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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Alongside the opportunity to reconnect with industry colleagues and forge new business relationships, the event will feature a guest speaker, BSI Insurance Broker Ltd CEO Tom Thomson, presenting “Healthcare in Thailand: Are You Properly Covered?”

The subject is particularly relevant to expatriates, hospitality professionals and business owners navigating Thailand’s changing healthcare and insurance environment.

The lunch continues Skål Bangkok’s programme of events designed to connect senior tourism and hospitality professionals while providing practical insights relevant to those working and living in Thailand.

Event sponsors include McQuillan Wines, Flow Inter, Sloan’s Beer, Bangkok Vodka, Move Ahead Media, BSI Insurance Broker Limited, CQLAR and Healthi Life.

Event details

Date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026

Time: 1130–1400

Venue: The Landmark Bangkok, 138 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok

Nearest BTS: Nana

Young Skål: THB1,000

Skål members and guests: THB1,200

Non-members: THB1,900

Reservations can be made by emailing events@skalbangkok.com. 

Guests introduced by Skål members are entitled to the member rate.

(Source: Skål International Bangkok)

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The Board conducted a comprehensive search to identify the next leader for Air India, overseen by a dedicated Board committee.

Following an intensive evaluation process, the Board unanimously concluded that Gebremariam possesses the ideal combination of leadership, deep operational expertise, and strategic execution capability required for Air India’s next phase of growth.

Tewolde Gebremariam is widely recognised as one of the most successful aviation chief executives. During his decade-plus tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, he spearheaded a multi-billion-dollar expansion, transforming a regional carrier into Africa’s largest, most profitable, and decorated airline group—growing revenue by more than fourfold and fleet size nearly threefold.

As Air India shifts from its foundational turnaround phase to a high-growth, profitable execution phase, Gebremariam brings the crucial capabilities required for Air India’s next leg of its journey. He has strong experience in expanding international long-haul networks and building world-class hub operations, an unrelenting commitment to safety standards, engineering quality, and operational reliability. He also has a track record of driving sustained profitability.

Air India’s incoming CEO & Managing Director, Tewolde Gebremariam, said: “It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading Air India at such a historic moment in its journey. Air India carries an incredible legacy, and the opportunity to build a world-class global airline that reflects India’s extraordinary economic potential is uniquely exciting. I look forward to working closely with Chairman Chandrasekaran, the Board, our employees, and all government and industry partners to deliver exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth.”

This leadership transition reinforces Air India’s alignment with national priorities and stakeholder expectations. Air India remains steadfastly committed to supporting India’s civil aviation ambitions and national economic vision. Under Gebremariam’s leadership, Air India will work closely with civil aviation authorities and regulators to strengthen India’s position as a premier global aviation hub, enhance international connectivity, and maintain the highest benchmarks of aviation safety and compliance.

The Board also thanked Campbell Wilson for his leadership over the past phase of Air India’s revitalisation. He successfully oversaw complex merger and integration processes, initiated large-scale fleet modernisation programmes, established new corporate governance standards, and laid the foundations necessary for the future.

(Source: Air India)

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Weaker traffic in some regional markets reflected capacity reductions and higher airfares following the escalation in fuel prices, even as travel approached the peak mid-year season.

Overall, Asia Pacific airlines carried 30.5 million international passengers in June, representing a 1.1% decline from the same month last year. However, demand in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK) rose by 1.1% year-on-year, underscoring continued resilience in longer-haul travel. Growth in demand outpaced a marginal 0.3% expansion in available seat capacity, resulting in a 0.7-percentage-point increase in the average international passenger load factor to 82.6% for the month.

Meanwhile, international air cargo demand remained firm in June, supported in part by robust shipments of AI-related semiconductors and hardware. For the month, demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), increased by 3.2% year-on-year. In comparison, offered freight capacity edged up 0.2%, resulting in a 1.8 percentage-point increase in the average international freight load factor to 62.6%.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Wong Hong said: Passenger traffic moderated in June as higher airfares and capacity adjustments in some regional markets weighed on demand. Even so, international travel has continued to hold up well, with Asia Pacific airlines carrying 192.5 million international passengers during the first half of 2026, 3.2% more than in the corresponding period last year.”

