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Tourism Malaysia reaches out to Vietnamese travellers

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Newsdesk
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HO CHI MINH CITY, 14 October 2026: Tourism Malaysia deepens ties with the Vietnamese travel trade and Malaysian business community through a series of travel industry activities in Ho Chi Minh City, led by Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim.

The engagements provided an opportunity to expand business cooperation, raise awareness of Malaysia as a tourism destination, and explore new business opportunities in the Vietnamese market, supporting the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027) promotional efforts, which have been extended through 2027.

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia. (Left) Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim.

During the visit, the Tourism Malaysia team met with travel agents and tourism industry stakeholders through networking sessions, including a luncheon and dinner. The discussions provide opportunities to exchange views on market trends, changing consumer preferences and potential areas for collaboration to grow tourist arrivals from Vietnam to Malaysia.

The programme also includes a session with the Malaysia Business Chamber Vietnam (MBC), involving Malaysian companies and private sector representatives based in Ho Chi Minh City. The meeting will strengthen ties between the tourism industry and Malaysian businesses in Vietnam, particularly by promoting Malaysia’s diverse tourism products and experiences.

Beyond leisure travel, Tourism Malaysia is highlighting selected tourism segments with potential in the Vietnamese market, including Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), medical and wellness tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), and educational tourism. These segments complement Malaysia’s broader tourism offerings and support longer stays, repeat visits, and more diverse travel purposes.

Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim commented on the mission: “Vietnam remains an important market for Malaysia, supported by strong air connectivity and close people-to-people ties between our two countries. Direct engagement with the Vietnamese travel trade enables us to understand market needs better, strengthen industry relationships and identify new opportunities to grow tourism flows to Malaysia.”

He added that closer collaboration with Vietnamese travel agents and Malaysian private sector partners is important in broadening the range of Malaysian tourism products and experiences available to the Vietnamese market.

The visit formed part of Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to expand its presence in Vietnam through joint promotional activities, familiarisation programmes, product development and business-to-business initiatives with local industry partners.

Malaysia welcomed 217,121 visitors from Vietnam between January and August 2026. During the same period, air connectivity between the two countries recorded 167 weekly flight frequencies, with a total seat capacity of 31,037 seats. Tourism Malaysia continues to work closely with airlines, travel agents, tourism associations, and industry partners to leverage existing air connectivity, boost destination awareness, and facilitate travel to Malaysia.

(Source: Tourism Malaysia)

Art on display at cruise terminal

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 14 October 2026: SATS-Creuers Cruise Services (SCCS), which operates Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore (MBCCS), one of Asia’s busiest cruise terminals, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore’s National Arts Council (NAC) to bring the arts to life within the terminal. 

The three-year partnership will bring Singapore’s arts into one of the country’s key international gateways. Following MBCCS’s expansion last year, its increased capacity also gives Singapore artists opportunities to reach a growing, diverse audience of cruise travellers.

From left to right: Gregory Tan, CEO of SATS-Creuers, and Lynette Pang, Deputy CEO of the National Arts Council, at the MOU signing ceremony.

SATS-Creuers CEO Gregory Tan commented: “MBCCS’s position as Asia’s premier cruise terminal makes it the natural gateway to introduce travellers to Singapore’s unique culture and heritage from the moment they arrive on our shores.

Through our partnership with NAC, we hope to broaden the reach of our local arts community and create meaningful opportunities for home-grown talents. We are honoured to showcase the very best of Singapore to all who pass through our terminal.”

Over the next three years, MBCCS will progressively introduce performing and visual arts activations in the terminal as well as multicultural musical performances during peak cruise periods that coincide with maiden calls, major festivals and local school holidays. 

New and existing wall spaces across MBCCS will gradually feature contemporary murals, creating a multicultural storytelling experience for terminal visitors.

“The arts can be experienced in many different places, and partnerships like this allow us to create more opportunities for Singapore artists to share their work with new audiences.

By bringing the arts into MBCCS, we hope that more travellers will encounter and connect with the diversity of Singapore’s arts and culture as part of their journey, and discover Singapore through the work and perspectives of our artists,” said NAC Deputy CEO Lynette Pang.

Mural Manifest

The partnership builds on arts activations already piloted at the cruise centre, including a new mural titled Manifest by local artist Eunice Hannah Lim, which ties together Singapore’s rich maritime history and cultural heritage. 

An animated version of Manifest will greet passengers at the newly expanded terminal and lead them to the full mural, where symbolic sea creatures and maritime and cultural motifs invite visitors to reflect on Singapore’s enduring relationship with the ocean.

SCCS and NAC envision this to be the first of several collaborations with local artists, with more arts activations to be introduced at the terminal over the three-year partnership.

