What's happening: Thai hotels see flat foreign arrivals in 2026 amid safety concerns
Thai hotel operators expect international visitor numbers to hold steady in 2026, citing stagnant short‑haul demand and lingering safety worries. Occupancy in January was 77%, with the southern region at 84% and the north at 68%.

Hilton has introduced a guaranteed connecting‑room option across its portfolio, allowing guests to book adjacent rooms directly on hilton.com. Travelers must select “two rooms,” book at least three days in advance, and the system filters out non‑connectable types. While cash rates may carry a modest surcharge, points pricing remains unchanged. The feature originated with the budget‑focused Motto brand and has been rolled out chain‑wide to boost direct bookings and differentiate Hilton from rivals.
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A rumor circulating on Reddit suggests Chase will launch a premium Park Hyatt credit card with a $795 annual fee, a 100,000‑point sign‑up bonus, automatic Explorist status and 20 free nights at the start of the year. The card would...

Turkey’s aviation sector posted one of Europe’s strongest growth stories in 2025, driven by a surge in passenger demand and a resilient operational model. Istanbul Airport solidified its rank among Europe’s top hubs, handling record traffic while introducing triple independent...

At the Singapore Airshow, Embraer and ATR highlighted the Asia‑Pacific region as the next growth frontier for regional aircraft. While turboprops already hold a solid share, regional jets remain under‑represented, with narrow‑ and wide‑bodies making up more than 90% of...
New York Court of Appeals cleared the TRYP Hotel of negligence in the 2017 balcony suicide of Dr. Noah Beadell. The majority held the hotel had no control over the guest and that the family’s expectation of an immediate 911...

Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier, flyadeal has taken delivery of its first aircraft of 2026, an A320neo, increasing its all narrowbody fleet to 45 aircraft. The jet, delivered to Jeddah from Airbus’ Toulouse facility, is the airline’s 34th A320neo. It has been...
Air Astana has appointed Johan Eidhagen as President of FlyArystan, effective March 1, 2026. Eidhagen joins from Wizz Air, where he most recently served as Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and previously held senior roles including Chief People &...

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel emphasized the platform’s deep ties with independent hotels, which supply the bulk of its room nights, as the company confronts rising pressure from AI‑driven travel agents and Airbnb’s expansion into the boutique‑hotel segment. He announced...

Wyndham Hotels disclosed a $160 million charge after its largest European franchisee, Revo Hospitality Group, entered self‑administration in January. The charge covers uncollectible receivables, asset impairments and a write‑down of the Vienna House trademark acquired in 2022. Despite the setback, the...

Indian travel‑tech firms have spent nearly $1 billion on acquisitions across the U.S., Europe and the Middle East since late 2024, marking a rapid global expansion. Leading players such as Prism (formerly Oyo), RateGain, TBO Tek and Ixigo are buying B2B infrastructure, OTA...

Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign is targeting 2.1 million Indian visitors, a 34.6% rise from the previous year. Indian arrivals already climbed to 1.56 million in 2025, up 14.6% from 2024, underscoring growing demand. The push is backed by 238 weekly...

Flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s fast‑growing low‑cost carrier, received its first Airbus A320neo of 2026, bringing its total fleet to 45 aircraft. The new plane, named Al‑Saqr, features 186 all‑economy seats and lower fuel consumption, enhancing both capacity and sustainability. Flyadeal operates...

Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathi met Kuwait’s Minister of State for Communications Omar Saud Al‑Omar during the 52nd UN Tourism Regional Commission in Kuwait, cementing a bilateral pact to deepen cultural tourism ties. The dialogue highlighted Egypt’s...

European hubs in Stockholm, Paris, and Venice experienced severe operational chaos on January 18, 2026, as airlines cancelled six flights and delayed more than 180 across the continent. Scandinavian Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Air France were the primary carriers affected,...

Cambodia’s government has extended tax incentives for tourism businesses in Siem Reap until the end of 2026, offering income‑tax exemptions and monthly tax relief (excluding VAT and accommodation tax). The measure targets hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and travel agencies, aiming to...

