Starfish Travel Corporation Team

The “The heart of HOKKAIDO” program has been launched by JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan’s only international payment brand. It offers JCB cardholders outside of Japan special offers on experiences and purchases at businesses in the popular tourist destination of Hokkaido. From October 1, 2023, until March 31, 2024, this promotion will be active. At certain Hokkaido businesses, JCB cardholders will find fantastic discounts and gift offers at this time. This program intends to promote not only shopping but also spending on distinctive experiences in Hokkaido, which is drawing an increasing number of tourists to Japan. It offers privileges at a variety of retailers in Hokkaido with JCB Cards. In addition, through encouraging visitor consumption and improving the travel experience for JCB cardholders, JCB intends to support the local communities. Because of our shared objective to support the growth of neighborhood communities and give tourists to Japan a truly Japanese experience, JCB and partner businesses have decided to establish this program jointly. JTB Corp. and Fun Japan Communications Co., Ltd., which run the social media platform “FUN! JAPAN” and give information on Japanese culture, food, fashion, technology, and business, are also partners in this program. Through the exclusive “FUN! JAPAN” website, JCB cardholders can also take advantage of exclusive promotions. The website “The FUN! JAPAN Furusato Membership Program” is made to continually grow the number of fans of Hokkaido, including members who are devoted, frequent visitors to the area and who make e-commerce purchases of Hokkaido specialties from other countries. What Each Partner Does – JCB International Co., Ltd. runs the “The heart of HOKKAIDO” program, which offers exclusive deals and discounts at stores and eateries in the region’s main tourist areas. The company also advertises the program through its own media and advertisements, as well as through the JTB’s initiative to entice more JCB cardholders to visit Hokkaido. – JTB Corp.’s HOKKAIDO Branch brings together affiliated businesses and collaborates with regional travel and tourism organisations. – The Area Solution Business Division of JTB Corp. encourages the registration of goods that allow visitors to the area to have special experiences. – Fun Japan Communications Co., Ltd. creates the community “The FUN! JAPAN Furusato Membership Program” and the campaign website. In order to improve the travel experience of JCB cardholders, the Japanese company provides services. For information about advantageous promotions and practical services in many languages, see “JCB Global”, the official YouTube channel, and the “JCB Special Offers” website (*). Source- Travel daily

With effect from October 1st of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reorganized five Deputy Governor posts. Conversation Kunjara Ayudhya Na Conversation Kunjara After serving as the Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, Na Ayudhya has been named the Deputy Governor for International Marketing for Asia and the South Pacific. In his new position, Chattan will be in charge of marketing, promoting, and working with possible partners in Asia and the South Pacific to bring tourists from these regions to Thailand. Thereforeradee Chitchong Previously serving as the Deputy Governor for Administration, Somradee Chitchong has been named the Deputy Governor for Domestic Market. In her new position, Somradee will be in charge of organizing and implementing campaigns to promote domestic travel among Thais and foreigners. By Nithee Seeprae  Formerly serving as the Deputy Governor for Digitalization, Research, and Development, Nithee Seeprae has been named the Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications. To maintain Thailand’s favorable reputation as a top tourism destination, Mr. Nithee will now be responsible for the creation and implementation of innovative advertising and public relations campaigns across all media platforms. Chatchalermkit As of right now, Rujiras Chatchalermkit is the Deputy Governor for Administration. She had previously served as the department’s executive director for marketing services.       2.Tearaway Tape The job of Deputy Governor for Digitalization, Research, and Development has been given to Teerasil Tapen. Prior to this, he served as the region’s executive director for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In his new position, Teerasil will be in charge of both the Research and Development Department and the Department of Digital and Information Technology. Three further Deputy Governors currently serving in those capacities are:  Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning: Numfhon Boonyawat. Since 2019 she has held this role. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for global marketing in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Since 2022, he has been in this role. Deputy Governor of Tourism Products and Business, Apichai Chatchalermkit. Since 2021, he has held this role.  Source- Travel daily

