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Batik Air flies the SZB-DMK route

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KUALA LUMPUR, 31 JULY 2025: Tourism Malaysia welcomed the inaugural Batik Air’s direct flight, OD533, from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok, to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) (SZB) on Monday.

Flagged as a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand, the daily flights underscore Batik Air’s commitment to position Subang Airport as a key hub city airport that will enhance travel accessibility ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

Operating on a Boeing 737 aircraft, the Subang–Bangkok route is Batik Air’s first international service from SZB, offering daily flights and seamless access for both business and leisure travellers. 

Located closer to Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, Subang Airport is a convenient alternative to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The service flies to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

In addition to the Bangkok route, Batik Air also commenced direct flights from SZB to Kuching on Monday, further enhancing its domestic network and complementing its existing routes from SZB to Penang, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, and Tawau (via BKI).

Tourism Malaysia, Director General Datuk Manoharan Periasamy stated: “We applaud Batik Air’s commitment to expanding Malaysia’s regional and domestic air connectivity.

These new routes are timely as we gear up for VM2026. Thailand remains one of our most important source markets, and enhanced accessibility will play a pivotal role in boosting visitor arrivals and supporting the growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry.”

Batik Air, Chief Executive Officer Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy commented: “With these new routes, we are not only deepening our presence in Subang but also bringing travellers closer to the destinations they love — whether it’s exploring Bangkok’s vibrant streets or experiencing Kuching’s rich cultural charm.”

Batik Air currently operates 57 weekly flights between Malaysia and Thailand, connecting Kuala Lumpur (via KLIA Terminal 1) and Johor Bahru with several key Thai destinations, including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai, offering 9,234 seats.

AirAsia expands routes to Indonesia

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PONTIANAK, Indonesia, 30 July 2025: AirAsia Malaysia (AK) has reaffirmed its position as the airline with the most extensive network between Malaysia and Indonesia by launching two new direct routes connecting Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak, the capital city of West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

AirAsia will be the only airline operating international flights to the city when it launches the service on 12 September 2025.

This expansion follows AirAsia’s rapid growth in Indonesia, including the recent launch of the Kuala Lumpur-Palembang route in July and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur-Semarang route in September. With the introduction of Pontianak, AirAsia Malaysia will operate 17 destinations in Indonesia through 223 weekly flights between the two countries, solidifying its position as the airline with the broadest network serving Indonesia.

The launch of these new routes strengthens regional connectivity. It supports both government targets, including Malaysia’s goal to attract 4.3 million Indonesian tourists in 2025 and Sarawak’s target of five million visitor arrivals by year-end. It also aims to contribute to Indonesia’s national target of 16 million international arrivals, with Malaysia remaining one of its top source markets.

The new routes were unveiled last week during the Sarawak Travel Fair organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board in Pontianak. 

AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “The strong demand for travel between Malaysia and West Kalimantan has driven us to enhance connectivity, making it easier and more affordable for people to travel for business, tourism and medical purposes. By launching flights from our main hub in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, we are providing greater convenience and flexibility for our guests, while contributing to the tourism growth and economic development of both Malaysia and Indonesia.”

In celebration of the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Pontianak, starting from MYR159* (all-in-one way). 

Flights from Pontianak to Kuala Lumpur are also available from IDR499,000* one-way, until 3 August 2025, for travel between 12 September 2025 and 28 March 2026. Meanwhile, flights from Kuching to Pontianak start from just MYR149* one way, while flights from Pontianak to Kuching are available from IDR467,371* one way. Guests can book their flights from today onwards until 3 August 2025, for travelling between 12 September 2025 and 28 March 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.

*All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charges, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees.

MATTA investigates stranding of Umrah pilgrims

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 30 July 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) expresses deep concern over an alleged incident involving 42 Malaysian Umrah pilgrims stranded in Jeddah due to Persada Global Holidays’ apparent failure to provide return flight arrangements. 

