By joining WTTC as a Regional Member, Messe Berlin Americas reinforces its commitment to working alongside the industry’s leading organisations to shape the future of travel and tourism in the Americas.

As the first travel trade show bringing together North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean under a single B2B platform, ITB Americas connects the region’s travel and tourism ecosystem, driving business opportunities, knowledge exchange and industry collaboration.

The inaugural edition of ITB Americas will bring together destinations, tourism boards, buyers, travel companies, hotel brands, airlines, technology providers, MICE professionals and industry leaders from across the Americas and beyond. Trade visitors can register now to attend ITB Americas 2026 and connect with leading players from across the travel and tourism industry. The event is expected to welcome more than 5,000 attendees and participants from more than 42 countries and regions.

Organised by Messe Berlin Americas, the regional subsidiary of Messe Berlin, ITB Americas builds on the global ITB portfolio of travel trade shows and is designed to become the leading gateway to the travel and tourism industry across the Pan-American region. 

WTTC President & CEO, Gloria Guevara said: “We are delighted to welcome Messe Berlin Americas as a Regional Member. Through its focus on fostering business connections, knowledge exchange and collaboration, the organisation plays an important role in strengthening engagement across the Travel & Tourism sector in the Americas. We look forward to working together to connect industry leaders, support regional growth and advance opportunities for the sector throughout the continent.”

Messe Berlin Vice President and Managing Director Americas, Vicente Salas Hesselbach added: “Joining WTTC as a Regional Member marks an important milestone for Messe Berlin Americas and, above all, for ITB Americas. As we prepare to launch the inaugural edition of ITB Americas, we are committed to building a platform that brings together the travel industry across the entire continent, fostering meaningful business connections, knowledge exchange, and long-term collaboration. This achievement reinforces our commitment to shaping a stronger, more innovative, and sustainable future for travel and tourism in the Americas.”

About ITB Americas
The first edition of ITB Americas will be held from November 10-12, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico. As the premier B2B travel trade show for the entire American continent, ITB Americas unites industry professionals from North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean. With a strong focus on regional and international market potential, ITB Americas features a curated Hosted Buyer programme and a high-level conference showcasing thought leaders and industry experts.

(Source: Messe Berlin ITB Americas)

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ITB Berlin scheduled for 16 to 18 March 2027) is adapting its hall layout to allow for the construction of dock9, the new multi-purpose convention and event venue, on the site of the former Hall 9.

During the construction of dock9, the exhibition grounds will undergo forward-looking development, and the hall layout will be individually optimised. 

Exhibitors from Halls 7.1c, 8.1, 9 and 10.1 will find a new home in the CityCube Berlin. The new layout creates theme-oriented clusters and short distances between halls. 

The CityCube Berlin will be even more closely integrated into ITB Berlin, expanding the exhibition grounds with state-of-the-art, high-quality floor space. As an integral part of the new hall layout, it will play a pivotal and effective role in enhancing the trade show concept.

“The adapted hall layout is more than just a response to the construction of dock9. It allows us to align ITB Berlin even more closely with the requirements of our international exhibitors and trade visitors and make thematic focal points more visible“, said ITB Berlin Director Deborah Rothe. 

Dock9 is a new multi-purpose conference and event centre being built on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds and replaces the existing Hall 9. From October 2026, Hall 9 will be demolished to make way for the new building. ITB Berlin is using this change to adapt its hall layout and organise the available space even more efficiently.

ITB Berlin 2027 is in contact with the exhibitors affected by the relocation plans. Through close coordination, individual and, wherever possible, suitable reallocation solutions are being developed. This process is purposely being carried out in stages, as exhibitor reallocation is still undergoing final coordination. 

The final assignment of stand space will be completed later this year. 

(Source: Messe Berlin).

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The successful bid was jointly led by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the Faculty of Engineering, Mahidol University, the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (RAS) Thailand Chapter, and the IEEE Thailand Section. 

The latter three organisations, together with the Thailand Medical Robotics and AI Association, will co-host the conference from 13 to 17 June 2030 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok.

Recognised as the world’s flagship conference on robotics, AI, and automation, IEEE ICRA 2030 is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates, including 8,000 international participants, bringing together leading researchers, innovators, industry executives, investors, and policymakers from around the world.

