Travel News

A new effort from the Thailand Film Office aims to further the nation’s already remarkable reputation as the top choice for filming international films of all kinds. Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is pleased to announce the launch of “Thailand – Amazing Workation,” the newest chapter in Thailand’s ongoing efforts to maintain its position as one of the best filming locations in the world, by the Thailand Film Office under the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sports. “Thailand is already a favourite filming location for foreign TV and film makers, who laud the kingdom’s diverse geographical characteristics, historical sites, natural beauty, fascinating culture, filmmaking services, and government support,” said Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The most recent Amazing Workation project will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing this attractiveness. Three essential elements of filmmaking are included in the “Amazing Workation” initiative: Great Incentives, Great Services, and Great Relaxation. The ‘Great Incentives’ provide the best value in addition to the ‘Fast Cash,’ ‘Speedy Pay (Rebate),’ and ‘Truly Transparent’ concepts. For international film production projects that spend 50 million Baht, the maximum rebate up to 20% will rise to 150 million Baht per project. Foreign actors will be excused from paying income tax for a five-year period, starting on August 2, 2023, and ending on August1, 2028, while they shoot in Thailand. The “Great Relaxation” depicts the welcoming charm, distinctive culture, and great leisure activities that may be savoured while filming in Thailand, while the “Great Services” reflect the top-notch services, facilities, and hospitality offered to international filmmakers in Thailand. According to statistics, 171 international films were shot in Thailand in the first four months of 2023, from January to April, bringing in 1.29 billion Baht, demonstrating the country’s well-deserved appeal as a location for production. When compared to the same time in 2022, they represented an increase of 18 films and 118 million Baht in income. 33 films were produced in April 2023 alone, bringing in 169 million Baht in income. March 2023 had 60 film productions, bringing in 488 million Baht; February 2023 saw 43 productions, bringing in 370.99 million Baht; and January 2023 saw 35 productions, bringing in 270 million Baht. 348 international film productions choose Thailand as their shooting destination in 2022, bringing in close to 6.4 billion Baht in income. The third season of “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip” in Phuket, which debuted on the Peacock streaming service on March 23, 2023, and the final two episodes of season 27 of ABC’s “The Bachelor” in Krabi, which aired on March 20 and 27, 2023, are two of the most well-known productions recently shot in Thailand. The adventure comedy film “Ostrov” (The Island) from the Czech Republic, which was shot primarily in Phuket and Krabi, was shown in theatres in Europe in February 2023. Source: traveldailynews

The ability to lie flat on an aircraft is now only available to first- or business-class travellers, but that is about to change. In a first for the globe, Air New Zealand will provide bunk beds for economy travellers where they may reserve a session to catch some sleep starting in September 2024. The airline first introduced the Skynest sleeping pods in June of last year; today, they have provided a few other important information, including pricing. Between the economy and premium economy cabins, there will be six sleeping pods with bunk beds. They will be broadcast on extremely long-haul flights, including as the 17-hour direct journey between New York City and Auckland, which is one of the world’s longest flights. Leanne Geraghty, the chief customer and sales officer, previously told news.com.au that it was a result of client input from the preceding five years that emphasised the value of more comfort, privacy, and a good night’s sleep. “Skynest was an idea born out of looking at how we could offer a lie-flat option for Economy and Premium Economy travellers, and it’s going to be a real game-changer, adding more flexibility to the economy travel experience,” added the spokesperson. What is the price? Pre-booking a session in blocks of four hours will be available to passengers for an additional $NZ400 to $NZ600, or around $375 to $565 in Australian dollars. It will cost between $400 and $600 NZD for a four-hour session, according to Ms. Geraghty, who spoke to news.com.au. “We’re still in the process of firming up all things pricing as there are a number of factors involved,” she said. “Customers will be able to book it as an add-on to their ticket when they originally purchase it.We are also figuring out how to allow them to add it to their tickets at a later time and to book it aboard if a session opens up. These specifics are still being worked out, but we want to provide them as soon as everything is certain. Each session will be separated by 30 minutes so that the cabin staff may replace the bedding. Just before your session ends, the lights will be gradually turned on, and any passengers who are still asleep will be “politely awakened” by the crew. To guarantee that passengers can secure them and remain in the pod should the seat belt light come on during turbulence, each pod will have its own seatbelt. A full-size pillow, sheets, and blankets, earplugs, a separate reading light, a USB port for a personal device, a ventilation outlet, and illumination intended for sleeping will all be provided in each pod. SkyNest has already won several accolades; the most recent is being named a finalist for the Crystal Cabin Awards. “We’re thrilled that customers share our enthusiasm for this innovative invention. We are convinced that the product we created as a consequence of our comprehensive research and design process, which lasted five years and 170,000 hours, will improve the in-flight experience for Economy customers. Source: news.com.au

