Vietjet adds new services to its network

November 7, 2023

Vietjet is expanding its network with four new international services from Vietnam to India, China, Indonesia and Cambodia, and a new domestic service to Dien Bien.

The first flight connecting Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Tiruchirappalli, a city in India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, was launched on November 2.

Vietjet adds new services to India, China, Indonesia and Cambodia

The new HCMC-Tiruchirappalli direct route will depart every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, while the flights from Tiruchirappalli to HCMC will take off on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

From December 1, the airline will operate daily return services between HCMC and Shanghai, China, while the Hanoi-Jakarta (Indonesia) route will commence on December 10 with four round-trip flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Starting from December 15, Vietjet will also launch the Hanoi-Siem Reap (Cambodia) service with seven roundtrips per week.

In addition, the airline will introduce the HCMC-Dien Bien route from December 2, flying on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Norwegian Aqua opens up sales for debut voyages

By TTG Asia

November 7, 2023

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) all-new Norwegian Aqua, the first of the expanded Prima Plus Class, has opened up sales for seven-day voyages to the Caribbean which will set sail in April 2025.

Starting from Port Canaveral, Florida, the voyages include calls to island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas.

The Haven will feature four three-bedroom duplex suites on Norwegian Aqua

Premiering on Norwegian Aqua is the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide featuring three stories of twists and turns around the ship’s funnel. Also new is the Glow Court, a digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, which will offer a variety of interactive guest activities by day and then transform into a nightclub in the evening.

Popular Prima Class experiences aboard Norwegian Aqua comprise The Drop, NCL’s 10-story free-fall slide; the Stadium, a now expanded game space offering complimentary activities; and the kids’ Splash Academy.

Norwegian Aqua will also debut NCL’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites in the brand’s premium keycard-access-only-complex, The Haven by Norwegian. These four two-story suites feature separate living and dining areas, three bathrooms, a balcony, and three bedrooms. The Haven aboard Norwegian Aqua will offer the largest Haven complex in the fleet with 123 suites, including exclusive access to an expansive sundeck, infinity pool, outdoor spa, two hot tubs, a private lounge and bar. Haven guests will enjoy 24-hour butler service and a dedicated concierge team.

Following a series of seven-day Caribbean sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, Norwegian Aqua will offer five- and seven-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025. The ship will then sail five- and seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning October 2025 through April 2026.

For more information, visit Norwegian Cruise Line.

Philippines, Japan ink deal on tourism cooperation

By TTG Asia

November 6, 2023

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The Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Japanese Government’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLITT) have signed a landmark agreement that will expand opportunities for tourism development between the two countries.

This is the first standalone cooperation agreement between the two nations, which will see both countries strengthen and further develop Philippines-Japan ties in the field of tourism.

The collaboration between Japan and the Philippines will see both countries strengthen and further develop their ties in the field of tourism

Under the agreement, both countries will increase tourist arrivals for both countries from world tourist-generating markets; encourage more tourists to visit various tourist destinations and attractions, including rural areas in each other’s country; encourage mutual visits and traffic of high-value-added travellers to increase tourism consumption; as well as encourage healthy growth of tourism industry of the Philippines and Japan especially on the aspects of education, culture, gastronomy, sustainable tourism, and adventure.

Additionally, both countries will engage in the exchange of information on matters related to the industry; education and training; ensure means of mutual traffic through the enhancement of air and sea connectivity, and joint promotional programmes, as well as enhance transport connectivity to sustain people-to-people exchange and the influx of travellers, and ensure tourist safety.

The Philippines and Japan also agreed to cooperate in terms of ensuring safety among tourists while they are staying in their respective countries.

A joint working group composed of senior officials from the DoT and MLITT will be convened for the proper implementation of the cooperation which will run for five years and is subject for renewal.

Western Australia to host 24th WTTC Global Summit

By TTG Asia

November 6, 2023

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The WTTC will convene in Western Australia (WA) next year, as Perth has won the bid to host the 24th WTTC Global Summit.

The WTTC is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel, tourism and trade and promotes the sustainable and inclusive growth of the sector.

Perth will host the 24th WTTC Global Summit next year

Hosting the summit will position WA as a leader in travel, tourism and trade, with the event previously attracting high-profile attendees such as former US president Barack Obama, French president Emmanuel Macron, previous UN Leader Ban Ki-moon and environmental activist Bear Grylls.

Tourism WA’s managing director, Carolyn Turnbull said hosting the 24th WTTC Global Summit presented a significant opportunity for WA to demonstrate its growth, ambition and investment opportunities to WTTC’s members, which includes the CEOs of key travel businesses such as Etihad Airlines, Expedia and InterContinental.

“The effect of hosting this event goes far beyond the immediate economic impact generated from delegate spend; this event will open avenues for conversation around inbound trade and product investments, new inbound aviation routes and the development of high value tourism product business opportunities.

