Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Thailand – Thai Vietjet has introduced “Sky ConX,” a fly-through network that links its passengers from and to many locations via its Bangkok Suvarnabhumi base without requiring them to go through multiple check-in processes, to further enhance its wide regional flight network. The Sky ConX provides a variety of Thai Vietjet domestic and international connections, with a simple and quick transfer at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, the airline’s main operation hub, further streamlining passengers’ travel. Passengers are not required to collect their luggage or re-check themselves for the subsequent flight while transferring at Suvarnabhumi Airport. “The launch of Sky ConX marks another milestone for Thai Vietjet, as we have advanced by providing our passengers with more convenient air travel connections, not only in domestic Thailand but also from domestic to the dream destinations in Asia-Pacific,” said Mr. Pinyot Pibulsonggram, Director of Commercial at Thai Vietjet. This is a crucial milestone for us as a leading carrier to continue expanding to additional locations across the world and achieving our core goal of giving more travel opportunities to international travellers with our top-notch service at a competitive price. In the early stages of Sky ConX’s launch, the airline provides smooth domestic connections between Chiang Rai and Hat Yai, Hat Yai, Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani, as well as Udon Thani and Hat Yai, Phuket, and Krabi. It also offers seamless international connections from Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai to Fukuoka, Taipei, and Singapore. The Thai Vietjet will work with the Vietjet Group in the future to create even more international connections from Thailand to places like Australia, Japan, and Korea. When using the Sky ConX service, passengers only need to check in once at the first departure terminal, after which they can conveniently pick up their luggage at their final destination. At vietjetair.com, flights with the Sky ConX service are bookable; after choosing the inclusive origins and destinations, the flights with the service will be instantly offered. The ‘Sky ConX’ service offered by Thai Vietjet will use Suvarnabhumi Airport as an intermediary base. Passengers can get to the waiting area after passing through the ticket check and carry-on luggage scan at Suvarnabhumi Airport by following the signs to their connecting aircraft. To board the subsequent flight without leaving the passenger area or rechecking their luggage, passengers must be at the gate at least 20 minutes prior to takeoff, look for the gate number. Source: traveldailynews

HONG KONG – The AIA Carnival, one of Hong Kong’s biggest outdoor events, will return this Winter on December 21, 2023, larger, brighter and better than before. Many generations of people have the AIA Carnival ingrained in their hearts, minds and memories, recalling it as ‘the best day of their year’. Given that it will be the first recent Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year without a mask, this year’s AIA Carnival promises to be even more memorable in support of the HKSAR Government’s “Hello Hong Kong” and “Happy Hong Kong” initiatives. The details of the material for the next event will be revealed when tickets go on sale in late September 2023, but the event’s organiser and its long-time title sponsor AIA Hong Kong (“AIA”) are thrilled to announce a renewed array of themes for this year’s event. This encouraging news was shared this afternoon at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, where an official clock was launched to count down the days, hours, and minutes till the event’s opening, marking 232 days before it begins. To spread the happiness and enthusiasm, the event organiser and AIA also want to launch a wave of other promotions for the general public. In addition to supporting the Carnival, AIA also declares that on May 20 and 21, it will give out free tickets for the Hong Kong Observation Wheel to the general public in an effort to promote happiness and work together to create ‘Happy Hong Kong’. According to Mr. Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, “The AIA Carnival has grown over the years to become one of Hong Kong’s most favoured yearly family events. We are honoured to serve as the AIA Carnival’s title sponsor for the eighth consecutive year and bring back this much anticipated gathering place for fun at the renowned Central Harbourfront. The HKSAR Government’s “Hello Hong Kong” and “Happy Hong Kong” campaigns have our full support, and AIA’s sponsorship and free ticket offer for the Hong Kong Observation Wheel demonstrates this. It also demonstrates our enthusiasm for spreading joy across the community and assisting people in living Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. The AIA Carnival this year will have a number of anticipated new activities and attractions, as well as returning rides and lots of soft toys to be won. Through Christmas, New Year’s, and the Chinese New Year