Building on FCM’s established content offering, the move reflects its continued commitment to content as a key reason customers choose to do business with FCM, and one of the strongest reasons their travellers book within their programme.

Ping, who already works closely with FCM customers, will own FCM’s content distribution strategy and lead its execution globally.

Collaborating with every FCM discipline, including product, marketing, operations, sales and account management, she will ensure customers have consistent access to content their programmes will actually use across air, hotel and ground in every market FCM operates in.

The appointment is the next step in how FCM organises around content.

FCM is aligning its content teams around a “build once, use at scale” approach, built on a single content stack spanning NDC, GDS, direct connect and proprietary tools, sourced and reconciled in one place.

For customers, that translates into measurable value. They can save up to 18% on airfares through this multi-source approach.

Separately, UK rail split ticketing can save up to 20%, and comparing air and rail side by side helps travellers choose the option that boosts productivity and sustainability in one step.

Ping brings more than a decade of travel distribution experience to the role. Before joining FCM’s parent company, Flight Centre Travel Group, in 2019, she delivered the NDC solution for British Airways.

(Source: FCM Travel)

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To make those choices easier to see and act on, Trip.com Group is introducing My Travel Impact, a new feature in the Trip.com app that brings travellers’ more sustainable choices across hotels, flights and rail together in one place.

The report, based on a survey of 8,777 respondents across 29 markets in four regions, finds that sustainability is moving from awareness towards action and experience: travellers see more sustainable choices not only as a responsibility, but as a way to enrich a trip.

Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun said: “Making travel a positive force for the world it connects is a shared responsibility, and the travel industry has a vital role to play in preserving the places, nature and communities that make travel meaningful for generations to come. At Trip.com Group, we believe every journey can make a difference, and we are working to make sustainability part of the travel experience — from lower-carbon transport and certified sustainable stays to helpful information, personalised recommendations and tools such as My Travel Impact.”

The report shows what motivates travellers to choose more sustainable options, what holds them back and what would make those choices easier.

Motivating action: Making sustainable travel more accessible

Environmental responsibility (52.5%) and preserving destinations for future generations (50.8%) emerged as the leading motivations for making more sustainable travel choices. Nearly half of respondents (44.4%) also cited more authentic travel experiences.

However, higher prices remain the most cited barrier (37.1%), followed by inconvenience or additional effort (29.8%) and difficulty identifying more sustainable options (27.1%). Price (64.1%) and quality and comfort (61.8%) also remain the leading considerations when choosing travel.

My Travel Impact puts a traveller’s more sustainable choices in one place

Findings also show a keen demand for tools that help travellers make more informed sustainable travel choices. Clear sustainable labels (41.6%) top the list of what travellers want most from online travel agencies, and 32.7% would like a dashboard showing the carbon impact of their bookings. Sustainability is also shaping where people book: 64.2% say more sustainable travel offerings will influence their platform choice.

My Travel Impact answers that demand with an overview of the more sustainable choices a traveller has made through Trip.com, drawing on three parts of the journey:

• • Hotels: nights stayed at properties carrying Trip.com’s Certified Sustainable label, which is based on recognised third-party certification.
• • Flights: estimated emissions avoided from choosing lower-emission flight options, where comparable data is available, using the Travel Impact Model recommended by Travalyst.
• • Rail: estimated emissions savings from choosing rail over gasoline cars, where comparable data is available.

By bringing information previously spread across different travel products into one dashboard, My Travel Impact makes travellers’ choices easier to understand.

Exploring nature and outdoor destinations (41.6%), scenic rail journeys (34.1%) and visiting lesser-known destinations with fewer crowds (32.7%) lead the options travellers say would improve their experience, followed by staying in hotels with strong sustainability practices (31.9%) and travelling off-season (29.6%).

Sustainability also influences destination appeal. Good public transport or lower-carbon mobility (56.0%) and protection of natural and cultural heritage (50.6%) would most increase travellers’ interest in visiting.

Climate risks reshape how travellers plan

Extreme weather is already changing travel plans: 62.0% of travellers adjusted at least one aspect of a trip because of it, with 29.9% delaying or rescheduling a trip, 23.6% changing the season or timing of travel and 21.9% switching destination.

Younger travellers lead the shift

Gen Z and Millennials show the strongest engagement with more sustainable travel. Nearly seven in ten Gen Z (69.5%) intentionally chose more sustainable travel options, versus 63.0% of Millennials, 50.6% of Gen X and 40.6% of Boomers. More than three-quarters of Gen Z (76.7%) say more sustainable offerings would influence their OTA choice.

Trip.com Group works with industry partners including GSTC and Travalyst to support credible certification and consistent emissions information. At the same time, responsible travel guidance from organisations such as WWF helps inform the practical tips we share with travellers.

