DUBAI, UAE, 10 May 2022: Emirates unveiled its full premium economy cabin experience on Monday during the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market 2022.
The region’s leading travel and tourism exhibition scheduled from 9 to 12 May should welcome 20,000 visitors this year, with the theme of ‘The future of international travel and tourism’.
The Emirates stand offers members of the travel and tourism
industry from over 112 countries a chance to experience the airline’s signature
products in every cabin class.
Over ATM’s four days, Emirates’ executives and commercial
teams will be at the airline’s stand with a busy agenda of face-to-face
business meetings, taking the opportunity to network and reconnect with travel
trade industry partners and establishing new partnerships in line with the
airline’s work to help the industry collectively rebuild better for the future.
The highly popular Emirates premium economy seat, which will
be on display at ATM, is a luxurious take on the traditional cabin, providing more
comfort with legroom of up to 40 inches, wide seats that span 19.5 inches with
a generous 8-inch recline, and other thoughtful touches for customers to
comfortably sit back and relax.
In addition, Emirates will also feature its show-stopping
Boeing 777-300ER game-changer first-class fully enclosed private suite, a
Boeing 777 business class seat, the newest generation A380 onboard lounge,
along with other iconic products such as the first-class shower spa and its
generously pitched game-changer economy class seats.
The Emirates stand is located in Hall 3, stand number ME3210
at ATM.
Dubai 10 May 2022: Saudia Arabian Airlines is showcasing its
new in-flight entertainment system, Beyond, its new holiday division and the
latest business and economy seats during the four-day Arabian Travel Mart that
opened on Monday.
SAUDIA CEO Ibrahim Koshy said: “Our ATM stand will
offer travel industry visitors a chance to experience the airline’s signature
products, including an all-new IFE system Beyond and SAUDIA Business, a new B2B
travel solution for corporate, agency & MICE clients.”
Photo: https://menafn.com
SAUDIA will continue its efforts to promote the rich culture
and tradition of Saudi Arabia to achieve the aspirations of the Saudi tourism
ecosystem, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
“We have a shared objective to contribute to the
Kingdom’s broader tourism plans to attract a diverse range of visitors,
strengthen awareness of the country’s iconic sites, and make them more
accessible through enhanced connectivity”.
The SAUDIA stand at ATM is located in Hall 4, stand number
ME4310.
Established in 1945, the company is one of the Middle East’s
largest airlines and is a member of the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO). It is also one of the 19
member airlines of the SkyTeam alliance.
BANGKOK, 10 May 2022: The Pacific Asia Travel Association
brings back its PATA Destination Marketing Forum hosted by Songkhla, a southern
coastal town on the Gulf of Thailand.
Under the theme “Building Back Sustainably through Cultural Heritage and Community-based Tourism”, the in-person event will celebrate the start of a robust Asia Pacific tourism recovery with an experiential conference programme focused on sharing best practices in destination marketing and destination management in the post-pandemic recovery world.
Delegates attending the event from 2 to 4 August 2022 will
have the opportunity to choose from three
destinations experiences:
Nod Na Lae Lifestyle @ Tha Hin Community: Encounter the local tribe’s traditional lifestyle and learn how they are promoting ecotourism.
Nature meets Culture @ Koh Yo Community: Explore the culture of Southern ethnic people and enjoy the authentic, unaltered village.
Heritage Singora @ Hua Khoa Community: Savour the view of Songkhla Lake Estuar and venture around the UNESCO-heritage-candidate sites.
The event will be hosted by the Thailand Convention &
Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Songkhla
Convention and Exhibition Bureau (SCEB) and the Designated Areas for
Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) with the support of Songkhla City.
Commenting on the event, PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera said:
“At this year’s PATA Destination Marketing Forum, we are ready to
celebrate the start of a robust Asia-Pacific tourism recovery. Our experiential
conference programme highlights best practices in destination marketing and
destination management in the post-pandemic recovery world. We’re here to
support a sustainable recovery for the region”
Located in the southern part of Thailand, Songkhla has been
proposed by the Thai government as a World Heritage Site and UNESCO Creative
Cities of Gastronomy. It is accessible by air from Bangkok, and by August
direct airline access will be established from Singapore and Malaysia to the
nearby gateway town of Hat Yai.
SINGAPORE, 10 May 2022: Royal Brunei Airlines has resumed flights to neighbouring Sarawak and Sabah, two of Malaysia’s top heritage and nature destinations that share Borneo island with Brunei and Indonesia.
