Hosted by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), the forum provided a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and regional cooperation to advance people-centred tourism throughout the region.

Held at the Pan Pacific Hotel from 16 to 18 June, the forum explored how tourism can contribute to community well-being, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, and stronger regional partnerships.

Bringing the Mekong region together

The forum opened with remarks from  Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, Maung Myint and Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia, who highlighted the importance of tourism cooperation and sustainable development across the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Welcoming delegates on behalf of MTCO, Executive Director Suvimol “Dee” Thanasarakij emphasised the importance of collaboration among governments, tourism businesses, development agencies, educational institutions, and local communities in shaping a more resilient and inclusive future for tourism.

Throughout the forum, Suvimol leadership helped foster meaningful dialogue among stakeholders from across the region while reinforcing MTCO’s ongoing role in supporting tourism cooperation and knowledge sharing within the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Behind the scenes, the successful delivery of the forum was supported by MTCO Operations Manager Sasithorn Chantarklum (“Aey”), whose professionalism, attention to detail, and tireless dedication helped ensure a seamless experience for delegates, speakers, exhibitors, and partners throughout the event.

Exploring the future of purpose-driven travel

The forum’s keynote address was delivered by Masaru Takayama, Chairperson of the Global Ecotourism Network and Advisor to the Asian Ecotourism Network.

Takayama encouraged delegates to consider tourism through the interconnected pillars of Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce, highlighting the importance of balancing economic development with environmental protection and community well-being.

Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Head of Country Representative Thailand for AirAsia MOVE, explored evolving traveller expectations and the growing demand for authentic, meaningful, and purpose-driven travel experiences.

Drawing from both professional and personal experience, Chattan shared a memorable story from a visit to Yangon in which a ticket seller at Shwedagon Pagoda greeted him with the simple words, “Welcome, brother.” The story resonated strongly with delegates and illustrated the power of genuine hospitality and human connection in creating memorable travel experiences.

Community-based tourism expert Wanvipa Phanumat shared practical lessons from tourism initiatives rooted in local communities. At the same time, Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga, President of the ASEAN Tourism Association, discussed the importance of connectivity, aviation, and regional cooperation in supporting tourism growth and development throughout the Mekong region.

Putting people at the centre of tourism

A key highlight of the forum was the panel discussion “People at the Centre of Tourism,” moderated by Graham Harper, Director of Clickable Impact.

The discussion explored inclusion, accessibility, workforce development, leadership, women’s participation, community empowerment, and equitable tourism development.

Panellists included:

• Thiri Aung, CEO and Founder, Women Transforming Myanmar;
• Phan Thanh Ha, Project Manager, Association of Southeast Asian Social Enterprises for Training in Hospitality and Catering (ASSET-H&C);
• Sokny Onn, CEO, Epic Arts and Accessibility Advisory Committee Member, Yale University;
• Koko Tang, Founder, Colourful Earth and Head of Global Impact Measurement, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

Drawing on her experience leading a network of more than 5,000 women entrepreneurs, Thiri Aung highlighted the importance of access, voice, and opportunity for women within the tourism sector.

“Invest in women, when women thrive, communities thrive,” she said.

Phan Thanh Ha emphasised the importance of education, training, and workforce development in creating opportunities and supporting the growth of inclusive tourism.

Sokny Onn contributed an accessibility perspective, highlighting the need to ensure tourism opportunities and experiences are accessible to people of all abilities.

Koko Tang discussed the interconnections among biodiversity, culture, local livelihoods, and tourism, encouraging destinations to move beyond traditional economic measures of success.

“Tourism should not only promote places; it should help steward them as living landscapes,” she noted.

Together, the panel demonstrated that people-centred tourism requires meaningful participation, inclusive decision-making, capacity building, and long-term commitment to community well-being.

Celebrating living culture and creative expression

The forum’s second panel discussion, “Living Culture & Creative Expression,” examined how tourism can support the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of living culture.

Moderated by Dr Scott Smith, Senior Lecturer, Assumption University (and author of this report), the panel featured:
Zhu Jinsheng (“Jason”), Guilin Tourism University;
Thuy An Phan, Thai Hai Village, Vietnam;
Maulita Sari Hani, Planeterra;
Ohnmar Myo, SEAMEO SPAFA.

The discussion explored how communities can remain at the centre of cultural tourism while ensuring traditions, heritage, creativity, and local identity continue to thrive.

