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Rainforest World Music Festival 2026 dates confirmed

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 7 July 2025: Sarawak’s Rainforest World Music Festival returns for its 29th edition from 26 to 28 June 2026, with organisers confirming a festival theme “One Earth. One Love. One unforgettable legacy.”

The announcement of 2026 dates and festival theme was made during the concluding concert at the 28th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), described as a “celebration of a global community brought together by rhythm, resilience, and shared purpose.”

Held from 20 to 22 June 2025 at the iconic Sarawak Cultural Village, RWMF 2025 brought together music lovers and cultural practitioners, alongside eco-conscious travellers and first-time visitors.

The iconic festival was especially significant with the ceremonial launch by YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts. 

The Minister conducted a walkabout on-site, engaging with festival partners, visiting the Green Ruai, and officially launching the Alunan Tukang Artisan Zone. His placement of the final eco-brick into the sculpture stood as a symbolic gesture — a seal of Sarawak’s commitment to circular sustainability and local empowerment.

“The Rainforest World Music Festival is more than a celebration of sound; it is a movement of purpose. Through world music, we are fostering a deeper conversation on conservation, culture, and connection,” said YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim. “RWMF 2025 showed that Sarawak is not just a destination; we are a thought leader in responsible, inclusive, and regenerative tourism.”

Sustainability was embedded in every aspect of the festival experience. From structured waste segregation systems and BYOB water refill stations to solar-powered lighting and composting  technology developed by STB’s Innovative Creative Circle, RWMF demonstrated what a climate-smart festival can look like.

The Green Ruai was once again the environmental heart of the grounds — featuring WWF’s wildlife conservation hub, PATA’s carbon tracker booth, and hands-on recycling education with Miri Secondhand Dealers and Recyclers Association.

Commenting on the success of the 28th edition, Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board said: “We brought together generations, cultures, communities, and values. We made space not just for performance, but for purpose. RWMF 2025 reaffirmed that meaningful tourism is not about transactions — it’s about transformation.”

This year’s edition recorded a total of over 22,000 festival-goers. Notably, the festival saw a significant increase in family attendance, with parents, children, and even grandparents sharing in the RWMF experience. 

From cultural workshops to eco-educational spaces, the festival’s Multigenerational appeal reflected its evolution into a family-friendly celebration rooted in music, learning, and connection.

Through dynamic programming, expanded sustainability efforts, and meaningful cross-cultural exchanges, RWMF 2025 reaffirmed its standing as one of the world’s most unique music festivals — a living showcase of what tourism, when done right, can truly achieve.

For more information on Sarawak’s attractions visit: Sarawak Tourism Board.

DusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives soft opens

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TTR WEEKLY
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MALÉ, Maldives, 7 July 2025: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is set to mark a major milestone with the opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives — the group’s first all-inclusive lifestyle resort and its second Dusit-branded property in the country, complementing the luxury Dusit Thani Maldives.

Set to soft open on 27 July 2025, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is located on a pristine natural island just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Malé. The resort invites guests to experience a private escape defined by bold design, vibrant energy, and curated experiences, all thoughtfully crafted for modern travellers who value freedom, connection, and discovery in an inspiring setting.

Fringed by a spacious lagoon and thriving coral reefs, the resort offers exceptional access to vibrant marine life and stunning dive sites — making it an ideal base for underwater exploration and ocean-inspired adventure.

Blending beachfront charm with overwater serenity, the upscale resort features 127 spacious villas across seven distinct categories, ranging from 77 to 306 sq m. From tranquil beachfront retreats to expansive overwater sanctuaries, each villa is thoughtfully designed for modern comfort and style, with indoor-outdoor living spaces, private decks, and plunge pools in most categories.

dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives also introduces a fresh and modern take on the all-inclusive concept, with à la carte dining across five distinctive venues, unlimited premium beverages, daily entertainment, and generous resort credits for personalised indulgence.

Whether guests choose to unwind at Namm Spa, join beachfront yoga sessions, or sip island-inspired cocktails at the rooftop bar, they’ll find countless ways to connect, recharge, and play. From floating breakfasts and live DJ sets to snorkelling adventures and beach cinema nights, every experience is designed to spark joy and create lasting memories.