MATTA responded, saying its immediate priority is to ensure that all necessary steps are taken by the relevant parties to facilitate the safe and prompt return of the affected pilgrims.

“MATTA has zero tolerance for any form of negligence or misconduct that jeopardises the welfare of pilgrims,” said MATTA president Nigel Wong. 

“We have issued a show cause letter to Persada Global Holidays, urging them to take immediate steps to facilitate the safe return of the affected pilgrims without further delay. We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure this issue is resolved as quickly as possible.”

MATTA has initiated an internal review in accordance with its Constitution and Code of Ethics. According to MATTA’s rules and regulations, membership may be suspended or terminated depending on the severity and nature of the breach.

“Our industry is built on trust. When trust is broken, it affects not only the agent involved but also the credibility of the entire industry. MATTA’s role is to protect both consumers and the integrity of licensed travel agents who uphold the highest standards of professionalism,” Wong said.

MATTA fully supports the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in its ongoing efforts to enhance regulatory standards for the travel industry. As an industry body, MATTA places great emphasis on the need for balanced approaches that protect the interests of consumers while also ensuring fair representation of its members and stakeholders. MATTA stands ready to engage, consult, and provide data or insights to support the Ministry in formulating and implementing such initiatives.

“MATTA is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability within the industry. We will take all necessary actions within our powers to safeguard the reputation of Malaysia’s travel and tourism sector. While we remain dedicated to supporting our members, our priority will always be the welfare and interests of consumers,” Wong concluded.

MATTA will continue to work closely with MOTAC and other relevant authorities to resolve this issue and to prevent similar occurrences in the future. 

AAPA monitors June passenger traffic

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 30 July 2025: Preliminary June 2025 traffic figures released Monday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed continued growth in international passenger markets underpinned by rising travel demand ahead of the mid-year holiday season. 

Global air cargo volumes also continued to grow, supported by ongoing front-loading and re-routing of shipments amid prevailing trade-related uncertainties.

During June, the region’s airlines collectively carried 31.2 million international passengers, representing a 7.1% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. Measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand grew by 8.0% year-on-year, reflecting the moderation in growth rates in line with long-term trends since 2024. Available seat capacity increased at a slightly faster pace of 8.5%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point decline in the average international passenger load factor to 81.7%.

Meanwhile, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by 5.6% year-on-year in June, on the back of a rebound in global manufacturing activity, notably in the consumer and intermediate goods segments. Offered freight capacity increased by 7.1%, outpacing the rise in demand and resulting in a 0.8 percentage point decline in the international freight load factor, to an average of 62.1% for the month.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said: “During the first half of 2025, Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 190.5 million international passengers, which is a 12% increase compared to the same period last year. International air cargo demand also recorded a relatively resilient 6% year-on-year growth.”

Menon added, “The expansion underscores the strength of the region’s economies, which supports the sustained growth in travel demand, even though there is uncertainty in the global trade environment. Cargo volumes are also growing as demand for air freight services, particularly in the e-commerce and time-sensitive segments, is still very strong.”

Looking ahead, he said: “The outlook for travel markets in the near term remains positive, bolstered by a rise in ticket bookings during the peak mid-year holiday season. However, the widespread introduction of tariffs signals mounting inflation on the horizon. The moderation in business confidence is also a reflection of growing concerns over the global economic outlook, with implications for both the air travel and cargo markets in the future. Asia Pacific carriers are alert to the cost pressures, while adapting to market conditions and seeking growth opportunities, both regionally and globally.” 

Agoda tracks Thailand’s travel trends

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 30 July 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda reveals fresh insights into the Thai travel landscape for the first half of 2025, identifying the top five source markets. 

Based on booking data, China, Malaysia, and South Korea remain the leading markets for visitors to Thailand, followed by Japan and Singapore.

Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket continue to top the list of most-visited cities among the five leading markets. Hat Yai also emerged as one of the most visited cities, particularly among Malaysian and Singaporean travellers. 

