Contiki trades buses for Vespas and tuk-tuks

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April 21, 2026

SINGAPORE, 21 April 2026: The Travel Corporation’s Contiki, a social travel brand for 18–35 year-olds, is expanding its Asia portfolio with the launch of two new small-group adventures: Ride Vietnam and Ride Cambodia.

Moving beyond traditional coach tours, the new ride itineraries offer a more immersive way to experience Southeast Asia on the backs of Vespas, motorbikes, and tuk-tuks, taking travellers through cities, coastlines, and countryside with expert local drivers, with every detail handled along the way.

*Photo credits: The Travel Corporation. Ride tuk-tuks in Cambodia.*

“Young travellers are moving beyond the Instagram ‘greatest hits’ and looking for trips that connect and immerse them in destinations,” says Contiki’s Head of Brand, Tom O’Hara. “These new trips deliver exactly that – exploring Vietnam by Vespa and motorbike or Cambodia by tuk- tuk.

“A small group of like-minded travellers can share meals with locals, staying in family-run accommodation and discover off-the-beaten-track towns and villages, all while being led by an experienced and knowledgeable Contiki crew. It’s about getting closer to the culture, the communities, and the moments that make travel unforgettable.”

From Cambodia’s streets to Vietnam’s coastlines, each itinerary is designed around movement as the core experience, with transport that brings travellers closer to local life. Trips are available to book now with travel beginning in November 2026.

Ride Cambodia

Over eight days, travellers will explore Cambodia entirely by tuk-tuk, venturing down dirt roads, across rice fields, and into communities well off the beaten path, from the temples of Siem Reap to the streets of Phnom Penh.

Key experiences include a sunrise at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, overnight homestays in Kampong Khleang on Tonle Sap Lake and Sambor Prei Kuk, and visits to Tuol Sleng Prison and Choeng Ek in Phnom Penh. Groups are capped at 14, with prices starting from USD1,600 per person.

*Touring central Vietnam’s backroads on Vespa scooters.*

Ride Vietnam

Spanning six days across Central Vietnam, travellers will explore by Vespa and motorbike, weaving through some of the country’s most iconic landscapes and hidden backroads. Top trip highlights include an evening Vespa food tour through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, a countryside ride past rice paddies and artisan villages, a motorbike tour of Da Nang’s street food scene, and a full-day ride across the legendary Hai Van Pass with stops at freshwater springs along the way. The trip accommodates up to 16 travellers, with prices starting at USD1,200.

The trips are launching with Contiki’s “Vibes On Overdrive” campaign, featuring six creators who experienced both itineraries firsthand, with content rolling out across influencer and Contiki channels. The content offers a first look at the journeys and will help travellers better understand what to expect before they book.

For more information on the new trips and content, visit contiki.com/vibes-on-overdrive.

(Source: The Travel Corporation).

MATTA supports action on rogue travel firms

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April 21, 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 April 2026: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) welcomes the enforcement action undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) after its recent integrated operations with the Royal Malaysia Police, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia and Eastern Sabah Security Command to curb illegal tourism activities in Sabah.

This decisive move is both timely and necessary. MATTA strongly supports the imposition of maximum penalties against offenders under the Tourism Industry Act 1992. Strict enforcement, including substantial fines and imprisonment, is critical to send an unequivocal message that non-compliance will not be tolerated.

*Photo credit: MATTA. MATTA President, Nigel Wong.*

President of MATTA Nigel Wong said: “We fully commend MOTAC and its partner agencies for taking firm and coordinated enforcement action. This is exactly the kind of sustained effort needed to address the long-standing issue of illegal operators in our industry.”

He added: “Enforcement must go hand-in-hand with impactful penalties. Imposing maximum penalties, including prison sentences where appropriate, will send a strong deterrent signal and demonstrate that Malaysia is serious about upholding the rule of law in tourism.

We wish to emphasise that these legal requirements apply to all parties, including individuals offering tourism-related services without proper licensing, whether through online platforms, social media, or physical channels. The law is clear that any person or entity conducting a tourism business without a valid licence commits an offence.

*Illustrative image generated by Gemini AI.*

Wong stressed: “This is not limited to companies alone. Individuals who are operating illegally, including those marketing or selling tourism services online, must also be held accountable under the law.”

