DUBAI, UAE, 19 September 2025: Emirates will deploy its Airbus A350 to Hangzhou, China, on its daily service from 26 October 2025.
Coming just three months after its inaugural service, the deployment reinforces Emirates’ steadfast commitment to providing an outstanding experience for travellers to and from its newest destination in the Chinese mainland.
The Emirates A350 will operate on flight EK310, which departs from Dubai International Airport at 0415 and arrives in Hangzhou at 1600. The return flight, EK311, departs Hangzhou at 0010, landing in Dubai at 0610.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Over the last year, we have made significant investments in our operations on the Chinese mainland, creating meaningful impact through the launch of brand-new destinations and providing an elevated in-flight experience with our latest products. Introducing the A350 to Hangzhou is the natural next step, as we continue to bring the latest and greatest that Emirates has to offer to China’s skies. The A350 is an exciting addition to our fleet mix, adding a new dynamic to our existing operations in China.
“We look forward to welcoming passengers from Hangzhou on the new Emirates A350 soon.”
A closer look at the Emirates A350
The A350 is the first new aircraft model to join the Emirates fleet since 2008, complementing the existing line-up of Boeing 777s and A380s, both of which serve the Chinese mainland. Kitted out in the airline’s latest signature interiors, the A350 features sleek and spacious cabins, with extra high ceilings and wider aisles in all classes. Designed around customer comfort, the aircraft features seamless technology touchpoints and ground-breaking in-flight entertainment to elevate the passenger experience.
The deployment of the A350 also introduces Premium Economy to Hangzhou, expanding Emirates’ premium offering to and from the city. Making luxury travel more accessible to a broader audience, Premium Economy offers an experience similar to Business Class on many airlines, with spacious leather reclining seats with leg and footrests and adjustable headrests. It features in-seat charging points, a side cocktail table, a 13.3-inch TV screen, a generously sized pillow and blanket, complimentary amenity kits on select flights and a globally exclusive sparkling wine – Chandon Vintage Brut 2017.
Configured in three classes, the Emirates A350 provides 312 seats: 32 next-generation Business Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 21 of the highly-lauded Premium Economy seats in a 2-3-2 configuration and 259 Economy Class seats in a 3-3-3 layout.
For more information or to book tickets, visit emirates.com, the Emirates App, the Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents. WeChat Pay is available on emirates.com for customers in China.
BANGKOK, 19 September 2025: Every October, Phuket’s Tesagan Gin Je, or Vegetarian Festival, fills the island with colour, ritual, and the aromas of meat-free street food.
Taking place this year from 21–29 October 2025, the nine-day celebration of purity and plant-based eating has been observed for nearly two centuries.
While rooted in this tradition, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hospitality group, is taking the festival spirit global.
In line with its DNA of bringing a modern Thai touch to every hotel around the world, Centara chefs are presenting creative vegan Thai dishes not only during the festival, but throughout the year across properties in Thailand, the Maldives, Japan, and Dubai.
“At Centara, we see plant-based dining not as a trend, but as a responsibility and an opportunity to inspire,” said Michael Henssler, Chief Operating Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts. “Our chefs are reimagining beloved Thai flavours with creativity and authenticity, making vegan cuisine both accessible and exciting for our guests year-round.”
Reinventing the classics
Green Curry with Tofu and Wolffia, celebrating Thai flavours at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin.
Thai cuisine sits at the heart of this collection. In Hua Hin, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin’s chefs highlight Wolffia green curry, a fresh take on the national favourite enriched with Wolffia, the world’s smallest edible plant and a local superfood packed with protein. At Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, the signature Mee Hoon Gaeng Tao Hoo replaces crab with tofu in a Southern Thai curry vermicelli, allowing guests to enjoy the depth of coconut, turmeric, and spice without seafood.
Mee Hoon Gaeng Tao Hoo, rice noodles with golden tofu in coconut curry, from Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.
In Bangkok, Suan Bua at Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao embraces its “Food as Medicine” philosophy with dishes that revive rare Thai herbs in vegan form. Tofu Herbal Spring Rolls are wrapped with Japanese mint, holy basil, and Pak Plaw, each chosen for its natural healing properties. Kaeng Liang Nop Gao, a royal-inspired vegetable soup, combines nine seasonal vegetables for balance and auspiciousness. For Chef Nim Pairin Hahingsa, who leads Suan Bua, “Good food is the best medicine” — a belief reflected in every dish she prepares.
