The post MOL Cruises buys an additional vessel from Seabourn Cruises appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

MOL Cruises, operator of Japan’s Mitsui Ocean Cruises, announced that it has purchased another ship from Seabourn Cruises.

The Seabourn Sojourn was handed over last 4th March and is the sister vessel of MOL’s Mitsui Ocean Fuji which was originally called the Seabourn Odyssey.

Set to begin operation as a Japan-flagged vessel next year, the new ship will offer a wide variety of itineraries, including short and medium-term cruises in the waters around Japan.

The purchase of this additional vessel is part of MOL Group’s plan to expand its cruise business ahead of the launch of two new vessels in the future.

A compact vessel

Taking advantage of the compact size of the hull with a total length of less than 200 m, it will be able to call at a variety of large and small ports, from the Seto Inland Sea, remote islands of Okinawa and Hokkaido, and ports within walking distance of the city. 

From the basic suite class rooms of 25 m2 or more, and spacious public spaces, there is also an open outdoor deck not only on the rooftop, but also on the bow and stern.

In a statement released at the hand-over, MOL officials declared: “With the addition of this vessel, we will further increase the travel options for our customers, and, with heartfelt Japan hospitality, we will deliver a beautiful boat trip in Japan that is unique to Mitsui Ocean Cruises.”

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The post American Express and Singapore Airlines add new benefits to their joint business credit card appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

American Express and Singapore Airlines announced the introduction of new benefits to the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card today, 24th March.

These new incentives are designed to provide greater travel rewards and enhanced redemption options for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). 

Among the new enhancements are a higher limit on converting HighFlyer points to KrisFlyer miles, as well as the ability to redeem points for KrisFlyer Elite Gold status at a discounted rate.

According to American Express country manager in Singapore Marlin Brown: “Building on our 25-year partnership with Singapore Airlines, we are excited to refresh the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, which is designed to help business owners go further: delivering greater rewards, travel benefits and financial flexibility to support their growth.”

Likewise, Singapore Airlines vice-president for global and corporate sales Ng Yung Han said: “Singapore Airlines’ long-standing collaboration with American Express has allowed us to deliver even more benefits and rewards to our customers. The Singapore Airlines HighFlyer business travel programme, coupled with these enhancements to the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card, offers a comprehensive suite of rewards to small and medium enterprises. These are tailored to give them even greater flexibility and value as they travel with Singapore Airlines.”

What updates have been made?

From 23rd April onwards, American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card holders will be entitled to the following fresh benefits: 

• Increased limit for HighFlyer point-to-KrisFlyer mile conversion to 150,000 miles – previously capped at 100,000 miles. HighFlyer points convert to KrisFlyer miles at a 1:1 rate.
• Attaining KrisFlyer Elite Gold status with the redemption of 100,000 HighFlyer points, compared with the standard requirement of 125,000 points.
• Welcome bonus of 10,000 HighFlyer points when businesses new to the HighFlyer programme complete their first flight, booked via the Singapore Airlines HighFlyer booking portal.
• Access to accelerated KrisFlyer Elite Gold status upgrade for one corporate traveller with a minimum spending of S$15,000 on eligible Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights in the first year of Card Membership.
• Bonus of 6,000 HighFlyer points, when Card Members pay their annual renewal membership fee.
• Earn rate of up to 8 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on Singapore Airlines or Scoot flights. This includes 2 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines Group transactions, 1 bonus HighFlyer point per S$1 spent on qualifying Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights on the Card, and a base rate of 5 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent awarded by Singapore Airlines for HighFlyer members who purchase an eligible flight ticket.
• Card Members also enjoy 1.2 HighFlyer points per S$1 on all other eligible spending on the Card.

At the same time, current card holders will continue to enjoy existing benefits such as:

• 0% interest on instalments over six months on Singapore Airlines flights.
• Accor Plus membership, including a complimentary night stay every year, up to 50% off dining across AccorHotels properties in Asia Pacific, with annual fee payment.
• Hertz Gold status with 10% off best available retail rates, one car class upgrade for rentals, and more.

