SINGAPORE, 18 November 2024: Resorts World Sentosa broke ground on its highly anticipated new waterfront lifestyle development on 14 November.
The groundbreaking event featured a symbolic shovel celebration officiated by Guest of Honour Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, and Culture, Community and Youth, along with government officials, distinguished guests, as well as executives from RWS and China Metallurgical Group Corporation.
Resorts World Sentosa’s highly anticipated new waterfront lifestyle development is planned for a 2030 openingand is envisioned to set a new benchmark for Singapore and Sentosa, positioning both as iconic, must–visit lifestyle hubs for international and local visitors.
The waterfront development, targeted to open by 2030, is set to redefine luxury and lifestyle for both new and returning guests.
The new waterfront development will feature a waterfront promenade, a four-storey retail and dining podium with entertainment offerings, and two new luxury hotels with 700 rooms.
RWS Chief Executive Officer Tan Hee Teck stated, ” The new waterfront lifestyle development underscores our steadfast commitment to bolstering Singapore’s identity as a premier global lifestyle destination, which will take RWS and Singapore to the next frontier of tourism in the coming years.
With its bold, iconic design and distinctive offerings, this upcoming development project is like no other in Singapore or the region. It will be a must-visit in the global tourism landscape.”
Resorts World Sentosa’s highly anticipated new waterfront lifestyle development is planned for a 2030 opening and is envisioned to set a new benchmark for Singapore and Sentosa, positioning both as an iconic, must-visit lifestyle hub for international and local visitors.
KUCHING, 18 November 2024: “AI may not take our jobs, but those who know how to use AI will”, said PATA Director of Sustainability & Research, Pavnesh Kumar, at the recent event “AI-Driven Transformation: Empowering Sarawak’s Tourism SMEs.”
He stressed the need for tourism businesses to embrace AI and said that PATA was in a strong position to navigate the journey.
Welcome remarks by Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, the CEO of the Sarawak Tourism Board.
UpThink CEO Matt Gibson led the sessions of an event co-organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
Through UpThink, an international consultancy specialising in AI and WordPress solutions for the travel industry, the AI capability training programme provided local tourism businesses with practical skill sets and knowledge to thrive in the digital age as part of a broader programme to support SMEs in tourism.
Over four days, participants explored powerful AI tools, discussed ethical considerations, and worked hands-on with projects to integrate AI into daily operations.
Last May, PATA and the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainability in Sarawak’s tourism industry.
Photo credit: PATA. Participants proudly hold certificates after the ‘AI-Driven Transformation: Empowering Sarawak’s Tourism SMEs’ programme.
The first initiative from this collaboration was the Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) Programme in Kuching, Malaysia, held from 20 to 24 May. The four-day training programme focused on improving participants’ risk assessment and management skills, adaptive capacity, and finance and digital skills.
Following the success of the TDR programme and participants’ enthusiasm for further hands-on training, PATA and STB introduced a new programme tailored specifically for Sarawak’s local SMEs, with an emphasis on digital skills, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).
The event, held at the Theatre Hotel in Kuching, was designed to equip local tourism businesses with practical AI skills and to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor welcomed participants to the workshops, saying STB recognised the “vital role of collaboration among Sarawak’s stakeholders in advancing the industry towards a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative future and underscored the value of hands-on workshops like this one in achieving that vision.”
Sixty-three participants attended the training, primarily from the accommodation sector and tour operators/travel agencies in Kuching. The training received an overwhelmingly positive response, with 98% of participants reporting that the workshop met their expectations and 93% affirming they plan to apply the AI concepts learned in their businesses.
Participants particularly appreciated the topics covered in the training, as noted by 80% of respondents, as well as the group activities and exercises, the materials and resources provided, and the networking opportunities. The most preferred topic was AI for visual content generation, which received 55% of the votes, placing it first.
Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team helmed by Giles Scott in action on Race Day 2 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, Australia. Saturday 25th February 2024. Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP
DUBAI, UAE, 18 November 2024: Emirates has confirmed a five-season global sponsorship with SailGP, making it the exclusive Global Airline Partner of the annual sail racing championship – a first for the league.