Even Thai street-food staples are included. Guests can try a Healthy Vegan Pad Thai at Centara Life Bangkok Phra Nakhon, while at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, a Quinoa Rice Noodle Salad with roasted chilli-tomato salsa, grilled king oyster mushrooms, and tofu nuggets pays homage to traditional Nam Prik dipping sauces with a modern, plant-based twist.
Maldives: comfort with island soul
Centara’s Maldivian resorts adapt Thai favourites and island produce into dishes that feel both familiar and exotic. At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, the Vegan Massaman Curry delivers a rich coconut base infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise, while Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives offers a nostalgic Vegan Yakisoba with Mushroom Hamburg, reimagining a Japanese comfort dish with local mushrooms shaped into a hearty plant-based patty.
Vegan Massaman Curry, a plant-based take on Thailand’s favourite, from Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives
Lighter options show a more tropical side. Roasted Pumpkin with Maldivian coconut milk is a simple, elegant dish that honours seasonal produce, while Maldivian Nature’s Indulgence, a hibiscus-infused watermelon dessert finished with passion fruit granite, provides a refreshing end to a sun-soaked day.
Celebrating seasonality in Japan
Vegan Yakisoba with Mushroom Hamburg, crafted with flair at Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives
In Osaka, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka’s Kunsei restaurant presents a dish that epitomises Japanese reverence for seasonality. The Matsutake Dashi Risotto layers vegetable broth with matsutake mushrooms, kombu, and myoga ginger, poured tableside for a five-senses dining experience. While matsutake is only available in autumn, the dish is adapted with other mushrooms throughout the year, ensuring guests can enjoy the ritual year-round.
Middle Eastern meets mindful
Matsutake Dashi Risotto, a refined East-meets-West dish from Kunsei Restaurant at Centara Grand Hotel Osaka, Japan.
At Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, Thai inspiration meets Levantine tradition. The Autumn Pumpkin Kibbeh combines roasted pumpkin, bulgur wheat, caramelised onions, and chickpeas with vegan labneh and sun-dried tomato sauce, topped with sunflower seeds. The result is a dish that feels both familiar and surprising, blending Middle Eastern warmth with Centara’s plant-based vision.
Leading the way year-round
What began as a nine-day Phuket tradition is now part of a global conversation about food, health, and sustainability. Centara’s vegan Thai creations prove that heritage and innovation can share the same table. Whether enjoyed by vegan travellers, flexitarians, or families looking for healthier options, these dishes reflect the group’s broader commitment to mindful dining.
By focusing on seasonal produce, local sourcing, and plant-based proteins, Centara chefs are reducing their environmental impact while maintaining rich and authentic flavours. And the journey is far from over. As demand for plant-based dining grows, Centara is continuing to evolve its menus — ensuring Thai culinary traditions are not only preserved but also carried forward in new and exciting ways.
As Phuket celebrates its iconic Tesagan Gin Je Festival from 21 – 29 October 2025, Centara invites guests everywhere to experience Thai plant-based dining all year round.
SINGAPORE, 19 September 2025: MICE Show Asia 2025 will return to the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore from 15 to 17 October 2025.
Co-located with ITB Asia and Travel Tech Asia, the three-day show brings together the diverse voices shaping the next chapter of MICE.
Photo credit: Messe Berlin Asia Pacific.
Exhibition Highlights
On the show floor, a diverse line-up of exhibitors will present the latest destinations, venues and services powering the global MICE ecosystem. Attendees can connect with organisations such as Business Events Perth, EventSmart Conferences & Events, Sapporo Convention Bureau, Pocketalk, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, or ASIA DMC.
“MICE Show Asia has become a crucial platform in APAC’s fast-evolving business events landscape. With the global MICE sector valued at billions and serving as a key driver of tourism, knowledge exchange and economic growth, MICE Show Asia continues to set the agenda on where the industry is headed next. Attendees can expect to explore the most pressing topics, discover fresh perspectives, and forge partnerships that will shape tomorrow’s meetings and events”, said
Messe Berlin Asia Pacific Executive Director and organiser of ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia, and Travel Tech Asia, Darren Seah.
Conference highlights
The 2025 conference programme will spotlight transformative ideas and strategies, covering topics such as gamification in MICE, the power of AI in event planning, business travel in the hybrid era, technology transformation in corporate travel, luxury MICE expectations, and the rising appeal of river cruises.
Headline sessions
2026 Global Meetings and Events Forecast
Kaori Pereyra-Lago, Head of Strategic Meetings Management, APAC & EMEA at American Express Global Business Travel, will unveil the latest Amex GBT Meetings & Events Forecast – the industry’s leading barometer of trends.
