Thursday, April 2, 2026
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Sarawak reaches out to Singaporean travellers

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Your Stories
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KUCHING, 2 April 2026: As regional travel within ASEAN continues to gain momentum, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) participated in the NATAS Travel Fair from 27 to 29 March at the  Singapore EXPO, reinforcing Sarawak’s presence in one of its key ASEAN markets.

STB reported that the event strengthened engagement with Singaporean outbound travellers, presenting Sarawak’s diverse travel experiences and connecting directly with travel partners to offer curated holiday packages to the destination. 

STB was joined by co-exhibitors EU Holidays Pte Ltd, Meidi Travel Solutions Pte Ltd, and Azza Travel & Tours Pte Ltd, providing travellers with convenient access to Sarawak travel packages and on-site travel-planning support during the fair.

Singapore remains one of Sarawak’s key regional markets. In 2025, Sarawak recorded 64,295 visitor arrivals from Singapore, marking a 7.53% year-on-year increase and the highest Singapore arrivals recorded to date. 

Participation in the NATAS Travel Fair 2026 should support marketing efforts to reach the 2026 target of 69,000 visitor arrivals from Singapore.

“Singapore has consistently demonstrated a strong interest in Sarawak, and the steady growth in arrivals reflects the appeal of our diverse offerings, from culture and heritage to food, nature and adventure. 

Our presence at the NATAS Travel Fair allowed us to showcase the breadth of experiences across Southern, Central and Northern Sarawak. NATAS Travel Fair provides a valuable platform

for us to engage directly with consumers at the point where travel decisions are being made,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor. 

Three gateways

Singapore enjoys direct air connectivity to Sarawak’s three main gateways — Kuching, Sibu and Miri — enabling convenient access to the state’s Southern, Central and Northern regions, each offering distinct travel experiences. Direct services operated by AirAsia and Scoot connect Singapore to Sarawak’s key entry points, supporting seamless travel across the destination and enhancing access for visitors from the Singapore market.

South Sarawak

Southern Sarawak, via Kuching, blends heritage, culture and nature. The region is home to the Sarawak Delta Geopark. This landscape brings together coastal ecosystems, rainforest habitats and cultural sites, including Bako National Park, Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and the Sarawak Cultural Village, alongside major cultural institutions such as the Borneo Cultures Museum. Kuching also offers a vibrant food scene recognised under its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, with iconic dishes such as Laksa Sarawak, Kolo Mee and an abundance of fresh seafood. The city is also home to signature events, including the 2026 Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

Central Sarawak

Central Sarawak, accessible via Sibu and extending to areas such as Mukah and Sarikei, offers river-based travel experiences along the Rajang River, visits to traditional longhouses and immersive community-based cultural encounters. The region is also known for Sibu’s Foochow culinary heritage and Sarikei’s reputation as Sarawak’s “Pineapple Town.”

North Sarawak

Northern Sarawak, via Miri, provides access to Sarawak’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Gunung Mulu National Park and Niah National Park — recognised for their remarkable

limestone cave systems, biodiversity and archaeological significance. The region also offers access to the cool highland landscapes of Bario in the Kelabit Highlands.

For more information on Sarawak’s attractions, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

SONO gains foothold in Vietnam

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Newsdesk
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HANOI, Vietnam, 2 April 2026: SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia has signed a Hotel Management Agreement with Binh Minh Urban Construction Investment JSC, marking the brand’s first city hotel in Vietnam’s capital. 

SONO Belle Hanoi Old Quarter, featuring 56 rooms, is scheduled to open in Q4 2026.

Photo credit: SONO. An artist’s impression of the hotel entrance.

Located in the heart of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, the hotel will be within walking distance of the iconic Hanoi Opera House, luxury boutiques, heritage landmarks, and the capital’s dining and café scene.

SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, Senior Vice President Jihong An commented: “We are honoured to collaborate with Binh Minh Urban Construction Investment JSC to bring SONO Belle Hanoi Old Quarter to life in such an iconic location.”

About SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia
SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia is a hotel management company wholly owned by SONO International, one of South Korea’s leading hospitality groups. Backed by SONO International’s portfolio of over 14,500 operating rooms across seven countries, the group operates in South Korea, the US, France, and key Asian markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, and Vietnam.

