SINGAPORE, 29 September 2025: Vietjet is targeting the US, with plans to launch direct flights and explore a potential listing on the US stock exchange.
Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao underscored these ambitions as NYSE President Lynn Martin welcomed the delegation to the New York Stock Exchange.
New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) President Lynn Martin (third from the left) welcomes Vietjet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (third from the right) to the exchange.
The Wall Street event followed her visit to acknowledge the first aircraft delivery of Vietjet’s historic USD32 billion Boeing 737-8 contract, the largest aviation deal between Vietnam and the US. The airline took delivery of the first B737-8 last week at the manufacturer’s Seattle assembly plant.
At the NYSE, Thao highlighted Vietjet’s twin strategy that focuses on expanding its global network while gaining access to capital markets. She also noted the potential for both Vietjet and HDBank, where she serves as vice chairwoman, to seek a dual listing in New York.
“We will soon fly to the US, and we are also very excited to explore opportunities to raise capital in New York — the world’s largest stock exchange,” Thao said. “This is not only the aspiration of Vietjet and HDBank but also the dream of many Vietnamese enterprises seeking global integration.”
According to the NYSE’s website, it hosts around 2,400 listed companies with a combined market capitalisation of nearly USD29 trillion.
Both Vietjet and HDBank are key constituents of Vietnam’s VN30 Index, representing the country’s top publicly traded companies that deliver strong returns for domestic and international investors. A dual listing on the NYSE, Thao said, would mark a significant step in their global expansion and bolster Vietnam’s profile in international finance.
During her visit, Thao joined the NYSE’s symbolic closing bell ceremony, underscoring Vietjet’s rising ambitions in both aviation and finance.
SINGAPORE, 29 September 2025: Asiana Airlines will increase flights on the busy Seoul Incheon-Bangkok route from 11 weekly flights to double daily, starting 15 January 2026.
Nine airlines currently fly the busy Seoul-Bangkok route, comprising Korean Air (four daily), Asiana (11 weekly), Jin Air, Jeju Air, Eastar Jet, Air Busan, Air Premia, T’Way (adopts a new name, Trinity Airways, in 2026), and Thai Airways International (three daily). Thai Vietjet will commence daily flights as of 10 October 2025.
Photo credit: Asiana Airlines.
Based on online airline schedules, Asiana Airlines will utilise a mix of A321s and A350-900s on the route, depending on passenger traffic demand and aircraft availability. The double daily flights will operate between January 2026 and the end of March 2026, when the winter timetable comes to a close.
Flight Schedule
OZ743 departs Seoul Incheon (ICN) at 0710 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 1115. OZ741 departs Seoul Incheon (ICN) at 1830 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 2205.
OZ744 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1220 and arrives in Seoul Incheon (ICN) at 1940. OZ742 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 1155 and arrives in Seoul Incheon (ICN at 0730 plus a day.
Meanwhile, Asiana Airlines will continue to fly twice daily from Seoul Incheon to Phuket, a popular holiday island in southern Thailand, using Airbus A330-300 aircraft through the winter timetable. The flights use an A330-300 with 290 seats.
Asiana competes on the route to Phuket with Korean Air, which flies daily with an evening departure from Seoul Incheon using a B787-9 with 273 seats.
South Korea’s Jin Air, a low-cost carrier flying a Boeing 737-MAX with 189 seats in a single class configuration, schedules a short-term series of flights operating daily from 30 September to 13 October.
Asiana Phuket flight schedule
OZ725 departs Seoul Incheon at 1610 and arrives in Phuket (HKT) at 2015. OZ747 departs Seoul Incheon at 1800 and arrives in Phuket at 2230.
OZ726 departs Phuket (HKT) at 2145 and arrives in Seoul Incheon at 0555 plus a day. OZ748 departs Phuket (HKT) at 2340 and arrives in Seoul Incheon at 0800 plus a day.
Asiana Airlines is currently in the process of merging with Korean Air, and if the merger proceeds as planned, the Asiana brand is expected to phase out by the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Jin Air, a low-cost carrier operating a Boeing 737-MAX with 189 seats in a single-class configuration, schedules a short-term series of flights daily from 30 September to 13 October between Seoul and Phuket. It continues to fly daily between Seoul and Bangkok for the duration of the winter timetable ending 31 March 2026.