With these benefits, the American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card will have an annual fee of S$400 including nine percent GST, also from 23rd April.

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The post Elite Havens announces exclusive partnership with Cohiba Villas Phuket appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Leading Asian luxury villa management and rental provider Elite Havens announced an exclusive partnership with Cohiba Villas Phuket,  a new villa development slated to open later this year in the serene hills of Layan, Phuket. 

This collaboration solidifies Elite Havens’ commitment to curating world-class luxury experiences for discerning travellers and homeowners.

Elite Havens’ cluster country director for Thailand and Japan Femke Beekers declared: “We are thrilled to partner with Cohiba Villas Phuket to introduce this extraordinary development to our global clientele. With its exceptional design, prime location, and unparalleled services, Cohiba Villas Phuket epitomises the very best of luxury living in Phuket.”

For his part, Cohiba’s designer and developer Christian Steenhuus Scherff echoed Beekers’ sentiments.

Scherff added: “Elite Havens and Cohiba Villas Phuket share a deep commitment to exceptional tropical living in premium locations, all offering breathtaking design. Our vision of sustainable, health-conscious luxury aligns seamlessly with Elite Havens’ expertise in villa management and luxury vacation rentals. This partnership ensures not only a world-class guest experience but also a seamless investment opportunity for villa owners looking to maximise returns while preserving the integrity of their properties.”

With a shared dedication to excellence, Elite Havens and Cohiba Villas Phuket are set to redefine luxury villa living in Thailand’s most coveted island destination.

Tropical luxury at its finest

Nestled amidst lush tropical landscapes, Cohiba Villas Phuket presents an exquisite collection of three-, four-, five-, and six-bedroom residences. 

Each two-storey villa is meticulously designed to harmonise modern luxury with nature, boasting private pools, breathtaking ocean vistas, and a tranquil forest backdrop. 

The development’s architectural vision is brought to life by Design Living, AE Phuket Co. Ltd Architects, Christian Scherff and Studio 906, utilising premium natural materials to embody Phuket’s signature tropical elegance.

Residents and guests will have access to top-tier estate amenities, including tennis courts, a fully equipped gym, and exclusive wellness facilities featuring a sauna and steam room. 

Ideally situated, Cohiba Villas Phuket also offers seamless access to Boat Avenue, Porto de Phuket, and a variety of luxury experiences, from high-end beach clubs and yachting to world-class golf courses and five-star resorts within the prestigious Laguna area. 

A diverse selection of gourmet dining options, featuring both authentic Thai and international cuisine, further enhances the sophisticated lifestyle.

Villa owners will likewise enjoy the flexibility of private residence use or the opportunity to be part of Elite Havens’ prestigious vacation rental portfolio. 

Guests and owners alike will benefit from Elite Havens’ renowned Elite Concierge service, offering tailored experiences such as tour bookings, private chef services, and dedicated villa management, ensuring an effortless and luxurious stay.

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The post Betting big on low-cost flyers: Pieter Elbers appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Speaking at the Skift India Forum, Pieter Elbers, CEO IndiGo stated that IndiGo, has had a three-pronged strategy: On-time performance, affordable fares, and a courteous and hassle-free service.

“India is a cost-competitive, price-sensitive, and consumer value-conscious market. Maintaining cost leadership is important for us. Every step we take is keeping that in mind, because if we don’t, we would be out of business.” He said that since the beginning of IndiGo, it had three focal points: On-time performance, affordable fares, and a courteous and hassle-free service. “But India is changing. We need to embrace the changes taking place and enrich the portfolio building on the foundation we have, and we are doing that with our new product.” IndiGo vs. Other Low-Cost Carriers Elbers distinguished IndiGo from the traditional low-cost carriers in Europe.

 “They operate in secondary airports, have relatively low frequency, do not carry cargo, and have no loyalty program. IndiGo flies to all major airports in India and is a market leader in all, flies 20 times a day each side between Delhi and Mumbai alone, has good cargo operations, and a loyalty program.” For him, the focus is on ensuring that customer needs of India are well catered to by the product that IndiGo offers. That includes catering to first-time flyers and the emerging aspirational class of travellers as well, Elbers emphasized.

