NEW YORK, 31 August 2022: Nobu Hospitality and Asset World Corporation Public Company Limited, a real estate group in Thailand, have signed an exclusive Thailand-wide development.
The partnership gets underway with two new projects in Bangkok; Nobu Hotel Bangkok and Nobu Empire Restaurant, developed by Asset World Corporation.
As part of the development agreement, the two partners have committed to an exclusive collaboration to establish multiple Nobu Hotels and restaurants in Thailand.
The Nobu restaurant will occupy the top floor and rooftop of the Empire Tower, the iconic mixed-use development in downtown Bangkok. The location of the signed Nobu Hotel in Bangkok will be announced soon.
Asset World Corporation chief executive officer and president Wallapa Traisorat said: “It’s an honour to sign the development agreement for an exclusive collaboration to develop multiple Nobu Hotels and Restaurants in Thailand.”
Nobu Hospitality CEO Trevor Horwell commented: “It is an honour to partner with Wallapa Traisorat and the powerbase that she has carefully built with Asset World Corp Public Company Limited. Our strategy is to work with regional development partners in Asia who embrace our unique business model and share the same passion for luxury and high-quality products.
BANGKOK, 31 August 2022: Anantara Hotels & Resorts has won the award for Best Luxury Hotel Brand in the 2022 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel contest.
The award recognises the brand’s commitment to consistently delivering excellent customer service and staying true to its mission to create memorable travel experiences that combine heartfelt hospitality with the best of each destination.
The 10Best panel shortlisted nominees based on consistency, impeccable service and comfort with 20 brands – including Four Seasons, Kimpton, The Ritz-Carlton and Standard Hotels – in the running. USA TODAY’s readers cast their votes over four weeks, with Anantara securing the coveted prize.
“On behalf of Anantara hotels and resorts worldwide, I would like to thank the USA TODAY experts and readers for recognising our efforts to consistently deliver genuine Thai hospitality, outstanding services and wellness-centric experiences in every destination we are present in,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels, owning company of Anantara. “As international travel rebounds, we will stay laser-focused on giving travellers an experience where luxury and authenticity seamlessly combine in every interaction.”
USA TODAY is a multi-platform news and information media company and America’s number one newspaper in print circulation, while USATODAY.com is an award-winning newspaper website. 10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the US and worldwide.
MANILA, 31 August 2022: Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco met with her counterpart Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, last week to renew a tourism bilateral agreement.
They met on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Tourism Ministerial Meeting (TMM) to discuss various projects to improve bilateral tourism, including English as a Second Language trips and tourist circuits.
DOT. Philippines tourism delegation at APEC meeting.
Secretary Frasco gained the support of Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Phipat Ratchakitprakarn to renew the “Implementing Programme of Cooperation between the Philippines and Thailand in the areas of travel facilitation, research, and development, education and training, tourism initiatives, human capital development and employment generation.
The Philippines and Thailand signed off on the original Implementing Programme of a Tourism Cooperation Agreement for 2017 to 2022 on 21 March 2017.
Regarding renewing the agreement, Thailand’s tourism minister said: “We are delighted already to extend … we see it as a very, very good idea between our two countries. I want to discuss the exchange of tourists. I understand that we have more tourists from the Philippines than Thais going to the Philippines … I want to change this and for our departments to engage in public relations with the Philippines so we can increase Thai tourists going to the Philippines”.
As of 14 August, the Philippines registered 1.2 million visitors; of that total, just 6,401 of the arrivals came from Thailand.
During the meeting, Secretary Frasco also explored the possibility of collaborating with Thailand to boost Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, educational tourism, particularly English as a second language, and food tourism.
Minister Phipat also raised the subject of a tourism circuit combining the Philippines and Thailand for visitors outside Asia.
DOT talks to Thai tourism players
While in Bangkok, Secretary Frasco reached out to tourism stakeholders in Thailand to explore ways to entice more Thai tourists to visit The Philippines by possibly promoting educational tourism, dive holidays, events and expanding airline services.
Discussions focused on developing links between Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines as participants noted the Philippines’ strength in tourism linked to English as Second Language (ESL) tuition.
Tourism leaders and travel agents attending the sessions included the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), Esque Lifestyle & Travel; Jubilee Travel Co Ltd; Dive Potato; SC World Express; Big World Holiday; Worldwide Agency Co Ltd; Abroad Land; Pleione Travel Co Ltd; Supertrips Co Ltd; All Around Trading & Holidays Co Ltd; Kor Pun Gun; Bright Idea; Mango Learning Express; Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air (Thailand); Thai Air Asia; and Siam Tourism Group.
