Vivid Sydney 2024 Program Unveiled

SYDNEY, AU, Mar 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, today unveiled its captivating program for 2024.

Vivid Sydney 2023
Photo credit: Destination NSW

From 24 May to 15 June, the festival promises 23 nights of unforgettable experiences, exploring the theme of ‘Humanity’ through Light, Music, Ideas and Food.

Australia’s largest event will transform Sydney with mesmerising light installations and 3D projections from Circular Quay to The Goods Line; genre-spanning music performances and creative showcases; a formidable Vivid Ideas program featuring experiences that will open minds; and a mouth-watering Vivid Food program.

Vivid Sydney 2024 will deliver an immersive, holistic and diverse festival, spotlighting what makes us uniquely human — love, kindness, compassion and creativity — across the interactive experiences and events that make up the 23-day program.

John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, said: “We’re getting set for the 14th Vivid Sydney. It’s an important event every year that Sydneysiders and visitors alike have come to love. It’s not just a light show, it’s a celebration of light, music, ideas and food – a program full of rich cultural experiences that resonate with locals and visitors alike.

“Vivid Sydney brings together important parts of Sydney’s culture – Light, Music, Ideas and Food. It celebrates what’s great and unique about our city, and our state and creates a uniquely Sydney experience. That’s why it’s been so popular over so many years.

“This year’s festival will have a variety of free and cost-effective events on offer to provide many opportunities for people to come together and celebrate.

“Last year, the festival achieved the biggest attendance on record and the largest visitor expenditure in its history, with more than 3.48 million attendees generating more than $206 million in visitor expenditure.

“We look forward to welcoming Sydneysiders and the world as they come and experience first-hand Sydney at its creative best at Vivid Sydney 2024.”

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said this year’s festival looks at how creativity fuels our interconnected world.

“Humanity is at the core of everything we do, and this year Vivid Sydney is diving deep into what makes us uniquely human,” Ms Minervini said.

“We have curated a diverse program that explores the human spirit, designed to foster connections, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity enriches our lives. Everyone is invited to be part of this global event in the world’s most beautiful city to connect, create and celebrate.”

Staged across Sydney, Vivid Sydney festival locations and venues include Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks, State Library of New South Wales, Walsh Bay, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, University of Technology Sydney, The Goods Line, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Carriageworks, and more.

Vivid Sydney 2024 will engage audiences across four pillars: Vivid Light, Vivid Music, Vivid Ideas and Vivid Food. Vivid Light will dazzle with large-scale projections, immersive experiences and interactive artworks. Witness a 40km stretch of rainbow lasers emanating from the Sydney Tower, a universal symbol of hope by US artist Yvette Mattern. Immerse yourself in the captivating display of the 2023 Archibald Prize winner, Julia Gutman, adorning the Sydney Opera House sails for Lighting of the Sails: Echo (2024). Reg Mombassa, Guan Wei, Leila Jeffreys and many more join the line-up, transforming the city into a dynamic open-air art gallery.

Vivid Music ignites the city with a curated program of live performances, concerts and DJ sets across diverse venues. Tumbalong Nights returns with a free program, featuring established and emerging artists including Budjerah, grentperez and Mallrat, while the newly opened Machine Hall Precinct pulsates with headliners like Deerhoof, Jen Cloher and No Fixed Address.

Vivid Ideas, a cornerstone of the festival, sparks curiosity with new ways to experience ideas – theatre, installations and engaging discussions are just the beginning. Engage in After The Fact, nightly discussions on current affairs, or peek into someone else’s window at Window Dressing and discover a universal human trait. Participate in unique experiences like A THOUSAND WAYS: An Encounter, which fosters connections with strangers; experience the immersive dance and art installation of Shifting Perspectives; or join influential Australians at the Golden Age of Humanity film screenings and discussions at Golden Age Cinema.

Vivid Food celebrates the diverse culinary landscape of Sydney and NSW. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns with delectable offerings at its new location, The Goods Line. A Culinary Canvas by Danielle Alvarez showcases women in Australian gastronomy, while Plates with Purpose offers a taste of Ukraine at Kyiv Social. Explore over 20 top chefs and restaurateurs at the VividPlace Food Trail or indulge in a bespoke bar snack and cocktail experience at Aurorae at Bennelong Bar.

Tickets go on sale on March 11 (AEDT). To learn more and stay updated about additions to the program, go to vividsydney.com.

Contact Information
James Toovey
PR Manager Vivid Sydney
james.toovey@dnsw.com.au

Related Video

https://vimeo.com/920699012/e84b0cab10

SOURCE: Vivid Sydney

View the original press release on newswire.com.

TransNusa Rebrands as Premium Service Carrier Globally

JAKARTA, Feb 19, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – TransNusa Airline, a subsidiary of Linkasia Airlines Group and PT Panca Global International Indonesia, has rebranded itself as a Premium Service Carrier globally.

TranNusa was established in 2005 and stopped operation in 2020 due to the global pandemic. TransNusa was then sold and saw the injection of new shareholders and a new management team in 2022. The new shareholders include PT Panca Global International Indonesia (51%) and Sinagpore-based Linkasia Airlines Group Ltd (49%).

