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Anurak wins regenerative tourism award

BANGKOK, 9 July 2026: Responsible tourism resort Anurak Lodge in southern Thailand won recognition for its Regenerative Tourism operations at the 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards Southeast Asia.

The award ceremony for regional winners took place in Sarawak, Malaysia, on 7 July, at the International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH).

Photo credit: Anurak Lodge. Taking a lead role in reforestation, garden-to-table cultivation, composting, recycling and reducing energy consumption.

Among six categories, Anurak Lodge earned acclaim for Regenerative Tourism, a category where tourism goes beyond reducing negative impacts and strives to leave a place in better condition than before.

The property, a 19-key ecolodge located on the border of Khao Sok National Park, in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand, has previously won sustainability awards from the Pacific Asia Travel Association, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and SKAL.

Lodge manager, George Newling-Ward, accepted the award on 7 July at the ward ceremony in Miri, Sarawak.

At the ICRTH event, awards were also given to tourism operators for excellence in local economic benefits, diversity, equity and inclusion, nature-positive actions, cultural diversity, and adaptation to climate change.

Anruak Lodge was established in 2016 with the vision of creating tourism that benefits both people and nature through ecological recovery.

Rainforest Rising

Anurak Lodge’s Rainforest Rising project, for example, has been replacing commercial palm oil trees with wildlife-friendly indigenous species for seven years. Guests help plant young saplings such as black plum, Burmese grape tree, and cowa mangosteen. These indigenous species are good for insect pollination. They support bird and wildlife biodiversity.

(Source: Anurak Lodge)

Be first through the Canopy door

BANGKOK, 9 July 2026: Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit is now accepting reservations ahead of opening its doors on 1 August 2026, marking the brand’s debut in Southeast Asia. 

Located on Sukhumvit Soi 12, the hotel will introduce a locally inspired Asoke experience in one of Bangkok’s most connected neighbourhoods. 

Photo credit: Hilton. Canopy Bangkok Sukhumvit is now accepting reservations.

Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit is located 600 metres from the Asoke BTS Skytrain station and a five-minute walk from the BTS-MRT interchange, placing guests within easy reach of the city’s dining, retail, nightlife, and business districts.

To celebrate its debut, Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit is inviting guests to experience the city with its exclusive “Asoke Unlocked” opening package, limited to the first 100 qualifying bookings. The package is available with a minimum two-night stay in a Canopy Courtyard Room or above.

Benefits of Asoke Unlocked

10,000 Hilton Honours Bonus Points.

THB500 dining credit, redeemable across the hotel’s restaurants and bars.

The “Asoke Unlocked” opening package is bookable now until 23 December 2026. Reservations are now open for stays from 1 August 2026. Rates start at around THB4,400, according to a Trip.com search for an August stay. However, a check of the Hilton booking site indicates that the flexible rate for a King Canopy Courtyard Room during the opening month of August is THB5,902.66 (room-only rate, including all fees and taxes). 

About Canopy
The Canopy portfolio includes nearly 50 open properties across 15 countries and territories, with 45 under development worldwide. Canopy Hotels is a brand under the Hilton Group.

(Source: Hilton)

Searches show Vietnam rising in travel shortlists

SINGAPORE, 9 July 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda recorded a close to 50% year-on-year rise in international accommodation searches for Vietnam during 2025 

The data suggest the destination has moved decisively up travellers’ shortlists, likely fueled by a combination of policy reform, improved air access, and infrastructure investment that is reshaping how the world thinks about Vietnam as a place to visit.

Vietnam’s tourism growth in 2025 reflects investment across multiple fronts. The government extended its visa waiver list, raised permitted stays to 45 days for travellers from many markets, and introduced a 90-day multiple-entry e-visa.

Airport upgrades and accommodation development in secondary cities, including Da Nang, Sa Pa, and Phu Quoc, broadened the destination’s geographic reach. 

National and foreign carriers have also launched or revived more than a dozen international routes in 2025 alone to key markets like India, North Asia, and Europe. The cumulative effect is captured in UN Tourism data cited in Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, which recorded Vietnam as achieving the world’s fastest tourism growth rate in the first half of 2025.

Agoda Senior Director of Supply Vietnam and the Philippines, Lam Vu, shared: “Vietnam has done something that many destinations talk about, but few actually execute: it opened its doors, improved the roads, and built the rooms. And in doing so, it has done more than put itself on the map.

Vietnam has reshaped how new markets view Southeast Asia, and Agoda is committed to helping more travellers discover Vietnam for less.

Inbound interest: A broadening mix

The mix of origin markets searching for Vietnam on Agoda’s platform tells a story of widening reach. South Korea holds the top spot as Vietnam’s primary source market, with inbound accommodation searches up 28% in 2025. Regional markets are growing faster: the Philippines recorded a 129% rise in searches, moving from tenth to sixth in Agoda’s source market rankings for Vietnam, while India climbed 112% and Malaysia rose 68%.

