Aviation roundup: Philippine Airlines, Loong Air and more

July 18, 2025

Philippine Airlines restarts seasonal Manila-Sapporo route
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will resume seasonal direct flights between Manila and Sapporo from November 24, 2025 to March 27, 2026. The service will reconnect the Philippine capital with northern Japan during the winter travel season.

Flights to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport will operate every Monday, Wednesday and Friday using the airline’s Airbus A321neo aircraft. PAL intends for this route to operate during every subsequent winter season from November to March.

The 168-seat Airbus A321neo is configured with 12 business class and 156 economy class seats, and is equipped with in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi.

PAL operates an extensive network between the Philippines and Japan, offering direct services to Osaka Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, as well as flights from Cebu to Osaka Kansai and Tokyo Narita.

Loong Air adds Xi’an-Kuala Lumpur flights
Loong Air has launched its new Xi’an-Kuala Lumpur service, with the inaugural flight arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 today. The route marks a step forward in strengthening tourism and economic ties between Malaysia and China.

The launch was marked by a ceremony attended by senior officials from Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airports Holdings and Loong Air.

The route is operated using a 174-seat Airbus A320 and runs three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Vietjet to launch daily Danang-Kuala Lumpur service in October
Vietjet will introduce a new direct route between Danang and Kuala Lumpur, beginning October 26, 2025. The daily round-trip service will enhance connectivity between central Vietnam and Malaysia’s capital city.

This marks Vietjet’s third direct route linking Vietnam and Malaysia, and follows the airline’s continued network expansion across South-east Asia. The new service comes after the introduction of 12 international routes in 2025, including new destinations in China, India, Japan and Singapore.

Saudia, Vietnam Airlines sign codeshare agreement
Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed a codeshare agreement with Vietnam Airlines to improve connectivity between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.

The agreement allows passengers to travel on flights connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with Jeddah and Riyadh, and to book itineraries through either airline, including flights operated by the partner carrier. The arrangement aims to offer greater flexibility and a more streamlined booking experience.

The partnership supports Saudia’s plans to expand its network and enhance passenger services, both on the ground and in the air. It also supports Saudi Arabia’s aim to connect with over 250 destinations and attract 150 million visits by 2030.

Anantara to debut in Japan with Karuizawa Retreat in 2030

By TTG Asia

July 18, 2025

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Royal Minor Hotels Co. – a joint venture between Royal Holdings Co. and Minor Hotels – has signed its first hotel management agreement in Japan, partnering with List Development Co. to launch Anantara Karuizawa Retreat.

Set to open in 2030, the luxury new-build will be developed on a 4.05-hectare forested site facing Mount Asama in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. The property will comprise 51 keys, including 23 suites ranging from 60m² to 120m² and 18 two- and three-bedroom villas between 70m² and 270m². The villas are being considered for branded residential offerings, with details to be announced in due course.

Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will offer nature seekers suites and villas in one of Japan’s most established luxury resort towns

The retreat aims to tap into Karuizawa’s appeal as a four-season destination, popular for its summer cool, scenic trails, hot springs, golf courses, and winter skiing. Located near the Karuizawa Hokuriku Shinkansen Station, it offers convenient rail access from Tokyo as well as from Nagano, Kanazawa, and other regional hubs. Its proximity to Haneda and Narita international airports also supports the area’s growing international popularity.

Facilities at Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will include three dining outlets, a spa with onsen, fitness centre, pool, library, residents’ lounge, and versatile meeting spaces.

List Development’s president and COO, Hiroyuki Kiuchi, noted that the location’s natural beauty, accessibility, and global recognition made it an ideal setting for the debut of the Anantara brand in Japan. He said the project aligned with the company’s commitment to creating high-quality living environments and contributing to the region’s revitalisation.

Kohei Motoyama, president and representative director of Royal Minor Hotels Co., commented that the partnership was a strong strategic fit due to its proven expertise in upscale developments.

