The Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, which operates flagship academies in Mallorca and Kuwait, has chosen to establish its first Southeast Asian outpost at Samara Lombok.

Located on Lombok’s south coast, just a 25-minute drive from Lombok International Airport, Samara Lombok is a 150-hectare integrated coastal destination set to open in Q1 2028 — the first “Destination by Hyatt” in Southeast Asia. The development will open with three boutique hotels and 150 of a planned 500 villas. It will also feature 12 dining concepts, a marine biology and watersports centre operated by luxury expedition company Rascal Voyages, and a football training centre.

The centre will feature four world-class tennis courts and four padel courts.

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The new route underscores TransNusa’s commitment to enhancing its international connectivity while supporting tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between Indonesia and Thailand. 

TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, aviation industry veteran Datuk Bernard Francis, commented: “With the launch of this new route to Phuket, TransNusa will offer four international services from Bali to Perth, Australia, Singapore, and Guangzhou in China.”

The launch comes amid growing demand for intra-regional travel as more travellers seek unique leisure experiences across Southeast Asia. The route is expected to attract holidaymakers, families, digital nomads and adventure seekers looking to experience the distinct cultures, cuisines and attractions of both destinations.

Ticket sales for the Denpasar, Bali, to Phuket service opened for bookings on the airline’s website on 3 July, priced at USD167.60 (IDR 2,799,000).

Using an A320-200 aircraft with 174 seats, the airline will operate four flights weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday effective 9 September. Flight time is approximately four hours.

Flight schedule 

8B541 will depart Denpasar (DPS) at 0850 and arrive in Phuket (HKT) at 1150.
8B852 will depart Phuket (HKT) at 1350 and arrive in Denpasar (DPS) at 1850.

Last week, TransNusa announced the launch of its first direct flights from Jakarta to Bangkok, scheduled for 6 August. The airline schedules twice-daily flights on the route.

About TransNusa
TransNusa Airlines received its AOC certification on 9 September 2022 and launched its first three A320 operations on 6 October, 14 October, and 12 December, 2022. It introduced its first international flight on 14 April, 2023. The airline currently operates hubs in Jakarta and Bali.

(Source: TransNusa)

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Based on accommodation searches made between January and June 2026 compared to 2025, Agoda reports that Malaysia and Singapore rank as Indonesia’s top two contributors to inbound travel interest, dethroning South Korea, which now ranks third.

Australia follows in fourth place, while China emerges as the fastest-growing source market expressing travel interest in Indonesia, entering the top five ranks for the first time and overtaking Japan.

Stronger interest in Indonesia 

Rising interest in Indonesia reflects shifting travel preferences across the region, with more travellers seeking a broader mix of destinations and experiences. Among Indonesia’s major inbound markets, China recorded the highest year-on-year growth in travel interest at 44%. The momentum is likely to continue throughout 2026, as Indonesia recently announced new flight routes to expand air connectivity between the two markets.

Agoda also reports growth in interest from Malaysia and Singapore at 18% and 17%, respectively, underscoring rising interest from Southeast Asian travellers even as appetite softens from some destinations in North Asia, such as Japan and South Korea. The shift in travel preferences is also likely reinforced by the weakening rupiah, which has made Indonesia even more attractive to travellers prioritising value.

Bali retains top spot for inbound travellers; Sukabumi is a rising star

Agoda’s data also highlights the destinations attracting the most international travellers to Indonesia, with Bali, Jakarta, Batam Island, Lombok, and Bandung ranking as the top five most-searched destinations. While Bali continues to lead as the country’s most sought-after destination, Jakarta and Batam’s ranking points to growing interest in urban gateways and border-island destinations, alongside established leisure hotspots like Lombok and Bandung.

Beyond the top destinations, Agoda’s data also indicates growing interest in emerging locations across Indonesia. Sukabumi emerged as the fastest-growing destination, with traveller interest rising 4.6x, driven by its lush highlands, waterfalls, and geopark landscapes. In eastern Indonesia, Manado and Gorontalo ranked as the 2nd- and 3rd-fastest-growing destinations, with searches growing by around 3x compared to H1 last year. These destinations attract travellers with their rich marine biodiversity, distinctive local culture, and vibrant culinary offerings.