View the full report here: Trip.com Group 2026 Sustainable Travel Consumer Report

(Source: Trip.com Group)

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As part of its regional growth strategy, H World APAC plans to open approximately 70 hotels over the next five years. 

Under the collaboration, Agoda will support H World APAC’s expansion efforts by providing market intelligence, facilitating introductions to prospective hotel investors and partners, and supporting location assessment and business development initiatives in selected markets.

The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration in market intelligence and business data analytics, enabling both parties to identify growth opportunities and increase market share across the regions.

A key component of the agreement focuses on creating additional value for hotels. Participating H World APAC properties will benefit from Agoda’s extensive distribution network, marketing initiatives, and revenue growth programs. These initiatives are designed to help participating hotels improve visibility, drive demand, and optimise commercial performance.

“Asia-Pacific is central to the next chapter of H World Group’s global growth journey. Our strengths in hotel operations, brand building, supply chain management and operational efficiency have enabled us to become the world’s fourth-largest hotel group by room count. Agoda complements these capabilities with deep demand intelligence and extensive market reach across Asia-Pacific. Together, we can accelerate our expansion in a more asset-light manner while creating a more compelling value proposition for hotel owners seeking a trusted growth partner,” said H World Group Asia Pacific President Murphy Zhu.

Agoda Senior Vice President Andrew Smith added: “We’re excited to support H World APAC’s ambitions across Asia-Pacific. Supporting growth starts with understanding where travellers want to go and what they’re looking for. With Agoda’s travel demand insights, global distribution reach, and local market expertise, we’re well positioned to help H World APAC identify opportunities and connect its hotels with more travellers.”

(Source: H World Hotel Management Pte Ltd)

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From 9 to 16 November, travellers can enjoy at least 30% off participating accommodations* when booking stays through to 31 December 2027.

Combined with flexible booking options such as free cancellation and Book Now, Pay Later, travellers can plan with greater confidence while retaining the flexibility to adapt their itineraries as needed.

Making travel more accessible

While travel remains a priority for many, travellers across the region are increasingly mindful of their spending and looking for ways to make their budgets go further. 

According to Booking.com’s Travel Happiness Index1, nearly half (47%) of travellers in APAC consider travel an important part of their lives, yet many recognise the need to balance travel aspirations with everyday expenses. 

More than a quarter (27%) say they would only travel when they feel financially comfortable, highlighting the importance of accessible and value-driven travel opportunities.

Against a backdrop of ongoing economic uncertainty, travellers are becoming increasingly savvy in how they plan their trips.

Nearly one in five (19%) travellers in Asia Pacific are actively seeking out deals and more affordable destinations to maximise their travel budgets. In comparison, more than two-thirds (67%) say they are willing to adjust their travel dates or destination choices to secure better value.

With savings across a broad range of properties in the region, Booking.com’s 11.11 Super Sale lets travellers lock in competitive rates for upcoming holidays, long weekends, and even trips well into 2027.

*At least 30% savings available on new accommodation bookings at participating properties globally, indicated by the ‘11.11’ label on the search results and room selection pages. Savings vary by destination country. Bookings must be made before 1500 CET on 16/11/26 for stays with check-in from 9/11/26 and check-out on or before 31/12/27. 

(Source: Booking.com).

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The project was launched in partnership with SES, a global satellite communications provider, and the airline is installing the equipment at its own technical facility.

The first Airbus A321LR equipped with high-speed satellite Wi-Fi operated its first flight with internet access on board on the Almaty–Tashkent route last week.

The project was implemented with support from the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

“Over the past year, significant work has been undertaken to establish the regulatory framework for introducing satellite internet connectivity on aircraft. Together with international partners, satellite operators and relevant organisations, we have addressed the requirements for using non-geostationary satellite systems in aviation. This has paved the way for the practical implementation of the technology. 

“The first Air Astana aircraft equipped with satellite connectivity is a tangible result of this work. We will continue to expand access to high-quality internet so that people can stay connected while travelling, including by train and by air,” said the Republic of Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev.

“High-speed Wi-Fi will make flights more comfortable, allowing our passengers to stay connected and use the internet in the air. At the same time, having our own technical specialists install the equipment further develops Air Astana’s in-house engineering expertise. We thank the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and the Ministry of Transport for their support in introducing satellite internet in aviation,” said Air Astana CEO Ibrahim Canliel,

All passengers will have free internet access during the introductory period until 31 January 2027. From 1 February 2027, Business Class passengers and Nomad Club members with Gold and Diamond status will have complimentary Wi-Fi access. Nomad Club members of all tiers can use onboard messaging services free of charge, while other passengers can purchase internet packages.

The rollout of high-speed Wi-Fi across the Airbus A321LR fleet will continue in phases throughout 2027.