Looking ahead, Wong Hong noted: “Airlines continue to face challenging operating conditions, with persistent uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict contributing to fuel price volatility and continued pressure on operating costs. These headwinds, together with more moderate business confidence and heightened geopolitical and trade-policy uncertainty, may temper growth in the travel and air cargo markets in the coming months. Against this backdrop, carriers remain focused on maintaining network flexibility, exercising capacity discipline, and enhancing operational efficiency in response to evolving demand patterns.”

(Source: AAPA)

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The collaboration supports growing travel demand between the two countries and complements the opportunities created by the China–Malaysia mutual visa-free arrangement and Visit Malaysia 2026.

It also reflects a shared commitment to making journeys to Malaysia more accessible and convenient for visitors from China, while reinforcing Batik Air’s role as a key airline connecting China with Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.

China remains one of Malaysia’s most important tourism source markets, with visitor arrivals continuing to grow following the introduction of mutual visa-free travel. As travel habits become increasingly digital, consumers are seeking familiar payment options, convenient booking channels and a seamless experience from planning through to arrival.

Batik Air currently operates scheduled direct services from Kuala Lumpur to more than 10 destinations across China, including Shanghai and Guangzhou, providing strong connectivity for both leisure and business travellers. Through this strategic alliance, YeePay will strengthen Batik Air’s digital payment capabilities and expand its presence across China’s travel distribution network, making it easier for travellers to discover, book and visit Malaysia.

The initiative is expected to enhance the overall booking experience while supporting Batik Air’s continued growth in one of its most important international markets. It also supports Malaysia’s tourism objectives under Visit Malaysia 2026 by improving digital accessibility and encouraging stronger visitor flows from China.

Looking ahead, both parties see significant opportunities to deepen cooperation as regional connectivity continues to strengthen through closer economic ties and initiatives such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Together, they aim to build a smarter travel ecosystem that supports sustainable tourism growth and strengthens connectivity between China, Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.

Batik Air Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, said that China continues to be one of Malaysia’s most important tourism markets and the momentum is only getting stronger.

“In the first half of 2025 alone, Malaysia welcomed more than 2.17 million visitors from China, representing a 35.6% year-on-year increase. With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon and stronger bilateral connectivity through the mutual visa-free arrangement, we see tremendous opportunities to make travel even more accessible and seamless for Chinese travellers.

This partnership with YeePay reflects our shared vision of building a smarter travel ecosystem that brings together connectivity, convenience and trusted digital services. By making it easier for Chinese travellers to access Batik Air through familiar booking channels and payment methods, we are creating a smoother travel experience while strengthening our presence in the Chinese market.

As demand for regional travel continues to grow, Batik Air will continue to invest in partnerships that enhance the customer journey, expand market access and reinforce our position as a leading airline connecting China with Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.”

YeePay Co-Founder, Yu Chen said: “This strategic cooperation between YeePay and Batik Air marks an important milestone in YeePay’s global airline services. Backed by more than 20 years of experience in aviation and travel payments, YeePay will continue to enhance its full-scenario, multi-currency and multi-country digital travel solutions.

We look forward to working with more overseas airlines as they deepen their presence in the Chinese market. Through payment technology, we aim to support stronger travel connectivity between China and Malaysia, as well as between China and Southeast Asia, helping unlock the potential of regional tourism and build a more open and mutually beneficial aviation ecosystem.”

(Source: Batik Air)

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Nestled in the foothills of Mount Emei (also known as Emeishan), the resort serves as a gateway to the Mount Emei Scenic Area, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed for both its cultural and natural significance and known for its rich biodiversity.

A Mountainside Sanctuary Embraced by Nature

Inspired by the traditional courtyard homes of western Sichuan, the resort reinterprets the region’s architecture in a contemporary form that follows the natural contours of a forested valley. Its design, landscaping and guest experiences draw on the surrounding environment and local culture.

