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EVA Air starts Washington-Taipei service

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Newsdesk
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TAIPEI, 2 July 2026: EVA Air celebrated the launch of its new nonstop service between Washington DC and Taipei, Taiwan, last week, marking a significant expansion as the airline’s 10th North American gateway. 

As the first airline to offer nonstop service between these two cities, the new route represents a key milestone in strengthening connectivity between Taiwan and the US East Coast. A special inaugural ceremony was held at Washington Dulles International Airport to commemorate the milestone and welcome the inaugural flight.

Clay Sun, President of EVA Air (left), and John E Potter, President and CEO of MWAA (right), exchange gifts during the ceremony at Washington Dulles International Airport, commemorating the launch of EVA Air’s new Dulles service.

“Washington Dulles International Airport serves as a vital gateway to the nation’s capital area. We are immensely grateful for the strong support from all our partners and guests that made expanding our network into the heart of America possible,” said EVA Air President Clay Sun. “We see immense market potential in the Washington DC, metropolitan area. This new route will seamlessly enhance EVA Air’s network across the eastern US, delivering premium service to both business and leisure travellers alike.”

The Washington DC–Taipei route operates four weekly flights utilising Boeing 787-9 aircraft configured with Royal Laurel Class, Economy Class, and EVA Air’s Premium Economy Class. This newly introduced fourth iteration of the PE class is designed to elevate the in-flight experience and offers one of the industry’s most generous seat pitches, delivering enhanced comfort and functionality for long-haul travellers. 

Flight schedule

 EVA Air continues to expand its presence in the North American market, now serving 10 key gateways, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Washington DC, Vancouver, and Toronto, with 98 flights per week.

EVA Air has consistently been recognised as one of the world’s safest airlines, maintaining its SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline rating for 11 consecutive years and earning top safety rankings from AirlineRatings.com for 13 consecutive years. The carrier has also received industry recognition for its premium service, including awards for its in-flight beverage programme. 

(Source: EVA Airways Corporation)

Royal Cliff Hotels Group earns top honours

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Your Stories
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PATTAYA, Thailand, 1 July 2026: Royal Cliff Hotels Group has once again captured the hearts of travellers around the globe, earning multiple distinctions in the prestigious Trip.Best rankings by Trip.com, one of the world’s leading online travel platforms. 

Based on the genuine preferences and booking behaviour of hundreds of millions of users, the rankings are updated monthly using real data to highlight exceptional travel experiences.

Photo Caption: Vitanart Vathanakul (3rd from left), CEO of Royal Cliff Hotels Group, together with the hotel management team, celebrates the Group’s recognition in the Trip.Best Awards, reaffirming Royal Cliff’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences and world-class service.

Leading the accolades, the ultra-luxurious Royal Wing Suites & Spa was named among the Top 3 Premium Hotels, reaffirming its reputation as one of Thailand’s most exclusive retreats where personalised service, spacious suites and unrivalled ocean views create unforgettable stays.

Families planning a seaside escape will also find plenty to celebrate as Royal Cliff Beach Terrace secured a place among the Top 10 Family Hotels. Nestled amid lush tropical surroundings and just steps from the beach, the hotel offers a peaceful sanctuary where guests of all ages can reconnect and create lasting memories together.

Adding to the excitement, all four properties under Royal Cliff Hotels Group — Royal Wing Suites & Spa, Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, Royal Cliff Beach Terrace and Royal Cliff Beach Hotel — were recognised among the Top 10 Scenic Hotels, reflecting the spectacular panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand that have captivated generations of visitors.

More than just accolades, these recognitions reflect what travellers value most: breathtaking locations, memorable experiences and genuine hospitality. As modern travellers increasingly seek meaningful escapes that combine relaxation, comfort and authentic experiences, Royal Cliff Hotels Group continues to stand out as a destination where every stay becomes a treasured memory.

Perched atop a 64-acre private estate with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand, the Royal Cliff Hotels Group boasts four luxury hotels that charm travellers from all corners of the world. Unlock a world of magical experiences with Royal Cliff’s curated promotions and packages at the ultimate luxury destination. Staying at Royal Cliff, guests will have access to a plethora of facilities, including seven swimming pools, featuring Thailand’s longest and most spectacular infinity-edge pool, a luxury sports club with tennis, squash and pickleball courts, an award-winning health spa, multi-cuisine restaurants, a kids’ club and much more.

