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Vietjet starts flights to Prague this October

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SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026: Vietjet has announced the launch of its new Hanoi–Prague service, with all-inclusive Eco fares starting from just US$405 (SGD 518). 

The new route marks the airline’s expansion into Europe and further strengthens connectivity between Vietnam and the European Union. Additionally, the new route will provide passengers with convenient access to more than 20 countries and territories across Vietjet’s 186-route network.

Photo credit: Vietjet.

Set to commence on 10 October 2026, the Hanoi–Prague route will be operated by Vietjet’s  Airbus A330 aircraft via Almaty, Kazakhstan. Initially, it will schedule two return flights per week on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 

Flights will depart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi at 0825 and arrive at Vaclav Havel Airport in Prague at 1855. 

The return service will depart Prague at 2055 and arrive in Hanoi at 1620 the following day (local time). 

Tickets are available now via the airline’s website, its mobile app, official ticket offices and agents worldwide.

Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thanh Son shared: “This is an important milestone in Vietjet’s strategy to become a global aviation group. With a new-generation fleet, modern technology, and a continuously expanding network, Vietjet will soon operate many more routes to Europe, enabling passengers to conveniently connect between Europe and the Asia-Pacific, including destinations across Vietnam and Thailand. With Vietjet, Europe is now closer than ever. We are offering more affordable fares than ever before alongside high-quality and world-class service, strongly boosting demand for visiting relatives, tourism, and economic and cultural exchange between the two regions.”

Prague Airport CEO Jiří Pos added: “Vietnam is the most significant market in the Southeast Asian region in terms of passenger numbers. In 2025, more than 75,000 people travelled between Prague and Hanoi in both directions. The new connection will make travel easier for the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic and their families. 

“At the same time, we expect growth in tourism and greater accessibility of Vietnam for Czech travellers. Equally important is the strengthening of trade relations between the Czech Republic and Vietnam. Vietnam also represents a major gateway to Southeast Asia.”

CzechTourism CEO František Reismüller explained: “An air connection between Prague and Hanoi is essential for inbound tourism to the Czech Republic. Vietnam is among the markets with great potential, not only in its own right, but also as a transit point for other Southeast Asian countries. 

“The new route will therefore significantly facilitate travel to the Czech Republic, support arrivals from Southeast Asia, and open up further opportunities for the development of tourism and trade relations.”

(Source: Vietjet)

Tourism Australia names EGM global sales

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SYDNEY, 29 May 2026: Tourism Australia has announced the appointment of Kathryn (Kath) O’Brien as the organisation’s Executive General Manager Global Markets, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience in tourism and aviation to the role.

O’Brien will be responsible for managing Tourism Australia’s network of international offices across 16 global markets, as well as airline and distribution channel partnerships.

Kathryn (Kath) O’Brien, Executive General Manager (EGM) Global Markets.

Commenting on the appointment, Tourism Australia Managing Director Robin Mack said O’Brien has a proven track record of leading international teams across tourism and aviation.

“She brings to Tourism Australia significant skill and experience, having worked across a range of international-facing roles in sales, distribution, product and marketing strategy to deliver both revenue growth and strong stakeholder relationships,” said Mack.

She joins Tourism Australia from Air New Zealand, where she is currently General Manager Australia, responsible for leading distribution, commercial, partnerships, sales, marketing, and operations for the airline in Australia.

Before Air New Zealand, O’Brien held roles at Experience Co, where she was global Chief Commercial Officer, and at Hamilton Island Enterprises, where, during her 17-year tenure, she held numerous roles, including global general manager sales.

She will commence her new role at Tourism Australia on 10 August.

(Source: Australia)

Princess Cruises calls Singapore home

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SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Princess Cruises have announced a three-year partnership to significantly expand the cruise line’s presence in Singapore, reinforcing the city-state’s role as a leading cruise hub in the Asia Pacific.

Spanning 2027 through 2030, the collaboration should generate more than 150,000 passengers and deliver economic benefits across Singapore’s tourism and maritime sectors. 

Photo credit: Princess Cruises.

The agreement comes at a time of accelerating demand for cruises in the Asia Pacific. Fuelled by rising affluence, an expanding middle class, and a strong appetite for immersive travel experiences, Singapore remains well-positioned to capture the region’s growing opportunities.

As part of this commitment, Princess Cruises will deploy three ships, Diamond Princess, Sapphire Princess and Grand Princess, to Singapore, with the number of sailings set to double by 2030. 

Supported under STB’s Cruise Development Fund (CDF), the ships will offer extended itineraries of 10 to 28 days, giving travellers more time to explore destinations across the region.