The environmental situation the world is in is getting more and more critical. Travel agencies and tourists alike have the ability to make a significant contribution to the preservation of the environment for future generations. Local communities can play a crucial role in easing the climate biodiversity issue by protecting their local environment and aiding in the regeneration of natural landscapes that have been negatively harmed by global warming. G Adventures is introducing its brand-new “Trees for Days” concept, bringing environmental preservation and community empowerment together to create significant change through travel and tourism. Since the small group adventure operator backdated the planting of trees for each day a traveler joined a tour starting on January 1, 2023, more than one million trees have already been planted. Soon, travelers will be able to continue making a difference by using their G Adventures account to buy trees anytime they travel, even after their G Adventures trip has ended. As of right now, one tree will be grown in each traveler’s honor for each day they spend on a G Adventures tour, reducing carbon emissions and bolstering support for 17 local communities throughout the globe. The areas where trees are being planted have either recently or severely suffered from deforestation brought on by climate change. The travel industry may contribute to environmental protection and open up new revenue opportunities for locals by encouraging the growth of sustainable tourism businesses in these regions. Most frequently, this will benefit and empower marginalized Indigenous populations, women, and young people. It is anticipated that more than 1.5 million trees will be planted annually through collaboration with G Adventures’ non-profit partner Planeterra, which transforms lives through community tourism, and Reforest, which actively promotes tree planting and forest conservation activities worldwide. The number of trees that have grown and where their roots have been planted may both be tracked by travelers by logging into their G Adventures accounts. The goal of the Trees for Days project, according to G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip, is to increase the positive influence that travelers make while on G Adventures trips while also aiding communities that are suffering from the effects of climate change. “Supporting local communities is ingrained in our DNA as the founders of community tourism. I’m excited to announce our Trees for Days program in collaboration with Planeterra and Reforest given the pressing need to save our world. The community-based tree planting projects have been sourced in large part by our nonprofit partner Planeterra, and Reforest, in which we made an investment last year, is providing the digital platform. When they travel, our customers care about making a difference, and they can do that by choosing a tour with G Adventures. Together, we will talk about how community tourism may benefit local communities via reforestation and other good local effects, which will help the earth recover. The Trees for Days project, according to Jamie Sweeting, president of Planeterra, is a win-win situation for all parties. “Planting trees helps conserve biodiversity by providing essential habitats, food, and shelter for species, as well as by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and promoting healthier landscapes and ecosystems including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Additionally, promoting the development of local settings makes them more resistant to catastrophic weather events, protecting and even fostering the growth of local people and their sources of income, particularly in rural areas. A reduction in the consequences of excessive heat is another benefit of more trees, according to Sweeting. The Trees for Days program is a great example of a corporate reforestation program, according to Daniel Walsh, founder of Reforest, who also noted that it will provide customers with a very engaging and tailored way to connect with that impact in addition to doing some real good for the environment, nature, and local communities. The ability to feel ownership of the trees planted for them is a crucial benefit of this program, according to Walsh. “Travelers increasingly want to feel like they are leaving a positive footprint,” she says. The following are the 17 projects that the Trees for Days program is funding: Argentine organization Acción Andina Bolivia’s Acción Andina Bolivia Peru’s Acción Andina Sri Lanka’s Ambadandegama Reforestation Initiative Madagascar’s Ankilahila 1 ReforestationKenyan landscape restoration on Mount Kenya Nepal’s Indrawati Reforestation Growing of Argan and Caper Trees in Morocco Tanzanian reforestation on Mount Kilimanjaro Honduras’ La Tigra Agroforestry Nepal’s Mahelmudi Reforestation El Khair Women’s Coop’s Maskarat Nursery Uganda’s Nakaseke Community Reforestation Madagascar’s Soa Zara Reforestation Kenyan reforestation in the Tana Delta Thailand (Thailand) Reforestation Mozambique’s Zalala Titi Reforestation Source- Travel daily

The new midscale brand that encourages conversions has been created for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The opening of the midscale Four Points Express by Sheraton was announced by Marriott International, Inc. This new brand was created in response to the growing demand for trustworthy yet inexpensive lodging in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The announcement follows the company’s recent entry into the affordable midscale market with City Express by Marriott in the Caribbean and Latin America and the announcement of its plans for StudioRes in the United States and Canada. Both moves are consistent with the company’s strategy of meeting the needs of guests with regionally relevant lodging products for every stay purpose. With concepts of dependability, simplicity, and value in both the design and guest experience, Four Points Express by Sheraton will provide value-conscious customers with a seamless hotel experience in an accessible location. “We’re excited to support Four Points Express by Sheraton’s launch and the midscale growth of Marriott International. According to Satya Anand, President of Marriott International’s Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, “this new brand has been thoughtfully researched, designed, and localized to deliver midscale travelers the fundamentals of a stay that meets every trip purpose at the right price point.” “Midscale is a robust market sector that now accounts for about 1.2 million rooms in EMEA, 68% of which are unbranded. With an affordable conversion opportunity, attractive terms, and a light operational design model, Four Points Express will give hotel owners the chance to benefit from Marriott International’s potent distribution infrastructure and award-winning Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. The genuine, welcoming service that is characteristic of Marriott International brands will be offered to guests at Four Points Express. Midscale travelers prioritize features that make both business and pleasure trips simple. They are practical planners. By offering breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and clean, pleasant rooms, the brand will place a high value on these essentials and provide guests with an effective and enjoyable experience at a reasonable cost. The Four Points Express hotels will feature distinctive architectural features that add personality and a distinctive, regional flair. The brand has been customized to cater to the needs of the guests, and the effective cost model is meant to give owners an efficient pricing plan and support Marriott International’s substantial growth. For future Four Points Express hotels in countries including Poland, Belgium, and the UK, the company has already inked letters of intent and three transactions spanning the UK and Turkey. Source- Travel daily

