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Malaysians make more Hari Raya trips

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 April 2025: This year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a huge demand driver for international and domestic travel, according to data from Trip.com, a leading one-stop travel service provider.

Malaysians’ international travel bookings for this year’s Aidilfitri season (29 March to 6 April 2025) grew by 111%, while domestic travel bookings doubled (+103%) compared to the year before (6 to 14 April 2024). The latest insights, drawn from Trip.com booking data, also showed that Malaysian travellers increasingly favour secondary cities and off-the-beaten-track destinations for their Hari Raya travels.

Photo credit: Trip.com.

“Hari Raya is a meaningful time for many Malaysians — a time to reunite with loved ones, reflect, and recharge. We’re seeing that this festive season is also becoming a moment for travel discovery, where many are choosing to explore new places while reconnecting with family and friends,” said Trip.com Malaysia General Manager Stephane Thong. “At Trip.com, we’re committed to making travel planning simple and seamless, and our tech-driven tools like Trip.Best help Malaysians discover unique destinations and experiences that match what matters most to them — be it comfort, culture, or connection.”

Secondary Cities, Long-Haul Destinations Grow in Popularity for Hari Raya Travels

While Bangkok and Singapore used to top the list as the most popular international destinations among travellers from Malaysia, cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou have surged in popularity — ranking as the first and third most popular cities for international travel during Hari Raya season this year (See Table 1). In addition, demand for travel to destinations like Kunming, Osaka, Chongqing, Suzhou, Chengdu, Busan and Guangzhou increased by between 237% to 351% year-on-year (Table 2), showing Malaysians’ desire to head down paths less travelled for new discoveries.

Beyond visiting destinations in Asia Pacific, Malaysians are also venturing further – bookings for travel to Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives grew by 300% or more compared to the year before. Some took their journeys even further to New York in the United States of America – the furthest destination booked by a Malaysian traveller this Eid Al Fitr. This signals a preference shift, with Malaysians venturing to further-flung destinations rich in culture, nature and novelty.

More Booking Travel Further in Advance, Theme Park Attractions Popular with Malaysians

This year, Malaysian travellers are booking their travel further in advance, with the average booking window rising from 42.63 days last year to 48.10 days this year. Trip.com’s data revealed that Malaysian travellers spent 14.5% more on international flights and hotels than last year, signalling a growing appetite for international travel.

Regarding experiences, theme park attractions were clear favourites among Malaysian travellers. All five of the most popular attractions booked for this year’s Hari Raya travels are for major theme parks in the Asia Pacific region (Table 3). These attractions continue to resonate with Malaysians for their blend of family-friendly entertainment and iconic urban views.

Note: The trends highlighted in this release is based on international flights, hotels and attractions booking data on Trip.com, for travel from 29 March to 6 April 2025 and 6 to 14 April 2024

Dusit International grows presence in India

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NEW DELHI, 7 April 2025: Dusit International has announced plans to expand its presence in India by launching its luxury and upper midscale brands in key emerging markets. 

Rising disposable incomes, increasing demand for premium stays, and enhanced connectivity are reshaping India’s hospitality landscape. Dusit is focused on underserved yet high-potential markets nationwide. 

Dusit International unveiled its expansion plans for India during a media briefing held at The Leela Palace, New Delhi, on 3 April 2025. (From left ): Deepika Arora, Consultant/Advisor – South Asia, Dusit International, and Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development (Global), Dusit International.

In addition to exploring opportunities in India’s Tier 1 cities, Dusit also aims to target Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations where luxury and upscale hospitality options are currently limited – creating opportunities to deliver curated, high-end experiences tailored to local demand. This strategic expansion builds on the momentum of Dusit’s recent foray into the Indian market with the opening of the contemporary, upscale dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla in December 2024, and the signings of three key properties in Karnataka: the wellness-focused Devarana Sakleshpur, Karnataka – A Dusit Retreat (set to open in 2028), and two upcoming Dusit Princess Hotels & Resorts. 

With a diverse brand portfolio spanning the ultra-luxury Devarana – Dusit Retreats to upper midscale and midscale brands such as Dusit Princess and ASAI Hotels, Dusit plans to tap underserved locations where it can leverage its expertise in delivering Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to meet the needs of today’s business and leisure travellers. 

Prioritising quality over quantity, the company selects locations that align with its premium, experience-driven hospitality ethos – offering a distinctive blend of holistic wellness, contemporary design, and exceptional service.

