Thai Vietjet and Centara Hotels & Resorts have teamed up once again to offer air travel and accommodation benefits to Thai Vietjet’s passengers and Centara’s customers throughout the year.
This is the second collaboration between both companies, with last year’s marketing campaign receiving positive feedback from the market.
Customers of Thai Vietjet and Centara will enjoy air travel and accommodation benefits throughout the year
In line with the new partnership, Thai Vietjet passengers can benefit 19 per cent discount on Flexible and The Place To Be room rates when logging in as CentaraThe1 member and booking through Centara’s website for stays at Centara hotels & resorts in Thailand, the UAE, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Oman, the Maldives, Japan and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, CentaraThe1 members enjoy a special discount code of 20 per cent off when booking domestic and international tickets with Thai Vietjet.
In addition, Thai Vietjet’s passengers will receive a complimentary hotel upgrade and a 10 per cent discount for spa treatments during their stays at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne in Vietnam.
Pinyot Pibulsonggram, director of commercial at Thai Vietjet, said: “We believe that this co-promotion between Thai Vietjet and Centara will not only provide special perks to our customers, but will also play a great role in stimulating the travel industry in the post-pandemic era.”
“As we see the international travel sector continue to grow, with further collaboration between the two companies, we look forward to welcoming more and more guests to our hotels & resorts, and ensuring Centara’s signature of Thai hospitality and family value service are at the heart of every stay,” said Pinida Pettanagul, corporate director of marketing & creative services, Centara Hotels & Resorts.
AirAsia X has renewed direct services from Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur to Amritsar in Northern India from September 3.
The airline will operate four times weekly services to Amritsar.
AirAsia X will fly four times weekly to Amritsar from September
This will be the airline’s second destination to India after New Delhi, which will deliver an additional annual capacity of 157,263 seats between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar.
Located just two and a half hours from Singapore, Cempedak Private Island presents three new stay packages – the Romantic Escape couples’ package, the Relax & Rejuvenate wellness package, and The Last Minute Long Weekend package.
The Romantic Escape package is applicable for both four-day or five-day stays, and includes a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, couples’ massage, sunset cocktails, and a candlelit dinner under the stars. A four-day, three-night stay is priced S$2,100 (US$1,571) while a five-day, four-night stay is S$2,800.
Cempedak Private Island now offers three new stay packages for a short break from the bustle of the city
Guests seeking a holistic getaway can opt for the Relax & Rejuvenate package, offered in both four-day or five-day stay options. Guests can detox with the herbal teas and healthy menu available throughout their stay, join yoga classes, and enjoy spa treatments. A four-day, three-night stay starts at S$1,750 for one adult and S$2,560 for two. A five-day, four-night stay for one adult starts at S$2,470 and S$3,500 for two.
The Last Minute Long Weekend package is a four-day getaway for one or two adults. It comprises sparkling wine on arrival, spa treatments, sunset cocktails and dinner under the stars. The packaged is priced at S$2,200 for one pax, and S$2,800 for two.
Each package is inclusive of transfers to and from Bintan ferry terminal, three meals per day, and selected activities around the island.
Traveloka has joined the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as an affiliate member, demonstrating its commitment to develop the region’s tourism industry by fostering responsible and sustainable travel.
The announcement was made during the UNWTO Conference held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from June 15-17, 2023.
From left: Indonesia’s Sandiaga Uno, Traveloka’s Albert, and UNWTO’s Zurab Pololikashvili at the UNWTO Conference in Phnom Penh
As the only travel platform in South-east Asia to become an affiliate member of UNWTO, Traveloka is assessing challenges and highlighting opportunities as travel recovers, as well as emphasising strategic collaborations within the ecosystem, such as partnerships with local and regional governments.
By joining UNWTO, Traveloka will have the opportunity to engage directly with other affiliate members, advocate alongside tourism leaders and representatives from other member countries on the world stage, participate in high-level regional and international dialogues, and gain access to UNWTO’s insights on global tourism trends.
Welcoming Traveloka’s affiliation, UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Having the private sector’s support is crucial in promoting sustainable tourism and achieving Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. We firmly believe collaborating with Traveloka will significantly contribute to developing a more sustainable global tourism sector.”
