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PKFARE inks deal with Citilink

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Newsdesk
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SHENZHEN, 20 January 2026: PKFARE, a global travel wholesaler, announced this week the signing of a strategic partnership with Citilink, a leading Indonesian low-cost airline. 

Through this direct connection, PKFARE’s 2000-plus travel seller clients can access Citilink’s full content, including ancillary and branded fares, at competitive prices. At the same time, Citilink will broaden its global distribution reach while maintaining integrity controls.

Photo credit: PKFARE.

Citilink has established itself as a major force in Indonesia’s domestic aviation market, serving as a vital connector for affordable air travel across more than 50 domestic destinations. 

Building on its strong domestic foundation, the airline is also expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia, having recently commenced flights to Bangkok, Thailand.

“PKFARE’s strong distribution presence in these regions enables us to better capture inbound demand, while maintaining distribution control and content integrity aligned with our commercial strategy. We are delighted to partner with Citilink to support its global distribution growth,” said PKFARE Founder and President Jason Song.

“This collaboration enables our travel seller clients to offer more competitive and diverse flight options across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. By strengthening direct airline partnerships, we continue to deliver better pricing, improved service quality, and integrity-assured content.”

According to IATA projections, the Asia-Pacific is expected to remain the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, with air traffic forecast to grow 7.3% year over year in 2026. PKFARE has established direct connections with leading regional airlines, including AirAsia, Lion Air, VietJet Air, and IndiGo, and will continue to accelerate partnerships with major APAC carriers to deliver curated, high-quality content to global travel sellers.

About PKFARE 
PKFARE, a subsidiary of DerbySoft Group, is a leading global travel wholesaler focused on curating high-quality content and driving efficiency to fuel real growth. It specialises in delivering relevant travel content spanning flights, hotels, and ancillaries. By expanding direct partnerships with airlines and hotels and leveraging a blended multi-sourcing model, PKFARE provides both breadth of choice and competitive pricing.

(Source: PKFARE)

Sapa clocks a surge in travel interest

By
Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 20 January 2026: Sapa in northern Vietnam has emerged as the fastest-growing destination for attracting international travellers in Asia, according to digital travel platform Agoda’s latest New Horizons ranking. 

Vietnam’s scenic mountain destination is followed by Okayama (Japan), Bandung (Indonesia), Matsuyama (Japan), and Takamatsu (Japan) as the top five rising stars in Asia, registering the highest growth in international travel interest. 

Agoda’s New Horizons ranking, which is released annually, compares the accommodation booking ranks of the two previous years to identify the highest climbers in international travel in Asia.

In addition to the top five emerging destinations, Agoda also reports newcomers joining the ranks of the top 100 Asian destinations in 2025 for the first time, indicating their growing popularity among international travellers. 

These include Ko Phangan (Thailand), Nagano (Japan), Nara (Japan), Shizuoka (Japan), Ko Tao (Thailand), Kagoshima (Japan), and Aomori (Japan). The trend indicates that even when visiting popular destinations such as Thailand and Japan, travellers are seeking out fresh, new adventures in lesser-known locales.

Agoda Regional Director North Asia, Jay Lee, shared: “Lesser-known destinations are rapidly emerging as preferred choices for travellers seeking authenticity and immersive cultural experiences. Whether it’s the breathtaking scenery of terraced rice fields in Sapa or the refreshing seaside landscapes of Takamatsu, secondary destinations are capturing a growing share of traveller interest and spending, signalling a shift in the tourism landscape for 2026 and beyond.”

(Source: Agoda)

Minor expands NH properties in Thailand

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 20 January 2026: Minor Hotels confirms the opening of NH Hua Hin in Thailand’s royal seaside town.

Situated 200 km south of Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, Hua Hin  NH Hua Hin’s stands at the southern end of Hua Hin offers guests convenient access to Hua Hin Beach (beach access 400 metres away), local night markets (Cicada Night Market and Hua Hin Night Market), and shopping experiences including  (BLUPORT Hua Hin and Market Village Hua Hin).

