The post AirAsia X presents operational stats for 2nd quarter-2024 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

AirAsia X released its preliminary operational statistics for the period covering 1 April to 30 June 2024, showing a significant increase in passenger numbers from where they were last year.

In the second quarter of the year, AirAsia X carried a total of 880,265 passengers, surging 42 percent year-on-year and surpassing the 25 percent year-on-year growth in its available seat per kilometre (ASK) Capacity. 

ASK Capacity hit 4,395 million this quarter compared to 3,509 million in the second quarter of 2023. This was due to the reactivation of aircraft to support increased demand. 

Likewise, the airline’s passenger load factor (PLF) charted at 83 percent, buoyed by peak spring travel seasons in key markets and the Eid holiday period during the quarter under review.

Resuming operations in a core market

AirAsia X resumed operations to Xi’an in April, reinforcing its presence in China through five destinations including Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. 

The second quarter also saw an increase in the airline’s flight frequencies between Kuala Lumpur and Bali to 14 times per week from nine times previously, catering to strong demand for the Indonesian island. 

Associate brand AirAsia X Thailand continued to deliver a solid PLF of 84 percent during the quarter, up by at least six percentage points This growth was driven by a 17 percent upswing in the number of passengers carried for the quarter to 362,596 passengers. 

AirAsia X Thailand also reported a 7% YoY increase in the number of sectors to 1,156 as more flights were launched to cater to the rising demand within the market. 

AirAsia X’s total fleet size remained at 18 A330s as of 30 June 2024, with 16 aircraft now activated and operational. AirAsia X Thailand’s fleet size stood at seven A330s, with six aircraft activated and operational.

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The post Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok wins at 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok announced that it received the title of Thailand’s Best Culinary Experience at the 2024 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards.

According to general manager Christian Ruge: “We are incredibly delighted to receive this award from Haute Grandeur. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who are passionate about creating exceptional culinary experiences for our guests.”

A luxurious urban oasis in the heart of busy Bangkok, the hotel boasts of several award-winning restaurants, all helmed by talented chefs who create innovative and delectable dishes, and these were instrumental in securing the win.

Among the best of the best 

The Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards are known for their stringent evaluation process which seeks to recognise the finest establishments within the hospitality industry. 

As such, judges focus on establishments that excel in terms of guest service, exceptional standards for amenities, and creating unparalleled experiences. Winners are chosen based on rigorous evaluations and firsthand guest experiences.

Marinique de Wet, president and founder of the Haute Grandeur Global Awards, specifically pointed out how the Sindhorn Kempinski embodies an outstanding commitment to excellence that sets it apart from its peers, making it a great choice for those looking for quality experiences around the globe.

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The post SeaTrek gets guests involved in coral conservation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Indonesian expedition cruise operator SeaTrek introduced an enhancement to its signature nine-day Whale Sharks, Corals, and Dragons itinerary that enables guests to take a more active role in marine conservation.

Whilst sailing aboard a traditional Indonesian wooden pinisi ship, guests spend a morning assisting in the restoration of a coral reef off the island of Hatamin in the Komodo National Park.

A joint initiative with the Coral Guardians, a conservation group that successfully brought back an area of corals in support of a local fishing community, this unique experience involves the cultivation of new coral beds to bring indigenous marine life populations back to healthy numbers.

To do so, SeaTrek guests get to help restore the coral beds by working with the Coral Guardians to secure small pieces of coral onto a metal rack for cultivation. This experience leaves them  with a deep appreciation for the important work being done.

Restoring natural treasures

SeaTrek director Frank Hyde said of the joint initiative: “The whole team’s goal is to help maintain, and restore where necessary, the incredible nature and cultures of Indonesia.  Our belief is that by operating trips filled with pleasure, purpose, and hope, our guests can go home knowing that their travel has helped the places that they visited, the people that they met, and the crew that took care of them.”

