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Changi Airport: TWG tea time

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SINGAPORE, 7 October 2026: TWG Tea, a global luxury tea brand, unveils its largest global flagship, TWG Tea Gallery, at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s international growth. 

Photo credit: TWG Tea.

The TWG Tea Gallery is located in one of the world’s leading aviation hubs, underscoring TWG Tea’s continued investment in travel retail as a key pillar of its global expansion. 

Spanning 2,700 square feet, the TWG Tea Gallery celebrates the stories, traditions and artistry that have shaped tea over the centuries, brought to life through its landmark TWG Tea Museum. 

Singapore has remained central to TWG Tea since its founding. We are honoured to present our largest global flagship at Changi Airport, an icon of aviation excellence and an extraordinary platform to bring the world of TWG Tea to travellers from around the world,” said  President & CEO of V3 Gourmet and Co-Founder of TWG Tea, Taha Bouqdib.

TWG Tea Museum showcases more than 170 antique tea wares and over 50 antique Russian samovars from the 17th to 20th centuries, personally curated by the brand over the past 15 years from around the world. 

TWG Tea Gallery also introduces a selection of exclusive creations, including the Grand Voyage Tea from the Grand Mode Tea Collection, the Singapore Surprise Gift Set, and specially created tea-infused macarons, ice cream and sorbet.

As one of Singapore’s most recognised brands, TWG Tea reinforces Singapore’s role within the brand’s global network and reflects its continued investment in travel retail as a key pillar of international growth. 

With an expanding presence across airports, luxury hotels and cruise lines worldwide, TWG Tea continues to bring its distinctive retail and gastronomy concepts to major travel destinations, reaching international audiences across markets.

Recent openings in Saudi Arabia and Mongolia, alongside continued growth in global cities including Seoul, London and Kuala Lumpur, further underscore the brand’s expanding international footprint.

Looking ahead, TWG Tea will continue to pursue purposeful, experience-led growth across key destinations in Asia, Europe and the Middle East as the brand approaches its 20th anniversary in 2028. 

TWG Tea Gallery opens 24 hours at Changi Airport Terminal 3, Departure/Transit Lounge North.

(Source: TWG Tea)

Royal Caribbean unveils 2028 Alaska cruises

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SINGAPORE, 7 October 2026: Royal Caribbean has unveiled its 2028 Alaska lineup, offering more ways for vacationers to experience the beauty of the Last Frontier on Anthem, the newly amplified Ovation, Serenade and Voyager of the Seas beginning in April 2028. 

Adventurers can explore Alaska’s majestic glaciers, diverse wildlife and coastal communities on seven-night vacations departing from Seattle, Seward and Vancouver. The 2028 lineup of Alaska vacations is now open to book on Royal Caribbean.

Photo credit: Royal Caribbean. Anthem of the Seas.

Alaska Summer 2028 Highlights

Anthem of the Seas – From Seward and Vancouver

From May to September, Anthem will combine Alaska’s iconic coastlines with immersive inland experiences on seven-night vacations and two- to six-night Cruisetours that extend the journey before or after the vacation, including adventures to Denali National Park. Vacationers can marvel at one of Alaska’s most spectacular natural wonders at Hubbard Glacier and explore Ketchikan for fishing, kayaking, hiking and zip lining through forests.  

Ovation of the Seas – From Seattle

The newly amplified Ovation will bring vacationers to Alaska’s natural wonders on seven-night adventures from Seattle between May and September. Vacationers can discover the lush landscapes and rich heritage of Sitka, Skagway and Juneau, along with the breathtaking waterfalls, valleys and mountain views at Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. 

Serenade of the Seas – From Vancouver

On Serenade, vacationers can explore Alaska’s rugged mountains, temperate rainforests, and wildlife-rich coastline on seven-night getaways from Vancouver, May to September. Adventures await with the longest and highest zipline at Icy Strait Point, hiking in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, and browsing the historic district of Juneau. 

Voyager of the Seas – From Seattle

From April to September, vacationers on Voyager can enjoy seven-night getaways from Seattle to Alaskan towns of Sitka, Juneau, and Skagway, and Canada’s Victoria, British Columbia. Adventurers can visit national historic sites of the Last Frontier and take in postcard-perfect views of the surrounding mountains and coastal landscapes, while keeping an eye out for wildlife like grizzly bears, harbour seals and bald eagles. 