Hat Yai’s growing popularity is likely due to its reputation for affordability, having ranked as the cheapest destination in Thailand and among the top three in Asia for two consecutive years. These destinations offer a mix of urban adventure, coastal leisure, and rich cultural experiences that appeal to a broad spectrum of travellers.

While China tops the list for visitor volume, the supply countries with the highest average stays in Thailand are led by South Korea, followed by Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and then China.

Additionally, each market shows preferences for where visitors stay longer, with many choosing island escapes for extended visits, such as Ko Tao, famed for its scuba diving, and Ko Pha Ngan, for its mix of laid-back beach life and stays. Pathum Thani province, which neighbours Bangkok, is also a popular destination.

Booking data insights

Alongside Agoda’s data, official figures from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports reveal that more than 16 million foreign tourists visited Thailand from January to June 2025, generating approximately THB743.5 million in tourism revenue. With ongoing government initiatives such as the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, streamlined travel procedures, and increased flight capacities, Thailand continues to assert itself as a leading destination in the region.

Meanwhile, for Thai travellers heading abroad, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Seoul emerged as the leading destinations for the first half of 2025.

Agoda Country Director  Akaporn Rodkong shared: “We’re honoured to be the platform of choice for travellers from across Asia and proud to play a role in supporting tourism in Thailand.”

Star Voyager presents six weekend cruises to Xiamen

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 30 July 2025: StarCruises will launch six two-night weekend cruises, aboard the Star Voyager on 19 September, exploring the coastal beauty of Xiamen, China. 

These weekend cruises departing Hong Kong on Fridays will complement the cruise line’s popular Weekend Sea-cation High Seas Cruises.

Star Voyager offers cruises to Xiamen from its Hong Kong home port.

Departing from the Ocean Terminal in the heart of Hong Kong, the special cruise series sets sail on a Friday evening at 2000 on one of six departures: 19 & 26 September; 3, 17 & 31 October and 14 November 2025. The cruises return to Hong Kong on Sundays at 1400. These cruises replace the previously announced Weekend High Seas Cruises scheduled for the selected dates.

The weekend cruise experience offers a blend of relaxation at sea and cultural exploration ashore. After an overnight sailing, guests will arrive in Xiamen, one of China’s most charming coastal cities.

Xiamen is renowned for its stunning seaside scenery and relaxed atmosphere, as well as its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gulangyu Island, which is famous for its colonial architecture and car-free streets. 

The Nanputuo Temple, nestled at the foot of lush mountains, offers a peaceful spiritual retreat. At the same time, the bustling Zhongshan Road Pedestrian Street is perfect for savouring local Fujian cuisine and shopping for unique souvenirs. With its rich culture and picturesque landscapes, Xiamen provides an unforgettable day of discovery.

Reservations for the Two-Night Cruise to Xiamen open on 5 August 2025. An early bird promotion is available until 15 September 2025 with fares starting from HKD1,300 per guest (based on twin sharing).

STB teams up wth IndiGo to boost visits

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TTR WEEKLY
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Delhi, 30 July 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, have signed a year-long Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote Singapore as a leading leisure and business destination for Indian travellers and boost bookings through IndiGo’s extensive network. 

IndiGo Chief Executive Officer, Pieter Elbers (left) and Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Melissa Ow (right).

The collaboration marks STB’s first MOU with an Indian airline, and IndiGo’s first with a national tourism board.

India remains one of Singapore’s top three tourism source markets, building on its strong performance in 2024. In the first half of 2025, Indian visitor arrivals exceeded 500,000, supported by robust air connectivity. 

More than 270 weekly flights connect Singapore to 15 Indian cities via Changi Airport — the most connected airport in Southeast Asia — providing Indian travellers with convenient and seamless access to the city-state. 

IndiGo continues to strengthen connectivity between the two countries, with Singapore consistently ranking among IndiGo’s top three international travel destinations. 