Ohnmar Myo highlighted the importance of community knowledge and heritage stewardship, while Maulita Sari Hani shared lessons from community tourism initiatives that create long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits.

Representing Thai Hai Village, recognised by UN Tourism as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages, Thuy An Phan spoke passionately about the role of love, community, and connection in sustaining culture and creating meaningful tourism experiences.

“With love, we can do anything. Love creates our village. Love for nature can create meaningful tourism,” she said.

Zhu Jinsheng reinforced the importance of people-oriented tourism and the role of communities, educators, entrepreneurs, and residents in shaping authentic visitor experiences.

Showcasing the culture and creativity of the Mekong Region

Beyond the conference sessions, delegates explored the region’s cultural richness through the GMS Gastronomy Tourism Exhibition and the Art for Tourism exhibition.

The gastronomy exhibition showcased culinary traditions, local products, food entrepreneurs, and cultural experiences from across the Greater Mekong Subregion. Through food, delegates experienced the stories, traditions, and identities that continue to shape the region’s tourism offerings.

The Art for Tourism exhibition, curated by Jaffee Yee and featuring works by Myanmar artists Arkar Myo, Sai Pyae Sone Aye, and Aung Htet Lwin, presented artistic interpretations of iconic destinations including Shwedagon Pagoda, Bagan, Inle Lake, and Mandalay Palace.

Together, the exhibitions demonstrated how food, art, culture, and creativity can enrich visitor experiences while supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage.

Experiencing Myanmar beyond the conference

The forum also included a technical tour to Bago, located approximately 80 kilometres northeast of Yangon.

As the former capital of the Hanthawaddy Kingdom, Bago offered delegates an opportunity to explore Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage while examining how tourism can contribute to heritage preservation and community development.

The visit connected many of the forum’s discussions with real-world examples of cultural tourism in practice.

Throughout the week, delegates also experienced Yangon’s hospitality and the professionalism of the Pan Pacific Yangon.

Under the leadership of General Manager Hasitha Manthriratne, the hotel team played a key role in creating a welcoming environment for participants. Special recognition was also given to Mr Kaung Min Khant, whose exceptional guest service and attention to detail left a lasting impression on many delegates.

Looking ahead to MTF 2027

The forum concluded with a symbolic handover ceremony held at Pan Pacific Yangon.

Representing the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, Khaing Mee Mee Htun, Deputy Director General of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, formally presented the Mekong Tourism Forum flag to Witchanee Vuthipongse, Expert on Tourist Attraction Development and Acting Director of the Division of Tourism Professional Development, representing Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

The handover officially marked the transition from Myanmar, host of MTF 2026, to Thailand, which will welcome delegates to Chiang Rai for the Mekong Tourism Forum 2027.

As participants departed Yangon, they carried with them new partnerships, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to advancing tourism that benefits people, communities, culture, and the environment.

The discussions, experiences, and relationships built throughout the Mekong Tourism Forum 2026 reinforced a shared vision for the future of tourism across the Greater Mekong Subregion, one that places people at the heart of travel and purpose at the centre of tourism development.

(Source: Dr Scott Smith, Senior Lecturer, Assumption University, Bangkok)

The post MTF makes a successful return to Myanmar appeared first on TTR Weekly.

As operator of both Nyaal Banyul and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), VCET brings more than three decades of experience delivering world-class events to Geelong’s waterfront. 

Nyaal Banyul opens with more than 80 events already secured and more than 250 proposed events expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Geelong in the coming years. 

VCET Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM said the opening was a significant milestone for Victoria’s business events sector and a landmark moment for Geelong.  

“For VCET, this is the beginning of our journey operating a regional venue in Victoria’s second largest city that is right-sized, distinctive, and embedded in its community,” O’Brien said. 

“Drawing on our experience at MCEC, we’ve shaped not only the physical spaces but how this venue will operate – delivering events that will bring more people to Geelong and its surrounding regions, support local businesses and create lasting impact.” 

Nyaal Banyul features a 1,000-seat theatre, exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities, flexible event spaces, food and beverage offerings and a public outdoor plaza. 

The venue has been designed in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, embedding cultural narratives throughout the architecture, public spaces and visitor experience. 

“Nyaal Banyul reflects the cultural significance of this place and the stories connected to it, while also creating a contemporary venue that welcomes visitors from across Australia and beyond,” Ms O’Brien said. 

