This year, Centara received three distinguished awards across key hospitality segments:

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives was named Best Luxury Hotel of the Year, recognising its exceptional luxury resort experience, refined service and distinctive island hospitality in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya received the Best Family Vacation Hotel of the Year award, reinforcing its position as one of Thailand’s leading family resort destinations, offering immersive experiences, extensive leisure facilities, and memorable stays for guests of all ages.

Centara Grand at CentralWorld was honoured as Best MICE Hotel of the Year, highlighting its strong reputation as a premier venue for meetings, incentives, conferences and events in the heart of Bangkok, supported by expansive event spaces, world-class facilities and professional service standards.

The recognition reflects the strength and diversity of Centara’s portfolio, spanning luxury leisure, family-focused resorts and urban MICE hospitality. It also underscores the group’s continued commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences, service excellence and internationally recognised standards across its hotels and resorts.

The AHA Asia Hotel Awards 2026 marks an important milestone for the regional hospitality industry, having evolved from the CHA China Hotel Awards into an Asia-wide awards platform. Under the theme “Trusted Choice of Excellence”, the awards celebrate high-performing hotels, influential hospitality brands, and industry leaders who drive the continued growth and development of Asia’s hotel sector.

The awards gala took place in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together leading hotel groups, investors, luxury brands, media representatives, and hospitality professionals from across the region.

As Centara continues to expand its footprint in Thailand and international markets, these awards further strengthen the company’s position as a leading Thai hospitality brand with a growing presence across Asia and beyond.

For more information about Centara Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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The popular island destination in northern Malaysia presents the Naturally Langkawi story to four key cities, Beijing, Zhengzhou, Wuxi, and Jinan, from 12 to 19 October 2026.

The roadshow also spotlighted the launch of LADA’s official Naturally Langkawi presence on Xiaohongshu (Rednote), one of China’s leading lifestyle and travel discovery platforms.

The tie-up with Xiaohongshu (Rednote) extends Langkawi’s digital engagement with Chinese travellers and introduces them to Langkawi’s natural landscapes, cultural character and distinctive island experiences. 

Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Waffa Wahida binti Zainol, Tourism Manager of LADA, and the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) President Datuk Dr Angie Ng jointly officiated at the launch in Beijing.

LADA’s participation in the four-city roadshow reflects its continued commitment to strengthening relationships with the China travel trade and increasing awareness of Langkawi among Chinese travellers. Through a combination of B2B engagement and digital storytelling, the initiative aims to present Langkawi through a broader lens – one that goes beyond the traditional sun-and-sea holiday.

At the heart of this approach is “Feel Again”, Naturally Langkawi’s emotional invitation to experience the island through moments of wonder, connection, indulgence and possibility. From its ancient landscapes and UNESCO Global Geopark heritage to its beaches, wildlife and local experiences, Langkawi offers travellers space to slow down, reconnect with nature and experience something different.

“China remains an important market for Langkawi, and this roadshow provides a valuable opportunity for us to strengthen our relationships with the travel trade across key cities while bringing the Naturally Langkawi story directly to Chinese travellers,” said Waffa, Tourism Manager of LADA.

“Through Xiaohongshu, we can share Langkawi in a way that reflects how today’s travellers discover and experience places – through visual stories, authentic recommendations and experiences worth remembering. We want Chinese travellers to see that Langkawi is more than a beautiful island. It is a place where they can reconnect with nature, discover new experiences and, ultimately, feel again.”

Naturally, Langkawi on Xiaohongshu 

As part of its digital engagement in China, LADA will use the Xiaohongshu (Rednote) platform to showcase a selection of experiences that reflect the different ways travellers can discover and connect with Langkawi. Chinese travellers can now follow the official Naturally Langkawi account on Xiaohongshu (Rednote) for travel inspiration, curated experiences and stories from across the island.

(Source: Your Stories — LADA)

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With a beautiful tapestry of rice paddies, lush forests, dramatic waterfalls, and white beaches, the Cagayan Valley is a popular destination for Filipino travellers. Last year, 1.34 million tourists visited this pristine region, marking a 21.9% year-on-year increase¹. Overseas visitors from markets such as the U.S., China and Korea are also discovering the Cagayan Valley, and the debut of Best Western Plus Pulsar Cagayan could help to draw a new wave of tourists. Visitors will enjoy a wealth of natural and cultural attractions.

Best Western Plus Pulsar Cagayan is conveniently located in Tuguegarao City’s main commercial centre and is only a short drive from Tuguegarao Airport, which offers direct flights to and from Manila. The hotel’s 129 rooms come with modern amenities, and guests can savour local and international cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, work out at the fitness centre, or relax by the pool. A rooftop restaurant and karaoke bar also create options for memorable evenings.

