NEW DELHI, 20 May 2022: Tourism Malaysia participated in
India’s largest tourism fair, South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange
(SATTE) 18 to 20 May to relaunch promotions after Malaysia reopened its borders
on 1 April.
Tourism Malaysia aims to raise awareness of Malaysia as an
ideal holiday destination and instil confidence among Indians to visit Malaysia
again. In its 18th year, the three-day trade show attracted more
than 35,000 travel executives and travel consumers.
Tourism Malaysia’s deputy chairman Dato’ Sri Dr Anil Jeet
Singh Sandhu, led the tourism delegation made up of 15 tour agents, three hotel
operators, three product owners, three airline operators, and one state tourism
board.
“I am excited to announce that since the reopening of
Malaysia’s international borders, India is among the top five tourist source
markets,” Tourism Malaysia’s deputy chairman told SATTE delegates. “A whole new
Malaysia is waiting for you to be discovered. Genting SkyWorld, Southeast
Asia’s most anticipated outdoor theme park is finally open, while Penang has
been listed on CNN’s Best Travel Destinations in 2022”.
Malaysia has opened its shores for quarantine-free travel
and welcomes fully-vaccinated international travellers. From 1 May 2022,
fully-vaccinated inbound travellers no longer need to undergo pre-departure or
on-arrival Covid-19 tests. It also applies to children 12 years or below.
Currently, travellers can apply for the Malaysia eVisa.
More than 14,000 seats are bookable on flights between India
and Malaysia on the websites of Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, AirAsia,
IndiGo, and Air India Express.
KUCHING, 20 May 2022: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) embarks on a sales tour of Sabah and West Malaysia from 21 May to 5 June 2022, promoting two music festivals; the 25th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and the region’s longest-running jazz festivals, Borneo Jazz 2022.
The sales tour will commence in Imago KK Times Square, Kota
Kinabalu, Sabah, 21 to 22 May 2022, followed by a sales booths concurrently in
Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur and The Mall Mid Valley Southkey, Johor
Bahru, 27 to 29 May 2022. The tour concludes at Gurney Plaza, Penang, with
three days of sales from 3 to 5 June 2022.
Domestic travel agencies and tour operators from Sarawak
will be on the ground during the promotions to complete travel bookings and
itineraries for the two music festivals. During the promotions, quizzes and
entertainment activities, including the distribution of attractive merchandise,
including free tickets to RWMF and BJF. Visitors will be entertained with
Sarawak’s traditional sape’ performances.
STB Deputy CEO for marketing communications, research and
private corporate relations Suriya Charles Buas said: “Last year’s virtual
experience gave us invaluable feedback on how we could work towards combining
the best of both worlds – physical and the digital – to bring the best of the
hybrid format. Thus, we strive to bring the best out of both festivals this
year.
“We are thrilled to present both the festivals that will
bring the world back together with music. We are bridging the past with the
future and sustaining and reinventing our musical heritage and its traditions
for many years to come,” he said.
“Through both international events, we are building the
music tourism ecosystem in Sarawak to elevate the state as a cultural and music
centre, in line with STB’s goals to promote sustainable and responsible
tourism,” he added.
“Organising the festivals in Sarawak will also bring
travellers from all over the world to the Land of the Hornbills, keeping
Sarawak at the top of stakeholder’s minds while promoting the rich land of
Sarawak against the fascinating backdrop of history and mystery, culture,
adventure, nature, festivals and food. While re-building the tourism industry,
it will also stimulate domestic and international travelling for a better
tourism future,” he concluded.
The Rainforest World Music Festival themed “Legendary Rainforest Celebration” will be held from 17 to 19 June 2022, adopting a hybrid format with the physical concert at Sarawak Cultural Village. Viewers can also live stream performances in their homes.
For more information
and to purchase tickets visit:https://rwmf.net/
RWMF will feature a host of international performers from
Canada, India, USA, Finland, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan,
Australia, Madagascar, Ukraine, China, Bhutan and Seoul, among others, while
showcasing a string of Malaysia’s talents such as Alena Murang, At Adau from
Sarawak, Bamboo Woods from Sabah and many more.
Festival-goers can choose from the different ticket
categories at pre-sale prices – Adult 1-Day Pass (MYR165), Adult 3-Day Pass
(MYR405), Child 1-Day Pass (MYR85), Child 3-Day Pass (MYR195) and 1-Day Family
Package Pass- 2 Adult and 2 Children (MYR440). The virtual tickets are priced
at MYR25 per one-hour block.
