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Youth gather under the PATA flag

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BANGKOK, 28 April 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association will organise its first PATA Youth Symposium of 2026 at Lahan Hotel, Pohang, Korea (ROK), from 0900 to 1200 on 11 May 2026.

The half-day event is supported by the Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organisation (GCTO), Pohang City, and the PATA Thailand Chapter. 

Photo credit: PATA.

Taking place on the sidelines of the PATA Annual Summit 2026 (PAS 2026), the symposium will align with the Summit theme, Navigating Towards a Resilient Future. Examining how the public and private sectors collaborate in response to rapidly evolving global realities, the event will help equip youths with adaptable skills and knowledge to ease their transition from the educational sphere to the workforce.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid emphasised the goal of the event, stating, “This symposium gives young people a clearer view of where the industry is heading, the skills that are in demand, and insights directly from experts. It aims to help them better understand what to expect, prepare for their future careers, and provide a platform to share their perspectives.”

Gyeongbuk Cultural Tourism Organisation (GCTO), CEO Nam-Il Kim said: “The PATA Youth Symposium is a meaningful platform where young people, who will lead the future of the tourism industry, can share their creative ideas and passion. We hope that participants from diverse cultures and backgrounds will engage with one another and explore the direction of sustainable tourism together. We believe this symposium will serve as an important stepping stone for participants to grow into global tourism leaders, and we will continue to expand an open platform for collaboration with the younger generation.”

The half-day agenda will feature keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and student-led dialogues. Speakers include Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board; Jules Shin, Area Manager for Korea, Booking.com; Mike Stewart, Regional GM South East Asia, Intrepid Travel; and Ben-Jie Lim, Chief People & Partnership Officer, AirAsia MOVE. 

Visit the event page for the latest updates and registration: www.pata.org/pata-youth-symposium-2026-pas. 

(Source: PATA)

Star Princess joins Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List

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SINGAPORE, 28 April 2026: Princess Cruises’ Star Princess joins Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Hot List, a highly regarded annual selection now in its 30th edition.

The Condé Nast Traveler Hot List, curated by the publication’s editorial team, honours standout hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cruise ships that raise the bar for design, service, and sense of place within their first sailing year.

As Princess Cruises’ newest Sphere Class ship, Star Princess represents an evolution of the brand’s signature guest experience, blending modern design with inviting spaces intentionally crafted to connect guests more meaningfully with the world around them. The Hot List recognition coincides with preparations for her inaugural Alaska season, sailing from Seattle this May, making her the first Sphere Class ship to sail to Alaska.

Princess Cruises will sail its largest Alaska season ever in 2026 with the expanded programme featuring eight ships — 180 departures and visits to 19 destinations.

The 177,800‑ton Star Princess, with a 4,300 passenger capacity, commenced commercial sailings in October 2025 from Barcelona.

(Source: Princess Cruises)

Agoda monitors Gen Z travel trends

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SINGAPORE, 28 April 2026: Asian Gen Z travellers favour experience-first travel and shorter, more frequent trips over traditional longer holidays, according to the latest research from the digital travel platform Agoda.

The findings point to a generation prioritising flexibility, accessibility, and discovery-driven travel, as they look to integrate trips more seamlessly into their routines.

The insights are derived from a survey of Asian travellers conducted as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report — showing that Gen Z travel remains largely a communal activity, most often with partners and family, rather than solo and friend-based trips. At the same time, many expect most of their travel to be domestic, reflecting a balance between exploration and convenience.

Frequent, short trips redefine travel patterns

Gen Z travels more frequently, with shorter trips becoming the norm. Nearly three in four respondents (73%) plan to take between one and six trips a year, and 86% opt for stays of 1 to 7 days. 

This shift reflects a move toward travel that is easier to plan and repeat, allowing trips to fit around work, study, and personal schedules. Markets such as India, Thailand, and Vietnam show a stronger inclination toward higher trip frequency, reinforcing the idea that travel is becoming embedded in everyday life rather than reserved for specific seasons.

