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Indonesian Ministry of Tourism signs understandings to boost national tourism sectors

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Photo from Antara

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with four ministries and agencies on Wednesday, 13th August.

Per a report from national news agency Antara, these agreements herald the beginning of cooperative efforts with which to strengthen the national tourism sector.

Understandings were signed with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Ministry of Environment, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), and the Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

For a healthier and more prosperous nation

Speaking at the signing, tourism minister Widyanti Putri Wardhana declared: “Let us maintain and strengthen this spirit to realize a healthier, more prosperous, and sustainable Indonesia.

Wardhana added that the cross-sectoral initiative is expected to support five flagship programmes of her ministry: the Clean Tourism Movement (GWB), Tourism 5.0, Upgrading Tourism, Events by Indonesia, and the development of Tourism Villages.

Likewise, the tourism sector’s cooperation with BGN will be instrumental in boosting Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme through the training and involvement of tourism villages.

The cooperation with the Ministry of MSMEs, on the other hand, centres on developing community-based tourism, as well as strengthening the marketing of products whilst supporting small- and medium-scale investment.

The collaborative agreement between the ministry and Basarnas covers tourist safety and security, search and rescue training, the implementation of an integrated communications system, and tourist rescue operations.

Finally, the collaboration between the tourism and environment ministries involves coordination in the development of sustainable tourist destinations and environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Deputy environmental minister Diaz Hendropriyono further pointed out that issues related to cleanliness remain a challenge and a hindrance to developing sustainable tourism.

Likewise, MSMEs minister Maman Abdurrahman appreciates the potential  economic impact the understanding will have on MSMEs as it is set to create jobs whilst improving state revenue and tourism growth.

For his part, Basarnas head Mohammad Syafii expressed the hope that the MoU will streamline handling mechanisms as well as the provision of aid for victims of disasters and incidents.

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Plaza Premium Group introduces its Your Destination Before Departure campaign

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Plaza Premium Group beguiles passengers’ senses well before they reach their destinations through a flavourful campaign titled Your Destination Before Departure.

The campaign encourages travellers to discover an array of culinary traditions at Plaza Premium Lounges with your five senses prior to their departure.

Every Plaza Premium Lounge is a gateway to diverse cultures and traditions featuring sensory experiences unique to each city, region, and country.  

Set for deployment in 20 global cities, Your Destination Before Departure brings heritage, gastronomy, art, and local hospitality into an immersive experience, drawing inspiration from each culture of the Plaza Premium lounges worldwide. 

Fostering the richness of diverse cultures with authentic expressions such as a warm welcome from a lounge ambassador, signature dishes from local chefs, curated wines and beverages, and showcasing art and crafts from local communities. 

Purposeful cultural collaborations, community partnerships enhance the entire immersive experience with authenticity as the hallmark of being Proudly Local. 

The intersection of signature local dishes and passionate chefs is at the heart of the initiative circumnavigating the world across selected Plaza Premium Lounges.

Serving global flavours onto travellers’ plates

The Plaza Premium Lounges Chef Series Flavours in Transit: From Our Roots to Your Plate is the first of its kind in the airport hospitality industry, celebrating the signature dishes of the in-house chefs across multiple global airport lounge locations. 

Plaza Premium Lounges are known for their acclaimed signature dishes with over 200 passionate chefs from every corner of the world, each a culinary ambassador. 

Every local chef is encouraged to nurture their roots in selecting traditional ingredients and crafting authentic speciality dishes, each a vibrant ode to their heritage.

Until 6th October, travellers may discover a cross-over surprise dish from a number of locations within the Plaza Premium Group network.

There is a story in every bite weaving together a tapestry made up of elements from the cultural heritage of every chef in each Plaza Premium Lounge location.

Signature dishes 

From Hong Kong’s Chef Ricky Tam’s iconic Fish Ball Noodle Soup which took 100 bowls to reach perfection to Rome’s Sicilian Chef Gianni Cutuli’s signature Gnocchi alla Norma’s recipe passed on from his “Nonna” (grandmother in Italian), the culinary culture is celebrated in every Plaza Premium Lounge, where aromas of signature dishes and local libations delight with caring service.

