SINGAPORE, 21 November 2024: Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled its latest discount, offering up to 45% savings to Asian travellers.
The savings apply to select sailings and suite categories on cruises worldwide. For returning travellers or those discovering the world with Regent for the first time, additional Gift of Travel benefits are available on over 70 destination-rich voyages from January through December 2026.
Seven Seas Prestige.
The deals apply to new bookings between 16 November 2024 and 1 January 2025. The offer gives guests even more reason to immerse themselves in some of the world’s most iconic and enthralling destinations.
Gift of Travel is available on applicable cruises up to a Concierge Suite or Penthouse Suite, depending on the ship and sailing.
Highlighted Sailings with Gift of Travel Offer
Seven Seas Explorer 7-night Great Alaskan Adventure Anchorage (Whittier), Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia, departs on 21 May 2025.
Seven Seas Navigator 14-night Dalmatian Coast Discovery Athens (Piraeus) to Istanbul, Turkey, departs on 5 October 2025.
BANGKOK, 21 November 2024: In an era of rapid technological advancement, fraudsters deploy increasingly sophisticated schemes, leaving no industry untouched.
As Thailand’s tourism sector makes a strong recovery with digital transformation at its core, travellers have become prime targets for these malicious actors. This underscores an urgent need for decisive action.
Caesar Indra
With International Fraud Awareness Week from 17 to 23 November, businesses and consumers are reminded to stay vigilant and proactive. The threat of online fraud in Thailand’s tourism sector, a key contributor to the economy, is particularly concerning. Tourism contributes up to 25% of Thailand’s GDP, generating jobs and driving equitable growth. However, scammers threaten this progress, making digital security essential for maintaining Thailand’s reputation as a safe travel destination.
Fraud has inflicted significant financial losses across Thailand. Over 26,000 online scam cases have been reported to the Thai Police this year alone, resulting in losses of THB4.65 billion (USD138 million).
Understanding Scammer Tactics
To effectively combat fraud, it is crucial to understand how scammers operate. While their methods have evolved, their fundamental approach remains the same—they prey on trust, fear, and the tendency to share personal information. Scammers often lure unsuspecting travellers with deals that seem too good to be true, using fake websites, social media ads, and impersonation tactics. In Thailand, common scams include fake visa application services, hotel bookings, and even job postings, which can lead to financial loss and frustration when dream vacations are fictitious. This impacts travellers and risks tarnishing Thailand’s appeal as a premier destination. In the worst cases, such scams deter future travel—an unwanted outcome for a tourism sector that the World Bank projects will attract over 36 million visitors this year.
A few simple steps protect
Exercising caution and vigilance is paramount, especially with enticing advertisements promising unreasonably low prices or high discounts. Scammers frequently spoof brand names and addresses, making it easy to overlook subtle discrepancies. Verifying the authenticity of travel platforms before sharing sensitive information such as credit card details, CCV codes, or OTP can prevent scams. Actions like checking for verification badges and avoiding unsolicited offers can greatly reduce scam risks. Traveloka prioritises transparency and security, urging users to report any suspicious activity. Simple precautions lower risks and boost digital literacy in today’s interconnected world.
At the government level, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) in Thailand is spearheading comprehensive anti-fraud initiatives. Key efforts such as the establishment of the Anti-Online Scam Operation Center (AOC) and the introduction of the Emergency Cybercrime Decree in 2023, alongside the recent launch of the 2024 #ThaisAware anti-scam digital literacy campaign, a digital literacy initiative focused on combating online scams.
Businesses also play a crucial role in fraud prevention. At Traveloka, we take a dual approach that is both human-centric and technology-driven. Our advanced machine learning algorithms flag suspicious activities, while robust security protocols protect user data, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and end-to-end encryption. Additionally, Traveloka’s 24-hour fraud team monitors activities in real-time and actively runs awareness campaigns. We also collaborate with government officials and industry partners, recognising that safeguarding Thailand’s tourism industry is a shared responsibility.
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 November 2024: Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) led a delegation of travel and hospitality companies to Barcelona’s IBTM show from 17 to 21 November.
For the ninth consecutive year, Malaysia’s leading travel and hospitality providers showcased the country as one of the top destinations for business events.
This year’s event, taking place at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, provides MyCEB with a platform to highlight Malaysia’s strengths in the ever-evolving business events sector.
“IBTM World allows us to share Malaysia’s diverse capabilities with the international community, forge invaluable connections, and generate impactful business leads to secure new partnerships and drive economic growth through this platform,” stated MyCEB Director of Business Development Noor Azlan.
IBTM attracts 12,000 attendees from the business travel events sector and 2,650 hosted buyers worldwide.
