Emirates: Best Overall Airline in the Middle East

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June 19, 2026

DUBAI, 19 June 2026: Emirates has been named ‘Best Overall Airline in the Middle East’ at the 2026 APEX Best in Airline Awards, further cementing its reputation as one of the world’s leading travel brands.

The accolade was announced at a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, where the airline was recognised for consistently delivering exceptional customer experience.

Based on verified passenger feedback, Emirates achieved outstanding scores across five pillars – seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment, and connectivity.

Emirates scores highly for seat comfort

Whether travelling on an Airbus A380, A350 or Boeing 777, Emirates customers consistently praise the airline’s commitment to comfort. Thoughtfully designed cabins, generous personal space and ergonomic seating combine to create an environment where passengers can relax, work or sleep with ease, even on the world’s longest routes.

From October onwards, Emirates Economy Class customers will benefit from the introduction of new lightweight Safran Z400 seats, specifically designed for comfort and convenience, featuring an adjustable eight-way headrest for enhanced neck and head support.

The award-winning Emirates Premium Economy cabin offers spacious cream leather seats with generous recline, full leg and footrests, and a six-way adjustable headrest designed for long-haul comfort. Customers also enjoy integrated charging ports, side cocktail tables and a 13.3-inch personal entertainment screen.

Emirates Business Class continues to evolve with sophisticated new seating inspired by Safran’s luxurious S Lounge design, already featured on the airline’s A350 fleet. Each seat offers greater privacy and converts into a fully lie-flat bed, complete with a dedicated mattress and pillow. Wireless charging, customisable mood lighting, enhanced storage, minibar amenities and multiple charging options further elevate the onboard experience.

Emirates First Class continues to set the benchmark for luxury air travel, with fully enclosed private suites described by travellers as a ‘hotel room in the sky’. Designed to maximise privacy and wellbeing, the suites feature electronically controlled doors, personalised climate settings and ambient mood lighting. The seat reclines seamlessly into a lie-flat bed and can be adjusted to the airline’s signature ‘zero gravity’ position for optimal rest.

Exceptional cabin service

Hospitality remains at the heart of the Emirates experience. Representing more than 140 nationalities and speaking over 70 languages, Emirates cabin crew embody a hospitality philosophy built around 4 pillars: excellence, attentiveness, innovation, and passion. Behind the service is an extensive training programme inspired by world-class hospitality standards, including principles drawn from Michelin-starred dining. Crew members are equipped with technical expertise and the skills to anticipate customer needs and deliver meaningful moments of care throughout the journey.

Onboard, carefully choreographed service flows ensure a seamless and personalised experience, from the thoughtfully timed meal service and cabin lighting transitions to proactive comfort checks and authentic customer interactions.

Food and beverage offering

Dining remains one of the most memorable elements of the Emirates experience. Across every cabin class, global culinary influences are combined with destination-inspired flavours. Freshly prepared multi-course meals are complemented by a curated selection of beverages — including soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages. Children’s meals are offered on most routes, while complimentary organic baby food, milk formula and baby bottles are available for infants.

Emirates regularly introduces new treats and seasonal specialities for customers, from complimentary popcorn and warm cookies to premium ice cream on selected routes, as well as dedicated meals that reflect global celebrations such as Christmas, Eid, Diwali, and Lunar New Year. Customers can also choose from a wide range of special meals catering to dietary, medical and cultural requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sodium options.

Emirates Premium Economy offers an elevated dining experience, with meals served on Royal Doulton china, stainless-steel cutlery, and linen tablecloths. Customers appreciate the generous portions, fresh seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully selected wines, beers, spirits, as well as the exclusive Chandon sparkling wine.

In Business Class, customers enjoy gourmet multi-course menus inspired by regional cuisines, paired with an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits and complimentary champagne. Business Class customers can even experience chef-crafted dishes expertly paired with Moët & Chandon champagnes while in-flight, underscoring Emirates’ continued efforts to bring fine gastronomy to cruising altitude.

Emirates First Class offers one of the most sophisticated dining experiences available in the sky. Through its signature dine-on-demand service, customers can enjoy à la carte meals whenever they choose, accompanied by premium seasonal ingredients and unlimited caviar. Gourmet vegan dishes are available on selected routes, alongside a dedicated Movie Snacks Menu featuring favourites such as Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, popcorn and edamame.