Victoria’s standing as a global events destination will be strengthened by having both MCEC and Nyaal Banyul within its business events portfolio, which can host events of varying scales and types. 

Upcoming events already demonstrate that diversity, from community-focused gatherings such as the Geelong Careers Expo to major gala events and national conferences. The venue will host its first major event, the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, on 3 July. 

Later in the year, Geelong will welcome key national industry events, including the Professional Conference Organisers Association conference in December, followed by the Australian Tourism Awards in February 2027. 

“Nyaal Banyul will play a critical role in bringing new audiences to Geelong – delegates, organisers and industry leaders coming from all over Australia, many of whom will be visiting the region for the first time,” O’Brien said. 

“The flow-on effects are significant- increased tourism, stronger local supply chains, and new opportunities for businesses across hospitality, services and the broader visitor economy, in Geelong and the surrounding areas in the Bellarine and Great Ocean Road.”

Nyaal Banyul is supporting local employment, with the majority of its workforce drawn from the Barwon South West region and more than 50 regional businesses engaged across catering, services and operations.  

Nyaal Banyul General Manager Rick Aylett said the team was well prepared to host its first event, the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, on 3 July. 

“The Geelong community has backed Nyaal Banyul from day one, and now it’s our turn to deliver. “Our team is ready to get started, working alongside local partners to create exceptional experiences that not only showcase this venue but position Geelong as a global destination,” Aylett said.

(Source: Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre)

Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

The post New convention centre in regional Victoria appeared first on TTR Weekly.

KLM offers direct flights from Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Linköping to Amsterdam Schiphol, and from there it is possible to fly on to more than 160 destinations worldwide.

SINGAPORE, 22 June 2026: KLM’s history in Stockholm dates back to 1936, when the airline first served the city. Today, travellers can fly between Stockholm and Amsterdam in about two hours, compared to about five hours in 1936, and easily continue onward via KLM’s hub in Amsterdam.

“KLM’s relationship with Sweden is something we are very proud of,” said Air France-KLM North Europe General Manager Tom Verbugt. “A lot has changed in the last 90 years, but our purpose remains the same: to connect people, companies and cultures.”

The anniversary comes as Air France-KLM continues to strengthen its presence in the Nordic region. At Stockholm Arlanda, KLM has continued to invest in capacity and has offered an average of 40 flights per week over the past three years to meet demand from both business and leisure travellers. The partnership with SAS has further expanded the offering to over 100 flights per week from 16 airports around Sweden.

For 90 years, KLM has been an important partner in strengthening and maintaining the connections between Stockholm and Amsterdam, but also by extension, with the rest of the world, says Elizabeth Axtelius, Director Aviation Business at Swedavia. – Strong connections make it possible for people to meet, whether for business, tourism, or to visit family and friends. We are very happy that KLM has helped Swedes discover the world, but above all, that they have helped the world discover Sweden all these years.

KLM is introducing more new-generation aircraft on its departures from Stockholm Arlanda. This winter, two out of three KLM flights from Arlanda are expected to be operated by new-generation aircraft, which means lower fuel consumption compared to previous-generation aircraft of similar size.

“The renewal of the aircraft fleet is one of the most important ways for us to improve the efficiency of our operations,” says Tom Verbugt. “By deploying more new generation aircraft on routes like Stockholm–Amsterdam, we can offer customers a modern travel experience while reducing fuel consumption and emissions per passenger.”

Within the entire Air France-KLM Group, fleet renewal is a central part of the group’s transformation plan, with the ambition that these aircraft will constitute a clear majority of the fleet by 2030.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is part of the Air France-KLM group and a member of the global SkyTeam alliance.

(Source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)

The post KLM celebrates 90 years of air travel to Stockholm appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Currently, there are no direct flights between Sabah and cities in India.

The matter was highlighted during a courtesy call on Thursday (18 June) by its Acting High Commissioner, Hitesh Rajpal, on Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

Hitesh said India sees strong potential in Sabah across the tourism, trade, and technology sectors, which continue to be prioritised by the Indian government in its international engagement strategy.

He noted that Malaysia’s visa-free entry facility for Indian passport holders has further strengthened travel demand and positioned Malaysia as an attractive destination for Indian visitors, particularly in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year initiatives.