BANGKOK 31 August 2022: Thai Vietjet will increase flights on the Fukuoka – Bangkok route to four weekly, starting from 1 September 2022.
“We have received great feedback from the market, beyond expectation, both from Thailand and Japan, since our flight service launch between Fukuoka and Bangkok back in July 2022,” said Thai Vietjet director of commercial Pinyot Pibulsonggram. “This is a significant and positive sign that the international travel market is gradually bouncing back after a long Covid-19 pause. With further relaxation of travel restrictions in both countries, we expect to add more flights during the upcoming peak travel season, offering a more convenient yet affordable travel choice for international tourists between the two countries.”
The airline commenced its flight service connecting Fukuoka and Bangkok on 16 July. As of 1 September, the service connecting Fukuoka to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) will increase to four weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, with an approximate flight time of five hours and 30 minutes.
Flight schedule:
FlightNumber
Origin
Destination
Departure
Arrival
Days of Operation
VZ810
Bangkok
Fukuoka
00:45
08:10
Monday/Wednesday/Friday/
VZ811
Fukuoka
Bangkok
09:10
12:50
VZ810
Bangkok
Fukuoka
02:35
10:00
Saturday
Vietjet Group also offers direct services from Hanoi (Vietnam) to Fukuoka and Nagoya. The route connecting Fukuoka to Hanoi operates with three return flights on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. In comparison, the service from Nagoya to Hanoi has four return flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Currently, passengers entering Thailand are no longer required to possess a certificate of testing for a negative COVID-19 result before entering the country or upon arrival. Passengers are also not required to quarantine upon arrival due to the removal of the ‘Test & Go’ scheme from 1 May 2022.
HONG KONG, 31 August 2022: Cathay Pacific will increase services from its Hong Kong hub to Kuala Lumpur to six weekly flights in December, up from three weekly services in September.
Despite the ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions, the airline intends to increase flights to pre-Covid-19 levels to most destinations in Asia by early 2023.
In September, the airline will serve Kuala Lumpur with three flights weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. The flights depart Hong Kong at 0855 and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 1250.
Starting in December, the frequency will jump to six weekly flights (Tuesday to Sunday) with no flight on Monday. The same flight days are in place during the January to February 2023 timetable. The return fare in economy class starts at HKD5,510 return with tax and fees. Flight time is three hours and 55 minutes on an Airbus A350-900.
SINGAPORE, 31 August 2022: Princess Cruises has added its EZair flight booking programme for guests from Southeast Asia, mainly Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Brunei.
This easy-to-use tool provides customised suggestions based on when and where passengers are sailing, low prices with flexible airfares, and the reassurance that they will reach their ship quickly and conveniently.
This service is particularly beneficial for guests who must travel to faraway destinations to board their cruise and relieves the hassle of visiting different websites to check flight details. This programme has long been enjoyed by guests in North America and Europe and is now available in Southeast Asia.
“Princess Cruises’ EZAIR elevates the pre-cruising experience by making it easy and convenient to book the flight component for guests in Southeast Asia who will be travelling overseas to cruise. The Princess website will serve as a one-stop all vacation planner, making it stress-free and convenient in booking flights with their cruises,” said Princess Cruises director Southeast Asia Farriek Tawfik.
“The EZair programme will better serve guests in this region with access to competitive airfares compatible with their cruise,” he added. Available flights can be reviewed in real-time, and the desired air schedule and carrier can be chosen at the time of booking. The cruise must be reserved and deposited before flights can be booked. However, flights can be searched when checking cruise availability.
Flights are available to book from four days before the cruise to 300 days before the end of the vacation. Princess EZair allows guests to customise their flights – choosing the desired time, carrier, number of stops, class of service, etc. – at the time of booking without paying any additional customisation fee. This makes it easy to find flights that fit the requirements of the cruise and at competitive fares.
Princess EZair also provides the flexibility of booking flights – whether directly on princess.com or with travel advisors. Princess EZair is connected to Princess’ booking system so that all flight guidelines and voyage information is automatically applied to the search. Travel advisors can also access the EZair programme to check flights for guests, thereby saving time.
Princess EZair provides Late Arrival Protection
Guests who book air travel through Princess Cruises will be automatically enrolled in the Princess Late Arrival Protection program.
If guests miss or will miss their original port of embarkation due to airline delay or an airline service disruption, such as flight cancellation or flight re-routes and weather-related issues, Princess will work with the airlines to find a reasonable alternative to provide flights to the next appropriate port at no additional air cost to the guest.