in 2024, it promises to make over a million visitors smile. “We are thrilled to bring the AIA Carnival back and are eager to collaborate with AIA and partners across the globe to create an event that will astound, inspire, and cheer up Hong Kong this year. There will be an exciting trip to locate a blend of classic favourites rides, games, and street entertainment combined with a variety of new experiences throughout the upcoming months of development. remarked Mr. Randy Bloom, the event’s organiser and CEO of Great China Entertainment Group Limited. One of the highlights of the press conference was the invitation of Hong Kong swimmer and AIA ambassador to Hong Kong and Macau, Ms. Siobhan Haughey. The AIA Carnival is a must-attend yearly event in Hong Kong, and like everyone else in the city, I am beyond thrilled that it is coming back after almost four years. I would like going to the AIA Carnival with my loved ones, having a good time, and making some special memories. At the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park on Central’s harbour front, there will be a variety of promotional campaigns and open giveaways throughout the summer. More information about the event will be made public later in the year. Source: traveldailynews

The HONG KONG SAR. This Sunday at Hebe Haven Yacht Club (HHYC), the public is welcome to participate in sailing, sail training, scenery, stalls, sustainability, tasty snacks, Sailability, and sea trips. The beautiful Pak Sha Wan campus of HHYC will host its yearly HHYC Open Day on Sunday, May 7, 2023. As part of the celebrations for the Club’s 60th Anniversary, this important yearly event on HHYC’s calendar runs from 10 am to 5 pm on the day promoting its activities. Get out on the water, take in the freedom, and enjoy yourself greatly ashore as well. This must-attend event, which welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, is anticipated to make sailing and other water-based activities more enjoyable for both members and non-members alike. The accessible Day is free and accessible to the public. Visitors may learn more about our sailing activities by participating in one of the NO COST sample sessions on both small and large boats! Under the guidance of our knowledgeable sailing instructors, try your hand at learning the ropes and sailing one of our fleet of kayaks or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), or enjoy a trip on one of our Quest or Pico dinghies. One of the highlights is the chance to try your hand at crewing one of our six J/80 keelboats. This will allow you to get a taste of what it’s like to be on a larger sailboat with a number of people aboard and working as a team. For those who would rather stay on land, there is also a small funfair with games, DIY classes, booths aplenty and even a car boot sale. Visitors can stop by the Sailability Hong Kong booth in addition to the HHYC booths being displayed to learn more about how committed volunteers support athletes with physical challenges and other groups that are underrepresented in the community so they can pursue their dream of sailing and gain control at sea. Visitors will be able to participate in trial sessions on the Hansa 303 and a voyage out on MoHan, a 40-foot Solaris sailboat provided to Sailability by the Scallywag Hong Kong Foundation, in addition to all the enjoyment of prior events. Come meet the Hebe Dragons team to hear about their learning road to greatness and how their sail training and racing have put them in the limelight in both local and international regattas if you’d want to delve further into what sailing is all about. Visitors may also find some treasure at our Car Boot Sale, which features over 20 merchants. We urge everyone to bring their own bag so they can fill it with deals on some gently used goods while also promoting sustainability. General Manager of Hebe Haven Yacht Club Paul Arkwright stated, “We’re thrilled to once again welcome guests for the 10th HHYC Open Day. The fact that we are also commemorating the 60th anniversary of our Club makes this year even more unique. At this yearly club event, we cordially invite everyone to join us in exploring the wonderful world of sailing. Come on out and enjoy a wide variety of watersports for nothing as our knowledgeable staff at our Sailing Centre shows you the ropes and demonstrates effective boat handling methods. For individuals who want to enrol in one of our sailing classes throughout the year, this is a fantastic opportunity to test out our new boats. And for those who want something a little more laid-back, enjoy a snack at the Club, peruse the vendors, and then take a leisurely sail on the 40-foot MoHan-Sailability Solaris boat or the catamaran owned by HHYC, Hebe One, around the lovely Shelter Cove. Significant events Free watersports demonstrations on kayaks, J/80s, stand-up paddleboards, and dinghies Auto auction Vendors in the Hebe bazaar Cruising Hebe One and MoHan (each session is a 40-minute cruise around the bay) Marine Police Booth F&B, and BBQ Numerous daily lucky draws Pleasant race towards day’s end Face-painting classes and a jumping castle The Hebe Haven Yacht Club’s 60th birthday Source: traveldailynews