Photo credit: Minor Hotels.  NH Hua Hin.

The destination also serves as a gateway to the attractions in the surrounding province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, including Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and its Phraya Nakhon Cave, as well as Pa-La-U Waterfall in Kaeng Krachang National Park.

NH Hua Hin offers 152 modern rooms and suites with city and mountain views, starting from 30 sqm and three food and beverage outlets: an all-day dining restaurant serving international favourites and local specialities, a lobby café offering light bites and drinks throughout the day, and a rooftop bar by the infinity pool with sunset views. 

Recreational facilities at the hotel include the rooftop pool, a Kids’ Club with indoor and outdoor spaces for hours of entertainment, and a fitness centre, allowing travellers to maintain their lifestyle during their trip.

Following the rebranding of NH Hua Hin, the global hotel group has four hotels under the brand in Thailand. NH Hua Hin joins NH properties in Bangkok and Phuket — NH Bangkok Sukhumvit Boulevard, NH Bangkok Asoke, and NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort.

(Source: Minor Hotels)

Skål hands out helmets to Bangkok kids

By
Andrew Wood
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BANGKOK, 20 January 2026: Skål International Bangkok has joined forces with local partners to deliver a powerful road-safety message at one of the country’s busiest intersections. 

The initiative, which focused on distributing protective motorcycle helmets to families and children, underlines Skål’s long-standing commitment to responsible tourism, community engagement, and social responsibility.

Photo: A child is fitted with a protective helmet while seated on a motorcycle, highlighting the campaign’s focus on family and child safety.

Skål International is a global association of travel and tourism professionals, spanning more than 12,000 members across 85 countries and 305 clubs worldwide. With representation in almost every major city on every continent, Skål promotes friendship, networking, and sustainable development within the global tourism industry. The Bangkok club continues to play a leading role in aligning these global values with meaningful local action.

Led by Skål International Bangkok President James Thurlby, the project was delivered in collaboration with Move Ahead Media and Helmet Heroes, a local charity dedicated to improving road safety by providing protective headwear for motorcycle riders. 

With the support of local traffic police, the group positioned themselves at the highly congested Asok Intersection, located in the very heart of Bangkok.

Families receive helmets at Asok Intersection, drawing attention from commuters and motorists during the morning campaign.

Over the course of the initiative, more than 120 motorcycle helmets were distributed, with priority given to children being transported by parents or guardians without any head protection. In Thailand, where motorcycles remain one of the most common modes of transport for families, the absence of helmets continues to be a major contributor to road-related injuries and fatalities.

The location was deliberately chosen for its visibility and impact. Asok Intersection is one of Bangkok’s busiest traffic nodes, connecting major roads, public transport links, and commercial districts. Throughout the morning, the helmet distribution attracted significant attention from passers-by, commuters, and motorists. Many stopped to observe, take photographs, and express appreciation for what was clearly a positive, community-spirited initiative.

Speaking after the event, representatives from Skål International Bangkok highlighted that the initiative reflects the organisation’s belief that tourism professionals have a responsibility not only to their industry, but also to the communities in which they live and work. By addressing a real and pressing local issue, the project demonstrated how international organisations can contribute positively at the grassroots level.

Helmet Heroes (https://helmetheroesthailand.org/) the charity partner in the initiative, continues to work across Bangkok and other parts of Thailand to raise awareness of motorcycle safety and to distribute helmets to those most in need. Their collaboration with Skål Bangkok and Move Ahead Media helped extend the campaign’s reach and impact, reinforcing the message that simple preventive measures can save lives.

Skål International Bangkok encourages tourism professionals, industry partners, and community members to become involved in future initiatives. Those interested in joining Skål International are invited to contact the Bangkok club directly via [email protected]. 