Emirates will continue as the Title Partner of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, which will take place in Mina Rashid from 23 to 24 November. This will ensure that the Dubai fixture continues to be an iconic event within the SailGP annual calendar, helping grow attendance and promoting Dubai as an attractive destination for racing fans and enthusiasts.
Ben Ainslie, driver of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, at the wheel during a practice session ahead of the Emirates Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 7th December 2023. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP
The airline will also become the Title Partner of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team’s new home event in Portsmouth. The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth will mark SailGP’s long-awaited return to the UK, bringing top-flight racing action back to British shores from 19 to 20 July 2025.
SailGP is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and entertainment properties, with 12 national teams confirmed for the 2025 season. The league’s annual competition calendar spans iconic destinations across five continents, with at least 13 events next season.
Registering significant growth in fan engagement, global broadcast and digital reach, and ticketed attendance at its events, SailGP events also enjoy a strong crossover with major destinations on the Emirates network.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, said: “Our expanded relationship with SailGP is based on a shared commitment to bring the growing sport of sailing to a broader global audience on and off the waters. SailGP is emerging as a pioneering force in the sport, focusing on establishing connections with a new legion of loyal SailGP fans through impactful experiences. Emirates and SailGP also have a common vision and brand promise – to ‘sport better’ and ‘fly better,’ driven by excellence and innovation.
We’re also a proud Title Partner of the events in Dubai and Portsmouth, which will kickstart the competition in our home city and bring sailing back to the UK in 2025 to become a permanent fixture on Sail-GP’s vibrant global calendar. We look forward to seeing sporting talent display their strength, passion, and technique at the highest level over the coming seasons.”
Sir Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Emirates on board as SailGP’s Official Airline Partner, strengthening an enduring relationship with the world-class carrier heading into our most exciting season to date. Emirates has a long-standing association with some of the world’s most-loved sporting clubs, tournaments, and events, and we are enormously proud to join the Emirates family. Emirates will be a key partner in helping SailGP reach new audiences through a shared passion for sporting excellence and a commitment to innovation.”
As a Global Partner and Airline Partner of SailGP, Emirates will have an expanded brand presence across SailGP’s Emmy award-winning LiveLine broadcast production. Features including “Emirates Finish” and “Emirates Fly Time” will make their television debut in the upcoming season-opener in Dubai.
Emirates will continue its proud association with sports officiating by becoming SailGP’s official Umpire partner, working closely with the league to amplify the role of its officials – working remotely from SailGP’s broadcast studio in London – and further explaining the sport for fans in SailGP’s 212+ broadcast territories. Emirates will also allow racing fans to watch SailGP races on all flights via the airline’s award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice.
The airline will have onsite branding across the SailGP Race Stadium, trophy presentation, and numerous other prominent areas. In addition, the Emirates’ logo will appear on all of SailGP’s high-tech F50 catamarans competing in the Title Events in Dubai and Portsmouth.
Other benefits include marketing, digital, and social media rights, as well as world-class hospitality at SailGP’s top-tier hospitality offering, the Adrenaline Lounge. Emirates and SailGP will also collaborate to deliver community programmes that are in line with SailGP’s local impact strategy.
Emirates has been a staunch supporter of sailing, with its first sponsorship dating back to 2004 as the naming sponsor of Emirates Team New Zealand, five-time America’s Cup champions. Emirates is also a proud sponsor of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, one of the league’s most successful sailing teams. The airline will continue to support the team for the next three seasons of the racing calendar. Emirates’ signature “Fly Better” logo is visible on all the Emirates GBR F50, with prominent branding on the team’s clothing, sailing apparel and equipment.
SailGP’s 2025 Season gets underway on November 23-24, unfolding over two action-packed days on the pristine waters of Mina Rashid. The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas, is set to be a flagship event on the regional sporting calendar – the third time SailGP has visited the city and the second edition with Emirates as Title Partner. The remaining tickets are on sale now at SailGP.com/Dubai.