Agoda Senior Country Director, Indonesia, Gede Gunawan shared: “Indonesia’s appeal is clearly broadening, especially among travellers from China and Southeast Asia. The strong growth in interest in destinations such as Sukabumi, Manado, and Gorontalo shows that travellers are eager to explore more of what Indonesia has to offer beyond Bali. The combination of affordability, accessibility, and diverse experiences positions Indonesia well for continued growth in travel interest through the rest of 2026. Agoda remains committed to supporting Indonesia’s tourism growth with a seamless platform that makes travel more accessible and easier to plan.”

(Source: Agoda).

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TransNusa becomes the first airline to introduce a new direct route from Bali to Wakatobi, an island that is globally celebrated for hosting the world’s second-largest barrier reef. In 2024, the airline launched a direct route from Bali to the diving haven of Manado. While an exact date for the maiden flight to Wakatobi wasn’t specified in Monday’s announcement, scheduling systems show flights rolling out through July 2026.

On the regional and domestic network expansion, TransNusa Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis, said that the much-awaited new routes from Jakarta to Bangkok as well as from Bali to Wakatobi and Waingapu will strengthen TransNusa’s international and domestic connectivity network. 

What about Wakatobi?

Wakatobi is a remote, tropical archipelago located in the Southeast Sulawesi province of Indonesia, nestled between the Banda Sea to the northeast and the Flores Sea to the southwest. The name “Wakatobi” is a portmanteau created from the first letters of its four main islands: Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. The expansive Wakatobi National Park, the third-largest marine park in Indonesia, encompasses the entire regency.

Tourism significance

Wakatobi holds an esteemed status in international tourism; legendary adventurer Jacques Cousteau once famously described the region as an “Underwater Nirvana.” Today, its global renown centres on world-class marine biodiversity, pioneering ecological conservation, and rich seafaring cultural heritage.

Epicentre of Coral Biodiversity: Wakatobi sits directly inside the Asia-Pacific Coral Triangle. It hosts an astonishing 750 out of the world’s 850 known coral reef species and more than 942 distinct fish species. Its complex marine habitats feature 25 distinct coral reef groups—including massive barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and pristine atolls—making it a legendary destination for scuba diving, snorkelling, and professional underwater photography.

Benchmark for Eco-Tourism: The region serves as a model for private- and community-led conservation. Marine protected zones operate strictly via cooperative agreements with local villages. In exchange for safeguarding reef sanctuaries from destructive practices, communities receive support like sponsored clean energy, localised waste management, and educational scholarships. Strict dive rules and continuous environmental monitoring ensure that high-end tourism actively restores, rather than degrades, the surrounding ecosystem.

Living Heritage of Seafaring Nomads: Beyond its marine wonders, Wakatobi offers immersive cultural tourism. It is home to the indigenous Bajo tribe, traditionally known as “sea gypsies,” whose history and way of life are deeply intertwined with the ocean. Travellers frequently participate in “live-in” village packages to observe local wisdom, see traditional handicraft weaving, such as the Homoru sarong, and visit ancient cultural sites.

Introductory fares

Tickets from Jakarta to Bangkok start at USD167.54, while tickets from Bali to Wakatobi start at USD103.30. Tickets from Bali to Waingapu start at USD75.36.

“Our goal is to continue improving accessibility across Southeast Asia by continuously introducing new routes and expanding TransNusa’s international as well as its domestic network,” continued Datuk Bernard, adding that at the initial stage, TransNusa will operate two daily flights for the Jakarta-Bangkok route, three weekly direct flights from Bali to Wakatobi on Monday, Thursday and Sunday, for the Bali-Wakatobi route.

Flight schedule: Bangkok-Thailand

8B381 and 8B38 will depart from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 0820 and 1630 and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok at 1145 and 1955. 

8B382 and 8B38 will depart the Suvarnabhumi Airport at 1230 and 2040, arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta at 1555 and 0005.

Flight schedule: Bali-Wakatobi

8B5662 will depart from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali at 0805 and arrive at Matahora Airport in Wakatobi at 0945. 

8B5663 will depart from Matahora Airport at 1015 and arrive at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali at 1155.

TransNusa will deploy its Airbus A320, which has 174 seats, for its international route and its COMAC C909, which has 95 seats, for its domestic route.