SINGAPORE, 26 September 2025: The global travel technology community will gather at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore for Travel Tech Asia 2025, taking place from 15 to 17 October 2025.
Co-located with ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia, the event brings together the brightest minds, pioneering technologies, and most influential leaders in the travel and tourism sector.
(Photo credit: ITB Asia). Travel Tech Asia business sessions.
Over three days, executives, innovators, and thousands of attendees will gather to showcase solutions, forge partnerships, and shape the future of travel.
Travel Tech Asia: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity
Travel Tech Asia is the definitive platform where cutting-edge technologies, emerging trends, and disruptive startups converge with established travel brands. The exhibition floor will feature leading global names, including Trip.com Group, Agoda, Go Global Travel, Juniper Travel Technology, Korea Tourism Startup Centre, Xendit, SUNRATE, SiteMinder, Airalo, DerbySoft, RateHawk, Skyscanner, RESTEL S.A., Holafly, and Worldline. These companies represent the pinnacle of travel technology, showcasing cutting-edge solutions that are driving the evolution of travel across the APAC region.
Top buyers attending from across the industry, including C-level executives from renowned organisations such as Trip.com, The Ascott Ltd (Digital Transformation), Capitaland (Digital International Lodging Systems), HPL Hotels & Resorts (Director of Revenue Management), Expedia (Principal Software Engineer), Far East Hospitality Management Services (Area Director of Revenue Management), and The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore (Ecommerce & Digital Strategy Manager). Their presence underscores the event’s strategic significance, bringing together the most influential decision-makers to explore partnerships, investment opportunities, and the adoption of new technologies.
“Travel Tech Asia is the meeting place for the great minds shaping the future of travel. In an industry traditionally driven by people and experiences, technology is the catalyst that enhances, personalises and scales those very experiences. At our travel technology showcase, ideas become innovations, and innovations become the force that will drive the entire travel industry forward”, said Darren Seah, Executive Director of Messe Berlin Asia Pacific and organiser of Travel Tech Asia, MICE Show Asia, and ITB Asia.
Travel Tech Asia kicks off with an exclusive, RSVP-only Happy Hour networking session, taking place at the Buyers Lounge on 15 October 2025, from 1700 to 1800. Open to Travel Tech Asia exhibitors, buyers and speakers, this lively gathering offers a prime opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and forge meaningful partnerships – further enriching the Travel Technology Zone experience.
Headline sessions and speaker highlights
The Tech Leaders’ Panel: Driving Innovation in Travel through Technology will explore how travel companies are adapting to shifting consumer demands for personalisation, seamless experiences, and efficiency. Tejveer Singh Bedi, Vice President of Traveloka Partners Network at Traveloka, will moderate a discussion with Clive Ashmore Butler, Chief Customer Officer at Atlas; Chris Hodges, Vice President of Global Connectivity & Partner Solutions at Expedia Group; Brett Henry, President Director at MG Group; Edmund Ong, Senior Regional Director SEA and GM Singapore at Trip.com; and Kazuhisa Takahashi, CEO of Tripla, examining how digital solutions are driving innovation and addressing the key challenges and opportunities for the industry.
KUCHING, 26 September 2025: Step off the beaten path and into the lush, untamed world of Sarawak, Malaysia’s best-kept secret for adventure travel.
Nestled on the island of Borneo, Sarawak offers a unique blend of jungle thrills, cultural immersion, and unforgettable encounters—without the crowds. Known as the “Land of the Hornbills,” it dazzles with vibrant cultures, ancient traditions, and a rainforest teeming with life. From venturing into Gunung Mulu National Park – home to some of the world’s biggest caves and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, step back 65,000 years in the ancient Niah Caves or trek through the untouched jungles of Bako National Park to catch a glimpse of the elusive proboscis monkey.
Photo credit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
Whether scaling limestone pinnacles, kayaking through winding rivers, or immersing yourself in longhouse communities of the indigenous people, Sarawak delivers experiences that connect travellers to both nature and tradition – making it a destination for every adventurer.
