Dubai airport continues to face flight disruptions
Flights continue to be disrupted today at Dubai International airport as the city continues to battle the flooding caused by heavy rainfall.
Dubai International, one of the world’s busiest and a gateway to the Middle East, has faced chaos over the past few days, with thousands of frustrated travellers left stranded in terminals after flights were suspended.
Some flights resumed on Thursday, and Dubai International CEO Paul Griffiths said the airport was working closely with airlines to clear the backlog and improve flow rates. However, he noted that restrictions remain, particularly on arrivals. The airport stated that from midday on Friday, it would be temporarily limiting the number of inbound flights for 48 hours, and will suspend check-in for all customers with onward connections through the city.
Both Emirates and Flydubai resumed check-in services for flights departing Dubai on Thursday at Terminals 2 and 3. Emirates said the flights with onward connections would be suspended until 23.59 GMT on April 19, but customers travelling to Dubai as their final destination may check in and travel as usual.
Air India and IndiGo cancelled their services on Wednesday, disrupting flights from India to Dubai.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines (SIA) had rerouted a flight bound for Dubai – the flight SQ494, which was headed to Dubai from Singapore on April 16, was diverted to Muscat International Airport in Oman all affected passengers will be transferred to hotels there upon clearance. Customers can visit the SIA website for more information on the status of their flights.
Worldwide Hotels Group celebrates 30th year, donates to learning institutes
Worldwide Hotels Group (WHG) marked its 30th anniversary on April 17 after emerging stronger through the pandemic with over S$1.5 billion (US$1.1 billion) local and overseas expansions.
Over the past few months, WHG has added three hotels with over 2,000 rooms to the local hotel inventory with the 543-room Novotel Singapore on Kitchener, the 530-room Hotel Mi Rochor, and the 989-room Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre that opened recently on April 15.
Overseas, WHG also acquired the 177-room Oakwood Studios Sukhumvit Bangkok and the 472-room dual hotel, the Novotel and Ibis Melbourne Central Hotel in Australia, bringing the group’s overseas hotel assets to 11 in Australia, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.
The 30th anniversary is also a celebration with its employees, wherein WHG managed to retain all its staff during the challenges posed to the hotel industry by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of this occasion, the Worldwide Hotels-Choo Chong Ngen Foundation donated S$2 million to the Singapore University of Technology and Design and S$300,000 to the School of the Arts Singapore, underlining the WHG’s and its chairman’s commitment to education and the belief that financial constraints should not bar talented individuals from pursuing their educational aspirations.
CEO Carolyn Choo remarked: “Our mission extends beyond providing exceptional hospitality. We are dedicated to giving back to the community, supporting education, and enabling students to chase their dreams without financial constraints.”
New Clinique La Prairie wellness resort to open in Tri Vananda, Phuket
Clinique La Prairie and Montara Hospitality Group have partnered to launch a new health resort by Clinique La Prairie at Tri Vananda, Phuket in Thailand.
Currently under construction, the 40-villa resort is slated to open in 2025.
The health resort by Clinique La Prairie at Tri Vananda, Phuket, will be the first resort of its kind in South-east Asia.
Sustainable and nature-centric in design, the low-density development will feature renewable energy facilities and a tiered wetland filtration system.
Clinique La Prairie was founded in 1931 and has since been recognised for its holistic and scientifically-grounded approach to preventative aging. With a luxury flagship in Montreux, Switzerland, spanning only 35 rooms and suites, the Swiss brand has expanded to operate satellite sites – known as Longevity Hubs by Clinique La Prairie – around the world, in Madrid, Bangkok, Doha, Taipei and most recently, Dubai.
Wellness facilities at the Health Resort by Clinique La Prairie at Tri Vananda will include a medical centre with diagnostic equipment, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a wellness restaurant for personalised nutrition, a well-being centre, and a mindfulness centre house in the iconic “Manorah” Grand Hall inspired by the local Thai heritage dance performance.
“Clinique La Prairie’s longstanding expertise in longevity and their innovative approach makes them the ideal partner to achieve and realise our vision of establishing Tri Vananda as the gold standard for wellness hospitality in Asia,” said Kittisak Pattamasaevi, CEO of Montara Hospitality Group.
“Thailand has a longstanding reputation for its world-class holistic wellness and health retreats. Our partnership with Montara Hospitality Group at Tri Vananda allows us to offer something new for a discerning clientele to experience, redefining the luxury wellness industry in Asia.” said Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie.
British Airways, Amadeus team up for enhanced retailing capabilities
British Airways has selected Amadeus as its technology partner to produce relevant, personalised customer offers to deliver a seamless retailing and servicing experience for its customers.