The bid victory was officially announced at a press conference held on 21 July at The St Regis Bangkok Hotel. 

TCEB Director of the Conventions Department Jittanun Techasarin said securing IEEE ICRA 2030 reflects TCEB’s strategic approach to positioning international business events as platforms that drive economic growth, innovation, investment, and cross-sector collaboration in high-value industries.

IEEE ICRA 2030 represents a major milestone in TCEB’s long-term bidding strategy.

“Between late 2026 and 2029, before IEEE ICRA 2030, the IEEE Thailand Section will host five international conferences related to advanced technologies, all supported by TCEB. Winning the bid for IEEE ICRA 2030 reinforces our strategy of attracting world-class events in high-value sectors such as robotics, automation, and advanced technologies,” said Jittanun.

IEEE ICRA is internationally recognised for bringing together academia, industry, and government on a single collaborative platform.

Thailand’s successful bid demonstrates the country’s growing reputation as a regional manufacturing and innovation hub for the automotive, electronics, robotics, and automation industries. The achievement reflects strong government policies supporting AI, robotics, and future industries, together with a robust research ecosystem comprising universities, laboratories, and specialised robotics research centres.

IEEE ICRA 2030 is projected to generate more than THB1.06 billion in direct economic activity, contribute approximately THB590.6 million in value added to the Thai economy, create around 745 jobs, and generate an estimated THB36.4 million in government tax revenue.

(Source: TCEB)

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That is the work behind Local Alike’s Gold Award at the Responsible Tourism Awards Southeast Asia 2026.

The Thailand-based social enterprise was recognised for creating meaningful local economic benefits through community-based tourism, helping communities turn culture, food, nature and local knowledge into visitor experiences while keeping more of the value close to home.

For Local Alike, the award reflects years of close collaboration with local partners, community leaders and travellers who believe memorable journeys should also create lasting benefits.

Somsak “Pai” Boonkam founded Local Alike with a clear idea —  communities should not simply appear in tourism products. They should help shape them, manage them and benefit from them.

“This achievement is not only an award for our organisation,” Boonkam said. “It belongs to every community that has helped prove tourism can create real economic, social, cultural and environmental value.”

The company works with residents to develop experiences rooted in local life, from food and farming to crafts, heritage, nature and storytelling. The goal is not to turn communities into attractions, but to help local people welcome travellers on their own terms.

At the heart of Local Alike’s operations is Wanvipa Phanumat, chief operating officer, who helps turn the company’s vision for community-led tourism into practical results.

Together, Boonkam, Phanumat and the Local Alike team have built a model that connects purpose with professional delivery. Communities receive support in product development, service standards, partnerships, and market access, while travellers gain deeper, more respectful ways to experience Thailand.

The Gold Award also places Local Alike on the road to the Responsible Tourism Global Awards, to be held during World Travel Market London later this year. (3 to 5 November).

That opportunity will allow the company to bring a Southeast Asian story of community-led tourism to an international audience.

It is a story the wider industry needs to hear.

Tourism has long depended on the landscapes, traditions and hospitality of local people. Yet too often, those communities remain at the edge of the tourism economy while others capture most of the rewards.

Local Alike offers a different answer.

Its work shows that responsible tourism is not simply about reducing harm. It is about creating better choices, fairer opportunities and stronger local futures.

The company has pledged to continue advancing community-based and regenerative tourism, ensuring travel becomes a force that helps communities move forward without losing what makes them special.

Awards can recognise success, but the real achievement is found in the communities themselves: in the confidence to lead, the pride in sharing local culture, and the opportunity to build a future without leaving home behind.

For Local Alike, gold is not the end of the journey.

It is proof that when tourism begins with respect, listens carefully and shares its rewards, everyone travels further.

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The partnership introduces premium live events as a new category across Trip.com Group’s platforms, providing customers with access to more than 500,000 official hospitality and VIP packages across Formula 1, Premier League football, major music tours and other world-class live events. 

For Seat Unique Group, the agreement accelerates its international growth strategy. It marks its first major expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, connecting its network of more than 140 official rightsholders with one of the world’s largest international travel audiences.

