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BA Holidays names the most searched destinations for 2026 trips

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SINGAPORE, 18 December 2025: British Airways Holidays has unveiled its 2026 Travel Trends Report, in collaboration with travel trend forecasting agency, Globetrender. 

In addition to spotlighting the most-searched destinations among British Airways Holidays customers, the report examines key emerging trends shaping travel behaviour over the coming year.

Neurosurfing is one of the top trends featured in the 2026 travel trends report.

2026 Rising Stars (²)

Eight destinations that are rising in popularity based on holiday package searches on ba.com during 2025 for 2026 travel.

Bermuda +38%

St Kitts +31%

Turks and Caicos +22%

Grenada +20%

Crete +18%

Costa Rica +15%

Nashville +13%

Antigua +8%

Top 10 in 2025 for 2026 travel (²)

Most searched for British Airways Holidays travel destinations of 2025 for travel in 2026.

1. New York

2. Orlando

3. Dubai

4. Maldives

5. Barbados

6. Las Vegas

7. Cancun

8. St Lucia

9. Dominican Republic

10. Antigua

Some of the report’s key findings for 2026 

Chronocations

Chronocations taps into our growing desire to live in sync with our biological chronotypes rather than the rigid rhythms of modern life. As the 110th anniversary of daylight-saving time sparks national debate in 2026, travellers are using holidays to reset their internal clocks – eating, sleeping and exploring whenever feels right. With 19% of UK travellers already ignoring the clock entirely, Chronocations marks a subtle rebellion against routine, as caffeine-fuelled morning raves and starlit excursions reshape how we experience time. (¹)

Stream Parks

Stream Parks represent the next evolution of theme park travel, as streaming giants and gaming platforms turn their digital worlds into fully immersive, tech-powered destinations. With 38% of UK travellers eager to step inside their favourite show or video game, parks such as Netflix House in the US, iQIYI’s mixed-reality worlds in China and new Minecraft attractions in the UK and US are blurring the line between screen and reality.(¹)

Valueverse

Although the cost of living remains high, UK consumers appear unwilling to compromise on their holiday plans in 2026. Loyalty schemes are powering a new era of smart luxury, enabling points not only for flight and seat upgrades but also for experiences. 

Neurosurfing

26% of UK adults report that sleep deprivation affects their mental balance more than social media and digital content (16%), poor physical health or lack of exercise (14%), emails or communication (9%), or generative AI platforms (3%).(¹) But as those who’ve tried digital detoxes or fly-and-flop holidays know, doing less doesn’t always produce the calm “alpha” brainwaves real rest requires. In 2026, interest in cognitive health is expected to increase, as UK travellers place greater emphasis on high-impact relaxation through activities such as breathwork, meditation, and ecstatic dance, designed to facilitate a shift through brainwave states.

Vintage junkets

Amid a sea of global blandness, travellers are searching for relics from the pre-algorithmic age – going out of their way to find retro experiences and pre-loved treasures, with 47% agreeing that vintage or retro experiences offer a more authentic connection to the destinations they are visiting.¹ Through Vintage Junkets, travellers are discovering destinations through their past, making this trend an ode to serendipity and surprise.

British Airways Holidays Managing Director Andrew Flintham said: “I always look forward to what our annual Travel Trends Report will reveal. The prevailing interest in wellness culture continues to shape how we holiday, with many of our trends leaning into this broader movement. With 82% of British Airways Holidays customers thinking loyalty programmes are a great way for brands and businesses to reward their customers, I wasn’t too surprised to learn of The Valueverse, and the ever-increasing demand for new ways to collect and spend points.”

Globetrender editor, founder and CEO Jenny Southan, who authored the report, said: “In a world shaped by economic pressure, digital saturation and rising social fragmentation, holidays are becoming spaces of transformation – opportunities for people to test new identities, restore mental balance and discover forms of joy that everyday routines suppress. This shift marks a profound redefinition of what a holiday is for: not just escape, but expansion. Neurosurfing, what unites these trends is a desire to feel more alive when we travel.”

