Agoda offers travellers diverse room options when booking a hotel, with room types and offers varying by occupancy, cancellation terms, meal inclusions, and price.

The Room Grid Bot addresses this by using travellers’ current search details and the preferences they share in the conversation to recommend the most relevant options. These recommendations appear directly within the chat, helping travellers narrow down their choices without needing to compare every listing.

Travellers can access the Bot from the room-selection page after tapping “Select room” on a hotel’s property page in the Agoda app. They can start a conversation by tapping the “Need help choosing a room? Let AI help you” banner without leaving the room-selection page.

Travellers can ask the Bot to find options with specific inclusions, such as free breakfast, or to answer relevant property questions, such as check-in times. The Bot also highlights a “Best pick,” helping travellers more easily identify a suitable room based on their preferences.

Idan Zalzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Agoda, said, “Choosing a hotel is only part of the booking decision. Travellers also need to find the right room for their trip, which can be challenging when many options are available. The Room Grid Bot helps narrow down those choices based on what travellers want and need, making it easier to identify and book the room that best suits their trip.”

The launch builds on Agoda’s growing suite of AI-powered tools across the hotel booking journey. The Property AMA (Ask Me Anything) Bot answers accommodation-specific questions as travellers explore a property, while the Booking Form Bot addresses common questions during checkout. Together, the tools provide relevant support as travellers explore hotels, select rooms, and complete their bookings.

(Source: Agoda)

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The event brought together more than 100 participants, including representatives from 16 Singapore travel agencies, three Taiwan-based airlines (China Airlines, EVA Air, and STARLUX Airlines), American Express, the four county governments, and 25 Taiwanese tourism businesses, including hotels, leisure farms, tourism factories, attractions, and travel operators.

The event was organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Miaoli County Government in partnership with the Taichung City Government, Changhua County Government and Nantou County Government.

Among the distinguished guests were Ambassador Tong Chen-Yuan, representative of the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore, and Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore Office Director Paul Shih.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Tong noted that Singapore remains one of Taiwan’s most important inbound tourism markets. Between 2023 and 2025, annual visitor arrivals from Singapore remained at around 450,000, with 463,893 visitors recorded in 2023, making Singapore one of the few international markets to have fully recovered beyond pre-pandemic levels.

Four Signature Travel Experiences Introduced to the Singapore Market

The promotion centred on four signature themed itineraries:

• Miaoli – Blessings & Banquet Journey
• Taichung – Urban Lifestyle & Creativity
• Changhua – Railway Heritage & Culinary Discovery
• Nantou – Sustainable Mountain Wellness

NATAS Travel Fair launch

The four themed itineraries will be officially launched at the NATAS Travel Fair in Singapore from 21 to 23 August through leading travel agencies.

(Source: Taiwan Tourism Administration)

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Available as RadissonHotels in ChatGPT, the app enables travellers to search for Radisson Hotels properties across over 100 countries and more than 1,000 hotels through natural conversation. 

By starting a new ChatGPT conversation with RadissonHotels at the start of the prompt, travellers can ask for advice on planning a family-friendly weekend stay in Amsterdam or a hotel in Paris with a gym and spa near the Eiffel Tower. The app will respond with relevant Radisson Hotels properties with live inventory and rates, location context, amenities, hotel details, and interactive map-based results. When ready, travellers are directed to complete the reservation through the Radisson Hotels website.

Radisson ChatGPT app workflow

The launch marks an important step in Radisson Hotel Group’s move toward agentic commerce: a shift from traditional, channel-based booking journeys to AI-led experiences in which discovery, comparison, and decision-making occur through conversation. As travellers increasingly turn to AI to ask questions, narrow down options, and plan trips, hospitality brands need to be visible, accurate, and actionable at the moment of intent.

This shift is already underway. According to Accenture’s Consumer Pulse Research, 87% of travellers are open to collaborating with an AI-powered travel agent to find the best option, and 71% of travellers say that at least half of their spend for hotels or airlines will be influenced by AI over the next 12 months. Radisson Hotel Group is seeing the change firsthand, noting that organic and direct web traffic channels that have historically driven online bookings are giving way to new touchpoints like ChatGPT.

