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One day shift in the ITB India dates

MUMBAI, 16 March 2026: ITB India 2026 will convene from Tuesday, 1 September to Thursday, 3 September at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, bringing together professionals from the MICE, Leisure, Corporate, and Travel Technology sectors in a single marketplace. 

The event was previously scheduled for 2 to 4 September, with the third day of the show coinciding with the national holiday on Friday, 4 September, that marks Janmashtami (the birth of Lord Krishna). It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It is classified as a Gazetted Holiday by the Central Government, meaning most government offices, schools, and banks across the country will be closed.

Photo credit: ITB India. Trade visitors in the exhibition halls.

Heading towards its fourth annual in-person edition, the ITB India will adopt the theme “Future of Travel, Built Together”.

“We are sharpening our focus on what truly matters: strong business outcomes,” says ITB India Head of Sales Saurabh Shukla. “By facilitating targeted connections between sellers and qualified buyers within a focused and highly efficient trade environment, we create the foundation for lasting partnerships and continued industry growth.”

ITB India 2026 should welcome more than 100 exhibitors and over 3,000 participants from around the world, underscoring its role as a key gateway to the fast-growing Indian and South Asian travel markets. The show will host more than 400 travel trade buyers from India and South Asia, creating targeted business opportunities for international and national exhibitors.

Over 80 industry experts will take the stage at the ITB India Conference 2026, delivering over 1,400 minutes of content across a wide range of sessions that address the most relevant trends and developments shaping the future of travel.

Early Bird rates are available until 15 May 2026, offering attractive conditions for early registration. 

Exhibitors will enjoy access to the exhibition floor and all conference sessions, up to 33 pre-scheduled meetings with qualified buyers, and direct engagement with decision-makers from the MICE, Corporate and Leisure sectors.

Buyer registration for ITB India 2026 is open. Professionals from the MICE, Corporate and Leisure sectors seeking to explore new business opportunities are welcome to apply for the Hosted Buyers’ Programme and secure their place at this year’s show. 

Other ITB shows

ITB China, the premier marketplace for China’s travel industry, is scheduled for 26 to 28 May 2026, in Shanghai.

ITB Asia will take place in Singapore from 21 to 23 October 2026, covering the broader regional market. 

The inaugural ITB Americas will be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 10 to 12 November 2026, covering the American market. 

ITB Berlin, the world’s leading B2B trade show for the travel industry, will take place in Berlin from 16 to 18 March 2027.

(Source: ITB India)

AirAsia RedRun rolls out across Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 March 2026: AirAsia confirms its second edition of the RedRun signature regional running event series will feature a bold seven-city rollout in 2026, spanning key destinations across its ASEAN and Asia network. 

Launched in 2025, RedRun is back on the regional sporting calendar to encourage running enthusiasts to buy a fare, explore the destinations and compete in sports events that appeal to both casual and serious runners.

Photo credit: AirAsia.

AirAsia X Chief Commercial Officer Amanda Woo said: “RedRun represents what AirAsia stands for… We’re bringing people together through a shared passion for sport, turning every destination into a reason to fly.”

In 2026, the series will roll out across seven cities throughout the year, comprising Da Nang, Bali, Kota Kinabalu, Cebu, Phuket, Surabaya and Taipei — transforming major destinations into high-energy race weekends that combine fitness, travel and exploration. 

Three cities have officially confirmed their race dates and are now open for registration, with additional locations to be announced progressively. Leveraging AirAsia’s broader travel ecosystem, participants will also be able to enjoy special promotions on flights, hotels and other travel add-ons designed to support racers and enhance their race weekend experience in each destination.

The first three open-for-sale cities leading the 2026 series with Super Early Bird price are:

1) Da Nang, Vietnam (26 April 2026), priced from as low as VND268,000. Book now until 10 March 2026

2) Bali, Indonesia (10 May 2026), priced from as low as IDR200,000. Book now until 9 May 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis

3) Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (28 June 2026), priced from as low as MYR59. Book now until 27 June 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis

Participants can choose from 5 km, 10 km, or the half-marathon race categories, making the run accessible to both casual runners and seasoned athletes. 