NEW DELHI As part of the ‘Beyond the Extraordinary’ marketing campaign for their most recent invention, the PHANTOM V Fold 5G, luxury global technology firm Tecno has teamed up with SpiceJet to wrap a Boeing 737 Max. The purpose of this strategic alliance is to boost the brand’s position and raise its profile among its main target market. The SpiceJet plane’s interior branding will also be interesting because the airhostess will show the passengers the new foldable phone in addition to the branding for the PHANTOM V fold smartphone on the cabin bulkhead and headrest cover. The exterior wrap is completely covered in the new PHANTOM colours. The PHANTOM V Fold 5G from TECNO is a cutting-edge smartphone that has completely changed the foldable smartphone market by introducing premium features at a ground-breaking price of INR 88888. For those who want to get a foldable phone but do not want to pay a significant sum of money, it appears to be a fantastic offer. Every product offered by TECNO is based on the company’s “Segment-First” principle. With the PHANTOM line of smartphones, the company is shifting gears to concentrate on the luxury market. This programme, which falls under the fold phone category, is a follow-up effort to revive the “Beyond the Extraordinary” idea. Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of Tecno Mobile India, commented on this partnership and stated, “At Tecno, we are committed to become a source of pride for India. Local production, R&D, and cutting-edge goods are all very important to us. We have a large product range for the Pan India market, spanning from 6K to 100K, by fusing international technology innovation with local insights in India. India has been a stronghold for Tecno for six years. 18 million people have come to rely on our reliable distribution network, superior post-sale assistance, and potent goods. We are happy to announce our special partnership with SpiceJet, which will support our motto of “Stop at Nothing” even more. This collaboration is evidence of our dedication to growing our brand’s presence in India through unconventional and creative approaches. We are pleased to interact with our consumers in fresh and engaging ways, and we are convinced that they will value this special endeavour. The agreement would help Tecno advertise its cutting-edge foldable smartphone, the Phantom V Fold 5G, according to Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer of SpiceJet. Both domestic and foreign firms are looking for inventive and original ways to sell their products in India due to the fierce competition there. We are pleased to report that flying billboards are now a well-liked and successful tool for numerous advertising projects. As a result of this collaboration, SpiceJet has covered the latest Boeing 737-Max plane with the top-of-the-line foldable smartphone from Tecno. This aircraft will not only travel between different Indian cities but also to exclusive overseas locations, providing a fantastic opportunity to connect with an exclusive target market. We are certain that this campaign will improve consumer awareness of Tecno’s Phantom V Fold 5G and support the device’s overall success. The marketing strategy for the Phantom V Fold, a product that embodies the ethos of Beyond the Extraordinary, is appropriate given that the Tecno brand stands for Stop at Nothing. The endeavour has been a 360-degree strategy to optimise and capture all marketing avenues, including promoting PHANTOM V Fold via loud launch, full-page Press Ads, BTL activities across all key Indian cities, and comprehensive Influencers involvement. Here, OOH plays a crucial role and, in line with the product’s positioning, has successfully targeted high traffic touchpoints like important metro stations in Mumbai & Delhi as well as airport visibility throughout major cities. In order to make this massive idea of aircraft wrapping a reality, Brand’s outdoor agency Walk the Talk was vital. Source: traveldailynews

The Murray River Paddlesteamers company announced for the first time the launch date and other details of the new, luxurious $6.75 million vessel, which will offer year-round, all-inclusive, overnight cruises on the Murray River from Echuca in Victoria. Construction has begun on Australia’s first five-star river ship, PS Australian Star. The 38-guest ship PS Australian Star, which will be constructed in Mildura utilising Australian components and manpower, is already being built on the site. Murray River Paddlesteamers has stated that the smaller, older, 16-passenger PS Emmylou, which now conducts overnight excursions on the Murray, will be replaced by the PS (Paddlesteamer) Australian Star, which will start operations from Echuca in April 2025. Stretching 35m, the deluxe PS Australian Star, the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddlesteamer in the world, will be Australia’s first five-star river cruise experience. It will be possible for passengers to combine two trips on the PS Australian