MATTA President, Nigel Wong, said the shift towards electric mobility in tourism must be understood as a systemic transformation that extends beyond transport policy alone, involving energy planning, financial mechanisms, infrastructure development, and tourism governance.

He explained that without strong coordination between ministries and industry stakeholders, efforts to electrify tourism vehicles would remain fragmented and insufficient to achieve a meaningful impact.

“This is not simply about replacing petrol and diesel vehicles. It is about building a practical ecosystem that enables tourism operators to adopt EVs confidently, affordably, and at scale,” Wong explained.

MATTA highlighted international examples where strong, coordinated government action has successfully accelerated the adoption of electric vehicles across transport systems, including tourism mobility. 

Examples of EV uptake

In Norway, a comprehensive ecosystem of incentives, supportive policies, and an extensive nationwide charging network has driven widespread EV uptake, extending to rental car fleets that service key tourist routes, including fjords and other scenic travel corridors.

Across the European Union, coordinated climate policies within the broader decarbonisation framework have supported cities like Amsterdam and Paris in transitioning tourism transport services, including hotel shuttles and sightseeing fleets, towards electric mobility, with regulatory measures such as low-emission zones.

In China, strong state-led coordination has enabled rapid electrification, particularly in cities such as Shenzhen, where entire public bus fleets have transitioned to electric power. It demonstrates how large-scale tourism and urban transport systems can be transformed when infrastructure, incentives, and policy direction are aligned.

These international experiences demonstrate the importance of whole-of-government leadership in ensuring successful EV transitions.

“The common thread across these countries is not just investment in electric vehicles, but a coordinated policy and implementation framework that brings together energy, transport, and tourism under a unified direction,” said Wong.

He added that Malaysia already has a strong foundation through initiatives such as the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021–2030, which provides a strategic direction for reducing emissions in the transport sector while supporting economic development.

MATTA emphasised that Malaysia must now strengthen coordination across agencies to ensure the effective rollout of charging infrastructure at key tourism destinations, highways, and urban centres, and to provide targeted incentives to support tourism operators in transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles.

The association also highlighted the importance of integrating renewable energy into the EV ecosystem to ensure that emissions reductions are genuine and not shifted to other sectors.

MATTA also urged government-linked companies and public sector agencies to lead by example in adopting electric vehicles for official and tourism-related transport use, noting that public sector leadership would help build confidence and accelerate private sector adoption.

“Tourism is one of Malaysia’s most important economic sectors. If we want to remain competitive globally, we must align ourselves with international sustainability trends and ensure our mobility systems reflect that direction.”

Wong concluded that a whole-of-government approach is not only necessary but urgent, as it provides the coordination, scale, and policy certainty required to transform tourism mobility in a meaningful and sustainable way.

(Source: MATTA)

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The Phuket Hotels Association Benefit (PHAB) annual online auction is a charitable initiative that donates all proceeds to the association’s education programme, which funds hospitality scholarships and internships for young people in Phuket. 

Talent development is a key pillar of the Phuket Hotels Association, which collaborates closely with local colleges, universities, and hotels to empower the next generation of Thai hospitality professionals.

To date, PHAB campaigns have raised funds to support 125 local students through professional development opportunities, including three- and four-year scholarships. Now in its eighth year, PHAB continues to rely on the generosity of its supporters to create life-changing opportunities for Phuket’s talented youth. Phuket Rajabhat University students are supported by the Phuket Hotels Association’s educational programme.

This year’s Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale gives members of the public the chance to bid for multi-night stays at hotels and resorts in dream destinations worldwide, such as the Maldives, Phuket, Bali, Bangkok, Japan, Samui Island and Hong Kong. With prizes donated by renowned brands, such as Rosewood, Six Senses, COMO and InterContinental, the auction promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

In addition to the hotel stays, other prizes include dining and spa therapies, as well as educational online certificate courses. 

For the full list of prizes and to take part, visit PHAB 2026.   

“PHAB is one of the most meaningful initiatives we run each year, because it directly changes lives. To date, we have funded 125 full scholarships for local students, giving them the chance to complete three- and four-year hospitality degrees and build rewarding careers, said Phuket Hotels Association President Bjorn Courage. “This year’s Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale offers incredible experiences around the world, and every bid helps open a door for a young person in Phuket. It’s a chance to travel, give back, and be part of something truly life-changing.” 

