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Sarawak signals growth at IMEX Frankfurt 2026

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KUCHING, Sarawak, 22 May 2026: Sarawak returned to IMEX Frankfurt 2026 for the fourth consecutive year, marking a new phase in its evolution as the Legacy Capital of Business Events in Malaysia and Borneo.

Held from 19 to 21 May 2026 at Messe Frankfurt, IMEX Frankfurt is one of the world’s leading business events trade shows, bringing together global meeting planners, association leaders, convention bureaus, and industry suppliers from around the world.

The Sarawak Pavilion was officiated by Her Excellency YM Engku Puteri Suraya Engku Mohd Afandi, Consul General of Malaysia in Frankfurt, together with Dato Ngui Ing Ing, BESarawak Board Member, Ms Tan Mei Phing, CEO of Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and Acting CEO, Jason Tan Chin Foo.

Building on years of international engagement, Sarawak is shifting beyond destination promotion towards strategic industry development and long-term impact through business events. This vision is supported by major investments in infrastructure and connectivity, including the upcoming expansion of the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK2) and the introduction of Sarawak’s regional airline, AirBorneo.

Expected to be completed in 2028, BCCK2 will significantly increase Sarawak’s capacity to host larger international conventions and exhibitions. At the same time, AirBorneo and the continued growth of international hotel brands will strengthen regional accessibility and further enhance Sarawak’s business events ecosystem.

Held under the theme “Driving Impact Together”, Sarawak’s participation at IMEX Frankfurt reflects its commitment to collaboration, sustainability, innovation, and legacy-driven development, aligned with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

While Sarawak’s conventions and exhibitions strategy focuses on creating long-term legacies through knowledge exchange, industry advancement, and social impact, BESarawak is also introducing “Legacy Wonders”, its fresh approach to corporate meetings and corporate incentive travel in Sarawak.

Built on the pillars of culture, adventure, nature, gastronomy, wellness, and kindness, “Legacy Wonders” offers corporate meetings and incentive delegates meaningful, immersive experiences that foster deeper connections with Sarawak’s heritage, environment, and communities. Through cultural immersion, community engagement, and responsible travel, delegates are encouraged to contribute to and experience the positive legacies being created across the destination.

Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Chairman Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operations), said Sarawak’s presence at IMEX Frankfurt is no longer just about destination visibility.

“Our focus today is on encouraging the global industry to contribute to the PCDS 2030 through meaningful collaboration and long-term growth opportunities,” said Datu Hii.

“Sarawak has evolved beyond being a host destination to becoming a strategic destination partner that collaborates with organisers to maximise the long-term value and impact of their events. This includes supporting legacy and sustainability initiatives, measuring impact, and creating opportunities for investment, innovation, sector growth, and wider industry collaboration. Through this approach, business events can contribute meaningfully to the PCDS 2030 and the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he added.

Sarawak is also strengthening its support ecosystem through initiatives such as the Academic Mobility Programme (AMP), which connects universities, industry players, and international partners through technical visits, study exchanges, and knowledge-sharing opportunities aligned with the state’s priority sectors.

“These initiatives reflect how Sarawak is strengthening its position as the legacy capital of business events through investments in both hard and soft infrastructure, while creating opportunities for different groups to contribute to community wellbeing and long-term development. Programmes such as AMP also provide platforms for academia and industry experts to channel their research, knowledge, and expertise into Sarawak’s priority sectors, driving meaningful collaboration and long-term impact across the destination,” said  BESarawak Acting Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo.

Leading the Sarawak Pavilion delegation at IMEX Frankfurt, BESarawak was joined by exhibitors representing the state’s business events and tourism ecosystem: Borneo Adventure, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Cat City Holidays, Mercure Miri City Centre Hotel, Pullman Kuching Hotel, Pullman Miri Waterfront Hotel, and Wah Tung Travel. The pavilion will also feature local F&B partners, The Bibber’s Tale and the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS), showcasing Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage to the global business events community.

For more information on business events in Sarawak, visit: Business Events Sarawak.

(Source: BESarawak)

Airbnb: New services in Summer Release

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BANGKOK, 22 May 2026: Airbnb is rolling out its summer release, adding new categories of services, including exclusive access to the FIFA World Cup 2026, car rentals, grocery delivery and airport pickups.