The partnership will see British Airways and Amadeus collaborate on the design of Nevio’s Offer and Order capabilities, a new portfolio of modular solutions built on open and AI technology, to deliver the airline’s Offer and Order strategic goals.
Built around IATA Offer and Order principles, this totally new, open, modular platform being developed by Amadeus enables the airline to be innovative in its approach to retailing and revenue opportunities and is designed to grow with the airline’s business ambitions.
Nevio’s Offer suite will facilitate more dynamic products and bundles, while Dynamic Offer Pricing is being rolled out to enable real-time contextual pricing options based on marketplace dynamics. A suite of Digital Experience tools will underpin a user-friendly booking experience and streamline servicing, including disruption, on any device or channel.
Colm Lacy, British Airways’ chief commercial officer, said: “Alongside our partners at Amadeus, British Airways will be able to collaborate on the design of the latest technology to enhance our business processes with greater agility, and help us anticipate the needs of modern, digital travellers, providing them with exceptional experiences across their journey.”
“We’ve been working closely with British Airways for more than 20 years and we’re delighted that the airline has once again agreed to be a driver customer to shape the future of the aviation industry,” said Maher Koubaa, executive vice president travel unit and managing director EMEA, Amadeus.
Head for a family getaway at Ayana Resort
Ayana Resort is inviting families this school holidays to have fun in the sun with the launch of its The Perfect Family Getaway package.
From now until December 20, Ayana Resort is offering up to 30 per cent discount on room with breakfast rate for all properties within Ayana Resort, including Ayana Resort, Ayana Segara, The Villas at Ayana and Rimba Jimbaran.
The package comprises daily breakfast for two adults and two children under nine years old, pizza and beer at Ayana or Rimba pools for two persons, a three-course set lunch or dinner for two adults and two children at selected restaurants, a complimentary one-hour Thalassotherapy pool experience for two, as well as F&B and spa discounts.
With a minimum stay of three nights, guests can enjoy all facilities at Ayana Resort, including access to Kubu Beach Club, 14 swimming pools in Ayana and Rimba, jogging trail, kids club, 18-hole golf putting course, and more.
Ayana Resort also offers unique experiences like Ayana Farm, a two-hectare educational centre for guests to discover the natural beauty of their surroundings and learn about farming techniques passed through generations of Indonesian farmers; Saka Museum, where guests can learn about Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence), Ogoh-ogoh (giant puppet festival), and all forms of traditional and contemporary Balinese culture.
For more information, visit Ayana Resort.
Sliding yen sparks joy in Singapore holiday seekers
As the Japanese yen continues to languish near a 34-year low, standing at 154.67 yen to one US dollar as of April 17, moods of Singaporean travellers eyeing Japan holidays in the coming months are soaring on the back of stronger buying power.
Jeremiah Wong, senior marketing communications manager at Chan Brothers Travel, one of Singapore’s largest outbound travel agency, told TTG Asia that the “influence of currency exchange rates on travel decisions is undeniable” and the “weakening yen serves as an added incentive” for Singapore residents to explore Japan.
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) data shows that 591,300 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2023, an increase of about 20 per cent compared to 2019 numbers.
“That not only broke our 2019 records, (but) the recovery rate was also higher than what was observed from (other traveller markets). Japan and JNTO would like to express appreciation to Singaporeans who have chosen Japan as their travel destination,” said the JNTO Singapore Office spokesperson.
The favourable exchange rate between the yen and the Singapore dollar would further enhance Japan inbound tourism, opined JNTO Singapore Office’s executive director, Takuya Shiraishi.
Shiraishi said: “Before the pandemic, S$100 bought 8,000 yen; now it buys over 11,000 yen. While commodity prices have been rising in Japan, Singaporeans can still enjoy spending in Japan.”
According to Skyscanner data, travel searches for Japanese destinations have spiked in recent times: searches for travel to Okinawa in July are up 723 per cent between the periods of February 17 to March 15 and March 16 to April 12; searches for travel to Osaka and Sapporo in August are up 1,761 per cent and three per cent respectively between the same periods; and searches for travel to Sapporo in September are up 803 per cent between the same periods.
In Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2024 report, Japan was highlighted as a key trending destination for Singaporeans: four out of five of the top destinations for Singapore travellers showing the biggest year-on-year increase in searches were in Japan – Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo and Nagoya. Taipei, Taiwan was the only non-Japanese destination in the top five ranking.
Speaking to TTG Asia from Japan where she is leading a trek through Nakasendo, Alicia Seah, co-founder of Singapore-based adventure specialist, 3Playtopia, said the “weakening of yen is just a sweetener for travellers to visit Japan”, especially since the destination is already an ideal one for travellers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.
She believes that the strong buying power will encourage more repeat travellers to go deeper into Japan, driving visitation to areas such as Fukuoka, Nagoya, Yamagata and Shizuoka.
