Travel News

VietJet, the premier carrier of the 21st century in Vietnam, has announced direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane, making it the first airline to operate directly between Vietnam and Queensland. The new route will make it simpler for Indians to travel from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and New Delhi to Australia via Ho Chi Minh City due to the airline’s convenient connecting connections. The airline has expanded its services from Vietnam to the east coast of Australia by offering eight weekly return flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In addition, the number of flights between Sydney and Melbourne will increase beginning in September. The airline will operate two weekly A330 flights to Brisbane, departing Ho Chi Minh City at 10:05 (local time) on Mondays and Fridays and arriving in Brisbane at 21:10 (local time). The return flights will occur on the same days, departing at 23:10 (local time) and landing at 04:50 (local time) in Ho Chi Minh City. Michael Hickey, chief operating officer of Vietjet, stated, “Vietjet’s direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Brisbane will facilitate travel between the two cities, nations, and throughout the region. Vietjet’s crew and leaders extend a warm greeting to our passengers for a comfortable and enjoyable flight.” Until 30 June 2023, the airline is also offering a 50% (*) discount on its SkyBoss and SkyBoss Business fares. The offer is valid for travel between 15 August and 20 December 2023. Using the promotional codes SKYBOSSALL50 (SkyBoss) or BUSINESS50 (SkyBoss Business) at www.vietjetair.com and Vietjet Air mobile apps, passengers can take advantage of this offer. In addition, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, the airline offers tickets for as low as INR5,555 (*) on all international routes, including those between Vietnam and Australia. Source: traveldailymedia

Palm Jebel Ali, which is projected to be twice as large as Palm Jumeirah, is a megaproject that is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Palm Jebel Ali is a series of visionary projects comprising 80 hotels and resorts, green landscaping, and other leisure and retail amenities on an area of 13,4 square kilometres. It is led by the foremost developer in the UAE, Nakheel. The development project will increase Dubai’s littoral by approximately 110 kilometres and provide beachfront housing for 3,500 families. Palm Jebel Ali will provide residents and tourists with a luxurious lifestyle and world-class amenities, thereby bolstering Dubai’s tourism industry. In addition, the initiative will support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goal of consolidating Dubai’s position as the world’s leading city for business and tourism. The ambitious plan seeks to make the area a desirable place for the elite to live and explore. This project also signifies the commencement of a new growth corridor in Jebel Ali. Sheikh Mohammed stated, upon unveiling the master plan, that we have lofty aspirations for the future and are confident that our magnificent vision for development can become a reality. Palm Jebel Ali will enhance our urban infrastructure and solidify the city’s emergence as a global metropolis, he added. In addition, the initiative aligns with the Emirate’s strategic development plan, which prioritises life quality and happiness. With the announcement of the Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai has entered a new innovation-driven phase of development. This ambitious undertaking exemplifies Dubai’s reputation as a thriving global centre for business and tourism. Sheikh Mohammed indicated that Dubai would continue to work towards a brighter future for our people and the entire world. Palm Jebel Ali will contribute to Dubai’s sustainable development by providing limitless growth opportunities for a variety of industries, including tourism and real estate. The project will encompass an area (13.4 sq km) that is twice the size of Palm Jumeirah and will feature verdant green spaces and unique waterfront experiences that will attract families and tourists from every corner of the globe. According to Wam, the project will add approximately 110 kilometres of coastline to Dubai and provide approximately 3,500 families with unrivalled luxury beachfront living. According to reports, it will also feature more than 80 hotels and resorts and an extensive selection of sports and leisure facilities, contributing to Dubai’s tourism industry. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Minister of Finance, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Mohammed Ali Shaibani, director general of the Ruler Court of Dubai, Managing Director of the Investment Corporation of Dubai, and Chairman of Nakheel. Source: theprint

