Sightseeing and sunbathing are being swapped for start lines, according to new data from sports travel insurance provider SportsCover Direct, which reveals a 55% year-on-year rise in travellers taking out specialist cover for endurance and challenge-based sporting events.

Analysing its own policy data, SportsCover Direct found that ultramarathon travel has seen the biggest jump, up 77% year-on-year, as more amateur athletes travel abroad to compete rather than simply spectate.

Challenge-based sporting trips are also being recognised on a wider scale, with TripAdvisor naming ‘sweat jetting’ one of its top travel trends of the year, noting that major marathons are now driving significant visitor surges in host cities, with Chicago Marathon bringing a 300% rise in visitors, followed by Boston (+228%) and Berlin (+222%).

Endurance sports events driving demand for racecations

SportsCover Direct’s internal data has revealed the 10 fastest-growing endurance events sports enthusiasts are travelling abroad to compete in, with the list published as tens of thousands of amateur runners prepare to line up at the Berlin Marathon start line later this month (27 September).

The data also points to a more ‘accessible’ approach to endurance sports, with half marathons (+34%) outgrowing full marathons (+21%), and half ironmans (+29%) growing faster than full Ironmans (+19%), suggesting that athletes want the challenge of racing abroad without committing to the full distance. 

Elsewhere, ski racing has emerged as a surprise entry in second place, up 44% year-on-year, with events like Sweden’s Vasaloppet drawing a growing number of global entrants, showing there’s also an appetite for winter endurance travel. 

SportsCover Direct’s data is backed by the wider industry, with Google searches for ‘ultra race’ up 234% year-on-year, while searches for ‘European marathons’ are up 34% over the same period. Strava also recorded a 9% rise in members completing marathons and ultramarathons, with 40% of its users logging a run while abroad, and entries to this year’s TCS London Marathon ballot from 18-29 year-olds rose 105% year-on-year, evidence that the appetite for endurance travel spans generations as well as distances.

SportsCover Direct Head of Underwriting and Sales Chris Trotman comments: “Our internal data reveals a clear shift in the type of trip people are booking, with more travellers building entire holidays around endurance sporting events, whether that’s a marathon, a triathlon or an ultra. It’s brilliant to see amateur athletes pushing themselves in this way, and it shows just how much endurance sport has moved from a niche pursuit to a mainstream travel motivation.

“It’s important to remember that competing abroad brings a different set of risks to a normal holiday, from the physical demands of the event itself to travelling with specialist equipment and kit. Standard travel insurance often excludes race and competition cover. So travellers must check that their holiday insurance covers their specific event and sport, understand what is and isn’t included as standard, and build in enough time on either side of racing to manage the unexpected. Taking time to ensure the right preparation in advance will mean that the only thing you need to focus on is the finish line.”

For more information on securing the right sports travel insurance for your trip, visit https://www.sportscoverdirect.com/sports-travel-insurance/ 

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This opens Capella’s portfolio to Agoda’s global customer base, making some of the world’s most celebrated luxury stays easier to discover and book than ever before.

With Asia projected to account for nearly half of the world’s new high-net-worth individuals by 2028, according to Visa, the region is increasingly shaping the future of luxury travel around purpose, personalisation, and lifestyle. 

Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report shows that 31% of surveyed travellers prioritise culinary experiences, while 25% cite cultural exploration as a key travel motivator. This shift is redefining how hospitality brands and travel platforms work together to meet demand for personalised, destination-rooted stays.

Capella Hotel Group and Agoda intend to make highly personalised, destination-defining stays more discoverable to a broader set of travellers across the region and beyond.

Agoda Senior Vice President of Supply Andrew Smith shared: “Our role at Agoda is to make sure that what a traveller is looking for — from an everyday getaway to a once-in-a-lifetime stay — is easy to discover and book. Partnering with Capella Hotel Group brings some of the world’s most celebrated properties onto our platform, making these extraordinary stays and experiences just as accessible to our customers as any other trip they plan with us.

Asia Pacific remains a key growth market for luxury travel, with McKinsey projecting demand to grow around 8% annually. Bangkok and Bali, both home to Capella properties, are among the most searched destinations for five-star accommodations on Agoda, alongside Kuala Lumpur.

“As Capella Hotel Group continues on its growth trajectory, partnerships that drive commercial value like this one with Agoda give us the scale and reach to connect with a high-intent traveller base across Asia and beyond. This helps us grow demand for Capella and Patina. At the same time, we continue delivering the bespoke service of Capella and the transformative experiences of Patina in every destination we’re in,” said Capella Hotel Group Vice President Revenue Varun Whig.