With strong connectivity into these destinations from multiple ASEAN hubs, AirAsia RedRun should draw over 100,000 runners from across Asia, supporting cross-border tourism while strengthening the airline’s brand presence beyond aviation.

(Source: AirAsia)

Taj brand returns to Bhutan

SINGAPORE, 16 March 2026: Taj Hotels, a leading luxury hotel group headquartered in India, is operating two resorts in Bhutan — Taj Paro Resort & Spa and Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa — restoring the hotel brand’s presence in the mountain kingdom after a two-year pause.

Set in Paro’s valley and framed by views of the revered Tiger’s Nest monastery, the 45-key Taj Paro Resort & Spa, Bhutan, offers a setting closely connected to its 7.6-acre estate surroundings. Built from local stone and reclaimed wood by Bhutanese artisans, the resort draws from traditional Bhutanese architectural cues while embracing modern comfort.

Photo credit: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL). Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa.

In the pristine Phobjikha Valley, the 35-key Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa, Bhutan, is built on an elevation to minimise its environmental impact on the valley floor with views of the Black-necked Crane Sanctuary. 

Its design reflects a respect for the natural environment. Inside, warm timber tones, panoramic windows and thoughtfully designed spaces create a seamless connection with the valley’s sweeping meadows and forests.

As of 2026, there are two primary Taj-branded hotels in Bhutan, with a third property managed under the parent company (IHCL).

The lineup has changed significantly since 2023, when the long-standing and famous Taj Tashi in Thimphu ended its partnership with Taj. It has since been rebranded as Pemako Thimphu.

The Taj Hotels’ parent group, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), launched the two new luxury properties — Taj Paro Resort & Spa (Paro) in December 2025 and Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa in January 2026.

Photo credit: Indian Hotels Company (IHCL). Taj Paro Resort & Spa: A Retreat with views of Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Based on current rates for a stay in mid-April 2026, here are the starting prices for the two Taj properties in Bhutan:

Taj Paro Resort & Spa (Paro)

Starting rate: Approximately USD1,135 (THB 38,141) per night.
Property type: Five-star luxury resort.l
Location: Near the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa (Phobjikha Valley)

Starting rate: Approximately USD1,245 USD (THB 41,844) per night.
Property type: Five-star luxury retreat.
Location: Overlooking the scenic Phobjikha Valley.

Travel Note

When planning a stay in Bhutan, the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is usually additional to these hotel rates. For most international tourists, the SDF is currently USD100 per person, per night (with a 50% discount for children aged six to 12)

Additional IHCL property

In addition to the two Taj-branded resorts, IHCL also operates a property under its SeleQtions brand in Bhutan.
Yarkay, Thimphu – IHCL SeleQtions: Located in the capital city, this hotel opened in 2024 and serves as the group’s urban luxury presence in Thimphu following Taj Tashi’s exit from the group in 2023.

(Source: Taj Hotels. Additional rate information: Google Hotels)

New event launch — ITX Indonesia Tourism Xchange

JAKARTA, Indonesia, 16 March 2026: Indonesia’s tourism and hospitality sector will gain a new national industry platform with the launch of Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 (ITX 2026).

The forum will engage with hotel owners, operators, investors, and senior decision-makers from across the archipelago to examine the forces shaping the country’s tourism economy amid renewed growth and increasing complexity.

(Left) Sherona Shng, Regional Vice President, Operations Asia at Langham Hospitality Group. (Right) Indonesia Tourism Xchange (ITX) 2026 logo, designed by QUO Global.

Taking place on 12 May 2026 at The Langham, Jakarta, the event will reflect Indonesia’s distinctive tourism realities — scale, cultural depth, and extraordinary diversity of destinations — while addressing the evolving demands of travellers, brands, and capital. The programme spans the full spectrum of hospitality, from luxury and lifestyle to performance, investment, technology, sustainability, and emerging development models.