The new 45 Times Square Hotel is located in the centre of Manhattan, just a few metres from Times Square. It will be owned by Ferrado Hotels, which is part of the Rosp Corunna group and family office of Sandra Ortega, and managed by Palladium Hotel Group beginning in June 2023. The hotel group has chosen the ephemeral brand 45 Times Square Hotel to administer the property until its transformation into Only YOU Hotels, a premium-lifestyle brand with which it positions itself in urban destinations. There are 139 accommodations in this hotel, which is highly representative of New York aesthetics and life. It offers guests the opportunity to make the metropolis of skyscrapers their own due to its prime location. The 45 Times Square Hotel is the ideal location from which to explore the metropolis. Under the slogan “Enjoying every New York minute,” they will amaze even the most inquisitive and restless travellers. “This new inauguration is a significant achievement for Palladium Hotel Group, as it is the first hotel we will operate in the United States. New York is also one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and we believe that Only YOU Hotels will complement the city’s innovative and urban style,” said Jess Sobrino, chief executive officer of Palladium Hotel Group. Juan Serra, General Director of Only YOU Hotels, stated, “For Only YOU Hotels, it is essential to have a presence in one of the world’s most influential entertainment, fashion, and culture capitals. “At Palladium Hotel Group, we are working to transform the property in accordance with the brand’s trend, so that it blends in with the city and welcomes guests who come to enjoy all of its experiences.” During this transitional period, the company hopes to transform “45” into a symbol for urban explorers – those who visit museums and dine at the most sought-after restaurants recommended by locals. 45 becomes The Seeker’s Number as a result of the travellers who choose to remain there in order to recharge their energy so they can continue to explore the city. Given that New York is a metropolis that never sleeps, 45 Times Square is the place to rest and continue fantasising about an unforgettable experience in New York. Source: travelbizmonitor

The Nay Palad Hideaway has reopened after months of preparation following its near-total destruction by Typhoon Odette in 2022. The resort was conceived by founder Bobby Dekeyser (former goalkeeper for Bayern Munich, founder of global furniture company DEDON… and now raising alpacas in Ibiza!) and his daughter Carolin, who is based in London. It is a model of sustainable luxury, with unique and exciting features at every turn. Nay Palad, situated on the southeastern point of the Philippine island of Siargao between a white sand beach on the Pacific Ocean and an ancient mangrove forest, has undergone a complete redesign and reconstruction since more than 85 percent of the island was destroyed in 2022. Enlisting the talents of renowned, award-winning designer and friend Daniel Pouzet – renowned for his incredible art installation structures – the team has created a socially-conscious home away from home, with a staff of nearly 100 percent Filipinos; ensuring that local traditions and timeless beauty combine with the highest contemporary standards of comfort, environmental and social responsibility. Adopting the philosophy that “small is beautiful,” the new resort will feature 10 intimate villas ranging from one to three bedrooms, including the breathtaking Perlah Villa, which has its own private beach, pool, and treehouse, as well as a number of architecturally-distinctive spaces that promote wellness and the advantages of embracing a barefoot state of mind. In accordance with this philosophy, Nay Palad offers all-inclusive rates; an approach that enables each guest’s experience to be unique, with their time on the island being carefully curated and highly personalised throughout, encouraging guests to tune into their own rhythm, eat when and where they please, and fully immerse themselves in island living. At the heart of the resort is an unwavering commitment to supporting the local community through a variety of on- and off-island programmes and initiatives. The daily menu is centred on freshly caught and grown ingredients, and all room amenities and products are derived from natural sources. Source: traveldailymedia

United Airlines’ MileagePlus is regarded as the best global loyalty programme overall. According to a recent study, the number of airline passengers in 2022 increased by approximately 47 percent compared to the previous year. This is excellent news for airlines, whose profits declined during global lockdowns and pandemic regulations. Many are upping the ante on their loyalty programmes in order to attract a broader spectrum of customers, including those who are not frequent travellers, and to provide the winning, timely experiences that consumers now expect. Good Travel Management, a global leader in business travel management, has ranked the world’s airlines according to the quality of their customer loyalty programmes. To achieve this, it standardised the latest available data for each loyalty scheme in categories such as ‘average monthly Google searches,’ ‘points expiration,’ ‘lounge reviews,’ and’minimum leg room’ to rank the world’s largest airline loyalty programmes out of ten. With an aggregate score of 7.85/10, MileagePlus with United Airlines ranks first among the 59 loyalty programmes analysed. Despite recent price increases on all tickets to Europe, MileagePlus offers the most lucrative methods to earn and redeem miles among all airlines studied. It is renowned for its lucrative travel credit card offers and has more than 100 million members. MileagePlus has the maximum positive score for points expiration (10) with no expiration date for points. It also obtains a near-perfect score (9.75) for the 342 destinations to which it flies. It also has one of the highest scores for legroom, with a generous 75 inches for passengers to extend their legs on long-haul flights (9.22). Second place goes to Aeroplan with Air Canada (6.53 points). The most recent partnership enables members to earn points by attaching their Uber/Uber Eats account in Canada to their account with the loyalty programme. Aeroplan’s loyalty programme had its greatest performance in its history at the 32nd annual Freddie Awards, where it was named Airline Programme of the Year and won awards for greatest Promotion and Best Redemption Ability. With over 368,000 monthly searches, it has one of the highest global average monthly Google search volume scores (8.18) of all the airlines studied by Good Travel Management. Additionally, it has positive lounge review scores (7) and offers the same substantial leg room as MileagePlus. However, it falls short of the top position due to a short points expiration period of only 18 months (0.25) and a smaller selection of destinations (222 in total). Source: traveldailymedia

