BANGKOK, 15 July 2026: Minor Hotels welcomes the arrival of Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River, the brand’s first tented safari camp and a key milestone in Anantara’s 25th anniversary year.
The new 13‑key camp is located in Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, supporting the Government and African Parks’ long‑term ecological restoration in Zambia.
Photo credit: Minor Hotels.
Anantara Kafue is Zambia’s only lodge elevated at least 3.5 metres above the ground, raised on timber platforms to maintain wildlife movement, providing uninterrupted views of the Kafue River.
Its opening coincides with wildlife restoration initiatives and a steadily recovering wilderness where hippos, elephants, large predators, antelope and over 500 bird species flourish.
The camp follows a low‑impact, contemporary approach, operating entirely on solar power, using on‑site water purification, bottling and treatment, and eliminating single‑use plastics from the start.
Anantara Kafue’s signature accommodation, the three Horizon Terrace Suites, are the highest suites in Zambia, each suspended 14.3 metres above the ground and accessed by a glass elevator, with upper‑level star beds and expansive decks. Guests staying in one of the nine Pool and Bush Villas enjoy private plunge pools and dedicated indoor spa rooms, while the 400-square-metre Presidential Villa is designed to offer elevated river views, exclusive boat access and a private spa zone.
Anantara Kafue is located within Kafue National Park, with private charter flights available from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip. A short domestic flight from Livingstone can also reach the camp. Lusaka International Airport is a four‑hour drive from the property.
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 July 2026: Malaysia Airlines launched two new direct services from Kuala Lumpur to Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (CSX) last week.
The route expansion to China reflects surging demand for travel between the two nations, driven by increasingly robust economic partnerships, allowing the national carrier to effectively tap into a broader, more diversified segment of China, its second-largest international market by the number of destinations served.
Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines. MH introduces flights to Shenzhen and Changsha, China.
Malaysia Airlines serves Shenzhen with daily flights using Boeing 737-8 aircraft configured with 174 seats across business and economy cabins. Flight time is four hours and 10 minutes. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD 210.
Flight schedule Shenzhen
MH522 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2105 and arrives in Shenzhen (SZX) at 0115 (plus a day). MH523 departs Shenzhen (SZX) at 0245 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0645.
Flight schedule Changsha
MH520 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2000 and arrives in Changsha (CSX) at 0105 (plus a day). MH521 departs Changsha (CSX) at 0205 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0650.
Daily flights to Changsha use a Boeing 737-8 with 174 seats across business and economy class cabins. Flight time is four hours and 45 minutes. The average round-trip fare on the route is USD 360.
Malaysia Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business Bryan Foong commented on the inaugural flights, saying: “The launch of our services to Shenzhen and Changsha marks a proud milestone in our continuous efforts to expand our network across China. By connecting Kuala Lumpur to these high-growth regional hubs, we are offering travellers greater convenience and flexibility while supporting stronger business, tourism and people-to-people ties between our two countries. As we welcome more visitors under the Visit Malaysia 2026 banner, this expansion also brings us closer to our vision of positioning Kuala Lumpur as a premier gateway to Asia and beyond”.
The new services support Malaysia’s tourism ambitions by leveraging the mutual visa-free arrangements while reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s role as a key regional aviation hub.
With the introduction of Shenzhen and Changsha, Malaysia Airlines now serves nine gateways across China, including Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Chengdu (TFU), further strengthening its regional network.
To celebrate the new routes, Malaysia Airlines is offering special all-in return introductory fares starting from MYR 1,088. The promotional fares are available for purchase from now until 8 August 2026.
KATHMANDU, 15 July 2026: Nepal’s Community Homestay Network has confirmed that members will offer fixed tour departures following the country’s release of its 2028 tourism strategy.
Eight multi-day itineraries are now on offer for guaranteed departure beginning 6 September 2026. The eight-day Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature will be the first fixed trip, with more than 100 multi-day departures now available to book for travel through December 2027 across the eight itineraries.
Photo credit: CHN.
The announcement follows the newly formed Balen government that has declared its ‘Visit Nepal 2028’ national tourism campaign. It will lead off with the launch of a 2027 Nepal Wellness Year campaign and forecasts that tourist arrivals will top 2.5 million by 2029, with tourism receipts doubling.
The new strategy will focus on diversifying tourism beyond mountain trekking, for which Nepal is best known, shifting the country’s attention to spotlight community experiences, nature and culture, with a focus on new destinations. There are also plans to upgrade the visa process to a fully digital online system and to upgrade aviation infrastructure by installing e-gates at airports.
Community Homestay Network Founder Shiva Dhakal says the timing couldn’t be better for expanding the Network’s itineraries across the country.