If, for any reason, the cruise arrives late at port or the Princess transfer is delayed to the airport and the return flight is missed, Princess works with the airline to rebook flights to get the guests home.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling +65 6922 6788 (Singapore), Toll Free: Malaysia 1800-806-656 or Indonesia 007-803-651-0004
KOTA KINABALU, 31 August 2022: Malaysia Airlines marked another milestone in its network expansion by introducing a new direct flight between Kota Kinabalu and Singapore starting Monday.
Passengers on the inaugural flight arrived at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) at 1255 local time on MH648 from Changi International Airport (SIN). A water cannon salute welcomed the aircraft upon arrival at BKI. Passengers received gifts to remember the special occasion, distributed by representatives from Malaysia Airlines, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Tourism Board, and Malaysia Airports Holdings.
Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Puan Noredah Othman said: “Sabah Tourism Board will continue to promote Sabah as a preferred holiday destination to Singaporeans and use the popular Singapore hub as a transit point for long haul market travellers to reach Sabah. Since the re-opening of the SIN-BKI route in April, we have recorded an upward trend with 1,248 arrivals in May and 3,051 arrivals in June. With the inclusion of Malaysia Airlines, we are confident that this trend will continue.”
The airline will operate the direct flights three times weekly on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, departing from Kota Kinabalu for Singapore on MH647 at 0700 and departing Singapore to Kota Kinabalu on MH648 at 1000. The flights use a B737-800 aircraft, with 160 seats; 16 in business class and 144 in economy class.
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND - AUGUST 27: <> on August 27, 2022 in Reykjavik, Iceland. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Norwegian Cruise Line)
SINGAPORE, 30 August 2022:Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, christened its newest ship, Norwegian Prima, which made history as the first major cruise ship christened in Reykjavík, Iceland.
The first of six ships in the groundbreaking Prima Class, Norwegian Prima, debuted to more than 2,500 guests who enjoyed an immersive experience in the beautiful Icelandic capital and a christening celebration like no other.
“With her stunning design and unique offerings, Norwegian Prima is in a league of her own,” said
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd president and CEO Frank Del Rio. “As the industry’s most spacious new cruise ship featuring ‘only-available-on-Prima-experiences,’ she is continuing NCL’s legacy of industry firsts. We wanted to launch Norwegian Prima in a location just as special and unique as she is, and Reykjavik’s striking landscape is the perfect setting for such a milestone occasion. We thank the Reykjavik community for welcoming us with open arms.”
We have been eagerly anticipating and preparing for this special event for several years, so we are delighted to embark on NCL’s next chapter with Norwegian Prima. It’s been a joy to see our vision come to life with this landmark christening ceremony, which sets the tone for the unparalleled holidays guests will enjoy for years to come. We are so thankful to our team members and partners worldwide who have made Norwegian Prima a stunning reality.
Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norwegian Cruise Line
At 965 feet (294 metres long) and more than 142,500 tons with a capacity for 3,100 guests at double occupancy, Norwegian Prima offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any contemporary or premium cruise ship. She also boasts the largest variety of suite categories available at sea as well as a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL’s ultra-premium keycard-only access ship-within-a-ship concept. Her recreational activities, including the fastest slides at sea – The Rush and The Drop – and the Prima Speedway, the first three-level racetrack at sea, provide guests with adrenaline-pumping moments. Spaces like Ocean Boulevard, the 44,000 square foot outdoor walkway which wraps around the entire ship; The Concourse, which boasts a multi-million dollar outdoor sculpture garden; and expansive pool decks and infinity-style pools at Infinity Beach offer guests a chance to slow down and relax. To learn more about all Norwegian Prima offers, please click here.
“We have been eagerly anticipating and preparing for this special event for several years, so we are delighted to embark on NCL’s next chapter with Norwegian Prima,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It’s been a joy to see our vision come to life with this landmark christening ceremony, which sets the tone for the unparalleled holidays, guests will enjoy for years to come. We are so thankful to our team members and partners worldwide who have made Norwegian Prima a stunning reality.”
Guests at the christening ceremony were treated to a show-stopping performance by a popular Icelandic group and 2021 “Eurovision Song Contest” fan favourites, Daði og Gagnamagnið (pronounced “Dah-they Oh Gack-no-Mak-ne”), before Norwegian Prima’s very own godmother, Katy Perry took to the main stage to officially name and christened the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull. The three-level Prima Theater & Club stage was then transformed into a whimsical backdrop where guests enjoyed a powerhouse performance of some of Perry’s chart-topping hits, including “California Gurls,” “Teenage Dream,” “Roar,” and “Firework.”