As part of this vision, Dusit is preparing to launch six additional hotels nationwide. The upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand will debut in Raipur (200 keys), Bhiwadi (165 keys), Kolkata (220 keys), and Lonavala (120 keys). Meanwhile, two boutique luxury properties under the recently introduced Dusit Collection brand – in Kasol and Manali (each with 40 rooms) – will offer refined escapes in the Himalayan foothills.

“India represents an exceptional growth opportunity for Dusit – across major metros and particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where premium hospitality options remain limited despite strong demand,” said Dusit International Vice President – Development (Global) Siradej Donavanik.

“The country’s tourism industry is evolving rapidly, with increasing demand for high-quality, experience-driven stays. By blending our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality with wellness-led experiences and destination-driven properties, we aim to create exceptional stays that resonate deeply with Indian travellers. 

“Through strategic partnerships with visionary local developers, we are committed to shaping India’s premium hospitality landscape for the long term.”

Beyond immediate expansion, Dusit will focus on building an integrated hospitality ecosystem in India, where luxury stays, holistic wellness, refined gastronomy, and hospitality education converge to deliver lasting value. At the heart of this vision is a deep commitment to sustainability driven by Dusit’s group-wide Tree of Life programme. Aligned with selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the programme features 31 measurable criteria designed to ensure a lasting and positive impact in every community Dusit serves. 

Through Dusit Hospitality Education, the company will also focus on local talent development, ensuring that Indian hospitality professionals are trained to uphold world-class service standards. Together, these initiatives underscore Dusit’s commitment to responsible hospitality and its vision for sustainable growth in the global hospitality industry. 

Dusit’s entry into the Indian market forms part of its broader expansion strategy, targeting vibrant, high-growth markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, China, and India. With a bold plan to sign more than 100 hotels globally over the next five years, Dusit is poised to captivate travellers worldwide with its unique fusion of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality and thoughtfully integrated local traditions.

For more information, please visit dusit.com

About Dusit International
Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Dusit Estate, and Hospitality-Related Services. 

My Emirates Pass unlocks year-round offers

DUBAI, UAE, 7 April 2025: Emirates has revealed that for the first time ever, My Emirates Pass will be available all year round with seasonal summer and winter offers. This will give customers access to over 600 exclusive offers across Dubai, allowing them to make the most of their visit.

Customers flying from, through or to Dubai can now unlock discounts on top culinary experiences, world-class shopping experiences, unmissable leisure attractions, and tranquil luxury spas anytime. Whether it’s an unforgettable family trip, a relaxing couples retreat, or a solo adventure, My Emirates Pass will offer those visiting Dubai unforgettable experiences regardless of season.

Offers at Aquaventure, The View at The Palm, La Perle and over 600 attractions with your Emirates boarding pass.

Using My Emirates Pass will remain as easy as ever. Passengers show their physical or digital boarding pass and a valid ID at participating venues to enjoy the benefits. Passengers who checked in online and downloaded their boarding pass to the Emirates App or Wallet should remember to screenshot it before landing, as it will no longer be accessible afterwards.

Emirates rolled out exclusive seasonal summer offers on 1 April, valid through 30 September, making it easier than ever to experience the best of Dubai. This includes the return of the much-anticipated Dubai Summer Surprises.

Dubai Summer Surprises 

From 27 June to 31 August 2025, visitors can take advantage of Dubai Summer Surprises, a deal-packed season filled with exciting offers and unforgettable experiences. Emirates passengers flying to Dubai can look forward to luxurious shopping, spectacular entertainment, and exceptional dining. With countless offers and surprises in store, summer in Dubai is the perfect time to enjoy incredible value and create unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.

An unforgettable summer of memories

Whether passengers seek Dubai’s beautiful golden beaches, world-class hospitality, or cultural attractions, the city caters to all visitors. Emirates offers its passengers unrivalled means to make the most of their visit; from customised holiday itineraries to bonus Miles, Emirates continues to provide its customers with first-class services.