“Together, we aim to create a retreat that coexists harmoniously with Karuizawa’s rich natural surroundings and further enhances its unique appeal,” said Kohei.

This agreement marks the first project under the Royal Minor Hotels joint venture, established in March 2025. The company plans to launch 21 hotels across Japan by 2035 under Minor Hotels’ Anantara, Tivoli and Avani brands, in collaboration with leading domestic developers.

Maldives resort Oblu Select Sangeli deepens marine conservation efforts

By TTG Asia

July 18, 2025

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Oblu Select Sangeli, a resort located on the north-western tip of North Malé Atoll in the Maldives, has signed an MoU with the Maldives Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on joint management and monitoring of the Rasfari Reef Restoration Programme.

Oblu Select Sangeli, one of four resorts branded under Colours of Oblu, which is managed by Atmosphere Core, boasts its own marine biology team that is committed to reef protection. The resort is located close to the Rasfari Marine Protected Area, which is a swift 20-minute speedboat journey away.

Oblu Select Sangeli’s in-house marine biology team keeps a successful coral restoration project running

Despite the widespread coral bleaching events that have impacted much of the Maldives, reefs surrounding Oblu Select Sangeli have shown remarkable resilience, a testament to the ongoing efforts of the resort’s marine conservation team. The resort’s coral restoration project has successfully transplanted over 10,000 coral fragments using nursery and frame techniques.

As part of the MoU, the resort’s marine team will actively support reef health monitoring, implement conservation protocols, and engage in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building sessions with EPA experts.

Regular visits to Rasfari Marine Protected Area by the Oblu Select Sangeli team will also positively impact conservation efforts within the resort’s own coral garden.

Meliá Pattaya Hotel opens new YHI Spa

By TTG Asia

July 18, 2025

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Meliá Pattaya Hotel has launched its YHI Spa, offering treatments to ease stress, improve sleep, and support overall wellness.

The spa includes four treatment rooms and a Thai herbal sauna, and is the fourth YHI Spa in Thailand, following openings in Koh Samui, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

The YHI Spa blends ancient Asian healing with modern wellness in a tranquil seaside setting

Inspired by the goddess YHI, the spa combines ancient Asian healing with modern techniques. Treatments include massages, body scrubs, facials, and hydrotherapy. Highlights include the signature YHI Oriental Harmony massage, Thai herbal compress therapies, and spa packages for couples.

Natural ingredients from local Thai wellness brand HARNN are used in all treatments. The spa is open daily from 10.00 to 20.00 and features private treatment rooms, a spa suite with hydrotherapy, and a herbal sauna.

For more information, e-mail Meliá Pattaya Hotel.

European Commission approves multiple-entry Schengen visas for returning Indonesian travellers

By Mimi Hudoyo

July 17, 2025

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The European Commission has declared that Indonesians travelling to European Union (EU) member countries for the second time will be eligible for multiple-entry Schengen visas.

In a joint announcement with Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto following a meeting in Brussels on July 13, Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president, said via the Indonesia Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube channel: “I am pleased to announce that the European Commission has adopted a decision on visa cascade. From now on, Indonesian citizens visiting the European Union for the second time will be eligible for a multi-entry Schengen visa.”

The European Commission’s new visa policy aims to strengthen ties and ease travel between Indonesia and EU countries

She added: “This policy isn’t just about facilitating visits; it’s also about strengthening long-term relationships between the people of both regions, including in education, investment, and social exchange. This will make it easier for them not only to visit but also to invest, study, and build deeper connections.”

The visa policy forms part of the “people-to-people connections” pillar, a key focus in the strategic partnership between the EU and Indonesia. von der Leyen stated: “In short, we are building bridges between our peoples.”

President Prabowo welcomed the enhanced cooperation between Indonesia and the EU, including in citizen mobility. He emphasised the importance of long-term relationships built on mutual trust and shared values.

Indonesian outbound tour operators acknowledged the announcement but pointed out that the policy was not entirely new.

