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Emirates’ boarding pass unlocks bargains

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 November 2024: Emirates announced at the weekend the return of its popular My Emirates Pass, allowing passengers, including travellers from Singapore, to enjoy exclusive offers at hundreds of locations in Dubai and the UAE. 

From 1 November 2024 to 31 March 2025, travellers can use their boarding pass to enjoy My Emirates Pass discounts at restaurants, family activities, tranquil spa treatments, luxury shopping outlets, private pools, and much more.

Emirates customers flying to or through Dubai can simply show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to unlock incredible offers to some of the world’s most iconic attractions, including At The Top Burj Khalifa, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and Aquaventure Waterpark. To see all My Emirates Pass offers, visit: emirates.com/myemiratespass.

Complimentary Access to Cultural Attractions

In addition to over 600 exclusive offers and discounts for retail, leisure, dining, renowned attractions, and luxury spas, passengers this year will also receive complimentary access to the Vision Pavilion and Expo Museum at the Expo City for the season.

Dubai Shopping Festival 30th Anniversary

The acclaimed Dubai Shopping Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, with a host of A-list performers, exclusive experiences, and unforgettable entertainment lined up to mark the occasion. The festival will run from 6 December 2024 to 12 January 2025 across the city, offering a month packed full of unmissable retail offers. While there, Emirates customers can use their boarding pass to enjoy exclusive offers at restaurants, spas, pools, family attractions, and more.

Take Advantage of Winter Sun in Dubai

From indulging in world-renowned hospitality offerings to unwinding on a sun-soaked beach and immersing in the festivities, Dubai offers many iconic experiences and attractions for every traveller. 

  • Skywards Partners: Members of the award-winning loyalty programme, Emirates Skywards, can earn Miles with Emirates’ worldwide partners like hotels, airlines, car rentals, retail and banking. Members can spend these Miles on reward tickets, upgrades, or even tickets for concerts and sports events. Learn more about Emirates Skywards here:https://www.emirates.com/english/skywards/. While in Dubai, members can earn Miles with partners across the city like Dubai Mall, Arabian Adventures, Emirates Holidays and more.
  • Skywards Everyday: Customers can get Skywards Miles on the go and earn Miles on their purchases. Simply download the Skywards Everyday app, link up to five Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards, and automatically earn Skywards Miles on purchases from hundreds of participating partners across shopping, dining, beauty and wellness, leisure and entertainment, pharmacy, and grocery. 

Learn more about Skywards Everyday here: https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/skywards/partners/skywards-everyday/

For more information, visit https://www.emirates.com/sg/english/. Tickets can be purchased on https://www.emirates.com/sg/english/, Emirates sales offices or contact centre, via travel agents or online travel agents. 

BWH wins Lifestyle + Travel awards

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 4 November 2024: BWH℠ Hotels, a leading global hospitality network comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay Hotels, continued its impressive winning streak at the travel industry’s most illustrious award ceremonies, as it was honoured with two titles in the Lifestyle + Travel Awards 2024.

At a stylish gala evening staged in Bangkok on 25 October 2024, Best Western Hotels & Resorts was named the best “Mid-Range Hotels Brand”, and WorldHotels was presented with the honorary “Influential Asia Pacific Hotel Collection” award.

The “Mid-Range Hotels Brand” award for Best Western, which was collected on stage by BWH Hotels’ Managing Director, Operations – APAC Rodney Simpson, reflects the continued strength and success of this iconic midscale hotel brand, which has been delighting guests around the world for more than 75 years. Today, Best Western offers over 130 hotels and resorts across Asia Pacific, with many more in the pipeline, covering innovative and intuitive brands.

For WorldHotels, the “Influential Asia Pacific Hotel Collection” award reflects this industry-leading hotel company’s outstanding reputation in the region. The collection offers a selection of highly unique upscale and luxury properties under four distinct collections: WorldHotels Luxury, WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Crafted, and WorldHotels Distinctive. This esteemed award was presented on stage to BWH Hotels’ Vice President – APAC Olivier Berrivin.