The new management team in TransNusa developed a unique business model that allowed the airline to rebrand itself as a Premium Service Carrier.

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, who was instrumental to developing the airline’s customised business plan and growth path, said that TransNusa has become the fastest growing airline in South East Asia due to the business plan that was developed and implemented swiftly post Covid-19.

“Post Covid-19, we initiated an intensive market research. Based on the data obtained, we knew that traveller’s behavioural pattern had changed, specifically due to the pandemic. Our next step was to develop a customised business model for the targeted passengers. We implemented the business model on April 14th, with the launch of our first maiden international flight,” said Datuk Bernard, adding that the airline has flown over 1 million passengers from October 2022 to December 2023.

“We want to offer our domestic and international passengers’ greater comfort and flexibility, hence the decision to rebrand ourselves globally,” Datuk Bernard said, adding that TransNusa is also the fastest growing airline to expand operation to include international routes.”

In April last year, in line with the new business model expansion plan, TransNusa expanded its reach from domestic to international with the launch of its Jakarta – Kuala Lumpur route. Subsequently in the same year, in a short span of eight months, the airline also launched 3 new routes, which were Jakarta-Singapore, Jakarta-Guangzhou and Jakarta-Johor.

The new player with new rules, today announced that it has rebranded itself as a Premium Service Carrier in the domestic as well as international markets.

An aviation industry expert, who specializes in airline turnaround and revenue management, Datuk Bernard, said that TransNusa has increased its flight frequencies to seven times a week to Singapore, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China and Johor Baru, Malaysia.

TransNusa has also increased its flight frequencies to 21 times weekly to Kuala Lumpur, 14 times weekly to Yogyakarta and 35 times weekly to Bali.

“Last year, we expanded our operations to include international routes and even became the second Indonesian airline to fly into China. We also managed to obtain all necessary approvals in a short timeframe from world-class Changi airport, reflecting the strong commitment we have towards safety, security, maintenance and aircraft performance measures,” Datuk Bernard said, adding that TransNusa also became the first airline outside of China to commission and utilise the Comac ARJ21-700.

On the airline’s future expansion, Datuk Bernard said “We have plans to further expand our international routes and we want to assist more passengers travel with ease to their destinations,” adding that he expects TransNusa to experience a significant growth in 2024.

On the domestic front, Datuk Bernard explained that as part of its domestic growth plans, TransNusa intends to establish another domestic hub.

“For the first two quarters, we hope to expand our domestic routes as well as establish another domestic hub,” Datuk Bernard added, explaining that TransNusa will be providing its domestic market with premium services that will set it apart from Low-Cost Carriers.

“Since the take-over, TransNusa has been aggressively implementing plans that sets the airline apart from other Low-Cost Carriers through the comfort and flexibility offered as a Premium Service Carrier,” Datuk Bernard said, stressing that TransNusa’s current services exceeded that of a low-cost airline.

“For our domestic and international flights, we not only provide premium services with competitive ticket prices in comparison to other low-cost airlines, but we have attractive new product bundles called SEAT, SEAT-PLUS and FLEXI-PRO.

“Our passengers will enjoy check-in baggage of between 15kgs to 30 kgs, depending on the product purchased,” Datuk Bernard said, explaining that the baggage offering was over and above the 7kgs limit offered as a passenger’s hand carry.

“For the highest package, FLEXI-PRO, we provide more complete services such as free baggage 30kgs, free to choose seats, free food, and drinks, priority at check-in and boarding, no less interesting is passengers’ ability to be able to change the flight schedule without restrictions and obtain refund when needed.”

TransNusa, which aims to ensure their passengers travel with ease and comfort, has also configured their A320s with a 168-174 seat configuration, which allows for passengers to enjoy 30-31 inches of legroom, comparable to the experience passengers would get in a full-service airline.

“We are committed to providing affordable and competitive ticket prices, while still providing premium services to our customers.” concluded Datuk Bernard.

“We have also ensured that all our flights will be departing and arriving at only major international airports. This allows our passengers to enjoy the world-class services offered at the international terminals,” said Datuk Bernard, elaborating that TransNusa aims to offer their passengers a great experience on and off their flights.

About TransNusa

TransNusa Airline, which became a subsidiary of PT Panca Global International Indonesia (51%) and Linkasia Airlines Group Ltd (49%) in November 2021, is a Premium Service Carrier. After the take-over, in February 2024, the airline rebranded itself from being a Low-Cost Carrier to a Premium Service Carrier in line with its upgraded aircrafts that offers better comfort as well as based on the flexibility and quality of the services offered. TransNusa, which received its AOC certification on 9th September 2022, launch its first three A320 operations on 6th October, 14th October and 12th December, 2022. The airline, which became the first outside of China to utilise Comac, received its first ARJ21 on 22nd December, 2022. In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Carrier in the Asia Pacific region. TransNusa introduced its first international flight on 14th April, 2023. The airline is currently based in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The airline currently flies to Yogyakarta and Bali. On the international front, TransNusa flies to Singapore, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur and Johor. The airline became the second Indonesian airline to fly to China and the first Indonesian airline to launch a Premium Service Carrier business model. Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website ( www.transnusa.co.id ), through authorized travel agents in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, or by contacting the airline’s customer service centre at, +62216310888. For the Singaporean market, passengers can contact TransNusa’s General Sales Agent, Chariot Travels Pte Ltd, at +65 86602719 while for the Malaysian market, passengers can contact MKM Ticketing Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd at +60378312581.