During development, seven century-old camphor trees, along with all existing trees with a trunk diameter greater than 10 centimetres, were retained in their original locations. Pathways through the bamboo forest follow the natural terrain, allowing bamboo to grow through and alongside the walkways while preserving the site’s character.

The guest arrival, framed by mature camphor trees, leads to an open-air courtyard inspired by the traditional Chinese architectural principle of “four waters returning to the hall” (si shui gui tang), in which pitched roofs channel rainwater into a central courtyard. Throughout the resort, filtered light, mountain air, the sound of water and views across bamboo groves and forested slopes create a quiet dialogue between architecture and nature.

The resort comprises 130 rooms and villas across six categories, each with a private outdoor hot-spring pool.

Getting there 

Banyan Tree Mount Emei is a five-minute commute from Emeishan High-Speed Railway Station and around two minutes from the entrance to the Mount Emei Scenic Area. 

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is approximately two hours away by car, while Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is around two hours and 15 minutes away. Leshan Airport, which is expected to begin operations later in 2026, will be approximately 40 minutes from the resort by car.

(Source: Banyan Group)

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It’s a key concern and central to the conversation at PHIST this year about how to turn sustainability into profitability – a conversation led by tourism pioneer Banyan Group. Executive Chairman and Founder KP Ho

More than 1,300 tourism and hospitality professionals will attend  PHIST 2026 – a full-day event co-organised by the Phuket Hotels Association, C9 Hotelworks and Greenview. 

Staged at Angsana Laguna Phuket on 7 September 2026, this is a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, solution building, and action-taking. More than 25 expert-led sessions, panel discussions, workshops and fireside chats will examine the key issues shaping the industry’s future, from decarbonisation, ESG reporting and responsible supply chains to biodiversity, food systems, technology, destination stewardship and more.

Headlining this year’s event will be KP Ho, who created Banyan Group in 1994 and has built it into one of the world’s most successful luxury hospitality enterprises – without ever losing sight of his founding ethos: “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People.” At PHIST 2026, KP Ho will reveal his vision for the future of sustainable business in conversation with Delivering Asia Founder & CEO David Johnson.

“The future of hospitality belongs to businesses that can demonstrate the value sustainability creates – not only for the environment, but for their guests, employees, investors and local communities,” said KP Ho. “PHIST has become one of the industry’s most important platforms for sharing the innovation, partnerships and practical solutions that will shape tourism in the years ahead.”

PHIST 2026 will also hear from top-level executive and entrepreneurial speakers, including Bjorn Courage, President of the Phuket Hotels Association and General Manager of InterContinental Phuket Resort, Nida Wongphanlert, Managing Director of 137 Pillars Hotels & Resorts, Jeff Smith, Vice President – Sustainability at Six Senses, Maitri Fischer, Founder & CEO of Eco Mantra, Willem Neimeijer, CEO of YAANA Ventures, Branavan Aruljothi, Country Head of Booking.com, Laurence Onfroy, Vice President – Asia Pacific at Beyond Green, Tali Goldman, CEO of Market For Good, Ken Kuguru, Managing Director of Winnow, and Tawee Impoolsup, Country Manager of Scholars of Sustenance (SOS Thailand).

Beyond the panel discussions and presentations, visitors can discover the Green Groove Sustainability Exhibition, showcasing innovative technologies, products and services, and dedicated Non-Profit and Farm Zones will connect hotels with local producers. The PHIST Spotlight Video Awards will celebrate industry leadership.

PHIST 2026 will take place at Angsana Laguna Phuket on Monday, 7 September 2026, from 0900 to 1800. Attendance is free of charge, with advance registration required.

To learn more, please visit phist.phukethotelsassociation.com. 

(Source: PHIST)

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Close to 200 delegates, uniting leading Australian tourism operators with key travel partners from six Southeast Asian markets — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Australia Marketplace Southeast Asia bridged the Australian tourism industry with Southeast Asia’s key travel agencies and tour operators through scheduled appointments and networking opportunities over two-and-a-half days.

