From 12 to 13 April, guests will feel at the centre of the festivities through traditional ceremonies, live performances, expertly curated Thai cuisine, and cocktails crafted from local Thai spirits.

Sunday 12 April: Songkran Beachfront Brunch

Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen hosts a Songkran brunch accompanied by a drum parade moving through the resort before live DJ and band performances lead into water celebrations along the shoreline.

The “Vitamin A” brunch option includes soft drinks and is priced at THB 2,088++ per person (with a 50% discount for children ages 4 to 11). The “Vitamin B” brunch package at THB 3,588++ includes soft drinks, wine, beer and cocktails, while “Vitamin SEA” priced at THB4,188++ also adds sparkling Prosecco. The cocktail selection focuses on Thailand’s craft distillation: cocktails are prepared with Chalong, Dandy, Saneha, and Lanna spirits, and are inspired by Thai ingredients and flavours.

Monday 13 April: Ceremony and Evening Feast

The morning begins with monks leading the Rod Nam Dum Hua blessing ceremony, where guests offer water as a gesture of respect and receive blessings for the year ahead. A traditional procession follows, easing into Songkran water celebrations across the property.

In the evening, Act 5 – The Grill presents a Songkran buffet dinner from 1830 to 2230, featuring Thai live music, dances, and a fire show.

The menu highlights celebratory Thai dishes prepared across live stations and buffet counters, including:

• Pad Thai Goong Sod – Wok-fried rice noodles with prawns cooked to order;
• Gai Gab Moo Yang – Charcoal-grilled pork neck and marinated chicken;
• Hor Mok Pla – Steamed fish custard in a banana leaf;
• Gaeng Massaman Gai – Slow-stewed chicken Massaman curry;
• Nuea Pad Nam Man Hoi – Wok-fried Wagyu beef with oyster sauce;
• Yum Thai and Khao Phad Puu – Tossed spicy Thai salads and crab meat fried rice;
• Traditional desserts complete the meal, including Look Chup – moulded mung bean sweets and Khao Niew Mamuang – fresh mango with sweet sticky rice, prepared live.

Dinner is priced at THB1,900++, including a welcome drink, with optional beverage packages available.

An outdoor cocktail bar continues the celebration into the evening, offering locally inspired drinks and a guest mixologist’s four-cocktail tasting flight, with this special drinks package – inspired by Thai spirits and flavours priced at THB999++.

Stay Experiences

Guests staying during the period can pair the celebrations with the resort’s signature stays: The Reserve Journey, The Suite Reserve Experience and The Villa Reserve Experience, which remain bookable throughout the special holiday period.

Songkran at Centara Reserve Samui centres on the festival’s essentials: paying respects in the morning, gathering together in the afternoon, and sharing vibrant celebrations in the evening, all experienced through Thai cooking, music, and spirits throughout the festival.

Reservations:

To reserve your dining experience, please email fbcrs@chr.co.th or call +66 (0) 77 230 550.

Discover room offers at: https://www.centarareserve.com/samui

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

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Fuel surcharge on domestic India routes

Following the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas’ and Ministry of Civil Aviation’s decision to cap domestic Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price hike at 25%, Air India group is reflecting this calibrated approach, transitioning from a flat domestic surcharge to a distance‑based grid as follows on Air India and Air India Express. 

FUEL SURCHARGE PER PASSENGER, PER SECTOR

Fuel Surcharge on International Routes

At the same time, in the absence of any such mitigations on international ATF prices, the Air India group will be implementing more significant changes to fuel surcharges as follows.

According to the latest data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price rose to USD 195.19 per barrel for the week ending 27 March 2026, up from USD 99.40 at the end of February, representing a nearly 100% increase. ATF, produced by refining crude oil, has seen simultaneous increases in both its crude oil component as well as the refinery margin, known as ‘crack spread’, with the latter having nearly tripled within three weeks. It increased from USD 27.83 per barrel for the week ending 27 February to USD 81.44 for the week ending 27 March. This steep rise compounds the impact of rising crude oil prices, creating one of the most challenging fuel cost environments that airlines globally have faced in recent years.

The fuel surcharges on international routes do not compensate for the exponential increase in jet fuel prices. Air India continues to absorb a significant portion of this increased cost.

FUEL SURCHARGE PER PASSENGER, PER SECTOR – BY REGION

Revisions to fuel surcharge on flights to and from Bangladesh and Far East destinations, namely Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea, will be advised in due course, subject to the requisite regulatory approvals. 