Deployment will accelerate the fly-cruise segment

Princess Cruises’ 2027-28 Southeast Asia programme offers a curated collection of longer, destination-rich itineraries operated by Diamond Princess, connecting Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Highlights include visits to 29 destinations across nine countries, with voyages designed as longer-duration sailings of up to 28 days that connect multiple regions. This follows on from the 2026-2027 season, when Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess will homeport in Singapore simultaneously from November 2026 to February 2027.

Singapore’s role as a seasonal homeport for Princess Cruises is expected to attract a strong base of international cruise passengers, particularly from mid- to long-haul markets such as Australia, the UK and the US.

This deployment will further accelerate growth in the fly-cruise segment and strengthen Singapore’s position as a homeport of choice in Asia, underpinned by strong global air connectivity and world-class cruise infrastructure. Singapore’s plethora of tourism products also creates opportunities for travellers to extend their journeys with pre- and post-cruise stays in Singapore.

Singapore Tourism Board, Assistant Chief Executive, Experience Development Group, Jean Ng said: “This three-year partnership with Princess Cruises is a testament to Singapore’s position as Asia’s premier cruise hub. 

“Princess Cruises’ expanded deployment broadens our premium cruise experiences and supports our Tourism 2040 vision to drive quality tourism growth through a strong pipeline of differentiated products. With Asia Pacific emerging as a key growth region for cruising, Singapore is well-positioned to capture fly-cruise demand and connect the world to the best of Asia. We look forward to Princess Cruises bringing their exciting cruise itineraries to more travellers.”

Princess Cruises Vice President Asia Pacific Matthew Rutherford added: “Singapore is a cornerstone of our Asia Pacific strategy and an exceptional homeport from which to expand our regional footprint. This multi-year deployment underscores our confidence in Singapore’s connectivity and strong cruise ecosystem. We’re seeing growing demand for longer, more immersive journeys, and this programme allows us to deliver richer itineraries across Southeast Asia and beyond while attracting more international guests to the region.”

(Source: STB/Princess Cruises)

Maldives targets China’s luxury travel market

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SHANGHAI, 28 May 2026: Visit Maldives participated in ITB China 2026 earlier this week, focusing on the Chinese outbound market and targeting China’s expanding luxury travel sector with the campaign slogan ‘Luxury without Limits’.

Hosted 26 to 28 May at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre in Shanghai, the Visit Maldives team aimed to strengthen the Maldives’ visibility with the Chinese travel trade and reinforce engagement with key industry stakeholders, including tour operators, travel agencies, online travel platforms, and MICE planners. 

Photo credit: Visit Maldives.

During pre-scheduled B2B meetings with international travel trade partners, Visit Maldives presented the latest destination updates, including tourism products, connectivity developments, and travel experiences tailored to the Chinese market. 

The Maldives stand facilitated discussions across key segments, including luxury travel, family holidays, honeymoon travel, wellness, diving, and cultural experiences. It also featured destination promotional materials and digital content highlighting the Maldives’ diverse tourism offerings, supporting direct engagement with trade visitors throughout the event. Industry stakeholders are provided with updated destination information and insights into seasonal travel products and experiences.

China remains one of the most important source markets for the Maldives, contributing significantly to overall tourist arrivals and long-haul travel demand, reflecting its strong potential for further growth and strategic importance to the destination.

(Source: Visit Maldives)

Banyan releases more residences at Laguna Phuket

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PHUKET, 28 May 2026: Banyan Group Residences has released a new residential block at Bellaguna Lake Residences, its lakeside development at Laguna Phuket. 

Bellaguna Lake Residences is the first development under Bellaguna, Banyan Group Residences’ newest brand for premium year-round homes that sit outside hotel inventory yet benefit from the group’s hospitality management standards. 

Photo credit: Banyan Group.

Set beside a lake within Laguna Phuket, Bang Tao Beach, Bellaguna Lake Residences comprises five elongated buildings. Residences include one to three-bedroom condominiums and two- to three-bedroom penthouses with private rooftop pools, as well as a selection of ground-floor units, all with private terraces overlooking the lagoon. 

Show units are now open for viewing at the Laguna Property Sales Gallery within the Laguna Phuket estate.

Residents enjoy privileges available through the Laguna Advantage programme, including a first year of complimentary property management and insurance, along with a range of lifestyle benefits spanning education, healthcare, and leisure. These include discounts on international school fees, a complimentary membership to BDMS Health, and RAVA Beach Club – Thailand’s largest beachfront club. Select units also include membership at the prestigious Laguna Golf Phuket.

Beyond the development itself, owners become part of Banyan Group’s wider global community through complimentary Sanctuary Club membership, unlocking privileges across the group’s international network of hotels, resorts, spas and galleries. 

Laguna Phuket, a leading integrated resort, spans over 1,000 acres of parkland, lagoons, and 3 km of beachfront, just a 30-minute transfer from Phuket International Airport.

