News

Thai AirAsia Launches Phuket-Medan Route, Boosting Tourism and Regional Connectivity

Thai AirAsia launches a groundbreaking Phuket-Medan route, enhancing regional connectivity, boosting tourism, and unlocking new economic opportunities between Thailand and Indonesia. Thai AirAsia is taking regional travel to new heights with the launch of a direct flight route connecting Phuket to Medan, Indonesia, offering travelers an exciting opportunity to explore more of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems. Beginning June 27, the new route will operate four times a week—every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—connecting two vibrant and culturally rich destinations. This seamless service is set to boost tourism and make it easier for visitors to experience the unique offerings of both locations. Tansita Akraritpirom, Head of Commercial at Thai AirAsia, shared on April 16 that the new route is a key strategy for boosting tourism and economic activity in both Thailand and Indonesia. AirAsia has been expanding its international network from Phuket, with recent additions including direct flights to India and other ASEAN countries. The Phuket–Medan route strengthens this expansion, targeting emerging markets and further cementing Phuket’s status as a major travel hub. Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, Head of Indonesia AirAsia Affairs & Policy, praised the new route as a major milestone in enhancing connectivity and tourism between the two nations. Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, continues to be a top tourism destination, renowned for its white-sand beaches, vibrant nightlife, and water sports activities. In 2023, Phuket welcomed more than 11.3 million tourists, contributing over 388 billion baht in revenue to the local economy.

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J&K plans to develop nine new tourism destinations with World Bank funding

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said his government is planning to develop nine new tourism destinations across the Union Territory, expressing hope that the World Bank will put aside its “traditional sort of reluctance” to fund any project in J&K. Seeking support of tourism players in promoting the industry back home, Abdullah highlighted the challenges posed by “ridiculous prices” of air tickets to and fro Kashmir and hoped for a relief by the inauguration of direct train by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in coming days. “We have nine new destinations in mind that we hope to get funded through a multilateral agency. We hope these destinations will ease some sort of pressure on Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg in the valley and also open up areas of Jammu hitherto undiscovered for tourism. “Until those new destinations come up, the valley as we see it today is pretty much saturated. The moment the tulip garden is open, Srinagar for all intents and purposes grinds to a halt,” the chief minister said while addressing a tourism-related event here. Later, answering the queries of some of the participants including K B Kachru, Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor, South Asia for the Radisson Hotel Group, Abdullah said his government has already worked on these nine destinations.

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India’s Travel & Tourism Set for 7% Decade-Long Growth, Says WTTC

India’s travel and tourism sector is expected to experience significant growth, with projections indicating an annual increase of seven percent over the next decade, as reported by the World Travel & Tourism Council. This growth is driven by the country’s rapidly expanding economy, increased foreign investment, and a growing middle class that is fueling domestic and international travel. The sector’s contribution to India’s GDP is anticipated to rise, aligning it closer to the global average of ten percent. As India continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism hub, the rise in travel-related investments and infrastructure development will play a crucial role in sustaining this upward trajectory. India’s travel and tourism sector presents a remarkable growth opportunity, with projections indicating a 7% annual expansion over the next decade. Currently, travel and tourism contribute 7% to India’s economy, compared to the global average of 10%. Given the country’s rapid development, it’s anticipated that India will soon reach those global figures. In monetary terms, the industry was valued at around 230 billion US dollars, and over the next ten years, it’s set to grow by 7% annually, marking an exciting growth trajectory.

