Turkish Airlines to launch Phnom Penh flights
Turkish Airlines will commence flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh on December 10 this year, establishing the first regular service between Europe and Cambodia’s capital.
The airline will operate three-weekly flights to Phnom Penh via Bangkok. Flights will depart from Istanbul to Phnom Penh on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while flights from Phnom Penh to Istanbul will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
AirAsia X
AirAsia X adds new route to Karachi in Pakistan
AirAsia X (AAX) has introduced a new route to Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, starting May 30.
Flying four times a week, AAX is the only low-cost carrier in Malaysia to provide direct service to Karachi, enhancing affordable connectivity between the two nations as well as linking travellers from Pakistan to Malaysia and the rest of South-east Asia.
Vietjet
Vietjet flies direct from Singapore to Phu Quoc
Starting from May 30, Vietjet will operate direct flights between Singapore and Phu Quoc, offering four return flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This new route adds to Vietjet’s existing connections from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Danang, increasing the total number of weekly single-leg flights between Vietnam and Singapore to 78.
Philippine Airlines
PAL starts Cebu-Catarman service
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has launched the first-ever non-stop flights between Cebu and Catarman on March 4.
The thrice weekly Cebu-Catarman-Cebu service is the 22nd route operated by PAL from its gateway hub at Mactan-Cebu airport.
From May 2, the airline will also introduce non-stop flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with an initial schedule of three flights per week every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Oceania Cruises has launched its 2027 Around the World cruise, a 180-day voyage visiting over 100 ports across 46 countries and six continents aboard the new Vista. Bookings open on 12 March.
Setting sail from Miami on January 6, 2027, the 1,200-guest ship will offer a journey with an itinerary designed to connect guests to cultures, history, landscapes, and cuisine. Over six months, guests will explore more than 150 UNESCO World Heritage sites, discovering cultural and natural wonders worldwide.
Oceania Cruises’ 2027 Around the World cruise will span 180 days, visiting over 100 ports across six continents, with the voyage set to depart on January 6, 2027
Guests will transit the Panama Canal, island-hop through the Pacific from Hawaii to Fiji, and cruise along Australia’s coastline. Two months in Asia will explore Thailand’s temples, Hong Kong’s markets, and Japan’s cherry blossoms. After visiting the Arabian Peninsula’s cities, Vista will sail the Mediterranean, from Greece and Italy to the Iberian Peninsula and France, before concluding in London. Two other itineraries are available: a 244-day Epic Global Adventure from Miami to New York, and a 127-day Continental Explorer from Miami to Doha.
Starting at US$76,199 per person for the 180-Day Voyage, Oceania Cruises’ 2027 Around the World sailing features the Exclusive Prestige Package, an array of additional complimentary amenities, including a choice of Free Unlimited Wine, Beer, and Spirits or a Shore Excursion Credit, plus Exclusive Shoreside Events. These extras are in addition to the line’s amenities, which cover gourmet speciality dining, in-room dining, unlimited Wi-Fi, and shipboard gratuities.
Mercure Madiun, Indonesia Inspired by the city’s railway heritage, Mercure Madiun offers guests an inviting and culturally immersive experience in East Java.,
Located near the INKA Railway Museum, Madiun Train Station, and Alun-Alun, Mercure Madiun offers easy access to key business districts, government offices, shopping centres, and culinary hotspots.
The hotel features 153 guestrooms, a swimming pool, fitness centre, kids’ club, F&B, as well as event venues, including the Grand Ballroom, which will accommodate up to 700 guests when launched later this year.
Cube Social@Boat Quay
Cube Social@Boat Quay, Singapore The three-storey Cube Social@Boat Quay consists of 72 capsules fitted with a mixture of queen-sized and single beds. There are 13 private rooms ranging from 11m² to 30m², with one room specifically equipped for wheelchair accessibility.