The issue of unlicensed operators is not merely a regulatory concern but a longstanding systemic problem that continues to undermine the tourism industry. It fuels unfair competition, results in tax leakages, compromises safety and service standards, and erodes traveller confidence in Malaysia as a safe and professionally managed destination.

“Illegal operators distort the market and create an uneven playing field. Licensed businesses that comply with regulations, invest in quality and pay taxes should not be disadvantaged by those who operate outside the system,” Wong said.

From a broader perspective, addressing illegal operations is also essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector. A sustainable industry must be built on strong governance, regulatory compliance, and a level playing field for all legitimate industry players.

Highlighting this, Wong noted: “If we are serious about building a sustainable tourism industry, enforcement is fundamental. Good governance and compliance are the foundations of long-term growth and resilience.”

In line with strengthening industry integrity, MATTA will continue to encourage its members to exercise due diligence when engaging or collaborating with third parties, ensuring all partnerships are conducted only with properly licensed operators to safeguard compliance and uphold industry credibility.

“Ultimately, what we want is to restore balance in the industry where legitimate operators can compete fairly, consumers are protected, and Malaysia’s reputation as a trusted destination is strengthened,” he added. This will, in turn, encourage investment, elevate professionalism, and strengthen the overall competitiveness of Malaysia’s tourism sector,” Wong concluded.

MATTA remains fully committed to working with MOTAC and relevant enforcement agencies to combat illegal operators and uphold the integrity of the tourism industry.

(Source: MATTA).

Cathay: Passenger traffic climbs fuel costs soar

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April 21, 2026

HONG KONG, 21 April 2026: The closing of airspace and military conflicts in the Middle East shifted demand towards other aviation hubs, generating robust passenger volumes for the Cathay Group, but jet fuel costs have skyrocketed since the start of March, Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau reported last week

According to data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price has increased to USD197.83 per barrel for the week ending 10 April 2026, versus USD99.40 per barrel for the week ending 27 February 2026.

“In the past month, we have pursued every suitable means to keep our flights operating as normal, including the adjustment of fuel surcharges,” Lau explained in press releases outlining March’s traffic figures. “However, these measures have not been enough to mitigate the significantly increased fuel costs. Cutting back on capacity has always been our last resort, but regrettably, we have had to consolidate a small number of passenger flights from mid-May to the end of June. This has affected around 2% of Cathay Pacific’s total frequencies and around 6% of HK Express’s total frequencies during this period.”

Beyond June, the airline plans to operate all scheduled passenger flights, subject to developments in the Middle East situation and jet fuel prices.

“We are remaining agile in our response while striving to maintain our network and frequencies as much as possible for our customers, business partners and the Hong Kong international aviation hub,” said Lau.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific carried 24% more passengers in March 2026 compared with March 2025, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 9%. In the first three months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 20% compared with the same period in 2025.

Demand for premium cabins was robust in March, with major events such as Art Basel Hong Kong and the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show attracting travellers from across the airline’s network. Later in the month, the group saw increased leisure travel demand in short-haul markets, as well as holiday travel during Lebaran in Indonesia and the lead-up to Easter.

The airline’s non-stop flights to Seattle also took off on 30 March 2026.

“In view of the situation in the Middle East, we have extended the suspension of our passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh until 30 June 2026. We have also mounted additional flights and capacity to Europe in March and April to cater for an upsurge in market demand as passengers prioritised alternative routings. Overall, we expect demand to remain robust through April, supported by the Easter holidays and increased bookings on long-haul routes with more transit traffic going through our home hub,” said Lau.

Cathay Cargo

Cathay Cargo carried 11% more cargo in March 2026 than in March 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 2%. In the first three months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with the same period in 2025.

March marked the traditional quarter-end peak period for cargo. Tonnage growth was solid across the network, particularly from the home market of Hong Kong and the wider Greater Bay Area, as well as the rest of the Chinese Mainland, Southeast Asia and Europe.

Turning to April, the group anticipates demand on long-haul trunk routes to remain healthy through the seasonal holidays. Market conditions are expected to remain dynamic and sensitive to the ongoing developments in the Middle East and the consequential capacity constraints across certain trade lanes. The group’s freighter services to Dubai and Riyadh also remain suspended until 31 May 2026.

HK Express

HK Express carried more than 750,000 passengers in March 2026, an increase of 22% year on year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 12%. In the first three months of 2026, passengers carried increased by 18% compared with the same period in 2025.

