This initiative tackles the colossal carbon footprint of the energy sector, the top offender in global warming. With the energy sector spewing out a staggering 69% of total emissions—40% from fuel combustion, 29% from transport, and 20% from manufacturing and construction—the need for a solution has never been more urgent.

SAF, a cutting-edge innovation, slashes emissions by up to 80%. Yet, its adoption has been sluggish due to its triple-the-cost price tag compared to conventional jet fuel.

Sarun Benjanirat, CAAT Deputy Director-General stated that SAF’s potential was spotlighted when the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) backed it for boosting aviation sustainability.

For the past two years, Thailand has been on a mission to integrate SAF, collaborating with the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, and the Department of Energy Business. Sarun is confident that by next year, Thailand will have ample SAF supplies from used cooking oil, ethanol, and palm oil. He noted that blending SAF with Jet A1 fuel could slash costs significantly.

“CAAT has engaged with airlines, SAF manufacturers, and relevant agencies on fuel blending terms and is awaiting the Energy Ministry’s guidelines.”

While Thailand lags in SAF adoption, clear directives on its usage and emission reduction are crucial.

Expected to present the SAF guidelines to the Cabinet in September, the Energy Ministry will outline the mixing ratio and a phased increase in SAF consumption, with an official announcement anticipated by October or November.

In a pioneering step, Bangkok Airways has partnered with PTT Oil and Retail Business (PTTOR) to integrate SAF, targeting 1% of total consumption by 2026.

Vietjet Thailand has also inked a deal with PTTOR for SAF use in both domestic and international flights from July, aligning with the global goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as stated by the airline’s CEO, Woranate Laprabang, reported The Nation.

Source: The Thaiger

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Vietnam Airlines operates nearly 100 aircraft, including five Boeing 787-10s, 11 Boeing 787-9s, and 14 Airbus A350s in its widebody category.

The airline mainly deploys widebody aircraft on flights to Northeast Asia, Europe, Australia, and the US, as well as between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The latest 787-10 Dreamliner has a two-class configuration with 24 business class seats and 343 in economy class.

Vietnam Airlines Executive Vice President Dang Anh Tuan commented: “Vietnam Airlines is committed to upgrading and expanding its fleet. We aim to provide the highest levels of passenger comfort and fulfil our mission of connecting Vietnam with the world, significantly supporting economic and social development.”

A321 flights to Phnom Penh

Meanwhile, the airline confirmed it will start direct flights between Hanoi and Phnom Penh on 27 October using an A321 aircraft. It will offer four weekly flights departing Hanoi on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday through to 31 March 2025.

According to the airline’s advance timetable information, reservations for the new service opened last week, but a booking search failed to find travel dates for November on the airline’s website. However, a Skyscanner search delivered a booking option on Vietnam Airlines via OTAs with a roundtrip fare of SGD238 for November travel dates. The northern hemisphere winter timetable is from 27 October 2024 to 31 March 2025

The route is currently served exclusively by Cambodia Angkor Air, which flies daily using an A320. Skyscanner quotes a roundtrip fare of SGD493.

Flight schedule

Flight VN923 departs Hanoi (HAN) at 1710 and arrives in Phnom Penh (PNH) at 1905.
Flight VN922 departs Phnom Penh at 2000 and arrives in Hanoi at 2155.

Source: TTR Weekly

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The report, from Titan Travel, states that Cambodia’s icon is the most tagged place in South East Asia, with only Singapore’s Bay Garden appearing in the top 10.

New York’s Central Park took top place.

Source: The Khmer Times

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Here are five unique destinations that provide a glimpse into the culture, history, and natural beauty surrounding Vientiane – all worth setting aside an afternoon or whole day to see for yourself!

Handicraft heaven: Houey Hong Vocational Center

Set just 25 minutes from the city center, the Houey Hong Vocational Training Center (Facebook page) offers an enriching experience for those interested in traditional Lao weaving.

This center provides livelihood training in textile weaving and natural dye techniques, educating hundreds of Houey Hong Village women in a profitable trade. Visitors can tour the facility to see these skills in action – even better, you can also participate in half-day or full-day workshops.

These hands-on sessions allow you to create your own silk scarf using natural dyes, or try your hand at weaving on a traditional Lao loom. The center also offers advanced courses in the ikat resistance dyeing technique.

Hike for the view: Phou Phanang Reserve

If outdoor activities are more your style, the Phou Phanang Reserve offers excellent hiking and cycling opportunities. Located just west of Vientiane, this area features trails of varying lengths and difficulties, including a rewarding two-hour hike to a viewpoint with stunning vistas of Lao PDR and Thailand.