With a presence in six South-east Asian countries, Traveloka aims to accelerate the sustainable revitalisation of the region’s tourism industry.
Albert, co-founder of Traveloka, shared: “We are a platform that consistently prioritises innovation and strategic partnerships, and we believe we can drive sustainable tourism growth through technological breakthroughs and global collaborations. We hope that this initiative will also inspire tourism stakeholders in South-east Asia to contribute to the sustainable growth of international tourism.”
Sarawak has agreed in principle to take over MASwings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, as a means of setting up its own boutique airline and improving air connectivity with Sarawak.
The takeover was proposed by the federal government, stated Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg, who added that negotiations are currently ongoing.
Sarawak aims to take over MASwings in order to set up its own boutique airline and improve air connectivity
Sarawak plans to use local state-owned charter operator Hornbill Skyways (Kuching) to operate the new airline’s fleet of turboprop aircraft to connect Sarawak with Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and several airports in Indonesia.
Earlier in April, Malaysia’s prime minister Anwar Ibrahim had agreed to the Sarawak state government’s request to form a boutique airline to fly to destinations beyond Borneo.
However, deputy transport minister Hasbi Habibollah revealed in Parliament on June 12 that Sarawak’s application in early April was incomplete and that the Ministry of Transport, through the Malaysian Aviation Commission ,will examine and consider the proposal after a completed application is submitted to the federal government for consideration.
Marketing In Asia reported that a decision on the possible rebranding of MASwings after the takeover remains uncertain – more details will be provided once the takeover procedure concludes.
This summer, millennial and Gen Z travellers across Asia-Pacific are embracing their inner culture vultures and seeking inspiration from their travels, revealed Klook. In fact, one in four of these travellers actively search for inspiration in their journeys.
Unveiling insights into the vibrant travel motivations of these demographics for this season, Klook’s vice president of global marketing, Marcus Yong, shared: “More than half (53%) of millennials and Gen Zs are ready to travel abroad this summer, and they are looking to make their summer holidays more colourful and memorable through inspiring experiences.”
Millennials and Gen Z travellers search for inspiration in their journeys
When planning a holiday, many travellers focus on practical details such as accommodation, transportation, and a well-planned itinerary. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the power of using colours and the feelings they can evoke.
This summer, the colour purple takes centre stage as the symbol of inspiration, with millennials and Gen Zs eagerly embracing cultural experiences to find inspiration during their travels.
“Traveling is a gateway to self-discovery and personal growth, with a growing trend among millennials and Gen Zs seeking inspiration through immersive experiences. They crave connections with diverse cultures, artistic expressions, and the inspiration that the world offers,” said Yong.
Travellers find inspiration by being out in nature and through exploring a city. Millennials (49%) prefer being out in nature compared to Gen Zs (39%), who lean towards city-based activities. One-third of these travellers are interested in immersive experiences such as museum visits and art jamming workshops, with Klook seeing over 30% increase in bookings for these cultural activities in 2023 compared to end 2022.
When it comes to regional differences, travellers from Hong Kong (44%) are most likely to find inspiration by hitting the concrete to get to know a city better while travellers from the Philippines (55%) are more drawn to the outdoors and nature. Some of the top outdoor experiences across Asia-Pacific include island hopping and boat tours, strolls through botanical gardens and canopy walks.
When it comes to making this summer holiday one to remember, colour can play a big role in shaping travellers’ experiences.
According to principal psychologist Geraldine Tan from The Therapy Room, colour can influence travellers in subtle but significant ways, affecting their mood, behaviour, and overall enjoyment of their trip.
“The colours and environments we come across during travel can strongly affect our emotional state and influence our actions, making us more inclined towards certain activities. On a beach vacation, the cool colours of the ocean and sky might help travellers feel more free and calm, and be more inclined towards relaxing activities – or, when they visit a bustling city, the bright colours might make them feel energised and excited, and more inclined to take part in hands-on experiences,” she explained.
By understanding and utilising colour psychology principles, travellers can chase that perfect summer vibe and create unforgettable memories.
Here are some ways in which travellers can use colour psychology to hack that holiday feeling they are after.