“Travel shouldn’t just be convenient. It should be meaningful. That’s what we’re building at Airbnb says co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. “This summer, we’re giving people even more from incredible places to stay and boutique hotels that feel like Airbnb, to unforgettable World Cup experiences and services that make your trip easier.” 

Photo credit: Airbnb

FIFA World Cup 2026  

Airbnb offers the FIFA World Cup experiences across six host cities. Join World Cup Champions Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy for an intimate watch party in LA as the USA takes on Australia. Or step onto the pitch to train with Argentine football icon and former manager of Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano.

Grocery delivery

Have groceries waiting at your Airbnb when you arrive, or order them anytime during your trip. In select cities, hosts can even receive the order and pre-stock your home before you check in, across more than 25 US cities in partnership with Instacart.

Airport pickups 

Book a private car service to and from your Airbnb through Welcome Pickups. Your driver tracks your flight and meets you curbside when you arrive, and Airbnb guests get 20% off every ride. Now available in over 160 cities worldwide.

Luggage storage 

Store your bags before check-in or after checkout through our partnership with Bounce. View nearby drop-off locations in the app, and see exactly how far they are from your listing. Airbnb guests get 15% off and access to over 15,000 locations in 175 cities.

Car rentals

Nearly a quarter of Airbnb guests rent a car during their stay. Starting this summer, you can discover rental cars directly in the app. It shows nearby vehicles and suggests the right car for your group.  

(Source: Airbnb)

GHA adds four new member brands

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DUBAI, UAE, 22 May 2026: Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) continues its expansion with the addition of four new hotel brands to its global footprint.

The latest brand additions comprise Almanac Hotels, Regal Hotels, STORY Hotels and TemptingPlaces Collection. Together, their 22 new properties strengthen GHA’s portfolio across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, expanding GHA’s presence in ever-popular cities such as Hong Kong, Barcelona, Vienna and Prague, while entering emerging markets like Zagreb in Croatia and Rabat in Morocco.

 Photo credit: GHA. Regal Hotels International joins the GHA network.

GHA CEO Chris Hartley commented: “Our continued expansion reflects the strength of our alliance proposition and the growing desire for collaboration within the independent sector. With the addition of these brands, we are diversifying our portfolio and the value we deliver to over 35 million GHA Discovery members.”

Almanac Hotels

Almanac Hotels is a family-owned boutique hospitality brand founded by Austrian entrepreneur Herbert Haselbacher and his daughter Tina, with flagship properties in Barcelona, Vienna, and Prague — all in prime city locations. The brand creates immersive, design-forward stays that honour the past while embracing neighbourhood restaurants and bars that champion locality, and collaborations with regional artists and creatives.

Regal Hotels International

One of Asia’s leading hotel operators, founded in 1979, brings a portfolio of 11 properties in Hong Kong and beyond into GHA Discovery. Spanning its three brands – Regal, Regala and iclub – the group offers 6,800 rooms and over 30 dining venues.

STORY Hotels & Resorts

STORY Hotels & Resorts delivers upscale hospitality experiences rooted in local culture and contemporary luxury at its five hotels in the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Ocean. From beachfront resorts to urban escapes, the brand blends contemporary design, wellness, and curated dining.

TemptingPlaces Collection

With exceptional properties such as Château d’Augerville Golf & Spa Resort in France and Dent Blanche Resort in Switzerland, TemptingPlaces Collection embodies the French touch, combining elegance, freedom, discretion and expertise. 

New hotel openings

Since the beginning of the year, existing brands have also expanded GHA Discovery’s footprint by adding 14 new hotels and resorts worldwide, spanning luxury resorts, urban hotels, and heritage properties. Standout openings include the highly anticipated Capella Kyoto in Japan, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi in Florence, Corinthia Rome, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp in Zambia, and Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on Australia’s Sunshine Coast, among others.

(Source: GHA)

Crop of the top meeting venues

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SINGAPORE, 22 May 2026: Cvent, an industry-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, has unveiled its lists of the Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels for the Asia Pacific. 

Singapore tops the list of best destinations for events in the Asia Pacific, with the top hotel listed as the Hilton Singapore Orchard.

The annual lists are also issued regionally for North America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America & the Caribbean.

Commenting on Singapore’s success in the latest Cvent listing, Singapore Tourism Board’s Executive Director, Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Carrie Kwik, said: “This accolade is a testament to the depth of our industry’s commitment — grounded in world-class infrastructure and driven by bold innovation that sets new possibilities for what exceptional events can deliver.” 