This trail – called the “Wealth Coffee Viewpoint” – originates from its namesake coffee shop and winds up through the Phou Phanang National Biodiversity Conservation Area, gaining 300-plus meters of elevation along the way. As the trail is not well-marked, you are advised to go with a tour group, and bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen.

Meeting the spirits: LAODI Distillery Tour

This Japanese-Lao joint venture produces a variety of rums, including traditional white and brown rums and flavored varieties like coffee, Japanese plum, and passion fruit. The two-hour distillery tour, available by appointment, includes a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process.

The tour concludes with a tasting session, where you can sample their range of rums and liquors. It’s a fascinating excursion for those interested in potent spirits, artisanal craftsmanship, and the innovative blending of Japanese and Lao distilling techniques.

The facility stands some 50km from the city center, taking an hour to drive there. Tours are free, but must be arranged by appointment: email ikiyomi@rhumlaodi.com to schedule a visit.

Rustic cascade: Tad Moun Waterfalls

This hidden natural wonder features gentle rapids rather than dramatic falls, but it’s a serene place to cool off and enjoy the natural surroundings. Rustic huts along the river offer local Lao food, or you can bring your own picnic.

The best time to visit is between June and October (the rainy season) when the water is at its clearest, and the local eateries are fully operational. Getting here calls for a 45-minute drive from Vientiane to cover the 30km distance; you’ll need to pay about LAK 10,000 (USD 1.30) to enter.

Find the hidden Buddhas: Vang Sang Buddhas Archeological Site

For a more adventurous outing, the Vang Sang Buddhas site will do: located some 70 kilometers from Vientiane, this secluded site can be accessed by an almost two-hour-long drive along a dirt road and a short hike. Those who make the jaunt will discover a collection of Buddha statues carved into the rock, some as tall as 10 feet.

These statues are believed to date back to between the 10th and 16th centuries; they’re well-hidden in the woods, providing an air of mystery that you won’t find in more heavily-visited temples.

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The corridor is located in the international passenger departure area of the airport, and includes Face to Face with World Heritage: Civilizations Hand in Hand, a themed photo exhibitionof 100 images mainly from China and Cambodia, and other countries along the Mekong River.

Another display area showcases intangible cultural heritage items from Yunnan and Cambodia, including embroidery and carving.

On Tuesday, intangible cultural heritage inheritors and performers from both countries displayed their craft and work to waiting passengers.

Wang Jianghong, deputy director of the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, says that a series of World Heritage tour routes connecting Yunnan with Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam will be introduced during the event, inviting overseas tourists to experience an amazing journey in the Lancang-Mekong River region, and to explore beautiful China.

“We hope that through this activity, we can promote cultural and tourism cooperation between Yunnan and Cambodia, create innovative tourism products and services, and a new pattern of cross-border tourist cooperation,” says Wang.

Source: China Daily

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TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “As of August 2024, Myanmar citizens enjoy increased global mobility, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 45 countries. This boost in international connectivity complements Myanmar’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, the capital city adopted its Burmese name, Yangon, that same year. Myanmar’s geography, featuring complex northern mountain ranges and significant monsoon influences, shapes its distinct climate and hydrology, including key rivers like the Irrawaddy and Salween.“

Geography and Climate
The northern mountains of Myanmar feature a series of ranges forming a complex knot at Mount Hkakabo, marking the northeastern limit of the Indian-Australian Plate’s encroachment, which has been colliding with the southern edge of the Eurasian Plate for the past 50 million years. This region contains the sources of several of Asia’s great rivers, including the Irrawaddy and the Salween (Thanlwin).

Myanmar’s climate is influenced by its geographical position and relief, lying primarily under the influence of monsoon winds. The north-south alignment of ranges and valleys creates alternating zones of heavy and scanty precipitation, with most of the precipitation coming from the southwest monsoon.

Outbound Tourism and Travel Trends
Myanmar’s passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to several countries, including Bolivia, Brunei, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Dominica, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Haiti. This accessibility encourages Myanmar’s residents to explore international destinations, fostering a growing trend in outbound tourism.

Myanmar’s outbound tourism has been expanding as more citizens seek to explore new destinations, driven by increasing disposable incomes and a growing interest in international travel. Popular outbound destinations for Myanmar travelers include nearby countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, as well as destinations like Dubai and Japan. This trend is supported by improved connectivity and a broader range of flight options from Myanmar’s major airports.

