The festival will bring together music, culture, creativity and communities from across Borneo under the theme ‘Beyond Jazz’.

The 2026 edition marks a new chapter for the festival, expanding beyond its traditional concert format into a broader festival experience that celebrates Borneo’s people, cultures and creative connections. 

Tickets for Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 will go on sale at midnight on 3 October 2026 via the official website, Jazzborneo.com.

The festival will feature stronger participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia, alongside Malaysian, regional and international performers representing seven countries. Across two evenings, audiences will experience 10 acts spanning jazz, contemporary R&B, hip-hop, electronic music, jazz fusion and other contemporary sounds.

The Honourable Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, said: “Twenty editions is an important milestone. It reflects the passion for music, creativity and cultural exchange that has sustained Borneo Jazz over the years. As we enter this new chapter, it is also an opportunity to look forward. ‘Beyond Jazz’ reflects the direction we want the festival to take, growing beyond the traditional concert experience into a wider platform for music, culture, creativity, tourism and community, while remaining firmly connected to Borneo.”

The 2026 programme will present five acts each night at the Main Ballroom of Pullman Miri Waterfront, with performances running from 1900 to midnight.

The opening night on 4 December will feature Elisha Tiga Eksperiment from Brunei, Marter from Japan, LaidThis Nite from Indonesia, Q Sound from the US, and Dato’ Zainalabidin & Julian Chan Jazz Orchestra from Malaysia.

The second night, 5 December, will feature Nathanie Ngu from Sarawak, Greg Tan & Ai Furusato under Berklee Asia Rising, Matthew Sayersz & Marclesia Karim from Indonesia, Brekky Boy from Australia, and Platina Jazz from Sweden.

Beyond the main concerts, the festival will introduce the Borneo Jazz Festival Village, a free-entry outdoor experience next to Pullman Miri Waterfront operating from 1000 to 2200 on both days.

The family-oriented space will feature food and beverage offerings, retail, arts and crafts, family activities, live performances, community experiences and interactive brand activations.

Speaking on behalf of Diamond Sponsor A&W Malaysia, Chief Operating Officer Angelina Fernandez said: “We are proud to support Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 and celebrate one of the region’s most anticipated music and cultural events. This partnership is especially meaningful as A&W begins a new chapter in Sarawak with the opening of our first Miri outlet. We look forward to growing alongside the community and creating more ‘Good Food, Good Times’ moments with Sarawakians.”

The Village will also feature the All Borneo Pavilion, bringing together participation from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia and further reinforcing the festival’s Borneo-wide character.

The collaboration with Berklee Asia Rising, a programme under Berklee College of Music, will strengthen the festival’s talent development efforts, with performers Greg Tan and Ai Furusato joining the programme. Workshops, masterclasses and collaborative sessions will give musicians and emerging talents opportunities to exchange knowledge, build skills and explore diverse musical perspectives.

Complementing the festival programme will be the Borneo Jazz Fun Run, a non-competitive 5km run open to participants of all ages. Taking place on 5 December 2026, the run will flag off at 0630 in front of Pullman Miri Waterfront and finish at the same location.

With Borneo Jazz taking place in the heart of Miri city centre and Pullman Miri Waterfront serving as its official venue, the wider surroundings will form part of the overall festival experience, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors, local communities and festival- goers while generating activity for local businesses and the tourism industry.

Festival-goers and music lovers are encouraged to save the date, as Borneo Jazz Festival 2026 promises two unforgettable nights of world-class performances, culture and community celebration in the heart of Miri. 

Tickets will go on sale at midnight on 3 October 2026 via Jazzborneo.com.

For more information on Sarawak’s attractions, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

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The event attracted nearly 3,000 Thai and international runners, marking another successful milestone in Bangkok Airways’ ongoing commitment to promoting sports tourism through running. 

The race commenced amid Chiang Mai’s picturesque scenery and iconic attractions, including the Royal Park Rajapruek, the Royal Project Agricultural Research and Development Centre, and Wat Phra That Doi Kham. These landmarks gave runners a memorable experience that blended sport, nature, and the Lanna region’s charm.

The competition featured three race categories: the 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km Mini Marathon, and 5 km Fun Run. Participants who completed the Half Marathon within the four-hour cut-off time received a limited-edition PUMA Finisher Shirt as a commemorative reward for their achievement at the season’s finale. 

The event also featured the Kids Series Race, an 800-metre adventure run held on Saturday, 26 September 2026, offering children aged 12 and under an engaging opportunity to build healthy exercise habits while enjoying a memorable family experience.

Bangkok Airways Director, Key Account and Ancillary Product, Komkrit Ngamwongwirot, said: “Bangkok Airways remains committed to promoting sports tourism through the ‘Bangkok Airways Boutique Series,’ which has now been organised continuously for its eighth year. The event combines sporting activities with the unique characteristics of each destination, while helping stimulate local economies and encouraging people to embrace healthier lifestyles through regular exercise.”