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

(Source: Your Stories — Royal Cliff Hotels Group)

Minor Hotels hires GM for Hua Hin resort

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 1 July 2026: Minor Hotels announces the appointment of Kanruethai Roongruang as General Manager of Avani+ Hua Hin Resort.

Originally from Phuket, Thailand, Kanruethai brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience across Thailand and international markets, with a strong background spanning resort operations, wellness, commercial strategy, business development and luxury hospitality leadership.

Photo credit: Minor Hotels. Kanruethai Roongruang is the general manager of Avani+ Hua Hin Resort.

Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Island Escape Burasari and Burasari Residences in Phuket, where she was responsible for overall strategic direction, resort operations, commercial performance, property development and team leadership. Her remit included overseeing the operations of Island Escape Burasari on Coconut Island.

She has also held senior leadership roles with Banyan Group across Thailand and the Maldives. As General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru in the Maldives, she managed an integrated resort operation across two islands.

Kanruethai commented: “I am honoured to join Avani+ Hua Hin Resort and become part of the Minor Hotels family. Avani is a dynamic and innovative brand with a strong commitment to delivering meaningful guest experiences. I look forward to working closely with the team to build on the resort’s success, create memorable moments for our guests and continue driving sustainable growth for the business.”

(Source: Minor Hotels)

Asia Pacific Airlines May 2026 traffic results

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 July 2026: Preliminary May 2026 traffic figures released Tuesday by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) showed a moderation in international passenger traffic growth. 

Meanwhile, international air cargo markets continued to expand, supported by stockpiling activity as businesses sought to safeguard against potential supply disruptions and higher costs arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

In May, the region’s carriers carried a combined total of 31.7 million international passengers, a 1.1% decline compared to the same month last year. Demand, as measured by revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), increased by 1.8% year-on-year, reflecting relatively stronger traffic on longer-haul routes. The regional performance was moderated by a reduction in traffic carried by some airlines, reflecting recent adjustments to international services. At the same time, overall available seat capacity remained broadly unchanged for the month. As a result, the average international passenger load factor rose by 1.2 percentage points to 82%.

International air cargo markets continued to expand, boosted by stockpiling activity and increased shipments of technology products. Demand, as measured in freight tonne kilometres (FTK), grew by 2.5% year-on-year in May, while offered freight capacity expanded by 3.3%, resulting in a 0.5 percentage point decline in the average international freight load factor to 61.6% for the month.

Commenting on the results, AAPA Director General Wong Hong said, “International passenger markets remained broadly stable in May, with firm demand on longer-haul routes. Meanwhile, air cargo demand continued to grow, supported by technology-related shipments and precautionary stockpiling activity in response to evolving supply chain and geopolitical risks.”

“For the first five months of the year, Asia Pacific airlines carried a combined total of 166.8 million international passengers, representing a 3.9% increase compared to the same period in 2025. International air cargo demand grew 4.7%, supported by the continued need for the timely movement of goods amidst operational disruptions, particularly in conflict zones.

Looking ahead, Wong Hong said: “The recent easing of tensions in the Middle East may help to alleviate some concerns over supply chain disruptions and energy costs. While jet fuel prices have eased from recent highs, the average price of USD137 per barrel in the first two weeks of June continues to place pressure on airline operating costs.”

He added, “Airlines continue to face uncertainty stemming from geopolitical developments, trade policy shifts and broader economic headwinds. Rising inflationary pressures are also contributing to higher non-fuel operating costs and may weigh on consumer spending and travel demand in the months ahead.”

Wong Hong concluded, “Overall, operating conditions for carriers remain challenging. Nonetheless, Asia Pacific carriers have responded well to evolving demand patterns and remain agile in adjusting their networks and capacity deployment to capture growth opportunities and improve profitability, while maintaining strict cost discipline.”

(Source: AAPA)

Where Malaysians go for school holidays

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, 1 July 2026: Malaysian families are approaching the mid-year school holidays with a more flexible travel mindset, balancing convenient domestic breaks with growing interest in regional destinations across Asia, according to Agoda accommodation searches.

Based on Agoda’s accommodation searches for family vacations made between 1 January and 30 April 2026 for stays between 22 May and 7 June 2026, Malaysia ranked first among the top destination countries searched by Malaysian travellers, recording a 60% year-on-year increase. 

Regional destinations also saw search growth, with Vietnam up 85%, China up 51%, Singapore up 43%, and Japan up 43%.

