HONG KONG, 4 June 2026: Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Josh Littman as Head of Development – EMEA, based in London.
Littman will lead the group’s expansion efforts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a focus on securing new hotel and branded residence contracts for The Langham Hotels & Resorts, Cordis Hotels & Resorts, Eaton and Ying’nFlo.
Josh Littman, Head of Development – EMEA, Langham Hospitality Group.
“The opportunities we’re seeing across the EMEA region continue to strengthen as owners and developers increasingly seek brands with clear positioning and long-term relevance,” Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said. “With landmark openings such as The Langham, Venice and The Langham, Diriyah already helping to build momentum for the group across the region, Josh’s broad range of experience, which extends across the luxury, upscale, resorts and branded residences segments, makes him exceptionally well placed to help us capitalise on these opportunities. His track record of working with owners and investors across a wide range of projects and markets will be a major asset as we expand our portfolio.”
Littman brings over two decades of experience spanning hospitality development, investment advisory and mixed-use property planning. He most recently served as Vice President of Development, EMEA for Starwood Hotels, where he oversaw regional growth for Baccarat Hotels, 1 Hotels and Treehouse Hotels. Before that, Littman held senior development positions with InterContinental Hotels Group and Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, where he played a key role in advancing the companies’ growth strategies across Europe and the Middle East.
SINGAPORE, 4 June 2026: Vietjet has launched one of its biggest promotions of the year, offering 12 million promotional tickets across its extensive domestic and international flight network in Vietnam.
The mega sale celebrates the airline’s continued international expansion, including two new routes connecting Hanoi with Almaty (Kazakhstan) and Prague (Czech Republic), both scheduled to commence on 10 October 2026.
Photo credit: Vietjet.
To celebrate the route expansion, Vietjet is offering a range of special promotions for bookings made from now until 0000 on 8 June 2026 (GMT +8) via Vietjet’s website, its mobile app, and official ticket offices and agents worldwide.
Eco-class fares starting at SGD86 one-way (inclusive of taxes and fees) for current Singapore-Vietnam routes. The discounted fares also apply to all Vietjet domestic and other international routes to and from Vietnam when entering the promo code SALE66.
Applicable for travel between 5 September 2026 and 31 March 2027 (travel periods vary by route), Blackout dates apply. Refer to vietjetair.com for details.
15% off Deluxe fares (excluding taxes and fees) on Hanoi–Prague and Hanoi–Almaty routes with the promo code HELLOVIETNAM. Applicable for travel between 10 October 2026 and 31 March 2027 (travel periods vary by route).
Also part of the 12 million-ticket sale, Vietjet is rolling out its Summer 2026 Sale for travel until 31 August 2026. Travel periods vary by route. Blackout dates apply.
30% off Deluxe fares (excluding taxes and fees) with the promo code SALE66DLX.
20% off SkyBoss and Business fares (excluding taxes and fees) with the promo code VJSALE20.
Passengers flying Deluxe can enjoy up to 20kg of complimentary checked baggage allowance, priority seat selection, and free flight schedule changes, offering greater flexibility and convenience for family holidays and summer travel.
For Singapore travellers, Vietjet’s growing network makes Vietnam both an easy getaway and a convenient gateway to wider adventures. With direct services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, travellers can plan anything from a quick city break or beach escape to a multi-stop Vietnam holiday. The direct service linking Singapore and Nha Trang is scheduled to join the network from 11 December 2026.
SINGAPORE, 4 June 2026: Air Astana continues to expand its network of services to major cities across China, with the launch of direct flights from Astana to Guangzhou on 2 June.
The new service complements the existing Almaty-to-Guangzhou route, which has operated five times a week since March 2025. Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province in southern China, is one of the country’s largest cities and is a major industrial, trading and transport hub.
Photo credit: Air Astana.
Flights from Astana to Guangzhou operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing from Astana at 1845 and arriving in Guangzhou at 0430 local time. Airbus A321LR aircraft serve the route with a flight time of six hours and 45 minutes.
Additional services to Guangzhou strengthen Air Astana’s long-term commitment to developing connectivity between Kazakhstan and China. This commitment began with its first flight between Almaty and Beijing in December 2002.
During the 2026 summer season, the Air Astana Group will increase frequencies on most of its existing routes to China, including services from Almaty to Urumqi, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Sanya and Yining, as well as from Astana to Beijing and Urumqi. As a result, the number of flights between Kazakhstan and China will reach 51 per week, the highest level in the airline’s history.
HONG KONG, 4 June 2026: If you’ve been steadily racking up miles through everyday shopping and dining, waiting for the perfect excuse to book a getaway, the wait is over.
To help customers maximise the value of their miles and travel strictly on their own terms, HK Express Airways (HK Express) has now made “Full Miles Redemption” available as a booking option, and to celebrate, it is launching a limited-time, uncapped 30% Asia Miles rebate.