To build the framework for future Wisk Air operations in Japan, a new cooperation has been formed. TOKYO and MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – To introduce Wisk’s self-flying, all-electric air taxi services to Japan, Japan Airlines (JAL), a top international airline with headquarters in Japan, and Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility firm, have partnered. Additionally, plans for the upkeep and operation of Wisk’s autonomous air taxis will be developed in close cooperation between Wisk and JAL Engineering (JALEC). According to Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Japan Airlines, a highly regarded leader in aviation both in Japan and internationally.” “Wisk and Japan Airlines share a commitment to providing safe, accessible travel as well as making sure that our services benefit the communities we serve in the long run. We are eager to cooperate in bringing autonomous regular flying to Japan and expanding advanced air mobility throughout the greater APAC area. “We consider it a great honour to work with Wisk, a leader in the development of autonomous eVTOL aircraft. According to Ryo Tamura, CEO of JALEC, “In Japan, the introduction of autonomous air travel is developing, and we strongly believe that this partnership with Wisk is the first step towards the development of the country’s next generation of safe air mobility.” The Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), as well as other pertinent Japanese Government entities, have all signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that sets a framework for cooperation between the two businesses. This will involve giving careful thought to legal requirements, security precautions, and how the community may profit from using Wisk’s 6th Generation self-flying, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to provide advanced air transportation. The MOU specifically creates a framework for Studying the criteria for maintenance, repair, and overhaul as well as type certification clearance in Japan would help Wisk’s 6th Generation taxi commence its fleet operations. Supporting dialogue on the development of a Wisk operation under an Air. Operators Certificate in Japan in the future with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and pertinent Japanese Government authorities, if appropriate. Construction of a route leading to a demonstration flight in Japan. Autonomous aircraft integration into the national airspace of Japan. “We are thrilled to be announcing this new partnership with Japan Airlines, a partner that so closely shares our values,” declares Catherine MacGowan, regional director for Wisk in APAC. “Japan is a sizable, highly populated market where air taxi services might have a significant, beneficial effect on local communities. We’re excited to continue exploring the possibility of introducing our autonomous, all-electric air taxis in Japan and are heartened by the rising demand for similar services across the larger APAC area. Wisk and Japan Airlines both value responsibility, sustainability, and safety. As part of the development of a long-lasting strategy for the introduction of future autonomous air taxi operations that are a component of the future integrated transportation layer in Japan, this cooperation signifies the uniting of these shared ideals. Source: traveldailynews

Premier Pool Access offers with the option of a king or twin bed, offering an exceptional experience as in a tranquil tropical oasis. It is designed with open space, a balcony flooded with sunshine, a tropical garden, and vibrant bougainvillaea – the particular attractions of Mui Ne land. Visitors will have the chance to experience a unique room class only at Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne – Premier Pool Access, which is formally inaugurated at the end of April 2023 in a roomy bedroom up to 40m2. This remarkable design connects directly to the jewel-blue lazy river. Premier Pool Access provides a quiet and pleasant living environment that is inspired by the picturesque Mediterranean coast, a harmonic blend of blue from the sea, rich earthy terracotta of tile roofs, and warm yellow of sunshine. Premier Pool Access offers with the option of a king or twin bed, offering an exceptional experience as in a tranquil tropical oasis. It is designed with open space, a balcony flooded with sunshine, a tropical garden, and vibrant bougainvillaea – the particular attractions of Mui Ne land. The serene lazy river that runs beside 144 villas will be the perfect location to relax in the cold water and connect with the surrounding natural beauty in order to refuel for the endlessly enjoyable ride that lies ahead. “Premier Pool Access with special lazy river design is a unique highlight of the resort, bringing an exceptional experience for our guests,” said Mr. Tom Van Tuijl, general manager of Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne. We are pleased with our efforts to meet Mui Ne’s rising demand for lodging by introducing a new room type right before the long holidays. Additionally, we provide a variety of eating alternatives for visitors of all ages, ranging from the typical regional flavours of the fishing hamlet of Mui Ne to cosmopolitan tastes, a spa, and other leisure pursuits, to complete their experience as a destination of fun, entertainment, and joy. The Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne, with its “Explorer’s Playground” concept, offers a variety of endlessly enjoyable activities and first-rate amenities, fostering a genuine sense of belonging for each generation of families as well as the group of friends. Centara Mirage Resort Mui Ne is the ideal location for kids to enjoy their own voyages of discovery and excitement at E-Zone, indoor & outdoor playgrounds, bowling, karaoke room, and entertainment activities designed for all ages. The resort’s goal is to create beautiful memories for little explorers. Source: traveldailynews

