SINGAPORE, 19 November 2025: AirAsia X (AAX) celebrated another milestone with the launch of its inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul last week, extending greater value and connectivity for Singapore travellers through AirAsia’s Fly-Thru options.
Flight D7604 departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) at 0935 on 14 November and landed at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) at 1605 local time, signifying a historic moment for AAX as it connects Asean with one of the world’s most dynamic cultural and economic cities.
[L to R] Dato’ Fam Lee Ee, Chairman of AirAsia X; Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of Capital A; Ahmad Amiri Abu Bakar, Consul General Of Malaysia In Istanbul; Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X; Sinan Seha Türkseven General Manager; Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) and Hasan Hamdan, Aviation Marketing, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport.
This launch marks the first-ever AAX service to Türkiye, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to expanding its footprint beyond Asia and offering affordable long-haul travel options for everyone.
AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said: “Istanbul has long been one of the most requested destinations among AAX’s guests — a true crossroads where East meets West, rich in history, culture and commerce. With this new service, Singaporeans can now enjoy a seamless and affordable Fly-Thru journey from Singapore to Türkiye via Kuala Lumpur, tapping into AirAsia’s vast network of over 130 destinations.
“As Türkiye welcomed over 62 million international visitors last year, we are proud to make this iconic cultural bridge between East and West more accessible. This inaugural flight marks a significant milestone to boost tourism and regional connectivity, serving as a key step in rebuilding our network and reaffirming our promise in long-haul, low-cost travel – connecting more people, more often, to more places and making the world a cosier place.”
Istanbul, famed for its halal tourism offerings, is a captivating blend of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy. Spanning two continents across the majestic Bosphorus Strait, the city dazzles with its timeless landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace — alongside bustling bazaars, vibrant street life, and a thriving culinary scene.
Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Istanbul (SAW):
SINGAPORE, 19 November 2025: Driven by the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Singapore’s hotel industry posted its highest monthly average daily rate (ADR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR) on record, according to preliminary October data from CoStar.
The provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics in global property markets reported that during October, Singapore’s occupancy levels remained above the 70% mark on all but one night — Monday, 20 October (68.1%).
In addition to record highs in ADR and RevPAR, Singapore’s monthly occupancy reached its highest level for an October since 2019.
Singapore achieved monthly highs in each of the three key performance metrics on Friday, 3 October: occupancy (95.9%), ADR (SGD757.62) and RevPAR (SGD726.47).
For comparison, last year’s race was held from 20-22 September, pushing occupancy to 91.7% (Friday, 20 September) and ADR and RevPAR to SGD 682.31 (Saturday, 21 September) and SGD 613.56 (Friday, 20 September), respectively.
The daily occupancy high this year was the best in the market since January 2020, while ADR and RevPAR were higher than on any other day on record.
For more information about the company, its products, and services, visit www.costargroup.com.
DELHI, 19 November 2025: Air India confirmed on Monday the resumption of direct flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG), starting 1 February 2026.
It marks Air India’s return to mainland China after nearly six years’ absence. Subject to the requisite regulatory approvals, Air India also intends to introduce nonstop flights between Mumbai and Shanghai in 2026.
Shanghai is the 48th international destination to be served by the Air India group. The airline will offer four weekly flights between Delhi and Shanghai using its twin-aisle Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which are configured with 18 flat-bed seats in business class and 238 seats in economy class. Flights are scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
The reinstatement of Air India’s services to Shanghai follows recent India-China diplomatic agreements that restored bilateral aviation agreements, suspended in early 2020. Air India first launched nonstop services to mainland China in October 2000.
Air India Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Campbell Wilson said: “The resumption of our Delhi-Shanghai services is more than a route launch. It is a bridge between two great, ancient civilisations and modern economic powerhouses. At Air India, we are happy to reconnect one of the world’s most vital air corridors, enabling travellers to pursue opportunities in business, trade, healthcare, education and culture with the comfort and warm Indian hospitality that define Air India.”
Bookings for Air India’s flights between Delhi and Shanghai are being progressively opened on all channels, including Air India’s website, mobile app, airport ticketing offices, contact centres, and through travel agents worldwide.