As the two countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, IndiGo will introduce IndiGoStretch, its tailor-made business product, on flights connecting Singapore to Delhi and Mumbai, starting 9 August 2025, coinciding with Singapore’s National Day. Additionally, with flights from nine destinations and seamless connections across its network, IndiGo is well-positioned to cater to the growing demand on these routes.

A partnership tailored for today’s curious and connected traveller, Singapore continues to transform as a destination, reflecting the evolving ways travellers discover the city-state. Following the success of ‘Untold Singapore’ — a high-impact campaign between the STB and IndiGo earlier this year — the upcoming enhanced partnership aims to spotlight Singapore’s hidden gems further and expand its reach to drive demand for travel to Singapore from across India.

The year-long campaign will showcase Singapore’s multifaceted appeal, offering visitors fresh ways to experience both its lesser-known and iconic spots. The initiative combines attractive travel deals, engaging co-branded content, strategic influencer partnerships, and innovative creative formats to enhance the pre-travel experience. The partnership also extends beyond B2C campaigns to include comprehensive trade outreach through roadshows across India, trade training programmes, MICE[2] perks, and curated familiarisation trips. Through collaborative data sharing and analytics, both organisations will develop targeted marketing campaigns that speak directly to the interests and aspirations of Indian travellers. 

“As we celebrate 60 years of India-Singapore diplomatic relations in 2025, our expanded collaboration with IndiGo and the launch of the year-long ‘Untold Singapore’ campaign positions us to harness the potential of India’s dynamic travel market. By leveraging IndiGo’s extensive network and Singapore’s diverse offerings, we are poised to capture the growing demand for unique and meaningful travel experiences among Indian visitors. This partnership will inspire both first-time and returning Indian visitors, further strengthening the enduring tourism ties between our nations,” said Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Melissa Ow.

IndiGo Chief Executive Officer, Pieter Elbers, added: “Given the strong cultural, commercial, and strategic ties between India and Singapore, there is great demand for existing connectivity between the two countries and potential for more. We are delighted to partner with the Singapore Tourism Board to boost tourism and travel between the two countries. With flights from nine destinations and seamless connections across our network, we are well-positioned to cater to growing demand on these routes. With our recent introduction of IndiGoStretch, a tailor-made business class product to Singapore, we are even more confident that our customers will enjoy the premium travel experience to this vibrant destination.”

Sabah rolls out birding certification 

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TTR WEEKLY
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KOTA KINABALU, 29 July 2025: A new birding certification module is now in place following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) and the Sabah Birdwatchers Association.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the introduction of the module is timely, as birdwatching is fast becoming a promising segment in Sabah’s tourism landscape.

Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (centre) witnessed the signing of the MoU between UCSF Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris (seated left) and Sabah Birdwatchers Association President Ronald Pudin (seated right). Also in the photo are Sabah MOTAC Director Ibrahim Othman (left) and STB Product Manager Effendy Mahani (right).

“According to birding experts, the UK alone has around six million active birders, while the number across Europe is estimated to be close to 10 million.

“If we can attract even 1% of that market, it would be a strong start for Sabah,” he said after witnessing the signing ceremony last Wednesday.

“The figures show clear potential and that Sabah is moving in the right direction to tap into this growing niche,” he added.

UCSF Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris and Sabah Birdwatchers Association president Ronald Pudin signed the MoU, which also marked the launch of the module titled “Discover the Birds of Borneo: Sabah’s Feathered Jewel”, which aims to train and certify local birding enthusiasts and tour guides.

Supported by the Sabah Tourism Board, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to develop birdwatching into a structured and sustainable nature-based tourism product.

Joniston said this reflects a shared commitment to strengthen eco-tourism while creating job opportunities and boosting rural economies through birdwatchers who tend to spend more, stay longer, and visit lesser-known areas.

“I hope that the module will encourage more rural youth to explore birding and gain valuable skills that could lead to meaningful livelihood opportunities.