The airline relaunched the 40-minute flights to Kota
Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, from its home base in Brunei Darussalam
after Malaysia was added to its green list countries for non-essential travel
last week. Services will initially operate twice weekly on Friday and Sunday.
The airline’s acting CEO Sabirin Abdul Hamid, said in a
media statement: “RB is finally reopening flights to Kota Kinabalu. As one
of our top pre-pandemic destinations.”
“This is part of our restart plans as governments from
around our network gradually ease travel restrictions. Over time we will increase
our flight frequencies and reintroduce more of our destinations back to guests.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of
Sabah cum Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; Permanent
Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah Datuk Sr
Haji Mohd Yusrie Abdullah and Sabah Tourism Board CEO Noredah Othman welcomed
passengers arriving on the inaugural flight.
“We are pleased to welcome the return of this flight.
The connectivity from Brunei will definitely help with transiting international
passengers, especially from routes that were previously in service from
Australia, the UK, the Middle East and Japan. We hope that eventually, the
Brunei-Kota Kinabalu-Tawau flight may also be reinstated,” said Datuk
Joniston Bangkuai.
Meanwhile, a week earlier, Royal Brunei Airlines resumed
flights from Bandar Seri Begawan to Kuching starting 1 May with two flights
weekly scheduled on Thursday and Saturday.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline offered daily
flights to Kuching the state capital of Sarawak.
“This initiative is the beginning of stronger relations between Negara Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak, thus boosting air connectivity for a great business (partnership), investment and tourism activities,” said Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin in a media statement at the time of the relaunch.
SINGAPORE, 10 May
2022): Thai Vietjet took home the New Airline Award at the Changi
Airline Awards 2022 hosted by Changi Airport Group in Singapore last week.
Thai Vietjet’s commercial director Pinyot Pibulsonggram received the award that recognised the airline’s commitment to commence flight services to Changi Airport despite COVID-19, highlighting the airline’s contributions toward supporting Singapore’s air hub during the pandemic.
Thai Vietjet’s commercial director Pinyot Pibulsonggram (right) accepts the award at a ceremony at Dusit Thani Laguna, Singapore.
Thai Vietjet commenced the flights to Singapore on 28
April 2022, when travel restrictions in
both countries eased. Initially, the airline offered three flights weekly
between Bangkok and Singapore every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Services will increase to five flights per week every
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting 2 June 2022, and daily
services by 16 June.
Additionally, the airline will start a direct service
between Phuket and Singapore by June 2022.
The Changi Airport Awards resumed this year after a two-year
hiatus due to the pandemic and took place at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.
VIENTIANE, 10 May 2022: Lao PDR reopened the country to
tourists on 9 May following a press briefing that confirmed vaccinated tourists
could enter the country without a pre-flight or on arrival Covid-19 test and
health insurance.
Travellers can enter and leave Lao PDR through all air and
land border checkpoints. They will need to apply for a visa at the nearest Lao
PDR embassy or consulate or apply for an e-Visa online. The exceptions are
nationalities that are eligible for visa-free stays.
However, not all border checkpoints are open on the Thai side when you make the return trip to Thailand. You will need to register on the Thailand Pass https://tp.consular.go.th/ before travelling to Thailand from Laos. Thailand Pass lists the border checkpoints that are applicable. Chiang Rai in the far north bordering both Laos and Myanmar is not on the list, and that is not going to change until the province’s governor gives the all-clear.
All the other Mekong River border checkpoints between Laos
and Northeast Thailand are open for trips to Laos, and travellers can return to
Thailand, but they will need to register online with Thailand Pass.
That is likely to remain the case until late July, when reliable government sources say the Thailand Pass will be phased out. In the meantime, to enter Thailand by air or land, you will need to apply for a Thailand Pass. It requires you to download a clear jpeg image of the relevant passport page, jpeg images of your vaccination certificate and the insurance profile statement showing you have purchased insurance cover of USD10,000. Once you receive a Thailand Pass QR code sent to your email box, you are ready for the border crossing to Thailand.
As for Laos opening up its borders, the KPL Laos News Agency
noted that the government was responding to “positive suggestions from a public
opinion survey and a decline in daily new cases and deaths from Covid-19.”