The airline’s beverage programme is equally distinguished. Emirates remains the only airline in the world to serve Dom Pérignon in First Class across its global network. First Class customers can explore a carefully curated collection of premium spirits and exceptional wines sourced from some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions.

World-leading entertainment with ICE

For many travellers, Emirates’ award-winning ice entertainment system has become synonymous with the airline itself. Offering more than 6,500 channels of content, ice provides unparalleled choice across film, television, music, podcasts, live sport and educational content. Widely recognised as one of the most comprehensive entertainment platforms in aviation, ice features nearly 3,000 movies, 3,000 music albums, more than 600 television channels and box sets, over 200 documentaries, and a vast selection of children’s programming.

Through partnerships with leading platforms, including HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, Discovery+, BBC, Bloomberg Originals, Shahid, and Spotify, customers can access an unrivalled library spanning blockbuster films, critically acclaimed television series, documentaries, and exclusive content. ICE also features podcasts, language-learning programmes, interactive games, and live sports and news channels.

Emirates Wi-Fi impresses customers globally

Connectivity has become an essential part of the modern travel experience, and Emirates is setting a new industry standard through its partnership with Starlink. The next-generation inflight connectivity programme is delivering ultra-fast, low-latency internet that enables passengers to stream, work, browse and stay connected with the same ease as on the ground.

Announced in November 2025, the agreement will see Starlink installed across Emirates’ entire in-service fleet, with completion expected by mid-2027. The complimentary service provides customers with high-speed connectivity in the sky, reinforcing the airline’s long-standing commitment to innovation and customer convenience.

Emirates has accelerated the rollout programme, with 33 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft already equipped with Starlink technology and the first 3 Airbus A380’s now entering service with the system onboard. Hundreds of thousands of customers have already experienced Starlink-enabled flights, enjoying seamless streaming, gaming, video calls, remote working and social media access throughout their journey.

APEX Best in Airline Awards

APEX leverages its partnership with TripIt from Concur, the world’s most-used travel-organising app, to gather anonymous, neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights for the honours. For the 2026 Awards, over one million flights were rated by passengers across more than 600 airlines from around the world using a five-star scale.

For more information on the airline and to book a fare, visit www.emirates.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Where Vietnamese travellers are heading this summer

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June 19, 2026

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, 19 June 2026: Traveloka accommodation data show that Vietnamese travellers are increasingly prioritising short getaways, beach vacations, and convenience when planning their trips.

As the summer 2026 travel season enters its peak period, domestic accommodation searches between April and May rose 46% compared to January and February, reflecting strong demand for domestic travel.

Rather than planning long, complex vacations, travellers are increasingly opting for two- to four-day trips, taking advantage of summer breaks, long weekends, and short holidays to recharge.

The growing popularity of micro-holidays, staycations, and nearby escapes highlights the increasing importance of convenience, with destinations located just one to three hours from home becoming more attractive due to their accessibility and time efficiency.

Beach destinations continue to lead

Beach destinations continue to drive summer travel demand, but travellers are now seeking more than just seaside relaxation. In addition to scenic coastlines and resort experiences, they increasingly value destinations that offer a mix of cultural, culinary, entertainment, and local experiences.

According to Traveloka, Da Nang remains one of the most sought-after summer destinations, with accommodation searches in Ngu Hanh Son, Hoi An, and Son Tra increasing by more than 45%. Ha Long recorded the strongest growth, with accommodation searches nearly tripling, reflecting rising interest in destinations that are both easily accessible and rich in experiences. Meanwhile, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Vung Tau, and Phu Quoc continue to attract travellers thanks to their blend of beach leisure, local experiences, and convenient connectivity.

According to Huynh Mai Thy, Country Manager of Traveloka, travellers increasingly view beach holidays as accessible experiences that can be enjoyed more frequently rather than reserved for special occasions. This trend suggests that summer travel is no longer defined by going farther or staying longer, but by choosing experiences that better align with travellers’ time, personal preferences, and modern lifestyles.

(Source: Traveloka)

Oceania Cruises unveils 2028/29 voyages

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June 19, 2026

SINGAPORE, 19 June 2026: Oceania Cruises has unveiled its new 2028 & 2029 Collection of Voyages, featuring more than 230 itineraries across the globe.

