SINGAPORE, 7 July 2026: Explora Journeys celebrates the first anniversary of its loyalty programme with privileges throughout July 2026.
Until 31 July 2026, Explora Club members can access 5% savings on a selection of future Journeys. For Explora Club Silver members and above, this is combined with the existing Explora Club Member Benefit, offering an additional 5% saving.
Photo credit: Explora Club. Cruise benefits for its first club anniversary.
This limited-time offer also features an accelerated referral structure — any member introducing a guest new to the brand during July unlocks 200 Future Journey Credits and double Explora Club points (1,000) for both parties upon travel completion.
Explora Club is also expanding its Status Match programme by introducing eligibility for guests of Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises, bringing the total number of participating brands to 13.
The celebration continues on board throughout July with exclusive Explora Club cocktail parties for members sailing during the month. Hosted by the ship’s leadership team and dedicated hosts, the events will feature chilled champagne, canapés, and a signature anniversary cocktail, as well as musical performances and a celebratory toast.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, 7 July 2026: Riyadh Air celebrated the launch of its fourth destination with the inaugural flight, RX331, connecting Riyadh to Cairo, and RX332 returning to Riyadh last week.
The celebration marked the arrival of the airline’s first flight operated on one of its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with a second daily service at the end of June.
Photo credit: Riyadh Air.
Twice-daily flights between Cairo and Riyadh address the significant demand on one of the busiest regional routes, connecting the capitals of Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Cairo offers unparalleled historical depth, iconic attractions, and a thriving business environment. Home base to EgyptAir, who have signed an MoU with Riyadh Air in 2024 during the Dubai Airshow, the enhanced connectivity will also allow travellers to easily access the rapidly growing business landscape, modern entertainment, and cultural experiences, allowing them to explore the distinct appeal and abundant opportunities of both capital cities,
SYDNEY, 7 July 2026: Qantas has increased services between Melbourne and Tokyo and added more seats across the Tasman, as Japan and New Zealand remain popular destinations for Australian travellers.
More than 45,000 seats will be added to Tokyo and Queenstown by early next year.
Photo credit: Qantas.
Qantas has increased its Melbourne–Narita services from daily to 11 flights per week between December 2026 and March 2027 in response to growing demand. The new flights will add a total of 30,000 seats to the route.
Japan continues to be a favourite for Qantas customers, with passenger numbers up 8% between October 2025 and March 2026, totalling 350,000 passengers for the period.
In addition, the airline is increasing frequency across the Tasman over the summer peak for travel between Australia and New Zealand, including:
Over 15,000 additional seats between Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Queenstown over the summer peak.
Up to 10% increase between Sydney and Auckland over the same period, due to bigger aircraft and additional flights.
Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace said: “Japan remains one of the most popular destinations on our international network and is showing no signs of slowing down, with more than half a million Australians visiting between January and May this year alone.”
Japan National Tourism Organisation, Sydney Office Executive Director Naoki Kitazawa added: “We’re delighted to see even more flights between Melbourne and Narita, further strengthening ties between Australia and Japan. Last year we marked an exciting milestone, with over one million Australians visiting Japan.”
HUA HIN, Thailand, 6 July 2026: Thai AirAsia, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Ministry of Transport, held a consultation meeting last week with 60 tourism business operators in Hua Hin and Cha-am to study the feasibility of opening an international route from Hua Hin Airport.
Photo credit: AirAsia. Thai AirAsia checks the potential for regional flights to Hua Hin Airport with local tourism leaders in Hua Hin.
Key standouts conclusions
International direct flight routes could be established to Singapore, Taipei, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur.
The target tourist groups include families of three to five people and honeymoon couples.
Golf/water sports activities and wellness spa are the top attractions, as well as promoting regional events
However, the successful establishment of regional flights to Hua Hin from key regional cities and aviation gateways would require the government and airport operators to increase benefits and incentives for airlines and tourism operators to attract tourists, including reduced fees at the Hua Hin Airport.
