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Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives wins family award

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 6 November 2025: Centara Hotels & Resorts confirms Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives has been named the ‘Best Family Hotel in the Maldives’ at the Little Steps Family Travel Awards 2025/2026. 

Opened less than a year ago, the resort has already earned its first accolade under a family-focused category. This achievement celebrates its dedication to delivering extraordinary experiences for guests of all ages.

An enchanting underwater world-themed family resort, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives brings the wonders of the ocean to life through playful design, imaginative details, and immersive experiences that inspire every generation. The resort’s 145 beachfront and overwater villas are designed with families in mind, many featuring bunk beds for kids, spacious living areas, and thoughtful amenities that inspire togetherness and make stays effortless.

Boundless fun and discovery await at every turn, from splash-worthy swimming pools and exhilarating water slides to a meandering lazy river. The vibrant Kids’ Club, where imagination comes alive through marine-themed games and ocean conservation activities, is also a highlight. Older children and teens can find their own adventures in the Games Room, while parents unwind at SPA Cenvaree as younger guests enjoy playful pampering at the Candy Spa. From ocean excursions that reveal the wonders beneath the waves to diverse dining venues featuring dedicated children’s menus, every detail is designed to spark joy, connection, and shared memories — making Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives the ultimate family destination in the Maldives.

“We are honoured to be recognised as the ‘Best Family Hotel in the Maldives’ by the Little Steps Family Travel Awards,” said Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives Cluster General Manager Andrew Jansslon. “Earning this accolade within our first year of operation is a reflection of our team’s passion and dedication to creating meaningful moments for every family member. From thrilling water attractions and thoughtfully designed villas to unforgettable ocean excursions and exceptional culinary offerings, we strive to ensure guests of all ages experience the wonders of the Maldives, embraced by Centara’s signature warm hospitality and Thai family values.”

For more information about Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cmlm. 

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Hong Kong hosts Super Terminal Expo

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 6 November 2025: Super Terminal Expo 2025 concludes today at the AsiaWorld-Expo following three days of business networking and conference sessions that attracted aviation stakeholders.

The prestigious event brought together representatives of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Fred Lam Tin-fuk GBS JP, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong; and Margaret Connolly, President & CEO of Informa Markets in Asia. They delivered keynote addresses at the ceremony, officially launching the three-day event on 4 November.

Photo credit: Informa Markets Asia. VIP line-up at the 2025 Super Termina Hub.

Connolly noted: “After our inaugural (2024) event, the feedback was clear — Asia needed a dedicated platform where terminal developers, designers, operators, and suppliers could come together to tackle our industry’s unique challenges.” 

She emphasised that Super Terminal Expo served as a pivotal platform for advancing Asian intermodal transport hub development, injecting new momentum into regional networks.

Government backs new transport hub 

Airport Authority Hong Kong chairman Fred Lam added: “The future of aviation relies on ongoing investment in infrastructure. Our Three-runway System lays the foundation for long-term growth. It is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Hong Kong’s history. We have also continuously developed our intermodal services. 

“Through bonded ferries or buses, Chinese Mainland passengers can directly reach our aiairport’sirside for seamless boarding. Later this month, passengers from the Chinese Mainland and Macao will be able to drive their own vehicles to a car park located right next to our airport and reach the airside for boarding flights, without needing to clear Hong Kong border controls. Our investment in infrastructure and services has given investors the confidence to grow their business here.” 

Building on last year’s aviation focus, the 2025 event expanded to include air cargo, rail transport, and low-altitude economy sectors. Over 100 leading brands participate, including ARUP, AECOM, NUTECH, NEC Hong Kong Limited, SITA, and Weihai Guangtai, showcasing green transport innovations, digital hub solutions, and intelligent logistics systems.

Record-breaking attendance 

Over 200 key stakeholders, including airports, ground handlers, airlines, and regulators, attended the Super Terminal Expo 2025. The event delivered business development opportunities through curated networking initiatives designed to foster meaningful commercial partnerships and community building among industry leaders and decision-makers.