Organised by Lifestyle + Travel magazine, one of Asia’s most popular consumer publications, the Lifestyle + Travel Awards 2024 celebrates the leading tourism, hospitality and lifestyle services providers who consistently raise the bar for excellence.

“We are overjoyed to have won these two accolades in the Lifestyle + Travel Awards 2024. Best Western Hotels & Resorts continues to drive the midscale sector forward with its timeless combination of comfort, convenience and complete connectivity. At the same time, WorldHotels elevates every stay with its seamless blend of luxury, authenticity and individuality. I would like to thank Lifestyle + Travel magazine for these awards and our entire team for their tireless commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences,” said  Berrivin.

These awards mark the latest honours for BWH Hotels, which recently received the “Best Midscale Hotel Chain” for Best Western Hotels & Resorts at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards and the “Travel Hall of Fame” award in the TTG Travel Awards 2024.

To book your stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, please visit bestwesternasia.com and worldhotels.com.  

Bali showcases Sustainable Food Festival

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TTR WEEKLY
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BALI, 4 November 2024: The Bali Hotels Association (BHA) launched the 4th Annual Sustainable Food Festival last week, which runs until 10 November, 2024. 

This year’s theme, “Flavors of Nusantara,” highlights Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage through sustainable menus across Bali.

BHA Sustainability Director John Nielsen notes: “The festival showcases sustainable dining, where guests can enjoy the diverse flavours of Nusantara created by local chefs using sustainably sourced Indonesian ingredients.” 

The initiative also supports Bali’s local farmers, promotes waste reduction, and partners with food rescue organisations like Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) to donate surplus food to needy people.

BHA’s Executive Director, Diah Ajung highlighted the talent showcased in the BHA Cooking Competition, which concluded with a live cooking finale at Conrad Bali. Chefs from non-managerial roles competed, using locally sourced ingredients to craft dishes reflecting Indonesia’s culinary traditions. 

Winners 

  1. 1st Place – Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort and Spa: I Gusti Ngurah Triandhana, “Asinan Ikan, Urutan & Babi Guling”
  2. 2nd Place – The Edge: Kadek Sunarsa, “Layur Mleko”
  3. 3rd Place – Jumeirah Bali: Dwi Mahendra Saputra, “Sudang Lepet & Jukut Undis”

With menus focused on local, organic ingredients, the festival celebrates Indonesia’s culinary roots while fostering connections between BHA hotels, local chefs, and producers, building a more sustainable future for Bali.

Visit www.baliismylife.com for full details on participating venues, menus, and booking information.

List of Cooking Competition Winners & finalists available here

Riyadh Air lines up A321 delivery

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 November 2024: Riyadh Air, the new premium international airline based in Saudi Arabia, has placed a firm order for 60 A321neo Family aircraft. 

The agreement was signed last week at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh,  marking a significant milestone for Riyadh Air. 

The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Yasir Al-Rumayyan Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Chairman of Riyadh Air, Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Aircraft at Airbus and Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Executive Vice President Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

“This investment will enable us to support economic growth in the aviation industry and ensure Riyadh Air operates one of the most fuel-efficient fleets. It’ll be instrumental in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its decarbonisation goals,” said Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas. “This deal strongly reinforces the positive economic impact of Saudi Arabia’s newest airline on both a global and local scale to facilitate the fast-growing Saudi aviation ecosystem.”

Airbus CEO of Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer said: “We are proud to welcome Riyadh Air as a new Airbus customer and partner. The latest generation A321neo aircraft will bring exceptional efficiency to the airline’s operations, concrete contributions to its decarbonisation goals, and comfort to its passengers. We look forward to working together to support Saudi aviation’s strong ambitions.”