Priority tasks
Developing infrastructure and improving transportation links within and between cities would be required, along with Investment projects to create new tourist attractions in the area.
Proactive marketing efforts, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) overseas offices, will be undertaken to promote flight routes and the city of Hua Hin to a wider audience.
AirAsia will use the information received to study further and consider opening international routes in the future.
Thai AirAsia CEO, Pairach Pornpatthananangkoon, acknowledged the government’s push to advance policies to stimulate the economy and distribute income to the regions by upgrading transportation and tourism infrastructure, particularly the development of Hua Hin Airport to accommodate international flights fully,
“Currently, AirAsia operates four domestic flights per week on the Hua Hin-Chiang Mai route from Hua Hin Airport, and will increase this to daily direct flights in October. We are very pleased to be the first airline to study and reopen international routes, in line with the government’s development plan. We are confident that Hua Hin will become a popular destination for the international market, as it caters to both mainstream and premium markets, offering unique health and sports tourism activities,” said Pairach.
PHUKET, 6 July 2026: Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE:TNL) has relaunched the former Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket following a transformation and repositioning, unveiling a new identity as Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket.
The resort debuts as a new premium offering and is the first Club Wyndham-branded resort in Thailand.
Photo credit: T+L. Club Wyndham Patong Hill Resort.
The leading leisure travel company holds a direct stake in the resort through two of its vacation clubs, Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia. Now the 242-room resort is being introduced as a reimagined vacation destination within the Club Wyndham portfolio, with investment in elevated guest experiences, contemporary design, and enhanced service standards.
Extensive work is already underway at the resort, positioned as a retreat featuring eight pools, Carissa Day Spa, the restaurant and bar Alfa Fire & Grill, the pool bar, and the fitness centre, all of which are being progressively renovated.
A central element of the transformation is the creation of a village square precinct – the social heart of the resort.
As part of the property’s transformation, Travel + Leisure Co has made ongoing investments in service excellence, expanding the resort team and providing specialised training led by the company’s hospitality experts.
“Club Wyndham Patong Hill Phuket represents an exciting new chapter for this resort as it is reintroduced as a premium holiday experience in Phuket. With its location, expansive grounds, tranquil surrounds and incredible facilities, Club Wyndham Patong Hill has long had the potential to become one of the area’s go-to destinations – a potential we intend to see fully realised,” said Travel + Leisure Co President and Managing Director, International Operations, Barry Robinson.
“We are focused on investing in both the physical product and the guest experience, ensuring it reflects the signature standards that vacation club owners and guests expect across the Club Wyndham portfolio. The continued evolution of the resort will further enhance its appeal as a standout destination,” he added.
Club Wyndham Patong Hill can be booked by Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia members, and by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts portfolio members, as an independent resort under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand. It is also accessible through Wyndham Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which has more than 124 million enrolled members worldwide and gives them access to more than 8,400 hotels across 25 brands.
Travel + Leisure Co. is the developer of Club Wyndham South Pacific and Club Wyndham Asia and has a portfolio of more than 100 properties across the Asia Pacific region.
JEDDAH, 6 July 2026: Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, won the 2026 APEX Award for Best Cabin Service in the Middle East.
The award was presented during the APEX Awards ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland, last week, as part of the Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event, a leading aviation industry platform focused on innovation and the future of the guest journey.
Photo credit: Saudia.
APEX’s global airline ratings programme is built on independent, verified passenger feedback, placing the voice of travellers at the centre of the awards process.
For the 2026 awards, more than 1 million flights from over 600 airlines worldwide were evaluated, with assessment categories covering cabin service, seat comfort, food and beverage quality, entertainment systems, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Saudia Chief Guest Experience Officer Rossen Dimitrov said: “This award is a tribute to Saudia’s cabin crew, whose professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail define the onboard experience for our guests every day. It reflects the strength of our service culture and the progress we are making in bringing Saudi hospitality to life with greater consistency across our global network. As we continue to invest in the guest journey, our focus remains on delivering an experience that is thoughtful, reliable, and distinctly Saudia.”
