Travel News Page 627
Thailand Welcomes Over 35 Million Visitors in 2024
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) proudly announces that international tourist arrivals have surpassed the target of 35 million visitors in 2024, generating over 1.8 trillion Baht in tourism revenue. This landmark achievement highlights Thailand’s strong tourism rebound and sets the foundation for an even greater year ahead, as 2025 has been declared the ‘Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year.’
Aeroflot resumes flights to Hong Kong
Aeroflot made the first flight from Moscow to Hong Kong. The airline’s plane landed at Hong Kong International Airport earlier this week. The airline suspended the program of regular flights from Sheremetyevo Airport to Hong Kong in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This winter season, three weekly flights to Hong Kong will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The Peninsula Hotels Welcomes Philip Kadoorie as Newly Appointed Deputy Chairman
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH), owner and operator of The Peninsula Hotels,is pleased to announce that Mr Philip Lawrence Kadoorie, Non-Executive Director of the Company, will be appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Board to succeed Mr Andrew Clifford Winawer Brandler with effect from 1 January 2025. Mr Kadoorie will also be appointed as a member of the Executive Committee with effect from 1 January 2025.
Dara Sakor International Airport (Koh Kong) receives first chartered flight
Dara Sakor International Airport, which is operated by Coastal Airport Investment Co. Ltd (CAI), began trial operations on the morning of December 26, with the arrival of a chartered flight from Phnom Penh International Airport carrying more than 50 passengers. Located in Kiri Sakor and Botum Sakor districts of Koh Kong Province, Dara the airport is being developed by CAI, with an investment of $200 million. Now in the first phase, a 218 hectare area has been developed. In the next phase, an additional 1,000 hectares will be developed.
Air New Zealand’s most popular inflight entertainment revealed
The airline has revealed the most-watched movies and TV shows on its inflight entertainment for 2024, with Jason Statham’s action thriller The Beekeeper securing the top spot. Romantic comedy Anyone But You came in second, but it’s clear customers preferred a fast-paced flick to help the time fly by, with titles like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and The Fall Guy dominating the list of top movies.
The Amerigo Vespucci World Tour arrives in Abu Dhabi
The world tour of the Amerigo Vespucci , the historic sailing ship and training ship of the Italian Navy, Ambassador of Made in Italy in the world, is arriving for the first time in its 93-year history in the United Arab Emirates. It will stop in Abu Dhabi from 27 to 31 December, the 31st leg of the Vespucci World Tour, which started from Italy on 1 July 2023.
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Hosts Michelin-Starred Chef Louis Anjos
This January, Minor Hotels’ Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat will host its first-ever Michelin-star dining event, featuring the culinary artistry of renowned Chef Louis Anjos. Over three extraordinary evenings, from 12 to 14 January, guests will embark on a gastronomic journey at Thalassa, where the allure of the Arabian Gulf meets Greek-inspired elegance.
TAKE A DEEPER LOOK AT THE WORLD WITH SILVERSEA’S 230 NEW VOYAGES FOR 2026/2027
Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has announced 230 new voyages for 2026/2027, expanding its industry-leading destination offering. The new voyage collection, which will take guests to all seven continents, features 131 expedition voyages to some of the world’s most remote regions and 99 ocean sailings that will blend luxury and cultural immersion in over 400 destinations in more than 85 countries.
Saudia Partners with Resal to Convert Earned Points into AlFursan Reward Miles
Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has signed a strategic partnership with Resal, a leading Saudi company specializing in digital rewards solutions and loyalty programs. This collaboration allows Resal customers to convert their earned points from purchases via the Resal app into AlFursan Reward Miles, granting them access to various travel benefits and exclusive offers from AlFursan Loyalty Program. The agreement was signed by Essam Akhonbay, Vice President of AlFursan Loyalty Program at Saudia, and Hatem Al-Kameli, CEO of Resal.
Dubai’s Hatta Winter Festival greets visitors with an array of exciting activities
The Hatta Winter Festival, being held as part of the Hatta Winter initiative, has captured the public imagination with 140 workshops showcasing Emirati cultural and artistic traditions to thousands of visitors from across the country and beyond. Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, has organised the workshops as part of a diverse schedule of activities catering to visitors of varied interests and ages, with most of the activities designed to appeal to the whole family.
Icelandair and ITA Airways introduce strategic partnership
Icelandair and ITA Airways Italy have signed a Codeshare Agreement that will allow customers to seamlessly travel across the two airlines’ networks, opening new and exciting travel possibilities. The flights are available for sale from today, with travel starting 20 January 2025.
UN Tourism Strengthens Collaboration with Austria to Advance Sustainable Tourism
UN Tourism and Austria have discussed opportunities for further collaboration and for strengthening partnerships in the areas of sustainability, statistics and development.