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Asia/Singapore Friday, 2nd January 2026
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Page 410

Air France-KLM Group, Etihad Airways deepen partnership

By TTG Asia
0

Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming at enhancing their collaboration opportunities across passenger operations, loyalty programmes, talent development, and maintenance.

The companies are looking to expand their codeshare and interline agreements initiated in 2012, subject to regulatory approvals. As a first step, more than 40 new routes covering destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Australia have been made available for booking upon the signing, for travel as early as the winter 2023 season.

The signing ceremony took place at the Air France-KLM Group’s headquarters in Paris, France in the presence of Etihad Airways’s Arik De (left) and Air France-KLM’s Angus Clarke

The MoU also proposes the ability for frequent flyers of both Flying Blue and Etihad Guest to earn and redeem miles with Air France, KLM, and Etihad. The airlines will also explore terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access and ground handling, among other initiatives.

Etihad currently operates daily flights to both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol from Abu Dhabi international airport.

Air France will start operating daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi International Airport from October 29, 2023.

Angus Clarke, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Air France-KLM Group, said: “This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world. The attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination and a hub, powered by Etihad’s large footprint spanning South and South-east Asia, as well as Australia, brings significant richness to this partnership. This moment marks our shared commitment to providing seamless, premium, customer-centric travel experiences to our shared global customer base.”

Arik De, chief revenue officer at Etihad Airways, added: “This MoU builds on our existing partnership by exploring deeper network enhancements as we offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris, and leveraging the extensive AF-KL network to Europe and beyond. It reaffirms Etihad’s intent to bolster Abu Dhabi’s cultural and economic growth as we look forward to welcoming more guests to our home enjoying better travel benefits and enhanced customer experiences along the way.”

Uzbekistan adds Malaysians to its tourism goals

By S Puvaneswary
0

Uzbekistan is aiming to triple Malaysian arrivals from almost 4,500 in 2019 to 12,000 by this year-end, and has established various strategies, including leveraging Uzbekistan Airways, trade partnerships, and intensified consumer campaigns, to reach its goals.

Ravshan Usmanov, ambassador of Uzbekistan to Malaysia, underscored the pivotal role of Uzbekistan Airways in this endeavour. He said the airline had resumed flights from Tashkent to Kuala Lumpur on November 1, 2022, offering twice-weekly services, and will add a third service from October 30. Departures from Kuala Lumpur are scheduled for Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Uzbekistan led six inbound agents to MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur to promote the destination to Malaysians

Uzbekistan Airways is presently the sole Central Asian carrier offering regular services to Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian passport holders enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to Uzbekistan, making the destination an excellent starting point for exploring other Central Asian destinations.

Ravshan said Uzbekistan remains a relatively new destination for many Malaysian travellers and outbound travel agents. Located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Uzbekistan has always charmed travellers from all over the world. Throughout centuries it was a melting pot of cultures and civilisations. World-famous pre-Islamic, Islamic and Buddhist shrines as well as modern tourism infrastructure in the cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, Termez and Tashkent hold the potential of attracting tourists from various ethnic backgrounds from Malaysia.

To raise awareness of the destination, the embassy is planning a fam trip for outbound travel agents and invited media in conjunction with the Tashkent International Tourism Forum, a B2B2C travel mart taking place from November 15 to 17.

Recently, Uzbekistan had a pavilion at the MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur, during which six inbound agents from the country worked to create stronger brand awareness. It also invested in billboard advertisements in high-traffic areas of Kuala Lumpur and produced television documentaries highlighting Uzbekistan’s food, culture, and Islamic heritage.

Tagaeva Madina, founder of Another Travel, an inbound agent from Uzbekistan, shared that her company has primarily been catering to Muslim travellers from Malaysia interested in exploring the Islamic heritage and culture. However, at the recent MATTA Fair, she diversified her reach to the non-Muslim market, highlighting Uzbekistan’s historical and architectural monuments, as well as its appeal to food enthusiasts.

Western Australia launches Muslim Guide for travellers

By TTG Asia
0

Tourism Western Australia (TWA) has launched a new Muslim Travel Guide, comprising listings and introduction to Halal eateries, mosques, and accessible Muslim-friendly spaces and facilities, to make it easier for Muslims to explore the vast state.

Available in both English and Malay, the guide also showcases Western Australia’s natural attractions, expansive fringing coral reefs, rich Aboriginal culture, and thriving food scene. A wealth of comprehensive information, including travel guidelines ranging from arrivals to driving and public transportatiom, can be found within too.

Tourism Western Australia’s new Muslim guide will help with travel planning

TWA country manager for Singapore and Malaysia, Ava Ang, said of the new initiative: “Western Australia is a diverse and inclusive state that offers a warm welcome for the growing number of Muslim travellers in the region. We know that Muslims need to plan their trips carefully, so this guide was designed to take the hard work out and provide an easy reference tool that addresses their particular preferences and needs, while also inspiring them to explore the wonders of the state.”