Top meeting destinations in the Asia Pacific

The top five cities remained consistent year over year, with Singapore maintaining its top ranking for the eighth time. Seoul made the most notable move in the top tier, rising one spot to seventh, while Bali dropped one place to eighth. The rest of the top 10 held steady, underscoring the stability and deep-rooted appeal of Asia Pacific’s leading MICE destinations.

Top Meeting Hotels Asia Pacific

Hilton Singapore Orchard rose two spots to claim the top position in Asia Pacific for the first time, building on three consecutive years of top-three recognition since 2023. 

Hyatt Regency Sydney held steady second place, while Hilton Sydney made an impressive jump of six places to enter the top tier in third place. ANA InterContinental Tokyo was the region’s biggest mover, ranking fourth. Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park rounded out the top five.

About Cvent 
Cvent is a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider with 5,500+ employees and 30,000+ customers worldwide as of 31 December 2025. Founded in 1999, the company delivers a comprehensive event marketing and management platform and offers a global marketplace where event professionals collaborate with venues. 

(Source: Cvent)

Regent Seven Seas rolls out 2028-2029 Collection

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SINGAPORE, 22 May, 2026: Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled its 2028-2029 Voyage Collection, featuring 238 new sailings around the world.

The season features three Grand Voyages, a 150-night World Cruise, and destination-rich, all-inclusive sailings through Africa & Arabia, Alaska, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, and the South Pacific.

Photo credit: Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Guests can now pre-register their interest at RSSC.Com/2028-2029-Voyage-Collection before reservations open on 28 May, 2026. Guests in Asia who book by 8 July 2026 will enjoy a low 7.5% deposit.

As part of the collection, Seven Seas Prestige, which is set for delivery in late 2026, will make her Canada and New England debut in fall 2028 with five 11-night itineraries. Regent’s newest ship, Seven Seas Prestige, will be 40% larger than Regent’s previous ships, yet accommodates only 10% more guests.

Seven Seas Splendor will visit Alaska’s waters for the very first time, sailing 16 new voyages that call on destinations such as Icy Strait Point, Skagway, and Juneau. These seven-night itineraries immerse guests in the heart of the Last Frontier, offering up to 50 included shore excursions on each sailing.

For the first time, Seven Seas Voyager will include a quiet Mediterranean winter season starting in November 2028, offering the opportunity to explore the region’s most beloved locales from a different perspective.

The 2028-2029 season will see Seven Seas Explorer sail in Africa and Arabia for the first time. Voyages will sail in spring 2029, ranging from 14 to 23 nights, and visit ports such as Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Walvis Bay, Namibia; and Luanda, Angola.

Season highlights also include maiden calls in three new ports: Dundee, Scotland; Oulu, Finland; and Šibenik, Croatia. Dundee blends maritime heritage, striking architecture, and gateway access to the Scottish Highlands. Oulu offers natural beauty, coastal charm, and a growing creative scene. Šibenik captivates with its medieval old town, UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmarks, and Adriatic coastline.

(Source: Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

Cathay Group presents April traffic results

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HONG KONG, 22 May 2026: Passenger and cargo demand continued to be robust, but jet fuel prices remained at highly elevated levels according to the Cathay Group’s traffic figures for April 2026.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau commented: “April continued to present a mixed picture. Travel demand was robust, and passenger load factors were high, driven by holiday and seasonal travel, while cargo volumes were healthy. However, jet fuel prices remained at highly elevated levels amidst the ongoing Middle East situation, increasing cost pressures. We are remaining agile in our response and continue to monitor the developments closely.”

Photo credit: Cathay Group.

Looking ahead to the summer travel peak, Cathay Pacific and HK Express will maintain July and August flight schedules. 

“In view of softened travel demand to the Middle East in the near term, we have decided to extend the suspension of Cathay Pacific’s passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh until the end of August and redeploy the capacity to routes where customer demand is keen, such as Manchester and Rome. From a passenger capacity perspective, we remain on track to reach our 2026 growth target of around 10% despite the small number of cancellations announced previously for May and June,” said Lau.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific carried 17% more passengers in April 2026 compared with April 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 15%. In the first four months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 19% compared with the same period in 2025.