For corporate retreats and incentive travel, the resort also offers a full-service conference facility for up to 240 guests, making it a compelling choice within easy reach of the capital.

“dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives brings a bold new energy to the Maldives while staying true to Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality,” said Dusit International Chief Operating Officer Gilles Cretallaz. “Thoughtfully designed for the young and the young at heart, this vibrant, all-inclusive resort is more than just a place to stay; it’s a lifestyle destination offering exceptional marine experiences, curated adventures, and effortless escapes in a stunning setting. It’s a place where the spirit of discovery meets the comfort of modern, all-inclusive hospitality — perfect for travellers who want to do it all, or nothing at all.”

To celebrate its soft opening, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is offering an exclusive launch package featuring complimentary round-trip speedboat transfers for two, a complimentary upgrade to the next villa category, one signature floating breakfast per stay, 24-hour check-in and check-out, and more. Members of Dusit’s enhanced loyalty and lifestyle programme, Dusit Gold — which can be activated online for free at dusit.com/enrollment — also enjoy 15% off member rates and exclusive privileges throughout their stay.

Helmed by General Manager Yogeswaran Veerasamy — a seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience in luxury resort operations across the Maldives and Southeast Asia — the resort is scheduled to celebrate its official grand opening in Q4 2025.

For more information, visit: dusit.com/dusitd2-feydhoo

Taiwan’s Kaohsiung gains top spot

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TTR WEEKLY
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KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan, 7 July 2025: Kaohsiung has once again ranked top in tourism satisfaction nationwide and brought home double gold international awards. 

According to the 2025 “Global Views Monthly” survey on the performance of city mayors, Chen Chi-Mai received the highest rating among the six special municipalities and retained his five-star mayor status. 

The Tourism Bureau has joined forces with travel agencies, lodging providers, tourism factories, and related industries to form the ‘Kaohsiung Tourism Team’.

Kaohsiung ranked first in the areas of economy, transportation, healthcare, education, and environmental protection among major cities. Its tourism satisfaction again ranked No.1 nationwide. 

The themed event “Kaohsiung Wonderland – Winter Carnival” featuring Chiikawa also won double gold at the Titan Innovation Awards (USA) and the London Design Awards (UK). 

Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-lin noted that Kaohsiung has seized the post-pandemic tourism rebound, leveraging its strategic position as the gateway to southern Taiwan. The bureau has united stakeholders across the travel ecosystem, including tour operators, hotels, B&Bs, amusement parks, tourism factories, business districts, and souvenir industries, to form the “Kaohsiung Tourism Team,” proactively expanding into international markets. 

The concrete results can be seen in Agoda naming Kaohsiung one of Asia’s most fun and affordable destinations for 2024, while Klook listed Kaohsiung as one of the Top Emerging Global Travel Destinations for 2025, making it the only city in Taiwan to receive this honour, a testament to its growing global tourism potential.

Looking ahead, the Tourism Bureau will collaborate with airlines, travel agencies, lodging providers, and related industries through partnerships involving the public, private, and academic sectors. In alignment with central government plans to transform Kaohsiung International Airport (Xiaogang), to expand new flight routes and increase flight frequency, Kaohsiung will actively promote its tourism resources worldwide. 

Le Méridien flag flies in Ahmedabad

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TTR WEEKLY
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AHMEDABAD, India, 7 July 2025: Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, has confirmed the opening of Le Méridien Ahmedabad following the rebranding of the former Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad. 

Set in the heart of India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, where centuries-old façades and bustling bazaars coexist with riverfront promenades and modern architecture.

Le Méridien Ahmedabad lobby.

The property features 164 rooms and suites. Celebrating the city’s identity as the once textile capital of India, the design elements of Le Méridien Ahmedabad pay homage to the local craft and its ties to the Sabarmati River. 

The hotel boasts 20,000 square feet of event spaces, including a grand pillarless ballroom and elegant outdoor lawns. These venues will cater to a variety of events, from conferences and boardroom meetings to social gatherings and weddings.