(Source: Super Terminal Expo)

Why Thailand’s tourism is good to go

By
Andrew Wood
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BANGKOK, 5 November 2025: Despite global headwinds, Thailand’s tourism industry remains the cornerstone of the nation’s economy, contributing about 12% of GDP and employing over 4.4 million people.

While some reports highlight short-term dips in arrivals, the broader truth is that Thailand’s tourism continues to adapt, evolve, and reaffirm the country’s place as one of the world’s most admired and welcoming destinations.

One of Thailand’s finest: The Barai Spa at the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. (photos ajwood).

Global headwinds, local resilience

The world’s travel map has been redrawn by events far beyond Thailand’s control.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has compelled airlines to reroute long-haul flights, resulting in increased distance, time, and cost. Industrial strikes across Europe, North America, and Australia have disrupted schedules and unsettled travellers. Inflation and fuel prices remain stubbornly high.

Even so, Thailand has continued to welcome more than 26 million international visitors so far this year, with daily arrivals averaging around 100,000 – a remarkable figure by any global measure. 

Tourism: A cornerstone of prosperity

Travel and tourism are not just economic drivers; they are an integral part of Thailand’s culture and identity. From hotel staff and chefs to farmers, artisans, and guides, tourism supports the livelihoods of people in every region.

Infrastructure investment remains strong. The Eastern Economic Corridor, airport upgrades, and expanding rail links are enhancing connectivity, while luxury eco-resorts, wellness retreats, world-class spas, and community-based tourism projects are shifting Thailand’s focus towards quality, sustainability, wellness, and shared local benefits.

Sustainability is supreme

Without a strong commitment to sustainability, no tourism model can thrive in the long term, and Thailand’s leadership recognises this. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and private-sector partners have made sustainability a central focus of their policies and initiatives. Thailand now focuses heavily on communities that support tourism directly, encouraging farm-to-table dining, local craft sales, and village experiences that keep tourism income where it matters most. This approach protects natural and cultural assets while strengthening the bond between visitor and host – the essence of Thai hospitality.

Inspiring trends in 2025

• China and Malaysia remain Thailand’s top two markets, both showing renewed confidence.

• Domestic tourism thrives as Thais rediscover their own country through short breaks, festivals, and wellness escapes.

• European and Middle Eastern visitors are returning, especially for luxury, wedding, and MICE segments.

Travellers increasingly seek authentic, sustainable, and culturally rich experiences-areas where Thailand excels.

Why Thailand’s tourism thrives

Thailand’s enduring appeal is built on more than beauty. It offers excellent value for money, genuine hospitality, easy access, and a dazzling array of experiences. From tropical seas to misty mountains, from jungle trails to golden temples, from elephants and orchids to bustling street markets, Thailand’s variety is unmatched.

And then there’s the food — bold, fragrant, joyful, one of the finest cuisines in the world. People travel halfway around the planet just to taste it again.

Thailand’s tourism is good: inclusive, sustainable, and full of human warmth. It brings joy to visitors while empowering communities. Critics may focus on numbers, but good tourism has never been about counting heads; it’s about creating memories and meaning.

Warning signs and the road ahead

Challenges remain; inflation, currency shifts, and environmental pressures must be managed carefully. Yet Thailand is meeting these with energy and imagination through:

• Expanded eco-tourism certification and green hotel standards.

• Ongoing airport and transport upgrades.

• Digital and AI-driven marketing to reach new audiences.

• Closer ASEAN cooperation to balance long-haul volatility.

• Visa-ease policies and strong airline partnerships to sustain premium travel.

These steps ensure Thailand remains Southeast Asia’s most resilient and admired destination.

A welcoming world, Thai style

So yes, numbers rise and fall, currencies strengthen and slip, and forecasts get rewritten. But Thailand keeps the welcome light on.

The beaches still sparkle, the smiles are still real, and somewhere a tuk-tuk is still honking cheerfully at sunset.

The next time someone says “tourism is down,” smile politely — you’ll know better. Thailand’s tourism is good: resilient, sustainable, and unforgettable. It lives not in spreadsheets but in the scent of jasmine rice, the sound of temple bells, and the laughter shared over plates of pad thai.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer and former hotelier who has called Thailand home since 1991. A graduate of Napier University in Edinburgh, he served as General Manager for several leading hotels and is a former Director of Skål International, having twice served as President of Skål Bangkok and as Past President of both Skål Thailand and Skål Asia.