The resource will prove invaluable not only to Muslim travellers but also to non-Muslims who are planning their trip to Western Australia.

Artotel, Absolute in alliance to deepen reach in Asia

By Mimi Hudoyo
0

Indonesia-based hospitality management company Artotel Group has established a strategic alliance with Thailand’s Absolute Hotel Services to mutually venture into fresh markets and destinations. The alliance will amplify their respective brand reach and foster an exchange of expertise and innovation.

Under this partnership, Artotel Group will extend its international presence by introducing Otelart properties, its signature global identity, to Thailand and Laos. These properties will operate under the licensure of Absolute Hotel Services.

Artotel Group’s Erastus Radjimin (fourth from left) and Absolute Hotel Services’s Karan Kaul (third from right) celebrate the partnership

At the same time, Absolute Hotel Services, which has several hotels in Bali, will introduce its U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, and Eastin Grand Hotels brands to multiple destinations across Indonesia.

Jonathan Wigley, founder & CEO of Absolute Hotel Services, said in a media statement: “This collaboration is a testament to the synergy between complementary brands, operating in complementary markets, sharing a parallel DNA and company culture. Together, we are poised to create unparalleled guest experiences that seamlessly blend innovation, culture, and luxury.”

Erastus Radjimin, founder & CEO of Artotel Group, told TTG Asia that Thailand’s tourism industry is big and the market is “very competitive”, so an expansion into the country requires a “trusted and seasoned partner” like. Absolute Hotel Services.

For Absolute Hotel Services, Erastus said Artotel Group will be the strong local partner to help it navigate its expansion into the rest of Indonesia.

Erastus also shed light on the Otelart brand, saying that it will be similar to Artotel but with F&B outlets outsourced to experienced local players. While brand positioning is similar, rates will differ and be “in accordance with local market prices”.

When asked why Thailand and Laos are central for Otelart’s expansion, Erastus said: “There are business opportunities for us in these markets which are still growing. In Thailand, there is a gap in the boutique design hotel segment. Although Thailand has a lot of hotels, there are not many art-inspired design properties. Secondly, both countries are very rich in culture, so it is a lot easier for us to take the values of the arts when we design a hotel.”

Borobudur Temple sets new regulations for visitors

By Tiara Maharani
0

Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko, the state-owned company that manages the temples, has set new regulations for visitors looking to explore the archeological site of Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia.

The new regulations include limited tickets for sale, pre-set visiting sessions, and a sale period of no more than a week ahead of the intended visit. These are aligned with the Indonesian government’s policy of imposing stricter visitor controls at the temple, with no more than 1,200 people allowed each day or 150 per session.

Borobudur Temple trials new ticketing regulations; photo by Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy

From hereon, tickets are only sold online and open for sale seven days before the intended visit; a maximum of 10 tickets may be purchased in a single transaction.

Visitors can choose from one of eight hour-long sessions, between 09.00 and 17.00.

Jamaludin Mawardi, general manager of the Borobudur Unit of TWC Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko, said visitors are welcome to purchase an additional session for longer visits, and can do so with the help of a guide and subject to ticket availability.

He said the new regulations are being tested until October, and improvements will continue to be made.

“There will be a special landing page for tour operators on the website, including a special quota plan for ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies) Yogyakarta members using voucher codes,” Jamaludin added.

Indonesian travel trade players welcome the new regulations, especially as the sole online sales channel will remove ticket brokers, and are offering ideas for system improvements.

Monas Tjahjono, managing director of Monas Tours & Travel Surabaya, said TWC should make the sale of tickets transparent, so that visitors to the site can see the number of tickets available for sale in real time. This is important since tickets are very quickly snapped up, as soon as the online purchase slot is opened.

The temple’s online ticketing system could also take a leaf out of airlines’ book, where sales are open every day throughout the year and which allows visitors to see ahead tickets that are available for sale.

She then urges TWC to reduce website downtime.

Meanwhile, Trianto Sunarjati, director at Travel Help Indonesia, opined that the reservation system needs to be separated for the public and travel operators, so that the latter could purchase more tickets for tour groups.

However, ASITA vice chairman Budijanto Ardiansjah voiced concerns for the sudden regulations change “in the middle of the year, during the high season”.

As group bookings have been confirmed since last year, travellers worry if they would still be allowed into Borobudur Temple, while tour operators are concerned about cost increment and affected earnings.

Budijanto hopes that destinations or attractions that are the main tourist draws, such as Borobudur Temple, will consult tourism industry players when making decisions.

“Keep in mind that tourism is a future business, where business obtained today is the result of last year’s actions,” he stated.