Long-haul interest from Europe is also expanding, aided by Vietnam’s extended visa waiver programme. France posted a 217% increase in inbound searches, and Germany a 120% increase. The US has consistently ranked in Vietnam’s top ten origin markets by search volume on Agoda. 

While markets in North Asia and ASEAN remain the primary volume drivers, South Asia and Europe are adding meaningful new interest from markets that were only lightly represented in prior years.

Where travellers are going

Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc remain Vietnam’s top five destinations on Agoda’s platform, and each posted year-on-year growth in accommodation searches. Da Nang recorded a 25% increase, Ho Chi Minh City a 26% increase, and Hanoi a 23% increase. Phu Quoc stood out with a 49% climb, pointing to growing traveller interest in Vietnam’s island and resort offerings beyond the two main gateway cities. This pattern aligns with Sa Pa’s recognition as Asia’s fastest-growing destination on Agoda’s platform and with insights from Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, which suggests that traveller curiosity about Vietnam is extending well into its secondary cities and nature-focused regions.

“At Agoda, we see these initiatives aligning with rising traveller interest, and the data suggests this is only the beginning. Connectivity is a powerful catalyst, and as Vietnam becomes a more familiar name on travellers’ shortlists, the ripple effect across the region will only grow stronger in the years ahead. Agoda will continue working with our partners to localise and enrich their offerings to meet the evolving preferences of today’s travellers,” Vu added.

How travellers are engaging with Vietnam

Agoda survey data offers a window into what draws travellers to destinations like Vietnam. While 62% of respondents say relaxation is their primary motivation for travel, 31% cite culinary experiences and 25% cite cultural exploration. Vietnam’s mix of street food culture, historic cities, and nature-based attractions maps well to both groups.

Travellers may also be booking differently: for example, they may shift towards shorter trips that combine a city stay with pre-booked activities, instead of building itineraries around hotel stays and sightseeing-from-afar alone. Social and digital channels have also amplified interest in newer destinations within Vietnam, with secondary locations benefiting from increased visibility through platforms including TikTok. Activities available on Agoda in Vietnam include guided food tours in Hanoi, theme park visits in Phu Quoc, excursions to the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, and day trips to Ninh Binh.

(Source: Agoda)

AAPA hosts turboprop and jet safety exchange

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 July 2026: The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) hosted the Asia Pacific Turboprop and Regional Jet Safety Exchange on 30 June, bringing together around 15 regional operators, aircraft manufacturers, and industry partners to share operational safety experiences, emerging trends and best practices.

The virtual forum provided a dedicated platform for operators of turboprop and regional jet aircraft to discuss the unique operational challenges of regional aviation across the Asia-Pacific. 

Participants exchanged information on safety performance, operational trends, training, human performance, and future priorities to strengthen aviation safety further.

The meeting was attended by operators from across the region together with aircraft manufacturers ATR, Embraer and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada. ATR and Embraer shared valuable manufacturer perspectives on operational safety and training.

Speaking at the event, Bangkok Airways’ Chairman, Captain Somchai Sopanon, said that regional and turboprop operations are essential to connectivity and economic development in many communities across the Asia Pacific. While these operations often present unique operational challenges, they also provide significant opportunities for collaboration. 

Today’s Safety Exchange demonstrates the willingness of operators, manufacturers and industry partners to openly share experiences and work collectively to strengthen aviation safety across the region further.

A key feature of the meeting was the confidential exchange of aggregated operational safety information submitted by participating operators. The anonymised information exchange enabled participants to identify common operational themes, discuss lessons learned and consider opportunities for collaborative safety improvements without identifying individual airlines.

Participants also received updates on two significant regional initiatives led by AAPA.

The first highlighted the ongoing development of the Asia Pacific Flight Path Management Manual, led by the Flight Safety Foundation with support from AAPA and regional operators. Participants were encouraged to contribute feedback through the regional survey to help ensure the Manual reflects the operational realities of the Asia Pacific.

Participants also received an update on the recently completed Asia Pacific Crew Resource Management (CRM) Manual, a collaborative initiative involving regulators, airlines, an aircraft manufacturer, training organisations and academia. Recently presented to ICAO’s Asia/Pacific Regional Aviation Safety Team (APRAST), the Manual provides practical guidance and aims to further strengthen aviation safety across the Asia Pacific, especially in the area of human factors.

The Safety Exchange reaffirmed AAPA’s commitment to providing practical forums that encourage collaboration, facilitate the sharing of operational experience and support continuous improvement in aviation safety throughout the Asia Pacific region.

(Source: AAPA)

NH Collection Maldives Havodda names GM

SINGAPORE, 9 July 2026: NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort, a premium resort in the southern Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, names Keith Tomkies as its new General Manager. 

