Thai Airways International Public Company (THAI) has strengthened its airline route network with the Bangkok-Yangon and Bangkok-Dhaka services, both of which commenced on July 16.
The airline will operate 14 flights per week between Bangkok and Yangon, while the services between Bangkok and Dhaka will increase from three to seven flights per week.
THAI also currently operates flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Dhaka.
In conjunction with Shark Awareness Day, Resorts World Sentosa adds two new offerings to its range of scuba diving programmes at S.E.A. Aquarium.
Visitors can learn about sharks at the new AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course, while the PADI Discover Scuba Diving programme offers unique opportunities for marine life lovers to explore the underwater world below.
Priced at S$488 (US$369) and designed for certified divers aged 12 years and above, participants will learn about the importance of shark conservation during the AWARE Shark Conservation Specialty course, and experience swimming alongside over 100 sharks from 12 different species.
They will also learn about the value of sharks to marine ecosystems and economies, causes of declining shark populations, and how to become a shark defender during the eight-hour sessions held Tuesdays to Fridays for up to four participants.
S.E.A. Aquarium’s PADI Discover Scuba Diving is designed for non-divers aged 10 years and above, with two-hour sessions held Tuesdays to Fridays for up to four participants. It is priced from S$299 per head.
Diving into the Open Ocean Habitat, the largest habitat within S.E.A. Aquarium, participants will have fun picking up and practising new scuba skills under the guidance of experienced PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) professionals, while getting to know and develop appreciation for the underwater world. They will also be presented a certificate upon completion of the course.
For more information, visit Resorts World Sentosa Singapore.
Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) has appointed Nizran bin Noordin as its new director general.
He will lead ITC to greater heights through transformational initiatives that capitalise on muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality.
With over 23 years of experience, he was formerly the group chief executive officer and executive director of Majuperak Holdings.
Hyatt Centric Melbourne has named Mark Foxwell as the new general manager. He will be responsible for all aspects of the hotel operations.
He has over 28 years of experience with Hyatt, including 14 years in general management roles in Australia, Japan and China.
IATA has advised Sri Lanka to develop an aviation blueprint so as to generate greater economic growth and prosperity through having a stronger aviation industry.
IATA’s regional vice president for Asia-Pacific, Philip Goh, pointed out that “aviation connectivity can play a much bigger role in Sri Lanka’s economic development and social advancement” but requires government support in “developing Colombo as an aviation hub”.
He said that IATA is ready to provide support, and that the government and industry stakeholders need to “collaborate on developing an aviation blueprint to strengthen the aviation industry’s competitiveness and bring greater prosperity to Sri Lanka”.
IATA’s study in 2018 showed that Sri Lanka’s aviation sector supported some 700,000 jobs and contributed US$8 billion to the GDP, with the potential to increase to over one million jobs contributing nearly US$30 billion to the GDP by 2038.
During his keynote speech at Aviation Day Sri Lanka, organised by IATA and the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), Goh suggested three areas to consider in the aviation blueprint: facilitating sustainable growth, safety, and sustainability.
Under facilitating sustainable growth, Goh said: “Sri Lanka’s aviation blueprint needs to facilitate the sustainable growth of the industry and having an updated airport masterplan is the first step. I urge the government to engage in a consultative approach involving airlines to ensure that industry input is factored in.”
He urged Sri Lanka to digitise processes for passenger and cargo facilitation, and that doing so will address capacity constraints, increase efficiency and improve the travel experience.
While recognising much has been done in recent months to lower the cost of jet fuel, Goh suggested that the government should review and consider placing limits or capping the amount on marked up fuel supply at the airport.
Goh also stressed the importance of staying safe while growing sustainably. IATA will support the aviation industry in Sri Lanka by conducting safety related training in August for CAASL and Sri Lankan Airlines, by utilising the International Airlines Training Fund. He also encouraged the government to explore how the IATA Operational Safety Audit and IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations can be used to contribute to greater aviation safety in Sri Lanka.
Finally, Goh called on the government to adopt a comprehensive consultation process involving airlines and other aviation stakeholders as the government develops sustainability policies, such as ensuring the availability of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in the country.
Ennismore has inked a new collaboration with Agung Sedayu Realestat Indonesia (ASRI) to introduce the 25hours Hotel brand to Jakarta, marking the entry of the brand into South-east Asia.
Located at an integrated mixed-use development of District 8 at the city’s Sudirman CBD, the 25hours Hotel, The Oddbird Jakarta, is targeted to open by the end of this year.
The 345-key hotel and serviced residences will feature facilities such as COPA restaurant serving south American cuisine, and the Monkey Bar – known from the 25hours Hotels in Berlin and Dubai.
Additional facilities include a ballroom, themed meeting spaces, wellness facilities with an outdoor infinity pool, and a strategic partnership with MINI for enhanced electric mobility options.
