The award forms part of a series of special accolades announced ahead of the live awards ceremony for Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, which will take place at Wynn Palace, Macau, on 28 July. 

This prestigious award recognises an individual who has made a significant positive impact on the bar industry, celebrating outstanding hospitality, industry leadership, and contributions to the cocktail community.

For Shelley Tai, the accolade represents the latest milestone in a career that began almost by chance at 20, when she “just needed a job and bartending looked really fun and cool”. Honing her craft at acclaimed venues like FINDS and Quinary, she was named Diageo World Class Competition 2019 HK & Macau Bartender of the Year — a defining achievement that laid the foundation for her subsequent success as Operations Director of Singapore’s Nutmeg & Clove, voted No.24 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 and No.50 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025.

After five years in Singapore, she returned home to Hong Kong to launch her own independent project, Mius, a neighbourhood cocktail bar rooted in her philosophy of “simple things, done well”. The menu showcases reimagined classics, refined house signatures, and one of Hong Kong’s most thoughtfully curated grower champagne selections, underscoring Tai’s commitment to craftsmanship over spectacle. Standouts include a Highball served ice-free to preserve clarity and texture, a bright Garibaldi refined with house techniques, and the Dirty Margarita – a subtle, savoury interpretation featuring tequila, fennel pollen, olive, gentian and lime. Each drink is stripped back to its essential elements, demonstrating her belief that restraint can be as powerful as innovation.

Since opening, Mius has quickly earned recognition within Hong Kong’s bar community for its restrained elegance and hospitality-first ethos. Every detail from service flow to staff training reflects Tai’s belief that genuine care and technical precision must go hand in hand.

Beyond her own bar, Tai is recognised for her advocacy and mentorship within the regional bartending community. Her cross-market experience in Hong Kong and Singapore, combined with her calm, disciplined leadership style, has positioned her as a role model for a new generation of hospitality professionals. 

Mius Founder Shelley Tai commented: “I’m truly honoured to receive this recognition, especially among a community of experienced bartenders whose craft I deeply respect. I’m also grateful for the Mius team I get to work with every day. Their support, talent and dedication make this kind of moment possible. I hope I can be a role model in return, and inspire others in our community the way so many of you have inspired me.”

Asia’s 50 Best Bars Director of Content & Creative Emma Sleight noted: “Shelley represents a new wave of hospitality leadership in Asia – grounded in humility, precision and an unwavering commitment to craft. Through Mius and her broader career across Hong Kong and Singapore, she has demonstrated how neighbourhood bars can shape culture just as powerfully as large-scale institutions. It is fitting that her peers have recognised her contribution with this year’s Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.”

Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, will culminate in a live awards ceremony revealing the region’s 50 best bars and The Best Bar in Asia 2026. This year’s event programme includes the Bartenders’ Feast, showcasing Macau’s diverse F&B scene and Meet the Bartenders, an exclusive media roundtable session. The countdown to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 will also be broadcast live globally on the 50 Best YouTube channel.

(Source: Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026)

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Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau noted: “We continued to see year-on-year growth in our travel and cargo businesses in May, albeit against a backdrop of high jet fuel prices.

Cathay Pacific and HK Express together carried a combined total of over 3.3 million passengers, 14% higher than in May 2025, while Cathay Cargo carried over 150,000 tonnes of cargo during the month, representing an 11% increase year on year.

“Meanwhile, we are continuing to expand our global network. Earlier this month, Cathay Pacific announced plans to launch direct flights to Almaty in the first quarter of 2027, marking our first destination in Central Asia and strengthening Hong Kong’s connectivity with an important Belt and Road region. HK Express will also launch direct daily flights to Wuxi in July.”

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific carried 17% more passengers in May 2026 compared with May 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 10%. In the first five months of 2026, passenger traffic increased by 19% compared with the same period in 2025.

Lau said: “May got off to a strong start, supported by solid traffic as passengers from across Asia returned from their Golden Week and other holiday travels at the beginning of the month. This was followed by robust travel demand from our home market as travellers took advantage of the Buddha’s Birthday long weekend in Hong Kong towards the end of May. These traffic flows, together with increased connecting traffic via Hong Kong as travellers seek alternative hubs due to the situation in the Middle East, contributed to a high network load factor of 87%. Meanwhile, our premium cabins continued to see high demand from business and premium leisure travel.

