Starfish Travel Corporation Team

Beginning in June, there will be three more flights each day to Tokyo (Narita). HONG KONG With the launch of a new four-times-weekly service beginning on July 8, 2023, Hong Kong Airlines will continue to expand throughout Japan. The service to Nagoya marks Hong Kong Airlines’ ongoing efforts to provide visitors more alternatives for seeing the nation after the inauguration of the Fukuoka service in April and the more flights to other major cities in Japan. Aichi Prefecture’s capital city, Nagoya, has a population of 2.3 million. As Japan’s transportation centre, it serves as a vital entryway for tourists to quickly connect to several well-known sights. Nagoya is a fantastic location for those looking to experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Japan, from the magnificent Nagoya Castle, which holds a significant place in Japanese history, to the picturesque countryside of Shirakawag, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. To satisfy the growing demand for summer travel between Hong Kong and Japan, Hong Kong Airlines continues to enhance its flight operations. In addition to the three weekly flights to Sapporo and the two daily flights to Osaka and Okinawa, the number of daily flights to Tokyo (Narita) will grow to three starting in June, and the number of daily flights to Fukuoka and Nagoya will start in June and August, respectively. Source: traveldailynews

Introducing lesser-known speciality cuisines from the five regions of Thailand in an effort to encourage visitors to go on a gastronomic tour of the country. Thailand – throughout order to capitalise on gastronomy tourism as a pleasurable method for Thai and international visitors to appreciate the diversity of Thai food, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is marketing “Thailand’s Hidden Dishes” throughout the five regions of Thailand: Central, Eastern, Northern, Northeastern, Southern, and Regions. According to Mr Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, “The promotion of ‘Thailand’s Hidden Dishes’ forms part of the TAT’s ongoing strategy to elevate Thailand’s status as a top-tier gastronomy tourism destination and to raise awareness of the variety of local food culture in Thailand. Five lesser-known speciality foods have been chosen through this project to tantalise the palette, encourage visitors to try new dishes, and encourage them to get involved in the community in Thailand. This is also consistent with our strategy of encouraging tourists to find fulfilling travel experiences in Thailand under the banner of “Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters.” The five ‘Thailand’s Hidden Dishes’ are some of the lesser-known speciality delicacies that are often only accessible while going to the location. Visitors will be motivated to explore the sights and activities in Phetchaburi, Trat, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, and Phatthalung while also sampling local cuisine. Phetchaburi’s Kaeng Hua Nod, also known as Kaeng Hua Tan or Toddy Palm Curry, is a representative dish of the Central Region. Phetchaburi is known for a number of regional specialties dishes and has received the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) label in the realm of gastronomy. Among other things, the province is renowned for producing premium sea salt, key limes, palm sugar, rose apples, pineapples, and bananas. The Pla Yum Sawat (also known as coral grouper or coral trout) marine aquaculture industry in Trat in the Eastern Region has made the province’s economic fish and speciality cuisine. The fish is delectable and may be used to create a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including sashimi and the spicy soup Tom Yum. Moo Phat Raak Suu, a stir-fried pork meal with the roots of hooker chives or garlic chives, is a local speciality of Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand and is an ethnic Thai dish with Yunna culinary influences. The roots of the chives, which are prized for their therapeutic properties and vital nutrients, are also fundamental components of a number of other regional recipes in addition to being stir-fried with pork. Khon Kaen’s Au Pla, a hot and salty freshwater-fish curry, is a prime example of the flavorful and unusual Thai-Isan cuisine found in northeastern Thailand (or Isan). As a result of the availability of freshwater fish in the several rivers that make up Isan, freshwater fish is a common element in many regional recipes. The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2023 includes Khon Kaen as one of the four Isan provinces, along with Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani. The Kaeng Nam Khoei Yod Waai (coconut-based curry with shrimp or fish paste sauce and rattan shoots) is one of Phatthalung’s most well-liked regional specialties. Nam Khoei (shrimp or fish paste sauce), rather than Nam Pla (fish sauce), is a common flavour in southern Thailand. It is a regional speciality food in Phatthalung because it uses Yod Waai, or rattan shoots, which are abundant in the province and have therapeutic advantages. To raise awareness of the five Thailand’s Hidden Dishes among Thai visitors, TAT collaborated with well-known travel sites on Facebook, including Chinotoshare, Koendanai, Sneakout, Pai Ngai Ma Ngai, and Pai Ka Pai in April 2023. Over a million people were reached by the exposure, and it was projected to contribute roughly 100 million Baht in food and tourist expenditures to the regional economy. FAM tours for worldwide KOLs are among the next initiatives to increase awareness among foreign tourists. To meet the increased demand from travellers looking for new culinary experiences, Mr Chattan added, “TAT also intends to encourage local restaurants and cafes to incorporate local speciality foods on the menus through the promotion of the Thailand’s Hidden Dishes project. Source: traveldailynews