Experiences take priority over destinations

For Gen Z, travel is increasingly defined by what they want to do, rather than where they want to go. Respondents across Asia say their trips are primarily motivated by experiences, including cultural exploration (32%), outdoor activities (30%), and culinary discoveries (28%). While experience remains central, relaxation still plays an important role for Gen Z, with 64% of travellers also citing it as part of their travel plans. This trend is dominant in markets such as South Korea and Taiwan, where experience is central to shaping travel decisions. It points to a more deliberate approach to travel, where a clear set of experiences shapes each trip. Gen Z travellers plan around what they want to get out of a trip, whether it is cultural immersion, time outdoors, or a change of pace. As a result, destinations are chosen based on how well they align with that intent.

Commenting on the trends, Agoda’s Senior Vice President, Supply, Andrew Smith said: “For Gen Z, travel is becoming something that fits more naturally into the rhythm of everyday life. Instead of building toward one or two larger trips each year, they are choosing to travel more often, with a clear vision of what they want to experience each time. That shift is shaping how decisions are made, with greater focus on flexibility, shorter planning cycles, and exploration. At Agoda, we support that rhythm by offering a wide range of options across flights, accommodations and activities, so travellers can plan trips that suit both their pace and their priorities, while still finding great deals.”

(Source: Agoda)

Oneworld welcomes Hawaiian Airlines

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SINGAPORE, 28 April 2026: Oneworld has welcomed Hawaiian Airlines as its newest member airline, becoming the third US-based carrier alongside Alaska Airlines and American Airlines and adding Honolulu as a global hub.

With Hawaiian Airlines on board, oneworld’s global network offers greater travel opportunities across the Hawaiian Islands and new destinations in the Pacific, including Hilo, Hawai’i; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and Papeete, Tahiti.

Photo credit: Hawaiian Airlines — A330 aircraft.

“We are delighted to welcome Hawaiian Airlines into the oneworld family officially, further strengthening our alliance’s footprint in the Pacific region and the US,” said oneworld CEO Ole Orvér. 

“We are thrilled to join this extended ‘ohana, or family of the world’s best airlines,” commented Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow. “Oneworld brings significant global travel benefits to our guests, including Atmos Rewards loyalty members.”

Hawaiian Airlines guests will now enjoy access to almost 1,000 global destinations across the oneworld network. In contrast, the airline’s top-tier guests will gain access to oneworld Priority benefits, including access to First Class check-in and lounges, plus fast-track security lanes at selected airports, regardless of class of travel, and a network of nearly 700 premium airport lounges, including oneworld-branded lounges in Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the award-winning facility in Seoul’s Incheon Airport.

Hawaiian Airlines operates about 230 daily flights to, from and within the Hawaiian Islands and welcomed more than 11 million passengers in 2025. Hawaiian Airlines connects the Pacific, linking the islands of Hawai’i with key destinations in Asia, North America and the South Pacific, including oneworld hubs in Los Angeles, New York–JFK, Seattle, Sydney and Tokyo.

The airline serves every major Hawaiian island directly and operates an average of 140 daily inter-island flights. oneworld customers enjoy seamless connections throughout the archipelago to and from Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Asia and North America via its hubs in Honolulu, O’ahu, and Kahului, Maui.

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. The airline group has hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco serving more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. 

About oneworld
Oneworld brings together 16 world-class airlines — Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Hawaiian Airlines, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines — and more than 20 of their affiliates. 

(Source: Oneworld)

Sabah spotlights Sun Bear story

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SINGAPORE, 27 April 2026: The wildlife documentary “ITAM: A Sun Bear Story” premiered last week, generating a positive audience response to a documentary focusing on the emotional story of the Bornean sun bear and the conservation efforts of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sandakan, Sabah.

Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister and Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, attended the screening held at Singapore’s Golden Village Suntec City.

Photo credit: Sabah Tourism Board. Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister and Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (third left), at the premier screening of  ITAM: A Sun Bear Story in Singapore.

He noted that the documentary provides an additional platform to highlight Sabah’s focus on nature-based and sustainable tourism, in line with STB’s ongoing promotional efforts to strengthen destination awareness in key markets.

Produced by Brainchild Pictures, the “ITAM: A Sun Bear Story” trilingual documentary (English, Malay and Mandarin) has been extended for a further two weeks in Singapore, with plans for screenings in Malaysia and China.

(Source: Sabah Tourism Board)

Holland America deploys six ships to Alaska

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SINGAPORE, 27 April 2026: Holland America Line ushers in the 2026 Alaska season starting this week with the arrival of Eurodam at the Port of Seattle. 