HK Express continued its growth momentum in March. Demand outpaced capacity growth, with destinations in Southeast and Northeast Asia being popular with customers. For April, leisure demand remains robust, especially during the Easter holidays. HK Express will launch daily direct flights to Wuxi starting 17 July, furthering the group’s network expansion in the Chinese Mainland, Lau reported.

(Source: Cathay Group)

Qatar reinstates network mid-June

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April 21, 2026

DOHA, Qatar, 21 April 2026: Qatar Airways will reinstate flights and expand frequencies in its international flight network, with services to over 150 destinations effective 16 June 2026.

The updated schedule, valid until 15 September 2026, introduces new routes and increased frequencies to and from Doha.

*Photo credit: Qatar Airways. Flying back to over 150 destinations.*

To view the schedule, click here.

Passengers with confirmed bookings on a flight in the new schedule will be notified directly with updated flight information. Qatar Airways recommends checking its website or app regularly and ensuring that contact details are kept up to date.

As a reminder, for those who have a confirmed booking with a travel date up until 15 September 2026, they are eligible for:

Complimentary date changes to a new travel date up to 31 October 2026 when rebooking on flights operated by Qatar Airways, subject to availability and fare seasonality.

If flights are impacted, they remain eligible for further fee-free changes until 31 October 2026. Refunds on unused ticket value can also apply. However, refunds may take up to 28 working days to be processed.

(Source: Qatar Airways)

Thailand International Boat Show secures investment

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April 21, 2026

PHUKET, 21 April 2026: The Thailand International Boat Show has secured a strategic investment from Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, marking a long-term commitment to grow the show in Thailand and strengthen its position as a leading platform for the yachting industry in the Asia Pacific.

This new collaboration reflects a shared vision for Phuket Yacht Haven Marina — the largest marina in Phuket — to be the long-term home of the Thailand International Boat Show, leveraging its scale and capacity both in the water and on land.

*Photo credit: Phuket Yacht Haven Marina.*

With more than 330 berths, including capacity for superyachts up to 100 metres bow to stern, the marina is positioned to support the show’s ambition to increase both the size and number of yachts on display.

At the same time, Phuket Yacht Haven Marina is advancing plans to expand and enhance its onshore facilities, including additional lifestyle amenities, dining options, upgrades to The Deck, and new experiential offerings — all designed to elevate the overall marina experience and well-aligned with the show organisers’ ambition to deliver a more immersive visitor experience.

“This is a strategic investment in the future of the show and the industry,” said JAND Events CEO David Hayes, organisers of the Thailand International Boat Show. “We’re seeing strong positive momentum in Thailand, including recent progress around the superyacht licence, which signals the country’s growing commitment to marine tourism.

The opportunity now is to translate that into a broader, more inclusive industry platform — one that spans superyachts, leisure boating and onshore lifestyle — and Phuket Yacht Haven Marina provides the scale, flexibility and long-term foundation to support that growth as we build towards creating the biggest and best boat show in Asia Pacific.”

For Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, the partnership reflects its ambition to play a greater role in Thailand’s yachting future.

While infrastructure underpins that ambition, the marina also sees service as a key differentiator — positioning Thailand’s hospitality and attention to detail as a defining advantage in attracting international yacht owners.

“This partnership is about raising the standard of what a marina and boat show experience can be in Thailand,” said Phuket Yacht Haven Marina Managing Director Juraibon Phataraprasit. “Our continued development — particularly onshore — is focused on enhancing the overall experience for yacht owners, guests and visitors.

Together with the Thailand International Boat Show, we are working towards creating a world-class platform that reflects Thailand’s potential on the global stage.”

The fifth Thailand International Boat Show will take place from 14 to 17 January 2027 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina, preceded by the Thailand Yachting Conference on 13 January 2027 at The Slate, Nai Yang Beach.

For more information, visit www.thailandinternationalboatshow.com.

(Source: JAND Events)

CLIA and STB jointly release cruise study

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April 21, 2026

SINGAPORE, 21 April 2026: Southeast Asia’s cruise industry demonstrated strong economic value in 2024, generating USD10 billion[1] (SGD12.9 billion) in total output, representing 5% of global cruise industry output.

The region delivered USD2,564 (SGD3,308) per passenger visit — 2.4 times the global average per passenger — despite accounting for only 2% of global cruise passengers (186 million).