The opening of a new eco-resort, AZULIK AlUla, has increased the range of accommodations available in AlUla.The sustainability-focused hotel will have 76 opulent villas when it debuts in 2027. It is a component of the Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan created by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).Its design respects the environment and is in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, Saudi Vision 2030, and the Sustainability Charter for AlUla. The AZULIK AlUla Resort is located in the Nabatean Horizon District of JTT, nestled away in a canyon not far from the AlMutadil Equestrian Village construction site and Wadi AlFann, a historic valley that will soon be home to massive outdoor sculptures. There will include a spa, VIP club, welcoming lounges, all-day dining, and an SFER IK museum in addition to the villas. The resort’s undulating exteriors will use natural materials and fibres woven into numerous layers, with flowing forms inspired by the surrounding sandstone cliffs and ecology. The AZULIK AlUla Resort will support a relationship with the ecosystem and fauna of the region, preserve surrounding historic rock art inscriptions, and use a natural network of existing streams to feed irrigation and prevent floods. No private vehicles will be permitted on the land; instead, an all-electric transportation system, horse and camel routes, and hiking paths will be made available for visitors to the area. The resort, which is run by the premium Mexican company AZULIK and was created by Roth Architecture, will offer opulent lodging for visitors while also benefiting the AlUla neighbourhood economically. More than 300 new employment will be created once AZULIK AlUla Resort is fully operating. To further stimulate regional economic growth, the majority of operating supplies will be sourced from AlUla and the larger KSA in addition to the local materials and contractors needed for construction. “AZULIK AlUla is focused on the concept of sustainability and connection with the natural and human heritage surrounding this magnificent property,” stated John Northen, RCU Vice President of Hotels and Resorts. This resort is one of several assets supporting AlUla’s development as a premier destination in accordance with our Journey Through Time master plan, along with its close vicinity to the AlMutadil Equestrian Village and Wadi AlFann, both under development. “As a tribe, we feel honoured to bring AZULIK’s vision to AlUla,” AZULIK Founder and CEO Roth remarked. We set out on a trip into the lively tradition and culture of AlUla with appreciation and the utmost respect. We begin a project that is both dear to our hearts and consistent with our brand values, rooted in its distinctive natural setting. These are our first steps together, and I have no doubt that we will travel a lovely and interesting journey. Source: breakingtravelnews

Discover Puerto Rico, the island’s official destination marketing organisation (DMO), introduces the first wellness retreat for leisure travellers and groups as the wellness industry expands. The Island is the best place to go if you’re looking for holistic experiences that will make you feel good inside and out. From exploring natural wonders such as El Yunque National Rainforest, to enjoying the soothing sounds of the native coqui frog, indulging in a world-class spa like the Spa Botánico at Dorado Beach, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, to learning about a sustainable agroecological farm like Frutos del Guacabo, Puerto Rico’s offerings in this space combine wellness, dining (farm-to-table), nature/sustainability and fitness/watersports. Group travellers have never previously had the chance to reconnect and connect with the place thanks to the retreat. We’re excited to introduce this new product for the area, where the Discover Puerto Rico sales and services team can design the ideal getaway for any party. “The Island offers countless opportunities for visitors to unwind, restore, and rejuvenate, and the demand for wellness tourism around the world is only expected to increase,” said Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer of Discover Puerto Rico. “The options to create the ideal retreat in Puerto Rico are focused on just that – a varied approach to serenity,” says the author. “The past few years have made everyone more aware of their lifestyle and the impact on well-being.” Discover Puerto Rico is highlighting and working with local partners from hotels to tours to eating and more to bring the retreat to life. Group travellers can benefit from various experiences and a la carte offers, including but not limited to: Bachelorette parties, family reunions, and corporate travellers. Casa Alternavida, a boutique wellness retreat centre in Rio Grande Anti-rheumatic asana series, pranayama & meditation, and ayurvedic culinary classes are available at Casa Grande (Utuado). Early morning trekking and sunrise/sunset paddle yoga are offered by Castillo Tours in San Juan. San Juan’s Condado Vanderbilt offers a hammam treatment, aerobics, and meditation. Dos Aguas, Grande River green bed and breakfast tucked away in the forest. San Juan’s Dreamcatcher Boutique – a massage in your accommodation, nighttime beach yoga, environmental projects, Vegetarian restaurant Aovara. Travel agency E-Vacations (San Juan) – Customised yoga/spa sessions in the forest, Coamo Fairmont’s hot springs San Juan (San Juan) is a luxurious resort focused on true wellbeing. Ayurvedic treatments, Chinese medicine, panchakarma, and western massage techniques are available at Finca Victoria in Vieques. Sustainable agricultural tours offered by Frutos Del Guacabo (Manat) Mobile wellness clinic LaVANda Puerto Rico is the ideal location for a combination of unmatched cultural experiences, breathtaking beaches, world-class culinary delights, natural wonders, and thrilling adventures – all while basking in the extraordinary Puerto Rico sunshine. U.S. citizens do not need a passport, foreign currency exchange, or international phone plan to visit Puerto Rico. The culture of Puerto Rico is fervent, with a past rich in festivities and distinctively Boricua experiences from other places. Source: breakingtravelnews