Expands the 77 flights per week network to 8 locations in continental Europe. NEW DELHI The most prominent airline in India and a Star Alliance member, Air India, will begin non-stop flights from Amsterdam to Delhi as part of its ongoing efforts to improve connectivity and support global expansion. Beginning on June 11th, 2023, the route will operate with a two-class Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner four times each week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). Amsterdam will be the eighth location in continental Europe that Air India serves and the fourth that the airline has connected from Delhi in the previous four months. It increases the number of nonstop flights operated by Air India between India and Europe to 77 per week, giving customers more convenience and flexibility. Mr Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, commented on the opening of the new route, saying, “With the opening of this new non-stop service to Amsterdam, Air India significantly broadens our long-haul network and expands our customer options. This route helps us achieve our goal of making Delhi an important international centre, together with the three other European lines that have just begun service and those that will follow. The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has 256 seats in total, 256 in Business Class (18 totally flat beds) and 238 in Economy. Flight AI155 will leave Delhi at 1310 and land in Amsterdam at 1835 (local time). The AI 156 return flight from Amsterdam will depart at 20:45 and land in Delhi at 08:10 (local time). The Air India website, mobile applications, travel agencies, and other outlets are currently accepting reservations for the Delhi-Amsterdam trip. Timetable for flights from Delhi (DEL) to Amsterdam (AMS) Flight No. Eff Date Frequency Dept. Airport Dept. Time Arrvl. Airport Arrvl. Time Aircraft AI 155 11-Jun-23 Mon / Wed / Fri / Sun DEL 13:10 AMS 18:35 B787-8 AI 156 11-Jun-23 Mon / Wed / Fri / Sun AMS 20:45 DEL 07:55(+1) B787-8 Source: traveldailynews

Prior to ramping up capacity for the June school holiday season, the park is now running at 75 percent capacity to allow the new avian inhabitants time to settle in and make any necessary operational modifications. SG – Singapore On the first day of its soft opening, over 3,000 members of the public gathered to Bird Paradise in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The first week of Bird Paradise’s soft launch phase, which runs until May 26, 2023, is anticipated to draw roughly 20,000 visitors. The first eight visitors to enter Bird Paradise today received a one-year Friends of Wildlife membership as a special welcome gift. This membership enables them to unlimited visits to any of the four wildlife parks of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Existing members are entitled to a free Bird Discovery Tour. Mike Barclay, group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, handed out the tokens of gratitude alongside management and employees who had earlier welcomed the park’s first visitors. The first flight of bird presentations, as well as the up-close encounters with several feathered companions during feeding sessions and keeper talks in the eight big walk-through aviaries and the Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove, captivated the crowds as they poured in. The penguins, who were among the final group of animals to relocate into Bird Paradise, are still learning about their brand-new cutting-edge, multi-level indoor environment while visitors marvel at the fascinating life of penguins in the ocean, both above and below the surface. Prior to ramping up capacity for the June school holiday season, the park is now running at 75 percent capacity to allow the new avian inhabitants time to settle in and make any necessary operational modifications. All in-park eating options at Bird Paradise, with the exception of Penguin Cove Restaurant and Bird Bakery, are now available for guests to enjoy, from dining with penguins at Penguin Cove Café to feasting on the views of waterfalls at Crimson Restaurant. A&W Restaurants and a few other tenants at Mandai Wildlife West are launching opening specials for a brief period to commemorate the opening of Bird Paradise and Mandai Wildlife West, the ungated public node that serves as the gateway to the new bird park. Source: traveldailynews

