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MFTF’s second edition stands on a firm footing

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KUALA LUMPUR, 6 July 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) hosted the 2nd edition of the MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF 2026) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL), 4 to 5 July.

Visiting the event, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) noted that Malaysia had retained the top spot on the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026 for the 11th consecutive year, receiving a score of 83, four points above last year’s rating, a testament to the nation’s world-class halal tourism ecosystem and the dedication of its industry players.

Photo credit: MATTA. (Centre): YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and MATTA President Nigel Wong. (centre right).

Muslim-friendly travel is a mainstream and rapidly growing global market. Modern Muslim travellers increasingly seek experiences that combine convenience, luxury, and cultural authenticity. The expectations of today’s Muslim travellers have become more sophisticated, and the opportunity for operators who meet them has never been greater.

Package travel leads demand among Muslim travellers, as fixed routes help families manage halal meals and religious needs, while domestic and regional travel accounts for over half of halal tourism demand in 2026.

For MATTA members, MFTF represented a direct and powerful channel to reach this growing consumer base and to showcase products built specifically around their needs.

Visit Malaysia 2026 targets 47 million visitors and MYR329 billion in tourism receipts, with Muslim-friendly offerings identified as one of the campaign’s key focus areas, and MFTF sits squarely at the heart of that agenda.

Spread across 2,700 sqm of exhibition space in one expansive hall, MFTF 2026 featured 122 booths from 57 participating organisations, marking it as the Association’s most comprehensive dedicated marketplace for Muslim-friendly travel products, services, and experiences. 

“MFTF was built for our members, and everything we do here is in service of giving them a real, practical platform to grow their businesses. Muslim-friendly travel is not just a trend; it is a sustained, expanding market that our members are well placed to serve. This Fair puts them directly in front of the consumers who are actively looking for what they offer,” said MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair Deputy Chairman Dr Fazil Khan.

A buyers’ contest was a welcome addition to this year’s edition, designed to reward visitors who engaged actively with exhibitors and made bookings at the fair. By spending a minimum of MYR100, visitors added an extra layer of excitement to the Fair floor, encouraging them to explore the full range of Muslim-friendly travel options.

A strong turnout of partners supported MFTF 2026.

Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) — premier partner

In a significant milestone for Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly travel industry, MATTA and the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) formalised their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the MFTF 2026 opening ceremony, commemorating a new chapter in the collaboration between the nation’s largest Association and the government agency mandated to champion Muslim-friendly tourism in Malaysia.

Dr Fazil noted: “MATTA and ITC have always shared the same direction. This MoU makes it official. Growing the Muslim-friendly travel market takes more than goodwill. It takes structure, accountability, and partnerships that are built to last. We are proud to have found that in ITC, and we look forward to what this means for our members and for the industry as a whole”.

“The needs of Muslim travellers are changing, as they now seek beyond basic halal requirements toward meaningful experiences, products, services and facilities. ITC commends MATTA for the successful return of the Muslim-Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF), providing the perfect platform to connect our industry with the public and maintain Malaysia’s position as a pioneer in this sector.

“This collaboration establishes a strategic partnership between ITC, as the driving force behind the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) ecosystem, and key industry associations, such as MATTA. Our goal is to scale Muslim-friendly tourism as an inclusive segment that delivers universal value to travellers and stakeholders. Under this framework, ITC provides the standards and capacity building, while MATTA brings an extensive network of industry players.

By onboarding MATTA members into the MFAR programme, we will train about 1,000 members over the next two years. This, alongside our Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide programme, mosque tourism and other relevant initiatives, will prepare Malaysia to welcome the projected 15 million international Muslim visitor arrivals to Malaysia by 2030,” said Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan, Director-General, ITC.