Each capsule at Cube Social is designed with temperature and airflow control, noise insulation, and amenities such as a universal electrical outlet, room safe, vanity area, foldable table, and luggage storage. The bathrooms offer eco-friendly toiletries, and an amenity bar provides items like slippers, combs, and shower caps. There is also a women-only section for privacy, and guests can socialise with books and board games.
Guests can enjoy all-day refreshments at the bar lounge, and relax on verandah seating with views of the Singapore River. Amenities include stationary bikes, a soundproof phone booth, daily housekeeping, 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi, and digital access.
Situated along the historic riverside area of the Singapore River, Cube Social@Boat Quay is located across from Singapore’s Civic District, providing easy access to the Raffles Landing Site, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.
Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala
Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala, Pakistan Located in the centre of Gujranwala, Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala is surrounded by downtown landmarks, commercial attractions, and government offices.
The hotel’s 26 rooms and suites are well-equipped with modern amenities, and facilities comprise a swimming pool, gym, sauna, café, restaurant, and meeting venues.
Best Western Hotel City Center Gujranwala is just over an hour’s drive from Sialkot International Airport, which offers direct flights to and from major regional cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Jeddah and Kuwait City.
Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa
Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa, Sri Lanka Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa is an all-suite boutique villa, originally built in the 1870s.
Hidden under a canopy of a lush coconut plantation, the Walauwa (which means large house) features four grand suites and two additional suites, each boasting a four-poster bed, and a bathtub.
The property offers a large swimming pool, gardens, and an open-style dining hall that offers gourmet meals. Guests can also choose to dine in their own suite.
Jetwing Wahawa Walauwa is just two and a half hours from Colombo, and one and a half hours from Kandy. Guests can take a short train ride from Rambukkana to Kadugannawa which features a picturesque train journey with views of Bible Rock and the surrounding valley.
Some of Sri Lanka’s biggest names in the leisure industry have been appointed to a new Tourism Advisory Committee by the government to drive the tourism agenda in the country.
The 14-member committee is chaired by Dileep Mudadeniya, a former managing director of Sri Lanka Tourism and currently senior vice president of John Keells Holdings. Other members include SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall; Nuwaraeliya Hotels Company deputy chairman/managing director Gerard George Ondaatjie; Connaissance de Ceylon and Thema Collection chairman/managing director Chandra Wickramasinghe; Galle Face Hotels group vice president Nihal Muhandiram; and three heads of state agencies involved in tourism.
Sri Lanka establishes Tourism Advisory Committee to foster sustainable growth and leverage the country’s growing tourism recognition
The mandate of the committee is to advise the government on strategic and sustainable tourism development, so as to enhance the growth of the tourism industry in line with the National Tourism Policy.
The committee has been appointed under the current Tourism Act and is expected to continue during the term of the incumbent government.
When asked about the committee’s immediate action plans, Mudadeniya said members had just held a preliminary meeting.
“At our second meeting (in April), we would look at our agenda and (decide) how we should further proceed,” he said, adding that the committee will gather once a month.
The formation of the Tourism Advisory Committee comes at a time when Sri Lanka is gaining glowing reviews for its tourism draws. Among the many recognitions are Sri Lanka’s inclusion on BBC Travel’s 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025, Sigiriya being declared the World’s Most Welcoming City for 2025 by Booking.com, and the Pekoe Trail being featured in Time’s World’s Greatest Places in 2025.
Silversea has introduced its new brand positioning, To Finding More, setting new luxury standards by focusing on emotion and authenticity. It empowers guests to create their own stories, inspiring exploration and capturing unforgettable moments through vivid imagery and a distinctive tone.
This reimagined brand expression is now live across the company’s channels and platforms.
Silversea’s new brand positioning celebrates the joy of travel and appeals to the shared curiosity of Silversea’s guests with emotion and authenticity
Silversea’s new brand positioning reflects its guests’ curiosity, uniting travellers with a shared mindset. Known as Eternal Wanderers, these explorers seek cultural discovery, new adventures, and self-enrichment. To Finding More embodies Silversea’s commitment to meeting these desires through immersive experiences like the S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) culinary programme. Its two pioneering Nova-Class ships, Silver Nova and Silver Ray, alongside the development of the world’s southernmost hotel, showcase Silversea’s dedication to exclusive travel, luxury expeditions, and polar exploration.