“By training locals to become bird guides, we are helping them discover new income streams and encouraging long-term stewardship of the environment.

“When communities see value in protecting their forests and wetlands, they are more likely to participate in conservation efforts, and that’s the kind of sustainable tourism we want to encourage,” he said.

For more information, visit the Sabah Tourism Board.

The best five for Agoda bookings

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TTR WEEKLY
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TOKYO - SEPTEMBER 9: Street life in Shinjuku September 9, 2013. Shinjuku is a special ward located in Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. It is a major commercial and administrative centre

SINGAPORE, 29 July 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled the top five most popular cities in Asia for the first half of 2025, based on booking data from 1 January to 30 June. 

The list highlights the allure of Asia’s bustling metropolises, with Tokyo, Bangkok, and Osaka leading the pack, followed by Seoul and Kuala Lumpur, which round out the top five.

Agoda’s data underscores the magnetic pull of urban exploration, as travellers continue to flock to Asia’s iconic cities for their unique blend of culture, cuisine, and experiences. From Tokyo’s neon-lit streets to Bangkok’s energetic atmosphere, these destinations remain perennial favourites for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers.

Agoda’s Senior Vice President of Supply, Andrew Smith, shared: “Asia’s cities have a timeless appeal that keeps travellers coming back year after year, whether it’s the culinary adventures in Bangkok, the cultural treasures of Tokyo, or the urban buzz of Seoul.”

Top Five Asian Destinations HY 2025

Tokyo, Japan 
Bangkok, Thailand
Osaka, Japan
Seoul, South Korea
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Emirates Group launches talent drive

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 29 July 2025: The Emirates Group has kick-started a global talent scouting and acquisition drive, revving up this phase of its remarkable growth. This financial year, the aviation powerhouse is looking to onboard 17,300 people across 350 career roles.

These roles span every facet, function and operation across Emirates and dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider. Hundreds of recruits are required across some roles, including cabin crew, pilots, engineers, commercial and sales teams, customer service, ground handling, catering, IT, HR and finance. dnata is seeking to hire more than 4,000 specialists in cargo, catering, and ground handling.

Emirates Airline & Group Chairman and Chief Executive HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “The Emirates Group’s people strategy is anchored in Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 and our own projected growth and expansion. We’re seeking world-class talent to fuel our bold ambition, redefine the future of aviation, and continue our commitment to and culture of innovation and excellence. It represents an opportunity for skilled and talented professionals to play a stellar role in our future, our strategy, and our growth story.”

Throughout the year, the Group will be hosting more than 2,100 open days and other talent acquisition events in 150 cities to recruit the best pilots, IT professionals, engineers, and talent for cabin crew roles. This also includes Dubai-based events designed to engage UAE national students and graduates. For those keen to join the Group, it’s a valuable opportunity to meet experienced recruiters and sometimes passionate, long-serving employees in these roles.

Since 2022, the Group has onboarded more than 41,000 talented professionals, including nearly 27,000 in various operational roles, and now has a workforce of 121,000.

The Group has always been a top talent magnet and an employer of choice both in the UAE and globally. In the last financial year, the Group received more than 3.7 million applications for roles spanning all its brands and departments, with candidates attracted by its brand power, global reputation, people-first strategy, tax-free salary, top-notch benefits, and its renowned training, development, and recognition programmes.

Talented professionals around the world are drawn to Dubai for several reasons – safety, security, economic opportunities, tech-centric ecosystems, forward-thinking policies, and its vibrant lifestyle.

For Dubai-based employees, benefits at the Emirates Group include profit share eligibility, comprehensive medical and life insurance cover, a whole range of travel benefits including flight tickets – annual leave, service-related, and concessional ones for self, family, wider family and friends – concessional cargo rates, and membership cards that provide discounts at hundreds of retail, hospitality and lifestyle outlets.

Those aspiring to join the Emirates Group can apply for various roles and stay informed about open days and recruitment events worldwide by visiting www.emiratesgroupcareers.com.

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