Media Contact
Trina Thomas Raj
Mobile: +6012 4992672
E-mail: trina@myqaseh.org

Altezza Travel Releases a 2024 Guide on Avoiding Crowds on Mount Kilimanjaro

MOSHI, TANZANIA, Jan 11, 2024 – (ACN Newswire) – Altezza Travel, the largest operator of Mount Kilimanjaro tours, has released a comprehensive guide for 2024. The guide explores the crowding problem on Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions and offers expert guidance on crafting a memorable, crowd-free journey to the “Roof of Africa.”

Camp on Mt. Kilimanjaro – Sunset on a Kilimanjaro Expedition in 2024 (Altezza Travel)

Mount Kilimanjaro rises 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, earning the title of Africa’s highest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Scaling the diverse climatic zones of this ancient volcano to stand on its iconic glacier-framed peak is on the bucket list of many adventurers.

In 2023, a record 61,527 trekkers set out to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro. They were assisted by over 150,000 guides, porters, and cooks, essentially making Kilimanjaro one of the world’s busiest trekking destinations. However, it’s still very much possible to experience this stunning trek while enjoying its tranquil and scenic wilderness. Altezza Travel’s guide shares useful tips on how to do that.

Unlike many popular high-altitude mountains that have the problem of overcrowding, Kilimanjaro offers more options for those seeking a quiet trekking experience due to the variety of routes and their availability all year round.

During peak seasons, popular trails get crowded. For adventurers who seek the “authentic” Kilimanjaro experience – a tranquil trek with no other groups in sight, a new planning strategy is essential.

Altezza Travel reports that over 90% of climbers ascend during the dry seasons from late June to middle October, and from late December through late February. So, one key to a serene experience lies in the right timing. Climbing Kilimanjaro is possible all year round, even during the rainy seasons. However, Altezza has identified three sweet spots during transition seasons when favorable weather coincides with dramatically fewer crowds:

– March 1-15

– June 1-20

– October 15-31

Route selection is equally critical. Eight classic trails ascent the volcano from different sides, varying in difficulty and popularity. The Lemosho route, once a quiet “hidden gem,” attracted 17,000+ trekkers in 2023, becoming the most popular path alongside the Marangu and Machame routes. Conversely, some trails like the Rongai route, while still being beginner-friendly, see over 10 times fewer hikers than Lemosho.

Interestingly, the day you start the climb also matters. To make the most of vacation time, many hikers arrive in Tanzania before the weekend and begin their ascent from Friday to Monday. However, a start on Wednesday or Thursday can mean encountering nearly half as many climbers compared to a Sunday start. Opting for less popular routes midweek can result in up to 20 times fewer hikers.

Thomas Becker, Expeditions Coordinator at Altezza Travel, shares his thoughts: “Choosing off-peak times for your Kilimanjaro climb not only ensures a tranquil experience but also contributes to the preservation of this pristine environment and provides work opportunities for the local communities during the tourism downtime.”

For tailored advice on Kilimanjaro treks, connect with Altezza Travel’s experts. They will be delighted to offer you detailed professional guidance.

About Altezza Travel

Altezza Travel is a leading Destination Management Company in Tanzania and serves as the largest operator on Mount Kilimanjaro. Holding a #1 ranking on TripAdvisor, the company organizes nearly a thousand expeditions every year. Apart from leading the tourism industry in the region, Altezza Travel is proud to invest in local communities and champion sustainable tourism.

Contact Information
Thomas Becker
Expeditions Coordinator
press@altezza.travel
+255786350216

SOURCE: Altezza Travel

TransNusa to Introduce Four New International Destinations in 2024

JAKARTA, Dec 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – South East Asia’s first premium service airline, PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri, is further strengthening its presence in China by increasing the frequency of its scheduled flights in Guangzhou from the current three times weekly to seven times weekly.

LEADING TOWARDS A SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION … TransNusa Group CEO, Datuk Bernard Francis

This announcement comes barely a month after TransNusa made history by becoming Indonesia’s second airline to successfully launch scheduled flights to Guangzhou. TransNusa introduced scheduled flights to Guangzhou on November 16, this year. Scheduled flights depart Terminal 3 Soekarno – Hatta International Airport at 18.10 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and arrive at 12.10 am at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Flights from Guangzhou depart at 01.25 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and arrive in Jakarta at 5.40am.

Today, TransNusa increased the frequency of its scheduled flights for this route from three times weekly to daily flights.

TransNusa has been consistently achieving milestones since the introduction of a new top management led by Datuk Bernard Francis. The airline, which introduced its first international flight on April 14, this year, has launched four new international destinations in a short span of eight months, expanding its wings from South East Asia to the Asia Pacific region.

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis attributes the airlines successes and accelerated growth to their customised business model and the vastly experienced management team.