The agenda opens with an assessment of Indonesia’s investment climate and tourism outlook for 2026, providing economic context for the discussions that follow. Attention then turns to luxury hospitality, where expectations are shifting rapidly, and brands are being challenged to move beyond traditional definitions of premium service.    

Langham Hospitality Group, Regional Vice President, Operations Asia, Sherona Shng, will explore how luxury in Indonesia is increasingly shaped by cultural intelligence, personalisation, and emotional connection rather than scale or spectacle alone.

Hotel performance and demand dynamics form a central pillar of the program, with a close examination of how Indonesia’s hotels are trading across resort and urban markets, including upper-upscale and luxury assets. Horwath HTL Director for Pacific Asia, Matt Gebbie, will address Indonesia’s tourism prospects for 2026, focusing on where growth is sustainable and where caution is required.

Beyond hotels, ITX 2026 also examines how ownership structures and development strategies are evolving. A dedicated discussion on standalone branded residences reflects the rising importance of residential-led hospitality across Indonesia’s resort and lifestyle destinations, where brands are increasingly used to drive long-term value. C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett will moderate the session.

Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 is organised by Horwath HTL, C9 Hotelworks, STR, QUO Global, Greenview, and Delivering Asia, in partnership with Langham Hospitality Group, and supported by the Jakarta Hotels Association, PHRI Indonesia, and the Bali Hotels Association. Attendance is complimentary, with advance registration required.

As Indonesia’s tourism sector matures and luxury becomes more nuanced and experience-driven, ITX 2026 positions itself as an annual industry forum offering clarity on performance, capital, and brand strategy across one of Asia’s most complex and compelling travel markets.

Registration: Indonesia Tourism Xchange 2026 

(Source: Delivering Asia)

SriLankan boosts air services to Melbourne

SINGAPORE, 16 March 2026: SriLankan Airlines will increase flights between Colombo and Melbourne from daily to 10 weekly, effective from 2 August 2026.

The addition of three more scheduled flights is in response to growing demand and evolving market dynamics. The newly added flights will operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Colombo as UL608 at 1410 and arriving in Melbourne at 0430  the following day.

Photo credit: SriLankan Airlines.

The return service, UL609, will depart Melbourne every Wednesday, Friday and Monday at 0600, arriving in Colombo at 1215 on the same day, offering convenient onward connections across the airline’s network. 

In addition to the three additional frequencies, the airline will continue operating its daily service, UL604, departing Colombo at 0020 and arriving in Melbourne at 1440. The return service UL605 departs Melbourne at 1610 and arrives in Colombo at 2225. 

The increase to 10 flights weekly will benefit the Sri Lankan diaspora living in Australia by providing greater flexibility to visit friends and relatives back home, as well as Sri Lankan students attending schools and universities in Victoria, Australia. 

The increased frequencies will further strengthen Colombo’s role as a regional hub, enabling Indian travellers to seamlessly connect via Sri Lanka to Melbourne, with convenient schedules and efficient onward connections. 

(Source: SriLankan Airlines)

WTTC forecasts financial fallout on Middle East tourism

SINGAPORE, 16 March 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the escalating conflict in Iran is already impacting the Travel & Tourism sector across the Middle East by at least USD600 million per day in international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence and regional connectivity affect demand.

The Middle East plays a vital role in global travel, accounting for 5% of international arrivals and 14% of international transit traffic. Any disruption affects demand worldwide, which in turn impacts airports and flights, hotels, car hire companies, and cruise lines.

The major regional aviation hubs — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain — which together normally process around 526,000 passengers per day, have experienced closures and operational disruption as the conflict escalates, significantly affecting regional and global connectivity.

