Sunday, July 26, 2026
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Centara launches second Centara Reserve

BANGKOK, Thailand, 24 July 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, announced this week the launch of Centara Reserve Krabi, the second property under its award-winning luxury Reserve brand, scheduled to open in December 2026.

The opening represents the next chapter of the company’s long-term premium growth strategy, strengthening its position in the luxury hospitality sector while supporting Krabi’s emergence as one of Asia’s most desirable quiet luxury destinations.

Building on the success of Centara Reserve Samui, the new resort reflects the company’s continued investment in high-value travel experiences designed for today’s affluent global travellers. As demand for authentic, immersive luxury travel continues to grow, Centara sees significant long-term potential in Thailand’s luxury tourism sector, driven by longer average stays, higher average daily rates (ADR), and discerning travellers seeking meaningful, destination-led experiences.

“We believe Thailand has every ingredient to be recognised among the world’s leading luxury destinations, from its rich culture and exceptional hospitality to its breathtaking natural beauty and world-class service. The opportunity now is to create hospitality brands that are equally distinctive on the global stage. Through Centara Reserve, we are redefining modern Thai luxury by bringing together experience-led travel, cultural authenticity and a genuine sense of place. The launch of Centara Reserve Krabi marks another significant milestone in our long-term strategy to strengthen our premium portfolio while helping elevate Thailand’s position in global luxury hospitality,” said Michael Henssler, Chief Operating Officer, Centara Hotels & Resorts.

Reserved for truly iconic destinations, Centara Reserve is designed around meaningful cultural connections, personalised service and immersive local experiences. The brand responds to a growing shift in luxury travel, where affluent guests increasingly value authenticity and human connection over traditional definitions of luxury. According to the American Express Global Travel Trends Report, 59% of affluent travellers define luxury through meaningful human interactions rather than material indulgence.

The Reserve journey began with the opening of Centara Reserve Samui in December 2021, introducing a new interpretation of Thai luxury centred around storytelling, cultural immersion and personalised hospitality. Unlike many luxury brands, Reserve was designed not only for couples but also for families, offering multi-generational luxury experiences that remain rare within the premium hospitality market.

Since opening, Centara Reserve Samui has established itself as one of Thailand’s leading luxury resorts, setting a new benchmark for personalised, experience-led hospitality while validating Centara’s long-term vision for the Reserve brand. The resort earned 28 international awards, consistently maintaining a perfect five-out-of-five Tripadvisor rating and delivering strong commercial performance. In 2025, the resort recorded a 7.5% year-on-year increase in revenue, supported by continued ADR growth, demonstrating the commercial success of Centara’s luxury strategy.

An Investment in the Future of Thai Hospitality

The transformation of the former Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi into the world’s second Centara Reserve represents a significant investment in the future of Thailand’s luxury hospitality industry.

Located at the exclusive Pai Plong Bay, the fully reimagined resort has been carefully designed to meet evolving demand for experience-led luxury while capitalising on Krabi’s growing appeal among high-value international travellers. With increasing demand for premium leisure travel, longer average visitor stays and strong ADR potential, Krabi has emerged as one of Thailand’s most promising luxury destinations.

“Centara Reserve Samui is where the Reserve story began – a place where timeless island living and personalised service came together to redefine modern Thai luxury. Centara Reserve Krabi is where the story becomes even more immersive, shaped by dramatic landscapes, deeper cultural connections and an extraordinary sense of place,” said Neil Li, Corporate Director of Operations – Centara Reserve & The Centara Collection and General Manager of Centara Reserve Samui. “Every aspect of the resort has been thoughtfully developed to deliver a contemporary luxury experience that resonates with today’s affluent travellers while celebrating the warmth and authenticity that define Thai hospitality.”

Krabi: Thailand’s Emerging Quiet Luxury Destination

Home to some of Thailand’s most iconic seascapes, including Railay Bay and Maya Bay, Krabi is renowned for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs. Combined with its rich Southern Thai heritage and a naturally slower pace of life, the destination offers a compelling alternative to more established resort markets.