A highlight of MyCEB’s participation this year is the launch of the MyTripleE version 2.0 campaign which builds upon the successful initial campaign set to conclude this quarter that redefined Malaysia’s business events sector through three core initiatives: Excel, Elevate, and Enliven. The campaign caters to regional and international markets, with MyCEB extending financial and non-financial support to qualifying applicants.
Through MyTripleE 2.0, MyCEB seeks to engage more stakeholders and enhance Malaysia’s competitive edge, empowering the sector’s growth and sustainability in the global business events industry.
Since its founding in 2011, MyCEB has supported 2,419 business events up to 2019, attracting approximately 1.94 million delegates and contributing an estimated MYR14.7 billion to the economy.
Following Covid-19, from 2020 to 2023, MyCEB supported 497 business events, drawing in around 1.2 million delegates and adding an estimated MYR4.9 billion in economic impact. These achievements underscore MyCEB’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s standing in the global business events industry while generating significant economic contributions.
Co-exhibitors joining MyCEB at IBTM
1. Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) 2. Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) 3. Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) 4. Malayan Safaris 5. Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) 6. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur 7. Amari Spice Penang 8. Asian Trails
ABU DHABI, UAE 21 November 2024: Etihad Airways has released its traffic statistics for October 2024, highlighting continued strong performance.
The airline welcomed 1.6 million guests during the month, achieving a notable average passenger load factor of 87%.
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said: “Our passenger numbers in October saw significant growth compared to last year, highlighting our continuing upward momentum.
“Year-to-date, Etihad has welcomed more than 15 million passengers, marking a 34% increase from the previous year. As of October 2024, the airline’s rolling 12-month passenger total stands at 17.8 million, a 73 per cent increase on the figure for 2022, indicating we are on track to double passenger numbers in under two years.
“Our capacity continues to grow, and it is pleasing to see we maintained our robust passenger load factor of 87% year-to-date, as well as announcing another exciting new route to Al Alamein, Egypt, from Summer 2025.
“Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global aviation hub and a major destination for tourists from around the world is being bolstered by our fleet growth year-on-year, which underpins our route expansion. This was further bolstered by reintroducing our fifth A380 in October.”
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 November 2024: AirAsia MOVE promises to redefine travel planning with SNAP! (Flight plus Hotel) packages, making travel more affordable.
SNAP! by AirAsia MOVE introduces WEDNESDEALS, a weekly 24-hour sale available exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE app every Wednesday for destinations across ASEAN and beyond.
SNAP! packages provide users with better value through combined rates from official airline partners, AirAsia and direct hotel partners.
To mark the launch of WEDNESDEALS, SNAP! will extend the usual 24-hour sale period to three days, from 20 to 22 November 2024. It offers discounts for travellers of up to MYR170 with promo codes WEDNESDEALS and VISA for a minimum spend of MYR1200. Travellers can also join a social media contest until 30 November 2024 to stand a chance to be one of 10 lucky winners across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines to win MYR500 each.
DELHI, India, 21 November 2024: Starting on 16 December 2024, IndiGo will introduce daily direct flights between Bengaluru and Langkawi in Malaysia, making Langkawi its 36th international destination.
The new route will expand IndiGo’s global network and cater to the growing number of tourists from India to Malaysia.
IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said: “We are delighted to expand our network into Malaysia by launching direct flights from Bengaluru to Langkawi, our second destination in Malaysia, alongside Kuala Lumpur. With the inclusion of these flights, IndiGo will operate 14 weekly flights to Malaysia from two cities in India. Langkawi is one of the most popular destinations in Malaysia with its pristine beaches and lush rainforests, and the country’s recent visa waiver for Indian citizens is bound to create greater demand.”
IndiGo recently expanded its international flight network from Bengaluru, introducing direct flights to new destinations such as Mauritius and Bali. These additions not only strengthen connectivity from the city but also position Bengaluru as a burgeoning international hub. IndiGo provides direct connections from Bengaluru to over 60 domestic destinations, including gateway destinations such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, and Kolkata, as well as numerous tier 2 and tier 3 cities across India.
IndiGo also links Bengaluru with over 10 international destinations, such as Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Colombo, and Doha, further broadening its global reach.
Langkawi, located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, is a stunning archipelago known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. Comprising 99 islands, Langkawi offers natural beauty and modern attractions, from the iconic Langkawi Sky Bridge and cable car rides to UNESCO-recognised mangrove forests.
It’s an ideal destination for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Activities range from snorkelling and island hopping to exploring mystical caves and indulging in local cuisine.
KOTA KINABALU, 20 November: Sabah is set to achieve its 3 million target for visitor arrivals, with two new additional flights by AirAsia serving direct connectivity from Shantou and Kaohsiung to Kota Kinabalu introduced at the weekend.
Sabah received passengers from Shantou, followed by Kaohsiung the next day with a healthy load. Both flights were greeted with a water salute ceremony, marking their inaugural landing at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
Julinus Jeffery Jimit (centre), Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Tourism Board, welcomes a passenger from the SWA-BKI flight with a traditional garland, celebrating their arrival in Sabah. More flights connect Sabah to tourism markets.