About SATS-Creuers Cruise Services
SATS-Creuers Cruise Services (SCCS) is the terminal operator of Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. SCCS is a 60:40 joint venture between SATS, the leading provider of gateway services and food solutions in Singapore, and Creuers del Port de Barcelona (Creuers), a terminal operator of Europe’s leading cruise home port and a wholly owned subsidiary of Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator. 

(Source: SCCS)

Oneworld check-in simplified

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 14 October 2026: Oneworld is simplifying the online travel experience across its global network, with member airlines offering a streamlined check-in process that lets customers scan their passport, receive boarding passes, and save them directly to their digital wallet. 

This enhancement applies to flights operated by oneworld carriers on the itinerary, regardless of the first operating carrier.

Photo credit: Oneworld.

The new check-in enhancement is powered by oneworld’s proprietary technology, which lets different members’ systems communicate through a shared digital platform.

Future phases of the streamlined check-in process will include the ability to check in on codeshare itineraries and dynamic, up-to-the-minute boarding passes.

Malaysia Airlines is the first airline in Asia to inaugurate the new streamlined check-in enhancement.

“Malaysia Airlines is proud to be the first airline to adopt this technology, reinforcing its commitment to make travel simpler and more seamless,” said Malaysia Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business Bryan Foong. “For customers travelling internationally, this enhanced digital check-in capability brings greater convenience and continuity when connecting with oneworld partner airlines, enabling them to manage more of their journey through their preferred digital channel.”

About oneworld
Oneworld brings together 16 airlines — Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines serving 900 destinations. 

(Source: oneworld)

TCEB focus on two destinations beyond Bangkok

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK 14 October 2026: Under the MaxiMICE Thailand brand, TCEB has designated Chiang Rai and Khao Yai as inspiring new MICE destinations, offering distinctive experiences that can elevate any event.

Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) President Dr Supawan Teerarat said: “MaxiMICE Thailand positions Thailand as a dynamic host where business events connect with cultural depth, community development and ecological stewardship.

Photo credit: TCEB. Doi Chang, Chiang Rai — a post-event tour destination.

Two curated post-event tour routes featuring Chiang Rai and Khao Yai present new possibilities for incentive travel, corporate retreats and international gatherings.

The Chiang Rai “Farm to Cup” Journey offers MICE travellers a curated post-tour experience, organised by The Association of Thai Tour Operators (ATTO). It combines Chiang Rai’s highlights — premium tea and coffee enterprises — with Akha ethnic gastronomy, plus a venue for outdoor events amid tea plantations, mountainous scenery, and northern Thai “Lanna” culture.  

Chiang Rai experiences

The journey highlights Chiang Rai’s capability to create distinctive incentive and corporate programmes with a strong sense of place. 

  • • The Roastery by Roj – discover the journey behind premium coffee
  • • Triple A Doi Chang Coffee Factory – premium coffee from cultivation, processing, roasting and brewing
  • • Doi Chang – Thailand’s renowned Arabica coffee-growing region
  • • LEGROR Restaurant – ethnic “Akha” cuisine and local recipes
  • • Singha Park Chiang Rai – venue for outdoor events, combining the setting of nature, agriculture, recreation and adventure
  • • Bhubhirom Restaurant – cuisine with quality ingredients from local farms
  • • Choui Fong Tea Plantation – tea leaf selection techniques and tea tasting
  • • Doi Pha Mee Coffee House – a journey of sustainable livelihood with coffee cultivation
  • • Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park – a centre exhibiting art, craft and local wisdom in northern Thai or Lanna culture
  • • Walking Street in Chiang Rai – a vibrant platform to connect with local artists and producers
  • • Wat Rong Khun – internationally acclaimed cultural landmark of Chiang Rai

Khao Yai — nature and wellbeing

Khao Yai combines natural landscapes, art therapy, wellness, and culinary experiences, making it an ideal destination for programs balancing business and leisure. 

Experiences

  • • Ban Mak Muang — mango-themed farm
  • • Khao Yai Art Forest – a nature-based art institution
  • • Elephant Conservation Centre Khao Yai – educational activities centred around Asian elephant conservation, local ecosystems, and community awareness
  • • Pen Lao  authentic Isan cuisine
  • • Varin Wellness & Spa — Thai massage, aromatherapy, detox programmes, and luxury spa experiences
  • • Lamaya Restaurant & Bar — Western cuisine plus farm-to-table menus
  • • GranMonte Vineyard and Winery
  • • Mother Say No — fusion restaurant

(Source: TCEB)

Vietjet flies to Prague via Almaty

By
Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 14 October 2026: Vietjet has officially launched a new Hanoi-Almaty-Prague route, with fifth freedom traffic rights on the Almaty-Prague sector. 

The new routes give travellers residing in Southeast Asia additional options to explore Central Asia and Europe via Vietjet’s existing connections to Hanoi. The new route expands the airline’s intercontinental network and marks its entry into the European Union travel market. 

