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Centara opens its newest Maldives oasis 

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 4 April 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts officially opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives on 1 April 2025, welcoming guests to a secluded haven where gracious Thai hospitality meets Maldivian allure. 

Located in ‘The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts’, this sophisticated retreat marks Centara’s fourth distinctive property in the Maldives.

Grand Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa at Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives.

The resort introduces 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater villas and residences ranging from 78 to 290 square metres. With direct access to a private stretch of beach or a serene slice of the ocean, guests can enjoy as much connection or seclusion as they desire. Each accommodation complements the island’s natural charm, featuring a private pool, Jacuzzi, or both, with select villas offering connecting options for families and groups. The Grand Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villa, Three-Bedroom Sunset Beach Pool Residence, Grand Two Bedroom Overwater Pool Villa, and Three-Bedroom Sunset Overwater Pool Residence provide the ultimate in spacious living, including indoor and outdoor lounging and dining areas, and even a fully equipped kitchenette, from which the resort’s chefs will happily serve in-villa tipples and culinary experiences for private romantic or family dining, or group entertaining.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives invites guests on a gastronomic journey across its diverse dining venues. The Gallery is a vibrant all-day dining hub featuring live tandoor and teppan grills. Bluefin brings a sophisticated Mediterranean beach club atmosphere, with fresh seafood and live music, while Coco Drift, the resort’s swim-up bar, offers laidback cocktails and light bites. Sunset Social presents a premier champagne bar set over shimmering waters, while The Club offers exclusive fine dining, featuring raw bars, expertly paired tapas and wines, and intimate buffet setups.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives,” said Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives Cluster General Manager Andrew Jansson. “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers stays embodying Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”

Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer Thirayuth Chirathivat commented: “The launch of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is a testament to our commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences in the world’s most sought-after destinations. This resort not only completes our visionary multi-island project, The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, but also strengthens Centara’s position as a leader in the hospitality industry.”

Just a short speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives is designed for indulgence and discovery. Embark on transformative wellness journeys at Spa Cenvaree Retreat, an oasis of holistic well-being where immersive spa experiences rejuvenate mind, body, and spirit; explore our vibrant underwater life or enjoy family fun at the diverse children’s clubs for teenagers and little ones.

The opening of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquillity with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.

Centara presents the Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer to celebrate its grand opening. Available for bookings until 30 June 2025 for stays until 15 October 2025, this luxurious experiential package offers more time to unwind with complimentary nights, along with meal plan upgrades, champagne, and a relaxing couples’ massage. Guests will also enjoy exclusive access to The Club lounge and a choice of captivating ocean excursions, with additional privileges for CentaraThe1 members.

For reservations and more information, visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglm/introductoryoffer

About Centara
Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Turkey and the UAE. Centara’s portfolio comprises six brands – Centara Reserve, The Centara Collection, Centara Grand, Centara, Centara Life and COSI Hotels – ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. 

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

Doha completes airport concourse expansion

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TTR WEEKLY
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DOHA, 4 April 2025: Hamad International Airport (DOH) has officially unveiled its Concourses D and E, marking a significant milestone in its expansion and increasing its capacity to over 65 million passengers annually.

The expansion project, which began in 2018, has now been completed with the opening of Concourse D and E, marking the culmination of the airport’s ambitious development plan. This milestone represents the final phase of a transformational journey initiated in 2022 with the unveiling of the ORCHARD, a 6,000-square-meter indoor tropical garden.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways. Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Hamad Ali Al Khater.

The new concourses integrate seamlessly into the existing terminal, introducing cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities to meet growing passenger demand. The terminal now spans 842,000 square meters — a 14% increase — while the addition of 17 new aircraft contact gates increases the total to 62, nearly 40% more than before, ensuring greater connectivity, streamlined operations, and significantly reducing bus transfers.

Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Hamad Ali Al Khater said: “Our focus is to deliver operational excellence that supports both current demands and future growth. The opening of Concourses D and E marks a significant milestone in expanding our capacity and enhancing operational efficiency. This combined development streamlines passenger flow optimises resource management, and strengthens airline connectivity, ensuring smoother and more efficient passenger services.”

Vietjet flies four new routes to China

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 April 2025: Vietjet has launched four new direct services connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou in China. 