Annette Diaz, interim chief marketing officer, Silversea, said: “Designed to inspire a sense of discovery, To Finding More will be seamlessly integrated across our channels, redefining luxury advertising. This new positioning marks a shift in what luxury travel can be — grounded in discovery, deeply connecting our brand and guests to the stories, cultures, experiences, and moments that only Silversea can offer.”
“Beyond reflecting our new brand positioning, To Finding More embodies the joy of travel as a tribute to our guests, whose curiosity leads them to the farthest corners of the Earth,” added Bert Hernandez, president, Silversea. “It is a celebration of the places that give us a new perspective and the people we meet who inspire that perspective. It embraces the spirit of immersive discovery, engaging travellers as they uncover hidden wonders with us – all in uncompromised comfort.”
Fusion Hotel Group has named Markus Gloor as the new regional director for South-East Asia. In this role, Gloor will be responsible for the opening and management of new properties outside Thailand and Vietnam.
With three decades of experience in the hospitality sector in Switzerland and Thailand, Gloor previously served as the director of operations in Thailand, where he played a key role in expanding the brand.
Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo in Indonesia has appointed Peter-Paul Kleiss as the new general manager.
With a distinguished career across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, he joined Ta’aktana in 2023 as director of operations. His dedication to operational excellence and improving guest experiences led to his promotion to general manager.
Michael Wieser returns to Lily Hotels as CEO, having previously held the role before the Covid-19 pandemic.
With 35 years of international hospitality experience, he has held leadership positions with some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands, with a proven track record in operations, guest satisfaction, and strategic growth.
Wieser will oversee the development and expansion of the two resorts in the Lily portfolio: Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
CBRE is bolstering its hotels and hospitality team in Asia-Pacific with the appointments of Andrew Hunter as senior director, and Mark Hahm as associate director.
Hunter, based in Singapore, will collaborate with CBRE’s global, Asia-Pacific, and local hotels teams to enhance cross-border hotel investment opportunities. He will focus on client engagement to drive deal distribution and provide essential hotel market intelligence to empower clients in their real estate investment strategies.
From left: Andrew Hunter and Mark Hahm
Hahm, based in Seoul, joins CBRE from JLL where he held a senior role managing hotel transactions. He will enhance transaction execution in South Korea, leveraging his experience with hotel owners and investors.
Long-term trend of air accidents has declined over 2005 to 2024
Aviation leaders emphasise airlines’ safety culture and “zero tolerance” for safety breaches
2024 accidents attracted widespread media attention, but the travelling public has continued to choose to fly
IATA’s 2024 safety report shows a steady decline in accident rates, though recent incidents have sparked concern
The IATA Annual Safety Report – 2024, released at the end of February, has emphasised a long-term significant reduction in accident rates amid current public concerns about the safety of air travel.
The report noted 1.13 accidents per million sectors in 2024 compared to 3.72 accidents per million sectors in 2005.
However, the 46 accidents in 2024 based on IATA’s classification criteria represent a nine per cent increase compared to 2023, the safest year on record for commercial airline travel.
Among accidents listed in the IATA Annual Safety Report – 2024 are:
January 2025: A Japan Airlines Airbus 350-900 collided with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft at Haneda Airport. While all passengers on the A350-900 escaped, five on board the Japan CoastGuard aircraft lost their lives.
January 2025: An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX suffered a fuselage separation while taking off from Portland’s airport. All 177 passengers survived the emergency landing.
May 2024: An SIA Boeing 777-300 experienced a severe turbulence event, resulting in an emergency landing in Bangkok and one fatality.