IndiGo announced its foray into long-haul destinations this month, with Amsterdam and Manchester being the first destinations from July this year. “International air travel in India was catered to by non-Indian airlines for a long time.

The further away you go from India, the lower is the market share of Indian carriers. There is an opportunity for us to offer a product that is operated by an Indian operator and address that market.” He still intends to keep IndiGo’s direct flights cost competitive. However, there will still be some time before IndiGo enters ultra long-haul operations. “There is a lot of long-haul flying to do before we go the ultra-long-haul route.”

 India currently has 800 to 900 planes in operation across airlines. In China, this figure is 3,500 to 4,000 for the same population. “That number just shows that the growth will continue. The Indian economy is on a trajectory of growth. What is currently happening in India happened in China 15-20 years ago.” Maintaining Cost Leadership despite its venture into business class and loyalty programs, indigo wants to compete by budget price points too.

 

 

 

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The post Tourism Malaysia’s Super Sale Campaign 2025 is now ongoing appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Mastercard and over 100 key players in the tourism industry kicked off its month-long Malaysia Super Sale Campaign 2025 last 1st March.

Currently ongoing till 1st April, Super Sale 2025 offers unparalleled shopping and tourism experience, featuring a diverse range of exclusive offers on goods, accommodation, transportation, and food and beverage options, with more than 200 exciting activities and promotions awaiting tourists visiting shopping malls across Malaysia.

This nationwide campaign is supported by key industry associations, including the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association (PPK Malaysia), the Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).

Malaysia’s biggest retail tourism event

The Super Sale 2025 features a wide array of offerings, including up to 80 percent off on selected products at participating malls and retailers; as well as a chance to win amazing prizes, including a Proton e.MAS 7 and a Blueshark R1 EV Scooter, with every purchase at selected shopping malls.

Shoppers also have the opportunity to win exclusive prizes worth up to RM1,000, while special Raya promotions offer exclusive deals on beauty products, clothing, accessories, home appliances, and electronics.

Aside from these retail offerings, shoppers can also enjoy DJ showdowns, stage performances, and interactive experiences for children.

To further enhance the shopping experience, two exclusive Midnight Sale events will be held at: Aeon Mall Bandaraya Melaka on 22nd and 23rd March 2025; and again at Toppen Shopping Centre, Johor Bahru on 28th and 29th March.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is also offering up to 30 percent off on flights from selected international destinations to Malaysia, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and France. 

Meanwhile, AirAsia Move offers exclusive travel deals, featuring the lowest fares, special hotel discounts, and savings on e-hailing rides.

Beyond shopping, 106 participating hotels will offer Ramadan buffets and Sahur staycation packages tailored for couples and families, ensuring a memorable festive experience. 

Some hotels will also host live entertainment, including DJ performances, live bands, Nasyid showcases, and lucky draws.

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The post SAii properties receive Event Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards certifications appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

S Hotels and Resorts PCL’s sustainable lifestyle resort brand SAii announced that SAii Laguna Phuket and SAii Lagoon Maldives have received the prestigious Sustainable Event Standards GOLD certification from the Event Industry Council (EIC.)
The two resorts are the first and only venues in Thailand and the Maldives to receive the GOLD Certifications. 

This recognition spotlights SAii’s leadership in the green MICE sector, following strategic investments in upgrading both resorts’ event facilities in recent years.

At the same time, the Green Globe certifications awarded for three consecutive years to SAii properties in Thailand and two consecutive years in the Maldives underscore the brand’s commitment to sustainable lifestyle hospitality, solidifying its position as an industry leader.

S Hotels and Resorts chief executive Michael Marshall remarked: “At SAii, we have integrated sustainable practices into every facet of our operations and customer experience. The recognition from the EIC and the Green Globe team, combined with our guests’ positive feedback, serves as a powerful motivator for us to continue our sustainability development agenda into the future, along with providing our guests with top quality hospitality services.”

The gold standard for MICE venues in Thailand

The first venue in Thailand to achieve GOLD certification from the EIC, SAii Laguna Phuket is an outdoor event complex offering sustainable meeting solutions that are aligned with TCEB’s Thailand MICE Venue Standards. 

