Regent Seven Seas Cruises Elevates Shore Excursions on Seven Seas Prestige
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has rolled out an all‑inclusive shore excursion program on its newest vessel, the Seven Seas Prestige, the first new ship class in ten years. Guests can book unlimited included excursions at each port, with additional paid Regent Choice options available. Reservations open 210 days before sailing for Concierge Suite guests and 180 days for Deluxe Veranda guests, beginning with the ship’s maiden voyage in December 2026. The program spans 56 voyages through April 2028, offering up to 141 curated experiences per sailing across the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Singapore Updates Approach to Guide Tourism Businesses Towards Tech Transformation
Singapore’s Tourism Board (STB) has upgraded its Tcube innovation platform into a Tcube Centre of Excellence (CoE), a one‑stop hub that helps tourism firms scale proven digital solutions. The CoE shifts from a Learn‑Test‑Build model to a Learn‑Test‑Scale approach, focusing...
Motorcycle Touring Gains Ground in Southern Thailand Showcase
The Tourism Authority of Thailand teamed with Harley‑Davidson Asia for a three‑day media familiarisation tour in early May, spotlighting Hat Yai, Songkhla and Phatthalung as a new motorcycle‑touring corridor. The trip brought together journalists, content creators and motorcycle‑lifestyle influencers from Malaysia,...
Malaysia Airlines, Tourism New Zealand to Support Travel Demand
Malaysia Airlines and Tourism New Zealand have signed a two‑year partnership to jointly market New Zealand to Asian travelers, especially Malaysians. The collaboration will promote nature‑based, adventure and cultural experiences to young professionals, groups and experience‑seeking tourists. Malaysia Airlines currently operates ten...
Oceania Cruises Expands Commissionable Earnings for Travel Advisors
Oceania Cruises announced that, starting with its 2028 programme, it will eliminate non‑commissionable cruise fares on all newly launched sailings. The change means commission rates will be calculated on the full cruise price for travel advisors, simplifying the payout structure....
Emirates Restores Global Network Following Disruption
Emirates has restored 96% of its global network, now serving 137 destinations across 72 countries with over 1,300 weekly flights, roughly 75% of its pre‑disruption capacity. Between March 1 and April 30 the airline carried 4.7 million passengers despite a reduced...
Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport Appoints New Rooms Division Leadership
Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has promoted Avinash Chandola to rooms division manager and appointed Anju Rathore as front office manager. Chandola, formerly the hotel’s front office manager, brings more than 16 years of experience in front‑office operations and...
Bhutan to Stage Inaugural Travel Mart as Global Engagement Grows
Bhutan will host its inaugural Bhutan International Travel Mart (BITM) from June 11‑13, 2026 in Zhichenkhar, Thimphu, coinciding with the launch of the dedicated website www.bitm.bt. Jointly organized by the Department of Tourism and the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators,...
Air Astana Taps Transit Boom Amid Network Shift
Air Astana reported a 13.2% jump in first‑quarter revenue to $331 million after reallocating capacity from the Gulf to Asian and European routes. The airline saw a 65% year‑on‑year rise in international‑to‑international transit traffic, driven by a 158% surge in March....
Singapore’s Rainforest Wild Adventure to Open Second Phase in May
Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Group will soft‑open the second phase of its Rainforest Wild Adventure on May 20, 2026, completing a 20‑hectare park that links east and west zones. The new eastern zone introduces Afro‑tropical habitats and four okapis, the species’...
Wafaifo Resort Hoi An Unveils May Stay with Dinner for Two
Vietnam's Wafaifo Resort Hoi An launched a limited‑time May 2026 stay package. The deal includes a one‑night Faifo Room, breakfast for two, a Josper‑grilled dinner with two glasses of house red, and starts at 2.5 million dong (≈US$98). Bookings are accepted...
JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa Names Director of Operations
JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa has appointed Kashmira Sahu as its new Director of Operations. In this role she will oversee all hotel functions and key operational departments. Sahu arrives after senior leadership stints, including Director of...