These routes mark a key milestone in Vietjet’s continued expansion in 2025, which also includes other new routes to Singapore, India, and Japan, 

Photo credit: Vietjet. One day left to grab SGD88 fare for flights from Singapore to four cities in Vietnam.

Vietjet is offering a limited-time fare promotion until 5 April 2025, with Eco-class fares starting as low as SGD86 (inclusive of taxes and fees) for all routes between Singapore and Vietnam. 

The deal is available for travel between 15 April 2025 and 28 March 2026 (subject to availability and exclusive of public holidays), with bookings made via www.vietjetair.com or the Vietjet Air mobile app. Guests can also book super-saving fares on other international routes from Vietnam to China, India, Japan, Korea, and more, as well as domestic routes in Vietnam.

The new routes to China feature daily services from Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing and Guangzhou and from Hanoi to Guangzhou. 

The Hanoi-Beijing route will operate thrice weekly before increasing daily on 27 April 2025. A new Hanoi-Shanghai service offering daily flights will also commence on 29 April 2025.

Since its first flight from Vietnam to China in 2014, Vietjet has strengthened its flight network between the two neighbouring countries, now covering more than 50 destinations across China. 

Vietjet Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thanh Ha said: “Vietjet is excited to launch four new routes from Vietnam to Beijing and Guangzhou, major economic, cultural, and tourist hubs in China, as part of our ongoing strategy to expand our flight network. With this expansion, we will continue providing affordable and convenient travel options for locals and tourists, further enhancing connectivity between Vietnam and China.”

The new Vietnam-China routes are part of Vietjet’s broader international expansion from its key Vietnamese hubs this year. Since mid-March, the airline has started to fly directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hyderabad and Bengaluru in India. New services from Ho Chi Minh City to Nagoya and Fukuoka in Japan will commence in late April.

A new route linking Singapore with Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, will be launched on 30 May. Four round trips per week will bring Vietjet’s weekly flights between Singapore and Vietnam to 78. This addition marks Vietjet’s fourth route to Singapore, complementing its existing Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang services. With this growing network, the airline expects to serve over 500,000 passengers annually between the two countries.

HK Express flies to Changzhou

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 4 April 2025: HK Express Airways will add another destination in the Chinese Mainland, serving direct flights between Hong Kong and Changzhou in Jiangsu Province, effective 23 May. 

This new route marks HK Express’s fifth destination in the Chinese Mainland. The flight time from Hong Kong is just over two hours.

Three weekly flights to Changzhou Benniu International Airport (CZX) are scheduled every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. 

To celebrate the opening of this new route is extending its limited-time promotion for all destinations in the Chinese Mainland, with one-way fares starting as low as HK$88. The fare is bookable on the HK Express website or mobile app until 2345 on 7 April 2025. 

Travel periods are as follows:

Beijing/Ningbo/Sanya: 14 April – 25 October 2025
Changzhou: 23 May – 25 October 2025
Yiwu: 29 May – 25 October 2025

Changzhou attractions

Nestled in southern Jiangsu, China, Changzhou blends economic vitality with cultural richness, boasting over 3,000 years of Jiangnan heritage. Explore the revered Tianning Temple, home to the majestic Tianning Pagoda, or cruise along Qingguo Lane, where ancient canals whisper tales of the past. Thrill-seekers will love the China Dinosaur Park, an immersive theme park filled with prehistoric wonders. Local specialities for foodies include Silver Silk Noodles, steamed crab dumplings, and shrimp cakes (also known as copper drum cakes). 

Changzhou is a prefecture-level city in southern Jiangsu, China. It was previously known as Yanling, Lanling, and Jinling. Located on the Yangtze River’s south bank, Changzhou borders Nanjing’s provincial capital to the west, Zhenjiang to the northwest, Wuxi to the east, and the province of Zhejiang to the south.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Regent marks keel laying for new ship

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 April 2025: Regent Seven Seas Cruises has marked the keel laying for Seven Seas Prestige at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, a pivotal moment in constructing the brand’s next-generation ship.

“Seven Seas Prestige represents our continued legacy of elevating the standard of ultra-luxury travel, and we are proud to cement our place as leaders in the industry with this exciting milestone,” said Regent Seven Seas Cruises Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague. “Expertise, passion, and dedication to perfection are shared values between Regent and Fincantieri, and there is no one better placed to bring Seven Seas Prestige to life as we usher in a new age of excellence for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.”

Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President, Chief Vessel Operations and Newbuild Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, were present for the special ceremony.