Regional city destinations also remained part of Malaysian families’ school holiday plans. Tokyo recorded a 53% year-on-year increase in family travel search interest, while Phuket grew 44%, Singapore 43%, Bangkok 33% and Osaka 19%.

The data suggests that while domestic destinations continue to lead interest in school holiday travel, Malaysian families are also considering familiar regional destinations across Asia for the mid-year break.

At the city level, however, the domestic travel story remains prominent, with Malaysian destinations appearing across Agoda’s top searched city list for the school holiday travel period.

Domestic destinations that demonstrated strong interest growth were Port Dickson, which saw a 172% year-on-year increase in family travel search interest, followed by Kuala Terengganu at 149%, Kuantan at 105%, Cameron Highlands at 100% and Genting Highlands at 85%. Other destinations, including Malacca, Ipoh, Penang and Johor Bahru also continued to see strong family travel search growth during the school holiday period.

The increase in interest across these destinations points to the variety of school holiday breaks Malaysian families are considering. Coastal destinations such as Port Dickson, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan offer beachside escapes without the need for long-haul travel, while Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands continue to appeal to families looking for cooler weather and short-break convenience. Food and heritage destinations such as Penang, Malacca and Ipoh also remained popular among family travellers.

“School holidays are no longer just about one big family trip. What we are seeing is Malaysian families searching across a wider range of travel options, from quick domestic breaks to regional destinations that are familiar, accessible and family-friendly,” said Agoda. Country Director, Malaysia and Brunei, Fabian Teja. “The strong interest in both local getaways and regional destinations suggests that families are becoming more flexible in how they plan their holidays, whether that means a beach break in Port Dickson, cooler weather in Cameron Highlands or a city escape elsewhere in Asia.”

(Source: Agoda)

Rare residence under the auction hammer

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Newsdesk
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BANGKOK, 1 July 2026: As Thailand’s luxury property market continues to be dominated by headlines focusing on nominee ownership structures and regulatory scrutiny, another story is quietly unfolding. 

Thai architect Kulapat Yantrasast is gaining international recognition as one of the world’s leading museum designers, while one of his rare private residential commissions is coming to market in Phuket.

Photo credit: Villa East Egg.

Villa East Egg will be offered by auction through Venteu and List Sotheby’s International Realty, with bidding concluding on 21 July.

Yantrasast, founder of WHY Architecture and a protégé of Tadao Ando, is internationally recognised for cultural institutions including the Rockefeller Wing at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and the recently opened Dib Bangkok museum. With his work being primarily associated with museums and public buildings, opportunities to acquire one of his residential commissions are exceptionally rare.

Originally conceived as a home to display art rather than to accommodate daily living, Villa East Egg occupies a prominent position within Phuket’s Baan Yamu estate. The residence spans approximately 1,800 sqm across multiple structures on a 3,480 sqm site.

The auction comes at a time when Thailand’s luxury residential market is undergoing significant change, with buyers placing greater emphasis on transparency and legal certainty. Villa East Egg is held under a leasehold structure and is not affected by the nominee ownership issues currently receiving widespread attention.

“Residential commissions by architects of Kulapat Yantrasast’s stature are exceptionally rare,” said Felix Desjardins, Head of Acquisitions for Phuket and Koh Samui at List Sotheby’s International Realty Thailand.

“Phuket has many outstanding luxury villas, but very few with genuine architectural provenance. When one of those homes becomes available, it is a highly noteworthy event for the market. As Kulapat’s international reputation continues to grow through landmark museum projects, the rarity of his residential work is only likely to become more apparent.

Villa East Egg was originally listed at USD8.31 million and will be offered with an opening bid of USD2 million. Bidding concludes on 21 July 2026.

For viewings and auction registration:
Felix Desjardins
Phuket & Koh Samui Acquisitions

(Source: List Sotheby’s International Realty Thailand)

Doi Saket to celebrate Tai Lue heritage

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Newsdesk
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CHIANG MAI, 1 July 2026: Chiang Mai officially unveils “Chiang Mai Voyage of Light 2026” (CMVOL 2026) — a new cultural festival that aims to position Doi Saket, a mountain distinct on the edge of Chiang Mai city, as the next cultural destination for international travellers.

Inspired by the Tai Lue heritage, the project reimagines the traditional Yi Peng celebration through authentic Lanna culture, local craftsmanship, faith, and sustainability. 