(Source: Radisson Hotel Group)

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NATAS Holidays 2026 returns bigger than before, with a 25% increase in exhibition space and nearly 100 exhibitors. Visitors can explore travel offerings from travel agents, National Tourism Organisations, airlines, cruise operators, hotels and resorts, banks, insurance and other travel-related partners. 

NATAS welcomes 14 National Tourism Organisations to the fair, representing a 40% increase in participation compared to the previous fair in 2025. 

Designated the show’s Destination Partner for the second consecutive year, Papua New Guinea promises to captivate visitors with its rich culture and vibrant showcase. 

Building on that success, visitors can once again look forward to experiencing captivating cultural performances and discovering more about the destination at Papua New Guinea’s booth. His Excellency Kapi Tau Maro, High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea to Singapore and Guest-of-Honour, will grace the opening ceremony.

On stage, visitors can expect an exciting lineup of stage programmes from 1300 to 2000 daily, featuring performances and informative travel talks by destination partners and travel agents.

Visitors who spend a minimum of SGD500 at the fair will be eligible to participate in the NATAS Lucky Dip, where they can win a range of attractive prizes, including flight tickets from Singapore Airlines or China Southern Airlines.

“NATAS Holidays 2026 brings the world within reach by connecting consumers with travel agents, destinations and exclusive holiday offers all together. Whether visitors are planning their next getaway or finding inspiration, this is the place to book their dream holiday. Visitors can also enjoy destination showcases and cultural performances that bring the world closer to home,” said NATAS President Steven Ler.

Etiqa Insurance Singapore continues as Official Travel Insurer, marking another year of a trusted and longstanding partnership. As a valued partner, Etiqa Insurance Singapore continues to support travellers with comprehensive travel insurance that provides confidence and peace of mind throughout their journeys. Visitors to the fair can also enjoy exclusive event-only promotions.

“Travel creates opportunities for discovery, connection and memorable experiences. While no journey is without uncertainties, being prepared can make all the difference. Through our continued collaboration with NATAS, we aim to help travellers embark on their journeys with confidence, knowing they have trusted protection and support when it matters most,” said  Etiqa Insurance Singapore acting CEO Claudia Soh.

NATAS names valued partners: Singapore Airlines as Strategic Airline Partner, Travel Guide, and Strategic Media Partner; and Yoowifi as Preferred Roaming Partner, for their continued support and dedication to the NATAS Travel Fairs. NATAS also thanked Air Niugini, Blackmores, China Southern Airlines, Australian Fruit Juice (S) Pte Ltd, Freshening Industries Pte Ltd, and HONSEI for their generous contributions. 

Visit NATAS Travel Fairs for more information. NATAS Holidays 2026 will be held from 21 to 23 August 2026, from 1000 to 2130 daily. Admission is free.

(Source: NATAS)

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Pricing pressures are expected to ease gradually next year. Still, travel costs are unlikely to return to prior levels, as many of the forces driving higher prices have become long-term features of the industry rather than short-term disruptions.

This is according to the new 2027 Global Business Travel Forecast, released last week by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and ALTOUR. The report examines the economic forces reshaping the cost of business travel globally, including energy prices, labour costs, aircraft supply constraints, currency fluctuations and other factors.

“Business travel remains a powerful indicator of business confidence. Companies continue to invest in face-to-face connections, customer relationships and growth despite higher costs and greater complexity,” said  GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. “Business travel may need to weather more uncertainty through this year. In this environment, a well-managed travel program is essential. Realising travel’s full value will depend on managed programs backed by strategic foresight, data and decision-making.”

The forecast identifies energy prices and labour costs as the two most significant forces shaping business travel pricing. The 2026 closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggered the largest oil supply disruption on record, driving sharp increases in crude oil and jet fuel prices and affecting airline operating costs worldwide. Although fuel prices have retreated from peak levels, labour costs continue to rise across airlines, hotels, ground transportation, and event and meeting providers due to multi-year agreements, wage inflation, and ongoing workforce shortages.