(Source: Agoda)

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The 250-key property is located in the Cloud 11 development, a brand-new landmark in Bangkok’s South Sukhumvit district of Phra Kanong Tai, a five-minute commute from the BTS Punnawith Station.

YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is the brand’s 24th hotel globally, its fourth property in Asia and the first YOTEL in Asia to be part of Select by Hilton. 

It features the brand’s distinctive signature elements, including self-service stations that let guests check in in under a minute.

YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit is the first hotel to open in the Cloud 11 mixed-use development, which opened in July 2026.

Rooms offer views of the rooftop park at the centre of Cloud 11 or towards Bang Krachao, dubbed Bangkok’s ‘green lung’, with higher floors also offering views of the city’s skyline. 

Facilities include YOTEL Swim Club, comprising an outdoor pool and pool bar, and a high-spec gym. Komyuniti brings together all-day dining and co-working in one lively social hub. Grab + Go sells drinks and snacks 24/7 for guests on the move.

Opening in November 2026, Fatty’s will be the hotel’s destination rooftop bar and restaurant, located on the 23rd floor.

The hotel is connected to Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain network via a 300-metre skywalk, putting the entire city within reach. Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is 2.3 km away on the BTS.

YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit has appointed Mike Smith as its General Manager.

Founded in London in 2007, YOTEL signed an exclusive agreement with Hilton in March 2026, becoming the first brand in the newly established Select by Hilton category. The collaboration means that YOTEL retains its independence and brand management. At the same time, participating properties will connect to the award-winning Hilton Honours loyalty programme and benefit from Hilton’s distribution and technology platforms.

The opening of YOTEL Bangkok Sukhumvit represents the next growth phase for YOTEL, with the target of tripling its portfolio in the coming years. It joins the region’s popular hotels in Tokyo, Singapore Orchard Road and Singapore Changi Airport, with YOTEL Kuala Lumpur slated to open by early 2027.

(Source: YOTEL)

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Developed by Air India’s in-house design and software teams, the platform will feature several patent-pending innovations and is currently being integrated with IFE hardware systems.  

Progressive deployment is planned to begin in FY2028, starting with select new aircraft deliveries before rolling out across the fleet over time.

Designed to create a more personalised and connected guest experience, it aims to deliver greater consistency across in-flight entertainment hardware types while enabling richer interactions before, during, and after every journey.

Unlike traditional in-flight entertainment platforms that operate largely as closed standalone systems, Vista Digital Platform will serve as an extension of Air India’s wider digital ecosystem. By harnessing advances in modern software architecture, artificial intelligence, and in-flight connectivity, the platform will enable Air India to introduce new features, services, and content faster and more efficiently, at a lower cost, while delivering a seamless experience.

Air India Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Satya Ramaswamy, said: “The adoption of open-source operating systems by in-flight entertainment hardware vendors, the deployment of satellite broadband connectivity on aircraft and modern AI technologies create a unique ‘app store launch moment’ for reimagining the airline cabin experience. While deployment will commence progressively from the second half of 2027, we are excited to share an early preview of the platform.”

Vista Digital Platform promises 

A familiar experience across the fleet: Guests often encounter different entertainment interfaces when travelling on different aircraft. Vista Digital Platform is designed to provide a consistent and intuitive user experience across multiple aircraft types, making navigation simpler and more familiar regardless of the aircraft. The platform will also support over-the-air software and content updates, helping deliver new features and improvements more efficiently.

A connected journey across Air India’s digital channels: Vista Digital Platform will work seamlessly with Air India’s mobile app, website, and backend digital platforms. In the future, guests will be able to access loyalty services, travel information, and selected booking-related features directly through the seatback screen. The Air India mobile app will also evolve into a companion experience, enabling guests to browse and curate entertainment preferences before boarding and interact with the inflight entertainment system during the flight.

Personalisation that travels with the guest: One of Vista Digital Platform’s most exciting capabilities will be the continuity across journeys. Rather than starting over on every flight, guests will be able to pick up where they left off, such as resuming a movie or programme from the same point on their next Air India flight, creating a more seamless entertainment experience across multiple trips.

An experience inspired by modern streaming platforms: Vista Digital Platform’s interface will offer the ease and personalisation travellers expect from leading over-the-top (OTT) digital and streaming services. 

Location-aware discovery and commerce: Among Vista Digital Platform’s innovations will be a patent-pending “commerce-on-map” capability that could enable guests to discover and book experiences and travel services related to destinations they are flying over or planning to visit, bringing inspiration and convenience together during their flight.