(Source: Bangkok Airways)

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For Almaty Tourism Bureau, participation in IT&CMA 2026 provided an opportunity to strengthen the city’s presence in the Asia-Pacific MICE market, establish new business contacts and present its infrastructure, services and experiences to international buyers and corporate travel professionals.

According to the organiser’s statistics, this year’s event brought together 600 exhibitors from 280 companies and organisations, 361 buyers from 50 countries and territories, and 30 media representatives. MICE professionals accounted for 79% of the hosted buyers, while 30% were new buyers participating in the event for the first time. 

Almaty Tourism Bureau, which promotes Visit Almaty, was among the new destination and corporate brands taking their own pavilion or booth at IT&CMA 2026 for the first time.

The Almaty delegation included tour companies and airlines, representing key areas of the destination’s MICE offering, including business tourism, accommodation, excursions, corporate events and air connectivity.

During the three-day event, Almaty representatives introduced international buyers and MICE professionals to the city’s possibilities for corporate meetings, incentive programmes, conferences and business events. The destination’s key advantage is the opportunity to combine professional events in a modern urban environment with cultural, gastronomic and outdoor experiences.

Almaty Tourism Bureau’s participation in IT&CMA 2026 supported the development of the city’s international MICE network and promoted Kazakhstan’s largest city as a destination for business events, incentive travel, and corporate programmes.

(Source: Almaty Tourism Bureau)

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Willem Niemeijer, CEO and founder of Khiri Travel, accepted the award on behalf of the staff and management of the 33-year-old DMC, which has grown to 20 offices in eight Asian countries.

Travel industry readers of TTG Asia and its related titles voted in the annual awards, which were founded in 1989.

After receiving the award, Niemeijer said: “Thank you to our travel industry voters. They recognised Khiri’s commitment to both responsible tourism and creating new travel experiences that appeal to discerning long-haul visitors from Europe and North America.”

Khiri Travel opened a second office in the Philippines in July.

Khiri Travel has recently won awards such as Best Destination Management Company in Southeast Asia at the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards, Destination Management Company of the Year in the 2025 Travel Daily Media Excellence Awards, the Outstanding Achievement Award for Most Sustainable Travel Company at the 2025 TTG Travel Awards, and 2025 Best Travel Agent & Specialist at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards, Asia Pacific.

Niemeijer added: “Khiri Travel is committed to constant improvement. We are motivated by the 4Cs operational guidelines of conservation, culture, community, and commerce, promoted by The Long Run travel advocacy group.”

Khiri Travel is also a co-organiser of the pan-Asian Steps for Impact 2027 grassroots charity event taking place on 30 January in eight Asian countries.

(Source: Khiri Travel)

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PITE 2026 will take place at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), with the programme combining 1.5 days of structured B2B appointments with a further 1.5 days of familiarisation activities and networking opportunities across Penang.

This year’s edition is expected to welcome approximately 100 buyers, representing a diverse range of travel trade segments including corporate, incentive and association buyers. The international buyer delegation will comprise representatives from key markets across China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Bangladesh, Australia, Romania and South Korea, alongside participants from other international markets.

PITE 2026 is expected to feature approximately 50 exhibitors from across Malaysia, representing a broad spectrum of the tourism ecosystem. These include hoteliers, destination management companies (DMCs), professional conference organisers (PCOs), attractions and other tourism-related businesses, offering buyers a

comprehensive platform to discover Malaysia’s diverse tourism and business event offerings.

(Source: Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau)

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The show is back for its third edition, building on the last two successful years that drew audiences from Hong Kong and an expanding base of visitors from the Greater Bay Area, Asia, and beyond, whose share of the audience has grown 75% since the show’s first year.

Tickets are now available via HK Ticketing, Klook and 01Space, allowing fans to secure access to the best seats at the city’s global meeting point.

Major highlights at LHKIHS

LHKIHS is supported by partners who share the passion for bringing world-class sport and lifestyle together, including Title Sponsor Longines. The Swiss watchmaker and a global leader in precision timekeeping also returns as the Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of LHKIHS.

The show is further strengthened by partners: The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC); Official Equine Transport and Founding Partner, Cathay Cargo; Founding Partner, the Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China; Major Partner, the AsiaWorld‑Expo; and Dog Agility Sponsor, Airport Authority Hong Kong.

The prestigious five international showjumping classes across the three‑day programme will deliver high‑stakes, thrilling competitions, with top‑tier international athletes and horses competing at the highest level. 