“Looking ahead, the outlook for the summer travel peak remains positive, particularly on our long-haul routes, while bookings for short-haul destinations are accelerating.”

Cathay Cargo

Cathay Cargo carried 11% more cargo in May 2026 than in May 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 6%. In the first five months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with the same period in 2025. Cargo business performed well in May, with year-on-year growth underpinned by robust demand on key trade lanes, particularly between the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia.

HK Express

HK Express carried more than 670,000 passengers in May 2026, an increase of 5% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 4%. In the first five months of 2026, passengers carried increased by 12% compared with the same period in 2025.

Lavinia commented: “Demand for HK Express’s Southeast Asia routes extended beyond the Easter holidays into May, with Thailand and the Philippines remaining particularly popular. The airline’s Beijing (Daxing) service was also a bright spot, with load factor exceeding 90%. Looking ahead to the summer, HK Express is seeing a healthy pickup in bookings on various routes.”

Financial

As a result of the completion of an issuance of A shares as announced by Air China Limited (“Air China”) on 9 June 2026, the Cathay Group expects to recognise a deemed disposal gain of approximately HK$1.4 billion in the first half of 2026. This arises from the resulting dilution of the Group’s equity interest in Air China from 15.09% to 12.85%.

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Launching on 4 July 2026, the evening event will headline Beat The Summer, the Water Park’s celebration running from 4 July to 31 August 2026.

Taking place on selected weekend evenings, Canton Beats will transform Manulife presents: Horizon Cove into a high-energy waterfront party destination, with popular DJs spinning nostalgic Cantopop remixes, golden hits and upbeat party tracks.

The first four event nights will feature international guest DJs: South Korea’s DJ Sura, known for her high-energy EDM sets, on 4 July; Malaysia’s DJ Amber Na, an online personality with over 17 million followers, on 5 July; DJ KIXON, popular in Mainland China for his crowd-commanding performances, on 11 July; and South Korea’s DJ SunB, a doctor-DJ known for his dynamic live sets, on 12 July.

From classic Cantopop anthems to high-octane remixes, Canton Beats captures the sound, colour and collective nostalgia of Hong Kong’s music culture. Set along the Southern District coastline, the event is designed for those seeking a distinctive summer experience.

As part of Beat The Summer, Canton Beats brings an 1980s-inspired Hong Kong theme to Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong. By day, guests can cool off across indoor and outdoor attractions. At night, the fun continues with music, lights and an upbeat party atmosphere by the water.

Canton Beats event details

Date: 4 July to 30 August 2026, every Saturday and Sunday, except 22 August 2026

Time: 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Location: Manulife present: Horizon Cove

International Guest DJ Performances: DJ Sura on 4 July, DJ Amber Na on 5 July, DJ KIXON on 11 July, DJ SunB on 12 July

Visit the Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong website for more details and ticketing information. Tickets are priced from HKD272. 

(Source: Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong)

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Cargo volume increased to 435,000 tonnes with a 3.0% year-on-year growth during the month.

Overall passenger growth in May was supported by a double-digit increase in transfer / transit passengers, followed by visitors. During the Chinese Mainland’s Labour Day “Golden Week” holiday, daily passengers peaked at 204,000 on 1 May. By region, most markets expanded in May, with growth led by the Mainland, Japan and Southeast Asia.

Overall cargo growth was primarily driven by transhipment, followed by imports, which recorded year‑on‑year increases of 23.2% and 1.2%, respectively. By region, cargo performance was mixed, with growth in the Mainland and Southeast Asia offsetting declines in markets such as India. Notably, the Middle East saw modest growth in May, marking its first expansion since the outbreak of the conflicts in March.

HKIA’s global network has further expanded, with Delta Air Lines returning to HKIA with new services between Hong Kong and Los Angeles, offering seven pairs of flights per week from 8 June, strengthening HKIA’s connectivity with North America. Sun PhuQuoc Airways also launched new services to Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, while Hong Kong Airlines launched a new route to Lanzhou in May.

For the first five months of the year, passenger volume rose by 12.5% year on year to 27.7 million, while flight movements increased by 4.8% year on year to 168,745. Cargo throughput recorded a 3.6% increase to 2.06 million tonnes compared to the same period of last year.