(Source: TransNusa)

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Having launched its first international flight from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2023, the airline is ready to establish twice-daily flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), a busy route served by Garuda and Thai Airways International.  

The airline will operate twice-daily flights using an A320 with 174 seats

TransNusa will schedule twice-daily flights from Jakarta (CGK) airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand’s primary international gateway. 

According to TransNusa Group CEO Datuk Bernard Francis, the launch of the Jakarta–Bangkok route represents a strategic move to meet the growing demand for leisure travel to Thailand from Indonesia.

“Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations among Indonesian travellers, while Indonesia continues to attract increasing interest from Thai visitors. By launching the Jakarta–Bangkok route with twice-daily services from the outset, we aim to provide greater flexibility for our customers while further strengthening connectivity between our two countries,” said Datuk Bernard Francis.

The first daily flight will depart Jakarta at 0820 and arrive in Bangkok at 1145. The return service will depart Bangkok at 1230 local time and arrive in Jakarta at 1555.

The second daily flight will depart Jakarta at 1630 and arrive in Bangkok at 1955. The return flight will leave Bangkok at 2040 and arrive in Jakarta at 0005 on the following day.

TransNusa is offering competitive introductory fares starting from IDR 2,999,000 one-way.

The launch of the Jakarta–Bangkok route is expected further to strengthen the growing tourism relationship between Indonesia and Thailand. Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after travel destinations, offering a diverse range of attractions — from the cultural heritage of Bangkok and Ayutthaya to the stunning beaches of Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya, and the natural beauty of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. 

At the same time, Indonesia’s world-class destinations appeal to Thai travellers with TransNusaa offering connecting flights from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, Bali and Lombok.

Tickets for the Jakarta–Bangkok route are now available to book on the official TransNusa website and on popular booking sites such as Skyscanner.

TransNusa officially launched its first international flight on 14 April 2023, with a route connecting Jakarta (CGK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). This marked a major pivot for the airline following its post-pandemic relaunch under new ownership, shifting from a domestic regional carrier to a premium service carrier focused on international expansion.  

Its scheduled international destinations include Singapore, served from both Jakarta and Bali. It also serves Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB).

(Source: TransNusa)

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Organised by Messe Berlin Asia Pacific and powered by ITB Asia and the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA), the two-day B2B travel trade event brings together industry leaders, tourism boards, destinations, hospitality providers, travel technology companies and buyers from across the region and beyond.

Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, Executive Director, Darren Seah said: “Indonesia continues to emerge as one of the most dynamic tourism markets in Southeast Asia, creating valuable opportunities for travel businesses across the region and beyond. Travel Meet Asia serves as a gateway for international stakeholders seeking meaningful partnerships and market access in the Asia-Pacific. We are also delighted to welcome Brunei Darussalam as our Official Partner Country, reflecting the growing spirit of regional collaboration that continues to shape the future of tourism in Asia.”

Growing platform for regional travel business

The growth of this year’s edition underscores Travel Meet Asia’s increasing importance as a strategic platform connecting international travel businesses with one of Asia-Pacific’s most dynamic tourism markets. Through its longstanding partnership with ASITA, the event continues to strengthen Indonesia’s position within the regional tourism and MICE ecosystem by combining international industry reach with strong engagement from domestic tourism stakeholders.

More than 100 exhibitors, 400 qualified buyers, 40 speakers, and 1,500 participants are expected to attend Travel Meet Asia 2026, creating extensive opportunities for business development, networking, and knowledge exchange across the Leisure, MICE, Corporate Travel, and Travel Technology sectors.

Brunei Darussalam: Official Partner Country

A key milestone for this year’s event is Brunei Darussalam’s participation as the Official Partner Country, highlighting growing regional cooperation and shared ambitions for tourism development across Southeast Asia. Throughout the event, Brunei will spotlight Visit Brunei 2027, its national tourism campaign designed to raise international awareness of the Sultanate’s rich cultural heritage, authentic community experiences and diverse nature-based attractions.

The official opening ceremony will bring together senior tourism representatives from Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, demonstrating strong governmental support for tourism growth and regional industry collaboration. The distinguished delegation includes Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia and Hjh Nur Fariza Munyati Hj Abd Aji, Acting Deputy Director of Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Brunei Darussalam. Their participation reflects the growing recognition of tourism as a driver of economic growth, regional connectivity, and cross-border cooperation.