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Edelweiss Secures CLA25 Approval, Ensuring Long-Term Stability and Growth

Edelweiss, the Swiss-based airline, is celebrating a resounding success following the acceptance of its new collective labor agreement, CLA25. The agreement was approved by the cabin crew with a notable 83.8% participation rate and an overwhelming 91.9% approval rate. Set to take effect on May 1, 2025, CLA25 brings with it a minimum five-year term, marking an important milestone in the airline’s commitment to long-term stability and growth. The agreement follows the successful approval of a similar contract for the airline’s pilots last year, further solidifying Edelweiss’s dedication to maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships with its employees. With this second collective labor agreement in place, Edelweiss is poised to continue its journey of expansion while ensuring that its workforce remains well-compensated and motivated. A Bold Step into the Future: Airbus A350 Fleet A major aspect of Edelweiss’s forward-looking strategy is the addition of six state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft to its fleet. This next-generation fleet represents not only an investment in technology and sustainability but also in creating an optimal working environment for both pilots and cabin crew. The Airbus A350s will set new standards in comfort and innovation, providing crews with state-of-the-art technology, quiet zones, and well-designed workspaces.

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Swissôtel Living Debuts First Asian Location in Jakarta’s Mega Kuningan

In a significant milestone for the luxury hospitality sector, Indonesia proudly hosts the debut of Swissôtel Living’s first Asian property with the opening of Jakarta Mega Kuningan. This exciting launch introduces a new standard of urban living, blending Swiss sophistication with modern Indonesian design. Located in Jakarta’s thriving Mega Kuningan district, the residence offers both long-term homes and short-term stays, providing an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers alike. This marks the beginning of Swissôtel Living’s expansion in Asia, bringing world-class service and sustainable luxury to one of the region’s most dynamic cities. Partnering with PT Tokyu Land Indonesia, Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan embodies a contemporary approach to urban living. This property merges minimalist Japanese design with Swiss elegance, leveraging the strengths of both partners to create a unique experience. Swissôtel Living caters to both long-term residents and short-term visitors, offering 240 meticulously designed serviced apartments in the vibrant Mega Kuningan business district. Ranging from studio units to spacious one- and two-bedroom residences, each apartment is equipped with a fully functional kitchen, expansive living areas, in-room washing machines, high-end Pürovel bath amenities, and cozy bedrooms. Guests also benefit from seamless connectivity, with easy access to key roadways that lead to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. The property boasts a wellness center, sauna, and an outdoor swimming pool set amidst verdant gardens, providing ample space for relaxation and revitalization. Notably, Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan is one of Indonesia’s pioneering serviced apartment complexes powered entirely by renewable energy. This commitment significantly lowers its carbon footprint, contributing to the city’s environmental sustainability goals. Additionally, the project supports Jakarta’s urban development with enhancements such as new bicycle lanes along Sudirman Road and infrastructure upgrades in the Mega Kuningan area.

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Air India Express Starts North Goa Flights, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi Routes in May

Air India Express has expanded its operations in Goa with the launch of services from Manohar International Airport (GOX) in North Goa, starting April 15, 2025. This strategic move complements the airline’s existing network at Goa International Airport (GOI) in South Goa and strengthens its footprint across the state. With this dual-airport strategy, Air India Express now operates over 115 weekly flights to and from Goa—75 from GOI and more than 40 from GOX. The airline has introduced new direct flights from North Goa to Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Indore. It will operate twice-daily services to Delhi, daily flights to Bengaluru and Indore, and six-times-weekly flights to Chennai. Services to Hyderabad are scheduled to begin on May 3, 2025. Expanding its international reach, the airline will also launch direct flights to Kuwait from May 3, followed by Abu Dhabi from May 5, 2025. A commemorative event was held at Manohar International Airport to celebrate the commencement of operations. The ceremony was attended by Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer, and Shashi Chetia, Vice President – Network Planning, Air India Express, along with Anand Ramachandran, Deputy CEO, Manohar International Airport. Key stakeholders from CISF, Customs, and operational partners were also present. A ceremonial boarding pass was presented to the first passenger of the inaugural flight. Air India Express already operates 75 weekly flights from Goa International Airport (GOI), connecting major Indian cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, and offering international services to Dubai. Travellers can also explore curated vacation packages through the airline’s ‘Xpress Holidays’ platform, which provides end-to-end experiences including flights, hotels, transfers, and local excursions.

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