Here’s the latest news affecting Wise Travellers across the globe.
Malaysia Airlines has landed its first flight at Da Nang, Vietnam, marking a new daily route from its Kuala Lumpur hub.
All passengers on the flight were gifted limited-edition postcards, curated in collaboration with photographer Acacia Diana, showcasing Da Nang scenery.
Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, CEO of Airlines at MAG, said: “The impressive load factor of 90% reflects strong demand for travel to the city.” Da Nang is Malaysia Airlines’ third destination in Vietnam.
Air Astana plans to install additional fuel tanks on Airbus A321LR aircraft to enable longer non-stop flights over long-haul distances without requiring technical stopovers.
From October, the airline will resume non-stop flights on the Almaty to London route, which has been operating with a technical stop in Aktau since March 2022.
With the new modifications, the route will become fully non-stop, reducing the overall flight time by 1.5 hours. At 9h 35m, this will make it one of the longest narrow body routes in the world.
Melbourne Airport has unveiled plans for the Elite Park development, an entertainment and lifestyle destination precinct. The 32-hectare site between the Tullamarine Freeway and Airport Drive is expected to support over 2,000 jobs.
It is slated to be developed in three phases over nine years, with development due to start in 2025. Elite Park will also support the continued growth of the City of Hume as a tourism destination.
Chief of Ground Transport, Property and Retail Jai McDermott said Elite Park said: “Melbourne Airport is more than just an airport. We are building community spaces that create jobs and places where people can spend time with friends and family.”
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has confirmed a deal with Destination Gold Coast Consortium for an Andaz resort in the Gold Coast, Australia.
Destination Gold Coast Consortium is a joint venture between parent company, The Star Entertainment Group, and its partners, Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.
Andaz Gold Coast will be part of an integrated resort masterplan, The Star Gold Coast. The hotel will debut the Andaz brand in Australia and the Pacific region. Occupying floors six to 21 of the 65-story second tower, the hotel will have 202 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre and three food and beverage outlets.
David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt, said: “Hyatt has had a brand presence in Australia for over 40 years, and we are excited to expand our luxury, lifestyle and leisure offerings.”
Riviera Travel has announced it will operate a new ship on Mekong River cruises from 2026.
The 70-guest Victoria Mekong has 33 staterooms and two suites, all with private balconies.
The ship will operate a new Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures of the Mekong River cruise and tour. There are 15-night Saigon to Siem Reap upstream and 14-night Siem Reap to Saigon downstream options available. There will be a total of six departures from January to November.
Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The Victoria Mekong is a fantastic addition to the fleet, offering a modern onboard experience from which our guests can enjoy the wonders of the Mekong River.”
Accor has announced plans for three more hotels in Singapore. It includes the signing of two new-build properties set to open by 2027 with partners, Fragrance Group Limited and Global Premium Hotels Limited, which are both owned by Koh Wee Meng.
The deal spans three separate Accor brands. It will introduce Mövenpick Singapore, the largest Mövenpick hotel in the Asia Pacific, the first Mövenpick Living branded property in Singapore and a Handwritten Collection branded hotel.
Located near the CBD, Mövenpick Singapore will be the largest Mövenpick hotel in the Asia Pacific, with approximately 808 keys. The same building will house Mövenpick Living Singapore, with 37 units ideal for business or leisure extended stays.
Garth Simmons, COO of Accor’s Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division in Asia, said, “Singapore is a key destination for both tourism and business in Asia, and we are thrilled to strengthen our presence with these new properties.”
Andy Probert is an independent journalist and PR writer. He writes about travel, aviation, new tech and business. His work has appeared on the BBC, in The Daily Telegraph, Hurriyet Daily News and other newspapers worldwide.