Photo credit: HK Express.
The Asia Miles rebate started on 1 June, and customers can now use miles to cover flight add-ons, including extra baggage allowance, seat selection, and in-flight meals.
From now until 15 June 2026, passengers use the “Full Miles Redemption” option to book an “Essential” fare ticket (which includes one small item and 20kg checked baggage allowance) to earn a 30% uncapped Asia Miles rebate.
Limited-Time 30% Uncapped Asia Miles Rebate Details:
Redemption Period: Now until 15 June 2026 (23:59);
Travel Period: Any dates;
Applicable Fare: Essential (Includes one small item and 20kg checked baggage allowance).
SINGAPORE, 4 June 2026: Vietjet has confirmed that a new direct route connecting Singapore and Nha Trang will be added to its regional network on 11 December 2026.
Airline officials announced the news last week at the Vietnam–Singapore Tech Connect Forum 2026 on 29 May.
Vietjet announces direct Singapore–Nha Trang service.
Scheduled to commence on 11 December 2026, the Singapore–Nha Trang route Vietjet will operate four return flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
It will offer Singapore travellers a more convenient way to reach Nha Trang, reducing the need for domestic transfers in Vietnam and providing easier access to Vietnam’s south-central coast and its popular beach resorts.
Renowned for its pristine beaches, rich marine ecosystem, year-round pleasant climate, and world-class hospitality and entertainment offerings, Nha Trang continues to attract visitors from around the world. The new route will complement Vietjet’s existing direct services from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.
Earlier, in March 2025, Vietjet also announced its direct Singapore–Phu Quoc route in the presence of the Vietnamese leader during his visit to Singapore, contributing to tourism growth and regional connectivity.
Vietjet First Vice Chairman Dinh Viet Phuong commented: “As we continuously expand our flight network, Vietjet aims to serve as a bridge for growth between nations, helping to promote trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange.
“Direct air links between Vietnam’s high-potential destinations and Asia’s leading economic centres, such as Singapore, are contributing to the development of new growth corridors for tourism, commerce, investment and international connectivity.”
Since launching its first route between Singapore and Vietnam in 2014, Vietjet has carried more than 3.8 million passengers on over 22,000 flights, contributing to stronger bilateral connectivity and meeting the growing travel demand of residents, tourists and the business community.
The airline currently operates four direct services linking Singapore with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Phu Quoc, offering more than 100 flights per week.
KUCHING, 3 June 2026: Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during last week’s ITB China 2026.
The collaboration reflects both parties’ commitment towards strengthening accessibility in Sarawak while supporting broader efforts to position the destination as the Gateway to Borneo.
From the left: Mr Dylan Redas Noel (STB Marketing Director of North Asia and New Markets), YB Dato Dennis Ngau (Chairman of STB), Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor (Chief Executive Officer of STB), Yang Mulia Puan Colonel Norsuriati Haji Sharbini (Interim Chief Executive Officer of RB), Mr Alirahim Haji Abdul Rani, (Manager Integrated Marketing of RB) and Mr Song Kai (President of Beijing Longway International Travel, RB General Sales Agent in the People’s Republic of China) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during ITB China 2026, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthen regional connectivity and enhance Sarawak’s international tourism presence.
The partnership also highlights the growing importance of regional collaboration in supporting tourism growth, improving travel accessibility, and strengthening destination visibility across international markets.
The MoU was signed by Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, Chief Executive Officer of STB, and Yang Mulia Puan Colonel Norsuriati Haji Sharbini, Interim Chief Executive Officer of RB. The signing was witnessed by Dylan Redas Noel, STB Marketing Director of North Asia and New Markets, and Alirahim Haji Abdul Rani, Manager Integrated Marketing of RB, representing STB and RB, respectively.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Dato Dennis Ngau, Chairman of STB, and Song Kai, President of Beijing Longway International Travel, RB General Sales Agent in the People’s Republic of China, as well as tourism industry stakeholders and trade partners in Shanghai.
Dr Sharzede said connectivity continues to play an important role in supporting tourism growth and strengthening how destinations position themselves within the increasingly competitive global travel landscape.
“Strategic collaborations such as this are important in strengthening accessibility, enhancing destination visibility, and creating greater opportunities to encourage travel into Sarawak and the wider Borneo region. As the Gateway to Borneo, connectivity remains an important component in supporting our ongoing tourism growth and international outreach efforts,” she said.
The partnership comes at a strategic time as STB continues to strengthen its tourism engagement efforts across China and North Asia through targeted destination marketing initiatives, trade collaborations, and consumer engagement programmes.