Fed-up Tourists visiting the island will get an official “dos and don’ts” card from the Balinese government in a fresh effort to stem a recent spate of inappropriate behaviour. Authorities are looking at new measures to make sure visitors follow local laws after a number of tourists, including some Australians, got into trouble at the well-known tourist site in recent months. An Australian lady was fined last month for yelling at a police officer while riding her scooter without a helmet. The new IDs have been made available to all foreigners accessing the island after the authorities decided enough is enough.The cards are nearing completion, according to Anggiat Napitupulu, head of the regional office for the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights. According to The Bali Times, Napitupulu stated that the card “will be created and handed over at Immigration, so that the Immigration can tuck the card into the foreigner’s passport when they land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport.” We have had a number of meetings.The story is being developed by the tourist agency. Therefore, it will either be a card or a sheet that fits in your pocket. What is permitted and prohibited behaviour are listed on the card, according to Bali. Source: news.com.au

Following six years in the top position, a worldwide search is under way to recruit a new CEO for one of Australia’s busiest airports. After Geoff Culbert said he will step down as CEO of Australia’s main airport, a global hunt for a replacement is already under way. Mr. Culbert has indicated 2023 will be his last year in that position after almost six years at the top. In order to guarantee a smooth transition, Mr. Culbert assumed the top position in January 2018 and intends to stay in it through the end of the year. Mr. Culbert oversaw the airport through a “unique period of challenge” brought on by the Covid-19 outbreak while he was in charge. through the epidemic, he reorganised Sydney Airport and ran it while managing and advocating for it through one of the largest privatisations of a public firm in Australia. After the pandemic limitations were lifted, Mr. Culbert also guided the company through a rapid increase in activity and passenger numbers at the airport. After being grounded in 2020, Sydney Airport has nearly fully recovered, according to the CEO, making the end of 2023 the ideal moment to retire. Since 2018, Mr. Culbert has served as the leading domestic and international airport in Australia. Working with such a superb team during an unusual and hard time in the airport’s history has been an honour, he added. The ideal moment, according to him, to choose a new CEO to “lead the airport through the next phase” will be by the end of 2023. “Sydney Airport has been part of the social and economic fabric of Sydney and NSW for more than 100 years, and I’m confident it will continue to play a crucial role for the next hundred,” he added. David Gonski, the chair of Sydney Airport, praised Mr. Culbert for his leadership throughout the upsetting time. He said that the business was “enormously appreciative” of Mr. Culbert’s “skilled leadership”. “This includes managing the airport through the pandemic when traffic was devastated by border closures, the recent rapid recovery, and dealing with the largest take-private transaction in Australian corporate history,” Mr. Gonski remarked. “As a leader, Geoff also created a fantastic team and culture that will last for a very long time. Geoff’s decision to continue on until the end of the year will allow us to undertake a worldwide search and ensure a seamless transition to a new CEO, so we are happy about that. In 2018, Mr. Culbert accepted the position of chief executive of Sydney Airport. Prior to that, he spent over 15 years in key positions at General Electric. Source: news.com.au