Originally established by the Coral Guardians back in 2012, the project has restored over 53,000 corals, with five times the number of fish species reintroduced in the last four years and the local fish population has increased by over 300 percent. 

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The post Barcelona bids farewell to decade-old slogan: Embraces new campaign amidst anti-tourism backlash appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

In response to escalating anti-tourism protests which TDM had reported earlier this month, Barcelona’s Tourism Office is retiring its decade-old slogan, ‘Visit Barcelona.’ The new campaign, set to launch on August 22 to coincide with the America’s Cup preliminary regattas, will introduce ‘This is Barcelona’ as its fresh identity.

The 2009 slogan, ‘Visit Barcelona,’ was initially designed to promote the city broadly. However, the new motto signifies a shift towards emphasizing quality over quantity in tourism, reflecting the city’s commitment to a more refined and authentic representation amidst ongoing concerns over over-tourism.

Shifting Focus Amid Protests

The change comes at a time when Barcelona is grappling with significant public backlash against mass tourism. Earlier this month, around 3,000 protestors took to the streets demanding stricter measures to curb the impact of tourism on local life. These demonstrations, part of a broader movement, have included calls for bans on short-term rentals and a reevaluation of tourism promotion strategies.

Tourism Data and Local Sentiments

Recent data underscores the rising tensions surrounding tourism in Barcelona. The Statistical Institute of Catalonia reported that 2 million tourists arrived in Catalonia in May 2024, marking a 5.9% increase compared to the previous year. This influx has fueled local frustrations, as many residents feel overwhelmed by the growing number of visitors.

A New Era for Barcelona’s Tourism

Barcelona’s Tourism Office aims to redefine the city’s image with its new slogan, reflecting a shift towards celebrating its distinctiveness rather than just increasing visitor numbers. This strategic pivot is part of a broader effort to manage the impacts of tourism while preserving the quality of life for residents and enhancing the visitor experience.

As the city braces for another busy summer season, the introduction of ‘This is Barcelona’ represents a pivotal moment in its tourism strategy, aligning with both the evolving preferences of travelers and the demands of its local communities.

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The post Singapore still holds world’s most powerful passport appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Singapore easily took first place in the most recent rankings of the Henley Passport Index, offering its citizens the ability to enter 195 countries worldwide sans visa.

The Southeast Asian island nation stands alone in the top spot, while Japan, last year’s number one, shares second place with France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. All five nations in second place have passports that allow visa-free entry to their nationals in 192 countries.

This year’s Henley Top 10 only has three Asian nations in the ranking, with South Korea sharing third place with six European nations. Those from countries in third place are not too far behind with access to 191 destinations.

Which is the most powerful passport in terms of GDP?

On the other hand, Singapore stands in third place with regard to the Henley Passport Power rankings, with its Economic Mobility Score (EMS) standing at 92.39 percent.

Unlike the Passport Index, this chart shows the correlation between passport strength and a nation’s economic power, as rankings are computed based on the percentage of the global gross domestic product (GDP) each country’s citizens have access to.

Among Asian nations, only Brunei made it to the Henley Passport Power top ten, securing tenth place with an EMS of 87.82 percent whilst allowing visa-free travel to 166 destinations.

With regard to the top 20, Taiwan took 11th place with its EMS at 82.12 percent; South Korea in 12th with 80.71 percent; and Japan slid into 13th with 78.53 percent.

(Source: Henley & Partners)

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The post Beyond Paris: The Olympic Torch Illuminates France’s Hidden Treasures appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

As the Paris Olympics, one of the biggest sporting extravaganzas of our time, kicks off today on July 26, the global spotlight is shining brightly on the French capital. With over 10 million visitors expected to flood in and media coverage reaching a staggering 3 billion people, the Games are set to make history, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The Paris 2024 Olympics are not just a spectacle of athletic prowess but are also poised to generate a phenomenal €4.6 billion in tourism revenue and create around 15,000 jobs, as detailed by the French government. With accommodation demand surging by up to 40% across France, as forecasted by the French Ministry of Tourism, the ripple effect is propelling a dramatic 30% rise in regional travel, according to Atout France. This unprecedented influx of international visitors is transforming Paris into a gateway, encouraging explorers to delve into France’s hidden gems and diverse regions, offering an unrivaled adventure through the nation’s rich cultural and scenic landscapes.