SINGAPORE, 19 November 2025: Following the recent launch of services from Newcastle, Australia, to Bali, Indonesia, Jetstar will increase flights to meet strong demand during the summer timetable, effective 31 March.
The airline will operate four flights weekly from Newcastle to Bali on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, up from the current three flights weekly. It boosts capacity by 24,000 seats annually to more than 96,000 seats on the route.
Photo credit: Jetstar.
After a 90-minute stop in Bali, the four weekly flights will continue to Singapore, allowing residents in the Hunter region of New South Wales to continue their journey to Singapore.
This new connection positions Newcastle as a growing international hub, following the launch of Newcastle-Bali, which marked the region’s return to international travel.
The additional weekly flight offers Newcastle locals more affordable fares and a greater choice when planning their next getaway to Bali and beyond.
Singapore provides a gateway to Southeast Asia and the world through the Qantas Group’s extensive network and partner airlines, offering a new way for tourists and business travellers to access Newcastle.
Jetstar Head of Network, Fleet Strategy and Planning Ted Knight commented: “We’ve seen incredible demand for our Newcastle-Bali flights since the launch, so it’s great to be adding a fourth weekly service.
“This extra flight gives Hunter (region) locals even more flexibility and 24,000 more low fare seats a year to one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots, and now, with a smooth connection through Denpasar, they can explore Singapore and beyond, too.
“With less than two hours between flights, customers can leave Newcastle in the morning and be dining in Singapore by the evening.”
BANGKOK, 19 November 2025: Here are the first two days of my Blue Jasmine diary, documenting each stage of an extraordinary nine-day rail journey through Thailand on the Blue Jasmine Train by DTH Travel.
Updates will follow every other day, providing a vivid, unfolding portrait of one of the country’s most exciting and culturally meaningful new tourism products.
Blue Jasmine Train launch at Hua Lamphong with DTH Travel Marketing & Sales Manager Aljoscha Keller, Varanya Tipayaphan, Pichai Visutriratana and the author AJW.
There are moments in travel when you feel you are not only witnessing history, but actively taking part in it. The inaugural departure of the Blue Jasmine Train was precisely such a moment. More than a rail journey, this new service represents the revival of a rare set of heritage carriages, a cross-cultural collaboration, and a bold step forward for Thailand’s experiential tourism sector.
A launch steeped in culture
The celebrations began on the eve of departure with a private cocktail reception at the Jim Thompson House and Museum. Two distinguished guests were invited to join in the celebration of the launch of the Blue Jasmine train in Thailand, alongside a gathering of international media and tourism specialists from around the world.
They were the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe and the Americas, Chiravadee Khunsub, and Jim Thompson Group Chief Executive Officer Frank Cancelloni.
Their presence was significant, underscoring the importance of this new rail experience and its role in strengthening Thailand’s position as a leading cultural tourism destination.
Jim Thompson’s soft furnishings throughout.
The connection between Jim Thompson and the Blue Jasmine is both aesthetic and philosophical. The train has been fully upgraded with Jim Thompson Thai silks and fabrics, explicitly chosen for their craftsmanship and heritage value. These textiles bring warmth, richness, and a distinctly Thai character to the carriages, elevating the interiors to a standard of understated prestige. The involvement of Jim Thompson also symbolises the bridge between tradition and modern silk designs and soft furnishings, a combination that sits at the heart of the Blue Jasmine experience.
As guests explored the museum at dusk, wandering through teakwood houses surrounded by jasmine-scented gardens, the tone was set beautifully for the train journey. This is not about speed, luxury for luxury’s sake or superficial spectacle but more about stories, heritage, artistry and the quiet pleasure of slow discovery.
Departure from Hua Lamphong Station
Morning brought us to Hua Lamphong Station, a place that holds deep emotional resonance for Thai travellers. Completed in 1916 during the reign of King Rama VI, Hua Lamphong was designed with input from Italian architect Mario Tamagno, whose influence is seen across several of Bangkok’s most important civic buildings. The station’s signature arched façade, symmetrical lines, and classical flourishes reveal a distinct European inspiration; yet, the building has become a cherished symbol of Thai rail heritage.
