Wednesday, May 20, 2026
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SOTC expands retail outlets in North India

MUMBAI, 22 April 2026: SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel company, has strengthened its presence in North India by launching two new franchise outlets in Bareilly and Noida, Uttar Pradesh. 

This strategic expansion underscores the company’s focus on deepening its regional footprint across high-potential Tier 1 and  2 markets.

Photo credit: SOTC.

Bareilly, an emerging market with rising disposable incomes and evolving travel aspirations, presents a compelling opportunity for SOTC to engage new and first-time holiday consumers. In contrast, Noida, a key hub in the NCR region, has a large base of affluent professionals, a strong corporate presence, and high outbound travel demand. Together, these locations highlight a strategic expansion, enabling the company to effectively cater to diverse, high-potential consumer segments across North India.

Both stores will offer a comprehensive portfolio of domestic and international holidays, group tours, personalised holidays and cruises, along with value-added services, including travel insurance.

Uttar Pradesh travel trends

Top domestic destinations: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Andaman & Sri Lanka.

International: Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, South Africa, Morocco, Europe.

Spiritual/Darshan portfolio: Strong interest in pilgrimage experiences, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Do Dham/Char Dham Yatra and Vaishnodevi Yatra, reflecting the region’s continued affinity for spiritual travel.

Regional product portfolio: Exclusive special tours designed specifically for our customers. These itineraries include local Indian language–speaking tour managers, Indian cuisine options, and culturally aligned experiences, ensuring greater comfort and familiarity for travellers.

Emerging Travel Preferences: Travellers from the state are increasingly seeking experiential and bucket-list holidays such as luxury multi-destination cruises, polar expeditions to Antarctica, Northern Lights experiences across Finland, Norway and Iceland, self-drive holidays and adventure-led itineraries.

Top customer segments: Multi-generational families, honeymooners and couples, working professionals, millennials and Gen Z. Average holiday duration: four to six days for domestic/short haul; 10 to 15 days for long haul.

SOTC Travel Limited Senior Vice President & Head – Holidays, Rakesh Bawa said: “North India continues to be a key growth engine for SOTC, with strong demand emerging from both metro and tier 2 markets. While Bareilly represents a fast-growing market with increasing travel aspirations, Noida offers access to a mature and well-travelled customer base within the National Capital Region (NCR).” 

(Source: SOTC)

Club Med plants footprint on Samui

SINGAPORE, 22 April 2026: Club Med and Central Group Capital announce the signing of a hotel management agreement for a resort located on Samui Island, Thailand.

The partnership will bring the Club Med Exclusive Collection Resort brand to the Thai island destination in mid- 2028, marking the third Collection Resort-branded property in the East South Asia, and Pacific (ESAP) region. 

Photo credit: Club Med.

Club Med Exclusive Collection Koh Samui will feature 303 rooms, marking the brand’s first Exclusive Collection Resort in Thailand and the second Club Med-branded property, following Club Med Phuket, which opened its doors in 1985 on Phuket Island’s west coast.

Located just a 25-minute commute from Samui Airport, Club Med Exclusive Collection Koh Samui will join Club Med’s global network of over 60 Premium and Exclusive Collection Resorts across 25 countries. 

The official unveiling of the new resort took place at Club Med Kiroro Peak, Japan, held in the presence of Stéphane Maquaire, President and CEO of Club Med, Rachael Harding, CEO, ESAP of Club Med, and Soravit Chairoj, Managing Partner and Co-Head of Central Group Capital.

(Source: Club Med)

Air Astana wins quality service awards

SINGAPORE, 22 April 2026: Air Astana takes home more international awards recognising its high-quality onboard service at the annual WTCE exhibition, held in Hamburg from 14 to 16 April 2026. 

The airline was honoured with Travel Plus, Onboard Hospitality and PAX Readership Awards across several categories.

Photo credit: Air Astana.

The airline won Travel Plus Gold Awards for its business class amenity kit, business class bedding collection, children’s amenity kits for passengers aged over six and for infants, and also received a five-star rating for passenger service and amenities.

