Jetstar and IndiGo have teamed up to provide low-cost direct flights and connections to India for Jetstar customers in Singapore and South-east Asia.
Jetstar customers can now access IndiGo’s low fares from Jetstar’s hub in Singapore to key Indian destinations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Tiruchirappalli.
Jetstar customers can now access IndiGo’s low fares from Jetstar’s hub in Singapore
With the integrated booking system, Jetstar Connect, passengers can select flights, buy bundled and unbundled ancillary products – such as baggage and seats – and enjoy seamless connectivity between international flights.
Jetstar Asia commercial lead, Poh Tiong Seng, said: “Jetstar Connect allows us to offer our customers more exciting opportunities to travel and more great value fares all at the click of a button, making travel even more accessible.”
Sanjay Kumar, chief strategy and revenue officer, IndiGo, added: “This strategic agreement will enable both airlines to tap into the rising demand for international travel, with the upcoming festive season. This partnership will also help us to expand our international connectivity to yet another continent through Jetstar’s network.”
Location
Situated in the heart of the Cambodian capital’s historic hub, the hotel is surrounded by a collection of stunning colonial buildings, including the iconic Post Office. A stone’s throw from the Riverside and Wat Phnom temple, the area is undergoing renovation that will see the emergence of new bars and restaurants, adding to its charm.
Rooms
The hotel’s 260 rooms fall into six categories that range from Tribe Comfort through to Tribe Comfort XL Suite. The focus is edgy design, functionality and comfort, with each of the compact rooms putting to use every inch of space. For example, under the bed is space for suitcases while the mini bar – dubbed sky bar – hangs on the wall.
We stayed on the 14th floor in a Tribe Comfort twin with balcony, with views across the Mekong. As with all rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows ensure light floods in. The bed is probably one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in, with pillows like fluffy clouds. Instead of bathrobes, Tribe sweat robes complete with a hoodie are on hand, while steamers replace cumbersome irons and ironing boards. The Smart TV proved great to watch Netflix on from my laptop, while a boutique bathroom still has space for a powerful rain shower.
1 of 5
Tribe Comfort XL room
Hemisphere
Lobby lounge
MM21
Pool bar
F&B
Tribe Express is located on the fourth-floor lobby and serves sandwiches, snacks and drinks 24/7. In line with the design of the hotel, the industrial-style space features splashes of bold colour, funky furniture and striking pieces of art.
On the 15th floor sits one of many of the hotel’s many Instagram-able spots, MMM21. The rooftop mescal bar takes its inspiration from the iconic Mad Max movies and sees Cambodia’s largest selection of mescal cocktails served from a monster truck.
Adjacent sits Hemisphere, a spacious restaurant and bar that boasts 360-degree vistas of the Mekong River and cityscape. The menu serves a blend of continental cuisine given a Cambodian flair.
Facilities
Where Tribe really shines is its focus on the wider community. Its lobby doubles up as a large co-working space that was delightfully full of young Cambodians clattering on their keyboards. Offering free 24/7 access to the capital’s creatives and entrepreneurs, the space is complimented by The Studio, a multi-functional meeting and conference area that overlooks the Mekong River.
Also on the fourth floor is a large outdoor saltwater pool and bar, and the Workout Atelier, a compact gym kitted out with all the latest equipment.
Service
Following Tribe’s contemporary vibe, staff attire is smart-yet-casual. True to Cambodian hospitality, smiles abound throughout, with staff eagerly tending to any of our needs.
Verdict
Tribe cleverly combines work and play in a vibrant atmosphere. Design features heavily on the agenda with thought put into every nook and cranny. If you are the selfie-taking type, then there is no shortage of Instagram-able spots to snap a photo. While the rooms are small, they are definitely functional and felt far from crammed. This designer hotel is definitely a welcome addition to the city.
Banyan Tree and mental health company Intellect have joined hands to launch the Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary experience, a new personalised well-being support for guests at Banyan Tree Bintan.
The experience will incorporate a personalised mental wellness approach into a leisurely vacation experience, and guests will have access to various facilities to reclaim their personal well-being.