MICE Leaders’ Panel: MICE 2030 – Innovating for a Bold New Era in Event Design and Experiences
A forward-looking discussion that brings together seasoned leaders, including Gareth Martin, CEO of Business Events Perth, Damian Pisanelli, Vice President, Global Accounts at ConferenceDirect, Chris Burke, Group Managing Director, Creative Technology Asia at Creative Technology and Anna Patterson, Founder and Chief Amazement Officer at Sight Agency.
The Rise of Micro-Events and Decentralised Formats
As organisations look for agility and closer connections, smaller-scale, decentralised gatherings are reshaping event strategies. In this session, Qinxin Khoo, Head of Asia Pacific at Live Group, will explore how micro-events, satellite hubs and regional activations can foster intimacy, localisation and real-time engagement, supported by the innovative use of data and content.
Redefining Corporate Travel: Asia’s Next Chapter in a Changing Global Landscape
Corporate travel is at a crossroads, balancing cost, sustainability and traveller experience. This panel will feature Pom Corpuz, VP Corporate Travel Consulting, APAC at Chase Travel Corporate Solutions, Jérôme Grant Caplan, President, Procurigence, and Jo-Ann Chung, CEO of Summit, who will share how regional and global players are adapting to new realities in business travel, from digital transformation to evolving policies.
MICE Show Asia Registration Information
Delegates can join MICE Show Asia 2025 by securing an all-access Trade Visitor pass. Exhibitors looking to showcase their products and services can register via Exhibitor registration. For more information, visit: miceshowasia.com.
HONG KONG, 19 September 2025: Cathay and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aims to unite two iconic brands and sets the stage for multiple offerings to attract international travellers.
The planned collaboration aims to unlock synergy opportunities, stimulate inbound tourism, and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a premier global travel destination and regional transit hub.
Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam (fifth from left), Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau (third from left), Cathay Director Customer Travel Erica Peng (second from left), beloved Mickey Mouse, HKDL Managing Director Michael Moriarty (sixth from right), HKDL Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lesz Banham (fifth from right), along with other leadership members from both parties, attended the MoU signing ceremony to celebrate this milestone.
Cathay and HKDL held an MoU signing ceremony at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, hosted by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam and HKDL Managing Director Michael Moriarty.
Under the MoU, Cathay and HKDL will explore opportunities for continued collaboration, including a product for travellers transiting through Hong Kong, which is targeted for launch in 2026.
Cathay’s Lam said: “At Cathay, our purpose is to move people forward in life, so we are thrilled to collaborate with Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, a brand that shares our passion for delivering memorable experiences that delight and inspire. By combining world-class air travel with Disney experiences, we will create unforgettable journeys that celebrate the very best of Hong Kong. Together, we aim to inspire travellers from around the world to come to our home city and experience all that it has to offer.”
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s Michael Moriarty added: “As we mark Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary, this strategic collaboration with Cathay exemplifies our shared commitment to elevating Hong Kong’s global tourism appeal. Together, we aim to drive inbound visitation and solidify Hong Kong’s position as a world-class tourism and transit hub. We look forward to enchanting more tourists with immersive, experiential experiences that reflect the evolving aspirations of today’s travellers.”
SINGAPORE, 19 September 2025: StarCruises confirms the return of Star Voyager to Southeast Asia for the winter season with sailings from 20 November 2025 to 5 February 2026.
Timed for the year-end festive season and the Singapore and Malaysia school holidays, the deployment offers families, couples and friends a variety of short getaway options.
Photo credit: StarCruises. Star Voyager’s sailings in Southeast Asia.
Singapore Departures
• 20 November – 14 December 2025
Three-night weekend getaways to Penang, departing Thursdays
Four-night sailings to Phuket & Penang, departing Sundays.
• 18 December 2025 – 5 February 2026
Cruise itineraries will expand to feature:
Four-night itineraries to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) & Phuket, departing Sundays.
Three-night weekend cruises to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) & Pulau Bintan, departing Thursdays.
Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang) Departures
• 19 December 2025 – 2 February 2026
During this period, guests can embark at Port Klang for the following itineraries:
Three-night cruises to Pulau Bintan & Singapore, departing Fridays
Four-night cruises to Phuket & Singapore, departing Mondays.
“This deployment gives cruise passengers from Singapore and Malaysia more choices with three and four-night getaways from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), sailing between the two cities and calling at the ever-popular destinations of Phuket, Penang and Pulau Bintan,” said StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh.