RHB Bank — official bank partner

“RHB Bank was proud to partner with MATTA and continued its support as the Official Bank for the Muslim Friendly Travel Fair 2026. Through solutions like the RHB Multi Currency Debit Card/-i, which enables transactions in up to 34 currencies, we aim to provide greater convenience and enhance the overall travel experience. We look forward to supporting visitors with exclusive offers and value-added banking solutions as they plan their journeys,” said Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad

Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) — fair destination sponsor

“Muslim travellers represent an essential segment for Macao as we actively work to diversify our visitor source markets. Together with our industry stakeholders, MGTO is committed to transforming Macao into a Muslim-friendly destination. Beyond the destination promotion conducted online and in person in target markets, MGTO has introduced practical resources, such as the Halal Travel Guide, and has conducted specialised service training for our local hospitality sector to ensure we accommodate this growing market.

“Returning to the MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair for a second year provides us with a platform to showcase these initiatives and demonstrate Macao’s readiness to welcome Muslim visitors from around the world,” said MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes.

(Source: MATTA)

Emirates debuts next-generation lounge concept

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Your Stories
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DUBAI, UAE, 3 July 3 2026: Emirates has unveiled a next-generation signature lounge concept, which is being introduced and rolled out across its key cities globally this year, marking another milestone in the airline’s continued investment in elevating the customer experience on the ground. 

The new design aesthetic has been revealed at the Emirates Lounge in Munich and Frankfurt, with signature Emirates Lounges in Manchester, Mauritius, and Istanbul expected to follow in the coming months. Serving as a blueprint for Emirates lounges worldwide, the latest signature concept reflects Emirates’ unwavering dedication to exceptional hospitality, luxury and innovation.

Emirates will invest more than AED50 million into each next-generation lounge, underscoring its commitment to delivering world-class facilities across its global network. With Emirates Lounges in Munich and Frankfurt already being explored and enjoyed by customers, the Emirates Lounge in Manchester is planned for July, followed by Mauritius in August, and Istanbul in October.

The new signature lounge design translates the celebrated aesthetic of the Emirates’ latest cabin interiors into a sophisticated ground experience. Customers can expect contemporary architecture and furniture, integrated technology, locally inspired dining, expert recommendations from an in-house barista and mixologist and wellness-focused amenities tailored to premium travellers. Artfully arranged to cater to customers who work, dine, relax and connect while travelling, the latest lounge concept sets a new benchmark for premium airport lounges.

“Our investment in our next-generation signature lounge concept reflects Emirates’ continued commitment to delivering a seamless, premium experience at every stage of the journey. These new lounges have been designed to combine refreshed luxurious interiors with the elevated hospitality and innovation that Emirates is known for – a space for our customers to relax, enjoy, dine and prepare for their travel in comfort. As we expand this concept and theme across our global network, it will set a new benchmark and standard for airport lounges and further strengthen our premium proposition,” said Emirates Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer Adel Al Redha.

Inspired by the elegant palette of Emirates’ cabin interiors and the flagship lounges of Dubai, customers will benefit from more than 50 design enhancements, including distinct zones for relaxation, work, socialising and dining. The new signature lounges display an unmistakably Emirates aesthetic, with discreetly integrated lighting, herringbone floors throughout, accents of marble and gold, and the signature backlit Emirates Ghaf Tree motif – a nod to UAE culture, highlighting the national tree.

Focused Work & Productivity in Emirates Lounges

For customers who wish to work or stay connected while travelling, the new Emirates Lounges offer more private areas and communal spaces designed to serve as both social hubs and workspaces. Details such as Italian eco-leather seating, wireless charging and universal power access at every seat enhance productivity, while a dedicated artefact wall honours both local artists and Emirati culture. Emirates’ signature Rolex clocks adorn walls and provide global time zones.

Elevated Dining in Emirates Lounges

With ample seating and an inviting atmosphere, dining areas in the new Emirates Lounge design have been reimagined around culinary theatre and live cooking. Menus will offer a wide variety of international cuisine, with highlights including regional specialities and a dedicated ‘Made In’ area spotlighting the best of local cuisine. Live cooking stations will offer à la minute dishes, while hot and cold buffet selections will be refreshed throughout the day and night. A dedicated bread oven fills the air with the tempting aromas of handcrafted pizzas, flatbreads and manakeesh, inspired by the city of Dubai.

