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PTM 2025 readies to host B2B networking

BANGKOK, 22 August 2025: The Pacific Asia Travel Association has released programme details for the PATA Travel Mart 2025 (PTM 2025), due to convene at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), Bangkok, Thailand, from 26 to 28 August. 

In addition to the travel mart, which will cover three days of B2B networking between 500 travel and hospitality organisations, PT will feature a one-day Knowledge Forum and the PATA Gold Awards 2025 Gala Dinner.

Photo credit: PATA.

“PATA Travel Mart is designed to bring together the heart of the Asia Pacific tourism industry, but it is only through the united efforts of industry leaders from both the private and public sectors that meaningful connections can be created — connections that inspire growth and collaboration among buyers, exhibitors, and all participants,” stated PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

Programme key highlight

Before the official opening of the mart, PATA will organise the PATA Youth Symposium 2025 at Srinakharinwirot University on 25 August. The PATA Executive Board Meeting will also convene that afternoon, bringing together the organisation’s leading voices, followed by the full-day PATA Board Meeting on 26 August. (Both are closed-door gatherings open to just PATA’s elected officials.

PATA Knowledge Forum

Open to registered PTM delegates, the PATA Knowledge Forum with the theme “Designing Meaningful Tourism for a Changing World,” will run concurrently with the official first day of the PTM’s appointment sessions on 26 August. 

At the beginning of the forum, Sharzede Datu Haji Askor, CEO of the Sarawak Tourism Board, will join the stage to officially introduce Sarawak, Malaysia, as the host destination of the PATA Travel Mart 2026.

This full-day conference will feature presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions on emerging markets, the perspectives of young tourism professionals, inclusivity in tourism, travel technology, and key trends shaping the travel and tourism sectors.

Forum speakers 

Following the forum, the day will conclude with a Welcome Reception hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

On 27 August, the second day of the exhibition, industry and media delegates are invited to attend the opening ceremony at 1000. The ceremony will be followed by a VIP tour of the Mart led by the PATA CEO.

On the evening of 27 August, the PATA Gold Awards 2025 Gala Dinner, sponsored by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), will be held to honour 20 award winners for their outstanding achievements across two key categories: Marketing and Sustainability & Social Responsibility. 

From 27 to 28 August, business and open hall sessions will provide networking and collaboration opportunities between buyers and sellers. Additionally, on the final day of PTM, trade visitors can attend the Mart.
For the full programme, visit: www.pata.org/pata-travel-mart-2025 

The Cvent Event App launched on 21 August, allowing PTM 2025 delegates to stay updated on the programme, schedule appointments with industry professionals, and ensure a seamless event experience.

SWISS previews its Grand Suite in the skies

SINGAPORE, 22 August 2025: SWISS says it is setting new benchmarks in first-class air travel with the introduction of the ‘SWISS First Grand Suite’, which combines two first-class suites into a single spacious and self-contained space that can serve as a bedroom, an office or a meeting room.

It is part of the airline’s broader new SWISS Senses cabin and service concept aimed explicitly at top premium travellers who attach high value to space, calm and privacy, be it for business or personal reasons. 

Photo credit: SWISS.

The new SWISS First Grand Suite allows two adjoining first-class suites, including the aisle, to be combined into a single extensive and exclusively secluded loft to provide additional room for couples travelling together, families or business travellers. The combined private area, which also features over 1.8-metre-high walls, can be used as a workplace, a restaurant, or a bedroom, enabling its occupants to spend their flight free and undisturbed within their exclusive zone.  

The SWISS First Grand Suite will make its debut on the new Airbus A350s and the gradually refurbished Airbus A330s in early 2026 on flights from Switzerland. The new first-class air travel experience will also be available on SWISS’s Boeing 777s at a later date.

It will complement the existing first-class offering of the Single Suite by the window and the middle Suite Plus, which can also be configured to accommodate two passengers travelling together. 

It will be bookable solely via the exclusive SWISS First hotline with its concierge service for up to three travellers.

PAL rolls out Ultimate Seat Sale

MANILA, 22 August 2025: Philippine Airlines (PAL) signals a green light for the 2025 Ultimate Seat Sale with fare bargains up for grabs until midnight on 31 August 2025.

Travellers save on ticket prices, with international flights going for as low as USD59 (round-trip economy base fare) and domestic flights starting at PHP189 (one-way economy base fare). 

Photo credit: PAL.

“This year, through the Ultimate Seat Sale, we are offering great deals with big savings while still experiencing the comfort, reliability, and warm hospitality that define Philippine Airlines,” said PAL Vice President for Sales and Distribution Justin Warby. “Travellers can look forward to more flight options, giving them greater flexibility to plan the trips they want.”