These findings are from the inaugural Economic Impact Assessment of Cruise Tourism for Southeast Asian countries*, produced by Tourism Economics^[2] for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

The study released last week highlights the region’s cruise industry economic contributions in 2024, reinforcing the strategic importance of Southeast Asia in the global cruise landscape.

It also underscores how the cruise industry brings substantial economic returns to destinations across the region.

Singapore Tourism Board Assistant Chief Executive, Experience Development Group, Jean Ng, commented: “This study reinforces Southeast Asia’s strong cruise tourism value proposition, driven by a growing middle class, rising demand for diverse travel experiences, and rich destination variety.

As ASEAN’s lead coordinator for cruise developments, Singapore is committed to working with regional neighbours and global industry partners to unlock Southeast Asia’s full potential for cruising and building a compelling destination network that attracts cruise lines while delivering sustainable economic benefits across the region.”

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) President and CEO Bud Darr said: “We greatly value the collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board on this project.

Their partnership enabled us to broaden the annual CLIA Economic Impact Studies and, for the first time, measure the economic contribution of cruise tourism across Southeast Asia within our global analysis.

“The results underscore the region’s growing role as a driver of jobs, economic activity, and a global cruise sector that brings unforgettable travel experiences to millions of guests worldwide.”

1 Based on the currency exchange of USD1 to SGD1.29 as of 6 April 2026
2 Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, is a consulting firm that provides global economic impact studies, market forecasts, and data analysis for the travel and tourism industry.

Southeast Asia generates strong economic returns from cruise tourism.

Southeast Asia’s cruise tourism recorded a strong performance in 2024, contributing USD4.5 billion (SGD5.8 billion) to the regional GDP and 5% of global cruise-related GDP. This strong showing is reinforced by positive passenger sentiments, with 85% of cruise travellers rating their Southeast Asian experience positively and nearly half (47%) expressing intent to return for land-based travel. This attests to the sector’s potential to drive broader tourism growth.

The data also highlights cruise tourism’s role as a gateway to future growth. It introduces visitors to the region’s diverse attractions and helps generate sustained tourism demand beyond the initial cruise visit.

Market concentration data reveal that Singapore and Malaysia collectively accounted for 70% of Southeast Asian cruise passenger visits in 2024, with Singapore capturing a 48% share of the region’s 3.9 million passenger visits, while Malaysia secured 22%. There remains significant potential for other Southeast Asian destinations to develop cruise capabilities to capture a larger share of the growing market.

The industry supported approximately 530,000 jobs across the wider economy, including tourism and port-related sectors, representing 30% of the global cruise-related employment.

This shows the region’s importance as a primary workforce hub. Most of this employment is in the Philippines and Indonesia, collectively representing 85% of the workforce in Southeast Asia generated by cruise-related activities.

By providing comprehensive economic impact data, the study equips CLIA and Southeast Asia stakeholders with evidence-based insights to support investment decisions and catalyse cruise developments in the region.

Building on these strong economic contributions, there is a significant opportunity for Southeast Asian destinations to develop port infrastructure further and enhance their destination experiences to attract more cruise line deployments.

By making these enhancements to improve operational efficiency and increase appeal to both cruise operators and passengers, countries in the region stand to capture even greater economic value and long-term benefits from the growing cruise industry.

For more information: www.stb.gov.sg or www.visitsingapore.com

(Source: Singapore Tourism Board).

Changi Airport’s operating indicators Q1 2026

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April 21, 2026

SINGAPORE, 21 April 2026: Singapore Changi Airport registered 17.6 million passenger movements from January to March 2026 (Q1 2026), a 2.3% increase year-on-year.

Aircraft movements, comprising landings and take-offs, totalled 95,300 for the quarter, up 1.4% compared to the same period last year.

Passenger traffic for the quarter was driven by strong demand to and from North Asia and Europe, underpinning growth despite the impact from the Middle East geopolitical situation.

In March 2026, passenger traffic between Singapore and the Middle East fell 80% year-on-year. Passenger traffic for the 12 months ended March 2026 rose 2.9% year-on-year to 70.4 million, the highest recorded traffic at Changi over 12 months.

Changi Airport’s top five markets for the first quarter were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and India. Vietnam and China posted the strongest growth among Changi’s top 10 markets, rising 26.5% and 17.7% on-year, respectively. The top five city links for the quarter were Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo and Hong Kong, while Shanghai, Taipei and Tokyo registered the strongest growth among the 10 busiest routes.