Deputy Minister and Deputy Head of the Prime Minister’s Office Thipphakone Chanthavongsa said Lao citizens, foreign nationals and stateless people 12 and older who do not have valid vaccination certificates must show ATK test results issued within 48 hours before departing from the country of origin.
Travellers with vaccination certificates may enter Lao PDR
without taking a Covid-19 test, either before departing the country of origin
or when arriving in Laos.
There are no stipulations on buying health insurance, but it would be wise to stay on the safe side and buy a policy. Private hospital fees in Laos and Thailand are astronomical. (You will also need insurance when re-entering Thailand).
Laos also warns that foreigners diagnosed with Covid-19 would need to undergo treatment at a state or private hospitals or in-home isolation depending on the Ministry of Health guidelines at their own expense.
KUCHING, Sarawak, 9 May 2022: The upcoming Borneo Jazz festival promises to keep building on the music tourism ecosystem in Miri to elevate the resort city as a cultural and music hub.
Bringing
musicians of diverse cultural backgrounds together to celebrate jazz music and
empower the local community, a new artist residency programme called FAB LAB
will be an intense six-week interactive workshop in Miri for 30 musicians
starting 9 May to 18 June 2022.
The Fab Lab Open Day was held on 8 May at
Tegas Digital Innovation Hub Miri to allow music enthusiasts to meet the two
musicians and also enjoy a preview of what was to come from 9 May to 18 June.
FAB LAB is led by
two international musicians, Chris Stalk, a saxophonist, composer and arranger
from France and Jules Vulzor, a bassist, DJ and performer from Switzerland.
Sarawak Tourism
Board chief executive officer Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said:
“The FAB LAB programme is in line with STB’s goal to promote music tourism
through our iconic music festivals, which includes Borneo Jazz. By embedding a
knowledge-sharing environment, we hope to create a sustainable jazz culture for
our Sarawakian musicians and provide an international platform to increase
their musical growth.”
It is hoped that
the music workshops and masterclasses offered by the FAB LAB will not only
teach confidence in expression but serve to bridge the gap between the age-old
indigenous oral tradition with the contemporary and evolutionary sounds of jazz
and hip-hop.
“I strongly
believe in fostering Jazz ExChange to advocate cultural diplomacy and promote
sustainable growth in the arts within the local community. Borneo Jazz Artist
Residency programme will indeed cultivate the connection between the
international artists with the musicians’ community in Miri, Sarawak,” says
Evelyn Hii, founder of No Black Tie and artistic director of Borneo Jazz
festival.
FAB LAB aims to empower and enliven musicians before the Borneo Jazz festival through four workshops: Music Appreciation – Listen and Make It Your Own; Methodology – How to FEEL Free Playing Music; Sound Engineering- Make It Sound Good!; and Performance Module- Let’s Play.
HONG KONG, 9 May 2022: The Hong Kong Tourism Board held its
annual Tourism Update event online last week and announced a revival plan to
make the city a top-of-mind destination for worldwide travellers when travel
resumes.
With the theme “Together Towards New Horizons”, Tourism Update 2022 attracted 3,200 trade representatives from travel agencies, attractions, hotels, airlines, retailers, restaurants, and meeting and exhibition organizers from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and overseas markets. The HKTB shared insights into the latest tourism trends and its work plan for the coming year.
Hong Kong Tourism Board Chairman Y K Pang (left) and Executive Director Dane Cheng (right) shared the revival plan of HKTB with 3,200 trade representatives, highlighting Hong Kong’s vibrant developments and new experiences.
In his opening remarks, HKTB Chairman Y K Pang focused on Hong Kong’s path to
normality.
“The fifth wave of the pandemic is subsiding,” he said.
“Hong Kong’s daily life and economic activities are now gradually returning to
normal, allowing us to stage large-scale events and prepare to welcome back
visitors.
“Throughout the pandemic, Hong Kong never stopped building
and upgrading its tourism infrastructure. We will see the grand opening of the
Hong Kong Palace Museum this summer, while the third runway at Hong Kong
International Airport is expected to go into service within the next couple of
years. With these new infrastructure elements and the support of the Central
and Hong Kong SAR Governments, Hong Kong’s competitive edge has held firm, and
we can head towards new horizons with confidence.”
In his presentation of the work plan for the coming year,
HKTB executive director Dane Cheng described how the HKTB will focus on Hong
Kong’s profile globally by launching “Hong Kong Summer Treats.” The
campaign will provide a wide range of discounts and promotional offerings and
will begin with “Arts in Hong Kong” – a campaign that supports
international art and cultural events, such as Art Basel, which will return in
a physical format.