(Source: Air India)

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Resilient corporate travel and meetings demand across the Americas and Europe – combined with persistent inflation – is pushing prices upward, with more moderate increases in Asia-Pacific. However, the picture is far from uniform as the ongoing Middle East conflict continues to impact demand in key Gulf destinations.

The Hotel Monitor 2027, produced by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) (NYSE: GBTG), a leading software and services company for travel, expense, and meetings & events, is an annual forecast of global hotel rates in key business travel destinations across the world.

Given ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and commodity price volatility, this year’s report presents rate forecasts as a range rather than a single figure for the first time. Amex GBT advises using the lower end of the range if the Middle East conflict does not resolve quickly, or if global inflation tracks the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) July World Economic Outlook forecast of 4.7% for 2026. If inflation rises beyond that level, the upper end of the range is more likely.

The forecast is based on analysis of Amex GBT data, combined with IMF inflation and GDP forecasts, using Prophet time series modelling. 

Forecast summaries

The report analyses key cities and countries, exploring the underlying factors driving the predictions.

Dubai and the wider Gulf: The Middle East conflict has kept hotel occupancy in the UAE depressed, falling as low as 19.6% in March before recovering to the 40-50% range. Amex GBT expects hoteliers to offer compelling rates to win back visitors, forecasting Dubai prices to rise by just 1-2% in 2027.

Mexico City and Paris: Both cities remain resilient, in-demand destinations despite modest domestic economic growth. Mexico City’s diversified visitor base and status as a popular regional meetings destination should sustain rate growth of 4.7-7.1%. At the same time, Paris continues to benefit from its reputation as a leading events destination, with hotel rates expected to rise by at least 3.1%.

India remains the country to watch in 2027: India — projected to be the world’s fastest-growing economy in 20271 — will still see rates grow but more slowly, as a result of improved supply of hotel rooms. 

Amex GBT anticipates rate increases will moderate from recent years’ sharp rises but could still exceed 5%, with Bengaluru forecast to grow 5.0-5.5% as global hotel chains continue expanding their presence across the country.

Amex GBT Consulting also highlights how rising airfares – up 15% year-over-year in mid-2026, and as much as double that on Asia routes – are squeezing travel budgets and reshaping demand into Asia-Pacific, even as business travellers continue to favour premium accommodation over trading down.

“This year’s forecast reveals a nuanced global environment where geopolitical uncertainties and commodity price volatility are shaping hotel rates in different ways across regions,” said Amex GBT Consulting Director of Consulting Strategy Sara Andell. “Price is a key indicator, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. We’re encouraging companies to consider what value means to them, and what they are getting from their hotel spend, not just the headline rate.”

Amex GBT’s Hotel Monitor also highlights how artificial intelligence is reshaping hotel sourcing on both sides of the negotiating table. On the supplier side, hotels are increasingly deploying agentic AI to optimise revenue management and rate-setting strategies. On the buyer side, AI-enabled sourcing tools are helping travel managers accelerate decisions, sharpen pricing, and strengthen negotiating positions – turning sourcing into a continuous process rather than an annual event.

The full report is available to download here: Hotel Monitor 2027

(Source: Amex GBT)

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After accumulating SGD100 in eligible premium spend, customers receive Bronze membership and can progress to Silver, Gold, and Platinum as their spending increases. 

Benefits vary by tier and include global eSIM data, Etiqa Rewards Points multipliers, transport vouchers and partner privileges. Gold and Platinum members also receive complimentary Personal Accident and Lifestyle Protection, while Platinum members are eligible for No Claims Cashback.

Reward tiers at a glance

Through these benefits, Etiqa Insurance Singapore is shifting travel insurance beyond traditional protection.

“Travel insurance should be more than a product customers purchase for a single trip. As people travel more frequently, protection needs to evolve and become a continuous part of how they travel with confidence. With Etiqa’s Travel Pass, we reward customers each time they choose Tiq by Etiqa, creating greater value as they continue to protect their journeys with us,” said Etiqa Insurance Singapore Chief Executive Officer Claudia Soh.

Travel Pass is available through the Etiqa+ SG mobile app, where customers can view their accumulated eligible spending, membership tier and available rewards. For Single Trip policies, the spending and rewards are reflected after the policy ends, subject to Travel Pass eligibility criteria.

Tiq Travel Insurance

Tiq Travel Insurance provides automatic claims payouts for eligible flight delays of three consecutive hours or more. Customers may also add optional benefits, including cover for sports equipment protection and pre-existing medical conditions.