Shantou becomes the 9th city in China to establish direct flights to Kota Kinabalu, joining Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Beijing and Kunming. This new route will operate three times a week, bringing the total number of weekly direct flights from China to Kota Kinabalu to 55.
The commencement of the Kaohsiung direct flight to Kota Kinabalu will be the second Taiwan city connected to Sabah after Taipei, also operated by AirAsia (AK).
Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew welcomed both flights to Sabah and thanked AirAsia for its consistent partnership in making Sabah more accessible to international travellers.
Liew said that the Shantou route aligns with Sabah’s efforts to diversify and expand its tourism market to second — and third-tier cities in China.
“The launch of Shantou flight will potentially attract more tourists from neighbouring cities as well, such as Chaozhou, Huizhou, Meizhou, Xiamen, Shanwei, and Quanzhou, which have a combined population of over 31.4 million in Southern China,” she said.
Liew said that the Kaohsiung-Kota Kinabalu direct flight connects more tourists from southern Taiwan to Sabah. “This creates an opportunity to attract tourists from nearby cities like Tainan, Pingtung, and Yunlin,” she added.
In July, Sabah announced a strategic five-year partnership with AirAsia to enhance its tourism industry. This collaboration will involve closer cooperation between the airline and Sabah Tourism to develop Kota Kinabalu International Airport into a regional aviation hub.
Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit, highlighted that Sabah’s rich nature and cultural diversity allow for various travel experiences.
“Increasing accessibility to Sabah supports our goal of making tourism a key driver of success in the Sabah Maju Jaya plan. At the same time, this aligns with our efforts to gear up towards Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026,” said Julinus.
Dragon and Tiger Pagodas famous building in southern Taiwan at night, Aerial view Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
KOTA KINABALU, 20 November 2024: AirAsia continues to strengthen connectivity from its second-largest hub in Malaysia with four flights weekly between Kaohsiung and Kota Kinabalu. The first flight arrived in Sabah’s state capital on 17 November.
Sabah welcomed the inaugural flight AK1507 from Kaohsiung to Kota Kinabalu, with 74 passengers on board. It marked a proud moment as Kaohsiung became the second city in Taiwan directly connected to Sabah after Taipei — both routes operated by AirAsia. The new direct flight operates four times weekly: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
Sabah welcomes the first flight from Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Kaohsiung is the 15th international destination served by AirAsia Malaysia (AK) from the Kota Kinabalu hub. As the only airline operating this route, AirAsia will contribute 105 weekly flights from Kota Kinabalu to numerous destinations in ASEAN and beyond by December 2024.
Flight Schedule between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Kaohsiung (KHH):
SINGAPORE, 20 November 2024: Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Kyoto and Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda. This marks the brand’s first Canopy in Asia Pacific outside of China and the debut of Hilton’s flagship brand in Kyoto.
Hilton KyotoCanopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda
The new hotel becomes the fifth property under the Hilton portfolio to open in Kyoto, joining ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts; DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama; DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station; and Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma.
Hilton Kyoto is situated in the Kawaramachi Sanjo neighbourhood, approximately 15 minutes by car from Kyoto Station or a two-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway T ozai Line. The hotel offers convenient access to major tourist attractions such as the world-famous Kiyomizu Temple, known for its distinctive architecture, as well as the Heian Jingu Shrine. Hilton Kyoto is also within walking distance of Gion and Pontocho, and entertainment enclaves well-known for their traditional streetscapes.
MUMBAI, 20 November 2024: SOTC Travel has been voted Asia’s Leading Travel Agency 2024 at the 31st World Travel Awards 2024 when the Indian travel firm celebrates its 75th anniversary.
This recognition reflects SOTC’s continued excellence, innovation, and leadership in the travel sector.
The World Travel Awards, also known as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” celebrate and reward the highest global achievements in travel and tourism.
The Asia’s Leading Travel Agency award is a highly coveted accolade that recognises the company’s exceptional service, strategic growth, and commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences to customers. This prestigious win further underscores SOTC’s strong presence and influence in Asia and endorses SOTC as a leading travel company for its diverse customer base.
SOTC Travel Limited President and Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SD Nandakumar said: “At SOTC, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are humbled to be recognised as Asia’s Leading Travel Agency at the World Travel Awards 2024.
“I would like to dedicate this award to our exceptional team at SOTC. This reflects our team’s dedication to delivering unique and enriching travel experiences to our customers, along with the strength of our partnerships and the trust we have built over the years. This award inspires us to continue raising the standard of excellence across the travel and tourism industry.”
About SOTC Travel SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings, held through its Indian-listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active in the leisure, incentive, and business travel segments.