The signature dishes are created to showcase each chef’s dedication to culinary authenticity and innovation, reflecting both their heritage and the destinations each lounge serves.

The dishes for each Plaza Premium Lounge featured in the Chef Series campaign at the seven highlighted locations are as follows: 

  • HONG KONG – Chef Ricky Tam: Fish Ball Noodle Soup     A comforting local favourite, this dish features springy fish balls in a light, flavourful broth with rice noodles, capturing the essence of Hong Kong’s street food culture. Complemented by the handmade XO sauce.
  • MACAU – Chef Simon Chong: Macanese Style Portuguese Chicken     A fragrant and comforting classic, this dish features tender chicken braised in a creamy coconut and tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices and herbs such as turmeric and bay leaves—a true taste of Macau’s East-meets-West culinary heritage.
  • SINGAPORE – Chef Chan Seong June: Singapore Prawn Laksa Noodle     Chan Seong June presents this quintessential Singaporean favourite: rice noodles in a rich, spicy coconut curry broth, topped with succulent prawns and fresh herbs with Sambal Chili paste delivering bold and satisfying flavours.
  • KUALA LUMPUR – Chef Haward Lee: Chicken Satay     Marinated with an aromatic mix of galangal, garlic to lemongrass, the chicken skewers are grilled to perfection and served with a traditional peanut sauce, offering a taste of Malaysian street food culture in an elegant airport lounge setting.
  • SYDNEY – Chef Sanju Khadgi: Aussie Braised Beef Ragu Pappardelle     Chef Sanju infuses braised tender chunks of Australian beef with a savoury blend of tomatoes, red wine, garlic, and aromatic herbs which is paired with broad pappardelle pasta and a savoury sauce—blending Italian technique with Aussie ingredients.
  • ROME – Chef Gianni Cutuli: Gnocchi alla Norma     Chef Gianni shares an authentic Sicilian recipe from his “Nonna” (Grandmother): Gnocchi alla Norma is a classic dish that comes from Sicily, especially the city of Catania. It’s a twist on the well-loved Sicilian pasta alla Norma, made with eggplant, tomato sauce, ricotta salata cheese, and fresh basil. This way of cooking highlights the rich flavours and traditions of Sicilian cuisine. 
  • DUBAI – Chef Subhash Chander: Butter Chicken Bowl     Embodying Chef Subhash’s commitment to local flavours, his Butter Chicken is a luxurious, creamy curry with tender pieces of chicken which undergoes two types of marination with fenugreek leaves, mustard oil, chili powder and yoghurt. Simmered in fresh tomato sauce spiced with Garam Masala, Cashew nut paste, a modern airport take on a beloved Indian classic.

Culinary keepsakes to enjoy

As part of the Plaza Premium Lounge Chef Series experience, guests at selected locations will be invited to enjoy bite-sized tastings of the signature dishes during dedicated pass-around sessions and encouraged to follow Plaza Premium Lounge on social media to stay connected and continue the culinary journey beyond the lounge. 

Guests who engage by following their social media channels during these tasting sessions will receive a complimentary copy of the recipe booklet featuring all the secret recipes of the seven highlighted dishes of the From Our Roots to Your Plate series.

It’s a thoughtful keepsake celebrating authentic flavours from around the world.

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Stuart De San Nicolas is new general manager at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

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Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas announced the appointment of Stuart De San Nicolas as its new general manager.

With a distinguished global career in ultra-luxury hospitality, De San Nicolas brings not only deep operational expertise and transformative sales strategies, but also a proven track record of creating one-of-a-kind guest journeys for the world’s most discerning travellers.

He said of the property: “Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas presents such an exciting opportunity for a hotelier, with an unrivalled setting on one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, superlative accommodations and facilities, and so much to experience in the waters that surround. I look forward to joining the team, who have already achieved so much, and working together to create even more unforgettable journeys for our guests.”

As he takes the reins at Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas, De San Nicolas brings his visionary leadership to Thailand’s rising star in luxury travel. 

