Effective 1 October 2026, Thai AirAsia will operate direct flights from both Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to 22 domestic destinations, and from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to three key regional hubs: Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai.

This expansion is further supported by the introduction of nine cross-regional routes designed to facilitate seamless domestic travel and stimulate regional economies.

Thai AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Phairat Pornpathananangoon said that while the airline previously made necessary schedule adjustments in response to rising aviation fuel prices and temporary fluctuations in travel demand, the outlook for the fourth quarter remains highly positive. 

He noted that domestic tourism is projected to experience a robust recovery extending into early 2027, driven by the traditional high season and comprehensive tourism stimulus initiatives introduced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). In response, Thai AirAsia is expanding its route network and flight frequencies to accommodate this anticipated surge in demand. 

For the fourth quarter, spanning October to December, Thai AirAsia will scale its domestic operational capacity to a maximum of 135 flights per day. This represents a substantial growth of over 50% compared to the third quarter, which recorded an average peak of 88 daily flights. 

At Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport, the airline’s primary operational base, flights on high-demand routes will increase substantially. Daily direct flights will increase to a maximum of 17 for Chiang Mai, 15 for Phuket, and 9 to Hat Yai. Furthermore, the airline will allocate up to six daily flights each to Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Krabi, and Chiang Rai, alongside up to five daily flights to Ubon Ratchathani, in addition to several other key domestic routes.

Concurrently, operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport will also see more frequencies effective 1 October 2026, with the airline providing six daily flights to Chiang Mai, five to Phuket, and two to Krabi. 

To further strengthen its decentralised network, Thai AirAsia is launching new cross-regional routes connecting its Phuket hub directly to the Northeast. Commencing 25 October 2026, the airline will operate up to three weekly flights between Phuket and Khon Kaen, as well as up to four weekly flights between Phuket and Udon Thani.

(Source: Thai AirAsia)

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The Right Honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg, during the Soul of Borneo Gala, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) in conjunction with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and PATA Travel Mart 2026 (PTM2026).

Among the distinguished guests at the ceremony were YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development; Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism); and Morshidi Fredrick, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak.

Sarawak Tourism Board Chairman, Dato Dennis Ngau and Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Salleh Askor made the presentations. Also joining the celebration were PATA Chairman Henry Oh and PATA Chief Executive Officer Noor Ahmad Hamid, alongside Bernard Metzger, Founder of TOP25 Restaurants, who all joined the Premier of Sarawak in celebrating and presenting the inaugural awards.

The gala brought together more than 800 distinguished guests, including tourism and industry leaders, international delegates, chefs, restaurant owners, culinary professionals and representatives from across Sarawak. 

The inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards builds on the collaboration between the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), PATA and TOP25 Restaurants to showcase Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage and excellence to an international audience.

TOP25 Restaurants Founder Bernard Metzger said: “The inaugural TOP25 Restaurants Sarawak Awards are a celebration of the people, places, traditions and creativity that make Sarawak’s culinary identity so distinctive. Sarawak possesses an extraordinary gastronomic heritage, and it is our privilege to help bring the stories of its restaurants and culinary communities to a global audience. These awards recognise not only excellence on the plate, but also the passion, heritage, innovation and commitment to sustainability that are shaping the future of gastronomy in Sarawak.”

The 25 awardees were recognised across five categories. Within each category, the awardees were presented alphabetically by restaurant name.

Sustainable Gastronomy Awards

TOP25 Restaurants also expanded the reach of its Global Sustainable Gastronomy Awards, which were launched in Bangkok in December 2025, recognising restaurants demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible gastronomy.

Sarawak awardees:

• Cavakita Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Miri;
• Kechala, Santubong;
• River View Café, Kuching;
• ROOTS, Kuching;
• The Bikalan, Bau.

The inclusion of the Sustainable Gastronomy Awards reflects the growing importance of responsible and sustainable practices in the global gastronomy and tourism sectors, while recognising Sarawak as a sustainable destination.