SOTC Travel opens store in Hyderabad

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Newsdesk
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MUMBAI, 2 April 2026: SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company, has inaugurated its new franchise in Himayath Nagar, Hyderabad, further strengthening its presence in the city and expanding its network to five outlets in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Located in the city’s heart, Himayath Nagar is a prominent commercial and retail hub with strong connectivity to Hyderabad’s key residential and business districts.

The area’s high consumer footfall, growing affluence and vibrant retail landscape make it an ideal location for SOTC’s continued expansion in the region.

SOTC sales team at the new office in Himayath Nagar, Hyderabad.

The new store will serve travellers through SOTC’s integrated omnichannel model – offering a comprehensive portfolio of domestic and international holidays, group tours, personalised holidays and cruises, along with value-added services such as travel insurance, ensuring seamless end-to-end travel experiences.

Hyderabad/Telangana travel trends

Top Destinations:

· Domestic & Indian Subcontinent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andaman, Bhutan, Nepal & Sri Lanka

· International: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Egypt, Hong Kong, Switzerland, France, Finland, Norway, Sweden

· Island Destinations: Maldives and Mauritius

· Emerging destinations: Morocco, Georgia, Philippines, Taiwan, Uzbekistan

· Spiritual/Darshan Portfolio: Strong interest in pilgrimage experiences, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Char Dham Yatra and Vaishnodevi Yatra, reflecting the region’s continued affinity for spiritual travel

· Regional Product Portfolio: Exclusive special tours from Hyderabad designed specifically for our Telangana customers. These itineraries include local Indian language–speaking tour managers, Indian cuisine options and culturally aligned experiences, ensuring greater comfort and familiarity for travellers

· Emerging Travel Preferences: Travellers from Hyderabad and Telangana state are increasingly seeking experiential and bucket-list holidays such as luxury multi-destination cruises, polar expeditions to Antarctica, Northern Lights experiences across Finland, Norway and Iceland, self-drive holidays and adventure-led itineraries.

· Top customer segments: Multi-generational families, honeymooners/couples, working professionals, millennials and GenZ

· Average holiday duration: 4–6 days for domestic/short haul; 10–15 days for long haul

SOTC Travel Limited Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays Rakesh Bawa commented: “Hyderabad continues to be a strong growth market for SOTC in South India and presents a significant opportunity to tap into the growing travel demand from regional India. The launch of our Himayath Nagar outlet reflects our strategic focus on strengthening our presence in the city. With this addition, our network now spans five outlets across Hyderabad, with the centrally located Himayath Nagar store offering customers expert guidance and seamless access to our comprehensive range of holiday experiences.”

(Source: SOTC)

AAPA February traffic reveals solid growth

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 2 April 2026: February 2026 traffic figures released this week by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed robust growth in international air passenger demand, supported by increased leisure travel during the Lunar New Year festive period. 

International air cargo demand also recorded solid growth, despite the traditional factory closures associated with the festive season, with volumes underpinned by continued strength in e-commerce and demand for intermediate goods.

In February, the region’s carriers saw a 9% year-on-year increase in international passengers carried, reaching an aggregate total of 33 million. Demand, as measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), rose by 8.8%, while available seat capacity expanded by 8% year-on-year, leading to a 0.7 percentage point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 83.4% for the month.

Trade activity remained resilient, reflecting demand for consumer, intermediate and investment goods. This, in turn, drove a strong 8.7% year-on-year increase in international air cargo demand, as measured by freight tonne-kilometres (FTK) in February. Demand growth outpaced a corresponding 8.3% increase in offered freight capacity, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point rise in the average international freight load factor to 58.2%.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General, Subhas Menon, said: “Against a backdrop of steady global economic growth, combined figures for the first two months of the year showed a firm 6.3% increase in the number of international passengers carried by the region’s airlines to 69 million, supported by strong travel demand across Asian economies.”

“Meanwhile, positive business confidence, alongside rising orders for goods manufactured in Asia, supported growth in international air cargo demand, with volumes rising by a solid 7.6% during the first two months of 2026, compared to the same period last year.”

He added: “However, the escalation in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region at the end of February has introduced greater uncertainty to the operating environment. Asian airlines are facing increased operational challenges, as the rise in conflicts has reduced the availability of airspace, particularly along key Asia – Europe corridors, effectively constraining capacity on these routes and limiting network flexibility for affected carriers.”

