our ski leadership to double our mountain capacity in Asia by 2023, we are excited to include another property in Japan.”

Club Med Kiroro, Hokkaido, claims the finest powder snow in the world produced by the combination of Siberian winds meeting the cold waters of Hokkaido Island. It has the most snowfall at 21m annually on average, more than anywhere else in the country.

Located a 90-minute drive from the New Chitose Airport and easily accessible by train to Otaru Chikko Station, the ski-in-ski-out resort offers snow enthusiasts direct access to 23 courses for all skill levels, from beginners to elite skiers.

Emirates hands incentives to SMEs

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 30 June 2022:  To mark the United Nation’s Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSME) Day, 27 June, and the vital role these enterprises play in post-pandemic recovery, Emirates is offering MSMEs an attractive incentive for new members who enrol into the Emirates Business Rewards programme.

Eligible businesses worldwide who sign up for a first-time account anytime until 10 July 2022 will receive a joining bonus of 10,000 Emirates Business Reward Points – the equivalent of one Economy Class return ticket between most destinations in the Middle East, Africa/WAIO and Dubai, a city that offers world-leading support programmes and infrastructure for entrepreneurs and SMEs.

Emirates’ offer aims to support MSMEs and recognise the integral part they play in sustainable development and the global economy and communities.

There are currently more than 30000 micro, small and medium-sized businesses participating in the Emirates Business Rewards programme, taking advantage of a wealth of benefits, including easy enrolment, accessible earning and redemptions, and flexibility and upgrade opportunities – even on last-minute bookings.

With a goal of ‘making business travel seamless’, Emirates Business Rewards enables organisations to earn points on business travel, which can be spent on future flights and upgrades on any Emirates flight, in any class, subject to availability.

Organisations are eligible to earn points whenever their employees or guest travellers fly on Emirates, which can then be spent on dynamic reward flights and upgrades. Individuals can earn Skywards Miles on the same flight if they are Emirates Skywards members. There’s no limit to how many employees can join the programme, and no minimum spend is needed. Emirates Business Rewards is free to join and can offer a significant return to budget-conscious MSMEs.

Often called ‘the backbone of our economies’, formal and informal MSMEs make up over 90% of all global firms and account, on average, for 70% of total employment and 50% of GDP. They are key actors in achieving a green recovery.

Emirates has a long track record of supporting small and medium-sized businesses, not only via its Business Rewards programme but also through its procurement of products and services across the business. Hundreds of small and medium-sized companies in a range of industries from around the world have benefitted from showcasing their products to a global travel audience with Emirates, boosting their growth plans. These products include items such as sustainable in-flight amenity kits, boutique luxury spa products, single-origin teas and artisan food products. In the UAE, Emirates prioritises SMEs as part of its tender process and is actively committed to working with government stakeholders like Dubai SMEs in identifying businesses and evaluating the performance of active suppliers regularly.

For more information on Emirates Business Rewards and to enrol in the programme, visit: https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/business-rewards/.

(Your Stories: Emirates)

Quirino pitches adventure holidays

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TTR WEEKLY
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MANILA, 29 June 2020: Exhilarating water activities in Quirino province are highlighted in the latest Tourism PHL campaign posted on the social media channel Telegram.

Promoting a video posted on YouTube, the promotion points travellers to adventure activities such as boating, water tubing and cliff diving at the Governor’s Rapids on the Cagayan River’s tributary.

Quirino province is being positioned as a must-visit soft adventure destination, and the excitement begins with a visit to the two-hectare Quirino Water Sports Complex, the first and only full-course wakeboard park in the region and the northern part of the Philippines.

Quirino is a landlocked province in the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. The province borders Aurora to the southeast, Nueva Vizcaya to the west, and Isabela to the north. Long before its formal creation as an independent province in 1972, Quirino was the forest region of the province of Nueva Vizcaya, inhabited by tribal groups known as the Negritos. They roamed the hinterlands and built their huts at the heart of the jungle.

The closest airport is Cauayan Airport, 63 km from the capital Cabarroguis. There are daily one-hour flights from Manila. Fares range from USD30 to 130. The Governor’s Rapids is a 76km trip from the airport.

There are two UNESCO world heritage sites. The closest heritage site in the Philippines is Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, a distance of 90 km.

Vigan gained UNESCO World Heritage status for having the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia. Its architecture reflects the coming together of cultural elements from elsewhere in the Philippines, from China and Europe, resulting in a culture and townscape that have no parallel anywhere in Southeast Asia.

Find out why Quirino is dubbed “Your Basket of Happiness” at https://www.7641islands.ph/

(Your Stories: TourismPHL)

Lombok hotels join Cross portfolio

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TTR WEEKLY
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JAKARTA, 30 June 2022: Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a hotel management agreement with PT Origin Resorts Lombok to rebrand two properties Away Lombok Mandalika and Amber Lombok Beach by Cross Collection, to its growing portfolio.

Last April, Cross Hotels & Resort acquired a hotel management agreement for two properties in Bali. It has six properties under management contracts in Indonesia.

“We are honoured to partner with PT. Origin Resorts Lombok. With these two magnificent resorts joining the Cross family, I am confident our strong international network will help bring a new genre of holidaymaker to Lombok,” said Cross Hotels & Resorts CEO Harry Thaliwal.

Cross Hotels & Resorts’ current portfolio includes 26 hotels under five brands – Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen and Cross Collection – across Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan.

Asia Pacific airlines make gains in May

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR 30 June 2022: International air passenger demand strengthened amidst the lifting of travel restrictions that unleashed a robust return of travellers, according to preliminary May 2022 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA).

During May, international passengers carried by Asia Pacific airlines increased more than five-fold to a combined 7.3 million, with demand rising to 23.6% of volumes recorded in May 2019. The jump in demand, combined with a relatively more moderate 114.8% expansion in available seat capacity, led to a significant 43.7% increase in the average international passenger load factor to 71.5% for the month, narrowing the gap to levels achieved before the pandemic brought international travel to a standstill.

By contrast, prevailing supply chain disruptions and slowing demand further stymied global trade activity. It led to a 5.6% year-on-year decline in international air cargo demand as measured in freight tonne-kilometres (FTK) in May.

Meanwhile, offered freight capacity expanded by 1.0% year-on-year compared to the same month last year, with a consequent 4.8 percentage point decline in the international freight load factor to an average of 69.4% for the month.

AAPA director general Subhas Menon commented on the results: “The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the world in many ways. Yet, what hasn’t changed is people’s desire to travel, as evidenced by the strong uplift in international travel upon the lifting of border control measures across the region.”

Menon added, “On the other hand, after a buoyant 2021, air cargo demand is facing some headwinds with export orders facing downward pressures, driven by waning business confidence levels amid an increasingly cloudy global economic outlook.”

“As the region’s airlines emerge from the deepest and most prolonged crisis ever faced, keeping a lid on costs remains vital, as escalating fuel expenditure, higher labour and maintenance costs, on top of substantially heavier debt burdens, threaten to undermine the already fragile financial recovery,” Menon explained. “ In addition, airlines face increasing operational constraints as the air transport eco-system strives to keep up with the ramp-up in demand.”

But he concluded there was good cause for optimism as the region’s airlines “continue to streamline operations while investing in improving the travel experience as part of ongoing efforts to achieve a sustainable and technology-enabled future for air transport.”

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