Chan Brothers Travel’s Wong echoes the expectation, saying that first-time visitors would be drawn to hot favourites – central Japan and Hokkaido – while repeat travellers would go for regional gems such as Kyushu, Okinawa and Tohoku. To capture travellers, the agency has launched regional tours of Japan and curated self-drive itineraries.
“We are also seeing certain segments of customers wishing to travel during the shoulder season from May to August to take further advantage of the thinner crowds and potentially lower expenses as a result of the favourable exchange rate and shoulder-season promotions,” said Wong.
Shiraishi expects the increasing number of flights between Singapore and Japan to also catalyse a surge in demand out of Singapore this year. ANA Holdings’ Air Japan is the newest addition to the Tokyo (Narita)-Singapore route, set to commence operations on April 26.
When asked if pricey airfares between Singapore and Japan would cancel out savings from the favourable exchange rate, Wong said the situation has not dampened Singaporeans’ love for Japan.
Seah agreed that travellers “are no longer bothered by airfares once they have decided on the destination”, adding that airfares would continue to rise due to high fuel cost, sustainability measures, and fleet upgrades. However, better airfares could be accessed by planning in advance and booking at least three to nine months before departure.
Catalysing demand
The weak yen and continued interest in Japan are presenting the JNTO Singapore Office with an opportunity to build on growing demand. It has plans to intensify destination promotions this year.
On the B2B front, the office will conduct seminars for travel agencies as well as joint advertising with travel agencies and airlines. It will also strengthen cooperation with the media.
On the B2C front, the office is considering exhibiting at the travel fairs hosted by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore and at events related to pop culture, alongside online advertising. Messages will focus on pushing travel demand to hidden gems in the rural areas of Japan.
Shiraishi said: “Japan has 47 prefectures. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido have been key destinations, but there are many other charming spots that await exploration and discovery. The Hokuriku region is currently a hot spot. With the Hokuriku Shinkansen being extended to Fukui Prefecture since March, visits from Tokyo have become easier and more convenient.”
He urged Singaporeans to access Toyama and Fukui by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and said these areas are known for their high quality seafood and memorable stays in tranquil temples and traditional houses.
Heavy rainfall floods Dubai, disrupts airport operations
The UAE witnessed its heaviest rain ever recorded, causing chaos around the desert nation and disrupting operations at Dubai International Airport since Monday.
The impact of the heavy rain continued to be felt on Wednesday, with roads blocked and flights severely disrupted.
Passengers in Dubai have been advised against travelling to the airport unless absolutely necessary to prevent overcrowding on the roads and highways.
The rains began late Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with some 20mm of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport. The storms intensified on Tuesday morning and continued throughout the day, easing up only later that same day.
On Wednesday morning, the flooding had left “limited transportation options” and affected flights as aircraft crew were unable to reach the airfield, reported the airport. Some aircraft had been diverted to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, the city-state’s second airfield.
About 300 flights were cancelled on Wednesday, and hundreds more were delayed.
Longhaul carrier Emirates and its low-cost sister airline, FlyDubai had major disruptions, with some foreign airlines cancelling flights to Dubai.
While Dubai International Airport has received some inbound flights today, outbound flights continue to be delayed.
As the UAE only experiences few rain periods in a year, it lacks the needed drainage infrastructure to handle heavy rain. However, it is not uncommon for roads to become partially submerged underwater during extended periods of rainfall.
There is also speculation that the flooding was caused by cloud seeding, though this has not been confirmed.
Authorities have warned that more thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds were forecast.
Tsunami alert at Indonesia’s Ruang Island as thousands evacuate after volcano erupts
Indonesian authorities said rescuers were rushing to evacuate 11,000 residents this morning after Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi erupted multiple times since Tuesday night.
This has also raised a bigger threat, where falling debris or the volcano could collapse into the sea and trigger a tsunami as it did in 1871.
The country’s volcanology agency reported that the 725m volcano has been spewing fiery lava and ash plumes thousands of feet into the sky, which resulted in the agency raising the volcano alert to the highest level. The volcano was still billowing a column of smoke on Thursday morning, prompting authorities to shut down Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado city for 24 hours.
Ruang Island is home to about 800 residents, who have temporarily relocated to neighbouring Tagulandang Island, according to authorities. Officials have warned those on Tagulandang to watch out for falling incandescent rocks and hot cloud surges.
Tourists and residents were warned to remain outside a six-kilometre exclusion zone.
No casualties have been reported.
Mount Ruang is a stratovolcano, which are typically conical and relatively steep-sided due to the formation of viscous, sticky lava that does not flow easily. Stratovolcanoes often produces explosive eruptions due to gas build-up in the magma, according to volcanologists.