Meanwhile, themed “Jazz in The Jungle”, the 17th edition of Borneo Jazz, will be held from 24 to 26h June 2022 in Coco Cabana, Miri, in a hybrid format for the first time to reach out to the greater jazz-loving community worldwide. Performers from a host of countries, namely Singapore, Japan, France, Switzerland, USA, and Hungary, not to mention the best names in Malaysian jazz, will be showcasing their talent. For more information on the festival or to purchase a ticket, visit jazzborneo.com.
For the public category, the 1-Day Pass is priced at MYR128 per ticket, 2-Day Pass is MYR228 per ticket and 3-Day Pass is MYR338 per ticket. As for students and senior citizens, 1-Day Pass is priced at MYR88 per ticket, 2-Day Pass is MYR128 per ticket and 3-Day Pass is RM188 per ticket. For virtual viewing, tickets are priced at MYR25 per one-hour block.
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier under Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has been named the official airline partner. At the same time, Shopee is the official e-commerce partner, and Karuna is the official ticketing partner of the Rainforest World Music Festival and Borneo Jazz festival 2022.
BANGKOK, 20 May 2022: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is celebrating the start of summer by inviting guests to rediscover the beauty of a beachfront vacation and warm Thai hospitality in some of the world’s dreamiest destinations.
As life and travel return to normal, couples and families
can finally experience the joy of a summer holiday once again this year. With a
collection of breath-taking beach resorts and idyllic island retreats in
southern Thailand, Dubai and the Maldives, every traveller can splash with
Centara this summer.
Guests simply need to pick their perfect resort and start
planning a memorable vacation.
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin
Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin is an enchanting beachfront hotel nestled on Thailand’s glittering gulf coast, just a short drive from the vibrant streets of Bangkok. With its elegant colonial-style architecture, manicured gardens, authentic local cuisine and exceptional facilities, this five-star represents the essence of Thai cultural heritage.
Centara Reserve Samui
Centara
Reserve Samui is the hottest new luxury resort concept
from Centara, where lifestyle-conscious travellers can enjoy unparalleled
experiences. Discover a collection of pool suites and beachfront villas,
world-class wellness at the first-ever Reserve Spa Cenvaree, and
ground-breaking gastronomy, including sublime seafood, all on the serene shores
of Koh Samui.
Image Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Centara
Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives is a pristine
private island retreat that showcases the breath-taking beauty of this
bucket-list destination. Stay in exotic beachfront or overwater villas, swim
and snorkel in the turquoise lagoon, sip tropical drinks and savour the freshest
seafood as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean.
Image Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Centara
Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is the newest addition to
the group’s global collection, bringing gracious Thai service and outstanding
activities to this iconic, ultra-modern city. Guests can make a splash in the
sparkling water park, unwind at the beach, spas and lounges, enjoy water sports
or dine at multiple restaurants. Kids will love the colourful Spa Candy.
“After all the travel disruption of recent years, the
summer holiday is making a comeback in 2022. As countries worldwide remove
their barriers to travel, holidaymakers can finally rediscover Asia’s pure
shores and exquisite islands. This is a wonderful time to reconnect with loved
ones and rediscover the joy of travel with Centara,” said Tom Thrussell,
Vice President – Brand, Marketing & Digital of Centara Hotels & Resorts.
Centara
is undoubtedly the “The Place To Be” this summer. From now until 31
December 2022, the company is offering up to 20% off the hotel’s rates, plus
free accommodation for up to two children and complimentary Wi-Fi. Members of
Centara The1 will enjoy additional discounts of up to 15%. Travellers who are
members of CentaraThe1, the group’s loyalty programme,
will be rewarded with an additional 15% off. Travellers who are not yet members
can sign up for free in less than a minute and immediately start enjoying
benefits and earning points.
Thailand, Dubai and the Maldives, as well as other Centara Hotels & Resorts’ beach destinations such as Vietnam and Sri Lanka, are all now officially open for fully vaccinated international travellers, with no quarantine requirements. Through its Centara Complete Care health and safety programme, Centara offers complete peace of mind while also retaining the warm and genuine Thai hospitality for which the company is so famous.
For more information and to book your summer holiday with Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.
BANGKOK, 20 May 2022: Bangkok Airways restored flights on
domestic and regional routes as governments relaxed travel rules during the
first quarter of 2022, but operational losses increased to THB826.2 million
compared to THB756.8 million in Q1 2021.
From January to March 2021, the company restored domestic
routes from its home base at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Samui, Phuket,
Chiang Mai, and Lampang. It also reinstated its Samui-Phuket, Samui-U-Tapao and
Phuket-U-Tapao routes while restoring international flights from Bangkok to
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and from Samui to Singapore.