Jeffry Darjanto, director of Avia Tours, said the announcement was good news but added that they still need to check details with local embassies in Indonesia. He explained that even though the visa is for all EU member countries, each country’s embassy decides on visa types and how long they last. He also said that a traveller’s past visits to Europe affect their application.

Vidya Hermanto, chief experience officer at Panorama JTB Tours Indonesia, shared that multiple-entry Schengen visas have been issued to Indonesian travellers before, but their short validity limits their usefulness for most tourists. She explained that unlike business travellers who often visit Europe regularly, holidaymakers rarely return to the same entry country, making the brief visa duration impractical.

According to tour operators, easing travel for Indonesians would require a multi-faceted approach, including extending visa validity and permitted stay duration, simplifying application requirements, and significantly expanding biometric appointment slots to reduce the current multi-month waiting times and expedite the overall process.

Sentosa’s mobile sustainability programme brings green education to classrooms

By TTG Asia

July 17, 2025

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Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has launched a mobile sustainability exhibition designed to engage young learners across Singapore’s primary schools.

The travelling showcase aims to inspire eco-curiosity and encourage responsible habits by highlighting Sentosa’s sustainable leisure experiences through fun and interactive activities.

The travelling showcase brings hands-on eco-learning directly to schools, inspiring young learners to adopt sustainable habits; photo by Sentosa Development Corporation

The initiative began at Corporation Primary School on July 16, 2025, and was attended by minister for education and minister-in-charge of social services integration, Desmond Lee. Over the next 18 months, the exhibition will visit all local primary schools, providing students with hands-on exposure to real-world examples of sustainability on Sentosa.

Housed in a brightly coloured truck, the mobile exhibition marks a new phase in SDC’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship among children. It builds on the success of the RISE Sustainability Showcase at Sentosa’s Beach Station earlier this year, which featured initiatives such as renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and waste reduction. The new mobile showcase adapts these efforts for a younger audience, inviting students to plan an eco-conscious adventure on Sentosa and understand how everyday choices contribute to a healthier planet.

Inside the truck, students participate in a gamified adventure, making sustainable choices and collecting points as they explore themes such as greener transport options like cycling trails and electric shuttles; responsible leisure activities including wildlife tours and eco-friendly attractions; sustainable food choices such as farm-to-table dining; and eco-friendly habits at home and during hotel stays. Students track their progress using a scorecard, which serves as a certificate of completion and can be exchanged for a Timmy and Tammy at Sentosa storybook.

The exhibition also features a 2D funnel display demonstrating how waste on Sentosa is upcycled into practical items, including samples of roads made from recycled materials such as luge carts and kayaks. The experience continues outside the truck with activities like recycling crafts using plastics and repurposed banners, worksheets on local flora and fauna, interactive storytelling sessions, a jigsaw puzzle with an environmental message, a recycled canvas where students write pledges for eco-friendly actions, and videos showcasing Sentosa’s sustainability initiatives.

This programme supports the Singapore Green Plan 2030 by extending environmental education beyond the classroom and encouraging students, educators, and communities to play an active role in building a sustainable future. The mobile exhibition will run until the end of 2026 and complements Sentosa’s existing Learning Journeys, which offer opportunities to explore the island’s biodiversity, heritage, and sustainable practices up close.

SDC CEO Thien Kwee Eng said: “Through this school-based initiative where sustainability becomes part of students’ everyday learning environment, we are investing in the next generation of eco champions. We want to show young learners that sustainability starts with simple everyday choices, and by discovering real-life examples on Sentosa, they can see how their actions, no matter how small, can contribute to a greener future.”

Sands breaks ground on new US$8 billion Marina Bay resort expansion

By TTG Asia

July 17, 2025

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Sands has broken ground on its new US$8 billion resort development in Singapore, marking a major expansion of its footprint in the region.