Bookings can be made through the PAL website, the airline’s mobile app, or the PAL hotline for Philippine residents and via authorised travel agents.

PAL confirms shift to KTI airport in Phnom Penh

Meanwhile, in a recent travel advisory, the airline announced its flight operations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, will transfer to Krong Ta Khmau Techo International Airport (KTI) effective 9 September due to the closure of all commercial aviation operations at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). The following flights will be shifted to Techo International Airport.

Summer timetable ending 25 October 2025

PR2621 Manila to Phnom Penh (days 2,4,5, and 6) departing MNL at 2215, arriving KTI at 0015 plus a day.
PR2622 Phnom Penh to Manila (days 3,5,6, and 7) departing KTI at 0115 and arriving MNL at 0510.

Winter timetable starting 26 October 2025

PR2621 Manila to Phnom Penh (2,4,5, and 6) departing MNL at 2215 and arriving KTI at 1220 plus a day.
PR2622 Phnom Penh to Manila (3,5,6, and 7) departing KTI at 0120 and arriving MNL at 0500.

Krong Ta Khmau Techo International Airport (KTI) is approximately an hour’s drive from Phnom Penh International Airport ( PNH) and 40 km south of downtown  Phnom Penh. There is currently no shuttle bus service between Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Krong Ta Khmau Techo International Airport (KTI). However, alternative travel options are available to passengers, such as taxi services or ride-hailing apps.

According to official announcements from airlines and civil aviation authorities, all commercial flight operations will be moved from Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) to the new Techo International Airport (KTI) on 9 September, 2025.

Airlines that have made announcements on the shift so far include: AirAsia, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and now Philippine Airlines.

Military and private jets will continue to use the old airport (PNE). At the same time, Techo International Airport (KTI) becomes the new aviation hub for all commercial airline travel to the Cambodian capital.

Emirates to add fourth daily flight to London

DUBAI, UAE: 21 August 2025: Emirates is set to introduce a fourth daily flight between Dubai and London Gatwick from 8 February 2026. 

Flight EK069/070 will be operated by the airline’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350, offering customers the opportunity to experience its latest generation interiors, including business class and premium economy.

The fourth flight to London Gatwick brings the airline’s total London services to 12 flights across three airports, offering customers more departure time choices and greater flexibility.

Emirates flight EK069 will depart Dubai at 1705, arriving in London Gatwick at 2050. The return flight, EK070, departs London Gatwick at 2355and lands in Dubai at 1100. 

The new service’s timing, as the last flight of the day between Dubai and London in both directions, caters to customers travelling directly between the two cities. For those travelling to Dubai, the service provides the ideal arrival time for customers to check in to their hotels and get a head start on their Dubai activities. Customers departing Dubai on the flight can make the most of their time in the city — finishing business meetings, enjoying extended shopping, or completing last-minute activities — before taking the evening flight to London.

Operated by an A350-900 aircraft in a three-class configuration, Emirates’ new service EK069/070 will offer customers 32 lie-flat business class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 28 premium economy seats, and 238 economy class seats. In addition to Emirates’ signature next-generation products and award-winning service, customers can look forward to cutting-edge tech touches like wireless charging in Business Class, electric window blinds with the Emirates Ghaf tree motif when closed in premium classes, digital in-flight menus on ice screens, and more.

Connecting London to the world

Gatwick is set to become the second UK destination to receive Emirates’ new A350 aircraft after Edinburgh. The new fourth daily flight will also expand Emirates’ UK operations to 140 weekly flights to eight key gateways: London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Edinburgh – operated with a mix of A350s, A380s and Boeing 777s.

Emirates A350.

London will join a growing list of global cities served by Emirates’ newest aircraft, including Lyon, Bologna, Dammam, Mumbai, Edinburgh, Bahrain, Colombo, Kuwait, Muscat, Tunis, Amman, Istanbul and Ahmedabad. 

Customers can book tickets on emirates.com, or visit the Emirates App, Emirates Retail stores, Emirates contact centre, or via travel agents.

A&K land experiences go to sea

SINGAPORE, 21 August 2025: Crystal Cruises on Wednesday unveiled an exclusive partnership with travel pioneer and sister brand Abercrombie & Kent, a move destined to transform the traditional ocean cruising experience. 

This innovative programme extends Crystal’s voyages beyond the ship, offering guests both curated land adventures and A&K’s acclaimed cultural expertise aboard Crystal vessels. 

Photo credit: A&K.

This curated collection of land-based experiences spans continents, from Africa to Asia, the South Pacific to the Mediterranean, and is designed to immerse guests in culture, nature, and history through A&K travel content.

