News

Sarawak Targets 5 Million Visitors by 2025 with Air Borneo & New Airport Project

Malaysia’s Sarawak plans to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025 with the launch of Air Borneo and a new airport, boosting tourism and economic growth in the region. Sarawak, a state in East Malaysia, is optimistic about boosting tourism with the launch of its own airline and a potential new airport, aiming to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025. In February, Sarawak officially acquired MASwings from the Malaysia Aviation Group, marking a significant step in Premier Abang Johari Openg’s plan for self-sufficiency in air connectivity and boosting economic growth. The new state-owned airline, Air Borneo, aims to offer lower airfares, further stimulating tourism. Abang Johari has identified six key international markets—Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and Germany, among others—as target destinations for Air Borneo, although specific details will be finalized when the airline launches in 2026. MASwings currently operates a fleet of eight ATR 72-500 aircraft and six De Havilland Canada 6-400s, with two ATR 72-600s on order.

Read more

Vietnam’s Luxury Train Service On The Hanoi-Hai Phong Route To Debut In May

A newly designed luxury train, featuring 20 state-of-the-art carriages, is set to begin service in May, offering a premium experience on the Hanoi-Hai Phong route. Tran Thi Hoang Mai, the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Hai Phong, revealed that the train will start operations before May 13, in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Hai Phong’s liberation from French colonial rule. Among the train’s highlights are two VIP carriages, each equipped with 16 single-seat sofas and five sets of 20-seat sofas, spread across three separate sections. These carriages offer natural wooden flooring, sophisticated decor, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a bar featuring live musical entertainment, ensuring a luxurious and unforgettable journey. The remaining 18 carriages are equipped with 56 reclining seats, plastic carpeted flooring, stone-patterned plastic walls, and LED-lit ceilings, creating a modern yet comfortable atmosphere. Authorities in Hai Phong are optimistic that this new luxury train will boost railway tourism and offer a distinctive travel experience for passengers.

Read more

Lufthansa rolls out new Allegris First Class experience

The travel experience in Lufthansa First Class with the new cabin interior on long-haul flights is now even more exclusive. The Allegris First Class cabin can be experienced in the summer timetable on flights from Munich to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru. Travelers can additionally enjoy the new cabin product in Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class on flights to New York-Newark (from mid-April), and from the beginning of August, also to Charlotte. Since February, nine A350-900s with the new cabin interior have already been flying for Lufthansa, eight of them with the new First Class. Almost half a million passengers in all classes have now enjoyed the new cabin. This year, the retrofitting of the existing fleet with Lufthansa Allegris will commence, beginning with the Boeing 747-8. “We are completely reinventing the Lufthansa First Class travel experience with Allegris and making it even more exclusive,” said Jens Ritter, Chief Executive Officer Lufthansa Airlines. “Our new First Class, with its unique suites, defines the concept of privacy like never before and is unrivaled worldwide. We are also investing in exclusivity and comfort on the ground by completely redesigning our First Class check-in areas and lounges in Munich and Frankfurt.”

Read more

Thailand Invites ASEAN Tourists Promising Access To Top-tier Wellness And Medical Services

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the Amazing Thailand Health and Beauty initiative, aimed at promoting the country’s health and wellness tourism to ASEAN travelers. Kicking off with a three-day Consumer Fair in Cambodia from March 21 to 23, 2025, the campaign highlights Thailand’s leadership in the wellness sector while celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties with Cambodia. In partnership with VISA, the initiative offers exclusive deals to Cambodian VISA cardholders, providing access to premium health, beauty, and wellness services in Thailand. The broader initiative seeks to engage health-conscious travelers and increase awareness of Thailand’s high-quality healthcare offerings, with additional promotions available through strategic partnerships and online platforms. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled the Amazing Thailand Health and Beauty initiative, kicking off with a three-day Consumer Fair in Cambodia from March 21 to 23, 2025. The event, which was graced by the presence of H.E. Mr. Tull Traisorat, Thailand’s Ambassador to Cambodia, was marked by a grand opening ceremony. This initiative underscores Thailand’s leadership in the ASEAN health and wellness tourism sector while celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations with Cambodia. As part of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025 and under the Grand Privilege campaign—one of the year’s five Grand Concepts—TAT has teamed up with VISA to offer exclusive perks to Cambodian VISA cardholders, providing easier access to Thailand’s top health and beauty services.

Read more

SAKA Museum at AYANA Bali Unveils Three Captivating Exhibitions Celebrating Bali’s Rich Cultural Legacy

SAKA Museum at AYANA Bali is excited to unveil three stunning new exhibitions that offer an immersive experience into the island’s vibrant cultural heritage. Set to open in early April, following Bali’s sacred Nyepi holiday—known as the Day of Silence—these exhibits invite visitors to delve into the island’s deep-rooted traditions, its profound connection to nature, and the spirituality that guides everyday life. The new exhibitions are: Kasanga: Nyepi Exhibition Subak: The Ancient Order of Bali Heritage Gallery: The Five Elements (Panca Maha Bhuta) These additions join the museum’s existing renowned exhibits, including Sasi Wimba Haneng Gata Poem, Palelintangan: Balinese Astrology, and Ogoh-ogoh: Walking Among Giants. Together, these exhibitions create a comprehensive exploration of Bali’s rich cultural fabric, emphasizing the island’s beliefs, traditions, and the spiritual philosophy of Tri Hita Karana—the Balinese principle that fosters harmony between God, nature, and humanity. The museum also celebrates the masterpieces of renowned Balinese artists, showcasing their creative contributions to the island’s artistic legacy. This is an extraordinary opportunity to experience the creativity, spirituality, and cultural identity that define Bali.

Read more

Airbus Leads the Aviation Revolution with Cutting-Edge Hydrogen Flight and Next-Gen Aircraft Blueprint

At the 2025 Airbus Summit, the aerospace giant unveiled its forward-looking plans to revolutionize the commercial aviation industry. Airbus revealed its vision for a next-generation single-aisle aircraft, targeting entry into service by the second half of the 2030s. Additionally, the company shared an updated roadmap for its ZEROe project, focusing on the development of cutting-edge hydrogen-powered flight technology. In a major reaffirmation of its commitment to sustainable aviation, Airbus underscored its dedication to launching a hydrogen-powered aircraft that is commercially viable. The summit also highlighted several technological breakthroughs that are critical for advancing toward a fully electric, fuel-cell-powered commercial aircraft. This pathway, which has gained momentum after years of research, promises to be the most viable solution for achieving a greener, more sustainable aviation future. Airbus Head of Future Programmes Bruno Fichefeux says, “Hydrogen is at the heart of our commitment to decarbonise aviation. While we’ve adjusted our roadmap, our dedication to hydrogen-powered flight is unwavering. Just as we saw in the automotive sector, fully electric aircraft powered by hydrogen fuel cells have the potential in the longer term to revolutionise air transport for the better, complementing the sustainable aviation fuel pathway.”

Read more