Top International Restaurants

The Top International Restaurants category celebrates establishments offering international culinary experiences while contributing to Sarawak’s diverse and dynamic dining scene.

Awardees:

• Ceylonese Restaurant, Kuching;
• Gu Jin, Kuching;
• Maguro Japanese Ala Carte Buffet, Kuching;
• Ocho, Kuching;
• Zinc Restaurant & Bar, Kuching.

TOP Creative Restaurants

The TOP Creative Restaurants category recognises establishments distinguished by creativity, innovation and distinctive culinary concepts.

Awardees:

• Hachi by Kenny’s, Miri;
• MAK Restaurant, Miri;
• Tai-Tai Restaurant, Kuching;
• The Chamber, Miri;
• ZOZO Beans & Booze, Kuching.

TOP Indigenous Restaurants

The TOP Indigenous Restaurants category celebrates establishments that showcase indigenous culinary traditions, ingredients, heritage and contemporary expressions of Sarawak’s food culture.

Awardees:

• Borneo Cultures Museum Restaurant, Kuching;
• Lepau Restaurant, Kuching;
• Little Fairy Café, Kuching;
• Budaya Restaurant, Santubong;
• The Lamin, Kuching.

Signature TOP25 Restaurants

The Signature TOP25 Restaurants category highlights establishments recognised for their distinctive dining experiences and contribution to Sarawak’s culinary identity.

Awardees:

• Choon Hui Café, Kuching;
• Kantin at the Granary, Kuching;
• Kebaya Story, Miri;
• M&D’s Restaurant, Bintulu;
• Oriental Bistro, Sibu.

Together, the 25 awardees represent the breadth and diversity of Sarawak’s culinary landscape, with restaurants recognised across Kuching, Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Santubong and Bau.

The awards also reinforce gastronomy’s role in strengthening tourism, cultural preservation, community development, and economic growth. This is particularly significant as Kuching continues to build on its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, providing a strong foundation for Sarawak further to develop its profile as an international gastronomy destination.

(Source: TOP25 Restaurants)

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Year-round, THAI schedules daily flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and Zurich, Switzerland, directly competing with SWISS on the popular direct route. The round-trip economy fare averages USD1,030.

But during the winter timetable from 16 January to 29 March 2026, TG will add four weekly flights using a Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 with 296 seats, in addition to the daily flights using a B777-300 with 339 seats.

Zurich is part of TG’s expansion at European gateways such as Paris-CDG and Munich, with additional frequencies scheduled during peak travel months January to March from Europe to Southeast Asia.  

Flight schedule BKK-ZRH

TG970 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 0035 and arrives in Zurich (ZRH) at 0645. Daily.
TG971 departs Zurich (ZRH) at 1315 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0550 (plus a day). Daily.

TG972 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1205 and arrives in Zurich (ZRH) at 1815. (Departures Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday).
TG973 departs Zurich (ZRH) at 2000 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1235. (Departures Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday).

 Flight duration for direct service between BKK Suvarnabhumi Airport and Zurich remains approximately 11.5 to 12 hours for both aircraft — B777-300 and the B787-9.

(Source: THAI)

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Disney Cruise Line will return to New York City, offer more cruises from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and return to breathtaking destinations from Canada to Mexico, while making maiden calls to new ports during special itineraries.

Disney Cruise Line will return to New York City for the first time since 2023, with the Disney Wish arriving in late September 2027 for seven special voyages.

Early bookings open for select Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members on 31 August 2026, with general bookings opening on 8 September. 

Disney Cruise Line will also return to New England and Canada’s Atlantic coast for the first time in nearly four years while sailing from New York. The Disney Wish will visit Boston, Massachusetts, St John, New Brunswick, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the height of autumn, offering families a spectacular way to experience the season’s brilliant colours along New England and Canada’s iconic coastlines.

More ports to explore

Disney Cruise Line’s expanding fleet creates more opportunities to explore the world, and Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 will extend visits to special ports with more sailings from San Juan, Puerto Rico, along with repositioning cruises that include maiden calls to destinations during Panama Canal sailings. 