For his part, Minor International group CEO Dillip Rajakarier said of the new general manager: “Stuart has an innate ability to see luxury through both the guest’s eyes and the brand’s lens. His unique combination of elevated hospitality intuition and sophisticated sales acumen is exactly what Anantara Koh Yao Yai needs to step onto the global stage. We look forward to seeing him craft the next chapter of refined island luxury.”

Meet Stuart De San Nicolas

A global citizen by birth and the son of Spanish diplomats, Stuart De San Nicolas has been immersed since childhood in the world of prestigious hotels, sparking a lifelong fascination with meaningful hospitality. 

He built his academic foundations in France, then over the next three decades redefined standards of bespoke service and commercial excellence for iconic brands such as St. Regis and Conrad across luxury destinations from Cannes to Bora Bora.

In 2023, De San Nicolas joined Minor Hotels as Cluster General Manager, overseeing Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, the newly launched Avani+ Fares Maldives and the introduction of the NH and NH Collection brands in the Maldives. 

At Anantara Kihavah, consistently ranked among the world’s top resorts, he oversaw signature experiences including underwater oenology and overwater astronomy, as well as bespoke private journeys for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, all while steering best-in-class revenue generation and direct sales strategies.

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AYANA introduces its Sail & Stay luxury retreat

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AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach and AYANA Cruises are thrilled to announce the launch of Sail & Stay: A Luxury Retreat.

This latest addition is designed to offer an unparalleled journey through the UNESCO Heritage-listed Komodo National Park. 

As such, the package blends the serenity of a stay at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach resort with the breathtaking adventure of a multi-day voyage aboard AYANA Cruises’ flagship luxury phinisi, AYANA Lako Di’a. 

A luxurious way to explore 

The two itineraries offered under the Sail & Stay package stand to become the most luxurious way to explore one of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse regions. 

Guests will begin their experience with a night of refined comfort at the breathtaking AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach resort, soaking in its five-star amenities and ocean-facing views. 

Following this relaxing start, the journey continues aboard the enchanting AYANA Lako Di’a, where world-class dining and luxurious five-star accommodations ensure an unforgettable experience exploring the wonders of Komodo National Park by sea. 

The 2 Days–1 Night cruise begins on Day 1 with sailing to Kalong Island for a spectacular sunset. Day 2 takes guests to Padar Island for panoramic views, Pink Beach for snorkeling, and Komodo Island for an encounter with the Komodo dragons, concluding the journey back to the resort. 

The package includes Luxury Suite accommodation for the AYANA Lako Di’a cruise. 

Guests will enjoy full-board gourmet meals, along with free-flow mineral water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, fresh juice, and mocktails. 

A wide array of water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding are included, as are leisure and wellness activities including karaoke, movie nights, and rejuvenating yoga classes. 

The package also features airport transfers to and from Komodo International Airport, the entrance fee to Komodo National Park, and digital photo documentation to capture every memorable moment.

For the resort stay, guests will receive a complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe Ocean View Room from an Ocean View Room, daily gourmet breakfast buffet for two guests, a ten percent discount on revitalizing spa treatments and a selection of food and beverages, and a 15 percent discount on selected water activities and boat trips.

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Riyadh Air partners with SATS Saudi Arabia

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Riyadh Air and SATS Saudi Arabia agreement signing. Image Courtesy: Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, has signed a five-year strategic partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia Company (SATS SA), a subsidiary of SATS Ltd (SATS), to provide comprehensive cargo handling services at key airports across the Kingdom.

The agreement includes major cargo operations at the Riyadh Air hub at King Khalid International Airport (RUH) with further support at King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Dammam and King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah. As part of the agreement, SATS Saudi Arabia will also develop world-class hub management capabilities for Riyadh Air, establishing Riyadh as a premier regional cargo hub and directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objective to handle 4.5 million tons of air cargo annually.

Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer at Riyadh Air said: “This partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal milestone in Riyadh Air’s journey to become a leading global carrier.

By leveraging SATS’ advanced cargo handling capabilities and global network, we are laying a strong foundation to build a world-class air cargo offering from day one. This collaboration enables us to deliver operational excellence, high-value logistics solutions, and strategic connectivity across key global trade lanes – directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aspirations to position the Kingdom as a premier global logistics hub.”