Tickets issued before the above times will not incur the new surcharge unless customers request date or itinerary changes that require a fare recalculation.

The airline says it will review its surcharges periodically and make any necessary adjustments.

(Source: Air India)

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Marking the airline’s second consecutive win in the category, the award continues to recognise AirAsia’s position as the largest foreign low-cost carrier by market share in Singapore. It reflects its continued commitment to delivering affordable, accessible and high-quality travel experiences for guests across the region.

The Top Influential Brand award, presented annually by Influential Brands during the Asia CEO Summit & Awards Ceremony, honours companies that have significantly shaped consumer preferences and industry benchmarks. The award recognises brands that demonstrate strong brand equity, innovation and sustained customer engagement across a range of sectors.

(Source: AirAsia)

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The airline will offer three premium cabin fare options for long-haul international flights, transcontinental US flights, and select flights to Hawaii. They are base (new offer) standard and flexible, in the premium cabin, which will join the airline’s existing standard and flexible fares tiers in the economy cabin.

The front cabin will also be branded United Polaris on select transcontinental US and select longer Hawaii flights. Customers who buy the standard or flexible fares in United Polaris on these flights will have access to the United Polaris lounge. Customers who purchase the base United Polaris option will still have access to the United Club.

United has also redesigned the shopping pages on its website and mobile app to accommodate this change and launch the new categories in select markets during April. It will expand the fares to additional long-haul international, transcontinental US and longer Hawaii flights later this year.

“These new tiered options give customers more choice and make it easier to find a fare that includes the benefits they want most – whether that’s a great value, added perks, or maximum flexibility,” said United’s Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella. 

For domestic and short-haul international flights, and for travel in United economy cabins on long-haul international flights, there’s no change to what’s included in the basic, standard, and flexible categories. They will simply be displayed on United’s shopping pages in a new, clearer way.

In premium cabins on long-haul international and transcontinental US flights and flights between the airline’s hubs in Newark, Washington D.C. and Chicago and Hawaii, the base category offers customers the lowest price point, the standard category offers perks like free seat selection, additional checked bags and the ability to make changes, and tickets in the flexible category are fully refundable and offer all the benefits included in standard tickets. 

(Source: United Airlines)

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At this week’s HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards (HTGA) 2026 Singapore Hari Raya Open House event, HalalTrip and the Singapore Halal Culinary Federation (SHCF) unveiled plans to bring the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards to three cities in 2026: Singapore, Johor, and Jakarta. 

It is the most significant expansion in the programme’s history, and a clear signal that the region’s Halal food scene is ready for a definitive standard of recognition.

Since its debut in 2024, the HTGA has earned a reputation as a rigorous and credible recognition programme for Halal dining in the region. Restaurants are evaluated through an anonymous process covering culinary excellence, menu diversity, beverage excellence, service excellence, and atmosphere & environment. 

In 2025, that recognition extended to Johor for the first time. In Singapore, establishments like ASAP & Co, The White Label, Loong Dim Sum, and the 70-year-old institution Rumah Makan Minang joined a growing list that now carries the HTGA distinction.

A growing ecosystem for the Halal F&B industry

The HTGA 2026 programme will feature an expanded awards framework, a high-profile Gala Dinner, and the return of the Gastronomy Showdown, a live cooking competition where Halal dining establishments nominate their chefs to go head-to-head in a high-pressure culinary arena. 

The 2026 finals to crown the Best Forward Chef will take place once again for the third consecutive year aboard StarDream Cruises in September 2026.

The 2026 Singapore edition will once again feature the programme’s celebrated awards tiers.

Diamond Awards: Recognising restaurants achieving the highest standards of Halal dining excellence.

Best-in-Class Awards: Honouring category-leading establishments across concept, speciality, heritage, service, and chain dining.

Chef Awards: Spotlighting culinary talent with the Best Forward Chef and Most Promising Chef accolades.

Legacy Award: Presented to establishments whose enduring contribution has shaped the Halal culinary heritage of the region.

Best-In-Class Awards categories for HTGA 2026 

Best Ethnic Restaurant or Café

Best Hotel Café or Restaurant

Best Concept Restaurant or Café

Best Speciality Café, Kiosk or Bakery

Best Newcomer

Best Halal Caterer – Party Packs

Service Excellence Award

Sustainability in Halal Gastronomy Award

Innovation in Fusion Cuisine Award – NEW in 2026

Healthy Dining Award – NEW in 2026

The Diamond Awards will also continue to recognise dining establishments that have demonstrated sustained excellence, with multi-year designations awarded to those qualifying for two or three consecutive years.