Under the Unlock Art programme Le Méridien Ahmedabad has partnered with Gujarat’s largest art gallery, Archer Art Gallery. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the art gallery by presenting their Unlock Art™ room key to gain viewing access to the extensive collection of artworks by both established and emerging Indian artists. 

The hotel group has named Prashant Chadha, General Manager of the Le Méridien Ahmedabad.

Qatar Airways resumes flights to Malta,

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TTR WEEKLY
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DOHA, Qatar, 7 July 2025: Qatar Airways resumed flights from Doha to Malta last Wednesday with four weekly direct flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) and Malta International Airport (MLA). 

Flights are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using a 141-seat A320 on the Doha (DOH) – Malta (MLA) route with a flight time of five hours and five minutes.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

Malta is home to Valletta, its capital city, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mdina, its ancient capital with over 4,000 years of history. With 300 days of sun, the country invites travellers to explore its coasts, rich history, and cultural experiences.

Qatar Airways is the only airline in the Middle East with nonstop services to and from Malta. Fares on the direct route are approximately USD1,330 round-trip.

Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef welcomed the resumption of the Qatar Airways direct service between Doha and Malta, saying it signifies a strong recognition of Malta’s tourism potential. The new schedule will strengthen Malta’s connectivity with a variety of attractive and lucrative tourism source markets.


Qatar Airways flight to Malta (MLA)

Air France-KLM to increase stake in SAS

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 7 July 2025: Air France-KLM has announced that it will initiate proceedings to increase its stake in SAS from 19.9% currently to 60.5%, through a complete acquisition of the stakes held by Castlelake and Lind Invest.

The Group currently holds a 19.9% stake in the Scandinavian carrier. Since the summer of 2024, it has implemented commercial cooperation between SAS, Air France, and KLM in the form of extended codeshare and interline agreements, further strengthened by SAS joining the SkyTeam alliance.   

Photo credit: SAS

Provided all the necessary conditions are met, Air France-KLM would fully acquire the stakes held by Castlelake and Lind Invest, bringing its own stake to 60.5%. The Danish State would retain its 26.4% stake in SAS and its seats on the Board of Directors. 

The value of Air France-KLM’s contemplated investment in SAS would be determined at closing, based on SAS’s latest financial performance, including EBITDA and Net Debt. This transaction would be in line with the Group’s medium-term financial outlook. 

Subject to obtaining all necessary regulatory clearances and satisfying all conditions precedent, the ambition is to close in the second half of 2026.   

The acquisition of this majority stake would give Air France-KLM control of SAS, which would become a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group. This new step would enable Air France-KLM and SAS to fully unlock their synergy potential through comprehensive integration in all areas of business, including loyalty, and would extend beyond commercial activities. The Group would hold the majority of seats on the airline’s Board of Directors.

Air France-KLM’s interest in pursuing this transaction is driven by the significant improvement of SAS’s financial and operational performance, the success of the current commercial cooperation, as well as the Group’s confidence in the Scandinavian carrier’s long-term potential.  

AirAsia signs landmark order for A321XLRs

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 7 July 2025: AirAsia Berhad, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capital A Berhad, signed a landmark agreement with Airbus valued at USD12.25 billion for 50 A321XLRs with rights for 20 A321XLRs. 

With this agreement, the airline takes a major step towards becoming the world’s first low-cost narrow-body network carrier, anchored by its multi-hub strategy. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery commencing in 2028 through 2032.

Photo Caption: Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes and Christian Scherer, CEO of Commercial Aircraft, Airbus, in Paris on Saturday.

Witnessed by Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the agreement was signed on Saturday in Paris between Capital CEO and Advisor & Steward of AirAsia Group, Tony Fernandes and Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Christian Scherer.

Fernandes commented: “We pioneered low-cost travel in Asia. Now, we are taking it to the next level. AirAsia is on a transformative journey to become the world’s first low-cost network carrier. This is about exponential growth, connecting geographies beyond ASEAN, and making flying even more democratic. We gave people in ASEAN the opportunity to explore Asia. Now we want the world to see ASEAN, and ASEAN to see the world. The A321XLR and A321LR are the game-changers enabling this vision, and we are proud to lead the charge in making our world smaller. We can’t wait to paint the skies even wider in red.”  