“We are honoured that Riyadh Air has selected SATS as a trusted partner for its ambitious cargo growth journey,” said Bob Chi, CEO Gateway Services Asia Pacific, SATS Ltd. “This partnership represents strategic alignment between Riyadh Air’s ambition to connect over 100 destinations globally by 2030 and our commitment to provide our customers with world-class air cargo solutions.”

Under the agreement, SATS Saudi Arabia will provide comprehensive dedicated cargo handling services at its existing 60,000 square-metre Riyadh (RUH) airfreight terminal, featuring state-of-the-art facilities including specialised zones for pharmaceuticals, e[1]commerce, live animals, valuables, and dangerous goods. This partnership grants Riyadh Air instant access to SATS’ extensive global network of over 225 stations, supported by over 250 airline partners and leading freight forwarders. The hub management operations will include centralised cargo and security control centres for real-time operational oversight. These operations will leverage SATS’ established hub management expertise, providing seamless coordination of cargo connections and serving as a focal point for routing shipments to their intended destinations across Riyadh Air’s growing global network. This integrated approach will enable Riyadh Air to launch a comprehensive suite of cargo products and services that position the airline for strong competitive advantage in regional and global markets.

Supporting these hub operations, SATS Saudi Arabia will deploy SATS’ proprietary COSYS+ Next Generation Cargo Management System, enabling real-time tracking and data-driven decision-making. The system will be enhanced by advanced cargo digitisation technology and automated truck dock management systems to further increase operational efficiency.

These technological advances will be complemented by the facility’s scalable infrastructure, ensuring robust capacity to support Riyadh Air’s long-term growth ambitions.

This significant agreement reinforces SATS’ growing presence in the vital Middle East air cargo market and highlights its role as a trusted enabler for leading global airlines and logistics players. Riyadh Air’s commitment to delivering world-class cargo services and establishing Riyadh as a thriving hub in the global logistics landscape is exemplified through this strategic partnership.

 

 

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In June 2025, Asia Pacific Airlines show passenger and cargo traffic growth

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Representative Image

Preliminary June 2025 traffic figures released by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed continued growth in international passenger markets, underpinned by rising travel demand ahead of the mid-year holiday season. International air cargo volumes also saw further growth, supported by ongoing front-loading and re-routing of shipments amid prevailing trade-related uncertainties.

Available seat capacity rose by 8.5%

For the month, the region’s airlines collectively carried 31.2 million international passengers, representing a 7.1% increase compared to the same month last year. Measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), demand grew by 8.0% year-on-year, reflecting the moderation in growth rates in line with long-term trends since 2024. Available seat capacity rose at a slightly faster pace of 8.5%, leading to a 0.4 percentage point decline in the average international passenger load factor to 81.7%.

Meanwhile, international air cargo demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by 5.6% year-on-year in June, on the back of a rebound in global manufacturing activity, notably in the consumer and intermediate goods segments. Offered freight capacity increased by 7.1%, outpacing the rise in demand and resulting in a 0.8 percentage point decline in the international freight load factor, to an average of 62.1% for the month.

Commenting on the results, Subhas Menon, AAPA Director General, said, “During the first half of 2025, Asia Pacific airlines carried a total of 190.5 million international passengers, which is a 12% increase compared to the same period last year. International air cargo demand also recorded a relatively resilient 6% year-on-year growth.”

Outlook remains Positive

Menon added, “The expansion underscores the strength of the region’s economies, which supports the sustained growth in travel demand, even though there is uncertainty in the global trade environment. Cargo volumes are also growing as demand for air freight services, particularly in the e-commerce and time-sensitive segments, is still very strong.”

Looking ahead, Menon said, “The outlook for travel markets in the near term remains positive, bolstered by a rise in ticket bookings during the peak mid-year holiday season. However, the widespread introduction of tariffs signals mounting inflation on the horizon. The moderation in business confidence is also a reflection of the growing concerns over the global economic outlook, with implications for both the air travel and cargo markets further ahead. Asia Pacific carriers are alert to the cost pressures, while adapting to market conditions and seeking growth opportunities, both regionally and globally.”