CrescentRating Revamps Muslim Travel Intent Tracker
CrescentRating has overhauled its Muslim Travel Intent Tracker (MTIT) to deliver real‑time, granular data on Muslim travel demand. The revamped tool now provides monthly intent scores across short‑, medium‑ and long‑term horizons and embeds calendar variables such as Ramadan, Eid...
Tiket.com Expands Green Partnerships
Tiket.com, Indonesia’s leading online travel agency, has expanded its Tiket Green sustainability program by partnering with Artotel Group and Rumah Atsiri Indonesia. The new collaborations shift focus toward “accommodation with experience,” blending eco‑friendly lodging with measurable environmental and community benefits....
Visa Expands Destinations Programme Into Asia-Pacific with Thailand Debut
Visa is launching its Destinations experience‑led travel programme in Asia‑Pacific, debuting in Thailand with Singapore slated for 2026. The service offers Visa Infinite and Signature cardholders curated cultural, dining, wellness and transport experiences via a digital booking platform. The rollout...
Go Beyond the Checklist; Why the Checklist Is Not the Final Verdict
Travel sustainability certifications can elevate a tour operator’s brand and drive bookings, but they become a burden if pursued without understanding the underlying purpose. The article argues that grasping the why behind each criterion fosters stronger supplier networks, reduces employee...
Genting Dream Serves up 10th Anniversary Sailing with Celebrity Chef
Dream Cruises marked its 10th anniversary with a two‑night themed sailing aboard Genting Dream, featuring Netflix star Chef Tommie Lee. The cruise offered a multi‑course French menu paired with Veuve Clicquot, with tickets starting at US$66 and US$96 for the...
UAE Skies Reopen, Impact yet to Be Seen
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority lifted all flight restrictions on May 2, restoring normal air traffic over Dubai International and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed airports after drone attacks linked to the US‑Israel‑Iran war. OAG data showed regional capacity had fallen 34.7%...
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Grows Portfolio with 20 Properties in 1Q2026
Preferred Hotels & Resorts added 20 new properties between January and March 2026, spanning Indonesia, France, Austria, Brazil, the United States and several other markets. The additions range from a boutique villa resort in Bali to a restored 19th‑century hotel...
Moving up the Funnel
Agoda’s CEO says the company is shifting higher up the travel funnel, adding a generative‑AI‑driven itinerary‑planning layer between inspiration and booking. He predicts AI will let a single engineer do the work of ten within two to three years, though...
Monaco Launches International Leisure Campaign Across Key Markets
Visit Monaco has launched an international leisure campaign called “Monaco, Everything At Once,” showcasing the principality’s ability to deliver a spectrum of experiences—sport, dining, culture, wellness, nightlife and coastal leisure—within its two‑square‑kilometre footprint. The initiative uses six striking visuals and...
Korean Air Expands Skypass Redemptions with Weverse Partnership
Korean Air has teamed up with Weverse to let Skypass members redeem miles for the platform’s digital currency, Jelly. The partnership offers 270 miles for a nine‑Jelly voucher and 450 miles for a fifteen‑Jelly voucher, lowering the threshold for mileage...
The Hari Hong Kong Links Wan Chai Stays with Access to Hiking Routes
The Hari Hong Kong is marketing Wan Chai as a dual‑purpose base, pairing city attractions with easy access to Hong Kong Island’s extensive hiking network, including the 50‑km Dragon’s Back Trail. To encourage longer visits, the hotel launched two packages: “Stay...
Iconic Hotel Group Welcomes Group GM
Iconic Hotel Group has named Pauline Chua as its new Group General Manager, responsible for the operations of Iconic Marjorie Penang, Iconic Regency Service Residences and Iconic Hotel Penang. Chua arrives from Onyx Hospitality Group, where she served as general manager of Amari...
Mixed Mood for Travel in South-East Asia as Flight Disruptions Mount
Travel sentiment across Southeast Asia is diverging as jet‑fuel price shocks trigger widespread flight disruptions. Singapore and Malaysia continue to record strong outbound bookings, with Trip.com noting up to 70% year‑on‑year growth for popular Asia‑Pacific destinations and travel fairs showing...