Airfares face pricing pressure

Air travel remains the most volatile category in the forecast, reflecting continued exposure to fuel costs, aircraft shortages, labour expenses and premium-cabin constraints.

On average, global airfare is forecast to reach USD756, up 4.7% from 2025. Economy fares are projected to rise 8.7% in 2026 to USD536.

Premium fares (e.g. premium economy, business class and first class) are expected to increase 9.5% to USD4,488, reflecting ongoing pressure on long-haul and premium travel markets.

In 2027, airfare increases are expected to slow to 1.5% for overall fares, 1.1% for economy fares, and 2.2% for premium fares.

North America and EMEA are expected to experience some of the strongest average airfare increases in 2026, driven by capacity constraints, higher operating costs and ongoing aircraft delivery delays.

In contrast, Latin America is seeing capacity grow alongside demand, helping moderate airfare increases relative to other regions.

Global hotel growth masks widening regional gap

Global hotel average daily rates (ADR) are expected to increase 3.7% in 2026 to USD168, followed by a more moderate 1.8% increase in 2027 to USD171.

Ground transportation Stabilises

Car rental, the largest component of managed ground transportation, saw rates decline in 2025. Average rates are forecast to increase by 3.6% in 2026 to USD46.50 per day, then drop by 0.9% in 2027 to USD46.10 per day.

Among global regions, APAC rates in 2026 are expected to be the highest at USD57.70 per day, up 4.0%. Fleet availability and vehicle supply are stabilising, helping moderate pricing pressure across most regions.

Event budgets rise despite cost pressures

Meetings and events budgets are expected to increase through 2026 and 2027. While negotiated group hotel rates remain relatively stable, food and beverage, production and labour costs continue to put pressure on program budgets.

Cost per attendee per day is forecast to increase approximately 3.0% to USD263 in 2026 and 1.5% to USD267 in 2027.

Food and beverage and production expenses remain the primary drivers of meeting cost inflation.

While travel cost growth is expected to moderate in 2027, prices are unlikely to return to 2025 levels. Structural factors, including aircraft delivery delays, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) requirements, labour shortages, and geopolitical uncertainty, are expected to lead to a costlier travel environment.

The forecast also highlights significant regional and category differences, underscoring the need for more targeted travel planning. Rather than relying on global averages, travel buyers should evaluate costs by region, market and category, as pricing drivers vary considerably around the world.

Access the full report here for more detailed information, including regional breakdowns and category-specific analysis.

(Source: GBTA)

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Following her early delivery in Genoa on 23 July 2026, Explora III embarked on an exclusive Prelude Journey through the Mediterranean before arriving in Barcelona for the official Naming Ceremony. 

Measuring 19.2 metres (63 ft) longer than her sister ships, Explora I and Explora II, she offers 19.5 sqm of public space per guest ― one of the highest ratios in the industry.

The ship’s expanded footprint also introduces new and enhanced venues. A brighter, more open The Conservatory Pool & Bar, a redesigned Crema Café and a new Outdoor Cigar Lounge alongside the Malt Whisky Bar further enrich onboard life. Ocean Wellness has been reimagined as a unified sanctuary that brings together spa and fitness facilities.

Advanced Marine Technology

As the first LNG-powered vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, Explora III represents the next step in the brand’s investment in advanced marine technologies. Designed to operate on liquefied natural gas today, the ship also offers a pathway towards renewable alternatives such as bio-LNG and synthetic LNG as these become increasingly available. She is equipped with shore power capability, enabling connection to onshore electricity in ports with existing infrastructure, allowing engines to be switched off while alongside.

Explora III departed on 3 August on her seven-night Maiden Journey to Lisbon. Her inaugural season will then take her through Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland and North America, offering guests an extraordinary way to experience some of the world’s most captivating destinations while enjoying the most spacious and refined expression of the Explora Journeys experience to date.

