DELHI, 17 December 2024: Air India Express confirms it will launch a twice-weekly service between Mangalore, India and Singapore in mid-January 2025, making it the first flight from Mangalore to a Southeast Asian destination.
Online timetable information schedules a twice-weekly flight on Tuesday and Friday using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The first flight will take off on 21 January 2025, departing Mangalow for Singapore.
Photo credit: Air India Express.
Bookings on the airline’s website opened this week.
Flight schedule
Flight IX862 departs Mangalore (IXE) at 0555 and arrives in Singapore (SIN) at 1325. (Tuesday and Friday). Flight IX861 departs Singapore (SIN) at 1425 and arrives in Mangalore (IXE) at 1655.
Flight time between Mangalore and Singapore is five hours.
Mangalore, a coastal city in Karnataka, India, offers tourist attractions catering to various interests — temples, heritage and beaches. There is a growing demand for air travel between Mangalore and Singapore, driven by business, tourism, and the large Indian diaspora in Singapore. Airlines have previously attempted to operate this route but discontinued services due to low passenger demand, which will remain a challenge for Air India Express.
Three Indian airlines serve Mangalore Airport — Air India, IndiGo and Air India Express. They serve domestic routes and flights to gateway cities in the Middle East, such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Muscat. Singapore is the first destination in Asia to be served out of Mangalore Airport.
BANGKOK, Thailand, 16 December 2024: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has announced the issuance of its first Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB), marking a major milestone in the company’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence.
The THB1 billion five-year bond, arranged by UOB, links financing costs directly to Centara’s performance on two key sustainability performance targets (SPTs):
Reducing water consumption intensity across its properties;
Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity in its hotel operations.
This innovative bond issuance reflects Centara’s dedication to integrating sustainability into its business practices while actively contributing to the global push toward a low-carbon future.
“Our first sustainability-linked bond reinforces our commitment to a more sustainable hospitality industry,” said Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administration, Gun Srisompong. “By embedding ESG principles into our financing framework, we’re not only accelerating our efforts to reduce our environmental impact but also setting measurable goals that drive accountability and progress.”
Centara’s SLB aligns with the company’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes eliminating single-use plastics across all properties, achieving Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification for every property by 2025, reducing energy consumption and GHG emissions by 40% by 2029, with a long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The bond, which will be issued on 11 December 2024, is offered to institutional investors (II) and high-net-worth individuals (HNW), reflecting strong market confidence in Centara’s sustainability-driven vision. Aligned with the Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles (SLBP) set by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), this issuance ensures adherence to global standards for sustainable finance.
Centara’s commitment to sustainability underscores its goals of becoming a leader in sustainable hospitality and a Top 100 Global Hotel Operator by 2027.
KUCHING, Sarawak, Malaysia, 16 December 2024: In a significant step toward strengthening cross-border tourism, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) partnered with AirAsia to host the Sarawak Gateway to Borneo Roadshow in Jakarta and Balikpapan last week.
The initiative strengthened ties with Indonesia, reflecting a shared commitment to creating seamless travel experiences for visitors from both destinations.
Sarawak Tourism Board delegates with local media during the Media Gathering Dinner at Penang Bistro, Central Park Mall, Jakarta.
The roadshow underscores Sarawak’s strategic positioning as the Gateway to Borneo — a launch pad for travellers to explore the entire Borneo Island, including Kalimantan, Sabah, and Brunei.
As the main entryway to Borneo, Sarawak offers a blend of travel experiences, from cultural heritage and natural wonders to adventure and business tourism. This collaboration highlights the importance of enhancing connectivity and tourism partnerships to boost regional travel.
Participants during the Sarawak Gateway to Borneo Roadshow in Balikpapan, Indonesia.
Indonesia consistently ranks among Sarawak’s top three source markets for visitor arrivals, making it a vital tourism partner. With the increased frequency of AirAsia flights from Jakarta to Kuching — from three times weekly to daily — travel between the two destinations has become more accessible and convenient.