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer, tourism consultant, and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With more than four decades of experience in the international hospitality industry, he has held senior management roles with leading hotel groups across Asia and the Middle East. He is a former Director of Skål International, Past President of Skål International Asia, Past President of Skål International Thailand, and a two-time Past President of Skål International Bangkok. A graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh, he writes regularly for travel and hospitality publications worldwide, sharing insights on tourism policy, sustainability, aviation, investment trends, and destination strategy across the Asia-Pacific region.

(Source: Andrew J Wood)

Juneyao flies to Tawau

By
Newsdesk
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TAWAU, Sabah, 20 January 2026: Juneyao Air marked a significant milestone last week by launching direct flights from Shanghai to Tawau, while strengthening air connectivity between China and Sabah.

Three-weekly services (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) are scheduled using an A320neo with 180 seats. The starting round-trip fare on the route is USD842.

Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia. Darryl Hamzah, representative from Tourism Malaysia, together with Rehan Shafiq Azizan, from Malaysia Airport Berhad, Shirly Ho, from Sabah Tourism Board and Simon Ng from Ground Team Red.

Flight schedule

HO1361 departs Shanghai (PVG) at 1555 and arrives in Tawau (TWU) at 2100.
HO1362 departs Tawau (TWU) at 2200 and arrives in Shanghai (PVG) at 0255 plus a day.

“We warmly welcome Juneyao Air’s inaugural scheduled flight from Shanghai to Tawau. This new service strengthens connectivity between China and Malaysia through Sabah, providing greater convenience for travellers and supporting Sabah’s tourism growth during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026),” said Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim. 

The launch forms part of broader efforts to strengthen inbound travel from China, a key source market for Malaysia, and to enhance air connectivity to East Malaysia. Tawau serves as a strategic gateway to Sabah’s east coast, providing access to renowned marine tourism destinations, eco-adventures and distinctive cultural experiences, most notably Semporna and its surrounding islands.

China continues to play a critical role in Malaysia’s tourism landscape. This momentum is highlighted by robust performance from the Chinese market, which recorded 4.3 million visitor arrivals from January to November 2025, marking a 25.9% year-on-year increase. Such figures underscore China’s enduring importance to Malaysia’s tourism expansion strategy and the overarching success of the VM2026 campaign.

The introduction of the Shanghai–Tawau scheduled service supports Malaysia’s delivery of VM2026 by enhancing international accessibility and expanding connectivity to key tourism destinations in East Malaysia. Improved air links are expected to play a vital role in sustaining tourism momentum, encouraging repeat visits and positioning Sabah as acompelling destination for international travellers. These efforts will showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions, rich culinary heritage, vibrant festivals and renowned hospitality. The added flight capacity supports ongoing initiatives to boost visitor arrivals and increase tourism spending from key source markets.

(Source: Tourism Malaysia)

HKIA served 61 million passengers in 2025

By
Newsdesk
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HONG KONG, 20 January 2026: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) handled 61 million passenger trips in 2025, up 15% year-over-year. 

The performance was achieved on the back of a strong Christmas peak season, during which passenger trips exceeded 200,000 per day for eight days in December.

Photo credit: HKIA.

The full-year traffic volume of 61 million passenger trips represented 15% year-over-year growth. Flight movements rose by 8.7% compared to 2024, reaching 394,730 during the year, while yearly cargo throughput saw a 2.7% growth to 5.07 million tonnes.

In December 2025, the airport handled 5.8 million passengers, a 13.5% growth compared to the same period last year, while flight movements rose 7.1% year on year to 35,920. Visitor and transfer/transit passenger segments recorded double-digit growth during the month, with traffic to and from the Chinese Mainland, Southeast Asia, and North America seeing the largest increases.

In December, cargo volume grew 3.6% year on year to 462,000 tonnes. Exports and transhipments both increased during the month, with transshipments recording 18% growth. Cargo traffic to and from Southeast Asia, Europe and the Chinese Mainland grew the most among key trading regions.