Banks and Platforms Reshape Travel Distribution Landscape
Travel distribution is being reshaped as banks, lifestyle platforms, and social media move into the travel space. Agoda’s chief commercial officer Damien Pfirsch said a proprietary travel product is no longer required—an audience and conversion path suffice. Premium credit‑card rewards...
Food & Hospitality Asia 2026 Draws 70,000 in Largest Edition in a Decade
Food & Hospitality Asia (FHA) 2026 wrapped up after four days at Singapore Expo, merging the FHA‑Food & Beverage and FHA‑HoReCa shows into a single event. More than 2,750 exhibitors occupied 10 halls while roughly 70,000 industry professionals from 110...
Artotel Opens Design-Led Hotel in Magelang, Central Java
Artotel Group opened its 111‑room boutique hotel, Artotel Leguna Magelang, in Central Java. Designed by architect Andra Matin, the property blends minimalist architecture with art, featuring a tiered lobby and an oval atrium inspired by Borobudur. The hotel targets local...
Minor Hotels Signs Two Resort Projects in Southern Thailand
Minor Hotels announced two new resort projects in southern Thailand, partnering with Thailand’s Rasa Group. The 32‑room beachfront property on Koh Samui will become the first Colbert Collection hotel in Asia, while the 63‑room resort on Koh Phangan will be rebranded as...
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Rolls Out 2028-29 Extended Global Voyages
Regent Seven Seas Cruises unveiled its 2028‑29 Legendary Journeys Collection, a trio of ultra‑long itineraries ranging from 61 to 101 nights. The Grand Pathways of Europe, Grand Hemispheres Journey and Grand Silk Seas Passage will sail on the Seven Seas...
Thailand Travel Trade Warns Exit Tax Could Impact Aviation Sector
Thailand’s travel trade is opposing a proposed 1,000‑baht (US$31) exit tax on Thai nationals, arguing it will raise outbound travel costs to roughly 2,500 baht when combined with recent passenger service charge hikes and a planned tourism fee. The Association of...
Bohol-Panglao Airport Begins Phased Reconfiguration Works
Bohol‑Panglao International Airport, the Philippines’ 10th‑busiest airport, has begun a phased reconfiguration led by Aboitiz InfraCapital. The initial phase targets passenger flow, accessibility, layout changes, security measures and new equipment while keeping daily operations running. The upgrades respond to rising...
PATA Travel Mart 2027 Set for Return to Macao
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will hold its flagship Travel Mart in Macau from September 20‑22, 2027, under the auspices of the Macao Government Tourism Office. The three‑day event will convene buyers and exhibitors across the Asia‑Pacific region, featuring...
Fuel Shock Hits Asian Carriers, Threatens Intra-Asia Travel
A sharp jet‑fuel price surge triggered by the Hormuz blockade has forced Asian airlines to slash schedules, with carriers such as Batik Air cutting domestic capacity by 35% and AirAsia trimming network flights by 10%. The region’s weak fuel‑hedging practices...
Cambodia Tourism Hit by Air Disruption as Middle East Crisis Reshapes Travel Flows
Cambodia’s tourism is feeling a sharp decline as the Middle East crisis disrupts Gulf transit hubs that funnel European visitors into the country. Angkor Enterprise reported a 32% year‑on‑year drop in foreign arrivals and a 30% revenue dip in the...
Upper House Rolls Out House Locals Programme Across Key Cities
Upper House, the luxury hotel brand, has launched the “House Locals” programme to give guests curated, locally‑driven experiences. The initiative currently operates in its Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai properties, pairing travelers with creatives such as urban‑hike guide Leo Chung, panda‑conservation specialist Danny Qi,...
Global Hotel Alliance Records 1Q Growth Led by Discovery Programme Activity
Global Hotel Alliance posted strong first‑quarter 2026 results, with total hotel revenue climbing 24% to $921 million. Room revenue surged 27% to $738 million as room nights rose 34%, driven by heightened activity in its Discovery loyalty programme. Membership expanded 36% to...
Umana Bali Brings Together Cultural Rituals and Volcano Flights for Summer Stays
Umana Bali, part of LXR Hotels & Resorts, has launched a suite of summer experiences aimed at families and active travelers. Set on the cliffs of Ungasan, the resort blends 72 pool‑villa accommodations with cultural immersion, wellness programs, and outdoor...