For more than a century, Hua Lamphong has been the setting for homecomings, farewells, pilgrimages, family holidays and cross-country adventures. Its grand central hall, filled with stained glass light and the rhythmic echoes of travellers, remains one of the city’s most evocative spaces.
To begin the Blue Jasmine journey here felt deeply fitting. As our group gathered, staff greeted guests, cameras clicked, and curious commuters paused to admire the gleaming carriages. The atmosphere carried the unmistakable energy of a departure that truly mattered. When the whistle finally sounded and the train eased forward, the emotion was palpable. We were on our way.
From Bangkok’s famous Hua Lamphong Station to Uthai Thani, north of Ayutthaya. Google Maps.
Prestigious train with a Japanese pedigree
The Blue Jasmine is not a luxury train in the conventional international sense. Instead, it is a prestigious, rare and culturally significant heritage experience. Its 10 carriages were built in Japan in the 1960s as long-distance overnight sleepers. Later, as a gesture of friendship and cooperation, the Japanese government gifted these carriages to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
Recognising their potential, SRT entrusted DTH Travel to prepare, reimagine and introduce the train to the global tourism market. Their vision has transformed this Japanese-born train into an extraordinary cross-cultural showcase. The Japanese heritage is reflected in the engineering and carriage structure, while the interiors feature Thai textiles, contemporary craftsmanship, and a warm, welcoming design.
With accommodation for just 37 guests, the train offers an intimate atmosphere. The journey features classic bunk cabins, elegantly updated Premium Suites, a dedicated dining car, and a panoramic lounge that serves as the social hub of the experience.
Ayutthaya and clackety clack to Uthai Thani
Thailand‘s ancient capital of Ayutthaya.
Day Two took us north to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, where towering prangs, serene Buddha images, and temple ruins rise from the landscape. Lunch beside lotus ponds at Baan Thai Ayutthaya offered a peaceful interlude before the group explored the historical zone by tuk-tuk, passing shimmering stupas and ancient waterways.
Later in the afternoon, we continued to Uthai Thani, a province known for its quiet authenticity and strong cultural roots. Our base for the night, the Uthai Heritage Resort, proved to be one of the most impressive boutique properties I have encountered in years. (Two of the nine nights are spent aboard the train, and the others in four-star hotels).
A former schoolhouse transformed with great sensitivity, the resort blends classic Thai architecture with wonderful nostalgia. Rooms still reflect their classroom origins, complete with aged teak, some of the rarest and most beautiful I have ever seen in a traditional Thai building. Their rich patina, their sheer width and the atmosphere they create elevate the rooms from charming to unforgettable.
The sense of arrival was captivating. Steep Thai roofs, weathered timbers and lush gardens framed the property in a way that felt both timeless and authentic. It is no exaggeration to say that one night is not enough. I am already planning a return visit simply to experience this gem more fully.
With Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, monks, markets, and local traditions still ahead, the Blue Jasmine promises a journey shaped by heritage, human connection and discovery.
Andrew J Wood is a British-born travel writer and former hotelier who has lived in Thailand since 1991. With over four decades of experience in hospitality, he has worked with leading hotel groups and served as a former Director of Skål International, as well as Past President of Skål International Asia, Skål Thailand, and Skål Bangkok. He writes for travel publications worldwide and is widely recognised as a long-standing ambassador for Thai tourism.
PATTAYA, Thailand, 18 November 2025: The 4th edition of the Royal Cliff Junior Tennis Thailand Championship, sponsored by Supersports, K-Swiss, Carabao, Technifibre, Vitala and School Tennis 10, concluded last week, attracting 150 young players and more than 300 spectators to Fitz Club – Racquets, Health and Fitness.
Junior athletes aged between four and 14 years from both Thailand and overseas competed across multiple categories, showcasing exceptional skills, sportsmanship, and a passion for the sport. One of the most memorable highlights was the Under-six category, which received tremendous cheers from the audience as the young competitors played with incredible determination and effort despite their age.
Another popular highlight was the ‘Challenge the CEO’ session, where 10 young players were selected through a lucky draw. The challenge was filled with lots of cheering and laughter.