The Absolutely Fabulous Travel Sale runs from now until 1400 (Bangkok time) on 27 May 2026. Click here to place bids.

Talent development is one of the key pillars of the Phuket Hotels Association, which works hand-in-hand with local educational institutions and hotels to empower the next generation of Thai hospitality professionals.

To learn more about the Phuket Hotels Association, visit www.phukethotelsassociation.com

(Source: PHA)

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#NaturallyLangkawi #LangkawiGeopark #99magicalislands #LangkawiBestWey #Malaysia #MalaysiaTrulyAsia #Langkawi #island #SouthEastAsiaTrip #ThingstodoinMalaysia #travel #trilobite

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On routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam) With Melbourne and Sydney in Australia, the number of round-trip flights will increase to seven weekly. 

Vietjet will increase its weekly round-trip flights to Brisbane to five and its weekly round-trip flights to Perth to three.

The increase in flights took effect on 1 November 2025.

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Aircraft movements, including landings and take-offs, totalled 91,600 for the quarter, comparable to the same period last year.  

 Changi Airport’s top five markets for the quarter were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and India. Among Changi’s top 10 markets, China and Vietnam recorded the strongest growth, at 9.7% and 11.3% respectively. The top five city links for the quarter were Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Denpasar (Bali) and Shanghai, with the Singapore–Jakarta route posting double-digit growth.

In the third quarter, Changi Airport registered 531,000 tonnes of airfreight throughput, marking a 3.7% increase year-on-year. 

Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development, Lim Ching Kiat, said: “Changi Airport continues to build on the positive momentum in travel demand this quarter, particularly on Asia routes. We are expanding our network with new airlines and destinations that further reinforce Changi’s connectivity to the region. As we gear up for the year-end travel season, travellers can look forward to greater convenience and more ways to explore both new and familiar destinations.”

New and reinstated services

New Indonesian carrier Pelita Air commenced operations at Changi Airport on 11 August, operating daily flights between Singapore and Jakarta, and joins Changi’s network of some 100 airlines.

Travellers can look forward to discovering new destinations across the region, as Changi Airport’s network continues to expand with new flights added. 

Hainan Airlines launched four-times-weekly Singapore–Haikou–Changchun services on 22 September, while Loong Air began three-times-weekly flights to Zhangjiajie on 9 October — both new city links for Changi. This addition further expands Changi’s current network of 35 cities in China. Batik Air Malaysia, part of the Lion Group, will be adding new daily flights to Ipoh, Penang and Subang from 8 December 2025. To support Lion Group’s continued growth and meet rising regional travel demand, its airlines will operate at Terminal 4 from 11 November 2025.

Scoot has also announced new routes to four Indonesian cities – Labuan Bajo, Medan, Palembang and Semarang – offering travellers more travel options across the archipelago. Semarang and Palembang are new-to-Changi city links.

On the cargo front, Changi welcomed JD Airlines’ thrice weekly scheduled Shenzhen freighter services, facilitating more options for shippers and freight forwarders between Southeast Asia and China.

As of 1 October, some 100 airlines operate about 7,000 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to over 160 cities in 50 countries and territories worldwide.

(Source: Changi Airport)

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The low-cost Indian airline’s A350 orders now stand at 60 aircraft. The expanded order marks a strategic shift for IndiGo as it prepares to enter the long-haul international market, leveraging the A350’s long range and efficiency to support its global ambitions.

“Today is a special day for IndiGo as we solidify our commitment to expanding our international footprint and offering unparalleled connectivity to our customers,” said IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers. “The conversion of this MoU into a firm order for 30 additional A350-900s is a testament to our confidence in the future of Indian aviation and our strategic partnership with Airbus, further reinforced by the strong start of our long-haul operations.” 

Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business Benoît de Saint-Exupéry commented: “This milestone reinforces our strong partnership with one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, and we look forward to supporting their expansion into new long-haul markets”.

India, the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, is witnessing a surge in international travel as the economy grows and household incomes rise. The A350 is perfectly positioned to serve the country’s aspirations for long-range travel. 

The A350, like all Airbus aircraft, can operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus aims for all its aircraft to be 100% SAF-capable by 2030.

At the end of September 2025, the A350 had won more than 1,400 orders from 63 customers worldwide.