On a 12-month rolling basis, HKIA handled 64.0 million passengers and 402,415 flight movements, experiencing year-on-year increases of 13.0% and 6.1% respectively. Cargo volume grew by 3.0% year on year to 5.14 million tonnes.

(Source: HKIA)

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The “Hong Kong Summer Fun” campaign brings together some of the city’s biggest seasonal events alongside exclusive Summer Deals, creating even more reasons to plan a summer escape to the Events Capital of Asia.

To make a summer getaway even more rewarding, the “Summer Deals” programme is now rolling out in phases through 31 August, unlocking rewards and savings at every step of the visitor journey — across attraction offers, transport discounts, shopping rewards and dining perks. The initiative helps travellers make the most of their Hong Kong getaway with exclusive seasonal savings from planning to departure.

Unlock deals across the city

In partnership with Trip.com Group, HKTB is launching more than HKD 20 million in offers across 19 attractions and three transport operators. From now on until 31 August, eligible visitors who book a participating Hong Kong hotel stay through Trip.com or Ctrip for the period from 1 July to 14 September, with a single transaction of HKD1,500 or above, can unlock a “Summer Getaway Pack” featuring one attraction and one transport discount of up to 50% off. Rewards drop in on 14 July.

Up to 50% off on Round-trip Standard Cable Car Ticket by Ngong Ping 360

Up to 50% off on Essential Ticket by Big Bus Tours

30% off on Sha Tin Racecourse & Happy Valley Racecourse F&B Experience + Guided Tour by The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Collect multiple rewards throughout your stay in town

From 1 July to 31 August, visitors can access “Summer Instant Rewards” through a collaboration with AlipayHK, Alipay and Alipay+. By leveraging Alipay’s vast Chinese Mainland and Alipay+’s international partner e-wallet user base, visitors can scan designated QR codes at nearly 100 participating shopping malls across the city, including Central Market, Festival Walk, Hysan Place, ifc mall, Hong Kong International Airport, K11, Mira Place, New Town Plaza, Olympian City, Peak Galleria, SOGO, Stanley Plaza, Times Square, Windsor House, and more—to receive a random spending rewards of up to HKD500 or RMB500 to be used at any merchant displaying the AlipayHK, Alipay or Alipay+ payment acceptance mark.

More than 150 merchant offers are available across participating malls. Highlights include:

AIRSIDE – Admission Ticket to the “The Cha Chaan Teng Codex — Tales of Invisible Designs” exhibition;

Central Market – Redeem a premium butterfly pastry gift box for HKD58 upon spending HKD200 or above at Imperial Patisserie;

Festival Walk – Enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free ice rink offer at Glacier and complimentary 2D movie tickets at Festival Grand Cinema;

MegaBox – Enjoy an extra 30% off at the i.t Outlet;

Mira Place – Enjoy HKD100 off upon spending HKD400 at Mira Dining;

Nina Mall – Enjoy bonus gaming tokens, with an HKD200 purchase receiving an additional HKD140 at Jumping Gym;

The Peak – Enjoy 15% off all regular-priced menu items at Bubba Gump;

T Town / Kai Tin Shopping Centre / Temple Mall / Lok Fu Plaza – Enjoy HKD100 off upon spending HKD500 at SKECHERS

Visitors can also enjoy a citywide collection of shopping and dining offers, delivered in partnership with the Quality Tourism Services Association (QTSA) and the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA), featuring buy-one-get-one-free offers and hot picks starting at HKD1 or HKD10 at various merchants. Rewards are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some rewards are limited to registered users of the Discover Hong Kong one-stop travel information platform. 

Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival 

Experience Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat Heritage, Festive Treats and Fun

19 June to 1 July 2026 at Tsim Sha Tsui promenade.

Kicking off the season is the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival”, running from 19 June to 1 July. At its heart is the 50th-anniversary edition of the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races,” organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), co-organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA) and sponsored by Sun Life. It will transform the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into one of the city’s most thrilling annual spectacles on 27 to 28 June. More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete across 21 races in Victoria Harbour.