 The most recent integrated campaign demonstrates how a rich tapestry of singular and unexpected encounters made possible only in Singapore can elevate the mundane to the spectacular. The “Made in Singapore” (MIS) global campaign, launched by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), aims to encourage tourists to make Singapore their next trip destination. The marketing campaign gives the Passion Made Possible destination brand a new look by highlighting uniquely Singaporean experiences, from famous landmarks to undiscovered gems, all of which are strongly entrenched in the distinctive passions that define Singapore’s identity. Indian tourists are increasingly looking to connect deeply with a travel destination by partaking in off-the-beaten-path, less-explored, and previously unimagined experiences, according to GB Srithar, Regional Director – India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board. By emphasizing how Singapore’s rich tapestry of distinctively Singaporean experiences elevates the ordinary, this new campaign hopes to connect with these discriminating Indian tourists. “Made in Singapore” is proof that a place like ours may enable a travel encounter rife with a fresh sense of wonder and infinite opportunities. “The Made in Singapore campaign is anchored on our Passion Made Possible destination brand, which embodies the Singapore spirit of fulfilling individual passions and creating new possibilities,” said Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Marketing Group), Singapore Tourism Board. With this most recent campaign, we hope to further solidify Singapore’s reputation as a place where dreams come true. Our intention is to encourage travel to Singapore by showcasing the commonplace experiences that Singaporeans only experience as remarkable and unforgettable. Singapore’s tourism industry is positioned for robust growth because to solid fundamentals that make the city-state an appealing travel and business destination. However, as well as changes in travel habits, rivalry between locations continues to grow. In a research done in November 2021 with more than 3,000 respondents in ten foreign markets, it was discovered that more than 60% of individuals are seeking more purposeful travel, and that over 80% of those planning purposeful travel are looking for inspiring locations.  By highlighting Singapore’s main characteristics as an exciting City in Nature destination that is not just dynamic and cosmopolitan but also deeply steeped in a rich multicultural heritage, the MIS campaign aims to keep Singapore top of mind and engage with a variety of travelers. The campaign employs a bolder and creative style to portray the spirit of MIS: where a variation on the familiar produces a travel experience filled with amazement. This is done to foster emotional affinity and encourage travel to Singapore. Travelers can experience a variety of imaginative activities in Singapore, such as woodland bathing at Jewel Changi Airport’s Rain Vortex, working up an appetite at Lau Pa Sat hawker center, and taking in a colorful “air show” at the brand-new Mandai Bird Paradise. This eccentric personality is also reflected in the newest additions to Singapore’s destination offers. Imagine a beachfront lifestyle with cutting-edge seaside entertainment, such as electric go-karts, a floating aqua park, mini-golf, beach clubs, and delicious food trucks, at Sentosa’s The Palawan at Sentosa by Shangri-La Group. PLUME, the brand-new cocktail bar at Pan Pacific Singapore, offers visitors a distinctive take on the classic drink experience by serving up fresh flavors inspired by neighborhood birds. And for those looking for a truly unique culinary experience, Lou Shang, a hidden treasure of a café, offers fusion cuisine that takes well-known regional favorites and gives them a thrilling new spin. (For a list of fresh, cutting-edge experiences visitors to Singapore can look forward to, consult Annex A.) MIS takes the place of STB’s SingapoReimagine international recovery campaign, which was introduced in November 2020 with the goal of reviving Singaporeans’ love of travel. Source- Travel daily

The occurrence takes place against the backdrop of a diplomatic dispute that erupted between New Delhi and Colombo last year over the docking of the Yuan Wang 5, a ship used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to track satellites and ballistic missiles, at the Chinese-controlled Hambantota port in New Delhi. In an effort to allay India’s concerns on port calls by Chinese warships, the Sri Lankan government is about to release a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for visits by foreign ships or aircraft, including military assets. In order to strengthen the close connections and interoperability between the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan Navy, the Indian Naval Ship “Khanjar,” a Khukri-class missile corvette built entirely in India, lands at Trincomalee. (ANI) People familiar with the initiative in both Sri Lanka and India said on the condition of anonymity that the SOP, which will include guidelines and information about the kinds of vessels to be allowed into Sri Lanka’s ports and territorial waters, are expected to be formally announced by authorities in Colombo soon. Now on WhatsApp, we are. Join by clicking. The development takes place against the backdrop of a diplomatic dispute that erupted between New Delhi and Colombo last year over the docking of the Yuan Wang 5, a ship used by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to track satellites and ballistic missiles, in the port of Hambantota that is under the jurisdiction of China. In August 2023, the Hai Yang 24 Hao, a different PLA Navy ship with surveillance capabilities, paid a visit to Colombo port. “The SOP will specify the kinds of ships that are permitted to conduct port calls. For instance, the type of warships and submarines that are capable of visiting Sri Lankan ports. According to one of those cited above, the SOP will also specify how long the vessels may stay in the nation’s territorial waters and the kinds of activities they may do. According to a second Indian source with knowledge of the program, “The guidelines and SOP are fine, but what will matter are actions taken on the ground.” The Chinese vessels’ potential use of their equipment to snoop on Indian security facilities while in Sri Lankan waters is the Indian side’s main worry, according to the sources. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the president of Sri Lanka, made reference to the SOP this month in New York while taking part in the annual Indo-Pacific Islands Dialogue hosted by Carnegie Endowment. He argued that the new SOP was developed after consultations with the Indian side and based upon existing protocols established by the Sri Lankan Navy. “We recently spoke with India, and we have finally accepted all of the changes. Therefore, any ships that arrive right now are doing so in accordance with an operation protocol that we developed with India. I don’t see any ship entering through that operating method that poses a concern,” Wickremesinghe added. Source- Hindustan times

