“We are excited to bring the 83^rd IATA AGM to China, hosted by Xiamen Airlines.

China is a major player in the aviation industry. China’s airlines are among the top in the world in terms of passenger traffic. And the country is at the forefront of deploying technology and digitalisation to improve efficiency. Hosting the AGM in China will allow the leaders of the global aviation industry to witness first-hand the impressive development of the Chinese market,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

“Xiamen Airlines is proud to host the IATA AGM and to welcome our industry colleagues to our home base of Xiamen. China is a vast and culturally diverse country, with many dynamic cities and regions beyond its best-known gateways. Located on China’s southeast coast, Xiamen is an historical port and interface for commerce between China and the rest of the world,” said Xiamen Airlines Char Zhao Dong.

“The opening of Xiang’an International Airport later this year demonstrates how Xiamen is growing its importance as a transportation and business hub. AGM guests can look forward to discovering the rich culture, warm hospitality, coastal beauty, and a relaxed lifestyle that create the distinctive spirit and vitality of Xiamen,” said Xiamen Airlines CEO & President Xie Bing.

The decision to host the 83rd IATA AGM in China was made at the 82nd IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, which concluded on 7 June. This is the third time China will host the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders, and the first time it will be held in Xiamen. The AGM was previously held in Shanghai (2002) and Beijing (2012).

(Source: IATA)

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The regional landscape, however, is highly differentiated.

At the geographic centre of the Middle East war, airlines in the region are expected to collectively fall into the red due to weak demand and operational disruptions. All other regions are expected to deliver profits, but at reduced levels from previous projections. Highlights include:

Airlines are expected to achieve a combined net profit of USD23.0 billion in 2026, roughly half of the previously projected USD41 billion. It is also roughly half the USD45 billion net profit estimate for 2025.

The net profit margin is expected to be 2% in 2026, roughly half the previously projected 3.9%. It is also less than half the 4.2% estimate for the 2025 net profit margin.

Net profit per passenger transported is expected to be USD4.50, half the USD9.10 achieved in 2025.

Operating profit in 2026 is expected to be USD48.0 billion (down from USD76.4 billion in 2025) for a net operating margin of 4.1% (down from 7.2% in 2025).

Return on invested capital (ROIC) is expected to be 4.3% (down from 6.6% in 2025). This is below the estimated weighted-average cost of capital of 8.5%. The gap highlights again the structural weakness of the airline industry, where profitability shocks quickly erode capital efficiency. 

Total industry revenues are expected to reach USD1.165 trillion in 2026 (up 9.4% on the USD1.065 trillion in 2025).

The passenger load factor is forecast to continue to set record highs, with airlines expected to fill 84.0% of all seats over the year. That is an improvement on 83.5% in 2025.

Passenger numbers are expected to reach 5.1 billion in 2026 (up 2.4% on 2025). 

Cargo volumes are expected to reach 71.7 million tonnes in 2026 (up 0.2% on 2025).

“War-related disruptions in the Middle East and rising fuel costs have shifted the outlook for airlines for the worse. Globally, airlines are expected to see profitability halve compared to 2025. Profits will shrink from $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion this year. And margins will shrink from 4.2% to 2.0%. All airline bottom lines are suffering from the rapid 70% rise in jet fuel prices. Some of the additional costs are being recuperated by adjusting prices and improving efficiency, but it will not be sufficient to maintain profitability at the previous year’s level. Smaller carriers that started the year with weak balance sheets are certainly struggling. At the regional level, all are in the black but with sharply reduced financial performance, except in the Middle East. The Gulf carriers face operational uncertainty following a near-complete shutdown of airspace at the outbreak of the war. These carriers are doing an amazing job maintaining connectivity, but major financial impacts are unavoidable,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Even in the best of times, the airline industry as a whole suffers from low margins and returns below the cost of capital. The oil price shock has tested airlines’ financial resilience, with net margins squeezed to 2% globally.

Airlines are bearing the brunt of the fuel price shock. While air fares are rising, airlines are still absorbing part of the hike in their bottom lines. Net profit per passenger is expected to fall to $4.50, half of last year’s level. Under the circumstances, that shows resilience. But it won’t even buy you a hot dog at most of the FIFA World Cup venues, and it does not leave much of a buffer should other costs or taxes start rising,” said Walsh.