The hotel is also set to become one of the region’s leading venues for meetings and events; the Grand Ballroom can stage major conferences and weddings with seating for up to 700 people, while 12 additional function spaces — ranging from 19 to 140 sqm — can host a wide range of events, from breakouts and board meetings to training sessions and business briefings.

Best Western Plus brand standards guide every aspect of the hotel experience, going beyond expectations with well-appointed guestrooms and upgraded amenities. 

Members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program that’s free to join, can enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. Members can redeem these points for exciting rewards like free room nights, airline miles, and gift cards.

“The debut of Best Western Plus in the Cagayan Valley demonstrates our commitment to introducing our world-renowned standards of international hospitality to Asia’s most exciting emerging destinations. Northern Luzon is absolutely stunning, with rolling hills, deep valleys, and beautiful beaches. As the first major hotel brand to arrive here, we look forward to introducing a rising number of domestic and overseas visitors to the wonders of this scenic region,” said BWH Hotels Vice President — APAC Olivier Berrivin. 

With the opening of Best Western Plus Pulsar Cagayan, BWH Hotels now operates nine properties in the Philippines under four distinct brands: SureStay Plus by Best Western, SureStay Studio by Best Western, Best Western Plus and WorldHotels Elite. In line with the company’s five-year development strategy, BWH Hotels is targeting around 200 hotels in Asia Pacific over the next five years.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

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As Thailand’s leading hotel operator and one of Asia’s most recognised hospitality brands, Centara Hotels & Resorts offers more than 93 properties across 12 countries. The partnership will see Global Payments® power cross-border payment capabilities to support national and international visitation across Centara’s Thailand property estate.

The Centara partnership mirrors Global Payments’ broader Asia strategy to identify high-volume travel verticals where cross-border payment complexity hinders customer attraction and retention. This addition to Global Payments’ Thailand partner portfolio effectively completes a payments infrastructure that now spans the full international traveller journey, offering a seamless customer experience from flight booking to hotel check-in.

A new payment standard 

In 2025 alone, Thailand welcomed 32.97 million international visitors, each arriving with different currencies and payment expectations shaped by their home markets. However, currency friction at checkout, limited support for international payment methods, and the complexity of settling funds across borders cost travel merchants in Thailand real revenue.

While online travel agencies (OTAs) account for 69% of hotel bookings in ASEAN, industry research shows nearly 35% of hotel bookings in Southeast Asia now come directly through hotel websites, indicating a preference for direct bookings. As travellers bypass OTAs for better prices, flexible policies, and loyalty benefits, a seamless payment experience becomes a key differentiator. As cross-border spending demand continues to grow, foreign exchange volatility and unexpected conversion rates create speed bumps that lead to buyer hesitation at checkout. These factors are driving greater demand for a localised customer journey that rewards loyalty. Global Payments’ payments infrastructure enables Centara to own the checkout experience and provide a direct booking relationship with customers.

Global Payments’ partnership with Centara delivers capabilities that address these expectations by enabling multicurrency pricing (MCP) across 153 currencies and 200 payment types, and by configuring reliable FX sources and rate locks.

Transactions on the new platform are expected to commence across Centara’s Thailand properties in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Building Asia’s travel payments backbone

Since entering the Thai market twelve months ago, Global Payments has built relationships with the country’s leading carriers, and now its most prominent hotel group, creating a seamless, connected ecosystem that follows the international traveller from departure gate to hotel lobby.

Phil Pomford, executive lead, Enterprise APAC at Global Payments, said: “Travellers now expect to find their own currency, preferred payment method and a seamless checkout experience wherever they book. Addressing the same challenges faced by our global airline partners, we are proud to extend our proven cross-border solution to one of Asia’s most respected hospitality brands.”

Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, said: “Partnering with Global Payments allows us to deliver a seamless booking and payment experience that meets the expectations of today’s international travellers. By integrating multicurrency pricing and secure cross-border capabilities, we can strengthen direct relationships with our guests, enhance loyalty, and support Thailand’s tourism growth. This collaboration underscores Centara’s commitment to innovation and to providing world-class hospitality that begins the moment a guest books their stay.”

Global Payments manages approximately USD3.7 trillion in transactions annually across more than 175 countries, hundreds of payment types and currencies. Global Payments’ payments infrastructure will enable Centara to offer travellers — both regional and international — a seamless, localised booking experience.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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Often, they appear beside busy roads, under zinc rooftops, next to fishing villages, or tucked inside modest warungs with plastic chairs that never quite match. And somehow, those are usually the meals people remember most. 

Food in Langkawi is less about presentation and more about place. 

You taste the island in ways that feel deeply tied to its landscape — in seafood pulled from surrounding waters, in northern Malaysian flavours carrying traces of Thai influence just across the sea border. Meals here feel generous in the way island life often is. 

Take Bronok Kerabu, for example. 