The event on July 17 was officiated by prime minister and minister for finance Lawrence Wong, minister for sustainability and the environment and minister-in-charge of trade relations Grace Fu, Sands co-founder Miriam Adelson, Sands chairman and CEO Robert Goldstein, and Sands president and COO Patrick Dumont.

Singapore prime minister Lawrence Wong (centre) joins Sands executives and officials at the groundbreaking ceremony on July 17 for the new Marina Bay resort; photo by Marina Bay Sands

When completed, the development will include a 570-suite hotel tower, rooftop dining, retail space, a casino, spa and wellness facilities, and around 18,600m² of meeting space. A 15,000-seat arena will be built alongside the tower to host regional and international live events.

The property is being designed by Safdie Architects, the firm behind Marina Bay Sands (MBS), with a 55-storey tower positioned at a 45-degree angle to offer views of Marina Bay and the Singapore Strait. Its twin wings will curve outward as they rise.

The development will incorporate green features and biophilic design elements, including a 7,060m² rooftop Skyloop combining public and private spaces. The Skyloop will feature gardens, restaurants, an observatory, and guest-only areas such as infinity pools and cabanas.

The new arena is being designed by Populous, the firm behind venues such as the O2 Arena in London and the Sphere in Las Vegas. The venue will be connected to Bayfront MRT station and nearby landmarks for better pedestrian access.

More than 220 guests attended the groundbreaking, which included performances by Singaporean artist Jasmine Sokko and Canadian singer-songwriter Henry Lau. Food was provided by MBS restaurants, including a preview of upcoming Cantonese restaurant Jin Ting Wan.

MBS was lit in gold across its towers and SkyPark to mark the occasion. A short film titled Nothing Comes By Chance, directed by Kirsten Tan and commissioned for SG60, was also released. It features Singaporean personalities such as Tan Kheng Hua, Pierre Png and Quah Zheng Wen, and highlights the nation’s resilience and ambition.

Sustainability will be a focus of the new development. The building will use low-carbon concrete and recycled steel, and a construction waste management plan will be implemented. At least 75 per cent of construction waste is expected to be diverted from landfills.

Each suite will have a private terrace and garden. Outdoor venues will include canopies for weather protection, and native tree species will be planted where possible.

The new development follows a record year for MBS, which hosted 2,200 events and 1.2 million MICE delegates in 2023. In March, it welcomed its 500 millionth visitor.

The resort currently employs more than 12,000 people and directed 92 per cent of its procurement spending to local businesses in 2024. Both figures are expected to grow as the expansion progresses.

Goldstein remarked: “Marina Bay Sands is the world’s most successful integrated resort in history, and the gold standard in the industry. It has been truly incredible to witness Adelson’s vision come to life, and we are proud to carry his legacy forward with today’s groundbreaking ceremony for our new development here. We have every intention of delivering a product that will be the envy of the hospitality industry and usher in a new era of luxury tourism in Singapore.”

“By the time our new ultra-luxury development is complete, we will have invested more than US$15 billion since we started operations in Singapore in 2010. This speaks volumes about our confidence in this region and the potential that we continue to see in Singapore,” stated Dumont. “We are privileged to have benefited over the past 15 years from factors that make Singapore great – excellent infrastructure and a strong and supportive government with a forward-looking vision.”

He added: “Our new development will raise the bar and redefine the ultra-luxury hospitality realm on a global scale… we look forward to forging a new chapter together and continuing to contribute meaningfully to Singapore’s future success.”

The Anam Mui Ne provides new homes for families in need in Vietnam

By TTG Asia

July 17, 2025

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The Anam Mui Ne, a resort inspired by Indochine-era design in Vietnam’s Mui Ne beach town, has provided three secure homes to local families facing hardship.

In partnership with the People’s Committee of Thuan Hoa Commune, the resort donated the houses built in Thuan Hoa Commune, Ham Thuan Bac District, Binh Thuan Province.