Outlook Drivers

Overall revenues are expected to grow by 9.4% to USD1.165 trillion. Revenue per available tonne-kilometre (ATK) is expected to grow by 8.8%. Outside of the extraordinary period of the COVID recovery, an increase of this magnitude occurred only recently, in 2008, when the jet fuel price rose by 40% year-on-year, and in 2010, following the 2009 global financial crisis and a subsequent jump in the price of jet fuel.

Despite significant improvements, revenue growth is expected to lag operating expense growth, with operating expenses of USD1.117 trillion, halving industry-wide net profitability to USD23.0 billion in 2026.

Major macroeconomic factors impacting airlines are expected to deteriorate in 2026, with GDP growth slowing to 2.5% (from 3.4% in 2025), inflation rising to 5.0% (from 4.1% in 2025), and world trade growth slowing to 1.9% (from 4.6% in 2025).

For the full report’s findings, check out Global Outlook for Air Transport Energy in Crisis.

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Held from 1 to 4 June 2026 under the theme “New Frontiers in Tourism,” HTM 2026 attracted more than 100 international participants, including representatives from 75 global buyer companies, over 80 exhibiting organisations, and a strong representation of tourism stakeholders from Nepal and across the region.

Organised by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and private-sector partners, the event provided a platform to explore opportunities, foster international partnerships, and shape the future of Nepal’s tourism.

“HTM continues to serve as a catalyst for tourism growth, regional cooperation, and international market connectivity,” said PATA Nepal Chapter Chair Khem Lakai. The theme ‘New Frontiers in Tourism’ reflects our collective ambition to embrace innovation, diversify tourism offerings, and create meaningful travel experiences for future generations.”

The B2B Mart remained the cornerstone of HTM 2026, facilitating productive business interactions between international buyers and tourism suppliers from Nepal and other destinations.

The sessions, held on 3 and 4 June, brought together 75 international buyers and more than 80 exhibitors, resulting in over 2,400 pre-scheduled business appointments and the creation of significant new tourism partnerships.

(Source: PATA Nepal Chapter)

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Inspirational Role Model: Rania Alturki, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Saudia Group.

High Flyer: Fiona Omondi, Chief Strategy Officer, Tradewinds Aviation Services and Co-Founder, Women in Aviation International, Kenya.

Diversity & Inclusion Team: LATAM Airlines Group

“Aviation competes for talent. In that context, the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards inspire the industry with great examples of the many initiatives underway. They are a strong signal to anyone considering working in our amazing industry that there are opportunities without boundaries for all to build rewarding careers in aviation. It is particularly encouraging to see the growing number of women in cockpit roles, on the ground in maintenance and engineering, and in the CEO’s office. There is still much more progress to make, but it’s important to pause and recognise the changes happening and those leading the charge. Congratulations to all those nominated for the Awards and, of course, the winners,” said IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh.

Qatar Airways sponsor the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards. With their support, each winner receives a prize of USD25,000, payable either to them or to their nominated charities. 

The 2026 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards were presented during the World Air Transport Summit (WATS), which followed the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Winner Profiles

Inspirational Role Model: Rania Alturki, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Saudia Group. She joined Saudia Group as the airline’s first female executive with one clear ambition — to create opportunities for female pilots and cabin crew members, and to integrate women into engineering and technical roles in an environment that, for years, remained closed to women. Under her leadership, the group underwent a remarkable transformation, with women now representing approximately 25% of the Saudia Group workforce and playing a key role in supporting the group’s growth, innovation, and transformation. In addition, 56% of cabin crew members are now women, and 34% of all new hires in 2025 were women, up 11% from the year before. Importantly, more than 36 women now serve in different leadership positions across the group. 

High Flyer: Fiona Omondi, Chief Strategy Officer, Tradewinds Aviation Services and Co-Founder, Women in Aviation International, Kenya. Omondi is a trailblazer in Africa’s aviation industry, co-founding Women in Aviation International Kenya to raise awareness of aviation careers and support aspiring professionals through mentorship and outreach initiatives.

Diversity & Inclusion Team: LATAM Airlines Group. The efforts of LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates focused on increasing the number of female maintenance technicians, which rose from 111 in 2021 to 539 by December 2025 and has continued to grow across the group. LATAM Airlines Group has dismantled gender stereotypes in technical roles and strengthened its workforce by expanding access to skilled talent in this key area of the industry. This demonstrates how inclusion can directly support business resilience and long-term growth.