STE declares award winners

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 6 November 2025: Super Terminal Expo (STE) has unveiled the winners of the prestigious STE Awards 2025, honouring achievements in terminal design, operations, and sustainability across the global aviation sector. 

The awards were presented at the STE Gala Dinner & Awards on 4 November 2025, spotlighting leaders driving transformative progress in passenger experience, cargo efficiency, and eco-conscious innovation.

Photo credit: Informa Markets Asia. Super Terminal Expo

This year’s winners reflect the industry’s resilience and forward-thinking approach, with standout performances from airports of all sizes, cutting-edge cargo hubs, and visionary innovators. The event reinforced STE’s position as Asia’s premier platform for advancing intermodal terminals.

2025 STE Award Winners

Best Airport Design

Recognising terminals that blend aesthetic brilliance with operational excellence:

Under 5 Million Passengers: Manohar International Airport

The airport has been recognised for its harmonious integration of cutting-edge technology with sustainable features, including solar power and eco-friendly building materials. It uniquely incorporates traditional cultural elements, including local art and fragrances, to create an immersive passenger experience while delivering operational supremacy through intelligent terminal layouts and seamless passenger flows.

5-20 Million Passengers: Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Makassar

This airport pioneers smart airport concepts with an integrated digital ecosystem, enhancing efficiency and passenger convenience. Its adaptive, resilient infrastructure is designed to thrive amid evolving aviation demands, driving aerotropolis development and positioning itself as a hub for economic and urban growth.

Over 20 Million Passengers: Beijing Daxing International Airport

Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the airport has an iconic phoenix-shaped structure, the world’s largest single-structure terminal. It offers intuitive navigation and seamless flows for passengers and freight, backed by logistical proficiency. Sustainability is embedded through natural daylight optimisation, photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient systems.

Best Cargo Hub

Highlighting logistics excellence and innovation:

Logistics Integrated Facility: Hangzhou Airport eHub (Distribution Centre) Project

This 150,000 sqm low-carbon facility is designed for operational excellence and environmental responsibility. It leverages innovative digital solutions through partnerships like Sinotrans to enhance safety, efficiency, and customer service while optimising technology to streamline global air cargo operations.

Airports: Hong Kong International Airport

As the world’s busiest cargo airport in 2024, handling 4.9 million tonnes of freight, HKIA boasts outstanding global connectivity and award-winning innovations in efficiency and sustainability. It fosters ecosystem collaborations to ensure seamless freight transit and logistics solutions.

Best Ground Handler

Winner: Beijing Aviation Ground Services Co Ltd

The company demonstrates exceptional operational efficiency and outstanding customer satisfaction. It integrates market-leading technologies to elevate safety and service standards, earning global recognition for strategic advancements in airport operations.

Best Terminal Innovation

Vendor: Nuctech Company Limited

A leading global supplier of security inspection technologies, originating from Tsinghua University, Nuctech delivers disruptive breakthroughs in X-ray, body scanners, and integrated systems, redefining airport security and efficiency.

Airport: Hong Kong International Airport & Incheon International Airport

HKIA’s Fast Travel solutions and 5G cargo technologies streamline passenger and freight processes, while Incheon’s AI advancements and seamless tech integrations deliver measurable improvements in terminal operations.

Best Sustainable Initiative

Vendor: Liquid Sun

Pioneering eSAF (electro-sustainable aviation fuel), produced from biogenic CO₂ and green hydrogen via innovative electrolysis, Liquid Sun collaborates with Finnair, ABB, Fortum, and Finavia on a pilot project with tangible sustainability outcomes.

Airport: Beijing Daxing International Airport

The airport implements verifiable sustainability measures, including green design and community-focused ecological benefits, setting benchmarks for environmental stewardship in large-scale terminal operations.

Service Excellence Awards

Passenger Experience: HKIA Service Excellence Team

Leading the Customer Service Excellence Programme (CSEP), the team recognises over 870 staff members annually for innovations that enhance operational standards and passenger satisfaction through transformative initiatives.