NEW DELHI, 6 July 2026: Air India has deployed its newest Boeing 787-9 aircraft between Mumbai and London Heathrow, bringing its latest-generation onboard product to one of its flagship international routes.
Air India flights (AI131/AI130) between Mumbai and London Heathrow use the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 aircraft featuring all-new cabin interiors designed exclusively for Air India and installed directly on Boeing’s production line.
Photo credit: Air India.
These line-fit aircraft are the first Boeing 787s purpose-built for Air India, embodying the airline’s new standards of comfort, technology, and customer experience.
The deployment also introduces Premium Economy Class on the route, offering customers a broader range of travel choices across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.
Air India’s second daily service between Mumbai and London Heathrow will continue to be served by its upgraded Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, featuring First Class, ensuring customers on both services enjoy an enhanced onboard experience.
Elevated onboard experience
Air India’s brand-new Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature a three-class cabin configuration with 30 business class suites, 28 premium economy seats, and 238 economy seats.
Business Class suites, direct aisle access, 79-inch fully flat beds, wireless charging, generous personal storage and immersive inflight entertainment on a large 17-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen – all designed to provide a comfortable and restful long-haul experience.
A dedicated Premium Economy cabin with wider seats in a 2-3-2 layout, 38-inch pitch providing ample legroom, generous recline, adjustable headrests, adjustable leg and calf rests, a 13.3-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, offering enhanced comfort and personal space.
Economy Class experience, with ergonomically designed seats for long-haul travel, an 11.6-inch 4K QLED HDR touchscreen, and improved comfort and thoughtfully integrated personal electronic device holders.
Next-generation inflight entertainment, powered by the Thales AVANT Up system with high-definition touchscreens, Bluetooth audio connectivity, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, AC power outlets and an intuitive user interface across all cabins.
Connecting India with the UK and beyond
The UK is one of Air India’s most important international markets, with strong demand from business and leisure travellers as well as the Indian diaspora. Air India currently operates 57 weekly nonstop flights between India and the UK, connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar with London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Birmingham.
Air India’s UK services provide customers with greater choice, convenient schedules and seamless onward connectivity via Air India’s hubs in India to and from destinations across the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
MUSCAT, 6 July 2026: SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, celebrated the launch of its inaugural direct flight between Muscat and Medan in Indonesia last week, marking the airline’s first-ever scheduled service to Indonesia and its expansion across Southeast Asia.
The new route strengthens the growing economic, tourism and cultural ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Indonesia while providing travellers with an affordable and convenient direct connection between the two countries.
Photo credit: SalamAir.
The inaugural flight departed Muscat on 3 July, introducing a twice-weekly service using an Airbus A321neo with 217 seats.
The new route is expected to play an important role in supporting the growing demand for Umrah travel, offering passengers from Medan seamless one-stop connections via Muscat to Jeddah and Madinah, while also strengthening tourism and business links between Oman and Indonesia.
Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism and aviation markets, with Medan serving as the commercial and cultural gateway to North Sumatra. The city provides access to internationally renowned attractions, including Lake Toba, one of the world’s largest volcanic lakes and a UNESCO Global Geopark, making it an attractive destination for leisure travellers from Oman and the wider GCC.
Commenting on the launch, SalamAir Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns said: “Our first scheduled service to Indonesia marks another important milestone in SalamAir’s growth journey and reflects our commitment to connecting Oman with underserved markets across Asia.
“Indonesia is a strategically important market with strong tourism, business and cultural links to the Sultanate, and we are delighted to offer travellers an affordable and convenient direct connection to Medan. We sincerely thank the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and all our government and industry partners whose collaboration has made this milestone possible. We are confident this new route will contribute to increased tourism, stronger trade relations and deeper people-to-people connections between our two countries.