In 2027, alongside the five classes, the competitive line-up will also include the Hong Kong Jockey Club Asia Pacific Youth Challenge, where young riders from across the region come together in a final to compete for the top prize. Returning by popular demand are the Shetland Pony Grand National and Airport Authority Hong Kong Presents: Hong Kong Dog Agility competition, combining high‑energy competition with light‑hearted entertainment and promising a memorable, captivating experience for spectators of all ages.

Visit the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show website to learn more and to stay updated on the latest event schedule and ticketing details: https://www.hongkonghorseshow.com/ 

(Source: LHKIHS)

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This year, the Bathing Carnival Bhutan will be held on these dates to associate with the 108 Project in Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and recognise the significance of this important Royal initiative. 

From 2027 onwards, the Bathing Carnival Bhutan will be held annually from 1 to 3 November at Telung, Pema Gatshel. This three-day festival in the eastern district aims to offer a fresh and engaging experience for visitors seeking a unique water-based, cultural, and adventure-filled getaway.

The Bathing Carnival Bhutan (BCB), themed “Celebrating the Joy of Water,” draws on the Bhutanese tradition of Thruebab, or Blessed Rainy Day, and the ancient practice of bathing in naturally occurring, blessed water. Water, representing life, memory, renewal, and joy, holds a special place in Bhutanese culture, where bathing in blessed waters has traditionally been associated with purification, renewal, well-being, and shared celebration. The first edition of the Bathing Carnival was celebrated alongside Thruebab, drawing inspiration directly from this deeply rooted cultural tradition.

Building on the spirit and significance of Thruebab, this year’s Bathing Carnival will be celebrated following the occasion, allowing participants and visitors to carry forward the experience of being blessed by the sacred waters and the cultural essence of this special time of year. The event reimagines this cherished tradition through a vibrant blend of community, culture, sports, water-based activities, and entertainment, set against Telung’s beautiful landscapes. 

The Bathing Carnival is a three-day celebration that brings together community, sports, entertainment, and local culture against Telung’s breathtaking landscapes. With a dynamic programme of activities, the carnival creates an exciting new reason to visit Pema Gatshel, inviting visitors and locals alike to come together, enjoy the outdoors, experience local traditions, and create unforgettable memories. By combining recreation, entertainment, and cultural experiences, the Bathing Carnival offers a fresh, engaging way to discover this lesser-explored part of Bhutan.

Beyond the aquatic and recreational events, the carnival provides a rich cultural immersion. Visitors can explore local markets and see demonstrations of traditional crafts, including Tsatshi Buram (local sugar candy) and Dung and Jaling (traditional musical instruments). The festival also features a Valley Fruit Feast and a final group dance that captures the spirit of the celebration.

Pema Gatshel is a destination in eastern Bhutan,  waiting to be discovered, explored, and experienced. With its beautiful landscapes, communities, rich cultural heritage, and authentic way of life, PemaGatshel offers travellers a chance to experience a fresh side of Bhutan. From connecting with local communities to enjoying the outdoors and discovering hidden corners of the region, every journey through Pema Gatshel brings adventure and discovery. 

(Source: Department of Tourism, Bhutan)

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The proposed collaboration seeks to bring together Visa’s expertise in trusted digital commerce and intelligent discovery experiences with ONDC’s open network infrastructure, with the shared objective of simplifying how travellers discover experiences, itineraries and tourism offerings across the country. The exploration aims to make tourism discovery more seamless and accessible while helping travellers connect with destinations, experiences, and local businesses across India.

Speaking at the Global Fintech Festival 2026, Visa Group Country Manager, India & South Asia, Suresh Sethi said: “India has taken a very futuristic approach in terms of how we can digitally connect people, and that is on open networks. When a global Indian is travelling out, or when somebody is coming from overseas, you are really looking for places where you can discover the experiences you can get in India. 

“We also see many agents being used to curate and create journeys, helping people discover experiences. India has its own homegrown digital public infrastructure, creating opportunities for digital commerce, and we realise tourism can be a key asset where ONDC can serve as the country’s digital infrastructure for tourism.

“Everything related to tourism, whether discovering experiences, cities or travel itineraries, as well as small and medium businesses in the ecosystem, can potentially be housed in one place. ONDC brings the trust of a homegrown India digital public infrastructure, while Visa brings trusted discovery experiences. Together, the two can create a superlative experience for anyone considering India as a destination. We are delighted to be exploring this opportunity with ONDC.”

As part of this exploration, Visa and ONDC will evaluate opportunities to leverage open network principles, trusted commerce and digital innovation to create richer tourism discovery experiences and support India’s ambition of becoming an even more accessible and attractive destination for travellers. The collaboration will also explore ways to support tourism participation across destinations, regions and local economies through an open and trusted digital ecosystem.

(Source: Visa)

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Scheduled for October 22-25, 2026, at the Ambassador Hotel on Bangkok’s Soi Sukhumvit 11, the third iteration of the festival promises to be an unparalleled convergence of the world’s most accomplished and adventurous travellers.