(Source: Explora Journeys).

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The feature forms part of continued enhancements to FCM Booking, FCM’s proprietary booking platform, and its ongoing global expansion — giving customers an easier, more intelligent booking experience.

Conversational booking is made possible by FCM’s existing intelligence layer, Sam. By synthesising intelligence at every traveller interaction, Sam builds a richer profile in real time. Every recommendation will include its reasoning, showing why it fits policy, matches a traveller’s usual routing, reflects their loyalty programme, or aligns with how their team travels. That visibility will help travellers book with confidence, without second-guessing.

“Conversational booking only works if travellers trust what they’re being shown, and that trust comes from context, not just convenience”, said FCM Travel Global Head of Product, Jessica Dunderdale. “That’s the experience we’re building toward – every recommendation explains itself so that travellers can act on it with confidence, and travel managers see adoption follow as a result.”

That same booking experience also travels with the user. Available first in Microsoft Teams and Slack, Model Context Protocol (MCP) technology will extend booking capabilities to the AI tools travellers use every day, including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, without opening a separate app. For travel buyers, that means higher in-programme booking rates and better data capture, without asking travellers to change behaviour.

The intelligence that shapes conversational booking also feeds into FCM’s reporting and proactive analytics, surfacing spend, compliance, and disruption risk as they emerge rather than after the fact. This sharpens the role of the travel manager — allowing them to translate what the technology surfaces into decisions that fit their business.

(Source: FCM)

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Highlights for the first half of 2026 (relative to H1 2025 — constant currency)

Group revenue increased 2.3%, to EUR3,334.9 million, up 5.1%2.

Operating income grew 0.6%, to EUR943.2 million.

Adjusted EBIT1 amounted to EUR1,011.5 million, increasing 4.9%2.

Diluted EPS3 increased 1%. Adjusted diluted EPS1 grew 7.3%2.

Free cash flow amounted to EUR472.2 million, increasing 0.8%. 

Net financial debt was EUR2,577.5 million at 30 June 2026 (1.0 times last-twelve-month EBITDA4).

Air IT Solutions segment delivered an 8.7% revenue expansion.

Hospitality and Other Solutions (HOS) revenue increased by 9.2%.

In Airline Distribution, revenue grew 1.1% in H1 2026.

Amadeus opened 2026 with solid growth and profitability. From March, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East has been significantly impacting global air traffic, with IATA announcing negative growth in April and May, the first time in 15 years (excluding the Covid period). 

Amadeus reports that the geopolitical situation has moderated its growth outlook, in line with IATA global air traffic expectations. 

Amadeus President & CEO Luis Maroto commented: “Amadeus delivered solid revenue and profit growth in the first half, while maintaining sustained commercial momentum across our businesses. Despite softening in volumes from March amid the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, both customer demand for our solutions and our commercial pipeline remained strong. The recent slowdown in air traffic expectations has had a limited impact on our outlook, highlighting the breadth and diversification of our business across customers, segments and geographies.”

For more information about operating and financial performance during the first half of 2026, visit https://amadeus.com/en/investors.

(Source: Amadeus)

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The promotion follows Vietjet’s first recognition as Best Hybrid Airline at the Korea Consumer Awards 2026, highlighting a key milestone in its ongoing hybrid transformation.

The promotion covers direct flights from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, as well as the upcoming Singapore-Nha Trang service, scheduled to launch in December 2026.

Until 1200 on 9 August 2026 (GMT+8), travellers can book promotional Eco fare tickets for flights to Vietnam via the airline’s website and mobile app, as well as other authorised sales channels. The fares are available for travel between 5 September 2026 and 31 March 2027 (excluding public holidays and peak travel periods, subject to market conditions) and also apply to domestic routes in Vietnam and other international services.

The promotion includes direct flights from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, as well as the upcoming Singapore-Nha Trang service, scheduled to launch at the end of this year.