Unlike its neighbour Phuket, Krabi has retained a more intimate atmosphere, making it increasingly attractive to travellers seeking privacy, authenticity and meaningful experiences. This positions the destination strongly within the global “quiet luxury” travel trend.

Centara Reserve Krabi

Set within a secluded beachfront cove accessible by boat, Centara Reserve Krabi will feature 120 elegantly designed rooms, suites and pool villas ranging from 75 to 388 square metres, alongside lagoon pools, Reserve Spa Cenvaree and three restaurants and three bars, including the renowned Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen.

Every stay will be thoughtfully curated through personalised welcome rituals, locally inspired experiences and bespoke itineraries led by dedicated Reserve Hosts, creating authentic connections between guests and the destination.

Looking ahead, Centara continues to explore opportunities to expand the Reserve brand into other iconic destinations across Thailand and internationally. While the first two Reserve properties are beachfront resorts, Centara also sees long-term potential to introduce the Reserve brand into gateway cities, including Bangkok, as well as selected destinations in Japan and Europe.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

DOT welcomes Delta flights in 2027

MANILA, 24 July 2026: The Department of Tourism (DOT) Philippines welcomes Delta Air Lines’ decision to introduce a new nonstop service between Los Angeles and Manila, beginning in March 2027 and expanding to daily flights by June.

“More flights are good for travellers. Greater competition makes air travel more accessible and affordable for Filipinos,” said the Department of Tourism in a statement. “We want our airlines to grow and succeed.

At the same time, we welcome more airlines and more routes because a bigger market benefits everyone — travellers, airlines, airports, tourism enterprises and the economy.”

Beyond tourism and business exchanges, the new route is expected to make homecomings easier for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino-American community, while also opening another gateway for American travellers to explore the Philippines.

The DOT will continue working with international and Philippine carriers to expand connectivity, open new markets, and make it easier for more people to experience the Philippines. 

Delta will become the only US airline running direct, nonstop flights between LAX and Manila (joining Philippine Airlines, which already operates the route).

Route and launch details

Start Date: 28 March 2027

Frequency: Three times weekly (28 March- 6 June  2027)

Expands to daily service starting 7 June, 2027

Onboard experience and aircraft

FeatureDetails
AircraftAirbus A350-900
Cabins OfferedFour Classes: Delta One (Lie-flat business), Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin
Perks & ConnectivityFast, free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles members and seatback entertainment in all cabins
Lounge AccessDelta One passengers flying out of LAX get access to Delta’s flagship Delta One lounge spaces

(Source: DOTP plus additional reporting)

PAL orders nine more Airbus A350-1000s

FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2026: Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for nine A350-1000 widebody aircraft. 

The agreement was announced during the Farnborough Air Show by Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings, Inc., Richard Nuttall, President of Philippine Airlines, together with Lars Wagner, CEO of the  Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, EVP Sales of the Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.

Rendering of Philippine Airlines A350-1000  © Airbus.

Once finalised, the new contract will double the airline’s total orders for the A350-1000 to 18 aircraft, of which the first two have been delivered this year. Designated as the carrier’s new flagship, the A350-1000 will enable PAL to develop its long-haul network further, primarily linking Manila with destinations in North America. These include non-stop services in both directions linking Manila with cities on the East Coast of the US and Canada.

PAL has specified a three-class configuration for its A350-1000 fleet, accommodating 382 passengers. The layout includes 42 suites in Business Class with privacy doors and fully flat beds, 24 seats in a spacious separate Premium Economy cabin and 316 seats in Economy Class. All cabins feature the latest in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity.

Philippine Airlines operates various Airbus types on its full-service network. In addition to the A350, PAL flies A330-300s to the Middle East, Australia and various points in Asia. The carrier also operates a fleet of A320 and A321 single-aisle aircraft on domestic and regional services.

At the end of June 2026, the  A350 Family had won 1,595 firm orders from 68 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

(Source: Airbus)

Flynas firms up Airbus orders

FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2026: Flynas, Saudi Arabia’s leading low-cost carrier based in Saudi Arabia, will acquire five additional A330-900 aircraft and 20 additional A321neo aircraft from Airbus. 