About Banyan Group Residences
Banyan Group Residences is the property development arm of Banyan Group, which is listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. The group’s main residential brands comprise flagship luxury Banyan Tree Residences, Angsana Residences, Dhawa Residences, Garrya Residences, Laguna Residences, Cassia Residences, Skypark, Laguna Lakelands, and Bellaguna.

(Source: Banyan Group)

Marriott expands Series brand in India

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DELHI, 28 May 2026: Marriott International has announced landmark dual milestones for Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott in India — 75 hotels have now been signed under the brand’s founding collaboration with Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL). 

Fifty of the properties are already open and welcoming guests, bringing over 3,556 rooms into Marriott’s portfolio in India. Accomplished in under six months since the brand’s debut in November 2025, this pace of growth stands as one of the most compelling chapters in Marriott’s regional expansion story. It firmly establishes India as the defining foundation for Series by Marriott’s global growth.

Photo credit: Marriott International. Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott in India

With the founding deal for Series by Marriott’s global debut, Concept Hospitality and The Fern Hotels & Resorts brought to the table a distinctive combination of regional authenticity and a commitment to sustainable hospitality, spanning the breadth of the subcontinent. 

Together, the resulting Series by Marriott portfolio now spans 43 cities in India across Tier 1, 2 and 3 markets, reflecting both depth of presence and strong geographic balance across the country.

Series by Marriott is a regionally created, globally connected collection brand that brings together locally recognised hotel groups under the umbrella of Marriott Bonvoy. 

The brand now holds a presence in key cities, tier two markets, as well as popular resort destinations with openings such as The Fern Mumbai, Goregaon, Series by Marriott; The Fern Jaipur, Series by Marriott; The Fern Habitat Goa, Candolim, Series by Marriott; Rakabi The Fern Igatpuri, Series by Marriott and The Fern Residency Bengaluru, Seshadripuram, Series by Marriott.

All properties under The Fern Hotels & Resorts, a Marriott Bonvoy™ Series by Marriott, participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel programme from Marriott International.

(Source: Marriott International)

Thomas Cook partners with Atlys

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MUMBAI, 28 May 2026: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, an omnichannel foreign exchange services company, and Atlys, one of India’s leading visa processing platforms, have announced an exclusive long-term partnership to offer seamless and convenient foreign exchange solutions to travellers across leisure and student travel segments.

The partnership aims to simplify access to foreign exchange by integrating Thomas Cook India’s offerings into the visa application journey on Atlys. The collaboration thus brings together two highly complementary services  — visa processing and foreign exchange — into a single, unified journey, enabling customers to plan essential aspects of their international travel with greater ease and efficiency.

Photo credit: Thomas Cook India.

Customers applying for international visas can opt for forex and seamlessly connect with Thomas Cook India to obtain a Visa backed Forex Card or foreign currency. The service is supported by a streamlined process featuring Thomas Cook India’s digital and assisted onboarding, video KYC, and secure doorstep delivery across India, ensuring a convenient and reliable experience. 

The initiative aims to support today’s travellers seeking digital-first, hassle-free bookings.   

Thomas Cook’s products

Prepaid Travel Cards: 28 global currencies.

Holidays: Borderless Travel – prepaid multi-currency card.

Overseas Education: Study Buddy card.

One Currency Card: India’s first prepaid card with zero cross-currency conversion fee.

Currency notes: high-demand travel destinations.

Overseas Remittances: Send Money Abroad service covering over 120 countries.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, Chief Business Officer – Foreign Exchange, Deepesh Varma said, “This collaboration aligns well with our customer-first approach, as travellers increasingly seek speed, convenience and reliability at every stage of their journey. Forex is an essential part of outbound travel, and through this partnership, we will be able to cater to a fast-growing base of digitally savvy, young travellers. With our digital capabilities spanning the Thomas Cook website, TC Pay app available on Android and iOS, and 24/7 WhatsApp assistance, we are well-positioned to offer a seamless and convenient forex experience.”

(Source: Thomas Cook India)

Qatar rolls out FIFA livery aircraft

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DOHA, Qatar, 28 May 2026: Qatar Airways has officially unveiled its FIFA special livery aircraft on a Boeing 777 ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, celebrating the airline’s longstanding partnership with FIFA.

Building on the legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the new livery reflects the next chapter in Qatar Airways’ journey with FIFA as the Official Airline Partner of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The special-livery aircraft will operate to key destinations across Europe, the US and Asia, engaging fans around the world as excitement continues to build ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Photo credit: Qatar Airways.

In addition to the exterior design, the aircraft interior features bespoke cabin dressing inspired by the FIFA World Cup 2026. Designed exclusively for this special livery, it brings the tournament’s ambience and excitement into the in-flight experience. Following the tournament, the aircraft will continue to fly with both the special livery and cabin dressing to commemorate the event.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico, bringing together the world’s best national teams in the largest edition of the tournament to date.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Where to enjoy Dragon Boat Festivals

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SINGAPORE, 28 May 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda highlights destinations that are hosting Dragon Boat Festivals in 2026. 