International exhibitors: Networking opportunities 

The exhibition floor features a diverse range of destinations and tourism suppliers from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Participating destinations include Japan, Germany, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Greece, Uganda, Singapore, Turkmenistan, the Maldives, India, Malaysia, Spain, Finland, South Africa, China and Türkiye.

Travel Meet Asia 2026 also welcomes several prominent exhibitors and industry brands, including Accor, Bintan Resorts, Sky View Igloos Resort, SUNRATE and WOW Borneo, further expanding the event’s international profile and sector diversity.

Conference programme

The conference programme will feature more than 40 speakers, including Winston Hanes (Senior VP of Operations, Archipelago International Hotels), Adilah Rahman (Tourism Officer – Lead for Strategic Partnership and Market Access Unit, Brunei Tourism), Hosea Andreas Runkat (Chairman. Indonesia Exhibitions Companies Associations (IECA)), Bima Boediman (Head of SDU Project Management Office, InJourney Aviation Services), Christine Tan (Area Managing Director, SEA, Preferred Hotels & Resorts), and Yoel Sumitro (Chief Product Officer, tiket.com), who will share insights on key industry trends, market opportunities, destination development, digital transformation and the future of travel across Asia-Pacific.

Visitor registration

Travel Meet Asia 2026 takes place in Jakarta from 23 to 24 June 2026. Complimentary trade visitor passes are available until 22 June 2026, after which visitor passes will become chargeable. Registration for Travel Meet Asia 2026.

About Travel Meet Asia

TMA was launched by Messe Berlin Asia Pacific in 2019 at regional locations within Asia. Originally organised as a conference and networking event, TMA has since expanded into a B2B trade show with exhibitions, conference sessions, and networking opportunities for the travel trade. 

(Source: Travel Meet Asia)

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Travel Meet Asia 2026 will return to Jakarta on 23 to 24 June, bringing together key industry leaders and international exhibitors from the MICE, Corporate and Leisure sectors.

The event will take place at Swissôtel Jakarta PIK Avenue, reinforcing Jakarta’s position as a strategic hub for travel and tourism exchange.

Organised by Messe Berlin Asia Pacific, Travel Meet Asia continues to grow as a leading marketplace and knowledge platform, with more than 1,500 participants, over 400 quality buyers, 100+ exhibitors and 60+ speakers expected to attend in 2026.

Messe Berlin Asia Pacific Executive Director Darren Seah said: “Travel Meet Asia has established itself as a vital platform for meaningful business exchange and industry dialogue in Southeast Asia. With Jakarta as our host city once again, we look forward to welcoming a growing community of travel professionals and to spotlighting Brunei as our Official Partner Country. The launch of Visit Brunei 2027 adds a strong dimension to this year’s event, highlighting the region’s dynamic and evolving tourism landscape.”

Visit Brunei 2027 launch

Brunei Darussalam, the Abode of Peace, will take centre stage as the Official Partner Country of Travel Meet Asia 2026. This milestone reflects the nation’s commitment to strengthening its global tourism presence through authentic cultural offerings and pristine nature-based attractions. Visitors are invited to discover a serene destination where unspoiled rainforests, rich biodiversity, and enduring traditions come together to create truly memorable journeys.

“We are honoured to be named the Official Partner Country for Travel Meet Asia 2026, a vital platform for regional tourism connectivity. This partnership offers a strategic opportunity for Brunei Darussalam to showcase our unique blend of rich cultural heritage, pristine rainforests, and warm hospitality as we build momentum toward Visit Brunei Year 2027. 

“Through the Brunei Pavilion, we invite visitors to discover our diverse offerings, upcoming initiatives and curated experiences. We warmly welcome industry partners to experience first-hand what makes Brunei a peaceful, authentic, and distinctive destination in Southeast Asia,” said  Acting Director of Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Hajah Nur Fariza Munyati binti Haji Abd Aji.

Travel Meet Asia 2026 builds on its strategic collaboration with ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen Indonesia’s tourism and MICE sector. The partnership supports Indonesia’s role as a key regional hub for tourism and business exchange.