Widely considered one of Langkawi’s most distinctive dishes, it is made using bronok — a sea cucumber species found along the island’s muddy shores. Mixed with herbs, onions, chilli, lime, and young mango, the dish is cool, briny, herbal, and slightly unexpected. Some compare it to sushi. Others simply grow up eating it. 

At places like Restoran Kak Yan Nasi Campur, meals unfold differently from resort dining. Plates of nasi campur begin modestly enough before slowly becoming overloaded with gulai, sambal, fried fish, vegetables, and whatever looked too good to leave behind. Locals know to arrive early, before the most popular dishes disappear by lunchtime.  

Elsewhere on the island, seafood becomes ritual. 

At many gulai panas spots, diners are first brought to trays of fresh fish resting on ice. You point to the one you want and the kitchen takes over from there, simmering it into rich curry gravy fragrant with spices and coconut. There is something refreshingly unceremonious about the process. No elaborate explanation. Just familiarity built through repetition.  

At night, the island shifts again. 

Pasar malam stalls glow beneath fluorescent lights while smoke from grills curls into the humid air. Orders are shouted between stalls. Plastic bags swing from handlebars. 

Children weave between crowds carrying snacks still too hot to hold properly.  

This is where keropok lekor tastes best — fresh from the fryer, crisp outside, soft within, dipped into sweet chilli sauce before cooling too quickly.

And then there are the quieter meals. 

A bowl of bihun sup on a rainy afternoon. The sharpness of lime squeezed into slow-simmered broth. Roti canai eaten slowly over morning conversation and endless cups of tea. Fresh coconut water after hours spent under the island heat. These are not dramatic dining experiences and that is precisely the point. 

Langkawi’s food culture does not constantly try to impress you. It simply invites you in. 

Even the island’s cafés seem to understand this rhythm. Places like Smiling Buffalo Cafe feel less concerned with trends and more interested in slow coffee, open spaces, long conversations, afternoons that drift naturally into evening.  

And perhaps that is what makes eating in Langkawi feel different from other island destinations. The food rarely feels separated from everyday life here. 

It exists beside roadside stalls opening before sunrise. Beside families gathering around shared dishes without ceremony or occasion. Steady, generous, and unforgettable. 

https://naturallylangkawi.my/

(Source: Your Stories — Naturally Langkawi)

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This year’s awards were presented at a glamorous gala ceremony in Singapore on Thursday, 1 October 2026. In the presence of Asia’s most respected figures in travel, tourism, and hospitality, Best Western was recognised once again as the undisputed leader in the midscale hotel sector, marking the 10th consecutive year it has earned this prestigious accolade.

This shows how Best Western continues to work hand in hand with its trade partners to create exceptional guest experiences at an affordable price point, underscored by heartfelt service and timeless brand standards that have delighted the world’s travellers for more than 80 years. 

In the last 12 months, the Best Western portfolio in Asia has expanded with a new series of hotels and resorts in key markets including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines.

“We are delighted and deeply honoured to have been voted as Asia’s “Best Midscale Hotel Chain” once again by the esteemed readers of Travel Weekly Asia. While BWH Hotels has now moved into every sector of the market, from economy to luxury, we are still extremely proud of our midscale roots, which trace back to the founding of our company in 1946. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary this year, we are truly grateful to retain the support and trust of our travel industry partners, who are so important to our business, “ said BWH Hotels Vice President — APAC, Olivier Berrivin.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com  or worldhotels.com.  

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

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Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls (Seven Wells): Known for its cascading pools, this trail combines adventure with reward. Families can enjoy a short walk up to the lower pools, where kids can dip their toes and play while parents relax.

Lubuk Semilang Recreational Park: This shaded jungle park has a trail that’s easy enough for children, with lots of greenery and birdsong along the way. It’s also a great spot for picnics, making it a double win.

Gunung Raya Lookout Walks: Instead of tackling the entire mountain, families can enjoy shorter sections of paved paths. Kids love spotting monkeys and butterflies along the way, while the whole family gets panoramic views at rest points.

Durian Perangin Waterfall: With manageable steps and plenty of shaded areas, this waterfall is a popular family stop. Kids love splashing at the base, and parents appreciate the cooling breeze and nearby picnic spot.

Pantai Kok Forest Walk: A peaceful stretch with minimal incline, this trail lets kids experience the forest atmosphere without tiring out too quickly. Keep an eye (and ear) out for hornbills overhead.

Family Tip:

Pack extra water, snacks, and maybe even a small towel for quick waterfall dips. Nature is best enjoyed when everyone is hydrated and happy.