Budijanto also suggested a dual online and offline ticketing system during the trial period, to allow tour operators to try for tickets manually should they fail to secure online tickets.

Xiamen Airlines establishes Doha links

By TTG Asia
0

Xiamen Airlines will launch regular flights between Beijing Daxing and Doha on October 20 and between Xiamen and Doha on October 31.

The service commencement will coincide with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Qatar. It also marks an important initiative by Xiamen Airlines in supporting China’s Belt and Road initiative, further closing the distance between the two countries.

Xiamen Airline’s latest services will support China’s Belt and Road initiative

The daily Beijing-Doha service will depart from Beijing at 18.30 and arrive in Doha at 22.45; the return service will leave Doha at 02.00 and arrive in Beijing at 15.20.

The Xiamen-Doha service will fly twice a week, departing from Xiamen at 00.05 and arriving in Doha at 05.00; the return flight will leave Doha at 19.30 and arrive in Xiamen at 07.55 the next day.

Both routes will be operated on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering first class, business class and economy class seats.

Disney Cruise Line names first ship bound for South-east Asia

By TTG Asia
0
From left: Disney Parks, Experiences and Product's Josh D'Amaro; and STB's Keith Tan posing with Captain Mickey and Minnie

Disney Adventure will be the name of the Singapore-bound vessel that Disney Cruise Line will designate for the first time for South-east Asia come 2025.

In a press statement, Disney Cruise Line said “the name evokes the spirit of exploration”, and promises to “take families on a fantastical voyage across a sea of Disney, Pixar and Marvel stories, venturing into realms representing every corner of the Disney world – and beyond”.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Product’s Josh D’Amaro (left) and STB’s former chief Keith Tan at the project reveal in March 2023

The name was announced by Disney Cruise Line’s president Thomas Mazloum at the Destination D23 Event in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Disney Adventure’s future in South-east Asia was first revealed in March this year by both the cruise company and the Singapore Tourism Board.

The ship will be a new-build, weighing 208,000 gross tons. It is under construction at the MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, under the management of Meyer Werft.

Taitung reinforces slow tourism appeal in Hong Kong market

By Prudence Lui
0

The Transportation and Tourism Development Department of Taitung, Taiwan is in Hong Kong this week to fire up travel interest and explore charter flight arrangements to boost access between the two points.

The eight-member delegation, led by director Jessie Chiang, comprises hoteliers and travel agents. Hong Kong is the first stop for this initiative. Across September 6 to 9, the delegation will provide Hong Kong trade partners with tourism updates.

Taitung pitches a slow tourism angle to Hong Kong travellers (photo by Prudence Lui)

A Slow travel in Taitung campaign is aimed at Hong Kong consumers, designed to show off the destination’s pollution-free appeal, long coastline, two offshore islands, seven indigenous ethnicities, stargazing opportunities, and versatile festivals such as Taiwan International Balloon Festival. It is hoped that Hong Kong residents will be encouraged to stay on longer in Taitung for their holidays.

Kingdom Travel’s business manager, Joy Huang, shared that visitors from Hong Kong can now explore the Palan tribal site of Ulivelivek, located 15km from Taitung city, through a new itinerary. There are half- and full-day tours, good for smaller groups with six to 12 people.

Heidi Ouyang, assistant general manager of Formosan Naruwan Hotel & Resort Taitung, told TTG Asia that “Taitung has lots to offer” so much so that the usual duration of two to fours days taken by Hongkongers is not enough to experience the best of land and sea programmes.

Taitung tourism players also hope to inform Hong Kong travel trade partners that accommodation options have expanded and improved. There are now 1,502 keys under boutique guesthouses, while existing hotels have undergone varying degrees of renovation. The five-star 292-room Formosan Naruwan Hotel, for example, has just kicked off a phased refurbishment this month and targets to complete in mid to late 2024.

Chiang told TTG Asia that the Hong Kong market accounted for 60 per cent of Taitung’s international arrivals pre-pandemic, but direct flights are now lacking between the two points.

She hopes that discussions about potential charter flights can lead to services materialising by mid-2024.

Taitung authorities currently incentivise airlines to establish charter flights between Taitung and Hong Kong, with a subsidy of HK$69,500 (US$8,866) given per flight should passenger numbers exceed 50. Additional perks may be given for charter flights that serve more than 20 travellers who stay in legal hostels or hotels for two nights.

Malaysia Airlines expands reach with new routes, increased frequencies

By S Puvaneswary
0

Malaysia Airlines is set to bolster its presence in India, offer more options for travel within Australia, China, and South-east Asia, and enhance the overall traveller experience.