When social distancing measures are further relaxed, the
HKTB will arrange more world-class events in phases, including the Hong Kong
Wine & Dine Festival and Hong Kong WinterFest, and give its support to
other high-profile events such as the Hong Kong Sevens.
Cheng stressed the importance of ensuring a recovery at home
in the run-up to the return of worldwide visitors.
“These promotions will generate a positive ambience in Hong
Kong and demonstrate how we have returned to normal. The HKTB will then launch
extensive promotions, including the tactical ‘Open House Hong Kong’ campaign,
to welcome back visitors when the time is right.”
Guest speakers from major organizations also outlined new
developments to enhance Hong Kong’s world-class tourism infrastructure further.
The West Kowloon Cultural District is one of Hong Kong’s
major arts and cultural projects. Its contemporary art museum M+ opened last
year, and the Hong Kong Palace Museum will welcome its first visitors this
summer. Speaking at the event, West Kowloon Cultural District chief executive
officer Betty Fung said: “As a unique cultural hub with unrivalled
connectivity in Hong Kong and Asia, WKCD presents the best of the eastern and
western culture to visitors, from Chinese arts and antiquities to contemporary
visual culture, and offers visitors a holistic experience blending arts and
culture with retail, dining and entertainment.”
Hong Kong International Airport plays a pivotal role in
maintaining the city’s status as a leading international aviation hub. Airport
Authority Hong Kong executive director (airport operations) Vivian Cheung said:
“In addition to maintaining our aviation hub status, our strategy is to
transform Hong Kong International Airport from a city airport into an Airport
City, developing ourselves into a destination in itself for visitors. The
Airport City aims to attract global visitors through its wide range of
offerings in retail, dining, entertainment and leisure while providing a business
platform through its convention and exhibition facilities. In parallel, we are
further enhancing the airport’s sea and land connectivity with the
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to facilitate a seamless journey
for the 70 million people in the region to visit the Airport City.”
The integration of culture, sports, and tourism is a key
development direction. Kai Tak Sports Park general director (commercial) James Irvine, said: “As one of the most
significant sports infrastructures in Hong Kong, Kai Tak Sports Park will add
vibrancy to the city’s dynamic tourism landscape with its world-class sports,
leisure and entertainment experiences. A first-of-its-kind destination set in
the city’s heart will bring the global community to Hong Kong.”
BALI, Indonesia, 9 May 2022: Emirates landed in Bali last week
for the first time since the suspension of flights in 2020.
Emirates flight EK398 landed at Denpasar International
Airport (DPS) at 2220 and was welcomed by a water cannon salute to mark the
airline’s return.
The operating cabin crew of the flight and the passengers were welcomed at the airport with the traditional ‘joged bumbung’ dance performance, reflecting Bali’s unique culture and rich heritage, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony in attendance of representatives from DPS Airport.
The resumption of
Emirates’ services to Bali comes with easing international travel restrictions
and ramping up of global operations as Covid-19 pandemic infections begin to
wane.
Emirates flight EK398 departs Dubai at 0910, landing in Bali
at 2129. The return flight EK399 departs Bali at 0005, arriving in Dubai at
0500. The airline is currently operating five-weekly services and will scale up
its operations to the island with a daily service starting from 1 July 2022.
Tickets can
be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates sales
offices, via travel agents, and online travel agents.
SINGAPORE, 9 May 2022: Star Alliance members United Airlines
and Singapore Airlines are expanding their codeshare agreement to give
travellers more convenient connections and better fare options for travel to
more cities in the US and Southeast Asia.
The deal gives passengers codeshare flight options to 19 new
destinations for business and leisure travellers. United’s customers can now
connect to nine new codeshare destinations in the SIA Group network. Of these,
seven points are in Southeast Asia. They are Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri
Begawan, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia, and
Denpasar (Bali), Jakarta and Surabaya in Indonesia. They may also connect to
Perth in Australia and Male in the Maldives with SIA.
SIA customers can now connect with United’s flights out of
Los Angeles to 10 new codeshare destinations in the US. They are Austin,
Baltimore, Boise, Cleveland, Denver, Honolulu, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Reno, and
Sacramento. This complements the existing connections available on United’s
network from Houston to Atlanta, Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Ft. Lauderdale,
Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, and Tampa.