Visa free Countries:

Brunei
Bolivia
Burundi
Cambodia
Cape Verde Islands
Comoro Islands
Cook Islands
Djibouti
Dominica
Guinea-Bissau
Haiti
Indonesia
Iran
Jordan
Kenya
Laos
Macao (SAR China)
Madagascar
Malawi
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Micronesia
Montserrat
Mozambique
Nepal
Nicaragua
Niue
Philippines
Rwanda
Samoa
Seychelles
Singapore
Somalia
Sri Lanka
St. Helena
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
Tanzania
Timor-Leste
Tuvalu
Vietnam
Zambia

Busiest Airports in Myanmar
Yangon International Airport (YIA): Serving over 2 million passengers and 30,000 flights in 2022, YIA stands as Myanmar’s busiest and largest airport. Strategically located between India and China, it connects major global cities. With future expansions, it is expected to handle up to 20 million passengers annually.

Mandalay International Airport: Situated 40 km from Mandalay’s center, this airport is a key hub for flights from Singapore, China, and Thailand, providing easy access to attractions like Mandalay, Bagan, and Inle Lake.

Heho Airport: Serving the scenic Shan State, Heho Airport connects major cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan, facilitating travel to popular tourist destinations such as Inle Lake and Taunggyi.

Key Airlines in Myanmar
Myanmar National Airlines (MNA): The state-owned flag carrier operates domestic and regional international services, connecting 28 domestic destinations with five international ones, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok.

Myanmar Airways International (MAI): A privately owned airline based in Yangon, MAI operates scheduled international services mainly in Southeast Asia, enhancing Myanmar’s connectivity with the region.

Air Thanlwin: Formerly known as Yangon Airways, Air Thanlwin operates domestic flights, linking major cities and tourist destinations within Myanmar.

Cruise Ports and Waterways
The Port of Yangon: Handling approximately 90% of Myanmar’s import and export activities, the Port of Yangon is crucial for the country’s trade, with significant tidal ranges facilitating maritime operations.

Major Tourist Attractions
Sule Pagoda: Located in downtown Yangon, this ancient pagoda is a serene place for meditation, believed to be over 2,000 years old and housing a hair relic of Buddha.

Mount Popa: An extinct volcano topped by the Popa Taungkalat Monastery, offering hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the surrounding plains.

Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple: Home to a massive 65-meter reclining Buddha, this temple is renowned for its serene ambiance and architectural beauty.

Shwedagon Pagoda: The most sacred pagoda in Myanmar, over 2,000 years old, adorned with gold plates and thousands of diamonds, making it a breathtaking architectural marvel.

Sports Tourism
Myanmar’s national game, Chinlone, played with a woven cane ball, is a captivating sport. Visitors can enjoy impromptu matches in urban areas, adding a unique cultural experience to their travel.

Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage, diverse geographical features, and growing outbound tourism trends make it an intriguing destination for travelers. With modernizing airports, key airlines connecting regional destinations, and numerous tourist attractions, Myanmar is poised to become a significant player in the global tourism landscape.

Source: Travel and Tour World

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This is good news for Sumate Sudasna, president of the Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA). As founder of CDM, Thailand’s first true destination management company, Khun Sumate has been a prominent figure in the Thai MICE industry since the mid-1980s, and has long expressed the belief that Thailand’s appeal as an international MICE destination will only increase in the near future.

We had a conversation with Khun Sumate about the Thai MICE industry’s stellar performance – he explains why sustainability has become a key focus in the MICE industry, how Thailand has integrated sustainable practices into its MICE tourism, and the need for ongoing government support to drive these initiatives.

As a long-time incentive travel professional in Thailand, how has MICE travel changed since you began your career?

MICE, or Business Events (BE) as referred in many destinations, has always evolved in terms of target audience behavior and expectations. Group size, budget and other factors do evolve with the economy and organization’s performance. The principle remains, however, as BE is still the most effective tool to improve organizations’ performance, knowledge sharing and business exchange – depending on the sector within BE.

How has the demand for sustainable MICE options changed among international clients in recent years?

Sustainability has become one of the main considerations when planning events and travel programs. Degree of commitment varies by organization but gradually increases as knowhow and practice options become more developed and accessible.

How has MICE in Thailand evolved to become more sustainable? Can you share some specific examples of how Thailand has integrated sustainability into its MICE tourism industry?

Advancement on Sustainability in BE should be credited to the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). They had the foresight to introduce the ISO20121 to the Thai industry after the 2012 London Olympics. To date, some 21 Thai organizations are ISO20121-certified.

The six-year old Thailand Sustainable Events Management Standard (TSEMS) was also developed by TCEB, and is another successful endeavor with 113 Thai organizations certified.

On an individual side, the Sustainable Event Professional Certification (SEPC) course powered by Event Industry Council (EIC) launched in 2020 has certified 256 BE industry members. The industry capability development initiative is ongoing.