Sailings range from seven to 180 days and include more than 60 overnight port stays. Opening for bookings 18 June, 2026, this double launch of two full future seasons gives guests and travel advisors greater time and flexibility to plan their journeys well ahead.

*Photo credit: Oceania Cruises. Oceania Vista, Valletta, Malta.*

Iconic cities such as Tokyo, New York and Amsterdam frame these journeys, weaving together sun-drenched islands, lesser-known gems and new favourites waiting to be discovered. The collection spans an extraordinary range of ports, from the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the remote Japanese harbour towns of Ishigaki and Miyazaki, the volcanic drama of Iceland’s Húsavík and the pristine wilderness of Alaska’s Icy Strait Point. Along the way, guests can drift through the Indonesian archipelago, follow the blaze of autumn foliage along the St. Lawrence River and explore the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound.

More than 60 overnight stays across two seasons: Featured throughout the 2028 & 2029 Collection, these include extended time in well-loved cities such as Copenhagen, Lisbon, Bangkok and Bali, as well as smaller ports like Seville and Malé. Late-evening departures and overnight stays – hallmarks of Oceania Cruises – invite deeper discovery and connection to life ashore.

From Alaska’s last frontier to Japan’s hidden ports on Oceania Riviera: Oceania Riviera returns to Alaska in summer 2028 before transitioning to Asia-focused sailings, including a greater emphasis on Japan beyond the expected. Itineraries feature rarely visited ports including Kagoshima, Ishigaki and Miyazaki – destinations inaccessible to larger ships – alongside calls in Tokyo and Osaka.

Oceania Aurelia debuts her inaugural World Cruises: Welcoming fewer than 500 guests, Oceania Aurelia will sail her inaugural 180-Day Around the World voyages in 2028 and 2029, sailing from Miami and Los Angeles, respectively, before concluding in New York.

Oceania Allura extends the Mediterranean winter season: Oceania Allura returns for a second Mediterranean winter season in 2028 and 2029, exploring Greece, Turkey, Italy and Spain from November through March during cooler, calmer months. With more than 80 Mediterranean itineraries, this marks Oceania Cruises’ most diverse range of sailings in the region to date.

Asia sailings
Oceania Marina and Oceania Riviera cover Asia across both seasons, with an emphasis on Japan’s smaller coastal ports alongside its great cities. Sailings are complemented by overnight stays in Bangkok and Singapore and sailings through the Indonesian archipelago, including Komodo Island.

HKIA’s air traffic soars in May

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June 19, 2026

HONG KONG, 19 June 2026: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reports a steady growth of air traffic in May, with the airport handling 5.34 million passengers and 33,655 flight movements representing year-on-year growth of 10.2% and 3.6%, respectively.

Cargo volume increased to 435,000 tonnes with a 3.0% year-on-year growth during the month.

*Photo credit: HKIA. Steady air traffic growth in May.*

Overall passenger growth in May was supported by a double-digit increase in transfer / transit passengers, followed by visitors. During the Chinese Mainland’s Labour Day “Golden Week” holiday, daily passengers peaked at 204,000 on 1 May. By region, most markets expanded in May, with growth led by the Mainland, Japan and Southeast Asia.

Overall cargo growth was primarily driven by transhipment, followed by imports, which recorded year‑on‑year increases of 23.2% and 1.2%, respectively. By region, cargo performance was mixed, with growth in the Mainland and Southeast Asia offsetting declines in markets such as India. Notably, the Middle East saw modest growth in May, marking its first expansion since the outbreak of the conflicts in March.

HKIA’s global network has further expanded, with Delta Air Lines returning to HKIA with new services between Hong Kong and Los Angeles, offering seven pairs of flights per week from 8 June, strengthening HKIA’s connectivity with North America. Sun PhuQuoc Airways also launched new services to Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, while Hong Kong Airlines launched a new route to Lanzhou in May.

For the first five months of the year, passenger volume rose by 12.5% year on year to 27.7 million, while flight movements increased by 4.8% year on year to 168,745. Cargo throughput recorded a 3.6% increase to 2.06 million tonnes compared to the same period of last year.

On a 12-month rolling basis, HKIA handled 64.0 million passengers and 402,415 flight movements, experiencing year-on-year increases of 13.0% and 6.1% respectively. Cargo volume grew by 3.0% year on year to 5.14 million tonnes.