Passengers looking for additional comfort can also enjoy 30% off Business and SkyBoss fares on all direct international flights by using the promo code BUSB88. A 20% discount on Deluxe fares for Hanoi-Almaty-Prague flights is available with the promo code DLX88.

To make every journey even more enjoyable, passengers who pre-order meal combos will also receive an instant 50% discount. This meal promotion applies across Vietjet’s network direct services, for travel between 18 August 2026 and 31 March 2027.

The airline continues to expand its international network with the launch of new direct routes linking Hanoi to Prague (Czech Republic) and Almaty (Kazakhstan), and linking Ho Chi Minh City to Colombo (Sri Lanka) later this year.

(Source: Vietjet)

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Two ocean itineraries will begin operating in April 2027, making them the first Northern European voyages designed specifically for Chinese-speaking guests. This comes as international cruise operators seek to tap a boom in China’s outbound travel market, particularly among affluent consumers looking beyond conventional group tours.

“More than 100,000 Chinese guests have travelled with Viking, making China an important source market for our global fleet,” Viking China managing director Brendan Tansey told China Daily. He added that the company is confident in China’s premium travel market.

Its 930-guest ocean vessel, Viking Yidun, provides Chinese-language signage, entertainment systems, hotel services, and shore assistance, as well as Chinese electrical outlets, kettles, and a mix of Chinese and Western food.

Mediterranean season

The expansion follows the company’s launch of Chinese-language Mediterranean cruises on Viking Yidun, which will be sailing her first Mediterranean season from August this year until March 2027. The ship will offer eight- to 22-day regional sailings covering Western and Eastern Mediterranean ports, spanning nine countries including Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, France, Monaco, Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia.

The ship is currently sailing her first 60-day transcontinental voyage, which started in Shanghai in early June and will arrive in Barcelona in early August in time to start her maiden Mediterranean season.

Viking Yidun will continue to operate Chinese-language Mediterranean voyages during the winter of 2027 and will offer more than 10 combined ocean voyages, including a 60-day journey from Athens to Stockholm that covers 18 countries and 40 cities.

New itineraries for Northern Europe

The new routes comprise a 15-day voyage from Oslo to Stockholm, covering three Nordic capitals, Norwegian fjords, Berlin and destinations along historic Hanseatic trade routes, and a 14-day voyage from Lisbon to Oslo along Europe’s Atlantic coast.

Viking China will also introduce land-tour extensions in Oslo, Stockholm and Reykjavik.

14-Day repositioning cruise from Lisbon to Oslo: The itinerary departs on 9 April 2027 and includes visits to nine cities, including Porto (overnight), A Coruña and Bilbao in Spain; Pauillac and Bordeaux (overnight) in France; Le Havre in France; Zeebrugge in Belgium; and Kristiansand in Norway, before arriving in Oslo (overnight).

15-Day Viking Nordic Discovery: Oslo to Stockholm. Sailing dates — 22 April, 17 June, 15 July and 12 August.

Stockholm to Oslo sailing dates — 6 May, 3 June, 29 July and 26 August 
Seven Countries | 12 Destinations | 12 Shore Excursions and Experiences.

Guests will spend the night on board in Oslo before it sails to the Norwegian ports of Kristiansand, Bergen, Eidfjord, and Stavanger, then arrives in Copenhagen for another overnight before sailing the following morning to Warnemünde (Berlin). After which, the ship will visit Rønne, Bornholm, Denmark; Gdansk, Poland; Klaipeda, Lithuania; and Riga, Latvia, before arriving in Stockholm for another overnight stay.

15-Day Viking Nordic Discovery: There will be two Extended Journeys on 20 May and 1 July, each with an additional stop in Gothenburg, bringing the total to 13 destinations.

Oslo to Stockholm — Sailing date: 20 May
Stockholm to Oslo — Sailing date: 1 July
Seven Countries | 13 Destinations | 12 Included Shore Excursions and Experiences.

Begins in Oslo and travels through Norway, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Sweden. Explore the Nordic capitals of Copenhagen and Stockholm, and visit Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city and the birthplace of Volvo.

(Source: Viking)

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