Bangkok Airways carried 373,200 passengers in the first
quarter, up from 151,900 in 2021, an increase of 145.8%, while it operated
5,037 flights, up 104.4% from 2,464, achieving a load factor of 63.5% compared
with 58.8% quarter on quarter. Aircraft use per day increased to 4.5 hours, up
from 3.5 hours in 2021. The average fare during the first quarter reached
THB2,469.6 per sector, rising 31.3% compared to the same quarter in 2021.
Revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) totalled 213.8 million,
up from 91.6 million. Available seat kilometres (ASK) stood at 336.9 million,
up from 155.8 million.
Total revenue for the first quarter of 2022 stood at THB
1,698.0 million, an increase of 25.1% compared with the THB1,357.2 million in
the first quarter of 2021, mainly due to a 208.8% improvement in passenger
revenue from airline and airport business revenue that increased 206.9%. The
jump in revenue was attributed to the easing of travel restrictions and
quarantine rules during the first quarter.
Total expenses increased from THB2,033.7 million during Q1
2021 to THB2,487.4 million in Q1 2022, up 22.3%. Major cost items included
aviation fuel, aircraft maintenance and passenger service fees.
The cost of sales and services reported at THB2,041.4
million grew by 34.5%, mainly due to increased flights and higher passenger
numbers. Total selling and distribution expenses reached THB138.5 million, up
148.5%, mainly from reservation system costs which amounted to THB53.1 million.
For the first quarter of 2022, the company reported a loss
before interest and tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of THB95
million and a net loss of THB1,025.5 million. Loss per share for this quarter
was THB0.49.
1Q 2022 highlights
• The airline reintroduced two daily flights of special
sealed-route for Bangkok-Phuket in order to support Thailand’s Phuket Sandbox
programme from 1 February 2022.
• It launched Vaccinated Travel Lane flights from Samui to Singapore, to facilitate passengers who are fully vaccinated with no quarantine upon arrival in Singapore with 3 VTL flights per week and will be increased to a daily service from 1 July 2022 onwards.
• It announced the resale of the treasury stock programme
for financial management purposes. The 40.0 million shares were sold through
SET from 8 October 2021 to 3 March 2022 raising THB390.9 million.
• The company proceeded with the incorporation of a new
subsidiary, namely Bangkok REIT Management Company Limited, with the registered
capital of THB15 million having Bangkok Airways Holding Company Limited, as the
shareholder holding 99.9997 per cent of the shares.
VIENTIANE, 20 May 2022: Just days after Laos reopened borders
for fully vaccinated travellers after a two-year pause, Pandaw Cruises
confirmed it will place three luxury cruise boats on the Mekong River starting
January 2023.
Anticipating pent up demand for cruises on the Mekong River
through Laos and Thailand, Pandaw Cruises adds a third boat for bookings as
berths on Laos Pandaw and Champa Pandaw quickly fill up.
Laos opened its borders on 9 May, allowing fully vaccinated
travellers to visit the country without quarantine, testing and the need to
purchase Covid-19 specific insurance cover.
“We are pleased to announce that from January 2023, we will activate a third ship, the Sabaidee Pandaw, on our 10-night Mekong River expedition from Vientiane to Chiang Saen,” said the Pandaw Cruises statement.
The RV Sabaidee is the 17th boat in the Pandaw Flotilla which was constructed to navigate the unpredictable ebb and flow in water levels and the rapids on the Mekong River through northern Laos to China’s Yunnan province.
The double-decked vessel has 14 classic Pandaw staterooms;
eight on the main deck, six on the upper deck, and an open plan saloon with
flexible indoor or outdoor dining.
“Anticipating a post-Covid slowdown, we had been deliberately cautious and had only offered the Laos Pandaw and Champa Pandaw ships on this very adventurous route. However, the two ships are more or less fully booked, so we will prepare the Sabaidee for a relaunch,” the sales team explained.
Pandaw Cruises describes the 10-night Laos Mekong itinerary
as “probably the most exciting river expedition anywhere with its fast waters
cutting through rocky gorges, towering mountains and rich forests.” But the cruises are also a window of opportunity to explore
and interact with the ethnic minority villages and visit the World Heritage
town of Luang Prabang in northern Laos.
BANGKOK, 19 May 2022: The Airlines Association of Thailand (AAT) says member airlines are under pressure to quickly reintroduce flight schedules in Thailand and to neighbouring countries to meet a surge in travel demand.