Tickets for the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth go on sale next month (pre-sale on 9 December 2024 and general sale on 11 December 2024). For more information, visit SailGP.com/greatbritain
SINGAPORE, 18 November 2024: Trip.com, an online travel service provider, has introduced a new feature highlighting sustainable hotels and accommodations certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
This initiative aims to make it easier for travellers to identify and book sustainable hotels and accommodations, promoting responsible tourism choices. Only hotels and other accommodation facilities with a GSTC-accredited certification will be eligible for inclusion in this feature.
Businesses certified by a GSTC-accredited certification body that meets all the GSTC criteria (or GSTC-recognised standards) have the highest level of assurance and credibility available. With an accredited certification, customers and buyers are assured that the business was certified in a credibly verified procedure in a transparent, impartial, and competent manner.
By showcasing properties with accredited certifications, Trip.com responds to the growing demand for sustainable travel options and provides an added incentive for hotels to pursue sustainability certifications. The partnership between Trip.com and GSTC emphasises the growing importance of sustainability practices within the travel industry, empowering travellers to identify and choose sustainable accommodations easily.
By joining the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Trip.com Group commits to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The partnership with GSTC builds on Trip.com Group’s broader commitment to sustainability, including lower-emission travel solutions across transportation modes—cars, trains, and flights—and other initiatives to promote more sustainable travel.
The Trip.com platform will display “Certified Sustainable” labels for hotels certified by GSTC-accredited certification Bodies, allowing travellers to search, view, and choose sustainable options easily.
GSTC Market Access Programme
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Market Access Programme is designed to help certified tourism businesses, such as hotels and accommodations, gain increased visibility and access to markets that value sustainability. Through this program, GSTC facilitates connections between certified entities and key players in the travel and tourism industry, such as Trip.com, Booking.com, Traveloka, and AMEX GBT, among others. This initiative ensures that certified hotels/accommodations are valued by partners who prioritise responsible travel, enhancing their competitive edge.
Trip.com at the GSTC2024 Global Conference Singapore
Trip.com Group Vice President Edison Chen participated in the GSTC2024 Global Conference’s session “Driving Profitable Sustainability: Business Opportunities in ASEAN’s Sustainable Tourism” as part of the tourism conference held in Sentosa, Singapore, from 13 to 16 November.
SINGAPORE, 18 November 2024: Air Astana has opened The Shanyrak, its first-ever business lounge at Almaty Airport, representing a milestone in its 22-year history.
The lounge is exclusively designed for Air Astana’s business-class passengers and eligible Nomad Club loyalty members departing on the airline’s international flights.
Photo credit Air Astana.
The Shanyrak is a luxurious business lounge offering a full range of services to meet the expectations of international travellers. Visitors to the lounge can relax and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere enriched with Kazakh cultural style before their flights. Lounge features include areas for work and rest, a parent-and-child room, showers and facilities for passengers with limited mobility, and flight information displays. Guests are offered a selection of hot meals, snacks, and beverages.
The lounge can accommodate over 100 guests and is open 24 hours a day. Local and international partners have been engaged to manage the lounge, meeting standards tailored to passenger preferences and the airline’s longstanding reputation for delivering outstanding passenger service.
SINGAPORE, 18 November 2024: SalamAir, Oman’s low-fare airline has introduced its lowest-ever fare for travel between Muscat and Salalah starting at OMR9.99 (USD 25.98).
The Omani Rial 9.99 Light Fare is valid for one-way flights between Muscat and Salalah starting 1 December 2024.
This new starting fare is not a limited-time promotion but rather a permanent step in SalamAir’s commitment to offering affordable and flexible travel options. By providing low fares, SalamAir aims to encourage more travel between Muscat and Salalah by making flights affordable.