The A321neo is the largest member of Airbus’ best-selling A320neo Family, offering unparalleled range and performance. To date, more than 6,700 A321neo have been ordered by more than 90 customers worldwide.

Riyadh Air has ordered 132 aircraft to support its growth plans. The airline will start operations in spring 2025 and aims to serve 100 destinations by 2030.

Jetstar Asia resumes flights to Medan

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 November 2024: Jetstar Asia (3K) resumed services between Singapore and Medan, Indonesia, last Friday, making it the only low-cost carrier to offer direct daily flights between the two destinations.

The airline’s 180-seat Airbus A320s will operate the daily return service between Singapore’s Changi Airport and Kualanamu International Airport in Medan (KNO) providing more than 130,000 low-fare seats annually.

The route is expected to serve business and leisure travellers, strengthening ties between the cities. It will become Jetstar Asia’s fourth Indonesian destination, alongside Jakarta, Denpasar, and Surabaya.

It’s already a busy route, with Singapore Airlines flying twice daily using a 154-seat B7337 MAX 8  and Batik Air serving the route with a daily A320 flight with 165 seats. The average roundtrip fare is USD230, possibly dropping to around USD175 in December.

Medan, renowned for its food scene, rich cultural diversity, and proximity to natural wonders such as Lake Toba, the world’s largest crater lake, is a key destination for travellers seeking both urban experiences and nature escapes.

Jetstar Asia CEO John Simeone said he was very pleased to see the resumption of this key route after a four-year pause.

“Medan is an important destination for many of our customers, and we’re excited to reconnect these vibrant cities with affordable and convenient travel options,” Simeone noted.

Kualanamu International Airport Director Commercial and Business Development, Kedar Deshpande welcomed Jetstar Asia back to Medan.

“Singapore remains a favourite destination in our catchment area, and Medan provides a diverse variety of weekend getaway options across Singapore, including wildlife, culinary, and cultural tourism,” he added.

“We are glad to have Jetstar Asia provide the much-needed additional capacity on this key route and are committed to supporting Jetstar Asia’s efforts to grow the market together. We thank the entire Jetstar Asia team for the extensive work together.”

Flight schedule

IATA: September demand breaks record

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TTR WEEKLY
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SINGAPORE, 4 November 2024: Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was up 7.1% compared to September 2023, an all-time high for September, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) noted in its latest data released for September 2024  

Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), was up 5.8% year-on-year. The September load factor was 83.6% (+1.0ppt compared to September 2023).

International demand rose 9.2% compared to September 2023. Capacity was up 9.1% year-on-year, and the load factor rose to 83.8% (+0.1ppt compared to September 2023).

Domestic demand rose 3.7% compared to September 2023. Capacity was up 0.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.3% (+2.4ppt compared to September 2023).

“The year’s peak travel season ended with demand at an all-time high. This is good news not just for passengers but also for the global economy. Every flight creates more jobs and trade. But the success story of air travel brings challenges. We will soon face a capacity crunch in some regions, threatening to curtail these economic and social benefits. Governments will face a choice: lose out to more dynamic nations that value global connectivity or forge a consensus for sustainable growth. Airlines are making significant investments to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. That needs to be accompanied by an equally active political vision, backed up by actions, to ensure we have efficient and sufficient airport and air traffic management capacity to meet the needs of citizens and businesses to travel,” said  IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets

All regions showed growth for international passenger markets in September 2024 compared to September 2023. The load factor was mixed: Europe had the highest load factors, and Asia and African carriers also improved, but the Americas and the Middle East suffered falls.

Asia-Pacific airlines achieved an 18.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 17.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 82.6% (+0.5ppt compared to September 2023).

European carriers saw a 7.6% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 7.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 85.9% (+0.2ppt compared to September 2023).

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 4.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 4.6% year-on-year, and the load factor was 81.4% (-0.1ppt compared to September 2023).

North American carriers saw a 0.5% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 1.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.4% (-1.1 ppt compared to September 2023).