Airport Authority Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer Vivian Cheung said: “The strong traffic performance in 2025 marks a new milestone, securing our position as the leading international aviation hub in Asia. During the year, we also further strengthened connectivity by introducing 30 new destinations across the globe, including Abu Dhabi, Brussels and Dallas, while increasing flight frequencies on major routes. Our collective efforts have been widely recognised with some 80 prestigious awards received last year on different aspects of our operation and service — a testament to the dedication and excellence of the airport community.”

In 2025, HKIA commissioned two key facilities to strengthen its intermodal passenger transfer service from across the Greater Bay Area (GBA). In September, the Coach Hall of Terminal 2 (T2) was unveiled as the first phase of commissioning the expanded T2. The Coach Hall further enhances cross-boundary land-based transport for GBA transfer passengers. In November, the launch of the “Park & Fly” service delivers a seamless experience for GBA passengers who prefer to drive to HKIA for transfer to international destinations.

(Source: HKIA)

MAG airlines boost Lunar New Year services

By
Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 20 January 2026: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) will increase connectivity by operating more than 2,400 flights during the upcoming Chinese New Year travel period, adding 198 additional services operated by Malaysia Airlines and Firefly during the peak festive season. 

The festive schedule will operate across the Chinese New Year travel window from 11 to 23 February 2026, reflecting MAG’s proactive response to heightened seasonal demand, supported by strengthened capacity planning and dependable domestic connectivity. 

Photo credit: MAG.

During this period, Malaysia Airlines will operate up to 1,498 flights, with an additional 130 services to support heightened festive travel demand. Meanwhile, sister airline Firefly will operate up to 962 flights between 13 and 23 February 2026, with up to 68 additional services, further strengthening connectivity during the festive travel peak.

The expanded operations will support key domestic homecoming routes between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, including Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, and Sandakan. Together, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will operate an expanded domestic network throughout the festive season, reinforcing MAG’s role as a trusted connector for Malaysians during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. 

Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will also offer all-in-one-way subsidised fares from Kuala Lumpur to selected East Malaysia destinations during the Chinese New Year peak period from 13 to 16 February 2026.    

Malaysia Airlines will offer subsidised fares of up to MYR569 all-in one-way from Kuala Lumpur to destinations including Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan, Labuan, Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu. Meanwhile, Firefly will offer subsidised fares of up to MYR548 all-in one-way from Kuala Lumpur to selected destinations in East Malaysia, including Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Kuching, and Sibu.

These subsidised fares complement the expanded festive flight schedule, helping to ease travel costs while ensuring broader access to increased capacity and reliable connectivity during the peak Chinese New Year travel period. 

(Source: MAG)

Minor names COO Middle East & Africa

By
Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 19 January 2026: Minor Hotels assigns Amir Golbarg to the role of Chief Operating Officer – Middle East & Africa, effective January 2026. 

Golberg joined Minor Hotels in 2012 as Director of Operations & Hotel Openings in Bangkok, later serving in several international roles before becoming Hotel Manager at Souq Waqif Hotel Doha. Returning to the group in 2019 as Vice President Operations – Middle East & Africa, he drove operational excellence and strategic growth across the region’s diverse portfolio. His remit expanded in 2021 to include Southern Africa, Mauritius, and Seychelles.

Photo credit: Minor Hotels. Amir Golbarg

Earlier in his career, Amir held senior roles with Al Rayyan and Katara Hospitality, contributing to landmark projects such as The Ritz-Carlton Doha and Raffles Singapore.

A Danish national, Amir began his hospitality career in 2007 with Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. 

(Source: Minor Hotels)

BWH Hotels debuts BW Premier Collection in Vietnam

By
Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 16 January 15, 2026: BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise comprising WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels, is celebrating the debut of the BW Premier Collection in Vietnam and Southeast Asia with the launch of a stylish new beachfront resort in Phan Thiet, lapped by the turquoise sea on the country’s scenic southeast coast.

Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection is a brand-new resort that commands a prime position on a long stretch of golden sand in Vietnam’s Binh Thuan province, overlooking the ocean. With its neoclassical European architecture, contemporary interiors, exceptional amenities, and easy accessibility, this property, approximately 3.5 hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City, is set to become a popular option for domestic and international travellers alike.

Guests can stay in a selection of 150 stylish rooms and 34 stunning villas, offering tailored options for families, friends, and couples. The seafront resort also features an array of leisure facilities, including a restaurant, beach bar, an infinity pool with cabanas, sun loungers, a playground, a Mediterranean garden and an outdoor cinema. Visitors can spend days unwinding on the beach and by the pool, or head out to explore this captivating region, which features lush forests, dunes, fishing villages, temples, golf courses, coastal roads, and golden beaches. 

Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection, will also be a key destination for meetings and events. A series of indoor and outdoor function spaces, including a large ballroom, will set the stage for productive team meetings, customised conferences and one-of-a-kind weddings.

BW Premier Collection properties offer more than just a hotel stay; they transport guests into a world of refined and sophisticated hospitality. Members of Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty programme, can also enjoy exclusive benefits and points that never expire. 

The hotel launch is timed to coincide with the opening of Long Thanh International Airport, a primary new gateway in Southern Vietnam that will eventually service up to 100 million passengers per year, as well as the new Phan Thiet Airport.

“Vietnam is one of Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets, and the debut of BW Premier Collection represents a significant milestone in our development strategy, driven by the strength of our upscale brands. With its prime beachfront location, world-class facilities, and diverse accommodations designed for every occasion, Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection is poised to become a new landmark in this vibrant resort destination. As new airport infrastructure further enhances accessibility to the region, we look forward to welcoming travellers from around the world to experience this captivating corner of Vietnam,” said BWH Hotels Vice President – APAC, Olivier Berrivin.

With the opening of Costamigo Phan Thiet, BW Premier Collection, BWH Hotels now offers four of its premium brands in Vietnam: WorldHotels Elite, WorldHotels Distinctive, BW Premier Collection and Best Western Premier. This marks the seventh BWH Hotels property in Vietnam.

To book a stay with BWH Hotels in Asia, visit bestwesternasia.com and worldhotels.com. 

About BWH Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotels. The global enterprise operates approximately 4,300 hotels in more than 100 countries and territories. With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

(Source: Your Stories — BWH Hotels).

TG deploys first A321 on BKK-SIN route

By
Newsdesk
-

BANGKOK 19 January 2026: Thai Airways International celebrated the arrival of its first Airbus A321neo, which is part of THAI’s fleet modernisation plan to support operations on short and medium-haul routes.

The airline hosted the launch event at the THAI Technical Hangar at Suvarnabhumi Airport, led by the airline’s CEO, Chai Eamsiri, THAI’s management, and business partners.

Photo credit: THAI. First A321 arrives in Bangkok.

The Airbus A321neo  features advanced aviation technologies, offering enhanced fuel efficiency, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, and lower noise levels compared with previous-generation aircraft. 

The aircraft’s cabin offers 16 business-class seats and 159 economy-class seats in a 3-3 configuration. Its first Airbus A321neo will make its maiden commercial flight on 22 January, operating the following routes until 28 March 2026.

• TG413 Bangkok – Singapore Departure 1130 – 1450 (inaugural flight 22 January).

• TG414 Singapore – Bangkok 1555 – 1715.

• TG221 Bangkok – Phuket 1830 – 2000.

• TG222 Phuket – Bangkok 2040 – 2215.

• TG331 Bangkok – Delhi 2325 – 0220 (23 January).

• TG332 Delhi – Bangkok 0330 – 0900.

(Source: THAI)

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