(Source: Air Astana)

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The 16 to 30 October drydock introduces the Sanctuary Collection to Royal Princess, part of the cruise line’s rollout to five of its Royal-Class ships. It brings fresh energy to the ship’s signature Piazza with O’Malley’s Irish Pub and an expanded Bellini’s cocktail bar. 

Royal Princess now offers the premium, all-inclusive Sanctuary Collection, including access to the Sanctuary Club (from April 2027), elevated amenities and personalised service. New for Royal Princess, newly constructed oceanview staterooms can be reserved as part of the Sanctuary Collection, along with suites, mini-suites, deluxe balcony and balcony staterooms. In addition, the Sanctuary Restaurant – only available to Sanctuary Collection guests – is open on deck 6.

As part of the dry dock enhancements, Royal Princess also adds 20 guest cabins — six mini-suites, seven oceanview, two interiors, and five single interiors.

Singapore sailings before Australian summer season

Royal Princess began her first Singapore-based cruise on 1 November, a nine-night itinerary to Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Ko Samui, followed by a 13-night Southeast Asia cruise departing 10 November and concluding in Sydney on 25 November, with calls at Lombok, Darwin, Yorkeys Knob, and Brisbane.

Royal Princess is one of three Princess ships sailing Australia during the 2026-27 season, which features 42 itineraries and 62 departures. Based in Sydney for the season, Royal Princess will offer a variety of voyages showcasing the natural beauty, vibrant cities and distinctive cultures of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, along with shorter coastal getaways.

Singapore season

Diamond Princess will arrive in Singapore on 9 December 2026 from Japan and begin regional sailings to Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

Sapphire Princess will arrive in Singapore on 26 December from North America to join Diamond Princess for their twin-ship deployment in Singapore until February- March 2027. Their last twin-ship deployment in Singapore was back in 2019.

After their Singapore season, both ships will sail to Japan for Princess Cruises’ first twin-ship deployment for the March–December 2027 season, featuring the cruise line’s largest-ever Japan programme, offering 78 departures and 50 itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days

(Source: Princess Cruises)

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Initially introduced as a limited test last September, Agoda’s AI Assistant has now expanded to users across 21 markets, helping them discover, plan, and book travel in Agoda’s mobile app.

Planning a single trip often means switching between AI chats, search engines, review sites, maps, and booking apps. Even after finding a recommendation they like, travellers are left with questions such as: Is the price real? Is it available for their dates? And how do they actually book it?

Agoda’s AI Assistant answers those questions. It combines conversational trip planning with Agoda’s live inventory. Travellers can explore ideas, compare options, check prices and availability, and continue booking through Agoda without starting over at every step.

From where? To book it

A traveller could ask Agoda’s AI Assistant to help plan a five-day family trip to Osaka, compare neighbourhoods, explore restaurants and attractions, and find available accommodations and flights for their dates. The assistant retains preferences and trip context as the plan develops.

Built for multi-step travel decisions, the AI assistant brings each part of the trip together on a trip planner canvas, where customers can sketch out their itinerary with upcoming bookings, places they want to visit, and plans still taking shape. Travellers can respond conversationally or tap through suggested choices while keeping their itinerary and previous decisions in view.

Early insights from the beta show that customers using Agoda’s AI Assistant are more likely to book a “connected trip” that combines multiple types of travel products, such as hotels, flights, attraction tickets and tours. Agoda has also integrated web search into the assistant so that it can provide up-to-date information from the web alongside Agoda’s live inventory.

OpenAI models currently power the AI assistant’s core conversational intelligence. For restaurants and points of interest, Agoda’s AI Assistant uses Gemini with Google Maps Grounding to surface current information from Google Maps, including ratings, photos, opening hours, and locations.

Agoda Chief Executive Officer Omri Morgenshtern said: “Travel planning today is fragmented. People jump between apps, tabs, messages, and spreadsheets to organise a single trip. With Agoda’s AI Assistant, we’re changing that. We’re giving travellers a smart companion that understands their preferences and trip context and adapts to their needs. Our goal is to remove the repetitive work from travel planning so that travellers can make inspired decisions with more confidence.”

(Source: Agoda)

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Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 0.3%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), decreased 0.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.2% (-0.3 ppt compared to September 2025).

International demand grew 0.4% compared to September 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand grew by 1.7%. Capacity was up 0.5% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.6% (-0.1 ppt compared to September 2025).

Domestic demand fell 2.2% compared to September 2025. Capacity decreased 1.3% year-on-year. The load factor was 82.5% (-0.7 ppt during the same reference period).