“Business delegates attending this event will be encouraged to extend their stay and explore further afield, so they can experience our dreamlike landscapes, world-class experiences, and expert tourism operators first-hand.”

Business Events Perth chair, Bradley Woods, added: “As identified within the Western Australian Government’s Diversify WA economic development framework, tourism is a key sector within our state’s growing and diverse economy… with our growing direct international air capacity, world-class event spaces and unique tourism offerings, WA is primed to be a global leader in growing our industry’s future; with repeated success in securing major sector focused business events.”

The business event was secured after a collaborative bid was presented by the WA Government, through Tourism WA and Business Events Perth, with additional bidding support from Business Events Australia.

Demand for Icon of the Seas sailings on a high

By Caroline Boey

November 6, 2023

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Royal Caribbean International (RCI) is reporting strong demand for its exclusive three-level Penthouse Family Suite on the much-anticipated Icon of the Seas, which comes with a US$75,000 price tag.

The maiden seven-night voyage sets sails from Miami on January 27, 2024, and

Hernandez: Asia is an anchor market with the potential to outpace growth in the rest of the world

Bert Hernandez, senior vice president, international, said forward bookings for the suite “sold out in a short time”.

Demand, he shared, was coming from the Middle East, the US, Singapore and South America.

The 20-deck high ship, which can carry up to 7,600 passengers, offers between 20 and 30 per cent more space compared to its competitors, and depending on seasonality, is priced at an average per diem of US$350 per passenger.

Travel agents play a vital role, Angie Stephen, vice president Asia-Pacific, commented, and with Asian passengers willing to fly longhaul, RCI was planning a “big trip” to introduce the ship in Miami to convince its trade partners to sell the cruise beyond Singapore.

RCI has three Icon of the Seas on order and Hernandez expressed the desire to base one in Asia, calling the region an “anchor market with the potential to outpace growth in the rest of the world”.

Describing RCI’s 2020 experiment and introduction of cruises to nowhere in Singapore as a “game changer”, he said it had become a template for other markets in supporting regional and global cruising.

Hernandez continued: “Asia is still opening and is moving in the right direction. With the diversity of destinations with different immigration and visa protocols, we are trying to see how technology being used in Miami can make the process easier.

“We are also looking at en-route immigration which we are trying out in Japan, Hong Kong and some ports in Vietnam.”

RCI, he said, would be “coming back to China in April”, adding it had been the most profitable market before the pandemic.

Ships were limited and RCI would have to pick and choose where they would be based, he quipped.

More Singaporeans flocking to Hokkaido for snow holidays

By Caroline Boey

November 6, 2023

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Club Med’s First Snow Report for Singapore shows “a notable shift” post-lockdown for more adventurous experiences, in particular for snow holidays, which has “surged remarkably”.

Olivier Monceau, general manager Singapore & Malaysia Markets, who shared the findings last week, said: “Astonishingly, we have nearly doubled the number of ski enthusiasts from Singapore, showcasing the growing interest in snow-filled adventures compared to the pre-pandemic era.

A majority of snow holiday seekers in Hokkaido are from Singapore; Club Med Kiroro Grand, pictured

“This evolving trend has inspired us to introduce this report, providing valuable insights into consumer behaviour within this developing holiday category.”

He added: “I am delighted to say that snow holidays have gained a prominent position within our business strategy.”

The report dovetails with Club Med’s ambitious development plan and the December opening of its fourth mountain resort in Japan, Club Med Kiroro Grand in Hokkaido, which joins Club Med Sahoro, Club Med Tomamu and Club Med Kiroro Peak.

Club Med Kiroro Grand, billed as a hidden white powder paradise with unspoilt nature for skiing, snowboarding and snow trekking, compliments the experience with wellness – soaking in an outdoor hot bath or onsen – and tours to discover the culture of the indigenous Ainu first settlers in Hokkaido.

The family-friendly all-inclusive resort offers facilities for children two years and older, and its four restaurants serve international, Asia-themed and Japanese speciality meals.

Evening entertainment includes stage performances and games at main bar Yotei.

According to the report, Singapore families make up 70 per cent of snow holiday seekers and 67 per cent have children.

The report stated: “Singaporeans are no strangers to snow holidays and one in two will stay between seven to 10 days.”

To a Singaporean, “beautiful views” and “snow-related activities” were the top two descriptions of what a snow holiday is, and “favourite destinations” are Japan, Switzerland, China, South Korea and France.

At 66 and 55 per cent respectively for “having ski and/or snowboarding experience” and “possessing intermediate or advance skills”, “Singaporeans are winter sports enthusiasts” based on the report.

Khiri Travel unveils new Asian travel products

By TTG Asia

November 6, 2023

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Khiri Travel has launched new travel products in eight countries in South-east Asia to give tour operators and travel agents in source markets a quick indication of what to expect.