Latin American airlines saw a 12.4% year-on-year increase in demand, and capacity climbed 13.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.3% (-1.1ppt compared to September 2023).

African airlines saw an 11.9% year-on-year increase in demand, a 6.6% increase in capacity, and a 76.0% load factor (+3.6ppt compared to September 2023).

HK Express resumes Hiroshima service

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TTR WEEKLY
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HONG KONG, 4 November 2024: HK Express Airways relaunched its Hong Kong-Hiroshima (HIJ) service on 1 November, restoring a vital link between these dynamic cities.

“As Hong Kong’s only low-cost carrier, HK Express delivers affordable travel options with comprehensive coverage across Japan, enabling passengers to explore multiple cities,” said HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao. 

HK Express held an inauguration ceremony at Hiroshima Airport on 1 November.

“The continued popularity of Japanese destinations among travellers motivates us to strengthen our presence in the Japanese market. “Through collaborative efforts with our partners, we’ve successfully reinstated the Hiroshima route – one of three routes to Japan launched by HK Express this year – offering travellers direct access to the city’s attractions and nearby regions. The market response following the route launch has been remarkable. To accommodate the growing demand, we will boost frequency to four weekly flights starting from January 2025.”

“Hiroshima has garnered recognition across the globe. As part of the Cathay Group, HK Express is a vital link, connecting international travellers to Hiroshima through our group’s widespread network, bridging this remarkable city to a broader global audience.”  

Flight schedule.

The airline launched direct flights between Hong Kong and Hiroshima (HIJ) on 1 November, scheduling three weekly flights on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It plans to increase flights to four weekly in January.

The airline deploys an A320neo with 188 seats on the route. The average roundtrip fare in December is USD363. There are no competing airlines offering direct flights between Hong Kong and Hiroshima.

Flight UB822 departs Hong Kong (HKG) at 0915 and arrives in Hiroshima (HIJ) at 1330.
Flight UB823 departs Hiroshima at 1440 and arrives in Hong Kong at 1800.

Hiroshima is located in the southwestern part of Honshu, facing the Seto Inland Sea. The Itsukushima Shrine and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – are world-renowned spots to visit. Local culinary delights are a must-try; travellers can also venture out to nearby cities such as Onomichi and Yamaguchi.

Centara clinches TDM award

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, Thailand, 1 November 2024: Centara won the Hotel & Resort Management of the Year Award at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024, presented to the hotel group at a recent ceremony in the Thai capital.

Tom Thrussell, Vice President of Brand and Marketing for Centara Hotels & Resorts (on the right), accepts the Hotel & Resort Management of the Year Award on behalf of the company’s leadership.

The awards honour critical players in the travel industry who consistently redefine standards and enhance the travel experience. This accolade reflects Centara’s commitment to excellence in hospitality and its ongoing mission to elevate customer experiences across its properties worldwide.

Centara: A cluster of 2024 awards 

It’s been a record year for Centara Hotels & Resorts, clinching eight awards from the Institutional Investor’s 2024 Asia Pacific (ex-Japan) Executive Team rankings in August.

In June, four of the group’s properties in Samui and Hua Hin, (Thailand), the Maldives and Osaka, Japan, were honoured at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, reaffirming the group’s status as a leader in the luxury hospitality sector.

TTG Asia bestowed three awards on the hotel group in September at a ceremony held on the sidelines of the ITCMA show in Bangkok.

Smart Travel Asia awarded its Top Luxury Hotels (ASIA) accolade to reimagined Centara Reserve Samui earlier in October.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

Emirates returns to Adelaide

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TTR WEEKLY
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DUBAI UAE, 1 November 2024: Emirates has relaunched its daily service between Adelaide and Dubai, flying a Boeing 777-200LR between cities. 

The reinstated service offers passengers over 4,200 weekly seats between Dubai and the South Australian capital.