The launch represents a significant evolution in luxury cruising, leveraging Abercrombie & Kent’s six decades of expertise to deliver unprecedented access to authentic, world-class experiences both onshore and at sea.

“We’re redefining the luxury cruise experience said A&K Travel Group CEO Cristina Levis. “By Abercrombie & Kent isn’t just any excursion programme, it’s a complete reimagining of how our guests discover the world, combining Crystal’s exceptional onboard hospitality with A&K’s unparalleled destination expertise.”

Now available for booking across Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony sailings through 2026, will feature ‘By Abercrombie & Kent’ travel experiences

Overland Adventures By A&K

Multi-day adventures allow guests to disembark mid-voyage and rejoin at subsequent ports, visiting iconic sites like the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, and Uluru.  These journeys offer immersive, expertly guided experiences, including in Beijing, where guests can explore cultural landmarks, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, before standing atop the Great Wall at one of its most scenic vantage points. Each journey is seamlessly integrated into the cruise itinerary.

Pre- & Post-Cruise Extensions By A&K

Bespoke land journeys before or after sailing extend the voyage’s magic with immersive experiences ranging from archaeological explorations to cultural and wildlife adventures. Guests can explore the intricately carved temples of Angkor Wat, embark on indigenous cultural experiences in Whistler, or track lions on safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara. 

Among the highlights is the chance to discover the real Dolce Vita in Tuscany and Rome. Guests can embrace Italian elegance through exclusive experiences such as a truffle hunting adventure, a private dinner at a winery and visits to iconic Roman and Renaissance landmarks. Noteworthy stops include a stay in a five-star, 11th-century castle, a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pienza, and tours of the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.

By A&K land experiences 

Crystal Serenity

Pre and Post-Cruise: Uluru Adventure 

Pre and Post-Cruise: Beijing and The Great Wall 

Pre-Cruise: Angkor Wat: The Timeless Majesty of Cambodia 

Post-Cruise: The Mystique of Angkor Wat 

Pre-Cruise: Taj & Tigers: A Journey Through Timeless India

Post-Cruise: Taj & Tigers: From Majestic Palaces to Wild Jungles 

Crystal Symphony

Pre and Post-Cruise: Secrets of the Serengeti

Pre and Post-Cruise: The Enchanting Masai Mara

Pre and Post-Cruise: Highlights of Tokyo and Hakone

Pre-Cruise: Taj and Tigers: A Journey Through Timeless India

Post-Cruise: Taj and Tigers: From Majestic Palaces to Wild Jungles

Pre-Cruise: Angkor Wat: The Timeless Majesty of Cambodia

Post-Cruise: The Mystique of Angkor Wat

Overlands:  Uluru Adventure

Overlands: Ancient and Modern: Beijing and The Great Wall

Overlands: Splendours of Taj Mahal

Crystal’s partnership with Abercrombie & Kent began in 2022 when A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. The reimagined ships boast larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes and almost one member of crew member per guest.

Royal Princess to homeport in Singapore

SINGAPORE, 21 August 2025: Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess will make her debut in Southeast Asia in October 2026 when the ship homeports in Singapore for two cruises before she leaves for her Australian season.

The ship was christened in June 2013 in Southampton, England, by the Duchess of Cambridge, who is now HRH The Princess of Wales. 

Photo credit: Princess Cruises. Royal Princess.

Alaska to Singapore

On 19 September 2026, Royal Princess will end her season in Alaska and will then embark on a 26-night Southeast Asia, Japan and Alaska Grand Adventure Cruise that will start in Seattle, Washington and end in Singapore on 16 October. 

The destinations she will visit include Juneau, College Fjord, and Whittier. This leg will also feature a cruise of Hubbard Glacier. After that, she will cross the International Date Line in the Pacific to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam before arriving for the first time in Singapore on 16 October.

Guests are also able to join the second half of the cruise, which is a 13-night sailing from Yokohama on 4 October that will visit Shimizu, Osaka, Keelung (Taipei), Hong Kong and Chan May (Vietnam) before arriving in Singapore.

Dry Dock in Singapore Before Southeast Asia Cruises

After arrival, Royal Princess, which can carry 3,560 guests and was built in Italy, will undergo a two-week dry dock in Singapore. She will then emerge from dry dock on 1 November to go on her first cruise out of Singapore, which is a nine-night Southeast Asia cruise visiting Ho Chi Minh City, an overnight in Bangkok, before sailing to Ko Samui. 