The infant amenity kit received the highest recognition from the Onboard Hospitality Awards jury in the category “Best Onboard Amenities for Young Passengers.”

In addition, Air Astana was named the winner of the PAX Readership Awards in the CIS region in the following categories:

Best Passenger Experience, Best Inflight Catering, Best Economy Class Amenity Kit, Best Children’s Amenity Kit, Best Business Class Amenity Kit, and Best Business Class Table Linen.

WTCE (World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo) is a leading international exhibition dedicated to inflight catering, onboard retail and passenger service solutions. The event has been held annually since 2012, and Air Astana has repeatedly been among its award winners.

(Source: Air Astana)

PATA seeks the Face of the Future 2026

BANGKOK, 22 April 2026: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is now accepting applications for the prestigious PATA Face of the Future 2026 award, with the deadline set for 15 June, 2026.

For almost 25 years, PATA has annually presented its PATA Face of the Future Award to single out exceptional ‘rising stars’ in the travel and tourism industry. 

Photo credit: PATA.

This honour is granted to selected young professionals who have exhibited initiative and leadership in the advancement of tourism and demonstrate commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in line with PATA’s mission.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid explains: “The PATA Face of the Future is the association’s most prominent award for young talents; a great motivation for the next generation to pursue the path that leads to a difference. This year, as the award also coincides with PATA’s 75th Anniversary, we would be delighted to celebrate a new face of leadership at the beginning of our new chapter, and look forward to seeing how they set the standards for the generation that follows.

Additionally, the winners will be featured in the 2026 Face of the Future Winner E-Booklet. See the 2024 edition of the Winner E-Booklet here: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f24290fd0d0910ecab2b02e/t/6811f883e409cb06185cfe93/1746008255176/Face+of+the+Future+2024-Booklet-1Apr..pdf

For full application details, eligibility requirements, and judging criteria, visit www.pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future-2026 or contact Nick Chun, PATA Manager of Membership & Youth Programme, at [email protected].

(Source: PATA)

Robodog guides patrol Singapore attractions

SINGAPORE, 22 April 2026: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has partnered with China-based travel platform Mafengwo to launch AI-powered, multilingual visitor guides at Sentosa Sensoryscape as well as Exploria and Curiosity Cove at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. 

The pilot programme will run until 17 May 2026 and transform how visitors explore Singapore’s attractions.

Photo credit: Sentosa.

The robodogs leverage artificial intelligence and Mafengwo’s travel content ecosystem to deliver storytelling and real-time visitor assistance in English and Mandarin during the pilot project. This innovative and dynamic approach caters to Singapore’s diverse international audience while delivering an engaging, intuitive visitor experience at Sentosa and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Sentosa

On Sentosa, guests will be accompanied by the robodogs and discover interesting stories about Sentosa Sensoryscape, a green connector linking Resorts World Sentosa to the island’s beaches. During the guided tour, the robodogs will converse with guests in English and Mandarin to learn more about them and recommend nearby Sentosa attractions and places of interest, based on their travel preferences. 

Mandai Wildlife Reserve

At the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the robodogs are deployed across its two new indoor attractions — Exploria, a 10,000 sqm nature-themed immersive multimedia experience, and Curiosity Cove, a 4,600 sqm nature-inspired playscape for children and families.

Across both attractions, guests can catch the robodogs in action as they perform a range of playful moves, from friendly waves to energetic stunts like somersaults.

The robodogs make surprise appearances within Exploria’s Our Interconnected World, the central hub of the attraction, creating memorable photo moments for guests. 

At Curiosity Cove, they take on a more interactive role, greeting guests together with the Ranger Buddies crew.

“The pilots in Sentosa and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve mark an exciting step towards reimagining visitor experiences through technology and innovation,” said Singapore Tourism Board Assistant Chief Executive International Group Oliver Chong. “Through our

In collaboration with Mafengwo, we continue to deliver more personalised, engaging and differentiated experiences that set Singapore apart.”

(Source: Singapore Tourism Board)

Princess Cruises confirms Voyager Class order

SINGAPORE, 22 April 2026: Princess Cruises has confirmed three new shipbuilding agreements with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri to build three new cruise ships on a next-generation platform. 