However, he stressed that connectivity remains a key constraint, adding that improved air links are essential to fully unlock Sabah’s share of the growing Indian outbound travel market.

“I commend and appreciate the efforts of Sabah Tourism Board for its proactive engagement with the Indian market, including tourism stakeholders and airlines such as IndiGo.

“In terms of civil aviation, perhaps we can push the negotiations further. If we can establish direct connectivity, it would be a game-changer. Anything from our side, we would be happy to collaborate on and pursue collectively,” he said.

Hitesh also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in the film industry, noting that incentives and smoother facilitation processes could encourage more Indian productions to choose Sabah as a filming destination.

In response, Joniston said Sabah continues to view India as an important growth market, supported by its large population and expanding outbound travel segment.

“We are actively pursuing stronger links with India, including the possibility of direct flights. Sabah will continue to work closely with relevant partners to strengthen our presence in the Indian market,” he said.

Joniston added that STB facilitates film productions in Sabah by assisting with coordination involving relevant authorities and providing ground support, such as logistics and transport when required.

Currently, Indian tourists travel to Sabah via connecting hubs such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Brunei.

Sabah recorded 11,282 Indian visitor arrivals in 2025. Between January and April this year, 3,802 arrivals were recorded, reflecting a gradual upward trend.

Currently, no direct flights operate between Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) and airports in India, according to flight timetable data for both countries. If you are planning a trip between Kota Kinabalu and India, the best option is a one-stop connection through Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to connect with AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines to major Indian cities such as New Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), and Hyderabad (HYD).

Singapore is another option connecting with Scoot or Singapore Airlines to cities in India. But it turns a six-hour airline trip into an entire day when flying between cities in India and the Kota Kinabalu airport hub in Sabah.

(Source: Sabah Tourism Board)

The post Sabah pursues direct air links with India appeared first on TTR Weekly.

He has led the chamber since 2015, strengthening  German-Thai business relations and expanding the chamber’s influence across Thailand.

Hosted as a special GTCC Afterwork Farewell event on 17 June, the evening brought together business leaders, diplomats, government representatives, chamber members and long-standing friends to express their appreciation for Dr Wein’s dedication, professionalism and commitment over more than a decade of service.

The event was opened by Oliver Schnatz, President of the GTCC and Cluster General Manager of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, who delivered a heartfelt tribute recognising Dr Wein’s contribution to the chamber and his role in fostering stronger economic and commercial ties between Germany and Thailand.

Special remarks were delivered by Benjamin Leipold, Managing Director of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) and DIHK DEinternational GmbH, and Ebba Scholl, Deputy Chief of Mission at the German Embassy in Bangkok. Both highlighted Dr Wein’s leadership, integrity and lasting impact on the German business community in Thailand and the wider ASEAN region.

The evening also highlighted the close relationship between the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce and Thailand’s tourism and hospitality industries. Many of the chamber’s most active members come from the travel, tourism and hotel sectors, including leading international and Thai brands such as Sofitel, Kempinski, Centara, Dusit and Anantara, as well as airlines, destination management companies, travel agencies and tourism service providers. The event’s host venue, Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, provided an elegant setting for the celebration. The strong attendance from the tourism community demonstrated the deep respect held for Dr Wein and the many relationships he has cultivated across Thailand’s business and travel sectors.

The GTCC Board of Directors includes many prominent figures from the German-Thai business community and plays an important role in shaping chamber policy and supporting its members. Throughout his tenure, Dr Wein worked closely with the board and management team to strengthen services, expand business opportunities and reinforce the chamber’s reputation as one of Thailand’s most respected foreign business organisations.

Among GTCC’s flagship events is its annual Oktoberfest, widely recognised as one of the largest German business and cultural celebrations in Thailand. Staged over two days in Bangkok, the event attracts thousands of visitors each year and has become a landmark occasion for the German-Thai community. Supported by many of Thailand’s leading hotels, hospitality companies and corporate partners, Oktoberfest exemplifies the chamber’s unique ability to combine business networking, cultural exchange and community engagement on a remarkable scale.

Representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations, colleagues from DIHK and AHK offices, members of other chambers of commerce and business associations, and leaders from across Thailand’s corporate sector joined the farewell celebration. Throughout the evening, guests shared memories and reflected on Dr Wein’s achievements during more than ten years at the helm of the chamber.