WTTC’s analysis is based on its 2026 pre-conflict forecast for the Middle East, which projected USD207 billion in international visitor spending across the region this year. Any disruption to travel flows, therefore, quickly translates into substantial economic impact across the tourism ecosystem.

Despite the current challenges, WTTC emphasises that Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s most resilient economic sectors.

WTTC research on previous crises shows that tourism demand can recover in as little as two months following security-related incidents when governments and industry act quickly to restore traveller confidence.

World Travel & Tourism Council, President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Travel & Tourism is the most resilient of sectors. The impact of international visitor spending across the Middle East is significant, averaging around USD600 million per day. Still, history shows that the sector can recover quickly, especially when governments support travellers with hotel subsidies or repatriation assistance. Our analysis of previous crises demonstrates that security-related incidents often see the fastest tourism recovery times, in some cases as quickly as two months, when governments and industry work together to restore traveller confidence. WTTC commends governments that have worked tirelessly in recent days to support recovery efforts.

“Clear communication, strong coordination between the public and private sectors, and measures that reinforce safety and stability are critical to rebuilding trust with travellers and supporting the sector’s recovery.”

WTTC, which represents the private sector, is continuing to monitor developments on behalf of its members and remains in close contact with governments and industry leaders to support the safety of travellers and the resilience of the global Travel & Tourism sector.

About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global private-sector voice of the Travel & Tourism industry. Its members include chief executives of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies, spanning airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and technology firms. WTTC champions the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP, employment, exports and wider societal benefits, helping shape policies, raise awareness, and foster public-private collaboration.

(Source: WTTC)

Vietjet flies Singapore-Nha Trang route

SINGAPORE, 16 March 2026: Vietjet will launch a new direct service between Nha Trang and Singapore from 1 June 2026, further expanding air connectivity between Singapore and Vietnam’s popular coastal destinations. 

The service marks Vietjet’s fifth direct route between the two countries, joining its existing connections to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Phu Quoc.

Photo credit: Vietjet.

Travellers from Singapore will soon have direct access to Nha Trang, a beachside city along Vietnam’s south-central coast known for its long coastline, island-hopping experiences, and growing resort scene. 

The route will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, providing a new direct link between Singapore and one of Vietnam’s most established coastal destinations. Flight time is two hours and 15 minutes.     

Flight schedule 

VJ912 from Singapore (SIN) to Nha Trang (CXR): Departure at 1515, and arrival at 1635.
VJ917 from Nha Trang (CXR) to Singapore (SIN): Departure at 1025, and arrival at 1340.

To mark the launch, Vietjet is offering promotional fares across its direct flight network between Vietnam and Singapore, including the newly introduced Nha Trang route, with Eco-class tickets from SGD86 one-way (all-inclusive of taxes and fees), including 20kg of complimentary checked baggage, while SkyBoss fares are available at an instant 20% (*). 

The promotion runs from 16 March until 20 March 2026 (GMT +8) via the Vietjet website and mobile app, for travel between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027 (**).

(*) Terms and conditions. 
(**) Travel periods may vary by route, blackout dates apply, and public holidays are excluded.

(Source: Vietjet)

Dubai Bubble: A tourism powerhouse in a turbulent Gulf

BANGKOK, March 16 2026: For decades, Dubai has projected an image of certainty in an uncertain region, a gleaming oasis of luxury, efficiency and opportunity in the heart of the Middle East. Towering hotels, record-breaking attractions and one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs have transformed a once modest trading port into a global tourism powerhouse.

Yet the latest surge in tensions across the Gulf has highlighted a simple reality: tourism in the Middle East ultimately depends on stability. When conflict looms, confidence can disappear quickly.

Dubai’s spectacular skyline and resort coastline have made the city a magnet for global travellers. 

A recent European headline captured the mood bluntly: 

“The dream world of Dubai bursts during the war: suddenly, the tourist is just an unwashed person without a hotel room.”

Dramatic perhaps, but it reflects an underlying truth. When flights are disrupted, or security fears grow, even the most sophisticated tourism systems can stall overnight.