Malaysia is an important, longstanding market for Australia, and industry relationships with key travel agencies and partners across the region are being strengthened.

Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager, South and Southeast Asia, Jennifer Doig commented: “Southeast Asia is a powerhouse region for Australia’s visitor economy, and we have seen incredible growth from the markets here. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam continue to rank among the top source markets for arrivals in Australia, with Thailand and the Philippines showing strong potential for growth. Malaysia remains a vital market, and in the twelve months to May 2026, total arrivals from Malaysia grew by 10% year-on-year, bringing approximately 200,000 visitors to Australia and making it our 11th-largest international market.

“Tourism Australia’s platforms such as Australia Marketplace are crucial, empowering our local tourism industry to establish and strengthen relationships with the travel professionals who understand Southeast Asian travellers best. We look forward to welcoming the region’s diverse travellers with Australia’s premium and distinctive travel experiences.”

In the twelve months to May 2026, Australia recorded 9.16 million international short-term arrivals, up 9.5% year-on-year. Tourism Australia’s latest consumer research shows that Southeast Asian travellers, particularly those from Malaysia, rank key hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Perth as their most desirable Australian destinations, closely followed by experiences that feature beautiful natural scenery and unique wildlife.

Australia aims to be a destination for all, going above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences for travellers across Southeast Asia’s diverse segments, including high-yield travellers, groups, multi-generational families and Muslim travellers.

(Source: Tourism Australia)

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Qatar resumed service to Philadelphia on 1 August 2026, its 14th destination in North America. Flights on the route use an Airbus A350-900 aircraft, equipped with Qsuite and Starlink Wi-Fi.

Flight schedule

Doha (DOH) to Philadelphia (PHL) — QR727: Departure 0730; Arrival 1430.

Philadelphia (PHL) to Doha (DOH) — QR728: Departure 2130; Arrival 1700.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

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The cruise ship Rotterdam will once again homeport in Rotterdam for the 2028 Europe season.

Featuring Holland America Line’s highest number of Europe port calls in nearly a decade, the 2028 season includes record numbers of visits to Norway, Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands. Guests can discover more than 200 UNESCO World Heritage sites — including in-depth exploration of Norway’s UNESCO-listed fjords — and experience each destination through regional cuisine, local traditions and immersive shore excursions.

Holland America recently expanded its European deployment year-round, with departures from January through early December 2028 and itineraries ranging from seven-day getaways to 48-day Legendary Voyages. 

Five ships — Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Volendam and Zuiderdam — will sail throughout the region, giving guests a wide range of options across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and transatlantic crossings. Overnight stays, extended calls and late-night departures in select ports provide additional time to explore destinations from Northern Europe’s historic capitals and fjord communities to the sun-soaked coasts of the Mediterranean.

Mediterranean Sailings 

The Mediterranean features prominently in Holland America Line’s 2028 Europe season, with voyages ranging from seven to 11 days and departures from six homeports. Sailings visit destinations across Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey. At the same time, Nieuw Amsterdam returns to Europe for the first time in more than a decade, allowing travellers to experience several of the ship’s signature offerings, including Morimoto by Sea, Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s only dedicated restaurant at sea. Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam offer spring and fall departures, and Zuiderdam returns following her Evolution enhancements.

Many of the itineraries are designed for guests to sail back-to-back, seeing more of the Mediterranean on a longer vacation with few or no repeat ports. Travellers looking for a more extended exploration can also choose the 48-day Legendary Mediterranean Voyage, sailing roundtrip from North America and visiting destinations across the region. The season includes Holland America Line’s highest number of visits to Spain since 2017 and a record six calls at Portofino in 2028.

Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Zuiderdam will sail Northern Europe voyages ranging from seven to 28 days, visiting Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the British Isles and the Baltic. Itineraries pair major cultural capitals with smaller coastal destinations while offering opportunities to combine multiple regions into a single vacation.

(Source: Holland America)

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