Photo credit: CMVOL 202 welcome committee

From hand-spun cotton transformed into ceremonial lamps to community participation and a zero-waste circular economy, every element is designed to preserve local traditions while creating meaningful benefits for the community.

Visitors will experience an immersive lantern festival from 24 to 25 November 2026, featuring a spectacular lantern release, traditional Lanna performances, Tai Lue cultural experiences, artisan workshops, local cuisine, and eco-friendly activities in the beautiful mountain setting of Doi Saket.

For golf enthusiasts, the exclusive CMVOL Golf Experience, to be held from 23 to 26 November 2026, combines three championship golf courses with VIP festival access, offering a luxury holiday in Northern Thailand.

Doi Saket, Chiang Mai
Festival: 24 to 25 November 2026
Follow @cmvol for ticket releases and package updates.
#CMVOL2026 #ChiangMaiVoyageOfLight #YiPeng #LoyKrathong #DoiSaket #ChiangMai #ChiangMaiMonAmour

https://cm-vol.com/en/tickets.

(Source: CMVOL)

Travelgoogoo on the go in Thailand

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, I July 2026: Travelgoogoo, the Singapore-based company behind the world’s first eSIM Travel Club, announced Tuesday its collaboration with Visa Destinations to provide Visa cardholders with seamless connectivity benefits when travelling to Thailand.

Through the collaboration, eligible Visa cardholders will receive complimentary Travelgoogoo benefits, including up to seven days of unlimited high-speed data in Thailand and a complimentary subscription to the Travelgoogoo365 Annual Plan, which provides membership access to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club.

Photo credit: Travelgoogoo. visit www.travelgoogoo.com/visa.

Travelgoogoo Founder and CEO Richard Bok commented: “Connectivity is now an essential part of how people travel. From navigation and communication to payments and access to essential travel services, travellers expect to be connected the moment they arrive.”

Card holder benefits

Visa Infinite cardholders will receive seven days of unlimited high-speed data in Thailand and membership to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club

All other eligible Visa cardholders will receive three days of unlimited high-speed data in Thailand and membership to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club

“Travelgoogoo’s collaboration with Visa through Visa Destinations reflects the growing role of seamless digital connectivity in modern travel. Together, we are helping travellers explore Thailand with greater confidence, convenience, and peace of mind,” added Bok.

The Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club is a membership ecosystem designed to provide travellers with always-on connectivity and exclusive travel benefits. Members enjoy unlimited messaging and data-voice calls across popular apps such as WhatsApp, LINE, Telegram, WeChat, Viber, and Zalo in 123 destinations. They also have the flexibility to purchase high-speed travel data on demand at member-exclusive rates whenever needed.

Designed around how travellers increasingly choose to explore the world, Visa Destinations connects cardholders to curated destination-led experiences and offers shaped by culture, craft, and local insight — helping them discover and enjoy travel experiences that matter most to them.

Thailand marks Visa Destinations’ first launch in Asia Pacific, with Singapore expected to follow later this year.

The Thailand benefit further expands Travelgoogoo’s collaboration with Visa. Earlier this year, the two companies introduced an offer for Visa cardholders in 24 Asia Pacific markets, providing complimentary or subsidised access, depending on card eligibility, to a one-year membership to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club and other benefits. For more information, visit www.travelgoogoo.com/visa. 

About Travelgoogoo
Travelgoogoo is a Singapore-based company that redefines travel connectivity with affordability, ease of use and enriched experiences. Its flagship product, Travelgoogoo365, offers a global eSIM membership programme that simplifies data roaming by providing unlimited messaging across multiple destinations.

For more information, visit www.travelgoogoo.com.

MATTA elects executive council

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Newsdesk
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 July 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) announced its newly elected Executive Council (EXCO) members for the 2026-2029 term at its 51st Annual General Meeting, held on 29 June at the World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL).

The election marks a renewed chapter for MATTA as the Association enters its next phase of growth, advocacy and industry development under a refreshed leadership team. 

Photo credit: MATTA. Newly elected Executive Council (EXCO) members for the 2026-2029 term.

Reflecting the confidence of MATTA members, Nigel Wong Chun Teim has been re-elected as President for a second term after leading the Association through a period of significant transformation and industry advancement.

The newly elected EXCO represents a balanced combination of continuity and renewal, retaining seven experienced leaders from the previous term while welcoming three new members who bring fresh perspectives and expertise to strengthen the Association’s leadership.