Alongside the exciting matches, the event also offered a range of family-friendly activities, including art and craft booths, a chess zone, a massage corner and multiple food stations, creating a warm and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
As part of Royal Cliff’s continued commitment to supporting youth tennis development in Thailand, the Royal Cliff Junior Tennis Championship remains an impactful platform where the next generation of tennis players can learn, grow and shine through competition, friendship and inspiration.
Fitz Club, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for professional and recreational athletes. Renowned past ATP players such as Nikolay Davydenko,
Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke, and Denis Istomin have trained at this facility, utilising its courts, which are designed to replicate the conditions of the Australian Open. Fitz Club’s rich history includes hosting a variety of sporting events, from Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments to Squash championships and Table Tennis competitions, further establishing its legacy in the world of sports. Fitz Club is excited to present new sports facilities, including pickleball, futsal, basketball and badminton.
For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, please visit www.royalcliff.com and www.facebook.com/fitzclub.
DUBAI, UAE, 18 November 2025: Emirates is showcasing a diverse range of innovative products and introducing new technologies at the Dubai Airshow 2025, which got underway on Monday, 17 November.
The spotlight is on all three commercial aircraft types in its fleet: the Airbus A380, Boeing 777, and Airbus A350, the latest addition to the family.
Emirates Flight Training Academy’s (EFTA) recently delivered Gamebird GB1 aircraft, as well as its Diamond DA42-VI aircraft, are also on static display throughout the Dubai Airshow week ending 21 November.
Unveiling smart technologies
At the Dubai Airshow, Emirates’ exhibition stand brings the future of air travel to life with cutting-edge AI-powered customer experiences. Visitors can step through the Smart Corridor, an advanced biometric gateway that verifies passenger identities in real-time, eliminating the need for passports or boarding passes. The stand also features the airline’s newly launched Biometric Selfie Registration, a convenient feature now available on the Emirates App.
The airline is also demonstrating its AI-Enhanced Customer Handling functionality, offering visitors a glimpse into what future airport journeys will look like. Developed using NVIDIA AI infrastructure, this innovation can identify Emirates customers as soon as they enter the airport through IoT cameras positioned at key entry points. The AI technology provides the airport team with real-time visibility of passengers’ locations. It is designed to improve both operational efficiency and the overall customer experience by offering them more personalised service throughout their journey. This future concept will first be tested at Emirates’ First Class Check-in Area in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) before being expanded to Emirates Lounges across all concourses.
Emirates is also showcasing its Smart Skies Turbulence Management system, a pioneering, multi-layered approach designed to enhance flight safety, comfort, and efficiency by intelligently managing turbulence.
Upcycled for a new purpose
The highly successful ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ initiative, led by Emirates Engineering, has taken a bold new step forward with the introduction of a range of new products. Innovation meets technology in the Atelier Collection, featuring a state-of-the-art Morphing Coffee Table. Meanwhile, the Maintenance Collection features prototypes such as the Tricycle, the Mechanic Apron, and the Tool Belt. Each item is crafted from durable, high-performance materials, ensuring a reliable and functional final product that has been thoughtfully repurposed for Emirates Engineering personnel.
Select pieces from previous collections—highly regarded by aviation enthusiasts and collectors — will also be showcased. The ongoing charity initiative, Aircrafted KIDS — The Fabric Collection, has already distributed over 3,700 backpacks to schoolchildren across Africa and Asia. Meanwhile, Aircrafted by Emirates – The Leather Collection offers an extensive range of travel bags, some of which are available for purchase online through The Emirates Official Store.
Emirates will also display sustainably sourced products used onboard. These include the Business Class loungewear set made from botanic fibres, Emirates’ exclusive VOYA range of comfort and beauty essentials, Economy Class blankets crafted from recycled plastic bottles, among other products.
The future is here
Taking place at its purpose-built venue at the Dubai World Central from 17 to 21 November 2025, this year’s Dubai Airshow is themed ‘The Future is Here’, and will welcome thousands of visitors, manufacturers, and industry leaders from around the world to exchange insights, explore emerging trends, and experience the latest advancements in aviation and aerospace firsthand.
For more information on flights and fares or to make a booking, visit www.emirates.com.
