The Thai cabinet has approved Airports of Thailand’s (AOT) plans to develop Don Mueang International Airport Terminal 3 with an estimated investment of 36.83 billion baht (US$1 billion), with bidding and construction set for 2024 and 2025 respectively.
The project, currently in the design phase, will boost the airport’s passenger handling capacity to 50 million passengers per year, improve service quality for both air and ground transportation systems, enhance efficiency, and reduce congestion within the facility. Don Mueang International Airport’s current capacity is 30 million passengers per year.
Don Mueang International Airport Terminal 3 will start construction in 2025
According to the Bangkok Post, construction works will include a new VVIP reception building.
Terminal 3 will serve international passengers and international flights when it comes into operation in 2029.
Dusit International has partnered two Japanese organisations on sustainable food production that will not only support its two properties in the country, but also the local community and environment.
In Kyoto, Dusit joined hands with TeaRoom Inc., a renowned sustainability-focused tea manufacturer, to set up the Dusit Tea Garden in Wazuka, a town on the southern edge of Kyoto Prefecture, famous for its exquisite green tea. Set over 2,500m², the garden is overseen by Dusit’s team in Japan and produces organic tea for use at Asai Kyoto Shijo and Dusit Thani Kyoto. Reflecting the hotels’ sustainable operations and efforts towards circularity, food waste from each property will be composted and used as fertiliser at the tea garden. Dusit plans to export the organic tea to its international properties in the future.
Dusit International has created Dusit Farms, which conducts meaningful guest activities, including hands-on vegetable harvesting experiences
The hotel company has also teamed up with Ohara Farmy, which supports the development of organic farms and sustainable land use, to create Dusit Farm. Located in Oharanomuracho, Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, just 20 minutes from the heart of the city, the farm supplies Dusit’s hotels in Japan with an array of vegetables vital for creating Thai cuisine. This helps Dusit to limit the amount of imported produce while ensuring tastes remain authentic at its Thai-inspired restaurants.
Dusit Farm also conducts meaningful guest activities, including hands-on vegetable harvesting experiences.
These efforts are in line with Dusit’s group-wide sustainability programme, Tree of Life, which has 31 criteria aligned with selected United Nations’ Global Sustainable Development Goals, as well as industry-specific targets comprising Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) elements.
Makoto Yamashita, cluster general manager of Dusit Thani Kyoto and Asai Kyoto Shijo, said: “By partnering with these farms, we will not only enhance our food and beverage offerings but also create a meaningful cycle of value that extends beyond our properties, enriching the communities we are privileged to be a part of. We’re eager to see these partnerships thrive – and to explore more opportunities like this in the future.”
Thailand’s Thai Elite golden visa scheme has undergone a significant overhaul, now rebranded as Thailand Privilege and with price hikes ranging from 50 per cent to 500 per cent across different packages. The move, coinciding with its 20th anniversary, was announced by Thailand Privilege Card Co. (TCP), a Tourism Authority of Thailand subsidiary.
The former Thai Elite visa, priced at one million baht (US$28,587) and available to all, has given way to an exclusive Reserve Card, which is by invitation only and limited to just 100 new members annually. This costs five million baht. Holders of the Reserve Card can keep the good times rolling with five-year extensions, each at a mere 10 per cent of the Reserve card’s current value when they decide to extend.
Thailand has made changes to its Thai Elite visa programme
Meanwhile, the popular five-year visa package, previously valued at 600,000 baht, has been rebranded as the Gold Card, now priced at 900,000 baht. Additional options include the Diamond Card (15 years for 2.5 million baht) and the Platinum Card (10 years for 1.5 million baht).
The highlight of the revamp is a new loyalty scheme and privilege points that vary according to the tier, allowing members to redeem benefits through more than 100 programme partners across Thailand. Previously known for signature perks like airport fast track services and golf packages, the new scheme greatly expands on these offerings.
Approximately one per cent of expatriates and long-stay tourists in Thailand are part of the existing Thai Elite programme, which boasts 31,500 members and has reportedly contributed over 50 billion baht to the country’s economy. Despite only turning its first profit of 238 million baht in 2021, 17 years after its launch, the programme has since remained profitable.
“In the year 2023 alone, we achieved approximately 7,500 billion baht, witnessing a growth of more than 11,500 members, representing a remarkable 210 per cent increase from the revenue of 2022,” stressed TPC president Manatase Annawat.