Photo credit: Vietjet. Vietjet launches a new twice-weekly route Hanoi-Almaty-Prague.

The inaugural flight ceremonies took place at Almaty International Airport and Václav Havel Airport Prague on 10 October, amid a warm welcome from local leaders, residents and visitors. 

Flights operate twice weekly, with round-trip services on Tuesdays and Saturdays, using Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft. 

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam said: “Vietnam and the Czech Republic have a strong foundation of time-tested friendship, and now we need more bridges to carry that friendship forward. Air connectivity is one of those bridges.” 

Vietjet Chief Executive Officer Nguyen Thanh Son added: “The launch of these new routes marks an important milestone in our international network expansion. Vietjet will continue to expand its services to Europe, making travel between Europe, Australia and Asia more convenient. We look forward to welcoming visitors to Vietnam and bringing Vietnamese and international travellers closer to destinations rich in culture, heritage and unique experiences, while supporting the growth of trade and investment.”

Flight schedule (local time)

VJ031: Hanoi (HAN) 0825 – Almaty (ALA) 1250 / Almaty 1420 – Prague (PRG) 1855.

VJ032: Prague (PRG) 2055 – Almaty (ALA) 0640 (+1) / Almaty 0810 – Hanoi (HAN) 1620. 

*Connecting time via Almaty is 90 minutes for passengers flying between Hanoi and Prague. 

(Source: Vietjet)

TAT holds talks with Royal Caribbean

By
Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 14 October 2026: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Royal Caribbean Group are exploring ways to expand cruise tourism, attract high-spending international visitors, and generate more revenue beyond major ports, according to NBT World, an official Thai government media service.

NBT World TV channel reported that TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool met with company executives last week to discuss marketing cooperation, new travel routes, and infrastructure improvements.

Photo credit: NBT World. TAT talks to cruise line on featuring more port calls in Thailand.

The discussions covered attracting passengers from North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia while encouraging greater spending in local communities. 

Proposed cruise routes would connect Phuket with Phang Nga and Krabi, and Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri with Rayong and Chanthaburi. TAT is also considering familiarisation trips to introduce industry partners to additional attractions and travel experiences.

Both sides reviewed potential upgrades to cruise terminals, especially at Laem Chabang, along with rail infrastructure and transport connections to nearby destinations. 

The proposal prioritises higher visitor spending and a broader distribution of tourism income over passenger numbers alone.

Royal Caribbean Group currently operates cruises calling at Laem Chabang, Samui Island, and Phuket through its Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands. In 2025, its ships made 181 port calls in Thailand, bringing approximately 424,000 passengers and generating an estimated THB2.12 billion in spending.

(Source: NBT World)

Global Payments partners with Centara

By
Your Stories
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SINGAPORE, 12 October 2026: Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) has expanded its cross-border payment capabilities in Thailand through a landmark partnership with Centara Hotels & Resorts. 

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

From left: Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts, and Phil Pomford, Executive Lead, Enterprise APAC at Global Payments, mark their partnership to enhance cross-border payment capabilities across Centara’s properties in Thailand.

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

A new payment standard 

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

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

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

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

Building Asia’s travel payments backbone

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

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

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

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

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

Isan Project’s music video lands in Talu Island

By
Andrew Wood
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BANGKOK, 12 October 2026: British producer and songwriter Will Robinson, creative force behind The Isan Project, launches a new music video that blends his love of music with his longstanding affection for Thailand.

Robinson’s latest video venture, “I Love My Life in the Sun”, features London-based singer Luke White’s distinctive vocals and was filmed on Koh Talu, a small island in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on the Gulf of Thailand, 300 km south of Bangkok.

Will Robinson (right) with Luke White on Koh Talu in southern Thailand.

“I Love My Life in the Sun”, featuring the distinctive vocals of London-based singer Luke White, was filmed on Koh Talu, where white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and tropical scenery create a fitting backdrop for a song celebrating life’s simple pleasures in the sunshine.

I first met Will through connections surrounding the extraordinary Tham Luang cave rescue in Chiang Rai in 2018, when 12 young footballers and their coach were trapped deep in a mountain cave system. 

His musical tributes to those involved reflected a quality I have come to admire: an ability to connect with people and tell their stories with warmth and respect.

Since then, I have followed his regular music and video releases. 

His latest project shines a spotlight on Koh Talu, where natural beauty sits alongside an important conservation story. Hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest on the island’s quiet beaches, while its sanctuary cares for young turtles as they develop before being released into the sea.

The island setting gives the video an appeal beyond its sunny soundtrack. It introduces audiences to a corner of Thailand where beaches, marine life and conservation are closely connected.