SINGAPORE, 18 November 2025: More travellers are seeking to experience the spectacular Norwegian fjords, and to meet growing demand, Austrian Airlines will introduce a direct route from Vienna to Bergen starting in summer 2026, making it easier than ever to explore one of the world’s most iconic natural landscapes.
In 2024, the number of overnight stays by Austrian visitors at hotels and campsites in Western Norway rose by 11%, reflecting a strong upward trend in travel from Austria to the region.
Photo credit: Fjord Norway.
Beginning 1 June through mid-September 2026, Austrian Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Vienna and Bergen, providing convenient access for Austrian travellers eager to discover the beauty of Norway’s west coast.
“Our region continues to attract visitors from all over the world, and we are delighted that Austrians have truly discovered the magic of Fjord Norway,” says Fjord Norway CEO Stein Ove Rolland. “With our iconic fjords and mountains, charming towns and villages, Viking history, culture, and distinctive local food experiences, we offer a rich and diverse destination that we hope will inspire even more travellers in the years to come.”
“We are very pleased to connect Vienna and Bergen next summer,” says Benjamin Riviere, responsible for network development in the Nordics at Austrian Airlines. “This long-awaited connection brings Austria and Western Norway closer together. Following our successful launches of Vienna–Tromsø and Vienna–Evenes in 2023 and 2025, expanding to Bergen was a natural next step. The new Vienna–Bergen route will operate during the peak summer season in 2026.”
Fjord Norge AS/Fjord Norway is the official tourist board for Western Norway, responsible for international marketing of the Fjord Norway region.
HANOI, Vietnam, 18 November: Through a collaboration with Singapore Airlines, Vietnam’s loyalty brand, LynkiD, allows users to convert reward points into KrisFlyer miles.
Up until now, loyalty programmes in Vietnam have remained limited in both brand and geographic scope — primarily serving a single label and focusing on domestic rewards in retail, dining, or local gifting.
Against this backdrop, LynkiD’s strategic partnership with KrisFlyer – the global frequent flyer programme of Singapore Airlines marks a milestone for Vietnam’s loyalty industry.
With this new link, more than 8 million LynkiD users can now convert their accumulated points into KrisFlyer miles, unlocking a range of benefits, including redeeming international flight tickets, upgrading seats, enjoying duty-free shopping at airports, and accessing premium travel services worldwide. This development allows LynkiD to transcend geographic boundaries, bringing Vietnamese loyalty experiences closer to international standards.
Specifically, every 550 LynkiD points can be redeemed for 1 KrisFlyer mile, enabling customers to enjoy world-class journeys with a wide range of possibilities: redeeming flights or seat upgrades with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Star Alliance member airlines, and other partner carriers; booking hotel stays at global chains by accessing exclusive travel deals from Singapore Airlines’ partner Pelago.
The partnership with Singapore Airlines reflects LynkiD’s capabilities and long-term vision in building a borderless loyalty ecosystem. It demonstrates the ability of a Vietnamese brand to connect with world-leading names, while opening up new collaboration opportunities for businesses seeking modern and effective loyalty solutions.
MADRID, 18 November 2025: Shaikha Al Nowais has been confirmed as the new Secretary-General of UN Tourism after the organisation’s General Assembly formally ratified her nomination at a recent meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
She will replace the incumbent Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. Her term of office will run from 2026 to 2029.
Photo credit: UN Tourism. Shaikha Al Nowais.
The new Secretary-General was nominated by UN Tourism’s Executive Council last May. Following protocol, her nomination was put before the 160 Member States at the 26th General Assembly for their confirmation.
Al Nowais will be the first woman to lead the United Nations specialised agency for tourism in its 50-year history. She will begin her term at the start of 2026, having gained significant experience in the private sector, most notably as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group and serves on the boards of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Les Roches Hospitality Academy.
Addressing the UN Tourism Assembly, the Secretary-General-elect said: “This is a triumph for all of us. It is a shared moment that reflects our collective vision for a stronger, more connected… Together, we represent the hopes of millions whose lives are touched by this sector. Together, we carry the belief that tourism, at its best, can uplift nations and unite humanity.”
Looking ahead to her mandate, she outlined five core priorities: “Responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance.”