Association president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, who heads
Bangkok Airways, said airlines are responding to the recent relaxation of
Covid-19 travel restrictions. The intention is to restore flight networks
within Southeast Asia to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year.
Association president Puttipong Prasarttong-Osot Photo: https://www.flightglobal.com.
In a report posted on the National News Bureau of Thailand’s
website, the AAT president noted that the seven-member airlines* are speeding
up plans to reopen local and international routes first in Southeast Asia to
encourage short-haul travel.
Thai Vietjet so far has been the leader in opening routes to
neighbouring countries during the first quarter. It recently introduced flights
from Bangkok to Singapore and, in early June, will open a new route from Phuket
to Singapore. It already services key destinations in Vietnam.
Puttipong told NNT he was confident that more routes would
be available during the remaining seven months of 2022. According to the AAT
president, reopening the nation to tourists from regions such as Japan, India,
Europe, and the Middle East will play a crucial role in the recovery of the
aviation industry.
He added that “short-haul” trips should make a strong
comeback this year, while “long haul” travel kick should resume in early 2023.
Bangkok Airways reported it had resumed domestic flights
from Bangkok to Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Lampang during the first quarter
of the year. In addition, it reintroduced flights on the Samui – Phuket route
and from Samui to U-Tapao, near Pattaya. It has also restarted flights from
Bangkok to Phnom Penh, the capital of neighbouring Cambodia. But it is still
waiting for clearance to resume flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos
and other destinations in the Mekong region such as Myanmar and Vietnam.
*AAT member airlines: AirAsia, AirAsia X, Bangkok Airways, Lion Air, Nok Air, Vietjet, Thai Smile and Vietjet Air.
SINGAPORE, 19 May 2022: Singapore’s mid-market hotel sector
will continue to post healthy post-pandemic growth performance, fueled by
increased tourist demand and reflected by heightened investment.
According to JLL’s Singapore mid-market hotels outlook 2022, occupancy and investment in the sector will continue to recover in the second half of the year despite broader economic challenges, including staffing shortfalls, inflationary-driven supply issues, and more industry-specific requirements such as digital upgrades to properties.
Over the past 18 months, the stable performance of
Singapore’s mid-market hotel segment has been linked to various drivers,
including demand for staycations and soaring demand for longer-term temporary
accommodation.
JLL data and analysis suggest that the resiliency of the
mid-market sector will be further reflected in a solid rebound in investment
volumes in 2022, forecast to end of the year at SGD400 million (USD288
million). In the first quarter of 2022 alone, mid-market hotel transactions
totalled SGD103 million (USD74 million), representing the entire half-year
volume of 2021 in three months.
“Singapore’s mid-market hotel segment is firmly on
investors’ radars as they take a longer-term view on changing consumption habits
and new conversion opportunities available to operators. The pandemic
highlighted the sector’s role in accommodating longer-term stays, and we see a
broader push from the mid-market space to transform properties into co-living
spaces,” said JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group head of Singapore mid-markets,
Noel Neo.
The trend of co-living conversion has been highlighted by
the launch of LHN Group Four Star’s joint venture under the Coliwoo brand and
the more recent partnership between SLB Development Ltd and Weave Living to
convert the Hotel Clover in Jalan Sultan into a co-living property.
According to JLL, for the Singapore mid-market to
differentiate offerings and address a slowdown in new supply, various
operational issues must be addressed to enhance the opportunity to attract
guests and investors.
Staff shortages in Singapore’s hospitality industry will
continue to present challenges for mid-market hotels. According to JLL,
operators that enhance benefits and provide a clear career path will attract
and retain talent with greater success. Additionally, offsetting rising
inflationary-influenced supply chain costs will push smaller hotels in
Singapore to seek partnerships with larger brands to influence better pricing
on goods and services. Furthermore, the digitalization of the mid-market
segment will also need to ramp up for the industry’s acceleration to continue,
including the adherence to a property management system (PMS) and other
tech-inspired experience tools.
“There is a unique opportunity for Singapore’s mid-market hotel sector to address challenges swiftly and decisively with a clear operational strategy and a forward-looking lens. Macro-economic factors will continue to influence the fortunes of the sector, but by taking a partnership approach with asset management providers, many mid-market operators can better future proof their assets and attract more guests and capital,” says Pierre Marechal, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group vice president, advisory and asset management, Asia Pacific.
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, 19 May 2022: Tourism Malaysia is ramping up its marketing efforts to lure international tourists from West Asia through ongoing roadshows in Iran, Oman and Qatar through to 21 May.
Led by Dato’ Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director-General of
Tourism Malaysia, the roadshows are a marketing response to Malaysia’s recent
opening of international borders to restart tourism.
Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park.
Malaysia’s tourism mission to the Middle East comprises
travel agents, hoteliers, product owners, state tourism bodies and medical
tourism industry players. They are visiting the capital cities of Tehran,
Muscat and Doha after spending a week attending the Arabian Travel Market in
Dubai.
Travellers from the West Asia market dominate the top five
international tourists spending in Malaysia in terms of per capita expenditure,
besides recording longer average lengths of stay than tourists from other
markets.
Dato’ Zainuddin said: As we welcome more West Asia
travellers back to Malaysia, it is a timely occasion to strengthen our
partnership with international airlines such as Qatar Airways, Oman Air and
Mahan Air, which offer direct flights to Kuala Lumpur.
”With an exciting line-up of new attractions to be
explored, including the newly opened Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park, the world’s
second tallest skyscraper Merdeka 118, and the Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur
that just reopened, we are thrilled to welcome international travellers
worldwide to experience our country again.”
Starting 1 May 2022, fully-vaccinated inbound travellers are
no longer required to undergo pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 tests,
including children aged 12 and below as well as for those who have been
infected with COVID-19 within six to 60 days before departure to Malaysia.
Travel insurance is also not a prerequisite for foreigners entering the
country.
The wearing of masks outdoors is optional but still
mandatory indoors, including in shopping malls, offices, public transportation
and e-hailing rides.
SINGAPORE, 19 May 2022: Far East Hospitality, a leading
operator of hotels and serviced residences, will introduce Vibe Hotels and
Adina to the Singapore market through a long-standing joint venture partnership
with TFE Hotels (Toga Far East Hotels).
Introducing the two Australian hospitality brands is part of
Far East Hospitality’s endeavour to achieve its operational target of 25,000
rooms by 2025 globally.
Artist’s impression of Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard – Deluxe Room
“As international borders reopen, Australia is a
natural key target market. It was amongst Singapore’s top five inbound markets
before the pandemic,” said Far East Hospitality chief executive officer
Arthur Kiong. “The return of the Kangaroo route, which refers to the
flight paths between Australia and the United Kingdom with stopovers in
Singapore, also offers us an opportunity to encourage more stopovers and
attempt to lengthen their stay with new experiences.”
Kiong added: “The two new brands that we are bringing
into Singapore will provide an Australian twist to what Singapore, as a
destination, has to offer”.
Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Far East Hospitality
continued to introduce new brand experiences. In 2021, the company launched The
Clan Hotel Singapore, catering to guests who seek authentic experience, and
Oasia Resort Sentosa for guests who prioritise health and wellness.
Bringing Australian-inspired hospitality to Singapore
Far East Hospitality will leverage a long-standing
collaboration with joint venture partner TFE Hotels (Toga Far East Hotels) to
introduce Vibe Hotels and Adina brands to Singapore through the rebranding of
existing properties, the Elizabeth Hotel and Regency House (serviced
residence), respectively.
Adina Serviced Apartment Singapore Orchard targets corporate
expatriates as well as leisure travellers seeking transient accommodation. The
property is slated to open in July this year with 88 units.
Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard will offer 256 rooms catering
to Australians and travellers seeking a touch of contemporary Australian
hospitality. It will be the first Vibe branded property outside of Australia.
Both Far East Hospitality and TFE Hotels will also continue
to collaborate in sales and marketing through cross-selling of properties on
respective brand websites and cross-promotion of sales campaigns.
DUBAI, UAE, 19 May 2022: Emirates is seeking talented people
with a passion for service to join its award-winning cabin crew team.
As air travel heads for a fast recovery, the airline’s
recruiters are busy meeting and hiring candidates in 30 cities until the end of
June. In this latest drive, Emirates’ teams will travel from Australia to the
UK and dozens of European cities in between, as well as Cairo, Algiers, Tunis,
and Bahrain.
Emirates Group’s executive vice president for human
resources Abdulaziz Al Ali said: “There’s no more exciting airline than
Emirates for anyone interested in a flying career. Since we began our
recruitment drive for cabin crew in November, we’ve received tremendous
interest.
“While parts of the application process are done
online, we always make an effort to meet our candidates in person whenever we
can. That is why our Talent Acquisition team is doing a whirlwind 30-city tour
over the next six weeks to assess prospective candidates.”
Emirates’ truly global cabin crew team represent 160
nationalities, reflecting its customer mix and international operations in over
130 cities on six continents.
All Emirates crew are based in the exciting cosmopolitan
city of Dubai, with company-provided accommodation, tax-free salary and more
benefits.