Additionally, cross-border connectivity from Kalimantan Barat via land checkpoints further strengthens Sarawak’s accessibility, enabling Indonesian travellers from neighbouring provinces to explore Sarawak by road and vice versa. This expanded connectivity cements Sarawak’s role as a central hub for Indonesian travellers eager to experience Borneo’s diverse cultural and ecological landscapes.
The roadshow highlighted Sarawak’s appeal as a multi-faceted destination offering authentic cultural experiences, breathtaking nature, and meaningful community interactions.
Representatives from AirAsia, the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA), Tourism Malaysia Jakarta, and the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (ASTINDO) collaborated with Sarawak’s tourism, hospitality, and event stakeholders to spotlight its diverse travel offerings.
Key Sarawak partners participating in the roadshow included travel agents and tour operators such as Cat City Holidays, Ping Sing Travel & Tours, and Great Leap Tours. Hotel representatives from Hemisphere Corporation and Imperial Hotel showcased premium accommodations with thoughtful services tailored to travellers’ comfort and convenience.
Business Events Sarawak also participated in, presenting Sarawak’s rising profile as a sought-after destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
Sarawak’s travel ecosystem offers personalised itineraries that balance cultural discovery, adventure, and relaxation. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Mulu National Park and the newly designated Niah National Park. Additionally, the Sarawak Delta Geopark, recognised as Malaysia’s sixth national geopark in 2022, is on track to achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status by 2026, offering immersive nature-based experiences close to home for Indonesian travellers.
Emerging Muslim-friendly attractions further enhance Sarawak’s appeal with thoughtfully designed amenities, prayer facilities, and culturally enriching experiences tailored for Muslim travellers.
As close neighbours, Indonesia and Sarawak share a deep cultural bond that transcends borders,” said STB’s ASEAN and Domestic Marketing Director Barbara Benjamin Atan. “With daily direct flights, cross-border connectivity, and a shared heritage, Indonesian travellers can easily explore Sarawak’s breathtaking landscapes, unique culture, and warm hospitality in a familiar travel environment yet offers something new and exciting. We look forward to building stronger partnerships that create rewarding travel experiences for both destinations.”
SINGAPORE, 16 December 2024: Oceania Cruises will usher in 2025 with more than 100 global voyages in 2025 and 2026 with deals on amenities.
On bookings through 31 January 2025, travellers will receive up to a four-category stateroom upgrade, plus the choice of one amenity: free or reduced air, a premium drinks package (unlimited wine, beer and spirits) or a shipboard credit of up to USD1,000 per stateroom. The extra amenity and the stateroom upgrade are available for 105 global sailings — 79 in 2025 and 26 in 2026.
Photo credit: Oceania Cruises.
The New Year Sale features a wide array of sailings worldwide on voyages ranging from six to 30 days.
Featured sailings in Asia
Indian Ocean Opus: 24 Days from Cape Town to Singapore aboard Sirena®, departing 2 December 2025. Begins in South Africa before journeying to remote Indian Ocean islands, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
Outback to Verdant Bali: 14 Days from Sydney to Bali aboard Riviera, departing 8 February 2026. Visit Australia’s eastern shores, where the vast Great Barrier Reef invites exploration, before journeying to Indonesia’s Bali.
A Shogun’s Welcome: 12 Days roundtrip from Tokyo aboard Regatta®, departing 22 March, 2026. Experience Japanese life in off-the-beaten-path destinations in both Honshu, Japan’s multifaceted mainland and Hokkaido, its island neighbour to the north.
SINGAPORE, 16 December 2024: Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang has now fully opened by introducing the new flagship Maia Spa, one of the largest of its kind in Vietnam, boasting specialised facilities, including a heated indoor pool, a fully equipped fitness centre and a dedicated yoga studio.
The property has appointed Mario Mendis as its general manager, a seasoned international hotelier with a wealth of expertise spanning more than 25 years managing properties in Australia, Sri Lanka, Dubai, Bermuda, Thailand, and Vietnam. Most recently, he served as general manager of the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
Set against the backdrop of Non Nuoc Beach, Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang features 85 private villas ranging from one to five bedrooms and a 157-room tower, which includes 29 rooms with private sky pools.