This composition underscores MATTA’s commitment to building on past achievements while embracing the new ideas and energy required to meet the industry’s ever-evolving needs. The leadership team will continue to drive the Association’s efforts to strengthen member engagement, advance industry advocacy, support innovation, and position Malaysia as a competitive and future-ready tourism destination on the world stage.

During the 2023–2026 term, MATTA has achieved significant milestones that have reshaped its role as the leading voice of Malaysia’s travel and tourism industry through strategic initiatives benefiting its members and the wider tourism ecosystem.

As the industry celebrated MATTA’s 50-year milestone as a leading trade association, the organisation introduced the MATTA Eco & Sustainable Tourism Initiative (MESTI), a forward-thinking initiative designed to position Malaysian travel businesses at the forefront of sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

During the term, MATTA acknowledged the growing demand for specialised travel experiences. It successfully tapped into niche industry segments including sports tourism and Muslim-friendly tourism, creating dedicated platforms and resources to help members capture these high-value market opportunities.

The Association also prioritised safeguarding the industry by introducing TRUST, an industry advocacy initiative supported by the AI-powered TravelWatch.ai platform. Designed to strengthen industry accountability, improve reporting mechanisms and support efforts to address illegal tourism activities in Malaysia, the initiative reflects MATTA’s commitment to embracing technology and innovation while working collaboratively with industry stakeholders and government agencies to strengthen professionalism and consumer confidence.

The previous term also saw multiple high-impact Business-to-Business events that strengthened ties between Malaysian travel operators and international partners. These initiatives have proven instrumental in opening new markets and expanding export opportunities for MATTA members.

Additionally, in early 2025, MATTA became a strategic partner for the Visit Malaysia Year campaign, working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and Tourism Malaysia to amplify Malaysia’s standing as a premier global tourism destination and ensuring that member businesses are integrated into the national tourism strategy and promotional campaigns.

Throughout this period, MATTA also collaborated with the government on several critical projects that addressed industry challenges, ranging from transportation regulations to digital transformation and accessibility, demonstrating the Association’s commitment to constructive dialogue with policymakers and regulatory bodies.

(Source: MATTA)

Air India upgrades Melbourne flights

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Newsdesk
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NEW DELHI, 1 July 2026: Air India will deploy its B777-300ER aircraft featuring upgraded cabin interiors on flights between Delhi and Melbourne, effective today, 1 July.

Configured in a three-class layout, Air India’s upgraded Boeing 777-300ER features eight first-class suites, 40 fully flat business class beds, and 280 economy class seats, representing a substantial increase in premium capacity compared to the existing B787-8 on this route, which features 28 business class and 241 economy class seats.

Photo credit: Air India. B77-300ER serves the Melbourne route.

The deployment brings a more consistent and elevated long-haul product to Air India’s Melbourne services, aligned with the airline’s ongoing transformation into a world-class global carrier.

Elevated onboard experience

Air India guests to Melbourne will now benefit from a wide range of enhancements, including: Private suites in First Class, offering leather-upholstered seats that convert into fully flat beds, privacy doors, an elevated on-ground and dining experience, and personalised service.

Business Class features fully flat beds that offer enhanced comfort, space, and privacy, as well as improved soft-product elements.

Wi-Fi internet connectivity is also introduced on this route for the first time. The aircraft upgrade complements Air India’s broader investments in elevating the end-to-end customer journey. This includes access to the airline’s new flagship Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport for eligible premium customers, offering a refined pre-flight experience with upgraded dining, seating, and service.

Together, these enhancements reflect Air India’s continued focus on modernising its fleet, upgrading its product offering, and delivering a seamless, high-quality experience across touchpoints.

Connecting India with Australia and beyond

Australia remains a key international market for Air India, with strong and growing demand for both business and leisure travel. The introduction of the Boeing 777-300ER on the Delhi–Melbourne route underscores the airline’s commitment to strengthening connectivity while offering a more competitive and globally benchmarked product.

Air India currently operates four weekly direct flights between Delhi and Melbourne and is scheduled to operate daily services on the route from 1 September 2026. The airline’s Delhi-Melbourne service also provides travellers with convenient, same-terminal connections via Delhi to destinations across Europe, including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Milan, and Zurich.

Air India also operates non-stop flights between Delhi and Sydney, enabling similar seamless onward connections to and from destinations in the UK and the rest of Europe. 

(Source: Air India)

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