(Source: Royal Caribbean)

Vietnam pairs golf and seasonal menus

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Newsdesk
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DANANG, 7 October 2026: Vietnam Golf Coast clubs are whetting the appetites of visiting golfers this autumn, pairing a round of golf with fresh culinary experiences as Central Vietnam continues to strengthen its appeal both on and off the course.

Leading the charge is Montgomerie Links, which is preparing to unveil The 19th Coffee & Beer, a completely refreshed dining destination overlooking the driving range and first tee. The new concept will combine contemporary design with indoor seating and a spacious outdoor terrace, providing an inviting setting for golfers before or after their round.

The new 19th Coffee & Beer at Montgomerie Links will offer relaxed dining overlooking the driving range and first tee.

The menu will straddle East and West, combining contemporary Western dishes with authentic Vietnamese flavours and locally sourced ingredients. The opening complements Birdies Restaurant, overlooking the 18th green, as Montgomerie Links continues to develop the experience surrounding its championship layout.

“Great golf is still at the heart of everything we do, but the experience doesn’t begin and end on the course,” said Montgomerie Links Club Manager Le Vo Hoang Van. “The 19th gives golfers somewhere they can settle in before a round or linger afterwards, with good food, a relaxed atmosphere and views that keep them connected to the course.”

Ba Na Hills Golf Club is also sharpening its culinary offering for September and October with a new clubhouse menu mixing Vietnamese and international favourites. New signatures include beef short-rib phở, truffle creamy rigatoni with crispy chicken, Korean sundubu jjigae and crispy Vietnamese pancakes.

Seasonal specials further reflect the diversity of visitors to Central Vietnam, ranging from Phu Quoc-style bún quậy (seafood noodle soup) and Hoi An-inspired herbal tea to Korean kimchi jjigae. Mooncakes and Korean songpyeon will mark the autumn festival season, while new cocktails add another reason to linger at the clubhouse after golf.

“Food has become an increasingly important part of the golf experience in Central Vietnam,” said Ba Na Hills Golf Club General Manager Andrew McGregor. “Our golfers come from across Asia and around the world, so we want the clubhouse to reflect that diversity while retaining a strong sense of place through Vietnamese dishes and ingredients.”

The culinary activity coincides with a busy period on the fairways. Ba Na Hills will host the IMG Trophy 2026, bringing another major competitive occasion to the Luke Donald-designed course.

Beyond the clubs, food is an increasingly compelling part of Central Vietnam’s appeal. Danang’s dining scene spans local seafood and street-food favourites to restaurants recognised by the MICHELIN Guide. Meanwhile, nearby Hoi An remains one of Vietnam’s great culinary destinations, renowned for specialities such as cao lầu and cơm gà.

For visiting golfers, the combination adds another dimension to a region already celebrated for its championship courses, beaches, luxury resorts and UNESCO-listed heritage.

“Central Vietnam has always offered much more than golf” Van added. “The quality and variety of dining is another part of what makes the destination so rewarding. A great round followed by a memorable meal is a combination that’s difficult to beat.”

(Source: Vietnam Golf Coast)

Andy Nightingale joins Palladium

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HO CHI MINH CITY, 7 October 2026: Andy Nightingale has been appointed regional commercial director for Southeast Asia at Palladium Hotel Group, as the Spanish hospitality brand continues to expand in the region. 

Based out of Ho Chi Minh City, Nightingale will focus on building the group’s commercial presence in Southeast Asia while strengthening connections with priority source markets and partners across Asia Pacific. 

Photo credit: Palladium. Andy Nightingale.

His appointment follows Farah Jaber’s appointment as managing director of the group’s operations in Southeast Asia and the announcement of two properties in the pipeline in Vietnam.

Nightingale brings over two decades of hospitality experience, with a career spanning Asia, the Middle East and England. The British national will relocate from Thailand, where he has been working with Minor Hotels for the last six years. His most recent role was as cluster director of sales and marketing in the Maldives. 

Palladium’s Vietnam presence includes the redevelopment of the L’Alya Ninh Van Bay as BLESS L’Ayla Ninh Van Bay, set to open in 2027, and the acquisition of the Hòa Bình Hotel that will be transformed into the BLESS Hotel Hanoi, opening in 2028. Nightingale will support Palladium Hotel Group’s commercial strategy for its growing portfolio in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.

About Palladium Hotel Group
Palladium Hotel Group is a Spanish hotel chain with over 50 years of experience and is owned by Grupo Empresas Matutes (GEM). The group operates more than 40 hotels and over 13,000 rooms in nine countries: Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Italy, Brazil, the US, UAE, and Vietnam. It manages eight brands: TRS Hotels, Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, Palladium Hotels, Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, The Unexpected Hotels, Only YOU Hotels, BLESS Collection Hotels, and the Hard Rock Hotels brand under license, with two hotels in Tenerife and Marbella. 