It hopes to boost its membership by 10,000 in the coming year under the new scheme.
Current Thailand Elite packages can be applied for until September 15. They will be discontinued and replaced with new packages on October 1, 2023.
Collinson, which manages a network of airport lounges and travel experiences, has seen a 44 per cent increase in airport lounge visits across Asia-Pacific, with the strongest performing markets located within South and South-east Asia.
Additionally, a 32 per cent increase can be seen when pre-pandemic July 2019 lounge visit figures are contrasted with July 2023.
Collinson has added more airport lounges to its Asia-Pacific network through partnerships; Plaza Premium Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, pictured
To support the growing demand for airport lounge access among travellers, the company has recently renewed its partnership with Plaza Premium, resulting in 27 lounges added across key Asia-Pacific travel destinations including Cambodia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and the Philippines.
Collinson also expanded its network of airport lounges in Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia through direct agreements with Blue Sky Group, Noi Bai Aviation Joint Stock Company and SSP Malaysia, and brought on board seven premium airport lounges in China through a direct partnership with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Business Travel Service Co.
It continues to expand its network of airport lounges and travel experiences, providing its Priority Pass Members access to an additional 88 new airport lounges and travel experiences in Asia-Pacific. Some of the new experiences include co-working spaces in Singapore Changi Airport and Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, and an in-airport Japanese-style public bath at Kutsurogi Dokoro located at Chubu Centrair International Airport.
To date, Priority Pass Members have access to more than 550 airport lounges and travel experiences in the region, and over 1,400 globally across the world’s major travel zones.
Brisbane Festival will kick off on September 1 with a 23-day line-up of over 1,000 music, theatre, and art performances in arts venues, cathedrals, warehouses, suburban parks, and iconic city locations.
Performances range from world-premiere theatre and dance, family fun and community gatherings to late night cabaret and live music.
Brisbane Festival 2023 will feature music, theatre, and art performances, such as Lightscape, pictured
Riverfire will mark the opening of the festival with a spectacular fireworks show on September 2.
Other events that make up Brisbane Festival include Lightscape from August 31 to October 8, Brisbane Serenades from September 2 to 23, Moorooka Block Party on September 9, Lord Mayor’s City Hall Concerts from September 5 to 19, and the closing concert All Together Now on September 23.
Brisbane Festival 2023 is a mix of free and ticketed events.
W Macau – Studio City, Macau As part of the integrated resort of Studio City, W Macau – Studio City offers travellers a stay at a property inspired from the nostalgia of the golden age of cinema in the 1950s.
With 557 rooms that feature city or Cotai views, the hotel has four distinctive beverage and food concepts that celebrate the best of Macau. Guests can also enjoy the use of the indoor pool, fitness centre and spa.
For those there on business, there is a fully-equipped meeting and events space as well.
Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection
Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection, Nepal The 29-suite Shinta Mani Mustang – A Bensley Collection luxury resort provides a 360-degree, luxury experience in the Himalayas. The resort situated in the Lower Mustang area, Jomsom and is a perfect base for trekking and adventures in the surrounding area, exploring Buddhist monasteries and culture, and more.
Suite accommodations include all meals and beverages, even during outdoor excursions
On the property are F&B venues, wellness centre, and an activity room which can be used for meetings, presentations or yoga and exercise classes.
Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, Tokyo
Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, Tokyo boasts 1,557 rooms in 12 room categories.
Connected directly to the airport, the hotel comprises spaces for events and conferences, as well as restaurants and a lounge. There is also an onsen for guests to relax in while enjoying the view.
It also provides convenient access to the Tokyo monorail, which can take passengers directly to Tokyo in 15 minutes, and a bus terminal that connects to regional cities and tourist destinations throughout Japan.
Ying’nFlo, Wesley Admiralty, Hong Kong
Ying’nFlo, Wesley Admiralty, Hong Kong, China The 251-key Ying’nFlo, Wesley Admiralty, Hong Kong towers over the city’s famous trams and cityscape in the district of Wanchai. It is just a two minutes’ walk from the commercial and shopping hub of Pacific Place, Admiralty, and the MTR station.
The hotel’s innovative all-in-one mobile app allows guests to seamlessly check in and check out, as well as use their phone as a digital key card. The app also facilitates messaging, connecting guests to available in-house services, enabling them to make requests, and allowing them to communicate with staff prior to their arrival.