You can download the full travel report below or view it at http://www.ba.com/holidaytrends

¹ Figures are from YouGov Plc on behalf of British Airways Holidays. The total sample size was 2,104 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5 and 6 November 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+)

² All data is based on British Airways Holidays holiday package searches on ba.com in the UK from 1 January to 9 November 2025 for 2026 travel dates versus the equivalent period in 2024 (for travel in 2025).

(Source: British Airways Holidays)

Hotels declare full house for the Ashes Test

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 18 December 2025: The Ashes Tour boosted hotel performance in Perth and Brisbane, while forward-booking levels are peaking above 95% in Adelaide, according to data from CoStar, a global provider of online real estate marketplaces, information and analytics in the property markets.

Perth hosted the first Test of the Australia-England cricket series — known as The Ashes — between 21 and 25 November. Hotel performance peaked on the second night across each of the three key performance metrics: occupancy (96.0%), ADR (AUD409.36) and RevPAR (AUD393.03). 

Photo credit: Cricket Australia. The Ashes Test series boosts hotel occupancies across Australia.

The ADR and RevPAR levels were the market’s highest on record, with year-over-year growth of 46.9% and 50.3%, respectively. 

The second Test took place in Brisbane between 4 and 8 December, with the highest occupancy on the first night at 90.3%. The highest ADR (AUD406.16) and RevPAR (AUD363.85) were posted on the third night, up 55.7% and 74.4%, respectively.

Impacted by COVID, the last time the English cricket team toured Australia for the Ashes was in December 2021 and January 2022, with occupancy (88.8%) and RevPAR (AUD210.78) peaking in Hobart on the first night of the fifth Test (Friday, 14 January 2022). 

That night, Hobart posted ADR at AUD237.45. The highest ADR level was recorded in Adelaide on the second night of the second Test (Friday, 17 December 2021) at AUD253.30. 

The third Test kicked off in Adelaide on Wednesday, 17 December, with booking levels peaking on the first night, at 96.1% (as of 8 December). 

The fourth and fifth Tests are taking place in Melbourne and Sydney, with the highest occupancy on the books falling on Saturday, 27 December (84.6%) and Sunday, 4 January (61.3%), respectively.

For more information about the company, its products, and services, visit www.costargroup.com. 

(Source: CoStar).

STB suspends 10 travel agent licences

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 18 December 2025: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) released a statement on Wednesday to inform the public that 10 travel agents have been suspended from conducting travel agent activities in accordance with the Travel Agents Act 1975.

The companies have been suspended for failing to submit their Audited Statement of Accounts (AA) and/or Annual Business Profile Returns (ABPR). 

Under the Travel Agents Regulations 2017, licensees must submit these documents within six months after the close of their financial year.

Suspended travel agencies 

These suspensions will remain in effect until the documentations are submitted or for up to 6 months, whichever is earlier. During the suspension period, travel agents must fulfil their existing obligations to customers but may not accept new travel bookings.

STB said in the statement that it “takes a serious view against errant travel agents and will not hesitate to take necessary actions to protect the reputation of Singapore’s travel industry. Any travel agent accepting new bookings during the suspension period will face enforcement action.

For the most up-to-date list of licensed travel agents in Singapore, visit the Travel Related Users’ System (TRUST) website, TRUST.  

(Source: Singapore Tourism Board)

Emirates scoops five more global awards

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Your Stories
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DUBAI, UAE, 17 December 2025: Emirates closes 2025 on a sky-high note by adding another five awards to its trophy cabinet following the 32nd annual World Travel Awards, held in Bahrain. 

Adding to its impressive portfolio of more than 20 accolades received in 2025, the latest titles celebrate Emirates as a leading airline brand, as well as recognising its multi-award-winning inflight entertainment system ice, more honours for Emirates First Class onboard experience and First Class Lounges, and another nod to Emirates Skywards – as the World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme 2025.

Five latest gongs from the World Travel Awards

World’s Leading Airline Brand 2025: Emirates.

World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment 2025: Emirates.

World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme 2025: Emirates – Skywards.

World’s Leading Airline – First Class 2025: Emirates.

World’s Leading Airline Lounge – First Class 2025: Emirates First Class Lounge at Emirates Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport.

