This announcement strengthens the island’s position as a destination for international travellers arriving through different routes and travel experiences to discover Southeast Asia.

“We are delighted to welcome Disney Cruise Line to Langkawi and to have the island included as a new port of call for select sailings of the Disney Adventure. This is an exciting opportunity for Langkawi to welcome a new audience to our shores and introduce them to the destination beyond what they may already know about the island. We look forward to working closely with our tourism partners to ensure that guests have a memorable experience during their time in Langkawi,” said Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Haji Iskandar bin Datuk Haji Mohd Kaus.

Visitors who choose to go ashore can spend their day in Langkawi according to their interests, as the island offers a range of experiences suited to families and travellers alike, from nature-based activities and family-friendly attractions to local crafts and cultural experiences. The island is also home to Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, offering visitors an opportunity to encounter the geological and natural heritage that distinguishes the Langkawi archipelago.

All Disney Adventure sailings will continue to begin and end in Singapore. On itineraries that include Langkawi, guests may go ashore during the port visit but will not be permitted to embark or disembark in Langkawi, and must return to the ship by the all-aboard time communicated onboard.

For Langkawi, the announcement marks the beginning of a new relationship with Disney Cruise Line and another opportunity to put the island on the itinerary of travellers discovering Southeast Asia.

About Naturally Langkawi
Naturally Langkawi is a story 550 million years in the making. It has nature that is beautifully unique, wonderfully rare and vastly accessible. It envelopes the 99 islands and the people who live there, creating a culture rich with stories as unique as the archipelago itself. A land steeped with captivating legends, myths and folklore as interesting as the people who tell them. It is a place full of diverse, incredible experiences where moments become memories; naturally.

For more information on Langkawi’s tourist attractions, visit: Naturally Langkawi 

(Source: Your Stories — LADA)

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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 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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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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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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“Partners rely on us for fast, accurate answers, whether that’s finding the right programme, accessing the right resources, or connecting with our team, and these new platforms make it easier for them to find what they need and engage with Brand USA,” said Brand USA president and CEO Fred Dixon.

“At the same time, media, lawmakers, and other stakeholders will have easier access to the information and insights that demonstrate the value of international travel to the US economy and communities across the country.”

BrandUSA.com is designed around how partners, media, and travel industry professionals look for information, with a personalised search tool that connects visitors to relevant programmes and resources based on their needs.

What’s New

Economic impact data built for citation and sharing. Economic impact figures and state-by-state fact sheets are now consolidated in one place, formatted for destinations to share directly with governors’ offices, boards, and congressional delegations.

A press room built around how journalists work. A filterable press release and news archive, with media assets available alongside written content.

A clearer view into Brand USA’s partner programmes. A filterable list of all partner programmes, paired with a Getting Started guide explaining what Brand USA does, who partners with the organisation, and how to get involved.

One calendar. Roadshows, sales missions, USA Pavilions, webinars, and board meetings now live in a single calendar, filterable by type, market, and date.

Practical AI education for the industry. AI webinars, past recordings, articles, and training resources are now in one place, helping partners build the practical AI fluency they need as the industry evolves.

Alongside the public site, Brand USA also updated its Partner Success Portal, bringing programme resources, research, and account tools into one place for partner organisations and consolidating information that previously lived across multiple systems.

To learn more about Brand USA, visit TheBrandUSA.com.

(Source: BrandUSA)

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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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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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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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From October 2027 through April 2028, the multi-city seasonal rotation brings together short escapes and longer, destination-rich adventures across Asia Pacific, timed for Christmas holidays and Chinese New Year celebrations.

Voyager of the Seas sails from Brisbane and Sydney before heading north to Singapore and later homeporting in Hong Kong. 

The season also includes Navigator of the Seas sailing year-round from Singapore starting October 2026, Ovation of the Seas sailing from Brisbane and Anthem of the Seas sailing from Sydney. 

Plus, Spectrum of the Seas will sail from Shanghai and Hong Kong to destinations across Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, giving holidaymakers more ways than ever to explore Asia.

Short getaways two to 10 nights 

• From October to December 2027, Voyager will deliver holidays from Brisbane ranging from two to seven nights, including South Pacific sailings to Mystery Island, Port Vila; Luganville, Vanuatu; and Noumea, New Caledonia, before a two-night coastal repositioning down to Sydney.

• Voyager of the Seas holidays from Sydney include a brand-new 10-night Christmas sailing across the majestic fjords and iconic landscapes of New Zealand visiting Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and the breathtaking Milford Sound. 

• A five-night getaway starts in Singapore and visits Ho Chi Minh City (Phuoc An), Vietnam, before arriving in Hong Kong, pairing two of Asia’s most dynamic cities with time to discover Vietnam’s dining culture.

• For Chinese New Year getaways from Hong Kong, four- and five-night vacations visit Ishigaki and Okinawa, Japan. Select holidays include an overnight stay in Okinawa, giving vacationers more time to take in the island’s turquoise waters, local flavours and distinct Ryukyu culture.

• For China and Southeast Asia discoveries, Hong Kong getaways visit Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, where vacationers can explore the lively city known for its night markets and food scene. Guests can also visit Hue/Danang (Chan May), Vietnam, a gateway to ancient imperial heritage, coastal landscapes and central Vietnamese cuisine.

Sales opened for Voyager of the Seas Asia Pacific vacations on 26 August, 2026, featuring Brisbane, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong homeports.  

(Source: Royal Caribbean)

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