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Sarawak taps China travel market

BEIJING, 4 November 2025: Leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), in collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), reignited its presence in the China market through the Sarawak Business Networking Seminar held in Beijing and Taiyuan from 28 to 30 October 2025.

The programme, held in Beijing and extended to Taiyuan — a key hub in Shanxi Province — broadened STB’s outreach to new audiences in northern China. The seminar achieved strong outcomes, including closer trade partnerships, greater product awareness, and initial opportunities for collaborative tour development. 

It underscored STB’s commitment to strengthening its presence and partnerships in China’s outbound travel market.

“This mission is more than a seminar, it’s a reconnection,” said STB’s Marketing Director (North Asia & New Market) Dylan Redas Noel.

“China remains a key market for us, and with Beijing and Taiyuan, it is an important gateway; we are rebuilding strong, lasting relationships with our partners.”

He also extended gratitude to Royal Brunei Airlines for their pivotal role in reviving accessibility to Sarawak. 

“This collaboration goes beyond connectivity — it’s a bridge between our cultures, our people, and our shared ambitions.”

Designed as a strategic B2B platform, the seminar brought together Sarawak’s tourism operators, Chinese travel agents, airline partners, and media representatives to strengthen the industry relationships and create new opportunities for collaboration. Participants exchanged ideas, developed potential travel packages, and explored Sarawak’s unique offerings across its five tourism pillars — Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals.

The Beijing – Bandar Seri Begawan – Kuching route operated by Royal Brunei Airlines was highlighted as a vital dual-destination connection that enhances travel access between China and Sarawak. To further encourage participation, RBA sponsored return tickets to Kuching for lucky draw winners, offering them the opportunity to experience Sarawak’s hospitality firsthand. This initiative also marked the first collaboration between STB and RBA’s team in China.

The programme featured presentations by STB and Royal Brunei Airlines, followed by sessions where Sarawak operators introduced new itineraries and engaged in productive discussions with Chinese partners. STB also conducted courtesy visits to C-Trip, Qunar, and Malaysia Airlines’ Beijing Office, strengthening its ties with major online travel platforms and aviation partners to enhance Sarawak’s visibility among Chinese consumers.

For more information on Sarawak’s tourism, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board

(Source: STB)

Minor Hotels expands Tivoli brand

MADRID, 4 November 2025: Minor Hotels announces the launch of a new Tivoli Hotels & Resorts property in Italy, located in the heart of Puglia, following extensive renovations to the hotel.

Situated in Lecce’s historic centre, on Via Imperatore Augusto, between Piazza Sant’Oronzo and Piazzetta Santa Chiara, the Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce is set to open in April 2026.

Photo credit: Minor Hotels. City of Lecce.

Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce will feature 45 guest rooms, a restaurant on the ground floor and a lounge bar at the rooftop with breathtaking views of the Cathedral Bell Tower. Guests will also enjoy a wellness area with a pool, treatment rooms, Turkish bath, and a fully equipped gym.

Located within walking distance of key attractions, including the Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and Lecce Cathedral, the new Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce offers easy access to beautiful beaches just 20 minutes away by car. The city is well-connected via Brindisi Airport (35-minute drive) and high-speed rail from major Italian cities.

With a journey that dates back to 1933 in Lisbon, Tivoli Hotels & Resorts has expanded from Portugal to Brazil, Qatar, and China, and continues to grow its footprint further in Europe with recent openings in Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. 

(Source: Minor Hotels)

Sales open for Explora III preview cruise

SINGAPORE, 4 November 2025: MSC Group’s Explora Journeys travel brand has confirmed its ship, Explora III, will embark on a preview sailing in the Mediterranean from 24 to 29 July 2026, ahead of its official maiden voyage departing Barcelona on 3 August.

Sailing from Genoa and concluding in Civitavecchia (Rome), ‘A Mediterranean Prelude to Explora III’ will follow the coastlines of the French and Italian Rivieras. In Marseille, guests will explore the Vieux-Port before continuing to Saint-Tropez, home to beaches and boutique-lined streets that capture the Côte d’Azur’s signature glamour. The pastel harbourfront of Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a quieter charm, serving as the perfect starting point for discovering Nice’s palm-shaded avenues and Belle Époque elegance. Crossing back into Italy, Livorno serves as a gateway to Tuscany’s rolling landscapes and the Renaissance treasures of Florence, before the Eternal City, Rome, beckons as the final port of call.

Explora Journeys is an MSC travel brand.

Explora III is the first LNG-powered ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, representing the next step in MSC Group`s commitment to sustainable ocean travel. 

With 463 ocean-front suites, penthouses, and residences — all with private terraces — the ship will offer seven restaurants, 13 indoor and outdoor bars and lounges, as well as generous outdoor decks. 