“The sharp increase in jet fuel prices from an average of USD90 per barrel in the first two months of the year to an average of USD150 per barrel in the first three weeks of March has left little time for airlines to adjust, while longer flight routings have increased operating costs, placing additional pressure on already thin profit margins.”

Looking ahead, Menon concluded: “The broadly positive outlook for the airline industry will continue to be clouded by the evolving geopolitical situation. Prolonged conflicts over the Middle East may increase inflationary pressures and affect business and consumer sentiment on both passenger and cargo markets. Close coordination between governments and industry stakeholders is critical to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of air services, while maintaining global connectivity.”

(Source: AAPA)

IndiGo starts Kolkata – Shanghai flights

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Newsdesk
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DELHI, 2 April 2026: IndiGo commenced its daily, non-stop service between Kolkata and Shanghai on 29 March 2026, marking another significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between India and China. 

This launch builds on IndiGo’s recent expansion in China, which included the successful reinstatement of flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou and the subsequent start of operations from Delhi. 

Photo credit: IndiGo.

The Kolkata-Shanghai route is being operated with IndiGo’s A320neo aircraft as the airline continues to address the growing demand for trade and tourism between two of the world’s most populous nations. 

Residents in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur and Bhubaneswar will be able to connect with the flight from Kolkata to Shanghai.

IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said: “We are pleased to commence our daily, direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai, further strengthening connectivity between India and China.

In addition to our existing daily connectivity from Delhi and Kolkata to Guangzhou, we now operate 21 weekly flights to mainland China. Shanghai is one of the world’s leading financial and commercial centres, and an important gateway for global trade. 

(Source: IndiGo)

Star Voyager embarks on three-night sailings

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Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 2 April 2026: StarCruises introduces three round-trip Kaohsiung–Penghu cruises, departing from Hong Kong’s Ocean Terminal aboard the Star Voyager for three nights. 

These new sailings replace the previous three-night Sanya itineraries, offering guests the opportunity to explore two destinations in a single voyage, combining cultural discovery with scenic coastal experiences.

Departing on 12 and 19 April and 10 May 2026, these limited sailings will take travellers to the port city of Kaohsiung and the island paradise of Penghu — an increasingly sought-after destination.

What makes this journey especially appealing is the ease and convenience of cruising from Hong Kong with StarCruises. With no airport queues and no need for constant packing and unpacking, guests can step onboard and enjoy a seamless journey between destinations.

From the energetic cityscape of Kaohsiung to the relaxed island charm of Penghu, the itinerary brings two contrasting experiences together in one voyage.

Bookings for the three-night Kaohsiung–Penghu cruise opened on 1 April 2026.

(Source: StarCruises)

MAG-nificent return to MATTA Travel Fair

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 2 April 2026 The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) announces the return of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) as its Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor for the upcoming MATTA Fair April 2026.

As a key partner of the Fair, MAG’s continued presence reflects its commitment to enhancing travel accessibility and elevating the overall visitor experience. 

Visitors to MATTA Fair — taking place from 3 to 5 April 2026 at MITEC Kuala Lumpur — can look forward to a dynamic showcase by MAG, featuring its latest offerings, travel innovations, and exclusive deals across its airline network, including Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Amal by Malaysia Airlines.

MAG will unveil its largest-ever presence with the return of the MAG Arena, expanding to an impressive 46,000 square feet — nearly three times larger than its participation in September 2025, creating Asia’s largest airline-led consumer and trade pavilion within a travel fair. The expanded arena will feature over 100 booths, allowing visitors to experience an immersive journey into travel, discover technology-led cabin experiences, and enjoy the signature warmth of Malaysian Hospitality in a dynamic and engaging environment.

In conjunction with the Fair, Malaysia Airlines will offer special fares across its domestic and international networks, including popular regional destinations such as Jakarta, Bangkok, Hanoi, Singapore and Bali, as well as key international gateways such as London, Melbourne, Sydney, Tokyo and Auckland. Complementing this, Firefly will introduce attractive fares across its network, operating from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport) and Penang International Airport to destinations including Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Kota Bharu, Johor Bahru, and Alor Setar, offering greater flexibility for travellers to plan their journeys.