Through this collaboration with RB, both parties will strategically advance tourism promotion initiatives while enhancing seamless travel access into Sarawak. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to elevating Sarawak’s global presence, strengthening regional connectivity, and positioning the destination as a compelling gateway to Borneo’s rich and diverse experiences.
Yang Mulia Puan Colonel Norsuriati binti Haji Sharbini, Interim Chief Executive Officer of RB, noted: “We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with Sarawak Tourism Board and our valued partners in China, as we continue to build on a long-standing relationship rooted in shared growth and connectivity. China remains a key market for Royal Brunei Airlines and the wider Borneo region, and together we see strong opportunities to position Brunei and Sarawak further as
compelling destinations for travellers seeking authentic cultural, nature, and wellness experiences.
Through our established network and ongoing partnerships, we remain committed to enhancing regional access and welcoming more visitors to discover the richness and diversity of Borneo.”
Separately, STB recently launched its first Campus Roadshow & Student Engagement Programme in collaboration with Qunar at Zhejiang International Studies University in China. The initiative was
aimed at introducing Sarawak to university students and young travellers through interactive tourism showcases and engagement activities highlighting the destination’s culture, adventure, nature, food, and festivals. Together, the MoU with RB and STB’s recent engagement initiatives in China reflect a broader strategy to strengthen Sarawak’s international market presence through connectivity, destination visibility, trade engagement, and consumer outreach. These efforts continue to support Sarawak’s positioning as the Gateway to Borneo while enhancing the destination’s accessibility and appeal across key international markets.
PHUKET, 3 June 2026: C9 Hotelworks, a leading experienced branded residences development advisor in Asia, has been appointed branded residences content partner for SEAHIS 2026 in Bangkok and JHIS 2026 in Tokyo, both part of the HOFTEL Summit Series organised by HOFTEL.
Asia’s branded residences sector has expanded to USD40 billion across more than 50,000 units, and the developers and owners driving that growth are converging on two events this year where C9 Hotelworks will deliver dedicated sector content.
Both events attract the owners, developers, and investors who are actively making capital decisions in this sector.
SEAHIS takes place from 15 to 16 June 2026 in Bangkok. Four dedicated branded-residences sessions will cover market intelligence, deal structures, and development dynamics shaping the sector across the region. For owners and developers with Asia-wide exposure, this is the most concentrated briefing on branded residences available this year.
JHIS takes place on 24 to 25 September 2026 in Tokyo, addressing a market at an earlier, particularly significant inflexion point.
Japan’s branded residences sector is drawing sustained attention from international capital as the country’s hospitality fundamentals, inbound tourism growth, and regulatory environment converge to create conditions for accelerated sector entry. For developers and investors considering Japan, JHIS represents a direct entry point into that conversation.
For more information on SEAHIS 2026, CLICK and JHIS 2026 CLICK.
SYDNEY, 3 June 2026: The Australian Travel Industry Association’s (ATIA) Campaign for Commonsense has lifted a notch following a major weekend of mainstream media coverage, with the peak body now mobilising its national membership to join the push for urgent travel advice reform on travel through the Middle East.
The campaign is a direct response to critical feedback from frontline ATIA members. Travel agents and tour operators report that while clients are transiting through major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha without incident, Australia’s rigid Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) blanket advisory is exposing these travellers to an unintended travel insurance void.
Following extensive national exposure across News Corp, all commercial television networks, and widespread radio, ATIA members will now also be able to amplify the call for common sense via a Member Toolkit with social media assets, key talking points for clients, and template letters to key decision-makers.
Since the conflict started, ATIA has been working in partnership with the Federal Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). However, the campaign has reached a critical inflexion point. Australia is now a distinct international outlier. Key global allies, including the UK, Germany, France, and Ireland, have already updated their risk parameters, downgrading transit through these airports to Level 3.
While ATIA is a staunch supporter of DFAT and the Smartraveller network, it warns that maintaining an advisory disconnected from the reality on the ground is actively eroding public trust, with returning Australians telling family and friends to ignore official advice. ATIA is demanding a staged, proportionate response that moves airport transit to Level 3 (“Reconsider your need to travel”), recognising that a 90-minute airside transit carries a fundamentally different risk profile to an extended holiday in-country.
ATIA CEO: Dean Long noted: “This campaign started exactly where it should: with our members. Our travel advisor and tour operator members raised the alarm because their clients are transiting these airports safely every day. Yet, many of them are flying into a travel insurance void because the official advice refuses to decouple a brief airport transit from an in-country holiday.”
“We have worked constructively and quietly with the government for two months now, but we have reached an inflexion point where Australia is a total outlier. More than 150,000 Australians have transited these hubs safely over the last six weeks alone. We are absolutely not telling people to holiday in Dubai or Doha; we are asking for a staged, commonsense approach for transit passengers.”