Falling on 19 June this year, the traditional festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and commemorates the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan.

Dragon boat races and the preparation of zongzi, a type of sticky rice dumpling, mark the festival. Travellers can explore a mix of lesser-known cities and vibrant regions across Asia to enjoy the festivities and cultural richness of this historic celebration.

Hangzhou, China

In Hangzhou, the Dragon Boat Festival transforms the tranquil West Lake into a bustling arena of excitement. The rhythmic paddling of dragon boats echoes across the water, drawing crowds eager to witness the spectacle. Beyond the races, Hangzhou offers a serene escape with its lush gardens and historic pagodas, inviting visitors to delve into its rich cultural tapestry.

Wuzhen, China

Wuzhen, a picturesque water town, provides a charming backdrop for the Dragon Boat Festival. The town’s meandering canals host the races, set against a backdrop of ancient stone bridges and traditional wooden houses. Visitors can wander through narrow alleyways, discovering local crafts and savouring the flavours of zongzi, all while soaking in the town’s timeless ambience.

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung comes alive during the Dragon Boat Festival, with the Love River serving as the focal point for the festivities. The vibrant races are complemented by a lively atmosphere, where street vendors offer an array of Taiwanese delicacies. The city’s modern attractions, including art districts and bustling night markets, provide a dynamic contrast to the traditional celebrations.

Macao

In Macao, Nam Van Lake becomes the epicentre of the Dragon Boat Festival, where the races are a thrilling spectacle against the city’s iconic skyline. The blend of Portuguese and Chinese influences is evident in the architecture and cuisine, offering visitors a unique cultural experience. From exploring historic ruins to indulging in fusion dishes, Macau presents a captivating mix of old and new.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Dragon Boat Festival is a vibrant affair, with Victoria Harbour hosting the races. The city’s skyline provides a dramatic backdrop, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of cultural performances and culinary delights, making Hong Kong a bustling hub of activity during the festival.

Chiayi, Taiwan

Chiayi offers a more tranquil setting for the Dragon Boat Festival, with its rivers providing a serene stage for the races. The city’s proximity to the Alishan National Scenic Area allows visitors to explore breathtaking landscapes and experience Taiwan’s natural beauty. Chiayi’s local festivities and traditional markets offer a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.

Agoda Vice President, Supply Jun Dong shared: “The Dragon Boat Festival is a fantastic opportunity to explore the cultural tapestry of Asia. Agoda is thrilled to guide travellers to these hidden gems where they can enjoy the festivities in a truly authentic setting. With our extensive network of accommodations and travel options, Agoda makes it easy for travellers to plan their perfect getaway, whether this be a cosy stay, adventurous itinerary or more.”

(Source: Agoda)

Greater Bay Area bus rides sell on 12Go

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HONG KONG, 28 May 2026: GoByBus.hk, Hong Kong’s first online platform for cross-border bus tickets and a Hong Kong Science Park–backed startup, has announced a strategic partnership with 12Go, a leading transportation booking platform across Asia. 

The partnership allows international travellers to book cross-border bus tickets connecting Hong Kong with Macao and major cities in Mainland China’s Greater Bay Area using 12Go’s platform, enhanced by GoByBus.hk’s local expertise.

It combines GoByBus.hk’s specialised expertise in Hong Kong–Macau-Mainland China coach services with 12Go’s regional booking infrastructure. 

Travellers can now enjoy real-time schedules, instant e-tickets, secure payments, and direct bus routes, removing the need for multiple platforms or border hassles.

“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in simplifying cross-border travel for foreign passengers,” said GoByBus.HK Chief Business Developer Ken Yung. “By partnering with 12Go, we can offer even more reliable, user-friendly ticketing options for popular routes such as Hong Kong to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and beyond to foreign users. Our goal is to expose the foreign user to enjoy a convenient cross-border travel experience in our hometown.”

Partnership benefits

Expanded Network: Access a wider range of bus operators and schedules instantly.

Seamless Booking: Online ticketing with e-tickets delivered via email.

Competitive Pricing: Enjoy attractive fares and exclusive promotions.

Optimised Experience: Mobile-friendly platform for planning trips on the go.

GoByBus.hk is committed to providing the most up-to-date route information and online ticketing infrastructure. At the same time, the partnership with 12Go strengthens its position as the primary platform for Hong Kong–Mainland China-Macao bus travel.

About GoByBus.hk
GoByBus.hk is an online platform for cross-border and intercity bus travel. Users can check schedules and reserve tickets with multiple operators across Hong Kong and Mainland China.

About 12Go
Founded in Singapore in 2012, 12Go provides secure and efficient transportation booking services across Asia for both B2B and B2C customers.

(Source: GoByBus.hk)

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