Premium beverages continue to be offered with Emirates’ curated selection of wines, beers, champagne and spirits. A new barista bar concept will feature a dedicated mixologist who will offer locally inspired cocktails, mocktails, speciality coffees, and artisan teas.

Restorative relaxation in Emirates Lounges

Guests are welcomed into a calm environment enhanced by Emirates’ signature scent of bergamot, citrus, jasmine and soft wood, while displays of local plants and fresh floral arrangements enhance the ambience. Customers who wish to freshen up will enjoy upgraded shower suites with spa-inspired finishes and sustainable VOYA amenities.

Dedicated male and female prayer rooms offer a serene environment for spiritual reflection with ablution facilities and Qibla direction integrated into the design, ensuring guests can perform their prayers in comfort and privacy.

For relaxation and sleep while on layovers, the Quiet Zone provides an oasis of calm. Featuring plush seating, soft lighting, and sleep amenities such as blankets, eye masks, and earplugs, this area is designed to help guests recharge. Additional facilities include spaces for private meetings and breastfeeding, ensuring every customer’s needs are accommodated. All Emirates Lounges operate as silent environments, ensuring a peaceful experience for travellers.

About Emirates Lounges
Emirates Lounges are complimentary for First Class and Business Class customers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members, including those travelling in Premium Economy and Economy Class. Paid access is also available.

Emirates has a vast network of 42 dedicated airport lounges, including 8 in Dubai and 34 at major airports worldwide, all designed with the same attention to detail and exceptional service. Emirates operates lounges in key cities across the network – Auckland, Bangkok, Beijing, Birmingham, Brisbane, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Glasgow, Hamburg, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Kuala Lumpur, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Manchester, Melbourne, Milan, Munich, New York (JFK), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Perth, Rome, San Francisco, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Vienna and Zurich.

At Dubai International Airport (DXB), eight Emirates Lounges are located in the flagship Terminal 3, with 3 lounges for First Class customers and 5 for Business Class customers.

Visit the Emirates Lounges

(Source: Your Stories — Emirates)

Transforming vacations into experiences with Centara

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Your Stories
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BANGKOK, 3 July  2026: Today’s travellers are seeking more than beautiful places to stay; they crave meaningful experiences that feel personal, authentic and engaging. Now, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is empowering guests to take a deeper dive into their destination with a curated series of culinary journeys, cultural rituals, sustainability initiatives and family moments.

Here are just some of the ways Centara can transform a vacation into an immersive experience in Thailand, Nepal, the Maldives and beyond.

A Chef’s story told through local flavours

At Centara Villas Phi Phi Island, guests can embark on an exclusive Island-to-Table Dining Experience that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Southern Thailand. Set against the breathtaking Andaman seascape, the intimate Chef’s Table showcases the freshest seafood sourced daily from nearby fishing communities alongside seasonal ingredients from Krabi’s farms and local villages. Signature dishes include Southern sour curry with locally caught snapper, spicy stir-fried razor clams, dry-curried Andaman prawns, crispy reef fish with lime-chilli dressing, and the vibrant Khao Yam Andaman rice salad, before concluding with a traditional coconut custard dessert.

As each course is served, the resort’s chef shares the stories behind the ingredients, local fishing traditions, and the inspiration behind every dish, creating an immersive dining experience that connects travellers with the authentic flavours, culture, and heritage of Phi Phi Island.

Family moments & hidden surprises

At Centara Watergate Pavilion Hotel Bangkok, young guests arriving in the stylish Family Residence are greeted by two adorable kangaroo companions, waiting on their bunk bed. Each of these cute and cuddly toys carries a hidden surprise tucked inside its pouch, delighting children from the moment they step into the room. Intuitively designed to spark imagination and excitement, this heartfelt gesture transforms the check-in process into a cherished family memory. This reflects Centara’s unique approach to hospitality: thoughtful, personal and curated to make every member of the family feel special.