Set to be delivered in 2026, Seven Seas Prestige follows the success of Regent’s Explorer-Class vessels, built by Fincantieri, and will be Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years.

At 77,000 tons, the new ship will have a capacity for up to 850 guests, one of the highest passenger-to-space ratios in the cruise industry. Paired with suites, restaurants, bars, lounges, and public areas, the ship will also introduce new accommodation categories, including reimagining the Regent Suite and new dining experiences when it sets sail in 2026.

Dunedin train trip returns to travel trade market

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 April 2025: After a long Covid pandemic pause, Dunedin’s iconic Taieri Gorge Scenic Train excursion welcomes international passengers aboard its journey through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

As part of a re-alignment with the travel trade sector, the product is now represented by the New Zealand Travel Collective, led by its director, Trish May.

Photo credit: Taieri Gorge Scenic Train.

“This journey represents an important piece of Dunedin’s tourism offering,” May explained. “I’m privileged to showcase this product to the travel trade and have recently completed a sales mission to the UK and Europe”.   

The Taieri Gorge Scenic Train will further cement its return to the international tourism market by participating in next week’s Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) Trade event and Tourism Rendezvous New Zealand (TRENZ) in May.

The historic railway carries passengers from Dunedin’s railway station westward toward Middlemarch on a five-hour and 30-minute roundtrip traversing the rugged Taieri Gorge. The train journey features spectacular scenery, including deep ravines, towering rock faces, and picturesque valleys, before turning around at the Pukerangi siding and returning to Dunedin. 

“Working closely with the (train’s) general manager, we’ve developed comprehensive strategies to reintroduce this unique experience to both domestic and international markets,” May explained. “The initial response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest from travel professionals across key international markets. Many regularly booked the Taieri train trip before the pandemic and are delighted it is now up and running again.”

For more information visit: https://www.newzealandtravelcollective.com/taieri-gorge-train

UA boosts its presence in Southeast Asia

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 4 April 2025: United confirmed on Wednesday that it intends to introduce direct daily flights to Bangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from its Hong Kong hub starting this October.* 

The daily services from Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok will connect with the airline’s flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco out of its Hong Kong hub.

Photo credit: United Airlines. Asia Pacific expansion starts in October.

The airline flew these routes pre-2014 before relinquishing them to codeshare partners serving its Hong Kong or Tokyo hubs.

Starting 11 December, United will launch the first nonstop flights between the US and Adelaide, Australia — just in time for the Australian summer. With the addition of this three-week seasonal service, United will also offer flights to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

In addition, United is also adding a second daily flight between San Francisco and Manila. Starting on 25 October, travellers from both cities will have the option of a daytime or evening flight for greater convenience. United is the only US airline serving the Philippines, with flights to Manila and Cebu.

With these new routes, United will now offer flights from the US to 32 different cities in the Pacific region — four times that of any other US carrier — further cementing its status as the world’s largest airline** with the most extensive international network.

United is the world’s leading carrier across the Pacific**; in the past year alone, the airline served more than six million business and leisure passengers in the Pacific region.

Tickets for the Adelaide and the new Manila flights are on sale now on United.com and on the United app. Tickets for Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City flights will be available for purchase at a later date.

Bangkok, Thailand

United will offer daily flights to Bangkok starting 26 October. The flights will operate using a Boeing 787-9.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Beginning on 26 October, United will offer daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City. The flights will operate using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Adelaide, Australia

United will offer nonstop service between the US and Adelaide* with its nonstop three-times-weekly seasonal service from San Francisco starting 11 December. The flight will operate using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It makes United the only airline to offer nonstop service between the US and four major cities in Australia. 

Manila, Philippines

On 25 October, United will begin flying its second flight between San Francisco and Manila*, offering more flexibility between day and evening flights when travelling to the Philippines. The flight will be operated using a Boeing 777-300ER.

* Subject to government approval  ** As measured by available seat miles

Visa: Japan ski tourism on the rise

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 3 April 2025: With the peak ski season transforming to Spring blossoms, Visa’s latest data shows Japan’s growing popularity, especially its ski resorts. 

Based on an analysis of Visa cardholders’ spending patterns during the winter peak (November 2024 to February 2025) in the top ski destinations in Japan, the data shows a  40% year-on-year increase in domestic and international visitors and an uplift of about 25% in spending. International visitors accounted for about 80% of total visitors and around 90% of total visitor spend.