Guests were also introduced to Matthias Hoffmann, who will assume the position of GTCC Executive Director on 1 August 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the organisation while building on the strong foundation established under Dr Wein’s leadership.

About the author 
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based media executive, travel writer and former hotel executive specialising in Asian tourism. British-born and originally from Yorkshire, England, he is a graduate of Napier University in Edinburgh and has lived in Thailand since 1991.
His contributions to the tourism industry have been recognised through numerous honours, including the Skål International Order of Merit, the President’s Award and the distinction of Membre d’Honneur. Today, he writes extensively on travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation and business trends across Asia, providing commentary and analysis for industry publications and international audiences.

The post GTCC farewells executive director appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The milestone was reached with the launch of the airline’s summer 2026 schedule this week, which sees more than 140 daily departures from Doha to over 160 destinations worldwide. It delivers a target the group set itself earlier this year, at the height of the regional disruption that grounded much of its network, to rebuild to 85% by mid-June.

The two new appointments support three priorities that will shape the group’s next phase of growth. The focus is on delivering a world-class passenger experience at every touchpoint, expanding the passenger and cargo network with a modern fleet and the next generation of Qsuite, and investing in its people, in their development, succession, and the skills the years ahead will demand.

Both roles report directly to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Al-Khater.

The Chief Operating Officer will bring the group’s operational functions under a single leader, with a focus on accountability, performance and the highest standards of safety. The role is taken up by Abdulla Ali, a Qatari national, who is being promoted from his current position as Senior Vice President of Ground Services. 

Ali brings extensive experience across airline, airport and network operations, with a proven record of delivery and of leading high-performing teams.

The Chief Customer Officer brings the brand and customer touchpoints under a single coordinated focus throughout the customer journey. The role is taken up by Calum Laming, a dual Irish and British national, who most recently served as Chief Customer Officer at British Airways from 2022 until earlier this year, and has held senior customer-focused positions at major international airlines, including Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Hamad Al-Khater, said: “These appointments are about what comes next. With Abdulla and Calum joining our leadership team, we will move faster, sharpen our focus on excellence, and put the customer at the heart of every decision we make. They are also about our people, expanding our ability to develop talent and support the growth of our incredible teams.”

Ali and Laming take up their new roles on 1 November 2026.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

The post Qatar announces team leader appointments appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Launched by WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara, the framework draws on the common characteristics of the world’s most successful tourism investment destinations. It provides a practical roadmap for governments seeking to create the conditions for long-term tourism growth.

The principles reflect WTTC’s vision of best practice for attracting long-term investment and are designed to help destinations unlock economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and sustainable tourism expansion.

The Seven Principles are:

Legal Certainty and Regulatory Stability – a transparent, predictable legal environment that gives investors confidence to commit for the long term.

One-Stop-Shop for Tourism Investment – a single, empowered point of contact that simplifies and accelerates the investment journey.

Tourism Strategy with Full Stakeholder Alignment – coordinated planning between government, industry, communities, and investors.

Competitive Fiscal and Investment Incentives – attractive tax and financing frameworks that improve project viability.

Strong Head of State Commitment – visible leadership that positions tourism as a national priority.

Comprehensive Destination Master Plans with a Visible Project Pipeline – long-term destination planning supported by clearly defined investment opportunities.

Sustained Demand Growth and Market Potential – strong tourism fundamentals supported by connectivity, demographics, market demand, and a skilled workforce.

Guevara said: “Around the world, the destinations attracting the greatest levels of tourism investment share a common set of characteristics: policy stability, long-term planning, strong leadership, and effective collaboration between government and the private sector.

“Our Seven Principles for Attracting Tourism Investment provide a practical framework for destinations looking to become investment-ready, strengthen competitiveness, and attract global capital.

Travel & Tourism has enormous potential to drive economic growth, create quality jobs, and support communities. By creating the right investment environment, destinations can unlock sustainable long-term development while enhancing their competitiveness in the global tourism market.”

WTTC’s Seven Principles for Attracting Tourism Investment have been developed to support governments and destination leaders in creating investment-ready environments that encourage sustainable private-sector investment across the Travel & Tourism sector.

(Source: WTTC)

The post WTTC: Seven incentives to spur tourism investment appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The new route provides travellers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region with a second gateway to the UAE, enhancing accessibility, convenience, and travel choice.

Flights will operate from 15 July 2026, with an initial frequency of two weekly services, scaling to three weekly flights from 29 July 2026. 