Guests can embark at the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) connected to VivoCity Mall and the HarbourFront MRT station, or from Kuala Lumpur via the Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT).
The itineraries showcase Southeast Asia’s favourite holiday destinations from Singapore’s vibrant metropolis, where futuristic architecture meets bustling hawker centres and lively arts precincts, to Penang’s UNESCO-listed George Town with its world-renowned street food and Phuket Island’s beaches and surrounding national marine parks.
Guests can also unwind at Malaysia’s Pulau Bintan’s palm-fringed lagoon resorts, enjoy mangrove eco-tours, golf and water sports, or discover Kuala Lumpur’s blend of soaring skyscrapers, colonial heritage, and colourful street markets.
Special One-Way Repositioning Cruises
Star Voyager will offer two limited-edition repositioning voyages to bookend the season:
• Four-night Hong Kong – Nha Trang – Singapore Cruise:
Departing 16 November 2025 from Hong Kong, the ship will call at Nha Trang, Vietnam, before arriving in Singapore on 20 November 2025 to begin her homeport deployment.
• five-night Singapore – Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang – Hong Kong Cruise:
Departing 8 February 2026 from Singapore, this voyage completes Star Voyager’s Southeast Asia deployment, calling at Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang before returning to Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal on 13 February 2026, timed for guests to celebrate the Lunar New Year at sea.
BANGKOK, 19 September 2025: Thai AirAsia X is launching three new international routes, ahead of the year-end travel season from Don Mueang (DMK) to Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan; Sendai (SDJ), Japan; and Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia.
Photo credit: Thai AirAsia X. Three new destinations.
Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan: Four flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Fares start at THB6,690 one-way.
Sendai (SDJ), Japan: Four flights per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Fares start at THB4,990 one-way.
Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia: Four flights per week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Fares start at THB7,190 one-way.
All flights use Airbus A330 aircraft. Bookings are available now via the AirAsia MOVE app and website. The inaugural flights to Almaty and Sendai will depart on 1 December 2025, while the Riyadh route will begin on 2 December 2025.
Thai AirAsia X CEO Pattra Boosarawongse said Thai AirAsia X is launching three new routes simultaneously to three different regions as part of the airline’s expansion into new markets: Central Asia, Northern Asia, and the Middle East. “As a true expert in Japanese routes, AirAsia is adding Sendai as our seventh direct route, giving us the most connections between Thailand and Japan. This is also our first time entering a new market with Almaty, Kazakhstan, a city with a pleasant, cool climate throughout the year. Additionally, it’s the AirAsia Group’s first direct flight to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Our strategy moving forward is to open up new, high-potential routes in diverse aviation regions, especially in the Middle East, which are perfect for our Airbus A330 aircraft. Besides offering new experiences for Thais, we are confident that these three new routes will attract a significant number of international tourists to Thailand for the year-end season.”
Sendai is a significant city in Japan’s northern Tohoku region, renowned for its distinctive local culture and stunning scenery, particularly during the snowy winter season.
Almaty, the gateway to Central Asia, is Kazakhstan’s largest city and former capital. Snow-capped mountains surround it, offering a year-round cool climate with spectacular, European-like landscapes and a blend of European and Asian cultures.
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is a city of contrasts, featuring World Heritage sites in the vast desert alongside modern skyscrapers and historical and cultural landmarks. As a key business and investment hub, it will also host the “World Expo 2030”
By the end of 2025, Thai AirAsia X will serve 10 direct routes from Don Mueang (DMK) to Tokyo (NRT), Osaka (KIX), Nagoya (NGO), Sapporo (CTS) in Japan; Seoul (ICN), South Korea; Delhi (DEL), India; Shanghai (PVG), China; and the new routes to Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan; Sendai (SDJ), Japan; and Riyadh (RUH), Saudi Arabia. The airline plans to add two new Airbus A330 aircraft to its fleet in the fourth quarter, bringing its total to 11 aircraft by the end of the year.
BANGKOK, 19 September 2025: Nepal Tourism Board issued a statement on Wednesday through the Pacific Asia Travel Association to reassure travellers that “peace, stability, and normalcy have been fully restored across the country” following last week’s devastating protests and a deadly police crackdown that closed the airport on 9 September and killed 59 protesters.
The statement released to PATA’s global mailing list quotes NTB saying the interim government has given assurances that “timely elections will further strengthen public trust and safety.”