Hong Kong makes a comeback as a popular travel destination in Southeast Asia with the successful launch of “Hello Hong Kong” and the free ticket giveaway campaign. HONG KONG Perceptions, Inc. and Ogilvy have been reappointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) Southeast Asia Office as its PR agencies in the Philippines and Malaysia, respectively, for the ensuing two years. Since the two agencies have been working with HKTB, the city has remained one of its target market’s favourite travel destinations. Raymond Chan, Regional Director of Southeast Asia at HKTB, stated that “at the height of the pandemic, their PR expertise shone all the more brightly, helping us cut through the clutter and maintain global visibility.” In addition, he listed the agencies’ “strong strategic thinking, proven history of positive media relations, and agility in executing plans” as justifications for the renewed collaboration. Hong Kong has had a flurry of recent tourism-related initiatives in the past three years, including the creation of the West Kowloon Cultural District, which includes M+ and the Hong Kong Palace Museum, among others. “We are happy to see a return of tourists from Malaysia and the Philippines to Hong Kong. I am convinced that they will enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation experience to Asia’s World City with the help of our PR partners, Chan continued. With the successful introduction of “Hello Hong Kong” and the free ticket giveaway campaign, HK makes a comeback as a key travel destination in Southeast Asia. With the help of Perceptions and Ogilvy, HK even won the Gold award for Best Regional PR in SEA and Bronze awards for Best PR-led Integrated Communications and Best Use of Social Media at the recently held PR Asia 2023 Awards. Let’s just say that Hong Kong’s tourist industry has been expanding steadily and expects to reach a record number of visitors later this year. Perceptions, whose contract with HKTB is being renewed for a third time, will continue to support efforts to effectively raise awareness of Hong Kong among Filipinos while also fostering positive relationships with media outlets that will eventually result in a wider audience for the tales Hong Kong has to tell. Noel Rene Nieva, president and chief executive officer of Perceptions, stated, “It is a great honour to be navigating HK’s recovery plans and forming the next chapter for HKTB’s successful Hello Hong Kong campaign. Perceptions is as committed as HKTB to make every trip in Hong Kong unique, valuable, and superior to any other travel experience Filipinos have had or will have, he continued, noting that “revenge travel” is a trend that is now popular. Ogilvy, on the other hand, will concentrate immediately on helping HKTB by displaying the city’s preparedness and eagerness to welcome Malaysians back to one of their favourite neighbouring places. Riding the wave of the success of “Hello Hong Kong”‘s debut, Ogilvy will do so. The HKTB has once again trusted Ogilvy to continue making Malaysians care about Hong Kong, especially during this pivotal time in the city’s rebirth. When we began working with HKTB at the beginning of the pandemic, we had our job cut out for us. We are overjoyed to have the next two years to completely implement the several initiatives that were delayed. We are driven by a single goal: to support Hong Kong’s recovery as a top travel destination for all Malaysians. Part of this effort includes raising Muslim-friendliness awareness, a crucial growth driver for the city’s tourism industry, according to Sunita Kanapathy, Head of Public Relations at Ogilvy Malaysia. Source: traveldailynews

Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10:30 p.m., the new flight UA878 will depart from HKG and land in SFO at 8:25 p.m. that same day. HONG KONG On August 3, 2023, United Airlines (UAL) will boost the frequency of the present daily Hong Kong (HKG) – San Francisco (SFO) service to 12 flights per week. In late October 2023, the frequency will be increased to 14 flights per week as a twice-daily service. The recently expanded service will offer more flight schedules to San Francisco as well as more connecting options via its hub in San Francisco to more destinations in the mainland United States, Canada, and Latin America for travellers in Hong Kong, the southern part of mainland China, and some Southeast Asian nations. Walter Dias, regional director of Greater China, Korea, and Southeast Asia Sales, stated, “We are excited to announce that we will be adding more flights between Hong Kong and San Francisco this August. United returned to the Hong Kong market just two months ago after a pause of nearly three years. Our new 12 times weekly HKG-SFO service will give our customers in Hong Kong, the southern part of mainland China, and some Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam more flight options to San Francisco and one-stop connections to more than 70 destinations in the mainland U.S., Canada, and Latin America via our hub in San Francisco. New Hong Kong (HKG)-San Francisco (SFO) Service from United Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10:30 p.m., the new flight UA878 will depart from HKG and land in SFO at 8:25 p.m. that same day. Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 1:30 p.m., the return flight, UA869, will leave from SFO and land in HKG at 6:45 p.m. the following day. The B777-300ER widebody aircraft, which has 266 seats in United Economy, 24 seats in United Premium Plus, and 60 seats in the United Polaris business cabin, will be used for all trips. San Francisco Hub for United San Francisco serves as both a gateway to Asia-Pacific and United’s main hub on the American West Coast. From San Francisco International Airport, United has more than 200 daily departures, transporting passengers to more than 100 locations around the world, including the largest international service with flights to 26 different overseas cities. Incheon/Seoul, Melbourne, Narita/Tokyo, Papeete/Tahiti, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, and Taipei are just a few of the more than 10 Asia-Pacific locations that may now be reached directly from the hub. Other destinations include Brisbane, Auckland (New Zealand), Haneda/Tokyo, Melbourne, Narita/Tokyo, and Sydney. The following is the flight schedule between HKG and SFO: Flight No. Depart Time Arrive Time Day of the Week UA862 HKG 11:15 A.M. SFO 9:10 A.M. Daily UA878 (new) HKG 10:30 P.M. SFO 8:25 P.M. Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun UA869 (new) SFO 1:30 P.M. HKG 6:45 P.M. (+1)* Mon/Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat UA877 SFO 11:45 P.M. HKG 5:00 A.M. (+2)* Daily +1 flight arrives the following day / +2 flight arrives two days later. Source: traveldailynews

When a member chooses an itinerary they’re interested in, they may book their trip directly via the operator and sign the operator’s contract with the help of a JetMembership.com representative. Members will have unrestricted access to quotations from agents for any forthcoming trip, who will be reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. RONKONKOMA, N.Y. – JetMembership.com, a premium monthly membership programme created to provide private jet charter customers the most affordable and transparent option, just announced their debut. Private pilots used to often arrange their flights with a charter broker or nearby charter operator before JetMembership.com launched. Experts in finding many planes for a journey, charter brokers typically recoup their costs by adding a commission to the overall cost they bill their customers. Clients only know the entire amount they are paying; they are uninformed of the exact amount of the commission. Private passengers usually spend thousands extra to charter their flights through a broker, even if the commission amount is kept secret. Flyers with a local charter operator have limitations due to the fleet’s lack of alternatives. A local operator’s fleet of aircraft frequently has an owner or another client utilising them, or an aircraft may be unavailable due to maintenance. After then, the local operator must serve as a middleman to offer an off-fleet private jet. Similar to a charter broker, the local operator will add an unknown amount of commission to the wholesale price. Instead of charging members an additional commission fee, JetMembership.com charges a flat monthly price for access to the same wholesale pricing that brokers have access to, before a broker adds hundreds of dollars in commission on each flight. The brand-new service is the first of its type and is a cutting-edge method for booking private flights. According to Joseph Catanese, CEO of JetMembership.com, “We’re completely changing the game by giving private jet flyers access to wholesale prices.” “Anyone who charters private jets even just once or twice a year will find that this is a far more cost-effective approach, since the commission’s added expense will pile up quickly. The tariffs we offer to our members are totally transparent, without any markups, and you may sign them directly with the operator of your choosing. We promise to offer the best prices on the market. Simply told, it’s a more advanced and intelligent method of flying charter. Members get unique access to the lowest prices from the most reputable private jet operators, with memberships presently starting at a fixed charge of $250 per month. Members will be able to do as many itinerary searches as they like until they locate the plane, the route, and the price that suit them the best. “With the help of this procedure, our members may get the carrier insurance, air charter certificate, tail number, and any other information they need before signing any documents. Before a contract is signed, charter brokers frequently withhold this important information, Catanese continued. When a member chooses an itinerary they’re interested in, they may book their trip directly via the operator and sign the operator’s contract with the help of a JetMembership.com representative. Members will have unrestricted access to quotations from agents for any forthcoming trip, who will be reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Notably, members have the ability to make reservations either directly with the airline operator of their choosing or through JetMembership.com, if they so want. Members will have a huge selection of airline operators to choose from when making direct reservations. No contract or commitment is necessary, and memberships are given on a month-to-month basis with the option to cancel at any time. Create a free account on JetMembership.com’s website to test out the service, then sign up for a 45-day free trial subscription. Users may do as many searches as they’d like throughout that trial period to receive a more comprehensive view of the unique pricing that JetMembership.com has to offer. Source: traveldailynews