(Source: HKIA)

Malaysia retains top spot for Muslim Travel

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June 19, 2026

SINGAPORE, 19 June 2026: Mastercard and CrescentRating released the 11th edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026 on Thursday, revealing how artificial intelligence, digital trust, regional mobility and destination readiness are reshaping the next phase of Muslim-friendly travel.

The report finds that 80% of travellers now use AI tools for travel, signalling a major shift in how they discover, evaluate and plan their journeys. As travellers move from active searching to AI-assisted decision-making, destinations must ensure that Muslim-friendly services are not only available but digitally visible.

GMTI 2026 evaluates 150 destinations, representing more than 98% of global Muslim visitor arrivals, across the ACES framework: Access, Communications, Environment and Services. The latest edition also introduces a stronger focus on AI readiness, digital visibility, smart destination infrastructure, traveller confidence and resilience planning amid a more volatile global environment.

AI and digital trust reshape Muslim Travel planning

Travel planning is entering a new era, in which digital tools are moving beyond convenience to become part of the trust infrastructure for travellers. AI-powered platforms can now help travellers identify Halal dining options, locate prayer spaces, compare transport routes, receive personalised recommendations and navigate destinations with greater confidence.

This shift is especially important for Muslim travellers, who often need to validate multiple faith-based requirements before and during a trip. GMTI 2026 highlights that destinations which fail to digitise and structure their Muslim-friendly offerings risk being excluded from AI-driven recommendation systems, regardless of the quality of their physical infrastructure.

In this new environment, the competitive landscape is shifting from service availability to algorithmic visibility. Destinations that make trusted information machine-readable, up to date, and contextually available will be better positioned to convert travel intent into visits.

“Muslim travel is being reshaped by digital trust, seamless access and the need for greater certainty across the journey,” said Aisha Islam, Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions Centre, Southeast Asia at Mastercard. “As AI becomes more embedded in travel planning, destinations and businesses need to make trusted information, secure payments and Muslim-friendly services easier to discover and act on. For Southeast Asia, this presents a strong opportunity to strengthen its position as a connected, inclusive and digitally enabled travel corridor.”

Global volatility drives demand for safer, closer journeys

Amid global volatility, Muslim travel demand remains resilient, but traveller behaviour is changing. Rising fuel costs, geopolitical tensions, airspace disruptions and security concerns are prompting more travellers to favour closer, safer and more predictable destinations.

GMTI 2026 identifies this as a shift toward “home-continent” mobility, where travellers adjust itineraries rather than cancel plans entirely. Instead of relying on long-haul routes through complex transit hubs, many are choosing regional corridors that offer greater stability, lower friction and stronger confidence.

For Asian Muslim travellers, Southeast Asia has emerged as a leading operational corridor for 2026, supported by proximity to major source markets, strong air connectivity, established Halal ecosystems and rich cultural appeal.

This momentum is also reflected in this year’s GMTI Awards, where Mindanao in the Philippines was recognised as the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Region (Non-OIC. At the same time, the Jawa Barat in Indonesia was highlighted as the Most Promising Muslim-friendly Region (OIC), underscoring the region’s growing depth beyond traditional hubs.

As intra-ASEAN travel continues to pick up, regional destinations have an opportunity to meet evolving traveller preferences by strengthening digital infrastructure, making Muslim-friendly services more visible, and providing seamless payment experiences.

Asia and Southeast Asia remain central to Muslim Travel growth

Asia remains the centre of gravity for Muslim travel, recording nearly 128 million Muslim arrivals and a 20.8% market penetration.

For Asian Muslim travellers, Southeast Asia has emerged as a leading corridor in 2026, supported by proximity to major source markets, strong regional connectivity and established Muslim-friendly infrastructure.

Malaysia retained its position as the Top Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year for the eleventh consecutive year, with a score of 83, reinforcing its strength across Halal tourism, Muslim-friendly services, destination marketing and the Visit Malaysia 2026 agenda.

Indonesia climbed three places to share second position with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, each scoring 79, supported by renewed government-led efforts, major Halal events and continued investment in inclusive destination readiness.

Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore remained in first place. It ranked 10th globally, with a score of 73, supported by its Halal culinary ecosystem, strong safety standards, multicultural environment, and smart destination infrastructure. Hong Kong rose to second among non-OIC destinations, while Taiwan and the United Kingdom shared third place.