Visa: Japan ski tourism on the rise

Japan’s ski resorts rise in the charts

Visa data shows ski tourism in Japan is on the rise, with the overall number of visitors almost double compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Japan is recognised as a popular ski destination for overseas travellers. International arrivals grew nearly 50% year-on-year, accounting for around 80% of all ski travellers during the recent winter peak.

Australia tops the list, accounting for around 30% of total international visitors, followed by the US (around 20%) and Southeast Asia, especially Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, which account for around 12%.

Japan is now the preferred ski destination for Mainland Chinese travellers. For Australian travellers, Japan ranks second after New Zealand.

Niseko and Hakuba remain top picks (nearly 50% and approximately 35%, respectively) for international ski travellers. In comparison, Furano is shown as a preferred destination for local visitors yet sees the fastest growth with around 70% year-on-year increase in overseas visits.

International travellers spend more

While domestic visitors spend an average of slightly longer (about five days), international travellers spend more than three times as much per day, contributing to about 90% of overall spending. The uplift in spending extends beyond ski destinations as international travellers continue their journey to other locations and spend on dining and retail shopping.

Entertainment, lodging, and restaurants accounted for about 50 to 70% of spending by both overseas and local travellers.

Ski resort experience spending takes up over 40% of overall spending by international travellers.

Over 90% of overseas travellers extend trips beyond the slopes by an average of nine extra days in Japan, driving around 35% more post-ski spending per day in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Chiba. Most post-ski spending is on shopping, such as at department stores and discount stores, for groceries (around 40%) and dining (around 20%). 

HK expands flights to Yiwu in East China

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TTR WEEKLY
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Hong Kong, 3 April 2025: HK Express Airways will launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Yiwu in Zhejiang Province, China, starting on 29 May 2025. 

The airline schedules three weekly flights to Yiwu Airport (YIW) from its home base in Hong Kong.

Yiwu is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Jinhua in Central Zhejiang Province, East China. It is home to one of the world’s largest wholesale markets, Yiwu International Trade City, a veritable paradise for savvy business people seeking bargains for their retailing enterprises.

Travellers can wander through Fotang Town and tap into its centuries-old heritage, ascend the historic Jiming Pavillion and take in its rich cultural tapestry, or savour local culinary delights at the Santinglu Night Market. 

Additionally, Hengdian World Studios, known as China’s “Hollywood”, boasts live performances, themed amusement parks, and film workshops, making it a must-visit for travellers. 

Flight schedule

ASEANTA elects new board of directors

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TTR WEEKLY
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KUALA LUMPUR, 3 April 2025: Incumbent ASEANTA president Eddy Soemawilaga has been appointed for a second term to lead the association that covers ASEAN’s tourism and hospitality segments across the 10-country bloc.

ASEANTA recently appointed its executive board for 2025 to 2027 during its annual general meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Photo credit: ASEANTA. ASEANTA’s team leaders at a recent AGM held in Phnom Penh.

During his first term as President (2023 to 2025), ASEANTA successfully earned the trust to organise TRAVEX at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Lao PDR (2024) and Malaysia (2025). 

ATF and its trade show TRAVEX, established in 1982 in Kuala Lumpur, was created as a public-private partnership event to foster collaboration between ASEAN National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) and the private sector, strengthening the ASEAN region as a single tourism destination. 

“Beyond ATF, we have also laid the foundation for key ASEAN NTO initiatives, including the Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals and the launch of the ASEAN Explorer Pass,” Soemawilaga said in a Facebook post.

“I am truly honoured to have been re-elected President for the 2025-2027 term… My vision is to build an effective, impactful organisation that delivers concrete initiatives benefiting our members and the broader public through strong partnerships. The road ahead may not be easy, but with continued collaboration, I am confident we can overcome challenges and drive ASEAN tourism forward.”

ASEANTA board of directors 2025-2027

President: Eddy Soemawilaga, Head of Government Relations and Corporate Communications – Indonesia AirAsia.
Deputy President: Mariegel Manotok, Philippine Travel Agencies Association
Secretary-General: Nigel Wong Chun Teim, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents
Treasurer: Datin Christina Toh, Malaysian Association of Hotels
Directors: Pauline Suharno, president ASTINDO: Oknha Chhay Sivlin, president Cambodia Association of Travel Agents; Kyaw Bohne Naing, chairman/president Union of Myanmar Travel Association

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