Gunung Mulu National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its dramatic limestone karst formations and vast cave systems. It features the world’s largest cave chamber (Sarawak Chamber), the longest cave passage (Deer Cave), and stunning underground wonders. Above ground, adventurers can explore razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, rainforest trails, and canopy walks, making it a paradise for nature lovers, spelunkers, and explorers alike.
Bako National Park
Sarawak’s treasured gem, its oldest national park, boasts an incredible biodiversity within a small area. Just an hour from Kuching, it’s famous for its dramatic sea cliffs, mangrove swamps, and dense rainforest trails. The park is home to proboscis monkeys, wild boars, and over 150 bird species, as well as unique carnivorous plants—a mix of wildlife, jungle treks, and stunning coastal views.
Niah National Park
Niah National Park is home to the Niah Caves in Sarawak, renowned for their vast chambers, ancient cave paintings, and the discovery of a 65,000-year-old human skull, making them both a breathtaking natural and archaeological wonder.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Sarawak’s famous orangutan rehabilitation sanctuary is located just outside Kuching. Visitors can observe semi-wild orangutans swinging through the trees during feeding sessions, a rare opportunity to see these endangered primates up close in their natural rainforest habitat. The centre also rehabilitates other protected wildlife, making it both an unforgettable experience and a significant conservation effort – an ethical opportunity to observe semi-wild orangutans in their natural environment. For a deeper understanding, trek into the wilds of Batang Ai to spot these great apes in their untouched habitat.
Authentic cultural encounters
Join traditional Iban and Bidayuh communities in longhouses and learn about centuries-old customs, music, and cuisine.
Ecotourism at its best
Offering eco-conscious travellers the chance to support conservation efforts, the community-based tourism project features programmes such as guided jungle treks, homestays, and conservation activities, led by expert volunteers. Among the latest responsible travel packages, the Borneo Green Bike Tour offers travellers a low-impact way to experience Sarawak’s natural beauty, promoting responsible exploration and environmental awareness.
“Sarawak is not just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel alive,” said Sarawak Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor. “It offers the kind of off-the-beaten-path adventure that today’s traveller is craving — authentic, raw, and unforgettable.” For more information, visit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
BANGKOK, 26 September 2025: Central Pattana’s latest world-class mixed-use development, Central Park, has recently opened in the heart of Bangkok and is already drawing global attention as the city’s newest landmark.
The destination is rapidly becoming a focal point for urban life, seamlessly blending nature, culture, dining, and commerce into one integrated precinct.
Central Park blends urban life and nature with Thailand’s largest roof park.
Anchored by the 2.8-acre Roof Park, Central Park redefines urban placemaking in Asia by seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor experiences, setting a new benchmark for experiential retail, culinary excellence, and sustainable urban design. The development elevates Bangkok’s skyline while positioning the Thai capital more firmly among the world’s most liveable metropolises.
At its heart, the Roof Park extends the lush greenery of Lumpini Park into the city skyline as an elevated urban oasis. It offers panoramic 180-degree views, a 750-metre walking trail, an open-air amphitheatre, family- and pet-friendly zones, and curated lifestyle programming — a bold integration of park life and urban life that serves as Bangkok’s new community heart and a showcase of Thailand’s future-forward design.
Central Park has also swiftly emerged as Asia’s newest culinary landmark. Under the concept “Here for All of You”, it brings together legendary international debuts, exclusive new ideas, and global brands. Since opening, it has drawn intense public interest and steady crowds, with the Parkside Market — featuring Bangkok’s most extensive collection of Michelin Guide eateries and 70 street food legends—becoming one of the city’s most sought-after dining destinations and a must-visit for international visitors.
The retail precinct will also feature a dynamic lineup of high-street and bridge-line brands, complemented by a world-class sports destination. Many first-in-Thailand debuts are expected, further establishing Central Park as a global lifestyle hub where retail is reimagined as a platform for social connection, not just commerce.
Part of the USD1.25 billion Dusit Central Park project, the precinct integrates the Central Park shopping centre, Central Park Offices, Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel, Dusit Residences, and Dusit Parkside.