  • Dubai Experience*: Customers can browse, create, and book their own customised itineraries, including flights, hotel stays, visits to key attractions, and other dining and leisure experiences in Dubai and the UAE, through Emirates’ Dubai Experience platform.
  • Skywards Partners: Members of the award-winning Emirates Skywards programme can earn Miles with worldwide partners like hotels, airlines, car rentals, retail and banking. Members can spend these Miles on reward tickets, upgrades, concerts, and sports events. Learn more about Emirates Skywards here. In Dubai, people can earn miles with partners, including the Dubai Mall, Arabian Adventures, Emirates Holidays, and more.
  • Emirates Holidays/Vacations**: Customers can book their holiday to Dubai through Emirates Holidays or Emirates Vacations. All Emirates Holidays packages include flexible booking options. For further peace of mind, Emirates Holidays’ dedicated 24/7 On Holiday Service team will support holidaymakers at every step of the journey. When you book your holiday with Emirates Holidays, you receive bonus Miles on top of the Miles you would receive for your flight.
  • Skywards Everyday: Finally, UAE customers can get Skywards Miles on the go and earn Miles on their purchases. Simply download the Skywards Everyday app, link up to five Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards, and automatically earn Skywards Miles on their purchases from hundreds of participating partners across shopping, dining, beauty and wellness, leisure and entertainment, pharmacy, and grocery. Learn more about Skywards  here.

For more information, visit emirates.com. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, Emirates Retail Stores, via travel agents or through online travel agents.

*Available in 19 countries: Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, Tanzania, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

**Available in 32 countries: Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States, and Zimbabwe.Full terms and conditions can be found here: My Emirates Pass | The Emirates Experience

Aussies checking deals for the Easter holidays

SYDNEY, 7 April 2025: Australians are heading for the annual Easter public holiday, 18 to 21 April, and the extended school break,  prompting Expedia and Wotif to release their April Travel Outlook, which reveals their most popular international destinations. 

April is set to be the most popular holiday period of the year, with over a third of Aussies (38%) planning to travel during the month to make the most of the April school holidays, the Easter long weekend, and ANZAC Public Holiday Day (25 April), which align and allow a 10-day break for only three days of annual leave. 

Photo credit: Expedia

Internationally, many are making the most of the extended break, with Queenstown, New Zealand, Osaka, Japan, and Danang, Vietnam witnessing strong year-over-year growth over April. Expedia research shows that two-fifths (40%) of Aussies want to visit destinations where the dollar stretches further.  

“While April is a peak travel period, booking a last-minute trip is not too late. For Aussies who want to avoid crowds and get a great deal, our top travel tip is to remain flexible with your travel dates; even the day of the week you travel can make a difference. For example, travelling domestically on a Sunday in April can be 352% less busy than travelling on a Friday,” says Expedia Group Travel Expert   Sarah King

Travel booking tips 

Vietnam, Bali, and Singapore have substantial last-minute deals for those seeking value destinations.

The best day to fly to beat the crowds is Sunday. It is 24% less busy than travelling on a Saturday. 

Bundle up: Travellers can save an average of AUD395 by bundling their flight and hotel booking on Expedia and an average of AUD377 on Wotif. 

Down-star accommodation to save: To maximise a holiday budget over the busy summer period, consider down-staring your accommodation. Opting for a four-star property over a five-star could keep holiday costs within budget. Down-staring may also mean you can upgrade to a better room type, helping you find better value.    

ITA Airways starts Integration into Star Alliance

SINGAPORE, 7 April 2025: ITA Airways has officially received approval to start the integration process into Star Alliance following approval of the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board. 

Building on its induction into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year, the latest decision paves the way for the airline’s entrance to the airline alliance. 

Star Alliance Chief Executive Theo Panagiotoulias celebrated the milestone: “In early 2026, ITA Airways is expected to join the Star Alliance network as a full member officially. Our Chief Executive Board’s decision underscores our members’ strong confidence in ITA Airways. As a gateway for Italy, its addition strengthens our global network, offering seamless and connected journeys to more travellers worldwide.”

ITA Airways, CEO and General Manager Joerg Eberhart said: “We are excited to join the Star Alliance network and bring Made in Italy’s excellence into the alliance, further enhancing its global reach. This is a significant milestone in ITA Airways’ growth, and we look forward to offering our customers the future privileges of the world’s largest airline network.”

ITA Airways will add 360 daily flights to the Alliance network, further strengthening the alliance’s footprint in the European region. The biggest growth will come from its home cities, especially Rome and Milan, which are currently served by 16 Star Alliance members collectively.

MATTA Connect debuts at the MATTA Fair

KUALA LUMPUR, 7 April 2025: The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) will introduce MATTA Connect 2025, its inaugural B2B travel business matching event, on Thursday, 17 April, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. 