The six categories include Signature, Personality, Sundowner, Select, Picnic, and Wow!

Khiri Travel offers varied tourism experiences across the region, such as Indonesia’s Pasola festival and Komodo Island, and traditional fishing methods in Vietnam, pictured

Khiri Signature is reserved for special travel experiences not offered by other operators, while Khiri Personality is for conversations with renowned local experts such as historians, authors and artists.

Khiri Sundowner presents views at sunset with private drinks service away from other tourists, and Khiri Select is reserved for experiences that reflect the essence of a place with activities that give unique insights and memories.

As for Khiri Picnic, it allows clients to enjoy the best of locally-sourced food with freshest ingredients prepared by locals in appealing locations unconstrained by restaurant availability.

Finally, Khiri Wow is for when money is not an issue.

“We can create some remarkable travel experiences by combining categories such as signature, wow, personality and sundowner on any given trip. That’s when our 30 years of DMC know-how and intimate knowledge of our destinations really shines through,” said Khiri Travel’s CEO and founder, Willem Niemeijer.

Khiri Travel will be at the World Travel Market London from November 6 to 8, as well as at Further East Bali between November 6 to 9, to showcase its latest travel products.

Greater Bay Airlines to launch Manila-Hong Kong service

By TTG Asia

November 6, 2023

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Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) will be launching the Manila-Hong Kong service from November 8, operating five times a week.

Greater Bay Airlines will start its Manila-Hong Kong service from November 8

The airline will fly from Manila to Hong Kong on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; while the Hong Kong-Manila services will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

A festive stay at The Residence Bintan

By TTG Asia

November 6, 2023

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The Residence Bintan is welcoming guests back to partake in their yearly festive celebration known as Magical Festive Moments, starting from December 21, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

Embark on a journey that promises memorable experiences for the entire family, starting with a traditional cake mixing ceremony, the lighting of the annual festive tree, and the illumination of the gingerbread house.

Guests can enjoy local dances and performances during Cultural Night at The Residence Bintan

A Christmas Eve Gala Dinner awaits on December 24, featuring regional delicacies and comforting seasonal favourites. Children will be delighted with a variety of activities like hands-on DIY festive ornament crafting, nature walks, and more. Then on Christmas day, Santa Claus makes his grand arrival, with gift distributions, Christmas carols by nearby village children, and photo sessions – then at night, guests can indulge in a luxurious poolside dining experience.

There will also be a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Countdown Party on December 31, and a special Orthodox Holiday Dinner on January 6, 2024, which is a re-run of the Gala dinner.

In addition, guests can enjoy captivating dances and other local performances during Cultural Night.

Guests are encouraged to book their stay through the public website for a minimum of two nights to enjoy an exclusive 15 per cent discount on room rates.

For more information, email The Residence Bintan.

Silversea, the cruiseline that’s most at home in the Mediterranean

By TTG

November 6, 2023

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Brought to you by Silversea Cruises

When we imagine the Mediterranean Sea, we think of glittering water, rocky coves with sunworshippers stretched out under striped umbrellas, colourful hillside villages, fascinating historic sites, and chic little waterfront bars where a Spritz is obligatory in the afternoons.

The Mediterranean stretches through 22 countries and along 46,000km of coastline but at the height of summer it’s a slow crawl between villages and towns as Europe flocks to the beaches and cool breezes.

The perfect way to avoid the crowds, savour the beauty of the coastline, and feast on the famed local cuisine, is to explore the Mediterranean with ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea, which operates a fleet of stylish, small ships that can navigate the tiny ports that give the region its unforgettable charm.

Founded in Monaco and sailing with a distinctly Italian flavour, Silversea’s heritage is Mediterranean, which means it has a unique understanding of the region, its landscapes and rich culture. Recognising the eternal appeal of this fabled part of the world, in 2024 Silversea is visiting an impressive 111 Mediterranean destinations, across 20 countries, offering several iconic itineraries, including the Greek Isles and Turkey, voyages to the Holy Land and a much-awaited return to Ibiza and the gorgeous Balearic Islands.

In the summer of 2025, Silversea will further increase its presence in the Mediterranean with 84 voyages on six ships, including the fleet’s newest addition, Silver Ray, which launches in summer 2024. Silver Ray, like the ground-breaking Silver Nova, is a new class of ship that is designed to be more immersive in its surroundings, with increased outdoor space for warm-weather sailing.

And of course, all voyages on Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, Silver Dawn, Silver Nova, Silver Ray and Silver Moon feature Silversea’s all-inclusive luxury, legendary butler service, authentic culinary experiences, and the highest staff to guest ratio at sea.