“It was so much fun to sprinkle some fairy godmother dust on Norwegian Prima and send her on her way to sail the high seas,” said Katy Perry. I always appreciate a family vacation and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so I was happy to wish all the vacationing guests a happy bon voyage!”
Before the Christening ceremony, guests were surprised by an authentic Icelandic experience at the HARPA cultural centre. Attendees were treated to a captivating LED light show by Artist Olafur Eliasson and performances by Icelandic singer-songwriter Bríet, who joined the Iceland Symphony Orchestra in an awe-inspiring show.
Norwegian Prima will depart on inaugural voyages to Northern Europe from the Netherlands, Denmark and England beginning 3 September 2022, before making her way to the U.S. She will then sail voyages to the Caribbean from New York City, Galveston, Texas, and Miami in October and November before settling into her homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida, and Galveston, Texas for the 2023 and 2024 cruise season.
To access Norwegian Prima’s christening press kit, please click here. To download high-res images and videos from Norwegian Prima’s christening activities, please click here. 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.
SINGAPORE, 30 August 2022: ProWine Singapore returns for its third edition from 5 to 8 September 2022 at the Singapore Expo.
The show will attract around 200 exhibitors from 20 countries to meet with an estimated 5,000 trade visitors from Southeast Asia.
Jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and Informa Markets, ProWine Singapore is co-located with FHA – Food & Beverage. The theme of ProWine Singapore 2022 centres on A New Hope as the world emerges from the pandemic and begins finding its own momentum once more.
Kicking off ProWine Singapore’s knowledge-based line-up of seminars and activities is an engaging and educational panel discussion held on 5 September. Across the four days, these Masters of Wines, as well as thought leaders and industry experts, will also lead other masterclasses. For the full masterclass and seminar schedule, click here.
“We are looking forward to staging ProWine Singapore. It’s been four years, and we are eager to continue playing our part as a major industry event and business platform to bring the industry together as we navigate the new realities. Our strong foothold in the markets of Asia and Southeast Asia, and the quality of visitors attending ProWine Singapore ensure producers from Europe, North and South America, and the Oceanic regions will benefit greatly by having a presence at the trade fair,” says Messe Düsseldorf Asia managing director, Gernot Ringling.
ProWein has a long-established history, which first began in Düsseldorf. Over the last 25 years, ProWein has since expanded its presence to Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Sao Paolo and Mumbai. ProWine Singapore made its debut in 2016 as a biennial trade fair, co-located with FHA – Food & Beverage, organised by Informa Markets.
BANGKOK, 30 August 2022: Thai AirAsia X (XJ) will introduce direct flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Melbourne and Sydney for the first time, commencing 1 and 2 December 2022.
Four weekly flights direct to Sydney Airport on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and to Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) three times a week on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays are on sale starting from THB5,990 one way. Sales opened yesterday, 29 August.
From left to right: Dr Angela Macdonald, Australian Ambassador to Thailand, Tassapon Bijleveld, acting CEO of Thai AirAsia X.
Flights will be served by the 377-seat Airbus A330 aircraft with 12 upfront business-class reclining seats and 365 economy seats.
Thai AirAsia X acting CEO Tassapon Bijleveld said: “Thailand and Australia have maintained strong relations for over 70 years, and Australia is among the top three educational destinations for Thai students as well as a leading travel destination for Thai tourists.
“Thai AirAsia X is very excited to be adding Sydney and Melbourne as two key destinations in Australia this year, with a priority on these two cities as amongst the most popular routes. Having resumed services to South Korea and Japan, we are thrilled that we are now expanding to Sydney and Melbourne as our next key growth markets. Australia’s largest cities have much to offer in terms of strong economy, tourism and education, making them prime additions to Thai AirAsia X’s growing network.”
Thai AirAsia X marks the introduction of its two new routes from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Sydney and Melbourne with its ‘Take a Fun Trip’ to Australia promotion. Members can book both routes from only THB5,990 from 29 August to 4 September 2022 for travel from 1 December 2022 to 25 March 2023 via the AirAsia Super App.
Australia remains a key market for the AirAsia brand. Malaysian-based AirAsia X, the affiliate long haul sister airline of Thai AirAsia X, has also recently announced new services from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney commencing 9 September and to Perth, Melbourne and Auckland (via Sydney), which commence in November this year.