To Raigmore Hospital, two persons have been transported. The police reported that several further passengers are receiving treatment on-site. In the Scottish Highlands on Friday, two trains collided at Aviemore Railway Station, injuring a number of passengers, according to authorities. Police(www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/Representative image): Several people were hurt in a rail collision in Scotland. A rail accident in Scotland left several people hurt: (Representative image from www.railwaymuseum.org.uk) police The century-old Flying Scotsman, the first steam locomotive to exceed 100 miles per hour, was one of the affected trains, according to British media. “Two individuals were sent to Raigmore Hospital. Other passengers are being treated on the scene, and investigations are ongoing, according to a statement from Police Scotland. According to the statement, the two trains crashed at around 7:00 pm (1800 GMT) in a station 600 miles (965 kilometers) north of London, the capital of the United Kingdom. An operator of train services in Scotland, ScotRail, announced on X that “we’re currently unable to run any trains through Aviemore station while they work” because “emergency services are responding to an incident on a private railway near the mainline.” A landslip brought on by heavy rain in August 2020 led a morning train from Aberdeen to Glasgow to derail, killing three persons close to the town of Stonehaven in northeast Scotland. After acknowledging health and safety violations related to the derailment, the business that owns and operates UK rail infrastructure was hit with multimillion dollar penalties. Source- Hindustan times

On September 27, Vietjet formally announced a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Tiruchirappalli, India. The service would begin operations on November 2, 2023, with three roundtrip flights per week at first. As a result, flights operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 00:30 (local time) and arrive in HCMC at 7:00 (local time). Every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, return flights leave HCMC at 20:00 local time and land in Tiruchirappalli at 23:30 local time. An essential step in the growth of Tiruchirappalli Airport and the tourism sectors of the two nations is the direct flight from Tamil Nadu to Vietnam. It is anticipated to advance bilateral ties between Vietnam and India as well as tourist, commercial and trade cooperation. “Along with the flight from Kochi to Ho Chi Minh City, this new route clearly demonstrates Vietjet’s capability to connect the southern region of India with Vietnam cities by air, opening up more opportunities for travel and trade exchanges between the two peoples with affordable costs and good services,” said Jay L. Lingeswara, vice president of commercial at Vietjet, in a speech at the event. Aerial image of the skyline and the tall buildings in the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City. A view of the city from the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at dusk The number of Indian tourists visiting Vietnam surged by more than 200% in the first six months of 2023 compared to the six months before to the flu pandemic, placing India among the top 10 international tourist markets in Vietnam, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. Ho Chi Minh City upholds its reputation as a significant economic, cultural, and tourism hub of Vietnam thanks to distinctive Asian cultural characteristics, the hectic pace of a modern metropolis, and ease of access to other cities in Vietnam and other nearby locations.  The “Pearl of the Far East” is known for its variety of hues and noises, which further solidifies Ho Chi Minh City’s status as one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Asia among solo travelers, couples, and families Vietjet’s vast route network, practical flight times, and affordable ticket rates enable travelers to go from Ho Chi Minh City to further visit Vietnam’s well-known coastal locations like Da Nang, Nha Trang, etc. For this specific occasion, the airline is providing Indian citizens with a special discount on Business and Skyboss seats (*) for flights from India to Vietnam from September 25 to October 25, 2023. The trip will take place between October 1 and November 30, 2023. Vietjet also offers its popular mega discount promos to Indians every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for a one-way pricing starting at little INR 5,555 (**). Starting on November 2, 2023, Vietjet will fly 35 round-trip flights every week between five Indian cities—New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Tiruchirappali—and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The flights will be operated by a new fleet of aircraft. Source- Travel daily