In his new role, Tomkies will lead all the operational departments and elevate the guest experience at the NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort. He brings nearly three decades of hospitality experience to the Maldives resort, having led some of the world’s most respected hotels and resorts. 

Keith Tomkies – General Manager, NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort.

He first joined Minor Hotels in 2024 as Cluster General Manager of the Anantara Kalutara Resort and Avani Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka. Most recently, he served as General Manager, China Operations for Minor Hotels, overseeing hotel operations and development projects across the country.

NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort is located on a private island 400 km south of the capital city of Male. An isolated haven, the resort is home to 120 villas — 60 overwater and 60 beachfront. NH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort is one of Minor Hotels’ nine resorts in the Maldives, giving travellers the choice of luxury, premium and select service resorts to match their desired experience.

(Source: Minor Hotels)

Saudi rolls out Package Visa

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 9 July 2026: Saudi Arabia has launched a digital ‘Package Visa’ to simplify travel to Saudi Arabia by integrating tourist visa applications directly into curated travel bookings. 

The launch is currently underway through qualified travel and tourism service providers across selected international markets ahead of a broader rollout.

 Saudi introduces “Package Visa”, integrating travel booking with an easier visa application.

The initiative builds on Saudi’s broader efforts to simplify the process of visiting the country. Since launching the tourist e-Visa, Saudi Arabia has introduced several new ways to visit, including visa-on-arrival and the Stopover Transit Visa. 

Together, these initiatives have supported the country’s rapid tourism growth, with Saudi Arabia welcoming more than 29 million inbound visitors in 2025.

Commenting on the initiative, Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb said: “As Saudi tourism continues to grow at pace, the Package Visa reflects our commitment to making travel to Saudi more seamless for visitors.” By integrating visa issuance with travel bookings, we are simplifying the visitor journey and creating a more connected travel experience. This initiative also strengthens collaboration across the tourism ecosystem and supports Saudi’s position as an increasingly accessible global destination.”

For visitors, Package Visa means fewer steps between planning a trip and experiencing Saudi Arabia. Instead of arranging flights, accommodation, and a visa separately, eligible travellers can book everything through a single integrated travel process, with the option to add events, activities, and tourism experiences. The result is a simpler, more connected journey from booking to arrival.

For qualified travel and tourism service providers, the initiative creates an opportunity to offer more attractive travel packages, streamline the traveller journey, and encourage longer stays and richer travel experiences.

To ensure a smooth and reliable travel experience, Package Visa is available only through qualified travel and tourism service providers that meet clear service standards and offer 24/7 customer support.

As Saudi Arabia continues to grow its tourism sector, Package Visa marks another step toward making travel easier, more connected, and more seamless for visitors discovering the country.

For more information: visitsaudi.com/PackageVisa 

About Saudi Tourism Authority (STA)
 Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destinations’ offerings through programs, packages, and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi’s destination brand locally and overseas. STA operates 16 representative offices worldwide, serving 38 countries. To learn more, visit www.VisitSaudi.com.

(Source: The Saudi Tourism Authority).

Air India partners with India’s golf tour

NEW DELHI, 9 July 2026: Air India’s frequent flyer programme, Maharaja Club, announced a partnership with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) on Tuesday, under which Maharaja Club will be the Official Travel Partner for DP World PGTI tournaments across India from August 2026 to April 2027.

As the Official Travel Partner, Maharaja Club will provide travel support to players and officials participating in DP World PGTI events throughout the tournament calendar.

Kapil Dev and Nipun Aggarwal exchange the partnership agreement between DP World PGTI and Air India’s Maharaja Club.

The partnership will also unlock experiences at select tournaments, including privileged access, hospitality and member engagement opportunities for Maharaja Club members. These initiatives further strengthen Maharaja Club’s positioning as one of India’s leading travel and lifestyle loyalty programmes.

DP World PGTI President Kapil Dev commented: “We are delighted to welcome Air India as the Official Travel Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. As the Tour expands its footprint and continues to raise the bar for professional golf in India, having a trusted and iconic brand like Air India Maharaja Club by our side adds tremendous value. This partnership will ensure our players, officials and stakeholders enjoy seamless travel, allowing them to focus entirely on performance and excellence.”

Air India Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal said: “Through this partnership, we aim to support players as they compete across the country while also creating unique and memorable experiences for our Maharaja Club members.

The partnership will be activated across DP World PGTI tournaments throughout the season through curated fan engagement initiatives. Leveraging its extensive domestic and international network, Air India will also support DP World PGTI’s ambition of expanding the reach and profile of Indian golf, both within the country and on the global stage.

(Source: Air India)

AirBorneo bites the bullet on KUL flights

KUCHING, 8 July 2026: AirBorneo Airways (IATA code: MY) has announced the opening of ticket sales for its inaugural Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route, which is already served by four airlines offering multiple daily flights.