(Source: Palladium)

Visa study spotlights stablecoins

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 7 October 2026: Visa, a world leader in digital payments, today released new survey findings on stablecoin awareness and consumer sentiment in Asia Pacific. 

The research reveals growing interest in practical uses such as everyday spending, travel, and cross-border money movement, while limited understanding and trust concerns remain barriers to wider use.

As stablecoins move beyond their crypto-native roots, consumers are beginning to view them less as a crypto-trading instrument and more as a potential tool for everyday spending, travel and cross-border transfers. 

Yet misconceptions remain widespread, with close to half believing stablecoins can only be used to buy or sell other cryptocurrencies. Turning this interest into everyday utility will depend on making stablecoins easier to understand and use through trusted, familiar and regulated payment experiences.

“We’re seeing a meaningful shift in how consumers across Asia Pacific think about stablecoins,” said Visa Head of Digital Currencies, Asia Pacific Nischint Sanghavi. “Consumers are beginning to see how stablecoins could support the ways they already spend and move money, particularly through online purchases, travel and cross-border transfers. The opportunity now is to turn that interest into trusted and familiar payment experiences that work at scale.”

Rising interest in stablecoin use

Across Asia Pacific, 46% of consumers say they are likely to use stablecoins within the next five years, compared with 16% who have used them in the past 12 months. Interest extends to everyday online purchases, travel spending and overseas shopping, pointing to potential use beyond investment or crypto trading. Cross-border money movement is another area of potential, with 49% believing stablecoins could become a common way to move money across borders within five years.

This points to possible relevance for remittances, international transfers and other payment needs. Yet understanding has not caught up with these emerging use cases: 49% of consumers who are aware of stablecoins still believe they can only be used to buy and sell other cryptocurrencies.

Market-level findings show where stablecoin awareness and intent are strongest across Asia Pacific. Hong Kong (84%), India (80%) and Thailand (77%) recorded the highest awareness, while Vietnam (67%) and India (67%) showed the strongest intent to use stablecoins within the next five years. These findings highlight the importance of making stablecoins available through secure payment experiences consumers already recognise and trust. Visa is already working with banks, regulated financial institutions and payment partners to connect stablecoin capabilities with familiar ways to pay and move money.

Trust and understanding remain barriers

Stablecoins have entered mainstream awareness across Asia Pacific, with 66% of consumers aware of them. Yet only 6% accurately understand how stablecoins work, while misconceptions remain, with 41% believing stablecoins always increase in value.

Trust is also holding consumers back. Among those aware of stablecoins but who have never used them, 38% cite concerns about fraud or scams, while 36% point to a lack of understanding. Consumers show the strongest preference for regulated institutions, with government or central bank-linked entities (27%) and banks or regulated financial institutions (26%) ranking as the most trusted providers.

Visa is working with banks, regulated financial institutions, and payment partners to bring greater security, compliance, and usability to stablecoin-enabled experiences, including through the Visa Stablecoin Platform, which helps clients mint, move, and manage stablecoins.

About Visa Consumer 360 study
Visa commissioned the Consumer 360 study in 2026, with fieldwork conducted between June and July 2026. The study surveyed 14,250 consumers aged 18 to 65 across 14 Asia Pacific markets — Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, Australia and New Zealand.

(Source: Visa)

Bhutan Soul Travel relaunches

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Newsdesk
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PAR0, Bhutan, 7 October 2026: Bhutan Soul Travel, a Bhutan-based travel company founded by Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary founder Louk Lennaerts, relaunches with Bhutan À La Carte travel experiences.

It’s a notable return to market for BST, resuming operations after a pre-pandemic pause under a founder with deep, long-standing relationships in Bhutan.

Photo credit: Bhutan Soul Travel

Designed for discerning travellers seeking a more personal and meaningful experience of Bhutan, Bhutan À La Carte moves beyond traditional packaged itineraries to create individually tailored journeys shaped around each traveller’s interests, pace and priorities.

“Bhutan is not a destination that should be experienced from a checklist,” says Bhutan Soul Travel founderLouk Lennaerts. “Bhutan À La Carte is about creating journeys that reflect the individual traveller, allowing them to discover Bhutan in their own way, at their own pace, while experiencing the culture, nature and people that make this kingdom so extraordinary.”