From New York City, the Disney Wish will sail to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on a five-night voyage with a stop in Bermuda. The Disney Wish will then sail from San Juan on a seven-night Southern Caribbean cruise with stops in Aruba, St. Maarten, Bonaire, and the shores of Dominica, before repositioning to Port Canaveral, Florida, on a four-night sailing to both of Disney Cruise Line’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Following the New York City and San Juan sailings, the Disney Wish will home port in Port Canaveral, Florida, for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises that include stops at Disney’s island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.

Disney Adventure sailings in Southeast Asia

The Disney Adventure will continue sailing from Singapore with new three- and four-night itineraries from September to December 2027, offering families magical Disney experiences at sea, complete with Broadway-style entertainment and Disney Cruise Line’s renowned guest service.

Adding to the excitement, select sailings from 31 December 2026 will feature a new port of call: Langkawi, Malaysia. The day visit gives guests the chance to explore Langkawi’s lush rainforests and scenic coastline ashore.

(Source: Disney Cruise Line)

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The collaboration is built on three strategic pillars: enhancing cardholder value, unlocking new travel and lifestyle opportunities, and advancing innovative payment experiences. Together, these initiatives are designed to address the evolving expectations of travellers across Asia Pacific, as identified in Klook’s Travel Pulse 2026.

The Klook Travel Pulse research underscores a growing trend among travellers seeking meaningful, experience-led journeys alongside the best value. 

While 47% of APAC consumers actively seek deals, discounts and bundled offers, and 42% book earlier to secure better prices, travel decisions are increasingly being driven by experiences. More than half of travellers no longer begin with a destination in mind, with 23% choosing their destination based on a specific activity and 73% willing to visit a lesser-known city for a unique event.

Against this backdrop, the Klook–Mastercard collaboration will introduce a range of propositions designed to bring more value to travellers, with exclusive discounts and privileges for Mastercard cardholders ahead of the year-end travel period. This collaboration lays the groundwork for a growing pipeline of entertainment benefits, with more exciting opportunities to be announced as the collaboration deepens.

“Experiences give travel meaning, creating moments that become lasting memories,” said Klook Co-Founder and President Eric Gnock Fah. “By combining Klook’s experiences platform with Mastercard’s global network and trusted payments infrastructure, we can help travellers discover more, unlock greater value, and spend less time planning and more time experiencing the world.”

“The future of travel will be shaped by ecosystems that bring together the best of technology, payments and experiences. Through collaborations with industry leaders like Klook, with their deep insights on travellers, Mastercard is helping create more personalised, rewarding and seamless journeys across the region. Together, we’re unlocking new ways for consumers to discover, access and enjoy the experiences that matter most to them,” said Mastercard Executive Vice President, Market Development, Asia Pacific, Peter Robejsek.

Looking ahead, Klook and Mastercard will explore opportunities to further strengthen their collaboration across a range of strategic growth areas, from deepening data collaboration to evaluating next-generation payment innovations. Together, the companies aim to unlock new value for travellers and help shape the future of connected travel experiences.

(Source: Klook)

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The move forms part of Agoda’s collaboration with NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services, to make its Singapore IT operations more energy efficient while maintaining the performance, availability and reliability required to serve millions of travellers worldwide.

NTT Global Data Centres’ Singapore facility holds BCA Green Mark Platinum and LEED Gold certifications. Alongside the renewable energy certificate coverage, the collaboration includes measures to reduce electricity use across Agoda’s servers and cooling systems.

Singapore Country Head for NTT Global Data Centres, Tadaaki Arimura, said: “Sustainable infrastructure is most effective when it is practical, measurable and built into day-to-day operations. Our work with Agoda shows how data centre efficiency can support business growth while helping reduce environmental impact.”

Based on Agoda’s internal 2026 measurements, Agoda lowered energy use by up to 16% for eligible workloads through dynamic power management, allowing servers to use less power when full processing capacity is not required. 