Star to make a longer seven-night cruise. The ship will offer cruises lasting three and four nights. All-inclusive prices, which will be made public in July, will include rail transfers from Melbourne, daily shore excursions, a shoreside campfire meal, and beer and wine with dinner. This spring, reservations for Australian Star will go on sale. The Regional Tourism Investment Fund of the Victorian Government has provided $2.25 million to assist the unusual vessel, which is expected to draw upscale, high-yield tourists from all around Australia and the rest of the globe. The three-deck PS Australian Star will be 60% bigger than PS Emmylou and feature more modern amenities like the panoramic Hopwood Lounge, numerous outdoor relaxation areas, the company’s first elevator for easy access to all levels, and the Cadell Restaurant that offers a different fine-dining menu every day that emphasises local, seasonal produce. Additionally, PS Australian Star will have 19 sleek, contemporary staterooms with deck access, river views, ensuite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, TV entertainment systems, seating areas, and desks. There will be two suite-style cabins, one with a Queen bed and the other with a King bed, that are roomy and have their own outside decks. A first for Murray River Paddlesteamers, all other staterooms will have queen beds that may be divided into twin beds in 16 of the cabins. Additionally, two of the cabins will be accessible to visitors with physical limitations. The ship will be powered by a retro, restored 1907 Richard Garrett & Sons wood-fired steam engine and will have a contemporary, energy-efficient hybrid diesel/steam propulsion system. PS Australian Star, according to Murray River Paddlesteamers Director Craig Burgess, will change overnight river cruising in Australia and bring Victoria new high-yield domestic and foreign tourists as well as profitable tour group business. “PS Australian Star will offer the ultimate in river cruising luxury when she sails along the Murray for the first time in 2025, ushering in an exciting new era for tourism in Australia,” Mr. Burgess added. Australians enjoy boating and appreciate the Murray River, but many yearn for amenities and comforts seen on European rivers. She has already generated a lot of interest, and we anticipate strong demand when we begin selling tickets this spring, ” he added. “The support of the Victorian Government has been pivotal in this project, bringing the construction of this wonderful new ship forward by several years.” * Murray River Paddlesteamers will provide travel agencies a 10% commission along with bonuses for making additional reservations. Source: traveldailynews

SG – Singapore Chinese mainland May Day travel trends are revealed by top travel service provider Trip.com Group, with significant domestic and international booking increases. Before the epidemic, Chinese tourists abroad were one of the most important consumer segments driving worldwide tourism income. China’s tourism sector is back on track to expand and recover after three difficult years. The popularity of the May Day holiday has grown along with a rapid rise in the number of people travelling both domestically and internationally. Over the same time period in 2019, international flights during the holidays recovered to about 40%, and searches increased by more than 60%. Compared to the period of time marked by the Chinese New Year (January 21–January 27). According to data from the Ctrip website, over the May Day vacation, flight reservations from the Chinese mainland to nations in Southeast Asia soared by 91%. Bookings for flights to Korea and Japan both rose by 120% and 204%, respectively. Bookings for long-haul flights to Europe have increased by more than 40%. The top 10 most-booked international destinations for the May holiday were Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the United States, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia, and the United Kingdom, with nine out of ten searches made by Chinese mainland travellers to these destinations surpassing the 2019 level. Many young people travelling in the post-2000 era were leaving the nation for the first time. On the Ctrip site, consumers between the ages of 18 and 23 most frequently ordered first-time trips to Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur. The May Day holiday has ushered in the first wave of outbound tourist growth this year, driving recovery and local service capabilities, according to Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group. Chinese travellers may soon look for destinations outside of APAC and resume long-haul travel to EMEA and the Americas as capacity continues to rise. To secure capacity and protect the pending travel demand seen from Chinese mainland customers, we continue to collaborate with international partners. Chinese mainland cities are still putting a lot of effort into promoting tourism to increase domestic demand and consumption. A broad variety of gorgeous locations collaborated with Trip.com Group’s Ctrip platform to offer VIP services and unique activity packages to guests on May Day. Bookings on the Ctrip platform for domestic hotels, flights, and scenic location tickets for the May Day holiday had surpassed the level from 2019 as of April 19. Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Chongqing, Xi’an, Wuhan, and Shenzhen made up the top 10 cities. More than 80,000 domestic flights were conducted over May Day this year, with the average daily level increasing by almost 15% compared to the same period in 2019. This is according to statistics from Ctrip’s FlightAi market analytics platform. More and more consumers are choosing to travel over the holidays by escaping the city and enjoying the countryside. According to Ctrip statistics, on May Day, the total amount of orders for rural tours surged to 242% of what they were during the same time period in 2019 and the percentage of orders from travellers staying in the countryside for more than three days grew by 230%. Trip.com Group’s Country Retreats had a 261% year-over-year growth in total order volume. For excursions of the countryside, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou have emerged as the most energetic cities. Most significantly, post-00s represented over 34% of rural trip orders on May 1 this year, surpassing post-90s and post-80s, and for the first time serving as the backbone of rural tourism. Since the pandemic, digital consumer patterns have changed, and Trip.com Group is emphasising the importance of its user-centric, all-in-one platform and its distinctive content and product offers. The “Super World Trip” livestream series was created by Trip.com Group with the goal of promoting short-haul travel to Chinese mainland consumers and boosting tourism-related goods in strategic locations. With more than 20,000 lodging nights sold, the first livestream held in Thailand had a gross retail value of RMB 40 million. Tokyo and Hong Kong have also attempted to replicate this achievement, with GMV reaching RMB 23 million and RMB 30 million, respectively. Chinese consumers have been unable to travel for a considerable amount of time, but it is evident that customers want to travel once more, according to Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group. Through a diversified approach to content marketing, we continue to digitalize and adapt to the changing needs of consumers to deliver excellent consumer choice. Source: traveldailynews

Twelve years have passed since Air New Zealand’s last uniform change, and the big Kiwi airline is now seeking for a replacement. The airline will discontinue its “iconic” green, pink, and black uniforms, and plans to revamp the appearance of its cabin staff are now being worked on while it looks for a new designer. The carrier’s aesthetic has developed throughout the years, beginning with the first uniforms created in the 1950s by Australian store David Jones and continuing with those created in the 1960s by Dior. In 2011, Dame Trelise Cooper, a fashion designer from New Zealand, created the current outfit. At the time, it received some mixed reviews, with some claiming that while the designs matched Air New Zealand’s tradition, the colour selection was dubious. But that was in the past, and the big carrier is currently searching for a brand-new appearance. Leanne Geraghty, the chief customer and sales officer of Air New Zealand, stated that Ms. Cooper’s “iconic and much-loved design” has done them well and that, after a “incredible tenure,” it is time to transfer the torch. The Air New Zealand uniform, along with the Koru [on its distinctive emblem], is one of the airline’s most significant brand assets, she told news.com.au. It is time to review our uniforms after 12 years with our recognisable Trelise Cooper designs to make sure they complement our newly revealed upcoming cabin experience. The search for the airline’s new designer has started, according to Ms. Geraghty. Since 2011 a lot has happened, so it felt like the proper time to update our uniforms so that they would continue to accurately represent our company, our employees, and New Zealand. “Our present uniform is well-known across the world, and we want to capitalise on that recognition while also coming up with something fresh and innovative. We’re interested in seeing the styles and looks that individuals asked to participate in the process will exhibit. The uniform upgrade involves a competitive pitch process involving Kiwi designers. According to her, airline uniforms must meet specific specifications, so in addition to designing something that aesthetically represents Air New Zealand, utility, comfort, safety, and sustainability will be crucial factors. Aotearoa will come to life in the uniforms our people proudly wear every day, she said, adding that this is only the beginning of an exciting journey of creativity and innovation. According to Kiri Hannifin, chief sustainability officer of Air New Zealand, upgrading the uniform gives the airline a chance to assess the sustainability of its work attire. Supporting a circular economy is a part of our commitment to sustainability, she added. “The decreased life cycle implications of the textiles we employ are a key component of the brief. The key is incorporating new ideas, particularly those related to textile recycling. As part of this change, Air New Zealand will also be updating its requirements for grooming. All New Zealand designers are eligible to submit an expression of interest, which must be received by Sunday, May 14. Selected designers will then be contacted to participate in a competitive pitching process. In 2025, Air New Zealand plans to introduce new uniforms. Source: escape