“Due to our diligent team, we have managed to not only increase our scheduled flight frequency to Guangzhou but also introduce two new Chinese dishes in our menu, which are wonton noodles and Yongchow fried rice set meals,” said Datuk Bernard, adding that to enhance passenger comfort, TransNusa also has blankets for sale on their Jakarta – Guangzhou flight.

“For passenger ease, we have established our own customer call center in Canton, in addition to our call center in Jakarta,” Datuk Bernard explained.

On what to expect of the airline in 2024, Datuk Bernard said that the airline is planning to introduce three to four new international destinations.

“Next year, we plan to focus on destinations in the Asia Pacific region as well as further strengthen our presence in the Singaporean and Malaysian markets,” said Datuk Bernard, adding that on the domestic front, TransNusa passengers can look forward to the revival of targeted routes in Nusantara.

For the Jakarta – Guangzhou route, the premium service provider, deployed its Airbus A320, ensuring that its passengers have a comfortable shuttle throughout the 5-hour journey. TransNusa’s A320s have been configured with a 174-seat configuration, which allows passengers to enjoy 30-31 inches of legroom.

“The services we offer for our international flights are above the service level of a low-cost carrier. As such, the flying experience with TransNusa to international destinations will differ from flying with the airline on domestic routes since TransNusa operates as a low-cost airline in the domestic market.” Datuk Bernard concluded.

About TransNusa

Established in 2005, TransNusa started its operation by providing chartered flights. It began its commercial flights in 2011. After ceasing operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, TransNusa relaunched itself in 2021 as a low-cost airline in its domestic market. In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Airline in the region. The new business model will apply only to its international routes. TransNusa introduced its first international route, Jakarta – Kuala Lumpur, in April this year and its second international route Jakarta-Johor, in September, this year.

The airline is currently based in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website, transnusa.co.id, through authorized travel agents in Indonesia, or by contacting the airline’s customer service centre at, +62216310888.

Palace Resorts Announces Most Generous Savings of the Year Across All Brands

MIAMI, FL, Nov 21, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Palace Resorts is about to roll out its biggest savings of the year for Black Friday. All four brands – including Palace Resorts, Moon Palace Resorts, Le Blanc Spa Resorts, and Baglioni Hotels & Resorts – are offering incredible deals starting November 20th. Offers include steep discounts at all properties and exclusive benefits curated to each brand.

Palace Resorts - Black Friday Sale — Palace Resorts – Black Friday Sale

Palace Resorts and Moon Palace Resorts

Palace Resorts is offering up to 50% Off* to guests for stays of at least three (3) nights, plus 1,000 USD Resort Credit** to spend during their stay at all luxury, all-inclusive resorts in the Mexican Caribbean and Jamaica. Guests can extend their savings with Free Stays for Kids & Teens*** at family-friendly resorts, plus Free Roundtrip Airport Transfers**** if guests book for 4 nights or more.

The Palace Resorts includes four luxury, all-inclusive resorts: Beach Palace and the adults-only Sun Palace in Cancun; Playacar Palace in Playa del Carmen, which is also known as the Riviera Maya; and Cozumel Palace on the stunning island off the coast in the Riviera Maya area.

The Moon Palace Resorts includes Moon Palace Cancun, the unparalleled family-oriented resort Moon Palace The Grand-Cancun, and Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios.

Le Blanc Spa Resorts

There’s never been a better time to indulge or enjoy more exclusive pampering at the adults-only, AAA Five Diamond Le Blanc Spa Resorts. Guests can pack their bags for Cancun or Los Cabos and take off for unlimited gourmet cuisine, premium drinks, luxury amenities, butler service, spa experiences, and service that truly goes above and beyond.

Guests who book from November 20th through 26th can claim up to 35% Off* stays of three (3) nights, complimentary hydrotherapy, plus 1,000 USD in Resort Credit** to spend during their stay. They can also enjoy complimentary airport transfers**** when reserving at least four (4) nights.

Baglioni Hotels & Resorts

Baglioni Hotels & Resorts is also offering up to 35%* off on stays of at least two (2) nights in Rome, Venice, London, Milan, Sardinia, Puglia and the Maldives* November 20th through 30th. Additionally, guests can enjoy daily complimentary breakfast** as well as complimentary stays for Kids and Teens*** at all Baglioni Hotels and Resorts located in Italy and the UK.

So, whether guests are dreaming of exploring historic cities, savoring delectable cuisine, or basking in the sun along the stunning coastlines, this is a chance to make those dreams a reality.

The Baglioni Collection of luxury Italian hotels and resorts includes eight (8) properties in Italy, London, and the Maldives: Baglioni Hotel Regina (Rome); Relais Santa Croce by Baglioni Hotels & Resorts (Florence); Casa Baglioni Milan; Baglioni Hotel Luna (Venice); Baglioni Hotel London; Baglioni Masseria Muzza (Puglia); Baglioni Resort Sardinia; and Baglioni Maldives Luxury All Inclusive on the island of Maagau.