 

 

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AirAsia commemorates first fifth-freedom flight to Fukuoka from Kota Kinabalu

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AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) commemorated its inaugural flight from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka via Taipei. The maiden flight from Taipei to Fukuoka recorded an impressive full load factor of 100 percent, while its return flight recorded more than 80 percent to Taipei, marking the airline’s first venture into the Japanese market.

Flight AK1510 took off from Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 7:40 am on 15 August 2025 and landed at Fukuoka International Airport at 3:15PM (local time) on the same day. To double up the significant milestone, guests onboard flight AK1510 bound for Taipei-Fukuoka were warmly sent off by Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia together with its lively crew during its technical stop at Taipei.

The launch of this brand new fifth-freedom route marks a significant milestone for AirAsia, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Sabah’s connectivity and positioning Kota Kinabalu as a key regional hub. This new service not only allows travellers from Sabah to explore destinations beyond Asean but also opens up opportunities for guests from Taipei to discover the hidden gems of Fukuoka, fostering greater tourism and economic exchange across the region.

Bruce Chen Ph.D, Consul General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Fukuoka said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the launch of AirAsia Malaysia’s inaugural route to Japan, connecting Fukuoka and Kota Kinabalu via Taipei. This new service not only enhances the convenience of travel between Japan and Taiwan through increased flights on the Fukuoka–Taipei sector, but also offers excellent connectivity between East Asia and Southeast Asia on a daily basis. I am confident that this will further promote tourism, business, and cultural exchange across the three cities and their respective regions. I sincerely hope this route will contribute to greater people-to-people exchange and international cooperation among our three countries. With these wishes, I offer my warmest congratulations.”

Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia said: “We are pleased to launch our first ever fifth-freedom route from Taipei to Fukuoka, highlighting an important milestone for AirAsia as we expand our footprint into Japan. This route not only reflects our continued commitment to growing Kota Kinabalu as a strategic hub in East Malaysia, but also provides greater travel flexibility for our guests across the region. We are confident that this new connectivity will stimulate tourism and business opportunities between Kota Kinabalu, Taipei and Fukuoka, while offering our guests more value and convenience at affordable fares.”

Shinji Tagawa, Representative Director and President & CEO Fukuoka International Airport Co., Ltd. said: “We are truly honoured that AirAsia Malaysia has chosen Fukuoka for its first route to Japan. We are continuously enhancing our capabilities as an international hub through terminal expansion and the addition of a second runway. This new route will offer a new travel option not only for passengers in the destination cities, but also for people in Fukuoka and across Kyushu. We expect it will contribute to stronger ties in tourism, business, culture, education, and many other fields.”

Syaliza Abd. Aziz, Director of Tourism Malaysia in Japan congratulated AirAsia on its expansion, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to AirAsia Malaysia on the launch of this new route connecting Fukuoka, Taipei and Kota Kinabalu. This expansion serves as a valuable bridge that strengthens the ties between Japan and Malaysia, opening up greater opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism. This launch comes at a perfect time as we look forward to Visit Malaysia 2026. We sincerely thank AirAsia for making this meaningful connection a reality.”

AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) will operate daily flights on this new fifth-freedom route using the Airbus A320 family narrow-body aircraft (including A320neo) with a maximum capacity of 186 seats, including 42 Hot Seats.

Travellers from Kota Kinabalu can now conveniently access Fukuoka with all-in one way fares starting from RM679*, while flights from Taipei to Fukuoka are available from as low as TWD2,990* all-in one way. Return flights from Fukuoka to Kota Kinabalu start from JPY23,990* and fares for Fukuoka to Taipei sector are available from JPY15,900*, all-in one way.

 

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Modesh World adds fun element to Dubai Summer Surprises

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With the back-to-school season just around the corner, Modesh World 2025 is giving families even more reasons to enjoy an unforgettable summer adventure before the school bell rings. Visitors can now take advantage of two exciting new offers: adult non-playing members can enter for just AED 25, and for every three tickets purchased, families will receive one ticket absolutely free.