First commercial flight in India using indigenous sustainable aviation fuel is received by Hardeep Singh Puri, Hon. Union Minister, MoPNG, in New Delhi. India successfully completed its first commercial passenger flight using a blend of locally generated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is a significant step in the decarbonization of the aviation industry. Using a blend of domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) provided by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) in collaboration with Praj Industries Ltd. (Praj), AirAsia India flight i5-767 left from Pune for New Delhi. Hardeep Singh Puri, the honourable Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, welcomed this special flight at the airport. With the support and direction of the Ministries of Civil Aviation and of Petroleum and Natural Gas, this flight marks an important turning point in the nation’s efforts to advance sustainable aviation. It shows the commitment of the Air India group, IOCL, and Praj Industries to create and promote homegrown solutions to lessen the impact of aviation on the environment and open the door for the widespread adoption of SAF in India. The SAF was created locally by Praj Industries utilising captive agricultural feedstock in accordance with the nation’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan objective. Gevo Inc., which has created a ground-breaking Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology for the synthesis of SAF using bio-based feedstock, is the source of the SAF that Praj Industries is employing for this endeavour. Prior to being mixed for the unique flight, Praj created SAF samples in its R&D facility, Praj Matrix, which passed thorough testing at IOCL laboratories. Mr. Puri stated, “I am happy to witness this historic moment and receive the first commercial flight powered by an indigenous SAF blended ATF. This event marks a critical milestone in our country’s efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. As a demonstration mode, this would be the first domestic commercial passenger trip to use SAF mixing up to 1%. “By 2025, India will need about 14 crore gallons of SAF per year if we aim to mix 1% SAF blending in jet fuel. Even more so, if we aim for a 5% SAF blend, India will need about 70 crore litres of SAF annually. By creating homegrown solutions to lessen the impact of aviation on the environment and open the door for the widespread adoption of SAF in India, Shri Puri reaffirmed the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister for an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He congratulated the domestic industry giants AirAsia India, IndianOil, and Praj Industries. “We are proud to announce that AirAsia India has successfully completed the first commercial flight using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel in collaboration with IOCL and Praj Industries,” stated Mr. Aloke Singh, Managing Director of AirAsia India and Air India Express, in reference to the effort. As a member of the Tata group and an Air India subsidiary, we are dedicated to innovation and teamwork to reduce environmental effect. This trip represents an important turning point in our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable aviation industry in India. With this programme, we intend to accelerate the use of domestic, environmentally friendly aviation fuel. Our organization’s DNA is firmly embedded with sustainability, and we are committed to moving forward in the direction of more sustainable operations. Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, the founder and chairman of Praj Industries, commented on this breakthrough by saying, “Showcasing the capacity to fly with domestically built SAF is a historic moment for India. This is just another example of how crucial the agricultural community has been in India’s transition to energy independence and green growth, from Annadata to Urjadata. We are grateful for our continuous relationship with IOCL and are excited that AirAsia has decided to join us on this particular mission to create cleaner skies in the future. As the biggest energy PSU in the nation, Mr Vaidya, Chairman of IndianOil, declared, “IndianOil is committed to leading the change in the oil & gas sector and ushering in a greener tomorrow.” “In line with our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision, IndianOil has committed to achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2046. We have started this journey today under the auspices of MoPNG, and I have no doubt that SAF will soon no longer be the exception but the rule in the aviation sector, Mr. Vaidya said. Presently, around 3% of all GHG emissions are attributable to global aviation. By 2050, the emission may account for 22% of GHG emissions if it is not controlled. Regulations known as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) have been published by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and they set a goal of lowering CO2 emissions from the aviation industry by 50% by the year 2050. SAF can produce significant greenhouse gas (GHG) savings as an alternative to the present usage of fossil fuels. Source: traveldailynews

The first Mediterranean season will be sailed by Princess’ newest Princess ship in 2025. HONG KONG Princess Cruises has unveiled the name of its second, dazzling Sphere Class ship: Star Princess. When she makes her debut in August 2025, Star Princess will sail a first season of Mediterranean cruises. The Sun Princess and Star Princess, which are now being built at the Italian shipyard Fincantieri, are the biggest ships Princess has ever built, each weighing 175,500 tonnes and accommodating 4,300 passengers. The new ship is constructed on a platform that is distinctively different from other ships of its kind and exclusive to Princess. It was created to both honour the Princess legacy and celebrate the romance of the sea by providing more dynamic, outward perspectives. The Star Princess design keeps the more private places Princess is renowned for while being 20 percent bigger than any of the line’s other ships. There are a number of brand-new, very ground-breaking rooms, including: The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini; The next-level Piazza featuring a glass sphere; The “see it to believe it” Princess Arena, a configurable, technologically-advanced main theater that allows Princess to produce a variety of innovative entertainment concepts; and A majestic dining room positioned aft of the ship to deliver unforgettable wake views. With a variety of intriguing new food and beverage ideas, a stunning, enlarged casino, a two-story Lotus Spa, and spellbinding entertainment, including Cirque Éloize, this second Sphere Class ship will also have a number of remarkable features. The new Reserve and Signature Collections, as well as the enhanced selection of premium cabins and suites, will be a hit with passengers. The Star Princess will also feature the premium Princess Medallion service, which further solidifies Princess’ status as a pioneer in the provision of great personalised experiences. The new ship is being constructed with the most cutting-edge environmental solutions available and will be the second in the Princess fleet to use LNG fuel technology. The Star Princess makes its debut on August 4, 2025, sailing a nine-day inaugural Italy & Greece roundtrip voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia), visiting Corfu, Kotor, Mykonos, Santorini, and Naples (for Capri and Pompeii). Thereafter, a number of 9- and 10-day cruises that stop at picturesque coastal ports depart from Rome, Athens, or Trieste (Venice). On June 1, 2023, the expanded Europe 2025 programme will be released, along with the sale of Star Princess cruises. John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, said of Star Princess, “There’s much to be admired about her sleek, eye-catching design, spacious interiors, and of course, the remarkable views of the sea and sky, just like the features found on Sun Princess that have prompted cruise lovers to snap up inaugural year bookings.” These ships have been meticulously built to feel both familiar to our passengers and greatly enhanced, with a wealth of excellent new and enlarged experiences to embrace and explore. Source: traveldailynews