“I’m encouraged by the recent announcement of the new government’s strategy to ensure more focus is placed on community tourism. Support for community-led experiences, such as those offered by Community Homestay Network, will provide travellers with richer experiences across our stunning country. It also ensures that more local people benefit from the positive impact of tourism when it’s done mindfully, intentionally and collaboratively.
“All our itineraries are co-created with local communities and are designed to amplify their voices and stories, and to share their way of life with travellers while empowering them in their own entrepreneurship journeys.
“The introduction of fixed departures for the first time indicates the growth in demand for this style of travel, so the Balen government is certainly dialled in when it comes to the evolution of tourism in Nepal,” says Dhakal.
New fixed-departure itineraries are available to book now.
Hidden Gems of the Kathmandu Valley: Culture, Crafts, and Nature – This eight-day trip unveils the soul of Kathmandu Valley through authentic Newari experiences. Travellers will engage with artisans in Bungamati, cook momos in Kirtipur, hike to Nagarkot, and connect with local people via homestays, blending culture, nature and community. Prices start at USDD1,165pp with departures from 6 September 2026.
Live The Tharu Way: Journey Through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life – This nine-day itinerary travels from Kathmandu to Nepal’s Terai, spending time with the Indigenous Tharu people in Bhada and Bardiya, and going on a Jeep safari to spot elephants, rhinoceroses and the elusive Bengal tiger. Priced from USDD2,245pp with departures from 11 October 2026.
Eastern Nepal: The Road Less Taken – This eight-day Eastern Nepal adventure starts in Kathmandu, journeys to Dhankuta for Aathpahariya homestays and hikes, and ends in Janakpur with Mithila art and a visit to Janaki Temple, blending nature, culture, and sustainability. Priced from US$1,770 pp with departures starting 20 September 2026.
About Community Homestay Network Community Homestay Network was developed to promote responsible, sustainable tourism in Nepal and to encourage entrepreneurship in local communities, significantly benefiting women, youth, and marginalised communities while safeguarding local culture and tradition. With a strong focus on co-creation, Community Homestay Network (CHN) collaborates with 51 communities across Nepal, actively engaging residents to help develop and manage their tourism services. Locally owned and operated, the award-winning Community Homestay Network currently offers 51 different experiences for travellers to book. These consist of 41 community homestays and 10 experiences focused on spending time with local artisans.
DUBAI, 15 July 2026: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, will resume its network expansion to Syria with the launch of daily non-stop service to Aleppo International Airport (ALP).
Scheduled to commence on 20 July 2026, Aleppo becomes flydubai’s second destination in Syria, joining the capital city, Damascus. This reinforces the airline’s commitment to opening up previously underserved markets.
Photo credit: Flydubai.
Flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said: “We resume operations to Aleppo after nearly 14 years. The introduction of our daily service to Aleppo marks an important milestone in our network expansion strategy. Our primary mandate has always been to support Dubai’s aviation hub by creating direct air links to previously underserved markets. By providing reliable, daily operations to Aleppo, we are not only catering to a strong existing demand for direct travel, but we are also fostering closer economic, cultural and familial ties between the UAE and Syria.”
Historically renowned as a commercial crossroads and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Aleppo is a significant market with high demand for regional business travel, visiting friends and relatives (VFR), and cargo transport. The resumption of direct flights provides a vital link for the Syrian diaspora residing in the UAE and wider Gulf region, significantly reducing travel times compared to indirect routing options.
Flydubai Chief Commercial Officer Hamad Obaidalla added: “Since resuming our flights to Damascus last summer, we have been encouraged by the strong demand for travel on this route. The resumption of our non-stop service to Aleppo builds on this momentum, providing our customers with greater choice and more convenient travel options between Dubai and Syria. The launch of our new daily service also comes at an ideal time to support increased travel demand during the peak summer period, and we look forward to welcoming passengers on board soon.”
Flights on a 170-seat 737-8 feature lie-flat seats in business class and ergonomically designed seats in economy class.
On 1 June 2025, flydubai became the first carrier from the United Arab Emirates to operate a daily service between Dubai and Damascus. Due to growing demand for travel on this route, the carrier has increased the frequency of its flights, now serving the Syrian capital with three daily flights.
The carrier recently added Benghazi, Libya, and Bangkok, Thailand, to its growing network and is set to welcome Pokhara, Nepal, from 23 September 2026.
Flight details
The new direct service is included in the flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, enabling passengers to benefit from smoother itineraries, a single ticket, baggage check-in, and access to an extensive combined network.
Flights will operate daily to Aleppo International Airport (ALP) from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Return Business Class fares from DXB to ALP start from AED8,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED1,800. Return Business Class fares from ALP to DXB start from USD2,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD470.