Designed under the philosophy “Design for the Future with Respect for Legacy”, the project harmonises Bangkok’s heritage with forward-looking architecture, anchoring the city’s global identity while shaping its next chapter.
With 25 million visitors expected annually and year-round cultural and lifestyle events, Central Park is poised to become a world-class placemaking landmark — symbolising Bangkok’s transformation into a modern, liveable, and globally celebrated metropolis. For more information, visit: Central Park Bangkok | Central Pattana (CPN).
SINGAPORE, 26 September 2025: More Singaporeans are seeking wellness breaks as a way to rest, recharge and prioritise well-being, according to new data from Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s speciality travel platform.
According to Traveloka’s 2024 ‘Travel Redefined APAC study of 12,000 respondents, 38% of Singaporeans travel to rest and recharge, a trend that continues during 2025.
Photo credit: Traveloka.
Resorts and villas ranked among Singaporeans’ top five most searched accommodation types on the platform.
Regional wellness hotspots, such as Bali, Penang, and Hanoi, have also emerged as top destination picks in 2025.
To encourage more travellers to embark on self-care holidays, Traveloka is launching its 10.10 Travel Sale, running from 1 to 10 October, featuring deals on flights, stays, and experiences.
“Travel is no longer just about sightseeing — it is increasingly a way to nurture well-being, build meaningful connections, and support local communities,” said Traveloka Vice President Commercial Baidi Li.
“Through our 10.10 Travel Sale, we want to make these restorative travel experiences more accessible and affordable, while also contributing to the growth of the tourism ecosystem across the Asia Pacific.”
Traveloka’s key insights on 2025 Wellness Travel Trends
Southeast Asia as a Top Wellness Region: Bali, Penang, and Hanoi are the most searched wellness hubs among Singaporean travellers in 2025.
Resorts & Villas Popularity: Resort stays are highly sought after by Singaporeans, ranking second only to hotels and apartments in accommodation searches.
Beyond Spas: While traditional offerings, such as massages, remain top draws, cultural rituals (onsens), reflexology, and medical aesthetic treatments are gaining traction in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia as go-to hotspots.
Emerging Wellness Spots: Yogyakarta and Da Nang are rising on the radar of Southeast Asian travellers who are seeking immersive cultural, sleep-focused, and nature-based wellness experiences.
About the 10.10 travel sale
From 1 to 10 October 2025, Traveloka users can enjoy limited-time offers:
Exclusive fares and SGD100 off flights through Airline Super Brand Days on Malaysia Airlines (2 & 3 October) and Singapore Airlines (8 and 9 October), with flights to popular wellness destinations such as Bali, Bangkok, Seoul, Da Nang, and more starting from SGD230.
Daily SGD10 Flash Deals on top attractions such as Legoland Malaysia, Singapore Zoo, and Mandai Rainforest at 1200. Score 50% off Flash Deals on flights and hotels, at 1700 and 2200 daily.
MANILA, 26 September 2025: The Philippines Department of Tourism plans to extend training and recruit more senior citizens as tour guides once the current group finishes their training, the Philippines News Agency reported earlier this week.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco met with the first batch of senior citizens on Wednesday, who are undergoing a seven-day training course. She confirmed to the national news agency that DOT intends to conduct more training for senior citizens to serve as guides.
The Philippines trains seniors to become tour guides and honours the profession with an inaugural Tour Guide Summit. (Photo credit: DOT).
PNA quoted the tourism chief saying: “This is the start of what we foresee will be an up-and-coming programme for our seniors”.
The Community Tour Guiding Seminar for Senior Citizens is the pilot programme established under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DOT and the National Commission of Senior Citizens on 21 May 2025.
The first batch of 30 seniors, aged 60 to 79, will complete a 56-hour training course by 2 October 2025.
Reflecting the DOT’s commitment to inclusive tourism, September is designated as “Tourism Month” in the Philippines, culminating in World Tourism Day, on 27 September, themed “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”.
Programmes for senior citizens are among the key initiatives of the DOT through the Office of Special Concerns, which is tasked to address the needs of priority sectors in the country.