The Boeing 777-200LR aircraft offers 302 seats across two cabins, 38 in business class set in a 2-2-2 configuration and 264 in economy class. This reinstatement will allow more than 220,400 passengers to travel between Dubai and Adelaide annually.

Emirates’ return will significantly impact South Australia’s economy and tourism industry. The South Australian Tourism Commission estimates that the tourism expenditure of daily direct non-stop Emirates flights generate more than USD62 million per year and creates more than 315 full-time equivalent tourism-related jobs for South Australians.  

Emirates’ Executive Vice President of passenger Sales and Country Management, Nabil Sultan, said:  “Australia remains a priority market for Emirates and one that we have been deeply committed to for nearly three decades. The return of our Adelaide service reinforces our commitment to expanding our Australia network, which now offers 70 weekly services across five Australian cities.”

Flight schedule 

Flight EK440 departs Dubai at 0200 and arrives in Adelaide at 2050.
Flight EK441 takes off from Adelaide at 2240 and arrives in Dubai at 0520.  

Emirates now operates 70 weekly services from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, connecting passengers with over 140 destinations. On 1 December, Emirates will reinstate its second daily service to Perth, offering 77 weekly flights from Australia. With the ability to transport 68,000 passengers per week to and from Australia, Emirates will return to its pre-pandemic capacity.
For more information on Emirates or to book a flight, visit the website www.emirates.com.

TAT Visa partnership for Thailand tourism

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TTR WEEKLY
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BANGKOK, 1 November 2024: The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Visa signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) last week titled ‘Reshaping Thailand’s Tourism with Innovation and Advanced Data Analytics’.

It’s part of a broader initiative to grow Thailand’s appeal as a premier destination for international tourists during the Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool commented: “TAT is committed to advancing our tourism marketing efforts through a 360-degree partnership approach, integrating all sectors both domestically and internationally. This MOU with Visa represents a collaborative effort to enhance tourism through financial innovation, enabling visitors to travel and manage their financial transactions seamlessly.”

Using Visa’s data analytics, TAT aims to develop targeted tourism campaigns and significantly expand digital payment acceptance points, ensuring greater convenience in tourists’ spending. 

TAT is confident that this collaboration with Visa will be crucial in boosting tourism capacity and increasing spending among international visitors, particularly from 23 key markets, which account for over 80% of total foreign arrivals and revenue.

Visa Thailand Country Manager Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa added: “We are excited to deepen our valued partnership with TAT, leveraging our global expertise in payments innovation and data analytics. As global travel surges, international visitors increasingly demand a seamless, cashless payment experience akin to those in their home countries. This collaboration bolsters local businesses, unlocks new opportunities for tourism stakeholders, and drives sustainable economic growth for Thailand. 

Standouts in the TAT-Visa partnership

The MOU establishes a collaborative framework focused on four main initiatives:

Strategic Marketing Programmes: TAT and Visa will collaborate on implementing the “Five Musts” programme, which includes Must Taste, Must Try, Must Buy, Must Seek, and Must See. This programme will showcase Thailand’s top restaurants, attractions, and unique experiences to enhance tourist engagement and satisfaction.

Visa Expansion and STAR Project: The partnership aims to expand Visa’s acceptance in key provinces to improve the tourism infrastructure. This initiative will offer tourists a convenient and secure payment experience, fostering local business support and community development.

Collaborative Communication and Campaigns: Through co-promoted campaigns, TAT and Visa will join forces to boost awareness and attract global tourists.

Data Analytics and Consulting: Visa’s data analytics capabilities will be crucial in shaping tourism campaigns such as the Winter Sale, Summer Sale, and Thailand Grand Sale. By analysing spending patterns, both organisations aim to refine marketing strategies and drive tourist engagement throughout the year.

This TAT-Visa partnership underscores shared commitment between both partners to redefining Thailand’s tourism landscape through innovation, enhancing the kingdom’s position as a world-class travel destination.

For more information on destination Thailand, head to the website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/home

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