From now until 28 December 2026, customers can enjoy 55% off Tiq Travel Insurance Single Trip plans and 30% off Annual Multi-Trip plans. Customers new to Etiqa will receive an additional SGD30 discount, further enhancing the value and affordability of their travel protection.

To learn more about Travel Pass and Tiq Travel Insurance, visit tiq.com.sg. 

About Etiqa Insurance Pte Ltd (Etiqa Insurance Singapore)
Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Insurance Pte Ltd (EIPL) is a life and general insurance company licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. Previously trading as United General Insurance Co Sdn Bhd, the company transitioned into the Singapore branch of Etiqa Insurance Berhad in 2009. Today, EIPL in Singapore stands as the pivotal operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group, a leading insurance provider in ASEAN.

(Source: Etiqa)

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Running until the end of the year, Dream Match uses a matchmaking-inspired concept to connect travellers with dining, shopping, entertainment and local experiences across Southeast Asia.

Through social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, travellers can explore a curated selection of experiences based on their interests.

“Travel is increasingly shaped by what people care about and the experiences they want to have. With Dream Match, we’re tapping into that mindset in a way that is playful, culturally relevant and distinctly Mastercard. Dex became a household name through Korea’s hit dating reality show Single’s Inferno, so it was a natural fit to have him play the role of matchmaker, helping travellers discover experiences across Southeast Asia that match their interests. Together, we’re bringing Mastercard’s Priceless experiences to life engagingly,” said Mastercard Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing & Communications, Southeast Asia, Dheeraj Raina.

Southeast Asia remains a destination of choice for Korean travellers. According to data released by the Korea Tourism Organisation, ASEAN destinations welcomed an estimated 6.1 million Korean visitors in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting sustained demand for travel across the region. Vietnam alone welcomed 3.2 million Korean visitors during the same period, highlighting the popularity of Southeast Asian destinations among Korean consumers.

As Korean travellers continue to explore Southeast Asia, Dream Match brings Mastercard’s Priceless experiences to life through a curated selection of dining, shopping and entertainment promotions across the region for eligible Mastercard cardholders. 

By combining local expertise with personalised recommendations, Dream Match makes it easier for travellers to discover and enjoy experiences that best match their interests.

Eligible Mastercard cardholders can access all promotions across Southeast Asia on the Southeast Asia on Tap microsite here.

(Source: Mastercard)

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The coveted MICHELIN Guide 2026 MICHELIN Key selection was revealed in Paris on 18 September, with Lagen joining the ranks of 657 Two-Key hotels globally considered exceptional stays.

For Lagen Island, the Two-MICHELIN-Key recognition comes as the resort enters a new chapter following a year-long transformation. A reimagined eco-sanctuary, Lagen has returned with renewed spaces, refined experiences and a deeper connection between its architecture, the surrounding landscape, Filipino craftsmanship, and its signature island experiences.

Sister property El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island was also honoured on the list, landing One-MICHELIN-Key for its distinctive expression of quiet island luxury. Known as the Island of the Sun, the private island retreat offers an unhurried escape surrounded by the natural beauty of El Nido. 

After anonymous hotel inspections, just nine hotels from the archipelago were recognised by MICHELIN, along with two other Ayala Land Hospitality properties, Raffles Makati and Fairmont Makati, both successfully securing high rankings. Raffles Makati earned the only other Two-Key rating, alongside Lagen, and Fairmont Makati received One-Key.

“It is a meaningful affirmation of the teams behind these hotels and island resorts, and the care they put into every guest experience,” said Ayala Land Hospitality Chief Operating Officer Gustavo Morales. “What makes this especially meaningful is the diversity of the experiences represented here. Each property has its own character and sense of place, while sharing our commitment to thoughtful, distinctly Filipino hospitality.”

MICHELIN’s global selection includes 2,832 MICHELIN Key hotels, of which 600 are in Asia and the Middle East. In the region, 173 new Keys and promotions were added. The 2026 MICHELIN Key hotels now cover 79 destinations.

You can find more information about Lagen and Pangulasian here.

About El Nido Resorts
El Nido Resorts is a pioneering collection of sustainable island resorts set amid the stunning seascapes of northern Palawan. Comprising Lagen, Pangulasian, Apulit, and Miniloc Islands, the group blends Filipino hospitality with immersive nature-driven experiences. It has championed eco-tourism, marine conservation, and community engagement.