Disclaimers:

Booking period: November 20 – 26, 2023
For stays: November 21, 2023 – December 20, 2024

Blackout Dates: December 23, 2023 – January 2, 2024; April 9-12, 2024 (Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos)

Terms and Conditions available on: https://www.palaceresorts.com/press-room/black-friday

Contact Information

Vladimir Ortiz, Vice President of E-commerce & Digital Marketing, vlortiz@palaceresorts.com

TransNusa Ends 2023 as Fastest Growing Airline in South East Asia

JAKARTA, Nov 20, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri (TransNusa), the new player with new rules, today announced that its maiden flight, 8B-151, has successfully and safely landed in Singapore without any delays.

TAKING OFF - Bernard Francis (Third from left) with Bayu Sutanto, President Director TransNusa (Forth from left) and Herry Bakti, Advisor TransNusa (Fifth from left) — TAKING OFF – Bernard Francis (Third from left) with Bayu Sutanto, President Director TransNusa (Forth from left) and Herry Bakti, Advisor TransNusa (Fifth from left)

With the launch of the Jakarta – Singapore route, TransNusa has successfully planned, developed and launched four new international routes in a short span of eight months. The airline, a low-cost carrier in its domestic market, has managed to expand its airline business to include international routes, using its own customised business model that allowed the airline to rebrand itself as a Premium Service Carrier.

“Post Covid-19, we initiated an intensive market research. Based on the data obtained, we knew that traveller’s behavioural pattern had changed, specifically due to the pandemic. Our next step was to develop a customised business model for the targeted passengers. We implemented the business model on April 14th, with the launch of our first maiden international flight,” said Datuk Bernard, adding that the airline has been enjoying a significant growth pattern since April.

An aviation industry expert, who specializes in airline turnaround and revenue management, Datuk Bernard, who was part of the entourage that landed in Changi Airport today, views today’s launch as a significant milestone for TransNusa.

“Changi Airport is a world class airport with stringent requirements. The fact that TransNusa has managed to obtain all necessary approvals in such a short timeframe, reflects the importance and commitment we have towards safety, security, maintenance and aircraft performance measures,” Datuk Bernard added.

Today’s launch of the Jakarta – Singapore international route, comes at the back of TransNusa’s launch of its Jakarta – Guangzhou route on November 16th. TransNusa became the second Indonesian airline to receive approvals to start scheduled flight operations to Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Since April this year, TransNusa has introduced and launched scheduled flight operations in major capitals in South East Asia and Asia Pacific. The current destinations that TransNusa flies to are Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Guangzhou. In the domestic front, the airline, which operates as a low-cost carrier, has scheduled flight to Bali and Jogjakarta.

On the commercial flights to Singapore, Datuk Bernard explained that TransNusa will be operating one round trip flight daily, with the hopes of increasing the frequency in the near future.

The TransNusa flight will depart Jakarta at 07.45am and arrive in Terminal 2, Singapore Changi Airport at 10.40am while flights from Singapore to Jakarta will depart at 11.40am and arrive in Jakarta at 12.25pm. Tickets for this route will be priced from SGD99.

Datuk Bernard had said previously that for its international routes, the services that TransNusa offers exceeded that of a low-cost airline.

“For our international flights, we not only provide premium services with competitive ticket prices in comparison to other low-cost airlines, but we have attractive new product bundles called SEAT, SEAT-PLUS and FLEXI-PRO.

“We are committed to providing affordable and competitive ticket prices, while still providing premium services to our customers.” concluded Datuk Bernard.

Media Contact
Trina Thomas Raj
Mobile: +6012 4992672
E-mail: trina@myqaseh.org

About TransNusa

Established in 2005, TransNusa started its operation by providing chartered flights. It began its commercial flights in 2011. After ceasing operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, TransNusa relaunched itself in 2021 as a low-cost airline in its domestic market. In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Airline in the region. The new business model will apply only to its international routes. TransNusa introduced its first international route in April this year. The airline introduced its Jakarta – Kuala Lumpur round trip route and had its maiden flight on April 14. The airline is currently based in Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website (www.transnusa.co.id), through authorized travel agents in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, or by contacting the airline’s customer service centre at, +62216310888. For the Singaporean market, passengers can contact TransNusa’s General Sales Agent, Chariot Travels Pte Ltd, at +65 86602719 while for the Malaysian market, passengers can contact MKM Ticketing Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd at +60378312581.

TransNusa Becomes Second Indonesian Airline To Launch Guangzhou Flight

JAKARTA, Nov 17, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Southeast Asia’s first premium service airline, TransNusa, has made history in Indonesia by becoming the second Indonesian airline to have obtained approvals to operate scheduled flights to China.

Datuk Bernard Francis , Group CEO of PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri

The airline successfully launched its inaugural flight to Guangzhou from Jakarta yesterday, making Indonesia and Indonesians proud by showcasing its experience, strength, strong safety, and security measures as well as well-equipped flight plans.

From left to right (from the FA): Novie Herlina (FLIGHT ATTENDANT); Capt Heru Triperwiranto (GM Operations); Bernard Francis (Aviation Group CEO of PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri); Patria Bayu Adji (GM Pax Service PT JAS); Amran (Director of Technique PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri); Sarlita Viansi (FLIGHT ATTENDANT)

TransNusa’s highly anticipated maiden flight, 8B 860 departed Jakarta at 18.10pm and arrived in Guangzhou earlier today at 12.10am as per schedule, without any delays.