Dubai’s rise is one of the most remarkable economic transformations of modern times. With relatively modest oil reserves, the emirate reinvented itself through aviation, tourism, finance and global trade. Massive investment in infrastructure positioned the city as a crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa.

The result has been extraordinary growth. Millions of travellers pass through Dubai each year, drawn by its luxury hotels, beaches, shopping festivals and reputation for safety and efficiency. Few destinations have built such a powerful global brand in such a short time.

But tourism is ultimately a confidence industry. Travellers will cross continents to visit places they perceive as safe, accessible and stable. The moment that perception shifts, demand can change almost overnight.

Across the wider Middle East, this cycle is familiar. Destinations from Egypt to Jordan and the Gulf states have experienced tourism booms during calm periods only to see visitor numbers soften when regional tensions dominate headlines. Even conflicts far from major resorts can influence traveller behaviour.

Dubai is particularly sensitive to these shifts because its economy is so closely linked to international mobility. Aviation connectivity, expatriate investment and global tourism are central pillars of the emirate’s success. Any disruption to airspace, shipping routes or regional security can quickly ripple through the hospitality sector.

Geography also plays a role. The United Arab Emirates sits close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. When tensions escalate between regional powers and the West, the Gulf inevitably comes under intense global scrutiny.

Dubai’s impressive, unique architecture.

None of this diminishes Dubai’s extraordinary achievements. Few cities have reinvented themselves so boldly or successfully. From a modest Gulf trading port, it has evolved into one of the world’s most recognisable tourism destinations.

Yet the current climate offers a reminder that Dubai’s prosperity remains closely tied to regional calm. The very strengths that built the city, connectivity, openness and international appeal, also make it sensitive to shifts in confidence.

The so-called “Dubai bubble” is therefore less a criticism than a reality check. When stability prevails, Dubai thrives brilliantly. When tensions rise, the fragility of tourism in a volatile region becomes impossible to ignore.

About the Author
Andrew J Wood is a Bangkok-based travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades in the international hospitality industry, he has held senior leadership roles with several leading hotel groups. A past President of Skål Asia, former National President of Skål Thailand, and a two-time Skål International Bangkok President, he writes widely on tourism and hospitality trends across Asia and is widely published.

Dusit Thani joins Preferred Legend Collection

BANGKOK, 13 March 2026: Preferred Hotels & Resorts has welcomed the addition of Dusit Thani Bangkok to its prestigious Legend Collection, welcoming the celebrated Thai hotel to a global portfolio of exceptional properties. 

Located at the edge of the Thai capital’s  Lumpini Park, Dusit Thani Bangkok has long been synonymous with the warmth of Thai hospitality, cultural refinement, and understated luxury. 

Dusit Thani Bangkok’s skyline from its rooftop bar and legendary golden spire.

It made its highly anticipated return in late 2024 after a remarkable transformation as part of the new Dusit Central Park project in the heart of the city. Reimagined for a new generation of global travellers, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with the signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality that has defined the Dusit brand for more than seven decades.

Rising above the city in a striking modern tower, Dusit Thani Bangkok offers 257 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each designed to maximise natural light and panoramic views across Lumpini Park and the Bangkok skyline. Interiors by internationally acclaimed designer André Fu are refined yet warm, reflecting Thai craftsmanship through subtle detailing and bespoke Thai-inspired furnishings.

The hotel’s culinary offerings celebrate both heritage and innovation, featuring six destination restaurants and bars that showcase elevated Thai cuisine alongside international dining concepts, including one Michelin-starred Italian restaurant and a tropical rooftop bar situated alongside the hotel’s iconic golden spire. Additional amenities include Devarana Wellness, an urban wellness sanctuary with result-driven spa treatments, fitness, and pool facilities, as well as sophisticated venues for meetings, celebrations, and cultural gatherings, positioning the hotel as a social and lifestyle anchor within the city.