The resort is located between Danang, the gateway city to beach resorts in central Vietnam and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, just 15km from Danang International Airport. The property is close to two golf courses and the popular attractions of Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills, making it a retreat for leisure travellers and wellness enthusiasts.
SINGAPORE, 16 December 2024: Bangkok leads Agoda’s tally of its top five international flight destinations during 2024 based on bookings sold on the digital travel platform.
Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok (two airports — DMK and BKK), topped the list for international flight destination bookings transacted via Agoda. Singapore followed with Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo in third to fifth place. Tokyo is a new entry, replacing Ho Chi Minh City compared to last year’s list.
Photo credit: Airports of Thailand — Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
Agoda bookings: 2024 most popular international flight destinations
1. Bangkok, Thailand 2. Singapore 3. Seoul, South Korea 4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 5. Tokyo, Japan
Agoda also reports that in 2024, most international passengers booking flights through its platform originated from Singapore, followed by Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia. These outbound travel markets demonstrate a keen interest in exploring global destinations, adding to the dynamic travel landscape within the Asia-Pacific region.
Agoda’s top outbound travel markets for flight sales
1. Singapore 2. Thailand 3. South Korea 4. Japan 5. Indonesia
Agoda Senior Vice President, Supply Andrew Smith commented: “Each of the top flight destinations has a special charm that draws people. These destinations continue to attract visitors with their unique blend of modern attractions and cultural heritage.
Agoda delivers booking sales on an inventory of 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities.
DOHA, 16 December 2024: Qatar Airways is marking two historic milestones: new flights to Toronto, Canada, and more Starlink-enabled aircraft.
Last week, the airline’s inaugural flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – a Starlink-enabled Boeing 777 — officially marked the launch of three weekly direct flights from Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Toronto has become Qatar Airways’ second destination in Canada, in addition to Montreal. It has served more than 1.6 million passengers across seven weekly flights to and from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) since its launch in 2011. This also marks the airline’s fourteenth gateway to the Americas.
The new Toronto service provides travellers from Canada and beyond seamless access to destinations across Qatar Airways’ extensive global network. It also comes as the airline surpasses its target of fitting Starlink to 12 Boeing 777 aircraft by the end of 2024, with 14 aircraft upgraded in under 55 days, bringing the total to 15.
Qatar Airways is also the world’s first airline to operate a Boeing 777 Starlink-equipped aircraft, allowing passengers to stream their favourite shows, live sports and online gaming seamlessly at 35,000 feet.
Toronto Pearson is Canada’s largest airport by total passenger traffic and offers the most international destinations of any airport in North America, making it a key hub for travellers. As Canada’s largest city and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is home to a diverse population with large communities from China, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
BANGKOK, 16 December 2024: TADA, the Singapore-based zero-commission ride platform, introduced its beta launch of rider services in Hong Kong last week.
Riders can pay using cash or credit cards, and the beta launch will serve key areas, including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Hong Kong International Airport.
TADA’s zero-commission model allows drivers to retain a larger share of their earnings, improving job satisfaction and enabling fairer fares for riders. With transparent pricing, the platform offers competitive rates, even during peak hours, while implementing strict safety protocols to provide a reliable service.
TADA’s CEO Sean Kim said: “Hong Kong’s dynamic economy and high population density, combined with a strong demand for efficient transport, mark an important step in TADA’s expansion. By focusing initially on key areas, we aim to provide quality service and a positive experience while gathering feedback to refine our offerings. This beta launch is the first step towards our broader expansion across Hong Kong.”
To celebrate its beta launch, TADA is offering rewards for its existing Thai users in Hong Kong. With the promo code TADAINHKTH, riders can enjoy a 50% discount on their trips, up to a maximum of HKD20 off per ride. This offer can be used twice per user and is valid until 31 January 2025. The app is available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. TADA charges a booking fee of HKD8 for rides under HKD100 and HKD9 for rides exceeding HKD100.