Emirates scores big with an array of industry awards throughout 2025

In November, Emirates was voted ‘Best Airline in the World’ for the 8th consecutive year, at the esteemed ULTRAs travel awards. Based on votes from Ultratravel’s global network of 1.2 million travellers, Emirates also scooped the ‘Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class’ award, as well as a prestigious’ Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation’ presented to Sir Tim Clark. Aviation Business Middle East also awarded Emirates’ Best First Class of the Year’ and the prestigious’ Airline of the Year’ award.

Emirates also won ‘Best International Airline,’ ‘Best International First Class,’ and ‘Best International Airline Lounge’ from the Forbes Travel Guide Verified Air Travel Awards 2025, as well as ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ at The Times and The Sunday Times Travel Awards 2025. Sir Tim Clark was also recently recognised by the Wings Club Foundation with the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award.

In September, Emirates received global recognition at the APEX/IFSA Global EXPO in Long Beach, California, winning two notable awards – the 2026 APEX Best Global Entertainment Award for its in-flight entertainment system (ice), and a 2026 APEX WORLD CLASS award for all aspects of the airline’s customer experience and brand.

Earlier in 2025, Emirates was honoured with several awards including ‘Best Long-Haul Airline’ at The Telegraph Travel Awards, ‘2025’s Most Recommended Global Brand’ by YouGov, and multiple categories at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, such as ‘Best Airline Worldwide’ for the 12th consecutive year, ‘Best First Class’, ‘Best Premium Economy Class’, and ‘Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East’.

For more information about the airline and to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

STB unveils Jingling Christmas Market

By
Your Stories
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SARAWAK, 17 December 2025: The year-end season will shine even brighter as the Jingling Christmas Market 2025 returns this December, transforming STB’s Visitor Information Centre (VIC) spaces in Sibu and Miri into vibrant festive villages filled with music, creativity and holiday cheer.

Organised by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the event builds on the strong public reception of last year’s Twinkling Christmas Market. It continues STB’s effort to position VICs as warm, community-driven hubs beyond their traditional role as information centres.

Held over two consecutive weekends, first at the VIC Sibu Heritage Centre from 12 to 14 December with 15 local vendors and at the VIC Garden Miri from 19 to 21 December (opening hours from 1600 to 2200), the Jingling Christmas Market invites families, children and festive-goers to immerse themselves in an experience that blends local creativity, community spirit and the joyful charm of the holiday season.

Across both cities, visitors can expect an enchanting array of handmade ornament workshops, community church carolling, interactive treasure hunts, live music sessions, and Santa walkabouts complete with festive giveaways. 

Entry is free for the remaining event in Miri, which features 30 local vendors and supports Sarawak’s creative micro-entrepreneurs by providing a platform for artisans, crafters, and small businesses to showcase their work and engage directly with the community.

STB shared that the event reflects the board’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive, meaningful experiences that bring people together. “The Jingling Christmas Market is about more than decorations and carols, it’s about strengthening community bonds, giving

families a space to celebrate, and reimagining our VICs as lively gathering points where culture, creativity and connection thrive,” said  Sarawak Tourism Board. Chief Executive Officer Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor,

For more information on Sarawak’s attractions, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board).

Radisson targets Bali’s digital nomads

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Newsdesk
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BALI, Indonesia, 17 December 2025: Radisson Hotel Group has announced the signing of ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals, a new lifestyle serviced apartment project in one of Bali’s most vibrant coastal districts.  

Scheduled to open in 2027, the property will feature 116 serviced apartments and further expand Radisson Hotel Group’s footprint in Indonesia.

Photo credit: Radisson Hotel Group. ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals.

Situated in Canggu, a beach hub popular with international visitors, surfers, and a growing community of expatriates and remote workers, ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals, will offer a contemporary base surrounded by rice fields, temples, and beaches. 

The project is located along Jalan Shortcut Teratai Batu Bolong, approximately a one-hour drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, and within a short drive of Echo Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, and Berawa Beach, all renowned for all-level surfing and sunset views. 

Guests will also be close to Subak Uma Desa’s traditional rice fields and local temples, including Pura Batu Bolong and Pura Batu Mejan, which offer cultural and spiritual experiences.

ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals, will offer 116 serviced apartments with terraces and kitchenettes, including 88 studio apartments, 10 one-bedroom apartments, and additional layouts designed for longer stays. Each unit will be configured in line with Radisson Hotel Group’s brand standards, with smart, efficient design and functional storage. 