Bhutan remains one of the world’s most distinctive travel destinations, where dramatic Himalayan landscapes, ancient Buddhist traditions, richly preserved culture and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability come together.

The country’s philosophy of High Value, Low Volume tourism emphasises meaningful, responsible travel rather than mass tourism. This approach has helped protect Bhutan’s natural environment, cultural heritage and unique identity while creating opportunities for travellers to experience a destination that remains remarkably authentic.

Bhutan À La Carte offers the opportunity to go beyond the traditional highlights. A journey might combine the country’s best-known cultural landmarks with time in lesser-visited valleys, village experiences, Himalayan hikes, wellness and mindfulness, gastronomy, textiles, architecture or encounters with local communities.

While Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary (BSS) and Bhutan Soul Travel (BST) are separate business units, they share a common connection through their founder, Louk Lennaerts, whose long-standing involvement in Bhutan has provided a deep understanding of the destination and its people.

Bhutan À La Carte is designed for travellers who want more than a conventional holiday: those seeking authentic experiences, thoughtful pacing, and the freedom to shape their own Bhutan story.

Whether the inspiration is spirituality, nature, adventure, culture, food, photography, architecture, wellness or simply the desire to disconnect from the everyday, Bhutan À La Carte will create an itinerary around the traveller rather than asking the traveller to fit into a fixed programme.

About Bhutan Soul Travel
Bhutan Soul Travel (BST) is a Bhutan-based travel company founded by Louk Lennaerts, founder of Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. Established before the pandemic, BST is now resuming operations with Bhutan À La Carte, offering personalised travel journeys designed to connect visitors with Bhutan’s culture, landscapes, traditions, and people.

IndiGo increases fuel surcharges

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Newsdesk
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NEW DELHI, 7 October 2026: Rising ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) costs have forced IndiGo to recalibrate fuel charges across its domestic and international routes, the airline reported this week.

The revised charges apply to all new bookings made after 0001 on 6 October 2026. 

Photo credit: IndiGo.

In a press statement, the airline said ATF prices have remained volatile in recent months, especially following geopolitical issues in the Middle East. 

The continued rise in fuel prices, with the latest month-on-month increase exceeding 14%, has pushed ATF costs to some of the highest levels in the last decade. 

Because Aviation Turbine Fuel makes up a significant share of an airline’s operating costs, this rise is expected to affect IndiGo’s cost structure and network economics. 

In view of the situation, IndiGo said it has “recalibrated its fuel charges across its domestic and international flights. The following charges will be included in all new bookings on IndiGo flights. IndiGo will continue to monitor the situation and make relevant adjustments as and when appropriate.”

(Source: IndiGo)

Air India Express boosts winter schedule flights

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Newsdesk
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NEW DELHI, 7 October 2026: Air India Express has confirmed its Winter Schedule 2026, making it the largest winter network changes on record while strengthening connectivity across India and to key international destinations. 

Effective 25 October 2026, the schedule will roll out in phases, taking the airline to around 585 daily flights, including approximately 435 domestic and up to 150 international departures. 

Photo credit: Air India Express.

The expanded schedule reinforces the airline’s growing presence across its key hubs, supported by an expanding fleet of over 105 aircraft and enhanced capacity across both domestic and international markets. Designed to offer guests greater choice and convenience, the network expansion reflects Air India Express’ continued focus on creating meaningful connections between people, places, and cultures.

Commenting on the winter schedule 2026, Air India Express Chair Nipun Aggarwal said: “As a leading value carrier, Air India Express is focused on making travel more accessible, convenient, and comfortable by strengthening connectivity across metros, emerging cities, and underserved markets. Even as the industry navigates elevated fuel costs and broader operating challenges, we remain committed to disciplined, sustainable growth and delivering meaningful value to our guests through a relevant network and the warmth of Indian hospitality.”

This winter, the airline will launch more than 40 new routes across domestic and international markets, significantly improving its network and travel flexibility. Air India Express operations are set to increase from about 3,150 weekly flights in the Summer 2026 schedule to nearly 4,100 weekly flights in the Winter 2026 Schedule, while one-stop connectivity will expand from about 1,330 weekly connections to nearly 1,600, enabling more seamless travel across the airline’s expansive network. Highlights of the new routes being introduced under the Winter Schedule 2026 include:

International routes

  • • Abu Dhabi – Goa (Mopa): 3x Weekly
  • • Amritsar – Abu Dhabi: 3x Weekly
  • • Bahrain – Thiruvananthapuram: 2x Weekly
  • • Bangkok – Indore: 4x Weekly
  • • Bangkok – Kochi: 4x Weekly
  • • Bangkok – Visakhapatnam: 2x Weekly
  • • Bengaluru – Kathmandu: 7x Weekly
  • • Bhopal – Sharjah: 3x Weekly
  • • Chandigarh – Sharjah: 4x Weekly
  • • Chennai – Singapore: 14x Weekly
  • • Delhi – Riyadh: 4x Weekly
  • • Dubai – Goa (Dabolim): 7x Weekly
  • • Kochi – Kuwait: 3x Weekly
  • • Lucknow – Ras Al Khaimah: 4x Weekly
  • • Lucknow – Riyadh: 3x Weekly
  • • Mangaluru – Kuwait: 3x Weekly
  • • Mangaluru – Ras Al Khaimah: 2x Weekly
  • • Mumbai – Kuwait: 3x Weekly
  • • Phuket – Hyderabad: 4x Weekly
  • • Riyadh – Thiruvananthapuram: 3x Weekly
  • • Sharjah – Surat: 3x Weekly

Domestic routes

  • • Ahmedabad – Delhi: 7x Weekly
  • • Bengaluru – Coimbatore: 14x Weekly
  • • Bengaluru – Goa (Mopa): 7x Weekly
  • • Bengaluru – Jodhpur: 7x Weekly
  • • Bengaluru – Madurai: 7x Weekly
  • • Bhubaneswar – Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair): 4x Weekly
  • • Bhopal – Navi Mumbai: 3x Weekly
  • • Delhi – Jaipur: 5x Weekly
  • • Delhi – Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair): 7x Weekly
  • • Delhi – Udaipur: 7x Weekly
  • • Hyderabad – Mangaluru: 3x Weekly
  • • Hyderabad – Pune: 7x Weekly
  • • Indore – Navi Mumbai: 4x Weekly
  • • Kolkata – Pune: 2x Weekly
  • • Mumbai – Nagpur: 7x Weekly

(Source: Air India Express)

AirAsia returns to two Indian cities

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 6 October 2026: To mark the resumption of its Ahmedabad and Amritsar routes, AirAsia will offer special fares to the two Indian cities, with limited-time, all-in one-way fares from just MYR669 for bookings made 5 to 11 October 2026.

Photo credit: AirAsia.

Travel validity

Ahmedabad: 25 October 2026 to 31 August 2027;

Amritsar: 2 December 2026 to 31 August 2027;

Frequency: Four weekly services for both Ahmedabad and Amritsar.

Rediscover India 

With the return of AirAsia’s Ahmedabad and Amritsar services, AirAsia guests can once again enjoy direct connectivity from Kuala Lumpur to two of India’s distinctive destinations, giving travellers more options to explore the country. 

Flight schedules

KUL-AMD

AK91 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1920 and arrives in Ahmedabad (AMD) at 2255. (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). 180-seat A320. Flight time: five hours and 35 minutes.
AK90 departs Ahmedabad (AMD) at 2320 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 0725 plus a day.

KUL-ATQ

AK94 departs Kuala Lumpur (KUL) at 1745 and arrives in Amritsar (ATQ) at 2130. (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). 236-seat A321. Flight time: six hours and 15 minutes.
AK93 departs Amritsar (ATQ) at 2230 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at 0650 plus a day.

(Source: AirAsia)

MH partners with bank and tech giants

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 6 October 2026: Malaysia Airlines, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), and Novus Technologies Pte Ltd (Novus) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step towards strengthening Malaysia-Indonesia connectivity and exploring new opportunities across travel, commerce, financial services and digital innovation.

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business Bryan Foong said: “Indonesia remains one of our most important international markets, underpinned by strong travel demand, vibrant business links and deep people-to-people connections between our two nations.

Photo credit: Malaysia Airlines.

Through this partnership with BCA and Novus, we are bringing together aviation, banking and technology to create a more seamless and rewarding ecosystem for travellers and businesses. By integrating travel, payments, loyalty and digital capabilities, we aim to unlock new opportunities, strengthen connectivity and support the continued growth of the Malaysia-Indonesia corridor.”

The partnership builds on Malaysia Airlines’ strong presence and growing momentum in Indonesia, one of the airline’s key international markets. Last September, Indonesia’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) recognised Malaysia Airlines as the Most On-Time International Airline 2026. The recognition reflects the airline’s continued commitment to operational excellence, with the Jakarta (CGK) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) route achieving a year-to-date on-time performance of 92.19% through August 2026 and demonstrating consistent improvement throughout the year.

(Source: Malaysia Airlines)

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