July 2024: A Saurya Airlines CRJ-200 crashed on take-off in Nepal and claimed 18 lives
Airlines successfully transported five billion passengers worldwide on more than 40 million flights, and IATA asserts commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of public transport.
Director general, Willie Walsh, said: “Even with recent high profile aviation accidents, it is important to remember that accidents are extremely rare.
“There were 40.6 million flights in 2024 and seven fatal accidents… a decade ago, the five-year average (2011-2015) was one accident for every 456,000 flights. Today, the five-year average (2020-2024) is one accident for every 810,000 flights.”
The topic of air safety was also raised at the recent Aviation Festival Asia (AFA) in Singapore. Julia Simpson, president and CEO of WTTC, and airline chiefs echoed the industry’s safety-first principle and regulatory measures that make flying the safest means of transportation.
In fact, airlines cannot fly if they do not meet the regulatory requirements, asserted Richard Nuttal, CEO, SriLankan Airlines.
Simpson, formerly with British Airways, reiterated that the industry’s has “zero tolerance” for air incidents.
Easily forgiven
While recent air incidents have made prominent news headlines, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines director general, Subhas Menon, told TTG Asia that “air travel confidence has not been dented”.
Menon continued: “Forward bookings have not been affected by these incidents. Air transport is still the safest mode of travel and people know that.”
An AFA commentator’s quip that “people have short memories” seems to ring true.
IATA’s January 2025 data shows global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres, was up 10 per cent compared to January 2024, and total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, was up 7.1 per cent year-on-year.
The January load factor was 82.1 per cent (up 2.2 percentage points compared to January 2024), an all-time high for the month.
International demand rose 12.4 per cent compared to January 2024. Capacity was up 8.7 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 82.6 per cent (up 2.7 percentage points compared to January 2024), an all-time high for the month.
Domestic demand rose 6.1 per cent compared to January 2024. Capacity was up 4.5 per cent year-on-year. The load factor was 81.2 per cent (up 1.2 percentage points compared to January 2024), an all-time high for the month.
IATA’s Walsh commented: “We’ve seen a notable acceleration in demand this January, with a particularly strong performance by carriers based in the Asia-Pacific region.”
In the 2025 World’s Safest Airlines top 25 ranking, Airline Ratings placed full-service regional carriers Air New Zealand, Qantas and Cathay Pacific in the first three spots; ANA, EVA Air, Korean Air, Japan Airlines (JAL) and Vietnam Airlines also made the list.
In the low-cost carrier category, the list includes Hong Kong Express, Jetstar Group, AirAsia, VietJet Air, IndiGo, Cebu Pacific and ZipAir.
While it may be considered taboo and airlines are often reluctant to discuss their safety records, Steven Ler, president of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), stated that winning an award serves as a valuable reference point for gaining passenger trust.
In addition to promoting the “luxury of the seats,” he suggested that not enough is being done to market safety to customers, such as highlighting features like “a young fleet” or “aircraft less than five years old”.
He said: “Airlines from all over the world fly to Singapore, but most Singaporeans trust Singapore Airlines and see it as the main carrier.
“New airlines like Gulf Air, a Gold award winner in the Middle East, may be unfamiliar.”
Gulf Air was the official airline partner of the recent NATAS Fair, while Singapore Airlines was the strategic airline partner.
Ler, who is also the executive director of UOB Travel Planners, continues to fly with Garuda Indonesia despite the airline’s struggles with its safety record over the years.
He noted that most incidents are “one-off” and that the airline has “put in the effort to improve”, describing it as a “value-for-money airline”.
With three decades of experience in the hospitality sector in Switzerland and Thailand, Gloor previously served as the director of operations in Thailand, where he played a key role in expanding the brand.
With a distinguished career across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, he joined Ta’aktana in 2023 as director of operations. His dedication to operational excellence and improving guest experiences led to his promotion to general manager.
Wieser will oversee the development and expansion of the two resorts in the Lily portfolio: Lily Beach Resort & Spa and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