In Q1 2026, Changi Airport handled 517,000 tonnes of airfreight throughput, 7.6% higher than the same period last year. Amid global trade uncertainties, Changi recorded growth for both exports and imports compared to Q1 2025. Changi’s top five air cargo markets for the quarter were China, the US, Australia, Hong Kong and India.

Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development Lim Ching Kiat said: “Travel demand in the quarter remained strong, bolstered by growth in North Asia and Europe. While there was some impact from the Middle East crisis, we were resilient and worked closely with our airline partners in response to evolving passenger demand and shifts in travel patterns.”

In March, amid flight cancellations on Middle Eastern routes, various airlines launched about 90 additional flights between Singapore and cities such as Frankfurt, London, Munich, Muscat, Paris, Perth and Sydney.

“We will continue to monitor the global geopolitical situation and work with airlines to provide passengers with alternatives across our diversified network,” added Lim.

New and reinstated services

Changi Airport continued to expand its city links with new services in the first quarter. Scoot commenced five weekly flights to Chiang Rai and four weekly flights to Palembang, strengthening Changi’s connectivity in Southeast Asia.

Jetstar Airways launched new routes to Australia, with three weekly flights to the Sunshine Coast and four weekly flights to Newcastle (both via Bali), bringing Changi Airport’s links to Australia to a record nine cities.

On the air cargo front, Changi Airport welcomed Qantas Freight as a new freighter operator earlier this month, with twice-weekly Sydney–Shanghai–Singapore–Sydney services. The new service boosts capacity and offers new flight options for shippers across Asia, Australia, Europe and beyond.

Changi Airport’s traffic statistics are available at Traffic Statistics & Data | Changi Airport Group.

(Source: Changi Airport)

Sarawak presents RWMF at Travel Malaysia Fair

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Your Stories

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April 20, 2026

SINGAPORE, 20 APRIL 2026: Sarawak Tourism Board reinforced its successful three-day presence at the 38^th Travel Malaysia Fair 2026, underscoring Singapore’s role as a key tourism hub in Southeast Asia.

As a highly connected tourism gateway with a diverse and globally mobile population, Singapore serves as a strategic platform for engaging travellers already exploring the region, thereby extending Sarawak’s reach beyond a single-source market to a wider pool of international and regional visitors seeking short-haul experiences.

The Sarawak Tourism Board along with exhibitors from Sarawak gathers for a photo at Travel Malaysia Fair held at Singapore EXPO from the 10th until 12th April 2026. The fair provided a successful platform to showcase Sarawak’s five pillars (Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, Festivals).

As one of Sarawak’s most vital regional source markets, Singapore recorded a 7.53% year-on-year increase in visitor arrivals in 2025, reflecting sustained demand that supports year-round visitation and repeat travel to the state.

Throughout the fair, held last week, STB highlighted Sarawak’s diverse pillars of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF), alongside collaborations with Singapore-based travel partners offering curated itineraries tailored to evolving traveller preferences.

Rainforest World Music Festival

A central highlight of the showcase was the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026, presented as one of Sarawak’s defining cultural experiences. Taking place from 26 to 28 June 2026 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, the festival is set to feature an extraordinary lineup of guest performers and artistes:

• 26 June: Malaysian legend Dato M Nasir, renowned for blending traditional Malay elements with contemporary sounds.

• 27 June: Funk and soul icons The Commodores, featuring Thomas McClary, performing timeless hits like Easy and Brick House.

• 28 June: The internationally acclaimed Incognito, led by Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick, is bringing their signature groove-based soul and funk rhythms.

To capture immediate interest in the Singapore market, travellers are encouraged to secure pre-sale tickets, available until 26 June 2026.

A co-exhibitor at the Travel Malaysia Fair 2026 highlights the **Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2026** to a visitor. Scheduled for **26–28 June** at the Sarawak Cultural Village, this award-winning festival was a key highlight for Singapore’s community seeking a premier regional getaway.

Pre-sale 1-Day Passes are priced at MYR283 for adults and MYR80 for children (ages 3–12), while children below three years old enjoy free entry.

Festivalgoers can secure their tickets through the official festival website at rwmf.net or via the official ticketing platform Ticketmelon (RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL (RWMF) 2026 – Ticketmelon).

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options are available through digital platforms such as Atome, Grab PayLater, and Shopee PayLater, making it easier for festivalgoers to plan their visit. With over 200 performers from 13 countries, festivalgoers are urged to secure these preferred rates early to enjoy the best value for this award-winning international event.