(Source: IATA)

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Organised in conjunction with the Mekong Tourism Forum 2026 and supported by Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture, the exhibition will convene at Pan Pacific Yangon from 15 to 18 June 2026 and at Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon from 20 to 30 June 2026.

Curated by travel consultant and art curator Jaffee Yee, the exhibition features the work of three contemporary Myanmar watercolour artists: Arkar Myo, Aung Htet Lwin and Sai Pyae Sone Aye.

Through a collection of watercolour paintings, visitors are invited to experience some of Myanmar’s most iconic destinations, including Shwedagon Pagoda, Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, Inle Lake, Bagan and Hpa-An.

For Yee, the exhibition demonstrates how art can inspire travel and cultural understanding.
“Art captures the spirit of a place,” said Yee. “We hope these paintings encourage visitors to discover more of Myanmar’s culture, heritage and people.”

Its connection with the Mekong Tourism Forum 2026 further highlights the importance of culture as a driver of sustainable tourism. The MTF brings together tourism leaders and industry professionals from across the Greater Mekong Subregion to explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation and responsible tourism development.

About the artists

• Aung Htet Lwin
  Aung Htet Lwin was born in 1991 in Pantanaw, Myanmar. He is a full-time professional artist known for his atmospheric urban landscapes and expressive contemporary watercolour paintings. He graduated from the National University of Arts and Culture (NUAC), Yangon, specialising in painting. 

• Sai Pyae Sone Aye
  Sai Pyae Sone Aye was born in 1980 in Khamti, Sagaing, Myanmar. He is an acclaimed professional watercolour artist. Recognised for his deep mastery of the medium, he is highly celebrated for capturing the unique qualities of light and atmosphere, with a particular focus on urban scenes, vivid landscapes, and natural scenery. 

• Arkar Myo
  Arkar Myo was born in 1992 in Mandalay, Myanmar. He began studying fine art under a private instructor at the age of seven, training diligently for six years. During his childhood as an aspiring artist, he actively participated in numerous national and international competitions. 

About the author 
Andrew J Wood is a respected travel writer, tourism lecturer and hospitality consultant with more than four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s tourism and hotel industry. A former hotel general manager and regular contributor to regional travel publications, he is widely recognised for his insights into tourism development, destination marketing and sustainable travel.

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In its preview press release, the TAT says it will welcome “429 global buyers, 428 Thai sellers, more than 60 international media, engaging in an estimated 15,400  appointments. This year’s theme is “Healing is the New Luxury.”

The event will be hosted at the NICE Pattaya Convention and Exhibition Centre in Chon Buri, which is part of Nong Nooch Gardens and its attractions. This year’s TTM highlights wellness tourism, sustainable travel, regional routes, digital trade support, and major global events while supporting “Hidden Gem” destinations.

Commenting on the B2B show, TAT Governor, Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said: “As TAT’s annual strategic trade platform, TTM+ connects global travel buyers with Thai tourism businesses and presents the depth, quality, and diversity of Thailand’s tourism offer to the international market. The strong buyer response to this year’s event reflects continued confidence in Thailand despite global economic uncertainty and wider international challenges. TAT believes TTM+ 2026 will create meaningful business opportunities, strengthen Thailand’s global tourism profile, and distribute benefits to entrepreneurs, communities, and related sectors nationwide.”

International buyer participation has risen by 5.7% compared with the event’s 2025 turnout, with ASEAN (33%), East Asia (28%), Europe (24%), and the Americas (15%) leading the way. Increased participation from the Americas signals renewed long-haul demand and growing confidence in Thailand’s tourism sector.

Thai sellers include hotels, tour operators, attractions, entertainment businesses, golf courses, travel technology providers, wellness resorts, hospitals, and related services. 

Participants will also include TAT STAR-certified operators aligned with Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), CF Hotels members, and Thailand Tourism Award winners.

Beyond the scheduled appointments, TAT will showcase Thailand’s tourism direction, market-ready products, and partnership opportunities. 

Key sessions include the opening ceremony and welcome reception on 10 June at Alexa Beach Club Pattaya, and Pattaya Night on 11 June at the Columbia Pictures Aquaverse.