The episode marks International Sous Vide Day, highlighting how the precision cooking method has evolved from a niche French experiment to a global operational platform across restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, and retail. Guest Miguel Franco, CCO of Cuisine Solutions, explains that sous vide’s...

The Norwegian Group posted a record operating profit of NOK 3.732 billion for 2025, the highest in its history, and a NOK 21 million EBIT in Q4 after a loss the previous year. Passenger traffic rose to 27.3 million for the full year, with Norwegian’s...
Central Holidays announced a new suite of Morocco travel programs, expanding its portfolio beyond recent Türkiye offerings. The itineraries span comprehensive multi‑city tours, relaxed city stays, and multi‑country adventures, all fully customizable for individuals, groups, or specialty segments. To drive...

Lore Group has launched a £100 American Express cashback promotion for stays of £400 across six of its luxury hotels, including Sea Containers London and Pulitzer Amsterdam, with prepaid bookings eligible if made through the official website or Global Hotel...

Air Niugini has cancelled its order for two Boeing 787‑8 jets, leaving a gap as its aging B767‑300ERs are set to leave service in 2026. The 787s were intended to replace those wide‑bodies and support new routes to Asia, Australia...

The European Travel Commission forecasts a 6.2% rise in international arrivals to Europe this year, driven largely by a surge in Chinese and Indian tourists. Chinese visitor numbers are expected to jump 28% and Indian arrivals 9% compared with 2025,...

Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas has selected Anuvu as its new inflight entertainment (IFE) partner, with the collaboration kicking off in January 2026. The deal brings Anuvu’s extensive content library—including HBO Max and Formula 1—into GOL’s cabins, promising higher‑quality streams and a broader...
An interactive list released in February 2026 shows that nine multinational lodging companies now operate 259 distinct hotel and resort brands, up from 213 in 2023. The list details each brand’s loyalty program affiliation and a brief description, highlighting the rapid...

CAPA’s premium analysis report highlights its extensive aviation intelligence services, offering members a 1,033‑word deep‑dive analysis alongside more than 1,000 weekly news briefs. Membership provides full access to a suite of tools, including a mobile app with customizable alerts and...

Move over Qsuites, the new @japanairlines Airbus A350 business class may just be one of the best in the world. What do you think?

Lufthansa Group and Air India signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation across routes, IT, loyalty programs and customer experience. The agreement expands their relationship from a simple codeshare to a broader interline framework covering all subsidiaries, including Austrian,...

United Airlines has signed a deal with GE Aerospace to purchase 300 additional GEnx engines and associated spares for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The order, which does not disclose price, will increase United’s fleet of GEnx‑powered aircraft to over...
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is counting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup to revive U.S. travel after three consecutive quarters of declining room revenues. U.S. RevPAR fell 2% in Q4, lagging rivals Hilton and Marriott, while growth in Europe, the...

As international travel rebounds, Vietnam is enforcing a tax‑related exit ban that can stop travelers at the airport if they owe unpaid taxes. The law applies to business owners, legal representatives, non‑operational enterprises, Vietnamese citizens planning permanent moves and even...

The Philippine Cyclo Tourism Program launches the inaugural Marinduque Cycling Experience, a three‑day, 2‑night bike tour from February 20‑22, 2026. Cyclists will traverse 60‑100 km daily across coastal roads, countryside, and mountain decks, including a stop at the historic Luzon Datum...

The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture and Department of Tourism have signed a memorandum of agreement to integrate farm‑to‑market roads with tourism infrastructure under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP). The initiative earmarks ₱4 billion for road upgrades that connect rural farms...

Air Canada has scrapped its planned seasonal nonstop service between Montreal‑Trudeau and Seattle‑Tacoma, originally slated to launch on May 1, 2026 and run through October 13, 2026. The route would have featured daily Airbus A220‑300 flights, offering roughly 3,700 seats...

Delta Air Lines is accelerating its non‑stop service between Los Angeles International Airport and Melbourne, moving from three weekly flights to a daily schedule by December 22, 2026. The airline introduced the route only three months ago, and rapid uptake has...