The property has been specifically designed to appeal to young digital nomads, remote professionals, and long-stay travellers, aligning with the Canggu market profile. 

A generously sized co-working space sits at the heart of the social experience, giving guests a flexible, well-equipped environment to work, collaborate, and connect. This is complemented by social and event spaces that can easily be reconfigured for workshops, private gatherings, wellness sessions, or fitness activities.

The signing of ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu, a member of Radisson Individuals, supports Radisson Hotel Group’s ambition to grow in high-potential leisure markets and diversify its portfolio with more serviced apartments and extended-stay products. The group currently operates three hotels in Indonesia with 579 keys and has three properties (405 keys) under development across a mix of city and resort locations. ANTA Hotel Bali Canggu will complement the group’s existing presence and position the group at the heart of Bali’s evolving digital nomad and lifestyle scene.

Radisson Individuals is Radisson Hotel Group’s soft brand created for independent hotels and regional chains that want to maintain their own identity while benefiting from the group’s global recognition, distribution platforms, and commercial systems. 

(Source: Radisson)

PAL ranks tops for on-time punctuality

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Newsdesk
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MANILA, 17 December 2025: Philippines Airlines clinches the top spot as the most punctual airline among Asia Pacific carriers during November 2025 with an 84.67% On-Time Performance (OTP) rating according to London-based Citrium. 

The leading aviation analytics company tracks the on-time performance of airlines and airports worldwide to produce punctuality reports for the global aviation industry.

Photo credit: PAL.

PAL’s OTP ratings from August to November 2025 reflect four consecutive months of the flag carrier’s top standing in On-Time Performance among its regional competitors. The airline achieved flight punctuality ratings of 89.37% August 2025, 90.47% in September 2025, and 86.37% in October 2025.

For on-time performance, Cirium counts a flight as on time if the aircraft arrives at the gate within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time. Arrival data is a standard reliability metric reflecting travellers’ desire to arrive at their destinations on time and airlines’ need to comply with assigned airport slot times.

“The PAL team remains committed towards achieving operational reliability and customer satisfaction through on-time performance. The latest flight punctuality results inspire us to work even harder,” said PAL Senior Vice President for the Operations Group. Roland A Narciso. 

“We thank our flight and ground operations teams, engineers, and maintenance service partners for their collective efforts anchored on PAL’s mission to provide a safe, reliable, and pleasant travel experience exceeding passenger expectations,” he added. 

PAL also ranked first in punctuality in April 2025, second in January 2025, and third in March 2025.

The airline also received a four-star rating from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), an airline rating programme based on certified passenger feedback.

(Source: PAL)

Flydubai flies direct to Lithuania

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Newsdesk
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DUBAI, 17 December 2025: Flydubai, the Dubai-based carrier, confirms the launch of a new service to Vilnius, marking the start of direct flights between Dubai and the capital of Lithuania. 

The new route reinforces flydubai’s growing footprint in Central and Eastern Europe and opens an important new gateway for travel, tourism and trade.

Photo credit: Flydubai. New airline link between Dubai and Lithuania.

With the start of operations to Vilnius, flydubai becomes the first UAE carrier to offer nonstop connectivity between Dubai and Lithuania, giving customers more choice and convenience for business and leisure travel. The route will operate three times per week, providing seamless links to Dubai’s global aviation hub.

Lithuania Minister of Transport and Communications, Juras Taminskas,commented: “The arrival of this company marks a new stage in our country’s aviation. In the first year of operations alone, around 40,000 passengers are expected to be carried.”

Beyond improved connectivity, the Dubai-Vilnius route is expected to strengthen economic cooperation, attract visitors seeking new cultural and leisure experiences, and create a significant new link for Lithuanian travellers to access Dubai’s world-class attractions and onward destinations, including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Thailand.

Commenting on the launch of flights, flydubai Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations and E-commerce Jeyhun Efendi said: “These new flights will play an essential role in stimulating tourism and trade flows between the UAE and Lithuania, offering passengers more convenient travel options and opening new opportunities for businesses and visitors in both countries.”