Taking over Dubai World Trade Centre Halls 4–7 until 28 August, Dubai’s favourite family-friendly ‘edutainment’ attraction and one of the region’s largest indoor entertainment destinations brings exciting themed zones, exhilarating rides, a jam-packed calendar of thrilling live shows, informative workshops, and unlimited all-day ticketed access for families this year. Brand-new experiences have been added to Modesh World’s amazing selection of 118 fun games and attractions this year, designed to take visitors on a journey through time with beloved characters Modesh and Dana.

Returning brighter, bolder, and more immersive than ever before, Modesh World is a much-loved feature of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), organised by DXB LIVE, the experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in cooperation with Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). A game-changing array of brand-new zones and immersive experiences for 2025 offer unbeatable value for families looking to stay entertained all day long and unlock a summer well spent in Dubai.

Brand new this year
Among the most anticipated additions to Modesh World this year is Bounce Like It’s 2025, a sprawling soft play paradise filled with brightly coloured bounce zones designed to let little ones jump, climb, and explore to their hearts’ content. Little ones can also enjoy a play area filled with brightly coloured soft structures and inflatables.

For a dose of nostalgic fun with a twist, the RetroVille zone brings the past and future together with classic arcade games, a Dinosaur Park featuring roaring animatronic dinosaurs, and thrilling RC (remote control) challenges. Perfect for young gamers, explorers, and curious minds alike.

Thrill seekers will find their fix in the Drift Like Tomorrow zone, an adrenaline-charged arena for friends and families to race on an indoor karting track, ride quad bikes, take on bumper cars, take on dinosaur-themed rides, or cool off on an indoor ice rink.

The high-octane action continues at the Timeless Carnival zone, home to carnival games with a mix of adrenaline and nostalgia – from wild rides and skill-based challenges to obstacle courses and trampoline fun.

At the heart of Modesh World is Timekeeper’s Square, a lively central zone where families can enjoy free stage shows, get creative with hands-on arts and craft workshops, and catch Modesh and Dana in special meet-and-greet moments.

For refuelling in between the action, visitors can stop by the Modesh Café, alongside an upgraded food court featuring everything from specialty coffee and matcha to family-friendly bites and nostalgic treats served in retro-inspired packaging.

Open daily
Modesh World 2025 promises to be the ultimate indoor escape this summer, offering unforgettable fun, unbeatable value, and a reason to return again and again. Open daily from 10am-10pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and 10am-midnight on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays).

All roads lead to Modesh World
Getting to Modesh World is simple and stress-free. The city’s public transport system is both a safe and cost-effective way to reach Modesh World from key locations around the city – be it via Dubai Metro, several bus routes, or easily available taxis. For those who prefer to drive themselves to Dubai World Trade Centre, ample parking is available across six paid car parks and two free car parks, as well as onsite valet services. Parking bays for electric cars are also available with charging stations.

 

 

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Tourism drives Structural Transformation: UN Tourism

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Hosted by UN Tourism, the side event “Tourism: Driving Economic Diversification and Inclusion in LLDCs,” brought together government representatives, UN agencies, and bilateral development actors to explore how sustainable and rural tourism can diversify economies and boost social inclusion across landlocked developing nations.

According to UN Tourism, LLDCs welcomed 50 million international tourism arrivals in 2024, or around 3.5% of the global total. However, their share of international tourism export revenues stood at just 1.4%, pointing to untapped potential and a need for resource mobilization, enhanced value, and policy innovation to grow the average income per arrival, which currently stands at USD 445 in LLDCs compared to USD 1,182 worldwide.

LLDCs welcomed 50 million international tourism arrivals in 2024, or around 3.5% of the global total

In the priority areas of the Awaza Programme of Action (APoA) 2024-2034, tourism plays a significant role for LLDCs, specifically when it comes to structural transformation, private sector development, foreign direct investment, transit, transport, and connectivity. Among the tourism-related targets to be achieved by 2034, the Programme of Action commits to doubling the output of service sectors, including tourism, while fostering cross-sectoral linkages between tourism, agriculture, creative, and cultural sectors.

Accelerating tourism development

The event featured a high-level panel with representatives from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Together, they discussed best practice  policies and initiatives to accelerate sustainable tourism development in LLDCs. The need for expanding infrastructure, community participation, capacity-building for MSMEs, responsible tourism, product development, and deeper collaboration between the public and private sectors was highlighted.

Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of UN Tourism said: “Landlocked Developing Countries are extremely rich in cultural and natural assets that the world is eager to experience. However, many face important challenges namely in terms of connectivity. Tourism offers a unique opportunity to diversify economies, empower communities, and create sustainable livelihoods, particularly through tourism for rural development. Together, we can make tourism a strategic pillar for resilient and inclusive growth in LLDCs and a key service sector in line with the Awaza Programme of Action.”

The event concluded with a presentation on UN Tourism’s Tourism for Rural Development Programme, which is designed to accelerate tourism as a driver for rural development and community well-being. Under the Programme, Member States and rural communities are supported through initiatives such as the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism, a self-assessment tool to assist rural destinations, and the Small Grants Programme currently piloted in Africa and enabled by Tui Care Foundation.

Key Recommendations

The UN Tourism side event at LLDC3 identified a set of strategic recommendations to advance sustainable tourism as a driver of economic diversification and inclusion in Landlocked Developing Countries:

  • Advance tourism as a key pillar of economic diversification, particularly through rural, nature-based and cultural tourism that promotes employment creation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development.
  • Foster cross-sectoral linkages between tourism, agriculture, creative industries, cultural heritage, and nature conservation to enhance value chains and unlock new income opportunities and market access.
  • Improve infrastructure, transport, and cross-border connectivity to facilitate seamless travel, particularly air travel, strengthen territorial cohesion, and regional integration.
  • Support MSMEs and community-led tourism initiatives through responsible product development, sustainability-focused capacity-building, and inclusive policy frameworks.
  • Establish and expand financing mechanisms, including small grants and public-private partnerships, to empower grassroots actors and scale up sustainable tourism models.

 

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Greater Bay Airlines welcomes its two-millionth passenger

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It is a very exciting moment for Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) as it welcomed its two-millionth passenger since it commenced service three years ago. To mark this memorable occasion, GBA’s Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Communications and Service Delivery, Stephen Loh (3rd right) and   Assistant General Manager Ground Services; Anita Ma (2nd right) greeted Takahashi (4th right) and his family at the check-in counters of Hong Kong International Airport and presented roundtrip tickets and special gift packs to them as a token of appreciation for their support. Mr Takahashi and his family were returning to Osaka after a four-day vacation in Hong Kong.

(13 August 2025) It is a very exciting moment for Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) as it welcomed its two-millionth passenger since it commenced service three years ago. To mark this memorable occasion, representatives of GBA’s management team greeted the passenger and his family at the check-in counters of Hong Kong International Airport and presented roundtrip tickets and special gift packs to them as a token of appreciation for their support.

Takahashi, the two-millionth passenger of GBA, was returning to Osaka with his family after a four-day vacation in Hong Kong. Mr Takahashi said, “We are grateful for such a big surprise to conclude our Hong Kong trip! This is our first time flying with GBA and we are very impressed by their attentive service and hospitality. We will choose GBA again and strongly recommend it to our friends in Japan.”

Stephen Loh, GBA’s Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Communications and Service Delivery, said: “It is an encouraging achievement for GBA as the number of passengers travelling with us exceeded two million. As the youngest airline in Hong Kong, we are growing fast and our scheduled flight network now covers a total of 17 destinations across the region including seven in Mainland China. Our fleet has also been expanding over the years and we are all set to receive two Boeing 737-9 aircraft by the end of this year.”

To share the happiness with more people, the airline will roll out a three-day campaign starting 3pm today (13 August) to give away roundtrip tickets to Taipei, Bangkok or any destination in Japan. Simply follow GBA on its social media channels (Facebook and Instagram) and check out the details of the campaign. Terms and conditions apply.

“We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to our customers for their continued support. We at GBA will continue to strive for excellence in enhancing our passengers’ travel experience, always providing them with a safe and pleasant journey,” added Loh.

A value carrier based in Hong Kong, GBA commenced service in July 2022 and is currently operating scheduled flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, Yonago, Tokushima, Sendai, Sapporo, Manila, Phu Quoc, Zhoushan, Huangshan, Yichang, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Quanzhou and Xuzhou with a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

 

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Source: traveldailymedia