Held on the day before the MATTA Fair (18 to 20 April), the first-of-its-kind networking platform aims to connect international tourism sellers with Malaysian travel buyers, encouraging new partnerships and business opportunities.

MATTA Connect is expected to feature over 100 international sellers and 200 MATTA member travel agents, reinforcing the event’s role as a must-attend opportunity for tourism professionals.

Here are some key highlights

The event will include a session for selected sellers to present exclusive travel products and a networking lunch. 

A business matching session will be structured with a “speed dating” format for direct discussion and deal-making.

International participation will include seller teams from China, India, Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia, USA (Guam), Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and Bulgaria (26 countries)

The event will also welcome ambassadors, representatives of the National Tourism Organisation (NTO), and key government and industry leaders, further cementing its position as Malaysia’s leading B2B tourism networking platform.

“MATTA Connect 2025 is a strategic platform to introduce high-value tourism products and to establish new global partnerships. By facilitating direct engagement between international sellers and Malaysian buyers, we aim to drive long-term business growth in the international tourism sector,” said Nigel Wong, President of MATTA.

Supported by corporate and destination partners, MATTA Connect 2025 offers branding and sponsorship opportunities, providing added visibility for industry stakeholders. For more information, visit the website https://www.mattafair.org.my/

WTTC condemns UK ETA changes

LONDON, 7 April 2025: The World Travel & Tourism Council responded to the UK’s recent introduction of an ETA for European travellers and called it the latest “tax take from international travellers”.

The European Commission announced the change on its website last week, saying EU citizens travelling to the UK without a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Photo credit: European Commission.

Electronic Travel Authorisation is digital permission to travel to the UK. It is being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays or do not already have UK immigration status. The fee is UKP10 until 9 April, when it will increase to UKP16. You can apply using the UK ETA app or online through GOV.UK. Other websites may charge an additional fee.

Everyone travelling needs an ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for others, but you cannot get a refund after applying.

The WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson said: “This completely undermines the UK’s growth policy. Instead of making the UK an attractive place to visit, this is another barrier to tourists.

“International visitors are effectively exports – bringing valuable currency. The UK is one of the most expensive countries to visit – higher than average VAT, Air Passenger Duty, inflated prices fuelled by Employers National Insurance, and absence of tax-free shopping for valued customers. Own goals that damage our economy.

“Travel & Tourism contributes more than UKP280 billion to the UK economy and supports over 4 million jobs across the country, and UK businesses pay UKP100 billion annually to the treasury in tax revenues.”

Meanwhile, the WTTC welcomes Cogito Strategies, a hospitality and tourism consultancy expert, as a regional member. Based in Florence, Italy, the company provides direct operational support across hospitality, food & beverage, events, and branding, offering services in brand identity, digital marketing, PR, video production, and service optimisation.

Cogito Strategies brings extensive expertise in sales & marketing, digital transformation, and operational management to the global body’s membership.

With a strong focus on results, Cogito Strategies has successfully collaborated with over 100 companies in Travel & Tourism over the past three years, helping businesses grow and reposition themselves in an evolving market.

Simpson said: “We are delighted to welcome Cogito Strategies to WTTC. Their expertise in hospitality consultancy and deep understanding of the Italian market will bring valuable insights to our global community.

“As they continue to drive excellence and innovation in the sector, we look forward to working together to shape a stronger, more sustainable future for Travel & Tourism.”

Tourism Malaysia promotes dive destinations

SINGAPORE, 7 April 2025: Tourism Malaysia participated as the dive destination partner in the Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) Ocean Festival 2025, held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre from 4 to 6 April 2025.

Asia’s longest-running dive consumer and trade show highlighted Ocean Festival, which attracted thousands of dive consumers and showcased dive exhibitions, marine conservation workshops, and interactive displays and booths promoting dive holiday packages and attractions. 

Tourism Malaysia promoted popular dive destinations such as Sipadan, Mabul, Tioman and the islands of Terengganu.

“Participating in ADEX Ocean Festival 2025 was an invaluable opportunity for Malaysia to highlight our stunning underwater tourism offerings and our commitment to marine conservation,” said Tourism Malaysia Director General Datuk Manoharan Periasamy.

“We invited attendees to explore Malaysia’s marine life, pristine coral reefs, and our country’s incredible dive experiences. Our presence at the festival also emphasises the importance of protecting our oceans while encouraging responsible tourism as we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026.”

The Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign aims to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant diving scene, which offers some of the best underwater experiences in the world. As the campaign unfolds, it promotes sustainable diving practices that protect these precious ecosystems.

Tourism Malaysia hosted a dedicated booth at the festival featuring six dive operators showcasing their products. Tourism Malaysia is poised to captivate underwater enthusiasts with compelling reasons to explore the wonders of Malaysia.

BA expands summer network

SINGAPORE, 7 April 2025: British Airways touched down in two new destinations last week — the Georgian capital of Tbilisi after a 12-year hiatus and Kuala Lumpur for the first time in five years.

Both routes operate from London Heathrow this summer and have been timed so customers can take advantage of onward connections across the two continents.

Photo credit: British Airways. BA arrives at the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.

The airline operates daily flights to the Malaysian capital, with return fares starting from UKP574. This summer, flights to Tbilisi operate four times per week, with return fares beginning from UKP244.

The BA aircraft departs London Heathrow at 2110 local time and lands at Kuala Lumpur International Airport the following day at 1720 local time. The daily flights from London Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur are served by the airline’s Boeing 787-900 fleet. Customers have a choice of four cabins — World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business class) and First (first class).

The airline also recently expanded its codeshare partnership with Malaysia Airlines, giving customers more travel options and seamless onward connections to more than 17 routes from Kuala Lumpur. This includes travel to key destinations available to book as part of a single ticket, such as Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Additional flights from London to Asia

The airline also recently resumed flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok and broadened its codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways, enabling connections (check-through) from Bangkok to the six popular holiday destinations — Samui Island, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi in Thailand, as well as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia.

British Airways also increased its London Heathrow (LHR) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) service last week to twice daily, marking a significant boost in capacity and connectivity between the UK and Japan ahead of the summer season.

British Airways will now operate 14 flights a week to Tokyo, including flights operated by the airline’s A350 fleet daily. The aircraft features a three-class cabin: World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and Club World (business class). 

Touch down in Tbilisi

British Airways has also welcomed Tbilisi back into its route network, after its last scheduled service in 2013. 

The service to the Georgian capital departs London Heathrow at 2125 local time, landing at Tbilisi International Airport the next day at 0530 local time. 

Located at the crossroads where Europe meets Asia, Georgia is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, traditional cuisine, and picturesque scenery. The country proudly claims to be the birthplace of wine, with an 8,000-year-old history of winemaking that remains an integral part of its culture today.

More flights to Italy

During May, the airline will add three new Italian routes to its network, including Rimini on the Adriatic Coast from London Heathrow on 15 May and Salerno on the Amalfi Coast from London Gatwick on 22 May. A new service from London City to Olbia will start on 25 May.

BILA 2025: Now open for nominations

KUCHING, 4 April 2025: The Borneo Inspire Legacy Awards (BILA) are open to all business events held worldwide between 2023 and 2025, BESarawak reports earlier this week.

Submissions opened on 21 March and are due to close on 15 June for all nominations. Self-nominations are accepted and are open globally.

The highly anticipated BILA Awards organised by BESarawak celebrate the outstanding legacies across the business events sector. 

During the recent launch of submissions for the 2025 awards, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, commented: “Expanding the iconic Anak Sarawak Awards into the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards, a global awards ceremony, has been an exciting development.

“We have many strategic partners worldwide whose actions have impacted Sarawak’s business events sector, and they deserve to be seen and recognised. It’s a chance to recognise those directly or indirectly contributing to the success of Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030.”

BESarawak Chairman Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg added: “We are the first and only (one) in Malaysia and Borneo to have an award programme. BILA is a platform to inspire our industry and showcase how business events can deliver value beyond the  scope of the event itself.”

With 18 awards up for grabs, spread across five categories, BILA aims to honour individuals and organisations for their initiatives that positively impact Sarawak. Details are as follows:

Categories

Conventions Legacy Excellence
Sub-categories: Economic, Environmental, Social, Honorary 

Exhibitions Legacy Excellence
Sub-categories: Economic, Environmental, Social, Honorary 

Corporate Meetings & Incentives Corporate Social Responsibility 
Sub-categories: Economic, Environmental, Social, Honorary 

Sarawak Industry
Sub-categories: Economic, Environmental, Social, Honorary

Journalism 
Sub-categories: Broadcast, Print/Online

Visit https://legacy360.businesseventssarawak.com/recognition/ for more information and to submit nominations. Submissions close on 15 June 2025.

For more information: https://businesseventssarawak.com/