The Anam Foundation supports local communities by providing safe, permanent homes to families facing hardship

The project, funded by The Anam Foundation established by The Anam Group’s founder Pham Van Hien, was valued at 240 million dong (US$10,200) and began in mid-March 2025. Each house cost 80 million dong to build and was completed and handed over to the families on April 24, 2025.

One family, consisting of two spouses with disabilities and their child, previously lived in a dilapidated house beyond repair. Another farming family with three children had an old house they could not afford to rebuild. The third family, with two children, lived in a temporary shelter made of corrugated iron sheets without a toilet.

The new houses are constructed from cement-rendered brick and include a shaded, tiled concrete terrace, separate living space, bedroom, toilet and shower.

The Anam Foundation reflects Hien’s aim to create lasting positive change in communities near The Anam’s resorts in Vietnam. Beyond philanthropy, the foundation links sustainable tourism with local development, benefiting the people, environment and culture.

Its focus includes improving essential infrastructure such as clean water, sanitation and transport, supporting local artisans and businesses by incorporating their products into guest experiences, and providing vocational training in hospitality and trades for long-term employment opportunities.

The Anam Mui Ne and The Anam Cam Ranh contribute a share of their profits annually to the foundation, ensuring ongoing support for its projects.

“Shelter is such an important fundamental, and it was so rewarding to speak with the families about how much of a profound change these homes have made to their lives,” shared Hien.

“As part of The Anam Group’s dedication to responsible tourism, luxury hospitality goes hand-in-hand with meaningful social and environmental contributions. By investing in the well-being of our surrounding communities, The Anam Foundation helps create a sustainable future where both the resorts and local populations thrive together.”

Dusit International introduces new upper-upscale Dusit Hotels brand

By TTG Asia

July 17, 2025

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Dusit International has launched Dusit Hotels, its ninth brand, marking a strategic expansion of its global hospitality portfolio. Positioned in the upper-upscale segment, the new brand is designed to deliver consistent quality while allowing for locally tailored guest experiences across key city and resort locations.

The brand has already debuted at three operational properties – Dusit Hotel Doha in Qatar, Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa in Hanoi, and Dusit Hotel AG Park in Chengdu. A fourth property, Dusit Hotel Greenhills in Manila, is due to open in late 2026.

New Dusit Hotels brand launches with properties in Doha, Hanoi and Chengdu, and more in the pipeline

Developed in response to growing demand for distinctive hotels with strong local character, Dusit Hotels blends international standards with cultural relevance and is guided by the tagline Distinctly Elevated, Perfected by Place. Each hotel is designed to reflect the identity of its destination while offering contemporary comforts, Thai-inspired service, and smart technology.

In Hanoi, the 207-key Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa sits by West Lake and draws design inspiration from Vietnamese royal heritage. In Chengdu, the 248-key Dusit Hotel AG Park integrates nature-based experiences and sustainability-focused dining near the Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park. Dusit Hotel Doha offers 261 rooms and 96 apartments in the city’s West Bay district, combining wellness programming with a full-floor spa and Dusit’s Devarana Wellness concept.

The upcoming Dusit Hotel Greenhills, Manila, will occupy the top floors of a new mixed-use tower in San Juan City. The 200-key hotel will feature Thai and international dining, a rooftop bar and pool, and a ballroom with panoramic views.

Dusit Hotels is aimed at developments of 120 to 300 rooms, with flexible design suited to both conversions and new builds. Properties are expected to offer market-relevant amenities, including destination dining, meeting space, and wellness offerings.

Donavanik, vice president – development (global), said strong demand is driving growth and described Dusit Hotels as a refined and adaptable concept supported by proven performance and global infrastructure.

Dusit International now operates 294 properties across 18 countries, including 55 hotels and resorts and 239 luxury villa rentals. The group’s nine brands span segments from affordable lifestyle to luxury retreats, with over 60 new properties currently in development.

Gilles Cretallaz, chief operating officer, Dusit International, commented: “As we continue to reposition the Dusit Thani brand firmly within the luxury segment, Dusit Hotels marks a strategic expansion of our presence in the upper-upscale space, reinforcing our evolution across the lodging spectrum.