All events held at its 1,900-sqm ocean-facing MICE centre, which comprises the Similan Ballroom, nine breakout rooms, a VIP room with the latest AV technology, and three outdoor arenas, are free from single-use plastics thanks to such initiatives as reusable decorations and a ban on plastic straws. 

In addition to installing recycling bins and offering green transport options, the team makes it easier for event organisers to measure and minimise their environmental impact by calculating the carbon footprint of their event using advanced technology.

Nestled between the lagoon and the ocean, SAii Laguna Phuket is deeply connected to its natural surroundings. 

To protect this pristine environment from plastic pollution, the team collaborates with Seeds of Change, a community organization dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness in Phuket, to make eco beach bags. 

Handmade by community heroes, the unique bags are crafted from upcycled materials from last year’s renovations, demonstrating resilience, creativity and SAii’s commitment to empowering local communities. 

Guests will find these thoughtful bags in every guest room, ready to accompany them on their island adventures.

In addition, SAii Spa invites guests to experience Thai therapies like herbal compress treatments, using locally made products that celebrate the island’s rich heritage and natural bounty.

For local immersion, the delegates can join community-supporting group activities ranging from cooking classes using local produce to beach clean-ups. 

In another green move, SAii Laguna Phuket has rolled out the new Sustainable Sleep concept which introduced eco-friendly King Koil mattresses made from allergen-proof and moisture-repellent fabric in all renovated guest rooms.

Guests can savour global gastronomy at diverse restaurants, where sustainability takes centre stage with healthy dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and fresh produce from the on-site organic garden. 

Adventure awaits with non-motorised water sports, including kayaks, hobby cats, stand-up paddleboards and a waterslide—offering endless fun with zero carbon footprint.

The first in the Maldives

The first venue in the Maldives to achieve GOLD certification from the EIC, SAii Lagoon Maldives is part of CROSSROADS Maldives, the archipelago’s first and only multi-island leisure destination boasting a cutting-edge Maldives Discovery Centre that hosts interactive exhibition on local history and culture. 

Marine Discovery Centre is also home to marine biologists who run conservation projects such as coral propagation that are part of corporate retreat programmes at SAii Lagoon Maldives.

The resort’s Event Hall, a dedicated 326-sqm MICE venue, supports over 400 delegates with state-of-the-art technology and professional services. 

Here, event planners can organise environmental and social activities, from setting up beachfront boardrooms to crafting ecological experiences, all of them aligned with Hilton Worldwide’s “Meet with Purpose” concept.

In addition to helping MICE groups reduce waste, the concept incorporates interactive cooking and dining experiences that are healthy, sustainable and fun. 

By using locally sourced produce and ingredients from the organic garden and the surrounding Maldivian seas, this approach promotes healthy eating with a focus on organic agriculture, while providing a delicious and memorable dining experience.

When organising events, SAii Lagoon Maldives aims to minimise the use of polystyrene, eliminate paperwork by utilising electronic documents and harness renewable energy from solar panels. 

The resort also restricts power use during rehearsals, employs energy-efficient equipment such as LED displays and has eliminated single-use and disposable plastic products.

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The post Cathay’s flagship youth development programme, I Can Fly, kicks off with a new format appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Cathay’s long-standing commitment to promoting youth development in Hong Kong was on full display as it kicked off its flagship community service initiative, I Can Fly, which aims to inspire young people to pursue their dreams in aviation while contributing positively to society.

This year’s edition of I Can Fly sees a refreshed format with activities throughout 2025 centred on Education, Discovery and Exploration, in addition to incorporating social service. Across the entire I Can Fly programme, Cathay will empower some 2,000 young people between the ages of 10 and 18 to pursue their dreams.

Cathay kicked off the programme today with two consecutive I Can Fly Aviation Explorer Days organised with the support of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise programme and a number of other community engagement partners. In total, 870 students from underprivileged backgrounds enjoyed an unforgettable opportunity to explore the world of aviation across the two Aviation Explorer Days, supported by 70 volunteers from across Cathay.

Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san was welcomed as the guest of honour by Cathay Director People Patricia Hwang, who is also the Star Mentor of the Government’s Strive and Rise programme for the second consecutive year.

Under Secretary Liu said: “Cathay’s I Can Fly programme is a meaningful initiative that not only broadens the participants’ horizons, but also ignites their courage to pursue their aviation dreams. Quite a number of the locally trained pilots are also graduates of this programme, which is not just an ‘orientation course to aviation’, but also a ‘dream factory for aviation’. This weekend’s Aviation Explorer Days not only give participants a chance to appreciate the external allure of flying but also delve deeper into uncovering its inner mysteries, offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes operations of the aviation industry, and discovering the endless possibilities in store for them.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all industry partners in support of the initiative, as well as to the Cathay volunteers and mentors from the Strive and Rise Programme. I hope all participants will embrace their curiosity and passion to explore boldly and carve out their own paths in the skies.”

Cathay’s Patricia Hwang said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome all of our participating students to our Aviation Explorer Days as we kick off our flagship I Can Fly programme for 2025. We sincerely hope that their experiences will further ignite their passion for aviation, motivate them to consider pursuing a career in this exciting and dynamic industry, and inspire them to create positive change in society.

“With our deep roots in Hong Kong, Cathay is committed to being a force of positivity for our community, focusing on the advancement of youth development, sports, and arts and culture to create a brighter future for all. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all of our volunteers, the Government and our partners for their invaluable support in making these fantastic occasions possible.”

As part of its Exploration pillar, Cathay will host I Can Fly Aviation Explorer Days throughout the year. These experiences include tours of the airport area, including Cathay City, Cathay Dining, Cathay Cargo Terminal and Cathay Academy, as well as talks about the history of the aviation industry, and career mentorship.

Cathay Director People Patricia Hwang, who also serves as the Star Mentor of the Government’s Strive and Rise programme for the second consecutive year, and three fellow colleagues shared their…

As part of the Aviation Explorer Days, participants had the opportunity to visit Cathay Cargo Terminal, learning about the work settings of the various job roles within the aviation industry.

In addition, the Education pillar will feature the I Can Fly Youth Academy, a five-month aviation training course, while the Discovery pillar will offer an unforgettable experience with the I Can Fly Discovery Flight towards the end of the year.

These initiatives provide unique experiences for Hong Kong’s young people to gain a better understanding of the world of aviation and the many different career opportunities available, while also nurturing future talent for the industry to strengthen Hong Kong’s international aviation hub status.

I Can Fly was first launched in 2003 and aims to empower Hong Kong’s youth by igniting their dreams and ambitions, enabling them to explore endless possibilities. Over 4,400 students have graduated from the programme since its inception, with some alumni pursuing careers in aviation, illustrating the programme’s effectiveness in shaping futures and creating opportunities.

 

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The post Thales celebrates opening of new avionics MRO centre in Gurugram, India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

This facility will offer comprehensive avionics maintenance and repair services to leading Indian airlines, such as Air India and IndiGo, directly supporting the growth of the local aviation industry.

Thales celebrated the opening of its new avionics MRO facility in Gurugram, near the New Delhi airport. Aligned with the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (‘self-reliant India’), this centre will provide a wide range of services, including the maintenance & repair of avionics components, to prominent Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo. This new repair hub draws on Thales’s expertise as a global leader in the aerospace industry, providing premium support and services to airline customers in India.

The inauguration was held in the presence of the Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. The event was graced by Mr. Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in India, along with senior Government officials and eminent dignitaries from the French Embassy and the industry. The Thales team was led by Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice President, Avionics, Thomas Got, Vice President, Aviation Global Services and Gilles Bono, Vice President, India. This occasion marks a milestone in Thales’s continued investment strategy in India’s rapidly expanding aviation market.
Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India said: “My heartfelt appreciation goes to Thales for setting up this dedicated facility in India to provide onshore MRO services to our airlines. Taking a tour of the facility and seeing it firsthand, I must say that I am deeply impressed by the meticulous planning and innovation that have gone into creating this centre. I believe the inauguration of this advanced avionics MRO centre marks a significant milestone for Indian aviation and a proud moment for Thales in India. This facility exemplifies our collective commitment to building a self-reliant India and a self-reliant aviation ecosystem under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi Ji. Thales stands out as a shining example of Indo-French collaboration, we must together leverage India’s vast talent pool and facilitate India’s rapidly growing aviation market.”