The Pre-Tour programme on 10 June has received strong interest from international buyers, with all seven routes fully registered. The programme will give participants first-hand exposure to Chon Buri’s tourism assets, including nature, lifestyle, golf, yachting, and community-based experiences.

Following the trade mart, the Post-Tour programme from 13 to 16 June will connect participants with five regional routes across Thailand: Rayong–Chanthaburi, Prachin Buri–Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Pathom–Kanchanaburi, Surat Thani–Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chiang Rai. These itineraries are designed to develop new market-ready products, extend business engagement beyond the trade floor, and distribute tourism income nationwide.

(Source: TAT)

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Messe Berlin China, the organiser of the China International MICE Exchange (CIMX), announced this week that Egyptair will participate in CIMX 2026 as the Official Airline Partner for the new-generation international B2B trade show dedicated to MICE and the business travel sectors. 

“CIMX has been created to bring together the partners, destinations and decision-makers shaping the next phase of China’s MICE market,” said CIMX Director Nikolaos Swoch. “The partnership with Egyptair combines international travel access with professional business exchange — an essential driver for the further development of China’s meetings, incentives and business events sector.”

As Official Airline Partner, Egyptair will receive prominent visibility across official CIMX communications, onsite branding and delegate touchpoints.

For Egyptair, the partnership provides a targeted platform to engage with China’s corporate travel, meetings and incentive travel market. As Egypt’s national carrier, Egyptair connects China with Egypt and onward destinations across the Middle East, Africa and Europe through its international route network.

About CIMX
The China International MICE Exchange (CIMX) is the premier new trade show designed to drive innovation, facilitate connections, and create business opportunities in China’s MICE and business travel markets.

CIMX brings together global MICE and business travel suppliers with top-tier buyers from China and around the world, promoting meaningful collaboration and growth.

CIMX 2026 will take place from 3 to 5  November 2026, in Beijing, alongside the CIMX Conference.

About ITB China 
ITB China 2027 will take place from 25 to 27 May 2027 in the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre. ITB China is the B2B travel trade show focused on the Chinese travel market, bringing together top buyers and industry professionals from around the world. 

About the ITB global brand family 
For more than 50 years, the name ITB has stood worldwide for  networking and trendsetting events. ITB China, the premier marketplace for China’s travel industry, is scheduled for 25 to 27 May 2027, in Shanghai. 

ITB India will take place in Mumbai from 2 to 4 September 2026. 

ITB Asia will be held in Singapore from 21 to 23 October 2026, covering the APAC market. 

The inaugural ITB Americas will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 10 to 12 November 2026, covering the American market. ITB Berlin, the world’s leading B2B trade show for the travel industry, will take place in Berlin from 16 to 18 March 2027.

(Source: Messe Berlin China)

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Asia’s branded residences sector has expanded to USD40 billion across more than 50,000 units, and the developers and owners driving that growth are converging on two events this year where C9 Hotelworks will deliver dedicated sector content.

Both events attract the owners, developers, and investors who are actively making capital decisions in this sector.

SEAHIS takes place from 15 to 16 June 2026 in Bangkok. Four dedicated branded-residences sessions will cover market intelligence, deal structures, and development dynamics shaping the sector across the region. For owners and developers with Asia-wide exposure, this is the most concentrated briefing on branded residences available this year.

JHIS takes place on 24 to 25 September 2026 in Tokyo, addressing a market at an earlier, particularly significant inflexion point. 

Japan’s branded residences sector is drawing sustained attention from international capital as the country’s hospitality fundamentals, inbound tourism growth, and regulatory environment converge to create conditions for accelerated sector entry. For developers and investors considering Japan, JHIS represents a direct entry point into that conversation.

For more information on SEAHIS 2026, CLICK and JHIS 2026 CLICK.

(Source: C9 Hotelworks)

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Each project received a USD60,000 grant under the group’s USD100 million Tourism Innovation Fund, presented during Envision 2026. 

This year’s winners included Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort, recognised for setting a new benchmark in immersive theme park technology, and the Almaty Museum of Arts (Kazakhstan), honoured for opening up a major new cultural destination at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing travel frontiers. Other projects in London, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Bangkok, and Shanghai were also honoured.