Photo credit: Nepal Tourism Board. Nepa/ assures travellers the country is safe and welcomes tourists.
“Public transportation, domestic and international flights, and all major destinations are operating normally. Hotels, restaurants, and travel services are open and welcoming guests to a safe environment.”
The statement assured travellers that tourism in Nepal has a remarkable history of resilience.
“NTB is confident that the tourism sector will once again rebound, stronger than ever, as visitors return to experience the unparalleled beauty of the Himalaya, vibrant cultural traditions, and sacred sites.
Nepal is now safe, peaceful, and ready to host visitors from around the world.”
Most airlines have resumed scheduled flights to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) with just two exceptions, Cathay Pacific and FlyDubai.
Cathay Pacific has suspended all flights between Hong Kong and Kathmandu until 30 September 2025. The airline expects to resume complete services on 1 October.
FlyDubai cancelled one of two daily flights from Dubai to Kathmandu on Wednesday.
Air India has announced the resumption of scheduled operations and deployed special flights to help stranded passengers in the aftermath of the protests and airport shutdown.
IndiGo confirmed it is progressively restoring scheduled flights and will be operating extra flights to support stranded tourists still in the Nepalese capital. An airline travel advisory confirms four daily flights are operating normally since 12 September.
SriLankan Airlines resumed flights on 11 September.
Thai Airways International resumed flights to Kathmandu on 16 September, scheduling three flights on Wednesday.
SINGAPORE, 19 September: Taiwan will transition to a mandatory, digital arrival card system on 1 October, making the traditional paper-based arrival card redundant.
Travellers will need to complete the digital Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) if they are on short-term visas or stays, including both tourists and business travellers.
The exclusions are travellers holding a Resident Visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), or diplomatic passport.
This change is part of a broader effort by Taiwan to enhance its border entry procedures, following the example of other countries in the region that have also adopted digital arrival cards.
It streamlines the immigration process, significantly speeds up border clearance, while reduces the use of paper, aligning with global trends in border management.
How to apply
The digital form, known as the TWAC, is available on the official portal: twac.immigration.gov.tw.
You can fill out the form online within three days before your departure.
The system is available in English, with instructions in multiple languages, including Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian.
Information required
Passport information (name, number, nationality, date of birth).
Flight or ship details and your arrival date.
Address and contact information during your stay in Taiwan.
Purpose of travel.
TWAC system features
Ease of use: You can upload a photo of your passport’s bio-data page to automatically fill in some of the fields, making the process faster.
Group applications: One person can fill out the form for a group of up to 16 people.
Confirmation: After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code. While you may be asked to show this at immigration, in most cases, the system will automatically link your submitted data to your passport when the immigration officer scans it.
On-site assistance: For travellers who haven’t completed the form in advance, QR codes will be displayed at airports and harbours, and terminals and staff will be available to assist with filling out the digital card on-site.
This change is part of a broader effort by Taiwan to enhance its border entry procedures, following the example of other countries in the region that have also adopted digital arrival cards.
According to the National Immigration Agency (NIA), the TWAC system has been upgraded with a more intuitive, user-friendly, and efficient interface to keep up with global trends in border management and international travel. A pilot version of the TWAC was introduced in May 2025. NIA reported this week that the complete phase-out of the paper version of the arrival card will take place on 1 October.
Travellers may fill out the form in either Chinese or English, with guidance available in seven languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian. To streamline the process, the system now allows automatic data extraction from a snapshot of the passport biographic page.
For families and group travellers, one person may fill out the forms for up to 16 individuals. Email verification is mandatory, and a confirmation email will be sent upon successful registration. By scanning the traveller’s passport, pre-submitted data can be retrieved, enhancing both the speed and accuracy of immigration clearance.
To further promote the use of TAWC, the NIA has coordinated with airlines and shipping companies to display TWAC QR codes at check-in counters at airports and seaports. Travellers who have not registered in advance may still scan the QR code and submit the TAWC form upon arrival.
Asian nations with similar digital arrival card systems
Thailand: The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has replaced the paper-based TM6 form.
Singapore: The Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) is a mandatory electronic form that visitors must submit before arrival.
South Korea: South Korea has implemented a mandatory e-Arrival Card system.
Philippines: The Philippines has a digital arrival card system.
Malaysia: Malaysia has a Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) system.
Japan: Japan has a digital arrival card system, though it has been noted to be optional in some cases.
BANGKOK, 18 September 2025: Dusit Thani College, Thailand’s leading institute for hospitality education under Dusit International, has been officially certified to administer Japan’s Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test in Thailand.