Thomas Got, Vice President Aviation Global Services, Thales, said: “India’s MRO industry is set for significant growth, becoming a key region for airlines. We are proud to inaugurate our Thales Maintenance and Repair Centre in India. This highlights our localisation efforts to bring our technological and avionics repair expertise closer to airline customers. The Gurugram centre is backed by the power of a global support and services organisation, and aligns with Thales’s strategy to expand its presence in India.”

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The post Jazz Tech partners with Sabre Direct Pay appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

 

Sabre Corporation announced a multi-year agreement with Jazz Tech, a Brazilian fintech company backed by Arbi Bank, under which Jazz Tech will serve as the virtual card issuer for Sabre  Direct Pay in Brazil. 

Virtual cards provide a secure, single-use payment method for each transaction, reducing fraud  risks, offering detailed financial data, and simplifying reconciliation, while Sabre Direct Pay enables  Jazz Tech to streamline financial operations for seamless, efficient, and reliable payments to  agencies and suppliers. 

“Sabre Direct Pay’s expansion into South America with Jazz Tech brings a fast and efficient  onboarding process, enabling travel agencies to issue virtual cards and transact with suppliers  seamlessly”, said Patricio Boccardo, Managing Director, Sabre Direct Pay. “The platform integrates  directly into existing workflows, providing access to both prepaid and credit card options that  improve payment acceptance. With automated processing and real-time reporting, agencies can  enhance supplier relationships through timely, secure, and transparent transactions”. 

Jazz Tech combines the agility of a fintech with the reliability of a bank, offering scalable financial  solutions through an API-driven platform. Its integration with Sabre Direct Pay strengthens its ability  to support Brazilian travel agencies with secure and efficient virtual card issuance. With a cloud native infrastructure and full compliance with the Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN), Jazz Tech  provides seamless payment processing and corporate credit solutions, ensuring flexibility and  reliability for businesses. 

“Integrating with Sabre Direct Pay enhances our ability to deliver tailored financial solutions to the  travel industry,” said José Roberto Kracochansky, Founder and CEO at Jazz Tech. “Our API-driven  ecosystem is designed to provide businesses with scalable and secure payment capabilities,  ensuring travel agencies can access seamless virtual card issuance, automated reconciliation, and  improved cash flow management – thanks to Sabre’s deep expertise in travel technology.” 

This agreement marks a step forward in providing Brazilian travel agencies with advanced payment  solutions, improving transaction security and efficiency across the industry. 

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The post VFS Global: Filipinos may still apply for Japan visas via travel agencies appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Filipino travellers applying for Japan visas may still submit their applications through an accredited travel agent even when VFS Global opens its Japanese visa application centre (JVAC) on 7th April.

VFS Global, the visa outsourcing firm the Japanese Embassy in Manila tapped to manage the JVAC, said applicants may either book their appointments directly through the JVAC website or through agencies affiliated with the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA).

In a statement released on Thursday, 20th March, VFS declared: “All visa applicants or their travel agents will have to book a prior appointment by visiting our website before visiting our centres to submit their applications.”

Travel agencies may submit visa applications on behalf of their clients at the JVACs in Cebu, Davao, Makati, Paranaque, and Quezon City if they have proper authorization from the applicants.

How the system currently works and how it will change

Under its current system, the Japanese Embassy in Manila accepts and processes visa applications made through its select accredited travel agencies.

The embassy earlier said travel agencies that would be offering Japan visa services to travelers would now have to coordinate with VFS Global since the matter already classifies as commercial activities between the visa centre and the travel agencies.

VFS Global said no agreement signing is required as long as the travel agents can demonstrate that they are members of PTAA and PIATA.

Travel agents may also refer to the VFS Global website for documentation and other related queries.

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