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 December 2024: AirAsia MOVE, an online travel agent (OTA) in ASEAN is partnering with Tongcheng Travel, a prominent player in China’s travel industry.
AirAsia MOVE CEO Nadia Omer and Tongcheng Travel AVP Gong Xiaolei signed off on the partnership.
(From top left) Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, Board of Director Capital A and Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, witnessing the signing between AirAsia MOVE and Tongcheng Travel, represented by (from bottom left) Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia and AVP Gong Xiaolei Tongcheng Travel.
Both parties will work together to develop a cutting-edge B2B platform, innovative duty-free shopping solutions, and integrated rewards programmes in the future.
Omer commented: “This partnership with Tongcheng Travel represents a significant step forward in AirAsia MOVE’s mission to bring unparalleled value and convenience to travellers in our respective markets. By combining our strengths, we’re creating innovative solutions that enhance the travel experience and redefine industry standards. We look forward to unlocking new opportunities together and delivering exceptional experiences to our customers.”
AirAsia MOVE, which is the digital travel platform of Capital A, was recently named ‘Asia’s Best Travel Booking App’ for the second year in a row by World Travel Tech Awards 2024 and offers a seamless travel experience with options for flights from over 700 airlines worldwide,
KUCHING, Sarawak, 13 December 2024: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) hosted over 150 media personnel last week from across Sarawak, Peninsula Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Taiwan, and France for its Media Night 2024 celebration.
Themed ‘The Soul of Sarawak, the event was held at the Imperial Hotel, Kuching, to celebrate the invaluable role of media in showcasing Sarawak’s unique offerings to the world.
Showcase of Sarawak culture
The theme “The Soul of Sarawak” encapsulated the essence of Sarawak’s Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF) pillars, which continue to shape the state’s narrative as a leading tourism destination. Guests were treated to a showcase of Sarawak’s culture, including traditional performances, Sarawakian cuisine, and a heartfelt programme celebrating the collaborative spirit of media and tourism.
Impressive PR value leap
In her welcome address, Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Puan Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor expressed appreciation for the media’s unwavering support in promoting Sarawak throughout 2024.
“Our media outreach garnered 533 million eyeballs, over 210 million impressions, and an incredible MYR91 million in PR value — an impressive leap from 2023, when we achieved 313 million eyeballs, 92.2 million impressions, and MYR39 million in PR value. These numbers speak volumes about what we can achieve together— a testament to our shared vision and commitment. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and your willingness to go above and beyond in your craft.,” said Puan Sharzede.
Tourist arrivals soar in 2024
2024 has been a remarkable year for Sarawak Tourism, achieving record-breaking visitor arrivals by mid-November with over 4 million visitors and generating over MYR10 billion in tourism receipts, surpassing both the state’s targets and pre-pandemic levels.
This remarkable achievement reflects the successful collaborations between STB and its media partners and the impactful launch of the ‘Gateway to Borneo’ campaign earlier this year at ITB Berlin. This campaign positions Sarawak as the ideal gateway to Borneo, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in the state’s rich tapestry of nature, culture, and adventure.
UNESCO recognition for Niah Caves
Adding to this year’s remarkable milestones, the state celebrated the inscription of Niah Caves as its second UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious recognition underscores Sarawak’s significance as a cultural and archaeological treasure, enhancing its appeal to eco-tourists and cultural explorers.
Three awards close the year
Closing the year on a high note, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) garnered three prestigious accolades. The Sia Sitok campaign was honoured with the coveted Campaign of the Year Award in the In-House Category.
At the same time, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024 secured the same title in the Agency Category at the Malaysia Public Relations Awards (MPRA) 2024.
Additionally, STB received the Tourism Board Campaign of the Year – Malaysia award at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024, presented by Travel Daily Media, recognising its exceptional efforts in hosting and promoting the iconic Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2024.
With a target of 5 million visitor arrivals for 2025, STB is eager to build on this year’s successes. The board looks forward to further forging stronger collaborations with media to amplify Sarawak’s offerings on a global stage.