The agreement further strengthens the partnership between Airbus and flynas and supports the airline’s continued expansion across domestic, regional and long-haul markets.

Photo credit: Flynas @Airbus. A321neo A330neo

The latest order increases flynas’ total commitment for the A330neo to 20 aircraft and brings its total commitment for the A321neo to 56 aircraft. With these additions, flynas continues to expand its all-Airbus fleet, bringing its total firm commitment to Airbus aircraft to 235.

Flynas currently operates a fleet of 67 Airbus aircraft, comprising two A330-300s, four A320ceos and 61 A320neos. The airline continues to expand its network in response to growing demand for air travel in Saudi Arabia and beyond, supporting the Kingdom’s aviation growth ambitions.

 Flynas Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Bander Almohanna noted that increasing flynas’ confirmed Airbus orders to 235 aircraft out of a total orderbook of 280 aircraft will further strengthen the airline’s operational and expansion capabilities as Saudi Arabia looks forward to hosting Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.

(Source: Flynas)

Shohin Airlines books A320s

FARNBOROUGH, UK, 24 July 2026: Shohin Airlines, established in Dushanbe, Tajikistan as a private airline company, has disclosed an order for four Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking the first-ever Airbus order for the airline. 

The agreement, which includes two A320neo and two A321neo aircraft, was included in Airbus’ end-of-June order book as an undisclosed order.

Photo credit: Airbus SAS 2026.

Registered in June 2025, the airline aims to expand a wide route network and build a brand that represents Tajikistan on the global aviation stage. 

The A320neo aircraft will feature 176 seats and the A321neo will feature 196 seats in a dual-class layout. These new aircraft will help the airline launch services to regional and global markets.

 “The signing of our first contract with Airbus marks a milestone not only for Shohin Airlines, but also for the entire civil aviation sector of Tajikistan. The A320neo Family aircraft will form the backbone of our airline’s modern, efficient, and environmentally sustainable fleet. We are committed to providing our passengers with the highest standards of safety, comfort, and service quality while expanding Tajikistan’s international air connectivity. We are confident that our partnership with Airbus will provide a solid foundation for Shohin Airlines’ long-term growth and the successful implementation of our strategy to build a world-class airline,” said Shohin Airlines Chief Executive Officer Zafar Ahmadzoda.

“Welcoming a new customer to the Airbus family is always a proud moment, and we are honoured Shohin Airlines has chosen Airbus to power their historic launch,” said Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “We look forward to supporting Shohin Airlines’ vision to connect Tajikistan to the world. This agreement marks the beginning of a strong partnership, ensuring the airline sets a new regional standard for fleet optimisation, operational excellence, and passenger experience right from its start.”

(Source: Airbus)

Exploring Japan’s snow season on foot

SINGAPORE, 24 July 2026: More travellers are looking to escape rising temperatures, with searches for coolcations and cooler destinations up 74% year-on-year since the start of 2026, according to Trip.com. 

Japan continues to top many wish lists, and while winter holidays have often centred around ski resorts such as Niseko and Hakuba, another side of Japan’s snow season unfolds beyond the slopes, as introduced by Walk Japan.

Onsen Gastronomy: Snowy Aizu

Across some of Japan’s snowiest regions, long winters have shaped distinctive local cultures — from steaming open-air onsen and preserved post towns to regional cuisines. These landscapes reveal a quieter side of Japan, where mountain villages and hot spring communities continue to follow rhythms passed down through generations.

Walk Japan presents lesser-known winter snow season journeys departing February 2027.

Onsen Gastronomy: Snowy Aizu

Set in Fukushima’s historic Aizu region, this leisurely 5D4N winter journey combines snowy walks through samurai towns and rural villages with regional cuisine, sake and restorative onsen. Travellers discover how generations of heavy snowfall have shaped Aizu’s distinctive food culture, craftsmanship and way of life.

Tohoku Hot Spring Snow Tour

Traversing Japan’s remote northeast, this journey links traditional hot spring towns set amid deep snow. Over seven days, travellers walk between villages, soak in open-air baths and discover winter customs unique to the Tohoku region. 