The launch of the Medan service forms part of SalamAir’s continued network expansion strategy, with the airline now serving more than 40 destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Flight schedule
OV901 departs Muscat (MCT) at 1725 and arrives in Medan (KNO) at 0255 plus day. Flights depart MCT on Tuesday and Friday. OV902 departs Medan (KNO) at 0340 and arrives in Muscat (MCT) at 0730. Flights depart from KNO on Wednesday and Saturday.
About SalamAir SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, commenced operations in 2017 and currently operates a fleet of 17 Airbus A320/A321 aircraft, with over 90 daily flights to 42 destinations. In February 2026, SalamAir announced that the Government of Om held a majority stake in the airline.
SalamAir has taken delivery of two A320 aircraft from its order for 10 additional aircraft. With deliveries continuing in Q3 2026, SalamAir is on target to grow its fleet to 25 aircraft by 2028.
SINGAPORE, 6 July 2026: Ponant Explorations announces the appointment of Nicolas Gronier as Chief Marketing Officer, effective 29 June 2026.
This appointment is directly aligned with the implementation of the company’s North Star strategic plan.
Photo credit: Ponant Explorations. Nicolas Gronier, Chief Marketing Officer.
As Chief Marketing Officer, Gronier will lead the cruise line’s newly established global marketing organisation within the commercial and growth division.
His mandate will focus on enhancing marketing effectiveness to strengthen customer loyalty, accelerate acquisition and drive growth through product marketing, customer insights and commercial partnerships.
In this role, he will oversee the company’s global brand and creative studio, digital, marketing operations, product marketing and partnerships
With more than 20 years of international experience across France and Australia, his career spans retail and globally recognised cultural institutions, including the Sydney Opera House, where he led a comprehensive brand and digital transformation.
Most recently, he spent three years with Accor, spearheading the global reinvention of the Sofitel brand through the launch of a new brand platform and exclusive digital customer experiences.
Commenting on his appointment, Gornier added: “I look forward to working closely with teams across the organisation to strengthen the brand further, deepen our understanding of our guests and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth in key markets around the world.”
SINGAPORE, 6 July 2026: Travel costs across Asia Pacific climbed sharply in early 2026, driven by elevated fuel costs and cost-of-living pressures across the region.
But that pressure hasn’t impacted travel intent. New research from Klook surveying APAC travellers finds that 95% did not cancel or postpone a single trip.
Photo credit: Klook.
Here are the key findings:
95% of APAC travellers didn’t cancel or postpone travel plans.
Despite six in 10 naming “rising costs” as the biggest factor shaping their travel outlook, travellers are protecting their trips.
47% are actively hunting for deals, and 42% are booking earlier to lock in pricing.
25% are trimming flight and hotel spending, and 19% are choosing destinations closer to home.
Travellers are increasingly putting experiences at the heart of their travel plans.
23% of APAC travellers choose their destination specifically for a desired activity.
The data points to a strong outlook for APAC travel through the rest of 2026, with resilience, confidence, and travel demand holding steady.
Destinations to watch in 2026
Based on Klook’s internal data, demand remains highly resilient heading into the rest of the year, anchored by sustained momentum in both core hubs and hyper-local cities across Asia and Europe.
Mainland China: Travellers are flocking to core cultural and economic cities like Guangzhou and Beijing.
Taiwan: Travellers are searching for local coastal and offshore getaways in Penghu, Pingtung, and Yilan County.
Vietnam: Cementing demand across Southeast Asia towards core destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Korea: Experiences a surge in demand for coastal cities such as Busan, Sokcho, and Jeonju.
Italy, Switzerland and Germany: Capturing top travel demand in Europe, with travellers heading to lesser-explored cities such as Siena and Positano in Italy, Alpnach in Switzerland, and Stadt Wehlen and Pogtei in Germany.