For more than a decade, Robinson has shared Thailand’s beauty and culture with international audiences through The Isan Project. The project’s popular “Amazing Thailand” song has recorded more than 10 million audio plays across Meta platforms. A catalogue of around 20 songs has provided the foundation for his continuing musical exploration of the Kingdom.

Will Robinson and Daniel Ryan wrote “I Love My Life in the Sun”, co-produced by Robinson and Rob Cass and mastered by Christian Wright at Abbey Road Studios in London.

For me, the appeal of Will’s work lies in the way he combines music with a personal connection to Thailand. This latest release continues that journey, inviting viewers to discover Koh Talu through a song with sunshine at its heart.

About the Author

Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, tourism commentator and former hotelier based in Thailand since 1991. CEO of A&P Media, he brings more than four decades of hospitality experience in Asia and Europe.

A member of Skål International since 1992, he has served as a Director and President at the association’s Asia levels, including two terms in Bangkok. He also serves on the Board of the South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC). His writing covers tourism, aviation, hospitality and sustainable destination development.

(The views expressed are the author’s own and do not represent those of any association, chamber or committee with which he is involved).

Philippines a winner at World Travel Awards

By
Newsdesk
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MANILA, 12 October 2026: The Philippines marked its eighth consecutive year as Asia’s leading dive destination at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2026, held recently in the Maldives.

The country secured five other major wins, including Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2026 for the ninth time and Asia’s Leading Island Destination 2026 for the third consecutive year.

Photo credit: Department of Tourism Philippines.

Boracay retained its title as Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2026 for the third straight year, while the Department of Tourism (DOT) was named Asia’s Leading Tourist Board 2026 for the fourth time.

The City of San Fernando, Pampanga earned the title of Asia’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2026, marking the Philippines’ first win in the said category. The recognition highlights the city’s rich heritage, traditions, crafts, culinary offerings, and festivals, including the Giant Lantern Festival.

“With the momentum from these recognitions, we want to further establish diving as one of the Philippines’ key tourism products in 2027. Our goal is to make diving and other water-based activities safer, more accessible, and easier for travellers to experience, supported by more efficient services and better-connected destinations,” Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said.

Philippine tourism industry players also brought home nine Asia-level awards, led by the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines, named Asia’s Leading Cultural Airline. Savoy Hotel Manila was recognised as Asia’s Leading Airport Hotel, while Amanpulo and Discovery Primea were named Asia’s Leading Private Island Resort and Asia’s Leading Business Hotel, respectively. 

Other Philippine winners were Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery, Asia’s Leading Design Hotel; Ascott Bonifacio Global City Manila, Asia’s Leading Serviced Apartments; City of Dreams Manila, Asia’s Leading Casino Resort; Fili Hotel Bridgetowne, Asia’s Leading New Luxury Hotel Development Project; and Okada Manila, Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort.

Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognises excellence across the global travel, tourism, and hospitality industries through regional and global awards. Regional winners advance to the WTA Grand Final, where they compete with winners from other regional heats for the World categories.

(Source: Department of Tourism Philippines)

Brand USA names interim chief

By
Newsdesk
-

SINGAPORE, 12 October 2026: Brand USA, the destination marketing organisation for US tourism, has announced the appointment of Caroline Beteta as Interim President & CEO, effective 9 November. 

Brand USA’s Board of Directors appointed Beteta, who retired in September after nearly three decades as President & CEO of Visit California, and who brings extensive tourism leadership experience and a longstanding connection to Brand USA, including previous service as Chair of its Board of Directors and Acting CEO.

Caroline Beteta, Interim President & CEO of Brand USA.

“On behalf of the board, we congratulate Caroline and welcome her back to Brand USA,” said Brand USA Board of Directors Chair Todd Davidson. “Caroline has led this organisation before; she knows our partners and our mission, and she built Visit California into one of the most respected destination marketing organisations in the world.” 

Beteta led Visit California as President & CEO from January 1998 until her retirement in September 2026, while also serving the state as Deputy Secretary for Tourism and later as a strategic advisor to the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. 

During her tenure, Visit California established the nation’s first statewide tourism assessment program, opened international offices, launched global marketing campaigns, and led the industry’s recovery from wildfires, recessions, and the COVID-19 pandemic, helping make California one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. According to Visit California, the state’s tourism industry now directly supports 1.2 million jobs and generates more than USD150 billion in annual visitor spending.

Her ties to Brand USA go back to its founding. As national chair of the US Travel Association, she helped unite the Travel Industry Association and the Travel Business Roundtable and helped lay the groundwork for Brand USA’s creation. She later served Brand USA as Vice Chair of Operations, then as Chair of its Board of Directors, and as Acting CEO. 

Beteta succeeds Fred Dixon, who will depart Brand USA on 13 November after more than two years as President & CEO. He returns to New York City as President & CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions on 1 December.

(Source: Brand USA)

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