Thailand, the Philippines, Japan and South Korea also showed momentum, reflecting broader investment in more inclusive travel experiences across Asia.

The report also points to the rise of more digitally enabled destinations, with technologies such as e-visas, biometric border systems, AI chatbots, digital travel assistants, real-time translation, and smart destination management helping to improve ease of travel and reduce uncertainty throughout the journey.

Destination readiness

GMTI 2026 also introduces Destination Activation Stack, a strategic model that integrates three frameworks: ACES, which measures foundational destination preparedness; RIDA, which assesses responsible, immersive, digital and assured travel experiences; and TRUST, which evaluates the signals that convert traveller interest into bookings.

Together, these frameworks reflect how Muslim-friendly tourism is evolving. Destinations are no longer assessed only by whether they provide baseline services such as Halal food and prayer spaces. They must also show that these services are accessible, visible, reliable, digitally discoverable, and aligned with traveller expectations regarding safety, sustainability, inclusivity, and quality of experience.

“As global volatility shifts travel demand toward closer, safer, and more predictable ‘home-continent’ corridors, destination agility is important,” said CrescentRating & HalalTrip CEO Fazal Bahardeen.

“Modern travellers are looking for certainty before they step onto a plane, and they are increasingly delegating that validation process to intelligent systems. This requires a structural transition from passive destination readiness to active destination activation. The integration of the ACES, RIDA, and TRUST frameworks into the Destination Activation Stack provides a flexible, multi-dimensional roadmap for tourism boards to build real-time resilience, secure consumer confidence, and future-proof their market share.”

https://crescentrating.com/insights/gmti?a=GMTI010&b=GMTI024.

Mandarin language cruises set sail

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June 19, 2026

SINGAPORE, 19 June 2026: Viking Yidun embarked on her 60-day ‘Afro-Euro-Asian Discovery Journey’ from Shanghai on 5 June, which will call at 27 destinations across 16 countries.

The ship reached Hong Kong, her first stop in the voyage, followed by Singapore on 12 June. It last visited Singapore in January this year while on a 32-day voyage from Yokohama to Southeast Asia.

After Singapore, the ship sailed on to Port Klang, Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia, Phuket, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and the Maldives. Once it navigates the Cape of Good Hope, Namibia and Morocco, it will sail into the Mediterranean before arriving in Barcelona in early August

This voyage is Viking’s first Mandarin-language transcontinental itinerary, and the ship will offer full Mandarin-language services for its inaugural Mediterranean season from the fall to spring of next year. Viking YIdun is now sailing under the Norwegian flag.

The 930-guest Viking Yidun is targeting the Greater China and Southeast Asia Fly-Cruise markets, which show strong potential, with the current Shanghai-to-Barcelona itinerary already sold out.

The Yidun’s offerings make it easy for Chinese cruisers, as airport transfers to and from the ports on embarkation and disembarkation days are provided, and shore excursions are included in the cruise fares. Wi-fi onboard is complimentary, and gratuities/taxes are included.

Dining onboard Viking Yidun features eight destination-focused venues, ranging from elegant multi-course dining rooms to casual cafes, with a daily dim sum trolley in the main dining room. The Wintergarden offers afternoon tea, and Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant offers authentic Tuscan and Roman cuisine, antipasti, and regional wines. There is also a Norwegian deli and private dining rooms at The Chef’s Table.

Almost every crew member on the ship is Chinese or speaks Mandarin, and shore excursions, which are included in the cruise fare, are also conducted in Mandarin. There are no triple or quad cabins, and there is no casino onboard. As the ship does not have onboard facilities for small children, children under eight are not allowed to sail on the Yidun.

Sample itineraries of the Mediterranean season

13-day Mediterranean Odyssey, 2 to 14 September 2026 — embarking from Venice, sailing to Sibenik, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Naples, Rome, Florence, Genoa, Marseille and Barcelona. Guests will spend an overnight in both Venice and Barcelona, pre-and post-sailing.

10-day Greece & the Adriatic, 5 to 14 October 2026 — embarking from Athens, sailing to Santorini, Olympia, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Piran and Venice. Guests will spend the night in Athens before sailing.

10-day Empires of the Mediterranean — three sailings in November and December 2026. The first sailing embarks from Venice to Ancona, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Crete, Athens, Ephesus and Istanbul. Guests will spend one overnight in Istanbul post-cruise, after which the ship sails on a similar itinerary from Istanbul to Venice. The third sailing is from Venice to Barcelona.