(Source: Airbus)

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The event organiser, Royal Cliff, invites young tennis enthusiasts aged 4 to 14 years, of every skill level, to join this exciting tournament. It’s the perfect chance to meet fellow players, improve your game, and gain valuable competitive experience. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn points towards their national ranking in Thailand.

Ahead of the tournament, at 1800 on 7 November 2025, a Tennis Clinic and Challenge will be led by certified tennis and fitness coaches, allowing participants to warm up with exercises and participate in a mini competition. 

The evening will feature a special lucky draw, where 10 children will be selected to challenge Royal Cliff’s CEO, Vitanart Vathanakul. Anyone who can beat the CEO with a score of 10–0 will win a cash prize of THB 10,000. Booking is required. 

For more information about the Tennis Clinic, visit: https://form.jotform.com/231011243791041. 

The championship is more than just a tennis competition; it’s a family-friendly event filled with activities for both adults and children. Highlights include:

Fun activity & games booths from Funtasea – Kids Club

Recovery & sports massage for players by Vitala

Relaxing massage by professional therapists from Cliff Spa

A special welcome pack sponsored by Supersports and K-Swiss

Refreshing beverages from Carabao and high-quality competition tennis balls from Tecnifibre

Live food stations, buffet dinner, and live music

Registration is now open until 24 October 2025. Register at: https://www.royalcliff.com/rcjt/. Special room rates are available for tournament participants. For bookings, contact 038250421 ext. 2820–24, email reservations@royalcliff.com or Line ID @Royalcliff. 

Fitz Club, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for professional and recreational athletes. Renowned past ATP players, such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke, and Denis Istomin, have trained at this facility, utilising its courts designed to replicate the conditions of the Australian Open. 

For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, please visit www.royalcliff.com and www.facebook.com/fitzclub 

(Source: Your Stories — Royal Cliff Group)

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The new portal — https://www.innyo.com/tourism  — brings clear, practical guidance and rich destination content to travellers worldwide.

The website is organised into four main sections to help visitors plan every step of their journey.

Policy Overview: A one-stop resource covering policy interpretation, travel tools, booking guides for attractions, hotels and transportation, payment methods, and other travel services;

Highlights of the Nine Prefectures and Cities: Curated recommendations and must-see experiences;

Immersive Ethnic Culture Tours: Stories, itineraries and cultural insights that spotlight Yunnan’s diverse ethnic groups;

Follow Us: Social feeds and ways to join the conversation on Facebook and other platforms.

Visitors will find policy explanations, practical travel tools, curated itineraries, and booking guidance tailored for a smooth 240-hour stay.

Explore travel options, plan a route, and stay connected at https://www.innyo.com/tourism. 

(Source: Yunnan Innyo Co Ltd.)

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Furthermore, the company has promoted Adrian Ng, formerly General Manager of Pullman Kuching, to Vice President, Operations and Alan Tham, former General Manager of Pullman Miri Waterfront, to Vice President, Food and Beverage (F&B). 

Interhill Hospitality owns and operates three Accor-branded hotels in Malaysia: Pullman Kuching, Pullman Miri Waterfront, and the four-star ibis Melaka, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site town.

Interhill Hospitality Chief Operating Officer, Eric Tan, stated: “Pullman Kuching and Pullman Miri Waterfront are crucial strategic contributors to the hosting of MICE events and driving state tourism revenues in line with Sarawak’s development. With these new leadership appointments, we are bolstering our commitment to delivering world-class hospitality while driving sustainable growth for the state and our organisation.”

Sunardi Song will lead the highly anticipated relaunch of Pullman Kuching, which is currently undergoing a multi-million-ringgit transformation to become an Accor iconic landmark in Southeast Asia. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality leadership, Song most recently spearheaded the debut of Swissôtel Living Jakarta Mega Kuningan. Previously, he successfully opened the Novotel Jakarta Cikini in 2019, guiding the property through challenging market conditions with transformative leadership that delivered operational resilience and progress.

His leadership during the pandemic was recognised with Accor Indonesia’s Special Award for Outstanding Contribution, and he has long championed sustainability, earning the Indonesia Sustainability Champion title for initiatives that he launched, such as ‘Linen for Life’ and ‘No More Single-Use Plastic’.

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