France’s Hidden Gems: Regional Travel on the Rise

The Paris Olympics are expected to significantly boost travel not only to Paris but across France. Regional destinations are seeing a surge in interest as travelers seek to explore the country’s rich cultural tapestry and scenic landscapes beyond the capital. According to a recent report by Atout France, bookings for accommodations in regions such as Provence, the French Riviera, and the Loire Valley have risen by 30% in anticipation of the Games.

Provence: A Luxurious Retreat

One of the standout regions is Provence, home to Coquillade Provence, located in the heart of the Luberon region. As visitors flock to France, Coquillade Provence offers a serene escape from the Olympic hustle. Jany-Michel Fourré, General Manager at Coquillade Provence, highlights the resort’s appeal: “After all the hectic and busy Olympics, Coquillade Provence is the perfect place to unwind in exclusive surroundings. Get to know a rural France as you have dreamt about. We will show you that the Luberon is more beautiful than you have imagined.”

Coquillade Provence has recently expanded its accommodation options with new suites and continues to offer unique experiences such as on-site winemaking and luxury cycling tours. These features cater to visitors looking for relaxation and adventure amidst the picturesque Provencal landscape.

The French Riviera: Coastal Serenity

In the French Riviera, particularly Cap d’Antibes, visitors can find a tranquil retreat away from the Olympic buzz. François Gelly, Director of Sales & Marketing at Hôtel Belles Rives, notes: “We anticipate a shift in stays beginning in September, as foreign clients aim to avoid the bustling period of the Olympic Games. During the Games, we expect a significant interest from Parisian clients seeking tranquility, with many likely to find respite in Cap d’Antibes.”

The region’s exclusive amenities, including a historic connection to the 1972 Olympics, make it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful coastal escape.

Highlighting Regional Diversity

On Location, the official hospitality provider for the Paris 2024 Games, is promoting travel to various French regions through its exclusive packages. Félix Zafra, Vice President of Event Production & Venue Management, comments: “As the exclusive hospitality provider for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, we are thrilled to highlight the diverse scenery and culture of France beyond its iconic capital.”

Travelers can explore cities such as Lille, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Nantes, Saint Etienne, and Lyon. Each of these destinations offers a rich cultural experience and unique local attractions, contributing to a broader boost in regional tourism.

Curated Experiences

For those looking to take a quick break from the sporting action or escape the frenzy of the city, Viator offers thousands of tours and activities across France’s iconic regions. Explore the City of Light’s top attractions, enjoy wine tastings in Bordeaux, discover the châteaux of the Loire Valley, or take in the stunning landscapes of the French Riviera—all with Viator’s curated experiences.

 

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The post AYANA Bali’s museum hailed among World’s Greatest Places appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Time Magazine just added AYANA Bali’s recently-opened SAKA Museum to its list of the World’s Greatest Places for 2024.

The cultural and events centre got recognition for the way it integrates Bali’s cultural heritage with state-of-the-art facilities that encourage visitors to learn more as they go.

SAKA Museum director Judith Bosniak said of the distinction: “We are truly honoured to see our collaboration with the Balinese community acknowledged by such a renowned publication. With our captivating exhibitions, we hope to further elevate this beautiful culture and captivate the global community.”

Where nature and human imagination meet

SAKA Museum seamlessly blends Bali’s rich traditions with its modern ethos, a harmony echoed throughout the museum’s architectural design. 

The award–winning Napp Studio & Architects has artfully captured Bali’s natural beauty in the museum’s layout. Natural wonders are made a focal point for the design: the island’s tranquil night sky, reflected in the light-studded ceiling, and volcanic rocks in the jasper and agate materials, to water caves evoked through numerous pools and fountains.