The new service will operate twice daily between Kuching International Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, reinforcing Kuching’s role as a gateway for leisure and business travellers. Flights on the KUC-KUL route begin on 20 July, 2026.

Photo credit: AirBorneo.

Flight schedule

MY5003 departs Kuching (KCH) at 0710 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0900 (Daily).
MY5005 departs Kuching (KCH) at 1300 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1400 (Daily).

MY5002 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0945 and arrives in Kuching (KCH) at 1135 (Daily).
MY5004 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1535 and arrives in Kuching (KCH) at 1725 (Daily).

To celebrate the launch, AirBorneo is introducing discounted ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ fares of MYR375 all-in for a one-way economy class ticket and from MYR736 all-in for a one-way business class ticket, inclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharges.

Bookings opened on 7 July 2026 with travel on the Kuching-Kuala Lumpur route commencing on 20 July 2026. The airline operates the route with a Boeing 737-800 configured with 162 seats (12 business, 150 economy).

By offering tickets exclusively through its official booking channels, AirBorneo believes customers can enjoy the lowest, most transparent pricing, direct customer support, and real-time booking updates. 

However, to be commercially viable in the long term, the airline will need to tap popular airline booking sites and online travel agencies.

“The introduction of our ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ fares is part of that commitment, making travel more accessible while supporting Sarawak’s ambitions for stronger connectivity, tourism and sustainable economic growth,” said AirBorneo Chief Executive Officer Megat Ardian Aminuddin.

Competition is already incredibly tough on the route, with Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air and AirAsia X offering multiple daily flights between the two cities. The average round-trip fare on this route is USD 60 in economy class. Fares dropped to around USD34 during the first quarter of the year and should increase to around USD117 during December.

National carrier Malaysia serves the route with eight daily flights using 737-8 aircraft. AirAsia operates seven daily flights on A320s, and Batik Air operates three daily flights on 737-8s. The flight time is one hour and 50 minutes for this route. 

(Source: AirBorneo)

Hong Kong hosts the Lions International Convention

HONG KONG, SAR, 8 July 2026: Hong Kong successfully hosted the 108th Lions International Convention 2026 from 3 to 7 July at AsiaWorld-Expo, with support from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Hong Kong previously hosted the mega convention in 1992 and 2005, and this time around, the venue attracted 17,000 delegates from around the world. 

Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Hong Kong has thus become one of the very few cities among more than 200 Lions member countries and regions worldwide to have secured hosting rights three times. This underscores Hong Kong’s status and appeal as the Events Capital of Asia and theWorld’s Meeting Place.

The opening ceremony attracted more than 10,000 representatives from Lions Clubs worldwide.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said: “HKTB is delighted to partner with the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China, to bring this Convention to Hong Kong for the third time. Its return affirms Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place and a top-of-mind destination for MICE tourism. It also showcases Hong Kong’s integrated strengths in world-class MICE infrastructure, global aviation connectivity, diverse and distinctive tourism offerings, and quality hospitality services. These are the key factors in attracting international MICE events and encouraging business travellers to return time and again. We extend our warmest welcome to Lions from around the world and, together with our industry partners, have curated exclusive itineraries and experiences to encourage delegates to stay longer and discover the unique appeal found only in Hong Kong.

To celebrate the convention’s return to Hong Kong and promote traditional Chinese culture, the organiser attempted to set a world record by having thousands of international Lions practise Tai Chi simultaneously. The activity aims to promote exercise for all and deepen participants’ understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, creating a meaningful finale to the convention.

As a supporting organisation for the 108th Lions International Convention, HKTB partnered with the local travel trade and major attractions to curate a series of exclusive tourism itineraries and offerings for convention delegates. These include transport offers, attraction tickets and shopping mall discounts, gift redemptions, and theme park deals to encourage delegates to stay in Hong Kong after the convention and explore more of the city’s diverse culture, cuisine, and unique tourism appeal.

(Source: HKTB)

Drukair presents a meet and assist service

SINGAPORE, 8 July 2026: Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, has introduced a Meet and Assist Service (MAAS) for passengers at specified airports in Asia.

The service is available in Paro, Bangkok, Singapore, Delhi, Guwahati, and Dubai via Drukair sales counters and contact centre.

Photo credit: Drukair.

Meanwhile, Drukair confirmed that all its flights to India’s Guwahati (GAU) airport arrive and take off from Terminal 2 effective since 2 July

There are eight airlines with flights from Guwahati Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport:  Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, Drukair, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Thai AirAsia.

Drukair has also notified travel agents and passengers that the fuel surcharge included in fares has been reduced in response to lower aviation fuel prices. The surcharge applies to the date of ticket purchase rather than the original booking date.

(Source: Drukair)