With more than 100 voyages across six ships departing from three homeports, travellers can explore Alaska with Holland America sailings from April through September — from Seattle, Washington;  Vancouver, Canada; and between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.

Photo credit: Holland America.

Holland America is introducing 25 new shore excursions on Alaska itineraries in 2026. Among the most anticipated are Adventure to Norris Glacier: Floatplane, Paddle and Hike in Juneau; Exclusive Eland & Friends Moose Discovery in Anchorage; Remote Coastal Rainforest Hike, Gourmet Seafood Picnic & Brewery in Kodiak; and Authentic Alaska: Tongass Rainforest Hike in Sitka.

Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations: Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier and Endicott Arm. 

Holland America ships visiting Alaska carry a wildlife expert on board, and a Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route, including a map with the best places to see each species. Ashore, Holland America offers nearly 180 shore excursions to see a wide range of species.

In addition to these wildlife-viewing opportunities, the mission of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre (AWCC) remains top of mind for Holland America. Guests on northbound voyages can visit the conservation centre between Whittier and Anchorage and see Eland the Moose on exclusive shore excursions, experiencing the peaceful setting surrounded by alpine glaciers and Alaska’s beautiful wildlife.

Holland America Line’s 2026 Alaska cruise season features six ships: Koningsdam, Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam.

Sample departures 

  • Seven-day Alaska Explorer round-trip from Seattle aboard Eurodam and Noordam.
  • Seven-day Alaska Inside Passage round-trip from Vancouver aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam.
  • Nine-day Denali & Yukon Cruisetour, May through August.
  • 10-day Signature Denali Cruisetour, May through September.
  • 18-day Great Bear Rainforest and Alaska Explorer round-trip from Vancouver, departing Seattle 16 September 2026, aboard Zaandam.

(Source: Holland America Line)

Legend of the Seas undergoes sea trials

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SINGAPORE, 27 April 2026: Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas has reached a major construction milestone, officially beginning sea trials* in Turku, Finland, ahead of its July 2026 debut. 

The third ship in the Icon Class sails the open ocean for the first time, marking one of the final phases of construction before welcoming its first vacationers.

Photo credit: Royal Caribbean — Legend of the Seas.

Over the next 10 days, more than 2,000 engineers and specialists will put Legend through a comprehensive series of technical tests to evaluate its systems, from testing how the ship moves in the open water to pushing its engine performance to the limits and more. Legend will cover approximately 2,400 nautical miles before returning to the Meyer Turku shipyard for its final stages of construction.

After its inaugural European summer season, the new ship will head to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and take vacationers on six-night Western Caribbean getaways and eight-night Southern Caribbean adventures, including visits to the vacation brand’s top-rated destination at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas.

(Source: Royal Caribbean)

Star Princess visits the Panama Canal

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SINGAPORE, 27 April 2026: Princess Cruises celebrated a major milestone last week as its newest ship, Star Princess, completed its first-ever transit of the Panama Canal.

As Star Princess made her way through one of the world’s greatest engineering marvels, guests onboard experienced a front-row seat to the intricate lock system and breathtaking scenery that define this legendary crossing. 

Photo credit: Princess Cruises. Star Princess celebrates milestone passage through Panama Canal.

The transit marks a significant moment in the ship’s inaugural season and underscores Princess Cruises’ longstanding connection to canal voyages.

“A Panama Canal transit is a true ‘must-do’ journey for travellers around the world, and it’s especially meaningful when one of our newest ships makes this iconic passage for the very first time,” said Star Princess Captain Gennaro Arma. “We’re honoured to make this historic crossing in partnership with the Panama Canal Authority, whose expertise and stewardship have shaped one of the world’s great maritime landmarks.”

Guests sailing aboard Star Princess enjoyed special programming throughout the day, including commentary from destination experts, enrichment presentations on the history and significance of the canal, and scenic viewing opportunities from the ship’s open decks and observation spaces.

Princess Cruises pioneered regularly scheduled Panama Canal cruising in 1967, becoming the first cruise line to transit the waterway, and is the leading cruise line in this destination. The upcoming 2026-2027 season features six Princess ships, sailing on 31 departures on nine itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Vancouver. 