Agoda also reduced cooling-related energy use by approximately 40% per eligible server by adjusting fan speeds as needed, compared with running them at maximum speed. NTT Global Data Centres complements these efforts through facility-level airflow and cooling management.

Agoda, VP of Global IT Infrastructure Paolo Prinsecchi said: “At Agoda, we are always looking for practical ways to operate our IT infrastructure more efficiently and responsibly. 

“By partnering with the right colocation provider, such as NTT Global Data Centres, and optimising how we use our infrastructure and hardware, we can support more sustainable growth while maintaining the seamless experience our users expect from our platform.”

(Source: Agoda)

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Located at the southern end of Sydney’s Central Business District, the 31-story hotel is in proximity to Central Station, Sydney Light Rail’s Haymarket station, Chinatown, Darling Harbour, the International Convention Centre, leading universities, and Sydney’s emerging Tech Central precinct.

Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket will feature 328 rooms, a restaurant, a lobby café-bar, a pool bar, meeting rooms totalling 218 square metres, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre. 

The property’s location, just 200 metres from Central Station and 6.3 kim from Sydney Airport, provides strong connectivity across the city and beyond. Its position at the gateway to the CBD also puts guests within walking distance of Sydney’s key commercial, cultural, educational, and entertainment destinations.

The signing of Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket further strengthens Radisson Hotel Group’s development momentum in Australasia, where the group continues to expand through a targeted mix of lifestyle, upper-upscale, resort, and conversion opportunities in key urban and leisure destinations.

(Source: Radisson Hotel Group)

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The 59th edition of the MATTA Fair is set to occupy the three floor levels, with the Domestic Hall on Level 1 and the International Hall on Levels 2 and 3, spanning a total exhibition space of 40,820 square metres across 10 halls.

The fair will feature 2,054 booths from 306 organisations, providing a variety of must-visit destinations

By bringing together Malaysia’s largest consumer travel fair and one of the country’s leading integrated financial services groups, the collaboration aims to give visitors a trusted, rewarding travel-planning experience through exclusive promotions, flexible payment solutions, and value-added travel benefits.

RHB Bank Berhad Managing Director of Group Community Banking  Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo said: “RHB remains committed to supporting the growth of the travel and hospitality sector by giving customers greater convenience, flexibility and value throughout their travel experience. Our RHB Multi Currency Debit Card/-i makes overseas spending simpler, with access to 34 currencies on a single card. Customers can spend directly from their selected foreign currency balance without conversion fees, while earning Reward Points on eligible overseas transactions.”

At the MATTA Fair, customers who make purchases using their RHB Cards/-i can enjoy savings of up to MYR1,500 with participating travel partners, including Corporate Information Travel, Golden Destinations and MITRA Tours & Travel. Visitors will also stand a chance to purchase RM1 air tickets, win Insta360 cameras and flight tickets.

“RHB also offers flexible instalment plans, some with 0% interest rates, allowing customers to spread larger purchases into manageable monthly payments. Through these offerings, we aim to give Malaysians greater travel flexibility and value as they plan, pay for and enjoy their travels,” he added.

Visitors can visit RHB Bank’s booths at the Domestic Hall on Level 1 and International Halls on Level 2 to learn more about its travel-focused banking solutions and cardholder privileges available throughout the fair.

Beyond that, visitors can also explore an extensive range of domestic and international travel experiences from 176 tour and travel agencies, engage directly with 16 National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), 13 State Tourism Organisations (STOs), 59 hotels and resorts, 9 theme parks and 32 travel-related service providers.

“Travel is something many travellers look forward to, and MATTA Fair is where those travel aspirations come to life. RHB Bank has been a valued partner of MATTA, and their continued support helps strengthen our role as a trusted platform for travellers, creating a more rewarding experience and greater opportunities for visitors, members and exhibitors,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

To ensure a smooth visitor experience, MATTA Fair offers free admission and is open from 1000 to 2100 from Friday to Sunday. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the complimentary shuttle services from KL Sentral and Sunway Putra Mall to MITEC.