“We are pleased to introduce this new, super low fare to Salalah, which is just one of the many steps we are taking to reaffirm our low-cost business,” said SalamAir CEO Adrian Hamilton-Manns. “Our goal is to provide passengers with more affordable travel options while offering flexibility and exceptional value for money. We have been working hard to change our business back to being low-fare focused to make air travel more affordable.”
This new fare is part of SalamAir’s broader strategy to develop its low-cost model that allows customers to tailor their travel experiences according to their needs. SalamAir is also introducing additional services to provide more flexibility and convenience for its passengers.
Passengers can book their flights from Muscat to Salalah starting 1 December through SalamAir’s website, SalamAir.com, or mobile app. Early bookings are encouraged to secure these super-low fares and to take full advantage of the new travel options.
GURUGRAM, India, 18 November 2024: Tourism Australia and Air India have signed a three-year marketing agreement to sustain and drive the positive trend in Indian visitor arrivals to Australia as Air India expands its presence in the market.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Tourism Australia and Air India will explore opportunities to jointly undertake and implement marketing activities to showcase Australia’s world-class appeal and drive future growth in visitation.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said: “We have seen tremendous growth in the number of arrivals from India to Australia in recent years, and we are keen for arrivals to continue to track in that direction. Tourism Australia’s agreement with Air India highlights our commitment to strengthening partnerships and exploring new ways to encourage Indian travellers to plan and book an Australia holiday. We look forward to working closely with Air India to showcase Australia as a holiday destination.”
Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager of Eastern Markets and Aviation, Andrew Hogg added: “As one of Australia’s valuable tourism markets, India holds immense promise, and we’re excited to collaborate with Air India to elevate further Australia’s appeal for high-yielding Indian leisure and business travellers. We aim to sustain growth in visitor numbers from India to Australia while enhancing travel experiences and connectivity between the two countries.”
Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Campbell Wilson rounded off the announcement by saying, “We are excited to partner with Tourism Australia to facilitate travellers’ experiences of this destination’s unique offerings. As we broaden our global network, we also aim to deepen our presence in Australia.”
Air India currently operates 17 weekly non-stop flights connecting India and Australia. In the year to August 2024, the airline transported over 170,000 Indian travellers, securing an 18.5% market share and remains one of the largest carriers of traffic from India to Australia.
SRI VIJAYA PURAM, India, 18 November 2024: AirAsia has introduced flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sri Vijaya Puram, India, (formerly known as Port Blair), the Capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The inaugural flight landed at Veer Savarkar International Airport on 16 November, marking the start of six weekly flights linking both capital cities.
Photo credit: AirAsia.
This new route highlights AirAsia’s growing presence in India and underscores the airline’s commitment to serving underserved markets and strengthening regional connectivity to meet increasing demand for travel to emerging destinations like Sri Vijaya Puram.
Malaysia and India have vast, untapped tourism potential, and AirAsia is the only airline in Malaysia offering affordable direct flights on this unique route. Introducing this new service also marks the airline’s shortest connection between Malaysia and India, enabling avid travellers to access this hidden island escape easily.
AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “This marks a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen our presence in India, one of our largest and most rapidly expanding markets. Our vision and mission has always been to enhance affordable connectivity across Asia, and by flying this new route to Sri Vijaya Puram, we are supporting the Indian government’s target of over 10 million foreign tourist arrivals by the end of this year, as well as the Tourism 2047 vision, which aims to increase inbound tourism tenfold. We are proud to contribute to India’s rise as a premier global destination.
“With over a thousand seats available weekly, this service is set to boost regional travel and make travelling abroad easier for people on the island. We are excited to welcome travellers from the island who want to visit Kuala Lumpur, which offers affordable connections to other parts of Malaysia, Southeast Asia and beyond on our extensive network.”
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, famed for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life, are a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Furthermore, the new e-visa entry facility at Port Blair Seaport is expected to attract more foreign tourists to this picturesque archipelago.