Put your beach hat on and pack your thongs because Canberrans will soon have direct flights to Fiji. A new direct service is being introduced by Fiji Airways between Nadi, Fiji, and Canberra, Australia. It’s the first international route to leave Canberra since 2020, and it offers residents a direct path to escape Canberra’s chilly winter and go to the sunny beaches of Fiji. From July 21 through the end of September, the new route will run twice weekly; starting in October, it will run three times weekly. Bookings are already being taken for the maiden trip, which will take off on July 21, 2023. Depending on your travel dates, a roundtrip ticket from Canberra to Nadi might cost anywhere between $499 and $900 AUD. Meanwhile, round-trip business class tickets start at $2,960 AUD. All economy rates include carry-on luggage up to 7kg, meals, beverages, and entertainment in flight. You receive 30kg of checked luggage when you purchase a value fare. Fiji Airways CEO André Viljoen expressed excitement over the new service, saying, “We are happy to offer our world-class service to Canberra and connect Australia’s capital with our lovely home, Fiji. We are eager to serve our clients and extend our renowned Fijian hospitality, which distinguishes us from the competition. With the addition of this route, Fiji Airways now offers 22 direct flights to Fiji. The only airline in the world to currently provide nonstop service between Canberra and Nadi is Fiji Airways. Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister of Tourism, attended the ceremony for the route’s official unveiling in Canberra and expressed his enthusiasm for it, saying, “This new direct flight route between Canberra and Nadi is a testament to the strong partnership between the Fijian and Australian governments, and we are pleased to work with Fiji Airways, Canberra Airport, and Visit Canberra to make this service a reality.” “This new service will make travelling to Fiji easy for Australians, whether they are doing it for pleasure or business. The service will also aid in boosting Fiji’s tourism and economic development by creating additional job opportunities and advancing the sector. We extend a warm welcome to everyone who comes to our shores and invite them to discover Fiji’s charm. Important information From Nadi to Canberra, Fiji Airways will start operating direct flights. From July 21 through the end of September, flights will run on Tuesdays and Fridays twice a week, increasing to three times a week in October. $499 to $900 roundtrip in economy on flights from Canberra to Nadi. Currently, the only airline in the world to provide nonstop service between Canberra and Nadi is Fiji Airways. Canberrans will be able to travel straight to Fiji for the first time in over 20 years. Since early 2020, this will be Canberra Airport’s first international flight. The new route was hailed by ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, who also predicted that direct flights from Canberra to Fiji will be well-liked. The reintroduction of foreign flights to Canberra is a “really exciting development,” he added. I was to Fiji last year as part of negotiations between Fiji Airways and the ACT Government regarding this service, so I’m happy to hear that they were successful. I have no doubt that residents of Canberra and the surrounding area will be eager to take advantage of this direct trip and see everything that these lovely islands have to offer. Head of Aviation at Canberra Airport Michael Thomson stated, “This new partnership between Fiji Airways, The ACT Government, and Canberra Airport signals the return of direct international services to our city and puts Canberra back on the map.” We are pleased about this new option, which includes speedy connections from Fiji to Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. Fiji is a fantastic vacation location. We are eager to welcome the first aircraft in July and are thrilled to resume our international operations, including our International Departure Lounge, which provides every customer with a top-rate business-class experience. Source: escape