This will be followed by a 13-night Southeast Asia cruise departing Singapore on 10 November, and includes a stop in Lombok, Indonesia. These two cruises can be combined into a 22-night Southeast Asia & Australia cruise that will visit Darwin, Yorkeys Knob, Brisbane on the second leg before arriving in Sydney on 25 November.

Among the offerings onboard are two sets of cantilevered walkways extending over the port and starboard sides of the ship known as the “SeaWalk,” three swimming pools, a dancing water fountain, a nightclub, a pizzeria, an Italian tratoria and a 24-hour international café amongst many dining venues and several entertainment lounges as well as original musical productions.

News that Royal Princess will be making her maiden call and sailing from Singapore in 2026 follows several major announcements from Princess. Discovery Princess is also making her maiden call to Singapore this October for a special five-night Malaysian cruise.

It was also recently announced that Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess will be homeporting in Japan for the first time in 2027 after their homeporting season in Singapore from December 2026 to February 2027. These signify an increase in Princess Cruises’ presence in Asia.

For the upcoming season, Diamond Princess will be returning to Singapore in December 2025 to February 2026 for 10 to 12-day sailings with visits to 10 exotic destinations in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam after she completes her season in Japan.

Firefly wings its way to Tawau

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2025: Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), on Tuesday launched a daily jet service to Tawau (TWU) in Sabah from its hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1. 

The new daily service follows Firefly’s relocation of its jet operations from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). A Boeing 737-800 with 189 seats is deployed for the round-trip flight.

A Tawau welcome for Firefly’s inaugural jet service.

Flight schedule

FY2574 departs from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1615 and arrives at Tawau (TWU) at 1900.
FY2575 departs Tawau (TWU) at 2000  and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 2255.

A one-way fare from KUL to TWU starts at SGD281.

The airline celebrated the new service with a send-off ceremony held at the boarding gate, where passengers received celebratory tokens. Senior MAG leaders, including Firefly COO Captain Hamdan Che Ismail and MAG COO of Airlines Dersenish Aresandiran, attended the inaugural celebration.

Featuring daily return services, the route strengthens connectivity between Peninsular Malaysia and the east coast of Sabah, catering to the growing demand of both business and leisure travellers. This strategic expansion is part of Firefly’s broader network growth from KUL, which will also include new services to Sibu (SBW), Kota Bharu (KBR), Kuala Terengganu (TGG), and Johor Bahru (JHB), and affordable air travel across ASEAN.

Firefly’s COO commented: “Launching our jet operations from KUL represents a strategic milestone in enhancing connectivity across Malaysia and the region. As a regional carrier, Firefly is committed to providing greater accessibility and travel options for passengers, supporting both domestic and regional connectivity. This service reflects our ongoing dedication to delivering convenience, efficiency, and value, while strengthening Firefly’s role as a key player in the region’s aviation network.”

Samui event redefines wellness experience

SAMUI ISLAND, 21 August 2025: Thailand’s booming wellness tourism sector is gaining renewed global focus, with Samui Island set to host the upcoming C9 Hotelworks Session titled “Koh Samui Wellness Tourism – Beyond the Spa” at W Koh Samui on Monday, 29 September 2025.

W Hotel, Koh Samui

The event arrives as Thailand’s wellness economy reaches unprecedented heights. In 2023, the sector was valued at THB1.4 trillion, with wellness tourism spend soaring from THB194 billion in 2022 to THB419 billion. While local travel remains strong, it’s the rise in international wellness seekers that is fuelling growth. Samui, with its upscale retreats, yoga sanctuaries, and spa resorts, is emerging as a global wellness hub, drawing visitors in search of more meaningful, long-stay experiences.

Organised by hospitality consultants C9 Hotelworks in collaboration with Delivering Asia Communications, Skål International Koh Samui, and W Hotels, the 90-minute industry forum aims to redefine how destinations approach wellness travel. 

Attendance is free based on advance registration. The event opens at 1500, with the panel convening from 1600 to 1730.

The discussion will move beyond traditional spa models and into areas such as biohacking, genomic medicine, sports tourism, immersive healing retreats, and AI-powered fitness innovation. Executives from top resorts, including Kamalaya, Lamai Samui Resort, and Vikasa Yoga, will share their perspectives on how Samui can lead the shift toward lifestyle-driven wellness.

The famous Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary. Holistic Spa and Wellness on Samui Island, Thailand

Key contributions will come from Bangkok Hospital Network’s Genolife Services, which is pioneering genomic medicine programmes for travellers, and Technogym Southern Thailand, which will highlight AI’s role in personalising fitness. The design side of wellness will also feature, with Interior Architecture 103 explaining how architectural details can enhance recovery and wellbeing.