The announcement comes as experience-led travel continues to reshape how people plan international trips. Trip.com Group’s recent research found that two-thirds of Asia Pacific travellers have planned vacations around concerts at least once, with 66% willing to travel internationally to watch their favourite artists live. In addition, football, basketball, and Formula 1 are among the most popular live sports to watch on vacation.

For international travellers, the partnership offers seamless access to official premium experiences at some of Europe’s most iconic sporting, music and entertainment events through Trip.com Group’s all-in-one platform. With every package sourced directly through Seat Unique Group’s extensive network of official rightsholder relationships, travellers can book with confidence, knowing they’re purchasing authentic hospitality and VIP experiences from trusted sources.

For the 140-plus official rightsholders working with Seat Unique Group, the partnership expands reach and unlocks access to one of the world’s largest international travel audiences. By placing official premium inventory in front of hundreds of millions of new buyers already planning trips to the UK and Europe, it creates a powerful new distribution channel that would be difficult, if not impossible, to replicate through their own channels alone.

Seat Unique Group CEO Robin Sherry said: “The way people travel is changing. Increasingly, it’s no longer just about where you go, but what you experience when you get there. By partnering with Trip.com Group, we’re giving millions of travellers access to official premium experiences at some of the world’s biggest sports, music and entertainment events through a platform they already know and trust. This partnership marks a significant milestone for our business. It accelerates our international growth, helps our rightsholder partners reach millions of new premium customers and brings unforgettable live experiences within reach of a truly global audience.”

Trip.com Group Chief Marketing Officer Bo Sun said: “Experience-led travel is reshaping how people plan their journeys, and travellers are increasingly building trips around the moments that matter most to them. Live events are a powerful expression of that shift, and through this partnership we’re bringing fans closer to some of the world’s most exciting sports, music, and entertainment experiences. This marks another step in our journey to unlock new possibilities between travel and experiences, bringing greater value to travellers and destinations worldwide.”

Premium live experiences will be available on Trip.com in the coming months, providing travellers with access to official hospitality and VIP experiences at Europe’s eminent live events.

Seat Unique Group works directly with many of the world’s most recognisable clubs, venues and promoters, including Arsenal FC, Everton FC, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Co-op Live, KMJ Entertainment and most Grand Prix races. 

(Source: Trip.com and Seat Unique Group)

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The partnership further enhances ITB Asia’s role as Asia-Pacific’s leading platform for the travel industry, creating new opportunities for recognition, high-level networking and business engagement across leisure, corporate and MICE travel communities.

The partnership reflects a strong fit between ITB Asia’s international travel trade platform and Business Traveller’s long-standing authority in recognising excellence across the travel and hospitality industry. 

By integrating one of the industry’s most recognised awards programmes into its official event programme, ITB Asia further enhances the value it offers exhibitors, buyers and visitors while strengthening engagement with the global corporate travel community.

“This partnership marks an exciting milestone for ITB Asia and reflects our continued commitment to strengthening the corporate travel segment,” said Messe Berlin Asia Pacific Executive Director Darren Seah. “Bringing the Business Traveller Global & Regional Awards to our event for the first time creates a unique opportunity to celebrate excellence while connecting industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across airlines, hospitality, destinations, travel technology and MICE on one international stage.”

The Business Traveller Global & Regional Awards have set the benchmark for excellence in travel and hospitality for more than 40 years. 

Each award is voted on by Business Traveller’s readership of frequent travellers and overseen by an international team of travel experts, recognising outstanding performance across global and regional markets and celebrating excellence across airlines, hospitality, destinations and travel services.

For more information on the Business Traveller Global & Regional Awards 2026 and ITB Asia 2026, visit https://www.itb-asia.com/conference/business-traveller-awards-2026-in-partnership-with-itb-asia/.

Experience the wider ITB Asia 2026 programme, featuring leading exhibitors, conference sessions and networking opportunities and benefit from Early Bird rates available until 11 September 2026: ITB Asia Visitor Registration.

Secure a booth at ITB Asia 2026 to showcase your brand and connect with senior decision-makers from the corporate travel segment: ITB Asia Exhibitor Registration.