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Thailand’s Andaman Coast is blessed with truly iconic seascapes, from the crescent-shaped sandy bays of Phuket to the idyllic islands of Krabi province. After months of monsoon rain, October is a magical time to discover these tropical landscapes. Lush jungles fill with fragrant flowers, waterfalls flow into secluded pools, and nature’s colours provide a beautiful backdrop for photos. Rain may still fall, but the puddles dry quickly in the sun, and many attractions feel blissfully quiet compared to the busier winter months.

With a choice of 11 properties across Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi, ranging from family-friendly resorts such as Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi to romantic retreats like Centara Villas Phuket, Centara sets the stage for inspiring green season getaways. With the “Villa and Suite Retreat” offer, guests can enjoy 20% off premium room types, together with hotel credit worth 15% of the total booking value, when booking by 30 September 2026.

Peaceful escapes from the city in Hua Hin and Cha Am

For more than 100 years, the charming Thai beach towns of Hua Hin and Cha Am have welcomed visitors for rest, away from the heat and hubbub of Bangkok. Today, seamless transport links mean that city dwellers can easily enjoy seaside escapes. With long and quiet sandy beaches, local markets, fresh seafood and soothing spas, this is the perfect place to get away from it all and unwind in serenity. The Gulf of Thailand is also home to some of Southeast Asia’s best golf courses, as well as long, flat roads for cycling, making it an outstanding option for sporting weekends.

Centara offers a choice of hotels in Hua Hin and Cha Am, including the iconic Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin and the lifestyle-led Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin. With the “Linger for Longer” offer, guests can extend their seaside escape and save up to 44% on stays until 31 December 2026.

Authentic adventures in Isaan, Thailand’s rural paradise

The rural provinces of Isaan, northeast Thailand, promise richly rewarding experiences for culture seekers and culinary enthusiasts alike. As the summer rains ease, vast swathes of this verdant region shimmer and sparkle as the bright sun reflects on the waterlogged rice fields. Guests who delve deeper into this authentic part of Southeast Asia will discover friendly locals, lively markets, and sizzling street food stalls that showcase the fresh, natural produce that thrives across Isaan.

Centara offers an extensive selection of internationally branded hotels across Thailand’s key provincial cities, including Centara Ubon, Centara Korat, Centara Udon and Centara Ayutthaya. With the “Culture Connect” offer, a third guest stays free and receives a 10% discount voucher for food and drinks.

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, an estimated 690 million tourists travelled internationally between January and June 2026, some 3 million more than the same period last year. 

While global arrivals rose 2% in Q1 2026, they fell 1% in Q2, after a 3% decline in April. That drop was largely due to the calendar effect of the Easter holiday period starting in March and the impact of the Middle East conflict.

Globally, arrivals then dropped 3% in June. That was driven by a 6% decline in Western Europe, partly due to a heatwave in some destinations. South-East Asia recorded 5% fewer arrivals in June because of weaker demand from Asian markets, geopolitical tensions, air travel disruptions through the Middle East, and higher travel costs. Typhoon Sinlaku also impacted some destinations in Oceania (-6% in June) in Q2.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais said: “The latest data shows a sector absorbing real pressure and finding a way forward. Tourism has not stopped growing, but that growth is fragile. The Middle East situation has touched destinations far beyond the region itself. It serves as a clear reminder that, in such a connected world, resilience needs to be built everywhere and not just when a crisis begins.”

Performance by region

The World Tourism Barometer breaks down performance by region and sub-region. The data shows:

In the first half of 2026, Africa (+4%) and Europe (+3%) recorded solid growth in arrivals, while the Americas saw a 2% increase, with mixed results across sub-regions.

Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew by 1% over these six months but remained 11% below 2019 levels as disruptions to air connectivity, higher air fares, and uncertainty affected intra-regional demand.

North-East Asia saw 3% growth in the first half of 2026, while South Asia (-5%) and South-East Asia (-1%) recorded declines when compared with the same period in 2025.

The Middle East saw a 22% drop over this period, as the conflict directly impacted it.

Although the conflict has negatively affected international tourism in the Middle East and other regions since early March 2026, disruptions to air traffic gradually eased in May and June following the announcement of a ceasefire. This led to the reopening of some air routes and an uneven rebound in consumer sentiment. 

Looking ahead

In view of the latest data and current geopolitical volatility, international tourist arrivals are now expected to grow by between 1% and 2% globally in 2026, compared to UN Tourism’s January forecast of 3% to 4%. However, this will depend on the conflict’s actual duration and its effect on oil prices and overall inflation. 

At the same time, international travellers are expected to keep seeking value for money and travel closer to home or domestically, again in response to elevated prices and uncertainty.

UN Tourism celebrates World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026. El Salvador is the signature host destination.

(Source: UN Tourism)

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