Beyond fares, travellers can also enjoy added value through thoughtfully curated offerings across the MAG ecosystem — from savings on seat selection and prepaid baggage to integrated flight and hotel packages via MHholidays, as well as exclusive deals on Journify, MAG’s travel and lifestyle platform. Selected promotions will feature instant savings of up to MYR105 on flights and up to MYR320 off travel packages, enabling travellers to enjoy a more seamless and rewarding end-to-end journey.

This partnership brings together two essential elements of travel, attractive holiday packages and competitive airfare promotions, allowing visitors to maximise value when planning their trips. In the lead-up to the fair, MATTA and MAG will also be sharing more on upcoming initiatives and promotions designed to make travel more accessible and rewarding for Malaysians, including enhanced benefits through MAG’s loyalty programme, Enrich. 

Members can enjoy an additional 5% off flight purchases, up to 30% off redemptions and 10% Points back on oneworld redemptions, alongside lifestyle rewards of up to 60% off gift cards and e-vouchers and 20% off Enrich Xperience bookings. Members can also earn up to 3X Bonus Enrich Points via co-branded cards and 50% Bonus Points on hotel bookings, further enhancing value across flights, stays and curated experiences.

MATTA President Nigel Wong.

“We always look forward to having MAG at the MATTA Fair. Their presence brings a dynamic energy to the Fair, and it is always a pleasure to work together in creating a more engaging experience for visitors,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

“This partnership is ultimately about helping Malaysians make the most out of their travel plans, spending less while gaining more from the overall experience,” he added.

Confirmed as Malaysia’s largest consumer travel fair, offers something for anyone, serving as a central platform for exhibitors and industry players. The 58th edition of the Fair spans a total exhibition space of 40,820 square metres across 10 halls.

Malaysia Aviation Group Chief Commercial Officer of Airline Business Dersenish Aresandiran said: “MATTA Fair remains an important platform for us to engage travellers and showcase the strength of Malaysia Aviation Group’s network and offerings across the Group. This year, the MAG Arena will introduce a new generation of travel engagement — from immersive destination storytelling to interactive travel technology — allowing visitors to experience the excitement of discovering their next journey even before they board the aircraft. Travel today is no longer just about getting from one place to another, but about discovery, connection and meaningful experiences along the way.”

The Fair will feature 2,043 booths from 330 participating organisations, including 210 tour and travel agencies offering a diverse range of curated travel packages. Visitors can engage with six National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), 11 local State Tourism Organisations (STOs), 64 hotels and resorts, 11 theme parks and 29 other travel-related service providers. This creates a comprehensive and dynamic platform for discovering new destinations and experiences.

To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

For the latest updates, visit mattafair.org.my. 

(Source: MATTA)

AI and Uzbekistan Airways ink codeshare pact

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Newsdesk
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DELHI, 2 April 2026: Following the signing of a codeshare pact, Air India places its ‘AI’ designator code on Uzbekistan Airways’ flights operating on key India–Uzbekistan routes, including Delhi-Tashkent, Mumbai-Tashkent, and Goa-Tashkent (seasonal route).

The new codeshare partnership provides Air India passengers with seamless access to Tashkent from major Indian gateways, with convenient onward domestic and international connections on Air India’s extensive route network processed on a single ticket. At the same time, baggage is checked through to the final destination.

Air India and Uzbekistan Airways also maintain an interline partnership, which further provides onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan.

Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal said: “We are delighted to partner with Uzbekistan Airways as we continue to expand Air India’s global footprint. Tashkent is an increasingly important destination for leisure, business, and cultural travel, and this partnership allows us to offer our guests more choice and convenience while strengthening India’s air links with Central Asia.”

The codeshare flights are open for bookings on all channels, including Air India’s official website, its mobile app, and through travel agents.

(Source: Air India)

Global tourism encounters extreme headwinds

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 2 April 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association has released its PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026-2028, which shows that inbound arrivals to the Asia Pacific region are projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels from 2026 onward, with the baseline reaching 761.2 million by 2028. 

However, in light of the evolving geopolitical crisis and hostilities in the Middle East, the outlook also considers a lower-bound scenario in which international visitor arrivals could reach 599.7 million by 2028, representing approximately an 88% recovery from 2019 levels.

Photo credits: PATA.

“International tourism is entering a more complex phase where growth continues, but under increasing pressure,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “At PATA, we recognise both sides of the equation — the positive momentum driven by strong regional demand, and the downside risks arising from geopolitical tensions, economic volatility, and climate-related disruptions.