By doing so, the museum conveys the deep connection between Balinese culture and the natural world.

Walking among giants in Bali

The museum’s inaugural exhibition, Walking Among Giants, showcases a collection of ogoh-ogoh, giant effigies paraded during Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence which coincides with the Hindu New Year.

The collaborative masterpiece, crafted by Balinese communities and artists, vividly portrays iconic figures from Balinese folklore and legend.

More to see

In addition to showcasing Balinese culture, the museum was specially developed to serve as a premiere venue for a wide range of events. The East Gallery on the first floor provides an elegant setting for special occasions, accommodating weddings and corporate gatherings for up to 300 guests. 

On the second floor, the SAKA Garden presents an enchanting outdoor environment with a floating stage setup, perfect for events of up to 400 attendees. Through exhibitions, seminars, and events held in these spaces, SAKA Museum aims to foster a greater appreciation for Balinese history and culture.

 SAKA already has a full slate of upcoming events, including a showcase exploring Subak, the UNESCO-recognized water management system established in Bali’s rice fields during the 11th century and still in use today. Another upcoming attraction will feature an innovative light and sound dome installation that offers a fresh interpretation of Nyepi.

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The post Finnair boosts flights from London appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Travel Daily Media.

Finnair, the flag carrier of Finland, is set to boost its popular London Heathrow to Helsinki route this winter, as it continues to reinforce its position in the UK.

From 27 October 2024, the Finnish airline will add two extra daily flights to its Heathrow to Helsinki route, offering customers even better connections across the Nordics, Baltics and beyond to Asia.

The new flights mark a 50% increase in the airline’s capacity between London and Helsinki, with the route now operating up to six times per day in each direction, up from four times daily this summer.

The additional services will depart Heathrow each day at 09:55 and 13:10, arriving in Helsinki at 14:45 and 18:00 respectively.

On the return, the new flights will depart Helsinki at 10:55 and 21:25, arriving in the British capital at 12:10 and 22:40 respectively.

The two new daily flights will also be offered throughout summer 2025, as the airline bolsters its long-term commitment to British customers. Services have been timed to give customers increased choice and flexibility during the peak morning and evening travel periods, whether travelling for business or leisure.

Finnair’s short-haul fleet of Airbus A320s and A321s will operate the new services, complimenting the existing flights which are operated by a mix of the airline’s Airbus fleet, including widebody A350s and A330s featuring lie-flat Business Class seats and inflight entertainment.

Anssi Partanen, Finnair’s Market Director in the UK, said: “We are incredibly excited to be boosting capacity between London and Helsinki, deepening ties between the UK and Finland.

“London has always been an important city for Finnair, and for our customers, so we are thrilled to be announcing this news ahead of the 70th anniversary of the London-Helsinki route in September.

“These new flights are also timed to give our customers increased choice and flexibility when travelling during the peak morning and evening periods and will facilitate even smoother connections onto our network in Northern Europe and the Far East.”

Customers looking to bag a break in the World’s Happiest Country, can enjoy return flights from London to Helsinki starting from £174 in Economy Class and £545 in Business Class, including taxes and charges.

With the new schedule, Finnair – the Official Airline of Santa Claus – now offers a record number of connections via Helsinki to all its four popular destinations in Finnish Lapland; Ivalo, Kittilä, Kuusamo and Rovaniemi, the Hometown of Santa Claus. Finnair is also the only airline to offer year-round flights to Lapland.

Voted the best airline in Northern Europe, Finnair offers flights to 27 Nordic destinations, and boasts a strong network of destinations in Asia, including its newly resumed route from Helsinki to Nagoya, Japan.

Finnair’s frequent flyer programme, Finnair Plus, has also recently adopted Avios as its loyalty currency – the loyalty currency used by British Airways Executive Club, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, and Iberia Plus. This gives UK based customers the opportunity to collect-and-spend Avios when travelling with Finnair.

 

 

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