“The Extraordinary Travel Festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of global exploration and human connection,” says Gazarian, whose website, GlobalGaz, features stories and images from his extensive travels. “Following the tremendous success of our previous gatherings, we are excited to bring together this unique community once again in a city that truly embodies the spirit of adventure.”

ETF III is designed for both seasoned mega-travellers (those who have visited many countries, including all 193 UN sovereign nations) and passionate individuals aspiring to push their own travel boundaries. 

Attendees will gain invaluable insights, share captivating stories, and learn practical strategies from those who have truly gone the distance. While many speakers and attendees have achieved the rare feat of visiting all 193 sovereign countries — an accomplishment that about 500 people can claim — the festival aims to inspire and inform everyone who shares a deep love of travel, regardless of their current country count.

The festival will feature over 40 dynamic speakers, delivering engaging keynotes, insightful breakout sessions, and lively panel discussions. 

This year’s lineup 

Jamie Aleman: Travelled to every country in the world, both the North and South Pole, and has travelled to outer space.

Jason Wang: Recently completed summiting Mount Everest, completing all Seven Summits.

Kach Medina Umandap: Has visited every country in the world, being the first to complete this quest on a Filipino Passport.

Thor Pedersen: Travelled to every country on an unbroken 10-year journey without ever flying. 

“Imagine the world’s modern-day Marco Polos gathered in a single location,” Gazarian adds. “The energy, enthusiasm, and vast knowledge exchanged about travel and country-collecting at our previous events were truly transformative.”

The largest mega-travel clubs will be prominently represented, including Every Passport Stamp (40,000 members), Travel Massive (80,000 members), Pangea, Most Travelled People (40,000 members), and NomadMania (50,000 members), fostering an unparalleled networking environment.

Building on the success of past festivals, ETF III will offer attendees a robust speaker schedule, complemented by parties and a gala dinner. 

Ticket Information: Attendees wishing to reserve a spot can now purchase tickets online at: https://extraordinarytravelfest.com/tickets/

Use code BANGKOK to save on your ticket to this event.  

(Source: ETF)

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The company has launched Destination Convention Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Sabah Convention Bureau. 

The new platform brings together Malaysia’s convention infrastructure, hospitality capabilities and destination experiences, giving organisers a broader view of what the country can offer across different locations and event formats.

Rather than focusing on a single city or venue, the initiative pairs Kuala Lumpur’s international connectivity and established convention infrastructure with the cultural, natural and incentive experiences available across Sarawak, Sabah and other destinations in Malaysia. 

More choice within a single market

Destination Convention Malaysia makes it easier for regional organisers to identify locations and experiences suited to different event objectives and delegate profiles.

Malaysia’s offering spans major urban convention centres, resort and leisure destinations, nature-based experiences and locations with distinctive cultural identities. This gives planners the flexibility to host large-scale conventions, corporate meetings, incentive programmes and experience-led events within one national market.

“Regional planners increasingly want destinations that can provide strong infrastructure while also giving delegates a meaningful experience outside the formal programme,” said Marriott International Market Vice President Malaysia George Varughese. “Malaysia can offer both. It combines international connectivity and established convention capabilities with an extraordinary variety of cultures, landscapes and experiences. Through Destination Convention Malaysia, we want to make that full proposition more visible and accessible to planners across Asia-Pacific.”

The initiative was unveiled during Malaysia Means Business, an industry forum convened by Marriott International at the St Regis Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together leaders from the country’s business events, destination and hospitality sectors to examine how Malaysia could capture a greater share of the regional meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market.

A panel discussion featuring senior representatives from Marriott International, MyCEB, BESarawak and Sabah Convention Bureau explored how Malaysia could capture a greater share of the Asia-Pacific MICE market.

Panellists explored how organiser and delegate expectations are changing. Personalised programmes, wellness, sustainability, technology and experiences connected to the host destination are playing a greater role in event planning, alongside practical considerations such as accessibility, accommodation and venue capacity.

“Malaysia’s strong business events pipeline reflects the confidence organisers have in our capabilities, and our opportunity now is to build even greater awareness of the diversity we can offer across the country,” said MyCEB Chief Executive Officer Tan Mei Phing.

“By bringing destinations together through Destination Convention Malaysia, we can showcase the collective strength of Malaysia’s business events ecosystem and present an even more compelling proposition to regional and international organisers.” 

Marriott International currently operates 65 hotels across Malaysia, giving regional planners access to accommodation and event facilities across key business and leisure destinations. Its portfolio provides access to major convention and event facilities including Marriott Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre, Courtyard by Marriott Kuala Lumpur South, Desaru Coast Conference Centre and Langkawi International Convention Centre.

(Source: Marriott International)

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