Sacred Trails, shared responsibility

At Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, guests can make a positive impact on this breathtaking destination nestled in the heritage-rich hills of Kaskikot. Through its “Sacred Trails, Shared Responsibility” initiative, travellers can come together with the local community and play an active role in preserving a deeply revered site, including the sacred Devi Temple, which continues to attract thousands of devotees year-round.

Beyond these meaningful initiatives, guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty, culture, and history that make Pokhara one of Nepal’s most beloved destinations.

Guests can discover the beauty and heritage of Pokhara through experiences that showcase the destination’s natural and cultural treasures. From boating on the serene Phewa Lake with views of the Annapurna range to exploring ancient caves, visiting the International Mountain Museum, and taking in landmarks such as Davis Falls and the World Peace Pagoda, each experience offers a deeper connection to the region’s unique character.

By joining these efforts, visitors can help to protect the cultural legacy and natural beauty of Kaskikot for future generations.

From island garden to plate

 At Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, sustainability can be tasted. Fresh vegetables and herbs are cultivated in organic island gardens, while a hydroponic system produces leafy greens, all of which are harvested and used in the resort’s restaurants.

This “Island Garden-to-Plate” initiative allows guests to gain insight into how fresh ingredients are grown in a remote ecosystem, reducing transit emissions and creating a tangible connection between the destination and the plate.

This is a simple yet powerful reminder that tourism and environmental responsibility can thrive together.

Traditional Thai blessings

At Centara Ayutthaya, which is located close to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples of  Thailand’s ancient capital, guests are welcomed with a traditional ritual that reflects the grace and elegance of Thai culture. Upon arrival, visitors are invited to place delicate sheets of gold leaf onto a marble elephant statue, which symbolises strength and wisdom. This auspicious act is a centuries-old practice often performed at temples as a gesture of respect and a means of receiving blessings.

By participating in this heartfelt ceremony, travellers are encouraged to pause, reflect and begin their journey with positive intentions.

Experiences that stay in the soul long after check-out

Across its growing portfolio, Centara is committed to crafting meaningful experiences that bring guests closer to the people, traditions, and rituals that make each destination unique because the most memorable vacations are shaped by the stories we take home.

To start crafting your next journey with Centara Hotels & Resorts, visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com. 

(Source: Your Stories — Centara Hotels & Resorts)

WTTC and UNEP forge landmark alliance

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SINGAPORE, 3 July 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a framework for cooperation to accelerate the transition of the global Travel & Tourism sector towards a more sustainable, circular and resilient future.

The two-year agreement brings together UNEP’s environmental leadership and global sustainability expertise with WTTC’s network of the world’s leading Travel & Tourism companies to drive meaningful action across circular economy solutions, nature conservation, sustainable food systems and the fight against plastic pollution.

Photo credit: WTTC. (Left) WTTC  President & CEO, Gloria Guevara and (right) United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen.

A key outcome of the agreement is the creation of structured opportunities for WTTC Members to participate voluntarily in UNEP flagship sustainability programmes, particularly those addressing environmental action, plastics, and food waste. This will enable companies to move faster from commitment to measurable results.

Through the collaboration, WTTC and UNEP will also strengthen joint advocacy and global policy leadership, working together to influence international tourism policy and develop recommendations that create an enabling environment for industry-wide sustainability action.

The MoU establishes a structured joint work programme, with agreed priorities and regular high-level coordination. Governance will be supported through designated focal points, the identification of priority projects, the development of a joint work plan, and ongoing annual and technical working meetings to ensure effective implementation.

The partnership will further enhance global visibility for both organisations, enabling joint participation in international fora, collaboration on events, and expanded knowledge-sharing opportunities, while strengthening engagement between the UN system and the private sector.