“Air traffic demand fell 0.5% in September, reflecting weaknesses in the Middle East and North America. Nevertheless, this improved from August, with a welcome return to growth in most international markets. These patterns have repeated themselves throughout much of the year, and we can expect them to continue amid geopolitical uncertainty and volatile fuel prices. Global scheduled seat capacity is expected to remain above 2025 levels in October and November, but the rates of growth remain weak and highly unbalanced between regions,” said IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen.

Regional Breakdown – International Passenger Markets 

International RPK grew 0.4%, with capacity up 0.5%. Most key routes improved over August, with some returning to growth and others seeing a slower rate of decline. 

Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 0.7% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 0.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.1% (+0.3 ppt compared to September 2025). Traffic increased on four of the six largest international route areas serving Asia-Pacific. On routes within Asia, traffic declined by 0.9%, though at a slower rate than in August.

European carriers saw a 1.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity rose 1.2% year-on-year, and the load factor was 86.1% (+0.5 ppt compared to September 2025). Traffic on the transatlantic corridor declined by 0.6%, improving from a 2.5% contraction in August.

North American carriers saw flat demand of 0.0% year-on-year. Capacity fell 1.9% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.9% (+1.6 ppt vs September 2025). Traffic declined on three of the four largest international route areas serving North America, although the decreases were less severe than in August.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 7.5% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity fell 3.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 78.3% (-3.6 ppt compared to September 2025). Traffic on the Middle East–Asia corridor fell by 8.8%, a deeper contraction than the 7.9% decline recorded in August. By contrast, the 3.0% fall on the Middle East–North America corridor was a slightly smaller decline than last month.

Latin American airlines achieved an 8.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 7.6% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.9% (+0.5 ppt compared to September 2025).

African airlines saw demand rise 8.0% year-on-year. Capacity was up 8.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 74.8% (-0.6 ppt compared to September 2025).

(Source: IATA)

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Beginning with two WeRide-developed autonomous vehicles, the service aims to give guests more convenient, accessible transport to get around and discover the island in a scenic, enjoyable way.

This pilot will complement Sentosa’s existing intra-island transport network with 27 pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) points, launched progressively. The autonomous vehicles will use the service roads along Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach, as well as the island’s public roads, to create faster commutes and connections for day-to-day visitors.

This means guests can reach beachfront attractions and restaurants more directly, without needing to transfer to a beach shuttle. 

This is Sentosa’s first on-demand shared service to operate across such a wide network of locations. The first phase of the pilot service is expected to commence in early 2027.

This new service 1 Siloso Beach Walk and Palawan Beach Walk, which are service roads along Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach, respectively. Passenger cars and Private Hire Vehicles cannot access them; only service vehicles for goods and delivery can.

The pilot will explore how on-demand shared autonomous mobility can reduce wait times, increase ride certainty, and shorten connections between transport nodes, hotels, and attractions. 

Each autonomous vehicle seats up to eight guests and includes a safety operator. TADA’s on-demand mobility platform will connect guests to autonomous vehicles through a familiar, regional ride-booking experience. The service will operate alongside Sentosa’s existing modes of transport, such as the Sentosa beach shuttles and buses, demonstrating how different modes of transport can work alongside one another. Ride bookings will use GPS data to suggest the nearest available PUDO points across the island. Guests can scan the

QR code on the on-site wayfinding signage for more information on the service and PUDO locations. 

(Source: Sentosa Development Corporation)

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Through October 2027, the ship will offer short-bream cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and longer cruises to Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.

“Navigator of the Seas’ arrival in Singapore marks a game-changing moment for Royal Caribbean, making it easier for vacationers to discover more of Asia from one convenient homeport. With a range of short getaways and longer journeys to destinations across the region, Navigator gives vacationers greater flexibility in how they experience Asia,” said Royal Caribbean President of Greater China and Managing Director Asia Ben Bouldin. “We’re thrilled to welcome Navigator to Singapore and give families and friends more ways to explore, reconnect and make every getaway count.”

From Singapore, vacationers can choose from two- to five-night getaways across Southeast Asia, exploring the heritage-rich streets and renowned food scenes of Penang, Malaysia, unwinding on the beaches of Phuket, Thailand, or discovering the scenic landscapes of Langkawi, Malaysia. 

Vacationers can also embark on a 10-night journey to Thailand and Vietnam, stopping in Ho Chi Minh City and coastal Da Nang, Vietnam, and spending an overnight in Bangkok, Thailand. For longer adventures, 12-night journeys between Singapore and Tokyo explore destinations across Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Navigator’s year-long Singapore season is part of Royal Caribbean’s 2027–28 Asia-Pacific lineup. From January to April 2028, Voyager of the Seas will sail from Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, while Ovation and Anthem of the Seas offer adventures from Brisbane and Sydney, Australia. Quantum of the Seas will follow Navigator of the Seas’ season in Singapore, with cruises kicking off in October 2027.

(Source: Royal Caribbean)

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