Nagano Snow Country

Through the mountains of Nagano, travellers explore one of Japan’s iconic snow country regions over 7D6N, walking between historic villages, cedar forests and onsen settlements while experiencing the rhythms of daily life shaped by long winters.

Hokkaido Snow Tour

Beyond Hokkaido’s ski resorts, this 8D7N journey explores the island’s vast winter wilderness, combining snowy coastal landscapes, forests and rural communities with fresh seasonal cuisine and local wildlife.

*Departing January / February 2027

Walk Japan’s annual snow-season guided tours run during the winter months ( December through March). If you are looking ahead to Winter 2027, their core snow-focused offerings generally open for bookings 12 to 18 months in advance.

Instead of traditional downhill skiing, Walk Japan’s snow season tours focus on snowshoeing, winter cultural immersion, and walking through snow-draped landscapes.

What to expect on a Walk Japan snow tour

  • Accessibility: You don’t need prior snowshoe experience. Walk Japan provides snowshoes/kanjiki and basic poles, leading you at a comfortable, manageable pace.
  • Small group size: Typically capped at 10 to 12 guests to keep the atmosphere personal and group movement nimble in snowy conditions.
  • Accommodations and dining: Expect a heavy emphasis on authentic Japanese hospitality—staying in traditional ryokan or shukubo, sleeping on futons on tatami mats, enjoying multi-course kaiseki or regional winter hot-pot dishes, and bathing in natural hot springs.

Essential Tips for Winter 2027 Bookings

Book early: Winter/snow tours are among Walk Japan’s most sought-after departures because group sizes are small and the window (Jan–Mar) is short. Winter 2027 dates typically fill up quickly once published on their site.

Layering is essential: Walk Japan provides technical gear like snowshoes, but you’ll need high-quality waterproof outerwear, thermal base layers, waterproof winter boots, and solid gloves/goggles.

Private Tours: If you are travelling with family or a group of friends, Walk Japan also offers self-guided options or custom private departures for their snow routes.

About Walk Japan
Established in 1992, Walk Japan is an independently owned and managed company that pioneers innovative walking tours throughout Japan. Walk Japan operates through a few main entities and office locations across Japan, Hong Kong, and the UK.

Corporate location: Hong Kong, Unit 59, Level 24, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

(Source: Walk Japan)

WTTC welcomes Messe Berlin Americas

SINGAPORE, 24 July 2026: As part of the preparations for the launch of ITB Americas, taking place 10–12 November in Guadalajara, Mexico, show organiser Messe Berlin Americas joins the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as a Regional Member. 

By joining WTTC as a Regional Member, Messe Berlin Americas reinforces its commitment to working alongside the industry’s leading organisations to shape the future of travel and tourism in the Americas.

Photo credit: Messe Berlin. Landscapes from the Americas.

As the first travel trade show bringing together North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean under a single B2B platform, ITB Americas connects the region’s travel and tourism ecosystem, driving business opportunities, knowledge exchange and industry collaboration.

The inaugural edition of ITB Americas will bring together destinations, tourism boards, buyers, travel companies, hotel brands, airlines, technology providers, MICE professionals and industry leaders from across the Americas and beyond. Trade visitors can register now to attend ITB Americas 2026 and connect with leading players from across the travel and tourism industry. The event is expected to welcome more than 5,000 attendees and participants from more than 42 countries and regions.

Organised by Messe Berlin Americas, the regional subsidiary of Messe Berlin, ITB Americas builds on the global ITB portfolio of travel trade shows and is designed to become the leading gateway to the travel and tourism industry across the Pan-American region. 

WTTC President & CEO, Gloria Guevara said: “We are delighted to welcome Messe Berlin Americas as a Regional Member. Through its focus on fostering business connections, knowledge exchange and collaboration, the organisation plays an important role in strengthening engagement across the Travel & Tourism sector in the Americas. We look forward to working together to connect industry leaders, support regional growth and advance opportunities for the sector throughout the continent.”