The new builds are slated for delivery in late 2035, 2038, and 2039, respectively. 

These new ships will build upon the award-winning Sphere Class platform and continue to leverage the latest guest-facing and marine technologies. 

Similar to the highly successful Sun Princess and Star Princess, the Voyager-class ships will be dual-fuel-powered — primarily by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and other widely available conventional marine fuels. 

The new ships, which will be the largest by capacity in the Princess Cruises fleet, will be built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

The three ships will be 183,000 gross tons and have a passenger capacity of approximately 4,700 guests. Delivery is scheduled for late 2035, 2038 and 2039.

(Source: Princess Cruises)

Norwegian Aura celebrates float-out

SINGAPORE, 22 April 2026: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, together with its longtime shipbuilding partner Fincantieri SpA, has celebrated the float out of Norwegian Aura, marking a construction milestone for the cruise company’s largest vessel to date.

The float out, which took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, marks the first time Norwegian Aura touched water, signifying the completion of the ship’s external hull construction.

Photo credit: Norwegian Cruise Line.

Following this milestone, the ship’s interior development will continue progressing to the next phase ahead of her debut in the spring of 2027. 

To commemorate the occasion and honour maritime tradition, two ceremonial coins were welded into Norwegian Aura’s hull during a traditional coin ceremony, symbolising good fortune and safe passage for the ship, her crew and future guests.

When she enters service, Norwegian Aura will set a new benchmark for NCL. Nearly 345 metres long and approximately 170,000 gross tonnes, the ship is 10% larger than her predecessors, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. She will feature over 1,970 staterooms accommodating approximately 3,880 guests at double occupancy.

Norwegian Aura will set sail on her maiden voyage on 21 May 2027, with a seven-day Mediterranean voyage departing from Trieste, Italy and calling at iconic ports in Italy and Malta, before embarking on a 13-day transatlantic crossing to the US. Beginning 10 June 2027, she will homeport in Miami and offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, with visits to the company’s resort-style island destinations, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize, through March 2028.

(Source: Norwegian Cruise Line)

Flydubai adds DXB-DMK route

DUBAI, 22 April 2026: Dubai-based Flydubai has announced the launch of daily flights to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) starting 1 July 2026, marking the airline’s second destination in Thailand after Krabi. 

The carrier will operate a daily service from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB), flying a Boeing 737 MAX 800 with a flight time of six hours and 50 minutes. The new DXB-DMK route will be operated as a codeshare service with Emirates, which schedules five daily direct services on the DXB-BKK route.

Photo credit: Flydubai.

Flydubai continues to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, serving popular destinations such as Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia.

Flydubai, Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith commented: “We are pleased to expand our network in Thailand with the launch of flights to Bangkok (DMK), offering customers access to another gateway into the Thai capital. This addition reflects our continued commitment to offering our passengers more travel options. As travel demand continues to recover, we remain confident in the resilience of the tourism sector. The new service allows us to deploy capacity where it is needed, while strengthening travel and trade flows between the UAE and key markets.”

Flydubai Divisional Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations Sudhir Sreedharan said: “Bangkok remains a highly popular destination for leisure and business travellers alike. With the introduction of our daily flights, we are offering greater flexibility and convenience, particularly during the peak summer travel period. We expect strong demand, and we look forward to increasing the frequency of our flights as we build up traffic on the route over the summer.”

Flight details

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

Flights will operate daily from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB) to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).

Return Business Class fares from DXB to DMK start from AED11,100, and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED3,000. Return Business Class fares from DMK to DXB start from THB83,900, and Economy Class Lite fares start from THB22,100.

(Source: Flydubai)

Royal Cliff inspires Asia’s next tennis stars

PATTAYA, 21 April 2026: Racquets at the ready as the AssetWise Junior Tennis Thailand Championship 2026 returns to Fitz Club at the prestigious Royal Cliff Hotels Group Pattaya. 

Taking place from 2 to 3 May 2026, this highly anticipated junior tennis tournament in Thailand continues to gain recognition as one of the region’s most exciting platforms for rising young athletes.