The 2026 edition will feature a 20% increase in exhibition space compared to the previous year, reflecting strong industry demand and growing market confidence. Confirmed exhibitors include leading hospitality brands, destination representatives and travel service providers such as Accor, Adaaran Maldives, Churchill Safaris, Finland Pavilion, New World Saigon and Tokyu Hotels.

The event offers networking opportunities to engage with key buyers from Southeast Asia and international markets. Participating buyers include Azza Travel & Tours Pte Ltd, Bandar Tour, Chacha L Tours & Travel, Mavp Travel & Tours, MG Bedbank, Myduta Tour, Smile Holiday, Webbeds, Wolo Travel, and Xiaomi.

Buyers from key markets, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, are expected to participate.

Running alongside the show, the conference programme will provide in-depth insights into key Southeast Asian travel markets, with sessions curated across six broad themes: Market Insights and Trends, Travel and Destination Marketing, Hospitality and Alternative Accommodations, MICE and Corporate Travel, Travel Technology, and Transportation and Mobility.

(Source: Messe Berlin Asia Pacific)

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Regionally, Indonesians lead the ranks with 69% of survey respondents selecting family travel as the top choice, higher than the Asia-wide average of 52%. They are followed closely by Vietnam (61%), Malaysia (59%), Taiwan (58%) and the Philippines (55%). Thailand and South Korea both report half of respondents (50%) travelling with family, while India records 40% and Japan 32%.

The findings come from Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook survey and underscore the enduring importance of family as a driver of travel across the region. For many travellers, family trips prioritise shared experiences, convenience and value, whether that means multi-generational holidays, school holiday breaks, or extended family reunions. Destinations that offer family-friendly accommodations, accessible transport and activities that appeal to multiple age groups will continue to be a draw for family travellers this summer.

Families making their summer vacation plans can take practical steps to make booking and travel go more smoothly. When searching for accommodation, filtering for larger room configurations or connecting rooms and suites can help ensure everyone has space to relax, while prioritising properties with kid-friendly amenities such as pools and play areas can help keep children engaged. Flexible cancellation and modification policies offer peace of mind and safeguard plans that may change. Lastly, choosing locations with easy access to family attractions to reduce transit time to maximise quality time together.

Agoda Associate Vice President Krishna Rathi commented: “Family travel remains at the heart of many people’s travel plans across Asia, especially during the summer vacation months. Our insights show clear differences by market but a shared priority for comfort, convenience and quality experiences that bring the family together. At Agoda, we make it easy for families to find the right stay, whether they need extra space, child-friendly facilities or proximity to family attractions so they can focus on making memories together.”

(Source: Agoda)

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The event is organised through a strategic partnership between E&C Productions and TTG Events and is supported by the Republic of Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism. It aims to unite buyers and exhibitors from Indonesia and other international markets, creating a platform for industry growth and business exchange for an estimated 250 buyers and 200 sellers. 

With strong international air connectivity and its status as the capital, Jakarta offers an accessible and strategic location for global and regional delegates. The event will be held at the Jakarta International Convention Centre, located approximately 45 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Held alongside IBEM, SEABEF will serve as a regional platform for knowledge sharing and industry dialogue, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and associations to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of business events in Southeast Asia. 

The co-location of both platforms creates a comprehensive experience—combining thought leadership with commercial engagement under one umbrella.

About IBEM
Indonesia Business Event Mart (IBEM) is a new business events’ marketplace designed to connect global and regional industry players with Indonesia’s fast-growing business events sector. The event is organised in collaboration with E&C Productions and supported by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia.

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The signing marks another strategic step in SONO’s expansion across Indonesia, reinforcing its focus on high-potential destinations in Southeast Asia.

Located on Jalan Nelayan, just a short commute from Batu Bolong Beach, the hotel sits in the heart of Canggu, one of Bali’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations, known for its surf culture, creative energy, and dining scene.

SONO Felice Bali Canggu is designed to cater to both short-term and extended stays. The concept reflects growing demand for flexible, design-led accommodation, appealing to digital nomads and a new generation of global travellers.

SONO Hotels & Resorts Asia, Senior Vice President-Asia Jihong An said: “Canggu represents one of the most compelling lifestyle markets in the region, and this hotel reflects our focus on aligning product, location, and partner vision to deliver sustainable performance.”

(Source: SONO Hotels & Resorts)

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