Messe Berlin Vice President and Managing Director Americas, Vicente Salas Hesselbach added: “Joining WTTC as a Regional Member marks an important milestone for Messe Berlin Americas and, above all, for ITB Americas. As we prepare to launch the inaugural edition of ITB Americas, we are committed to building a platform that brings together the travel industry across the entire continent, fostering meaningful business connections, knowledge exchange, and long-term collaboration. This achievement reinforces our commitment to shaping a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable future for travel and tourism in the Americas.”

About ITB Americas
The first edition of ITB Americas will be held from November 10-12, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico. As the premier B2B travel trade show for the entire American continent, ITB Americas unites industry professionals from North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean. With a strong focus on regional and international market potential, ITB Americas features a curated Hosted Buyer programme and a high-level conference showcasing thought leaders and industry experts.

(Source: Messe Berlin ITB Americas)

Brand Finance ranks hotels

LONDON, 24 July 2026: Hilton Hotels & Resorts remains the world’s most valuable luxury hotel brand, while Taj Hotels retains its position as the world’s strongest luxury hotel brand, according to the Hotels 50 2026 report from Brand Finance, a brand valuation consultancy.

Brand Finance’s latest luxury hotels ranking shows no change among the top 10 brands, reinforcing the sector’s resilience amid evolving market conditions

Hilton Hotels & Resorts (brand value up 28% to USD19.2 billion) has seen growth supported by its strong premium positioning, global reputation for high-quality hospitality, and continued investment in its luxury portfolio, including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and NoMad Hotels. 

Expansion into high-demand luxury destinations has further strengthened Hilton’s global presence and reinforced its appeal among affluent travellers.

Hyatt (brand value down 6% to USD7.5 billion) retains its position as the world’s second most valuable luxury hotel brand. The brand continues to strengthen its luxury positioning through the expansion of its premium portfolio, including Park Hyatt, Alila, Miraval, and Andaz, which cater to growing demand for personalised and experience-led stays. Hyatt’s record development pipeline of 148,000 rooms and continued growth of its World of Hyatt loyalty programme to approximately 63 million members further support its long-term growth prospects, as the brand expands its presence across key luxury travel markets.

Marriott (brand value up 23% to USD4.6 billion) ranks as the world’s third most valuable luxury hotel brand, supported by continued portfolio expansion and strong global brand equity. The group’s luxury offering, spanning brands such as Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, and EDITION, continues to benefit from rising demand for premium experiences and personalised hospitality. 

Growth initiatives, including expanding its luxury portfolio and launching new concepts such as Series by Marriott, have strengthened Marriott’s ability to cater to evolving luxury traveller preferences. Its Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem, with 271 million members globally, further reinforces customer loyalty and supports sustained brand growth across international markets.

Meanwhile, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5/100 and an AAA+ brand strength rating, Taj Hotels (brand value up 32% to USD878 million) retains its position as the world’s strongest luxury hotel brand. As luxury travellers increasingly seek authentic and experience-led stays, Taj continues to differentiate itself through its distinctive blend of Indian heritage, personalised hospitality, and timeless luxury. Its strong brand equity reflects its ability to deliver meaningful guest experiences while preserving its unique cultural identity on the global hospitality stage.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts ranks as the world’s second strongest luxury hotel brand, achieving a BSI score of 87.1/100 and an AAA-brand strength rating, underpinned by its premium positioning, extensive global luxury portfolio, and reputation for delivering high-quality hospitality across international markets. Marriott ranks third strongest, with a BSI score of 83.4/100 and an AAA brand strength rating, reflecting the strength of its diverse luxury brand portfolio, global reach, and continued investment in premium guest experiences.

As part of the Hotels 50 2026 report, Brand Finance has separately ranked the world’s 10 leading luxury hotel brands by brand value and brand strength.

(Source: Brand Finance)

Travel insurance connects via Travelgoogoo

SINGAPORE, 24 July 2026: Allianz Partners, a B2B2C insurance and assistance services provider, and Singapore-based Travelgoogoo join forces to deliver connectivity to Allianz customers across Asia Pacific.

Through this collaboration, eligible Allianz travel insurance customers will gain access to the Travelgoogoo365 Annual Plan, which includes membership to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club.

Photo credit: Allianz Partners.