Logistics: Qatar Airways Cargo & Qatar Aviation Services Cargo

The airline introduces TechLift, a specialised handling solution for high-tech, AI, and automotive cargo sectors, while also achieving record-breaking air freight volumes, cementing its leadership in global logistics.

Leadership: Mr Huang Qing, Deputy General Manager of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport

Exemplifying visionary foresight, Huang sets new benchmarks for aviation advancements and drives strategic growth and innovation in terminal operations.

About Super Terminal Expo 2025

Returning to AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong (4–6 November 2025), STE 2025 showcased innovations in smart terminals, sustainable infrastructure, and intermodal connectivity. The STE Conference featured keynotes on resilient design, digital transformation, and urban air mobility.

For more details on the STE Awards 2025 winners, visit: www.superterminalexpo.com. 

(Source: Super Terminal Expo)

F1 Singapore: Starting line for regional travel

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 6 November 2025: Singapore’s neighbours benefitted from an increase in visitors who extended their travel to other Asia Pacific nations following the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix race weekend, Visa’s latest data revealed.

The top beneficiaries were Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

About 20% of visitors to the Singapore Grand Prix, held on 5 October, made post-race travel plans to other countries. On average, travellers spent an additional 3.5 days on the move after the Singapore Grand Prix concluded. 

Post-race travel for the remainder of October was especially prominent for long-haul travellers from outside of Asia. Visa data showed that about 35% of them visited at least one other country after the race week, higher than the average.

Top destinations included neighbouring countries Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, which are easily accessible by short flights from Singapore, while Australia and Japan were also popular destinations.

Travellers spent about 40% more per person than they typically do at home, with the biggest spenders hailing from the US, Australia, Mainland China, Germany, and France.         

Restaurants and eateries top of travellers’ spending in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, while spending on retail was higher in Australia and Japan.

Affluent travellers are identified as an engine of post-race tourism and spending. Beyond the overall lift to travel, Visa’s global and always-on network also offers more in-depth insights on the profile of travellers, notably affluent travellers.

Approximately 25% of affluent cardholders made additional travel plans after the Formula 1 weekend, which was higher than the average of 20% for all cardholders.

Their preferred destinations also included long-haul trips to Europe and North America.

Affluent travellers also spent about 20% more per person than other travellers on their post-race journeys, contributing to the surge in travel spending.

Compared to other travellers, they spent about 65% more in department stores and around 50% more on apparel and on their post-race itineraries.

Travellers embracing contactless payments

Singapore’s established digital and contactless payment infrastructure is a natural hotbed for contactless card payments. Still, Visa data found that the use and preference for contactless payments persisted no matter where travellers went after the Singapore Grand Prix:

About 85% of all face-to-face transactions were made via contactless card payments by travellers who visited another country after the race.

Travellers from markets like Australia and the UK saw near-universal adoption, with contactless payments used in approximately 95% of all face-to-face transactions.

However, use of contactless payments by travellers from regions including Japan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, where contactless acceptance is still developing, exceeded 80%.

Visa’s findings highlight a continuing and growing preference for frictionless and secure payment experiences, particularly in the travel sector. Contactless payments let travellers consume, pay, and move seamlessly and safely regardless of where they go, matched by growing contactless payment acceptance in the Asia Pacific and around the world – be it by restaurants, supermarkets, or even by open-loop transit systems that allow commuters to pay for bus and rail rides at the tap of their cards or smartphones.

Visa’s head of Consulting and Analytics, Asia Pacific, Prateek Sanghi, said: “Major events drive tourism and also create positive spillover effects in neighbouring cities and regions. Travellers from all segments have rapidly evolving preferences, with high-profile sports events becoming both a fixture and a catalyst in their travel plans.”

(Source: Visa)

Cathay Pacific flies daily to Changsha

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 6 November 2025: Cathay Pacific launched non-stop passenger flights between Hong Kong and Changsha on Tuesday, further expanding the Cathay Group’s Chinese Mainland network to 24 destinations served by Cathay Pacific and low-cost carrier HK Express.