“In this environment, growth is no longer linear or guaranteed. Destinations and organisations must be prepared for multiple scenarios, able to adapt quickly, recalibrate strategies, and respond with agility. Decision-making must be grounded in real-time data and a clear understanding of risk.

“Ultimately, resilience and preparedness will define how well the industry navigates this next phase of uncertainty.”

The report was developed in partnership with the Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre at SHTM PolyU, with additional contributions from PATA destination members and regional data partners. It offers inbound visitor forecasts for 39 Asia-Pacific destinations, providing a detailed analysis that reflects the diversity of recovery and potential growth across regions and sub-regions. 

Drawing on current data and scenario-based modelling, the study outlines a period of structurally constrained and uneven growth shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, climate-related disruptions, evolving aviation and visa policies, and rapid digital and AI-driven transformation across the tourism economy.

In addition to the regional outlook, individual destination reports have also been published for all 39 covered destinations, each providing detailed market-specific projections and localised analysis.

Highlights from the report

Ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts continue to pose downside risks to travel demand and cross-border mobility.

Destinations are encouraged to diversify source markets and strengthen public–private collaboration to build greater resilience.

China, the United States, and Türkiye are projected to remain the top three destinations through 2028.

China, Hong Kong SAR, the United States, and Korea (ROK) continue to rank among the region’s leading source markets, despite ongoing air capacity and cost pressures.

Japan and Hong Kong SAR show notable improvement in destination rankings in the post-pandemic period.

Mongolia, Japan, Chile, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka are leading recovery performance, each exceeding 150% of their 2019 levels.

By 2028, 27 of the 39 destinations covered in the forecast are expected to surpass their pre-pandemic arrival volumes.

The PATA Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2026–2028 is now available. Based on the level of membership, access may be granted either directly through the PATA Info Hub or via the PATA Publications using a discount code. 

To request the code or to confirm membership-level access, contact the PATA Membership Team at [email protected].

Additionally, detailed data and projections related to the lower bound forecast are available upon request for eligible members. Members in this group may contact the PATA Project Management Department at [email protected] for more information and to request access.

Non-members can purchase the reports at PATA Publications by visiting the following link: www.pata.org/research-q1v63g6n2dw/p/asia-pacific-visitor-forecasts-2026-2028

The full recording can be accessed via the following link: www.pata.org/calendar/asia-pacific-tourism-outlook-20262028-growth-under-global-uncertainty

For further information, visit www.PATA.org.

(Source: PATA)

Celebrate Easter with joy at Funtasea Wonderland

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Your Stories
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PATTAYA, Thailand, 1 April 2026: Royal Cliff Hotel Group’s Royal Café at the Royal Cliff Beach Hotel makes this Easter even more magical at the Funtasea Easter Wonderland on Sunday, 5 April 2026.

Step into a vibrant wonderland where Funtasea Kid’s World comes alive with festive Easter decorations, colourful surprises, and joyful activities. Little ones can enjoy creative workshops, fun-filled games, and exciting Easter-themed experiences designed to keep them smiling all day long.

Bring your children to celebrate the season with laughter, creativity, and unforgettable moments of Easter fun.

Event Sessions:

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Rates (per person):

In-house Guest: THB550

Outside Guest: THB600

In-house Guest (with complimentary voucher): THB450. Prices are net.

Choose Your Fun Package:

Package 1 – Creative Easter Fun

• Easter Cookie Decorating

• Easter Egg Decorating

• 2 Fun Easter Games

Package 2 – Little Artist Workshop

• Easter Bunny T-shirt Painting or Easter Bag Painting

• Easter Egg Decorating

• 2 Fun Easter Games

Elevate Easter celebrations with an exclusive themed chocolate collection, featuring exquisitely crafted Easter eggs and charming bunny-shaped chocolates, available at Royal Café, Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, from 1 to 6 April 2026 only.

Don’t miss out on this magical Easter experience! Secure your child’s place today by contacting Funtasea – Kids World via email at [email protected], calling +66 38 250 421, or chatting with the Royal Cliff team on Line ID @royalcliff and Facebook www.facebook.com/royalcliff. Alternatively, visit https://www.royalcliff.com/news/easter-wonderland/ for more information.

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