It creates direct pathways for Thai and ASEAN talent to secure skilled positions in Japan’s hospitality sector. The milestone follows the signing of an agreement on 2 September 2025 between Dusit Thani College, the General Incorporated Association Centre for Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test, and the All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association, with support from the Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau and Jeducation language school in Bangkok.
Photo credit Dusit Thani College. From left: John Lohr, Executive Director of External Affairs, Dusit Thani College;Dr Atthawet Prougestaporn, Rector, Dusit Thani College;Shintaro Sugawara, Director, General Incorporated Association Centre for Accommodation Industry Proficiency Test;Yuki Kameoka, Executive Director, All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association.
As Thailand’s first certified testing centre, Dusit Thani College can now recruit and train Thai and ASEAN candidates through its renowned hospitality and culinary arts programmes and facilitate their official skills certification locally.
Successful graduates will qualify for employment in Japan via the government’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, introduced in 2019 to help address labour shortages in industries such as hospitality and food and beverage.
Aligned with Dusit Thani College’s fast-track Talent Opportunity Programme (TOP), which prepares participants for entry-level roles in just six months, the new pathway gives aspiring professionals a unique opportunity to train, gain certification, and access employment in Japan.
The All Japan Ryokan Hotel Association, representing more than 15,000 traditional inns and hotels across Japan, will help promote certified candidates to member employers via dedicated job fairs hosted in Bangkok. Dusit Hotels and Resorts will also welcome graduates to its own properties in Japan, including Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo, further strengthening opportunities for international placement.
Jeducation, a leading Japanese language school in Bangkok, will provide essential language training to ensure participants meet SSW visa requirements, fully equipping them for life and work in Japan.
“This collaboration directly addresses the hospitality skills shortage in Japan while creating exciting career opportunities for our students,” said Dusit Thani College Executive Director of External Affairs, John Lohr. “By combining world-class training at Dusit Thani College with official certification and a clear pathway to employment, we are building a strong pipeline of talent that benefits both Thailand and Japan.”
Dusit Hotels and Resorts Area General Manager – Kyoto, Makoto Yamashita, added: “This partnership underscores our commitment to developing future leaders in hospitality and giving them access to life-changing opportunities abroad. It is a win–win for our students, our partners, and the wider industry.”
Dusit Thani College will begin recruiting candidates for its TOP Japan Pathway programme in October 2025. The first examinations and employer recruitment fairs will take place in February 2026.
BANGKOK, 18 September 2025: Digital travel platform Agoda is spotlighting the growing appeal of secondary destinations ahead of World Tourism Day on 27 September.
As travellers increasingly seek distinctive experiences, Agoda notes a rise in accommodation searches for lesser-known destinations that even outpace searches for traditional hotspots. This trend not only has the potential to enrich the travel experience but could also unlock economic opportunities for local communities, according to the company.
Photo credit: Agoda.
Agoda’s data reveals that travellers are increasingly searching for secondary destinations, and at a pace 15% faster than top-tier destinations, compared to the same period in 2023.
This shift is evident in some of Asia’s most popular tourism magnets, such as Thailand, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia, where tourism ministries are actively promoting secondary destinations.
For instance, Thailand has an abundance of programmes and initiatives that specifically promote secondary destinations, including tax incentives for domestic tourists travelling to the provinces during the low season, as well as a recent proposal from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to offer free domestic flights to international visitors to explore beyond Thailand’s major tourist cities. Similar schemes are presented in Malaysia and Japan to promote travel beyond the gateway destinations.
As a digital travel platform, Agoda plays a key role in promoting Asia’s secondary cities by enabling properties in rural areas to transition to digital platforms, increasing their visibility and accessibility. By partnering with Destination Management Organisations, Agoda leverages its extensive data insights and marketing channels to highlight lower-profile destinations.
Agoda CEO Omri Morgenshtern shared: “The increasing popularity of secondary destinations provides an opportunity to create a more prosperous travel industry and boost local economies. Agoda is proud to support this transformation by raising the profile of these locations to a global audience, as we know spreading the tourism dollar more widely brings a wide range of benefits to communities.”
In celebration of World Tourism Day, Agoda is launching a special sales campaign running from 24 September to 8 October, offering 60% off hotel bookings. Special flash sales will take place on 27 September and 6 October, with deals of up to 70% off, along with exclusive discounts on flights and activities. Agoda VIP members will receive early access to deals from 21 to 23 September.