This new daily service offers customers from Hong Kong and around the world access to the bustling capital of China’s Hunan Province. At the same time, those travelling from Changsha can conveniently connect to the Cathay Group’s global network of over 100 passenger destinations through its Hong Kong hub. ​

To mark the start of the new service, Cathay Pacific held a launch ceremony at Changsha Huanghua International Airport, hosted by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, Director of the Chinese Mainland Arnold Cheng, and Director of Service Delivery Mandy Ng.

Cathay Pacific held a launch ceremony at Changsha Huanghua International Airport, hosted by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau, Director of the Chinese Mainland Arnold Cheng, and Director of Service Delivery Mandy Ng. The inaugural flight CX968 was welcomed with a special water salute at Changsha Huanghua International Airport, marking a new chapter in the enhanced connectivity between Hunan and Hong Kong. 

Cathay’s Arnold Cheng said: “The launch of our Changsha route marks another important step in Cathay’s strategic expansion in the Chinese Mainland, underscoring our unique position of having deep roots in Hong Kong, being proudly part of China and connecting the world. This new service reinforces our role in enhancing connectivity between key cities across the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world, making travel between Hong Kong, Changsha and beyond more seamless for our customers, while showcasing the vibrancy and rich heritage of Hunan Province to travellers from around the globe.”

Hunan Airport Management Group Marketing Director Zhou Yun noted: “Hong Kong is an important gateway between Hunan and the world. The direct flights between Changsha and Hong Kong not only make travelling between the two cities easier, but also foster economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Hunan and Hong Kong. With the launch of the new route, travellers from Hunan can enjoy added convenience through seamless check-in and baggage through-check services, connecting to over 100 destinations worldwide. 

Cathay Pacific deploys an A321neo aircraft on the Hong Kong-Changsha route, featuring business and economy cabins. 

Flight schedules are as follows (all times local): 

Changsha marks the Cathay Group’s fifth new destination in the Chinese Mainland, launched in 2025, alongside Urumqi, operated by Cathay Pacific and Changzhou, Yiwu and Guiyang, operated by HK Express. ​

To cater to growing travel demand, Cathay Pacific has also increased flights on other key routes in the Chinese Mainland, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Shanghai. The Cathay Group will operate more than 330 return flights per week between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland during the winter travel peak.

(Source: Cathay Pacific)

HK Express strengthens Penang ties

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 6 November 2025: HK Express Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Penang Global Tourism, Malaysia, formalising a strategic partnership that spans two years until the end of October 2027. 

The collaboration encompasses market promotions, flight schedule optimisation, enhancing the passenger experience, and fostering closer industry cooperation, aiming to drive tourism exchange and economic interaction between Hong Kong, neighbouring Greater Bay Area cities, and Penang. 

From left) Yoganthiran Manikam, Director of Tourism Malaysia Hong Kong; Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express;  KK Ong, Chief Commercial Officer of HK Express; Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism; YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO For Tourism & Creative Economy; YB Joseph Ng Soon Siang, State Assemblyman for Air Itam & Director of Penang Global Tourism.

According to the MoU, both parties will allocate “a total of seven figures in HKD” to fund multi-channel online and offline promotional campaigns to showcase the charm of Penang as a “UNESCO World Heritage City”, highlighting George Town’s architecture and street art, diverse cuisine and cultural festivals.

Flight schedule optimisation will focus on strengthening the existing Hong Kong-Penang route by evaluating the addition of extra seasonal flights and increasing capacity during peak seasons to enhance air connectivity between Penang and major Asian cities, offering passengers a more convenient travel experience.

One-stop Greater Bay Area connectivity is another spin-off benefit of the collaboration, facilitated through an ‘Intermodal Pass’. It will deliver seamless sea-land-air connections for passengers from Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, Dongguan, and Macao, thereby shortening total travel time to and from Penang. This will be achieved by utilising ferry, road, and rail travel to seamlessly connect with HK Express flights, all with a single travel transaction.

HK Express increased flights to two daily on its Hong Kong-Penang route since last October, offering flexibility for business travellers, holidaymakers, and travellers visiting friends and relatives (VFR). 