Russia is courting domestic private investors to rebuild a third of its regional airports after expelling foreign operators such as Germany’s Fraport. The government has earmarked roughly $2.5 billion for the effort, betting on a 50% rise in passenger traffic over...

Oneworld Sapphire is the alliance’s mid‑tier elite level, granting members business‑class lounge access, priority services and extra baggage on any Oneworld carrier. The benefit package includes complimentary checked bags (or an additional 15 kg), free preferred seat selection, priority boarding and...
Spirit Airlines is preparing to launch its Free Spirit Debit Mastercard, a new debit‑card offering that promises a modest welcome bonus and a suite of loyalty perks. The card carries a $6.99 monthly fee and awards 200 Free Spirit points...

Southwest Airlines announced it will upgrade its in‑flight connectivity by installing Starlink satellite internet on its fleet, beginning this summer. The airline already provides free, unlimited Wi‑Fi to Rapid Rewards members via T‑Mobile on more than 800 aircraft. Southwest plans...
The Institute of Hospitality (IoH) has launched IoH Mediterranean, a regional network spanning twelve Southern European and nearby markets. Dr. Julian Zarb of Malta will chair the new body, bringing academic and community‑tourism expertise to the role. The network aims...
American Airlines dispatched Flight 137 from London to Los Angeles on February 14 despite non‑functional galley lights, forcing flight attendants to improvise with flashlights to serve meals. The airline invoked Minimum Equipment List (MEL) procedures, prioritizing on‑time departure over immediate maintenance. Crew...
Emirates is offering double Skywards miles to passengers flying the new Airbus A350 on route EK70 between London Gatwick and Dubai. The promotion runs for journeys completed between 17 February and 18 March 2026, but travelers must book by 28 February 2026. It applies to any...
Fitch Ratings assigned an ‘A’ rating to Lee County, Florida’s airport revenue bonds, Series 2026, and affirmed the rating on existing bonds with a stable outlook. The rating reflects a balanced carrier mix serving a leisure‑focused market and enplanements that...
Hotel chains worldwide are rethinking the traditional complimentary breakfast, shifting it from a universal amenity to a strategic pricing tool. Brands such as Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton are piloting models that limit free breakfast to premium rooms, elite loyalty members,...
Jamaica’s long‑standing tourism minister Edmund Bartlett has released *Destination Reputational Resilience*, a manifesto that places crisis‑ready reputation at the heart of tourism strategy. Co‑authored with Lloyd Waller and backed by a UN foreword, the book signals that resilience is moving...

Tom Pritzker, who has guided Hyatt Hotels Corp. for more than two decades, announced his retirement as executive chairman and his decision not to stand for re‑election to the board. Since taking the helm in 2004, Pritzker has overseen the...

Qatar Airways announced a 14% cut to its spring 2026 London schedule, reducing total outbound flights from 951 to 818 between April and June. Weekly departures for the week of May 1 drop to 59, with Heathrow losing 11 slots and...

Lufthansa has begun scrapping one of its retired A380s, registration D‑AIMI, after mothballing six quad‑jets during the pandemic. The aircraft, which logged over 25,000 flight hours, was sent to Tarbes and later sold to a U.S. firm before its fuselage...

The McDonnell Douglas MD‑11 can stay aloft for roughly 12‑13 hours with a typical payload, covering up to 6,725 nautical miles. In ferry configuration, its range extends beyond 15 hours and 8,000 nm. Operational endurance varies with payload‑fuel trade‑offs, especially on...
@emirates has announced a series of aircraft deployments and cabin upgrades across its network as it expands the rollout of Premium Economy and enhances product consistency for customers. Under its ongoing retrofit programme, the airline is set to complete the upgrade...
Air Astana will resume direct services from Almaty to Baku from 15 March 2026, while increasing overall frequencies to the capital of Azerbaijan. The Almaty–Baku–Almaty route will initially operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Frequency will rise to three weekly...

@emirates February 2026 booking data shows Lunar New Year is no longer just about balik kampung. It is increasingly a launchpad for long-haul holidays. According to booking data released by Emirates for February 2026, travel to and from Malaysia during the...