The Banyan Tree Wellbeing Sanctuary experience offers well-being support for guests at Banyan Tree Bintan
Guests who book the experience will discover new tools and knowledge to build mental resilience and improve their overall well-being. There is also an app which provides guided content and habit-building programmes for guests to access throughout and after their stay.
Guests can pre-book the Wellbeing Sanctuary package which includes a stay at the Wellbeing Ocean Villa on the Rock, full premium access to the Intellect app, as well as numerous other guest perks.
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has been conferred the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – For Destinations (GSTC-D) certificate, joining 23 other certified sustainable destinations in the world, such as Vail, Colorado and Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland.
This recognition affirms the organisation’s strong push for collective and collaborative whole-of-island efforts towards achieving a more sustainable Sentosa.
Sentosa has been conferred the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – For Destinations certificate
The Global Sustainability Study 20211 which surveyed more than 10,000 people across 17 countries, revealed that one third of global consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products, and sustainability was rated as an important purchase criterion for 60 percent of consumers. SDC is committed to invest, innovate and transform its tourism model for meaningful long-term sustainability through working closely with like-minded businesses on the island.
Thien Kwee Eng, CEO, SDC, said: “We are proud and heartened that Sentosa is the first island destination in Asia, together with RWS, to be certified as a sustainable tourism destination.
“This certification was made possible through the continued and collective efforts of SDC and the businesses on the island. As Sentosa transits towards tourism recovery, we will continue to work closely with both public and private sectors to meet the needs of travellers who have become more inclined towards sustainable offerings.”
During the process of the certification audit, SDC’s policies and initiatives as the island operator and developer was benchmarked against 38 criteria and 174 indicators across four categories: sustainable management, socio-economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and environmental sustainability.
GSTC’s CEO, Randy Durband said the certification attests to SDC’s active involvement and commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Keith Tan, chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board, congratulated SDC on achieving this certification, which is “a boost to our vision of becoming a top sustainable urban destination and supports our tourism sustainability strategy”.
As a certified sustainable destination, Sentosa will continue to support the Singapore Green Plan 2030 to build a sustainable Singapore for future generations of Singaporeans and global visitors. SDC will build upon its close partnership and strong rapport with businesses on and outside the island, as well as public agencies, to launch more sustainability-focused initiatives and experiences.
Sri Lanka will not extend her state of emergency when it lapses this Thursday, as the anti-government protests in the impoverished nation has “stabilised”, the president’s office said on August 16.
Sri Lanka will end her state of emergency this week; Colombo pictured
The state of emergency was invoked by president Ranil Wickremesinghe in July, after the former leader fled the country and resigned as protests over acute shortages of food, fuel and medicines intensified.
The state of emergency and resource shortages have led several countries to advise against travel to Sri Lanka, dealing a further blow to the local travel and tourism industry that is struggling to regain its footing from a series of crises.
Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has signed MoUs with Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Avolon on August 15 for the acquisition of 20 new Airbus 330-900, which will be delivered starting from 3Q2024 through to 2028.
The A330neo will replace the existing A330ceo fleet and will gradually operate in its existing network throughout Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
Malaysia Airlines has acquired 20 A330neo for fleet renewal
Ten of the aircraft are purchased from Airbus and the remaining 10 leased from Avolon.
Izham Ismail, group CEO, MAG, said: “The innovative, cost-effective, successful tripartite approach offers a holistic solution to fleet owners that is financially viable for MAG as we secure a lower and stable cost base, and with assurance of support financing.”
A new generation version of the A330 widebody, the A330neo incorporates the latest generation engines, a new wing and a range of aerodynamic innovations, as well as offers a seating capacity of 300 seats within Business and Economy.
The aircraft offers up to 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, and is capable of flying 7,200 nm or 13,300 km non-stop.
As part of MAG’s Long-Term Business Plan 2.0 to position itself as a leading aviation services group within the region, Izham stated that the acquisition of the A330neo “will not only provide modernisation to our fleet and enhanced operational efficiency, but also meet environmental targets through reduced fuel-burn per seat while keeping passenger safety and comfort at its core”.