When you go home after a vacation, one of the most annoying things is to find out you have a sizable roaming cost. When you travel, it may frequently be one of the most expensive aspects, and if your journey lasts many weeks, it’s simple to build up hundreds of dollars. However, Sydney Airport has made an unexpected new move and unveiled its own data product, Tripsim, which will enable travellers leaving Australia to use in multiple countries. The cost of an international bundle varies according to the amount of the data package and the location. For instance, if a visitor needs 20GB of data and is staying in Europe for 30 days, the cost is $44.99, or $1.50 a day. The cost of a 10GB package for their vacation, though, would be $29.99, or $1 per day. It is contrasted to Telstra, which charges $10 per day for 1GB of data, with unlimited calls and SMS, and Optus, which charges $5 for 5GB per day, depending on region. It’s the first time Sydney Airport has provided such a product, according to Mark Zaouk, executive general manager of commercial at Sydney Airport. The T1 international terminal serves millions of Australians annually, and Mr. Zaouk remarked, “We’re proud to deliver a new, reasonably priced product to help them stay connected while travelling abroad.” Tripsim may be utilised in more than 150 countries and eliminates the need to change phone numbers or exchange actual SIM cards, both of which can be inconvenient when travelling. According to Michael Brown, head of commercial analytics at Sydney Airport, “it’s easy to install and offers an affordable way for Australians to use their devices while abroad without the hassle of switching out SIM cards and phone numbers.” Especially for families that travel with numerous devices, the eye-watering roaming charge you receive when you return from a great international vacation can rapidly dim your post-vacation radiance. Tripsim is a creative and affordable option that, in our opinion, will revolutionise the way Australians travel abroad. By entering their destination and departure dates, travellers may compare routes on the website. Tripsim is open to everyone, not only those travelling via Sydney Airport and Australians departing Any city may join up online from abroad, Mr. Brown continued. Source: escape

TORONTO – Hostaway is the first vacation rental property management software (PMS) to include an artificial intelligence capability on its platform that is powered by ChatGPT. All PMS & channel management customers will now have the choice to utilise AI inside Hostaway to enhance their listings and boost bookings without increasing their duties. Data-driven automation is essential to achieve efficiency while upholding the highest standards expected of professional managers and hosts, as increased visitor expectations increase the pressures on short-term and vacation rental operators. The new AI tool from Hostaway will change listings to make them more enticing and interesting. Additionally, it will ensure brand consistency across listings by adapting the professional tone and style to each operator’s audience and brand, from formal to friendly and everything in between. In addition to saving time, this new technology makes postings more visible in a way that some managers would find difficult to accomplish on their own. The Hostaway team has been enhancing its award-winning platform for the past year, and the launch of its first AI augmentation is only the most recent change. In order to help customers stay competitive, grow revenue, and provide best-in-class stays, the firm upgraded its Guest Portal last month. This gave property managers the ability to upsell to guests before and throughout their stay. In addition to interfaces with nine booking channels, such as Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Hopper, and Amadeus, Hostaway introduced a website builder, completely configurable rental agreements, and centralised financial reporting in 2022. More than 150 integration partners already work with Hostaway. “We are thrilled to introduce this feature to our platform, easing the burden on our customers by providing them with the tools they need to elevate their listing descriptions and increase bookings,” said Sabre Kordestanchi, Co-Founder and COO of Hostaway. We take pleasure in being able to react swiftly to changes in technology and the larger travel sector. This is only the start of many improvements we anticipate making as AI transforms both visitors’ and property managers’ experiences. Source: traveldailynews