Lavinia noted: “The robust load factor we achieved in April was driven by strong leisure travel demand, particularly in the first half of the month, coinciding with the Easter holidays and seasonal travel. This was followed by notable long-haul demand into our home hub in the middle of April, boosted by the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. Then, towards the end of the month, ‘Golden Week’ pre-holiday demand stimulated inbound traffic to Hong Kong as well as outbound travel to various destinations across our network. Demand for our premium cabins was robust, with major exhibitions and trade events in Hong Kong continuing to attract business travellers from across our network.

“Looking ahead, demand is expected to remain resilient, supported by seasonal leisure travel and event-driven traffic. That said, we have seen a slight shift in booking behaviour, with some customers booking closer to their departure dates, alongside broader market uncertainties.”

Cathay Cargo

Cathay Cargo carried 8% more cargo in April 2026 than in April 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 7%. In the first four months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with the same period in 2025.

HK Express

HK Express carried close to 730,000 passengers in April 2026, an increase of 5% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 7%. In the first four months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 14% compared with the same period in 2025.

“In April, HK Express continued to record passenger growth, supported by strong load factors on its Thailand routes as well as routes to secondary cities in Northeast Asia. For May and beyond, bookings remain ahead of the same period last year on most routes,” Lau concluded.

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

IATA: Baggage travel just got better

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SINGAPORE, 22 May 2026: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has developed the Baggage Community System (BCS), a secure digital platform to support the progressive adoption of the Modern Baggage Messaging (BIX) standard. 

BCS will enable airlines, airports, ground handlers, and solution providers to gain the operational and passenger-experience benefits of BIX even as parts of the industry transition from legacy Type B messages for baggage handling.

Photo credit: IATA. IATA Baggage Community System (BCS)

“Improving baggage operations depends on timely, accurate, and secure information exchange. We cannot do that with legacy Type B messages on teletype networks. And we cannot wait for everyone to convert to modern BIX capabilities. That is where BCS plays an essential role. By handling both BIX and legacy Type B systems, it enables early adopters to gain the benefits of their investments without losing connectivity with those still operating legacy systems,” said IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety, and Security, Nick Careen.

Fast, accurate, and secure exchange of messages between airlines, airports, ground handlers, and solution providers is the backbone/fundamental to improving baggage operations. BIX messages track bags through key stages of the journey, including check-in, screening, loading, transfer, and delivery. However, many are still exchanged with Type B messages on teletype, limiting data sharing, increasing costs, and limiting improvements.

BCS is a community platform capable of real-time, structured data exchange, including between those operating with Type B messages and using BIX. This allows legacy and modern systems to continue exchanging information even as partners modernise at different speeds.

The platform also includes a global directory that enables users to identify, connect, and exchange messages with partners more easily. This simplifies a complex and lengthy IT integration process and accelerates onboarding across the baggage ecosystem.

For passengers, BCS will support more reliable baggage operations by enabling richer and more accurate baggage data. Issues such as delayed, misdirected, or misconnected bags will be identified earlier, real-time updates will be available, and solutions will be faster.

Importantly, adoption of BIX aligns with the overall digitalisation of operational processes. The collected data can enable more robust performance analysis and support more effective service recovery interventions, informed by scanned images and detailed event histories.

BCS is currently operating a live test environment where industry partners can validate integrations and messaging workflows in a controlled setting. The full platform is expected to go live in the third quarter of 2026. Participants already include a broad group of airlines and airports, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Air Canada, Finnair, and Air New Zealand, as well as airports such as Berlin Brandenburg, Toronto Pearson, Bengaluru, Münster Osnabrück, and Red Sea International. 

BCS is part of IATA’s broader work to modernise aviation messaging, reduce industry costs, and support greater automation across baggage operations. 

(Source: IATA)

Air Traffic at HKIA continues to grow in April

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HONG KONG, 22 May 2026: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) saw steady growth of air traffic in April, with the airport handling 5.67 million passengers and 34,445 flight movements, representing year-on-year growth of 9.4% and 5.5% respectively. 

Cargo volume increased to 423,000 tonnes with a 4.9% year-on-year growth during the month.

HKIA received the Platinum Award at ACI’s Green Airports Recognition 2026.

Overall passenger growth in April was supported by the Easter holiday, with daily passenger traffic peaking on 3 April at over 210,000 passengers. By passenger segment, transfer/transit passengers continued to lead in growth, followed by visitors entering the territory. 