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, also an aviation industry expert, Datuk Bernard Francis said that today was not only a historical day for TransNusa but also for the Indonesian aviation industry.

“As we chart TransNusa’s growth plan, we hope to make Indonesia and Indonesians proud of our achievements as we showcase Indonesia’s aviation strength as well as our culture to passengers worldwide,” Datuk Bernard said, adding that TransNusa is expecting to cater to the business and leisure travellers for this new route.

With regard to details of the Jakarta-Guangzhou route, Datuk Bernard said TransNusa will fly the Jakarta – Guangzhou roundtrip route three times a week, with daily flights starting from the 20th of December 2023.

Flights will depart Terminal 3 Soekarno – Hatta International Airport at 18.10 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and arrive at 12.10 am at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Flights from Guangzhou will depart at 01.25 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and arrive in Jakarta at 5.40am. Tickets for this new international route will start at $149 .

“With the introduction of our Guangzhou route, we have, in eight months, successfully expanded our international route from South East Asia to encompass the Asia Pacific region,” said Datuk Bernard.

For the Jakarta – Guangzhou route, the premium service provider, will be deploying its Airbus A320, ensuring that its passengers have a comfortable shuttle throughout the 5-hour journey. TransNusa’s A320s have been configured with a 174-seat configuration, which allows passengers to enjoy 30-31 inches of legroom.

“The services we offer for our international flights are above the service level of a low-cost carrier. As such, the flying experience with TransNusa to international destinations will differ from flying with us on domestic routes since TransNusa operates as a low-cost airline business model in the domestic market.” Datuk Bernard concluded.

TransNusa announced its plans to launch international flights with a new business model in April this year. Within the short span of 8 months, the airline has introduced flights to Kuala Lumpur, Johor and now Guangzhou, China. In addition, on November 20th, TransNusa will be launching its inaugural flight to Singapore.

About TransNusa (Revised to include Johor)

Contact Person
Joshua Fredrick
PR& Communications Consultant
My Qaseh Sdn.Bhd
+60123928943
fredrick@myqaseh.org

TransNusa Becomes Second Indonesian Airline to Offer Jakarta – Guangzhou Route

JAKARTA, Oct 13, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – Indonesian airline, PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri (TransNusa), the new player with new rules, announced that it would become the second airline in the country to introduce commercial flights to Guangzhou, China. In addition to Guangzhou, TransNusa will also be introducing commercial flights to Singapore.

Group CEO, Datuk Bernard Francis said that sales of tickets for the two new international destinations, Guangzhou and Singapore, was opened on 11 October.

“It is a great achievement for TransNusa to become the second Indonesian airline to obtain approval to start scheduled commercial flights to Guangzhou, China. In addition, we are very proud to be able to start commercial flights to Singapore at such a short timeframe,” Datuk Bernard said, adding that the inaugural flight to Guangzhou has been scheduled for 16th November while the inaugural flight to Singapore has been scheduled for 20th November.

“At the initial stage, we will operate three return flights from Jakarta to Guangzhou weekly. However, by December, we will increase the flight frequency from Jakarta to Guangzhou and Guangzhou to Jakarta to seven times a week from three times a week,” Datuk Bernard explained.

Flights will depart Terminal 3, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 18.10 pm and arrive in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport at 12.10 am. While flights from Guangzhou will depart on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 01.25 am and arrive in Jakarta at 05.40 am. Tickets for this new international route will be priced from Rp. 2,288,000 (USD145.00 onwards).Meanwhile, on commercial flights to Singapore, Datuk Bernard explained that TransNusa has received all necessary approvals and will be commencing to operate one round trip flight daily.

Since early this year, TransNusa has been enjoying a healthy growth pattern as it rebranded itself as a Premium Service Carrier for its international routes by introducing a new business model.

Datuk Bernard had said previously that for its international routes, the services that TransNusa offers exceeds that of a low-cost airline.

“Based on our intensive market research, we know that traveller’s behavioural pattern has changed, specifically due to the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result of this, we have curated different packages to meet the needs of different passengers.

“Many people look for competitive ticket prices when they want to travel, but they also expect the best service. Therefore, we are committed to providing affordable and competitive ticket prices, while still providing premium services to our customers. We offer various facilities and services that can enhance your travel experiences, such as more comfortable seats, high-quality food and beverages, as well as friendly and professional service from our crew. With our competitive ticket prices and premium services, we are confident that you will be satisfied with your travel experience with us.” added Datuk Bernard.

To further elaborate on just how much consideration TransNusa has given toward the customer’s comfort, it would only be right to highlight the fact that TransNusa has configured their A320s with a 174 seat configuration, which allows for passengers to enjoy 30-31 inches of legroom that is comparable to the experience one would get in a full-service airline.

In addition to this, TransNusa will as well be providing customers who purchase the more premium bundles, unlimited flight changes. Customers who have purchased a bundle that provides this service will only have to pay the difference in fare for the next flight and will not incur any penalty charges. Furthermore, passengers who opt for this bundle will also be entitled to a meal on board.