How do you balance the need for high-quality MICE experiences with the imperative of reducing environmental impact?

Event planners and attendees appreciate the efforts to plan events with as much environmental impact minimizing as possible. Local transportation with less CO2 emission, local ingredients used in meal preparation are some of the elements included in program planning and delivery.

How do you see the role of government policies in supporting sustainable MICE tourism in Thailand?

We need to see government support to drive forward sustainability efforts, as industry players lack the funds and access to authoritative bodies in sustainability development arena.

Government departments responsible for the industry can also liaise with other departments not directly involved in the industry, to put sustainability considerations in their area of responsibility.

Can you discuss any initiatives or programs that have been particularly successful in promoting sustainability within the MICE sector in Thailand?

I would say the industry standard programs introduced by TCEB, as mentioned above, massively helped to stimulate recognition of sustainability as must-haves from responsible business operators, and be in sync with expectations of customers.

What are some best practices you would recommend to other countries in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region looking to develop sustainable MICE tourism?

I recommend the adoption of sustainability practices; and the need to gradually enhance capabilities, elevating to international standards. But to really achieve this industry-wide and on a long term basis, governments should take the lead.

What are your future plans for promoting and enhancing sustainable MICE tourism in Thailand?

TICA does and continues to work alongside TCEB to further promote the importance of sustainability and introduce best practices as well as guidelines to apply to routine operations.

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The administration of Vientiane Province is set to survey the Meuang Feuang River area in Maed District for the development of conservation tourism.
On July 31, the administration signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bounheaung Import-Export Trading Co., Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study for a conservation tourism development project in Nam Feuang, Maed District, Vientiane Province.

The MOU was signed by Mr. Tengmeng Yangluexay, head of the Planning and Investment Department of Vientiane Province, and Mr. Khamphan Bounbung, Director of Bounheaung Import-Export Trading Co., Ltd.

Vientiane Province plans to develop the Feuang River area into a service-tourism site. The province has approved Bounheaung Import-Export Trading Co., Ltd. to conduct the feasibility study and conservation tourism development project, which will be fully funded by the company.

The project’s purpose is to create vacation spots, resorts, ports, restaurants, and service points for paddle boats, kayaks, Phaga Cave sightseeing, and other activities.
The MOU outlines a 24-month study and exploration period, covering the area from Huai Phihai to Pakhuai Nam Tang Nai and along the Feuang River to Nam Phuong Village in Mad District, Vientiane Province.

Source: Lao News Agency

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Cooperation deals for sustainable tourism, education and scientific researches have been inked by community-based tourism co-operatives in Hội An, Quảng Ngãi and Đà Nẵng and the centre of students support and business relations, under the University of Science and Education-Đà Nẵng University.

These deals will help boost biodiversity conservation, enhance community-based sustainable tourism, research and traditional cultural preservation, while improving community capability in natural resources management and local values.

It’s also a positive progress step in partnerships between the university and communities including Kim Bồng carpentry community-based tourism and experience Group in Hội An, Hòa Bắc communal eco-tour and farming cooperative in Đà Nẵng City, the Sa Huỳnh traditional salt production and tourism and Bàu Cá Cái wetland forest tourism group in Quảng Ngãi Province.

The community-based tourism sites will be used as field study locations for scientific researchers and students from the university, while the centre will see business partners and investors for promoting community-based tourism at a local level.

Natural conservation programmes and researches initiated by the university will help improve basic knowledge and nature management and protection capacity for local communities through scientific studies.

It’s the first ever sustainable development and nature conservation cooperation programme between an university and community in central Việt Nam.

The University of Science and Education has provided courses for thousands of students to help explore natural heritage, from rural mountainous to coastal areas in central Việt Nam, as well as offshore islands, since 2014.

Lecturers at the university have helped produce healthy products made from spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, in a joint-venture with the Vạn Tường high-tech agricultural cooperative in Quảng Ngãi Province and in boosting organic salt production as an OCOP (One-Commune One-Product) – a sustainable tourism brand – off the coast of Sa Huỳnh.

The field education programme, initiated by the university, has been working with villages of An Định, Lộc Mỹ, Tà Lang and Giàn Bí, Yên Retreat in create a complex of crafts, farm tours and community education in Hòa Bắc commune, a rural area in Đà Nẵng City.

Kim Bồng carpentry village in Hội An has been listed as an education and traditional craft experience tours in field education programmes at the university.

Source: Viet Nam News

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These measures not only foster regional cooperation but also promote sustainable tourism growth.

Click the PDF file below to read the full story and learn about the latest positive developments in GMS tourism.

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