Emirates has signed off over US$2 billion in its latest inflight customer experience revamp, which will include a massive retrofitting programme for more than 120 aircraft and other service improvements across all cabins starting this year.
From this month, passengers can look forward to elevated meal choices, including a new vegan menu and sustainable food choices; a ‘cinema in the sky’ experience; new Premium Economy cabins and interior upgrades; and more.
Emirates will be enhancing inflight customer experience with a massive retrofitting programme for more than 120 aircraft
The airline has also partnered with hospitality management school, Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, to craft the Emirates Hospitality strategy and encourage inspiring customer experiences. Intensive training for cabin crew are now underway.
Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, emphasised that the airline has continued to launch new services and initiatives throughout the pandemic, to ensure customers travel with assurance and ease. The latest inflight customer experience upgrade follows Emirates’ earlier digital initiatives to improve customer experiences on the ground.
Other new products and services will be announced in the near future.
Hong Kong-based Tam Wing Kun Holdings, a GSA for both passenger and cargo services, has taken on a new brand – TAM Group – as part of an extensive rebranding exercise.
TAM Group is now identified with a redesigned logo, and boasts a revamped website as well as refreshed company vision to align with a new period of growth for the organisation.
TAM Group will be rolling out various technological enhancements to meet the needs of airline partners
“The ongoing global pandemic has sped up digitisation, automation and the adoption of technology across all industries,” said Alvin Tam, vice president, commercial, TAM Group.
Tam shared that the company will be enhancing its digital presence and is rolling out various technological enhancements to meet the needs of airline partners.
TAM Group currently has 22 offices in 12 cities and six countries, including Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, the US and Chile. A new office will open in Brazil later this year, while joint ventures in Bangkok, Thailand and Jakarta, Indonesia are underway.
Three Anantara properties in Thailand have launched new Beyond the Beach packages that include shopping trips to local markets, snorkelling expeditions, and jungle safaris with hilltop picnics.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui’s package includes a three-night stay, return airport transfers, 60-minute spa treatment, a sundowner experience at A.Shore, and a visit to a local market and farm. The package is priced from 38,700 baht (US$1,093).
Enjoy a jungle jeep safari with a choice of a sunrise or sunset hilltop picnic at Anantara Lawana Koh Samui
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui’s package comprises a three-night stay, return airport transfers, a five-course dinner for two at Tree Tops, a tropical floating breakfast experience, and a jungle jeep safari with a choice of sunrise or sunset hilltop picnic. Prices start from 61,500 baht.
Those who enjoy snorkelling and diving will find Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas the perfect choice. Priced from 51,000 baht, the package includes three-nights’ accommodation for two, return airport boat transfers, a diving or snorkelling island voyage, and a 60-minute spa treatment.
Sri Lanka has relaxed visa regulations and extended stay allowance from 30 days to between 180 and 270 days to boost the country’s sagging tourism industry.
According to a tourism ministry statement on August 12, tourists who apply for an ETA will be permitted to stay up to 180 days. Previously, they were allowed a 30-day stay with multiple entry. Meanwhile, single entry visa travellers will be able to stay up to 270 days.
Tourists who apply for an ETA will be permitted to stay up to 180 days in Sri Lanka
The tourism industry has been battered in recent years, starting off with terror attacks on hotels and churches in mid-2018, followed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing economic collapse owing to shortages in fuel, food and medicine. Adverse travel advisories against Sri Lanka by many countries today have exacerbated the crisis.
The decision to relax the duration of stay was welcomed by tourism industry stakeholders.
To further encourage inbound traffic, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s chairman Chalaka Gajabahu said the organisation is planning roadshows and promotions in three Indian cities – Mumbai, Delhi, and Hyderabad – this September.
The bureau will also continue to position Sri Lanka at global tourism tradeshows. However, with the shortage of foreign exchange, the bureau will only participate in World Travel Mart (WTM) in London this November and ITB Berlin next March.