Allianz Partners, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Vinay Surana said: “Today’s travellers expect a seamless, end-to-end travel experience. Partnering with Travelgoogoo allows us to address the growing expectation for always-on connectivity, enhancing our travel insurance offering to give customers greater confidence and convenience wherever they go.”

The Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club is a membership ecosystem designed to provide travellers with always-on connectivity and exclusive travel benefits. Members enjoy unlimited messaging and data voice calls across popular messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, LINE, Telegram, WeChat, Viber, and Zalo, without needing to purchase a data plan in 123 destinations. They can also purchase high-speed travel data at member-exclusive rates whenever needed.

As part of the launch offer, Allianz customers will also receive a complimentary 1GB Global Starter Data Pack for a limited period, enabling them to enjoy high-speed connectivity from the start of their journey.

Travelgoogoo enables a more seamless travel experience by removing the need for SIM swaps, reducing connectivity challenges associated with roaming, and eliminating the hassle of searching for Wi-Fi. Members can also access support via WhatsApp to check usage or purchase additional data plans at their convenience.

Travelgoogoo Founder and CEO Richard Bok commented: “Connectivity has become a fundamental part of how people travel, from staying in touch with loved ones to accessing essential services on the go. It’s what keeps people close, informed, and moving with confidence across borders.”

(Source: Allianz Partners)

Five travel behaviours shaping 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 July 2026: Travel continues to be a priority for consumers across ASEAN, with travellers becoming increasingly intentional about how they plan and spend on their journeys. 

As economic and global conditions evolve, they are making smarter choices on where they go, how much they spend and when they book.

According to AirAsia MOVE’s insights from forward bookings for travel between 1 July and 31 December 2026, travellers are increasingly prioritising value, convenience and thoughtful planning over volume alone.

The findings indicate that travellers are moving away from spontaneous decision-making towards more intentional travel in 2026, prioritising destinations that offer greater value, shorter travel times and meaningful experiences without compromising affordability.

Travellers are spending smarter, not less

One of the clearest shifts is not whether people are travelling, but how they are allocating their travel budgets. Average flight spending for the second half of 2026 is currently around 35% higher than the average hotel spend. The data suggests that travellers remain willing to invest in reaching their preferred destinations, while becoming more selective about where they stay.

Rather than choosing premium luxury accommodation, travellers are increasingly opting for hotels that provide the right balance of comfort, convenience and affordability.

This is reflected across the more than one million hotels available on MOVE worldwide, where 76% of bookings are for three- and four-star properties, demonstrating a clear preference for quality accommodation that delivers greater value.

Payday is when travellers turn plans into bookings

MOVE’s booking intelligence shows that nearly 40% of flight bookings are made for travel taking place between the 25th and 5th of each month, closely aligning with salary cycles across many ASEAN markets.

The pattern suggests that while travellers often begin researching and planning earlier, many choose to make the trip closer to the payday period, reflecting a more disciplined approach to discretionary spending.

As affordability becomes increasingly important, financial planning is becoming an integral part of the travel decision-making process.

Convenience is driving destination choices

Travellers continue to favour destinations that are easier and quicker to reach.

While domestic travel remains resilient across the region, international demand continues to be concentrated on destinations within four hours’ flying time, where travellers can maximise both their time and travel budgets.

Bookings for international flights under four hours increased by 14% in the second half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The trend reflects growing demand for destinations that offer convenience, accessibility and strong overall value, making shorter regional getaways increasingly attractive.

International travel is expected to strengthen in H2

Travellers are also planning holidays earlier, with a growing proportion of bookings now being made more than 120 days before departure. The trend points to renewed confidence in longer-term travel planning after a period characterised by shorter booking windows.

Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines are expected to remain among the strongest destination markets during the remainder of the year, reflecting continued demand for regional travel supported by strong connectivity and competitive value.

Millennials and Gen Z continue to power travel demand

Millennials remain the largest travelling generation on MOVE, accounting for 43% of all bookings, followed by Gen Z at 23%. Together, they represent almost two-thirds of bookings across the platform, reinforcing that younger travellers continue to shape the region’s travel economy.

(Source: AirAsia Move)