Highlights of the season include 13 transits through the historic locks and 26 transits through the new lock.

The 177,800-ton Star Princess is the newest Sphere Class addition to the fleet, carrying 4,300 guests.

(Source: Princess Cruises)

Oceania Aurelia debuts in 2027

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SINGAPORE, 27 April, 2026: Oceania Cruises unveiled Oceania Aurelia last week, billed as the “ultimate explorer” purposefully designed for extended global discoveries. 

Due to commence commercial sailings in late 2027, she will focus on long journeys, including the line’s 2028 and 2029 Around the World voyages as well as a series of Grand Voyages.

Photo credit: Oceania Cruises.

The completely reimagined ship, currently sailing as Oceania Nautica, represents a new standard, welcoming fewer than 500 guests, served by 400 officers and crew. Oceania Aurelia will feature luxurious suites with dedicated butler service, defining the onboard experience, with 179 of the ship’s 238 accommodations designed as spacious suites. Most exceed 300 square feet, with some suites spanning up to 1,000 square feet, and many offer living and dining spaces.

“Oceania Aurelia is our ultimate world explorer,” said Oceania Cruises Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague. “She is designed specifically for guests who desire greater space, more suites and a deeper level of personalised care, particularly for extended journeys. Oceania Aurelia will be a smaller, more club-like ship that truly feels like a home at sea, providing travellers a deeper connection to the ports they visit.”

(Source: Oceania Cruises)

HKIA reports passenger traffic growth in March

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HONG KONG, 27 April 2026: Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) released its air traffic statistics for March 2026 last week, confirming the airport handled 5.74 million passengers and 34,100 flight movements, representing year-on-year increases of 19.6% and 2.7% respectively. 

In addition, Hong Kong secures four places in the global top 10 busiest international airline routes announced in April 2026, led by the Hong Kong-Taipei route, which ranks first.

HKIA won the prestigious title “World’s Best Airport 2026” in the World Business Outlook Awards 2026 for world-class efficiency, exceptional service and outstanding facilities.

A double-digit increase in transfer/transit passengers and visitors mainly drove passenger growth. The recent tension in the Middle East led to notable growth in traffic to and from Europe. Meanwhile, traffic to and from Southeast Asia and the Chinese Mainland continued to build momentum.

Cargo volume decreased by 4.4% to 430,000 tonnes compared with March 2025. The decline was primarily driven by a 14.9% year‑on‑year drop in exports, largely due to a steep 62.1% reduction in exports to the Middle East following regional tensions. On the other hand, imports and transhipment posted year‑on‑year increases of 6.5% and 19.5% respectively, partially offsetting the downturn in exports. By region, cargo traffic to/from Europe saw some growth, partially tempering the drop in cargo traffic to/from the Middle East and North America.

Over the first quarter of the year, passenger traffic at HKIA exceeded 16.67 million, while flight movements reached 100,645, representing year-on-year growth of 14.3% and 4.9%, respectively. Cargo volume rose by 3.3% year on year to 1.21 million tonnes.

On a 12-month rolling basis, passenger volume experienced a double-digit increase of 14.8% to 63.05 million, while flight movements rose by 7.1% to 399,450. Cargo throughput grew by 2.7% to 5.10 million tonnes.

Meanwhile, OAG, a provider of flight data and analysis services, revealed the global top 10 busiest international passenger flight routes in April 2026, among which four connect with HKIA. The Hong Kong-Taipei route is again ranked as the busiest, while the Hong Kong-Bangkok, Hong Kong-Manila, and Hong Kong-Seoul/ICN routes rank 6th, 7th, and 9th, respectively.

In other news, HKIA was awarded the prestigious title of “World’s Best Airport 2026” in the World Business Outlook Awards 2026 for its world-class efficiency, exceptional service and outstanding facilities.

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), CEO Vivian Cheung said: “We are delighted that four Hong Kong routes rank among the world’s 10 busiest international passenger flight routes and that Hong Kong has been named the World’s Best Airport 2026. These highlight global recognitions of the airport community’s collective efforts and HKIA’s strength as a leading aviation hub. Looking ahead, we will leverage the Three-runway System to expand HKIA’s aviation network, upgrade airport services, and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the hub in Asia.”

(Source: AAHK)

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