Samui’s tourism recovery underlines the event’s importance. In early 2025, 1.13 million arrivals were recorded at Samui International Airport, a 9% increase over the same period last year. In 2024, the island welcomed 2.78 million visitors, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Hotel performance is up, with double-digit gains in occupancy and rates, and new hotel openings, including Nivata by Hilton and SO/ by Sofitel, reflecting investor confidence.

The C9 Session is more than just a discussion. It’s a timely strategy summit aimed at integrating wellness into mainstream tourism through innovation, investment, and cross-sector collaboration. By anchoring itself in genuine health transformation rather than trend-chasing, Koh Samui is poised to become a case study in next-generation tourism success.

About the author
Andrew J Wood is a respected travel writer, hotelier, and tourism lecturer with over four decades of experience in Southeast Asia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. He is a former general manager of several leading hotels in Thailand. Andrew is also a former Director of Skål International, past President of Skål International Asia, Thailand’s National President, and a two-time past president of Skål International Bangkok. He contributes regularly to leading regional and global travel publications.

Strike ends: Air Canada resumes services

MONTRÉAL, 21 August  2025: Air Canada is gradually restarting its operations since Tuesday after reaching a mediated agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) through a mediatory process.

Discussions concluded on the basis that the union commit to having the airline’s 10,000 flight attendants immediately return to work, allowing the airline to resume the operations of Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, which have been grounded since 16 August.

Photo credit: Air Canada. The airline is gradually reinstating flights.

“Restarting a major carrier like Air Canada is a complex undertaking. Full restoration may require a week or more, so we ask for our customers’ patience and understanding over the coming days. I assure them that everyone at Air Canada is doing everything possible to enable them to travel soon,” said Air Canada President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Rousseau.

The first flights resumed on the evening of 19 August, but the airline advised customers that the return to full, regular service may require seven to 10 days as aircraft and crew are out of position. During this process, some flights will be cancelled over the next seven to ten days until the schedule is stabilised.

Only customers with confirmed bookings whose flights are shown as operating should go to the airport. Air Canada offers options to those with cancelled flights, including obtaining a full refund or receiving a credit for future travel. The carrier will also provide rebooking for customers on other airlines, although capacity is currently limited due to the peak summer travel season.

Air Canada serves 10 destinations in Asia that the strike impacted.

China

Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

India

New Delhi, Mumbai

Japan

Osaka, Tokyo (Narita and Haneda airports)

Philippines

Manila

Singapore

South Korea

Seoul

Thailand

Bangkok (Seasonal: Due to resume 28 October 2025)

Thailand considers giving away domestic tickets

cof

BANGKOK, 21 August 2025: Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has proposed a new campaign to offer free domestic flights to 200,000 foreign tourists, but it faces criticism from some tourism associations that claim it would better serve the country’s economic interests if the project ran during the low season, May to September 2026.

First reported by the Bangkok Post, the initiative is tagged “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights.” It targets tourists who book tickets directly with the airline or via major online booking sites to Bangkok.

They can pick up a free flight beyond Bangkok to designated domestic destinations. By default, the international ticket will need to be purchased from an airline that also serves domestic destinations in the country or has a codeshare agreement with a foreign airline serving Bangkok to offer connections to domestic destinations. Usually, the codeshare applies to flights to major domestic destinations such as Phuket, Krabi and Chiang Mai, which are not by any stretch of the imagination “lesser known destinations.”

Scheduled to start in September (less than two weeks away), the proposed project should have been approved and released to travellers much earlier. Most travellers planning a trip to Thailand in September have already bought their international and domestic flights if they are planning to visit multiple destinations in Thailand.

Here are the campaign’s key details

Target: 200,000 foreign tourists.

Campaign Period: The programme is scheduled to run for three months, from September to November.

Mechanism: Foreigners who book an international flight to Thailand directly with an airline or an online travel agent would be able to claim a free round-trip domestic flight ticket.

Participating Airlines: The scheme would involve six Thai carriers: Thai Airways International, Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet.

Government Subsidy: The government plans to subsidise the tickets with a budget of THB700 million, providing THB1,750 per one-way ticket (or THB3,500 for a round trip) for each tourist.

Objective: The ministry aims to generate THB8.8 billion in revenue through the campaign, to boost tourism nationwide. (The taxpayer will ultimately fund the subsidy fare).

As of now, the proposal still requires cabinet approval. The idea claims to incentivise travellers to visit less-visited provinces, aligning with the country’s broader “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign. The proposal is part of a broader campaign, which the Thai Cabinet officially endorsed in May 2025, to elevate “Thailand as a world-class destination to attract over 39 million international visitors.”