Ennismore now operates 15 hotels in 12 cities in seven countries in Europe and Dubai and after an organic growth, 25hours Hotel’s founder Christoph Hoffman stated that they have a strong commitment to expand to South-east Asia with plans for Bangkok and Singapore.
He said: “My target is that in the next ten years, we will have between eight and 10 hotels in South-east Asia – but at the moment, our focus is on Jakarta.”
For ASRI, this is the second time the company brought in new international hotel brand to Indonesia after the Langham Jakarta, which opened in 2021.
ASRI’s CEO Alexander Halim Kusuma shared: “The philosophy of 25hours Hotel fits perfectly with District 8’s location profile – like other 25hours Hotel which are filled with eccentric designs, the concept of 25hour Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta will be out of the box, for example, there will be bird cages in the middle of a mini urban jungle and a number of works by local artists.
“I believe 25hours Hotel The Oddbird Jakarta will be well-curated lifestyle destinations with holistic experiences to enhance quality of life.”
Trip.com is incubating its first non-fungible tokens (NFTs) collection, Trekki, as it makes its inaugural foray into Web3. The company claims to be one of the first global travel service providers to explore the NFT market.
The Trekki collection consists of 10,000 NFTs themed around a dolphin cartoon, and is now open for registration on Trekki’s official website. NFTs will be sold via blind boxes in 3Q2023. Trekki is categorised according to its scarcity, with each NFT possessing a distinct persona and various travel backgrounds.
With the goal of connecting the Web3 nomads with the world of travel, Trekki allows travel enthusiasts who value unique experiences and digital collectables to enjoy various benefits on Trip.com. The new NFT also carries a unique gamefied growth mechanism – the more a Trekki holder travels, the more benefits the holder can unlock through Trekki.
The NFT project is also seeking collaborations with successful Web3 players and tourism partners to offer greater benefits to holders and foster a connection between the digital realm and real-life tourism experiences.
Minor Hotels has brought the NH Collection brand to the resort destination of the Maldives, with an opening set for next month.
NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll will offer 120 luxury villas, 60 beach and 60 over-water, each with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, along with an assortment of F&B and recreational facilities.
The addition of NH Collection in the Maldives is expected to strengthen the brand’s position by expanding into new regions and broadening its focus from central city locations.
Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, commented: “The continued expansion of Minor Hotels and particularly NH Collection into strategic tourism hotspots across Asia and the Middle East is positioning the brand as a key global player. We expect NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort to become a sought after destination in this idyllic part of the world.”
The new resort will be the seventh property operated by Minor Hotels in the Maldives.
Horus Development & Consulting, specialists in luxury and sustainable tourism and in brand development, will now lead New Caledonia Tourism’s presence in Singapore. As the destination representative, Horus is tasked with boosting New Caledonia’s visibility to Singapore travellers, and deepening its engagement with travel trade partners.
The French archipelago, located in the heart of the South Pacific, boasts an unspoilt and unique natural environment. It was awarded Best of the World 2021 Sustainable Destination by National Geographic Traveller.
Access to New Caledonia is via flag carrier Aircalin, which currently flies five times a week directly from Singapore’s Changi Airport to Nouméa’s La Tontouta International Airport.
Julie Laronde, general director of New Caledonia Tourism, said: “One year after the opening of the new direct flight route with Aircalin, which gives New Caledonia the opportunity to attract new tourist markets, we now need to step up a gear to reinforce our presence and relationships in Singapore and South-East Asia.
“As in all our other priority markets where we have representative offices, we are counting on the Horus team, who have been carefully selected for their expertise and enthusiasm, to canvass partners and promote the destination on our behalf.”
Benoit Badufle, managing director of Horus Development & Consulting, commented: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in a commitment to promoting New Caledonia to B2B partners and the consumer market in Singapore. New Caledonia, with its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to sustainability, aligns perfectly with our values and expertise.
“Through our extensive network and deep understanding of the dynamics of the Singapore market, our team together with (digital marketing and social media agency) Fishermen, are dedicated to delivering an impactful marketing & trade campaign that will highlight the essence of New Caledonia.”
The project will be led by Zhi Heng Yew at Horus.
Hotel Icon in Hong Kong has collaborated with local start-up, BluePin, to introduce robots that are capable of delivering seamless check-in and check-out for guests.
The robots are expected to reduce waiting times and relieve pressure on human staff, freeing the latter up to focus on personalised service.
During check-in, the robots can generate key cards and enable payment all at one go in a few minutes.
Hotel Icon’s acting general manager Ian Lee said: “Robots at Hotel Icon are aimed at promoting efficiency rather than fostering an over-reliance on technology. For example, while our guests still prefer being greeted in person, highly-efficient check-in/check-out procedures remain an important aspect of the guest experience.”
BluePin received its funding from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and its Tech Launchpad Fund – PolyU also provided BluePin with entrepreneurial training, including guidance in financial management, marketing, patent application, and more.
Hotel Icon is also part of PolyU and an extension of its School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM), where students are provided with a dynamic and interactive training ground within a five-star hotel setting.