Under the agreement, WTTC and UNEP will collaborate to:

  • Promote nature-positive and regenerative tourism approaches that protect, restore and finance biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • Advance circular economy solutions and help eliminate unnecessary and problematic plastics.
  • Expand action on food waste reduction, supporting businesses to measure, report and reduce food waste.
  • Strengthen industry engagement on water stewardship, resource efficiency, energy sustainability, ocean and coastal conservation, and sustainable food systems.
  • Support capacity-building programmes, pilot projects and implementation initiatives.
  • Align industry action with international best practice and UNEP guidance through technical collaboration, knowledge sharing and practical implementation support.

WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s most effective forces for sustainable development. Through this partnership with UNEP, we are bringing together global leadership, industry expertise and practical action to help businesses accelerate environmental action, reduce waste, protect biodiversity and create lasting positive impact for destinations and communities. Together, we can ensure that the growth of Travel & Tourism goes hand in hand with a planet that sustains great travel experiences.”

As global Travel & Tourism continues its growth trajectory, WTTC and UNEP recognise the urgent need to decouple growth from environmental degradation and ensure tourism becomes a force for environmental resilience and ecosystem restoration.

The partnership will run through June 2028 and be supported by regular strategic dialogue, technical exchanges, and collaborative initiatives designed to deliver practical impact for businesses, destinations, and communities worldwide.

(Source: WTTC)

Anantara hires GM for Koh Yao Yai resort

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 3 July 2026: Minor Hotels has appointed Erik Billgren as General Manager of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas.

In 2021, he joined Minor Hotels as General Manager of Anantara Mui Ne Resort in Vietnam. This was followed by posts at Anantara Quy Nhon Villas in Vietnam and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka, both beacons of luxury with stunning beachfront settings in private coves.

Photo credit: Anantara Hotels. Erik Billgren.

“Erik brings vision to hospitality, as well as a proven track record of success,” says Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International. “We are delighted he takes the helm of one of our most high-profile Thailand properties and look forward to seeing him take it to even greater heights.”

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is an all-suite, villa and penthouse sanctuary located on a private stretch of beach on Thailand’s last unspoiled island. It can be reached by speedboat in only 35 minutes from Phuket or 30 minutes from Krabi.

(Source: Minor Hotels)

Etihad embarks on summer expansion

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Newsdesk
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ABU DHABI, 3 July 2026: Etihad Airways is increasing capacity across its network in response to strong demand, increasing frequencies to Brussels and Kraków, making Abu Dhabi–Dhaka a year-round route, and extending seasonal services to Zanzibar and Palma de Mallorca. 

The changes reflect continued growth in demand, with additional capacity added where demand has been strongest.

Photo credit: Etihad. More summer destinations join the route network.

Abu Dhabi–Dhaka, which launched on 26 June with a sold-out inaugural flight, is now confirmed as a year-round service due to strong demand. The route runs four times a week on the Boeing 777, with 28 seats in business and 374 in economy, serving the large Bangladeshi community across the UAE and carrying substantial belly-hold cargo that supports trade between the two countries.

Etihad’s seasonal Abu Dhabi–Zanzibar service has been extended to 31 March 2027, well beyond its previous end date in September, on the strength of demand for the Indian Ocean island. With its turquoise shallows, spice plantations and the UNESCO-listed lanes of Stone Town, Zanzibar is one of the most sought-after escapes on the network, now within reach for far longer.

The seasonal Abu Dhabi–Palma service to Mallorca, operated by the A321LR, has been extended to 18 October 2026. From the hidden coves and clear waters of its coastline to the old town of Palma and the mountain villages of the Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca is a Mediterranean favourite now available later into the autumn.

Abu Dhabi–Kraków increases to four flights a week from 27 July 2026, up from three, following strong demand for travel to southern Poland. Operated by the A321LR, the seasonal service connects Abu Dhabi with one of Europe’s great cultural cities, from the medieval market square of the Old Town to the riverside setting of Wawel Castle.

Abu Dhabi–Brussels increases to 11 flights a week from 15 December 2026, up from seven, adding four weekly services on the three-cabin Airbus A321LR, with first, business, and economy classes. 

Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, Arik De, said: “The response from our guests has exceeded our expectations, with strong demand across very different markets, from Brussels and Dhaka to Kraków, Zanzibar and Palma, and we’re responding by adding capacity where demand is strongest. These additional flights and extended seasonal services are bringing more visitors to Abu Dhabi while strengthening connections across our growing global network.”

(Source: Etihad)

Condor GSA account goes to AVIAREPS

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Newsdesk
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NEW DELHI, 3 July 2026: AVIAREPS India has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Condor to support its commercial objectives in India and enhance awareness of the airline’s global network among the travel trade and consumers.

As Condor’s GSA in India, AVIAREPS India will provide sales, reservations, ticketing, and market development support nationwide. Leveraging its extensive travel trade network and local market expertise, AVIAREPS India will work closely with travel agencies, tour operators, corporate partners, and industry stakeholders to drive demand.

Photo credit: Condor.

The appointment comes as Condor continues to expand worldwide connectivity through its Frankfurt hub, offering travellers access to more than 70 destinations across Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. With a modern fleet and a growing network, the airline is well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for international travel worldwide.

AVIAREPS, Chief Operating Officer, Aviation, Marcelo Kaiser said: “Our partnership with Condor continues to grow, and we are proud to expand our collaboration into India further, one of the world’s most dynamic and promising aviation markets. This development reflects our shared vision of unlocking new opportunities and building strong, long-term relationships with local trade partners. With India’s rapidly growing demand for international travel, we see tremendous potential to position Condor’s network further. Our teams on the ground are fully committed to driving brand awareness, strengthening market presence, and supporting Condor’s continued growth in this exciting region”.

Condor Manager New Markets Florian Stahl added: “India represents a market of significant long-term potential. AVIAREPS India brings deep market knowledge, strong relationships in the travel trade, and proven expertise in airline representation, making it an ideal partner in the region”.

Founded in 1956, Condor flies approximately 10 million passengers annually to more than 70 destinations worldwide. The airline operates one of Europe’s most modern fleets, including its state-of-the-art Airbus A330neo aircraft, while continuing to invest in customer experience, efficiency, and network expansion.

(Source: Aviareps)

TransNusa flies to Bangkok twice daily

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Newsdesk
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JAKARTA, 3 July 2026: TransNusa continues to expand its international network with the launch of a new Jakarta–Bangkok route, scheduled to commence operations on 6 August 2026.

Having launched its first international flight from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2023, the airline is ready to establish twice-daily flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), a busy route served by Garuda and Thai Airways International.  

Photo credit: TransNusa.

The airline will operate twice-daily flights using an A320 with 174 seats

TransNusa will schedule twice-daily flights from Jakarta (CGK) airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand’s primary international gateway. 

According to TransNusa Group CEO Datuk Bernard Francis, the launch of the Jakarta–Bangkok route represents a strategic move to meet the growing demand for leisure travel to Thailand from Indonesia.

“Thailand remains one of the most popular destinations among Indonesian travellers, while Indonesia continues to attract increasing interest from Thai visitors. By launching the Jakarta–Bangkok route with twice-daily services from the outset, we aim to provide greater flexibility for our customers while further strengthening connectivity between our two countries,” said Datuk Bernard Francis.

The first daily flight will depart Jakarta at 0820 and arrive in Bangkok at 1145. The return service will depart Bangkok at 1230 local time and arrive in Jakarta at 1555.

The second daily flight will depart Jakarta at 1630 and arrive in Bangkok at 1955. The return flight will leave Bangkok at 2040 and arrive in Jakarta at 0005 on the following day.

TransNusa is offering competitive introductory fares starting from IDR 2,999,000 one-way.

The launch of the Jakarta–Bangkok route is expected further to strengthen the growing tourism relationship between Indonesia and Thailand. Thailand remains one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after travel destinations, offering a diverse range of attractions — from the cultural heritage of Bangkok and Ayutthaya to the stunning beaches of Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya, and the natural beauty of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. 

At the same time, Indonesia’s world-class destinations appeal to Thai travellers with TransNusaa offering connecting flights from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, Bali and Lombok.