Economy Class customers can also benefit from complimentary immersive in-flight entertainment and delicious meals, reflecting flydubai’s ongoing investment in elevating the overall customer journey.

Flight details

The new service is offered as part of the flydubai and Emirates codeshare partnership, enabling passengers to benefit from smoother itineraries, a single ticket, through-check-in of baggage, and access to an extensive combined network of more than 240 destinations worldwide.

Flights from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) will operate three times a week to Vilnius International Airport (VNO). ​

Return Business Class fares from DXB to VNO start from AED7,505, and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED2,225. Return Business Class fares from VNO to DXB start from EUR1,440, and Economy Class Lite fares start from EUR390.

(Source: Flydubai)

Air India interlines with Scoot

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Newsdesk
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DELHI, 17 December 2025: Air India has signed a new unilateral interline partnership with Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA).

Air India’s interline partnership with Scoot further strengthens its reach across Southeast Asia, North Asia and Australia via Singapore, enabling Air India guests to seamlessly access most of Scoot’s network with over 70 destinations across 18 countries in these regions.

Photo credit: Air India. One stop in Singapore to destinations in Southeast Asia, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in Thailand.

The agreement adds destinations to Air India’s extended international network that were not previously covered by any of the airline’s existing partnerships. They include the following destinations:  Macau SAR in China; Padang and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia; Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, Ipoh, Kuantan, Miri, Sibu, Malacca and Kota Bharu in Malaysia; Davao and Iloilo City in the Philippines, Samui Island, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in Thailand; and Nha Trang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

Air India guests can fly nonstop from Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai to Singapore and continue their journey with Scoot to destinations across the Scoot network, including additional points. To enhance customer convenience, both airlines have implemented Inter-Airline Through Check-In (IATCI), allowing passengers booked on a single ticket to receive boarding passes for both Air India and Scoot flights at the point of origin, ensuring a seamless transfer experience at Singapore Changi Airport. Checked baggage is delivered to the final destination. (Subject to the applicable local laws and regulations).

“Asia Pacific remains the world’s fastest-growing region for aviation, with intra-regional air travel demand surging at significant rates,” said Air India Chief Commercial Officer, Nipun Aggarwal. “Our new interline partnership with Scoot taps into that momentum, meeting the rising Indian traveller appetite for seamless access to far-flung corners of the continent – from Malaysia’s rainforests to Vietnam’s beaches and Indonesia’s emerging cities.”

Air India operates 49 weekly flights from India to Singapore, including triple-daily flights from Delhi, double-daily flights from Mumbai, and twice-daily flights from Chennai.

The interline itineraries between Air India and Scoot will be progressively made available across Air India’s channels, including its official websites and mobile apps, as well as through travel agents worldwide.

(Source: Air India)

Star Voyager presents short break cruises

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Newsdesk
-

HONG KONG, 17 December 2025: StarCruises will introduce two-night Xiamen and three-night Sanya cruises as part of Star Voyager’s upcoming Hong Kong homeport season during Q1 2026

Departing from the centrally located Ocean Terminal, these sailings will operate from 13 February to 29 March 2026, offering travellers convenient access to China’s vibrant southern coastal destinations.

Photo credit: StarDream Cruises.

Offering short weekend or midweek escapes, the cruises showcase the scenic beauty, rich culture, and local cuisine of Sanya and Xiamen. 

“We are excited to be returning to Hong Kong in February for the 2026 season,” said StarDream Cruises President Michael Goh. “These new two and three-night cruises meet the growing demand for shorter, more flexible holidays, while also encouraging more visits and engagement with the different vibrant coastal destinations, including Sanya and Xiamen.”

New Short Cruise highlights

Three-night cruises to Sanya – ‘Tropical Escape to Sanya’ departs on Sunday.

Two-night cruise to Xiamen – ‘Cultural Discovery Cruise: Xiamen’ departs on Wednesday.

Two-night high seas getaway – ‘Weekend Sea Breeze Cruise’ departs on Friday.

Star Voyager will also introduce a five-night sailing from Hong Kong to Vietnam, featuring Nha Trang and Da Nang, with an additional stop at Sanya. Departs on Sunday, 8 March 2026

(Source: StarDream Cruises)

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