Japan is aiming for international tourists to spend 700,000 guest nights on farm stays annually by 2025 as part of efforts to revitalise rural areas, which make up 65 per cent of the country’s land mass.
The Farm Stay Promotion Plan launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries plans to attract first-time travellers, encourage longer stays and welcome back repeat travellers in a bid to improve Japan’s inbound tourism strategy in the longer term.
Japan aims to promote farm stays by revitalising rural areas to attract more local and international visitors; Shojin ryori (Buddhist cuisine) in Tsuruoka, pictured
The plan stated that the “attraction of inbound and other diverse and highly motivated travellers to rural areas has the potential to resolve over-tourism in some popular tourism destinations” and that the initiative can also “meet the growing global interest in sustainable tourism and demand for nature and activities, which will also contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals”.
An uptick in overnight stays is also expected to support improved employment opportunities and income security in the regions, including through accommodation, F&B and experience provision, according to the ministry.
In 2023 work will begin with overseas travel agents to target FITs in Europe, the US, Australia, Taiwan and Hong Kong for rural stays via greater promotion and dissemination of information online. Efforts will also be taken to offer more online reservation services and multilingual support.
Meanwhile, local tourism stakeholders are being encouraged to incorporate morning and evening experiences, such as museum visits or food and drink tastings, into stays to add value for visitors.
Locations certified by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries under the brand Savor Japan – such as Tsuruoka (a UNESCO City of Gastronomy) in Tohoku’s Yamagata Prefecture and Nishi Awa on Shikoku’s Tokushima Prefecture – will also see greater promotion.
The new plan is expected to complement activities to stimulate greater use by inbound tourists of long trails and cycle paths, which pass through rural areas, and roadside stations.
The Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will return to the city from September 9 to October 7, after a three-year hiatus.
Organised by Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the 31st edition of the contest will see fireworks companies from 10 countries around the world bringing their spectacular fireworks to life for residents and visitors.
The Macao International Fireworks Display Contest will showcase firework displays from 10 countries
At the press conference on August 28 where MGTO unveiled details about the contest and its outreach programmes, its director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes expressed that MGTO is committed to attaining the goal of deepening integration across “tourism +”. She hopes that the colourful experiences brought by the contest can immerse worldwide travellers in the fascination of “tourism + event” at different corners of the city.
Ten shows will be put up in the evening, each spanning about 18 minutes, on September 9, 16 and 23, as well as October 1 and 7.
Five vantage points – Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre to Leisure Area of Kun Iam Statue Waterfront on Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the waterfront at Macao Science Center, Anim’Arte NAM VAN, Avenida de Sagres and Avenida do Oceano in Taipa – are recommended.
A number of airlines have been forced to make more flight cancellations on August 29 following an air traffic control fault on August 28, as reported by TTG UK.
Customers were delayed across the UK on August 28 after NATS, the UK’s air traffic control provider, discovered an issue with its automatic system which provides controllers with details of every aircraft and its route.
Airlines in UK were forced to cancel flights on August 29 due to the technical malfunction; Heathrow pictured
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, 790 flights departing the UK – which represents 27 per cent of all departures – were cancelled due to the technical glitch, as well as 785 inbound services. Despite the issue being resolved within hours, delays are expected to continue into the coming days.
NATS operations director Juliet Kennedy advised it will “take some time” for fights to return to normal. She said: “Our absolute priority is safety and we will be investigating very thoroughly what happened today. I would like to apologise for the impact on the travelling public and our team will continue to work to get you on your way as soon as we can.”
Rob Bishton, interim chief of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said: “Passengers who continue to be impacted can find information about what they are entitled to on our website. In the event of delays or cancellations, passengers will be expected to be provided with food and drink as well as accommodation if delayed overnight.”
As part of the CAA’s regulatory oversight of its activities, the authority will continue to engage with NATS and will churn out an incident report once its investigation is fully completed.
Heathrow Airport confirmed the delays on August 29, adding that there may be some continuing disruption on some routes, including flight cancellations. Passengers are being advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport. Those who need to rebook should also contact their airline directly.
Disruptions have also affected other airports, such as Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool John Lennon.
Meanwhile, airlines that were forced to cancel flights due to the technical malfunction are offering passengers alternative flights or other compensations.
News will resume on September 4.