Bookings for these flights are now open on the airline’s website, airindiaexpress.com, mobile app, and other major booking channels.

With the addition of this route, Air India Express will operate 30 weekly flights from Navi Mumbai, connecting the airport directly to Abu Dhabi, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

Air India Express’ presence in Maharashtra continues to grow steadily, with over 95 weekly flights from Mumbai, more than 100 from Pune, and 14 from Nagpur.

The airline operates one of the largest networks between India and West Asia, connecting multiple Indian cities with destinations across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE

(Source: Air India Express)

The post Air India Express first to fly from Navi airport appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The accolade was announced at a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, where the airline was recognised for consistently delivering exceptional customer experience.

Based on verified passenger feedback, Emirates achieved outstanding scores across five pillars – seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment, and connectivity.

Emirates scores highly for seat comfort

Whether travelling on an Airbus A380, A350 or Boeing 777, Emirates customers consistently praise the airline’s commitment to comfort. Thoughtfully designed cabins, generous personal space and ergonomic seating combine to create an environment where passengers can relax, work or sleep with ease, even on the world’s longest routes.

From October onwards, Emirates Economy Class customers will benefit from the introduction of new lightweight Safran Z400 seats, specifically designed for comfort and convenience, featuring an adjustable eight-way headrest for enhanced neck and head support.

The award-winning Emirates Premium Economy cabin offers spacious cream leather seats with generous recline, full leg and footrests, and a six-way adjustable headrest designed for long-haul comfort. Customers also enjoy integrated charging ports, side cocktail tables and a 13.3-inch personal entertainment screen.

Emirates Business Class continues to evolve with sophisticated new seating inspired by Safran’s luxurious S Lounge design, already featured on the airline’s A350 fleet. Each seat offers greater privacy and converts into a fully lie-flat bed, complete with a dedicated mattress and pillow. Wireless charging, customisable mood lighting, enhanced storage, minibar amenities and multiple charging options further elevate the onboard experience.

Emirates First Class continues to set the benchmark for luxury air travel, with fully enclosed private suites described by travellers as a ‘hotel room in the sky’. Designed to maximise privacy and wellbeing, the suites feature electronically controlled doors, personalised climate settings and ambient mood lighting. The seat reclines seamlessly into a lie-flat bed and can be adjusted to the airline’s signature ‘zero gravity’ position for optimal rest.

Exceptional cabin service

Hospitality remains at the heart of the Emirates experience. Representing more than 140 nationalities and speaking over 70 languages, Emirates cabin crew embody a hospitality philosophy built around 4 pillars: excellence, attentiveness, innovation, and passion. Behind the service is an extensive training programme inspired by world-class hospitality standards, including principles drawn from Michelin-starred dining. Crew members are equipped with technical expertise and the skills to anticipate customer needs and deliver meaningful moments of care throughout the journey.

Onboard, carefully choreographed service flows ensure a seamless and personalised experience, from the thoughtfully timed meal service and cabin lighting transitions to proactive comfort checks and authentic customer interactions.

Food and beverage offering

Dining remains one of the most memorable elements of the Emirates experience. Across every cabin class, global culinary influences are combined with destination-inspired flavours. Freshly prepared multi-course meals are complemented by a curated selection of beverages — including soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages. Children’s meals are offered on most routes, while complimentary organic baby food, milk formula and baby bottles are available for infants.

Emirates regularly introduces new treats and seasonal specialities for customers, from complimentary popcorn and warm cookies to premium ice cream on selected routes, as well as dedicated meals that reflect global celebrations such as Christmas, Eid, Diwali, and Lunar New Year. Customers can also choose from a wide range of special meals catering to dietary, medical and cultural requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and low-sodium options.

Emirates Premium Economy offers an elevated dining experience, with meals served on Royal Doulton china, stainless-steel cutlery, and linen tablecloths. Customers appreciate the generous portions, fresh seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully selected wines, beers, spirits, as well as the exclusive Chandon sparkling wine.

In Business Class, customers enjoy gourmet multi-course menus inspired by regional cuisines, paired with an extensive selection of premium wines, spirits and complimentary champagne. Business Class customers can even experience chef-crafted dishes expertly paired with Moët & Chandon champagnes while in-flight, underscoring Emirates’ continued efforts to bring fine gastronomy to cruising altitude.