In 2018, the eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau caused it to topple into the sea, triggering a tsunami that struck the coasts of the main Java and Sumatra islands, killing more than 400 people.
New hotels: Cordis, Foshan, Lingnan Tiandi, Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch and more
Cordis, Foshan, Lingnan Tiandi, China
Situated in Lingnan Tiandi, a cultural and commercial hub nestled in Foshan’s centrally located Chancheng district, the Cordis, Foshan, Lingnan Tiandi hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Zumiao subway station and 55 minutes by car from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
With 390 rooms and suites, all of which have private balconies, the property also has one- and two-bedroom service apartments available. Facilities include an indoor pool, a two-storey club lounge, fitness centre, two restaurants, eight function rooms, and a 1,260m² ballroom.
Surrounding the hotel are offices, shops and historic temples such as the 900-year-old Song Dynasty Ancestral Temple, which regularly hosts Chinese opera performances.
Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch, Australia
Courtyard by Marriott Perth, Murdoch features 150 rooms, an all-day dining venue, fitness centre, and flexible meeting spaces.
Located approximately 10 minutes from Perth’s CBD and 25 minutes from Perth International Airport, the hotel is also nearby hospitals like Fiona Stanley and St John of God, as well as Murdoch University.
Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa, Malaysia
Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa is nestled amid the Perhentian Island Marine Park on the island of Perhentian Kecil in Terengganu, on the East Coast of Malaysia. The resort is easily accessible by ferry from Kuala Besut Jetty, which is an hour’s drive from the city of Kota Bharu.
Boasting 200 deluxe rooms and 17 villas, Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa offers an all-day dining restaurant, poolside restaurant, bar and lounge, spa, fitness centre, kids and teens club, pillarless grand ballroom and two flexible function rooms.
The resort organises dive excursions with equipment provided, and led by experienced instructors, while the Terengganu Arts, Crafts & Cultural Centre lets guests discover more about Terengganu’s traditional arts and crafts through workshops, demonstration and activities.
DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station, Japan
The 266-key DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station features an all-day dining restaurant, café and lounge, fitness centre, executive lounge, and an 88m² meeting space.
The nine-storey hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of Kyoto Station, providing easy access to the city’s famed historical landmarks, dining scene, and shopping districts.
The Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA) has unveiled its new leadership with Tan Kok Liang at the helm, marking a pivotal moment for South-east Asian tourism.
Tan steps into the presidency for the term spanning 2024 to 2026, succeeding the stewardship of Pauline Suharno from the Indonesian Travel Agents Association.
Expressing gratitude for Suharno’s dedication, Tan said: “Pauline has steered FATA admirably through the post-pandemic landscape, and we thank her for her unwavering commitment.”
Tan, a recipient of the prestigious Tourism Promotion Organization (TPO) Best Tourism Industry Leader Award, brings a wealth of experience and a visionary outlook to his role. He is dedicated to elevating FATA’s profile and revitalising South-east Asian tourism in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tan’s strategic agenda includes positioning the ASEAN brand as an enticing choice for international travellers, with a focus on showcasing the region’s diverse destinations and recreational offerings.
Under Tan’s leadership, FATA will prioritise initiatives such as international travel trade shows to promote South-east Asian tourism and foster regional mobility. Tan applauds Thailand’s innovative visa proposal as a catalyst for enhancing intra-ASEAN travel and believes it will revolutionise regional mobility.
“Let’s seize the moment,” Tan urges, emphasising the untapped potential of intra-ASEAN tourism. With only seven per cent of the region’s population currently engaged in intra-ASEAN travel, Tan envisions a vibrant market ripe with affordability and a plethora of experiences waiting to be explored.
Tan’s vision extends beyond traditional tourism hotspots, advocating for the discovery of hidden gems and unique experiences across South-east Asian countries. Collaborations with industry leaders like AirAsia aim to create an interconnected South-east Asia tapestry, making travel within the region both accessible and exciting.
Furthermore, Tan aims to position FATA as a driving force for business-to-business opportunities and knowledge exchange among South-east Asian stakeholders. He plans to expand FATA’s influence by extending membership to other Asian countries, strengthening ASEAN’s position in the global tourism arena.
Assisting Tan in steering FATA towards this new era are industry professionals, including Pauline Suharno as deputy president, Evangeline Manotok as honorary treasurer, and Charles Tan as honorary secretary general, representing a diverse array of ASEAN member associations.
As FATA embarks on this transformation journey, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nurturing the interests of South-east Asia’s dynamic travel and tourism sector. This new chapter is not just about growth, but about fostering a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among industry stakeholders, propelling South-east Asia to the forefront of global tourism, FATA declared in a press statement.