Emirates rolls out comprehensive travel insurance

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June 19, 2026

DUBAI, 19 June 2026: Emirates has become the first airline to offer comprehensive travel cover, which includes medical cover for conflict-related incidents, backed by airline-managed hotel accommodation and extended-stay support across a range of disruption scenarios.

When itineraries include connecting on other airlines or Emirates services are unavailable, Emirates will also rebook disrupted customers to their destination at no additional cost, including where flights have been cancelled due to conflict-related disruption.

Expanded medical cover in the insurance product is supported by Travel Guard, and additional disruption support by Emirates on top of existing travel insurance offerings. Emirates’ new Comprehensive Travel Cover includes trip cancellation cover, compensation for baggage delay or loss, unlimited medical expense and emergency evacuation cover worldwide, among other benefits. Newly added conflict cover provides reimbursement for medical expenses of up to USD25,000 and a free trip extension of up to 30 days. The cover is not restricted by government travel advice.

Rooted in Emirates’ ‘fly better’ brand promise and its duty of care to customers, the airline offers airline-managed hotel accommodation during disruptions, including airspace closures**. This is in addition to existing customer-first benefits such as a free date change for tickets booked from 2 April, and the option to ‘hold my fare’ for 24 hours free of charge, giving travellers flexibility, reassurance, and support at every step.

Emirates Comprehensive Travel Cover has been available since Wednesday, 17 June and can be purchased on emirates.com at the time of booking or added to existing bookings via Manage Booking.*

Comprehensive Travel Cover is available in the following markets:
Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kuwait, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the UK.

*Terms and conditions apply; coverage and availability may vary by market
**Delivered as an airline service (not an insurance-related benefit).

TAT talks train travel opportunities with Belmond

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June 19, 2026

BANGKOK, 19 June 2026: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is backing efforts to upgrade the quality and expand the scope of train travel in Thailand.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool led a TAT product development team last week to explore options for upgrading and introducing a luxury version of train travel in response to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ high-value tourism policy.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool (left) and Gary Franklin, Managing Director of Belmond Trains, a subsidiary of LVMH and operator of the world-class luxury Eastern & Oriental Express train service (centre)

In a Facebook post, the TAT Governor emphasised the importance of upgrading rail tourism as a key turning point in creating new value for Thai tourism.

“Over the past decades, the Thai tourism industry has grown from its strengths in nature, culture, and services recognised globally. However, in an era of rapidly changing travel behaviour, another key performance indicator for tourism success is the “experiential value” received and the value distributed sustainably to the economy and communities.

“Upgrading rail tourism is therefore a crucial turning point that addresses this concept,” she explained. “Trains present experiences that will transform distance into emotional value and turn transportation routes into meaningful travel paths, opening opportunities for travellers to experience Thailand in a different dimension than other modes of travel.”

In line with the Ministry of Transport and the State Railway of Thailand’s efforts to develop a rail system that will support the growth of the tourism industry, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor led a team to discuss opportunities to introduce luxury train journeys with Gary Franklin, managing director of Belmond Trains, a subsidiary of LVMH and operator of the world-class luxury Eastern & Oriental Express train service.

Thapanee said the objective was to promote high-quality tourism in Thailand under the ‘Healing is the New Luxury’ concept.

“This project aims to cater to discerning tourists and high-income groups from around the world. A pilot route is planned to open between Bangkok, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Hat Yai, and Padang Besar by 2027.

“This collaboration will enhance Thailand’s tourism image and standards, promote tourism products and services, highlight Thailand’s charm and contribute to the sustainable distribution of travel and income to secondary cities and regions of Thailand,” the Governor concluded.

EXO Travel joins JTB Group

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June 19, 2026

SINGAPORE, 19 June 2026: EXO Travel confirmed on Thursday that it will join the JTB Group, one of the world’s leading travel and tourism organisations, following the acquisition of the EXO Travel Group brand, owner, All Wise Holdings Pte Ltd, by JTB’s Asia Pacific operations.

Founded in 1993, EXO Travel has grown into one of Asia’s leading Destination Management Companies (DMCs), operating across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Myanmar, and Egypt and Morocco.