The flag carrier will expand its services to India with the launch of three new routes. Starting on November 8, 9, and December 1, travellers can access flights between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar, Thiruvananthapuram, and Ahmedabad, respectively. These will be served by Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, featuring 160 seats, with 16 allocated to Business Class.

Izham: committed to facilitating seamless travel within Malaysia and beyond

This expansion brings the airline’s point-to-point connectivity from Kuala Lumpur to India to a total of nine key hubs, including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi.

Group managing director of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham Ismail, expressed the airline’s commitment to the Indian market, emphasising the convenience these new routes will offer to travellers. He also revealed that the airline is aiming to restore its pre-pandemic capacity in the Indian market by the end of the year.

Starting from December, Malaysia Airlines will also ramp up services from Kuala Lumpur to Australia’s Melbourne and Sydney. Flights to Melbourne will rise from 14 to 15 per week, while Sydney will see an increase from 14 to 16 flights per week.

Services to Greater China’s Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong will also be scaled up, alongside services to Indonesia’s Jakarta, Thailand’s Bangkok and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

At the same time, Malaysia Airlines has introduced two new products, MHsports and MHcruise, to elevate the traveller experience.

MHsports caters to groups of five or more people travelling for sporting events. It offers an array of perks, including special fares, an extra 10kg baggage allowance, flexible date and time changes, and the convenience of extending one’s journey with a flexible return date. Customers can also enjoy the flexibility of changing their travellers up to 24 hours before departure, complimentary pre-selected seating, and advance check-in.

MHcruise offers special discounted fares tailored for selected travel trade players to seamlessly integrate with their cruise packages. Designed for a wide spectrum of travellers, MHcruise also includes special fares for children under 12 years old, an extra 10kg baggage allowance, preferential fares on both Business and Economy Class seats, and the freedom to choose one-way or return trips to various destinations within the Malaysia Airlines network.

Oceania Cruises unveils inaugural season sailings for Allura

By TTG Asia
0

Oceania Cruises has published the inaugural season sailings for its newest ship, Allura, which will join the fleet in summer 2025.

The 26 sailings will span more than 92 destinations on various seven- to 34-day voyages, and will open for sale on September 14, 2023.

Allura will be an opulent addition to the Oceania Cruises fleet when she sails for the first time on June 8, 2025

As the line’s second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship, Allura will boast standard staterooms measuring at 27m2, larger than many entry-level suites on some ultra-luxury cruise lines.

Her maiden voyage will be a seven-day journey from Athens to Istanbul, departing on June 8, 2025. She will also call at iconic cities and lesser-known gems such as Cádiz, Cagliari, Messina, Palma de Mallorca, Palermo and Cinque Terre for her opening European season, and will feature overnight stays in Istanbul, Monte Carlo, Quebec City, Montreal and New York.

From her summer season in the Mediterranean, Allura will sail to Canada and New England for an extended season in North America before her premiere winter season in the Caribbean.

Complementing exquisite destination itineraries is a promise of The Finest Cuisine at Sea, where guests will dine at five speciality dining venues, including new signature restaurants Ember and Aquamar Kitchen, at no extra cost; and enjoy innovative and surprising cocktails served by master mixologists at the Founders Bar. It is said to be the only major cruise line to boast two master chefs of France.

Other highlights include a new onboard Crêperie, serving freshly made crêpes and waffles to order in the morning and a decadent array of gelatos in the afternoon; a new social hub, atop the ship, offering sweeping views of the seascape and a perfect nook for quiet reflection; an expansive Culinary Centre, and an accompanying Chef’s Studio, where epicurean secrets will be shared by the talented onboard chef Instructors; various onboard enrichment programmes; and hundreds of immersive shore excursions and tours to choose from on each sailing.

Service is thoughtfully curated, with two crew members for every three guests, and one chef for every 10 guests, ensuring 50 per cent of crew members are dedicated to culinary experiences.

Frank A Del Rio, president of Oceania Cruises, said: “Excitement is already building in advance of Allura’s debut. This beautiful new addition to our family embodies the dynamic and dazzling future of Oceania Cruises. Allura heralds the ultimate evolution of our onboard experience, and her inaugural season is designed to entice curious world travellers, to allow them to reconnect with well-loved favourite destinations and discover new ones for the first time.

“Allura will continue the evolution of the Oceania Cruises experience. At their inception, our ships Marina and Riviera were heralded as two of the most beautiful and perfect cruise ships ever built; Vista, and now Allura, carry forward this vision, building on and embodying the evolution of perfection. We cannot wait to welcome Allura to the fleet.”

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Sister Publications
TTG Asia TTGmice TTG India TTGssociations TTG Asia Luxury
TTG Asia | Macau shows off stronger festive winter vibes
TTG Asia | Productivity in tourism economy takes centre stage at 11th GTEF
TTG Asia | Strong baht weighs on Thai tourism