Other than Guangzhou and Singapore, TransNusa also had commercial flights to Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru Malaysia, Bali and Yogyakarta.

TransNusa: https://www.transnusa.co.id/

Pioneering Transformation: Unveiling the Trailblazing Winners of the Inaugural WiT Travel Changemakers Awards 2023

SINGAPORE, Oct 5, 2023 – (ACN Newswire) – The Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) and Web in Travel (WiT) are delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural Travel Changemakers Awards 2023.

From over 100 entries, 10 were selected as representing best practice. The Awards seek to recognise innovators who have harnessed technology to usher in a brighter future for the Asia Pacific region. The winners were revealed at the WiT Singapore Conference held on 3 October 2023.

The Travel Changemakers Awards 2023 are organised by WiT in conjunction with ATTIA to celebrate innovators in the Asia Pacific who seized the opportunity to introduce new initiatives and programs to transform their organisations and impact the entire industry.

“Bringing action to our thoughts, we focused on common elements – the environment, empowering local communities, nurturing talent – which led to the creation of the Travel Changemakers Awards 2023. We are thrilled to have the Asia Travel & Tech Industry Association’s support for this inaugural event. As I read through all the entries, I was inspired by the creativity, innovation, and the remarkable individuals making positive changes in the world,” said Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder of Web in Travel.

These changes are marked by the imaginative and clever use of technology at their core.

Chris Kerin, Managing Director of Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA), shared, “ATTIA is primarily trying to drive collaborative relationships between members, governments and the rest of the industry. We want to promote the good work that is being done by everyone – government departments, NGOs, not-for-profit enterprises, and the private sector. If we can highlight all the good that is happening, it is a clear way for us to strengthen relationships and demonstrate our support for the industry.”

The 11 esteemed judges are recognisable leaders in their field and represented all aspects of the industry from tourism to hospitality, aviation to ground transportation.

Honours List

Comprising five distinct categories, Environmental Awareness and Action, Local Community Engagement, Hidden Gems, Regenerative Tourism, and Diversity & Inclusion, those honoured for each category are listed as follows. Many of the programs used technology to communicate their message and reach new audiences.

1. Environmental Awareness & Action Award

Cempedak Island Seven Clean Seas, for clearing over 780 tonnes of plastic on Bintan island inIndonesia while at the same time creating formalised jobs for local communities.
All Dreams Cambodia, for its #ONESTEPNOPLASTIC grassroots initiative, in which it teamed up with the country’s leading social media platform to combat plastic pollution in Cambodia and raise awarenessamong youths. About 15,000 kg of plastic was collected across five cities.

2. Local Community Engagement

The Island Foundation, for their Learning for Sustainability Framework, which is inclusive of the values, experiences and languages of children who live in remote small island and coastal communities, and isdelivered by people brought up in the communities they serve.
Khiri Reach for its #OpenThailandSafely campaign to address the pressing needs of Thailand’s economically tourism-dependent communities. The campaign rejuvenated the inbound tourism economyin Thailand and saw the collaboration of 60 Thailand-based inbound organisations working together.

3. Hidden Gems

Sentosa Development Corporation for SentoSights, a wide-ranging nature and heritage guided tour where participants explore Sentosa’s hidden gems as they discover the island’s natural and historicalheritage.
Tribe Tours, for their gamification and storytelling product, Chinatown Murders, a new form of game tour, where participants are thrown into a scenario to solve puzzles.
JOALI Maldives, for their JOALI Reef Restoration Programme (JRRP), which aims to restore the reef ecosystem by using coral nurseries that are later transplanted to the existing house reef using innovative Mineral Accretion Technology (MAT) to enhance coral growth with low-voltage direct current.

4. Regenerative Tourism

Pan Pacific Hotels Group, for repurposing the Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay’s 1985 architecture into a “garden-in-a-hotel” with regenerative features like an Urban Farm with over 60 types of greens.
Asian Oasis, for leading the regeneration of an abandoned tea plantation into the Araksa Tea Garden to a thriving, experience-based destination with tea-based workshops.

5. Diversity & Inclusion

JOALI Being, for a program that has empowered over 310 women, 65 school girls, and 11 artists in theMaldives.

Message from the Judges

The distinguished judges who supported the inaugural awards have honoured as visionaries those applicants whoturned their ideas into action. The judges were impressed with how the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries leveraged the lessons learned from the pandemic to map out a more promising journey for all travellers in thefuture.

Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive of Marketing Group at Singapore Tourism Board: “Being part of the judging panel for the WiT Travel Changemakers Awards has been an eye-opening experience. The entrants showcased remarkable innovation and dedication, and their impact on the industry is tangible. As we move forward, I anticipate even more transformative initiatives, as these awards inspire continuous growth and a future where travel remains dynamic, sustainable, and accessible for all. I am also proud to recognise these creative and meaningful innovations here in Singapore, where we bring together forward-thinking partners to meet, exchange ideas, and forge global connections.”

Loic Dujardin, Head of ESG at Traveloka: “We have seen some impressive submissions at the inaugural WiT Travel Changemakers Awards that comprise innovative, tech-driven programs that deliver a positive and tangible impact on the ground. With today’s consumers seeking more green experiences, Traveloka is heartened to see the industry embed sustainability in all that we do as we strive for a more equitable future.”