Over the past 30 years, the company has built a strong reputation for tailor-made travel, deep local expertise, sustainability, high service standards and long-term partnerships across the global travel industry.

The partnership with JTB marks an exciting new chapter for EXO Travel. It reflects a shared commitment to high-quality travel experiences, strong local leadership and long-term investment in the future of travel globally.

JTB Group, President & CEO Eijiro Yamakit said: “JTB Group is delighted to welcome EXO Travel to our group. EXO Travel has earned deep trust across Asia and beyond through its commitment to sustainable tourism and its collaborative approach with local communities, creating value for both partners and destinations. By joining forces with EXO Travel — whose values closely align with the JTB Group’s mission — and combining this with JTB’s global network and expertise, we are confident that this partnership will elevate travel experiences while contributing to the continued advancement of the global travel and hospitality industry,” said EXO Travel Group CEO Hamish Keith.

“This partnership represents a very positive step forward for EXO Travel, our people and our partners around the world. JTB is one of the most respected travel companies globally, and we share a common purpose and long-term vision built around quality, relationships and meaningful travel experiences.

“EXO has been successful over the past 30 years due to our local expertise, our culture and our commitment to service excellence delivered by a high-performing team of committed people. We will continue operating with the same leadership, teams and partner-first approach that our agents and clients know today, while benefiting from the additional scale, resources and opportunities that being part of the JTB Group will bring.”

For EXO’s partners and clients, business will continue as usual. Existing teams, operational structures and points of contact remain unchanged, and there will be no disruption to current bookings, services or agreements.

By combining EXO Travel’s regional expertise and operational footprint with JTB’s global reach and long-established position in the travel industry, the partnership creates exciting opportunities for both organisations and their partners worldwide.

EXO Travel will continue to operate under the leadership of its CEO, Hamish Keith and the existing management teams across its destinations and regional hubs.

About EXO Travel
EXO Travel is a leading Destination Management Company specialising in tailor-made travel and experiences across Asia and beyond. With operational offices throughout Asia Pacific, Egypt and Morocco, EXO Travel works with travel advisors, tour operators and industry partners worldwide to deliver high-quality, locally grounded travel experiences with a strong focus on service, sustainability and innovation.

(Source: EXO Travel)

MAG CEO serves on the IATA board

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June 18, 2026

SINGAPORE, 18 June 2026: Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has been appointed to the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) during the 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held earlier this month in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

He will serve a three-year term until 2029, joining global industry leaders in providing strategic oversight and policy direction for IATA. In this capacity, he will contribute to guiding the association’s industry committees and subsidiary bodies on critical issues shaping the future of global aviation.

*(Left to right) Capt Nasaruddin A Bakar, President and Group CEO of MAG, and Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).*

Malaysia Aviation Group and Malaysia Airlines Non-Executive Director

Dato’ Amirul Feisal bin Wan Zahir said, “On behalf of the Board and management of MAG, I would like to congratulate Captain Nasaruddin on this well-deserved appointment to the IATA Board of Governors. His appointment is a testament to his deep expertise, leadership, and long-standing contributions to the aviation industry. I am confident that he will bring valuable insight and perspective to the Board, further strengthening Malaysia’s voice in global aviation and supporting the continued advancement of the industry.”

Captain Nasaruddin added: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed to the IATA Board of Governors. This appointment carries both privilege and responsibility, particularly at a critical time for global aviation. I look forward to working alongside fellow Governors to contribute meaningfully to strategic dialogue and policy direction that will strengthen industry resilience, accelerate innovation, and advance a more sustainable and connected future for air transport worldwide.”

Captain Nasaruddin also serves as Chairman of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) Executive Committee and is a member of the oneworld Governance Board.

With more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, he began his career with Malaysia Airlines and has since held various leadership roles, including Co-Chairman of the Asia and Australasia Human Factors Safety Information Network, and Innovation Garage Director in collaboration with Khazanah Nasional and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.

(Source MAG)

Emirates: Best Overall Airline in the Middle East

Where Vietnamese travellers are heading this summer

Oceania Cruises unveils 2028/29 voyages

HKIA’s air traffic soars in May

Malaysia retains top spot for Muslim Travel

Mandarin language cruises set sail

Emirates rolls out comprehensive travel insurance

TAT talks train travel opportunities with Belmond

EXO Travel joins JTB Group

MAG CEO serves on the IATA board

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