Meanwhile, 400 tour guides from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gathered for a one-day summit in Cebu City last week to recognise the positive role tour guides play in the nation’s tourism space through their exceptional storytelling and hospitality.
This first-ever summit adopted the theme “Love our Islands, Love our Stories,” and created a national platform for tour guides, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to converge, collaborate, and discuss the future of tour guiding in the Philippines.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco emphasised that upgrading tour guide service standards is essential to enhance tourist satisfaction, elevate the destination’s image, and ensure a consistently high-quality and professional tourism experience.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco
As of 31 August 2025, a total of 4,598 regional and community tour guides are accredited by the DOT. The largest concentration of DOT-accredited tour guides is in central Visayas, comprising 2,020 tour guides.
The DOT and the National Commission for Senior Citizens (NCSC) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last May, a significant move to recognise the role senior citizens can play in adding value to the country’s tourism story.
BANGKOK, 26 September 2025: Trip.com, a leading global travel service provider, launches its “Go Thailand” campaign, developed in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), offering travellers from 16 international markets discounts of up to 50% on hotels, flights, and local activities in Thailand.
The campaign runs until 31 October 2025, with special “Big Wednesday” deals refreshed weekly.
The Go Thailand campaign is available exclusively on Trip.com’s platform and mobile app, targeting travellers from key source markets across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Europe.
Markets include Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and other strategic locations where demand for travel to Thailand remains strong.
Campaign highlights
Travellers can access special discounts of up to 50% on essential Thailand travel products, including hotel accommodations across all major Thai destinations, domestic and international flights to and within Thailand, as well as local activities, attractions, and experiences.
Every Wednesday throughout the campaign period, Trip.com releases new exclusive coupons and flash deals, providing multiple opportunities for travellers to secure maximum savings on their Thailand bookings.
The Go Thailand campaign is active across 16 outbound travel markets. Each market has been carefully curated with localised offers and culturally relevant messaging to maximise engagement and conversion.
This targeted approach ensures that whether travellers are seeking Bangkok’s urban excitement, Phuket’s pristine beaches, or Chiang Mai’s cultural treasures, they can access tailored deals that match their preferences and budgets.
Geo-markets — specific discount offers
Travellers can access the Go Thailand campaign offers through the Trip.com platform, including the mobile app, desktop website, and mobile website. To book a deal, visit trip.com.
SINGAPORE, 26 September 2025: Korean Air expands the use of a domestically produced SAF blend to include routes to Kobe and Osaka, Japan.
The airline first trialled locally produced SAF on its Incheon-Haneda route since August 2024, successfully verifying the fuel’s safety and performance.
Photo credit: Korean Air.
SAF, which can reduce life-cycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, is considered a key component of the aviation industry’s decarbonization strategy.
Korean Air is now using a 1% SAF blend on flights from Incheon to Kobe (KE731) and Gimpo to Osaka (KE2117) since 19 September 2025. The programme will cover approximately 90 flights on the Kobe route and 26 flights on the Osaka route until 31 December 2026.
The airline’s SAF is sourced from domestic suppliers HD Hyundai Oilbank and GS Caltex. Produced from used cooking oil (UCO), the fuel is certified under the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
This initiative reflects Korean Air’s commitment to driving sustainable aviation in Korea and supporting global efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.
BANGKOK, 26 September 2025: Bangkok Airways and Air France-KLM have confirmed a new partnership, offering the crossover of loyalty programme benefits for award ticket redemptions, effective 1 October 2025.
Under the partnership, members of Bangkok Airways’ FlyerBonus and Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue programme will be able to redeem accumulated points or miles for award tickets in both economy class and business class across the networks of both airlines.
Photo credit: Bangkok Airways.
FlyerBonus members will be able to redeem award tickets on Air France-KLM flights, enjoying extensive global connectivity via Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs.
Meanwhile, Flying Blue members can redeem miles to secure Bangkok Airways award tickets on flights to Thailand’s most popular destinations, such as Samui Island, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Trat, and Phuket, as well as key routes in the ASEAN region served by Bangkok Airways.