Setting the standard for Halal culinary excellence

“The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards was born from a simple but powerful belief, that Halal dining deserves the same level of recognition, rigour, and prestige as the world’s most celebrated culinary awards,” said  CrescentRating and HalalTrip Director of Operations Raudha Zaini. “As we bring the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards to three cities in 2026, we are building a movement that elevates the standard of Halal cuisine worldwide and empowers chefs and entrepreneurs behind it.”

In its third edition, the HTGA 2026 will retain its strong partnership between HalalTrip and the Singapore Halal Culinary Federation (SHCF), underscoring a shared commitment to championing culinary talent and raising the profile of Singapore’s vibrant Halal food scene on the global stage.

“The HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards has been a tremendous platform to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and dedication within Singapore’s Halal food industry. As we enter our third year of partnership with HalalTrip, we are proud to see this program grow from strength to strength, not just in Singapore, but across the region. For our chefs and restaurateurs, recognition of this kind is an affirmation that Halal cuisine belongs at the highest table of global culinary excellence. SHCF remains committed to nurturing that talent and raising the bar for what Halal dining can and should be,” said Singapore Halal Culinary Federation (SHCF) President Chef Muhammad Imran.

What the HTGA recognition has meant for past winners

For the restaurants recognised at HTGA 2025 Singapore, the awards have delivered more than a plaque on the wall. Winners like ASAP & Co and RROOLL, both recipients of the Two Diamonds Award in consecutive editions, have seen their distinction carry weight with diners who use the HTGA Winners Guide as a trusted dining resource throughout the year. The guide, published following each edition, serves as a living reference for Halal-conscious consumers across the region.

The programme also spotlights the full spectrum of Singapore’s Halal dining scene. Best-in-Class winners in 2025 ranged from The White Label, recognised for Best Concept Restaurant, to Dutch Colony Coffee Co. for Best Speciality Café, and Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road for Best Hotel Café or Restaurant. The Gastronomy Legacy Award, presented to Rumah Makan Minang, honoured over seven decades of unbroken culinary heritage in Kampong Gelam.

Looking Ahead

The global Muslim travel and dining market remains on a strong growth trajectory. International Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 and are projected to hit 245 million by 2030, bringing with them growing demand for trusted, credible Halal dining options. The HTGA sits at the heart of that demand, providing consumers with a reliable guide and a standard to aim for in the Halal food sector.

To learn more about the HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards, visit the official microsite: https://www.halaltrip.com/halaltrip-gastronomy-awards/

(Source: HalalTrip Gastronomy Awards)

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According to a recent survey conducted by MATTA on tour bus and van operators, 68.5% of tour van operators consume more than 1,500 litres of diesel per month per vehicle. In comparison, 54.8% of tour bus operators consume more than 3,500 litres per month per bus.

These figures highlight the significant fuel dependency of tourism transport operators, many of whom are already operating at minimal return on investment (ROI) and can only maintain day-to-day operations and fulfil existing contractual obligations.

The continuing increase in diesel prices is threatening the business viability of operators and the wider tourism ecosystem. MATTA is recommending temporary measures, such as targeted subsidies and a surcharge mechanism, to help provide relief to stakeholders during the current crisis.

To preserve customer trust while ensuring business continuity, MATTA recommends implementing a temporary fuel surcharge mechanism, similar to that adopted in the aviation sector, that emphasises transparency and the adoption of industry best practices to address this challenge.

Such surcharges should be implemented in a manner that does not contradict any relevant laws or regulations, with each company independently determining the appropriate surcharge based on its actual fuel consumption and operational profile.

This ensures that the surcharge remains fair, proportionate, and directly reflective of the additional costs incurred. The mechanism must also be clearly communicated to consumers, applied transparently, and be strictly temporary, with removal once diesel prices stabilise.

It should also be designed solely to offset the additional fuel costs incurred by operators, rather than to generate excess profit.

“The continued rise in diesel prices is placing an unsustainable burden on tourism transport operators, many of whom are already operating on very thin margins. We must adopt practical, balanced measures to ensure business continuity without compromising consumer trust. A temporary and transparent fuel surcharge mechanism, combined with targeted government support, will help the industry navigate this challenging period while maintaining service standards across Malaysia’s tourism sector,” said MATTA President Nigel Wong.

At the same time, MATTA calls on the Government to introduce targeted diesel subsidies to support tourism transport operators.

A proposal of up to 3,500 litres per month per vehicle operated by legitimate tour operators would provide immediate and meaningful relief, helping operators manage escalating fuel costs while continuing to deliver essential services to the tourism industry.