Silversea’s sizzling summer of 2024

Reflecting its commitment to the destination, Silversea has introduced new ports, new itineraries, and a program of immersive culinary adventures through its highly regarded S.A.L.T program. A classic Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona voyage includes sun-soaked beach ports such as Livorno in Tuscany, known as ‘Little Venice ’, for its canals and bridges, charming Sicilian beachside town Trapani, and Giardini Naxos, which accesses new Set Jetter favourite Taormina, the location of the latest White Lotus series.

Especially exciting for guests travelling on this itinerary on Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit in May is the opportunity to experience the iconic Monaco Grand Prix 2024 in style, with exclusive events tailored just for Silversea guests.

Exploring new shores in 2025

Expect expanded and diversified experiences in 2025, with brand new itineraries for Silver Spirit and Silver Whisper that take guests off the beaten track in the Greek Islands, adding ports Silversea hasn’t visited before and other cruise lines often ignore, such as the rarely visited Milos.

Meanwhile, Silver Muse complements these voyages by exploring the iconic islands of Greece, such as Mykonos, Patmos and Santorini, in a new series of 7-day journeys, where guests can enjoy a true immersion in Greek culture, history, literary traditions, architecture and culinary heritage. Extended stays in Kusadasi, Mykonos or Souda Bay, Crete, give the opportunity to further explore this magical part of the world. Shore excursions include a scenic tour of Patmos and its sensational natural landscapes, and a garden-to-table experience in Souda, Crete which includes a visit to the lively Agora market in Chania’s Old Town followed by a trip to the artisanal Anoskli winery for a tasting.

Silver Ray’s destinations will include Monaco, Syracuse and Palma de Mallorca, where the ship will stop overnight to experience more of this stunningly beautiful, historic city. Silver Spirit and Silver Whisper will visit the World Heritage sites along the Adriatic coast, beginning in Venice Fusina.

A series of signature voyages aboard Silver Whisper are positioned at the beginning and end of the season, calling into some of the smallest ports in the region, such as Amorgos, Vlore and Seville, allowing guests the opportunity to visit popular destinations at a quieter time of the year and discover some hidden gems along the way.

The hero is the 2025 Grand Mediterranean cruise on Silver Spirit which will visit 44 destinations and 12 countries in 54 days, starting in Venice and concluding in Lisbon, and is designed for guests wishing to take a deeper dive into Mediterranean culture, history and food. Enriching guests’ understanding of the region, the itinerary includes a call to exotic Tangier, Morocco, where guests can take a shore excursion to blue city of Chefchaouen and learn more about the history that binds North Africa to southern Europe.

A culinary adventure like no other

Silversea believes the soul of a destination can be discovered through its food and culinary traditions. In 2020 it launched its lauded S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Taste) culinary program on Silver Moon, rolling it out since on Silver Dawn, Silver Nova and the forthcoming Silver Ray. S.A.L.T is not merely the occasional cooking class or chef’s market tour, but a fully immersive dive into the flavours, tastes and traditions of the destinations the Silversea ships visit.

Overseen by former Saveur Editor-in-Chief Adam Sachs, it’s unique in luxury cruising for taking a holistic approach, bringing together different elements of food culture, from workshops and tastings to collaborations and with famous chefs and excursions to local restaurants, wineries and farms.

Guests can take part in cooking classes at the lavishly equipped S.A.L.T Lab and join an extensive programme of chef’s tours on each voyage, tailored to each location, which prioritise intimate conversations with local food experts, home cooks and renowned chefs. One exceptional addition is a guided market tour of lovely French Riviera town Menton, hosted by the chefs of 3-Michelin-starred restaurant Mirazur, which held the number 1 spot on the World’s Best Restaurants list from 2019-2021. It marks chef Mauro Colagreco’s new and unique collaboration with Silversea, his only with a cruise line.

S.A.L.T Lab also offers an immersive culinary experience for 20 guests, who dine in the open kitchen on a choreographed menu of small plates, reflecting the chef’s creative expression. The restaurant S.A.L.T Kitchen serves an ever-changing menu according to the destination, devoted to the flavours of the region and to regional wines, spirits and brews. The fabulous S.A.L.T Bar is mixology heaven, with the clever bar tenders drawing on local plants and herbs to concoct their cocktails.

Book your ultra-luxury cruise today and embark on a journey to discover this storied region’s charming seaside villages and ancient archaeological treasures. Let your Mediterranean dreams take flight with Silversea.

Vietjet adds new services to its network

Norwegian Aqua opens up sales for debut voyages

Philippines, Japan ink deal on tourism cooperation

Western Australia to host 24th WTTC Global Summit

Demand for Icon of the Seas sailings on a high

More Singaporeans flocking to Hokkaido for snow holidays

Khiri Travel unveils new Asian travel products

Greater Bay Airlines to launch Manila-Hong Kong service

A festive stay at The Residence Bintan

Silversea, the cruiseline that’s most at home in the Mediterranean

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