“This new brand allows us to bring our unique Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to a broader range of properties, while giving owners the scope to tailor experiences to their specific markets. With a strong focus on comfort, character, and locality, each hotel will resonate deeply with domestic and international guests seeking purposeful, memorable stays.”

New hotels: dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, Grand Hyatt Singapore and more

By TTG Asia

July 17, 2025

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dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, the Maldives
dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives is the group’s first all-inclusive lifestyle resort in the country, complementing Dusit Thani Maldives. The resort is set to soft open on July 27 on a natural island just seven minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Malé.

The resort offers 127 villas in seven categories, including beachfront and overwater options. Most villas feature private decks and plunge pools, designed for modern comfort and style.

Guests can enjoy à la carte dining at five venues, unlimited premium beverages, daily entertainment, and resort credits for personalised experiences. Facilities include a spa, beachfront yoga, rooftop bar, and recreational activities such as snorkelling, live DJ sets, floating breakfasts, and beach cinema nights.

For events, dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives offers a conference facility accommodating up to 240 guests, located near the capital.

Grand Hyatt Singapore, Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore has completed a multi-year redevelopment, transforming the 54-year-old hotel into a wellness-focused destination with new facilities, including the reopened Grand Wing, relocated Grand Club Lounge, and refurbished 10|Scotts restaurant.

The hotel now offers 699 redesigned rooms and suites, seven dining venues, a wellness hub called Damai, and 16 event spaces.

Damai Wellness Hub features spa treatments, fitness facilities, and wellness memberships, including innovative therapies like the Mind Body Therapy Wall and Mind Body Wellness programmes, alongside group fitness classes. The Grand Club Lounge provides exclusive benefits such as daily breakfast, refreshments, and an evening cocktail hour for suite guests and World of Hyatt elites.

Sustainability remains a core focus, with the hotel operating on 100 per cent renewable electricity, running a closed-loop food waste aquaponics system, and reducing single-use plastics. Its restaurants emphasise zero-waste cooking, local sourcing, and sustainable seafood.

Fairmont Tokyo, Japan
Fairmont Tokyo occupies floors 35 to 43 of the new Blue Front Shibaura Tower South, offering easy access to Haneda Airport, Tokyo and Shinagawa stations, and nearby attractions such as Zojoji Temple.

The hotel features 217 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views, alongside premium services through its Fairmont Gold hotel-within-a-hotel experience.

Dining options include seven diverse venues offering a range of international and local cuisines. Wellness facilities comprise a spa, gym, indoor infinity pool, saunas, and outdoor relaxation areas, all overlooking Tokyo Tower and the city skyline.

The hotel also offers event spaces, including one of Tokyo’s largest ballrooms and unique venues on the 43rd floor with panoramic views, suitable for weddings and corporate gatherings.

Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung, Indonesia
Best Western Setiabudhi Bandung is a new hotel located on Jalan Dr Setiabudi in Bandung, West Java. It offers easy access to Bandung city centre, The Great Asia Africa cultural park, the floating market, and Tangkuban Perahu volcano.

The hotel has 63 rooms and suites, including Junior Suites with whirlpool baths. Facilities include a café with an outdoor terrace, a restaurant serving local and international dishes, 24-hour room service, five meeting rooms, and a fitness centre.

Aviation roundup: Philippine Airlines, Loong Air and more

Maldives resort Oblu Select Sangeli deepens marine conservation efforts

Meliá Pattaya Hotel opens new YHI Spa

European Commission approves multiple-entry Schengen visas for returning Indonesian travellers

Sentosa’s mobile sustainability programme brings green education to classrooms

Sands breaks ground on new US$8 billion Marina Bay resort expansion

The Anam Mui Ne provides new homes for families in need in Vietnam

Dusit International introduces new upper-upscale Dusit Hotels brand

New hotels: dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives, Grand Hyatt Singapore and more

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