(Source: MSC)

Vietjet flies to Manila

HO CHI MINH CITY, 4 November 2025: To celebrate the launch of its first-ever route to the Philippines, set to commence on 22 November, Vietjet is offering a seven-day promotion on the new route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Manila, the capital of the Philippines. 

From 4 to 10 November 2025, Vietjet will offer zero-cost tickets (you pay just the taxes and fees). The deal also includes an additional 20kg of free checked baggage for passengers who buy Eco tickets on the Ho Chi Minh City – Manila route via the airline’s website and mobile app. The promotion is valid for flights from 22 November 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet rolls out perks on its new route SGN-MNL.

Vietjet’s Ho Chi Minh City – Manila route launches on 22 November, with five flights weekly departing HCMC on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The airline deploys an A321 with 213 seats in a single-class configuration.

Flight schedule

VJ858 departs Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 2305 and arrives in Manila (MNL) at 0250, plus a day.
VJ859 departs Manila (MNL) at 0345 and arrives in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) at 0530.

(Source: Vietjet)

Vietjet boosts flights to Australia

HO CHI MINH CITY, 4 November 2025: Welcoming the year-end travel and festival season, Vietjet has increased flights on routes to  Australia’s gateway cities.

On routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam) With Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, the number of round-trip flights will increase to seven weekly. 

Photo credit: Vietjet. Sydney

Vietjet will increase its weekly round-trip flights to Brisbane to five and its weekly round-trip flights to Perth to three.

The increase in flights took effect on 1 November 2025.

PG opens passenger lounge at DMK

BANGKOK, 4 November 2025: Bangkok Airways has opened a passenger lounge at Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) serving both Blue Ribbon Class (business class) and economy class passengers.

The lounge is divided into two main zones — the Blue Ribbon Club Lounge for business class passengers and FlyerBonus Premier members, and the Boutique Lounge for economy class passengers.

Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.

Both lounges are equipped with a refreshment corner, beverages, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Currently, Bangkok Airways operates just three daily round-trip flights between Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Samui Island.

(Source: Bangkok Airways)

IndiGo launches Bengaluru-Riyadh flights

DELHI, 4 November 2025: IndiGo has announced the launch of direct flights between Bengaluru and Riyadh, starting 16 November 2025. 

IndiGo will operate its Airbus A320 aircraft with 180 seats on the new route, offering five weekly flights to Riyadh from India’s technology hub, Bengaluru.

Photo credit: IndiGo.

IndiGo currently connects India with four key cities in Saudi Arabia – Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, and Madinah — along with a growing network across the Middle East. 

The addition of the Bengaluru–Riyadh route further strengthens IndiGo’s presence in the region. 

“As Saudi Arabia’s capital and a key hub for trade and investment, Riyadh is significant for IndiGo to strengthen air connectivity with India. This new route from Bengaluru marks IndiGo’s fourth non-stop connection to Riyadh, after Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad,” said IndiGo Head of Sales, Vinay Malhotra. “It will enhance accessibility for business and workforce from the region while reinforcing IndiGo’s growing network across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.”

Bookings are now open on IndiGo’s website and mobile app.

Flights to China resume

Meanwhile, the airline has commenced daily, direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, becoming the first Indian carrier to reinstate direct connectivity between India and Mainland China. The flights on this route will be operated on IndiGo’s A320 aircraft.

Guangzhou, situated in southern China, is recognised as a significant global business hub for manufacturing and export logistics.

The resumption of connectivity between India and China caters to the growing demand for passenger and cargo movement, unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism. Building on this expansion, IndiGo will also begin flights between Delhi and Guangzhou from 10 November 2025, further strengthening its presence in this important trade and travel corridor.

(Source: IndiGo)

BESarawak welcomes new chairman

KUCHING, 3 November 2025: Business Events Sarawak confirms the appointment of Datu Hii Chang Kee as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective 1 November 2025.

Datu Hii, the former Deputy Sarawak State Secretary (Operations), overseeing public communication, service transformation, and innovation, steps into the role following the retirement of the former BESarawak Chairman, Dato Sri Abang Haji Abdul Karim bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, last August.

Datu Hii brings a deep understanding of how government, industry, and community can work together to create a meaningful impact. He aims to steer BESarawak toward becoming Malaysia’s leading convention bureau and a regional muscle for legacy-driven events.

“The appointment of Datu Hii is timely and strategic,” said Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. “His position within government enables him to bridge strategy and execution, ensuring that Sarawak becomes an international model of inclusive leadership where collaboration between government and industry drives sustainable growth.”

Guided by this vision, Datu Hii will position Sarawak as a key destination for impactful, legacy-driven business events that contribute meaningfully to the economy, community, and sustainable development, in line with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.