Scherer added: “We are pleased to confirm this agreement, as AirAsia Group begins its next development chapter. Having resumed its growth trajectory, which we salute and support, the airline is creating solid fleet efficiencies, allowing global network expansion. The A321XLR unlocks new opportunities for AirAsia to launch non-stop flights linking primary and secondary cities all around the globe.”

The next-generation A321XLRs will operate alongside AirAsia’s all-Airbus fleet of A320 Family and A330 aircraft, supporting its long-term strategy to deliver unmatched connectivity across Asia and beyond, while maintaining a low-cost model through improved route economics, enhanced aircraft utilisation and fleet efficiency. AirAsia Group aims to carry 150 million guests annually by 2030, reaching a cumulative total of 1.5 billion guests since inception.

The new fleet plays a pivotal role in this transformation. AirAsia’s multi-aircraft strategy enables the airline to match capacity with demand, reduce fuel consumption, and support a sustainable, cost-effective growth model in a highly competitive global landscape. The A321XLR also offers up to 20 per cent lower fuel burn per seat than the Airbus A321neo aircraft, significantly improving emissions performance and operating efficiency.

Norse schedules MAN-BKK flights

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 7 July 2025: Norse Atlantic Airways confirms it will launch a new route between Manchester (UK) and Bangkok (BKK), Thailand, with flights commencing 26 November 2025. 

Operating a weekly service, every Wednesday from Manchester, the airline will offer the first direct flight to Bangkok from the northwest UK city. Using a Boeing Dreamliner configured with 338 seats the once weekly flight will tap a market estimated at 100,000 passengers who annually travel between Manchester and Bangkok, as well as another 100,000 passengers connecting with flights to and from other cities in the UK and Thailand.

Norse Atlantic Airways said in a press statement that the new route “marks a bold step in addressing the region’s largest underserved long-haul market.” 

Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Bjørn Tore Larsen added: “This route has been waiting to happen, and we’re proud to be the ones making it a reality. Manchester is a key gateway to the North of England, and Bangkok is a magnet for adventure, business, and culture. Connecting the two cities is a natural next step for Norse as we continue to disrupt and expand in the long-haul space.”

Norse’s entrance into the Manchester-Bangkok market offers a game-changing alternative to indirect, time-consuming connections and supports both inbound tourism to the UK and business or leisure travel to Thailand.

Flights are now available for booking on www.flynorse.com, with one weekly rotation during the winter season and potential for expansion based on demand.

New route details

The new service from Manchester (MAN) to Bangkok (BKK) will launch on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. 

Flight ZO891 will operate weekly, departing from Manchester (MAN) every Wednesday at 2040 and arriving in Bangkok (BKK) at 1805 local time plus a day (Thursday). Flight time: 11 hours and 30 minutes.

Flight ZO892 will depart Bangkok (BKK) at 2000 and arrive in Manchester (MAN) at 0215 (plus a day, Friday). Flight time: 13 hours and 15 minutes.

Return fares start at GBP259, including taxes. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has 338 seats, configured with 56 premium economy seats and 282 in economy class.

Emirates layers on more retrofitted aircraft 

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI, 4 July 2025: Emirates will be layering on more retrofitted Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s on its existing schedules to Shanghai and Zurich; expanding Milan, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires schedules; and upgrading its services to Shanghai and Singapore with A380 deployments.

Emirates’ latest schedule, capacity enhancements, and newly retrofitted aircraft deployments are in response to increased demand across the airline’s network, offering more customers the opportunity to enjoy the airline’s signature onboard experience, particularly its highly acclaimed Premium Economy cabin.

The airline’s ambitious retrofit programme is progressing with remarkable momentum, as one aircraft undergoes a comprehensive nose-to-tail refresh every three weeks. Emirates’ engineering teams have retrofitted 60 aircraft since the start of the programme in November 2022.