By region, most markets expanded in April, led by the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia, while the Middle East was the only region to contract amid ongoing conflicts.

Overall cargo growth was mainly driven by transhipment, followed by imports, which recorded year‑on‑year increases of 20.2% and 6.5%, respectively, as the decline in exports narrowed to 0.3% year-on-year. By region, cargo performance was mixed. Growth in Europe and Southeast Asia continued to offset declines in markets such as North America and the Middle East.

For the first four months of the year, passenger volume rose by 13.0% year on year to 22.3 million, while flight movements increased by 5.1% year on year to 135,090. Cargo throughput recorded a 3.7% increase to 1.63 million tonnes compared to the same period of last year. 

On a 12-month rolling basis, HKIA handled 63.54 million passengers and 401,240 flight movements, experiencing year-on-year increases of 13.7% and 6.6% respectively. Cargo volume grew by 2.9% year on year to 5.12 million tonnes.

In the Airports Council International’s (ACI) Green Airports Recognition 2026, HKIA’s “HKIA Flood Resilience Studies” project clinched the Platinum Award in the category of over 40 million passengers per annum.

Organised by ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, the Green Airports Recognition aims to promote the best environmental practices to minimise aviation’s environmental impact. The theme of this year’s award is “Climate Change Adaptation”, recognising airports for their outstanding performance in adapting to climate change.

(Source: HKIA)

Qatar Airways expands operations in Africa

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DOHA, 22 May 2026: Qatar Airways is expanding its African network, with flight resumptions and frequency increases launching from 16 June 2026.

Boosting connectivity across Africa, the airline will restart four weekly flights to Seychelles (SEZ) and two weekly flights to Kigali (KGL) from 16 June, and a daily flight to Marrakesh (RAK) from 1 July.

Qatar Airways serves the following destinations with increased flights:

Alexandria (HBE) – increased three weekly flights to up to seven;

Cairo (CAI) – increased from 28 weekly flights to up to 35;

Cape Town (CPT) – increased from daily flights to up to 10;

Dar es Salaam (DAR) – increased from three weekly flights to up to daily;

Lusaka (LUN)-Harare (HRE) – increased from five weekly flights to up to daily;

Maputo (MPM)-Durban (DUR) – increased from four weekly flights to up to daily.

Qatar Airways flights to Port Sudan (PZU)

Additionally, the airline is launching three weekly flights to Port Sudan, Sudan, from 2 July. Passengers travelling to Port Sudan from key markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, such as Oman and Pakistan, can transfer through Hamad International Airport.  

Departing every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday:

Doha (DOH) to Port Sudan (PZU) – Flight QR1319: Departure 0900; Arrival 1100
Port Sudan (PZU) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR1320: Departure 1225; Arrival 1620

(Source: Qatar Airways)

The Maldives hosts World Travel Awards

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SINGAPORE, 21 May 2026: The spotlight will shine on the Maldives on World Tourism Day, 27 September 2026, following the announcement that World Travel Awards (WTA) will expand its Gala Ceremony to include winners from across Asia and Oceania. 

The event will take place at Crossroads Maldives, a multi-island integrated lifestyle destination in the Maldives, located just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport. 

Photo credit: Visit Maldives.

The expanded ceremony will bring together winners from dozens of markets spanning Asia, the Pacific, Australasia and the Indian Ocean. 

 World Travel Awards Founder, Graham Cooke, noted: “By bringing together winners from the Indian Ocean, Asia and Oceania, we are creating a powerful platform that reflects the dynamism and global influence of the Maldives.”

Crossroads Maldives features three distinct resorts — SAii Lagoon Maldives, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SO/ Maldives — creating a multi-experience destination. 

SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Crossroads Marina, General Manager Alexandre Traeger said: “It is a true privilege to host the World Travel Awards on World Tourism Day. This milestone reflects our vision of bringing diverse experiences together in one seamless destination, and we look forward to welcoming the industry’s finest.” 

The Maldives last hosted the World Travel Awards in 2017. Since then, the nation has secured top honours at the World Travel Awards for sustainability and hospitality excellence, and currently holds the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’. 

Visit Maldives, Managing Director, Ibrahim Shiuree commented: “We are tremendously proud to bring the World Travel Awards back to the Maldives. The gala ceremony will allow us to showcase not only the natural beauty and hospitality that define the Maldives experience, but also our enduring commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism.”

(Source: Visit Maldives)

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