Malaysia Extends Visit Malaysia Campaign to 2027 Amid Global Uncertainty
Malaysia’s government has pushed the Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism drive out to 2027, keeping its ambition to attract 47 million international visitors and generate roughly RM329 billion (about US$70 billion) in revenue. The extension responds to lingering geopolitical turbulence, notably the Middle East...
Brand USA Brings Travel Advisor Ambassador Scheme to South-East Asia
Brand USA is extending its Global Ambassador Program to Southeast Asia, launching cohorts in Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. The initiative aims to appoint 250 travel‑trade ambassadors worldwide by July 4 2026, aligning with the United States’ 250th anniversary. Advisors in...
Langham Signs Dual-Brand Hotel Project in Xiong’an New Area
Langham Hospitality Group has signed a management agreement with China Xiong’an Group to develop two hotels—Cordis and Ying’nFlo—in the state‑level Xiong’an New Area. The integrated 23,700 m² complex will feature 180 Cordis rooms and 120 Ying’nFlo rooms, slated to open in...
Minor Hotels Channels Dollars for Deeds Funds to Bangkok Medical Centre
Minor Hotels, through its Dollars for Deeds programme, contributed more than 1.6 million baht (approximately US$44,000) to the Princess Sirindhorn Craniofacial Center at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok. The centre, the first dedicated craniofacial facility in Southeast Asia, provides specialized...
Regent Phu Quoc Unveils Island Programme for April to June Stays
Regent Phu Quoc has unveiled a three‑month seasonal programme running from April through June, bundling upscale accommodation, curated dining, wellness services, and island‑based activities. The resort offers suites and private‑pool villas with beach or elevated views, alongside bed‑and‑breakfast and club‑level...
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Strengthens Board with Two Appointments
Millennium & Copthorne Hotels announced the appointment of David Michels and Howard Panter as non‑executive directors. Michels, former chief executive of Stakis Hotels and senior executive at Hilton, brings deep hotel‑industry experience. Panter, co‑founder of Ambassador Theatre Group, adds a...
Navigating China’s Digital Discovery
Dida, an AI‑first B2B travel distribution platform, has teamed up with Thailand’s Tourism Authority to push the Trusted Thailand initiative across China. The partnership shifts focus from sheer visitor numbers to high‑value, experience‑driven luxury travelers, using dominant Chinese social channels...
Thailand Recovers as Japan’s Safety Perception Falls Among Chinese Travellers
Dragon Trail International’s latest Chinese Traveller Sentiment Report shows Japan’s safety perception among Chinese tourists plunging to a 37% “safe” rating, the lowest since China reopened in 2023. In contrast, Thailand rebounded, climbing seven spots and achieving its highest safety...
Ascott Advances AI Infrastructure with Focus on Agent-Led Travel
Ascott is investing in AI‑focused infrastructure to shift toward agent‑led travel planning and booking, partnering with Accenture, Amadeus and EHL Hospitality Business School. Its AI concierge Cubby has handled over 900,000 guest enquiries since 2023 and will evolve into a...
Club Med, Central Group Capital Plan Resort in Koh Samui
Club Med and Central Group Capital have signed a hotel‑management agreement to develop a new resort on Koh Samui, Thailand. The 303‑room property will join Club Med’s Exclusive Collection, marking the brand’s first such offering in Thailand and its second resort...
Western Australia Promotes Caravan Road Trips for Family Travel
Western Australia is marketing caravan travel as a family‑friendly option during the mid‑year school holidays, highlighting a diverse network of parks that span coastal, forest and remote areas. The itinerary flexibility lets families combine short drives near Perth with longer...
The RuMa Launches Kuala Lumpur Stay Package
The RuMa Hotel and Residences launched "The Kuala Lumpur Escape," a short‑stay package aimed at Southeast Asian travelers. It bundles a double breakfast at Atas, RM100 (≈US$21) spa credit and RM200 (≈US$42) dining credit at Santai, plus a possible room...