The Oaga Art Resort in the Maldives has appointed ISA Tourism as its representative in India. Consequently, ISA Tourism will be in charge of marketing, sales, and PR services. The recently established Oaga Art Resort is only 45 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport. A modern, indigenous brand driven by a Maldivian team to curate an experience that elevates the collective narrative of the Maldives islands and provides a platform for local artists and artisans. The Oaga Art Resort offers an eclectic mix of activities and vivid impressions for inquisitive travellers, with something for everyone just around the corner – all inspired by the finest of Maldivian history, art, culture, and heritage. At Oaga, one can discover what the authentic Maldives have to offer while creating their own narrative, on the island where the magic of tales comes to life in a stunning manner. Manas Sinha, director of ISA Tourism, commented on the appointment by stating, “This alliance is comprised of ‘like-minded’ and’shared-vision’ parties. Oaga Art Resort, a genuinely Maldivian resort, has partnered with a genuinely Indian company in order to increase the business from Indian stakeholders and the number of Indian visitors to this magnificently designed, occurring, and of course the best All-Inclusive stay plan in the Maldives. The resort has the largest art collection in the Maldives and the largest mural pool in the world, which is connected to the private pools of a collection of villas by a languid river. The best excursions, F&B options, activities, mini-bar, and in-villa dining are a few of the enticing inclusions for each guest. The resort will have overwater pool villas with thrilling slides that lead directly into the pristine lagoon in the Indian Ocean by autumn. Oaga Art Resort elevates the bar as the best All-Inclusive resort option for Indian operators and Indian guests with its introduction to the Indian market. Source: travelbizmonitor

As part of the people-to-people initiative, U.S. authorities have announced the introduction of ‘in-country’ renewable H-1B visas. This initiative aims to simplify the H-1B visa renewal process for Indian professionals who are presently working in the United States on an H-1B visa. This development eliminates the need for Indian professionals to travel abroad to renew their work visas. The US visa office made the announcement just before Thursday’s crucial bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden at the White House in Washington, DC. H-1B visas, also known as work visas, are essential for technology companies that annually acquire tens of thousands of employees from countries such as India. The validity period for these visas is three years. When H-1B visa holders renew their visas, their passports must be inscribed with the new expiration dates. This certificate is required if they intend to travel outside the United States and reenter the country. It is essential to note, however, that H-1B visa re-stamping is not permitted within the United States and must be done at a consulate. Source: travelbizmonitor

Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) has announced that, beginning 18 July 2023, Ho Chi Minh City will become its sixth destination. This new route will operate twice per week between Hong Kong and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chin Minh metropolis, also known as Saigon, is a thriving metropolis in Vietnam with a variety of natural wonders, historical sites, and delectable cuisines. Vietnam has become one of Hong Kong’s most popular vacation destinations since all COVID restrictions were lifted and it was reopened to international tourism. Source: traveldailymedia

IATO and FAITH Office Bearers who attended the G20 – 4th Tourism Working Group Meeting in Goa met Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India; Nakul Anand, Chairman, FAITH; Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO & Secretary General, FAITH; Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO; Amaresh Tiwari, Vice Chairman, ICPB; Aashish Gupta, Consulting-CEO, FAITH met Pololikashvili informally and had an introduction and general discussion with him. From 18 to 21 June 2023, the Taj Resort & Convention Centre in Goa will host the G-20 Tourism Working Group’s fourth meeting. Source: travelbizmonitor

as Island Abu Dhabi is lighting up the internet with a contagious and foot-tapping remix of “AlHamdulillah w Chefnakom” by Miami Band! This catchy rendition has taken over social media, with over 75 million views and thousands of compliments, likes, shares, and remarks across TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. The playful and lighthearted video not only gets you moving, but it also highlights the countless marvels of this bustling location.Yas Island Abu Dhabi has everything, from thrilling award-winning theme parks to opulent hotels, premier dining experiences, and unbeatable retail destinations. Viewers can witness ‘AlHamdullah w Chefnakom’ on the destination’s TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram social media pages. Source: traveldailymedia