Beyond event-led tourism, the fair provided a platform to present a holistic view of Sarawak’s heritage and nature-based attractions across the gateways of Kuching, Sibu, and Miri. With seamless direct flight connectivity from Singapore, Sarawak continues to offer an accessible and distinct gateway to the wonders of Borneo.

“Singapore continues to play an important role as a regional gateway, bringing together travellers from across different markets who are seeking deeper and more meaningful experiences. Through platforms such as the Travel Malaysia Fair, we can share what makes Sarawak distinctive, from our cultural diversity to signature events like the Rainforest World Music Festival, while supporting the broader aspirations of Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” said STB CEO Dr Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.

STB’s participation in the Travel Malaysia Fair is part of its broader efforts to support Visit Malaysia Year 2026, contributing to a broader national narrative that highlights Malaysia’s diversity through experience-led tourism. By foregrounding signature events such as RWMF within regional platforms, Sarawak continues to shape how Malaysia is experienced as a destination defined by culture, nature, and connection.

(Source: Your Stories — Sarawak Tourism Board)

Agoda identifies Asia’s top shoppers

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April 20, 2026

SINGAPORE, 20 April 2026: Digital travel platform Agoda’s latest data unveils which Asian travellers have shopping top-of-mind when planning trips.

Topping the ranking are travellers from Taiwan and South Korea, with nearly one in four (23%) respondents from each market saying shopping motivated their trips.

Travellers from the Philippines (22%), Malaysia (20%) and Japan (15%) round out the top five, with Thailand (14%), Indonesia (12%), India (8%) and Vietnam (7%) completing the ranking.

The findings come from a survey of Asian travellers as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, which highlights the prominence of shopping as a travel motivator.

The data reveals that retail experiences remain a major draw across Asia, with options ranging from luxury malls and designer districts to night markets and local artisan hubs.

For many travellers, shopping is not just transactional but experiential, offering a way to discover local culture, secure unique souvenirs, and enjoy curated retail environments that are destinations in their own right.

Agoda’s findings also reflect evolving consumer behaviours in which travellers combine leisure and retail by planning trips around seasonal sales, pop-up events, and speciality shopping districts.

The trend suggests a stronger culture of travel-led retail, whether for fashion, electronics, beauty, or local crafts. The result is a travel ecosystem that turns shopping into a core part of the itinerary and drives demand for conveniently located accommodations, curated experiences and retail-focused activities.

Agoda Vice President Jun Dong commented: “Shopping remains a powerful reason to travel across Asia, and our data shows just how varied retail motivations can be by market.

Interestingly, Taiwanese and South Korean travellers prioritise shopping as a key motivator when planning trips, highlighting their enthusiasm for exploring diverse retail landscapes and seeking unique shopping experiences.

At Agoda, we ensure travellers can easily find accommodations that place them right at the heart of the shopping experiences they value most.”

(Source: Agoda)

Club Med assigns sales chief for Malaysia and Singapore

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April 20, 2026

SINGAPORE, 20 April 2026: Club Med names Marc Lauret as Sales Director Trade and Meetings & Events for Malaysia and Singapore, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to accelerate growth and deepen partnerships across two of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic outbound travel markets.

He brings a wealth of international experience to his new role, having held the post of head of sales for Club Med in the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics since 2023.

*Marc Lauret, Sales Director for Singapore and Malaysia.*

Lauret joined Club Med as an account manager in Paris in 2015 and was promoted to national sales manager for Switzerland in 2021.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, his latest appointment signals a forward-looking strategy for Club Med in Malaysia and Singapore — one that prioritises trade empowerment and digital innovation.

“We are seeing strong momentum across both markets, driven by robust trade partnerships and evolving traveller expectations. I look forward to collaborating closely with our partners to unlock new growth opportunities and deliver exceptional holiday experiences to our guests,” said Lauret.

(Source: Club Med)

Contiki trades buses for Vespas and tuk-tuks

MATTA supports action on rogue travel firms

Cathay: Passenger traffic climbs fuel costs soar

Qatar reinstates network mid-June

Thailand International Boat Show secures investment

CLIA and STB jointly release cruise study

Changi Airport’s operating indicators Q1 2026

Sarawak presents RWMF at Travel Malaysia Fair

Agoda identifies Asia’s top shoppers

Club Med assigns sales chief for Malaysia and Singapore

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