For those driving, parking is available at the South Entrance basement in MITEC, the MITI basement, MATRADE open parking, KL Courts complex open parking, and Hyatt Regency basement parking.

For the latest updates, visit mattafair.org.my or follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @mattafair.official, and X @matta_fair.

(Source: MATTA)

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The Pearl Global Business Awards 2026 is an official recognition initiative by the Penang State Government, conceptualised by the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) and professionally executed by TIN Media.

The inaugural awards will take place on 14 December 2026, with the venue to be announced later.

The awards recognise influential leaders, organisations and changemakers whose contributions demonstrate impact, innovation, sustainability, inclusivity and leadership, while reflecting Penang’s ambition and transformation as a competitive regional and international business destination.

The 2026 edition holds particular significance as it recognises the growth and transformation of Penang’s key industries over the past decade. It seeks to honour the businesses, institutions, and individuals whose vision, resilience, and contributions have helped strengthen Penang’s economy, enhance its global competitiveness, and shape the state’s continued progress.

The Pearl Global Business Awards will serve as a biennial platform to recognise excellence across Penang’s strategic development sectors, while promoting innovation, inclusivity, sustainability and global competitiveness, and positioning Penang as a regional and international hub of leadership and business influence.

65 award titles across 12 strategic sectors

The inaugural Pearl Global Business Awards 2026 will feature 65 award titles across 12 strategic sectors:

1. Investment & Trade

2. Halal & Ethical Industries

3. Sustainability & Green Innovation

4. Technology & Innovation

5. Women Empowerment & Gender Equality

6. Youth Leadership & Development

7. Digital Economy & Smart Solutions

8. Infrastructure & Urban Development

9. Social Impact & Community Harmony

10. Leadership & Lifetime Excellence

11. Hospitality, Tourism & Business Events

12. Media, Communications & Public Visibility

Among the awards are:

Hotel of the Year: 

Tourism Hero Award:

Best Business Event Organiser;

Media Excellence Award;

Destination Storytelling Excellence Award.

The Pearl Global Business Awards 2026 aim to establish a legacy that can grow with Penang, recognising those who have contributed to the state’s journey while inspiring the next generation of leaders to take Penang forward.

(Source: Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau).

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The partnership enables passengers to benefit from a single-ticket itinerary combining Air India and Drukair flights, ensuring a seamless end-to-end travel experience. It offers coordinated baggage and passenger transfer through to the final destination, delivering a seamless travel experience via Air India’s hub at Delhi – Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Passengers will also benefit from competitive interline fares, providing enhanced flexibility, improved connectivity, and greater overall value.

The partnership enables Air India guests to travel seamlessly to Paro via Delhi from across Air India’s expanding international network. It also provides convenient onward connections within Bhutan, from Paro to Bumthang, Gelephu, and Yonphula.

With this partnership, Air India offers seamless connectivity to nearly all countries in the SAARC region through its own or partner network.

Reciprocally, Drukair passengers gain direct access via Delhi, Guwahati, and Kolkata to Air India’s extensive domestic network, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kochi, as well as a wide range of major international destinations such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Colombo, Newark, Frankfurt, New York (JFK), London (Heathrow), Melbourne, San Francisco, Sydney, Toronto Pearson, and Vancouver.

Air India Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal said: “Our partnership with Drukair reinforces our commitment to strengthening connectivity across the SAARC region, which we consider our extended home market. Bhutan is a valued part of this region, and we are happy to enable easy access to Bhutan for our guests and look forward to welcoming Drukair’s passengers onto Air India’s extensive domestic and global network.

Drukair Chief Executive Officer Tandi Wangchuk said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Drukair as we continue to strengthen our global connectivity and enhance the travel experience for our passengers. Through this interline partnership with Air India, our customers will benefit from seamless journeys, expanded access to key international markets, and improved connectivity across India and beyond.”

(Source: Air India)

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