For the first time, the celebration expands into a 13-day festival extending far beyond the races. Along the Avenue of Stars, visitors can explore a Dragon Boat Food Lane, Beer Garden, and discover themed photo spots, including Sun Life HK Dragon Boat Co-Creation Zone, a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters, etc. A programme of intangible cultural heritage workshops will also offer hands-on experiences such as fishing net plaiting, blown sugar making and traditional lye rice dumpling making. Tourists can partake in a uniquely Hong Kong celebration that blends sport, culture and a lively waterfront atmosphere.

Hong Kong Football Festival 2026

With the return of the Hong Kong Football Festival from 31 July to 5 August, the series will bring four of Europe’s most decorated clubs to Kai Tak Stadium: Manchester City, FC Internazionale Milano, Chelsea FC and Juventus. Two blockbuster fixtures will take place at the state-of-the-art 50,000-seat venue, while Manchester City and Chelsea will also hold Open Training sessions for fans. Building on the success of last year’s festival, the event features a rare gathering of Champions League-winning clubs, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as one of Asia’s premier destinations for international sport and live entertainment.

Start planning your Hong Kong escape and discover a vibrant lineup of seasonal experiences while making the most of every moment in the city. For the latest event listings for “Hong Kong Summer Fun” and “Summer Deals”, visit: https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/summer-fun.html. 

(Source: HKTB)

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May 2026 (year-over-year % change): 

Occupancy: 72.7% (-0.9%)

ADR: AUD198.79 (+6.6%)

RevPAR: AUD144.43 (+5.7%)

Adelaide’s performance peaked across the key performance metrics during the Australian Tourism Exchange (Wednesday, 13 May): occupancy (88.3%), ADR (AUD243.62) and RevPAR (AUD215.09). Levels were further helped by the PRECI conference taking place across the same dates.

The night before produced the month’s second-highest levels: occupancy (87.4%), ADR (AUD239.85) and RevPAR (AUD209.60). 

These were the only two nights with RevPAR above AUD200.

“Demand grew year over year, but occupancy came in lower as the market absorbed an additional 1.6% of supply,” said STR Regional Director Mathew Burke. “The market is expected to see future occupancy declines as a wave of new supply opens across the city. It will take time for demand to catch up.”

For more information, visit  CoStarGroup.com.

(Source: CoStar)

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The relocation to T2 will enhance HK Express’s customer-handling capabilities, elevate the customer travel experience, and provide better facilities to support future growth in capacity and the route network. 

On its first day of operations at T2, HK Express’s early-morning peak period ran smoothly, with customers experiencing efficient, well-organised check-in and bag drop processes. A total of 47 flights departed, marking the start of the airline’s full-scale operations at the new terminal. 

“As the largest airline operating at Terminal 2, HK Express’s move to T2 represents not only a significant operational upgrade, but also a more solid platform for our future growth. With T2’s enhanced customer-handling capacity, advanced facilities, and new technology, we are confident we can further improve the customer experience by optimising service processes and accelerating the expansion of our route network to seize opportunities arising from the continuous growth in travel demand for Hong Kong and the region. We expect to achieve double-digit percentage growth in passenger traffic for the full year and will actively support the Airport Authority Hong Kong in achieving its target of over 70 million annual passenger trips,” said HK Express CEO Jeanette Mao.

With the summer travel peak season approaching, HK Express has made comprehensive preparations to meet the continuously rising demand for travel. The airline is also preparing to launch its Wuxi route on 17 July 2026, further expanding its regional route network and offering customers a wider range of travel options. In the future, HK Express will continue to drive the adoption of smart technologies, enhancing the customer experience through automation and digital services to deliver a more seamless and efficient journey.

(Source: HK Express)

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Delta’s flight DL89 took off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at 2305 on 6 June and arrived at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) at 0505 8 June, to a water cannon salute. 

DL88 took off from Hong Kong for Los Angeles at 0925 on 8 June after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the departure gate, attended by representatives from Delta, the US Consulate General, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and LA Tourism Board.  

“This service marks another step in Delta’s long-term growth across Asia-Pacific, as we expand our network to further serve the evolving needs of our customers,” said Delta’s vice president – Asia Pacific, Jeff Moomaw. “We’re thankful for our partners in Hong Kong and for our customers who choose Delta, and we’re proud to offer an elevated, premium experience throughout their journey.”