“The greatest risk right now is that Australians stop trusting Smartraveller altogether because the advice doesn’t match the reality on the ground. That is a dreadful outcome for travellers, for the industry, and for the government. Following this weekend’s incredible wave of national media support, we are providing our members with the tools and assets to stand together and push for a commonsense adjustment immediately.”
SINGAPORE, 3 June 2026: CapitaLand Ascott Trust (CLAS) is divesting The Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore to an unrelated third party for SGD360.0 million.
The 336-unit hotel will be divested at 4% above book value and an exit yield of 2.3%. The net proceeds from the divestment are SGD341.7 million, and CLAS will recognise a net gain of approximately SGD38.1 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in 3Q 2026.
Photo credit: CLAS—Robertson House by The Crest Collection in Singapore.
CapitaLand Ascott Trust Management Limited and CapitaLand Ascott Business Trust Management Pte Ltd Chief Executive Officer Serena Teo,
said: “The divestment of The Robertson House by The Crest Collection at an attractive price of close to SGD1.1 million per key underscores CLAS’ disciplined approach to portfolio reconstitution. It further enhances CLAS’s financial flexibility, enabling us to redeploy the proceeds into higher-yielding properties, support our asset enhancement initiatives (AEIs), repay higher-interest debt, and/or fund general corporate purposes. We will continue to pursue value-accretive opportunities in Singapore and other developed markets to strengthen the resilience of our portfolio.”
Singapore remains a key market for CLAS
Post-divestment, CLAS will have four lodging properties in Singapore. Three properties – Ascott Orchard Singapore, lyf one-north Singapore and lyf Funan Singapore are operational. The fourth property, Somerset Clarke Quay Singapore, is currently under redevelopment. The 192-unit serviced residence with a hotel licence is on track to complete around the end of 2026 and is expected to begin contributing income progressively from early 2027.
SINGAPORE, 3 June 2026: Central and South America’s Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to outperform the global average in 2026, driven by strong domestic demand, rising international visitor spending, and lower exposure to geopolitical disruption impacting other regions, according to the latest EIR data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts Travel & Tourism GDP across Central and South America will grow 4.1% in 2026, ahead of the global average of 3.2%.
Photo credit: WTTC. EIR data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.
International visitor spending across the region is projected to increase 7.8%, more than double the global growth rate of 3.7%.
Globally, WTTC data forecasts that Travel & Tourism will contribute USD12 trillion to the world economy in 2026, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP and supporting 376 million jobs worldwide. Over the next decade, global Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, 1.5 times faster than the wider global economy, which is forecast to grow at 2.4%.
According to WTTC’s research, the region continues to benefit from resilient domestic travel demand and comparatively lower exposure to geopolitical disruption linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with affected transit routes and source markets playing a smaller role than in other regions.
Several markets across Central and South America are forecast to post strong Travel & Tourism growth in 2026. Ecuador is expected to lead the region in Travel & Tourism GDP growth at 11.6%, while Bolivia is projected to grow by 10.3%, supported by a 25.8% surge in international visitor spending. Argentina’s Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to grow 4.9% in 2026, while Colombia is projected to record growth of 5.7%, reinforcing the region’s broad-based momentum.
Brazil, one of the region’s largest Travel & Tourism markets, is forecast to continue growing in 2026, with Travel & Tourism GDP projected to increase 2.1%, while international visitor spending is expected to rise 3%. WTTC data also forecasts particularly strong momentum in Venezuela, where Travel & Tourism GDP is projected to grow 33.2% in 2026, alongside a 34.8% increase in international visitor spending.
Central America is also expected to post strong results. Guatemala’s Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to grow 6.1% in 2026, with international visitor spending projected to rise 9.3%. In Panama, the sector is forecast to grow 8.4%, with international visitor spending expected to increase 8.9% next year.
WTTC data indicates that continued investment in connectivity, destination infrastructure, traveller confidence, and workforce development will be critical to sustaining the region’s growth trajectory and maintaining competitiveness amid evolving global travel patterns.
The organisation also highlighted the importance of affordability and stable travel environments as key drivers of resilience, while warning that inflationary pressures and weaker consumer sentiment remain downside risks in some markets.
WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Central and South America continues to emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic Travel & Tourism regions, with strong domestic demand, rising international spending, and growing traveller confidence supporting growth across many markets.
Countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Guatemala, Panama, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela are demonstrating the sector’s enormous potential when supported by investment, connectivity, and a long-term strategic focus. The region has a real opportunity to strengthen its global competitiveness and secure sustained long-term growth.”
According to WTTC’s latest research, Travel & Tourism is forecast to support 18.5 million jobs across Central and South America in 2026, representing 8.3% of all jobs in the region.
WTTC’s Economic Impact Research is produced in partnership with Oxford Economics and is among the world’s most authoritative datasets on the economic contribution of Travel & Tourism.