Singapore

Mandai Wildlife World (Mandai Wildlife Reserve): Honoured in the Resorts and sustainable innovation categories. It was recognised as the world’s first integrated destination deeply combining wildlife conservation with high-end eco-resort experiences. Trip.com spotlighted its “Conservation + Vacation” model—notably the Mandai Rainforest Banyan Tree resort, which elevates its entire structure to preserve native mature trees—alongside its “Ultra-Low Energy Consumption” design certification and the sprawling Rainforest Wild Asia park.

Bangkok

Jurassic World: The Experience (Bangkok): Honoured in the Theme Park / Immersive Entertainment category. Located at Asiatique The Riverfront, this 6,000-sqm attraction is Southeast Asia’s first officially licensed experience space from Universal Pictures. It was awarded for its innovative shift away from static exhibitions, instead using advanced animatronic technology, cinematic lighting, and a moving narrative that lets visitors walk through a live recreation of Isla Nublar.

Other winners

Shanghai 

Shanghai, host city for Envision 2026, recognised initiatives that highlighted cutting-edge, community-driven content ecosystems and the integration of immersive mega-events — such as its massive race-weekend tourism packages — thereby redefining how inbound travellers experience the city.

LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort was officially named an Innovation Contribution Award winner.

Abu Dhabi

TeamLab Phenomena: Celebrated as an experiential digital art landmark on Saadiyat Island, blurring physical and digital boundaries with real-time responsive installations.

Zayed National Museum: Honoured for its striking architecture featuring solar-thermal “falcon wings” that seamlessly combine national symbolism with sustainable engineering.

London

ABBA Voyage: Honoured in the immersive technology/entertainment category for its groundbreaking digital avatar concert experience.

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station: Recognised for its massive cultural pop-culture impact and viral appeal that continues to drive global fan tourism.

Trip.com Group, Co-founder and Chairman James Liang commented: “Travelling is about experiencing something new, and innovation is the spark that turns imagination into journeys and curiosity into discovery. We established the Tourism Innovation Awards to champion and empower pioneering minds shaping the future of travel. The brilliant trailblazers we’re recognising this year from across the globe highlight the incredible potential that emerges when technology and creative vision come together to reimagine what is possible.

“Innovations like these, and the countless innovators who drive travel forward, are the reason our industry — and humanity — will continue to thrive as we move towards the future with ceaseless steps and boundless creativity.”

Latest product line-up

Trip.com Group also highlighted how innovation is being applied across its own platforms, products and services, with new capabilities rolling out across its core business units during Envision 2026.

Flights: Launched new integrated services such as Online Check-In, while AI-driven market intelligence equips airline partners with sharper signals to optimise operations.

Hotels: One-click personalisation and smart carts generate 10,500 incremental room nights and 4,000 multi-room bookings daily.

Trains: A one-stop multi-modal rail platform is driving 50% year-on-year growth in rail-flight cross-sell, with expanded integration across rail providers in Europe.

Attractions & Tours: Smart Ticketing Solutions, including Self-Service Ticket Machines at high-traffic attractions, have served over 1 billion users across eight markets since their 2024 launch.

Trip.Biz: AI agents now auto-approve low-risk corporate travel requests with a 98%+ approval rate, and Trip.Biz covers the cost if its AI makes a mistake.

Content & Community: AI-powered influencer matching now connects merchants with the most relevant creators for their audience, helping partners convert inspiration into demand and discovery.

(Trip.com Group)

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The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to enhancing Penang’s position as a preferred destination for conferences, conventions, exhibitions, and corporate events, while creating greater opportunities for industry engagement, business networking, and corporate visibility.

In line with Penang’s green initiatives, it will introduce EON as the official mobility partner for conferences and business events in Penang. Deploying EVs will support greener event operations while encouraging the adoption of environmentally responsible practices within the business events ecosystem.

Penang’s Chief Minister, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, welcomed the collaboration and highlighted its alignment with the state’s broader sustainability agenda.

“This collaboration reflects Penang’s continued commitment towards building a more sustainable and future-ready business events industry. The introduction of electric vehicles into the ecosystem of conferences and business events is a meaningful step in supporting greener mobility solutions while enhancing the overall visitor experience,” said the chief minister.

PCEB Chief Executive Officer Ashwin Gunasekeran noted: “By bringing together the business events and automotive industries, we can create greater opportunities for engagement, innovation and industry visibility, while further enhancing Penang’s position as a leading destination for regional and international business events.”

(Source: PCEB)

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