Tickets for the Jakarta–Bangkok route are now available to book on the official TransNusa website and on popular booking sites such as Skyscanner.

TransNusa officially launched its first international flight on 14 April 2023, with a route connecting Jakarta (CGK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL). This marked a major pivot for the airline following its post-pandemic relaunch under new ownership, shifting from a domestic regional carrier to a premium service carrier focused on international expansion.  

Its scheduled international destinations include Singapore, served from both Jakarta and Bali. It also serves Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with flights to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB).

(Source: TransNusa)

Globas appoints MD Asia Pacific

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Newsdesk
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SYDNEY, 3 July 2026: Globus family of brands (GFOB) has named luxury retail and commercial leader Christopher Leigh as managing director Asia Pacific, effective 27 July 2026. 

The appointment followed the announcement in May that current managing director Chris Hall would transition to the newly created role of Chairman and Strategic Advisor.

Christopher Leigh

Leigh brings over 15 years’ experience leading luxury retail operations across Australia and New Zealand, most recently as Managing Director of Breitling Oceania, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, a role he held for seven years after more than two years as the brand’s Marketing Director.

He led significant revenue growth for Breitling through strategic retail expansion, cost control and margin improvement measures. He also forged strategic partnerships with Qantas, News Corp and Nine.

GFOB President and Chief Executive Officer, Scott Nisbet, said: “Christopher’s success in growing a premium luxury brand through trade channel development and strategic partnerships is highly relevant to our sector. Whether you’re selling a luxury watch or a high-value holiday, the mindset and buyer behaviour are similar, and we are excited to enlist his experience and fresh perspective as we grow our touring and river cruise brands.”

Leigh will be based in GFOB’s Sydney office. 

(Source: Globus)

TG returns to Amsterdam after 28 years

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 3 July 2026: Thai Airways International launched its inaugural flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on 1 July 2026, resuming services that were terminated in 1998.

THAI Chief Executive Officer, Chai Eamsiri and THAI Chief Commercial Officer, Kittiphong Sansomboonat, welcomed VIPs and guests at a ceremony held at Bangkok’s  Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Photo credit: THAI. Time to board TG’s inaugural flight to Amsterdam.

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, blends centuries of rich history with modern urban living reflected in iconic landmarks, such as the Rijksmuseum, home to more than 8,000 works of art and historical artifacts; the Dancing Houses, a row of distinctive 17th-century Dutch canal houses renowned for their charming leaning structures; Dam Square, the location of the Royal Palace Amsterdam; and the Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beyond its cultural attractions, Amsterdam serves as one of Western Europe’s key transportation and commercial gateways. Its strategic location enables convenient rail connections to neighbouring countries such as Belgium and Germany, while its international airport provides extensive access to destinations across Europe. Amsterdam also has one of the Netherlands’ major seaports, playing a vital role in international trade and industrial logistics.

Effective 1 July, THAI operates daily nonstop flights between Bangkok and Amsterdam, using an Airbus A350-900 configured with 327 seats in three classes – business, premium economy and economy.

Flight schedule

Bangkok – Amsterdam (daily)
TG936 departs Bangkok (BKK) at 0535 and arrives in Amsterdam (AMS) at 1240. 

Amsterdam – Bangkok (daily)
TG937 departs Amsterdam (AMS) at 1415 and arrives in Bangkok (BKK) at 0635 plus a day.

THAI operates the BKK-AMS route, competing head-on with KLM (SkyTeam) and EVA Air, both of which have maintained reliable service for decades.

KLM flies daily on the route using a B77-300ER with 381 seats, while EVA Air also serves the route with a B777-300 ER three times weekly on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. 

EVA quotes a round-trip fare of USD1,075 on Skyscanner.

KLM quotes a round-trip fare of USD1,203 and TG is the most expensive at USD1,278. Flight time is 12 hours and 55 minutes.

Fare data analysis shows the route’s average round-trip fare in economy class is currently USD1,160, but the average is likely to fall to USD671 by November and rise to USD922 in December.

(Source: Skyscanner)

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