For more information on the Business Traveller Global & Regional Awards 2026 and ITB Asia 2026, visit https://www.itb-asia.com/conference/business-traveller-awards-2026-in-partnership-with-itb-asia/ 

Experience the wider ITB Asia 2026 programme, featuring leading exhibitors, conference sessions and networking opportunities and benefit from Early Bird rates available until 11 September 2026: ITB Asia Visitor Registration.

(Source: ITB Asia)

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The airline also brought home its first HR Asia Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Award, recognising its commitment to building an inclusive, people-centric workplace.

The annual HR Asia Awards recognise organisations across the region for strong human resource practices, employee engagement and workplace culture. Vietjet was among the leading companies in Vietnam recognised at this year’s awards.

The DE&I Award category recognises organisations that foster diverse, equitable and inclusive workplaces where employees from different backgrounds are respected, supported and given equal opportunities to grow.

The two awards reflect Vietjet’s continued focus on building an open, professional and globally connected workplace as it expands its operations across Asia and other global markets.

Vietjet currently employs nearly 10,000 employees from more than 68 countries and territories. Close to 30% of its workforce comes from across Asia, while almost 30% comprises young professionals aged between 20 and 30.

The recognition comes as Vietjet continues to expand its regional network, including its connectivity with Singapore. The airline currently operates direct services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, connecting travellers with Vietnam’s major business, cultural and leisure destinations. The airline will further expand its network with a new direct service between Singapore and Nha Trang, starting 11 December 2026.

(Source: Vietjet)

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Adding further significance to the second edition, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia (MOTAC), has confirmed his attendance as the guest of honour at the closing dinner on 30 July 2026, where he will also deliver the keynote address.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, MATTA Connect 2026 is set to bring together buyers, sellers and travel industry stakeholders from across Malaysia and the ASEAN region, creating an unrivalled platform for business networking, destination promotion and strategic partnerships.

The Minister’s participation reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s tourism industry through close collaboration with the private sector. His presence at the Closing Dinner further reinforces the importance of MATTA Connect as a strategic platform for industry engagement, business growth and regional tourism cooperation.

“Following the success of our inaugural edition last year, MATTA Connect has established itself as an important platform for tourism businesses, buyers and destination partners to forge meaningful collaborations and unlock new business opportunities. We are honoured to welcome YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing to this year’s event, whose presence reflects the importance of strong industry-government collaboration in driving Malaysia’s tourism growth,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

The two-day programme will feature structured B2B business-matching sessions, a Business Forum, destination presentations, and networking opportunities designed to facilitate high-quality business engagements among international buyers, tourism suppliers, destination management companies, airlines, hotels, attractions, and travel service providers.

Further strengthening the event’s regional significance, the ASEAN Tourism Association (ASEANTA) will attend MATTA Connect 2026, bringing together tourism leaders from across Southeast Asia and creating additional opportunities for cross-border collaboration and business development.

Ahead of the main event, selected semi-hosted international buyers will participate in an exclusive five-day, four-night Pre-Tour Programme from 24 to 28 July 2026, experiencing some of Perak’s signature tourism attractions, including Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, the Lenggong Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Royal Belum Rainforest. The programme is designed to provide buyers with first-hand destination experiences before they participate in scheduled business meetings, enabling them better to promote Perak and Malaysia in their respective international markets.

Complementing the business matching sessions, the Business Forum will feature presentations by destination partners and industry experts, providing delegates with valuable insights into emerging tourism trends, digital transformation, innovation and market opportunities, further enhancing MATTA Connect’s value as a knowledge-sharing platform for the travel trade.

MATTA Connect 2026 is supported by Tourism Perak, alongside destination partners Penang Global Tourism and the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). RHB Bank Berhad is the Official Bank Partner, while Spritzer EcoPark Sdn Bhd and Hup Seng Hoon Yong Brothers Sdn Bhd are supporting partners. MATTA is pleased to collaborate with hotels, including 1969 D’Kelly Hotel, MU Hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott, Hotel Excelsior, and Weil Hotel, playing an integral role in supporting the successful organisation of this year’s event.

“MATTA Connect is where partnerships are built, and business opportunities take shape. More than a business-matching event, it is a platform for the travel industry to connect, collaborate, and grow. We invite tourism businesses, buyers and industry professionals to join us in Ipoh and be part of Malaysia’s premier B2B travel marketplace,” said  MATTA Connect 2026 Organising Chairman Ken Chong.