With Kuala Lumpur as its main hub, Indian travellers from Sri Vijaya Puram will enjoy seamless access to Malaysia’s top attractions—from the vibrant city life in Kuala Lumpur to its rich cultural tapestry and historical landmarks, including the unique architecture of Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the lush rainforests and diverse wildlife of Sabah and Sarawak.
AirAsia’s network also opens up connections, making it easier to explore Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. This new route strengthens ties between India and Malaysia and simplifies the journey for Indian tourists eager to experience Malaysia’s beauty and culture as part of a broader Asian adventure.
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 November 2024: Lion Air is the latest airline to join the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), the association announced on Thursday.
Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, Lion Air is Indonesia’s largest privately run airline and a significant player in Southeast Asia’s competitive low-cost airline sector. Founded in 1999, Lion Air operates international and domestic air services connecting Indonesian cities to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, China, Japan, Korea, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Saudi Arabia.
Photo credit: Lion Air.
AAPA Director General Subhas Menon commented: “We are delighted to welcome Lion Air as a member of AAPA. With Lion Air’s strong presence in the budget air travel segment, this important milestone reflects the diversity of the association’s membership. It reinforces its role as the voice of international air carriers in the Asia Pacific region, regardless of business model. Sharing best practices and experiences as we do will make the industry more resilient and ensure safe and sustainable growth”.
“With its excellent connectivity across Indonesia and a growing network of international destinations, Lion Air is committed to expanding accessibility to various regions in Indonesia and to playing a key role in supporting the country’s economic and social development,” said Lion Air’s President Director Rudy Lumingkewas. “Lion Air is looking forward to working with other AAPA members and playing its part in the continued success of the Asia Pacific air transport sector”.
KOTA KINABALU, 15 November 2024: Sabah introduced its Explore Sabah initiative during the recent World Travel Market (WTM), highlighting the state’s distinctive attractions and paving the way for Visit Malaysia 2026.
Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew launched the campaign at the WTM Sabah Pavilion on 5 November, followed by a Memorandum of Collaboration signed with Intrepid UK, a leading outbound tour firm.
Memorandum of Collaboration signing between Sabah Tourism Board and Intrepid UK, witnessed by YB Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah; His Excellency Dato’ Zakri Jaafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK and Ireland; YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah and Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board; and YBhg. Datuk Josie Lai, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah Permanent Secretary. Signing the memorandum: Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, and Ms. Angela Chen, Senior Marketing Manager – EMEA, Intrepid UK.
She led a strong Sabah delegation to the four-day WTM event in London that included 13 Sabah-based travel agents.
Speaking at the Explore Sabah campaign launch, Liew said: “Our participation at the World Travel Market is part of a larger journey to connect with global partners and amplify our presence in the UK and beyond to position Sabah as the ultimate destination for unforgettable cultural, adventure, and nature experiences.”
The Minister stressed that Explore Sabah is a strategic initiative to enhance Sabah’s appeal as a favourite destination, particularly in anticipation of Visit Malaysia 2026. “Through Explore Sabah, we are gearing up to showcase our stunning state and establish it as Malaysia’s preferred destination for those seeking unforgettable experiences in culture, adventure, and nature,” she added.
According to Liew, the campaign highlights Sabah’s 10 distinctive wonders, including UNESCO heritage sites, the five highest peaks, rich biodiversity, and memorable wildlife encounters.
In the latest update on Sabah’s tourism sector, she reported substantial growth from January to August, with visitor arrivals reaching 2,094,202, an increase of 25.7% compared to the same period in 2023 (1,665,951). “International arrivals surged by 64.5%, totalling 867,231 visitors, bringing tourism back to 87% of pre-pandemic levels.”
“Currently, Sabah is connected to 19 international gateway cities in important outbound travel source markets, with plans for further connectivity,” Liew said, expressing optimism about achieving a target of 3 million visitors by year-end.
The Minister also announced a national campaign collaboration between the Sabah Tourism Board and Intrepid UK to enhance Sabah’s international profile.
Present at the MoC signing and campaign launch were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister cum STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Josie Lai; Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar; and STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.