“We are delighted to welcome Dusit Thani Bangkok to our Legend Collection, an exceptional portfolio of landmark properties that are deeply rooted in their destination and celebrated for their enduring legacy,” said Preferred Hotels & Resorts Area Managing Director, Southeast Asia Christine Tan.

“Dusit Thani Bangkok embodies the very spirit of what the Legend Collection stands for – timeless prestige, global sophistication, cultural refinement, and an unwavering commitment to intuitive, world-class hospitality. Its addition further enriches our Legend Collection in Asia Pacific and underscores our dedication to curating the ultimate luxury experiences that resonate with today’s discerning global traveller.”

Dusit Thani Bangkok and Dusit Residences Managing Director Marc Handl commented: “Dusit Thani Bangkok is honoured to join the prestigious Legend Collection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts and to be part of such a distinguished global portfolio. Guests of Preferred Hotels & Resorts are discerning travellers who seek meaningful and memorable experiences, and this philosophy closely aligns with ours.

‘Our newly built hotel reinterprets Thai heritage and culture through a contemporary lens while delivering our gracious hospitality with genuine care. Together with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, we look forward to welcoming travellers from around the world and curating memorable moments for every guest visiting Bangkok.”

Dusit Thani-Bangkok: Deluxe corner twin lounge.

For more information about Dusit Thani Bangkok and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, visit www.preferredhotels.com.

Check out the website: Dusit Thani Bangkok in Bangkok, Thailand

(Source: Preferred Hotels & Resorts)

Air India bolsters domestic footprint

DELHI, 13 March 2026: Air India has announced additions to its domestic route network, effective Northern Winter Schedule 2026, strengthening connectivity to some of India’s iconic heritage and spiritual destinations.

Starting 25 October 2026, Air India will operate daily flights to Khajuraho, linking the city to Delhi and Varanasi. The airline will also operate direct daily flights between Mumbai and Jaisalmer, complementing its existing Delhi-Jaisalmer winter services and increasing frequency to Gaya from Delhi.

Photo credit: Air India. Khajuraho.

Khajuraho flights for tri-city tours

Air India’s new services are designed to boost connectivity and convenience for tourists exploring Khajuraho, renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, and Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, in a single seamless trip. The new flights will operate daily on a triangular circuit with an alternating routing pattern, as follows, providing flexible options for travellers to prioritise their preferred order of visits to both destinations, while ensuring seamless connections via Delhi to destinations across Europe, Southeast Asia and the Far East.

Delhi-Khajuraho-Varanasi has emerged as a sought-after tourist circuit for discerning travellers seeking deeper immersion in India’s spiritual and artistic legacy, combining Varanasi’s ancient ghats and storied bylanes with Khajuraho’s medieval temple structures.

Connecting Mumbai with Jaisalmer and boosting connectivity to Gaya

Air India’s new seasonal service between Mumbai and Jaisalmer, starting 25 October 2026, expands access to the popular destination in Rajasthan. This new route complements Air India’s existing daily Delhi-Jaisalmer flights and provides guests from western India direct connectivity to Jaisalmer during the peak winter tourism season.

Air India will add daily frequency between Delhi and Gaya this winter, offering both morning and afternoon departures in each direction, thus improving access and adding flexibility for travellers.

Connecting East-West via India

The new flights are timed to enable seamless onward connections for guests travelling from destinations across Europe (including the UK), Southeast Asia, and the Far East into Khajuraho, Varanasi, or Gaya. This will help to position these timeless Indian destinations more strongly on international itineraries. 

The flights conveniently connect to and from destinations including but not limited to London (Heathrow), Birmingham, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris, Vienna, Zurich, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bali (Denpasar), Seoul (Incheon), Hong Kong, and Tokyo (Haneda). 

Bookings open

The new flights are available for booking through all channels, including Air India’s official website, mobile app, and travel agents.

(Source: Air India)