MANILA, 15 July 2026: Philippine Airlines (PAL) is expanding its North American network with additional nonstop flights to Vancouver, Toronto and New York, providing customers with more travel options while strengthening connectivity between the Philippines, Canada, the US and Southeast Asia.
PAL will increase Manila–Vancouver services from daily to 10 weekly flights effective 17 November 2026.
Photo credit: PAL.
Manila–Toronto services will increase from three to four weekly flights effective 5 December 2026.
Manila–New York (JFK) services will increase from three to four weekly flights effective 2 December 2026, with a fifth weekly flight during the peak December 2026–January 2027 holiday travel season.
The expanded services further strengthen Philippine Airlines’ leadership in the Philippines–North America market and reinforce its position as the leading Southeast Asian carrier operating the most nonstop flights between the region and North America.
“North America continues to be one of Philippine Airlines’ most important markets,” said Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall. “As travel demand grows, these additional flights strengthen our position as the preferred nonstop carrier between the Philippines and North America whilst providing our customers with greater choice, improved connectivity, and more opportunities to travel, do business, and reconnect with family and loved ones. As the Philippine flag carrier, we remain committed to supporting tourism, trade and economic ties between the Philippines and our key North American markets.”
The additional North America frequencies will improve connectivity via Manila to key destinations across Southeast Asia, including Jakarta, Bali, Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi. Through PAL’s partnerships with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and WestJet, customers will also enjoy improved onward connections to numerous destinations across the US and Canada.
The Airbus A350-900 will initially operate additional Toronto and New York services before transitioning to PAL’s new Airbus A350-1000 as additional aircraft join the fleet.
The A350-1000 will also begin serving San Francisco in August 2026, offering more premium seating and further strengthening PAL’s competitiveness on the US West Coast.
Marking the group’s second property in Vietnam, this hotel brings Centara’s warm, Thai-inspired hospitality, world-class service, and Signature Experiences to one of the country’s most promising coastal locations.
Set within the Ao Tien High-Class Port and Tourism Urban Area, the property enjoys uninterrupted views across the serene waters and limestone formations of Bai Tu Long Bay. Just 15 minutes from Van Don International Airport, the hotel offers convenient access to both natural landmarks and key transport hubs, positioning it as an ideal base for leisure and business travellers alike.
Designed for couples, families, groups, and extended stays, the hotel offers 481 rooms and suites across 12 categories. Every room is equipped with a kitchenette, modern décor, and functional layouts for added flexibility and comfort throughout guests’ stay.
Beyond accommodation, Centara Hotel & Residences Van Don introduces an all-in-one lifestyle offering, from diverse dining experiences spanning Vietnamese, Italian, Chinese, and international flavours to versatile MICE venues, including two ballrooms and multiple meeting rooms. Guests will also enjoy both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a Kids’ Club, a fitness centre, and SPA Cenvaree, along with family-friendly activities, premium shopping, and curated bay tours.
DUBAI, 14 July 2026: Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will introduce its flagship A380 to Delhi from 25 October, making the Indian capital the third gateway in the country to be served by the iconic double-decker. Other A380 destinations are Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The A380 will operate on flights EK512/513 in a four-class configuration, complementing the deployment of Emirates’ retrofitted B777 aircraft, also in a four-class layout featuring Premium Economy, across its three other daily flights.
Photo credit: Emirates.
From October, Premium Economy will be offered on flights to six Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Kochi, giving customers travelling to and from India greater choice when planning their travel.
Delhi-Dubai
Passengers on the Delhi–Dubai route will now enjoy expanded options, with four cabin classes on all daily services. Premium Economy will feature on EK513, operated by the A380, as well as on the Boeing 777-operated EK511, EK515 and EK517.
Kolkata-Dubai
From 25 October, Emirates’ daily Kolkata–Dubai service, EK570/571, currently operated with a Boeing 777, will be served by the airline’s next-generation A350. With flights EK572/573 operating five times weekly on a four-class retrofitted B777, Premium Economy will be available across all 12 weekly flights between Kolkata and Dubai.
Emirates serves nine gateways across India — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram — operating 167 weekly flights to Dubai and onward to its global network, spanning almost 140 destinations.
JODHPUR, India, 14 July 2026: Air India has confirmed that all of its flights to and from Jodhpur Airport (JDH) will operate from the airport’s new terminal building, effective 12 July.
Air India currently operates 14 weekly flights between Jodhpur and Mumbai and 12 between Jodhpur and Delhi, providing convenient connectivity to key domestic and international destinations via its hubs.
Photo credit: Air India. Jodhpur opens new airport terminal building.
The new terminal, which covers 23,342 sqm, features 20 check-in counters, advanced security screening systems, state-of-the-art baggage handling facilities, and six aerobridges, enabling a smoother airport experience.