Delta’s new nonstop service from Hong Kong to Los Angeles provides more than 30 convenient one-stop connections from LAX.

Flights from Hong Kong to Los Angeles will operate daily on Delta’s Airbus A350-900, featuring four product experiences: Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort and Delta Main.

Delta One Suites offer lie-flat seating with a sliding door, premium bedding and a seasonal chef-curated four-course meal. Delta Premium Select provides wider seats with deeper recline and enhanced amenities for a more spacious and relaxing journey.

Customers flying Delta One receive exclusive access to the new Delta One Lounge at LAX, offering nearly 200 seats, a rotating chef-curated menu, a year-round Sushi bar, a wellness room with full-body massage chairs, and a design aesthetic inspired by the natural and architectural beauty of Southern California. These travelers also benefit from private security at Delta One check-in and dedicated, concierge-style service from curb to gate.

The new route also strengthens Delta Cargo’s transpacific network, creating a vital new air-freight corridor between Hong Kong, the world’s largest air cargo hub, and the US.

This route builds on Delta’s momentum in Los Angeles, where the airline operates as the airport’s largest global carrier with more than 150 peak-day departures to over 50 destinations worldwide.

(Source: Delta)

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The airline will operate three flights per week using an Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft, which will be the only direct service linking Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavina Lau said: “Central Asia is a strategically important Belt and Road region that offers ample business opportunities. As Hong Kong’s home hub carrier, Cathay has aligned its interests with the HKSAR Government to strengthen our connectivity with this emerging market.

“Last year, we launched direct flights to Urumqi in Northwestern China, a city whose proximity to Central Asia extended our reach not only in the Chinese Mainland, but also to other key destinations along the Belt and Road. As we celebrate ’80 Years Together’ with our home city, we are excited to build on that momentum by announcing plans to operate direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, our first-ever destination in Central Asia, fostering new opportunities for people, cargo and capital flow with this dynamic region.”

Kazakhstan is Central Asia’s most developed economy with key industries including manufacturing, mining and industrial production. It is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and leading export market in the region. Meanwhile, demand between the Chinese Mainland and Central Asia has grown steadily in recent years, underpinned by trade, investment and Belt and Road activity. The country also has a growing tourism sector offering summer and winter outdoor activities and is set to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029. 

Together, Cathay Pacific and HK Express operate close to 600 return flights per week to 33 Belt and Road destinations. The Group also operates more than 330 return flights per week between Hong Kong and 24 destinations in the Chinese Mainland.

Lau made the comments while attending a ceremony alongside the President of Almaty International Airport, Goker Kose, and the Deputy Head of the Tourism Department of Almaty, Akmaral Yeshanova, last week.

She joined a high-level delegation led by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), John Lee Ka-chiu, to Central Asia and Kazakhstan to support efforts to explore new business opportunities for Hong Kong with emerging markets in the region.

(Source: Cathay Group)

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Hong Kong Airlines is the first airline to relocate its check-in counters from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2. The departure process in T2 ran smoothly on its first day of operation, with 36 flights departing from around 0800. Relocation of the other 14 airlines’ check-in services will continue in batches until 10 June.

T2 is served by a full suite of public transport options: Airport Express, airport buses and taxis. Car Park 3, providing over 1,000 spaces, is seamlessly connected to T2.   

A wide range of retail shops and a food court have also opened at T2, offering diverse dining and shopping options. Four dining outlets in the food court and a convenience store will operate around the clock.

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung said: “Positioned to serve leisure travel and mainly regional short-haul flights, T2 is seamlessly connected to and complements T1, which mainly focuses on long-haul and transfer/ transit services. Together, the two terminals strengthen HKIA’s capacity to meet growing passenger demand while enhancing passenger experience.”

Passengers departing from T2 complete check-in and bag drop using new smart self-service counters before proceeding to the centre of the departures hall and entering the restricted area through security gates embedded with facial recognition technology. They then undergo security screening at the smart security screening channels and complete immigration clearance procedures before taking the Automated People Mover (APM) to T1 for boarding.

In the next phase, T2 passengers will be using the boarding gates in the new T2 Concourse (T2C) for both departures and arrivals. T2C is expected to start operation before the end of next year, in line with traffic demand.

(Source: HKIA).

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