“Tourism transport operators are not in a position to absorb continuous fuel cost increases. A temporary, transparent fuel surcharge mechanism is the most practical way to ensure service continuity while maintaining customer trust,”  said MATTA Vice President of Land Transportation, Subramaniam Kandasamy. “At the same time, targeted subsidies, such as the proposed monthly allocation of 3,500 litres, would provide immediate relief to operators who are struggling to sustain operations under current market conditions. This is not about increasing profits, but about survival and maintaining the integrity of Malaysia’s tourism supply chain.”  

(Source: MATTA)

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Beginning 15 May 2026, Air India will operate two daily flights between Delhi and Halwara using its A320 Family aircraft.

The flight schedule has been designed to offer same-day connectivity via Delhi to destinations across the UK and the rest of Europe. Passengers from Halwara/Ludhiana and surrounding areas can travel with Air India to Delhi and join onward flights from the same terminal, direct to London, Birmingham, Rome, Milan, and Paris – on a single ticket with baggage checked through to their final destinations.

Air India Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal, said: “We are pleased to serve the people and communities in Ludhiana and neighbouring towns and cities with the convenience of travelling across continents via Delhi. With this addition to our network, we are making international travel simpler and more seamless for more customers across Punjab.”

Air India flights to Halwara are available for booking across all channels, including Air India’s official website, mobile app and through travel agents worldwide.

(Source: Air India)

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As part of WTTC’s membership, Allianz Partners will contribute its expertise in travel protection, assistance, and digital innovation to advance discussions around traveller confidence, emergency services, and the evolution of seamless, end-to-end travel experiences.

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said:  “Welcoming Allianz Partners to WTTC highlights the increasing importance of resilience and traveller assurance in a rapidly evolving Travel & Tourism landscape. As the sector grows and adapts, integrated insurance and assistance solutions play a vital role in enabling safe, confident, and frictionless journeys. Allianz Partners brings valuable global insight and innovation that will help strengthen our collective efforts to build a more resilient and future-ready sector.”

Allianz Partners, interim Chief Officer Global Strategic Partnerships & Travel Anna Kofoed, noted:  “The travel industry is transforming faster than ever, and WTTC is at the heart of that transformation. Becoming a member allows us to bring our digital expertise and global perspective to a network that is actively shaping the future of travel.

At the same time, it allows Allianz Partners to learn from WTTC and its members, leaders who are redefining resilience, sustainability, and innovation across the sector. I’m thrilled for us to contribute to this collective momentum, to exchange knowledge, and to work alongside WTTC members to push boundaries and unlock new possibilities for travellers worldwide.”

Through its participation, Allianz Partners will support WTTC’s research, policy engagement, and industry collaboration—helping to strengthen resilience, enhance traveller trust, and reinforce the sector’s long-term economic and social impact globally.

About Allianz Partners
Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions spanning international health and life, travel insurance, and mobility and assistance. 

(Source: WTTC)

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The airline serves the route with three weekly flights, departing Brunei at 1845 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, using a Boeing 787-8 with 254 seats. Flight time is eight hours and 45 minutes.

Passengers can choose to rebook on the next available Royal Brunei Airlines flight (subject to operational approvals and seat availability) or reroute through another Royal Brunei Airlines-operated network, where applicable.

They can also convert the ticket to a Travel Voucher (TV) or request a full refund to the original form of payment.

Passengers who booked through a travel agent or third-party platform should contact their respective agents for assistance.

Royal Brunei Airlines says in the notification that it continues to monitor the situation closely. Depending on developments, further extensions to the suspension of Dubai services may be necessary.

In response to the current regional airspace situation, RB will continue to operate three times weekly direct services between Brunei Darussalam and London to maintain connectivity for passengers between the two destinations.

Asia: Flight suspensions to Dubai

Meanwhile, as of 8 April 2026, several major carriers across Asia have extended flight suspensions to Dubai (DXB) due to ongoing regional conflict and airspace closures over the Persian Gulf.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains open and operational, with a “reduced schedule” in place for local carriers such as Emirates and flydubai. However, many international airlines have chosen to suspend services entirely through late May to avoid the restricted airspace.

The following airlines have confirmed suspensions of their Dubai routes:

Emirates & flydubai: Both are operating but at reduced capacity. Flights are being rerouted to avoid conflict zones, resulting in longer flight times (up to two hours extra for some Asian routes).

(Source: Royal Brunei, plus additional reporting)

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