Sharpen skills ahead of the tournament at the Tennis Clinic on 1 May 2026, featuring expert coaching, dynamic drills, and match-ready preparation. Limited spaces available.

This year’s championship welcomes talented players (4 to 14 years) to compete in a professionally organised environment, where they can earn valuable points towards their national ranking. Proudly sponsored by AssetWise Public Company Limited, Supersports and Tecnifibre, the tournament reflects a shared commitment to nurturing youth development through sport.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Pattaya, the event reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a leading destination for tennis tournaments in Thailand. More than just a competition, the championship provides a dynamic platform for young players to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and embrace the values of discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship. It also plays a vital role in supporting the next generation of athletes on their journey towards professional pathways, including international circuits.

Get ready for thrilling rallies and family-friendly excitement as the AssetWise Junior Tennis Thailand Championship returns on 2 to 3 May 2026 at Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness.

To kick off the excitement, a Tennis Clinic will be held on 1 May 2026, offering participants a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their techniques, engage in fun drills, and prepare for match play under expert guidance. The clinic is designed to create a supportive and energetic atmosphere, ensuring players feel confident and ready ahead of the tournament.

Beyond the courts, the championship promises a vibrant weekend experience for the whole family. Guests can enjoy a lively selection of live food stations, refreshing treats, and family-friendly activities throughout the venue. Dedicated play areas, creative corners, and interactive games will keep young visitors entertained, while soothing treatments from skilled therapists at Vitala and Cliff Spa provide a relaxing, restorative experience for both parents and players.

Registration is now open until 27 April 2026 for Tennis 10 (4 to 10 years) and until 22 April 2026 for Junior Tennis (10 to 14 years). Participants and their families can also take advantage of exclusive accommodation rates at Royal Cliff in Pattaya, making it the perfect opportunity to combine competition with a memorable seaside getaway. 

For registration and more information, please visit https://www.royalcliff.com/rcjt/ or contact +66 (0)38 250421 or email [email protected]

Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to reinforce its status as a premier destination for both professional and recreational athletes. The centre has welcomed world-class talent over the years, including former ATP stars such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke, and Denis Istomin, all of whom have trained on its courts engineered to mirror the playing conditions of the Australian Open. With a long-standing legacy in competitive sports, Fitz Club has proudly hosted numerous high-profile events, including prestigious Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments, Squash championships, and Table Tennis competitions. This rich history underscores its reputation as one of Thailand’s most established sporting venues.

Continuing its commitment to excellence, Fitz Club has further expanded its offerings with upgraded facilities for pickleball, futsal, basketball, and badminton, making it a comprehensive hub for multi-sport athletes and families alike.

For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, visit www.royalcliff.com and www.facebook.com/fitzclub  

JLL navigates sale in Kyoto’s hotel market

SINGAPORE, 22 April 2026: JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group and Ecclesia Asset Management, a Singapore-based private equity real estate firm, have jointly advised on the sale of a 16-hotel portfolio in Kyoto, Japan, to an undisclosed institutional investor.

The transaction was structured as a comprehensive portfolio sale rather than a pure asset transaction. In addition to the underlying hotel assets, the sale also included its operating platform, enabling operational continuity across the entire portfolio.

The 16 hotels are located across Kyoto’s key central districts, including major transport hubs and prominent tourist areas such as Kyoto Station and Karasuma. 

“Kyoto continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals as a global tourism destination, supported by its depth of tourism demand,” said   JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group Managing Director, Investment Sales Japan, James Yukio Abe. “This transaction highlights continued investor interest in scaled hotel portfolios that combine high-quality locations with an established operating platform.

“The transformation of a complex 16-hotel Mergers and Acquisitions transaction into a clear, investable proposition reflects our hospitality expertise in Japan and our deep understanding of the local market. We are pleased to have delivered this alongside JLL,” said Ecclesia Asset Management Principal Benjamin Cho. “We continue to be active in Japan’s real estate market, and this transaction demonstrates our continued ability to unlock value as both an investor and an adviser.”

(Source: JLL)