Leveraging the Cathay Pacific Group’s global network, Penang will now be seamlessly connected to over 100 destinations, facilitating a two-way flow of passengers with one-stop transfers between Cathay and HK Express.

HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao said: “Since launching the Penang route in November 2024, demand has grown steadily, with an average load factor of around 80%. In the winter 2025 season, we have doubled frequency to 14 flights per week, offering real choice with 1155 daytime and 2000 evening departures. This step-up is the result of HK Express’s network and schedule investment, together with the strong support and promotional drive of the Penang State Government and Penang Global Tourism.” 

“Penang is a city of dual UNESCO recognitions, and this partnership will bring more travellers to experience our UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and our UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Penang Hill”, said Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai.

“Our partnership with HK Express is a key part of Penang’s strategy to expand our reach and prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia Medical Tourism Year 2026. This collaboration strengthens our market presence and ensures more travellers can discover the unique art, heritage, and lifestyle that Penang offers.”

HK Express aims to further leverage Hong Kong’s dual advantages as an international aviation hub and the gateway to the Greater Bay Area by combining Hong Kong’s urban experiences with the diverse offerings of neighbouring cities.

HK Express will endeavour to attract more Penang travellers for in-depth “Hong Kong plus Greater Bay Area city” tourism and, at the same time, expand its seamless sea-land-air “Intermodal Pass” service within the Greater Bay Area, providing one-stop services that include ticket purchasing, baggage check-in, flight connections, and travel insurance to optimise the overall travel experience.

(Source: HK Express)

Beyond Khaolak Resort rebrands

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Newsdesk
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KHAO LAK, Thailand, 5 November 2025: Kata Group Resorts confirms the rebranding of Beyond Khaolak Resort to ananea Beyond Khaolak — the first ananea-branded property in Thailand.

The rebrand to ananea Beyond Khaolak is the result of a strategic collaboration with ananea, a European lifestyle hotel brand designed for new-generation travellers seeking balance, inspiration, and purposeful experiences. 

Ananea is part of Detour Hotels & Resorts, under DER Touristik Group, one of Europe’s largest travel and hospitality firms.

Ananea is part of Detour Hotels & Resorts, under DER Touristik Group, one of Europe’s largest and most reputable travel and hospitality corporations, which also includes brands such as Sentido, Calimera, Aldiana, and Playitas. This launch marks the very first ananea property in Thailand, and importantly, the flagship property for the brand in Southeast Asia.

The name “ananea” originates from the Greek word “ananeosis”, meaning “renewal”. This philosophy is reflected in the resort’s atmosphere and design, which combine minimalist Mediterranean influences and contemporary European styling.

Located on Pak Weep Beach, ananea Beyond Khaolak is an 80-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. The resort features an all-villa concept with 177 units, ranging from Garden Villas to the expansive Two-Bedroom Pool Villa. 

(Source: Kata Group Resorts)

Emirates boosts presence in Egypt

By
Your Stories
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DUBAI, UAE, 5 November 2025: Emirates will deploy a six-weekly service on the Dubai-Cairo route effective December 2025, with operations scaling to daily from February 2026.

Scheduled for maximum connectivity with the airline’s global network, the additional frequencies will cater to the increased demand during the peak winter season.

From 1 February 2026, this will scale to a daily flight with revised timings that will complement the current schedule of four daily flights. 

The increase will reinforce the airline’s confidence in meeting strong demand for leisure and corporate travel in and out of Egypt. 

Deploying a Boeing 777, the flight schedule is optimised for seamless connections with key destinations in Asia, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. 

As one of the earliest destinations on Emirates’ global network, Egypt has long been a priority market for the airline. Cairo already boasts the highest deployment of the iconic Emirates A380s in the Middle East and North Africa, outside of Dubai, and once live with the fifth daily service, will also become the most served city in the airline’s African network, a testament to the airline’s ongoing commitment to the market as it approaches 40 years of service.   

Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said: “As one of the region’s busiest gateways for both passengers and cargo, Cairo has long been a key destination for Emirates. The additional service will make it easier for customers to connect across our network, while fostering strong trade and tourism links between Egypt, the UAE and the wider world. On the eve of our 40th anniversary of operations in Cairo, the enhanced schedule is a mark of our unwavering commitment to the region. We’d like to extend our thanks to the Egyptian authorities for their support in securing this new frequency and look forward to welcoming passengers on board soon.” 

Egypt and the UAE have longstanding, strong bilateral relations, including numerous tourism, industrial, and commercial developments across Cairo and the country’s northern coast, as well as in other areas. The additional frequency is designed to enhance connectivity between the two countries, while also increasing cargo capacity in and out of Egypt, offering 300 tonnes via the belly of a Boeing 777 every week. Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s freight division, uplifts key commodities, including beloved Egyptian fresh produce such as strawberries and other fruits and vegetables, further stimulating the economy and connecting Egyptian businesses with their global customers, quickly, reliably and efficiently. 

Emirates has firmly established itself as a long-term partner of Egypt’s aviation, tourism, and trade since its inaugural flight in 1986. Since then, the airline has scaled its operations, increased frequencies, and served over 10 million passengers to and from the market, forging key inbound traffic from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, among others.  
For more information about the airline and to book flights, please visit www.emirates.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

PATA tracks tourism’s road to recovery

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 5 November 2025: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has released its Annual Tourism Monitor 2025, highlighting the remarkable recovery of international visitor arrivals (IVAs) across the Asia Pacific region. 

According to the report, IVAs in 2024 reached 647.9 million across 46 destinations, marking a 24.1% increase from the previous year and reaching a 91.9% recovery rate compared to pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019. 

Photo credit: PATA. Asia Pacific’s top 10 destinations.

In the first half of 2025, provisional data from Asia Pacific destinations indicate that IVAs reached 295.7 million. This reflects a significant 5.4% year-over-year increase and a 92.6% recovery from pre-pandemic levels. The upward trend is expected to continue in the rest of 2025, with a transition to stable growth patterns.

Key findings

Asia was the primary engine of growth in 2024, recording 470.9 million IVAs, which accounted for 72.7% of the region’s total and represented a robust 30.7% year-on-year increase. Americas and Pacific followed with 153.0 million IVAs (23.6%, up 9.7%) and 24.0 million IVAs (3.7%, up 6.9%), respectively. 

Among the top-performing destinations were China, which welcomed over 127 million visitors, accounting for 19.7% of the Asia Pacific region’s total, and the USA, which saw over 72 million arrivals (11.2%).

Japan experienced a remarkable surge in IVAs in 2024, reaching 36.87 million with a growth rate of 47.1%, the highest among the major Asia Pacific destinations. This impressive rebound was driven by a combination of factors, including Japan’s authentic cultural appeal,  favourable exchange rate, and increased air connectivity. 

Following this, in the first half of 2025, Japan continued its strong performance by attracting 14.4 million IVAs, representing a 24.5% increase over the same period in the previous year, and achieving a recovery rate of 131.6%.

Additionally, Macao, China, recorded robust gains, attracting 34.9 million IVAs in 2024 with a 23.8% year-on-year increase. Macao sustained this upward trajectory into the first half of 2025, with IVAs growing by 14.9% even as momentum slowed in other key destinations. Its success is rooted in its strategic diversification beyond gaming, enhanced infrastructure and transport links, and targeted promotional efforts, particularly toward China.

Emerging trends 

In the first half of 2025, Asia continued to drive regional tourism, accounting for eight of the top 10 destinations by volume, with 224.1 million arrivals during this period. Meanwhile, the Americas and the Pacific recorded 60.5 million and 11.1 million arrivals, respectively. 

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “While growth has naturally eased following the sharp rebounds of 2023 and 2024, the data points to a healthy and sustainable trajectory for tourism across the Asia Pacific. The region is entering a new phase of maturity — one defined not by recovery, but by resilience and recalibration. These results reaffirm the strength of the industry’s foundations and its ability to evolve in response to shifting market conditions and traveller expectations.”

Access the report via the following link: www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/annual-tourism-monitor-2025. 

(Source: PATA)

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