Emirates First Class offers one of the most sophisticated dining experiences available in the sky. Through its signature dine-on-demand service, customers can enjoy à la carte meals whenever they choose, accompanied by premium seasonal ingredients and unlimited caviar. Gourmet vegan dishes are available on selected routes, alongside a dedicated Movie Snacks Menu featuring favourites such as Wagyu sliders, lobster rolls, popcorn and edamame.

The airline’s beverage programme is equally distinguished. Emirates remains the only airline in the world to serve Dom Pérignon in First Class across its global network. First Class customers can explore a carefully curated collection of premium spirits and exceptional wines sourced from some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions.

World-leading entertainment with ICE

For many travellers, Emirates’ award-winning ice entertainment system has become synonymous with the airline itself. Offering more than 6,500 channels of content, ice provides unparalleled choice across film, television, music, podcasts, live sport and educational content. Widely recognised as one of the most comprehensive entertainment platforms in aviation, ice features nearly 3,000 movies, 3,000 music albums, more than 600 television channels and box sets, over 200 documentaries, and a vast selection of children’s programming.

Through partnerships with leading platforms, including HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, Discovery+, BBC, Bloomberg Originals, Shahid, and Spotify, customers can access an unrivalled library spanning blockbuster films, critically acclaimed television series, documentaries, and exclusive content. ICE also features podcasts, language-learning programmes, interactive games, and live sports and news channels.

Emirates Wi-Fi impresses customers globally

Connectivity has become an essential part of the modern travel experience, and Emirates is setting a new industry standard through its partnership with Starlink. The next-generation inflight connectivity programme is delivering ultra-fast, low-latency internet that enables passengers to stream, work, browse and stay connected with the same ease as on the ground.

Announced in November 2025, the agreement will see Starlink installed across Emirates’ entire in-service fleet, with completion expected by mid-2027. The complimentary service provides customers with high-speed connectivity in the sky, reinforcing the airline’s long-standing commitment to innovation and customer convenience.

Emirates has accelerated the rollout programme, with 33 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft already equipped with Starlink technology and the first 3 Airbus A380’s now entering service with the system onboard. Hundreds of thousands of customers have already experienced Starlink-enabled flights, enjoying seamless streaming, gaming, video calls, remote working and social media access throughout their journey.

APEX Best in Airline Awards

APEX leverages its partnership with TripIt from Concur, the world’s most-used travel-organising app, to gather anonymous, neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights for the honours. For the 2026 Awards, over one million flights were rated by passengers across more than 600 airlines from around the world using a five-star scale.

For more information on the airline and to book a fare, visit www.emirates.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

The post Emirates: Best Overall Airline in the Middle East appeared first on TTR Weekly.

As the summer 2026 travel season enters its peak period, domestic accommodation searches between April and May rose 46% compared to January and February, reflecting strong demand for domestic travel.

Rather than planning long, complex vacations, travellers are increasingly opting for two- to four-day trips, taking advantage of summer breaks, long weekends, and short holidays to recharge. 

The growing popularity of micro-holidays, staycations, and nearby escapes highlights the increasing importance of convenience, with destinations located just one to three hours from home becoming more attractive due to their accessibility and time efficiency.

Beach destinations continue to lead

Beach destinations continue to drive summer travel demand, but travellers are now seeking more than just seaside relaxation. In addition to scenic coastlines and resort experiences, they increasingly value destinations that offer a mix of cultural, culinary, entertainment, and local experiences.

According to Traveloka, Da Nang remains one of the most sought-after summer destinations, with accommodation searches in Ngu Hanh Son, Hoi An, and Son Tra increasing by more than 45%. Ha Long recorded the strongest growth, with accommodation searches nearly tripling, reflecting rising interest in destinations that are both easily accessible and rich in experiences. Meanwhile, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Vung Tau, and Phu Quoc continue to attract travellers thanks to their blend of beach leisure, local experiences, and convenient connectivity.

According to Huynh Mai Thy, Country Manager of Traveloka, travellers increasingly view beach holidays as accessible experiences that can be enjoyed more frequently rather than reserved for special occasions. This trend suggests that summer travel is no longer defined by going farther or staying longer, but by choosing experiences that better align with travellers’ time, personal preferences, and modern lifestyles.

(Source: Traveloka)

The post Where Vietnamese travellers are heading this summer appeared first on TTR Weekly.