For more information, visit: Naturally Langkawi  

(Source: Your Stories — Naturally Langkawi)

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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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Leading the latest honours is Dusit Thani Bangkok, Dusit’s reimagined flagship hotel opposite Lumpini Park in the heart of the Thai capital, which has been elevated from One to Two Michelin Keys – denoting an exceptional stay – in the Michelin Guide’s 2026 global hotel selection.

Rebuilt on the site of the original hotel, which opened in 1970 and closed for redevelopment in 2019, the 257-room property reopened in September 2024 as a key component of Dusit Central Park, a landmark mixed-use development bringing together the hotel, luxury residences, offices, retail, and an expansive rooftop park. 

Conceived to set a new benchmark for the Dusit Thani brand, Dusit Thani Bangkok presents a contemporary interpretation of its predecessor’s distinctive identity, with all guest rooms offering sweeping views of Lumpini Park. The hotel reflects a broader evolution of Dusit’s luxury offering, centred on combining the group’s Thai hospitality heritage with contemporary design and highly personalised service, while shaping each property’s experiences around its destination.

This approach is reflected in award-winning efforts elsewhere in Dusit’s global portfolio. Dusit Thani Kyoto in Japan and Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort in the Philippines have each retained One Michelin Key – denoting a very special stay – maintaining Dusit’s Michelin Key presence across three countries while demonstrating how the brand’s Thai-inspired gracious hospitality can take distinct forms in different locations.

Beyond its Michelin Key properties, ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn, and ASAI Kyoto Shijo – all part of Dusit’s locally focused lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels – are also included in the Guide’s curated hotel selection, comprising properties chosen by Michelin’s inspectors for their quality, individual character, and connection to their destinations.

Michelin recognition also extends to Dusit’s dining experiences. At Dusit Thani Bangkok, Cannubi by Umberto Bombana holds One Michelin Star in the Michelin Guide Thailand 2026 – making it the only Italian restaurant in Thailand to hold the distinction. The contemporary Italian restaurant received its first Star when the 2026 edition was announced in November 2025.

Elsewhere in Bangkok, Thien Duong, the Vietnamese restaurant at Baan Dusit Thani, retains its Michelin Bib Gourmand, recognising good-quality, good-value cooking.

In the Philippines, Benjarong, serving refined Thai cuisine, and Umu, specialising in Japanese dining, at Dusit Thani Manila are both included as Michelin Selected restaurants in the Michelin Guide Philippines 2026.

In the UAE, Namak, serving contemporary Indian cuisine at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, continues its run as a Michelin Selected restaurant.

Collectively, the Michelin recognition spans multiple Dusit brands, destinations, and hospitality experiences, from luxury and lifestyle hotels to a diverse range of dining concepts. 

“Receiving Two Michelin Keys for Dusit Thani Bangkok is a tremendous honour, and one made even more meaningful by the wider Michelin recognition our hotels and restaurants continue to receive across several destinations,” said Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO, Dusit International. “These achievements belong first and foremost to our teams, whose skill, creativity, and care shape the experiences our guests enjoy every day. They also affirm our belief that staying true to our Thai hospitality heritage while continually evolving for the needs of today’s travellers can create experiences that resonate far beyond our home market. We are immensely proud of what our teams have achieved, and we will continue building on this foundation across our portfolio.”

For more information about Dusit Hotels and Resorts, visit dusit.com.

(Source: Your Stories — Dusit International)

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It reaffirms its place in the prestigious Travel Hall of Fame, while Best Western Chatuchak was voted the “Best Mid-Range Hotel — Bangkok” for the second year in a row.

TTG Asia’s Travel Hall of Fame is reserved for the region’s leading travel providers, which have won their category for at least 10 consecutive years. BWH Hotels was first inducted in 2019, and its latest honour reflects how the company continues to lead the midscale hotel sector with diverse brand concepts, contemporary hospitality, and a commitment to warm, heartfelt service.

Best Western Chatuchak, which opened in 2023, is a prime example of how BWH Hotels is elevating the midscale hotel sector in Asia. Perfectly positioned just steps from Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, this modern property has quickly become a favourite among both business and leisure travellers. The hotel enhances the guest experience through partnerships with local specialists, offering on-site wellness and lifestyle experiences, including a popular café, spa therapies, yoga, Pilates, sound healing, and acupuncture.

The TTG Travel Awards are determined by the readers of TTG Asia and its six sister publications, comprising highly respected members of the region’s travel trade. The accolades were presented during a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner held in central Bangkok on the evening of 24 September 2026.

“It is a true honour to achieve these two prestigious awards, and I would like to thank every reader of TTG Asia for voting for us. Our company has made a long-term commitment to working with the travel industry to provide the best possible stays for our customers. These latest accolades show that our partners share our vision, and we look forward to working closely together in future, as we continue to elevate the hospitality industry and create exceptional experiences for every guest,” said BWH Hotels Vice President — APAC Olivier Berrivin.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com or worldhotels.com.

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels)

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