“Over the next five years, we will align plans to transform Sarawak into a business events destination of high strategic value,” said Datu Hii. “Our direction will be guided by three pillars – transformation and innovation, impact and legacy, and partnerships and people. 

“To achieve this, we have outlined five key focus areas, which are destination development, market diversification, digital transformation, sustainability leadership, and talent development”. 

“These areas form the backbone of Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a globally recognised destination for high-value, high-impact business events where progress, partnership, and pride merge for a sustainable future.” 

With over 30 years of experience in the public sector, Datu Hii’s career is marked by a strong foothold in business events and tourism, having previously served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, and led the formulation of the Sarawak Tourism Master Plan 2021–2035.

“His appointment marks a new chapter for Sarawak’s business events industry, balancing continuity with fresh ambition to elevate Sarawak’s global competitiveness,” said BESarawak CEO Amelia Roziman. 

“His extensive experience in public service, coupled with his deep understanding of the business events landscape, will be invaluable to the industry’s future and significance to the government and society.”

Datu Hii recently chaired the Legacy Event Advocacy Policy (LEAP) Summit, which led to the Borneo Legacy Declaration, a landmark agreement endorsed by policymakers and influencers from Malaysia, Australia, the Philippines, and the UK. 

It also stands as a strong testament to Sarawak’s leadership in driving positive long-term change across the Asia Pacific, as well as to Datu Hii’s influence in uniting international players in championing business event legacies at the policy-making level.

Among his impressive list of achievements, he has served on the Sarawak Tourism Board, Sarawak Arts Council, and Tourism Malaysia, contributing to landmark projects such as the Borneo Cultures Museum. 

About Business Events Sarawak
BESarawak is Malaysia’s first convention bureau and a non-profit organisation that drives industry growth through legacy impact and sustainability, while supporting organisers with event solutions. As one of six priority sectors under the Sarawak Government’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, BESarawak champions business events as a catalyst for economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. 

For more information, visit www.businesseventssarawak.com

(Source: Your Stories — BESarawak)

Air passenger traffic up 3.6% in September

SINGAPORE, 3 November 2025: Global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) improved 3.6% during September, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports in its latest data released on Friday.

Compared with data from September 2024, total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 3.7% year-on-year. 

The September load factor was 83.4% (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).

International demand rose 5.1%. Capacity was up 5.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.6% (-0.1 ppt).

Domestic demand increased 0.9% compared to September 2024. Capacity was up 1.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.0% (-0.1 ppt).

“Solid international demand drove 90% of September’s 3.6% overall growth. Importantly, the capacity expansion slightly outpaced demand growth at 3.7%. Load factors, nonetheless, remained very strong at 83.4%. With November flight schedules indicating a 3% expansion on the previous year, airlines are gearing up for continued growth into the year-end holiday season. This is despite the severe constraints of unresolved supply chain issues,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets 

International RPK growth reached 5.1% in September year-on-year, and growth was seen in all regions. The only region to show a significant improvement in load factor was the Asia-Pacific region. 

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 7.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.3% (+1.0 ppt compared to September 2024). Intra-Asia travel was the strongest driver of growth with a 9.4% increase, led primarily by traffic from China and Japan.

European carriers had a 4.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.6% (-0.3 ppt compared to September 2024).

North American carriers saw a 2.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 82.9% (-1.5 ppt compared to September 2024). The North America-Asia corridor showed weak growth of just 0.9%. By contrast, North America-South America traffic bounced back from its August decline, with growth of 1.1%.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 6.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 6.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.9% (unchanged compared to September 2024).

Latin American airlines saw a 5.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 6.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.3% (-1.2 ppt compared to September 2024).

African airlines saw a 5.3% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.1% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.7% (+0.1 ppt compared to September 2024).

For the full read, visit: Air Passenger Market Analysis – September 2025 – IATA.

(Source: IATA)

GBA: Lunar New Year flights to the Maldives

HONG KONG, 3 November 2025: Lunar New Year is traditionally a peak travel season, and to meet travellers’ demand, Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) will launch a seasonal service to the Maldives from 8 to 25 February 2026. 

The airline will operate daily flights between Hong Kong and Velana International Airport in Male, Maldives, for the Lunar New Year holiday peak season. The airline will deploy its Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route.

Photo credit: GBA. Lunar New Year flights to the Maldives

The Maldives is a popular destination for Hong Kong residents seeking to escape winter chills for a Lunar New Year holiday on the tropical islands of the Maldives.  

Flight schedule

Hong Kong (HKG) – Male (MLE) (Velana International Airport)

GBA commenced scheduled service in July 2022 and is currently operating scheduled flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, Sendai, Sapporo, Manila, Phu Quoc, Zhoushan, Huangshan, Yichang, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Quanzhou, Xuzhou, Datong and Enshi with a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. 

(Source: GBA)