Registration ongoing

Registration for MATTA Connect 2026 is open until 18 July 2026. Travel trade professionals, tourism organisations, buyers and sellers are invited to join Malaysia’s premier B2B travel marketplace and connect with industry leaders, international buyers and key decision-makers from across the region.

For registration and further information, visit www.mattaconnect.com,  or contact the MATTA Secretariat at +603-2774 1150, or email mattaconnect@matta.org.my.

(Source: MATTA)

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The city welcomed a record 7.74 million overnight visitors during the first five months of 2026, a 20.9% year-on-year increase. International arrivals climbed 23.6% to 4.18 million, while domestic visitors rose 17.9% to 3.55 million.

The recent rollout of Vietnam’s digital arrival card in Da Nang is expected to build further on that momentum by making travel to Central Vietnam even more seamless for overseas visitors.

For golfers, the timing could hardly be better.

Few destinations in Asia combine such a concentration of championship golf with beaches, luxury resorts, UNESCO World Heritage sites and an acclaimed culinary scene. Within a little more than an hour’s drive, visitors can play courses designed by Colin Montgomerie, Luke Donald, Greg Norman, Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones Jr. As the region enters its peak playing season, Vietnam Golf Coast clubs are unveiling major tournaments, enhanced playing experiences and compelling seasonal offers designed to build on growing international demand.

At Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Night Golf continues to grow in popularity, giving golfers the chance to play the Luke Donald-designed championship course under floodlights every Wednesday and Friday. Available over both nine and 18 holes, the experience combines cooler evening conditions with a post-round food-and-beverage offering.

The course has also returned to peak condition following its annual coring and summer maintenance programme, setting the stage for the busiest months of the golfing calendar. Attention is now turning to the prestigious IMG Trophy Tournament 2026 in September, when 132 golfers will compete in one of the club’s flagship annual events.

“Our course has recovered exceptionally well and is in outstanding condition heading into our busiest period of the year,” said Ba Na Hills Golf Club General Manager Andrew McGregor. “Night Golf has become one of our defining experiences, while the IMG Trophy Tournament 2026 showcases the quality of golf and hospitality that golfers can expect when they visit Central Vietnam.”

Meanwhile, Montgomerie Links Golf Club will host its 16th Club Championships on 22 August 2026, bringing together members and guests for one of the highlights of the club’s annual calendar.

Beyond celebrating the spirit of golf, the Club Championships also reflect Montgomerie Links’ ongoing commitment to the community through its Green Hope CSR projects. This year, the tournament will raise funds to support underprivileged students in Da Nang, helping them pursue their educational dreams.

“Our Club Championships have become about much more than competition,” said Montgomerie Links Golf Club Manager Le Vo Hoang Van. “They bring golfers together, showcase everything that makes Central Vietnam such a rewarding golf destination and continue to support an initiative that is making a real difference in our local community.”

(Source: Vietnam Golf Coast Clubs)

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The award ceremony for regional winners took place in Sarawak, Malaysia, on 7 July, at the International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH).

Among six categories, Anurak Lodge earned acclaim for Regenerative Tourism, a category where tourism goes beyond reducing negative impacts and strives to leave a place in better condition than before.

The property, a 19-key ecolodge located on the border of Khao Sok National Park, in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand, has previously won sustainability awards from the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and SKAL.

Lodge manager, George Newling-Ward, accepted the award on 7 July at the ward ceremony in Miri, Sarawak.

At the ICRTH event, awards were also given to tourism operators for excellence in local economic benefits, diversity, equity and inclusion, nature-positive actions, cultural diversity, and adaptation to climate change.

Anruak Lodge was established in 2016 with the vision of creating tourism that benefits both people and nature through ecological recovery.

Rainforest Rising

Anurak Lodge’s Rainforest Rising project, for example, has been replacing commercial palm oil trees with wildlife-friendly indigenous species for seven years. Guests help plant young saplings such as black plum, Burmese grape tree, and cowa mangosteen. These indigenous species are good for insect pollination. They support bird and wildlife biodiversity.

(Source: Anurak Lodge)

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