Rod Cuthbert, Chairperson at Jayride and Board Member of Veltra (Tokyo) and Tourism Tasmania; Founder of Viator: “The Hidden gems category was just that: some really surprising and thoughtful projects that have not only been very successful, they’ll definitely serve as examples for similar communities and businesses throughout the region.”

Aya Aso, CEO of SAVVY Collective: “I am honoured to have had the opportunity to learn about many of your initiatives, and at the same time, I am impressed by your energy. I know that many initiatives are still halfway to the success goal you may have set, but it is wonderful to see your powerful initiatives that start from small things and with something you are facing in front of you. A real changemaker is someone who does not stop here, but keeps going until the world is acting spontaneously. Good luck with your continued journey.”

For further information about the Awards, please kindly access this link.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Windy Oktaviani
PINPOINT PR
windy@pinpointpr.sg
+62 811 910 9266

Sheree Tan
PINPOINT PR
sheree@pinpointpr.sg
+65 8313 9472

HotelRunner Acquires PayPad in a Strategic Move Into On-Premise Sales Operations

LONDON, ENGLAND / ACN Newswire / September 19, 2023 / Founded in 2016, PayPad is a cloud-based, smart sales system designed exclusively for restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. PayPad expanded into the global market with a client base in the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States, and Türkiye. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in HotelRunner’s mission to offer a comprehensive, all-in-one solution with a specific focus on the hotels’ on-premise sales and payments.

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HotelRunner Acquires PayPad in a Strategic Move into On-Premise Sales Operations

With its new and advanced identity, HotelRunner POS presents an effortless and effective way to run food and beverage operations, offering accommodation businesses a fresh avenue to enhance their revenue streams. Fully integrated with HotelRunner PMS, HotelRunner POS allows accommodations to manage their on-premise sales and payment operations with ease. Hoteliers can accept payments in multiple methods, analyze every aspect of their business, and take AI-driven, intelligent, and automated actions resulting in enhanced productivity and increased profitability. This development represents a momentous shift for HotelRunner as it delves into on-premise sales operations for the first time, highlighting its sales-first approach in the hospitality and travel technology landscape.

In January 2023, the company closed a successful Series A round and stated that the funds would be used to continue to build a solid global presence, grow the team, and invest heavily in delivering cutting-edge technology. Standing behind its commitment, over the past year, HotelRunner has achieved remarkable product launches, including Insights, Autopilot, and Review Center, all of which have been instrumental in advancing toward its goal of providing a holistic platform powered by innovative technology. This milestone marks the third acquisition in HotelRunner’s ongoing acquisition spree aimed at consolidating the industry under its roof while proudly extending its offerings to serve the diverse needs of its partners.

Arden Agopyan, Founder and Managing Partner of HotelRunner, said, “Our strategic acquisition of PayPad and the birth of HotelRunner POS aren’t merely about enhancing our product offerings; it’s a bold leap toward our vision of building a bigger travel economy. As we welcome HotelRunner POS into our expansive ecosystem as a foundational part, we solidify our presence in the payments and sales verticals in travel and hospitality. We’re proud to shape the path toward industry consolidation and usher in a transformative era, reinforcing our brand’s legacy.”

Ali Beklen, Founder and Managing Partner of HotelRunner, added, “With PayPad seamlessly integrated into the HotelRunner’s unique market-network, we’re spearheading a technology revolution that forms the cornerstone of a unified digital travel ecosystem. Beyond elevating the guest experience and optimizing operational efficiency for accommodations, this strategic move underscores the power of frictionless all-in-one platforms as the key to success. This acquisition unlocks a new untapped opportunity and sets a path to delivering unrivaled value and pioneering innovation for our partners.”

Veysel Berk, the Founder of PayPad, also shared his thoughts on the acquisition: “HotelRunner is democratizing the use of technology for every player in the global ecosystem. As both teams share the same values, culture, and product principles, we are thrilled to join forces with HotelRunner and become part of its broad vision. PayPad, revamped as HotelRunner POS, will play a pivotal role in adding exponential value to properties worldwide, ushering in a new era of advanced sales solutions in travel and hospitality.”

HotelRunner POS will be gradually rolled out worldwide to offer the best experience to all accommodation businesses, starting with existing HotelRunner partners. For more information, you can visit here.

About HotelRunner

HotelRunner is a data-driven SaaS-enabled unified sales, operations, and distribution management platform and B2B network for accommodations, travel agencies, and payment providers. HotelRunner has thousands of accommodation and travel agency partners globally. HotelRunner is a Booking.com Premier Connectivity Partner and Best Overall Performing Partner, Expedia Preferred Connectivity Partner, Airbnb Software Partner, Agoda Innovative Supplier, Oracle, Hotelbeds, trivago, and Google Hotel Ads strategic partner.

For more about HotelRunner, visit the website.

Media relations contact: media@hotelrunner.com

Contact Information

Suheyla van Taarling
Head of Brand
suheyla@hotelrunner.com
00905314010303