To ensure a smooth journey during the transition to the new facility, passengers travelling from Jodhpur city to the airport this week should arrive well in advance to allow adequate time to clear security and pass through the new terminal.
SINGAPORE, 14 July 2026: Chapman Freeborn, a global aircraft charter and leasing specialist and part of Avia Solutions Group, has supported Air Zimbabwe with a tailored ACMI* capacity solution for the planned resumption of direct scheduled services between Harare and London Gatwick.
The route is expected to restart by the end of July 2026, reconnecting Zimbabwe and the UK after more than 14 years. The service will be operated by Spanish carrier Plus Ultra using an Airbus A330 aircraft under a long-term ACMI agreement, with initial operations expected to include three weekly frequencies between Harare and London Gatwick.
Photo credit: Chapman Freeborn.
Under the ACMI structure, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, while the flights will operate under Air Zimbabwe’s flight code. Chapman Freeborn provides the ACMI and contract management support needed to help shape the long-haul operating structure for the route.
The route represents more than the return of an air service. It re-establishes an important commercial, tourism and cultural link between the two countries, while improving travel options for the Zimbabwean diaspora, business travellers and tourists.
It is also expected to support direct air freight capacity for time-sensitive exports, including horticultural and perishable products destined for the UK market.
“This is an important milestone for Air Zimbabwe and a significant step in restoring direct connectivity between Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom. We are proud to have played an important role in supporting this project, working closely with Air Zimbabwe and Plus Ultra to help deliver the right structure for the route.
“Across Africa, we continue to see growing demand for flexible capacity solutions as airlines look to rebuild networks, respond to passenger demand and manage fleet requirements more efficiently. ACMI can play an important role in supporting that growth, particularly on strategic routes where speed, flexibility and operational reliability are essential,” said Chapman Freeborn President – IMEA Linas Dovydenas.
Chapman Freeborn’s ACMI team supports airlines worldwide with short-, medium- and long-term capacity requirements across narrowbody, widebody, regional and cargo aircraft.
The company provides tailored aircraft leasing and ACMI solutions that help carriers manage capacity, restore routes and respond to complex operational requirements.
CHIANG MAI, Thailand, 14 July 2026: Tripseed, the Chiang Mai-based B2B destination management company, has been awarded silver in the Local Economic Benefit category at the 2026 Responsible Tourism Awards, Southeast Asia.
The winners were announced last week at the 2026 International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH) in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Photo credit: 2026 International Conference on Responsible Tourism and Hospitality (ICRTH). (Centre) Tripseed, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer Ewan Cluckie.
The awards, hosted by ICRT Southeast Asia under the chairmanship of Prof Dr Hiram Ting, recognise organisations that use tourism to create lasting benefits for local communities across the region.
Prof Ting, who also serves as a Global Chair of the Responsible Tourism Awards alongside Professor Harold Goodwin, chaired ICRTH 2026, which brought delegates from across the region to Sarawak.
Tripseed’s entry focused on business conduct rather than product. The judges recognised the company for responsible business leadership demonstrated through tax transparency, reduced economic leakage, and maximised local economic benefit, and credited it with broadening the responsible business agenda.
Evidence cited in Tripseed’s presentation
Thailand’s first publicly available GRI 207-aligned tax disclosure by a destination management company, covering the 2024 financial year and showing corporate income tax of THB1,176,496.70, a tax-to-revenue ratio of 2.36%, 3.1 times the average of the 17-company peer sample benchmarked for that year; a second annual report covering 2025 was published in May 2026.
Tripseed’s Economic Distribution Disclosure Initiative (EDDI) identified the company’s economic leakage across its touring products, noting that vehicle transport was the main source of leakage for products originating in central Thailand. However, a switch to a locally based, women-led provider in 2025 lifted estimated provincial retention from approximately 64% to approximately 92%
234 multi-day bookings in 2025 generating 2,459 booked days in Thai communities, with multi-day itineraries consistently over 80% of annual guest volume
A shift in guest seasonality from 73% high season in 2024 to 59% high season and 41% low season in 2025, extending reliable income for guides, drivers, accommodation providers, and food vendors
A worker protection policy under which contracted guides receive their full fee if a booking is modified, postponed, or cancelled
Since judging concluded, Tripseed has also become the first business of its kind in the world to be accredited under the Fair Tax Foundation’s new National Business Standard for the Fair Tax Mark.
Tripseed Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer Ewan Cluckie said: “Local economic benefit is one of the most-claimed and least-evidenced ideas in travel. We built our entry on audited figures: what we pay in taxes, where our procurement funds go, and how much of a guest’s spend is genuinely retained locally. We are honoured that the judges recognised that approach, and we would be delighted if this award encourages other operators and the trade partners who contract them to ask for the same evidence.”