Emirates’ latest schedule enhancements, all effective from 26 October, include:

  • Ramping up operations to Milan with the addition of a third daily flight, EK 101/102. The third daily flight will be served with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
  • Emirates’ linked services to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, EK247/248 will become daily flights.
  • After being served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 from 20 July, the airline will upgrade its services to Shanghai on the EK302/303 to the iconic Airbus A380, and the airline’s second daily flight to the city, EK 304/305, will be served with a retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft.
  • From this winter, the third daily flight between Dubai and Singapore will be served with the airline’s flagship A380 on the EK 314/315.

Emirates will upgrade its second daily Zurich flight, EK 85/86, from 1 February 2026 to an A380, replacing the current retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft.   Premium Economy will debut on Emirates flight EK87/88 with a newly retrofitted A380, also starting from 1 February 2026.

Despite a dynamic operating environment, business has been as usual across the Emirates network, and the airline continues to ramp up its operations to respond to demand this summer and the upcoming winter period.

Customers can enjoy the latest Emirates products onboard its retrofitted Boeing 777s and A380s with a better experience in the skies across every cabin class. The four-class Emirates Boeing 777 features 6 or 8 first-class suites, 38 or 40 business seats, 24 premium economy seats, and 256 economy seats. On a four-class Emirates A380, the premium economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck, with 56 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. Each seat offers generous pitch and width for working and relaxing, as well as customised features like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. 

Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores or via both online and offline travel agents.

Sarawak hosts the Eat Roam and Relish TV series

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUCHING, 4 July 2025: ‘Eat Roam Relish: Sarawak, Malaysia’, the new six-part television series produced for the Sarawak Tourism Board and airing on SBS Food, SBS OnDemand and the Asian Food Network, is epic in scope, visually immersive and mouth-wateringly transportive.

This project marked the first long-form series for Benjamin O’Donnell, Producer and Director and Giovanni Pacialeo, Director and Cinematographer, founders of Delicious Film & Content. 

Building on their collective experience in the food filmmaking genre, they combined their expertise in narrative long-form content, advertising, and Tabletop production to shape this series.

To authentically capture the stunning colour, soul, and vibrancy of Sarawak’s food culture, O’Donnell and Pacialeo teamed up with a local crew, wading through rivers and climbing jungle mountains, all while toting their equipment.

O’Donnell said the project is a powerful example of how brand-funded content, when executed at the highest production standards, can deliver a compelling and entertaining ‘postcard’ for a region.

“The result is enduring; audiences all around the world will be able to experience the Sarawak region as they go on an experiential journey with Audra.

“We like to think of it as Chef’s Table smashed with Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy – it blurs the lines between documentary, presenter-led storytelling, and advertorial. 

“At its heart is Audra, who fully immersed herself in each moment, sharing with the audience her knowledge, personal insights and reflections,” said O’Donnell. 

Pacialeo, who was also the cinematographer on the series, said filming the show was a creatively rich experience.

“Capturing the landscape was considered with a cinematic approach. Each interconnecting visual was carefully designed to shape the show’s visual style. 

“As we scouted locations, a deeper understanding began to emerge. The landscape, people, colours and food are not separate elements but part of an interconnected whole. 

“Eat Roam Relish is true to its title. It’s an immersive experience that shines a light on the locals, ensuring their voices, stories and pride of place are given space to resonate on screen,” said Pacialeo.

WTFN and experienced figure in Australian food television (My Kitchen Rules, MasterChef Australia and Ready Steady Cook) and Senior Producer Astrid Sampson said: Eat Roam Relish captures Audra Morrice in her true element.

“The gastronomic feasts are complemented by the warmth of the people and the beautiful cinematography in this series; a blending that uncovers not only culinary secrets, but dishes that are bursting with flavour and guaranteed to delight viewers,” said Sampson.

Eat Roam Relish: Sarawak, Malaysia starring Audra Morrice aired on SBS Food, SBS OnDemand from 2100 AEST Wednesday 28 May, and will feature on the Asian Food Channel during August 2025.

More: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/audras-eat-roam-relish

www.deliciouscontent.film

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