Seek blue for freedom Blue evokes a sense of freedom and limitlessness. 52% of travellers across Asia-Pacific associate the colour blue with the feeling of freedom during their summer journeys, with top holiday activities being beach days and road trips. In 2023, road trips are one of the most sought-after activities, with car rental bookings growing more than a third since the start of the year.
Embrace purple for inspiration Purple symbolises inspiration and creativity. It sparks the imagination and encourages exploration of new experiences. The top destinations with travellers searching for inspiration through cultural activities this summer are Vietnam (33%), Singapore (28%) and Thailand (28%).
Find peace in green for relaxation The colour green is often linked to nature, which is known to bring about healing and renewal, and can evoke a sense of peacefulness. Travellers from Singapore (60%) and the Philippines (57%) seek relaxation through wellness-based activities such as a spa session, while travellers from Taiwan (32%) and Thailand (30%) find it through nature-based physical activities like hiking instead.
Discover joy in orange Bright colours like orange evoke feelings of joy, happiness, and optimism. While joy is a significant holiday feeling for 47% of travellers across Asia-Pacific, the experiences that bring them joy vary. Gen Zs prefer seeking joy through the adrenaline of theme parks (46%) compared to millennials (32%), who find more delight in being outdoors in nature.
Air Canada will expand its international network with the addition of non-stop flights between Vancouver International Airport and Singapore’s Changi International Airport.
The new route will operate four times weekly beginning April 3, 2024 onboard Air Canada’s flagship Dreamliner fleet, which features three cabins of service including Signature Class with lie-flat seats, Premium Economy and Economy Class.
Air Canada will fly four times weekly between Vancouver and Singapore from April next year
The airline will fly from Vancouver to Singapore every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, while the Singapore-Vancouver service will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Customers of Aeroplan, Canada’s leading loyalty programme, can collect and redeem points when travelling with Air Canada. Eligible customers will also have access to priority check-in, Maple Leaf Lounges, priority boarding and other benefits including Air Canada’s Signature Suite at Vancouver International Airport.
Palace Hotel Tokyo has launched a new stay package, Sustainable Tokyo, highlighting local, environmentally considerate elements and excursions alongside omotenashi (Japanese hospitality).
The two-night stay package features recreational activities on land and water and an introduction to kintsugi, the art of beautifying imperfections in pottery in the spirit of mottainai – a Japanese philosophy rooted in reducing waste by not discarding objects until they have been utilised in every imaginable way.
Guests can enjoy a bento-style Japanese breakfast made from sustainably-sourced ingredients served right to their room
Guests have the option of a prix-fixe dinner at the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, or a 75-minute spa treatment.
Additional package elements available include a stocked in-room minibar, full-sized amenity set, in-room breakfast service, and a souvenir wooden guestroom key card.
Guests can also request activities at additional charge, such as a two-hour introduction to the history of kintsugi followed by a hands-on experience; a two-hour jogging tour or three-hour cycling tour around the Marunouchi district and surrounding Imperial Palace gardens; or a 90-minute kayaking excursion along the Sumida River.
Sustainable Tokyo can be booked for stays between June 15, 2023 and May 31, 2024.
Prices start from 371,000 yen (US$2,624) for two pax, with five per cent of net proceeds from the package going to The Nature Conservation Society of Japan.
Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street is celebrating the winter season by partnering French Champagne house Pommery to transform its King Deluxe room into a winter wonderland with the addition of candles, fairy lights, and white fur-lined walls.
Champagne lovers seeking a luxurious and cosy winter escape can enjoy an overnight stay in a King Deluxe Room, with breakfast for two at the hotel’s restaurant, two limited-edition Pommery infused cocktail creations at the bar, Pommery embroidered sustainable slippers, a bottle of Pommery Apanage Blanc de Blancs NV, and access to the Queen Adelaide Lounge.
The Winter Wonderland package is available from now to August 31
Book the Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street Pommery Winter Wonderland package from now to August 31. Prices start from A$444 (US$302), with dining upgrade options available.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort has appointed Thomas Boehringer as its general manager.
Boehringer brings with him extensive luxury hospitality knowledge and experience, and will manage the overall operations of the property in his new role.
He was previously resort manager of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
He was previously resort manager of Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
